ARC Review: Surrender to You by Shawntelle Madison

Surrender to You is the second book in this series. I read the first book and you don't have to read that one to read this one. Also, if you want to go back and read that one after you read this one, it contains no spoilers. When I read the first book in the series, there were some aspects of the plot I didn't care for but I really liked the authors writing and felt like there was a lot of potential there. I must pat myself on the back for being right and giving this book a chance because overall I really liked it.

STY is Carlie and Tomas' story. Carlie and Tomas have history that goes back to their teens. They were each others first loves. Both Carlie and Tomas thought that their teen love was going to last forever but something happened that separated them. Over the years they remained friends with a lot of freaky benefits but there was some unspoken rule that things could never go beyond one night. At the point where this book begins, its pretty clear that the one night rule is much more Carlie's thing than it is Tomas.' From Carlie's perspective Tomas left her. That's true but it's not the whole story. I got where Carlie was coming from. The first loss of Tomas devastated her so even though she was still in love with him, she was focused on avoiding a repeat of the devastation.

Ok, now here is where I had a bit of an issue. The reason Tomas left Carlie made sense. I couldn't understand why over the next 10 or so years, Tomas didn't just explain what happened to Carlie. The reason it was so hard for me to understand is because it was clear that Tomas loved Carlie and wanted to be with her. All it would have taken was some sort of explanation so Carlie knew he had not just abandoned her but years went by and Tomas said nothing. And while he was saying nothing, he was in agony. I guess people really have that hard of a time dealing with their own feelings and saying what needs to be said but I just really wanted him to spit it out.

The other reason this book was not a total 5 star read for me was because there was just so much going on. Carlie got a totally random job even though she owned her own business. Within the random job, there is a sub-random plot about this kink club of sorts. There was the story of Tomas trying to sell a hotel. Carlie's secret health issue. Carlie trying to find her parents and then what happened when she did. By the time you get to the end of the book, the characters have spent more time a part dealing with separate issues than they have spent together. An author like Madison can pull this sort of thing off because her writing is good enough that the subplots hold your interest. The only thing was I wanted a lot more from the actual romance in the book. When all was said and done, I just wanted more Tomas and Carlie together.

Still, I have to say, I really enjoyed this book. It was sexy and with all that was going on, it was never boring. I will be back for whatever this author has next.

**ARC provided by Publisher**

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ARC Review: Bound to You by Shawntelle Madison

I went back and forth over my rating of this book and finally settled on four stars. I was somewhere between 3 and 4 stars but decided it was best to round up based on my total impression of this book and this author. Despite a few issues I had with Sophie as a character and some of the plot points, the writing in this book is really good and overall I have positive feelings about the book.

So let's start with what I really like about this book. Xavier is an alpha billionaire who doesn't do relationships but instantly wants Sophie. Sophie is a concierge to the rich and privileged and is committed to not ever getting involved with another client. From the first time Sophie and Xavier meet there are all sorts of sparks flying. Xavier proposes a no-strings sort of involvement and Sophie fights it but it is clear that beyond her principles and past heart break she really wants Xavier. When Sophie does give in to Xavier I really like the two of them together. The relationship is sexy and interesting. Xavier is protective of Sophie and pretty much willing to put business aside if it is for Sophie's good. Sophie is also a strong heroine, for the most part. I enjoyed her transition from resistance to accepting that Xavier was the person for her.

The reason there is some wiggle room in my rating is because there were some things about this book that I just didn't get. For starters Sophie's attachment to her ex was a complete turn off for me. There is absolutely no cheating in this book so relax BUT Sophie is so attached to the memory of her ex that she continues to wear the cuffs he gave her. This particularly disturbed me when Xavier tries to give her something to replace the accessories and she would not do it. I just really didn't get that. I also felt like between the time that Sophie was sure she didn't want a relationship and Xavier felt the same way to the time they got together, something was missing. I just don't remember the part where the relationship developed to that point and I felt like I was missing something. Finally, there was more of a promise of erotic content than actual erotic content. The steamy scenes were good but didn't totally live up to their hype.

Like I said, overall the writing of this book and the execution are good which is why it gets 4 stars. I'm already on board to read the next book in the series and I'm looking forward to Carlie's story..

**ARC provided by Publisher**

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ARC Review: Bitter Disenchantment by Shawntelle Madison

This novella focuses on Aggie McClure, the outspoken red-headed sidekick of Natalya Stravinsky, the main character of Coveted. This story is written as a prequel to the series letting the reader in on the events surrounding Aggie’s arrival in South Toms River, New Jersey.

Having not read Coveted yet this was my first time experiencing these characters as well as Madison’s writing. I am looking forward to checking out the series now since I found this book to be a quick tease leaving me curious to discover what happens next to the characters I was introduced to.

Aggie was looked on as having it all. Being the only offspring of the Alpha werewolf of the Manhattan Pack and destined heir. Though in reality she was faced with many obstacles that some readers could connect to. Having been born with her father wishing she was a boy, dealing with the unhappy separation of her parents, as well as being forced into an arranged marriage.

Determined to face the trials set before her and emerge the victor Aggie takes her life into her own hands and makes some incredibly difficult choices. She’s fighting for everything she holds dear, including a future where she gets to live her life in a manner of her own choosing.

Madison has created a very strong heroine both in body and mind. This story was a smooth read, full of plots that added in the growth of Aggie’s character. Allowing the reader the opportunity to see what adversities and choices she had to face to become the person she is in the Coveted series. Action, romance, and mystery are all combined to give you a well fleshed out story. If you are a fan of Madison’s Coveted series I definitely suggest you read this as I think it will add to the overall experience. If like me you are new to this author I still say go ahead and check this title out. It could quite possibly turn you onto a new series to follow as it happily did for me.


**ARC provided by NetGalley**

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