Veena’s review of The Gilded Cage (Surrender, Book 2) by Lauren Smith
Romantic Suspense published by Forever Your Books 09 Jun 15
I was first introduced to Lauren Smith when I read the earlier book in this series. In The Gilded Cuff Sophie and Emery find that Emery’s twin Fenn, long believed dead, is actually still alive, though in danger from the original kidnapper who wants both of them dead. In fact, the twin bond between the two kicks in just as Fenn is about to ride a particularly vicious bull, putting him in unintended danger but in a position to be rescued by beautiful siren Hayden Thorne. Can Hayden and her brother Wes convince Fenn that he’s the long-lost Lockwood heir and take him back to New York to be reunited with his twin and parents? Can they keep him safe and alive in the face of the danger that is stalking him?
Hayden Thorne is a poor little rich girl. She’s well educated and yet her parents desire to treat her like an ornament, good only for life as a socialite, which has her rebelling. When she learns about the danger stalking Fenn Lockwood and where he’s located, she takes off to rescue him and prove herself by bringing him back to New York. Well, it’s not as easy as she expected, but then things that are worthwhile rarely are.
Fenn has no memories of his childhood before he found himself on the ranch in Texas where he grow up. He does hear voices in his head which have him fearing for his sanity, but he’s led a rough-and-tumble life that he’s perfectly content with. When Hayden Thorne saves his life but then proceeds to set it on its ears with her revelations, he’s determined to resist.
But the danger stalking him is real and pretty soon it sucks for Hayden as well. It’s time to take control and defeat it, and if that means he has to confront his forgotten past, then so be it. With a strong BDSM theme, as well as ominous threats of violence, the story captivates me as it moves from Texas to New York. The beautiful moments between the brothers and the parents who have loved him, despite believing him dead, add a nice touch of emotional softness to the story.
This series is definitely a must-read for readers who enjoy their romance with a touch of leather and gentle force, as well as a good murder mystery to sink their teeth into. I am definitely interested in the next book in the series, though not sure where the suspense element will come from, if, indeed, there will be any.
Grade: A
Summary:
Passion that takes no prisoners, and love that tests the limits of ecstasy . . .
Fenn Lockwood comes alive in the shadows. Though he might have physically survived the kidnapping that stole his childhood, the trauma and pain he lived through have marked him forever. Now the only place where Fenn can be himself is within the walls of his private BDSM world-a place of erotic obsession, where desire isn’t just captured . . . it’s bound.
Hayden Thorne knows that behind Fenn’s hardened exterior is a man worth fighting for. Yet to save him from the past that still haunts him, Hayden will have to abandon every inhibition she’s ever had and venture into Fenn’s intoxicatingly sensual world. Each tantalizing second she spends in Fenn’s searing embrace is more delicious than the last and soon Hayden begins to think that she may never want to leave such torturous bliss . . .
Other books in this series
