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Surrender #2
The Gilded Cage
Passion that takes no prisoners, and love that tests the limits of ecstasy . . .
Fenn Lockwood comes alive in the shadows. Though he might have physically survived the kidnapping that stole his childhood, the trauma and pain he lived through have marked him forever. Now the only place where Fenn can be himself is within the walls of his private BDSM world—a place of erotic obsession, where desire isn't just captured . . . it's bound.
Hayden Thorne knows that behind Fenn's hardened exterior is a man worth fighting for. Yet to save him from the past that still haunts him, Hayden will have to abandon every inhibition she's ever had and venture into Fenn's intoxicatingly sensual world. Each tantalizing second she spends in Fenn's searing embrace is more delicious than the last and soon Hayden begins to think that she may never want to leave such torturous bliss . . .
Fenn Lockwood comes alive in the shadows. Though he might have physically survived the kidnapping that stole his childhood, the trauma and pain he lived through have marked him forever. Now the only place where Fenn can be himself is within the walls of his private BDSM world—a place of erotic obsession, where desire isn't just captured . . . it's bound.
Hayden Thorne knows that behind Fenn's hardened exterior is a man worth fighting for. Yet to save him from the past that still haunts him, Hayden will have to abandon every inhibition she's ever had and venture into Fenn's intoxicatingly sensual world. Each tantalizing second she spends in Fenn's searing embrace is more delicious than the last and soon Hayden begins to think that she may never want to leave such torturous bliss . . .
368 pages, Paperback
First published June 9, 2015
54 people are currently reading
592 people want to read
About the author
Lauren Smith
142 books2,201 followersLauren Smith is a USA Today Best-Selling author and an Oklahoma attorney. She knew she was destined to be a romance writer when she attempted to re-write the entire Titanic movie just to save Jack from drowning. Connecting with readers by writing emotionally moving, realistic and sexy romances no matter what time period is her passion. She’s won multiple awards in several romance subgenres including: New England Reader’s Choice Awards, Greater Detroit BookSeller’s Best Awards, Amazon.com Breakthrough Novel Award Quarter-Finalist and a Semi-Finalist for the Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley Award. To connect with Lauren, visit her at www.laurensmithbooks.com or twitter at @LSmithAuthor.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 113 reviews
June 9, 2015
4 - "This is the beginning, not the end." Stars!
The Gilded Cage literally takes off where The Gilded Cuff left off, if you haven’t read the first book in Lauren Smith’s Surrender series I recommend you do so, to get the full background on Fenn Lockwood, and the reasons for everything, especially in the first half of the book being such a shock to him.
Although this review doesn’t offer any spoilers on this book, it potentially will for The Gilded Cuff, if you haven’t read it.
It is not secret that I am a huge fan of Lauren Smiths writing, as an author she has the breadth and depth of imagination to be able to turn her hand to pretty much any genre, this isn’t a skill that a lot of authors manage to execute well, and I always find myself a little excited and a lot intrigued too see where this talented lady will take her readers next.
Whereas book one of this series, comprehensively ’set the scene’, as well as giving you Emery Lockwood’s story, it also gave you Emery’s recollections of leaving his brother behind and the belief that he had been killed at the hands of their captor. As he discovered towards the end of the book that wasn’t the case, and Fenn Lockwood, now Smith is actually alive, well and living in Walnut Springs, Colorado as a ranch hand and occasional Bull Rider.
This is Fenn and Hayden’s story, the head-strong sister of Will Thorne, once and still friend of the Lockwood twins. The connection between them both, starts off hot and burns brighter as the book progresses, both have particular tastes when it comes to the bedroom, and Fenn’s particular penchant for control and tying, definitely ticks all of Hayden’s boxes, feeling particularly unfulfilled in that area of her life he offers a welcome release for her, as fully trusting the man she gives herself to, gives her the opportunity to do something that she has struggled with in the past… Submit.
”You’re sleeping in your skin tonight and nothing else.”
There is no doubt that Lauren put everything she has into this book, it is full of action, twists, turns, and the reunion between the Lockwood family after the years of searching and hoping, had me in tears, the subsequent fall out for Fenn’s discovery and then return, and the kidnappers attempt at exacting revenge, all make for an entertaining and multi paced read, that you will struggle to put down.
”We are friends, always and forever.”
The glimpses you are also given of Will Thorne and Callie Taylor together, offer up just enough to make this reader, pretty impatient for the next book in the series The Gilded Chain (due October 2015) is their story, a known Dom, and a heart-sore, country girl in Paris… I am excited already!
ARC generously provided by the author, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review in exchange.
The Gilded Cage literally takes off where The Gilded Cuff left off, if you haven’t read the first book in Lauren Smith’s Surrender series I recommend you do so, to get the full background on Fenn Lockwood, and the reasons for everything, especially in the first half of the book being such a shock to him.
Although this review doesn’t offer any spoilers on this book, it potentially will for The Gilded Cuff, if you haven’t read it.
It is not secret that I am a huge fan of Lauren Smiths writing, as an author she has the breadth and depth of imagination to be able to turn her hand to pretty much any genre, this isn’t a skill that a lot of authors manage to execute well, and I always find myself a little excited and a lot intrigued too see where this talented lady will take her readers next.
Whereas book one of this series, comprehensively ’set the scene’, as well as giving you Emery Lockwood’s story, it also gave you Emery’s recollections of leaving his brother behind and the belief that he had been killed at the hands of their captor. As he discovered towards the end of the book that wasn’t the case, and Fenn Lockwood, now Smith is actually alive, well and living in Walnut Springs, Colorado as a ranch hand and occasional Bull Rider.
This is Fenn and Hayden’s story, the head-strong sister of Will Thorne, once and still friend of the Lockwood twins. The connection between them both, starts off hot and burns brighter as the book progresses, both have particular tastes when it comes to the bedroom, and Fenn’s particular penchant for control and tying, definitely ticks all of Hayden’s boxes, feeling particularly unfulfilled in that area of her life he offers a welcome release for her, as fully trusting the man she gives herself to, gives her the opportunity to do something that she has struggled with in the past… Submit.
”You’re sleeping in your skin tonight and nothing else.”
There is no doubt that Lauren put everything she has into this book, it is full of action, twists, turns, and the reunion between the Lockwood family after the years of searching and hoping, had me in tears, the subsequent fall out for Fenn’s discovery and then return, and the kidnappers attempt at exacting revenge, all make for an entertaining and multi paced read, that you will struggle to put down.
”We are friends, always and forever.”
The glimpses you are also given of Will Thorne and Callie Taylor together, offer up just enough to make this reader, pretty impatient for the next book in the series The Gilded Chain (due October 2015) is their story, a known Dom, and a heart-sore, country girl in Paris… I am excited already!
ARC generously provided by the author, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review in exchange.
January 21, 2020
Oh well... I have a high hope for The Gilded Cage. After all this is the story of Fenn. The other twin brother who got kidnapped. I was expecting dark, heart wrenching, broken, twisted story. And it could be. The BDSM part does not contributes anything into the story nor the character of Fenn. In fact the BDSM part is so mild (only spanking) and confuses me about Fenn's character. Why he is drawn into BDSM sex? I do not know.
The story is also way too dragging. The push and pull between Fenn and Hayden is just too long. Too dragging. I skipped some part of it. The sex is moderate. I try hard to like this book. Looking for something to give it 3 stars. Toward the end, it becomes more and more confusing. Plot is out of places and lack of focus.
2 stars
The story is also way too dragging. The push and pull between Fenn and Hayden is just too long. Too dragging. I skipped some part of it. The sex is moderate. I try hard to like this book. Looking for something to give it 3 stars. Toward the end, it becomes more and more confusing. Plot is out of places and lack of focus.
2 stars
February 18, 2015
What I really liked about writing this book I can break down into a couple of things. The first thing is the heroine Hayden. In the first book, she appears to be this rich, perfect, girl when she befriends Sophie Ryder. But as I got to show in The Gilded Cage, Hayden's life is far from perfect. She's trapped in a gilded cage, surrounded by people who don't understand her. She doesn't care about the clothes or the money at the end of the day. She's smart, she wants to build a life that has meaning. Despite her business skills, her father prevents her from being hired and her mother wants her to marry someone she can use as a political or economic connections. She's never had the mental or emotional support to go out on her own, but when she meets Fenn Lockwood and helps him reconnect with his family, she develops that strength to be her own person and not trapped in the cage her parents created for her.
Another thing I loved about writing this book was the twist in Fenn's story arc. Many writers would tell the storyline of a rags to riches tale of a man whose never had money going into a world of money for the first time and that "fish out of water" tale is common. I flipped that idea on it's head in two ways by having Hayden be the rich girl going to the farm, but actually enjoying the experience (you won't see her complaining about hard work). I also flipped the stereotype with Fenn because he was born into money, it's in his blood, but because he was kidnapped and suffered a head trauma, he doesn't remember that part of his past. So when he goes home for the first time, it's an upsetting experience on some levels as he has to reacclimmate himself to the setting of his old home.
The third final thing I loved writing about this book was the city of Walnut Springs. It was based on my visits and vacations to the little skiing town of Steamboat Springs.
The heart of the story though will always be the love that develops between Fenn and Hayden, two unlikely lovers that have a powderkeg relationship both in bed and out, yet they learn that trust between them is the thing that binds them together before they fall in love.
Another thing I loved about writing this book was the twist in Fenn's story arc. Many writers would tell the storyline of a rags to riches tale of a man whose never had money going into a world of money for the first time and that "fish out of water" tale is common. I flipped that idea on it's head in two ways by having Hayden be the rich girl going to the farm, but actually enjoying the experience (you won't see her complaining about hard work). I also flipped the stereotype with Fenn because he was born into money, it's in his blood, but because he was kidnapped and suffered a head trauma, he doesn't remember that part of his past. So when he goes home for the first time, it's an upsetting experience on some levels as he has to reacclimmate himself to the setting of his old home.
The third final thing I loved writing about this book was the city of Walnut Springs. It was based on my visits and vacations to the little skiing town of Steamboat Springs.
The heart of the story though will always be the love that develops between Fenn and Hayden, two unlikely lovers that have a powderkeg relationship both in bed and out, yet they learn that trust between them is the thing that binds them together before they fall in love.
May 27, 2015
ARC received for review
Solid 4 stars. Fenn and Hayden are amazing together, but they just don't beat out his brother Emery and Sophie. I love how Fenn's story was interwoven into what we had already read in Emery's. Fenn is a big Dom, but not as big and bad as Emery. It really bugged me that they didn't figure out who the bad guy was. I can't wait to read Wes and Callie's HEA, and I hope there's one planned for Royce.
Solid 4 stars. Fenn and Hayden are amazing together, but they just don't beat out his brother Emery and Sophie. I love how Fenn's story was interwoven into what we had already read in Emery's. Fenn is a big Dom, but not as big and bad as Emery. It really bugged me that they didn't figure out who the bad guy was. I can't wait to read Wes and Callie's HEA, and I hope there's one planned for Royce.
October 29, 2015
This was an amazing addition to the series. I absolutely loved Fenn and Hayden together, they just seem to balance each other and know what the other needs even before they do.
In this book we learn what happened to Fenn when he was kidnapped 25 years earlier and why everyone had believed he was dead. We get to see the whole crew too, Royce, Wes, Emery and Sophie. The ending of this book sets up The Gilded Chain nicely and I cannot wait to see what happens with Wes and Callie.
In this book we learn what happened to Fenn when he was kidnapped 25 years earlier and why everyone had believed he was dead. We get to see the whole crew too, Royce, Wes, Emery and Sophie. The ending of this book sets up The Gilded Chain nicely and I cannot wait to see what happens with Wes and Callie.
December 31, 2015
Title: The Gilded Cage
Author: Lauren Smith
Publisher/Year: Hachette Book Group 6/9/15
Length: 368 pages
Series: Surrender #2
Overview
Passion that takes no prisoners, and love that tests the limits of ecstasy . . . Fenn Lockwood comes alive in the shadows. Though he might have physically survived the kidnapping that stole his childhood, the trauma and pain he lived through have marked him forever. Now the only place where Fenn can be himself is within the walls of his private BDSM world-a place of erotic obsession, where desire isn't just captured . . . it's bound. Hayden Thorne knows that behind Fenn's hardened exterior is a man worth fighting for. Yet to save him from the past that still haunts him, Hayden will have to abandon every inhibition she's ever had and venture into Fenn's intoxicatingly sensual world. Each tantalizing second she spends in Fenn's searing embrace is more delicious than the last and soon Hayden begins to think that she may never want to leave such torturous bliss . .
My Thoughts
I really like this series - where we were left after the Gilded Cuff was a place of tension and turmoil, and i think where we've continued is an even better place. Emery and Sophie are in a great place and now it's up to Hayden to save Fenn if she can and convince him of his true identity before someone kills him.
We're reunited with this series when Hayden's at the Rodeo that Fenn's competing at, in the hopes of winning $50k to save The ranch that he's been living at since his adopted family has been suffering from financial stress since the father had a heart attack. Unfortunately though, Fenn's been getting these weird senses or visions of sorts and one hits him at the wrong time and he's knocked from the bull he's riding before he's able to even quality. Its at that moment when a woman in a silky red dress tries to distract the charging bull from him and well, it works. He's saved, she's saved and well, their paths have yet to truly cross yet.
From them on, we see that Hayden (the girl in the red dress) and Fenn are intertwined, their journey taking them hopefully back to Fenn's past but hopefully to what seems like a steamy future. It takes a bit of convincing, a few fights between Fenn and Wes (Hayden's brother) but Fenn begins to believe what they are saying.
The question though is whether they can outsmart the assassin, and get back to Emery and take him down? then at the same time, figure out who hired them to begin with 25 years ago and what was the motivation. To be honest, it took me a short bit to sort it out but it was an obvious reason for it all.
Throughout this story, we get a lot of death and destruction - a lot of people getting hurt in the cross fire and a few people getting emotionally wounded. You have to wonder who's death is final and who's going to make it through. Broken hearts and all.
True to what we saw in the first installment, the scening is hot. The passion that these 2 have is really nice to witness - they can't stay away from one another and while Fenn may not be a true Dom in the sense of a BDSM club (at least i don't think he is), he's able to keep Hayden from 'topping from the bottom', and that's something that few have been able to do.
The best bits though are what we get in the epilogue. I think that where we see Wes going, and the emotional reactions from those involved makes you really interested to see what's going to happen in book 3.
Author: Lauren Smith
Publisher/Year: Hachette Book Group 6/9/15
Length: 368 pages
Series: Surrender #2
Overview
Passion that takes no prisoners, and love that tests the limits of ecstasy . . . Fenn Lockwood comes alive in the shadows. Though he might have physically survived the kidnapping that stole his childhood, the trauma and pain he lived through have marked him forever. Now the only place where Fenn can be himself is within the walls of his private BDSM world-a place of erotic obsession, where desire isn't just captured . . . it's bound. Hayden Thorne knows that behind Fenn's hardened exterior is a man worth fighting for. Yet to save him from the past that still haunts him, Hayden will have to abandon every inhibition she's ever had and venture into Fenn's intoxicatingly sensual world. Each tantalizing second she spends in Fenn's searing embrace is more delicious than the last and soon Hayden begins to think that she may never want to leave such torturous bliss . .
My Thoughts
I really like this series - where we were left after the Gilded Cuff was a place of tension and turmoil, and i think where we've continued is an even better place. Emery and Sophie are in a great place and now it's up to Hayden to save Fenn if she can and convince him of his true identity before someone kills him.
We're reunited with this series when Hayden's at the Rodeo that Fenn's competing at, in the hopes of winning $50k to save The ranch that he's been living at since his adopted family has been suffering from financial stress since the father had a heart attack. Unfortunately though, Fenn's been getting these weird senses or visions of sorts and one hits him at the wrong time and he's knocked from the bull he's riding before he's able to even quality. Its at that moment when a woman in a silky red dress tries to distract the charging bull from him and well, it works. He's saved, she's saved and well, their paths have yet to truly cross yet.
From them on, we see that Hayden (the girl in the red dress) and Fenn are intertwined, their journey taking them hopefully back to Fenn's past but hopefully to what seems like a steamy future. It takes a bit of convincing, a few fights between Fenn and Wes (Hayden's brother) but Fenn begins to believe what they are saying.
The question though is whether they can outsmart the assassin, and get back to Emery and take him down? then at the same time, figure out who hired them to begin with 25 years ago and what was the motivation. To be honest, it took me a short bit to sort it out but it was an obvious reason for it all.
Throughout this story, we get a lot of death and destruction - a lot of people getting hurt in the cross fire and a few people getting emotionally wounded. You have to wonder who's death is final and who's going to make it through. Broken hearts and all.
True to what we saw in the first installment, the scening is hot. The passion that these 2 have is really nice to witness - they can't stay away from one another and while Fenn may not be a true Dom in the sense of a BDSM club (at least i don't think he is), he's able to keep Hayden from 'topping from the bottom', and that's something that few have been able to do.
The best bits though are what we get in the epilogue. I think that where we see Wes going, and the emotional reactions from those involved makes you really interested to see what's going to happen in book 3.
June 11, 2015
Hayden Thorne wants more from life than just being another high society wife. She’s educated and ambitious – and she plans on proving just how much to her overly demanding parents. She’s going to be the one to bring the legendary Fenn Lockwood back home.
Finding him was the easy part. Now she has to convince the intense cowboy of who he really is and that his rightful place is not in Colorado. She knew that Fenn would be physically devastating much like his twin, but she never expected that being in his orbit would cause her to question everything she ever wanted.
Fenn never remembered very much about his childhood. There were only flashes and dreams. Now he has a beautiful society spitfire telling him that he has a life and a family that he has never known and all he can think about is giving her the one thing he knows that she truly needs.
But there is someone out there that wants him dead and they’ll stop at nothing to see that it’s done. How can he choose between two worlds when protecting Hayden may mean walking away from her for good?
Lauren really cranks up the heat in The Gilded Cage! The chemistry between Fenn and Hayden literally sparks off the page and they share a unique connection that truly sets the story apart.
It’s action-packed, intense and emotional. I can’t wait to see where she takes the Surrender series next…
Finding him was the easy part. Now she has to convince the intense cowboy of who he really is and that his rightful place is not in Colorado. She knew that Fenn would be physically devastating much like his twin, but she never expected that being in his orbit would cause her to question everything she ever wanted.
Fenn never remembered very much about his childhood. There were only flashes and dreams. Now he has a beautiful society spitfire telling him that he has a life and a family that he has never known and all he can think about is giving her the one thing he knows that she truly needs.
But there is someone out there that wants him dead and they’ll stop at nothing to see that it’s done. How can he choose between two worlds when protecting Hayden may mean walking away from her for good?
Lauren really cranks up the heat in The Gilded Cage! The chemistry between Fenn and Hayden literally sparks off the page and they share a unique connection that truly sets the story apart.
It’s action-packed, intense and emotional. I can’t wait to see where she takes the Surrender series next…
June 21, 2015
I heard awesome things about the first book in this series, and the premise of this one intrigued me. I have to say though, I finished, and I felt very indifferent about The Gilded Cage. Much of the execution seemed off to me, as I was confused for a good portion of the book, which partially could be from the not reading book 1 (but I was under the impression these operated as standalones since each focused on a new set of characters).
I did enjoy Hayden as a character; she is a hoot and a holler, and I loved her spunk. Paired with Fenn, they worked well. There are some seriously hot scenes between the pair of them!
There was much less BDSM than I thought. At most, The Gilded Cage is pretty light BDSM. Which isn't an issue, I just thought there was going to be a bit more to it as I had been pitched the series by someone as a BDSM series.
Some of the plot lost me. I was a bit confused about some of the set up. There needed to be a bit more explanation, but I did, by the end, understand all that was going on. Props to Lauren Smith as the villain was a complete surprise for me! I couldn't even start guessing, as I had no idea where to look.
I am, however, intrigued for book 3, as Callie and Wes's will sure to be a win! I loved the pair of them in this one, so I cannot wait to read their own story.
I did enjoy Hayden as a character; she is a hoot and a holler, and I loved her spunk. Paired with Fenn, they worked well. There are some seriously hot scenes between the pair of them!
There was much less BDSM than I thought. At most, The Gilded Cage is pretty light BDSM. Which isn't an issue, I just thought there was going to be a bit more to it as I had been pitched the series by someone as a BDSM series.
Some of the plot lost me. I was a bit confused about some of the set up. There needed to be a bit more explanation, but I did, by the end, understand all that was going on. Props to Lauren Smith as the villain was a complete surprise for me! I couldn't even start guessing, as I had no idea where to look.
I am, however, intrigued for book 3, as Callie and Wes's will sure to be a win! I loved the pair of them in this one, so I cannot wait to read their own story.
May 18, 2015
The suspense part of this story had me more intrigued than the romance. Fenn and Hayden probably would have been characters I really like, even together, but I felt as though their character and romantic development took a bit of a backseat to their storyline fitting into the intrigue of the Lockwood kidnapping. I wanted to know more about how Fenn grew up with Lewis, exactly why Hayden's relationship with her parents was the way it was, but we never really got that kind of backstory.
May 15, 2024
Kobo + Contemporary Romance Challenge 2024. Trope: BDSM/ Romance/Mystery. #2 in Surrender Series by Lauren Smith.
MC's H Fenn (Smith) Lockwood, 33, Cowboy rodeo circuit, kidnapped with twin brother when he was 8 & never heard from again until now. h Hayden Thorne,23, heiress from Long Island, friend to Fenn's twin brother and his girlfriend.
Review I liked: In ‘The Gilded’ Cage we meet Fenn Lockwood, a handsome thirty three year old who lives on a ranch in Colorado, and enjoys bull riding. Hayden Thorne is twenty three and the daughter of one of the richest families on the Long Island Gold Coast. Hayden has come to the little town of Walnut Springs, to save Fenn, tell him the truth about his past and to prove to the outside world that she is more than only a rich girl. But what Hayden didn’t expect was to feel this deep connection to Fenn, from the moment they laid eyes on each other.
Hayden has been searching for someone she could trust enough to completely give up control, but she never found him. That is until the day she meets Fenn. Fenn is a hardworking dominating guy with a dark past, and all he wants is to show Hayden what he can make her feel. But although they both are completely compelled by one another, there is someone trying to kill Fenn and soon everyone he cares about is in danger and they are forced to react.
I was really looking forward to reading this book. I was so excited and really wanted to find out how the story of the Lockwood’s continued. So when I started reading, I just couldn’t stop and read it in just one day. This book and the Surrender series in general are just so good. This book is filled with romance and passion, but there’s also a lot of action and there are some really thrilling and terrifying moments. I honestly don’t think you can write this book down under one genre.
The romance in this book is wonderful. The characters Fenn and Hayden are really good and Lauren was able to immediately make me love them. Fenn is this alpha male, but with a lot of kindness. And although he was very dominating, especially in the bedroom I loved his character.
Hayden tries to show the world she is tough and that she can take care of herself, but she also is very vulnerable and just wants to make something of herself.
Just like in the first book of the Surrender series, this book had some BDSM stuff in it, but it is very mellow and even sweeter than in the first book. It really isn’t the main element in this book, and because it is so mellow I found it very romantic.
I honestly can’t find one thing I didn’t like about this book. There are many romantic, fun but also terrifying moments. Lauren Smith makes sure you feel every emotion out there while reading this book. I loved it and can’t wait to read the third book in this series.
MC's H Fenn (Smith) Lockwood, 33, Cowboy rodeo circuit, kidnapped with twin brother when he was 8 & never heard from again until now. h Hayden Thorne,23, heiress from Long Island, friend to Fenn's twin brother and his girlfriend.
Review I liked: In ‘The Gilded’ Cage we meet Fenn Lockwood, a handsome thirty three year old who lives on a ranch in Colorado, and enjoys bull riding. Hayden Thorne is twenty three and the daughter of one of the richest families on the Long Island Gold Coast. Hayden has come to the little town of Walnut Springs, to save Fenn, tell him the truth about his past and to prove to the outside world that she is more than only a rich girl. But what Hayden didn’t expect was to feel this deep connection to Fenn, from the moment they laid eyes on each other.
Hayden has been searching for someone she could trust enough to completely give up control, but she never found him. That is until the day she meets Fenn. Fenn is a hardworking dominating guy with a dark past, and all he wants is to show Hayden what he can make her feel. But although they both are completely compelled by one another, there is someone trying to kill Fenn and soon everyone he cares about is in danger and they are forced to react.
