Sinful Surrender by Beverly Kendall

Millicent “Missy” Armstrong is entering her fourth London Season, but not for lack of suitors. Since her debut three years ago, Missy has received twenty marriage proposals. But she is interested in only one man—her brother’s best friend, James Rutherford. As a child, Missy looked up to James. As a grown up, her admiration has blossomed into the longings of a beautiful, sensuous woman—and she won’t rest until James admits his love—and desire—for her…

James Rutherford rues the day he let his physical weaknesses get the better of him by kissing Missy. His best friend has made it clear that Missy is off limits, and though he’s avoided her for three years, he hasn’t forgotten the feel of her soft lips pressed against his—and it seems neither has she. For no matter how much James tries to discourage Missy, he keeps winding up in her arms, sharing heated caresses that promise the most delirious pleasure...

My Thoughts:

I have been patiently waiting for Ms. Kendall's debut novel for some months now. Finding the lovely cover and then reading the blurb on on of Ms. Kendall's wonderful sites The Season, I didn't waste anytime adding Sinful Surrender to my wish list and started counting down the days until release day.

Who doesn't love a story where the younger sister is in love with the best friend! I guess I love them so much because I was always put into similar situations. My brother had some of the cutest friends, but they were strictly off limits! I always respected my brother's wishes not to date his friends, and hated it when the guy I liked found out who my big brother was because he became friend and not boyfriend... tended to make it hard for a girl to find a boyfriend in high school.

Missy on the other hand, while respecting her brother did not respect these wishes. She threw herself at James the moment she was considered old enough to court. James, however was not going to go against his best friend. James took to staying as far away from Missy as possible for as long as possible. None of this deterred Missy. She fancied herself in love with James and no one else would do, not even the Duke!

With Missy entering into her fourth season and two more sisters coming up behind her, Armstrong (Missy's brother) is desperate to get her married and settled. He asks James to change their tactics and to be at every ball, party, opera, etc. possible with any one of his beautiful lady friends and to discourage Missy by showing his rakehell side.

Sinful Surrender was a pleasure to read. I could say that it rivals Julia Quinn in feel. Congratulations Ms. Kendall on an AWESOME debut!!! I highly recommend reading Sinful Surrender!

Rating: 4.5