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Surrender #4
The Darkest Hour
Royce Devereaux isn’t your average sexy professor. He has a lot of rules in his professional and personal life. He keeps both worlds separated. He has to. He’s somewhat of a public figure—and yes, he’s made enemies climbing to the top. Being a world-famous paleontology professor doesn’t mix well with his romantic life. He likes his sex rough, and a whole lot of naughty. Which means his students are 100% off limits.
One problem. His new graduate student assistant, Kenzie. She looks at him like a kid looks at birthday cake, and he doesn’t like it. Except, he does. He likes it too much. She’s feisty and smart—which only makes him want to tie her up and master her body. And her buttoned-up librarian look—it makes him want to strip her naked…slowly. He has to find a way to ignore her. It’s only one semester. Right?
But when an enemy decides to use Kenzie to force his hand, Royce has no choice but to keep her close. Very, very close. His two worlds have just collided. He just hopes he can let her go once the danger is over…
One problem. His new graduate student assistant, Kenzie. She looks at him like a kid looks at birthday cake, and he doesn’t like it. Except, he does. He likes it too much. She’s feisty and smart—which only makes him want to tie her up and master her body. And her buttoned-up librarian look—it makes him want to strip her naked…slowly. He has to find a way to ignore her. It’s only one semester. Right?
But when an enemy decides to use Kenzie to force his hand, Royce has no choice but to keep her close. Very, very close. His two worlds have just collided. He just hopes he can let her go once the danger is over…
262 pages, ebook
Published October 15, 2018
117 people are currently reading
348 people want to read
About the author
Lauren Smith
142 books2,204 followersLauren Smith is a USA Today Best-Selling author and an Oklahoma attorney. She knew she was destined to be a romance writer when she attempted to re-write the entire Titanic movie just to save Jack from drowning. Connecting with readers by writing emotionally moving, realistic and sexy romances no matter what time period is her passion. She’s won multiple awards in several romance subgenres including: New England Reader’s Choice Awards, Greater Detroit BookSeller’s Best Awards, Amazon.com Breakthrough Novel Award Quarter-Finalist and a Semi-Finalist for the Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley Award. To connect with Lauren, visit her at www.laurensmithbooks.com or twitter at @LSmithAuthor.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
March 29, 2019
Awesome erotic thriller!!! Loved the whole dom submissive vibe!!! Lauren Smith knows how to bring scorching hot sex to her books and her men friggin slay me!!! So alpha,hot,sexy and totally dominant!theirs nothing more sexier then a man in charge!!! Dr. Royce Devereaux is a hot bad boy professor and Mackenzie is his TA who has had dirty hot fantasies about him,but he has kept her at arms length. But when a couple thugs break in while Mac is doing grades looking for royce all hell breaks lose. Not only will they have to deal with a Russian mobster ,but also this whole new relationship of a dom and submissive and falling head first into love!! Royce is bringing all Mac's fantasies to life no matter how naughty they are!! Awesome storyline and great characters,one of my faves dimitri the Russian dom !!! His story is up next in Dark Desire!!!
August 13, 2023
I’ve been waiting years, I’m telling you YEARS for Royce’s book and this book was so worth the wait. In The Darkest Hour we are gifted with a phenomenal story with great characters, I was captivated from the very beginning andI didn’t want to put it down, unfortunately real life gets in the way and some sleep is needed to function otherwise I would have finished it in one day.
Want to read
October 2, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon & on iBooks today (10/2/2020)! 🎁
November 11, 2018
The Darkest Hour by Lauren Smith is the 4th book in her Surrender series. I have not read the earlier books, but this read very well as a standalone.
We meet our heroine, Mackenzie ( Kenzie) at the start, as she is working overtime on her job as a TA (assistant) to a paleontology professor. Someone breaks into the building, and she is attacked and manages to escape. Kenzie calls her professor for help, and he tells her to meet him at a club.
Royce Devereaux, is Kenzie’s boss, and he is very hot and sexy; but Royce keeps his life separated by his job as professor, and his personal life, especially after hours. When Kenzie meets him at the club, she is shocked at the kind of private club it is, with lots of inhibited sex in every corner of the club. Kenzie has always had a hidden crush on the handsome, sexy rich Royce, but he always treated her as hands off. Royce finds out that the people who broke into his office were Russian Fossil smugglers, and he needed to get Kenzie to safety.
Royce is a Dom, in a world of sex and BDSM, which he lets no one know about. He too has been attracted to Kenzie, but was determined to keep her away from his secret professional life. As the danger escalates, Royce brings his friends to help him find the Russian smuggler who is after him, and at the same time protect Kenzie.
The romance between Royce and Kenzie begins fairly quickly, as she feels her attraction to him heating up, and also feels the sexual pull of a world she has never explored before. What follows is a sexy, action filled and intense story that will hold our attention throughout. Royce and Kenzie were great together, as their chemistry flew off the wall. Royce loved his sex rough & naughty, and soon Kenzie wanted more and more of what Royce stood for. I am not really a fan of BDSM, but Smith did a very good job of keeping it light and sexy, concentrating on their sizzling feelings for each other.
The mystery puts both Kenzie and Royce in the center of danger, and had us holding our breaths, especially with the evil villians that Smith created. Besides the smuggling of fossils, the bad guys also were involved with human trafficking. It was an exciting, edge of your seat, tense and intriguing race to the finish.
