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Most Wanted #3
Ignited
For fans of Fifty Shades of Grey, Bared to You, and Release Me comes an all-new erotic series of three enigmatic and powerful men, and the striking women who can bring them to their knees.
He promised to take me as far as I could go—and I wanted to go to the edge.
My whole life has been a cover, a con, a lie. I was born into the grift, raised on the thrill of playing someone I’m not. As a rule, I never let anyone get too close—until Cole August makes it impossible for me to stay away.
Cole is tough, sexy, and intensely loyal, yet his secrets are dark and his scars run deep. Not many women can handle his past, or the truth behind his fierce demands. But something about him beckons me—and our desire is a game I must play.
I know he’s dangerous, that even his touch is trouble, but what is passion without a little risk?
Ignited is an erotic romance intended for mature audiences.
He promised to take me as far as I could go—and I wanted to go to the edge.
My whole life has been a cover, a con, a lie. I was born into the grift, raised on the thrill of playing someone I’m not. As a rule, I never let anyone get too close—until Cole August makes it impossible for me to stay away.
Cole is tough, sexy, and intensely loyal, yet his secrets are dark and his scars run deep. Not many women can handle his past, or the truth behind his fierce demands. But something about him beckons me—and our desire is a game I must play.
I know he’s dangerous, that even his touch is trouble, but what is passion without a little risk?
Ignited is an erotic romance intended for mature audiences.
304 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2014
179 people are currently reading
7671 people want to read
About the author
J. Kenner
188 books10.4k followersJ. 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.
Though known primarily for her award-winning and international bestselling erotic romances (including the Stark and Most Wanted series) that have reached as high as #2 on the New York Times bestseller list, JK has been writing full time for over a decade in a variety of genres including paranormal and contemporary romance, “chicklit” suspense, urban fantasy, and paranormal mommy lit.
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 six 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) and in 2017 for Wicked Dirty in the same category. Her Demon Hunting Soccer Mom series (as Julie Kenner) is currently in development as a television show.
Her books have sold over three million copies and are published in over twenty languages.
In her previous career as an attorney, JK worked as a clerk on the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, and practiced primarily civil, entertainment and First Amendment litigation in Los Angeles and Irvine, California, as well as in Austin, Texas. She currently lives in Central Texas, with her husband, two daughters, and two rather spastic cats.
Though known primarily for her award-winning and international bestselling erotic romances (including the Stark and Most Wanted series) that have reached as high as #2 on the New York Times bestseller list, JK has been writing full time for over a decade in a variety of genres including paranormal and contemporary romance, “chicklit” suspense, urban fantasy, and paranormal mommy lit.
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 six 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) and in 2017 for Wicked Dirty in the same category. Her Demon Hunting Soccer Mom series (as Julie Kenner) is currently in development as a television show.
Her books have sold over three million copies and are published in over twenty languages.
In her previous career as an attorney, JK worked as a clerk on the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, and practiced primarily civil, entertainment and First Amendment litigation in Los Angeles and Irvine, California, as well as in Austin, Texas. She currently lives in Central Texas, with her husband, two daughters, and two rather spastic cats.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 409 reviews
October 22, 2014
3.5 "Becoming Whole" Stars
This is my first J. Kenner book. I was alittle concerned about reading this one as it is the 3rd in a series. I will say that I had no problem understanding who anyone was and what their relationship was with each other. The author gave information that made me feel perfectly content reading.
Cole August is an artist and self made man. He had a hard life and despite his past made something of himself. But his past has scarred him and made him isolated about dating and love. Katrina Laron is not who she seems to be. Kat has secrets of her own and a troubled past as well. She can't get Cole out of her mind. She has decided that she must act on her feelings if only to get him out of her system.
Somehow, he'd snuck into my thoughts. He's filled my senses. I'd felt that tug the first time I'd laid eyes on him, and that was years ago. But over the past few months, he'd become an obsession, and I knew that if I wanted to get clear of him, I had to push through. I had to have him.
Cole will not let himself be tempted by Kat. He has too many demons and while Kat doesn't know, he has secretly desired Kat as well.
Kat's father is in trouble and she knows that they only man she can ask to help is Cole. Cole and his friends have many connections, both legal and illegal. She seeks his help and in the process Kat decides that even though he is hardheaded about the both of them- she goes for it and boy do the fireworks go off. Cole awakes Katrina to his desires sexually and she is not scared off by his "not vanilla" lifestyle. It's not easy and there is a lot of turmoil for the two. While Kat believes in them, Cole doubts in himself. Both are broken but if they can come together, can they be whole?
The story had a lot of moving parts. I loved the friendships and would love to go back and read about the other couples. I loved that while Kat had lots of secrets, she came clean with Cole and her friends and she never wavered in her love and trust with Cole. Cole on the other hand had a tougher time coming clean and trusting. I enjoyed the story. The timeline was fast and furious and sometimes it felt rushed. I look forward to reading more from this author.
ARC generously provided via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
This is my first J. Kenner book. I was alittle concerned about reading this one as it is the 3rd in a series. I will say that I had no problem understanding who anyone was and what their relationship was with each other. The author gave information that made me feel perfectly content reading.
Cole August is an artist and self made man. He had a hard life and despite his past made something of himself. But his past has scarred him and made him isolated about dating and love. Katrina Laron is not who she seems to be. Kat has secrets of her own and a troubled past as well. She can't get Cole out of her mind. She has decided that she must act on her feelings if only to get him out of her system.
Somehow, he'd snuck into my thoughts. He's filled my senses. I'd felt that tug the first time I'd laid eyes on him, and that was years ago. But over the past few months, he'd become an obsession, and I knew that if I wanted to get clear of him, I had to push through. I had to have him.
Cole will not let himself be tempted by Kat. He has too many demons and while Kat doesn't know, he has secretly desired Kat as well.
Kat's father is in trouble and she knows that they only man she can ask to help is Cole. Cole and his friends have many connections, both legal and illegal. She seeks his help and in the process Kat decides that even though he is hardheaded about the both of them- she goes for it and boy do the fireworks go off. Cole awakes Katrina to his desires sexually and she is not scared off by his "not vanilla" lifestyle. It's not easy and there is a lot of turmoil for the two. While Kat believes in them, Cole doubts in himself. Both are broken but if they can come together, can they be whole?
The story had a lot of moving parts. I loved the friendships and would love to go back and read about the other couples. I loved that while Kat had lots of secrets, she came clean with Cole and her friends and she never wavered in her love and trust with Cole. Cole on the other hand had a tougher time coming clean and trusting. I enjoyed the story. The timeline was fast and furious and sometimes it felt rushed. I look forward to reading more from this author.
ARC generously provided via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
September 12, 2014
**ARC provided by Bantam Publishing via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review**
Title:Ignited
Series:Most Wanted #3
Author:J. Kenner
Release date: September 9, 2014
Rating:4 stars
Cliffhanger:No
HEA:
In this final installment of the Most Wanted erotica series, J. Kenner brings you Cole and Katrina's story. This series centers around three friends and business partners who are no strangers to the kinkier side of things in the bedroom.
They're all tortured in their own ways, but Cole is probably fighting the most demons of the bunch. He also has quite the air of mystery about him. He's so self-contained, never giving anything away. Maybe that led to Kat's growing obsession from afar over him.
For years she's watched him, lusted after him, and never allowed herself the freedom to explore the possibility of one day trying to get closer to him. She's led her whole life one fabricated con after another. The lifestyle her father lives in, and one he passed on to her. She's always lived on the edge of society unless she was working a target. But now-she's ready to move past her life in the grift and experience the world honestly and freely.
I was tired of feeling uprooted. I wanted to settle. I wanted more.
And along with settling down and buying a home she's come to the conclusion that just maybe, she could go after the one thing she always wanted. The one thing she's been unable to stop thinking about and craving.
Cole.
Have you ever wanted something that you knew was not smart, but despite all rational reasons why you should run, you're only drawn in closer?
She was ready to take a walk on the dark side, and who better to bring her there than dark and brooding Cole? She had a battle on her hands-he didn't want to step over the friendship line because of his fear that he would lose control with her and unintentionally hurt her. Because of his difficult past, he struggles with accepting his own sexuality and someone who's only ever done "vanilla" could never understand or accept his needs. Could they?
She insists that she can handle anything he desires. She's not a delicate innocent as he sees her. She's strong and being awakened to a whole new world that fulfills her just as much as it does him. Once they move past his fear, he grows possessive, protective, and a little more crazy for her by the minute. Though he was dominant with her, he could be very tender with her as well, especially when they grew more comfortable in their fit sexually.
"You've filled my days and occupied my nights. I know you, Katrina Laron, and you're more innocent than you think. I've claimed you, baby, and that makes you mine."
When her dad comes to town, he brings trouble with him. And for the first time, she has to learn to put total trust in someone-in and out of the bedroom. I loved how Cole immediately took charge of the situation and protected her and her father with any means required. He proved his devotion to her completely.
"I'll be whatever I have to be to keep you safe." I could feel the intensity rising in him. A primal, earthy quality, as if he was gearing up for a fight.
"I promise you. I can do what's necessary with no problem whatsoever."
