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The Serafina: Sin City #3
Sweetest Surrender
A woman on the run…
Angel has been on her own for two years, moving from place to place to outrun her past. With no family and few friends to lean on, she’s managed to keep her secrets and stay safe. But when her past suddenly catches up to her, she has a choice to make. Run or stay and claim her life once more.
He’ll stop at nothing to protect her…
Vadim has never let anyone close to him—until Angel. From the first time he met her, everything changed. As a private consultant for Wyatt Christiansen, he’s good with computers and he’s got connections to unearth people’s deepest, darkest secrets. When Angel’s life is threatened Vadim steps in and uses all his resources to end the threat once and for all. As the danger closes in, he lies to her in an effort to protect her, not realizing that even once the threat is eliminated, he might lose her anyway.
The Serafina: Sin City Series, #3
Angel has been on her own for two years, moving from place to place to outrun her past. With no family and few friends to lean on, she’s managed to keep her secrets and stay safe. But when her past suddenly catches up to her, she has a choice to make. Run or stay and claim her life once more.
He’ll stop at nothing to protect her…
Vadim has never let anyone close to him—until Angel. From the first time he met her, everything changed. As a private consultant for Wyatt Christiansen, he’s good with computers and he’s got connections to unearth people’s deepest, darkest secrets. When Angel’s life is threatened Vadim steps in and uses all his resources to end the threat once and for all. As the danger closes in, he lies to her in an effort to protect her, not realizing that even once the threat is eliminated, he might lose her anyway.
The Serafina: Sin City Series, #3
295 pages, Paperback
First published March 30, 2014
116 people are currently reading
796 people want to read
About the author
Katie Reus
164 books3,244 followersKatie Reus® is the USA Today bestselling author of the Endgame trilogy, the MacArthur Family series and the Deadly Ops series. She fell in love with romance at a young age thanks to books she pilfered from her mom's stash. Years later she loves reading romance almost as much as she loves writing it. However, she didn't always know she wanted to be a writer. After changing majors many times, she finally graduated with a degree in psychology. Not long after that she discovered a new love. Writing. She now spends her days writing paranormal romance and sexy romantic suspense.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews
April 3, 2019
Not a bad book, I liked it.
Ok characters, likable hero, safe, a bit OTT drama at the end, but it’s a given I guess.
I noticed a pattern: all heroes in this series fantasized about what color the nipples of their women are…
According to my anatomy knowledge there are not that many variations… Or are there????
I would have clicked 4, but the heroines was slightly embarrassed the 1st time they were intimate and said, that she didn’t want to disappoint him due to the lack of experience. Ugh, really?! Lame. I don’t find it sweet or sexy – making yourself small and not the lack of experience – but whatever.
I read very fast and I need to pay more attention to the spelling. I confuse some words. I read the line smth like – he pushed his erection to her covered mouth. 2 pages later I still asked myself why did she/he cover her mouth??? Went back and…. Mound! Mound and not the mouth. Pay attention, Alex!
Ok characters, likable hero, safe, a bit OTT drama at the end, but it’s a given I guess.
I noticed a pattern: all heroes in this series fantasized about what color the nipples of their women are…
According to my anatomy knowledge there are not that many variations… Or are there????
I would have clicked 4, but the heroines was slightly embarrassed the 1st time they were intimate and said, that she didn’t want to disappoint him due to the lack of experience. Ugh, really?! Lame. I don’t find it sweet or sexy – making yourself small and not the lack of experience – but whatever.
I read very fast and I need to pay more attention to the spelling. I confuse some words. I read the line smth like – he pushed his erection to her covered mouth. 2 pages later I still asked myself why did she/he cover her mouth??? Went back and…. Mound! Mound and not the mouth. Pay attention, Alex!
February 9, 2020
Sweetest Surrender by Katie Reus
3rd book in the Sin City, Serafina series. Contemporary romantic suspense. Can be read as a stand-alone.
Angel has been on her own for a couple of years, trying to escape a stalker. She is immediately attract to Vadim when he shows interest in her. When Angel is threatened, Vadim will whatever is necessary to make sure she is safe. And his.
Fast action and sexy passion filled scenes.
I had a few issues with this technically. My employer verifies social security numbers upon new hire. Would her use of the fake really have lasted as long in real life?
I love the hero protector storyline, but don’t care for the lying and manipulative actions the hero took. They had been friends for months but he didn’t give her much credit for smarts.
I did enjoy the cameo appearances of prior characters from the series.
I listened to the audio narrated by Jeffrey Kafer who did a good job switching between voices and pacing.
3rd book in the Sin City, Serafina series. Contemporary romantic suspense. Can be read as a stand-alone.
Angel has been on her own for a couple of years, trying to escape a stalker. She is immediately attract to Vadim when he shows interest in her. When Angel is threatened, Vadim will whatever is necessary to make sure she is safe. And his.
Fast action and sexy passion filled scenes.
I had a few issues with this technically. My employer verifies social security numbers upon new hire. Would her use of the fake really have lasted as long in real life?
I love the hero protector storyline, but don’t care for the lying and manipulative actions the hero took. They had been friends for months but he didn’t give her much credit for smarts.
I did enjoy the cameo appearances of prior characters from the series.
I listened to the audio narrated by Jeffrey Kafer who did a good job switching between voices and pacing.
October 4, 2018
4.5 Alpha Protective Stars!!
I loooooved Vadim!!! Vadim is the computer expert for The Serafina hotel and, all of Wyatt's extensive holdings. He's also a former Marine who worked in intelligence. Vadim is somewhat anti-social, quite, and very intimidating, which make people wary of him especially women.....except Angel. But he's also very sweet and unsure of himself which I found really enduring.
Angel is a waitress at a restraunt within the Serafina Hotel and very good friends with Vadim, although she longs for more than friendship from Vadim, unbeknownst to her Vadim wants more too...he wants everything from Angel.
