“Stacey’s gift for writing easily relatable characters will hook readers and leave them eagerly waiting for the next installment.” –Publishers Weekly From New York Times bestselling author SHANNON STACEY Meet the tough, dedicated men of BOSTON FIRE–and the women who turn their lives upside down When faced with the opportunity to change shifts while staying in the same house, veteran … while staying in the same house, veteran firefighter Derek Gilman jumps at the chance. His new schedule means not working Saturdays, which means more time to spend with his two kids. His divorce may have been amicable, but being a firefighter and a single dad is a lot to juggle. And when fate brings a gorgeous, wealthy woman into his life, he’s pretty sure he can’t handle more than he already is.
Olivia McGovern loves plans. She planned to start her own business and planned its growth. It’s earning her seven figures now, but her personal life simply doesn’t exist. Getting trapped in a broken elevator figures in exactly nowhere, and freaking out in front of a sexy firefighter definitely isn’t on the agenda. Especially not one with two kids and an ex.
What would have been a random incident with an attractive stranger becomes something more when a charity event brings them back together. They’re from different sides of the tracks, literally–with friends, family and careers to consider. But as Derek and Olivia are discovering, chemistry doesn’t allow for plans, and love doesn’t bother with logistics.
Don’t miss the entire Boston Fire series by Shannon Stacey! Heat Exchange, Controlled Burn, Fully Ignited and Hot Response are available now!
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I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads, so here is my review.
What happens when a sexy firefighter and a sexy self-made businesswoman gets stuck in an elevator together? The firefighter is calm and calls for help while the woman starts to panic because she is going to be late for her next appointment. And her business is teaching people how to make their work life more efficient and it wouldn’t look good for her to be late.
Derek Gilman loves being a fireman and changing shifts so he can have Saturdays off to be able to spend more time with his kids makes his life almost perfect. Being stuck in the elevator with the sexy businesswoman makes him want to spend more time with her. But his fireman buddies are quick to rescue them and she is walking away quickly, almost running away. He can’t believe he didn’t get her number.
Olivia McGovern is a planner, it is her business. From the time she gets up and until she goes to sleep, her day is all planned out. So getting stuck in an elevator was not part of her plan. And neither was meeting the sexy fireman named Derek. Oh well, he can star in her dreams because she will not see him again, he isn’t in her plans. She never thought she would find Derek at a charity she has offered to help out. Her planning expertise will get the charity on track and get them the best money and sponsors.
Can Olivia give up her planning and let Derek in to her life? What happens when she learns he is divorced and has two kids? Can Derek make room for Olivia without feeling like he isn’t good enough for her?
This is the first I have read in this series and I really enjoyed it. I would have liked to have more from his firehouse family but I guess I would have that from reading the rest of the series. This couple has enough heat to set off a 3-alarm fire and their love is what will either make them or break them. So if you are in to hot fireman and strong woman, them you need to read this one. And yeah, start from the beginning, I should have.
**Wicked Reads Review Team**
Olivia McGovern, the girl with a plan, and Derek Gilman, a Boston firefighter, are stuck in an elevator. What to do? Well, appreciate one another for starters. Olivia doesn’t miss how great Derek is, both on the eyes and in the politeness department. Derek can’t help but notice Olivia and is kinda glad that he’s stuck in an elevator with her. Because Olivia is a planner and never deviates from her plan she rushes off without getting to thank Derek or giving him her business card. Both of them think they’ll never see one another again. Wrong! When Olivia joins Village Hearts charity she is thrown together with Derek. There is a lot in her past that has to be overcome and a lot of shifting in both of their life plans, but they are willing to try to make it work. The fun is how they reach that point.
Under Control is an uplifting story about second tries at happiness. Of course, there are all your faves from the Boston Fire crew so you get to do a little catch-up with them. Derek’s and Olivia’s story is a good addition to the series. Hint: If you have OCD tendencies Olivia will make you feel really good about yourself!
