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Trust in Me #3
Required Surrender
Josephine needs a Dom to top her if she’s going to conquer her issues with men. But when Ted, the frenemy she’s chosen, refuses, Jo needs to take drastic measures. She goes to his resort to find another candidate. Unfortunately, that plan’s a bust.
Headstrong Jo is a Dom’s worst nightmare. So when Ted discovers that a newbie has signed the “Full Monty” release—an occurrence that has the resident sadists circling—he knows it’s Jo.
What’s a Dom to do? After he thanks her for giving him carte blanche, he hauls her ass up to the rodeo room for a ride. A ride that rapidly becomes a trip of epic proportions with kinky detours galore until they hit a fork in the road. One avenue leads to Jo’s prized independence and the other leads home to him. Now, Jo must decide between the two.
Headstrong Jo is a Dom’s worst nightmare. So when Ted discovers that a newbie has signed the “Full Monty” release—an occurrence that has the resident sadists circling—he knows it’s Jo.
What’s a Dom to do? After he thanks her for giving him carte blanche, he hauls her ass up to the rodeo room for a ride. A ride that rapidly becomes a trip of epic proportions with kinky detours galore until they hit a fork in the road. One avenue leads to Jo’s prized independence and the other leads home to him. Now, Jo must decide between the two.
308 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 6, 2013
10 people are currently reading
732 people want to read
About the author
Riley Murphy
33 books406 followersRiley Murphy writes sexy, humorous, and emotional romance, happy ending guaranteed. An optimist, she believes life is awesome, people are complicated, but in a good way, and we should never stop learning. Riley currently has a whole mess of grandkids who are keeping her very busy! When Riley's not working she enjoys oil painting, designing furniture-who knew? And, traveling to see those grandbabies every chance she gets.
If Riley wasn't a writer, she'd be an international spy with top-level security so she could have a peek at Area 51 and decide for herself if those green guys are for real. Failing that she'd likely go with chicken sexer. Riley loves her characters and she hopes you do too. For more information about all of Riley's books and upcoming releases you can visit her at www.AuthorRileyMurphy.com
If Riley wasn't a writer, she'd be an international spy with top-level security so she could have a peek at Area 51 and decide for herself if those green guys are for real. Failing that she'd likely go with chicken sexer. Riley loves her characters and she hopes you do too. For more information about all of Riley's books and upcoming releases you can visit her at www.AuthorRileyMurphy.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
February 18, 2013
Rating: B ... Heat: Sizzling
Josephine Nehr was sexually assaulted by someone she trusted. Since then she has been incapable and unwilling to become involved with any man. Looking to move past her issues, she decides the best way to do so is by reliving a similar experience. Jo wants the pain. Wants to give up control, in a controlled way.
But there is a major road block in her plans. A road block named Ted Basel. One of three of the club's co-owners and a Dom, he refuses to pair her with a Dom. Mostly because he's drawn to her himself, but also because he knows that she has issues and isn't going about working through them the right way. When he finally gives in and assigns a Dom to her, it doesn't go as expected.
Because Jo wants Ted. He's the Dom for her and no other will do. She won't submit to anyone else. No other can get past her defenses. So, against his better judgment, Ted relents and agrees to give her what she wants. On his terms. And thus begins a battle of wills between a reluctant Dom and a feisty sub.
And by feisty sub, I mean there is A LOT of bratting. Whew. I am all for the bratting – sometimes the punishment is the reward – but damn. Jo is a sub of another color. She takes spirited to a whole new level. Not that I blame her, because Ted isn't exactly in the right mindset most of the time he's with her.
Ted has some serious issues of his own to work through. The man does not trust women. At all. Because of that, he sometimes came across as a bad Dom. He wants the truth but never gives it. And he treats Jo, knowingly, how she doesn't want to be treated. Forcing her to go past her hard limits. Which turn out not to be so hard, but still. If she's lists them as such, he should respect that. He doesn't go easy on her at all. And I wasn't a fan of him forcing her into a Master/slave relationship solely to keep her at a distance. It was all very… complicated.
But I did enjoy it immensely. Kink comes in many flavors and this dynamic was a new one for me. Miz Murphy can write some seriously sexy scenes that are hot and kinky and imaginative. Her characters stand out. The BDSM lifestyle felt real.
Favorite Quote:
“Do it. I want you to come for me now. Now.”
It was the last push into her that did it. That hard caress sent her over the edge and she fell. Hard. Fast. Gasping for breath as she involuntarily quivered and shook.
Her whole body reacted. Every muscle within her tensed while the lower ones clamped around his fingers and squeezed.
“Jesus fuck, that’s what I’m after. Once my cock gets in to you, you’re going to milk me with this kind of strength. Do you want to milk the come out of me?”
The suspended squeeze snapped as her body let go. Trembling and quaking until she heard his groan. At the sound, her insides melted and she spun out of control. Falling off the edge of the world until a flood of hot desire poured. She was sure it rushed down his fingers and pooled into his palm.
He kissed her hip, her navel and the top of her mound. “I’m proud of you, princess. Very, very proud.”
-- A Romantic Book Affairs Review.
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March 24, 2013I'm leaving this one unrated and only writing a review. I've read two of Ms. Murphy's books before and enjoyed them greatly. This latest ones did not do it for me. I was looking forward to this book because I loved the exclusive kitty scene she provided. The BDSM scenes in this book are good. The kitty scene is definitely my favourite. A couple of the scenes used as "therapy" rubbed me the wrong way, but whatever floats their boat.
The story is well written, I just didn't enjoy it. I didn't like the characters and I was disgusted with their BDSM relationship. Jo wasn't particularly admirable. She was bratty, a liar and purposely misunderstood or read more into Ted's intent. There were some decisions she made that just frustrated me and made me want to slap her upside the head, several times.
Where do I start with Ted? Ted was a conflicted asshole. He started out as a decent seeming Dom. Then he crossed several lines that just had me seeing red. His interpretation of a M/s relationship is fictional. Are there people who do this in the real world? I've "heard" it bandied about in fetlife and in the internet that people live the M/s life like this. But when I watch the interactions, I'd have to say I don't think it's really as what this contract laid out. Ted's forcing Jo to say "I love you, Master" and running all over her hard limits pissed me off like no other. At that point, I'd be stringing Ted up by his balls. What an asswipe. For Jo to actually submit to this? I lost any little respect I had left for her.
These two people didn't do it for me because when they got together, they didn't bring out the best in each other. Instead, all I saw was the worst out of each other. It was a train wreck watching them. This is the kind of couple with fiery passion at the beginning and then completely fuzz out. These are the ones that after a few years married, they divorce. What really surprised me was Colin's behaviour. For her to do what she did to Ted's house was crass and declasse. Her lack of maturity just dragged this book down more for me. I was completely disgusted by the subs behaviour in this book as well as the Dom.
What I did like was the tidbit about David and Lacey. I hope that story will be more up to my speed. This book is probably best for kinky readers who enjoy couples who fight and have make up sex.
The story is well written, I just didn't enjoy it. I didn't like the characters and I was disgusted with their BDSM relationship. Jo wasn't particularly admirable. She was bratty, a liar and purposely misunderstood or read more into Ted's intent. There were some decisions she made that just frustrated me and made me want to slap her upside the head, several times.
