This book contains extreme graphic violence, explicit sexual scenes and strong adult language read with caution.
Love. Would we do anything for it? Really put our morals and beliefs, everything we thought right and honourable in front of us and stamp on them all in the name of love? And by wrong, I don’t mean something simple, like turning a blind eye to someone’s addiction, or the fact that the person we are in love with used to be the school bully or uses prostitutes to overcome some deep dark secret they’ve never coped with from their childhood. By wrong, I mean the lowest, most corrupt and ruthless things that someone could ever do. Murder, prostitution, drug dealing, cage fighting, all of the above and more. Could you allow all that just because your heart can’t live without the person that makes your soul dance on dark days, brings you laughter on the day when hell threatens to drag you under and looks at you like their world would end if you ever turned and walked away. Could you condone the actions of a merciless killer just because their touch makes the evil of the world disappear until all that is left is pleasure and ecstasy?
Isla Cormack faces these choices. Her love for Jake Devine is untouchable, pure and undeniable but just when she comes to the conclusion that Jake isn’t a bad man deep down, that his life and even her life has shaped him into the cruel man he is today, both their pasts come back to haunt them, opening secrets that have been buried so deep they threaten to shred any hope of a future together and tearing them so far apart that the chasm between them is impossible to cross.
Isla thought her life had been one long nightmare. She soon finds out that the hell life threw at her is nothing compared to the death and destruction Jake Devine brings with him.
Wasn't as dark as I'd expect from D.H. Sidebottom however the storyline is intriguing filled with suspense. Jake Devine is all alpha dominate with a flair of BDSM, really enjoyed his ruthless asshole persona. When he's bad, he's really bad but when he's good, he'll scorch your panties like the fourth of July, all bangs and fireworks! Isla Cormack has suffered more tragedies then a person should and yet remains wholesome and pure. But as her past comes back to slap her in the face, she's not everything she's appears.
Isla loses her job waitressing after falling over and coming head to head with Jake Devine, a boy she used to go to college with. She lands a job as a runner (running around for people odd jobs) for Adam who is Jakes best friend and partner in Jakes club The Luxury resort called Deviant.
When I first started reading this I thought it was going to be about what Isla would get up to with being a runner in her new job with all the rich and famous clientele. Lots of gossip and between the sheets action kind of stuff. Wrong!!
This about Islas and Jakes past, what happened to her ten years ago and how it affected her family. Genesis what the hell is she up to? She is trouble with a capital T.
So many bloomin twists and turns. I really don't know where this is going but going to find out. Straight on to book two.
I tell you what, Sidebottom can write debauchery, lies, secrets, and murder, like a big dog. I'm amazed at her ability to shock me at every turn. I loved this one, a great start to what I'm sure to be a long list of alphas and murder. My favorite pairing.
Jake Divine, a brooding, dark, alpha male character. I find him extra hot. I mean, he's obviously hiding something or a lot of somethings, I was every bit intrigued from very start to the finish. There's a darkness to him, I think we've just scratched the surface. Oh, f***, I need more.
"You have no idea, no idea what life is really about. The pain of it, the deep dark corners in your soul that feed the very depths of your sanity. You don’t know who I am. You’ve never known.
Isla, a twisted heroine, I'd say. She's tough, outspoken, and she too, has a dark past filled with pain and hurt. But it's made her strong, reluctant to let anyone in. I have a major girl-crush. She doesn't let anyone walk over her, a fighter. I love this character.
Another amazingly dark, twisted hit for me from The Sidebottom. I need the next book like my next breath.
Dear Dawn Sidebottom,
I just knew you were going to f*ck me, just knew it. I want cherry lube next time. XOXO
This was really good but not the darkness I expected or needed from Sidebottom. The sex was intense and hot and I'm anxious to find out how Isla and Jake end up.
I have read several books written by both Sidebottom and Dukey that I loved, easily giving them Star ratings and adding them to my, "favorites" shelf. The premise behind this book is a clever one and all of the characters were interesting and/or entertaining. Fortunately, for me some things seem to be missing.
The first thing that threw me off when I began reading Surrender was that the main character was talking directly to the reader. As soon as I decided I that I liked this style, it stopped happening! I i'm pretty sure Sidebottom spoke directly to the reader in just the first chapter? Another issue for me was how unlikely portions of the book were. I liked the premise behind this book, especially regarding the secret the family members held and how it affected each of them yet I found numerous aspects of the story unlikely or difficult to believe. I know Sidebottom is capable of writing amazing books but for me, this wasn't one of those. I will definitely be reading other books by this author yet won't be continuing on in this series.
