She gave him her heart. Now he will accept nothing less than her total surrender.
Samantha was content to never settle down, but that was before Derrick bossed his way back into her life. Now, all she wants to do is surrender to his control.
Derrick spent his life protecting others, so taking over security at his club was a no brainer. What he didn’t count on was Samantha and his need for her submission.
Danger from his past interrupts their present, and Derrick will do anything to keep Samantha safe. All he has to do is find the enemy in the shadows before it’s too late.
Lesley Clark is a USA Today bestselling author of romance with hot alpha men and sexy sassy ladies that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.
She is also an unashamed southern girl with a love of all things fried and covered in bacon. Mountain Dew is the fuel that keeps her going.
When she isn’t writing or working as an RN, she is likely reading one of the thousands of books in her library. Since her nest is currently empty, she can often be found playing with her fur babies who rule her life.
Lesley writes stories with hot alpha men and sexy sassy ladies that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.
When she has a spare minute between her fur babies, books, and nursing, Lesley loves to connect with her readers.
Securing Her Surrender, by Lesley Clark, is the second book in the A Cut Above Series. I did not have the pleasure of reading the first book in this series. I don’t feel you need to read this series in order, but the books do share some of the same characters. Ms. Clark does an excellent job of reintroducing characters from the first book into this book. Securing Her Surrender is a fast-paced, sexy book with some twists that keep the pages turning.
Our two main characters, Samantha and Derrick, share a somewhat innocent history. Derrick has had a secret crush on Samantha since high school, but since Samantha was his sister’s best friend, she was off-limits.
Present-day Dr. Samantha Gardner is not only beautiful but smart. She heads up the largest pediatric oncology practices in the state. Derrick Strong, a retired SEAL, and security expert has been recruited by his friends to head up security and become a partner in their club, A Cut Above. Derrick is the perfect bad boy that you can’t help but swoon over.
When Derrick sees Samantha in his club, he knows then and there he must make her his submissive. Their chemistry, intensity and fierce attraction for each other jumps off the page. Ms. Clark’s writing undeniably captures the emotional and sensual aspects of this story. Although I did enjoy the suspense and danger facets of this book, they were a bit predictable.
Overall, I did like this book, and I do recommend it. So, if you are looking for a steamy, seductive, fun story with an extremely hot alpha male and very likable female, you have found your next book.
*** I kindly received this book from the author. I received no compensation, financial or otherwise. I have voluntarily read this book, and this review is my honest opinion. ***
This is the second book in the series but it can be read as a stand-alone. Derrick is out of the Navy SEALs, unless needed and now owns an exclusive new BDSM club with is friends. Dr. Samantha Gardner is looking forward to the new club. As an oncologist she doesn’t have time for relationships and submitting gives her a release on the pressures of her life. Derrick and Samantha knew each other when they were younger but when Derrick’s sister died, they took different paths. Will they find their way back to each other? Fast-paced steamy read with plenty of intensity and emotion. I loved the characters and the story had lots of drama and suspense to draw me in to the story. A great read!
The second book in the series had me an emotional wreck, and I wanted to hug and fuss at Ms. Lesley Clark for leaving me a blubbering mess. I cried so many time until I had a headache—but I could not put the book down. A Cut Above is the name of an exclusive BDSM club owned by four doctors who are all Doms. The story will have many people from the first story, Mastering Her Heart, but will also read well as a stand-alone.
Derrick Strong has served his country as a Navy SEAL but is ready to retire, and only be on-call for the government when needed. His life has always been on call, and never really allowed him to have a personal life, one that included a special woman—not with the way he was called up and sent away. But that is ready to change. When the Doctors who own A Cut Above buy a mansion to turn into a newer, more exclusive BDSM club, they call upon Derrick—not just to be head of security, but to be an owner.
Dr. Samantha Gardner’s life is stressful as an oncologist, and while she has never taken time for a full-time relationship, she is a member of A Cut Above and uses the BDSM club for release. She is excited about the new club, the tighter security, and is ready to take off the white coat and allow her submissive to be free.
