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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Jase and Celeste- I love them and their story. I loved seeing the real side of Celeste and what made her who she is and Jase is amazing and loyal and selfless. What I really enjoyed about this book was the honesty and openness when Jase and Celeste allowed themselves to be real with one another- even with a confusion in the past.
It’s a story of love and lose and realizing it’s okay to love again! Also- how truly important communication is! I also loved Celeste’s character and how she grew through the book.
Nikki Ash does a great job developing the story with amazing supportive characters who just work within the lives of Jase and Celeste and how grow for themselves and together. I loved the little twists and turns. I don’t want to give spoilers so for a great read- go read this book!
Each time I read a Nikki Ash book i say this one is my favorite and that holds true with OTS. What a story i don’t even know where to begin!!!! 5‘S isn’t enough in my opinion.
I love the misunderstanding through out the Story. I like the powerful woman Celeste was become. Strong willed, smart, stubborn, sassy and every day New Yorker power women. I really loved how even though through it all Even when she wanted to hate Jace she still loved him and when it was all said and done she conquered all of her dreams she set out.
Jace wow he was some character… i honestly can’t get the picture out of mind thinking a hottie tattoo artist gone Mr. Softie when he heard Hi Dad! His story went in a direction i didn’t see coming but it made his storyline a doozie. His character was compassionate, loving, funny, hard exterior, stubborn as well and selfless! His sister was cracking me up with her little digs and can’t wait to read her story.
Over all this story was amazing so many things happened through the book it made it a great one! It was a well written story with an amazing storyline!!! Once you start your hooked and dont really want the story to end!
I didn’t think I would like Celeste’s story but not was I wrong. Jase and Celeste are my favourite characters from this series of standalones. Highly recommend this story
*dies the death of pure happy*
STJFDGHYRD! NIKKI ASH I LOVE/HATE/LOVE YOU!
Ok, seriously, I’ll try to calm down. I probably won’t actually calm down. But I’ll try and that’s the best I can offer here while I’m still crying happy tears after finishing one of the most beautiful stories ever ok? I did not expect to love Celeste this much. I mean, I adore Nikki’s writing so I knew that she would win me over but I didn’t think I’d be sitting here saying Celeste is probably the character I love most in this series.
I can’t even begin to tell you how much more there is to her than anyone realizes. And even if I could I wouldn’t because this is truly something that you have to experience. The real Celeste that has been locked tightly away has one of the most beautifully loving souls I’ve ever read. And Jase? *sighs the sigh of swoon* heroes don’t get any better. And I also won’t be giving details on why he’s just as incredibly wonderful too.
I mean it. You have to pick this book up and live their story so you experience just how magical it is. I cried the ugliest of cries, I felt like my heart was going to explode at the sweetness in certain moments, I cheered so freaking hard for these two every time they overcame something. I was so deeply wrapped up in Jase and Celeste the world outside of this book ceased to exist for me.
Hands down my favorite Nikki Ash book to date! I devoured every word and couldn’t stop reading.
Celeste & Jase’s journey was not an easy one, but worth it. More than once while reading, I teared up. I loved that Celeste got to tell her story! I wasn’t a fan of hers in the beginning of the series, but she won me over and now is my favorite character of Nikki Ash’s. And oh Jase was everything I could want in a book boyfriend! Jase was sweet, hardworking, and a great father. Jase & Celeste had amazing chemistry! I loved Jade & Celeste together!
I really hope Quinn’s story is next!
I voluntarily reviewed this book.
Just wow! This book has blown my emotions out of the water! Celeste and Jase’s story will give you all the feels. There is so much raw emotion that will just suck you in from page 1. I could not put this book down.
Celeste is a successful, independent model turned businesswoman. She set goals and she’s achieved them but what’s on the surface isn’t what’s on the inside. Having her heart broken she has vowed to herself to NEVER let another in building walls like no other.
Jase is an AMZING single dad to his daughter Skyla. He has become a successful tattooist. We first meet Jase in Going Deep and right away you know he is part of Celeste past. What we don’t know is what truly happened.
These two together are AMAZING! This story is AMAZING! What’s coming next is going to be EPIC. Ms. Nikki Ash never disappoints.
“And from the chaos of her soul flowed beauty.”
I have been in a funk since early May, but Nikki Ash just cured it with Jase and Celeste’s story. I devoured this in a few hours and I couldn’t be happier. I had been dying for Celeste’s book since I first met her in The Pickup. I didn’t think it was possible to love her even more than before but I did.
This story was soul-mending, utterly transcendent and will forever stay in my heart. It was angsty, my heart kept clenching, but it wasn’t over the top. I went in thinking the storyline was going to be a certain way, but I was way off. Expect the unexpected!
Seriously y’all- I don’t know how Nikki Ash does it, but every book she writes is perfection! I highly suggest you read all of her books! You won’t regret it! Can’t wait for more!
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Just when I think I found a new favorite from Nikki Ash, she releases another one that completely blows the previous book out of the park that leaves me stunned. On The Surface was no exception. She never disappoints with her characters and their chemistry. She writes such relatable and lovable characters.
When Celeste and Jase ran into each other in Going Deep, I just knew from their unexpected reactions that there was an epic story to be told and I was not disappointed! Celeste & Jase’s journey was not an easy one, but so worth it in the end. I loved that Celeste had the chance to have her story told. Admittedly, I wasn’t a fan of hers in the beginning of the series, but she won me over and is now my favourite Nikki Ash character. Jase is perfect book boyfriend material. He was sweet, hardworking, and most of all a great father. Jase & Celeste together had amazing chemistry and I adored them together.
I loved this book so much. I couldn’t put it down but at the same time I didn’t want this story to end. I loved the emotional swoon worthy moments, the tender and caring moments and being able to see all of my favourite characters from the previous two books in this series. Nikki Ash knocked it out of the park with this one. I cannot wait to see what she does with Quinn’s story.
On the Surface is the third installment to Nikki Ash’s Imperfect Love Series and can absolutely be read as a standalone novel. We originally met Celeste, the main character of this story, in The Pick Up, book one of this series as the best friend of Nick. Throughout this series Ash depicted Celeste as very surface level, which is why as much as I hate to admit it, I wasn’t a Celeste fan. Who wanted to read about a gold digging, super model turned fashion mogul who couldn’t believe in love or happily ever afters? Not this romance loving reader. However, within a few chapters Ash completely changed by mind.
It’s fitting Ash named this novel On The Surface, because that’s all Celeste was willing to ever show until Jase reminded her of everything she left behind. From the moment these two meet, Ash has you sighing and swooning over their perfect love connection. Ash created such depth to these characters by explaining each and every broken piece while putting them all back together in only a puzzle their love could create. Jase was beyond perfect, even a little too forgiving in my opinion, as he loved Celeste unconditionally. But it was Celeste that stole the novel. Ash transformed her from someone I honestly couldn’t stand into a character with such heart, devotion and love that I will have a hard time leaving behind.
From cover to cover, Ash had me enthralled… again. Her novels are as addictive as your favorite candy making it hard to stop at just one. If you are looking for a new read, new author, Ash is definitely one worthy sampling. No matter the novel, you’ll find an incredible love story that will survive all odds.
On the surface is a second chance/ enemies to lovers/ single dad book. All of my favorite tropes in one book! Going into the book Celeste was no my favorite person at all. Once I started On the Surface my opinion quickly changed, and Celeste became my favorite heroine of their series! Celeste met Jace when she was only eighteen and he broke her heart. After her rough childhood and her teenage heartbreak Celeste is determined to never let a man hurt her again. What happens when Jace, the only man she has ever loved, comes back into her life? Jace is everything I could have wanted in a hero. He is a single father to a teenage daughter, which is my absolute favorite type of book, and a tattooed bad boy! I absolutely love Jace, he has become my favorite single father! This book was so good, I absolutely loved everything about it!
My my my this author always has a way of cutting me in the most beautiful ways. When it came to Jace and Celeste you can’t help but root them on. Seeing them cope with their issues, seeing them move on from misunderstandings, seeing them fall deeper and deeper in love was something you shouldn’t miss. I loved so much about Jace but won’t go into details because I don’t like spoiling but he was such an amazing man. He didn’t care that Celeste made more then him, he didn’t make her beg for his forgiveness, he moved forward and just lived.
There were scenes in this book that brought tears to my eyes, and I will say that I should expect that from her writing. It was filled with heart and mild drama, but I was never mad at the characters. I loved seeing my favorites and getting a better look at others. I can’t wait for the next book in this series. I think the author is going to rip my heart out and I personally can’t wait. 5 stars #2OCCJD
Once again I have another favourite book from this talented author! What can I say, I absolutley adored On the Surface!! I couldn’t get enough and read it any chance I could get.
Jase is a genuinely super sweet guy and as a bonus is also good on the eye (with tattoos!)! From when we are first introduced to him I instantly knew he was a man of his word and one you could trust explicitly. From what we knew about Celeste from the previous books, she had a tough exterior not wanting to let anyone in. It was surprising to see how innocent and vulnerable she used to be. But my goodness how her life turned around!! I loved her determination and also envy it too!!
The more I read of On the Surface, the more I fell in love with Jase and Celeste. My emotions were all over the place (not complaining!!) and I definitely shed the odd tear or two! Simply amazing!! Superb writing as always! Thank you Nikki.
I really enjoyed this book. It was another can’t put down until you finish books. Love those. I was surprised with this book. I didn’t think I would like Celesta but in the end I do. I absolutely loved Jase. He had this alpha but sweet and kind soul that I love in my men in books. Celesta was amazing when it came to a certain part of Jase…(I’ll leave it for you to pick that part out) So if you want another amazing, read in one sitting book, then this book is for you.
4.5 ! Job well done Ash! I adored this book! Going into this book I had mixed feelings about Celeste, but I am finding that Ash has a knack for making her characters pretty relatable. She gives the back story that is Celeste and I gained a better understanding of who she was and why she acts the way she does. Then you have Jase who is a single dad and he adores his daughter. If you read the previous book in the story you getting the feeling that their is a past between Celeste and Jase that not many are privy to the information and also that it is did not go so well. I loved all the emotions that I felt through out the book. I loved how the book grabbed my attention and kept it throughout it. Celeste had some issues to work out from the way she was raised and I felt the story did it in a very believable way. I loved how caring, patient, and attentive Jase was. Fantastic story. If you are looking for a second chance, single dad romance that grabs your attention and does not let it go until the story is over and makes you feel the story read this book!
I have never wanted to instantly reread a book like I have this one. Celeste’s story is so full of love and angst and heartbreak. In the first two books of this series I thought Celeste was a cold hearted woman who only cared about herself, I was so wrong. The heartbreak her mother underwent shaped how Celeste was raised, always longing for a better relationship with her mom. Because of her past Celeste turned into a driven, hard-working woman who did everything to make her dreams come true. The only thing missing from her life was love. Jase broke her heart once and she swore to never let that happen ever again. When Jade comes back into Celeste’s life though all bets are off. This love story was perfect! I will definitely read this one again!
Wow. Nikki Ash just keeps on impressing me! I loved this book so much! You can tell that this author puts her heart into every story.
Ok, so I’m not going to lie…..when we met Celeste in Nick’s book, The Pick Up, book one in the series, I did not like her. Not at all! Then we are given more of her in Killian and Giselle’s book. There I can admit I still wasn’t on board with the “Celeste” train. She just was not a likable character. And do you know what? I’m glad the author kept her backstory from us until her own book. Celeste is a very complex character. There are many sides to her. But as the title implies, Celeste is just one persona on the surface. There is so much more to this woman. My admiration and respect for her grew expotentionally in my mind and in my heart. No, Celeste was not perfect. She did frustrate me now and again. But this time I understood where she was coming from. Fear is an emotion that has the potential to destroy us. I’m just glad that by the end of the book, Celeste decided to overcome most of her fears to have her happily-ever-after.
Now, Jase, swoon-worthy all the way. Even Jase is more that what you see on the surface. I loved his character from the moment we met him in the past. He was so perfect. If I had to dig deep to find any flaws he might have, I’d be unsuccessful. He was just everything I love in a book boyfriend.
Going into the book, you know these two have a past. And while it was a short one, there were very strong feelings involved. Unfortunately, something happens that separates them for ten years. So much time has passed but the hurt never left either. I’m not going to say they made up quickly because that would make this story a disappointment. The regrowth of their relationship was a slow one. Yes, they had hot chemistry and a few hot moments, but when it came to committing, there were issues that had to be dealt with.
But in the end, I couldn’t have asked for a better “wrap-up.” I’m not ready to say goodbye to these characters. I absolutely can’t wait for Quinn’s book. She is Jase’s sister. I already know her story is going to be great.
This book is part of a series but can be read as a standalone. But trust me, you’ll want to read the two books prior for a better reading experience.
This is my honest and unbiased review. Thank you taking the time to read it. 🙂
Wow Nikki you did it again. Celeste is a women who was in love to only have her heart broken by the only man who she ever loved. So she settles for who she thinks she can live a life with. To only release she really only wants to be loved!!! Jase is a man who loved a women and she left with out saying good bye!! 10 years go by and he knows the real reason she left. He is man who will do anything for his family and anyone he loves. He isn’t rich but he loves enough. This book is full of laughs and love!! Must read !!
Another AMAZING story. I love the bad boy with a heart and the broken girl with a wall built but only he can break it down. And the Chemistry, WOW!!! I loved this book so much!!
Nikki as knocked it out of the park with this one.
Another top read for me
Since the first book I wasn’t a fan of Celeste but as I started to understand her more and see where she’s coming from I started to like her.
Having gone through everything she as Celeste sworn off finding love but that all changed when she meet Jase at the age of 18. For Jade and Celeste is was lust at first sight then it quickly turned into love. They become the perfect halves for each other..so Jase thought till Celeste left with no word and doesn’t see her again till years later.
On The Surface is a second chance romance that is full of emotions and it will have your heart swooning. This book is everything and more that we all come to love from Nikki Ash.
Oh my gosh, just when I thought the series couldn’t get any more phenomenal than it already was, Nikki writes Celeste’s story and blows me out of the water. We first met Celeste in the first book in the series (The Pickup) and let’s just say she wasn’t everyone’s favourite character. She had a cold and distant personality and seemed more concerned with her career, than having personal relationships with others. In the second book (Going Deep), we got to see little glimpses of Celeste’s softer side and began to see that there was more to her than what appeared on the surface. When Celeste and Jase ran into each other in Going Deep, I knew from their reactions that there was an epic story to be told about them, and I was not disappointed.
Going into this story, I wasn’t sure if Celeste hurt Jase or if he ended up breaking her heart and that’s why she was the way she was. I loved getting an in depth look at Celeste’s past and fining out why she is this way. Jase is so sweet and swoon worthy and a single dad! He literally melted my heart. Celeste and Jase are literally a match made in heaven and it warmed my heart to see Celeste finally get her happy ending.
I loved this book so much. I couldn’t stop reading it but at the same time I didn’t want it to end. This is my favourite book in the series. I loved the swoon worthy moments, the tender and caring moments and being able to see all of my favourite characters from the past two novels.
Trust me, you need this book in your life!