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Diamondback Ranch #2

The Cowboy's Surrender

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AUTHOR'S WARNING: This is the hotter and sexier version of The Cowboy's Surrender. The love scenes are steamier and more graphic. For a sweeter read, check out The Cowboy's Surrender in The Diamondback Ranch Sweeter Series.

Copper River Oil Company is drilling for oil on the Diamondback Ranch. Dallas McCade can't do a thing to stop them, because he doesn't own the mineral rights. To add insult to injury, they've sent a woman to oversee the operation. Dallas has good reason to distrust women. As soon as he sets eyes on Gillian Bankston, he loses his temper . . . and his control. That makes him spitting mad and frustrated as hell.

Gillian has never met a man quite like Dallas. He's as prickly as a cactus, but his kisses are hot enough to ignite a West Texas wildfire. Gillian's been burned before and wants nothing to do with love . . . or lust. Battle lines are drawn and it's war between the sexes. Will they surrender to the powerful attraction neither can deny? Who will be the first to wave the white flag?

226 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 10, 2010

103 people are currently reading
353 people want to read

About the author

Anne Marie Novark

28 books166 followers
Anne Marie is a Texas girl, born and raised. Romance is her passion. She loves to read and write about men and women falling in love, overcoming life's obstacles, and living happily ever after. She writes spicy contemporary novels, usually involving a cowboy or two, as well as Regency historicals.

Married to her high school sweetheart, Anne Marie and her husband spend their leisure time working (actually playing) in the yard and renovating their 1956 custom-built house on a one-acre lot in the middle of the city. They have two grown children, three white rabbits, two mischievous cats, and one sweet puppy dog.

Visit Anne Marie at www.annemarienovark.com.

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5 stars
416 (44%)
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337 (35%)
3 stars
147 (15%)
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36 (3%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
Profile Image for Jane Stewart.
2,462 reviews966 followers
March 13, 2013
This was ok. Nothing unusual, special, or different. But it satisfies the way romances should.

There’s some good lust. I have no complaints.

Dallas is a cattle rancher (the cowboy). His relative sold rights for drilling on the family land to an oil company. Dallas hates having the oil company on his land. When he first meets Gillian he dislikes her because she works for the oil company. He is rude and insulting. Someone is sabotaging the oil project and Gillian suspects Dallas may be behind it. In spite of their distrust and dislike, they are having a hard time controlling their lust for each other. Lust eventually wins. Both characters were hurt from past relationships which adds to their reluctance.

DATA:
Narrative mode: 3rd person. Kindle count length: 6,660 (438 KB). Swearing language: mild. Sexual language: mild to none. Number of sex scenes: 2 ½. Setting: current day Texas with a little California. Copyright: 2010. Genre: contemporary romance.
Profile Image for Kimberly Walter.
1,638 reviews15 followers
February 14, 2014
Dallas McCade is beyond furious that Diamondback Ranch has Copper River Oil Company on his family ranch drilling for oil. And there is nothing he can do about it, because unfortunately he doesn't own the mineral rights. His sister-in-law does. But what is even worse then that is they sent a woman to oversee the operation. Dallas loses his temper and his heart every time he is around Gillian. He tries to stay clear of her but once he is close to her, he wants her. And it makes him even more furious because he wants nothing to with women unless its for pleasure and he definitely doesn't want nothing to do with her since she works the oil company.
Gillian Bankston wants nothing to do with love or even lust. She has been burned before by her late husband. But she can't resist the prickly hot cowboy, who's kisses ignite her body like no other.
Gillian and Dallas are dancing around each other. When they finally avoiding their wants and desire, they are explosive. The prickly cowboy finally surrenders his heart to the woman who is everything to him.

The Cowboy Surrenders was a great book to read. I enjoyed reading it from beginning to end. Though Dallas annoyed me greatly with his prickly ways but in the end it all turned out great.
Profile Image for Jennifer Gallagher.
301 reviews14 followers
April 13, 2014
This is the second book in the Diamondback series.. Anne Marie Norvark has surpassed herself with this one.. I thought Cameron was hot from book 1 but he has nothing on Dallas.. This book was more than awesome... boy oh boy one stubborn male against a stubborn female...the chemistry between Dallas and Gillian was HOT!!! they are both equally scared and so badly hurt in the past.... Will they decide to put that behind them.. will they admit there is something between them... will there be a HEA.. well you will have to read these books to find out... I detest spoilers...Hugs n thanks Anne Marie as an Author YOU ROCK !!!
Profile Image for Hope Frost.
811 reviews8 followers
June 6, 2011
This was my first Novark book, and I guarantee it won't be my last. I loved getting to know the McCade family. All with their own since of loyalty and honor, but the banter with the brothers was a crack up. I could picture them each time throwing verbal jabs at each other. I liked that Gillian was a woman with a purpose, not just some pretty girl, and that she was cautious. Some of the scenes seemed to be a bit wordy and a little over descriptive for my tastes, but the story line was great and I hope we get to see more of the brothers, and Tori of course.
Profile Image for book .
509 reviews3 followers
June 3, 2013
Funny how yet another women is a widow...
Okay book, but cliche, grumpy cowboy falls in love
Profile Image for Denise.
651 reviews19 followers
April 14, 2012
2 nd book was sooo much better more interaction with family can't wait to read the third one...
5 reviews
December 17, 2017
Great book



Love it
Best book I love a good romance with a cowboy and a cowgirl a a a a a
48 reviews4 followers
April 30, 2019
I have enjoyed reading Dallas's and Gillian's story, of love, betrayal, trust and what they both went through to find happiness..
Profile Image for Candy.
434 reviews17 followers
March 23, 2016
Dallas McCade, part owner of the Diamondback Ranch is furious with his sister in law for selling the mineral rights to the the ranch without asking him. Now Copper River Oil Company is on his land, destroying it. Dallas is hoping the company doesn’t find anything and leaves. Gillian Bankston is being sent to Texas to oversee the drilling operation after the previous supervisor had a heart attack. When her car breaks down, she is unprepared to meet the cantankerous Dallas McCade. She’s also not prepared for the immediate attraction she feels for him. Once Gillian gets to the site she is informed that someone is sabotaging the equipment and she is really hoping it’s not the surly owner. Will Gillian and Dallas put their differences aside and act on their attraction to each other? Who is sabotaging the drill site on the ranch?
I started reading this series a long time ago and apparently I forgot about it. As part of the #forgottenbookchallenge, I have been digging into my Kindle and found the second book in this series. The book was downloaded in March 2013 (yes that is how bad my one click addiction is). If you are interested in the challenge, look the group up on Facebook and join us.
This is a sweet and sexy western romance. The tension between Dallas and Gillian really builds up to a fever pitch before they act on it. Both are fighting demons from previous ex’s and Dallas really doesn’t want to be involved with anyone he sees as destroying his ranch.
The story line has the added bonus of suspense as well. Dallas makes no secret that he is ticked off at Copper River Oil Company and that he wants them gone. Gillian doesn’t want to believe that Dallas is behind the sabotage and is constantly arguing with her second in command about that. When Novak finally revealed who it was, I was actually surprised.
The Cowboys Surrender is the second book in the Diamondback Ranch series. It can be read as a stand alone but I would recommend starting at the beginning. This book is a great read for anyone who enjoys western romances with a hint of suspense.
Profile Image for Chanel.
1,833 reviews
July 17, 2014
The saga of the McCade brothers continue, as it is Dallas turn for love. Dallas certainly won’t be the easiest man to love, as from the first book, he came across as rather callous. Dallas certainly doesn’t make a good first impression on Gillian Bankston. Gillian is an independent career woman that works in a male dominant profession, and certainly not someone that Dallas can push around. Somehow Gillian brought the best out in Dallas, and they really seem to complement each other.
There were a few memorable scenes in this book, especially around the events of how Daniel’s birth unfolded. I totally enjoyed the festivies at the Founder’s Day Jubilee. It was a slice right out of small town America. It was written so you could just picture all the festivities, and almost could smell the popcorn and hotdogs. Gosh, I wanted my own snow cone after reading that chapter! It was also in this chapter that the stage was set for the next book in this series, as Kelsey McCade arranged for her dad, Austin McCade, to be paired with her school teacher, Miss Rogers for the racing competitions. I once again totally got a kick out of Sarah Sue. Over-all this was a pleasant read.
Profile Image for Ruby Miller.
160 reviews2 followers
July 10, 2015
The Cowboy's Surrender(The Diamondba...

