Steamy slow burn second chance romance.
Wyatt and Kelsey's story was enjoyable and entertaining.
The dual POV and the flashbacks of Wyatt and Kelsey gave me good insight into their characters and their angsty and heartbreaking past. Wyatt and Kelsey were well developed likable characters who struggle with making peace with their past in order to move forward.
BUT...this slow burn was more like a sloooow sensual simmer! I didn't get any answers to their story until the very end and then it felt so rushed!

I am not sure where to start with Wicked Grind. First, and foremost, I love J. Kenner and her writing style. I’m usually really invested in her stories and can’t stop reading until I’m done. It took me a while to really get into this S.I.N novel. That does not mean that the story wasn’t interesting and sexy … it was. My drawback was Kelsey. I am a total sucker for strong woman who know how to go after and get what they want and Kelsey took a while to get to that place for me.

There was a lot of back-story that needed to be told and I loved every minute of it. I hoped, as I was reading it, that everything that happened would make Kelsey stronger. Instead, it just ate at her self-esteem and made her feel nothing but disdain. She knew that her father played mind games with her. She knew that he was the reason behind her not going after her dreams. She knew that he was the only reason why she couldn’t trust herself not to cause damage to those she loved.

Wyatt comes from a high-powered Hollywood family. He wants nothing more than to make a name for himself and not ride his family’s coat-tails. He fell in love 12 years ago and was heart-broken when she ran out on him. Was she playing him then or is she playing him now? I guess they will never know since she keeps running out … just when he needs her the most.

Kelsey knows that she has to stop running, has to stop blaming herself for her brother’s accident, has to stop … just stop and live her life the way that she wants to live it. Wyatt brings out the fearless in her, the bad. But, can she trust herself to give her all to his project, anonymous or not, and not have everything crash down around her? Just when she is getting confident, giving her heart to Wyatt again, loving her life, one person messes everything up and she runs … again. But, this time, she realizes what she’s giving up and finally reaches for the brass ring.

Once I got over the whole Kelsey thing, I loved this story. It was a beautiful story about woman, how strong they are, how they own their sexuality and how the world perceives them. Wyatt was unbelievable in his determination to bring out the power of woman in pictures. And, once she gave herself totally over to Wyatt, Kelsey represented the insecurities and confidence of women everywhere. J. Kenner, again, gave us a sexually charged book about lost love, mistrust and love found again. I was angered, then I was cheering … I was frowning, then I smiled … I was heartbroken and then I grinned from ear to ear as the story ended.

Photographer Wyatt Royce’s career is on the verge of success under his own merit, without using his family ties. He just needs the one perfect model to be the centerpiece for his sexy, controversial show.

Kelsey Draper walks in to audition for the role. To say they both are shocked to see each other is an understatement. Their relationship twelve years earlier did not end well.

Kelsey needs the money from this audition for a good cause and is determined to break free from her good girl image.

Wyatt agrees to give her the job originally with plans to serve as a punishment for breaking his heart twelve years ago. But plans have a way of changing.

Fantastic book in a new series. J Kenner never disappoints and Wicked Grind is a must-read. Wyatt and Kelsey's second chance story is sexy and amazing.

J. Kenner is back with a new series that yes readers will make you feel sexy and desired. We have Kelsey Draper who in a way has grown from what Wyatt remembers her as but still shy. She has regrets in her life that she feels she will never be redeemed for one night of indulgence. Now have to say I for one feel she should let loose more and being with Wyatt, Kelsey is learning to live. J. Kenner did a beautiful job in showing us her insecurities but when it comes to Wyatt we see a girl blooming. She has never felt this kind of passion before in her life and it takes a beautiful author like J. Kenner to show us her self-esteem growing to something that makes her stronger. Wyatt is a complex man in a way that he is unsure what he is really looking for in life. One minute we see him as a young boy trying to be something different in Hollywood yet in a way feel like he is just wanting to compensate for someone else’s life. There was so much I felt was missing from Wyatt and loved that it was more of Kelsey and her growing in this book. All in all this is a great start to the Wicked series, one that J. Kenner did beautifully sexy.

This one was good, not great. This is my first J. Kenner book, so I would read another too see how the series goes!

Kelsey and Wyatt = Wicked Hotness

It took me a while to get to this book and now I wonder why it was such a great read. The chemistry between the main characters was utter electric. The plot was fun easy to keep up with and didn't bombard you either.

overall a great read

3 1/2 stars
I'm so ecstatic their is more books in the fabulous Stark world that Kenner has created. Kelsey and Wyatt met as teens at the country club. He is the son of Hollywood royalty and she is the landscaper daughter and waitress at the club. Opposites do attract and they spend the summer falling in love, life pulls them apart making them wonder what happened. Kenner write the story with flashing from present to past that tugs at the heart strings. Can Wyatt teach Kelsey its ok to take a walk on the wicked side of life and be his muse?

Only issue I felt the ending was too quick and was left wanting more to the story.

Second chance romances are my weakness. J Kenner’s sensual and sweet second chance romance, Wicked Grind, was MY KRYPTONITE.There is nothing as passionate and powerful than two former lovers rekindling that flame and two broken souls becoming whole again. Shiver-me-sexy meets sugary-sweet in Wicked Grind, a second chance romance that SEDUCES with every word.

I DEVOURED Wicked Grind that quickly became MY SWEET ADDICTION. Wicked Grind hums with DESIRE. This COLLISION of childhood lovers was my SWEET ACHE and I could not turn the pages fast enough. I LOVED the hero and heroine, and their UNDENIABLE attraction so much!

Wyatt is a tall, dark, built, and sexy world famous photographer whose work is edgy and enticing. Wyatt is fire-hot and I could not help but MELT!!! When his work collides with his personal life in the form of beautiful Kelsey, his childhood sweetheart, it’s one crash that may cause one or both of them to get burned.

I SMOLDERED as the fireworks ignited from these former flames as the words fused with fire. This couple is the perfect match. I felt their connection surge through the pages. The sexual tension and poignant past between Kelsey and Wyatt GRIPPED ME HARD where I was GLUED to their sizzling story.

“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?”

I SWOONED as the sorrow mixed with sweetness hit my heart hard.

“I’m invisible.”

“You’re not invisible to me.”

I SWEATED from the powerful push and pull of this story that tugged my heart in every direction.

“You know my conditions. Now ask yourself what you want. And then ask yourself how much you want it.”

J. Kenner is the queen of seduction and oh did Wicked Grind SEDUCE EVERY OUNCE OF ME!!! With writing as smooth as silk with strength in spades, a sweet and sexy hero, and a soulful second-chance romance, I was a GONER!!! I was so sunk into this love story…hook…line…sinker!!!

With its undeniable chemistry and unparalleled intensity, Wicked Grind is PURE INTOXICATION. I LOVED this ENTICING ESCAPE!!! While this story is tied to the spellbinding Stark world, Wicked Grind is fresh and fiercely stands on its own. Wicked Grind is one WILD RIDE! This love story is POWER and PASSION in words, and I am panting for more.

Even in my fantasies, I can’t bring myself to give us a happily ever after.

💋💋💋💋💋 seductive kisses

4 unexpected stars



What i like about J Kenner's books, it's that somewhere and somehow, there's a link to the original Stark novels that started my journey with J Kenner so many years ago. I'll admit that after all the added instalments and series, i don't remember much but the basics of Nikki and Damien's first book, and yet, it's something that i look forward to remediating soon. Wyatt and Kelsey's story is loosely linked the the Stark family and yet it was completely independent from it that it was fascinating.


4 breath taking dreams



I was surprised - mostly because of the history behind these two have and how much their separation truly hurt them. While i was interested by this newest book by this author, i had some troubles connecting with the characters... maybe because i didn't understand their upbringing considering my own military family or maybe because i couldn't fully understand how their circumstances influenced their adult life... albeit that, i still liked the story and how it panned out, and look forward to reading more from J Kenner in the future.




*ARC provided by Author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Kathleen, The Small Girl from A small girl, her man and her books

This was a great book. It has been purchased for our library.

WOW!!! Simply WOW!

I am rarely left without words but this book really shook me to the core. As this is a J. Kenner book, so of course I was expecting an incredible story. But Wicked Grind is so much more than that. It is a story about second chances, about survival and fighting for the things you dream about. It is about love and it's ability to give you enough strength to break the chains that keep you locked in into a mental cage of someone else's doing. It is about finding that person that makes you feel free and complete. For me, this was mostly a very emotional book. Don't get me wrong, there are quite a few hot scenes, and there is romance and heartbreak. But it is simply so much more than that.

Through her whole life, Kelsey had to live with the mental abuse from a person who should have protected her. Instead, he made her pay for someone else's mistakes. With each hateful and degrading word, the cage around her was getting stronger and stronger. Until she believed that if she enjoyed life, she will ruin the people around her. Until she met Wyatt during a summer vacation. He showed her what it means to be free and to enjoy the small things in life. But then a tragedy struck and Kelsey lost herself again.

Once Kelsey and Wyatt meet again 12 years later, they both carry the hurt and pain from the past. Each one of them has lived through their own tragedies and that made them close the world off. But with every second spend together, they find out that their past cannot be buried and their connection is too strong to be ignored. Of course, Kelsey and Wyatt's path is not easy but they find the way to each other's hearts again.

To be honest, I am usually more of a fan of the male characters in books. And don't get me wrong, Wyatt is delicious and definitely worth it of some drooling. But Kelsey was simply extraordinary. She is strong and sensual, even if she doesn't realise it in the beginning. Living through the nightmare she lived through as a kid with all the blame she puts on herself and the verbal abuse in her everyday life, she still tries to break the figurative cage she was put into. I can honestly say that I admire her. Because her will for survival and saving her tender heart from disintegrating is simply something extraordinary.

I think this is one of my favorite J. Kenner books and I definitely recommend it. In my opinion, this is a book that everyone should read. But do keep in mind that this is not a lighthearted read. It will definitely ground and make you think about the important things in life. Make you appreciate them even more. So don't waste your time and pick up your copy now.

A wickedly sexy, oh so HOT romance that simply SCORCHES! This romance is set at a great pace, while Wyatt and Kelsey are well developed characters. Wyatt is bold, sexy, charming, and almost pantie melting irresistible, while Kelsey is smart, gorgeous, and has personality that just makes you instantly like her. Put these two together and you have fire-works-a-popping HEAT so intense, it will leave you all sorts of hot and bothered. What a delicious romance!

Wicked Grind has a cover that just...calls to me. The colors, the image, it instantly had me sitting up and taking notice. The plot and storyline kept me well entertained and I loved the romance! The sex...my goodness, the sex was SO. FREAKING. GOOD. I can't see how it could of gotten any better than THIS!

Wicked Grind gets a SIZZLING HOT I CAN COOK AN EGG IN TEN SECONDS FLAT FIVE SHOOTING STARS!

Holy hotness!! I need a damn cigarette after reading this one - and there was barely any sex in it - Yea, the sexual tension and build up to it was hot as hell!! DAMN!!

J Kenner really knows how to write a novel that keeps you right at the edge your seat the whole time - talk about sexual suspense. Geezus!! I normally have a problem with the majority of the book being a huge build up, but when that crescendo hits and it plays out correctly, I have no issues with it and this is one book that does right!!

Wyatt and Kelsey met when they were both young. Kelsey lived a different life than Wyatt but his persistence paid off and he won her over. But then one night, everything falls apart and they never talk again. Because they were young and stupid, they never worked it out. Now, twelve years later, they find each other again. But this time, in a situation they never expected.

Wicked Grind is told from both Wyatt and Kelsey's POVs and also goes back and forth from past to present. The way Julie writes this book is amazing. I am never once confused who's POV I am reading from and not once do the memories cause me to fumble in my reading. Everything flows perfectly; I found myself completely emerged in this story. Even though I as the reader knew the trust behind everything, it's watching Wyatt and Kelsey slowly work things out, that make this story so enticing.

This is one series you definitely want to read this summer. I am loving this Stark World series and getting glimpses of pervious characters along with meeting the new ones. And from what I heard, we won't be waiting long in between each story to read the next one.

Although this book is fast paced & sexy, it packs an equally slow burn with it. The past and the present collide as photographer Wyatt Royce collides with Kelsey Draper. These two former first loves have more between them then the Grand Canyon. But none of that compares to the sizzling chemistry that seems to have never left them.

“The boy who made me break all the rules. Who made me lose control.”

Wyatt Royce is the son of Hollywood royalty but wants to make it on his own. He is a highly talented and sought after photographer using his father’s name “Royce” to separate himself from his famous family’s name of Segal. He wants to succeed on his own merits. There is always that nagging question as to whether people want him for himself or his famous family.

“I want them to come for the show. Not because they want to get Anika Segal’s autograph.”

The last piece of his show is missing. He needs a unique model to complete his vision, his story. One who shows strength and sensuality. Innocence and power. Passion and gentleness.

Kelsey Draper, kindergarten teacher and dancer is in desperate need of fast money in order to pay for her brother Griffin’s burn treatment. It has been a long time since she let herself go and enjoy life. Raised by a strict father. The only time she let loose left dire consequences. She is desperate to get the treatment for her brother. Kelsey is strong, kind and loyal. She has guilt that runs deep when it comes to Griffin.

Royce & Kelsey have a surprise meeting as she comes to “audition” to be his muse for the final portion of his art exhibition. Although she has always been Royce’s muse there are years of secrets and unknowns between them.

