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Stark World #2
Wicked Dirty
Sometimes, it feels so damn good to be bad...
From New York Times and #1 International bestselling author J. Kenner, the first in an all new series of fast-paced, provocative novels centering around the ambitious, wealthy, and powerful men who work in the glamorous and exciting world of the Stark International conglomerate … and the sexy and passionate women who bring them to their knees.
On the outside, Lyle Tarpin is a clean-cut Hollywood actor whose star is on the rise. Inside, he’s battling his own demons, shunning relationships and finding solace in the arms of a string of anonymous women paid very well for their discretion.
But when he’s photographed in a compromising position by an over-eager reporter, the only way to save his career is to say that the woman he was with is his fiancée. And now Lyle has to play a very public game with the only woman who’s ever managed to get under his skin.
Struggling waitress Sugar Laine agrees to spend one night with Lyle—but only because she’s desperate to save her family home. She never expects that a night of passion will turn into a pretend engagement … or that the heat between them will blossom into love.
But sometimes love has a price.
And now the only question is—can Lyle and Sugar afford to pay it?
From New York Times and #1 International bestselling author J. Kenner, the first in an all new series of fast-paced, provocative novels centering around the ambitious, wealthy, and powerful men who work in the glamorous and exciting world of the Stark International conglomerate … and the sexy and passionate women who bring them to their knees.
On the outside, Lyle Tarpin is a clean-cut Hollywood actor whose star is on the rise. Inside, he’s battling his own demons, shunning relationships and finding solace in the arms of a string of anonymous women paid very well for their discretion.
But when he’s photographed in a compromising position by an over-eager reporter, the only way to save his career is to say that the woman he was with is his fiancée. And now Lyle has to play a very public game with the only woman who’s ever managed to get under his skin.
Struggling waitress Sugar Laine agrees to spend one night with Lyle—but only because she’s desperate to save her family home. She never expects that a night of passion will turn into a pretend engagement … or that the heat between them will blossom into love.
But sometimes love has a price.
And now the only question is—can Lyle and Sugar afford to pay it?
300 pages
First published September 19, 2017
About the author
J. Kenner
162 books10.3k 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 274 reviews
September 19, 2017
Review @ Vanilla & Spice Books
✮✮✮ 4 STARS ✮✮✮
Lyle Tarpin is Hollywood's and everybody's darling and heartthrob. He is charming, talented, rich, a rising star and generally a lovely human being. And while all this is true nobody in Tinseltown knows about his nights with call girls, when he loses himself in meaningless sex, if only for a couple minutes. Erasing the guilt, the pain, the memories for that short time. He makes sure that the girls change every time, never going for seconds. To never form attachments.
Sugar Laine needs money. Fast. The short-equity loan she took to perform emergency repairs on her house is due soon and her job as a waitress isn't going to cut it. When her best friend lets her in on a little secret and offers her a solution to her problems, Laine is conflicted. Having sex for money, a lot of money, mind you, feels wrong. Yet, her childhood home is at stake so she agrees.
When Lyle and Laine meet there is an instant chemistry. But there is more - Laine sees the pain in Lyle's eyes and he sees a woman he needs to walk away from but knows that won't be as easy it usually is. When a picture of their clandestine meetings appears in the tabloids he needs to come up with a solution to cover the truth. Laine becomes his fake girlfriend but soon the fake feelings become real and Lyle will have a decision to make: Face his past and embrace love or keep on hiding and wallow in self-pity.
Sugar Laine is an endearing heroine - perceptive, kind, always looking on the bright side of things, sometimes a bit too nosy and pushy in my book but it got her results so who am I to judge? She has a little bit of a fire cracker in her and doesn't let people walk over her. When she meets Lyle she sees his demons and once their feelings solidify Laine is brave enough to walk away until Lyle gets his shit together. I loved that about her, she didn't play along because she was scared of losing him and so he could keep on wallowing in his pain and guilt. She took the situation in her own hands and hoped for the best, prepared for the worst.
Lyle is as swoon worthy as any celebrity crush you've ever had. He is sweet, earnest, driven and charming. On the outside he is the down-to-earth Midwestern guy from Iowa who has no worry in his life. But on the inside he is slowly unraveling - the guilt, the anguish, his complicated childhood - the reasons for his drive - escalating. But Lyle isn't a coward. He is brave when it comes to facing his fears and it shows when he tells the girl he has fallen for about his past, his pain and role he played in the tragedy of his life. I fell in love with Lyle - he is one of those broken heroes who just has everything going for him. The charm, the kindness, the vulnerability.
Wicked Dirty wasn't as dirty as I expected but that doesn't mean it was bad. I loved the growth of the characters' relationship, the slow burn until it was inevitable.
One thing that I find notable is that when these two actually have sex they don't talk about birth control or STD. Lyle has been with multiple women before so I figured that would at the very least be a topic...but it wasn't. Not that it annoyed the hell out of me but I found it noteworthy.
Another thing that I have to mention is that while I loved Laine I couldn't always see the development of her feelings. The thought process wasn't always clear to me in that, that she was thinking and saying things that, yes, were sad and dramatic but all of a sudden she was in tears - I never saw her tears coming because she sometimes sounded so matter-of-factly in my mind. I don't know if I'm explaining it properly.
With all that being said, however, I adored this story. I was completely immersed into Laine's and Lyle's whirlwind romance and while they really fell in love fast it wasn't unrealistic. The world J. Kenner has built around the Stark's is fascinating and scintillating and it keeps me coming back for more - and hopefully one day I'll have time to read the original Stark Trilogy. I can't get enough of it so I'm waiting for Wicked Torture which will showcase Lyle and Wyatt's (from Wicked Grind) friend Noah.
Wicked Dirty is the second in the Stark World series and can be read as a standalone.
✮✮✮ 4 STARS ✮✮✮
Lyle Tarpin is Hollywood's and everybody's darling and heartthrob. He is charming, talented, rich, a rising star and generally a lovely human being. And while all this is true nobody in Tinseltown knows about his nights with call girls, when he loses himself in meaningless sex, if only for a couple minutes. Erasing the guilt, the pain, the memories for that short time. He makes sure that the girls change every time, never going for seconds. To never form attachments.
What I want—what I’m paying for— is the cymbal crash at the end. That release. That moment when everything shatters. I’m not paying for pretty words and flowers. - Lyle
Sugar Laine needs money. Fast. The short-equity loan she took to perform emergency repairs on her house is due soon and her job as a waitress isn't going to cut it. When her best friend lets her in on a little secret and offers her a solution to her problems, Laine is conflicted. Having sex for money, a lot of money, mind you, feels wrong. Yet, her childhood home is at stake so she agrees.
When Lyle and Laine meet there is an instant chemistry. But there is more - Laine sees the pain in Lyle's eyes and he sees a woman he needs to walk away from but knows that won't be as easy it usually is. When a picture of their clandestine meetings appears in the tabloids he needs to come up with a solution to cover the truth. Laine becomes his fake girlfriend but soon the fake feelings become real and Lyle will have a decision to make: Face his past and embrace love or keep on hiding and wallow in self-pity.
Sugar Laine is an endearing heroine - perceptive, kind, always looking on the bright side of things, sometimes a bit too nosy and pushy in my book but it got her results so who am I to judge? She has a little bit of a fire cracker in her and doesn't let people walk over her. When she meets Lyle she sees his demons and once their feelings solidify Laine is brave enough to walk away until Lyle gets his shit together. I loved that about her, she didn't play along because she was scared of losing him and so he could keep on wallowing in his pain and guilt. She took the situation in her own hands and hoped for the best, prepared for the worst.
All I can be is me. A woman desperate enough to have sex for money. A girl trying anything and everything to save her house. To protect her family’s memory. I can be that girl. But I can’t be nothing. I can’t be no one. - Sugar Laine
Lyle is as swoon worthy as any celebrity crush you've ever had. He is sweet, earnest, driven and charming. On the outside he is the down-to-earth Midwestern guy from Iowa who has no worry in his life. But on the inside he is slowly unraveling - the guilt, the anguish, his complicated childhood - the reasons for his drive - escalating. But Lyle isn't a coward. He is brave when it comes to facing his fears and it shows when he tells the girl he has fallen for about his past, his pain and role he played in the tragedy of his life. I fell in love with Lyle - he is one of those broken heroes who just has everything going for him. The charm, the kindness, the vulnerability.
She tasted like summer. As warm as sunshine and as sweet as cotton candy. Hell, she tasted like hope. And damn him, he couldn’t get enough of her. - Lyle
Wicked Dirty wasn't as dirty as I expected but that doesn't mean it was bad. I loved the growth of the characters' relationship, the slow burn until it was inevitable.
We snuck up on each other, creeping backwards and with blinders.
One thing that I find notable is that when these two actually have sex they don't talk about birth control or STD. Lyle has been with multiple women before so I figured that would at the very least be a topic...but it wasn't. Not that it annoyed the hell out of me but I found it noteworthy.
Another thing that I have to mention is that while I loved Laine I couldn't always see the development of her feelings. The thought process wasn't always clear to me in that, that she was thinking and saying things that, yes, were sad and dramatic but all of a sudden she was in tears - I never saw her tears coming because she sometimes sounded so matter-of-factly in my mind. I don't know if I'm explaining it properly.
With all that being said, however, I adored this story. I was completely immersed into Laine's and Lyle's whirlwind romance and while they really fell in love fast it wasn't unrealistic. The world J. Kenner has built around the Stark's is fascinating and scintillating and it keeps me coming back for more - and hopefully one day I'll have time to read the original Stark Trilogy. I can't get enough of it so I'm waiting for Wicked Torture which will showcase Lyle and Wyatt's (from Wicked Grind) friend Noah.
Wicked Dirty is the second in the Stark World series and can be read as a standalone.
September 19, 2017
“…I can only hope that when I hit the ground, I won’t shatter into a million pieces. And that maybe – just maybe – he’ll be there to catch me.”
I had the distinct pleasure of reading J. Kenner for the first time a couple of months ago, when she introduced me to the sexy and tantalising Stark World in Wicked Grind. After thoroughly enjoying my first taste, I couldn’t wait to see what journey J. Kenner will take us on next in her second instalment of the Stark World series, Wicked Dirty.
Sugar Laine, or just Laine as she prefers to be called, has been through her fair share of tragedy in the last few years and as a result, has found herself drowning in debt. She needs to make some serious cash and she needs to make it now, and if she doesn’t, she’s at risk of losing her family’s home and all the memories they once shared together.
“Sex is a tool, and it can either build or destroy. My first time, it was a wrecking ball that broke me into a million pieces.
But this time…
This time sex is a lever.
This time, it’s going to save me.”
Unfortunately Laine’s job as a waitress isn’t going to get her the substantial money she needs, and certainly not when she needs it by. Her best friend comes up with the perfect solution; the perfect way to make the money she requires. The job involves working for an escort agency and getting paid to have sex. Laine however is not sure this is the right way to make money, but she is running out of options and the opportunity is too tempting to pass up…..so she agrees.
Lyle Tarpin is a Hollywood rising star and heartthrob. On the outside he has the world at his feet; he is rich, talented and could have any girl in the world he wanted, couldn’t he? Behind the public image and million dollar smile, Lyle harbours a deep pain and personal demons, which has ultimately caused him to avoid any relationships at all costs and to find comfort in a string of one night stands with call girls. He never sees the same girl twice and even though they may know who he is, he doesn’t introduce himself to them, there’s no point right? With these girls, he is able to forget his pain and escape reality, even if it is for a short time.
From Lyle and Laine’s first encounter there is an instant attraction that neither of them can ignore, but Laine sees the pain in Lyle’s eyes, not just the pain, but regrets as well and there is so much of it. She understands that he uses the call girls as an escape and a way to forget his guilt. Lyle knows he should walk away from Laine because she just may be the one to break the walls that he has encased around his heart.
“I see so much damn pain that I have to fight the urge to cup my palm against his cheek and tell him that whatever it is, it’s going to be ok.”
When photographs of the two surface, Lyle has no other option but to claim the photos were taken with his Fiancée. For me, this is when things started to get really interesting. I’m a massive sucker for the fake relationship trope. I love the anticipation of when fake feelings turn into the real deal. Wicked Dirty was no exception and I could feel the chemistry with every word I read. The more time they spent together, the harder it was for them to deny their true feelings. I loved how these two characters and their relationship grew; the slow build up and them bam, fireworks.
I devoured this story and became fully immersed in Lyle and Laine’s world from start to finish. If you love well written intriguing stories with characters you absolutely adore from the get go, then definitely delve into Wicked Dirty. Wicked Dirty is book two in the Stark World series but can be read as a standalone. I am eagerly anticipating book three, Wicked Torture as I am sure I will enjoy it as much as I have the first two.
September 18, 2017
★ 4 STARS★
Wicked Dirty is the latest novel in J. Kenner’s Stark World series. It’s a world that titillates with the pleasures of the forbidden and revels in the decadence of excess. The synopsis promises illicit and intrigue, and Kenner certainly delivers on both accounts.
Driven by desperation Sugar Laine agrees to one night with a stranger for much needed sum of ten thousand dollars. She can’t afford to lose her childhood home to foreclosure, and with it the last connection to the family she has lost. She works endlessly and tirelessly, but with the clock ticking closer to the deadline; her decision made in haste would bring repercussions she could never have foreseen.
Rising star Lyle Tarpin is the epitome of Hollywood’s Golden Boy. He’s handsome and wholesome and has a huge career ahead of him. Inside however he’s tarnished by guilt and seeks discreet liaisons as a means to keep him from forming meaningful attachments. He expects his encounter with Laine to go by way of the rest, but when photos of their surface in the press, he’s forced fake a relationship with Laine in order to preserve his image.
There’s a stark romanticism in the vein of Pretty Woman to their encounter and with what follows. Rather than shedding their clothes, it’s their insecurities, and soon the charade of a relationship becomes one. Given the nature of how their relationship started I was pleasantly surprised by the build up to the physical aspect of it. I felt it made it feel more genuine and I had a greater respect for how they would fit into one another’s lives.
I’ve long been addicted to J. Kenner’s sophisticated and sensual style of writing. She seduces readers with her stories until they have no choice but to fall in love with her characters.
May 12, 2019
DNF
I can not connect with anything. I thought the story is more like rom com. You know, fake girlfriend/fiancee and then bloom into something more real. I read a lot of this kind of story.
But there is just something not clicking in Wicked Dirty. Like a chemistry lab gone wrong. And i dont know what. All i know, i can not connect with every aspect of this book. And it is bothering a bit that a woman willing to be an escort just to save her house.
The insta love/lust is also not believable. Very confusing.
2 stars
I can not connect with anything. I thought the story is more like rom com. You know, fake girlfriend/fiancee and then bloom into something more real. I read a lot of this kind of story.
But there is just something not clicking in Wicked Dirty. Like a chemistry lab gone wrong. And i dont know what. All i know, i can not connect with every aspect of this book. And it is bothering a bit that a woman willing to be an escort just to save her house.
The insta love/lust is also not believable. Very confusing.
2 stars
September 19, 2017
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review
A sizzling, intoxicating, sexy read!!!! J. Kenner had me devouring Wicked Dirty, the second installment of Stark World Series in one sitting. I loved everything about this book from the opening pages to the raw and vulnerable characters. With her sophisticated prose, Kenner created a love story that had the perfect blend of lust, passion, sexual tension, raw emotions and love.
Sugar Laine is in desperate need of money. She needs to save her family home, the only last thing she has to remember her deceased mother and baby brother. Working from one job to another is not enough to pay the house and so when she is offered an escort job little did she know that it would have her standing in the doorsteps of Lyle Tarpin.
He touched me— and despite all my defenses, I fell. And now…Well, now I can only hope that when I hit the ground, I won’t shatter into a million pieces. And that maybe—just maybe— he’ll be there to catch me.”
Lyle Tarpin is Hollywood’s rising actor. With the world at his feet, he could have any woman that he wants. Money, fame, and all the attention means nothing to Lyle ever since he lost the only important to him thirteen years ago. His heart is hardened by grief and pain. Sex has always been a means to fill in the empty void. And so when Sugar Laine appears at his doorstep, there was something about her that called to him. She was different from the rest.
When a picture of Sugar and Lyle makes it’s round in the press, Lyle is forced to say that Sugar is his girlfriend not a paid escort. Sugar agrees to be his fake girlfriend in order to save her house. But as they spend more time together, walls of Lyle’s heart begins to crack. Will Sugar be able to fill in the missing pieces of Lyle’s brokenness?
Wicked Dirty was a slow burn romance that slowly picked up pace as Lyle and Sugar began to feel the sexual chemistry that was coursing through them. This book was a palpable romance that was collision course of heat, passion, intensity, sex, and love. The writing as always was perfect. Kenner allowed readers to feel for her characters and the motives that led Lyle and Sugar together. Overall, this was another great addition to the series and I can’t wait for Wicked Torture.
J. Kenner
A sizzling, intoxicating, sexy read!!!! J. Kenner had me devouring Wicked Dirty, the second installment of Stark World Series in one sitting. I loved everything about this book from the opening pages to the raw and vulnerable characters. With her sophisticated prose, Kenner created a love story that had the perfect blend of lust, passion, sexual tension, raw emotions and love.
Sugar Laine is in desperate need of money. She needs to save her family home, the only last thing she has to remember her deceased mother and baby brother. Working from one job to another is not enough to pay the house and so when she is offered an escort job little did she know that it would have her standing in the doorsteps of Lyle Tarpin.
He touched me— and despite all my defenses, I fell. And now…Well, now I can only hope that when I hit the ground, I won’t shatter into a million pieces. And that maybe—just maybe— he’ll be there to catch me.”Lyle Tarpin is Hollywood’s rising actor. With the world at his feet, he could have any woman that he wants. Money, fame, and all the attention means nothing to Lyle ever since he lost the only important to him thirteen years ago. His heart is hardened by grief and pain. Sex has always been a means to fill in the empty void. And so when Sugar Laine appears at his doorstep, there was something about her that called to him. She was different from the rest.
When a picture of Sugar and Lyle makes it’s round in the press, Lyle is forced to say that Sugar is his girlfriend not a paid escort. Sugar agrees to be his fake girlfriend in order to save her house. But as they spend more time together, walls of Lyle’s heart begins to crack. Will Sugar be able to fill in the missing pieces of Lyle’s brokenness?
Wicked Dirty was a slow burn romance that slowly picked up pace as Lyle and Sugar began to feel the sexual chemistry that was coursing through them. This book was a palpable romance that was collision course of heat, passion, intensity, sex, and love. The writing as always was perfect. Kenner allowed readers to feel for her characters and the motives that led Lyle and Sugar together. Overall, this was another great addition to the series and I can’t wait for Wicked Torture.
J. Kenner
November 15, 2017
Wow JKenner is an excellent writer with flowing ideas all the time to keep readers wanting more. I loved how so much goes on in Wicked Dirty. I am one of those type of readers who love reading about glamorous stars in show business in hello magazine and fiction books. I mean who doesn't like reading fiction stories about the rich and famous? This story was one I truly loved. Lyle Tarpin is a dashing good looking Hollywood actor, every one in Hollywood knew him. One of Hollywood's most bankable stars, Francesca Muratti is set to play along side of Lyle. Frannie has a reputation for being a wild child who made a point of sleeping with every one of her co-stars, will she get to sleep with actor Lyle? Sugar Laine is in trouble with paying off a loan and she doesn't want to lose her home. Sugar Laines friend has a friend Marjorie who runs an escort service. Will Sugar Laine a struggling waitress be tempted to join Marjorie's escort service?
June 20, 2020
J.Kenner es mi autora favorita de este género de otro país. Ya me gustaba cuando "el boom de la erótica", pero estos libros son geniales.
Emocionales, divertidos, sentimentales...no sólo es sexo y ya...se va forjando todo a fuego lento. Tanto el primero como este, tienen personajes en común o que aparecen en uno y en otro.
Me ha gustado mucho. Iba con un poco de miedo....porque no se...el primero me enamoró totalmente, pero es que la autora es genial, sinceramente. Crea unos personajes con tantas dudas, tantos miedos, tantos...no se como explicarlo.
Emocionales, divertidos, sentimentales...no sólo es sexo y ya...se va forjando todo a fuego lento. Tanto el primero como este, tienen personajes en común o que aparecen en uno y en otro.
Me ha gustado mucho. Iba con un poco de miedo....porque no se...el primero me enamoró totalmente, pero es que la autora es genial, sinceramente. Crea unos personajes con tantas dudas, tantos miedos, tantos...no se como explicarlo.
September 20, 2017
Wow. Wow. Wow. I love just about everything Julie Kenner writes. It’s no secret that my favorite characters are Nikki and Damien Stark and I just love how she’s worked so many other characters in Stark World into their own books. But, I think Damien may have some competition for my heart. Lyle Tarpin is definitely a close second in book boyfriend world. It’s a very close race at this point.
Lyle is at a bit of a crossroads. He’s steered clear of relationships for years, more like forever. He pays for the anonymity and the pleasure of sensuous women. But he’s not one to repeat with the same woman. Until he’s caught in a compromising position. With one Sugar Laine.
Laine is between a rock and a hard place. She’s desperately in need of money to say her home. The only home she’s ever known. Agreeing to spend one night with Lyle was supposed to make a massive dent in the debt she owes. Never in her wildest dreams did she think that one night would turn into more, into a fake engagement. Into something real.
Lyle. Man, he’s just about every woman’s dream man. The real Lyle. Not the one he presents to the world. The one Laine sees lurking beneath the surface. Both of them are scared to death of the truth, to putting their pasts behind them, to really making a go with their romance. But they’re better together—better when they face their demons supporting each other, even if they need to fight the battle alone.
And Laine. I just loved her honesty and her big huge heart. She’s the type of person I’d want to hang out with and get to know. She’s real when there are so many people who are fake. I loved how she loved Lyle, even through the rough times and slaying her demons.
I absolutely adore this Stark World series and cannot wait for Wicked Torture and Noah’s story to be revealed in November! ~ Missy, 5 stars
Lyle is at a bit of a crossroads. He’s steered clear of relationships for years, more like forever. He pays for the anonymity and the pleasure of sensuous women. But he’s not one to repeat with the same woman. Until he’s caught in a compromising position. With one Sugar Laine.
Laine is between a rock and a hard place. She’s desperately in need of money to say her home. The only home she’s ever known. Agreeing to spend one night with Lyle was supposed to make a massive dent in the debt she owes. Never in her wildest dreams did she think that one night would turn into more, into a fake engagement. Into something real.
Lyle. Man, he’s just about every woman’s dream man. The real Lyle. Not the one he presents to the world. The one Laine sees lurking beneath the surface. Both of them are scared to death of the truth, to putting their pasts behind them, to really making a go with their romance. But they’re better together—better when they face their demons supporting each other, even if they need to fight the battle alone.
And Laine. I just loved her honesty and her big huge heart. She’s the type of person I’d want to hang out with and get to know. She’s real when there are so many people who are fake. I loved how she loved Lyle, even through the rough times and slaying her demons.
I absolutely adore this Stark World series and cannot wait for Wicked Torture and Noah’s story to be revealed in November! ~ Missy, 5 stars
September 21, 2017
Wicked Dirty is the second book in J. Kenner's Stark World series and I must say, I enjoyed this so much more than Wicked Grind. There was just something so compelling, so enthralling about this tale—one that would glue you and your eyes on the pages. Both Lyle and Sugar were characters with such intriguing pasts. Their chemistry was buzzing and present right from the very beginning and you just won't be able to get enough of it. And the story—it just flowed so flawlessly that you wouldn't even notice the length of the book at all.
Come to think of it, Wicked Dirty has a simpler plot compared to others I've read with a similar storyline, yet it still has some unique points that doesn't make it your typical tale of a Hollywood star pushed to come up with a fake engagement to someone he just randomly met and then ending up falling in love with each other in the long run either. There were issues, struggles, acceptance and letting go added into the whole mix too.
Sugar Laine is about to lose the only memory she has of her mom and her younger brother—their house—and she desperately needs to come up with a huge amount of money in just a couple of weeks to pay off the loan she took out to repair it or the bank would foreclose it. So when an opportunity arises to make easy big bucks, she had no choice but to jump on it, even if her heart says otherwise. Little did she know, she'd be coming face to face with a bigger challenge than she thought with this decision.
Lyle Tarpin is the Golden Boy of Hollywood. The one who was discovered as a teenager in Iowa because of his good looks. The one with a booming and rising career. Nobody knew about the ghosts chasing him or the skeletons in his closet, but only a few of his closest, most trusted friends. He's very well aware that he was living a facade. A huge lie that has the capacity to slay and bring him down when the paps get wind of it. But in his head, he knew it was better to continue living the only way he knew how and continue making it big in Hollywood, than facing what has haunted him for years. That is, until Sugar.
It was so easy, so effortless to fall in love with Lyle and Sugar. Regardless of the circumstance these two have found themselves in, you'll just find yourself falling for Lyle fast and hard right along with Sugar. He's just so sweet and attentive and thoughtful, something that comes so naturally to him. He hid his pain and agony from others really well, but it only took that one right person to look into his eyes and figure him out. I also adored the dates he took Sugar on—they were romantic, but the significance of where they went or what they did or what he gave her, will just melt you all over. That strong and intense connection between them was just instant and electrifying right from the get go.
Seeing familiar faces from J. Kenner's other books was absolutely fun too. It always thrills me whenever authors make their other characters crossover and appear on a different series they're working on. The next book in the Stark World series, Wicked Torture, will be about Noah and with the way he last appeared in this book, you can say that I'm beyond intrigued. It definitely made me excited and crave to read his story.
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Come to think of it, Wicked Dirty has a simpler plot compared to others I've read with a similar storyline, yet it still has some unique points that doesn't make it your typical tale of a Hollywood star pushed to come up with a fake engagement to someone he just randomly met and then ending up falling in love with each other in the long run either. There were issues, struggles, acceptance and letting go added into the whole mix too.
Sugar Laine is about to lose the only memory she has of her mom and her younger brother—their house—and she desperately needs to come up with a huge amount of money in just a couple of weeks to pay off the loan she took out to repair it or the bank would foreclose it. So when an opportunity arises to make easy big bucks, she had no choice but to jump on it, even if her heart says otherwise. Little did she know, she'd be coming face to face with a bigger challenge than she thought with this decision.
Lyle Tarpin is the Golden Boy of Hollywood. The one who was discovered as a teenager in Iowa because of his good looks. The one with a booming and rising career. Nobody knew about the ghosts chasing him or the skeletons in his closet, but only a few of his closest, most trusted friends. He's very well aware that he was living a facade. A huge lie that has the capacity to slay and bring him down when the paps get wind of it. But in his head, he knew it was better to continue living the only way he knew how and continue making it big in Hollywood, than facing what has haunted him for years. That is, until Sugar.
It was so easy, so effortless to fall in love with Lyle and Sugar. Regardless of the circumstance these two have found themselves in, you'll just find yourself falling for Lyle fast and hard right along with Sugar. He's just so sweet and attentive and thoughtful, something that comes so naturally to him. He hid his pain and agony from others really well, but it only took that one right person to look into his eyes and figure him out. I also adored the dates he took Sugar on—they were romantic, but the significance of where they went or what they did or what he gave her, will just melt you all over. That strong and intense connection between them was just instant and electrifying right from the get go.
Seeing familiar faces from J. Kenner's other books was absolutely fun too. It always thrills me whenever authors make their other characters crossover and appear on a different series they're working on. The next book in the Stark World series, Wicked Torture, will be about Noah and with the way he last appeared in this book, you can say that I'm beyond intrigued. It definitely made me excited and crave to read his story.
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September 28, 2017
Not impressed
In debt and desperate for money, Sugar accepts an offer to be an escort for a night. Her client turns out to be hollywood celeb - Lyle. Though Sugar’s one night of escorting becomes more complicated when a picture surfaces of the two together. With Lyle’s role for an upcoming film being at jeopardy and so ensues a fake relationship between Sugar and Lyle.
I did not expect the story to become so boring and skimmable. The delivery of the plot and the characters felt flat for me. I really did not find myself caring much for the story or the characters’ sob stories for that matter. And as far as celebrity being in a fake relationship plot goes, this was quite disappointing.
In debt and desperate for money, Sugar accepts an offer to be an escort for a night. Her client turns out to be hollywood celeb - Lyle. Though Sugar’s one night of escorting becomes more complicated when a picture surfaces of the two together. With Lyle’s role for an upcoming film being at jeopardy and so ensues a fake relationship between Sugar and Lyle.
I did not expect the story to become so boring and skimmable. The delivery of the plot and the characters felt flat for me. I really did not find myself caring much for the story or the characters’ sob stories for that matter. And as far as celebrity being in a fake relationship plot goes, this was quite disappointing.
January 27, 2019
Meh, it was ok.
on reflection, the reason I was underwhelmed was the media storm thing. I'm so over the media controversy plot line. Perhaps it's because I live in my reading bubble, only venturing out occasionally for a yoga class, I have no idea about which film star is bonking who...and I don't care. You wouldn't want me on your quiz team, I can only answer questions about 80s music. So yeah, not interested in reading about that I'm afraid.
I also found the group of friends who are all interlinked through the Stark series quite bewildering. I read the Damien Stark books years ago but haven't read any others since. Ah well.
on reflection, the reason I was underwhelmed was the media storm thing. I'm so over the media controversy plot line. Perhaps it's because I live in my reading bubble, only venturing out occasionally for a yoga class, I have no idea about which film star is bonking who...and I don't care. You wouldn't want me on your quiz team, I can only answer questions about 80s music. So yeah, not interested in reading about that I'm afraid.
I also found the group of friends who are all interlinked through the Stark series quite bewildering. I read the Damien Stark books years ago but haven't read any others since. Ah well.
June 11, 2018
3.5 stars
June 27, 2018
Pretty Woman lässt grüßen.
Das waren die ersten Gedanken, die mir durch den Kopf geschossen sind, als ich mit Deep Passion begonnen habe. Tja, aber ob so ein „Abklatsch“ jetzt gut oder schlecht ist, das müsste ich erst noch herausfinden. Und genau das werde ich selber versuchen, denn momentan weiß ich es selber noch nicht so wirklich, in dieser Rezension zu erörtern.
Aber erst einmal zur Story.
Sugar Laine steckt bis zum Hals in der Klemme, als ihre Freundin ihr ein Angebot macht, welches sie trotz Bedenken, nicht ausschlagen kann. Und niemals hätte sie dabei damit gerechnet, dass diese Entscheidung ihr Leben verändern würde. Denn als Sugar sich dazu bereit erklärt, als Escort zu arbeiten und dabei fürs Geld mit einem Mann zu schlafen, wäre sie nie auf die Idee gekommen, dass es sich bei besagtem Mann um keinen geringeren als Hollywood-Star Lyle Tarpin handelt. Doch von Anfang an scheint mehr zwischen den beiden möglich zu sein, und als dann auch noch Bilder von beiden zusammen auftauchen, ergibt sich die Möglichkeit diese zu erkunden. Doch können Sugar und Lyle wirklich zusammen sein oder steht zu viel zwischen Ihnen?
Und, erkennt ihr warum ich die parallelen zu Pretty Woman gezogen habe?
Auch wenn ich der Ansicht bin, dass Sugar (oder Laine wie sie lieber genannt wird) nicht wirklich was von Julia Roberts hat. Denn Laine ist eine tolle und starke Frau, die sich trotz ihrer Probleme nicht unterkriegen lässt. Aber genau an dem Punkt enden auch schon die Gemeinsamkeiten. Denn Laine ist nicht von Beruf Escort und hat mit Lyle ihren ersten Kunden. Aber ich verstehe warum sie dazu genötigt ist, diesen Job zu machen. Ganz ehrlich, ich finde Sugar großartig. Sie ist eine tolle und absolut liebenswerte Protagonistin und dazu lässt sie sich auch nicht gefallen. Ja, sie ist definitiv die beste Protagonist seit langer Zeit. Und ihr wisst ja sicher wie schwer ich mich immer mit den weiblichen Charakteren tue.
Bei Lyle und mir war es das genaue Gegenteil. Also nicht, dass er nicht sympathisch war – denn das war er auf jeden Fall – aber ich hatte einfach meine Anlaufschwierigkeiten mit ihm. Er war heiß und sexy, aber eben auch irgendwie unnahbar und kalt. Ich weiß, dass seine Vergangenheit viel damit zu tun hat, aber ich brauchte durch diese ganzen Umstände einfach eine ganze Weile länger als normalerweise um mit einem männlichen Protagonisten warm zu werden. Aber das ändert nicht daran, dass ich am Ende ein kleinen Stück meines Herzens an ihn verloren habe.
Was die Beziehung der beiden angeht, so entwickelt sich diese ziemlich schnell. Was ja nicht wirklich neu in diesem Genre ist, allerdings sind nicht mal ganz 2 Wochen um von der großen Liebe zu reden schon extrem. Dabei bin ich eigentlich kein großer Freund von Insta-Love-Beziehungen. Aber bei den beiden hat es ziemlich gut funktioniert. Allerdings muss ich sagen, dass die intimeren Szenen, lasst es mich mal so nennen, wirklich harmlos fürs J.Kenner Verhältnisse. Also da muss ich sagen, bin ich besseres und auch prickelnderes von ihr gewohnt.
Alles in allem war Deep Passion wieder ein tolles Buch von J.Kenner, welches in groben Zügen zwar an Pretty Woman erinnert, allerdings mit seiner ganz eigenen Geschichte aufwarten kann. Für mich ist es einfach wieder ein Wohlfühlbuch mit einer super süßen Liebesgeschichte, das sich super für zwischendurch eignet.
Das waren die ersten Gedanken, die mir durch den Kopf geschossen sind, als ich mit Deep Passion begonnen habe. Tja, aber ob so ein „Abklatsch“ jetzt gut oder schlecht ist, das müsste ich erst noch herausfinden. Und genau das werde ich selber versuchen, denn momentan weiß ich es selber noch nicht so wirklich, in dieser Rezension zu erörtern.
Aber erst einmal zur Story.
Sugar Laine steckt bis zum Hals in der Klemme, als ihre Freundin ihr ein Angebot macht, welches sie trotz Bedenken, nicht ausschlagen kann. Und niemals hätte sie dabei damit gerechnet, dass diese Entscheidung ihr Leben verändern würde. Denn als Sugar sich dazu bereit erklärt, als Escort zu arbeiten und dabei fürs Geld mit einem Mann zu schlafen, wäre sie nie auf die Idee gekommen, dass es sich bei besagtem Mann um keinen geringeren als Hollywood-Star Lyle Tarpin handelt. Doch von Anfang an scheint mehr zwischen den beiden möglich zu sein, und als dann auch noch Bilder von beiden zusammen auftauchen, ergibt sich die Möglichkeit diese zu erkunden. Doch können Sugar und Lyle wirklich zusammen sein oder steht zu viel zwischen Ihnen?
"Sie fühlte sich richtig an. Sie war wie ein Blitz in sein Leben eingeschlagen, und die Welt war seitdem nicht mehr wie zuvor."
Und, erkennt ihr warum ich die parallelen zu Pretty Woman gezogen habe?
Auch wenn ich der Ansicht bin, dass Sugar (oder Laine wie sie lieber genannt wird) nicht wirklich was von Julia Roberts hat. Denn Laine ist eine tolle und starke Frau, die sich trotz ihrer Probleme nicht unterkriegen lässt. Aber genau an dem Punkt enden auch schon die Gemeinsamkeiten. Denn Laine ist nicht von Beruf Escort und hat mit Lyle ihren ersten Kunden. Aber ich verstehe warum sie dazu genötigt ist, diesen Job zu machen. Ganz ehrlich, ich finde Sugar großartig. Sie ist eine tolle und absolut liebenswerte Protagonistin und dazu lässt sie sich auch nicht gefallen. Ja, sie ist definitiv die beste Protagonist seit langer Zeit. Und ihr wisst ja sicher wie schwer ich mich immer mit den weiblichen Charakteren tue.
Bei Lyle und mir war es das genaue Gegenteil. Also nicht, dass er nicht sympathisch war – denn das war er auf jeden Fall – aber ich hatte einfach meine Anlaufschwierigkeiten mit ihm. Er war heiß und sexy, aber eben auch irgendwie unnahbar und kalt. Ich weiß, dass seine Vergangenheit viel damit zu tun hat, aber ich brauchte durch diese ganzen Umstände einfach eine ganze Weile länger als normalerweise um mit einem männlichen Protagonisten warm zu werden. Aber das ändert nicht daran, dass ich am Ende ein kleinen Stück meines Herzens an ihn verloren habe.
"Aber ich glaube, ich mag den Lyle Tarpin, den du versteckst. Ich meine ja nur, falls du ihn mir vorstellen willst."
Was die Beziehung der beiden angeht, so entwickelt sich diese ziemlich schnell. Was ja nicht wirklich neu in diesem Genre ist, allerdings sind nicht mal ganz 2 Wochen um von der großen Liebe zu reden schon extrem. Dabei bin ich eigentlich kein großer Freund von Insta-Love-Beziehungen. Aber bei den beiden hat es ziemlich gut funktioniert. Allerdings muss ich sagen, dass die intimeren Szenen, lasst es mich mal so nennen, wirklich harmlos fürs J.Kenner Verhältnisse. Also da muss ich sagen, bin ich besseres und auch prickelnderes von ihr gewohnt.
Alles in allem war Deep Passion wieder ein tolles Buch von J.Kenner, welches in groben Zügen zwar an Pretty Woman erinnert, allerdings mit seiner ganz eigenen Geschichte aufwarten kann. Für mich ist es einfach wieder ein Wohlfühlbuch mit einer super süßen Liebesgeschichte, das sich super für zwischendurch eignet.
August 31, 2017
"Sex is a tool, and it can either build or destroy."
Wicked Dirty is another amazing addition to the Stark family. I really love seeing characters from other books that I've enjoyed. Catching up with them is an added bonus to this new series.
Lyle is a movie star at the top of his career. He's sought after by directors and women. He's minding his P's & Q's on the surface, but behind the scenes his demons are hot on his heels. There's only one way he can get the release he needs to battle them, and that's by hiring anonymous women that he pays well to keep his secret. It's worked well for him for years, until it didn't.
Sugar Laine prefers to go by Laine, so she doesn't sound like a hooker. She's a sweet hard-working girl with too many jobs and not enough money to get the monkey off her back. Even though her situation is hopeless, she just keeps taking on extra hours waitressing, knowing that they are just a drop in a bucket and can't even touch her debt. When her best friend comes up with a plan that is crazy, but just might work, she loses the argument with herself and agrees. She can earn more in one night than she usually makes in a month serving drinks. When she shows up to work her new job, she recognizes her new boss. She didn't plan on enjoying her duties, but couldn't deny the zing she felt when he touched her. She thought that night would be the end, and she'd never see him again. But when a photo of them showed up in the media and he asked her to go along with a pretend engagement, she couldn't talk herself out of it. She wanted to spend more time with him, even if it was a fake relationship.
Lyle has a one-night-only rule that's never been a problem. But when he's caught by the paparazzi in a compromising position, he's advised by his agent to protect his reputation by appearing to have a relationship. So, he breaks his rule and makes a deal with the only girl that's ever kept his attention longer than one night. The problem is, that she gets him like nobody else ever has. While nobody else questions his lies, she sees right through them. She knows he has secrets, and though she doesn't try to push him to confess, he wants to. How is he supposed to survive spending so much time with her? How will he be able to keep his secrets and his heart? Does he really want to?
What can I say, Wicked Dirty is amazing. It's actually different from other books I've read by this author. While there's definitely the very strong chemistry and passion between the characters that I've come to expect, there's also a sweetness and innocence that I wasn't expecting. I fell hard for both Lyle & Sugar. But what's new, right? I tend to do that with all her characters. I've got my eye on Noah now. I can't wait for him to have his own book. The line forms here...
Wicked Dirty is another amazing addition to the Stark family. I really love seeing characters from other books that I've enjoyed. Catching up with them is an added bonus to this new series.
Lyle is a movie star at the top of his career. He's sought after by directors and women. He's minding his P's & Q's on the surface, but behind the scenes his demons are hot on his heels. There's only one way he can get the release he needs to battle them, and that's by hiring anonymous women that he pays well to keep his secret. It's worked well for him for years, until it didn't.
Sugar Laine prefers to go by Laine, so she doesn't sound like a hooker. She's a sweet hard-working girl with too many jobs and not enough money to get the monkey off her back. Even though her situation is hopeless, she just keeps taking on extra hours waitressing, knowing that they are just a drop in a bucket and can't even touch her debt. When her best friend comes up with a plan that is crazy, but just might work, she loses the argument with herself and agrees. She can earn more in one night than she usually makes in a month serving drinks. When she shows up to work her new job, she recognizes her new boss. She didn't plan on enjoying her duties, but couldn't deny the zing she felt when he touched her. She thought that night would be the end, and she'd never see him again. But when a photo of them showed up in the media and he asked her to go along with a pretend engagement, she couldn't talk herself out of it. She wanted to spend more time with him, even if it was a fake relationship.
Lyle has a one-night-only rule that's never been a problem. But when he's caught by the paparazzi in a compromising position, he's advised by his agent to protect his reputation by appearing to have a relationship. So, he breaks his rule and makes a deal with the only girl that's ever kept his attention longer than one night. The problem is, that she gets him like nobody else ever has. While nobody else questions his lies, she sees right through them. She knows he has secrets, and though she doesn't try to push him to confess, he wants to. How is he supposed to survive spending so much time with her? How will he be able to keep his secrets and his heart? Does he really want to?
What can I say, Wicked Dirty is amazing. It's actually different from other books I've read by this author. While there's definitely the very strong chemistry and passion between the characters that I've come to expect, there's also a sweetness and innocence that I wasn't expecting. I fell hard for both Lyle & Sugar. But what's new, right? I tend to do that with all her characters. I've got my eye on Noah now. I can't wait for him to have his own book. The line forms here...
November 4, 2017
I loved it!
Perfect addition to this series and the whole Stark world!
(Even though it can totally be read as a standalone romance!)
Amazing Hollywood-Romance with lots of adorable & romantic & sexy & moving moments!
FIVE BIG STARS!
♡
♡
September 16, 2017
The Stark World is a world filled with stories that touch and move your heart. It is a world filled with a level of hotness that always heats my body. The Stark World is also a world filled with genuine stories of love and friendship that just lights up mu world. I am addicted to them. I am compelled by them. Every time when I pick up a book from the Stark World, my world is turned upside down and I love it. Wicked Dirty surely turned me from the inside out. It was an amazing romance that engaged my heart and drew me in.
Wicked Dirty is the second book in the Stark World and I enjoyed reading it more than anything. It was an erotic romance that gave me tingles all over body. I was immersed into the storyline that told a an emotional yet easy going romance with so much conviction and love. As much as it was an erotic romance, it definitely appealed to me because of its emotional angle in the storyline. There was something special that held me captive to the story. J. Kenner truly wrote a phenomenal story of genuine love and letting go of pain so deeply that it cut me. Wicked Dirty was a story of strength told in such a believable way and made me fall irrevocably in love with it. Provocative and indulgent. Wicked Dirty was a fascinating and titillating book that explored passion on a deeper level. I was hooked.
Wicked Dirty introduced us to Lyle Tarpin, an actor plagued with a past full of pain and Sugar Laine, a woman with a broken past. Together, they had a special connection and a whirlwind romance that was full of angst but still consumed me. They had that genuine love and attraction that added something more to the storyline. Sugar Laine was a sweet, bright and independent woman. Faced with the weight on her shoulders, she was able to look at everything in such a positive light and just made me really like her. I would definitely would love to be friends with her. Lyle was a swoon worthy alpha with deep anguish that made me want to hug him . He was protective, sweet and so drool worthy that I could not help but simply adored him. All all the alphas in the Stark World, my eye gravitated to Lyle.
J. Kenner definitely brings classiness and intrigue to her stories. You just can't help but feel her writing. Wicked Dirty was different from all the books she has written but made me realise why I am a fan of her books. You should definitely take a chance on her books because they are worth it.
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review.
Wicked Dirty is the second book in the Stark World and I enjoyed reading it more than anything. It was an erotic romance that gave me tingles all over body. I was immersed into the storyline that told a an emotional yet easy going romance with so much conviction and love. As much as it was an erotic romance, it definitely appealed to me because of its emotional angle in the storyline. There was something special that held me captive to the story. J. Kenner truly wrote a phenomenal story of genuine love and letting go of pain so deeply that it cut me. Wicked Dirty was a story of strength told in such a believable way and made me fall irrevocably in love with it. Provocative and indulgent. Wicked Dirty was a fascinating and titillating book that explored passion on a deeper level. I was hooked.
Wicked Dirty introduced us to Lyle Tarpin, an actor plagued with a past full of pain and Sugar Laine, a woman with a broken past. Together, they had a special connection and a whirlwind romance that was full of angst but still consumed me. They had that genuine love and attraction that added something more to the storyline. Sugar Laine was a sweet, bright and independent woman. Faced with the weight on her shoulders, she was able to look at everything in such a positive light and just made me really like her. I would definitely would love to be friends with her. Lyle was a swoon worthy alpha with deep anguish that made me want to hug him . He was protective, sweet and so drool worthy that I could not help but simply adored him. All all the alphas in the Stark World, my eye gravitated to Lyle.
J. Kenner definitely brings classiness and intrigue to her stories. You just can't help but feel her writing. Wicked Dirty was different from all the books she has written but made me realise why I am a fan of her books. You should definitely take a chance on her books because they are worth it.
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review.
September 20, 2017
J. Kenner is quickly becoming one of my go-to authors, her Stark World a place I want to spend time in. Wicked Dirty, the latest in her extended Stark series, hits all the right marks and stands out as a slow-burn romance that doesn’t keep you waiting.
This is a slow-burn, fake girlfriend story that I couldn’t put down. Sugar and Lyle are fantastic characters that are easy to connect with and just incredibly likable. Both have had rough times, something that draws them together even when they meet in unusual circumstances.
I loved Sugar, she’s the kind of character that I want as a friend. She’s easy to get along with, but doesn’t pull any punches. She’s had hard times but doesn’t allow it to bring drama to her life. She knows how important good people are to have around and she works to make sure that happens. She was a quiet port in the storm of Lyle’s life which was refreshing because, let’s face it, it’s usually the heroine bringing the drama. Instead, Sugar faces adversity head on with a cool head without being an ice queen, and she helps Lyle learn to do the same.
I don’t know if Lyle qualifies as an alpha. I like the term “quiet alpha” for him, as he takes command when needed but doesn’t find it necessary to dominate-which wouldn’t have worked with Sugar. He’s living someone else’s life on many levels, but doing it so well that not many realize it. He’s the good guy that the media has portrayed him to be, even though he doesn’t believe it to be true. It was heartbreaking to see this, but also so relatable because which one of us isn’t quick to think the worst of ourselves?
Lyle and Sugar are adorable, yet sexy together. They’re fun and flirty with heat simmering between them from the moment they meet. The slow-burn allows readers to really get to know them as a couple, but it never becomes boring as they face hardships that they refreshingly tackle together rather than with misunderstandings and angst.
One of my favorite parts of the book was the opening for Wyatt Royce’s photography show. If you’ve read the previous book in this series, Wicked Grind, then you know Wyatt and Kelsey’s story. I loved that J. Kenner treated readers to the show through Sugar’s eyes. It allowed Wyatt’s vision to come to life as he described it while drawing the two books together. But, even if you haven’t read Wicked Grind, you won’t be lost as these two can easily be read as standalones. They’re the only two I’ve read in the extended Stark world that Kenner’s created, but instead of feeling lost I want to read the others to get their stories.
4.5 Stars for Wicked Grind. Heat level: 3
I received a copy of this book from InkSlingerPR in exchange for honest feedback.
This is a slow-burn, fake girlfriend story that I couldn’t put down. Sugar and Lyle are fantastic characters that are easy to connect with and just incredibly likable. Both have had rough times, something that draws them together even when they meet in unusual circumstances.
I loved Sugar, she’s the kind of character that I want as a friend. She’s easy to get along with, but doesn’t pull any punches. She’s had hard times but doesn’t allow it to bring drama to her life. She knows how important good people are to have around and she works to make sure that happens. She was a quiet port in the storm of Lyle’s life which was refreshing because, let’s face it, it’s usually the heroine bringing the drama. Instead, Sugar faces adversity head on with a cool head without being an ice queen, and she helps Lyle learn to do the same.
I don’t know if Lyle qualifies as an alpha. I like the term “quiet alpha” for him, as he takes command when needed but doesn’t find it necessary to dominate-which wouldn’t have worked with Sugar. He’s living someone else’s life on many levels, but doing it so well that not many realize it. He’s the good guy that the media has portrayed him to be, even though he doesn’t believe it to be true. It was heartbreaking to see this, but also so relatable because which one of us isn’t quick to think the worst of ourselves?
Lyle and Sugar are adorable, yet sexy together. They’re fun and flirty with heat simmering between them from the moment they meet. The slow-burn allows readers to really get to know them as a couple, but it never becomes boring as they face hardships that they refreshingly tackle together rather than with misunderstandings and angst.
One of my favorite parts of the book was the opening for Wyatt Royce’s photography show. If you’ve read the previous book in this series, Wicked Grind, then you know Wyatt and Kelsey’s story. I loved that J. Kenner treated readers to the show through Sugar’s eyes. It allowed Wyatt’s vision to come to life as he described it while drawing the two books together. But, even if you haven’t read Wicked Grind, you won’t be lost as these two can easily be read as standalones. They’re the only two I’ve read in the extended Stark world that Kenner’s created, but instead of feeling lost I want to read the others to get their stories.
4.5 Stars for Wicked Grind. Heat level: 3
I received a copy of this book from InkSlingerPR in exchange for honest feedback.
September 18, 2017
Wicked Dirty is the second book in J. Kenner's Stark World. These books are all standalones and you don't need to read any of her other books to understand the plot the story.
I am truly enjoying each of these books so far. Yes, it's only book two, but I love how she brings back past characters and how everything intertwines without being confusing.
In this particular book, the story is about Lyle Tarpin - up and coming movie star. All the world knows about him is what he allows them to see. He's a very private person and works hard to keep his personal life and out of the headlines. On the anniversary of a friend's death, Lyle gives in to his needs and ends up meeting Sugar Laine.
Sugar isn't what her name suspects you to believe. Sugar is just another every day girl who is working every job possible to keep her family home. She finds herself in a bind when the remaining portion of her loan for the house is due and she doesn't have the money to pay it off. She takes a job that she never thought she'd end up doing but knows that it pays extremely well. And that's when she meets Lyle.
However, these two end up finding themselves more involved with one another than originally anticipated. And everything just goes from there. And it's quite the entertaining and interesting story.
I have to say that this story was somewhat different than what I have to come to expect from Ms. Kenner. Not the story telling; she's always been amazing at drawing us into these plots and keeping us vested and the characters are very strong. But her bedroom scenes were much more along the lines of actual making love than just erotic scenes. Trust me, they are still hot, but I sensed a more of an innocence to this. And maybe that had to do with the overall story and these characters. Regardless, I still really enjoyed it and loved it.
I am looking forward to the next book in this series. It's Noah's book and thankfully we don't have too long for that release!
I am truly enjoying each of these books so far. Yes, it's only book two, but I love how she brings back past characters and how everything intertwines without being confusing.
In this particular book, the story is about Lyle Tarpin - up and coming movie star. All the world knows about him is what he allows them to see. He's a very private person and works hard to keep his personal life and out of the headlines. On the anniversary of a friend's death, Lyle gives in to his needs and ends up meeting Sugar Laine.
Sugar isn't what her name suspects you to believe. Sugar is just another every day girl who is working every job possible to keep her family home. She finds herself in a bind when the remaining portion of her loan for the house is due and she doesn't have the money to pay it off. She takes a job that she never thought she'd end up doing but knows that it pays extremely well. And that's when she meets Lyle.
However, these two end up finding themselves more involved with one another than originally anticipated. And everything just goes from there. And it's quite the entertaining and interesting story.
I have to say that this story was somewhat different than what I have to come to expect from Ms. Kenner. Not the story telling; she's always been amazing at drawing us into these plots and keeping us vested and the characters are very strong. But her bedroom scenes were much more along the lines of actual making love than just erotic scenes. Trust me, they are still hot, but I sensed a more of an innocence to this. And maybe that had to do with the overall story and these characters. Regardless, I still really enjoyed it and loved it.
I am looking forward to the next book in this series. It's Noah's book and thankfully we don't have too long for that release!
August 10, 2020
Sugar es una chica humilde, sencilla y directa. Su vida no es un camino de rosas, está a punto de perderlo todo y tiene que tomar una decisión drástica que cambiará su mundo por completo.
Lyle es un buen hombre, pero con un pasado que le atormenta y no le permite ser feliz. El peso de la fama y los errores pasados manejan su vida sin que haga nada por evitarlo.
Se conocen de una forma un tanto peculiar, por un fin que no consiguen llevar a cabo, pero que los unirá de una forma irremediable. Se verán envueltos en una espiral de mentiras y malos entendidos, pero también de segundas oportunidades.
Ambos protagonistas me han gustado mucho, su evolución a lo largo de la historia es constante, aunque hay momentos en los que no he logrado comprender su forma de actuar.
Los secundarios también son importantes en esta historia, algunos, como por ejemplo Joy (la mejor amiga de Sugar) tienen un papel decisivo en las vidas de Sugar y Lyle y me he quedado con ganas de saber más de ellos, espero que en la siguiente historia podamos conocer más detalles de ellos.
Es un libro que engancha y que se lee fácilmente, pero quizá me haya faltado un poco de profundidad en algunas situaciones y un final más calmado, ya que se ha resuelto todo un poco rápido.
Lyle es un buen hombre, pero con un pasado que le atormenta y no le permite ser feliz. El peso de la fama y los errores pasados manejan su vida sin que haga nada por evitarlo.
Se conocen de una forma un tanto peculiar, por un fin que no consiguen llevar a cabo, pero que los unirá de una forma irremediable. Se verán envueltos en una espiral de mentiras y malos entendidos, pero también de segundas oportunidades.
Ambos protagonistas me han gustado mucho, su evolución a lo largo de la historia es constante, aunque hay momentos en los que no he logrado comprender su forma de actuar.
Los secundarios también son importantes en esta historia, algunos, como por ejemplo Joy (la mejor amiga de Sugar) tienen un papel decisivo en las vidas de Sugar y Lyle y me he quedado con ganas de saber más de ellos, espero que en la siguiente historia podamos conocer más detalles de ellos.
Es un libro que engancha y que se lee fácilmente, pero quizá me haya faltado un poco de profundidad en algunas situaciones y un final más calmado, ya que se ha resuelto todo un poco rápido.
September 19, 2017
Wicked Dirty is an intense story. Full of a wicked heat, passion and love, this book hooked me from the first chapter. I followed the hero and heroine on a pounding ride and just refused to let go.
A perfect fake relationship, Lyle Tarpin and Sugar Laine have a way with each other that is just beautiful. The story is evenly paced, perfect in a heart pounding way, that keeps your eyes glued to the page. The characters were developed, they had flaws. I loved watching them evolve along with their relationship. I could root for both of them, and just loved this addition to the Stark World. Characters from a previous book were mentioned, but Wicked Dirty can be read perfectly as a standalone.
Highly recommended to the reader looking for an intense, passionate love affair.
*Review Copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads*
A perfect fake relationship, Lyle Tarpin and Sugar Laine have a way with each other that is just beautiful. The story is evenly paced, perfect in a heart pounding way, that keeps your eyes glued to the page. The characters were developed, they had flaws. I loved watching them evolve along with their relationship. I could root for both of them, and just loved this addition to the Stark World. Characters from a previous book were mentioned, but Wicked Dirty can be read perfectly as a standalone.
Highly recommended to the reader looking for an intense, passionate love affair.
*Review Copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads*
September 19, 2017
* A review copy was provided by the author for the Blog Tour *
~ 4 Stars ~
Wicked Dirty was an enjoyable read. I found the storyline interesting and the characters were lovable and relatable. I did think that this story lacked some of the drama that I look forward to in books that I read. It was missing that element that keeps a reader on the edge of their seats. But even with that said, I would recommend this book and I am glad I read it.
I have been a fan of J. Kenner’s books for a while now and this book didn’t disappoint. Wicked Dirty was written in Dual POV. But I will warn you that it is written slightly different from other books. Laine’s POV is from the 1st person and Lyle’s is in the 3rd person. I’m not exactly sure why she writes it like this but it worked for their story. As I said this was an entertaining storyline, but it also touches on some serious subjects. This is an escort story with a fake engagement setup. But this was so much more than that too. This was a story of learning how to let go and moving forward. Of coming to accept yourself for who you are and chasing your own dreams.
In this story we follow Laine and Lyle’s story. Laine is a twenty something woman who is struggling to keep you childhood home. Working many jobs but still not coming up with the amount to pay off her loan. That is until her friend Joy comes up with a solution. In comes Lyle. Lyle is an A list actor who tends to keep things on the simple side and hires escorts, when he needs them. This is how Laine and Lyle meet. Laine shows up at his hotel room….what happens from there is something neither of these two could’ve expected. Both characters are slightly broken for different reasons, but Lyle is the one with the guilt and secrets that weigh heavily on his shoulders. I loved the instant chemistry these two had for each other, but I liked how their relationship built over time.
I thought this was a well written story and one that had me in touch with most of my feelings. I would recommend this story to anyone who likes a movie star romance and if you are a fan of J. Kenner’s books.. This is one you won’t want to miss.
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~ 4 Stars ~
Wicked Dirty was an enjoyable read. I found the storyline interesting and the characters were lovable and relatable. I did think that this story lacked some of the drama that I look forward to in books that I read. It was missing that element that keeps a reader on the edge of their seats. But even with that said, I would recommend this book and I am glad I read it.
I have been a fan of J. Kenner’s books for a while now and this book didn’t disappoint. Wicked Dirty was written in Dual POV. But I will warn you that it is written slightly different from other books. Laine’s POV is from the 1st person and Lyle’s is in the 3rd person. I’m not exactly sure why she writes it like this but it worked for their story. As I said this was an entertaining storyline, but it also touches on some serious subjects. This is an escort story with a fake engagement setup. But this was so much more than that too. This was a story of learning how to let go and moving forward. Of coming to accept yourself for who you are and chasing your own dreams.
In this story we follow Laine and Lyle’s story. Laine is a twenty something woman who is struggling to keep you childhood home. Working many jobs but still not coming up with the amount to pay off her loan. That is until her friend Joy comes up with a solution. In comes Lyle. Lyle is an A list actor who tends to keep things on the simple side and hires escorts, when he needs them. This is how Laine and Lyle meet. Laine shows up at his hotel room….what happens from there is something neither of these two could’ve expected. Both characters are slightly broken for different reasons, but Lyle is the one with the guilt and secrets that weigh heavily on his shoulders. I loved the instant chemistry these two had for each other, but I liked how their relationship built over time.
I thought this was a well written story and one that had me in touch with most of my feelings. I would recommend this story to anyone who likes a movie star romance and if you are a fan of J. Kenner’s books.. This is one you won’t want to miss.
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September 22, 2017
There are so many reasons why I like this book but the characters are number one. Ms. Kenner knows how to write genuine characters with stories that touch the heart.
When her mom named her Sugar Lane and she realized what it sounded like she was horrified. Now going by Laine she works super hard to try to save her childhood home. With good friends and lots of employers, she never thinks she will have to sink to this.
Lyle may be the golden boy of Hollywood but he certainly isn't in his own mind. And when he gets hit in the face by what his past has caused it's shocking. He never expects to meet a genuine girl who might be able to look past what everyone else sees.
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
When her mom named her Sugar Lane and she realized what it sounded like she was horrified. Now going by Laine she works super hard to try to save her childhood home. With good friends and lots of employers, she never thinks she will have to sink to this.
Lyle may be the golden boy of Hollywood but he certainly isn't in his own mind. And when he gets hit in the face by what his past has caused it's shocking. He never expects to meet a genuine girl who might be able to look past what everyone else sees.
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 18, 2021
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Para primeira leitura de J. Kenner este segundo volume da série Stark World funcionou muito bem, ou muito mal se olharmos para o facto da "fome" que deu de ler mais, comprar mais.
Como podem ver é muito livro para ler, mas acredito que sejam todos com protagonistas com enormes corações e cargas pesadas do Passado como os que encontrei aqui neste livro e por isso sei que não vou resistir e adorar ler todas estas histórias de almas sofridas mas com muito amor para dar. A história de Lyle e Sugar e a escrita de Kenner lembrou-me um pouco a de Vi Keeland. Mas esta última acrescenta-lhe muito humor e as cenas eróticas são muito mais potentes a meu ver.
De qualquer forma adorei ler este livro porque se lê muito bem, muito fluidamente, sempre com cenas consequentes e rápidas e com pouca descrição de cenários. O Passado de Lyle foi guardado até ao final, apesar das várias pistas ao longo do livro, e o de Sugar foi contado no inicio, mas voltou para assombrá-la. Aqui nesta parte achei que foi um acrescento um pouco abrupto tal como a sua resolução. Estava à espera de uma aparição, uma cena entre eles os dois, mas assim Sugar foi poupada a mais lágrimas e sofrimento e a personagem manteve-se tão pura e humilde como desde o início. Esta homogeneidade das personagens, com um percurso constante poderia ser negativo mas eu gostei porque não alterou nenhum ponto que mais gostei dos personagens e às vezes mais vale não mexer do que estragar.
No decorrer é-nos apresentados inúmeros casais e personagens mais solitárias que representam os outros livros da escritora, mas o casal que mais fiquei curiosa foi o de Nat e Riley. Acho que há ali muito potencial para uma boa história carregada de tensão sexual. O mesmo para Noah. Dos casais já constituídos o que mais me deu curiosidade de conhecer foi Dallas e Jane que só depois me apercebi que têm uma série só para eles (S.I.N.) e que já tenho dois cá em casa.
Outros personagens incluídos, os secundários, tiveram o seu quê de contribuição, apesar de não ter percebido muito bem o papel de Greg!? Terceira hipótese? Material para um outro volume?
Entretanto acabei mesmo por ficar baralhada com tanto nome: Cass, Laura, Noah, Dallas, Wyatt, Kelsey, Riley, Kiki, ...
Outro pormenor que não gostei foi a publicidade que encontramos. Desde nomes de hotéis, a restaurantes, a todos os pormenores da Disneyland. Sinceramente não gosto muito deste tipo de conteúdos. Inventados sim, publicidade não.
Apesar da leitura ser facilitada, continuo a achar que o tamanho de letra devia ser um pouco mais pequeno. Também continuo a adorar mais estas capas do que aquelas mais simples das outras séries.
Espero sinceramente que a Topseller continue a apostar nesta autora.
Para primeira leitura de J. Kenner este segundo volume da série Stark World funcionou muito bem, ou muito mal se olharmos para o facto da "fome" que deu de ler mais, comprar mais.
Como podem ver é muito livro para ler, mas acredito que sejam todos com protagonistas com enormes corações e cargas pesadas do Passado como os que encontrei aqui neste livro e por isso sei que não vou resistir e adorar ler todas estas histórias de almas sofridas mas com muito amor para dar. A história de Lyle e Sugar e a escrita de Kenner lembrou-me um pouco a de Vi Keeland. Mas esta última acrescenta-lhe muito humor e as cenas eróticas são muito mais potentes a meu ver.
De qualquer forma adorei ler este livro porque se lê muito bem, muito fluidamente, sempre com cenas consequentes e rápidas e com pouca descrição de cenários. O Passado de Lyle foi guardado até ao final, apesar das várias pistas ao longo do livro, e o de Sugar foi contado no inicio, mas voltou para assombrá-la. Aqui nesta parte achei que foi um acrescento um pouco abrupto tal como a sua resolução. Estava à espera de uma aparição, uma cena entre eles os dois, mas assim Sugar foi poupada a mais lágrimas e sofrimento e a personagem manteve-se tão pura e humilde como desde o início. Esta homogeneidade das personagens, com um percurso constante poderia ser negativo mas eu gostei porque não alterou nenhum ponto que mais gostei dos personagens e às vezes mais vale não mexer do que estragar.
No decorrer é-nos apresentados inúmeros casais e personagens mais solitárias que representam os outros livros da escritora, mas o casal que mais fiquei curiosa foi o de Nat e Riley. Acho que há ali muito potencial para uma boa história carregada de tensão sexual. O mesmo para Noah. Dos casais já constituídos o que mais me deu curiosidade de conhecer foi Dallas e Jane que só depois me apercebi que têm uma série só para eles (S.I.N.) e que já tenho dois cá em casa.
Outros personagens incluídos, os secundários, tiveram o seu quê de contribuição, apesar de não ter percebido muito bem o papel de Greg!? Terceira hipótese? Material para um outro volume?
Entretanto acabei mesmo por ficar baralhada com tanto nome: Cass, Laura, Noah, Dallas, Wyatt, Kelsey, Riley, Kiki, ...
Outro pormenor que não gostei foi a publicidade que encontramos. Desde nomes de hotéis, a restaurantes, a todos os pormenores da Disneyland. Sinceramente não gosto muito deste tipo de conteúdos. Inventados sim, publicidade não.
Apesar da leitura ser facilitada, continuo a achar que o tamanho de letra devia ser um pouco mais pequeno. Também continuo a adorar mais estas capas do que aquelas mais simples das outras séries.
Espero sinceramente que a Topseller continue a apostar nesta autora.
September 24, 2020
3,5⭐️
Até quase a meio estava a gostar bastante, depois parece que a história “abrandou” durante umas páginas e a meu ver concluiu num final apressado.
Até quase a meio estava a gostar bastante, depois parece que a história “abrandou” durante umas páginas e a meu ver concluiu num final apressado.
September 21, 2017
4 unexpected stars
I've said it before and i'll keep saying it for as long as J Kenner keeps publishing her books: just when you think you've seen the last of certain characters, she will always come up and surprise you in ways you never expected, and Wicked Dirty was no exception! J Kenner has this uncanny ability to twist a tale that will make you sit up in attention and have your brain whirl in trying to figure out just where you met so and so!
4 breath taking dreams
Wicked Dirty is the second book in this new series, and while i had read the first book and enjoyed it, this book was so much more engaging and enjoyed how Lyle and Sugar's relationship went from nothing to being ever so real that even i had chills. I don't know, there's just something about fake engagements and how the feelings and emotions grow to such extent that you wonder if it's real, that makes me want to keep reading the book to find out just how far people will go to either avoid their feelings or fight for what they want and neither do Lyle or Sugar disappoint. Can't wait for the next book in this series!
*ARC provided by Author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Kathleen, The Small Girl from A small girl, her man and her books
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February 28, 2019
Lyle é um famoso actor que paga para ter mulheres à sua disposição e claro para que não divulguem o que ele anda a fazer (pagar para ter sexo). Sugar é uma mulher que está com dificuldades financeiras e que quer manter a casa a qualquer custo até que uma amiga fala num club onde eles pagam para terem sexo e não são quantias pequenas, são quantias bastante elevadas. O problema nisto, é que o caminho entre sugar e Lyle cruzam-se e ela não consegue ter sexo com ele, embora ele lhe pague na mesma, ambos não deixam de pensar num e no outro e o desejo de quererem ter prazer fala mais alto. No entanto surge um contratempo para Lyle, têm que arranjar alguém para se fazer passar por sua namorada e quem acaba por contratar? Nada mais nada menos do que a Sugar. Adorei :D Demorei 33 dias para ler este livro, e custou-me tanto acabar de o ler.... porque não queria que acabasse... Adorei:D
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October 13, 2017
This was a fun read.
The plot was very predictable and I was basically able to tell the ending from the very start but still, it was a light read and I had fun going through it
The plot was very predictable and I was basically able to tell the ending from the very start but still, it was a light read and I had fun going through it
June 22, 2020
Tras leer el primer libro estaba bastante claro quien iba a ser el protagonista de este segundo, y puedo afirmar que no me ha decepcionado ni de lejos.
Lyle es actor, un actor muy bueno, que está lanzando su carrera y busca aprovechar todas las plataformas que tenga a su alcance para llegar a lo más alto. Pero tiene problemas a la hora de crear relaciones afectivas, y no tiene tiempo para ligar con mujeres, por lo que a veces hace uso de un servicios de escorts con gran nivel de privacidad. Un día a Sugar le ofrecen dinero rápido si trabaja como escort, y ella aunque tiene movidas morales sobre si lo que está haciendo es lo más correcto sigue adelante y acepta la propuesta. Lo que ninguno de ellos esperaba es que desarrollaran un lazo entre ambos, que hace que se encuentren de nuevo y con más fuerza que la vez anterior.
El personaje femenino de Sugar me dio la sensación de que hacia aguas en algunos momentos. TIene muchos pensamientos intrusivos sobre que lo que está haciendo es incorrecto, pero como necesita el dinero sigue adelante; aunque no es capaz de aceptar la ayuda de sus amigos y devolverles el dinero más adelante. Es decir, tiene posibilidad de que te presten el dinero, y tu devolverlo, pero prefieres prostituirte como escort de lujo porque es mucho más razonable y vas a dormir mejor por las noches. En fin, en este sentido no pude conectar mucho con la protagonista, porque me daba la sensación de que tenía muchas contradicciones. Sin embargo, respecto al protagonista masculino, Lyle, me encantó. No es un chico perfecto, pero tampoco lo pinta como tal. Me gustó mucho la crítica que hacen hacia la vida personal de los famosos, como nosotros sabemos lo que ellos quieren que sepamos, y que puede que una persona sea muy diferente a como la pintan los medios. Además, el pasado de Lyle es muy duro, y se nota que aunque ha hecho avances ligeros, aun tiene que luchar contra si mismo para pasar página de todo eso.
Respecto a la trama, un poquito predecible, aunque la autora le metía pequeños detalles que me hacían seguir teniendo interés sobre que iba a pasar en los siguientes capítulos. Sobre la evolución de los personajes, lo cierto es que no vemos mucha hasta el final del libro, pero yo me quedé muy satisfecha, porque los cambios que tienen que hacer (sobre todo Lyle) no se pueden ver en la longitud que tiene esta novela, y aún menos con el poco tiempo que pasa desde que comienza la novela hasta que acaba. Que esto es una de las cosas que no me ha convencido de la novela, que tiene un instalove en mi opinión demasiado bestia, y un avance de la relación demasiado rápido y vertiginoso; es que todo ocurre en semanas y a penas te das cuenta.
Lo que he encontrado de la autora en este libro, que echaba de menos de cuando leí el primero, han sido las escenas sexuales. Tiene una pluma estupenda, y a mí me gana con su manera de narrar tan fina, pero tan directa al mismo tiempo. Y aunque en el primero no me terminó de convencer el final tan abrupto que nos dio, en este me quedé muy satisfecha, y mirad que me sorprendió, porque tiene una manera de acabar igual de repentina que el primer libro; pero me dio la sensación de que todo estaba mucho más ligado.
Quería olvidarte tiene un instalove de manual, pero la autora lo compensa con unos personajes trabajados y que van evolucionando con la historia, algunos traumas del pasado que los protagonistas tienen que superar, y una historia de amor basada en aprender a quererse a uno mismo ante todo. Además, la autora tiene una pluma excelente, y te engancha a su novela con un buen ritmo de lectura, que te tiene pegada a la novela hasta que la acabas.
Lyle es actor, un actor muy bueno, que está lanzando su carrera y busca aprovechar todas las plataformas que tenga a su alcance para llegar a lo más alto. Pero tiene problemas a la hora de crear relaciones afectivas, y no tiene tiempo para ligar con mujeres, por lo que a veces hace uso de un servicios de escorts con gran nivel de privacidad. Un día a Sugar le ofrecen dinero rápido si trabaja como escort, y ella aunque tiene movidas morales sobre si lo que está haciendo es lo más correcto sigue adelante y acepta la propuesta. Lo que ninguno de ellos esperaba es que desarrollaran un lazo entre ambos, que hace que se encuentren de nuevo y con más fuerza que la vez anterior.
El personaje femenino de Sugar me dio la sensación de que hacia aguas en algunos momentos. TIene muchos pensamientos intrusivos sobre que lo que está haciendo es incorrecto, pero como necesita el dinero sigue adelante; aunque no es capaz de aceptar la ayuda de sus amigos y devolverles el dinero más adelante. Es decir, tiene posibilidad de que te presten el dinero, y tu devolverlo, pero prefieres prostituirte como escort de lujo porque es mucho más razonable y vas a dormir mejor por las noches. En fin, en este sentido no pude conectar mucho con la protagonista, porque me daba la sensación de que tenía muchas contradicciones. Sin embargo, respecto al protagonista masculino, Lyle, me encantó. No es un chico perfecto, pero tampoco lo pinta como tal. Me gustó mucho la crítica que hacen hacia la vida personal de los famosos, como nosotros sabemos lo que ellos quieren que sepamos, y que puede que una persona sea muy diferente a como la pintan los medios. Además, el pasado de Lyle es muy duro, y se nota que aunque ha hecho avances ligeros, aun tiene que luchar contra si mismo para pasar página de todo eso.
Respecto a la trama, un poquito predecible, aunque la autora le metía pequeños detalles que me hacían seguir teniendo interés sobre que iba a pasar en los siguientes capítulos. Sobre la evolución de los personajes, lo cierto es que no vemos mucha hasta el final del libro, pero yo me quedé muy satisfecha, porque los cambios que tienen que hacer (sobre todo Lyle) no se pueden ver en la longitud que tiene esta novela, y aún menos con el poco tiempo que pasa desde que comienza la novela hasta que acaba. Que esto es una de las cosas que no me ha convencido de la novela, que tiene un instalove en mi opinión demasiado bestia, y un avance de la relación demasiado rápido y vertiginoso; es que todo ocurre en semanas y a penas te das cuenta.
Lo que he encontrado de la autora en este libro, que echaba de menos de cuando leí el primero, han sido las escenas sexuales. Tiene una pluma estupenda, y a mí me gana con su manera de narrar tan fina, pero tan directa al mismo tiempo. Y aunque en el primero no me terminó de convencer el final tan abrupto que nos dio, en este me quedé muy satisfecha, y mirad que me sorprendió, porque tiene una manera de acabar igual de repentina que el primer libro; pero me dio la sensación de que todo estaba mucho más ligado.
Quería olvidarte tiene un instalove de manual, pero la autora lo compensa con unos personajes trabajados y que van evolucionando con la historia, algunos traumas del pasado que los protagonistas tienen que superar, y una historia de amor basada en aprender a quererse a uno mismo ante todo. Además, la autora tiene una pluma excelente, y te engancha a su novela con un buen ritmo de lectura, que te tiene pegada a la novela hasta que la acabas.
September 18, 2017
4 stars
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 19, 2017
WICKED DIRTY-The second book in an all new series of fast-paced, provocative novels centering around the ambitious, wealthy, and powerful men who work in the glamorous and exciting world of the Stark International conglomerate … and the sexy and passionate women who bring them to their knees.
On the outside, Lyle Tarpin is a clean-cut Hollywood actor whose star is on the rise. Inside, he’s battling his own demons, shunning relationships and finding solace in the arms of a string of anonymous women paid very well for their discretion.
But when he’s photographed in a compromising position by an over-eager reporter, the only way to save his career is to say that the woman he was with is his fiancée. And now Lyle has to play a very public game with the only woman who’s ever managed to get under his skin.
Struggling waitress Sugar Laine agrees to spend one night with Lyle—but only because she’s desperate to save her family home. She never expects that a night of passion will turn into a pretend engagement … or that the heat between them will blossom into love.
But sometimes love has a price.
And now the only question is—can Lyle and Sugar afford to pay it?
•••••••••••
REVIEW: WICKED DIRTY is the second installment in J. Kenner’s contemporary, adult STARK WORLD erotic, romance series-a spin off set in the world of the author’s Stark Trilogy. This is Hollywood actor Lyle Tarpin, and waitress Sugar Laine’s story line. You do not have to have read the previous installment or the original series to follow Wicked Grind. Some of the characters including Damien and Nikki Stark cross-over or are mentioned for cohesion and familiarity.
Told from first person point of view (Sugar) and third person (Lyle) WICKED DIRTY follows the fake relationship between Hollywood actor Lyle Tarpin, and struggling waitress Sugar Laine. Lyle is desperate to keep the wolves away from his door including a sexually aggressive co-star who has the ability to make or break his rising Hollywood star. But Lyle’s history with women is colored by a past shrouded in secrets, lies and discretionary payment for $ex. Enter Sugar Laine, a down on her luck waitress who is financially struggling to pay her bills, and the woman with whom Lyle will fall in love. What ensues is the fake to real relationship between Sugar and Lyle, and the fall out when the truth is revealed.
The relationship between Lyle and Sugar begins as a paid encounter. Sugar is about to lose the only home she has ever known, and a quick influx of cash presents itself in the guise of a paid escort for a Hollywood star. Lyle is our hero; a man who knows all about the struggle to keep clothes on his back and food in his stomach, and he is determined to help Sugar pay off her loans never considering that his fake relationship would turn into something real. The $ex scenes are limited but intimate and passionate without the over the top, sexually graphic language and text. Unlike most of J. Kenner’s story lines, WICKED DIRTY presents a softer side to the $ex, love and romance trope but that’s not to say there isn’t a definite palpable sexual energy between our leading couple.
WICKED DIRTY is a heartbreaking story between two people whose pasts are awash in struggle and loss. The premise is emotional and engaging; the characters are broken, colorful and inspiring- our heroine battles her feelings for a man she believes is playing the role of his life; the romance is captivating and sensual.
Copy supplied for review
www.thereadingcafe.com
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 19, 2017
WICKED DIRTY-The second book in an all new series of fast-paced, provocative novels centering around the ambitious, wealthy, and powerful men who work in the glamorous and exciting world of the Stark International conglomerate … and the sexy and passionate women who bring them to their knees.
On the outside, Lyle Tarpin is a clean-cut Hollywood actor whose star is on the rise. Inside, he’s battling his own demons, shunning relationships and finding solace in the arms of a string of anonymous women paid very well for their discretion.
But when he’s photographed in a compromising position by an over-eager reporter, the only way to save his career is to say that the woman he was with is his fiancée. And now Lyle has to play a very public game with the only woman who’s ever managed to get under his skin.
Struggling waitress Sugar Laine agrees to spend one night with Lyle—but only because she’s desperate to save her family home. She never expects that a night of passion will turn into a pretend engagement … or that the heat between them will blossom into love.
But sometimes love has a price.
And now the only question is—can Lyle and Sugar afford to pay it?
•••••••••••
REVIEW: WICKED DIRTY is the second installment in J. Kenner’s contemporary, adult STARK WORLD erotic, romance series-a spin off set in the world of the author’s Stark Trilogy. This is Hollywood actor Lyle Tarpin, and waitress Sugar Laine’s story line. You do not have to have read the previous installment or the original series to follow Wicked Grind. Some of the characters including Damien and Nikki Stark cross-over or are mentioned for cohesion and familiarity.
Told from first person point of view (Sugar) and third person (Lyle) WICKED DIRTY follows the fake relationship between Hollywood actor Lyle Tarpin, and struggling waitress Sugar Laine. Lyle is desperate to keep the wolves away from his door including a sexually aggressive co-star who has the ability to make or break his rising Hollywood star. But Lyle’s history with women is colored by a past shrouded in secrets, lies and discretionary payment for $ex. Enter Sugar Laine, a down on her luck waitress who is financially struggling to pay her bills, and the woman with whom Lyle will fall in love. What ensues is the fake to real relationship between Sugar and Lyle, and the fall out when the truth is revealed.
The relationship between Lyle and Sugar begins as a paid encounter. Sugar is about to lose the only home she has ever known, and a quick influx of cash presents itself in the guise of a paid escort for a Hollywood star. Lyle is our hero; a man who knows all about the struggle to keep clothes on his back and food in his stomach, and he is determined to help Sugar pay off her loans never considering that his fake relationship would turn into something real. The $ex scenes are limited but intimate and passionate without the over the top, sexually graphic language and text. Unlike most of J. Kenner’s story lines, WICKED DIRTY presents a softer side to the $ex, love and romance trope but that’s not to say there isn’t a definite palpable sexual energy between our leading couple.
WICKED DIRTY is a heartbreaking story between two people whose pasts are awash in struggle and loss. The premise is emotional and engaging; the characters are broken, colorful and inspiring- our heroine battles her feelings for a man she believes is playing the role of his life; the romance is captivating and sensual.
Copy supplied for review
www.thereadingcafe.com
October 5, 2018
Titel: Deep Passion
Autor: J. Kenner
Verlag: Diana
Sprache: Deutsch
Seiten: 335 Seiten ∞ Taschenbuch
Preis: D ∞ 9,99€ A ∞ 10,30€
Genre: Roman ∞ Erotik ∞ Liebe ∞
Reihe: Ja, dies ist Band 2
Liebe hat immer ihren Preis ...
Der Hollywood-Shootingstar Lyle hält sich von Beziehungen fern. Doch als er in einer kompromittierenden Situation mit dem Escortgirl Sugar Laine fotografiert wird, bleibt ihm nur eins, um seine Karriere zu retten: Er gibt seine Verlobung mit ihr bekannt. Sugar willigt in das Täuschungsmanöver ein, weil sie Geld braucht, um ihr Zuhause zu retten. Was als Spiel beginnt, führt für beide schon bald zu gefährlichen Gefühlen …
Meine Meinung:
Ich muss vorweg sagen das ich Band 1 der Reihe nicht gelesen habe, mir aber viele gesagt haben das dies nicht nötig sei, also hab ich mich hier auf Band 2 gestürzt - und wurde leider etwas enttäuscht..
Der Anfang ist wie gewohnt, flott mit einem guten Schreibstil der es einem leicht mach in seinen Lesefluss zu kommen.
Der Prolog hat mich auf jeden Fall gleich mal gefesselt und ich war gespannt was J Kenner dieses mal für mich parat hält. Was aber leider nicht so lange anhielt. Mir waren gleich am Anfang etwas zu viele Namen, die mich alle etwas verwirrten (Vielleicht liegt es daran das ich Band 1 nicht gelesen habe?) einige dinge wiederholten sich gleich am Anfang soo oft das ich irgendwann nur mehr mit den Augen rollte und laut zum Buch sagte "Ja wir haben es kapiert!" ... Was das so war? Tja, das Sugar lieber Laine gennant werden will, dass sie Pleite ist und und und (Ich möchte euch nicht Spoilern)..
Und dann aber wieder gab es Sachen die mir einfach viel zu schnell gingen.. Ein paar, für mich unnötige, langweilige Szenen reihten sich bevor auf einmal total viel Gleichzeitig passierte. Und was mich am meisten störte war die "erste Begegnung", Warum? Sugar, sorry - Laine, sah den Mann und wusste SOFORT bescheid was ihn bewegt und was in ihm vorgeht. Aber ja, lest selbst!
Der Schreibstil ist, wie gesagt, ziemlich flüssig und leicht, daher hat sich das Buch trotz allen dingen die mich so störten, schnell gelesen. Es hat aber auch bis zum Ende hin nicht für mich passen wollen. Alles in allem eine Solide, seichte Erotische Geschichte mit seinen kleinen hin und Hers, die man gut zwischendurch oder auch Unterwegs lesen kann.
Mit einem anderen Titel und einem etwas anderen Klappentext hätte ich mir wahrscheinlich weniger erwartet und dann wäre meine Enttäuschung auch nicht so groß gewesen.
Die Cover von J Kenner und dem Verlag finde ich wirklich wunderschön, man erkennt die Autorin richtig und die Bücher machen sich wunderbar im Regal neben einander!
Fazit:
Für mich der bisher schwächste Band von J. Kenner. Es hat mich einfach nicht gefesselt. Einiges ging viel zu schnell, anderes wurde mehrfach erwähnt und in die länge gezogen. Und für ein Erotik Buch waren mir zu wenig Erotische Momente enthalten.
Ich würde ja gern 2,5 Masken vergeben, aber da ich nur volle Masken / bzw. Sterne zur Verfügung habe bekommt das Buch von mir 3 Masken.
Es ist halt ein Leichtes, Erotische Buch das man gut zwischendurch lesen kann.
Daher gibts von mir 3 von 5 Masken
Autor: J. Kenner
Verlag: Diana
Sprache: Deutsch
Seiten: 335 Seiten ∞ Taschenbuch
Preis: D ∞ 9,99€ A ∞ 10,30€
Genre: Roman ∞ Erotik ∞ Liebe ∞
Reihe: Ja, dies ist Band 2
Liebe hat immer ihren Preis ...
Der Hollywood-Shootingstar Lyle hält sich von Beziehungen fern. Doch als er in einer kompromittierenden Situation mit dem Escortgirl Sugar Laine fotografiert wird, bleibt ihm nur eins, um seine Karriere zu retten: Er gibt seine Verlobung mit ihr bekannt. Sugar willigt in das Täuschungsmanöver ein, weil sie Geld braucht, um ihr Zuhause zu retten. Was als Spiel beginnt, führt für beide schon bald zu gefährlichen Gefühlen …
Meine Meinung:
Ich muss vorweg sagen das ich Band 1 der Reihe nicht gelesen habe, mir aber viele gesagt haben das dies nicht nötig sei, also hab ich mich hier auf Band 2 gestürzt - und wurde leider etwas enttäuscht..
Der Anfang ist wie gewohnt, flott mit einem guten Schreibstil der es einem leicht mach in seinen Lesefluss zu kommen.
Der Prolog hat mich auf jeden Fall gleich mal gefesselt und ich war gespannt was J Kenner dieses mal für mich parat hält. Was aber leider nicht so lange anhielt. Mir waren gleich am Anfang etwas zu viele Namen, die mich alle etwas verwirrten (Vielleicht liegt es daran das ich Band 1 nicht gelesen habe?) einige dinge wiederholten sich gleich am Anfang soo oft das ich irgendwann nur mehr mit den Augen rollte und laut zum Buch sagte "Ja wir haben es kapiert!" ... Was das so war? Tja, das Sugar lieber Laine gennant werden will, dass sie Pleite ist und und und (Ich möchte euch nicht Spoilern)..
Und dann aber wieder gab es Sachen die mir einfach viel zu schnell gingen.. Ein paar, für mich unnötige, langweilige Szenen reihten sich bevor auf einmal total viel Gleichzeitig passierte. Und was mich am meisten störte war die "erste Begegnung", Warum? Sugar, sorry - Laine, sah den Mann und wusste SOFORT bescheid was ihn bewegt und was in ihm vorgeht. Aber ja, lest selbst!
Der Schreibstil ist, wie gesagt, ziemlich flüssig und leicht, daher hat sich das Buch trotz allen dingen die mich so störten, schnell gelesen. Es hat aber auch bis zum Ende hin nicht für mich passen wollen. Alles in allem eine Solide, seichte Erotische Geschichte mit seinen kleinen hin und Hers, die man gut zwischendurch oder auch Unterwegs lesen kann.
Mit einem anderen Titel und einem etwas anderen Klappentext hätte ich mir wahrscheinlich weniger erwartet und dann wäre meine Enttäuschung auch nicht so groß gewesen.
Die Cover von J Kenner und dem Verlag finde ich wirklich wunderschön, man erkennt die Autorin richtig und die Bücher machen sich wunderbar im Regal neben einander!
Fazit:
Für mich der bisher schwächste Band von J. Kenner. Es hat mich einfach nicht gefesselt. Einiges ging viel zu schnell, anderes wurde mehrfach erwähnt und in die länge gezogen. Und für ein Erotik Buch waren mir zu wenig Erotische Momente enthalten.
Ich würde ja gern 2,5 Masken vergeben, aber da ich nur volle Masken / bzw. Sterne zur Verfügung habe bekommt das Buch von mir 3 Masken.
Es ist halt ein Leichtes, Erotische Buch das man gut zwischendurch lesen kann.
Daher gibts von mir 3 von 5 Masken
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