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Wrecked #2
Surrender
Dark cloud, meet seven-foot wall of sunshine.
We’ve been friends for almost a year, we both volunteer at my brother-in-law’s gym for combat vets, and the chemistry between us is undeniable. So, getting together should be a no brainer, right?
Yeah, not so much.
Pairing up the joyful refugee NBA hero with me - the grumpy wanna-be artist who cracks jokes about being waterboarded - has got to be the mother of all bad ideas.
An even worse idea? Let’s add a splash of kink to the mix.
Surrender is a post-military, hurt-comfort MM romance with gentle power exchange, a therapy office set next to a sex club, and a gym full of scorching hot head cases.
We’ve been friends for almost a year, we both volunteer at my brother-in-law’s gym for combat vets, and the chemistry between us is undeniable. So, getting together should be a no brainer, right?
Yeah, not so much.
Pairing up the joyful refugee NBA hero with me - the grumpy wanna-be artist who cracks jokes about being waterboarded - has got to be the mother of all bad ideas.
An even worse idea? Let’s add a splash of kink to the mix.
Surrender is a post-military, hurt-comfort MM romance with gentle power exchange, a therapy office set next to a sex club, and a gym full of scorching hot head cases.
247 pages, ebook
First published March 27, 2020
393 people are currently reading
402 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 163 reviews
June 7, 2024
This whole thing was just soft, comforting, and adorable (though not in a gross way).
May 5, 2022
This book is special
I always harp on about Kelly’s ability to write brilliant characters and dialogue, but she’s also really good at portraying PTSD accurately. I can tell when I’m reading about PTSD and an author hasn’t experienced it themselves. As someone who has it and deals with its affects daily, this is written right. When someone thinks panic or anxiety, they typically think frantic. But most of the time it’s the opposite and that freeze is what many people get wrong. I really appreciate Kelly being able to describe so well how this feels on the inside, so that maybe those who don’t experience it understand those who do.
Jean-Pierre and Jake’s love is already established before this book even starts. We all know it’s there so when we start reading about both of their “hey I love this person and just want to figure out how to exist together,” it’s almost a relief to not have to go through the angsty push and pull of two people coming together. The lack of relationship angst makes this book nearly perfect, because their understanding of each other is just frigging beautiful. Their contrasts, their experiences, their chemistry... it just makes for a perfect combo that just isn’t seen enough. I will never get enough of this book/series and it’s spin-off. Kelly’s writing is a gift.
I always harp on about Kelly’s ability to write brilliant characters and dialogue, but she’s also really good at portraying PTSD accurately. I can tell when I’m reading about PTSD and an author hasn’t experienced it themselves. As someone who has it and deals with its affects daily, this is written right. When someone thinks panic or anxiety, they typically think frantic. But most of the time it’s the opposite and that freeze is what many people get wrong. I really appreciate Kelly being able to describe so well how this feels on the inside, so that maybe those who don’t experience it understand those who do.
Jean-Pierre and Jake’s love is already established before this book even starts. We all know it’s there so when we start reading about both of their “hey I love this person and just want to figure out how to exist together,” it’s almost a relief to not have to go through the angsty push and pull of two people coming together. The lack of relationship angst makes this book nearly perfect, because their understanding of each other is just frigging beautiful. Their contrasts, their experiences, their chemistry... it just makes for a perfect combo that just isn’t seen enough. I will never get enough of this book/series and it’s spin-off. Kelly’s writing is a gift.
August 12, 2022
3-3.5 stars
this was alright.... i had high expectations soo i was a tad disappointed since i have been reading about Jake and Jean-Piere for about 3 books. idk i went in with a different way this would play.
i thikn there should have been more on page talking it out with their pasts rather than just us being told they talked to the therapist.
i also wanted more with Jakes black op life, hes a hacker who wouldn't want to read about that action???
overall a good addition to the series, but not my favorite that i have read.
this was alright.... i had high expectations soo i was a tad disappointed since i have been reading about Jake and Jean-Piere for about 3 books. idk i went in with a different way this would play.
i thikn there should have been more on page talking it out with their pasts rather than just us being told they talked to the therapist.
i also wanted more with Jakes black op life, hes a hacker who wouldn't want to read about that action???
overall a good addition to the series, but not my favorite that i have read.
did-not-finish
April 1, 2020DNF @ 75%
Nothing is happening and the Hallmark vibe is strong.
Nothing is happening and the Hallmark vibe is strong.
April 1, 2023
Audiobook Review
Reading these in audio makes them feel much more emotional. Deciding to re read these in audio was a good decision.
