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The Korovin Brothers #1
No More Sweet Surrender
Enemies attract! Ivan Korovin is determined to cement his evolution from dirt-poor dreamless kid to billionaire philanthropist. But first he has a serious PR problem to take care of: outspoken Miranda Sweet has ruined his reputation by labelling him ‘Caveman #1’ in her bestselling book. The solution? Give the ravenous public what they want – to see the enemies become lovers! From the red carpet in LA to black-tie charity balls in Moscow, they play out their pretend love story for all the world to see. But beneath the glare of the spotlight it’s getting harder to tell what’s real and what’s for show… ‘Brilliant, emotional and passionately intense. Thank you, Caitlin!’ – Becca, Photographer, Dumfries
192 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2012
17 people are currently reading
346 people want to read
About the author
Caitlin Crews
1,098 books595 followersCaitlin Crews discovered her first romance novel at the age of twelve, in a bargain bin at the local five and dime. It involved swashbuckling pirates, grand adventures, a heroine with rustling skirts and a mind of her own, and a seriously mouthwatering and masterful hero. The book (the title of which remains lost in the mists of time) made a serious impression. Caitlin was immediately smitten with romances and romance heroes, to the detriment of her middle school social life. And so began her life-long love affair with romance novels, many of which she insists on keeping near her at all times, thus creating a fire hazard of love wherever she lives.
Caitlin has made her home in places as far-flung as York, England and Atlanta, Georgia. She was raised near New York City, and fell in love with London on her first visit when she was a teenager. She has backpacked in Zimbabwe, been on safari in Botswana, and visited tiny villages in Namibia. She has, while visiting the place in question, declared her intention to live in Prague, Dublin, Paris, Athens, Nice, the Greek Islands, Rome, Venice, and/or any of the Hawaiian islands. Writing about exotic places seems like the next best thing to actually moving there.
She currently lives in Oregon with her animator/comic book artist husband and their menagerie of ridiculous animals.
Caitlin has made her home in places as far-flung as York, England and Atlanta, Georgia. She was raised near New York City, and fell in love with London on her first visit when she was a teenager. She has backpacked in Zimbabwe, been on safari in Botswana, and visited tiny villages in Namibia. She has, while visiting the place in question, declared her intention to live in Prague, Dublin, Paris, Athens, Nice, the Greek Islands, Rome, Venice, and/or any of the Hawaiian islands. Writing about exotic places seems like the next best thing to actually moving there.
She currently lives in Oregon with her animator/comic book artist husband and their menagerie of ridiculous animals.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
January 22, 2013
I wasn't sure if Caitlyn Crews could come up with another gem to equal the stunning story-telling found within the covers of 'In Defiance Of Duty' - which continues to be one of my all time favourite Modern Presents novels. Undoubtedly Caitlyn is one of my favourite voices in contemporary romance but when I heard No More Sweet Surrender was based on a Russian hero I found myself a bit torn. They are my least favourite hero, I generally find them far too cold so it was with a certain amount of hesitation that I turned the first page. But, oh boy, I am so glad I did!
Within five pages I was hooked. Within ten, Ivan had me melting in my love-seat! This guy is most certainly not cold. He's a martial arts hulking brute of a man who is deliciously possessive and protective with a vulnerability that was a punch to my heart. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. And once the game is afoot we see Ivan and Miranda in glitzy scenarios, surrounded by breath-taking scenery and falling under each-others spell. I couldn't wait for Miranda to fall off her pedestal and when she did it was spectacularly well done with heaps of heart-felt emotion.
All in all, lesson learned. Do not underestimate the talent of a great author. And I wait with bailed breath to read Nikolai's story.
Within five pages I was hooked. Within ten, Ivan had me melting in my love-seat! This guy is most certainly not cold. He's a martial arts hulking brute of a man who is deliciously possessive and protective with a vulnerability that was a punch to my heart. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. And once the game is afoot we see Ivan and Miranda in glitzy scenarios, surrounded by breath-taking scenery and falling under each-others spell. I couldn't wait for Miranda to fall off her pedestal and when she did it was spectacularly well done with heaps of heart-felt emotion.
All in all, lesson learned. Do not underestimate the talent of a great author. And I wait with bailed breath to read Nikolai's story.