Where do I start with Ted? Ted was a conflicted asshole. He started out as a decent seeming Dom. Then he crossed several lines that just had me seeing red. His interpretation of a M/s relationship is fictional. Are there people who do this in the real world? I've "heard" it bandied about in fetlife and in the internet that people live the M/s life like this. But when I watch the interactions, I'd have to say I don't think it's really as what this contract laid out. Ted's forcing Jo to say "I love you, Master" and running all over her hard limits pissed me off like no other. At that point, I'd be stringing Ted up by his balls. What an asswipe. For Jo to actually submit to this? I lost any little respect I had left for her.
These two people didn't do it for me because when they got together, they didn't bring out the best in each other. Instead, all I saw was the worst out of each other. It was a train wreck watching them. This is the kind of couple with fiery passion at the beginning and then completely fuzz out. These are the ones that after a few years married, they divorce. What really surprised me was Colin's behaviour. For her to do what she did to Ted's house was crass and declasse. Her lack of maturity just dragged this book down more for me. I was completely disgusted by the subs behaviour in this book as well as the Dom.
What I did like was the tidbit about David and Lacey. I hope that story will be more up to my speed. This book is probably best for kinky readers who enjoy couples who fight and have make up sex.
February 8, 2013
Oh Jo and Ted, Jo and Ted, Jo and Ted. *sigh* I was waittttting for this book since meeting Jo and Ted in Reluctant Surrender and I was so not disappointed. Jo is frigging awesome, and there was just no way the average guy was going to be able to Top her. She's so fun and bold and in your face, I couldn't wait to see the sparks fly between her and Ted. And fly they did. It's like an epic dance battle for dominance as Jo attempts to Top from the bottom and Ted tries to protect his heart. This book has one of my all time BDSM scenes EVER I don't like spoilers, but keep your eyes peeled for a card game >.<
*fans self* *glugs ice water* *fans self moar* I loved all three Surrender books, but I think this is my favorite (and that's saying something, because Colin from book two one of my favorite heroines ever and I didn't think I would even love a couple more than her and Ethan!) These two just have so much push and pull and thick tension that I couldn't stop reading. It was like being caught in a web. So, anyhow, if you like BDSM for realz, I would be very surprised if this didn't land on your "Favorites" shelf.
*fans self* *glugs ice water* *fans self moar* I loved all three Surrender books, but I think this is my favorite (and that's saying something, because Colin from book two one of my favorite heroines ever and I didn't think I would even love a couple more than her and Ethan!) These two just have so much push and pull and thick tension that I couldn't stop reading. It was like being caught in a web. So, anyhow, if you like BDSM for realz, I would be very surprised if this didn't land on your "Favorites" shelf.
January 3, 2015
4.5 “I know Princess, I know” “Bruised Apple” “Dragon” “Mera pyar” Kisses
When I do my review I always add in a line that sticks with me with the book that really brings out the essence of it when I say how many kisses (i.e. – stars) I give it. For me it’s also a slight reminder of why I gave it that rating. I had a REALLY hard time with this one and that has never happened to me before. So in this case, I can’t make up my mind…I refuse to and so I channel the heroine in this story (Josephine) and I’m going to be stubborn and use as many as I darn well please. :-P So there. I’m glad, and frustrated and excited and aggravated all at the same time, but I guess that sums up a lot of my feelings for the book in general. GOD it just bored into my mind so deep. I really really enjoyed this book.
Josephine Nehr needs to be Topped. Bad. She’s a woman with a horrendous past and having a dom/sub relationship is what she needs. It’s what she craves. Ted Basel is the Dom for her. There is no other man that can Top her. Believe me, they’ve tried. But he’s dead set against it…until he can’t fight it any longer. She needs him and he doesn’t even realize how bad he needs her. Limits are set, boundaries are pushed, but who will come through in the end?
There’s a subliminal message in the shirt that she’s wearing…let’s see if you catch it ;-)
Required Surrender is actually part of a series. I did not know this until I had already started the book. Did that stop me from enjoying the book? No. Were there parts that I may have understood better if I had? Yes. Did that bother me? Neh…not really. Makes me want to read the other two books ASAP. Big time. There are characters and a few things that come into play that were obviously introduced and talked about in the other books, but not to the level where you can’t pick things up and figure out/assume for yourself what is going on.
The first few pages are a little slow. I try not to judge a book at first, give it at least 20-30% before I make any decisions…I really didn’t have to wait very long at all. There were some phrases that got a little repetitive that kind of started to grate on my nerves (smooth as glass and liquid silk, specifically) but other than that, I really have no complaints. The writing was engaging, I was entranced with the characters and the story. Jo is a beast – she’s S.T.U.B.B.O.R.N! I love my strong willed girls, because I am one, so I felt I had a kindred spirit in Jo because I could see myself reacting the same way she did. Possibly afraid on the inside of these hard core Dom’s but not willing to let it show. Hiding behind a wall for no one else to see the fear, the truth, the reality. Ted is Captain of the Dom’s. He’s who the Dom’s look up to and wish they could be like when they grow up. There is no one more perfect for Jo in that respect and she knows it. They have that pull and that connection as much as Ted tries to deny it, and he does.
Their relationship goes in stages, she doesn’t just become his slave overnight and I appreciated that, but it did break my heart a little. I am a romantic deep down and while their relationship started off a little unconventionally, they were more like a regular couple at first, their bedroom activities aside of course. There were key factors that led into the progression of how their relationship became one of Master/Slave, and while I liked it, it did squeeze my feelers a little. There was a scene with her collar and cuffs that actually made me tear up. They still have that romance, it’s just not your ‘mainstream’ typical type of romance…but it’s what suited them, they were happy which, at the end of the day, is all that matters to me. Whether it suits my personal tastes or not is not the point.
I’ve read BDSM books before. I’m a ‘dirty book whore’, sex books feed a deep dark part of my soul. There are many different ways to ways to write a BDSM book, depending on how strong and deep you want that Dom/Sub relationship to go, this was one of the most severe I have ever read and I loved it. Even if you’re not into BDSM or domination, there is still a pull into the feelings and the connection between these characters. There’s a lot of emotions and a certain level of control that goes back and forth between the dom and sub...I don’t know how else to describe it, but it’s electric.
When I do my review I always add in a line that sticks with me with the book that really brings out the essence of it when I say how many kisses (i.e. – stars) I give it. For me it’s also a slight reminder of why I gave it that rating. I had a REALLY hard time with this one and that has never happened to me before. So in this case, I can’t make up my mind…I refuse to and so I channel the heroine in this story (Josephine) and I’m going to be stubborn and use as many as I darn well please. :-P So there. I’m glad, and frustrated and excited and aggravated all at the same time, but I guess that sums up a lot of my feelings for the book in general. GOD it just bored into my mind so deep. I really really enjoyed this book.
‘This latest stunt was a clear indication that he’d been right all along about her. She was trouble with a capital T. Only for you, because you want her. Bad. Fuck.’
Josephine Nehr needs to be Topped. Bad. She’s a woman with a horrendous past and having a dom/sub relationship is what she needs. It’s what she craves. Ted Basel is the Dom for her. There is no other man that can Top her. Believe me, they’ve tried. But he’s dead set against it…until he can’t fight it any longer. She needs him and he doesn’t even realize how bad he needs her. Limits are set, boundaries are pushed, but who will come through in the end?
There’s a subliminal message in the shirt that she’s wearing…let’s see if you catch it ;-)
‘The concept had seemed logical and easy enough until she’d fallen in lust with one of the Doms. Ted Basel. Him. The bastard. Suddenly nothing was easy because she was forced to spend time around him. And as for logic? Well, that went out the window the moment she confided her attraction to him to her BF. Before Jo knew it her friend had decided Ted was the Dom who should Top her. Only he refused. Double bastard.’
