Blitz Review & Giveaway ~ Under My Skin ~ J. Kenner

Welcome to my stop on the blog tour for J. Kenner's Under My Skin, the third and final installment in the Stark International Trilogy. My stop includes all the details on the book, my review, and a giveaway. Enjoy!

Under My Skin by J Kenner
Stark International Trilogy #3
Release Date: September 1, 2015
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance, Erotic Romance
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, via Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review
Rating: 4 Bookworms
Goodreads ~ Amazon ~ B&N

Synopsis
He's the only man I've ever loved, and the one man I can't bear to lose.

Jackson Steele is my light in this world. Charismatic, bold, and always in control, he knows what he wants and how to get it--and absolutely nothing stands in his way. His hold on me is magnetic, his claim on me complete, his kiss my ultimate escape.

We both harbor dark secrets that could tear our lives apart. Though we've tried to bury our pasts, there are certain people who won't let us forget. But the closer danger comes, the brighter the fire between us burns--our ecstasy consuming and soothing us both.

There's no telling what lies ahead, but I know that Jackson never gives in without a fight. I'd do anything he wants to keep him safe, give him anything he needs. And now that we're in deep, nothing can make me run.

Under My Skin is intended for mature audiences.

Other books in the series

Say My Name (Stark International #1)

On My Knees (Stark International #2)

Keeping me guessing about certain things until the end, Under My Skin was an exciting and fulfilling conclusion to Sylvia and Jackson's story.

Sylvia and Jackson have endured quite a bit both personally as well as professionally. Under My Skin sees them still battling - against the saboteurs trying to thwart the resort project, and the legal system as Jackson seems the prime suspect in a murder investigation. On top of all that, both Sylvia and Jackson must decide once and for all that together they're stronger and their love can weather any storm.

I liked how Kenner maintained the tension in both the business element and the murder investigation. I did think the murder mystery element resolved a little too neatly, although I was still unsure as to whodunit. The saboteur reveal was a little hazy - I'd suspected a part of it, but not all. Jeremiah Stark's appearance makes me curious as to whether we'll see more of him. Actually, I'm hoping to see more of him as I'd like to get inside his head. I'd also not complain if we got more of all the secondary characters.

As for Jackson and Sylvia, I was happy with where they ended up. They had me worried at times - especially Sylvia - as she seemed to often forget her own inner strength. But she dug deep and steeled her spine when it counted.

When you wrap up all the elements - including that ending - Under My Skin was a satisfying conclusion.

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J. Kenner (aka Julie Kenner) is the New York Times, USA Today, Publishers Weekly, Wall Street Journal and International bestselling author of over seventy 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, Victorian-era thrillers (coming soon), and paranormal mommy lit. Her foray into the latter, Carpe Demon: Adventures of a Demon-Hunting Soccer Mom by Julie Kenner, has been consistently in development in Hollywood since prior to publication. Most recently, it has been optioned by Warner Brothers Television for development as series on the SW Network with Alloy Entertainment producing. 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 him." A three 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 in her Stark Trilogy). Her books have sold well over a million copies and are published in over twenty countries. In her previous career as an attorney, JK worked as a clerk on the Fifth Circuit 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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Review ~ On My Knees ~ J Kenner #COYER, #ShelfLove

On My Knees by J Kenner
Stark International Trilogy #2
Release Date: June 23, 2015
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance, Erotic Romance
Source: Purchased paperback
Rating: 4 Bookworms
Goodreads

Synopsis
I never thought I'd lose control, but his desire took me right to the edge.

Powerful, ambitious, and devastatingly sexy, Jackson Steele was unlike any other man I'd ever known. He went after what he wanted with his whole mind, body, and soul--and I was the woman in his sights. One touch and I surrendered, one night together and I was undone.

Jackson and I had secrets, dark pieces of our pass that threaten to swallow us both. We couldn't outrun our demons, or the people trying to tear us apart. But in our passion we found salvation, and in each other's arms we found release.

I was scared to trust Jackson fully, to finally let go. Yet no matter the dangers that lay ahead, I knew I was his--and now that we've laid claim, there's no more holding back.

On My Knees is a nice bridge between the first installment and what promises to be an exciting conclusion to Sylvia and Jackson's story.

Sylvia and Jackson are still finding their way as a couple. That outside forces, as well as secrets they're holding onto make that a challenge. Then there are the clues dropped as to the identity of the saboteur - the person trying to prevent the resort that Sylvia and Jackson are building together for Stark International, from getting off the ground. It all made for an exciting read.

Sylvia seems to waffle about their relationship at times - not sure of her own strength. This irritated me and I was glad she eventually seemed to realize that things weren't going to always be smooth sailing for them but that she is strong enough to weather it.

I'm happy that their secrets are out in the open now. It was upsetting that circumstances made this happen rather than them just coming clean but it made their foundation stronger, I think. I wasn't surprised by Jackson's secret - at least part of it. But then Kenner is keeping me in the dark about so much else.

This is an erotic romance, so there is, of course, lots of steam. One thing I like is that Kenner conveys how Sylvia's giving of herself and her trust to Jackson really does help her overcome parts of her past.

Kenner does well with incorporating a strong supporting cast. They add depth to the story and to Sylvia and Jackson as well. A lot happens and there's much more to come as the story wraps up. I'm thrilled I have the conclusion already lined up.