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K&S Securities #5
Nascent Nikki
Grayson
Nascente.
In Italian it means just coming into existence or being birthed. A rising star.
No other word defines her better.
She's my everything. Best friend. Lover.. Soul mate..
It's been my privilege to be by her side on some of the hardest days of her life.
Only one thing stands between us and our happily ever after. The man responsible for her worst nightmares.
Nikki
When I was rescued from the pit of hell I thought the worst was over.
I was wrong.
Some days putting the shattered pieces of my life back together feels impossible.
Through it all he's been by my side. My protector. My strength. My love.
When my nightmare returns, intent on tearing us apart, will I have healed enough to face it or will I be dragged into the depths forever this time?
Nascente.
In Italian it means just coming into existence or being birthed. A rising star.
No other word defines her better.
She's my everything. Best friend. Lover.. Soul mate..
It's been my privilege to be by her side on some of the hardest days of her life.
Only one thing stands between us and our happily ever after. The man responsible for her worst nightmares.
Nikki
When I was rescued from the pit of hell I thought the worst was over.
I was wrong.
Some days putting the shattered pieces of my life back together feels impossible.
Through it all he's been by my side. My protector. My strength. My love.
When my nightmare returns, intent on tearing us apart, will I have healed enough to face it or will I be dragged into the depths forever this time?
150 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 1, 2021
55 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
January 3, 2022
3.5 ⭐
Book 2!!! And this was the aftermath of what Nikki went though at the hands of Dominic.
And I loved every second we got to see the pain Nikki went though her being friends to lovers with Garyson and the steps they took.. since she still wasn't feeling herself. Going to therapy and trying to take back what was stolen. But even if they were slowly being friends Nikki was frustrated at Garyson for a moment of jerkness. Thinking he was done with her didn't want a broken woman. Which wasn't the case that miscommunication had Nikki running away and leaving him for few hours. Glad he saw the errors of his way and showed Nikki he was going slow for her. They do have drama and unfinished bussiness with what happened to Nikki.
We sorta get a sample of the next couple!! And seems like a love/hate or annoyed by eachother.
Low angst, no ow/om drama, no cheating, drama, secondary character, sexy times, no virgins
Recommend-maybe
Cover-⭐⭐⭐
Heat level-🌶🌶
Slow-burnish
Ptsd/Trauma
Mentions suicide
Masturbation
No condom
Violence
Hea
Epilogue
Book 2!!! And this was the aftermath of what Nikki went though at the hands of Dominic.
And I loved every second we got to see the pain Nikki went though her being friends to lovers with Garyson and the steps they took.. since she still wasn't feeling herself. Going to therapy and trying to take back what was stolen. But even if they were slowly being friends Nikki was frustrated at Garyson for a moment of jerkness. Thinking he was done with her didn't want a broken woman. Which wasn't the case that miscommunication had Nikki running away and leaving him for few hours. Glad he saw the errors of his way and showed Nikki he was going slow for her. They do have drama and unfinished bussiness with what happened to Nikki.
We sorta get a sample of the next couple!! And seems like a love/hate or annoyed by eachother.
Low angst, no ow/om drama, no cheating, drama, secondary character, sexy times, no virgins
Recommend-maybe
Cover-⭐⭐⭐
Heat level-🌶🌶
Slow-burnish
Ptsd/Trauma
Mentions suicide
Masturbation
No condom
Violence
Hea
Epilogue
May 1, 2021
Nikki and Grayson are my absolute favorite couple of the series. I wasn’t so sure how Nikki was going to survive after the way things went down in Guarded By Grayson but dang Nikki our beautiful strong independent heroine saved herself!! She was freaking amazing she let herself feel and then stood up and said no more. Her trauma was not going to run her life so she picked herself up and got herself and her life in order….. I love that we got to see Nikki go through all the motions of trauma and what I would think most people would go through as well. Very authentic. Nikki and Grayson give you all the feels and had me tearing up so some points in the story! It was gripping, suspenseful and intriguing!!! I absolutely loved it!
April 19, 2021
A most satisfying ending to this duet and rounding off the quintet nicely too. I loved how Nikki finds her feet after the disaster of the last book and how she was able to put herself back together again with Gray's support and the buffer of her newfound family.
Andersen's story is a beautiful tribute to our capacity to transform horror and trauma into something stronger and way more beautiful. Of the four female leads in this series, Nikki is definitely my favourite. She really shows that awful things don't have to break us, and that we can go kick-ass awesome and vulnerable at the same time, that it's okay to not be okay, and that we can take everything we've experienced and redefine ourselves as we want to.
Additionally, the message about the importance of a support network, whether that is through a biological family or a chosen one, is brilliantly portrayed. This is a beautiful story and I highly recommend it.
Andersen's story is a beautiful tribute to our capacity to transform horror and trauma into something stronger and way more beautiful. Of the four female leads in this series, Nikki is definitely my favourite. She really shows that awful things don't have to break us, and that we can go kick-ass awesome and vulnerable at the same time, that it's okay to not be okay, and that we can take everything we've experienced and redefine ourselves as we want to.
Additionally, the message about the importance of a support network, whether that is through a biological family or a chosen one, is brilliantly portrayed. This is a beautiful story and I highly recommend it.
April 13, 2021
The heroine saves herself this time, folks! Nikki absolutely needed to find a way back to who she truly was, and boy did she find it. She’s changed, though. No longer the colorful, pre-Dominic woman, she’s also not the broken doll she felt like for so long. Instead, she emerges from her fog of depression and agony as something so much more than either version she’s been. But that change isn’t without serious emotion and some sadness either. When she decided that she was a burden and needed to save herself, I wanted to cry. Not because she did it, but because of the catalyst. As much as this is a story of how Nikki and Grayson find their HEA, it’s also a story of how Nikki shows Grayson and everyone else that she’s not to be trifled with. And that alone made this a 5⭐️ read for me.
Nikki and Grayson have their happiness. They have their future. So now we need to focus on Becca and hopefully Starla after her, because I’m loving this series and the unique women of each book.
Nikki and Grayson have their happiness. They have their future. So now we need to focus on Becca and hopefully Starla after her, because I’m loving this series and the unique women of each book.
June 21, 2021
Epic
Renewing
Touching
Empowering
Needed
Conclusion for Nikki and Grayson.
I didn’t think I could love Grayson more, but AJ did it. This man has hit all my dream qualities and then some.
Nikki grew so much. It was awe inspiring to see her strength even when she felt broken. To see her heal. To see her resolve. To see her gut and determination. To see her change from victim to survivor. To see her love and be loved in return.
AJ brought all the emotions with Niki and Grayson. It left you exhausted from the emotional roller coaster, but invigorated from the ride, especially with that ending.
I can’t wait to see where this series takes us!
5⭐️ Reread Favorite
4⭐️ Absolutely loved it
3⭐️ Flaws but kept me entertained
2⭐️ Characters or major plot issues
1⭐️ More than majors issues
Renewing
Touching
Empowering
Needed
Conclusion for Nikki and Grayson.
I didn’t think I could love Grayson more, but AJ did it. This man has hit all my dream qualities and then some.
Nikki grew so much. It was awe inspiring to see her strength even when she felt broken. To see her heal. To see her resolve. To see her gut and determination. To see her change from victim to survivor. To see her love and be loved in return.
AJ brought all the emotions with Niki and Grayson. It left you exhausted from the emotional roller coaster, but invigorated from the ride, especially with that ending.
I can’t wait to see where this series takes us!
5⭐️ Reread Favorite
4⭐️ Absolutely loved it
3⭐️ Flaws but kept me entertained
2⭐️ Characters or major plot issues
1⭐️ More than majors issues
May 2, 2021
Nascent Nikki is the continuing story of Nikki and Grayson whose story originated in Guarded by Grayson. It's the aftermath and struggle of Nikki after being rescued from Dominic (Grayson sperm donor) by Grayson (Gray). Horrible things were done to Nikki by him and his henchmen, things that don't go away just by it being over, but by understand, time, therapy and love. Luckily, Nikki has all that due to her therapist, the loving support system of her friends, her therapist and mostly Gray. Nikki is not only coming to terms with her ordeal, but with the awakening sexual feelings and desires. She not only wants Gray, but loves him. He still loves her... but neither has told the other. Gray is doing everything he can to help Nikki be put back together again and has the patience of a saint. When Nikki sees Grayson in a towel by accident, both feel the desire for each other, but are unsure how to act on it. Eventually with trepidation and patience on both parts, they are able to have a wonderful, fulfilling night together... but as we all know there is always a wrench thrown in the works. Dominic has been released from jail and has disappeared... it's hard to get happy after that, knowing he is lurking out there.