Angel has been on the run from a dangerous stalker for two years, when he tracks her down and threatens her, Vadim makes it his mission to keep her safe and make her his!!
Another great addition to the Sin City series, looking forward to the next book!!!!
I loooooved Vadim!!! Vadim is the computer expert for The Serafina hotel and, all of Wyatt's extensive holdings. He's also a former Marine who worked in intelligence. Vadim is somewhat anti-social, quite, and very intimidating, which make people wary of him especially women.....except Angel. But he's also very sweet and unsure of himself which I found really enduring.
Angel is a waitress at a restraunt within the Serafina Hotel and very good friends with Vadim, although she longs for more than friendship from Vadim, unbeknownst to her Vadim wants more too...he wants everything from Angel.
Angel has been on the run from a dangerous stalker for two years, when he tracks her down and threatens her, Vadim makes it his mission to keep her safe and make her his!!
Another great addition to the Sin City series, looking forward to the next book!!!!
December 6, 2017
A captivating friends-to-lovers romance paired with chilling suspense in Sin City!
She made him want to lose control, something he never did.
Sweetest Surrender by Katie Reus is a captivating and titillating friends-to-lovers romance paired with chilling suspense set in Sin City. Viva Las Vegas! It’s the third book in Katie’s Serafina: Sin City series, but it works perfectly fine as a standalone read if that is your preference. This is Vadim’s and Angel’s story and it is told from the dual view points of the two main characters.
Vadim is the Serafina Hotel & Casino’s computer guru. He’s alpha, ex-military, and hot. Angel is working as a waitress at the resort’s Cloud 9 restaurant while running from her past. She’s using a fake ID trying to survive out-of-sight of her ex who murdered her brother. Angel and Vadim are strongly attracted to each other, but Angel knows that nothing can come of it as she’s not who she claims to be and cannot stay in one place too long. When her crazed stalker finds her, will she trust Vadim enough to accept his protection?
Fans of the series will be glad to know that previous favorite characters in the series make appearances. I would be remiss if I didn’t also mention a certain lovable canine star herein.
Following please find a few of my favorite quotes from Sweetest Surrender:
The woman brought out his protective instincts to the point he couldn’t think straight sometimes. He’d never felt like that about anyone and it was jarring. Sometimes he wondered if he got a taste of her if it would slake the need he always seemed to have for her.
---
From the moment they’d met, their friendship had been leading to more…
---
"Do you know how often I've fantasized about the color of your nipples?" he growled against her neck before feathering soft kisses up to her jaw.
I listened to Sweetest Surrender and found myself extending my workouts as I didn't want to hit stop with this book! Jeffrey Kafer does his normal excellent job voicing it. His voice is clear and easy to understand. His pacing is perfect. His voices sound realistic and he consistently differentiates between the characters to where I have no trouble discerning who is speaking at any one time. The end product is polished. If you enjoy audio books, I would not hesitate to pick up the audio edition of Sweetest Surrender.
I honestly can't get enough of Katie's sexy thrillers! Sweetest Surrender is the perfect blend of suspense, intrigue and hot romance with plenty of twists and turns along the way. The villain is nasty and his devious games gave me goosebumps. I’d highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys steamy romantic suspense!
My full review is published at Reading Between the Wines Book Club. Please check it out there: http://www.readingbetweenthewinesbook...
She made him want to lose control, something he never did.
Sweetest Surrender by Katie Reus is a captivating and titillating friends-to-lovers romance paired with chilling suspense set in Sin City. Viva Las Vegas! It’s the third book in Katie’s Serafina: Sin City series, but it works perfectly fine as a standalone read if that is your preference. This is Vadim’s and Angel’s story and it is told from the dual view points of the two main characters.
Vadim is the Serafina Hotel & Casino’s computer guru. He’s alpha, ex-military, and hot. Angel is working as a waitress at the resort’s Cloud 9 restaurant while running from her past. She’s using a fake ID trying to survive out-of-sight of her ex who murdered her brother. Angel and Vadim are strongly attracted to each other, but Angel knows that nothing can come of it as she’s not who she claims to be and cannot stay in one place too long. When her crazed stalker finds her, will she trust Vadim enough to accept his protection?
Fans of the series will be glad to know that previous favorite characters in the series make appearances. I would be remiss if I didn’t also mention a certain lovable canine star herein.
Following please find a few of my favorite quotes from Sweetest Surrender:
The woman brought out his protective instincts to the point he couldn’t think straight sometimes. He’d never felt like that about anyone and it was jarring. Sometimes he wondered if he got a taste of her if it would slake the need he always seemed to have for her.
---
From the moment they’d met, their friendship had been leading to more…
---
"Do you know how often I've fantasized about the color of your nipples?" he growled against her neck before feathering soft kisses up to her jaw.
I listened to Sweetest Surrender and found myself extending my workouts as I didn't want to hit stop with this book! Jeffrey Kafer does his normal excellent job voicing it. His voice is clear and easy to understand. His pacing is perfect. His voices sound realistic and he consistently differentiates between the characters to where I have no trouble discerning who is speaking at any one time. The end product is polished. If you enjoy audio books, I would not hesitate to pick up the audio edition of Sweetest Surrender.
I honestly can't get enough of Katie's sexy thrillers! Sweetest Surrender is the perfect blend of suspense, intrigue and hot romance with plenty of twists and turns along the way. The villain is nasty and his devious games gave me goosebumps. I’d highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys steamy romantic suspense!
My full review is published at Reading Between the Wines Book Club. Please check it out there: http://www.readingbetweenthewinesbook...
April 8, 2014
From the moment they’d met, their friendship had been leading to more…
Sweetest Surrender is the third book in The Serafina: Sin City series by author Katie Reus and is novella length at 150 pages. This book can be read as a stand-alone although the series is sequential. Readers that like to read series in order should start with First Surrender, book one in the series.
Sweetest Surrender is a romantic suspense story told from dual points of views of the two main characters, Angel and Vadim. It's also a friends to lover story!