Dallas finally found the love he always wanted Gillian at first he had wanted nothing to do with her because she was working on his land drilling for for oil companies she worked for.But things got contemplated and he wanted her but wouldn't face the feeling he had for her and she was the same with him.But she started to have feelings for him but at the same time he couldn't let her in his life.But at the festival carnival he talked to her and ask her if they could call it a truce and she said yes.This love story is amazing and it has its up and downs and I love reading this book.From Ruby Miller.
Profile Image for Black Butterfly.
2,630 reviews39 followers
August 13, 2013
I'VE READ SEVERAL OTHER BOOKS IN THE "DIAMOND BACK RANCH" SERIES, I HAVE ENJOYED ALL OF THEM. THE MCCADES ARE A WONDERFUL FAMILY LIVING IN A SMALL TEXAS TOWN. THIS ONE CENTERS ON DALLAS & GILLIAN'S LOVE STORY. I FOUND THE STORYLINE PREDICTABLE & A BIT TOO MUCH ANGST FILLED, WHICH DID NOT STOP MY ENJOYING IT ANYWAY. I LOVE SEXXY ROMANTIC STORIES, SMALLTOWN LIFE, COUNTRY FUN AND MOSTLY ALPHA COWBOYS. BE STILL MY HEART, I MIGHT HAVE BEEN BORN A CITY GIRL BUT INSIDE MY HEART & SOUL I'M JUST A COUNTRY BUNKIN'. WHICH I WOULDN'T CHANGE FOR ANYTHING, GIVE ME THE SIMPLE LIFE. . .PLEASE!
Profile Image for Sue.
1,127 reviews12 followers
February 8, 2014
Started to read... but something about the writing style didn't work for me. I think it's the contradiction with the female lead and not in a good way. She's in a male dominated industry and role, yet personally she appears very weak. Not one of my favorite vehicles because the sympathy hasn't been built up after reading 50+ pages. So nothing for me to admire her for.... rating based on the fact I doubt I'll come back to it.

Prior book was better, but similiar though the weakness didn't appear till nearly the end. So I was invested.
Profile Image for Paula Legate.
Author 17 books25 followers
July 8, 2015
This is the second book in, The Diamondback Ranch series. It can be read as a standalone, but it's so much better if you read, the doctor wears a Stetson, first.

Dallas is the hero in the story. He is a gruff man, and at time comes off as a butt. Gillian breaks through all of his defenses. He does not want to like her, but the chemistry keeps pulling the two together. By the end of the book I liked Dallas. I really enjoyed all the characters in the story line, and look forward to reading the next book.


Profile Image for E Reader.
1,016 reviews5 followers
May 15, 2015
Strike it rich!

Oh my what a great love story! What happens when you fall for the enemy? Both Dallas and Gillian have sworn off the opposite sex and Dallas wants Cooper Ridge Oil off his land, now the head of the operation is this woman...she's the enemy or is she? Lots of twists and turns as they learn that they just might find out that through each other they can do more than just exist.
Truly enjoyable series, have to love a cowboy!!
Profile Image for Bonnie.
978 reviews
May 26, 2012
I liked the first book in this series, "The Doctor Wears a Stetson," but I really, really liked this book. I thought the story-telling in "The Cowboy's Surrender" seemed to have matured. I liked the characters and the overall story.
Profile Image for Gail.
291 reviews
February 21, 2013
I enjoyed Dallas' s story. He had his problems but finally worked them out.

This series is about family. I love those kind of stories. All the ups and downs, the good and bad.

I can't wait to read the next story. It's Austin's story...should be good!
491 reviews7 followers
April 21, 2015
Great book

Soft sexy full of laughter,and you can't put the book down .it gives you a push to keep reading .go find out about Dallas you will fall hard at least I did. Life.like real
Profile Image for Svalora.
499 reviews
July 24, 2015
I added this book to my high school shelf because I read the "sweeter" version which was an edited version -- sex removed. I still like this series and will continue reading to the end! I want to know what happens with each of the siblings! I enjoyed Dallas' story probably more than Cameron's!
Profile Image for Nancy.
261 reviews
February 6, 2013
Very enjoyable read. I liked that there was much more interaction amongst the siblings than with the first book.
Profile Image for Karen.
559 reviews6 followers
August 5, 2025
Once again it was a heartfelt story, but way to short.
Profile Image for Jeanie Rex.
116 reviews1 follower
May 10, 2014
This story surrounds a stubborn Texas cowboy and a female representative from the oil company he despises. The story is predictable but we still love the time to escape while we read.
Profile Image for Anna .
117 reviews1 follower
December 19, 2014
I KNEW Dallas would be AWESOME!!!!!! already to the next one can't wait to see if Austin McCade will melt eventually :D :D

Loved it
Thanks a lot Anne Marie Novark & Erin Mallon of course :D
Profile Image for Kim Phillips.
9 reviews1 follower
March 29, 2015
Good read

I Liked the flow and the mystery. The characters were quite fetching. Can't wait for the next read. I savor every page.
1 review
May 30, 2015
Couldn't put the book down!!

Start to finish I couldn't put the book down.. it had me from the first page!! I couldn't get enough!!
Profile Image for marilee.
2 reviews
July 1, 2015
4 star rating

Good story line can't wait to read the rest of the books in this series. I didn't rate this a 5 star because I feel there was to much graphic sexuality
Profile Image for K.M. Lowe.
Author 40 books609 followers
August 2, 2015
I loved Cameron and Jessies story in book 1 and I've loved Gillian and Dllas's story just as much. I've downloaded book3 already and look forward to it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews

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