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Harlow #2
Secret Surrender
One handsome stranger. One dangerous secret.
Small town bar manager Sarah Overton is a jilted bride nursing a broken heart. A steamy night with a handsome stranger should have made everything better, but now her mystery man won’t leave.
Dean Holloway is a man on a mission. Nothing in his life has ever come easy. And becoming a career criminal was unavoidable. But this woman, Sarah, might be his reason for starting over. One thing he knows. She would leave him in a heartbeat if she knew his real reason for being in town.
So even if finding love is everything Dean and Sarah have ever wanted, trouble never stays away for long, and staying alive will have to come first.
Small town bar manager Sarah Overton is a jilted bride nursing a broken heart. A steamy night with a handsome stranger should have made everything better, but now her mystery man won’t leave.
Dean Holloway is a man on a mission. Nothing in his life has ever come easy. And becoming a career criminal was unavoidable. But this woman, Sarah, might be his reason for starting over. One thing he knows. She would leave him in a heartbeat if she knew his real reason for being in town.
So even if finding love is everything Dean and Sarah have ever wanted, trouble never stays away for long, and staying alive will have to come first.
- GenresContemporary
276 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 14, 2022
6 people are currently reading
21 people want to read
About the author
Katerina Simms
15 books100 followersKaterina Simms is a contemporary romance author, RWA Emerald Award Finalist, and International North Street Book Prize semi-finalist. She was originally born on a sunny Mediterranean island, only to move to the weather-challenged suburbs of Melbourne, Australia.
Tea addict, nature lover, and terrible gardener, Katerina’s novels feature vivid modern settings and heart-stirring characters, punctuated with the occasional good laugh. Her romances skirt the edges of women’s fiction, and her favorite tropes are opposites attract, slow burn, and heat with heart.
Two of her author idols are the legendary Nora Roberts and Susan Elizabeth Phillips, though she doesn’t suppose they know who she is.
If you’d like to receive updates on new releases, deals, and get a FREE novella, subscribe to Katerina’s newsletter today! https://katerinasimms.com/newsletter-...
Tea addict, nature lover, and terrible gardener, Katerina’s novels feature vivid modern settings and heart-stirring characters, punctuated with the occasional good laugh. Her romances skirt the edges of women’s fiction, and her favorite tropes are opposites attract, slow burn, and heat with heart.
Two of her author idols are the legendary Nora Roberts and Susan Elizabeth Phillips, though she doesn’t suppose they know who she is.
If you’d like to receive updates on new releases, deals, and get a FREE novella, subscribe to Katerina’s newsletter today! https://katerinasimms.com/newsletter-...
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
July 15, 2022
Katerina Simms always gives us a complex story with complex characters who have their own code of honor, and Secret Surrender is no different in that respect. Sarah is super-controlled but allows herself one night to surrender to Dean, a sexy man she literally runs into in the woods during a community event. She thinks he will be gone in the morning. However, he decides to stay--for her and to escape life as a petty criminal. The "secret" part then ensues, pretending to hate each other during the day and falling into bed at night. There are complications, including the local sheriff, who is like a father to Sarah, and the syndicate in LA Dean worked for.
What leads these two to love is sharing secrets that few know about their awful families, their need for love and acceptance, and their insecurities. The writing is lovely--everything is paced exactly right. Characters from "Sapphires and Secrets" continue their stories here, and the connections are dramatic and sweet.
My heart was full of love and goodness by the end.
I received an ARC from the author and left this review voluntarily.
What leads these two to love is sharing secrets that few know about their awful families, their need for love and acceptance, and their insecurities. The writing is lovely--everything is paced exactly right. Characters from "Sapphires and Secrets" continue their stories here, and the connections are dramatic and sweet.
My heart was full of love and goodness by the end.
I received an ARC from the author and left this review voluntarily.
July 12, 2022
This was a good book. It would hold up as a standalone but having read the first book in the series helped fill in some gaps. I enjoyed seeing the characters again especially with how dynamic they are.
Side note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review
Side note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review
September 12, 2022
Ms. Simms, WOW!
While I personally recategorized Emilia and Blaine's novel as a romantic thriller, Sarah and Dean's novel was absolutely romantic suspense! Terrific romantic suspense!
You couldn't have picked two more perfect characters for each other. Both, Dean and Sarah have had difficult, if not tragic lives,that sent them on a path that normally they would have never been, and both had such dreams and hopes.
Life gets in the way, and those realities of life tend to show the reality of people. Sarah and Dean let down by the individuals that should have protected them. Instead they protected, and this came back to bite them.
I was so mad for Dean, yes he worked for questionable individuals,but he never crossed the line. Sarah became hardened, held herself tightly and still was a genuinely gracious person.
Their meeting is the night of the Soiree. Thier story begins where Blaine and Emilia's goes off the edge.
Dean is part of Emilia's problem with her ex-husband, his gift is finding people.
While Emilia and Blaine are fighting their way, Dean and Sarah are learning their way around each other.
Dean wants to change, become the man he intended for Sarah, and he is truly working on Sarah realizing she needs to be a little selfish.
Now, Dean is a finder, not for the greatest employer in the world,but just a finder. It came back to bite him.
Their story, is about growth, their own growth, but this includes...
Shocking revelations, action scenes, and Sarah feeling once again she trusted for why...
Now...back to this amazing town of Harlow, population small, they seem to rock and roll right on while chaos occurs around them. But, that simply means the gossip is better the next day, or two, or weeks. At least until, something new occurs and then it becomes the headliner of the gossip.
I loved these two characters, they are completely relatable. So real! Haven't we all felt no matter what no one... At some time? These characters simply were overloaded, add in a crime syndicate, interfering busy bodies, and nosy town folk who all seem to be in Sarah's bar at one time or another...
Honestly, I completely loved this novel. I loved how it intertwined with Emilia and Blaine's story, yet while their story certainly affects Dean and Sarah's, Dean and Sarah's story is unique. Their story is realistic.
It was exceptional!
I cannot wait for Ally's novel with Chip, she is still very much a child in many ways do to her seclusion in Harlow, and he's been in Boston for years.
Honestly, based on first two books, their story will definitely be explosive!
I am now a devoted fan, Ms. Simms.
You drew me completely in again, and even at the end I am dying for what is next!
I loved every moment!
Karen
While I personally recategorized Emilia and Blaine's novel as a romantic thriller, Sarah and Dean's novel was absolutely romantic suspense! Terrific romantic suspense!
You couldn't have picked two more perfect characters for each other. Both, Dean and Sarah have had difficult, if not tragic lives,that sent them on a path that normally they would have never been, and both had such dreams and hopes.
Life gets in the way, and those realities of life tend to show the reality of people. Sarah and Dean let down by the individuals that should have protected them. Instead they protected, and this came back to bite them.
I was so mad for Dean, yes he worked for questionable individuals,but he never crossed the line. Sarah became hardened, held herself tightly and still was a genuinely gracious person.
Their meeting is the night of the Soiree. Thier story begins where Blaine and Emilia's goes off the edge.
Dean is part of Emilia's problem with her ex-husband, his gift is finding people.
While Emilia and Blaine are fighting their way, Dean and Sarah are learning their way around each other.
Dean wants to change, become the man he intended for Sarah, and he is truly working on Sarah realizing she needs to be a little selfish.
Now, Dean is a finder, not for the greatest employer in the world,but just a finder. It came back to bite him.
Their story, is about growth, their own growth, but this includes...
Shocking revelations, action scenes, and Sarah feeling once again she trusted for why...
Now...back to this amazing town of Harlow, population small, they seem to rock and roll right on while chaos occurs around them. But, that simply means the gossip is better the next day, or two, or weeks. At least until, something new occurs and then it becomes the headliner of the gossip.
I loved these two characters, they are completely relatable. So real! Haven't we all felt no matter what no one... At some time? These characters simply were overloaded, add in a crime syndicate, interfering busy bodies, and nosy town folk who all seem to be in Sarah's bar at one time or another...
Honestly, I completely loved this novel. I loved how it intertwined with Emilia and Blaine's story, yet while their story certainly affects Dean and Sarah's, Dean and Sarah's story is unique. Their story is realistic.
It was exceptional!
I cannot wait for Ally's novel with Chip, she is still very much a child in many ways do to her seclusion in Harlow, and he's been in Boston for years.
Honestly, based on first two books, their story will definitely be explosive!
I am now a devoted fan, Ms. Simms.
You drew me completely in again, and even at the end I am dying for what is next!
I loved every moment!
Karen
July 7, 2023
Lot of Emotion and Action … and nightly visits
I always love a good redemption story and this one definitely has people that need redeemed. But what I really appreciated was how the author doesn’t just show the ‘bad’ parts of their lives, she also shows the background, the reasons they made bad or questionable choices.
My heart went out to Dean but not so much for Sarah. At age 13, Dean’s mother abandoned him, he lives in foster care until he reaches the legal age and thus once again is kicked to the streets with only a black garbage bag of belongings. He signs up for the Marines, is climbing the ranks until he saves a girl from a sexual assault…. Doing that good deed gets him in the brig and then kicked out with a dishonorable discharge.
As for Sarah, yes, she had rough times too but it was hard for me to relate to her. She protects herself by being cold, snarky and abrasive. Her ‘meet-up’ with Dean was questionable. Who would meet a total stranger, in the woods no less, jump in bed with him thinking a one night stand would heal her pain?
Turns out this one night stand is a lot more than she bargained for. It turns into a ‘many-night-stand’ while danger lurks. This is what I didn’t like. The danger and action in this book is interesting and good; however, the nightly hookups were not necessary. The plot of suspense, danger and intrigue alongside a growing love story was enough to carry the book. It didn’t need the sex romps… and there’s a difference between love and ‘in-between-the-sheet’ escapades.
Soooo, I liked the last quarter of the book much better. And, honestly, how on earth could that sheriff blame Dean, cuff him and take him to a holding cell without any information, let alone proof, that he was vandalizing Aggie’s nursery? That sheriff KNEW the Chadley boys reputation for juvenile ‘pranks’. That made no sense whatsoever (read the story and you’ll understand). Also, who did the sheriff think called the police anyway? Certainly not the Chadley boys.
Another character is Ally. She comes across flakey here but very different in her own story (book 3). I love the way she stood up to Sarah and Chip’s father in book three. He deserved that and more!
✒︎ Removed a star due to all the unnecessary 'between-the-sheets' scenes.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I always love a good redemption story and this one definitely has people that need redeemed. But what I really appreciated was how the author doesn’t just show the ‘bad’ parts of their lives, she also shows the background, the reasons they made bad or questionable choices.
My heart went out to Dean but not so much for Sarah. At age 13, Dean’s mother abandoned him, he lives in foster care until he reaches the legal age and thus once again is kicked to the streets with only a black garbage bag of belongings. He signs up for the Marines, is climbing the ranks until he saves a girl from a sexual assault…. Doing that good deed gets him in the brig and then kicked out with a dishonorable discharge.
As for Sarah, yes, she had rough times too but it was hard for me to relate to her. She protects herself by being cold, snarky and abrasive. Her ‘meet-up’ with Dean was questionable. Who would meet a total stranger, in the woods no less, jump in bed with him thinking a one night stand would heal her pain?
Turns out this one night stand is a lot more than she bargained for. It turns into a ‘many-night-stand’ while danger lurks. This is what I didn’t like. The danger and action in this book is interesting and good; however, the nightly hookups were not necessary. The plot of suspense, danger and intrigue alongside a growing love story was enough to carry the book. It didn’t need the sex romps… and there’s a difference between love and ‘in-between-the-sheet’ escapades.
Soooo, I liked the last quarter of the book much better. And, honestly, how on earth could that sheriff blame Dean, cuff him and take him to a holding cell without any information, let alone proof, that he was vandalizing Aggie’s nursery? That sheriff KNEW the Chadley boys reputation for juvenile ‘pranks’. That made no sense whatsoever (read the story and you’ll understand). Also, who did the sheriff think called the police anyway? Certainly not the Chadley boys.
Another character is Ally. She comes across flakey here but very different in her own story (book 3). I love the way she stood up to Sarah and Chip’s father in book three. He deserved that and more!
✒︎ Removed a star due to all the unnecessary 'between-the-sheets' scenes.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 16, 2022
2.5 stars
I read this book on the heels of the first in the series, hoping it would fill in some of the first book's blanks and then be a good read on its own, but unfortunately, for me, it missed the mark.
Sarah was jilted by her fiance, who threw away their three years together to be with his One True Love (someone he dated for a few months when he was a teen). But Sarah, always a trooper, let him go with her blessing because she wanted him to be happy. She meets Dean at a town festival and they hook up, but then he ruins everything by staying in town.
He's got secrets, she's got secrets (though she really doesn't), and they carry on in secret because she doesn't want her gossipy town to know. They pretend to hate each other to throw people off their scent, and their fabricated in-public sniping (which I think we're supposed to find amusing) comes off as cringy and unkind. Meanwhile, a threat from Dean's recent past looms.
