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Doms of Club Eden #1
Secrets of Submission
This is an alternate cover edition for ISBN 1523938676 (ISBN13: 9781523938674)
A yearning to give up control…
After leaving a toxic relationship, Penny Stephens has spent the last several years rebuilding her self esteem. She’s learning to love her plus size body again. In her journey toward self discovery, Penny realizes what’s been missing from her intimate life: submission. But she doesn’t know the true meaning of the word. That is, until she meets him.
A desire to teach her all she needs…
Marcus Allen, an intense Dominant, is instantly attracted to the voluptuous auburn haired beauty. He is eager to show her how to embrace her submissive side. Relentless in his approach, he begins Penny’s education. He’ll spend his days and nights teaching her the secrets of submission.
A yearning to give up control…
After leaving a toxic relationship, Penny Stephens has spent the last several years rebuilding her self esteem. She’s learning to love her plus size body again. In her journey toward self discovery, Penny realizes what’s been missing from her intimate life: submission. But she doesn’t know the true meaning of the word. That is, until she meets him.
A desire to teach her all she needs…
Marcus Allen, an intense Dominant, is instantly attracted to the voluptuous auburn haired beauty. He is eager to show her how to embrace her submissive side. Relentless in his approach, he begins Penny’s education. He’ll spend his days and nights teaching her the secrets of submission.
236 pages, Paperback
First published April 28, 2016
755 people are currently reading
1356 people want to read
About the author
L.K. Shaw
50 books1,680 followersLK Shaw is the bestselling author of sexy, sinful suspense. She resides in South Carolina with her high maintenance beagle mix dog, Miss P. An avid reader since childhood, she became hooked on historical romance novels in high school. She now reads, and loves, all romance sub-genres, with sci-fi romance and dark romance being her favorite. LK enjoys traveling and chocolate. Her books feature hot alpha heroes and the strong women they love.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 187 reviews
November 20, 2017
In short:
Hero 3/5 | Heroine 3/5 | Plot (Point, Originality) 3/5 | Writing Style 3/5 | Steam 4/5 | Romance 3/5 | Angst-Suspense 3/5 | Darkness 0/5 | Humor 0/5 | Secondary Characters 3/5 | Drama-Conflict 3/5 | Mystery 0/5 | Twists 3/5 | Pacing Fast | Action 3/5
Hero 3/5 | Heroine 3/5 | Plot (Point, Originality) 3/5 | Writing Style 3/5 | Steam 4/5 | Romance 3/5 | Angst-Suspense 3/5 | Darkness 0/5 | Humor 0/5 | Secondary Characters 3/5 | Drama-Conflict 3/5 | Mystery 0/5 | Twists 3/5 | Pacing Fast | Action 3/5
December 15, 2021
I'm becoming stingy with these stars in my old age. I almost gave this 3 stars. Younger me would have. Nothing was wrong with it (though it would have been nice for the chapters to have Penny or Marcus's name on it, so we would know whose POV it was); I just didn't super enjoy it & was kind of waiting for the end. It was fine though. (Keep in mind, I got this book as an Amazon freebie...) I'm sure older couples are also my thing to be honest. No offense, people.
Plot: A plus size woman in her 30s (?), who hasn't been in a relationship in 5 years, goes to a BDSM club where she meets a handsome Dom named Marcus. Marcus is trying to protect his ex from her abusive ex husband who is trying to hunt her down.
What didn't make sense to me is if Marcus broke up with Grace back in college, how come they have a 2 year old child? Did they have a drunken night of sex or something? That was never explained well.
Plot: A plus size woman in her 30s (?), who hasn't been in a relationship in 5 years, goes to a BDSM club where she meets a handsome Dom named Marcus. Marcus is trying to protect his ex from her abusive ex husband who is trying to hunt her down.
What didn't make sense to me is if Marcus broke up with Grace back in college, how come they have a 2 year old child? Did they have a drunken night of sex or something? That was never explained well.
January 12, 2020
2.5 stars
This book was all over the place in both really good and then really disappointing ways. The pacing for the over all story was pretty good but then the actual scenes could feel rushed. The sex and culture explored was done well, respectfully while being super hot. But then emotions were either to much or too little when scenes were crazy charged with what should have been emotions. So there was good and bad here. A quick read though so I’m not mad I finished it.
