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Club Serenity #5
Lesson in Hope
For ten years, she loved him...
…He broke her heart in an instant.
Two years after Boudreaux Fontenot ended their relationship, Violet was no longer the woman she'd been during their relationship; submission was not something she gave, but something she demanded from others.
As a highly regarded Mistress at Club Serenity, the control was in her hands, and yet unhappiness and dissatisfaction dogged her heels.
She needed change in her life, but going home held no appeal and staying at Serenity was quickly becoming unviable.
Where to go, what to do?
Boudreaux made an exceptional mistake by letting the love of his life go - not for the reasons she believed.
After months of searching for his beloved, he finally found her, and bringing her home to rule his empire was his only priority. Yet he couldn't be prepared for the level of hostility that greeted him, and when he realized just how deeply he'd hurt her, he made a vow to do whatever it took to win back her love, and earn her forgiveness.
…He broke her heart in an instant.
Two years after Boudreaux Fontenot ended their relationship, Violet was no longer the woman she'd been during their relationship; submission was not something she gave, but something she demanded from others.
As a highly regarded Mistress at Club Serenity, the control was in her hands, and yet unhappiness and dissatisfaction dogged her heels.
She needed change in her life, but going home held no appeal and staying at Serenity was quickly becoming unviable.
Where to go, what to do?
Boudreaux made an exceptional mistake by letting the love of his life go - not for the reasons she believed.
After months of searching for his beloved, he finally found her, and bringing her home to rule his empire was his only priority. Yet he couldn't be prepared for the level of hostility that greeted him, and when he realized just how deeply he'd hurt her, he made a vow to do whatever it took to win back her love, and earn her forgiveness.
- GenresBDSM
325 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 13, 2025
25 people are currently reading
32 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
December 15, 2025
Im disappointed in Elias and Evander for making a sub-dom contract on violets behalf, without even talking to her.
December 13, 2025
Where do I even begin with the brilliance that this story is. This is a favorite series of mine, and I looked forward to reading about Violet, and I am delighted with her story. Yes, I’m in an emotional overload and I need more tissues. I’ve loved Violet’s character from the very first time she was introduced. She is a Domme with a hint of a Submissive side as well, and is a strong woman in my eyes. She came to Serenity to start a new life, never knowing her past would come back to her. That past is a handsome, delicious man named Boudreaux who has decided to bring her home, but will she go willingly? He is bound and determined to make her his again and I enjoyed the journey he took me on. These two were volatile at times, but the undercurrent of lust and love was prevalent. Their chemistry is off the charts to the point I kept a fire extinguisher next to my Kindle. I thoroughly enjoyed the witty banter between them and rooted for them throughout. As I read, I knew in my heart and soul that these two needed to be together and that they couldn’t breathe without each other. Also, as in usual fashion, this author keeps the other characters in the forefront and my heart melted to read about them. Serenity isn’t just about BDSM, it’s about family and how they are always there for each other. This very talented author continues to prove to me why I love her stories. Pure brilliance!
December 19, 2025
I love this series with the members of Serenity. Violet’s story has always interested me, where did she come from and what is her back story, and Kay Elle Parker really delivered an incredible story. Violet has come from a different family and mix that with unrequited love, and you uncover hidden scars and emotional needs unfulfilled.
Reaux crashes back in to Violet’s life and drops to his knees, professing his love and Violet puts him through the paces.
Exciting story with remarkable characters ❤️
Reaux crashes back in to Violet’s life and drops to his knees, professing his love and Violet puts him through the paces.
Exciting story with remarkable characters ❤️
December 20, 2025
4 1/2 stars
I must admit I really didn't like Boudreaux very much when I learned about how he had manipulated his way back into Violet's life. But I was upset with Violet as well when she didn't communicate the issues she'd been going through. But these two had a past and I was more than interested to see how Boudreaux was going to prove himself to her. There was a lot of push/pull during this story and the building of trust after their break was really good. Although the story took place over a month, it was shorter than I expected. I guess I was hoping for more, but I also got the feeling this might have been a story that would lead to a spin off. We did get our HEA and some other good news that I would love if the author did a follow up novella on. Hint, hint.
I must admit I really didn't like Boudreaux very much when I learned about how he had manipulated his way back into Violet's life. But I was upset with Violet as well when she didn't communicate the issues she'd been going through. But these two had a past and I was more than interested to see how Boudreaux was going to prove himself to her. There was a lot of push/pull during this story and the building of trust after their break was really good. Although the story took place over a month, it was shorter than I expected. I guess I was hoping for more, but I also got the feeling this might have been a story that would lead to a spin off. We did get our HEA and some other good news that I would love if the author did a follow up novella on. Hint, hint.
December 16, 2025
“Healing Hurts: A Softer, Slower Lesson in Hope”
Going into A Lesson in Hope, my expectations were high—mostly because I love this author’s previous books and have been waiting for this story ever since first meeting Mistress Violet. There was a lot of anticipation on my end, and while I did enjoy this book, it didn’t quite hit with the same intensity I’m used to from this author.
For me, this installment felt like it was missing some of the usual action and tension that normally keeps me glued to the pages. I found myself wanting more of that edge, more of the push-and-pull that I’ve come to expect from this world. That said, I still extremely loved the story itself and the emotional journey it took me on.
At times, I was honestly pissed on Violet’s behalf—especially with what the Masters tried to pull. It felt unfair, frustrating, and hard to watch. But as the story unfolded, I came to realize that it was exactly what was needed for her growth and healing, even if it was uncomfortable to read.
What really stayed with me is the deeper message threaded throughout the book: how, as men and women, we often allow physical pain to override our emotional needs, mistaking suffering for strength instead of giving ourselves permission to truly heal. That theme hit close to home and added a layer of reflection that I appreciated.
Overall, while this wasn’t my favorite from the author and didn’t fully deliver the intensity I was hoping for, it was still a meaningful, emotional read—one that expands Violet’s story in a thoughtful way and reminds us that healing doesn’t always look the way we expect.
Going into A Lesson in Hope, my expectations were high—mostly because I love this author’s previous books and have been waiting for this story ever since first meeting Mistress Violet. There was a lot of anticipation on my end, and while I did enjoy this book, it didn’t quite hit with the same intensity I’m used to from this author.
For me, this installment felt like it was missing some of the usual action and tension that normally keeps me glued to the pages. I found myself wanting more of that edge, more of the push-and-pull that I’ve come to expect from this world. That said, I still extremely loved the story itself and the emotional journey it took me on.
At times, I was honestly pissed on Violet’s behalf—especially with what the Masters tried to pull. It felt unfair, frustrating, and hard to watch. But as the story unfolded, I came to realize that it was exactly what was needed for her growth and healing, even if it was uncomfortable to read.
What really stayed with me is the deeper message threaded throughout the book: how, as men and women, we often allow physical pain to override our emotional needs, mistaking suffering for strength instead of giving ourselves permission to truly heal. That theme hit close to home and added a layer of reflection that I appreciated.
Overall, while this wasn’t my favorite from the author and didn’t fully deliver the intensity I was hoping for, it was still a meaningful, emotional read—one that expands Violet’s story in a thoughtful way and reminds us that healing doesn’t always look the way we expect.
December 18, 2025
Nothing like home
What do you do when you realize that you’ve made a mistake. How far will you go in order to correct it. Will you submit to the one that you love the one that you hurt. Will sub submission be the answer to start the healing process. Will love being enough to help that healing.. It was a great story of forgiveness and the ability to realize when you’ve made a mistake. It was great visiting with all the characters that we’ve come to love and miss when we haven’t read about them in a while.
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What do you do when you realize that you’ve made a mistake. How far will you go in order to correct it. Will you submit to the one that you love the one that you hurt. Will sub submission be the answer to start the healing process. Will love being enough to help that healing.. It was a great story of forgiveness and the ability to realize when you’ve made a mistake. It was great visiting with all the characters that we’ve come to love and miss when we haven’t read about them in a while.
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December 17, 2025
This is book 6 in the Club Serenity series. Bring your box of tissues because this stories takes you in a very emotional journey !
Boudreaux and Violet has a second chance at love and it's delicious to read.
Boudreaux's determination to win Violet back is absolute but Violet's heart is too broken.
The author's flawless writing allowed me to feel all the emotions of Violet's path to healing and I loved it very much.
Boudreaux and Violet has a second chance at love and it's delicious to read.
Boudreaux's determination to win Violet back is absolute but Violet's heart is too broken.
The author's flawless writing allowed me to feel all the emotions of Violet's path to healing and I loved it very much.
December 13, 2025
This is wonderful, a worthy successor to the Club Serenity series. It’s perhaps the best ‘enemies to lovers’ I’ve ever read! I started off disliking Boudreaux intensely, and totally sympathizing with Violet’s hatred of him and by the end? Ooooh! I adored him! I thought, even though I’m not in the BDSM lifestyle, the book did a great job of explaining the nuances of it. Kay Elle Parker is a marvellous writer and I always look forward to her books.
December 31, 2025
Sexual manipulation at its peak.
By about 30% in, I was already beyond frustrated, and it made it difficult to keep reading. I was utterly disappointed by how the owners completely strip Violet of her consent and force her into an arrangement she clearly does not want. Even worse, it feels wildly out of character for them to go behind her back and make this decision with her ex. They have no idea whether there was abuse, trauma, or other harm in that past relationship—and they don’t seem to care.
On top of that, they force Violet to let her ex live with her, leaving her with no private space and no time to decompress. There was no consideration for her mental health. And for the sake of the HEA, we’re apparently just supposed to ignore all of this because, after all, “he knows her better than she knows herself.” Ugh.
Even if there wasn’t abuse there was heartbreak, and this forced dynamic is deeply uncomfortable and completely unacceptable. They are exes. Violet does not want this. That should matter.
Once again, we get the tired trope of a man deciding what a woman needs without consulting her: "I broke up with you for your own good, and now that you’ve rebuilt yourself, I’m back to claim you." Of course, the other Doms immediately side with him -bro hugs and all- while Violet is ganged up on and dismissed.
I was thoroughly disappointed in this book, HEA or not.
By about 30% in, I was already beyond frustrated, and it made it difficult to keep reading. I was utterly disappointed by how the owners completely strip Violet of her consent and force her into an arrangement she clearly does not want. Even worse, it feels wildly out of character for them to go behind her back and make this decision with her ex. They have no idea whether there was abuse, trauma, or other harm in that past relationship—and they don’t seem to care.
On top of that, they force Violet to let her ex live with her, leaving her with no private space and no time to decompress. There was no consideration for her mental health. And for the sake of the HEA, we’re apparently just supposed to ignore all of this because, after all, “he knows her better than she knows herself.” Ugh.
Even if there wasn’t abuse there was heartbreak, and this forced dynamic is deeply uncomfortable and completely unacceptable. They are exes. Violet does not want this. That should matter.
Once again, we get the tired trope of a man deciding what a woman needs without consulting her: "I broke up with you for your own good, and now that you’ve rebuilt yourself, I’m back to claim you." Of course, the other Doms immediately side with him -bro hugs and all- while Violet is ganged up on and dismissed.
I was thoroughly disappointed in this book, HEA or not.
December 16, 2025
Mistress at Club Serenity Violet ran away from her home and the man who totally broke her and her heart. Now two years after Boudreaux Fontenot ended their relationship, he shows up at Serenity hoping on winning her back. She was his whole life, his queen and he had his reasons for letting her go, reasons Violet won't listen to or believe. He definitely found a stronger woman in Violet, the woman he came for bring back home, it's not as easy has he thought. I was an emotional mess with this story going through all the feeling Violet been through, feelings she has for him. He destroyed her when he let her go, can she ever believe in love again? Can she ever believe in him, that he won't hurt her again? He needed to learn patience, a lesson in hope and to love the woman she had become. A strong self-confident woman she was now, her broken heart needed to heal, and he needed to prove he was always going to be there for her. I have voluntarily read and reviewed this amazing story where love does conquer all and becomes stronger in the end in this second chance love story.
December 13, 2025
I loved this story and I didn’t think I would as it was apparently about a Domme. But that is not what it is really about, at the very least Violet is a switch and this is about her relationship with Boudreaux and it is a story that will melt your heart. I spent much of the beginning chapters wanting Violet to forgive Réaux and the last two chapters in tears, the bath scene started it, it was so beautiful. I think Tabitha and Tamsin were the most compelling and their characters stories nearly destroyed me. The inclusion of all the subs was so well done and the reader is caught up on their lives. Will there be a series set in New Orleans I wonder. An unputdownable story that will stay with you for a long time.
December 18, 2025
This Club Serenity series has been outstanding from the first book. Each book in this series is over the top expert in all the feels, intensity, emotions, humor when required and an overall great big family that loves each other no matter where or how they came to this club. Pinky swears are quite complicated when they involve littles. Not looking to erase the past, Reaux is giving a ring, and it symbols fidelity and love, whereas Violet has been woven into this quilt of life and it might be unravelling before she knows it.
A wonderful read full of emotion and a great cast of characters that you can't help but love totally.
A wonderful read full of emotion and a great cast of characters that you can't help but love totally.
December 24, 2025
This Club Serenity story is heartwarming, the most poignant story so far in this series. MIstress Violet is restless and as been unhappy for awhile. The cathartic incident being one of her clients wanting to marry her! What comes next is a surprise return of the love of her life who let her go two years ago wanting to take her back home to New Orleans.In Mistress Violet fashion, Boudreau will have to pay the piper for his mistake. What starts out as war will soon become an introspection for both Masters. The push and pull these two characters bring to the table makes this spicy story even better. IS it goodbye or welcome to Amatory New Orleans?
December 28, 2025
I fully expected to hate Reaux. He's so cocky and smooth, and Mistress Violet "hated" him, cutting his loving sub loose was a huge mistake. But you know what they say - there is a thin line between love and hate. I think the lesson that Reaux learned here was not one of hope but one of humility. The mistake that he made deserved more penance than he paid to earn Vi's submission back. But in the end, true love deserves forgiveness. I hope that in future books in the Club Serenity series, we see more of this couple and the way that their relationship evolves. Another smash hit for Kay Elle Parker!
December 30, 2025
Sizzling Club Serenity Romance!!
Violet has found a home at Club Serenity, after losing a 10-year relationship. She has strict distancing rules, but it is working for her. When her ex shows up unexpectedly, and has convinced the owners to arrange for a special contract she is ready for retribution. Boudreaux was trying to do the “right: thing, but didn’t realize how badly Violet had been hurt. It will take a lot to possibly win her back.
Emotional, steamy, and I was team Violet until Reaux convinced me too. Stunning!
***** I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book *****
Violet has found a home at Club Serenity, after losing a 10-year relationship. She has strict distancing rules, but it is working for her. When her ex shows up unexpectedly, and has convinced the owners to arrange for a special contract she is ready for retribution. Boudreaux was trying to do the “right: thing, but didn’t realize how badly Violet had been hurt. It will take a lot to possibly win her back.
Emotional, steamy, and I was team Violet until Reaux convinced me too. Stunning!
***** I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book *****
Review of advance copy received from Author
From the beginning, The Club Serenity series by Kay Elle Parker has been one of my favorite series. The characters that Kay creates seem so real that you forget they’re fictional. Kay’s latest installment in the series is quite possibly her best yet. Lesson In Hope focuses on Violet and Reaux who have a past, but for complicated reasons have grown apart. Can hurt feelings and pride be set aside for Violet and Reaux to come together again? Find out and grab a copy of Lesson In Hope for yourself! Congratulations, Kay on yet another wonderful read!!!!
December 14, 2025
This series is a favorite of mine, and Violet's story did not disappoint. Violet is a strong character with both dominant and submissive traits, seeking a fresh start in Serenity, only to confront her past when Boudreaux reappears, determined to win her back. Their dynamic is intense, and the chemistry between them is clear throughout. The engaging interactions and ongoing presence of other characters add depth, highlighting themes of family and support. Once again, the author demonstrates her talent. I couldn’t put it down.
December 28, 2025
Wow! Just Wow! Mistress Violet's story is powerful, a tear jerker, and an incredible tale of conflict, love, and power exchange within a D/s relationship. Kay Elle Parker takes us on a visit to Club Serenity. She pulls back the curtains on the familial relationship between characters that we've met in previous books in the series, and to my joy and yes sometimes consternation the entire bunch has a hand in making sure Mistress Violet gets her Happily Ever after. There is something about closing out the year on a new release by this author. In 2023 I closed out the year with "Live For Me (Club Avalon Book 7) and here I am in 2025 closing out the year with Lesson in Hope (Club Serenity Book 5). Each book and series took me on a reflective emotional journey. These two books are in my top 5 and forever on my yearly holiday list of books To BE Re Read again and again.
December 24, 2025
Reaux and Violet
Reaux is my favorite male character in this series so far.His personality is large,his charm is irresistible. His loyalty is all encompassing. He made a major miscalculation that cost him 2 years apart from Violet and caused her massive heartbreak and a sense of betrayal.The ending was bittersweet as they leave her friends behind and move far away.Excellent story with lots of emotion, angst and,of course,a happy ending.
Reaux is my favorite male character in this series so far.His personality is large,his charm is irresistible. His loyalty is all encompassing. He made a major miscalculation that cost him 2 years apart from Violet and caused her massive heartbreak and a sense of betrayal.The ending was bittersweet as they leave her friends behind and move far away.Excellent story with lots of emotion, angst and,of course,a happy ending.
December 30, 2025
Addicted as soon as I started reading. I could barely put this one down! Definitely recommend if you love this series. I loved getting Mistress Violet's story. Reaux was a great character. I flipped between wanting to stake him to feeling like he worked for his redemption. Which is what makes this book so good in my opinion. Violet made him work for it. But Reaux seemed up to the challenge. I seriously enjoyed this one and I can't wait for the next book in the series!
December 27, 2025
Violet finds hope
Beaux is determined to win Violet back by any means necessary. As always great writing and in depth characters with a HEA.
While I know the male Doms being manipulative in stories is a loved thing, I didn't love it here. The masters of Serenity have Violet as a mistress but don't trust her judgement or choices. For some reason it rubbed me wrong here.
Beaux is determined to win Violet back by any means necessary. As always great writing and in depth characters with a HEA.
While I know the male Doms being manipulative in stories is a loved thing, I didn't love it here. The masters of Serenity have Violet as a mistress but don't trust her judgement or choices. For some reason it rubbed me wrong here.
December 30, 2025
Second Chance Reckoning
Lessons in Hope didn't grab me like the previous Club Serenity books. The writing felt a bit off, and Boudreaux's actions made it hard for me to like him. The story's got spicy scenes, but it didn't connect with me as much. 3 stars. If you're into the series, it's a good read, but it didn't quite hit it for me. 🤓
Lessons in Hope didn't grab me like the previous Club Serenity books. The writing felt a bit off, and Boudreaux's actions made it hard for me to like him. The story's got spicy scenes, but it didn't connect with me as much. 3 stars. If you're into the series, it's a good read, but it didn't quite hit it for me. 🤓
December 14, 2025
Wow what a story..Violet has so much depth of character and though her and Boudreaux have a complicated past it's wonderful to see them get their second chance. Also so many little tidbits of all our favorite characters. A++
December 30, 2025
Wow what a journey of faith, hope and a beautiful intense second chance at life. I adored Violet she is a powerful Domme at Serenity and is so admired and loved the respect this woman has earned is remarkable.
The handsome Boudreaux from the past invades her life and will never give up even though the past is heartbreaking I had so many emotions reading this but it is the most beautiful story ever. It is written to perfection with so much detail I felt it all. I love this series so so much I never want it to end ever.
The handsome Boudreaux from the past invades her life and will never give up even though the past is heartbreaking I had so many emotions reading this but it is the most beautiful story ever. It is written to perfection with so much detail I felt it all. I love this series so so much I never want it to end ever.
December 14, 2025
the weakest one honestly
December 22, 2025
That can't be the end. 🥺
Nooooo, I need more, that can't be the last book please.
Love these, the great storylines, the way they all connect. Brilliantly beautiful.
Nooooo, I need more, that can't be the last book please.
Love these, the great storylines, the way they all connect. Brilliantly beautiful.
January 1, 2026
I have so loved being back at Club Serenity, but knowing what an emotional whirlpool this series brings I was a little more prepared with the tissues..
Mistress Violet has been apart of Serenity from the beginning and Domme with mother tendencies to the Littles and submissives of the masters..but lately Violet has been feeling a little homesick for her southern home..having left with a broken heart from a long term relationship Violet came to serenity to heal but has never really taken the band aid off her heart.
Reaux had made the mistake of letting Violet go so when he tracked her down at Serenity he enlists the help from the masters to help him to win her back even if he must go against his dominant persona and submit to the Domme..
This story has encaptured my heart and absolutely loved the emotional rollercoaster I have come to enjoy every time I turn the pages..
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews