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Sweet Surrender
Under Faith Malone's deceptively soft exterior lies a woman who knows exactly what she wants: a strong man who'll take without asking—because she's willing to give him everything...
Dallas cop Gray Montgomery is on a mission: find the guy who killed his partner and bring him to justice. So far, he's found a link between the killer and Faith—and if Gray has to get close to her to catch the killer, so be it.
Faith is sweet and feminine, everything Gray wants and desires in a woman, but he suspects she's playing games. No way would she allow a man to call the shots in their relationship. Or would she?
Faith sees in Gray the strong, dominant man she needs, but he seems determined to keep her at a distance. So she takes matters into her own hands to prove to him it's no game she's playing. She's willing to surrender to the right man. Gray would like to be that man. But catching his partner's killer has to be his first priority—until Faith is threatened and Gray realizes he will do anything to protect her...
Dallas cop Gray Montgomery is on a mission: find the guy who killed his partner and bring him to justice. So far, he's found a link between the killer and Faith—and if Gray has to get close to her to catch the killer, so be it.
Faith is sweet and feminine, everything Gray wants and desires in a woman, but he suspects she's playing games. No way would she allow a man to call the shots in their relationship. Or would she?
Faith sees in Gray the strong, dominant man she needs, but he seems determined to keep her at a distance. So she takes matters into her own hands to prove to him it's no game she's playing. She's willing to surrender to the right man. Gray would like to be that man. But catching his partner's killer has to be his first priority—until Faith is threatened and Gray realizes he will do anything to protect her...
344 pages, Paperback
First published March 4, 2008
1237 people are currently reading
23203 people want to read
About the author
Maya Banks
249 books21.6k followersMaya Banks is the #1 New York Times, #1 USA Today and international bestselling author of over 50 novels. A wife and mother of three, she lives in Texas.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,235 reviews
October 22, 2010
I am glad I won this book in a contest. Had I paid a trade paperback price for this, I would have been out of my mind with disappointment.
Gray Montgomery is a Dallas cop working undercover, and off the record, to avenge his partner's death on the job. Faith Malone is the office manager at Gray's new job at a Houston security firm, and her mother is the suspected killer's accomplice. Gray takes this job to get close to Faith to see if she's in cahoots with her mother.
While tapping her phones and invading her privacy illegally (how romantic) the two begin a flirtation. You see, Faith is looking for a dominant man to call all the shots in and out of bed and Gray is looking to do some shot calling. Slam dunk, right? Of course not. Naturally he has to fight his attraction. Why? I don't know. We're never really given a reason. So Faith goes after him. Wicked submissive of her, amirite?
To be fair, Gray does call Faith on her topping from the bottom, but the book gets no less silly. The mysteriously rich sex club owner Damon, on a short, professional acquaintance, offers his Galveston beach house for her solo use for a week (and sends her there via chauffeured Bentley) so she can think about her Gray dilemma. Uh-huh. Sure.
Right after she leaves, Gray's partner's father shows up in Houston all lathered up about the suspected killer being nearby. Gray and the people her works with, aka the Cast of Future Heroes, hatch a plan to set a trap to catch the bad guy, who's after Faith to try to kidnap and ransom her. Gray is then sent to Galveston to "protect" Faith with the command from her father to not tell her about all this trouble (foreshadowing should be subtle, this screams INCOMING BIG MISUNDERSTANDING, no?)
What follows is some light D/s play, some backdoor action, a borderline creepy threesome with her friend Micah and enough showering to drain the Great Lakes. Banks' falls into the trap of telling rather than showing when she writes sex. There's a lot of play-by-play where she tells us what cocks are doing to body parts and a major lack of emotion and reaction. Gems include, "He continued to thrust against her until finally he stopped....Then he eased out of her body with a gentle pop." So. Not. Hot.
The conclusion to the suspense has more gaping holes than a porn actress after a gang bang. What the hell was Mick on about by leading the bad guy to Galveston? Why was he so mean to Faith? Did the bad guy actually kill Gray's partner? Why was Gray unarmed? Why did the bad guy leave Faith where she could escape? Why would Faith believe an armed madman's word over Gray's and who the hell asks questions of an armed madman? Surely her relationship drama could've waited.
All told, this book was a chore to read. The secondary characters were woefully underdeveloped, the D/s rather vanilla, the sex tepid and the prose dry. It was a disappointment, as I enjoyed the Samhain books of hers that I read. I doubt I'll read book two, unless I win a copy of that as well.
Gray Montgomery is a Dallas cop working undercover, and off the record, to avenge his partner's death on the job. Faith Malone is the office manager at Gray's new job at a Houston security firm, and her mother is the suspected killer's accomplice. Gray takes this job to get close to Faith to see if she's in cahoots with her mother.
While tapping her phones and invading her privacy illegally (how romantic) the two begin a flirtation. You see, Faith is looking for a dominant man to call all the shots in and out of bed and Gray is looking to do some shot calling. Slam dunk, right? Of course not. Naturally he has to fight his attraction. Why? I don't know. We're never really given a reason. So Faith goes after him. Wicked submissive of her, amirite?
To be fair, Gray does call Faith on her topping from the bottom, but the book gets no less silly. The mysteriously rich sex club owner Damon, on a short, professional acquaintance, offers his Galveston beach house for her solo use for a week (and sends her there via chauffeured Bentley) so she can think about her Gray dilemma. Uh-huh. Sure.
Right after she leaves, Gray's partner's father shows up in Houston all lathered up about the suspected killer being nearby. Gray and the people her works with, aka the Cast of Future Heroes, hatch a plan to set a trap to catch the bad guy, who's after Faith to try to kidnap and ransom her. Gray is then sent to Galveston to "protect" Faith with the command from her father to not tell her about all this trouble (foreshadowing should be subtle, this screams INCOMING BIG MISUNDERSTANDING, no?)
What follows is some light D/s play, some backdoor action, a borderline creepy threesome with her friend Micah and enough showering to drain the Great Lakes. Banks' falls into the trap of telling rather than showing when she writes sex. There's a lot of play-by-play where she tells us what cocks are doing to body parts and a major lack of emotion and reaction. Gems include, "He continued to thrust against her until finally he stopped....Then he eased out of her body with a gentle pop." So. Not. Hot.
The conclusion to the suspense has more gaping holes than a porn actress after a gang bang. What the hell was Mick on about by leading the bad guy to Galveston? Why was he so mean to Faith? Did the bad guy actually kill Gray's partner? Why was Gray unarmed? Why did the bad guy leave Faith where she could escape? Why would Faith believe an armed madman's word over Gray's and who the hell asks questions of an armed madman? Surely her relationship drama could've waited.
All told, this book was a chore to read. The secondary characters were woefully underdeveloped, the D/s rather vanilla, the sex tepid and the prose dry. It was a disappointment, as I enjoyed the Samhain books of hers that I read. I doubt I'll read book two, unless I win a copy of that as well.
April 22, 2011
I'll sum this story up quickly:
Her: I want a man to dominate me!
Him: You don't know what you want. You're just playing games.
Her: OMG, you're right! I am! What's wrong with me?!
Him: Wait. What?
Girl runs away.
Later...
Him: I want to dominate you!
Her: You don't know what you want! You're just playing games.
Him: OMG, you're right. I am! And I'm lying to you, too!
100 pages of nothing but sex later...
Her: You lied to me!
Him: I'm so sorry! I love you!
Her: I understand. But I'm still so confused!
Him: Let's go home.
Her: Okie dokie.
The end.
Overall, entertaining... however, I have to admit, I find the idea of a man ejaculating all over a woman's face as her head hangs upside down over the side of the bed kinda degrading.
Her: I want a man to dominate me!
Him: You don't know what you want. You're just playing games.
Her: OMG, you're right! I am! What's wrong with me?!
Him: Wait. What?
Girl runs away.
Later...
Him: I want to dominate you!
Her: You don't know what you want! You're just playing games.
Him: OMG, you're right. I am! And I'm lying to you, too!
100 pages of nothing but sex later...
Her: You lied to me!
Him: I'm so sorry! I love you!
Her: I understand. But I'm still so confused!
Him: Let's go home.
Her: Okie dokie.
The end.
Overall, entertaining... however, I have to admit, I find the idea of a man ejaculating all over a woman's face as her head hangs upside down over the side of the bed kinda degrading.
June 19, 2009
4 ½ stars – Romantic Suspense/Erotica/BDSM/Ménage
This is a rather deep look into the makings of a Dominant/submissive relationship that encompasses both sexual and emotional fulfillment with a satisfying romantic suspense plot thrown in for extra measure. The H/H, dominant cop Gray and sweet, natural submissive Faith, are very likable characters, as are all the secondary characters. There are several hotties (sex club owner Damon and fellow security agents Connor, Nathan, and Micah) that I hope to see as lead characters in future books in the series, especially yummy Dom Micah.
Although it’s scorching hot, with some light bondage, a ménage, D/s play, and minor details described of various public escapades being performed at a sex club, there’s nothing overly kinky, and the story and character development aren’t hindered by the frequency and duration of the erotic scenes.
If submitting to a dominant man means experiencing an over abundance of orgasms, being physically and verbally worshipped, decadently bathed, and lavishly pampered, having my hair brushed and played with, eating extravagant meals that are prepared for me, and getting tons of naps...just tell me where to sign up...Sweet Surrender indeed! 4 ½ stars!
This is a rather deep look into the makings of a Dominant/submissive relationship that encompasses both sexual and emotional fulfillment with a satisfying romantic suspense plot thrown in for extra measure. The H/H, dominant cop Gray and sweet, natural submissive Faith, are very likable characters, as are all the secondary characters. There are several hotties (sex club owner Damon and fellow security agents Connor, Nathan, and Micah) that I hope to see as lead characters in future books in the series, especially yummy Dom Micah.
Although it’s scorching hot, with some light bondage, a ménage, D/s play, and minor details described of various public escapades being performed at a sex club, there’s nothing overly kinky, and the story and character development aren’t hindered by the frequency and duration of the erotic scenes.
If submitting to a dominant man means experiencing an over abundance of orgasms, being physically and verbally worshipped, decadently bathed, and lavishly pampered, having my hair brushed and played with, eating extravagant meals that are prepared for me, and getting tons of naps...just tell me where to sign up...Sweet Surrender indeed! 4 ½ stars!
March 18, 2008
This one is for anyone who likes a little romantic suspense with their erotica. I loved it--it had the perfect balance!
The hero, Gray, is a Dallas cop whose partner has been killed in the line of duty. The police are getting nowhere trying to find the perpetrator. Gray gets a lead that the perp may some way be connected to a woman in Houston. Gray takes a leave of absence and finagles a job with the family P.I. company where the woman works. He's stunned by her beauty and innocence when he meets her--she couldn't possibly be connected to his partner's murderer, could she?
The heroine, Faith, is very happy in her professional life. She has a job she loves working for her adoptive father's P.I. firm. But her personal life is just...okay. She longs for a strong, take charge kind of man. She'd like to be dominated, and taken care of by her man. But how is she going to find 'the one'? She hasn't had much luck with men...until Gray walks into her life. Could he be what she's looking for?
This was a very quick, easy read. The story flowed smoothly and I really liked the characters. The heroine had a brother and a few friends that I could also see as having their own stories told (I hope)! And the hero was hot, hot, hot, yet also sensitive and caring (loved that!) If you've read any Maya Banks books before, I'm sure you know what you'll be getting--but I'd have to say that this one is not quite as kinky (although it has it's moments) as some of her other books. This one develops into a true love story between two people who have almost given up on finding a 'soul mate'. A very enjoyable read for me! :)
The hero, Gray, is a Dallas cop whose partner has been killed in the line of duty. The police are getting nowhere trying to find the perpetrator. Gray gets a lead that the perp may some way be connected to a woman in Houston. Gray takes a leave of absence and finagles a job with the family P.I. company where the woman works. He's stunned by her beauty and innocence when he meets her--she couldn't possibly be connected to his partner's murderer, could she?
The heroine, Faith, is very happy in her professional life. She has a job she loves working for her adoptive father's P.I. firm. But her personal life is just...okay. She longs for a strong, take charge kind of man. She'd like to be dominated, and taken care of by her man. But how is she going to find 'the one'? She hasn't had much luck with men...until Gray walks into her life. Could he be what she's looking for?
This was a very quick, easy read. The story flowed smoothly and I really liked the characters. The heroine had a brother and a few friends that I could also see as having their own stories told (I hope)! And the hero was hot, hot, hot, yet also sensitive and caring (loved that!) If you've read any Maya Banks books before, I'm sure you know what you'll be getting--but I'd have to say that this one is not quite as kinky (although it has it's moments) as some of her other books. This one develops into a true love story between two people who have almost given up on finding a 'soul mate'. A very enjoyable read for me! :)
April 10, 2022
Reread 4/6/22
I got this series years ago, after the first 50 Shades book. This series was gajillion times better than FSG. I'm a little puzzled at some of the reviews after rereading now years later. Gray was a sexy as hell, dominant alpha male. And he was very unapologetic about it. Some people seem to have an issue with Gray wanting a submissive women in all things. Not that he wanted her to be a doormat but a women who let him be in charge. That's good, because that is what Faith desperately wants in a man. She is waking up and exploring her kinky side but she definitely has learned that a man who is always wanting her to call the shots isn't working for her anymore.
Gray has been burned by little sub bunnies, who love playing the sub for a scene or the night but they want to be back in charge when the morning comes. Gray's had enough of that, he is a dominant man he's not just playing one when a female's in the mood.
So here's where I get a little aggravated. Some reviewers are saying this is a terrible misrepresentation of the BDSM community, this author doesn't know anything, and all the choices are the subs to make.
I wonder if they've ever met a Dom? Do you really think they turn that off. You think between scenes, they still aren't the controlling Dom? That they just let their partners/subs run roughshod over them except during sex? Yeah.....no.
Now I'm not saying, and even Gray says he wants a woman who stands up for herself but that's something you can do and still be submissive. Gray says that there's no turning it off, but do you really think if Faith said she wasn't up for something, didn't feel good, or to stop that Gray wouldn't do that. These people seem to forget that the other side of giving your submission is that the Dom has the very large responsibility to take care of you, intuit what your feeling or discuss to find out, and meet your needs sometimes before you even know what those needs are. All while knocking your socks off with dirty kinky sexcapades.
Gray was a good man. He had a great heart, was loyal and compassionate. He was also very upfront that he needed to be in charge. Gray wanted a woman who would be the submissive counterpoint but still a 50/50 partner in their relationship. In Faith he saw the woman of his dreams, if she gave him the gift of her submission he would give her the world.
I honestly don't know what the issue was in saying it was okay for Faith to explore her wants in the kink world but no Dom wants the sub to force a relationship between them. That's not how Doms work. I know there are "bratty subs" and some Doms like/don't mind that. Many aren't going to put up with the sub forcing the issue repeatedly and going against the Dom's wishes. That's what Faith was doing, leading Gray to feel she wasn't really understanding or really didn't want a truly full time D/s relationship. Topping from the bottom is a real thing.
Once Gray realizes that Faith is genuine in her desire to have the man being in the driver's seat and take care of her and she wants that to be Gray, they take things to the next level. Gray was in charge but I don't think I've ever read another so doting and caring H, let alone a Dom. People are acting like Gray was a knuckle dragging neanderthal, but he was drawing baths and washing Faith, massaging her, brushing her hair, letting her nap and rest while he cooked and waited on her hand and foot. Not to mention sex so intense Faith didn't know if she could handle it. Yeah what women wouldn't want that.
I think some of the issue is that some people roll their eyes or can't really grasp a women that wants to cede all control over to a man. Faith was beautiful, sweet, caring, and a little bit naive. To Faith's point, there does seem to be a disdain or shunning attitude in this post feminism age towards women that want to take a more "conservative" role in the relationship. But like I say in many reviews people can like different things, can want different things, and that's okay. Some people like books when the H kidnaps, rapes, and degrades the h, or RH/poly relationships, or lizard alien men rescuing the little human. Just because you don't like the trope or don't find it relatable doesn't mean it's ridiculous. People want different things.
There was an aspect of this story that I don't quite care for. It's so hypocritical but I love RH and menage but don't care for when an established relationship just adds a third here or there. That does happen here when Grey and Faith are exploring each others kink. Grey made it clear if Faith didn't want it or it became too much, to say the word and things would stop immediately. It was hot, just not my favorite thing to happen.
Again I really liked this book. Gray was sexy and strong. Faith was lovely. This, though, is a very BDSM heavy series. I believe the next book in the series is even more intense than this one with a 24/7 Master/slave relationship. I personally think that's a little kooky, but I still enjoyed that book too. I can understand and appreciate someone's choice to be in that type of relationship even if I personally wouldn't.
Sorry about my rambling rant!! 😖🤣🤣
I got this series years ago, after the first 50 Shades book. This series was gajillion times better than FSG. I'm a little puzzled at some of the reviews after rereading now years later. Gray was a sexy as hell, dominant alpha male. And he was very unapologetic about it. Some people seem to have an issue with Gray wanting a submissive women in all things. Not that he wanted her to be a doormat but a women who let him be in charge. That's good, because that is what Faith desperately wants in a man. She is waking up and exploring her kinky side but she definitely has learned that a man who is always wanting her to call the shots isn't working for her anymore.
Gray has been burned by little sub bunnies, who love playing the sub for a scene or the night but they want to be back in charge when the morning comes. Gray's had enough of that, he is a dominant man he's not just playing one when a female's in the mood.
So here's where I get a little aggravated. Some reviewers are saying this is a terrible misrepresentation of the BDSM community, this author doesn't know anything, and all the choices are the subs to make.
I wonder if they've ever met a Dom? Do you really think they turn that off. You think between scenes, they still aren't the controlling Dom? That they just let their partners/subs run roughshod over them except during sex? Yeah.....no.
Now I'm not saying, and even Gray says he wants a woman who stands up for herself but that's something you can do and still be submissive. Gray says that there's no turning it off, but do you really think if Faith said she wasn't up for something, didn't feel good, or to stop that Gray wouldn't do that. These people seem to forget that the other side of giving your submission is that the Dom has the very large responsibility to take care of you, intuit what your feeling or discuss to find out, and meet your needs sometimes before you even know what those needs are. All while knocking your socks off with dirty kinky sexcapades.
Gray was a good man. He had a great heart, was loyal and compassionate. He was also very upfront that he needed to be in charge. Gray wanted a woman who would be the submissive counterpoint but still a 50/50 partner in their relationship. In Faith he saw the woman of his dreams, if she gave him the gift of her submission he would give her the world.
I honestly don't know what the issue was in saying it was okay for Faith to explore her wants in the kink world but no Dom wants the sub to force a relationship between them. That's not how Doms work. I know there are "bratty subs" and some Doms like/don't mind that. Many aren't going to put up with the sub forcing the issue repeatedly and going against the Dom's wishes. That's what Faith was doing, leading Gray to feel she wasn't really understanding or really didn't want a truly full time D/s relationship. Topping from the bottom is a real thing.
Once Gray realizes that Faith is genuine in her desire to have the man being in the driver's seat and take care of her and she wants that to be Gray, they take things to the next level. Gray was in charge but I don't think I've ever read another so doting and caring H, let alone a Dom. People are acting like Gray was a knuckle dragging neanderthal, but he was drawing baths and washing Faith, massaging her, brushing her hair, letting her nap and rest while he cooked and waited on her hand and foot. Not to mention sex so intense Faith didn't know if she could handle it. Yeah what women wouldn't want that.
I think some of the issue is that some people roll their eyes or can't really grasp a women that wants to cede all control over to a man. Faith was beautiful, sweet, caring, and a little bit naive. To Faith's point, there does seem to be a disdain or shunning attitude in this post feminism age towards women that want to take a more "conservative" role in the relationship. But like I say in many reviews people can like different things, can want different things, and that's okay. Some people like books when the H kidnaps, rapes, and degrades the h, or RH/poly relationships, or lizard alien men rescuing the little human. Just because you don't like the trope or don't find it relatable doesn't mean it's ridiculous. People want different things.
