Sweet Surrender

by Shelly Gray

Lilly was a quiet small-town girl with a big heart and passion for art. Wayde was a dominant male Billionaire secretly in love with her. There was just one problem. Her overbearing, controlling boyfriend Jack. Will Wayde's unethical ways to get Lilly to surrender to him be enough to win her heart and save her from Jack, or will his secret past cost him his only chance?

story contains profanity, sex, violence, torture, sexual assault (Rape) of the FMC, abuse, verbal abuse, mental trauma, talk of suicide, cancer in all ages and death, including miscarriage. It is purely a fantasy for those who like dark romances by authors with a dark side, a twisted mind, and who like to push limits. This is not a story for anyone easily triggered or under the age of 18.

346 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 9, 2024

About the author

Just an Indie Author trying to bring happiness to dark-minded readers one page at a time.

Reviews

[Bree ♡︎ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow. This book was absolutely beautiful. Way to make me sob throughout the whole thing 😭 I was lucky to receive an ARC copy to read before it releases and I’m so glad I did, I devoured this in a day, could not put it down.

In this story you are following Lilly and Wayde as they fall in love with each other after Lilly is mistreated by her fiancé. Lilly is a small town artist with a passion for helping others and Wayde is a billionaire who is a tad obsessed with Lilly (in a cute way, okay?) There is a lot of trauma and healing involved in this book, so make sure to check your triggers. I absolutely loved the way Wayde was always there for Lilly to support her through everything she went through and the way Lilly supported Wayde the exact same way. Their relationship blossomed instantly, I truly believe they needed each other to heal. I haven’t felt this many emotions reading a book in a very long time. This book has suspense, drama, romance, spice, mystery and so much more! I highly recommend picking it up ❤️

[kimiwheelielovesbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

To me the way you know it's a great book is when the author makes you feel all the emotions good, bad and ugly!! I was lucky enough to be on Shelly Gray's ARC team and this book made me laugh, happy, angry/upset, cry and then happy and excited again!!

Sweet Surrender is an enemies to lovers romance about Lilly and Wayde who are connected by a mutual person, Lilly's brother Dillon. After a bad breakup Wayde steps in to help Lilly out since she's jobless and essentially homeless. You can see where this is going right? Well there's more to it then you think and you're just going to have to read it to find out!! Thank you Shelly Gray for letting me be an ARC reader, I can't wait to read more of your books!!

Tropes:
- Enemies to Lovers
- Brother's Best Friend
- Close Proximity
- He Falls First
- Dominate MMC
- Independent FMC

Triggers:
- Sexual Assault to FMC (not by MMC)
- Violence
- Language
- Explicted Sexual Content (Consented & Spicy!!) 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
- Death of Family Members

[Cari Rees · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a beautiful story! The emotions it had me feeling is what i truly love in a book. Lilly is a sweet smart girl who loves art. Her boyfriend Jack is controlling and mean to her. Wayde is actually Jacks boss and has feelings for Lilly. Lilly thinks Wayde is a jerk and she doesn’t like him. At first.
Enemies to lovers, he falls first, forced proximity, spice. Also lots of triggers!
10/10 recommend! A must read!

[Shannon Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was able to join the ARC team to read this book before the release date and let me just say that I am OBSESSED!! This book was pure gold. It is a dark enemies to lovers story, and let me tell you, it does have some dark stuff… check your trigger warnings! The way Shelly was able to incorporate the 7 deadly sins was absolutely perfect!

This story follows Lilly and Wayde, but not before Lilly breaks up with her psychotic boyfriend/fiancé. I am so glad he got what he had coming! Lilly is a small town artist that has a passion for cancer patients. She is healing from some things that have happened in her past, but it makes her a great submissive that still has a fiery side. Then there is Wayde, a badass billionaire that does some stalking, he is obsessed with Lilly, and becomes her hero! There is a bit of an age gap, but not much.

This book has it all, drama, suspense, action, and very spicy!! I felt every emotion while reading this from happy, anger, hopeful, and sadness. I even cried in some parts. I cannot wait to get my own physical copy and would highly recommend this to anyone that loves dark enemies to lovers romance!! Well done Shelly! I have found my new favorite book!!

[Kayla Bieker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! I haven’t found many books that I can sit down and finish this quick and this book was one of them. From the beginning this book had me hooked the romance between Wayde and Lilly was amazing and so beautiful. This story was so well written and it had me in all the feels I could feel the characters emotions throughout the book, it broke me and put me back together again. It has tons of spice as well but doesn’t overwhelm the plot of the story which I loved. This is definitely one of the top books that I have discovered I will absolutely be re reading this book and I highly recommend it.

