5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Wicked Surrender by Jade Lee, September 8, 2010
This review is from: Wicked Surrender (Berkley Sensation) (Paperback)
Scheherazade Martin, or Scher has grown up in The Tavern playhouse. She was born there to an actress mother, and now, lacking acting talent, runs the theater troupe. Although she considers the fellow members as part of her family and she makes a decent living, she yearns for more. Watching those die around her because actors are treated like second class and don't get proper medical help, she wants a respectable marriage, children, and most of all security, something she has lacked her whole life.
For the past month, Viscount Blackstone, or Brandon, has had his eye on her. One glance and he knew she was something special. Brandon sets Scher on fire, but she knows the type of men who hang around playhouses. After being duped when she was sixteen, she is not about to let her lust take the lead. But he does funny things to her insides, and in that short month, his clandestine visits excite her very much.
Soon though, a respectable marriage proposal comes her way. The fourth son of a titled family, Kit asks her for her hand and although she doesn't know him that well - she sees her house in this future, with a yard and kids running around. Kit just happens to be Brandon's cousin, and Brandon is not thrilled his new found love is off the market. But he wants her to be happy, and he harbors a very deep, dark secret that makes him unable to give her what she needs. Kit and Brandon become her only allies as she is forced into polite society and ridicule and mockery become her daily life. Kit wants to marry her, Brandon wants her as a lover, and Scher has a big decision to make.
What really stood out to me in Wicked Surrender is our heroine, Scher. Yearning for only security and marriage in her life, she finally gets the chance with Kit. Now, she isn't really in love with Kit, and her heart beats faster for Brandon, but since Brandon won't offer her marriage, and Kit is a kind man, she chooses this path. Kit is not the perfect man, but he does offer kindness and in his own way, tries to stand up for her when society frowns down upon them. What I love, is that when Brandon pursues her, seduces her, begs her to be his mistress - she says no. He kisses her, does everything he can to get her in his arms, and she still says no. No, no no!! A heroine, who doesn't swoon at the first sexy man who tries to steal her away - I love it. She is engaged to Kit and that is it. She heeds to her convictions! Now, if Brandon had proposed marriage instead of just a mistress position, would she have broken it off with Kit without a thought? Maybe. But Brandon doesn't - for good reason you will discover, and the complicated trio move forward as best they can.
Scher does not have it easy by any means. Just because a respectable man offers her marriage, does not clear the way for her in polite society. It is quite the opposite. She suffers so much brutal treatment - the animosity and snobbery in this book really stands out. Jade Lee holds nothing back and the consistency in which she is treated - I kept expecting her to find an ally, other than Brandon, but Jade Lee gives her no easy way out.
My only complaint is that Brandon has a big secret, and I thought part of it is a little too dramatic. I know that is vague, but I don't want to give it away. I liked his secret, just the ailment that went along with it seemed a little overdone to me.
The sexual tension is revved up in this book, and although Scher is good at saying no to Brandon, this book does not lack romance. Their eventual coupling is nicely built up and not rushed. With all the historical romances I read, I feel Wicked Surrender offers a little something different. With a very strong heroine and dark, brooding hero, I definitely recommend this one.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
exhilarating Regency romance, September 9, 2010
This review is from: Wicked Surrender (Berkley Sensation) (Paperback)
Daughter of an actress, Scheherazade "Scher" Martin manages the small Tavern Playhouse theater troupe. Her position and that of her mom means she will never fulfill her dream of a loving respectable marriage as no member of the Ton will ever wed her. Her best offer comes from Viscount Brandon Cates to be his mistress with he providing a terrific compensation if she agrees.
Scher considers his offer, but his too young cousin Kit proposes marriage. Scher knows if she says yes to Kit she fulfills her dream; if she says yes to Brandon she accepts love. To seal the deal Brandon kisses her leaving both stunned with their reaction. However, he possesses a dark past in which he believes his Scher is his only chance for redemption yet Brandon also believes he is not worthy of such a great Lady.
The powerful fully developed cast, especially the lead triangle, makes for a deep exhilarating Regency romance. Scher and her two suitors have dreams, but also possess flaws that rip at their souls and hence their aspirations. Jade Lee provides a deep character driven historical as readers wonder whether Scheherazade will choose love or her dream.
Harriet Klausner
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
With so many obstacles in their way, I ended up rooting for them even though it felt like a doomed romance, September 7, 2010
This review is from: Wicked Surrender (Berkley Sensation) (Paperback)
Wicked Surrender by Jade Lee
Historical Romance -Sept 7 2010
4 stars
Scheherazade Martin longs for respectability and security in life. As an actress and manager of a small tavern troupe, her status is society is akin to a prostitute and definitely far, far below of a respectable lady. Men offer her carte blanches, but not marriage. Scher is resigned to her lot in life and almost becomes the mistress of Brandon Cates, Viscount Blackstone...until his cousin, a young puppyish Kit proposes to Scher, promising to give her everything she ever wanted. But, can Scher learn to forget Brandon? Which will she choose? Him or her dreams?
To be honest, I was kind of weary of Lee. I have read her book Tempted Tigress before and it was kind of disappointing and not at all my cup of tea. But, Wicked Surrender definitely surpassed my expectations. Scher's character is fascinating - her desire to be accepted by society is something many of us can relate to. Not only that, the way she handled society's criticism shows her resilience and determination. Brandon, our tortured dark hero, is also another pleasant surprise. Instead of the usual alpha male swaggering and seducing, he's vulnerable and defeated to the point where he no longer has the will to live. Most romance writers will never write about such a downtrodden male character, which makes Lee's portrayal of him so touching and real.
The romance between Scher and Brandon unfolds in a smooth and even pace. With so many obstacles in their way - Kit, Kit's evil family, and Brandon's past, I ended up rooting for them even though (especially towards the end), it felt like a doomed romance. I must say that I am very satisfied with the ending. It's a good ending with a nice twist on Brandon's part. You really can't have it all, but as Scher and Brandon shows us, compromising can lead to pleasant and happy endings. If you are not a big fan of erotic novels but would like to give Jade Lee a try, consider Wicked Surrender. Lee's latest novel is a pleasant and enjoyable surprise.
Reviewed by Pauline from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
