Kelsey and Wyatt had a past and when they met up again nothing goes according to plan. Their meeting was by chance and I'm glad they got their second chance to find their HEA. There was some suspense and it added to the story. Wyatt's career can be made by the show he is trying to finish and Kelsey is the vision he had without knowing it. Unfortunately their reunion doesn't go smoothly. As they work the bumps out and become a couple, Kelsey and Wyatt have no problem with chemistry. I really enjoyed reading their story and can't wait to read more from J. Kenner. This book gets 5 stars from me.

“Go a little wild, Ms. Draper. Cut loose. Take a risk.”
“Is that what you are? A risk?”
“Risk, reward. I’m pretty sure the two are tied together.”

Wyatt Royce is on the verge of finishing a project that has the potential to launch his photography career into the stratosphere. Coming from a well-known family, he wants nothing more than to make a name for himself on his own terms, and his upcoming, controversial show is just the ticket to make that happen. He just needs to find “The Girl” to star as the centerpiece of his project and everything will be perfect. He may just get his wish the day Kelsey Draper shows up at the door to his studio looking to audition. It’s been twelve long years since he’s last seen Kelsey and he knows she’d be the perfect woman to fill this final spot but he’s not sure he can trust her to not run off like she did all those years ago. Will Kelsey be able to shed her good girl persona and give herself over to Wyatt so he can complete his project? Or will she once again discover that she’s in over her head?

This book was not what I was expecting, but that turned out to be a good thing! Based on the cover and the title, I thought this book would be mainly sex, sex and more sex, but it actually wasn’t that at all and I really enjoyed it. Don’t get me wrong, this book was extremely sexy, but not because of the sex, in fact there were very few actual sex scenes. Exploring Wyatt’s photography project and his vision and goals behind it gave this story a very provocative and seductive feel, I liked the subtlety of it all. And Wyatt wasn’t what I expected either, I was expecting some billionaire playboy but he wasn’t like that at all and I found him refreshing and endearing. He definitely still had his alpha moments but in the end he was pretty down to earth and was a good guy. I also enjoyed seeing Kelsey work to shed her conservative upbringing and finally cut loose. Perhaps my favorite part, though, were the flashbacks we got to their time together as teenagers. These glimpses into their past really helped solidify their connection and helped you understand their current situation. It was also so innocent and sweet, very unexpected, but I thoroughly enjoyed them! Overall this was a quick, sexy and sweet second chance love story and I’m looking forward to the other books in this Stark spinoff series!

3.5 stars

J. Kenner certainly knows to strike an emotional chord. I found myself tearing up numerous times while reading Wicked Grind, the first book in Kenner’s Wicked series. This second-chance romance about two people doing their best to emerge from the shadows of their families is both poignant and relatable.

Told in alternating points of view with a few flashback chapters, Wicked Grind takes its readers on a journey of discovery. I loved the layers to this story:

• Kelsey’s battle to find her way out of the box she’s metaphorically lived in after an emotionally abusive childhood and a tragedy that changed her life.
• Wyatt’s need to be seen as separate from his successful family and not follow the path his father took.
• And, Wyatt’s erotic and sensual photo exhibit that is the setting for the story and an allegory for the journey that Kelsey takes and how Wyatt wanted to help her find her way.

Truthfully, it took me a bit of time to settle into the story as I didn’t allow myself to see into its heart. Kenner slowly reveals the past through flashbacks and, by extension, the characters’ reasons for their (at the time) annoying behavior. After I rolled my eyes one too many times at Kelsey’s flip-flopping, I took a break, then came back with fresh eyes and an open mind. I’m really glad I did because Kelsey’s story was something that I could easily relate to. While the term is never used, Kelsey has some OCD tendencies that have shaped her life. She shows such great strength as she fights against her fears and allows herself to finally live the life she’s wanted.

While I liked Wyatt, I didn’t love him. I loved how his vision for his photo exhibit was really a reflection of the love he carried in his heart for 12 years. I didn’t like how pushy he was. There were moments I was truly uncomfortable with the pressure he puts on Kelsey to step out of her comfort zone. Kenner does a nice job of bringing his photography to life. I could easily picture (pun intended) what he was trying to accomplish with his photographs and was sad that I wouldn’t actually get to see it.

Surprisingly, despite the overwhelming erotic theme to this story there is very little sex between the characters and it happens late into the book with few details. Truthfully, the sex was almost unnecessary because, in particular, Kelsey’s path to owning her sexuality was more emotional than physical. Great concept!!

3.5 stars for Wicked Grind. Heat level: 3

I received a copy of Wicked Grind from NetGalley and InkSlingerPR in exchange for honest feedback.

4 Finding the Perfect Muse Stars!

I was once again lost in the fabulous story telling of a J. Kenner book. This is book one in the new Stark World series and this one is Wyatt and Kelsey's story. These two have a history and it broke Wyatt basically ruining him for future relationships. Now Wyatt is putting together an exhibit and is looking for the perfect model....and when he sees her, he's torn as to what to do.

Kelsey Draper is the one that got away and she sees this as her opportunity to earn the money she desperately needs for her brother. But can she work with Wyatt knowing what kind of pictures he wants to take and that he still doesn't understand why she left all those years ago? Well, she'll do anything for her brother no matter what it costs her heart.

I absolutely loved this book and was immersed in Wyatt and Kelsey's world thanks to the way Ms. Kenner weaves a story for us readers. We got the right amount of angsty drama, sexual chemistry between our H/h that can no longer be denied and my favorite a true second chance romance. The question is, will they take the leap this time knowing they could have their forever? Well, you'll need to read this fabulous book to find out!

Sensual, emotional, and bound to be a winner - do not doubt this book is going to be a bestseller!

This story brings forward all the sensitivity and emotions we felt when we first started reading some of her best stories, ie Damien and Nikki. In this case, we begin with two barely legal teenagers who fall in love. They are from different stations in life. What draws them together is how much they have in common and the chemistry/attraction they feel from the first. It was not meant to be and two hearts were broken.

Running into each other years later, they both end up recognizing how much they need each other. Not physically, although the attraction is still there, but need each other to solve major problems they each are facing at this point in their lives. Before they can trust and help each other, they must deal with the past.

Loved, loved, loved this story! Could not put it down. Never went to bed last night so I could finish it.

I am voluntarily reviewing this book. I thank the author for sharing a copy with me.

I was really excited to learn that J. Kenner would be expanding the Stark World to bring in the stories of some of my favorite side or secondary characters from previous books and when I sat the synopsis for Wicked Grind I knew this needed to to the top of my TBR pile. I love the idea of not only this being a second chance romance but that the female lead is looking to be her true self, to find that inner goddess of hers and let it shine through.

Both Wyatt and Kelsey have spent their youth and young adult years fighting to live up to other peoples expectations while still trying to find and be themselves. Wyatt, luckily has an easier time of this with a supportive family, but always in the back of his mind it is that same family that keeps him from creating his own future. He comes from a family of wealth and power and while having that at your back might be nice, knowing that your hard work, that your passion, is valued for yourself and not your last name is where, for Wyatt, true happiness and contentment in life lies. Kelsey on the other side comes from a family where mental abuse was the name of the game. Learning to value herself was hampered by the words of a man who took his own failings and insecure feelings out on his daughter and to top it all off the one time Kelsey decides to break the cycle and live her life on her own terms tragedy happens, ultimately scaring (an scarring) her back onto the '(VERY) straight and narrow'

I really enjoyed this couples chemistry. I appreciated the slow burn that it was, that every other chapter wasn't a sex scene. That we really got to know who these two were both from flashbacks and 'real time' interactions. These are two characters that had a fast paced love 'affair' in their youth but are now completely different people than they had been. I liked that while there was the obvious attraction they took their time to relearn each other. Did I sometimes wonder when the heck we were going to get to the 'romance'? Definitely, but thankfully there is enough angst and back story to keep the reader invested in this two. The main thing that keeps me from giving 5 stars to this book is the end. Once you hit about 70% you start to wonder how in the heck the author can possibly have enough time to finish everything she needs to and the fact is that she didn't. The end (ugh) ended up being rushed. It's almost as if the author was so invested in the story that she forgot that she was writing a standalone instead of a series and then suddenly remembered, said 'well crap' and just threw the end out there. Now, that sounds worse than it really is. You get the whole story, you leave satisfied knowing that this story is complete, it just happens rather quickly. Everything up to the last 20% or so is a slow (but lovely) story so you're in this take it easy kind of mood and then BOOM, we're done, haha. Like I said though, you won't feel like the story was complete you'll just have one of those sit back and say whaaaa, moments and it certainly won't keep you from wanting to come back to the Stark World again and again. In fact, I am really REALLY hopeful that we will get Griffin's story. I feel completely in love with him and absolutely want him to get his HEA.

The nice thing is that if this is your first foray into a J.Kenner novel you will not be lost. Yes, this is part of the Stark World and yes we have met some of these characters before (in fact we get an awesome moment with Stark himself) but you will not be lost at all. There is no back story (other than Kelsey and Wyatt's, that you get in this book) that you need to know or will be missing out on. This is truly a standalone. If you are a fan of J. Kenners you are going to love getting back to this world and for your little peak at Stark, haha. This is a great read for contemporary romance fans. It is a fairly quick and easy read. Yes there is angst but not over much, there is romance but it isn't going to take over the story. This is a great read about growing up, growing strong, and growing into who you are meant to be and luckily finding love (twice) during the process!

Kelsey and Wyatt have history. You get to see their story unfold, you get to see when they fell in love initially and how they fell apart.

Wyatt is trying to be known for himself in the photography world not by who his family is. He sees what he wants his to show to be but is still looking for the "one" that he needs to make it come true. A total fluke lands Kelsey into going to the audition.

Sparks fly, hearts hurt, questions are being asked and answered. Are they going to be able to get over what happened in the past to truly make it work now?

I liked that I was seeing what happened in the past and how it melded into the present. The way the story was written just made want to find out what happened back then and to see how it was going to mesh into their present.

5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

*thank you to the author and the publisher for providing an arc**

Wicked Grind is sexy, slow burn, second chance book. J. Kenner does an amazing job drawing out Wyatt and Kelsey's sexual tension and have you on the edge wondering what will happen next. If you are looking for a new book on your TBR list this book needs to be on it!

Kelsey Draper always does the right thing. Her father instilled in her long ago that if you didn't follow the rules bad things will happen and she truly believes what he says. But when she needs money to help out her brother she is in for a wild ride that she never expected and maybe will end up learning more about herself.

Wyatt Segel has always been known because of his family's name and he wants to make it now on his own name. The photography world is a tough business and he knows all he needs to do is throw his name around and he is in, but he doesn't want that. His first show is about to begin and the only thing missing is the perfect muse for his last few photos, only problem is he can't find exactly what his is looking for until Kelsey walks back into his life.

When they were younger they spent a summer together. Being young and in love they thought nothing could touch them, until Kelsey left one night without any explanation and Wyatt never heard from her again. Unwilling to let go of the hurt she caused him, Wyatt pushes Kelsey like no one has before. She will be tested to go outside her comfort zone and do what she was always meant to do.

Will she be willing to take the risk, or will her old insecurities come back and make her question not only her choices but how she feels for Wyatt?

Wicked Grind is a must read!! Can't wait to see what's next for J. Kenner

Wicked Grind by J. Kenner is wicked good. Seriously. There are so many things I love about this book I thought I'd list them: because there are plenty.

1. I love that this love is from a childhood love and twelve years they come back together.

2. The heroine is innocent in the book, but she is multi-faceted.

3. He's from Hollywood royalty and she's the girl next door.

4. The flip-flop of time from past to present works in this story, partly because of how adept Kenner is at writing and bringing people along for the ride.

5. The sexual tension is scorching...I'm recovering from a brain injury, not stable to read last week, and I couldn't put this story down last night. I read straight through and forgot I even had an injury!

6. Kelsey Draper and Wyatt Segel's back-stories make sense and they don't overreact given what happened and their life experiences.

7. I love the prose, the inner monologue...

Even then, I knew I'd have to pay. Of course, I would. There's always a price to pay when you break the rules. Hadn't I been raised on that mantra? Hadn't it been drilled deep into my soul?

But until Wyatt, I never really tasted it.
Maybe I didn't believe it.
Maybe I thought I could outwit fate.

But karma is a nosy, invasive bookie, and when you try to cheat her, she takes what she's owed.

8. I get those chills throughout the book. Those zingers that seem to rip my insides and it's because I am able to insert myself as both characters. Especially the heroine's.

It's the way the music fills me. The way the audience watches me.

Mostly, though, its the heat in Wyatt's face. The memory of his touch.

I remember everything— and I’m fantasizing about even more. I don’t want this feeling to end. This wild ride.

Yes, I can't say enough great things about Wicked Grind. This is one book I love profusely, and it is a book that checks off everything that I want in a romance. Conflict and resolution, realistic heroes and heroines though not too realistic that we don’t have fun dreaming, and chemistry! A great plot and character development that keeps us turning the page. J. Kenner seems to do no wrong with this loosely-based Stark novel.

***

I chose not to finish this title. While it was definitely not the intention, Royce felt a little smarmy to me and I was not able to get past this. I am not even sure why, there was just something about him that really didn't work for me.

We are still featuring the release on the blog at the link included, I will just not be including a review of the title. As NetGalley is saying the link is not valid, I am including it in this text.

http://www.bookedallnightblog.com/2017/07/wicked-grind-by-j-kenner-release-day.html

As always, I appreciate the opportunity to read an early copy.

Thanks,
Laura

Wicked Grind is the first book in Kenner’s new series, Stark World, and I am excited we will continue to stay connected with the Starks and their friends via this new series. J. Kenner always writes steamy romances, but I found Wicked Grind one of her sexiest, because Wyatt and Kelsey's emotional and physical relationship builds slowly and steadily. The sexual tension is developed and heightened until it’s consuming, and it is a breathtaking process. The setting of an uber-sexy photoshoot only adds to the intense chemistry.

Wyatt is a photographer, and he’s preparing an artistic nude photography show, but he cannot find the right model or muse for the project. He finds the perfect woman when Kelsey walks in the door, but she’s no ordinary woman. He and Kelsey had a relationship twelve years ago, and he’s never been able to forget her. There are a lot of reasons Kelsey should not take this job modeling nude, especially because she is a teacher, but she desperately needs the money for her younger brother, and she convinces Wyatt to use her but keep her identity a secret. He still has anger over how their relationship ended, but he knows she is the right woman for his show. She’s the right woman for him.

The process of photographing Kayla is extremely intimate, and this reignites the connection they shared when they were younger. It is enthralling to witness and is what makes Wicked Grind extremely romantic.

ARC provided, but this review was voluntarily and honestly written.

This one was good but not great for me. It was well written and well paced for sure, but it was another one of these books where if the characters had a two-minute conversation I wouldn't have spent the majority of the book frustrated waiting for them to get to the point. It was also one of those books that jump back and forth in time which was well done, but I would have preferred much more NOW time. I mean these two spend the equivalation of maybe two days in each others company by the time we reach 87% in the present portion of the book.

But like I said it was well written. Incredibly SLOW burn (no sex until 87% and not very descriptive at that). No OW/OM drama. I loved Griffin and would love to see more of him. The two main characters were a bit love/hate for me. I liked Kelsey. I understood what she did. How her father influenced her. The guilt etc. Wyatt, I wasn't a fan of. Mostly because he spends the majority of the NOW acting like a butthurt asshole. Lastly, the ending was so abrupt I thought I must be missing some pages.

So ya, good, but just didn't WOW me as much as I expected it to.

This story flows easily from past to present, giving the reader dual time perspective. The heroes, Wyatt Segen and Kelsey Draper, get torn apart from each other after they share a sweet teenage romance. They were from different worlds. Kelsey is a girl next door living with her super strict father, Wyatt Segel is Hollywood royalty, his family has achieved a significant amount of fame and fortune over the generations. Theirs is a story filled with longing and regrets of a lost love.

Wyatt is a photographer who has set out to become popular in the world of art. His career and reputation are riding on his upcoming exhibit hosted by the Stark Center. He wants to become famous in his own right and prove himself to his family. But he is still looking for the centerpiece of his art, the girl who fills his dreams and fantasies. This elusive muse happens to be his high school sweetheart, Kelsey Draper, whom he hasn’t spoken to in twelve years.

Kelsey urgently needs cash to enroll her brother in trials for a clinical protocol. She would be perfect for Wyatt’s show, but he doesn’t trust her. He is conflicted and wants to punish her for leaving him without a word. He is resolved to keep her at a distance, not risk his heart, because he’s not sure she could survive the heartbreak a second time. Kelsey blames herself for past events. She is deeply hurt by Wyatt’s hostility, but she can’t stay away from him. He offers her a deal she can’t refuse.

Wyatt and Kelsey are well-developed, vibrant and engaging characters, who evoked real emotions and had palpable chemistry. If you love second chance romances then you’ll love this hot, emotion filled story! Julie Kenner’s writing is flawless, it made Kelsey and Wyatt’s lust, longing and hurt come off the pages. Their second chance was believable, it was only a matter of time till these star crossed lovers found themselves rekindling the love they shared in the past.

YAYYY a brand new J. Kenner book / series!

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This is book one in the Wicked standalone series - all books slighty connect to the Stark world! We met all 3 guys in previous books!

Wyatt is the grandson of a Hollywood legend, but he wants to make it on his own - without grandma's last name. And he's almost made it. His landscape and architectural photographs have become pretty famous these last few years, but now he has a huge project coming up. A series of 50 sensual photographs of amazingly beautiful women. But he needs one more perfect girl for the final 9 pictures. And no model agency has been able to give him this special-little-something girl.
But then she walks into his studio.
Kelsey.
They girl who crushed his heart 12 years ago.
She desperately needs money for her brother, so her bestie lets her take over her audition.
But Wyatt is not happy to see her. He's still angry with her. But he's also still kind of in love with her - even after all these years. But he was hurt pretty badly by what happened back then.
But of course what he thinks happened back then, is not what really happended. And after what happended that night - so much more happened for Kelsey!!!
And even though she needs the money, she didn't know what kinds of pictures Wyatt needed - she's not sure she can do it.

What happens when the one who got away comes back?
Will there be a HEA?
READ THE BOOK TO FIND OUT!!!! ☺

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GREAT story!
We have two amazing people. People who've been through so much in their life!
And we get to hear all about it! We're going back in time 12 years a few times, to see how they met and fell for each other. But we still don't really know what happened to pull them apart. It's all very mysterious and exciting and heartbreaking!
And what happens in the present is just as exciting, but also sexy and fun and cute ....
It's all so very adorable and heartbreaking and ugh. I just wanted to jump into the book and hug the hell out of both Wyatt and Kelsey!
Great new book! And now I can't wait to see what Lyle has to tell us in the next book!!!

WICKED GRIND was an amazingly sexy and adorable & heartbreaking 2nd-chance-romance! I loved it! Hurry to your nearest amazon for your own Wyatt - this one is MINE! ☺

Wicked Grind by J Kenner was a great read!

Wyatt and Kelsey are two characters who have absolutely stolen my heart. They had such a powerful and passionate connection that I was constantly kept intrigued and my eyes glued to the screen. The hot and steamy scenes are so mind-blowing that I couldn't wait to see what would happen next.

I definitely recommend this novel, as well as every other novel written by J to everyone!!

5/5 Stars!

Wicked Grind is another fantastic book by J. Kenner! I can't wait to see what she comes up with next!

This is another wonderful second chance romance – young lovers reunited after a decade. Wyatt and Kelsey met one summer before Wyatt went off to photography school. Wyatt is hot, talented, and came from a well to do family. He is not short of girls hanging on to his every word but he only has eyes for Kelsey – a young, shy, beautiful dancer. I have to be honest I didn’t feel the heroine. Kelsey’s father is strict but it just seems that she is too shy and always running away from Wyatt. At times I feel she was playing hard to get. Wyatt was persistent and eventually they shared one sexy night but immediately afterward Kelsey disappeared before the sheets cooled. A decade later, Kelsey walks into an audition for a job and to her surprise finds a much older, handsome Wyatt who happens to be the photographer. Wyatt is still hurt and Kelsey had some explaining to do. Can Wyatt forgive Kelsey for breaking his heart? Can they rekindle the short-lived romance?
Wicked grind started out really strong. I was very intrigued by the unique plot but I guessed rather quickly the reasons Kelsey ran many years ago, so the anticipation was gone – my fault . I enjoyed the slow burn, the angst, the chemistry, and the passion they shared. I love the hero. He is talented, a celebrity but he is grounded, genuine, and a nice guy. He has the patience of a saint pinning after Kelsey. Kelsey has some issues that make it difficult to go after her dreams. I do admire her though for the way she takes care of her brother. It’s quite an endearing relationship they have for each other. I am intrigued by Griffin – I can see him as a broken hero with scars but he has a huge heart. I would love a story on Griffin. Over all, the book is well-written, good flow. Sweet, sexy, light-hearted second chance love.

