REVIEW: Under My Skin by J. Kenner

In Under My Skin (Stark International Trilogy #3) by J. Kenner, Businesswoman Sylvia Brooks has been to hell and back in her lifetime and it looks like things are going to get crazier. Her only saving grace is her boyfriend, architect Jackson Steele. Theirs is a long, complicated history, but they’re finally where they need to be in their relationship. Unfortunately, not everyone is happy to see them together. And when the trouble around them amps up, Sylvia has to hope that she, and their relationship, is strong enough to withstand the storm.

‘He’s said nothing–done nothing–and yet I know with absolute certainty that Jackson is moving inexorably away from me. And I neither understand it nor know how to stop it.’

Jackson will do absolutely everything in his power to protect the ones he loves. And Sylvia is at the top of that list. He’s fought tooth and nail to get her back into his life and now is supposed to be the time to focus on their future. But as their work project sustains issues that speak of sabotage and people from their past begin making threats, Jackson takes matters into his own hands. The fallout, however, may prove to be his undoing and could jeopardize his relationship with Sylvia.

“You’re my life, Syl. You’re my blood. You’re the only person who can break me, and the only one who can save me. And right now, I need you more than I need to breathe.”

Under My Skin is the conclusion of J. Kenner’s exciting trilogy featuring the intense Jackson Steele and the troubled spitfire Sylvia Brooks. The passion continued to burn hot between them in this finale, even as they faced crisis after crisis.

‘This is just me and Jackson and pleasure and submission. Letting him take me there. And letting him take control. Jackson, who needs this as much as I do.’

I will start off warning readers that this book will make more sense if you have read the previous two in the trilogy. There was information included about what happened previously, but I don’t think readers will feel as connected to the characters as they would have if they were following from the beginning.

J. Kenner’s writing style works so well for an erotic story with a suspenseful edge such as this. We got both Sylvia’s and Jackson’s POVs, written in the first person this time, and it was nice to see both sides of the situation. The plot itself was fairly complex, with bits of pertinent information being revealed over the course of the trilogy and it pulled me right in. This final book nicely wrapped things up, but not until the very end so it kept me glued to the pages until the last minute. Loved that!

Jackson and Sylvia were still their cute but very sexy selves, thankfully. I loved that while their lives spun out of control, it was their smoldering chemistry and personal history that kept them centered. They both took a turn (or two) this time around, pulling each other back from the edge of losing it emotionally. I had a small issue with Sylvia waffling so much about if she was strong enough to handle everything. I understood where she was coming from, but it was a little disappointing.

Jackson, however, really stepped up and acted mature instead of playing games. This story showed him as almost a stoic hero, taking action and then the consequences for what he had done. Jackson was still dominant in regard to the bedroom, and had quite a few insanely erotic scenes with Sylvia. Those moments, especially, is where J. Kenner’s writing truly shines, showing the connection between our protagonists and the intensity of their love. *fans face*

Filled with all of the drama and seduction I have come to expect and love from J. Kenner, Under My Skin was a crazy-hot story that left me completely satisfied with our character’s HEA.

Book Info:

Publication: Published September 1st 2015 | by Bantam | Stark International Trilogy #3

Jackson Steele and Sylvia Brooks are back in the powerful finale of a provocative, sizzling-hot new erotic trilogy set in the world of J. Kenner’s beloved Stark novels: Release Me, Claim Me, and Complete Me.

He’s the only man I’ve ever loved, and the one man I can’t bear to lose.

Jackson Steele is my light in this world. Charismatic, bold, and always in control, he knows what he wants and how to get it—and absolutely nothing stands in his way. His hold on me is magnetic, his claim on me complete, his kiss my ultimate escape.

We both harbor dark secrets that could tear our lives apart. Though we’ve tried to bury our pasts, there are certain people who won’t let us forget. But the closer danger comes, the brighter the fire between us burns—our ecstasy consuming and soothing us both.

There’s no telling what lies ahead, but I know that Jackson never gives in without a fight. I’d do anything he wants to keep him safe, give him anything he needs. And now that we’re in deep, nothing can make me run.

Under My Skin is intended for mature audiences.