~ Review: Surrender ~

PLOT SYNOPSIS:  After a childhood of moving from army base to army base, Nettie Brooms is determined to secure a stable life by never becoming involved with a military man.  Then she meets handsome U.S. Marine Colonel Ashton Sinclair.  He’s intent on capturing her heart.  Now Nettie wonders how a man she swore to avoid could so easily test her resolve.

REVIEW:  The wait is finally over and the much-loved Madaris saga has returned.  It was in FIRE AND DESIRE where Colonel Ashton Sinclair was first introduced and we learned of his affection for Netherland Brooms.

It’s been three years since, Ashton was shone a vision that his soul mate, Netherland would give him an all-consuming love and bare him three sons, triplets (a doctor, a lawyer and an Indian chief).  His African American ancestors who possessed mystical powers to see into the future and his Cherokee Indian heritage, which included shaman, afforded Ashton this gift.  Taking a six-week leave from his Military duties, Ashton has set a course to win Nettie over.

Netherland wasn’t interested.  Ashton is a Military man and that was something she could not overlook.  Netherland was an Army brat, never staying in the same location long enough to put down roots or call one place home.  She wasn’t able to make lasting friendships and it didn’t help that she was the only girl with 4 brothers.  This was one of the reasons she opened SISTERS, an exclusive restaurant in downtown Houston where women can meet, greet and just enjoy each other’s company.  Of course with women gathering there, men tended to congregate there too.

Ashton has come to SISTERS for several nights trying to wear Nettie down, but she still ignores him and refuses to go out with him.  Then on a dare from her best friend and head hostess, Rainey Gilford, Nettie goes to Ashton’s table to take his order.  From then on things changed.  After one kiss, Nettie decides that an affair with Ashton while he is in town would suffice, but Ashton has more permanent plans in mind.

When Ashton enters the bachelor auction in which the highest bidder gets to spend a weekend with him in New Orleans, he really gets Netherland’s attention.  However, a self-proclaimed man-hater has her eye and half a year’s salary to bid on Ashton.

Ms. Jackson has proven once again why she is truly one of the Divas of romance.  She knows what her fans want and she gives it to us in spades.  In every scene involving Netherland and Ashton, you can feel the intensity of their attraction and the potency of their passion.  This is romance at its best and it's steamiest.  

Introducing a battered wife early in the story, whose ex-husband has kidnapped her before, pretty much gives away part of the storyline, but then Ms. Jackson throws in a plot twist that keeps you glued to the book and riveted to your seat.  Of course with Ashton, Trevor and Sir Drake, there’s bound to be action and adventure with these Military men.  Besides, I do love a good rescue.

A dream revealed promised a captivating key scene, which never materialized and left this reader yearning to witness it.  

Ms. Jackson also gives a slight taste of the explosive relationship destined to occur between Christy Madaris and Alex Maxwell.  Man, I can’t wait for that one.

28th July 2001