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Business ethics are the bone of contention between Holt Sinclair, who believes he can purchase anything he desires, and Adena West, who believes love is an invaluable commodity. For some reason Holt reminds me of Hugh the Relentless from Mystique. Probably because both men are quite willing to pay for their pleasures, their business dealings, and the women they want. I find this alpha male behavior a bit off-putting, but there are other aspects of Price of Surrender to recommend it. Adena is an incredibly strong woman with clear motives and morals. She is unwilling to let Holt “buy” her. In fact, Adena retaliates in kind when Holt sends her an expensive necklace the morning after they discover passion together. Adena, however, is unable to hurt Holt when he is entranced by the costly watch Adena had sent as payment for services rendered. Unwittingly, Adena gives Holt the very assurance he seeks with her inability to cause him intentional pain. Holt is a master manipulator with keen instincts. Adena realizes that he has manipulated her along their mutual attraction, but she loves him in spite of all that has passed. When all is said and done, Holt has exactly what he wants – Adena. Adena has what she wants as well – Holt’s admission of love and commitment. These two characters strike sparks off each other. Granted, neither one of them is particularly charming or malleable, which makes them perfectly matched. Price of Surrender is an interesting read – quite good if you really enjoy the alpha male extraordinaire. The novel is quite typical of the mid-80s with the power-suit corporate environment housing the ultimate struggle for commitment. The characters are predictable but provide a great deal of internal and external conflict with which to conduct their steamy, hot affair. Price of Surrender is not one of my favorite books, but it’s hardly a wall-banger. No complete JAK collection should lack this book. 
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