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Set Me Free #1
Set Me Free
It was supposed to be just another day at work for a local newspaper reporter, Stella Holt. She had always loved her job, and believed she was good at it. Until one day when she was sent to interview the author of a worldwide bestseller who had made so many women fall in love with him.
James Collins is not just a word-painter. His every work is a masterpiece, a perfect blend of mystery and mind-blowing romance. Only in his own life, there is no place for romance. He knows everything about women, starting from what they like most, and to the ways to seduce them with only a glance. But there’s a secret that has been aggrieving him for years, a secret that has locked his heart forever…
“I thought I would never fall in love with you, Stella. And I didn’t… I drowned in you…”
James Collins is not just a word-painter. His every work is a masterpiece, a perfect blend of mystery and mind-blowing romance. Only in his own life, there is no place for romance. He knows everything about women, starting from what they like most, and to the ways to seduce them with only a glance. But there’s a secret that has been aggrieving him for years, a secret that has locked his heart forever…
“I thought I would never fall in love with you, Stella. And I didn’t… I drowned in you…”
240 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 25, 2015
75 people are currently reading
191 people want to read
About the author
Diana Nixon
85 books1,500 followersUSA Today & International Bestselling Author Diana Nixon writes sweet and spicy romance reads. A Master of Law in the past and a forever book addict, she knows how to weave plots that will keep you hooked from start to finish. Her stories can be funny or tragic, but her characters are strong, rebellious, and passionate about everything they do. When Diana isn’t busy writing, she spends her time reading books or watching historical dramas. A mom of two, she can’t live without coffee and chocolate, and she believes that writing is the best cure for everything that can be healed with words.
Her books have been published internationally, in seven languages: English, Spanish, Italian, German, Russian, French, and Portuguese.
Diana Nixon is the founder of the literary magazine Inks & Scratches.
Website: www.diana-nixon.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authordianan...
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/authordiana...
Amazon:https://www.amazon.com/default/e/B007...
Her books have been published internationally, in seven languages: English, Spanish, Italian, German, Russian, French, and Portuguese.
Diana Nixon is the founder of the literary magazine Inks & Scratches.
Website: www.diana-nixon.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authordianan...
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/authordiana...
Amazon:https://www.amazon.com/default/e/B007...
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
November 25, 2015
“I thought I would never fall in love with you, Stella. And I didn’t… I drowned in you…”
I was given this book by the author for an honest review. Thank you Diana.
I love Stella and James. They are funny and sweet together. I loved Stella s sister Nikki she was so funny.
Stella is a journalist and Stella”s uncle sent her to do an interview with the author James Collins but she doesnt know that he has a rule and he only answers to 5 questions. For Stella that means a challenge because she wants to write a wonderful article and she needs more information. Besides he is sexy and mysterious. She started to spent time with him and she learned that James is a wonderful man with a painful past like her. She fell in love with him and he helped her to live again without fear.
James is a author, sex and mysterious and many women fall in love with him but he doesnt love them. For 10 years, for him the women means just sex. But he fell in love with Stella because she is sweet and smart and beautiful. Stella is the woman which save him from a life without feelings. He knows that she deserve to be loved but he cant love her because he is afraid to love a woman. He prefers to leave her because he knows that he needs to make peace with his past until he can be with Stella.
They meet again in a restaurant in New York and they knew that its time to fight for their relationship and for their love.
Their journey was beautiful. They learned to live again, to love and to fight for their dreams. I real liked this book
I was given this book by the author for an honest review. Thank you Diana.
I love Stella and James. They are funny and sweet together. I loved Stella s sister Nikki she was so funny.
Stella is a journalist and Stella”s uncle sent her to do an interview with the author James Collins but she doesnt know that he has a rule and he only answers to 5 questions. For Stella that means a challenge because she wants to write a wonderful article and she needs more information. Besides he is sexy and mysterious. She started to spent time with him and she learned that James is a wonderful man with a painful past like her. She fell in love with him and he helped her to live again without fear.
James is a author, sex and mysterious and many women fall in love with him but he doesnt love them. For 10 years, for him the women means just sex. But he fell in love with Stella because she is sweet and smart and beautiful. Stella is the woman which save him from a life without feelings. He knows that she deserve to be loved but he cant love her because he is afraid to love a woman. He prefers to leave her because he knows that he needs to make peace with his past until he can be with Stella.
They meet again in a restaurant in New York and they knew that its time to fight for their relationship and for their love.