Angel is a woman on the run…Vadim is the sexy ex-military hero that’s determined to save her, after winning her over first…
The woman brought out his protective instincts to the point he couldn’t think straight sometimes. He’d never felt like that about anyone and it was jarring. Sometimes he wondered if he got a taste of her if it would slake the need he always seemed to have for her.
I have a couple confessions to make. First, I'm a Katie Reus fan. If Katie Reus writes a romantic suspense novel, I'm going to read it and I'm going to like it. She definitely follows a very specific formula to most of her books (damsel in distress, sexy capable protector, a dangerous villain, and of course, a nice medium steam level) and it totally works for me! I also have a soft spot for hot Russian hero’s lately and Vadim didn’t disappoint. He was sexy, sweet, and definitely had alpha tendencies. All in all, a very easy hero to like!
I thought the chemistry between the two characters was written well and the sexy bits were very nice!
"Do you know how often I've fantasized about the color of your nipples?" he growled against her neck before feathering soft kisses up to her jaw.
He'd fantasized about her too? "You don't have to fantasize anymore," she murmured...
I really enjoyed Sweetest Surrender and am glad the author came out with this new series. I'd recommend this book to readers that enjoy romantic suspense novellas that are well written with medium to medium-lite steam. A 3.5 STAR RATING.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.
March 19, 2019
I caved so much and picked up the next book in this series.. it was a good pace steamy and a okay book!!
I did have at first mix feelings about Vadim.. what he did i thought he could have just told her straight up how he wanted to keep her safe but he went about it the wrong way he lied, manipulated the whole thing to get Angel to move out of that apartment he could have been honest and that was before he found out about a stalker looking for her.. but beside that he was a great guy protective, nerdy, serious when needed to be.. now Angel she was okay she didn't annoy me and was pretty cool she worked hard made sure the neighbors kids went to school, ate.. even when she was stubborn.. i did wish she stayed mad alittle longer when she found out the truth she gave in to easy.. maybe her and Charlie (the dog) should have let Vadim sleep in the dog house for maybe one night.. i also didn't understand why so many ppls were scared of Vadim?? He was a buff quite guy.. not a asshole.. :/
Low angst, no ow & om drama from her past, no cheating, sexy times, secondary charas, Not a manwhore & not a virgin
Recommended- Maybe
Cover- ⭐⭐⭐
Slowish-insta (been friends for 5 months)
Masturbation
Past abused
Hea
Epilogue
I did have at first mix feelings about Vadim.. what he did i thought he could have just told her straight up how he wanted to keep her safe but he went about it the wrong way he lied, manipulated the whole thing to get Angel to move out of that apartment he could have been honest and that was before he found out about a stalker looking for her.. but beside that he was a great guy protective, nerdy, serious when needed to be.. now Angel she was okay she didn't annoy me and was pretty cool she worked hard made sure the neighbors kids went to school, ate.. even when she was stubborn.. i did wish she stayed mad alittle longer when she found out the truth she gave in to easy.. maybe her and Charlie (the dog) should have let Vadim sleep in the dog house for maybe one night.. i also didn't understand why so many ppls were scared of Vadim?? He was a buff quite guy.. not a asshole.. :/
Low angst, no ow & om drama from her past, no cheating, sexy times, secondary charas, Not a manwhore & not a virgin
Recommended- Maybe
Cover- ⭐⭐⭐
Slowish-insta (been friends for 5 months)
Masturbation
Past abused
Hea
Epilogue
March 17, 2014
This is the third addition to the Serafina: Sin City series. Once again Ms Reus’ wonderful ability of telling a good story is evident in this book. Virtually every book I have read by Ms Reus I have loved and this is no different.
We knew from the previous book that Vadim is a quiet character but we also found out that he is definitely the usual Alpha male. Vadim is friends with Angel and would really like to be more but admits that he is not great with women and doesn’t want to destroy their friendship. Angel secretly has the hots for Vadim but thinks he is not interested in her so never pursues it.
Angel has been on the run from a stalker for the last two years. A man she was once friends with had wanted their relationship to be more, but turned nasty when she refused him, so much so he killed her brother sending Angel on the run. Although she has been careful and not contacted friends, not set up any bank accounts, used a fake Social Security number and lived the quiet life, a private detective has managed to track her down. The stalker follows her to the Serafina and keys her car, but in fact the car belonged to Vadim so of course he got involved and so did the security of the Serafina because the damage was done their premises. Angel has no choice but to come clean and admit who she is and why she is on the run. The Serafina staff and owner automatically do what families do and that is to help and protect each other so they set about tracking down this stalker/mad man.
I liked the fact that Vadim had a dog called Charlie and that he spoke commands to the dog in Russian. I loved the interaction between Vadim and Angel and could feel the sexual tension between them and I quite honestly struggled to put my ereader down so read this in a very short space of time. Although the romance side was great I do think that the suspense side of the story was a little weak but that wouldn’t stop me from giving it a high rating or recommending it.
I am looking forward to the next Serafina story and can only hope that Ms Reus gives us details of it soon.
ARC kindly supplied by author via Netgalley
We knew from the previous book that Vadim is a quiet character but we also found out that he is definitely the usual Alpha male. Vadim is friends with Angel and would really like to be more but admits that he is not great with women and doesn’t want to destroy their friendship. Angel secretly has the hots for Vadim but thinks he is not interested in her so never pursues it.
Angel has been on the run from a stalker for the last two years. A man she was once friends with had wanted their relationship to be more, but turned nasty when she refused him, so much so he killed her brother sending Angel on the run. Although she has been careful and not contacted friends, not set up any bank accounts, used a fake Social Security number and lived the quiet life, a private detective has managed to track her down. The stalker follows her to the Serafina and keys her car, but in fact the car belonged to Vadim so of course he got involved and so did the security of the Serafina because the damage was done their premises. Angel has no choice but to come clean and admit who she is and why she is on the run. The Serafina staff and owner automatically do what families do and that is to help and protect each other so they set about tracking down this stalker/mad man.
I liked the fact that Vadim had a dog called Charlie and that he spoke commands to the dog in Russian. I loved the interaction between Vadim and Angel and could feel the sexual tension between them and I quite honestly struggled to put my ereader down so read this in a very short space of time. Although the romance side was great I do think that the suspense side of the story was a little weak but that wouldn’t stop me from giving it a high rating or recommending it.
I am looking forward to the next Serafina story and can only hope that Ms Reus gives us details of it soon.
ARC kindly supplied by author via Netgalley
March 15, 2014
Overall rating: 4.5 Rockin' Stars!!!!
Favorite Lines:
"He'd known her for five months, but felt like a lifetime for how attracted he was to her."
"He didn't have many friends, but he valued his friendship with Angel. She was kind and giving and one of the few women who didn't look at him like he was an un-caged tiger."
"Angel was someone he'd never imagined having in his life, but always hoped for. She was more than worth the wait, and he was never letting her go."
"She felt like something had shifted between them but wasn't sure what."
"She made him want to loose control, something he never did. She also made him want things he'd never imagined for his own life, like a family and someone to come home to every night."
"She wanted her life back and that was mainly because of Vadim. She was a man she didn't want to leave. Even if her first instinct had been to flee, the time for running was over. She wouldn't live in fear forever."
OMG! I didn't think it could get any better, but just WOW, Katie Reus. I am totally smitten by her new Serafina: Sin City Series! The characters in Sweetest Surrender are very endearing. From the beginning I was drawn to both characters, Vadim and Angel. Vadim is former special forces Marine intelligence, who has an un-caged tiger appeal. Although he puts off an "untouchable" vibe, he's always longed to be linked or have someone to belong to him alone. Men are intimidated by his ingenious wits and women are wowed by his beautiful physique, yet mysterious aura. Then Angel stepped into his life. She is a fiery red head whose running from a scary past. There is instant attraction between the two that heats up over a five month friendship. Finally after long last the two give in to their long awaited passion. I just can't say enough about this couple or this book. I didn't want to put it down once I started reading. The power of their story is captivating. This book is passion overflowing and exciting that kept me on the edge, craving more. Absolutely a job well done Katie Rues! I definitely can't wait to read the next story...Grēta
Hero -Vadim: 4.5 stars
Heroine - Angel "Johnson" Flanagan: 4.5 stars
Steam Level: 4.5 stars
Plot: 4.5 stars
Cliffhanger: No
Would I recommend this book: Yes!
Would I read other books by this author: Yes!
Katie Reus
Sweetest Surrender
Favorite Lines:
"He'd known her for five months, but felt like a lifetime for how attracted he was to her."
"He didn't have many friends, but he valued his friendship with Angel. She was kind and giving and one of the few women who didn't look at him like he was an un-caged tiger."
"Angel was someone he'd never imagined having in his life, but always hoped for. She was more than worth the wait, and he was never letting her go."
"She felt like something had shifted between them but wasn't sure what."
"She made him want to loose control, something he never did. She also made him want things he'd never imagined for his own life, like a family and someone to come home to every night."
"She wanted her life back and that was mainly because of Vadim. She was a man she didn't want to leave. Even if her first instinct had been to flee, the time for running was over. She wouldn't live in fear forever."
OMG! I didn't think it could get any better, but just WOW, Katie Reus. I am totally smitten by her new Serafina: Sin City Series! The characters in Sweetest Surrender are very endearing. From the beginning I was drawn to both characters, Vadim and Angel. Vadim is former special forces Marine intelligence, who has an un-caged tiger appeal. Although he puts off an "untouchable" vibe, he's always longed to be linked or have someone to belong to him alone. Men are intimidated by his ingenious wits and women are wowed by his beautiful physique, yet mysterious aura. Then Angel stepped into his life. She is a fiery red head whose running from a scary past. There is instant attraction between the two that heats up over a five month friendship. Finally after long last the two give in to their long awaited passion. I just can't say enough about this couple or this book. I didn't want to put it down once I started reading. The power of their story is captivating. This book is passion overflowing and exciting that kept me on the edge, craving more. Absolutely a job well done Katie Rues! I definitely can't wait to read the next story...Grēta
Hero -Vadim: 4.5 stars
Heroine - Angel "Johnson" Flanagan: 4.5 stars
Steam Level: 4.5 stars
Plot: 4.5 stars
Cliffhanger: No
Would I recommend this book: Yes!
Would I read other books by this author: Yes!
Katie Reus
Sweetest Surrender
March 13, 2014
OMG!!! I LOVED Vadim SOOOOOOO much!!! *SQUEAL* He was just so ALPHA, but also such a sensitive soul (and maybe a bit clueless when it came to Angel) *BLESS HIM*
Absolutely LOVED this addition to the Serafina: Sin City series!!!
*ARC courtesy of Netgalley and Katie Reus*
Absolutely LOVED this addition to the Serafina: Sin City series!!!
*ARC courtesy of Netgalley and Katie Reus*
May 27, 2019
This was alright - likeable main characters, decent story (although it went a bit over the top in the second half). Enjoyed the writing as well...not much to this.
March 20, 2020
Vadim was yummy, and stepped right in to save Angel. Great addition to the series.
March 31, 2014
Originally Reviewed For: Tea and Book
I will admit it, I have yet to read a Katie Reus (or any of her pseudonyms) that I haven't thoroughly enjoyed. Sweetest Surrender takes us back to the Serafina and the people who work there. A story about a woman on the run and the man who convinces her to stop.. and of course the people of the Serafina who have created their own family.
Angel has been on the run for two years. Desperate to get away from a man who has destroyed her life. Never stopping for long in one place but she is reluctant to leave her latest job. The Serafina has become something of a haven for her. But when she is caught returning food she was considering stealing, she is sure her time there is at an end. Reluctant to say goodbye but knowing now might be the time.
Vadim is the silent force behind the Serafina's computer savvy. He is the wizard who can find out anything about anyone. But he is ever so much more than a computer geek, he has spent 12 years as a marine and has used those skills to protect those at the Serafina as well. A reserved man, who trusts few he has fallen hard for the lovely Angel. To him she is a light in the darkness. So when he finds out she is has been desperate enough to steal food.. something just doesn't add up. Discovering that the food isn't for her but for some neighbor kids who often go without, that she was robbed so didn't have the money to purchase food, just makes her all the more wonderful in his eyes. Now he just has to convince her that he's wonderful too..
Of course it's all for the best that Vadim finagles Angel to stay with him for a while because it seems her stalker has caught up with her. Vadim is determined to protect her at any cost.. if he can just convince her not to run.
Well written, excellent characters and an indepth plot makes this book another winner from Ms. Reus. I firmly believe that this is an author to watch. She is going to be a top name before you know it.
Can't wait for her next installment of, well anything.. *grins*
Shauni
This review is based on the ARC of Sweetest Surrender, provided by netgalley and is scheduled to be released on March 30, 2014
I will admit it, I have yet to read a Katie Reus (or any of her pseudonyms) that I haven't thoroughly enjoyed. Sweetest Surrender takes us back to the Serafina and the people who work there. A story about a woman on the run and the man who convinces her to stop.. and of course the people of the Serafina who have created their own family.
Angel has been on the run for two years. Desperate to get away from a man who has destroyed her life. Never stopping for long in one place but she is reluctant to leave her latest job. The Serafina has become something of a haven for her. But when she is caught returning food she was considering stealing, she is sure her time there is at an end. Reluctant to say goodbye but knowing now might be the time.
Vadim is the silent force behind the Serafina's computer savvy. He is the wizard who can find out anything about anyone. But he is ever so much more than a computer geek, he has spent 12 years as a marine and has used those skills to protect those at the Serafina as well. A reserved man, who trusts few he has fallen hard for the lovely Angel. To him she is a light in the darkness. So when he finds out she is has been desperate enough to steal food.. something just doesn't add up. Discovering that the food isn't for her but for some neighbor kids who often go without, that she was robbed so didn't have the money to purchase food, just makes her all the more wonderful in his eyes. Now he just has to convince her that he's wonderful too..
Of course it's all for the best that Vadim finagles Angel to stay with him for a while because it seems her stalker has caught up with her. Vadim is determined to protect her at any cost.. if he can just convince her not to run.
Well written, excellent characters and an indepth plot makes this book another winner from Ms. Reus. I firmly believe that this is an author to watch. She is going to be a top name before you know it.
Can't wait for her next installment of, well anything.. *grins*
Shauni
This review is based on the ARC of Sweetest Surrender, provided by netgalley and is scheduled to be released on March 30, 2014
April 4, 2014
ARC REVIEW:
This book makes me think that I was born a decade too early. When I went to high school, what was considered "cool" with the BMOCs (Big Men on Campus) and the surfers (yes, I grew up in Southern California). I thought they were cool too. But I was always shared that attraction with the smart, quiet, somewhat socially awkward guys too. These days we see an increasing number of books that feature the "intelligence" guy, the computer whiz who can find any information or hack through any security system in most alpha teams (whether it is special ops or motorcycle clubs). So now, it is vogue to be both geeky and brawny. This is fast becoming my favorite kind of hero. All to say, that Katie Reus offers up a sweet story featuring this alpha-geek aiding a damsel on the run.
This is the sweetest little story. Not the most tension filled romantic suspense, but something about the relationship between the two characters is highly appealing. Against the backdrop of Vegas and the Hotel Serafina, Vadim and Angel circle around each other until Angel's past catches up with her and Vadim finds the opportunity to protect the one he's be admiring from afar. From afar because this left-brain dominant alpha is clueless that he's been the object of her affection. I love the fact that he's a little geeky He is sweet and awkward and brilliant and alpha. The best part is watching this romance develop. Like the other heroines in the Serafina series, Angel has an inner strength that is attractive. Angel is not the über strong, kick-ass chick, but rather the regular, stubborn, girl with a steely resolve. That what makes this pairing so perfect. I thoroughly enjoyed the interaction between the two characters.
The suspense part of the story is a little light. The narrative is straight forward, but Katie Reus gives us a couple of unexpected turns that keep the story interesting.
IN A NUTSHELL:
My favorite of the Serafina stories so far, don't miss this installment of the series. Go ahead. Indulge in a little alpha-geek goodness.
This book makes me think that I was born a decade too early. When I went to high school, what was considered "cool" with the BMOCs (Big Men on Campus) and the surfers (yes, I grew up in Southern California). I thought they were cool too. But I was always shared that attraction with the smart, quiet, somewhat socially awkward guys too. These days we see an increasing number of books that feature the "intelligence" guy, the computer whiz who can find any information or hack through any security system in most alpha teams (whether it is special ops or motorcycle clubs). So now, it is vogue to be both geeky and brawny. This is fast becoming my favorite kind of hero. All to say, that Katie Reus offers up a sweet story featuring this alpha-geek aiding a damsel on the run.
This is the sweetest little story. Not the most tension filled romantic suspense, but something about the relationship between the two characters is highly appealing. Against the backdrop of Vegas and the Hotel Serafina, Vadim and Angel circle around each other until Angel's past catches up with her and Vadim finds the opportunity to protect the one he's be admiring from afar. From afar because this left-brain dominant alpha is clueless that he's been the object of her affection. I love the fact that he's a little geeky He is sweet and awkward and brilliant and alpha. The best part is watching this romance develop. Like the other heroines in the Serafina series, Angel has an inner strength that is attractive. Angel is not the über strong, kick-ass chick, but rather the regular, stubborn, girl with a steely resolve. That what makes this pairing so perfect. I thoroughly enjoyed the interaction between the two characters.
The suspense part of the story is a little light. The narrative is straight forward, but Katie Reus gives us a couple of unexpected turns that keep the story interesting.
IN A NUTSHELL:
My favorite of the Serafina stories so far, don't miss this installment of the series. Go ahead. Indulge in a little alpha-geek goodness.
October 13, 2017
I liked V a lot. She was never afraid of him, unlike most woman. V isn't a manwhore and has been into Angel since they met. I wish this would have been more in depth. We didn't know a lot about V, got little tidbits at the end. Also we don't even find out what Angel's studying in college or what she wants to do with her life. This author definitely reuses stuff from her other books. I liked this couple. V has never had a girlfriend and has an adorable vulnerability, however he is so used to controlling and fixing everything. In the end she told him that they have to be equals in everything and he understood. The sex was also pretty hot.
SPOILERS:
Her parents died in a freak boating accident. She was a senior in college and the grief manifested into depression. She couldn't find motivation to do much living. She met a guy and they were friends but then she started getting better with therapy. Then he randomly proposed to her in front of his friends and family. She said yes to not embarrass him then went over to his place the next day to apologize. He then beat her and tried to rape her. The neighbors call the police and she pressed charges. She lived with her older brother while healing until he suddenly died in a suspicious mugging gone wrong. She knew it was him and when he called her threatening her after the funeral she ran. She got a new id and social security number and has been on the run for two years, but she is tired of running. V's mother was Russian which is why he speaks it. She was an addict who died of an overdose. He went to foster homes that were crowded. Then in the military he killed and honed his tech skills. He doesn't feel like he deserve her. I wish we knew why everyone says he had bad social skills, what made him so different? In the end the guy finds her and V protects her, but then he is randomly killed by someone. In the end she is held at gunpoint by the guys drunk father. She fights and V kills him. They tell each other they love each other and the epilogue is him proposing.
SPOILERS:
Her parents died in a freak boating accident. She was a senior in college and the grief manifested into depression. She couldn't find motivation to do much living. She met a guy and they were friends but then she started getting better with therapy. Then he randomly proposed to her in front of his friends and family. She said yes to not embarrass him then went over to his place the next day to apologize. He then beat her and tried to rape her. The neighbors call the police and she pressed charges. She lived with her older brother while healing until he suddenly died in a suspicious mugging gone wrong. She knew it was him and when he called her threatening her after the funeral she ran. She got a new id and social security number and has been on the run for two years, but she is tired of running. V's mother was Russian which is why he speaks it. She was an addict who died of an overdose. He went to foster homes that were crowded. Then in the military he killed and honed his tech skills. He doesn't feel like he deserve her. I wish we knew why everyone says he had bad social skills, what made him so different? In the end the guy finds her and V protects her, but then he is randomly killed by someone. In the end she is held at gunpoint by the guys drunk father. She fights and V kills him. They tell each other they love each other and the epilogue is him proposing.
August 9, 2021
Overall, SWEETEST SURRENDER didn't take me long to read and it was a good way to pass a few hours. Heavily focused on the relationship between Vadim and Angel, there's also some suspense with Angel's stalker who has tracked her down in Vegas. Vadim immediately steps in to protect Angel and though his tactics are a bit heavy-handed and manipulative, his heart is in the right place. Vadim is used to taking charge and making decisions and a slight lack of social skills means he doesn't always consider how his actions might be perceived by others. Angel reads him the riot act and calls him out the few times Vadim oversteps so I was happy to see her inner strength. Angel might be afraid of her stalker finding her, but she's not a cowering damsel. I appreciated Angel's fire mixed with her sweet personality; she's a natural caretaker and a genuinely good person.
I will admit that I never really understood why the other female employees were supposed to be afraid of Vadim. It was brought up several times and it really felt more like a tactic to make her look special compared to everyone else. But considering Angel and Vadim's pasts, they both deserve some happiness and someone who's perfect.
I will admit that I never really understood why the other female employees were supposed to be afraid of Vadim. It was brought up several times and it really felt more like a tactic to make her look special compared to everyone else. But considering Angel and Vadim's pasts, they both deserve some happiness and someone who's perfect.
March 18, 2016
The Serafina Hotel is the place to visit when your in Sin City. Angel works there in one of the hotel's restaurants. She is on the run. She is trying to escape a violent ex-boyfriend who killed her brother. No one knows her secret but she has caught the attention of Vadim. He is part of the hotel's security team. When he learns that she is in danger, he vows to take care of her. Vadim is a powerful man with a strong sense of duty. He loves Angel with a passionate intensity but Angel will not let him take control of her life. Will he be able to stop her stalker? Katie Reus has done it again. Sweetest Surrender is a powerful and passionate story filled with a colorful cast. I thought Vadim was one of the most emotionally intense men that Katie has written. His connection with Angel is wildly passionate. Their romance is such a wild ride. Their feels are both sensual and erotic. I couldn't put this book down. Sweetest Surrender has an intriguing plot filled with surprising twists. I enjoy visiting the Serafina. It's always nice to catch up with characters from her previous books. The superior storytelling and sharp wit of the author make this book a keeper.
March 17, 2015
My Thoughts
- Vadim was a gentle giant. Those are my favorite types of heros. Also, he wasn't cocky as shit, he's more on the insecure side. He knows he's big and scares people, so he just avoids them since he is more comfortable with computers anyway. But he was still an alpha!
- Angel was an alright character for me. Nothing too memorable, really. I mean, Breaking Her Rules was my first Katie Reus novel and no heroine can touch Iris. She is queen. Angel was the typical damsel-in-distress so maybe that's why I couldn't connect with her more.
-Overall, this book was good. I was dying to get my hands on it and read it in one sitting. Vadim was a great hero. Angel wasn't annoying like most heroines. It's super short! You can finish it in a couple hours.
- Vadim was a gentle giant. Those are my favorite types of heros. Also, he wasn't cocky as shit, he's more on the insecure side. He knows he's big and scares people, so he just avoids them since he is more comfortable with computers anyway. But he was still an alpha!
