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Antonello Brothers: Immortal #1
Surrender Love
Not rebound, payback, loneliness, or even the great sex, and far beyond love. This is surrender.
In the beds of countless lovers, the immortal Luc Saint-Cyr has been mastered as well as master, commanded as well as commander. When his mortal lover leaves him, the distraught Luc withdraws and devotes himself to work. His entertainment company throws a ceremony for one of their most successful rock groups, and Luc meets drummer Izzorah "Rah" Ceeow, one of the feline Kin race. Rah's dark hair and velvety, golden furskin captivate Luc. Pert cat's ears and a quick smile lighten his mood, and one look into Rah's emerald eyes, deep and tranquil as a forest pool, and troubles cease.
He suspects the mid-twenties male is a virgin, and Luc, fascinated by Rah's quiet serenity and lack of guile, longs for a deeper, closer relationship. Savoring Rah's surrender will be as delicious as taking him. Luc will force nothing. Rah will give himself to Luc when he is ready to surrender his innocence, to capitulate every part of himself to Luc's command. Rah will open himself and let himself be taken. Luc's anticipation and desire are palpable; as real as his hunger for faithful, unconditional love. But to gain Rah, how much of himself is Luc willing to surrender?
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Publisher's This book contains explicit sexual content, graphic language, and situations that some readers may find Anal play/intercourse, interspecies sex, male/male sexual situations, reference to rape, violence.
In the beds of countless lovers, the immortal Luc Saint-Cyr has been mastered as well as master, commanded as well as commander. When his mortal lover leaves him, the distraught Luc withdraws and devotes himself to work. His entertainment company throws a ceremony for one of their most successful rock groups, and Luc meets drummer Izzorah "Rah" Ceeow, one of the feline Kin race. Rah's dark hair and velvety, golden furskin captivate Luc. Pert cat's ears and a quick smile lighten his mood, and one look into Rah's emerald eyes, deep and tranquil as a forest pool, and troubles cease.
He suspects the mid-twenties male is a virgin, and Luc, fascinated by Rah's quiet serenity and lack of guile, longs for a deeper, closer relationship. Savoring Rah's surrender will be as delicious as taking him. Luc will force nothing. Rah will give himself to Luc when he is ready to surrender his innocence, to capitulate every part of himself to Luc's command. Rah will open himself and let himself be taken. Luc's anticipation and desire are palpable; as real as his hunger for faithful, unconditional love. But to gain Rah, how much of himself is Luc willing to surrender?
-----------
Publisher's This book contains explicit sexual content, graphic language, and situations that some readers may find Anal play/intercourse, interspecies sex, male/male sexual situations, reference to rape, violence.
412 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 2009
160 people are currently reading
454 people want to read
About the author
Kayelle Allen
41 books279 followersKayelle Allen creates MM sci-fi romance featuring mythic heroes, immortal gamers, and fierce warriors who purr. Explore the Empire and embrace your immortality. With eternity on your side, romance lives forever.
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July 2, 2009If there is a thing that an author can do to displease me is to ruin my Happily Ever After... and so when I read Surrender Love's blurb, I thought, OMG Mrs Allen, what have you done? But since I'm a faithful reader and I remember that I liked the previous book, Wulf, I bought it anyway, and put it in my reading list... only to see it everytime I opened the reading folder to choose a book to read. The ebook was there and it was beckoning me... read me, read me, you know that you will like me... it was like a Mermaid's song, and I did my best to resist, and BTW the length of the book helped, since I always need a lot of courage to sit down and read a novel plus. Till today I was strong, but then I surrendered.
And Kayelle Allen didn't even make my surrender easy! Since not only Wulf and Luc have split after the HEA they had in that book I read, but it was not even a break-up due to an uncontrollable fate, like if Wulf is dead or something similar (look? I can accept if you ruin my HEA, but I'm ruthless if you do that!). No, Wulf and Luc were torn apart by the most common trouble, the inability to communicate. Luc thought that Wulf thought that Luc thought... and no one of them really knew what the other thought. At the beginning of the book, Wulf is running away with his new lover, Alitus, and Luc is mourning the loss... for an handful of days! Then he meets Izzorah, and his everlasting love for Wulf is all but forgotten, and he is hot on the trail of a new lover.
Now you would think that I'm a bit hard with Luc, he is not a bad guy, but probably he is too used to loose a lover that he has a calluses around his heart. Luc is a Sempervian, means that he is immortal, and everytime he starts a relationship with someone, he has always to take in account that his lover will age and die, and he will be near him for all the time. Maybe this time he suffered a bit more since Wulf didn't die, he simply left, and Luc feels betrayed, but maybe one of the reason for Wulf's behavior is that he has never really felt like Luc was totally involved with him. The reason why they split seems so stupid, that you really wonder if they were really good together, but I remember they were, at least in that first book. I haven't read the two books in the middle, and probably something happened in them, but one thing I know: in my old fashioned mind, all those sharing your lover with your friends (since you think he wants that) and turning your sex life in a complicated play scene, well, I don't think it helped at all.
Anyway, it's not use crying over spilt milk, and maybe someone else is interested in that milk... maybe a little nice kittie? Izzorah is a feline man from an aline planet which has commercial agreement with the Tarthian Empire. He is the drummer of a rock band and they have just signed a contract with Luc's business firm. Izzorah is all you can expected from a man with some feline traits, furry ears, some furry in other strategic places, no tail, but all purrs and little cute quirks. Plus Izzorah's planet is a matriarchal one, and he flew his hometown to avoid a forced marriage with a warrior woman: Izzorah is gay and he couldn't bear the idea to be a woman's lover. But Izzorah is not against the idea to be a warrior's lover, since he is a natural submissive... only that for Izzy, a total virgin, submission is a really simple thing: you find a man who takes care of you in all your needs, and in exchange you give yourself to him. For Izzy, submission is not a shadow dungeon or pain/pleasure games, it's more like be pampered and cuddled. And yes, I like very much Izzy, probably even more than Luc: Izzy is a total innocent character and you can't hold against him the guilt to be the "third" man, the one who splits the perfect couple, also since it was not him.
In the end I have two recommendations: if you are a reader like me arriving from the first book, well, probably after few pages you will manage to pass over your disappointment for the lost romance, and enjoy the new one, that probably has more chance to last since Luc has learned from the past; and instead if you haven't read the previous book, well, I will say that probably you can read directly this one, avoiding so the disillusion about the past romance, and fully enjoying the current one.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002BY77MW/?...
And Kayelle Allen didn't even make my surrender easy! Since not only Wulf and Luc have split after the HEA they had in that book I read, but it was not even a break-up due to an uncontrollable fate, like if Wulf is dead or something similar (look? I can accept if you ruin my HEA, but I'm ruthless if you do that!). No, Wulf and Luc were torn apart by the most common trouble, the inability to communicate. Luc thought that Wulf thought that Luc thought... and no one of them really knew what the other thought. At the beginning of the book, Wulf is running away with his new lover, Alitus, and Luc is mourning the loss... for an handful of days! Then he meets Izzorah, and his everlasting love for Wulf is all but forgotten, and he is hot on the trail of a new lover.
Now you would think that I'm a bit hard with Luc, he is not a bad guy, but probably he is too used to loose a lover that he has a calluses around his heart. Luc is a Sempervian, means that he is immortal, and everytime he starts a relationship with someone, he has always to take in account that his lover will age and die, and he will be near him for all the time. Maybe this time he suffered a bit more since Wulf didn't die, he simply left, and Luc feels betrayed, but maybe one of the reason for Wulf's behavior is that he has never really felt like Luc was totally involved with him. The reason why they split seems so stupid, that you really wonder if they were really good together, but I remember they were, at least in that first book. I haven't read the two books in the middle, and probably something happened in them, but one thing I know: in my old fashioned mind, all those sharing your lover with your friends (since you think he wants that) and turning your sex life in a complicated play scene, well, I don't think it helped at all.
Anyway, it's not use crying over spilt milk, and maybe someone else is interested in that milk... maybe a little nice kittie? Izzorah is a feline man from an aline planet which has commercial agreement with the Tarthian Empire. He is the drummer of a rock band and they have just signed a contract with Luc's business firm. Izzorah is all you can expected from a man with some feline traits, furry ears, some furry in other strategic places, no tail, but all purrs and little cute quirks. Plus Izzorah's planet is a matriarchal one, and he flew his hometown to avoid a forced marriage with a warrior woman: Izzorah is gay and he couldn't bear the idea to be a woman's lover. But Izzorah is not against the idea to be a warrior's lover, since he is a natural submissive... only that for Izzy, a total virgin, submission is a really simple thing: you find a man who takes care of you in all your needs, and in exchange you give yourself to him. For Izzy, submission is not a shadow dungeon or pain/pleasure games, it's more like be pampered and cuddled. And yes, I like very much Izzy, probably even more than Luc: Izzy is a total innocent character and you can't hold against him the guilt to be the "third" man, the one who splits the perfect couple, also since it was not him.
In the end I have two recommendations: if you are a reader like me arriving from the first book, well, probably after few pages you will manage to pass over your disappointment for the lost romance, and enjoy the new one, that probably has more chance to last since Luc has learned from the past; and instead if you haven't read the previous book, well, I will say that probably you can read directly this one, avoiding so the disillusion about the past romance, and fully enjoying the current one.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002BY77MW/?...
November 25, 2023
DNF at 25%.
A banal scifi novel. Poor world-building full of clichés. Boring plot can’t keep my interest. A pass.
A banal scifi novel. Poor world-building full of clichés. Boring plot can’t keep my interest. A pass.
May 25, 2021
Izzorah Ceeow, the brilliantly talented drummer for music group Kumwhatmay, might be a rock star on Tarth, but he lives in fear. Fear that his dubious immigration status will get him sent back to his female-dominated home world of Felidae, where he’d be executed for fleeing his arranged marriage. Fear that his family will learn he’s gay. Fear that his band mates will discover he’s practically blind as the result of a childhood illness. Fear of heights so acute that he won’t go near a window. Izzy even has such severe stage fright that he throws up before his shows.
But the young felinoid refugee is stronger than he appears. Despite his terror, he has never missed a performance. He spends his money supporting less fortunate Kin, illegal immigrants struggling to get by and stay under the Empire’s radar. And he knows his heart. When he meets the unimaginably rich and powerful Luc St. Cyr, he’s almost certain that, improbable as it seems, this is the warrior of whom he has dreamed, the man to whom he will give his heart and his virginity.
Luc St. Cyr has everything he could want, except a loving partner. An immortal with a dark history, he has lived many lives and he keeps many secrets – not the least of which is the fact that he’s a double agent spying for both his king, the temperamental Pietas, and Pietas’ sworn enemy, his own father. His attraction to Izzorah astonishes him, but despite being on the rebound from a bad break-up, he knows he shouldn’t fight what feels so inevitable. Izzorah brings out all his protective instincts. Luc’s determined to use his wealth and influence to nurture the fascinating young Kin male and keep him safe.
Surrender Love is the first part of Luc’s and Izzy’s love story. Although the book has a scifi setting, it is first and foremost a romance, and as a romance, it succeeds very well. Although Luc and Izzorah make a highly unlikely couple, Ms. Allen had me believing in their connection from their first encounter, when Luc is so flustered he spills the water he’s pouring for the handsome Kin musician.
Luc isn’t used to real love, and he doesn’t do all that well at it. Izzy, in contrast, is a warm and generous soul who understands that love is about giving, not taking. But the young Kin won’t tolerate dishonesty – a challenge to Luc, who never tells anyone the entire truth. Since Izzorah is practically an empath due to his ability to smell emotions, Luc is going to have a difficult time keeping his secrets.
I very much enjoyed Surrender Love, but this was almost entirely due to my enchantment with Izzorah and with Kin culture. As a hero, Izzy grows and changes, gradually becoming the true prince Luc names him. The final scenes, in which he welcomes Luc’s former lover Wulf with both graciousness and strength, make it clear that despite his youth, Izzorah is in fact a worthy match for Luc St. Cyr.
As for Luc, well, I found him boring at best, infuriating at worst. The first chapter, which he spends acting out his anger and grief at being dumped by Wulf in the most dramatic and juvenile ways possible, almost made me give up reading. I would expect immortals who’d lived for thousands of years to be at least a bit mature, but Luc, Pietas and his twin sister Destoiya seem like petulant, self-centered teenagers much of the time. I suspect this isn’t the author’s intent – she likely wants us to find her Immortals mysterious and fascinating – but I’m afraid that isn’t the way I see them.
However, Luc’s love for Izzorah may redeem him. I am ready to believe that The Harbinger will actually change (and maybe grow up) in this relationship. I might even read the next book in the series to see this happen.
The novel is long (over 500 pages) but quite tightly plotted. I learned a bit about Luc’s past, but those side excursions did not overshadow the love story. The secondary characters are enjoyable and memorable, especially the Kin females, Luc’s head of security Shohn Lexius and Izzorah’s aunt Mynkoh. Even the android butler has an engaging personality. Despite the length, I never felt that the story dragged.
Before I close, I need to mention how intensely erotic I found the love scenes in this novel. This is noteworthy because these scenes are not at all graphic. Although Luc and Izzorah clearly have gay sex, no details are provided. Nevertheless, the heat flowing between the two men is palpable and vicariously arousing. Sometimes a kiss can convey as much passion and lust as a full-out naked clinch. Ms. Allen also uses Kin physical attributes, such as retractable claws and a soft pelt on the chest, to heighten the eroticism. As an author of explicit romance, I was deeply impressed.
But the young felinoid refugee is stronger than he appears. Despite his terror, he has never missed a performance. He spends his money supporting less fortunate Kin, illegal immigrants struggling to get by and stay under the Empire’s radar. And he knows his heart. When he meets the unimaginably rich and powerful Luc St. Cyr, he’s almost certain that, improbable as it seems, this is the warrior of whom he has dreamed, the man to whom he will give his heart and his virginity.
Luc St. Cyr has everything he could want, except a loving partner. An immortal with a dark history, he has lived many lives and he keeps many secrets – not the least of which is the fact that he’s a double agent spying for both his king, the temperamental Pietas, and Pietas’ sworn enemy, his own father. His attraction to Izzorah astonishes him, but despite being on the rebound from a bad break-up, he knows he shouldn’t fight what feels so inevitable. Izzorah brings out all his protective instincts. Luc’s determined to use his wealth and influence to nurture the fascinating young Kin male and keep him safe.
Surrender Love is the first part of Luc’s and Izzy’s love story. Although the book has a scifi setting, it is first and foremost a romance, and as a romance, it succeeds very well. Although Luc and Izzorah make a highly unlikely couple, Ms. Allen had me believing in their connection from their first encounter, when Luc is so flustered he spills the water he’s pouring for the handsome Kin musician.
Luc isn’t used to real love, and he doesn’t do all that well at it. Izzy, in contrast, is a warm and generous soul who understands that love is about giving, not taking. But the young Kin won’t tolerate dishonesty – a challenge to Luc, who never tells anyone the entire truth. Since Izzorah is practically an empath due to his ability to smell emotions, Luc is going to have a difficult time keeping his secrets.
I very much enjoyed Surrender Love, but this was almost entirely due to my enchantment with Izzorah and with Kin culture. As a hero, Izzy grows and changes, gradually becoming the true prince Luc names him. The final scenes, in which he welcomes Luc’s former lover Wulf with both graciousness and strength, make it clear that despite his youth, Izzorah is in fact a worthy match for Luc St. Cyr.
As for Luc, well, I found him boring at best, infuriating at worst. The first chapter, which he spends acting out his anger and grief at being dumped by Wulf in the most dramatic and juvenile ways possible, almost made me give up reading. I would expect immortals who’d lived for thousands of years to be at least a bit mature, but Luc, Pietas and his twin sister Destoiya seem like petulant, self-centered teenagers much of the time. I suspect this isn’t the author’s intent – she likely wants us to find her Immortals mysterious and fascinating – but I’m afraid that isn’t the way I see them.
However, Luc’s love for Izzorah may redeem him. I am ready to believe that The Harbinger will actually change (and maybe grow up) in this relationship. I might even read the next book in the series to see this happen.
The novel is long (over 500 pages) but quite tightly plotted. I learned a bit about Luc’s past, but those side excursions did not overshadow the love story. The secondary characters are enjoyable and memorable, especially the Kin females, Luc’s head of security Shohn Lexius and Izzorah’s aunt Mynkoh. Even the android butler has an engaging personality. Despite the length, I never felt that the story dragged.
Before I close, I need to mention how intensely erotic I found the love scenes in this novel. This is noteworthy because these scenes are not at all graphic. Although Luc and Izzorah clearly have gay sex, no details are provided. Nevertheless, the heat flowing between the two men is palpable and vicariously arousing. Sometimes a kiss can convey as much passion and lust as a full-out naked clinch. Ms. Allen also uses Kin physical attributes, such as retractable claws and a soft pelt on the chest, to heighten the eroticism. As an author of explicit romance, I was deeply impressed.
December 29, 2023
2.5 stars
This book had potential, but too many issues that dragged down my enjoyment of it. While I thought this was the first book in a series, there is actually a lot of backstory from other books and a good deal of worldbuilding that sometimes felt confusing or overwhelming.
The book also made a very big deal of Rah's virginity and his and Luc's first time together, so when the book only showed a minor part of their first sexual encounter and skipped over the rest of it, it felt like way too much buildup for a disappointing payoff. I don't mind a FTB book, but since the book was comfortable showing some sexual acts the choice to not show the rest of it confused me.
But I think my biggest gripe with this book is that a lot of stuff was just never concluded. I understand that this book is the first in a series, but even at the end Luc is keeping so many secrets from Rah, including things about Rah's own identity, that the HFN just felt unsatisfying to me.
This book had potential, but too many issues that dragged down my enjoyment of it. While I thought this was the first book in a series, there is actually a lot of backstory from other books and a good deal of worldbuilding that sometimes felt confusing or overwhelming.
The book also made a very big deal of Rah's virginity and his and Luc's first time together, so when the book only showed a minor part of their first sexual encounter and skipped over the rest of it, it felt like way too much buildup for a disappointing payoff. I don't mind a FTB book, but since the book was comfortable showing some sexual acts the choice to not show the rest of it confused me.
But I think my biggest gripe with this book is that a lot of stuff was just never concluded. I understand that this book is the first in a series, but even at the end Luc is keeping so many secrets from Rah, including things about Rah's own identity, that the HFN just felt unsatisfying to me.
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December 27, 2010
Ms Allen is an award-winning author including two EPPIEs.
Surrender Love was the first of her books that I read and my reaction, including general awe, was, "How did she think up all this?" I believe Ms Allen's imagination goes far beyond that of most fantasy authors. She has created a world far removed from our own with its own races and languages. I was amazed at how quickly I became integrated into this world and related to the characters.
I realized that some of these characters had already appeared in previous books by Ms Allen, but this does not affect the first-time reader like me, because the author is an expert at backstory which she relates so succinctly without detracting from the plot in hand.
Far be it from me to summarize this amazing world that she has created. Suffice it to say that the main character is Luc Saint Cyr, an exiled, immortal Semperivan (don't ask - read the book if you want to find out what that is). This handsome hunk of a hero has spent eternity bedding partners, yet his relationships have always dwindled out in the end. Surrender Love begins with such a story - Luc has been "dumped" by the love of his (ever-lasting) life, Wulf. This is where reading a previous book may have helped because I believe I was supposed to feel something akin to sympathy with Wulf, but I couldn't - I didn't know enough about him. Also, it would appear that Luc enjoys indulging in certain fantasies, that he is a tough cookie - often cruel. Yet this did not entirely come through in Surrender Love because Luc discovers the next love of his life: Izzorah Ceeow - a Kin by race and not unlike a cat with his upstanding ears (soft and velvety), smoothly blond furred body, a tendency to purr and bite with fangs and slanted green eyes. Oh but I loved this character - to the extent that I intend to start a "I love Izzy" campaign. And Luc feels the same - if Izzy (or Rah as he calls him) needs a cuddle, Luc will give him one, if Izzy needs heart surgery, Luc will provide it. Is this the cruel, wild Luc I was led to believe? Yes, he's still there, but plucky Izzy (a drummer in a famous rock band), who has had so much to withstand in his short life, steals Luc's heart away (and mine). Izzorah is no way a softie, he can stand on his own feet if he has to (despite being blind - a fact most people don't realize, so well does he hide it). It's just both he and Luc have been searching for love and, it looks like, this time they've found it.
The plot is complex and twisting but the reader is never far away from Luc and Izzorah. It has its fair share of good and evil and even some in between. The pace is fast and steady, picking up when necessary and slowing down during beautiful and steamy love scenes between the two MC's.
I have no difficultly giving this a five star rating and I can't wait to read the rest - although if Luc ever does anything bad to Izzy I shall personally duff him up.
Surrender Love was the first of her books that I read and my reaction, including general awe, was, "How did she think up all this?" I believe Ms Allen's imagination goes far beyond that of most fantasy authors. She has created a world far removed from our own with its own races and languages. I was amazed at how quickly I became integrated into this world and related to the characters.
I realized that some of these characters had already appeared in previous books by Ms Allen, but this does not affect the first-time reader like me, because the author is an expert at backstory which she relates so succinctly without detracting from the plot in hand.
Far be it from me to summarize this amazing world that she has created. Suffice it to say that the main character is Luc Saint Cyr, an exiled, immortal Semperivan (don't ask - read the book if you want to find out what that is). This handsome hunk of a hero has spent eternity bedding partners, yet his relationships have always dwindled out in the end. Surrender Love begins with such a story - Luc has been "dumped" by the love of his (ever-lasting) life, Wulf. This is where reading a previous book may have helped because I believe I was supposed to feel something akin to sympathy with Wulf, but I couldn't - I didn't know enough about him. Also, it would appear that Luc enjoys indulging in certain fantasies, that he is a tough cookie - often cruel. Yet this did not entirely come through in Surrender Love because Luc discovers the next love of his life: Izzorah Ceeow - a Kin by race and not unlike a cat with his upstanding ears (soft and velvety), smoothly blond furred body, a tendency to purr and bite with fangs and slanted green eyes. Oh but I loved this character - to the extent that I intend to start a "I love Izzy" campaign. And Luc feels the same - if Izzy (or Rah as he calls him) needs a cuddle, Luc will give him one, if Izzy needs heart surgery, Luc will provide it. Is this the cruel, wild Luc I was led to believe? Yes, he's still there, but plucky Izzy (a drummer in a famous rock band), who has had so much to withstand in his short life, steals Luc's heart away (and mine). Izzorah is no way a softie, he can stand on his own feet if he has to (despite being blind - a fact most people don't realize, so well does he hide it). It's just both he and Luc have been searching for love and, it looks like, this time they've found it.
The plot is complex and twisting but the reader is never far away from Luc and Izzorah. It has its fair share of good and evil and even some in between. The pace is fast and steady, picking up when necessary and slowing down during beautiful and steamy love scenes between the two MC's.
I have no difficultly giving this a five star rating and I can't wait to read the rest - although if Luc ever does anything bad to Izzy I shall personally duff him up.
May 28, 2021
The language contained a fair amount of sci-fi vocabulary in the beginning, which made it difficult to process at the outset. After a little while however, you dive into a fascinating world of aliens, culture, societal norms and, most importantly, a sexy couple. Luc is human/not-human, wealthy, powerful and involved in very politics with his former people as it were. Izzorah is a Kin from a female-dominated warrior society that has little respect for their male counterparts. While the majority of the tale is about Luc and Izzorah's relationship, there are cultural elements delving into the paparazzi, assisting immigrants and quite a few politics on various levels. I loved the smoldering aspects of Luc-Rah's relationship (though a few more details would have been nice). At the same time, I felt as if Allen skimmed the surface a bit to much. We jump extremely fast into the relationship, and yet barely touch how that will effect their families and society at large. Izzorah is a fully submissive male and while that pairs perfectly with Luc's dominant traits, it makes for a bit of a lacklustre character. He walks away from his career in a heartbeat to be with his "mate", which seems a bit too stereotypical housewife motif. I appreciate that this is the first book in the series and more books will reveal the intricacies of this universe, yet I believe more details into the society and other elements would prove to be enriching of both the characters and their circumstances. Copy of the book provided by the author via Voracious Readers.
February 22, 2021
I was blown away by the depth of this world and the characters inhabiting it. You could feel Luc and Izzorah's emotions pouring off the page. I swear I could feel the cool breezes on my skin. Don't let the book size deter you - it's an epic tale well worth the read. I rated it at a 4 simply because there were times when it felt like things were moving very slowly, and I had to push through. That said the descriptions and plot are wonderful, and make you want to keep reading until the end.
February 28, 2021
A must read
Ms. Allen is new to me.
When i started reading I was a little confused but the details helped pull me in and I couldn't put my reader down.
Luc and Izzorah love was felt throughout the book.
This was well written and an easy flow.
I highly recommend this book.
Ms. Allen is new to me.
When i started reading I was a little confused but the details helped pull me in and I couldn't put my reader down.
Luc and Izzorah love was felt throughout the book.
This was well written and an easy flow.
I highly recommend this book.
February 28, 2021
Highly recommend this story. Couldn't put it down
Five star book
I do plan on rereading this book later on the year
Five star book
I do plan on rereading this book later on the year
February 20, 2021
I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I'm sad that I haven't read Wulf. I think I would have gotten a lot more out of it, but even having said that, Izzorah and Luc tugged at my heartstrings. I felt for Luc with his vision issues, but was totally enamoured by their story.
This is the first of Kayelle Allen's books I've read and I really hope it won't be my last.
I recommend this story and this author and even though it is the first of her books I've read, I can usually tell if I'm gong to enjoy further books by any author and in this case I know I am.
I'm sad that I haven't read Wulf. I think I would have gotten a lot more out of it, but even having said that, Izzorah and Luc tugged at my heartstrings. I felt for Luc with his vision issues, but was totally enamoured by their story.
This is the first of Kayelle Allen's books I've read and I really hope it won't be my last.
I recommend this story and this author and even though it is the first of her books I've read, I can usually tell if I'm gong to enjoy further books by any author and in this case I know I am.
February 24, 2021
I'm a bit disappointed in this...it had the potential to pretty epic but fell short for me.
Let me start by saying this is absolutely NOT a standalone. There are too many political and personal things happening between side characters for you to understand what's going on without having read the previous series (which I did not). And unfortunately I think the story really suffers from not having any explainers for new fans. Especially for the scene when Luc throws a family dinner with characters who are clearly from another series with backstories of their own.
The romance storyline is nice. I enjoyed Luc and Izzorah both separately and together. There is some insta-love but I didn't mind it. I really loved Izzorah's ability to smell emotions and personality traits to an extent. It was a really great ability to attribute to an alien "cat" species. One thing I didn't like though were the fade-to-black sex scenes. I don't know if the author doesn't know how to write mm sex scenes or just wanted a "clean" read for their readers...but I really don't see the point in making a big deal about Izzorah being a virgin and then not showing us him popping his cherry so to speak lol It was this big turn on for Luc and virginity is always used as a way to show purity and sexiness...I just thought that building all that up for a fade-to-black scene was pretty pointless. It's also annoying to later have the MCs tell each other things like "wait until I get you home later" *sexy eyebrow wiggle* when I'm not going to get the payoff and read about the sexy times. Sexless books are great...fade-to-black scenes are great...but if that's the route you're gonna go then don't make one of your MC's important traits being a virgin.
I was really disappointed at the end when Luc was still keeping his big secret from Izzorah, even though he said he'd tell him. I think he tells him in the sequel short story, but honestly I was too exhausted with the plot of this story to continue any further.
I really wish the author had attempted to make this series more understandable to new readers by fleshing out the world and explaining the immortal race and its politics. That being said, it's a fine romance and if you've read the original series I'm sure you'll enjoy this!
3 Stars
Let me start by saying this is absolutely NOT a standalone. There are too many political and personal things happening between side characters for you to understand what's going on without having read the previous series (which I did not). And unfortunately I think the story really suffers from not having any explainers for new fans. Especially for the scene when Luc throws a family dinner with characters who are clearly from another series with backstories of their own.
The romance storyline is nice. I enjoyed Luc and Izzorah both separately and together. There is some insta-love but I didn't mind it. I really loved Izzorah's ability to smell emotions and personality traits to an extent. It was a really great ability to attribute to an alien "cat" species. One thing I didn't like though were the fade-to-black sex scenes. I don't know if the author doesn't know how to write mm sex scenes or just wanted a "clean" read for their readers...but I really don't see the point in making a big deal about Izzorah being a virgin and then not showing us him popping his cherry so to speak lol It was this big turn on for Luc and virginity is always used as a way to show purity and sexiness...I just thought that building all that up for a fade-to-black scene was pretty pointless. It's also annoying to later have the MCs tell each other things like "wait until I get you home later" *sexy eyebrow wiggle* when I'm not going to get the payoff and read about the sexy times. Sexless books are great...fade-to-black scenes are great...but if that's the route you're gonna go then don't make one of your MC's important traits being a virgin.
I was really disappointed at the end when Luc was still keeping his big secret from Izzorah, even though he said he'd tell him. I think he tells him in the sequel short story, but honestly I was too exhausted with the plot of this story to continue any further.
I really wish the author had attempted to make this series more understandable to new readers by fleshing out the world and explaining the immortal race and its politics. That being said, it's a fine romance and if you've read the original series I'm sure you'll enjoy this!
3 Stars
October 6, 2010
I'll admit I didn't get very far, but it was just that bad. Nothing about it, in fact, was good but the quality of the prose within each sentence. Yet the sentences taken as a whole were a disaster.
First the book starts out with a GIGANTIC info dump. The author generously labels this a "prologue," but it's in fact an outline that she couldn't figure out how to work organically into the story, so she instead just shoves it at you and clearly hopes you'll remember everything, despite it reading like a history textbook. So much of what she said in the prologue made so little sense, too, but since it remains there unexplored, you just have to take it as it is.
Then the book starts out with a whiny, heartbroken protagonist whom we first meet through an endless, repetitive dream--in and of itself a corny device. I'm so glad when the scene is over that I decide to read on out of sheer relief.
Which takes us to the next protagonist (I assume), a guy on tour with a rock band (or possibly a member of said band) who promptly gets into a wrestling match with his cousin that actually includes the lines "Did not," "Did too." The scene is as long, unnecessary, unenlightening, and obnoxious as any other "did not/did too" fight you might see between a couple of six-year-olds in real life. It was at this point that I gave up on the whole thing, and frankly I'm baffled by all the good things other reviewers had to say about it. I dunno . . . maybe it gets better? Or maybe I'm just a really picky reader; I started out as an editor, after all, and that does tend to suck the enjoyment out of things that aren't done to near perfection. (It also makes me wonder how any editor, especially one at a house as large as Loose Id, thought this fit to publish.) Alas, this just felt amateurish in so many ways; the prose is solid, but the elements of character, story, and scene-building are a total disaster.
EDIT: I think maybe I'll try to come back to this in a few days and see if it seems any less awful then. I'd be quite relieved to find myself wanting to add a couple stars to my review.
First the book starts out with a GIGANTIC info dump. The author generously labels this a "prologue," but it's in fact an outline that she couldn't figure out how to work organically into the story, so she instead just shoves it at you and clearly hopes you'll remember everything, despite it reading like a history textbook. So much of what she said in the prologue made so little sense, too, but since it remains there unexplored, you just have to take it as it is.
Then the book starts out with a whiny, heartbroken protagonist whom we first meet through an endless, repetitive dream--in and of itself a corny device. I'm so glad when the scene is over that I decide to read on out of sheer relief.
Which takes us to the next protagonist (I assume), a guy on tour with a rock band (or possibly a member of said band) who promptly gets into a wrestling match with his cousin that actually includes the lines "Did not," "Did too." The scene is as long, unnecessary, unenlightening, and obnoxious as any other "did not/did too" fight you might see between a couple of six-year-olds in real life. It was at this point that I gave up on the whole thing, and frankly I'm baffled by all the good things other reviewers had to say about it. I dunno . . . maybe it gets better? Or maybe I'm just a really picky reader; I started out as an editor, after all, and that does tend to suck the enjoyment out of things that aren't done to near perfection. (It also makes me wonder how any editor, especially one at a house as large as Loose Id, thought this fit to publish.) Alas, this just felt amateurish in so many ways; the prose is solid, but the elements of character, story, and scene-building are a total disaster.
EDIT: I think maybe I'll try to come back to this in a few days and see if it seems any less awful then. I'd be quite relieved to find myself wanting to add a couple stars to my review.
June 9, 2010
omg, i so totally LOVED this book! First, I'm going to say that it helps to fully understand and appreciate Luc in this book if you've read Jawk, which can be read by itself, even though it's the third book of a series.
Kayelle Allen is a very imaginative author. She's come up with a huge history for her universe, several races and languages. I love the epic sci-fi scope of this universe and the unique characters who populate it. The level of detail put into fleshing out the universe gives this book allot of depth. There are enough well-fleshed out secondary characters introduced for another 6 or 9 books!
I'm not sure if I can put this into words well, but the book's strength is in it's story and characters, the m/m aspect is just another detail of the book, not it's focus like many m/m books. Most m/m books, stripped of the smut, would be decent but not very compelling. This book would definitely stand on it's own if stripped of the smut. Which is ironic coming from me, since I read almost no non-m/m books these days. So if this hadn't been m/m, I'd have never read it and definitely been the poorer for it.
I very much want to see more from Rah and Luc. There are allot of plot points that are still open and knowing that there are two more books leads me to hope that they'll be covered in the next two books and that the author won't switch to other characters as the main focus for the next two books.
Kayelle Allen is a very imaginative author. She's come up with a huge history for her universe, several races and languages. I love the epic sci-fi scope of this universe and the unique characters who populate it. The level of detail put into fleshing out the universe gives this book allot of depth. There are enough well-fleshed out secondary characters introduced for another 6 or 9 books!
I'm not sure if I can put this into words well, but the book's strength is in it's story and characters, the m/m aspect is just another detail of the book, not it's focus like many m/m books. Most m/m books, stripped of the smut, would be decent but not very compelling. This book would definitely stand on it's own if stripped of the smut. Which is ironic coming from me, since I read almost no non-m/m books these days. So if this hadn't been m/m, I'd have never read it and definitely been the poorer for it.
I very much want to see more from Rah and Luc. There are allot of plot points that are still open and knowing that there are two more books leads me to hope that they'll be covered in the next two books and that the author won't switch to other characters as the main focus for the next two books.
September 11, 2011
I really enjoyed this world--first the idea of a "cat-like" lover and warriors abounding--wow--fun and steamy all in the same book. Truly, I wanted to wrap Izzy up and take him home--such a healing that takes place in Luc's heart because of Izzy's love for him--and honestly it would be hard to look for someone more evil than Pietas---ooh he makes me shudder1 I am off to read more by this author!
March 16, 2025
A M-M science fiction romance. The science fiction elements were interesting enough I managed to force myself to get to the end.
The biggest problems for me were the Daddy-kink vibes - the age gap is in the thousand year range, and the youngster comes from a completely submissive society expectation. The infantizing of the younger, smaller partner, going as far as to dehumanize (well, not human - he was an alien ... but still) to call him "kitty", without a similar "joke" of calling the human-type "monkey" (which with black skin, I do appreciate would be very inappropriate, just as much as making any equal adult partner treated as less than full sentient). Anyway, not a kink I like and one I wasn't expecting.
The cultural exploration of alien species, and immigration related thereto are interesting. The miscommunication between the older love interest and his previous partner was horrendous, no wonder they broke up (the "play" they participated in, when properly done, ends with review and communication ... and they CLEARLY never did post-care closure and both were old enough and experienced enough to know better) - but their attempts to heal some rifts afterwards as they both moved on to other relationships is refreshing. The disability and other health issues the younger partner overcame was displayed well ... though I could have done without the virtue signaling from the older partner for the younger partner's "courage and strength in overcoming" - a little is fine, as one does fall in love with this stuff and it is a romance, but it went above-and-beyond ... so far beyond.
I loved the world-building, and the background-sharing was perfect. No long info dump, even though the universe Ms. Allen created is breath-takingly complicated. Everything comes at the appropriate time, and by the book ends, I wanted to go all in for the Empire series just to figure out the Peril.
Overall - some stuff to really LOVE about this book, some stuff that is GOOD, some stuff that is MEH, and some stuff that doesn't work - at least for me, but others will love this book.
The biggest problems for me were the Daddy-kink vibes - the age gap is in the thousand year range, and the youngster comes from a completely submissive society expectation. The infantizing of the younger, smaller partner, going as far as to dehumanize (well, not human - he was an alien ... but still) to call him "kitty", without a similar "joke" of calling the human-type "monkey" (which with black skin, I do appreciate would be very inappropriate, just as much as making any equal adult partner treated as less than full sentient). Anyway, not a kink I like and one I wasn't expecting.
The cultural exploration of alien species, and immigration related thereto are interesting. The miscommunication between the older love interest and his previous partner was horrendous, no wonder they broke up (the "play" they participated in, when properly done, ends with review and communication ... and they CLEARLY never did post-care closure and both were old enough and experienced enough to know better) - but their attempts to heal some rifts afterwards as they both moved on to other relationships is refreshing. The disability and other health issues the younger partner overcame was displayed well ... though I could have done without the virtue signaling from the older partner for the younger partner's "courage and strength in overcoming" - a little is fine, as one does fall in love with this stuff and it is a romance, but it went above-and-beyond ... so far beyond.
I loved the world-building, and the background-sharing was perfect. No long info dump, even though the universe Ms. Allen created is breath-takingly complicated. Everything comes at the appropriate time, and by the book ends, I wanted to go all in for the Empire series just to figure out the Peril.
Overall - some stuff to really LOVE about this book, some stuff that is GOOD, some stuff that is MEH, and some stuff that doesn't work - at least for me, but others will love this book.
March 9, 2021
Izzorah is a cat-like alien who came to Tarth illegally. On Izzy's planet, even though there are 7 males for every female, males loving males is taboo. The women are the warriors and the rule makers and the men are almost like slaves. They are often sold into a woman's harem where she can do whatever she likes to them. Everyone is expected to be in perfect condition and babies with birth defects are eliminated. Izzy doesn't fit in on his world, when he was 3, he suffered from a severe illness that left him blind. He was trained to hide it but he was afraid when his parents arranged his marriage, his wife would find out and abuse him. Izzy is also only attracted to men so just before his wedding, he escaped his planet and came to his cousin on Tarth. Izzy was lucky and found a job as a drummer in a band. The band is now wildly successful and about to sign a new 5 year contract. Izzy is afraid that someone will figure out his secret since he can't read either. When he meets the CEO of the company, Luc; sparks fly. Izzy had a dream warrior come to him in his dream and that warrior is very similiar to Luc. Can an important and rich businessman fall for an illegal alien drummer?
Luc is an immortal who goes through multiple rebirths. Several of his past lives his actions made him be seen as a hero. In this life as Luc, he was feared as a former head of the thieves guild. He also had the midas touch in business that made him the most successful businessman on the planet. His love life hasn't gone so well. He was in a relationship for five years until he caught his lover in someone else's bed The break-up went viral and Luc is suffering from feelings of failure and betrayal. Then one day he is at a contract signing for a band and Luc sees Izzy. Luc is instantly attracted to Izzy but he is torn, Izzy is much younger and very innocent. Would it be better for Izzy to keep him out of Luc's life? Can Luc even stay away from his Izzy?
This is a very great story but it is long.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Luc is an immortal who goes through multiple rebirths. Several of his past lives his actions made him be seen as a hero. In this life as Luc, he was feared as a former head of the thieves guild. He also had the midas touch in business that made him the most successful businessman on the planet. His love life hasn't gone so well. He was in a relationship for five years until he caught his lover in someone else's bed The break-up went viral and Luc is suffering from feelings of failure and betrayal. Then one day he is at a contract signing for a band and Luc sees Izzy. Luc is instantly attracted to Izzy but he is torn, Izzy is much younger and very innocent. Would it be better for Izzy to keep him out of Luc's life? Can Luc even stay away from his Izzy?
This is a very great story but it is long.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 6, 2021
Luc Saint-Cyr, a powerful exiled immortal Semperivan, has just broken up with Wulf Gabriel and is sulking. But Luc quickly finds the next “love of his life” when he meets a blind drummer named Izzorah Ceeow (“Izzy” or “Rah”), similar to a cat with soft ears and lots of purring. Izzy is a lovable character who will melt your heart. The two of them have been searching for love. This story line will explore their relationship. Is it real this time? Will Luc stay in it for the “long haul” and perhaps practice communication skills so he doesn’t make the same mistakes again and again? Being immortal, he has lots of opportunity, but communication still doesn’t seem to be his strength.
They both have secrets, secrets they would rather not share. Izzy hides his illegal status as well as the fact he is actually blind because he fears banishment. Luc may want to cure Izzy’s blindness, but his immortal blood is never to be shared since that would violate immortal law. And the truth of what he is has secrets woven throughout that he is not supposed to reveal. Will their love mean they must reveal their secrets, despite the harsh repercussions? Will this truly be the love that Luc treasures and keeps?
There is so very much going on in this book that it’s difficult to pick the primary focus. This is not “light” reading, so tackle it when you have time and not as a quick diversion. The world building is impressive, and the author’s attention to detail keeps the reader up-to-speed even without knowing peripheral characters from elsewhere. Healing will be a theme I watch for here, both physical and soul-deep issues. Grab your copy and immerse yourself in this complicated world. It can be overwhelming at times, but it will sink in. And Izzy is a character you will definitely want to know and love throughout the story line.
They both have secrets, secrets they would rather not share. Izzy hides his illegal status as well as the fact he is actually blind because he fears banishment. Luc may want to cure Izzy’s blindness, but his immortal blood is never to be shared since that would violate immortal law. And the truth of what he is has secrets woven throughout that he is not supposed to reveal. Will their love mean they must reveal their secrets, despite the harsh repercussions? Will this truly be the love that Luc treasures and keeps?
There is so very much going on in this book that it’s difficult to pick the primary focus. This is not “light” reading, so tackle it when you have time and not as a quick diversion. The world building is impressive, and the author’s attention to detail keeps the reader up-to-speed even without knowing peripheral characters from elsewhere. Healing will be a theme I watch for here, both physical and soul-deep issues. Grab your copy and immerse yourself in this complicated world. It can be overwhelming at times, but it will sink in. And Izzy is a character you will definitely want to know and love throughout the story line.
April 29, 2021
Luc Saint-Cyr never fails to amaze
Luc Saint-Cyr is one of my favorite characters from the Antonello Brothers series, and as he plays prominently into the Bringer of Chaos stories, he’s an even greater pleasure to read. In Surrender Love, Luc is at the end of a love affair. He’s been dumped by a human he’s been with for five years, and with very little forewarning that the dump is about to happen. Since he’d thought he was in love, he’s heartbroken and wishing something would happen to turn back the clock. In the midst of all this, he meets a young Kin. Of course, most any Kin would be young when compared to his 15,000 years. When they meet it’s as though lightning strikes, the world stops spinning, his life has found new meaning. Izzorah, the Kin rocker, has heard of Saint-Cyr, the one they call the Man and the Harbinger, but he’s not prepared for the feelings evoked when they meet. A series of events leads Luc to offer up himself for a blood transfusion when Izzorah is hospitalized, and that brings down the wrath of Pietas. Izzorah is a common Kin and Luc is an immortal, after all. But nothing—not even Pietas—will keep Luc away from Izzorah. The young Kin knows exactly what Luc needs. He makes Luc feel cherished and cared for. And who else has done that? Their love is inevitable. Or is it?
I don’t know how Kayelle Allen writes these emotion-filled, life-like characters in worlds that come to life, but I’m so glad she does! Highly recommended!
Luc Saint-Cyr is one of my favorite characters from the Antonello Brothers series, and as he plays prominently into the Bringer of Chaos stories, he’s an even greater pleasure to read. In Surrender Love, Luc is at the end of a love affair. He’s been dumped by a human he’s been with for five years, and with very little forewarning that the dump is about to happen. Since he’d thought he was in love, he’s heartbroken and wishing something would happen to turn back the clock. In the midst of all this, he meets a young Kin. Of course, most any Kin would be young when compared to his 15,000 years. When they meet it’s as though lightning strikes, the world stops spinning, his life has found new meaning. Izzorah, the Kin rocker, has heard of Saint-Cyr, the one they call the Man and the Harbinger, but he’s not prepared for the feelings evoked when they meet. A series of events leads Luc to offer up himself for a blood transfusion when Izzorah is hospitalized, and that brings down the wrath of Pietas. Izzorah is a common Kin and Luc is an immortal, after all. But nothing—not even Pietas—will keep Luc away from Izzorah. The young Kin knows exactly what Luc needs. He makes Luc feel cherished and cared for. And who else has done that? Their love is inevitable. Or is it?
I don’t know how Kayelle Allen writes these emotion-filled, life-like characters in worlds that come to life, but I’m so glad she does! Highly recommended!
March 18, 2025
Wow—this book completely took me by surprise. Surrender Love isn’t just a romance; it’s a story about healing, trust, and unconditional love wrapped in a richly built sci-fi world. From the moment Luc and Izzorah meet, you can feel the intensity between them. Their chemistry is off the charts, but what really makes this story stand out is the emotional depth.
Luc has been hurt before, badly, and watching him struggle to let someone in again was incredibly moving. Izzorah, on the other hand, is pure-hearted and devoted, determined to be the safe haven Luc needs. Their dynamic is so compelling because they’re two opposites who complement each other perfectly—one guarded, the other open, but both craving the same thing: love without conditions.
And let’s not forget the world-building! The setting, the culture, and the way Izzorah’s species experiences emotions in a heightened way made everything feel so immersive. The writing is beautiful and engaging, and I was hooked from the first page.
If you love sci-fi romance with real emotional stakes, this book is an absolute must-read. The combination of passion, vulnerability, and a richly developed world makes this one of the best romances I’ve read in a long time.
Luc has been hurt before, badly, and watching him struggle to let someone in again was incredibly moving. Izzorah, on the other hand, is pure-hearted and devoted, determined to be the safe haven Luc needs. Their dynamic is so compelling because they’re two opposites who complement each other perfectly—one guarded, the other open, but both craving the same thing: love without conditions.
And let’s not forget the world-building! The setting, the culture, and the way Izzorah’s species experiences emotions in a heightened way made everything feel so immersive. The writing is beautiful and engaging, and I was hooked from the first page.
If you love sci-fi romance with real emotional stakes, this book is an absolute must-read. The combination of passion, vulnerability, and a richly developed world makes this one of the best romances I’ve read in a long time.
April 23, 2025
I seriously loved this book. Surrender Love isn’t just a romance it’s an epic sci-fi adventure with heart, depth, and characters you’ll fall for instantly.
Luc Saint Cyr is the kind of character that sticks with you. He’s powerful, mysterious, and has this deep emotional core that makes him impossible to ignore. Watching him struggle with love, vulnerability, and trust was absolutely captivating. And then there’s Izzorah—this fierce, affectionate, and lovable Kin who completely changes Luc’s world. Their relationship isn’t just about attraction—it’s about healing, trust, and finding something real in the middle of all the chaos.
One of my favorite things about this book is the world-building. Kayelle Allen has created an entire universe that feels massive and lived-in. There are multiple races, languages, and histories, and it’s all so incredibly detailed and immersive. You don’t just read about this world—you feel like you’re stepping right into it.
What really makes Surrender Love stand out from other sci-fi romances is that the romance is an important part of the story, but it’s not the only thing going on. The book is rich with plot, character development, and emotional depth, making it something far beyond the usual love story.
Luc Saint Cyr is the kind of character that sticks with you. He’s powerful, mysterious, and has this deep emotional core that makes him impossible to ignore. Watching him struggle with love, vulnerability, and trust was absolutely captivating. And then there’s Izzorah—this fierce, affectionate, and lovable Kin who completely changes Luc’s world. Their relationship isn’t just about attraction—it’s about healing, trust, and finding something real in the middle of all the chaos.
One of my favorite things about this book is the world-building. Kayelle Allen has created an entire universe that feels massive and lived-in. There are multiple races, languages, and histories, and it’s all so incredibly detailed and immersive. You don’t just read about this world—you feel like you’re stepping right into it.
What really makes Surrender Love stand out from other sci-fi romances is that the romance is an important part of the story, but it’s not the only thing going on. The book is rich with plot, character development, and emotional depth, making it something far beyond the usual love story.
April 5, 2025
Okay, let’s talk about Surrender Love. This book blew me away—not just because of the epic world-building or the intense romance, but because it made me feel everything.
Luc Saint Cyr is one of those characters that stays with you. He’s an immortal, powerful, larger-than-life figure, and yet he’s also deeply wounded, struggling with trust and love. And then there’s Izzorah—Izzy, Rah, the absolute best. He’s a Kin, a catlike alien who’s all heart, strength, and resilience. The moment Luc and Izzy meet, you know something special is happening. The way their relationship builds—from raw attraction to something so deep and tender—is absolutely beautiful.
And can we talk about the world-building?! This isn’t just a romance set in space. The depth of cultures, languages, and histories in this book is next level. I found myself completely absorbed, and even though I hadn’t read the previous books, I never felt lost.
If you love sci-fi romance with unforgettable characters, steamy but emotional love scenes, and a world you never want to leave, you need to read Surrender Love. It’s one of the best in the genre, hands down.
Luc Saint Cyr is one of those characters that stays with you. He’s an immortal, powerful, larger-than-life figure, and yet he’s also deeply wounded, struggling with trust and love. And then there’s Izzorah—Izzy, Rah, the absolute best. He’s a Kin, a catlike alien who’s all heart, strength, and resilience. The moment Luc and Izzy meet, you know something special is happening. The way their relationship builds—from raw attraction to something so deep and tender—is absolutely beautiful.
And can we talk about the world-building?! This isn’t just a romance set in space. The depth of cultures, languages, and histories in this book is next level. I found myself completely absorbed, and even though I hadn’t read the previous books, I never felt lost.
If you love sci-fi romance with unforgettable characters, steamy but emotional love scenes, and a world you never want to leave, you need to read Surrender Love. It’s one of the best in the genre, hands down.
March 19, 2025
I picked up Surrender Love expecting a steamy, futuristic romance, and while I got that, I also got so much more! This book is deep, heartfelt, and beautifully written, with characters who stay with you long after you turn the last page.
Luc’s journey is incredibly moving. He’s wealthy, powerful, and respected, but inside, he’s broken and afraid to trust again. Izzorah is his perfect match—kind, devoted, and completely unafraid to fight for their love, even if it means facing obstacles from his own people.
What makes this book stand out from other romances is the unique sci-fi elements and emotional intensity. Izzorah’s species can smell emotions, which adds a whole new layer of honesty and vulnerability to their relationship. Luc can’t hide his pain, and that forces him to truly confront his fears in a way that feels so real.
This book deserves all the praise it’s received. It’s intense, beautifully written, and impossible to put down. Whether you’re a fan of science fiction, romance, or deeply emotional love stories, you won’t regret picking this one up.
Luc’s journey is incredibly moving. He’s wealthy, powerful, and respected, but inside, he’s broken and afraid to trust again. Izzorah is his perfect match—kind, devoted, and completely unafraid to fight for their love, even if it means facing obstacles from his own people.
What makes this book stand out from other romances is the unique sci-fi elements and emotional intensity. Izzorah’s species can smell emotions, which adds a whole new layer of honesty and vulnerability to their relationship. Luc can’t hide his pain, and that forces him to truly confront his fears in a way that feels so real.
This book deserves all the praise it’s received. It’s intense, beautifully written, and impossible to put down. Whether you’re a fan of science fiction, romance, or deeply emotional love stories, you won’t regret picking this one up.
March 21, 2025
This book is so much more than just a romance. It’s about trust, vulnerability, and learning to love again after heartbreak. Luc and Izzorah’s story is intense, emotional, and beautifully told, with a slow-burning romance that feels raw and real.
Luc has been hurt before, and his walls are high. But Izzorah isn’t just any love interest—he’s patient, loyal, and willing to do whatever it takes to prove to Luc that he’s safe with him. Their love story unfolds in a way that feels organic and deeply satisfying.
I also have to mention the sci-fi setting, which adds so much richness to the story! The concept of Izzorah’s species being able to sense emotions through scent makes the emotional tension even more powerful. Luc can’t hide from his feelings, and that forces him to confront them head-on.
If you’re looking for a romance that blends passion, deep emotion, and an immersive sci-fi world, Surrender Love is absolutely worth the read. It’s a book that makes you believe in love again, and that’s what makes it so special.
Luc has been hurt before, and his walls are high. But Izzorah isn’t just any love interest—he’s patient, loyal, and willing to do whatever it takes to prove to Luc that he’s safe with him. Their love story unfolds in a way that feels organic and deeply satisfying.
I also have to mention the sci-fi setting, which adds so much richness to the story! The concept of Izzorah’s species being able to sense emotions through scent makes the emotional tension even more powerful. Luc can’t hide from his feelings, and that forces him to confront them head-on.
If you’re looking for a romance that blends passion, deep emotion, and an immersive sci-fi world, Surrender Love is absolutely worth the read. It’s a book that makes you believe in love again, and that’s what makes it so special.
April 8, 2025
There are a lot of sci-fi romances out there, but Surrender Love? This one is different. It’s not just about the passion and the adventure (though there’s plenty of that). It’s about two broken souls finding exactly what they’ve been missing in each other.
Luc is powerful but scarred—a man who’s lived lifetimes of loss. Izzorah is young but wise, strong but vulnerable, and absolutely impossible not to love. Seriously, by the end of this book, I was ready to start an "I love Izzy" fan club. He’s just that good.
The chemistry between Luc and Izzy is off the charts, but what really got me was the deep emotional connection. There’s something incredibly satisfying about watching a man who believes he can never love again get completely wrecked by a kind, loving, determined partner.
And the world-building? Phenomenal. This is the kind of book where you just want to stay in the universe forever.
If you’re a fan of romance with depth, sci-fi that feels truly immersive, and characters who will steal your heart, Surrender Love is a must-read.
Luc is powerful but scarred—a man who’s lived lifetimes of loss. Izzorah is young but wise, strong but vulnerable, and absolutely impossible not to love. Seriously, by the end of this book, I was ready to start an "I love Izzy" fan club. He’s just that good.
The chemistry between Luc and Izzy is off the charts, but what really got me was the deep emotional connection. There’s something incredibly satisfying about watching a man who believes he can never love again get completely wrecked by a kind, loving, determined partner.
And the world-building? Phenomenal. This is the kind of book where you just want to stay in the universe forever.
If you’re a fan of romance with depth, sci-fi that feels truly immersive, and characters who will steal your heart, Surrender Love is a must-read.
May 1, 2025
I don’t even know where to begin because Surrender Love completely swept me off my feet. I started it thinking I’d read a few chapters before bed and ended up bingeing the whole thing in one night. That’s how good it is.
Luc is such a compelling character immortal, powerful, a little broody (okay, a lot broody), and carrying the weight of centuries of heartbreak. Then comes Izzorah, aka Izzy, and suddenly everything changes. He’s sweet, stubborn, brave, and has this innocence that never feels naive it feels strong. Their dynamic is so pure yet intense, and the way their relationship grows made my heart ache in the best way.
Also, the world-building? On another level. The Kin culture, the languages, the politics it’s all so layered and well thought-out. Even if you’re not usually a sci-fi reader, I swear this book will pull you in with its heart and hold you there with its depth.
Honestly, if you’re craving a romance that’s steamy and emotional, in a universe that feels like a whole new reality, you need this book in your life. Five stars, easily.
Luc is such a compelling character immortal, powerful, a little broody (okay, a lot broody), and carrying the weight of centuries of heartbreak. Then comes Izzorah, aka Izzy, and suddenly everything changes. He’s sweet, stubborn, brave, and has this innocence that never feels naive it feels strong. Their dynamic is so pure yet intense, and the way their relationship grows made my heart ache in the best way.
Also, the world-building? On another level. The Kin culture, the languages, the politics it’s all so layered and well thought-out. Even if you’re not usually a sci-fi reader, I swear this book will pull you in with its heart and hold you there with its depth.
Honestly, if you’re craving a romance that’s steamy and emotional, in a universe that feels like a whole new reality, you need this book in your life. Five stars, easily.
March 20, 2025
Luc is heartbroken after Wulf dumps him, but then he meets Izzorah, and everything changes. Izzy thinks Luc is just a regular guy, but Luc is actually immortal. Their chemistry is off the charts, and when they finally give in to it, Izzy offers himself fully to Luc, wanting to learn how to make him happy. They fall hard and fast.
But then there’s Wulf, will he come back and destroy everything? This story is full of twists and turns, you won’t be able to put the book down! The author does an amazing job making the characters feel real, you can feel their emotions and struggles like you’re right there with them.
This book is such a great M/M romance. The story is exciting, the romance is beautiful, and the characters are unforgettable. If you love a good love story with drama and surprises, this one is a must-read!
But then there’s Wulf, will he come back and destroy everything? This story is full of twists and turns, you won’t be able to put the book down! The author does an amazing job making the characters feel real, you can feel their emotions and struggles like you’re right there with them.
This book is such a great M/M romance. The story is exciting, the romance is beautiful, and the characters are unforgettable. If you love a good love story with drama and surprises, this one is a must-read!
April 8, 2025
Luc is the kind of hero you don’t forget. He’s powerful, he’s been through lifetimes of heartbreak, and he’s convinced he’ll never truly be loved. Enter Izzorah—who is, quite simply, a gift to this universe. He’s fierce, sweet, stubborn, and full of love despite his own struggles. Watching these two learn to trust each other, to open up, to truly surrender to love (see what I did there?) is just beautiful.
And let’s not forget the incredible world-building. I don’t know how the author does it, but she manages to create a universe that feels completely real, full of its own histories, politics, and cultures, while still keeping the focus on the romance.
This isn’t just a book—it’s an experience. If you want a romance that grips your heart, takes you on a journey, and makes you fall in love with the characters as much as they fall for each other, Surrender Love is for you.
And let’s not forget the incredible world-building. I don’t know how the author does it, but she manages to create a universe that feels completely real, full of its own histories, politics, and cultures, while still keeping the focus on the romance.
This isn’t just a book—it’s an experience. If you want a romance that grips your heart, takes you on a journey, and makes you fall in love with the characters as much as they fall for each other, Surrender Love is for you.
April 8, 2025
I went into Surrender Love expecting a good sci-fi romance, but what I got was so much more. This book is a stunning mix of rich world-building, deep character development, and an emotional journey that completely pulled me in.
Luc is not your typical romance hero. He’s flawed, damaged, and afraid to let anyone close—which makes his relationship with Izzorah so powerful. Izzorah is the opposite—loving, open, and willing to take a chance, even when it’s terrifying. The way these two come together, learning to trust and heal, is one of the most beautiful slow-burn romances I’ve read.
But what really sets this book apart is the sheer depth of the universe. Kayelle Allen doesn’t just write a story—she builds a whole galaxy. The different species, languages, and histories make this world feel huge and real, and I was completely drawn into every little detail.
Luc is not your typical romance hero. He’s flawed, damaged, and afraid to let anyone close—which makes his relationship with Izzorah so powerful. Izzorah is the opposite—loving, open, and willing to take a chance, even when it’s terrifying. The way these two come together, learning to trust and heal, is one of the most beautiful slow-burn romances I’ve read.
But what really sets this book apart is the sheer depth of the universe. Kayelle Allen doesn’t just write a story—she builds a whole galaxy. The different species, languages, and histories make this world feel huge and real, and I was completely drawn into every little detail.
April 14, 2025
Some books you enjoy, and some books become a part of you. Surrender Love is one of those books
Luc Saint Cyr is a legend—an immortal man who’s used to power, control, and never letting anyone get too close. But then there’s Izzorah, and oh my God, Izzorah. He’s sweet, strong, playful, and exactly the person Luc never saw coming. Their love story is deeply emotional, full of trust, vulnerability, and moments that just hit you right in the heart.
.I was also blown away by the world-building. The Kin species, their culture, their abilities—it all feels so real and so unique. And even though this book is part of a larger universe, it’s easy to jump in without feeling lost.
I can’t recommend this book enough. If you want a romance that’s passionate, emotional, and completely unforgettable, Surrender Love is one of the best out there.
Luc Saint Cyr is a legend—an immortal man who’s used to power, control, and never letting anyone get too close. But then there’s Izzorah, and oh my God, Izzorah. He’s sweet, strong, playful, and exactly the person Luc never saw coming. Their love story is deeply emotional, full of trust, vulnerability, and moments that just hit you right in the heart.
.I was also blown away by the world-building. The Kin species, their culture, their abilities—it all feels so real and so unique. And even though this book is part of a larger universe, it’s easy to jump in without feeling lost.
I can’t recommend this book enough. If you want a romance that’s passionate, emotional, and completely unforgettable, Surrender Love is one of the best out there.
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