Surrender to the Devil

By: Lorraine Heath

Narrated by: Susan Ericksen

Length: 8 hrs and 51 mins

Publisher's summary

A Devilish Duke on a Quest for Pleasure...

Frannie Darling was once a child of London's roughest streets, surrounded by petty thieves, pickpockets, and worse. But though she survived this harsh upbringing to become a woman of incomparable beauty, Frannie wants nothing to do with the men who lust for her, the rogues who frequent the gaming hall where she works. She can take care of herself and feels perfectly safe on her own-safe, that is, until he strides into her world, and once again it becomes a very dangerous place indeed.

To bed her but not wed her. That's what Sterling Mabry, the eighth Duke of Greystone, wants. But Frannie abhors arrogant aristocrats interested only in their own pleasure. So why then does the thought of an illicit tryst with the devilish duke leave her trembling with desire? Her willing body begs for release . . . and a wicked, wonderful surrender.

©2009, 2011 Jan Nowasky (P)2012 HarperCollinsPublishers

Great Story but Narrator could had been better

Where does Surrender to the Devil rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

2 out of 5

Would you be willing to try another one of Susan Ericksen’s performances?

Not sure I'm a fan of Susan Ericksen. Biggest issue was every "s" sounded like "shhh" with a bit of a whistle sound such as Shhh..urrender to the Devil - I even tried to reload the audio but same thing. There were many times when it wasn't clear who was speaking. She was awesome with the voices of the lower class but there wasn't really any clear voice distinctions between the main characters.

Great Great Great Story

Just as good, if not better, than the previous books in the series. As I listen to them, I am beginning to get a feel for the narrator. She still isn't as smooth to listen to as the likes of Simon Prebble, but they are still worth the listen.

Enjoyable Listen

Would you listen to Surrender to the Devil again? Why?

This is part 1 of 4 storys, I realy enjoyed the continuation through all 4 storys.

CAPTIVATING

What did you love best about Surrender to the Devil?

I Iove the scoundrels of St James series and really wanted to hear about Frannie being the only girl. I loved how she viewed life and what she wanted for herself.

love these books

another great book from many heath. love the narrator too! can't wait to start the next.

Very good addition to the series :D

4 stars

This was a very good story. I liked Frannie and Sterling and liked seeing them get together.

***Alert, this might be considered spoilerish because I tell a secret os Sterling's***

Frannie was an orphan (at least she believes she is) that grew up with a group of child thieves (2 of which were Luke and Jack from books #1 & 2). Her childhood friends have gone on to better lives and so has she, now working as a bookkeeper for Jack’s Gentleman’s club. Her friends are very protective of Frannie but she sometimes feels smothered by their attempts to keep her safe. Her only passion is a home she’s opened for orphaned or homeless children.

Sterling is a Duke (the brother of Catherine, heroine from book #1) who was travelling around the world for years (before he got his title) and only recently returned. He is having issues with his sight getting worse as he ages and he fears that in a few years he'll be blind (that was the spoiler). Sterling left to travel while he still had good sight but that didn't sit well with his father which caused a rift between them. Unfortunately, they weren't able to work things out before his father died. Sterling knows it’s his responsibility to marry and sire an heir before he goes blind but he doesn’t look forward to it.

Frannie meets Sterling at Catherine’s wedding. There’s an attraction between Frannie and Sterling but Frannie’s friends are circling protectively and try to keep them apart. Regardless of this, Frannie and Sterling end up chancing upon each other in the library. Sterling flirts some, not realizing just how inexperienced Frannie is with the relationships between men and woman. He ends up propositioning her to become his lover and Frannie surprises herself by saying she'll consider it. Frannie is attracted to Sterling but doesn't want to be with someone who won't marry her so she eventually says no. Sterling accepts this for the time being but plans to pursue her further. In the meantime, Jack and Swindler go about trying to warn Sterling off...with their fists. Sterling doesn’t let that deter him and intends to see Frannie again regardless of the objections. He understands that Frannie’s friends don’t want her to get hurt and he doesn't intend to hurt her but he’s not thinking about how her heart could be broken. I think he thought that if he made it understood it was only supposed to be temporary that her heart wouldn't get involved but that’s before he really knew her.

Sterling and Frannie encounter each other a few different times and in the process he begins to learn more about her. He realizes just what a sweet and caring person she is and just how much love she has to give. As Sterling gets to know Frannie more, he learns more about her work with needy children and thinks even more of her because of it. He realizes he can't marry her and that she doesn't want to be a Duchess so he wants what he can get with her. He knows soon he'll have to marry some appropriate Lady to sire an heir on and he’s not looking forward to it. Sterling is sure whatever woman he marries won't be thrilled about his failing eyesight and he doesn’t look forward to what is sure to be an unhappy future. He knows he should start looking for his future wife but keeps putting it off. Sterling and Frannie grow to care for each other and eventually Frannie decides she wants Sterling regardless of their future and their physical relationship finally comes to fruition. It’s nice to see Frannie’s goodness rub off on to Sterling and it was nice seeing Frannie get some enjoyment in life. There are some difficulties and danger that have to be faced by Sterling and Frannie and it’s not easy for them. Thankfully they manage to come through alright and end the story with a HEA.

This was a very good story. I liked Frannie (she was a really good heroine) and Sterling and liked their story. I didn't have any particular complaints about the story. It was pretty good and was interesting enough to keep me reading until the end. I’m planning to read the next book in the series. I’d recommend this story. :)

love these Lorraine Heath audio books!

Would you listen to Surrender to the Devil again? Why?

yes, it was a great knowing all the characters better.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Surrender to the Devil?

The suspense as each one of Fallons kids do their best

What does Susan Ericksen bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Her suspensful voice is great and you really visualize all the happenings...

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

yes

Any additional comments?

Audible.com is a great way to download books at a reduced price. The best way I have found all is so clear and just great! I really appreciate being a member of the....

Excellent Story and Characters

I liked the plot of this story especially because it was about the shy often thought of by the English nobility as worthless, Frannie Darling. The story unfolds beautifully and again, the narration by Susan Ericksen is memorable. I found this book because of her narration. I liked the first one in this series and plan to download the third.

If you enjoy a good plot, believable characters that are entertaining, you'll like this audio book.

a lovely book

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

yes its a god book and i love it is so steamy

Have you listened to any of Susan Ericksen’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

yes i have and she is good so light and interesting to lissen to

A beautiful story..captured my heart!

There are less than a handful of book series that have been emotionally compelling and have made an indelible mark upon my heart…..and even though this is the 1st book in the series that I have read, I know (in my gut) that this will be counted among those I treasure.

The romance between Frannie Darling and Sterling Mabry, the eighth Duke of Greystone reeled me in right away, and it all has to do with the way this book is written….it's beautifully written. The writing is quite powerful. Heath uses metaphors, analogies and descriptions that are vivid and float off of the pages evoking deep emotions between the characters, in regard to both the challenges and triumphs of their life.

THE LOVE STORY:
Sterling can't keep his gaze off of Frannie. He is absolutely drawn to her and keenly aware of her presence (even before meeting her personally). Frannie, feels his attention and when they both finally meet the experience is completely visceral. It's all about the breathing, the excited thrill of momentum and being touched in a way that expresses a deep hunger, and a promise of things to come.

It all started with one night, as propositioned by Sterling. Sterling who arrived from traveling various continents, presents as a mystery. He wants Frannie, but can only give her one night as he feels the plans for his life are cemented, in part due to his station as a duke, but also because of a secret that will inevitably come out that will cause others to reject him completely.

Sterling is such a delicious hero. Frannie describes him as "courageous, determined and intriguing." AND, he has a dragon tattoo across his back and shoulder!--Talk about being way too sexy for his era!

Sterling is attracted by Frannie's beauty, but also by the mixture of her innocence and street smarts. She intrigues him like no other. I like how he studies her and learns what is important to her. Sterling commented that she "has so much compassion, with no bitterness" (after getting to know her and her life story).

When Frannie & Sterling are together is as though they are incubated in the happiness of their own bubble. Their love is an unselfish bond that includes an even amount of giving and receiving.

"She felt as though her body was the world and he was traveling across it, sampling every aspect."

Sterling was just so sweet and tender with Frannie. When he found out about how she was brutally raped at the age of 12 years, he makes sure to go at a pace sensitive to Frannie's needs. And, believe me Frannie feels a strong need for this man. He is the only man who has awakened her appetite for passion. Frannie is such a loving, compassionate, beautiful woman (inside & out) that you can't help but feel triumph in her love of Sterling.

As you can imagine, this romance outgrows the constrictions placed by society, it outgrows his own fear of his secret and it outgrows even the time they spend apart. To Sterling it comes to a point that nothing, not even his title is as important as she is. There is a part where he risks his own life for her…..OMG, this is just a beautiful romance…I could go on and on!!!

FAGAN LADS (AMAZING!!!):
I loved how Frannie is so cherished and loved by the "Fagan lads" who are the boys she grew up with in the rookeries of London who are now very successful adult men. Luke, Jack, Jim and even Bill, the physician, are a powerful shield of protection for her. I love how they were so opposed to Sterling's advances to Frannie & stepped in right away! They truly acted like a overprotective brothers. Sterling finally earns their trust, but oh the journey! LOL I love how they come together after Sterling is set to marry Frannie & they approach him formally wanting to provide a dowry for Frannie. When she objects, their response is, "It is necessary because you don't go to him with nothing." OMG..that part was awesome, especially when the surprise about how much money she actually has comes out---Awesome moment!!!

I can't wait to read Luke, Jack and Jim's books. It's like a feeling of Christmas, with so many gifts awaiting to be opened!

There are a lot of touching moments in the book….like poor Jim & his unrequited love for Frannie (poor guy, but can't wait to read his book!), Little Peter (OMG..what a precious boy), Nancy (Frannie's childhood friend from the rookeries), and CHARLS DICKENS (OMG…his inclusion was such an awesome element), and lastly…Frannie's dad…wow, made me tear up.

Narrator: I really liked Susan Erickson. I think she did a great job in bringing the characters to life.