Complete Me: The Stark Series #3

Written by J. Kenner

Narrated by Sofia Willingham

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • The third book in the sexy, emotionally charged Stark trilogy—a romance between a powerful man who’s never heard “no” and a fiery woman who says “yes” on her own terms

Beautiful, strong, and commanding, Damien Stark fills a void in me that no other man can touch. His fierce cravings push me beyond the brink of bliss—and unleash a wild passion that utterly consumes us both.
 
Yet beneath his need for dominance, he carries the wounds of a painful past. Haunted by a legacy of dark secrets and broken trust, he seeks release in our shared ecstasy, the heat between us burning stronger each day.
 
Our attraction is undeniable, our obsession inevitable. But our happily ever after? I still don’t know, and yet I’ll risk everything for a chance at forever.

Don’t miss any of the Stark Saga, intended for mature audiences.
Begin your journey with RELEASE ME, CLAIM ME, & COMPLETE ME

• Language: English
• Publisher: Penguin Random House Audio Publishing Group
• Release date: Jul 30, 2013
• ISBN: 9780804149365

J. Kenner

J. Kenner loves wine, dark chocolate, and books. She lives in Texas with her husband and daughters. Visit her online at www.jkenner.com to learn more about her and her other pen names, to get a peek at what she's working on, and to connect through social media.

Reviews for Complete Me

[kate.good · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I was SO excited to read this final installment of Damien and Nikki. I adore Damien. He is such a great character! This is Damien wrapped up in a statement:

"Empirically, he is gorgeous. But it is not simply his looks that overwhelm. It is the whole package. The power, the confidence, the bone-deep sensuality that he couldn't shake if he tried."

*swoon*

Then, you have those magical word that come out of him:

“I want to hold you close. To cherish and protect you. To draw you in until we are so close that I am lost within you. I want to take you to bed, to watch the way your skin tightens beneath my fingers, the way your body awakens under my touch. I want to trail kisses over you until you are lost in so much pleasure that you don’t know where you end and I begin. I want to tie you up and fuck you until there is no doubt that you are mine. I want to dress you up and take you out, and show you off, this beautiful, vibrant, brilliant woman. Everything I’ve built? All my billions? They have no value compared to you.”

*double swoon*

And he’s not kidding there. Not at all. Any man that would give up billions for the woman he loves? He’s a keeper.

Don’t you wish Damien was real?

Ok, on to the book:

When I finished I was, well… happy with the ending, I suppose. I was glad to see it all wrapped up and to see Damien and Nikki get their HEA. If I am looking at the entire series, I give it 4.5 lovely stars. However this book kind of fell flat. On its own I would give it 3 stars. I liked it, and I still love the characters it just felt like I could never really engage with it.

So what did we have in this book? It started right where Claim Me left off. Damien is in Germany fighting a murder charge. Nikki is trying to figure out how to survive all of it.

Then they have sex. Then they have sex again. And on the next page? Sex again! Seriously, so much SEX!

Between Damien and me sex is as necessary as conversation. It is our method of discovery. Our sharing of trust. And our ultimate surrender.

She wasn’t kidding. They have more sex than bunnies. I am surprised her lady parts weren’t screaming in protest! And don’t get me wrong, I love the sexy time. It just felt overdone for some reason.

Damien is still a control freak…but it works for them. In a way, Nikki needs that control in her life and she figures out why it works for them.

I think of the way he claimed me… And all the times that he has bound me, controlled me, a counterpoint to a world spinning away from him. We soothe each other, and I know that. I see that.

Nikki is healed in so many ways by Damien. You could see her become stronger through the series. I was thrilled with the way her self-harming was handled. It was never glossed over, it was never minimized and it never magically went away. It was real and you knew the reasons for it.

The last 20% of the book was really the best. We get the resolution we need, Damien and Nikki get the peace they both desperately need and there is drama and action.

So, the question is would I recommend this book. I will say yes. I would, because I adore the series. I love the characters and I think J. Kenner is an absolutely amazing writer. Seriously amazing. Even though this book wasn’t my favorite in the series, I still say read them all.

Damien is waiting for you!

**ARC courtesy of Random House Publishing Group via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review**

[gloria.herrera · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Emotional, gripping, fantastic, erotic, relentless...did I miss anything else? This last book in the Stark Trilogy has it all. We take this roller coaster ride with Nikki and Damien and unwittingly hold our breath while the story unravels, twists, and knots our insides. These two souls belong together and boy we cheer for them to survive!

[emilymcgee-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I don't think I have been this excited about the third in a trilogy before! I also think this is one of the best endings to a trilogy. Some might say that the third book was not necessary and that Ms. Kenner could have finished up the series in two books, and I would have to whole-heartedly disagree. The cliff hanger from book two is resolved, for the most part, quite speedily. There are other mysterious aspects the author brings in that are not necessarily needed, but in the end bring the story full circle. The amazing part of this book, to me at least, is that J. Kenner grows the character of Damien Stark leaps and bounds from his alpha, domineering ways. Yes, he is still the alpha we know and love, but he also opens up and allows Nikki to become his equal, his partner. As for Nikki's independence, it is kind of a roller coaster. At times she takes a stand, but then she turns right around and reacts or does something to make the reader want to yell at her. However, those qualities in Nikki bring humanity and reality to this series. This book was a perfect ending to a fantastic series, and I cannot wait for more from Ms. Kenner! If you have not started the series, you should and you will not be disappointed!

Happy Reading!
*ARC received from the publisher in exchange for a honest review*

[has_bookpusher · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Full Review to be posted soon:


Quick thoughts and mini review -

Despite a slow start for me, I felt this was a satisfactory ending to the trilogy. The big mysteries and secrets that Damien has held inside were unveiled and I liked how things were resolved between him and Nikki. But certain plot threads were also not tied up neatly which felt realistic. The love scenes were very sexy and filled with tension. Overall this was a sexy erotic trilogy and highly recommended to fans who love the tortured billionaire trope.

[brenda14_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Great ending to the trilogy. Full of unexpected surprises and heated passionate moments.Fans of other erotic novels will be captured by this captivating story.

[colormeblueex · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I really enjoyed this ending to the trilogy. I thought that I completed the book nicely. I was worried, I didn't enjoy the second book as much as the first one, but I thought that J. Kenner did a great job with Complete Me. There was drama, romance, steamy sex, and a little bit of suspense. I fell in love with Damien in Release Me and nothing changed in Complete Me. He showed more passion and as a reader you are able to see how he progressed emotionally throughout the novels. I really enjoyed reading this and I would love to read more by this author!

[angieanzaldua · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Courtesy of librarything.com and Random House

Ok so this one started off where Claim Me left off and to say I was frustrated was an understatement. Basically, I wanted to punch Damien in face from the get go. I think my frustration stemmed from his inability to be forthcoming with Nikki. Why was it so hard for him to keep her in the loop. Seriously, I know he was trying to protect her but come on the girl needed to know soooooo many things and he kept them from her. But of course wanting to know what was up is what kept me reading

There were so many things that kept coming at them and kept me wanting to slap her and say kick his a** to the curb. What happened to him was really messed up and all the drama after was entertaining. I had my suspicions about the "person" causing Nikki problems and I'm not happy that Nikki was understanding and ok that one day Damien would want to one day go back to continue a friendship with this as person. I'd be like hell no that ain't gonna happen.

I actually liked the ending and I had more love for Damien in ending then in the whole book. So thats why I gave it 4 stars. But all in all I liked it and would recommend it to my friends. Its a good read.

[mybookaddiction_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The story picks up with Damien and Nikki in Germany awaiting the murder trial to start. Nikki feels him pulling away from her and she is mad that he won’t defend himself against these allegations. Damien knows if he tells about the abuse then the charges will be dropped but he is honest with Nikki that he values his privacy and can’t stand the thought of the public knowing his darkest secret even if it means losing her. She realizes that if the truth came out he would be destroyed. She is willing to do anything to protect his secret, even if it means she has to give up Damien.

When the charges are dismissed on the first day of the trial, it should be smooth sailing but its not. Their love and faith in each other is put to the test. Nikki gets a stalker and it is shocking to find out who it truly is. I couldn’t wait for this last book to come out and it was definitely worth it. I LOVED this story and how the couple interacted with each other. They knew how to have fun together and of course the sex was beyond HOT! I found myself putting the book down and not rushing through it. Not because the story was boring but because I didn’t want it to end!!! I feel like I have invested time with this couple and am sad that it is over. Damien was a strong caring man who didn’t let his haunted past define him. Nikki also had demons but she became confident with the help of Damien. You wouldn’t think these two dysfunctional people could find happiness but they grounded each other and worked together. I think Damien summed it up when he said, “You’re what gives me strength. If I am what centers you, Nikki, then you are what anchors me.” I highly recommend this trilogy and am happy that Nikki and Damien got the happy ending they deserved. I will definitely be looking forward to more books by this author!

Rating-4.5

Heat Rating-Steamy

Reviewed by Donna McClaugherty

Courtesy of My Book Addiction and More

[bookbetch · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

Complete me is a well written book about pain, heartache, love, and trauma. That being said, despite J. Kenner's beautiful writing style, I just couldn't get into it. I have not read the previous two books in the series, and maybe if I had my opinion would be different, but I just didn't enjoy this book. It was almost a more dramatic 50 shades (albeit much more eloquent, understandable, and believable) but I couldn't finish it. It was dark and depressing, although the eroticism was well-wrought.

[teaparty5 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I definitely enjoyed the conclusion to this trilogy. (Actually, I liked all the books.) I am happy to say that Complete Me really brought together all the components of these books that I've enjoyed and mostly completed Damien and Nikki's story for me. The story picks up right before Damien's trial, and we are immediately returned to the dynamics of Damien and Nikki's relationship. Nikki has completely opened up, but now we must wait and see if Damien will finally become the open book we've been hoping for and reveal all his secrets (and if Nikki can handle it).

For me, the story felt a bit like a scavenger hunt, trying to put together the bits and pieces of the mess we were left with before as well as any new revelations revealed in the rest of our story. I felt like I was right there with Nikki figuring things out, putting it all together. And there's a lot going on - Damien's trial, Nikki's stalker, Jamie and Ollie's messes, Damien's secrets, and other mysteries. There is also lots of sex - creative sex, steamy sex, and the ever heated connection between Damien and Nikki. At some point I actually felt like there was too much sex in the first half of the book, because it seemed like we went from one heated moment to the next, while the overall story slowed down. I guess I just really wanted to see where the rest of the story was going. But with that said, the sex scenes are well done, so you won't be disappointed there; and if you're waiting for the plot to continue, be patient and enjoy the moment, because the story will continue... just after another romp or two (or three).

I also liked reading where Damien and Nikki's relationship was going. J. Kenner made them and their kindred spirit connection even more believable than in the other books. I did feel that Nikki's internal dramatics were a bit repetitive at times, but on the other hand I truly felt her wrestling her demons and learning her place alongside Damien, while at the same time trying to get him to finally, completely open up to her. Honestly, some of what they (especially Damien) deal with is completely heartbreaking, and I admire how it was handled. Theirs is not an easy relationship, but watching them come together and find their place together is a wild ride, full of angst and love, heartbreak and healing, and I couldn't help but root for them.

Overall, I felt like J. Kenner pulled this trilogy together really well, and created a great couple in Damien and Nikki. I'm already planning on rereading this trilogy. I also liked where she ended things. It left me in a satisfied place, though an epilogue would have been a bonus that I would have really enjoyed. I also have questions about some of the other characters and wonder if the author will write some books about them (hint hint). But overall this was an emotional and passionate conclusion to Damien and Nikki's very heartfelt trilogy.

[sable677 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I was lucky enough to receive a copy of Complete Me through Library Thing, and I am so glad that I did. Now I have to admit to not having read the first two books in this trilogy, but I have read books by Kenner before and really enjoyed them which is why I wanted to give this series a try. I did enjoy this book and think that it can be read on its own however I think reading the two previous books would have given you more insight to the character development. This book does have some meaty character development with both Nikki and Damien needing to face their demons. Kenner also writes some hot sex scenes that make the book steamy so I can understand the comparisons to 50 Shades even though I haven't read those books myself. Overall I found this an enjoyable read but I expected no less from reading a Kenner book. I do plan on reading the first two books in the trilogy when time permits.

[dawngenna · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I received this book in exchange for an honest review.

I have to say that I enjoyed the characters in the book. They were well written and easy to like/dislike (depending on the character). The story has a lot in common with the 50 shades books. There are a lot of similarities in the story line. The characters are a little me complex though. Yes, you have the male character that was molested as a younger man. Yes, you have the female character that falls in love with him and "makes his life better". But, you also have another side to the female character, she's not undamaged herself. She deals with her cutting issues by replacing the rush that she gets from that with sex. Don't get me wrong, I love to read these kinds of "smutty" books. Any author that can make me want to be a character in the book is a great writer, as far as I'm concerned.

[lulu150 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

When I found out I was getting this book to read and review I decided I needed to read the first two books and boy was I not disappointed! I really enjoyed all three and I do recommend reading them in order. If you are looking for a good passion/erotica series this is one to read!

[dhhughey · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I have not read the first two books, but plan to do so. Complete Me was good, tantalizing, and had a good story line to it. If you are looking for good erotica mystery, this qualifies. I am looking forward to reading the next series by this author "Wanted" when it becomes available.

[deserie4comfort · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

ABOUT THE BOOK:

This sexy, emotionally charged romance continues the story of Damien Stark, the powerful multimillionaire who’s never had to take “no” for an answer, and Nikki Fairchild, the Southern belle who only says “yes” on her own terms.

