If I Surrender

Prescott High #1

by Kristin MacQueen

She's my best friend's new step-sister and my newest enemy, no matter how beautiful or funny I find her. I'm supposed to hate her. I’m supposed to be on my best friend’s side, right? But she hasn’t done anything wrong and she doesn’t deserve his wrath Then she becomes best friends with my sister and I have no choice but to see her. Piper Lawson can only make my life more difficult, but it might be worth it.

Who doesn’t want an upgraded life with a mansion and everything? Not me. Not when it comes with a hateful step-brother and his minions. They’re always plotting and scheming with ways to scare me away. It won't work. I’m stronger than they think I am. I just need to keep reminding myself that Grayson's the enemy. I repeat, he's the enemy! It doesn't matter if he stares at me like I mean something. It's all a ploy to get under my skin and get me to drop my defenses. I need to remember who my enemies are.

Genres: Romance, Enemies To Lovers, Contemporary Romance, Dark Romance, High School

344 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 16, 2023

Reviews

[Sisitt · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm I the only one who didn't like the writing? The monolugues between the characters were inmature and icky.

[Mikayla · Rating 2 out of 5]

The dialogue was grossly immature. I cringed multiple times at the interactions. TikTok gets me with the excerpts or annotated pages, but it’s disappointing when the book falls flat.

[Kaitlyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

i’m sorry i did not like this maybe like 2.5 stars. for one the book was so cheesy it felt like i was reading a fast wattpad book. also greyson and hadley as siblings were a little to close for me… like at some point he joked threeome between his gf and his sister. also why tf was everybody so scared of connor like if all his friends left and his dad didn’t support his actions and cut him off he would of became litterly nothing??? like it wasent like his dad was paying people off to excuse his actions so why did no boyd stand up to him. and u want me to belive connor personality flipped complety 180 in the end. anyways piper and grey were just a too chessy copple.

[Michellelovesreading · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book so much the relationship between piper and Grayson was beautiful.

[Zoë Verschooten · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!
It progresses really fast but it reads so easily that it doens't form a problem!
Would definitely read it again

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Piper and Grayson definitely are a couple you root for. Initially, Piper doesn't trust Grayson due to him being close friends with her stepbrother and bully, Conor, and him seeming to go along with Connor's schemes. He also acts hot and cold so she isn't sure what to expect from him. Those moments when Piper distances herself from him because she doesn't know what to expect really pulls at the heartstrings and almost gut you, because Grayson seems to be a good guy. And he does prove he has a good heart and truly cares for her. Grayson is aware that Connor is stepping over the line and Grayson goes out of his way to protect Piper in any way possible. Indeed, Piper and Grayson have plenty of cute interactions and banter in this story and they definitely work in sync.

We also have Hadley and Mac who deserve praise. Hadley is Grayson's twin sister and she easily befriends Piper as Piper is the new kid in their school. I think her being friends also pushes Grayson in closer proximity to Piper and helps develop their relationship. Mac is friends with Grayson and Connor and he definitely has layers--he can act carefree but he is definitely the most loyal and caring friend you can have. Shoutout also to Tim and the parents (Grayson and Hadley's parents are a hoot!).

I'm also curious about Connor, who seems like he might be able to redeem himself when he gets his own story. He is definitely a troubled person after the death of his mother and unfortunately didn't have the proper outlet growing up. This doesn't excuse his behavior at all but I do wonder about that moment he has at the end and I look forward to reading his story.

Additionally, this is a different take on the bully genre, where our bully remains the villain and the bully's friend is the love interest. This also was not as explicit or dark as other bully romances but still hits some dark topics.

Overall, this was a pretty interesting read and I look forward to seeing what's next. The epilogue gave us a HEA but also a HFN.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tracy Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Piper stood up and faced her 'evil' stepbrother.
Grayson was a mixed bag of treats. Was he on stepbro' Connors' side? Was he really stepping in to help Piper out with no ulterior motive?

Piper thought her stepbrother was going to be a cute 8yo but got, instead, a high school senior with a huge chip on his shoulder. He had lost his mum, his dad drifted away because of that loss and now these new women come onto his turf and steal even more from him, or so he thinks.

Huge pranks, worse, huge drops into officially hot water had Piper on the back foot but quiet interventions had her sailing through the dramas, much to Connors anger. This only steps up his hatred. A loose cannon if ever there was one!

Side characters Mac and Hadley are both integral and entertaining. Filling out the story well. Mac the 3rd wheel to Connor and Grayson shows backbone and heart. Hadley is so sweet to Piper and a real friend.

I also loved Hadley and Graysons' twin and family dynamic. I want a family like that!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[casvec · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I Surrender is the first book in the series and it starts off with a bang and does not let up to the end.

Piper's mom has gotten married and now they are moving in to her new stepdad's home. Piper knew that she was getting a stepbrother, but never expected Connor.

Connor hates anyone that his father gets involved with, and makes it a point to find a way to run them off. This time he plans to do it by tormenting Piper. Connor does not do this alone, he has his friends, Grayson and Mac, to help as others at the school.

Grayson is a different person when he is at home. When Piper comes over to spend time with his twin sister, he see Piper in a different light as Piper realizes he is not who she though he was.

This story is a wild ride of danger, vengeance, threats and hate. Connor is not willing to stop till Piper and her mom are gone. It is a good thing that Grayson sees the truth.

Amazing read and can't wait to read Mac's story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Silvia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! There was plenty of drama and some steam!

I really liked Piper! I loved that she held her ground didn’t let Connor run her and her mom out of town. Grayson was pretty great. He was initially very cold, then hot & cold, to then very, very hot!
Connor was exhibiting psychopathic behavior. He cared about no one but himself, and didn’t care who he hurt along the way to get what he wanted. I’m desperate to know what he told Hadley at the very end of this book!!!
Mac was also a good guy. I didn’t like that he went along with the stupid things that Connor told him to do, but there’s no denying that he was a true friend to Grayson.
The only thing that I found to irk me was the quickness is how Piper and Grayson’s relationship progressed. Marriage came up way too quickly, for me.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Antonella - Happy Girl · Rating 5 out of 5]

When the evil surrenders to love
Piper's mother remarries Connor's father and he doesn't like it! He thinks Piper and her mom are gold diggers and he will do anything to make them run away.
Connor is evil and had two best friends that rule the high school with him. Grayson is one of his friends, a tough and grumpy guy hiding a soft side inside for his twin sister and his family. When Grayson and Piper first meet both feel something that will change their life.
Grayson will try and protect Piper from Connors's cruelness and in the end, there is HEA for them!
Wonderful story! I can't wait for the other book of the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mulan Book Princess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just wow! I could not put this book down. I adored Piper and wasn’t sure about Grayson until he proved himself. He was such a totally sweet guy but couldn’t understand how he and Mac did everything Connor wanted without question (for the most part). Piper and Grayson were so adorable together, and I loved how supportive his parents were. I especially liked his family dynamics/relationship as it was so cool! This book had sizzle, suspense and lot so drama. I cannot wait to read about Mac and Connor.

I received a free advance reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my fair and honest review.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an interesting story that you cannot help but root for the main couple. I will say I was reluctant at first. This is a bully romance about Piper and Grayson. Piper is Grayson's best friends step sister. Connor has declared his step sister off limits and is determined to get rid of her and her mother as soon as possible. His antics are childish and Grayson is hesitant to go along with them. Piper of course is not so trusting, rightfully so, and is weary. I enjoyed how this story developed and really cheered Piper and Grayson on in the end. I thought the author did a good job developing this story.

[Fiona · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic story that had me hooked from the start. When Piper meets her new stepbrother, Connor, things are about to change in her life, for the worse. Grayson can’t believe how hot his best friend, Connor’s stepsister, Piper is, but with Connor having a vendetta again her he knows she is out of bounds. However when Connor starts taking things too far, Grayson knows he will step in to protect the woman he has started falling for. A fantastic book, I loved the gripping storyline, amazing characters and happy ending. A really enjoyable book and I can’t wait for more in the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Piper’s mom remarries, they move into her new stepfather’s home, where she meet Connor, her new stepbrother, who will do whatever he must to get his own way, and chase them out of his home, and at school his bullying and tormenting gets worst when he involves his best friends Grayson and Mac. When Piper becomes best friends with his twin sister, Grayson sees another side to her, and his feelings change. This is a well written story which has danger, suspense, vengeance, bullying, intrigue, twists, tension, and love, which leads to a steamy and entertaining page turner.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

Piper has just moved to a new town and school. But her Stepbrother will do anything and everything to get her out. When he tells his best friends that she is off limits, Grayson soon develops feelings for her and will do everything to protect her. Even Mac will protect her. But Grayson and Piper will find a happily ever after.

Loved this book. Can't wait to read about Mac and Connor even though you want to hate him.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amazing.
Even if you're not big on high school series, this one is amazing.
The characters are addicting, their chemistry is off the charts, and there's enough drama to go around and make you wanna binge-read the book in a day. Or less.
Loved getting to meet Greyson and Piper. They're both feisty, fun, and great. Greyson is the boyfriend you wanted in high school and Piper is the girl you wanted to friend and be your bestie.
This book starts a series, and ends on a kinda cliffhanger that leads to new characters. Can't wait to read what's next!!

[Dee Mac · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her stepbrother’s best friend and another bully to boot, Piper has no reason to trust anything that Grayson says or does.
But when she becomes friends with his twin sister she begins to see that he’s more than meets the eye.
He finds ways to protect her against her stepbrother and prove that he’s not a bad guy at all, but one who can be trusted and leant on.
Witty, sweet and cute at times, but also plenty of tension and heartache.
I loved it and look forward to more in this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Magali · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent from start to finish
I loved the tension of this book, especially because of the terror imposed by Connor, Piper's stepbrother. This situation is not lacking in twists and turns, and this creates an intense storyline, both for the bond between Piper and Grayson and for the hateful relationship with Connor.
This story is excellent from start to finish, with a finale that makes you want to read the books about the other characters
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book

[Nate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Greyson & Piper had an intriguing read. She's his best friend's new step-sister and his newest enemy, no matter how beautiful or funny he finds her. He's supposed to hate her. He's supposed to be on his best friend’s side, right? But she hasn’t done anything wrong and she doesn’t deserve his wrath. Then she becomes best friends with his sister and he has no choice but to see her. Piper Lawson can only make my life more difficult, but it might be worth it. Great read. But ends on a cliffy. Can’t wait for more. And am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Mandy Foley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, so many emotions experienced while reading this book, plenty of suspense, intrigue and emotion. Piper is hoping to get along with her new stepbrother Connor, but he won’t allow that and enlists his best friends Grayson and Mac to help chase her off, but an instant attraction between Piper and Grayson could mess up all the plans, who can Piper trust? Is she ever going to feel safe in her new life?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lena Blazejova · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grayson a Piper

Ona je nova nevlastni sestra jeho kamarada Connora, ktery ji chce znicit a dostat ji pryc ze sveho zivota.
On se ochotne nabidne, ze mu pomuze dokud ji nepozna...
Pak se vse meni a zacina jeji zachrana mise.
Connor se zene jako pes za svou kosti v honbe za splneni sveho znicujiciho planu az to zacina byt nezdrave... Grayson a Piper si k sobe postupne nachazi cestu a pribeh nabira opacny smer od zniceni k zachrane....

[Gabrielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

for me

This book was interesting. I felt like the guy become all about her too quick. I like more tension and back and forth before they are both all about each other. I am not sure how Connor can be redeemed when it’s his book but not my problem right now. Overall it was a good average book, very quick read. There were cute parts and I loved the sibling bond with the guy and his sister. 3/5

[Natasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this book, I especially liked Piper and Grayson, it was a funny book, it’s also a fast read which is always nice, I finished it in less than a day but I’ve got mixed feelings on Connor, I hated him for most of the book until the ending with Hadley and now I’m pretty sure all I feel is intrigue? But regardless I can’t wait to read the next book especially with the cliffhanger ending, but I didn’t like how Piper called James stepdaddy it made me ick

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

The only reason I’am giving the book 4.5⭐️is because of the writing like an example “ok, then I’ll just burn this shit hole to the ground with you and your sweet mama in here. I can only imagine how crappy the wiring is in this old house. You know, you really need to get these things checked every once in a while, or someone could get hurt.” Like I’m not complaining it was a good book but you don’t just write “Ok.” Like put more effort in the “ok”.

[Veronica Albertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a good dark romance type of book! I loved how the characters came together and how the story played out, this one has definitely got me on the edge of my seat waiting for the next one, I can’t wait to see what happens next.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jeanne Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read a lot of books written by Kristin MacQueen; she is one of my favorite authors. I can’t wait to read more of her books.

This is the first book in the Prescott High Series; it ends in a cliffhanger; the story continues in the next book and needs to be read in order.

I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.

[book junkie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first time reading this author and I am hooked. I love when I just get right into a story and don’t want to put it down.
Now I can’t wait to find out how it continues in the next two books and I do love that this book did not leave me hanging at the end. I will be reading more from this author in the future.

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the theme of this book. The author dove right into the drama which was entertaining to read. I thought the characters were fascinating in their actions and reactions. The scenes moved swiftly with the intensity building with each chapter. Nicely done.

I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Alexx · Rating 4 out of 5]

I AM OBSESSED I NEED MORE. Grayson young is perfection and piper is so strong and smart and bad ass. I was worried she was going to annoy me but I adored her personality I adored their story! I hate Connor and I don’t know how he’ll redeem himself but everything else about this book was perfection and I can not wait for Mac and Hadley!!!! I adore Mac!!!

[Di · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my gosh, can't heart this story enough. It pulls all the heartstrings and has invested in this love story from the very beginning, the trouble is you do not wish it to end.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.