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Serving His Master #2
The Cowboy Poet
Tyler Sutton can run all he wants from his past, but he's still got himself to contend with. Dark secret dreams of sexual submission continue to haunt the magazine reporter. The embers of his hidden yearnings burst into a bright flame of reality when Tyler meets Clint Darrow, the cowboy poet.
Clint, the foreman on a West Texas bull ranch, hides his dominant sensual nature behind the laconic, quiet persona of a true Texas cowboy. When the pair is thrown together in a search to uncover the culprit of a series of thefts at various local ranches, the connection is immediate and fierce. As they begin to explore their attraction for one another, Clint senses Tyler's need for sexual surrender. Clint must exert every ounce of self control to keep from pushing Tyler too far, too fast. When passion overtakes caution, the firestorm of desire that erupts between them threatens to burn everything in its path.
Clint, the foreman on a West Texas bull ranch, hides his dominant sensual nature behind the laconic, quiet persona of a true Texas cowboy. When the pair is thrown together in a search to uncover the culprit of a series of thefts at various local ranches, the connection is immediate and fierce. As they begin to explore their attraction for one another, Clint senses Tyler's need for sexual surrender. Clint must exert every ounce of self control to keep from pushing Tyler too far, too fast. When passion overtakes caution, the firestorm of desire that erupts between them threatens to burn everything in its path.
252 pages, ebook
First published October 30, 2010
About the author
Claire Thompson
169 books1,136 followersClaire has been writing for nearly two decades, and has published over 85 novels. She writes BDSM romance and abduction tales, spanning both m/f and m/m genres. She has received numerous awards for her bestselling work, including the NLA-Int’l Pauline Réage Award and the Golden Flogger Award for best BDSM fiction.. Her darker works press the envelope of what is erotic and what can be a sometimes dangerous slide into the world of sadomasochism. Ultimately her work deals with the human condition, and our constant search for love and intensity of experience.
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https://clairethompson.net
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https://clairethompson.net
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
February 4, 2017
This was my 2nd read of The Cowboy Poet and I liked it even better the second time around! Claire Thompson knows her hot, passionate BDSM, yes indeed!
If you love hot, alpha cowboys who like to walk on the wild side and repressed, hunky writers with a lot to learn about pain and a mutually beneficial power exchange, this book is for you!
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
February 13, 2011
This book is more about the concept of BDSM rather than the real action. There is a couple of bdsm scenes, but the rest is just main character's battle to accept his own submissive nature. Which is strange, provided he is 30 year old, openly gay, he lives in a big city with all the benefits it offers. There is obviously internet available for research. Why is he still convinced he is a twisted, inferior, pathetic person, I have no idea. Google it, man!
Clint, on the other hand is much older and more experienced. What was he thinking pushing Tyler, with all his insecurities, into a threesome?
3 stars. Sorry.
Clint, on the other hand is much older and more experienced. What was he thinking pushing Tyler, with all his insecurities, into a threesome?
3 stars. Sorry.
September 21, 2021
DNF ~10%
Not sure why, but I just couldn't with this one. The concept was so much more up my alley than the first, but the writing here seemed waaaaay worse. The dialogue was awkward and stilted and made me think the author had never been around anybody from Texas... They were already beginning their first sex scene when I stopped reading and it was utterly boring and unsexy.
Not sure why, but I just couldn't with this one. The concept was so much more up my alley than the first, but the writing here seemed waaaaay worse. The dialogue was awkward and stilted and made me think the author had never been around anybody from Texas... They were already beginning their first sex scene when I stopped reading and it was utterly boring and unsexy.
March 15, 2011
The Cowboy Poet kind of threw me for a loop because I wasn't expecting the level of depth that I ended up getting.
First we have Tyler. Tyler's a submissive who's trying really hard to deny and change who he is.
Then we have Clint. Clint's an older cowboy who's comfortable with himself and the fact that he's a dom.
Clint and Tyler meet at some sort of cowboy festival. Tyler's writing an article on the festival for his magazine. Clint's the best and most well-known cowboy poet there. Clint agrees to be interviewed by Tyler and we're off and running.
This book is more of a character study than anything, and the characters are well done.
