Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Avid Reader – ☆☆☆☆
M/F Romance
Triggers: Click HERE to see Avid Reader’s review on Goodreads for trigger warnings.

Wyatt and Kelsey have a past. One that both have very different views on what and how it occurred. Now that they are all grown, it's tough to let the past go.

Wyatt is looking for a model for his show. He is searching for someone specific, but just hasn't really been able to figure it out. He is a successful photographer, but he feels the constant pressure to succeed given that he comes from such a successful family.

Kelsey is struggling. She has been ever since she had to leave Wyatt. Despite her struggles, she tries to put on her big girl panties to work with Wyatt. However, once she realizes that he hates her, she can only bring herself to leave again.

These two are stripped to the bone in this story of redemption, love, and second chances. It was powerful and sad. The writing was thoughtful and I liked how you were able to see past and present viewpoints.

I hope that Kelsey's brother gets a story himself!


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
Anyone who has read Ms. Kenner’s books before will soon slip back into her wonderfully smooth writing style and find that the pages and hours have passed far sooner than they expected. For a new reader – wow, what a treat awaits you, with a fabulous back catalogue to indulge in next!

Even though these two people met and fell for each other years ago, there are some serious misunderstandings which need resolving before the resentment and upset of the past can be laid to rest. And for quite a while, we have to be very patient and not shout at them to talk to each other... but the wait is definitely worthwhile, and any romance reader should be satisfied by the way their romance progresses. I enjoyed the insight into the world of a man whose ambition follows that of his family, and yet wants his recognition to be due to talent not loyalty to his family name. The description of Kelsey's transformation when dancing really made me think about how she could free her spirit and leave her family worries behind.

I am delighted to think that there are more stories to come, and am sure that Ms. Kenner has some treats up her sleeve!

Wicked Grin is a sexy and erotic read that will make you fan yourself!
Wyatt is looking for the last masterpiece for his show. He has found models and have the pictures he needed but something is missing… the plat de résistance, his muse.

“No, the girl he wanted would be a virgin with the camera, and he'd be the one who would first capture that innocence.”

He knows what he wants but he does not where to find HER. Time is running out and Wyatt feels the pressure growing. When Kelsey turned up for a casting/photo shoot, she did not expect to have to deal with a blast from the past… Wyatt.

“He’s not a man, he’s a concept. A talisman. Fantasy mixed with memory and topped with a sprinkle of loss.”

Kelsey has always been the perfect child, daughter, teenager… until she met her kryptonite Wyatt. From that moment, her life will never be the same.
“Once again, he’s filled my head. Once again, he’s made me lose control. He’s dangerous. To me, to my heart, and to everyone around me.”

He knows straightaway that she is the one he has been looking for. But there is a BUT! Can he forgive what happened years ago? Why did she do it? Is Kelsey still the perfect innocent girl?
“ Because Kels, you’re the girl who’s always playing it safe. And sweetie, love doesn’t have a safety net.”

Kelsey and Wyatt have a chance to make things right between them but can they forgive and forget?
Wicked Grind is a swoon worthy second chance story. The more we learn about Wyatt and Kelsey’s past , the more we feel for them. They made me laugh but also feel their loss and pain.
Romantic story about two broken souls that deserved an HEA, will they get it?
One click to find out!
“But even in my fantasies, I can’t bring myself to give us a happily ever after. Because between Wyatt and me, the story is a tragedy, not a romance.”

4 Second Chance Crowns

Wicked Grind has been my first novel by J. Kenner, and while I really enjoyed it, this story was not as sexy as I expected. What I did find was a story that was a bit sweet with loads of sexual tension.

Wyatt has been born into Hollywood royalty, and, as a result, feels as though he lives in the shadows of his family. He looks for a way to stand on his own two feet and gain recognition for is own talents, something that, although different, he also craved in his youth. Throughout the novel, he continues to struggle with this issue, affecting not only his decisions in the business world but also his interactions with Kelsey.

