Surrender

Rating:
Summary: Another great one by Ms Graham!
Review: "Surrender" is terrific! Oh, Jerome McKenzie, son of the brave, handsome James McKenzie, what a man! Risa Magee thought she was in love with Jerome's cousin, Ian McKenzie, who recently wed Southerner Alaina McMann. However, when Risa crosses paths with Jerome, the sparks are definitely lit and the dynamite is about to explode!!
Jerome's and Risa's story is exciting and suspenseful. As the sparks fly, you will definitely keep turning the pages.

Rating:
Summary: A fairly passionless romance
Review: As romance novels go, this one wasn't bad. But it was definitely no page-turner either.

What I liked: I like historical romances, and to that extent, this book fit the bill. While I don't know how accurate the events in the book are, you got the feeling that you were getting a glimpse of history as you read.

I also liked Jerome. He's a very likeable character that made you want to read more about him. Risa was pretty likeable too even if the author did have her carry on a bit much about which side of the war each of them were on. The author infused a little mystery in the story that worked well, and had me interested in finding out what would happen next, and who was behind the dastardly deeds. She also had some decent scenes where Risa got herself into one scrape or another and Jerome had to get her out of it. It's because of these scenes that I liked Jerome.

What I didn't like: Jerome and Risa together didn't inspire much passion. Yes, there was some passion, but something was lacking in their interaction that made this book a little less than what it could have been. I think it's because the two characters didn't interact often enough in ways that would lead up to the type of passion typically seen in historical romances. Usually in these books, the sparks are flying when the two characters meet even though they fight off the growing feelings of love. In this book, while there were some sparks, they kind of fizzled, rather than grew into a raging fire. So it was hard for me to really care whether their romance grew into something meaningful or not.

I also didn't like the fact that the author had Jerome's sister involved in what could have been a decent subplot, but failed to deliver on it. I was left with questions about what happened with that part of the story. And to top it off, the book's ending was a little less than inspiring.

All in all, the pieces for a good story were all here, but the author didn't deliver. What you have is a fairly decent romance that you can pass the time with. But if you want a really good story, I suggest you look elsewhere.

Rating:
Summary: A fairly passionless romance
Review: As romance novels go, this one wasn't bad. But it was definitely no page-turner either.

What I liked: I like historical romances, and to that extent, this book fit the bill. While I don't know how accurate the events in the book are, you got the feeling that you were getting a glimpse of history as you read.

I also liked Jerome. He's a very likeable character that made you want to read more about him. Risa was pretty likeable too even if the author did have her carry on a bit much about which side of the war each of them were on. The author infused a little mystery in the story that worked well, and had me interested in finding out what would happen next, and who was behind the dastardly deeds. She also had some decent scenes where Risa got herself into one scrape or another and Jerome had to get her out of it. It's because of these scenes that I liked Jerome.

What I didn't like: Jerome and Risa together didn't inspire much passion. Yes, there was some passion, but something was lacking in their interaction that made this book a little less than what it could have been. I think it's because the two characters didn't interact often enough in ways that would lead up to the type of passion typically seen in historical romances. Usually in these books, the sparks are flying when the two characters meet even though they fight off the growing feelings of love. In this book, while there were some sparks, they kind of fizzled, rather than grew into a raging fire. So it was hard for me to really care whether their romance grew into something meaningful or not.

I also didn't like the fact that the author had Jerome's sister involved in what could have been a decent subplot, but failed to deliver on it. I was left with questions about what happened with that part of the story. And to top it off, the book's ending was a little less than inspiring.

All in all, the pieces for a good story were all here, but the author didn't deliver. What you have is a fairly decent romance that you can pass the time with. But if you want a really good story, I suggest you look elsewhere.

Rating:
Summary: Take the phone off the hook & send the kids to grandma's.
Review: Heather Graham is one of the best and this book proves it beyond a doubt. I could not put this one down, stayed up ALL night to read it. Jerome McKenzie is a hero to fall in love with. Every character in this book is memorable! If you've read the previous titles in the McKenzie series you will love this one!!

Rating:
Summary: Heather Graham is always wonderful!!!
Review: Heather Graham writes fantastic romance-the best!!! I have read all of her books, more than once, and all of her books under the name Shannon Drake. I can never put her down. My husband laughs at me because I read them from cover to cover in one sitting.

Rating:
Summary: Haven't read Surrender yet
Review: I have read Captive and Runaway. I have Rebel but there seems to be a book missing because Runaway ended in the 1930s as did Captive. Rebel seems to start in the 1860s. Is there a book in between? I know Glory is the fifth book. Which is 4th and which is 3rd. Is there a book that talks of James's and Jarrett's kids growing up?

Rating:
Summary: Ms Graham is such a wonderful story teller
Review: I have read Runaway, Captive, Rebel and now Surrender. The whole story about the McKenzie's is absolutely wonderful. I have not been able to put these books down until finished. When is the next book coming out? What about Sydney? You must get us through the Civil War. GOOD BOOK, GOOD SERIES!!!

Rating:
Summary: The book is great!!!
Review: I just loved this book. I admired Risa for her courage. Her and Jerome are the perfect match. I hope Heather Graham writes about Sydney next. I would also like to see what happens to the McKenzie family.

Rating:
Summary: One of the best books in the McKenzie saga
Review: I love romance books centered in the Civil War era and Heather Graham is one of the best writers about it. Can't wait for the next one to come out!!!!

Rating:
Summary: Loved it!
Review: I've read this book--as well as the rest of the McKenzie saga--about four times now. Surrender is the next perfect continuation of the story. I love how Graham doesn't forget her previous characters and weaves them into each story she writes. I fell in love with Ian in Rebel, but fell more in love with Jerome. His fire and passion burn right through the pages.

I think the story could have been better had there been more interaction between Risa and Jerome. It seems they spend more time apart than they do together. And the times they do spend together, they are working against each other rather than making amends.

All in all, however, this is a wonderful story and quite a page turner.