Lesson in Forgiveness

Club Serenity #3

by Kay Elle Parker

There's a little bit of crazy in everyone...
Tabitha Fairfax wears her shiny badge of crazy for all to see, except when she's on the job. Insanity helps when killing people for money, especially when some of those unlucky citizens don't really deserve their fate, but her psychopathic father, the late and not so great Dominic Fairfax, taught her that cash is king.
Or in her case, queen.
Taking a contract from the Irish mafia doesn't seem like such a big deal.
All the training, all the torture she endured as a child to become what she is and forever will be, is her best defence.

When Rory "Grit" McCabe is assigned to protect a VIP, a game of cat and mouse isn't what he expects.
His adversary is wily, highly intelligent, and his orders are to take her down if he can.
Considering she's one of the best contract killers in the world, trained by a megalomaniac who once supplied the world's bad guys with living weapons, he's pretty sure he's going to need a damn raise.
When they finally go head to head, it's not just blood that flies.
Who knew a pint-sized blonde with deadly intentions was the one who'd make sparks fly?

Genres: BDSM, Dark, Romance, Erotica

455 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 30, 2024

Reviews

[Debleena · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book, backtracked and literally read all the club Avalon and club Serenity books to spend more time knowing my beloved Tabitha and re read this amazing book.

Tabitha is one of the strongest and fiercest fmc out there in the fictional world and I absolutely love,adore, respect and worship her brand of craziness. She shows her vulnerable and damage side only to Rory aka our Grit and its endearing and beautiful.

It was a breathtaking journey between the fmc and mc and I was all for Tabby's healing. What angered me like Tabitha was the constant interference of Jasper and Ashford, especially Ashford's constant belittling , which Tabby didn't deserve, I really hope Tabby kicks his ass and shoves him down from his high horses. The fact that Grit hid Donghue's return and the planning also angered me because I wanted (and loved) Tabby to heal and connect with her human side, not for her to change completely and turn into a tame housecat. Luckily the issue was resolved when both fmc and mc discussed about the mistakes like two equals.

Overall this was one of the best reads and I am sure that I am going to re read this masterpiece time and again in the future. Hats off to the author to create such an amazing fmc and an absolute masterpiece of a book. 🥰❤❤

[Joy Westerfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not sure exactly where to start with how unreal this story is. I knew going into it that it would be intense, because that is who Tabitha is, intense. But nothing could have prepared me for what I just read. I’m a complex mix of emotions right now. If you’ve read the Avalon series, you were introduced to the craziness that is Tabitha. She immediately transfixed me. She needed her own story, and this is it, a perfect story about a woman who has endured things no one could ever imagine. She’s crazy, psychotic and in her own way, will protect those who need it. When she comes across Grit, a merc who works for Atticus, he is the first male who actually made her feel. She was trained to kill and not feel anything, but with Grit, she is vexed, enamored and obsessed with him. Grit is a Dom as well and when Tabitha sets her sights on him, he knows exactly how to calm and deal with her. He is the perfect person for her as only he truly understands her. This story tells of things that may be hard for some to read, but this is Tabitha’s story, and this author told it perfectly. I fell in love with Tabitha and a Grit, I couldn’t help myself. I literally cried and laughed while reading this incredible story. This story is about the journey for Tabitha and Grit, and has many ups and downs, and it is utter perfection. This story proves to me why I love this author, she has sucked me into Serenity world and I never want to leave. Phenomenal and brilliant!

[Bene_reads_books · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is, at the same time, fantastic and very hard to read. Hard to read because it's Tabitha's story and we know from previous books where Tabitha comes from. So this story is dark because her memories are the darkest.
Before reading this book, I couldn't imagine an HEA for Tabitha, because I couldn't imagine a partner strong enough for her. Thanks to the author flawless writing and imagination, Grit is perfect for her. And his little tiger is perfect for him.
I went through all kind of emotions reading that book, and I'm not sure I'm healed yet. It might take a while for me to recover.

[Princess TJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tabitha + Grit = A Wild Ride. Readers put on your big girl pants and grab this book. I have no words for the ride the storyline takes the reader on. The author, Kay Elle Parker, is a genius with Tabitha’s lyrical dialogue. This is a must read that follows each character's journey to forgiveness. Words can't describe Tabitha's heart and courage, or Grit’s unfailing care and dominance. I’m still reeling from the way this story barrels full speed ahead from the opening page to the screeching halt that leaves the reader with a beautiful Happily Ever After ending.

[SARAH PHELPS · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m shattered

I love all the books in this and the Club Avalon series. But this book is mind bogglingly, overwhelmingly devastating. It’s not for the faint of heart, and it made me cry. The ugliest side of humanity is depicted here and it’s hard to read it. However, persevere! It’s totally worth it.

[Sandy N · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG. Not what I would have expected but so amazing!

Well, this is only booked two of serenity. It’s a definite carryover from Avalon. Never in my wildest dreams would I have picked Tabitha to be the lead of a love story. Her relationship with Grit and his incredible patients in overcoming the past is a story to warm your heart. Be prepared to stay up all night as you’re not willing to let these characters. Wait an extra day to finish.

[Charlotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grit & Tabitha

Kay Elle Parker, this Lesson In Forgiveness;Club Serenity; Book Two was soul stirring. My heart cried out for all the injustices that were done to the innocents. I cheered at the end!

[˚•—S—•˚ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tabitha 💜 so broken, and so human

[Alaa AB · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm actually speechless, I knew the book would be good, it's Tabitha and Grit, but that went above and beyond, it reading the book, it was an absolute rollercoaster, the emotions in it were too raw, I have no words at all.
Kay Elle Parker did it again, and didn't disappoint with what we received

[Debbie Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tabitha Fairfax has been a character in the books I've grown to love, she's finally found her place in the world a contract killer, a woman without a conscience. She's gradually found a home at Club Avalon family with Atticus and Alicia, Jasper and Anarchy and the others. She's a product of her upbringing and the torture she's suffered at the hands of her father Dominic and Rita a couple of mad scientists. I was so happy to see a really strong alpha male for Tabitha, Rory McCabe aka Grit is exactly what she needs. He's so patient with her as he tries to help her overcome her past, her nightmares, even a simple touch is torture for her. This an emotional story as Tabitha and Grit grows closer together, I love a man who knows understand the trauma she's suffered and tries to help....her brothers Jasper and Ashford are no help they feel she needs to be caged and sedated, so she doesn't harm everyone they care about. Grit is there for her all the way, he's very protective of her, her emotions and he'll keep her safe even from herself. Can there be a future for them? Can she overcome being a loner and embrace everything Grit offers? It's amazing to see her grow to trust and love Grit in this emotional rollercoaster of love story. I have read and reviewed this great story!

[Carolyn Greenwald · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best story in this entire series, by far

I included all of the Avalon books as part of the Serenity series.This series is considered a spin-off of the Avalon series, but I consider it a continuation of it.Alot of the same characters are in this series.I liked Grit in " Live for Me" and Tabitha popped up in there and in " Teach Me"( Zeke and Sonic's story).This is very intense.The struggle and growth from a horribly damaged and traumatized Tabitha was written so well that I forgot it wasn't real most of the time.The psychotic nursery rhymes Tabitha uses as defensive armor gave me chills.Grit( Rory) was determined that Tabitha was worth trying to save and keep for himself.It took major stones to try to desensitize someone with the major killing skills and triggers that Tabitha had.The villian in this was a fitting adversary to pit Tabitha against.There were major twists,sad parts ,vividly described carnage,and the ending was phenomenal.This book was highly anticipated by me and did not disappoint.At all.Excellent book.Well done.I look forward to seeing what else happens at Serenity.I hope Darius gets his story told.

[Jackie Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE Tabitha! She has been a favorite character since I first read about her in the Club Avalon series. I love how entwined the 2 series are, yet still separate. I know with the club finally in full swing and open we will be getting even more great stories!

Grit was such a great MMC. He was everything Tabitha needed and more. I will say this story was not as spicy as some of the others, but when you learn about Tabitha's past you understand why. Also, you get so completely invested in these characters and the amount of action in this story it really wasn't missed. Kay Elle Parker does an amazing job bringing her characters to life and making them SO REAL, that you feel like your a part of the story and that you are part of the groups of friend's and family. I loved this book and now I'm so excited for the next book. I can't wait to see where this series goes. And I'm extremely happy we will be seeing more of Grit and Tabitha in the series as well!

[Jo-Ann Forrest · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished this book and I my mind is spinning. Grit was the only one who could "tame" Tabitha, Jasper's crazy sister. A killer by trade, but mired with a lot of pain and hurt drilled in her by her father Dominic and her crazier mother Rita. She was raped, molested and make into a killing machine by a father and a mother who took away her childhood and her right to say no. When Grit is tasked with protecting Elias from her, he has no idea what kind of crazy she will bring to the fold. She took a contract to kill Elias from an Irishman but she has no idea why. Suspense, drama and healing are what this story is about. I loved the patience and attention Grit gave Tabitha to try and help her become whole again even though she lived through atrocities that should never be inflicted on a human being. Their world is marred with danger and tension, but what this story brings to the forefront is hope, love, acceptance and forgiveness.

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book............Good Lord, this book! Honestly, I'm sort of speechless at the moment. I have wanted Tabitha's story since she was introduced in Club Avalon but I didn't expect to be stunned at the beauty of Ms. Parker's story telling abilities!! The depth of Tabitha and Grit's story was simply amazing and while I'm not going to say a lot because of spoilers, just know that this book will drag you through every emotion you can think of! Her background is tragic and I cried in parts of what she revealed happened to her as a child. It was horrifying but I couldn't put the book down. Ms. Parker has become one of my favorite authors who I will read, no matter what! All I can say is get this book and be prepared to not want to put it down! Definitely check trigger warnings if you have any but this book will grab you by the throat and won't let go!! It's simply amazing!!

[Margaret Center · Rating 5 out of 5]

I waited for this book forever. Tabitha resonated with me. She had so many barriers and personalities and trauma triggers. I was very worried about her as I read this series. She pulled me, the way she took out her demented father was iconic in a previous book. I cried, got angry, felt the pain. Grit, you have to peel back the onion and expose the layers to find out what he's about. I was questioning him from the beginning of when he was introduced. I'm not surprised he was the one to take on Tabitha, they seemed to have the same mind sets. Tabitha showed colors of herself I wasn't expecting. Like I said I cried, screamed, if it was a paperback I probably would have thrown the book a few times. I want a man like Grit, of course I've said that about many of the Dom's but wouldn't it great to find that one.

[Lee Green · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book made me tear up. What an emotional roller coaster.

This book was awesome. The fight that they had to do, to get where they needed to be, was more than most anybody would ever go through to get there.
I don't want to give the plot away or anything but there were some very potent scenes.
It was good to see the old friends back again and catch up with what they were doing.
Only thing I found different from this book, and I'm not sure why, is that there are many more editing errors. I don't normally find those kind of errors in Kay Elle Parker's stories. It could be that she switched editors or proofreaders or something. It was just surprising to me because good authors like this usually take a lot of pride and having the books as clean as possible.

[Elizabeth Yost · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think I sound like a broken record when I talk about Kay Elle Parker and her stories. I've been a fan of hers for a few years now, and I can say without a doubt, Kay has an amazing talent of bringing her characters to life. I just finished reading her latest book, Lesson In Forgiveness. Writing this is a little bit of a challenge because I'm still in shock. This story is absolutely wonderful! It's filled with all of the emotions that I've come to expect from Kay's writing. Grit and Tabitha's story is so exquisite and beautiful. I screamed, I cried, and everything in between. I'm almost to the point where I want to beg you to go get a copy of this incredible book, and see how awesome it is! Another five star read, Kay!!!!!!!!

[Kathi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Raw, Gritty and Extraordinary!!

Wicked, wicked author. These characters have been through so much. Molded into killing machines. Through abuse and experimentation from a young age. Tabitha does not feel. Does not tolerate touch. Grit sees the fear and humanity buried deep. His Dom comes out and wants to provide a respite.

Fascinating journey getting under the skin of these characters. Where if someone crosses you, it is easier to kill them than reason with them. When the danger comes to their doorstep, those skills will be necessary.

Will rip your beating heart from its chest. Tense and emotional, but the beauty of chosen family and a singular Dom may set the world right. Sigh.

***** I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book *****

[Lisa Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW!! There are no words for this amazing phenominal story. The writing just blew me away, you can feel all the pain deep in your soul that Tabitha went through, she is a killing machine with no emotion until she becomes obsessed with Grit, he is the only man that has ever gotten close and by God he is a miracle and I loved him so much. The patience the surrender, just his calming words alone for his little tiger was beyond perfect.

Ms Parker out did herself with their story I wasn't sure what to expect but oh boy it was intense, keeps you on the edge the whole time so be prepared it's not all flowery not one bit. It was exciting, sad and so so intense I couldn't stop it keeps you right there in that moment of fight or flight. The feelings omg the feelings I love these two so much and they will stick around in your head long after.

Just magnificent I will read anything this author writes, and this story of Tabitha and Grits journey is so hard but so beautiful and so full of heart. BRAVO 👏 👏 👏

[Emily Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tabitha is the epitome of a tortured soul. If you have read the Club Avalon series, then you know Jasper's background and therefore, Tabitha's story as well - as she is Jasper's sister. Tabitha's "upbringing" was more of an experiment in trauma than an actual childhood and it is very evident in this book. Grit is a savior in mercernarie's clothing and he is drawn to Tabby like a moth to a flame when he is assigned to stop her from executing a hit on Elias. She is very hard to get close to, but somehow he manages to get past her barriers and to the somewhat softer side of her. We get to see a bit of Elias and Evander again in this book too, which is part of the Club Serenity series. I love this book, as all of Kaye Elle Parker's that I have read, and I am looking forward to more!

[Fritz Sands · Rating 5 out of 5]

Damn, just... damn.

First, you absolutely must read the Club Avalon books before starting this. Tabitha's backstory is laid out there, and what a backstory it is. You also have to be sort-of comfortable with the author's penchant for damaged characters to get into this.

And, damn, Tabitha is terrifyingly damaged -- at the same time exquisitely competent as an assassin and utterly non-functional as a human being. That dichotomy is the heart of this story.

Parker has done an amazing job of creating a male lead who is strong enough and compassionate enough and passionate enough to balance Tabitha's utter craziness.

The story is truly amazing. And the action/peril sequence at the end is everything you could hope for.

Very, very well done. Highly recommended.

[Kelly_Reads_Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lesson in Forgiveness by Kay Elle Parker is an absolute masterpiece that captivated me from start to finish. The characters, Grit and Tabitha, are deeply developed, making their emotional journeys incredibly compelling but at times Tabitha's past was devastatingly hard to read. Kay Elle Parker's exquisite writing style weaves a tale that is both heart-wrenching and profoundly uplifting, offering hope in the most unlikely places.
This book is an unforgettable exploration of revenge, redemption and the transformative power of peace. Each page is contained with raw, honest emotion that resonated deeply with me. The writing the characters will stay with me for a very long time.

[Virginia Lundeen · Rating 5 out of 5]

LESSON IN FORGIVENESS  by Kay Elle Parker Club Serenity

When a new Kay Elle Parker book comes out, I'll be devouring it .. don't anyone bother me till I'm done! This is the Tabitha and Grit story that has been keeping Ms. Parker's die-hard fans chomping at the bit. They both have baggage that is keeping them from getting together.  Tabitha is a fairy ninja assassin, and Grit is hopelessly in love with her. The hurdles that must be jumped over and through for either of them to have a relationship with anyone are huge and seemingly impossible.  The weaving of this story is amazing. Another 10 stars for this brilliant author!

[Trish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lessons In Forgiveness is book two of the Club Serenity series of interconnected standalones. I have been waiting for Tabitha’s story and it did not disappoint! If you haven’t read the Club Avalon series yet then I highly recommend reading it before diving into this series. It will give you a better understanding of why Tabitha is the way she is. This book was hard to read at times because of everything that Tabitha has had to endure. I’m glad she had Grit to help her and be there for her. I don’t want to say too much and give anything away but please check the trigger warnings because this one is dark and touches on some sensitive topics.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tabitha is an amazing character and this is a truly wonderful story. It is a seamless transition from the Club Avalon series with some of the characters playing a role. This is an incredibly emotional story that will make you cry, make you so so angry, make you cringe, give you hope and there is love. Grit is an incredibly patient man and that allows him to be with Tabitha and really understand her. Just when you think peace has been achieved there is a huge twist that will rip your heart out, but it is worth hanging in to read the end.

[Mystisith · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 🌟
This one was emotionally taxing since we deal with SA on minors & utter garbage predators. There was a lot of unaliving & torture on page which will never be my fave kind of content. God knows I understand revenge in cases like that but I would be more of the sniper kind... 💅
If like me you believe that BDSM is absolutely a valid tool in the therapy kit for at least some survivors, you'll empathize with those 2. Those intimacy desensitizing scenes had me choking & crying...
PS: Maybe the Club at that point needs to be exorcised and or blessed + renamed... 😬

[Carolyn Spence · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an emotional rollercoaster of a read! Crazy with cunning, that's Tabitha. Patient and firm, that's Rory. It's definitely a marathon, in all aspects. Great intensity, great patience, great vulnerability, and great feistiness. This is an empowering story that anything can be accomplished, and it helps if you have a great partner, and even more, family. I absolutely loved this and am privileged to be able to read these author's stories. "Fire and ice."

I voluntarily reviewed this book.

[Karon Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this story. I laughed at Tabby's little rhythms and cried hearing about her traumatic history. Grit understood her more than anyone else and saw the vulnerable woman underneath the killer's exterior. I was glad the author didn't write Grit having a magic touch that somehow immediately healed Tabby. There were a lot of two steps forward, one step back situations and I expected that. I also loved the theme of family throughout the story. A lot of twists in this story and emotional ups and downs, but the story was well worth it and we get our HEA.

[Trish Connor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Made my heart stall!!

I don't know where to start. I didn't think for one minute I'd take to Tabitha but the bombshell ad I'll call it proved how much she'd embedded herself within me. I almost didn't finish the book, you'll understand why, but thank god I did. Outstanding addition to the series which kept me guessing right up until the final sentence. Outstanding as always Kaye. I may need a moment to recover from this book

[Gab · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am speechless!
How do I say this without giving anything away?
I knew I'd get a story that would be gripping and have depth and all the ingredients of a 'good' story. But Ms Parker turned what was already a 'good' story into a masterful example of deprogramming!
The depth of her characters is frighteningly thorough. She dragged me through all the emotions; good, bad and even funny at times.
I did not think she could surprise me anymore 'cause she is always excellent.
But she did!
Again!
This is a masterpiece.