The Gift of Surrender

In the faraway kingdom of Arenpera, King Vauraus, is in failing health. To protect the kingdom from outside enemies who might think it vulnerable, it is decided that his only daughter Princess Sarianna quickly marry and her new husband be appointed Regent. Invitations are sent to the surrounding kingdoms and soon potential mates are lining up.

After a bad experience with her first suitor, Sarianna is visited by the three Princes of Ritvala. Choosing between the three is easy for Sarianna. Nikulainen, the youngest prince, meets every qualification she is looking for and more. Niku, likewise, falls for Sarianna the moment he meets her. With their fathers’ blessings, their betrothal is announced.

Though Sarianna must remain virginal until the wedding ceremony, she and Niku begin their exploration of each other, body and soul. Niku is tender and patient, teaching Sarianna the many ways they can be intimate, yet still keep Sarianna's virtue in tact. He allows Sarianna complete control when they are alone.

Niku’s brothers, however, aren’t happy with their younger sibling getting ahead of them. Neither are Sarianna’s disgruntled first suitor and his viper of a mother. Will the new couple survive the treachery that surrounds their union?

The Gift of Surrender is a lovely romance in a setting of castles, kings, and mystical legends. Ms. Warner has put in all the essential elements of a fairy tale and added very erotic love scenes. Every little girl dreams of her very own Prince Charming coming to her rescue on his white horse. This grown up version is for big girls who don't want the story to end with them riding into the sunset. Yes, Sarianna's Prince does come…so does the lucky Sarianna! There are subtle domination themes woven throughout. Yet Ms. Warner's refined prose is tasteful and should be unobjectionable to even the most sensitive reader.

With many colorful background characters so fully fleshed out, it shouldn't be hard for a sequel or two to come out of the fantasy kingdoms Ms. Warner has created. I can hardly wait to see what she dreams up next! I highly recommend The Gift of Surrender. It is one very hot grown up fairy tale!

Reviewed by: Shelley