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Stark Security #3
Ruined With You
When her high maintenance boss is assaulted, manager Xena Morgan contacts the only person who can help—the sexy, arrogant, incredibly capable Stark Security agent Liam Foster. The former vigilante takes every case personally, and he's determined to find answers—particularly since he thought he'd cleared this threat already.
Xena had been thrilled when Liam completed his assignment, because he affected her in ways she didn't want to contemplate, awakening yearnings that threatened her deepest secrets.
But now she needs him, and her body won't let her forget it.
As their attraction heats to a feverish degree, the web of lies, danger, and passion they find themselves in tangles further. Liam will stop at nothing to protect his client, even if it means sacrificing everything he holds dear ... and exposing the secrets that may destroy him—and Xena—forever.
Xena had been thrilled when Liam completed his assignment, because he affected her in ways she didn't want to contemplate, awakening yearnings that threatened her deepest secrets.
But now she needs him, and her body won't let her forget it.
As their attraction heats to a feverish degree, the web of lies, danger, and passion they find themselves in tangles further. Liam will stop at nothing to protect his client, even if it means sacrificing everything he holds dear ... and exposing the secrets that may destroy him—and Xena—forever.
350 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 24, 2019
257 people are currently reading
1372 people want to read
About the author
J. Kenner
189 books10.4k followersJ. Kenner (aka Julie Kenner) is the New York Times, USA Today, Publishers Weekly, Wall Street Journal and #1 International bestselling author of over one hundred novels, novellas and short stories in a variety of genres.
Though known primarily for her award-winning and international bestselling erotic romances (including the Stark and Most Wanted series) that have reached as high as #2 on the New York Times bestseller list, JK has been writing full time for over a decade in a variety of genres including paranormal and contemporary romance, “chicklit” suspense, urban fantasy, and paranormal mommy lit.
JK has been praised by Publishers Weekly as an author with a “flair for dialogue and eccentric characterizations” and by RT Bookclub for having “cornered the market on sinfully attractive, dominant antiheroes and the women who swoon for them.” A six time finalist for Romance Writers of America’s prestigious RITA award, JK took home the first RITA trophy awarded in the category of erotic romance in 2014 for her novel, Claim Me (book 2 of her Stark Trilogy) and in 2017 for Wicked Dirty in the same category. Her Demon Hunting Soccer Mom series (as Julie Kenner) is currently in development as a television show.
Her books have sold over three million copies and are published in over twenty languages.
In her previous career as an attorney, JK worked as a clerk on the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, and practiced primarily civil, entertainment and First Amendment litigation in Los Angeles and Irvine, California, as well as in Austin, Texas. She currently lives in Central Texas, with her husband, two daughters, and two rather spastic cats.
Though known primarily for her award-winning and international bestselling erotic romances (including the Stark and Most Wanted series) that have reached as high as #2 on the New York Times bestseller list, JK has been writing full time for over a decade in a variety of genres including paranormal and contemporary romance, “chicklit” suspense, urban fantasy, and paranormal mommy lit.
JK has been praised by Publishers Weekly as an author with a “flair for dialogue and eccentric characterizations” and by RT Bookclub for having “cornered the market on sinfully attractive, dominant antiheroes and the women who swoon for them.” A six time finalist for Romance Writers of America’s prestigious RITA award, JK took home the first RITA trophy awarded in the category of erotic romance in 2014 for her novel, Claim Me (book 2 of her Stark Trilogy) and in 2017 for Wicked Dirty in the same category. Her Demon Hunting Soccer Mom series (as Julie Kenner) is currently in development as a television show.
Her books have sold over three million copies and are published in over twenty languages.
In her previous career as an attorney, JK worked as a clerk on the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, and practiced primarily civil, entertainment and First Amendment litigation in Los Angeles and Irvine, California, as well as in Austin, Texas. She currently lives in Central Texas, with her husband, two daughters, and two rather spastic cats.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 154 reviews
September 23, 2019
Liam's book!
We all remember him from the last books, but also as best friend from the Dallas & Jane books!
His new job is to protect a pop star. Or rather to take away any threats against her. Which he thought he did after finding out that her PR person sent those threats to get more press for the tour. But now there was another attack. But did the bad guys really want the star ... or rather her personal assistant??
Xena.
Liam is super attracted to Xena - but he would never do anything about that. Never mix work with pleasure, right?
But when it's suddenly Xena who's in danger, he has to get even closer to her to keep her safe....
Let the fun times begin!
What will happen with Xena & Liam?
Will there be a happily ever after?
READ THE BOOK TO FIND OUT! ☺
══════════════════
This was an adorable romantic suspense!
Lots of exciting and sexy moments.
We have sad and heartbreaking things in our darlings' past...
And we need to make sure we're all alive to enjoy our happily ever after!
It was great seeing all the agents and Stark people again! And Dallas!!!
I really enjoyed reading it! And I need MORE from that series! (Antonio's book is coming next year!)
Great Book! Nothing much more to say! ☺
RUINED WITH YOU was a very exciting & sexy & heartbreaking romantic suspense! Run to your nearest amazon for your own Liam - this one is MINE! ☺
♡
♡
September 26, 2019
4.5 stars
Add the name “Stark” to a book series by J. Kenner and you have my full attention from the start. The author managed to pull me in from the very beginning with this one name, but she kept me interested with the intensity of the action, the chemistry and the honesty of these characters.
Liam has a past that he wants to forget, and throwing himself into his job is the way to focus on anything but a relationship. Reeling from a mistake he feels he made in declaring that there was no longer a threat to his superstar client, Liam is summoned back to Las Vegas by her assistant Xena when an attempt is made on the singer’s life. But after a brief questioning, it appears that that the star was not the target, and Xena’s secret past is coming back to haunt her.
Xena is a strong woman with a past that would have broken anyone. She has withstood the unthinkable and is a fierce, independent woman who, like Liam, will not allow herself to open her heart to a relationship. But what happens when two people, more alike than they realize, with cracks so deep find that these fissures match up?
Ruined with You was the true, dark, action filled package. A protective alpha and an amazing heroine- complex characters with chemistry in and out of the bedroom. Suspense and a great story and the broken being made whole again.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
Add the name “Stark” to a book series by J. Kenner and you have my full attention from the start. The author managed to pull me in from the very beginning with this one name, but she kept me interested with the intensity of the action, the chemistry and the honesty of these characters.
Liam has a past that he wants to forget, and throwing himself into his job is the way to focus on anything but a relationship. Reeling from a mistake he feels he made in declaring that there was no longer a threat to his superstar client, Liam is summoned back to Las Vegas by her assistant Xena when an attempt is made on the singer’s life. But after a brief questioning, it appears that that the star was not the target, and Xena’s secret past is coming back to haunt her.
Xena is a strong woman with a past that would have broken anyone. She has withstood the unthinkable and is a fierce, independent woman who, like Liam, will not allow herself to open her heart to a relationship. But what happens when two people, more alike than they realize, with cracks so deep find that these fissures match up?
Ruined with You was the true, dark, action filled package. A protective alpha and an amazing heroine- complex characters with chemistry in and out of the bedroom. Suspense and a great story and the broken being made whole again.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
October 1, 2019
This series has me so addicted. I waited impatiently to read this one. Now that I did I'm hoping the next book is about Emma (Eliza sister) and maybe Antonio. We met Eliza and Emma early in this series.
Liam has been protecting a singer. He's called back to be her guard after she is attacked. His attraction with Xena has became stronger. He knowsxshe is hiding something about her past.
Xena wants to get away from Liam. She feels the sexual tension between them. She doesn't want to put him in danger so she needs to get away. He won't let her go because he wants her to face her past. This way she can live finally instead of hiding.
Love this book because they were both able to move on from their past.
Liam has been protecting a singer. He's called back to be her guard after she is attacked. His attraction with Xena has became stronger. He knowsxshe is hiding something about her past.
Xena wants to get away from Liam. She feels the sexual tension between them. She doesn't want to put him in danger so she needs to get away. He won't let her go because he wants her to face her past. This way she can live finally instead of hiding.
Love this book because they were both able to move on from their past.
September 25, 2019
Ruined With You is the third book in Kenner's Stark Security series. I have not read the previous books (will rectify that) and while it did not ruin this particular story, as with all Kenner series, there is this underlying connection between the books that just really drives everything home. I would recommend reading them in order but again, can easily be read as standalone.
As for this book - WOW!! I have always known what to expect when it comes to Kenner's book - great characters and an amazing plot with tension, suspense and lots of emotion.
I really don't know where to start or what to say without giving tidbits away. Liam and Zena's story is one I had not anticipated and thoroughly enjoyed.
Liam loves and lives for his job and friends. He gave up on the whole thing years ago and has never left any room in his life for it.
Xena is my warrior woman!! She has seen things at a young age that no one ever should. Due to her past, she too has chosen to not leave any room for love. Just excelling at her job as a personal assistant to a rising star.
However, when what Xena thinks is a problem for her client is hers, things get ugly. And that is all that I am saying because if I say anymore, I feel as though I will ruin all the pent up suspense, tension, action etc that you will experience while reading this.
I loved everything about this book and will definitely be reading the others along with whatever else Kenner publishes. Great series that I hope never ends.
As for this book - WOW!! I have always known what to expect when it comes to Kenner's book - great characters and an amazing plot with tension, suspense and lots of emotion.
I really don't know where to start or what to say without giving tidbits away. Liam and Zena's story is one I had not anticipated and thoroughly enjoyed.
Liam loves and lives for his job and friends. He gave up on the whole thing years ago and has never left any room in his life for it.
Xena is my warrior woman!! She has seen things at a young age that no one ever should. Due to her past, she too has chosen to not leave any room for love. Just excelling at her job as a personal assistant to a rising star.
However, when what Xena thinks is a problem for her client is hers, things get ugly. And that is all that I am saying because if I say anymore, I feel as though I will ruin all the pent up suspense, tension, action etc that you will experience while reading this.
I loved everything about this book and will definitely be reading the others along with whatever else Kenner publishes. Great series that I hope never ends.
September 30, 2019
Ruined With You is the third book in J. Kenner’s Stark Security series, and like the prior books the story works as a standalone. Despite this, I will admit to certain sections of the story going over the top of my head due to the fact I have not read all J. Kenner’s books. There were so many links to other books and series, which is great for long time fans, but felt like overkill to me.
Despite the fact there were a few points where I couldn’t keep the story of every side character straight in my head, Ruined With You was another addictive read from J. Kenner. It is not my favourite read from the author, but it certainly kept me hooked throughout.
There was plenty happen throughout the story, ensuring I was happy to power through it in no time at all. The ending was a bit too easy for my liking, but it brought things together well. The characters played off each other well, but it wasn’t as intense as the romance in the prior books. It’s why I enjoyed this one but did not love it.
