CONTROL FREAK by Brianna Hale

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. 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 includes depictions of eating disorder recovery.

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Standalone

Release - June 27, 2019

Genre - Erotic Romance
Trope - age gap

Dual POV - 1st person

Heat - 4 out of 5

Format - eARC provided by NetGalley

Length - 311 pages

Yes, Daddy

★★★ 1/2

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.

About the Author

There's nothing Brianna Hale likes more than a large, stern alpha male with a super-protective and caring streak, and when she's not writing about them she can usually be found with a book, a cocktail, planning her next trip to a beautiful location or attending the theatre. She believes that pink and empowerment aren’t mutually exclusive, and everyday adventures are possible. Brianna lives in London.

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