“This was like a grown-up candy store for Texas’ elite, and she wanted a taste of the delights.”
The plot will bring two people back together, something that hasn’t happened in about twenty years since they were in high school. Their connection, Jenn, Derrick’s sister, and Samantha’s best friend—but after Jenn’s death, they went their separate ways. Now, here was Samantha in A Cut Above and once Derrick sees her, he isn’t letting her go, and he isn’t letting anyone else get in the way. This will be their time—and hopefully the beginning of their future.
“Whether or not she realized it, she was his and would stay that way.”
The story has elements of danger, mystery, suspense, along with an erotic romance. The chemistry between Derrick and Samantha sizzles off the pages as they give in to their desires for each other—each having feelings that have been suppressed. What starts out as a slow reacquaintance will skyrocket to smoldering hot eroticism as these two explore a new sexual dimension. He is the yin to her yang.
“I can feel your every breath. Your heart beats with mine. You can’t hide from me, Red.”
Derrick is on call for the government, and when intel sends him away, the danger is back at home and evil is closing in. The story will have graphic intense violent scenes and had me cringing and crying. It will have not only Derrick but the Doctors for A Cut Above involved and take on life and death moments as Derrick tries to locate Samantha and rescue her from a sociopath.
“Just hold on, Red. I’ve got you, and I swear I will never let you go.”
But when it is over, what will become of Derrick and Samantha. Does he see her as damaged goods, broken, and is his guilt interfering in their former relationship? Will this be the end or will they be able to move forward and pick up where they left off?
“He sees you as hurt because of his choices. He is a man, a protector, and a Dom. They are all about making you safe. He wasn’t able to do that. I know how hard everything has been on you, but think about how the Dom in him felt.”
The story is an emotional roller coaster ride with the good, the bad, and the evil. It will have the reader needing to turn the page but afraid of what more will happen. It is a book that took my breath, my tears, and grabbed hold of me and refused to let me go until the very end where I could take a breath and smile again. There are scenes in and out of a BDSM club, spankings and explicit sex scenes—all consensual.
My very first read of this author and oh what a ride this book was. A gripping, fast paced storyline that pulls you along kicking and screaming to get to the end. A perfect intriguing, suspenseful book that I could not put down. If only I could have given this read more than 5 stars ⭐️ I certainly would have given it 10 ⭐️! I certainly could not believe that this was only the second book in Lesley Clark’s A Cut Above Series, that she has ever written, well done Lesley! I will certainly be following this new author and can highly recommend this magnificent book! I voluntarily reviewed this book after receiving a free copy
I've been waiting for this book since I read the first one in this series and it didn't disappoint met. Derrick is smoking hot and when he sees Samantha, he stops a scene she is in. She leaves mad and when she comes back again, she finds no Dom will play with her. After she confronts Derrick and the battle of wills begins. While there is a lot of sexy times between the two, there is also suspense going on that will keep you turning the pages.. Very well written, Ms. Clark leads her readers through the relationship between two very strong characters and I loved seeing characters from the first book. Now I can't wait until we get the next book
I loved this book!! Mastering Her Heart, book #1 in the series, was amazing. I am so happy that Securing Her Surrender is just as amazing! Romance, sexiness, suspense; this book has it all! I absolutely loved it.
This is the 2nd book in the Cut Above series and this Samantha and Derricks story A cut above is a exclusive BDSM club owned by four doctors who are all Doms at the club. These Doms have decided to buy a huge home and turn it into a new venue for their club They want Derrick (former SEAL) not only to be head of security but also be a part owner. Dr Samantha Gardner ( oncologist - but also a member of A Cut Above) imagine her surprise when she sees Derrick there Her best friend who died was Derrick's sister The attraction is still there between them. Will they get their HEA??
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Really enjoying this series and really want to know what's happening with Bridget. I now have to write at least another 7 words to let this author know I enjoyed reading her book
Just wow. Spice, heat, intrigue, yep this book has it. Recommend reading book 1 first but it’s not necessary. Throughly enjoyed this book and can’t wait for the next.
The second book in the series had me an emotional wreck, and I wanted to hug and fuss at Ms. Lesley Clark for leaving me a blubbering mess. I cried so many time until I had a headache—but I could not put the book down. A Cut Above is the name of an exclusive BDSM club owned by four doctors who are all Doms. The story will have many people from the first story, Mastering Her Heart, but will also read well as a stand-alone.
Derrick Strong has served his country as a Navy SEAL but is ready to retire, and only be on-call for the government when needed. His life has always been on call, and never really allowed him to have a personal life, one that included a special woman—not with the way he was called up and sent away. But that is ready to change. When the Doctors who own A Cut Above buy a mansion to turn into a newer, more exclusive BDSM club, they call upon Derrick—not just to be head of security, but to be an owner.
Dr. Samantha Gardner’s life is stressful as an oncologist, and while she has never taken time for a full-time relationship, she is a member of A Cut Above and uses the BDSM club for release. She is excited about the new club, the tighter security, and is ready to take off the white coat and allow her submissive to be free.
“This was like a grown-up candy store for Texas’ elite, and she wanted a taste of the delights.”
The plot will bring two people back together, something that hasn’t happened in about twenty years since they were in high school. Their connection, Jenn, Derrick’s sister, and Samantha’s best friend—but after Jenn’s death, they went their separate ways. Now, here was Samantha in A Cut Above and once Derrick sees her, he isn’t letting her go, and he isn’t letting anyone else get in the way. This will be their time—and hopefully the beginning of their future.
“Whether or not she realized it, she was his and would stay that way.”
The story has elements of danger, mystery, suspense, along with an erotic romance. The chemistry between Derrick and Samantha sizzles off the pages as they give in to their desires for each other—each having feelings that have been suppressed. What starts out as a slow reacquaintance will skyrocket to smoldering hot eroticism as these two explore a new sexual dimension. He is the yin to her yang.
“I can feel your every breath. Your heart beats with mine. You can’t hide from me, Red.”
Derrick is on call for the government, and when intel sends him away, the danger is back at home and evil is closing in. The story will have graphic intense violent scenes and had me cringing and crying. It will have not only Derrick but the Doctors for A Cut Above involved and take on life and death moments as Derrick tries to locate Samantha and rescue her from a sociopath.
“Just hold on, Red. I’ve got you, and I swear I will never let you go.”
But when it is over, what will become of Derrick and Samantha. Does he see her as damaged goods, broken, and is his guilt interfering in their former relationship? Will this be the end or will they be able to move forward and pick up where they left off?
“He sees you as hurt because of his choices. He is a man, a protector, and a Dom. They are all about making you safe. He wasn’t able to do that. I know how hard everything has been on you, but think about how the Dom in him felt.”
The story is an emotional roller coaster ride with the good, the bad, and the evil. It will have the reader needing to turn the page but afraid of what more will happen. It is a book that took my breath, my tears, and grabbed hold of me and refused to let me go until the very end where I could take a breath and smile again. There are scenes in and out of a BDSM club, spankings and explicit sex scenes—all consensual.
This was the first I've read from Leslie Clark ,,,, I loved this story ,,,,,
Dr Samantha Gardner is a no nonsense Doctor who is always in control at work,,,, she is in charge of residents and such ,,,, but there comes a time where she just wants to be a submissive,,, and she has bern a member of "A Cut Ahove" for awhile now ,,,, she needs to get out of her head sometimes and she finds being a submissive is a great way to do it,,,, being a Doctor, in charge all the time and in charge in every other part of her life is sometime too much and being a submissive is very conducive for Samantha ,,, she never gets involved with any of the Doms ,, she gets what she needs and then she is done with that Dom ,,, she never scenes with the same Dom over 2 or 3 times, sometimes only once ,,, but there is a Dom that she has a history with and she just saw him walk in the new club,,,, and get this ,,,, he's head of security ,,,,,
Derrick Strong is just out of the Navy where he was a SEAL and now he has just gotten to join the 4 owners of "A Cut Above" ,,, the other 4 have made this building to house the club and then the top apartments will belong to Jacob, Alex, Ian and Matthew,,, the basement will turn into other apartments and now Derrick will take over the pool house and build the security from the ground up and the top floor will be his apartment,,,, and he has just walked into the club and has locked eyes with the beautiful woman who he really needs to get to know again,,,, Samantha Gardner will be his,,,, he will show her who the real Dom is around here and she will be his sub,,,,
I really enjoyed this book ,,, it's a new author for me and I really enjoyed her writing ,,,, I will definitely be reading more from her ,,,, I would so totally recommend this book to anyone,,,,
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review
When Derrick walked into the new club he was impressed .His friend were pulling out all the stops.His time as a Navy Seal were over but she still did special missions for the government.When he met with Alex,Matthew ,Jared and Ian he was wondering what was up .He wasnt the most patient Dom.He asks what they needed they wanted him to set up and running all the security for the club.But then they threw a curve ball asking him pinecones owner with them.He agreed.When he saw Samantha the fiery redhead he always wanted as His own being looked over by skinheads red he went down Abram the son off Samantha was beyond mad as a childrens cancer Dr she need to submit to a dom.She never had sex with the Dom more than once she didn;t do relationships.What the he;ll kind of game was Derrick playing she lost her best friend and then Derrick disappeared from her life too. Will Derrick prove to Samantha that they belong together?The twists and turns to this story will keep you riveted until the very last page.I love the way this amazing author brings the characters to life before your eyes and makes you feel their emotions and their pain.I can hardly wait to see what;s next by this multi talented author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
ONE DELIGHTFULLY ENTICING TREAT!!! Amping up the thrill! Lesley hits this bad boy out da park and into the next realm, blazing a trail melding this baby together piece by jagged piece. You get the whole package with all the chaos, mayhem and shenanigans that lights up the world propelling this bad boy to life spectacularly. One non-stop, action packed, hard hitting, page flipping, adrenaline rush that keeps you riveted and on a razors edge. A tumultuous wild ride with a surplus of vexing circumstances and surprising incidents that blasts your spinning emotions into play perfectly. One compelling storyline and gripping plot jolts this bad boy together smoothly. Pushing on-ward through the trials and tribulations along with a slew of twists and turns that thrusts this bad boy to life beautifully. The two main characters chemistry is intense, white hot and explosive. The characters are authentic, impressive and realistic with such depth and qualities its easy to relate. The scenes are written with such realism it's easy to interpreting each scenario as they play off one another perfectly. Fantastic job Lesley, thanks for sharing this bad boy with us.
Lesley Clark has written a book with mystery, kidnapping, and betrayal. Samantha is a member of the club A Cut Above, it is a BDSM club where she can go and release some stress. She doesn't have a single Dom with whom she plays with. Derrick is coming back into the club and he sees Samantha with another Dom and he stops it. Samantha lets him have it and then she leaves the club. The next time she is at the club, no dom will even look at her and she finds out the Derrick has put out the word she is off-limits. They have a talk and he makes her a deal. As they spend more time together, their feelings change. Someone has been watching Samantha and when given a chance kidnappes her. Derrick finds out and goes and finds her, but he may be too late. She has been beaten pretty badly. Can Derrick find the person who hurt Samantha and put the guilt away for her being hurt before he loses her? with the help of her friends, can Samantha convince Derrick that she is fine and she needs her Dom back? This book was so well written, that I could not put it down until I finished it. I would recommend it to anyone.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Samantha and Derrick have known each other since they were in high school. Each had a crush on the other, but neither acknowledged it.
Now, many years later, Samantha is a children’s oncologist. She is a strong and independent lady, who has an intense desire to submit to a powerful Dom. That had been working out fine, until Derrick, who had been a navy Seal for a number of years and now works only on special cases, becomes a part owner and head of security for the BDSM club that she is a member of. The minute he sees Samantha being approached by another Dom, he goes into action. No other Dom will touch her, except himself!
Watching the two of them work together to empower their feelings was erotic and exciting. The BDSM scenes are intense and arousing. Will they make it to a Happily Ever After, or will something horrendous intervene?
This story pulled out just about every emotion I could imagine. As I read, I experienced excitement, arousal, suspense, fear, terror, and relief. This is the first book I have read by Lesley Clark, and it will definitely not be the last!
Securing Her Surrender is the first book I have read by Lesley Clark, even though it is the second book in the A Cut Above series. There appears to be some character and story crossover but nothing that I was not able to figure out. This is the story of Samantha and Derrick. Samantha is a successful doctor along with being beautiful and completely off-limits. Derrick is an ex SEAL who is a partner in The Cut Above Club and is heading the security for the club. They have a history as they went to high school together but they were never together, even though they each had a crush on the other. When they encounter each other at the club one night the fireworks are started again.
I enjoyed this story and thought the story-line was solid and the characters were well written. It would have been nice to have a bit more of the history of both Samantha and Derrick but this did not really take away from the book. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
I received a free ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. My opinions are all my own.
This book was okay, but nothing special. I liked the fact that Samantha was a strong professional outside the club (and that Derrick appreciated it) and it was competently written. But, honestly, everything in here has been done umpteen times in other books: from the MC who doesn't "do" relationships to the over 6' dom who is also ex-army and a security specialist to the stalker(s) (in this case, plural) that serve as an artificial, tacked-on method of creating conflict between the MC. And I agree with another reviewer that the violence directed at Samantha was so over-the-top and gratuitous that it turned into torture porn (defined as a text that revels in graphic depictions of violence and gore). I realize this is a quasi-spoiler, but the blurb includes no mention of violent content and it might be a trigger for some.
2 1/2 stars. If you want to read consensual BDSM scenes between a Dom who isn't a Neanderthal and a sub who isn't a brat or a doormat, than you may enjoy this. Perhaps I've been reading too many of these generic books lately, but I just thought "same-old, same-old" the entire time I was reading it.
Securing Her Surrender is book 2 in the A Cut Above Series by Lesley Clark. Derek is now ex-military so when his friends ask him to be in charge of security at A Cut Above, Derek agrees knowing he can finally put down some roots. Being a dominant he knows this is a great opportunity. What his buddies don't know is that he could be called back at anytime for special projects. Samantha has a very stressful job as a doctor who doesn't have the time or desire for a relationship so she enjoys playing at the club. She has been a submissive for years never scening with a Dom more than once or twice. Samantha hasn't seen Derek since high school. She was his sister Jennifer's best friend neither of them acted on their crushes. Derek is shocked when on his first night at the club he see Samantha. This Dom is ready to claim his submissive! But when danger threatens Samantha while he is on assignment, will he be able to get to her in time? This story does contain BDSM and contains some intense scenes. Definitely recommend.
This was the first book I read in this series. There are other characters that you can tell were part of the previous book, but this book is fine as a standalone. It did make me want to read the previous book.
Securing Her Surrender turned out to be pretty good. Samantha and Derrick were able to overcome their past relationship where Derrick was the big brother of Samantha's best friend.
There were obstacles to overcome in their relationship, such as Samantha reaffirming that her submission could not affect her job as a doctor.
I liked that Samantha was smart, strong, and independent. She wasn't one of those women that did one stupid thing after another to land her in trouble.
There is danger, suspense, and some violence in this book connected to a case Derrick is working on. Some real crazies are involved. It gets a bit intense, but you do get an HEA. It is also steamy and romantic. A word of caution, if you find spanking or D/s to be offensive, take a pass.
I was waiting for this, may have been stalking Amazon and other places for any talk of it........I am not a patient person, lol. It was worth the wait, Derrick oh baby, if I could bring out a book boyfriend......he'd be one of my top choices, and not just for the sexy scenes. He's caring, loving, stern and just what a certain overstressed and overworked Dr needs!!! Samantha has let her past and her work keep her from having a real relationship, plus she may have a thing for her best friends brother.......who wouldn't??? This was a great addition to what needs to be a very long series.......I want more and more, lol!! Lesley Clark has become a one click Author for me, for her amazing characters.........relatable issues........emotions that give me all the feels........and she brings the sexy!!!! Loved this very very much!!
I volunteered to read this ARC for an honest review. I enjoyed this story about Samantha/Red and Derrick. She was his sister's best friend when they were younger. But when Jenn died from cancer and a young girl, Samantha goes onto become a oncologist. Derrick is a Navy Seal who is retired but still helps out on occasion. His friends have asked him to be head is security for their BDSM club. When they see each other soon sparks fly, he wants to claim her and she wants to move on. When a jerk from there old club makes a fuss, Derrick gets a weird vibe from him. Unfortunately Samantha makes herself a target. Derrick is working a case of trafficking that might have a connection to his hometown. Great chemistry and spark between the characters. This is great group of friends.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Second book in this wonderful series and I was hanging out waiting for it This is Samantha and Derricks story
A cut above is a exclusive BDSM club owned by four doctors who are all Doms at the club and yes we get to meet characters from the previous book They have decided to buy a huge home and turn it into the new venue for their club They offer not only the job of head of security to Derrick but also what him to be a part owner. Derrick a former Seal is well qualified for the job. Dr Samantha Gardner is not only a oncologist but also a meber of A Cut Above something she uses to relax but she is stunned when she sees Derrick there They have history her best friend who dies was Derrick's sister The attraction is still there between them but will they act on it and will it just be in the club or will they want a total relationship You will have to read to see
Will Samantha and Derrick have their happily ever after? Lesley pulls you into the story of Derrick and Samantha, that you feel like you are right there witnessing everything first hand. Derrick has mostly parted ways with Uncle Sam, so accepts the offer from his friends to man security at A Cut Above’s new location. Samantha is eager to release stress from her job, when Derrick interferes with her plans to go with a dom because he places his stamp on her. While Derrick and Samantha work through their issues, Samantha unwittingly puts herself in danger when witnessing Derrick verbally chastising a disgruntled past member. Will Derrick be able to keep Samanatha safe? You have to read to find out and won’t want to put the book down
I think this may be my favorite of Lesley Clark’s books so far. I love a strong female character, and Samantha is just that – competent, strong, and submissive in the bedroom – which suits Derrick perfectly. But when she disobeys him, she endangers herself in ways neither of them could imagine. Something else I enjoy is when the author tosses clues at us – that we usually ignore – involving us in the story as more than just remote readers. This type of drama is terrifyingly real, and Lesley Clark has written with sensitivity and passion. This is a one-click read.
I received a free copy of this book. This review was posted voluntarily.
Derrick saw Samantha in a club, playing with a Dom and he clenched his fists, but now was not the time. Samantha a successful Oncologist, has little her life but work and the occasional Club Play with random Doms, it's the way she likes it. Derrick is fresh out of the Seals, and joins his friends as part owner in a New Bdsm club, but he still has a commitment to the government. As head of security he knows all and see's all. And he see's Samantha! Some lame Dom is hitting on her,and he's ready to hit him! This story was excellent! There is intrigue, pain {good and bad}, danger, history and love! I can't wait to read more from Leslie!
I was surprised by how much I liked this book. I hadn't realized it had BDSM involved which isn't something I'm into and when it showed up/I realized that was what was going on, I almost quit reading. I'm glad that I gave it a chance, because although there was BDSM involved, I didn't feel like it was the only thing going on. The relationships between the characters were awesome. I liked that the focus wasn't just on the romance between Derrick and Samantha, but also on their friendships and lives beyond each other. This was a well rounded story and I definitely recommend it. Must read!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.