Their journey was beautiful. They learned to live again, to love and to fight for their dreams. I real liked this book
July 14, 2017
I think I starred at my laptop for over an hour because I don’t know if I have the necessary words to describe just how good this book was. Finally, I’ve read a book where two main characters are very well created, where a woman can decide for her own what to do. To tell you the truth, I was sick of reading books where ladies act all innocent. I absolutely loved Stella. I adored her snarky comments, her attitude, and her courage when it came to the truth.
Stella Holt has run away from New York because the guy who she loved, decided to break her heart. So she decided to me to Braidwood, get a job at her uncles company as a journalist, and try to heal her wounds. It's not easy letting go of the memories and of the past. But, Stella is an extraordinary journalist, her uncle loves her writing style and he is sure they can make the magazine the next big think. He lets her know, that during the weekend she has to take an interview to none other than James Collins. He is a successful writer, all women’s loves him and especially his steamy stories. Stella isn’t such a big fan, and when she finds out that he will be staying with them, because the only hotel in the city it’s close, she is less than thrilled.
James Collins is at first sight an arrogant man, with a lot of tricks up his sleeves, a coffee addict and a guy who stays away from love. He accepts Stella’s interview, but announces her that she has the liberty to ask him only 5 questions. But, even if he tries to stay away from her, to push aside what he’s starting to feel, he isn’t sure he can stop from falling in love.
The discussions between these two, the fights, the hurt, and the heeling makes this entire story just perfect. I’ve laughed my heart out at Stella’s attitude towards James sometimes, and I’ve cried with them both. To be able to heal from wounds like theirs, and to find hope in another love, in another person, is something just breathe taking. Actually, the entire story is breathe taking, is simply perfect. It shows you that fighting, and keeping your head up, trusting love is the only way to go. I just adored the book! Diana Nixon, please continue writing such amazing stories, you are one of a kind writer.
Stella Holt has run away from New York because the guy who she loved, decided to break her heart. So she decided to me to Braidwood, get a job at her uncles company as a journalist, and try to heal her wounds. It's not easy letting go of the memories and of the past. But, Stella is an extraordinary journalist, her uncle loves her writing style and he is sure they can make the magazine the next big think. He lets her know, that during the weekend she has to take an interview to none other than James Collins. He is a successful writer, all women’s loves him and especially his steamy stories. Stella isn’t such a big fan, and when she finds out that he will be staying with them, because the only hotel in the city it’s close, she is less than thrilled.
James Collins is at first sight an arrogant man, with a lot of tricks up his sleeves, a coffee addict and a guy who stays away from love. He accepts Stella’s interview, but announces her that she has the liberty to ask him only 5 questions. But, even if he tries to stay away from her, to push aside what he’s starting to feel, he isn’t sure he can stop from falling in love.
The discussions between these two, the fights, the hurt, and the heeling makes this entire story just perfect. I’ve laughed my heart out at Stella’s attitude towards James sometimes, and I’ve cried with them both. To be able to heal from wounds like theirs, and to find hope in another love, in another person, is something just breathe taking. Actually, the entire story is breathe taking, is simply perfect. It shows you that fighting, and keeping your head up, trusting love is the only way to go. I just adored the book! Diana Nixon, please continue writing such amazing stories, you are one of a kind writer.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 13, 2015
5 Stimulating Stars
I was given this book for my honest review
“I’m on my third freaking duck now and it doesn’t look like I’m going to finish cooking it any time soon. Crap!” “What is it?”“Looks like I need another duck. I just dropped the one I had been trying to cut to the floor. Sleek bitch.” Stella
Stella-pretty and outspoken
James-author and hunky
James and Stella’s journey reminds me of homemade Cheezit’s. The fear of the unknown is always the worst when making a creation of this quality. When mixing extra sharp and sharp cheddar cheeses together, mixing in the unsalted butter, the flour, the kosher salt and the few tablespoons of ice water to bring it to the right constituency is definitely a task worth its weight in a delectable treat. Cutting the squares to perfection or not is fun and can make one giddy but when placing each square upon the sheet to head towards the oven for a baking extravaganza is the ultimate test in itself. The wondrous of smells that come from the oven knowing that your creation is about to embark in a journey all of its own. James and Stella’s true journey begins here.
Heartache, love, wondrous amounts of sex and the fear of living again is the basis in some relationships that have a distant path but forging onto a future with the one that can open ones heart is a fear that all have had at one time or another. Can heartache bring true ecstasy and love into ones heart without reservation of the past or is the past to be the future of one? Can sorrow be let go and two hearts begin to fly into the northern lights and become one with the universe?
To the author: Your book has so much that it is literally indescribable and the only word that comes to mind when reading it is AMAZING. The purity that you brought forth in Stella and James is just an awe that your readers will have to read for themselves. Major Kudos to you.
To the readers: Be prepared for hot sex in the most amazing places and please make sure you have the ice-cubes handy for this read will have you all hot and bothered at times. You will also need your screaming towel in all the right places.
Happy Reading
I was given this book for my honest review
“I’m on my third freaking duck now and it doesn’t look like I’m going to finish cooking it any time soon. Crap!” “What is it?”“Looks like I need another duck. I just dropped the one I had been trying to cut to the floor. Sleek bitch.” Stella
Stella-pretty and outspoken
James-author and hunky
James and Stella’s journey reminds me of homemade Cheezit’s. The fear of the unknown is always the worst when making a creation of this quality. When mixing extra sharp and sharp cheddar cheeses together, mixing in the unsalted butter, the flour, the kosher salt and the few tablespoons of ice water to bring it to the right constituency is definitely a task worth its weight in a delectable treat. Cutting the squares to perfection or not is fun and can make one giddy but when placing each square upon the sheet to head towards the oven for a baking extravaganza is the ultimate test in itself. The wondrous of smells that come from the oven knowing that your creation is about to embark in a journey all of its own. James and Stella’s true journey begins here.
Heartache, love, wondrous amounts of sex and the fear of living again is the basis in some relationships that have a distant path but forging onto a future with the one that can open ones heart is a fear that all have had at one time or another. Can heartache bring true ecstasy and love into ones heart without reservation of the past or is the past to be the future of one? Can sorrow be let go and two hearts begin to fly into the northern lights and become one with the universe?
To the author: Your book has so much that it is literally indescribable and the only word that comes to mind when reading it is AMAZING. The purity that you brought forth in Stella and James is just an awe that your readers will have to read for themselves. Major Kudos to you.
To the readers: Be prepared for hot sex in the most amazing places and please make sure you have the ice-cubes handy for this read will have you all hot and bothered at times. You will also need your screaming towel in all the right places.
Happy Reading
October 29, 2015
I freaking love this book，Stella is a journalist，she's sweet and kind. James is an author and more than that a romance author，this is so awesome to have a character like him. the story is about two people who had been hurt in the past and will have to fight for love.
my complete review will come later but Diana Nixon is my hero，I would love to be like her and write story like she does. She has a great imagination and her characters seems always so real. She's a talented author and woman so if you need a good romance go buy her books you won't be disappointed.
my complete review will come later but Diana Nixon is my hero，I would love to be like her and write story like she does. She has a great imagination and her characters seems always so real. She's a talented author and woman so if you need a good romance go buy her books you won't be disappointed.
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December 9, 2025🎁 FREE on Amazon today (5/30/2020)! 🎁
October 10, 2025
“I had been lost and broken for so long.. and then, she found me. She opens her heart for me, an in her eyes, I saw everything that I had ever wanted, everything I’d wished for and longed to- I found myself in love with the most amazing woman in the world..”
“And I wanted Stella to read it. The book was all about her”
“And I wanted Stella to read it. The book was all about her”
October 30, 2015
Dear friends,
Let me tell you these little words about a great story that will fill your minds with beautiful thoughts and your hearts with so much hope you will see that love conquers all.
It felt like forever until this book was released, but it was worth every second of waiting. I fell in love with it, I’m beyond impressed. After reading so many books written by this goddess, I thought I became used to her style, I thought I would know what to expect. I’m so happy and proud I’m wrong. She’s unpredictable; she succeeded to awaken a new side of understanding from my part. It’s like with every book I read I discover new sides of me. And that is fucking amazing. Her books open my heart, makes me wonder things.
Set Me Free it’s about how the good defeats the wrong, it’s about salvation. During our life, we encounter many people, some are lovers, some are friends, but there is only one human being who can see through all our mistakes, who can see the good beneath the face we show to the world. I find that wonderful because it’s very hard to find someone able to do it!!! I believe it’s the most important thing in our short lives. If it’s not the one, it’s pointless.
The characters are Stella and James. You will love them immediately. You will admire how they were created, you will see they are very good defined, complete and very easy to understand.
I believe this story it’s more about James. That’s how I see it. About his life, his struggles, his hopes and his innocence. I think his soul is so innocent , he’s been through so much pain and in the end he is like a newborn. Stella saved him, she found a way so cure his wounded heart. It’s so beautiful and pure!! If only, all of us could have that.