Tyler's past has made him ashamed of his need to be submissive and that shame runs deep. You get a very clear picture of the struggle going on inside of him. He wants to submit to Clint and ends up doing so but he's hesitant. He also compares the way Clint treats him to the demoralizing way he was treated by the man who was his sex partner in the past.
Clint is a patient, quiet and thoughtful man. He's a true dom. That quietness he has about him really conveys just how stable and authentic he is. His deep well of calm helps keep Tyler balanced when Tyler starts to panic or have doubts. Clint is commanding and stern enough to make Tyler feel dominated but Clint never pushes or forces Tyler to do anything.
There is a very delicate balance in Clint and Tyler's relationship and, yes, Tyler runs once but you understand why he runs. When Clint shows up in the city to get Tyler, I wanted to cheer.
Claire Thompson makes the reader believe that these two flawed people belong together. They're definitely better together than they are apart.
This book is also a sad, cautionary tale of the emotional reprecussions when a submissive gets tangled up with the wrong person. A lot of damage can be done and some of Tyler's inner dialogue was heartwrenching.
This wasn't your regular cowboys with rope and paddles story. That's what makes it so very good.
First we have Tyler. Tyler's a submissive who's trying really hard to deny and change who he is.
Then we have Clint. Clint's an older cowboy who's comfortable with himself and the fact that he's a dom.
Clint and Tyler meet at some sort of cowboy festival. Tyler's writing an article on the festival for his magazine. Clint's the best and most well-known cowboy poet there. Clint agrees to be interviewed by Tyler and we're off and running.
This book is more of a character study than anything, and the characters are well done.
Tyler's past has made him ashamed of his need to be submissive and that shame runs deep. You get a very clear picture of the struggle going on inside of him. He wants to submit to Clint and ends up doing so but he's hesitant. He also compares the way Clint treats him to the demoralizing way he was treated by the man who was his sex partner in the past.
Clint is a patient, quiet and thoughtful man. He's a true dom. That quietness he has about him really conveys just how stable and authentic he is. His deep well of calm helps keep Tyler balanced when Tyler starts to panic or have doubts. Clint is commanding and stern enough to make Tyler feel dominated but Clint never pushes or forces Tyler to do anything.
There is a very delicate balance in Clint and Tyler's relationship and, yes, Tyler runs once but you understand why he runs. When Clint shows up in the city to get Tyler, I wanted to cheer.
Claire Thompson makes the reader believe that these two flawed people belong together. They're definitely better together than they are apart.
This book is also a sad, cautionary tale of the emotional reprecussions when a submissive gets tangled up with the wrong person. A lot of damage can be done and some of Tyler's inner dialogue was heartwrenching.
This wasn't your regular cowboys with rope and paddles story. That's what makes it so very good.
November 27, 2010
Very well written story. I enjoyed both main characters very much. Neither was perfect, but you could tell they cared deeply for the other.
My only niggle would be the m/m/m scene. Though it was very sexy, I thought it way too early in Tyler and Clint's relationship for that to have happened. (and I wasn't really expecting it. I like to know if the main characters have sex with other people...or including other people in the sex beforehand. But then again, that's just me!)
My only niggle would be the m/m/m scene. Though it was very sexy, I thought it way too early in Tyler and Clint's relationship for that to have happened. (and I wasn't really expecting it. I like to know if the main characters have sex with other people...or including other people in the sex beforehand. But then again, that's just me!)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 7, 2019
Problem one: Having a three way while in a relationship is fine for consenting adults. It’s just not my thing.
Problem two: There is too much repeating of the same arguments in the characters heads. It gets boring to read.
Other than those objections it was a pretty good story. I liked Clint a lot and Tyler grew on me.
Problem two: There is too much repeating of the same arguments in the characters heads. It gets boring to read.
Other than those objections it was a pretty good story. I liked Clint a lot and Tyler grew on me.
January 12, 2016
3.25 out of 5 stars
Genre: Cowboys, BDSM
Publication day: November 5, 2010
Length: 252 pages
Publisher: Romance Unbound Publishing
My View: This book was another recommendation and I received it as a gift in a holiday exchange. Unfortunately, it didn't live to my expectations. I do need to point out that the book was published in 2010. When the popularity of BDSM in mainstream books was just in its very first stages.
My main problem were the MCs. I didn't connect with them. For me, it felt as if they were together because they happened to be in the right place at the right moment, and no other options were available. Their relationship moved fast, from lust to love, without real growth. In the end, the MCs relationship was too easy to be credible or completely enjoyable.
The plot points in the story were solved without much trouble as well. This was more of a feel-good story than anything else. Some scenes ended abruptly, and others were faded to black without a look-back. Even the BDSM scenes felt crop down to the basic-- tie, fuck, and come-- wash, rinse, and repeat. And the threesome was entirely unnecessary.
Overall, a simple, BDSM, Cowboy story. Sweet and comforting.
What I liked the most: The BDSM scenes. They were well-written and most, served a purpose.
I wanted more of: A connection between the MCs. After their initial meeting, they lost their spark.
Who should read it: Perhaps fans of cowboys and BDSM, but I will not recommend it.
Reviewed for Someone Else's Stories
Genre: Cowboys, BDSM
Publication day: November 5, 2010
Length: 252 pages
Publisher: Romance Unbound Publishing
Tyler Sutton can run all he wants from his past, but he's still got himself to contend with. Dark secret dreams of sexual submission continue to haunt the magazine reporter. The embers of his hidden yearnings burst into a bright flame of reality when Tyler meets Clint Darrow, the cowboy poet.
Clint, the foreman on a West Texas bull ranch, hides his dominant sensual nature behind the laconic, quiet persona of a true Texas cowboy. When the pair is thrown together in a search to uncover the culprit of a series of thefts at various local ranches, the connection is immediate and fierce. As they begin to explore their attraction for one another, Clint senses Tyler's need for sexual surrender. Clint must exert every ounce of self control to keep from pushing Tyler too far, too fast. When passion overtakes caution, the firestorm of desire that erupts between them threatens to burn everything in its path.
My View: This book was another recommendation and I received it as a gift in a holiday exchange. Unfortunately, it didn't live to my expectations. I do need to point out that the book was published in 2010. When the popularity of BDSM in mainstream books was just in its very first stages.
My main problem were the MCs. I didn't connect with them. For me, it felt as if they were together because they happened to be in the right place at the right moment, and no other options were available. Their relationship moved fast, from lust to love, without real growth. In the end, the MCs relationship was too easy to be credible or completely enjoyable.
The plot points in the story were solved without much trouble as well. This was more of a feel-good story than anything else. Some scenes ended abruptly, and others were faded to black without a look-back. Even the BDSM scenes felt crop down to the basic-- tie, fuck, and come-- wash, rinse, and repeat. And the threesome was entirely unnecessary.
Overall, a simple, BDSM, Cowboy story. Sweet and comforting.
What I liked the most: The BDSM scenes. They were well-written and most, served a purpose.
I wanted more of: A connection between the MCs. After their initial meeting, they lost their spark.
Who should read it: Perhaps fans of cowboys and BDSM, but I will not recommend it.
Reviewed for Someone Else's Stories
August 17, 2014
Claire Thompson is able to write BDSM books that always have a new twist to them ... I am always challenged by her books & despite often having difficulty reading her books, I'm always rewarded for my perseverance ... I like how the HEA is usually tempered with the messiness of 'real' life too ... no perfect resolution of all loose ends ... The Cowboy Poet is a gritty read which satisfied on a deep visceral level ... highly recommended.
November 4, 2021
'The Cowboy Poet' is book two in Claire Thompson's "Serving his Master" series. Tyler Sutton left the Double S Ranch six months ago and landed in Austin where he's now employed as a journalist. His first big assignment? The Cowboy Poetry Festival. That's where he met Clint Darrow. Clint gave a reading of his poetry and it resonated deeply with Tyler. That's part of the reason Tyler jumped at the chance to interview him for the magazine. The other part? Clint had a powerful, dominant grace about his presence that seemed to draw Tyler in. The chemistry between these two when they met was almost palpable. Unfortunately, Tyler has a past he's running from and secrets he's determined to keep hidden. This is such a powerful storyline with characters that are realistically flawed and totally relatable. Prejudice, bullying, blackmail, secrets, fear, jealousy, and insecurity all play a part in this emotional telling, And yet, loyalty, family, love, and trust are the underlying foundation of what holds it all together. This was such a great story and I can't wait to delve further into the series … Now, I will point this out. There were BDSM scenes within the storyline without establishing a safe word. In my mind, it was a fictional romance with a few hot scenes but there are some strict guidelines that need to be established at all times and that's one. Just saying.
Want to read
September 10, 2021🎁 Books 1 & 2 in the Series are FREE on Amazon today (9/10/2021)! 🎁
January 20, 2011
Lace’s Review :
Claire Thompson, author of The Cowboy Poet, is an author that stuns me as she gets better and better with each book. The Cowboy Poet is in my eye, the best M/M romance story of 2010. I found myself curling up and taking in all that Clint and Tyler had to offer.
Claire Thompson never falls short in making the plot of the story flow smoothly. Clint had so much depth that he pulled you in to hear his story. Hence, he and Tyler simply come alive on the page. Although Tyler is battling some demons from the past, if anyone can get him to trust again it will be Clint and the bond they share.
Ms. Thompson touches the heart, tickles the funny bones and ignites passion that will draw you in, and hold you till you turn the last page. In addition, the second string characters just added more to this wonderful story. I adore Jonahs, but he definitely needs a partner. *grin*
All in all, I'd say that The Cowboy Poet is a sexy, touching love story that will remain close to my heart. If you have not sunk your teeth into Claire Thompson’s books, what are you waiting for?
Her men are very lickable. *grin*
Rated 5 Ravens and a Recommended Read if it applies by Lace!
Claire Thompson, author of The Cowboy Poet, is an author that stuns me as she gets better and better with each book. The Cowboy Poet is in my eye, the best M/M romance story of 2010. I found myself curling up and taking in all that Clint and Tyler had to offer.
Claire Thompson never falls short in making the plot of the story flow smoothly. Clint had so much depth that he pulled you in to hear his story. Hence, he and Tyler simply come alive on the page. Although Tyler is battling some demons from the past, if anyone can get him to trust again it will be Clint and the bond they share.
Ms. Thompson touches the heart, tickles the funny bones and ignites passion that will draw you in, and hold you till you turn the last page. In addition, the second string characters just added more to this wonderful story. I adore Jonahs, but he definitely needs a partner. *grin*
All in all, I'd say that The Cowboy Poet is a sexy, touching love story that will remain close to my heart. If you have not sunk your teeth into Claire Thompson’s books, what are you waiting for?
Her men are very lickable. *grin*
Rated 5 Ravens and a Recommended Read if it applies by Lace!
September 14, 2021
Bad BDSM practices, no communication
In their first scene Tyler said no. Since no safeword had been established at this point (which really pissed me off, that is a HUGE issue) that entire scene read to me as coercion bordering on noncon. I reluctantly continued reading. A safeword was never established. They never went over or even mentioned discussing hard and soft limits. The author talked a bunch about “trust” but never really showed any communication between the two leads. Communication is equally important as trust. How can you trust someone to respect your limits if they have never been discussed? The author clearly has no idea what SSC and RACK mean, if they have even heard the terms. I got this book for free on kindle, and I will not purchase any books from this author since they clearly did not do any research into their subject.
In their first scene Tyler said no. Since no safeword had been established at this point (which really pissed me off, that is a HUGE issue) that entire scene read to me as coercion bordering on noncon. I reluctantly continued reading. A safeword was never established. They never went over or even mentioned discussing hard and soft limits. The author talked a bunch about “trust” but never really showed any communication between the two leads. Communication is equally important as trust. How can you trust someone to respect your limits if they have never been discussed? The author clearly has no idea what SSC and RACK mean, if they have even heard the terms. I got this book for free on kindle, and I will not purchase any books from this author since they clearly did not do any research into their subject.
October 9, 2018
Tyler Sutten is running from his past. To escape it, he takes a job as a reporter for a local magazine. While doing a piece on a local festival, Tyler hears a cowboy poet, Clint Darrow, read his poems for the audience. He senses more to the poems, realizes the poems are filled with metaphors and/or similes. He talks to Clint about them and intrigues Clint with his depth of understanding. Clint senses Tyler's need for sexual surrender but he knows he cannot push as Tyler is still fighting something from his past. When the opportunity arises for them to investigate some thefts at local ranches, Clint is able to keep Tyler close and potentially explore his desires and uncover what is keeping him from enjoying his life.
Clint and Tyler were perfect for each other. They just had to move beyond Tyler's issues with accepting his true nature. Clint knows Tyler belongs with him and he has the patience to work with Tyler, allowing him to discover himself and his inner strength. It was a pleasure watching their relationship bloom and grow. Hop on for the ride and enjoy both the romance and the plot.
Clint and Tyler were perfect for each other. They just had to move beyond Tyler's issues with accepting his true nature. Clint knows Tyler belongs with him and he has the patience to work with Tyler, allowing him to discover himself and his inner strength. It was a pleasure watching their relationship bloom and grow. Hop on for the ride and enjoy both the romance and the plot.
July 16, 2018
This is a love story, but to me it is more, it is an exploration of the human psyche. Many of us have secrets about things we are ashamed of, and the longer we keep them, the worse they seem to us, and that is the case with Tyler. Coming from rough, tough cowboy country with an apparently red neck father, being gay is bad enough, but being a masochistic submissive makes Tyler feel completely ashamed. One of the ranch hands takes advantage and abuses Tyler to the point he is forced to leave the ranch and work as a journalist in the city. Clint, is the stereotypic cowboy and the characters so often played by Sam Elliott are brought to mid. Clint has the calm demeanor and self awareness that Tyler needs and as their relationship unfolds, Tyler is able to come to terms with his sexuality. The reaction of Tyler's family when he finally tells them is perfect and the way Wayne is dealt with is the way all bullies should be dealt with.
The only reason I gave this book 4 stars and not 5 is that the "mystery" was weak to my mind and could have gone on longer before being resolved.
The only reason I gave this book 4 stars and not 5 is that the "mystery" was weak to my mind and could have gone on longer before being resolved.
July 9, 2018
Imagine living in conservative cowboy country.
Not the most accepting neighborhood to be openly gay. But surprisingly the reporter sent to write an article about Cowboy Poets, finds the one treasure among the contestants, a dominant gay man.
Something clicks between those two and after a one night stand, they both feel there might be more to the instant connection.
Thrown together for a week of sleuthing their mutual attraction and compatibility is undeniable.
But!
And here comes the inevitable but.
Even with a supportive, ardent partner, embracing his true needs in a D/s relationship is fraught with shame and self-flagellation. In an environment that perceives any deviation from the societal norm as a 'thing that has to be cured', one of them reverts to running away. From himself, his lover, from his family.
With amazing insight Ms Thompson charts the journey from denial to acceptance and a tentative hope for the future.
Not the most accepting neighborhood to be openly gay. But surprisingly the reporter sent to write an article about Cowboy Poets, finds the one treasure among the contestants, a dominant gay man.
Something clicks between those two and after a one night stand, they both feel there might be more to the instant connection.
Thrown together for a week of sleuthing their mutual attraction and compatibility is undeniable.
But!
And here comes the inevitable but.
Even with a supportive, ardent partner, embracing his true needs in a D/s relationship is fraught with shame and self-flagellation. In an environment that perceives any deviation from the societal norm as a 'thing that has to be cured', one of them reverts to running away. From himself, his lover, from his family.
With amazing insight Ms Thompson charts the journey from denial to acceptance and a tentative hope for the future.
June 8, 2020
Tyler is running from past and his need for submission. When he is sent to cover a cowboy poet event, he feels the pull towards Clint. He spends a week with Clint helping him solve a thief issue that ranches are having and submitting to Clint. After that week he runs again but Clint won't let him run far, before going after what he wants.
I enjoyed this book for the most part, Tyler was a bit tiring with strong denial for what he was feeling, but given his past I could understand it for the most part. Clint was just the type of man that Tyler needed to help him find his strength in his submission.
I enjoyed this book for the most part, Tyler was a bit tiring with strong denial for what he was feeling, but given his past I could understand it for the most part. Clint was just the type of man that Tyler needed to help him find his strength in his submission.
July 25, 2018
I am new to reading Claire's MM genre and I have found I enjoy them as much as her MF. The Cowboy Poet did not disappoint. I found it to be a sweet read as opposed to heavy on the BDSM side. The bit of mystery was good as well. I am not aware of how the west operates but can understand the shame Tyler feels about his interests. Cowboy's are men who act like men (at least this is how its portrayed in the movies). Clint did a good job of convincing him there is nothing wrong with his choices. Loved the HEA!
July 29, 2018
Being Gay in Texas was something Tyler had always struggled with. Being a masochist left him open to a bully who confirmed his every fear. Running away felt right, then he met Clint. Clint was everything that Tyler dreamed, but his nightmares kept him on edge. While everything felt good, felt right, when Clint pushed too hard, or too fast, Tyler backed away. Finally, Tyler ran away. And Clint finally accepted some truths about himself, and went after Tyler. Once Tyler was ready to be who he was, truly accept it, nothing felt more perfect than being with Clint!
September 15, 2018
Tyler is a cowboy journalist who is trying to find a way in his life. After attending an event that he was suppose to do an article on, he meets Clint who might just be the man who can help him find his way.
After doing an article on the cowboy event, an article on some random ranch thefts, and spending several days with Clint; Tyler is ready to stand up to his past so he can move on with his future.
After doing an article on the cowboy event, an article on some random ranch thefts, and spending several days with Clint; Tyler is ready to stand up to his past so he can move on with his future.
July 5, 2020
A really good story of Clint, the cowboy poet, who is very comfortable being a gay man who likes to be in control in the bedroom. Tyler, however, is still in the closet. He is hesitant to come-out to his family and friends, but more importantly, he is ashamed of his need to submit. He wants to feel pain. He wants to be dominated in the bedroom and a past relationship has made him run from this need. Clint is perfect for Tyler. He knows exactly how to fulfill Ty's needs.
July 25, 2018
What is better then a cowboy, your guessed it two cowboys.
It is a lovely story about finding out and accepting you are and making choices that make you happy. Like all books by Claire Thompson there is a BDSM element, but this book is more about the connection and acceptance then actual play. But there was a very hot threesome in the book as well.
It is a lovely story about finding out and accepting you are and making choices that make you happy. Like all books by Claire Thompson there is a BDSM element, but this book is more about the connection and acceptance then actual play. But there was a very hot threesome in the book as well.
December 8, 2021
A fairly normal story for Ms Thompson so a fairly normal read for me.
Tyler, a new reporter for the Lone Star Monthly, attends an indoor/outdoor event/music festival, where he listens to Clint Darrow recite his poems.
Clint is a Dominant, and this is reflected in his poetry - which Tyler recognises through his submissiveness. A good, careful building relationship, with an HEA as usual.
Tyler, a new reporter for the Lone Star Monthly, attends an indoor/outdoor event/music festival, where he listens to Clint Darrow recite his poems.
Clint is a Dominant, and this is reflected in his poetry - which Tyler recognises through his submissiveness. A good, careful building relationship, with an HEA as usual.
July 31, 2018
I really enjoyed this story. Claire Thompson is not afraid of taking on a sometimes difficult subject. The base story is rather simple which allow the characters to flourish and tell their story.
The poetry part was new for me. Fun to now.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
The poetry part was new for me. Fun to now.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
July 17, 2021
Interesting story about Tyler defining his sexuality, coming to terms with his feelings, facing the bully that terrorized him in his youth, revealing himself to his family,and so much more
April 11, 2024
I enjoyed the delicious struggle between these two men, even when I had no idea how they'd make their happily ever after work. Tyler's character arc, separate from the romance, was also satisfying.
February 20, 2017
This is the 3rd solid book in a row that is in the 3.5 Stars range. It above average in comparison to most of its m /m brethren, but nothing really sticks out as outstanding either. It's a step above the cookie cutter brain candy that often plagues very prolific writers.
The mystery is merely a very short side plot used as a vehicle to get our m/c's together. There is no real suspense or anything. The BDSM is a theme, but it's more expressed as a need then shown. It is kind of like an introduction. One could visualize, after their HEA and as their story progresses, they might get to a real BDSM life style. But this reads more as spiced up vanilla sex, which can be either good or bad depending on what you are looking for in your story.
The mystery is merely a very short side plot used as a vehicle to get our m/c's together. There is no real suspense or anything. The BDSM is a theme, but it's more expressed as a need then shown. It is kind of like an introduction. One could visualize, after their HEA and as their story progresses, they might get to a real BDSM life style. But this reads more as spiced up vanilla sex, which can be either good or bad depending on what you are looking for in your story.
January 12, 2011
Jaymes’ Review:
The Cowboy Poet is the brilliant and sweet tale of a relationship not many understand. Claire Thompson has a way of showing the D/s world in a caring and considerate way. She makes all the aspects about it comfortable not only for the characters but for the readers.
Clint and Tyler’s relationship begins by chance but love quickly follows, even though neither is aware of it at the time. Tyler has left his home for the big city because he doesn’t truly understand himself. It takes meeting Clint, a man truly comfortable in his skin, to break down the walls Tyler has built around himself and crash through the barriers in Tyler’s own mind.
When I read the blurb for The Cowboy Poet I was immediately taken with the brief glimpses we’re given of Clint and Tyler. Tyler was running from himself when he met Clint and then ran from the one man who understood what Tyler needed. Clint was attracted to Tyler from the moment they met but was heartbroken when Tyler ran. As the two spent time together while on the trail of a thief Clint attempted to show Tyler that what he needed and felt wasn’t wrong or bad. But Tyler’s own self-doubts and self-recriminations pushed him to turn tail and run. It takes the reassurance of Clint’s best friend to push Clint into going after his boy and bringing him home. They are a couple worth rooting for as they travel together in search of a thief and on a journey of trust and sexual discovery.
Claire Thompson has crafted a beautiful story ensconced in the heart of Texas and the hearts of two strong men.
Rated 5 Gold Crowns and a Recommended Read by Jaymes!
The Cowboy Poet is the brilliant and sweet tale of a relationship not many understand. Claire Thompson has a way of showing the D/s world in a caring and considerate way. She makes all the aspects about it comfortable not only for the characters but for the readers.
Clint and Tyler’s relationship begins by chance but love quickly follows, even though neither is aware of it at the time. Tyler has left his home for the big city because he doesn’t truly understand himself. It takes meeting Clint, a man truly comfortable in his skin, to break down the walls Tyler has built around himself and crash through the barriers in Tyler’s own mind.
When I read the blurb for The Cowboy Poet I was immediately taken with the brief glimpses we’re given of Clint and Tyler. Tyler was running from himself when he met Clint and then ran from the one man who understood what Tyler needed. Clint was attracted to Tyler from the moment they met but was heartbroken when Tyler ran. As the two spent time together while on the trail of a thief Clint attempted to show Tyler that what he needed and felt wasn’t wrong or bad. But Tyler’s own self-doubts and self-recriminations pushed him to turn tail and run. It takes the reassurance of Clint’s best friend to push Clint into going after his boy and bringing him home. They are a couple worth rooting for as they travel together in search of a thief and on a journey of trust and sexual discovery.
Claire Thompson has crafted a beautiful story ensconced in the heart of Texas and the hearts of two strong men.
Rated 5 Gold Crowns and a Recommended Read by Jaymes!
March 29, 2017
Kind of a mediocre read
SPOILERS AHEAD!
I had several issues with this story. I did like the initial meeting and learning about a Cowboy Poet. Never heard of it before and it sounds like an awesome tradition. The overall story was okay. The little mystery was okay, even though it was nothing but a way to keep the characters together. Clint's explanation of D/s was very good and clearly explained a proper relationship. His character went a little off the rails for me when he initiated a threesome. He knew Tyler was having issues and should have known better than to push his trust so far after only a few days.
Tyler's character was totally off for me. He read like a 20 yr old, not a 30 yr old college graduate. He allowed Clint to whip him, then agonized with shame over admitting he liked pain? He knew enough to know where to buy a CBT whip, so it makes no sense he wouldn't know more about the lifestyle. I can accept his fear of coming out or having Wayne tell his family about his kink. I can also accept a trust issue because of it. The reasons given for running away from Clint were absurd. Not a realistic emotional conflict.
It was the right amount of BDSM for me since anything much more intense isn't my cup of tea. It would be a good intro for someone new to reading about it if the story itself was better. My last issue was the insta-love. Feeling a connection after 3-4 days is fine, not deciding you're in love.
SPOILERS AHEAD!
I had several issues with this story. I did like the initial meeting and learning about a Cowboy Poet. Never heard of it before and it sounds like an awesome tradition. The overall story was okay. The little mystery was okay, even though it was nothing but a way to keep the characters together. Clint's explanation of D/s was very good and clearly explained a proper relationship. His character went a little off the rails for me when he initiated a threesome. He knew Tyler was having issues and should have known better than to push his trust so far after only a few days.
Tyler's character was totally off for me. He read like a 20 yr old, not a 30 yr old college graduate. He allowed Clint to whip him, then agonized with shame over admitting he liked pain? He knew enough to know where to buy a CBT whip, so it makes no sense he wouldn't know more about the lifestyle. I can accept his fear of coming out or having Wayne tell his family about his kink. I can also accept a trust issue because of it. The reasons given for running away from Clint were absurd. Not a realistic emotional conflict.
It was the right amount of BDSM for me since anything much more intense isn't my cup of tea. It would be a good intro for someone new to reading about it if the story itself was better. My last issue was the insta-love. Feeling a connection after 3-4 days is fine, not deciding you're in love.
January 15, 2016
Claire Thompson is one of those authors I pick up when I want something safe and entertaining to read, and The Cowboy Poet fits that discription.
The book gets going pretty quickly, as the MCs start out as a one-off. Ty and Clint are both into BDSM, but where Clint is okay with being a Dom, Ty struggles with his own submissive side. So, not exactly groundbreaking as far as storylines go, but it did provide some angst to a story that would've been too fluffy otherwise.
There is a barely there mystery, that I think should've been cut out, as it was nothing but a plto device. Also, toward the end, Clint was somewhat passive-aggressive, which I disliked. Ty's former lover was cartoonish and his parents along with the supportive sister could have been from any other gay cowboy book.
There were some elements in the book that I really appreciated, such as Ty's dad not being the homophobe Ty thought he was. Mainly it was the ending that set this book apart from other near-fluffy romances, was the ending. It was an HEA, yes, but not too wrapped up. I was left with the impression that the MCs were only at the beginning of their journey, and that balanced everything out nicely.
The book gets going pretty quickly, as the MCs start out as a one-off. Ty and Clint are both into BDSM, but where Clint is okay with being a Dom, Ty struggles with his own submissive side. So, not exactly groundbreaking as far as storylines go, but it did provide some angst to a story that would've been too fluffy otherwise.
There is a barely there mystery, that I think should've been cut out, as it was nothing but a plto device. Also, toward the end, Clint was somewhat passive-aggressive, which I disliked. Ty's former lover was cartoonish and his parents along with the supportive sister could have been from any other gay cowboy book.
There were some elements in the book that I really appreciated, such as Ty's dad not being the homophobe Ty thought he was. Mainly it was the ending that set this book apart from other near-fluffy romances, was the ending. It was an HEA, yes, but not too wrapped up. I was left with the impression that the MCs were only at the beginning of their journey, and that balanced everything out nicely.
June 10, 2018
Tyler is a magazine reporter and while checking out a rodeo meets Clint , a cowboy poet who is also a dominant. He stirs up suppressed feelings in Tyler who has run away from home fearing exposure as a gay submissive! They are perfect together and even tries a threesome. Clint helps Tyler to accept his submissive side and also to reconcile with his family. Altogether a sweet story with bdsm action.
Merged review:
A good one
Tyler is a magazine reporter and while checking out a rodeo meets Clint , a cowboy poet who is also a dominant. He stirs up suppressed feelings in Tyler who has run away from home fearing exposure as a gay submissive! They are perfect together and even tries a threesome. Clint helps Tyler to accept his submissive side and also to reconcile with his family. Altogether a sweet story with bdsm action.
Merged review:
A good one
Tyler is a magazine reporter and while checking out a rodeo meets Clint , a cowboy poet who is also a dominant. He stirs up suppressed feelings in Tyler who has run away from home fearing exposure as a gay submissive! They are perfect together and even tries a threesome. Clint helps Tyler to accept his submissive side and also to reconcile with his family. Altogether a sweet story with bdsm action.
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