Scorched

Surrender #4

by Melody Anne

Read the final book in the NYT Bestselling series: Surrender Scorched - Book Four Has Rachel been taken against her will by the powerful King Adriano, known to her as Ian? You will find out in the beginning of a story filled with romance, lust, conflict and heat. The king recently ascended the throne of Corythia, and his brother, Gianni, is out for revenge, for what he feels is rightfully his, a kingdom he once renounced. Meanwhile, Rachel is pregnant and determined not to fall for the handsome king's plot to get her to the altar. Shane has left on a mission for his special-operations team, and Lia is heartbroken that once again, the man she loves has lied to her. Do they have a chance of reconciliation, or has their story ended? Will Rafe and Ari finally become man and wife? Rafe proposed to Ari in Seduced, and she gave him an emphatic yes, but their wedding was cancelled when Rachel went missing. Will fate succeed in its desperate attempt to keep the couple apart? See the conclusion of these three strong women's stories, and learn what choices they make. Is love enough when the odds are stacked against them?

Genres: Romance, Erotica, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, BDSM, Smut, Erotic Romance

325 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 25, 2013

About the author

Nobody likes sexy men, sassy heroines, and emotionally charged books, right? WRONG! We all want to feel extraordinary when we read, and that's exactly what you'll get when you pick up a Melody Anne book. She has the feel-good stories of a damsel in distress with prince charming riding in to save the day . . . and she also has emotionally charged books that take you through a journey of emotion as you try to figure out if you love or hate the characters as they find themselves. What you get at the end of every Melody Anne book is a resolution that has you begging for more.

Melody Anne is a NYT best selling author of more than 70 books about strong women, strong families, and sexy strong men. Each series has its own theme, and each is different. Melody touches subjects others might not want to touch and you won't get away from reading one of her series without laughing, crying, and thinking about the journey you've just gone on even months later.

See her website and subscribe to her newsletter or text messaging service at: www.melodyanne.com. She makes it a point to respond to her fans. You can also join her on facebook at: www.facebook.com/authormelodyanne, or on Instagram and TikTok @authormelodyanne. Also, follow her blog at authormelodyanne.blogspot.com. Come say hello and peek beneath the covers of her books to go to a whole new world.

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's with regret that I'm about to leave such a negative and low star review for this fourth book in The Surrender Series. Let me start start by saying that I could stop recommending the first 2 books to my like minded friends, they were a great read and a good twist on the billionaire meets beautiful girl storyline. But I'm sorry to say this was not up to the first 2 books. The storyline seemed dragged out for no apparent reason, I quickly tired of the "will they won't they" aspect of Ian & Rachel. Not a lot really happened in the book but it was nice to see how Ari had changed from the 1st book to how she is in this last book. As usual Scorched is well written but I feel it was a poor end to the series. Don't get me wrong its not a bad book just a disappointment to what was such a good start to the series. Reading this book just confirmed what I thought at the end of Seduced, that Rafe and Ari story should have been wrapped up in book 3 and Rachel and Lia had a separate spin off series. Even though I'm disappointed with this book Melody Ann is still an author on my list to read.

[Mindy Lou's Book Review · Rating 3 out of 5]

borrowed on KU

[Faswop · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not a fan of this book. I quite liked the first two and was okay with the third, but this one just didn't do anything for me. Sure the sense of completion is there, but the path there is so dull. I was also just so over the top sweetsy-sweet. I am all for sensitive, emotive men but this lot handed in their man cards along with their balls. They started off Alphas but somewhere along the way they became something less then Betas. It was just so sad. The ladies didn't fare much better in this last installment. They twisted from assertive, capable and lovable women to bullheaded obstinate twits.

I was disappointed.

[Lupe Haro · Rating 1 out of 5]

Are you kidding me! How is this book averaging 4 stars? Geez what a waste of time! I enjoyed the first two books, hated the third but figured I should finish the series... Boy do I regret it! What a waste of my time! Half way through I lost complete interest in the book. Thank god it was the final installment!

[Melissa Portillo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a hard review to write, when you find a series you enjoy so much it becomes hard to find fault and honestly I don't want too! Lol.
We watch these characters grow and mature what they thought they once wanted is now something more meaningful. We move from lust to love and it's been a wonderful journey!