I also liked so much that the book ended with his point of view, that helped me understand him better, helped me think he found his peace. Stella too, deserve a happy ending because she was betrayed by her best friend and no one should suffer that; I’ve been through that and it hurt like a bitch. So, for her, James represents new beginning, the chance to love without fear. When you are betrayed like that it’s very hard to trust anyone.
So, dear friends, readers like me, I wrote this review with my heart opened to you and to the lovely Diana Nixon. This book will change you, read it, love it and spread the word. It’s worth!
It’s amazing work and you can feel that this is written with so much care, so much dedication from the author. And it’s all for us, to enjoy!!! This story is one of my favorite ever read.
-Aura Matei ( a simple reviewer:))
My favorite quote (I’m obsessed with it):
“-I’m a bad girl, I know. I can be good too, but when I’m bad, I’m better.”
Let me tell you these little words about a great story that will fill your minds with beautiful thoughts and your hearts with so much hope you will see that love conquers all.
It felt like forever until this book was released, but it was worth every second of waiting. I fell in love with it, I’m beyond impressed. After reading so many books written by this goddess, I thought I became used to her style, I thought I would know what to expect. I’m so happy and proud I’m wrong. She’s unpredictable; she succeeded to awaken a new side of understanding from my part. It’s like with every book I read I discover new sides of me. And that is fucking amazing. Her books open my heart, makes me wonder things.
Set Me Free it’s about how the good defeats the wrong, it’s about salvation. During our life, we encounter many people, some are lovers, some are friends, but there is only one human being who can see through all our mistakes, who can see the good beneath the face we show to the world. I find that wonderful because it’s very hard to find someone able to do it!!! I believe it’s the most important thing in our short lives. If it’s not the one, it’s pointless.
The characters are Stella and James. You will love them immediately. You will admire how they were created, you will see they are very good defined, complete and very easy to understand.
I believe this story it’s more about James. That’s how I see it. About his life, his struggles, his hopes and his innocence. I think his soul is so innocent , he’s been through so much pain and in the end he is like a newborn. Stella saved him, she found a way so cure his wounded heart. It’s so beautiful and pure!! If only, all of us could have that.
I also liked so much that the book ended with his point of view, that helped me understand him better, helped me think he found his peace. Stella too, deserve a happy ending because she was betrayed by her best friend and no one should suffer that; I’ve been through that and it hurt like a bitch. So, for her, James represents new beginning, the chance to love without fear. When you are betrayed like that it’s very hard to trust anyone.
So, dear friends, readers like me, I wrote this review with my heart opened to you and to the lovely Diana Nixon. This book will change you, read it, love it and spread the word. It’s worth!
It’s amazing work and you can feel that this is written with so much care, so much dedication from the author. And it’s all for us, to enjoy!!! This story is one of my favorite ever read.
-Aura Matei ( a simple reviewer:))
My favorite quote (I’m obsessed with it):
“-I’m a bad girl, I know. I can be good too, but when I’m bad, I’m better.”
December 2, 2015
Set Me Free is a Romance about a journalist, Stella, and a sexy romance writer, James, whose instant connection is both tantalizing and terrifying. The heat they feel for one another is the kind of fire that could either kill them or send them to the stars of happiness, if either one could fully commit and overcome their past to survive a future together.
Some relationships are about overcoming one’s past to find your future and this is one of those stories. Filled with laughter, naughty scenes, and pull at your heart strings moment, especially when it comes to James back story. As the story progresses James decides, like with all his other women he is going to take what he wants and be done with her. He will just use her as inspiration for his latest book. But it doesn’t turn out like he expected and she isn’t so easy to forget. He is drowning in all things Stella as she is falling pretty hard for a man that she told herself to stay away from! Darn her uncle for making her interview such a man as James. Just five questions, how bad could this be? Yep, it is bad. How is it even possible to resist such an enticing man and in the end there is no fighting him. She just has to hang onto and enjoy the joy that is, loving James. :)
This story is a fiery one with plenty of passionate scenes along with an array of humorous moments. What’s a good romance novel without a little fun? And it is crammed pack with it! From Stella’s hilarious sister and the moment they see James swimming in the nude, to her best friends betting against her in sleeping with James (I would be in on this bet), it’s all fun! There isn’t a duel moment and I expected no less from author Diana Nixon. She puts her heart and wonderful spirit into everything she writes and I can’t get enough of it. I would recommend this to anyone, be it your first time reading Diana’s work or someone familiar with her writing, it’s just too fun to pass up.
