Surf & Surrender

Summer Love #2

by Riley Edgewood

She wants to forget he ever existed. He'd never give up her memory.

Quinn Westwood is completely over Sawyer Carson. He broke her heart years ago and disappeared from her life without a word. So yeah. She's over him. Never even thinks of him. In fact, she's spending her college summer break surfing and lifeguarding in the Outer Banks, while nursing a bruised heart from a different relationship gone wrong. She doesn't have room in her mind or heart for Sawyer—until she runs into him at a beach bonfire and the sparks that fly between them are way hotter than the flames heating the sand.

Sawyer never got over Quinn. The only thing stronger than what he feels for her is the secret keeping them apart, but sharing it would destroy more than just his life—it'd ruin hers, as well. Still, he can't seem to keep away from her, can't seem to keep his hands off of her soft, tempting skin. Especially since she has even less self-control when it comes to reigniting the physical side of what made them perfect together.

But secrets have a way of slipping out, and when Sawyer's is revealed it threatens to shatter everyone involved. He'll have to face walking away a second time, and Quinn will have to decide if fighting for him is worth it when the fallout could affect more than just her heart, but also those of the people she loves most.

Surf & Surrender is the second book in Riley Edgewood's Summer Love series, but can be read as a stand-alone novel.

Genres: Romance, New Adult, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Second Chance

289 pages, Paperback

First published February 23, 2015

About the author

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Riley lives in the DC area and spends most of her time with her characters, playing with her toddler and husband, and pretending she knows how to be an adult. Former dancer. Current writer. Lifelong lover of accessories, books, and the beach. And cats. Can't forget the kitties. Of which she has two.

Reviews

[Sophie's Reading Corner · Rating 4 out of 5]

**4 'Honey' Stars**



Quinn is back on her hometown for the summer, taking a break from her studies, after the break up she had with Julian. It doesn't even compare, though, with the heartache she had after Sawyer leaving her, four painful years ago.

Sawyer is also back to town now and Quinn demands an explanation. She needs to know what happened and why he left without a goodbye, after years of being together and especially a night that would be so special for them.



We get a glimpse of that night four years ago and I have to say that I felt so sorry for her. I didn't know what happened to make him act like it, but I have to admit that I had suspected it and my suspicion hit home.

"I wanted you to forget me so you weren't feeling the same pain I was, while at the same time I hated myself because I wanted you to love me still, too."

There is struggle in the present between them, because Sawyer can't be with her. With problems at home, he's trying his best to keep everyone happy at his own expense. Quinn also deals with her own issues, with a mother trying to find her a good, rich man, while missing things from her jeep slowly pile up and make her feel spooked.

"She is so familiar. I remember exactly how our bodies fit together. And, yet, somehow she's also a stranger."

This is a lovely summer read. With many scenes that take place at the beach, sizzling hot scenes and the chemistry between the main characters palpable. Twists and turns that surprised me, but most of them were predictable to me, although I didn't enjoy the book any less, just because I had suspected a few things and exclaimed this quote more than once:



Yes, I did fell sorry for Sawyer, but I really wanted to see him working his way back to her harder. I needed to see him crawling. I thought she accepted him back to her life way too easily, before she even got the explanations she needed. Yes she loved him, I get that, but I thought she would be able to have some self respect. Judgy much? Maybe. But it's my personal opinion.



I also really liked the secondary characters, especially Gianna and Chase. I think they deserve their own book. Jess too. My heart was broken for Sawyer's younger brother. I wish we had seen one more scene with him in the picture. The last scene we saw him, left me feeling sorry for him. Plus I don't think he had a discussion with Quinn after the last incidents and I needed that.

A nice summer story with two teenagers in love losing contact and finding each other again, a couple of years later. If you're into this kind of stories, get ready for a fun, sweet and sexy ride.

Copy was kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Lauriie · Rating 4 out of 5]

At the end Sawyer is my hero. Can I please have a boyfriend like him? please? ☺️

[Kika · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title: Surf & Surrender
Series: Summer Love, #2
Author: Riley Edgewood
Release Date: 23 February, 2015
Rating: 4 stars
Cliffhanger: No
HEA: Yes


QUINN



SAWYER




Surf and Surrender was like a breath of fresh air! I could literally hear the waves crashing while reading it, and i live nowhere near the ocean!

Quinn is back in her hometown (Outer Banks) from college for the summer, and that's a good thing because she just broke up with her one-year "boyfriend" Julian. The last thing she expects to find there is Sawyer, the guy who broke her heart four years ago but never really got over.

Sawyer never wanted to leave Outer Banks and most importantly Quinn but he was forced to do so. Leaving her without an explanation or even a simple goodbye was the hardest thing he ever had to do, or so he thought. Seeing her again, after all those years, makes him realize that he never got over her and that it's impossible to stay away from her. But he knows he can't ever be with her.

The sexual attraction between the MC is definitely undeniable. No matter how hard they try they can't stay away from each other. Quinn is desperate for some closure, for Sawyer to explain why he had to leave her all those years ago, but she's willing to accept anything he's willing to offer her because she's still madly in love with him.

Surf and Surrender hooked me right from the beginning. It's a beautiful and sweet love story about two teenagers that are forced apart by...certain circumstances. A love that seems to be getting stronger as years pass, even though they haven't seen or even talked to each other for a long time.

I would rate this book 5 stars instead of 4 if the story hadn't left me wanting more. I wanted to see the development process of Quinn's relationship with Jess, Brock and her mother. I also found some scenes unnecessary like the scene with Julian and his wife .

But overall it was a great, light, fun, steamy, well-written (some grammar errors but nothing major or distracting) book and i do recommend it!

[sil ♡ the book voyagers · Rating 5 out of 5]

What did I think of this book you ask Goodreads?

Best. Thing. Ever.

REVIEW CAN ALSO BE FOUND HERE: http://www.hopelessbooklovers.com/sur...

Riley is so special. This book is so special to me now. I seriously didn’t think I’d love it as much as I do. Like seriously guys, GO GET IT, you need Sawyer in your life ASAP.

Surfers…. I mean, who doesn’t want to read about a cute, sexy surfer with abs that make you drool? Uh-huh. SAWYER IS ONE GOOD SURFER /cough, aside from that fact, he is also sweet and full of trouble. He has this mystery and you just want the answers. Quinn wants answers. Riley introduces this story with Quinn and her bruised and broken heart, and Quinn was such a joy to read. She is so fierce and badass yet Sawyer is the one who can open her chest and break her heart.

I love Quinn and Sawyer’s relationship. It made me HAPPY. I love me some sexy-angsty-frustration and forever love. What they have is forever and yeah, there’s this big problem of why Sawyer left, but we know, and we can see their love is true. And it’s magnificent. That kind of love is so great to read about. Riley just makes you crave.

From beginning to end, you are so into the story. Riley made me laugh, cry, and fall madly in love with Sawyer and Quinn’s story. AND YES SHE DID MAKE ME CRAVE FOR MORE SO I WANT MORE NOW. I can’t wait for more books by her. She truly is one of the best and she will surely find herself at the top with those amazing sexy books she has.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 Stars

I went into this book thinking it would be a good second chance romance set in a beach town. I have to say it wasn't what I was expecting at all.

We have Quinn who is living in her home town over her college summer break. She has had a history of heartbreaking relationships. A high school romance with Sawyer that ended suddenly four years prior, and college romance recently gone wrong. When Sawyer shows back up in town they both can’t deny their attraction. However, nothing is simple in this story, and they will have to work through a lot to get their happy ever after.

I thought the writing was great but the story lacked depth, and the characters fell flat for me. There was a ton of drama, and angst. Don’t get me wrong, I do enjoy a little drama and angst, but it felt a little over the top for me.

I really did not like Quinn. At first I felt sympathy for her. When she describes the day Sawyer disappeared I was heartbroken for her. However, I ended up finding her to be really weak, and that was really disappointing.

What really pissed me off about Quinn was when she immediately hooks up with Sawyer. This guy ripped her heart to pieces and she was left with no answers for four years. She goes to him for answers and when he refuses… BAM… their hooking up! I wanted her to be pissed, and stand her ground and show him what he has been missing out on. This was so confusing for me. I expected a slow burn and sexual tension, and I did not get that.


I was on the fence with Sawyer. I thought he had some sweet moments, and you could tell that he really did care deeply for Quinn. I just didn’t agree with some of his decisions. What really kept me reading in this book was his secret. I really REALLY wanted to know what would make him leave Quinn the way he did. When the secret does come out… WOW.

There are some steamy scenes and this book has a sweet ending. There is a lot of twist and turns, mystery, DRAMA, and romance in this one. Overall, I enjoyed it.



***I was given a copy of this for free in exchange for an honest review***

[Courtney LaSalle · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was ok.
A lot has been going on lately
so im not sure if it was the book or me
but I just wasnt diggin it.

Sawyer was lacking, Gianna was awesome I feel like she and Chase should have had their own book. I like them much more than Quinn and Sawyer.

Quinn was annoying. I felt no connection to her. She really had zero personality.

I like the setting, thenidea was there, but then the author clouded it with too much other drama.

I received this book from Netgalley, this review is honest and my own.

[Catherine Bibby (Rochelle's Reviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

A copy was kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

Having read Rock & Release and Truth & Temptation, I was giddy to read Quinn and Sawyer's story in Surf & Surrender. Judging just by the cover of Riley Edgewoods books, it would be easy to assume that they are all sweet and innocent. While those two attributes can describe Riley's writing, she knows how to heat things up and keep it boiling hot throughout the story. Quinn and Sawyer exhibit repressed desire, simmering resentment, and are hotter than a bonfire, with a love that rivals the depth of the ocean. They are a summer of second chances and unresolved pain that turns into so much more.

Four years seems to be a long enough time to mend a broken heart and forget about the source but the minute that Quinn sees that Sawyer and his family are back in town, the ache in her heart and body is back full force. When Sawyer's family, who Quinn was closer to than her own, picked up and left town without a word as to why, she was left abandoned and shattered. Can she get through the summer being a lifeguard back in her home town and return to college with her heart still intact or will she be left even more devastated than before? I just wanted to wrap my arms around this heroine and give her the love that she had been seeking from males in the absence of Sawyer. She was ripped from the arms of Sawyer and the unconditional love from his family and left with no solace from her own. Yet throughout the mess of life and lack of love she found enough determination and sass within to get up and dust herself off and go on living.

Sawyer Carson left the girl that he loved behind four years ago to save his family. Returning to town with his family in shambles and his heart still ripped to pieces, the ground crumbles underneath him when he finds out that Quinn is in town for the summer. He must still keep his secret but can he salvage their relationship while doing so? If only he could have just a piece of the happiness that he had with Quinn before his world fell apart. The mystery and heart of Sawyer drew me in from the beginning of his heart breaking story. He has the weight of the world on his shoulders with familial obligations to an alcoholic father and a broken, angry, delinquent younger brother to care for. He has all the great qualities I look for in a hero. His sun kissed surfer looks, washboard abs and sleek muscles do nothing to compare to his big heart, broodiness, and willingness to sacrifice his own happiness for his family. He pulled equally at my heart strings and unmentionables until I was a besotted fool with emotions twisting in the wind.

