review: I FINALLY FOUND IT!!!!This is the book I have been searching for!!!!!!  I wanted something that gave me the same feeling I had when I read FSoG or Crossfire Series......not the same story but the same feeling.  If I wanted the same story, I would have just reread FSoG or Crossfire Series.  I've been craving something hot, irresistible, sexy, controlling alpha male, and dark but with a fabulous story and even more fabulous writing.  I simply want to fall in love with the guy and the story.  Is that too much to ask for?????Well, I certainly found my WINNER.  Admit it - if you are a FSoG or Crossfire fan, then you use those as a benchmark for all others.  It's okay, admit it, I won't tell anyone.  (Psst).... I'll tell you a secret..... I freely (and proudly) admit that's what I do. There's a reason publishers put those stickers on books that make comparisons to FSoG.  Whatever the reason........ it sure as hell helped my choose Release Me!This captured my attention right out of the gate.  I didn't have to give it time or let it grow on me at all.  It was very engrossing.  The anticipation & build up throughout were amazing.  I was on the edge of my seat.The writing is polished with a wonderful flow.  The writing style is more sophisticated and intelligent with great dialogue!!!  The chemistry between Damien and Nikki is off the elemental charts!  OMG.  The hotness started off blistering in the limo and only continued from there. The sex scenes were beautiful, sensual, and erotic.Damien is the powerful, magnetic, beautiful, and seductive billionaire ex-tennis star that is used getting what he wants - and, that includes women.  The word `no' does not factor in to his vocabulary unless it's coming from him.  He's very possessive with the need to control everything and everyone around him.  Damien harbors dark secrets and is very good at keeping them just that - secrets.  He's one big mystery, revealing just enough to keep you wanting.  I'm dying to know what he's hiding.  The brief glimpses we do get of his vulnerability and his thoughtful gestures make him very likeable and real.  I even think I saw a bit of his heart peak through that stiff and hard exterior.Nikki is the beautiful ex- pageant girl with sass, smarts, and attitude to boot.  But, Nikki has her own secrets and demons - painful and dark secrets.  She's broken on the inside just as much as much on the outside although no one can tell.  Nikki uses her attitude as armor to protect herself.  Her strong attitude is refreshing, and her witty sarcasm had me laughing out loud.  It's nice to see a heroine that stands on her own two feet and isn't afraid to show her strong side.Damien and Nikki meet at a party and the attraction is instant.  Damien decides that Nikki's next on his list of acquisitions.  Nikki is more than attracted to Damien, but she isn't THAT kind of girl.  She does things on her terms and this presents a challenge for him.  Damien is relentless in his pursuit, and he soon becomes too much to resist.  Nikki wants this, but is this just a game to Damien???  Because to Nikki it certainly is not; it's very very real and terrifying .  If she pursues this is she ready for her past to come front and center?  Is she ready to give up control and let Damien possess her?It's very easy to ruin the story by saying too much more here.  I will say that their story is very passionate, and they very much understand one another.  Secrets, skeletons, insecurities, doubt, and second guessing run rampant, but there are touching and heart felt moments that make these bad elements fade into the background.  And, it's not all about the sex.  HALLELUJAH!!!  There was a nice balance between the sex and the story.  Sex was part of the story, but it never became THE story.  Nikki and Damien have a relationship, and that's what we get to see first and foremost.  I love this couple because they are both strong and smart with a vulnerable side.After all this you're still probably thinking been there done that, rich billionaire alpha male goes after a young, beautiful, nave woman.  THAT'S where you're wrong!!!  By no means is Nikki nave.  She's confident, smart, and doesn't allow anyone to make decisions for her, it's all on her terms.  And, that is why this is different.I know a lot of people hate cliffhangers or waiting for follow up books, but I'm glad this is a trilogy.  I'm loving this couple so much that it would have been a shame if Ms. Kenner tried to force their story to fit into a stand-alone book.  Their story is too involved and complicated not to run this over multiple books.Nikki and Damien's story isn't very heavy into BDSM if that's what you're looking for.  Yes, it's hot, erotic, and passionate with some kinky elements, but I wouldn't classify this as a BDSM or even light BDSM........ but, Release Me does give FSoG and the Crossfire Series a run for their money.I simply loved this book.  At times, I think I was purposely reading slow just so it wouldn't end.  There are certain books that I re-read occasionally just because I love the feeling I get from the intense feeling the characters have for one another.  Release Me is going into that pile!  I'm anxiously awaiting the next installment of Damien and Nikki!!!!!
question: Why do they hide a secret?
There 's a reason publishers put those stickers on books that make comparisons to FSoG. Whatever the reason ........ it sure as hell helped my choose Release Me!This captured my attention right out of the gate