[Christine Woodham · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a wonderful read. From the first chapter to the final page I was pulled into this beautiful love story. I was sad to get to the end. I forgot I was reading a book I felt I was in the story. I am so glad I was given the opportunity to read this. I am not the best with my words. I will say this I felt all the feels the happiness ,sadness,the love,the fear and did I say LOVE. Will stay with me for a long time. Shelly Gray you did an amazing job. Thank you for writing such a beautiful story.

[Alexa Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️

OMG
Ok so I normally read dark romance and not a whole lot of like sweet romances that might also make you cry

I couldn't put it down read it all in one sitting lol
Like I haven't even been to bed yet since I got home from the night job and wanted to start reading "just a couple chapters" (I should've known better)

This one got me!!!!
Shelly you are amazing💙🤟💙

[TardyLibrarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5

I arc read this book. It was a great story, lots of spice, and very well written. I was caught up the entire time. The one and only issue I had was him comparing himself to her dead brother’s car during sex. Not just once. I don’t know why that didn’t sit well but over all this is 4.5 stars!

[Elizabeth Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have learned to not expect anything less from Author Shelly Gray but an outstanding story that will envelope your heart, mind and soul. What an amazing story, once AGAIN Author Shelly Gray had me in ALL of my emotions!

[Martha Hettel · Rating 4 out of 5]

The title says it all. I enjoyed this Enemy to Lover, erotic, billionaire, and naive woman story. I will be reading more of Shelly Gray's books.

[Kristens_korner · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice good quick read with a feel good love story, a little bit of spice and a little bit of scary all mix it.

[Mickie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who doesn’t love it when he falls first? This is the first book I have read of Shelly’s. And I loved it! She writes a very smooth and paced story laced with love, spice and terror. This one had me in tears at several points, but it has such a beautiful ending that it was so worth it. Please read the trigger warning list and head it. I can not wait to read more of Shelly’s books.

[Jennifer Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished this book in about a day. It was so good, Wayde and Lilly are amazing together. He's a billionaire and she's an artist. He loved her from afar for so long. Their relationship starts unconventionally,( Jack is so stupid, I wanted to punch him). Be prepared to cry a little. I highly recommend getting this book.

[Erin Stapel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow !!! So many emotions wrapped into one single book. It was simple to devour this book in a short time period. The love, sadness, fear, passion, uncertainty, and so many other emotions were apparent throughout the book and I couldn’t put it down. This book was amazing from beginning to end captivating me throughout the entire story.

[Amber Gill · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me sobbing and gasping and feeling all of the feelings! I don’t even know what else to say it was beautifully painful in the very best way! 🖤 I loved this arc read

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lily is just an ordinary small town artist living in a fantasy world where true love exists. Except her fiancé Jack is the true definition of a D-Bag, but Jacks boss, Mr. Kane/Wayde, Billionaire owner of Kane Financial, can’t keep his eyes off of Lily at all the company functions. It kinda rubs her the wrong way… until a bet changes everything!

Jack never cherished Lily, and Wayde treats her like a Queen, showing her True Love does exist, but it has to be with the right person!!

This book was pulling at my heart strings and had me feeling ALL the emotions!! I can’t say much cuz I don’t want to spoil anything but a part of this book hit close to home! There are heavy themes throughout this book so check your TW’s. I have never related to characters in a book more than I did in this one. The love story between Lily and Wayde is honestly beautiful to witness through Shelly’s writing… once again very well written and the SPICE!!! GIRL!! Ima need a personal fan when I read your stuff cuz it’s on FIRE!!! Just an all around emotionally beautiful love story!!!

Thank you Shelly for the opportunity to read as an ARC, my 2nd ARC ever… and it was absolutely amazing!!!

[Tonya Blanton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t even know if I can properly put into words how phenomenal this book was. It had me in all my feels it’s an enemies to lovers, brothers best friend, touch her and you …. You know the word.😳 . It truly was like a roller coaster. The character development was so good I mean you have to know when a book can make you ugly cry, break your heart into 1 million pieces and then put it back together that you have truly invested.. I have read so many books and there have been but a few that will live in my head rent free forever. This is definitely one of them. I can’t stop thinking about it. I wanted there to be more. This book has spice, intrigue, deception, heartbreak and love all wrapped into one beautiful package!! I truly believe you are cheating yourself out of an excellent experience if you do not read this book! we all need a little Wayde, Lilly and Edward in our lives!! This was a masterpiece of every emotion.
Chefs kiss, 100% don’t be afraid she will bring you to your knees, but she will pick you back up🫶🏻🥰

[Simoné Wolmarans · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this love story!!

Who doesn’t want a Mr. Kane in their life? OMG what an absolute dream of a man!!

I loved that he was an absolute beast at 6’something ridiculous inches (in both aspects if you know what I mean 😏) yet he was so sweet and sensitive but also had the touch her and die mentality!! I was totally there for it!

Lilly was just the best MFC. I loved that she was a bit damaged and had some battle scars which made her fast love story so much sweeter.