AJ has done another wonderful job in spinning their tale, complete with letting us know that Nikki as well as all the other ladies have been trained in handling and using a firearm as well as self defense classes. We get the incorporation of all the other couples from previous books that are combined as a loving family and support system for Nikki. They thrive together as a unit and blend their lives together...trying to live a "normal" life with the overhang of Dominic lurking out there some where. We all know it's just a matter of time before Dominic rears his ugly head and rear it does... in the end, it's Nikki vs Dominic... she goes head to head with him, sparing the other ladies and Ana's newborns. Her skills come into good use and Dominic is thwarted. By the time Grayson and company arrive, Dominic is now only going to be a bad memory. Now is the time for healing and growing just as the definition of nascent is. With the love of a good man and loving friends, Nikki is definitely Nascent.
AJ has done another wonderful job in spinning their tale, complete with letting us know that Nikki as well as all the other ladies have been trained in handling and using a firearm as well as self defense classes. We get the incorporation of all the other couples from previous books that are combined as a loving family and support system for Nikki. They thrive together as a unit and blend their lives together...trying to live a "normal" life with the overhang of Dominic lurking out there some where. We all know it's just a matter of time before Dominic rears his ugly head and rear it does... in the end, it's Nikki vs Dominic... she goes head to head with him, sparing the other ladies and Ana's newborns. Her skills come into good use and Dominic is thwarted. By the time Grayson and company arrive, Dominic is now only going to be a bad memory. Now is the time for healing and growing just as the definition of nascent is. With the love of a good man and loving friends, Nikki is definitely Nascent.
April 20, 2021
Absolutely amazing and touching story, perfect for the conclusion of this duet.
Nikki is been through a lot, she has experience things no woman should have. She has scars, both internally and externally but she is beautiful both ways as well. In this book she wants to start living her life again. She is stronger and braver and I absolutely love her character.
Grayson is just the most amazing guy ever. He has Nikki's back, he cares for her, supports her and don't see nothing but absolutely beauty in Nikki. He is the most patient person and I'm just swooning after him.
The plot of this story is just amazing and the friendship and unity of all the characters in this series is perfect. When an unexpected threat happens Nikki becomes the heroine in her story and the ending was so so good.
I can't wait for what's to come out next in the series because honestly the books keep getting better and better.
April 21, 2021
Holy smokes! The conclusion to Nikki and Grayson's duet was intense!! I couldn't put it down. I highly recommend if you love angst, suspense that gets a little dark. Gray and Nikki are now up top with my favorite K&S Securities couple Xavier and Ana (Book 2). I absolutely loved loved this story and can't wait to see which couple gets their story next!! I need it now...
April 16, 2021
Nikki's story continues and omg get ready to cry. You will need to have some tissues on hand when reading this. So we know that Nikki was dealt a bad hand in the previous book. She is trying to recover from her ordeal. It has not been easy for her and she has made progress. Now while she is recovering Grayson is being the best gentleman that he is. He is being patient with her and does not want to spook her. It looks like Nikki is ready to move forward and grasp the relationship she should have started months ago. Unfortunately something happens and it seems that her path derails. Then the man of her nightmares is back. Can she remember how to defend herself? Will she freeze up? Will Grayson be there to defend and protect her? Well get ready to have your heart pounding and feel your anxiety go through the roof through out the whole book. I will say that we do get a happily ever after! This is such a great series.
April 18, 2021
Nascent Nikki was the conclusion to Nikki and Grayson's journey, and what a journey it was! Part2 was about Nikki healing and breaking down those barriers, for what she endured in part1! I loved Nikki for how she fought to come out the other side with the support and love of this beautiful and patient man Grayson! Wonderful ending! Looking forward to reading more of KS Securities Series!
April 25, 2021
This is the gripping continuation and perfect conclusion of Grayson and Nikki’s Duet.
Their feelings may be complicated but their attraction is strong, and considering the circumstances, they’re afraid to act on both their feelings and their attraction. But Nikki is a survivor and Grayson is there every step of the way!