Required Surrender is actually part of a series. I did not know this until I had already started the book. Did that stop me from enjoying the book? No. Were there parts that I may have understood better if I had? Yes. Did that bother me? Neh…not really. Makes me want to read the other two books ASAP. Big time. There are characters and a few things that come into play that were obviously introduced and talked about in the other books, but not to the level where you can’t pick things up and figure out/assume for yourself what is going on.
“Stop analyzing,” he whispered in her ear. “Tonight you do what I want. You get what I want to give you. Your needs are mine to control, do you understand?”
The first few pages are a little slow. I try not to judge a book at first, give it at least 20-30% before I make any decisions…I really didn’t have to wait very long at all. There were some phrases that got a little repetitive that kind of started to grate on my nerves (smooth as glass and liquid silk, specifically) but other than that, I really have no complaints. The writing was engaging, I was entranced with the characters and the story. Jo is a beast – she’s S.T.U.B.B.O.R.N! I love my strong willed girls, because I am one, so I felt I had a kindred spirit in Jo because I could see myself reacting the same way she did. Possibly afraid on the inside of these hard core Dom’s but not willing to let it show. Hiding behind a wall for no one else to see the fear, the truth, the reality. Ted is Captain of the Dom’s. He’s who the Dom’s look up to and wish they could be like when they grow up. There is no one more perfect for Jo in that respect and she knows it. They have that pull and that connection as much as Ted tries to deny it, and he does.
‘The heat and hardness brought home just how well he was in a position to control, whether she wanted it or not. But she wanted it. Secretly, she wanted it bad. Pain, pleasure, heaven or hell, his kind of confidence commanded respect so she nodded.’
Their relationship goes in stages, she doesn’t just become his slave overnight and I appreciated that, but it did break my heart a little. I am a romantic deep down and while their relationship started off a little unconventionally, they were more like a regular couple at first, their bedroom activities aside of course. There were key factors that led into the progression of how their relationship became one of Master/Slave, and while I liked it, it did squeeze my feelers a little. There was a scene with her collar and cuffs that actually made me tear up. They still have that romance, it’s just not your ‘mainstream’ typical type of romance…but it’s what suited them, they were happy which, at the end of the day, is all that matters to me. Whether it suits my personal tastes or not is not the point.
“I can assure you.” The tip of his tongue licked the crease and then he leaned back. “There’s nothing clean about me. Especially where you’re concerned because I intend to be the dirtiest bastard around with you.”
I’ve read BDSM books before. I’m a ‘dirty book whore’, sex books feed a deep dark part of my soul. There are many different ways to ways to write a BDSM book, depending on how strong and deep you want that Dom/Sub relationship to go, this was one of the most severe I have ever read and I loved it. Even if you’re not into BDSM or domination, there is still a pull into the feelings and the connection between these characters. There’s a lot of emotions and a certain level of control that goes back and forth between the dom and sub...I don’t know how else to describe it, but it’s electric.
‘By the time Ted parked his ass on the couch at home, he’d already made up his mind. He couldn’t let her go, but he should. He wouldn’t let her go, but he wanted to. This was like some cosmic joke rearing up to mock him. Because this time he’d pointblank warned his woman not to lie to him and she had. What the fuck?’ blockquote>
A happy surprise about this book? It made me laugh. Not gut belly laugh, but it was sarcastic, witty, funny – made me smile. Another reason I think I liked this book so much was because I had no clue what was going to happen. No predictions, no thoughts, I was just reading and going with the flow. The rug was pulled out from underneath me at least twice and there was one point where I was ceremoniously bitch slapped in the face. And I liked it. Another added factor in spurring me to want to read the first two books, the ‘secondary’ characters. While they are not in the book a lot, they left an impact enough for me to remember them and like them. Colin (a girl named Colin, how cool is that?) and Ethan – they’re from the first book, just sound like too much fun. Especially Colin. And then Lacey and David…there’s a scene with a chainsaw and a chastity belt – I need more on this scene, I’m hoping their book is the next in the series because they earned it from what I read. Oh and as usual the epilogue was fantastic. Made me grin like a goofy 13 year old girl over Justin Beiber.“When someone gives you a gift, they shouldn’t have control over how or when you use it. They shouldn’t be able to take it back because it’s yours irrevocably. The difference between a D/s relationship and the one we will be entering in together is simple. The moment you sign those pages you will have consented to surrender to me your will, control and decisions. That’s the only choice for you to make because the rest of the choices are then all mine. You can’t take back your gift, because in this case?” He patted the pages. “It would be no better than stealing as that gift is now mine and in my possession. It is my property to use and enjoy at my discretion. You have no claim to it.”
A clear sign that I love a book is when I highlight the crap out of it. I had problems picking my quotes for this and I’m struggling to control my ‘Jo tendencies’ to say screw it again and post all the quotes I want to…but I won’t. I was open for the ‘norm’ when I picked this book and was more than pleasantly surprised with what I got. I can honestly say I am totally on board with Miss. Murphy and her writing style – count me in for any more of this series cause if the first book I read knocks my socks off this much, it can only get better form here.
May 9, 2013
Wow- when you have to goggle "scenes" I would say the book keeps you interested!!!
Hoping for Lacey and David's story next
Hoping for Lacey and David's story next
January 31, 2015
* Review copy provided by the author via the BDSM group’s
★★½ (rounded up to account for my personal quirks)
THE SHORT: Sweet, well-written BDSM romance about two people coming to terms with their deepest pains and fears. Recommended for those who enjoy a TLC Dom and/or are just getting into this genre.
THE LONG: By all measures, Required Surrender by NTM author Riley Murphy should’ve been a DNF. And at one point, I nearly did stop reading. However, I continued on because Ms. Murphy is a solid writer who managed to weave a coherent romance story with some smokin’ and varied BDSM scenes. So here’s an explanation of my final rating/review:
3-4 ★s for the BDSM scenes (considered separately from the story)
2-3 ★s for the story/writing
1-2 ★s for the BDSM concepts
My starting points and a few reasons why I came close to DNF’ing this book:
Added to the above is the fact that I didn’t find Ted too likeable. My perception of him ranged from “TLC Dom” (not really my preference) to “poseur Master” to simply “coward”. I also had a hard time suspending disbelief re: parts of his backstory, given the stated age frame.
As for Jo, I couldn’t relate to her unsupported transition from wanting BDSM exposure therapy (so to deal with past trauma) to being a sub (especially when early in the book, “Jo wasn’t even sure she was a sub”) to being a slave. Furthermore, she was sexually inexperienced but ready to engage in fairly advanced BDSM play. I could swallow this somewhat as “mind over matter” but had a harder time with her going from a bratty sub (which, to me, generally = “immature”—again, not my preference in BDSM reads) to almost needy/desperate because she was in love. IMO, her desire to be Ted's sub—and then later, his slave—seemed to stem more from a willingness to do whatever it took to have him, as opposed to an “awakening” re: her submissive nature and the realisation that he fulfilled her sexual and emotional needs.
Yet despite everything, Ms. Murphy’s storytelling was good enough to keep me interested and reading… until I got to this:
Um, no. Just “no”, full stop. That right there misrepresents and undermines the general understanding re: the purpose and concept of the safeword. There should be no consequences attached to a person’s use of a safeword other than the immediate cessation of BDSM play. Anything else should be a separate matter for discussion.
So why did I continue and read to the end? Because again, the writing was good and frankly, I was close to the end anyway. Unfortunately, a certain “moment of realisation” was more telling (vs. showing)/info dump and for me, the book sort of ended on a whimper as it relates to Ted and Jo. The Epilogue was clearly to set up the next book, instead of the more standard “where are the MCs now and how has their relationship changed/gotten better”.
Despite hitting a few of my own personal “hard limits” and the small letdown at the end, I don’t regret choosing to read Required Surrender one bit. It introduced me to Ms. Murphy’s writing and I would definitely consider reading another one of her books. In fact, the Epilogue to this one certainly worked in piquing my interest in David/Lacy. :)
Side note: Given that well-established Ellora’s Cave published Required Surrender, I didn’t take off for repeated technical writing errors (such as run-on sentences and necessary but missing commas) which I found very distracting. I lay those squarely on those involved in the proofing/editing.
NOTE: My deepest apologies to Ms. Murphy for the delay in posting this review. The mod was kind enough to give me a generous extension, which I ended up using to re-evaluate this book and write up a new review. But then recent GR site upgrades/maintenance tweaks posed all kinds of headaches until now.
★★½ (rounded up to account for my personal quirks)
THE SHORT: Sweet, well-written BDSM romance about two people coming to terms with their deepest pains and fears. Recommended for those who enjoy a TLC Dom and/or are just getting into this genre.
THE LONG: By all measures, Required Surrender by NTM author Riley Murphy should’ve been a DNF. And at one point, I nearly did stop reading. However, I continued on because Ms. Murphy is a solid writer who managed to weave a coherent romance story with some smokin’ and varied BDSM scenes. So here’s an explanation of my final rating/review:
3-4 ★s for the BDSM scenes (considered separately from the story)
2-3 ★s for the story/writing
1-2 ★s for the BDSM concepts
My starting points and a few reasons why I came close to DNF’ing this book:
(1) Erroneously thought that I had read an earlier work by Ms. Murphy so didn’t expect such a TLC story. I generally prefer my BDSM reads to be more on the harder side but this, in and of itself, is not a deal breaker.
(2) I tend to shy away from storylines which involve use of BDSM for emotional/psychological therapy.
(3) I draw a distinction between D/s and M/s relationships so the unexpected switch mid-story with little foundation didn’t work so well for me.
(4) I have a hard line when it comes to the safeword and hard limits, and misuse and/or violations of either usually are deal breakers for me.
Added to the above is the fact that I didn’t find Ted too likeable. My perception of him ranged from “TLC Dom” (not really my preference) to “poseur Master” to simply “coward”. I also had a hard time suspending disbelief re: parts of his backstory, given the stated age frame.
As for Jo, I couldn’t relate to her unsupported transition from wanting BDSM exposure therapy (so to deal with past trauma) to being a sub (especially when early in the book, “Jo wasn’t even sure she was a sub”) to being a slave. Furthermore, she was sexually inexperienced but ready to engage in fairly advanced BDSM play. I could swallow this somewhat as “mind over matter” but had a harder time with her going from a bratty sub (which, to me, generally = “immature”—again, not my preference in BDSM reads) to almost needy/desperate because she was in love. IMO, her desire to be Ted's sub—and then later, his slave—seemed to stem more from a willingness to do whatever it took to have him, as opposed to an “awakening” re: her submissive nature and the realisation that he fulfilled her sexual and emotional needs.
Yet despite everything, Ms. Murphy’s storytelling was good enough to keep me interested and reading… until I got to this:
“I expect you to take what I’m going to do to you without complaint. If it proves to be too much for you say your safe word and I’ll let you leave…for good. Understood?”
Um, no. Just “no”, full stop. That right there misrepresents and undermines the general understanding re: the purpose and concept of the safeword. There should be no consequences attached to a person’s use of a safeword other than the immediate cessation of BDSM play. Anything else should be a separate matter for discussion.
So why did I continue and read to the end? Because again, the writing was good and frankly, I was close to the end anyway. Unfortunately, a certain “moment of realisation” was more telling (vs. showing)/info dump and for me, the book sort of ended on a whimper as it relates to Ted and Jo. The Epilogue was clearly to set up the next book, instead of the more standard “where are the MCs now and how has their relationship changed/gotten better”.
Despite hitting a few of my own personal “hard limits” and the small letdown at the end, I don’t regret choosing to read Required Surrender one bit. It introduced me to Ms. Murphy’s writing and I would definitely consider reading another one of her books. In fact, the Epilogue to this one certainly worked in piquing my interest in David/Lacy. :)
Side note: Given that well-established Ellora’s Cave published Required Surrender, I didn’t take off for repeated technical writing errors (such as run-on sentences and necessary but missing commas) which I found very distracting. I lay those squarely on those involved in the proofing/editing.
NOTE: My deepest apologies to Ms. Murphy for the delay in posting this review. The mod was kind enough to give me a generous extension, which I ended up using to re-evaluate this book and write up a new review. But then recent GR site upgrades/maintenance tweaks posed all kinds of headaches until now.
January 29, 2015
3.5 – 4 Stars –
Required Surrender
is an erotic romance by Riley Murphy.
Josephine “Jo” Nehr’s only goal since being introduced to the BDSM lifestyle was to get an experienced Dom to consent to help her conquer her issues with men. The concept seemed logical and easy enough, until she falls in lust with Ted Basel, co-owner of The Carlyn and a renowned Dominant whom others refer to as The Disciplinarian—the Dom other Doms send their hard-to-train and bratty subs to for lessons. But when Ted refuses to Top her, Jo takes drastic action to find another candidate.
Jo is a Dom’s worst nightmare. She’s headstrong, with no caution or fear, and her bratty antics have been a bone of contention between Ted and his partners for months. For a smart girl, she’s reckless. So when he discovers that she’s signed the “Full Monty” release form—an occurrence that has the resident sadists circling—he knows that between her bravado and smart mouth, she’ll be worked over pretty good if he doesn’t intervene. And the sooner Jo’s taken in hand by a competent Dom the better.
What’s a Dom to do? After Ted thanks Jo for giving him carte blanche, he hauls her ass up to the rodeo suite for a ride that rapidly becomes a trip of epic proportions with kinky detours galore. And what starts out as a battle of wills between the reluctant Dom and bratty sub soon becomes something much more intimate. Until long buried secrets threaten to destroy them both …
Required Surrender is an erotic romance story about a woman exploring the D/s lifestyle in an attempt to conquer her issues with men. I really enjoyed Reclaimed Surrender and Reluctant Surrender , also by Ms. Murphy, and began this story with high expectations, but in the end had mixed feelings about the book. On one hand, I was entertained—the author definitely knows how to tell an erotic tale—but on the other, it didn’t quite meet my expectations. The story had intensity, heat, and the kink was imaginative, but there were certain aspects that just didn’t work for me. For one—and no offense to the author, seriously because it’s clear in the story as to why—the whole ‘virgin’ card being played throughout this genre is growing tiresome.
Jo was stubborn, profanely bratty and had a whole world of pain buried deep inside her. A true submissive, she fired all of Ted’s primal instincts to dominate, and together they had great chemistry. For the first third of the story, Ted was calm, controlled and non-threatening in his approach with Jo, displaying patience and understanding with her even when she was being exceedingly difficult. But here’s another issue that I had with the story. Jo was able to tell Ted about the event that led to her issues with men, but couldn’t confide in him the issues she had with her mother? Frankly, the issues she had with her mother paled in comparison to the event that led to them. So, her self-loathing in this story just seemed out of character for the strong, feisty woman who we were first introduced to in Reluctant Surrender . And for a woman who was so desperate to have Ted Top her, it just didn’t make sense to keep this detail from him.
I also had difficulty with Ted’s treatment of Jo throughout the last two-thirds of the book. For one—he refused to accept Jo for who she was without judgment. She placed her trust in him and he threw it away—repeatedly—because of what he perceived as lies, even though he had serious issues of his own and had been less than forthcoming with her all along. Hello pot, meet kettle. As it were, Jo didn’t tell him the whole truth—semantics I know, lying by omission—and when he asked her something directly that she didn’t want to share, she simply evaded the question. But by far, my biggest gripe was with the scene at the club towards the end of the story when Ted, in a fit of anger, completely loses control and publicly degrades and humiliates Jo. BAD Dom! I know she loved Ted, and wanted him more than anything, but after that scene I would have kicked his ass to the curb both figuratively and literally. At the very least, Ted needed to do some serious, serious groveling. Regardless of my issues with the storyline, overall Required Surrender is a sexy, enjoyable read of desire, self-discovery, and love with a satisfying HEA.
Content: graphic language, explicit sex, oral, anal, toys, and light to moderate BDSM including bondage, spanking, impact play, and exhibitionism.
I also recommend:
Josephine “Jo” Nehr’s only goal since being introduced to the BDSM lifestyle was to get an experienced Dom to consent to help her conquer her issues with men. The concept seemed logical and easy enough, until she falls in lust with Ted Basel, co-owner of The Carlyn and a renowned Dominant whom others refer to as The Disciplinarian—the Dom other Doms send their hard-to-train and bratty subs to for lessons. But when Ted refuses to Top her, Jo takes drastic action to find another candidate.
Jo is a Dom’s worst nightmare. She’s headstrong, with no caution or fear, and her bratty antics have been a bone of contention between Ted and his partners for months. For a smart girl, she’s reckless. So when he discovers that she’s signed the “Full Monty” release form—an occurrence that has the resident sadists circling—he knows that between her bravado and smart mouth, she’ll be worked over pretty good if he doesn’t intervene. And the sooner Jo’s taken in hand by a competent Dom the better.
What’s a Dom to do? After Ted thanks Jo for giving him carte blanche, he hauls her ass up to the rodeo suite for a ride that rapidly becomes a trip of epic proportions with kinky detours galore. And what starts out as a battle of wills between the reluctant Dom and bratty sub soon becomes something much more intimate. Until long buried secrets threaten to destroy them both …
Required Surrender is an erotic romance story about a woman exploring the D/s lifestyle in an attempt to conquer her issues with men. I really enjoyed Reclaimed Surrender and Reluctant Surrender , also by Ms. Murphy, and began this story with high expectations, but in the end had mixed feelings about the book. On one hand, I was entertained—the author definitely knows how to tell an erotic tale—but on the other, it didn’t quite meet my expectations. The story had intensity, heat, and the kink was imaginative, but there were certain aspects that just didn’t work for me. For one—and no offense to the author, seriously because it’s clear in the story as to why—the whole ‘virgin’ card being played throughout this genre is growing tiresome.
Jo was stubborn, profanely bratty and had a whole world of pain buried deep inside her. A true submissive, she fired all of Ted’s primal instincts to dominate, and together they had great chemistry. For the first third of the story, Ted was calm, controlled and non-threatening in his approach with Jo, displaying patience and understanding with her even when she was being exceedingly difficult. But here’s another issue that I had with the story. Jo was able to tell Ted about the event that led to her issues with men, but couldn’t confide in him the issues she had with her mother? Frankly, the issues she had with her mother paled in comparison to the event that led to them. So, her self-loathing in this story just seemed out of character for the strong, feisty woman who we were first introduced to in Reluctant Surrender . And for a woman who was so desperate to have Ted Top her, it just didn’t make sense to keep this detail from him.
I also had difficulty with Ted’s treatment of Jo throughout the last two-thirds of the book. For one—he refused to accept Jo for who she was without judgment. She placed her trust in him and he threw it away—repeatedly—because of what he perceived as lies, even though he had serious issues of his own and had been less than forthcoming with her all along. Hello pot, meet kettle. As it were, Jo didn’t tell him the whole truth—semantics I know, lying by omission—and when he asked her something directly that she didn’t want to share, she simply evaded the question. But by far, my biggest gripe was with the scene at the club towards the end of the story when Ted, in a fit of anger, completely loses control and publicly degrades and humiliates Jo. BAD Dom! I know she loved Ted, and wanted him more than anything, but after that scene I would have kicked his ass to the curb both figuratively and literally. At the very least, Ted needed to do some serious, serious groveling. Regardless of my issues with the storyline, overall Required Surrender is a sexy, enjoyable read of desire, self-discovery, and love with a satisfying HEA.
Content: graphic language, explicit sex, oral, anal, toys, and light to moderate BDSM including bondage, spanking, impact play, and exhibitionism.
I also recommend:
June 11, 2013
I have sat on this review longer than I have with any other book because I am conflicted on what my rating and review should say.
Technical Details: 5 Star Rating
Riley Murphy is a great writer. The character developments are great. The characters come across as real people with living emotions. The plot, flow, and climax were all well done. Editing was spot on. This is truly a 5 star book on a technical standpoint---and I expect nothing less from Ms. Murphy.
My favorite Line:
“We’re all broken. We all have cracks. It’s not about making it through life in one piece; it’s about narrowing the gap between the fissures so we don’t shatter.”
First part of the book is rated 4.5
I LOVED the set-up. When I started reading I was thinking yes yes yes! The set-up, the character sexual chemistry was scorching. Jo’s personal struggle to overcome her hindrance was took courage. Ted came off incredibly hot!
But then we move on into the territory that has me so frustrated, angry, irritated, pissed off, annoyed, disgusted, turned off, and did I mention just completely pissed off . This part of the book is between a 3 rating for me. Ted’s insistence on M/s when all she wanted was to be dominated—ugh. His stomping all over her hard limits—I seriously almost put the book away and didn’t finish. I was so enraged with his attitude about everything and her acceptance. I’m literally just disgusted with both their attitudes. I almost rated this section a 2…but a book that can provoke such emotions has to be well written—hence my 5 rating on the technical stuff. I kept chugging through and finished the book, but I am not sure why.
Technical 5
First part 4.5
Meat of the story 3
So my overall rating is a 4
I’m not saying the rating is fare, but that is what I have come up with. I MUST give out the warning though that if you have reservations about the Master/Slave scene that this book is not for you. If you have issues with said Master/Dom ignoring hard limits then this book is not for you. If you are a fan of Riley Murphy and have an open mind…by all means give it a shot. Prepare yourself for the anger you will undoubtedly feel.
Technical Details: 5 Star Rating
Riley Murphy is a great writer. The character developments are great. The characters come across as real people with living emotions. The plot, flow, and climax were all well done. Editing was spot on. This is truly a 5 star book on a technical standpoint---and I expect nothing less from Ms. Murphy.
My favorite Line:
“We’re all broken. We all have cracks. It’s not about making it through life in one piece; it’s about narrowing the gap between the fissures so we don’t shatter.”
First part of the book is rated 4.5
I LOVED the set-up. When I started reading I was thinking yes yes yes! The set-up, the character sexual chemistry was scorching. Jo’s personal struggle to overcome her hindrance was took courage. Ted came off incredibly hot!
But then we move on into the territory that has me so frustrated, angry, irritated, pissed off, annoyed, disgusted, turned off, and did I mention just completely pissed off . This part of the book is between a 3 rating for me. Ted’s insistence on M/s when all she wanted was to be dominated—ugh. His stomping all over her hard limits—I seriously almost put the book away and didn’t finish. I was so enraged with his attitude about everything and her acceptance. I’m literally just disgusted with both their attitudes. I almost rated this section a 2…but a book that can provoke such emotions has to be well written—hence my 5 rating on the technical stuff. I kept chugging through and finished the book, but I am not sure why.
Technical 5
First part 4.5
Meat of the story 3
So my overall rating is a 4
I’m not saying the rating is fare, but that is what I have come up with. I MUST give out the warning though that if you have reservations about the Master/Slave scene that this book is not for you. If you have issues with said Master/Dom ignoring hard limits then this book is not for you. If you are a fan of Riley Murphy and have an open mind…by all means give it a shot. Prepare yourself for the anger you will undoubtedly feel.
February 24, 2013
This was a great book, a fun read, and I was very fortunate to have won it in an author drawing. :) Although, the basic premise is nothing new, I loved the unique twist Riley Murphy brought to the story. In particular she does a great job showing character growth.
I admit there were times I felt I didn't quite get what the character's motivations were for certain actions and reactions. Several times I wanted to smack Ted for being so close minded and rather uncompromising, but many other times I cheered for their relationship and the way he supported and encouraged Jo's self acceptance and growth. Jo often drove me bonkers as well, but, in all honesty, I could relate to her anger and the way it would explode. At times I admired her tenacity and at others I rolled my eyes in exasperation at her sheer unyielding stubbornness. Both Jo and Ted were complex characters and watching them grow together was a great journey. They felt very real to me.
There were many times I felt Ted was cruel, but not really in an overly physical or humiliating way. The worst thing he did in my opinion was . I admired Jo's stand on this particular command and when she finally complied it was a beautiful and heartfelt moment.
I'm not sure I followed all the machinations of the bad guy in Jo's life, but he was a nasty piece of work. I particularly enjoyed the comeuppance he got in the end. Oh, I do so love a good comeuppance! :D
I recommend this book to those who love romance between flawed but admirable people with some BDSM and a lot of heat thrown in as well.
I admit there were times I felt I didn't quite get what the character's motivations were for certain actions and reactions. Several times I wanted to smack Ted for being so close minded and rather uncompromising, but many other times I cheered for their relationship and the way he supported and encouraged Jo's self acceptance and growth. Jo often drove me bonkers as well, but, in all honesty, I could relate to her anger and the way it would explode. At times I admired her tenacity and at others I rolled my eyes in exasperation at her sheer unyielding stubbornness. Both Jo and Ted were complex characters and watching them grow together was a great journey. They felt very real to me.
There were many times I felt Ted was cruel, but not really in an overly physical or humiliating way. The worst thing he did in my opinion was . I admired Jo's stand on this particular command and when she finally complied it was a beautiful and heartfelt moment.
I'm not sure I followed all the machinations of the bad guy in Jo's life, but he was a nasty piece of work. I particularly enjoyed the comeuppance he got in the end. Oh, I do so love a good comeuppance! :D
I recommend this book to those who love romance between flawed but admirable people with some BDSM and a lot of heat thrown in as well.
June 17, 2013
Okay just one thing that's been bugging me, now unless I'm completely mistaken the girl in this, Joe is of African decent... So please tell me why there is a completely different cultural origin on the cover. Ok that's just a small thing that bothered me.
My jo
http://ts4.mm.bing.net/th?id=H.473578...
This book was a little confusing for me at the start however I'm going to assume this is because I haven't read the other books.
I loved Josephine; she has a sharp tongue and it makes her a fun ruthless character.
Ted... I didn't really like. Usually I am a sucker for a guy like this but I had trouble believing he cared about her, he reminded me of the guy from comfort food a little but not as bad. He jus t kept testing Jo and it got a bit over the top.
The story was strong. It was intense and juicy. This story could have been shorter, I liked the story but the other aspects of this made me skim parts just to learn more of the characters. This could have been character driven but it wasn't.
I felt this book was okay. I've read a lot of BDSM books and this just lacked something, it felt too talky and not enough action. I need a strong plot in an erotica book but I felt I knew very little about Ted.
The end with Lacey confused me. I liked it without the epilogue tbh.
A good read but too much detail in places where it wasn't needed. Had some fantastic quotes and some nice original ideas but fell short on the lack of action.
1 star for plot idea
1 star foe Jo being so funny and a big mouth
And one more star for some classic one liners.
Good but not great. I was so excited by this book, I expected a little more.
Given for free for an honest review in BDSM Group R2R. Thank you Riley.
My jo
http://ts4.mm.bing.net/th?id=H.473578...
This book was a little confusing for me at the start however I'm going to assume this is because I haven't read the other books.
I loved Josephine; she has a sharp tongue and it makes her a fun ruthless character.
Ted... I didn't really like. Usually I am a sucker for a guy like this but I had trouble believing he cared about her, he reminded me of the guy from comfort food a little but not as bad. He jus t kept testing Jo and it got a bit over the top.
The story was strong. It was intense and juicy. This story could have been shorter, I liked the story but the other aspects of this made me skim parts just to learn more of the characters. This could have been character driven but it wasn't.
I felt this book was okay. I've read a lot of BDSM books and this just lacked something, it felt too talky and not enough action. I need a strong plot in an erotica book but I felt I knew very little about Ted.
The end with Lacey confused me. I liked it without the epilogue tbh.
A good read but too much detail in places where it wasn't needed. Had some fantastic quotes and some nice original ideas but fell short on the lack of action.
1 star for plot idea
1 star foe Jo being so funny and a big mouth
And one more star for some classic one liners.
Good but not great. I was so excited by this book, I expected a little more.
Given for free for an honest review in BDSM Group R2R. Thank you Riley.
March 10, 2013
I loved this book!! Many times, when you wait for the sequel to another book, and anticipate it, it isn't everything you had hoped. Not so in this case. It was as good, if not better than Reluctant Surrender. I loved Jo and Ted. The story line was not at ALL what I had expected, but that is a good thing! I hate when you can tell what is going to happen in the first few chapters of a book.
I also loved to take a peek at what Ethan and Colin were up to. I even enjoyed the name dropping from a character from Required Surrender. I kind of hope to see another "Surrender" novel in the future.
I also loved to take a peek at what Ethan and Colin were up to. I even enjoyed the name dropping from a character from Required Surrender. I kind of hope to see another "Surrender" novel in the future.
March 5, 2013
OMG!!!! I love Jo & Ted I was hooked from the first page very hot read can't wait for the next one David & Lacy book
May 10, 2013
Loved it!
April 16, 2020
I think over the years Riley Murphy has managed to take my heart everytime I read her books. Everytime she manages to grasp my body, heart and soul.
Lately I was struggling because i haven't read a single book where "I was in the book". For me a good book is a book that forces you to feel every emotion and every instance from it and Riley has managed it well.
The length of the book was adequate-not too long and not too short. Her writing is simple and understandable though there were some parts I was not able to picture the situation. For instance- I couldn't picture the bed Ted made for Josephine when they were both in three week contract.
It's my first time seeing a Dom acknowledging that he himself has some issues and though he was running away from them initially, at the end he was able to accept how he was.
Ted is that brooding disciplinarian who loves to engage in no emotional arrangement until Jo comes into the picture. Jo manages to rip Ted off of his rules and regulations and finally finds a way to crawl into his heart.
Jo is that perfect combination of a smart and bratty sub who has issues of her own which btw are very realistic I must say. Initially I thought Jo was very secure women but as I dwell deeper into the book my thoughts changed. Jo was very insecure women because of her past because of which at some point she becomes desperate. It's a good thing because Jo takes the initiative (again first time seeing female protagonist taking what's hers).
This book is very steamy and very sizzling. The sex scenes are hot and drenching, it will take your breath away.
All in all I loved the book and would love to revisit it now and then.
Lately I was struggling because i haven't read a single book where "I was in the book". For me a good book is a book that forces you to feel every emotion and every instance from it and Riley has managed it well.
The length of the book was adequate-not too long and not too short. Her writing is simple and understandable though there were some parts I was not able to picture the situation. For instance- I couldn't picture the bed Ted made for Josephine when they were both in three week contract.
It's my first time seeing a Dom acknowledging that he himself has some issues and though he was running away from them initially, at the end he was able to accept how he was.
Ted is that brooding disciplinarian who loves to engage in no emotional arrangement until Jo comes into the picture. Jo manages to rip Ted off of his rules and regulations and finally finds a way to crawl into his heart.
Jo is that perfect combination of a smart and bratty sub who has issues of her own which btw are very realistic I must say. Initially I thought Jo was very secure women but as I dwell deeper into the book my thoughts changed. Jo was very insecure women because of her past because of which at some point she becomes desperate. It's a good thing because Jo takes the initiative (again first time seeing female protagonist taking what's hers).
This book is very steamy and very sizzling. The sex scenes are hot and drenching, it will take your breath away.
All in all I loved the book and would love to revisit it now and then.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 2, 2018
I liked this one in the series too. The characters were unique and the issues faced complicated. Ms. Riley is a very good writer.
March 19, 2013
It took me 4 days to read this book, mainly because the so called "Dom" pissed me off.
We get to meet Jo who was raped by a family friend when she was younger. The people she was supposed to be able to trust have betrayed her. She has anger issues and is not very smart when she signs a anything goes contract at the BDSM club.
Then we have Ted Basal, a co-owner of the the club and a "Dom". He does a scene with Jo and finally breaks through her tough shell.
Jo wants him to be her "Dom" but he refuses. After alot of back and forth Ted agrees to be her "Dom" if for one evening she does anything he dishes out. If she passes that test he will accept her. So Ted reads about all her dislikes and uses them against her so she will quit on him. To his surprise she does everything he asks. He humiliates her in front of his poker buddies by having her dressed up as a cat and her having to behave as one. I felt embarrassed for her knowing why he had her act that way.
All Jo wants is to be loved and accepted and she things she has found this with Ted.
When it looked like he finally did accept her as his sub he was caring and I actually started to like him. One of his conditions was that she would always have to be honest and never lie to him.
Of course he finds out that she lied to him and throws her out. Never mind that his reason for this are totally asinine and he is just as guilty of lying to her. In order to accept her back Jo has to sign a slave contract with him. She signs the contract because she loves him and I just wanted her to walk away. He humiliates her, degrades her and she just comes back for more. She has no safeword and her hard limits no longer apply.
So, I found Ted to be a selfcentered, selfish, abusive prick. As far as I am concerned he abused his power over her and broke her trust. I wonder if domestic abuse victims feel the same way Jo did. The harder they get beaten the more determined they are to get into their abusers good graces. While Ted did not beat Jo, the things he did to her were no less abusive, especially since he knew he was in the wrong.
I give 5 stars to the authors voice. I enjoy her writing style. Because of Ted's vile behavior I want to give 1 star but because of Jo'e spunk at the beginning of the story I will give it 3 stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 30, 2015
Reviewed by Amy W
Book provided by the publisher
Originally posted at Romancing the Book
When Josephine Nehr began looking for a Dom to help her work through some emotional issues, she didn’t realize that Ted Basel would step into the role. She’s bratty, opinionated and a far cry from his typical submissives. The key to success, though, is to convince her that he is in charge. In Riley Murphy’s Required Surrender, the reader gets a look at the power struggle that takes place between Jo and Ted.
The author spends a significant amount of time building the foundation for her characters. The depiction of the BDSM lifestyle is well-researched as noted by the variety of activities and accessories introduced. As expected, the heat level is extremely high. If you are not comfortable with the combination of pain and pleasure, this might not be the best reading selection for you. This is an intense look into the Dom/sub life, with glimpses of Master/slave.
The storyline focuses on Jo’s difficulty in surrendering herself, but she appears genuine in her struggles. It is liberating to see a strong-willed woman learn that surrendering isn’t a bad thing. Because this is essentially an introduction into BDSM for Jo, the author emphasizes the emotional side of the lifestyle. Ted’s efforts center around obedience, which is a significant issue for Jo. The fact that she is hot tempered and a potty mouth adds to the dynamic between the characters. Although Ted is an experienced Dom, he faces a strong challenge with this naughty girl. But in Ted’s world, surrender is required with no options, negotiations or early outs.
The witty dialog adds a layer of depth to the story that is often missing in the erotica genre. Although I wasn’t able to get a close connection with the characters, I admire the writer’s style in developing an accurate look into BDSM.
Book provided by the publisher
Originally posted at Romancing the Book
When Josephine Nehr began looking for a Dom to help her work through some emotional issues, she didn’t realize that Ted Basel would step into the role. She’s bratty, opinionated and a far cry from his typical submissives. The key to success, though, is to convince her that he is in charge. In Riley Murphy’s Required Surrender, the reader gets a look at the power struggle that takes place between Jo and Ted.
The author spends a significant amount of time building the foundation for her characters. The depiction of the BDSM lifestyle is well-researched as noted by the variety of activities and accessories introduced. As expected, the heat level is extremely high. If you are not comfortable with the combination of pain and pleasure, this might not be the best reading selection for you. This is an intense look into the Dom/sub life, with glimpses of Master/slave.
The storyline focuses on Jo’s difficulty in surrendering herself, but she appears genuine in her struggles. It is liberating to see a strong-willed woman learn that surrendering isn’t a bad thing. Because this is essentially an introduction into BDSM for Jo, the author emphasizes the emotional side of the lifestyle. Ted’s efforts center around obedience, which is a significant issue for Jo. The fact that she is hot tempered and a potty mouth adds to the dynamic between the characters. Although Ted is an experienced Dom, he faces a strong challenge with this naughty girl. But in Ted’s world, surrender is required with no options, negotiations or early outs.
The witty dialog adds a layer of depth to the story that is often missing in the erotica genre. Although I wasn’t able to get a close connection with the characters, I admire the writer’s style in developing an accurate look into BDSM.
July 27, 2013
Ted Basel is a no-holds-barred dominant who accepts nothing but complete and unquestioning submission from his bottoms. He has only slightly more patience for "gutter language" than he does with dishonesty. His reputation is so formidable in the BDSM scene other Doms send their intractable submissives to him for training. Jo Nehr is a headstrong woman determined to find a Dom who can help her sort out her issues with men. Her best friend suggests immersion therapy at the hands of a Dom, given her own success with the lifestyle. When Ted refuses Jo's initial request, she engages in a little constructive stalking, seeking another Dom in Ted's own club. By signing the "Full Monty" release form, which indicates she is prepared for any scene no matter how extreme, she draws the attention of every Dom and sadist at Ted's BDSM resort. To prevent a horrible situation, Ted finally relents. His rules are simple, but she cannot bring herself to give him the disclosure he demands. Now he must sort through the web of betrayals, lies and half-truths to protect his infuriating, charming, beautiful submissive. Required Surrender is a well-written, captivating story with boldly-drawn characters. Overall, this book suffers only from one major flaw– believability. The underlying logic of Jo's motivations for seeking out a Dom is not adequately discussed in the story. Despite this apparent flaw, Required Surrender is well worth the readers’ time, even if they should know beforehand this book does contain potentially triggering material. Fans of this book will undoubtedly want to seek out the other books in the Surrender series. J.S. Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More - See more at: http://www.coffeetimeromance.com/Book...
July 9, 2014
This was the first book I have read by Riley Murphy and I throughly enjoyed the story and Riley's writing Style
The story follows Josephine. She has a very bad past and suffered a traumatising incident that has left her unable to trust men and unwilling to try to have a relationship with one either. Because of Josephine's past she decides she wants to move forward with her life and stop being a victim. She decides she wants to relive her bad experience by creating a similar experience, but where this time she is in control.
Tad is a hot dom. He is also one of three owners of the club Josephine goes to when looking for a dom.
Tad is instantly drawn to Josephine ,so refuses to pair her up with a dom. He sees instantly through Josephine and knows she's suffered in the past and is broken.
Tad has some serious issues himself. He doesn't trust women at all. He is a very nasty Dom because of this.
This book took you through a great journey with both characters. I loved seeing Josephine blossom, become more confident and start to trust again gradually.
Josephine is a very likeable character . I felt a real connection towards her and just wanted her happy.
A lot of BDSM books I have found extremely unrealistic but Required Surrender felt like it could of been based on a true story. Very honest writing.
There was some amazingly hot sex scenes throughout that were very well wrote.
A very good BDSM read.
**Reviewed on Behalf of Just Another Girl And Her Books"
The story follows Josephine. She has a very bad past and suffered a traumatising incident that has left her unable to trust men and unwilling to try to have a relationship with one either. Because of Josephine's past she decides she wants to move forward with her life and stop being a victim. She decides she wants to relive her bad experience by creating a similar experience, but where this time she is in control.
Tad is a hot dom. He is also one of three owners of the club Josephine goes to when looking for a dom.
Tad is instantly drawn to Josephine ,so refuses to pair her up with a dom. He sees instantly through Josephine and knows she's suffered in the past and is broken.
Tad has some serious issues himself. He doesn't trust women at all. He is a very nasty Dom because of this.
This book took you through a great journey with both characters. I loved seeing Josephine blossom, become more confident and start to trust again gradually.
Josephine is a very likeable character . I felt a real connection towards her and just wanted her happy.
A lot of BDSM books I have found extremely unrealistic but Required Surrender felt like it could of been based on a true story. Very honest writing.
There was some amazingly hot sex scenes throughout that were very well wrote.
A very good BDSM read.
**Reviewed on Behalf of Just Another Girl And Her Books"
August 21, 2014
I absolutely loved this instalment of the Trust In Me series! Garner your emotions as this one brought me to tears!
Jo is sassy, bratty and an absolute pain in the ar*e. She's seen as tough and hard work but she's hiding something. She wants a Dom to help her get rid of her demons but she wants to call all the shots...no chance of that happening!
I think Ted may be my favourite Dom in the series so far. He's known as The Disciplinarian and he's hard as nails. With a scar and a reputation as the one Dom to send your bratty sub to, to be trained when all else fails, he's just not looking for a sub of his own.
When Ted finds out that Jo has agreed to anything and everything at his club he's forced to take action but will he be able to control this bratty sub?
This is my favourite in the series so far. Poor Jo is so damaged that I honestly wasn't sure if she'd be able to ever open up. Add in a deceitful b*stard and a family in turmoil and it all spells disaster.
As with the previous two books, it's well written and the characters are well thought out. It drew me in and I found myself sobbing when the one things Jo has on her hard limit is used against her.
A great read! Can't wait for the next book, which is a novella, book #3.5.
Jo is sassy, bratty and an absolute pain in the ar*e. She's seen as tough and hard work but she's hiding something. She wants a Dom to help her get rid of her demons but she wants to call all the shots...no chance of that happening!
I think Ted may be my favourite Dom in the series so far. He's known as The Disciplinarian and he's hard as nails. With a scar and a reputation as the one Dom to send your bratty sub to, to be trained when all else fails, he's just not looking for a sub of his own.
When Ted finds out that Jo has agreed to anything and everything at his club he's forced to take action but will he be able to control this bratty sub?
This is my favourite in the series so far. Poor Jo is so damaged that I honestly wasn't sure if she'd be able to ever open up. Add in a deceitful b*stard and a family in turmoil and it all spells disaster.
As with the previous two books, it's well written and the characters are well thought out. It drew me in and I found myself sobbing when the one things Jo has on her hard limit is used against her.
A great read! Can't wait for the next book, which is a novella, book #3.5.
July 3, 2013
Okay, I. Am not sure what to say about this book. There were parts I liked and there were parts that I disliked.
What I liked:
- her finally standing up for herself in all her relationships and fighting for what she wanted
- him finally telling the truth and stopped pushing her away
What I disliked:
- him wanting her to be truthful but he was not being truthful....if you are going to make her do it then you as the Dom need to too
- I realize it is a Master/Slave relationship but what I cannot stand is when the Master thinks its okay to call the Slave a whore. There was no reason behind him calling her that and I think he did it because he was mad
I enjoyed Reluctant Surrender better than this book.
What I liked:
- her finally standing up for herself in all her relationships and fighting for what she wanted
- him finally telling the truth and stopped pushing her away
What I disliked:
- him wanting her to be truthful but he was not being truthful....if you are going to make her do it then you as the Dom need to too
- I realize it is a Master/Slave relationship but what I cannot stand is when the Master thinks its okay to call the Slave a whore. There was no reason behind him calling her that and I think he did it because he was mad
I enjoyed Reluctant Surrender better than this book.
May 10, 2022
I just love this book. I had to read it for the second time to fully grasp the amazing story and truly magical description of a D/s M/s relationship in this book.. Very rarely you can find those and be happy with how those scenes, relationships where written by the author. The advantage of this book is also the fact that most of it focuses on the relationship between our two main characters and not the background storyline. Ted is a great Master and after reading this book today I wonder if the author paired the Doms somehow in this series… René and Ted are quite similar and have more of a stern but truly amazing kind of dominance style… I love them both and big thanks to Ms. Murphy for them!
March 4, 2013
I really could not get into this book. I normally love BDSM books, but this book just didn't do anything for me. I gave it 3 stars because I want more writers to write longer BDSM themed books, but this one just fell short.
June 8, 2013
I did enjoy this book. I enjoyed the story line and the characters, I thought they were very solid. I just wish the epilogue was a bit further in the future maybe wedding or find out she's pregnant but that's just the romantic in me lol
July 22, 2015
Read on behalf of Fictional Mens Page...
READ AND REVIEWED ON BEHALF OF FICTIONAL MENS PAGE FOR BOOK HOS
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Fictio...
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/2...
READ AND REVIEWED ON BEHALF OF FICTIONAL MENS PAGE FOR BOOK HOS
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Fictio...
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/2...
February 19, 2013
3.5 stars
March 1, 2013
hot read, good storyline. loved that jo had spunk!
March 6, 2013
There was a lot of writing errors. The story might have been better without them.
considering-to-read
April 6, 2013If Erotic romances were to have any credibility, then the BDSM trend would suggest that most of us are leading very exotic life style! ;)
April 11, 2013
I really enjoyed this book and the characters. At one point I was ready to strangle Ted but I still couldn't put book down!
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