Riley Edgewood takes us to a lazy beach town where love blooms, hearts are broken, relationships are severed, and secrets come crashing down. Surf & Surrender sweeps us away on an emotion filled journey with the ebb and flow of Quinn and Sawyer and their love that crashes upon us and leaves our hearts bared in the sand and the sun of the Outer Banks. I highly recommend for a romance with a summer love that is sweeter than watermelon and hotter than fireworks on the fourth of July.

[A little birdie told me... · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am absolutely not the right demographic for books like this one, so take the review for the way it's intended. That said, I really wish these books were marked with the ages of the characters or a warning for who the intended audience should be. The blurb said he left her years ago, so the natural assumption I made is that they would be older.

So that's really my main complaint. NA is not my chosen genre, and I feel a tad bit tricked into reading it. (It was a "because you read ____, you might enjoy" suggestion.) It wasn't a bad book for whom it's intended, but for me, the ages, and therefore, the immaturity, of the characters just didn't entertain as much as it should.

Quinn and Sawyer were high school sweethearts. His family disappeared without a trace, ripping Quinn apart, only for them to return four years later with no explanations as to why they were gone. Predictable reasons unfold slowly, along with other predictable happenings that all converge into one predictable ending.

However, it would have been more entertaining if I had read this 20 years ago. In fact, I think my twenty-something self would have loved it as one of the less-ridiculous NA books written these days. Some are so angst-ridden that they depress, while others are so over-the-top with their lovey-dovey romance happiness that they leave me nauseated. This one didn't do either.

I really am not sure if I liked Quinn much. I think the things I didn't like about her are understandable given the fact that they were characteristics created from the unexplained loss of her boyfriend at such a young age. Then, discovering the circumstances surrounding his disappearance might cause any barely-legal adult to not be her best.

Sawyer was too good to be true, so much so that his character was slightly unbelievable. He needed a flaw. The author hinted at a propensity for violence, but that was it; only a hint. No explanations for the past violence mentioned in passing. It may have made this ultra-responsible, "family-before-all," guy more real.

Despite my inability to choose age-appropriate reading material, it wasn't terrible.

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC provided by netgalley for an honest review. Quinn is a life guard when she isn't in school. She had her heart broken 4 years ago by Sawyer Carson. So in the beginning she is working and some things happen. She see's Jess which is Sawyer's kid brother. He is very angry and mean and his attitude completely sucks toward her. As things continue we get introduced to her mother and let me tell you I hated her from the start. She was a big snub who I wanted to slap silly. Her mother thinks everyone who doesn't have money is trash and you will see her refer to Sawyer's family like that throughout the book. Anyways as I read on Sawyer and Quinn see each other at the circuit which is a bond fire on the beach where they go to drink and party. Things are said and Quinn leaves with her date that her mother set up for her. You could tell that nothing was between Quinn and her date. Things get out of hand for Sawyer when Quinn leaves the beach and he has to deal with someone who was his best friend from 4 years ago before he left Danny. I hated him from the beginning to he was just rude and didn't know how to treat a female right what a loser. So Quinn goes looking everywhere for Sawyer trying to get answers from him for why he left her 4 years ago but he can't tell her because it will hurt her deeply. As the story progresses Quinn and Sawyer decide to see each other in secret. She invites him out to meet her friends. That's when things go down hill. Sawyer has words with her mother and she put fear in him. HE leaves and Quinn starts putting the pieces together. When the truth comes out I was shocked and wasn't expecting that. Anyways a lot needed to worked through and said. I must say this book was a good book and I enjoyed reading it but I will not give anymore away. You must read it for yourself to see how it ends.

[Kassidy Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Surf & Surrender by Riley Edgewood
ARC provided by NetGalley
5 out of 5 steamy stars
This book was really well written. I loved books were the characters get a second chance at love.
Quinn was such a great female character. I loved how strong she was in this book. She fell apart when Sawyer left her 4 years ago without a good bye and it took her a little while to pick herself back up. I liked Quinn I found that I could relate to her. She had a very likable attitude.
Sawyer was also a great character. He hurt Quinn and he knows he doesn’t deserve her. He wants to keep why he left a secret. I won’t tell you why he left you will have to find that out yourself. Sawyer does what he thinks is best for everyone else when he leaves. He never forgot about Quinn. The more I read about Sawyer the more I felt for him.
Riley Edgewood did such a great job on this book. I did not know that this was book two in the summer love series when I started it. Knowing that now I will be picking up book one and digging into it. I loved Riley’s writing style. She has a way that sucks you in and makes it so you can’t put the book down. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves romance. Really pick it up and all in love like I did.

[Elodie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to read an early version of this book and let me tell you: you are going to fall in LOVE.

Amazing, amazing, amazing (and hot!).

This is the kind of books that stays with you long after you read the last page, I think it's because the characters are so easy to root for...As soon as I started reading, I fell very hard for Quinn and Sawyer. The voices of both characters jump through the page, right into your heart. And you really get to know both of them, their desires, their needs, their fears, their history.

The writing is flawless and engaging...and the steamy scenes are...steamy! Even more so I think because they are also an integral part of the story!

Basically, you want to pick up this book as soon as it comes out!

