At sixteen, Anasofiya Deschanel is terrified at the notion of sharing herself with anyone. Rather than face that fear, she hides behind her books and imagination, where her heart feels safe.
Secretly, Oz Sullivan’s heart has always belonged to Ana. Fearful of scaring her, he chooses instead to pursue girls who are nothing like him, leaving him empty and unfulfilled.
Circumstances find them miserable at their junior prom, after problems with their respective dates. Ana and Oz must decide if they’re willing to surrender their fears, and leap forward into the unknown.
Dive into this Crimson and Clover Lagniappe, and indulge in this flashback story of first love.
(Note: This story was originally published as part of the All Our Love Anthology by Novel Grounds)
Sarah is the USA Today and International Bestselling Author of over forty contemporary and epic fantasy stories, and the creator of the Kingdom of the White Sea and Saga of Crimson & Clover universes.
Born a geek, Sarah spends her time crafting rich and multilayered worlds, obsessing over history, playing her retribution paladin (and sometimes destruction warlock), and settling provocative Tolkien debates, such as why the Great Eagles are not Gandalf's personal taxi service. Passionate about travel, she's been to over twenty countries collecting sparks of inspiration, and is always planning her next adventure.
Sarah and her husband live in a beautiful corner of SE Pennsylvania with their three tiny benevolent pug dictators.
Beyond Crimson and Clover: Shattered by Sarah M. Cradit is a 2014 independent publication. I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This is the tender story of Ana and Oz back when they were teenagers. It has occured to me that this series is so multi-faceted. There are so many angles that can be pursued. We can go back in time and examine relationships or branch off and explore the specific issues of the characters. Each story, no matter how long or short adds another piece to the puzzle that brings more insight into who these are and where they came from. In this short story we already see the complications that lead Ana and Oz to make the choices they did later as adults. We also get a glimpse of the cocky Nicolas back in his younger days. I do not have any idea why I have a thing fo Nic but for some reason he just fascinates me. He is such a snot in this story. I couldn't help but laugh at him. If you follow this series you will want to add this one to the collection for sure. If don't follow the series.. well, you should. This one gets 4 stars
4.5 stars I was given a copy of the book in return for an honest review.
The teenage Anasofiya Deschanel feels adrift, scared of letting anyone get too close. She's uncomfortable with intimacy and feels awkward with her peers. The only people she feels comfortable with and close to are her cousin, Nicolas, and Oz Sullivan, a close friend of both Ana and Nicolas since they were children.
"If anyone could understand, it would be him, although no-one would ever really know the intricacies of Ana’s mind. Not even her."
Even though this story is Ana and Oz as teenagers their characters have a depth and charm. It’s a lovely story, giving more insight into the complicated character that is Ana Deschanel and gives an inkling of why she and Oz made their choices, good or bad, in later life. It was interesting to see the dynamics of the relationships between Ana, Oz and Nicolas. This is a great addition to the House of Crimson and Clover and, like the other stories and novellas in this series, adds another dimension to the whole.
I'm really enjoying Sarah Cradit’s writing and following this series as it evolves.
Surrender is the incredible story of one of the most pivotal moments of young Anasofiya Deschanel's life.
I loved the rawness and realism of this story. Even though we all weren't harboring secret abilities that we didn't want our prospective dates to know about, we can all relate to the confusion and awkwardness of growing up. If only we all could have had an Oz and Nic there to help us out like Ana did!
For fans of this series: Surrender is written with the same captivating writing style that we've come to expect from Sarah M. Cradit. For anyone who is new to this author or this series: This short is the perfect way to introduce yourself to a remarkable author who writes a book that once started cannot be put down until you turn that last page.
The House of Crimson and Clover series by Sarah M. Cradit quickly became one of my favorites when I picked up the first book last year. I love everything about Cradit’s writing. What I love most is her exceptional talent for writing characters with depth and intricate storylines. Surrender is no exception and is a great C&C series extra, or like we say here in Louisiana, it’s a little lagniappe. Don’t worry, you don’t have to have read the previous books in the series to enjoy this one. You will want to dive into the House of Crimson & Clover series when you’re done though, so get ready to 1-click!
Reading about these characters again felt like being with old friends. Flaws and all, I genuinely like them.
This is a short, sweet novella that gives the reader further insight to Ana and Oz and how their relationship began and evolved. Once again, the author did a wonderful job at making me empathize with these characters, pulling me into their lives from the first page. My fav, Nicolas, was only mentioned a few times, but it's nice to see he was honest about who he was even as a teen.
Although part of a series, this could be read as a standalone or even as an introduction to the series.
This review is based on an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I absolutely love the House of Crimson & Clover series. Ana is one of my favorite characters because on the outside she's a woman who seemingly has it all- beauty, wealth, education- and yet on the inside she's deeply flawed & her own worst enemy. Nicholas is a trip as usual, Oz is an all around stand up guy, just like his cousin Clancy (who was introduced in this short story).
However, I feel the need to warn readers who haven't read a novel by Sarah M. Cradit- once you read one, you'll quickly devour the rest of the series, then you'll have to wait patiently for the next. Fortunately Sarah doesn't make her readers wait too long for the next novel!
Sarah Cradit has created yet another masterpiece! In Surrender you learn more about Anasofiya and her life as a teen. She is lucky to have such wonderful people like Oz & Nicolas to guide her and be there for her during her awkward phase. As things progress you learn a little bit of history behind Ana and Oz and how they came to be along with more insight into the Deschanels. If your looking for a great book shrouded in mystery, light paranormal happenings and set in the fabulous New Orleans area then this is the book for you! The House of Crimson and Clover series can be read as a stand alone but is awesome as a series!
For those who remember high school to those who want to forget it, this book made me feel like I was back in the high school years! From the feelings of self doubt, loneliness, to all the gushy feelings we kept inside!
Cradit does a wonderful job of pulling you into the realm of high school again. The back story of Anasofiya Deschanel and Oz Sullivan struggling with teenage issues is well written.
Loved the quick read, with lots of twists!! Could not put it down!!
Thank you Sarah for another wonderful addition to your amazing series!!!
Author Sarah M, Cradit is brilliant when it comes to brining characters to life. In this short story we see how Nicolas, Oz and Anna are best friends. How Anna and Oz move forward with the love they feel for each other. This is a great look back to see them as young adults and it gives me more insight for the House of Crimson & Clover series when they are older. Cradits series has become one of my favorites and I love getting to know all her characters.
This was a great story that gave further insight into Ana and Oz - but mostly Ana. It was a great lunch hour read. I highly recommend this short story to give more character development and helps to know why Ana (and Oz) make the choices they make. It was also nice to hear more about Clancy. This is a great addition to the House of Crimson and Clover Series.
An interesting prequel with a lot of information on how the characters feel and a little on their upbringing. Hopefully it will continue to grow and get better and build on the hints of other things that will happen.
* I received an ebook in exchange for an honest review. *
I loved this short story by author Sarah M. Cradit!! I enjoyed learning more about Ana and Oz when they were teenagers and both loners with only themselves and Nic to hang out with. Then the night of prom happens and their friendship takes an awkward turn - will it destroy their friendship or will it cement them together forever?!?! It is said that a person's first love is always there throughout their lives and I can't wait to see if this is true for Ana and Oz. Author Sarah M. Cradit draws the reader in and never lets them go until the very last sentence and even then the reader is still immersed in the world of Ana, Oz and Nic and the magic that comes along with them and their families!! The reader is not able to stop thinking about these characters even after they have finished reading. They continue to write the next part of the story in their minds and impatiently wait for the next book. This story may be a short one, but it packs a pretty large punch!
Make sure you add it to your TBR list and add them all - this is a can't miss series by author Sarah M. Cradit! Enjoy this one and all of her others! This is by far one of my favorite series!
Surrender by Sarah Credit is a short story companion to her House of Crimson and Clover series
It tells of one night between key characters, Oz and Ana. Oz, Ana, and her brother, Nicholas, have been best friends since the beginning. At age sixteen, Nicholas realizes Oz loves Ana, and he gives him the nod to pursue his sister. Too worried that he’ll screw up his friendship with Ana, Oz does nothing about his infatuation, and she ends up going to the prom with another boy. When events lead to Ana and Oz being alone in the hotel after the after prom party what follows is a night they'll never forget. I love how Sarah explains so much in a short story and now we understand the dynamics better between the three of them.
I truly enjoy Sarah Cradit’s character explorations through her lagniappes about the Deschanel clan.
This is the short story of one night between Oz and Ana. Oz, Ana, and Nicholas have been the three amigos forever, as long as Ana can remember. At 16 Nicholas knows Oz loves Ana and tells him all the time to "go for it". But Oz loves Ana so very much he's afraid he'll screw it up and ruin their friendship. Ana doesn't date but on the night of junior prom she agrees to go with Calvin Whittaker.. When events lead to Ana and Oz being alone in the hotel after the after prom party what follows is a night they'll never forget. I love how Sarah explains so much in a short story and now we understand the dynamics better between the three of them. Love these little off shoots of the main story and learning more about the Deschanel clan.
I picked up this novella about Ana & Oz through a giveaway. I understand it is a prequel story about a couple that feature in the full length stories of the series and while I enjoyed it I think it would be more enjoyable if I had read the series first as I would be more invested in Ana & Oz. Not that I wasn't here it is just very short so while I liked what I saw of them you don't actually spend that much time together. Also while this was a sweet YA friends to lovers story, given that there seems to be at least one (if not more) books in the series about Ana & Oz I presume that they break up (which makes me sad) and the stories are about them finding their way back to each other. So I would recommend reading the series first then the prequels.
This is the story of Anasofiya Deschanel and Oz Sullivan. Ana, Oz, and Nicolas have been friends their whole entire life. While dealing with all things that the Deschanel family has to deal with the children feel as if love and relationships are something that will not ever happen for them not because its not possible but because they won't allow it. So the question remains what happens when two friends develop a relationship that is more than friendly? Can they have the dream they want or is it doomed to prevail? Will Ana and Oz ever get a chance to be together or will they never know that kind of happiness? To find the answers check out this amazing short story... you will not regret it.
Do you remember your first time? Were you excited? Were you scared? What happens if you were such an introvert, you couldn't see the love, one of your best friends has for you? Ana Deschanel is just coming of age. It's hard enough to cross the threshold of girlhood to adulthood, but she is faced with the man, she thought was her best friend, becoming the one to take her over that threshold. Fall in love with Ana and Oz's story! I know I did :).
Surrender tells the story of Oz and Ana, friends falling in love for the first time. I love these two characters together and individually. They make the most beautiful couple but even better friends.