It’s certainly worth the read for fans, though.
Despite the fact there were a few points where I couldn’t keep the story of every side character straight in my head, Ruined With You was another addictive read from J. Kenner. It is not my favourite read from the author, but it certainly kept me hooked throughout.
There was plenty happen throughout the story, ensuring I was happy to power through it in no time at all. The ending was a bit too easy for my liking, but it brought things together well. The characters played off each other well, but it wasn’t as intense as the romance in the prior books. It’s why I enjoyed this one but did not love it.
It’s certainly worth the read for fans, though.
August 12, 2020
3,5 Sterne
Ein weiteres Reihenfinale… oder vielleicht doch nicht?
Ganz kurz vorab: Ich dachte zu Anfang, dass die Sexy Security Bände eine Trilogie bilden würden, das Ende lässt aber zumindest vermuten, dass wir weitere Geschichten in diesem gesamten Stark-Universum bekommen werden, denn augenscheinlich hat die Autorin schon eine ganze Menge Romane geschrieben, in denen die Protagonisten auf die ein oder andere Weise miteinander zu tun haben. Ich bin also gespannt!
Der dritte Band dieser Reihe “Stürmisches Feuer” war in meinen Augen leider der schwächste Teil der Trilogie. Zum einen durchaus thematisch gesehen (in meinen Augen hatten die verlorene Erinnerung in Band 2 und die Geheimagenten/Spionage Thematik in Band 1 einfach mehr zu bieten) jedoch auch von den Charakteren, da ich mit diesen nicht zu 100% warm geworden bin. Schade fand ich auch, dass die Actionszenen in diesem Band etwas zu kurz gekommen sind. Besonders aus dem ersten Band weiß ich noch, dass wir einfach etwas mehr Action hatte und das habe ich hier etwas vermisst.
Trotzdem muss ich sagen, dass ich auch diesen Band wieder super schnell durch hatte, was einfach an dem fantastischen Schreibstil liegt und daran, dass man einfach nicht viel nachdenken muss, denn diese Bücher benötigen keine Erklärung und gehen nicht zu tief ins Detail, sodass man keine eigenen Schlüsse ziehen muss. Für ein schnelles Buch zwischendurch ist das durchaus ein Vorteil, dennoch habe ich mir das ein oder andere Mal einfach mehr gewünscht (wie schon in den Bänden zuvor). Es gibt wieder unglaublich viel Potenzial, man könnte viel tiefer auf diese ganze Thematik des Menschenhandels eingehen und auch die Verbindungen, die zum ersten Band bestehen hätte man wirklich gut ausnutzen können. Am Ende war es zudem ziemlich schnell klar wer der eigentliche Übeltäter ist, aber vielleicht ging das auch nur mir so. :D
Trotz allem mochte ich Xena gern. Sowohl ihre, als auch Liams Unschlüssigkeit sind mir hin und wieder gegen den Strich gegangen, allerdings konnte ich sie in gewisser Weise auch verstehen.
Insgesamt ein solider Band und alles in allem eine solide Reihe, die von mir, ebenso wie dieser Band etwa 3,5 Sterne bekommt. Band 2 war jedoch definitiv mein Favorit!
Ein weiteres Reihenfinale… oder vielleicht doch nicht?
Ganz kurz vorab: Ich dachte zu Anfang, dass die Sexy Security Bände eine Trilogie bilden würden, das Ende lässt aber zumindest vermuten, dass wir weitere Geschichten in diesem gesamten Stark-Universum bekommen werden, denn augenscheinlich hat die Autorin schon eine ganze Menge Romane geschrieben, in denen die Protagonisten auf die ein oder andere Weise miteinander zu tun haben. Ich bin also gespannt!
Der dritte Band dieser Reihe “Stürmisches Feuer” war in meinen Augen leider der schwächste Teil der Trilogie. Zum einen durchaus thematisch gesehen (in meinen Augen hatten die verlorene Erinnerung in Band 2 und die Geheimagenten/Spionage Thematik in Band 1 einfach mehr zu bieten) jedoch auch von den Charakteren, da ich mit diesen nicht zu 100% warm geworden bin. Schade fand ich auch, dass die Actionszenen in diesem Band etwas zu kurz gekommen sind. Besonders aus dem ersten Band weiß ich noch, dass wir einfach etwas mehr Action hatte und das habe ich hier etwas vermisst.
Trotzdem muss ich sagen, dass ich auch diesen Band wieder super schnell durch hatte, was einfach an dem fantastischen Schreibstil liegt und daran, dass man einfach nicht viel nachdenken muss, denn diese Bücher benötigen keine Erklärung und gehen nicht zu tief ins Detail, sodass man keine eigenen Schlüsse ziehen muss. Für ein schnelles Buch zwischendurch ist das durchaus ein Vorteil, dennoch habe ich mir das ein oder andere Mal einfach mehr gewünscht (wie schon in den Bänden zuvor). Es gibt wieder unglaublich viel Potenzial, man könnte viel tiefer auf diese ganze Thematik des Menschenhandels eingehen und auch die Verbindungen, die zum ersten Band bestehen hätte man wirklich gut ausnutzen können. Am Ende war es zudem ziemlich schnell klar wer der eigentliche Übeltäter ist, aber vielleicht ging das auch nur mir so. :D
Trotz allem mochte ich Xena gern. Sowohl ihre, als auch Liams Unschlüssigkeit sind mir hin und wieder gegen den Strich gegangen, allerdings konnte ich sie in gewisser Weise auch verstehen.
Insgesamt ein solider Band und alles in allem eine solide Reihe, die von mir, ebenso wie dieser Band etwa 3,5 Sterne bekommt. Band 2 war jedoch definitiv mein Favorit!
September 24, 2019
Ruined With You by J. Kenner is book 3 in the Stark Security Series. This is the story of Xena Morgan and Liam Foster. I have read the previous books which added to my enjoyment of this book, but you can make this a standalone book if you wish to do so.
Liam works for Stark Security where he had to help protect and solved the mystery of someone in Xena's life. Thinking his job was done and solved he walked away even though both had a true attraction. But both didn't plan on doing love or anything else. But then Xena's needed him again because now someone else had been assaulted. But this time they may not be able to walk away from each other.
Enjoyed their story.
Liam works for Stark Security where he had to help protect and solved the mystery of someone in Xena's life. Thinking his job was done and solved he walked away even though both had a true attraction. But both didn't plan on doing love or anything else. But then Xena's needed him again because now someone else had been assaulted. But this time they may not be able to walk away from each other.
Enjoyed their story.
September 24, 2019
I've absolutely loved book 3 in the Stark Security Series by J.Kenner she's created another great set of characters.
Liam is all about his job he loves working for Stark and doesn't want to commit any time to a relationship but upon meeting Xena and the feel occasions they've met he realises something is seriously wrong with Xena when she starts acting suspiciously and Liam being the man he is cant leave any stone unturned and he truly knows what she's going through and something inside of him reaches out to Xena and the attraction between them becomes so intense he manages to pull everything Xena ever desired like safety, hope and love!
J.Kenner knows how to keep you intrigued and Liam and Xena are a match made in heaven.
Liam is all about his job he loves working for Stark and doesn't want to commit any time to a relationship but upon meeting Xena and the feel occasions they've met he realises something is seriously wrong with Xena when she starts acting suspiciously and Liam being the man he is cant leave any stone unturned and he truly knows what she's going through and something inside of him reaches out to Xena and the attraction between them becomes so intense he manages to pull everything Xena ever desired like safety, hope and love!
J.Kenner knows how to keep you intrigued and Liam and Xena are a match made in heaven.
September 22, 2019
The suspense in this is huge & gah, so amazing. Will keep you on your toes! Check out my FULL REVIEW - TEASER - BOOK QOTES & MORE -> CLICK HERE FOR FULL REVIEW
June 26, 2020
Ich hab mich wirklich sehr auf den einen neuen Teil in der Sexy Security Reihe gefreut, aber am Ende war ich ein bisschen von diesem Band enttäuscht. Wie die anderen Bücher kann man auch diesen Band an einem Tag lesen. Das liebe ich einfach an den Büchern, sie sind einfach zu lesen und können einen meistens gut unterhalten.
Der Schreibstil ist dementsprechend wirklich flüssig und locker. J. Kenner schafft es einfach, dass man ihre Bücher an einem Stück verschlingt. Wir haben abwechselnde Perspektiven aus der Ich Perspektive und aus der dritten Person. Ich fand dies wie in den anderen Büchern nicht wirklich verwirrend sondern eher auflockernd.
Liam Foster haben wir schon in den anderen Büchern kennengelernt und ich habe ihn vor allem um seine Badezimmer mit Aquarium beneidet. Er ist ein wirklich loyaler und eher ruhiger Charakter. Was mir leider nicht gefallen hat war, dass er etwas besitzergreifend gegenüber Xena war.
Xena ist eine wirklich starke Frau, die schon viel erlebt und mit ansehen musste. Sie war mir das ganze Buch über sympathisch aber irgendwie fand ich ihren Charakter etwas flach. Ich mochte aber, dass sie ihre Arbeit so unglaublich ernst nimmt und sich nicht vor harter Arbeit drückt.
Sie würde alles tun um ihrer neu gewonnene Freundin zu beschützen und sie nicht in ihre Vergangenheit mit reinzuziehen.
Was mich an diesem Buch gestört hat war die typische Liebe auf den ersten Blick beziehungsweise Moment. In den anderen beiden Geschichten hatten die Charaktere immer schon eine gewisse Vorgeschichte, die wir hier nicht wirklich hatten. Die beiden entwickeln in kurzer Zeit so viele Gefühle füreinander, dass ich das ganze einfach ein bisschen unrealistisch fand. Auch können die beiden nicht richtig mit einander kommunizieren und welchen einfacheren Weg zur Lösung von Problemen gibt es als: Kommunikation.
Die Spannung war zu Anfang wirklich stark vertreten und ich hab mit Liam und Xena schon mitgefiebert. Das hat in der Mitte etwas nachgelassen und vom Ende will ich eigentlich gar nicht reden. Es ging mir alles einfach viel zu schnell und innerhalb von nur 20 Seiten wurde
der große Knall abgehandelt.
Das hat mich leider wirklich enttäuscht zurückgelassen.
Im Laufe der Geschichte treffen wir auch wieder auf altbekannte Charaktere und das hat mich wirklich gefreut. Ich finde es immer toll wenn man wieder auf Leute trifft die nicht im Fokus des Buches stehen.
Fazit
Am Ende gebe ich dem Buch nur 2.5 Sterne, weil es mich nicht ganz so mitgenommen hat wie die anderen Teile. Ich bin mal gespannt ob die anderen zwei Teile auch noch übersetzt werden. Danke nochmal für dieses Rezensionsexemplar.
Bis bald ihr Lieben
eure Vici
Der Schreibstil ist dementsprechend wirklich flüssig und locker. J. Kenner schafft es einfach, dass man ihre Bücher an einem Stück verschlingt. Wir haben abwechselnde Perspektiven aus der Ich Perspektive und aus der dritten Person. Ich fand dies wie in den anderen Büchern nicht wirklich verwirrend sondern eher auflockernd.
Liam Foster haben wir schon in den anderen Büchern kennengelernt und ich habe ihn vor allem um seine Badezimmer mit Aquarium beneidet. Er ist ein wirklich loyaler und eher ruhiger Charakter. Was mir leider nicht gefallen hat war, dass er etwas besitzergreifend gegenüber Xena war.
Xena ist eine wirklich starke Frau, die schon viel erlebt und mit ansehen musste. Sie war mir das ganze Buch über sympathisch aber irgendwie fand ich ihren Charakter etwas flach. Ich mochte aber, dass sie ihre Arbeit so unglaublich ernst nimmt und sich nicht vor harter Arbeit drückt.
Sie würde alles tun um ihrer neu gewonnene Freundin zu beschützen und sie nicht in ihre Vergangenheit mit reinzuziehen.
Was mich an diesem Buch gestört hat war die typische Liebe auf den ersten Blick beziehungsweise Moment. In den anderen beiden Geschichten hatten die Charaktere immer schon eine gewisse Vorgeschichte, die wir hier nicht wirklich hatten. Die beiden entwickeln in kurzer Zeit so viele Gefühle füreinander, dass ich das ganze einfach ein bisschen unrealistisch fand. Auch können die beiden nicht richtig mit einander kommunizieren und welchen einfacheren Weg zur Lösung von Problemen gibt es als: Kommunikation.
Die Spannung war zu Anfang wirklich stark vertreten und ich hab mit Liam und Xena schon mitgefiebert. Das hat in der Mitte etwas nachgelassen und vom Ende will ich eigentlich gar nicht reden. Es ging mir alles einfach viel zu schnell und innerhalb von nur 20 Seiten wurde
der große Knall abgehandelt.
Das hat mich leider wirklich enttäuscht zurückgelassen.
Im Laufe der Geschichte treffen wir auch wieder auf altbekannte Charaktere und das hat mich wirklich gefreut. Ich finde es immer toll wenn man wieder auf Leute trifft die nicht im Fokus des Buches stehen.
Fazit
Am Ende gebe ich dem Buch nur 2.5 Sterne, weil es mich nicht ganz so mitgenommen hat wie die anderen Teile. Ich bin mal gespannt ob die anderen zwei Teile auch noch übersetzt werden. Danke nochmal für dieses Rezensionsexemplar.
Bis bald ihr Lieben
eure Vici
October 1, 2019
Actual Rating: 4.5 Stars
See the full review at HarlequinJunkie.com
Deliciously sexy romance. Action and intrigue. Personal demons to conquer. What more can a reader ask for of a J. Kenner novel, right?
‘He’d seen enough damaged people to know that her soul was at least as scarred as his.’
I was so excited when I found out about Liam getting his own book. He’s been a character who has appeared in several Stark Universe stories and he’s always been this cool, badass guy that you just know has some dark, hidden secrets. And boy did he ever. My heart broke over the personal loss Liam suffered. He had such strength and conviction, though, going forward and used his anger to help others by being a part of Stark Security. Read More
See the full review at HarlequinJunkie.com
Deliciously sexy romance. Action and intrigue. Personal demons to conquer. What more can a reader ask for of a J. Kenner novel, right?
‘He’d seen enough damaged people to know that her soul was at least as scarred as his.’
I was so excited when I found out about Liam getting his own book. He’s been a character who has appeared in several Stark Universe stories and he’s always been this cool, badass guy that you just know has some dark, hidden secrets. And boy did he ever. My heart broke over the personal loss Liam suffered. He had such strength and conviction, though, going forward and used his anger to help others by being a part of Stark Security. Read More
September 25, 2019
4 stars--
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 24 2019
When her high maintenance boss is assaulted, manager Xena Morgan contacts the only person who can help—the sexy, arrogant, incredibly capable Stark Security agent Liam Foster. The former vigilante takes every case personally, and he's determined to find answers—particularly since he thought he'd cleared this threat already.
Xena had been thrilled when Liam completed his assignment, because he affected her in ways she didn't want to contemplate, awakening yearnings that threatened her deepest secrets.
But now she needs him, and her body won't let her forget it.
As their attraction heats to a feverish degree, the web of lies, danger, and passion they find themselves in tangles further. Liam will stop at nothing to protect his client, even if it means sacrificing everything he holds dear ... and exposing the secrets that may destroy him—and Xena—forever.
•••••••••
REVIEW: RUINED WITH YOU is the third instalment in J. Kenner’s contemporary, adult STARK SECURITY erotic, romantic suspense series, a spin off from the author’s numerous STARK romance series. This is Stark Security Agent Liam Foster, and PA Xena Morgan’s story line. RUINED WITH YOU can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous instalments is revealed where necessary.
NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be some triggers for more sensitive readers.
Told from first person perspective (Zena Morgan) and third person (Liam Foster) RUINED WITH YOU follows Stark Security Agent Liam Foster as he must return to Las Vegas following the attack on his most recent charge, singer Ellie Love. Believing they had the threat in custody, Liam soon discovers that the latest attack may not have been directed at Ellie but at the woman with whom Liam would fall in love. Enter Ellie’s manager and assistant Zena Morgan. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Zena and Liam, and the potential fall-out as Zena’s past is determined to take down our story line heroine.
Zena Morgan hides a dark and dangerous past that have finally caught up with our story line heroine. On the run with Liam Foster, Zena begins to fall in love but Liam struggles with his own darkened history.
The relationship between Zena and Liam is one of second chances, of a sorts, having fallen for one another while working together for Ellie Love. When Ellie is attacked, Zena battles between head and heart knowing she will have to face the man that had stolen her heart. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense.
Once again, we are reintroduced to the Stark Security Team, as well as several characters from other series and books: Quincy Radcliffe and Eliza Tucker, Ryan and Jamie Hunter, Cass, Sylvia and Jackson Steele, Dallas and Jane Sykes, Nikki and Damien Stark.
RUINED WITH YOU is a story of betrayal and vengeance; power and control; seduction, secrets and lies. The premise is intriguing and energetic; the romance is passionate and captivating; the characters are colorful, dynamic and engaging.
Copy supplied for review
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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 24 2019
When her high maintenance boss is assaulted, manager Xena Morgan contacts the only person who can help—the sexy, arrogant, incredibly capable Stark Security agent Liam Foster. The former vigilante takes every case personally, and he's determined to find answers—particularly since he thought he'd cleared this threat already.
Xena had been thrilled when Liam completed his assignment, because he affected her in ways she didn't want to contemplate, awakening yearnings that threatened her deepest secrets.
But now she needs him, and her body won't let her forget it.
As their attraction heats to a feverish degree, the web of lies, danger, and passion they find themselves in tangles further. Liam will stop at nothing to protect his client, even if it means sacrificing everything he holds dear ... and exposing the secrets that may destroy him—and Xena—forever.
•••••••••
REVIEW: RUINED WITH YOU is the third instalment in J. Kenner’s contemporary, adult STARK SECURITY erotic, romantic suspense series, a spin off from the author’s numerous STARK romance series. This is Stark Security Agent Liam Foster, and PA Xena Morgan’s story line. RUINED WITH YOU can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous instalments is revealed where necessary.
NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be some triggers for more sensitive readers.
Told from first person perspective (Zena Morgan) and third person (Liam Foster) RUINED WITH YOU follows Stark Security Agent Liam Foster as he must return to Las Vegas following the attack on his most recent charge, singer Ellie Love. Believing they had the threat in custody, Liam soon discovers that the latest attack may not have been directed at Ellie but at the woman with whom Liam would fall in love. Enter Ellie’s manager and assistant Zena Morgan. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Zena and Liam, and the potential fall-out as Zena’s past is determined to take down our story line heroine.
Zena Morgan hides a dark and dangerous past that have finally caught up with our story line heroine. On the run with Liam Foster, Zena begins to fall in love but Liam struggles with his own darkened history.
The relationship between Zena and Liam is one of second chances, of a sorts, having fallen for one another while working together for Ellie Love. When Ellie is attacked, Zena battles between head and heart knowing she will have to face the man that had stolen her heart. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense.
Once again, we are reintroduced to the Stark Security Team, as well as several characters from other series and books: Quincy Radcliffe and Eliza Tucker, Ryan and Jamie Hunter, Cass, Sylvia and Jackson Steele, Dallas and Jane Sykes, Nikki and Damien Stark.
RUINED WITH YOU is a story of betrayal and vengeance; power and control; seduction, secrets and lies. The premise is intriguing and energetic; the romance is passionate and captivating; the characters are colorful, dynamic and engaging.
Copy supplied for review
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September 25, 2019
Fear is a powerful feeling; so much so that it forces people to live life differently than they would if that overwhelming emotion didn’t guide their choices and make them fearful of being fully themselves in a way that allows others to see who they truly are. With panic comes secrets and lies, which means that doing anything to protect the information that is solely theirs is something they’ll fight to the death for, but when a threat to unravel more than their past seems imminent, Xena Morgan and Stark Security Agent Liam Foster will have to decide which is more inevitable - revealing every sordid detail of who they are or losing the chance to see what they could be together.
By design, every member of Stark Security is trained to protect and serve, not only their clients but also those who they’re involved with, whether it be on a professional or personal level. And while it seems that these guys try not to get too close to anyone because entanglements of that kind were long ago forgotten due to a number of reasons and secrets that these men hold close to the chest, always fighting to keep their demons at bay while going all in to ensure that no one gets hurt on their watch, including themselves.
The dynamic between Xena and Liam is electric from the start, not only because they’ve worked together before, but also because their hearts and minds seemed more aligned to one another, almost like their bond was forged long before they even realized and that's why they’re constantly in each other's thoughts and want each other as desperately as they seem to, even if they’re afraid to give into that emotion because they don’t do love or relationships.
J Kenner definitely knows how to write romantic suspense and the newest release in her Stark Security series, Ruined With You, finally gives readers Liam Foster’s story - Dallas’ best friend and one hell of a protective vigilante. And with the amount of baggage both he and the heroine have amidst fighting to outrun the danger that she seems to be in, we watch their undeniable chemistry become something that will either ruin or heal them.
The way J Kenner’s series and worlds co-exist with one another allows for readers to catch special appearances by some of their favorite Kenner characters and see how they interact with the newest recruits to the Stark team or other associates who work with the Stark conglomerate. And because I’m a huge fan of all things and people associated with Damien Stark, I always love getting the chance to see how some of my favorite people and couples are doing, especially after all that they have weathered.
4.5 Poison Apples (The Fairest of All Book Reviews)
By design, every member of Stark Security is trained to protect and serve, not only their clients but also those who they’re involved with, whether it be on a professional or personal level. And while it seems that these guys try not to get too close to anyone because entanglements of that kind were long ago forgotten due to a number of reasons and secrets that these men hold close to the chest, always fighting to keep their demons at bay while going all in to ensure that no one gets hurt on their watch, including themselves.
The dynamic between Xena and Liam is electric from the start, not only because they’ve worked together before, but also because their hearts and minds seemed more aligned to one another, almost like their bond was forged long before they even realized and that's why they’re constantly in each other's thoughts and want each other as desperately as they seem to, even if they’re afraid to give into that emotion because they don’t do love or relationships.
J Kenner definitely knows how to write romantic suspense and the newest release in her Stark Security series, Ruined With You, finally gives readers Liam Foster’s story - Dallas’ best friend and one hell of a protective vigilante. And with the amount of baggage both he and the heroine have amidst fighting to outrun the danger that she seems to be in, we watch their undeniable chemistry become something that will either ruin or heal them.
The way J Kenner’s series and worlds co-exist with one another allows for readers to catch special appearances by some of their favorite Kenner characters and see how they interact with the newest recruits to the Stark team or other associates who work with the Stark conglomerate. And because I’m a huge fan of all things and people associated with Damien Stark, I always love getting the chance to see how some of my favorite people and couples are doing, especially after all that they have weathered.
4.5 Poison Apples (The Fairest of All Book Reviews)
September 22, 2019
~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~
This is the third book in the series - and having read the previous two (and all things Stark!), I started out wondered how this could fit in ... but obviously Kenner is the master of the craft and gave us an excellent storyline which slips into the series in a very satisfying way indeed.
Xena calls Liam back, as his decision that her employer, Ella was safe has been put into serious question. However, one extra comment from Ella leaves her reeling, and Liam caught her reaction. Cue a complicated, chemistry-laden, and very moving story of one woman who has survived more than one would ever want to imagine.
Liam lost his first love due to his job, and would never, ever, dare to give anyone that opportunity again, but Xena is most definitely testing his resolve. I love how these two come at the relationship from very damaged, cautious histories, but really can't manage to keep apart. Kidding themselves that it is physical desire, not deep love works only for so long.
The tension is very well written - at one point I had to stop reading, because we know, we just know, and there is too much at stake ... (I am a wus) anyway, I got back to it after a quick talking to myself, and it was really perfectly written!
Another excellent addition to the series, and great chance to catch up with some of the Stark family too. Thank you J. Kenner, thank you very much.
This is the third book in the series - and having read the previous two (and all things Stark!), I started out wondered how this could fit in ... but obviously Kenner is the master of the craft and gave us an excellent storyline which slips into the series in a very satisfying way indeed.
Xena calls Liam back, as his decision that her employer, Ella was safe has been put into serious question. However, one extra comment from Ella leaves her reeling, and Liam caught her reaction. Cue a complicated, chemistry-laden, and very moving story of one woman who has survived more than one would ever want to imagine.
Liam lost his first love due to his job, and would never, ever, dare to give anyone that opportunity again, but Xena is most definitely testing his resolve. I love how these two come at the relationship from very damaged, cautious histories, but really can't manage to keep apart. Kidding themselves that it is physical desire, not deep love works only for so long.
The tension is very well written - at one point I had to stop reading, because we know, we just know, and there is too much at stake ... (I am a wus) anyway, I got back to it after a quick talking to myself, and it was really perfectly written!
Another excellent addition to the series, and great chance to catch up with some of the Stark family too. Thank you J. Kenner, thank you very much.
September 26, 2019
‘Ruined with you’ is the third book in the Stark Security Series by J Kenner, and it was a real treat of a read!
I was given a copy in exchange for an honest review, and I honestly enjoyed the story, the characters, the twists and the romance. It had a bit of everything I like in a book.
When a celebrity is randomly assaulted on her morning job, her manager Xena calls in Liam Foster to investigate. However, Liam is not new to his clients. He believed to have banished the threat, and had been convinced that no more danger lurked for the star, so when he returns he very much wants to tie up loose ends and banish danger for good.
I loved Liam as a character, he is determined and he holds himself accountable for the assault, and won’t settle until he can close the case and pronounce everyone safe. But Xena is the one that makes things difficult, they have history and he tries hard to fight his feelings.
Xena is strong-willed, pretty and has been through a lot! She tries to convince herself, that Liam Foster is a mistake, but she is unable to deny her attraction. Their chemistry is what reels you into the book, and you are dying to know who the perpetrator is going to be.
I loved this book as it kept me guessing, and Kenner has a way of depicting chemistry that reels me in. I have read the previous books in this series, however you do not need to in order to enjoy the plot.
Amazing read and can’t wait to see how this series continues.
I was given a copy in exchange for an honest review, and I honestly enjoyed the story, the characters, the twists and the romance. It had a bit of everything I like in a book.
When a celebrity is randomly assaulted on her morning job, her manager Xena calls in Liam Foster to investigate. However, Liam is not new to his clients. He believed to have banished the threat, and had been convinced that no more danger lurked for the star, so when he returns he very much wants to tie up loose ends and banish danger for good.
I loved Liam as a character, he is determined and he holds himself accountable for the assault, and won’t settle until he can close the case and pronounce everyone safe. But Xena is the one that makes things difficult, they have history and he tries hard to fight his feelings.
Xena is strong-willed, pretty and has been through a lot! She tries to convince herself, that Liam Foster is a mistake, but she is unable to deny her attraction. Their chemistry is what reels you into the book, and you are dying to know who the perpetrator is going to be.
I loved this book as it kept me guessing, and Kenner has a way of depicting chemistry that reels me in. I have read the previous books in this series, however you do not need to in order to enjoy the plot.
Amazing read and can’t wait to see how this series continues.
Read
September 21, 2019Ruined With You (Stark Security #3) by J. Kenner
4 stars
M/F Romance
Triggers: Sex trafficking, Stalking, Rape, Murder
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads.
Xena loves her job. She is capable and has made a new life for herself. What she didn’t count on was her best friend needing a body guard. Enter Liam. He is hot, commanding and did I mention sexy?
Liam has a past that he has tried to outrun, forget, drive out of his mind and finally, accept. But, when he comes face to face with Xena again, he can’t deny that he finds her incredibly tempting.
Neither Xena nor Liam do love. They have cut that part of themselves off. Xena had to when she was young and naive. Liam had to in order to keep living. The trauma of their pasts collide and they have to decide whether or not they are worth the fight or if giving up is the best decision.
I really liked the story, but found that the chemistry between Liam and Xena somewhat flat compared to previous books in this series.
I am looking forward to the next installment - to see these characters again, kicking butt and taking names. This is a very entertaining series.
4 stars
M/F Romance
Triggers: Sex trafficking, Stalking, Rape, Murder
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads.
Xena loves her job. She is capable and has made a new life for herself. What she didn’t count on was her best friend needing a body guard. Enter Liam. He is hot, commanding and did I mention sexy?
Liam has a past that he has tried to outrun, forget, drive out of his mind and finally, accept. But, when he comes face to face with Xena again, he can’t deny that he finds her incredibly tempting.
Neither Xena nor Liam do love. They have cut that part of themselves off. Xena had to when she was young and naive. Liam had to in order to keep living. The trauma of their pasts collide and they have to decide whether or not they are worth the fight or if giving up is the best decision.
I really liked the story, but found that the chemistry between Liam and Xena somewhat flat compared to previous books in this series.
I am looking forward to the next installment - to see these characters again, kicking butt and taking names. This is a very entertaining series.
October 7, 2019
5 Star Review Ruined With You (Stark Security #3) by J Kenner
Having read other books in the Stark world I could not wait to dive in and read Ruined With You, book three in the Stark Security series.
In my opinion, this series is getting better and better. This is Xena Morgan and Liam Foster’s story. Liam is a man who never gives up, determined to do what ever it takes to get the job done.
I really loved the characters of Liam and Xena and as with previous books from Ms. Kenner the secondary characters were just as engaging.
As things spice up and danger rears it’s head again, neither Liam or Xena can deny the sizzling chemistry that is between them.
Will the secrets and lies force Liam and Xena apart or will they be able to push through?
Ruined With You is well written, fast paced, full of suspense and is a sizzling story that had me riveted from start to finish.
I was really cheering for Xena and Liam to get the happily ever after that they both so richly deserved.
Having read other books in the Stark world I could not wait to dive in and read Ruined With You, book three in the Stark Security series.
In my opinion, this series is getting better and better. This is Xena Morgan and Liam Foster’s story. Liam is a man who never gives up, determined to do what ever it takes to get the job done.
I really loved the characters of Liam and Xena and as with previous books from Ms. Kenner the secondary characters were just as engaging.
As things spice up and danger rears it’s head again, neither Liam or Xena can deny the sizzling chemistry that is between them.
Will the secrets and lies force Liam and Xena apart or will they be able to push through?
Ruined With You is well written, fast paced, full of suspense and is a sizzling story that had me riveted from start to finish.
I was really cheering for Xena and Liam to get the happily ever after that they both so richly deserved.
October 9, 2019
Ruined With You is the third book in the Stark Security series by J. Kenner. The main characters are Xena who is brand new and Liam who is not only known from the previous books but is also best friends with Jane and Dallas from the S.I.N. series. The book is a stand-alone, but we have so many characters from the past books/series appearing that one would feel like they have to read them all. The book is like a huge reunion. I should also warn you that the book contains possible triggers of sexual abuse.
I could almost say that I loved the book. If it wasn't for the gazillion secondary characters maybe I would have. They stole some of the spotlight from the main couple. But at least, we got to see Dallas and Jane who are not as frequent scene steals as Nikki and Damien are. Even Ryan and Jamie have started to pop up everywhere nowadays.
Liam and Xena were a nice couple. Their way towards happily ever after might not be the easiest, but it was a good one and it was a page-turner.
Overall, the book was good and I would recommend it.
I could almost say that I loved the book. If it wasn't for the gazillion secondary characters maybe I would have. They stole some of the spotlight from the main couple. But at least, we got to see Dallas and Jane who are not as frequent scene steals as Nikki and Damien are. Even Ryan and Jamie have started to pop up everywhere nowadays.
Liam and Xena were a nice couple. Their way towards happily ever after might not be the easiest, but it was a good one and it was a page-turner.
Overall, the book was good and I would recommend it.