As Nikki heals, Grayson shows her just how compassionate and patient he can be. She starts to become more confident as she learns to defend herself, and begins to live the life she deserves, which includes all the sweet and all the steamy with Grayson.
However, as we know with this series and AJ Andersen’s mind...never get too comfortable because at some point you’ll be holding your breath or sitting on the edge of your seat!
Grayson is beyond swoon worthy, sexy and protective. He’s definitely what dreams and book boyfriends are made of and we could all use a little, or a lot, of a Grayson in our lives!
Intensely emotional, this is a story of unconditional love that happened against all odds, defying so many obstacles.
I was lucky enough to have done a beta read of this book, and trust me when I say that having been along for the creative ride was just as amazing as it sounds!
Their feelings may be complicated but their attraction is strong, and considering the circumstances, they’re afraid to act on both their feelings and their attraction. But Nikki is a survivor and Grayson is there every step of the way!
As Nikki heals, Grayson shows her just how compassionate and patient he can be. She starts to become more confident as she learns to defend herself, and begins to live the life she deserves, which includes all the sweet and all the steamy with Grayson.
However, as we know with this series and AJ Andersen’s mind...never get too comfortable because at some point you’ll be holding your breath or sitting on the edge of your seat!
Grayson is beyond swoon worthy, sexy and protective. He’s definitely what dreams and book boyfriends are made of and we could all use a little, or a lot, of a Grayson in our lives!
Intensely emotional, this is a story of unconditional love that happened against all odds, defying so many obstacles.
I was lucky enough to have done a beta read of this book, and trust me when I say that having been along for the creative ride was just as amazing as it sounds!
May 1, 2021
Nikki and Grayson’s story concludes May 1st 2021!
April 30, 2021
Nikki comes into her own in this story! Suspense that dabbles on the dark side, Nascent Nikki will suck you in and won’t let go. Loved it.
May 1, 2021
Wow, I am so proud of Nikki. I think she is such a strong and amazing heroine. To see her work on overcoming and moving on from her horrific experience is awe inspiring. She is so much stronger than she realizes. Grayson is the perfect match for her. He is such a gentle soul when it comes to Nikki and her feeling; always keeping her in mind and keeping his feelings at bay because he doesn't want to scare her or push her away. The ending was so intense and had kept me at the edge of my seat. I think AJ Andersen did an amazing job with such a difficult topic to write about. I can't wait to see what else she has planned for this series.
April 20, 2021
This is AJ Andersen's best book so far! Nikki is the heroine of the story. She won't be a victim. Emotions run the gamete in this book. Loved it.
April 25, 2021
This is the highly anticipated conclusion to Grayson and Nikki’s intensely emotional story and you won’t be disappointed!
Their feelings may be complicated but their attraction is strong, and considering the circumstances, they’re afraid to act on both their feelings and their attraction. But Nikki is a survivor and Grayson is there every step of the way!
As Nikki heals, Grayson shows her just how compassionate and patient he can be. She starts to become more confident as she learns to defend herself, and begins to live the life she deserves, which includes all the sweet and all the steamy with Grayson.
However, as we know with this series and AJ Andersen’s mind...never get too comfortable because at some point you’ll be holding your breath or sitting on the edge of your seat!
Grayson is beyond swoon worthy, sexy and protective. He’s definitely what dreams and book boyfriends are made of and we could all use a little, or a lot, of a Grayson in our lives!
This is a story of unconditional love that happened against all odds, defying so many obstacles.
Their feelings may be complicated but their attraction is strong, and considering the circumstances, they’re afraid to act on both their feelings and their attraction. But Nikki is a survivor and Grayson is there every step of the way!
As Nikki heals, Grayson shows her just how compassionate and patient he can be. She starts to become more confident as she learns to defend herself, and begins to live the life she deserves, which includes all the sweet and all the steamy with Grayson.
However, as we know with this series and AJ Andersen’s mind...never get too comfortable because at some point you’ll be holding your breath or sitting on the edge of your seat!
Grayson is beyond swoon worthy, sexy and protective. He’s definitely what dreams and book boyfriends are made of and we could all use a little, or a lot, of a Grayson in our lives!
This is a story of unconditional love that happened against all odds, defying so many obstacles.