The same cast of characters from book 1 appear here, and they're mostly true to type, with their midwestern "dontcha know" twang. The one secondary character that disappoints is Ally, who goes from overabundantly Minnesota nice to immature and stalkerish to downright stupid and mean, all without explanation. Unfortunately, she's the next book's heroine.
I wanted to like this book, and it wasn't terminally bad. The author writes well at the sentential level (i.e, it flows linguistically if not plot wise). However, I just don't think this series is for me.
I received an ARC of this book from BookSirens for free, and this review reflects my honest opinion. Thanks!
I read this book on the heels of the first in the series, hoping it would fill in some of the first book's blanks and then be a good read on its own, but unfortunately, for me, it missed the mark.
Sarah was jilted by her fiance, who threw away their three years together to be with his One True Love (someone he dated for a few months when he was a teen). But Sarah, always a trooper, let him go with her blessing because she wanted him to be happy. She meets Dean at a town festival and they hook up, but then he ruins everything by staying in town.
He's got secrets, she's got secrets (though she really doesn't), and they carry on in secret because she doesn't want her gossipy town to know. They pretend to hate each other to throw people off their scent, and their fabricated in-public sniping (which I think we're supposed to find amusing) comes off as cringy and unkind. Meanwhile, a threat from Dean's recent past looms.
The same cast of characters from book 1 appear here, and they're mostly true to type, with their midwestern "dontcha know" twang. The one secondary character that disappoints is Ally, who goes from overabundantly Minnesota nice to immature and stalkerish to downright stupid and mean, all without explanation. Unfortunately, she's the next book's heroine.
I wanted to like this book, and it wasn't terminally bad. The author writes well at the sentential level (i.e, it flows linguistically if not plot wise). However, I just don't think this series is for me.
I received an ARC of this book from BookSirens for free, and this review reflects my honest opinion. Thanks!
July 29, 2022
This is book two in The Harlow Series and it is Sarah and Dean's story. When Sarah's fiance tells her that he has fell in love with someone else she does the only thing that she can and that is let him go even though they had been together three year's as she will never be someone second choice by hanging on so she moves forward with working at her job in the bar and then she meets Dean while in the woods and they end up spending a unforgettable night together with Sarah thinking that she will never see him again only that doesn't happen and things get even more complicated which she could definitely do without. Dean is a petty criminal and he is in town for a reason not expecting to meet someone like Sarah and after spending the night together he realised that he wants to stick around and spend more time together with her so they carry on seeing each other in secret so that the town gossips don't find out but Dean has secret's that could not only break them apart but also send Sarah running in the other direction but the past don't always stay away and danger comes calling and it will take everything that they have to get out of the situation and stay alive. I absolutely loved this book and the characters and storyline was so engaging and keeps you turning the pages and I can't wait to read the next book in this series.
I Voluntarily Reviewed a Copy of This Book.
I Voluntarily Reviewed a Copy of This Book.
July 31, 2022
Sarah meets Dean after he helps her in dealing with the local ruffians throwing stones. She was at her ex's and new loves party. Dean was standing in the shadows. Her ex is shot and the new guy in town is under suspicion, especially as he has a history and jail time behind him.
Dean comes across realistic, facing challenges but determined to do right. Sarah is self absorbed to the point of being robotic and downtrodden with what life has thrown her way. She is unlikeable at times, demanding everything is to be her way, expecting everyone to accept it all. Difficulties felt by both main characters, who each need to change their future and trust is a big part of it. Each are drawn together but their pasts come centre to the present. Dean's involvement sits firmly with the Sarah, Blaine and Emilia relationships. Eventually all comes right but not without difficulties and drama first driving it along.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Dean comes across realistic, facing challenges but determined to do right. Sarah is self absorbed to the point of being robotic and downtrodden with what life has thrown her way. She is unlikeable at times, demanding everything is to be her way, expecting everyone to accept it all. Difficulties felt by both main characters, who each need to change their future and trust is a big part of it. Each are drawn together but their pasts come centre to the present. Dean's involvement sits firmly with the Sarah, Blaine and Emilia relationships. Eventually all comes right but not without difficulties and drama first driving it along.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 31, 2022
This is the second book in this series, and this is Sarah and Dean’s story. Sarah is the bar manager in a small town, and she is heartbroken after being jilted, and when she crosses paths with a sexy stranger, they share a steamy night together, and she things she will not see him again as he is just passing through. Dean is a petty criminal, and he is in town for a reason, and he cannot stay away from Sarah. This is a well written story which is a slow burn action packed romance, with a tad suspense, intrigue, danger, secrets, romance, twists, and love, which leads to an entertaining page turner. I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I recommend.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 19, 2022
Forsaken, thrown over, jilted however you phrase it Sarah is no longer engaged to the man who wasn't only her fiancé but her good friend. Stoicism is her shield, keeping her emotions guarded in the face of her distress. In a moment of impetuousness, she meets Dean a man who stimulates unexpectedly. Their night of passion is a one off, just what she needed burning off steam with a man she wouldn't see again. From the moment they meet Dean is beguiled and intrigued by Sarah. Their coming together is a blend of reticence, doubt, intensity, and secretiveness. The author created a story that flowed well, keeping me engaged as I rooted for Sarah and Dean to find the peace and love they deserved.
December 5, 2023
This is the second story in the "Harlow" series. It has connected characters and commonalities with the first one but I think you can read it as a stand alone. It is a small town romance set in Harlow, Minnesota. It is intriguing and emotional with a twist and a secret. The story is about Dean and Sarah. They meet in the woods the night of big town get together. They get together and she thinks he will be gone the next day. He is in town for a reason. There is a lot to this romantic suspense but it develops very nicely. I enjoyed the story and really like the characters. Both have tragic past but find what they needed and longed for.
August 25, 2022
After reading the first book in this series, I was a little skeptical about Sarah. I was afraid she’d be unlikable even though she did give up Blaine. But the introduction of Dean into the story quickly changed my mind about her and I found myself caught up in this new relationship. Far from predictable, this story was delightfully realistic , while still providing the escape I needed from the real world. I love Harlow and have found myself incredibly attached to its residents.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 12, 2023
Small town bar manager Sarah Overton is a jilted bride nursing a broken heart. A steamy night with a handsome stranger should have made everything better, but now her mystery man won’t leave. Dean Holloway is a man on a mission. Nothing in his life has come easy. And becoming a career criminal was unavoidable. But this woman, Sarah, might be his reason for starting over. One thing he knows. She would leave him in a heartbeat if she knew his real reason for being in town. An enjoyable read. And voluntarily leaving my review.
August 21, 2023
Sarah runs the bar in Harlow and she meets Dean during an event in town. Starts as a one night but he does not leave right away. He wants a fresh start away from the criminal life he has had in California. Loved the characters, their haphazard way of reconnecting each day, big decisions, entertaining situations and chemistry. Plenty of drama, danger, twists, hidden agendas, revelations, steamy moments and more that kept the pages turning right up to the great ending.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 2, 2022
While the plot and characters have some complexity in them, I really found this to be a great book to read as the romance and suspense keeps you entranced in the plot. I haven’t read many of the rest of the series, but I do feel that it might be helpful to do so at some point (if only to get more details). It made for a really fun vacation read!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 2, 2023
It was very enjoyable and entertaining story.
What started as one night stand but didn’t end there.
Sarah runs the bar in Harlow while Dean is just passing through.He wants a fresh start away from the life he lead back in California.
Loved the characters,they had own way to be together .
Plenty of drama, danger, twists and steamy moments and more that kept the pages turning right up to the really good ending.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
What started as one night stand but didn’t end there.
Sarah runs the bar in Harlow while Dean is just passing through.He wants a fresh start away from the life he lead back in California.
Loved the characters,they had own way to be together .
Plenty of drama, danger, twists and steamy moments and more that kept the pages turning right up to the really good ending.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 9, 2025
Tjis is Book Two in the Harlow Series. You will need to read the first book, Sapphires and Secret before this one.
The plot was intriguing, exciting and suspenseful. World building continues to excel and impress. The characters were so very well written and developed and perfect together. A great addition to the series! Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The plot was intriguing, exciting and suspenseful. World building continues to excel and impress. The characters were so very well written and developed and perfect together. A great addition to the series! Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 8, 2023
A well written plot line and the characters were intresting to read. The romance the love drama between the characters were intresting to read. I enjoyed reading the book.received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 16, 2023
Allow a full, long day for this adult small-town redemption story set near Mirabelle Falls in Harlow, Minnesota where 27-year-old Sarah Overton runs Maynard's and 6'6 Dean Holloway is passing through on a job. I had an ARC via Booksprout and this voluntary review is my opinion.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews