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Section 8 #1
Surrender
DESPERATE, FEARLESS, AND HUNTED
For former Navy SEAL Dare O’Rourke, Section 8 was legendary. The son of one of its missing members, he grew up in the shadow of its secrets. All he knew was that it was a cabal of operatives discharged from branches of the military and reassigned to extremely dangerous, off- the-books international missions. And that their handler was as shrouded in mystery as the missions themselves.
NOTHING CAN STOP THEM. NOTHING CAN BREAK THEM.
Now the handler of Section 8 has given orders to kill any remaining members, along with their families. Dare must save his long-lost half sister, Avery, whom he was never meant to meet. Determined to fight for their lives and find their missing father, Dare and Avery bring together for one last mission those who are in danger because of their relationship to Section 8—to avenge their families and to survive.
For former Navy SEAL Dare O’Rourke, Section 8 was legendary. The son of one of its missing members, he grew up in the shadow of its secrets. All he knew was that it was a cabal of operatives discharged from branches of the military and reassigned to extremely dangerous, off- the-books international missions. And that their handler was as shrouded in mystery as the missions themselves.
NOTHING CAN STOP THEM. NOTHING CAN BREAK THEM.
Now the handler of Section 8 has given orders to kill any remaining members, along with their families. Dare must save his long-lost half sister, Avery, whom he was never meant to meet. Determined to fight for their lives and find their missing father, Dare and Avery bring together for one last mission those who are in danger because of their relationship to Section 8—to avenge their families and to survive.
400 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published April 2, 2013
33 people are currently reading
1224 people want to read
About the author
Stephanie Tyler
80 books1,280 followersNew York Times Bestselling author Stephanie Tyler writes what she loves to read - romantic suspense novels starring military heroes and paranormal romance novels novels starring warrior heroes, all complete with happy endings. She also writes as SE Jakes.
And because she's not busy enough, she also co-writes as Sydney Croft. She lives in New York with her husband, her kids and her crazy Weimaraner, Gus.
For more information on Stephanie, please visit www.stephanietyler.com or email her at stephanie@stephanietyler.com.
For more information on SE Jakes, please visit SEJakes.com.
For more information on Sydney, please visit www.sydneycroft.com or email Sydney at sydney@sydneycroft.com
And because she's not busy enough, she also co-writes as Sydney Croft. She lives in New York with her husband, her kids and her crazy Weimaraner, Gus.
For more information on Stephanie, please visit www.stephanietyler.com or email her at stephanie@stephanietyler.com.
For more information on SE Jakes, please visit SEJakes.com.
For more information on Sydney, please visit www.sydneycroft.com or email Sydney at sydney@sydneycroft.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
April 2, 2013
Review posted: Happily Ever After - Reads
Blog rating: B+
Section 8, a group of military “misfits” if you will, was put together and running secret ops for years until they disbanded and the leader of Section 8, a person no one could identify, ordered to have all members along with their families killed, to remove any and all traces of the team. A couple members survived long enough to get clues out to people, people who included Dare, the son of one of the members who’s been MIA for over a year and presumed dead. The message to Dare is to help save his half-sister Avery and give her a CD containing a message from their father. Avery is wanted for murder, she killed two men who raped and tortured her mother and when Dare finds her and heads to New Orleans, they have to come up with a plan to save their lives and kill the man responsible for Section 8 before he manages to kill them all. Dare captures Grace, a woman he plans to use as leverage in the fight against Rip, the name they call the man behind Section 8, but Grace has secrets and plans of her own.
Grace had a tortured childhood. Her step-father is Rip and he kept her captive on his private island sending her mother away when Grace was a young girl. She has a psychic gift that allows her to see and feel strong emotions of things that will be happening to and around her in the future. Rip used her for this and when her unreliable talent disappeared, she was held captive and Rip wanted to break her. She went through hell there but because she didn’t break, Rip just found her more fascinating. She finally got her chance to escape and found herself connected to the Section 8 members, specifically Dare’s dad. She’s been living her life in fear of Rip finding her, but now she finds herself right in the middle of everything. Dare originally plans to use her to draw out Rip, but when he finds out what her life was like, the torment she went through and her connection to his dad, Darius, he has second thoughts and all the plans change when more people show up, creating a ragtag team of individuals all connected to Rip and Section 8, all of their lives are in danger and all of them want their lives back.
There are so many threads going on in this story, it’s not at all hard to follow, but there’s a lot of world building that takes place to set the stage of bringing all these people together to form this team. They’re all connected in some way, whether it’s Dare and Avery being siblings, Grace’s connection to Dare’s dad, Gunner, an acquaintance of Dare’s, who has a shocking secret come out at the end, Key and Jem, brothers with a tie to Dare, one that Key would rather not have. All these people have had a horrible time of it lately, life hasn’t been too kind, but they’ve all been brought together and they’re going to use their ties to end the monster who’s trying to kill them all.
With all the setup, character introductions and multiple storylines happening, the romance between Grace and Dare isn’t front and center. I loved what we get with them though, they both have deep, dark emotional scars from their past and they’re able to find peace with each other. I really enjoyed their relationship, I just wish we maybe had a little bit more of them on page. My heart went out to both of these characters. They were both, at one point, captured and tortured, by different people for different reasons in their past and both still deal with nightmares and anxiety because of it.
The suspense and fast paced storytelling is what drew me in. There are many storylines happening at once, including a nice setup for Avery and her book, which I hope is coming up soon. She has some serious chemistry with two characters in Surrender and I’m already anxious to know how it’s all going to play out for her. The suspense is captivating, I was on the edge of my seat during many chapters and everyone brings their own talent to the table. The twist at the end with Gunner I didn’t see coming and I always love when a character or storyline surprises me.
Surrender is a fantastic start to Stephanie Tyler’s new series, Section 8. Fans of romantic suspense will love this story, it’s a little heavier on the suspense than the romance, but I enjoyed what Tyler brought and loved the characters introduced and the potential is there for this to be a great series. I always love finishing a book and feeling excited to see what’s going to happen next.
Blog rating: B+
Section 8, a group of military “misfits” if you will, was put together and running secret ops for years until they disbanded and the leader of Section 8, a person no one could identify, ordered to have all members along with their families killed, to remove any and all traces of the team. A couple members survived long enough to get clues out to people, people who included Dare, the son of one of the members who’s been MIA for over a year and presumed dead. The message to Dare is to help save his half-sister Avery and give her a CD containing a message from their father. Avery is wanted for murder, she killed two men who raped and tortured her mother and when Dare finds her and heads to New Orleans, they have to come up with a plan to save their lives and kill the man responsible for Section 8 before he manages to kill them all. Dare captures Grace, a woman he plans to use as leverage in the fight against Rip, the name they call the man behind Section 8, but Grace has secrets and plans of her own.
Grace had a tortured childhood. Her step-father is Rip and he kept her captive on his private island sending her mother away when Grace was a young girl. She has a psychic gift that allows her to see and feel strong emotions of things that will be happening to and around her in the future. Rip used her for this and when her unreliable talent disappeared, she was held captive and Rip wanted to break her. She went through hell there but because she didn’t break, Rip just found her more fascinating. She finally got her chance to escape and found herself connected to the Section 8 members, specifically Dare’s dad. She’s been living her life in fear of Rip finding her, but now she finds herself right in the middle of everything. Dare originally plans to use her to draw out Rip, but when he finds out what her life was like, the torment she went through and her connection to his dad, Darius, he has second thoughts and all the plans change when more people show up, creating a ragtag team of individuals all connected to Rip and Section 8, all of their lives are in danger and all of them want their lives back.
There are so many threads going on in this story, it’s not at all hard to follow, but there’s a lot of world building that takes place to set the stage of bringing all these people together to form this team. They’re all connected in some way, whether it’s Dare and Avery being siblings, Grace’s connection to Dare’s dad, Gunner, an acquaintance of Dare’s, who has a shocking secret come out at the end, Key and Jem, brothers with a tie to Dare, one that Key would rather not have. All these people have had a horrible time of it lately, life hasn’t been too kind, but they’ve all been brought together and they’re going to use their ties to end the monster who’s trying to kill them all.
With all the setup, character introductions and multiple storylines happening, the romance between Grace and Dare isn’t front and center. I loved what we get with them though, they both have deep, dark emotional scars from their past and they’re able to find peace with each other. I really enjoyed their relationship, I just wish we maybe had a little bit more of them on page. My heart went out to both of these characters. They were both, at one point, captured and tortured, by different people for different reasons in their past and both still deal with nightmares and anxiety because of it.
The suspense and fast paced storytelling is what drew me in. There are many storylines happening at once, including a nice setup for Avery and her book, which I hope is coming up soon. She has some serious chemistry with two characters in Surrender and I’m already anxious to know how it’s all going to play out for her. The suspense is captivating, I was on the edge of my seat during many chapters and everyone brings their own talent to the table. The twist at the end with Gunner I didn’t see coming and I always love when a character or storyline surprises me.
Surrender is a fantastic start to Stephanie Tyler’s new series, Section 8. Fans of romantic suspense will love this story, it’s a little heavier on the suspense than the romance, but I enjoyed what Tyler brought and loved the characters introduced and the potential is there for this to be a great series. I always love finishing a book and feeling excited to see what’s going to happen next.
April 26, 2013
Nothing better than a special ops/military type romance story....well except in this case. My apologies to Stephanie Tyler, the author, who I dearly love. I'm a big fan of all her other bks (including those with Larissa Ione/Sydney Croft) but I just couldn't finish this one. By about 25% in I started skimming but 60% I just gave up. Couldn't get invested in the story or the characters. May try again another time.
April 6, 2013
I’m conflicted.. As with any first book in a series there is a lot of information thrown at you. It’s all in how that information is given whether you flow with book or feel overwhelmed. In the first couple of chapters how we get this information was a little too choppy, there wasn’t a real flow to the information. Now after reading the book and looking back all the pieces fit but I had to put the book down a few times wondering where it was all going.
The premise here is 20 years ago there was this off the grid black ops team called Section 8, which in military terms means mentally unfit. During the last twenty years almost all of the original team and their families have been killed. The ones still living are doing so as hunted men and women.
One of the original members Darius O’Rourke had two children. They were from different mothers and one didn’t know about the other. Dare O’Rourke has always lived his life with a bulls eye on him. After the last attempt on his life he went into hiding. But when one of his father’s old team mate comes and tells him his sister is in trouble and needs him he does the right thing and goes to get her.
Avery was raised by a Bounty Hunter for a mother and knows how to protect herself. But after her mother is brutally murdered and she takes vengeance on those who killed her she finds herself in even bigger trouble.
After Dare gets her he takes her to Gunner, who’s a tattoo artist with lots a secrets. During her time with Gunner meets Jem, who is a little crazy in the head ex CIA black op and his brother Key, whose recently escaped from a mental institute. Key is the ex Ranger who rescued Dare from the last attempt on his life in the jungle.
The other key player is Grace who’s step father is the man who is trying to kill them all. Dare kidnaps her to use at leverage to get to him but he ends up seeing that she has live a life of hell herself and also finds himself very attracted to her.
The cast of characters that makes up this new series are all very intriguing and all earn the title of mentally unstable due to the tragic things that have been done to them by the leader of Section 8.
This book was at times hard to get through but in the end once all the back stories and getting to know the crazy cast of characters was done realized its going to be a great series. I am dying to know whose story is next.
The premise here is 20 years ago there was this off the grid black ops team called Section 8, which in military terms means mentally unfit. During the last twenty years almost all of the original team and their families have been killed. The ones still living are doing so as hunted men and women.
One of the original members Darius O’Rourke had two children. They were from different mothers and one didn’t know about the other. Dare O’Rourke has always lived his life with a bulls eye on him. After the last attempt on his life he went into hiding. But when one of his father’s old team mate comes and tells him his sister is in trouble and needs him he does the right thing and goes to get her.
Avery was raised by a Bounty Hunter for a mother and knows how to protect herself. But after her mother is brutally murdered and she takes vengeance on those who killed her she finds herself in even bigger trouble.
After Dare gets her he takes her to Gunner, who’s a tattoo artist with lots a secrets. During her time with Gunner meets Jem, who is a little crazy in the head ex CIA black op and his brother Key, whose recently escaped from a mental institute. Key is the ex Ranger who rescued Dare from the last attempt on his life in the jungle.
The other key player is Grace who’s step father is the man who is trying to kill them all. Dare kidnaps her to use at leverage to get to him but he ends up seeing that she has live a life of hell herself and also finds himself very attracted to her.
The cast of characters that makes up this new series are all very intriguing and all earn the title of mentally unstable due to the tragic things that have been done to them by the leader of Section 8.
This book was at times hard to get through but in the end once all the back stories and getting to know the crazy cast of characters was done realized its going to be a great series. I am dying to know whose story is next.
April 10, 2013
I'm at a loss of words here...maybe I just set my hopes too high? I loved Stephanie Tyler's Hold Trilogy, Shadow Force and Acro Series. So when I saw she will be releasing a new Romantic Suspense series
Then I began reading
If you are at all familiar with Stephanie Tyler's writing, you know that she usually weaves in numerous character POV's in her stories. In Surrender, we meet the main hero, Dare. Dare is the son of Darius, a Section 8 operative (A black ops group of loose cannon operatives recruited from various military branches and the CIA). Section 8 has been dis-banned, but seems that their handler/founder is now hunting down and eliminating all the original members and their families.
Dare is a former Seal who is struggling with his own demons due to a mission gone bad during which he was tortured and watched his entire team get slaughtered. He was saved by an Army Ranger, but hasn't been the same since. With the members of Section 8 now being hunted down, and his farther MIA and presumed dead, Dare finds his own life in danger. He finds out that he has a half-sister Avery, who is in the same predicament. Their only way out, so they think, is to kidnap the daughter of the founder and handler of Section 8.
About 13% into the reader finally gets introduced to Grace, the main heroine. Dare kidnaps Grace with the hopes of using her as leverage against her father, but everything is not at all how it seems.
In between the story that takes place between Dare and Grace, we get the POVs of Avery and Jem (Jeremiah). We also meet Jem's brother Key, who is the Ranger that saved Dare's life, and Gunner, the mysterious owner of a tattoo shop. There is a lot of world building that takes place, and we learn more about each character.
Now the plot itself sounded very promising. Unfortunately for me, it just fell flat. I could not connect to the characters or the story. I honestly struggled to finish this book just to see if it gets better at the end...it didn't. Dare and Grace's relationship was not very interesting to me. Their interaction and even the love scenes between the 2 were uninspiring and luke-warm at best. I didn't really see what their connection was. It seemed sudden and rushed. I struggled to get into the book from the very beginning, and then as it progressed I found my interest waning more and more.
This might have been the case of "been there-read that" for me. It also might have been the case of my expectations being too high going into this, I'm not even sure. It pains me to give a this book a less than stellar rating, but it just didn't work for me.
I will read the next book in the series, in the hopes that it gets better. But I think I'll wait to get it from the library, instead of adding it to my auto-buy list.
Perhaps readers that haven't read a lot of Romantic Suspense would enjoy this.
Then I began reading
If you are at all familiar with Stephanie Tyler's writing, you know that she usually weaves in numerous character POV's in her stories. In Surrender, we meet the main hero, Dare. Dare is the son of Darius, a Section 8 operative (A black ops group of loose cannon operatives recruited from various military branches and the CIA). Section 8 has been dis-banned, but seems that their handler/founder is now hunting down and eliminating all the original members and their families.
Dare is a former Seal who is struggling with his own demons due to a mission gone bad during which he was tortured and watched his entire team get slaughtered. He was saved by an Army Ranger, but hasn't been the same since. With the members of Section 8 now being hunted down, and his farther MIA and presumed dead, Dare finds his own life in danger. He finds out that he has a half-sister Avery, who is in the same predicament. Their only way out, so they think, is to kidnap the daughter of the founder and handler of Section 8.
About 13% into the reader finally gets introduced to Grace, the main heroine. Dare kidnaps Grace with the hopes of using her as leverage against her father, but everything is not at all how it seems.
In between the story that takes place between Dare and Grace, we get the POVs of Avery and Jem (Jeremiah). We also meet Jem's brother Key, who is the Ranger that saved Dare's life, and Gunner, the mysterious owner of a tattoo shop. There is a lot of world building that takes place, and we learn more about each character.
Now the plot itself sounded very promising. Unfortunately for me, it just fell flat. I could not connect to the characters or the story. I honestly struggled to finish this book just to see if it gets better at the end...it didn't. Dare and Grace's relationship was not very interesting to me. Their interaction and even the love scenes between the 2 were uninspiring and luke-warm at best. I didn't really see what their connection was. It seemed sudden and rushed. I struggled to get into the book from the very beginning, and then as it progressed I found my interest waning more and more.
This might have been the case of "been there-read that" for me. It also might have been the case of my expectations being too high going into this, I'm not even sure. It pains me to give a this book a less than stellar rating, but it just didn't work for me.
I will read the next book in the series, in the hopes that it gets better. But I think I'll wait to get it from the library, instead of adding it to my auto-buy list.
Perhaps readers that haven't read a lot of Romantic Suspense would enjoy this.
September 16, 2015
A couple of things jump to mind when looking back at this book. First is that I think the blurb could’ve been better. Without knowing exactly who the heroine is, I was a bit concerned at the very beginning that the heroine might end up being the hero’s half sister. I kept thinking “well maybe at some point they’ll discover how she’s adopted or something”. Shouldn’t have worried! Stephanie Tyler had it covered.
And second, this is a two stories in one kind of book. We get Dare and Grace who are the “main couple” but we also get Avery and Key/Gunner. I hate to say I have favorites, but I liked Avery’s parts a lot more. See, Dare always knew who his father was and he went in the military to sort of follow in his father’s footsteps. He also just now discovered that he has a half sister that is in grave danger and has to save, all while running away from a guy that wants revenge on Dare’s father and what better way to get to that but by the man’s kids.
Dare and Grace were the odd couple, from different sides of the battle. She’s the enemy’s step-daughter, who has always hated where she comes from. And when Dare kidnaps her to try and get leverage, their sparks fly from the very beginning. Grace is the silent and strong type while Dare is the dark and brooding type. They both have tortured pasts and I think the author did a great job at having each of them help the other. They were a good blend, although a bit subdued.
Which is probably why I liked Avery. She’s all spunk and guts. She’s never known her father, she just killed two hired guns that had just killed her mother, and now she’s on the run from the police and the bad guys. Which is how her whole world collapses, she meets her half brother Dare, and then she meets some sexy bad boys. By the end, there is a strong suspicion that the feelings between Avery and one of the contenders are stronger and more real. I am anxiously waiting for that book because I think it’ll be explosive.
SURRENDER was packed full of action, sexiness and twists. It kept me interested and anxious to know what was coming next.
*ARC provided by author
April 1, 2013
Our Review, by LITERAL ADDICTION's Pack Alpha - Michelle L. Olson:
Well, I'm no longer a Romantic Suspense virgin, and I am so, SO happy that I chose Surrender to be my first - the book was amazing!! ;-)
SECTION 8 is a spin-off of Stephanie's other Romantic Suspense series, but Surrender can easily be read as a stand-alone. There is plenty of back-story provided when needed to make the book flow smoothly, but a word of warning... when you finish Surrender you're going to want to go back and read everything Stephanie has ever written. :)
The book is chock full of suspense, mystery, intrigue, action and romance, and is written so superbly you will be turning pages frantically and swearing under your breath when you're forced to take a break.
Our team of characters - Dare, Grace, Jem, Key, Gunner and Avery are brought together to solve the mystery behind the deaths and disappearances of their loved ones and just make it out the other side alive. Their alliance isn't an easy one, however. Each has their secrets, and there is a lot of mistrust given the covert nature of Section 8 and what's been happening. The uneasy alliance makes for some wicked tension (both romantic and otherwise) and creates an amazing romantic suspense!
The plot twists were wonderful; Stephanie had me shaking my head on several occasions and kept my heart rate up through the majority of the book, and while I'd love to tell you more, I don't do spoilers so you're just going to have to go and check it out for yourself!
There was plenty of set up for the upcoming books in the series as well and I can't wait to see what will happen.
LITERAL ADDICTION gives Surrender 4 1/2 Skulls and HIGHLY recommends it!
Well, I'm no longer a Romantic Suspense virgin, and I am so, SO happy that I chose Surrender to be my first - the book was amazing!! ;-)
SECTION 8 is a spin-off of Stephanie's other Romantic Suspense series, but Surrender can easily be read as a stand-alone. There is plenty of back-story provided when needed to make the book flow smoothly, but a word of warning... when you finish Surrender you're going to want to go back and read everything Stephanie has ever written. :)
The book is chock full of suspense, mystery, intrigue, action and romance, and is written so superbly you will be turning pages frantically and swearing under your breath when you're forced to take a break.
Our team of characters - Dare, Grace, Jem, Key, Gunner and Avery are brought together to solve the mystery behind the deaths and disappearances of their loved ones and just make it out the other side alive. Their alliance isn't an easy one, however. Each has their secrets, and there is a lot of mistrust given the covert nature of Section 8 and what's been happening. The uneasy alliance makes for some wicked tension (both romantic and otherwise) and creates an amazing romantic suspense!
The plot twists were wonderful; Stephanie had me shaking my head on several occasions and kept my heart rate up through the majority of the book, and while I'd love to tell you more, I don't do spoilers so you're just going to have to go and check it out for yourself!
There was plenty of set up for the upcoming books in the series as well and I can't wait to see what will happen.
LITERAL ADDICTION gives Surrender 4 1/2 Skulls and HIGHLY recommends it!
March 3, 2013
In this book we are introduced to the main players Dare, Avery (Dare's half sister), Jem, Key (Jem's brother), Gunner and Grace. Each has a tie to the original Section 8 secret CIA black ops group, each has been drawn together to form an uneasy team.
Dare and Grace have immediate chemistry and Avery is drawn to Gunner but has deeper feelings for Key. They are out to stop Richard Powell. Grace's father, from killing them as the last of the family and friends tied to the original Section 8 team.
This is a story of suspense, intrigue, secrets and firepower to rival a Tom Clancy novel but has the hot sexy element and the love interest of the romance we all love. The romance in this story centers around Dare and Grace for the most part but we also gain a foothold into the story of Avery and Key and Gunner.
I loved the twists and turns in the plot, the secrets and the set up for the series to come. The romance between Grace and Dare is wonderful and heart wrenching at times. Surrender contains enough steam to make it worth your read but isn't an erotic novel at all. I found at first I had a hard time following the ties and the flashbacks and linking them to the present but it all cleared up as I continued to read.
So if you ever wondered what would happen if a Brad Thor book had a secret love child with a Desiree Holt book Surrender by Stephanie Tyler is it.
Reviewed by Carin for Cocktails and Books
Dare and Grace have immediate chemistry and Avery is drawn to Gunner but has deeper feelings for Key. They are out to stop Richard Powell. Grace's father, from killing them as the last of the family and friends tied to the original Section 8 team.
This is a story of suspense, intrigue, secrets and firepower to rival a Tom Clancy novel but has the hot sexy element and the love interest of the romance we all love. The romance in this story centers around Dare and Grace for the most part but we also gain a foothold into the story of Avery and Key and Gunner.
I loved the twists and turns in the plot, the secrets and the set up for the series to come. The romance between Grace and Dare is wonderful and heart wrenching at times. Surrender contains enough steam to make it worth your read but isn't an erotic novel at all. I found at first I had a hard time following the ties and the flashbacks and linking them to the present but it all cleared up as I continued to read.
So if you ever wondered what would happen if a Brad Thor book had a secret love child with a Desiree Holt book Surrender by Stephanie Tyler is it.
Reviewed by Carin for Cocktails and Books
April 14, 2013
The start of a new series can often be difficult and drawn out in the building of the world around the series. Surrender wasn't like that. Ms.Tyler managed to keep the action intense all while putting together an explosive world and occaissionally surprising the hell out of me.
I love the characters and the unique tie in to her other series and I can't wait to see what happens next!!
Read Lonely Is The Night first but definitely pick up this book/series!!
I love the characters and the unique tie in to her other series and I can't wait to see what happens next!!
Read Lonely Is The Night first but definitely pick up this book/series!!
February 23, 2014
Disappointing...Interesting plot, but it was hidden behind choppy writing and poor character development. I just finished it and don't really remember the characters at all just a few details about the plot.
May 30, 2013
The writing in this book seemed like a work in progress. There were numerous flow problems where I felt like maybe I had skipped some pages. I didn't feel like characters were developed well so that when a plot twist happened it just felt random. Definitely not the best Stephanie Tyler book.
February 28, 2015
I struggled to stay with this book the entire way through. Weird dynamics with everybody.
November 8, 2017
I love everything this author writes. I did enjoy this book, but there was a lot of information, and names to keep track of for me, I did skim just a little bit. But I have read other first in series that have introduced many people in the first book, that start to slowly get their own stories in other books, and I think that this series is going to be like that. I look forward to the rest of the series.
April 20, 2013
Review here: http://smexybooks.com/2013/04/review-...
Favorite Quote:
“You’ve known how fucked-up I am, and you still…you still…”
She embraced him, put her cheek to his chest to hear his heart beating. “I still.”
Section 8, an elite military black ops team shrouded in mystery, was formed many years ago to do the military’s dirty work. These highly trained soldiers were sent on extremely secretive missions via orders issued from their “handler”, someone they’d never met and could not identify. When a mission goes badly and a member is killed, Section 8 is disbanded.
Twenty years later, former Section 8 member Adele, brings a message to Dare O’Rourke, the son of Section 8’s leader, Darius. Dare is a former Navy SEAL who is in hiding after being kidnapped and tortured. Adele informs him that his sister needs his help. It’s apparent that all former Section 8 members and their families have been targeted by their handler and that “kill” orders have been issued. When Adele is shot, right in front of Dare, it sets off a chain of events that will pull together a group of people, somehow connected, who can only survive if they come together as a team.
Surrender is the first book in this new series by Stephanie Tyler. As a fan of her previous RS books, I had high expectations that I’d fall into this one much like I had her previous books, but while the suspense and intrigued were definitely there, the romance gets lost and that was very disappointing.
Dare O’Rourke, a former Navy SEAL, was supposed to die. During a mission, he’s captured and tortured and left for dead. Key, an army ranger in the area on a different mission, disobeys a direct order and rescues Dare. When Key is brought up on charges and Dare does not show up at his hearing, Key receives a dishonorable discharge. This ruins Key’s life, so he begins to hunt for Dare to seek his revenge. Along for the ride is Key’s brother Gem, who is CIA.
When Dare learns that his sister is in trouble, he finds her and takes her to New Orleans to another former contact of his, Gunner, who he knows will keep Avery safe while he finds and kidnaps Grace Powell, the step daughter of Richard Powell, who is the former Section 8 handler who has issued kill orders of each and every remaining S8 member and their families. Dare plans to use Grace as leverage, but once he meets her and learns about her true relationship with her step father, he realizes that he cannot use her that way.
Grace is not what Dare expected at all and as she reveals the truth about her time with Richard Powell, it cements that fact that Richard Powell really has to die. When he learns that Grace was extracted from Powell’s clutches by his father and Adele and lived with them in secret for years, he knows he has to find another way to get to Powell and keep both Grace and Avery safe.
There is so much going on in this book. There are multiple story lines and points of view, but they all lead to Richard Powell and the common goal of ending him once and for all. To this end, the author does a good job. I liked how the characters are connected and how they bond and form a team against the common enemy even though the reasons that they initially meet were all different. From a suspense stand point, this story delivers and I was satisfied with how it ended. However, the road there was bumpy and I found myself flipping back and forth a bit to clarify things.
Most disappointing was the romance of Dare and Grace. From the moment they arrive at the first safe house, it’s clear that there is some sort of chemistry there. Even after they begin to move from their kidnapper/kidnappee status, to them building trust and understand that they share a common enemy, I just didn’t feel any intimacy between the couple. Dare just assumes that he will have sex with Grace at some point. The sex scenes didn’t do it for me either; they were not fade to black, but they lacked details and too much had to be assumed. Also, once the group is together, Grace and Dare are hardly alone, which I guess accounts for the lack of smexy time as well. Not that sex scenes = romance, but there is very little dialogue between Grace and Dare that would indicate their attraction.
The secondary characters in some respect appeared stronger to me because of the lack of romance. Gunner has many secrets and I can’t wait to learn them all. There was a little spark between him and Avery and we’ll just have to wait and see on that. Avery actually showed more of an attraction to Key and that’ll be an interesting triangle if the author takes that route. We didn’t get to know Gem too well, but we know that he will do anything for his brother. They all bring a different skill set to the table and I look forward to seeing where this goes.
As a first book in a new series, I think the author succeeds in introducing the world and its players. We get an HEA, but the relationship of Grace and Dare got lost among the suspense plot. While I enjoyed the action and intrigue, I still had questions. I guess I will have to read book two and see if the answers are there.
Favorite Quote:
“You’ve known how fucked-up I am, and you still…you still…”
She embraced him, put her cheek to his chest to hear his heart beating. “I still.”
Section 8, an elite military black ops team shrouded in mystery, was formed many years ago to do the military’s dirty work. These highly trained soldiers were sent on extremely secretive missions via orders issued from their “handler”, someone they’d never met and could not identify. When a mission goes badly and a member is killed, Section 8 is disbanded.
Twenty years later, former Section 8 member Adele, brings a message to Dare O’Rourke, the son of Section 8’s leader, Darius. Dare is a former Navy SEAL who is in hiding after being kidnapped and tortured. Adele informs him that his sister needs his help. It’s apparent that all former Section 8 members and their families have been targeted by their handler and that “kill” orders have been issued. When Adele is shot, right in front of Dare, it sets off a chain of events that will pull together a group of people, somehow connected, who can only survive if they come together as a team.
Surrender is the first book in this new series by Stephanie Tyler. As a fan of her previous RS books, I had high expectations that I’d fall into this one much like I had her previous books, but while the suspense and intrigued were definitely there, the romance gets lost and that was very disappointing.
Dare O’Rourke, a former Navy SEAL, was supposed to die. During a mission, he’s captured and tortured and left for dead. Key, an army ranger in the area on a different mission, disobeys a direct order and rescues Dare. When Key is brought up on charges and Dare does not show up at his hearing, Key receives a dishonorable discharge. This ruins Key’s life, so he begins to hunt for Dare to seek his revenge. Along for the ride is Key’s brother Gem, who is CIA.
When Dare learns that his sister is in trouble, he finds her and takes her to New Orleans to another former contact of his, Gunner, who he knows will keep Avery safe while he finds and kidnaps Grace Powell, the step daughter of Richard Powell, who is the former Section 8 handler who has issued kill orders of each and every remaining S8 member and their families. Dare plans to use Grace as leverage, but once he meets her and learns about her true relationship with her step father, he realizes that he cannot use her that way.
Grace is not what Dare expected at all and as she reveals the truth about her time with Richard Powell, it cements that fact that Richard Powell really has to die. When he learns that Grace was extracted from Powell’s clutches by his father and Adele and lived with them in secret for years, he knows he has to find another way to get to Powell and keep both Grace and Avery safe.
There is so much going on in this book. There are multiple story lines and points of view, but they all lead to Richard Powell and the common goal of ending him once and for all. To this end, the author does a good job. I liked how the characters are connected and how they bond and form a team against the common enemy even though the reasons that they initially meet were all different. From a suspense stand point, this story delivers and I was satisfied with how it ended. However, the road there was bumpy and I found myself flipping back and forth a bit to clarify things.
Most disappointing was the romance of Dare and Grace. From the moment they arrive at the first safe house, it’s clear that there is some sort of chemistry there. Even after they begin to move from their kidnapper/kidnappee status, to them building trust and understand that they share a common enemy, I just didn’t feel any intimacy between the couple. Dare just assumes that he will have sex with Grace at some point. The sex scenes didn’t do it for me either; they were not fade to black, but they lacked details and too much had to be assumed. Also, once the group is together, Grace and Dare are hardly alone, which I guess accounts for the lack of smexy time as well. Not that sex scenes = romance, but there is very little dialogue between Grace and Dare that would indicate their attraction.
The secondary characters in some respect appeared stronger to me because of the lack of romance. Gunner has many secrets and I can’t wait to learn them all. There was a little spark between him and Avery and we’ll just have to wait and see on that. Avery actually showed more of an attraction to Key and that’ll be an interesting triangle if the author takes that route. We didn’t get to know Gem too well, but we know that he will do anything for his brother. They all bring a different skill set to the table and I look forward to seeing where this goes.
As a first book in a new series, I think the author succeeds in introducing the world and its players. We get an HEA, but the relationship of Grace and Dare got lost among the suspense plot. While I enjoyed the action and intrigue, I still had questions. I guess I will have to read book two and see if the answers are there.
August 18, 2017
Loved this book. Couldn't hardly put it down. Keep me guessing to the very end.
October 19, 2017
Loved it!!!
March 4, 2019
Enjoyable entertaining read.
April 5, 2013
My Rating: 3.5 stars: Liked it - recommend (B+)
Review originally posted at That's What I'm Talking About
Twenty years ago, there was a secret CIA black ops team called Section 8. When one of their own was killed in action, the team was dissolved. Yet they kept in touch, kept doing the dangerous missions. Somewhere, somehow one of those missions put them on the wrong side of a dangerous man, and now all of the remaining members of Section 8 and their families are being hunted and eliminated.
Dare is son of the original Section 8 leader, Darius. He has lived his life on the edge, trying to stay alive. He knew his life was over when he was set up, tortured and left for dead in the jungle until a Ranger saved him.
Avery is Dare’s half sister... Also daughter of Darius, although she never met him or Dare. She is wanted for murdering two men who appear to be related to Section 8. Because of this, Dare is called in to protect his sister and save them from the continue threat to anyone that knows about Section 8.
After the first couple of chapters in Surrender, you may feel the need to take a breath and slow down your heart. That is how fast things move in the this novel. Within the next few chapters we meet the rest of the key players: Jem, a super crazy CIA black ops master; his brother Key, who busted Jem out of the mental institute and is the Ranger who rescued Dare from the jungle; Gunner, a secretive tattoo artist that seems to be someone who can make things happen; and Grace, the daughter of the original Section 8 handler.
Although there is a lot of information to take in, the first part of the story flows well and the tension remains high. I enjoyed meeting all of the players and learning how they were interconnected. It was also fun to speculate who would do what next. Right from the start, I liked every one of the characters.
There are many shifting POVs in Surrender, but the HEA hero and heroine are Dare and Grace. The pair start on opposite sides but both quickly realize they are better off working together. They both have suffered a lot of horrors in their past, yet neither are so broken that they cannot move on and recognize the good in the other. I enjoyed that Grace and Dare came together sooner than later and put everything on the table, including past hurt. For the most part they were emotionally honest and upfront which made their relationship comfortable and sexy.
Although I did enjoy the many POVs, including that from the antagonist midway through the book, the shifting views sometimes created the feeling of choppiness within the flow of the story. Ultimately, I think this impacted my ability to emotionally connect with some of the characters. Additionally, I felt like I missed critical interactions sometimes - either that or they were missing from the story all together. It seemed like suddenly when I was reading I started missing connections and getting lost. Things would happen and I'd question how I arrived at that point - like I missed a preceding scene or two. I wasn’t sure if I missed scenes, and it was hard for me to go back and determine because of the shifting POVs.
The entire book was intense and I enjoyed the action and direction of the story. Ms. Tyler's use of shifting POV can be tough sometimes, but it makes for an exciting and interesting ride - always in the mind of someone new. It helps paint a broader, more in-depth picture.
With that said, I seemed to get lost and my interest waned during the second half of the story. The first two-thirds had me captivated - learning all of the players and how they are all connected. It was a lot of information, but told to the reader in an exciting and enjoyable way.
I did enjoy Grace and Dare - It would have been nice to spend some more time focusing on the pair. They both survived horrible ordeals in their past yet, are fairly well-adjusted and stable (within the boundaries of this world). You just have to accept that they are emotionally and mentally able to be in a healthy relationship in spite of their pasts. I like that they are mostly upfront and don't spend a lot of time hiding behind false pretenses.
The team on whole is full of great characters. Although they like to categorize themselves into stereotypical roles, they really don't fit any molds. And as "crazy" as they all claim to be, they fit well together.
Surrender is certainly the set up novel for more adventures to come. Ms. Tyler packed a lot of information into the book and created a backstory for the characters so they can move forward. Knowing how much I love Ms. Tyler's Shadow Ops series, I am certain that Section 8 is heading for some exciting adventures that I look forward to reading.
Review originally posted at That's What I'm Talking About
Twenty years ago, there was a secret CIA black ops team called Section 8. When one of their own was killed in action, the team was dissolved. Yet they kept in touch, kept doing the dangerous missions. Somewhere, somehow one of those missions put them on the wrong side of a dangerous man, and now all of the remaining members of Section 8 and their families are being hunted and eliminated.
Dare is son of the original Section 8 leader, Darius. He has lived his life on the edge, trying to stay alive. He knew his life was over when he was set up, tortured and left for dead in the jungle until a Ranger saved him.
Avery is Dare’s half sister... Also daughter of Darius, although she never met him or Dare. She is wanted for murdering two men who appear to be related to Section 8. Because of this, Dare is called in to protect his sister and save them from the continue threat to anyone that knows about Section 8.
After the first couple of chapters in Surrender, you may feel the need to take a breath and slow down your heart. That is how fast things move in the this novel. Within the next few chapters we meet the rest of the key players: Jem, a super crazy CIA black ops master; his brother Key, who busted Jem out of the mental institute and is the Ranger who rescued Dare from the jungle; Gunner, a secretive tattoo artist that seems to be someone who can make things happen; and Grace, the daughter of the original Section 8 handler.
Although there is a lot of information to take in, the first part of the story flows well and the tension remains high. I enjoyed meeting all of the players and learning how they were interconnected. It was also fun to speculate who would do what next. Right from the start, I liked every one of the characters.
There are many shifting POVs in Surrender, but the HEA hero and heroine are Dare and Grace. The pair start on opposite sides but both quickly realize they are better off working together. They both have suffered a lot of horrors in their past, yet neither are so broken that they cannot move on and recognize the good in the other. I enjoyed that Grace and Dare came together sooner than later and put everything on the table, including past hurt. For the most part they were emotionally honest and upfront which made their relationship comfortable and sexy.
Although I did enjoy the many POVs, including that from the antagonist midway through the book, the shifting views sometimes created the feeling of choppiness within the flow of the story. Ultimately, I think this impacted my ability to emotionally connect with some of the characters. Additionally, I felt like I missed critical interactions sometimes - either that or they were missing from the story all together. It seemed like suddenly when I was reading I started missing connections and getting lost. Things would happen and I'd question how I arrived at that point - like I missed a preceding scene or two. I wasn’t sure if I missed scenes, and it was hard for me to go back and determine because of the shifting POVs.
The entire book was intense and I enjoyed the action and direction of the story. Ms. Tyler's use of shifting POV can be tough sometimes, but it makes for an exciting and interesting ride - always in the mind of someone new. It helps paint a broader, more in-depth picture.
With that said, I seemed to get lost and my interest waned during the second half of the story. The first two-thirds had me captivated - learning all of the players and how they are all connected. It was a lot of information, but told to the reader in an exciting and enjoyable way.
I did enjoy Grace and Dare - It would have been nice to spend some more time focusing on the pair. They both survived horrible ordeals in their past yet, are fairly well-adjusted and stable (within the boundaries of this world). You just have to accept that they are emotionally and mentally able to be in a healthy relationship in spite of their pasts. I like that they are mostly upfront and don't spend a lot of time hiding behind false pretenses.
The team on whole is full of great characters. Although they like to categorize themselves into stereotypical roles, they really don't fit any molds. And as "crazy" as they all claim to be, they fit well together.
Surrender is certainly the set up novel for more adventures to come. Ms. Tyler packed a lot of information into the book and created a backstory for the characters so they can move forward. Knowing how much I love Ms. Tyler's Shadow Ops series, I am certain that Section 8 is heading for some exciting adventures that I look forward to reading.
June 5, 2013
Review originally posted here: http://thebookpushers.com/2013/05/31/...
Publisher: Signet
Publish Date: Out now
How I got this book: ARC from the publisher via Netgalley
On the run and living for revenge…
Desperate, fearless, and hunted.
For ex-Navy SEAL Dare O’Rourke, Section 8 was legendary. The son of one its missing members, he grew up in the shadow of its secrets. All he knew was that it was a cabal of operatives discharged from branches of the military and reassigned to extremely dangerous, off-the-books international missions. And their handler, who answered only to the president, was as shrouded in mystery as the missions themselves.
Nothing can stop them. Nothing can break them.
Now, the handler of Section 8 has given extreme orders: kill any remaining members, along with their families. It’s then that Dare makes a startling discovery: the existence of a long-lost half sister named Avery he was never meant to meet. Determined to fight for their lives and find their missing father, Dare and Avery bring together the last members of Section 8 for one last mission: to avenge their families, and to survive.
This blurb came from the author’s website.
I have read some of Tyler’s work before and found them enjoyable. When I read the blurb for Surrender it looked like it would push all of my buttons in a good way so I requested it for review. I forgot to check to see if any of the other reviewers on our site had grabbed it also until after their review had been posted. You can take a look at MinnChica’s review for a differing opinion. I knew I was anticipating an enjoyable read and Tyler surpassed my anticipation. I found I was trying to read while cooking dinner or should I say I tried to cook dinner while reading because I couldn’t put it down!
Tyler took a very interesting technique of alternating chapters in the beginning as she set the stage by introducing me to her primary characters and letting me see a bit of who they were before they had to interact with the other main characters. I really enjoyed it because Tyler gave enough individual time so I was intrigued while I tried to determine how they were connected and why. I found all of them equally fascinating because they were flawed, could be considered crazy, really didn’t care too much for following society’s rules, and unpredictable enough to keep me guessing about their future actions. In fact the only thing I really predicted was a fight between two of the guys, well that and romance **grin**.
I really enjoyed the mixing and matching of personalities. I found that the two women, Avery and Grace, did not want to depend on anyone to keep them safe. Each had learned some harsh lessons earlier in their lives and knew that they were currently targeted for death. As a result each was determined to be independent and to take control of everything they could. This led to some really interesting discussions and situations as well as increasing the tension among the entire group. The four men all tended to be protective and each had alpha tendencies although a couple of them hid those tendencies better than the others. Yet with their diverse skills and personalities they were able to work together.
While Surrender introduces six people that I think are going to continue to play a prominent role throughout this series the central relationship is between Grace and Dare. It was fascinating watching them go from mutual mistrust, suspicion, reluctant cooperation and then into a relationship. Tyler did a great job of showing their inner conflict and how easily the slightest thing could derail their progress. Speaking of the growing bond between all six people, Tyler threw in two major twists that I honestly did not see coming but that made all sorts of things pull together. I loved their inclusion and had to go back and re-read a portion because I was afraid I had missed a clue.
I thought that Surrender was nicely balanced between the interpersonal and the action. There was a satisfying amount of explosions, shooting, death, mayhem, and destruction. I did think that regardless of the connections and pull the handler of Section 8 had, some of the mayhem would have attracted attention from the authorities. But I was willing to buy the excuse while reading because I was enjoying the flow. I am looking forward to the next installment of Section 8 so I can continue to find out what secrets the other three guys are hiding and if they find someone who compliments their crazy. As I said in the beginning, I enjoyed reading Surrender. This was the perfect book to get me out of a mini-reading slump.
I give Surrender a B+
Publisher: Signet
Publish Date: Out now
How I got this book: ARC from the publisher via Netgalley
On the run and living for revenge…
Desperate, fearless, and hunted.
For ex-Navy SEAL Dare O’Rourke, Section 8 was legendary. The son of one its missing members, he grew up in the shadow of its secrets. All he knew was that it was a cabal of operatives discharged from branches of the military and reassigned to extremely dangerous, off-the-books international missions. And their handler, who answered only to the president, was as shrouded in mystery as the missions themselves.
Nothing can stop them. Nothing can break them.
Now, the handler of Section 8 has given extreme orders: kill any remaining members, along with their families. It’s then that Dare makes a startling discovery: the existence of a long-lost half sister named Avery he was never meant to meet. Determined to fight for their lives and find their missing father, Dare and Avery bring together the last members of Section 8 for one last mission: to avenge their families, and to survive.
This blurb came from the author’s website.
I have read some of Tyler’s work before and found them enjoyable. When I read the blurb for Surrender it looked like it would push all of my buttons in a good way so I requested it for review. I forgot to check to see if any of the other reviewers on our site had grabbed it also until after their review had been posted. You can take a look at MinnChica’s review for a differing opinion. I knew I was anticipating an enjoyable read and Tyler surpassed my anticipation. I found I was trying to read while cooking dinner or should I say I tried to cook dinner while reading because I couldn’t put it down!
Tyler took a very interesting technique of alternating chapters in the beginning as she set the stage by introducing me to her primary characters and letting me see a bit of who they were before they had to interact with the other main characters. I really enjoyed it because Tyler gave enough individual time so I was intrigued while I tried to determine how they were connected and why. I found all of them equally fascinating because they were flawed, could be considered crazy, really didn’t care too much for following society’s rules, and unpredictable enough to keep me guessing about their future actions. In fact the only thing I really predicted was a fight between two of the guys, well that and romance **grin**.
I really enjoyed the mixing and matching of personalities. I found that the two women, Avery and Grace, did not want to depend on anyone to keep them safe. Each had learned some harsh lessons earlier in their lives and knew that they were currently targeted for death. As a result each was determined to be independent and to take control of everything they could. This led to some really interesting discussions and situations as well as increasing the tension among the entire group. The four men all tended to be protective and each had alpha tendencies although a couple of them hid those tendencies better than the others. Yet with their diverse skills and personalities they were able to work together.
While Surrender introduces six people that I think are going to continue to play a prominent role throughout this series the central relationship is between Grace and Dare. It was fascinating watching them go from mutual mistrust, suspicion, reluctant cooperation and then into a relationship. Tyler did a great job of showing their inner conflict and how easily the slightest thing could derail their progress. Speaking of the growing bond between all six people, Tyler threw in two major twists that I honestly did not see coming but that made all sorts of things pull together. I loved their inclusion and had to go back and re-read a portion because I was afraid I had missed a clue.
I thought that Surrender was nicely balanced between the interpersonal and the action. There was a satisfying amount of explosions, shooting, death, mayhem, and destruction. I did think that regardless of the connections and pull the handler of Section 8 had, some of the mayhem would have attracted attention from the authorities. But I was willing to buy the excuse while reading because I was enjoying the flow. I am looking forward to the next installment of Section 8 so I can continue to find out what secrets the other three guys are hiding and if they find someone who compliments their crazy. As I said in the beginning, I enjoyed reading Surrender. This was the perfect book to get me out of a mini-reading slump.
I give Surrender a B+
April 15, 2013
Review courtesy of Dark Faerie Tales.
Quick & Dirty: The past can destroy your future and the lives of your loved ones if you let it.
Opening Sentence: The explosion threw him forward hard, the heat searing his body, debris cutting into his back as he covered his face and stayed down.
The Review:
This book came as a refreshing change after all of the paranormal romances that have been my stable diet of books recently. The world was very easy to slip into especially when you add the historical references about Katrina. The devastation of Louisiana and the aftermath following the destruction was fresh while reading this story and helped to ground not only the reader but the story.
The story begins with a mission gone wrong twenty years ago. Readers are thrust into the middle of an explosion quite literally and the author really captured feelings of the heat and zing as the debris fragments fell around Darius. By the end of the chapter there is one decision to be made, which of the two men will take the last spot in the helicopter and survive while the other will provide for the safe exit of the entire rest of the team. In the end, Darius is sent ahead and Simon stays behind to fight off the wave of warriors coming to kill them all.
The following chapter starts with our meeting Dare O’Rourke, our hero who is Darius’ son. Dare has left the military following a botched murder attempt and slunk back to lick his wounds after the death of his entire team. He is a man with no reason to keep living and yet he manages to survive perhaps in spite of it.
Dare finds out from a woman that basically raised him that his half sister is in trouble. She had killed two men and was currently running from the law but unfortunately there was an even greater threat to her because of her connection to The O’Rourke family. All the family member’s connected with Darius’ team were slowly being murdered and the O’Rourke family was the next in the hot seat.
Avery O’Rourke is what my family would call a spit fire. This is not a woman that takes any bull. She knows how to use a gun and isn’t afraid to pull the trigger and has done so to kill 2 of the men responsible for murdering her mother.
Grace Powell has been a woman on the run from a lunatic ever since she escaped with Darius years earlier. She had been using her resolve and gumption to save other woman that were being victimized by their spouses/boyfriends. She is a woman with a gift that hasn’t worked in years but as soon as Dare takes her into his arms, she starts to see visions again. This could lead to all sort of complications if Dare isn’t an honorable man.
These are just the three main characters in this book. One of the things that struck me while I read this story was that I really struggled to keep track of which character was which one in part because there were so many to keep track of constantly. Once the characters are in separate locations this is much easier so do not let that be a detractor from grabbing this book off the book shelf.
This was an enjoyable read and if you are looking for a break from the paranormal series you are currently reading, this is a good book to pick up. There was one “You got to be kidding me” moment in this book and I look forward to when an author can do that to me as a reader.
Notable Scene:
He stared at the back of Grace’s head. She’d turned when he first stared tuning the guitar, but she couldn’t see him, no matter how hard she tried.
Interrogation had its uses, but he’d have to soften her up first. She was strong and angry, and she would not go down easily. If she was left alone, her mind would take over. He wouldn’t have to do much more than that, let her get hungry and tired.
By the time he interrogated her, her own fear would’ve done more to her than he could’ve ever brought himself to do. She’d be working over her options in her mind, tiring herself out like a hamster on a wheel.
Will you be doing the same damned thing out here?
FTC Advisory: Signet/Penguin provided me with a copy of Surrender. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
Quick & Dirty: The past can destroy your future and the lives of your loved ones if you let it.
Opening Sentence: The explosion threw him forward hard, the heat searing his body, debris cutting into his back as he covered his face and stayed down.
The Review:
This book came as a refreshing change after all of the paranormal romances that have been my stable diet of books recently. The world was very easy to slip into especially when you add the historical references about Katrina. The devastation of Louisiana and the aftermath following the destruction was fresh while reading this story and helped to ground not only the reader but the story.
The story begins with a mission gone wrong twenty years ago. Readers are thrust into the middle of an explosion quite literally and the author really captured feelings of the heat and zing as the debris fragments fell around Darius. By the end of the chapter there is one decision to be made, which of the two men will take the last spot in the helicopter and survive while the other will provide for the safe exit of the entire rest of the team. In the end, Darius is sent ahead and Simon stays behind to fight off the wave of warriors coming to kill them all.
The following chapter starts with our meeting Dare O’Rourke, our hero who is Darius’ son. Dare has left the military following a botched murder attempt and slunk back to lick his wounds after the death of his entire team. He is a man with no reason to keep living and yet he manages to survive perhaps in spite of it.
Dare finds out from a woman that basically raised him that his half sister is in trouble. She had killed two men and was currently running from the law but unfortunately there was an even greater threat to her because of her connection to The O’Rourke family. All the family member’s connected with Darius’ team were slowly being murdered and the O’Rourke family was the next in the hot seat.
Avery O’Rourke is what my family would call a spit fire. This is not a woman that takes any bull. She knows how to use a gun and isn’t afraid to pull the trigger and has done so to kill 2 of the men responsible for murdering her mother.
Grace Powell has been a woman on the run from a lunatic ever since she escaped with Darius years earlier. She had been using her resolve and gumption to save other woman that were being victimized by their spouses/boyfriends. She is a woman with a gift that hasn’t worked in years but as soon as Dare takes her into his arms, she starts to see visions again. This could lead to all sort of complications if Dare isn’t an honorable man.
These are just the three main characters in this book. One of the things that struck me while I read this story was that I really struggled to keep track of which character was which one in part because there were so many to keep track of constantly. Once the characters are in separate locations this is much easier so do not let that be a detractor from grabbing this book off the book shelf.
This was an enjoyable read and if you are looking for a break from the paranormal series you are currently reading, this is a good book to pick up. There was one “You got to be kidding me” moment in this book and I look forward to when an author can do that to me as a reader.
Notable Scene:
He stared at the back of Grace’s head. She’d turned when he first stared tuning the guitar, but she couldn’t see him, no matter how hard she tried.
Interrogation had its uses, but he’d have to soften her up first. She was strong and angry, and she would not go down easily. If she was left alone, her mind would take over. He wouldn’t have to do much more than that, let her get hungry and tired.
By the time he interrogated her, her own fear would’ve done more to her than he could’ve ever brought himself to do. She’d be working over her options in her mind, tiring herself out like a hamster on a wheel.
Will you be doing the same damned thing out here?
FTC Advisory: Signet/Penguin provided me with a copy of Surrender. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
May 14, 2013
Kimber‘s review posted on Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
Review copy provided for an honest review.
3.5 Stars
This is a good start to a new military suspense series by Stephanie Tyler. I enjoy all of her novels where action, mystery, lust, and love make for a fast-paced, edge-of-your-seat, sexy kind of read. I love it when New Orleans is the main setting of a book, and in the case of Surrender, the author took us deep into the alligator infested bayou as well as in the heart of the city. I could easily picture the city in the aftermath of Katrina and it really added to the intrigue of the story. Though I was immediately pulled into the story, within a few chapters I felt somewhat lost, but by the end of the book everything came together and most of the pieces of the puzzle were put into place. Of course, some things were left unresolved since there will be more books to the series. Lucky us, because I definitely want more.
By definition, Section 8 is a group of men and women from different branches of the military who were picked to work black ops missions, brought together by a secret Handler. Now that he no longer needs them for missions, orders are for all of them to be killed, along with any family members so none of their secrets can be leaked. Dare’s father, the team leader and one of few remaining members has been missing for a year. Dare almost dies at a last attempt to find him. While he’s still recuperating from his injuries he is visited and warned about the orders to kill at which time he also discovers he has a half sister. Duty bound, he sets off to locate her before the bad guys find and kill her.
Though we have several story lines going at the same time, Grace and Dare are the main couple in this installment and they each have had crappy (to say the least) childhoods. Grace’s step-father is the bad guy in the book and he is one not to be messed with. She suffered horrible abuse by men under his employ as a way to control her and her “gift.” Once she got older she escaped and has been in hiding and goes back to a place in New Orleans that has always felt like home. Dare has had it rough too. Not physically abused by his parents, but definitely a tortured soul with his own demons. They both were born into a merc lifestyle where violence is the norm, so they are used to having to survive by any means. This very brooding ex Navy Seal is immediately drawn to this beautiful, seemingly carefree girl and what starts out as a kidnapping for leverage ends in a perfectly matched couple who helps each other heal. In other words, his plans are shot to hell. I love it when the big, tough ones fall hard.
Another story line is Avery who is Dare’s half sister, Gunner and Key. I have to admit, I really, really liked it whenever these characters were on page, maybe even more than the main story. Guess I’m a sucker for a good love triangle. I think I know who I want Avery to end up with but during this story you kind of pull for both of them for different reasons. Whatever happens in the next book, I know she gets a good guy and then we’ll just have to wait and see who Stephanie has planned for the other one.
There’s also another tread with Key and his brother Jem, and they add yet another piece to the Section 8 puzzle. All of these characters have ties to each other and all the twists made for an interesting read. They are thrown together which was at times was explosive because some of them have histories, but they learn to put aside their differences and work together to keep everyone alive. Danger lies around every corner along with deception, intrigue and angst. The heat level is a bit on the low side for me, but super sexy nonetheless.
The foundation for the series was laid, a great couple emerged, and future stories are ready to be built upon. Stephanie Tyler has given use some interesting characters to start this new series and I will try my best to be patient until the next installment releases. No doubt another best selling military suspense series for her!
Review copy provided for an honest review.
3.5 Stars
This is a good start to a new military suspense series by Stephanie Tyler. I enjoy all of her novels where action, mystery, lust, and love make for a fast-paced, edge-of-your-seat, sexy kind of read. I love it when New Orleans is the main setting of a book, and in the case of Surrender, the author took us deep into the alligator infested bayou as well as in the heart of the city. I could easily picture the city in the aftermath of Katrina and it really added to the intrigue of the story. Though I was immediately pulled into the story, within a few chapters I felt somewhat lost, but by the end of the book everything came together and most of the pieces of the puzzle were put into place. Of course, some things were left unresolved since there will be more books to the series. Lucky us, because I definitely want more.
By definition, Section 8 is a group of men and women from different branches of the military who were picked to work black ops missions, brought together by a secret Handler. Now that he no longer needs them for missions, orders are for all of them to be killed, along with any family members so none of their secrets can be leaked. Dare’s father, the team leader and one of few remaining members has been missing for a year. Dare almost dies at a last attempt to find him. While he’s still recuperating from his injuries he is visited and warned about the orders to kill at which time he also discovers he has a half sister. Duty bound, he sets off to locate her before the bad guys find and kill her.
Though we have several story lines going at the same time, Grace and Dare are the main couple in this installment and they each have had crappy (to say the least) childhoods. Grace’s step-father is the bad guy in the book and he is one not to be messed with. She suffered horrible abuse by men under his employ as a way to control her and her “gift.” Once she got older she escaped and has been in hiding and goes back to a place in New Orleans that has always felt like home. Dare has had it rough too. Not physically abused by his parents, but definitely a tortured soul with his own demons. They both were born into a merc lifestyle where violence is the norm, so they are used to having to survive by any means. This very brooding ex Navy Seal is immediately drawn to this beautiful, seemingly carefree girl and what starts out as a kidnapping for leverage ends in a perfectly matched couple who helps each other heal. In other words, his plans are shot to hell. I love it when the big, tough ones fall hard.
Another story line is Avery who is Dare’s half sister, Gunner and Key. I have to admit, I really, really liked it whenever these characters were on page, maybe even more than the main story. Guess I’m a sucker for a good love triangle. I think I know who I want Avery to end up with but during this story you kind of pull for both of them for different reasons. Whatever happens in the next book, I know she gets a good guy and then we’ll just have to wait and see who Stephanie has planned for the other one.
There’s also another tread with Key and his brother Jem, and they add yet another piece to the Section 8 puzzle. All of these characters have ties to each other and all the twists made for an interesting read. They are thrown together which was at times was explosive because some of them have histories, but they learn to put aside their differences and work together to keep everyone alive. Danger lies around every corner along with deception, intrigue and angst. The heat level is a bit on the low side for me, but super sexy nonetheless.
The foundation for the series was laid, a great couple emerged, and future stories are ready to be built upon. Stephanie Tyler has given use some interesting characters to start this new series and I will try my best to be patient until the next installment releases. No doubt another best selling military suspense series for her!
July 12, 2013
Title: Surrender
Series: Section 8 bk 1
Author: Stephanie Tyler
Genre: Contemporary, Romantic Suspense
DESPERATE, FEARLESS, AND HUNTED
For former Navy SEAL Dare O’Rourke, Section 8 was legendary. The son of one of its missing members, he grew up in the shadow of its secrets. All he knew was that it was a cabal of operatives discharged from branches of the military and reassigned to extremely dangerous, off- the-books international missions. And that their handler was as shrouded in mystery as the missions themselves.
NOTHING CAN STOP THEM. NOTHING CAN BREAK THEM.
Now the handler of Section 8 has given orders to kill any remaining members, along with their families. Dare must save his long-lost half sister, Avery, whom he was never meant to meet. Determined to fight for their lives and find their missing father, Dare and Avery bring together for one last mission those who are in danger because of their relationship to Section 8—to avenge their families and to survive.
When this book started I wasn't sure what to expect from it as it was different from anything I'd read. I'm so glad I stuck with it however and read to the end.
There is a lot going on in this book, while there is the main couple of Dare and Grace, there is also Avery Dare's sister, Gunner, and brother's Jem and Key.
I honestly have no clue where to start with this book, other than to give a round of the characters.
Dare is a former SEAL who was tortured and made to watch his entire unit be killed in front of him. He wants nothing more than to disappear from the world, however people won't let him. He knows he's a marked man so he stays away from everyone and everything.
Avery is a bounty hunter who has a price on her head for killing the men who killed her mother. She is Dare's little sister. A sister he knew nothing about.
Jem is a former CIA spy who likes to spend time in mental wards or so it seems. I'm still not sure what's going on with him, but I do know I want to know more about him.
Key is a former Ranger who went to Leavenworth for disobeying a direct order to save Dare. He's lost everything and is out for revenge. With his crazy brother Jem at his side he's determined to track Dare down and kill him.
Gunner is the real mystery here. All I know for sure about him is he's a famous tattoo artist and owns almost an entire city block in New Orleans.
Grace is a psychic and the key to Dare figuring out what in the hell happened to his life. And she's keeping a giant secret from them all.
The secret is huge especially for Dare who is beginning to have feelings for her and is torn with what to do. It's also killing Grace who is also developing feelings for Dare. As their relationship progress the person stalking them gets more daring and dangerous.
The characters in this book are all a hot mess as you can see. However when they work together it's like they've been together for years. They all have one agenda to kill the man who is destroying their lives. What they never expected was to form a unit. A unit that changes everything.
Add in the chemistry Avery has with Key and Gunner and you have one really good book that keeps you glued to it until to turn the last page and then wishing you had more of these characters.
If you don't mind your characters more than a little broken, but determined to live life on their terms well then you won't want to miss this book. I know I'm glad I read it. And I can't wait for the next book in the series to come out.
Grade A
Review by: Heather
Check out more of our great reviews at http://www.thebookreadinggals.com
Series: Section 8 bk 1
Author: Stephanie Tyler
Genre: Contemporary, Romantic Suspense
DESPERATE, FEARLESS, AND HUNTED
For former Navy SEAL Dare O’Rourke, Section 8 was legendary. The son of one of its missing members, he grew up in the shadow of its secrets. All he knew was that it was a cabal of operatives discharged from branches of the military and reassigned to extremely dangerous, off- the-books international missions. And that their handler was as shrouded in mystery as the missions themselves.
NOTHING CAN STOP THEM. NOTHING CAN BREAK THEM.
Now the handler of Section 8 has given orders to kill any remaining members, along with their families. Dare must save his long-lost half sister, Avery, whom he was never meant to meet. Determined to fight for their lives and find their missing father, Dare and Avery bring together for one last mission those who are in danger because of their relationship to Section 8—to avenge their families and to survive.
When this book started I wasn't sure what to expect from it as it was different from anything I'd read. I'm so glad I stuck with it however and read to the end.
There is a lot going on in this book, while there is the main couple of Dare and Grace, there is also Avery Dare's sister, Gunner, and brother's Jem and Key.
I honestly have no clue where to start with this book, other than to give a round of the characters.
Dare is a former SEAL who was tortured and made to watch his entire unit be killed in front of him. He wants nothing more than to disappear from the world, however people won't let him. He knows he's a marked man so he stays away from everyone and everything.
Avery is a bounty hunter who has a price on her head for killing the men who killed her mother. She is Dare's little sister. A sister he knew nothing about.
Jem is a former CIA spy who likes to spend time in mental wards or so it seems. I'm still not sure what's going on with him, but I do know I want to know more about him.
Key is a former Ranger who went to Leavenworth for disobeying a direct order to save Dare. He's lost everything and is out for revenge. With his crazy brother Jem at his side he's determined to track Dare down and kill him.
Gunner is the real mystery here. All I know for sure about him is he's a famous tattoo artist and owns almost an entire city block in New Orleans.
Grace is a psychic and the key to Dare figuring out what in the hell happened to his life. And she's keeping a giant secret from them all.
The secret is huge especially for Dare who is beginning to have feelings for her and is torn with what to do. It's also killing Grace who is also developing feelings for Dare. As their relationship progress the person stalking them gets more daring and dangerous.
The characters in this book are all a hot mess as you can see. However when they work together it's like they've been together for years. They all have one agenda to kill the man who is destroying their lives. What they never expected was to form a unit. A unit that changes everything.
Add in the chemistry Avery has with Key and Gunner and you have one really good book that keeps you glued to it until to turn the last page and then wishing you had more of these characters.
If you don't mind your characters more than a little broken, but determined to live life on their terms well then you won't want to miss this book. I know I'm glad I read it. And I can't wait for the next book in the series to come out.
Grade A
Review by: Heather
Check out more of our great reviews at http://www.thebookreadinggals.com
April 13, 2013
Review originally posted here: http://thebookpushers.com/2013/04/03/...
I was a little hesitant to read this book, mainly because it has one of the worst written blurbs in the history of romance. I didn’t think that Tyler would have a love interest between siblings, but I did read a romance once from a very popular author where the hero and heroine were 2nd cousins, so you can never be too sure.
Dare is a bit broken. His life as a SEAL is officially over, and after a hellish last mission, his body is as messed up as his spirit. When an old family friend shows up on his doorstep with word of a half-sister who is in danger, Dare is forced out of hiding and thrown into a messy situation that he fears he won’t be able to live through.
Grace is the daughter of a very powerful and dangerous man who will stop at nothing to get her back under his thumb. When Dare and his crew offer her their protection, all their individual problems will come to head and the fight of their life will be bloody and dangerous, and someone won’t make it out alive.
This is a little bit of a different romantic suspense book. Usually our heroes are active military, or work for some kind of black ops group. Instead, Dare and his ragtag team are former military and spooks and are all a little bit broken and crazy. Their lives are forfeit because of their relation to Section 8, and the only way out is to take down the man behind it all. It had a little bit of a different vibe, with the good guys being hunted, and I liked that.
The supporting cast of characters were great in this story. I loved Avery, Dare’s half-sister, who found herself facing murder charges. She had just the right combination of spunk and uncertainty about their situation. I’m excited to see what happens between Avery and Key, the unsuspecting career military man who saved Dare’s life on his last military mission. I love the crazy ways of Jem, Key’s CIA brother who was a perfect mix of crazy and sane. And Gunner, the tattoo artist with a military background and a secret he’s desperate to keep. They were all so crazy, and yet together as a team, they worked!
There were times that I liked the supporting cast more so than Dare and Grace. Not that they weren’t both interesting characters, but their romance lacked a little for me. I had a hard time believing in their lust and love for one another. At times it felt as if they were only together because of the convenience of it all. There were only one or two moments that I truly felt they were in it 100% for each other.
I’m both excited and apprehensive to see where Tyler takes this series next. Things were both wrapped up nicely and left hanging. While the mystery and intrigue surrounding Section 8 is pretty much done and over, Dare and crew have formed a team on their own. Where they all go from here is a mystery for the next book.
All in all I thought Tyler had an interesting first book in the Section 8 series. I adored the secondary characters and am anxious to see what happens to each of them as their stories unfold. While the romance didn’t work for me in some ways, I did enjoy both Dare and Grace as individuals, and that made up for the romance let down.
I give Surrender a C+
I was a little hesitant to read this book, mainly because it has one of the worst written blurbs in the history of romance. I didn’t think that Tyler would have a love interest between siblings, but I did read a romance once from a very popular author where the hero and heroine were 2nd cousins, so you can never be too sure.
Dare is a bit broken. His life as a SEAL is officially over, and after a hellish last mission, his body is as messed up as his spirit. When an old family friend shows up on his doorstep with word of a half-sister who is in danger, Dare is forced out of hiding and thrown into a messy situation that he fears he won’t be able to live through.
Grace is the daughter of a very powerful and dangerous man who will stop at nothing to get her back under his thumb. When Dare and his crew offer her their protection, all their individual problems will come to head and the fight of their life will be bloody and dangerous, and someone won’t make it out alive.
This is a little bit of a different romantic suspense book. Usually our heroes are active military, or work for some kind of black ops group. Instead, Dare and his ragtag team are former military and spooks and are all a little bit broken and crazy. Their lives are forfeit because of their relation to Section 8, and the only way out is to take down the man behind it all. It had a little bit of a different vibe, with the good guys being hunted, and I liked that.
The supporting cast of characters were great in this story. I loved Avery, Dare’s half-sister, who found herself facing murder charges. She had just the right combination of spunk and uncertainty about their situation. I’m excited to see what happens between Avery and Key, the unsuspecting career military man who saved Dare’s life on his last military mission. I love the crazy ways of Jem, Key’s CIA brother who was a perfect mix of crazy and sane. And Gunner, the tattoo artist with a military background and a secret he’s desperate to keep. They were all so crazy, and yet together as a team, they worked!
There were times that I liked the supporting cast more so than Dare and Grace. Not that they weren’t both interesting characters, but their romance lacked a little for me. I had a hard time believing in their lust and love for one another. At times it felt as if they were only together because of the convenience of it all. There were only one or two moments that I truly felt they were in it 100% for each other.
I’m both excited and apprehensive to see where Tyler takes this series next. Things were both wrapped up nicely and left hanging. While the mystery and intrigue surrounding Section 8 is pretty much done and over, Dare and crew have formed a team on their own. Where they all go from here is a mystery for the next book.
All in all I thought Tyler had an interesting first book in the Section 8 series. I adored the secondary characters and am anxious to see what happens to each of them as their stories unfold. While the romance didn’t work for me in some ways, I did enjoy both Dare and Grace as individuals, and that made up for the romance let down.
I give Surrender a C+
April 5, 2013
Love love loved this book! I have been dying for something new from Stephanie and this was a fantastic start to a new series! Just like with other Stephanie Tyler books, there is a main plot and a secondary plot all in one. This book is like that with Dare and Grace the main plot and Gunner, Avery and Key the secondary plot with Key’s brother Jem and then all coming together in the end.
I LOVED these characters! All of them have their own unique quirks and they are all important to this book and the series. Dare and Grace were great main characters. They had great chemistry, even in the beginning when they first come together and then it got pretty hot once they really came together. ;) Their stories are both heartbreaking but that’s what made them great characters. They have a LOT to them separate but as a whole they are even better!
Now for the other characters, who I loved just as much as Dare and Grace. Gunner!!! If you’ve read the newest Shadow Force book Lonely is the Night, you’ll remember him from that book. He’s still the same old Gunner but you really get to know him in this book. And I gotta say, he’s a definite favorite of mine. Key and Jem come into the story in a pretty interesting way! Jem is a nut, literally! He’s funny and crazy and really, I can’t wait for more of him in future books. Key is the opposite of Jem. He’s serious and kinda quiet, but oh so sexy! That make out scene with Avery, that was hot! And then there is Avery, Dare’s half sister, who basically is the start to bringing them all together (you’ll have to read it to understand that). I SO can not wait to see where the Gunner, Avery, Key triangle goes. I know where I want it to go but I’ll wait and see before I say anything!!!
Overall, this was a great read! Lots of action and suspense, the sex was hot and the characters were entertaining! I am so looking forward to future Section 8 books, I can’t wait to see what Stephanie does with this new, exciting series!!!
*I received a copy of this ebook from the author in exchange for an honest review. Everything stated in this review is my honest opinion!*
I LOVED these characters! All of them have their own unique quirks and they are all important to this book and the series. Dare and Grace were great main characters. They had great chemistry, even in the beginning when they first come together and then it got pretty hot once they really came together. ;) Their stories are both heartbreaking but that’s what made them great characters. They have a LOT to them separate but as a whole they are even better!
Now for the other characters, who I loved just as much as Dare and Grace. Gunner!!! If you’ve read the newest Shadow Force book Lonely is the Night, you’ll remember him from that book. He’s still the same old Gunner but you really get to know him in this book. And I gotta say, he’s a definite favorite of mine. Key and Jem come into the story in a pretty interesting way! Jem is a nut, literally! He’s funny and crazy and really, I can’t wait for more of him in future books. Key is the opposite of Jem. He’s serious and kinda quiet, but oh so sexy! That make out scene with Avery, that was hot! And then there is Avery, Dare’s half sister, who basically is the start to bringing them all together (you’ll have to read it to understand that). I SO can not wait to see where the Gunner, Avery, Key triangle goes. I know where I want it to go but I’ll wait and see before I say anything!!!
Overall, this was a great read! Lots of action and suspense, the sex was hot and the characters were entertaining! I am so looking forward to future Section 8 books, I can’t wait to see what Stephanie does with this new, exciting series!!!
*I received a copy of this ebook from the author in exchange for an honest review. Everything stated in this review is my honest opinion!*
June 17, 2013
Ex-Navy Seal Dare O’Rourke has heard about the legendary Section 8 his entire life. Section 8 is the reason he never had a childhood with his father, Darius, and it’s the reason that he finds his life in danger now. When he learns that his half sister Avery is in danger Dare sets a plan in motion that will either save them all or get them killed.
Grace has known that Dare would come for her eventually. She is the perfect pawn to use against her horrible father, Section 8’s founder. She didn’t need her psychic ability to tell her that. What she didn’t count on was the feelings that being around Dare would inspire within her. Will she be able to convince Dare that she is on his side and wants her father dead more than he does?
New York Times bestselling author Stephanie Tyler has a winner on her hands with Surrender! Prepare yourself for one wild and exciting ride as you flip the pages of Surrender! The characters are fascinating and the plot is killer. Ms. Tyler has outdone herself with the world-building in the first book of her latest series, Section 8. We are introduced to a lot of characters in this novel and each one is dynamic and interesting. They make you want to know everything about them. While Dare and Grace may be the star couple of Surrender there is a lot of juicy tension among the other characters as well.
The sexual tension between Dare and Grace is palpable from their first encounter and things just get hotter as the story unfolds. These two really deserve some happiness; they are both in a terrible situation and have had painful pasts. But first they must learn to trust each other and that’s not an easy task. Thankfully there are some feelings you just cannot deny. Every scene with these two is golden.
One of the great things about Surrender is the many ways this series can continue to unfold in future novels. I cannot wait to see what happens with Dare’s sister Avery and the men that are circling her.
Action, intrigue and passion make Surrender number one in my book and that is why I am Joyfully Recommending it!
Reviewed by Miranda for Joyfully Reviewed
Grace has known that Dare would come for her eventually. She is the perfect pawn to use against her horrible father, Section 8’s founder. She didn’t need her psychic ability to tell her that. What she didn’t count on was the feelings that being around Dare would inspire within her. Will she be able to convince Dare that she is on his side and wants her father dead more than he does?
New York Times bestselling author Stephanie Tyler has a winner on her hands with Surrender! Prepare yourself for one wild and exciting ride as you flip the pages of Surrender! The characters are fascinating and the plot is killer. Ms. Tyler has outdone herself with the world-building in the first book of her latest series, Section 8. We are introduced to a lot of characters in this novel and each one is dynamic and interesting. They make you want to know everything about them. While Dare and Grace may be the star couple of Surrender there is a lot of juicy tension among the other characters as well.
The sexual tension between Dare and Grace is palpable from their first encounter and things just get hotter as the story unfolds. These two really deserve some happiness; they are both in a terrible situation and have had painful pasts. But first they must learn to trust each other and that’s not an easy task. Thankfully there are some feelings you just cannot deny. Every scene with these two is golden.
One of the great things about Surrender is the many ways this series can continue to unfold in future novels. I cannot wait to see what happens with Dare’s sister Avery and the men that are circling her.
