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I am Lover of romance, who indulges in the romantic adventures of literature

My name is Renee, and I am the host of this site. I am a 34 year old woman, on the prowl for her mate, searching out the best of books, exploring the wilds of the imagination and delving into the heart of a beautiful love story.

 

Book Review-Destiny’s Surrender

by | Aug 2, 2015 | Book Reviews | 6 comments

Book Review-Destiny's Surrender

Book Review-Destiny’s SurrenderDestiny's Surrender by Beverly Jenkins
Also in this series: Destiny's Captive, Destiny's Embrace
Series: Destiny #2
Published by Avon on September 24th 2013
Genres: Historical Romance, American West, Interracial Romance
Pages: 384
Format: eBook
Source: Self Purchased
ISBN: 0062231111
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four-half-stars

The child he didn't know he had . . . Andrew Yates has come to a decision: it's time to stop sowing those oats and start a family. But searching for a bride isn't as simple as he'd hoped, and many of the respectable women of his acquaintance feel . . . lacking. Then beautiful, feisty Wilhelmina "Billie" Wells arrives at the family ranch with a toddler in her arms, claiming Drew is the father!The woman he didn't know he loved . . . Billie had no choice but to show up at Destiny in search of Drew. For the sake of their child, she's willing to leave him with his father so the boy can have a better life, but then, before she can blink, she's saying "I do" in front of a preacher in a marriage of convenience. All Billie and Drew have in common is the heat that brought them together, but can their sizzling passion lead to an everlasting love?

My Review

Summary

Andrew Yates know that the time has come for him to be married soon. His mother keeps pressing the issue, and he has been searching for the right woman but has yet to locate her. He finally meets a young woman that meets the desired requirement and would be a companion, but he knows he will never love her. On the eve of his engagement, a passionate Billie arrives with a toddler in her arms, claiming it is his son. Billie has only loved one man, she has had to make difficult choices to survive. But when she and her son are at risk, she plans on giving her son over to Drew and going back east so that he son remains safe. But Drew’s family have different plans for her.  Before she realizes it, she is getting married to Drew, even though she knows she is the last woman that they would ever pair the esteemed Andrew Yates with. At first Drew and Billie have a bit of tension to resolve, but soon they put their anger aside and focus on building a relationship. But soon Drew and Billie will be faced with an enemy that is determined to tear their family apart.

The Hero 

Andrew Yates is a learned and intelligent man. He has worked hard to build up his reputation as a reliable lawyer. With recent laws that have changed Drew is determined to fight to keep their land and keep his career. Drew is a man that is a connoisseur of women, and there is one woman he has cared about more than any other, but he knows there is no future for them until she shows up on his doorstep. Drew has always felt responsible for his family and his career, but when he chooses to be with Billie, his priorities change. He soon learns that he must be firm and stand his ground. What was most fun about Drew is that even though at first he seems to be a bit of a “playboy” there is something more to him that we don’t see at first. He loves reading, is intelligent, a talented lawyer and loves his family. He can stubborn and pig-headed at times, but once his temper cools, he sees the logic of a situation.

The Heroine

 Billie is not one that is afraid of anything except the threat to her son. Billie was an orphan at a very young age and had to learn to survive by eating scrappings on the street, but eventually she became a prostitute at the age of 12 to survive. She is known as one of the most beautiful and talented. She knows what it takes to please a man in bed…its all she has ever known. But when she meets Drew and they have a two-year long affair, she knows that he is so different. Unlike her other customers, buys her clothing, takes her to shows and picnics. And she fell in love with him even knowing she could never have him. When he leaves on a trip for eight months she finds herself pregnant and leaves her career and stays with an older woman that takes her in and she does chores for her. But she never realized how much she would love her son, or what she would do to protect it at any cost. Billie is strong, courageous and quite fierce at times. I loved her character. She has had to learn to be tough at a young age, to survive, but still retains goodness in her. We see how she adapts to a new life among the Yates, and she has such a giving heart.

Plot and Story Line 

This is the second book in this trilogy, and the last book I had to read to finish and what a fun ride it has been reading these Yates brothers. This book just might be my favorite of the three or its a tie with the third book!! I honestly can’t say which one I enjoyed more. What was most fascinating about this book was the characters. At the beginning of the book, we see these two living their lives separately. Andrew taking his time courting a woman he is attracted to but knows he will never love. Billie finding herself pregnant and having to deal with a new set of circumstances. We see both sides of their lives, and the way that their lives change once they come together. I admired both of these characters because they are equaled in temperament (and oh boy the arguments…so funny if there wasn’t a toddler between them hehe) but they also have passion and even though they don’t admit it at first…they desperately love each other just don’t fully realize it at the beginning. Probably why they fight so much. Then we have the supportive characters and boy were they fun. We have Logan and Maisey and their little girl which is close to Billie and Drew son’s age. Then we have the mother, the feisty Mrs. Yates and boy is she one firecracker. From the first moment we meet her you love her. And there is a side love story for her as well. What I found most admirable about her character is how accepting she is of Billie.

“Careful, young woman. Smart-mouthed females are prized here.”

Even though Billie is a prostitute, she sees that Billie is a woman that is need of love and acceptance. One of my favorite scenes was seeing Billie teach the mother in law about desire and passion–quite entertaining. Because Mrs. Yates is in love she doesn’t trust it yet because her first husband deceived her but we see how she begins to soften. I loved that, because in the first book we see how resistant she is to Max, but in this book we see her soften with the arrival of Billie. Then we have the villain that comes into play here, and boy he is one bad dude. It is quite sad what happens (which I refuse to reveal so you will read it) but you see how at this moment when his plan goes into the works…how strong Drew and Billie are and they are one force of nature and I loved seeing them fight not only to survive but to stay together and keep their family strong and united.

She was being kissed with an intesity that touched her soul. The past didn’t matter and neither did the future, only the present where he tasted her tears with soft brushed of his lips and she held him close enough to breath into her heart. Later, when they made love, it wasn’t their usual spirited, bordering on acrobatic coming together. Instead they figted each other with an interlude that was slow and sweet as a Spanish guitar. He worshipped her as if she were the most precious thing in his world. His kisses enchanted. His touch enthralled. The feel of him inside her–magnificent. It was a night Billie would remember for the rest of her life.

This was quite a memorable story for me and I love the way Jenkins writes her stories…truly magical.

The Cover 

I adore this cover…so romantic yet sensual at the same time. I love the pose, and her dress–you don’t always see purple in covers. And I love the background there in the mountains.

Overall View

Destiny’s Surrender is a truly powerful tale of what it takes to fight for what you love, to sacrifice and to never give up on your dreams!! A wondrous romance that kept me fascinated and enthralled. Jenkins is an author not to be missed out on!!

Series Order

Destiny’s Embrace (1)

Destiny’s Surrender (2)

Destiny’s Captive (3) 

About Beverly Jenkins

Beverly Jenkins is an African-American historical romance writer. She and her family live in southeastern Michigan. Born in Detroit, she graduated from Cass Technical High School and attended Michigan State University where she majored in Journalism and English Literature.
Ms. Jenkins has written sixteen books to date and has received numerous awards for her works, including: the Detroit Free Press Book of the Year, three Waldenbooks Best Sellers Awards; two Career Achievement Awards from Romantic Times Magazine; a Golden Pen Award from the Black Writer’s Guild, and in 1999, Ms. Jenkins was voted one of the Top Fifty Favorite African-American writers of the 20th Century by AABLC, the nation’s largest on-line African-American book club. In May of 2002, Ms. Jenkins published her first historical novel for young adults, titled: Belle and the Beau. Her second YA, Josephine and the Soldier followed in 2003.
Ms. Jenkins has been featured in many national publications, including the Wall Street Journal, People Magazine, Dallas Morning News and Vibe Magazine. She has lectured at such prestigious universities as Oberlin University; the University of Illinois; and the University of Michigan. She speaks widely on both romance and 19th century African-American history at libraries, schools and organizations including Romance Writers of America, and the Afro–American Historical and Genalogical Society. She is active in her church and community, and in November 2001 was a recipient of the YWCA Woman of Achievement Award.
In February of 2004, Ms. Jenkins’ first contemporary novel of romantic suspense, The Edge of Midnight was released. Sexy/Dangerous, her fourth novel of romantic suspense will be in stores in November 2006.

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6 Comments

  1. Sharonda

    I have this one, now I cannot wait to read it. Great review Renee!

    Reply
    • Lover Of Romance

      oh yes, this is such a fun series and I just love this author. She writes great stories.

      Reply
  2. Quinn's Book Nook

    I really want to try Beverly Jenkins. I’m so glad you enjoyed this one.

    Reply
  3. Anna@herding cats&burning soup

    Ahh this one was one we voted on for book club but it got beat out by another (that I so did not end up liking bummer!) Definitely sounds like this would have been a better pick. Quite the heroine!

    Reply
  4. kimbacaffeinate

    This sounds good, and I love when it keeps you enthralled.

    Reply
  5. Lindy Gomez

    Wow! I love the sound of this plot! I’m glad the Mrs. Yates is so accepting of Billie! That poor lady has gone through too much! I’m glad that Drew is a good guy and really loves her! Excellent Review! I want to read this!!!

    Lindy@ A Bookish Escape

    Reply

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