There seems to be no end to the marvlous mind of D H Sidebottom, she never disappoints!!
Surrender (Devine #1) is most definitely a book hangover that'll be sticking around!! D H Sidebottom never fails in bringing new fresh characters, characters you love & characters you'll love to hate & of course a leading lady that you'll be in awe of!! The story within the pages is blinding, you never want to get to the end of the book but you also can't get there quick enough to be able to see what happens next!!
Huge congratulations on the first book of another well written, epically gripping series!!!
^ That is the first sentence in the book. I absolutely love when an author starts with something atypical.
Believability Problems With Some Plot Points
At 20%, the basic plot here is good - late twenty something barely ekkkking by in life and that has some mysterious past that seemed to leave her mom in a stupor and herself emotionally f'd up. Her past is all intertwined in the things happening present tense but readers can't quite put their finger on how. I'm interested! I want to know more. The characters are complex. The writing itself, that is from a technical standpoint, is superb.
My problem as the story unfolds and details are lain is that there are several elements that are just entirely too far fetched, so off kilter from plausible, and that deviate from any rationale action and thought. A lot of it simply just isn't believable. Here are a couple examples:
1. A company hires this former waitress as a runner and is going to pay her 60k a year, provide her housing, provide a car, and give her access to all the amenities of the private club. Her boss just tells her to bring her existing roommate along and she can live there for free?!? Wtf?! Okay, that's weird, unbelievable, and would never be a plausible plot point. Then, she's chauffeured around in an expensive car to shop for a wardrobe, wax, nail, and massage through a gold card makeover on the company's dime just to be a runner. None of this seems weird to her?!? Come the f on. No one is that stupid not to see this isn't a per chance job nor reasonable job accommodations.
I think I've just found your new favorite series AND your new BBF, that will have you kicking ass to keep! (There may or may not have already been some virtual hair pulling and threats when it comes to who Jake Devine belongs to!)
Surrender: (Devine #1) is the 1st book in the Devine series, I know what your thinking.... I'll wait..
You get it & get it NOW and READ it NOW!!!
D.H. Sidebottom has given us a book full of characters you will instantly love and hate. Her characters are always so well developed and grab you by the heart. Those in Devine are no exception.
You have Isla, a kind hearted lioness, that you will instantly connect with. Although when Isla finds herself on the job hut, she meets the rudest, sexiest, bossiest man she's ever met.... yet AGAIN..... THE Jake Devine. The take no prisoners, bad ass alpha that is going to make you want to toss those panties, (and maybe your kindle a time or two)
Isla has been going through the motions, existing... blaming herself for the past and the wreckage that is her family. Her story is one of true heartbreak and strength. One that will tear you up once you discover the atrocity she had to survive.
Every page is a new revelation, I can't tell you how many times I gasped, I laughed (I love Adam & Leah...you'll see why :D ), and I yelled. This book evoked almost every emotion I have and it's just the beginning!!
If you enjoyed her 1st series, The NSC Boxset: Heart of Stone (which is an ABSOLUTE MUST READ fyi...) Then you are going to LOVE This book and what is sure to be yet another bestselling series by D.H. Sidebottom. Isla won my heart because of her strength. I devour books with strong females leads and as always this author has delivered. I truly feel like you will be kicking yourslef if you hold off on reading this. (not to mention the woman writes so fast I think she's possessed, so there isn't much wait time usually involved between her books)
DH Sidebottom can do no wrong in my eyes, or for that matter, write no wrong. She’s absolutely brilliant, and in this new series, Surrender, she’s bringing the heat like never before! I was ecstatic to get my greedy little hands on this one, and it definitely didn’t disappoint!
Love, greed, power, and ultimate passion are at the forefront of Jake and Isla’s story. Jake Devine is the most ruthless of men, he does what he wants, takes what he wants, and never second-guesses it. He’s holds the power of persuasion at his fingertips, and uses it wisely. He’s a sexy ass, god among men, and that turns out to be not only his greatest gift, but also a miserable curse.
Isla Cormack is a complicated girl, with a mucky past, that keeps seeping it’s way into her present. She’s got to be one of the strongest women I’ve ever read about. She’s been pushed down repeatedly, but always seems to brush herself off and try again. Then she runs into Jake, who played a pivotal part in her past, little does she know, and this starts the chaotic craziness we come to see between the two of them.
