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Surrender in Silk
Dangerous Games
Jamie Sanders was finally turning her back on her secret life as a government agent to search for who she really was -- as a person, and as a woman. But first she had to take on one final mission. She was determined to help the man who had made her into a lethal killing machine -- the man who had also awakened the woman within her . . .
But as she rescued Zach Jones from his foreign captors and tried everything in her power to heal the wounds that scarred him, inside and out, she had to accept what she'd been hiding from for years -- that he was what she'd been searching for all along.
Jamie Sanders was finally turning her back on her secret life as a government agent to search for who she really was -- as a person, and as a woman. But first she had to take on one final mission. She was determined to help the man who had made her into a lethal killing machine -- the man who had also awakened the woman within her . . .
But as she rescued Zach Jones from his foreign captors and tried everything in her power to heal the wounds that scarred him, inside and out, she had to accept what she'd been hiding from for years -- that he was what she'd been searching for all along.
256 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published February 1, 1997
99 people are currently reading
450 people want to read
About the author
Susan Mallery
864 books15.5k followers#1 New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery writes heartwarming and humorous novels about the relationships that define women's lives—family, friendship, romance. She's best known for putting nuanced characters into emotionally complex, real-life situations with twists that surprise readers to laughter. Because Susan is passionate about animal welfare, pets play a big role in her books. Beloved by millions of readers worldwide, her books have been translated into 28 languages.
Critics have dubbed Mallery "the new queen of romantic fiction." (Walmart) Booklist says, "Romance novels don't get much better than Mallery's expert blend of emotional nuance, humor, and superb storytelling," and RT Book Reviews puts her "in a class by herself!" It's no wonder that her books have spent more than 200 weeks on the USA Today bestsellers list.
Although Susan majored in Accounting, she never worked as an accountant because she was published straight out of college with two books the same month. Sixteen prolific years and seventy-four books later, she hit the New York Times bestsellers list for the first time with Accidentally Yours in 2008. She made many appearances in the Top 10 before (finally) hitting #1 in 2015 with Thrill Me, the twentieth book in her most popular series, the Fool's Gold romances, and the fourth of five books released that year.
Susan lives in Washington state with her husband, two ragdoll cats, and a small poodle with delusions of grandeur. Her heart for animals has led Susan to become an active supporter of the Seattle Humane Society. Visit Susan online at www.SusanMallery.com.
Critics have dubbed Mallery "the new queen of romantic fiction." (Walmart) Booklist says, "Romance novels don't get much better than Mallery's expert blend of emotional nuance, humor, and superb storytelling," and RT Book Reviews puts her "in a class by herself!" It's no wonder that her books have spent more than 200 weeks on the USA Today bestsellers list.
Although Susan majored in Accounting, she never worked as an accountant because she was published straight out of college with two books the same month. Sixteen prolific years and seventy-four books later, she hit the New York Times bestsellers list for the first time with Accidentally Yours in 2008. She made many appearances in the Top 10 before (finally) hitting #1 in 2015 with Thrill Me, the twentieth book in her most popular series, the Fool's Gold romances, and the fourth of five books released that year.
Susan lives in Washington state with her husband, two ragdoll cats, and a small poodle with delusions of grandeur. Her heart for animals has led Susan to become an active supporter of the Seattle Humane Society. Visit Susan online at www.SusanMallery.com.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
March 1, 2012
Loved the book, it had lot of layers. When the book opens the heroine is arguing with her boss in the agency to rescue the hero, and then we see in flashback what he meant to her. He was her trainer and mentor and pushed her hard, so much so she thought he didn't think she had what it takes but she learns differently. He also meant more to her on a personal level, he was her first lover and heart-break and she has harboured questions over why he asked her to choose between the job and personal life for seven years.
What I liked that the heroine was portrayed fantastically. She had her humanity stripped of because of the things she had seen and done and now wanted a short at normal, not knowing how. I felt for her when we see her struggling to find her place in the world, trying to be a woman and finally facing her inner fears and demons gradually. She examines uncomfortable feelings from her past, what she feels for the hero and her choices and what would have happened if she had done things differently. I liked seeing her growth and her courage when she puts everything on the line with the hero.
Now, the hero was a tougher nut to crack, on the surface he pretends to have it all together and feel nothing but we see he is emotional scared and has never faced his demons, and for a long time he continues to do that even when he know he loves the heroine.
I actually enjoyed the romance between these two stubborn, scarred people and best of all I liked seeing them grow.
What I liked that the heroine was portrayed fantastically. She had her humanity stripped of because of the things she had seen and done and now wanted a short at normal, not knowing how. I felt for her when we see her struggling to find her place in the world, trying to be a woman and finally facing her inner fears and demons gradually. She examines uncomfortable feelings from her past, what she feels for the hero and her choices and what would have happened if she had done things differently. I liked seeing her growth and her courage when she puts everything on the line with the hero.
Now, the hero was a tougher nut to crack, on the surface he pretends to have it all together and feel nothing but we see he is emotional scared and has never faced his demons, and for a long time he continues to do that even when he know he loves the heroine.
I actually enjoyed the romance between these two stubborn, scarred people and best of all I liked seeing them grow.
February 27, 2013
**3.5 stars**
Very good romance that deals with whether agents can adjust to normal life after their retirement. How do you go back after you've committed atrocities that can brand you a monster? How can you live with yourself afterward? I know it may seem as if Zach's reservations were stupid but given the record number of suicides in the Army and the number of veterans that have been involved in shootings and murders this past year, adjusting to civilian life is way more difficult than it may seem to us.
The book has two parts: the more exciting one that involves Zach's rescue and the part in the mountains where both are healing. I really liked having a heroine that was strong and athletic for a change, who was looking to discover her feminine side.
This doesn't get a higher rating because I thought the part in the cabin was a bit slow at times but overall this was a really good romance and very timely. If we weren't at war and know this actually happens, I'm not sure I would have had enough patience with Zach.
Very good romance that deals with whether agents can adjust to normal life after their retirement. How do you go back after you've committed atrocities that can brand you a monster? How can you live with yourself afterward? I know it may seem as if Zach's reservations were stupid but given the record number of suicides in the Army and the number of veterans that have been involved in shootings and murders this past year, adjusting to civilian life is way more difficult than it may seem to us.
The book has two parts: the more exciting one that involves Zach's rescue and the part in the mountains where both are healing. I really liked having a heroine that was strong and athletic for a change, who was looking to discover her feminine side.
This doesn't get a higher rating because I thought the part in the cabin was a bit slow at times but overall this was a really good romance and very timely. If we weren't at war and know this actually happens, I'm not sure I would have had enough patience with Zach.
June 4, 2010
I read it and liked it. Jamie was a different type of romance character. I wouldn't call her manly, I would say she was sexless not outwardly female, but not outwardly male either. There is no over compensating. So, I found her interesting in that respect.
In classic romance fashion, outrageous circumstances stick these two together and they overcome all the barriers they erect to keep each other out.
This is a military themed one with lots of people getting blown up or shot. I was a little caught off guard by that.
Classic romance. Doesn't disappoint.
In classic romance fashion, outrageous circumstances stick these two together and they overcome all the barriers they erect to keep each other out.
This is a military themed one with lots of people getting blown up or shot. I was a little caught off guard by that.
Classic romance. Doesn't disappoint.
September 10, 2016
3.5 stars.
This wasn't a bad book, but did require a great deal of suspension of disbelief. The heroine is supposedly the best female agent they've ever had but she doesn't know how to wear makeup or a dress?! Would have thought that'd be part of basic training! Especially given the fact that the hero learned ballroom dancing in his undercover work!
This wasn't a bad book, but did require a great deal of suspension of disbelief. The heroine is supposedly the best female agent they've ever had but she doesn't know how to wear makeup or a dress?! Would have thought that'd be part of basic training! Especially given the fact that the hero learned ballroom dancing in his undercover work!
March 10, 2012
It was all right.. But the book got predictable too soon.. I also found it difficult to believe Jamie did not know how to dress herself as a woman.. Zach wasn't too intriguing a character for me either.
April 25, 2019
I loved this one. Jamie Sanders is a spy--one of the best the agency has. But she's tired of the life and ready to quit. First she has to save Zach Jones--the best of them all, the man who trained her, and the only man she's ever loved. They parted ways 7 years ago on less-than-cordial terms but they both followed the other's career. Jamie forces herself on Zach to aid in his recovery. Now can they both find the courage to admit their feelings for each other and reach for what they really want?
