Surrender at Sunset

Tropical Destiny #4

by Jamie Pope

Passion's hideaway Ever since enduring a possibly career-ending injury, Miami superstar shortstop Carlos Bradley has retreated from the world. His life undergoes a radical makeover when he's convinced to hire a designer to restore his secluded island mansion to its former glory. Completely different from the women Carlos has known, interior decorator Virginia Andersen captivates him with her infectious spirit and the sensuality beneath her coolly professional demeanor. The owner of a struggling design firm, Virginia can't believe her new employer is a baseball legend. But Carlos wants more than just her expertise. And when he insists she move into his tropical getaway during the renovations, Virginia soon finds herself sharing the irresistible playboy's bed. But when the media descends, she's thrust into the limelight and her past becomes an open book. Is she ready to overcome her doubts to fight for a future with the man of her dreams?

Genres: Romance

224 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 19, 2016

About the author

Jamie Pope first fell in love with romance at thirteen when her mother placed a novel in her hands. She became addicted to love stories and has been writing them ever since. When she's not writing her next book, you can find her shopping for shoes or binge-watching shows.

Reviews

[Biggaletta Day · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best novels I've read this year, and probably one of the best in the Kimani category. The story is quite simple however Jamie Pope's writing is what makes it exceptional. I found it positive, and uplifting and a very pleasant and SEXY read. Plus funny!

So Virginia meet Carlos a baseball superstar hiding away for the world. They have a strong attraction to each other, teasing and eventually knocking boots together. Carlos had issues and has to figure them out before he can be with Virginia. Virginia is a cool free spirit. Nice, pleasant and honest though not always with herself.

It's a great story, with a nice cast. I suspect there will more from this - because we have Derek the major - I suspect he will pair off with Ava - Carlos's younger sister. We also Carlos's brother and Virginia's twin brother. Plus her best friend. I suspect that was why there was no epilogue - there will be more!

[Laurie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Easy light read.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Surrender at Sunset was the first book I've read from author Jamie Pope and I loved it tremendously! The storyline was excellent from start to finish and certain parts had me bursting out loud laughing at Virginia and Carlos. Who ever said that opposites attract was correct when these two characters got together. I enjoyed their chemistry together as well as their love scenes. Hats off to you Ms. Pope for a phenomenal read!!

[Authoress Nikqua · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing! Goodness! This book was so good from the beginning! I loved that Gin got Carlos to open up & when he did, boy, that was a good thing! lol. I loved how their love blossom & although they had disagreements & fights they were able to bounce back from them! That ending was everything! I can’t wait to read the next book in the series!

[Latrice Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Next Francis Ray

I can hardly believe that I have found the next Francis Ray in Jamie Pope. I read this book from beginning to end only stopping a few hours to sleep. It has been years since I've found a romance novel so compelling. Character development was great. Can hardly wait to read the next one in the series. Thanks for renewing my faith in Black Romance!

[Whit · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although I enjoyed Carlos and Virginia's story, I was disappointed that the book ended before explaining how they were going to resolve Carlos returning to baseball and Virginia returning to her career.

[Linda Collins-Crawford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome Beginning to the Series..

This Love story was so literally awesome.. Fictional characters that honestly could really exist..An injured athlete & A free spirit Interior decorator...Carlos & Gin ...😙😍😄🤗🔥🔥Loved every chapter...A great read...👍🏽🙋🏾‍♀️📚

[Lichaun Trotter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story!!!!

I love the story because I love Virginia's character is a bold take charge kinda person who doesn't always chose the safe route......great story loved it!!!!!

[Jody Stevens]

This was my first book by Jamie Pope and I loved it! I liked Virginia because she was unpretentious, adventurious and unafraid to go after what she wanted. She was bold and spontaneous and full of life.
Jamie Pope did a great job of developing their relationship and building it on a foundation of friendship which made their connection and bond that much stronger.
Carlos was a man in transition who didn't know what he needed until it was right in front of his face. He was alone and lonely until Virginia came along and showed him how to enjoy the simple things in life and experience real happiness. It didn't hurt that he was a gorgeous hunk with green eyes!
I loved how Virginia was down for him from the start and affirmed him, supported him in whatever he did and showed him that he was loved for who he was and not what he did as a baseball player.
I didn't want to get to the end because I didn't want to say goodbye to them. I could picture Hideaway Island and the mansion so clearly with the beautiful beach at sunset. I can't wait to read about Elias and Ava's stories in the next two books and hopefully get an update on Carlos and Virginia.

[Marsha · Rating 3 out of 5]

While the refusal to submit to propriety frequently plays a part in romance, in this novel that crossing of the line isn’t as irksome as it is in other such scenarios. Yes, it’s rarely a good idea to sleep with the boss and usually carries awful consequences (losing a job, dissolving a marriage, getting despised by your colleagues, etc.). But here the progression from employer to lover is accompanied by conversation, understanding and the maturity of two adults growing together and learning to appreciate each other rather than just dropping underwear because the other person is a pretty piece of flesh.

Here it’s the woman who is the capable partner, providing a livable house, sumptuous meals, a friendly smile and a quiet confidence in the male love interest that he’s sorely lacking in himself. Other than a paycheck, great sex and a defunct sports career, what can he offer her?

The book is worth reading to find out. Others are pulled into Carlos and Virginia’s orbit; this book centers on them but has a cast of characters that are exciting to encounter, mainly friends and family. It’s also a daunting peek at what makes a sports hero as we read about Carlos Bradley as he is mobbed by fans, hit on by skanky women and confessing ashamedly how he got through school because his teachers and principal looked the other way when he did poorly in class.

Being a sports star lets you get away with a lot. Fortunately, Carlos doesn’t let it get to his head. He could have been a massive jerk (and he is occasionally a bit dictatorial) but he comes off as being a slightly insecure sweetheart. I couldn’t help but cheer on his love affair with Virginia and hoping it had a blissful ending.

[Books and Spoons · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a perfectly heartwarming story of a cold winter night.
Even though the characters are rich and famous in their own fields, they were easy to relate to and easy to like.
Virginia is fun, blunt, bold, and bright. Her mother is a terror on anyone, but even that she tackles well, and knows she can't live her life to please her mother.
Carlos has lost his father, and now the ability to play baseball, the two big loves in his life. He is devastated and hiding on the little island. When Carlos hires Virginia to decorate his island getaway home, he gets more than he could ever dream of.
The story is filled with subtle humor, delightful moments of island fun with Carlos and Virginia, and smooth, sensuous moments between them. They respect each other's work, they challenge each other to seek for new dimensions, and they help to handle each other's family during the holidays. They are the perfect friends for each other, or is there more to it than friends?
A charming, sexy, and whimsical, a captivating story, that I wasn't ready to let go, great entertainment!
~ Four Spoons

[Gail Chianese · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had it all for me. Great characters. Virginia is outgoing, outspoken, nice, patient, and extremely caring. She’s also strong, driven, and while she’s very comfortable with herself she’s still just a little unsure of her decisions. In other words, she’s fantastic but not perfect. Carlos is sexy, brooding, arrogant at time, possessive, and very generous. And while he’s a mega star in the baseball world, he’s not a jerk. The story line was easy to read and flowed. Watching their relationship develop from start to finish made sense. It wasn’t forced and the chemistry was fantastic. I also really liked that not every other page is another love scene, not that the couple don’t burn up the pages, but there was more to read than just sex. Overall, I’d say anyone looking for a great romance with fun, engaging characters will love this book.

[JeaNida Luckie-Weatherall · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I saw this book I was like I never heard of this author before, but I'll try it out. Once I started reading I was like that I this style of writing and as I progress on I was like this seems like Ginger Jamison, then I went and checked at they were one and the same. AWESOME WRITER. This book had everything that I love in a romance novel. The characters were great and I loved how she developed each character. The storyline was easy to follow and it flowed through the pages. This made their relationship make so much sense and I loved their chemistry. I love the relationship between Carlos and Virginia and I can't wait for the next book in this series. Highly recommend this book and you won't be disappointed. Job well done as always Jamie Pope.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Booklover

I loved this book love is such a strong feeling and a happy feeling finding someone to live and love you back is a blessing. He showed strength and courage to walk as way from this dream for the women he love.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heart warming

Carlos and Virginia's story beautifully unfolds against a warm tropical background. Carlos is recovering from a major injury on his private island which sidelines his high profile, successful baseball career. Virginia is a struggling interior designer at a crossroad in her life. These two come together professionally but, their mutual attraction finds them gradually falling for one another. The slow shift of their relationship was a pleasure reading. My only complaint is the ending. An epilogue would have kept the ending from feeling so abrupt.

[Toni · Rating 4 out of 5]

A passionate story about Virginia Andersen, painter and interior decorator who falls in love with baseball superstar Carlos Bradley while decorating his house.
Carlos is captivated by Virginia's spirit and sensuality that she tries to hide behind a professional demeanor. Virginia can't believe that this baseball legend really wants her to redo his house.

[Beyond the Pages with Eva K · Rating 4 out of 5]

Carlos and Virginia were certainly a couple who shared something precious. I liked their story. They were well suited and evenly matched, despite their noted differences.

Rating: 3.75/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: Adult
Status: Contemporary
Chemistry/Intensity: Yes
Drama/Conflict: Yes
Family Dysfunction: No

Source: NetGalley

[Tigger · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had this book since February...did not read it until this month...most likely because the story line did not have me wanting to read it right away...
now that I have read the book, really enjoyed the story
but I hated how the story ended...just ended, would have loved to have a epilogue

I am about to read her next book Love and a Latte, I hope the ending is much better

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received a copy for honest review. I loved it! Virginia was sweet and funny and I loved how she made the hero think about more than just his baseball career. It was touching at moments. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.

[Harlequin Books]

"The story flows well, without being predictable. The dialogue is strong and the characters are endearing, funny and well rounded" (RT Book Reviews, 4 stars).

Miniseries: Tropical Destiny

[Juanita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Surrender

I chose this rating because I was looking for as lest a epilogue of a wedding. I did enjoy the story providing us with a view of a broken man and a woman growing together. I would recommended this book to read.

[Atinuke · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet and romantic

[Jennifer Schultheis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review at http://wp.me/p2F7IH-bPf