In New York Times bestselling author Joan Johnston’s scorching contemporary romance, a second chance at love may be the last. When a sudden tornado of flame from a raging forest fire snuffs out both engines of the Twin Otter being piloted by Taylor Grayhawk, she locks eyes with the last man on the plane: her longtime enemy and one-time lover, smoke jumper Brian Flynn. Grayhawk and Flynn can’t … Flynn. Grayhawk and Flynn can’t agree on anything—not even how to escape their desperate situation. Once they’re on the ground, the only shelter they can find leaves the adversaries trapped together—with no way out.
Injured and starving, Taylor and Brian struggle to survive, yet somehow the threat of imminent death reignites something deep and powerful between them. Feelings they thought long dead rise from the ashes, suddenly making them more than just allies in a life-or-death struggle against nature’s fury. A still greater challenge awaits when fate delivers them from harm and puts their rekindled love to its ultimate test: Surrender to each other, or part forever.
Praise for Surrender
“A dazzling story of passion and second chances at love . . . When the two star-crossed lovers meet again, tensions rise with heart-pounding desire that will burn up the sheets. . . . [Surrender] is explosively sexy and that makes Joan Johnston the leading lady in contemporary romances.”—RT Book Reviews
“The fast and furious pace is what makes this read thoroughly enjoyable. . . . Chock-full of excitement, intrigue and sensual romance . . . a wonderful story of survival and determination.”—bookworm2bookworm
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This starts out exciting from the beginning with a raging fire and a disabled plane going down and nothing to do but jump…into the fire. Taylor Grayhawk is flying the smokejumpers when her plane engines catch fire and she is going down. Brian Flynn jumped on board to help spot for her at the last minute when her spotter didn’t show up and now he is demanding she jump with him. They jump together using one it is a wonder they land in an area still not on fire. Minutes later Brian is attacked by a bear and injured but the bear runs off and they find the den but are trapped by a falling tree. After a week trapped they finally find a way out and nearly starved and with Brian injured they are able to travel a ways trying to survive. This time together brings them closer and reinforces their feelings they thought were forgotten over the years. Close to death, they are rescued but will they survive once home? Will the love they found in the wilderness survive?
Books in series. Like that kind.
Thoroughly enjoyed!! You will too.
Loved this book. Very well written. Already pre-ordered the next one in this series
“Revenge is an act of passion; vengeance of injustice. Injuries are revenged; crimes are avenged.” –Samuel Johnson
Firemen, smokejumpers, and bears… oh, my. Yep, we have fireman Brian Flynn, his pilot and ex-girlfriend, Taylor “Tag” Grayhawk, flying into the smoke and flames in order to deposit smokejumpers near a raging forest fire. After releasing their jumpers, they circle the drop zone, to ensure the firefighters landed safely. A sudden and freakish fire tornado snuffs out her twin engines and they have to jump in order to save their own lives. Now stranded on the ground, they find themselves surrounded by a blazing inferno. Utilizing all his firefighting knowledge and skills… Brian, along with Taylor, will have to depend on each other in order to survive.
This was a story about love, forgiveness, survival, and discovering what you truly want in life. However, what could have been a beautiful love story was completely overtaken and crushed into the ground by a strong thread of bitterness, hate, revenge and a longstanding family feud. There was also a congested list of additional characters, brothers, sisters, and cousins, that made up this series of Bitter Creek Novels. Two of the couples were featured in previous books in this Grayhawk vs Flynn feud series: Sinful: Delta sergeant Connor Flynn and Eva Grayhawk. Pub 4-28-15, and Shameless: Pippa Grayhawk and Devon Flynn. Pub 12-29-15
“My family has existed in eastern Kentucky for as long as there are records. If you’re familiar with the famous Hatfield-McCoy family feud back in the 1860’s, ‘70’s and ‘80’s in the United States, my family was an integral part of that.” –J.D. Vance
Although this can be read as a stand-a-lone, you will soon figure out that the story is a continuation and several of the characters have been featured in previous books. There are actually several books [different threads] in the Bitter Creek Novels and one thing stands out that is common to all of them. It seems that these people cannot get along with anyone, or themselves. There has to be something in the water. First, in this corner we have the Blackthorne vs Creed feud. Next… and in this corner, we have the Blackthorne vs the Grayhawk feud. And then we have the current Grayhawk vs Flynn feud. These guys are fighting over anything and everything. We are talking about century-old feuds… opposing dynasties and family rivals between scions. Dang, the books float back and forth between western, modern, and Regency time periods.
I have decided… I am not even going to attempt to start at book one and make my way through this mess. I don’t know how many books there are for sure as they stopped numbering them at seven. However, I did find at least eight more books with the name Bitter Creek on them. As I read the book blurbs and the reviews… they all are full of bitterness, revenge, feuding and hate between which ever family is fighting at the time. There are bastard children coming out of the woodwork years later and causing all manner of mayhem. There are bitter divorces, Romeo and Juliet type of romances and marriages, and children of the yours, mine and ours type with no love for themselves, their parents, or anyone else.