May 4, 2021
This is the conclusion of the duet featuring Grayson and Nikki. I am so glad that A.J. Split these books as I totally agree that Nikki needed her own book to convey her story.
Nikki has been through countless horrible things in her life and has some how endured them all. This book starts with her at the lowest of lows and you experience them all with her. She fights back to the way she was pre Dom and then better. She fights her way back and falls in love with Grayson. She is so brave and can stare down her worst nightmares by the end.
Grayson is the sweetest and most patient man alive. He takes his time waiting patiently for Nikki to love herself before she can love him. He keeps all of his feelings locked away waiting for her to come through her grief.
The ending of this book was so good and so unexpected. I loved getting a little glimpse into all the other K&S security members lives as well. I loved getting to see there lives move forward. I highly recommend this series of books and hope you enjoy them as well.
Nikki has been through countless horrible things in her life and has some how endured them all. This book starts with her at the lowest of lows and you experience them all with her. She fights back to the way she was pre Dom and then better. She fights her way back and falls in love with Grayson. She is so brave and can stare down her worst nightmares by the end.
Grayson is the sweetest and most patient man alive. He takes his time waiting patiently for Nikki to love herself before she can love him. He keeps all of his feelings locked away waiting for her to come through her grief.
The ending of this book was so good and so unexpected. I loved getting a little glimpse into all the other K&S security members lives as well. I loved getting to see there lives move forward. I highly recommend this series of books and hope you enjoy them as well.
May 1, 2021
Nascent Nikki is the conclusion to Grayson and Nikki’s emotional story and it was so good! It wouldn’t be an A.J. book if you weren’t on the edge of your seat going on the rollercoaster with these characters.
There are so many difficult emotions and thoughts to navigate through this story, but these two have such a strong attraction to one another you know they’re going to act on it.
Nikki is one of those heroines you can’t help but get behind and support 100% of the way. She has been through so much and to watch her heal and do so with Grayson is an amazing thing to read about.
Nascent Nikki was brilliantly written. This story has amazing character development, fantastic world building, and two main characters you can’t help but root for! Beautifully done!
There are so many difficult emotions and thoughts to navigate through this story, but these two have such a strong attraction to one another you know they’re going to act on it.
Nikki is one of those heroines you can’t help but get behind and support 100% of the way. She has been through so much and to watch her heal and do so with Grayson is an amazing thing to read about.
Nascent Nikki was brilliantly written. This story has amazing character development, fantastic world building, and two main characters you can’t help but root for! Beautifully done!
May 12, 2021
Loved this so much!!!! This story is what I hoped for and so much more! Throughout the first 3 books of this series, you got glimpses, bits, and pieces of Grayson and Nikki's story. Then we got the first book in their duet. And finally, have part two of their story. Picking up with the first book left off, Grayson and Nikki are learning to deal with the aftermath of of Nikki's kidnapping, assault, and torture. Their journey is a bumpy one. And not everything goes as planned. Can't wait to see what AJ Andersen does next!!
July 17, 2021
Loved this so much!!!! This story is what I hoped for and so much more! Throughout the first 3 books of this series, you got glimpses, bits, and pieces of Grayson and Nikki's story. Then we got the first book in their duet. And finally, have part two of their story. Picking up with the first book left off, Grayson and Nikki are learning to deal with the aftermath of of Nikki's kidnapping, assault, and torture. Their journey is a bumpy one. And not everything goes as planned. Can't wait to see what AJ Andersen does next!!
September 15, 2021
All good things come to an end.
Nikki and Grayson's stories were by no means easy. But they were fulfilling!
The traumas she went through, were hideous and life altering. But he saved her in more ways than one.
Their love story is as special and emotional as the rest but resonated deeper with me.
K & S is one of my new favorite groups. I can't wait to see what is next!
Nikki and Grayson's stories were by no means easy. But they were fulfilling!
The traumas she went through, were hideous and life altering. But he saved her in more ways than one.
Their love story is as special and emotional as the rest but resonated deeper with me.
K & S is one of my new favorite groups. I can't wait to see what is next!
August 7, 2022
This is such a beautiful book. Nikki goes through so much, but is portrayed so gently and with so much compassion. I couldn't get enough of her amazing character. I truly love this series and each book just gets better and better.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews