Dare to Surrender, Carly Phillips.
Review from jeannie zelos book reviews
This is a stand alone novel, ( hurrah ) although part of a series about connected characters and places. I've not read any of the other books but that didn't affect the way I understood this book. It's a fun read, easy to follow, sexy and sensual, with a decent storyline – and a HEA – I love those.
At 230 pages its quite a short read, but its not filled with fluff anf waffle but with people and events that fit the storyline, and add to the enjoyment of the tale. I loved Gabe, right from the start. He's kind of taciturn and yet...so protective and wants to just make Isabelle happy. He's watched her for a while now, and when the jerk Ex lets her leave at night after she finds out he's been cheating with her friend, with nothing but what she's wearing and nowhere to go, he steps in and takes her home.
He's good though is Gabe, he knows she needs her independence, something the Ex took from her and left her in the mess she's in, so when she leaves he does nothing to stop her, knowing she's safe and has a job and home arranged. Isabelle has been attracted to him for far too long, but while she was with her Ex a little light flirting was the extent of their contact. She's not a cheater unlike the Ex, and Gabe too has a girlfriend. Once Isabelle is free though he parts ways with his girlfriend, they were not in a serious relationship, more one of convenience. I loved Isabelle, understood her need to regain her independence, and when she gets the offer, via Gabe's sister Lucy, to take a contract on Eden, a very select island where they are setting up a new club, she accepts. She has an idea Gabe might have had something to do with it, but she knows its good for the firm and well within her capabilities, and that she can do a good job...then she gets to the island and things heat up – quickly, searingly, and they are caught up ina fast burning attraction.
It's an easy read, sexy and erotic, and with a decent story. Its not wall to wall sex, but well written, hot scenes that slot neatly into the story, sometimes there's so much sex the story suffers, not so here, its perfectly balanced. I loved the characters, loved the way the story played out even down to the sad parts. I need those to balance the happy parts ;-)
Stars: Almost a five, a good four and a half.
ARC supplied via Netgalley