So in here we have Jake, who popped up a couple of times in book one. He teaches yoga at the gym and has severe PTSD and is a recovering alcoholic after being tortured in France while working for the government. Yep, the same group as DB, from the series spun off of this one.
We also have Jean Luc, a massively tall ex basketball star that Jake has been getting off to since his teen years. Jean Luc is a wealthy star who is gay but never came out nor had a relationship with another man. He escaped a war torn country and also has PTSD.
These two actually talk to each other, explain all the complexities with each other's mental health, and decide to become a couple. Jake is actually 6'3 but next to 7 ft plus Jean Luc, he is tiny.
While there were other things happening, what made this book shine was the two mcs.
John Solo was fine in this one, I hated the inflection that was used for Jake, but I learned to live with it.
___________________________
I loved this
These two were perfect for each other. I'm glad that the PTSD wasn't solved by the magical peen and that therapy was involved.
Reading these in audio makes them feel much more emotional. Deciding to re read these in audio was a good decision.
So in here we have Jake, who popped up a couple of times in book one. He teaches yoga at the gym and has severe PTSD and is a recovering alcoholic after being tortured in France while working for the government. Yep, the same group as DB, from the series spun off of this one.
We also have Jean Luc, a massively tall ex basketball star that Jake has been getting off to since his teen years. Jean Luc is a wealthy star who is gay but never came out nor had a relationship with another man. He escaped a war torn country and also has PTSD.
These two actually talk to each other, explain all the complexities with each other's mental health, and decide to become a couple. Jake is actually 6'3 but next to 7 ft plus Jean Luc, he is tiny.
While there were other things happening, what made this book shine was the two mcs.
John Solo was fine in this one, I hated the inflection that was used for Jake, but I learned to live with it.
___________________________
I loved this
These two were perfect for each other. I'm glad that the PTSD wasn't solved by the magical peen and that therapy was involved.
September 11, 2025
Sweet slow burn
I held off reading this since I was not a huge fan of book 1.
While book 2 is better, it’s still not what I was hoping for.
The bets that I loathed in book 1 continue in this one. Why?!?!? It’s childish and stupid tbh.
Wearing eyeliner does not make you gay. That was one of the bets. SO cringe-y 😬
Jean Pierre and Jake slow burn their way to a relationship. It is sweet and endearing. They match well together. I enjoyed their banter and sexy times.
BUT...the other issues keep it from being 5⭐️s.
I’m not sure this is the author for me.
I held off reading this since I was not a huge fan of book 1.
While book 2 is better, it’s still not what I was hoping for.
The bets that I loathed in book 1 continue in this one. Why?!?!? It’s childish and stupid tbh.
Wearing eyeliner does not make you gay. That was one of the bets. SO cringe-y 😬
Jean Pierre and Jake slow burn their way to a relationship. It is sweet and endearing. They match well together. I enjoyed their banter and sexy times.
BUT...the other issues keep it from being 5⭐️s.
I’m not sure this is the author for me.
January 23, 2024
This was a really interesting book. It was a slower burn than I thought it would be when I picked it up, but I thought the characters were really lovely and their shared experience of living with PTSD (albeit with different coping mechanisms and triggers) made for quite a lovely, emotional read.
August 6, 2023
Surprisingly, I liked this one more than I thought I would. I wasn't a huge fan of the first book, which explains why it took me over a year to continue with the series. I did really like how JP and Jake were with one another. They definitely are the perfect match for one another. They know how to balance each other out, and that was refreshing.
I also liked that there was low angst between the MCs. That alone made the book more enjoyable for me. It was a slow burn between these two, and I don't normally like slow burn. But this one worked. They had continued interaction throughout.
Now where I had the problem was the epilogue. Unless they are in future books, and those books teleport in time, I feel a little robbed by that ending. It's almost like a HFN. Don't get me wrong, and some would say it was a HEA, but I wanted more.
I also liked that there was low angst between the MCs. That alone made the book more enjoyable for me. It was a slow burn between these two, and I don't normally like slow burn. But this one worked. They had continued interaction throughout.
Now where I had the problem was the epilogue. Unless they are in future books, and those books teleport in time, I feel a little robbed by that ending. It's almost like a HFN. Don't get me wrong, and some would say it was a HEA, but I wanted more.
January 11, 2025
All honesty, Jake and Jean Pierre started to really annoy me after a few chapters!
There were sooooo many sex scenes and I get that they were being used to heal Jake, but honestly I was bored of them and ended up skipping over them - and there really wasn't much story going on outside of them which was disappointing.
