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Secrets & Surrender #1
Secrets & Surrender: Part One
A story of sacrifice, enduring love, and the undeniable bond of two people from different worlds.
Keeping my family's secret meant living in the shadows and guarding my heart. Then Nic Marcelli came into my life with a force I couldn't resist. Devastatingly handsome and way too cocky, he was from a world different from mine – a world of designer clothes, brunches, and fancy cars, a world I didn't understand, a world that would never accept me.
I fought him and my desire, but in a moment of weakness, I caved. I thought he'd be nothing more than a fling, someone to have fun with until graduation. Then we'd go our separate ways. I was wrong. If I had known then the sacrifices he'd make to stay by my side, I never would’ve surrendered to his love.
Keeping my family's secret meant living in the shadows and guarding my heart. Then Nic Marcelli came into my life with a force I couldn't resist. Devastatingly handsome and way too cocky, he was from a world different from mine – a world of designer clothes, brunches, and fancy cars, a world I didn't understand, a world that would never accept me.
I fought him and my desire, but in a moment of weakness, I caved. I thought he'd be nothing more than a fling, someone to have fun with until graduation. Then we'd go our separate ways. I was wrong. If I had known then the sacrifices he'd make to stay by my side, I never would’ve surrendered to his love.
201 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 28, 2015
26 people are currently reading
299 people want to read
About the author
L.G. Castillo
42 books436 followersJoin LG Castillo's mailing list for information on sales and new releases!
https://www.lgcastillo.com/newsletter
Known for her heartfelt cowboy romance and action-packed paranormal romance, USA Today Bestselling Author L.G. Castillo writes books that explore the tumultuous and psychological journey of self-discovery and falling in love. Her stories feature dramatic, life-changing events interspersed with a good dose of humor, feisty heroines, and the swoon-worthy men who love them.
When she's not writing, L.G. is binging on Netflix or adding up frequent flyer miles for her next vacation. She's been married to her own swoon-worthy hero for over two decades.
https://www.lgcastillo.com/newsletter
Known for her heartfelt cowboy romance and action-packed paranormal romance, USA Today Bestselling Author L.G. Castillo writes books that explore the tumultuous and psychological journey of self-discovery and falling in love. Her stories feature dramatic, life-changing events interspersed with a good dose of humor, feisty heroines, and the swoon-worthy men who love them.
When she's not writing, L.G. is binging on Netflix or adding up frequent flyer miles for her next vacation. She's been married to her own swoon-worthy hero for over two decades.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
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April 21, 2015
***Received a copy of this book in exchange for honest review***
Absolutely amazing I was excited to read Nic and Mandi's after reading The Wilde Series I really wanted to know the story behind these characters. They had so many differences pulling and setting them apart from the beginning I didn't know what to think about this dynamic duo. Nic struggled with his families indifference to anything regarding his choices unless they were to always do what his father expected of him they have a reputation to uphold they are very well known in society. His father has very high expectations for him and Nic doesn't have a choice. Mandi on the other hand isn't wealthy she has to take care of her little brothers and sisters to help out her parents since they both work to provide for them. She has a very vibrant and outspoken attitude which just adds to her beauty. Nic and Mandi have an immediate attraction but Mandi doesn't want to give in to her feelings she feels Nic only wants to play games with her emotions. They must learn to overcome obstacles and learn to trust each other's emotions. I can't wait to see what happens with this couple. I definitely recommend reading this series!
Absolutely amazing I was excited to read Nic and Mandi's after reading The Wilde Series I really wanted to know the story behind these characters. They had so many differences pulling and setting them apart from the beginning I didn't know what to think about this dynamic duo. Nic struggled with his families indifference to anything regarding his choices unless they were to always do what his father expected of him they have a reputation to uphold they are very well known in society. His father has very high expectations for him and Nic doesn't have a choice. Mandi on the other hand isn't wealthy she has to take care of her little brothers and sisters to help out her parents since they both work to provide for them. She has a very vibrant and outspoken attitude which just adds to her beauty. Nic and Mandi have an immediate attraction but Mandi doesn't want to give in to her feelings she feels Nic only wants to play games with her emotions. They must learn to overcome obstacles and learn to trust each other's emotions. I can't wait to see what happens with this couple. I definitely recommend reading this series!
October 19, 2016
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3 stars
I think everything in this book happened too quickly for me. Their romance was not believable to me because I felt the depth of feeling wasn’t there. He cared and was in love with her but we never really got to see why or how he came to those feelings. They just were. A big no no for me. I need to see how they connect otherwise the feeling seems shallow. Which is how it looks to me here.