Action, intrigue and passion make Surrender number one in my book and that is why I am Joyfully Recommending it!
Reviewed by Miranda for Joyfully Reviewed
January 7, 2016
The story started with a prologue of Darius being made to sacrifice Simon, his fellow team member of Section 8; a brief introduction of Section 8, a unit made up of military “misfits” which is managed by a handler. The unit was disbanded after the mission and the story progressed in introducing Darius son, Dare. He was a former Navy SEAL and was finally introduced when Adele, a fellow member of the disbanded Section 8 came to find him and was made to pass a CD which contained a message from his father. Avery was wanted for murder for killing two men who had raped and tortured her mother and when Dare had found her, they had come up with a plan to save their lives and to kill the man responsible for Section 8.
Grace Powell, she had a horrible childhood, tortured by her Step-father, Rip whom had used her psychic gift to protect himself from danger and to be in control. She is being used as a leverage but turns out not the way Dare has planned. I loved how when she was made as a plan but failed terribly when the male lead falls in deep with attraction. It was also an interesting twist that she was originally used as a leverage by Darius and Adele too, but things do not turn out as planned.
Another storyline would be Avery, Gunner and Key; a potential love triangle in which I was kind of rooting for Avery and Key since there were potential push-and-pull attraction through their encounter, however as the story goes along, Gunner wins it all for me. Jem and Key are brothers, through their interaction, it seems that Key has a certain anger towards Jem. I loved how Stephanie Tyler create a connection towards all the characters and it does not seem forced, and as one continues to read, one finds themselves rooting for the “teamwork” that was created not based on choices but through situations. This book was an awesome read and I can’t wait to read the next book from this series.
Grace Powell, she had a horrible childhood, tortured by her Step-father, Rip whom had used her psychic gift to protect himself from danger and to be in control. She is being used as a leverage but turns out not the way Dare has planned. I loved how when she was made as a plan but failed terribly when the male lead falls in deep with attraction. It was also an interesting twist that she was originally used as a leverage by Darius and Adele too, but things do not turn out as planned.
Another storyline would be Avery, Gunner and Key; a potential love triangle in which I was kind of rooting for Avery and Key since there were potential push-and-pull attraction through their encounter, however as the story goes along, Gunner wins it all for me. Jem and Key are brothers, through their interaction, it seems that Key has a certain anger towards Jem. I loved how Stephanie Tyler create a connection towards all the characters and it does not seem forced, and as one continues to read, one finds themselves rooting for the “teamwork” that was created not based on choices but through situations. This book was an awesome read and I can’t wait to read the next book from this series.
April 9, 2013
I like Tyler's paranormal series of werewolves, which made me want to give her romantic suspense a try. This is the first in a new series about an elite group of people with specialized skills. The group members have one thing in common- they for one reason or another did not do well in organized military. The group is dubbed Section 8; makes you think crazy space alien chasers or something, but no they're just kickass military "dropouts." The novel while having an intriguing plot, falls a little flat for me. I was surprised how different Tyler's writing was from Dire Needs to this.
I expected action and characters that made you want to read more about them-what I got was pages and pages of blah. The only character that seemed interesting was Gunner and he doesn't fill near enough pages to please me.... I digress though. This novel takes place some time after the original S8 group was disbanded- when suddenly members and family of the original S8 members are dying. The son of a member, Dare, is drawn into the thick of it when a family friend (and previous S8 member) asks him to help his younger half sister.
The plot continues to go deeper as select people wonder what's the big secret about the controller of the old S8 team and how does a seemingly innocent woman have something to do with it? Grace has lead a troubled life and with a future that looks even more troubling with her psychic gift she doesn't know who to trust.
Again the book wasn't all bad, but it was definitely a first in a new series. The author spent a good long time trying to give background for the S8 team and it came off as dry. I know giving background for a story is hard to do, but it could have been done better. I might read the next in this series if it centers around Gunner and Avery... Key as a hero seems played out. Alpha male with wayyyyyyy too much testosterone.
2.5 Stars
I expected action and characters that made you want to read more about them-what I got was pages and pages of blah. The only character that seemed interesting was Gunner and he doesn't fill near enough pages to please me.... I digress though. This novel takes place some time after the original S8 group was disbanded- when suddenly members and family of the original S8 members are dying. The son of a member, Dare, is drawn into the thick of it when a family friend (and previous S8 member) asks him to help his younger half sister.
The plot continues to go deeper as select people wonder what's the big secret about the controller of the old S8 team and how does a seemingly innocent woman have something to do with it? Grace has lead a troubled life and with a future that looks even more troubling with her psychic gift she doesn't know who to trust.
Again the book wasn't all bad, but it was definitely a first in a new series. The author spent a good long time trying to give background for the S8 team and it came off as dry. I know giving background for a story is hard to do, but it could have been done better. I might read the next in this series if it centers around Gunner and Avery... Key as a hero seems played out. Alpha male with wayyyyyyy too much testosterone.
2.5 Stars
May 1, 2013
4.5 Stars
When you think of a Section 8, you think of some mental disorder, craziness and being discharged out of the military, which is exactly what those behind the Section 8 black ops group created. It consisted of seven men and one woman recruited from various military branches and the CIA and all had a little bit of crazy in them, many were getting discharged out of the military and they were snapped up by the handler that took care of all the missions. No one was supposed to know who the handler was, then and now. However his name is getting out and in the last few years there has been a clean sweep order to keep is identity under wraps.
Over the last six years those with ties to Section 8 including their families were gone, accidents and unexplained deaths were killing those with even the smallest connection. Darius O’Rourke was part of the original eight and his son Dare knew that they were both on that list, his father has been missing for a year and Dare was supposed to have died a year ago in the jungle, however someone saved his life, at a very high price.
Dare knew that S8 had officially disbanded when he was thirteen and for years the members worked missions on their own, until they got a call and the remaining six members had one last job, four men never returned with only Adele and Darius coming back alive, however they were never the same. Now Adele was visiting Dare, coming to a place where he never has visitors; after he almost died he has been alone for a year with his nightmares. Adele tells him that his half sister needs him and he will have to come out of hiding to help her.
Complete review at: Ramblings from a Chaotic Mind
When you think of a Section 8, you think of some mental disorder, craziness and being discharged out of the military, which is exactly what those behind the Section 8 black ops group created. It consisted of seven men and one woman recruited from various military branches and the CIA and all had a little bit of crazy in them, many were getting discharged out of the military and they were snapped up by the handler that took care of all the missions. No one was supposed to know who the handler was, then and now. However his name is getting out and in the last few years there has been a clean sweep order to keep is identity under wraps.
Over the last six years those with ties to Section 8 including their families were gone, accidents and unexplained deaths were killing those with even the smallest connection. Darius O’Rourke was part of the original eight and his son Dare knew that they were both on that list, his father has been missing for a year and Dare was supposed to have died a year ago in the jungle, however someone saved his life, at a very high price.
Dare knew that S8 had officially disbanded when he was thirteen and for years the members worked missions on their own, until they got a call and the remaining six members had one last job, four men never returned with only Adele and Darius coming back alive, however they were never the same. Now Adele was visiting Dare, coming to a place where he never has visitors; after he almost died he has been alone for a year with his nightmares. Adele tells him that his half sister needs him and he will have to come out of hiding to help her.
Complete review at: Ramblings from a Chaotic Mind
January 10, 2015
I’m not sure what I expected when I picked up Surrender, but I certainly got more than I bargained for. It’s also one that keeps you on your toes. A lot of characters are introduced, a lot of POVs are shared and a lot happens.
The book opens in the past with Darius, Dare’s father. That prologue pretty much set the tone for the rest of the story. In other words, there wasn’t much down time for any of these characters.
The rest of the story centered around Dare, Avery, Grace, Gunner, Jem & Key. A group of broken misfits that had to form an unlikely alliance in order to survive. It didn’t happen immediately though. There wasn’t a lot of trust among this group. They each had their secrets and most of them were held close. They had all survived horrific circumstances that made them stronger, and maybe a little crazier than they were before.
Grace and Dare were the unlikely couple in Surrender. That’s definitely not how their relationship began, but… you’ll have to read it to understand. Trust me. ;) As far as the story goes, there was plenty of action, a lot of suspense, pretty much constant danger and some twists, turns and revelations that had me re-reading a couple of chapters to figure out WTH just happened. Yeah, I’m thinking that I’m going to love this series.
The second book in the Section 8 series is Unbreakable, and I don’t really want to tell you who that centers on because there were times during Surrender that I honestly wasn’t sure if any of these characters were going to survive. I will tell you that one of my favorite characters is featured in the recently released 3rd book, Fragmented.
The book opens in the past with Darius, Dare’s father. That prologue pretty much set the tone for the rest of the story. In other words, there wasn’t much down time for any of these characters.
The rest of the story centered around Dare, Avery, Grace, Gunner, Jem & Key. A group of broken misfits that had to form an unlikely alliance in order to survive. It didn’t happen immediately though. There wasn’t a lot of trust among this group. They each had their secrets and most of them were held close. They had all survived horrific circumstances that made them stronger, and maybe a little crazier than they were before.
Grace and Dare were the unlikely couple in Surrender. That’s definitely not how their relationship began, but… you’ll have to read it to understand. Trust me. ;) As far as the story goes, there was plenty of action, a lot of suspense, pretty much constant danger and some twists, turns and revelations that had me re-reading a couple of chapters to figure out WTH just happened. Yeah, I’m thinking that I’m going to love this series.
The second book in the Section 8 series is Unbreakable, and I don’t really want to tell you who that centers on because there were times during Surrender that I honestly wasn’t sure if any of these characters were going to survive. I will tell you that one of my favorite characters is featured in the recently released 3rd book, Fragmented.
October 4, 2013
Thought it better to get SURRENDER read before I can read and review the ARC of UNBREAKABLE for Romance Junkies. I do have to say that Stephanie broke away from the normal/general romance mold with SURRENDER.
At first I was a little uncertain. Off the bat we met Dare. Ex-military, son to a man in Section Eight. He is told about a half sister and that he needed to save her.
Sure I will not say what went through my head, what I thought. Because it may be a tad spoilerish. It did make me a little leery. Then we met Avery, learned her background, a little bit on why her father was never into her life. Still I was not sure where Steph was going with this.
Then we met other players: Key, Jem, Gunner, Grace. Little-by-little the "oh my goddess she is not going that way is she" evaporated and I gleaned that surrender is more story-telling than "here is the hero. Here is the heroine. Hero and heroine met, they have hard times, etc etc etc."
Instead we got "Here is player one. Here is player two three four five, etc. Player two is sent to Player three while Player one seaks out this player."
Sure there is sexy times in the book, hot n heavy attraction. I got the feeling that Steph is building up, that SURRENDER needed to be told to set up further books and so forth. Went against the normal mold so to speak. And, to be frank and bluntly honest, I liked the difference. It made the reading more interesting.
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