My favorite scene, as will be many others, would have to be the cooking lesson. Got to love a man that knows his way around a kitchen. ;)
Some relationships are about overcoming one’s past to find your future and this is one of those stories. Filled with laughter, naughty scenes, and pull at your heart strings moment, especially when it comes to James back story. As the story progresses James decides, like with all his other women he is going to take what he wants and be done with her. He will just use her as inspiration for his latest book. But it doesn’t turn out like he expected and she isn’t so easy to forget. He is drowning in all things Stella as she is falling pretty hard for a man that she told herself to stay away from! Darn her uncle for making her interview such a man as James. Just five questions, how bad could this be? Yep, it is bad. How is it even possible to resist such an enticing man and in the end there is no fighting him. She just has to hang onto and enjoy the joy that is, loving James. :)
This story is a fiery one with plenty of passionate scenes along with an array of humorous moments. What’s a good romance novel without a little fun? And it is crammed pack with it! From Stella’s hilarious sister and the moment they see James swimming in the nude, to her best friends betting against her in sleeping with James (I would be in on this bet), it’s all fun! There isn’t a duel moment and I expected no less from author Diana Nixon. She puts her heart and wonderful spirit into everything she writes and I can’t get enough of it. I would recommend this to anyone, be it your first time reading Diana’s work or someone familiar with her writing, it’s just too fun to pass up.
My favorite scene, as will be many others, would have to be the cooking lesson. Got to love a man that knows his way around a kitchen. ;)
March 14, 2016
Diana Nixon has done it again with another well written novel that will have you hooked from the first to the last page. She knows how she wants the characters to sound and act in her head bringing them to life on paper. She loved teasing her readers as they learn more about the characters and then the plot twisting and turning. The readers always get what they want to read in some way or another with Diana's books and more should be coming along soon enough.
In Set Me Free, Stella and James are playing hard to get so to speak. One is a writer and the other is a publisher/newspaper writer. Can it be love at first sight or hate at fight sight? Do the both of them have a love interest already? Do the both of them have dark secrets that they are hiding? More questions can be answered once you pick up a copy of this book. I can promise you will love it from the moment you open the book to the moment you close it.
I also highly recommend all of Diana Nixon's books to read. Each one of them has a different hook that will have you wanting to read more.
In Set Me Free, Stella and James are playing hard to get so to speak. One is a writer and the other is a publisher/newspaper writer. Can it be love at first sight or hate at fight sight? Do the both of them have a love interest already? Do the both of them have dark secrets that they are hiding? More questions can be answered once you pick up a copy of this book. I can promise you will love it from the moment you open the book to the moment you close it.
I also highly recommend all of Diana Nixon's books to read. Each one of them has a different hook that will have you wanting to read more.
November 13, 2015
Yet another wonderful story from this very talented author! You will love James and Stella! It is a great time to pick up Set Me Free!
May 16, 2017
I really liked this one.
March 19, 2018
I have a addiction to this book. I had to quickly start book 2. such an addictive read
February 15, 2020
I could not understand the begining of the book, it was confusing.
October 29, 2025
This is the first book in this series and can be read as a standalone. I was immediately hooked to this story and the characters. Stella and James are great characters with depth and back stories that made this book complete. Neither one of these characters felt that love was for them until they met each other. This story is engaging, has good character development and plenty of sexy time. I did not expect to like it as much as I did. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
May 28, 2025
Classic, kind of trashy, but amazing romance.
Such an easy read which I did genuinely want to get to the end of and see what happened.
Characters were likeable and intriguing. At some points the story was maybe a little predictable but I didn’t mind this as what I wanted to happen did
Such an easy read which I did genuinely want to get to the end of and see what happened.
Characters were likeable and intriguing. At some points the story was maybe a little predictable but I didn’t mind this as what I wanted to happen did
May 7, 2024
Beautiful story
Absolutely brilliant book couldn't put it down superb well written and a great cast of characters and story line absolutely loved it
Absolutely brilliant book couldn't put it down superb well written and a great cast of characters and story line absolutely loved it
July 17, 2025
3.25 ⭐
December 3, 2025
OH! MY! GOSH!!!!!!
Such… A beautiful book! It’s well written! The characters are well written! And the lover! OH MY GOSH! I can picture him in my head!
Such… A beautiful book! It’s well written! The characters are well written! And the lover! OH MY GOSH! I can picture him in my head!
Want to read
March 2, 2024Purch Amz Nov 1, 2020
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews