Ah the lure of an attractive cover and an irresistible preorder price! Although I had read Ms. Wilde before, I should not have bought this book. The title: TOTAL SURRENDER; I dislike domineering alpha males in a story where BDSM is inescapable; fairy tale retellings leave me cold; I don't particularly care for revenge tropes. Pretty reckless of me, right? I expected a DNF early on due to my own stupidity. Yet, I kept on reading.
While the writing did not induce a case of the vapours, it is very, very well written, and the editing is excellent. The story moved along well, and while the plot is far from original, the characters who, at first glance appear stereotypical are not; the execution is brilliant. Both Maddux Wilder and Arabella Cole surprised and delighted me all the way. He's definitely an alpha, forceful yet not abusive; he understands boundaries and respects them. He exudes charisma and, even if he's not my favourite type of hero, I really liked him and I would have succumbed to his charms as well. That is a tribute to Erika Wilde's superb characterisations. Arabella is a victim of circumstances but she is not a wimp; her motivations are logical, her decision is her own, and for once I could go along with her reasoning because if one is to be stuck in such an unsavoury situation, she could do much, much worse than Maddux. She's very philosophical about the whole thing.
I was surprised that the romance was a slow burn and had none of the cringe-worthy moments I anticipated. The dialogues are excellent, and so are the inner monologues; they can be so tedious, which was not the case here; they're fun and provide insight into the characters' minds. Maddux is so not a dick even if he is a real dominant. E. L. James ought to read this book and see how it's done. There was some light BDSM, which I expected, so it did not bother me. Maddux and Arabella's chemistry is off the charts, and the sex scenes so well written, I did not even skim.
I also liked the interactions between Maddux and his brother and sister, Hunter and Tempest. The characters are multidimensional and fun to watch, even the villains. TOTAL SURRENDER might be the best take on the Beauty and the Beast I have read in a contemporary romance. If you are a fan of everything the book description promises - unlike me, and I gave five stars - you will be ecstatic!
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From the Publisher
THE SINFUL SERIES
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Reviews with images
I SURRENDERED!
Not my first read by the author, am very familiar with the style and absolutely enjoyed each book I’ve read from the author.This book starts off strong and with insta action. Maddux Wilder Meets Arabella at a formal outing, where he proceeds to not be able to stay away from her. So they dance…I really love when a hero swoons in an alpha way, even form the beginning Maddux does that. Only for it to end with the village idiot interrupting! The trick is that Maddux is out for revenge, while Arabella is trying to still find herself in the whole ‘the mess my father has made my whole life.Arabella is a brave one because she make a deal…THE DEAL…basically a deal with the devil himself. All to try and save her father, she was so brave. Just when Maddux thinks he got himself a sheep…she shows her real stripes and is strong, sassy and again very brave for someone in her statue. This book will have you sweating a bit.But Maddux is out for retribution not playing house or having ‘feelings’. When you find out the why, you’ll understand that that man who is now ruthless, has no other way TO feel. It’s a beautiful story of revenge, danger, passion and love. This is the kind of book that I LOVE TO READ! Also why I love the authors books.EXPLOSIVE ENDING is all I can say, be ready…it’s like being on the edge of a cliff and that feeling of almost falling…fan-freaking-tastic, a rush!! So many emotions from both characters, the truth did not set anyone free in this one but just made more realization.A TOP 2019 MUST READ!Rating: ★★★★★Steamy: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥PLUSRecommended? ☑ HIGHLY⇨ H A P P Y – R E A D I N G ⇦
Top reviews from other countries
LauriB
Beauty & the Beast - hotness factor, level up!
Reviewed in Canada on June 30, 2019
