Surrender

Although there might be some out in readerland who will not like this story, I found it to be quite an enjoyable read. The heroine is very naive, maybe too much so in the beginning to be believable, but her growth and maturity is rewarding to follow. Some might criticize this story because Jennifer Lee is sort of clingy and not a totally strong and independant woman. Quite to the contrary, I felt it refreshing not to have to read about ANOTHER invincible woman. Jenny is strong in her own way, wanting to prove herself, but not necessarily all on her own. Marcus can be a bit TOO heavyhanded, not telling Jenny things because he doesn't think she needs to know or can handle the truth. Although it does get aggrevating to the modern reader, it is quite realistic to the time period. Men did not 'bother' women with too many details. That doesn't make it right or acceptable today, but it was how it was done then. I think Ms. Rice does a wonderful job in conveying the attitiudes of the time. The relationship between Marcus and Jenny is also a delight to follow. Both are hurt, unintentionally by the other, but they learn to rise above that. Jenny has a hard time, not knowing the 'rules' that Marcus (and society) sets, so is often breaking them. The 'threat' of the story is quite predictable, but does not detract from the main premise of the story...Marc and Jenny's love. Grab this one if you can, its worth reading!!!

This book is a great diversion from the normal romance novels that are in the market. It's different and it's great ! This book makes me want to read all of Patricia's romance novels.

Pregnant after a romantic encounter with a riverboat captain, 17-year-old Jennifer is sent against her will to a home for unwed mothers, which turns out to be a nightmarish hellhole instead. After her rescue by Marcus, who realizes that he is the baby's father, the couple are forced by circumstances to marry. But what happiness can there be in such a forced marriage? Jennifer knows she is not the society wife and heiress Marcus desires, and without love to bind them together, how can she be certain he won't eventually desert her. . . as he did the first time? So, in spite of Marcus' growing passion for her, Jennifer holds herself aloof, insisting that her position as wife be considered merely a job as nursemaid/caretaker for their child and fashion plate for social occasions. In spite of the powerful physical attraction between them, Marcus and Jennifer find themselves fighting against the feelings of love that will make them vulnerable to each other.I found this book so engrossing I couldn't put it down. . . and finished all 500 pages in one evening!