Sweet Surrender: The Epilogue

The Bitter Rival #2

by L.M. Fox

Sebastian Lee may still be cocky,
but he’s no longer a playboy.

While he’s utterly devoted to Isabella and her son Austin,
relationships are alien to him. He’s about to learn
his arrogant days with women are over.

Life’s challenges have caused this ex-surgeon to reassess his future,
but one thing is certain. He can’t live without either of them.


Sebastian

How things have changed. No longer am I the shark looking to claim his next mate.
There’s no successful surgical career. I’ve given up my well controlled life,
preferring instead to let Bella steer this ship.

Yet I’m also no longer watching the world go by without being a part of it.
I’m surrounded by a dog that sheds, a child who paints on walls,
and a woman who tells me how things are going to be.
And I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Now I just need to convince this strong-willed minx to marry me.


This can be read as a stand-alone, contemporary romance.
However, it’s best enjoyed after reading The Bitter Rival.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Doctors, Contemporary, Second Chance Romance

288 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 9, 2023

About the author

Born and raised in Virginia, LM Fox currently lives in a suburb of Richmond with her husband, three kids, and a chocolate lab.

Her pastimes are traveling to new and favorite places, trying new foods, a swoony book with either a good cup of tea or coffee, margaritas on special occasions, and watching her kids participate in a variety of sports.

She has spent the majority of her adult life working in emergency medicine and her books are written in this setting. Her main characters are typically in the medical field, EMS, fire, and/or law enforcement. She enjoys writing angsty, contemporary romance starring headstrong, independent heroines you can’t help but love and the hot alpha men who fall hard for them.

Born and raised in Virginia, LM Fox currently lives in a suburb of Richmond with her husband, three kids, and a chocolate lab.
Her pastimes are traveling to new and favorite places, trying new foods, a swoony book with either a good cup of tea or coffee, margaritas on special occasions, and watching her kids participate in a variety of sports.
She has spent the majority of her adult life working in emergency medicine and her books are written in this setting. Her main characters are typically in the medical field, EMS, fire, and/or law enforcement. She enjoys writing angsty, contemporary romance starring headstrong, independent heroines you can’t help but love and the hot alpha men who fall hard for them.
Born and raised in Virginia, LM Fox currently lives in a suburb of Richmond with her husband, three kids, and a chocolate lab.
Her pastimes are traveling to new and favorite places, trying new foods, a swoony book with either a good cup of tea or coffee, margaritas on special occasions, and watching her kids participate in a variety of sports.
She has spent the majority of her adult life working in emergency medicine and her books are written in this setting. Her main characters are typically in the medical field, EMS, fire, and/or law enforcement. She enjoys writing angsty, contemporary romance starring headstrong, independent heroines you can’t help but love and the hot alpha men who fall hard for them.

Reviews

[Haley Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you haven’t read the first book (Bitter Rival) stop! Read that first before you read this one. This is the epilogue of the story of Sebastian and Isabella.

The story continues of where the first book left off and I just fell in love with Sebastian again. I mean I did in the first book, but you know 😅 His character development is amazing and just shows how one person can influence you to change your ways in how you view life.

Sebastian has been a bachelor his entire life up until Bella. He is completely captivated by her and her son who has autism. This story is so amazing and I love how Bella’s son, Austin, really opens up more and is more social because of Sebastian *swoon* 🫠

Sebastian really wants to make an effort to be Austin’s father figure that he never had and wants to marry Bella. She is left conflicted because of her previous marriage not being the best. She’s afraid of abandonment and Austin being heartbroken, which respectfully so given her past with her douche ex-husband. But you really see Bas showing up for Bella and Austin and really trying to make them become a family together. I got teary eyed at some parts because I just love Bas 🥹🥹

Please check out book 1 and come back for this epilogue, it’s really amazing! Oh, and Bas is really good at bedroom talk & praise kink 😉 soo there’s that 🥵🔥

Rating: 5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 4/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Series or stand alone: “series” epilogue to book 1- Bitter Rival 📚

[Anita · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW JUST WOW WHAT AN AMAZING EPILOGUE ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Only read this book after you have read The Bitter Rival first.
I was so glad when I got an ARC of this little beauty I so needed Bas and Bella's Epilogue.
And boy is it rollercaster ride for them both and Austin bless him, as this book continues with their story, there is so many ups and downs for them both but LM Fox does not disappoint, there is so much attention to detail, I absolutely love this book and it is so worthy of more than ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️. Absolutely brilliant, I am a little sad that thier story as come to an end now I have finished it.
Both of these books are absolutely amazing and I would highly recommend any and all books by LM Fox. These books are all written in a way where you feel like you are apart of it all, you are taken on an emotional journey, you feel every emotion the Character or characters are or has gone through they are just brilliant. I just cannot wait for more.

[WhiskeyandReading · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I first discovered Ms. Fox it was this couple that I read about first in Bitter Rival. In Bitter Rival, it took me time to warm up to Bas but at one point he crushed me. I didnt think he could redeem himself but this book proved me wrong. I fell in love with Bella in Bitter and I only wanted what was best. She worked hard as a mother and in the hospital. I truly admired her. This book showed a different side of her and made me fall even more in love. What I loved the most is the love Bella and Bas showed Austin. Austin had my heart. Now if you include this book and the book before you will know their journey has not been easy but it was worth it all in the end. Im glad they both got their happy ending.

[Devons book corner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This epilogue for Bella and Bas was everything I could have hoped for and so much more. The rollercoaster ride continues for these two, but it's such a great ride. Bella was such a loveable character, and I truly wanted what was best for her. She was such a hard worker and basically deserved the world in my opinion. I also really loved how Bella and Bas were with Austin, and the loved the showed him. I think Bas makes the perfect book boyfriend, and I really enjoyed him. This book, along with the others in the series are so good, you won't want to miss them.

[Nagma (Take A Look At My Bookshelf) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved Bas and Bella’s epilogue! When I read Bitter Rival it took me a minute to warm up to Bas, but after Sweet Surrender Bas is an amazing book boyfriend. The characters were relatable and I loved seeing their struggles as a couple. Their epilogue was bittersweet, but I loved the journey these two went on to get their HEA.

Rating: 4/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

[Erica Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Diving back into these two was such a bliss. LM Fox wrote it in such a way that readers could completely read a s a stand alone, but for those of us that read The Bitter Rival, there were a lot of flashback nods that were so perfectly reminiscent.

Sebastian and Isabella are not without their struggles trying to build their life together. Isabella has a teen son, Austin, who is on the spectrum and just an incredible boy. He has this artistic gift that blows both Isabella and Sebastian away. So much so that Sebastian, now in his time away from being a surgeon, has found a way to help display and share Austins gift.

There is a lot of struggles with these two, nothing we aren’t familiar with from reading the first book, but still something we can understand and ache along the way with them. They are so perfectly connected that they miss the mark sometimes on sharing what needs to be shared.

I just love how easy and comfortable an LM Fox is to dive into. Her words just flow and you can easily read one of her books in one sitting.

[Jezabel Nightingale · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is all about Sebastian and it is just glorious! I felt like I was missing something in the first book wondering how he could have missed his diagnosis, but seeing how he went head-first into situations without thinking about things it became clear!

He is an amazing book boyfriend! The characters are so realistic and beautifully drawn. We see why they are as they are. The emotions were strong with this one!

Thanks to LM Fox for an early copy for review!

[Hannah · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to like this book, but honestly I just found it a little bit boring. I finished it, but seriously contemplated giving up on it around 30% of the way through. I just found myself exasperated at the main characters most of the time unfortunately. Austin’s character was definitely the best bit about the book, but otherwise I was sadly underwhelmed.

[mdsbookreviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet Surrender LM Fox
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️.5
🚨ARC

Dr. Sebastian Lee is baccckkk! Ok, first off you should absolutely read the Bitter Rival first before you pick up Sweet Surrender the Epilogue- you get the whole understanding of the books together but it absolutely can be read as a standalone. Just to enjoy the whole picture and show support, read The Bitter Rival!

💙 reformed enemies to lovers
💙 angsty medical romance
💙 special needs son
💙 single mother
💙 hot and steamy
💙 dirty talking alpha MMC
💙 curvy strong FMC

I was an absolute fan of Dr Lee from the very beginning, basically picking right back up where they were left off, Bas has Bella and her special needs son Austin all moved in- and the next step is to try and get a ring on Ms Bella’s finger! But she’s a fiesty one! With starting a demanding job, a whole new environment for her and Austin- you can tell she’s scared. She’s head over heels in love with Sebastian but the “what ifs” in the back of her mind are constantly playing over and over in her head and then projects that fear into her new relationship.Then she gets hit with someone coming out of the dark from her past and completely stirs the pot.
Can Bella finally get past all her fears and marry the rich, sexy, sweet, dirty talking alpha surgeon?

Fox’s character’s growth from Bitter Rival is tremendous! I absolutely fall more in love with Dr Lee and of course Austin. Bella, she’s typically
Not my favorite female lead of Fox’s characters but she is fierce and hardworking and I absolutely appreciate reading a strong woman. I love the twist she put in throughout the book and I feel like all of LM Fox’s writing is so on point with real life dilemmas that everyday couples go through- her writing flows when reading the pages of any of her books and the details she puts into each character is amazing! I actually feel like I’m in her head when she puts the words to a page.

Overall a fantastic and the sweetest ending to a beautiful love story. Happy release day LM Fox!

[PP's Bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet Surrender by L.M.Fox is unlike any epilogue I have ever read. It is a whole novel for Isabella and Sebastian showing their continuous struggle as a couple. It was a bittersweet one.

Now let me give a disclaimer before I proceed. While signing up, I saw it can be read as a standalone but I didn't notice is an epilogue to Bitter Rivals. So I haven't read that book. The original enemies to lovers book of Sebastian and Isabella. I think my experience would have been a bit different if I read that before.

Because from the other reviews, I see the readers are happy to Sebastian redeeming himself. Surprisingly I absolutely loved this man. He is struggling with own chronic illness that made him leave his career as a surgeon but he is fighting. He is completely devoted to Isabella and her son Austin who is from neurodivergent spectrum. He is trying to make it work. But it is not proving to be easy. He is definitely controlling alpha and sometimes he just overstep trying to do everything at his own term. He can be really overwhelming but I loved it. He made mistakes but he made amendments too. I am in love with this man.

On the other hand, I didn’t exactly like Isabella. I do understand her life changed fast and her first husband was a complete ahole. She has a demanding job and she is constantly worried about Austin. She pushed Sebastian away. She acted bitter and impatient and honestly a bit b1tchy at times. Rather than opening up to Sebastian and coming clean about how emotionally distressed she is..she acted out. She was reacting negatively a lot and at the end..she realised it. Their love is definitely there and the chemistry is hot. They are just dealing with a lot of obstacles as couple. Austin was the brilliant light in both their lives and this talented young man actually helped them to bring them together.

Now I am off to read Bitter Rivals and it is actually free now for a few days!

I reviewed an early copy voluntarily

[•Cici• Theory of A Dreamer Book Blog♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having read all of Ms.Fox's work so far it always makes me happy whenever i get to pick up another book of hers! As soon as i found out about this epilogue for The Bitter Rival i immediately started looking forward to it! I picked it up and got right back into this world.

I was thrilled to be reunited with Isabella, Sebastian, and Austin!

Isabella and Sebastian's journey continues! These two have been through so much together. Now Isabella and Austin are living with Sebastian and settling into life together. Can Sebastian convince Isabella to say yes to marrying him?

I really enjoyed getting to see even more realness pour from these two whether that was through things in their relationship to other things lives. I liked getting to see Isabella tackle her career and Sebastian tackling his reality with MS. Their chemistry and connection were great. Their journey hasn't been easy and i loved the humanness to both Sebastian and Isabella.

Once again, I adored Austin and what he brought to the story! I've not read many stories that touch on autism and i am so happy this author did so with his character. I was also glad this author touched on MS as well.

With Sweet Surrender, Ms.Fox has created a great continuation that brought so many feels and got me right in the chest! She brings a unique kind of realness every time with her books. I can always count on this author to have my heart and i going through every emotion she brings! I can't wait to read what she comes up with next! 💙


*I volunteered to read and review a copy of this book from the author*

[Sierra Clothier · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just ate this book up with a spoon. Sebastian and Bella were easy to love at this point. Author Fox has turned into an auto buy for me, with her deft touch and such beautiful, emotional thoughts for her characters. Here we are now, with the new family and Sebastian is running around almost like a hyper toddler who really wants what he wants NOW. Patience is hard for him, but he's learning to navigate his new reality and he's head over heels for Bella and Austin. So why is Bella not going the same speed he is?

I wanted to alternatively shake Sebastian and hug him. "Relax, dude!" He goes from wanting nothing to do with relationships, to wanting everything all at once. Poor Bella just wants to bask in the honeymoon phase for just a bit. But Sebastian rallys! This book made me smile so much and I NEEDED it so much! Have you seen the news? Reading about Sebastian and Austin, and the new plans that happened... I cried alongside Bella and everyone else who undoubtedly read this!

Again, Author Fox writes consistently beautiful inner monologues, pouring out the emotions of these flawed but absolutely beautiful people. I wanted to hang out with them. And the medical stuff was done so well without any preaching! Without any data dumps! What a delightful reading experience this was! I need more of Author Fox and her stylish prose.

[Chronicles_of_a_book_princess · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝓐𝓡𝓒 𝓡𝓮𝓿𝓲𝓮𝔀

𝑻𝒓𝒐𝒑𝒆𝒔
✔️Contemporary Romance
✔️Single Mom
✔️Second Chance
✔️Reformed Enemies to Lovers
✔️Blended Family

𝑹𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘
Sweet surrender is the bitter rivals epilogue , it was a roller coaster of emotions from start to finish. This was a really good read, I enjoyed it. It was nice to see them get their happy ending after the way the bitter rival played out. I liked that we got to see more of Sebastian and Austin’s relationship, and how he connected more with Austin and they formed such a sweet bond. It was so upsetting to find out how Austins biological father really saw him and treated him. It also shows how strong Isabella was for putting up with him, it was so cute when Austin addressed Sebastian as his dad and refused to acknowledge his biological father because he wasn’t present at all. Overall, I think the plot was really great and I think it was well paced. I did a great job, tying up the whole book together but at the end you get like a little sneak peek I think into the next book and I was like really excited because now you want to know more about the next book. I definitely recommend this book. However, I think you should read the bitter rivals book first in order to understand what happens in sweet surrender.

[Becky Aks · Rating 5 out of 5]

As the title clearly states, Sweet Surrender is an extended epilogue to The Bitter Rival, so be sure to read that book first. In Sweet Surrender, Bella and Bas continue to work through their miscommunications and insecurities to get to a place where they can commit wholly to being together. I admit to losing patience with Bas multiple times because he was just SO self-absorbed, but it all comes right in the end (saying this is not a spoiler, because isn’t that why we read this genre?) and that makes the HEA even sweeter.

Fox’s attention to the details of human mannerisms and behavior again shines through. In so many instances, even though I have nothing in common with these characters as far as career and economic status, I can still relate to them as I picture myself doing the same things, such as when Bella has “one cheek plump with a grape inside” or when she asks, “What’s all that?” as she points her chef’s knife at the folder on the kitchen island.

I loved Austin, Gene, and Charlie in The Bitter Rival and was so pleased to see that they had significant roles in this book as well. Given the ending to Sweet Surrender, I suspect I know who is next in line for his/her own story, but I’d really love to read Charlie’s story (hint, hint).

[BooksToTheGrave · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this book, we have the continuation of the story from The Bitter Rival.

Bella and Austin moved in with Bas, but he can’t stop at that. Bas can’t wait for the moment Bella is his wife. But a lot is happening, and being nervous, they are not making the best decisions.

I loved having the opportunity to read more about Austin and Bas. They are a wonderful pair, and I love to read about their interactions. I’m not sure if I prefer the part about Bella and Bas or the one about Bas and Austin.

It’s so good to see the changes that happened with Bas since the beginning of the first book. We had a cocky surgeon with a god complex, and now we have a loving philanthropist family man. He reacted so badly to the bad news about his wealth and is thriving now, with a new purpose in life.

And Austin changed a lot as well! In this book, he is more relaxed and able to express himself. I loved that he was able to smile! And that scene with his father was amazing!

Also, extra points for the best wedding I ever read about, saw, or attended!

I have to finish by saying that the end was “wow!” and I can’t wait to read more about that!

4.5*

Thanks for providing me with this book.

[Ellen's · Rating 4 out of 5]

𝗕𝘂𝘁 𝗶𝗳 𝗮 𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝗶𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘀𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗮𝗻𝘁𝘀, 𝗜'𝗹𝗹 𝗺𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗼 𝗴𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗵𝗲𝗿.

Sweet Surrender picks up right where Bitter Rivals left off. It's best to Read book one before, so you can understand what has been going on. BUT WOW. I enjoyed the first one, but this one was SO MUCH BETTER.

🖌 Medical
🖌 Single Parent
🖌 Second Chance

"𝗜 𝘄𝗮𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗮 𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘆𝗼𝘂. 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗺𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗺𝘆 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗸𝗶𝘀𝘀, 𝗚𝗚. 𝗕𝘂𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂'𝗹𝗹 𝗯𝗲 𝗺𝘆 𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘁."

Again, it's a rollercoaster with both Isabella and Sebastian. But I liked the ride! The growth in them as a couple was great, I seriously love them and Austin as a family so, so, so much! Sebastian really stepped up, and he became true book boyfriend material here. I also really liked getting to know Isabella more, I feel like this eas a redemption for them both by the end of the book.

𝘐 𝘤𝘢𝘯'𝘵 𝘣𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘦𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴. 𝘐𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨.
"𝗜𝘀𝗮𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗮? 𝗪𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗿𝘆 𝗺𝗲?"

The character growth with Austin in the book was fabulous, and it was great that we got to feel more of a connection to him. I would do anything to protect him and Boom. Now I definitely want to pick up other books by this author. She has a series that follows Sebastians best friend I believe. That is next on my to buy list from LM Fox! 😍

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5

[Stephanie S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dr. Sebastian Lee's heart has been stolen by his lover, Isabella Potter. His life is richer than he could have ever imagined with Isabella by his side and her son Austin filling his once-empty home with art and energy. The couple has been through plenty of challenges in their relatively short but incredibly passionate relationship, but both Sebastian and Isabella have to face some of their own demons before tying the knot.

This is a very engaging story, with relatable characters and realistic challenges. The character growth that both Sebastian and Isabella go through is nuanced and real. It's refreshing to see characters address their own vulnerabilities and flaws, especially a male character. The pace was good and the twists were well timed. This is simply an enjoyable story about two people trying to make it work, despite their own shortcomings. It's hard not to root for them, Sebastian especially, since he's put so much of himself on the line.


Two editing errors that bothered me:
muscles vs. mussels (they were eating seafood)
pour vs. pore - in relation to reviewing documents.

[Holly Rife · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sebastian, Bella, and Austin are back and wow, is it exciting! Now, Bella and Sebastian are in a committed relationship and they are wonderful together, but they are trying to figure out how to navigate being together after so many years on their own.

Austin is amazing and I love how he is able to grow as a character in this book. He’s wonderful and I have a soft spot in my heart for him. I love how we are able to see Sebastian’s relationship with him grow as well.

Bella and Sebastian are a beautiful couple. As they sort out different issues one at a time, both individually and as a couple, they grow and are stronger for it. I loved seeing Bella’s vulnerability in this book, as she sometimes comes across as so fierce, but the juxtaposition is a breath of fresh air.

Oh the characters this author creates!! The supporting characters are just sublime. I love them so much!! I can’t wait for more from this author!!

While this is a standalone, I really suggest reading “The Bitter Rival” first. It will be less confusing and it’s just such an amazing book.

If you enjoy reading good romance books, I recommend this series.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

A continuation of their story!

Isabella and Austin have moved in with Sebastian. But she is feeling a bit overwhelmed by his house and people coming and going. She just wants a little privacy, especially as she is being given all the night shifts.

Sebastian has given up his career as a surgeon due to his MS diagnosis. He has welcomed Isabella and Austin into his home with open arms but needs to find something to keep himself occupied during the day.

As he throws himself into a new project, he starts to make decisions without consulting Isabella. Throw her ex husband back into the mix, and it could just be the recipe for disaster!

It was heartwarming to read about the relationship between Sebastian and Austin and how Sebastian is helping to provide space and an outlet for his art, as well as Mr Hansen’s continued involvement in their lives.

Once again, there was a lot of repetition, particularly of descriptions such as ‘my handsome man’.

But it was nice to hear the continuation of their story and the building out of the characters a bit more, as well as meeting some new ones. Ultimately the good things from the previous book are continued here.

[Trishaa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always wished to see more of Bas and Bella. I'm so glad that the Author gave my thirsty heart a whole book as an Epilogue. I definitely don't know what to ask more for..... I thought I'll see a man in Sebastian but then I completely lost my heart to how good the little teenage boy I have seen became a Man... Austin, stole the whole show in this book.

