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At Your Service #2
Surrender to You
In this seductive novel from the author of Bound to You, two career-oriented friends with benefits discover that good morning doesn’t have to mean goodbye.
Late-night booty calls are the most romantic gesture that Carlie Jason expects from business magnate Tomas Goodfellow. Ever since they were teenagers, they’ve provided each other the kind of no-strings pleasures that don’t involve regrets. Now Carlie finds it easier to kiss and run rather than face the fact that she wants so much more. But when she takes a job as a concierge at one of Tomas’s properties, a hotel where the rich and famous get their kink on, Carlie’s tempted to reconsider the rules of surrender.
As the head of an international empire, Tomas knows how to bring out the best in his employees. Putting Carlie in charge of managing the desires of his wealthiest clients was a stroke of genius—only now that she’s close enough to touch, he finds he doesn’t want to let her go. Their long, dark history has built up intimacy in ways he’s only just beginning to understand, but Tomas isn’t ready to trust her just yet. He knows his feelings are more than skin-deep. But first he needs to convince Carlie of one the ties that bind go straight to the heart.
Praise for Shawntelle Madison’s Surrender to You
“ Surrender to You burns up the pages and gives you all the feels. It’s a must-read!” —Stacey Kennedy, USA Today bestselling author of the Club Sin series
“ Surrender to You is a panty-melting love story with kinky sweet sex and deep emotional issues. Couldn’t put it down!” — USA Today bestselling author Jamie K. Schmidt
“A sexy second-chance story that will leave you smiling.” —Cassie Ryan, author of My Addiction
“A thought-provoking story.” —Sportochick’s Musing
“I really enjoyed this book. It was sexy and with all that was going on, it was never boring. I will be back for whatever this author has next.” —Ramblings from this Chick
“Great story of how two lonely, damaged people learn to lean on each other and support one another through life’s hard times.” —It’s About The Book
Praise for Shawntelle Madison’s Bound to You
“Shawntelle Madison creates sexual tension that practically burns the page. Bound to You is a must-read!” —Mandy Baxter, author of the Billionaire’s Club series
“Experiencing this journey with Sophie and Xavier is a treat. Bound to You is sweet, sexy, and funny, with a happily ever after that will touch your heart.” —Cassie Ryan, author of My Obsession
Includes an excerpt from another Loveswept title.
Late-night booty calls are the most romantic gesture that Carlie Jason expects from business magnate Tomas Goodfellow. Ever since they were teenagers, they’ve provided each other the kind of no-strings pleasures that don’t involve regrets. Now Carlie finds it easier to kiss and run rather than face the fact that she wants so much more. But when she takes a job as a concierge at one of Tomas’s properties, a hotel where the rich and famous get their kink on, Carlie’s tempted to reconsider the rules of surrender.
As the head of an international empire, Tomas knows how to bring out the best in his employees. Putting Carlie in charge of managing the desires of his wealthiest clients was a stroke of genius—only now that she’s close enough to touch, he finds he doesn’t want to let her go. Their long, dark history has built up intimacy in ways he’s only just beginning to understand, but Tomas isn’t ready to trust her just yet. He knows his feelings are more than skin-deep. But first he needs to convince Carlie of one the ties that bind go straight to the heart.
Praise for Shawntelle Madison’s Surrender to You
“ Surrender to You burns up the pages and gives you all the feels. It’s a must-read!” —Stacey Kennedy, USA Today bestselling author of the Club Sin series
“ Surrender to You is a panty-melting love story with kinky sweet sex and deep emotional issues. Couldn’t put it down!” — USA Today bestselling author Jamie K. Schmidt
“A sexy second-chance story that will leave you smiling.” —Cassie Ryan, author of My Addiction
“A thought-provoking story.” —Sportochick’s Musing
“I really enjoyed this book. It was sexy and with all that was going on, it was never boring. I will be back for whatever this author has next.” —Ramblings from this Chick
“Great story of how two lonely, damaged people learn to lean on each other and support one another through life’s hard times.” —It’s About The Book
Praise for Shawntelle Madison’s Bound to You
“Shawntelle Madison creates sexual tension that practically burns the page. Bound to You is a must-read!” —Mandy Baxter, author of the Billionaire’s Club series
“Experiencing this journey with Sophie and Xavier is a treat. Bound to You is sweet, sexy, and funny, with a happily ever after that will touch your heart.” —Cassie Ryan, author of My Obsession
Includes an excerpt from another Loveswept title.
222 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 12, 2016
13 people are currently reading
114 people want to read
About the author
Shawntelle Madison
39 books479 followersShawntelle Madison is a web developer who loves to weave words as well as code. She’d never admit it, but if asked she’d say she covets and collects source code. After losing her first summer job detassling corn, Shawntelle performed various jobs—from fast-food clerk to grunt programmer to university webmaster. Writing eccentric characters is her most favorite job of them all. On any particular day when she’s not surgically attached to her computer, she can be found watching cheesy horror movies or the latest action-packed anime. She lives in Missouri with her husband and children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
July 7, 2016
GUSY IM LITERALLY LAUGHING SO HARD AS I TYPE THIS.
Surrender to You was marketed as 'friends with benefits'. Not sure why, but these storylines are my favorites because I love when the characters realize when their relationship is something more than just physical. This book was literally nothing like that. And I'm actually struggling to call it a 'romance'.
This was a book about a girl complaining about not being able to eat gluten.
You think I'm exaggerating, but I'm not. FOR REAL- 90% OF IT WAS HER COMPLAINING. NINETY PERCENT OF THE BOOK. I'm still struggling to comprehend how I was able to get through it. Like, I'm actually laughing so hard right now thinking about how dramatic Carlie was about it.
If this didn't include weird sex scenes and a description of a naked woman being walked like a dog in a hotel, then I'd probably buy this for my bosses. I actually have multiple bosses (babysitter here) who don't eat gluten at all.. and never once have they complained. And I eat their gluten-free stuff all the time AND IT'S PRETTY DAMN GOOD??? One of them is even gluten-free by choice ......... meanwhile Carlie here is acting like she was just told she has 3 months to live.
PLEAAAASE.
When she thought Tomas knew she was gluten free, I was just done. I mean look:
Why would it even remotely be a big deal if he knew she couldn't eat gluten? WHY.
I would try and explain the relationship between her and Tomas, or her relationship with her friends, or even anything else that happened in the book, but there's nothing to explain. She pushed away Tomas most of the book, hardly ever hung out with her friends, and there was a little part where she looks for her biological mother (who gave her away), but that was also barely there.
Overall? I'd never recommend this to anyone. Ever. Not only did I dislike all the characters, never saw a connection with Tomas and Carlie, and felt extremely bored.. but there was no romance!
I don't get it. *sigh*
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
Surrender to You was marketed as 'friends with benefits'. Not sure why, but these storylines are my favorites because I love when the characters realize when their relationship is something more than just physical. This book was literally nothing like that. And I'm actually struggling to call it a 'romance'.
This was a book about a girl complaining about not being able to eat gluten.
You think I'm exaggerating, but I'm not. FOR REAL- 90% OF IT WAS HER COMPLAINING. NINETY PERCENT OF THE BOOK. I'm still struggling to comprehend how I was able to get through it. Like, I'm actually laughing so hard right now thinking about how dramatic Carlie was about it.
"How long have you known us? If any of us were sick, we'd tell the others."
A tear fell down my cheek, but I quickly wiped it away, "A long time-".
If this didn't include weird sex scenes and a description of a naked woman being walked like a dog in a hotel, then I'd probably buy this for my bosses. I actually have multiple bosses (babysitter here) who don't eat gluten at all.. and never once have they complained. And I eat their gluten-free stuff all the time AND IT'S PRETTY DAMN GOOD??? One of them is even gluten-free by choice ......... meanwhile Carlie here is acting like she was just told she has 3 months to live.
PLEAAAASE.
When she thought Tomas knew she was gluten free, I was just done. I mean look:
"My throat stuck mid-swallow. Did he know?"
Why would it even remotely be a big deal if he knew she couldn't eat gluten? WHY.
I would try and explain the relationship between her and Tomas, or her relationship with her friends, or even anything else that happened in the book, but there's nothing to explain. She pushed away Tomas most of the book, hardly ever hung out with her friends, and there was a little part where she looks for her biological mother (who gave her away), but that was also barely there.
Overall? I'd never recommend this to anyone. Ever. Not only did I dislike all the characters, never saw a connection with Tomas and Carlie, and felt extremely bored.. but there was no romance!
I don't get it. *sigh*
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
July 10, 2016
I am a bit conflicted with this one. I enjoyed the first installment of this series, but I am not so sure about this one.
Always on the run from feelings and love, Carlie has only allowed Tomas to be a booty call. But there is more there for both of them, if only she would allow it.
I felt very sad for Tomas and honestly, I am getting annoyed that so many authors are portraying woman as adults when they are always running, .... literally, from their man. Are the guys supposed to chase them? Is that realistic? Why do the guys have to work so damn hard for their relationship?
Carlie did not treat Tomas well and has been a user for so many years. Even at the ending, their HEA felt tentative at best. This chick needs to lighten up and grow up!
The author did include a ton of steamy sex with a touch of erotica and Tomas was a dream boat and so very sweet. That was the save for this story. I just wish Carlie was a nicer person.
Always on the run from feelings and love, Carlie has only allowed Tomas to be a booty call. But there is more there for both of them, if only she would allow it.
I felt very sad for Tomas and honestly, I am getting annoyed that so many authors are portraying woman as adults when they are always running, .... literally, from their man. Are the guys supposed to chase them? Is that realistic? Why do the guys have to work so damn hard for their relationship?
Carlie did not treat Tomas well and has been a user for so many years. Even at the ending, their HEA felt tentative at best. This chick needs to lighten up and grow up!
The author did include a ton of steamy sex with a touch of erotica and Tomas was a dream boat and so very sweet. That was the save for this story. I just wish Carlie was a nicer person.
July 19, 2016
This is the first time I have read anything by this author. I must be honest and say I struggled with this book. It dragged in spots and I didn’t connect with the characters, at all. I usually get caught up in the story once it gets moving, but it just didn’t catch the momentum I usually expect when a book starts off slow.
I’m not going to go over what goes on in the book because you really need to draw your own conclusions. There are people out there that loved it and that’s the way it is with book reviews. We all have our tastes and likes in how the story is pieced together. There was a lot of patchwork going on and I just didn’t follow how it all connected. Here is just a sample: Carlie had been ill for a while and found out she had Celiac disease, but hid it from everyone (a lot of the book dealt with her issues with this). She has been in love with Tomas since they were teenagers, but they just couldn’t commit. Tomas was also in love with her. Carlie was in the foster care system because her parents abandoned her when she was 8 months old (the story behind this is a something else). Tomas comes from a rich family that owns hotels and he is into BDSM and has a floor on his hotel he rents out to clients of like minds. He and Carlie have dabbled in this together, Carlie doesn’t make a good submissive either. Carlie is on the hunt for her birth parents. It is just such a mish mass of things.
That’s how my brain chunked the information, it just didn't flow right for me. I wish I liked it more.
The book had promise, however, I just couldn’t get into it.
ARC kindly provided by NetGalley for an honest review.
I’m not going to go over what goes on in the book because you really need to draw your own conclusions. There are people out there that loved it and that’s the way it is with book reviews. We all have our tastes and likes in how the story is pieced together. There was a lot of patchwork going on and I just didn’t follow how it all connected. Here is just a sample: Carlie had been ill for a while and found out she had Celiac disease, but hid it from everyone (a lot of the book dealt with her issues with this). She has been in love with Tomas since they were teenagers, but they just couldn’t commit. Tomas was also in love with her. Carlie was in the foster care system because her parents abandoned her when she was 8 months old (the story behind this is a something else). Tomas comes from a rich family that owns hotels and he is into BDSM and has a floor on his hotel he rents out to clients of like minds. He and Carlie have dabbled in this together, Carlie doesn’t make a good submissive either. Carlie is on the hunt for her birth parents. It is just such a mish mass of things.
That’s how my brain chunked the information, it just didn't flow right for me. I wish I liked it more.
The book had promise, however, I just couldn’t get into it.
ARC kindly provided by NetGalley for an honest review.
June 24, 2016
NetGalley provided a copy of the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Surrender to You by Shawntelle Madison is a captivating contemporary romance. Carlie Jason and Tomas Goodfellow come from very different backgrounds and worlds. They met as teenagers and have had a physical relationship over the years—friends with benefits worked for them. But is it enough?
Carlie had been living in London running a successful business. She decided to move back to the States to locate her biological parents. She found herself working at Tomas’ upscale hotel. Carlie is forced to face new challenges personally and professionally. Tomas is a determined and driven character.
The chemistry is evident but Carlie is slow to move. Their journey takes on many twists and turns that makes this read a page-turner. This novel reveals that the complications of one’s past have a profound impact on relationships. Trust must be earned. Honesty is essential. Carlie was abandoned at birth. Can she heal? The secondary characters add depth to this read as well.
The title is perfect for Carlie and Tomas’ story. Surrender to You will draw the reader in immediately.
Surrender to You by Shawntelle Madison is a captivating contemporary romance. Carlie Jason and Tomas Goodfellow come from very different backgrounds and worlds. They met as teenagers and have had a physical relationship over the years—friends with benefits worked for them. But is it enough?
Carlie had been living in London running a successful business. She decided to move back to the States to locate her biological parents. She found herself working at Tomas’ upscale hotel. Carlie is forced to face new challenges personally and professionally. Tomas is a determined and driven character.
The chemistry is evident but Carlie is slow to move. Their journey takes on many twists and turns that makes this read a page-turner. This novel reveals that the complications of one’s past have a profound impact on relationships. Trust must be earned. Honesty is essential. Carlie was abandoned at birth. Can she heal? The secondary characters add depth to this read as well.
The title is perfect for Carlie and Tomas’ story. Surrender to You will draw the reader in immediately.
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July 13, 2016
"Surrender to You" , is the second book of Ms Madison's at your service series, the series follows a group of freinds who came together while in forster care system, they consider each other family.
This is Carlie Jason's story, Carlie was put in to the foster care system at eight months and developed a small group of freinds , family. We met these freinds in the first book I the series "Bound To You" .
I do reccommend reading them in order.
Carlie's issues with abandonment tend to drive her decisions, the minute she starts getting close or someone starts getting to close and she feels like she us loosing control, she leaves. She already has left once , she moved to the U.K. To start her own concierge business and has been doing well, but she iscoming back to the U.S., back to Boston to search for her parents , well finally meet them; Tomas already found them for her .
Tomas Goodfellow, heir to the Goodfellow fortune and freind , occasional lover for Carlie. These two go back to her years as a teenager in NYC. Tomas and Carlie always skirted each other, Tomas has always been interested in Carlie but these two come together and pull apart it has become a pattern. They hookup to scratch an inch then move on, each taking another piece of each other's hearts as they go. Tomas was not surprised when he got. Text from Carlie to me at the subarctic club, he new it was going to be the same routine , some role play and the off to the hotel for sex, but this time Tomas does not really want to let go,he wants to kiss her lips . Kiss her lips like he did years ago when they spent one wonderful week together, making plans for a life together, until tragedy struck for him and sent him away.
Since then these two play the game neither admitting how they truly feel, but Carlie coming back to finally meet her parents is their second chance and Tomas is not ready to pass it up.
I enjoyed the story, these two trying to find their way, the Dom/ Sub play between them and Tomas's desire to be her rock, her family.
Why only four stars then, well Carlie did try my patience a little , everything had to be a secret, even with people she loved and cared about, she has Celiac disease and instead of sharing with her Bff's and Tomas she kept it a secret, ate foods she should not have all in order to keep her secret. Overly stubborn it took away from the strong women she could have been and was often . Can these two get an Hea? Will Carlie find her parents? Will Carlie tsp Running?
Step in to Surrnder to you and find out.
Arc Graciuosly provided via Netgalley for an honest review!
This is Carlie Jason's story, Carlie was put in to the foster care system at eight months and developed a small group of freinds , family. We met these freinds in the first book I the series "Bound To You" .
I do reccommend reading them in order.
Carlie's issues with abandonment tend to drive her decisions, the minute she starts getting close or someone starts getting to close and she feels like she us loosing control, she leaves. She already has left once , she moved to the U.K. To start her own concierge business and has been doing well, but she iscoming back to the U.S., back to Boston to search for her parents , well finally meet them; Tomas already found them for her .
Tomas Goodfellow, heir to the Goodfellow fortune and freind , occasional lover for Carlie. These two go back to her years as a teenager in NYC. Tomas and Carlie always skirted each other, Tomas has always been interested in Carlie but these two come together and pull apart it has become a pattern. They hookup to scratch an inch then move on, each taking another piece of each other's hearts as they go. Tomas was not surprised when he got. Text from Carlie to me at the subarctic club, he new it was going to be the same routine , some role play and the off to the hotel for sex, but this time Tomas does not really want to let go,he wants to kiss her lips . Kiss her lips like he did years ago when they spent one wonderful week together, making plans for a life together, until tragedy struck for him and sent him away.
Since then these two play the game neither admitting how they truly feel, but Carlie coming back to finally meet her parents is their second chance and Tomas is not ready to pass it up.
I enjoyed the story, these two trying to find their way, the Dom/ Sub play between them and Tomas's desire to be her rock, her family.
Why only four stars then, well Carlie did try my patience a little , everything had to be a secret, even with people she loved and cared about, she has Celiac disease and instead of sharing with her Bff's and Tomas she kept it a secret, ate foods she should not have all in order to keep her secret. Overly stubborn it took away from the strong women she could have been and was often . Can these two get an Hea? Will Carlie find her parents? Will Carlie tsp Running?
Step in to Surrnder to you and find out.
Arc Graciuosly provided via Netgalley for an honest review!
June 3, 2016
I just can't anymore with this book. I gave it the good college try though. The heroine Carlie, there's just something about her that I can't stand. I don't know if it's because every other sentence out of her mouth is a reminder that she has celiac disease. She acts like it's a death sentence. Also, her demeanor is very off putting, I hate how she treats Tomas & she's a selfish friend.
Tomas, the "hero" had potential to be this larger than life alpha, billionaire, hot & sexy guy. I so wanted him to be. Alpha billionaire's are my go to's. So, I was very disappointed in him.
The story telling & writing were severely lacking. It felt like it was all cut & pasted together. It was just all over the place & at some parts I had to stop & reread a few parts over because it wouldn't make sense. Anyways I didn't like this story but, that doesn't mean someone else will.
Tomas, the "hero" had potential to be this larger than life alpha, billionaire, hot & sexy guy. I so wanted him to be. Alpha billionaire's are my go to's. So, I was very disappointed in him.
The story telling & writing were severely lacking. It felt like it was all cut & pasted together. It was just all over the place & at some parts I had to stop & reread a few parts over because it wouldn't make sense. Anyways I didn't like this story but, that doesn't mean someone else will.
August 11, 2016
I struggled with this book. I felt right rom the start that I was in the middle of their story and I couldn't connect with the characters.
July 18, 2016
Given the title of the books in the series, I always expect there to be a heavy BDSM theme throughout them. Even after reading the first book and realizing that wasn’t the case, I still sort of expected it. While there is a hint of BDSM in this book, it’s not really a focus of the book at all. This is really a second chance romance with Carlie and Tomas finally finding the right time to be together. They both love each other, but for years neither were willing to change their lives or who they were for the other, not to mention the fears that Carlie had about being left again.
There really isn’t a whole lot of what one would usually read in a romance in this book. There wasn’t any of the cute getting to know each other things because they already knew each other. It was more a book about each of them figuring out who they really were and what they really wanted in life. They both struggled with those questions and I think that they each needed to deal with issues that their parents instilled in them before they could move on to being with each other.
They definitely had a ton of chemistry which was great. It made the missing romance a bit easier to handle. I really enjoyed Carlie with her friends. Sophie and Penny are hilarious and Lana…I will always have a soft spot for her and I hope she gets her own story, I’m sad she was just a bit player in this one. I also liked the introduction of Carver. I thought he was a great addition to the series and I’m hoping perhaps he’ll end up being the love interest for Penny.
I have to say that there was one thing about this book that bothered me and kept me from giving it 5 stars. For most of the book I thought Carlie was a bit whiny about her recent diagnosis. She has Celiac’s disease, which definitely sucks, but she acts like it’s a death sentence. She won’t tell anyone about it because she’s ashamed. She complains a lot about the food she can eat and the gluten free options that are out there. I’ve eaten some…they are not as bad as she makes them all out of be. It just seemed like she needed something to complain about…but it was really only to herself since she wasn’t telling anyone else…except Carver…when he was still a stranger.
Other than that one bit, I found the book entertaining and thought provoking. I look forward to reading the next book.
Arc provided by the publisher via Netgalley for an honest review
There really isn’t a whole lot of what one would usually read in a romance in this book. There wasn’t any of the cute getting to know each other things because they already knew each other. It was more a book about each of them figuring out who they really were and what they really wanted in life. They both struggled with those questions and I think that they each needed to deal with issues that their parents instilled in them before they could move on to being with each other.
They definitely had a ton of chemistry which was great. It made the missing romance a bit easier to handle. I really enjoyed Carlie with her friends. Sophie and Penny are hilarious and Lana…I will always have a soft spot for her and I hope she gets her own story, I’m sad she was just a bit player in this one. I also liked the introduction of Carver. I thought he was a great addition to the series and I’m hoping perhaps he’ll end up being the love interest for Penny.
I have to say that there was one thing about this book that bothered me and kept me from giving it 5 stars. For most of the book I thought Carlie was a bit whiny about her recent diagnosis. She has Celiac’s disease, which definitely sucks, but she acts like it’s a death sentence. She won’t tell anyone about it because she’s ashamed. She complains a lot about the food she can eat and the gluten free options that are out there. I’ve eaten some…they are not as bad as she makes them all out of be. It just seemed like she needed something to complain about…but it was really only to herself since she wasn’t telling anyone else…except Carver…when he was still a stranger.
Other than that one bit, I found the book entertaining and thought provoking. I look forward to reading the next book.
Arc provided by the publisher via Netgalley for an honest review
July 4, 2016
We met Carlie in Bound to You, while she was away working in London she would skype with her friends during their monthly lunch, she also spoke with Sophie on the phone and during those times there was an occasional mention of Tomas. Now in Surrender to You we find out what really happened between Carlie and Tomas.
Carlie and Tomas have a friends with benefits whenever we're in the same town arrangement, this struck me as odd since it was clear that they both wanted more but just to afraid to go after it. Carlie is in town looking for her birth parents and while there she takes a position at the hotel Tomas owns. Being a sexual submissive and a personal concierge Carlie has seen some wild things over the years but I would think that the 22nd floor of Tomas' hotel was a new concept even for her. It really should be named the "Kink Floor" instead of the 22nd floor, everyone on that floor got their kink on. Anyway, with Tomas and Carlie working in the same place everyday they were bound to become more involved and they did.
I have to say that I loved the chemistry between Carlie and Tomas. They worked well together...even when Carlie was pushing him away. I am really enjoying this series and I look forward to the next book, I have a feeling it will be about Penny but the story I am most looking forward to is Griffin's....he's a mystery to me at the moment and I want to know more!
***I have received this book from Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept through netgalley in exchange for my honest review*** https://www.netgalley.com/
Carlie and Tomas have a friends with benefits whenever we're in the same town arrangement, this struck me as odd since it was clear that they both wanted more but just to afraid to go after it. Carlie is in town looking for her birth parents and while there she takes a position at the hotel Tomas owns. Being a sexual submissive and a personal concierge Carlie has seen some wild things over the years but I would think that the 22nd floor of Tomas' hotel was a new concept even for her. It really should be named the "Kink Floor" instead of the 22nd floor, everyone on that floor got their kink on. Anyway, with Tomas and Carlie working in the same place everyday they were bound to become more involved and they did.
I have to say that I loved the chemistry between Carlie and Tomas. They worked well together...even when Carlie was pushing him away. I am really enjoying this series and I look forward to the next book, I have a feeling it will be about Penny but the story I am most looking forward to is Griffin's....he's a mystery to me at the moment and I want to know more!
***I have received this book from Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept through netgalley in exchange for my honest review*** https://www.netgalley.com/
July 16, 2016
Surrender to You is book two in Shawntelle Madison's At Your Service series. I loved book one and figured this would be along those lines. Sadly, I was wrong. I tried multiple times to read it, but I kept finding ANY excuse to put it down. Knowing the review deadline was looming, I had to get it done. Unfortunately it was useless. I couldn't take it any longer. This is my first DNF of the year.
There is something about Carlie that I just couldn't stomach. I did not like her. Not only is she unpleasant, she's a bad friend. She treats Tomas bad and everything out of her mouth is about having Celiac Disease. Talk about whiny!!! Now I am not discounting the issues associated with that disease, but this girl thrives on making everything about what she can't do because of the disease. It is not a DEATH sentence!
This is billed as a friends to romance but I was hard pressed to find any romance. Tomas is supposed to be the alpha male but he was very disappointing. I love hot and sexy guys, but he didn't radiate that at all. I also had a difficult time seeing the relationship with Carlie. They never hung out together. She never really hung out with her friends either I guess.
I really tried to read this. The story was lacking. There was no intrigue-nothing to make me want to find out anything about these characters. The story was all over the place. Probably the biggest was Carlie and her excuses for everything being Celiac Disease. It was such a turn off. I just had to stop.
Even though I called this one quits, you may see it differently. If there is a third book in the At Your Service series, and the author goes back to the format of book one, I will most definitely read it!
1 stars/3 flames
This book was gifted to me by the Jeep Diva for an honest review. The rating and review are solely my opinion and in no way was I compensated.
There is something about Carlie that I just couldn't stomach. I did not like her. Not only is she unpleasant, she's a bad friend. She treats Tomas bad and everything out of her mouth is about having Celiac Disease. Talk about whiny!!! Now I am not discounting the issues associated with that disease, but this girl thrives on making everything about what she can't do because of the disease. It is not a DEATH sentence!
This is billed as a friends to romance but I was hard pressed to find any romance. Tomas is supposed to be the alpha male but he was very disappointing. I love hot and sexy guys, but he didn't radiate that at all. I also had a difficult time seeing the relationship with Carlie. They never hung out together. She never really hung out with her friends either I guess.
I really tried to read this. The story was lacking. There was no intrigue-nothing to make me want to find out anything about these characters. The story was all over the place. Probably the biggest was Carlie and her excuses for everything being Celiac Disease. It was such a turn off. I just had to stop.
Even though I called this one quits, you may see it differently. If there is a third book in the At Your Service series, and the author goes back to the format of book one, I will most definitely read it!
1 stars/3 flames
This book was gifted to me by the Jeep Diva for an honest review. The rating and review are solely my opinion and in no way was I compensated.
May 24, 2016
3.5 stars review to come
I received this book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
This is the second book in the series. I found this book was better than the first. You could see the author’s growth. It was well written, engaging and the book seemed to flow naturally. It wasn’t like things were forced just to have them included.
Tomas and Carlie were a force to reckon with in the bedroom. But could their relationship sustain outside the bedroom. According to Carlie the answer was NO, because Tomas had walked away from her before and now the only one to walk away would be her. It was her terms or no terms. But when searching for her parents she ends up working for Tomas. Seeing him every day brings all the feelings to the surface. Will she be able to achieve her goal and find her parents? Or will her need to flee from Tomas keep it at arm’s reach?
Tomas has always loved Carlie, from their first meeting. When he was ready to ask her to marry he had to go back to the hell in London upon his father’s death. He left with only a note. Every time she contacts him for the rendezvous he accepts. He knows she doesn’t want anything more than a booty call. He will never deny himself of Carlie. How he can get her to forgive him is his goal?
Life throws Carlie major curve balls, her life is change when she is diagnosed with an autoimmune disease. Not sharing her story with anyone she faces life’s challenges alone. Her fear that others will see her differently. She must navigate the path of her new medical condition and opening up to the ones that she loves and are part of her life in order to make room for more to enter.
This book is beautiful.
I received this book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
This is the second book in the series. I found this book was better than the first. You could see the author’s growth. It was well written, engaging and the book seemed to flow naturally. It wasn’t like things were forced just to have them included.
Tomas and Carlie were a force to reckon with in the bedroom. But could their relationship sustain outside the bedroom. According to Carlie the answer was NO, because Tomas had walked away from her before and now the only one to walk away would be her. It was her terms or no terms. But when searching for her parents she ends up working for Tomas. Seeing him every day brings all the feelings to the surface. Will she be able to achieve her goal and find her parents? Or will her need to flee from Tomas keep it at arm’s reach?
Tomas has always loved Carlie, from their first meeting. When he was ready to ask her to marry he had to go back to the hell in London upon his father’s death. He left with only a note. Every time she contacts him for the rendezvous he accepts. He knows she doesn’t want anything more than a booty call. He will never deny himself of Carlie. How he can get her to forgive him is his goal?
Life throws Carlie major curve balls, her life is change when she is diagnosed with an autoimmune disease. Not sharing her story with anyone she faces life’s challenges alone. Her fear that others will see her differently. She must navigate the path of her new medical condition and opening up to the ones that she loves and are part of her life in order to make room for more to enter.
This book is beautiful.
June 10, 2016
4.0 Star review of Surrender To You (At Your Service #2) by Shawntelle Madison
This is the second book in the series and is the story of Carlie Jason and business magnate Tomas Goodfellow; two friends, not adverse to a no strings attached booty call relationship. However, is that really all there is to the relationship? All is not as it seems.
Tomas has been in love with Carlie forever, but she is determined not to allow her emotions to become involved, after all he left her once, what’s to stop him doing it again?
The author has obviously gained confidence and that is shown in her writing style in this book. It seemed easier to follow the storyline than in the first book in the series. Although not an overly long read, I really enjoyed it.
Both characters were easy to relate to and I found myself liking them both although Carlie did frustrate me on several occassions. There are certainly plenty of intense and sexy scenes with an interesting plot with some surprising twists.
What will happen when Carlie is faced with a serious medical condition? Will she push away those who love and want to support her, or will she overcome her fears? Will she recognise that family is not always made of blood? You will have to read the book to find out.
I received this book from the author via the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is the second book in the series and is the story of Carlie Jason and business magnate Tomas Goodfellow; two friends, not adverse to a no strings attached booty call relationship. However, is that really all there is to the relationship? All is not as it seems.
Tomas has been in love with Carlie forever, but she is determined not to allow her emotions to become involved, after all he left her once, what’s to stop him doing it again?
The author has obviously gained confidence and that is shown in her writing style in this book. It seemed easier to follow the storyline than in the first book in the series. Although not an overly long read, I really enjoyed it.
Both characters were easy to relate to and I found myself liking them both although Carlie did frustrate me on several occassions. There are certainly plenty of intense and sexy scenes with an interesting plot with some surprising twists.
What will happen when Carlie is faced with a serious medical condition? Will she push away those who love and want to support her, or will she overcome her fears? Will she recognise that family is not always made of blood? You will have to read the book to find out.
I received this book from the author via the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 5, 2016
Carlie and Tomas found each other when they were teens and have drifted in and out of each other's lives for ten years. They love each other but can't seem to make a long distance relationship work. She is either running away or he has another business adventure. Until they settle in one place due to certain circumstances.
Carlie came back to Boston to find her birth parents. What she finds is the info she was given to be old and outdated putting her back at square one. She refuses to go back to the UK until she finds them so she is forced to take on a job. Which happens to be in Tomas' hotel.
When Tomas finds out Carlie has taken a job at his hotel he wonders how she will react to a certain floor that caters to a special clientele. And now that he has her he also needs to figure out how to keep her.
This was a roller coaster ride of emotion for these characters. It also shows that family doesn't always have to be blood and that there is a time to run and a time to just retire your running shoes.
Carlie came back to Boston to find her birth parents. What she finds is the info she was given to be old and outdated putting her back at square one. She refuses to go back to the UK until she finds them so she is forced to take on a job. Which happens to be in Tomas' hotel.
When Tomas finds out Carlie has taken a job at his hotel he wonders how she will react to a certain floor that caters to a special clientele. And now that he has her he also needs to figure out how to keep her.
This was a roller coaster ride of emotion for these characters. It also shows that family doesn't always have to be blood and that there is a time to run and a time to just retire your running shoes.
July 2, 2016
This is the second book in the At Your Service series from this author and while I will say I enjoyed it more than the first, it is still just an ok read. I have a really hard time connecting with the characters in this one. Tomas and Carlie have a no strings booty call when in town arrangement. Why, I'm not sure. Tomas hurt her once long ago but Carlie still welcomes him back. He's in love with her but doesn't want to push too hard and doesn't want to lose the relationship???? they have now. Not sure what else to call what they have. If she's as strong and confident as portrayed, why in the world would she settle for so little or not be strong enough to ask for more. It's all just a bit confusing to me. The sexy times are definitely sizzling but I just didn't fell the chemistry between the two.
July 4, 2016
This was a great addition to the series. I was excited to see Tomas and Carlie get their HEA. They had a ton of bumps along the way, but that kept me engaged in the storyline. There were several moments of heartbreak and I might have shed a tear or two for Carlie. All in all a good read. Three Stars and Three Wet Panties.
ARC Review by Miranda at Mommy's a Book Whore.
ARC Review by Miranda at Mommy's a Book Whore.
June 13, 2016
*2.5 STARS*
I picked up SURRENDER TO YOU because I was really intrigued by the description of the book. Shawntelle Madison is a new-to-me author, so I wanted to give this a try.
SURRENDER TO YOU is a story of two friends-with-benefits, Carlie and Tomas, who have been having a relationship that spans many years. They usually come together for a short time and then go their separate ways again.
But, when Carlie ends up working for Tomas at his upscale hotel, the game changes. Throw in a lot of personal turmoil for Carlie, and it's a real emotional rollercoaster for both of them. The question becomes, will Carlie be able to stick it out, or will she run like she usually does?
I really had high hopes for this one. As stated earlier, the blurb really hooked me. Unfortunately, it didn't work for me the way that I had hoped.
SURRENDER TO YOU started of with a bang. The first sentence of the book made quite a statement. It said get ready for a few hours of hotness. But, I quickly learned differently. The problem with this book for me was that I felt like I was constantly missing something. Like there was a part of the story that I was missing. I felt myself going back to read over a passage to try to figure out what I missed a few different times. It just didn't gel for me. The story seemed to disjointed.
Also, the characters didn't draw me in enough. I get that Carlie had abandonment issues, but after so many times of being hot and cold with Tomas, I started to just roll my eyes and advise her to get some therapy so she could get over it already!
But, what really got to me was this "kinky floor" that was thrown into the mix of Tomas's hotel. What was the point of this? It just seemed so out of place and not integral to the story. Why was it placed there? Why was it so important? It just seemed like it was just thrown in there to add some spice to the story. But, it wasn't needed at all.
SURRENDER TO YOU the second book in the At Your Service series, and I'm not sure if it's meant to be a standalone. I didn't read the first book, so I'm not sure if my confusion is due to the fact that I was missing the background of the first book or not. The first book is about another couple, so I'm not sure how much the books flow together.
Overall though, SURRENDER TO YOU was not a hit for me. I don't think that the story lived up to it's promise. I don't think I'll try reading the first book in the series either.
*ARC provided by NetGalley and Publisher in exchange for an honest review*
I picked up SURRENDER TO YOU because I was really intrigued by the description of the book. Shawntelle Madison is a new-to-me author, so I wanted to give this a try.
SURRENDER TO YOU is a story of two friends-with-benefits, Carlie and Tomas, who have been having a relationship that spans many years. They usually come together for a short time and then go their separate ways again.
But, when Carlie ends up working for Tomas at his upscale hotel, the game changes. Throw in a lot of personal turmoil for Carlie, and it's a real emotional rollercoaster for both of them. The question becomes, will Carlie be able to stick it out, or will she run like she usually does?
I really had high hopes for this one. As stated earlier, the blurb really hooked me. Unfortunately, it didn't work for me the way that I had hoped.
SURRENDER TO YOU started of with a bang. The first sentence of the book made quite a statement. It said get ready for a few hours of hotness. But, I quickly learned differently. The problem with this book for me was that I felt like I was constantly missing something. Like there was a part of the story that I was missing. I felt myself going back to read over a passage to try to figure out what I missed a few different times. It just didn't gel for me. The story seemed to disjointed.
Also, the characters didn't draw me in enough. I get that Carlie had abandonment issues, but after so many times of being hot and cold with Tomas, I started to just roll my eyes and advise her to get some therapy so she could get over it already!
But, what really got to me was this "kinky floor" that was thrown into the mix of Tomas's hotel. What was the point of this? It just seemed so out of place and not integral to the story. Why was it placed there? Why was it so important? It just seemed like it was just thrown in there to add some spice to the story. But, it wasn't needed at all.
SURRENDER TO YOU the second book in the At Your Service series, and I'm not sure if it's meant to be a standalone. I didn't read the first book, so I'm not sure if my confusion is due to the fact that I was missing the background of the first book or not. The first book is about another couple, so I'm not sure how much the books flow together.
Overall though, SURRENDER TO YOU was not a hit for me. I don't think that the story lived up to it's promise. I don't think I'll try reading the first book in the series either.
*ARC provided by NetGalley and Publisher in exchange for an honest review*
July 11, 2016
Surrender to You by Shawntelle Madison is the second book in At Your Service Series and is the story of Tomas and Carlie.
Friends to Lovers is a tricky troupe and it is difficult for both individuals concerned to come out and tell they want more than friendship. This is the case with Tomas & Carlie, as well. Though their relationship started fairly well like a normal relationship, things got murky after separation and they became more like friends with benefits.
Both want more and a real relationship but don't voice out - Carlie doesn't think Tomas wants more and Tomas thinks the same in reverse. Also, Carlie is worried since Tomas walked out on her earlier. So for years they just meet up for sex. Will they voice out their fears and about wanting more? Will Carlie accept or will Tomas say that he wants more, out loud? Will they get their HEA? Read Surrender to You to find out ;).
Surrender to You felt a little slow at times but the chemistry between Tomas & Carlie was off the charts. Carlie comes across as a person who doesn't care about Tomas but in reality, she does and hides it thinking Tomas doesn't want more.
Also, it looks like she is whinny about her Celiac Disease - but a sickness especially a chronic one can affect an individual's frame of mind, their confidence levels and more! I think it is portrayed well and even though it is just about she cribbing about foods and not being able to eat, it is actually more than that - not only can't she eat her favorite foods for the rest of her life, she can end up getting hospitalized or worse by eating wrong foods - claiming to be gluten-free while it isn't! While not everyone's life is a walk in the park and everyone has issues, we all deal with it differently and it is important to understand the mind-frame of the person affected! I think the author has brought that well ... even if it looks like just avoiding Gluten, it is more than that and not many people realize the limited options and issues they face every other day!
While Tomas & Carlie were really connected mind, body and soul, the way they react or communicate with each other doesn't reflect that for most part of the book ... with both trying to push the other for most part! But I think it is typical in a Dom-Sub relationship ... not very sure about it. Over all, it was a quick and steamy read.
**I was provided an eARC in exchange for an honest review by Random House Publishing Group through Net Galley.
Friends to Lovers is a tricky troupe and it is difficult for both individuals concerned to come out and tell they want more than friendship. This is the case with Tomas & Carlie, as well. Though their relationship started fairly well like a normal relationship, things got murky after separation and they became more like friends with benefits.
Both want more and a real relationship but don't voice out - Carlie doesn't think Tomas wants more and Tomas thinks the same in reverse. Also, Carlie is worried since Tomas walked out on her earlier. So for years they just meet up for sex. Will they voice out their fears and about wanting more? Will Carlie accept or will Tomas say that he wants more, out loud? Will they get their HEA? Read Surrender to You to find out ;).
Surrender to You felt a little slow at times but the chemistry between Tomas & Carlie was off the charts. Carlie comes across as a person who doesn't care about Tomas but in reality, she does and hides it thinking Tomas doesn't want more.
Also, it looks like she is whinny about her Celiac Disease - but a sickness especially a chronic one can affect an individual's frame of mind, their confidence levels and more! I think it is portrayed well and even though it is just about she cribbing about foods and not being able to eat, it is actually more than that - not only can't she eat her favorite foods for the rest of her life, she can end up getting hospitalized or worse by eating wrong foods - claiming to be gluten-free while it isn't! While not everyone's life is a walk in the park and everyone has issues, we all deal with it differently and it is important to understand the mind-frame of the person affected! I think the author has brought that well ... even if it looks like just avoiding Gluten, it is more than that and not many people realize the limited options and issues they face every other day!
While Tomas & Carlie were really connected mind, body and soul, the way they react or communicate with each other doesn't reflect that for most part of the book ... with both trying to push the other for most part! But I think it is typical in a Dom-Sub relationship ... not very sure about it. Over all, it was a quick and steamy read.
**I was provided an eARC in exchange for an honest review by Random House Publishing Group through Net Galley.
May 23, 2016
I really enjoyed this second book in Ms. Madison's At Your Service series. Like the first book, Bound to You, Surrender to You was a quick read that kept your blood pumping and your heart squeezed right up until you reach the HEA at the end! The writing was fantastic, the storyline well thought out, and the characters on point.
With the h, there was a lot more drama...as there usually is in this genre. She keeps getting in the way of her own happiness, which, at any other time, might be a problem or a distraction, but not when it comes to our hot H, Tomas. Wow, I would love to meet this guy in real life! He sounds like the complete package - smart, sensitive, romantic, ambitious, protective, etc. I just kept checking off boxes as I read and I liked that the author made it a priority to hit so many. The h and H together? They were a great couple to read. Although they both seemed to struggle with their emotions, the sex was still off the charts. Lots of twists and turns and uncertainties that had my nerves twitching, but it was all worth it when I got to the end!
I can only hope that Ms. Madison gives us some more of this group. Penny and Carver in the next book (I'm jumping up and down at the possibility)? Or Griffin (who is somewhat of a mystery still)? Either way, I can't wait to see what she writes next!
*I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
With the h, there was a lot more drama...as there usually is in this genre. She keeps getting in the way of her own happiness, which, at any other time, might be a problem or a distraction, but not when it comes to our hot H, Tomas. Wow, I would love to meet this guy in real life! He sounds like the complete package - smart, sensitive, romantic, ambitious, protective, etc. I just kept checking off boxes as I read and I liked that the author made it a priority to hit so many. The h and H together? They were a great couple to read. Although they both seemed to struggle with their emotions, the sex was still off the charts. Lots of twists and turns and uncertainties that had my nerves twitching, but it was all worth it when I got to the end!
I can only hope that Ms. Madison gives us some more of this group. Penny and Carver in the next book (I'm jumping up and down at the possibility)? Or Griffin (who is somewhat of a mystery still)? Either way, I can't wait to see what she writes next!
*I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 26, 2019
Better than the 1st in the series!
I was introduced to Shawntelle Madison when I read the first of this series, Bound to You. I throughly enjoyed the first book and was excited to have been given the chance to read the second.
The main characters Charlie and Tomas were mentioned in the first book, Bound to You of the series At Your Service. The tidbits that the author dropped about them were very intriguing and laid the groundwork.
Charlie and Tomas have an incredibly tumultuous history going back to when she was 16 and he 18. Their spontaneous meetings for awesome sex are keeping the fire between their love at simmer. When they are forced within close proximity of each other the simmer turn to boiling.
The sex here is awesome and the 22nd Floor is mouth watering!
I hate that Charlie gets in her own way due to her pride, but I commend Tomas on his never give up attitude when it comes to her. The medical issues that Charlie endures were a great addition to the storyline that I can relate with so her character was that much more interesting.
I enjoyed this book even better than the first in this series. I am also glad that the author wrote these as standalone books, but still connected them. I am excited to read the next that follows, hopefully Penny's book!
I was offered this ARC in return for a honest review.
I was introduced to Shawntelle Madison when I read the first of this series, Bound to You. I throughly enjoyed the first book and was excited to have been given the chance to read the second.
The main characters Charlie and Tomas were mentioned in the first book, Bound to You of the series At Your Service. The tidbits that the author dropped about them were very intriguing and laid the groundwork.
Charlie and Tomas have an incredibly tumultuous history going back to when she was 16 and he 18. Their spontaneous meetings for awesome sex are keeping the fire between their love at simmer. When they are forced within close proximity of each other the simmer turn to boiling.
The sex here is awesome and the 22nd Floor is mouth watering!
I hate that Charlie gets in her own way due to her pride, but I commend Tomas on his never give up attitude when it comes to her. The medical issues that Charlie endures were a great addition to the storyline that I can relate with so her character was that much more interesting.
I enjoyed this book even better than the first in this series. I am also glad that the author wrote these as standalone books, but still connected them. I am excited to read the next that follows, hopefully Penny's book!
I was offered this ARC in return for a honest review.
June 6, 2016
**arc provided by Net_Galley and the publisher in exchange for honest review**
I liked this book much better than the first. This story of Carlie and Tomas, having history both in and out of the bedroom. Carlie living in London running a concierge service and Tomas a successful businessman and hotelier. Carlie has returned to the US in hopes of finding her biological parents and her usual hook up with Tomas. He clearly loves Carlie and has reconciled himself to what little she offers him, which is a brief hookup, every couple years. And always at her choice. Carlie comes to the US this time with another problem, that being diagnosed with an auto immune disorder which she withholds from Tomas. Circumstances leave Carlie needing a job and she ends up being hired at Tomas' very exclusive hotel in Boston that has one floor dedicated to those who indulge in kink.
We watch the story unfold, the author tells this story from a dual POV, with snips of their thoughts on the pages as well. I loved both the characters, even Carlie's reticence at times because it seemed to suit her. Tomas gets extra credit for his consistent love for her, regardless of her response. I thought they were well fleshed out, the backstory was just that, didn't overpower the story of these two primaries and the ending was totally fitting. I really enjoyed this book.
I liked this book much better than the first. This story of Carlie and Tomas, having history both in and out of the bedroom. Carlie living in London running a concierge service and Tomas a successful businessman and hotelier. Carlie has returned to the US in hopes of finding her biological parents and her usual hook up with Tomas. He clearly loves Carlie and has reconciled himself to what little she offers him, which is a brief hookup, every couple years. And always at her choice. Carlie comes to the US this time with another problem, that being diagnosed with an auto immune disorder which she withholds from Tomas. Circumstances leave Carlie needing a job and she ends up being hired at Tomas' very exclusive hotel in Boston that has one floor dedicated to those who indulge in kink.
We watch the story unfold, the author tells this story from a dual POV, with snips of their thoughts on the pages as well. I loved both the characters, even Carlie's reticence at times because it seemed to suit her. Tomas gets extra credit for his consistent love for her, regardless of her response. I thought they were well fleshed out, the backstory was just that, didn't overpower the story of these two primaries and the ending was totally fitting. I really enjoyed this book.
July 19, 2016
I received a copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads
Shawntelle Madison is a new to me author but she's on my radar now, I really enjoyed this story!
Carlie & Tomas have known each other since they were teens. Carlie is an orphan and Tomas came from a rich family from the U.K. Tomas unexpectedly has to leave the states to deal with his father's passing and leaves Carlie with little to no explanation and quite a dose of bitter feelings about how he could abandon her like that. He's the boy she can't forget and while she does her best to shield her heart her body always seeks him out when they are in the same place at the same time. Tomas regrets the choices he made and the way he left Carlie all those years ago and wants more than the booty calls and the sex without kissing or emotions that they seem to have fallen into the past years. Carlie takes a job for some extra money, while she continues the search for her birth parents. She gets a concierge job at the hotel that Tomas owns and discovers a secret BDSM floor that puts her right into Tomas' sights day in & day out. I was sucked into Carlie's heartbreak and Tomas' regret and really hoped the two could work out their problems. Add in a nice but lighter dose of kink to their story and you got yourself a good book, totally entertained.
Shawntelle Madison is a new to me author but she's on my radar now, I really enjoyed this story!
Carlie & Tomas have known each other since they were teens. Carlie is an orphan and Tomas came from a rich family from the U.K. Tomas unexpectedly has to leave the states to deal with his father's passing and leaves Carlie with little to no explanation and quite a dose of bitter feelings about how he could abandon her like that. He's the boy she can't forget and while she does her best to shield her heart her body always seeks him out when they are in the same place at the same time. Tomas regrets the choices he made and the way he left Carlie all those years ago and wants more than the booty calls and the sex without kissing or emotions that they seem to have fallen into the past years. Carlie takes a job for some extra money, while she continues the search for her birth parents. She gets a concierge job at the hotel that Tomas owns and discovers a secret BDSM floor that puts her right into Tomas' sights day in & day out. I was sucked into Carlie's heartbreak and Tomas' regret and really hoped the two could work out their problems. Add in a nice but lighter dose of kink to their story and you got yourself a good book, totally entertained.
August 27, 2016
~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~
This is the second in the series, and centres on Carlie, one of Sophie's friends. She too had a difficult start in life, but has dragged herself up by her bootstraps. Way back at sixteen she fell for the unattainable guy, and has rare encounters with him even now.
Tomas is a man who has lived by duty and obligation all his life. With a terrible guilty secret he shields the woman he fell in love with aged eighteen from his world. He sees her rarely, but thinks of her often.
The story of two people who let each other go for whatever reason is not new, but these two take personal emotional torture to the extreme. And the author makes us fall into their crazy pattern of behaviour. But maybe, just maybe the cycle is about to be broken ... Rarely have I wanted more to get into the page and tell them both to talk to each other ! You will have to read it to find out how things work out, and you will have an enjoyable journey into their lives.
Looking forward to the next adventure, and hopefully a catch up with these two.
This is the second in the series, and centres on Carlie, one of Sophie's friends. She too had a difficult start in life, but has dragged herself up by her bootstraps. Way back at sixteen she fell for the unattainable guy, and has rare encounters with him even now.
Tomas is a man who has lived by duty and obligation all his life. With a terrible guilty secret he shields the woman he fell in love with aged eighteen from his world. He sees her rarely, but thinks of her often.
The story of two people who let each other go for whatever reason is not new, but these two take personal emotional torture to the extreme. And the author makes us fall into their crazy pattern of behaviour. But maybe, just maybe the cycle is about to be broken ... Rarely have I wanted more to get into the page and tell them both to talk to each other ! You will have to read it to find out how things work out, and you will have an enjoyable journey into their lives.
Looking forward to the next adventure, and hopefully a catch up with these two.
July 2, 2016
Where do I begin with this book...
Everyone knows premiss of this book, so I won't go into that. Starts off with Carlie coming off a plane from the UK to Hook up with Tomas, the billionaire holetier who has been a friends with benefits for apparently years. Usually when people have been friends for as long as they have, there should be more than just sex. Yes, Carlie has has a tough life, but come on, so has the other group of close friends that she has. There was a disconnect that she chose to have for no other reason wanting to find her birth parents. Not telling them about her illness was just bothersome when reading the story, and when she ends up indirectly working for Tomas and accepting help from one of the floor 22 guests, that's when I caught myself saying you've got to be kidding. There were some good parts of the book, which is why I gave it a 3.5 rating, but overall I found myself jumping ahead to get around the very predictable sex with Tomas and her once again running away from her friends. Book was just okay for me.
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Everyone knows premiss of this book, so I won't go into that. Starts off with Carlie coming off a plane from the UK to Hook up with Tomas, the billionaire holetier who has been a friends with benefits for apparently years. Usually when people have been friends for as long as they have, there should be more than just sex. Yes, Carlie has has a tough life, but come on, so has the other group of close friends that she has. There was a disconnect that she chose to have for no other reason wanting to find her birth parents. Not telling them about her illness was just bothersome when reading the story, and when she ends up indirectly working for Tomas and accepting help from one of the floor 22 guests, that's when I caught myself saying you've got to be kidding. There were some good parts of the book, which is why I gave it a 3.5 rating, but overall I found myself jumping ahead to get around the very predictable sex with Tomas and her once again running away from her friends. Book was just okay for me.
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 15, 2016
Ce roman ( vo anglais) avait beaucoup d’atouts et un résumé alléchant puisqu’il est question d’un homme et d’une femme qui se connaissent depuis longtemps et partagent une relation compliquée et à épisodes. Ils évoluent chacun de leur côté, pas vraiment comme des sex-friends mais plutôt comme des amants qui se retrouvent un peu malgré eux.
Carly est une enfant abandonnée, élevée dans le système social américain. par hasard, elle a rencontré encore adolescente, Tomas, qui est à moitié portugais et surtout d’un milieu social très différent. L’attirance a toujours été forte entre eux mais c’est Carly qui part à chaque fois. Tomas est visiblement amoureux et patient depuis très longtemps quand le roman commence, justement sur une de leurs nombreuses retrouvailles. Carly est à un moment délicat de sa vie puisqu’elle vient de se découvrir malade, elle souffre d’une intolérance au gluten. Et elle est peut-être sur le point de redécouvrir ses parents qui l’ont abandonnée. cela va peser lourdement sur ces retrouvailles.
chronique ( suite) :http://romance-bluemoon.com/2016/07/d...
Carly est une enfant abandonnée, élevée dans le système social américain. par hasard, elle a rencontré encore adolescente, Tomas, qui est à moitié portugais et surtout d’un milieu social très différent. L’attirance a toujours été forte entre eux mais c’est Carly qui part à chaque fois. Tomas est visiblement amoureux et patient depuis très longtemps quand le roman commence, justement sur une de leurs nombreuses retrouvailles. Carly est à un moment délicat de sa vie puisqu’elle vient de se découvrir malade, elle souffre d’une intolérance au gluten. Et elle est peut-être sur le point de redécouvrir ses parents qui l’ont abandonnée. cela va peser lourdement sur ces retrouvailles.
chronique ( suite) :http://romance-bluemoon.com/2016/07/d...
July 12, 2016
The storyline was much more creative than your typical romance novel. Carlie is an independent woman, who grew up in foster care and on the streets of New York. She has created an impressive life for herself, because she never lets anyone or anything hold her back. Her two Achilles heels- finding the parents who abandoned her and being vulnerable to anyone especially the man who loves her and who she loves.
Ms. Madison does an excellent job of developing the characters of Tomas and Carlie by sharing just enough of their insights, while allowing their actions to demonstrate who they are.
The pace of the novel flows easily as well without lulls or melodramatic unnecessary action. Subplots like Carlie's search for her birth family are not forced into the story, but instead help frame the core love story and add to the characterization of both Carlie and Tomas.
I would definitely recommend this story!
Ms. Madison does an excellent job of developing the characters of Tomas and Carlie by sharing just enough of their insights, while allowing their actions to demonstrate who they are.
The pace of the novel flows easily as well without lulls or melodramatic unnecessary action. Subplots like Carlie's search for her birth family are not forced into the story, but instead help frame the core love story and add to the characterization of both Carlie and Tomas.
I would definitely recommend this story!
June 23, 2016
Carlie Jason has abandonment issues. Growing up in foster care was no piece of cake. Thank God she had three best friends to make a family of her own and then she met Tomas. One summer a long time ago and he owned her heart and soul. And then he left too. Now their relationship is casual. Occasional. No strings attached. Love him and leave him. Always. But when circumstance makes Carlie work for Tomas Goodfellow things change. Tomas has feelings for Carlie. Always had. Life has pulled them apart. But now that it has brought them together, Tomas has no intention of ever letting her go. She just doesn’t know it yet. Surrender to You, the second installment of the At Your Service series is more poignant than the first. The kink is much better captured too. There is intensity in the relationship between the main characters, and the secondary characters are likable and well involved. Penny is the next for sure and I bet that Carlie and Tomas' diabetic friend will be her match…
July 12, 2016
I got this book from net gallery for an honest review.
Carlie and Tomas are simply friends with benefits. It's always the same routine; they meet up for an amazing night of sex and as dawn approaches Carlie can't get out of the hotel fast enough.
Tomas wants more from her but doesn't want to push her, but when events unfold and she ends up working for him: will she run away like she always does?
Carlie has abandonment issues which I sympathised with but her hot and cold behaviour towards Tomas got frustrating and annoying.
This was a good book but I found it difficult to connect with Carlie, I'm not sure why, but something about her character really annoyed me. I found it difficult to get into the book and the heroine was incredibly off putting. My review reflects my own personal taste - give the book a go because it might be for you.
Review posted on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/review/R3LNFE4...
Carlie and Tomas are simply friends with benefits. It's always the same routine; they meet up for an amazing night of sex and as dawn approaches Carlie can't get out of the hotel fast enough.
Tomas wants more from her but doesn't want to push her, but when events unfold and she ends up working for him: will she run away like she always does?
Carlie has abandonment issues which I sympathised with but her hot and cold behaviour towards Tomas got frustrating and annoying.
This was a good book but I found it difficult to connect with Carlie, I'm not sure why, but something about her character really annoyed me. I found it difficult to get into the book and the heroine was incredibly off putting. My review reflects my own personal taste - give the book a go because it might be for you.
Review posted on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/review/R3LNFE4...
June 15, 2016
REVIEWED AS ARC COPY. I just finished Surrender to You by Shawntelle Madison. This is the first book I have read by this author and really enjoyed her writing. It is more of a romance suspense as the main female character, Carlie is trying to locate her parents after being raised in foster homes. Tomas is the rich kid she has known since she was 16 years old. Tomas and Carlie have always had great chemistry but a relationship has never seemed to work out. Every few years, Carlie drops in for some steamy dominant sex and then runs away so she doesn't get her heart broke. Only this time, Tomas has decided he wants more than a roll in the sheets.
I really enjoyed the story and characters. Sometimes it was hard to follow the story line because a character would just appear. Although eventually figure out who they are.
I really enjoyed the story and characters. Sometimes it was hard to follow the story line because a character would just appear. Although eventually figure out who they are.
June 30, 2016
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Though there was romance in the book, I felt this one was more about the heroine dealing with Celian disease, getting to know her birth mother, and fighting her feelings for the man she's known for years and hooks up with periodically. I still enjoyed her story, and I loved when the romance did come through in Tomas' point of view, because it was so endearing. I also enjoy and appreciate the theme of BDSM and it not being presented in a manner that makes it seem deviant. My full review will be up at my blog on July 13, 2016 to coincide with the book's July 14 release.
Though there was romance in the book, I felt this one was more about the heroine dealing with Celian disease, getting to know her birth mother, and fighting her feelings for the man she's known for years and hooks up with periodically. I still enjoyed her story, and I loved when the romance did come through in Tomas' point of view, because it was so endearing. I also enjoy and appreciate the theme of BDSM and it not being presented in a manner that makes it seem deviant. My full review will be up at my blog on July 13, 2016 to coincide with the book's July 14 release.
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