Forgive Us

Deliver Us #3

by Lynn Kelling

Novel (90,000 words)
Genre(s): Contemporary, Gay, BDSM, Erotica
To everyone else, Trace is an enigmatic and carefully controlled Dominant. He runs Diadem, a private BDSM club and is a Master and mentor to his fellow Doms and their lovers—Gabriel, Darrek, Ben, and Kyle—while trying to be Master and lover for Micah. Trace is the one they all depend on to step in when anything or anyone threatens his closest friends.

But even Trace is in over his head when haunting events of the past endanger all their lives. Trace is forced to call on old connections for help from the world he tried to leave behind—the Master’s Circle in England. Tensions rise to a fever pitch as Trace’s hidden truths shake up the lives of everyone in his tangled, tight-knit family. (M/M+ - For content labels and excerpt, see details on publisher's site.)

Genres: BDSM, M M Romance, Menage, Romance, Erotica, Abuse, Dark

427 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 4, 2014

About the author

Lynn Kelling began writing in order to tell stories that aren’t afraid of the dark, don’t hold anything back and always strive to be memorable, forging lasting attachments between character and reader. Her inspiration comes from taking a closer look at behaviors and ideas lurking at the fringes of life—basically anything that people may hesitate to speak of in mixed company, but everyone wonders about anyway. Her work is driven by the taboo in order to expose the humanity within it. Lynn is an artist, designer and lover of any form of creative self-expression that comes from a place of honesty and emotion, whether it's body art or opera. She has had multiple novels published, has written over fifty works of erotic fiction of varying lengths, and always has several novels in progress.

Reviews

[Vivian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Crazy train tries to become a daisy chain.

The runaway train is brought back under control as the insanity prevalent in the first two books in the series is dialed back. That doesn't mean there isn't the wild carousel of acts and surprise appearances; it just means the main characters aren't wielding deadly weapons against each others' mental well-being.

Enter Gray, the calm in the storm and meet Trace as you’ve never known him.

There is a series' crossover occurring with this book from Lynn Kelling's Deliver Us and Jack Pyke's Masters' Circle. Gray, Jack and Jan are the stabilizing force in chaos of Diadem. The synergy turns out well.

Gabriel and Darrek are still a mess. Events, paranoia and their own issues are driving that train.

And Micah…yeah, no big surprise that this is the implosion of the book. The total disregard for mental health counseling is upsetting beyond belief. I HATE the use of BDSM in lieu of appropriate healthcare. The situation in this book is something that required counseling and not talking about it is the problem and perpetuating the myth that the magic penis will save you is gross negligence in this instance. Honestly, the weakest point in this series for me has been that every character has been completely mental and in need of assistance and while it is addressed there is the implication that only persons suffering psychologically would be BDSM participants. If this was levied against other groups it would be chastised and as entertaining as the series maybe I'm going to call it on the mat.

What fun is in store? Wax play, sounding, electric play, medical play, whipping, strapping, and the list goes on. As usual, the raw grittiness and sensuality of the sex scenes are the highlight of the book. So plan some "Me" time when starting.

Love the scenes and their creativity and sadism, but the story itself due to the sheer wtfuckery makes me disengage at times. Before it was bed and fuck with your head roulette. Now, Gray is reaming Trace over his handling of Diadem and the boys. Gray’s running roughshot over everyone and everything. That said, there are some fun scenes as each person is run through and set straight. Lives are torn apart and pieced back together again slightly differently.

And the suspense aspect of the story is ratcheted up big time including the psychological and physical torture. Gray’s on top of everything—Everything. Let’s just say some of the three letter agencies mentioned in this seem to be a bit mixed up in regards to jurisdiction.

Overall, more of a suspense than melodramatic ending to the series, which I appreciated. Gray’s appearance in the story toned down a lot of the absolutely mental behavior and substituted it with iron-fisted Dom-ination.

And manages to end with a pretty bow on it.

Wag of the finger to Ben's endeavor at the end of the story. Something I really despise, but thankfully it was reserved for the end and was minimally distracting, but still annoying. Author commentary about writing should be saved for another venue and not within the book one is writing. I know it may not bug everyone, but it is a major pet peeve of mine.

My rating was affected by my need and hopes after reading the series that the characters would find a good place in the end and I have to admit I was satisfied. I strongly advise these books not be read individually.

Favorite quote because it shows reinsertion of sanity--Hallelujah:

“He doesn’t need your apologies. He needs you to make him feel safe.”

Reviewed for

[Monique · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the book in the Deliver Us series I was most looking forward to… in my eyes, Lynn has saved the best to last. Trace and Micah the two men in this series who have played their part on the periphery but remained a constant, the two men above all the others that have had my heart racing at the glimpses we have had at their relationship and the roles they play within the dynamics of these Diadem men. The anticipation of their story has kept me on pins, as characters, they have intrigued me the most… and I so wanted to love them. Well, let me tell you… I WAS NOT disappointed!

Trace brings an edge of danger to this series… his resolve unwavering, he is a force to be reckoned with, calm, resolute, steadfast in his loyalty and fiercely protective of those he loves. Trace is all power in a cocky self assured way, he’s rough around the edges, wild, raw and powerful. He commands attention and demands submission by sheer presence alone. I have loved Trace from the very first scene in book #1 with Darreck and he has certainly wormed his way in to my heart and my dreams… fuck the man is HOT!!

You don’t get this good without some serious goddamned practice at your fuckin’ craft

For my full review, pop over to the blog... where you can also enter the giveaway to win a copy... Giveaway ends 13th May 2014

[~ Lei ~ Reading Is An Adventure ~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

★★★★☆
I know, a lot of tags! There was lots of smexin'! Not a complaint, mind you.