I lost my heart when Austin called Bas as his dad. Definitely this boy deserves a dad like Sebastian.

I read the whole book in one sitting at the same time made sure to Devour each and every page.

Not to forget the part where Austin was having Fever and Seb took care of him like a dad.

One word for Bas and Bella's chemistry... It's HOT.... Especially when he called Bella a she-devil. It got my heart to laugh.

I would recommend everyone to read this book and find the world's best artist AUSTIN ☺️

Thank you so much for providing me the ARC of this amazing book @authorlmfox the whole book was adorable 🥰 and I was jumping high looking at Bas and Bella's family grow 💖

[Olivia Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited to be able to receive an ARC of this beautiful book! I did read Bitter Rival when it first came out, so I was fully ready to know what the future held for the sexy Sebastian & the gorgeous Isabella. LM Fox is so amazing at writing a book they keeps you hooked not just with the storyline, but the spice was perfect because we all know Sebastian has the libido of a porn star even with his diagnosis. It amazes me how much research & work he puts in every day to keep his diagnosis at bay, so when it does flare it’s not as bad. Austin is seriously so freaking talented, it made my heart so happy to see his relationship with Sebastian grow to more of a father & son relationship. His personality also grew so much through the book from their dog & also Charlie. The issues that arose between Seb & GG were hard, but the love these two have for each other is out of this world. The ending was amazing & I loved how Sebastian always included Austin. Definitely a must read & while you’re at it read the Deprivation trilogy, you won’t be regret it at all!

[Rieka · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book just as much as I loved The Bitter Rival. L.M. Fox does not disappoint with this series! After the ending of Bas and Bella's story I wanted more. The relationships formed are ones that I felt to the very core. I wasn't sure what other things could make this roller coaster ride continue but Fox kept pulling rabbits out of the hat. Once again I was sucked in and felt like I was right there beside the characters feeling all their emotions.

I feel like every time I read a book from Fox I am just in awe. Each and every character is so relatable and I love that she adds in the characters like Austin, who is autistic, but plays a very important role in this story and it would not be the same without his part. The relationship Bella has with her son is so pure and raw and as a mother myself I find Bella's character so genuine. Bas still holds a very large piece of my heart in this series, all the way to the very end. It is very much a five star series that you should find time to read.

[Andrea M · Rating 4 out of 5]

loved it

This was such a great follow up after finishing the Bitter Rival. I think it’s such a treat when authors do extended epilogues.

While the first book answered all my questions there is always that “I wonder where they go from here.” I loved seeing Sebastian navigate his new normal now that he retired from his profession and he is ready to take life by the horns and embrace it.

We are also treated with more insight on his medical condition and how that effects him and his relationship with the people around him.

Bella.. man I loved her in the first book and it only grew throughout this book. She is one stressed out mama with raising Austin and helping Sebastian with his new normal, the last thing she needs is to have her past sniffing around and causing problems.

While I’ll be honest and say certain parts made me nervous, I knew that they would find a way to make it through and show that their love and dedication to their little family is what they need to get through life.

I absolutely loved this story and I will be missing these characters.

[Books_on_my_shelve · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a epilogue of The Bitter Rival ( you dont need but is bestbtonread before Sweet Surrender) and it is a perfect and beautifull story of three people who in their own way tought relationship are not anymore for them ♥️, Sebastian and Bella love each other, but they need to learn how to live together, since they were used to be alone, plus they have Austin.
Sebastian builds an incredible relationship with Austin and my favourite scene is with dr. Dickhead Lind, in this must everyone fall on love if you haven't yet!
It is a story full of emotions, finding the way how to accept that happiness is for everyone, about learning to trust and to forgive. You can have a look in the life of a beautifull boy with autism, who can bring so much colour and happiness in other people lives who are willing to accept it.

I love Layla's books because they feel so real, are full of emotions, full of people with their imperfections and that makes the stories so perfect. ♥️📖♥️📖.

[Jean Stillman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet Surrender, by L M Fox, is an extended epilogue to the book Bitter Rival, and it continues the love story between Isabella and Sebastian. I really enjoyed Bitter Rival, but I loved Sweet Surrender!
There are so many elements that make this such an outstanding read. First, the chemistry between Bella and Bas is just what every romance should be. Their love story is timeless and so addicting. Second, there is some seriously steamy sex, but there are also such tender, loving moments these two share. Add an autistic child into the mix, and you will have plenty of angst, but even more good feels for this couple going forward. And, there are so many funny, witty lines to keep you laughing out loud.