Kelsey is a much more complex heroine than I originally expected. There has been significant verbal abuse from a significant person in her life that has pushed her to have a very careful and lackluster life. While she craves freedom in all areas of her life, in and out of the bedroom, her guilt weighs her down and prevents her from progress. She does, however, through her interactions with Wyatt and his project, begin to grow and change her perceptions of the past and what is good and bad.

This story is a second chance romance, and J. Kenner balances both the past and the present well. With some chapters written in the past, readers get to see how Wyatt and Kelsey meet, and they inevitably fall in love with the sweet and timid relationship that evolves between them. Their past relationship explains their reactions to and interactions with each other as the novel progresses through the main plot. The conflict, while significant and has the possibility to create real upheaval in their lives, has minimal impact and is resoled rather easily. Readers, though, will be satisfied with the ending the author provides.

Wicked Grind was another unexpected yet wonderful read. The likable characters and sweet relationship between the two provides the reader with a great romantic experience.

ARC received in exchange for an honest review.

WICKED GRIND is the first 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 photographer Wyatt Royce Segal, and dancer/kindergarten teacher Kelsey Draper’s story line. You do not have to have read the previous series to follow Wicked Grind. Some of the characters cross-over or are mentioned for cohesion and familiarity.

Told from dual first person points of view (Wyatt and Kelsey) WICKED GRIND follows the rekindling romance between famed photographer Wyatt Royce, and dancer/teacher Kelsey Draper. Twelve years earlier a then sixteen year old Kelsey Draper fell in love with rich and seductive school boyWyatt Royce-a summer fling that ended when Kelsey disappeared from Wyatt’s life never to be heard from again. Fast forward to present day and our heroine is desperate to help someone she loves. Enter Wyatt Royce Segal who is looking for the perfect model for his presentation and feature for an erotic art showing. Kelsey needs the money, and Wyatt struggles with memories of the past-a past shrouded in betrayal and lies.

Wyatt battles his need for the woman who destroyed his heart twelve years earlier. Believing our heroine betrayed his feelings, Wyatt has never moved forward in his relationships, always keeping his emotions locked down and guarded. Kelsey Draper struggles with her attraction to a man she knows despises the ground upon which she walks but there is a reason to Kelsey’s abrupt departure and her return comes at a personal price. Kelsey is desperate for money and posing for the man whose heart she broke is both a struggle and a desperate attempt to save someone she loves.

The relationship between Kelsey and Wyatt is one of second chances; a rekindling romance that follows Wyatt Royce as his treatment of Kelsey Draper is less than magnanimous bordering on emotionally abusive and sexually aroused. Kelsey has never stopped loving Wyatt Segal (Royce) but twelve years of heartbreak and guilt has kept our heroine too close to home. The $ex scenes are limited but seductive and intense.

We are introduced to Kelsey’s younger brother Griffin; her best friend and model Nia; Wyatt’s assistant JP, former fling Leah, Siobhan who works for Stark Entrprises, as well as Wyatt’s grandmother Anika Segel, and mother Lorelei Segal-both Hollywood royalty.

The world building focuses on the rekindling romance between Kelsey and Wyatt, and Wyatt’s coldhearted treatment of the woman that broke his heart. At times, Wyatt’s attitude was abusive and mean. Both Kelsey and Wyatt’s backstories are heartbreaking-terrible losses that shaped the man and woman they would become.

I did have a couple of issues with the story line: the quick resolution to a threat against Kelsey’s future, as well as the author’s use of a certain four letter word-although only used once-I felt it was unnecessary and possibly used for shock value or to place the story line into the erotic category.

WICKED GRIND is a story of second chances; of betrayal and misunderstanding; of family, relationships and love. The premise is energetic; the characters are colorful and dynamic; the romance is sensual and passionate. WICKED GRIND is a seductive story line of one woman’s struggle with guilt that finds our heroine stepping out of her comfort zone to save someone she loves.

Copy supplied for review

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Kelsey & Wyatt
I really love everything this author writes.

This was a really nice second chance romance story.As always there is always jealous and unhappy people who always get in the way of two souls who were meant to be together.

I loved Kelsey she was sweet and innocent along with being shy but full of self doubt and lacked confidence.Kelsey story is so close to what a lot of women face and have gone through on an emotional level so I can sympathize with her.

I loved how she was willing to do things out of her comfort zone as we saw how difficult those things were for her to do.I thought she was very brave and admired her that she was finally trying to do things that make her feel whole and confident once again.It wasn't always easy as she let self doubt and her head and heart get in the way now and then but, when she finally let go of the past she went after the things that were going to make her truly happy.I loved her from the onset of the story as she made you feel the things she was feeling.

Wyatt on the other hand wanted to smack from the onset but,he redeemed himself later on and you could not help but love him to.I loved how he challenged Kelsey and he was definitely instrumental in helping her find herself.Wyatt himself had emotional baggage.Some was about Kelsey leaving him but more so dealing with his families
fame and wanting to make a name solely for himself not on the coat tales of his family name.I loved how he examined his life as well and also admitting to his own insecurities and how they played a part in how he and Kelsey ended.

This was an emotional tale of a couple getting a second chance at love who are learning to trust in one another again along with letting go of ones past.We really enjoyed it as it was filled with tons of emotion and past regrets that made you feel for this couple as they slowly found their way back to one another.

I love when you can connect with the characters that you read about and I was able to do that with these characters.I have to point out that I loved the grandmother as well who was full of love and wisdom and also how close she was to her grandson Wyatt as it made my heart happy as I love seeing that closeness with your grandparents.

My only complaint and not really a complaint but and observation is that I missed the heat and hotness that her previous novels brought.I love that she writes really hot erotica novels and I look forward to seeing that aspect in her stories as that hotness is what made me fall in love with reading the Stark Trilogy in the first place.



4 stars from us

http://angelswithattitudebookreviews-joelle.blogspot.com/2017/07/book-review-for-wicked-grind-by-j-kenner.html

Great start to a new series that is a spin off of the Stark series. I really enjoyed the Stark series so I was really excited about this new series and J. Kenner didn’t’ disappoint.

I am sucker when comes to a second chance romance. Wyatt and Kelsey had a brief stint in the past and are now working together. They still have that pull towards each other; the chemistry is off the charts. I loved that we got flashbacks from when they were younger.

Wyatt is a photographer trying to make a name for himself without throwing out names. He knows he can use his grandmother’s name but he wants to do it on his own. Now he just needs to find the one missing woman to complete his show.

Kelsey is a schoolteacher and a dance teacher. Dancing is in her blood its what truly makes her happy. Looking for work to make extra money she never thought she would be working for Wyatt.

This was a slow burn that I couldn’t read fast enough. I can’t wait for the next book in this series.

Kelsey and Wyatt have ALL the baggage. Both holding the past tight to their souls. It will take both of them opening up to get through the dirty laundry and find their path to the future together.

Thank you to the publisher and author for the free review copy in exchange for my honest opinion.


I really enjoyed my time with this book! I've only read one other title by J. Kenner, but her writing is such that I can see myself going back and reading some of her other books in the future.

What's to love? Quite a few things, actually. I liked the second chance trope here - it worked really well for the most part. By going back and forth between the present and the past, I was able to see the deep connection between Wyatt and Kelsey, evident from their very first meeting. I was also quite involved in finding out why two such kindred spirits were separated in the first place - the pages seemed to rush by as I devoured this book, trying to solve the mystery, and while I had my suspicions, things actually went down a little bit differently than I first imagined!

The characters themselves were quite unique, and their personalities pulled me further into their story. Wyatt, while not exactly my type, was charismatic and artistic in an interesting way. I liked how he wanted to build his own success without resting on the laurels of his famous family, and while some of his actions made me cringe, they always made sense in the context of his character.

Likewise, Kelsey also intrigued me. I loved how passionate she was about her dancing, but I could also understand the conflicts she was facing in her life. The guilt she felt, too, was not completely unfounded. I think in her shoes, I would be feeling the same way she did, and that just made her all the more relatable to me.

I need to take a moment here to just say that occasionally, a side character comes along in a book that I feel particularly partial to, and I find myself wanting to beg the author to please, pretty please, write that character's story!!! In "Wicked Grind", that character was Kelsey's brother, Griffin. He stole my heart more than any other character in this book, and I would like to declare right this minute that I would be the first in line to buy his book if ever J. Kenner decided to write it!

Okay, enough of a digression there, back to the book review at hand. Of course, hardly any book is without its faults, and "Wicked Grind" is no exception, although my complaints are fairly minor. First off is perhaps due to my own expectations: I thought this book would be more erotic, to be honest. It really wasn't all that steamy! A good chunk of the book takes place in the past, when Wyatt and Kelsey were teenagers, and while I appreciated the buildup of the relationship, I definitely wasn't getting all hot and bothered. With the present timeline, again there was that buildup of tension, but things didn't really get going until about 60%. For a book of this genre, the slow burn was a bit too slow for my liking.

A couple of other niggling details:
The title - what does "Wicked Grind" even mean? It's not that I dislike the title, exactly, it's just that there was absolutely no connection to the story that I could see.

The cover - I like the colour scheme and the fonts that were used, but not a fan of the lipstick, sorry.

Overall, I liked this book and would probably be tempted to pick up others in the series, especially if one of them featured Griffin!

My rating: 3.5 stars

I truly enjoyed this book, Kelsey and Wyatt’s story was not a happy one, you could see from the start, they had a lot to talk about and some unanswered questions that had broken them all those years ago; if they found a way to answered them they could change everything.

They went their separate ways and life kept going, awful things happened to both of them that shaped them in who they are today, but they never forgot about each other.

The moment they meet again was a kind of wake up call, they now realized that they have been lying to themselves and their feelings for each other might still be there.

The intensity of that first scene was indescribable, you could feel the tension between them coming from two different spots, first anger, Wyatt was furious at her for what had happened in their past; and then there was the heat, oh god! Kelsey lost her words for a bit, she was scared and aroused all at once. She had one choice to make; either losing her clothes and her mind or losing what she cherished the most.

The whole issue of Kelsey and her father was really awful, of course she was traumatized, he handled everything wrong and he took his hatred for her mother out on her. It must have been really hard to go after what she loved with all those chains so tight around her. The thing about bullies is that even once they are gone, if they set the chains deep enough you can still feel them getting tighter and tighter around you.

Her biggest challenge will be to accept who she is and own her choices, be the best Kelsey she can be and regret nothing.

Wyatt had a huge part in her liberation, he was there for her and help her peal all those insecurities off, until he was able to reveal her true potential.

He also had a couple of issues to overcome; he was living under his family’s shadow and was scared of never having that big break. He didn’t want to become his father; that was his biggest fear.


Another great second chances book that you will definitely love!

This was my first J. Kenner book and it certainly will not be my last. Where have I been hiding in all this time? The sad thing... I've had a lot of her books on my TBR list for sometime. Guess what people, she just got bumped all the way up to the top!! I loved her writing style and her character development is so good. You really feel a connection to the characters and I was rooting for them so hard!

Kelsey is in so many of us ladies. As I was reading I couldn't help but relate to many of her traits, her thoughts, her fear, her dreams, her guilt. And I think we have all encountered a person like her father. What a prick he was! But we are women, hear us roar!! And with a man like Wyatt in your corner? Well, then we can take on the world.

Wyatt was... * sigh* .... so damn great! He was so real, struggling with past hurt and lost. He was just trying to make it in this shit show called life. Yet, the show must go on, right? I think we can all relate to that!

I loved watching these two work their shit out. Cause, let me tell you they got a lot of shit to sort through. Both together, and apart. But the one thing these two didn't need to work out, was all that loven they had for each other!! These two had a hot summer together. And they made some beautiful art as well!! It was the perfect read for these hot summer nights!