Our desire runs deep. But our secrets cut close. Beautiful, strong, and commanding, Damien Stark fills a void in me that no other man can touch. His fierce cravings push me beyond the brink of bliss—and unleash a wild passion that utterly consumes us both.

Yet beneath his need for dominance, he carries the wounds of a painful past. Haunted by a legacy of dark secrets and broken trust, he seeks release in our shared ecstasy, the heat between us burning stronger each day.

Our attraction is undeniable, our obsession inevitable. Yet not even Damien can run from his ghosts, or shield us from the dangers yet to come.

MY REVIEW:

This book gave the trilogy a fabulous ending (or at least, I think it’s the ending). Like the other two books, the sex scorched the pages, and the attraction between these two is palpable. The writing flows through the book, to where before you know it, you’re on the last chapter, and sad to see it over.

I took a star off this last book for a very distinct reason: I felt as if there wasn’t a whole lot of angst in this last part. The book almost seemed just like a diary of each day without any suspense in something going wrong—which was a very real part of books one and two.

Outside of that though, as always, Ms. Kenner has managed to really pull out a great story and provide great characters that I’m sad to see go. I’d recommend this book—and series—to anyone looking for a little spice and a whole lot of hotness! Four out of five stars.

[cool_mia · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Given by the publisher for an honest review

The Stark Trilogy comes to an end....That's a really depressing thought..

Complete Me was everything a fan of the series/reader wanted..and more..
It is the best book of the series,in my opinion....
It's strong and utterly mind-blowing.

I got addicted on it from the very first page..It had a perfect pace and the story never bored..It was amazing from the start to the ending..It was a whirlwind of events that kept us wondering about them without having our head ready to explode ( in the bad way )...

Damien and Nikki had a magnificent progress on their relationship..We saw Damien opening up to her like never before..We saw both characters display real growth that empowered their relationship..

The only bad thing about it is that it's the last book of the series..But at the same time,I realise that Damien and Nikki deserve their HEA without vindictive and manipulative people trying to bring them down...

Powerful to its core.Mind-Blowing.Without precedent.
~~SPOILER~~
Cheers to Ms. and Mr. Stark !!!

[dixielandcountry.com · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Complete Me by J. Kenner could be summed up in one word HOT, HOT, HOT! Wait that's three words, n e way. Welcome to the erotic world of, be still my heart Mr. Damien Stark. This third and final installment of The Stark Trilogy. A wonderly hot series of books showcasing the filthy rich, and super sexy Mr. Damien Stark and the sexy love of his life Ms. Nikki Fairchild.

This book is the perfect ending to the series. Even if you have never read one of the Stark books Release Me or Claim Me this book is a great read all on it's own. Grab Complete Me when it goes on sale on July 30 for some super sexy erotic action and you will be glad ya did.

For fans of Fifty Shades of Grey and Bared to You comes the third novel in the erotic, fast-paced trilogy including Release Me and Claim Me. This sexy, emotionally charged romance continues the story of Damien Stark, the powerful multimillionaire who’s never had to take “no” for an answer, and Nikki Fairchild, the Southern belle who only says “yes” on her own terms.

Our desire runs deep. But our secrets cut close.

Beautiful, strong, and commanding, Damien Stark fills a void in me that no other man can touch. His fierce cravings push me beyond the brink of bliss—and unleash a wild passion that utterly consumes us both.

Yet beneath his need for dominance, he carries the wounds of a painful past. Haunted by a legacy of dark secrets and broken trust, he seeks release in our shared ecstasy, the heat between us burning stronger each day.

Our attraction is undeniable, our obsession inevitable. Yet not even Damien can run from his ghosts, or shield us from the dangers yet to come.

Complete Me is an erotic romance intended for mature audiences.

[monicalynn-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I didn't realize this was the 3rd book in the trilogy until I received it. However besides a few things I wasn't aware of in the story prior I figured it all out. I really enjoyed the passion that Nikki and Damien shared for each other. Some very erotic moments but not to overly done. Puts me in mind of the 50 shades of grey books. Although very enjoyable read. Now I will have to look into getting the others to read the entire trilogy.

[hcollins_25 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I have really enjoyed this whole series, but this book definitely takes the cake! Damien and Nikki’s passion, the strength in their love and the fact that they know they can face anything as long as they do it together is what makes this an amazing series for me. J Kenner made her characters and the story line stronger and stronger with each book! The last 20% or so of the book is when all the real action happens and even though I had it figured out before the “bad guy” was revealed, I was a little shocked to the extent that they went to get their point across. The ending was everything I wanted it to be though and I can honestly say there was not one single part of this book that I was disappointed in. I definitely, definitely recommend this trilogy!!! I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley for an honest review.