Isabella has an autistic son who has a passion for art. She has always encouraged and protected Austin, and you will feel her Mama Bear moments in this book. Sebastian truly loves Isabella completely and has found he loves this sweet kid, too, and wants to make them both a part of his family. There are challenges, some missteps, and some give and take needed, but so worth the journey.

I love this writer! I love her writing style and where her mind can take us. I especially love that she gave us the rest of the story for Bas and Bella, including unfulfilled back rubs. Lol. Fabulous read!

[Colleen Daley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish I could give these books 10 stars! If you haven't read The Bitter Rival or The Deprivation Trilogy I suggest you start now. While this book says it's an epilogue, it is soooo much more. I loved coming back to Sebastian and Isabella's story. They face true struggles, both physically and emotionally. Each character has their own fears but they both grow so much through the book. One of my favorite characters, which surprised even me, was Austin, Isabella's autistic son. He really stole my heart in this book, the author did a fantastic job of relating his emotions with his actions and even non-action as children with autism or other social struggles are more likely to do. I guarantee you will fall in love with all of them all over again. This author does such a wonderful job of pulling you into their story and their emotions and her books are so well written that you can't help but get sucked in. Go grab all of her books now!

[Aurora · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this single mom love story. All the major characters are broken in some way and to some extent. Austin's autism and Sebastien's MS are obvious, physical manifestations, but both Bas and Bella carry scars from their past that they must overcome before they can fully commit to each other.
Sweet Surrender is a love story with no guarantee of a happy ending. While the reader never doubts they love each other, Bas has no experience in a relationship and he's determined to win Bella his way which doesn't sit well with her, given her failed marriage to a man who dominated, belittled and then abandoned her to care for a son with special needs.
There's a lot of conflict in Sweet Surrender and, although it's not physical, it still hurts and it might be triggering for some readers, but this book is a testament to the power of genuine, mature love. Through all the trials and uncertainties, Bas and Bella DO get their happy family in the end and, when all is said and done, that's what really counts.

[Lilibet · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading The Bitter Rival. I had to know what became of Sebastian, Isabella and Austin. Considering Sebastians enormous ego in the previous book and me wanting to smack him round the head with a frying pan.

Brought up in wealthy but unloving family. I could see he was lonely deep down and had his walls a mile high, he was a wham bam thank you ma'am kinda guy, no emotional connections so he couldn't get rejected! Till he met Bella and Austin.

No matter how successful you are, when life throws a life changing curveball like MS at you, it makes you take stock and appreciate more important things in life.

This is a sweet, spicy, emotional journey, I can relate to the emotions felt but I still wanted to clonk them both for their communication problems but don't most relationships have those issues! They made it.... But that ending!

[The Dragon Den Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review of Sweet Surrender: The Epiloge by L.M. Fox
* * * * *
Another great read from the series with more drama and love and struggles from this wonderful couple and their family.

Sebastian and Isabella are enjoying their blooming life together.
Sebastian is spoiling and adoring Austin, helping him with his art and showing how much he cares, while he tries to juggle Isabella's night work and his rehabilition.
Sebastian is wanting to make it more perminant.
One home.
One family.
However, the drama is not over yet.
People from the past begin to pop up. For last words. For one last chance. For a little bit of bitter revenge.

I loved how there was so much more to this couple! Austin, I believe, is probably the most steady and level headed one out of just about everyone in the books. I love what Sebastian does for him! Mega sweet!

[randi reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you haven’t read The Bitter Rival, do that first! LM Fox brings us Sweet Surrender, an epilogue to The Bitter Rival. But we get a full blown story, not just a chapter, on how Sebastian and Bella are learning to merge their lives 🥳.

Sebastian is maturing, but let’s be honest, he has a ways to. He’s attentive and caring to both Bella and Austin, but in his determined and full speed ahead way.

It’s been just Bella and Austin for so long, that she is finding it difficult to acclimate to Sebastian’s lifestyle. The number of changes and the speed at which they are piling up, become overwhelming.

This journey is full of steamy and tender moments along with emotional awakenings as they come fully to the realization that they can’t live without each other and will jump over every hurdle that is put in their way.