I don’t want to read love stories where the lovers are twisted and hurtful to each other. That is just wrong. Why are these people in love with someone that hates their guts… only to fall into bed with them the next minute… and creating an unexpected pregnancy? The cognitive dissonance is maddening. I see one thing, I read another, and yet… the story suddenly turns and twists and everything becomes clear and they love each other and will have their HEA. Only after the author has wrung out every last emotion that the reader has left. Whew!
Rating: MA: Mature Audience: language, graphic sex. I volunteered to read this and the views expressed are my own. I thank the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this and write a review.
ARC for honest review with no compensation received by Netgalley
This was my first book by Joan Johnston and will not be my last!
When feuding between powerful families, the Flynns and Grayhawks comes to play you find many sub plots, that has adventure, suspense, secrets, second chance romance, and a raging wildfire to bring out the best and worst in people and hopes for some happy endings and new beginnings!! Can Taylor and Brian help bring peace to the feuding families or will it all go up in smoke??
“Surrender” by Joan Johnston
Wow !! Since I tend to emotionally live a well written story.. I was scared, thirsty, bone tired, and saw things I will remember for a long time, and, I laughed and cried, too. I was gifted with a copy of this story… which I thoroughly enjoyed. I think it would make an interesting book club read.. I expect this story to grab & keep your attention just as surely as it did mine. Happy Reading !
Joan Johnston has written an original and suspenseful winner! I loved this book and will be going back and reading the other Greyhawk/Flynn books. I was totally captivated by Taylor (Tag) and Brian’s story. Tag is a pilot and Brian is a firefighter/smoke jumper. Their families have been long time rivals starting with their fathers dislike, or hate, for one another. When Tag’s plane goes down in a huge fire she and Brian have to fight to survive together. Once rescued they have to learn to live in in the real world together and deal with their family rivalry head on. There were many twists and turns in this story and I truly appreciated a unique story.
I received an Advanced Readers Copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The opinions I’ve expressed in this review are honest and entirely my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and I am voluntarily reviewing it.
OMGosh! This was fantastic. I just fell in love with Taylor and Brian. The characters and the plot were so realistic. I really don’t know has Ms. Johnston does it but I just get lost in her books. I couldn’t put it down it was so compelling. I could visualize the scenes happening just like I was there in the middle of it. I really hated to see the story end. It was like saying good-bye to old friends.
I so highly recommend this book to anyone. Ms. Johnston is a MUST read author for me.
“Surrender” (Bitter Creek Book 11/ King’s Brats Book 3) by Joan Johnston is a great read. I loved Taylor and Brian’s story. This is the first time I’ve read this author’s work and I will definitely read more. I am looking forward to reading the other books in this series. This story has romance, passion, smoke jumpers and firefighters, family, feuds, second chances, and more. Highly recommend to all fans of romance, firefighters and smoke jumpers, family, and series.
Surrender starts with a terrifying accident: Taylor Grayhawk and Brian Flynn go down in a flaming plane crash and what follows is a harrowing story. The story is about the crash, yes, but it is really all about Taylor and Brian as they have a history from long ago. The “history” between them deals with their feuding families and a short dating history from their teenage years. I won’t recap the story; you should read it for yourself. I will tell you that both Taylor and Brian fought their attraction, again, and again, and sometimes it was heartbreaking. Other times, I wanted to shake ‘em up a bit and have them grow spines to stand up to each other and their families. The story of their struggles is truthful and real and that’s what makes the story, at least in my opinion. And their siblings? They make these two look like angels! Great story that kept me reading until I was finished. I freely read and reviewed this book through NetGalley.
This just might have been the best contemporary romance I have ever read from Joan Johnston. From the very first page I was hooked as I anxiously read to see not only if Taylor and Brian would survive the plane crash, the forest fire, and multiple other obstacles but also whether they would find their way back to one another. Filled with nonstop action, this was a very enjoyable read. Although there were multiple occasions where I just wanted to knock some sense into Brian! All in all a great read, and a book that I didn’t want to put down. Can’t wait to see what happens with Taylor’s sisters in the next book.
Joan Johnson is a new-to-me author. I previously read the 4 book Bitter Creek Brides. From the very first paragraph, I was instantly captivated with this story. I read in 2 sittings and was upset that I even had to put down. This author told this story in such a way that I felt like I was along for the ride. I don’t want to say anything about the story line because I don’t want to give anything away and I want you to enjoy every word of this book. It’s a must read!
This is the third book in the series regarding the feuding Grayhawk and Flynn families.
Tag Grayhawk and Brian Flynn had dated briefly in high school, until Tag broke it off after pressure from her twin. Since then, Tag had broken 3 engagements, since she has never loved another as she did Brian and Brian had been married and divorced. Brian is a fire fighter and Tag a pilot.
The book begins with Tag piloting a a plane over a fire and Brian on board as the spotter, when both engines flared out and they had to parachute in tandem, trying to land in a tiny meadow that was still not on fire. They get trapped in a cave and must work together to survive, while both families work together to find them. They will either die together or work to build a new life as one. As always, very well developed characters, engaging plot and rewarding resolution.
A big fire. A fire jumper. A fire pilot. A crash. Fighting for survival. This is Brian and Taylor’s story in Surrender, by Joan Johnston.
Taylor Grayhawk is one of King’s brats, the rival family to Brian Flynn and his family, those awful Flynn boys. She has spent the better part of her adult life running away from commitment because she has been afraid to let anyone in. She and Brian shared a secret relationship in high school, which she never got over, but life is short and you can never turn back right?
Brian Flynn is a local firefighter and fire jumper. He lives for the thrill of being able to stop the fires as they come and to save the lives that he may. His life is free to do what he pleases. He is recently divorced and has sworn off women and intimate relations for the past year, because you can’t trust anyone with your heart.
Taylor has been a pilot for fire jumping for a while. Brian has ended up on some of her flights. They haven’t spoken about anything in this time, just gone through the process of getting the job done. But during a routine fire jump, the engine on the plane goes out, and Brian must save Taylor. This leaves them stranded in a burned out part of the forest, and gives them time to not only talk about the past, but to talk about the future together. Will they be able to survive their destitute situation? Or will they die never knowing what could have been?
I really enjoyed this book. Brian and Taylor’s story was intermixed with that of their siblings, so there came real understanding of their pasts and what lead to their present. Good read. I would love to read the rest of the series to see the beginning through to the end, and to continue their story throughout the rest of the series.
Four Stars
I absolutely loved Surrender!!
It is the first book I’ve read by
Joan Johnston, & it won’t be the last.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading it!!
It is a sexy, suspenseful, & emotional story. Tag & Brian were caught in a firestorm tornado, which flared out the engines, in her Twin Otter plane. Tag flys in & drops off smoke jumpers. Brian is a
smoke jumper, who was stayed with Tag, after her drop off, to be a spotter,
& report on the fire storm.
Tag & Brian, have known each other,
their whole life. Their father’s are sworn enemies. With a strange twist of fate,
Tag & Brian will need to depend on
one another, if their going to survive.
Their father’s vendetta has effected both family’s, Tag & her three sisters, & Brian
& his three brothers.
The story pulled me in, & kept me
reading, wanting to find out what
happens next.
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND FOR EVERYONE!!!
Second chances don’t come around too often, but in this story it does for Taylor Grayhawk and Brian Flynn. Thrown together after years apart and a lot of water under the bridge, Taylor and Brian are forced to work together at what they do best. Taylor, a corporate pilot and Brian, a firefighter are fighting a raging wildfire and the fire in their hearts ignites. There are so many emotions in this tale. Being in a constant danger, there is love, romance and the best of all hope that they will be able to make it out alive.
A faced paced story that will have you turning the pages quickly to find out what happens. Be warned you will not be able to put it down once you start. In the wonderful style of Joan Johnston, you will be drawn into the emotions of the characters and rooting for them until the very end. Don’t miss this great book and all of the Bitter Creek Series.
Taylor Grayhawk is a pilot, who flies smoke jumpers during the summer months. Brian Flynn, is a firefighter who happens to be a smoke jumper and a spotter for smoke jumpers. Brian suits up to be a spotter for the current flight out, and it’s him and Taylor together when trouble arises. They tandem jump to safety, but are not safe. Surrounded by fire they are tested in all ways possible, and come to terms with their past as they fall in love again. Will their love survive being rescued, and everything the rescue unfolds?
I could not put this book down, literally. I was drawn into finding out if Taylor and Brian would survive, and then how they would overcome their personal issues in order to find their HEA.
Joan keeps you in suspense as you read this beautiful second chance romance. I received a Advanced Reader Copy from NetGallery for an honest review.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest opinion.
Surrender, by Joan Johnston is the first book that I have read by this author. It had me from the from the beginning. “Tag” (Taylor) and Brian grabbed me and kept me cheering for them throughout the story. I couldn’t stop reading their story. It has suspense and romance and the great story keeps you guessing what will happen next. I definitely would recommend this book.
I had not read a book by Ms Johnston in years and when given the opportunity, I decided to give this one a try
I suspect I will be in the minority , but this book just did not do it for me. Maybe because I haven’t read the entire series , but I found it exhausting.
The main story was about Taylor and Brian, old lovers who get connect temporarily after an airplane accident. They are offsprings of rivaling families. A sort of Hartfield/McCoy, or Capulet/Montague feud. Add to that at least 3 other sub-plots with the same theme and it felt more like a soap opera. The main theme of loving one from a rivaling family with an on again/off again relationship and all the drama that went with it.
All that said, I continue to value the talent and dedication of this author.
I was gifted this copy by Netgalley. The opinions expressed are solely personal.