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Texas Surrender

by Claire Thompson (Goodreads Author)

3.63 of 5 stars 3.63 · rating details · 275 ratings · 21 reviews

When JD Reed shows up at the Circle R horse ranch, Avery Dalton is fully prepared to hate his guts. Tapped by his aunt to help out at the horse ranch, the greenhorn thinks he can just step in and run the show, but Avery’s not having any. JD’s got a line on Avery’s secret, though barely acknowledged need to be sexually dominated, A loner used to making his own way, Avery'll...more

ebook, 105 pages

Published November 10th 2009 by Romance Unbound Publishing (first published 2009)

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Mar 24, 2010 Erotic Horizon added it

Bad luck comes in three, at least that's how the saying goes – but sometimes there is a deal breaker. When JD Reed had a run of bad luck first with his job, then with his current lover and to top it off – a personal lose, he thought how much worst can this get.

It can get worse or it can get really better if the eye candy that is Avery Dalton the man on his aunts ranch is any thing to go by. JD is a member of the BDSM lifestyle and he knows what he want and how to go about getting what he wants,...more

4 likes · like · see review

Oct 31, 2012 Charly rated it 4 of 5 stars

Pretty good, although I didn’t like it as much as some other Thompson books I’ve read

Warning: This review might contain what some people consider SPOILERS.

Rating: 7/10

PROS:
- The gradual process by which JD seduces Avery into trying BDSM is pretty well done, especially considering how short the book is (it’s fewer than 200 pages). And there’s a scene where JD and Avery are watching two horses, one of which has had to be tied down, that is sexually charged and leads beautifully into the first sc...more

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Nov 28, 2010 Gerry Burnie rated it 4 of 5 stars

This is the second Claire Thompson novel I have read, the first being Polar Reaction, and by comparison I prefer the latter.

Texas Surrender [Romance unbound, 2009) features BDSM as a main theme, and while it is certainly erotic the story is short on depth and imagination. Moreover, I found the characters (all of them) generally lacking in conviction.

Sous-chef JD Reed, living in New York at the opening of the story, encounters a string of misfortune when he is laid-off from his prestigious posit...more

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Jan 01, 2010 Elisa Ramblings added it

Claire Thompson is quite famous for her BDSM romance. She is probably one of the few authors specialized in the genre that I read with pleasure… yes, I know, it’s an old thing, but I always feel as to highlight it, the BDSM world is not exactly my thing, and so, I not always am able to fully enjoy a romance with that theme.

In Texas Surrender I think the author approaches the genre with in an even more unusual way. The role play between Avery and JD doesn’t follow a strict script, the borders ar...more Claire Thompson is quite famous for her BDSM romance. She is probably one of the few authors specialized in the genre that I read with pleasure… yes, I know, it’s an old thing, but I always feel as to highlight it, the BDSM world is not exactly my thing, and so, I not always am able to fully enjoy a romance with that theme.

In Texas Surrender I think the author approaches the genre with in an even more unusual way. The role play between Avery and JD doesn’t follow a strict script, the borders are blurry. JD is a French cuisine chef in New York but he originally came from Texas. He is not a successful man like usually it’s for a dominant partner, he has no money, he lives in a crappy apartment, and the same day he loses his job he also loses his submissive, the man was cheating on him during the day while JD was working. So no, JD is not the stereotype dominant man, and in a way he is even a more original dominant like that: the power on his submissive is not conveyed since JD is the wealthier and more powerful, but since he is the strongest on an emotional level.

For this exact reason, he is the right dominant for Avery. Avery is younger than JD and he works as hired man on the horses ranch of JD’s uncle. When the old man dies for an heart attack, JD, who is between jobs, comes to the ranch to help Avery. JD is not exactly a horses rancher, he has very few experience on the job, and so he can’t be Avery’s boss on the field. And even if JD is older in age, he has not had the bad and troubled youth Avery had, and so JD is not even more experienced in life than Avery. With this basis, a D/s relationship between them, with JD as dominant, would be impossible. The only way for it to work, is for JD to be the strongest on an emotional level. JD is already at peace with his sexuality, with what he wants and likes; Avery instead has not had the chance to fully explore his desires, before JD’s arrival, he didn’t even know what a BDSM relationship was. So JD can be Avery’s dominant only playing on Avery’s “innocence” when it arrives to sex.

I don’t think that, in the end, JD and Avery’s relationship is a real D/s relationship. Between them it’s more a question of how they like to have sex more than how they want to live day-to-day. Outside the bedroom, JD and Avery are two different men with different lives and expectations; they meet and agreed on a common path only inside the bedroom. JD doesn’t really “conquers” Avery, for example, it’s JD who is the first to make clear his feelings, something I think I have never found in a D/s relationship, usually it’s not the dominant lover to speak first the three little words, I love you. I think that JD is more a supporting partner, the steadiness that Avery needs and misses, JD gives to Avery a family and a comforting embrace, and if the embrace is a little rough, a little forceful, well, it can be good, Avery doesn’t complain on that, but he is not yet ready to have a fully D/s relationship with JD.

http://elisa-rolle.livejournal.com/88...(less)

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Nov 12, 2009 JenMcJ rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: e-books, mm-mmm-a-few-mmf-too

Oh, this one is hard to rate. It falls into a few clichés that bug me but the BDSM journey that JD and Avery undertake is very interesting.

This book encompasses everything from bondage to pain play once JD introduces Avery to these concepts. Up until he meets JD, Avery had no idea he was a pain slut and that BDSM existed. It doesn’t take JD long to have Avery begging for more, more, more.

So, the sex is kinky but the relationship was a little one sided. JD was too often condescending to Avery f...more

5 likes · like · see review

Oct 04, 2011 Nile Princess rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: cowboys, bdsm, mandy, couldn-t-finish, reviewed

I consider Claire Thompson to be the undisputed queen of BDSM. I pretty much love everything she's written. I love her style, I love the way she shows and doesn't just tell and I especially love that she can show both the dom's and sub's point of view. I was really surprised, then, that not only did I not love this book, I couldn't even finish it.

For some reason, the characters felt really flat, the bdsm element felt very clinical, like it was just being put through the paces, and the storytelli...more I consider Claire Thompson to be the undisputed queen of BDSM. I pretty much love everything she's written. I love her style, I love the way she shows and doesn't just tell and I especially love that she can show both the dom's and sub's point of view. I was really surprised, then, that not only did I not love this book, I couldn't even finish it.

For some reason, the characters felt really flat, the bdsm element felt very clinical, like it was just being put through the paces, and the storytelling was too one-sided. What I love about even her more hardcore books like
Switch (which is probably my favorite BDSM book EVER)is that we got a front row seat to both worlds. We got to see that a true dom can't just dish it out, he is disciplined enough to take it. Whether or not one agrees with this line of thinking, it worked immensely well for the storyline. In this book, when Avery challenges JD to prove that he can do what he's asking of Avery, JD doesn't lead by example, or give Avery a reason why he should trust him. He just knocks him down and spanks him. It didn't read like true domination to me; it read like a cop out. Another favorite The Cowboy Poet shows the buildup of trust. I didn't really like JD, who just shows up and tells Avery that he could give him what he needed and that trust was an integral element in BSDM. Yet, JD betrays that trust and then proceeds to try to tie Avery up. I just couldn't get into them as a couple, much less a BDSM couple.

I could go on, but there is a community review by 'kassa' that expertly conveys all my thoughts on this book.

If this is your first Claire Thompson book and you were underwhelmed, PLEASE try the two books I mentioned....and if you loved this one, but haven't read those two, still go get them. :-)

Also, for a book that's a bit darker(or a lot darker, depending on your tastes), try Uneven by Anah Crow. This book is very pain focused, but HUGE on showing the effects of the BDSM relationship on both the dom and the sub.(less)

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Mar 15, 2013 Christine rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: battle-of-the-books-2013, march-2013

Wow...wow..wow...

I'm so glad I read this. It's really a very sweet and incredibly steamy love story. Initially I was a little turned off by JD -- he seemed like a self-important jerk. But as the story progressed, and JD's feelings for Avery started developing, his character seemed more sympathetic.

One of the best aspects of the story is how JD gradually drew Avery into a D/s relationship by stressing how it didn't make Avery less of man to submit, and it was wonderful to see Avery really empowe...more

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Feb 07, 2013 Rissa (an M/M kinda Girl!!) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2013, bdsm-kink, battle-of-the-books, cowboys-farmers, m-m, read-m-m, xxfeb-2013, xxchallenge-february

A Rancher & BDSM...pretty awesome combo if ya ask me!

JD comes back to Texas for some family issue. Avery is NOT happy to see this city-slicker on the ranch even if he is here to help out.

JD can feel the submission just oozing off Avery but Avery has no idea what JD is talkin about. 'Challenge Accepted!' JD is determined to have Ave get in touch with his sub side. Was JD a bit of a pushy 'ass'...yes, but I think the way he went about getting Avery to accept or at least try to learn about the...more

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Jan 02, 2010 Amanda rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: cowboy-related-romance, reviewed

Let Me start off by saying this is not my typical book and even though it was not my first Gay/Lesbian based book it was my first Male based one. I also Do Not get into the whole BDSM scene so i was a little nervous. It was a very quick read and even with it being a short read I found myself not looking at it as a Gay or Male based story but as a story of two lover who happen to be both male. The BDSM was tasteful and emotional which i was kind of blown away by because I never viewed it as emoti...more Let Me start off by saying this is not my typical book and even though it was not my first Gay/Lesbian based book it was my first Male based one. I also Do Not get into the whole BDSM scene so i was a little nervous. It was a very quick read and even with it being a short read I found myself not looking at it as a Gay or Male based story but as a story of two lover who happen to be both male. The BDSM was tasteful and emotional which i was kind of blown away by because I never viewed it as emotional ( I now think my view was tainted by it not being something this is for me) I didn't feel at all uncomfortable reading those parts. I think the author did an amazing job with not only the Characters but also whit how realistically the story flowed. I loved Avery and everything that made him who he was. His naivety and curiosity down to his just not understanding but willing to try. I liked J.D. as well but it did take longer for me to really say that I liked him. At first I thought What an arrogant jerk, but then reading how sweetly and patiently he handled Avery I just couldn't stop myself and found him redeemed in my eyes. I feel the description on of BDSM acts and the meaning behind them given very beautifully done and that even though I, myself would never go there I understood and had a better impression of why and how it could be and is perfect for some people. I found only two flaws with this book personally and they weren't even bad ones, first was that fact that some things were I felt left open ended I would have really like to have seen some things followed up on ( for Example : Aunt Luann knowing about J.D. and Avery... I would have liked for Avery to have been told and or for J.D. to have confided in Aunt Luann) and then also that even though I am gratefully happy that the story ended so great it was a little to pretty with a bow in top if that makes since it wrapped up as if maybe in a hurry. Still over all I am very happy I was chosen to read this book.
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Nov 09, 2009 Kassa rated it 2 of 5 stars

"Texas Surrender" is an indulgent story about cowboys with some kink. The BDSM included is not necessarily hard-core but it’s not exactly light either. The elements included are familiar to many readers and stray more towards formal rules and titles. Unfortunately while some readers will be attracted to the sexual component ~ and really who doesn’t love kinky cowboys ~ others may be disappointed at the lack of imagination and depth to the story. The plot and characters ultimately feel very flat...more "Texas Surrender" is an indulgent story about cowboys with some kink. The BDSM included is not necessarily hard-core but it’s not exactly light either. The elements included are familiar to many readers and stray more towards formal rules and titles. Unfortunately while some readers will be attracted to the sexual component ~ and really who doesn’t love kinky cowboys ~ others may be disappointed at the lack of imagination and depth to the story. The plot and characters ultimately feel very flat and one dimensional with the final resolution contradictory.

Highly trained chef JD Reed returns home for his uncle’s funeral after being let go from his high profile job as a sous-chef. Although JD has no experience working on a ranch, he is asked to stay on and help out until decisions can be made about the ranch’s future. This means working with the ranch’s only employee, Avery, very closely. JD immediately decides to have a little fun while he’s in Texas and sets out to sexually dominate Avery. Along the way though both men must come to grips with their emotions and what it means for their future.

The plot set up is rather basic and somewhat far-fetched. There is no real reason for a celebrated chef to be working as a ranch hand, especially given that JD does a lot of the chores poorly and needs constant supervision. Additionally, JD makes inappropriate sexual comments to Avery within minutes of meeting the man and continues regardless of Avery’s persistence that JD stop. Although this is rather unrealistic, the story is indulgent and meant to entice, so readers may not be bothered with these details. This is very much a fantasy story with BDSM between two cowboys. What is more problematic is that neither the characters nor the plot holds much complexity or interest.

JD spends a good portion of the story lecturing Avery about BDSM: what it means, the rules, the nature, the strength and weakness and demanding Avery’s trust and compliance. Yet JD violates Avery’s trust multiple times with his words and actions. JD never really has the depth of conscience to acknowledge his mistakes and the irony of demanding Avery’s trust while lying to the man. Furthermore, JD admits that he misses the city and would not be happy living his life on the ranch so his final decisions felt weak and contradictory. Similarly, Avery felt wooden with his easy acceptance and listless actions. He rarely takes initiative in either his work or life yet gets angry when decisions are made for him.

Overall the characters from JD to Avery and even the aunt felt one dimensional and lacking any real interest or spark. None of this was helped by the dependence on rhetorical questions in the writing. The story is filled with questions that the characters mentally ask themselves without answers, so much so that this became an annoying feature. Instead of evaluating the reasons for thoughts or actions, the characters would simply ask themselves questions without ever thinking of answers. Instead of developing the characters, their personalities, and the emotional connection, each man would wallow in their minds asking rhetorical questions they couldn’t answer.

Although I’m a fan of cowboy stories with some kink thrown in, nothing felt unusual or fresh about this particular offering. Instead the writing combined with the wooden characters had even the sex scenes feeling rote and without much to recommend them. The story is basic and perhaps those readers who are looking for something light and easy can ignore some of the problems and enjoy the story for what it is.(less)

3 likes · like · see review

Oct 03, 2010 Serena Yates rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: m-m

This book is an interesting mix between a cowboy story, a journey into a D/s relationship for an inexperienced sub, and a plot about a ranch's survival after the old owner dies.

This is as much a story about finding love and a home for both of the main characters as it is all of the above. I really liked that part best of all. Avery is an interesting character who has had to fight for survival since he was a kid. His background and rationale for acting the way he does were very clear to me, and I...more

1 like · like · see review

Nov 02, 2011 JustJen rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: mm, ebook

This was a nice story. I loved Avery, but JD came across as extremely pushy and overbearing in the beginning. He eased up a little as the story progressed, but I just didn't get a good feel for his character throughout most of the story. He improved some by the end and things seemed to work themselves out, so I am giving this 3 1/2 stars.

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Nov 11, 2009 Wren rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: m-m, bdsm

Claire Thompson is able to get inside the heads of the protags, in terms of the bdsm. I found this interesting, particularly as Avery struggled with his own desires. JD was hard for me to like at first, but he grew on me. I wished that some of the events that happened off-page would have been shown. As usual, I want more more more!

1 like · like · see review

Mar 24, 2010 Seregil rated it 3 of 5 stars

3.5 stars
A nice BDSM and a sweet story about how you can fulfill your dreams differently that you belived you wanted to.

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Oct 01, 2010 Adara rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: gangbang2010q4

I enjoyed reading the breaking in of someone who doesn't know he's a submissive into the role and thought it was handled pretty well. There was one point where Avery felt his trust had been betrayed, and I thought he ought to have balked more about giving over his trust to JD the next time it came to that, but otherwise it flowed well and wasn't too long.

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Nov 10, 2011 Kira rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: d-s-and-or-bdsm, cowboys, family, m-m

Uhh... Well, what I learned from this book is to NOT read too many of Thompson's cowboy-BDSM books back to back. Seriously. I could tell what was going to happen and...yeah.

Also, the whole storyline is so cliched it's not funny. It had some sexy moments and some good scenes but that was about it.

Predictable and old.

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Feb 12, 2013 Beck rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: contemporary, cowboy, mm, 2013-rainbow-challenge, 2013-mm-countdown-challenge, bdsm, fetish, 2013-challenges-overall-count

I found it hard to enjoy this book because I really disliked the character JD ... his arrogance & selfishness just left a nasty taste in my mouth. Although there was a HEA, I was indifferent & unmoved by it because I kinda wanted Avery to find someone better.

1 like · like · see review

May 17, 2011 Mary rated it 5 of 5 stars

Omg. This book was hot. Not that I'm into the whole bondage think but it was still a bit of a thrill to imagine someone doing that. Though the whole hitting thing was a total turn off. :/ Still a good book and I say read it.

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Apr 13, 2013 Shannon rated it 4 of 5 stars

Recommended to Shannon by: Mandy

Shelves: not-lendable, challenge-finished, gbc-finished-q2, used-countdown

Sweet and sexy cowboy books. Who doesn't love that. I wouldn't say there was anything truly hardcore about the D/s play in this book but it was hot as hell. No angst, no heartbreak just a nice solid romance.

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Apr 09, 2012 Kerry rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: m-m, bdsm, e-book-own

2.5 stars I was disappointed with this story. It sounded like my kind of book, but I felt no connection between the MCs. Without the connection, the sex scenes/BDSM scenes just fell flat.

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Aug 11, 2012 Vfields needs to be happy! rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: cowboys

Mix one tough, lost, lonely cowboy with a chip on his shoulder and a misplaced chef with know how but no where to use it and there you are. Thompson is dependable as always.

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May 17, 2013 Gavin Stephenson-Jackman marked it as wishlist

May 16, 2013 Kiki Lynnwood rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: cowboys

May 14, 2013 Tara Mcmillan marked it as to-read

May 08, 2013 Tylar rated it 3 of 5 stars

May 08, 2013 Kelli marked it as to-read

May 03, 2013 Kristine marked it as to-read

May 01, 2013 Stacey rated it 3 of 5 stars

Apr 23, 2013 Ashlee added it

Apr 22, 2013 Nanna marked it as started-but-didn-t-finish

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About Claire Thompson

I have published erotic fiction and romance since 1996. My work includes the sensual exploration of D/s and erotic romance, as well as the darker side of BDSM. My work includes in-depth exploration of both m/f and m/m relationships, in the context of romance and D/s. I have published over fifty novels and short stories, both in print and ebook format.
It is important to me to write about real peop...more

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