Surrender

The Spymaster's Men #3

by Brenda Joyce

To save her family and fortune, a desperate widow must turn to a dangerous spy in the New York Times–bestselling author’s Regency romantic adventure.Once a penniless orphan, Evelyn D’Orsay became a countess and a bride at the tender age of sixteen. But the flames of revolution forced her to flee France, with the aid of a notorious smuggler. Recently widowed and without any means, Evelyn knows she must retrieve the family fortune from France for her daughter’s sake . . . but only one man can help the smuggler she cannot forget.Jack Greystone has been smuggling since he was a small boy—and he has been spying since the wars began. An outlaw with a bounty on his head, he is in hiding when he becomes aware of the Countess’s inquiries about him. He is reluctant to come to her aid yet again, for he has never been able to forget her. But he soon realizes he’ll surrender anything to be with the woman he loves . . .

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Historical, Espionage, Regency, Historical Fiction, French Revolution

287 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2012

About the author

Brenda Joyce is the bestselling author of forty-one novels and five novellas. She has won many awards, and her debut novel, Innocent Fire, won a Best Western Romance award. She has also won the highly coveted Best Historical Romance award for Splendor and Two Lifetime Achievement Awards from Romantic Times BOOKreviews. There are over 14 million copies of her novels in print and she is published in over a dozen foreign countries.

A native New Yorker, she now lives in southern Arizona with her son, dogs, and her Arabian and half-Arabian reining horses. Brenda divides her time between her twin passions—writing powerful love stories and competing with her horses at regional and national levels. For more information about Brenda and her upcoming novels, please visit her Web sites: www.brendajoyce.com, www.thedewarennedynasty.com and http://mastersoftimebooks.com.

Reviews

[Mskychick · Rating 2 out of 5]

The prose is rather florid. I feel like I'm reading a much older romance book, written back when all the characters were impossibly gorgeous and the virtuous women were raped but then fell in love with their barbarous captors. This book is a bit over the top for my taste.

And Evelyn sits around weeping constantly. I roll my eyes about half the time I read about her. She's completely annoying me!

[Farrah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This review also appears on my blog at http://www.thegoldenruleof666.blogspo...

Surrender had a very interesting story, mixed seamlessly into the political and military setting of the time. I loved the plot and the romance was on fire. However, I had a problem connecting with the characters.

Let me first discuss the heroine, Evelyn. She was a fine heroine. She weathered tragedy after tragedy and always landed on her feet. She would do anything to help her daughter, even if it meant going into a dangerous country. But, for some reason, I couldn't connect with her. I sympathized with her, but I couldn't muster up enough sympathy to become emotionally invested. Maybe the problem was that she was a crier. She cried all the time, about everything. I could understand why she was upset, but I also wanted her to be able to toughen up and face her problems head on without breaking down into tears. Also, she would claim to love Jack, then believe the worst of him a minute later. She didn't even give him the benefit of the doubt. And that carried on into the entire second half. She would say that she loved him, then curse him for what she believed of him, then say she just couldn't believe that of him, then start over again. It became very frustrating.

I had a similar issue of connecting with the hero, Jack. He was a perfectly fine hero. He cared for Evelyn and did whatever he could to protect her. He was sweet to both Evelyn and her young daughter. And he had a whole dangerous thing going for him. But, it was so frustrating how he would constantly pushed Evelyn away. Mixed messages doesn't even begin to cover his tendency to run hot and cold. I knew why, but it didn't feel like a valid justification. He would say he didn't want to put Evelyn in danger, then go to meet her, then make a dramatic goodbye, saying that he had to protect her, then meet her again. It wasn't terrible, but it was a bit of a peeve.

Now, after making it sound like I hated Surrender, I will assure you that I did like the book just fine. The plot was interesting. The political and military secrets kept me interested and on the edge of my seat to find out the truth. And the ending was sweet. But, because I had trouble connecting with the two main characters, I couldn't say that I loved the book. I definitely liked it. I just didn't adore it.

So, a solid 3/5

Thanks to Netgalley and Harlequin for a copy!

[Robin Roberts]

I just finished the series by Brenda Joyce, The Spy Master's Men. Great series, kept me hanging on all the way through. However, I am disappointed that Lucas doesn't have a story. I wish Brenda Joyce would give him one, or did I miss something in the 3 that I read. If she can't right a story for Lucas maybe another author can????

[Amanda · Rating 2 out of 5]

I made it through all three of the books in this series only because I'm at home during a global pandemic and I'll read pretty much anything at this point. All three books have breathless, nitwit heroines; an overly prolific use of exclamation points; impossibly quick and belief-defying resolutions; and anemic plots to go with them.

Spare yourself the agony.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Do you ever participate in a white elephant gift exchange? Our book club does a white elephant exchange of books at Christmas. This year with not meeting in person, my friend Wendy sent us all a romance she had picked up in a garage sale. Each of us is reading our romance novel for the February book club pick and are going to give a summary. We also have to read the most outrageous quote or love scene.

I know I was supposed to be laughing at my book . . . but I found that I was enthralled with mine and loved the plot. Evelyn D’Orsay is a young widow. Her much older husband, herself, and daughter had to flee France during the French Revolution. They were helped by Jack Greystone, a notorious smugger. Evelyn and her family settle in Cornwall. Four years later, her husband has passed, and she discovers their finances are in awry. Right before his death, he told Evelyn of gold he had buried on their estate that could set Evelyn and their daughter Aimee up for the rest of their lives. Evelyn is not sure how to retrieve the gold in war torn France. She remembers the smuggler who helped her to escape France in the first place and she sets out to find him. Will Evelyn find Jack and the treasure?

Surrender is another case of don’t judge the book by the cover. The cover makes you believe that you are going to read a very steamy romance. The book actually is much more of a clean romance. The hero and heroine did have sex, but it is behind closed doors and not described in the book. To be honest, that is the type of romance that I prefer. My only problem is that I now don’t have any outrageous quotes or love scenes to share with my book club!

I enjoy historical romances and I in particular love this time period (1790’s) during the French Revolution. The book was also mostly set in Cornwall and also included a great deal of smuggling. I love the books Poldark by Winston Graham and Jamaica Inn by Daphne Du Maurier which also cover this topic. This book was in the same vein. Evelyn is a strong heroine and Jack is a dashing hero. They are both beautiful people and described as such, but also are smart and caring. They have great chemistry. The novel had a great plot that really engaged me. I liked the intrigue with spies between France and England.
I learned this is the third book in The Spymaster’s Men series. I read this as a stand alone and it was good. I didn’t feel like I was missing any pieces.

My only negative on this novel is that I thought the ending was rushed.

Overall, Surrender is an engaging historical romance with a great plot.

Book Source: Gift from a White Elephant Exchange

This review was first posted on my blog at: https://lauragerold.blogspot.com/2021...

[Ana · Rating 1 out of 5]

I can’t believe she would leave her child when she has already given Jack the directions and showed him the map to the chest🙄 DNF

[Preeti · Rating 3 out of 5]

Persuasion – Second Book from “The Spymaster’s Men” series, picking up this book to read was a genuine mistake which I realized a little late. My original intention was to read Jane Austen’s Persuasion but to my pleasant surprise I had Brenda Joyce’s book in my hands. Completing this book made me realize that may be all the things in life do not happen the way we want but do result in happy endings after all! I liked the way author had kept me intrigued, that I could not help myself but read all the 3 volumes in this series. With each love story, my heart raced thinking what would happen next. This series has taught me to appreciate the every moment of love in life, in a whole new way…

Seduction – First volume of the series, alluring love story involving a gentleman (Dominic) of very charming attitude and a women (Julianne) with high regards for her principles. Dom and Julianne work on the opposite sides of the French Revolution. It is very heart aching to see how much they yearn for each other when turn of events keep pulling them apart. Dom always silently cared for Julianne and Julianne did the same in her own way. Tough principles, Unshakeable kindness, Strong passion, Intense love, Bitter deceit, Overwhelming forgiveness. Life throws every possible betrayal in their way, but they find a way to look past the circumstances into the very being of the other person, finally embracing their love for each other! *****

Persuasion – Second volume, very dire and tragic situation of the hero (Simon) pulls the heroine (Amelia) back into his life, to sympathize him, to help him, to nurture, to love him. Simon spies on both the sides of the war, leading him into unimaginable nightmares in life. Amelia is a very kind woman who cannot stop caring for others. Simon finds very much needed solace in Amelia’s arms. When he is with Amelia, his worries are over. She provides him with the very much needed strength to look at life in a beautiful way again! ***

Surrender – Third volume, hero (Jack) is a man with honor but his obsession lies in smuggling, spying and all the dangers the circumstances offered. He loves being hunted, he loves to hunt! He tries to tell himself that his relationship with heroine (Evelyn) is not love but lust. Evelyn, a window of a much older husband, learns with Jack how passionate love can be. During the end of the book, being prisoner of war, the only feeling Jack is left with, is of protecting Evelyn and her eight year old daughter (Aimee). At the end, his bravery and good hearted nature earns him a knightly title. Alas! Jack expresses his love to Evelyn with his burning gaze and they would be a happy family thereafter! ***

[Debra Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great historical romance from Brenda Joyce. Surrender is the third thrilling book in her Spymaster series. Amidst the French Revolution aristocrats are fleeing the social and political upheaval in France with nothing more than their lives. This book has everything to thrill the reader. It is filled with political intrigue, high seas adventure, spies and smoldering , soul scorching romance.
Evelyn D'Orsay lost everything when her family was forced to make their desperate escape from France. Now that her ailing husband is dead Evelyn has been left destitute and alone with no way to provide for her young daughter. In desperation she turns to the notorious smuggler who saved her family from certain death and the only man she can trust. She seeks salvation and a hidden treasure to save her family. Can her knight in tarnished armor rescue her once again.
Jack Greystone has never forgotten the beautiful Countess D'Orsay. But the reluctant hero has enough troubles of his own these days. Accused of spying for France and branded a traitor he has a bounty on his head. But all is not as it seems. This story will keep the readers on the edge of their seats with Jack. Was the dashing sea captain a noble hero or a double agent ?
I was entranced by this adventurous love story. It was different from the usual historical romance. Why ? For one thing the characters were totally credible. Not as perfect as your normal featured leads. No doubt about it...Jack and Evelyn were flawed. Sure, Evelyn was in desperate straits but this chick seemed overly concerned with money. It wasn't like she was born into money...she married into it. Now, Jack was a dreamy hero. Dark and sexy with a dangerous side. But he still wasn't your usual hero. He didn't immediately jump on his white horse and ride in to save the day. No, Jack had to think about it for a while. Yes , that made the story even more thrilling for me. Jack and Evelyn's love affair evolved slowly. Despite their initial attraction the flame slowly grew from a flicker to a raging inferno. Totally believable and totally awesome.
A must read for historical fans .

Thanks to HQN & Netgalley for letting me review this book.

[My Book Addiction and More MBA · Rating 4 out of 5]

SURRENDER by Brenda Joyce is an intriguing Regency historical romance. Book 3 of the "Spymaster's Men" trilogy, by can be read as a stand alone. See, "Persuasion" and "Seduction".Filled with spies, a bit of high sea adventure,secrets,danger,passion,mystery,political history, political intrigue, French Revolution, romance, and love. Meet Evelyn D'Orsay,an English orphan,who married young(age sixteen)to a French aristocrat,who flees France during the French Revolution back to England. Now penniless and widowed. And Jack Greystone,an aristocrat,who is a smuggler, with a bounty on his head by both England and France,and with secrets. Things are not as they may appear to be with Jack. Follow them on a journey of trust,misunderstanding,danger,passion and love. While, to me Evelyn is a little obsessive of money,she is a bit selfish,but determined. Jack is determined to never fall in love,to maintain his facade of a careless smuggler, possibly a double agent. What they find is "Surrender" can be dangerous and sweet. Written with a charming albeit a bit frustrating heroine,at times, it is a great read. The hero is strong,handsome,and determined to remind untouched by love. If you where once along,penniless,left as an orphan, I would probably be a bit selfish and motivated by money,also. But, money is not everything as Evelyn will soon learn,and Jack will learn you can not run away from love. Fast paced and action filled. The characters grow on to quietly. A must for anyone who enjoys reading about spies, the French Revolution, the fight between France and England, historical romance, Regency England, the fight between to the aristocrats of France and the poor, you will enjoy "Surrender". Received for an honest review from the publisher. Details can be found at the author's website, HQN, and My Book Addiction and More.

RATING: 4.5

HEAT RATING: MILD

REVIEWED BY: AprilR, My Book Addiction and More/My Book Addiction Reviews

[Belinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Surrender by Brenda Joyce is the third and final book in the Spymaster series and it was totally awesome. The author has written a story of intense action and sensual desire. The book takes place during the French Revolution when aristocrats fleeing their homes, business, and families before they were executed by the government. I can’t imagine having to leave with only the clothes that a suitcase could carry to another country to start anew. But Evelyn D’Orsay , her much older husband, small daughter and three servants had just done that.
When Evelyn D’Orsay and family arrive at the docks to travel aboard a ship, they are stranded because the ship has already sailed. She is overwhelmed with despair and urgency that speeds her to the only ship traveling to England. She has only one item of jewelry and she takes it with her on the way to buy passage for her family. When she is almost mugged by two men on the docks, she is rescued by a most handsome and rugged man that she has ever seen. She is ashamed of herself for thinking such thoughts of being kissed by the man who stirs her in an odd way.
When Captain Jack Greystone sees the beautiful woman almost being accosted, he sets out to punish those men for daring to hurt her. He doesn’t know why is feels that way, only knows he must. When Evelyn is taken aboard, she explains the situation to the Captain. He is her only hope of saving her family. At first, Jack is hesitant to accept, but finally agrees to take the necklace as payment.
I liked this story with intrigue and mystery surrounding people who are not what they seem. You will enjoy meeting the people from the previous books titled Seduction and Persuasion.
I received this arc digital copy from Net Galley for an honest review.

[Judith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having read the first two novels in this series, I was excited to find book three and to enjoy it as much or more as I did the first two. Set in the years of the Napoleonic War, the Bad Boy son of the family, a man known and esteemed for his pirate smuggling and his uncanny way of avoiding capture, now stands accused by both England and France as not only a criminal but a spy as well. The heroine, a young woman who meets the hero when she convinces him to help her and her sick husband and her child escape the French Revolution, must now figure out a way to support herself and her child after her husband's death. Pirate Jack gradually becomes the focus of her deeply erotic dreams, but the story is not one where the road to true love is smooth. This is one of those stories that never seems to settle, never seems to find its HEA, never seems to reach some kind of congruence. Rather, just when it seems that Evelyn and Jack find their way back to one another, something happens to drive them apart. Yet when the reader is nearly tearing one's hair out by the roots, the story takes another unexpected turn. With a background of war and espionage and unrealized dreams, this love story is far more complicated than most. But as always, this author manages all the themes and characters and divergent strands of action so that it all eventually make for a beautiful and satisfying literary tapestry, a real work of art. It's a novel that begs to be read and enjoyed.

[Highland-dreamer · Rating 1 out of 5]

This one had my eyes rolling more than once. For example:

from the paperback, p.228/229: Jack: "You shouldn't have come down to the beach," he cried. "And when you saw LeClerc, you should have left!"
Evelyn: "We made love last night! Are you a spy?"

