Wild Surrender

by Ana Rhodes

He's a grumpy single dad, just as rugged and untamed as the wilderness he protects. She's all city—sleek, sophisticated, and hiding a fiercely tender heart.

I never expected to surrender to the call of the wild… Or a burly mountain man whose eyes promised both trouble and tenderness.

What started as a fling became a daily battle of wills in the office we unexpectedly share. Jack is arrogant, stubborn… and our connection is undeniable. I try to remain professional, but every heated debate and intense stare draws us closer.

Then I meet his daughter, Kate, and she tugs at a part of my heart I’ve kept hidden. I didn't have the easiest childhood—not by a long shot. But I've made the best of it, finding success in my career and loving friends who’ve become family.

Despite our growing attraction, I know I’m not who they need. I don’t have a mothering bone in my body, but I see a lot of myself in Kate, and feel driven to protect her. So when her mother threatens to take her away, I know what I need to do.

Pretending to be his fiancée was supposed to be simple. But every family dinner and staged kiss is making me wonder—Could they be the family I never knew I needed?

Why you’ll love it:

* workplace romance
* single dad
* one night stand
* fake engagement
* found family

Genres: Romance

326 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 14, 2024

About the author

Want to stay up to date on all things Ana Rhodes? Get exclusive access to bonus content, cover reveals, excerpts, news and giveaways. Join her newsletter: https://bit.ly/anarhodesnewsletter

Hello! I'm Ana and I love writing swoony, small town romances with sweet, protective heroes who love their strong and sassy leading ladies. When I'm not writing, I'm reading... romances, of course! I'm a sucker for a good love story, and I hope you enjoy mine.

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https://www.instagram.com/anarhodesauthor
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/ana-rhodes

Reviews

[Catarina Águas · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC review

This was so cute. It was short but it was a good story nonethless.
Seeing these two trying to deny their chemistry was laughable. They failed so hard everytime.
Caroline was a very good person that didn't feel like she deserved her own HEA, when in reality she was the one that deserved it the most.
Jack didn't want a relationship but he couldn't avoid what he felt for her.
They were perfect together and I really liked them

[Hana · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you're into grumpy single dads, steamy chemistry, and small-town vibes, Wild Surrender is your next binge! Caroline, a city girl stuck in a job she hates, meets rugged park ranger Jack on a hike, and one wild night leads to more than either of them bargained for. Add in a fake engagement, workplace drama, and Jack’s adorable daughter Kate, and you’ve got a romance that’s as heartwarming as it is steamy.

The chemistry between Caroline and Jack is sizzling, and Kate’s charm really steals the show. While I would’ve loved a bit more emotional depth in Caroline’s journey, the fun banter, found family, and cozy small-town feel more than make up for it. A perfect read if you're looking for something quick, heartwarming, and full of heat!

[Susan Marie Ballain · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! It’s a found family, forced proximity and workplace troupe! It’s such a swoon worthy and very romantic! It is also the 2nd book in a series and the whole series is absolutely amazing! I highly recommend it and give it 5 ⭐️

[Bookish Lady Night · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Review: Wild Surrender by: Ana Rhodes

This book is so good! I loved how the two MCs meet it was such a spicy meeting and I loved how she set up the story and the plot!

Jack is a swoony MMC single dad!! And when he gets the promotion and comes to discover that the woman he had a hot encounter with turns out to be the CFO it was priceless! There are a lot of bumps in the road after that and then when Kate and Caroline find a bond and familiar ground and she tries to help them the story just gets better and better!

I am all for a fake relationship and fake engagement and I thought this one was so well done! The two MCs are pushed to their breaking point and all their insecurities come out and watching them grow and become the people they are at the end! I loved seeing them finally get the happy ending they deserve after all they have been through.

Ana did a fantastic job weaving a beautiful plot and characters you can’t help but fall for. It has the perfect balance of banter, funny moments, spicy steaming moments, and family dynamics.

This is definitely not going to be the last book I read by her I’m so excited to read more!!

💕Small Town
🔥Friends to Lovers
💕Single Dad
🔥One Night Stand
💕Fake Engagement
🔥Workplace Romance
💕Forced Proximity
🔥Found Family

[Stacy Hutchcraft · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is just the binge read I needed! I went searching for a light-hearted quick-read, and Goodreads did not disappoint when I received this giveaway!

The characters were funny, likable, and entertaining. The chemistry between Jack and Caroline was undeniable and very steamy. Though the language was a bit abrasive for my liking at times, it did not get in the way of me immersing myself in their love affair. What I liked about their relationship is that there weren’t the usual frustrating misunderstandings due to the lack of communication. They had conflict and small arguments, but they talked it out and resolved the issues like regular adults. This, mixed with the supportive friends, a spunky little girl, a crazy ex, and some surprising character developments, made this a very enjoyable read.

I highly recommend this book! This can be a stand-alone read, but I fully intend on continuing with the series (in reverse) with book #1.

[Dhatri Pandya · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Overall Book Rating: 4 / 5

*Tropes:
-Single Dad
-Small Town
-Workplace Romance
-Forced Proximity
-Found Family
-Fake Engagement
-One Night Stand

*Spiciness: 3 / 5


Gorgeous, smart and hardworking Caroline is in a dilemma of what to do with her life when one of her best friends, Emma who she is visiting in the small mountain town of Silverpine offers her the CFO position at her park. Accepting this job will take her away from her LA, her controlling mother and the current job where she is miserable. To clear her mind, she decides to go for a hike. While on this hike, she meets Jack who is a park ranger and also the guy she had seen several months ago in the bar and towards whom she had felt strong sexual attraction to. They both banter for a bit all the while being aware about the growing sexual tension between them. Caroline decides to take charge of the situation by kissing him first, leading them to have wild sex right there in the park. They don’t exchange their names or any other information as they both thought this was just one time thing. Unbeknownst to them this wouldn’t be the last time they will see each other.

Handsome, driven and responsible Jack is a single dad of the beautiful 9 years old Kate. Jack is in financial mess due to his ex-wife leaving him with a giant credit card debt. So when Emma offers him a promotion with pay rise, he happily takes it. As the head of Parks department, Jack gets called in to the CFO’s office to talk about how they can manage their budget better as the park Jack is working for is also in financial mess due to the previous owner. When he comes to the CFO’s office for their meeting, he is both shocked and pleasantly surprised to see the woman he had wild sex with in the park and who had occupied his thoughts ever since.

Caroline’s and Jack’s first meeting doesn’t go smoothly as they both had expected but that didn’t stop them from getting pulled towards each other. On a Friday after their disastrous meeting, Jack brings his daughter to office as he couldn’t find a sitter. Both father and daughter work side by side for a while and when Jack is engrossed in his work, Kate sneaks out of his office and wonders around ending up in Caroline’s office. With her charm and wittiness, Kate wins over Caroline’s heart and they both have a good time talking about fashion before Jack comes in and takes Kate away.

After a week of Caroline and Kate meeting each other, Caroline and Jack are having one of their meetings when Kate comes barging in looking upset. Upon being asked what’s upsetting her, Kate tells them about the lie she told her mother to avoid going to live with her and eventually be send to boarding school. After listening to the whole story, Caroline offers to help them to get out of this sticky situation which he accepts after a lot of deliberation. For this lie to look real, Caroline has to move in with Jack and Kate. This move not only brings Kate and Caroline closer but also brings Caroline and Jack closer in every sense. Things get out of hand and Caroline and Jack end up getting fake engaged.

When Caroline’s mother hears about the fake engagement she comes to Silverpine and announces that she will plan a wedding for Caroline and Jack before she goes away for a long trip. Due to all the stress about lying and wanting things to be real, both Jack and Caroline are hit hard by their insecurities, their past hurt, wanting everything to be real and wanting to be a family. Things get ugly before everything turns out the way it is supposed to and Caroline and Jack end up together with a beautiful family that they always deserved.

Ana has done a really good job with the plot of this story and writing all the characters in it. I love reading single dad romance and Wild Surrender didn’t disappoint. It has funny moments, bantering, cute kid, steamy scenes, strong female characters and sweet romantic moments. If you enjoy any of the above mentioned tropes, give this one a read.

[Miancka · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wild Surrender by Ana Rhodes is an absolute gem—a beautiful, heartfelt romance that pulled me in from the start.

Jack, our rugged, grumpy single dad, is as wild and untamed as the wilderness he protects. Enter Caroline: city-sophisticated, fierce, and compassionate, with a hidden tender side. Their chemistry is undeniable and only intensifies as they clash in the office they unexpectedly share. What begins as a steamy fling evolves into something deeper, drawing them closer with each intense stare and playful debate.

Caroline's connection with Jack’s daughter, Kate, is heartwarming. Despite her doubts about her ability to be a mother figure, she feels a strong pull to protect Kate, especially when her presence is threatened. When Caroline agrees to a fake engagement with Jack, every shared moment blurs the lines and awakens a longing for the family she didn’t know she needed.

Ana Rhodes perfectly balances romance and tension, giving us a story that’s both swoon-worthy and emotionally resonant. Jack and Caroline’s journey from attraction to true partnership, with the added sweetness of found family, is unforgettable. If you’re a fan of single dads, workplace tension, or fake engagements, this one is a must-read!

[Gabby · Rating 4 out of 5]

“We’re like a raging forest fire that can’t be tamed”

This book was so freaking cute and who doesn’t love a single dad who loves his little girl more than anything?

From the very beginning of this book, I could tell that I would love Caroline.
She’s so direct and her first encounter with Jack was so funny.
The way that Jack blushes with her crass mouth is everything.

I’m a sucker for nicknames and her calling him Ranger and her Snow White, made my heart happy.

Caroline is a big city girl planting roots in a small town.
This woman believes she unlovable but has the biggest heart.
One little tryst in the woods, and Caroline is feeling more like herself.

Jack is a recent divorcee trying to make his and his little girls life easier.
When Jack gets a promotion, he doesn’t realize that his little tryst in the woods would be one of his bosses.

Tropes:
💜 single dad
💜 small town
💜 faking dating/engagment
💜 forced proximity
💜 falls in love with his daughter first
💜 found family

[S Celeste · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grumpy Sexy Mountain Man and Single Dad Meet former City Girl With a Huge Heart

Caroline has recently decided to take over the position of CFO at her best friends resort and when she shows up the first day she runs into Jack, the Mountain Man she had a nameless romp with in the forrest several weeks earlier. Of course the meeting doesn’t go well and the two stubborn people clash immediately and often. What they didn’t count on is a meddling ex wife and an adorable little girl whose actions force them into a fake relationship that changes everything.

This was a super cute story. I loved how Caroline was so protective of Jack’s little girl. So much so that she enters into a fake relationship with a man she can’t seem to stay away from but who also drives her completely crazy in the best and worst ways. The fake relationship turns into a fake engagement and every step of the way their attraction and feelings grow. This was a great read and so steamy. If you like a hot single dad romcom with a lot of heart, this book is for you.

[Burgundy Hare · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
🌶️🌶️🌶️

🌳Single Dad
👠CFO city girl
🌳He’s the park ranger turned head of department
👠Workplace romance
🌳Fake engagement
👠Forced proximity
🌳One wild tryst on a trail 😂
👠Found family
🌳Small Town

Caroline comes from a posh California life spent trying to live up to her mother’s unattainable expectations. Jack is a small town single dad with a horrific ex wife. After a wild tryst in a park between strangers Jack and Caroline find themselves in hot water when they realize they are actually co-workers at their new jobs. The attraction runs deep and somehow things go from awkward to extremely complicated when they enter a fake relationship in order to show the support and stability Jack needs to keep his daughter with him.

This was such an easy, heartwarming, banter filled, and romantic read! I loved the relationship between Kate (Jack’s daughter) and Caroline, the banter/tension between Jack and Caroline was perfect, and the found family gave all the warm and fuzzies!

Thank you so much to Ana and The Author Agency for the ARC! 💗

[paige o’neill · Rating 4 out of 5]

this book was a super short read, so it wasn’t packed full of details about the couple and their backgrounds but we still got a lot of understanding about who they were. jack and caroline are both so sweet, they’re both closed off due to their pasts but when they first meet they have this instant pull towards each other. their story is really good and i love how little kate played match maker, i’ve never seen read a book where the child is the one to set up the fake dating, i loved it so much! there were certain moments in this book that had me giggling, they had such good chemistry and communication. i enjoyed how strong they both were and how much they would do to protect little kate! caroline’s relationship with kate was also really sweet and seeing the family become real was so lovely. i will definitely read book 1 of the series and when it’s out book 3 as this was a cute and fun read.

[Lilian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Right from the start, Caroline and Jack are bound to each other with mutual attraction. With no names exchanged, they get the shock of their lives when they soon realise that they have to work together, with Caroline as CFO and Jack as Head of the Parks department.

Jack is also divorced with a daughter, Kate, who is smart and mischievous. Due to Kate’s horrible mom, Caroline and Jack end up fake dating and their complicated relationship gets more and more convoluted.

Soon, Caroline is spending more and more time with Jack. But due to their past, their walls are high up and both of them are reluctant to label their relationship.

If you are looking for a quick read with high spice level, this is the book for you. I also loved the found family vibe between Caroline and her besties, Emma and Sophie. I also adored how strong Caroline became whenever her mama bear mode came out, especially on behalf of Kate.

[Lynn_G · Rating 5 out of 5]

City girl Caroline is both happy for and jealous of her friends being paired off, but she’s questioning whether she deserves the same happily ever after. When she decides to literally take a hike alone, she runs into a gorgeous park ranger, who’s also the guy who was looking at her like a snack about six weeks prior. A tryst against a tree is just what the doctor ordered, and neither expected anything else.

After a contentious and ugly divorce, Jack is focused on raising his daughter Kate and while he had great time in the woods with Caroline, he’s not ready to put his heart - or Kate’s - on the line.

Naturally fate has other plans, and workplace and ex-wife drama are just the beginning.

This book had tons of heart, humor, and steam. A great read for a cozy night by the fire.

I was fortunate to have been furnished an advance reader copy from The Author Agency and bookfunnel, and I’m pleased to share my honest thoughts.

[Chani · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was really good! It started off with a bang (quite literally 😉). The journey Jack and Caroline took, both separately and together was quite beautiful. There were parts of the book that were a little repetitive but it didn’t deter from the plot. The chemistry between the main characters was off the charts!!!! There were times I wanted to go into the book and shake them both! I think my favorite part of the book was Kate. She is such an amazing little girl. I hope we get a book from her as a grown up. I have a feeling she would give her father a run for his money. And the way Caroline was towards her was so heartwarming 🥰. I felt a lot for Caroline and related to her a little too much. And Jack was swoony 🫠! I mean, a hot lumberjack who is also a single dad? Sign me up! All in all, this was a light, easy read and I would definitely recommend reading it.

[Shyanne Blankenship · Rating 4 out of 5]

Straight from chapter 1, I was sweating🤭 and excited to see where this story went for Caroline and James

I could relate to Caroline in a lot of ways but especially how she protects herself in relationships. Although Ana wrote it in a way that I didn’t feel the negative feelings I usually do when reading about a character I relate to

Honestly I never could predict what was coming next in this story and it was kind of addicting

I also adored kate. She was a sweet but sassy young lady. I loved how passionate she was about Project Runway and fashion. I loved seeing her and Caroline connect. The little family they created though🥹🥹

Prepare for lots of smiles and laughs with this one friends🫶🏻

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in this impressive series and this is Jack and Caroline’s story.
Jack is a divorced, arrogant, stubborn, and grumpy single dad to his daughter Kate, while Caroline is a city girl, who did not have the easiest off childhoods. While hiking these two come across each other, and the attraction between them is instant.
No spoilers, this is a must read!
This is a well written story which is easy to read, with found family, friendships, emotions, forced proximity, fake engagement, complex relationships, tension, humor, witty banter, sizzling chemistry, and love, which leads to an entertaining, small town romance.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.

[K Webz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always love a good single dad romance and this one did not disappoint. Along with a fake engagement, the sweetest 9 year old and a meddling ex (and not in the way you think).

Jack is arrogant and grumpy but a sexy as sin park ranger. When he is offered a new position that offers more money, he jumps at the chance so he can provide for his daughter, not expecting to run into the woman he had a tryst in the woods with.

Caroline, fresh from LA, is starting her new job in Pine Crest and the man she is working along side is the same sexy “Ranger” she has been seeing everywhere. Caroline is such a good person and the way she is with his daughter warms the heart.

Loved these two together and even though neither was looking for a relationship, they worked together perfectly.

[Lake B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jack and Caroline saw each other from across the room and felt an instant attraction, but Caroline left with her friends. When she is back in his town months later contemplating some changes, they run into each other and again go their separate ways. However, she ends up taking a job at the company he works for, and the two are bound to collide. After they continue seeing each other, she meets his daughter, Kate, who eventually announces to her mom that the Jack and Caroline are together (despite them not being a couple). To avoid Kate having a life similar to hers, Caroline agrees to her plan, but their relationship evolves. I love Caroline and Jack’s nicknames for each other and how natural they came.

[Cindy Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic book in the Pine Crest Mountain series! Wild Surrender is a great small town single dad romance! What started out as a one time thing, turns into so much more. Jack and Caroline’s story is filled with sizzling chemistry and amazing characters. Their interactions were fantastic. The relationship between Caroline and Jack’s daughter Kate was amazing! They make the perfect family! Although Jack’s ex tries to interfere with them, Jack and Caroline make it through. This is the first book by Ana that I’ve read, but it won’t be the last! I have to go back and read Never Finished. I can’t wait for Hopelessly Protected, the next book in the Pine Crest Mountain series!

[Bookreader B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

📚🌶🌶

Wild Surrender is the 2nd book in the Pine Crest Mountain series. I loved the first one and was so excited for the second.

Ana Rhodes did not disappoint in making this grumpy single dad with a city girl book! This was a great workplace romance that turned into a fling.

Jack is a burly and grumpy man that is now unexpectedly sharing an office with Caroline. She is direct and to the point with these two meeting for the first is the best thing ever! These two had a fling that turned into a fake engagement. Of course they end up developing feelings, but it's not just these two with their hearts on the line with his daughter, Kate, in the picture too.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a sucker for a good single dad romance. I'm glad I read this one. I loved Caroline and Jack, but Jack's daughter stole the show for me. Kate is a force to reckoned with. She is 9 going on 30. I love the instant connection she felt with Caroline. Kate is a little fashionista. Jack and Caroline have undeniable chemistry, but it's tricky because they work for Caroline's best friend at the resort. There is a nice sense of humor that leads to some fun moments. Boy is Jack's ex a piece of work. This was a nice fun fast read. It packed a punch. I love what Caroline finds in this small town. It made my heart so happy. A cast of great characters!

[Vivien Richards · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a light, fun comfort read. It's about Jack, a single dad park ranger and Caroline is a big city girl who just moved to a small town. They have hot melting chemistry. There is lots of ex wife drama that causes Caroline to act as Jack's fake fiancé. But will the close proximity and kisses to keep up the act lead to real feelings? You betcha! Will Caroline find a new family with Jack and his daughter Kate? This great read will give you all the cozy feelings and make you wanna curl up with some hot chocolate in your favorite chair and read until Jack and Caroline find their happily ever after.