Overall, this book was a really decent read. The steam was erotic and hot as hell, but the story itself was well developed with several factors that kept my interest in the well being of the characters. I didn't always agree with their reactions in certain cases-for example, her blind faith in the fact that she could handle his kink was a little crazy to me. She had never tried any of it out, yet she was determined to convince him she was able to handle anything. I was doubtful at first, but after their pasts were explained, they seemed as if they really were the perfect set.
J Kenner knows how to write erotica. I've been a fan since the Stark series and she didn't disappoint in bringing the heat once again.
FOLLOW SMOKIN HOT BOOK BLOG ON:
Title:Ignited
Series:Most Wanted #3
Author:J. Kenner
Release date: September 9, 2014
Rating:4 stars
Cliffhanger:No
HEA:
In this final installment of the Most Wanted erotica series, J. Kenner brings you Cole and Katrina's story. This series centers around three friends and business partners who are no strangers to the kinkier side of things in the bedroom.
They're all tortured in their own ways, but Cole is probably fighting the most demons of the bunch. He also has quite the air of mystery about him. He's so self-contained, never giving anything away. Maybe that led to Kat's growing obsession from afar over him.
For years she's watched him, lusted after him, and never allowed herself the freedom to explore the possibility of one day trying to get closer to him. She's led her whole life one fabricated con after another. The lifestyle her father lives in, and one he passed on to her. She's always lived on the edge of society unless she was working a target. But now-she's ready to move past her life in the grift and experience the world honestly and freely.
I was tired of feeling uprooted. I wanted to settle. I wanted more.
And along with settling down and buying a home she's come to the conclusion that just maybe, she could go after the one thing she always wanted. The one thing she's been unable to stop thinking about and craving.
Cole.
Have you ever wanted something that you knew was not smart, but despite all rational reasons why you should run, you're only drawn in closer?
She was ready to take a walk on the dark side, and who better to bring her there than dark and brooding Cole? She had a battle on her hands-he didn't want to step over the friendship line because of his fear that he would lose control with her and unintentionally hurt her. Because of his difficult past, he struggles with accepting his own sexuality and someone who's only ever done "vanilla" could never understand or accept his needs. Could they?
She insists that she can handle anything he desires. She's not a delicate innocent as he sees her. She's strong and being awakened to a whole new world that fulfills her just as much as it does him. Once they move past his fear, he grows possessive, protective, and a little more crazy for her by the minute. Though he was dominant with her, he could be very tender with her as well, especially when they grew more comfortable in their fit sexually.
"You've filled my days and occupied my nights. I know you, Katrina Laron, and you're more innocent than you think. I've claimed you, baby, and that makes you mine."
When her dad comes to town, he brings trouble with him. And for the first time, she has to learn to put total trust in someone-in and out of the bedroom. I loved how Cole immediately took charge of the situation and protected her and her father with any means required. He proved his devotion to her completely.
"I'll be whatever I have to be to keep you safe." I could feel the intensity rising in him. A primal, earthy quality, as if he was gearing up for a fight.
"I promise you. I can do what's necessary with no problem whatsoever."
Overall, this book was a really decent read. The steam was erotic and hot as hell, but the story itself was well developed with several factors that kept my interest in the well being of the characters. I didn't always agree with their reactions in certain cases-for example, her blind faith in the fact that she could handle his kink was a little crazy to me. She had never tried any of it out, yet she was determined to convince him she was able to handle anything. I was doubtful at first, but after their pasts were explained, they seemed as if they really were the perfect set.
J Kenner knows how to write erotica. I've been a fan since the Stark series and she didn't disappoint in bringing the heat once again.
FOLLOW SMOKIN HOT BOOK BLOG ON:
September 9, 2014
3 - "Whatever you want, however you want it." Stars.
I am going to be honest and say I think Julie Kenner has run out of steam with this one. Ignited was like a 'greatest hits' of tropes that have been used (sometimes more than once) in this series and the Stark books previously.
”You’re a hard limit for me, blondie. And that’s just the way it is.”
Don't get me wrong the writing is still excellent, the sex still original, unusual and extremely sensual. But the rest of the story... I think it is the weakest I have ever encountered by this author. I hit 80% and apart from a little 'drama' with Kats father, I honestly can't really tell you of anything else interesting happening... Well apart from copious amounts of sex and past revelations from Cole and Kat.
”The hard and the wild burns through you, so intense you never want to let it go. But these soft moments… they’re what give you the fuel to burn in the first place.”
The first two books in the Most Wanted series offered a modicum of suspense, and that added to the stories as a whole, the suspense was added in part to Ignited but it wasn’t really developed, each plot point that was added was quickly resolved and the potential for development was never really explored.
This wasn’t a crush. This was a need. This was a hunger.
I am never not going to want to read a book by this author, you know exactly what you are going to get with one of her releases, this is and would never be an issue for me, with the extremely high quality of her writing. What let Ignited down massively in my opinion, was being the last book in this series (well I assume it is) I was expecting a ‘full-throttle’ finale, and it felt very much like ‘Driving Miss Daisy’ to me.
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.
I am going to be honest and say I think Julie Kenner has run out of steam with this one. Ignited was like a 'greatest hits' of tropes that have been used (sometimes more than once) in this series and the Stark books previously.
”You’re a hard limit for me, blondie. And that’s just the way it is.”
Don't get me wrong the writing is still excellent, the sex still original, unusual and extremely sensual. But the rest of the story... I think it is the weakest I have ever encountered by this author. I hit 80% and apart from a little 'drama' with Kats father, I honestly can't really tell you of anything else interesting happening... Well apart from copious amounts of sex and past revelations from Cole and Kat.
”The hard and the wild burns through you, so intense you never want to let it go. But these soft moments… they’re what give you the fuel to burn in the first place.”
The first two books in the Most Wanted series offered a modicum of suspense, and that added to the stories as a whole, the suspense was added in part to Ignited but it wasn’t really developed, each plot point that was added was quickly resolved and the potential for development was never really explored.
This wasn’t a crush. This was a need. This was a hunger.
I am never not going to want to read a book by this author, you know exactly what you are going to get with one of her releases, this is and would never be an issue for me, with the extremely high quality of her writing. What let Ignited down massively in my opinion, was being the last book in this series (well I assume it is) I was expecting a ‘full-throttle’ finale, and it felt very much like ‘Driving Miss Daisy’ to me.
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.
February 23, 2015
If this hadn’t been my sixth J. Kenner book, I’d probably be loving life a little more than I am right now. What started out as a fun fantasy has turned more than a little crazy. Sure, I’ll freely admit I have a problem and thy name is book smut (aka book porn). When I discovered this little bastard about the time people were talking up Fifty Shades Of Grey like it was the second coming of Playboy, I became more than a little curious. So I dipped my hand in Release Me, and the next thing I knew I had a pair of handcuffs slapped around my wrist. And shit was I hooked. I moved on to Fifty Shades and discovered the writing may not be so hot, but the sex scenes certainly were, and Anastasia Steele may be a twenty-one year old virgin, but she sure as shit didn’t act like any virgin I’d ever met. And then I started actively seeking this shit out, and I discovered (rather happily) that there was plenty of book smut to be had.
And then I got a little carried away…What J. Kenner does rather well is add a layer of depth to her book smut, and she proves she can turn a phrase about as well as her heroines drop their pink underwear. I mean, damn, this might literally heat you up faster than an oil tanker in Alaska. If you want to cozy up next to a fire and be filled with desire and have characters who might be more than just a teenage fantasy, honey have I got an author for you. Men, do yourselves a favor and grab an armful of erotica and run to the nearest available cash register. Trust me, you won’t regret it.
So what went wrong? The life of a con just filled me with all sorts of wrong, and my fantasy bubble was burst. It exploded, and then shattered around me, even as I found myself continuing to turn the pages. Cole and Cat didn’t hit me like that, and I found myself more than a tad disappointed. So one might say, you could blame it on my own expectations. Because I was looking for a peak (a wonderful send-off if you will), and I was left with a valley instead. But what I will say before I go is that I rather enjoyed the way this trilogy focused on a trio of heroes and heroines, instead of ruining a perfectly adequate tale by spreading it over three novels (Fifty Shades I’m talking to you). But then J. Kenner has plenty of talent, along with a wicked imagination. And she’d probably make one hell of a librarian.
I received this book for free through NetGalley.
Cross-posted at Robert's Reads
And then I got a little carried away…What J. Kenner does rather well is add a layer of depth to her book smut, and she proves she can turn a phrase about as well as her heroines drop their pink underwear. I mean, damn, this might literally heat you up faster than an oil tanker in Alaska. If you want to cozy up next to a fire and be filled with desire and have characters who might be more than just a teenage fantasy, honey have I got an author for you. Men, do yourselves a favor and grab an armful of erotica and run to the nearest available cash register. Trust me, you won’t regret it.
So what went wrong? The life of a con just filled me with all sorts of wrong, and my fantasy bubble was burst. It exploded, and then shattered around me, even as I found myself continuing to turn the pages. Cole and Cat didn’t hit me like that, and I found myself more than a tad disappointed. So one might say, you could blame it on my own expectations. Because I was looking for a peak (a wonderful send-off if you will), and I was left with a valley instead. But what I will say before I go is that I rather enjoyed the way this trilogy focused on a trio of heroes and heroines, instead of ruining a perfectly adequate tale by spreading it over three novels (Fifty Shades I’m talking to you). But then J. Kenner has plenty of talent, along with a wicked imagination. And she’d probably make one hell of a librarian.
