Last Surrender

If you like books with a slow burn, a little suspense and a lot of love then Last Surrender is the book for you. I am blown away by how well written this book is. I was captivated from page one and have been recommending it every chance I get. The characters are relatable and could very well remind you of people in your own life. Heather has always been the black sheep of sorts in her family, never doing what her mother “expected” of her. When she starts spending time with the town bad boy turned good, no one in her family approves and she finds herself having to choose between blood relatives and the family she never thought she’d have. Jeremiah got a second chance at life the night he was arrested 11 years ago. He made the most of it and became a man he hoped his family could be proud of. He had always carried a torch for Heather but never had the chance to make his intentions known. And then she showed up on his doorstep and everything changed. When news of his cousin’s impending release from prison reaches Jeremiah, he fears that his cousin will seek retribution against him for ratting him out. When a couple cattle from their ranch turn up dead and a familiar stranger finds himself stranded in the cold and seeks shelter at the cabin Jeremiah is staying at, he knows it’s the beginning of Cat vs. mouse.... and it’s just a matter of when the cat will pounce.

Last Surrender is a Must Read Book. Suzie's elaborate descriptions place you right in the middle of the story. One can practically see, feel and smell everything that is in the book. I even want to try a "recipe" that she described in it. Every time I read one of her books, I really want to be in the place that she describes. It gives such a warm and back home feel to it. Not only does her descriptions make you feel you are there, you can practically feel what the people are feeling too. If you are not a big fan of foul language, this book does contain a little bit (not much though). Heather and Jeremiah are ordinary people who have had some family issues. He does seem a bit shyer than the other male characters in her books. Heather's family seems very opinionated and demanding. The beginning made me think Heather was sort of a "snob" treating Jeremiah like he didn't exist in the past, which in turn, made me feel real bad for him. But the further into the story, the more it shows why they are as they are and how each other helps the other overcome their past. As always, the ending is happy, even though there is a rough spot. To have rough spots adds more twists to stories, which I like. I also love the way this book describes the difference between blood and family, and you can have one, the other, or both. One does not need to read the other books to understand what is going on in this one, but it does help. And all of Suzie's Northstar books are wonderful. Not only is this one a must read, so are the others!!! I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Both Heather and Jeremiah had things to think about on what turns out to be a day of anniversaries. It was Heather's birthday and she had ditched yet another suitor, whilst Jeremiah was reviewing past mistakes. In a moment of camaraderie, they agree to celebrate Heather's birthday and the flame that has been flickering between them, flares to life. I loved Jeremiah's beautiful soul, his compassion and understanding of Heather, as well as his firm but respectful approach towards her family. Despite Jeremiah's past, Heather has had an equally difficult growing up experience. She has never met the expectations of her family and they have discredited her at every turn. When Jeremiah's past is unleashed on them, everyone is put at risk and when the chips are down, their true characters come to the fore. I enjoyed this well-written and suspenseful romance, and although it is part of a series, it comes to a joyful close. I read this book as part of the “A Cowboy Kind of Night” box set, which I received as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.