Surrender (Harris Brothers #4) by Amy Daws

A Review by Wendy

 4.5 Recognizing and Giving Stars
* * * *1/2 

Spoiler Free

I have a confession to make. Amy Daws was an almost new to me author. I discovered her when she released Wait With Me. I fell hard for her writing so when I had the opportunity to read something new from her, I jumped on board. This means I haven't read any of the other Harris Brother books as I hang me head in shame. But what this also means, anyone would be able to enjoy this duet.

I was taken right away into the elements of Gareth Harris' life. I met him at the same time Sloan Montgomery did. He was at a photo shoot and she was to be his clothing stylist. From the first exchange, there was a dynamic not to be ignored. It seems Gareth has issues with sensitivity and Sloan picked up on it right away. She was able to touch him in such away so as not to be an irritant. This is unusual for Gareth and from that moment on an understanding passes between them.

We fast forward to a few years down the line. Sloan is going through a day from hell she knew deep down was coming...Her husband who she uprooted her American life to move to London for has been cheating and when confronted is unapologetic about it.

Since they only married for the sake of the baby she was carrying, this was a long time in coming. No matter how hard Sloan tried to hold things together for the sake of her daughter, her husband had decided to divorce her. He had all the power and money. She felt like she had lost herself. Her love for her child superseded everything else, so she had to agree to all of the terms of visitation, one week for her and another for him.

The only saving grace was Sloan's solid reputation as a stylist. She has built up her business handling celebrities, sports stars, etc. She had this ability to be empathic to whatever her client needed.

The day of the finalization of her divorce finally arrived. All Sloan wanted to do was go home and crawl under the covers. Instead she needed to go to Gareth's house to deliver suits he ordered for a special event. When Sloan arrives, Gareth can tell something isn't right with her.

Gareth has been attuned to Sloan since their first meeting. He never pursued anything as she was married. Gareth respected Sloan and would never do anything to disturb their working/friend relationship. For some reason, over the years, Gareth has felt more comfortable with her than any other woman.

Gareth never was a player, kept to himself. He had too much to handle with all of his brothers and sister. Between dealing with all the crazy things the brothers got into and being there for his sis and her daughter, he also was the captain of his football team Man U. Those responsibilities were nothing to ignore. He was the one others looked to have him take care of things.

Sloan is determined to not let Gareth know how upset she is, only immediately he sees she isn't quite right. As he sees her beautiful face is puffy and eyes are red, he also notices her ring finger is bare. Now having a sis means he gets when a woman looks like she has been crying and now that the wedding ring is no where to be seen, all bets are off.

Gareth asks Sloan what is happening and tries to get her to talk to him...and before Sloan knows what is happening she is sharing how lost she is and doesn't know what the hell she wants...

Gareth stands before her and tells her he is there for her and would do anything to make her happy...
With that acceptance and feeling of openness, these two embark on a journey neither of them knew was coming. Each has something special to give and both blossom because of it.

Now this wouldn't be a Harris Brothers story without all of them getting into each others business. And they do, in all sorts of ways. The family element is very strong and I gather there is much to work through for all of them.

Amy Daws put together a first part of a duet that covers some very serious concepts. It touches on acceptance and understanding who you are...alone and with others. It approaches how easy it is to lose yourself whether as a mother or brother. It is easy to fall into classifications and behaviors. We can all be more than what we thought.

This story also presents chemistry and sexual scenes between these two which are unique and very special. Baring who you are to another is the ultimate risk and Daws handles all of it well.

This is a duet so Ms. Daws gave us one hell of a cliffy...the only saving grace is the second part, Dominate is coming August 2, 2018. I have my calendar circled.

A gifted copy was provided by author/publisher for an honest review.

 About Amy Daws

Amy Daws is an Amazon Top 100 bestselling author of the Harris Bro thers Series and is most known for her punny, footy-playing, British playboys. The Harris Brothers and her London Lovers Series fuel her passion for all things London. When Amy's not writing, she's watching Gilmore Girls or singing karaoke in the living room with her daughter while Daddy awkward-smiles from a distance.