I was really looking forward to reading this book. I was so excited and really wanted to find out how the story of the Lockwood’s continued. So when I started reading, I just couldn’t stop and read it in just one day. This book and the Surrender series in general are just so good. This book is filled with romance and passion, but there’s also a lot of action and there are some really thrilling and terrifying moments. I honestly don’t think you can write this book down under one genre.
The romance in this book is wonderful. The characters Fenn and Hayden are really good and Lauren was able to immediately make me love them. Fenn is this alpha male, but with a lot of kindness. And although he was very dominating, especially in the bedroom I loved his character.
Hayden tries to show the world she is tough and that she can take care of herself, but she also is very vulnerable and just wants to make something of herself.
Just like in the first book of the Surrender series, this book had some BDSM stuff in it, but it is very mellow and even sweeter than in the first book. It really isn’t the main element in this book, and because it is so mellow I found it very romantic.
I honestly can’t find one thing I didn’t like about this book. There are many romantic, fun but also terrifying moments. Lauren Smith makes sure you feel every emotion out there while reading this book. I loved it and can’t wait to read the third book in this series.
June 6, 2017
**I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and not influenced by my source.**
The chemistry between these two explodes from the first chapter and I loved watching their relationship blossom and come to life. What a fantastic match!
I also loved their character development. They both have their flaws and their strengths and watching those develop was such a treat.
The plot was exciting and dangerous: everything I wanted it to be. There is a perfect balance between it and the romance so there is never a dull moment.
Honestly, this series is perfect for fans of erotica who love having more substance to the plot than just sexy times!
Check out more spoiler-free book and series reviews on my blog SERIESousBookReviews.com as well as read book series recaps!
Full Review: http://wp.me/p7hLUw-275
Actual Rating: 4/5
The chemistry between these two explodes from the first chapter and I loved watching their relationship blossom and come to life. What a fantastic match!
I also loved their character development. They both have their flaws and their strengths and watching those develop was such a treat.
The plot was exciting and dangerous: everything I wanted it to be. There is a perfect balance between it and the romance so there is never a dull moment.
Honestly, this series is perfect for fans of erotica who love having more substance to the plot than just sexy times!
Check out more spoiler-free book and series reviews on my blog SERIESousBookReviews.com as well as read book series recaps!
Full Review: http://wp.me/p7hLUw-275
Actual Rating: 4/5
May 26, 2015
4.5 out of 5 Stars
*Complimentary ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley for the purpose of an honest review.
I am officially OBSESSED with this series, and I NEED this series in print to grace my bookshelf! If you enjoyed The Blackstone Affair series by Raine Miller, I think you’ll enjoy this series. For an author to be able to make me like and grow to love a 23 year old heroine is nigh impossible, but Ms. Smith pulled off that miracle. And if that wasn't enough, the sizzling, sensual and erotic assault from the chemistry between Fenn and Hayden was a delicious torture. And finally, the author wasn't afraid to include suspense tinged with a darkness that was somewhat chilling and could be a trigger for some.
I loved Hayden's (23) firecracker personality. She was sassy without being childish, unlike most heroines her age. She was a great combination of beauty and brains (she graduated a year early with an MBA from Princeton). She was bold, outgoing, compassionate and empathetic. She could have been a spoiled brat but wasn't. A beautiful, smart, independent woman such as her should have been the pride of her parents, however nothing was further from the truth. Her parents were elitist snobs who preferred to use her as a pawn in their social and political games. Becoming someone's trophy wife was not how she wanted her life to amount to. She wanted to matter and make a difference. As for her love life, it was just as miserable. As a submissive, she had a reputation of being mouthy, aggressive, and trying to top from the bottom. Hayden secretly longed for a dom to control her in the bedroom, but she’d never been able to trust one—afraid if she gave anyone that kind of power, they’d steamroll her and take away the part of her that needed to remain free. That yearning for freedom was so strong that it suppressed her natural submissive nature.
Fenn (33) was a wonderful hero. His tragic childhood and the man he grew up to be against all odds, as well as his love and protective streak for his adopted family showed a deeply compassionate and honorable side of him. He was also a dominant like his twin, without the BDSM background. Another thing I loved was the contrast in lifestyles between the two twins. Where Emery was a CEO type, Fenn grew up to be a cowboy and bull rider. A dominant cowboy? Hell yes, please!
There were six sex scenes in total, and each one of them was a sensual assault on the libido. I loved Hayden and Fenn together because they each gave the other what they wanted or needed. I'd say this was a BDSM-lite story because it was mostly bondage and spanking without the other lifestyle nuances. No condoms were used (he was clean and she had an IUD). Just in case that bothers anyone.
The identity of the true villain pulling the strings wasn't really a secret, but that didn't dampen my enjoyment of the unfolding events. I felt there was a nice trade-off between suspense and romance that built up gradually towards the climax. The villain's reason may have seemed lame, but then again, he was a greedy, crazy bastard. The assassin surprised me, to be honest. Despite some of Greyson's despicable actions in this story, there appeared to be room for redemption. I deducted half a star because while I admired Hayden's courage in the end, she still managed to get herself into trouble (twice) which made things more difficult for the guys.
The epilogue set up Wes and Callie's story, and call me cruel, but I enjoyed the moment when Wes gave Callie a wake-up call that Fenn was irrevocably off the market. I can not wait for that story (the heroine is twenty but she wasn't annoying in this book, so I have high hopes).
*Complimentary ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley for the purpose of an honest review.
I am officially OBSESSED with this series, and I NEED this series in print to grace my bookshelf! If you enjoyed The Blackstone Affair series by Raine Miller, I think you’ll enjoy this series. For an author to be able to make me like and grow to love a 23 year old heroine is nigh impossible, but Ms. Smith pulled off that miracle. And if that wasn't enough, the sizzling, sensual and erotic assault from the chemistry between Fenn and Hayden was a delicious torture. And finally, the author wasn't afraid to include suspense tinged with a darkness that was somewhat chilling and could be a trigger for some.
I loved Hayden's (23) firecracker personality. She was sassy without being childish, unlike most heroines her age. She was a great combination of beauty and brains (she graduated a year early with an MBA from Princeton). She was bold, outgoing, compassionate and empathetic. She could have been a spoiled brat but wasn't. A beautiful, smart, independent woman such as her should have been the pride of her parents, however nothing was further from the truth. Her parents were elitist snobs who preferred to use her as a pawn in their social and political games. Becoming someone's trophy wife was not how she wanted her life to amount to. She wanted to matter and make a difference. As for her love life, it was just as miserable. As a submissive, she had a reputation of being mouthy, aggressive, and trying to top from the bottom. Hayden secretly longed for a dom to control her in the bedroom, but she’d never been able to trust one—afraid if she gave anyone that kind of power, they’d steamroll her and take away the part of her that needed to remain free. That yearning for freedom was so strong that it suppressed her natural submissive nature.
Fenn (33) was a wonderful hero. His tragic childhood and the man he grew up to be against all odds, as well as his love and protective streak for his adopted family showed a deeply compassionate and honorable side of him. He was also a dominant like his twin, without the BDSM background. Another thing I loved was the contrast in lifestyles between the two twins. Where Emery was a CEO type, Fenn grew up to be a cowboy and bull rider. A dominant cowboy? Hell yes, please!
There were six sex scenes in total, and each one of them was a sensual assault on the libido. I loved Hayden and Fenn together because they each gave the other what they wanted or needed. I'd say this was a BDSM-lite story because it was mostly bondage and spanking without the other lifestyle nuances. No condoms were used (he was clean and she had an IUD). Just in case that bothers anyone.
The identity of the true villain pulling the strings wasn't really a secret, but that didn't dampen my enjoyment of the unfolding events. I felt there was a nice trade-off between suspense and romance that built up gradually towards the climax. The villain's reason may have seemed lame, but then again, he was a greedy, crazy bastard. The assassin surprised me, to be honest. Despite some of Greyson's despicable actions in this story, there appeared to be room for redemption. I deducted half a star because while I admired Hayden's courage in the end, she still managed to get herself into trouble (twice) which made things more difficult for the guys.
The epilogue set up Wes and Callie's story, and call me cruel, but I enjoyed the moment when Wes gave Callie a wake-up call that Fenn was irrevocably off the market. I can not wait for that story (the heroine is twenty but she wasn't annoying in this book, so I have high hopes).
June 19, 2015
Overall: 4.5 Stars
'The Gilded Cage' is the second book in the Surrender series, and it picked up right where the previous book ended. While this could technically be read as a standalone, I really feel you don't get the full experience without reading 'The Gilded Cuff' first. And it's another great read, so if you like one, you are sure to like the other.
Previously we met the Emery, the youngest Lockwood brother, and were introduced to his version of the kidnappng when he and his twin were taken at 8 years old, where his life had led him to in the 25 years since he returned but his brother did not, and the fact that the person/persons behind the kidnapping were still at large. This time around we get to know the Fenn, the eldest twin, who has been living without the memories of his childhood, unaware of his kidnapping or family past. We get to see his memories, his love, his hurts, his fear and joy... and the fact that someone is still trying to kill him.
Between the memory loss and rediscovery, the looming assassin trying to take these boys out, the man behind the kidnapping at large, and, of course, the sweet chemistry and steamy love scenes, this was another exciting read and I flew through the pages. I needed to see how it all ended. But that's because I loved these characters and was excited and nervous and enthralled with their journey. So much happened to them in such a short period of time. And while the timeline might feel slightly unbelievable to some people, I was all for it and going along for the ride right alongside them.
I loved getting to know Fenn and his similarities and differences with his twin. I loved how comfortable he was in his Colorado life and home, not in a hurry to jump onboard into Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous. Yet the opportunity to get to know his lost family was still at hand. And I loved that Hayden was able to find a piece of herself in this new town that she had never explored, and a second chance as well. These two had an instant connection, and their chemistry and understanding of each other could be felt. I loved watching Fenn and Hayden's story unfold, and get excited for their future (should they survive it all!).
There were some great side characters too, in addition to the couples of Emery and Sophie, and Fenn and Hayden, and I hope they all get their own books, because not only do I like the diferent characters and the potential in each of their personalities, but I also like the author's writing style and look forward to how she would be able to explore each one of them. Great book; great series!
'The Gilded Cage' is the second book in the Surrender series, and it picked up right where the previous book ended. While this could technically be read as a standalone, I really feel you don't get the full experience without reading 'The Gilded Cuff' first. And it's another great read, so if you like one, you are sure to like the other.
Previously we met the Emery, the youngest Lockwood brother, and were introduced to his version of the kidnappng when he and his twin were taken at 8 years old, where his life had led him to in the 25 years since he returned but his brother did not, and the fact that the person/persons behind the kidnapping were still at large. This time around we get to know the Fenn, the eldest twin, who has been living without the memories of his childhood, unaware of his kidnapping or family past. We get to see his memories, his love, his hurts, his fear and joy... and the fact that someone is still trying to kill him.
Between the memory loss and rediscovery, the looming assassin trying to take these boys out, the man behind the kidnapping at large, and, of course, the sweet chemistry and steamy love scenes, this was another exciting read and I flew through the pages. I needed to see how it all ended. But that's because I loved these characters and was excited and nervous and enthralled with their journey. So much happened to them in such a short period of time. And while the timeline might feel slightly unbelievable to some people, I was all for it and going along for the ride right alongside them.
I loved getting to know Fenn and his similarities and differences with his twin. I loved how comfortable he was in his Colorado life and home, not in a hurry to jump onboard into Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous. Yet the opportunity to get to know his lost family was still at hand. And I loved that Hayden was able to find a piece of herself in this new town that she had never explored, and a second chance as well. These two had an instant connection, and their chemistry and understanding of each other could be felt. I loved watching Fenn and Hayden's story unfold, and get excited for their future (should they survive it all!).
There were some great side characters too, in addition to the couples of Emery and Sophie, and Fenn and Hayden, and I hope they all get their own books, because not only do I like the diferent characters and the potential in each of their personalities, but I also like the author's writing style and look forward to how she would be able to explore each one of them. Great book; great series!
June 3, 2015
Hayden Thorne has nothing to lose! She is from a wealthy family, but no one understands her. Her parents want to parade her around hoping she will make a match with one of their rich associates sons. Making themselves look good. It's all about looks. Nevermind that they don't even ask her what she wants. She has an MBA, but her mother thinks she should forget about all that and find herself a husband. Her brother, Wes, doesn't really pay much attention. He is a man after all and completely independent these days.
She wishes there was a way to show everyone that she is just as smart and capable as they think they are. She finally figures out a way to shoe them! The Lockwood Twins were kidnapped 25 years ago before she was born! But her brother had been close to the twins, Emery and Fenn. Through him, she finds out that the missing and presumed dead twin, Fenn is alive and living in a small country town. She must get to him first and be the one to bring him home! Then maybe her parents will see her for who she really is. So she grabs the family's private jet and takes off to find him.
She finds him alright! In the middle of a bull riding ring getting thrown from a bull! The clowns are late and she is wearing a little red dress, might as well distract the bull! She jumps in the ring and saves Fenn from getting trampled and the adventure begins! Fenn can't believe his eyes! A gorgeous woman in a barely there red dress comes out of nowhere to distract the bull that just threw him off! What the? He has no idea what is in store for him with this woman!
I really liked the message in this novel! Hayden's parents have her trapped, They control her income, her days and her future, thus the name of the book, The Gilded Cage. That is what she is living in. But she is persistent. She is strong, but she needs a little push in the right direction.
This is a continuation of The Gilded Cuff and I highly recommend reading that book first. The characters are dynamic and real. The things that happen to them are heartbreaking but also very realistic. The writing is fantastic and kept me on the edge of my seat reading until way past bedtime! The teaser at the end for the next book, The Gilded Chain, has me impatiently waiting for the release of it!
She wishes there was a way to show everyone that she is just as smart and capable as they think they are. She finally figures out a way to shoe them! The Lockwood Twins were kidnapped 25 years ago before she was born! But her brother had been close to the twins, Emery and Fenn. Through him, she finds out that the missing and presumed dead twin, Fenn is alive and living in a small country town. She must get to him first and be the one to bring him home! Then maybe her parents will see her for who she really is. So she grabs the family's private jet and takes off to find him.
She finds him alright! In the middle of a bull riding ring getting thrown from a bull! The clowns are late and she is wearing a little red dress, might as well distract the bull! She jumps in the ring and saves Fenn from getting trampled and the adventure begins! Fenn can't believe his eyes! A gorgeous woman in a barely there red dress comes out of nowhere to distract the bull that just threw him off! What the? He has no idea what is in store for him with this woman!
I really liked the message in this novel! Hayden's parents have her trapped, They control her income, her days and her future, thus the name of the book, The Gilded Cage. That is what she is living in. But she is persistent. She is strong, but she needs a little push in the right direction.
This is a continuation of The Gilded Cuff and I highly recommend reading that book first. The characters are dynamic and real. The things that happen to them are heartbreaking but also very realistic. The writing is fantastic and kept me on the edge of my seat reading until way past bedtime! The teaser at the end for the next book, The Gilded Chain, has me impatiently waiting for the release of it!
June 19, 2015
Although there are definite elements of a D/s relationship between Fenn and Hayden, THE GILDED CAGE read much more like a good romantic suspense with just the added bonus of extra sexiness for me. Fenn is dominant, somewhat aggressive, and easily takes charge; however his actual story and the resulting whirlwind of action that follows is what kept me turning pages. Fenn grew up learning to fend for himself and although he is loved and supported by a family that took him in, he really has had to fend for himself from a young age. Determined to help save the land he loves an encounter with a woman determined to bring him back to the world that he was born to changes everything for him. Fenn finds out that he isn't at all who he thought and is in fact a kidnapping victim and part of a very wealthy family.
Although Hayden is smart, determined, and has good intentions she makes a few decisions in the book that do not play out well for her. It's hard to have a lot of sympathy for someone who is wealthy, well educated, generally well liked, and on top of all that is physically attractive. I did like Hayden as a character, I just didn't think that her life was so bad that she had to "prove" anything to anyone to the extent that she felt that she did. Although it would be hard to break away from your parents, even elitist ones; with her education and stated abilities, if she were willing to walk away from an ultra cushy lifestyle, she could make her own decisions and live her life on her own terms. It's all a matter of perspective I suppose. With that being said Hayden is loyal to her friends, wants what's best for them and is willing to put herself in danger to save someone else. Hayden shows that she takes her relationships seriously and ultimately loves deeply.
THE GILDED CAGE was an enjoyable read and a very good continuation of the series. This is not a standalone story and you do need to have read THE GILDED CUFF to fully appreciate the story that unfolds.
**I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.**
You can find more from me at Monlatable Book Reviews
http://www.monlatablereviews.com/
Although Hayden is smart, determined, and has good intentions she makes a few decisions in the book that do not play out well for her. It's hard to have a lot of sympathy for someone who is wealthy, well educated, generally well liked, and on top of all that is physically attractive. I did like Hayden as a character, I just didn't think that her life was so bad that she had to "prove" anything to anyone to the extent that she felt that she did. Although it would be hard to break away from your parents, even elitist ones; with her education and stated abilities, if she were willing to walk away from an ultra cushy lifestyle, she could make her own decisions and live her life on her own terms. It's all a matter of perspective I suppose. With that being said Hayden is loyal to her friends, wants what's best for them and is willing to put herself in danger to save someone else. Hayden shows that she takes her relationships seriously and ultimately loves deeply.
THE GILDED CAGE was an enjoyable read and a very good continuation of the series. This is not a standalone story and you do need to have read THE GILDED CUFF to fully appreciate the story that unfolds.
**I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.**
You can find more from me at Monlatable Book Reviews
http://www.monlatablereviews.com/
June 27, 2015
I unfortunately did not read the first book, I was under the impression this is a stand alone. It really isn't I was confused at first because I didn't understand the relationships and this book started directly when the last one ended and I think to get the full enjoyment from the novel you do need to read book 1. However, I do thank Netgalley for giving me the novel in exchange for an honest review.
That is the negative...it is all uphill from there! I think this is every contemporary romance reader's holy grail. It has something for everyone: Action, suspense, twists, reunions, revenge, light BDSM and so much heat it will burn your house down. Mix all these wonderful traits with an intensity and chemistry of the two main characters and Lauren Smith has another hit on her hands.
LS writes in several genre's and does then all with excellence. Her writing style is easy to read and her characterizations take a good book and make it a great book. I have to be honest I had no idea who the villain was until it was disclosed in the storyline. I also enjoyed the fact that the relationship angst was kept to a minimum but the emotional connection was still very apparent. The book was fast paced and over before you were ready. LS does know how to get you to buy the next book in her series. I'm one fan girl who needs to stalk her until the next book is released cause I just have to know what happens with the next couple.
Ok, I know I mentioned the book had heat but I need to emphasize the chemistry between Fenn and Hayden...it was boiling hot, so hot that the lid blew off the pot and landed across the room making the room soooo steamy you thought it was smoke hawt!
If you are looking for a series that will give you everything you need in a romance novel the Surrender series is the one for you. I am going to go back and read book one, then reread this one before the next book comes out. I give this a 4 star read for me and a t'irla you *have* to read this on the beach this summer recommendation. Just remember Gilded Cuffs first Gilded Cage next...and don't forget your fan, you will need it.
That is the negative...it is all uphill from there! I think this is every contemporary romance reader's holy grail. It has something for everyone: Action, suspense, twists, reunions, revenge, light BDSM and so much heat it will burn your house down. Mix all these wonderful traits with an intensity and chemistry of the two main characters and Lauren Smith has another hit on her hands.
LS writes in several genre's and does then all with excellence. Her writing style is easy to read and her characterizations take a good book and make it a great book. I have to be honest I had no idea who the villain was until it was disclosed in the storyline. I also enjoyed the fact that the relationship angst was kept to a minimum but the emotional connection was still very apparent. The book was fast paced and over before you were ready. LS does know how to get you to buy the next book in her series. I'm one fan girl who needs to stalk her until the next book is released cause I just have to know what happens with the next couple.
Ok, I know I mentioned the book had heat but I need to emphasize the chemistry between Fenn and Hayden...it was boiling hot, so hot that the lid blew off the pot and landed across the room making the room soooo steamy you thought it was smoke hawt!
If you are looking for a series that will give you everything you need in a romance novel the Surrender series is the one for you. I am going to go back and read book one, then reread this one before the next book comes out. I give this a 4 star read for me and a t'irla you *have* to read this on the beach this summer recommendation. Just remember Gilded Cuffs first Gilded Cage next...and don't forget your fan, you will need it.
June 9, 2015
Not too much relationship drama; dominant, delicious sex; suspenseful kidnapper/killer on the loose; & a hot as fuck cowboy turned heir to a fortune. YUP, I was so in.
Fenn has finally been found…in more ways than one. He’s been living in Colorado as Fenn Smith and except for random flashbacks that he has been writing off as his crazy imagination, he has zero clue that he’s anything other than an orphaned child and adopted rancher. He’s found a family with Jim and Callie and despite their financial difficulties, he’s a happy man.
When Hayden sprints across the bullpen in a tight little red dress, Fenn’s interests suddenly take a different direction. Even when she reveals the truth to him – that he’s the heir to a fortune, has a twin brother, and the life he currently knows is not totally his own – he wants to take her, spank her and make her his.
The connection between Hayden and Fenn is clearly immediate and oh so hot. The dirty talking foreplay leads to some lightly dominant sex that had me craving more. Hayden is a submissive at the Gilded Cuff, the sex club back home, but she’s never been able to find a Dominant because she sort of mouths off a lot. Honey, they call that topping from the bottom. Anyway, she’s never been with someone who she felt comfortable releasing all control to – until Fenn. His words calm her, his arms comfort her, and his dick quickly claims her.
There’s lots of danger – since a kidnapper/killer is running around – and a few attempts on everyone’s lives. If you don’t want a lot of relationship angst and prefer to hate on the killer running loose who deserves it, then pick this up now. Overall, it’s a great suspenseful romance that I definitely enjoyed. 4 stars.
[I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review]
This review looks prettier on my blog: http://obsessedwithmyshelf.com/2015/0...
Fenn has finally been found…in more ways than one. He’s been living in Colorado as Fenn Smith and except for random flashbacks that he has been writing off as his crazy imagination, he has zero clue that he’s anything other than an orphaned child and adopted rancher. He’s found a family with Jim and Callie and despite their financial difficulties, he’s a happy man.
When Hayden sprints across the bullpen in a tight little red dress, Fenn’s interests suddenly take a different direction. Even when she reveals the truth to him – that he’s the heir to a fortune, has a twin brother, and the life he currently knows is not totally his own – he wants to take her, spank her and make her his.
The connection between Hayden and Fenn is clearly immediate and oh so hot. The dirty talking foreplay leads to some lightly dominant sex that had me craving more. Hayden is a submissive at the Gilded Cuff, the sex club back home, but she’s never been able to find a Dominant because she sort of mouths off a lot. Honey, they call that topping from the bottom. Anyway, she’s never been with someone who she felt comfortable releasing all control to – until Fenn. His words calm her, his arms comfort her, and his dick quickly claims her.
There’s lots of danger – since a kidnapper/killer is running around – and a few attempts on everyone’s lives. If you don’t want a lot of relationship angst and prefer to hate on the killer running loose who deserves it, then pick this up now. Overall, it’s a great suspenseful romance that I definitely enjoyed. 4 stars.
[I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review]
This review looks prettier on my blog: http://obsessedwithmyshelf.com/2015/0...
June 8, 2015
THE GILDED CAGE by Lauren Smith is an interesting Erotica Contemporary Romance with BDSM, mystery, bondage, and suspesne. #2 in the highly anticipated "Surrender" series, while, it can be read as a stand alone, I would recommend reading "The Gilded Cuff", first, book 1 in the series.
Fast paced tale of passion, romance, bull riding, and so much more. The characters are engaging, wild, and passionate. This story contains, bondage, BDSM, mystery, suspense, romance,love and finding your HEA.
Twins kidnapped as infants, finally find each other after years of separation, in "The Gilded Cuff". Now with "The Gilded Cage", the story continues. This is Fenn Lockwood and Hayden Thorne's story.
Fenn was traumatized, and misused during his childhood, now he finds his pleasure in his own private BDSM world. A world where erotic obsession is bound with no limits. Is Fenn worth fighting for? Hayden believes so.
A heartbreaking story, one which is realistic, believable, and engaging. With characters that steal your heart as they fight for their love, finds forgiveness, healing and their HEA. Ms. Smith is an amazing storyteller, one who enthralls her readers with flawed characters, realistic plots, and believable circumstances. Fans of Erotica, Contemporary Romance, flawed characters, bondage, the BDSM world, secrets, suspense, mystery, and so much more will devow "The Gilded Cage". Can passion, ecstasy, and love make good bed fellows?
Another hit for Ms. Smith, and one I would strongly recommend, but I would suggest reading "The Gilded Cuff" first, in order to get the backstory. I look forward to the next installment in the "Surrender" series. Well done, once again! Another must read!
*Received for an honest review from the author and Net Galley*
**Cross-posted on My Book Addiction and More dot com**
Rating: 4.5
Heat rating: Hot
Reviewed by: AprilR, courtesy of My Book Addiction and More
Fast paced tale of passion, romance, bull riding, and so much more. The characters are engaging, wild, and passionate. This story contains, bondage, BDSM, mystery, suspense, romance,love and finding your HEA.
Twins kidnapped as infants, finally find each other after years of separation, in "The Gilded Cuff". Now with "The Gilded Cage", the story continues. This is Fenn Lockwood and Hayden Thorne's story.
Fenn was traumatized, and misused during his childhood, now he finds his pleasure in his own private BDSM world. A world where erotic obsession is bound with no limits. Is Fenn worth fighting for? Hayden believes so.
A heartbreaking story, one which is realistic, believable, and engaging. With characters that steal your heart as they fight for their love, finds forgiveness, healing and their HEA. Ms. Smith is an amazing storyteller, one who enthralls her readers with flawed characters, realistic plots, and believable circumstances. Fans of Erotica, Contemporary Romance, flawed characters, bondage, the BDSM world, secrets, suspense, mystery, and so much more will devow "The Gilded Cage". Can passion, ecstasy, and love make good bed fellows?
Another hit for Ms. Smith, and one I would strongly recommend, but I would suggest reading "The Gilded Cuff" first, in order to get the backstory. I look forward to the next installment in the "Surrender" series. Well done, once again! Another must read!
*Received for an honest review from the author and Net Galley*
**Cross-posted on My Book Addiction and More dot com**
Rating: 4.5
Heat rating: Hot
Reviewed by: AprilR, courtesy of My Book Addiction and More
July 3, 2015
In this second book in the Surrender series, Finn Lockwood, Emery's twin brother has been located in Colorado and Hayden Thorne runs off to find him. She's determined to bring him home and prove to her worth to everyone. The only problem is the kidnapper/killers are still on the loose and determined to finish the job. Hayden could end up being collateral damage.
I loved Finn and how he struggled to deal with the reality of reconciling his current life with his past. The reunion with his family was both touching and tender and I loved those scenes. Hayden was a strong character throughout and I felt like I was just getting to really know her by the end of the story.
As for the kidnapping mystery, it wasn't hard to guess the culprit, and the ending had me holding my breath for a few pages even while wondering how the Lockwood family didn't see it coming. The action scenes were very well done in The Gilded Cage.
There are three strong elements to this story: the Lockwood kidnapping and the reunion of Finn with his family, the romance between Finn and Hayden, and their dominant/submissive relationship. Of these, I loved the first and second, and thought that the D/s part of their relationship really didn't add more to the story and kept me from rating this higher. The romance and suspense was strong enough for this story.
While this series isn't perfect, I do like the dynamic story of the Lockwood Brothers. If you like romantic suspense with light BDSM, you might like this series.
ARC provided for review.
This review and others like it appear on my blog at:
http://redhotbluereads.blogspot.com/
I loved Finn and how he struggled to deal with the reality of reconciling his current life with his past. The reunion with his family was both touching and tender and I loved those scenes. Hayden was a strong character throughout and I felt like I was just getting to really know her by the end of the story.
As for the kidnapping mystery, it wasn't hard to guess the culprit, and the ending had me holding my breath for a few pages even while wondering how the Lockwood family didn't see it coming. The action scenes were very well done in The Gilded Cage.
There are three strong elements to this story: the Lockwood kidnapping and the reunion of Finn with his family, the romance between Finn and Hayden, and their dominant/submissive relationship. Of these, I loved the first and second, and thought that the D/s part of their relationship really didn't add more to the story and kept me from rating this higher. The romance and suspense was strong enough for this story.
While this series isn't perfect, I do like the dynamic story of the Lockwood Brothers. If you like romantic suspense with light BDSM, you might like this series.
ARC provided for review.
This review and others like it appear on my blog at:
http://redhotbluereads.blogspot.com/
June 17, 2015
Favorite Quotes:
“Words – not his – scratched across the back of his eyes and burrowed into his mind like scorpions, leaving only stark fear behind.”
“He kissed her like a man savoring a rich glass of wine, or a favorite dish of food.”
“There was such an intense and refreshing aspect to men who said what they meant and didn’t try to play games. Not like the men back home, who spent more money on mistresses than wives and didn’t know the first thing about working hard at anything.”
“A woman never jokes about chocolate or ice cream and certainly not when they’re together. That’s serious business.”
My Review:
The Gilded Cage was an action-packed, romantic-suspense, thrill ride. It was much spicier than The Gilded Cuff, which was also intriguing and suspenseful, although the protagonists of this volume were more adventuresome and prone to risk taking, in all settings. There were assassination attempts, abductions, bar fights, rodeo bull-riding, a bar brawl, car accidents, bombings, shootings, long-lost relatives found and reunited, love and lust sparked and ignited, phew… while all that sounds exhausting… I loved it. The story was well-plotted and emotive, the writing was compelling and insightful. Lauren Smith’s characters are smart, witty, and uniquely compelling… being somewhat volatile, yet secretly soft and tender marshmallows. I adored them and look forward to more of this series.
“Words – not his – scratched across the back of his eyes and burrowed into his mind like scorpions, leaving only stark fear behind.”
“He kissed her like a man savoring a rich glass of wine, or a favorite dish of food.”
“There was such an intense and refreshing aspect to men who said what they meant and didn’t try to play games. Not like the men back home, who spent more money on mistresses than wives and didn’t know the first thing about working hard at anything.”
“A woman never jokes about chocolate or ice cream and certainly not when they’re together. That’s serious business.”
My Review:
The Gilded Cage was an action-packed, romantic-suspense, thrill ride. It was much spicier than The Gilded Cuff, which was also intriguing and suspenseful, although the protagonists of this volume were more adventuresome and prone to risk taking, in all settings. There were assassination attempts, abductions, bar fights, rodeo bull-riding, a bar brawl, car accidents, bombings, shootings, long-lost relatives found and reunited, love and lust sparked and ignited, phew… while all that sounds exhausting… I loved it. The story was well-plotted and emotive, the writing was compelling and insightful. Lauren Smith’s characters are smart, witty, and uniquely compelling… being somewhat volatile, yet secretly soft and tender marshmallows. I adored them and look forward to more of this series.
July 26, 2015
I love it when a writer manages to create a series with common threads yet such rich diversity! With her second in the Surrender series, Lauren Smith has done just that. While most of the characters from her first, The Gilded Cuff, returned for this second installment, the tone of this one mixed things up a bit by virtue of the heroes upbringing. The result made for rich conflict between the hero and heroine, which I absolutely loved!
The blending of storylines and tropes for this book were fantastic. Two social backgrounds colliding (the hero and heroine), lost brothers reunited, escaping lifelong confines to grow and mature…Lauren really packed in loads of goodness with this book. I really enjoyed the first, but this one is my favorite in the series so far. It’s probably a bit too soon to call The Gilded Cage the hands-down winner for the series, though. The hints dropped for the next one promise all kinds of Lauren Smith goodness.
The blending of storylines and tropes for this book were fantastic. Two social backgrounds colliding (the hero and heroine), lost brothers reunited, escaping lifelong confines to grow and mature…Lauren really packed in loads of goodness with this book. I really enjoyed the first, but this one is my favorite in the series so far. It’s probably a bit too soon to call The Gilded Cage the hands-down winner for the series, though. The hints dropped for the next one promise all kinds of Lauren Smith goodness.
May 27, 2015
This is the second installment of the Gilded Surrender Series. First of all, I am addicted to all of Ms. Lauren Smith's book. You will love the mix of hotness and suspense with edge of your seat kind of ride. This book is about the missing twin from the Gilded Cuff. When they found some information about Fenn Lockwood better known as Fenn Smith, the troops rally against the pending threat. Hayden wants to be the first one to save Fenn. She gets more than she bargains with Fenn. Fenn is faced with the knowledge that he is not who he thinks he is. Fenn's journey alters forever. Everything he knew about his life comes into question and Fenn has to battle with all kinds of emotions plus a different lifestyle. This is a wonderful book. I can't wait to read more. I received a complimentary copy from the Author for an honest review.
December 8, 2015
The Gilded Cage is a erotic book filled with suspense, mystery, and passion. Hayden is on a mission to prove to her family that she can be more useful, then just the trophy wife they want he to be. She goes to Colorado to save Fenn from danger he doesn't know is coming. They both fall for each other quickly, although neither of them think they are good enough for each other. Eventually they realize that they are the one for each other, all will figuring out who wants to kill the Lockwood twins. This is the second book in this trilogy, looking forward to the third book, Smith put in great teasers for the next book.
April 13, 2015
This series gets better and better! What happens when you mix a sexy rodeo cowboy with a Long Island debutante who doesn't quite fit in where she belongs? An explosion of desire in the most naughtiest of ways. The scorching heat and attraction between them is a blistering inferno and I couldn't get enough. Nothing is as it seems though when things take a turn for the worse and Fenn's kidnappers show up to finish the job. Nobody likes to leave witnessing lying around, but is Fenn and Hayden's growing affection and love strong enough to save them?
June 28, 2015
Immediate thoughts: Guys, I LOVED this book. There is passion, intrigue, mystery, suspense, and love. So much love. Romantic, platonic, sibling, parental, IT'S ALL THERE! I could not read fast enough and my emotions were completely in tune. If you're a fan of erotica and you haven't read this series, you're doing something wrong. Full revue to come. <3
Full Review at: Belle of the Literati
Full Review at: Belle of the Literati
February 27, 2016
2.5 Stars
Review to come...
A bit better than the first book. The first half of the story flowed well, albeit predictably. The later half of the story, especially the end, is where I had a ton of issues. Again, it was predictability, plausibility and plot holes that were what brought my rating down.
Review to come...
A bit better than the first book. The first half of the story flowed well, albeit predictably. The later half of the story, especially the end, is where I had a ton of issues. Again, it was predictability, plausibility and plot holes that were what brought my rating down.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 7, 2015
you guys, I LOVED this! What a perfect blend of romance and suspense. I was glued to the book!! and now I'm going to go back and read the first ;) AND, I can't wait for the next!! full review to come.
June 14, 2015
Review coming soon to a computer screen near you.
September 3, 2025
DNF! Which is saying something because I'm a completionist and feel compelled to finish series I've started. However I simply cannot get any further into this garbage. It's unfortunate because the storyline has potential, but overall her writing style and editing (or lack thereof) ruin it. Also I don't appreciate the fact that The Gilded Cuff (first book in the series) was free but did not complete the story, which means if you'd like to know what happens with Emery and Fenn, you have to pay for The Gilded Cage (second book in the series).
My main issues are incoherence, plot holes, and implausibility, along with frequent spelling or grammatical errors. Incoherence primarily came up in The Gilded Cuff where apparently the author couldn't keep track of her own timeline and repeated or omitted actions, requiring a careful re-reading of pages or entire chapters to figure out what was going on. Plot holes and implausible or illogical situations are present throughout but only seem to increase in The Gilded Cage. Many examples revolve around Hayden and her (theoretical) career and business acumen. She was raised extremely wealthy by parents who see her primary value as a trophy wife to someone who can increase their own social status, but she pursued her MBA in spite of them (which we can only assume she earned recently as she's 23 - or 24, Hayden's age being another thing the author seems confused about). She wants to be a working woman but there's no mention of her even THINKING about applying for a job now that she has her MBA, she just goes on living her vapid upper crust life; she dreams of starting her own business but either has no ideas floating around her head or no one (author or FMC or MMC) thinks it's relevant to discuss WHAT that business would be; this 23yo recent MBA graduate with no work experience is somehow already an 'astute businesswoman'; oh and she magically grasps the full financial situation of a distressed cattle ranch she arrived at two days ago, enough to claim that buying it outright is not enough to keep it afloat?? And then there's stuff like Hayden & Wes's private pilot assuring her that he can fly her from NY to CO and be back in NY for Wes's planned flight so he won't even notice she used the plane...IN AN HOUR. I know you've got to suspend your disbelief for these billionaire romances, but impossible flight times, seriously? I don't get how an adult writer could even include such egregious errors anymore. Was she high when she wrote this? Has she never flown before?? Does she not have access to the internet?!? Unfortunately I could go on, and on, AND ON, with plot holes and implausibilities like these.
Other complaints are that, for a series which is billed as BDSM, it's very light on actual BDSM, and not a particularly accurate depiction of the lifestyle, and again inconsistent or contradictory regarding individual characters' preferences, history, or actions. Also the insta-love and insta-best-friendship is not relatable and not supported with appropriate character and plot development. The 'assassins' are totally inept, like those superhero villains monologuing while their victims not-so-subtly escape. And don't get me started on 'the big mystery' of who wants the twins dead! It's glaringly obvious to readers from the middle of the first book but somehow not a single character in the story can figure it out, not even the INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALIST. Not only that, but no one seems motivated in the slightest to figure it out - despite multiple attempts on the lives of pretty much everyone in the story. It's the laziest plot device I've ever seen: constant gasping about someone trying to kill them and wondering aloud who it is while continuing to go about their daily lives AS IF SOMEONE ISN'T TRYING TO KILL THEM.
I've read some pretty awful self-published books and this is right up there with them. I'm annoyed I missed the Amazon return window for this book, and will definitely not be paying for anything else from this author.
My main issues are incoherence, plot holes, and implausibility, along with frequent spelling or grammatical errors. Incoherence primarily came up in The Gilded Cuff where apparently the author couldn't keep track of her own timeline and repeated or omitted actions, requiring a careful re-reading of pages or entire chapters to figure out what was going on. Plot holes and implausible or illogical situations are present throughout but only seem to increase in The Gilded Cage. Many examples revolve around Hayden and her (theoretical) career and business acumen. She was raised extremely wealthy by parents who see her primary value as a trophy wife to someone who can increase their own social status, but she pursued her MBA in spite of them (which we can only assume she earned recently as she's 23 - or 24, Hayden's age being another thing the author seems confused about). She wants to be a working woman but there's no mention of her even THINKING about applying for a job now that she has her MBA, she just goes on living her vapid upper crust life; she dreams of starting her own business but either has no ideas floating around her head or no one (author or FMC or MMC) thinks it's relevant to discuss WHAT that business would be; this 23yo recent MBA graduate with no work experience is somehow already an 'astute businesswoman'; oh and she magically grasps the full financial situation of a distressed cattle ranch she arrived at two days ago, enough to claim that buying it outright is not enough to keep it afloat?? And then there's stuff like Hayden & Wes's private pilot assuring her that he can fly her from NY to CO and be back in NY for Wes's planned flight so he won't even notice she used the plane...IN AN HOUR. I know you've got to suspend your disbelief for these billionaire romances, but impossible flight times, seriously? I don't get how an adult writer could even include such egregious errors anymore. Was she high when she wrote this? Has she never flown before?? Does she not have access to the internet?!? Unfortunately I could go on, and on, AND ON, with plot holes and implausibilities like these.
Other complaints are that, for a series which is billed as BDSM, it's very light on actual BDSM, and not a particularly accurate depiction of the lifestyle, and again inconsistent or contradictory regarding individual characters' preferences, history, or actions. Also the insta-love and insta-best-friendship is not relatable and not supported with appropriate character and plot development. The 'assassins' are totally inept, like those superhero villains monologuing while their victims not-so-subtly escape. And don't get me started on 'the big mystery' of who wants the twins dead! It's glaringly obvious to readers from the middle of the first book but somehow not a single character in the story can figure it out, not even the INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALIST. Not only that, but no one seems motivated in the slightest to figure it out - despite multiple attempts on the lives of pretty much everyone in the story. It's the laziest plot device I've ever seen: constant gasping about someone trying to kill them and wondering aloud who it is while continuing to go about their daily lives AS IF SOMEONE ISN'T TRYING TO KILL THEM.
I've read some pretty awful self-published books and this is right up there with them. I'm annoyed I missed the Amazon return window for this book, and will definitely not be paying for anything else from this author.
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