My most cherished series by DH Sidebottom is the Heart of Stone series, and Jake and Isla’s tug of love relationship is bringing back fond memories of my favorite book couple, Ava and Mason Fox. The passion and heat Jake and Isla share is scorching, and it’s absolutely undeniable they’re made for each other and no one else. But is that love strong enough to overcome the tragedies and heartache they will soon face? It’s a mind-boggling journey, one I’m super excited about, and adding in the mix of over the top, alpha sexiness by the name of Jake Devine, what more could a naughty girl ask for?
Surrender (DEVINE book #1) by DH Sidebottom. This is a brand new series by DH Sidebottom and book one “Surrender” was amazing and has confirmed that I will be stalking Amazon for future books in this series! Devine is Erotic and suspenseful, and is filled with romantic drama that had me glued to every page. I loved reading the story of arrogant but super sexy Jake Devine and the spirited and stubborn Isla Cormack. Their passionate story is filled with a lot of secrets and mystery that slowly unfolds as the story progresses and guaranteeing that you will have a book hangover and dying for book #2. I am a huge fan of DH Sidebottom and I am addicted to all her books, but how she manages to give us a fresh new story filled with unsuspecting plots amazes me! LOVED IT!!
Merged review:
Surrender (DEVINE book #1) by DH Sidebottom. This is a brand new series by DH Sidebottom and book one “Surrender” is amazing and has confirmed that I will be stalking Amazon for future books in this series! Devine is Erotic and suspenseful, and is filled with romantic drama that had me glued to every page. I loved reading the story of arrogant but super sexy Jake Devine and the spirited and stubborn Isla Cormack. Their passionate story is filled with a lot of secrets and mystery that slowly unfolds as the story progresses and guaranteeing that you will have a book hangover and dying for book #2. I am a huge fan of DH Sidebottom and I am addicted to all her books, but how she manages to give us a fresh new story filled with unsuspecting plots amazes me! LOVED IT!!
I was so lucky to beta read this book and D H done it again! D H Sidebottom Never fails to deliver in my eyes I love all her books and well this one is no different Surrender has it all another roller-coaster of a ride full of twists and turns,Like with most of Dawns books you think you know what's going to happen then BAM it isn't going where you thought it would go. I loved all the characters Isla and Jake are great I really connected with Isla she is a complicated girl with a Horrid past that just seems to be coming back to haunt her but she is at the same time she is strong and funny and seems like nothing gets her down.
Then she meets Jake who she had known in school then one day he just disappeared, then years later she runs into him again, Secrets start to come to light and she realises Jake played a pivotal part in her past, as the secrets start to unfold Isla past seems to be catching up to her will her and Jake have a future together or will events from the past and present tear them apart. The intense heat between Jake and Isla is scorching, and it’s absolutely undeniable they’re made for each other and no one else.
If you love a over the top dirty mouth Alpha male Jake Devine is your man
This is just another amazing read from D H Sidebottom if you loved her Heart of stone series you are going to love this one .
I can always guarantee that when I read a book written by Dawn it's going to be a wild ride! And this is no exception, absolutely brilliant story I got right into it within the first few pages and didn't want to put it down. It was twisted, raw, and so mind numbingly emotional. The twists and turns throughout just keeps your mind thinking constantly and the angst had my heart accelerating. Omg I want to smack Jake myself I mean the wtf is he doing gahhhhh I want to throw something right now. Loved Isla character such a feisty one and made more good reading when she gives Jake back everything he gives, the chemistry between Jake and Isla is so wickedly hot the pages were smoking so yes I really enjoyed it, please put me out of my misery and tell me book 2 is on its way. Pleaseeeee
02/27/19 - Reread. I think I am liking this one more the second time around.
05/27/15 - I really liked this book. I loved the protective alpha male Jake was. I really enjoyed the mystery in the story. It was a great read. I am glad my friend Michelle recommended it to me!!
Isla knew Jake Devine back in college 10 years before. Jake left unexpectedly and she never saw him again until she she collided with him at a function she was working as a server. Jake and Isla were never really friends and when she sees him for the first time in 10 years, he does not really look happy to see her. However, there is more to the why Jake left and what happened to Isla 10 years before.
The author did a great job just giving snippets of Jake's POV here and there. Just enough to keep me questioning everything.
This was not an excellent book, but it was a good book. Some parts seemed a little unbelievable or maybe far fetched, but all in all I enjoyed it enough to finish it. There were some steamy moments and an alpha male.
❤️❤️❤️it. Isla and Jake know each other in college and although they have almost no relation, that doesn’t stop Jake from beating a boy who was trying to hurt Isla. The years go by and they meet again at a party where Isla works as a waitress. She accidentally throws the tray of food over Jake’s suit and she loses her job. Then she goes to a job interview at the exclusive club Deviant when her new boss offers her many advantages, a great salary and a place to live in exchange for her discretion and loyalty. She accepts although it seems to good to be true, and it is, since her true boss is none other than Jake. Isla is blames herself still for what happened 10 years ago on New Year’s Eve, where her mother lost her mind, her brother got into drugs and where her family ultimately suffered from the consequences of her actions. Jakes makes clear from the beginning what he wants from her:
“An apology for fucking you good and hard in two different ways, Isla. I am going to fuck you, Isla. And furthermore, when I do, you’ll be begging me to. You’ll offer your soul to me so long as I fuck you. Don’t bother denying it. We both know before long my cock will be fucking some exquisite part of you. Your sweet little pussy, your tight firm arse. Your mouth will be full of my cock soon, even your fingers will make me come. And hell,” he tipped his head, his smile arrogant and cocksure, “I’ll even fuck your pert little titties, Isla. I’m going to fuck every—inch—of—your—glorious—little body. My cum will cover your pale, soft skin, dripping from your mouth, your thighs, your face and your ass. My thick creamy spunk will be smeared across your tits, an indication that you’ve been thoroughly fucked. Ah, that’s what the apology is for. After I’ve physically fucked you, after your throat is hoarse from screaming my name so many times. After the many orgasms I give you leave your bones weak and helpless and your sweet cunt is so sore that you will feel me inside you for days, weeks even. Then and only then will I mentally fuck with your mind. Yeah, that’s why I am apologising in advance, because you won’t allow me to say sorry after I’ve broken your heart. Just remember, Isla,” he said quietly, “That I apologised. And you need to know how fucking sorry I will be, because out of all the people I hurt, hurting you will be my deepest regret.”
And although it seems that Jake feels love for her, he knows that without a doubt he will hurt her in the end. The life he chose a decade ago is not an easy life, is full of violence, but still he is unable to give up Isla. As a bonus, at least for me, the Fox’s appears in the book. Jake calls Mason to asks him for help( Mason already is retired in Portugal and ,it is Katie, his daughter, who manages the Fox empire now). God , I miss them. The books ends with a cliffhanger and so many questions in the air.
Whew what a book & Jake Devine...what a man! Strong, sexy, dangerous, demanding & so in love with Isla. Love Isla too...so strong & loyal & has been thru so much. But lord the cliffhanger ending was not what I was expecting! I need to read the 2nd book now but I read this all in one sitting & it’s way way past bedtime! So I’ll be starting book 2 first thing in the morning. Mystery, romance & angst to be continued... read this you won’t be sorry!
Either you like the book from the beginning of the story or not. I stopped after the few chapters as could not connect with anything in the story. It doesn’t feel dark story at all. The characters did not appeal to me from the word go therefore was not interested in finding out more about them. I like this author in general but she did not convince me to stay invested in the book from the very beginning. Sorry.
Somewhat new to DHS writing and I am a fan of dark and twisted. The beginning sets a foundation and it flows, leading to questions, assumptions and wicked thoughts depending on how dark or light one is. Looking forward to the conclusion hopefully it will be a twisted ride
Maybe two stars is harsh, but after reading a plethora of cheesy lines and not really understanding what's going on with their relationship; 2.5 stars is the very highest I can go. However, I'll give number two a quick go but if I encounter the same cliched sayings again, it will def be a DNF.
This is the first instalment in the Devine Series by D H Sidebottom, If you loved her Heart Of Stone Series then this is not to be missed! It's everything you expect from her work and more! I purchased this on kindle AND paperback its that good! 5 Stars!
D H Sidebottom is one if my all time favourite authors and as such, I never read the synopsis for her books or any of the reviews. For want of a better word, I like to go in blind and see just where this talented woman is going to take me next.
This is the first book in her new Devine series and the novella in this series (Loyalty, book #1.5) is already available too.
Isla's family has been torn apart and she seems to be the only one coping, but is she really? Her mother is trapped in the despair of her own mind, her brother makes bad choice after bad choice and her father is simply existing. No one wants to discuss what happened ten years ago though, leaving Isla to deal with her nightmares alone.
She all but crashes into Jake Devine's life, the strange, reclusive boy she knew years ago and he's just as rude and aggressive as he was then.