There was also a lot of going round in circles regarding Jake's job and what he actually wanted to do which also got tiring to keep reading.
I was disappointed because a goth buddist yogi sounded like a character I'd love, especially after book one's introduction to him, but I was unimpressed.
There were sooooo many sex scenes and I get that they were being used to heal Jake, but honestly I was bored of them and ended up skipping over them - and there really wasn't much story going on outside of them which was disappointing.
There was also a lot of going round in circles regarding Jake's job and what he actually wanted to do which also got tiring to keep reading.
I was disappointed because a goth buddist yogi sounded like a character I'd love, especially after book one's introduction to him, but I was unimpressed.
June 30, 2024
I had high hopes for those two, but the story was just an ok read for me.
I felt the slow burn romance developed mostly off page, the long gap between meeting and starting a romance just felt unnecessarily drawn out and the relationship only scratched the surface with feelings and left me indifferent.
I felt the slow burn romance developed mostly off page, the long gap between meeting and starting a romance just felt unnecessarily drawn out and the relationship only scratched the surface with feelings and left me indifferent.
Read
March 13, 2023🔴NO RATING🔴
DNF AT 58%
This is probably just me, but this book was soooo boring.
I absolutely wasn't invested in the MCs , with all the hype from previous books, I feel like this one didn't deliver .
I'll skip to Roly's book, the one I'm actually looking forward to.
DNF AT 58%
This is probably just me, but this book was soooo boring.
I absolutely wasn't invested in the MCs , with all the hype from previous books, I feel like this one didn't deliver .
I'll skip to Roly's book, the one I'm actually looking forward to.
May 19, 2020
This book was really good too. I really loved book one. In this one however, there were a few spots that I think could have used a little more development. I was a little confused at times because some parts just felt a little too rushed where I think more information would have been helpful rather than less. But, I still liked this book and will wait patiently for Roly's book to arrive...
November 12, 2024
I’d forgotten how soft Jake and Jean Pierre’s love is🥹
They both suffer from PTSD for different reasons and the whole slow move of their relationship where Jean Pierre just tries to make Jake as comfortable as possible, is everything.
I loved both these beautiful men. Their communication was perfection and the way they both put in the work so they can be together was so fulfilling.
Jean Pierre is the world’s most gentle giant🥹
Book has all the feels and cuteness!
They both suffer from PTSD for different reasons and the whole slow move of their relationship where Jean Pierre just tries to make Jake as comfortable as possible, is everything.
I loved both these beautiful men. Their communication was perfection and the way they both put in the work so they can be together was so fulfilling.
Jean Pierre is the world’s most gentle giant🥹
Book has all the feels and cuteness!
October 14, 2021
oh my heart
These two are so sweet! I love the guys at Wrecked and their whole extended family! These two are photographic opposites: one is a rain cloud on the outside and light on the inside, while the other is dark as midnight on the outside but full of sunshine. Absolutely amazing story and I can’t wait for Roly to get his tale next.
These two are so sweet! I love the guys at Wrecked and their whole extended family! These two are photographic opposites: one is a rain cloud on the outside and light on the inside, while the other is dark as midnight on the outside but full of sunshine. Absolutely amazing story and I can’t wait for Roly to get his tale next.
March 25, 2020
I was already intrigued by Jean-Pierre and Jake reading the previous book in the series. They were so cute and obviously crushing on one another, the guys at Wrecked making bets on how long it would take them to admit their feelings.
𝗦𝘂𝗿𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 allowed me, of course, to know them better. The speculations on Jake's past were cleared and, in a way, his difficulties in dealing with the aftermath of what he's been through were just another way he could connect more with Jean-Pierre. And I liked that neither of them denied wanting each other. Jake was waiting to be in the right mind set and Jean-Pierre for the perfect timing, but they undoubtedly were on the same page in wanting a relationship.
So, this book was about them making their way towards clicking perfectly together. It was an emotional ride, both of them giving and taking comfort, slowly falling deeper and deeper in love. There was an unexpected amount of sweet talking involved, with sugary terms of endearment, which added to the cuteness. The amazing thing, though, was the surprising side of kink the author gave to their dynamic, turning their passionate moments into hot and intense experiences.
What I liked most about 𝗦𝘂𝗿𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 was that Jean-Pierre and Jake were never alone. The author has written an amazing array of secondary characters: family members, friends and the Wrecked crew. And they were all meddling, giving advice or making bets, their interactions entertaining and showing how much they care about each other. Their participation and the development of Jake and Jean-Pierre's relationship made it so that the book was fun and touching, keeping me always captivated and engrossed.
Recommended.
𝗦𝘂𝗿𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 allowed me, of course, to know them better. The speculations on Jake's past were cleared and, in a way, his difficulties in dealing with the aftermath of what he's been through were just another way he could connect more with Jean-Pierre. And I liked that neither of them denied wanting each other. Jake was waiting to be in the right mind set and Jean-Pierre for the perfect timing, but they undoubtedly were on the same page in wanting a relationship.
So, this book was about them making their way towards clicking perfectly together. It was an emotional ride, both of them giving and taking comfort, slowly falling deeper and deeper in love. There was an unexpected amount of sweet talking involved, with sugary terms of endearment, which added to the cuteness. The amazing thing, though, was the surprising side of kink the author gave to their dynamic, turning their passionate moments into hot and intense experiences.
What I liked most about 𝗦𝘂𝗿𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 was that Jean-Pierre and Jake were never alone. The author has written an amazing array of secondary characters: family members, friends and the Wrecked crew. And they were all meddling, giving advice or making bets, their interactions entertaining and showing how much they care about each other. Their participation and the development of Jake and Jean-Pierre's relationship made it so that the book was fun and touching, keeping me always captivated and engrossed.
Recommended.
April 17, 2020
Jake and Jean Pierre are pretty much the perfect combo. They fit all the holes n each other, and in just the right way. I love that Jean Pierre gets called Pete sometimes.
I like that they both have issues with PTSD, even though they come from different kinds of things, but it was something that they could help each other with. And JP is just lovely and patient with Jake and lets Jake take the time he needs.
I like that they both have issues with PTSD, even though they come from different kinds of things, but it was something that they could help each other with. And JP is just lovely and patient with Jake and lets Jake take the time he needs.
August 22, 2024
Was a hard read in places with lots of descriptions of trauma and PTSD, but I’m so pleased that together they made it to a good place.
March 29, 2020
Kelly Fox's Surrender, the second book in the Wrecked series, is fabulous. If you haven't yet read Sanctuary, this series revolves around a gym that is for ex-military men. It can be read as a standalone, but is definitely more enjoyable if you've read the first book.
We met Jean-Pierre and Jake in the first book, and are blessed with their story now. Both men have PTSD and a whole slew of painful memories. Their story is emotional, as they slowly get to know each other better, breaking down barriers. They are broken men whose broken pieces ultimately fit together perfectly.
Jean-Pierre's a former NBA player who was married to stay closeted. Unlike many books, his ex wife is actually wonderful and lovable.
Both men like kink, yet Jake can't allow himself to do a lot of his favorite things anymore, making for some intense scenes. There's some breathe play and more, adding a lot of emotion to their sex scenes. The moments of dealing with Jake's panic attacks are mesmerizing, and will bring a tear to your eyes. Luckily for the reader though, in addition to BDSM, there's also a hot docking scene.
The flashbacks are often, the triggers are plenty, and all of it's written with care and understanding. My favorite thing though may just be the level of sweetness involved. Their endearments are adorable, making me smile often.
I love this book. It's written with sensitivity, thoughtfulness, and understanding. As well, the danger is real and the fear is intense. But, best of all is the amazing group of friends and family that are part of this world. The author captures the readers heart with the love, support, and meddling involved. This is a group we'd all want to be a part of.
Surrender is a beautiful comfort/hurt romance. Kelly Fox entertains in this gripping romance. It's an impressive multi-layered romantic read of two men who love hard. You won't regret spending time with these amazing men.
We met Jean-Pierre and Jake in the first book, and are blessed with their story now. Both men have PTSD and a whole slew of painful memories. Their story is emotional, as they slowly get to know each other better, breaking down barriers. They are broken men whose broken pieces ultimately fit together perfectly.
Jean-Pierre's a former NBA player who was married to stay closeted. Unlike many books, his ex wife is actually wonderful and lovable.
Both men like kink, yet Jake can't allow himself to do a lot of his favorite things anymore, making for some intense scenes. There's some breathe play and more, adding a lot of emotion to their sex scenes. The moments of dealing with Jake's panic attacks are mesmerizing, and will bring a tear to your eyes. Luckily for the reader though, in addition to BDSM, there's also a hot docking scene.
The flashbacks are often, the triggers are plenty, and all of it's written with care and understanding. My favorite thing though may just be the level of sweetness involved. Their endearments are adorable, making me smile often.
I love this book. It's written with sensitivity, thoughtfulness, and understanding. As well, the danger is real and the fear is intense. But, best of all is the amazing group of friends and family that are part of this world. The author captures the readers heart with the love, support, and meddling involved. This is a group we'd all want to be a part of.