September 13, 2021
Hmm. I have mixed emotions about this book. I mean, I liked the story, I feel for Ivan and Miranda, I love Caitlin Crew's writing, and I love the fake relationship trope. So this is supposed to be a winner for me. Somehow, there was still something missing, and the sad thing is I didn't know exactly what it was. Maybe the way this book ended. It seemed a bit rushed, and I was kind of hoping that the hero would give me some sigh-worthy, swoon-worthy kind of groveling. But he didn't so I was a little bit disappointed. Nevertheless, No More Sweet Surrender was still an enjoyable read, and I am absolutely looking forward to reading the next book, which is about Ivan's brother Nikolai. Maybe he will give me the groveling that I was looking for.
February 10, 2020
I wish, with all my heart, that Harlequin used AO3 style tagging on their books so that I could stop tripping over these humiliation kink/s&m stories.
I also strongly object to this nonsensical 'plot' where a feminist woman, who has made a career out of calling out toxic masculinity is then humiliated/shamed/degraded into admitting that really deep down she was just waiting for the right Dom (essentially). Commercial fiction carries weight, and telling women that men like this are actually misunderstood and that women who protest them are just bitter damaged wannabe subs is irresponsible and factually untrue.
I also strongly object to this nonsensical 'plot' where a feminist woman, who has made a career out of calling out toxic masculinity is then humiliated/shamed/degraded into admitting that really deep down she was just waiting for the right Dom (essentially). Commercial fiction carries weight, and telling women that men like this are actually misunderstood and that women who protest them are just bitter damaged wannabe subs is irresponsible and factually untrue.
January 27, 2013
It's a good story, I loved Ivan even being all that hard in the exterior he was a good man, a protector...and sexy ¬¬ he exudes confidence and power ugh. Miranda thinks he's the antagonist of everything she believes in, brains over violence, that's why she calls him Caverman. What she doesnt know is , why he had to use his hands and fight.
That's why Ivan plans to seduce her , make her submit to him and then make her regret all the words, like Caverman ,she likes to call him whenever she's on TV and that had make him a ruthless man to the public eye. But what they didn't consider was falling in love.
Conclusion:
I loved Ivan ¬¬
Nicolai(Ivan's brother)is a badass, he really is the ruthless one. I understand he has suffered but he's becoming more and more in nothing like a human, it's almost as he's made of stone. He dared to fool his own brother. He realized Ivan might not follow the plan so he made Ivan talk about it in front of Miranda without knowing it. Wicked man. That moment was the climax, Miranda was devasted TT
My Ivan(he doesn't look so russian but I imaginate him like this ¬¬)
The bad: it's not the worst thing ever but I found it sometimes irritating the use of so many adjectives , it made reading no-so-smooth as I'd have liked.
oh and the song, I like to read listening music. This time I couldn't stop listening to Rihanna's Te Amo.
That's why Ivan plans to seduce her , make her submit to him and then make her regret all the words, like Caverman ,she likes to call him whenever she's on TV and that had make him a ruthless man to the public eye. But what they didn't consider was falling in love.
Conclusion:
I loved Ivan ¬¬
Nicolai(Ivan's brother)is a badass, he really is the ruthless one. I understand he has suffered but he's becoming more and more in nothing like a human, it's almost as he's made of stone. He dared to fool his own brother. He realized Ivan might not follow the plan so he made Ivan talk about it in front of Miranda without knowing it. Wicked man. That moment was the climax, Miranda was devasted TT
My Ivan(he doesn't look so russian but I imaginate him like this ¬¬)
The bad: it's not the worst thing ever but I found it sometimes irritating the use of so many adjectives , it made reading no-so-smooth as I'd have liked.
oh and the song, I like to read listening music. This time I couldn't stop listening to Rihanna's Te Amo.
April 22, 2013
wow!!!!!
July 18, 2015
Didn't finish.
The storytelling just didn't work for me.
The storytelling just didn't work for me.
June 19, 2016
4,5 stars
June 20, 2023
Probably a 3.5.
My musclebound-Dom-loving heart and other, lower organs were pulsing fit to burst reading the first half of this. Not sure whether I was already horny or that it pushed some mental image buttons but man was I hot for Ivan! Not generally a fan of newer HPs but I enjoyed this. She, Miranda, is a prof whose entire professional schtick has been railing at the toxic masculinity of mma hulk and movie star Ivan. He fought his way out of a brutal Russian childhood into stardom and wants his revenge for her denigrating him as a Neanderthal. The chemistry and D/s possessive/protective vibe was fire (unless it was just my hormones - possible). Lost some oomph, as they tend to after the first half though.
Favourite Ivan quote:"I'm not a teenage boy or a coward. I told you. I can control myself. You can't hurt me. And I won't hurt you." A proper alpha. Poundshop steroid abusing misogynists take note.