Secrets abound and Isla suddenly finds her life meshed with Jake's and he's now an arrogant, domineering, hot as hell, successful man.
The characters are absolutely superb! To say that I'm now obsessed with Jake would be an understatement! His "take no bullsh*t" demeanour is sexy and all encompassing. Isla's character is great too. Finally coming to terms with her inner demons and desires, her strength and gutsy nerve to take on Jake induces admiration. The sub-characters are just as well thought out and depicted and the mention of a character from a previous series was a thrilling surprise.
As with all of D H Sidebottom's books, she takes you on an utterly thrilling ride. Not being able to predict where it's going or what is going to happen next makes this an absolutely exhilarating read! There are twists and turns, laughter and tears and you can't help but invest just a bit of your heart when taking this journey.
I say this with a little trepidation but this, for me, is her best work yet. This is one accomplished author and I honestly don't know where she gets her ideas...her imagination astounds me and I'm totally in awe of her talent.
If I could give this book than 5 stars, I would do it in a heartbeat. So, with that being said, I am immediately reading the novella, Loyalty and I will be perched on the edge of my seat, waiting anxiously for book #2!
Another brilliant book from one of my favourite authors. Isla works as a waitress and when she's sent to cater an event the last person she expects to see there is Jake Devine. Knowing each other from college, Isla has always believed Jake hated her, and judging from how their first meeting goes, i have to agree the guy's an arsehole. I loved Isla. I very rarely like the females in books but Isla with her sassy mouth, attitude and determination to not let her past affect her future, makes it hard to not end up loving her. Right from the start it's fairly obvious something major happened in her past and her and her family are all paying the price for it. Jake, although i loved him, blows hot and cold. He openly admits he's not a good man, he does bad things and he makes no apologies, but he does have a heart in there too. When Isla's life starts tumbling down around her it's Jake who's there for her, but with both of them keeping secrets and someone going after Isla, will he stick around? As i've come to expect from Dawn's books this is full of twists and turns, wtf moments, brilliant secondary characters and some laugh out loud parts, aswell as a sexy, dominant, alpha male (who has equally hot friends) and a genuinely likeable main female character. With the story starting to unfold, we find out what it is Isla is hiding and why. I already know this is going to be one of my favourite series, I haven't stopped thinking about it since i finished. Can't wait for the next book to see what happens with Jake and Isla, and i want more from Jakes best friend Adam too. He's got a story to tell and i for one need to hear it. Highly recommend this book, i really enjoyed it.
what can I say I truly adore this author she has gone from strength to strength with her writing over the past few years getting better and bette . I fell in love with Her first series The Heart of stone and nsc industries and it will always be my favourite but I have to say I think Surrender will come a very very close second. Jake Devine is everything I look for in a male leading character sexy , possessive ,mysterious and will do what ever he needs to to keep what's his safe . Isla hasn't always had it easy but she is the perfect match for Jake she can more than hold her own with Jake and who ever else may feel the need to cross her. Lots of twists and turns and emotional turmoil make this book a must read for me. I can't wait for the next instalment.
Merged review:
what can I say I truly adore this author she has gone from strength to strength with her writing over the past few years getting better and bette . I fell in love with Her first series The Heart of stone and nsc industries and it will always be my favourite but I have to say I think Devine Surrender will come a very very close second. Jake Devine is everything I look for in a male leading character sexy , possessive ,mysterious and will do what ever he needs to to keep what's his safe . Isla hasn't always had it easy but she is the perfect match for Jake she can more than hold her own with Jake and who ever else may feel the need to cross her. Lots of twists and turns and emotional turmoil make this book a must read for me. I can't wait for the next instalment.
Strike, another hit series for DH Sidebottom. Wow, Jake Devine is 1 hot sexy alpha male, billionaire, king of a top london underground organization and a hell of an arrogant bastard...what's not to love right. Hell yes please I'll be heading back for second helpings of Mr Devine....sigh
Ilsa seems quite sheltered to real life and seems to prefer living in her own little bubble oblivious to the real world. I do love her arguementitive side and how she's always up for a sparring match with Jake, who most people seem to walk on eggshells around, for fear of upsetting him. Although I love that she brings out the sensitive side in him. Deep down I think as the series progresses and her character develops she will show there's another stronger and darker side to her.
I do adore DH's writing and with every new book/series her characters just get better and better. This book kept me gripped and on my toes right to the very last word. I'm diving straight into Loyalty then onto book 2. I can not wait for more