And I never did understand her denying her feelings just because they come from different socioeconomic classes. If he was willing to ignore it, why couldn’t she? Because of some secret she is keeping for her family? She clearly likes him, but won’t act on her feelings. And I thought that was a bit childish and judgmental.
It looks a bit like he just wants what he can’t have when she consistently refuses his advances, and I find that a bit unattractive for my tastes. I will say that Nic’s parents were beautifully written as the hoity toity rich folks. They came of super assholish. (Its a word!)
I get cliffy’s, I do. But we need some type of closure and in this volume there was none. Just more questions. Which is why I won’t be reading the rest of this series. Sounds harsh right? It may be, but I dedicate a lot of my time to reading and reviewing and this book didn’t hold my interest enough to find out any of the answers to the questions the author asked.
3 stars
I think everything in this book happened too quickly for me. Their romance was not believable to me because I felt the depth of feeling wasn’t there. He cared and was in love with her but we never really got to see why or how he came to those feelings. They just were. A big no no for me. I need to see how they connect otherwise the feeling seems shallow. Which is how it looks to me here.
And I never did understand her denying her feelings just because they come from different socioeconomic classes. If he was willing to ignore it, why couldn’t she? Because of some secret she is keeping for her family? She clearly likes him, but won’t act on her feelings. And I thought that was a bit childish and judgmental.
It looks a bit like he just wants what he can’t have when she consistently refuses his advances, and I find that a bit unattractive for my tastes. I will say that Nic’s parents were beautifully written as the hoity toity rich folks. They came of super assholish. (Its a word!)
I get cliffy’s, I do. But we need some type of closure and in this volume there was none. Just more questions. Which is why I won’t be reading the rest of this series. Sounds harsh right? It may be, but I dedicate a lot of my time to reading and reviewing and this book didn’t hold my interest enough to find out any of the answers to the questions the author asked.
April 10, 2015
My Review:
I am a huge fan of LG Castillo's Lash series and when she wrote the Strong and Wilde serial I was in awe at how utterly amazing it was. It gave me chills and had me wanting more after each part. Secrets & Surrender was no different I was very excited to be able to read Nic and Mandi’s story.
Mandi is just a crazy wild girl with a lot of secrets, she is very outspoken and does things to the beat of her own drum. Nic is head over heals for her and he is an extremely sweet guy with a lot of home problems. They are just perfect for each other. Since I read the Strong and Wilde series the beginning of this book was like a sort of refresh for me but in Mandi and Nic’s POV I liked it but I have always wondered what happened after they graduated and of course you get a very good glimpse and then the end! WOW I cannot wait for the next one, I felt so bad for Mandi and am eager to see what happens next. Since this is a serial the ends are cliffhangers but Holy cow, can Mrs. Castillo write a cliffhanger! I had chills and even now wish I had the next one already in my hands. Once again she did a fantastic job writing amazing characters and a story that screams READ ME! Loved it :)
This review was originally posted on Because reading is better than real life
I am a huge fan of LG Castillo's Lash series and when she wrote the Strong and Wilde serial I was in awe at how utterly amazing it was. It gave me chills and had me wanting more after each part. Secrets & Surrender was no different I was very excited to be able to read Nic and Mandi’s story.
Mandi is just a crazy wild girl with a lot of secrets, she is very outspoken and does things to the beat of her own drum. Nic is head over heals for her and he is an extremely sweet guy with a lot of home problems. They are just perfect for each other. Since I read the Strong and Wilde series the beginning of this book was like a sort of refresh for me but in Mandi and Nic’s POV I liked it but I have always wondered what happened after they graduated and of course you get a very good glimpse and then the end! WOW I cannot wait for the next one, I felt so bad for Mandi and am eager to see what happens next. Since this is a serial the ends are cliffhangers but Holy cow, can Mrs. Castillo write a cliffhanger! I had chills and even now wish I had the next one already in my hands. Once again she did a fantastic job writing amazing characters and a story that screams READ ME! Loved it :)
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Hope you have a great day and Happy Reading!
This review was originally posted on Because reading is better than real life
April 2, 2015
I was given an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and am looking forward to the release of the others in this series. It was very well written, has a very good and believable story line and has strong characters. I was able to connect with the characters. All this mixed with some great twists and secrets that the H and h are keeping are all the makings of a great story. Can't wait for the next book!
December 2, 2025
do feel like this book has more to it from the way it starts and continues. There is a back story to this story/series I think. It could be made a bit clearer in the beginning. For this reason I think it needs to be read slowly.
March 9, 2021
A romantic story. Though prompt me to listen to Rick Ashley
June 1, 2015
I first discovered L.G. Castillo when I read her amazing NA paranormal series. She hooked me from the first chapter! I was excited to find out that she wrote two new NA series. It took me no time to fall in love with Manuela (Mandi) and Domenic (Nic). Mandi is the kind of heroine I love to cheer for! She has an amazing personality and she's a loyal and incredible friend. The author did a fantastic job with Nic as well. He was irresistibly addictive! He was the perfect person for Mandi.
Let me start off by saying that I had to read not once, but twice the first chapter!!! I thought that by mistake I started another installment instead of the first one. I had to message my co-blogger to get some much needed support. My heart was beating so fast!! She told me to keep on reading and that everything would make sense. I read until I could not keep my eyes open anymore!!! Mandi and Nic's story is beautiful, but heartbreaking as well.
In this first book we follow Mandi and Nic in high school. Nic is the new boy in town and he is the centre of attention wherever he goes. When Mandi first sees him, her world his turned upside down! She can't explain the attraction she has towards him. Mandi plays hard to get at first, but soon enough Nic's irresistible charm sweeps her off her feet! Their relationship grows every single day, but the people that want them apart are starting to take matters into their own hands. You won't be surprised if I tell you that the first installment ends with a major cliffhanger! I was so happy that I had the other two books waiting for me on my reading device!! I could not wait to see what would happen next!!!
L.G. Castillo did a fantastic job at making Mandi and Nic's beautiful love story come alive. Her writing style is captivating and her characters are all fascinating! It was easy to relate to both Mandi and Nic. I'm scared to see what is next for this couple. So many people are against their relationship that it scares me to think about what they would do to separate them. I'm crossing my fingers that I will not have a broken heart in the next book!
I give Secrets & Surrender, Part one, by L.G. Castillo, 4.5 romantic, first love, sweet stars!
Let me start off by saying that I had to read not once, but twice the first chapter!!! I thought that by mistake I started another installment instead of the first one. I had to message my co-blogger to get some much needed support. My heart was beating so fast!! She told me to keep on reading and that everything would make sense. I read until I could not keep my eyes open anymore!!! Mandi and Nic's story is beautiful, but heartbreaking as well.
In this first book we follow Mandi and Nic in high school. Nic is the new boy in town and he is the centre of attention wherever he goes. When Mandi first sees him, her world his turned upside down! She can't explain the attraction she has towards him. Mandi plays hard to get at first, but soon enough Nic's irresistible charm sweeps her off her feet! Their relationship grows every single day, but the people that want them apart are starting to take matters into their own hands. You won't be surprised if I tell you that the first installment ends with a major cliffhanger! I was so happy that I had the other two books waiting for me on my reading device!! I could not wait to see what would happen next!!!
L.G. Castillo did a fantastic job at making Mandi and Nic's beautiful love story come alive. Her writing style is captivating and her characters are all fascinating! It was easy to relate to both Mandi and Nic. I'm scared to see what is next for this couple. So many people are against their relationship that it scares me to think about what they would do to separate them. I'm crossing my fingers that I will not have a broken heart in the next book!
I give Secrets & Surrender, Part one, by L.G. Castillo, 4.5 romantic, first love, sweet stars!
June 2, 2015
The book is divided into three parts, then you're already aware that the first two parts ends in cliffhanger. NO COMPLAINTS***
The story starts tensely. The main couple is suffering. You keep hoping that it isn't happening even if you don't know all the characters yet. And how is the HEA anyway?
More behold, it all starts to make sense when back in time you know how Nic and Mandi met each other.
Both weren't born in Koppe, TX. Each family had a reason to go end up living in a town so small and with such a cowboy pace. The reasons for Nic Family seem to be more about his father's political aspirations, Frank Marcelli. But the reason of Mandi's family... well, this has not yet been revealed but it looks pretty serious.
And Mandi is well protective with regard to her family.
While Marcellis are rich, coming from a line of wealthy politicians, Mandi's family is poor, both parents work and she needs to take care of younger siblings.
Mandi is beautiful, very smart, bold, not afraid of exposing her opinion and she isn't impressed by the beauty and richness of the boy coming from NY.
However, they can't disguise that there is a chemistry between them. When they touch even unintentionally, there're sparks. And Nic never tires of showing how he feels attracted by this girl. For the first time he has serious problems getting a girl and win this challenge is making him crazy...
Now, it's time to read the next one...
The story starts tensely. The main couple is suffering. You keep hoping that it isn't happening even if you don't know all the characters yet. And how is the HEA anyway?
More behold, it all starts to make sense when back in time you know how Nic and Mandi met each other.
Both weren't born in Koppe, TX. Each family had a reason to go end up living in a town so small and with such a cowboy pace. The reasons for Nic Family seem to be more about his father's political aspirations, Frank Marcelli. But the reason of Mandi's family... well, this has not yet been revealed but it looks pretty serious.
And Mandi is well protective with regard to her family.
While Marcellis are rich, coming from a line of wealthy politicians, Mandi's family is poor, both parents work and she needs to take care of younger siblings.
Mandi is beautiful, very smart, bold, not afraid of exposing her opinion and she isn't impressed by the beauty and richness of the boy coming from NY.
However, they can't disguise that there is a chemistry between them. When they touch even unintentionally, there're sparks. And Nic never tires of showing how he feels attracted by this girl. For the first time he has serious problems getting a girl and win this challenge is making him crazy...
Now, it's time to read the next one...
April 9, 2015
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review so here goes! I have read the previous series (Strong and Wilde) that Ms. Castillo wrote and this was definitely a help in how quickly I connected to the characters. We were given a glimpse of Nic and Mandi and I have been waiting to get the whole story but, what a way to start. I was shocked and stunned by the end of the first chapter and the end of the book had me gasping! I am hoping that they will have their well deserved happy ending by the end of the series!
As with the previous series, the story was well written with the right amount of believable tension in it. As well, the two main characters were developed enough to keep me interested and invested in it. I am looking forward to the next installment.
I am giving it 4 stars because it is only the first of a series. I am sure that by the end, it will have earned a 4 1/2 or 5!
As with the previous series, the story was well written with the right amount of believable tension in it. As well, the two main characters were developed enough to keep me interested and invested in it. I am looking forward to the next installment.
I am giving it 4 stars because it is only the first of a series. I am sure that by the end, it will have earned a 4 1/2 or 5!
May 19, 2015
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
I loved this book! I adored the way Nic was in his pursuit of Mandi, so tenacious, I liked the way he refused to admit defeat, he refused to give up on her, refused to let her push him away. And the way he treats her once he has her is adorable. I love the way it is all her, she is his number one. this does have a cliffhanger, and boy is it a doosy! It made me go 'oh hell no!'. I recommend having the other books in this series, (there is 3 of them) on hand before starting this one, because you are going to want to jump right into the next one. I liked getting to see things from Mandi and Nic's point of view, seeing the scenes from Strong & Wilde (Cassie and Cody's books) in a different way. I very highly recommend! <3
I loved this book! I adored the way Nic was in his pursuit of Mandi, so tenacious, I liked the way he refused to admit defeat, he refused to give up on her, refused to let her push him away. And the way he treats her once he has her is adorable. I love the way it is all her, she is his number one. this does have a cliffhanger, and boy is it a doosy! It made me go 'oh hell no!'. I recommend having the other books in this series, (there is 3 of them) on hand before starting this one, because you are going to want to jump right into the next one. I liked getting to see things from Mandi and Nic's point of view, seeing the scenes from Strong & Wilde (Cassie and Cody's books) in a different way. I very highly recommend! <3
April 10, 2015
I had been waiting for this book since LG Castillo announced she was writing it. I am a huge fan of Strong and Wilde, and knew this would only make it better. She surly did not disappoint. Nic and Mandi are electric! I love their chemistry and how they seem to come alive! Unlike a lot of beginnings, this story gets into you from the moment you start reading it. Even with my busy schedule I read it quickly and enjoyed every minute. The cliff hanger at the end makes you want to go back for more. I can't wait for the next installment! This is a must read!
May 25, 2015
Full Review to Follow...
Though this book wasn’t very long it still had every important component of a great escape. Mandi’s family harbors a secret that haunts her but it is not revealed as of yet. I can’t imagine what it could be. Castillo does a wonderful job of immersing the reader into this wonderful story. I am rooting for Mandi and Nic to make things work against the odds.
My Rating
4.5 Ranch, Pinto, Birthday, Football, Math Drive In, Brunch, Loving Family, Calus Parents, Prom, College, Together, Moonlit Serenade, Professions of unwavering and undying love filled stars!
Though this book wasn’t very long it still had every important component of a great escape. Mandi’s family harbors a secret that haunts her but it is not revealed as of yet. I can’t imagine what it could be. Castillo does a wonderful job of immersing the reader into this wonderful story. I am rooting for Mandi and Nic to make things work against the odds.
My Rating
4.5 Ranch, Pinto, Birthday, Football, Math Drive In, Brunch, Loving Family, Calus Parents, Prom, College, Together, Moonlit Serenade, Professions of unwavering and undying love filled stars!
Read
April 11, 2015Secrets & Surrender Teaser
May 13, 2015
Fell in love with these characters. Great start to this series.
September 15, 2015
Is a great book to read
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews