Surrender

Surrender
Brenda Jackson

After a childhood spent moving from army base to army base, independent-minded Nettie Brooms is determined to secure a stable life–and never become involved with a military man. Then she meets incredibly handsome and charming Ashton Sinclair, a dedicated colonel in the U.S.Marines who's intent on capturing her heart–no matter what it takes. Now Nettie's wondering how a man she swore she would avoid could so easily test her resolve by igniting an irresistible passion she can't walk away from.

SURRENDER

Surrender

Brenda Jackson

www.millsandboon.co.uk (http://www.millsandboon.co.uk)

Acknowledgments

To my husband, Gerald Jackson, Sr., with all my love.

To my goddaughters: Chimeka Jeanae Hodge and Ty’ra Jere Malloy.

To my family and friends for their continued support: You are loved and appreciated.

To Felicia Laverne Edwards: You are truly one in a million.

To all my readers who asked for Aston Sinclair’s story: This one is especially for you.

To fellow authors Carla Fredd and Carmen Green: I appreciate the friendship, the bond and most of all the support.

To my best friend, Syneda Walker: Thanks for such a special friendship.

To my Heavenly Father, who makes everything possible.

THE MADARIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS SERIES

Dear Reader,

I love writing family sagas, and I am so happy that Harlequin is reissuing my very first family series, the Madaris family. It's been twelve years and fifty books since I first introduced the Madaris family. During that time, this special family and their friends have won their way into readers' hearts. I am ecstatic to be able to share these award-winning stories with everyone all over again—especially those who have never met this family up close and personal—in this special-edition reissue.

I never dreamed when I penned my first novel, Tonight and Forever, and introduced the Madaris family, that I was taking readers on a journey where heartfelt romance, sizzling passion and true love awaited them at every turn. I had no idea that the Madarises and their friends would become characters that readers would come to know and care so much about. I invite you to relax, unwind and see what all the hoopla is about. Let Justin, Dex, Clayton, Uncle Jake and their many friends transport you with love stories that are so passionate and sizzling they will take your breath away. There is nothing better than falling in love with these Madaris men and their many friends.

For a complete list of all the books in this series, as well as the dates they will be available in a bookstore near you, please visit my Web site at www.brendajackson.net.

If you would like to receive my monthly newsletter, please visit and sign up at www.brendajackson.net/page/newsletter.htm.

I also invite you to drop me an e-mail at WriterBJackson@aol.com. I love hearing from my readers.

All the best,

Brenda Jackson

A prudent man foresees the difficulties ahead and prepares for them; the simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences.

—Proverbs 22:3

Contents

Prologue

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22