Mallery does a good job of building strong (but not perfect) characters. She creates an engaging story and allows us to see the characters grow as they both work through their pasts and figure out what they really want for their future.
Mallery does a good job of building strong (but not perfect) characters. She creates an engaging story and allows us to see the characters grow as they both work through their pasts and figure out what they really want for their future.
October 27, 2017
This book was held on my TBR shelf for years. When cleaning the shelf I finally decided to read the book. As category romances go this one was just so-so. The hero was stubborn to the point of almost being unappealing. He was redeemed in the last chapter. The heroine was equally as stubborn but in a good way. She went after what she wanted and handled the humiliation in the process.
I'm a big Susan Mallery fan but this one was under par.
I'm a big Susan Mallery fan but this one was under par.
November 26, 2022
Jamie Sanders and Zach Jones are both CIA agents who met when Jamie was a new recruit and Zach was her trainer. They had a one week fling and then both went on to their jobs, not seeing each other again. Seven years later, Zach is captured by enemy forces and Jamie launches a rescue mission. She also resigns from the agency, and is determined to help Zach heal despite his objections. Neither character was very likable and the story had my eyes rolling left, right and all round.
May 30, 2018
Started off strong but dragged madly in the middle. The mains felt like all they did was think and over think with all sorts of thoughty thoughts. It needed more dialogue and active action (not passive thinking). I ended up skimming chapters toward the end.
July 7, 2017
It was a good book. Well written with many layers.
Characters well strong and for a change heroine was physically strong too.
Was not my favourite but am happy that i read it
Characters well strong and for a change heroine was physically strong too.
Was not my favourite but am happy that i read it
November 9, 2018
This was much different than what I've come to expect from Susan Mallery. I had to roll my eyes a few times, but I liked it a lot.
June 23, 2019
While the journey has some slow moments, as with this author’s books, the ending raised my rating. Happy reading/listening!
September 30, 2019
Not one of her better books
January 13, 2020
Definitely a topic I am not familiar with but a good book and happy ending.
October 19, 2025
A sweet romance with CIA warriors.
October 15, 2016
This book was just alright to me. It wasn't bad but it wasn't great. I just read it in passing and I wasn't particularly attached to the main characters. They were a bit one note and predictable. The book wasn't boring but it wasn't captivating.
The story revolves around Jamie and Zach. Zach trained Jamie seven years ago. He pushed her away since he was of the opinion that being a government agent wasn't the right career for her. He didn't doubt that she would work hard and be capable but he thought she was soft. She still pursued it anyway and excelled at it. They had an affair for a week and he ended it when it was time to come back to the real world. She loved him and he loved her but he wasn't open emotionally. Seven years later, he was captured and tortured. Two rescue teams failed in their mission and the commanding officer was ready to let Zach go but Jamie came up with a new plan to save him. She would go with her friend instead of a big team. They succeeded. Zach wasn't in any shape to continue his job and he needed to recover for a while.
She was there at the cabin when he arrived. She wanted to give a relationship with him another shot. Knowing that he was reluctant, she kept her real feelings inside and took on a reactionary stance. She was also adjusting to civilian life. The rescue mission was her last. She accomplished what she set out to do and was done as an agent.
They got closer and she embraced being with him again. However, he wasn't ready and pushed her away again. They got back together when he realized he wanted a life with her. He also quit his job. They married and started a security agency together. They now have a daughter.
The story revolves around Jamie and Zach. Zach trained Jamie seven years ago. He pushed her away since he was of the opinion that being a government agent wasn't the right career for her. He didn't doubt that she would work hard and be capable but he thought she was soft. She still pursued it anyway and excelled at it. They had an affair for a week and he ended it when it was time to come back to the real world. She loved him and he loved her but he wasn't open emotionally. Seven years later, he was captured and tortured. Two rescue teams failed in their mission and the commanding officer was ready to let Zach go but Jamie came up with a new plan to save him. She would go with her friend instead of a big team. They succeeded. Zach wasn't in any shape to continue his job and he needed to recover for a while.
She was there at the cabin when he arrived. She wanted to give a relationship with him another shot. Knowing that he was reluctant, she kept her real feelings inside and took on a reactionary stance. She was also adjusting to civilian life. The rescue mission was her last. She accomplished what she set out to do and was done as an agent.
They got closer and she embraced being with him again. However, he wasn't ready and pushed her away again. They got back together when he realized he wanted a life with her. He also quit his job. They married and started a security agency together. They now have a daughter.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 22, 2011
This book had a lot more action-movie-type action than many other Mallery books I’ve read, but I was definitely entertained.
Jamie Sanders has been in the “Agency” for a number of years. She’s the best female agent they have, and one of the top all-around agents. So when her mentor, Zack Jones, goes missing in enemy territory, Jamie takes it upon herself to be part of the rescue team as her last hurrah before she steps down from the Agency to live a “normal” life. Turns out that her and Zach have a past that she can’t shake. So when Zach’s condition requires him to have a little extra care while he recuperates, Jamie makes herself available.
Fun story, characters were a little on the dramatic side, but entertaining nonetheless. Action scenes, especially in the beginning of the story, were really top notch–not something I typically like, either.
Jamie Sanders has been in the “Agency” for a number of years. She’s the best female agent they have, and one of the top all-around agents. So when her mentor, Zack Jones, goes missing in enemy territory, Jamie takes it upon herself to be part of the rescue team as her last hurrah before she steps down from the Agency to live a “normal” life. Turns out that her and Zach have a past that she can’t shake. So when Zach’s condition requires him to have a little extra care while he recuperates, Jamie makes herself available.
Fun story, characters were a little on the dramatic side, but entertaining nonetheless. Action scenes, especially in the beginning of the story, were really top notch–not something I typically like, either.
January 23, 2017
I found this story rather average in the way it entertained me.
It was a bit too much in a bit too many things. Two agents... going on about a life after the agency being an impossible thing and oh the hardships and yes, one cannot hold the other back... booooring. Not really original. Wounded hero forced to confront her. Sigh.
I guess it would have been more fun if the characters were more likable. I did not feel attached to them. It was like watching an average romance play by on mute.
It was a quick read though, as the book is not very thick.
Maybe just not the right time for me and the book?
It was a bit too much in a bit too many things. Two agents... going on about a life after the agency being an impossible thing and oh the hardships and yes, one cannot hold the other back... booooring. Not really original. Wounded hero forced to confront her. Sigh.
I guess it would have been more fun if the characters were more likable. I did not feel attached to them. It was like watching an average romance play by on mute.
It was a quick read though, as the book is not very thick.
Maybe just not the right time for me and the book?
February 23, 2023
With a highly suspenseful beginning, I figured it would be difficult to keep it going, and I was right. Zach and Jamie are highly competent agents, trained to deal with just about everything that might come up in a mission. Off the job, they are loners. It got very repetitive to explain Zach's take on "normal" life, and I felt for Jamie who had an uphill battle trying to get him to realize that his job wasn't the only one in the world. I figured Zach for a lost cause all the way to the end. His come-about was too sudden and unexpected for me to take it seriously.
May 22, 2015
in this one, the heroine did all the pursuing! the hero was an ungrateful lout who did not even recognise the fact dat he owed her his life and for dat atleast, he shud have been kind and nice to her. he was savage and mean, like he really did not want her in his life except for sex. jamie risked her own life to save his. yet, he did not show one ounce of gratitude! he was a damaged soul and as broken emotionally as he was good physically. the book wud have been a 4 star but for the james bond details, which i disliked. i'm not an action fan, in books atleast!
February 14, 2015
Jamie Sanders fell in love with her training officer, Zachary Jones, while she was training to join an "agency" that fought international crime. Seven years later, Jaime leads the rescue when Zach is captured. At this point, Jaime has had enough danger and decides to resign. Can she convince Zach to join her in"normal life"? Cute story.
April 24, 2013
Jamie a government special agent rescues Zach (her trainer) and helps him recovered at his cabin in the mountains. Zach isn't really thrilled with this arrangement. Neither of them know what a "normal" life or love is.
November 23, 2014
stupid title, good book
April 12, 2013
I normally don't read the spy type novels but this one was actually really good. I was impressed overall and adored the characters.
May 5, 2015
Great read
Loved this story I realized when started that I had read it before but it was just as good th second time
Loved this story I realized when started that I had read it before but it was just as good th second time
March 11, 2016
Really good. I really liked the premise of the book. Strong female character. Must read.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews