My Reckless Surrender

by Anna Campbell

[stacey_is_sassy]

This Reformed Rake reformed very, very well…

I read most of my romance stories hoping for a mushy, gushy Epilogue. You know the ones…where we get a glimpse of the happy ever after. With a little Cherub calling out “Daddy” or “Mummy”, or maybe even just seeing the couple in lust with each other after all these years. Well, for the first time ever, I was kind of hoping that “Mummy” dropped off a cliff and “Daddy” and cherub lived happily ever after. I know harsh, but this chick…let’s just say, I’m not a fan of Diana and her deceitful, greedy and ambitious ways.

"Reformed Rakes" are a bit of a favourite for me. Luckily, we don’t have to see Tarquin in action but it’s in the back of your head that your “hero” has a less than sterling reputation. But, again, Diana bloody deserved it if Tarquin let his eyes wander. NO!! I take it back!! Sorry, my anger slipped for 2.5 seconds and my hate for Diana had me veering down the wrong path. Of course, I don’t want my hero’s eyes to wander. Bloody Diana, she’s messing with my mind…

I really had to remind myself that these were different times. Diana’s decisions seemed so misguided and wrong, but, I was thinking about the here and now. I guess my harsh judgement of Diana is because I was thinking with a modern woman’s mentality. A modern woman wouldn’t have to hide her talent for estate management. We don’t have to think of our reputations if we’re seen out in public by ourselves. I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t feel obligated to marry a despicable man because society will ostracise me if I don’t. Diana made some bad choices but a lot of them were because she had to, not because she wanted to.

Biggest warning…THIS IS A VERY SEXY STORY!! Capitals because I mean SEXY!! Holy shamoly, I was in a twitchy state from beginning to end. The sexual tension explodes between the couple from the very beginning. You know how some books have the first line of each chapter in the index? Well, let’s just say your eyes would be popping out of your head before you even started My Reckless Surrender. If you don’t like a lot of sexy times in your stories, I’d probably test the sample first. If you like your sexy times mixed in with a decent storyline, DO IT!!!!

The baddies were bad and the goodies...well, unfortunately, there weren't too many goodies. Well, maybe Laura and the manservant/butler, but everyone else, they all took turns being dodgy. Obviously, there was a BADDIE but he was dealt with but I would have seen him suffer more if I had my way. I'm a bit resentful and tend to hold a grudge against my villains, though. ;-)

I thoroughly enjoyed My Reckless Surrender even though Diana made me want to reach in, strangle her and replace her with a heroine I could respect. It was a little longer than I anticipated, which, at times made it drag a bit. Anna Campbell’s writing though, always kept me turning the pages. If you’re looking for a steamy historical romance with a Reformed Rake that reforms very, very well, I highly recommend.

May your year be filled with love, laughter, health, happiness and plenty of awesome books.