Dark Desire

An intense, somewhat improbable love blossoms between a member of the Russian White Army and a victim of sex trafficking in Smith’s captivating but far-fetched finale to her Surrender series (after Darkest Hour). After being held captive in Russia for two months and suffering horrific physical and sexual abuse, Elena Allen is rescued by the White Army. Despite what she’s been through, she’s undeniably drawn to the virile stranger who becomes her protector. Dimitri Razin pledged his life to bringing down Russia’s corrupt government. He must stay focused, but he can’t resist the pull he feels to Elena, and her deep submissive fantasies threaten the tight grip he’s been keeping on his dominant desires. When am assassin infiltrates their hideout, Dimitri and his team uncover a secret Elena doesn’t realize she carries, relaunching a decades-old battle against the Kremlin. Both Elena’s recovery from such profound trauma and her connection with Dimitri feel rushed, casting a pall on the romance. Smith takes care to show how Elena uses BDSM to reclaim her desires, but the intense sex scenes may be too much for some readers. Still, Dimitri makes a swoon-worthy hero and readers who buy into the central couple’s rapid relationship development will root for them to succeed. Series fans will find plenty to enjoy. (Self-published)