Seriously, that's her response? It was just too ridiculous for me. And then again:

p.408/409: Jack: "Evelyn. I am trying to ask you if you will condescend to be my wife."
Evenlyn: "Did I hear you correctly? Did you just propose?"

Uh.. yeah, Evelyn, I believe that is what he just asked you. She just seemed really (and I hate to use this word, but..) STUPID. As dangerous as being a smuggler is, she was the prime example of what NOT to do. She shouldn't be anywhere near someone who is in the espionage business. She is a terrible liability, and I thought Jack deserved a "smarter" heroine. She routinely gave him away, either by contacting his family, or by asking around about him in an open/obvious way. Even after he asked her to NOT contact him, because it could endanger his life.. she does it anyway. And then with all the talk of the stupid gold, there wasn't any! No explanation, it didn't look like anyone else dug it up, etc. And in the beginning, she was adamant about how much she loved her husband, how devoted she was.. and by the end, he was a worthless human being, and she hated him. I was so confused.

Quite disappointed with this one.

[Kem · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series has brought out a very clear understanding of what it was like for loved ones of fighters left at home to worry and wait. Communication in the 1700's was very slow and sometimes lost in transit never to arrive at all. Fear was rampant and ever present. The lives of spies was impossible, endless fear of prison and death and no way to communicate with loved ones. I like the 2 love characters in this book. Evelyn goes off track some. The plot is good with a very scary bad guy, an inexperienced woman, a child threatened, and an obsessive soldier. The ending is just OK, not spectacular.

[Christina Joyner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what a great love story! Brenda Joyce is one of my favorite authors. I loved this book so much! It was intriguing and romantic. I couldn't ask for a better book! Jack is the ultimate spy and hero. The end was very moving! I felt very emotional for him. Evelyn's character was very moving also. I didn't realize this was in a series. I'm definitely going to read the other two soon! If you love historical romances, I highly recommend this book! You won't be disappointed! This book is a keeper.

[Harlequin Books]

Miniseries: The Spymaster's Men
Category: Historical Romance
"The third of the Spymaster's Men is as dangerous and intriguing as readers could desire. Joyce sweeps readers into the frightening world of the French Revolution, a treasure hunt and grand passion. This is a tale reminiscent of genre classics, with its lush and facinating historical details and sensuality." RT Book Reviews, rated 4 stars.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh, Captain Jack,...what's not to love? A smuggler, a blockade runner, a double spy, a gentleman, a hero, a rogue and a rake all rolled up into one. Yeah, yeah, there was a beautiful French Countess and evil French agent and a dastardly English Captain running around trying to arrest Jack for treason. Okay, there was also a war, and intrigue, and a British plot to aid French rebels and a few other things, but did I mention Jack...

[Kimberly · Rating 1 out of 5]

I have been a fan of Brenda Joyce for years, but this Spymaster trilogy has been a major disappointment. I was hoping this final book in the trilogy would make up for the other two, but unfortunately this one was no better than the others. I found Evelyn to be innocent to the point of being foolish & childish. I hate to say it but I may be done with Brenda Joyce after this.

[Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story. Evelyn and Jack make a delicious couple. I really felt the emotions of them and other principal characters in this book. I wish the story could continue. I also wish Brenda Joyce adds a fourth book to this series so we can see Lucas fall in love.

[Amy · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was not as good as the other books in this series, but it did pass the time.

[Pamela · Rating 4 out of 5]

http://romancejunkiesreviews.com/artm...

[Harlequin Historical]

Miniseries: The Spymaster's Men
Category: Historical Romance

[The Lusty Literate · Rating 2 out of 5]

I like Jack. He's sexy and dangerous. As hot as he is, the book doesn't hold my attention. Perhaps if I read these books in order I might have enjoyed them more. C'est la vie.

[Foggygirl · Rating 3 out of 5]

The soap operalike storyline was fairly entertaining.

[Maps · Rating 4 out of 5]

Last in series

[ZaBeth Marsh · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was ok.