This is book 3 and the culmination of everything that's happened in Deliver Us & From Temptation and these guys are messed up, but there's hope for change, redemption and healing.

This is primarily Trace and Micah's story but Gabriel and Darrek and Ben and Kyle are interwoven and we have the additions of the visiting Gray, Jack and Jan from Don't... . Gray is Trace's ex and they have unresolved issues (of course) and Diadem's rogue club status has brought the attention of the Master's Circle upon the club and the Doms of Diadem and Gray is there to evaluate and bring them into line on behalf of the MC.

Gray watches and helps to enforce the boundaries and rules for the various characters Gabriel using Darrek or Trace for his daddy issues, Ben and the others not allowing Darrek and Kyle to be alone together.

Darrek and Kyle come to grips with the fact that Darrek's abusive father has passed and Gabriel with the realization that his abuser, Harry has also passed unfortunately, Harry didn't pass on quickly enough and sicced another monster on Gabriel

We learn about Micah's past and his tragedy and he has to, for once and for all, choose whether he wants to continue to be married to Lily or be with Trace. [this is an mm book, no mf sex]

Gray's presence helps Trace reintegrate both sides of his personality and finally come to terms with his past and share his humanness with his created loving family and with that acceptance, can finally be a full partner if Micah chooses to be with him.

At the end of the day, I have strong hopes that with the rules in place, Gabriel, Darrek and Kyle will continue to grow stronger mentally every day be able to build healthy relationships. Trace and Micah will work through their own issues together.

[Awilk -never sleeps- · Rating 5 out of 5]

I re-read the first two full-length books to this series not long ago, and I must say that I loved these men that Lynn Kelling gave to us more the second time around. But with this book, I could not have loved any of them more than I did. Trace, Micah and especially Dare had my heart fluttering and me reading as fast as I could, even though I never wanted this book to end. But not only did I have the great joy of spending more time with Lynn's wonderful men, I had the chance to spend time with three other very special men. Forgive Us has some very special visitors, and they are Jack, Jan and Grey from Jack L Pyke's wonderful world that we all fell in love with in Don't....
All in all, this book was very close to perfect for me, (the only improvement would be more Dare and Jack, with a book that never ended).
Lynn Kelling had written a few of my favourite books, and this one is being added to that special list.

[Jack Pyke]

Forgive Us introduces the Society of the Masters, where Lynn Kelling kindly kidnaps my guys from Don't... and does wicked things to them over in America. We both came to the conclusion that reviewing each other’s novels isn’t something that you guys want to see: of course we’re both gonna say the works are more than worth it.

Instead we thought we’d offer two nice private interviews on each of our reviews of both Forgive Us and Antidote: here I’m talking to Lynn about Forgive Us. Hopefully it will help introduce what our novels are about and how they fit together.

There’s a full disclaimer before we start: I receive no financial gain from Forgive Us; Lynn receives no financial gain from how I use her characters in Breakdown and Gray Matters. We share characters, worlds, and just have a whole load of fun in the process.

So, Lynn *waggles eyebrows* It’s the start of the Society of Masters project, combining two worlds that already have a firm footing with readers…

Deliver Us introduced everyone to Darrek and Gabe. From Temptation then brought in Ben and Kyle, and the very dark connections between Kyle and Darrek. Forgive Us builds on that heated complexity and brings Trace and Micah more into the mix. What role do you think Trace takes in the dynamics of the whole group? How does it impact on his personal life?

Lynn: Trace is really the person tying everyone together. Because Trace founded Diadem with Ben, they met Gabriel. Without Diadem, Kyle would never have met Ben, and Darrek wouldn’t have met Gabriel. And it’s the specific set of circumstances created by Diadem which unearthed Kyle and Darrek’s secrets in From Temptation. It’s all been one long domino effect of one piece knocking into another and another. Forgive Us looks at the bigger picture of where all of the events so far have led, because of things Trace has set in motion. Trace is also the person who has established the group as more of a family than a disjointed group of co-workers or friends, and there are complex reasons for why he’s done that, which are revealed in Forgive Us.

Trace definitely takes a paternal role in the group, and not just because he’s slightly older than the others. It’s a conscious decision on his part to take responsibility for the safety of everyone he cares about, or even the loved ones of people he cares about. If something is wrong, he tries to take action to correct the problem. Sometimes he acts secretly, sometimes not. It’s the increasing level of secrecy that really begins to affect his ability to manage everyone’s troubles, yet Gabriel, Ben, and Micah are leaning on him more than ever. The cracks have formed and it’s only a matter of time before all of Trace’s carefully guarded secrets come spilling out.

Jack: Can you tell us something about Micah? How did he first meet Trace, for example?

Lynn: Micah is a pretty complicated guy. In order to understand how he ended up with Trace, you have to know where he came from. Micah is married to his first love, Lilianna, with whom he has an open relationship. They’re both bisexual, and they have an agreement that they are each allowed to take lovers of the same gender. It’s understood that those lovers are meant to be a sexual outlet only. When Micah and Lilianna’s only child, Moira, died three years prior to Forgive Us, many of their agreements and good intentions began to come unraveled. Lilianna began to spend more time away from Micah and with her lover, Saoirse. At the same time, Micah became Ben’s submissive through Diadem. It was a business relationship which Lilianna knew about and approved of. However, when Micah began to have sex with Trace, their affair was not at all professional and Lilianna wasn’t aware of it. As Micah and Lilianna grew farther apart emotionally, Lilianna again tried to sate Micah’s unrest by bringing Trace into their marital bed so that they could have threesomes together. Trace was also bisexual, unattached, and interested, so it made sense to a certain extent, from Lilianna’s perspective. Trace and Lilianna both love to dominate, so naturally – and happily – Micah would submit to them both.

Micah ended his contract with Ben, and instead began to submit – off the books and without Lilianna’s knowledge – to Trace. Though Micah and Trace’s affair may have begun because of pure mutual attraction, they began to rely on each other for other types of support as well. Micah also began to train and work as a Dom at Diadem. As a switch, it gave him a chance to experience the other side of things, but also gave him an excuse to be around Trace as often as he liked. That’s where Forgive Us picks up. Micah has developed this multi-layered relationship with Trace, most of which Lilianna is oblivious of.

Jack: Sounds like a complex web of lives and loves. Now, Forgive Us is the main novel in the Society of Masters project. Can you tell us a little more about the SoM project? What is it exactly?

Lynn: The Society of Masters project is the merging of the worlds of the Deliver Us series and the Don’t… series. That means all of the characters from both series – Gabe, Dare, Trace, Micah, Gray, Jack, and Jan, to name a few – all exist in the same universe, on the same timeline. A few of them share history, which you’ll learn more about in Forgive Us, and all of them will be interacting with each other in a lot of different ways, across multiple works.

Something many of my readers might not yet realize is that most of my books exist in the same universe and there are subtle connections sprinkled across them to unite the storylines. Forgive Us is directly connected to characters and organizations in Whatever The Cost, and my forthcoming release, Song of the Lonesome Cowboy. The Society of Masters project means that this broad universe just got a hell of a lot bigger by also encompassing the brilliant work of my co-conspirator, Jack L. Pyke, and the Don’t…<?i> series. It opens doors to endless, tantalizing possibilities.

Jack: What plans do you have for the Deliver Us series?

Lynn: My next two releases in the Deliver Us series will be prequels, both of which will be included in a forthcoming anthology of Deliver Us shorts. The first is a short story titled Divine Surrender, and it’s the tale of how Kyle and Ben first met and became involved with each other. Kyle was only a teenager. Ben was a Dom at Diadem. The second is a short story titled , about Gabriel and Darrek’s tropical anniversary trip to a private BDSM resort. This trip was mentioned briefly in From Temptation, but Pleasures of Paradise takes a more in-depth look at what happened. I’m really excited to share these two. They’re both a lot lighter in tone than the rest of the series, and meant to be fun, sexy reads.

I am also about to begin work on the 4th book in the Deliver Us series, titled Our Sins. Thus far in the series, a lot of what the guys have dealt with centered on coming to terms with their pasts. Our Sins will focus more on the present and future of the group. They’ll begin to look outside their small circle for help, support, and friendship from the larger BDSM community around them. There will also be more tie-ins with a few of my other novels, including Whatever the Cost, Song of the Lonesome Cowboy, Bound by Lies and my forthcoming book, Loving the Master (a spinoff of Bound by Lies with David and Shea – David was also trained by the Master’s Circle).

Jack: I know what music you listened to during the writing of From Temptation; it was very dark and emotional. Did that change at all for Forgive Us? What did you listen to when you were writing?

Lynn: I did have a different musical strategy for Forgive Us. There are so many different pairings and characters in this book. There are four core relationships – Trace/Micah/Lilianna, Gabriel/Darrek, Ben/Kyle, and Gray/Jack/Jan – and ten “main” characters total. Most of my efforts focused on letting each character’s unique voice shine through clearly, and weaving all of the threads of the plot together in a seamless way that wasn’t overwhelming. Because of that, I listened to a lot of music that was fluid and helped inspire me in quieter, more subtle ways – like jazz, classical, acoustic indie rock. However, for specific characters I would listen to specific genres. When I was writing from Kyle’s point of view, I’d listen to electronic and house music (Darrek jokes about Kyle’s preference for house music in Forgive Us, mainly due to my own befuddlement as to why that genre has always inspired me to write Kyle). Trace was more classic rock and Americana. For Gabriel and Darrek, I’d go back to more indie, emo rock to take me to the same moody place which inspired Deliver Us initially.

Thanks so much Lynn. It’s a pleasure working, plotting, and generally talking to you, as always.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like many fans of Jack L. Pyke I was a bit worried about Jack and Lynn Kelling crossing over their two series to create a new world, The Society of Masters, but I have to say my fears were allayed, Lynn did good… and the anticipation of them being on page had my heart racing.

Really, really loved this one. Can't wait for the the next sequel in the new universe 'The Society of Masters'. Highly recommended!

If you want more details read Monique's wonderful review on Sinfully Sexy!

[BookAddict ✒ La Crimson Femme · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's complicated definitely describes Trace's life. In Forgive us by Ms. Kelling, Trace's past and connection to the Master Circle from London becomes clear. Full disclosure, I never read the first two books and now I have to go back and read them. I'm intrigued. Ms. Kelling is a new to me author whom I'm going to be watching. Her characters are interesting. The tangled web of relationships is fascinating for me to figure out and connect. Basically, everything seems to revolve around Trace. Trace is barely holding himself together to keep his people safe and protected. Trace also seems to have a split personality, struggling with Patrick trying to take over. After a bit, it all makes sense.

Ms. Kelling does a good job of writing an easy to follow plot. There are a few twists and turns yet she guides the reader through each of them. Her writing voice is smooth with gentle ebbs and flows. The sex scenes she writes are filled with erotic tension. They tease and tantalize a reader into a sexual frenzy. Several of her D/s scenes are less "set up scenes" and more rough sex with clear dominance. The way she writes the yielding of the submissives is divine. Many of scenes required a bit of time out for me to enjoy some "me-time". If I need to stop a book in order to satisfy my desires several times, it's definitely a pleasurable book.

Ms. Kelling does come up with some clever edging scenes. Some of the rules for protocol are odd at times until the past becomes clear. Then it makes perfect sense and tugs on the heart strings. This story is about secrets revealed which causes big waves for all of Trace's inner circle. Perhaps I am jaded and these types of reveals do not impact me as much as the characters. For some reason, they feel totally misled and a bit betrayed. I can never understand why lovers feel they must know every little detail about the other person. Sure, Trace does have a few large pieces he needs to share. It is good to see Micah's response as more accepting than feeling wronged for never knowing the details of Trace's past.

What is really good about this book is the way Ms. Kelling blends two different worlds so well together. Seeing Gray, Jack and Jan in this series is a delight. Oddly enough, a reader learns more about Gray in this book than in Don't and Antidote. Gray still comes across as an omniscient dominant. The relationship between Gray and Trace is what really sheds light about Gray. Gray is a bit of an ass and the reader learns about the young Gray who did make mistakes. It's not clear exactly how Gray changed for the better. It is unfortunately depressing to see how bad Gray was for Trace. In the present, Gray is now an agent of good influence and tough loving support. It's nice to the contrast between younger and older Gray.

Overall, this story pulled many emotions from me. Mostly, my heart felt constant sorrow for several of the characters. Because I felt for these characters, I became engaged and enjoyed the story more fully. The BDSM is smoking hawt and enjoyable for me. As a first book from Ms. Kelling, it rocks for me. Recommended to read this series in order. Definitely recommended for m/m lovers who enjoy complicated BDSM pairings.

* ARC provided by the author for an honest review

[Christi Snow · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Review:
A- rating...
In my opinion, this is not a book that you can just sit down and read. This is the third book in the series following this group of guys who all work at a BDSM club called Diadem. There's a lot of backstory that leads into the story in this book so to fully understand all that is going on, you need to read the others in this series beforehand. It would also be helpful to read Don't by Jack L. Pyke (which is AMAZINGLY good so you'll just want to read it anyway.) And the second part of this warning...this book (and the entire series) is hardcore erotica involving BDSM practices.

This book really starts with Trace as the central character. Trace is the guy within this group that binds them all together. He's the top Dom and guy who started Diadem. Trace has a past from his time in Europe that he's buried, but in this book it's caught up to him. And there are lots of past ghosts out there for all these six characters. The fact of the matter is that they ended up in this lifestyle for a reason...they all have some serious mental scars from their pasts. In book two, those all flared to life and the guys truly fell apart. This book is the healing of all that and I enjoyed getting to see them finally overcome it all and become the really strong guys they are at their core...made even stronger by the ties that bind them all together.

And that truly is the heart of this book. The ties between these guys. They are a family...a highly dysfunctional and sexual family (lol), but family nonetheless. When something goes wrong for one of them, they are all there to make it right and support each other in EVERY way possible. (Yeah, you should probably know going into it...these guys have very committed partners, but they ALL sleep with each other at some point in time...it's a very open group of guys.)

This book also creates the beginning of the cross-over with Jack L. Pyke's world that she created in Don't (one of my absolute favorite books from last year). I loved getting to see Jack, Jan, and Gray in this story and love what they add to the tension and suspense. And there is a touch of suspense and drama to this one too. Although I see MUCH more of that to come with the story line they had going on in the background with the videos. The two worlds are incredible apart, but together...LOVE! Lynn Kelling did a great job writing Jack L. Pyke's characters. It will be interesting to see how the reverse goes for Jack....because let's face it, Lynn's characters are really messed up. But I do love them with all their dysfunctions.

I know this isn't the end for these guys but this is the third book in the series and it wrapped up this particular set of story lines really well. I liked the way it was all concluded and was very happy with the outcome on all the various threads of harmful relationships these guys have had along the way. Kudos to Lynn Kelling for tying it all up VERY well!!

[Debra ~~ seriously slacking on her reviews ~~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This third book in the Deliver Us series is really a turning point. It had less of the darkness of the first two and wrapped up a lot of the storyline, while opening up a whole new avenue for the characters. I would not go into this if you haven't read the first two as it really is a continuation of the story.

While Trace and Micah are the focus, Gabe, Dare, Kyle and Ben are very much involved. Although their secrets have previously come out, the effects are still rippling through the group and there may still be someone looking to hurt them. We now find out that Trace has a secret past that is threatening the business he has built and could potentially bring harm to the friends he considers his family. Trace finds the greatest comfort in his collared sub and lover Micah. Into the middle of all this worry, Trace's former lover Gray is paying a visit under the guise of an inspection of Diadem by the Master's Circle, but they too have unfinished business.

Micah is also struggling to overcome his own personal losses. He has had an open marriage with Iliana and although she is aware of and involved with Trace, she is unaware of the extent of Trace and Micah's relationship. Although they had problems long before Trace entered the picture, Micah still loves her and does not want to end the relationship there are some M/F and M/F/M scenes in the story .

This book begins an integration of the world created by Jack L. Pyke in the Don't...series as Trace was trained by the Master's Circle. I think the introduction of Gray, Jack and Jan into this story was well done and fans of that series would benefit greatly from reading this book. Also, if you have read Ms. Kelling's Whatever The Cost, you will be familiar with The Company, another one of Trace's past employers and just why Trace has good reason to be so scared. Enough background is given, however, so it is not necessary to have read these books.

Lynn Kelling infuses plenty of emotion into the story, as well as a lot of hot and heavy BDSM. The interplay between the three couples continues to be quite complicated as lines between friends, Doms, subs and lovers continue to blur. This is definitely a must read for fans of the first two books.

[Trio · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing series! I loved this story and the characters were absolutely incredible. The way Lynn Kelling can weave a story line this intense and vast throughout the three books just blows me away. As soon as I finished I just wanted to start back at the beginning and read the whole thing over again.

Throughout all three books I've got to say Kyle just held a special place in my heart, with Gabriel at a close second. All of the characters develop and reveal aspects of their lives and personalities as the story progresses but something about those two just really got to me... but I love them all.

The pacing is perfect and as the relationships develop and the plot intensifies there are wonderful moments of deep, heartfelt love and a bit of humor too. Absolutely perfect book.

[Cindra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. Since I read Jack L. Pyke's Don't series first, it was interesting to see where and how the characters overlapped. This book left me wanting more of the characters from both series so much that I went back and did a quick reread of Backlash. The dynamic between Gray and Trace was complicated and fascinating. Enjoyed reading about how the past, present, and future collided for both men and was intrigued by the effect it had on their friends and partners. It's one of those books that made me sad when I reached the end; I wanted more story..........

[Kristie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to the ladies at Boys In Our Books for letting me guest review this one. What a ride it was... here's my review.

http://boysinourbooks.com/2014/05/05/...

[Caroline Brand · Rating 5 out of 5]

REVIEWED FOR PRISM BOOK ALLIANCE

So this is book 3 in the Forgive Us series and the story of Trace. Trace is like the daddy of the group, the protector and a man with a dark and sometimes sordid past who hasn’t put it all behind him quite as much as he thinks. As always with these men it in complicated and interwoven so really the story is about all of them.

If you haven’t read book 1 and 2 you really need to. This is not a book you can just jump into and understand. The background and the characters are important not only for the continuing story but to better understand Trace.

I would also suggest you read Don’t and Antidote by Jack L Pyke. The 2 authors have struck genius and merged their characters and worlds. A lot of Forgive Us revolves around a visit from Gray, Jack and Jan. If you have read Antidote you will remember they left to visit America for a week. Well in Forgive Us we find out exactly what happened. Gray is still as dark as ever and played a huge part in Traces past and when he leaves after a week nothing is quite the same. It feels like it has been left open for further ‘get togethers’ for these characters which is exciting!

Trace was a punk as a teen and got caught up with things he would have been better avoiding. He worked for 10 years for The Company and it sucked his life and soul out. He meets Gray through the Masters Circle in London and although he gets a little bit of himself back he loses his heart to the cold Master Dom.

Starting a new life in America he meets Ben and together they create Diadem, a private BDSM club. There are a lot of characters and relationships to keep up with in this series and it can sometimes feel a little confusing. We already know that Ben has claimed Kyle as his sub and Gabriel is settled with his sub Darrek. Trace has got himself involved with a married couple, Micah and Lil, and that is proving more complicated than he planned as he has fallen in love with Micah.

Kyle and Darrek are still having problems and someone from their past is stirring things up. Gabriel still needs help from Ben and Trace to get over his childhood abuse and although Harry was taken care of there is still someone playing with all their minds. We also find out just how Gray was involved in things after Harry was left tattooed by Trace, Micah and Ben.

This is a complex book about broken characters who leave you feeling sometimes as though the trauma of their pasts is too big to recover from. There is literally never a dull moment with danger seeming to pop up out of nowhere ensuring they never get any peace.

When Gray, Jan and Jack arrive it leaves Trace thinking about his past and in danger of falling apart. There is a lot left unsaid about what exactly they are involved in but it is obviously not yet over and there is more danger to come. We don’t know who is responsible for the disappearance of Traces contacts or what this will mean for the man himself so it feels like being left hanging off a cliff. I am sitting fidgeting for the next instalment.

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

OK these books just keep getting better and better. If you serious want to be pushed to a psychological hard limit via reading then read these combined series by Lynn Kelling and Jack L Pyke. I don't know if there's more authors planning on contributing to the The Society of Masters series but if so I say bring it on.

This book is even better again, it's a clusterfuck of monumental proportions but like I've said in the past, BDSM is not a genre I like but these books are just brilliantly written. I think they stand out so much from the few other novels in this genre that I have read because there is actually a very complex storyline unfolding between two different authors from different series and they are woven together like an intricate yet stunning Persian rug.

Yes there is constant, depraved sex, sometimes with such nasty vindictiveness and violence BUT most importantly the overwhelming unconditional love and respect in the six books I've read now was something I was just not expecting.

The very few books in the BDSM genre I've read I honestly found completely boring. They were like reading a script for a budget porno where as these books still have the extreme amount of sex, literally on every page, it is explained why it's so necessary for the characters to need it. I actually find books crammed full of sex flat out boring to be honest but not these ones. Anyhoo just like go read them OK. If you have any TRIGGERS do not touch them

Every single character in this series is so crucial that there are no main characters in my opinion

review from book #2
I'm not a fan of BDSM but this series of Lynn Kellings (Deliver Us) and Jack L. Pyke's series (Don't) are a combined project and they are just fucking AMAZING. I have been pushed to my limit with these books and have felt WAY out of my comfort zone at times but there is a much deeper meaning behind these books which is fascinating and helped me push on through. Almost every **Trigger Warning** known to man is also in these books too so be forewarned but for once I approached this with an open mind. I've found Lynn series darker so far overall but Jack's are just as dark too but slightly different.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Where to start with my review?
To be honest this would have been a 5 star read for me but I had issues with certain parts of it.
I have read the previous 2 books in the series and loved Deliver Us and From Temptation, although I found the latter harrowing Not because of the abuse background and the rape, but because of what I think of as cheating
Forgive Us gives us more of the background of Trace and is a crossover with the characters from Don't. Trace and Gray had a previous relationship many years before, when Trace worked as a sub for the MC .
In this book there is still alot of the other characters eg Gabe, Dare, Kyle and Ben.
Traces' sub Micah finally tells Lillianna that he is more to Trace then just a casual hookup and he is in fact collared.
I liked the general overstory and the conclusion of the story. I understand from the author that there will be a 4th book, Our Sins.
To be honest, I stalled reading this book at about 38% and then again at 68%, and it was nearly a DNF. I feel I have to preface this with the statement that I am a BDSM reader and am not active in the lifestyle and so I can not comment on whether the sex these guys had with others apart from their partner is considered ok or not. I am a big fan of Dare and Gabe and there were 2 instances in this book where they had sex with others. Gabe with Trace again, to settle him down, and then Dare with Gabe as well as Gray, Even though Dare called his safeword, he still proceeded to have sex with Gray. Too harrowing for me. I sat on the bus on my work to work and I was sobbing. .
I can only hope that book 4 has no more of gabe and dare having sex with others

[Sue bowdley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow.....This is an amazing book to finish the Deliver Us series....Lynn gives us a great insight into Trace and his boys.......In this we get to see inside Trace and we meet Patrick.....his alter ego.....Trace has Micah and for awhile Liliana..Micah's wife but Trace and Micah together is just beautiful......Trace's past is coming back to haunt him and he needs to keep his boys safe...but Gabe's past is coming back to haunt him too...Gabe and Darrek are being haunted by the past and it's obvious that someone is out to hurt one of them......We also get Ben and Kyle....Kyle and Darrek are still being kept apart because of what happened in From Temptation but slowly they are brought together after the party scene (God that was heartbreaking for Darrek).....And...In this one...We get Gray, Jack and Jan.....Damn...Gray is as ever the masterful Dom and we find out of his past with Trace/Patrick.....The banter in this book is hyped up..esp between Gabe and Ben.....but...the scene between Trace and Jack will rock you....Gray steps in on all scenes and it really is amazing to have him there....This book isn't as dark a read as the last two...In fact it' quite an easy read.....Still a lot of angst esp concerning Gabe.....But you also get Gabe submitting again which I love.......Lynn really has done an amazing job on this one and I'm sad to know this series has ended but I will definitely be re-reading this....Also this is set before Jack L Pyke's Antidote which has made me think about re-reading that series too....Two great authors who have brought us some amazing men x

[Ana · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a good book. I loved it. It took me longer than I expect to read it, mostly because of lack of time to read but also because of my reluctance to say goodbye to this characters. I’m so happy I decided to read this series. I loved how every character had an interesting story to tell. What I loved the most of them, as a group, was how supportive of each other they were. It is easy to see how they choose to be a family.

The writing was very good. I loved how it alternate between slow pace moments and other such fast, it was impossible to put it down. I also love how easy was to get in touch with the character’s emotions. I had a particular connection with Micah, who made me cry like very few books had made. I appreciate all the emotion put in his situation.

All the characters were nice but I feel a very particular attraction to Kyle, whose sense of humor made me smile all the time. It was a delight to read about such beaticul character. I also felt very intrigued and happily surprised to see the intervention of characters from a very loved series. Not saying much of this for possible spoilers but it was brilliant.

One of the few issues I had with it, that might not be a problem to other readers, it was that sometimes there was too much sex and it distract from the main plot. Sometines felt right for the sotry, some other felt unnecesary. I still think it might be only an issue for me. Overall it was a fantastic read. I wouldnt hesitate on recommend it, but beware is a part of a series and won’t work fine as a standalone. Reading this just remind me how much I loved the author’s work and I’m so going to check on her books I haven’t read yet.

[Becky Condit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tootsie reviews Forgive Us by Lynn Kelling

http://www.mrsconditreadsbooks.com/?p...

REVIEW: Forgive Us, by Lynn Kelling, is the third book in her Deliver Us series. This novel will shine the light on characters we already know and love from previous stories. You will meet characters that, hopefully, will be familiar to you from the Society of Masters that we were introduced to in Jack L. Pyke’s novel, Don’t. Lynn Kelling and Jack L Pyke have joined forces together and will intertwine the two worlds together. Ms. Kelling has brought Jack, Jan, and Gray, in Don’t, and merged them into her storyline, and it is brilliant. By bringing these two worlds together, thru the leadership and guidance of the Master’s Circle, we will begin to understand the power that these people hold. In this shared world, where BDSM has brought everyone together, we are given insight into the lives of Micah and Trace, what kind of relationship they have and why. Gabriel and Darrek continue to put their nightmare behind them as they find more answers. Ben and Kyle have only grown stronger together, and their love lifts off the page. Ms. Kelling has artistically crafted a novel using players from a different series, a different author, and brought them to join forces with the characters from her own, and they mesh perfectly. With such amazing clarity, she has made it feel, as though, they have always been a part of this series.

There are a lot of twists and turns in this novel. Many revelations are revealed, along with past transgressions mended. Trace, the one person they all seem to look up to and hold in a different category than the others, is falling apart. He has many secrets he has not shared with anyone, and it is taking a toll on him. Micah, who Trace loves more than anything, doesn’t even know the past that he has been running from, for years. Trace thinks he is protecting them all by keeping his past mistakes to himself. What he didn’t realize at the time he was making these decisions to keep everyone out, your past always comes back to haunt you. He has been running from his for quite some time, but it appears his time may have run out. Will he be able to protect the people he refers to as his own kids, now that his past is soon to become his present? He may have to call in some favors if he wants to have a future. When his past meets up with his present, will he lose everything and everyone he has protected, all these years? Will Micah stand with him or turn away as all of Trace’s other lovers have done? Trace never had a family so he built his own. With Gabriel, Ben, Micah, and even Liliana, Micah’s wife, and later adding to the family came Darrek and Kyle. These are the people he would do anything for, has done things for, under the window-dressing of protection, safety, and love. His biggest fear is losing these people who have come to mean more than his own life. It’s time for confessional, and he is hoping the truth will set him free. Will he be able to save himself and the people he loves?

If you had questions lingering from the previous books, more than likely, you will get your answers here. There will be moments when you sit back and say “aww” now I understand. There will also be moments when you sit and cry as their story unfolds and you finally get the facts that we were missing. The heartache these characters go thru will have your own heart feeling the pressure and the squeeze of their tribulations. Lynn Kelling has impressively brought these characters full circle with love, compassion, and most of all, respect for one another. They all look out for each other, as well as, rely on each other for strength and wisdom. The creativity and the complexity she has intricately weaved will amaze you. This is not all doom and gloom. There are many great and funny moments, and you will catch yourself laughing out loud at some of their antics. For example, this struck me so funny when Kyle, who pushes Ben to his limit more often than not, had one of his moments where he likes to defy Ben’s commands. “Fine.” Kyle says. “I’m gonna go get ready. Then I’ll go play by myself in the garage. Junior can keep me company.” “I’m not letting you masturbate in front of the cat!” Ben hollers after him as he goes upstairs. “You’ll scar him for life! He’s still a kitten, you know!” This is just one of many lines that the author will have you laughing and smiling from ear to ear. The description and detail that she goes into will not only have you visioning the scene but will have you feeling it as well. Your emotions will be on a roller coaster as details are made known. This is a story of mystery and intrigue, suspense and drama, but at its core, it’s about love. A deep and binding love that has made each character into a stronger, more independent person, than what they started out being, when by themselves. The growth and maturity is clearly outlined and shows strength where once had been weakness. I highly recommend this series, along with Jack Pyke’s Don’t series. These are not stand alone books, it is necessary to start at the beginning so that you have a complete understanding of not only their trials but their triumphs. Not only will you have goose bumps as they delve into the world of pain and pleasure, you will also gain a new respect for the world they live in. I admire Lynn Kelling and congratulate her for her masterful storytelling.

[JustJen "Miss Conduct" · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story abut Trace and Micah, as I've been intrigued by Micah from our first meeting. He's grieving the loss of his child, and it is having a very negative effect on his marriage. The only one who seems to be able to help him is his friend, Trace. They carry on with a relationship on the side, but it eventually takes its toll and all must come to a head.

The guys from Jack Pyke's Don't series make a visit, and it's always great to see them in any capacity.

The main thing holding me back from absolutely loving this story was the tense usage. I really struggle with enjoying stories told in first person unless it is done just right. As it is, I am continually pulled out of the story having to reread sentences. Again, if it isn't done just right, it affects the flow of the story, and I have a hard time getting past that.

But, the rest of the story was fabulous, with lots of action and character interaction. I definitely recommend Ms. Kelling's books. They introduce you to an intricate world with an interesting cast of characters.

[James M. Shimabukuro · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow.

Wow.

I really enjoyed this entire series, but this one was just so good. I'm so impressed with the blending of the characters from Jack L. Pyke's Don't... I can't wait to read Antidote. I love Trace, out of all the characters he is just so full of love and compassion for his kids. Not that he doesn't mess up. But he tries so hard to be what everyone needs him to be.

[Laurel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved it! Prior relationships between Kyle & Ben and Gabriel and Darrek continue to build while Trace and Micah build theirs while introducing and building the new character Patrick Gray, Jan and Jack. Hope we see another in this series Lynn :)

[Aղցela W. · Rating 4 out of 5]

First let me just say that I won this book in a giveaway. This is a book 3 and I haven't read the first two thinking this one can be read as a stand along I was wrong and due to that fact I felt lost half way through but because I committed myself to reading this for a challenge I continued and although I was somewhat confused I gave this book 4 stars. This book really starts with Trace as the central character. Trace is the guy within this group that binds them all together. He's the top Dom and guy who started Diadem. Trace has a past from his time in Europe that he's buried, but in this book it's caught up to him. Trace, the founder of private BDSM club Diadem, has been living under an assumed name with hardly any ties to his past as a prostitute and Master’s Sub with the Master’s Circle. This book was well written and flowed well. I am just sorry that I didn't get a chance to read the first two. I will definitely be re reading this one after I have read the others.

[Kim the Strange · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another intense & emotional book!

[Anna · Rating 1 out of 5]

This series started off strong but devolved into ridiculous bullshit.

[Louisa Mae · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the third book in the series, and the one I was probably looking forward to the most, given the cross over with the men of the Don’t series by Jack L Pyke who I already know and adore.It was certainly a brave move to write such a crossover, but nothing about it felt out of place, it was like these were Lynn’s characters, which is a huge achievement.

The world surrounding the men once again crumbles, only this time the foundations of everything Trace has worked SO hard to build are too weakened for him to continue alone, he needs help, so reaches out to the only person he feels he can trust, Gray Raoul.