There was an aspect of this story that I don't quite care for. It's so hypocritical but I love RH and menage but don't care for when an established relationship just adds a third here or there. That does happen here when Grey and Faith are exploring each others kink. Grey made it clear if Faith didn't want it or it became too much, to say the word and things would stop immediately. It was hot, just not my favorite thing to happen.
Again I really liked this book. Gray was sexy and strong. Faith was lovely. This, though, is a very BDSM heavy series. I believe the next book in the series is even more intense than this one with a 24/7 Master/slave relationship. I personally think that's a little kooky, but I still enjoyed that book too. I can understand and appreciate someone's choice to be in that type of relationship even if I personally wouldn't.
Sorry about my rambling rant!! 😖🤣🤣
March 17, 2011
3.5 STARS!!!
Sweet Surrender was a little slow for me. I thought that there was a lot of emphasis placed on things that really weren’t necessary. I don’t need to read about Faith’s day-to-day work duties. In contrast, the things that I was looking forward to didn’t meet my expectations. I was a little bit disappointed with the pacing. I hate to admit it, but I was skimming a lot of the pages.
Part of the reason was because even though I liked Faith in the beginning, she kind of lost her appeal half way through. I just kept waiting and waiting for something drastic to happen and nothing did.
And although Gray seemed like a nice guy, I thought he was almost too nice for a Dom. One moment he’s this charming guy who smiles when he makes Faith blush and then the next moment, he’s shoving his hard cock down her throat telling her to swallow. I just didn’t feel like his character in the first half of the book matched the latter half. Basically, I wasn’t feeling him.
But I am interested in reading the other books in the series, especially Micah!
Sweet Surrender was a little slow for me. I thought that there was a lot of emphasis placed on things that really weren’t necessary. I don’t need to read about Faith’s day-to-day work duties. In contrast, the things that I was looking forward to didn’t meet my expectations. I was a little bit disappointed with the pacing. I hate to admit it, but I was skimming a lot of the pages.
Part of the reason was because even though I liked Faith in the beginning, she kind of lost her appeal half way through. I just kept waiting and waiting for something drastic to happen and nothing did.
And although Gray seemed like a nice guy, I thought he was almost too nice for a Dom. One moment he’s this charming guy who smiles when he makes Faith blush and then the next moment, he’s shoving his hard cock down her throat telling her to swallow. I just didn’t feel like his character in the first half of the book matched the latter half. Basically, I wasn’t feeling him.
But I am interested in reading the other books in the series, especially Micah!
November 8, 2011
2.5 stars.
This book was ok for me, but not up to the caliber of, say, Cherise Sinclair's novels involving a BDSM theme. While some of the scenes were definitely hot, I didn't feel there was a great connection between Gray and Faith. I kinda felt that Gray was a bit too selfish (more of a dictator than a dom), especially in his refusal to dole out a safe word. Faith, IMO, was a weak heroine - yes, I guess she was "assertive" enough to know and insist she wanted a submissive lifestyle, but she didn't have much of a personality and it seemed like what she really wanted was to be treated like a doormat.
The suspense element to 'Sweet Surrender' wasn't all that suspenseful, and felt like filler in an otherwise erotically themed story. I was, however, somewhat intrigued by the aloof and debonair Damon, owner of the kink establishment 'The House', and for that reason I'll likely continue with the next in this series.
This book was ok for me, but not up to the caliber of, say, Cherise Sinclair's novels involving a BDSM theme. While some of the scenes were definitely hot, I didn't feel there was a great connection between Gray and Faith. I kinda felt that Gray was a bit too selfish (more of a dictator than a dom), especially in his refusal to dole out a safe word. Faith, IMO, was a weak heroine - yes, I guess she was "assertive" enough to know and insist she wanted a submissive lifestyle, but she didn't have much of a personality and it seemed like what she really wanted was to be treated like a doormat.
The suspense element to 'Sweet Surrender' wasn't all that suspenseful, and felt like filler in an otherwise erotically themed story. I was, however, somewhat intrigued by the aloof and debonair Damon, owner of the kink establishment 'The House', and for that reason I'll likely continue with the next in this series.
February 2, 2013
❤❤ ½ (Not a terrible story. Just got terribly old, quickly)
I try not to let other reviewers' evaluations weigh too heavily on my own but I'm always so surprised when I read something that I consider less than great then see that my GRs friends/people I follow have rated it highly and/or raved about it. It just so happens that this is one of those times and as I'm reading the reviews that say things like 'great development'; 'couldn't put it down'; 'a new take on the Dom/sub relationship' or 'the book was deep', I can't help but giggle. Sure, it's deep in so much as how many times the poor girl gets DP'd (deeply not 'double' penetrated although that nearly happens too), but deep by any other definition? I'd have to disagree.
I'm guessing the depth of story that some reviewers remark on happens in the first 127 pages. The romance (I use the term lightly) doesn't happen until well after that so those first 16 chapters are devoted to story building. Here's what I learned. Our hero, Gray, is taking a leave of absence from the Dallas Police Department to go to Houston in search of his partner's murderer; based on a lead his partner's father has found. In Houston, Gray works at Malone and Sons, a security agency. His mark is the boss's daughter Faith, whose derelict mother is assumed to be cavorting with the murderer. Faith is 22, has had a difficult childhood, rarely speaks to her mom these days unless she calls begging money, and is well loved by her adopted dad, Pop, brother Conner, and the other two employees Nathan and Micah (all decent characters who I assume are the focus of subsequent books). Faith has decided that shewants, no needs a dominate man, lover, protector and keeper so she schedules an appointment at a sex club hoping to find what she desires. It just so happens that all his life Gray has been looking for a girl with Faith's wants, but every other girl he's tried it with has turned out to be only half willing. So page 127, we're at the fetish club. Faith gives it a shot but is disappointed with the result until Gray shows up and spanks her. Then BAM! she knows what she wants and who can give it to her but Gray fights her off for many more chapters.
A few reviews mentioned that this book offered a new take on the Dom/sub relationship. I'll concede that it tries to offer a new take, or at the very least disparages sex club Dom/subs and reduces their import to playacting, sex games and role players. It also attempts to show Faith's desire to be dominated and taken care of as normal. What women wouldn't like to be taken care of in every possible way? I don't know any. And I didn't think it made her weak or abnormal anyway. The one recurring problem I have with every BDSM book I've read is that the author spends a good deal of time explaining how BDSM is normal behavior, nothing to be ashamed of, and that prevailing culture hasn't accepted it as such. But then, rather than support this view with 'normal' characters they present the reader with characters who have been greatly hurt, are damaged or suffer from something that results in them needing whatever BDSM is supposed to be/offer/provide. Now as humans we are all flawed and damaged and our past dictates our present and future so there is no way around that in literature. Plus it would be pretty boring to read about perfection anyway. But it's hard to make a case for BDSM in books when everyone is so messed up. And in this case, like most others I've read, no matter how you try to pretty it up by telling me on page 293 that it's an emotional connection that drives their sexual acts, you have to call this what it is and that's submission to the same degrading degree it's always been.
I was actually a bit sickened by the scene where Faith tells Gray she doesn't know what to expect from the arrangement they've agreed on. He asks "Did you expect to be kneeling? Have to ask permission to speak? Did you expect me to beat you before fucking your brains out?" Faith nods yes. Gray says he's "not an asshole...and won't treat her like garbage...and there are lots of ways for her to show submission and respect which don't include humiliation or ill treatment." But after reading this book, I'd say that Gray's ways of showing submission and "respect" are little better. Faith has not been demure or naive about her needs in this book and the fact that she thought Gray would do those things, thought she had to endure those types of things, especially if against her will, irritated me.
There are moments in real life when some of the more explosive sex scenes from this book could be erotic for some people. I'd actually say it's more for men than women though. In fact I felt like I was reading a book catered to a man's desires most of the time. But in real life, when half of this stuff happens, I can't imagine how the girl walks away feeling loved, cherished, protected and cared for, which is what the book tries to make you believe is happening. It's even sometimes just disgusting to read.
During the couple's first night at the beach house (where the sexual relationship begins) Gray tells Faith that the first night is all about her. He takes her to dinner, talks to her a about her past and her current desires, bathes her, brushes her hair, pleasures her with his hand, tells her how much she's desired, holds her while they sleep naked together. Aww, kind of sweet. But the next day he reminds her that it's all about him now and though the first day is mild and sweet with a bit of kink, it never seems to be about anyone else but him after that.
The sex happens only over the course of a few days and that really constitutes the entirety of their relationship as they only have one true conversation and it's only about Faith. We don't learn much more about Gray. The sex is nearly endless (it also got very boring to read) and there is a good deal of pain and ramming and shoving and stretching and forcing and spanking, oh my! At one point Gray is telling Faith to simply "Relax, it's going to hurt...Let go of the hurt" he's inflicting and just "Embrace the pleasure." Umm, he just "shoved...deep" and "forced" his you know what into her virgin bum. But Faith describes his words as sensual which, you know, is exactly what I was thinking, in between cringes. *sarcasm* She's happy as a clam after, saying she's "never been better" so he takes her naked body, bends it over the arm of the sofa, ties her arms behind her back and warns her to stay just like that until he comes back from showering. Wow, he's a dreamboat. In another scene he acknowledges that after he's collapsed on top of her and is holding her to him too tightly, she probably can't breathe but he didn't care because in that moment he just wanted her close. Again, I can see how Faith sees this man as her protector and provider.
So I didn't really like the sex stuff. The rest of the book was ok. I suppose the plot is plausible and the minor characters are likeable, mostly. I should mentioned that there is nothing wrong with Banks' writing per se. She's a proficient writer that I have enjoyed reading in the past. Her McCabe trilogy got 3, 4 and 5 stars from me. It's next to impossible to get a 5 outta me so that's saying something. But sometimes in erotic novels you really do feel like you're reading inferior material for cheap thrills and at times this book was not different. And I resent the word 'woo woo' as a euphemism for vagina. It's was so childish and unnecessary.
I have book OCD that demands that I read every book (in order) in a series once I start it. That is if I'm able to get them from my library or cheapish. I will not, however, be making much effort to continue this series.
I try not to let other reviewers' evaluations weigh too heavily on my own but I'm always so surprised when I read something that I consider less than great then see that my GRs friends/people I follow have rated it highly and/or raved about it. It just so happens that this is one of those times and as I'm reading the reviews that say things like 'great development'; 'couldn't put it down'; 'a new take on the Dom/sub relationship' or 'the book was deep', I can't help but giggle. Sure, it's deep in so much as how many times the poor girl gets DP'd (deeply not 'double' penetrated although that nearly happens too), but deep by any other definition? I'd have to disagree.
I'm guessing the depth of story that some reviewers remark on happens in the first 127 pages. The romance (I use the term lightly) doesn't happen until well after that so those first 16 chapters are devoted to story building. Here's what I learned. Our hero, Gray, is taking a leave of absence from the Dallas Police Department to go to Houston in search of his partner's murderer; based on a lead his partner's father has found. In Houston, Gray works at Malone and Sons, a security agency. His mark is the boss's daughter Faith, whose derelict mother is assumed to be cavorting with the murderer. Faith is 22, has had a difficult childhood, rarely speaks to her mom these days unless she calls begging money, and is well loved by her adopted dad, Pop, brother Conner, and the other two employees Nathan and Micah (all decent characters who I assume are the focus of subsequent books). Faith has decided that she
A few reviews mentioned that this book offered a new take on the Dom/sub relationship. I'll concede that it tries to offer a new take, or at the very least disparages sex club Dom/subs and reduces their import to playacting, sex games and role players. It also attempts to show Faith's desire to be dominated and taken care of as normal. What women wouldn't like to be taken care of in every possible way? I don't know any. And I didn't think it made her weak or abnormal anyway. The one recurring problem I have with every BDSM book I've read is that the author spends a good deal of time explaining how BDSM is normal behavior, nothing to be ashamed of, and that prevailing culture hasn't accepted it as such. But then, rather than support this view with 'normal' characters they present the reader with characters who have been greatly hurt, are damaged or suffer from something that results in them needing whatever BDSM is supposed to be/offer/provide. Now as humans we are all flawed and damaged and our past dictates our present and future so there is no way around that in literature. Plus it would be pretty boring to read about perfection anyway. But it's hard to make a case for BDSM in books when everyone is so messed up. And in this case, like most others I've read, no matter how you try to pretty it up by telling me on page 293 that it's an emotional connection that drives their sexual acts, you have to call this what it is and that's submission to the same degrading degree it's always been.
I was actually a bit sickened by the scene where Faith tells Gray she doesn't know what to expect from the arrangement they've agreed on. He asks "Did you expect to be kneeling? Have to ask permission to speak? Did you expect me to beat you before fucking your brains out?" Faith nods yes. Gray says he's "not an asshole...and won't treat her like garbage...and there are lots of ways for her to show submission and respect which don't include humiliation or ill treatment." But after reading this book, I'd say that Gray's ways of showing submission and "respect" are little better. Faith has not been demure or naive about her needs in this book and the fact that she thought Gray would do those things, thought she had to endure those types of things, especially if against her will, irritated me.
There are moments in real life when some of the more explosive sex scenes from this book could be erotic for some people. I'd actually say it's more for men than women though. In fact I felt like I was reading a book catered to a man's desires most of the time. But in real life, when half of this stuff happens, I can't imagine how the girl walks away feeling loved, cherished, protected and cared for, which is what the book tries to make you believe is happening. It's even sometimes just disgusting to read.
During the couple's first night at the beach house (where the sexual relationship begins) Gray tells Faith that the first night is all about her. He takes her to dinner, talks to her a about her past and her current desires, bathes her, brushes her hair, pleasures her with his hand, tells her how much she's desired, holds her while they sleep naked together. Aww, kind of sweet. But the next day he reminds her that it's all about him now and though the first day is mild and sweet with a bit of kink, it never seems to be about anyone else but him after that.
The sex happens only over the course of a few days and that really constitutes the entirety of their relationship as they only have one true conversation and it's only about Faith. We don't learn much more about Gray. The sex is nearly endless (it also got very boring to read) and there is a good deal of pain and ramming and shoving and stretching and forcing and spanking, oh my! At one point Gray is telling Faith to simply "Relax, it's going to hurt...Let go of the hurt" he's inflicting and just "Embrace the pleasure." Umm, he just "shoved...deep" and "forced" his you know what into her virgin bum. But Faith describes his words as sensual which, you know, is exactly what I was thinking, in between cringes. *sarcasm* She's happy as a clam after, saying she's "never been better" so he takes her naked body, bends it over the arm of the sofa, ties her arms behind her back and warns her to stay just like that until he comes back from showering. Wow, he's a dreamboat. In another scene he acknowledges that after he's collapsed on top of her and is holding her to him too tightly, she probably can't breathe but he didn't care because in that moment he just wanted her close. Again, I can see how Faith sees this man as her protector and provider.
So I didn't really like the sex stuff. The rest of the book was ok. I suppose the plot is plausible and the minor characters are likeable, mostly. I should mentioned that there is nothing wrong with Banks' writing per se. She's a proficient writer that I have enjoyed reading in the past. Her McCabe trilogy got 3, 4 and 5 stars from me. It's next to impossible to get a 5 outta me so that's saying something. But sometimes in erotic novels you really do feel like you're reading inferior material for cheap thrills and at times this book was not different. And I resent the word 'woo woo' as a euphemism for vagina. It's was so childish and unnecessary.
I have book OCD that demands that I read every book (in order) in a series once I start it. That is if I'm able to get them from my library or cheapish. I will not, however, be making much effort to continue this series.
April 24, 2008
I loved this book so much! I hated to see it end. I loved everything about this book. The characters were likable and I found myself really caring about the outcome of the storyline.
Police detective Gray Montgomery is recovering from the murder of his partner and his own injuries. Just when he is about to return from medical leave, his partner's father Mick-who is a retired police officer-approachs him with information about the killer. Finding out that the killer is shacked up with a two-timed loser of a woman who frequently mooches off her daughter and others, Gray decides to some investating of his own. When Mick tells him he has arranged for Gray to work at the business the daughter works at, Gray decides to earn the daughters trust, and hopefully it will lead to justice for the death of his partner.
Faith has had to take care of her mother most of her life. Shouldered by the responsibity of taking care of her worthless mother, she has learned to rely on her other family for emotional support. She has been making efforts to separate herself from contact with her mother. Longing for more dominance with her relationship with men, (she's still not a pushover) She is shocked by the immediate attraction and chemistry she has with Gray. Her instincts tell her he is exactly the man she is looking for.
Faith and Gray are very likeable people. But have issues of trust and personal growth they have to achieve throughout the book. Faith longs for a more dominant man in her life, but she isn't a pushover by any means. Gray also grows throughout this book. He is dominate, but not in a demeaning way. I liked that they became friends first before jumping into bed together. Both have some issues they had to work on, but watching them build their relationship was a wonderful thing to read. Some of the things Gray does for Faith was truly romantic...he definately knows how to take care of a woman!
This book could easily start a series or spin off from the other characters in it. I hope the author continues with the lives of the characters, because I am definately interested in what will become of everyone.
There is some mild BDSM and some strong language in this book, so if you are offended by either one, it won't be for you.
Police detective Gray Montgomery is recovering from the murder of his partner and his own injuries. Just when he is about to return from medical leave, his partner's father Mick-who is a retired police officer-approachs him with information about the killer. Finding out that the killer is shacked up with a two-timed loser of a woman who frequently mooches off her daughter and others, Gray decides to some investating of his own. When Mick tells him he has arranged for Gray to work at the business the daughter works at, Gray decides to earn the daughters trust, and hopefully it will lead to justice for the death of his partner.
Faith has had to take care of her mother most of her life. Shouldered by the responsibity of taking care of her worthless mother, she has learned to rely on her other family for emotional support. She has been making efforts to separate herself from contact with her mother. Longing for more dominance with her relationship with men, (she's still not a pushover) She is shocked by the immediate attraction and chemistry she has with Gray. Her instincts tell her he is exactly the man she is looking for.
Faith and Gray are very likeable people. But have issues of trust and personal growth they have to achieve throughout the book. Faith longs for a more dominant man in her life, but she isn't a pushover by any means. Gray also grows throughout this book. He is dominate, but not in a demeaning way. I liked that they became friends first before jumping into bed together. Both have some issues they had to work on, but watching them build their relationship was a wonderful thing to read. Some of the things Gray does for Faith was truly romantic...he definately knows how to take care of a woman!
This book could easily start a series or spin off from the other characters in it. I hope the author continues with the lives of the characters, because I am definately interested in what will become of everyone.
There is some mild BDSM and some strong language in this book, so if you are offended by either one, it won't be for you.
May 6, 2019
Sweet Surrender is a sweet light and HEA type of story. Not much of story or plot. No layers on the story. Characters pretty much 1 dimensional. A lot of insta lust/ love. And since this is Maya Banks, the sex must be prominent on the story.
But I found it very standard. I do not like it nor hate it. I just read it for passing time. I even found the sex is kind of boring and repetitive. Not much steam.
3 stars
But I found it very standard. I do not like it nor hate it. I just read it for passing time. I even found the sex is kind of boring and repetitive. Not much steam.
3 stars
December 3, 2012
Review originally posted at:
[ http://prufreads.blogspot.com/2012/12... ]
As the sexual tension between Gray and Faith grew stronger, my sexual tension was about to blow a gasket! I don't think I've had an itch to scratch that bad since reading Kristen Ashley's - The Gamble. So I held my expectations pretty high in hopes that my patience would be awarded - Nope. The BDSM theme in this novel was actually pretty tame. (A word I never thought to associate with BDSM!) But it was. The first half of the book was no touching, no sex, not even a few dirty words.. and even Gray's thoughts about Faith were pretty tedious. Then all of a sudden when we see their first sexual encounter at The House (which only took eighteen-freakin' chapters to get to), Gray is abruptly pushing her down on her knees and telling her to "take it deep."? I admit, after seeing humble Gray for so long, I was thrilled when seeing Faith being paddled sent Gray's temperature off the scale and his way of 'retrieving' her was pretty hot. Afterwards? A recipe of public displays, anal, a strange ménage (which we will come back to) and a dash of SOFT d/s play. I could stand most of them, sure, but the more sex there was in Gray and Faith’s pivotal week together, one scene just faded into another. I found myself skimming the multiple shower/bath scenes. (This book had enough bathing to have their skin wrinkle and dissolve.)
Now back to that ménage..
Borderline creepy threesome with her friend Micah? He thought of her like a little sister for over 3 years! Then suddenly he gets the golden ticket to gang bang with her and Gray so he jumps at it? Not on my watch!
Where did that even come from? Just seemed kinda random considering we didn't see much interaction with Micah until towards the end. Maybe if Faith and Gray had developed their relationship further, it would have made more sense. Ménages have just never been on my hot-&-heavy list sadly. I mean, hey, I gave it a shot. This book was just not the one to make me a believer in the art of group groping.
Enough ranting over sex (which pains me to say) - time for some character/plot critiques. I admired Faith wanting a real dom, not a guy playacting. I guess because that's how I see most books - they're just acting it out. Banks however makes any woman want to submit, especially if it means getting pampered and having naps all day like Faith does. Her demeanor towards her mother was awe-inspiring. I was so ecstatic to read about a female protagonist that did NOT give into the antagonist's demands! Good for you Faith! Thus, I was a bit in denial when she considered an armed madman's word over Gray's.. and who the hell asks questions of an armed madman?! Surely her relationship drama could've waited. Lastly there was Damon. Did anyone else have a weird crush on him?? Just me?? Good! 'Cause he's mine! I was so depressed to see how woefully underdeveloped his character was though - just as the other secondary characters were.
Unfortunately, the mystery/action part of the plot left me flat. While I enjoyed seeing Gray and Faith’s relationship grow, the other side of the story was forced and frankly, a lot of times did not make much sense. There were glaring inconsistencies and at times (like at the end), where the plot became rushed.
Other than those few little blips, this is an okay book. The writing is very fluent. There’s always a nice flow and rhythm throughout the story. I never found myself tripping or stumbling over a phrase nor dialogue. So if you are looking for a well written relationship and chaste d/s, this is definitely a book for you. If you are looking for a strong plot and blush inducing sex scenes, then you might want to look elsewhere.
[ http://prufreads.blogspot.com/2012/12... ]
As the sexual tension between Gray and Faith grew stronger, my sexual tension was about to blow a gasket! I don't think I've had an itch to scratch that bad since reading Kristen Ashley's - The Gamble. So I held my expectations pretty high in hopes that my patience would be awarded - Nope. The BDSM theme in this novel was actually pretty tame. (A word I never thought to associate with BDSM!) But it was. The first half of the book was no touching, no sex, not even a few dirty words.. and even Gray's thoughts about Faith were pretty tedious. Then all of a sudden when we see their first sexual encounter at The House (which only took eighteen-freakin' chapters to get to), Gray is abruptly pushing her down on her knees and telling her to "take it deep."? I admit, after seeing humble Gray for so long, I was thrilled when seeing Faith being paddled sent Gray's temperature off the scale and his way of 'retrieving' her was pretty hot. Afterwards? A recipe of public displays, anal, a strange ménage (which we will come back to) and a dash of SOFT d/s play. I could stand most of them, sure, but the more sex there was in Gray and Faith’s pivotal week together, one scene just faded into another. I found myself skimming the multiple shower/bath scenes. (This book had enough bathing to have their skin wrinkle and dissolve.)
Now back to that ménage..
Borderline creepy threesome with her friend Micah? He thought of her like a little sister for over 3 years! Then suddenly he gets the golden ticket to gang bang with her and Gray so he jumps at it? Not on my watch!
Where did that even come from? Just seemed kinda random considering we didn't see much interaction with Micah until towards the end. Maybe if Faith and Gray had developed their relationship further, it would have made more sense. Ménages have just never been on my hot-&-heavy list sadly. I mean, hey, I gave it a shot. This book was just not the one to make me a believer in the art of group groping.
Enough ranting over sex (which pains me to say) - time for some character/plot critiques. I admired Faith wanting a real dom, not a guy playacting. I guess because that's how I see most books - they're just acting it out. Banks however makes any woman want to submit, especially if it means getting pampered and having naps all day like Faith does. Her demeanor towards her mother was awe-inspiring. I was so ecstatic to read about a female protagonist that did NOT give into the antagonist's demands! Good for you Faith! Thus, I was a bit in denial when she considered an armed madman's word over Gray's.. and who the hell asks questions of an armed madman?! Surely her relationship drama could've waited. Lastly there was Damon. Did anyone else have a weird crush on him?? Just me?? Good! 'Cause he's mine! I was so depressed to see how woefully underdeveloped his character was though - just as the other secondary characters were.
Unfortunately, the mystery/action part of the plot left me flat. While I enjoyed seeing Gray and Faith’s relationship grow, the other side of the story was forced and frankly, a lot of times did not make much sense. There were glaring inconsistencies and at times (like at the end), where the plot became rushed.
Other than those few little blips, this is an okay book. The writing is very fluent. There’s always a nice flow and rhythm throughout the story. I never found myself tripping or stumbling over a phrase nor dialogue. So if you are looking for a well written relationship and chaste d/s, this is definitely a book for you. If you are looking for a strong plot and blush inducing sex scenes, then you might want to look elsewhere.
March 24, 2018
4.5 Great Series Opener
I adored all characters! Straight on to the next one.
I adored all characters! Straight on to the next one.
December 8, 2011
This review contains some content that may not be appropriate for all eyes. I have chosen a paragraph from the book that is tasteful (IMHO) and gives you a look into how the author portrays delicious moments between the lovers in Sweet Surrender.
It has been a very long time since I’ve read an erotica book. I was a little shocked haha .. I guess I feel old. Regardless, this book was super cool and I really like the story and the characters.
The author did a fantastic job bringing the characters to left. The diversity of personalities is a wonderful change.
Sweet Surrender is a book about the relationship between Faith and Gray.
Faith is a sweet and kind woman who is disappointed and unsatisfied with the relationships in which she has found herself. Although the men in her life have been kind and respectful, they have also been entirely too passive for her tastes. She craves a man who will make the decisions for her. She craves submission and to be taken over by the passion that only a real man can give her.
Gray is a cop that is grieving over his dead partner that was murdered. Taking some leave from work, he relocates to Houston where he inserts himself into a security business where Faith works. She is his only lead and he must get close to her in hopes of luring the murderer out into the open.
Fighting the attraction (I just love it when they fight it haha), they both constantly turn away from each other. Avoiding lust filled eyes and sexual tension, the relationship becomes firework worthy explosive.
Deciding to take control of her sexuality, she searches for a way to dive into a new lifestyle. “The House” is an establishment that hosts a scrumptious amount of room to fulfil almost any fantasy a person can dream of. Need.
Gray refuses to let Faith put herself in that position and walks into The House to bring her home kicking and screaming if he has to. What he finds, sends lightning shooting through his body as well as rage. Trying to prove to Faith what she does and truly does not want, Gray opens up a moment between them that they are unable to ignore.
For once, her heart and her mind were in unison with her body. Never had she felt so complete. So satisfied. So content. So convinced that this was where she was supposed to be. Fresh tears rolled down her cheeks as every single muscle in her body tightened unbearably. And finally her release flooded her, relaxing the tension. She floated, weightless, cradled in his arms. She became aware of him kissing her ear and murmuring soothing words.
This book has extremely strong sexual content. Mild violence. Forewarning, this is an erotica book that is surrounded by an alternative lifestyle. Read at your own lust filled bravery!
I recommend this book to any lonely housewife. I recommend this book to anyone in general that needs a little spike for their fantasies. I recommend this book to anyone that is searching for something they may feel ashamed of.
Now, I’m on to the next book of the series, Sweet Persuasion.
Happy reading!
It has been a very long time since I’ve read an erotica book. I was a little shocked haha .. I guess I feel old. Regardless, this book was super cool and I really like the story and the characters.
The author did a fantastic job bringing the characters to left. The diversity of personalities is a wonderful change.
Sweet Surrender is a book about the relationship between Faith and Gray.
Faith is a sweet and kind woman who is disappointed and unsatisfied with the relationships in which she has found herself. Although the men in her life have been kind and respectful, they have also been entirely too passive for her tastes. She craves a man who will make the decisions for her. She craves submission and to be taken over by the passion that only a real man can give her.
Gray is a cop that is grieving over his dead partner that was murdered. Taking some leave from work, he relocates to Houston where he inserts himself into a security business where Faith works. She is his only lead and he must get close to her in hopes of luring the murderer out into the open.
Fighting the attraction (I just love it when they fight it haha), they both constantly turn away from each other. Avoiding lust filled eyes and sexual tension, the relationship becomes firework worthy explosive.
Deciding to take control of her sexuality, she searches for a way to dive into a new lifestyle. “The House” is an establishment that hosts a scrumptious amount of room to fulfil almost any fantasy a person can dream of. Need.
Gray refuses to let Faith put herself in that position and walks into The House to bring her home kicking and screaming if he has to. What he finds, sends lightning shooting through his body as well as rage. Trying to prove to Faith what she does and truly does not want, Gray opens up a moment between them that they are unable to ignore.
For once, her heart and her mind were in unison with her body. Never had she felt so complete. So satisfied. So content. So convinced that this was where she was supposed to be. Fresh tears rolled down her cheeks as every single muscle in her body tightened unbearably. And finally her release flooded her, relaxing the tension. She floated, weightless, cradled in his arms. She became aware of him kissing her ear and murmuring soothing words.
This book has extremely strong sexual content. Mild violence. Forewarning, this is an erotica book that is surrounded by an alternative lifestyle. Read at your own lust filled bravery!
I recommend this book to any lonely housewife. I recommend this book to anyone in general that needs a little spike for their fantasies. I recommend this book to anyone that is searching for something they may feel ashamed of.
Now, I’m on to the next book of the series, Sweet Persuasion.
Happy reading!
September 29, 2013
3.5 stars. A little weak on story at times, because it sometimes moves fast. Also, the good sex takes awhile to get to. BUT when it happens, it's SMOKIN HOT!!!
I will read the others in this series eventually.
I will read the others in this series eventually.
August 7, 2015
mehhh I didn't feel my connection with the characters, also the story was predictable
February 21, 2016
3-3.5 stars
Sigh! I just had this review all written out and then accidentally erased it all... so here we go again.
This was a decent story but had some definite flaws. Faith was a good heroine and Gray was an alright hero but to me, the story was a bit lacking. BTW, the BDSM in this story is seems more along the lines of BDSM-lite.
Faith is an office manager for a security firm. Faith grew up with a lazy and selfish mother and Faith supported her mother more than anything. When she was older, Faith was adopted by Pops and now she's very happy with her life. Faith's main issue right now is that she can't seem to find a guy who will satisfy her in bed.
Gray is a cop whose partner was killed by a bad guy. Gray takes some leave from his job in order to help his late partner's father, Mick, investigate his murder since the police force isn't getting anywhere. They find out that the suspect is hanging around with a woman and that woman has a daughter (Faith) she mooches money off of when she's in need. Gray and Mick think this is a good lead so Gray goes to watch the daughter to find the mother and their suspect.
When the story begins, Faith is just breaking up with her boyfriend because things just aren't working for them. Mostly this is in the bedroom and unfortunately, when Faith tried suggesting adding some kink into their sex, her boyfriend wasn't into it so they split up. Thankfully, Faith wasn't overly broken up about it. Gray gets a job working at the security company and the chemistry between them is intense. Gray tries to ignore it while Faith tries to pursue it. Gray is determined to keep Faith at arm's length since he's having to lie to her about most everything and this would probably have been a good idea if it wasn't for the fact that Gray has a hard time keeping his hands off her. Things aren't helped by the fact that Faith starts investigating BDSM because she suspects she's a submissive and Gray finds out. I was actually a bit pissed off when this happened because Faith got hit with the "You're too sweet to "really" be into this. You must be in over your head." talk. All I could think was....can you be just a bit more condescending???
So Faith is interested in Gray and he's sending her mixed signals and the brushoff attempts end up being rather rude at times. Faith is getting some calls from her mother but doesn't realize how bad things are. She thinks her mom just wants money and Faith keeps telling her she won't give her any but Faith doesn't know that her mom is being pushed by a bad guy. Just about the time that Faith is ready to give up on Gray, he decides to step up...unfortunately, Gray doesn't tell her the truth about why he's there though and you can guess how that turns out when the crap hits the fan. Things do turn out well though and the story ends with Faith and Gray working things out and starting on a HEA together.
This was a decently enjoyable story. Faith was a good heroine overall...I can't think of any major complaints about her. Gray was alright but I had some issues with how he handled things, especially later in the story when he could have told her the truth yet didn't. The story itself was definitely focused on the romance storyline and most of the time the action storyline seemed more like filler than anything else. Overall, this book was good but had definite flaws. I own the whole series so I'll be reading the next book in the series but I don't think I'd recommend this one.
* note - I listened to the audio version of this book and the narrator did a very good job.
Sigh! I just had this review all written out and then accidentally erased it all... so here we go again.
This was a decent story but had some definite flaws. Faith was a good heroine and Gray was an alright hero but to me, the story was a bit lacking. BTW, the BDSM in this story is seems more along the lines of BDSM-lite.
Faith is an office manager for a security firm. Faith grew up with a lazy and selfish mother and Faith supported her mother more than anything. When she was older, Faith was adopted by Pops and now she's very happy with her life. Faith's main issue right now is that she can't seem to find a guy who will satisfy her in bed.
Gray is a cop whose partner was killed by a bad guy. Gray takes some leave from his job in order to help his late partner's father, Mick, investigate his murder since the police force isn't getting anywhere. They find out that the suspect is hanging around with a woman and that woman has a daughter (Faith) she mooches money off of when she's in need. Gray and Mick think this is a good lead so Gray goes to watch the daughter to find the mother and their suspect.
When the story begins, Faith is just breaking up with her boyfriend because things just aren't working for them. Mostly this is in the bedroom and unfortunately, when Faith tried suggesting adding some kink into their sex, her boyfriend wasn't into it so they split up. Thankfully, Faith wasn't overly broken up about it. Gray gets a job working at the security company and the chemistry between them is intense. Gray tries to ignore it while Faith tries to pursue it. Gray is determined to keep Faith at arm's length since he's having to lie to her about most everything and this would probably have been a good idea if it wasn't for the fact that Gray has a hard time keeping his hands off her. Things aren't helped by the fact that Faith starts investigating BDSM because she suspects she's a submissive and Gray finds out. I was actually a bit pissed off when this happened because Faith got hit with the "You're too sweet to "really" be into this. You must be in over your head." talk. All I could think was....can you be just a bit more condescending???
So Faith is interested in Gray and he's sending her mixed signals and the brushoff attempts end up being rather rude at times. Faith is getting some calls from her mother but doesn't realize how bad things are. She thinks her mom just wants money and Faith keeps telling her she won't give her any but Faith doesn't know that her mom is being pushed by a bad guy. Just about the time that Faith is ready to give up on Gray, he decides to step up...unfortunately, Gray doesn't tell her the truth about why he's there though and you can guess how that turns out when the crap hits the fan. Things do turn out well though and the story ends with Faith and Gray working things out and starting on a HEA together.
This was a decently enjoyable story. Faith was a good heroine overall...I can't think of any major complaints about her. Gray was alright but I had some issues with how he handled things, especially later in the story when he could have told her the truth yet didn't. The story itself was definitely focused on the romance storyline and most of the time the action storyline seemed more like filler than anything else. Overall, this book was good but had definite flaws. I own the whole series so I'll be reading the next book in the series but I don't think I'd recommend this one.
* note - I listened to the audio version of this book and the narrator did a very good job.
August 18, 2013
DNF - discovered after I'd started it that it had something in it that I can't hack in my romance. The H shares h with someone else in a non-permanent menage. I'm becoming a lot more evolved in my reading, reading things I couldn't stomach in the past, but obviously this is still a hang up with me. Never, I think, will I understand a m/f relationship where the H says he loves, adores the h, and then wants her to have sex with a strange man. That's NOT romance. I'm sure there's a reason this turns them on, but it sure as hell doesn't turn me on. I just don't get it.
About 50 or 60 pages in I was enjoying this book, and my internet was down so I couldn't look up Goodreads, as I had decided I wanted to find out who the H and h were in the next book, so I skimmed the start of the second book just to see who the H and h were, out of curiosity, and just happened to land on a page where the h in book 1, this book I'm reviewing, and her friends were discussing her menage with her H and another co-worker. Turned my stomach.
Then skimmed forward in the second book further only to discover the H and h in the second book have sex in front of two other men, strangers, in a business meeting. "Baby I love you, they're not going to have sex with you, but get naked and have sex with me right in front of them while they're panting away." Yeah, that's romance - are you kidding me. That's just sick. Turned my stomach even more and made me feel a bit nauseus.
These Sweet books are just not for me. Disappointing as I love Maya Banks, but I just can't hack these books. I didn't leave a star rating as I should have checked these out more before I started reading ... I left this review just in case it helps other readers who may not like the content either.
They're not bad books by any means of the little bit I read, just have bits in them that ruin them for me.
About 50 or 60 pages in I was enjoying this book, and my internet was down so I couldn't look up Goodreads, as I had decided I wanted to find out who the H and h were in the next book, so I skimmed the start of the second book just to see who the H and h were, out of curiosity, and just happened to land on a page where the h in book 1, this book I'm reviewing, and her friends were discussing her menage with her H and another co-worker. Turned my stomach.
Then skimmed forward in the second book further only to discover the H and h in the second book have sex in front of two other men, strangers, in a business meeting. "Baby I love you, they're not going to have sex with you, but get naked and have sex with me right in front of them while they're panting away." Yeah, that's romance - are you kidding me. That's just sick. Turned my stomach even more and made me feel a bit nauseus.
These Sweet books are just not for me. Disappointing as I love Maya Banks, but I just can't hack these books. I didn't leave a star rating as I should have checked these out more before I started reading ... I left this review just in case it helps other readers who may not like the content either.
They're not bad books by any means of the little bit I read, just have bits in them that ruin them for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 24, 2010
This was such an amazing story...I really fell in love with the characters. They were real, the way they interacted with each other, spoke, expectations...it was all very beliveable.
Gray...wow, he is the epitome of a strong man who just says what needs to be said. He is a pretty hot dirty talker too!! His love for Faith and how he just truly wants to take care of her is envious!
Faith...I loved her. She wasn't whiny or moody. She went on a journey to find what she really wanted, even when she wasn't exactly sure what that was in the beginning.
Overall...awesome story. Some pretty HOT stuff going on there and I didn't want it to end.
Gray...wow, he is the epitome of a strong man who just says what needs to be said. He is a pretty hot dirty talker too!! His love for Faith and how he just truly wants to take care of her is envious!
Faith...I loved her. She wasn't whiny or moody. She went on a journey to find what she really wanted, even when she wasn't exactly sure what that was in the beginning.
Overall...awesome story. Some pretty HOT stuff going on there and I didn't want it to end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 8, 2022
I really liked this story line and the spice was very good. The third person perspective was interesting but not hard to understand. I really liked the side characters as well and I hope that the sequels will be about them (ehem Mikah). The ending was a bit quick but everything else was very nice
March 14, 2022
Faith no logra conseguir en una relacion lo que realmente necesita, pero no sabe como conseguirlo, es que realmente no sabe que es lo que quiere. Pero lo cierto es que siente la necesidad de ser protegida, amada y usada de cualquier forma por su pareja, pero no abusada, y ese es el gran problema, como conseguirlo y donde. Por esa razon se puso a investigar en internet y consiguio un lugar llamado La Casa, que podria ser la respuesta a sus preguntas y quizas el inicio de algo mas.
Gray es un policia con una unica idea en mente, atrapar y encarcelar al hombre que asesino a su companero, para eso consiguio un trabajo en una empresa de seguridad para tener acceso a la hija del dueno, que al parecer lo puede llevar al asesino. Pero cuando conoce a la mujer se da cuenta que es imposible que ella estuviera involucrada, y sus atraccion hacia ella no hace mas que aumentar. El asunto es que ninguna mujer soporto lo que realmente el quiere en una relacion, y ella, tan dulce y femenina, no puede querer su dominancia absoluta. Pero cuando descubre que Faith ha ido a un lugar llamado La Casa, que se especializa en sexo del tipo BDSM, no puede creer que realmente es lo que ella necesita, que ella puede ser la mujer que ha estado buscando toda su vida.
Pero la vida no es solo su relacion, porque el asesino de su companero todavia esta afuera y al parecer va por Faith, ahora tiene que protegerla aunque eso implique perdela para siempre.
Ambos enfrentaran el sentimiento de perdida y traicion y deberan aprender a amar a la otra persona sin condiciones y a confia que realmente lo que hace lo hace por amor.
El libro de por si es lo que esperas del genero, los personajes totalmente sencillos sin mayor profundidas, y las escenas eroticas sencillamente calientes. Pero los dialogos dejaron mucho que desear y algunas escenas me resultaron tontas o sin sentido. Sin embargo, es una de las caracteristica de este autor, sus libros casi siempre son basados solo en las descripciones de los momentos eroticos y el detalle de cada momento de la relacion.
Asi que si, sigue siendo uno de sus autores de este genero que seguire leyendo, y esta serie promete ser justo lo que quiero en este momento, asi que la continuare esperando un poco de variedad entre los diversos personajes de este universo.
Gray es un policia con una unica idea en mente, atrapar y encarcelar al hombre que asesino a su companero, para eso consiguio un trabajo en una empresa de seguridad para tener acceso a la hija del dueno, que al parecer lo puede llevar al asesino. Pero cuando conoce a la mujer se da cuenta que es imposible que ella estuviera involucrada, y sus atraccion hacia ella no hace mas que aumentar. El asunto es que ninguna mujer soporto lo que realmente el quiere en una relacion, y ella, tan dulce y femenina, no puede querer su dominancia absoluta. Pero cuando descubre que Faith ha ido a un lugar llamado La Casa, que se especializa en sexo del tipo BDSM, no puede creer que realmente es lo que ella necesita, que ella puede ser la mujer que ha estado buscando toda su vida.
Pero la vida no es solo su relacion, porque el asesino de su companero todavia esta afuera y al parecer va por Faith, ahora tiene que protegerla aunque eso implique perdela para siempre.
Ambos enfrentaran el sentimiento de perdida y traicion y deberan aprender a amar a la otra persona sin condiciones y a confia que realmente lo que hace lo hace por amor.
El libro de por si es lo que esperas del genero, los personajes totalmente sencillos sin mayor profundidas, y las escenas eroticas sencillamente calientes. Pero los dialogos dejaron mucho que desear y algunas escenas me resultaron tontas o sin sentido. Sin embargo, es una de las caracteristica de este autor, sus libros casi siempre son basados solo en las descripciones de los momentos eroticos y el detalle de cada momento de la relacion.
Asi que si, sigue siendo uno de sus autores de este genero que seguire leyendo, y esta serie promete ser justo lo que quiero en este momento, asi que la continuare esperando un poco de variedad entre los diversos personajes de este universo.
August 17, 2018
Good stuff! :)
April 7, 2012
WHAT AN AMAZING BOOK! I LOVEEDDD IT! Gray definitly knows what a woman wants and how to make her heart swell. I could only imagine that i find Mr. Prince Charming. The book was filled with passion, suspence and steamy romance. It was a fight for love and Gray, like all good romance books, lost as did Faith. Maya Banks is an amazing author and has always kept me enthralled and turning the page. She is one of the few authors that can make me finish a book in less then 24 hours. GREAT READ! Recommended if you are a steamy romance novel reader.
January 27, 2026
This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review. Also my tags may have spoilers in them so be forewarned before checking out full review.
Book Evaluation:
Plot: 🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️
World Building:🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎
Cover:📔📔📔📔📔
Hero: 🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻
Heroine:🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻🦸🏻♀️
Intimacy Level: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Relationship Building: 💒💒💒💒💒
Heart & Feels:💞💞💞💞💞
Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: 😂😂😂😂😂
Page Turner Level:📖📖📖📖📖
Narration:🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧
Ending:🧧🧧🧧🧧🧧
Overall View: ✨✨✨✨✨✨
First Impressions
Sweet Surrender is the first book in the "Sweet" series. This was a story that was triggered to pick up within the romanceopoly reading challenge. I really enjoyed what was told within the story. It was definitely more steamier than I have been reading lately and I definitely should have physically read it over doing it in audio as I don't like to do super spicy romances in audio. However, I loved the plot and I especially adored the heroine. Seeing a woman not ashamed for being feminine and wanting a man to be the leader in the relationship.
First Line
"I don't want you to go back on the job yet."
The Main Protagonists
The Hero: Gray
The Heroine: Faith
Summary
Gray is a police officer and he is determined to find the man who murdered his partner so he works undercover to find the truth happening with Faith's mother. So he builds a relationship with Faith. Faith grew up in a household where she was constantly neglected by her mother and her mother basically fed off her emotionally and financially. Now that she is an adult, she is looking from space from her mother and to explore her own life journey and find a man who can give her what she needs. She needs a man to take control and let her embrace her inner femininity. She doesn't expect to fall hard for Gray but he is holding secrets that could destroy what they have together.
What I Loved
There were so many aspects to this story that I truly adored about this book. And while it was way more spicer than what I was hoping for, it still worked for me. I just probably wasn't in the right mindset for a erotic romance lol But I ADORED this heroine, and seeing how Gray was able to deliver to the heroine exactly what she needed. It was beyond refreshing to have a heroine that wasn't afraid to be feminine or ashamed to want to lean on a man to make decisions and how drawn she was to light BDSM elements. We did have a menage scene but the romance itself isn't menage. I wanted to make that clarification. It was a scene about exploring their desires in certain aspects and how they are growing in their relationship together.
There was also a suspense plot that I truly loved. Her mother was selfish but I don't think she was evil. But I admired Faith for setting her own boundaries. The way the third act conflict was resolved really worked for me. I really enjoyed how this story was so addicting at times and I am looking forward to exploring more in this series.
What I Struggled With
Some of my struggles in this book was probably more of a "me" issue more than anything else but I did think the sex could be a bit much at times and wished I could have seen a bit more emotional development within those scenes.
Narration
This was a solid narration, I really liked the tone of voice for the heroine. However the voice for the hero was truly awful and might be part of the reason I struggled at times with this one.
Overall View
Sweet Surrender is a stunning, sensual romance that has you on the edge in multiple of facets. It will dig deep into unique character aspects that charmed me...
Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance
Character Types: Feminine Heroine, Alpha Hero, Police Officer MMC, Spy
Themes: BDSM, Sex Club, Danger/Suspense
Tropes: Office Love
Book Perspective
Duo Pov
Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
Both
If you like these authors, I recommend This Book
Beth Kery
Sarah Castille
Shayla Black
Recommendation For Reading Order
You can read as a standalone
Steam/Spice Explanations
Blazing fire to the building-The prime focus is the sex scenes, scorching hot, and could burn one. Less focus on the emotional intimacy to the relationship.
Narrators:
Caroline Wintour
January 7, 2018
Insert: Twenty-something female undergoing some hefty sexual frustration.
There have been men who would be more than willing to spend a night playing the dominant male, but it ends there. I don’t want it to end.”
Faith Malone is jonesing for something that will satisfy her erratic, yet undefinable sexual need. It is a desire that she can just taste on the tip of her tongue, but remains elusive.
I give kudos to Faith for researching what she thinks she wants and being bold enough to go to an exclusive club to get it. But get this: our girl Faith, who has trouble lurking, has a protective adoptive father and is also surrounded by non-blood-related hot men.
So, why is this heroine so reckless with her shit? **shrugs shoulders** IDK, but this is Maya Bank's fictitious world of the thinly veiled attractive kink and sometimes, dime-a-dozen porn-store variety kink, so the heroine gets lucky on her first adventure into dominant/submissive Spanky Land and she meets...
...the dark and exclusive sex-club extraordinaire. He MAY work out, OR maybe Faith should just look in her own backyard because
..hello Damon!
And to jack her up even more, a brooding and mysterious Gray comes along to give her an irresistible glimpse of what just might satisfy her once and for all.
“I had no idea you wanted a dominant man,” he murmured. “A man would go crazy to have such sweet submission.”
HELLO Micah!
We’re both adults, and the petulant master/slave game bores me to tears. The little fake disobedient act so the master will punish the naughty little slave—it’s ridiculous.But Gray seems a little reluctant, which is too bad, because Faith is raring to go; so kudos again that she gets to go to the playground with all three: Mr. Smoothy, Mr. Oooh-Wee! and Mr. Broody.
Hello Gray!
There is a bit of plot here and Mr. Broody with his coffee wins this one all-day-long because his characterization is as good as his promise. Even if Smoothy and Ooh-Wee! get their licks and feels (or more!), the slow, steady and definitely dominant hero wins the race!
Read this one if you don't mind one-time sharing and borderline attraction "almosts" with OMs, because this heroine sure had her pick. I like who she chose to stick with in the end though. Maybe.
Aidan Turner as the [second]ary character, Micah, is kind of hard to pass up. LOL
February 23, 2013
This book was exactly what I was looking for right now, light, fun and sexy with a great HEA at the end.
I just want get my one negative out of the way quickly. I was a little disappointed with the storyline. I had expected more of the Cop aspect, a more detailed case maybe?
But we were told who the bad guy is and what he wanted, right at the beginning. Then it went quiet in the middle and was all neatly wrapped up within a few pages at the end. So if you're looking for a really full on, complicated and thrilling storyline, this isn't the book for you.
However, what this book DOES have is a pretty fucking fantastic romance.
Grayson is such an incredible hero. Usually the whole Dom thing just really turns me off. But this guy? Holy shit, I would do anything he asked, if he'd take care of me like that. LOL
Yes, he's dominant. He likes to have control of everything in his life, including his woman. But not the usually games and crap that you read about these days. Luckily, he is exactly what Faith is looking for. But he was always honest, above everything else.
"You'll be mine. Mine. You'll give your everything to me, and in return, I'll give you more than you could ever imagine. I'll take care of you, pleasure you, and provide for you."
What really made me fall in love with him though was the way he cared for her. He is so incredible in the bedroom, pushing Faith as far as she can go and once they're out of it, he's even better. He takes care of her every need, you can feel just how much he loves and cherishes her. He's amazing.
"I love the look of a well satisfied woman," he murmured as he pulled her into his arms. "There's no bigger rush for a man than to know he's responsible for putting that kind of look on a woman's face."
Marry me? LOL
Also, some of the sex scenes in the book were scorching hot. Maya Banks, you know how to write seriously hot sex *bows*
Faith is a wonderful heroine. I like that she was so honest with her boyfriend (before Grey), telling him that she just wasn't satisfied with her life right now and what he was giving her, also making sure that he knew it wasn't anything he had done. She knows what she wants, even if she doesn't know how to go about getting it, yet.
I felt so sorry for her, having no father and a shitty excuse for a mother. That's why Pop and the gang were so incredible. I loved Pop for adopting her and making her feel like a part of a family for the first time in her life.
The atmosphere at Malone and Sons Security was so much fun. Pop made sure that they all felt like a family and the banter was hilarious.
Nathan lost a bet (that Micah totally fixed by the way), and had to shave his head, so he was bald!
'...Then as if just noticing, he stared at Nathan and shook his head. "What the hell happened to you, son? Get into a fight with a lawnmower?"
Bwahahaha.
I really enjoyed this book and cannot wait to get back to the gang and to learn more about them all. Especially Micah *wink wink* LOL
Thanks for another fab Buddy Read, Shanna. You rock!
I just want get my one negative out of the way quickly. I was a little disappointed with the storyline. I had expected more of the Cop aspect, a more detailed case maybe?
But we were told who the bad guy is and what he wanted, right at the beginning. Then it went quiet in the middle and was all neatly wrapped up within a few pages at the end. So if you're looking for a really full on, complicated and thrilling storyline, this isn't the book for you.
However, what this book DOES have is a pretty fucking fantastic romance.
Grayson is such an incredible hero. Usually the whole Dom thing just really turns me off. But this guy? Holy shit, I would do anything he asked, if he'd take care of me like that. LOL
Yes, he's dominant. He likes to have control of everything in his life, including his woman. But not the usually games and crap that you read about these days. Luckily, he is exactly what Faith is looking for. But he was always honest, above everything else.
"You'll be mine. Mine. You'll give your everything to me, and in return, I'll give you more than you could ever imagine. I'll take care of you, pleasure you, and provide for you."
What really made me fall in love with him though was the way he cared for her. He is so incredible in the bedroom, pushing Faith as far as she can go and once they're out of it, he's even better. He takes care of her every need, you can feel just how much he loves and cherishes her. He's amazing.
"I love the look of a well satisfied woman," he murmured as he pulled her into his arms. "There's no bigger rush for a man than to know he's responsible for putting that kind of look on a woman's face."
Marry me? LOL
Also, some of the sex scenes in the book were scorching hot. Maya Banks, you know how to write seriously hot sex *bows*
Faith is a wonderful heroine. I like that she was so honest with her boyfriend (before Grey), telling him that she just wasn't satisfied with her life right now and what he was giving her, also making sure that he knew it wasn't anything he had done. She knows what she wants, even if she doesn't know how to go about getting it, yet.
I felt so sorry for her, having no father and a shitty excuse for a mother. That's why Pop and the gang were so incredible. I loved Pop for adopting her and making her feel like a part of a family for the first time in her life.
The atmosphere at Malone and Sons Security was so much fun. Pop made sure that they all felt like a family and the banter was hilarious.
Nathan lost a bet (that Micah totally fixed by the way), and had to shave his head, so he was bald!
'...Then as if just noticing, he stared at Nathan and shook his head. "What the hell happened to you, son? Get into a fight with a lawnmower?"
Bwahahaha.
I really enjoyed this book and cannot wait to get back to the gang and to learn more about them all. Especially Micah *wink wink* LOL
Thanks for another fab Buddy Read, Shanna. You rock!
avoid
December 8, 2017
November 11, 2017
Gray Montgomery’s partner has just been murdered and he is on the hunt for the killer which leads him straight to Faith Malone. Gray is going undercover in Houston at a security firm where Faith works as an office manager. Gray believes that Faith’s mother may have something to do with the murder and tries to get close to Faith in order to gain information. What Gray doesn’t expect is his immediate and deep connection to Faith, who is going through her own trials and tribulations.
Faith is looking for a man who can dominate and take over all of her needs. She has been trying her entire life to figure out exactly what she wants, and after a visit to The House, a BDSM club, she has finally figured out what she wants in the bedroom. Now she just needs to find the right alpha male...and in steps Gray.
Overall this wasn’t terrible...it was just so bland.
Plus Gray was a total asshole. I really could not see anything redeeming about him about 90% of the time. Alpha males that are stereotypically dominant are generally okay in my book as long as they are decent human beings aside from their dominant behaviour in the bedroom. Case in point...
The sex scenes were also nearly constant once Gray and Faith got together and I really didn’t enjoy the writing style. It was a lot of description with little emotion or feeling. The whole thing with Micah felt icky and creepy too. The entire book went by sooo slowly.
Although I liked Maya Banks' Breathless and McCabe Trilogy, I am just not a fan of this and won’t be continuing the series.
|Featherbrained Books Blog | Twitter |
Faith is looking for a man who can dominate and take over all of her needs. She has been trying her entire life to figure out exactly what she wants, and after a visit to The House, a BDSM club, she has finally figured out what she wants in the bedroom. Now she just needs to find the right alpha male...and in steps Gray.
Overall this wasn’t terrible...it was just so bland.
Plus Gray was a total asshole. I really could not see anything redeeming about him about 90% of the time. Alpha males that are stereotypically dominant are generally okay in my book as long as they are decent human beings aside from their dominant behaviour in the bedroom. Case in point...
Frankly, he'd rather suffer a case of blue balls before getting his dick wet in a chick with more dead space than a black hole.Hmm super attractive right?
The sex scenes were also nearly constant once Gray and Faith got together and I really didn’t enjoy the writing style. It was a lot of description with little emotion or feeling. The whole thing with Micah felt icky and creepy too. The entire book went by sooo slowly.
Although I liked Maya Banks' Breathless and McCabe Trilogy, I am just not a fan of this and won’t be continuing the series.
|Featherbrained Books Blog | Twitter |
March 18, 2012
I really enjoyed the first 50% or so of this book. There was a slow, sweet seduction that kept me eagerly awaiting the next interlude between the feisty yet shy Faith and the tough and determined Gray.
I loved their connection. Loved how Faith set out to get her jiggy on with Gray and ADORED how Gray wanted her just as badly unfortunately the second half of the book didn't match up with the first for me.
The story was going along great, the romance was set to a slow simmer and I was thoroughly enjoying it, then all of a sudden Faith goes out of town to get some time out at a beach house and the whole dynamic seemed to change.
It moved from teasing and flirty to porno style in a matter of pages.
Don't get me wrong - I like my book porn. Ask my book buddies....I like it hot, but the emotional depth of the first half of the book didn't carry through into the sex (in my opinion).
It just didn't mesh well with me. I like either one or the other - a story with a great love story and emotional depth in the love scenes or a hard core hot and heavy read. Not one that changes from one to the other.
I also found the whole scene with the gunman a little corny. He is threatening to kill you, yet you want to discuss your relationship with Gray?????
But you gave it 4 stars you ask!
Yep, I liked the first half that much.
And don't get me wrong, the second half wasn't horrible, I suppose I just focused on my disappointments because I was so enthralled and in love with the start of this book.
I will definitely be reading the second one asap - I can't wait to read Damon's book.
I loved their connection. Loved how Faith set out to get her jiggy on with Gray and ADORED how Gray wanted her just as badly unfortunately the second half of the book didn't match up with the first for me.
The story was going along great, the romance was set to a slow simmer and I was thoroughly enjoying it, then all of a sudden Faith goes out of town to get some time out at a beach house and the whole dynamic seemed to change.
It moved from teasing and flirty to porno style in a matter of pages.
Don't get me wrong - I like my book porn. Ask my book buddies....I like it hot, but the emotional depth of the first half of the book didn't carry through into the sex (in my opinion).
It just didn't mesh well with me. I like either one or the other - a story with a great love story and emotional depth in the love scenes or a hard core hot and heavy read. Not one that changes from one to the other.
I also found the whole scene with the gunman a little corny. He is threatening to kill you, yet you want to discuss your relationship with Gray?????
But you gave it 4 stars you ask!
Yep, I liked the first half that much.
And don't get me wrong, the second half wasn't horrible, I suppose I just focused on my disappointments because I was so enthralled and in love with the start of this book.
I will definitely be reading the second one asap - I can't wait to read Damon's book.
May 2, 2019
Okay, now that I have finished this book I am reading other folks reviews and it is certainly a mixed bag of them. The reason I decided to read the other reviews after the fact is because I have mixed emotions on this book. Parts were really good and parts were ‘Ho hum”.
Right off it grabbed me because it is set in Houston and since I live right outside of Houston I was intrigued. Gray Montgomery is a Dallas cop who is taking a leave after his partner was killed. He heads to Houston where he is hoping to follow a lead on his partners killer.
Gray has taken a temporary position at the same place that Faith Malone works.
We follow Faith on her journey to try and find what she is craving in her personal life and clearly not finding in the men she has dated in the past. She is wanting dominance from her partners but not certain how to go about getting it.
I will have to say everything was interesting when it came to the story but it felt a little choppy. Also parts of it were HOT and erotic but there were just a couple of areas that seemed a little hokey.
I am absolutely going to read the next one in the series.
Right off it grabbed me because it is set in Houston and since I live right outside of Houston I was intrigued. Gray Montgomery is a Dallas cop who is taking a leave after his partner was killed. He heads to Houston where he is hoping to follow a lead on his partners killer.
Gray has taken a temporary position at the same place that Faith Malone works.
We follow Faith on her journey to try and find what she is craving in her personal life and clearly not finding in the men she has dated in the past. She is wanting dominance from her partners but not certain how to go about getting it.
I will have to say everything was interesting when it came to the story but it felt a little choppy. Also parts of it were HOT and erotic but there were just a couple of areas that seemed a little hokey.
I am absolutely going to read the next one in the series.
September 16, 2018
ok read - portuguese edition - menage
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