Some readers love firefighter romances. Alas, I am not one of those readers. Sure, I see the appeal. Firefighters are prepared to sacrifice everything to save lives, and the men in this profession are stereotypically viewed as rugged and super sexy and somehow always single. Although I haven’t historically been a fan of Shannon Stacey’s Boston Fire series (only because of the firefighter theme), I adore her storytelling and will read everything she writes. I am happy to say, this time my loyalty paid off. I very much enjoyed this fifth installment. Under Control features a divorced hero, Derek, who has figured out this amicable relationship/co-parenting thing. The life he has built post-divorce works for him, and bringing someone new into this dynamic is foreign territory. Our heroine, Olivia, has never heard of a friendly divorce. Growing up in chaos, structure and her tidy schedule have always brought her comfort. Dating a firefighter is not tidy nor is it predictable or something that can be planned. Enter kids in the equation, and all bets are off. Two people with great chemistry but with no idea how to move forward makes for a sexy romance with enough conflict to keep it engaging. Under Control is a quick, fun, yet complicated romance that I thoroughly enjoyed. Another Shannon Stacey winner. Check it out!
Under Control is the second book I have read in the Boston Fire series by Shannon Stacey and each book seems to get better. As a side note, even though these books are part of a series and the books give updates on secondary characters, they can also be read as standalones. Olivia has her single gal life plan on track but that has left no room for distractions AKA a relationship. Single dad Derek is a hot & sexy fireman who puts it all out there to help his friends and family. Aa spotlight shines on Derek & Olivia’s differences further when Olivia can’t wrap her head around what she remembers of her parents’ relationship, or lack there of, after their divorce vs Derek’s experience with his divorce & the friendly relationship he maintains with his ex-wife. But as luck would have it, these polar opposites get stuck in an elevator and the flame of desire begins flickering, only the heat is turned up to scorching when their paths later cross. But is all that chemistry enough? When Derek proves to be too much of a distraction for Olivia’s plan, does she need a new plan that includes the hot & sexy single dad & his kids? Definitely Recommend One-Clicking to add Under Control to your Kindle library! I am so excited to see Grant’s journey is next in January 2019 in Flare Up!
4.25 stars–UNDER CONTROL is the fifth instalment in Shannon Stacey’s contemporary, adult BOSTON FIRE romance series focusing on Boston’s first responders. This is firefighter and single father Derek Gilman, and business consultant Olivia McGovern’s story line. UNDER CONTROL can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.’
Told from dual third person perspectives (Derek and Olivia) UNDER CONTROL follows the building relationship between firefighter and single father Derek Gilman, and business consultant Olivia McGovern. Trapped in an elevator was never in the plans for Olivia McGovern but trapped with firefighter Derek Gilman made Olivia think about the possibilities of something more. Approached to help with a children’s fund-raiser Olivia is shocked to learn that the fireman starring in her fantasies is also a member of the fund-raising board. What ensues is the building relationship and romance between Derekk and Olivia, and the potential fall-out as Olivia struggles to step outside of her comfort zone in an effort to make time for the man, and his family, with whom she is falling in love.
Olivia McGovern is a well-organized and detailed planner; a consultant whose own life is revolves around a schedule of meetings, business appointments, and very little time for personal affairs. Meeting firefighter Derek Gilman throws all of Olivia’s plans into disarray especially where is concerns emergency call-outs, and family considerations. Derek Gilman never again thought he would find love but life proved him wrong falling in love with the woman who stole his heart. Hoping to make Olivia his happily ever after Derek struggles with Olivia’s current life-style, a life-style he believes isn’t conducive to family or a happily ever after.
The relationship between Derek and Olivia is one of immediate attraction; an accidental meeting between two people whose lives go in opposite directions. The $ex scenes are intimate and seductive, without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
Most of the previous story line ‘firefighters’ and their spouses play secondary and supporting roles, We are introduced to Derek’s ex-wife Amber, and her husband Jason, and their children Julia and Isaac, as well as Olivia’s PA Kelsey. Firefighter Grant and Wren’s story line is next in FLARE UP.
The world building focuses on the relationship between Olivia and Derek as they must come to terms with their diverging careers. Olivia battles between head and heart while Derek believes Olivia’s career matters more than his kids. Herein lies the conflict when Derek addresses the elephant in the room, a presumptuous elephant that is about to stomp all over Olivia’s heart.
UNDER CONTROL is a story of family and friendships, heartbreak and misunderstanding. The premise is engaging and real; the characters are colorful and charismatic; the romance is passionate and spirited. UNDER CONTROL is a sexy, sassy and animated look at the reality of life and everything it has to offer.
Under Control is an enjoyable 5th entry into the Boston Fire series. After reading the first chapter of Derek and Olivia’s story at the end of the previous story, I was looking forward to the rest of the book and it didn’t disappoint.
Derek and Olivia are definitely from different worlds. He is a 30-something divorced father of two who loves his kids and his job above all else. Family means everything to him and the Ladder 39 crew has become as much his family as his own flesh and blood. Olivia is an only child who has lived her life by focusing on a life plan, setting goals and knocking off accomplishments one by one. The concept of an amicable relationship with an ex-spouse is completely foreign to her after watching the misery her parents still continue to inflict on each other years after divorcing, not to mention several other close relatives who acted the same way. And when it comes to kids, she has no frame of reference to refer to at all.
Despite all that, neither Derek nor Olivia can deny the attraction between them from their very first meeting. When they cross paths again a few weeks later, they decide to take a chance and a sweet, sometimes hot, romance is born. But Derek is still cautious about introducing someone new to his kids’ lives and something will have to give if they have a chance at a future. Can a person who lives a very structured life with the illusion of control find a way to take a chance on a man who lives moment to moment with the chaos of his job and his 8 and 10 year old little whirlwinds?
Under Control has some familiar faces from the prior books in the series but it can absolutely be read as a standalone so feel free to dive in if this one sounds like your kind of read!
Whew! What great chemistry Olivia and Derek have. From the moment they step on an elevator together, there are sparks flying through the air. Their lives are so different and would, in most cases, never even cross. Not only do they meet in an elevator, but they end up working with the same charity organization…that’s fate.
Olivia lives her life by her planner. If it’s not in her planner in ink, it’s not going to happen. She has a one-year plan, a five-year plan, a ten-year plan, etc. As far as Olivia’s concerned, nothing can change those plans since she wrote them down. Plus, this is what has been working (and working well) for her most of her life.
Derek is a divorced dad of two young kids, as well as a firefighter. Any plans he makes go out the window within an hour. He rolls with the punches and doesn’t see how anyone can live such a structured life. Yet Derek and Olivia fall head over heels for each other…they just haven’t thought out the long-term and the sacrifices that would have to be made.
Although Derek is an awesome father, a wonderful ex-husband, and a caring boyfriend, he also seems to borrow trouble. Instead of talking certain things out with Olivia, he assumes he knows how she’s feeling. She is very rigid with her time, so he assumes she resents when he has to disrupt her usual schedule to ask for a favor. Never bothering to ask her how she feels, just assuming she’s mad and doesn’t enjoy the time she spends with his children. For her part, Olivia often judged Derek on her own parent’s divorce…which was not amicable. She just didn’t understand the true friendship Derek has with his ex-wife. Since she also felt like a pawn in her parent’s divorce, she assumes she will always be the one to sacrifice, the one shoved aside.
Eventually, all of their bottled up feelings would have to explode. And they did. I love when Shannon Stacey has the friends of the hero and/or heroine give them the facts. They don’t let them hide in their woe. It’s how we should all talk to our friends when we see them making bad decisions.
Once again, the author did a great job. This series is just amazing and I anxiously wait for each new book.
**I received an ARC of this book courtesy of Net Galley and the publisher. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and given freely**
https://allingoodtimeblog.wordpress.com/2018/08/28/under-control-book-review/
This book starts out with Olivia and Derek meeting when they are trapped in an elevator together. After they get rescued, Olivia rushes off to her meeting and never gets Derek’s number. Derek has the same problem — he didn’t get Olivia’s number either and both of them can’t stop thinking about each other.
That is until fate brings them together via a charity organization. It’s really cute that they both want each other and it doesn’t take long for them to move the relationship forward even though they have many obstacles to deal with. Derek is a devoted father and Olivia is a dedicated career woman and they live on opposite sides of town making their opportunities to be together a challenge.
I really liked how they both had to decide what they were willing to compromise on for love. The ending of Under Control hit many emotional notes for me and I absolutely loved it.
Under Control works well as a standalone and drops quite a few names from the previous books in the series that made me want to reread them again. That’s a good thing.
Overall, I liked this. It’s a sweet, adult romance that deals with some real-life issues in a very realistic way.
An ARC was provided for review.
Can’t stand the heat? Don’t get to close to the fire house. What begins as an ember sparks quickly out of control for a couple of lonely hearts. Stacey tackles themes like social class, single parenthood and loneliness with an identifiable voice. Derek and Olivia are on the cusp of forever, but are they willing to reach out and grab their happy ending? Under Control mixes sweet moments with salty behavior and electric attraction.
Fantastic book! I love this series and Under Control is a fantastic addition to it. Derek Gilman is a single dad with a crazy schedule at the firehouse and too little time but somehow he’s making it work and seeing his kids as much as he can. Time for a relationship – no way, even if the woman in question is beautiful, kind and sexy. Granted being stuck in an elevator with her isn’t the greatest way to meet but she definitely made an impression. Olivia McGovern couldn’t be more different from Derek if she tried. She’s planned, organized, and orderly. He’s fly by the seat of your pants chaos. She’s downtown, he’s the burbs. Different as night and day. Love doesn’t always stick to the rules though. Can these two find a way to make their differences work for them?
Very entertaining read that I highly recommend.
Love this series! Always happy to catch up with some of the others when each new book comes out. Derek is another awesome member of this firehouse! I just love him! As a firefighter and divorced father of two, having anything for himself outside of his job, his crew and his children, Isaac and Julia, has not really been on his agenda. Until he meets Olivia. I love how they meet and then meet again. Olivia is a force for sure. I love that she is such a planner but the one thing she did not plan on was meeting Derek. She has a very interesting job and I love his reaction when she says what she does because he has no clue what she is talking about. Their relationship is not always the easiest and there are some bumps on their journey to HEA but Derek and Olivia have what it takes and have such wonderful chemistry in and out of the bedroom. Their banter is fun. I also love the dynamic between his kids and Olivia and how that plays out. And even the relationship dynamic with his ex-wife is something you definitely don’t see very often. Really great addition to this series! I am looking forward to Grant & Wren’s story.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC!!
Loved this book-loved this series-wish it could continue
This was kind of meh. I was expecting something a bit more firefighter-centric, first of all. And while they’re there and it’s mentioned in points, it wasn’t as much of a plot point as I thought it would be. Secondly, the relationship between Olivia and Derek grew out of nowhere. I didn’t get to know them enough before they were dating and that disappointed me. I feel like there was a missed opportunity for a slow build with some delicious tension. Instead, everything unfolded how I thought it would. It was a bit predictable.
Kudos to Shannon Stacey for trying to tackle the harder topics in this story (divorce, exes, kids, and those relationships)! But I feel like it could’ve gone deeper and would’ve made for a better story. This was all very surface for me and I don’t know that I’d recommend it.
Holy smokes I love this series! I have to pace myself with Stacey’s book because I read them from start to finish.
I really enjoyed this book from Shannon Stacey. I’ve enjoyed some of her other series, such as the Kowalski’s. After reading this book about a fire fighter and the wealthy, somewhat famous author and consultant I went out and bought the preceding 6 books in the series and read them all. I really like the characters and the Boston setting and the firefighter profession being the center of the story.
Under Control was a relatively smooth read, but I had a few hang ups. Derek and Olivia had the requisite sizzle for first time attraction down, but their romance fell into the alright department as things developed between them. Olivia was hung up on control and her 5 year plan while Derek was stuck on Olivia’s income and lifestyle compared to his. However, sometimes I felt he had more chemistry with his ex-wife Amber. Maybe it was because they had more conversation on the page rather then me being told Olivia and Derek talked every day but not necessarily about what. My favorite bits was Derek’s love for his kids. That was a huge highlight and I appreciated Olivia letting go of her worries and warming up to the idea of being in their lives on a permanent basis.
Overall, this was a cute read from the library.
Part of the Boston Fire series; easy to read; very realistic.
Love Shannon’s dialogue. She keeps things moving but I don’t feel like she skips over much. I like that the characters are pretty realistic.
A great romance between a divorced father of two and a career oriented woman. They each have plans and priorities so, it is an exciting story to watch how not every plan works and how priorities shift to allow room for love.
As always the Boston Fire crew is fun, exciting and hot!
Swoon worthy! I was pulling for them throughout the entire book! They finally figured it all out and the book had a happy and romantic ending. I think I may have to read it again!