Surrender is a beautiful comfort/hurt romance. Kelly Fox entertains in this gripping romance. It's an impressive multi-layered romantic read of two men who love hard. You won't regret spending time with these amazing men.
April 5, 2020
Day by day living, growing and loving. Just all the feels! Beautifully broken and making it better day by day. I really liked both MC's and thought this story really picked up right where the first book ended. It felt like a continuation of a great story with the focus on a new couple. Kinda perfect. I really enjoyed seeing the guys from the gym and getting to know this amazing chosen family more.
Jake and Jean Pierre are wonderful, steamy, sweet and so creative. I really love the strength of these MC's and how they communicated and supported each other.
One of my favorite phases from the book is: 'It's not just because he is beautiful. It's the way he's beautiful. I call him my raven because he is dark in spirit, yet iridescent. People who have never been broken could never be this kind of beautiful.'
This is book two of Wrecked series and can be read as a stand-alone. i would however, recommend reading book one because it is so good!
I was gifted this book from Gay Romance Reviews and i freely give my honest opinion and review.
Jake and Jean Pierre are wonderful, steamy, sweet and so creative. I really love the strength of these MC's and how they communicated and supported each other.
One of my favorite phases from the book is: 'It's not just because he is beautiful. It's the way he's beautiful. I call him my raven because he is dark in spirit, yet iridescent. People who have never been broken could never be this kind of beautiful.'
This is book two of Wrecked series and can be read as a stand-alone. i would however, recommend reading book one because it is so good!
I was gifted this book from Gay Romance Reviews and i freely give my honest opinion and review.
April 7, 2020
Jake and Jean-Pierre (who I’ll call J-P) was introduced in Scout and the Lavender girl, written under this author’s FF pen name K.C. Littleton (which I quite enjoyed). I have been eager for their story since then and it’s been a bit of an impatient wait on my part, but it was so worth it. This story is interesting and fun and sexy and romantic. I love love love that both Jake and J-P have their own pasts to overcome, which are similar yet so different, and they’re the perfect match for each other. They never have to go into the full details of what happened to them and exactly how it’s affected them. They never just connect over their trauma. J-P feels so much affection towards Jake and Jake needs the unconditional, tender love that J-P has to offer. And dang, they are hot together!
Also - thank you to Kelly for stressing the importance of, but hurdles associated with, seeking therapy. Deciding to pursue a therapist isn’t the true challenge (although acknowledging it can be hard); it’s finding a therapist you trust and who understands how best to help you. Jake’s therapist is pretty kick ass!
This can be read as a stand-alone, but the MCs from the first book are an integral part of this overarching world and I highly recommend reading the series in order. You do not have to read Scout and the Lavender Girl, but it’s a great story.
Welcome to the MM genre, Kelly. Your stories are interesting, your writing engaging and I so appreciate the accurate portrayal of Austin and Texas. Seriously, I usually cringe when a story is set in Texas because it’s usually full of poor stereotypes.
Also - thank you to Kelly for stressing the importance of, but hurdles associated with, seeking therapy. Deciding to pursue a therapist isn’t the true challenge (although acknowledging it can be hard); it’s finding a therapist you trust and who understands how best to help you. Jake’s therapist is pretty kick ass!
This can be read as a stand-alone, but the MCs from the first book are an integral part of this overarching world and I highly recommend reading the series in order. You do not have to read Scout and the Lavender Girl, but it’s a great story.
Welcome to the MM genre, Kelly. Your stories are interesting, your writing engaging and I so appreciate the accurate portrayal of Austin and Texas. Seriously, I usually cringe when a story is set in Texas because it’s usually full of poor stereotypes.
April 5, 2020
Kelly Fox was a new-to-me author when I picked up the first book in the Wrecked series, and I was hooked. Book 2, Surrender, does not disappoint. Two richly complex, broken men trying their best to live despite the challenges that PTSD presents, won my heart immediately.
Jean-Pierre is elegantly beautiful, nurturing and learning more every day about the person he is and who he wants to be. Jake is grumpy, reserved and clinging to his sobriety. One is ridiculously wealthy and one can barely keep his old beater running. Yet, they fit; nestled together like the parts of the yin yang. Even their nicknames for each other complete this imagery.
I love the entire premise of a gym specifically for combat vets. Fox delved even more deeply into this space, particularly the Corner of Heavy Things and I wound up wishing more of us had access to such an accepting, therapeutic, healing space.
Roly, Nick and Elijah make appearances and you can still count on Roly to keep things light. Scout and Evie bring the female perspective, which helps balance out the admittedly heavily testosterone vibe of portions of the book.
My favourite line was, “People who have never been broken could never be this kind of beautiful”. Ultimately, this appears to be the overwhelming arc of the series and the reason I adore this series and cannot wait for book #3.
Jean-Pierre is elegantly beautiful, nurturing and learning more every day about the person he is and who he wants to be. Jake is grumpy, reserved and clinging to his sobriety. One is ridiculously wealthy and one can barely keep his old beater running. Yet, they fit; nestled together like the parts of the yin yang. Even their nicknames for each other complete this imagery.
I love the entire premise of a gym specifically for combat vets. Fox delved even more deeply into this space, particularly the Corner of Heavy Things and I wound up wishing more of us had access to such an accepting, therapeutic, healing space.
Roly, Nick and Elijah make appearances and you can still count on Roly to keep things light. Scout and Evie bring the female perspective, which helps balance out the admittedly heavily testosterone vibe of portions of the book.
My favourite line was, “People who have never been broken could never be this kind of beautiful”. Ultimately, this appears to be the overwhelming arc of the series and the reason I adore this series and cannot wait for book #3.
April 7, 2020
It always pains me whenever I read about past trauma and the everlasting effect it has on the person. I know that there are a lot of ways of helping them nowadays but the fact remains that it happened to them and will now forever be a part of their being.
As a group of Veterans trying to adapt to a life after service, the characters in this series have different ways of coping. Jake, as a result of what he experienced, became an alcoholic, but has now been sober for two years. He is trying to start fresh with the help of family, friends and one very famous NBA legend!
John-Pierre has his own trauma to overcome having come from war-torn Rwanda. He didn’t escaped unscathed with his parents. He has learned to cope with all of it but not without help from his parents, basketball and his new-found family.
Two beautiful souls whose innocence and life have been overtaken by terror are slowly accepting their new selves and finding love with each other. An amazing addition to this beautiful series!
As a group of Veterans trying to adapt to a life after service, the characters in this series have different ways of coping. Jake, as a result of what he experienced, became an alcoholic, but has now been sober for two years. He is trying to start fresh with the help of family, friends and one very famous NBA legend!
John-Pierre has his own trauma to overcome having come from war-torn Rwanda. He didn’t escaped unscathed with his parents. He has learned to cope with all of it but not without help from his parents, basketball and his new-found family.
Two beautiful souls whose innocence and life have been overtaken by terror are slowly accepting their new selves and finding love with each other. An amazing addition to this beautiful series!
March 29, 2020
♥️Another great book from the author i loved the first book and this is another. The has lots included that especially loved with a gym settings and ex-military persons who are disabled in some way. The sexy French speaking Jean-Pierre will have Jake swooning in no time or maybe that'll be Jean-Pierre. lol. This is a beautiful story for them both but its not without some bad scenes. The only thing I questioned in this was Jake's age for being only 18 he's been through a lot..
The author has written who the characters are in this book at the front to help who is who which I thank her.
10 months ago these two meet and Now the sizzle is still runs hot. Includes retired basketball star, PTSD, sobriety, opening the closet for love, and much more.
Jakes was a yoga instructor at Wrecked a gym for Vets and really had a hot simmer for Jean-Pierre.
Jean-Pierre was a retired NBA Legend now working to make his other projects work including the gym.
The author has written who the characters are in this book at the front to help who is who which I thank her.
10 months ago these two meet and Now the sizzle is still runs hot. Includes retired basketball star, PTSD, sobriety, opening the closet for love, and much more.
Jakes was a yoga instructor at Wrecked a gym for Vets and really had a hot simmer for Jean-Pierre.
Jean-Pierre was a retired NBA Legend now working to make his other projects work including the gym.
March 30, 2020
Yes I really read this book in one day. I could not put it down. We met Jake and Jean-Pierre in book 1 and I could not wait for this book. Although yes it is a stand-alone I think reading book 1 is worth the while to meet everyone that shows up in this book Join the challenge of posting a picture of some landscape from a place where you've been, where the main requirement is that you NOT appear in it. Just a picture, no description. The goal is to flood profiles with landscape photos to give a twist on the situation we're going through.
These men are suffering from PTSD and suffering in their own way but one doesn’t have the other can give. Their are two pieces that when fit together they are whole. They know what the other needs
Their story is complex with an awesome chemistry , sad past, but a bright future
Kelly has set up the next book of the series perfectly and left me wanting more.
