People see what they want to see. They only view what’s on the surface, and they’re easy to fool. I let them see on the outside that I’m a successful businesswoman. My clothes are designer, my makeup flawless, and I live in a high-rise condo in Lennox Hills. They see perfection, not what lies beneath the surface.The real me, the one I keep hidden is a broken-hearted woman who uses the makeup to … makeup to hide her tears. The expensive clothing covers a heart once shattered by love. The walls of my expensive home shelter a lonely woman who hides the fact that deep down she wants to be loved. A woman who is too scared to risk her fragile heart.
For ten years, I’ve managed to hide behind the image of perfection. Only letting people see what’s on the surface.
Until I ran into him.
Now, every raw emotion, every shattered piece of my heart that I buried long ago is exposed outside the protective walls of my high-rise condo. No matter how hard I try, I can’t keep the walls from crumbling. He sees me beyond the image that I’ve created. He says he can handle what’s below the surface, but can I?
On the Surface is a standalone second chance, single dad romance
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I’ve been looking forward to Celeste’s book since she was first introduced in Nick’s book and On the Surface was definitely worth the wait. This heartwarming and emotional second chance romance squeezed my heart and held me riveted from start to finish.
After the brief glimpses of Celeste in the previous two books I was intrigued and curious to know more about her. I knew there had to be so much more to the facade she presented to the world. I enjoyed seeing the glimpses into her past even as they tugged at my heart. Ambitious, strong, determined, and independent Celeste set out to achieve her dreams no matter what.
Jase had me falling hard from the start. Sweet, sexy, kind, funny yet a bit broken Jase has never forgot the one who got away. When his path crossed once again with Celeste things were just as fiery as they’d always been. I adored the way Jase was able to look past the mask Celeste presented to the world and saw her for who she was.
Celeste and Jase tugged at my heartstrings, frustrated me, made me laugh, shed a few tears and held me entranced. I wasn’t expecting their story to play with my emotions like it did but I loved every moment. I found myself fully invested in their story and loved the angsty, emotional and steamy journey they took me on. This beautiful and emotionally captivating story is my favorite from this series and has me looking forward to what’s in store next.
In Nick’s Book I disliked Celeste, in Killian’s Book she was warming up but in her book omg I loved her!!!!!! There was definitely ALOT more below the surface. Who would’ve thought that under all that facade there was such a huge heart and a definitely broken girl who was so determined to make herself something. Jase was the complete opposite on paper of what Celeste was looking for. They had a past that no one not even her best friend Nick knew about until ten years later when they all ran into each other. They weren’t the same young lovers but now much more mature. Jase was AMAZING from beginning to end. He was everything that Celeste needed in her life. He saw below the designer clothes and fake smile, he saw the real her. She fought with some insecurities but for the most part they were sizzling hot when they rekindled their relationship. This was downright emotional, sizzling hot and beautiful. They were perfect!!!
Celeste has always known first hand that love does nothing but leave you hurt and broken, so when she meets Jase at 18 and falls head over heels in love with him. He proves to her that love isn’t forever. Years later Jase comes back into Celeste’s life unexpectedly and she must face her past and maybe, just maybe her own fears of love and what she really wants in life. Finding out the hardest lesson of all that money, success and friends don’t hide the ache of her lonely heart. I loved this story so much. I loved how vulnerable a strong and driven woman like Celeste really is. How her past that molded her present was still changing her in ways she didn’t expect. Jase is the perfect person for her as he sees who she is under everything. He still sees the 18 year old young woman who is so full of life and passion but also the selfless woman who gives everything to those around her and doesn’t even know it. I highly recommend this book and this author, she has a way to tell a story that is so emotional and exciting that you can’t stop reading until you reach the last page.
I think there may be something wrong with me… *sniffs*
*looks startled*
Oi, there is no need to get personal! I know on a normal day I’m a sandwich short of a picnic, but you love me really, don’t you?! *snorts*
Right, where was I?
Ah, okay…
As I was trying to say – before I was rudely interrupted *rolls eyes* – I’m a sucker for those second chance love stories that make you feel as if you’ve been flayed alive. Whaaa? *nods* Yup, you know it! I am a special kind of twisted *winks*
For me, OTS has a ‘Sliding Doors’ feel to it. What if this happened? What if that happened? Life is full of ‘What ifs?’ but I’m a firm believer in fate and timing. Jase and Celeste’s timing wasn’t right the first time. They had to travel different paths in life before they found their way back to one another. Sheesh, I’m like Cliché Central today *smirks*
Nikki Ash is a new-to-me 2019 author and she has passed my ‘Screaming at my Kindle’ test. Yup, she’s a keeper!
Celeste is one of those characters that comes across as abrasive at first meeting. She has a will to succeed. To prove to the world her upbringing will not define her. Love is an anathema. Yet, if you look, I mean really look, you’ll see she has the capacity for boundless love. The phrase ‘She doth protest too much!’ springs to mind. She just needs someone to break through her defences to the vulnerable woman beneath that just wants to be loved.