The Darkest Hour had a bit of everything, including romance, great couple, suspense, sexual, and an excellent wild adventure. Lauren Smith once again writes us an exciting, sexy story, and amazes us at how she can write so many different genres (Regency, Paranormal, Romance, etc) and do them so well. If you like a hot sexy romance, with a bit of mystery and intrigue, I suggest you read The Darkest Hour.
Barb
The Reading Cafe
We meet our heroine, Mackenzie ( Kenzie) at the start, as she is working overtime on her job as a TA (assistant) to a paleontology professor. Someone breaks into the building, and she is attacked and manages to escape. Kenzie calls her professor for help, and he tells her to meet him at a club.
Royce Devereaux, is Kenzie’s boss, and he is very hot and sexy; but Royce keeps his life separated by his job as professor, and his personal life, especially after hours. When Kenzie meets him at the club, she is shocked at the kind of private club it is, with lots of inhibited sex in every corner of the club. Kenzie has always had a hidden crush on the handsome, sexy rich Royce, but he always treated her as hands off. Royce finds out that the people who broke into his office were Russian Fossil smugglers, and he needed to get Kenzie to safety.
Royce is a Dom, in a world of sex and BDSM, which he lets no one know about. He too has been attracted to Kenzie, but was determined to keep her away from his secret professional life. As the danger escalates, Royce brings his friends to help him find the Russian smuggler who is after him, and at the same time protect Kenzie.
The romance between Royce and Kenzie begins fairly quickly, as she feels her attraction to him heating up, and also feels the sexual pull of a world she has never explored before. What follows is a sexy, action filled and intense story that will hold our attention throughout. Royce and Kenzie were great together, as their chemistry flew off the wall. Royce loved his sex rough & naughty, and soon Kenzie wanted more and more of what Royce stood for. I am not really a fan of BDSM, but Smith did a very good job of keeping it light and sexy, concentrating on their sizzling feelings for each other.
The mystery puts both Kenzie and Royce in the center of danger, and had us holding our breaths, especially with the evil villians that Smith created. Besides the smuggling of fossils, the bad guys also were involved with human trafficking. It was an exciting, edge of your seat, tense and intriguing race to the finish.
The Darkest Hour had a bit of everything, including romance, great couple, suspense, sexual, and an excellent wild adventure. Lauren Smith once again writes us an exciting, sexy story, and amazes us at how she can write so many different genres (Regency, Paranormal, Romance, etc) and do them so well. If you like a hot sexy romance, with a bit of mystery and intrigue, I suggest you read The Darkest Hour.
Barb
The Reading Cafe
November 22, 2022
This book was definitely not what I expected. The excerpt doesn't match what the book is about and the cover of the book well... you can't tell what the book is about. I didn't know what the book until I started reading and well I almost put it down but something about the book intrigued me. Don't ask me what because don't know what it was. I had the book done within 3 days.
I loved the plot twists and turns.
Now I have read this book 3 times already and each time I find something different to like about it. I'm hooked on the series and planning to get the rest of it.
The language is very vulgar and some of the scenes are very graphic.
**This is my warning* This book should be read people 18+ due to the language and graphicness that's in the book. Also parents, grandparents and legal guardians, please read this book first before letting your children, grandchildren or children you're taking care of legally. This book is written for mature people only.
I loved the plot twists and turns.
Now I have read this book 3 times already and each time I find something different to like about it. I'm hooked on the series and planning to get the rest of it.
The language is very vulgar and some of the scenes are very graphic.
**This is my warning* This book should be read people 18+ due to the language and graphicness that's in the book. Also parents, grandparents and legal guardians, please read this book first before letting your children, grandchildren or children you're taking care of legally. This book is written for mature people only.
Read
March 20, 2019DNF @26%
Just... meh. Though I liked the idea of this plot, I just couldn't connect with either character, nor with the writing style. It's a very state-rather-than-truly describe style, and it just wasn't for me.
I skipped a bit and tried jumping ahead, but ultimately wasn't drawn in.
Just... meh. Though I liked the idea of this plot, I just couldn't connect with either character, nor with the writing style. It's a very state-rather-than-truly describe style, and it just wasn't for me.
I skipped a bit and tried jumping ahead, but ultimately wasn't drawn in.
September 19, 2018
I often think about what I'm going to write in these reviews before I start them. I had been going to say that it felt as though I'd been waiting for a long time for Royce's story in the Surrender Series. I thought that it might be worth looking how long it's been, I read the last in the series The Gilded Chain back in November 2015, so very nearly three years ago. It's not only felt like a long time, but it has also been a long time. Some things though, are worth the wait.
I probably should have reread the previous books, to get my head around who is who and how they fit into the storyline. It didn't take long for things to come back to me and I soon remembered who was who. I remember being keen to read Royce's story, as I liked his character and I wasn't disappointed in this book. Royce and Kenzie seemed like the perfect match. The only real question was how they had managed to keep their hands off one another whilst colleagues previously.
The sparks fly in this book, both between our hero and heroine and as they deal with Rusian Fossil smugglers. I don't think I've ever thought about trade in fossils and bones before, but I'm sure if there's money to be made then there will be people who will exploit it. The Russian setting added a bit of a different feel to this book and there was even a little cameo from the lead from another of Lauren's books. (Rurik)
This is a sexy, fast-paced story with lots of action. It's easy to get swept up in the danger than Kenzie and Royce find themselves in. If I were being completely honest, I would have prefered to find out more about what happens between them after they return to America and have to keep their relationship under wraps. It didn't detract from the story really to miss that though.
This book is well worth a read and a great addition to the Surrender series.
I probably should have reread the previous books, to get my head around who is who and how they fit into the storyline. It didn't take long for things to come back to me and I soon remembered who was who. I remember being keen to read Royce's story, as I liked his character and I wasn't disappointed in this book. Royce and Kenzie seemed like the perfect match. The only real question was how they had managed to keep their hands off one another whilst colleagues previously.
The sparks fly in this book, both between our hero and heroine and as they deal with Rusian Fossil smugglers. I don't think I've ever thought about trade in fossils and bones before, but I'm sure if there's money to be made then there will be people who will exploit it. The Russian setting added a bit of a different feel to this book and there was even a little cameo from the lead from another of Lauren's books. (Rurik)
This is a sexy, fast-paced story with lots of action. It's easy to get swept up in the danger than Kenzie and Royce find themselves in. If I were being completely honest, I would have prefered to find out more about what happens between them after they return to America and have to keep their relationship under wraps. It didn't detract from the story really to miss that though.
This book is well worth a read and a great addition to the Surrender series.
September 22, 2018
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋💋
Having not read any of this series before I was wondering if I could join on the fourth book and still enjoy it , the overwhelming answer is yes .
What a brilliant story , loved every page , totally hooked I’m afraid.
Lauren is a great writer , it seems whatever genre she turns her mind too she masters , be it paranormal, regency or contemporary , I can now say I’ve tried them all and adore them .
Look out for a cheeky visit from a friendly dragon .
Recommended reading for all fans
I received an advance copy of this book and chose to submit a review
💋💋💋
Having not read any of this series before I was wondering if I could join on the fourth book and still enjoy it , the overwhelming answer is yes .
What a brilliant story , loved every page , totally hooked I’m afraid.
Lauren is a great writer , it seems whatever genre she turns her mind too she masters , be it paranormal, regency or contemporary , I can now say I’ve tried them all and adore them .
Look out for a cheeky visit from a friendly dragon .
Recommended reading for all fans
I received an advance copy of this book and chose to submit a review
September 27, 2019
Audio book review
The fourth book in the surrender series . This audio is as great as book 1. You meet Royce in book 1 Lauren Smith the author knows how to write stories with lots of levels . It will have your ear buds and ears hearing this story right till the end . You will love both hero and heroine. This story is full of action right till the end.
Royce lives a double life . In Royce secret life he is a DOM in the club the guided cuff , where you see all the action in book 1. Royce is a archaeologist and someone is after him . They break into his office, but they see and meet Kenzie. They threatened Kenzie. She does escape. Royce tells her how to get to the Cuff . Kenzie tells him what happens. That gets Royce thinking
Grab it and see who is after Royce and why .
Jeremy performance was exceptional. His tone for the story , the characters was smooth, strong and clear .
The fourth book in the surrender series . This audio is as great as book 1. You meet Royce in book 1 Lauren Smith the author knows how to write stories with lots of levels . It will have your ear buds and ears hearing this story right till the end . You will love both hero and heroine. This story is full of action right till the end.
Royce lives a double life . In Royce secret life he is a DOM in the club the guided cuff , where you see all the action in book 1. Royce is a archaeologist and someone is after him . They break into his office, but they see and meet Kenzie. They threatened Kenzie. She does escape. Royce tells her how to get to the Cuff . Kenzie tells him what happens. That gets Royce thinking
Grab it and see who is after Royce and why .
Jeremy performance was exceptional. His tone for the story , the characters was smooth, strong and clear .
September 22, 2018
Royce Devereaux is the sexiest paleontology professor since Indiana Jones. Good gracious, that man is fine! And smart and heroic and rich. What I liked best about him is, while he had a strong physical attraction to Kenzie, he also thought and said several times that he appreciated her intelligence, he enjoyed conversation with her, and he adored her heart. Royce is now the one by whom all book boyfriends will be judged going forward.
But here's the best part: Kenzie is a good match for him and I liked her! Seems like too often the love interest for such a strong male character is a either a doormat or a brat. Either way, the lead female is boiled down to a "type" and isn't that interesting. But Kenzie's different and I found myself really appreciating her. Kenzie's a bit younger and somewhat sheltered, which resulted in one or two petulant moments, but it's not her entire character. She kept her wits in the face of danger and even saved herself at least twice.
Several potential triggers including women being hit and shot at, and human trafficking.
Colleagues-to-lovers; mafia bad guys; adventure/suspense; BDSM; menage; works as a standalone.
But here's the best part: Kenzie is a good match for him and I liked her! Seems like too often the love interest for such a strong male character is a either a doormat or a brat. Either way, the lead female is boiled down to a "type" and isn't that interesting. But Kenzie's different and I found myself really appreciating her. Kenzie's a bit younger and somewhat sheltered, which resulted in one or two petulant moments, but it's not her entire character. She kept her wits in the face of danger and even saved herself at least twice.
Several potential triggers including women being hit and shot at, and human trafficking.
Colleagues-to-lovers; mafia bad guys; adventure/suspense; BDSM; menage; works as a standalone.
September 27, 2018
Holy smoke! It you want a book that’s fast paced, exciting and HOT then this is the book for you!!!! Royce and MacKenzie’s chemistry burns up the pages and their story is thrilling. I was hooked from the first chapter. I would give this 10 stars if I could!
Read
November 7, 2018DNF @ 25%
Want to read
April 17, 2020
→ On sale for maybe a limited time. Grab your copy now! ←
→ Submit or subscribe to The DARK Newsletter! ←
Blurb:
Royce Devereaux isn’t your average sexy professor. He has a lot of rules in his professional and personal life. He keeps both worlds separated. He has to. He’s somewhat of a public figure—and yes, he’s made enemies climbing to the top. Being a world-famous paleontology professor doesn’t mix well with his romantic life. He likes his sex rough, and a whole lot of naughty. Which means his students are 100% off limits.
One problem. His new graduate student assistant, Kenzie. She looks at him like a kid looks at birthday cake, and he doesn’t like it. Except, he does. He likes it too much. She’s feisty and smart—which only makes him want to tie her up and master her body. And her buttoned-up librarian look—it makes him want to strip her naked…slowly. He has to find a way to ignore her. It’s only one semester. Right?
But when an enemy decides to use Kenzie to force his hand, Royce has no choice but to keep her close. Very, very close. His two worlds have just collided. He just hopes he can let her go once the danger is over…
Merged review:
→ On sale for maybe a limited time. Grab your copy now! ←
→ Submit or subscribe to The DARK Newsletter! ←
Blurb:
Royce Devereaux isn’t your average sexy professor. He has a lot of rules in his professional and personal life. He keeps both worlds separated. He has to. He’s somewhat of a public figure—and yes, he’s made enemies climbing to the top. Being a world-famous paleontology professor doesn’t mix well with his romantic life. He likes his sex rough, and a whole lot of naughty. Which means his students are 100% off limits.
One problem. His new graduate student assistant, Kenzie. She looks at him like a kid looks at birthday cake, and he doesn’t like it. Except, he does. He likes it too much. She’s feisty and smart—which only makes him want to tie her up and master her body. And her buttoned-up librarian look—it makes him want to strip her naked…slowly. He has to find a way to ignore her. It’s only one semester. Right?
But when an enemy decides to use Kenzie to force his hand, Royce has no choice but to keep her close. Very, very close. His two worlds have just collided. He just hopes he can let her go once the danger is over…
April 13, 2025
Kobo +. Contemporary Romance Series Challenge 2024. Tropes: BDSM, Romance/Mystery, Extended Family and Friends, Work Romance.
MC's h MacKenzie Martin aka Kenzie ( Little Mac, Royce's pet name for her), 28, Grad Student and Dr. Devereux's TA, H Royce Devereux 33, Professor of Paleontology, bestfriends, Emery, Fenn twins (Lockwood, Books 1&2) & Wes Thorne (bk 3) all 4 Billionaires.
Characters from other books: Emery & Fenn, Hans Brummer (Bodyguard), Cody (tech geek), D Rurik (Russian Friend also Wes Thorne's friend)
********************************************************************************
MC's h MacKenzie Martin aka Kenzie ( Little Mac, Royce's pet name for her), 28, Grad Student and Dr. Devereux's TA, H Royce Devereux 33, Professor of Paleontology, bestfriends, Emery, Fenn twins (Lockwood, Books 1&2) & Wes Thorne (bk 3) all 4 Billionaires.
Characters from other books: Emery & Fenn, Hans Brummer (Bodyguard), Cody (tech geek), D Rurik (Russian Friend also Wes Thorne's friend)
********************************************************************************
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 19, 2022
The Darkest Hour by Lauren Smith is the fourth book in the Surrender series. Kenzie is working for Royce as a research assistant and finds him attractive. One night, people break into Royce' office and Kenzie is sucked into a new world. Crime, trafficking and BDSM are now a part of her world. Royce and Kenzie get closer as they try to do the right thing, but both know they can't be together.
I had this book on my Kindle for a very long time. When I started reading it, I did not expect it to be a book about BDSM. Nothing in the blurb hinted that. I am usually not really into books about BDSM as they tend to be very toxic and misogynistic. But as I am someone who cannot not finish a book, I got through with it. And I was a little fascinated. This is the first book about BDSM that explained what it is all about and also addressed that consent is very important. Very well done for that. But I still thought that Royce went a little too fast introducing Kenzie to the world of BDSM. She had no prior experience and sure gave her consent, but they never actually talked it through, especially at the beginning. I think boundaries and rules should be set right at the beginning and not like "I'm gonna spank you in front of my friends. Remember the codewords for stop and wait-a-sec."
Another scene really confused me. They went to a sex club that was more like a trafficking club on a secret mission. And they had some time to kill so they decided to kill it with having sex. In a trafficking club. Before they were about to kill someone. Exactly what I understand under preparing for the task and staying focused. There were some other scenes where I was rather confused and not fully into the story. But it was a quick read and nothing that you had to actively think about.
A rather quick read, which was okay. The first book I read that addressed BDSM and consent, so a plus for that. But other than that, it was nothing special and I did not agree with some scenes in the book.
I had this book on my Kindle for a very long time. When I started reading it, I did not expect it to be a book about BDSM. Nothing in the blurb hinted that. I am usually not really into books about BDSM as they tend to be very toxic and misogynistic. But as I am someone who cannot not finish a book, I got through with it. And I was a little fascinated. This is the first book about BDSM that explained what it is all about and also addressed that consent is very important. Very well done for that. But I still thought that Royce went a little too fast introducing Kenzie to the world of BDSM. She had no prior experience and sure gave her consent, but they never actually talked it through, especially at the beginning. I think boundaries and rules should be set right at the beginning and not like "I'm gonna spank you in front of my friends. Remember the codewords for stop and wait-a-sec."
Another scene really confused me. They went to a sex club that was more like a trafficking club on a secret mission. And they had some time to kill so they decided to kill it with having sex. In a trafficking club. Before they were about to kill someone. Exactly what I understand under preparing for the task and staying focused. There were some other scenes where I was rather confused and not fully into the story. But it was a quick read and nothing that you had to actively think about.
A rather quick read, which was okay. The first book I read that addressed BDSM and consent, so a plus for that. But other than that, it was nothing special and I did not agree with some scenes in the book.
December 25, 2023
✓Contemporary romance
✓Romantic suspense
✓Billionaire romance
✓A world-famous paleontology professor
✓A new graduate student assistant
✓BDSM
✓Gripping/gritty/raw
✓Emotional roller-coaster
✓Page turner
✓Fast-paced
✓Unpredictable twists and turns
✓Fan cast of supporting characters
The Darkest Hour is the fourth book in Surrender series. Lauren Smith knows how to bring scorching heat and keep the reader on the edge of the seat. It's surprising, engaging, with simmering sexual tension and suspenseful moments so perfectly executed that kept me glued to the pages. What a fantastic student/professor book; maybe I'm biased because it's one of my favorite tropes but everything was just perfect. The Darkest Hour is a flawlessly written, compelling thriller and a great addition to this series.
Mackenzie - Kenzie feisty and smart. She is a new graduate student assistant. Royce Devereaux is a hot, sexy, bad boy professor who is secretly a Dom and into BDSM but he keeps that (personal) life separated from his professional life. Kenzie has always had a crush on Royce but he always kept her at arms length. Between them existed this unique connection, pull and chemistry, no matter how much they tried to deny it. The best thing about Royce is the way he saw Kenzie and that he loved her heart, smarts/intelligence, and having meaningful conversations with her which was proof enough that it wasn't only physical for him. He knew Kenzie is different. On the other hand, Kenzie is such good match for him because she challenged him, stood her ground / kept up with him yet understood him. Their passion ignites while the danger is surrounding them. When his two worlds collide, Royce must confront his past in order for them to have a potential future.
It's not only a perfect romantic thriller but an exemplary book with dom submissive vibe. It was an amazing adventure with romance, suspense, mystery and intrigue. Cannot wait for the next book.
✓Romantic suspense
✓Billionaire romance
✓A world-famous paleontology professor
✓A new graduate student assistant
✓BDSM
✓Gripping/gritty/raw
✓Emotional roller-coaster
✓Page turner
✓Fast-paced
✓Unpredictable twists and turns
✓Fan cast of supporting characters
The Darkest Hour is the fourth book in Surrender series. Lauren Smith knows how to bring scorching heat and keep the reader on the edge of the seat. It's surprising, engaging, with simmering sexual tension and suspenseful moments so perfectly executed that kept me glued to the pages. What a fantastic student/professor book; maybe I'm biased because it's one of my favorite tropes but everything was just perfect. The Darkest Hour is a flawlessly written, compelling thriller and a great addition to this series.
Mackenzie - Kenzie feisty and smart. She is a new graduate student assistant. Royce Devereaux is a hot, sexy, bad boy professor who is secretly a Dom and into BDSM but he keeps that (personal) life separated from his professional life. Kenzie has always had a crush on Royce but he always kept her at arms length. Between them existed this unique connection, pull and chemistry, no matter how much they tried to deny it. The best thing about Royce is the way he saw Kenzie and that he loved her heart, smarts/intelligence, and having meaningful conversations with her which was proof enough that it wasn't only physical for him. He knew Kenzie is different. On the other hand, Kenzie is such good match for him because she challenged him, stood her ground / kept up with him yet understood him. Their passion ignites while the danger is surrounding them. When his two worlds collide, Royce must confront his past in order for them to have a potential future.
It's not only a perfect romantic thriller but an exemplary book with dom submissive vibe. It was an amazing adventure with romance, suspense, mystery and intrigue. Cannot wait for the next book.
May 1, 2019
The Darkest Hour
I have not read the first 3 in this series, but after reading this one, I most certainly will be. Kenzie is a Teaching Assistant to Paleontology Professor Royce Devereaux. Kenzie has a huge crush on him, and has worked across from him many days fantasizing about things she would like him to do to her. It starts out with her working late in his office putting grades into the system. People break in looking for him, and she outwits them and escapes. She calls Royce, and he gives her directions to meet him at a club. She goes there, but does not know what kind of club it is. He takes her inside so they can talk, and she witnesses all sorts of consensual sexual acts taking place...and it awakens something in her that she had been pushing down. Royce had always been very good at keeping his personal and professional lives separate, but his need to watch over and keep Kenzie safe, just blew that up. They are now in the crosshairs of Russian mobsters, and Royce and Kenzie are thrown together. Their passion for each other ignites, but they also have to keep their wits about them to stay alive. This book kept my attention and me wanting to keep reading from page 1 until the end. I look forward to the next book in the series, and in the meantime, I plan to read the ones I missed. If you are even the least bit intrigued by BDSM, Royce is a great Dom to learn from, and Kenzie is a natural sub from the very beginning. The chemistry between them is off the charts, and how they managed to keep it contained as long as they did is a miracle.