These men are suffering from PTSD and suffering in their own way but one doesn’t have the other can give. Their are two pieces that when fit together they are whole. They know what the other needs
Their story is complex with an awesome chemistry , sad past, but a bright future
Kelly has set up the next book of the series perfectly and left me wanting more.
April 20, 2020
Sadly boring
I adored the first book in this series but the main characters in this were fairly insipid and blah. There was nothing outright bad about the book and it did give a glimpse of the other gym characters but it was just boring.
I adored the first book in this series but the main characters in this were fairly insipid and blah. There was nothing outright bad about the book and it did give a glimpse of the other gym characters but it was just boring.
May 2, 2024
4.55⭐I really liked the characters a lot, I be just felt the story was rushed and some details I would have liked to know were skipped over in places. I have really enjoyed this author lately.
Enjoyed for the second time with the audiobook.
Enjoyed for the second time with the audiobook.
April 8, 2020
Jake and Jean-Pierre have a memorable meet-cute only to find that there's a whole lot that could keep them from grasping every happiness together. When Jake's past and their individual mental and emotional health combine it could spell disaster for their budding relationship, but with determination, patience, a fantastic community, and a bit of bedroom spice, they just might find the key to everything they've ever hoped for.
This dealt with a few heavy topics and quite a bit of attention was focused on it. I definitely thought it was important to be thorough in discussing exactly what was going on mentally for Jake so we could understand just what stood between him and the world he could have with Jean-Pierre. That intention meant well, but the execution became long and drawn out and quite repetitive after a while. It dominated the entire story and rather than letting Jake become who he was supposed to be, there was a whole lot of telling and no evolution until nearly the end of the story.
There was a bit of a subplot dealing with Jake's past and how he became the way he was and it was a big surprise confrontation at the end that wrapped that up. The villain was a surprise, but the whole scene was kind of a jumble that didn't work for me. A lot of build-up within the scene for both Jake and the situation itself and the actual action felt disjointed and unsatisfying for all the anticipation.
In terms of the more intimate encounters, there wasn't a whole lot of that and what we got was a very loose application of their shared interests that wasn't given enough attention to feel right and grounded. This could likely have been solved by more objective streamlining. Having their needs mentioned in the synopsis and then to have so little attention given to it in the story itself was a bit of a miss for me. I think it just needed a better overall balance. A better balance between PTSD, romantic progress, and character evolution was definitely needed.
The positives were the overall attitude of Jean-Pierre. His insistence that Jake is his heart's home was so incredibly sweet and I loved his determination to give Jake everything he needed. And combining that with his honesty about his own struggles gave him a genuineness that was a bright spot in the story. The other huge bonus of this story was the community of Wrecked. I'm crazy about all these men and the safe environment they've created for everyone.
I liked the story as a whole, it just needs a bit more work to be great in my opinion. There are quite a few characters that I'm incredibly interested in and will likely be back for more, and I may even jump back to Sanctuary to dive in from the beginning. As a series I find this quite enjoyable, as an individual story, it likely isn't the best representation of either the author's work or the overall series' intentions.
This dealt with a few heavy topics and quite a bit of attention was focused on it. I definitely thought it was important to be thorough in discussing exactly what was going on mentally for Jake so we could understand just what stood between him and the world he could have with Jean-Pierre. That intention meant well, but the execution became long and drawn out and quite repetitive after a while. It dominated the entire story and rather than letting Jake become who he was supposed to be, there was a whole lot of telling and no evolution until nearly the end of the story.
There was a bit of a subplot dealing with Jake's past and how he became the way he was and it was a big surprise confrontation at the end that wrapped that up. The villain was a surprise, but the whole scene was kind of a jumble that didn't work for me. A lot of build-up within the scene for both Jake and the situation itself and the actual action felt disjointed and unsatisfying for all the anticipation.
In terms of the more intimate encounters, there wasn't a whole lot of that and what we got was a very loose application of their shared interests that wasn't given enough attention to feel right and grounded. This could likely have been solved by more objective streamlining. Having their needs mentioned in the synopsis and then to have so little attention given to it in the story itself was a bit of a miss for me. I think it just needed a better overall balance. A better balance between PTSD, romantic progress, and character evolution was definitely needed.
The positives were the overall attitude of Jean-Pierre. His insistence that Jake is his heart's home was so incredibly sweet and I loved his determination to give Jake everything he needed. And combining that with his honesty about his own struggles gave him a genuineness that was a bright spot in the story. The other huge bonus of this story was the community of Wrecked. I'm crazy about all these men and the safe environment they've created for everyone.
I liked the story as a whole, it just needs a bit more work to be great in my opinion. There are quite a few characters that I'm incredibly interested in and will likely be back for more, and I may even jump back to Sanctuary to dive in from the beginning. As a series I find this quite enjoyable, as an individual story, it likely isn't the best representation of either the author's work or the overall series' intentions.
August 26, 2025
2.5 stars
I've read many other stories where Jake and JP were super interesting side characters so I was very excited to start their book. Unfortunately it didn't live up to my expectations as it seems like the most interesting parts of the book are omitted or happen off page.
We start with them meeting in the prologue and feeling a spark, only for the book to pick up almost a year later where they book practically are already in love, just not together. Because of this we miss all the tension building between them, but also so much context and as a result I never truly understood why they were so in love. It just felt like we are told they are in love but have no deeper understanding other than they find each other hot.
Subsequently so much of the book is quite dull and at times it was a struggle to want to finish because for at least 100 pages nothing of importance happens other than basically the same smut scene written over and over. (Let's not mention the random kink that's also thrown in with zero warning or explanation or even discussion by the characters).
Then at the end there are many threads I felt were unresolved for the reader. Which just feels like the book needed more editing - the whole middle could be cut down to a single chapter, whereas the beginning and end needed way more fleshing out.
Then there's the characters. By the end of the book, I still felt like these men were mostly strangers. Jake's personality seemed quite inconsistent and I hate that I felt breadcrumbed about his back story, only to never get the full story. Then there's JP who seemingly got the perfect book boyfriend treatment which I don't love. This man is basically written with no flaws relating to their relationship. For goodness sake the man survived a genocide and "has PTSD" that is never shown other than one weird incident that never explains what he is triggered by - yet is somehow perfectly adjusted and never says a wrong word and is basically a flawless human. But mostly these characters also seem vastly different from how they are in the other books.
Overall, either this book could have been a novella or excluded entirely. Not every side character needs their own book and this very much reads like the author chose an interesting back story idea, but didn't actually have an idea for a story to go with it
I've read many other stories where Jake and JP were super interesting side characters so I was very excited to start their book. Unfortunately it didn't live up to my expectations as it seems like the most interesting parts of the book are omitted or happen off page.
We start with them meeting in the prologue and feeling a spark, only for the book to pick up almost a year later where they book practically are already in love, just not together. Because of this we miss all the tension building between them, but also so much context and as a result I never truly understood why they were so in love. It just felt like we are told they are in love but have no deeper understanding other than they find each other hot.
Subsequently so much of the book is quite dull and at times it was a struggle to want to finish because for at least 100 pages nothing of importance happens other than basically the same smut scene written over and over. (Let's not mention the random kink that's also thrown in with zero warning or explanation or even discussion by the characters).
Then at the end there are many threads I felt were unresolved for the reader. Which just feels like the book needed more editing - the whole middle could be cut down to a single chapter, whereas the beginning and end needed way more fleshing out.
Then there's the characters. By the end of the book, I still felt like these men were mostly strangers. Jake's personality seemed quite inconsistent and I hate that I felt breadcrumbed about his back story, only to never get the full story. Then there's JP who seemingly got the perfect book boyfriend treatment which I don't love. This man is basically written with no flaws relating to their relationship. For goodness sake the man survived a genocide and "has PTSD" that is never shown other than one weird incident that never explains what he is triggered by - yet is somehow perfectly adjusted and never says a wrong word and is basically a flawless human. But mostly these characters also seem vastly different from how they are in the other books.
Overall, either this book could have been a novella or excluded entirely. Not every side character needs their own book and this very much reads like the author chose an interesting back story idea, but didn't actually have an idea for a story to go with it
April 13, 2020
Jake has leftover emotional baggage from his last mission. He went off the rails but his life is on track now. He's teaching yoga to veterans, paying down his medical bills, and he's ready to find a new man. That man is Jean-Pierre, former NBA player, genocide survivor with his own emotional baggage. The man he wants may be as damaged as he, but he's ready to claim him, ready to love him.
I love it when the emotional component of any story is so deep and substantial, and I love it even more if that emotional aspect is intertwined seamlessly with hot physical intimacy, as it is here in Surrender. Their kinks and their demons align perfectly, but it's not easy for them to get past what's haunting them, as well it shouldn't be. Ridding yourself of demons is not easy in real life, and it's always nice when an author mirrors that in their writing. So, an intense, loving emotional connection coupled with an equally intense, scorching physical connection, with shades of kink, and I am so there. I loved this story with its beautiful couple, and I cannot wait for more of the Wrecked world.
ARC via GRR ARC Team.
Review: Live Through Books Blog.
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