This story picks up at the postponed wedding of Rafe and Ari who have just learnt of Rachel's pregnancy and kidnapping, Rafe is ready to go after Ian guns blazing but Ari suggests giving it some time.

Rachel is livid having found she's been kidnapped by the father of her baby.. Ian who turns out to be a king! He's adamant they marry and she isn't impressed by his over baring ways... But she does want to salvage a friendship with this man for the sake of her child which is proving incredibly difficult.

Lia and Shane are having problems of their own, having just found out Shane is secret military and risks his life on missions, Lia starts to question if this is what she really wants. Can she risk her heart that way knowing one day she may just get that call?

Whereas in the other books Rafe and Ari played more of a lead role this book is slightly different, I want to say its split between the 3 couples, the writing skill and technique we see of Melody Anne is AMAZING. Getting to know all couples in depth without feeling rushed has got go be a hard task which was pulled off incredibly well.. I truly fell in love with all of the characters.

I love how entwined all the characters came with one another. I don't think I will ever be ready to say goodbye to them, but this final book contained it all... Weddings, romance, sex, babies, action, drama and enemies!

It really was a win for me! One of my most favorite series of 2013. Melody is a true talent who goes from strength to strength.

[Erica · Rating 1 out of 5]

Im sorry but enough already with the men. To be honest these books all fell kinda flat and VERY repetitive. Unfortunately for me I'm one of those people who when they start the series I really have to finish it it's kind of a compulsion and it took me 2 weeks to read one book when typically I can finish a book in about one to two days. I was just never really excited to get back to one of the books

[CynBalz · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF! This is like a long porn story... This was the worst book I've read. The series started off fine and went down hill each book and then landed in a mud pit. Geez... I'm getting nothing from this book and it's the first one I haven't finished.

It's like everyone lives in a fantasy world OMG this is bad! (I just can't get over how dumb the storyline became.)

[Erin **Coffee and Book Addict** · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven't read any of the other books in the series, and I was a bit hesitant going out of my comfort zone and starting a series out of order. I am so glad I did. Even without reading the other books in the series prior to reading this one, I was able to connect with each of the characters. I so much enjoyed rooting for the relationships to work themselves out, and found myself holding my breath at times of suspense. I love a happy ending, and this included so much more than just a happy ending.

[Khanique McDaniel · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'll be honest with you, I was bored most of the time. I don't believe the necessary things were expounded upon enough and the ending was so sweet it made my teeth hurt. I have no problem with sweet endings, but not unrealistic, rushed and way off course ones. I like build up and momentum. Also, if your gonna add a couple fight/gun scenes, then commit and knock it out the park. When did annoying Lia get such good aim and range anyway?

I believe Rafe and Ari's story should have ended at 'Submit', then the other two books dedicated to Lia and.or Rachel. All this mix eventually became confusing and uninspiring. I loved Rafe and Ari and believe they had a good thing going. Their involvement and focus within the last two novels was unnecessary. Their story finished two books ago, and their wedding could have been done in a novella. I felt like scraps were being used to complete a series and I hated that feeling.

There were some few saucy, intense, emotional and funny moments, but not much in the way of suspense or surprise. Then again, Lia killed someone, so maybe there was some shock -_-

Speaking of Lia, she annoyed me. Actually, all of them annoyed me. Except for maybe Rafe. He was who he was and at times I even missed the cold, calculating character from book 1. It's like he wanted to start pissing flowers. Totally neutered if you ask me :(

I found myself frequently asking what was the point of this novel. Once again, Shane and Lia's relationship didn't get the light and time it deserved, Rafe and Ari got too much and Rachel and Adriane were just plain annoying. I wanted more Shane moments, by himself, and more of Rafe being ... well, Rafe. As for the King, I have yet to warm to his character, nor do I understand his personality, motives or decisions. The man comes from a loving home, and knows not of hardship or struggles financially or emotionally. If that be the case, we were never told, so what's up with the unrequited emotional whiplash? Rachel is annoying, but even she deserves love.

While this might seem like a rant, I assure you it is not. I loved this series and has always tried to get a copy, as soon as it is released, so I can continue with these characters. However, I believe the direction, delivery and purpose of this novel was lost. Well written, with little to no grammatical or editing errors, but as a story, it didn't capture my attention. I kept falling asleep, literally!

Filled with potential, but it fizzled out to a standard love story, trying to get to that ending. It was lost, unfocused and eventually became unrealistic and lost my interest. I wouldn't even say it was predictable, as I am surprised by the too sweet ending. All left is for them to sync their periods :(

[Rough Draft Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scorced by Melody Anne

"NOTHING TRULY WORTH HAVING COMES TO US EASILY."

Adriane (Ian) & Rachel

Well, what can I say.... I'm sorry to see it end, but wow what a ride! Once again Ms. Anne takes one story and turns it into multiple stories and does a great job at it! This story is ascetically about Adriane and Rachel, but there is also so much more going on with Rafe and Ari, Shane and Lia, and of course all the anguish and torment that goes with all of them.

Adriane was, well, pissing me right the hell off! Almost until the end of the story, I wanted to ring his damn neck. I mean holy hotness, but hells bells man, give up the aggressive and challenging King persona. You'd think after talking to his Mother, you'd think she would have changed his mind. I know his intentions were admirable, but the execution just sucked! I don't fault Rachel one bit for her behavior. The baby of the Palazzo family was tougher than I anticipated her to be. I couldn't believe some of the shit that came out of her mouth. She's one chick I'd hang out with and probably get into a bit of trouble with to boot! It was great to read about the other characters in this series. Ari and Rafe still make my heart skip a beat and oh that Shane and his beautiful Lia, those two just about killed me, but thankfully I survived! I even have to give credit to Adriane's despondent, coldblooded, dickhead brother Giani for dealing out some serious angst! My life has been entwined in the lives of all these characters for quite some time now and I have to admit, I'm really going to miss them.

The writing style was effortless to read and the pacing was splendid. As always sweet Melody kept me glued to the pages with so many highs and lows that I fear my heart will never be the same again. I think this was one of her longest books on record. At 325 (kindle version) pages, it held me in it's clutches and only released me (gently) when I rounded the corner of a beautiful climax. Great job Mel! I look forward to our writer/reader relationship for many years to come! You are simply one of the best!

5 stars!

[Ginny Rose · Rating 3 out of 5]

I want to say that I love this author and her books piqued my interest in the genre of contemporary romance. However, this particular book, not necessarily my favorite. Based on the title, I was truly expecting a little more steam considering we've meet all these couples in the previous books.

Rafe and Ari: I was VERY happy how they worked out their differences and I am even more happier that they truly got their HEA. Considering how their relationship started and how far they came, it was a nice closing for them. Loved that.

Lia and Shane: Their ending was a little vague and you have to "assume" that they had their much needed discussion. Honestly, as a reader, I do not like to have to assume something when it comes to characters coming together. We followed their path, but it would have been nice to see a little more detailing in their HEA.

Rachel and Adriane: This where the bulk of the story is at, and quite frankly, their banter, their "feelings" was drawn out a bit more than necessary. All the detailing and describing used to bring them to "terms" could have been condensed a bit and used on Lia and Shane a bit. Their HEA was expected, but it was somewhat frustrating and repetitious that it appeared to have taken a little longer than what it was expected.

This series was intriguing and it ended how we the readers were waiting for it to end, three HEA. What I would have preferred, again based on the title, for it to be a little more steamy. It could have used a little more "scorching" scenes between all three couples. The first two books were hot and heavy in that department, and then suddenly the last book, not so hot.

In overall, the writing had flow and you related to what the character being described although it was missing the connection piece you need to truly love a character. It's truly a bittersweet feeling to see this series come to end.

[Kelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Melody Anne delivers a scorchingly hot ending to a sinfully sexy series. I stayed up until 2:00 am to finish this book. I could not put it down.

Rachel Palazzo has been kidnapped by King Adriano of Corythia on Rafe and Avi's wedding day. Of course Rafe wants to storm the palace and rescue his sister right away but Avi talks him into waiting a week before running after Rachel. Maybe Rachel and Adriane and rekindle old flames and give a relationship a shot. Or not...Adriane demands that Rachel marry him because she is carrying the heir to his throne. Rachel does not respond well to demands so she digs her heals in. She will not marry for anything other than love.

Shane knows what he wants and he wants Lea to be with him forever but Lea is tired of Shane's secrets. Can she trust him enough to open up her heart again?

And yes, it finally happens Rafe and Avi get married. It is a beautiful wedding and everything Avi could have ever wanted.

I can't believe it is over:( I have adored this series from the beginning. The character development throughout this series has been outstanding. I never in a million years thought that I would fall in love with Rafe. Avi makes him such a better man. Adriane and Rachel's stubbornness made me want to scream at times. I loved the Alpha female in Rachel. She was not going to make it easy for Adriane. At least Adriane was just as stubborn and kept on trying. I swear he was a glutton for punishment. Shane earned my respect in this book for overcoming so much adversity and pouring his heart and soul into doing whatever it took to earn Lea's love and trust. The plot twists had me turning the pages again and again.

Scorched has Action Adventure, Suspense, and Hot Steamy Romance all wrapped up in an sweet finale. Bravo Melody Anne! I can't wait to see what you have in store for us next.

[Judith · Rating 4 out of 5]

This fourth and final book in the Surrender series is primarily about Rachel and her lover who was introduced in book three and with whom she had a week-long affair. It is about heat and sexy lovers and the fall-out of choices and learning how to bring balance into lives that are well rooted in love but which seem to bounce off the emotional walls of the participants in this story. It turns out that Rachel's lover is a king in his own right and a man who is determined to make her his bride, especially now that she is pregnant with his child. Shane and Lia come to a crossroads in their relationship and Lia must make some choices about her future with the man she has loved for more than half her life. And ultimately Rachel, who is determined that any marriage of hers will be like her parents' union which is solidly rooted on a foundation of love and mutual respect and not one partner's idea of how things should be. It's a shame that this is the last book. These characters are fascinating and I have no doubt that this author could drum up a good many more to pique our interest.

[Nay Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very interesting conclusion to the Surrender series. I'm still not sure about this book, but I wills say it was an enjoyable read. I was looking more a story on Ari and Rafe, but this was more so focused on Rachel and Prince Adriano.

Let me start by saying that Ari and Rafe are the most amazing couple ever. They met in an unconvential way, but turned that romance into love and finally got married. I couldn't be happier for them. Lia and Shane are just as adorable. I love how they tried to fight their feelings for one another but ended up losing and getting together.

Rachel and Prince Adriano reminded me of Ari and Rafe's start in a way with the Prince pushing up on her and Rachel denying her feelings for him. Granted the whole kidnapping thing and not wanting to be in love was insane. I applaud Rachel for her strength because with the children she carry and the drama around her she stayed true in what she wanted which was love.

Overall, this was a pretty cool ending. I'm happy everyone was married and had babies, but I still feel as if something was missing.

[Jennifer Gallagher · Rating 5 out of 5]

OH WOWEEEEEEE What a beautiful amazing ending for an awesome Series ... I normally read Melody Anne's books within a day but with Scorched I took 2 days.. am I glad I did .. It was emotionally charged and so was I.. it was a nail biting suspense and lady bits quivering and so romantically hot... Such fun seeing all three alpha males brought down to their knees by the three sweetest but very strong women was the icing on the cake for me.. Be prepaired to fall in love even more with Rafe.. I think every woman would love a Rafe in their life !! you will suffer through Shane's pain.. and his sadness.. of course you will want to smack King Adriane across his head so many times.. saying that the end will be all worth it... I Love happy endings and this one sure was.. be prepared to laugh.. cry like a baby..Melody Anne never disappoints.. THis time she has surpassed herself.. What are you waiting for go get this book and read..

[Tracy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anticipating the 4th book in this series. I normally devoured this books within a day but with Scorched, it took a little more time. I was a little frustrated with the teh constant back and fourth with Adriane and Rachel. I just wanted to slap her at times - what.... yeap. It was emotionally charged and panty melting hot but not until the last chapters.

I did love seeing these this powerful alpha males brought down on their knees by this three sweet but strong women. Shane and Rafe melt me to the core - yum.

You are going to fall in love even more with Rafe and Shane, you are going to suffer thru Shane's pain and you may want to hit King Adriane in the head most of the time - ha ha. But in the end will be all worth it.

[Expresso · Rating 5 out of 5]

****Audiobook****

Great conclusion to the series! Vanilla romance is not my cup of tea. AT ALL! However,there are a few authors I can tolerate and Melody Anne is one of the few. The characters evolved beautifully in this story. The scenes are very dramatic with just the right hint of wickedness. Last but not least, we get to see the girls and of course their men in serious life or death action near the end of the story. Whew what a rush!!!!

Five stars!!!

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was just kind of blah to me. King Adriane was very unlikable. It just didn't live up to my imaginings for what the finale should have been.

[Diana Tan · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a phenomenal way to end a series! I love how the story for each couple ended. I think this is a great series! Melody Anne has outdone herself. A must read!

[Lora Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great ending to a wonderful series. :)

[Cassandra · Rating 2 out of 5]

No surprise

Well written but there wasn't any imagination used or needed. The plot was straight out of a 80's romance. Just more sex and forced coming together for all 3 couples.

[April Stockman-wages · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it❤ I can not wait for the next one!!!! Great job Melody

[Cunningham Sandra Chamber · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Yeah, as much drama as we’ve all gone through, I understand why you’d think so, but really, their story is unbelievable,” Ari insisted. “OK. You have me intrigued . I want to learn about our great-a-million-times-over-grandparents,” Rachel said with a giggle. “They didn’t live that long ago. Only about a hundred and fifty years.”“That may as well be a million years,” Lia said. “Kind of like how long this pregnancy is taking.”“I know the feeling,” Ari said, rolling her eyes with a grin. “Neither one of you gets to complain until you carry two of these little things inside your body,” she said, but there was no heat to her words. “Is it possible to be any happier than this?” Ari asked as she looked across the room and her eyes connected with Rafe’s. “I don’t think so,” Lia said, as she smiled at Shane. “Agreed,” Rachel added, her arms aching for one of her babies . As if Adriane could read her mind, he brought over her daughter and rested her in Rachel’s arms, then leaned down and kissed his beloved wife’s lips. They’d all gotten their fairy-tale ending, and, of course, their happily ever after. ( I wishes they were standalone stories. I think each woman deserve her own story.)

[Amanda BikiBookworm Vermaak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enters a real life king....Will Ari and Rafe's happily ever after take place. So much family drama. Poor Rachel. Pregnant and unloved or maybe not
What a terrible mess for the girls. Wedding not happening. Bridesmaid being kidnapped by a king
Stubborn Lia who doesn't want to admit her love for Shane. Luckily for her Shane is learning and he's very persistent
Rachel...in lust didn't turn out very well now did it. Adriane you can no longer hide behind your crown. In the end you are merely a man.
Interfering mothers, oh my word, but they do good.
It took another kidnapping for the king to admit his feelings for Rachel. Long live the king and his queen
And all the little bambinos, how great. Thank you for a happy series ending

[Deborah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was determined to read through this final book but after reading books 1-3, I found this one to be drawn out and repetitive with Rachel’s story. I found myself skimming the middle and most parts with Rachel and Andriane going back and forth. I found that Lia’s story just ends abruptly after her HEA takes place and there’s no final words from Rafe or Ari...the characters that started the entire series.

Would I recommend this series? Yes but I didn’t enjoy it like I did the Billionaire Bachelor series.

[Sandra Mayberry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love, mystery, kidnapping all wrapped up in another wonderful Melody Anne story.

I usually don't like cliff hangers in series books, but honestly they are so well written that you would shortchange yourself if you left out any of the four books. Three amazing complex love stories, intertwining, and perfect support characters.
Melody Anne can bring to life characters that will hold your interest through to the end.

[Kirsten Ensman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exciting ending

Exciting ending to the series. Rachel's "daydreaming" of Shane stripping and wishing he would share his coat was hilarious. I just love how Melody Anne adds humor in her stories and makes her characters so human. I have to admit some of the problems the rich people complain about makes me ill. Like they will never have a real clue and I want to slap them and say get over yourself. Read the whole series. It is so worth it.

[Deborah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly enjoyed this series. It started out being similar to 50 Shades of Grey. But as the series progressed, it assumed its own personality. The characters development was a smooth transition. My attitude toward Ari and the sisters changed from disgust, to tolerance and finally respect. I recommend this series.

[Anna M. Garza · Rating 1 out of 5]

Big mistake!!!

According to the titlr , this was supposed to be the continuation of the story we just finished reading in book 3. I downloaded book 4 and got the contents of book 3. I tried to let them know the situation and never got a response! How are we supposed to find out what happens next??????

[Debbie Chicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Surrender Series ... Books 1-4

I absolutely loved this entire series. I couldn't put it down. So much so I lost a lot of sleep 🙂 however, it was worth it. It was filled with
heat, sweet romance, and adventure! I am looking forward to reading the final book SAVED in this series. Well done Melody Anne