Sizzling chemistry and hot hot sexy times are inevitable. As I said above, the book is fast passed with a slow burn. It certainly packs a punch.

He loved a girl who’d been smart and sweet and sensual and exciting. But that girl never really existed. She was an illusion.

An illusion that had haunted him for years, and that he was now trying to recreate with his camera…..

If you have read any of J Kenner’s “Stark” series you will recognize the cameo appearances of Damien, Nikki, and Cass. An enjoyable, quick, sexy read.

Wicked Grind is the first book in a new series by J. Kenner. As it is expected the book is connected with the rest of the Stark books, but those characters are just briefly mentioned. It's a stand-alone novel and the next book follows another couple which is nice. It doesn't give room for unnecessary drama.

Wyatt and Kelsey have a history together. 12 years ago they fell in love with each other, but some unexpected events separated them and in the present day they meet again. The flashbacks help the reader understand what happened all those years ago. It takes some time for them to show us what happened the night that made Wyatt hate Kelsey and then we realize how a misunderstanding can ruin everything.

I wanted to see two things. A) Kelsey's father getting what he deserved. That dude was abusive and a huge a-hole. He might not have hit Kelsey, but the psychological abuse is even worse because no one can see it and she lives with her father's voice in her head telling her what is wrong and what is not. B) Griffin having a heart to heart with Kelsey. I wanted to see them having a heart to heart. She feels so guilty for what happened to him and I don't believe she should feel this way. He was almost 13 years old when he had his accident. When my brother was younger than him he was able to cook a meal. It's not Kelsey's fault that at almost 13 he didn't know how what to do. I would have expected that from a boy a lot younger than him. This is what bugged me the most.

Our two main characters are not perfect. They are flawed, but as the story passes we see them become better versions of themselves. Kelsey is so far the weakest of the heroines in Kenner's books. I wasn't completely sold on her as an individual, but I enjoyed her story. Wyatt is not as dreamy as the other heroes, but in the end, he won me over. He and Kelsey worked out perfectly together and I enjoyed their story a lot. The book had a freshness that was sort of missing from the previous books Kenner released. It makes me happy and I will definitely wait for the second book to be released. I want to see more of Kelsey and Wyatt because the ending made me want to read more.

Wicked Grind was a great 5 star read.

Wyatt is a photographer who is trying to make a name for himself by not using his family name. He want’s something for himself. He is working on a special project for an upcoming show, and he has one special woman in mind for the main model. When she walks through his door he is shocked and thrown back 12 years, the last time he saw her.

Kelsey is trying to get the money for a special program for her brother. When she goes to an audition that could give her all the money she needs, she is shocked to see Wyatt. Wyatt offers her the job but with rules, can she follow them and get the money she needs?

You know my conditions. Now ask yourself what you want. And then ask yourself how much you want it.

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.

It has been 12 years since these two have seen each other. In the past, they secretly dated over the summer because her parents were so strict and one night of sneaking out changed everything and Kelsey disappeared. Wyatt couldn’t find her until now. He is hurt from her disappearance but doesn’t want to let her go again.

There are secrets revealed that explain the events that lead them down the paths they went. It’s heartbreaking what they both endured. Kelsey still has issues with things that her father instilled in her growing up, I was happy to see her finally break away and be herself. Seeing these two reconnect was great. The secondary characters added a great element to the story, I really liked her brother. This was a great second chance romance that I suggest you 1-click and get started reading today.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. Reviewed by MAustin from Alpha Book Club

I absolutely love J Kenner books but this one and it's unusual switching of perspectives really threw me and stole a little of my enjoyment if I am completely honest.  The story was hot and sexy as normal and that saved it.

The chemistry between Wyatt and Kelsey was hot and brought something to this book that just made it special. Kelsey was young and strong but somewhat vulnerable and Wyatt is a true Alpha male and he was sexy and dominant to a fault.

Although didnt completely enjoy the angles this book was told from I did enjoy the book as a whole. A good recommend from me

First off, I like that this started out in Wyatt's point of view and where he is today. And why he needs this certain quality in a model. You can feel his passion (wait not THAT - dirty birdy) for photography and his project and his career.

Kelsey needs a job. FAST. Well she needs money fast, however she can get it. She walks into Wyatt's studio and is shocked. Here is the boy she left behind all those years ago and he's needing a model. She's not a model but she's a dancer and can hold poses so it's quick work right?

Normally I don't like stories that time hop but this one worked for me. One minute you're in the present day and the next, you're back in time when they met. This was so beautifully written and an amazing start to a new J. Kenner series!

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!