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Hearts of the Anemoi #3
South of Surrender
She’s the only one who can see through his golden boy façade to the broken god within…
Chrysander Notos, Supreme God of the South Wind and Summer, is on a mission: save Eurus from his death sentence and prove his troubled brother can be redeemed. But Eurus fights back, triggering vicious summer storms that threaten the mortal realm, dangerously drain Chrys, and earn the ire of the Olympic gods who ordered Eurus dead.
Laney Summerlyn refuses to give up her grandfather’s horse farm, despite her deteriorating vision. More than ever, she needs the organized routine of her life at Summerlyn Stables, until a ferocious storm brings an impossible—and beautiful—creature crashing down from the heavens.
Injured while fighting Eurus, Chrys finds himself at the mercy of a mortal woman whose compassion and acceptance he can’t resist. As they surrender to the passion flaring between them, immortal enemies close in, forcing Chrys to choose between his brother and the only woman who’s ever loved the real him.
Chrysander Notos, Supreme God of the South Wind and Summer, is on a mission: save Eurus from his death sentence and prove his troubled brother can be redeemed. But Eurus fights back, triggering vicious summer storms that threaten the mortal realm, dangerously drain Chrys, and earn the ire of the Olympic gods who ordered Eurus dead.
Laney Summerlyn refuses to give up her grandfather’s horse farm, despite her deteriorating vision. More than ever, she needs the organized routine of her life at Summerlyn Stables, until a ferocious storm brings an impossible—and beautiful—creature crashing down from the heavens.
Injured while fighting Eurus, Chrys finds himself at the mercy of a mortal woman whose compassion and acceptance he can’t resist. As they surrender to the passion flaring between them, immortal enemies close in, forcing Chrys to choose between his brother and the only woman who’s ever loved the real him.
400 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 28, 2013
19 people are currently reading
1863 people want to read
About the author
Laura Kaye
81 books7,511 followersLaura Kaye is the New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author of contemporary and erotic romance and romantic suspense, including the Hard Ink, Raven Riders, Blasphemy, Heroes, and Hearts of the Anemoi series. Laura's hot, heartfelt stories are all about the universal desire for a place to belong. Laura grew up amidst family lore involving angels, ghosts, and evil-eye curses, cementing her life-long fascination with storytelling and the supernatural. Laura also writes historical fiction as Laura Kamoie, and lives in Maryland with her husband and two daughters, and appreciates her view of the Chesapeake Bay every day.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 162 reviews
May 30, 2013
My Rating: ❤❤❤❤❤
I loved all the books in the "Hearts of the Anemoi" series but South of Surrender story was THE BEST ONE, hands down.
My Synopsis:
South of Surrender was intriguing, sexy, and an emotional roller coaster from beginning to end. It contained an amazing depth and a multidimensional power-packed plot.
This intricate story continues the Anemoi series with the supreme god of the south wind and summer, Chrysander Notos. Chrys has a lot of internal baggage and external scars -- both heavily due to his exiled brother, Eurus, god of the east wind. The gods of Olympus have sentenced Eurus to a termination of his godhood for his malevolent actions against humanity and have left it up to Anemoi to render their verdict. But Eurus is not going down without a fight and extracts vengeance of his own on almost all of his wind brothers and father.
The story opens with Chrys confronting Eurus in a last ditch effort to get him to peacefully turn himself in. He tries to reason with Eurus but only discovers that there is no reason to be found in the deranged god. The two engage in an epic battle in the sky but Eurus shifts the balance of power when he reveals and uses a powerful talisman belonging to their father, Aeolus, the most powerful storm god. Eurus wields his new weapon masterfully and leaves Chrys battered, bruised, and broken which should not have been possible since Chrys was in his season -- supposedly at his strongest. Eurus strikes a strategic blow against Chrys and leaves him tumbling from the sky. Due to the extent of his physical injuries, Chrys cannot retain one form and rapidly transmutates between his elemental, human, and sacred animal form. Plummeting to the ground in his sacred animal form, a winged horse, lands him directly in Laney Summerlyn's path. Laney lives a quiet life on her farm in her cottage with her horses. She is mostly blind because of degenerative eye disease so she relies on her other senses and her best friend Seth.
Because Chrys and Eurus' energy were so potent, they created a major storm complete with heavy lightening and thunder. Laney is almost paralytically fearful of storms. However, battling her fears, Laney risks the wrath of the storm to go to the barn to check on her beloved horses. That one action brings her into direct contact with Chrys and both of their lives are forever changed because of it.
My Thoughts:
I really enjoyed South of Surrender because it was a substantial story that contained good measures of intrigue, passion, romance, and sacrifice. Ms. Kaye wove all of those things together to create a wonderfully engaging story that kept my attention from beginning to end.
The story contained an exceptional and eclectic cast of characters including: harpies, furries, keres, gods, demigods....and a gryphon...maybe :). You have happily mated gods and demigods with Owen and Zephyros but then you have Chrysander and Boreas who carry overpowering grief and sorrow. The emotions and actions of all the characters were conveyed in a way that absolutely drew the reader into the story. As the story goes on, the reader is afforded the opportunity to see a wonderful metamorphosis occur in Chrys and Boreas.
I also appreciate how South of Surrender blurred the lines of good and evil a bit. The bad guys weren't all or exactly bad and even at the end of the story, the reader is left with questions about Devlin, Eurus' son. There was an element of intrigue woven all throughout which I completely enjoyed because it made the story more than just a boy-meets-girl-and-falls-in-love-and-live-happily-ever-after romance. The story had grit and bite.
And speaking of bite *sigh*...I won't give any spoilers away but as good as this story was, it absolutely broke my heart at one point. The conflict with Eurus continues and escalates and his enmity with the Anemoi wreaks havoc among them -- irrevocably changing them forever. *sniffle*
The conclusion of the story was bittersweet because the Anemoi landscape was very different than it was at the beginning of the story. But, as heartbreaking as that may have been, the ending was also very sweet because Laney and Chrys choose each other. Laney's choice leaves her with an extraordinary gift and Chrys' choices leaves him with the woman that he loves.
Truly, this story was an amazing read from beginning to end and I can't wait to see what happens next in East of Ecstasy.
EXCELLENT: The characteristics of a 5 star story include: an awesome story; and, I love everything about the story — characters, plot, and story elements. I would definitely read it again and I would highly recommend it to a friend and rave about it often.Initial Reaction:
I loved all the books in the "Hearts of the Anemoi" series but South of Surrender story was THE BEST ONE, hands down.
My Synopsis:
South of Surrender was intriguing, sexy, and an emotional roller coaster from beginning to end. It contained an amazing depth and a multidimensional power-packed plot.
This intricate story continues the Anemoi series with the supreme god of the south wind and summer, Chrysander Notos. Chrys has a lot of internal baggage and external scars -- both heavily due to his exiled brother, Eurus, god of the east wind. The gods of Olympus have sentenced Eurus to a termination of his godhood for his malevolent actions against humanity and have left it up to Anemoi to render their verdict. But Eurus is not going down without a fight and extracts vengeance of his own on almost all of his wind brothers and father.
The story opens with Chrys confronting Eurus in a last ditch effort to get him to peacefully turn himself in. He tries to reason with Eurus but only discovers that there is no reason to be found in the deranged god. The two engage in an epic battle in the sky but Eurus shifts the balance of power when he reveals and uses a powerful talisman belonging to their father, Aeolus, the most powerful storm god. Eurus wields his new weapon masterfully and leaves Chrys battered, bruised, and broken which should not have been possible since Chrys was in his season -- supposedly at his strongest. Eurus strikes a strategic blow against Chrys and leaves him tumbling from the sky. Due to the extent of his physical injuries, Chrys cannot retain one form and rapidly transmutates between his elemental, human, and sacred animal form. Plummeting to the ground in his sacred animal form, a winged horse, lands him directly in Laney Summerlyn's path. Laney lives a quiet life on her farm in her cottage with her horses. She is mostly blind because of degenerative eye disease so she relies on her other senses and her best friend Seth.
Because Chrys and Eurus' energy were so potent, they created a major storm complete with heavy lightening and thunder. Laney is almost paralytically fearful of storms. However, battling her fears, Laney risks the wrath of the storm to go to the barn to check on her beloved horses. That one action brings her into direct contact with Chrys and both of their lives are forever changed because of it.
My Thoughts:
I really enjoyed South of Surrender because it was a substantial story that contained good measures of intrigue, passion, romance, and sacrifice. Ms. Kaye wove all of those things together to create a wonderfully engaging story that kept my attention from beginning to end.