This book was all over the place in both really good and then really disappointing ways. The pacing for the over all story was pretty good but then the actual scenes could feel rushed. The sex and culture explored was done well, respectfully while being super hot. But then emotions were either to much or too little when scenes were crazy charged with what should have been emotions. So there was good and bad here. A quick read though so I’m not mad I finished it.
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August 28, 2022
Loved the story. Especially the ending. Love a happy ending. It was very difficult to put done. Once I got into a few chapters it became hard to put down. I recommend this book.
January 8, 2021
Loved the BDSM parts of this book, but I felt like this book was way to short for the amount of plot that the author tried to put into it.
January 21, 2019
Started well but fizzled out
This was the first book I've read by this author. There is a "Dear Reader" note disclaimer at the beginning that warns that the relationship moves unrealistically fast, and it does. My first hesitation is when the heroine goes to an event where she doesn't know anyone, and the hero looks at her and says "Fresh meat". That would have been the end for me right then, but I gave him a chance, and I have to say, that statement seemed way out of character for him as he came across in the rest of the book. I thought the chapters written in her POV were okay, but ones written from his just didn't flow. His whole backstory seemed contrived, and the resolution of it was weak. I couldn't understand how someone breaks in, a struggle ensues, etc., in a house with an armed guard. Later we're told it was during shift change, which made even less sense, since there would have been two of them there crossing paths and updating one another. There were just too many holes in the whole situation to continue to suspend belief.
This was the first book I've read by this author. There is a "Dear Reader" note disclaimer at the beginning that warns that the relationship moves unrealistically fast, and it does. My first hesitation is when the heroine goes to an event where she doesn't know anyone, and the hero looks at her and says "Fresh meat". That would have been the end for me right then, but I gave him a chance, and I have to say, that statement seemed way out of character for him as he came across in the rest of the book. I thought the chapters written in her POV were okay, but ones written from his just didn't flow. His whole backstory seemed contrived, and the resolution of it was weak. I couldn't understand how someone breaks in, a struggle ensues, etc., in a house with an armed guard. Later we're told it was during shift change, which made even less sense, since there would have been two of them there crossing paths and updating one another. There were just too many holes in the whole situation to continue to suspend belief.
July 28, 2020
First Time
Love diving into a new book and an author I hadn’t read before. Throw in the genre BDSM and I’m all over it. The lifestyle fascination for me is addictive and discovering how different authors approach it is interesting.
Penny was a great Heroine, she’s new to the lifestyle and is ready to embrace what’s to come. Nervous her first glimpse into it is real. She doesn’t hold back, she’s relatable! When she spots Marcus at her first event the attraction is hot. You could feel the chemistry between our leads.
Marcus is a Dom and he couldn’t help but notice the nervousness radiating from the newcomer. Perhaps coming on too strongly may have been a mistake but he’s confident she’ll be back.
It’s well explained and fast moving. That bite of suspense in the story was perfect and kept you on the edge, wanting closure.
The secondary characters have me wanting their stories. It was easy to read and the steam factor was a given.
I’ve just downloaded the second book and I want more.
Love diving into a new book and an author I hadn’t read before. Throw in the genre BDSM and I’m all over it. The lifestyle fascination for me is addictive and discovering how different authors approach it is interesting.
Penny was a great Heroine, she’s new to the lifestyle and is ready to embrace what’s to come. Nervous her first glimpse into it is real. She doesn’t hold back, she’s relatable! When she spots Marcus at her first event the attraction is hot. You could feel the chemistry between our leads.
Marcus is a Dom and he couldn’t help but notice the nervousness radiating from the newcomer. Perhaps coming on too strongly may have been a mistake but he’s confident she’ll be back.
It’s well explained and fast moving. That bite of suspense in the story was perfect and kept you on the edge, wanting closure.
The secondary characters have me wanting their stories. It was easy to read and the steam factor was a given.
I’ve just downloaded the second book and I want more.