I loved how fast paced it was and I appreciated the fact that the author got to the point without wasting unnecessary time.

The spice… oooooh the spice!! Really good! From beginning to end this book was filled with the most delicious scenes and these characters did it really well, really often, really hot.

I enjoyed the suspense in the story as well as the emotional turmoil.

Wayde and Lilly will stay with me for a very long time.

[Audrey Adkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you believe in love at first sight? Wayde Kane does. He saw Lilly across the room and knew that she would be his. This is probably the one book from Shelly Gray that made me cry the most. It has all the feels in it. From I love Wayde and Lilly to I really, really, do not like Jack to why is there so much grief in the world. This book takes you through all the emotions, and the ending will just have you sobbing like a baby. There is a part in the book with Edward, who is a 17 year old in this story, and without giving anything away I just want to say that part of the story really had me sobbing and it showed Lillys true character. She truly was an angel with a heart of gold. I absolutely loved this book and gave it five-stars because it was just that good. If you are looking for a dark romance book that will take you through all the emotions, then I highly recommend this one. You won't be disappointed.

[Sally May · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shelly, I'm a little bit mad at you regarding this book. You made me cry 😢 and not a cute little cry with a few tears. I straight ugly cried....while I was at work too. I guess we all need a good cry though. This book was amazing!!!! Legit 5 stars. I fell in love with Wayde. Oh that man. 😍😍😍 oh I felt his pain when the got in the car accident and he couldn't save her. It broke my heart. And then even more when she sees the ghost of her dead brother. Then the ugly crying started at the end with the whole thing from Edward. This was such an amazing story and I'm so glad Jack got what he deserved. I can't wait for your next amazing book.

[Pitch Black J · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved everything about this book. It was such a good love story that had all aspects hit the right way in this story. Lilly and Wayde were made for each other. I enjoyed how they overcame certain situations and knew they loved each other from the beginning. The Queen reference was my absolute favorite! This is one of those love stories that will keep you entranced and want to finish it.

[Ginger Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a billionaire, brother's best friend, he falls first and steals her away, romance with some darker themes. I recommend checking the trigger warnings before diving in, there are a few things that may not be for everyone.

Lilly's fiancé Jack is a total jerk and he quickly becomes the worst kind of guy. His billionaire boss Wayde has always had his eye on Lilly, and when he sees his chance to steal her away he takes it. Lilly resists at first, she's only ever been with Jack. Eventually Wayde wears her down and sweeps her off of her feet. He takes care of her in ways Jack never could, both in and out of the bedroom. The spicy scenes are quite spicy and there are plenty of them! But every time it seems Lilly has finally gotten her happily ever after, dusty ass Jack comes back into the picture to cause more trouble.

This book is more than just a smut book and it will make you feel all the feelings. I messaged the author right after I finished it to tell her I was glad I got to the end BEFORE I put my makeup on. This author did a great job, I recommend this book to fans of spicy romance that have a darker edge.

[MJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky to be an arc reader for Shelly and I'm not disappointed! I devoured this book and I was hooked from the beginning! This is a really good book and I loved it!

[Brittany Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Absolutely loved the story line and the characters. Never disappointed with a good ending.

[Saharah Vanvalkenburgh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was an emotional one it was up and down like a roller coaster. One minute, I was mad the next, crying the next like beat him up. I would say when this is released, run and get it.

[Jennifer Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was such a sweet, light hearted, yet dark and spicy all at the same time. It was an absolute awesome read and i loved it. Definitely recommend.

[Cheryl Sims · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow I'm in love with this book the beautiful FMC I love her soooo much and the hotty billionaire omg I love it this book made me cry made me mad made me sad and happy I felt like I was on a rollercoaster and loved every minute of it ❤️ I highly recommend to anyone over 18 and can't wait to read more by this amazing author 🥰🥰🥰

[Tina Kinser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lilly has a horrible boyfriend, but things change when Wayde a millionaire wants only her and will do anythingtoget her in his bed. This is a dark enemies to lovers romance, and once again, Shelly Gray did not disappoint. I absolutely love this book.

[Samantha Cross · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! Shelly Gray this book was so good I loved it so much! It hit me right in the feelings I was crying. I loved the plot, the twist and turns having me on the edge wondering what was going to happen next! This is not a book you want to read at work unless you are okay with crying at work. Please read trigger warnings! 5 ⭐️ / 5 the spicy whew that was hot 🌶️ again I would say 4/5 just because it could use some more spice! But I loved and definitely will be reading again and again! ♥️

[The Arcist · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first time reading Shelly's work and I loved it. This was a fast paced, sweet and heartbreaking love story between two broken hearts trying to mend.

If you like brother's best friend and/or boss forbidden romance with a well hung protective, millionaire...this is for you!

I received an eARC of this book. My review is my own and I'm leaving it honestly and voluntarily.