Emotions ran high amongst this large cast of characters and it would’ve been easy to lose track of what was happening and to whom, but I didn’t and that was down to the confident writing style of the author. Each chapter brought something new, either some part of their past that they were running or hiding from, or just their everyday lives.

Secrets always have a habit of coming back to bite you, and for Trace, there really was nowhere else he could run and he has to protect the family he has built around himself, no matter what it could cost him. For Gabe, his past comes back to haunt him in the worst of ways, but the spectre is a different one to who he was expecting.

Nothing was predictable, and at no point could I guess, or did I want to even attempt to guess what was going to happen next, I was far too engrossed in the book.

The scenes where we had were they handed over control to their masters were fantastic, the love and devotion, although wrapped inside some quite intense scenes between these men shone through.

Nothing was ever forced, and everything that happened in the book, happened because it added something to the storyline.

As always Gray and his beloved Jack, steal the scenes they are in, and I loved seeing them in a different setting and getting to glimpse what happened during the trip I’d read happened.

This was a great way for me to find a new author to me, and all in all I loved this trilogy and really do hope that one day,soon, we will get to revisit them and find out where the choices they made in these pages, took them.

Lynn Kelling is one author I will definitely be reading more from in the future, and I cannot wait!

[Sarah-Jayne Briggs · Rating 3 out of 5]

(I received this book for free as part of Goodreads First Reads giveaways).

(This review may contain spoilers).

I have a few mixed feelings about this book. On the one hand, it was an interesting look at the lifestyle and the community. On the other hand, I didn't really feel like the characters' limits and safewords were really respected as much as they could have been. I felt that there were a lot of issues of commitment.

The characters themselves were fairly interesting. I liked the different layers to them. This was the third book in a series, but I still found it fairly easy to read and follow. I also liked the fact that there was a plot as well as all the scenes going on between the characters.

I found it really easy to understand and empathise with the characters. Although there were quite a lot of them, I could mostly differentiate between the separate characters. I appreciated the fact that a contract was used in at least one of the scenes, but some of the things that were done really made me cringe and seemed to skirt the line of non-consensual.

Although I could see a lot of the events happening in my mind, I did notice that this book kept switching between past and present tense, which was quite distracting to read, especially when it did that on the same page.

Probably my favourite part of this book was the relationship between Trace and Micah. That seemed to almost end with a resolution, while I felt that the others still didn't really come to a conclusion I was all that happy with.

I'm not sure if I'd read the other books in this series. It would probably depend on the plots and I'd have to judge on a book by book basis. I would check out other books by this author in other series, though.

[Elin · Rating 5 out of 5]

After having my rant when finishing book two I'm delighted to come back after book three and recognise the characters again. They are the ones I fell in love with in book one and I could relate to them and enjoy their story, difficult or happy.

I of course loved seeing Gray, Jack and Jan, having read Antidote and knew they had been on their trip but not what had happened, things are more clear.

As Darrek have been my favourite from the first book, I loved how he grew and became confident again in this one, getting everything he so deserved, but never believed he did. And for finally having the Dom and partner he had been lacking, in my opinion. Gabriel managed to step up.

I believe some resentment against characters might still linger after book two because the difference in them is like night and day. I enjoyed Kyle and Ben as well, they are fun together and devoted.

The dynamics with our Brits visiting was a fun read, things were shaken up and Jan and Darrek was nothing short but adorable.

[Cat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here come Trace’s story. I’ve been sitting here waiting for the info on the enigma that is Trace, and it is laid out beautifully. When his past jumps up to meet his present, he does the only thing he can. He calls in Gray Raoul, the only man he’s ever truly loved before, and the only man with the resources to help him protect his family. I enjoyed the byplay between Lynn Kelling’s characters and Jack L. Pyke’s star trio from her Don’t… series, but I felt that Gray was a little too much, too overdone. That said, the trio is still sexy as hell and it was fun to watch the interchanges and sharing among the group.

Trace and Micah’s relationship is intriguing, and things with Micah’s wife and their relationship created a curious subplot to the whole. With an amazing main plot, plenty of subplots, and rich characters, Forgive Us was a beautiful conclusion to the trilogy.

[Dee’s Bookshelf ❥ · Rating 1 out of 5]

FORGIVE US… Gahh, at first, the only reason I was reading this series is because of the characters that are in this book, fitting in the DON’T series. I was bored at first, ngl, just your typical BDSM book. But then again, the longer you read the book, the longer you start to become entertained by the plot. By the end of the first book, I was intrigued. Secretes untold in the second, and lastly, we get to see Grey and all his dominate, secret service way come to play in the last book. I love the characters in the DON’T series. My beloved, Jack and Jan. Always up to no good. Lynn done good writing them in this book. Glad to see and understand the connections with Trace now. Of course Grey gets attached to people with odd identities. Now rereading the dont series, knowing who Trace and what Martin was talking about makes more sense now. Gosh I love this series, the DON’T series. All of it. Who knew BDSM can go so far? Atleast in the universe. Happy reading!

[Lucia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the book, but I didn't really care for all the characters, so that made the enjoyment a bit less. I never really warmed up to Trace and Micah. I didn't really feel the connection with his wife, so that was also a part of the plot that didn't really touch me.
For me just too much was happening in this story, too much things that I just didn't care for or that I didn't understand why it should be important.
But Gabriel, Darrek, Ben and Kyle did save the story for me and I loved reading about them. I also have to admit that I love the tension between Darrek and Kyle, even if that is maybe wrong.