March 4, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. Mainly because one of the main female characters was a plus size woman in her 30'S. Which we need more of as we all know not every woman is a perky 20 year old. There are a lot of hot sexy steamy sex scene and I love how they help build up the main female's self esteem instead of breaking her down. The dom in this book did nothing but support and encourage Penny to push herself safely and LK Shaw wrote characters that cherish each other and truly cared for each other. Not being in a dom sub position I hope this is a great example of how one should be. And us plus size women need to know their our doms out there for us.
July 5, 2017
Secrets of Submission has Penny Stephens a curvy woman who realizes she has been missing submission from any relationships. She meets Marcus Allen, a dominant who is very attracted to Penny and he loves Penny’s curvy self. He agrees to teach her the “secrets of submission”.
I loved the interaction between Penny and Marcus as Penny learns to submit. With Secrets of Submission you get romance and suspense as well as a BDSM story. All winners in my book.
I got Secrets of Submission because someone recommended it to me and it was on Kindle Unlimited.
I loved the interaction between Penny and Marcus as Penny learns to submit. With Secrets of Submission you get romance and suspense as well as a BDSM story. All winners in my book.
I got Secrets of Submission because someone recommended it to me and it was on Kindle Unlimited.
March 15, 2016
Secrets of Submission was a great debut novel for L.K. Shaw. Interesting characters and an intriguing story line. Great side characters! I can see the spin off potential! Penny is feisty and loyal. Marcus is commanding and affectionate. A great read with an edge of mystery to it. Both characters find themselves and learn so much about themselves and each other. Can't wait to see what else L.K. Shaw delivers!
November 25, 2017
3.5 Stars
My first from this author. An independent woman wanting to explore after failed relationships. She just needed to find the right Dom to show her a new world.
My first from this author. An independent woman wanting to explore after failed relationships. She just needed to find the right Dom to show her a new world.
November 15, 2019
*KU read
Okay, so I have the arc to read for Absolution, and I did not know it went with six other books. Duh me! So I jumped in to read the whole Doms of Club Eden series. Of course, that will make me a little late on my review for Absolution, BUT I want to know who is who. So I think that is okay.
Onto Submission, I have to say I felt a little confused at first because of the back story with Marcus and his history, but it soon becomes apparent. Penny is a sweet girl that I loved! Altogether this is an enjoyable story with surprises, suspense, tears, and great sex. So happy I started this series!
October 25, 2023
A cute story line, appropriate length and a introduction into the BDSM world... if any who is interested into moving from light romance into dark, this series seems a good starting place
September 22, 2020
Marcus and Penny
This was a fantastic book about two wonderful people that needed to find their partner, lover, dom, sub. It was sexy, steamy, suspenseful and sad all at the same time. Can’t wait to read the next book in the series
This was a fantastic book about two wonderful people that needed to find their partner, lover, dom, sub. It was sexy, steamy, suspenseful and sad all at the same time. Can’t wait to read the next book in the series
January 23, 2020
Sweet story with a soft side of BDSM and a stalker!
May 4, 2016
This is the debut novel from LK Shaw and damn, it is so good. A love story with a strong dose of kink. And let me tell you, things do heat up. This story is a great mix of romance, kink, action and suspense.
Penny Stephens is a strong woman that had hit rock bottom. She is finally taking a chance and exploring her submissive side. Her first outing and she meets Marcus Allen. The attraction was instant and hot. I loved watching Penny explore her desires. Her struggles felt very real. Marcus, oh Marcus. This man frustrated me at first then I fell in love with his dominant ways. Marcus and Penny are surrounded by a great ensemble of characters that add to their story. I want more of Donovan, Bridget and Connor.
LK Shaw delivered a solid debut novel in Secrets of Submission. Her ability to weave a suspenseful story around Marcus and Penny kept me guessing to the very end. I am looking forward to the next book in this series.
I did receive this book in exchange for an honest review.
Penny Stephens is a strong woman that had hit rock bottom. She is finally taking a chance and exploring her submissive side. Her first outing and she meets Marcus Allen. The attraction was instant and hot. I loved watching Penny explore her desires. Her struggles felt very real. Marcus, oh Marcus. This man frustrated me at first then I fell in love with his dominant ways. Marcus and Penny are surrounded by a great ensemble of characters that add to their story. I want more of Donovan, Bridget and Connor.
LK Shaw delivered a solid debut novel in Secrets of Submission. Her ability to weave a suspenseful story around Marcus and Penny kept me guessing to the very end. I am looking forward to the next book in this series.
I did receive this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 7, 2016
Wow! This is an amazing debut book by the very talented L.K. Shaw. This book has a little bit of everything that I love in a book. Awesome characters, great side characters, and an amazing story line. The BDSM elements in this book were some of the most authentic I have read. The suspense element was done so beautifully and I didn't see it coming; I thought this would be another BDSM book that left you wanting more of a story, but was very pleasantly surprised that the story was the focus and not just the sex. Onto the sex.... the sex scenes in this book are HOT and beautifully written. The training scenes are some of my favorite and her first experience at the club.
I can't wait to see what Ms.Shaw has in store for these characters and us next.
I can't wait to see what Ms.Shaw has in store for these characters and us next.
June 13, 2019
Submission had great mystery and intrigue, but it also featured some good BDSM. The chemistry between Marcus and Penny was hot, although there were parts that felt a little slow, but the stalker factor was edgy. I liked Penny's submissive side, even though she sometimes let her feisty attitude roll. And Marcus was a hot Dom all the way.
January 9, 2017
For being a debut book, this was a fabulous and an intriguing book to read, it grabbed my attention from the first page. I really enjoyed Penny and Marcus's story. I look forward to seeing where Ms Shaw takes this story line. I Highly Recommend this book.
February 12, 2023
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Penny Stephens is interested in the BDSM community and decides to attend an event one night. There, she meets a Dom named Marcus and is instantly drawn to him. They enter a relationship, but Penny quickly realizes she may be in over her head when a dangerous man named Evan begins lurking around.
I enjoyed this for the most part, although it became a bit convoluted at times. The chapters really should have been labeled with who's POV we were reading from between Penny and Marcus. I liked Penny as a main character, for the most part until the end of the book when a big twist is revealed. I was also a tad confused about Marcus and his backstory, especially later on in the book as more things come to light. I liked the relationship between Marcus and Penny. I thought he was patient with her learning his lifestyle and very supportive throughout the new experiences. I really liked the side characters of Bridget, Donovan and Connor. I'm intrigued with picking up the rest of the series to see how their stories unfold.
Penny Stephens is interested in the BDSM community and decides to attend an event one night. There, she meets a Dom named Marcus and is instantly drawn to him. They enter a relationship, but Penny quickly realizes she may be in over her head when a dangerous man named Evan begins lurking around.
I enjoyed this for the most part, although it became a bit convoluted at times. The chapters really should have been labeled with who's POV we were reading from between Penny and Marcus. I liked Penny as a main character, for the most part until the end of the book when a big twist is revealed. I was also a tad confused about Marcus and his backstory, especially later on in the book as more things come to light. I liked the relationship between Marcus and Penny. I thought he was patient with her learning his lifestyle and very supportive throughout the new experiences. I really liked the side characters of Bridget, Donovan and Connor. I'm intrigued with picking up the rest of the series to see how their stories unfold.
November 22, 2017
Penny had finally enough of my ex especially after him telling his buddies that he had to sleep with her with the lights off. That was the beginning of turning her life around and building up her self esteem back up.
Marcus was very much interested in getting to know Penny's deep dark fantasies. He tells her that he will help her explore them. Marcus decided to take her to the club. Penny looked around and saw different things in each room.
Penny has become friends with Bridget a sub she met at the club so she could ask questions. Penny was getting plenty of support from Bridget when it comes to Marcus and the club.
As Marcus and Penny become closer someone from his past starts to make trouble for Marcus Marcus has a big secret that he has not mentioned to Penny.
Penny starts to notice a silver car that had been following her but then it just goes past her. Meanwhile Penny almost get hit full on by a car that she thought was familiar. Then Marcus receives pictures of Penny going to and from work. Marcus knows what he has to do he has to let go of Penny and gives her space. He tries to let her down easy but it really broke her heart.
Will Penny and Marcus get back together or will his secret tear them apart?
Marcus was very much interested in getting to know Penny's deep dark fantasies. He tells her that he will help her explore them. Marcus decided to take her to the club. Penny looked around and saw different things in each room.
Penny has become friends with Bridget a sub she met at the club so she could ask questions. Penny was getting plenty of support from Bridget when it comes to Marcus and the club.
As Marcus and Penny become closer someone from his past starts to make trouble for Marcus Marcus has a big secret that he has not mentioned to Penny.
Penny starts to notice a silver car that had been following her but then it just goes past her. Meanwhile Penny almost get hit full on by a car that she thought was familiar. Then Marcus receives pictures of Penny going to and from work. Marcus knows what he has to do he has to let go of Penny and gives her space. He tries to let her down easy but it really broke her heart.
Will Penny and Marcus get back together or will his secret tear them apart?
November 13, 2017
So hot and so good!
This was my first read from this author and I couldn't put it down!! I knew with it being BDSM that I would hopefully enjoying it as much as I thought and boy was it all I wanted an more!!!
I was encouraged from Penny because of all she had gone through and then took a chance to experience something she wanted without a care if it pleased anyone but herself. Her growth through the entire book was amazing to read and learn from for myself.
I wasn't sure how much I would like Marcus and his secretive ways but boy was his DOM so freaking hot!!! I loved how much you got to know him and Penny but you also got hints about the other characters and it just made you curious!
I loved this book so much and I honestly can wait to read the next!! Recommended for all who enjoy a suspenseful BDSM!!
This was my first read from this author and I couldn't put it down!! I knew with it being BDSM that I would hopefully enjoying it as much as I thought and boy was it all I wanted an more!!!
I was encouraged from Penny because of all she had gone through and then took a chance to experience something she wanted without a care if it pleased anyone but herself. Her growth through the entire book was amazing to read and learn from for myself.
I wasn't sure how much I would like Marcus and his secretive ways but boy was his DOM so freaking hot!!! I loved how much you got to know him and Penny but you also got hints about the other characters and it just made you curious!
I loved this book so much and I honestly can wait to read the next!! Recommended for all who enjoy a suspenseful BDSM!!
January 7, 2021
Great start to the series!
Penny felt like her life was missing something so she went in search of it. She attended a BDSM meet and greet where she met Bridget and Marcus. Bridget took her under her wing and explained the ins an outs of a D/s relationship. Marcus claimed Penny from the start and offered to show her the ropes. The more time they spent together the closer they became. Danger came and threatened to end them both. Despite that and a secret that Marcus withheld, they managed to get their happy ever after. Marcus and Donovan gave Penny one hell of a birthday present! This story was easy to read and had a great story line. I look forward to reading others books by the author!
Penny felt like her life was missing something so she went in search of it. She attended a BDSM meet and greet where she met Bridget and Marcus. Bridget took her under her wing and explained the ins an outs of a D/s relationship. Marcus claimed Penny from the start and offered to show her the ropes. The more time they spent together the closer they became. Danger came and threatened to end them both. Despite that and a secret that Marcus withheld, they managed to get their happy ever after. Marcus and Donovan gave Penny one hell of a birthday present! This story was easy to read and had a great story line. I look forward to reading others books by the author!
November 18, 2017
I got this book in exchange for a voluntary review. Penny islooking to change her life so she goes to a vanilla event sponsored by the local BDSM club. There she meets Marcus, a dom, who will introduce her into the lifestyle. Will she be able to respond to Marcus and submit as her nature tells her she should ? The characters in this book seemed very real and the responses, appropriate. I loved the book, watching as Penny blossomed and finally learned she was beautiful.
December 30, 2017
Hot Hot Hot!
This is a well written romance with some suspenseful twists. Having read other BDSM stories (no first hand experience), I appreciate the author's warning in her introduction, that this is fiction and care should be taken in real life. I enjoyed getting to know Penny, relating to her personal struggles with body image. I really appreciated a story where she was valued by the handsome Dom.
Now I'm on to the next book in the series.
This is a well written romance with some suspenseful twists. Having read other BDSM stories (no first hand experience), I appreciate the author's warning in her introduction, that this is fiction and care should be taken in real life. I enjoyed getting to know Penny, relating to her personal struggles with body image. I really appreciated a story where she was valued by the handsome Dom.
Now I'm on to the next book in the series.
January 19, 2019
Wow! Loved this book! So many books depict woman as only being sexy if skinny, so it was so refreshing to find that Penny was a full figured woman. She wanted love like anyone else, and knew deep down she was Submissive. She decided to see if the BDSM lifestyle is for her and along comes Marcus! A hot Dominant who is instantly enamored with Penny. As they embark on a D/s relationship, Marcus has secrets that may affect said relationship. Can these two be together? I loved the chemistry and interaction between these two. I truly enjoyed this book and you will too!
April 13, 2017
I read the second book in this series before I read this one, and I loved the writing and style of the author. So naturally I had to read this first one, and I'm so glad I did. I think I loved it better than the second book.
Penny is a relate-able woman, she is middle aged, with curves, and feels very insecure. She decides she wants to explore the world of Dom and sub so she attends a social to get to know some people. She never expected to attract one of the most eligible Doms there. Marcus is a well sought after, and handsome Dom, and he's immediately attracted to Penny.
Seeing these two's dynamics is breathtaking. Watching as Penny tests the Dom/sub relationship while gaining her confidence and power back is fantastic.And seeing Marcus protect her, as he slowly realizes his feelings are something deeper is so romantic. This was a beautiful story, and it was hard to believe this was the author's first book. 5-stars!
Penny is a relate-able woman, she is middle aged, with curves, and feels very insecure. She decides she wants to explore the world of Dom and sub so she attends a social to get to know some people. She never expected to attract one of the most eligible Doms there. Marcus is a well sought after, and handsome Dom, and he's immediately attracted to Penny.
Seeing these two's dynamics is breathtaking. Watching as Penny tests the Dom/sub relationship while gaining her confidence and power back is fantastic.And seeing Marcus protect her, as he slowly realizes his feelings are something deeper is so romantic. This was a beautiful story, and it was hard to believe this was the author's first book. 5-stars!
May 21, 2017
A fall fast for the first/perfect dom
Even though this was a 'I'll fall fast for my perfect dom', this was a good read. The relationship between Penny and Marcus was hot, Donovan was too intriguing for his own good, and the past that Marcus tried to keep hidden was interesting. I will continue with the series to see where it takes me next!
Even though this was a 'I'll fall fast for my perfect dom', this was a good read. The relationship between Penny and Marcus was hot, Donovan was too intriguing for his own good, and the past that Marcus tried to keep hidden was interesting. I will continue with the series to see where it takes me next!
May 23, 2017
I read the second book in this series before I read this one, and I loved the writing and style of the author. So naturally I had to read this first one, and I'm so glad I did. I think I loved it better than the second book.
Penny is a relate-able woman, she is middle aged, with curves, and feels very insecure. She decides she wants to explore the world of Dom and sub so she attends a social to get to know some people. She never expected to attract one of the most eligible Doms there. Marcus is a well sought after, and handsome Dom, and he's immediately attracted to Penny.
Seeing these two's dynamics is breathtaking. Watching as Penny tests the Dom/sub relationship while gaining her confidence and power back is fantastic.And seeing Marcus protect her, as he slowly realizes his feelings are something deeper is so romantic. This was a beautiful story, and it was hard to believe this was the author's first book. 5-stars!
Penny is a relate-able woman, she is middle aged, with curves, and feels very insecure. She decides she wants to explore the world of Dom and sub so she attends a social to get to know some people. She never expected to attract one of the most eligible Doms there. Marcus is a well sought after, and handsome Dom, and he's immediately attracted to Penny.
Seeing these two's dynamics is breathtaking. Watching as Penny tests the Dom/sub relationship while gaining her confidence and power back is fantastic.And seeing Marcus protect her, as he slowly realizes his feelings are something deeper is so romantic. This was a beautiful story, and it was hard to believe this was the author's first book. 5-stars!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 187 reviews