I received this book for free through NetGalley.
Cross-posted at Robert's Reads
October 14, 2014
We’ve met Evan and Tyler... now it’s time to meet Cole.
Cole isn’t one to reveal too much of just who he is. Even the men closest to him don’t know the whole truth. The mystery of this man coupled with his intensity is hard to resist and Katrina is tired of trying.
Her whole life has been one con after the other, finally ready grow roots and stay in one place. Once she realizes her desire for Cole is too strong to resist she isn’t going to let him continue to push her away. Getting him to give in to his own lust is going to open her eyes to a part of herself she never imaged existed.
Cole isn’t just mysterious. His past has created scars that have their own need. Exposing Katrina to that pain pushes him to his limits, but once he has her – claiming her as his own is a battle he can’t deny he wants to win.
I am not ashamed to admit that I stalked NG waiting for this to go up. I was won over as fan with Damien Stark and fell more in love with the author with her Most Wanted Series. Ignited wasn’t my favorite of the series, but it was still gripping and just as well written as the prior in the series.
J. Kenner gave little away as to just who Cole was in the prior books, allowing him to fully expose himself in his own words and through the eyes of Katrina. His past was layered in pain and struggle – but that just forced the fighter within him to emerge.
Katrina in her own right was a fighter. Her past wasn’t laced with the pain that Cole lived through but it did leave her in a place that stifled her. Never really experiencing being alive, just going through the motions - one con to the next. But she’s tired of that life. She made a home with friends and is ready to stay put. Once she gets her hands on Cole, breath is injected into the shell of a life she led.
Part of me was starting to tire of Cole’s needs/interest when it came to the bedroom... but there was a moment near the end where something switched and things sort of fell back into place. After reading so many damaged hero stories with a bit of kink tossed in, things can appear to be playing an endless loop of the same story. However, this one scene... his request... completely took that feeling away.
With the prior characters she’s created being so dominant in my mind, I just couldn’t fully embrace Cole. Ignited ends up being my least favorite of this series but still a solid, enjoyed read.
ARC received on behalf of Random House Publishing Group - Bantam Dell from NetGalley.
Cole isn’t one to reveal too much of just who he is. Even the men closest to him don’t know the whole truth. The mystery of this man coupled with his intensity is hard to resist and Katrina is tired of trying.
Her whole life has been one con after the other, finally ready grow roots and stay in one place. Once she realizes her desire for Cole is too strong to resist she isn’t going to let him continue to push her away. Getting him to give in to his own lust is going to open her eyes to a part of herself she never imaged existed.
Cole isn’t just mysterious. His past has created scars that have their own need. Exposing Katrina to that pain pushes him to his limits, but once he has her – claiming her as his own is a battle he can’t deny he wants to win.
I am not ashamed to admit that I stalked NG waiting for this to go up. I was won over as fan with Damien Stark and fell more in love with the author with her Most Wanted Series. Ignited wasn’t my favorite of the series, but it was still gripping and just as well written as the prior in the series.
J. Kenner gave little away as to just who Cole was in the prior books, allowing him to fully expose himself in his own words and through the eyes of Katrina. His past was layered in pain and struggle – but that just forced the fighter within him to emerge.
Katrina in her own right was a fighter. Her past wasn’t laced with the pain that Cole lived through but it did leave her in a place that stifled her. Never really experiencing being alive, just going through the motions - one con to the next. But she’s tired of that life. She made a home with friends and is ready to stay put. Once she gets her hands on Cole, breath is injected into the shell of a life she led.
Part of me was starting to tire of Cole’s needs/interest when it came to the bedroom... but there was a moment near the end where something switched and things sort of fell back into place. After reading so many damaged hero stories with a bit of kink tossed in, things can appear to be playing an endless loop of the same story. However, this one scene... his request... completely took that feeling away.
With the prior characters she’s created being so dominant in my mind, I just couldn’t fully embrace Cole. Ignited ends up being my least favorite of this series but still a solid, enjoyed read.
ARC received on behalf of Random House Publishing Group - Bantam Dell from NetGalley.
August 25, 2014
IGNITED
We all remember Kat & Cole from the previous two books.
Cole is one of our three hot guys ☺
...and all I wanted was to taste him.
Three of Chicago's most famous (infamous) businessmen.
Cole and Tyler just opened a new Gallery - Cole is an artist himself.
Art was his passion...
He didn't have the best life growing up. There were gangs and bad decisions, but he left all that behind and is now, among other things, (like owning a strip-club )
a very rich gallery owner.
Kat is the best friend of Angelina - our first books' heroine.
She's been raised by her con-artist Dad and other than the money she earns from working at a coffee shop - non of her savings have come from legal jobs.
But now she's finally willing to grow up and put down roots - like get a better job - buy a house etc....
And .... she wants Cole.
I'd really come here for one purpose, and one purpose only: to finally and completely get Cole August's attention - and then get him in my bed.
She's always been interested in him - but she doesn't do relationships - she doesn't really do sex either. Battery operated boyfriends are much easier - and they don't remind her of the past.
Then I saw him. Raw and carnal, dark and dangerous. I didn't know risk until I met him. Didn't understand danger until I looked into his eyes. Didn't comprehend passion until I felt his touch.
Cole has been attracted to Kat ever since he saw her for the first time years ago.
But he doesn't do love - he would only hurt her. He thinks his past doesn't allow him to have feelings for anyone. That - and his BDSM side - he needs to receive and inflict pain to be able to live his life relatively anger free.
But Kat is not scared of that side of him - she even looks forward to experience everything with Cole.
You're mine when I paint you, Kat. Mine to touch, mine to stroke, mine to see.
But then her father suddenly shows up in Chicago - she thought he's out of the criminal life - but he's knee-deep in a Mafia-related mess and he needs his daughter's help.
And Kat only knows one guy who could help her now.
What will happen to Kat & Cole?
Will there be a HEA?
Will everybody die at the end? o.O
Or will there be a horrible Cliffhanger?
I'M NOT TELLING YOU THAT OF COURSE... ☺
l don't want to spoil anything ☺
OK - no Cliffy - because it's the last book in the series ;)
_________________________________
Great Book!
I really enjoyed the first two books in the series - and we always saw little glimpses of Kat and Cole and now we finally get to read their story!
I liked that we don't have this back and forth that's so typical in romance novels.
Both Kat and Cole know from the very beginning that they want each other.
Cole only thinks he's no good for her. But still - they start something right away.
And that something is verrry sexy ☺☺
I loved how the two of them fit together and how, after everything they had to live through, they finally found the one person on the planet that's their other half.
♥♥♥♥♥
We have LOTS of sexy scenes. I really love that. I always see people complaining about too much sex in erotic romances??? WTF?
Do not stop putting SEX in my sexy romances!!!!
And of course there was a little bit of supsense and we had our moving and sad scenes.
And we met Evan & Tyler and their girls Angie & Sloane gain ☺
AND we even had a few minutes with our beloved Damien Stark and his Nikki ☺☺☺
IGNITED was a really great erotic Romance - you will sooo fall in love with Cole August! ☺
Now I can't wait to read whatever Julie Kenner comes up with next!
September 16, 2014
ARC provided by publisher in exchange of honest review
☆☆☆☆ 4 Ignited Stars ☆☆☆☆
Ignited was one word to truly described the passion and connection of Cole August and Katrina Laron. Cole has always been the mysterious and dark one of the Knights. His past has hardened him and left him with emotional scars and demons. He has walls surrounding his heart till finally he sucummbed to his desires and let the only woman he wanted in, Kat.
There was no denying the passion and intensity brewing between Cole and Kat. He wanted her. And she wanted him for so long. She felt safe with him and she wanted Cole even if it mean embracing his light and dark side. Kat openly welcomed and embraced a newfound sexuality that Cole awakened in her. She put her trust in his hands. She belonged to him and vice versa. Together Cole and Kat breathed life into each other’s existence. Ignited by lust, passion, love, and chemistry, they found out they complimented each other emotionally and physically. For a man who loves pain and BDSM, can Kat tame and make Cole hers completely?
I enjoyed reading Ignited but I didn’t loved it. It’s a great read with lots of great steamy scenes with Cole and Kat but I felt the story lacked that WOW factor that I enjoyed in the first two of the book of the series. Overall, it was a great end to the series. It was also great to see the appearance of Damian and Nikki Stark.
J. Kenner
☆☆☆☆ 4 Ignited Stars ☆☆☆☆
Ignited was one word to truly described the passion and connection of Cole August and Katrina Laron. Cole has always been the mysterious and dark one of the Knights. His past has hardened him and left him with emotional scars and demons. He has walls surrounding his heart till finally he sucummbed to his desires and let the only woman he wanted in, Kat.
There was no denying the passion and intensity brewing between Cole and Kat. He wanted her. And she wanted him for so long. She felt safe with him and she wanted Cole even if it mean embracing his light and dark side. Kat openly welcomed and embraced a newfound sexuality that Cole awakened in her. She put her trust in his hands. She belonged to him and vice versa. Together Cole and Kat breathed life into each other’s existence. Ignited by lust, passion, love, and chemistry, they found out they complimented each other emotionally and physically. For a man who loves pain and BDSM, can Kat tame and make Cole hers completely?
I enjoyed reading Ignited but I didn’t loved it. It’s a great read with lots of great steamy scenes with Cole and Kat but I felt the story lacked that WOW factor that I enjoyed in the first two of the book of the series. Overall, it was a great end to the series. It was also great to see the appearance of Damian and Nikki Stark.
J. Kenner
October 1, 2014
I really liked this series. Each "Knight" was hot, sexy, mysterious, and protective. And, I loved their women as well. They were brave, independent, and totally knew what they wanted and were willing to have to fight for it.
Cole was for sure, the hardest case to crack. He had the most difficult childhood it seemed and seemed to struggle the most as an adult as far as getting close to people. Kat knew she wanted Cole, she just didn't know how much until she got a taste of him. I loved the push and pull between the two. The want and the fight they seemed to have. I even loved how they felt so strongly about each other, but fought it so hard, they would end up screaming and fighting and then of course falling into each others arms. As much as I loved the other two couples together, I think I may have pulled for Kat and Cole the most because of how much Cole fought Kat and himself to protect her, when in reality she's what made him whole.
An additional plus to this book, if you have read the Stark International series about Damien and Nikki, they make an appearance in this book. I loved seeing them interact in a different view. :)
This was a great series. A little more of a darker series, a little bit of dom/sub. It's not the whole story just a bit of the story. A little big of danger, some crazy hot "knights" who fight the pull for their women, but when they finally give in they do it in a big way, and then become the hot, possessive, protective alpha we all crave.
The only thing I can say, is I hope there is an epilogue type short story to go along with this series. I would just like to know a little about what happens in the future for the "Knights" and their girls. :)
Cole was for sure, the hardest case to crack. He had the most difficult childhood it seemed and seemed to struggle the most as an adult as far as getting close to people. Kat knew she wanted Cole, she just didn't know how much until she got a taste of him. I loved the push and pull between the two. The want and the fight they seemed to have. I even loved how they felt so strongly about each other, but fought it so hard, they would end up screaming and fighting and then of course falling into each others arms. As much as I loved the other two couples together, I think I may have pulled for Kat and Cole the most because of how much Cole fought Kat and himself to protect her, when in reality she's what made him whole.
An additional plus to this book, if you have read the Stark International series about Damien and Nikki, they make an appearance in this book. I loved seeing them interact in a different view. :)
This was a great series. A little more of a darker series, a little bit of dom/sub. It's not the whole story just a bit of the story. A little big of danger, some crazy hot "knights" who fight the pull for their women, but when they finally give in they do it in a big way, and then become the hot, possessive, protective alpha we all crave.
The only thing I can say, is I hope there is an epilogue type short story to go along with this series. I would just like to know a little about what happens in the future for the "Knights" and their girls. :)
July 24, 2020
3.5 ☆
Más o menos como los dos libros anteriores y la misma dinámica. Me ha gustado mucho la historia de Catalina y Cole. Personajes fuertes, con carácter y con una historia detrás muy dura.
Una buena lectura
Más o menos como los dos libros anteriores y la misma dinámica. Me ha gustado mucho la historia de Catalina y Cole. Personajes fuertes, con carácter y con una historia detrás muy dura.
Una buena lectura
February 11, 2016
It was better than the last two books. But still the main female was not challenging enough at least in my opinion. I found the main heroine to desperate and I think she should have at least slowly get him to come to her.. It was nice to read on Nikki and Damien. Glad to see they both are doing alright.
February 4, 2017
Hmmm, for a lazy sunday afternoon read it was hardly ok.
March 8, 2017
Ignited
J.Kenner
Everyone has secrets. Some worse than others. Sometimes it's dangerous if people find out your secrets.
Kat and Cole both live their lives full of secrets. It's when they share them with each other is when the fully trust the other. Knowing what they share could ruin their love.
It's dangerous territory trying to seduce your best friends husbands friend. What happens if it doesn't work? Do u risk breaking up the circle of friends?
Kat has finally decided she is gonna seduce bad-boy Cole for at least one night. Her plan backfired and she ended up falling in love with someone that is full of secrets and feels he's too fucked up to be loved . Is love worth it??
"As far as eye candy went, Cole was a walking, talking Milky Way bar, and at least as tempting."
Cole the last single knight has been itching to get his hands on Kat. But he feels she too innocent for him and he doesn't want to dirty her with his lifestyle. What he doesn't realize is that Kat is the perfect woman for him.
"Take me, hurt me. Don't you see? I'm giving myself to you- wholly and completely. You can have me any way you want me."
Loved the ending to this one. Gotta love when a big bad man turns all mushy for the one he loves.
Another great read by J. Kenner.
J.Kenner
Everyone has secrets. Some worse than others. Sometimes it's dangerous if people find out your secrets.
Kat and Cole both live their lives full of secrets. It's when they share them with each other is when the fully trust the other. Knowing what they share could ruin their love.
It's dangerous territory trying to seduce your best friends husbands friend. What happens if it doesn't work? Do u risk breaking up the circle of friends?
Kat has finally decided she is gonna seduce bad-boy Cole for at least one night. Her plan backfired and she ended up falling in love with someone that is full of secrets and feels he's too fucked up to be loved . Is love worth it??
"As far as eye candy went, Cole was a walking, talking Milky Way bar, and at least as tempting."
Cole the last single knight has been itching to get his hands on Kat. But he feels she too innocent for him and he doesn't want to dirty her with his lifestyle. What he doesn't realize is that Kat is the perfect woman for him.
"Take me, hurt me. Don't you see? I'm giving myself to you- wholly and completely. You can have me any way you want me."
Loved the ending to this one. Gotta love when a big bad man turns all mushy for the one he loves.
Another great read by J. Kenner.
October 16, 2014
ARC provided from netgalley and the publisher for an honest review
*read for the RUIN challenge by CD Canaries Oct 2014*
5 “Phone Sex Stars”
Cole has been my favorite knight since my first interaction and after finishing this he still does it for me. Kat and Cole the unexpected pairing but my god did their fire burn.
Kat decided she wanted more in life and gave up her Con ways and decided she will have Cole. She will fuck the itch out of her system. Cole was the fire she wanted to burn in. The man she had been obsessing over for too long. The man she knew needed 3 deep breaths when he clenched his fist. But no matter how hard she tries Cole refuses her blatant requests for more.
”You’re a hard limit for me, blondie. And that’s just the way it is.”
Cole is reckless when his emotions are on the line and proves it in his interactions.
I am so glad we got to run back into Stark for a bit and I loved seeing their relationship progress as Cole’s and Kat’s did.
God Cole teased my mind and heart and body in the entire book. He brought the sexy edge of Chris Merit and the raw side of Damien Stark and blended them smoothly
You're mine when I paint you, Kat. Mine to touch, mine to stroke, mine to see.
I love that Cole doesn’t want to bring Kat into the world of BDSM in the club but in their own home.
Cole for as dark as his past is, how dark his desires are gave Kat his little submissive the power over him..and I just lost it.
Cole –god I want cole!
This book ended the best out of all 3. But I wont tell you about it :P
*read for the RUIN challenge by CD Canaries Oct 2014*
5 “Phone Sex Stars”
Cole has been my favorite knight since my first interaction and after finishing this he still does it for me. Kat and Cole the unexpected pairing but my god did their fire burn.
Kat decided she wanted more in life and gave up her Con ways and decided she will have Cole. She will fuck the itch out of her system. Cole was the fire she wanted to burn in. The man she had been obsessing over for too long. The man she knew needed 3 deep breaths when he clenched his fist. But no matter how hard she tries Cole refuses her blatant requests for more.
”You’re a hard limit for me, blondie. And that’s just the way it is.”
Cole is reckless when his emotions are on the line and proves it in his interactions.
I am so glad we got to run back into Stark for a bit and I loved seeing their relationship progress as Cole’s and Kat’s did.
God Cole teased my mind and heart and body in the entire book. He brought the sexy edge of Chris Merit and the raw side of Damien Stark and blended them smoothly
You're mine when I paint you, Kat. Mine to touch, mine to stroke, mine to see.
I love that Cole doesn’t want to bring Kat into the world of BDSM in the club but in their own home.
Cole for as dark as his past is, how dark his desires are gave Kat his little submissive the power over him..and I just lost it.
Cole –god I want cole!
This book ended the best out of all 3. But I wont tell you about it :P
October 3, 2014
Katrina and Cole are two damaged people trying to find a way to live normal lives. Katrina was raised as a grifter by her con-artist father, but after years of being unsettled she has decided that Chicago will be her home. After finding friendship and acceptance from the person who was once no more than a mark for her, Katrina wants the stability of a home of her own, a legitimate job, and to be with the one man who lights her up; Cole August.
Cole is a product of a tough upbringing and has made a successful career for himself through legal and not so legal ventures. Cole is an artist and a quiet force that many people wouldn't try to go up against. Even with wounds that he doesn't share with anyone Katrina is determined to be a part of his life. Cole doesn't want to inflict his needs and desires on the woman her sees much differently than she sees herself.
Kenner gives a full and interesting story in Ignited with a good storyline, lots of steamy sexiness, and well fleshed out characters. Although this is book 3 in the Most Wanted series I read it as a stand alone title and had no trouble with missed information from previous books.This was my first J. Kenner book and I look forward to going back and reading her earlier work.
**I received an ARC from Netgalley/Bantam Publishing in exchange for an honest review.**
You can find more from me at Monlatable Book Reviews
http://www.monlatablereviews.com/
Cole is a product of a tough upbringing and has made a successful career for himself through legal and not so legal ventures. Cole is an artist and a quiet force that many people wouldn't try to go up against. Even with wounds that he doesn't share with anyone Katrina is determined to be a part of his life. Cole doesn't want to inflict his needs and desires on the woman her sees much differently than she sees herself.
Kenner gives a full and interesting story in Ignited with a good storyline, lots of steamy sexiness, and well fleshed out characters. Although this is book 3 in the Most Wanted series I read it as a stand alone title and had no trouble with missed information from previous books.This was my first J. Kenner book and I look forward to going back and reading her earlier work.
**I received an ARC from Netgalley/Bantam Publishing in exchange for an honest review.**
You can find more from me at Monlatable Book Reviews
http://www.monlatablereviews.com/
September 22, 2014
Title kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I wish I could say that I enjoyed this book more. I found it to be lacking in the "story" department. I understand that this book is considered erotica, but even when I read erotica, I'm expecting a story of some kind.
The book began with Katrina's pursuit of Cole. She wanted him in bed but he was battling some personal demons. There was a lot of back and forth in the beginning where he was arguing with himself over whether or not they could be together. The breaking point? When Kat threatened to not let him help her with her problem if he didn't sleep with her. He must really love solving problems.
We do have the brief appearance of a storyline in the form of Kat's father arriving after messing up a con he was working. He needed her help. A LOT could have been done with that story to make this book more interesting. But Kat passes this problem off to Cole and we read very few details about it from then on because the book is told from Kat's perspective.
What's left if the story has been placed in the hands of another character? Pretty much just sex and sappy words.
Unfortunately, this book didn't work for me.
I wish I could say that I enjoyed this book more. I found it to be lacking in the "story" department. I understand that this book is considered erotica, but even when I read erotica, I'm expecting a story of some kind.
The book began with Katrina's pursuit of Cole. She wanted him in bed but he was battling some personal demons. There was a lot of back and forth in the beginning where he was arguing with himself over whether or not they could be together. The breaking point? When Kat threatened to not let him help her with her problem if he didn't sleep with her. He must really love solving problems.
We do have the brief appearance of a storyline in the form of Kat's father arriving after messing up a con he was working. He needed her help. A LOT could have been done with that story to make this book more interesting. But Kat passes this problem off to Cole and we read very few details about it from then on because the book is told from Kat's perspective.
What's left if the story has been placed in the hands of another character? Pretty much just sex and sappy words.
Unfortunately, this book didn't work for me.
October 16, 2024
Dragons to Slay
3.5 stars - This is my least favorite of the series. I liked it, but there's so much that I wasn't fond of, and most of that revolved around Cole. I don't mind how over-the-top the erotic romance is. It's other things.
As much as I like filthy, dirty Cole August, I equally dislike mercurial, tucks-tail-and-runs Cole. He goes from one to the other faster than my minivan can go from zero to sixty to zero - and my girl's got some serious getup and go along with excellent braking. Every time he redeems himself, he pulls another bone headed move. There were a couple of chapters toward the end that really emphasized this. ¡Ay, Dios mío!
He might keep a lot of things close to the vest, but Katrina Laron / Catalina Rhodes can certainly give him a run for his money in that area. Hahaha.... I do love how Kat's besties react when she shares some long heels secrets. It's true to form and perfect.
In general, I like her. She's made mistakes and is bold enough to own them with her people. She goes after what and who she wants, even when he goes to hide in a dark corner. And she has got some brass ⚽️🏐 on her. She definitely kept things interesting!
I love the cameos by Damien and Nikki (Fairchild) Stark along with an honorable mention to Charles Maynard and Edward. It always warms me to spend any amount of time with them. 😍💕
BTW:
1. There are some triggers of the childhood non-con variety to be mindful of.
2. No prior reading is required, but it's useful to have more background on the Knights.
3. In true J. Kenner fashion, they get freaky plenty of times and in varied locales. 🔥
I read along with the audio book. The narrator is Kelly Ashton. I'll be honest, I found her voice to just be OK for Katrina, and I really don't like her as Cole or any of the males except Kat's dad. Cole's voice is described at one point, and she doesn't come anywhere close. Her pacing and emotional presentation were pretty good.
Story: 3.5 stars
Narration: 3 stars
Listening Speed: 1.8x
3.5 stars - This is my least favorite of the series. I liked it, but there's so much that I wasn't fond of, and most of that revolved around Cole. I don't mind how over-the-top the erotic romance is. It's other things.
As much as I like filthy, dirty Cole August, I equally dislike mercurial, tucks-tail-and-runs Cole. He goes from one to the other faster than my minivan can go from zero to sixty to zero - and my girl's got some serious getup and go along with excellent braking. Every time he redeems himself, he pulls another bone headed move. There were a couple of chapters toward the end that really emphasized this. ¡Ay, Dios mío!
I thought I knew how to read Cole. I thought I’d seen the subtle signals that validated my own desire. The little hints and movements, the casual glances and offhand touches.
I thought I’d seen them—but I couldn’t be certain. And if I wanted an answer I had to put myself on the line.
That is why desire is a bitch.
-- Katrina Laron
He might keep a lot of things close to the vest, but Katrina Laron / Catalina Rhodes can certainly give him a run for his money in that area. Hahaha.... I do love how Kat's besties react when she shares some long heels secrets. It's true to form and perfect.
In general, I like her. She's made mistakes and is bold enough to own them with her people. She goes after what and who she wants, even when he goes to hide in a dark corner. And she has got some brass ⚽️🏐 on her. She definitely kept things interesting!
I love the cameos by Damien and Nikki (Fairchild) Stark along with an honorable mention to Charles Maynard and Edward. It always warms me to spend any amount of time with them. 😍💕
BTW:
1. There are some triggers of the childhood non-con variety to be mindful of.
2. No prior reading is required, but it's useful to have more background on the Knights.
3. In true J. Kenner fashion, they get freaky plenty of times and in varied locales. 🔥
I read along with the audio book. The narrator is Kelly Ashton. I'll be honest, I found her voice to just be OK for Katrina, and I really don't like her as Cole or any of the males except Kat's dad. Cole's voice is described at one point, and she doesn't come anywhere close. Her pacing and emotional presentation were pretty good.
Story: 3.5 stars
Narration: 3 stars
Listening Speed: 1.8x
October 12, 2014
Al rojo vivo es el último título de la trilogía erótica Deseo, en la que su autora, J. Kenner, nos ofrece tres historias protagonizadas por diferentes parejas cuyo nexo de unión está en sus tres protagonistas masculinos, hombres que no lo han tenido fácil en la vida, que se han hecho a sí mismos y que no dudan en saltarse las reglas con tal de lograr sus objetivos. De nuevo, la autora nos ofrece una historia entretenida, ágil, sencilla e interesante en la que el sexo, más oscuro esta vez, vuelve a ocupar un lugar destacado, y que se ve aderezado por ligeras dosis de romance y thriller. Al rojo vivo no inventa nada, pero es una novela bien construida que posee trama más allá de lo erótico y que te hace pasar un buen rato.
Reseña: http://loquequierahoy.blogspot.com.es...
Reseña: http://loquequierahoy.blogspot.com.es...
July 5, 2016
Como me ha pasado con la otra saga de Julie (la saga Stark), entretenida sin más. Las historias tienen potencial, pero no las saca el partido que debería. Poca historia y demasiada cama.
Como nota curiosa, aparece en este libro Damien Stark y Nikki, los protagonistas de su otra saga.
Como nota curiosa, aparece en este libro Damien Stark y Nikki, los protagonistas de su otra saga.
January 11, 2016
DNF at 40%. I just can't connect to the characters. A lot of silliness. Heroine getting upset with H but doesn't allow enough time for explanations. H constantly saying no then yes. Just not my thing.
August 15, 2015
Ova mi je najbolja u serijalu :)
June 6, 2015
Full review coming soon.
September 15, 2018
I was looking forward this one, because for some reason I really like Cole even though he was not much present in the previous books, so the only star is for him, because the writing wasn't very good and the non-existent plot was not good either. Main character Kat was just bad. Every second sentence she was crying or she felt like it. I should had made a mark every time she did it and I am pretty sure I would get a nice big number. I am so glad that I am done with this series. I kind of regret buying those e-books.
December 25, 2014
*Audiobook review: Narration by Kelly Ashton
Lovers of the BDSM sub-genre of romance, will not want to miss Ignited, book 3 of the Most Wanted series. Bearing all of the classic trademark qualities of successful books of this sub-genre, Ignited delivers both scorching hot scenes along with the evolution and unpeeling of emotional barriers built by past dark secrets. Moreover, the characters are complex, the passion is intense and the ultimate message: that love can heal all, is inspiring. Further rounding out this fantastic audiobook is Kelly Ashton's talented narration which does a great job of bringing it all to life.
The Most Wanted series centers around three successful, powerful men who run an empire of legitimate and lesser known illegitimate businesses. Together they make up the "Knights," a "triangle of power within the Chicago stratosphere." Although this is the third, and last, book in the series; Ignited functions well as a standalone novel, as the love story is fully developed and resolved in this book. If you plan to read or listen to the entire series, however, it is best enjoyed in order as the characters from the prior novels do continue to evolve over each book. In fact, J. Kenner even revisits one of my favorite couples from another one of her successful BDSM trilogies-- Damien & Nikki Stark from the Stark Trilogy--who she weaves into Ignited for a cameo appearance.
Cole August is the least known and most mysterious member of the Knights power trio. Although he has admired Katrina Laron from afar, he purposefully hasn't pursued a dating relationship with her, or any other woman for that matter.
Kat is tired of denying her mutual attraction to Cole. If he's not ready to initiate pursuing a relationship, then she is more than happy to force the issue. Born into the con life, a fact which she has kept hidden from Cole and his friends, she is sure that she can use the secrets of her trade to further her love interests (not just her financial ones, which she is no longer interested in pursuing with this group of people who she now considers her friends).
Cole, however, is determined to resist Kat's advances at all costs. Completely sure that his demons will only hurt Kat, he plans to quell his fierce desires before they can "ignite". For he is sure that if he were ever to start anything with Kat, he would never be able to trust himself not to lose his self-control.
When Kat discovers that her father is in imminent danger due to a con gone bad, however, she seeks out Cole's protection and he is finally left with no choice but to get involved in her life. Kat thinks she can handle whatever darkness lurks in his passion, but is she truly prepared for the intensity that this extremely private man hides within?
This was my first experience with narrator Kelly Ashton, and I was highly impressed with her overall performance. Not only did she produce genuine male and female voices, a feat which is sometimes difficult for opposite gendered characters, but she also did a great job of creating slightly nuanced intonations for characters of the same genders. So that even when all males or females were speaking, you easily knew who was talking without having to rely on dialogue tags. My only observation is that I wished that the voice she had picked for Cole had been deeper. In a number of passages, his voice is described as having this quality (and I felt that a few of the other characters bore more resemblance to what I would have envisioned for Cole, than the specific one she chose for him).
With the minor exception noted above, Ms. Ashton also paid great attention to each members' described differences and varied her tone accordingly. For example, she deepened her intonation and added a raspier quality for the older male characters, so that they sounded age appropriate, and even did a nice job of using accents where the story called for it.
Ms. Ashton also communicated emotion well and varied her delivery so that it followed the particular scene being enacted. Speeding up in the suspense filled scenes and slowing down to create a sexier feel for the steamy ones. The overall effect being that this audiobook sounds more like a movie soundtrack than the reading of an audiobook, one of the true signs of a top-notch audiobook.
Wow, what an incredible story! Amongst my favorite parts is the attention to which J Kenner devotes to explaining the drivers of Cole's and Kat's behavior. In particular, it's difficult to describe the psychological complexities without providing any spoilers, so suffice it to say that J. Kenner does a marvelous job of describing what might drive someone to experience pleasure from pain (even when they are constantly fighting their desires). Moreover, the restorative power of love, is equally well developed, in this deeply touching story.
All in all, I highly recommend the audiobook of Ignited for lovers of BDSM romances.
Book Content Grade: A
Narration Grade: B
Source: ARC provided by Random House in exchange for an honest review.
Lovers of the BDSM sub-genre of romance, will not want to miss Ignited, book 3 of the Most Wanted series. Bearing all of the classic trademark qualities of successful books of this sub-genre, Ignited delivers both scorching hot scenes along with the evolution and unpeeling of emotional barriers built by past dark secrets. Moreover, the characters are complex, the passion is intense and the ultimate message: that love can heal all, is inspiring. Further rounding out this fantastic audiobook is Kelly Ashton's talented narration which does a great job of bringing it all to life.
The Most Wanted series centers around three successful, powerful men who run an empire of legitimate and lesser known illegitimate businesses. Together they make up the "Knights," a "triangle of power within the Chicago stratosphere." Although this is the third, and last, book in the series; Ignited functions well as a standalone novel, as the love story is fully developed and resolved in this book. If you plan to read or listen to the entire series, however, it is best enjoyed in order as the characters from the prior novels do continue to evolve over each book. In fact, J. Kenner even revisits one of my favorite couples from another one of her successful BDSM trilogies-- Damien & Nikki Stark from the Stark Trilogy--who she weaves into Ignited for a cameo appearance.
Cole August is the least known and most mysterious member of the Knights power trio. Although he has admired Katrina Laron from afar, he purposefully hasn't pursued a dating relationship with her, or any other woman for that matter.
Kat is tired of denying her mutual attraction to Cole. If he's not ready to initiate pursuing a relationship, then she is more than happy to force the issue. Born into the con life, a fact which she has kept hidden from Cole and his friends, she is sure that she can use the secrets of her trade to further her love interests (not just her financial ones, which she is no longer interested in pursuing with this group of people who she now considers her friends).
Cole, however, is determined to resist Kat's advances at all costs. Completely sure that his demons will only hurt Kat, he plans to quell his fierce desires before they can "ignite". For he is sure that if he were ever to start anything with Kat, he would never be able to trust himself not to lose his self-control.
When Kat discovers that her father is in imminent danger due to a con gone bad, however, she seeks out Cole's protection and he is finally left with no choice but to get involved in her life. Kat thinks she can handle whatever darkness lurks in his passion, but is she truly prepared for the intensity that this extremely private man hides within?
This was my first experience with narrator Kelly Ashton, and I was highly impressed with her overall performance. Not only did she produce genuine male and female voices, a feat which is sometimes difficult for opposite gendered characters, but she also did a great job of creating slightly nuanced intonations for characters of the same genders. So that even when all males or females were speaking, you easily knew who was talking without having to rely on dialogue tags. My only observation is that I wished that the voice she had picked for Cole had been deeper. In a number of passages, his voice is described as having this quality (and I felt that a few of the other characters bore more resemblance to what I would have envisioned for Cole, than the specific one she chose for him).
With the minor exception noted above, Ms. Ashton also paid great attention to each members' described differences and varied her tone accordingly. For example, she deepened her intonation and added a raspier quality for the older male characters, so that they sounded age appropriate, and even did a nice job of using accents where the story called for it.
Ms. Ashton also communicated emotion well and varied her delivery so that it followed the particular scene being enacted. Speeding up in the suspense filled scenes and slowing down to create a sexier feel for the steamy ones. The overall effect being that this audiobook sounds more like a movie soundtrack than the reading of an audiobook, one of the true signs of a top-notch audiobook.
Wow, what an incredible story! Amongst my favorite parts is the attention to which J Kenner devotes to explaining the drivers of Cole's and Kat's behavior. In particular, it's difficult to describe the psychological complexities without providing any spoilers, so suffice it to say that J. Kenner does a marvelous job of describing what might drive someone to experience pleasure from pain (even when they are constantly fighting their desires). Moreover, the restorative power of love, is equally well developed, in this deeply touching story.
All in all, I highly recommend the audiobook of Ignited for lovers of BDSM romances.
Book Content Grade: A
Narration Grade: B
Source: ARC provided by Random House in exchange for an honest review.
August 7, 2020
This one was crazy intense and detailed. Loved it!
September 14, 2014
Cole August – the darkest of the three Knights…the one with the hardest past…the one who feels like he doesn’t deserve the woman he wants because she won’t be able to handle the kind of lifestyle he craves and needs to hold himself together.
Kat Laron – a grifter her whole life…a conman who knows how to lie and deceive with ease…a woman who stays away from relationships and men…a woman who craves a man so desperately that she makes it her mission to seduce him if only to have one night with him.
Since their first meeting Cole and Kat ignited something in each other that never burnt out, but they’ve never acted on those feelings…until now. But despite their mutual desire for one another, Kat has her work cut out for her in getting Cole to succumb to her seduction. He’s afraid that if he gives into his feelings for her that he’ll scare her away or worse hurt her due to what his painful past requires him to need the bedroom. The BDSM lifestyle allows Cole to battle the darkness inside, and he doesn’t think that Kat can handle his proclivities. But Cole doesn’t truly know the type of woman Kat is, so it’s Kat’s job to prove to him that she can handle whatever he needs because she wants and needs him that much.
As Cole and Kat begin to explore their feelings for each other and Cole slowly immerses her into the kinkier side of sex, Kat’s father comes to town and brings a whole world of trouble with him, which also brings to the surface both Cole and Kat’s pasts. Right away, Cole goes into alpha mode and protects both Kat and her father in the ways that he deems necessary, and even though Kat may not agree with every decision, she trusts Cole to keep them safe. But the demons of Cole’s past refuse to be silenced, so Kat has to work that much harder to show not only him but herself that she has what it takes to meet both of their needs and remain true to who she is as well.
I loved Ignited. As the mystery of who Cole is and what he has endured begins to slowly unravel, it’s clear that his past has scarred him in multiple ways; so much so that he’s willing to stay away from the one person he truly wants because he’s afraid of the pain he will cause her. But as much as he’s haunted by his past, Kat shows him that a future with her is worth the risk. Kat is a fantastic heroine. She fights for what she wants and doesn’t walk away when things get tough; in fact, she fights that much harder. She doesn’t let Cole shut her out, even when he tries his damnest to do so, which is how she ultimately gets Cole to see that they’re actually perfect for each other.
Cole and Kat’s connection begins in the bedroom; they ignite each other in a way that no one else has. Once Kat proves to Cole that she can handle anything he brings her way, he begins to understand that even though he may not deserve her, he wants and needs her desperately, solidifying a bond that Cole never thought he would have. So even when danger comes their way, Cole knows he’ll do anything to protect what’s his, and Kat knows she’ll do anything to make sure the man who she loves doesn’t succumb to the darkness.
Cole and Kat’s story is an erotic and suspenseful ride that I never wanted to end. I loved how developed the hero and heroine are and the fact that readers get to catch up with not only the other Knights and their significant others, but Damian and Nikki Stark as well.
Ignited is a great way to end a fantastic series!
A complimentary copy was provided by the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.
5 poison apples (The Fairest of All Book Reviews)
Kat Laron – a grifter her whole life…a conman who knows how to lie and deceive with ease…a woman who stays away from relationships and men…a woman who craves a man so desperately that she makes it her mission to seduce him if only to have one night with him.
Since their first meeting Cole and Kat ignited something in each other that never burnt out, but they’ve never acted on those feelings…until now. But despite their mutual desire for one another, Kat has her work cut out for her in getting Cole to succumb to her seduction. He’s afraid that if he gives into his feelings for her that he’ll scare her away or worse hurt her due to what his painful past requires him to need the bedroom. The BDSM lifestyle allows Cole to battle the darkness inside, and he doesn’t think that Kat can handle his proclivities. But Cole doesn’t truly know the type of woman Kat is, so it’s Kat’s job to prove to him that she can handle whatever he needs because she wants and needs him that much.
As Cole and Kat begin to explore their feelings for each other and Cole slowly immerses her into the kinkier side of sex, Kat’s father comes to town and brings a whole world of trouble with him, which also brings to the surface both Cole and Kat’s pasts. Right away, Cole goes into alpha mode and protects both Kat and her father in the ways that he deems necessary, and even though Kat may not agree with every decision, she trusts Cole to keep them safe. But the demons of Cole’s past refuse to be silenced, so Kat has to work that much harder to show not only him but herself that she has what it takes to meet both of their needs and remain true to who she is as well.
I loved Ignited. As the mystery of who Cole is and what he has endured begins to slowly unravel, it’s clear that his past has scarred him in multiple ways; so much so that he’s willing to stay away from the one person he truly wants because he’s afraid of the pain he will cause her. But as much as he’s haunted by his past, Kat shows him that a future with her is worth the risk. Kat is a fantastic heroine. She fights for what she wants and doesn’t walk away when things get tough; in fact, she fights that much harder. She doesn’t let Cole shut her out, even when he tries his damnest to do so, which is how she ultimately gets Cole to see that they’re actually perfect for each other.
Cole and Kat’s connection begins in the bedroom; they ignite each other in a way that no one else has. Once Kat proves to Cole that she can handle anything he brings her way, he begins to understand that even though he may not deserve her, he wants and needs her desperately, solidifying a bond that Cole never thought he would have. So even when danger comes their way, Cole knows he’ll do anything to protect what’s his, and Kat knows she’ll do anything to make sure the man who she loves doesn’t succumb to the darkness.
Cole and Kat’s story is an erotic and suspenseful ride that I never wanted to end. I loved how developed the hero and heroine are and the fact that readers get to catch up with not only the other Knights and their significant others, but Damian and Nikki Stark as well.
Ignited is a great way to end a fantastic series!
A complimentary copy was provided by the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.
5 poison apples (The Fairest of All Book Reviews)
October 6, 2014
Oh my heavens! Things just got a LOT more steamy in the Most Wanted series. I really hate to say this since Evan Black still had a hold of my heart when I started this book, but I think Cole might have stole it. With his dirty talking ways and his tortured soul he about did me in. Then there's Kat, an utterly terrific heroine. She could not have been more perfect for Cole. She pushed when he needed it, and submitted when he demanded. Together they were a perfectly in sync.
Kat's on her way to making an honest woman of herself. She's leaving the past where it should be a moving forward. Two things stand in her way - her father is in need of help, and her burning passion for a man that still lives flirt with the law. Yet, Cole is the only one she can turn to help her with her father. She wants in his bed, and his help. But he's only willing to give one, until she worms her way into his arms without permission. And trust me, she gets her punishment for that, and it's so delicious, and achingly seductive that she's now addicted. Addicted to Cole's way of life, his passion, his love. She wants it all. But Cole thinks he'll ruin her. He may be the dominant in the bedroom, but who'll control where they go from here? And when their perfect plan is ruined and threats are lodged will Kat keep her hold on Cole or will he run to keep her safe?
I can't say how much I love this book. It's truly the cherry on top of the cake for this series. Cole was the epitome of what I was expecting and Kat was his equal. A thrilling, erotic novel with everything you could hope for. Some of the hottest sex scenes I've read in a while. And let's not forget the emotions. That's what I always judge a book on the hardest. Could I feel everything the characters felt? Abso-freaking-lutely! I swear Ms. Kenner caused me to choke up a few times. Whether it was from laughter or tears, I won't say, but this book got to me. There were parts of hilarity, countered my times of distraught. And what you wind up with are two very strong individuals, who for all intents and purposes should be rolled up in a ball wondering why life sucks, yet they simply find solace in each other. Something the Cole craves and needs, is what Kat has been missing. Perfect puzzle pieces. Ignited is one of my highly recommended books for the year!
Happy Reading!
*ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
Kat's on her way to making an honest woman of herself. She's leaving the past where it should be a moving forward. Two things stand in her way - her father is in need of help, and her burning passion for a man that still lives flirt with the law. Yet, Cole is the only one she can turn to help her with her father. She wants in his bed, and his help. But he's only willing to give one, until she worms her way into his arms without permission. And trust me, she gets her punishment for that, and it's so delicious, and achingly seductive that she's now addicted. Addicted to Cole's way of life, his passion, his love. She wants it all. But Cole thinks he'll ruin her. He may be the dominant in the bedroom, but who'll control where they go from here? And when their perfect plan is ruined and threats are lodged will Kat keep her hold on Cole or will he run to keep her safe?
I can't say how much I love this book. It's truly the cherry on top of the cake for this series. Cole was the epitome of what I was expecting and Kat was his equal. A thrilling, erotic novel with everything you could hope for. Some of the hottest sex scenes I've read in a while. And let's not forget the emotions. That's what I always judge a book on the hardest. Could I feel everything the characters felt? Abso-freaking-lutely! I swear Ms. Kenner caused me to choke up a few times. Whether it was from laughter or tears, I won't say, but this book got to me. There were parts of hilarity, countered my times of distraught. And what you wind up with are two very strong individuals, who for all intents and purposes should be rolled up in a ball wondering why life sucks, yet they simply find solace in each other. Something the Cole craves and needs, is what Kat has been missing. Perfect puzzle pieces. Ignited is one of my highly recommended books for the year!
Happy Reading!
*ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
August 24, 2015
This was a very interesting story. I enjoyed the characters, the secrets and the drama, but it overall it didn't fully peak my love. Compared to the other two novels (Wanted and Heated>/i>) this wasn't something I could say I loved.
Cole is a very dangerous man with a haunting past. He grew up as a "crack baby" thanks to his mother's addiction when he was in her belly. He loses his temper, kills and enjoys illegal business as much as he does the legal ones. He gets off on pain whether it's inflicted on him or others. He's a dangerous man with an edge that is very alluring to woman. His encounters as a kid, along with the things his mother did has changed his views of sex and has made him turn to BDSM for pleasure and pain.
Kat has always been a character I enjoyed since reading Wanted because she witty, snarky and downright blunt. She has a past of her own that has changed her views on sex as a whole. She is the type of female that knows what she wants, sets out to get it and doesn't take no for an answer. She's either all in or all out and I loved that about her.
The connection between Cole and Kat was pretty cool, but standard at the same time. Two friends love each other, one tries to get the other in bed while the other tries to distance themselves so their relationship isn't screwed up. In this case, Kat chased Cole down until he couldn't back down anymore. I liked that their sex lives were interesting because of their introductions at very young ages. I think their backstories made this a 4 star rating for me because it really pulled me in and built something strong between the two of them. The sex was steamy, but not overly dramatic or super heavy on the BDSM scheme of things.
I enjoyed having Damien and Nikki Stark in this book simply because I loved the Stark trilogy. I enjoyed reading about Evan and Angie's wedding and also seeing things progress between Tyler and Sloane. As far as connection goes between all three books (Wanted, Heated and Ignited) it was perfection because all the stories tied together seamlessly. However, I thought their stories could have been a bit more in both dramatic and sexually sense.
My favorite male characters in order: Evan, Cole and Tyler. My favorite female characters in order: Sloane, Angie and Kat.
Compared to the Stark trilogy this was watered down, but still enjoyable to read.
Cole is a very dangerous man with a haunting past. He grew up as a "crack baby" thanks to his mother's addiction when he was in her belly. He loses his temper, kills and enjoys illegal business as much as he does the legal ones. He gets off on pain whether it's inflicted on him or others. He's a dangerous man with an edge that is very alluring to woman. His encounters as a kid, along with the things his mother did has changed his views of sex and has made him turn to BDSM for pleasure and pain.
Kat has always been a character I enjoyed since reading Wanted because she witty, snarky and downright blunt. She has a past of her own that has changed her views on sex as a whole. She is the type of female that knows what she wants, sets out to get it and doesn't take no for an answer. She's either all in or all out and I loved that about her.