The story contained an exceptional and eclectic cast of characters including: harpies, furries, keres, gods, demigods....and a gryphon...maybe :). You have happily mated gods and demigods with Owen and Zephyros but then you have Chrysander and Boreas who carry overpowering grief and sorrow. The emotions and actions of all the characters were conveyed in a way that absolutely drew the reader into the story. As the story goes on, the reader is afforded the opportunity to see a wonderful metamorphosis occur in Chrys and Boreas.
I also appreciate how South of Surrender blurred the lines of good and evil a bit. The bad guys weren't all or exactly bad and even at the end of the story, the reader is left with questions about Devlin, Eurus' son. There was an element of intrigue woven all throughout which I completely enjoyed because it made the story more than just a boy-meets-girl-and-falls-in-love-and-live-happily-ever-after romance. The story had grit and bite.
And speaking of bite *sigh*...I won't give any spoilers away but as good as this story was, it absolutely broke my heart at one point. The conflict with Eurus continues and escalates and his enmity with the Anemoi wreaks havoc among them -- irrevocably changing them forever. *sniffle*
The conclusion of the story was bittersweet because the Anemoi landscape was very different than it was at the beginning of the story. But, as heartbreaking as that may have been, the ending was also very sweet because Laney and Chrys choose each other. Laney's choice leaves her with an extraordinary gift and Chrys' choices leaves him with the woman that he loves.
Truly, this story was an amazing read from beginning to end and I can't wait to see what happens next in East of Ecstasy.
January 21, 2015
4 - "Dare To Know" Stars.
"I'll Take care of you."
"I know you will."
Chrys wasn't sure he would ever feel truly content without her warmth and courage and strength at his side.
There are so many beginnings in this book, I am excited to see where Laura takes us with the rest of this series. It's the first time she's made me cry, and I think this is the dirtiest sex that she has written (imo).
"I'll Take care of you."
"I know you will."
Chrys wasn't sure he would ever feel truly content without her warmth and courage and strength at his side.
There are so many beginnings in this book, I am excited to see where Laura takes us with the rest of this series. It's the first time she's made me cry, and I think this is the dirtiest sex that she has written (imo).
Read
June 6, 2012Want. It. Want it now! :) Loving this series!
May 28, 2013
ABSOLUTELY AMAZING and POWERFUL storyline
SOUTH OF SURRENDER is the third storyline in Laura Kaye’s paranormal Heart of the Anemoi series focusing on the mythological gods of the seasons and the winds. This is Chrysander’s storyline-Supreme God of the South Wind and Summer.
Laura Kaye has brought together two strong but damaged souls in SOS. Chrysander believes himself responsible for his brother’s dark and tormented life. Time and again, Chrysander will search out Eurus-the god of the East wind- hoping to convince his brother that death and destruction are not the only option. But Chrysander bears the scars of his brother’s actions and cruelty. Literally falling into Laney’s Summerlyn’s life will bring the reality of his brother’s evil front and center to Laney’s front door.
While Laney is strong and independent, our heroine is slowly going blind. But there is something else about Laney –something that will make her the perfect mate for a god who believes he is not worthy of love or the sacrifices she is willing to make. Laney’s soul will call to Chrys and in doing so will begin the long road to recovery for both Chrys and his new mate. But Laney is something more and it will take another god of Olympus to show Laney that she is much more than a young woman going blind.
The relationship between Laney and Chrys is both beautiful and aggressive. Chrys knows that to pursue any relationship means to put Laney in the eye of the storm-the storm that is the war between the gods and the brothers. But the heart knows only one thing, and when Chrys begins to push Laney away, there will be others who will open their eyes to the truth about love and sacrifice.
SOUTH OF SURRENDER is also a heartbreaking storyline. Eurus’s anger and rage knows no boundary-he attacks without provocation-believing himself to be wronged. The gods will suffer losses-some more than others-but in the end power will be passed to the sons; a potential new hero will emerge; and Laney will discover that when it comes to sight, she has been gifted beyond the ability of human comprehension.
Laura Kaye has written a wonderful storyline of sorrow and pain; betrayal at the hands of family; and a love story that will see two broken hearts finding what they need to begin a new life together with one another. And in the end it is still an amazing story of heartbreak and love.
see all of my reviews at : thereadingcafe(dot)com
SOUTH OF SURRENDER is the third storyline in Laura Kaye’s paranormal Heart of the Anemoi series focusing on the mythological gods of the seasons and the winds. This is Chrysander’s storyline-Supreme God of the South Wind and Summer.
Laura Kaye has brought together two strong but damaged souls in SOS. Chrysander believes himself responsible for his brother’s dark and tormented life. Time and again, Chrysander will search out Eurus-the god of the East wind- hoping to convince his brother that death and destruction are not the only option. But Chrysander bears the scars of his brother’s actions and cruelty. Literally falling into Laney’s Summerlyn’s life will bring the reality of his brother’s evil front and center to Laney’s front door.
While Laney is strong and independent, our heroine is slowly going blind. But there is something else about Laney –something that will make her the perfect mate for a god who believes he is not worthy of love or the sacrifices she is willing to make. Laney’s soul will call to Chrys and in doing so will begin the long road to recovery for both Chrys and his new mate. But Laney is something more and it will take another god of Olympus to show Laney that she is much more than a young woman going blind.
The relationship between Laney and Chrys is both beautiful and aggressive. Chrys knows that to pursue any relationship means to put Laney in the eye of the storm-the storm that is the war between the gods and the brothers. But the heart knows only one thing, and when Chrys begins to push Laney away, there will be others who will open their eyes to the truth about love and sacrifice.
SOUTH OF SURRENDER is also a heartbreaking storyline. Eurus’s anger and rage knows no boundary-he attacks without provocation-believing himself to be wronged. The gods will suffer losses-some more than others-but in the end power will be passed to the sons; a potential new hero will emerge; and Laney will discover that when it comes to sight, she has been gifted beyond the ability of human comprehension.
Laura Kaye has written a wonderful storyline of sorrow and pain; betrayal at the hands of family; and a love story that will see two broken hearts finding what they need to begin a new life together with one another. And in the end it is still an amazing story of heartbreak and love.
see all of my reviews at : thereadingcafe(dot)com
May 17, 2024
SOUTH OF SURRENDER was such a great read and I forgot how much I love this book! The battle between the Anemoi continues as the brothers attempt to find Eurus and bring justice to those that Eurus has harmed or wronged. Chrysander Notos, Supreme God of the South Wind and Summer, is the youngest brother and he wants to believe that Eurus can be saved. Partly because Chrys blames himself for some of Eurus' anger; while their father shunned Eurus, he showered praise and love on Chrys in a blatant attempt to hurt Eurus. Hundreds of years of this behavior has made Chrys leery of trusting other people's intentions toward him as well as given him an aversion to being touched. But that all begins to change when he meets mostly blind human Laney Summerlyn.
I loved Laney and Chrys together because they're both a little bit damaged by their experiences but they're both also fighting so hard to just find someone who can love them for who they are. I loved the way Laney cares for Chrys and continually tries to protect him from hurt and show him with her actions that he's deserving of love and happiness. Chrys is also equally protective of Laney and while he refuses to admit the reason behind that he does admit that he can't stay away and that he's intensely attracted to Laney in a way he's never been with other women.
Laney and Chrys have such an emotional connection together because they both have such big hearts to give. There's an intimacy to their relationship, even outside the bedroom, that was really engaging to read. And when they are in the bedroom, or the hallway or the hot tub *fans self* it's explosive. These two set my Kindle on fire because holy moly they were hot together. Chrys's aversion to touch creates some pretty sexy moments and we'll just say that hot tub scene will be sticking with me for a while.
The war between the Anemoi really escalates in South of Surrender and that ending was absolutely heartbreaking so be prepared for some tears. Laura Kaye is an expert at wringing emotion out of story and this is no exception.
I loved Laney and Chrys together because they're both a little bit damaged by their experiences but they're both also fighting so hard to just find someone who can love them for who they are. I loved the way Laney cares for Chrys and continually tries to protect him from hurt and show him with her actions that he's deserving of love and happiness. Chrys is also equally protective of Laney and while he refuses to admit the reason behind that he does admit that he can't stay away and that he's intensely attracted to Laney in a way he's never been with other women.
Laney and Chrys have such an emotional connection together because they both have such big hearts to give. There's an intimacy to their relationship, even outside the bedroom, that was really engaging to read. And when they are in the bedroom, or the hallway or the hot tub *fans self* it's explosive. These two set my Kindle on fire because holy moly they were hot together. Chrys's aversion to touch creates some pretty sexy moments and we'll just say that hot tub scene will be sticking with me for a while.
The war between the Anemoi really escalates in South of Surrender and that ending was absolutely heartbreaking so be prepared for some tears. Laura Kaye is an expert at wringing emotion out of story and this is no exception.
Want to read
February 8, 2012CANNOT WAIT FOR THIS!!!! =)
July 25, 2014
Not since Gena Showlater’s Lords of the Underworld series have I been so excited for a paranormal romance series. There’s a reason I mentioned LotU, although there are more favorite series on my list. If you’re familiar with Showalter’s story telling, you’ll know that she doesn’t shy away from shocking a reader or making you tear up during certain scenes. Well, neither does Laura Kaye, and I love her all the more for it.
This book can be read as a stand alone, but I suggest reading them in order. There are repeat appearances of past characters, and part of their histories aren’t rehashed in this story, so you may find yourself a little lost at times. But the story isn’t difficult to follow. I have read the first book (my review here), but not the second book, Zephyros and Ella’s story. Their history is tied to this book, so I was constantly kicking myself for not having read West of Want yet. I will catch up on it, since I just ordered all three books in paperback format for my collection.
I absolutely loved this story! Ms Kaye has crafted a world that is filled with interesting characters and mythology. The Anemoi are Greek wind gods who were each ascribed a cardinal direction (N, S, E, W) from which their respective winds came from and were each associated with various seasons and weather conditions. Chrysander Notos is the Supreme God of the South Wind and Summer.
It isn’t often that I come across a hero and heroine that I love in equal measure, but that was precisely the case with Laney and Chrys. Laney was kind, gentle and deeply compassionate to both her beloved horses and her one and only friend, Seth. Even though Laney didn’t see Seth as a romantic interest, I wondered if Seth felt that way as well. There were times I wondered whether it would be addressed that Seth didn’t seem to have a personal life because Laney depended on him for a great many things even if she stressed her need for independence a lot through out this story. Laney may have been blind, but I loved that she wasn’t a heroine who dragged her insecurities around with her and used them as an excuse not to feel anything for Chrys. She wore her heart on her sleeve and didn’t shy away from his advances. Now that’s a character I enjoy reading about.
Chrys was our beloved tortured hero. Not one to fare well with physical contact, it gave him pause when he didn’t feel the normal level of anxiety with Laney. When his mission of hunting his (deranged) brother, Eurus, down brought the danger to her doorstep, there was no longer an option of staying away from her. I loved how well they complimented each other. Her blindness meant it wasn’t a “love at first sight” kind of romance. Her other senses compensated for her lack of vision and made her look a little bit deeper, past his “golden boy” persona. His mood swings between wanting her and trying to stay away from her didn’t dissuade her from feeling more, nor from giving herself to him completely and unequivocally.
The plot is a damn good one. It’s fresh, exciting, and the author brings it to life with vivid descriptions that engage your imagination. The story never dragged in places. From the first page it kept it’s tempo and gained momentum towards the climax. I read this book in one sitting and never wanted to put it down for any reason. The main characters had a believable arc that transformed them both from what they thought they knew about themselves to accepting what they could give each other if they just took that leap of faith. This story wasn’t without one heck of a shocker. When I read this story again, I’ll remember to keep the tissues handy. If you’re a fan of PNR and are looking for something fresh and exciting, Hearts of the Anemoi is exactly what you need.
Warning: This book contains one sexy God with a dominant streak and a heroine who, despite her blindness, sees him for the man he keeps hidden. There is also anal play involved. Oh my.
Favorite moments:
When Chrys’s voice came, it was low and soft. If I can’t heal you, I’ll heal something you love.
~*~
He mentally body-checked his anxiety, and threw himself into kissing her so deeply, so thoroughly, that he forgot all the rest of the shit going on in his head. Just forgot the hell out of it.
And was it just him, or did the sounds of her pleasure increase the more aggressive he got?
~*~
He tugged her upper body back against his chest, forcing her to arch against him. “You don’t understand what’s about to happen here,” he whispered, his voice low and gritty. “I don’t make love. I don’t do soft and romantic. I fuck. I dominate. And i restrain my lovers because I can’t stand to be touched. Sure, I get my partners off good, but then I walk out the door. So, whatever fantasy about us you’ve got playing in your head right now is whole solar systems away from my ugly reality.”
Disclaimer: I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
July 23, 2013
Ever since the death sentence was passed on his brother by the Olympic gods Chrys has been trying to find a way to save Eurus's life. He needs to get Eurus to repent for his crimes and ask for forgiveness but Eurus is just as determined to carry on with his evil plans and the pair have been battling against each other for weeks. When Chrys is badly injured during a fight with Eurus and plummets to earth in his sacred animal form it is a human woman who saves his life and tends to his wounds. Laney is gradually losing her sight thanks to a congenital condition so the last thing she wants to do is leave her house in the middle of a nasty storm but she can't ignore the cries of her terrified horses. She is shocked to find an extra animal in the middle of her stable, especially one that has stepped right out of the pages of a fairytale, but she has to at least try to help him. Chrys has never had anyone look out for him the way Laney did that night and he is drawn to the beautiful, independent woman like no other before her. Unfortunately his attraction just brings unwanted attention to her in the form of Eurus. Can Chrys save both his brother and the woman he has come to care for, and, if he is forced to choose between them who will he pick?
South of Surrender is the third book in Laura Kaye's Hearts of Anemoi series and it's a book I couldn't wait to read. I have really enjoyed both previous instalments, in fact Owen from North of Need is still one of my favourite heroes, so I had high hopes for this book and I couldn't wait to get to know Chrys better. I'm a massive fan of Laura Kaye's writing, she has a way of pulling me into her stories and she writes such realistic characters and heroes I never fail to fall for. Chrys is no exception and I think he may just have topped Owen to become my favourite from this series!
Chrys is the youngest of the four seasonal gods and he rules over summer and the south wind. He has always blamed himself for the way their father treated Eurus and has spent years trying to make things right with his brother. No matter how much Eurus has betrayed him and the others Chrys remains convinced he can be saved and he is determined to do whatever it takes to bring Eurus back into the fold. Some people just don't want to be saved though and Eurus seems equally determined to destroy Chrys and the rest of their family, even going so far as to steal an item of great power to use against them all. I felt really bad for Chrys for the way that his brother had treated him. He is so kind hearted and always sees the good in everyone but he has been betrayed time and time again by those he should be able to trust. He takes the blame into himself and doesn't feel that he is deserving of love and happiness, in fact he is so determined to be the one to face Eurus because he wants the rest of his family to be able to live out their happy endings in peace.
Laney is a fabulous heroine and perfect for Chrys, I can't even imagine how hard it must be to lose your sight but she is handling the experience with dignity. Her character was so real that it felt like she was a friend and I couldn't help but admire her for the way she was so determined to remain independent in the face of everything that is happening to her. I really admire the author for creating such an unusual heroine and for dealing with her handicap in such a realistic way, she had obviously put a lot of thought and research into the problems that Laney would face and ways that she could cope in different situations. I think what I liked most about Laney though was the way that she saw the real Chrys, the side he tried to keep hidden from the world, and she loved him for the person he is on the inside. Their relationship does develop quickly but that isn't something that bothers me in paranormal romance and I believed that they would be drawn together so quickly due to the circumstances. I'm going to have to point out that Chrys is one sexy summer god and I think it would be pretty hard for any woman to resist him!
I'd have to say that South of Surrender was probably the most action packed instalment to the series so far, there were some great fight scenes a few shocking twists and one moment where I actually shed a tear or two. Laura Kaye completely threw me with something that happened right near the end of the book and I'm still hoping that it is going to turn out to be some kind of awful mistake! The stakes have been raised and nobody is safe although I guess I should have expected that after reading West of Want. Fans of the series are going to love this book and you'll be left as eager as I am to get hold of a copy of East of Ecstasy when it is released next year. If you haven't started reading these books yet what the heck are you waiting for - go and buy North of Need IMMEDIATELY but don't forget to buy a tub of ice cream to eat while you read it!! (That book and ice cream go hand in hand trust me!)
South of Surrender is the third book in Laura Kaye's Hearts of Anemoi series and it's a book I couldn't wait to read. I have really enjoyed both previous instalments, in fact Owen from North of Need is still one of my favourite heroes, so I had high hopes for this book and I couldn't wait to get to know Chrys better. I'm a massive fan of Laura Kaye's writing, she has a way of pulling me into her stories and she writes such realistic characters and heroes I never fail to fall for. Chrys is no exception and I think he may just have topped Owen to become my favourite from this series!
Chrys is the youngest of the four seasonal gods and he rules over summer and the south wind. He has always blamed himself for the way their father treated Eurus and has spent years trying to make things right with his brother. No matter how much Eurus has betrayed him and the others Chrys remains convinced he can be saved and he is determined to do whatever it takes to bring Eurus back into the fold. Some people just don't want to be saved though and Eurus seems equally determined to destroy Chrys and the rest of their family, even going so far as to steal an item of great power to use against them all. I felt really bad for Chrys for the way that his brother had treated him. He is so kind hearted and always sees the good in everyone but he has been betrayed time and time again by those he should be able to trust. He takes the blame into himself and doesn't feel that he is deserving of love and happiness, in fact he is so determined to be the one to face Eurus because he wants the rest of his family to be able to live out their happy endings in peace.
Laney is a fabulous heroine and perfect for Chrys, I can't even imagine how hard it must be to lose your sight but she is handling the experience with dignity. Her character was so real that it felt like she was a friend and I couldn't help but admire her for the way she was so determined to remain independent in the face of everything that is happening to her. I really admire the author for creating such an unusual heroine and for dealing with her handicap in such a realistic way, she had obviously put a lot of thought and research into the problems that Laney would face and ways that she could cope in different situations. I think what I liked most about Laney though was the way that she saw the real Chrys, the side he tried to keep hidden from the world, and she loved him for the person he is on the inside. Their relationship does develop quickly but that isn't something that bothers me in paranormal romance and I believed that they would be drawn together so quickly due to the circumstances. I'm going to have to point out that Chrys is one sexy summer god and I think it would be pretty hard for any woman to resist him!
I'd have to say that South of Surrender was probably the most action packed instalment to the series so far, there were some great fight scenes a few shocking twists and one moment where I actually shed a tear or two. Laura Kaye completely threw me with something that happened right near the end of the book and I'm still hoping that it is going to turn out to be some kind of awful mistake! The stakes have been raised and nobody is safe although I guess I should have expected that after reading West of Want. Fans of the series are going to love this book and you'll be left as eager as I am to get hold of a copy of East of Ecstasy when it is released next year. If you haven't started reading these books yet what the heck are you waiting for - go and buy North of Need IMMEDIATELY but don't forget to buy a tub of ice cream to eat while you read it!! (That book and ice cream go hand in hand trust me!)
May 30, 2014
South of Surrender is just a superb read. Whilst romantic, it's different to the first books in the series as there is a huge amount of action; I predicted the Gods of the weather world would clash, and this book truly sees the beginning of the onslaught.
It's that descriptively perfect that I visualised everything. And I fell in love with Chrys and Laney, although in fairness, I never doubted I would based on how I fell for Owen and Zeph. And our God is a dirty boy, he's dominant, but has his own pain and my heart ached for him.
Laura Kaye broke me with this book, but managed to put me together again and I am preparing myself to be put through the ringer with the final book in the series. If you have read North of Need and West of Want, this will not disappoint in the slightest. And if you haven't, go read this series now. The lady can do no wrong.
It's that descriptively perfect that I visualised everything. And I fell in love with Chrys and Laney, although in fairness, I never doubted I would based on how I fell for Owen and Zeph. And our God is a dirty boy, he's dominant, but has his own pain and my heart ached for him.
Laura Kaye broke me with this book, but managed to put me together again and I am preparing myself to be put through the ringer with the final book in the series. If you have read North of Need and West of Want, this will not disappoint in the slightest. And if you haven't, go read this series now. The lady can do no wrong.
October 13, 2020
Chrysander Notos, Supreme God of the South Wind and Summer is determined to stop his brother Eurus. He has spent the last three months battling him and he still can beat him. When an intense battle leaves him wounded he is rescued by Laney Summerlyn.
I really enjoyed this one. This book was action packed with everyone joining forces to take down Eurus and protect the humans. Eurus and Chrys’s pasts are heartbreaking and traumatizing. It really makes you understand the anger behind Eurus’s attacks on his brothers.
Laney and Chrys were such a cute couple. They both just want to be loved as they are. Laney is so caring and is always trying to take care of and protect Chrys. I really liked Laney because she doesn’t let her failing vision stop her for living her life. Chrys was very protective of Laney but he tries to keep her at arms length. He eventually realizes that he doesn’t want to live without her though. These two had a strong emotional connection and a very steamy relationship that I just loved.
The war really ramps up in this book. There are losses for both sides and it was heartbreaking, so be prepared with some tissues. This was such an emotional book filled with sadness and love. Kaye does an amazing job at wringing all the emotions out of you.
This review was originally posted at Red-Haired Ash Reads.
I really enjoyed this one. This book was action packed with everyone joining forces to take down Eurus and protect the humans. Eurus and Chrys’s pasts are heartbreaking and traumatizing. It really makes you understand the anger behind Eurus’s attacks on his brothers.
Laney and Chrys were such a cute couple. They both just want to be loved as they are. Laney is so caring and is always trying to take care of and protect Chrys. I really liked Laney because she doesn’t let her failing vision stop her for living her life. Chrys was very protective of Laney but he tries to keep her at arms length. He eventually realizes that he doesn’t want to live without her though. These two had a strong emotional connection and a very steamy relationship that I just loved.
The war really ramps up in this book. There are losses for both sides and it was heartbreaking, so be prepared with some tissues. This was such an emotional book filled with sadness and love. Kaye does an amazing job at wringing all the emotions out of you.
This review was originally posted at Red-Haired Ash Reads.
February 28, 2020
Oooooh, i really enjoyed this book. It takes place a few months after the last book and Chrys is in the summer months, his months and has been battling Eurus without much luck. In fact considering that Chrys should be the strongest one at the moment, that is not what is happening, Eurus somehow has the upper hand.
Chris crash lands unconscious in Laney's horse barn on her ranch, practically blind, she braves the storm around her to check on the horses only to find a wounded pegasus which she bravely helps.
Chris comes to feel something for the brave woman who just wants to help him and is not afraid to save him and touch him, something he does not normally like.
We see more characters from the previous books and the story from book one continues, we also see some very sad times, some happy times, some war action and a happy ending with our characters.
I really cannot wait for the 4th book and the conclusion to the series.
Chris crash lands unconscious in Laney's horse barn on her ranch, practically blind, she braves the storm around her to check on the horses only to find a wounded pegasus which she bravely helps.
Chris comes to feel something for the brave woman who just wants to help him and is not afraid to save him and touch him, something he does not normally like.
We see more characters from the previous books and the story from book one continues, we also see some very sad times, some happy times, some war action and a happy ending with our characters.
I really cannot wait for the 4th book and the conclusion to the series.
March 21, 2020
South of Surrender is the third in the Hearts of the Anemoi series by Laura Kaye. The Anemoi, Greek wind gods, have been fighting each other. Evil god of the east wind, Eurus, has been doing terrible things, even killing his brother's girlfriend in West of Want. But Eurus's other brother Chrysander, god of the south wind, still wants to help Eurus rehabilitate himself. You can guess what Chrys's brotherly love and loyalty gets him -- turned into a Pegasus and crashed in a barn. Laney Summerlyn think she's going crazy at first, but as she gets to know him, they fall in love.
The story of the warring gods and the story of Chrys and Laney's relationship don't always mesh well together, and sometimes seem like they're trying to figure out which should be the "A" and the "B" story line. But it's still entertaining enough to have me intrigued about what will happen in the final book.
The story of the warring gods and the story of Chrys and Laney's relationship don't always mesh well together, and sometimes seem like they're trying to figure out which should be the "A" and the "B" story line. But it's still entertaining enough to have me intrigued about what will happen in the final book.
November 16, 2023
This was my favorite of this series
October 5, 2013
Ok I am the oddball here, it seems. I love the first one like the second one of this series but I just don't like this one. I have a huge problem following the romance line as there are just so many things going on with the villain plot. The protagonists barely have time together in between major battles and recovery time. Everything is centred more on the problem with the villain and the surrounding family, so much so that the h and H spend more time with all the other people than with each other. I sort of can tell where the story is heading halfway and not liking it one bit, put this down for another book before finishing it, not because I care about the couple but more because I need to know the plot so I can dive into the next one and I know I had better get it done and out of the way soon before it becomes a dnf.
I don't like either characters as much as the previous ones. The main problem is the H. I have no idea why he is so insecure and so crippled emotionally given the fact that he has a loving family in his brothers. A little vulnerability in a H is attractive, but so much that all he can think about is rejecting his feelings and hers without a really strong reason makes him super whiny and I just plain lost patience with him a third way in, thinking him still a petulant child being self centered and just feeling so sorry for himself that he has enough of it for me to give a pass. The way he handles the plot crisis also makes me mad and makes him look stupid in my eyes.
Due to the H's resistance, the h has to be the one to step up and do all the chasing and begging. That theme always got my hackles raised, making the h desperate in my eyes. Coupled to that is her bid for independence in the face of her loosing sight, which again half of the book was harping on and on about. Again I lost patience half way through. I know it is hard to loose sight and it is wonderful to see, and that one feels helpless and hopeless in this deteriorating situation. While sympathetic, I can never fully understand the devastation as I am not going through this personally, I can understand why she wants to be as independent as much as possible but it just seems stupid not to use aid or ask for help when it is so obvious she'll need it, which makes her seem like she is not facing up to reality and accepting her condition and overcoming these odds versus being brave and courageous. Her one sided pursuing also left me cold. I don't know what she sees in him given he was not around enough but to heal her, see to her guards or have sex with her. I think they probably spend less than 2 hours in only each other's company awake and conscious and not doing the dirty throughout the whole book...he never got into why he can't be touched and she never told him much about herself and past either. There are a lot of his thoughts and her thoughts going on in the book so we can fill in the blank as the characters just don't have time to be bothered to share anything much.
The sex scenes the first few times also turns my stomach. Given his affliction, what he did with her is what he had done with countless others, so no matter how the author said otherwise, I just don't feel the connection when he doesn't even feel comfortable letting her touch. Later when he realises it is ok to be touched, other people as well as her were touching him, then he went on to have sex with her again in his preferred twisted detached way...hm again what is so special about her in this case? I would have felt loads better if he had recognized he could be touched by her and her only way at the beginning, but alas, nope, he just flinched and denied all through the book till the very end, when again I have no idea why, he is ok to be with her all of a sudden...
Of course killing one of the characters I have come to like makes this book worst. I have to agree with a fellow reader in questioning why introduce a love interest when she plans on the killing in a few pages anyways. I am also a bit mad that the plot got the first couple into another conundrum, especially when I was very happy with the ending before (I actually like the fact that not all of the books are wind gods and that not all human has to be changed to immortality due to that fact, provides something different)...now there are all these humans the author need to figure out how to make immortal. Urgh...
So the stars are mainly for the other characters and family bond they showed and also for the intriguing plot that is unraveling. I couldn't have cared less about the i'm so unworthy even though i'm a popular powerful gorgeious god H, which I had high hopes for before this, and the clingy doormatty i love you even if you don't love me h, makes me . I am just glad to have them paired off and out of the way...I notice this series' H are getting darker and darker (oh how I miss seeing Owen's adorably innocence enjoying ice cone...), I think the darkest one will be coming our way, I just hope it won't be as bogged down as this one is.
I don't like either characters as much as the previous ones. The main problem is the H. I have no idea why he is so insecure and so crippled emotionally given the fact that he has a loving family in his brothers. A little vulnerability in a H is attractive, but so much that all he can think about is rejecting his feelings and hers without a really strong reason makes him super whiny and I just plain lost patience with him a third way in, thinking him still a petulant child being self centered and just feeling so sorry for himself that he has enough of it for me to give a pass. The way he handles the plot crisis also makes me mad and makes him look stupid in my eyes.
Due to the H's resistance, the h has to be the one to step up and do all the chasing and begging. That theme always got my hackles raised, making the h desperate in my eyes. Coupled to that is her bid for independence in the face of her loosing sight, which again half of the book was harping on and on about. Again I lost patience half way through. I know it is hard to loose sight and it is wonderful to see, and that one feels helpless and hopeless in this deteriorating situation. While sympathetic, I can never fully understand the devastation as I am not going through this personally, I can understand why she wants to be as independent as much as possible but it just seems stupid not to use aid or ask for help when it is so obvious she'll need it, which makes her seem like she is not facing up to reality and accepting her condition and overcoming these odds versus being brave and courageous. Her one sided pursuing also left me cold. I don't know what she sees in him given he was not around enough but to heal her, see to her guards or have sex with her. I think they probably spend less than 2 hours in only each other's company awake and conscious and not doing the dirty throughout the whole book...he never got into why he can't be touched and she never told him much about herself and past either. There are a lot of his thoughts and her thoughts going on in the book so we can fill in the blank as the characters just don't have time to be bothered to share anything much.
The sex scenes the first few times also turns my stomach. Given his affliction, what he did with her is what he had done with countless others, so no matter how the author said otherwise, I just don't feel the connection when he doesn't even feel comfortable letting her touch. Later when he realises it is ok to be touched, other people as well as her were touching him, then he went on to have sex with her again in his preferred twisted detached way...hm again what is so special about her in this case? I would have felt loads better if he had recognized he could be touched by her and her only way at the beginning, but alas, nope, he just flinched and denied all through the book till the very end, when again I have no idea why, he is ok to be with her all of a sudden...
Of course killing one of the characters I have come to like makes this book worst. I have to agree with a fellow reader in questioning why introduce a love interest when she plans on the killing in a few pages anyways. I am also a bit mad that the plot got the first couple into another conundrum, especially when I was very happy with the ending before (I actually like the fact that not all of the books are wind gods and that not all human has to be changed to immortality due to that fact, provides something different)...now there are all these humans the author need to figure out how to make immortal. Urgh...
So the stars are mainly for the other characters and family bond they showed and also for the intriguing plot that is unraveling. I couldn't have cared less about the i'm so unworthy even though i'm a popular powerful gorgeious god H, which I had high hopes for before this, and the clingy doormatty i love you even if you don't love me h, makes me . I am just glad to have them paired off and out of the way...I notice this series' H are getting darker and darker (oh how I miss seeing Owen's adorably innocence enjoying ice cone...), I think the darkest one will be coming our way, I just hope it won't be as bogged down as this one is.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 14, 2013
Oh wow! This book just took me on an incredible roller coaster ride of emotions and I'm still weak-kneed from it all. I thought the other two books in the series were good, but this one took it to a whole new level. It picked right up from where West of Want left off so yes, that means they must be read in order.
Chrysander Notos, the Supreme god of the south wind and summer and the youngest of the Anemoi brothers, has taken up the charge to seek vengeance against his older brother, Eurus, who in his bitter, evil machinations has wrecked such havoc in the worlds of both gods and men. It is summertime so in theory Chrys should have the upperhand, but instead Eurus is kicking his butt because the god of the east has stolen their father's ring. Eurus deals Chrys a blow that sends him crashing to the earth and through the roof of a barn to lie injured.
Laney Summerlyn hears the terrible thunderstorm overhead and is frightened by it, but the sound of storm damage to the barn where her precious horses are located sends her out bravely to check on them. Her near complete blindness is a liability, but she is determined. She finds her horses are fine, but encounters something pretty incredible that she's not even sure she truly encountered. First, she thought she helped an injured winged horse and then a man, but then neither are there when her friend Seth shows up. She wonders what is real and what is not.
Chrys, weakened as he was barely got out of sight when the other human shows up. He vanishes back to the realm of the gods to heal and hopefully avoid his brothers who he is keeping the enormity of the issues with Eurus from because he is trying one last time to protect him from himself and because he doesn't want Eurus to hurt anyone else.
Eurus' actions soon bring Chrys back to the kind-hearted human woman, Laney, who he must now protect. His appearance in Laney's life shows a growing attraction between them both which he is determined not to encourage. He has issues with physical contact and emotional attachment. He doesn't do relationships and he warns Laney of this, but he certainly has yearnings for the first time that make him wish that he was capable of more.
The war between the brothers intensifies and plots come to the surface that stun them and make them realize that things involve more than their family and are bigger than they imagined. Laney and the other fragile humans associated with the family are caught up in the crosshairs, but the Anemoi themselves have to face the fact that they are in a full out war where casualties will be inevitable.
This book which is told from both Laney and Chrys' perspectives had two parts in my mind. The first part, even though it is a continuation of the series story, still feels like a big set up piece. I was actually getting impatient with Chrys. He is truly a hot mess in this story. That whole Lone Ranger bit both with keeping important things secret from his family and the stand-offishness with Laney grated on me. Granted he had some personal demons riding him that caused this, and I get that, but yeesh- he caused some unnecessary angst in my book. Now the last half of the book these things were still present, but the action and intensity of the plot jumped into overdrive so it was overshadowed by other things at times and he was finally forced to confront his issues. There is some good action sequences and the passion was off the hook with Chrys and Laney even with the deeper emotions left unresolved. I warn you now that there is a truly heart-wrenching scene that, depending on your sensibilities, will require at least one tissue if not more. And it just pushes me even harder to want the next segment of the series. I am truly hoping for some Karma to kick in and vengeance to win out here for what me and the Anemoi family had to endure toward the end. I hated the feelings that were pulled out of me, but then again, it just proves that this story was good stuff.
I don't want anyone to miss out on such a good series so get busy and get caught up to this one so you can experience all the raw emotions for yourself. And by everyone, I mean those who enjoy Paranormal Romance that focuses on Greek mythology brought into the contemporary times with a nice dose of caliente heat to the romance.
Thank you to Net Galley for providing the book for review purposes.
Chrysander Notos, the Supreme god of the south wind and summer and the youngest of the Anemoi brothers, has taken up the charge to seek vengeance against his older brother, Eurus, who in his bitter, evil machinations has wrecked such havoc in the worlds of both gods and men. It is summertime so in theory Chrys should have the upperhand, but instead Eurus is kicking his butt because the god of the east has stolen their father's ring. Eurus deals Chrys a blow that sends him crashing to the earth and through the roof of a barn to lie injured.
Laney Summerlyn hears the terrible thunderstorm overhead and is frightened by it, but the sound of storm damage to the barn where her precious horses are located sends her out bravely to check on them. Her near complete blindness is a liability, but she is determined. She finds her horses are fine, but encounters something pretty incredible that she's not even sure she truly encountered. First, she thought she helped an injured winged horse and then a man, but then neither are there when her friend Seth shows up. She wonders what is real and what is not.
Chrys, weakened as he was barely got out of sight when the other human shows up. He vanishes back to the realm of the gods to heal and hopefully avoid his brothers who he is keeping the enormity of the issues with Eurus from because he is trying one last time to protect him from himself and because he doesn't want Eurus to hurt anyone else.
Eurus' actions soon bring Chrys back to the kind-hearted human woman, Laney, who he must now protect. His appearance in Laney's life shows a growing attraction between them both which he is determined not to encourage. He has issues with physical contact and emotional attachment. He doesn't do relationships and he warns Laney of this, but he certainly has yearnings for the first time that make him wish that he was capable of more.
The war between the brothers intensifies and plots come to the surface that stun them and make them realize that things involve more than their family and are bigger than they imagined. Laney and the other fragile humans associated with the family are caught up in the crosshairs, but the Anemoi themselves have to face the fact that they are in a full out war where casualties will be inevitable.
This book which is told from both Laney and Chrys' perspectives had two parts in my mind. The first part, even though it is a continuation of the series story, still feels like a big set up piece. I was actually getting impatient with Chrys. He is truly a hot mess in this story. That whole Lone Ranger bit both with keeping important things secret from his family and the stand-offishness with Laney grated on me. Granted he had some personal demons riding him that caused this, and I get that, but yeesh- he caused some unnecessary angst in my book. Now the last half of the book these things were still present, but the action and intensity of the plot jumped into overdrive so it was overshadowed by other things at times and he was finally forced to confront his issues. There is some good action sequences and the passion was off the hook with Chrys and Laney even with the deeper emotions left unresolved. I warn you now that there is a truly heart-wrenching scene that, depending on your sensibilities, will require at least one tissue if not more. And it just pushes me even harder to want the next segment of the series. I am truly hoping for some Karma to kick in and vengeance to win out here for what me and the Anemoi family had to endure toward the end. I hated the feelings that were pulled out of me, but then again, it just proves that this story was good stuff.
I don't want anyone to miss out on such a good series so get busy and get caught up to this one so you can experience all the raw emotions for yourself. And by everyone, I mean those who enjoy Paranormal Romance that focuses on Greek mythology brought into the contemporary times with a nice dose of caliente heat to the romance.
Thank you to Net Galley for providing the book for review purposes.
May 17, 2013
Original post at Fangs, Wands and Fairy Dust
http://fangswandsandfairydust.blogspo...
South of Surrender Laura Kaye Brings on Summer with a Major Heat Wave!
Heartwarming and heart-wrenching; in SOUTH OF SURRENDER, as always, Laura Kaye writes with her heart.
I first came across Laura with FOREVER FREED and I was very surprised and touched by the story. Since then, Laura has grown as a writer by leaps and bounds, moving from being a little expostiional and tentative to descriptive, bold and right on the money!
SOUTH OF SURRENDER presents us with the most complex characters to date. Mr. Summer himself is Chrysander. Seriously, he is Summer. So, you would think he would be attracted to the Pamela Sue Andersons of the world. But, no turns out it is the nearly blind equestrian farmer, Laney.Summerlyn, Chrys is emotionally handicapped and Laney is losing her sight to Retinitis Pigmentosis . It's coming on fall, and Eurus, Chrys's condemned brother is not making it easy for Chrys to help him. Instead, he keeps trying to kill him.
While reading NORTH OF NEED and WEST OF WANT would have you chomping at the bit for SOUTH OF SURRENDER, it is a book that stands well on its own. Yu'll want to read the first two when you are finished so I suggest picking the first two up when you pre-order SOUTH OF SURRENDER.
This is Laura's most sexually daring, erotic, Hearts of the Anemoi series book to date. And that brings up how Laney is not disabled in or out of bed. She can take care of herself, and Chrys. I think that he needs her on an emotional level. And when times get tough, it's Laney who stands by his side. She is complicated and steadfast, fragile and steel.
These climate gods however seem to operate with in a very strict set of parameters in the human realm. So, watch out when it comes to thinking gods are infalliable! And, with Laura, you don't always go where you think she is taking you. Sometimes it is a sexy place (Laura looks like the sweet girl next door but the things she thinks up,...), and sometimes it's as sad and as shocking as real life. In one chapter and the next I was fanning myself and then in the next I needed a tissue.
As I said Laura's writing has grown a lot in the two or three years since we've "met" and with this book I think she has kicked off any vestigial training wheels and is riding with the elite peloton of genre fiction authors. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND SOUTH OF SURRENDER as a MUST READ for any lover of Paranormal Romance. It's my pick of the week!
http://fangswandsandfairydust.blogspo...
South of Surrender Laura Kaye Brings on Summer with a Major Heat Wave!
Heartwarming and heart-wrenching; in SOUTH OF SURRENDER, as always, Laura Kaye writes with her heart.
I first came across Laura with FOREVER FREED and I was very surprised and touched by the story. Since then, Laura has grown as a writer by leaps and bounds, moving from being a little expostiional and tentative to descriptive, bold and right on the money!
SOUTH OF SURRENDER presents us with the most complex characters to date. Mr. Summer himself is Chrysander. Seriously, he is Summer. So, you would think he would be attracted to the Pamela Sue Andersons of the world. But, no turns out it is the nearly blind equestrian farmer, Laney.Summerlyn, Chrys is emotionally handicapped and Laney is losing her sight to Retinitis Pigmentosis . It's coming on fall, and Eurus, Chrys's condemned brother is not making it easy for Chrys to help him. Instead, he keeps trying to kill him.
While reading NORTH OF NEED and WEST OF WANT would have you chomping at the bit for SOUTH OF SURRENDER, it is a book that stands well on its own. Yu'll want to read the first two when you are finished so I suggest picking the first two up when you pre-order SOUTH OF SURRENDER.
This is Laura's most sexually daring, erotic, Hearts of the Anemoi series book to date. And that brings up how Laney is not disabled in or out of bed. She can take care of herself, and Chrys. I think that he needs her on an emotional level. And when times get tough, it's Laney who stands by his side. She is complicated and steadfast, fragile and steel.
These climate gods however seem to operate with in a very strict set of parameters in the human realm. So, watch out when it comes to thinking gods are infalliable! And, with Laura, you don't always go where you think she is taking you. Sometimes it is a sexy place (Laura looks like the sweet girl next door but the things she thinks up,...), and sometimes it's as sad and as shocking as real life. In one chapter and the next I was fanning myself and then in the next I needed a tissue.
As I said Laura's writing has grown a lot in the two or three years since we've "met" and with this book I think she has kicked off any vestigial training wheels and is riding with the elite peloton of genre fiction authors. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND SOUTH OF SURRENDER as a MUST READ for any lover of Paranormal Romance. It's my pick of the week!
November 1, 2013
SOUTH OF SURRENDER is the third storyline in Laura Kaye’s paranormal Heart of the Anemoi series focusing on the mythological gods of the seasons and the winds. This is Chrysander’s storyline-Supreme God of the South Wind and Summer.
Laura Kaye has brought together two strong but damaged souls in SOS. Chrysander believes himself responsible for his brother’s dark and tormented life. Time and again, Chrysander will search out Eurus-the god of the East wind- hoping to convince his brother that death and destruction are not the only option. But Chrysander bears the scars of his brother’s actions and cruelty. Literally falling into Laney’s Summerlyn’s life will bring the reality of his brother’s evil front and center to Laney’s front door.
While Laney is strong and independent, our heroine is slowly going blind. But there is something else about Laney –something that will make her the perfect mate for a god who believes he is not worthy of love or the sacrifices she is willing to make. Laney’s soul will call to Chrys and in doing so will begin the long road to recovery for both Chrys and his new mate. But Laney is something more and it will take another god of Olympus to show Laney that she is much more than a young woman going blind.
The relationship between Laney and Chrys is both beautiful and aggressive. Chrys knows that to pursue any relationship means to put Laney in the eye of the storm-the storm that is the war between the gods and the brothers. But the heart knows only one thing, and when Chrys begins to push Laney away, there will be others who will open their eyes to the truth about love and sacrifice.
SOUTH OF SURRENDER is also a heartbreaking storyline. Eurus’s anger and rage knows no boundary-he attacks without provocation-believing himself to be wronged. The gods will suffer losses-some more than others-but in the end power will be passed to the sons; a potential new hero will emerge; and Laney will discover that when it comes to sight, she has been gifted beyond the ability of human comprehension.
Laura Kaye has written a wonderful storyline of sorrow and pain; betrayal at the hands of family; and a love story that will see two broken hearts finding what they need to begin a new life together with one another. And in the end it is still an amazing story of heartbreak and love.
Copy supplied by the publicist.
www.thereadingcafe.com
Laura Kaye has brought together two strong but damaged souls in SOS. Chrysander believes himself responsible for his brother’s dark and tormented life. Time and again, Chrysander will search out Eurus-the god of the East wind- hoping to convince his brother that death and destruction are not the only option. But Chrysander bears the scars of his brother’s actions and cruelty. Literally falling into Laney’s Summerlyn’s life will bring the reality of his brother’s evil front and center to Laney’s front door.
While Laney is strong and independent, our heroine is slowly going blind. But there is something else about Laney –something that will make her the perfect mate for a god who believes he is not worthy of love or the sacrifices she is willing to make. Laney’s soul will call to Chrys and in doing so will begin the long road to recovery for both Chrys and his new mate. But Laney is something more and it will take another god of Olympus to show Laney that she is much more than a young woman going blind.
The relationship between Laney and Chrys is both beautiful and aggressive. Chrys knows that to pursue any relationship means to put Laney in the eye of the storm-the storm that is the war between the gods and the brothers. But the heart knows only one thing, and when Chrys begins to push Laney away, there will be others who will open their eyes to the truth about love and sacrifice.
SOUTH OF SURRENDER is also a heartbreaking storyline. Eurus’s anger and rage knows no boundary-he attacks without provocation-believing himself to be wronged. The gods will suffer losses-some more than others-but in the end power will be passed to the sons; a potential new hero will emerge; and Laney will discover that when it comes to sight, she has been gifted beyond the ability of human comprehension.
Laura Kaye has written a wonderful storyline of sorrow and pain; betrayal at the hands of family; and a love story that will see two broken hearts finding what they need to begin a new life together with one another. And in the end it is still an amazing story of heartbreak and love.
Copy supplied by the publicist.
www.thereadingcafe.com
May 28, 2013
Due to a huge battle with his brother, Chrys finds himself wounded and unconscious in a barn. During the storm, Laney decides to check out the the horses in the barn to make sure they are okay. Only, when she makes her way to the back, she finds another horse and this horse has wings! Unsure what to do, she tries to bandage up the winged horse as best and she can and lays down with it in case it wakes up and needs any more medical attention. However, in the morning there is no longer a horse but a man and before she knows it she's sucked into his world and war of the Anemoi.
I'm a huge fan of this author's Hero series but so far I've just not been able to latch onto the HotA series. I love Laura's writing style and the fact that the story just seems to flow seamlessly on the pages. She creates characters that are so versatile that this stick out in your mind well after you've read the book. Like for instance the fact that Laney has retinitis pigmentosa which is a genetic eye disease that causes Laney to be blind in one eye and very limited sight in the other. I can honestly say that I've never read a story before with the main character having this huge of an impairment before. Way too many times the characters are perfect except for some slight emotional problems but never anything like this. Laney's condition was what really made the story for me.
Even though this doesn't seem to be the series for me, I will still keep up with her Hero series.
Favorite quote
"Another Kant quote came to mind: 'We can judge the heart of a man by how he treats animals.' And by that measure, Chrys had proven himself in spades."
I'm a huge fan of this author's Hero series but so far I've just not been able to latch onto the HotA series. I love Laura's writing style and the fact that the story just seems to flow seamlessly on the pages. She creates characters that are so versatile that this stick out in your mind well after you've read the book. Like for instance the fact that Laney has retinitis pigmentosa which is a genetic eye disease that causes Laney to be blind in one eye and very limited sight in the other. I can honestly say that I've never read a story before with the main character having this huge of an impairment before. Way too many times the characters are perfect except for some slight emotional problems but never anything like this. Laney's condition was what really made the story for me.
Even though this doesn't seem to be the series for me, I will still keep up with her Hero series.
Favorite quote
"Another Kant quote came to mind: 'We can judge the heart of a man by how he treats animals.' And by that measure, Chrys had proven himself in spades."
May 19, 2013
You know, there are times I have to ask myself, "why haven't you read this author before now, Melissa?" I often feel like that once I read a book from an author I hadn't before, and the book turns out to be so kick butt.
So I suppose that gives away exactly what I thought about South of Surrender. I'm not much of a "gods and goddesses" lover, but I really got into this one. I hate that I hadn't read the first two books in the series, but that didn't deter me from following along with the storyline and characters. The author gave a sufficient amount of backstory and details so the reader didn't feel lost at all. Granted, I do need to read the first two books to get every little, minute detail, and more so, because I have a desire to read the first two books now.
The story moved along at a swift page so that I was constantly flipping the pages to see what would happen next. And I found Laney to be such a sweetheart of a heroine. She strove to be as independent as possible despite her disability, and her utter devotion to Chrys was heart-melting. I like that she made her own decisions and followed her heart where he was concerned. I think Chrys really needed that type of a woman to ensnare him and pull him from the chains of his troubled past. If she'd left everything in his hands, he might've allowed his happiness to pass him by because of his fears of unworthiness.
In my opinion, I thought this was an engaging read that grabbed my attention from the start. I loved the characters and the action scenes with the raging storms. The intimate encounters were steamy, and the happily ever after was sweet. Definitely looking forward to reading more from Laura Kaye.
***ARC provided by the publisher for an honest review.***
So I suppose that gives away exactly what I thought about South of Surrender. I'm not much of a "gods and goddesses" lover, but I really got into this one. I hate that I hadn't read the first two books in the series, but that didn't deter me from following along with the storyline and characters. The author gave a sufficient amount of backstory and details so the reader didn't feel lost at all. Granted, I do need to read the first two books to get every little, minute detail, and more so, because I have a desire to read the first two books now.
The story moved along at a swift page so that I was constantly flipping the pages to see what would happen next. And I found Laney to be such a sweetheart of a heroine. She strove to be as independent as possible despite her disability, and her utter devotion to Chrys was heart-melting. I like that she made her own decisions and followed her heart where he was concerned. I think Chrys really needed that type of a woman to ensnare him and pull him from the chains of his troubled past. If she'd left everything in his hands, he might've allowed his happiness to pass him by because of his fears of unworthiness.
In my opinion, I thought this was an engaging read that grabbed my attention from the start. I loved the characters and the action scenes with the raging storms. The intimate encounters were steamy, and the happily ever after was sweet. Definitely looking forward to reading more from Laura Kaye.
***ARC provided by the publisher for an honest review.***
May 15, 2013
I have been eagerly sitting on the review for this book for the last couple weeks waiting for its release to come out so I can write this review…
When Laura announced that the paperbacks were released early I was
I can’t be the only one excited for this release, right?
Each book gets better and better, this one series that I highly recommend if you like paranormal romance with mythology, steamy heated scenes, and so much more …
The book can be read as a standalone book but as soon as you read it you will want to read the others in this amazing series. It was one book that as soon as I began to read it I couldn’t put it down.
As you read any of Laura Kaye books you can see that she puts every effort to write an excellent story that won’t disappoint…
South of Surrender gives readers two damaged heroes.
Chrysander is sent on an assignment to save his brother Eurus from death but Eurus fights back causing some vicious storms and injuring Chrysander in the process.
Chrysander finds himself in the kindness and help from a mortal woman. Passion flares between them. But he has believed all his life that any notion of amorousness will lead to pain and hurt.
Laney is the mortal woman with failing eyesight, determination and compassion that helped Chrysander after his tragic fall from the heavens during the storm.
But Chrysander needs to make a choice in which one he will save. Will it be his brother or Laney?
The book I received was an ARC for a honest review (in all the excitement I forgot to write this...)
When Laura announced that the paperbacks were released early I was
I can’t be the only one excited for this release, right?
Each book gets better and better, this one series that I highly recommend if you like paranormal romance with mythology, steamy heated scenes, and so much more …
The book can be read as a standalone book but as soon as you read it you will want to read the others in this amazing series. It was one book that as soon as I began to read it I couldn’t put it down.
As you read any of Laura Kaye books you can see that she puts every effort to write an excellent story that won’t disappoint…
South of Surrender gives readers two damaged heroes.
Chrysander is sent on an assignment to save his brother Eurus from death but Eurus fights back causing some vicious storms and injuring Chrysander in the process.
Chrysander finds himself in the kindness and help from a mortal woman. Passion flares between them. But he has believed all his life that any notion of amorousness will lead to pain and hurt.
Laney is the mortal woman with failing eyesight, determination and compassion that helped Chrysander after his tragic fall from the heavens during the storm.
But Chrysander needs to make a choice in which one he will save. Will it be his brother or Laney?
The book I received was an ARC for a honest review (in all the excitement I forgot to write this...)
May 5, 2013
Every one of the anemoi series just gets better. South of Surrender gives us two damaged heroes.
Laney Summerlyn is damaged on the outside.Afflicted with RP Laney is almost completely blind. But she sees through a heart of pure gold. Laney is strong, independent, loyal and kind. She is the kind of woman we all strive to be.
Chrysander Notos is broken on the inside. A beautiful exterior hides a broken soul in this man/god who has been conditioned to believe that all signs of affection and love bring only pain.
The surprise star of this epic was for me, the god Hephaestus.I just loved him. ANd his intervention into these two lives is pivotal to the story.
Laura Kaye tells stories of damaged characters, who find peace and healing through love. South of Surrender will take you from the depths of despair, to the heights of ecstasy. I will admit to blubbering sobs at one point (but won't give and spoilers)
Laura Kaye does it again. A fabulous Must Read Novel!
Laney Summerlyn is damaged on the outside.Afflicted with RP Laney is almost completely blind. But she sees through a heart of pure gold. Laney is strong, independent, loyal and kind. She is the kind of woman we all strive to be.
Chrysander Notos is broken on the inside. A beautiful exterior hides a broken soul in this man/god who has been conditioned to believe that all signs of affection and love bring only pain.
The surprise star of this epic was for me, the god Hephaestus.I just loved him. ANd his intervention into these two lives is pivotal to the story.
Laura Kaye tells stories of damaged characters, who find peace and healing through love. South of Surrender will take you from the depths of despair, to the heights of ecstasy. I will admit to blubbering sobs at one point (but won't give and spoilers)
Laura Kaye does it again. A fabulous Must Read Novel!
May 28, 2013
South Of Surrender is amazing.
Each book in the Hearts of the Anemoi series goes deeper into the family and their history. They aren't books you forget between each one. You think about them until the next one arrives. I reached a point with South of Surrender that felt like my heart was wrenched from my body, then repaired and returned better than before.
Chrys is torn between guilt and loyalty. No matter what he does, someone he cares for is going to be hurt. We have to wait, biting nails, to find out what his decisions will be.
Laney is confined by a disability and Chrys is the only man who can free her, but she also has hard choices to make.
There are no secondary characters in this book. Everyone is as interesting and important as the next, yet without confusion.
Laura Kaye is in a class all her own, exceeding excellence.
I'm braced and more then ready for the East wind to blow.
Each book in the Hearts of the Anemoi series goes deeper into the family and their history. They aren't books you forget between each one. You think about them until the next one arrives. I reached a point with South of Surrender that felt like my heart was wrenched from my body, then repaired and returned better than before.
Chrys is torn between guilt and loyalty. No matter what he does, someone he cares for is going to be hurt. We have to wait, biting nails, to find out what his decisions will be.
Laney is confined by a disability and Chrys is the only man who can free her, but she also has hard choices to make.
There are no secondary characters in this book. Everyone is as interesting and important as the next, yet without confusion.
Laura Kaye is in a class all her own, exceeding excellence.
I'm braced and more then ready for the East wind to blow.
June 25, 2014
Despite the fact that this was more of an open-ended story than the others, I have enjoyed this one the most in the series, so far. I'm excited to read Devlin's story and to see how everything plays out with Eurus. I sorta want to send some hate mail to you, Laura Kaye for what you did to us--and you KNOW what you did--but the emotion that it pulled from me is what set this one up as a 5-star read. Shock. Anger. Grief. On one hand I was in agony and on the other, totally gleeful that I was feeling so much emotion from the story. I had to love it. I can't not love it. But I'm pissed.
April 8, 2015
Oh man Laura Kaye is my new favorite romance author! She just know how to write the sexiest, sweetest troubled hero and adds the perfect heroine.
This one is no different. Chrysander Notos is blond, built, sweet as sin and his touch issues. Laney Summerlyn is blind, lonely and one of the sweetest heroines I'm met in a long while. This is a wonderfully romantic tale interspersed with terror from Eurus the evil brother who needs to be laid out. East of Ecstasy will end the series and bring that bastard down. I can't wait.
This one is no different. Chrysander Notos is blond, built, sweet as sin and his touch issues. Laney Summerlyn is blind, lonely and one of the sweetest heroines I'm met in a long while. This is a wonderfully romantic tale interspersed with terror from Eurus the evil brother who needs to be laid out. East of Ecstasy will end the series and bring that bastard down. I can't wait.
July 23, 2013
I love Chrys!!!! I love Laura Kaye's writing. She always brings the entire range of emotions into her works, and this is no exception. Unbridled love, revenge, anger, pain, and heartbreak. This book is a full family affair, seeing all of our old friends of the series, yet strong enough to stand on it's own. Watching the gods battle, realizing that even gods can be mortal, and pitting brother against brother--lots of action to go with the emotional pull of the storyline.
May 24, 2013
Five stars, and yes, it deserves every one of them. Readers, be prepared to drop everything and read it to the end, because you aren't going to want to put it down. An unexpected twist left me in tears, but in a good way. Bring on the next installment, Ms. Kaye!
September 13, 2013
4.5 Best one so far. But man I am bummed about something that happened.
October 30, 2015
SHE KILLED BOREAS?!? WTF?!? I liked everything else except that!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 8, 2019
South of Surrender is the third book in the romantic fantasy Hearts of the Anemoi series. This is Chrysander and Laney’s book.
Chrys is the god of Summer and the South Wind. He doesn’t believe he is worthy of love and hates to be touched by others. He tries to keep a distance from Laney in hopes of saving her, but his vengeful brother Eurus is showing no mercy and coming after them all.
Laney is a human who is nearly completely blind. She immediately senses the good in Chrys and is drawn to his strength. She’s beautiful and strong and hasn’t let her disability stop her from living. She is the absolute perfect woman to show Chrys how worthy he truly is.
Things are heating up and the characters are banding together to go after Eurus. The action is getting more intense and I’ve already shed some tears. The big finale and conclusion will be in the next book and I’m as nervous to see who lives as I am anxious as to what will happen.
Chrys is the god of Summer and the South Wind. He doesn’t believe he is worthy of love and hates to be touched by others. He tries to keep a distance from Laney in hopes of saving her, but his vengeful brother Eurus is showing no mercy and coming after them all.
Laney is a human who is nearly completely blind. She immediately senses the good in Chrys and is drawn to his strength. She’s beautiful and strong and hasn’t let her disability stop her from living. She is the absolute perfect woman to show Chrys how worthy he truly is.
Things are heating up and the characters are banding together to go after Eurus. The action is getting more intense and I’ve already shed some tears. The big finale and conclusion will be in the next book and I’m as nervous to see who lives as I am anxious as to what will happen.
January 7, 2018
Where do I begin? Incredibly little time for Laney and Chrys to be alone together and develop their relationship, killing off a popular character just as he came into his own, boring Gods drama and massive violence taking over the plot..and especially an abrupt and unsatisfying ending ruined this for me.
Chrys had been a lighter, fun character in book one, and I looked forward to his story. But here he was so much darker and more insecure despite Laney putting up with everything he threw at her. The books in this series have been getting darker and less fun to read, and this is the lowest rating I've given to a Laura Kaye book. Despite how much I loved book one and the delightful Owen, maybe this series just isn't for me.
Chrys had been a lighter, fun character in book one, and I looked forward to his story. But here he was so much darker and more insecure despite Laney putting up with everything he threw at her. The books in this series have been getting darker and less fun to read, and this is the lowest rating I've given to a Laura Kaye book. Despite how much I loved book one and the delightful Owen, maybe this series just isn't for me.
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