I have not read the first 3 in this series, but after reading this one, I most certainly will be. Kenzie is a Teaching Assistant to Paleontology Professor Royce Devereaux. Kenzie has a huge crush on him, and has worked across from him many days fantasizing about things she would like him to do to her. It starts out with her working late in his office putting grades into the system. People break in looking for him, and she outwits them and escapes. She calls Royce, and he gives her directions to meet him at a club. She goes there, but does not know what kind of club it is. He takes her inside so they can talk, and she witnesses all sorts of consensual sexual acts taking place...and it awakens something in her that she had been pushing down. Royce had always been very good at keeping his personal and professional lives separate, but his need to watch over and keep Kenzie safe, just blew that up. They are now in the crosshairs of Russian mobsters, and Royce and Kenzie are thrown together. Their passion for each other ignites, but they also have to keep their wits about them to stay alive. This book kept my attention and me wanting to keep reading from page 1 until the end. I look forward to the next book in the series, and in the meantime, I plan to read the ones I missed. If you are even the least bit intrigued by BDSM, Royce is a great Dom to learn from, and Kenzie is a natural sub from the very beginning. The chemistry between them is off the charts, and how they managed to keep it contained as long as they did is a miracle.
November 20, 2018
I was so happy to see that there was another installment to this series. After reading the first three, I knew I needed Royce's story and this did not disappoint.
Royce is a college professor. Ok, he's an extremely wealthy professor who is still struggling to come to terms with his past. Both involving his closest friends and his parents. Which is why his Saturday nights are dedicated to just forgetting and letting go. That is until one night when his teacher's assistant is in trouble. Now he's forced to not only come to terms with his past, but his potential future.
Kenzie has been Royce's teacher's assistant for a while now. So working late on a Saturday night inputting grades isn't unusual. What IS unusual is becoming a victim of a break in and almost getting killed. Even more unusual, walking in to the one place her boss (and secret crush) spends his Saturday evenings. And now that her life's in danger, the extremely unusual is becoming the norm. But will good last once the bad is over?
This book was so good. We're immediately thrown in to the drama of the story line within the first chapter. But it's the subsequent chapters that keep us absolutely glued to the pages. The romantic draw/anticipation between Royce and Kenzie is super hot. The drama sparks enough fear, not only in the characters just in us readers. And we get to visit with a few of the past series characters. And holy mole, PLEASE....for the love of all that's Demitri...PLEASE let him get his own story!!!!!
Royce is a college professor. Ok, he's an extremely wealthy professor who is still struggling to come to terms with his past. Both involving his closest friends and his parents. Which is why his Saturday nights are dedicated to just forgetting and letting go. That is until one night when his teacher's assistant is in trouble. Now he's forced to not only come to terms with his past, but his potential future.
Kenzie has been Royce's teacher's assistant for a while now. So working late on a Saturday night inputting grades isn't unusual. What IS unusual is becoming a victim of a break in and almost getting killed. Even more unusual, walking in to the one place her boss (and secret crush) spends his Saturday evenings. And now that her life's in danger, the extremely unusual is becoming the norm. But will good last once the bad is over?
This book was so good. We're immediately thrown in to the drama of the story line within the first chapter. But it's the subsequent chapters that keep us absolutely glued to the pages. The romantic draw/anticipation between Royce and Kenzie is super hot. The drama sparks enough fear, not only in the characters just in us readers. And we get to visit with a few of the past series characters. And holy mole, PLEASE....for the love of all that's Demitri...PLEASE let him get his own story!!!!!
October 9, 2018
Royce Devereaux isn’t your average sexy professor,& he’s very sexy. He keeps his professional & personal lives completely separated. Being a world-famous palaeontology professor doesn’t mix well with his romantic life. He likes his sex rough, and a whole lot of naughty. Which means his students are 100% off limits. One problem. His new graduate student assistant, Kenzie. She looks at him like a kid looks at birthday cake, and he shouldn’t like it but he does, way too much. She’s feisty and smart which only makes him want to tie her up and master her body. Then one night his office is broken into & Kenzie is threatened by two gun toting thugs, Royce has no choice but to keep her close. Very, very close. His two worlds have just collided.
Another fast paced, enthralling read, the characters are very well fleshed & the good guys are very likeable & the bad are horrid. I was drawn into the book from the first pages & read it in two sittings. This is the fourth book in the series but could easily be read on its own. The chemistry between Royce & Kenzie is electric & so hot, they are perfect for each other. The story flows effortlessly & oh boy, the pace had me breathless at times from the USA to Russia it didn’t let up. I loved it that Rurik made a cameo appearance, I really like it when characters from other series appear. It doesn’t matter what genre the author writes I love it
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Another fast paced, enthralling read, the characters are very well fleshed & the good guys are very likeable & the bad are horrid. I was drawn into the book from the first pages & read it in two sittings. This is the fourth book in the series but could easily be read on its own. The chemistry between Royce & Kenzie is electric & so hot, they are perfect for each other. The story flows effortlessly & oh boy, the pace had me breathless at times from the USA to Russia it didn’t let up. I loved it that Rurik made a cameo appearance, I really like it when characters from other series appear. It doesn’t matter what genre the author writes I love it
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
June 12, 2020
This book is a mess. They go to his house after Kenzie is almost killed but don’t think to lock the doors/set the alarm - & he’s uber rich with a mansion that apparently doesn’t have locked gates (despite his repeatedly referenced childhood trauma of his friends being kidnapped, So the bad guys literally just walk on in. Then they decide to catch a commercial flight to Russia the next day - which is not happening’ ‘cause you need a visa from Russia which takes a while to get - even though Royce has like 2 contacts there. They don’t do any advanced research, nothing. They get to Russia & immediately leave Kenzie alone in a place where she doesn’t speak the language & knows no one & where public corruption is very much a thing (so folks could be bribed for info and access), and then she leaves the room and goes swimming and of course they both packed swimsuits for the spur of the moment Russia-in-December-trip to confront the Russian mob boss. (At least she wasn’t kidnapped from the pool.) And kidnapping Royce to get him to authenticate the fossils in the first instance made no sense. Then Royce is gonna straight up murder the mob boss but decides to spend some time fucking Kenzie in the sex trafficking club first, because they’ve got time to kill. This plot made zero sense. Royce comes off as rather incompetent. There was very little chemistry between him and Kenzie. I’m giving it 2 stars because it was an easy read & kept me occupied for a day.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 2, 2018
Royce Devereaux, archaeologist extraordinaire, and his TA, Kenzie, are a perfect match. After months of fighting an attraction to Royce, a botched kidnapping attempt while Kenzie is working late sets the couple on a dangerous path to foil a wicked Russian human trafficker and mobster's attempt to steal fossils and launches the pair on a voyage of adventure & intrigue.
While Kenzie is somewhat sheltered, she is very self-aware and extremely intelligent. Although a relationship with Royce is forbidden, the pair have an attraction that will not be denied. I loved Royce's attitude toward Kenzie: soon after the action begins, we see that while he has a built-in need to protect, but he also recognizes and respects Kenzie's intellect and capability. Kenzie is fiercely intelligent and ready to be a partner, nothing less. Royce Devereux is definitely wicked, well into the BDSM spice, and perfect for Kenzie (much to their mutual delight).
A dangerous, madcap adventure and some international intrigue made for a delicious romance and HEA. This is another superb read from Lauren Smith, and perfect when one is in the mood for romance with a wicked bit of spice.
Colleagues-to-lovers; mafia bad guys; adventure/suspense; BDSM; menage, can be read as a stand-alone.
I received an ARC of this book and was delighted to leave a review.
While Kenzie is somewhat sheltered, she is very self-aware and extremely intelligent. Although a relationship with Royce is forbidden, the pair have an attraction that will not be denied. I loved Royce's attitude toward Kenzie: soon after the action begins, we see that while he has a built-in need to protect, but he also recognizes and respects Kenzie's intellect and capability. Kenzie is fiercely intelligent and ready to be a partner, nothing less. Royce Devereux is definitely wicked, well into the BDSM spice, and perfect for Kenzie (much to their mutual delight).
A dangerous, madcap adventure and some international intrigue made for a delicious romance and HEA. This is another superb read from Lauren Smith, and perfect when one is in the mood for romance with a wicked bit of spice.
Colleagues-to-lovers; mafia bad guys; adventure/suspense; BDSM; menage, can be read as a stand-alone.
I received an ARC of this book and was delighted to leave a review.
March 23, 2019
This is the first story in this series I’m reading and was able to pick it up without any missing details from the other stories. I will definitely go back and read the other 3 stories! This is about one sexy successful wealthy paleontology professor, Royce who could be a modern day Indiana Jones and his sexy as sin teaching assistant, Mackenzie. They each have a very strong attraction to one another and have keep their relationship slightly flirty and professional. One night Kenzie is putting grades into the school computers in Royce’s office when she is ambushed by criminals intending nothing but harm to her. Kenzie uses her mind and gets out and away but her life has been turned upside down and thrown into a dangerous life without any control. Royce is called and he takes all necessary steps to protect Kenzie and she is intrigued by his life outside of being a professor, a Dom! Their are evilness and a Mafia Russian who is out to force Royce to participate in illegal activities to make him money and further his wealth and control over those he so enjoys doing. He is also involved in many other illegal activities, crime and human trafficking. This is one serious situation that takes them on a journey of fear, control, trusting, friends and love. This is one amazing and action packed story! I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
June 10, 2020
This book is intended for mature audiences only due to the mild BDSM content. Although this book is part of a series it can be read as a stand alone. MacKenzie is Dr. Royce Devereaux's teacher's assistant and one night while working alone in his office inputing grades; she is caught and manhandled by two goons who break in looking for Dr. Devereaux. She escapes and meets up with Dr. Devereaux at his BDSM club. Mac has always thought that there was something wrong with her because she wanted her sexual encounters to go a little differently and she has fantasized about Royce since shortly after working for him. Royce has in turn fantasized about all the lovely things that he would like to do to and with Little Mac, but neither one wants to mess up their roles at the university. The break-in and subsequent meeting at the Gilded Cuff will forever change the way their relationship continues and I encourage you to read the book and find out whether those changes are good, bad or both. I really enjoyed this book and I want to read the rest in the series.
September 29, 2018
I received an ARC of this book. Oftentimes, when I’m going to read a book anyway, I will skip the synopsis and dive right in to be surprised. That’s what I did with this one. I really had no idea what to expect. When it started down the BDSM path, I was worried I wouldn’t like the story. Ultimately, I liked it despite the BDSM aspects.
This a fast-moving, edge of your seat, romance-adventure and I loved it! Thankfully, although human trafficking featured in this story, there was nothing too graphic about it. What is mentioned is disturbing enough, so I was relieved it didn’t go into too much detail. Royce is the perfect tragic, rich guy in need of true love. Kenzie is the beautiful, smart girls he needs. The theme is not unusual, but the story is (with its high stakes adventure and the real-life practicalities preventing them from being in a relationship), and the writing is engaging, even riveting. I highly recommend this book! I look forward to reading more from this series.
This a fast-moving, edge of your seat, romance-adventure and I loved it! Thankfully, although human trafficking featured in this story, there was nothing too graphic about it. What is mentioned is disturbing enough, so I was relieved it didn’t go into too much detail. Royce is the perfect tragic, rich guy in need of true love. Kenzie is the beautiful, smart girls he needs. The theme is not unusual, but the story is (with its high stakes adventure and the real-life practicalities preventing them from being in a relationship), and the writing is engaging, even riveting. I highly recommend this book! I look forward to reading more from this series.
August 6, 2022
Indiana Jones meets Sexual fantasy
This is a fun book with some heavy dark content. Royce is a paleontologist and one of the best in his field. MacKenzie Martin is his graduate assistant. She has only 6 months Left till she receives her PhD. She can’t get romantically involved with Royce it would ruin her credibility and possibly cost her her PhD. Royce is into BDSM and is a member with his friends of a club on Long Island. A Russian mobster wants revenge on Royce for foiling a scheme he has for making money and so begins the entanglement that “Kenzie” and Royce get into. It’s adventurous and swashbuckling with Royce being the hero. Their relationship was solid before the adventures began but then it grew sexual which heightened the tension. Sex trafficking is mentioned and battery, rape and abuse are mentioned. So it is difficult to read at times. But the story is sound and if you can listen to the audiobook it’s excellent.
This is a fun book with some heavy dark content. Royce is a paleontologist and one of the best in his field. MacKenzie Martin is his graduate assistant. She has only 6 months Left till she receives her PhD. She can’t get romantically involved with Royce it would ruin her credibility and possibly cost her her PhD. Royce is into BDSM and is a member with his friends of a club on Long Island. A Russian mobster wants revenge on Royce for foiling a scheme he has for making money and so begins the entanglement that “Kenzie” and Royce get into. It’s adventurous and swashbuckling with Royce being the hero. Their relationship was solid before the adventures began but then it grew sexual which heightened the tension. Sex trafficking is mentioned and battery, rape and abuse are mentioned. So it is difficult to read at times. But the story is sound and if you can listen to the audiobook it’s excellent.
April 1, 2019
What an amazing book from an author that is new to me. Mackenzie is the TA for Royce a paleontologist. She is working late in their office when she is attacked and barely escapes men that are looking for Royce. Royce takes her under his protection while trying to resolve the issues of the men that are after him to assist in fossil smuggling and illegal sales. The attraction that the two have been working hard to not act upon is unavoidable as they are thrown together in life or death situations. This book was like Indian Jones and Romancing the Stone put together. It was auctioned packed, steamy BSDM, and amazing characters that left me so entertained. I am volunteering to leave a review for this book
October 15, 2018
This is the first book I have read in this series although it is book #4.
I have loved everything I have read that Lauren has written. This attorney turned author continues to amaze me with her imaginative storylines regardless the genre.
Although there are three prior books this book reads well as a standalone title
I gave this book 4.25 of 5.0 stars for storyline and characterization and a sensual rating of 4.0 of 5.0 flames. This sexy story is a hot romance with plenty of intimate scenes.
I received a complimentary digital ARC of this book to read. This in no way affected my opinion of this title which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
I have loved everything I have read that Lauren has written. This attorney turned author continues to amaze me with her imaginative storylines regardless the genre.
Although there are three prior books this book reads well as a standalone title
I gave this book 4.25 of 5.0 stars for storyline and characterization and a sensual rating of 4.0 of 5.0 flames. This sexy story is a hot romance with plenty of intimate scenes.
I received a complimentary digital ARC of this book to read. This in no way affected my opinion of this title which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
May 6, 2020
I liked the idea of this book--professor and student trope. However, it jumped the shark pretty fast. Royce is a professor of paleontology at the university and Kinzie is his graduate assistant. The two of them get wrapped up in illegal fossil smuggling with Russian thugs. Royce is a professor of paleontology who is like James Bond on the side. He rescues Kinzie from the thugs and then immediately takes her to his sex club. Because that is, apparently, the best place to hide. Then the two of them hop on a private jet and go to Russia to take on the smugglers themselves. And they somehow end up in Russian sex clubs.
Yeah, kind of ridiculous.
Yeah, kind of ridiculous.
March 13, 2019
A veces siento que algunos libros tratan solo de sexo y que solo le ponen algo de historia como para hacer relleno, como para que no sea solo un libro sexual. Los libros de romance que incluyen BDSM se volvieron populares desde Cincuenta sombras de Grey y han seguido saliendo porque sigue vendiendo. Creo que este libro es un claro ejemplo. De vez en cuando había partes que me atrapaban y luego habían otras que me parecían aburridas y sin sentido.
Este es un libro como para pasar el rato con una lectura rápida. Le doy 3.5 estrellitas porque me entretuvo lo suficiente.
Este es un libro como para pasar el rato con una lectura rápida. Le doy 3.5 estrellitas porque me entretuvo lo suficiente.
June 25, 2019
The Darkest Hour is book 4 in the Surrender series by Lauren Smith, however it is my first book by Lauren and I don't at all feel like I missed anything by not reading the other books.
Mackenzie ( Kenzie) works as at TA and when he's attacked one night while leaving work she calls her boss and he tells her to meet him at a club. Royce Devereaux is her boss and a dom in the sex world. Both attracted to each other.
The Darkest Hour had a bit of everything, including romance, great couple, suspense, sexual, and an excellent wild adventure.
Mackenzie ( Kenzie) works as at TA and when he's attacked one night while leaving work she calls her boss and he tells her to meet him at a club. Royce Devereaux is her boss and a dom in the sex world. Both attracted to each other.
The Darkest Hour had a bit of everything, including romance, great couple, suspense, sexual, and an excellent wild adventure.
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