The connection between Cole and Kat was pretty cool, but standard at the same time. Two friends love each other, one tries to get the other in bed while the other tries to distance themselves so their relationship isn't screwed up. In this case, Kat chased Cole down until he couldn't back down anymore. I liked that their sex lives were interesting because of their introductions at very young ages. I think their backstories made this a 4 star rating for me because it really pulled me in and built something strong between the two of them. The sex was steamy, but not overly dramatic or super heavy on the BDSM scheme of things.
I enjoyed having Damien and Nikki Stark in this book simply because I loved the Stark trilogy. I enjoyed reading about Evan and Angie's wedding and also seeing things progress between Tyler and Sloane. As far as connection goes between all three books (Wanted, Heated and Ignited) it was perfection because all the stories tied together seamlessly. However, I thought their stories could have been a bit more in both dramatic and sexually sense.
My favorite male characters in order: Evan, Cole and Tyler. My favorite female characters in order: Sloane, Angie and Kat.
Compared to the Stark trilogy this was watered down, but still enjoyable to read.
August 29, 2014
Kenner never fails to serve a reader what they deeply desire the most...
This being the third book of the MOST WANTED trilogy, K. Jenner tells the last story of the three knights.
Between Cole and Kat's undeniable connection with one another and there mutual longing for each other, there is no way cupid missed his shot, but might as well've been a fucked up arrow.
Katrina Laron finally decides to act out on her long-term crush, obsession, with Cole August. Little does she know that her crush is something much more. Cole has been pining over Kat for the longest time, but never acted on it, until speak of the devil steps up to the plate and offering everything he could ever want, her, but self condemns himself to the darkness that lurks in the cracks in his armor. What better than for Kat to push it into Cole's thick skull that they belong together?
I noticed how there was hardly any other appearances and extended dialogue from other characters that was not necessary. Other than the main characters. That in itself matched Cole's characteristics in how he mostly kept to himself and never really said anything that wasn't relevant. I really appreciated Damien & Nikki Stark, from the Stark Trilogy, making an appearance and being useful in this story's plot.
Since Cole was the last of the three knights to have his story told and to finally find happiness, it's totally fitting that he is the most messed up of them, the one with more darkness kept hidden. As well as the most kinky one and more into BDSM than the others. But also the one that needed saving the most from his self condemnation.
The dom and sub role was very dynamic and intriguing with Kat and Cole. When in the bedroom, Cole was solely dominate in the ways of pain and pleasure, whereas Kat had to constantly reassure Cole of her being able to handle his roughness and darkness as well as be the foundation Cole can finally walk on in order to redeem himself in his own way. The easy interaction between the two , and the familiarity was what made things flow right along.
Overall, this story was absolutely enjoyable, and can keep a reader cheering the characters on till the very end. You can never go wrong, but oh so right when it comes to Jenner's work.
This being the third book of the MOST WANTED trilogy, K. Jenner tells the last story of the three knights.
Between Cole and Kat's undeniable connection with one another and there mutual longing for each other, there is no way cupid missed his shot, but might as well've been a fucked up arrow.
Katrina Laron finally decides to act out on her long-term crush, obsession, with Cole August. Little does she know that her crush is something much more. Cole has been pining over Kat for the longest time, but never acted on it, until speak of the devil steps up to the plate and offering everything he could ever want, her, but self condemns himself to the darkness that lurks in the cracks in his armor. What better than for Kat to push it into Cole's thick skull that they belong together?
I noticed how there was hardly any other appearances and extended dialogue from other characters that was not necessary. Other than the main characters. That in itself matched Cole's characteristics in how he mostly kept to himself and never really said anything that wasn't relevant. I really appreciated Damien & Nikki Stark, from the Stark Trilogy, making an appearance and being useful in this story's plot.
Since Cole was the last of the three knights to have his story told and to finally find happiness, it's totally fitting that he is the most messed up of them, the one with more darkness kept hidden. As well as the most kinky one and more into BDSM than the others. But also the one that needed saving the most from his self condemnation.
The dom and sub role was very dynamic and intriguing with Kat and Cole. When in the bedroom, Cole was solely dominate in the ways of pain and pleasure, whereas Kat had to constantly reassure Cole of her being able to handle his roughness and darkness as well as be the foundation Cole can finally walk on in order to redeem himself in his own way. The easy interaction between the two , and the familiarity was what made things flow right along.
Overall, this story was absolutely enjoyable, and can keep a reader cheering the characters on till the very end. You can never go wrong, but oh so right when it comes to Jenner's work.
Read
September 9, 2014Rhayne‘s review posted on Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
4.5 STARS
Review copy provided for a honest review
Our long awaited story about Cole is everything I hoped it would be and more. It’s sexy and edgy and completely doused in passion. I knew Kenner would give Cole a captivating plot line and we would finally get some answers about his past. What I wasn’t expecting was for Kat to match him head on with her own secrets and past discretions. When these two finally connect and begin to create their own story readers are granted a spicy tale full of redemption, long awaited happiness, and a new world of pleasure they both crave.
I absolutely loved Kat in this story. Her character is so refreshing and vibrant. She knows she wants Cole and once she sets her plan in motion she doesn’t stop until she wins. That’s not to say she had an easy go of it. He fought her every step of the way. Her determination and stubborn drive were a force to be reckoned with. She is a very strong character, but not in a pushy arrogant way. She just knows she has to get through his walls and push his past down, before they have a shot at rebuilding a future together. As much as she helps him let go of his demons, he does the same for her.
Cole is the ultimate protector. He has had that role for most of his life. He is drawn to Kat and desires her beyond anything he has ever experienced before, but he’s determined he’s not the one for her. He will protect her always, even if it’s him she needs protection from.
Kat doesn’t give up easily and together they discover they crave, desire, and need the same things. This book is the heaviest of the three in BDSM nature. I think it will satisfy all readers, whether it’s your type of book or not. It’s not going to push your comfort zone, but it will give you a complete picture of the release this lifestyle choice delivers for these two.
If you have been following along with this series, you won’t want to miss out on this one. However, if you are just looking for a blazing hot, engaging story you won’t have a problem reading this as a stand-alone, but I highly recommend you grab all three books and enjoy!
4.5 STARS
Review copy provided for a honest review
Our long awaited story about Cole is everything I hoped it would be and more. It’s sexy and edgy and completely doused in passion. I knew Kenner would give Cole a captivating plot line and we would finally get some answers about his past. What I wasn’t expecting was for Kat to match him head on with her own secrets and past discretions. When these two finally connect and begin to create their own story readers are granted a spicy tale full of redemption, long awaited happiness, and a new world of pleasure they both crave.
I absolutely loved Kat in this story. Her character is so refreshing and vibrant. She knows she wants Cole and once she sets her plan in motion she doesn’t stop until she wins. That’s not to say she had an easy go of it. He fought her every step of the way. Her determination and stubborn drive were a force to be reckoned with. She is a very strong character, but not in a pushy arrogant way. She just knows she has to get through his walls and push his past down, before they have a shot at rebuilding a future together. As much as she helps him let go of his demons, he does the same for her.
Cole is the ultimate protector. He has had that role for most of his life. He is drawn to Kat and desires her beyond anything he has ever experienced before, but he’s determined he’s not the one for her. He will protect her always, even if it’s him she needs protection from.
Kat doesn’t give up easily and together they discover they crave, desire, and need the same things. This book is the heaviest of the three in BDSM nature. I think it will satisfy all readers, whether it’s your type of book or not. It’s not going to push your comfort zone, but it will give you a complete picture of the release this lifestyle choice delivers for these two.
If you have been following along with this series, you won’t want to miss out on this one. However, if you are just looking for a blazing hot, engaging story you won’t have a problem reading this as a stand-alone, but I highly recommend you grab all three books and enjoy!
September 14, 2014
This book is great! I was hooked from the first page. Cole and Kat’s story is intense, hot, sexy and full of surprises. This book had me fanning myself with the kinky and vanilla sex scenes. Super HOT! I liked the plot in this book, how it was connected to the other two books, and most of all, the friendship they all have.
I liked Kat from the other books and reading her POV was awesome. She’s a very determined person, decided and she does what it has to be done for the greater good. The way she sacrifices herself for the people she loves the most, made me love her more *Girl Crush Alert*. I love how she fought for Cole, even though he kept leaving and closing up, she always fought, never gave up.
The same thing happened with Cole, I liked him so much from the other books and now I think he is amazing. He has a very dark past, but he found the light with Kat. He denied himself for so long to be with the woman he wanted, but I think he made beautiful art from his desire for her. At least I saw it in my head.
I love how this book ended. It was perfect.
I liked Kat from the other books and reading her POV was awesome. She’s a very determined person, decided and she does what it has to be done for the greater good. The way she sacrifices herself for the people she loves the most, made me love her more *Girl Crush Alert*. I love how she fought for Cole, even though he kept leaving and closing up, she always fought, never gave up.
The same thing happened with Cole, I liked him so much from the other books and now I think he is amazing. He has a very dark past, but he found the light with Kat. He denied himself for so long to be with the woman he wanted, but I think he made beautiful art from his desire for her. At least I saw it in my head.
I love how this book ended. It was perfect.
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