Surrender

by Samara Reed

Ellen just wants to sleep without the haunting images from her past assaulting her, creating a fear no one seems to understand. She wants to learn to love, and she wants control of her life back. But can she surrender the control she craves in order to achieve peace?

Jack has worked his whole adult life to make women feel loved and special and sure enough of themselves to not pick another man who will mistreat them. But he grows tired of the day to day with different women on his arm. Could Ellen be the answer to the love that Jack craves to fill the hole inside him? What will it take for Jack to allow his carefully controlled feelings to surface?

Can they both learn to surrender?Readers of the Crossed series will recognize a small snippet of this book from Ardent.

Genres: Romance

279 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 10, 2023

Reviews

[Destinee 🫡 · Rating 4 out of 5]

˗ˋˏ Surrender ˎˊ-

☆˙୨ৎ⭒๋࣭⭑ Author: Samara Reed ☆˙୨ৎ⭒๋࣭⭑

₊˚⊹♡ Rating: 4 / 5 Stars ₊˚⊹♡

⋆˚✿˖° Review:
i need to start by saying, instalove is one of my most disliked tropes. but Samara did something to me cuz i ate this one UP! writing was so great, characters were so authentic & easy to love. made for such a great, short read. & the spice was so good, i think even i learned something new haha


♡ What I Loved:
- the cuteness of the overall story
- authenticity of the characters & v easy to love them
- writing style was great. no major grammar issues, things were described perfectly
- story flowed well, no major gaps or timeline pauses that were unexplained

.ᐟ What I Didn't Like:
- that it wasn't longer haha, so good i wanted more

જ⁀➴ Spice Level: 4/5, spice scenes were SO good & done SO well

— ୨୧₊˚ Would I Recommend It?:
YES! such a cute, authentic, touching insta love story. Samara is a fantastic writer, & writes in such a readable, easy flow way. such a nice, easy read.

₊˚⊹♡ Conclusion:
Surrender is a raw, authentic book that touches on the ugly and beautiful parts of life. it shows how women deserve to be treated, & how healthy communication can be. It also shows a sensual, spicy side making it a well-round, loveable read!
₊˚⊹♡

[Chai · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC review

This book is a quick read. It's fast-paced, fast burn story.
It's about Ellen and Jack who's both going through something and finding connection with each other.

I like the story but I am hoping for more. The plot could have been better in my opinion. I wish the characters had more personality and was given longer scenes.

I had questions like 'why is Kiley's attitude towards Jack like that?' Does she have problem with Jack? Is she not happy for Ellen? Is she jealous? I was thinking there might be something deeper that could be further explained rather than just leaving it at 'because she's having a bad day'. It could be a whole 'nother POV.

Also at the end of the book I was expecting to know what happened to Ellen's trauma if she finally healed or did Jack help her heal or something. But then I read the note at the end from the author and I understood. I love how open the ending was. Because I agree, truly

Everyone heals in their own time and in their own way.

There's also spice 🌶 for my #spicegirlies out there. I would rate the spice 3/5.

Important note: The 2 main characters are based on real people (changed names) and based on real experience. So watch your triggers esp. If you are dealing with similar trauma.

To Samara, thank you for the chance given to be an ARC reader. You have a long way to go. Keep writing. I would love to support you on your next books. ✨️

All love 🤍

[Kearstin Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

That was sooooo spicy.

Jack can take care of me anytime.

WOW wow wow

Samara knocked it out of the park with this one

[vienna clark · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC read

I had a difficult time trying to figure if I should give this book 3 stars or 4 and decided that even though the spice in this book was very good and very detailed, the overall plot wasn’t my favorite. There were times where I would be confused as to what was going on. I also had a tough time trying to visualize the scenes that were taking place. I also couldn’t figure out what Jack even did for work even though it comes up frequently in the story and also plays a big part in how Jack and Ellen meet. I also would’ve loved a little more on what Kileys issues were as it seemed to play a part in the story but then just dropped and wasn’t spoken about again. I also didn’t feel the relationship between the two characters was an all consuming love that the author was trying to portray. The bathtub scene made me go awwwh but that wasn’t until almost the end of the story. The story felt rushed, but like I said the spice?? 10/10. The author definitely knows how to make you feel like you’re there with the characters during the spice scenes! I also wish the author would’ve allowed Ellen to get over her past traumas a little more in the story. I understand that she was feeling more comfortable with Jack, but it didn’t feel like she truly overcame here fears by the end of the story.

Quote I enjoyed: I love you. I love the way you get too shy to look at me when you’re overflowing with joy. I love the way you intentionally sass me to push me to my limit because I’m holding back, too afraid to actually feel a single fucking thing. I love the noises you make when you eat, because you feel every emotion that deep. I love the weird shit you do when you get bored to entertain yourself. I find myself pretty entertained, too. I love waking up next to you and watching you sleep like an angel, and I love watching you fall asleep in my arms. You make me feel whole. It’s okay that you’re damaged. We’re all a little broken.”

[Maude Faubert-Turgeon (ms_reading_nook) · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC reader

It took me a while to finish this book, and I think for various reasons.

There was a lot of spice, from start to finish, and the spicy scenes were very detailled and enjoyable. I would give the spice 4/5.

Now for the rest of the story. I feel like it was rushed and lacking some things and sometimes it was downright confusing. I didn't catch until later on what was Jack doing before, and what was the place where he got to meet with Ellen. Also, why was Kiley always having bad days, why she seemed to dislike Jack and Cliff so much etc.

I feel like the general storyline was very fast paced and I think it could have been a little bit more detailled. I understand this book was about sexual healing, but I would have like to understand more the healing Jack and Ellen went through other than by sex (like psychologic wise).

I would give the book a 3/5 rating, I did enjoy reading it, and I can see the author having a lot of potential for the rest of the serie.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars - 4.5/5 spice

This was an unexpected emotional read. The FMC Ellen meets a guy from the recommendation of her best friend. She needs help getting over some pretty bad SA trauma from childhood. The MMC Jack is a former professional boyfriend looking for something real. He specializes in making women realize what they need and have been lacking in their love life. When the two meet its instant chemistry and you can tell right away, Jack is going to be a gonner. The love story between them pulls at the heart strings, and the spice is hot hot hot. My problem with the book comes in the frequent time jumps. I'm a little confused on the timeline. The second problem is that I don't feel like her trauma and how Jack is going to help her is really explained, just brought up here and there. Overall, I did enjoy the book, and if you're looking for a spicy read with a good plot, this is for you.

[Samantha Cross · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book! If you want a short read with spice and broken MFC and MMC this is for you. Not much details on what happened to MFC so not worry if that makes you turn a book away. She goes in for help with being in a relationship with guy without triggering her, he is a man who helps women who have been burned by men and help them realize what they should have in a relationship. They fall for each other, him a nervous wreck over admitting it due to his past abandonment issues. MFC feels he can do better then her and that her issues may be to much for him. They are not. The spice in this is amazingly detailed whew 🥵 amazing. I loved this book, again it was a nice short read. I felt that some parts were rushed and could have been expanded on a little more but it still flows really well.

[Em Rose · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

Surrender is an emotionally charged romance that explores themes of control, healing, and vulnerability in a way that feels raw and authentic. The instalove is fantastic, and the spice is done really well, adding intensity and depth without overshadowing the emotional core of the story.

What stands out most is how the book touches on both the ugly and the beautiful parts of life, allowing the characters to feel real and human rather than polished or perfect. While it didn’t completely hit five-star, “can’t-stop-thinking-about-it” territory for me, it’s still a well-rounded and satisfying read.

Overall, Surrender is engaging, emotional, and memorable in its own right. And one I would happily recommend to readers who enjoy romance with heart and heat.

[Ashly Jones · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book was ok. It took me all day to read it because I got bored easily. I think the characters seem to be nice but I would have liked more of a story that ties them together. Now the smut scenes were incredibly detailed and I like the way she is very descriptive of those scenes. I do know this is the first book of the series but nothing captivated me to want to read the next book. However, I see the author as having tons of potential and evolving as she writes more books. I do thoroughly enjoy supporting new authors. If you are just getting into smut, I would recommend this book.

[Tamara Fruge · Rating 4 out of 5]

The premise of this book was different from what i have read before. The crypticness of it was very interesting but i did enjoy the book immensely. There is a past trauma trigger warning which I get but the vagueness of it shouldn’t cause any hardcore triggers. I liked the healing aspect of the book. Have you ever not felt like yourself in your own skin? Been in relationships where you could never feel right with yourself? I absolutely loved Jack and his approach to things. I really found the book enjoyable. Might even read it again.