PS The bloke on the cover is several pounds lighter, and a heck of a lot narrower than my Ivan. Complete mismatch with how he's described in the text, where his massive, tattooed muscular torso and straining biceps feature heavily 😂
My musclebound-Dom-loving heart and other, lower organs were pulsing fit to burst reading the first half of this. Not sure whether I was already horny or that it pushed some mental image buttons but man was I hot for Ivan! Not generally a fan of newer HPs but I enjoyed this. She, Miranda, is a prof whose entire professional schtick has been railing at the toxic masculinity of mma hulk and movie star Ivan. He fought his way out of a brutal Russian childhood into stardom and wants his revenge for her denigrating him as a Neanderthal. The chemistry and D/s possessive/protective vibe was fire (unless it was just my hormones - possible). Lost some oomph, as they tend to after the first half though.
Favourite Ivan quote:"I'm not a teenage boy or a coward. I told you. I can control myself. You can't hurt me. And I won't hurt you." A proper alpha. Poundshop steroid abusing misogynists take note.
PS The bloke on the cover is several pounds lighter, and a heck of a lot narrower than my Ivan. Complete mismatch with how he's described in the text, where his massive, tattooed muscular torso and straining biceps feature heavily 😂
April 15, 2021
I enjoyed reading this book.
February 17, 2015
I began this book in the midst of reading another that I just couldn't get through, and am
I glad I did.
Ivan Korovin is a world famous actor and martial arts fighter. He has used his fists an knowledge of the martial arts to fight his way out of the Russian ghetto.
Dr. Miranda Sweet is well known for her studies and books against violence. Ivan Korovin being her most hated example.
Forced together by circumstance, these two burned up the pages as I read their story.
I adored Ivan. Tall, gorgeous, with a body that only martial arts can build. Although he is viewed as a "Neanderthal and Caveman", he is a troubled but sensitive guy who has a heart of gold.
Miranda had her own demons to overcome and let those color her view of Ivan, until she was forced into close quarters with him. Then she saw the man behind the public figure and realized just how wrong she was about him.
I really enjoyed this book. From beginning to end it had me riveted. I would definitely recommend this book as a great, easy read.
I glad I did.
Ivan Korovin is a world famous actor and martial arts fighter. He has used his fists an knowledge of the martial arts to fight his way out of the Russian ghetto.
Dr. Miranda Sweet is well known for her studies and books against violence. Ivan Korovin being her most hated example.
Forced together by circumstance, these two burned up the pages as I read their story.
I adored Ivan. Tall, gorgeous, with a body that only martial arts can build. Although he is viewed as a "Neanderthal and Caveman", he is a troubled but sensitive guy who has a heart of gold.
Miranda had her own demons to overcome and let those color her view of Ivan, until she was forced into close quarters with him. Then she saw the man behind the public figure and realized just how wrong she was about him.
I really enjoyed this book. From beginning to end it had me riveted. I would definitely recommend this book as a great, easy read.
March 20, 2013
No More Sweet Surrender by Caitlin Crews
They had more in common then they knew. But, is it enough to bring these enemies together? Miranda Sweet, author of the book Caveman Worship, has penned Ivan Korovin, professional fighter/actor, as a brute, a caveman, a neanderthal. When he confronts her that he wants her to play the part of his girlfriend in order to help promote his new charity, she agrees only under one condition, the affection is only in public and she has the rights to write a biography about him. As they spend time together, they learn more about each other leading to deeper feelings. Are they real or is it just an illusion? Can they get past their differences and become a real couple? This is the first Caitlin Crews book I have read and I can honestly say I am now hooked. She's an excellent story teller and I can't wait to read more of her books.
They had more in common then they knew. But, is it enough to bring these enemies together? Miranda Sweet, author of the book Caveman Worship, has penned Ivan Korovin, professional fighter/actor, as a brute, a caveman, a neanderthal. When he confronts her that he wants her to play the part of his girlfriend in order to help promote his new charity, she agrees only under one condition, the affection is only in public and she has the rights to write a biography about him. As they spend time together, they learn more about each other leading to deeper feelings. Are they real or is it just an illusion? Can they get past their differences and become a real couple? This is the first Caitlin Crews book I have read and I can honestly say I am now hooked. She's an excellent story teller and I can't wait to read more of her books.
November 29, 2013
I read this today in the doctor's waiting room and it's definitely one to cheer you up. Ivan and Miranda are great characters, and I especially liked the exploration of both of their backgrounds and how it had influenced the characters as they were today. I got a little confused at one point about where the whole 'planned' revenge plot was going, especially as it seemed to veer sideways a bit in the beginning and come out of nowhere, but overall I was hooked. The chemistry between the two of them was great and I loved the ending and got all soppy over it. I did think the character of Nikolai was a bit sneaky though.
A good, distracting read that I fairly sped through. 4 stars.
A good, distracting read that I fairly sped through. 4 stars.
February 25, 2013
No More Sweet Surrender is a fantastic read from Caitlin Crews. I loved the interactions between Ivan and Miranda, it was easy to picture the love/hate relationship they had going on. I couldn't put the book down wanting to know if they were going to realize that they were actually good for each other and not the people they thought each other was. I am hoping for more from Caitlin and the secondary characters like the brother, hope that he gets his own story.
Read
December 29, 2014Miniseries: Scandal in the Spotlight
Category: Passion
Category: Passion
September 1, 2014
I liked this book. it had a lot of internal dialogue, which was frustrating. but, the story made it worthwhile.
December 14, 2014
This was a tad too angsty for me. I think I enjoy Crews's Megan Crane publications more.
January 19, 2015
lo ame *-*
November 15, 2015
3.5 stars, love it when the main characters "hate" each other
March 12, 2016
Loved it! Wonderful read!
Read
December 29, 2014Miniseries: Scandal in the Spotlight
Category: Passion
Category: Passion
August 19, 2019
Another intelligent, well written book from Caitlin Crews. I love the way she builds three dimensional characters with whom the reader can relate. Ivan and Miranda were a great couple. I have yet to be disappointed by Caitlin and this one certainly hits the spot. I loved the parts in the south of France and the snappy dialogue was, as always, a great feature of the book. Need to read Nikolai’s story next.
July 28, 2021
For what it is (Harlequin Presents, of course), and for the way I came across it (just one more entry in the Feb 2013 Bundle, 1 of 2), reading this was a happy surprise, hence my quite high rating. This book is definitely on the Good side of HP.
I did skip quickly over some pages that seemed redundant, so I understand what another reviewer mentioned about too many adjectives. I loved the ending.
I did skip quickly over some pages that seemed redundant, so I understand what another reviewer mentioned about too many adjectives. I loved the ending.
July 30, 2024
Now what I expected
I read a lot of romance but for some reason I looked at the synopsis several times but did not feel I would enjoy it.
Tonight I took the chance and bought it. Now I find myself at midnight having to stay up to finish it.
It is not perfect and slightly convoluted in parts however the emotion from the female as she starts realising so much about herself was riveting.
This will certainly be in my ‘to read again list’
I read a lot of romance but for some reason I looked at the synopsis several times but did not feel I would enjoy it.
Tonight I took the chance and bought it. Now I find myself at midnight having to stay up to finish it.
It is not perfect and slightly convoluted in parts however the emotion from the female as she starts realising so much about herself was riveting.
This will certainly be in my ‘to read again list’
November 15, 2018
Al principio no me gustó mucho, ya a la mitad del libro comencé a querer más a los personajes y el penúltimo y último capítulo me han encantado 💗
June 10, 2022
No more Sweet Surrender
I really enjoyed reading this book. The story about a professor and a former fighter and movie star and mistaken thoughts about each other. A great story.
I really enjoyed reading this book. The story about a professor and a former fighter and movie star and mistaken thoughts about each other. A great story.
December 30, 2017
Very very nice story i love it
February 7, 2022
Dès le départ, j'ai beaucoup aimé l'histoire ainsi que les personnages Miranda et Ivan. D'un côté, nous avons Miranda qui, pendant des années, n'a pas donné une bonne image de Ivan au monde entier. Et de l'autre côté, nous avons sa cible, qui se passerait bien de cette mauvaise publicité pour ses projets. Tout les opposes ! Pourtant, ils ne peuvent pas s'empêcher de ressentir de l'attirance l'un envers l'autre. L'histoire est originale et addictive. J'ai apprécié de pouvoir découvrir cette romance.
November 27, 2018
Im surprised Ivan did not hear Miranda screaming from her nightmares while they shared the villa in Cannes.
Two people living lives their pasts have shaped them into but need each other for a better future
Two people living lives their pasts have shaped them into but need each other for a better future
July 8, 2016
Príbeh bol priemerný, ale od tohto typu oddychovej knihy sa to jednoducho dalo očakávať.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews