Total control. I need it in every aspect of my life. Some would say that makes me an asshole. A freak. But as long as everything’s exactly how I want it, I’m completely flexible. I’m kidding.Okay, I’m not kidding.Lacey needs someone in her life who’s bigger and scarier than her demons, and she wants that man to be me. Her boss. The Viking in a suit.I hope she understands what she’s getting into. … understands what she’s getting into. This daddy isn’t going to pat her on the head and tell her she’s a good girl for nothing. Especially not when she’s spinning out of control.
Author’s note: this book contains depictions of eating disorder recovery.
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Brianna Hale, a new-to-me author, gave me pause. While Control Freak has plenty of daddy kink for all of us dirty readers, it tackled an issue that isn’t commonly broached in romance books. It made me think, sympathize, and hope for a future not even the heroine could imagine. Lacey suffered from anorexia and it completely ruled her life. While other girls were worried about boys and parties and sex, she struggled with her inner voice. See, that voice was loud and prevented her from truly living. She lived under a cloud of doubt, insecurity, and feelings of inadequacy. Although it was obvious that she had no reason to feel that way, getting her to believe it was something else. That is until Stian came along…
I loved how the author created Stian. Yes, the entire age gap romance, daddy/little girl theme, and his inherent dominance were hot, but this man sincerely cared about Lacey’s welfare. He wanted her to feel whole. He researched her illness and found ways to combat it. He gave her the freedom to feel at peace with herself and challenged her to escape her personal boundaries. He allowed her to taste some of the things she had denied herself and he gave her hope. He was incredible!
I do think that Lacey’s eating disorder took up a lot of space and overshadowed the kinky fukry I was looking forward to, but it was handled with a ton of sensitivity. It made me realize how serious this issue is, mentally and physically, and the way it was woven in with the romance was something I don’t see often. I enjoyed this author’s writing and I would definitely read something from her again.
“Yes, everything. I’m a control freak, remember?”
Okay, I confess, it was the hot cover that caught my attention. I’ve never read Brianna Hale before, but once I read the synopsis I was too intrigued to pass up Control Freak. I’m so glad that I gave it a chance, I loved it. I’ll most definitely be keeping an eye out for her future works.
I was surprisingly very interested in the demons that Lacey faced hourly, not just daily. She struggles to cope and with trying to live life as expected by others. She’s surviving, but just barely. She remembers what it used to be like to smile and be happy but doesn’t expect to ever feel that way again.
Lacey is drawn to her new boss almost against her will. He’s beyond sexy in a suit, and those tattoos, and that accent…sigh. “I start to become distracted, because while he’s a jerk he’s kind of a gorgeous jerk, with a sculpted face and a generous, surly mouth. I like the way he says dis and dat instead of this and that.” Distraction is good, right? Something else to focus on that’s not her.
He’s an asshole in the very best of ways. At least to her. It’s obvious to him that she seems to like it when he’s bossy. She’s putting ideas in his head that might not be the most productive in the workplace. He watches her and sees more than she wants him to. Not just her beauty, but her struggles as well. Maybe a control freak is exactly what she needs, huh?
I’m surprised at how much content was packed into this story. I learned so much and became quickly attached to the characters. It’s much more than just a short sexy office romance, it went deeper and touched my emotions. It made me think outside the ‘box’ and gave me a new understanding about a situation that I’d not given much thought to previously. I’ll most definitely be looking forward to whatever the author has for us next. The line forms here…
At 24 years old, Lucy Petrou is a master’s student who appears to be controlled on the outside, but on the inside she faces a continual battle. After accepting a position as an administrative assistant, Lucy’s known parameters change and it makes her want to expand how she lives even though it causes fear.
Stian Blomquist is a Swedish native who lives in London and works as a museum director. Having been labeled a control freak, Stian is used to his rigid, no nonsense nature, yet he meets a woman that appeals to his nurturing side and he wants to be the man she needs.
As this story develops, it becomes clear that both Lacey and Stian have control issues; however, Lacey’s reasons run far deeper. Together, they give each other a sense of purpose. For Lacey, she finally has a break from her thoughts until she begins to worry about her ability to be in a relationship. What ensues is a storyline that delves into the emotional and physical aspect of Lacey’s character.
In starting this book, I was expecting a kinky daddy story and there were certainly hot moments that satisfied. However, the driving force in the plot is Lacey’s recovery and how she and Stian strive to find a balance that works for them. Reading about how Lacey’s inner voice controls her was heartbreaking, but her fight is extremely admirable. Most importantly, I liked how Stian didn’t fix Lacey, though their relationship may have been the catalyst for change.
Control Freak is a romance about inner strength and vulnerability. This book will appeal to those looking for an emotional impact while also getting a daddy fix.
6 Billion Stars
I honestly don’t think Brianna can write a book I don’t completely love. I’m a sobbing mess at the moment and I don’t really have words to explain how much this book touched me. The subject hit close to home, and I had to set it aside several times because I couldn’t read through my tears. It was gut wrenching. Emotional. Heartbreaking. At the same time it was also sweet. Hopeful. Romantic. Funny. Sexy. This was more than just an excellently written romance book. It was more than just a kinky “Daddy” book. It was a journey of two wonderful characters and a chance meeting that changed both their lives. This was probably my favorite book I have read by this author to date.
You deserve all the stars in the world Miz Hale….
I went into this book with a preconceived notion. The blurb, the cover, led me to think I knew exactly what I was going to get. But this book was so much more than that. With layer, upon layer, of emotion this story pulled me in until my gut was twisted, my heart felt wrenched out of my chest, and my cheeks were wet with tears. And I loved every freaking moment of it!
The angst of this story is not within the relationship between Lacey and her boss, Stian. Nor is it because he is fifteen years older than her. The angst revolves around a voice in Lacey’s head. A voice that abuses her on a constant loop, a voice she has pushed firmly into a box in her mind, a voice that refuses to stay there.
I’ve never read a book with a heroine that suffers from anorexia that has struck such a chord with me as this one did. I was expecting the author’s note to share her own experiences with the disease. To know that she researched this topic to such a degree and was then able to make me feel all of Lacey’s pain, simply amazes me.
“I wish I were one of your bonsai plants,” I whisper, not looking him. “I wish I could feel like there was one reason for me to be. One thing I had to do.” I wish I had someone who understands what I need and is there for the worst parts, as he is now. “I feel different when I’m around you. I like you very much and wish you could…”
I choke the words off because I’m not treading in dangerous waters now, I’m walking right into a deep, shark-infested ocean with stones in my pocket.”
If the above topic and my jabbering on about it turns you off, stop please, because there is a deep, rich, emotional relationship that develops within the pages of this book. And it is this relationship that takes center stage.
Stian was nothing like I expected. “Control Freak”? Perhaps a bit, but not in the way I imagined. He was never harsh (other than when he first met Lacey) or mean as many dominants seem to be in the books I’ve read. He was so careful and kind, gentle and loving with everything to do with Lacey. But he also knew she needed a place and time to get out of her head. Enter the lite BDSM, spanking, and Daddy Dom/Little Girl element.
I usually get aggravated with these elements, but not so in this case. It was laid out in such beautiful symmetry with the characters both in a place to accept it and the hero never crossing a line or even attempting to do so. It was done with love and care and I couldn’t get enough of it.
This book is so much more than sex, a hero in control, or Lacey’s disease. It digs deep into the characters with all the good and the bad that makes up their psyche, and then lays them out for the reader to see. It’s very fast paced, not long in length, and never repetitive. The chemistry between the hero and heroine absolutely sizzles across the pages, and there is no push and pull. Reading this book has been an absolutely beautiful experience!
Sizzling romance with all the feels and sensitive subjects handled so great
I was given this as an ARC by Netgalley for an honest review.
I loved this cover first of all. Then after reading the blurb I saw that Stian is a Dom and Lacey a submissive who happens to have anorexia issues and I was afraid this would become something like him helping to cure her by ordering her to eat. I knew that wouldn’t be realistic since Anorexia is all about control over what food is put into the body. So I was very happy to find out that both subjects are handled extremely well in this book.
It was a hot romance between the two main characters, starting out as an office romance and the passion is quite steamy between them. It is not insta-love. Though it does happen fairly fast. The storyline about her disease is pretty awesome but is not what the entire book’s focus is about. It is a romance and I truly enjoyed it. Well done on all fronts to Brianna Hale.
Loved every word of this book. Yes, some of the words are ugly and many of them made me cry, but the characters, the struggles, the connections were all so much bigger than the words. Reading them made me feel like I was caught up in something so real, so universal.
I was a little confused about a quarter into this book. The very beginning was really good, then it got a little sketchy, and I didn’t think I was getting it. By the time I finished it, I came to the conclusion that you have to go into this book not expecting to get a typical boy-meets-girl kind of love story. It was so much deeper than that. Lacey’s trauma was hanging like a dark cloak over any possible inter-personal relationship she could entertain. She was sick, she was aware of it, she was trying to help herself and get better, but she didn’t think she could do it. Stian feels attracted to her, ends up falling for her. However, even though his controlling tendencies seem to work in both their favor, a minor thing ends up causing everything to crash to the ground. The recovery process is long and emotionally draining, and we get to witness very intimate details in the life of a person with an eating disorder. It really felt devastating in parts, and when they finally got their happy ending, I seriously felt relief. The ending of the book may feel slightly abrupt, however, there’s a link at the end to receive a bonus epilogue from the author, and that felt more final, and like I got closure on Lacey and Stian’s story. It really was sweet, beautiful and well deserved.
What a phenomenal read. I got very emotional reading this book. That doesn’t happen to often with me.
This book will be one big trigger for some and maybe very helpful to others.
I had to make sure I drank plenty of water so I didn’t become dehydrated from all the water works.
Phenomenal!!!
This book took me by surprise. The cover was SO freaking HOT I was sure this book would be steamy from beginning to end, but I was so, so wrong! This book was SO much more! It was indeed off-the-charts hot, but it was also a beautiful journey of love and healing between two people who face an insidious disease and insurmountable odds. It was so beautiful! I loved it!
The characters were fantastic, the story was amazing, and it made me cry. I would have liked a little more sexytimez, but I understand why the author didn’t put more in. I respect artist’s choice in this regard. So, read this book. You’ll love it.
First book by Brianna Hale and it was good. I loved how the book was more than romance, it also dealt with anorexia. She delivered such a great message on it. Also add in that you have some Daddy-kink with some steam. I would definitely recommend this book.
***4 Stars***
I first saw this book because an author I #fangirl over shared it on FB, so when I saw it on NG I decided to go for it because the premise intrigued me. Unfortunately life got in the way in a HUGE way and I had to put a few things to the side, and this book was one of the victims of that choice.
Fast forward to now (I know. I honestly feel horrible that I’m so far behind on my NG ARC’s) and I finally had a moment to breath, so I decided to pull Control Freak out of purgatory and I honestly found it fascinating. It wasn’t an easy read considering it delves into how all consuming an eating disorder can be for the person who is living with it, but it was eye opening and I found myself totally invested in Lacey and her journey.
I really liked both Stian and Lacey. Stian is a control freak, but it wasn’t a bad thing. He is demanding, but he has a compassionate heart that simply cares that things are done right. Lacey is sweet, vivacious and is a lot stronger than many believe her to be. Her struggle was heartbreaking, but I admired how she fought to have a semblance of a life. As for their journey to their HEA. It was definitely not what many would consider traditional, but it worked for me. Stien gave Lacey a safe place to just be and not worry about the chaos swimming around in her head and Lacey gave Stien a place where his control freak nature could evolve into something gentle and protective. The bumps were numerous and a few were quite intense, but I loved how it all worked out for them in the end.
This was my first read by the author and I really enjoyed it. This wasn’t an easy book to read by any means, and as I don’t have first hand, nor second hand experience with eating disorders it was definitely an eye opener to the daily struggles those who do live with them go through. As for the secondary characters, they didn’t really grab me, not to say that they didn’t add to the story because they did, but they were simply out done by Stien and Lacey that I have no strong feelings towards any of them. Definitely not the norm for me, but it is what it is. So, if you like age gap/daddy-little lifestyle then I’d check this one out.
~ Copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley & voluntarily reviewed ~
As soon as I saw this cover and read the blurb I was HOOKED. This was my first book by Brianna Hale and now I’m ready to stalk her entire backlog. Lacey and Stian‘s story is sexy and sweet and I LOVE the way he loves her and takes care of her. Shocker. I love a hero that’s madly in love with the heroine and would do anything for her! Lacey struggles with an eating disorder and the way he completely embraces her and her demons and supports her completely. Omg! And their sexual chemistry is OFF. THE. CHARTS. Their love scenes were so hot and amidst an office romance setting. Eeeek sign me up!
Our hero and heroine are boss and employee and each has their own issues to deal with. But with time and patience, perhaps they can help each other get better.
This is a rather intense romance story, with some real emotional moments throughout. The story is very well written, with two well developed characters that bring the story to life. If anything, I found the story to be too real at times, hence the emotional parts. I usually aim for slightly lighter fare. Nevertheless, the plot was well done and our couple faced several hurdles along their path which they had to overcome, but they learned to negotiate them together. The chemistry between them was very intense and real. Overall, it was a highly enjoyable story.
Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes.
Stian and Lacey are such a lovely couple!!!
Lacey is confronted with a really difficult disease, anorexia. She’s in recovery when a new opportunity has been thrown to her by her father. She’s ready to continue with her recovery and try her best to stay positive and keep the evil thoughts in her precious box.
Stian is in a bind after firing his assistant. He’s given an offer he wants to refuse but knows it’s best to just accept.
After enjoying each other’s company, Stian and Lacey decide to start an affair but when things begin to get serious Lacey begins to break and her inner voice starts to take control of her life and begins her destruction.
I learn so much about this disease and the torment it does to a person. I love how these two individuals find each other and against all odds decide to fight for their happiness and their love.
Control Freak was not at all what I expected and yet I was deeply moved by this love story. The emotional, mental and physical journey that Lacey and Stian travel is quite profound. Knowing that Stian being Daddy to Lacey helps her to slowly move to her new normal made for great reading.
3 Stars
Review by Sue
Late Night Reviewer
Up All Night w/ Books Blog
Control Freak is a page-turning story of learning to love yourself.
Lacey is a recovering anorexic. She deals with many issues because of it. Self-hatred and food issues are at the very top of that list.When she starts working for Stian, she realizes that his demanding ways give her a sense of purpose. She knows what is expected of her and she complies. She need not overthink anything.
Stian, who loves control, finds solace and peace in Lacey’s submission.
But, Lacey is still fighting an uphill battle. Will her anorexia become her master? Or, will she master her anorexia?
I loved and was intrigued by Lacey’s character. The way the author wrote about her feelings toward food and her self-hatred was heartbreaking and I would believe only too accurate. Lacey’s journey was difficult but in the end, it showed her courage and strength to persist during the most trying of times.
Stian was a wonderful and caring character with his understanding. But, I wanted more from his character. Overall, for me, his character fell flat. Like a cardboard cut-out.
I also had a hard time believing in their relationship. I didn’t feel their connection and I felt like it was rushed.
I think this happened because Lacey’s character eclipsed and out-shined that of Stian’s. Her strength and resilience shown through while Stian, in my opinion, did not grow as a character. It felt more like Lacey’s journey instead of the couple’s.
Also, from the blurb, I was lead to believe that Stian was going to be the control freak but, apart from a few small scenes, his character was not what I was expecting.
Accurately, however, Lacey does have control issues with her anorexia.
With all that being said, the writing and what would happen to Lacey kept me turning the pages.
Overall, this was a well-written and intriguing story but lacked the depth in the couple’s relationship I was looking for.
I did enjoy this author’s writing tremendously and will keep an eye out for her future works.
I liked this book and I’ve read other books by this author so I know I like her writing style. I wasn’t in love with the h but that was probably necessary for the story line. I love the chemistry between the couple though. The H was awesome but I wish he pushed more at the end. I loved that this book was original and was different from what I was expecting.
Brianna Hale delivers yet again with Control Freak! When starting a book from this author you can expect major heat, real-life struggles, daddy-kink, and a love that conquers all. Stian is such a phenomenal hero. He is absolutely perfect for Lacey and completely understanding of her needs while maintaining the control that she craves being rid of. I highly, highly recommend Control Freak. I couldn’t put it down.