[Sherley Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Surf & Surrender
****I was gifted with an ARC of this book for my honest review****

This was such a good read. I loved the overall conflict to this story. Quinn was extremely relatable and fun that it just made the book one of the extremely great reads! I just found out that this is actually the second book to this series so I will be purchasing the first to get Cassidy & Gage's story. I enjoyed their little bit of spotlight so now I am extremely intrigued into getting the whole backstory to their relationship. Thank you for this read and for allowing me to read this!

[Debbie Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me start by saying I was given this book to read for an honest review….Now that I’ve said that let’s get started.

I love Riley Edgewood! This book was a great wild ride of emotion! I love Quinn and Sawyer. They are perfect! I love the setting of the beaches of North Carolina. If you enjoy a true love story this book is for you. A love that conquers all. A beautifully written easy to read love story. Just enough heated adult sections to get you hot and bothered and keep you turning pages. My heart broke and was mended. My eyes stayed damp through most of the book but felt their love and strength. And every female needs a best friend like Gianna….always has her back!

Love this story. Great job Riley!

[Brielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ahh, sweet romance

This is a love story from start to finish. Main characters Sawyer and Quinn dated for years until Sawyer and his family mysteriously left town. Throughout the book we get to experience them reconnecting and also find out the (completely unexpected) reason Sawyer left in the first place. As with most romance books, this one has a happy ending and if you love happy ending as much as myself, this book is for you.

[Kelsey van Dillen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although the story was gripping, I felt like it was too long. It could've been shorter and the story would've been the same. Apart from that, I thought it was way too focused on Sawyers 'first time'.

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I received a copy in exchange for an honest review. This does not influence my review in any shape or form.*

Imagine you are sixteen and you think you’ve found your soul mate. You picture forever with each other. You plan your entire lives together including the night you plan to lose your virginity to one another. So, he plans this wonderful night out by the beach and you are so excited. Butterflies are in your stomach, the details he’s planned out are magical and you just cannot wait to see how the night goes. So you’re waiting inside the tent, and he doesn’t show up at the time you were suppose to meet. So you wait, and you wait, and you wait a little bit more. Then you realize he’s not showing up. No big deal, you’ll talk about it tomorrow right? Only thing is, you never see him or hear from again. No explaination, no goodbye, zip, zero, nada.

Your heart is torn into a million pieces, you cry yourself to sleep every night for a long time. The years pass by and even though you still think about him from time to time you know you need to move on. But what happens if he walks back into your life four years later? Would you get the answers you wanted? Would you walk away?

The Story
I was hooked from the beginning, I ended up reading the whole book in one sitting. I just needed to know what happened from why Sawyer left, why he came back and if they were going to live happily ever after. I NEEDED TO KNOW THIS before I could even think about sleep.

We first meet Quinn when she’s home from the summer mending her bruise heart. She’s working as a lifeguard. The story begins on one of her shifts, where she has to rescue a boy from the ocean. They barely make it and when they make it to shore she realizes this isn’t just any boy from Outer Banks this is Jesse. Jesse Carson, Sawyer Carson’s little brother. Sawyer Carson the boy who tore her heart into a million pieces she’s still surprised she can function even after four years.

Does that mean Sawyer’s in town? Will she finally have all the answers she’s been seeking since the night Sawyer and his family disappeared never to be heard from again?

The story was definitely a page turner. I could not put my kindle down even when it was close to dying. I wanted to keep reading, I wanted to know what happened. I wanted answers and I wasn’t even the one who was left, but I needed to know what happened. I thought Riley did a good job at developing the story and making you want to know what happened between Quinn and Sawyer. I also thought she had good supporting characters like Jesse and Gianna (Quinn’s best friend). I also liked how I was assuming one thing about Sawyer but it turned out to be another.

I especially liked how she not only focused on the romance in the book but also brought the issues of alcoholism to light.

The Characters
I really loved Sawyer. I loved his loyalty to his family, for me this is the most important thing for a person to have. I also admired how he took care of his brother and his dad. Even though sometimes he would give me whiplash like one minute he was happy then he was like closed off. But when the story played out I understood why he was like this. He totally stole my heart with some of the things he did.

I did enjoy Quinn. I admire her standing up for Sawyer and being a genuine person despite how her mother acted.

Although, there wasn’t much about Gianna in the story just brief scenes here and there. She was my absolute favorite she reminded me of my best friend. I think that’s why I loved her so much.

What I didn’t like about the story
I am one of those readers who wants to know how every one is doing towards the end of the book. Like are they all happy? Are they okay? So what I didn’t like was that I was left wondering just what happened with some of the other characters. But I also understand they weren’t the main focus of the story but I really grew to care about them.

I also hated Quinn’s mother. I’m currently watching a Spanish novella and her mother reminded me of the mother in that novella and I wanted to slap both of them for being so UGH!!!!

Overall
I felt like I was in a reading slump after a couple of books I was reading. But Surf and Surrender definitely snapped me out of it. I read this begin to end in one sitting, I was that invested in the story. Even though this is the second book in a Summer Love series you really don’t need to read the first book but I do plan on checking it out because I’d like to see how this series started.

This is the perfect summer beach read.

[Trish Bedroom Bookworms · Rating 5 out of 5]

Surf & Surrender is book 2 in the Summer Love series by Riley Edgewood. Book 1 was originally published as a set of 3 serials which are now available as a single book. I LOVED that (those?) So much that they fostered a great friendship between Riley and me. Mostly because she’s insane enough to like my insane middle-of-the-night ramblings when I’m gushing. I can promise you that Surf & Surrender does not suffer from a sophomore slump.

Overall Rating: 4.5 stars- Screw sleep! I’ll let the kids watch TV and eat hot dogs tomorrow.

Surf & Surrender is awesome. I wish I could copy the text that I sent to Riley at one point but it would be a MAJOR, MAJOR spoiler, but it was the kind of thing that seriously had me diving or my phone and typing a lot of exclamation points.

*Heart Conditions According to Quinn*
Bruised Heart
Description: Achy. Heavy.
Cause: Julian Daniels
Diagnosed: Three weeks ago.
Remission? Just about. Hopefully.

Broken Heart
Description: Flayed. From the inside out. Torn in two. No, screw that. Torn in millions.
Cause: Sawyer Carson
Diagnosed: Four Years Ago
Remission: Yes. Definitely. I never, ever think of him anymore. Mostly.

This can be read as a standalone. Riley & Gage do make an appearance in the book and if you haven’t read Rock & Release, you might wonder who those random people are, but beyond that, Surf & Surrender stands completely fine without their introduction.

In Surf & Surrender, we get to know Quinn and Sawyer. Quinn is an amazing heroine. Where book 1 left you occasionally (frequently) wanting to smack some sense into the heroine, Quinn makes you want to give her a hug.

“Can you hold me, maybe, for a minute before you go?”

I spent a little time on the fence about Sawyer. I don’t like secrets. And his secrets were hurting Quinn so I really didn’t like them. But man, when Sawyer & Quinn come together, they just feel right together. Even before we find out what’s been going on, I wanted them to work things out.

The place I actually ache the most? My cheekbones. From all the grinning.

My only complaint about the book is that we don’t find out all of the backstory. It’s hard for me to talk about without spoiling, but while we find out why The Something happened, we never really find out what went on during time between The Something and now. I still feel like Sawyer owes Quinn more of an explanation about the timing of The Something.

“Don’t ever stay away that long again.”

That being said, those were thoughts that really came to me after I sat and thought for a while. My immediate feelings while reading and immediately after were just full-on happiness. Surf & Surrender is one of those books that make you smile, and I just love that. I wouldn’t mind a novella to clear up a few details, but it’s nothing that took away from my completely enjoyment of the book.

He’s mine for a week past forever.

Smut Factor: 4 stars- Smokin’ Hot!
Character likability: 5 stars- He’s my book boyfriend and I want to BE her.
Storytelling: 5 stars- I wake up thinking this really happened.
Writing and editing quality: 5 stars - Excellent!

[Emilie · Rating 4 out of 5]

***REVIEW ORIGINALLY POSTED ON EMILIE'S BOOK WORLD***

Late last year, I read Riley Edgewood’s three-part debut Rock & Release and I absolutely loved it. I was so excited to hear that the next book in her New Adult series would be coming out soon after and I was even more excited to be reading it. Needless to say that I liked Surf & Surrender even more than I did the first book.

Quinn has spent the past four year getting over Sawyer Carson. It’s not like she’s had much of a choice. He was there one day and gone the next with no explanation and no matter what Quinn did she couldn’t find a way to get in touch with him. So now she’s over him. Finally ready to move on. And Quinn would definitely be over Sawyer if she hadn’t run in to him a bonfire, reigniting all those old feelings she thought she’d gotten rid of. Sawyer hasn’t been able to move on from Quinn. The time and distance away from her have done nothing but make his feelings stronger. Now that he’s back in town, he wants nothing more than to be with her, but he knows that he can’t. No matter what, Sawyer has to stay away from Quinn. He just doesn’t know if he has the self-control to stay away. And that would be fine, except Quinn has even less self-control. Both Quinn and Sawyer have their secrets and those secrets might tear them apart a second time.

Guys, Surf & Surrender was addicting. Like read it in day, addicting. And I say that because that’s totally what I did and I don’t regret it. I couldn’t help it though. Every time I told myself I would stop after just one more chapter, I couldn’t do it. And then the next thing I knew an hour had gone by and I was still reading, still telling myself that I would stop after one more chapter. And so the cycle went, until I had read the entire book. But other than being addicting, this story was GOOD. I loved reading about summer in the Outer Banks (I might have also started planning a hypothetical vacation there while reading…) and seeing how everyone was connected. And of course the romance did not disappoint me. Right from the start there is tension and chemistry between Sawyer and Quinn and it just leaps off the page. And thanks to Riley Edgewood I will never look at a surf shop in the same way. Ever. Who knew they could be that sexy? Though that might have had more to do with Sawyer and Quinn.

What I loved about Quinn and Sawyer was that they had a history before this story started. It made reading about them all the more interesting. I wanted to know more about their past, about what happened that brought them to where they are today. And they had some pretty awesome chemistry, no matter how hard they tried to fight it. Did I mention a certain surf shop scene? Because that’s only the beginning of it. And as much as I loved Sawyer and Quinn together, I liked them on their own too. They were both trying to make the best of the situation they were in. I wanted so much for them to get that they wanted, and for them to catch a break. Especially Sawyer. Because I may have developed a soft spot for Sawyer. Beyond just Sawyer and Quinn, Surf & Surrender also had some fantastic secondary characters. I would love to read more about Sawyer’s family, especially his brother because he seems to have so much going on and I want more of him, especially if it meant I got more of Sawyer in the process. And I’m crossing my fingers for a story about Gianna, Quinn’s best friend, because I would read that and I’m pretty sure I would love it.

Surf & Surrender was a great follow up to Rock & Release. The story had just the right mix of sexy, drama and heart. I can’t wait to read whatever comes next from Riley Edgewood.

[Mignon Mykel · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 / 5 stars
Received an ARC of title from NetGalley/Xpresso Book Tours in exchange for an honest review; full post with quotes, excerpt can be found on original posting:
http://mnonmklreviews.blogspot.com/20...

My first experience with Riley Edgewood was book one of the serial, Rock & Release. I liked the book, but was not thrilled with the fact it was a serial. Never finished the review, but stated that I think I would have liked it better had I had the chance to read the entire serial in one sitting.

Well I'm getting that opportunity, so be prepared for the review soon(-ish).

That said, I liked the way Riley wrote, so when this book popped up on my radar, I knew that I'd want to read it. While I'm very much a contemporary/military romance reader, I like to change it up with new adult here and there. It's refreshing, typically. And this one? I just loved to pieces.

Four years ago, Quinn sat waiting... waiting... waiting... for Sawyer to meet her at the beach.

And he never came.

She later learned that he and his family had left town.

She was heartbroken.

Quinn is a note keeper, and one of the first notes we read of hers is the difference between a bruised heart and a broken heart; she's just gotten over a relationship and has deemed that one a bruised heart, because what Sawyer had done to her certainly broke it.

When Quinn realizes the Carsons are back in town, she's not entirely sure what to do with that information. They were her second family; heck, if she's honest with herself, Sawyer's family was her first family. They were more her family than her own mother.

She first sees Jess, Sawyer's little brother (who's not so little anymore) and the hurt and despair that boy shows Quinn is heart wrenching. But still, as a reader you're left wondering what happened that was so bad, that Jess now hates Quinn?

Have to give Sawyer credit... he tries to stay away from Quinn. He wants her but knows that it's for his family's sake that he stays away. He's managed to do just that for two months, but just one glance at her and he's done. After all, he's been in love with the girl for ever. Even when he was away, he kept a piece of himself for her... knowing that he'd likely never give it to her. The others just never added up to what he wanted and needed.

I loved every part of watching these two fall back into each other. There were struggles along the way. More heartbreak for these two young loves.

Just the heartbreak in his words... Both are struggling but understand that family needs to come first.

But with those struggles and heartbreak brings the sense that what these two have will last, that the two of them are family.

[Jillian · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I received an ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*

I really enjoyed this book. I knew what I was getting into since I've read two others by Riley Edgewood, but this book topped both of those. While it wasn't perfect, I was left throughly impressed.

I LOVED the main characters. Heck, I liked most of the secondary characters as well. Quinn and Sawyer were both really cute and interesting. I related to Quinn rather easily, she's simply one of those fun-loving characters you can't help but root for. I adored how strong willed and feisty she was. Quinn was a force to be reckoned with, which was refreshing in a realm of whiny wimpy new adult characters. As for Sawyer; he was a sweetheart, a perfect book boyfriend. I enjoyed reading parts in his prospective, seeing how honest and down to earth he was. They were two characters I would love to continue reading about.

The plot itself was a little predictable for me. I completely saw the climax coming from a mile away, but it was pretty well executed so I'm okay with it. The minor conflicts with Sawyer's brother (Jess) was a little sloppy. I kinda wish it was handled differently throughout the whole book. I would've liked to see more of Jess, along with Sawyer working with his brother. While I thought very highly of Sawyer, the scenes involving his brother made me think less of him. I understood his words and actions due to reading in his perspective, but I wish he would've confided some of his thoughts with his sibling rather than being a jackass. I also wish there was a part where Quinn tells Sawyer about her teacher, I really would've liked to see the further connection of their emotional bond.

Onto secondary characters. Quinn and Sawyer's friends were perfect additions to the book. They really helped the progression of the novel, and were very constructive towards each character's growth. Quinn's mom on the other hand simply sucks. Big time. While I liked how Quinn stood up to her horrible mother, it was too much at times. The arguments would start off natural, but they were belabored by Quinn, making them feel slightly unrealistic.

Lastly, the ending. Oh the ending, how irritating that sucker was. It didn't end easily for me. The ending felt a little abrupt and forced, not a natural conclusion. While the book was tied up, I feel like it could've been done better... it was a little too loose for my liking.

Overall, Riley Edgewood crafted a pretty great book. She managed to secure my attention non-stop for a few days, and had me fall hard for her characters. I'm excited to see where this series goes, along with other potential future projects.

[Steph · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Quinn is going about her business...working her job as a lifeguard, dealing with teenagers underage drinking and the like when one drinks a little too much and she has to go in to the ocean and rescue him. The kid nearly drowns her in the process and when she finally gets him on shore, she realizes he is none other than the younger brother of the only man she has ever loved. The man who left her without a word several years ago, shattering her world. Quinn thought she was over him, she had moved on with her life...but then she sees him at a party and even though she tries not to, one look at him brings it all back.

Sawyer had his reasons for walking away all those years ago and now that he has seen Quinn again, he knows he can't stay away. But the reasons remain and when Quinn learns the truth, will they ever be able to make a relationship work again after so much time?

I love a good second chance love story and this was a great one. Everyone has had their heart broken and secretly wonders what would happen if that person came back into their lives years later. We get to enjoy this sometimes painful journey with Quinn and Sawyer as they try and find their way back to each other.

Quinn and Sawyer are both well developed characters and the author does a good job of explaining just enough about their back story to tie everything together. There are a few twists that I didn't see coming and a couple of things that I did. The passion between the characters is there but the sex takes almost until the end...it works well with the story though so I was ok with it.