Sexy. That's the first word that comes to mind when I grab a J. Kenner book. I know that I'm going to be taken down a road that pushes my boundaries and makes me feel sexy. If you think I'm odd, I dare you to buy any one of her books and read it. See what happens.

Family. I can always count on J. to give me an element of family in her books. Whether it's traditional, non-traditional or a character finding a family, everyone finds and receives love in their own way. Kelsey Draper's family is something she doesn't talk about. She holds family close and dear to her, in her own way.

Mystery. Each J. Kenner book has an element of mystery to it. It's what keeps me (and all her other readers) coming back for more. For me, Wyatt Royce was the ultimate mystery. Yet, he wasn't.

Snark. Each character is extremely well developed with their own personalities that are defined and shout from the pages. My favorite bits are when the characters sneak in their snark unexpectedly. "But karma is a nosy, invasive bookie, and when you try to cheat her, she takes what she is owed." Not only is this a bit snarky, but full of power.

J. Kenner delivers a sexy, mysterious read, full of family and snark. A guaranteed good time between the pages. ~ White Hot Reads

Wicked Grind is a shining star in an already impressive cache of work. Kelsey and Wyatt quickly descend past the point of no return. The dominant photographer with the controlling ways reunites with the good girl on a quest to change her ways. It's gritty, meets sexy and creates magic. Who could ask for anything more?

Final Score - 5 Stars!


Wyatt Royce is successful photographer. He's gearing up for an upcoming exhibit that’s going to showcase the most sensual and enthralling pieces he’s ever created, but he’s missing one thing: the perfect model and not just any type of model - innocence mixed in with a sexual prowess and a boldness that she exudes naturally. He has a glimmer of this woman in his head, but finding has proven difficult, that is until his past comes flying into his door in the form of a first love, never forgotten and never moved on from.

Kelsey Draper is innocence - in more ways than one. She lives by a strict set of rules & doesn’t break the rules easily as the last time she did - her world blew up in her face, literally. The only thing Kelsey is focused on nowadays is taking care of her younger brother & helping him with medical expenses. Her long ago dream of being a professional dancer has been abandoned. She needs fifteen thousand dollars and fast, but there's a small window of time in which to achieve this. That is until an opportunity presents itself and she literally walks into a blast from her past. Now every feeling she’s ever had has quickly resurfaced - ten fold. But after twelve years of hurt and pain, can Kelsey and Wyatt finally move forward and get their chance?

When I read a story that has flashbacks in it, my only wish is that it’s done well - as I need an understanding of what happened then that effected the characters as they are now. The past was perfectly portrayed, and explained how so fast everything went wrong in Wyatt & Kelsey's relationship. From their first meeting, to watching how their friendship grew into something more, each glimpse into the past was the highlight I needed. I loved Wyatt’s character and even though he was a bit standoffish in the beginning (the flashbacks perfectly present why he is the way he is now), he redeemed himself and I was cheering for him to get the girl.

The only cause of concern I had was in Kelsey and her reactions during several parts of the story. I felt she needed to be more tough/take charge in certain situations. Her relationship with her father was the main source of her issues and I felt that he didn't warrant such a presence in her life as he wasn't in the story much if not at all.

If you a fan the author’s previous books for the Stark World, I know you’re going to enjoy this one immensely as some of those characters appear in this book and it's like getting to see old friends again after a long absence.

Second chances romance are my new thing and as soon as I heard about this one, I had to get my hands on it! Sometimes, life gets in the way or sometimes it's just case bad timing - but there's one thing you can’t deny ... and that's when you know you’ve been given another chance at not only getting your old love back, but somehow, someway making sure the mistakes you previous made don't come back to bite you. This was a beautifully told story of love, forgiveness, desire and finally finding the strength to become the person you were always meant to be.