For years I have really been curious about this author, her books just pop up everywhere and even though I struggle with over hyped books and authors, I decided that this was an author I really needed to try and so when I saw the first three books available at my local library, I grabbed them up and quite frankly I LOVED them. I read all three in 2 days. I was really really nervous with the blurb comparing them to Fifty Shades however, these books had a completely different feel to them and didn’t resemble anything like Fifty Shades *sigh in relief*. Even though there are complex characters involved, its nothing like what you see in Fifty Shades which for the most part aren’t really romance in my opinion…but these books really worked for me in the romance department. Also as a side note, the writing in this book is spectacular which really makes a difference from Fifty Shades. There was something about this couple that just sang to me so I want to share my thoughts on each book.
I don’t want an icon. Not on my wall, not in my bed. I want the woman, Nikki. I want you

In the first book we have the beginnings of Damien Stark and Nikki Fairchild’s love story. Damien and Nikki have known each other for six years, back in Texas. but its been six years later. Both Damien and Nikki are unattached and focused on their own lives. They meet up at a art gala. Nikki has always been drawn to Damien, in a way that she doesn’t understand. Nikki hasn’t had the best luck in relationships or men or even sex. Nikki has moved from Dallas to Los Angeles, in an effort to make a fresh start and get away from her crazy mother who forced her into beauty pageants all of her life. Nikki isn’t a on the spot likable heroine, she is one that grows on you. She doesn’t have a personality that is bad or anything. But she has alot of pain and struggles, and she hides it behind a fake facade that she shows to the public. She never lets many know the real Nikki. I found this to be really intriguing because I wanted to know who the real Nikki really was. These books are written in 1st POV, so we get to see the inner Nikki. The more I read though, the more I was drawn to Nikki. She became such a likable character that has a past, she has flaws, she makes mistakes, but she is also a good person who is kind and loyal and devoted to those she loves the most. Then we have Damien Stark. The hero is full of mysteries for sure. We don’t really see the full side of him in this book, we only get hints and delights of who he really is. But he isn’t super dark or crazy either. Even though he is drawn to Nikki, and desires her, I didn’t feel like it was too obsessive or crazy. He is a alpha male, has plenty of money, and is domineering at times but I love that Damien and Nikki laugh and tease each other from the very beginning. There is a powerful chemistry of course, but honestly, we see various sides to their relationship that makes it feel very personal and real to the reader. What I felt so drawn to is how these two accept each other, all their faults and mysteries and are very supportive of each other. And we some small hints of a mystery/suspenseful type of plot too. In the first book we don’t know if its the author leading up to more in the plot or just a weird entry in the story, but it leaves you very intrigued.
Maybe this man does have secrets and skeletons. But right now, I’m seeing his heart. And I like what I see.

The story does leave you with a few teasers at the end, but we are left with a Happy For Now type of ending. So not a final ending, but a happy one that makes you want to go to book 2.