- Angel was an alright character for me. Nothing too memorable, really. I mean, Breaking Her Rules was my first Katie Reus novel and no heroine can touch Iris. She is queen. Angel was the typical damsel-in-distress so maybe that's why I couldn't connect with her more.
-Overall, this book was good. I was dying to get my hands on it and read it in one sitting. Vadim was a great hero. Angel wasn't annoying like most heroines. It's super short! You can finish it in a couple hours.
March 16, 2014
This was a great entry in the Serafina series. It can definitely be read and enjoyed as a stand alone novel. After having been on the run for two years, Angel realizes she needs to move on. There's just one problem, she's not ready to leave Vadim. Even though nothing has happened between Angel and Vadim, both would like to be more than friends. However, neither has told the other how they feel. When Angel's past catches up with her, Vadim sees his opportunity to not only protect Angel but make his move too.
Like the other novels I have read by Katie Reus, this book has plenty of romance and some great characters. However, there was less suspense in this one. But still a great read for fans of Reus.
Like the other novels I have read by Katie Reus, this book has plenty of romance and some great characters. However, there was less suspense in this one. But still a great read for fans of Reus.
April 8, 2014
This is the first security book ive read by Katie, I have read and loved her pnr books before. I now can say I adore her security guys too!
Angel is on the run, but she need not worry Vadim is keeping an Eye on her, good job too!
I liked Angel she was feisty and stood up for what she believed, but she was all woman and affected by Vadim presence. Vadim, his a strong clever man but at heart is insecure, all he wants is to protect what he cares for.
So pick up this book and enjoy there story, it's yet another great read from Katie Reus.
4 star vampy and racey stars.
I was gifted a copy of this for my honest opinion.
Angel is on the run, but she need not worry Vadim is keeping an Eye on her, good job too!
I liked Angel she was feisty and stood up for what she believed, but she was all woman and affected by Vadim presence. Vadim, his a strong clever man but at heart is insecure, all he wants is to protect what he cares for.
So pick up this book and enjoy there story, it's yet another great read from Katie Reus.
4 star vampy and racey stars.
I was gifted a copy of this for my honest opinion.
June 22, 2018
I love reading, it's my relaxation and escape, allowing me to live in someone else's life for a while'
This is my first time reading a book by Katie Reus but I will be seeking other books by her.
Angel Johnson/Flanagan is a server at the exclusive Cloud9 restaurant. She had been on the run for two years now from the man she was sure had killed her brother because he wasn't happy that she had turned down his proposal. And she has a mad crush on Vadim Sokolov who works in security at the hotel.
Vadim Sokolov is a private security consultant for Wyatt Christiansen, he's good with computers and he's got connections to unearth people's deepest, darkest secrets. And he has a mad crush on Angel Johnson/Flanagan.
When Vadim discovers Angel is in danger he will do anything and everything to protect her, even lying to her.
This book caught my attention immediately and held it to the last sentence of the Epilogue.
As Angel and Vadim struggle to come to terms with the mutual attraction they have for each other the chemistry is sizzling but each is afraid the other doesn't feel the same.
This book is filled with everyday happenings but also mystery, suspense, drama, danger and every page is action packed.
This is my first time reading a book by Katie Reus but I will be seeking other books by her.
Angel Johnson/Flanagan is a server at the exclusive Cloud9 restaurant. She had been on the run for two years now from the man she was sure had killed her brother because he wasn't happy that she had turned down his proposal. And she has a mad crush on Vadim Sokolov who works in security at the hotel.
Vadim Sokolov is a private security consultant for Wyatt Christiansen, he's good with computers and he's got connections to unearth people's deepest, darkest secrets. And he has a mad crush on Angel Johnson/Flanagan.
When Vadim discovers Angel is in danger he will do anything and everything to protect her, even lying to her.
This book caught my attention immediately and held it to the last sentence of the Epilogue.
As Angel and Vadim struggle to come to terms with the mutual attraction they have for each other the chemistry is sizzling but each is afraid the other doesn't feel the same.
This book is filled with everyday happenings but also mystery, suspense, drama, danger and every page is action packed.
April 3, 2018
Of the three books in this series I have read, Sweetest Surrender is my favorite story.
Vadim is a private consultant for Wyatt Christiansen, billionaire and owner of a very upscale hotel and casino in Las Vegas. Vadim is computer whiz, former military man, and a very quiet person with little personal relationships.
Angel, one of the waitresses at the Cloud Nine Restaurant in the hotel, has been running from a stalker for the past two years and keeps to herself. These two been attracted to each other since they met, and slowly become friends. When vandalism occurs and it seems Angel is in danger, Vadim moves heaven and earth to keep her safe.
It’s a story filled with suspense, an evil man, hunky good guys, and a plot that will keep you entertained. The main characters, Angel and Vadim, are well developed . While Vadim would probably frown on being called sweet, he definitely is , especially when it comes to Angel.
Definitely another great addition to this series.
I was gifted a copy of this audiobook. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
Vadim is a private consultant for Wyatt Christiansen, billionaire and owner of a very upscale hotel and casino in Las Vegas. Vadim is computer whiz, former military man, and a very quiet person with little personal relationships.
Angel, one of the waitresses at the Cloud Nine Restaurant in the hotel, has been running from a stalker for the past two years and keeps to herself. These two been attracted to each other since they met, and slowly become friends. When vandalism occurs and it seems Angel is in danger, Vadim moves heaven and earth to keep her safe.
It’s a story filled with suspense, an evil man, hunky good guys, and a plot that will keep you entertained. The main characters, Angel and Vadim, are well developed . While Vadim would probably frown on being called sweet, he definitely is , especially when it comes to Angel.
Definitely another great addition to this series.
I was gifted a copy of this audiobook. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
August 13, 2025
🇫🇷French & English reviews🇬🇧
📖Genre & Tropes📖 : romance suspense x ex military hacker x toxic ex plot x damsel in distress x forced proximity x spicy
Une romance à suspense que j'ai lu avec grand plaisir
Je ne sais pas pourquoi j'avais oublié ce tome dans cette série mais je suis retombée dessus par hasard et je l'ai dévoré ! J'ai beaucoup aimé Vadim passer en mode protecteur pour Angel et les voir s'avouer petit à petit leurs sentiments !
Bref, une romance que j'ai lu avec grand plaisir !
⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐
A suspense romance that I read with great pleasure
I don't know why I had forgotten about this book in this series, but I stumbled across it by chance and devoured it ! I really enjoyed Vadim becoming protective of Angel and seeing them gradually confess their feelings for each other !
In short, a romance that I read with great pleasure !
📖Genre & Tropes📖 : romance suspense x ex military hacker x toxic ex plot x damsel in distress x forced proximity x spicy
Une romance à suspense que j'ai lu avec grand plaisir
Je ne sais pas pourquoi j'avais oublié ce tome dans cette série mais je suis retombée dessus par hasard et je l'ai dévoré ! J'ai beaucoup aimé Vadim passer en mode protecteur pour Angel et les voir s'avouer petit à petit leurs sentiments !
Bref, une romance que j'ai lu avec grand plaisir !
⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐
A suspense romance that I read with great pleasure
I don't know why I had forgotten about this book in this series, but I stumbled across it by chance and devoured it ! I really enjoyed Vadim becoming protective of Angel and seeing them gradually confess their feelings for each other !
In short, a romance that I read with great pleasure !
February 7, 2023
C’est mon premier livre de cette autrice et j’aime bien. Je trouve ça plume légère et agréable. J’ai beaucoup aimé car on suit Vadim qu’on connaît des autres tomes et on le voit sous un nouvel angle et on découvre Angel qui est une femme incroyable.
Vadim est un homme au compétence multiples. Il va aider Angel même si elle est retissante. Il est vraiment attaché à elle et à du mal à gère ses sentiments. Il ne se pense pas à la hauteur d’elle.
Angel a connu des choses pas facile dans sa vie. Mais elle aime aider les gens meme si elle doit se mettre en difficulté pour ça. Quand Vadim le découvre elle a honte car il lui plait et elle voulait pas qu’il la voit comme ça. Mais il va tout faire pour l’aider.
Vadim est un homme au compétence multiples. Il va aider Angel même si elle est retissante. Il est vraiment attaché à elle et à du mal à gère ses sentiments. Il ne se pense pas à la hauteur d’elle.
Angel a connu des choses pas facile dans sa vie. Mais elle aime aider les gens meme si elle doit se mettre en difficulté pour ça. Quand Vadim le découvre elle a honte car il lui plait et elle voulait pas qu’il la voit comme ça. Mais il va tout faire pour l’aider.
December 29, 2019
Quick and sexy, this novella brings together Angel who's on the run from an ex, and Vadim, an IT security guy for the hotel Serafina in Vegas.
The ending kind of surprised me, and so did the big twist. I think that's what made me rate it 3 rather than 4 stars-it wrapped up so quickly. The pacing felt faster and changed around that point.
One thing I loved was that Vadim made decisions for Angel and she called him out on it. She wanted to be part of any and all decisions regarding her safety and he was awesome and changed.
Steamy and sweet at the same time, Sweetest Surrender is an enjoyable read.
The ending kind of surprised me, and so did the big twist. I think that's what made me rate it 3 rather than 4 stars-it wrapped up so quickly. The pacing felt faster and changed around that point.
One thing I loved was that Vadim made decisions for Angel and she called him out on it. She wanted to be part of any and all decisions regarding her safety and he was awesome and changed.
Steamy and sweet at the same time, Sweetest Surrender is an enjoyable read.
January 18, 2021
Angel
She knows the guy who killed her brother so she runs for two years she comes to Vegas and gets a job as a waitress in the Serafina where she meets Vadiam computer guy for their boss she house sits for him they have sizzling romance when he returns he finds out a guy is stalking her she tries to run again but the guy is killed but then his father finds her because she is with Varian they all protect her and she gains a family he proposes its a happy ending
She knows the guy who killed her brother so she runs for two years she comes to Vegas and gets a job as a waitress in the Serafina where she meets Vadiam computer guy for their boss she house sits for him they have sizzling romance when he returns he finds out a guy is stalking her she tries to run again but the guy is killed but then his father finds her because she is with Varian they all protect her and she gains a family he proposes its a happy ending
September 3, 2020
A Hot, Hot, Hot alpha male, great story line, interesting female lead character and hot bedroom scenes.
I haven’t read any of the other books in this series, but I have read books in the authors paranormal romance series.
This is by far the best of the books I have read and I look forward to reading more in the series.
I haven’t read any of the other books in this series, but I have read books in the authors paranormal romance series.
This is by far the best of the books I have read and I look forward to reading more in the series.
July 30, 2021
Jeffrey Kafer’s narration did it
The book came alive. 110% better than books 1&2. The story kept my attention all the way through and Vadim and Angel actually had chemistry. The slow progression was so believable. This was very good writing by KR and the right narrator made it 5 stars for me.
The book came alive. 110% better than books 1&2. The story kept my attention all the way through and Vadim and Angel actually had chemistry. The slow progression was so believable. This was very good writing by KR and the right narrator made it 5 stars for me.
June 17, 2022
I absolutely loved this book. I devoured it in a day. It’s a story from the Protected by a Hero boxed set. Loved how possessive and protective Vadim was about Angel. But can he keep her safe? Who is she hiding from? Loved that I was shocked by the plot towards the end. Really loved their happy ever after and I laughed in the epilogue. I highly recommend this book.
January 6, 2020
His
Working with her for awhile. And her not know-how he feels. Nor does he know how she feels. That's soon to change. No one touches what he thinks is his. And she is about to find out. She is his.
Working with her for awhile. And her not know-how he feels. Nor does he know how she feels. That's soon to change. No one touches what he thinks is his. And she is about to find out. She is his.
June 27, 2018
3.5 stars
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