Thrill of Surrender

The Harpies #2

by Dina Hawthorn

A darkly twisted tale of debt, obligations, rituals, and love. Step into a world ruled by the Harpyiai – a dark, secretive order with its own rules and rituals that have tied four families together for generations.

I never thought I would find someone who understood me.

Jack is everything I have ever wanted, everything my family has kept me from my whole life.

But there's more to my past than anyone is telling me – more to Jack than he's willing to share.

If there wasn't, why has my mother always forbidden me from going anywhere near the Lawrences?

The Harpies is a dark romance series featuring tormented characters with troubled pasts and a Happily Ever After. It is meant for a mature audience only. Trigger warnings inside or on the author's website.

Genres: Dark Romance, Spicy, Dark, BDSM

Kindle Edition

Published April 7, 2023

About the author

Dina Hawthorn is a dark romance writer with a keen interest in psychology, tea, and long walks in the countryside.
She lives in Suffolk, England, and is often found writing dark, gritty stories with a ginger cat on her lap.

Reviews

[Carl Bluesy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is where things kick into higher gear! The Harpies world is unlike anything I’ve read before. It is dark and extreme. The lore of its past is so fascinating and sucked me in.

What happens to Kate took me completely by surprise. She show just what’s she made of and finds out things about her past she didn’t even know. Jack shows what he’s willing to do for Kate and never stops the fight.

Book one was good, really good. But this book take off and becomes even better than I thought possible! Interesting characters wants attention and everything else you want from this book. And there’s still more books to come!

[꒰ঌAlejandra໒꒱ ♥️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ahh! This was so good! The perfect follow up to Thrill of Fear. Dina Hawthorn does not disappoint! Jack still owns a piece of my heart. He tries so hard and no one appreciates all the suffering he’s endured for them. I’m looking at you Freddy. Jack truly is one of my favorite characters. His past just makes my heart ache. His present gives me palpitations. His future better be bright. Think a kinkier version of Rhysand. That’s Jack.

Thrill of Surrender is the second book in The Harpies series, and of course, it ends on a cliffhanger. I don’t want to know what happens next, I need to know what happens next. So you’ll know how invested I am in this series, I wrote 30 arc reviews to be able to read this book early. And it was so worth it.

Spice level (1-5): 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Kink level (1-3): ⛓️⛓️ D/s, edging, spanking, flogging, exhibitionism, clamps, etc

Kate has been taken to the castle by the Harpyiai to be trained as a slave. With everyone whispering in her ear that Jack is behind all of this, her faith in him wavers. If he cared about her, wouldn’t he rescue her? Jack is going insane not knowing what they are doing to Kate. He was betrayed and lied to. The protocols prevent him from running to her, if only he could find her. All Jack can think about is saving Kate before they break her, permanently.

I would recommend Thrill of Surrender to fans of The Ritual. If you like kinky smut, secret society, tormented MMC, bratty FMC, hierarchy, secrets, secret lineage, possessive MMC, touch-her-and-I’ll-hurt-you, not everything is as it seems, you’ll love Thrill of Surrender. Read the trigger warnings. This book does contain illegitimacy discrimination, mild torture, mistreatment of women, graphic s3xual scenes are described, enslavement, etc. For the dark romance readers that love secret societies this one is for you!

Warning: Reading Thrill of Surrender may make you want to learn Russian. May make you hate roaches even more. May make you want to drink tea. May make you unleash your murderous side. May make you glad you don’t wake up to a golden shower. May make you want to drink good Russian vodka. Read responsibly.

*I received an Advance Reader Copy for free via Booksprout and I am leaving an honest review of my own volition. All thoughts are my own.*

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the mystery and drama in this book. Peter is Kate's dad who is a creep and takes her to the castle. Jack, his dad and friends all go to help get her back but it turns in to a war between Juliet and Hugh, Jack's dad, with Jack and Kate caught in the middle. The best bit about this book was the constant threat to Kate's life and the sense of foreboding throughout, it was so well written the emotion jumped off the page. This book shows and doesn't tell so please listen to the trigger warnings. Andrei tells us that a collared Sub has a piercing just like the female Marque have and in the first book we learned Freddie 's girlfriend has a clit piercing, so I'm thinking Liliana is not who she appeared to be, but I might be wrong. Can they keep Peter from finding out he is Kate's dad? Can Jack keep Kate safe? Oh the plots, twists and lies, I loved it 😂
I loved the fire play and how Jack showed its safe and took care of his sub. I liked how the book set up the two opposing sides of consensual hurt and none consensual harm, I found it fascinating and original and I couldn't put the book down. I can't wait for the next book 😁

[Polli.p · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 2 of one of the most interesting, intoxicating and intensely erotic series I have read in a while! This book will blow your mind! It drips with lust, oozes sexual tension, guards it's secrets well and expertly teases the brain into wanting more and more and more! I kid you not! Dina Hawthorn writes dark, intelligent romance with ease and expertise. This series will be one I re read often and I rarely give books that honour!

In short, the Harpyai are preparing for the hunt, and Kate, who is now at the castle for 'training', has become an object of fascination for them all. Yes, it ends on a cliff hanger, yes, you'll be desperate to read the next installment, yes I'm sure it will be worth the wait!

As I'm also an audiobook junkie I would love to have this to listen to, so if there's any chance this series will ever be available on audio please let me know x.

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

[A. Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have never despised fictional characters more, than the ones in this book. I wish someone would take all of the evil monsters in the castle, put them in a pillory, and teach them some respect. Now Juliet, I just wish someone would behead this lady who thinks she's a dark queen ruling everyone and everything. Juliet needs to learn how to take rejection! Jack's father, Hugh, what a condescending jerk! We know he let his wife die in the Hunt and now he seems happy to let the same thing happen to Kate. That is wrong on so many levels. I think Hugh is sneaky. I must admit I still don't 100% get the illegitimate, the Harypai, and the Marquis. It gets a little confusing. This book ends on a big cliffhanger. I don't know if Hugh can challenge the rules like he's trying. I hope Kate and Jack can make it in one piece.

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

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rate: 4.5 🌟 Spice 3 🌶️
Genre: Dark Romance, Secret Society, Gothic Romance
Release: Available KU
⚠️ PLEASE CHECK TRIGGER WARNINGS ⚠️

Book 2 will blow your mind!! 🤯 with hierarchy secrets, a torment MMC, a bratty FMC, and the reveal of the secret society. It going to be so intoxicating. Also, book 2 again ends with another CLIFFHANGER!!! When reading this book these are the questions you need to ask yourself… How will Jack save Kate? Would Kate trust him? What is The Hunt?

As we all know book 1 Thrill of Fear sure left us with a huge cliffhanger ending… this one starts with poor Kate being taken to the castle to be trained as a slave 😯By taking her to the castle they also find out who is Kate’s biological father, which is Peter the creep who kidnapped her in the first place and took her to the castle. Rumors in the castle were going around saying that Jack is the one that send her there to get trained to be more submissive to their Doms. Kate did not believe the rumors that were going around in the castle. When Jack found out that Kate was taken to the castle he went crazy with anger and betrayal. He was not sure what they were doing to Kate while she was there in the castle, he just knew he needed to get her out. We get to meet new characters in this book. Honestly, I enjoyed Andrei’s character, don’t want to tell you much since I personally want you readers to find out on your own why!!! Can’t wait to start book 3.

[Happyscribe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thrill of Surrender is the follow-up book to the Thrill of Fear in The Harpies series. AND oh my - secret societies, dark romance, intense intimate scenes, a little itty-bitty scene-appropriate spanking and other tasty kinks! Ohhh and the possessiveness of our MMC Jack and his OTT alpha yumminess - Kate is one lucky character. Yep Thrill of Surrender has a LOT going for it.

Honestly I didn't think it was imperative to read book 1 to enjoy the second part of the story, but it does help understand Kate and Jack's connection. Overview - Kate's in danger, Jack has to find a way to rescue her and the whole adventure ends in another cliffhanger. BUT - every minute you will wait to find out what happens next will be WORTH IT!.

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

[B.K. Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Picking up right where we left off in book one, I was biting my nails for when Jack found out Kate was taken. I just knew he was going to kill someone. And Kate was so strong and brave. This was a very emotional and tense read that had me experiencing all kinds of feels. The lies that were spun you just didn’t know which way we would end up going. And Hugh, that man must be an exceptional Chess player, he has deep rooted secrets I can’t wait to be revealed. Dina is such a phenomenal writer and you just get sucked into this world. I absolutely LOVE Jack and can’t wait to see how this plays out in the next book. Start. This. Series. Now.

[Cha_oticreader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book

I didn’t expect to like this as much as I did simply because it lacks the excitement that I’m used to in dark romances. However the slow and steady development of the plot adds to the anticipation of what’s coming next and adds to the overall feel of the story. The unraveling of certain scenes was perfect and is just what was needed for readers to understand and empathize with the character.

I’ll give it a 4 out of 5 simply because even though i have no issue with the pace , i would love to have more of the mystery unraveled so that it doesn’t become a drawn out plot.

[Jackie O'Donnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

I couldn’t stop reading. The story took on even another turn and then another. The complicated life of the Harpies is one you will never forget. I don’t want to say too much and spoil the book for someone who hasn’t read it yet. But wow! Everyone is sadistic in their own way, whether it be by actions or words.

[Rebecca Haire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, just perfection! However, I will say that Kate has no sense of self preservation. She is very strong willed and even when she knows she should close her mouth, she don't. Her realization at the end of the was hilarious to me because she should have known better. She knew what would happen and still kept pushing until he gave in. Can't wait for book 3.

[Books &Coffee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could NOT put it down

I am a forever fan of this series.

ToS is gritty, dark, slightly scary at times.
My heart was in my throat through every single page.

I am absolutely and completely in love with Jack. He has my heart in his fist and constantly squeezes. The tears I've cried.

I am NOT OKAY.

Diving straight into book 3.

[Courtney Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thrill of Surrender by Dina Hawthorn absolutely wrecked me—in the best possible way. From the very first page, I was completely sucked in. The change in setting gave the story a fresh, captivating energy while still keeping that dark, emotional intensity I love from this series.

The FMC’s journey in this book is heart-wrenching and inspiring. Watching her work through the trauma of her past and present abuse and her struggle to continue trusting Jack had me in tears more than once. There were so many moments where my heart just broke for her, especially as she fought against her own mind to believe in the love and safety Jack offers. Her strength and vulnerability are beautifully written, and the way Dina explores her shame and self-acceptance feels so raw and real.

Jack continues to be everything—steady, protective, and deeply patient—and their connection only deepens in this installment. The emotional chemistry between them is off the charts.

And as someone who is a total sucker for secret societies, I loved how this book peeled back more layers of that world. Seeing how the society weaves into each character’s past and choices adds so much richness to the story.

Thrill of Surrender is an incredible continuation of the series—dark, emotional, and deeply human. Dina Hawthorn delivers another masterpiece that grips you from start to finish and leaves you thinking about these characters long after the final page.

[Summer Steelman · Rating 5 out of 5]

What is it about dark romances that are just so good? I don't know, but this one was wonderful! Great one by Hawthorn!.

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

[Saffron Book archive · Rating 3 out of 5]

More TW themes introduced in this book

This book dragged on a lot more compared to the first one, the sub was confused but you get both sides so it did get repetitive when the sub had questions that couldn’t be answered. I’m conflicted on the end where a rule was broken.

[Kimberly Endsley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Too Hot To Talk About

Not normally what I enjoy reading, but Jack and Kate make it easy to get drawn in. Their instant connection and response to each other create a dark fantasy world that might appeal to many.

[Courtney Alis · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

[Heather Santos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazingly written by an incredible author! It had lots of love and spice!

[Misty Vaughn · Rating 5 out of 5]

What do I say???? I couldn’t put this book down. I literally read it in 24 hours.

I am obsessed with Jack and Kate! Their story gets better and better!!!!!

Can’t wait to see what happens next!

[Alexa Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her life depends on being trained

🌠🌠🌠🌠🌠
🌶🌶🌶🌶

Must read book 1 before reading this!!!!

Kate wakes up in a cage, unsure of where she is or what is going on. She must learn to submit to survive.

Who can she trust? Who is spreading lies and twisting her mind?

Again I love how Dina dives into lifestyles that hold such a stigma and explains it in a creative and captivating way.