Come celebrate five years of Nikki & Damien Stark with a signed book giveaway contest as a thank you to you, the readers!
People often ask me which is my favorite out of all the (almost 100!!!) books I’ve written as both J. Kenner and Julie Kenner, and I always reply that books are like children–you love them all equally but differently.
I stand by that answer … but at the same time, sometimes the characters in a book will resonate so much with an author that you want to continue spending time with them. That happened to me with Nikki & Damien Stark, and as I leap into the new year, I can’t help but look back in amazement and realize that it’s been five years since Release Me hit the shelves — a book that was originally supposed to be only one book, but turned into a trilogy during the course of writing it. And that trilogy sparked “epilogue novellas” as well as multiple spin-off series. And, because at some point the characters repositioned themselves in my mind from a romance hero/heroine to a romantic saga hero/heroine, there is now a fourth full-length book in the “trilogy” (Anchor Me) with a fifth coming out later this year (Lost With Me). (Yeah, I’ve rebranded it as a saga. A trilogy with 5 books and multiple novellas seemed a bit whack).
I honestly didn’t know what to expect when I turned in Release Me to my publisher in late 2012 for its January 1, 2013 release day. I had high hopes that it would do well (foreign rights had sold well before the book was published, so I knew that expectations were high), but I truly didn’t know if readers would fall in love with the characters the way that I had.
I was not just pleasantly surprised, I was blown away. Release Me marked the first time that I hit the New York Times bestseller list in my career (which at that point, I was thirteen years into) and only the second time I’d hit the USA Today list. In the second week, it fell off the NYT list, and I was fine with that. But then–holey moley–word of mouth had gotten out and readers were talking about the characters, and it went back onto the list and stayed on NYT and USA Today for multiple weeks. Even more exciting, I was getting reader mail pretty much every day, and we pushed the release day for books two and three (Claim Me & Complete Me) from July and December to April and July (which tightened my writing schedule, but I was fine with that. I was in love with the characters and happy to immerse myself in their lives).
Awesome readers once again showed their love for Nikki & Damien, and both Claim Me and Complete Me hit the number two slot on the New York Times bestseller list, and when readers asked to know what happened “after happily ever after” I dove in with Stark Ever After novellas.
Something about these characters just sings for me. They are flawed, smart, ambitious, caring, romantic, and they’ve forged a family from their friends, and have battled so many demons. It has been a pleasure spending so much time with them over the last five years, and I have to thank you, the readers, for allowing me to do that.
I’d like to say that I can write in a vacuum, and that if readers don’t buy the book, that I would continue to write them, but the truth is that I can’t. I wish I could, but there are bills to pay, food to buy, and children to put through college. So I am beyond grateful that these are characters you have wanted to spend the last five years with … and hopefully more years, too!
In so many ways, you, readers, are the force behind my keyboard, the rocket fuel that propels my imagination. And for that, I’m so truly grateful.
It’s been a great ride … I hope you continue to join me as the journey continues!
For a chance to win a signed copy of Release Me, just leave me a comment about the series. When you first met Damien? Favorite scene, favorite quote. Or, if you haven’t yet met Mr. Stark, tell me why you’d like to!
XXOO
I have not yet had the privilege of reading this book but have heard so many amazing reviews about it… I would be so grateful to win this, thank you for the opportunity ? Xx
I started reading this series about 3 years ago. I’m always waiting for another book to come out and I buy it instantly. Keep up the great work!
2015
I love the Stark series. I’m reading Anchor Me right now.
Release Me was the very first book of yours that I’ve read. I instantly fell for Damien. He’s hot, snarky and all around swoon worthy.
I first met Damien and Nikki 3 years ago now? I fell in love after the first book and haven’t looked back since
I found Nikki and Damien during the 50 shades craze and fell in love with you as an author. Since then I have started my own collection of your books! Jackson Steele and, Evan and more! Love you!
I don’t remember exactly when I read “Release Me” but I do remember that I read the first 3 books all at the same time.
Truthfully I’ve never read any from this series. However I love discovering new series with good characters and a good storyline.
I haven’t met Mr. Stark yet, but I sure would love to, Thanks for your great generosity.
I’m just re-reading the Stark Trilogy. I think I love this fictional character! I find his strength, his kindness, his gentleness, his passion, and mostly, the way he just sees Nikki!
“You need me, where else would I be?” Fav quote for sure!
I first read this after reading Fifty Shades of Grey Trilogy and love it also read Claim me & Complete me so it been awhile so I don’t remember any quotes just remember loving the Trilogy and thanks for the chance in the giveaway
It was 2013 for me and still one of my fave series and couples ❤️❤️❤️
It was 2013 for me. One of my all time favorite series and favorite couple ❤️❤️❤️
I have yet to meet Mr Stark but I hope to someday. I have read a few of your other books and hope to read more of them soon!
I love this series! I am always excited to find a new one. I met Damien about 4 years ago. I loved him immediately and have followed the stark world until the end. It would be an honor to win a copy. I have only been able to read them through my local library, I unfortunately don’t own any of them.
It’s been awhile now since I’ve read the series but I remember how much I loved it. The whole 50 Shades craze got me into reading again. And yours was one of the next series I picked up. Loved Damien and Nikki’s story.
I remember reading the book when it came out and loving it. I can’t believe so much time has passed.
I’m New to you and your books. Why I haven’t read your books yet I don’t know I must have been living under a rock the last five years to never heard of this book! I just read a bit on Amazon and I’m hooked already!
I found Release Me and have been gobbling up all of your Stark world book every since. I am very taken with Nikki and Damien…they are flawed but beautiful. Can’t wait for more of them!!
These books ahave made my time off work great. I love Damien saying Think of me touching you. Sweet
I actually just started “Release Me” last night..and wow. Whew. Mr. Stark is everything I need in a book boyfriend. How in the hell am I only just reading this now? If I knew this unicorn was out there..it would have been devoured well before now. Thanks for giving us these characters!
I haven’t read this series yet!
I’m not sure where I found you but once I started reading this series I was hooked. Still one of my all time favorite series. I can’t wait for more Nikki and Damien! ??
I read one book prior to Barbara vey 2017 and the book you gave us. I’m eager to read more!!!
I first read Release me in 2013. Damian and Nikki are my favorite book couple? By far this series is my favorite of all books that I have read. I love that he calls her Ms Fairchild and she calls him Mr. Stark all the time. The limo scene and the first time she sat for him for her portrait are just a few of my favorite scenes. Thanks for writing their story?
This is one of my favourite series. I am so glad that you continued it past the original 3 books! Thank you for writing this wonderful storyline.
Wow I can’t believe it’s been that long ago. It’s actually been awhile since I read the books but I do remember falling in love with the characters immediately. It is on my list of books to re-read this year and I can’t wait for the new book so I can fall in love all over again.
I just started the series last month! Loved the first one, will be diving into the second soon.
I looooove Nikki and Damien! My favorite part of their relationship is when Nikki, with a little advice from Evelyn, fought for Damien in spite of the fact that he was pushing her away
I haven’t had the change to meet the Starks yet but I would love to as I have heard amazing things about them and also it amazes me that my name is in a book 😉
I haven’t read this book or series yet but I am getting this book on Thursday I saw it at a store for $2.99 so can’t wait to read.
Congrats??
Sadly I have never read these books. I am a huge fan of fifty shades and bared to you, so this is right up my alley.
I haven’t met him yet but I can’t wait to!
I found Release Me while I was ordering books on Amazon (I think I was ordering Sylvia Day books). I read some reviews of Release Me and it sounded like a great read so I ordered it too and I’m so glad that I did! I love Damien Stark so much! Thank you for the chance to win this signed book! It would look awesome on my bookshelf!
I have yet to read this book but I do look forward to sinking my teeth into a great new read! Thanks for the oppportunity.
This series was one of my first in the genre. I just loved Nikki. My favorite scene is her finding the courage to pose for the painting and baring her scars.
I’ve read the 1st book in this wonderful, amazing series but haven’t finished the series yet. I’m going to remedy this oversight as soon as I can.
I would have to say that Nikki and Damien are my favorite as well, I end up devouring every book of yours though 😀
I beli
Thanks for the chance, would love it. All your books are amazing.
Damien and Nikki are one of my all time favorite couples!!! <3 I would love to have a copy of Release Me and the whole Stark Series on my bookshelf! Love them! Thanks for the chance!
I am late to the party as usual. I have read books by you (esp. Julie Kenner) but this series escaped me until 2017. I do not remember how I found a copy (bookstore or library) – sorry I read too extensively to remember where I find new books, authors but I am so glad I did discover it. I am trying not to read all of the books in the series quickly but to dole them out sparingly to myself as treats.or rewards. Thanks for going beyond the usual “trilogy”. No reason they cannot remain in your stable for years to come, interspersed between your other novels. E.g., Nora Roberts has been writing stories about Eve and Roarke for several decades now in between her other novels and their chemistry and relationship continue to evolve but remains ever so fascinating.
I met Damien and Nikki in summer 2015! There journey resonated with me and has become one of my fav contemporary romance series.
I have read everyone of these books and I love them all. Would love to have a paperback….thank you for the chance!
I love your books! I fell
I haven’t read yet. It sounds like a great series
3 years ago my hubby and I went to Aruba and I bought this to read on the beach…..oh girl!!! I have hooked ever since. I could not put this down for two days….loved it!! I still pick it up just to read about Damien all over again!
I started with release me less than a year ago and have since read the rest of the series. I then googled you and found all of the other amazing books. So I continued with all of the stark ever after novellas, the stark international novellas, the sin series, the wicked series, and the most wanted series. I followed the order you have listed on your website, I finished the last one just before Christmas and cannot wait for another one to come out! All of the characters are amazing, I could read about any of their lives for days.
I first read the series a few years ago. I’m one that doesn’t reread books. However, this series I have reread 4 times. Thank you for bringing these 2 into my life! Ms. Kenner I adore your writing!
I haven’t read him yet! I’d love to because i love your books! Thanks for this amazing giveaway!
After reading
I met Damien and Nikki way back in 2013 and loved this couple. My favorite quote is “Everyone breaks a little sometimes. That doesn’t make you weak. It makes you wounded. And I will always be there to help you heal.”
I think it was 2015 when I first met Damien and Nikki, and ever since I anxiously await the next book!
I absolutely love the stark books. I read all of them and can’t wait for more. I have read them over and over again and fall in love everytime. Thanks for the chance.
Ahhhhh
I haven’t had the chance to read it yet, but it us definitely on my tbr list!! I have read amazing reviews about it and can’t wait to venture into Mr. Stark’s world ?
I have it but
I haven’t read it yet. I’m so excited to meet the Starks!! Thank you!
I’ve read them
Haven’t read ant of your books honestly. I have read many great reviews today and I look forward to reading them. Thanks for the opportunity to win.
I’m new to you as an author. But from reading this and your description and love of these characters I can’t wait to read them. Thank you for the chance!!!
I haven’t had the pleasure of reading any of the series as yet. However, within the few Facebook groups I see a lot of people who recommend the series and have steamy things to say about it.
Would love the opportunity 😀
I haven’t read this series yet but it is on my TBR list!
I haven’t had a chance to read them yet but my friends have raved about them to me
I found them in a book store and read the back of the books and bought them and brought them home and finished them in a weekend
I’ve read it a while ago, almost right after its rwlease. I loved every wod! Thanks for the chance ❤
I’ve read it a long time ago, almost right after its release. I loved every word! Thanks for the chance ❤❤
I have read first 3 books and I remember devouring them. I’ve read them in 2014 and was just wow-ed. I would so love to own one, thank you <3 I adore Julie's books.
I haven’t read of these books yet, but having seen the reviews I am going to take a look at them .
I haven’t read this series yet, but I’m looking forward to it! Everyone raves about it!
Haven’t had the chance but I love that they have created a family from friends. I call that the family of my heart.
Have not had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Stark….sounds like I need too!
My sister first introduced me to Mr. Stark as a must read (she’s a paperback type of girl and I’m a kindle). At the time we were both coming out of bad marriages and binge reading. The Stark series is by far, one of the best series that we have read and recommend to our friends.
Love the quote, ‘Maybe you aren’t as smart as you think you are, Mr. Stark.”
“Nonsense. I’m fucking brilliant. Or haven’t you heard?”
Would be awesome to have a signed copy. Thanks for the good reads!