I would recommend this book to anyone who's looking for a hot summer fling.

QueenZany 4 Star Review
WICKED GRIND
J.Kenner


WICKED GRIND is a complex dazzler of second chances! Which is guaranteed to to seduce the senses! Captivate you by the push pull, the chemistry and those pesky issues! Bringing you to an all time slow burn! That will have you combusting at the seams! Then dying for more of that sensual story line.
Holy Cow Good!

What do you do when the one that broke your heart as a teenager crashed back in your life and demands for a job?
You get revenge of course.

Well that's all well and good but those pesky feelings get into the way. Let's face it you know that Wyatt and Kelsey were going to find their way back to one another. That is not a bad thing. You get to see the back and forth of whether or not Wyatt can really 'punish' her and of course the truth about what happened when they were teens. This is the part of the story that keeps you intrigued from start until you find out and it's not exactly what you thought it would be.

Kelsey is a strong character outside of her relationship with Wyatt. She sacrifices so much of her personal life for her brother (granted it's mostly for guilt) but still important to take into consideration. But when she is with Wyatt she is that teenage girl who can't believe that the cool guy is talking to her. While some may consider this 'weak' I think that it makes her real. When you forget to live the life you want and you run into the thing that made you live before, it's hard not to return back to that time in your life.

What I love about books from J. Kenner is the love scenes, the romance. While this book does cover a love story, it doesn't really have the love scenes that help entice the romance. I'm so used to those passionate cat and mouse games like from Damien and Nikki or Jackson and Sylvia. Unfortunately, it's not that in depth in this book and it made me a little disappointed.

This is the first book of another spin off from Stark International and looks to cover a new couple for each book which is nice so you don't have to worry about those pesky book cliffhangers.

I loved everything there was to love about this 2nd chance romance by J. Kenner. I was instantly pulled into this world and at times it left me gasping for air.

“But Karma is a nosy, invasive bookie, and when you try to cheat her, she takes what she’s owed.”

Wyatt is in the process of putting on the photography show of a lifetime. It will either make or break his career and he so desperately wants to it be be the former. He’s now putting the finishing touches on most of his art and is needing to find the main girl…the one who will pull it all together, but he hasn’t had any luck. Then walks in Kelsey. The girl from his past…the girl that has been his unintentional muse for years…and the girl who broke him all those years ago.

“It was her. The girl who’d filled his mind. The girl who’d haunted his nights. The woman he needed if he was going to pull this exhibit off the way he wanted to.“

Kelsey grew up in a home where she had to be this version of good that was unattainable in reality. Her father despised anything and everything to do with Kelsey coming into her own as a woman so he made it as difficult on her as possible. So difficult, in fact, that even now as as grown woman she still hears his voice in her head telling her not to “be bad” because it would only lead to trouble for everyone. So, she’s this good girl who has always strived to be perfect. Rule follower, stay-within-the-lines, never take a risk, good girl. But she needs money and fast to help her brother so she finds herself in Wyatt’s studio begging him to hire her as his main model for his erotic-photo art. She’s thrilled, scared, and damn near overwhelmed at the thought, but she jumps in head first with the hope that it will help her brother. Turns out…she loves it. Just like she knew she would, but again that thrill and excitement terrifies her, but with Wyatt she feels safe.

“Can you handle knowing I’ll see you raw and vulnerable? And not just see you. Do you understand that I’m the one who’s going to take you there?”

Their chemistry was off the charts hot and Kenner definitely knows how to keep the fire burning! Wicked Grind was a perfectly paced and slow burn build up to their intimate scenes. It gave us, as readers, a chance to connect and really see the couple together and understand their intensity for each other. I loved it; there was no rush and I was able to sit back and fully enjoy these characters. The entire plot was well written and uniquely portrayed. I couldn’t get enough and I connected easily with Kelsey. She was shy and innocent to the point where sometimes she didn’t use her backbone, but with the emotional trauma she experienced with her father, I could understand it. Wyatt brought out the real Kelsey and showed her how to be bad safely and for a girl with trauma in her past, it’s exactly what she needed in order to set herself free.

“You’re staring,” she said, smiling.
“You’re beautiful.”
Her smiled widened. “I think it’s the dress.”
“I know it’s the woman.”

I can’t say enough how much I enjoyed this book. J. Kenner has this uncanny ability to draw you into a world and never let you go. I love it, I love the story, the pace, and the characters. It was an amazing read.

Wicked Grind is a slow burn full of angst, passion, chemistry and steam!!

I was really excited to start this new series by J Kenner. When I found out it was a second chance romance I knew there was no way I could let it pass me by. And, Wyatt!! Oh, my. We've met him before and reading his story made me fall hard and fast for him.

Kelsey is the one that got away. I wasn't sure what to think of her when I first met her. She is definitely strong and independent. And she has a loyalty and love for her family that I admire. After getting to know her better I understood her more and eventually, her reactions and hesitations made sense.

Wicked Grind is laced with flashbacks of Wyatt and Kelsey as teenagers. I think that helped me understand their relationship but I felt like I still had some questions in the end. All in all. this is a great story with lots of feels. It's emotional at times and the sexual tension could be felt throughout. It's classic J Kenner and I can't wait to see what comes next.

~ Kimberly Anne

Wicked Grind was an enjoyable read!This was a sexy and fast-paced story about second chances.The story is told in alternating points of view with a few flashback chapters.This make everything more intimidate.

This book has a bit of everything, it was sexy but at the same time a little bit sweet.Kelsey wasn't a strong heroine in my opinion and she isn't one of my favorite so far.Kelsey and Wyatt have a great chemistry.

Overall it was a great beginning to this new series from J Kenner and I can't wait to see more!

J. Kenner takes us back to the Stark World in a brand new standalone romance and shows us the slow burn is where it at!!!   Wicked Grind is a beautiful second chance love story about forgiveness. It pairs a kindergarten teacher/dancer and Hollywood royalty bad boy in a meaningful, sweet and sexy way.
Kelsey Draper left Wyatt twelve years ago after losing her virginity with him. He has not forgotten and when she walks into his studio looking for a job, all those hurt feelings re-emerge. Wyatt needs the perfect "girl" to complete the centerpiece of his art show. He tries very hard to temper down his desire to punish Kelsey for her past actions.  She tries to live a life without guilt based on what happen the same night she defied her strict  father to be with Wyatt. 

Confession Time: this is a slow burner. I wasn't sure how I was going to like the progression of the romance. However, J Kenner does not write a bad book. She still manages to bring the magic with her special signature of tortured characters.
After you make peace with the knowledge you are reading a contemporary romance, their love story will weave a spell of lightness and joy. It takes a while for Wyatt and Kelsey to rekindle their love, but it is written in such a beautiful and real way to capture your feel good emotions.  Their longing, craving and flirty anticipation will drive you crazy.  Wyatt mastered the art of  "oh let's take it slowly" to draw out Kelsey's sexual tension.  And when they finally got their dirty thoughts and wicked body parts together, their release was explosive. 
Kenner has a knack for handling tough issues with a light hearted voice sprinkled with a dose of melt-your-lens sexy time. Together, Wyatt and Kelsey are a reminder you are visiting the Stark World in an easy, fun yet provocative read.
And for fans of Damien and Nikki ( *hands up...jumping) you will not be disappointed in how Damien continues to be our knight.

Wyatt is one HAWT man. He comes from a famous family but he wants to make it on his own, this photography show is how he is hoping to do it...and with that he needs the perfect woman to be the centerpiece of his show. In walks Kelsey, who walked out on him 12 years ago. Neither really knows what to do as both are hurt from the past. This is a great second chance romance. It is nice to see both the male and female dealing with issues of loss in the other, and even their relationships with their family. Let me also say that this is a VERY slow burn of a romance.

This is the only book I have read by J. Kenner but I would love to read about the other characters that are brought up in this book, so I will be looking for those.