A LADY bound by contract … an OUTLAW torn by desire … The exquisite Lady Olivia Tarrington of London’s upper class arrives in corrupt and decrepit Virginia City, Montana, coerced to marry Jackson Mercer, the black sheep of an established Montanan family, who has a dark and cruel past. As the eldest daughter of Lord Henry Tarrington, Olivia must honour her father’s arrangement with the powerful Mercers, which will erase his burgeoning debt and ensure her sisters marry according to their choosing. Torn between her growing desire for a dangerous man and another who’d give her the life she’s accustomed to, she has to make a choice. But to find the freedom she desperately yearns for, she must first unlock her heart. “Sweet Surrender” is a stand-alone mail order bride themed sweet, western romance and the first book in the Mercers of Montana Series.
Kindle freebie, a squeaky clean romance set in the Old West. This one was too silly and superficial for me to even finish. I gave up on it about the time the kind, plucky British heroine helped save the manly, brooding hero from a cornered coyote. For non-critical sweet romance readers only.
Lady Olivia Tarrington has just arrived in Montana after being sold by her debt-ridden father as a "mail order bride". Not only is this a solution for her father, but it will also allow her younger sisters to marry. Olivia's fiancé, Jackson Mercer, is the black sheep of his family. A single look from him will have the local townspeople scattering to the other side of the street from fear due to his unsavory reputation. Both Olivia and Jackson find themselves in danger as a series of suspicious accidents begin to occur at local mining operations.
The book is ok, not great. Olivia's character is fine, as is that of the other females - Charlotte, Abigail, Lady Dubuque, etc. However, Jackson's character was seriously lacking. A physically imposing, handsome, wealthy "alpha" male on the outside, he had significant self confidence and self respect issues on the inside. The author seemed to be confused as to how she wanted to portray the character so none of it seemed right. Oh, and, you could figure out the bad guy and the motive without much effort.
This was a good historical romance, but it seemed to me unfinished. The plot was well-rounded, but the romance was severely lacking. I didn't really feel a spark between the two main characters, and I wanted more out of the relationship. I felt they were not connected in any way. It was a good beginning, but more was needed.
SOMETIMES A LADY CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE I really enjoyed this clean historical western with a touch of London society tossed in. The story kept me captivated as the mystery and suspense unfolds. I thought Lady Olivia Tarrington of London was resourceful and rather ingenious. She isn’t whiny or pretentious and accepts her lot in life to correct errors of her father and make a better path for her younger sisters. Jackson Mercer has a reputation that his mother, Abigail, is hoping to clean up with an arranged marriage to a Lady of upper-class standing. Maybe the match was not love, but sparks do happen when these two are together. The dialog is entertaining and the cast of characters add to the constant suspense. Lady Olivia can charm a crowd, even when they are prone to quickly throw out accusations and possible violence. I look forward to reading more stories by Ms. MacQuaid and the Mercers of Montana. Disclosure: I was provided an e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts, opinions, and ratings are my own.
Lady Olivia Tarrington is betrothed to Jackson Mercer. Lady Olivia travels from England to Montana to fulfill a marriage contract. The marriage will settle a financial debt for her father and provide for her family. So basically, her father sold her into marriage. She, on the other hand, is seeking love and adventure and discovers it in her betrothed. Jackson too finds her fascinating, warm and adventurous. Although he has been known as an outlaw and miscreant. Olivia see past these terrible rumors to a selfless kind man.
I liked this book but found it a bit jumbled to read. I often couldn't tell which character was saying what.
The villain was quite obvious from the beginning but the author did develop him well enough to sustain the interest of this reader. I gave this book three stars but would hope the author could develop a smoother style and clearer editing.
Just finished reading Sweet Surrender. I loved that Jackson and Olivia are both strong characters. Olivia is willing to stand up and fight for what is right. She does not let "popular" opinion sway her course of action. Many times the woman's character has them vapid and lacking character. More interested in what they are wearing than what is happening around them. Jackson is a man who struggles with his past and trying to move forward in his life. It is sweet to see how these two skirt their feelings while trying to make a better life for everyone in Virginia City. Loved the suspense and twists and turns in the story.
I dnf'd at 19% when the same-old-same-old plot line appeared. (The 'hero' being mistaken for a servant) Too clichéd for me I am afraid.
And I HATE it when I read a name and I have NO idea how to pronounce it - Lady Dubuque - Dubuck? Doo-booh-k? Due-bewk? It could be pronounced Ducky as far as I know!! Why, Just ... WHY?? Its clumsy and irritating.
For those that like to read both Historical Victorian Romance stories as well as Early American Wild West Love stories! A proper young English women sold off by her sham of a father to an unknowing Rancher in the Wild West of America set up by his mother! An arranged marriage that turned into a love match!
Cute, but not overly original. A light read to spend the afternoon with. Enjoyed the spirit of Olivia and Jackson and their care for their community and the people in it.
This was an ok book but I figured out the mystery about half way thru the book. I thought that it ended rather abrupt however and an epilogue would have made the ending a little better.
I loved this novel. Lady Olivia is a lady, but she actually does stuff that is conceivable for a woman to do in Victorian England, she has spunk and tries to push conventions while still being a lady. Great novel, I'd definately read more by this author
The setting for this story is a little different and therefore helps to make this fun to read. It is not your usual match and that also adds to the enjoyment. Happy to tell others to consider this short.
While the story was cute, I didn't understand what was going on at some parts and felt like I missed a whole lot. I didn't understand how the two could be in love after a day of meeting each other and doing nothing but staring and walking through the city.
A sweet little read. I think it set up more than it delivered and could have been a wee bit longer to fulfill that. Particularly Olivia being worth something more than a bauble. It was addressed in the end to a degree but I think it could have been developed more.
2.5 stars. Quick, infinitesimal character development, and the story didn't seem to go anywhere. Didn't have any attachment to the H/h. I am not compelled to read further in the series.