Walk the Line (Man of the Month Book 12) Read online

  She peers at me. “I smell ambition.”

  I lift a shoulder in a casual shrug. “It’s Los Angeles. Isn’t that what this town is all about?”

  “Ha! Carl’s lucky he’s got you. It’ll be interesting to see how long he keeps you. But let’s see … who here would intrigue you …?”

  She casts about the room, finally pointing to a fifty-something man holding court in a corner. “That’s Charles Maynard,” she says. “I’ve known Charlie for years. Intimidating as hell until you get to know him. But it’s worth it. His clients are either celebrities with name recognition or power brokers with more money than God. Either way, he’s got all the best stories.”

  “He’s a lawyer?”

  “With Bender, Twain & McGuire. Very prestigious firm.”

  “I know,” I say, happy to show that I’m not entirely ignorant, despite not knowing Rip or Lyle. “One of my closest friends works for the firm. He started here but he’s in their New York office now.”

  “Well, come on, then, Texas. I’ll introduce you.” We take one step in that direction, but then Evelyn stops me. Maynard has pulled out his phone, and is shouting instructions at someone. I catch a few well-placed curses and eye Evelyn sideways. She looks unconcerned “He’s a pussycat at heart. Trust me, I’ve worked with him before. Back in my agenting days, we put together more celebrity biopic deals for our clients than I can count. And we fought to keep a few tell-alls off the screen, too.” She shakes her head, as if reliving those glory days, then pats my arm. “Still, we’ll wait ’til he calms down a bit. In the meantime, though …”

  She trails off, and the corners of her mouth turn down in a frown as she scans the room again. “I don’t think he’s here yet, but—oh! Yes! Now there’s someone you should meet. And if you want to talk views, the house he’s building has one that makes my view look like, well, like yours.” She points toward the entrance hall, but all I see are bobbing heads and haute couture. “He hardly ever accepts invitations, but we go way back,” she says.

  I still can’t see who she’s talking about, but then the crowd parts and I see the man in profile. Goose bumps rise on my arms, but I’m not cold. In fact, I’m suddenly very, very warm.

  He’s tall and so handsome that the word is almost an insult. But it’s more than that. It’s not his looks, it’s his presence. He commands the room simply by being in it, and I realize that Evelyn and I aren’t the only ones looking at him. The entire crowd has noticed his arrival. He must feel the weight of all those eyes, and yet the attention doesn’t faze him at all. He smiles at the girl with the champagne, takes a glass, and begins to chat casually with a woman who approaches him, a simpering smile stretched across her face.

  “Damn that girl,” Evelyn says. “She never did bring me my vodka.”

  But I barely hear her. “Damien Stark,” I say. My voice surprises me. It’s little more than breath.

  Evelyn’s brows rise so high I notice the movement in my peripheral vision. “Well, how about that?” she says knowingly. “Looks like I guessed right.”

  “You did,” I admit. “Mr. Stark is just the man I want to see.”

  I hope you enjoyed the excerpt! Grab your own copy of Release Me … or any of the books in the series now!

  The Original Trilogy

  Release Me

  Claim Me

  Complete Me

  And Beyond…

  Anchor Me

  Lost With Me

  Reviews

  Some rave reviews for J. Kenner’s sizzling romances...

  With Kenner's heartfelt and beautiful writing, she captures the true raw emotions of her characters as they battle with their feelings.—Michelle from Four Chicks Flipping Books on Hold On Tight

  An unexpectedly gritty and raw second chance romance that’s hot, sexy and full of surprises—MammieBabbie on Hold On Tight

  Holy sexual tension, Batman! Being inside the heads of these two lust-struck characters had me turning on the fan in winter!—iScream Books Blog on Down On Me

  Sexy. Sassy. Fun. Down On Me is the perfect start to The Man of the Month series and I’m already jonesing for more!!—Heather from White Hot Reads on Down On Me

  I just get sucked into these books and can not get enough of this series. They are so well written and as satisfying as each book is they leave you greedy for more. — Goodreads reviewer on Wicked Torture

  A sizzling, intoxicating, sexy read!!!! J. Kenner had me devouring Wicked Dirty, the second installment of Stark World Series in one sitting. I loved everything about this book from the opening pages to the raw and vulnerable characters. With her sophisticated prose, Kenner created a love story that had the perfect blend of lust, passion, sexual tension, raw emotions and love. - Michelle, Four Chicks Flipping Pages

  Wicked Dirty CLAIMED and CONSUMED every ounce of me from the very first page. Mind racing. Pulse pounding. Breaths bated. Feels flowing. Eyes wide in anticipation. Heart beating out of my chest. I felt the current of Wicked Dirty flow through me. I was DRUNK on this book that was my fine whiskey, so smooth and spectacular, and could not get enough of this Wicked Dirty drink. - Karen Bookalicious Babes Blog

  "Sinfully sexy and full of heart. Kenner shines in this second chance, slow burn of a romance. Wicked Grind is the perfect book to kick off your summer.”- K. Bromberg, New York Times bestselling author (on Wicked Grind)

  “J. Kenner never disappoints~her books just get better and better." - Mom's Guilty Pleasure (on Wicked Grind)

  "I don't think J. Kenner could write a bad story if she tried. … Wicked Grind is a great beginning to what I'm positive will be a very successful series. … The line forms here." iScream Books (On Wicked Grind)

  “Scorching, sweet, and soul-searing, Anchor Me is the ultimate love story that stands the test of time and tribulation. THE TRUEST LOVE!” Bookalicious Babes Blog (on Anchor Me)

  “J. Kenner has brought this couple to life and the character connection that I have to these two holds no bounds and that is testament to J. Kenner’s writing ability.” The Romance Cover (on Anchor Me)

  “J. Kenner writes an emotional and personal story line. … The premise will captivate your imagination; the characters will break your heart; the romance continues to push the envelope.” The Reading Café (on Anchor Me)

  “Kenner may very well have cornered the market on sinfully attractive, dominant antiheroes and the women who swoon for them . . .” Romantic Times

  “Wanted is another J. Kenner masterpiece . . . This was an intriguing look at self-discovery and forbidden love all wrapped into a neat little action-suspense package. There was plenty of sexual tension and eventually action. Evan was hot, hot, hot! Together, they were combustible. But can we expect anything less from J. Kenner?” Reading Haven

  “Wanted by J. Kenner is the whole package! A toe-curling smokin' hot read, full of incredible characters and a brilliant storyline that you won't be able to get enough of. I can't wait for the next book in this series . . . I'm hooked!” Flirty & Dirty Book Blog

  “J. Kenner's evocative writing thrillingly captures the power of physical attraction, the pull of longing, the universe-altering effect one person can have on another. . . . Claim Me has the emotional depth to back up the sex . . . Every scene is infused with both erotic tension, and the tension of wondering what lies beneath Damien's veneer – and how and when it will be revealed.” Heroes and Heartbreakers

  “Claim Me by J. Kenner is an erotic, sexy and exciting ride. The story between Damien and Nikki is amazing and written beautifully. The intimate and detailed sex scenes will leave you fanning yourself to cool down. With the writing style of Ms. Kenner you almost feel like you are there in the story riding along the emotional rollercoaster with Damien and Nikki.” Fresh Fiction

  “PERFECT for fans of Fifty Shades of Grey and Bared to You. Release Me is a powerful and erotic romance novel that is sure to make adult romance readers sweat, sigh and swoon.” Reading, Eating & Dreaming Blog

  “I will admi
t, I am in the 'I loved Fifty Shades' camp, but after reading Release Me, Mr. Grey only scratches the surface compared to Damien Stark.” Cocktails and Books Blog

  “It is not often when a book is so amazingly well-written that I find it hard to even begin to accurately describe it . . . I recommend this book to everyone who is interested in a passionate love story.” Romancebookworm's Reviews

  “The story is one that will rank up with the Fifty Shades and Cross Fire trilogies.” Incubus Publishing Blog

  “The plot is complex, the characters engaging, and J. Kenner's passionate writing brings it all perfectly together.” Harlequin Junkie

  Also by J. Kenner

  Click here for a printable booklist

  The Stark Saga Novels:

  Only his passion could set her free…

  Meet Damien Stark

  The Original Trilogy

  Release Me

  Claim Me

  Complete Me

  And Beyond…

  Anchor Me

  Lost With Me

  Stark Ever After

  (Stark Saga novellas):

  Happily ever after is just the beginning.

  The passion between Damien & Nikki continues.

  Take Me

  Have Me

  Play My Game

  Seduce Me

  Unwrap Me

  Deepest Kiss

  Entice Me

  Hold Me

  Please Me

  The Steele Books/Stark International:

  He was the only man who made her feel alive.

  Say My Name

  On My Knees

  Under My Skin

  Take My Dare (includes short story Steal My Heart)

  Stark International Novellas:

  Meet Jamie & Ryan-so hot it sizzles.

  Tame Me

  Tempt Me

  S.I.N. Trilogy:

  It was wrong for them to be together…

  …but harder to stay apart.

  Dirtiest Secret

  Hottest Mess

  Sweetest Taboo

  Stand alone novels:

  Most Wanted:

  Three powerful, dangerous men.

  Three sensual, seductive women.

  Wanted

  Heated

  Ignited

  Wicked Nights (Stark World):

  Sometimes it feels so damn good to be bad.

  Wicked Grind

  Wicked Dirty

  Wicked Torture

  Man of the Month

  Who’s your man of the month …?

  Down On Me

  Hold On Tight

  Need You Now

  Start Me Up

  Get It On

  In Your Eyes

  Turn Me On

  Shake It Up

  All Night Long

  In Too Deep

  Light My Fire

  Walk The Line

  Bar Bites: A Man of the Month Cookbook(by J. Kenner & Suzanne M. Johnson)

  Additional Titles

  Wild Thing

  One Night (A Stark World short story in the Second Chances anthology)

  Also by Julie Kenner

  Click here for a printable book list

  The Protector (Superhero) Series:

  The Cat’s Fancy (prequel)

  Aphrodite’s Kiss

  Aphrodite’s Passion

  Aphrodite’s Secret

  Aphrodite’s Flame

  Aphrodite’s Embrace (novella)

  Aphrodite’s Delight (novella – free download)

  Demon Hunting Soccer Mom Series:

  Carpe Demon

  California Demon

  Demons Are Forever

  Deja Demon

  The Demon You Know (short story)

  Demon Ex Machina

  Pax Demonica

  Day of the Demon

  The Dark Pleasures Series:

  Caress of Darkness

  Find Me In Darkness

  Find Me In Pleasure

  Find Me In Passion

  Caress of Pleasure

  The Blood Lily Chronicles:

  Tainted

  Torn

  Turned

  Rising Storm:

  Rising Storm: Tempest Rising

  Rising Storm: Quiet Storm

  Devil May Care:

  Seducing Sin

  Tempting Fate

  About the Author

  J. Kenner (aka Julie Kenner) is the New York Times, USA Today, Publishers Weekly, Wall Street Journal and #1 International bestselling author of over one hundred novels, novellas and short stories in a variety of genres.

  JK has been praised by Publishers Weekly as an author with a “flair for dialogue and eccentric characterizations” and by RT Bookclub for having “cornered the market on sinfully attractive, dominant antiheroes and the women who swoon for them.” A five-time finalist for Romance Writers of America’s prestigious RITA award, JK took home the first RITA trophy awarded in the category of erotic romance in 2014 for her novel, Claim Me (book 2 of her Stark Trilogy).

  In her previous career as an attorney, JK worked as a lawyer in Southern California and Texas. She currently lives in Central Texas, with her husband, two daughters, and two rather spastic cats.

  Stay in touch! Text JKenner to 21000 to subscribe to JK’s text alerts.

  J. Kenner Facebook Page

  Facebook Fan Group

  Newsletter

  www.jkenner.com