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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Like always this author did not let me down! This is one of my favorite second chance/single parent reads! I was shocked I liked Celeste because I wasn’t prepared to going into this story. This is a story you start and will not be able to put down
When I started reading this series, I KNEW Celeste’s story was going to be good. I’ve been waiting for months for this book to come out and I’m happy to report that On the Surface was not good… It was extraordinary.
Nikki Ash has once again created such in depth and completely real characters that I am left with the worst book hangover. I expected the chemistry between Jase and Celeste to be electric and it did not disappoint.
This book was completely inhaled in one sitting and I was sad when it ended. I loved it more than I can express.
Nikki Ash doesn’t get the credit she deserves as a writer. Everyone needs to read this book. On the Surface is a thought provoking, wonderfully written book. Celeste never wanted to fall in love but when she meets Jace the universe has a different plan. It doesn’t quite work out the way you may expect. There are a few twists and bumps along the way. The story is epic nonetheless. Pick up this book and devour it like I did. You won’t regret reading it. I can’t wait for more.
Nikki Ash has brought us another great love story with Celeste & Jase. I absolutely adored this book.
This book definitely shows us even if there are bumps in the road, true love never fails.
Celeste & Jase love started out hot and explosive, but an unfortunate misunderstanding had them part ways for many years. But when they finally reunite and with the help of Jases daughter, Skylar, they spend a lot of time together and realize their love hasn’t changed.
Celeste & Jase have easily become my favorite couple out of the Imperfect Love series.
The Imperfect Love Series is my first from Nikki Ash and every book I think is a great read but the next book to follow just gets better and better. I loved Nick, but then I loved Killian that little bit more and now I have Jase and holy moly I love him more than Killian!
I have been looking forward to Celeste’s story since The Pick Up, was she a character I didn’t like very much in certain parts yes; but after she accepted Nick & Olivia’s relationship I got the sense she was a driven yet very lonely woman and wanted to hear more of her story. Celeste is a pretty inspirational heroine, she came from nothing, she had a dream and she worked hard to make it happen and she is now a leading name in the fashion industry. After seeing her interaction with Jase in Going Deep I wanted to know all about the history between these two.
Jase and Celeste meet through Nick at a party when Celeste is 18 and Jase is 24, they spend a week completely wrapped up in each other, however Celeste is so ashamed of the girl she is, she never really shows herself to Jase despite him opening up completely to her. The night she gets the courage to strip bare, she see’s something that ends their romance before it even really began and they don’t see each other for another 11 years.
11 years on, Jase and Celeste’s worlds collide and the chemistry is still very much present. Learning about each others lives through mutual friends, both feel hurt by what they lost in each other, both still angry about how things ended and wanting answers they seek each other out. Things between our Hero and heroine can be heated; but it never reaches boiling point because we meet one pretty cool 13 year old girl in the shape of Jase’s daughter Skyla. Celeste is Skyla’s idol, she herself a wannabe fashion designer and model she has style and knows her stuff when it comes to the industry she longs to be a part of. Celeste see’s a kinship and wants to help this talented girl achieve her dreams like she did. Obviously in doing so this means Jase and Celeste have to communicate and spend time with each other.
The whole book swept me up in this bubble of all things Jase and Celeste, a story full of misunderstandings, scorching chemistry, confident sexual encounters, a heroine with strength behind her flaws and a hero with morals and integrity that scream dream man and make you swoon at the perfectly sculpted feet I am sure he has.
On The Surface is a second chance single parent romance that kept me enamoured with wonderfully written characters, plot points that keep the pace progressing, humour and emotion that make the primary and secondary characters people you wish were your own friends. Throughout the story Quinn (Jase’s younger sister) is a secondary character that means a lot to both Skyla and Jase; but she keeps her distance from Celeste. Towards the end of the book we see things begin to set up for the fourth book in the series and I cannot wait for it. Quinn intrigues me, another creative soul that is in a relationship with a man who does not deserve her, so I look forward to reading all about her HEA. So at the end of all that Jase is my fave leading man; but I won’t seal the deal just yet…….