*sigh*
*wipes tear*
Jase – what can I say about Jase? I won’t forget him in a hurry – let’s put it that way *winks* He could pin me to the wall anytime *snorts* He is a man with a lot of responsibilities: single dad, business owner, loving older brother. He has never forgotten Celeste and he is determined to show her she is deserving of everything her heart desires.
*sighs*
So, hands up who’s ready to run The Emotional Gamut 5k with me?
Let’s do it!
Wow!! This book was a great addition to this series. I’m so glad I grabbed it on KU!
Celeste and Jase have a history that their friends don’t know about. Celeste has a ton of different emotions when she runs into Jase and finds out he has a daughter.
Celeste has always been the one that got away. Jase has no clue where her hostility towards him comes from.
Can these two work out what happened in their past? Will the chemistry that is still there be enough to make it through?
This was a great book!! I look forward to Quinn’s book!!
Even if you never liked Celeste, you need to read her book. The author totally redeems her character and makes us understand the way she ticks. Both Jase and Celeste are awesome characters. There was a scene at 84% that had tears in my eyes..well done!
Behind what everyone shows the world, there is a story. Some are painful and some are happy. When Celeste first appeared in this series, I didn’t like her but I wanted to know her story and it didn’t disappoint. This book made me laugh, cry, and yell. Celeste has made it where she wanted to go but realizes that she still feels empty. Jace has his own pain yet has come out stronger because of it. He fell in love with Celeste 11 years ago and she broke his heart. These two heal each other beautifully. This has become my favorite book in the series. It shows there is more to a person than what you see and I can’t wait to read what’s next!
This is the third book in this phenomenal series, and is Jase and Celeste’s story. The chemistry between these two is intense, and Jace sees beneath the surface to reveal the real Celeste and what has made her the way she is today. No spoilers; this is a must read, you will not be disappointed. This is a beautifully written story which is raw, gritty, heartbreaking, and emotional, with angst and love. I was totally hooked and intrigued throughout and cannot wait to read more from this gifted author, whose work I highly recommend for all.
Fabulous second chance romance between two flawed characters who never stopped loving each other. I knew when we met Celeste in The Pickup that her story would be my favorite and Nikki Ash did not disappoint. While I was fully invested from page one, witnessing their initial connection through flashbacks gave me even more incentive to root for Celeste and Jase to find their happily ever after. I loved seeing Celeste’s vulnerable side and seeing her slowly opening up with Jase’s support. Furthermore, the way Jase treated Celeste when they were together is a total relationship goal. Add in amazing supporting characters, both familiar and new, and this book hit all my buttons. I can’t wait to see what Nikki Ash writes next.
On the Surface
5 stars
Perfection! Very well written! Amazing characters. What an awesome addition to the series!! Can be read as a standalone.
“you are every one of my dreams and wishes come true.”
I loved Celeste and Jases’ story. Celeste wasn’t my favorite character in prior books, but I’m glad she got her own story to redeem herself. Another fantastic read by this author.
Ahhh Celeste was the girl i hated when we started this series! But i think she might have came in as my favorite and her story with Jase was sooo good. Didn’t hurt that he was a hot tattooed guy and A SINGLE DAD but anyways this was beautifully written and a great second chance book. I loved seeing Olivia, Nick, Giselle and Killian from the other books!
I love this series and this book is no different. Plus single dad romance is my jam right now. This book packs the feels from the beginning up to the end. It makes you smile, but also has tears forming in your eyes. Jase and Celeste have a ton of chemistry that burn up the pages. After getting to know Celeste in the previous book I’ve been looking forward to her book. There is much to her then anyone could imagine. She has such a big heart and her past has done a number on her. You root for her through the whole book to get her HEA. Jase is just yummy. He has the bad boy vibe going on. Celeste and Jase may seem like opposites, but they match where is counts. The set up for the next book makes me know it’s going to hit me in the heart.
I loved it!!!!!
I loved loved loved this book!!! I wasn’t really sure what to expect from Celeste’s story. In the other books she is hard to read, I mean ya kinda know she isn’t a bad person, but she is a bit of a pill and not always easy to like. I knew we would get the reason and the real her would come out, but I just didn’t realize I was going to really love her!!!! Not only is she a great person, she is beyond lovable and imagine my surprise when you realize that’s all she really wants out of life, is to be loved.
Jase is the bestest of the best! He has it all going on, he is sweet, sexy, funny, kind, I mean the list just goes on and on. The way he knows Celeste better than she knows herself, the way he takes his time with her, was just perfect. He knows what he wants and he ain’t stopping till he gets it. He just has to convince Celeste he knows what’s best and convince her he does!
This was a great second chance romance and I loved every minute of it. The main characters were fabulous and it was a blast to reconnect with the others in the series.
Nikki Ash has really out done herself with On The Surface. This is my favorite book of hers to date. Celeste and Jase are intense and very easy to fall in love with. Celeste is the way she is because of the way she grew up. Jase is sweet and loving despite the way he was raised. Both of them have scares that don’t reach the surface. Both are able to over come their issues to try to explore the spark between them. Celeste has made herself into a very famous model and clothes designer. While Jase opened up a successful tattoo shop. I won’t give to many details as I feel this needs to be a book read without knowing what is going to happen. I highly recommend this book to everyone to read.
4.5 Cranky Stars
Celeste Leblanc was born on the wrong side of the track in a run down trailer with her mother who was so heartbroken she drank and smoked. Celeste’s father was a biker and left town promising he would return. 18 years have passed where she has drowned her sorrows not giving Celeste the mother she should have had.
Nick was Celeste’s best friend since forever. Their mothers were friends and Nick’s mother kept an eye on her friend and daughter. Celeste spent most of her time with Nick and his family who were wealthy.
Celeste had big plans for her future to become a top model, she had no time for love she didn’t want to end up like her mother with no life still waiting for her first love to return to her.
She was 18 when she went to a party and met Jase. They spent every day and night together for a whole week, where the inevitable happens and they fall in love. Celeste had not told him her age or where she came from or the fact she had an internship in New York with a big modelling agency.
She decided to come clean the night before her graduation and went to his apartment to tell him and see if they could go forward from there. She let herself in and the place was in darkness she silently ran to his room only to find him coming out of the shower with his so called red haired girl “friend” naked in his bed. Thinking the worst she fled as fast as she could with her breaking heart and caught the first available flight to New York.
Ten years pass and she never went back not even to see her mother.
This is really where the story starts. Did she find success, happiness or even love? What happened to Jase was he a cheat, did he never love her?
This is a story of dreams, love, loss and disappointments. Shock, fear, trust and faith. These emotions are all in this book.
It is very well written and a real page turner. I was hooked from the start and the thing I like the most is that all the loose ends were finished off so you weren’t left thinking but what happened to….?
A very enjoyable read.
I loved this book so much that I didn’t even realized I reached the end until the last page. I got lost in Jase and Celeste’s world of love, of loss, of realization, and of forgiveness. It had enough twists to keep me guessing, enough heat to keep me wanting more. Second chance romances are my jam, and this one was one of the best that I’ve read.
OMG!!
I have been waiting for Celeste since The Pick Up!!! I know everyone seen her as the villain but I absolutely loved her!!!
I won’t mention much of what happened, because I know I’ll end up spoiling and I don’t want that.
Nikki Ash again amazes me with her plots and her characters.
She never disappoints and I continuously keep looking forward to her next book.
Everything about On The Surface was wonderfully written and just having the rest of the gang pop up was amazing to read.
This book pulled at my heart and I didn’t want it to end, that I ended up going back to The Pick Up and began the series all over again!
Trust me when I say this, READ THIS BOOK!!! you will not be disappointed!
Another amazing book by Nikki Ash!!
Keep ’em coming!!!
4.5 stars
This has to be my favorite book of the series and that is saying a lot because this series sooooo good.
We have all met Celeste in The Pick Up and to say she has been an interesting character is an understatement, but I love her. We also meet Jase in Going Deep which gives us a some insight to their shared past.
I loved every part of this book even when Celeste was annoying the crap out of me, I loved it because I could relate to her reasoning. Nothing Celeste did was malicious or with the intent to hurt in fact it was the total opposite she never felt good enough no matter how successful she was. Now we meet Jase, who is totally swoon-worthy, and he totally gets her, but unfortunately, they are torn apart.
I loved all aspects of this book, I had everything I needed to fully love this book. I loved the connection between Skylar and Celeste and how it blossomed into something precious. Celeste and her mom that was heartbreakingly beautiful and we finally get some answers about Snake.
Again Jase is totally awesome especially the way he loved Celeste.
I think this is last the book in this series; however, it looks like Quinn, Jase’s sister, will be getting her own book. I have to say I look forward to it but I’m scared because that epilogue didn’t give me a lot of hope.
On The Surface is the third book in the imperfect love series and it features Celeste. Celeste LeBlanc is not your stereotypical heroine, she doesn’t want love, she wants financial security that comes from a wealthy man. I know what you’re thinking, gold digger but, she’s so much more than that, she’s a ex-model turned successful businesswoman.The title of this book perfectly sums up Celeste because on the surface, she’s mercenary but, if you look underneath you can see she’s terrified of love and all the ways it can go wrong. Enter in Jase Crawford and Skyla, his adorable daughter, who find away to break through Celeste’s wall. Will Celeste be able to leave behind her fear of love and let Jase love her? In previous books, some readers didn’t like Celeste but, I loved her from day 1, she was authentic and didn’t try pretend to be someone that she wasn’t. I just knew that underneath all her layers there’s someone special and real and boy was I right. I loved that she didn’t wait for some rich man to come along and give her the life that she wanted, she went out there and created her own wealth. I’m the type of reader that can list all my favorite male heroes pretty quickly but, heroines I have a hard time because I have a hard time connecting with them but, not with Celeste. Celeste has become one of my all time favorite heroines. This book is beautiful and worth reading.