[Trina Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story. It was a page turner and the suspense was intense. I enjoyed this book . I was on the edge of my seat and I couldn’t even put it down. The chemistry between them was sizzling hot and the physical attraction was boiling over of tension. They couldn’t fight the temptation anymore. The sparks between them had ignited in the hearts.
I definitely recommend this book and you won’t be disappointed. I received advance copy of this book via Bookfunnel and am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion. Trina Jones

[Mirelsa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was utterly charming.
Caroline’s kindness and selflessness made her incredibly likable, though her belief that she didn’t deserve happiness tugged at the heartstrings. In reality, she deserved her happily ever after more than anyone. Meanwhile, Jack’s determination to avoid relationships crumbled as his feelings for Caroline became impossible to deny.
I absolutely loved this book! It's a found family, forced proximity and workplace troupe! It's such a swoon worthy and very romantic!

[Monica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wish that Goodreads let you post half stars. This is a solid 3.5 star book.

The story follows Caroline and Jack. Their chance meeting in the woods leads them on a very unexpected path. Throw in a precocious child, a socialite mother, and a vicious ex-wife and you have the making for crazy ride.

This book is both funny and spicy. The funny banter between Caroline and Jack is great. One thing they can agree on, is they can't keep their hands off each other.

The story is extremely fast-paced and is a pretty quick read.

[Phyllis Sheofee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a spicy one right out of the gate. The story line was fast paced but not rushed. The characters had depth and the story line was honest and realistic. Although I read this story out of sequence, the story was so well written (without overwhelming the reader with unnecessary details of the previous story, but enough you could piece it together) you understood how we got from there to here. I’m excited to go back and read the first book and well as the third one coming out this year. Excellent read!

[Chey Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a super steamy and sweet read! Both main characters are very stubborn and grumpy but they manage to bring out the best in each other. I loved Caroline’s character development and how quickly she falls into motherly roles even though she swears she isn’t “mom material.” Kate is the absolute cutest little girl and her light shined even through the book. This was a quick read but I’d highly recommend! Get your copy November 14th!

[World Of Books 65 · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fantastic second book in the Pine Crest Mountain series! Wild Surrender is a deliciously passionate small-town, single-dad romance that will sweep you off your feet. Ana Rhodes brings Pine Crest to life with sizzling chemistry and heartfelt moments, making it impossible not to fall for recently divorced Jack. His love for his young daughter, Kate, shines through every page, even as he navigates the challenges of single parenthood. Jack didn’t expect to find himself captivated by a mysterious woman he spots in a bar—whom he dubs "Snow White."

Caroline is equally blindsided by her attraction to the rugged “Ranger” she meets that night. Six weeks later, when she starts her new job in Pine Crest, she's stunned to discover that her steamy stranger is Jack, the single dad she’s now seeing everywhere. Caroline tries to ignore the undeniable pull between them, but she can’t resist Kate’s charm, stepping in to help when needed. The spark between Jack and Caroline intensifies as they grow closer, with a captivating push-and-pull that keeps the story electric.

The chemistry between Jack and Caroline is off the charts, but it’s Kate’s role that adds so much heart to this story. Watching these three connect made Wild Surrender feel even more special.

[Jo-Ann Pryce · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story between Jack and Caroline was the absolute cutest. Add to that the fact that they were basically brought together by Jack’s daughter, Kate. Their initial meeting was…explosive to say the least with some hot and spicy “animalistic” behavior in the woods (iykyk). But really, I love how they just couldn’t stay away from each other and they somehow always ended up in each other’s orbit.

Wild Surrender was a quick read and is great if you’re looking for something light.

[Jacquelyn Hauf · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. I didn’t expect it to start out how it did, but it pulled me in. And I couldn’t wait to put my kids to bed so I could relax and read more. I kept wanting more. I could predict how it would end up but it had some unexpected twists. I kept wanting the characters to just admit their real feelings to each other. But they didn’t until the end. It also had some parts that reminded me of things in my own life, which made it relatable. I would recommend this book.