Claim Me (Stark Saga, #2)

by J Kenner and Julie Kenner

[Cocktails and Books]

I will admit I was shocked by the turn of events in Claim Me. I figured we would get a glimpse into more of Damien's past, but I assumed it would revolve around Eric Padgett and his determination to hold Damien responsible for his sister's death. J. Kenner totally threw me for a loop with the direction the story took. But by going where it did, we get to see a side of Mr. Stark that made like him so much more than I did before.

Damien's still dominant (and he proves that in a variety of ways with Nikki) but we also get a laid back Damien, a tortured by his past Damien and a Damien who would break his own heart in an attempt to protect those he loves. He's not infallible and the vulnerability that he displays humanizes him. I loved how he let Nikki see these sides of him. Despite everything it proved to her he was just a normal man who needed his woman to support him, just like other men. But that doesn't mean he was there for Nikki in her time of need.
Nikki was in a better place in this book. She's still fighting her demons, but she's learning how to deal with the triggers that set them off. She doesn't always read a situation correctly and she's quick to react, but towards the end of the book she was fighting for both her and Damien, rather than running and burying her head. And when Damien really needs her, she fights...despite Damien's own actions. She finally took a stand and she did it in a graceful manner that proved to everyone...especially herself and Damien, that they are strong as a unit and will get through whatever comes their way.

A side note on a secondary character. I love Evelyn. In a way, Evelyn is able to give Nikki the motherly advice she so desperately wants but can't get from the evil shrew of a mother she has. She doesn't look down on Nikki and her choices. She gives Nikki that unconditional love she craves. She's known Damien for years and knows about some of the demons that haunt him. She also knows when she can or can't push him, but she also knows that Nikki is what Damien needs and will do what she must to see to both of their happiness...even if that means pushing Damien's limits.

If you haven't read the Stark Series, it's one that I highly recommend.