September 20, 2019
As a former vigilante, Liam Foster knows how to get the job done. When a job from the past resurfaces it also opens up a spark between Liam and Xena. But will the baggage from her past keep Xena on the run? Or can Liam finally be able to acknowledge that you sometimes have to combine work and pleasure. In true J. Kenner style this book was filled with the perfect amount of deception, lies, action and angst. This was a perfect addition to the series and I look forward to more.
September 27, 2019
When I think Julie can't make me fall more in love with her writing she proves me wrong by bring another amazing beautiful story to my life. In Ruined With You, the third book of the Stark Security series she gives us the story of Liam and Xena. Liam is part of the Stark Security but must of you might remember him from the SIN series that Julie wrote. When I read the SIN seires I was praying that Julie would give Liam a story of his own....and she has. Liam has a past that shakes him from moving forward in a romantic relationship stance, never staying with a woman more than one night. His work is his life and his amazing at what he does to help the ones he needs to protect and the one he needs to protect is Xena. Xena has a past that one would pray that won't have and a story you just want to hold her and take away the pain and demons. After being tricked into human trafficking years ago shes been in hiding but now the demons of her past are back. The fear and intensity that Xena feels come off the pages of this book had my heart twisting for all the pain Xena was and is going through. She's not a victim, shes a survior of everything she had to endure and Liam just maxiums that strength with the love, protect, and trust he gives her. Thats one of the things I truly love about Julie's writing she brings these people have endured so much but with the love and trust they bring each other that can overcome and be stronger together. And as always she brings her books and characters from other stories that we love back together in some ways in this book. So if you are looking for suspense, heat, and emotion this a story for you.
September 24, 2019
Overall Grade: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
If you were to go back and look at all my Stark Security novel reviews, you’d probably see that I’ve rated them 4 to 4 1/2 stars. I’ve loved them all, partly because, as I’ve noted in other reviews, they are like “going home,” back to Stark and his right-hand man, Ryan Hunter. I am a sucker for what I call “extended universe” series. To a certain degree, it makes you seem like you’re watching a Marvel movie in the MCU with all of its interconnectedness. That’s a J. Kenner Stark book. And this series doesn’t just give us access to the characters of her universe, she also creates romantic suspense that drives your reading forward. J. Kenner’s newest book, Ruined with You, does this well.
I have to admit that I went into this book with a preconceived notion based on the last book in the series, Broken with You. It seemed as though Liam, one of the main security folk, might find love with the singer he’s tasked to protect. In hindsight, Kenner doesn’t really allude to it, but it seemed rational for his story. Boy, was I wrong. Yes, Ellie Love, the singer that Liam is tasked to protect, figures dramatically into this story, but she isn’t his love interest; his love interest is Xena Morgan, Ellie Love’s personal assistant. And there are three things clear from the start of the story: (1) she isn’t who she seems to be, (2) Liam and Xena are drawn deeply to each other, and (3) Liam and Xena are going to fight their attraction to the end. With a set up like that, you know that angst is on the menu with this book. And Kenner delivers. There is a reason that out of the four books thus far, this is my first 5 star review. Here goes:
The story. This is a heart-wrenching one, folks. I am not going to share Xena’s secret. It’s one of the best parts of the book as she tells her story. Just know it will break your heart.
Liam and Xena’s chemistry flies off the page. I’m not spoiling this terribly by telling you this, but know that they act on that chemistry earlier in the book than you expect. It’s the “feelings” part of a relationship that takes the entire book for them to reconcile.
This is, once again, romantic suspense. Liam and Xena, along with the other security force, are going after some bad guys, and it keeps you on the edge of your seat, literally and figuratively.
Everyone is here, even Damian and Nikki at the end. But we get more information on the other couplings we’ve read about in the other Stark Security series. We also get more Dallas and Jane. This book figures in nicely to the Kenner Stark universe.
Liam. I love him in this book, especially when Xena’s story is revealed. He’s compassionate and caring, albeit incredibly stubborn. For the most part, you’ll love him, but he will also frustrate you. He fights his connection with Xena more than she fights against his.
The message. This book is an important one because it’s difficult to love yourself, to accept yourself, after you’ve endured trauma. Yet, Kenner helps her readers see that, with love, you can fully accept yourself as you are. It’s the message that won me over to the additional star for this book. For me, Xena’s story, along with Liam’s background, push this over the edge of “better” than the other books.
If you are a J. Kenner fan, then this book will remind you why you love her Stark series so much. Ruined with You is an important story about self-love and acceptance, but also allowing yourself to love after trauma. Kenner has a way of bringing you into her world and leaving behind a little bit of you in the midst of her stories.
If you were to go back and look at all my Stark Security novel reviews, you’d probably see that I’ve rated them 4 to 4 1/2 stars. I’ve loved them all, partly because, as I’ve noted in other reviews, they are like “going home,” back to Stark and his right-hand man, Ryan Hunter. I am a sucker for what I call “extended universe” series. To a certain degree, it makes you seem like you’re watching a Marvel movie in the MCU with all of its interconnectedness. That’s a J. Kenner Stark book. And this series doesn’t just give us access to the characters of her universe, she also creates romantic suspense that drives your reading forward. J. Kenner’s newest book, Ruined with You, does this well.
I have to admit that I went into this book with a preconceived notion based on the last book in the series, Broken with You. It seemed as though Liam, one of the main security folk, might find love with the singer he’s tasked to protect. In hindsight, Kenner doesn’t really allude to it, but it seemed rational for his story. Boy, was I wrong. Yes, Ellie Love, the singer that Liam is tasked to protect, figures dramatically into this story, but she isn’t his love interest; his love interest is Xena Morgan, Ellie Love’s personal assistant. And there are three things clear from the start of the story: (1) she isn’t who she seems to be, (2) Liam and Xena are drawn deeply to each other, and (3) Liam and Xena are going to fight their attraction to the end. With a set up like that, you know that angst is on the menu with this book. And Kenner delivers. There is a reason that out of the four books thus far, this is my first 5 star review. Here goes:
The story. This is a heart-wrenching one, folks. I am not going to share Xena’s secret. It’s one of the best parts of the book as she tells her story. Just know it will break your heart.
Liam and Xena’s chemistry flies off the page. I’m not spoiling this terribly by telling you this, but know that they act on that chemistry earlier in the book than you expect. It’s the “feelings” part of a relationship that takes the entire book for them to reconcile.
This is, once again, romantic suspense. Liam and Xena, along with the other security force, are going after some bad guys, and it keeps you on the edge of your seat, literally and figuratively.
Everyone is here, even Damian and Nikki at the end. But we get more information on the other couplings we’ve read about in the other Stark Security series. We also get more Dallas and Jane. This book figures in nicely to the Kenner Stark universe.
Liam. I love him in this book, especially when Xena’s story is revealed. He’s compassionate and caring, albeit incredibly stubborn. For the most part, you’ll love him, but he will also frustrate you. He fights his connection with Xena more than she fights against his.
The message. This book is an important one because it’s difficult to love yourself, to accept yourself, after you’ve endured trauma. Yet, Kenner helps her readers see that, with love, you can fully accept yourself as you are. It’s the message that won me over to the additional star for this book. For me, Xena’s story, along with Liam’s background, push this over the edge of “better” than the other books.
If you are a J. Kenner fan, then this book will remind you why you love her Stark series so much. Ruined with You is an important story about self-love and acceptance, but also allowing yourself to love after trauma. Kenner has a way of bringing you into her world and leaving behind a little bit of you in the midst of her stories.
September 28, 2019
I love anything that has to deal with the Stark world and this third installment in the SSA series doesn’t fall short in any way. We knew that Liam had a past of sorts and that he was dark and mysterious and now its’ his turn to find happiness, or at least figure out how to move past his misery. We know that he was part of Deliverence, and that he and Dallas & Jane were really close all growing up because he was essentially part of their family. So it’s only late in the game that we see his time come.
In the last book we were briefly introduced to this story line – he was on assignment trying to figure out whether a threat was valid or not against an up and coming pop star named Ellie Love. He thought he had cleared it, after finding out that her PR team was trying to generate more buzz, only to find that something else was going on entirely. Just after he leaves her on tour, she gets attacked. She had taken precautions and even had a disguise but she was attacked anyway. The question that comes is whether it was random or not. Liam thinks not.
In this story we also meet Xena – Ellie’s personal assistant and we learn that she’s not only good at what she does but she’s got a past that’s made her tough as nails. It also makes her jumpy when she learned that the disguise Ellie used made her look like Xena, meaning this is definitely not random.
Liam picks up on a few things that she’s giving off and decides to go down that path. The other nuance to this bit too though is that there’s chemistry between them, but they both have walls up and their guard on high alert so they aren’t willing to give into temptation. Liam knows that his job will get those close to him killed (his last relationship and love is dead because of this) and Xena is running from something and is just afraid to really let anyone in and trust.
The journey here is slightly different than the other stories but still dynamic all the same. We need to know what makes both Liam and Xena tick in order to get to the bottom of what’s going on and we need to hope that they find the answers that they need before it’s too late. The entire stark team is involved in this mission now, pulling in resources from everywhere.
Xena is forced to run, Liam goes after her. They end up being ambushed, and followed even with the best measures possible put to shake a tail. They use the resources from the SSA to throw their attackers off their scent and still they find themselves as the wrong end of a gun. The question that begs to be answered is ‘who’s feeding the opposition information’ since there’s no way that anyone would know what the next move is without an inside mole. (mind you i figured that one out early as i’m sure everyone else did, but we don’t know why)\
On top of all that angst and tension, there’s romance and chemistry. What this couple wouldn’t give into in the past comes to a head here and they both see that there’s no way to stay apart. Even though they are close physically, there’s such emotional baggage that it’s a wonder if they can ever make it. Even with the intervention of family and friends, it seems like it’s a lost cause. Understandably so.
Anyhow – i think that we get the deep intense story that we need for Liam and a great continuation for the Stark Security team. I can’t wait to see what comes next since we don’t really know the guy who’s set to be the next main, but it sounds like it’s going to be juicy.
In the last book we were briefly introduced to this story line – he was on assignment trying to figure out whether a threat was valid or not against an up and coming pop star named Ellie Love. He thought he had cleared it, after finding out that her PR team was trying to generate more buzz, only to find that something else was going on entirely. Just after he leaves her on tour, she gets attacked. She had taken precautions and even had a disguise but she was attacked anyway. The question that comes is whether it was random or not. Liam thinks not.
In this story we also meet Xena – Ellie’s personal assistant and we learn that she’s not only good at what she does but she’s got a past that’s made her tough as nails. It also makes her jumpy when she learned that the disguise Ellie used made her look like Xena, meaning this is definitely not random.
Liam picks up on a few things that she’s giving off and decides to go down that path. The other nuance to this bit too though is that there’s chemistry between them, but they both have walls up and their guard on high alert so they aren’t willing to give into temptation. Liam knows that his job will get those close to him killed (his last relationship and love is dead because of this) and Xena is running from something and is just afraid to really let anyone in and trust.
The journey here is slightly different than the other stories but still dynamic all the same. We need to know what makes both Liam and Xena tick in order to get to the bottom of what’s going on and we need to hope that they find the answers that they need before it’s too late. The entire stark team is involved in this mission now, pulling in resources from everywhere.
Xena is forced to run, Liam goes after her. They end up being ambushed, and followed even with the best measures possible put to shake a tail. They use the resources from the SSA to throw their attackers off their scent and still they find themselves as the wrong end of a gun. The question that begs to be answered is ‘who’s feeding the opposition information’ since there’s no way that anyone would know what the next move is without an inside mole. (mind you i figured that one out early as i’m sure everyone else did, but we don’t know why)\
On top of all that angst and tension, there’s romance and chemistry. What this couple wouldn’t give into in the past comes to a head here and they both see that there’s no way to stay apart. Even though they are close physically, there’s such emotional baggage that it’s a wonder if they can ever make it. Even with the intervention of family and friends, it seems like it’s a lost cause. Understandably so.
Anyhow – i think that we get the deep intense story that we need for Liam and a great continuation for the Stark Security team. I can’t wait to see what comes next since we don’t really know the guy who’s set to be the next main, but it sounds like it’s going to be juicy.
October 16, 2019
Somehow my initial review just got wiped out so have to start over again. I love reading anything about Damien and Nikki Stark's world and the Stark Security series gives me glimpses of what has been happening in the Stark universe while introducing us to these special security personnel that Damien and Ryan has hired for the new organization to help people, no matter their financial means.
Liam was initially hired to protect Ellie Love, a very popular singer, against some threats she had received on her life. After figuring out who was threatening Ellie Love, Liam goes back to Stark Security for his next assignment. When Ellie Love is attacked while jogging, Liam is called back to figure out what is going on. Liam is personally questioning himself if he had missed something previously. After going back and meeting with Ellie Love and questioning her about the attack and getting security footage from the area, Liam realizes that Ellie was not the intended target. When Xena reacts quite emotionally after listening to Ellie recalling the attack, Liam has his suspensions about who the intended target really is. Xena, who is Ellie Love's personal assistant and has been with her for quite a while has a past that she doesn't talk much about.
Xena disappears before Liam has a chance to find her to talk to her and get her to tell him what is going on. With the information he got from Ellie, he finds Xena and tells her he is going to help her with whatever her situation is while Xena refuses his help. However, after Liam's resolve to help her, she finally tells him about her past and who is probably trying to get to her. Liam for his part doesn't judge and is actually very supportive of her and more determine to help Xena. He brings in his colleagues from Stark Security to help resolve the situation, especially when they realize the extent of the situation.
As Liam is protecting Xena, they finally give in to the hot physical chemistry that they have but were denying. The two of them as so hot together and their relationship develops as they continue to catch the culprit. Liam takes Xena to his childhood home, which is actually his best friends' house since Liam's mother was the maid for them. The best friends are actually Dallas and Jane so we get to find out what has been happening with these two people too. I love how we can always find out what other couples are up to within the Stark universe. It's like one big extended family in this world.
With the help of his colleagues from Stark Security, where we also get to find out what has been happening with some of the individuals from the other Stark Security books, they were ab
le to figure out a game to get the individuals that are trying to hurt Xena and to also capture these individuals since they found out it is bigger than someone from Xena's past trying to hurt her.
I love a romantic suspense book since it gives you not only the romance, but a mystery or situation to figure out and keeps you invested in how they will resolve the situation. Liam and Xena has deep feelings for each other too so they want to figure out if they have a future together. At the end, we also get more updates from other Stark characters such as Damien and Nikki, Ryan and Jamie, and others. Such a great book itself but bonus to get to updates about the other Stark universe characters. Can't wait for the next book!
Liam was initially hired to protect Ellie Love, a very popular singer, against some threats she had received on her life. After figuring out who was threatening Ellie Love, Liam goes back to Stark Security for his next assignment. When Ellie Love is attacked while jogging, Liam is called back to figure out what is going on. Liam is personally questioning himself if he had missed something previously. After going back and meeting with Ellie Love and questioning her about the attack and getting security footage from the area, Liam realizes that Ellie was not the intended target. When Xena reacts quite emotionally after listening to Ellie recalling the attack, Liam has his suspensions about who the intended target really is. Xena, who is Ellie Love's personal assistant and has been with her for quite a while has a past that she doesn't talk much about.
Xena disappears before Liam has a chance to find her to talk to her and get her to tell him what is going on. With the information he got from Ellie, he finds Xena and tells her he is going to help her with whatever her situation is while Xena refuses his help. However, after Liam's resolve to help her, she finally tells him about her past and who is probably trying to get to her. Liam for his part doesn't judge and is actually very supportive of her and more determine to help Xena. He brings in his colleagues from Stark Security to help resolve the situation, especially when they realize the extent of the situation.
As Liam is protecting Xena, they finally give in to the hot physical chemistry that they have but were denying. The two of them as so hot together and their relationship develops as they continue to catch the culprit. Liam takes Xena to his childhood home, which is actually his best friends' house since Liam's mother was the maid for them. The best friends are actually Dallas and Jane so we get to find out what has been happening with these two people too. I love how we can always find out what other couples are up to within the Stark universe. It's like one big extended family in this world.
With the help of his colleagues from Stark Security, where we also get to find out what has been happening with some of the individuals from the other Stark Security books, they were ab
le to figure out a game to get the individuals that are trying to hurt Xena and to also capture these individuals since they found out it is bigger than someone from Xena's past trying to hurt her.
I love a romantic suspense book since it gives you not only the romance, but a mystery or situation to figure out and keeps you invested in how they will resolve the situation. Liam and Xena has deep feelings for each other too so they want to figure out if they have a future together. At the end, we also get more updates from other Stark characters such as Damien and Nikki, Ryan and Jamie, and others. Such a great book itself but bonus to get to updates about the other Stark universe characters. Can't wait for the next book!
June 30, 2020
"Sexy Security - Stürmisches Feuer" ist eines von J. Kenners zahlreichen Erotikthriller, mit denen man mittlerweile schon eine ganze Regalwand füllen könnte. Bislang hatte ich noch nichts von der Autorin gelesen und hatte das auch eigentlich nicht vor, doch dann habe ich diese Neuerscheinung aus Versehen im Bloggerportal angefragt (ja ich weiß, man muss schon ziemlich unbegabt sein, um das zu schaffen) und auch bekommen. Leider hat sich mein ursprünglich fehlendes Interesse auch beim Lesen bewahrheitet: Auch wenn ich versucht habe, mich darauf einzulassen, hat mir diese Geschichte überhaupt nicht gefallen.
Das Cover ist mit dem schwarzen Grund und den geometrischen grünen, metallisch glänzenden Formen zwar ein Blickfang, wirklich auf den Inhalt abgestimmt ist die Gestaltung jedoch nicht. Auch der Untertitel klingt eher zufällig gewählt und hat für mich wenig Bezug zur Handlung. Was den Haupttitel anbelangt passt er grundsätzlich sehr gut, er ist aber einer dieser sehr konkreten Titeln, die man beim Zugfahren am liebsten verstecken würde, wenn ihr versteht, was ich meine... Etwas gestört hat mir an der inneren Gestaltung, dass der Wechsel der Erzählperspektive zwischen Xena und Liam nicht kenntlich gemacht wird, was ab und zu für Verwirrungen bei mir geführt hat. Zwar erzählt Xena aus der Ich-Perspektive während uns Liams Gedanken und Gefühle durch einen personalen Er-Erzähler nagegebracht werden, doch das hat beim Auseinanderhalten nicht wirklich geholfen und mich teilweise noch mehr verwirrt.
Erster Satz: "Seit Jahren lasse ich mich auf niemanden mehr ein."
Was man der Geschichte nicht vorwerfen kann, ist dass sie nicht in die Gänge kommt. Im Gegenteil: mit einem ominösen Angriff auf den Popstar Ellie Love, der den Security-Agenten Liam Foster in das Leben von Ellies Assistentin Xena bringt, startet der Roman recht flott ins Geschehen. Auch nach einem kurzen Kennenlernen geht es gleich weiter mit Verfolgungsjagden, nächtlichen Angriffen und überstürzten Fluchten, sodass die Handlung grundsätzlich immer spannend bleibt. Doch leider wickelt die Autorin viele potentiell spannende Szene sehr schnell ab, baut kaum emotionale Spannung auf und schöpft das Potential der Crime-Story nicht aus, sodass die Geschichte relativ unspektakulär vor sich hin plätschert. Dass das "große Geheimnis" der Protagonistin und dessen Hintergrundgeschichte schon nach wenigen Seiten aufgelöst wird, hilft ebenfalls nicht, um mein Interesse zu schüren. Obendrein wirkt die "krasse Enthüllung" reichlich konstruiert und auf mich eher oberflächlich, da einfach zu wenige Hintergründe, Emotionen und Informationen gebracht werden, um diese auch nur annähernd glaubwürdig zu machen. Wie um die eher mittelmäßig spannenden Handlung auszugleichen wird die Dramatik hier großgeschrieben, was teilweise so überzeichnet wirkt, dass ich lachen musste. Egal ob die überhastete Liebesgeschichte, die ziemlich dominante Erotik oder Xenas Hintergrundgeschichte - das war mir hier alles ein bisschen too much.
"Danke", sage ich und seufze, als ein Schimmer Hoffnung in mir zu glimmen beginnt. Dieser Mann ist ein echtes Wunder, doch ich habe noch nie an Wunder geglaubt."
Ebenfalls nicht überzeugen konnten mich die Charaktere, die mehr wie flache Projektionsflächen für den jeweils anderen darstellen. Liam ist der inkarnierte Beschützer, in dessen starke Arme sich die gebeutelte Xena natürlich mit Freunden wirft, während Xena die hilflose "Damsel in Distress" darstellt, die sich rehäugig an Liam Seite schmiegt. Tiefe, spürbare Gefühle oder Anziehungskraft geschweige denn Charakterentwicklung konnte ich hier leider nicht beobachten. Von den gefühlt zweitausend Nebencharakteren will ich gar nicht erst anfangen... Mir ist durchaus bewusst, dass es sich bei diesem Roman um den dritten Band einer Reihe handelt und die Geschichte auch in einem Universum spielt, das mit anderen Reihen der Autorin verknüpft sind. Ich erwarte jedoch von Reihen mit unterschiedlichen Protagonisten, dass sie eine unabhängige Geschichte erzählen und Rückbezüge zu anderen Strängen des großen Ganzen nicht über "Easter Eggs" hinausgehen. Hier hatte ich das Gefühl, dass sich J. Kenner voll und ganz darauf verlässt, dass man ihre Nebenfiguren schon aus den ersten Bänden kennt, was für sich allein genommen eigentlich noch kein großes Problem wäre. Leider haben aber viele der ins Spiel gebrachten Figuren keinerlei Funktion für die Geschichte und verwirren deshalb nur, da man als neuer Leser die Andeutungen auf andere Figuren aus diesem Universum leider nicht versteht.
