Into His Keeping

by Gail Faulkner

She became the air he breathed. Her passionate gift of surrender matched his dominant soul. Then she was gone. He'd never accepted that she'd wanted to leave. Ensuring she could find her way back to him was the drive that shaped him. Fifteen years later it was way past time to accept she'd chosen not to return.Second chances were wishful thinking. Jill wasn't looking for one. She didn't have time for pipe dreams and she had no illusions about the stranger Holdin had become. Famous, rich and now retired from football, he might not remember her. If he did, he might not care to hear what actually happened so long ago. She desperately hoped she had something he would care about though.A second chance was all Holdin needed. Ensuring possession of Jill was a battle he intended to win.

Genres: BDSM, Erotica, Romance, Contemporary, Erotic Romance, Contemporary Romance, Adult

206 pages, ebook

First published January 1, 2007

About the author

Gail Faulkner (forever 38) was born in a frustrated reader's mind. She adores men who know what they want and intend to get it.

One thing she is sure of is, Erotic is the new Sexy and that is excellent news. Slipping on a little black dress is fun, having it ripped off, even better. Okay, maybe we can get him to just take it off but that might be tricky.

Most of all, she loves sharing her daydreams with anyone who will read them.

Reviews

[MelissaB · Rating 2 out of 5]

The love scenes were not to my taste, they seemed too harsh after how gently he treated her otherwise then suddenly he is calling her his wh***, sl** and other derogatory words. He was also rough with her three weeks after she had brain surgery - that made me uncomfortable. The dynamics of the love scenes just seemed off to me. We were told over and over how "dominant" the hero was but I needed more show than tell.

I also had a big problem with the last "love" scene. The heroine is four and a half months pregnant during it. The hero is supposedly so protective that he won't let her have a sip of soda (i would kick my hubby's butt if he tried to tell me what to eat and drink) but then he smokes a cigar in the same room as her - WTF? Plus he does a bunch of stuff to her you shouldn't be doing to a pregnant lady, it just wouldn't be safe (like shoving something inside her roughly and deeply - just not a good idea). I am currently four and a half months preggo so I guess this just really really bothered me because you just shouldn't do the things they did, it was especially bad because he was supposed to be so protective of her.

The background story was interesting though unbelievable.

[Liz · Rating 2 out of 5]

The secret baby plot is a staple of romance novels as is amnesia. This book has both.

Jill Smith was in a car accident fifteen years ago which took her memory. She woke up alone in the world accept for the child growing inside of her. After a chip of bone shifts in her brain, she regains her memory and heads to her high school sweetheart, Holdin's hometown to introduce him to his fourteen-year-old son, Drifter.

It isn't only to let him know about his son. Jill is about to undergo a perilous brain surgery and she wants to make sure her son has someone to turn to if she either a) loses her memory again or b) dies. Holdin is elated to have Jill back. He's spent fifteen years trying to find her while becoming a famous football player. He's ready to marry Jill and take in his son, but Jill sure isn't sure.

I really didn't care for this book that much; I didn't hate it, I just didn't like it that much. The teenage flashbacks were unrealistic as was most of the plot. While trying for suspense, there ended up being a few plot threads that weren't tied very up well. And the sex scenes were just - well, creepy is the only word I can come up with. The author was going for D/s and all the elements were certainly there (and I certainly don't begrudge someone if they get off on someone call them their whore), but somehow it didn't feel cohesive.

Bottom-line: I wish I hadn't spent money on this.

[Lynsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really really enjoyed this. This book just will not leave my head.

It's a very intense and emotional story and is only slightly more controversial than my usual erotic reads. Personally speaking I find that, as I read more and more erotic fiction, my limits for kink are ever changing, so having read this book now rather than say a year ago has allowed me to appreciate it in a way that I probably wouldn't have before.

I see from a couple of the other reviews that some people have been turned off by the extreme dirty talk, but for me, I loved it. This is because I could see how much the heroine was enjoying it, and it was really nicely balanced out by how gentle and attentive the hero was outside of the bedroom.

I love a bit of dirty talk and although this is perhaps a little bit over the line for a lot of people, I think this writer is skilled enough in her style to actually have made something quite titillating even if it's not strictly your 'thing'.

[Alexa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got "Into his keeping" having read so many 5 star reviews. I thought it was gonna be a great book about a BDSM relationship, and under this angle, it didn 't disappoint.

Great character development right from the start of the book. I thought I had read it all when it came to books of this genre, but Faulkner delivered one surprise after another. Holdin 's longing for Jill is so vividly described, I could just feel it right there with him. And Jill is so tragically depicted that I could just not stay impassive. The hotter than hell sex scenes are -of course- a given.

The bonus in the whole story between the two of them, is of course the offspring. Faulkner didn 't stick to the traditional recipe of unfolding a BDSM relationship and giving the reader the chance to view it from the inside. She brought Holdin and Jill 's son to the mix, as a product of their lovemaking that came completely unexpected. This way, she gave a more realistic view to such a relationship. Now, that was an accomplishment. Writing down from 3 different angles how each of the characters experienced each situation and how Jill and Holdin adapted to the presence of their son while still trying to figure out the dynamics of their relationship, was a work of art.
You just have to read it.

BUT. 2 things in this book made me really uneasy (and they were not the sex scenes). I couldn 't just comprehend what was the author thinking, when Jill's and Holdin's first time together (not foreplay, not practice, not training Jill in a sub role), I mean when really, actually, finally Holdin entered Jill (both as teens), it was ...anal.
Can anyone really believe that 2 teens in love, mad for one another, when decided to go "all the way" - they really meant not the highway, but the anal way???? Well, Not Me.
She waited for so long, he was head over heels about her, you had to expect something with a low difficulty level given the fact that Holdin didn't want by any chance to hurt Jill. But definetely, NOT that.

And on to the next. Ok, this is more serious. Dom lusting after his Pregnant wife leads her to the dungeon where he watches her pleasuring herself, spanks her and smokes a cigar in her presence. I spent an entire book reading about Jill 's fragile health and Holdin doing
anything he can to ensure she survives. Why would he be so "royally" reckless when it came to the health of his own unborn child? ... One can only wonder, and my mood went down the hill after that...The End. Bitter taste to end a story.

So, apart those incidents I would say that this book is a pretty intense, emotional and sexual read. I know I enjoyed the rest of it. If only it weren 't for these parts...
Hope I 've helped a potential reader before diving in unprepared.
And... be warned. Not for the faint of heart...

[Joie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay I have mixed feelings on this one so I'll start with what I liked about this one. Well for starters the writing is pretty good and it grabs you from the start. It also got pretty steamy in some places lol. There were a few little twist and turns in the plot that I actually like I just wish that they were expanded on. Or that the storyline was explored a bit more. The main character Holden was an absolute sweetheart dispite his alpha male status. He was really relatable and you found yourself wanting him to get his happy ending and wishing it was with you ;). Now on to the bad part. Jilly Girl! I think I haven't hated a woman more. I mean everything that happened to her was not her fault but the woman was so manipulative. She purposely used his son against him. Making sure to keep him uncomfortable with him so that he would be on her side when she flipflopped on him so that Holden felt like he was always on guard around his own son that's horriable and the mother's own fault. She allowed her son to assume the worst of him throughout the entire story and never made a strong effort to explain the situation or what type of man his father was. All of this should have been explained to him. And another issue anyone who names their child Drifter does not deserve my approval nor will they ever get it. But with all of this said it's still a good read and I enjoyed it.

[ThePerpetualBookJunkie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the first time that I've read Gail Faulkner and I've thoroughly enjoyed her novel. I must admit that I was truly amazed that for an erotic novel, “Into His Keeping’s” storyline was certainly very profound. What I mostly enjoyed about the story was the glimpse from the past. There was like a timeline in the story where the main characters have not seen each other for fifteen years. And it really helped the readers understand how they met in the past and why until at present their relationship was as intense as it were before.

The characters, on the other hand, were a joy to be with during the entire length of the story. I mostly enjoyed Drifter because he was a kid version of his dad but out of the circumstances involving him and Jill’s was forced to be an adult and because it was in his nature as a Powell that he should take care of his mom. He was rather mature for his age. Charles and Carol were also a wonderful and amusing cast and very supportive of Holdin when he finally found his long-lost family. And their easy and loving acceptance of Jill and Drifter into their lives was just so incredible. And added to the supporting roles was Dr. Robert Coates, whom I was ready to hate at first but in the end, he earned my respect for his honorable intentions towards Jill, and when he realized Holdin would never in a million years give her up and accepted that Jill was Holdin’s to keep.

The intense erotic sexual scenes were also another sizzling addition to this incredible story. The play by play were extremely arousing, I thought I have to douse myself with cold water the entire time I was reading them. I'd almost spontaneously combusted!

[Sassafrass · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love lost, then love found...but what if you were faced with losing it again?

Holdin and Jill were teenagers in love. Theirs was an intense love that few would have believed or even understood. Then one day...she was gone. For fifteen years, he searched for her and would let her go. Finally ready to do just that, he suddenly finds her again. Now, he's determined to do whatever it takes to keep her, even if it means battling herself.

This book was intense. It was about a love that what so all-consuming that it's difficult to put into words. It was also about a lover who accepts those things about yourself that you aren't even quite ready to accept. The BDSM theme is the book would be moderate, definitely not hard core, and just sexual.

This was an enjoyable read, that had me hooked from the first page. I am definitely going to try some more of this author's work.

[★Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ Sheba Tong Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ★ · Rating 2 out of 5]

First of all, being called "My little whore" is NOT a turn on!

For a guy who cherished Jill so much he sure did call her a slew of unsavory names: "whore", "cunt", "bitch", "slut". Honestly, could you call your partner those names (truly believe them every time you use those terms) and still profess your undying love? Or if the situation was reversed would you really want to be with someone who constantly called you degrading names? No one's nickname/pet name should be "my little slut."

Another thing that bother me is Holdin continual being referred to as a "wild beast" or "predator"; more so than any shifter I have read about in a paranormal romance.

On a positive note the author did a good job of maintaining the story line while infusing erotic elements, but for me the "terms of endearment" were a bit too much.

[Carole-Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

The writing (and the sex) was good. I was not impressed with the reason why 15 yrs passed - almost a trope used to death - and it was a feeble attempt to make me feel for the heroine.

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the first page, this book convinced me that I definitely haven’t a submissive streak. Don’t misunderstand me, I didn’t dislike this book, but I simply like my men AND my heroes way, way softer than Holdin. It was interesting to read about him, and I found the sex scenes scorching hot, but he’s as dominant as they come- and sometimes, he was just too much for me. He acts as thoughtful, controlled and responsible as a good Dom should, but I just realized that I never would want to have one. A Dom, that is.
I avoided reading this book for quite a while although it sat quiet and peaceful on my Kindle- I already knew the last scene, and sorry…that one’s rough. Reading the book, I don’t found it quite as bothersome as I’d have thought, but it still has a disturbing quality, and it’s more than I ever read in my BDSM so far. I don’t shy away, and found myself rather interested. But since the fact that being that submissive doesn’t hold any appeal for me, I felt myself watching the scene from quite a distance. I wouldn’t ever want to be in Jill’s place, and that made it hard for me to identify with her.
The book is well written, and all the characters (including Drifter) are interesting and colorful. The strength of Holdin’s feelings for Jill is earth-shattering, and it made it far easier for me to digest his ultra-dominant personality. As did the fact that Jill clearly needed him to be like that. She’s submissive, I’m not, that made us look at the scene from different point of views.
It’s a great book, it’s well written, the sex is scorching hot, and I can’t really complain. Holdin takes good care of what’s his…but there’s no doubt about it: it’s his. That was a little bit too intense for me to feel comfortable, but made a hot, touching read.

[BookAddict ✒ La Crimson Femme · Rating 3 out of 5]

Expecting a baby mama and an uber jock dominant getting it on? This is not the book for you. One should know that Ms. Faulkner wouldn't write something as dismal or cliche. Into His Keeping is a sweet love lost romance reunited with some kinky D/s hawtness. I have to admit, the domination scenes in this story near the end are panty wetting goodness which is why this is a 3.5 star book.

Holden is a very sexy man. He's a man who's had one goal in his life. His sole purpose is to find the first woman he loved and win her back. When Jill finds him again, the explanation of his disappearance is almost unbelievable. As a plot device, it works. One of the other threads for this plot, specifically the criminal element did not make this story better. It was okay.

From a character perspective, Holden is the kind of fantasy romantic alpha dominant women dream about. He's rich. He's sensitive. He is commanding and he's super hot. What is really attractive about him is his possessive nature. He's possessive and protective which is what pulls women in and makes many of them swoon. He's not creepy overly possessive which helps. He isn't w/o flaws which is a good call on Ms. Faulkner's part.

Jill is usual damsel in distress who has not one, but two men wanting to sweep her off her feet. She's fragile and sweet. She may have a strong core in that she figured out how to survive all alone and pregnant, but overall she's forgettable to the reader.

The BDSM scenes were well done and erotically smoking hawt. I could have done with a couple more panty wetting scenes. As it was, it did get the juices flowing and the vibrating humming. Recommended for kinky readers who love happily ever afters.

[1-Click Addict Support Group · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a second chance romance that ticks all the boxes and more!

Holdin is a retired football star who has settled back into life in his home town amongst family and friends. The last thing he expected after all this time is Jill coming back and looking for him. Why now? Right when he was finally ready to let go of his past, Jill’s back with an incredible story.

Jill, knowing the bombshell she has dropped, understands his reaction but needs him to work through things quickly. There’s more at stake than the past, and time is running out.

I’m a huge fan of this author and any new title is instantly scooped up. This story is one of my favourites and a “go to” book when I want to cuddle under the covers after a long week or just want to hide from the world for a while. Anytime a book can have me so engrossed that I forget about everything else, well, I know it’s a keeper!

This story is a blend of past and present as Jill and Holdin reunite but must relive the past, and reconcile it, before they can move forward. The characters are strong, funny, warm and sarcastic, with parents and kids alike sharing the limelight.

Holdin is an unrepentant alpha, which is a great foil for Jill’s strength and warmth. An intriguing story and wonderful characters blend into a book I can’t recommend enough. Now if only Holdin had a brother…. ~ Diane, 5 stars

[Samantha Blair · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this more than I thought I would. Truthfully, I probably would not have picked it up in the first place if I knew it had an "amnesia story line" because I think the whole "I've forgotten you for 15 years, but still love you" thing is overdone and far fetched, but this author makes it more believable than most. Her reasons for how and why it happens are solid.

I love the Dominant male character. He is the perfect, dirty-talking, possessive, strong, driven, alpha male. I read some other reviews that complained about the language, and I'll agree, it's pretty foul, but I wasn't turned off by it at all. I think the bedroom dialogue is really hot, but if it bothers you to hear a man calling the woman that he loves a whore, it's probably not for you. The particular flavor of BDSM described is all rough sex, anal, dirty language, and bondage. There isn't much pain outside of some light spanking.

I also love the son. He's probably my favorite character in all of this, and again, the dialogue is great. He has some really witty one-line responses that had me laughing out loud. Such a smart-ass kid. You can't help but like him.

Overall, I'd say it's worth reading. I really enjoyed it.

[Vikki ~ *squee* lite ~ · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one was an odd spit for me. It almost felt like Holdin had some sort of split personality - or some dexer like thing where he learned to channel his dark shit into something "acceptable". I love how he loved Jilly - and I loved hi. When he was being his alpha- caring self - but to be honest - the sex left me cold. It wasn't even so much the name calling and humiliation - though that's not at all a turn on for me - it just felt TOO different from the guys he was anytime except then. It just felt off. I felt the connection between Holdin and Jilly much more strongly when they weren't having sex.

[Keri · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good read overall but it did start to become a bit too long in her accepting him back into her life. I mean why wouldn't she? She loved him and he made it quite clear he wanted her so all the fighting of the relationship didn't make sense to me - it became annoying. And a lot of stuff was just thrown in to drag out the story without anything really coming out of it - for example "the bad guys" just came to nothing in the end. Very anticlimatic. And the sex scenes were WAY too long for my tastes. I'm talking like 20-30 pages each. Too much and too long winded.

[Gina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book about second chance love with added DOM/SUB action. I was truly rooting for Holdin and Jil the whole time. Drifter was certainly a boy beyond his age! Although, I was a bit disappointed because I expected a more dramatic ending. Without giving away anything - I was surprised that the basis for Jill's original departure would have came to resolution better -- it kind of was left "open".

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one book I keep going back to again and again. Intense, burning, inescapable.....passion. Written from Holden's POV, you understand the depth of his feeling for Jill. That's probably one reason I wasn't too bothered when he called her otherwise offensive names. You knew he wasn't belittling her, it was simply an expression of her sexually, with and for him. A man who would shape his life with one woman in mind, is a love story I enjoy revisiting, again and again.

[Ira · Rating 5 out of 5]

The length what hero did to find his girl in this story is incredible, is pity all in flashback. The secret baby situation here kind of a tragedy and sad, not the heroine fault. The Light BDSM part is fine, this certainly not a hardcore one. It's a beautiful love story which take more than 16 years to make it happens and I'm glad they got their happy ending. Oh Drifter is a perfect young man, how I love his name and he should have his own story too methinks:)

[Elle · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the first BDSM books I read. It remains one of my favorites. It is dirty and delicious, with great BDSM scenes involving mild humiliation. I loved seeing the main characters' relationship early on when they were younger and exploring D/s together, and then seeing them come together later in life.

[Jo * Smut-Dickted * · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emotional read - and the contrast between the story of this family coming together and the way the H/h behave in private is really shocking...Completely alpha dominant male but with a surprising level of emotion and caring. Highly recommended!

[Fire · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW - a first for me by Gail Faulkner and she did not let me down!!! This book had me up till 1am reading it! A page turner for sure! Dont really like the cover of this book - almost didnt buy it but so happy I did!!! : ) must read for erotic romance ~

[Jeanne Becker Trinkaus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome

Recommended! Highly recommended! She hits the spot yet again! Alpha male, check! Never ending love, check! Hot, check! Sexalicious, check!! I will read anything and everything this author writes! She's that good!

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good reunion story with a twist or two!

[Vfan1 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hands down one of my new favorites! Great character development, intense emotions, and hot sex!

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book! The relationship between the two characters was touching and totally hot.

[Tracey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Smoking Hot erotic love scenes were enhanced by a well written story with an excellent plot and enjoyable characters.

[Marcie Oropeza · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an incredible book! Disturbing (to me, because I still struggle w/ the concept of D/s) and a roller-coaster of emotions throughout. Definitely a must-read! This is an author to follow!

[Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intense and hauntingly beautiful.

[Varied Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Good writing. Wasn't comfortable w/ scene at end of the story due to consensual d/s scene. Sexy possessive commanding H who adored h. I liked the h.

[Shanna Pinkston · Rating 5 out of 5]

whoa!!! very nice :)