Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Sweet Surrender #1

Sweet Surrender: A Lesbian Romance

Rate this book
There’s life, and then there’s living.

Julia has it all. Fame, fortune, and all the ladies she can get her lips on. But she can’t write her next book. She’s as blocked as a teenager’s pores. Could it be because of the one who got away?

Susan had it all, and now it’s gone. She moves through life like a zombie, doing only what she needs to do to get by. Then Julia returns, and her irreverence and impulsiveness sends a tiny electrical pulse to Susan’s heart.

When Susan and Julia are reunited, they try to ignore the flying sparks. There’s too much baggage—Julia is almost half Susan’s age and was once her student. But they need each other now more than ever. As their bond strengthens and heals, the attraction between them becomes impossible to ignore.

Do Julia and Susan have a future together? Or just a past?

220 pages, Paperback

First published October 17, 2017

146 people are currently reading
107 people want to read

About the author

Anna Cove

13 books78 followers

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
117 (41%)
4 stars
100 (35%)
3 stars
47 (16%)
2 stars
13 (4%)
1 star
3 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
Profile Image for Corrie.
1,709 reviews4 followers
March 6, 2018
When I read the prequel to this story I had the expectation of more sweetness to come. But unfortunately Sweet Surrender turned out to be a lot more frustrating read. I had quite some trouble liking both Julia and Susan and for different reasons.

Julia dawdled a lot when it came to taking a chance on Susan, missed a lot of chances that way. I found her somewhat immature and broody and just unsympathetic in thoughts and action.

Susan was so deeply in denial about her feelings for Julia, still so much the devoted widow to her dead husband and so concerned with her public persona (her work, her children) that she lets life and love pass her by.

Anna Cove writes well. There are more books in this series (starring women we briefly get to meet in this one) that I probably will try at some point. I just wasn't feeling this one.

f/f explicit

Themes: I thought I was getting one thing but got something else, maybe that was just me, I just found it too angsty to be enjoyable, I think it's a bad idea to keep your dead husband's portrait above the mantel, one keeps running, one keeps denying... ugh!

3.3 stars
Profile Image for Dee.
2,013 reviews108 followers
July 29, 2019
A good read, with all the drama that goes along with age-gap and a woman not out to her family/kids.

The prose was a little flowery for me. I wouldn't call it filler, but it has an abundance of similes.

Well edited, other than the misuse of Ravaged (Ravished) and Taught (Taut)

This is the first book I've read by this author, and while I enjoyed the story, I'm unlikely to read more by her. Not because her writing is bad, her style just isn't my style.
Profile Image for Loek Krancher.
1,042 reviews66 followers
January 6, 2018
Pleasantly surprised!

A widow, a writer, a joint past, unbearable choices, insecurities, a book proposal, an age-gap and a lot more. Standing up for yourself and move on, this sounds so simple but it is not. They belong together but that's not easy to admit. A satisfying, sweet romance with characters you'll love.
Profile Image for Helen West.
Author 9 books17 followers
January 17, 2023
I generally will give a story 30% to try and hook me but this one sadly didn't. Right off the bat, Julie is unlikeable. She's cocky and snobby and really plays up the victim mentality. She garnered no sympathy from me.
The worst bit from LITERALLY THE FIRST CHAPTER is how she sexually objectifies her best friend. Her straight best friend, as she notably says. That's just not cool imo, fiction or not.

Not liking a character doesn't mean I stop reading; I like to think that having a strong reaction to a character is a sign of good writing. Perhaps not in this case. The story was muddied and rushed in some places. It was really a mess of contradictions.

Might give another of her stories a go. Maybe...
365 reviews42 followers
February 25, 2018
Lately all of my reading choices seem to be headed to second chance romance land. In Sweet Surrender, Julia returns to Smith College and gets back in touch with her first love.

Eight years after graduation, Julia Knowles faces the catastrophic failure of her writing career. Her knock down fight, with a guy who was hitting on her, went viral on YouTube. She lost her syndicated advice column and her book deal hangs by a loose thread. Her college roommate suggests a trip back to the research library at Smith so she can develop a book proposal. Julia boards a bus to Northampton, with her funds dwindling, and just weeks before her proposal is due. No extensions will be forthcoming. Her one chance to resurrect her writing career is slipping away from her. Even Julia's last minute accommodations go from bad to worst to nonexistent.

Susan is the woman who broke her heart, after winning it, ten years ago. Of course, she's the head librarian and handles the research desk at Smith. Twenty five years older than Julia and still mourning her husband after his death five years ago, Susan knows that Julia needs her help after a single glance. A nosy co-worker sees the truth behind the looks that pass between these conflicted women. Gail has her own interest in the lovely and seductive Julia. Susan won't just stand by as Gail flirts with Julia, but she can't bring herself to make her own move. She does get Julia to accept a guest bedroom in her very large and lonely house. She generously offers Julia her own research project concerning the history of romantic friendship between women. Their own relationship picks up where it left off so long ago, but not so far away from either woman's heart.

Real life intrudes on their newly constructed honeycomb. Susan fails to imagine a future different from her past. Julia finds refuge in words on the page and a rebroken heart. Sweet Surrender trades POV narration between these main characters. Past might be prologue to a heavenly future or it could lead to another insufferable damnation. This unlikely romantic friendship matches a woman whose relationships are confined to countless casual sex partners with another woman who remains faithful to her disembodied husband. Could there be a more improbable pairing? Sweet Surrender manages to combine a second chance romance with an age difference romance and a star crossed lovers romance without wasting any words. The pages of this hybrid romance novel constitute a very well written lesbian love letter.
Profile Image for Kathryn.
478 reviews80 followers
June 15, 2019
This was just OK for me. I didn't really care for Anna Cove's writing style. Much of the time, I couldn't tell who was supposed to be speaking and the two sex scenes were awkward.
Profile Image for Robin Morgan.
Author 5 books287 followers
January 4, 2018
I received a mobi.file copy of this book from the author through a giveaway she had on LibraryThing, and the following is my honest opinion.

Sometimes things happen for a reason, a reason for which we’ve got no control over; such is the situation for Julia Knowles whose writing career as well as her life is in a nosedive. She’s got a viral video on YouTube concerning a guy who had hitting on her quite hard that she wound having a physical fight with him, the syndicated advice column she once had is now history, and a book deal she now has is on the verge of being lost.

Julia takes the advice of a good friend from college and heads back there to Smith College and to the its extensive research library which also happens to be where her former lover, Susan, is the head librarian and is responsible for the library’s research division.

Susan has her none issues, where she once had everything, including a husband who she’s still profoundly mourning after five years. She once was full of life, but now goes through it as if she’s merely an android; surviving by doing the bare minimum that she needs to.

Julia, with her looks, once could have any woman she wanted to, which is evident by Gail, a nosy worker at the library who sees what’s going on between Julia and Susan, and who has her desires on the enticing Julia.

There’s far too much history that Julia and Susan share, baggage that makes it impossible for them to disregard the what’s happening between them now.
Their need for each other is greater now then it has ever been in the past; and as their past relationship problems begin to reconcile and grow, the magnetism between these two becomes quite difficult to miss.

Will the research Julia’s doing regarding romantic relationships during the 19th and 20th century, along with her renewed relationship with Susan be enough for her to complete the proposal she definitely needs to save her writing career?

Given the disparity in their ages of 25 years, despite the attraction they each shared for each other, I couldn’t help but feel that there had been a sort of mother-daughter relationship going on through the storyline.

For giving me my first delightful second chance romance for this year, I’ve given Ms. Cove 5 STARS.
Profile Image for Pers.
1,723 reviews
February 8, 2022
I couldn't finish this - I found one of the two protagonists to be too predatory and manipulative. That's not what I look for in a romance story.
Profile Image for Dannica.
839 reviews33 followers
February 25, 2018
On the one hand, Julia and Susan had very different personalities and I genuinely liked both of them--the nonchalant celebrity who takes a few too many liberties and the widow librarian who has her heart. They definitely had chemistry, and I thought it was sweet that their relationship was solid before they started having sex.
But a couple things about this book still pissed me off.
First: Romantic friendships. A major subject in this book. Can they exist? Frankly, I'd say...yes. But this book seems to imply no--while it won't say it outright it at least severely doubts the validity of such an intimate relationship without sex.
Second: I'm beginning to realize finding lesfic without a touch of biphobia or bi erasure is kind of hit or miss. Susan was married for most of her life, has rarely been attracted to a woman before (or was in denial about it?) and the instant she allows herself to be attracted to Julia everyone says she's a lesbian. I'm not saying she's not: lesbians do get married sometimes, and often they are in denial for many years. But I mean...not even mentioning bisexuality as a possibility? I feel a bit let down.
Third: Major conflict in Julia and Susan's relationship arises from Julia pressuring Susan to be out, not just to close friends and family, but to the whole world. I am so tired of gay characters being criticized for wanting to stay in the closet. Goddamnit Julia. Can you just stop?
So. I liked the writing style, I liked the characters, and I really wanted to like the plot. But I had some issues. I might try the author again sometime but this book of hers did not work for me.
113 reviews1 follower
September 7, 2018
I’ve been trying to figure out why I didn’t love this as many of the reviewers did and here’s what I came up with. I didn’t really understand the characters and the chemistry amongst the characters. It just felt disjointed.
33 reviews
January 10, 2018
Amazing

Wow I really enjoyed this one. It was funny and there was never a dull moment for me. I can't wait to read the next one by this author.
Profile Image for Opal.
130 reviews27 followers
January 18, 2020
This book was okay. I liked both characters quite a lot, particularly Susan. Her relationship with her husband after his death was very touching. Julia is also a cool character. She's a writer and a bit of a rebel and a badass, and I like that she's a lady-killer before she gets with Susan.

My only problem with this book is I felt Julia was always pretty selfish in her relationship with Susan and is almost never called out on it. She demands Susan comes out of the closet immediately to her family when Susan only just realized she was attracted to women, and then Julia is DESTROYED when Susan "chooses her family over her" by keeping it a secret. That seems rather unreasonable to me. Susan just needs time to process this revelation, but Julia doesn't understand because she's been out her whole young life. I guess that's where the bulk of the "age gap" part of the "age gap romance" comes in.

This book would have been better served by maybe flashing back to when Julia first met Susan, so the initial development of their relationship would have been "on-screen." This would have lent a bit more weight to Julia's feelings of hurt instead of just making her seem childish. Also, because their relationship is essentially being "reignited," you never see why they liked each other in the first place. This is made worse by how they both continuously recall their past, which I as a reader didn't see. It's not actually that big of a problem to be honest, but it does feel like a chunk of their chemistry is lost. They are still cute together, but I just wish I could have seen the beginning. If this was actually a sequel, I would understand, but the version I read mentions a preview to the PREQUEL, so this is intended to be the first one read.

I think a point other reviewers have made about this book was the bi-erasure, and I agree with that. "Attracted to women" is exclusively lesbian here, despite the fact Susan was in love with and attracted to her husband. I'm not sure why bisexuality is not an option. And asexuality is sort of played with here with regards to the discussion of "romantic friendships," but it is ultimately discarded as impossible. As an ace, this kinda hurt me a bit, not gonna lie.

Overall I enjoyed this book, but certain aspects bring the score down for me. I'd give this book 3.5 stars if I could, but I'm rounding down instead of up because I was just not enthusiastic enough about the book to give it the full four. However, it was still enjoyable, and I would recommend it.
Profile Image for Cindy Stein.
799 reviews13 followers
December 22, 2017
Julia is a 30-year old successful writer who has a proposal due for a new book but can't decide what to write. When her friend suggests she head off to Smith College, her alma mater, for a change of scenery, Julia visits the library and there meets her old crush and former close friend, Susan, a woman 25 years her senior. Susan had been married (her husband died 5 years before) and has two adult children. The book is about the difficult re-emergence of their relationship and its transformation into something more than it once was.

While the last third of this book flew by, the beginning chapters (especially those from Susan's POV) seemed slower. Julia was an interesting and impulsive character while Susan is someone who lacks courage and is holding onto the past.

While a decent romance, and a new spin on the usual "second chance" story, the book was just moderately good, better in some parts than others. The author entices you to sign up for her mailing list in order to get an additional chapter, which continues the story of the MCs.
Profile Image for Kimberly.
243 reviews11 followers
May 20, 2018
Very sweet

A story of how some relationships can withstand time and distance. Julia's and Susan's initial relationship seemed to have had different meanings for them both, but ultimately we find suppressed feelings from both women. Nothing like life forcing us to deal with issues in order to move forward. Susan has an even tougher to at it because she is dealing with a completely new side of herself. Each woman must figure out if they can get through their issues in order to be with the other. Susan has the biggest hurdle of how to accept this new piece of herself so that others, more importantly her family, will do the same.
Profile Image for Stacey.
142 reviews
September 19, 2021
This is probably one of the most raw lesbian novels I’ve read. It dealt with a lot of topics and choices that are very real for many older queer people. I did find their story kinda frustrating at times but I had to sit back and think about how it would feel to be in that position. Julia and Susan had a “romance” that many wouldn’t understand but I did enjoy it overall. I wish we could have had more about their relationship before her husbands passing so that we could fully understand why Julia was in love with her.
652 reviews8 followers
May 28, 2018
Truly enjoyed this book!

I truly enjoyed this book! The bittersweet May/December relationship between Julia and Susan. Julia’s vulnerability that she valiantly portrays as sarcasm. Susan’s willingness to explore her relationship with Julia but her fear of what she could loose if she acknowledges the relationship. The journey these two must travel to finally be together is poignant but sweet. Very well done!
264 reviews8 followers
April 9, 2022
I enjoyed this book, it had a different storyline to a lot I have read recently. There was none of the getting to know each other as that had all happened prior in the characters lives. This was a lot about people needing to connect when the time is right for them and was handled in a very compelling way. The author made the characters really come alive through their personalities and well written Witt. Well worth reading.
Profile Image for Patricia OHara.
437 reviews4 followers
November 15, 2018
Topsy turvy romance

Enjoyed this book very much. Julia and Susan were so very different which made this story appealing. The whole story line was well written and so worth reading. I loved the turmoil in both women’s lives and then the realization that they belonged together was absolutely rewarding. Looking for to reading more of your books.
410 reviews1 follower
January 19, 2020
Ok

Great story, not good to read when tired, it will put you to sleep. The ending however, compensated for the story. Julia loves Susan and Susan loves Julia. With the age difference still in the air like other questions Julia presented at the last chapter last paragraphs. Ah well, it was entertaining and put me to sleep like a baby.

A nice love story. Yeah, a fair read.
Profile Image for Nicole.
119 reviews
June 1, 2020
I had high hopes for this book after reading the prequel. I almost gave up at 30% but I continued on. I am glad I finished it but I found myself so frustrated with the characters and storyline. The ending just ended. It left me wanting more. I’m curious about the other books in this series. At some point I will give book two a try.
387 reviews3 followers
March 5, 2021
Good book

This is the first book by Ms. Cove I’ve read. Very likable women with a HEA. The 25 year age difference was a little hard to believe but it didn’t seem to bother Julia, the younger woman and only minor problems for the older. Normal body image problems with being 55. Lover the book and just bought book 2 in the series.
123 reviews2 followers
December 27, 2017
Discovery

To be true to yourself sometimes is the hardest thing. This is the story of Julia and Susan. Can love be one sided? Can you forget about others and think of yourself? Is a true love possible after loving deeply before? Read their story...
Profile Image for charles clayson.
1,341 reviews6 followers
June 23, 2018
😜 EXCITING 😜
This story was loaded with gripping moments of hidden feelings of love 💘 lost. Feelings denied. Love 💘 betrayed; and love 💘 accepted.
This story lifts you up and drops you. Then finally raises you up again.
45 reviews4 followers
October 13, 2019
I finally got my prize

Good book what we go threw to fine love and then losses it again this book has the making of a complete collection of what next ? After we find the it leaves you with wanting more
82 reviews1 follower
October 15, 2019
Good book

I found this book to be addictive, wanting to know the next bit before the last has finished. The characters are fantastic. I always want that one more chapter at the end of a book and with this one I wouldn't mind another ten. Thanks for the read.
230 reviews3 followers
April 1, 2020
Good read

I really enjoyed reading this book..it was so intense, funny, and lonely, but couldn't stop reading it. I really got into the book, that it took me a day of reading 📚, now I can't wait to read the pre sequel and the book about Jada😍
Profile Image for Suzi Vilkman (Hautaniemi).
289 reviews8 followers
May 22, 2022
What a rollercoaster

This book was a rollercoaster ride for sure. Incredibly stubborn characters in an on-off relationship that came close to destroying them both.

In the end, things appear to be solved but I would have wanted maybe one chapter of them happy together.
Profile Image for D.
511 reviews25 followers
July 10, 2018
Very delightful! XOXOXOs to the author, Anna Cove, for creating this story:)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.