Veena’s review of Surrender to Temptation by Lauren Jameson
Erotic Romance published by NAL 01 Apr 14
After the phenomenal success of “Shades of Gray,” many authors introduced us to their own version of 50. Ms. Jameson blends the innocence of workplace romance with the darker colors of pain and discipline for our reading pleasure.
Devon Reid is jolted out of her sweet submissiveness when she discovers her fiancé in bed with another woman. Determined to take charge of her life and stop being a doormat, she runs straight for the fire and the waiting arms of dominant Zachariah St. Brenton, CEO of the major corporation where she works.
From a single kiss at a seaside resort where they first meet to repeated meetings in the office and the privacy of his homem Zach gradually introduces Devon to his brand of possession through a mix of pleasure and pain. Interestingly enough, he plays a game of advance and retreat that drives her crazy. In her shoes I would have shaken the dust off him and his company a long time ago, but Devon, of course, is made of stronger stuff.
Zach is a predictable though complex character. Until almost the end he doesn’t share any of the things that make him tick or the devastating truth of his life and what shaped him into what and who he is. Consequently, as a reader, it’s very hard to develop any feelings toward him. He just comes across as a cold, controlling character.
Similarly, Devon comes across as a wishy-washy person who comes into the office and mopes about Zach all day long. I guess it’s good that she’s moping about the CEO, because I don’t think she should have survived in her job based on her personal preoccupation and on-job performance. She does have flashes where she tries to assert her independence, only to quickly fold her tent in response to Zach’s domination.
I find the story too predictable, the characters too pat like they are playing a role. Zach is so mysterious that I lost interest in discovering what makes him tick. It isn’t until after I read the book that I discovered this story is not new. It was first published as installments in the 2012/2013 time frame and has now been re-packaged and republished.
Grade: C
Summary:
In this stunning romance, Lauren Jameson presents a story of unexpected desire in which two strangers play a dangerous game in the quest for incredible pleasure. But winning comes with a price….
After walking in on her boyfriend with another woman, Devon Reid decides to seek solace in the small California town she’s often visited on vacation. Instead, she finds herself consumed by a mysterious man who sets her ablaze with one simple look.
Devon has always been the good girl, but Zach’s touch turns her into something primal, especially when he persuades her to give up control to him. But while Zach can make her burn, he seduces Devon one moment and turns her away the next.
When Devon starts her new job at Phyrefly Aviation, she learns that Zach is actually founder and CEO of the massive corporation. And while Devon knows she should keep things between them strictly professional, his overwhelming magnetism makes it impossible to stay away….
No excerpt available.