“I close my eyes, refusing to let the tears come, only my heart-and tear ducts-seem to have a mind of their own, and when the memories of him surface, the tears fall of their own accord.”
Oh, Celeste. When I started this series, I was not her biggest fan, especially in The Pickup. As I got to know her, though, there was something about her that intrigued me. It seemed that Celeste was actually hiding herself from the world and presenting the facade that kept her the safest. These characters are my absolute favorite. There’s just something about watching a person that has been broken in the past find themselves and be able to truly live.
If you’ve read any of the series, Celeste appears as a gold-digging, materialistic woman. She comes across as aloof and almost without feeling, in most cases. Bonding with Giselle, Celeste solidifies her place in the group and that’s when the change begins. I saw Celeste showing real emotion and caring about the people around her. This proved that she was so much more than met the eye and I had to know what happened.
Meeting young Celeste was beautiful. She was a young woman who felt stifled, but still allowed herself to yearn for so much more. Although she kept some of her emotions in check, when love presented itself to her — she let herself go. Unfortunately, the world didn’t seem in alignment with her young hope and she was faced with uncertainty which she just couldn’t handle. This was the moment I was most surprised, as I imagined that Celeste would hit any problem head on (and probably loudly, maybe even throwing a few things). When I watched how she reacted, everything clicked into place for me.
Watching Celeste bloom … this made the whole series for me. “Love,” I say softly, yet loud enough for him to hear. “I want to be in love.” I can’t tell you how many times I was close to tears because my heart was breaking or I was so happy for Celeste. This book truly shows how difficult it is to truly know a person and that each of us needs to take the time to consider that someone may be hiding their true self away because one too many people haven’t taken the time to love them the way they deserve.
“Thank you ….,” I whisper against his lips.
“For what?”
“For seeing what’s below the surface. For seeing the beauty in my chaos. For seeing me.”
I absolutely loved by this book! Nikki has done it once again by writing yet another great book. I have been waiting for this book ever since we were introduced to Celeste in The Pickup. This book went beyond my expectations. I am so glad that we finally got this book. I highly highly recommend that you read not only this book but the rest in this series. I also recommend that you read Nikki’s other books as well.
This is a wonderful read from the very beginning. I was captivated by this book and continuously found myself drawn to the characters. Nice plots and easy to follow. The characters had such chemistry that you could feel the sparks. In true Nikki Ash form the characters and their personalities are unique with qualities and traits that balance out perfectly. The chemistry between the main characters is sizzling. I loved they way they came together so smoothly. The scenes are so graphic and vivid it’s easy to picture each scenario as it plays off one another beautifully. Nikki Ash did an excellent job bringing these stories to life flawlessly.
I voluntarily submitted an ARC review for this book.
ON THE SURFACE
by Nikki Ash
5
When I first met Celeste I wasn’t a very big fan of hers. Although, I knew that had to be some redeeming qualities to her since Nick (The Pickup) was her best friend. Nikki Ash definitely showed me that there was more to Celeste than just what was on the surface.
Jase and Celeste are complete opposites. Regardless of how their relationship started they were bound by a connection that they least expected. The journey to their hea had its ups and downs but in the end love won. I love how real the story Is and how relatable the characters are. Nikki Ash sets up the next story in the series perfectly and will have you anticipating Quinn’s story.
On The Surface is a beautiful second chance/enemies to lovers/single dad story. The characters are relatable the plot will have you invested to the very end. I definitely recommended this book and series. They can be read as standalones but are all interconnected as you will see some of the characters from previous books so I recommend reading it all! Nikki Ash does not disappoint with this book. Her words and characters will leave you wIth a lasting impression! Yass girl!!
Overall: 3.5/5 stars
Steam: 3/5 stars
~QD STORY DETAILS~
Tear jerker: No
Paranormal/Fantasy: No
Location: North Carolina, NYC
Character age range: mainly early 30s with flashbacks to late teens early 20s
Lead: Celeste Leblanc
Love interest(s): Jase Crawford
HEA: Yes
~QD BOOK INFO~
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Audible: No
Series: Imperfect Love Series – (Standalone series – each book can be read as a stand alone)
1. The Pickup – released 2/7/19
2. Going Deep – released 4/6/19
3. On the Surface – releases 6/22/19
~QD ~
Sex/kink type: manual, oral, penetrative, anal
Possible triggers: betrayal, death of a parent
~REVIEW~
The Quick and Dirty: Insta-love + second chance + single dad romance that was a quick and easy read. Good summer book for anyone who loves fashion and tattooed guys with golden hearts.
While it was an overall enjoyable read, and the sex was hot, I couldn’t connect with Celeste. The insta-love between she and Jase in the beginning was mildly off-putting but where I had the most trouble was with how superficial and self-centered Celeste seemed. Her personality flaws (even those beneath the surface) didn’t feel endearing but instead something that caused me to question why Jase kept overlooking them. Some of the story elements also seemed a little too over-exaggerated. I really enjoyed seeing the interactions with some of the author’s previous characters though and thought the end of the book brought a fitting and satisfying conclusion. A good book for a day lounging by the pool.
** I was generously provided an ARC in return for a voluntary and honest review. *
As always, Nikki Ash has given us an excellent read with Jase and Celeste’s story. It drew me in from the very beginning. This book has all the angst, emotions, love, and steamy scenes to keep you turning the page.
A very well earned 5 star book!
This is the 3rd book in the imperfect love series but complete standalone but you should def read nick & gillians stories bc you know you want too!
Whew did this book make me shed some tears! Yes the ice queen got her own book since nicks book I was so happy celeste got her own story and why she is the way she is! Celeste meets Jase thru nick years prior and she runs off after seeing him in a compromising position but when she sees him years later at her besties wedding can these two give love a 2nd chance & can he thaw the ice queens heart!
On The Surface by Nikki Ash carried a powerful message of believing in self and trying relentlessly till your dreams come true. Celeste and Jase ‘s emotional love story is another amazing addition to the list of great romances by Nikki Ash.
On the Surface can be read as standalone but I felt it would be better to read two stories from the same universe before as Celeste got introduced in the first book and it will be easier to follow the character arc. She came from a struggling and poor background. And she was determined to make it big. Now she is a super rich world famous model and designer. People take her as a ruthless, cold and calculating bitch who only cares for status for money and status. But few people know the soft, vulnerable and loving woman who wants true love. Jase is one of those few people. Celeste left him after a short blissful time together due to a big misunderstanding. Now they have met again and Jase is totally different from her world. A tattooed bad boy, a tattoo shop owner and single dad to the cutest, brightest girl called Skyla. Can they face their real feelings or break down again?
On the Surface is a deep, intense and angsty second chance love story. The kind which makes my heart ache and bleed. It was soulful and moving. The chemistry was mindblowing crazy. Each of their interaction was explosive and touching and so passionate. I loved every moment of it. I am so happy that they found their happily ever after. Jase is the kind of protective and caring man who cares for Celeste in the perfect way. I love this man and his big heart. And Celeste just broke my heart so many times with her pain and suffering. Skyla is an adorable and unforgettable character.
Nikki Ash has written a beautiful, tragic and captivating love story. It was full of true and raw emotions. The soul numbing feelings were overflowing the pages.
Received ARC for Honest Review
Jase has always been the one to take care of his family & friends. For years he’s managed to have a successful tattoo shop while trying to keep up with his growing daughter as he struggles to figure out her wants & needs. Celeste comes crashing back into his life when they both least expect it, and surprisingly becomes a new role model for his daughter. As Celeste falls more in love with his little girl, she can’t help but to wonder what would have happened between them if he never broke her heart all those years ago.