My thoughts:

Quick hook or slow starter? 5 (I was hooked from the first chapter)
Character development: 4.5
Level of Romance between characters: 4.5
Passion/Heat level: 4 (It is steamy but in a different way. Fits well with the story though and the sex scenes are worth the wait)
Angst/Heartbreak: 4 (second chance love stories usually have some level of heartbreak and this one is no different)
Cliffhanger?: No, this is 2nd in the series but can be a standalone and is wrapped up in the end.

Overall, I really enjoyed this story and spending time with Quinn and Sawyer. I look forward to reading more stories in this series and more from this author.

I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Claire - The Coffeeholic Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Could an already broken heart still get bruised?

Apparently, in Quinn Westwood’s case, it still could. Her heart was broken four years ago by the love of her life, Sawyer, who left her without even saying goodbye. She was so devastated, she gave up her most precious possession to the first man available. And then she picked up the broken pieces and hoped it’d mend. But it ended up trampled on. Four years forward, the heart breaker came back. Sawyer, more mature. more responsible, and way much much hotter than before. But they still couldn't be together. Because the main reason of his leaving still haunted him, still taunted him, still made him look like trash.

Surf and Surrender is a kick-ass romance story that would surely make your eyes go wide. The title may sound a little YA-ish, but I assure you, this isn't for the faint of heart. The steamy scenes border on erotica but with class and taste. Quinn is understandably hurt on the first pages of the book, reeling and meditating. She’s quite a character, actually; she’s a good daughter and friend, but when push comes to shove, she takes a stand and fights like there’s no tomorrow. Sawyer, on the other hand, is quiet, intimidating and sweet. Can’t blame myself for liking him too much. He’s sacrificed a s lot for his family – a family that doesn’t deserve him, in my opinion. A family that reeks of vice and alcohol and angst. Well, both Quinn & Sawyer had their own share of family drama, so that definitely created a big dent to their relationship.

Overall, the book is endearing and fast paced. Surprisingly, I got hooked with the story. I’m sorry I wasn’t able to read the first book in this Summer Love series, it looked like the other characters (Cassidy & Gage) story was rockin’ and rollin’. Riley Edgewood sure is a talented author, and she knows how to push the right buttons. Kudos!

[Bobbi · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I received a copy of Surf & Surrender from the author in exchange for an honest review*

4.5 stars

Quinn has had her heart broken a couple times. She dated her professor for a year and it turns out, unbeknownst to her, he was married. What a creep!! Before that was Sawyer. The love of her life. He just disappeared without any explanation. No phone calls, emails or texts. Just gone. Leaving Quinn devastated.

Now he's back.

Or at least his brother is. Jesse is angry and refuses to talk to her so she has no idea if Sawyer is back. But she can't think about him now, she has a date tonight. And while on that date, she runs into none other than the ghost himself, Sawyer.

We follow Quinn and Sawyer as they try to put the pieces of their relationship back together. That's proving harder than they thought when several people are trying to keep them apart. When the reason for Sawyer's leaving is revealed, relationships change. Not necessarily for the better and not just Quinn and Sawyer's.

Loved this book! What kept me reading was finding out what Sawyer's reason for leaving was and Jesse's issues. It had better be good!! Along with a few other twists. There's plenty of mystery and definitely plenty of drama throughout the book. And, of course, there's plenty of romance!!

We also get to catch up a bit with Cassidy and Gage from the Rock & Release Series which, for me, was great! I loved those two as well. Now I can't wait to read the next book in this series so that I can figure Teagan out.

[Janina · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC provided by the Publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

Review of Surf and Surrender by Riley Edgewood the second book in the Summer Love Series.

Surf and Surrender is about Quinn working as a lifeguard in her summer break and her ex-boyfriend Sawyer, who left her without any explanation.

Quinn is back in her hometown over her summer break after a disastrous breakup with her college professor. One night at a bonfire on the beach she sees Sawyer again. Sawyer disappeared years ago without a goodbye or a reason she knows of. Even with her heart broken into million tiny pieces Quinn feels attracted to Sawyer. Both agree to have a secret no strings attached relationship. While getting closer to each other Riley finds out the true reason Sawyer left her.
Surf and Surrender is the second book from the Summer Love Series but can be read as a stand-alone.

I really liked how Quinn and Sawyer interacted with each other. Quinn wants to know how it is to sleep with Sawyer. They had never the chance to experience that in their relationship due to the fact that Sawyer and his family moved in that very night.

I cherish Quinn. She is heartbroken but still so strong and fierce and she fights for what she wants. She wants Sawyer.

At first I wanted to give Sawyer the fault for breaking Quinn´s heart but the more I got to know about him and his feelings I realized that both of them were victims of their families and various circumstances.

I can recommend the book to lovers of the Summer Love Series as well to readers who are completely new to that world like me. It is a fun and sweet read.

[2kasmom · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story of Quinn Westwood and Sawyer Carson is a long and heated one. First, they were young loves who were really committed to one another and then he left one day - without a word. Not even a goodbye. His whole family just disappeared.

Quinn is currently now trying to get over a new guy, who was married and did not tell her. When she suddenly sees Sawyer it is like no time has passed. Her heart is still his. What is a girl to do with that?

Sawyer has never forgotten Quinn. Never forgotten her face, her hair, or any part of her body. He had to leave and not talk to her and never tell her why he left. His family missed her too - but they are a priority for him since they cannot make it on their own.

Quinn is not sure how to react so she just goes with her gut. She kisses Sawyer and tries for more. The sparks fly and the temperature when they are both in the room....

Sawyer was never able to resist her and now, he must. If he gives in he may have to leave again to protect his family. Quinn is the love of his life - and he is so torn on what to choose.

This book is full of emotional stress and seriously hot moments between Sawyer and Quinn. Time and old lovers, means nothing when you feel a pull this strong! I found it very honest and moving and would definitely read it again.

This book is the Summer Love Series, Book 2 - read more about this and other books from Riley Edgewood here at Goodreads.



***This book was FREE from Netgalley.com for review purposes. My honest opinion does not reflect Netgalley nor its affiliates.

[Samantha (WLABB) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Four years ago, Quinn's epic love disappeared, without a trace, without a good-bye. Just "poof", his whole family is gone, but now they are back. This story follows Quinn and Sawyer, who although separated, never stopped loving each other. A big chunk of this book is tinged with the mystery of why he left, and he is fiercely protecting this secret.

I enjoyed being a bystander to Quinn and Sawyer's reunion. It was not smooth, it was bumpy. Four years had passed and they had changed, but underneath it all were those love struck teenagers from four years ago, and I found it very sweet. There were different types of love in play here too: romantic love, love for your family, love for friends, love for your parents -- many different relationships were explored to some extent. We had the pleasure of meeting Quinn's surrogate family: Gianna, Chase, Cassidy, and Gage, with Gianna adding the most character wise to the story, but Chase winning my heart. When I rate a book, to get over 3-stars, the book must evoke some sort of feelings from me and Surf & Surrender was able to evoke many. I found myself happy, sad, disappointed, furious, swoony, and well, sometimes, hot and bothered.

A great NA read.

[Martha Rivera (Avid Reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Surf & Surrender is the second book in the Summer Love Series. In this novel Quinn Westwood has her heart broken when Sawyer Carson leaves town without a word. Years later Sawyer returns and with him feelings resurface in Quinn that might never have left.

The characters were amazing. I admired Quinn’s ability to face Sawyer and seek answers. She might not have been strong willed in the beginning but she progressed as the story unfolded. Sawyer was a little harder to read, he was mysterious. I would have liked to get more of what happened while he was away. It seemed like he went through some major life chances and growth. I also really liked Jess, Sawyer’s younger brother, and the added issue of his coping and how it affected his friendship with Quinn. Gianna and Chase were some awesome side characters. I would like to see a future novel written about those two.

Quinn and Sawyer’s story is probably one of my favorites from the series. The story just pulled me in from the beginning. The emotions the characters face are clearly expressed through Riley’s writing. She does an amazing job of creating amazing characters and edgy story-lines.

Check out my other reviews at http://avidreads.blogspot.com.

[H.D. Knightley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the first book I read by Riley Edgewood and I only stumbled across it because I was looking up other books in the 'hot young surfer' category for research on my WIP, Sid and Teddy. There was something about the cover that attracted me, I'm in the middle of a massive rewrite, and I guess I needed a break, so I plunged in and read.

I loved the physicality of Riley's writing. She used phrases like: "the sand is warm and shifts under my feet," so that I felt like I was actually in the character's skin. The main character, Jess, catches a wave and the description of her ride is at least 5 paragraphs. I swear one of the sex scenes is four chapters. And yes, worth every word. And oh yes, inside skin. That was some hot hot hot description.

This is what I thought, How about I set a clock and ask Riley Edgewood to come up with as many phrases, sentences, words to describe "thrusting" and see how many she does—I bet it would be a lot. And that would just be the thrusting of surfing, twice as many for the thrusting of sex ;o)

Anyway, I recommend if you like hunky hot surfers, a lot of drama, breakup sex (which is fab), some mysterious heartache, and a story arc that doesn't exactly go where you think. Except the end does goes right where it ought.

[Amber Swinford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sawyer broke Quinn's heart 4 years ago when he disappeared without a word. Quinn moved on with her life--or at least she thought she had, until she rescues Sawyer's little brother at the beach and realizes that the Carson family is back in town. Will Quinn surrender her heart once more to the man who shattered it so long ago, or will she hold the pieces close and protect herself at all costs?

I wish I could rate this higher than 5 stars! I thought I loved the first book, Rock & Release, but it was nothing compared to how amazing Surf & Surrender was! The writing was, as expected, superb, and the characters were completely relatable. I also found the characters in this volume of the Summer Love series to be less angsty and a bit more mature. At times, I even forgot I was reading a New Adult.

Though I'm normally not a fan of first person POV, I really didn't find it to be bothersome in this book. Edgewood is a master storyteller, and there wasn't a single moment when I wanted to put this book down. In fact, I think I might have cried a little when I realized I was done. I very much wanted to stay on the beach with Sawyer and Quinn.

Read this book! You won't regret it!

[Jessica Diaz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book for an honest review.

This book is definitely new adult and for that genre and based of the description of the book i will give it 3.5 stars

There is a lot going on here that we don't know at first but most of it will come together.

Quinn is a lifeguard that has a reputation of sleeping around and has had her heart broken, we never really get more info on that. As she is working she spots someone surfing the rough waters, very carelessly. She goes to save him and he almost makes them both drown. Once to shore she realizes its the younger brother of he boy who broke her heart. She also realizes the boy (jess) tells her off.

Eventually Quinn bumps into Sawyer and although she wants to hate him, her heart stills bleeds for him. The story then goes like we have no idea why Sawyer left and where he was. There are a lot of secrets that unravel here but I don't want to give it away. This book does make you want to know what happens next. The chemistry can be improved b/c I didn't feel it. I think its more Sawyer is more like the heroine instead of the hero. Either way it was still a good read for a new adult.