[Felishia Lyn' · Rating 4 out of 5]

I want to say thank you to Samara Reed for giving me the opportunity to ARC read this book. It was such a great read. It took me 4 hours from start to finish to read this book. I was so into this book that I did not want to put it down. The story keeps you flipping the pages wondering what is going to happen. At first, I did not understand what was going. Then it all came together so beautifully. I cannot wait to read more and know everything that left you wondering. Such a great read with a good story line and some really good spice.

[Tabatha Slagle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Samara Reed discloses that this is the story of a real woman, so I'd read the triggers and use your personal history to determine if this is the one for you.
You get dual POV between Ellen and Jack. They're both damaged in their own way and are thrust together by a mutual friend who thinks they'll be just what they need to heal.
There was more spice than plot, but it left room for future novels for the side characters. It also wasn't overwhelming, I didn't feel like the spicy scenes were forces. Reed has a good writing style, and I will read more of her work in the future.

[Salima · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I’ve read from this author. I will read more books from her. I liked that it was easy to follow and not too long. It is about Ellen and Jack. They find each other and both have been through something. They understand each other through their own experiences in life. I would have liked to know more about Ellen’s trauma. Although trauma takes time to heal. It’s not always a quick fix.

[Kasey Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once again Samara has done a great job at including a little story with a lot of smut. These scenes were so 🥵 like wow! In this book we also got to see a little bit of a healing journey with our main female character from sexual assault, so it can be a little heart clenching, especially for those who know what it’s like! I think the only thing that made me knock off one star was the story was just a tad bit confusing, but let’s be real, we were here for the smut🥰

[Amy Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this, a quick read with a lot of spice!

There are some triggers in here that may make this a difficult read for some but it is well handled and you are warned at the start.

I really enjoyed reading the different experience the FMC has with others in the story and how she develops throughout the book regarding her trauma.

I have enjoyed all the books that this author has written and this one is no different

[Kellie Waldron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ellen and Jack are two people that are broken that work beautifully together. Ellen can’t remember why she has triggers of certain things or her nightmares. Jack has issues from how his family treated him. It starts out as Jack was helping her overcome her hangups, but things happen along the way where she starts to help him. It was a really great read. My only critique of the book, I wish we could have found out what triggered her.

[Crystal D · Rating 3 out of 5]

This quick read was full of spice literally from chapter 1 to the end. I did feel it was lacking something, drama or excitement to help with a storyline. While it was written to show two damaged people come together to love each other it felt forced. Maybe I’m stuck in dark romance where there’s always the other shoe dropping and this didn’t have that.

[GKP2460 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Surrender is Ellen and Jack's story. It's a spicy, fast-paced, quick read about two damaged souls who are each searching for something to fill the void in their lives. Once they work through the things preventing them from having that they eventually find it in each other. This is an easy, enjoyable, one sitting read.

[E'Who'Reads'a'Thousand'Mysteries · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unfortunately, I could not find the upbeat or healing message of the book, and the characters' personalities are equally elusive. The MMC is very preachy with awkward dialogue. Actually, a lot of the characters have awkward dialogue. I'm sorry to hear this really happened to Ellen, but the poor girl would be better off paying a better therapist to escape her traumatic past.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

**ARC** I literally didn’t know what to expect going into this, but trust that I wasn’t disappointed! I loved getting to know the characters and I loved seeing their love grow. The spice was on point and anytime you have a man willing to pierce you know what 🤫 you know it’s something magical! Would definitely recommend!

[Monica Tavares · Rating 4 out of 5]

🥵🥵🌶🌶🌶🌶 The spice in this book is really good, well-written and described.
Enjoyed reading this book, easy to read and not too long. Be advised Ellen has suffered some trauma that might trigger some readers.
Ellen and Jack seem to be perfect for each other, just what is needed to be able to get over their issues.

I only wish we could have learned a little more about both their trauma.

[Tara Haack · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have loved everything I have read from Samara Reed, but this one struck me different. I feel like it jumped in too quickly then ended to abruptly.

[Hannah Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spicy little romance 🌶️🌶️
No cheesy plot lines 🚫🧀
Definitely 18+ and check trigger warnings before reading!