"Ihr Geständnis hatte ihn mit einer Wärme erfüllt, die er seit vielen, vielen Jahren nicht mehr empfunden hatte. Es war ein Gefühl, das er sich innig gewünscht und dringend nötig gehabt hatte, und eines, von dem er sofort Reißaus hätte nehmen sollen. Aber er wollte nicht Reißaus nehmen. Sie und er schienen so gut zusammenzupassen, dass es ihm wie ein Wunder vorkam. Das Blöde war nur, dass sie nicht sein Wunder sein konnte."
Am Ende wird die eigentliche Rahmenhandlung mit Xenas "Verfolgungsproblem" in wenigen Sätzen relativ flott abgewickelt, was dazu passt, dass die Verfolger ohnehin relativ wenig Profil hatten und auch ihre "Beziehungsprobleme" lösen sich sehr schnell auf. Immerhin verzichtet die Autorin dann aber auf einen typischen Prä-Happy-End-Breakdown, der dem ganzen noch eine Krone aufgesetzt hätte. Es bleibt das Gefühl von Enttäuschung, denn trotz des netten Schreibstils der Autorin wird es wohl mein letztes Buch von J. Kenner gewesen sein.
Fazit:
Der Geschichte mangelte es leider an Spannung, Charme, Authentizität, Originalität, Gefühl und Tiefe - also praktisch an allem, was einen wirklich guten Roman für mich ausmacht. Die 1,5 Sterne gibt´s für den Schreibstil und die Abwesenheit des typischen, nervigen Prä-Happy-End-Breakdowns.
Das Cover ist mit dem schwarzen Grund und den geometrischen grünen, metallisch glänzenden Formen zwar ein Blickfang, wirklich auf den Inhalt abgestimmt ist die Gestaltung jedoch nicht. Auch der Untertitel klingt eher zufällig gewählt und hat für mich wenig Bezug zur Handlung. Was den Haupttitel anbelangt passt er grundsätzlich sehr gut, er ist aber einer dieser sehr konkreten Titeln, die man beim Zugfahren am liebsten verstecken würde, wenn ihr versteht, was ich meine... Etwas gestört hat mir an der inneren Gestaltung, dass der Wechsel der Erzählperspektive zwischen Xena und Liam nicht kenntlich gemacht wird, was ab und zu für Verwirrungen bei mir geführt hat. Zwar erzählt Xena aus der Ich-Perspektive während uns Liams Gedanken und Gefühle durch einen personalen Er-Erzähler nagegebracht werden, doch das hat beim Auseinanderhalten nicht wirklich geholfen und mich teilweise noch mehr verwirrt.
Erster Satz: "Seit Jahren lasse ich mich auf niemanden mehr ein."
Was man der Geschichte nicht vorwerfen kann, ist dass sie nicht in die Gänge kommt. Im Gegenteil: mit einem ominösen Angriff auf den Popstar Ellie Love, der den Security-Agenten Liam Foster in das Leben von Ellies Assistentin Xena bringt, startet der Roman recht flott ins Geschehen. Auch nach einem kurzen Kennenlernen geht es gleich weiter mit Verfolgungsjagden, nächtlichen Angriffen und überstürzten Fluchten, sodass die Handlung grundsätzlich immer spannend bleibt. Doch leider wickelt die Autorin viele potentiell spannende Szene sehr schnell ab, baut kaum emotionale Spannung auf und schöpft das Potential der Crime-Story nicht aus, sodass die Geschichte relativ unspektakulär vor sich hin plätschert. Dass das "große Geheimnis" der Protagonistin und dessen Hintergrundgeschichte schon nach wenigen Seiten aufgelöst wird, hilft ebenfalls nicht, um mein Interesse zu schüren. Obendrein wirkt die "krasse Enthüllung" reichlich konstruiert und auf mich eher oberflächlich, da einfach zu wenige Hintergründe, Emotionen und Informationen gebracht werden, um diese auch nur annähernd glaubwürdig zu machen. Wie um die eher mittelmäßig spannenden Handlung auszugleichen wird die Dramatik hier großgeschrieben, was teilweise so überzeichnet wirkt, dass ich lachen musste. Egal ob die überhastete Liebesgeschichte, die ziemlich dominante Erotik oder Xenas Hintergrundgeschichte - das war mir hier alles ein bisschen too much.
"Danke", sage ich und seufze, als ein Schimmer Hoffnung in mir zu glimmen beginnt. Dieser Mann ist ein echtes Wunder, doch ich habe noch nie an Wunder geglaubt."
Ebenfalls nicht überzeugen konnten mich die Charaktere, die mehr wie flache Projektionsflächen für den jeweils anderen darstellen. Liam ist der inkarnierte Beschützer, in dessen starke Arme sich die gebeutelte Xena natürlich mit Freunden wirft, während Xena die hilflose "Damsel in Distress" darstellt, die sich rehäugig an Liam Seite schmiegt. Tiefe, spürbare Gefühle oder Anziehungskraft geschweige denn Charakterentwicklung konnte ich hier leider nicht beobachten. Von den gefühlt zweitausend Nebencharakteren will ich gar nicht erst anfangen... Mir ist durchaus bewusst, dass es sich bei diesem Roman um den dritten Band einer Reihe handelt und die Geschichte auch in einem Universum spielt, das mit anderen Reihen der Autorin verknüpft sind. Ich erwarte jedoch von Reihen mit unterschiedlichen Protagonisten, dass sie eine unabhängige Geschichte erzählen und Rückbezüge zu anderen Strängen des großen Ganzen nicht über "Easter Eggs" hinausgehen. Hier hatte ich das Gefühl, dass sich J. Kenner voll und ganz darauf verlässt, dass man ihre Nebenfiguren schon aus den ersten Bänden kennt, was für sich allein genommen eigentlich noch kein großes Problem wäre. Leider haben aber viele der ins Spiel gebrachten Figuren keinerlei Funktion für die Geschichte und verwirren deshalb nur, da man als neuer Leser die Andeutungen auf andere Figuren aus diesem Universum leider nicht versteht.
"Ihr Geständnis hatte ihn mit einer Wärme erfüllt, die er seit vielen, vielen Jahren nicht mehr empfunden hatte. Es war ein Gefühl, das er sich innig gewünscht und dringend nötig gehabt hatte, und eines, von dem er sofort Reißaus hätte nehmen sollen. Aber er wollte nicht Reißaus nehmen. Sie und er schienen so gut zusammenzupassen, dass es ihm wie ein Wunder vorkam. Das Blöde war nur, dass sie nicht sein Wunder sein konnte."
Am Ende wird die eigentliche Rahmenhandlung mit Xenas "Verfolgungsproblem" in wenigen Sätzen relativ flott abgewickelt, was dazu passt, dass die Verfolger ohnehin relativ wenig Profil hatten und auch ihre "Beziehungsprobleme" lösen sich sehr schnell auf. Immerhin verzichtet die Autorin dann aber auf einen typischen Prä-Happy-End-Breakdown, der dem ganzen noch eine Krone aufgesetzt hätte. Es bleibt das Gefühl von Enttäuschung, denn trotz des netten Schreibstils der Autorin wird es wohl mein letztes Buch von J. Kenner gewesen sein.
Fazit:
Der Geschichte mangelte es leider an Spannung, Charme, Authentizität, Originalität, Gefühl und Tiefe - also praktisch an allem, was einen wirklich guten Roman für mich ausmacht. Die 1,5 Sterne gibt´s für den Schreibstil und die Abwesenheit des typischen, nervigen Prä-Happy-End-Breakdowns.
September 30, 2019
I can't say it enough, I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE the Stark Security series by the brilliant J. Kenner. And one of my favorite things about it is the fact that each book is about a different couple, yet, all my favorites from previous books are involved as well. Ruined With You is Liam & Xena's story. See, Liam's newest job is to protect a pop star by removing the danger, which he believed he had done so, but did he really? Xena was so glad that Liam got rid of the threat to her high maintenance boss, as she was feeling the attraction to Liam really getting out of hand, so she was relieved when he completed his assignment & left. However, all them were taken for a ride, as there was a new attack, only it was to the star's personal assistant, and the question became, was the baddies after the star or Xena? So Xena needs Liam again, much to her dismay, and/or secret excitement, and this time around, the chemistry that they had in spades, well, it wasn't going to be denied. Neither Liam nor Xena ever planned on falling in love, and it was because of past baggage, which I won't even breathe a hint, but with the chemistry getting through their walls, hearts decided to go rogue, so feelings were caught. But while there's all the sexy drama, and even some push & pull, we can't forget that there's some pretty big danger going on top of it all. And since Ms. Kenner is so very diabolical at penning big twists, they're coming from all directions, and at this point, the f-bombs were dropping loudly. So here's the questions which need answers to. Will Liam & Xena get past their relationship hangups so they have a chance at something fantastic?! And those baddies, are they after Xena or her boss?! Finally, who the hell are the baddies, and why are they doing what they're doing?! Now, I know how you can get the answers, as it's simple. You just have to one click this exciting story which features a big side of sexy IMMEDIATELY! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND TO ALL!
September 22, 2021
Beaucoup d’entres nous connaissent Julie Kenner et ses personnages masculins marquants particulièrement le très sexy Damien. Mais au fil des romances, d’autres héros se sont révélés comme ici avec le héros très caliente Liam!!
On retrouve donc ici le couple Liam et Xena. Liam est arrogant, sûr de lui et surtout il ne laisse rien au hasard. Il est prêt à tout pour ceux qui l'aime et lorsque Xena l'appelle à l'aide, il fera tout pour la protéger quitte à y laisser sa peau. Xena cache son passé, de profondes blessures et surtout une histoire qu'elle veut oublier. Liam sera t-il celui qui la sauvera? Xena devra apprendre à faire confiance pour espérer un happy end.
C'est une romance plutôt sympathique même si ce n'est pas ma préférée. Il m'a manqué quelques petites choses pour totalement adhérer à l'histoire. Le suspens est au rendez-vous. L'enquête au cœur de l'intrigue, est très bien ficelée et apporte rebondissements et tensions au livres. On ne peut échapper à l'envie de tourner les pages pour comprendre et arriver au dénouement.
Le couple Liam et Xena fait des étincelles. Il est sexy et représente le héros parfait qu'on aime retrouver dans nos lectures. Alpha en puissance, il donnera chaud à beaucoup d'entres vous. Xena a une forte personnalité, elle ne laissera personne lui imposer ses règles et son passé tragique l'a forgée. Elle est particulièrement attachante même si j'avoue que j'aurai aimé la secouer plus d'une fois.
Ils sont le yin et le yang, tellement différents mais tellement semblables à la fois. J'ai aimé les découvrir et une fois de plus les scènes érotiques sont superbes.
On retrouve les personnages précédemment vus, certains se révèlent et d'autres pas qui vous donneront envie de les étriper. Et que dire de la présence de mon chouchou number one Damien!!! J'ai adoré le retrouver.
En quelques mots, j'ai passé un bon moment de lecture. L'histoire est très bien menée avec une enquête palpitante et surtout une histoire d'amour sensuelle qui vous donnera quelques papillons.
On retrouve donc ici le couple Liam et Xena. Liam est arrogant, sûr de lui et surtout il ne laisse rien au hasard. Il est prêt à tout pour ceux qui l'aime et lorsque Xena l'appelle à l'aide, il fera tout pour la protéger quitte à y laisser sa peau. Xena cache son passé, de profondes blessures et surtout une histoire qu'elle veut oublier. Liam sera t-il celui qui la sauvera? Xena devra apprendre à faire confiance pour espérer un happy end.
C'est une romance plutôt sympathique même si ce n'est pas ma préférée. Il m'a manqué quelques petites choses pour totalement adhérer à l'histoire. Le suspens est au rendez-vous. L'enquête au cœur de l'intrigue, est très bien ficelée et apporte rebondissements et tensions au livres. On ne peut échapper à l'envie de tourner les pages pour comprendre et arriver au dénouement.
Le couple Liam et Xena fait des étincelles. Il est sexy et représente le héros parfait qu'on aime retrouver dans nos lectures. Alpha en puissance, il donnera chaud à beaucoup d'entres vous. Xena a une forte personnalité, elle ne laissera personne lui imposer ses règles et son passé tragique l'a forgée. Elle est particulièrement attachante même si j'avoue que j'aurai aimé la secouer plus d'une fois.
Ils sont le yin et le yang, tellement différents mais tellement semblables à la fois. J'ai aimé les découvrir et une fois de plus les scènes érotiques sont superbes.
On retrouve les personnages précédemment vus, certains se révèlent et d'autres pas qui vous donneront envie de les étriper. Et que dire de la présence de mon chouchou number one Damien!!! J'ai adoré le retrouver.
En quelques mots, j'ai passé un bon moment de lecture. L'histoire est très bien menée avec une enquête palpitante et surtout une histoire d'amour sensuelle qui vous donnera quelques papillons.
September 22, 2019
Ruined With You by J. Kenner was sexy, intense and thrilling with just the right touch of darkness and erotica. This story took me back to the first time I read J. Kenner and fall in love with her storytelling. The characters are complex with layers of imperfection. The plot is tightly knit and intriguing with twists and turns. And the chemistry is scorching hot and so much more than physical attraction.
Liam, the highly acclaimed Stark Security member needs control everywhere. In bedroom. In a hostile situation. In a dangerous mission. Because he lost someone close to him and that changed it. And Xena, the personal assistant of his next mission Pop Star Ellie Love needs to live by her own rules. But when Xena's abusive, sordid and traumatic past threatens Ellie's safety, Liam has to protect her. And also because Xena is breaking down all his walls. Can they mesh and bloom when their needs are exactly opposite.
Xena is a true warrior. She has survived unimaginable horror. And she is still capable of loving and understanding Liam beyond his damaged and broken soul. Liam is absolutely perfect. Confident, competent, caring and dominating with an attitude to match his body and mind. The dominance and submission games were delicious. This is something J. Kenner can write like a boss and my mind had a full treat. So much emotions were exchanged in these scenes beyond power over body. And of course there was this extra special appearance of our famous and favorite bad boy billionaire Dallas Sykes!
Stark Security series has become one of my favorites by J. Kenner. Ruined With You was a brilliant addition to the series. Strong and powerful men with heart of gold. Even stronger women who can stand with these men. And the alluring and sinfully sexy emotions. What more can you possibly want from a wickedly hot and intense romance?
Received ARC for Honest review
Liam, the highly acclaimed Stark Security member needs control everywhere. In bedroom. In a hostile situation. In a dangerous mission. Because he lost someone close to him and that changed it. And Xena, the personal assistant of his next mission Pop Star Ellie Love needs to live by her own rules. But when Xena's abusive, sordid and traumatic past threatens Ellie's safety, Liam has to protect her. And also because Xena is breaking down all his walls. Can they mesh and bloom when their needs are exactly opposite.
Xena is a true warrior. She has survived unimaginable horror. And she is still capable of loving and understanding Liam beyond his damaged and broken soul. Liam is absolutely perfect. Confident, competent, caring and dominating with an attitude to match his body and mind. The dominance and submission games were delicious. This is something J. Kenner can write like a boss and my mind had a full treat. So much emotions were exchanged in these scenes beyond power over body. And of course there was this extra special appearance of our famous and favorite bad boy billionaire Dallas Sykes!
Stark Security series has become one of my favorites by J. Kenner. Ruined With You was a brilliant addition to the series. Strong and powerful men with heart of gold. Even stronger women who can stand with these men. And the alluring and sinfully sexy emotions. What more can you possibly want from a wickedly hot and intense romance?
Received ARC for Honest review
September 21, 2019
Gritty, thrilling, and bittersweet.
Liam and Xena are one tough couple. This suspenseful romance has two main characters with a deeply painful past. I could understand his life being independent from relationships because he lost hard too soon. Yet it's her experiences which really made my heart squeeze and weep. Especially as she recounted her harrowing memories in one liberating scene.
This story deals with sensitive issues of abuse and running for your life, and it also shows a strong woman who has learned to survive through it all. I think the whole story is gripping from the world of famous singers who face threats to the security expertise used in investigating the evils at large.
There's action, clandestine crime, two people helplessly falling in love, and a message of tenacity against adversity. It's also sensual and emotional. The interrracial romance is a bonus for me!
I loved the scenes where the security team work together, and girls' time too with the sweet camaraderie. It's very endearing the way that Xena finds the courage to claim her own pleasure and Liam treats her so thoughtfully.
He leads a dangerous life and she’s running from danger, but somehow they connect with heart and heat. They are both bleeding from emotional wounds, and it feels important and trascendent the way they face not only their demons, but the truth about their need for love.
So it's a suspenseful journey to safety full of top-notch technology, amazing appearances of Damien and Dallas and Jane (from other books equally interesting), and a strong ending that still manages to be edgy and happy. Great story.
Liam and Xena are one tough couple. This suspenseful romance has two main characters with a deeply painful past. I could understand his life being independent from relationships because he lost hard too soon. Yet it's her experiences which really made my heart squeeze and weep. Especially as she recounted her harrowing memories in one liberating scene.
This story deals with sensitive issues of abuse and running for your life, and it also shows a strong woman who has learned to survive through it all. I think the whole story is gripping from the world of famous singers who face threats to the security expertise used in investigating the evils at large.
There's action, clandestine crime, two people helplessly falling in love, and a message of tenacity against adversity. It's also sensual and emotional. The interrracial romance is a bonus for me!
I loved the scenes where the security team work together, and girls' time too with the sweet camaraderie. It's very endearing the way that Xena finds the courage to claim her own pleasure and Liam treats her so thoughtfully.
He leads a dangerous life and she’s running from danger, but somehow they connect with heart and heat. They are both bleeding from emotional wounds, and it feels important and trascendent the way they face not only their demons, but the truth about their need for love.
So it's a suspenseful journey to safety full of top-notch technology, amazing appearances of Damien and Dallas and Jane (from other books equally interesting), and a strong ending that still manages to be edgy and happy. Great story.
September 22, 2019
"I'm sorry."
"Sorry? Baby, you don't have anything to be sorry about."
"I think I used you."
"I think I liked it."
Oh, these men of Stark Security!! Who doesn't love a tall, muscled, dark, handsome man who makes it his priority to keep you safe? I know I do!!
Liam Foster just put his client in danger. Misreading the seriousness of threats is something he never does. So how did he get it so wrong? Or did he? When it becomes apparent that the target is not the pop-star he had been guarding, but someone else, he should at least be relieved that he hadn't made a mistake. But now, the target is the woman he can't stop thinking about. The one he wants but can never have. No question, he'll keep her safe and eliminate the threat - that's what he does. But, when his job is done, will he be able to walk away?
Xena Morgan thought she was safe. She never thought they'd find her. But, it's clear her past has come back to haunt her, and to eliminate her. She should just disappear - a new identity, new city, new life. But, that would mean leaving him behind. Liam. Knowing that her past puts everyone she cares about in danger is enough to make her want to run. But Liam gives her hope. He gives her the courage to face her past and put it to rest once and for all. She knows he'll keep her safe, but is she just a job to him? When this is all over, is her chance at happiness over too?
These two have chemistry off the charts! Xena's story is so heartbreaking, and Liam's equally as tragic. But together, their broken pieces fit together and make each of them whole again. Definitely grab this series!! You won't be disappointed!!
"Sorry? Baby, you don't have anything to be sorry about."
"I think I used you."
"I think I liked it."
Oh, these men of Stark Security!! Who doesn't love a tall, muscled, dark, handsome man who makes it his priority to keep you safe? I know I do!!
Liam Foster just put his client in danger. Misreading the seriousness of threats is something he never does. So how did he get it so wrong? Or did he? When it becomes apparent that the target is not the pop-star he had been guarding, but someone else, he should at least be relieved that he hadn't made a mistake. But now, the target is the woman he can't stop thinking about. The one he wants but can never have. No question, he'll keep her safe and eliminate the threat - that's what he does. But, when his job is done, will he be able to walk away?
Xena Morgan thought she was safe. She never thought they'd find her. But, it's clear her past has come back to haunt her, and to eliminate her. She should just disappear - a new identity, new city, new life. But, that would mean leaving him behind. Liam. Knowing that her past puts everyone she cares about in danger is enough to make her want to run. But Liam gives her hope. He gives her the courage to face her past and put it to rest once and for all. She knows he'll keep her safe, but is she just a job to him? When this is all over, is her chance at happiness over too?
These two have chemistry off the charts! Xena's story is so heartbreaking, and Liam's equally as tragic. But together, their broken pieces fit together and make each of them whole again. Definitely grab this series!! You won't be disappointed!!
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