Once again Nikki Ash has managed to write another amazing book, and this by far is my favorite one! This book is everything – second chance, single father, all the feels, great plot, & amazing characters. It was great reading about the other characters from the series, seeing where they are in life & the love they all have for one another. I honestly didn’t like Celeste in the beginning from book 1 with Nick & Olivia, but you learn why she is the way she is & can’t help but to love her. Now I’m impatiently waiting for Quinn’s book!
Celeste and Jase!!!! Finally ya’ll I’ve been waiting for this love story Nikki Ask has outdone herself again! Nothing but 5 reads!!!! I can’t wait for Quinn’s story!!!
An amazing story that you should read! Celeste has had her feelings on lockdown since she left her hometown. She has made her dreams come true, but starting to realize that she wants what her friends have, someone to lean on, love, and enjoy life with. Jase comes back into her life and she tries to ignore it at first. Jase has had some life changing moments as well, but could never forget Celeste. Celeste and Jase start to get to know each other again past what’s on the surface, but can they move on from the past they both can’t forget. Celeste and Jase have that instant chemistry that melts the room when you enter, they take you for one wild ride, but to see what happens you have to read this book! You won’t be disappointed, Jase and Celeste will suck you right in and won’t be able to put this book down.
When you’ve spent your entire life chasing a dream; coming face to face with the one thing you would have thrown it all away for will wreck you. Celeste’s success has been attributed to her personal control of her business, her schedule, and her heart… that is until she runs into him again. The boy who captured and crushed her heart and soul proving that true love wasn’t in her DNA; else she turn out like her mother! She will not back down, She will stay strong, and make sure this part of her heart remains locked down.
Jace doesn’t get it. Where does she get off acting offended when he was the one left wondering where things went wrong. Alot has changed in Jace’s world in the ten years since she walked away; can he risk letting his buried feeling come back to the surface considering how much he has on the line now?
For fans of the Imperfect Love Series Celestes story will have you rethinking every thought you may have had about this “princess” and don’t get me started on Jase taking the lead as most swoon-worthy man Ash has in her library. Each time I open one of Nikki’s books I find the comfort that comes from her writing style and enamored with the various twists she’s introduced with these characters throughout the story. Highly recommend you read the rest of the series prior to reading on the surface so that you can appreciate the journey the couples of the Imperfect Love series have truly been on. LOVE THIS SERIES!
Full disclosure… I really wasn’t a fan of Celeste. But that changed in a huge way! On the Surface is a beautiful second chance romance that will have your heart soaring! Jase and Celeste become the perfect halves of a whole.
We first meet Jase in Going Deep, and I knew there was going to be a story there, but I hadn’t figured it out yet. Celeste’s reaction to seeing him was the perfect foreshadow.
Now we jump into On the Surface. Holy emotions! We finally get Celeste’s full backstory and that poor girl was put through the proverbial ringer. And Jase… Sweet, single daddy, hot, panty melting Jase! I like to say if I still had my ovaries they would have exploded.
On the Surface is everything we’ve come to expect from a Nikki Ash book: a lot of humor, a lot of heat, low drama, and a lot of love.
Once again Nikki Ash has created a story that will stay in your heart for a long time. Celeste and Jase’s story pull out all the emotional stops. Two souls from different worlds but realizing they need love, and the love they find in each other is life altering. I do recommend reading the first two books of this series to get the whole Celeste effect, I promise you won’t be disappointed.
It is no secret, that Nikki Ash writes beautiful families and kids, and On the Surface is no exception.
This is pure second chance, single dad goodness.
This time the author tries her hand at a heroine, that looks cold, heartless and very superficial. And if you have read the previous books in this series you know Celeste, and she is not exactly friend material.
There is no doubt, that Nikki is good at the sassy and sweet heroine, and I love her for it, but it’s good to see her try something different. It is no less fabulous, amazing, or emotional.
Celeste could have shown us a little more of her snark, I for one would not have minded that one bit, but that’s just me.