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Control
Grace Bennett is an art detective who is anxious over everything from subway tunnels to scary movie trailers. Longing to work on bigger cases, she takes a job at the FBI field office in New York City, where she meets the amiable but seemingly uptight team leader, Agent Noah Keane.
Inexplicably drawn to him, Grace quickly discovers that Noah's stiff demeanor belies an intense need for dominance and control. Intrigued by the kind of relationship he desires, Grace is thrown into a world where she dresses how he wants, kneels when he asks, and indulges is unconventional and demanding tastes.
In return, Grace feels more cared for and secure in her own skin than she's ever felt before. But when a high-profile international case is thrown their way, Noah's fierce protectiveness sets events into motion that could threaten their relationship... and their lives.
Inexplicably drawn to him, Grace quickly discovers that Noah's stiff demeanor belies an intense need for dominance and control. Intrigued by the kind of relationship he desires, Grace is thrown into a world where she dresses how he wants, kneels when he asks, and indulges is unconventional and demanding tastes.
In return, Grace feels more cared for and secure in her own skin than she's ever felt before. But when a high-profile international case is thrown their way, Noah's fierce protectiveness sets events into motion that could threaten their relationship... and their lives.
354 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 20, 2023
2 people are currently reading
15 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
August 18, 2023
Control is phenomenal, and a very satisfying counterpoint to that certain "other novel" that put BDSM on the pop culture map. In Control, Noah Keene and Grace Bennett do it right when they enter into their relationship with their eyes open and proper safety rules in place, in addition to a large amount of respect and love.
Grace is a confident and professional FBI agent, but she experiences anxiety in nearly all parts of her personal life. She's the newest agent in the FBI's Art Crimes New York office, where she meets special agent and team leader Noah. His quietly intense and caring demeanor draws Grace's attention, and when she discovers via a decade-plus old social media profile that he's into BDSM, she starts to fantasize that Noah might be able to take care of her in new and exciting ways.
For his part, Noah is fresh off a break-up with a woman who (like several previous lovers and his ex-wife) felt that his zealous, deeply caring brand of dominance was suffocating. Noah wonders if there is something fundamentally wrong with him that will doom him to being single forever, until Grace approaches him with a proposition.
Grace wants Noah to show her everything, and she doesn't shy away even when his TPE (total power exchange) relationship "rules" include picking out Grace's clothes, dressing and undressing her like his most prized doll, and refusing to let her lift a finger. In return, Grace gets the best sex of her life and Noah's focused attention, allowing her to clear her head and finally be free of her anxieties.
My talented friend Penny Blakely put so much love and care into telling this story, and it shows! If I had my way, this would be the only novel you would ever need about BDSM relationships and what a healthy one looks like. The rich characters, the tension and heat, and the exciting plot developments around Noah and Grace's big case all contribute to a book that will live in your heart and mind and won't fade anytime soon.
Grace is a confident and professional FBI agent, but she experiences anxiety in nearly all parts of her personal life. She's the newest agent in the FBI's Art Crimes New York office, where she meets special agent and team leader Noah. His quietly intense and caring demeanor draws Grace's attention, and when she discovers via a decade-plus old social media profile that he's into BDSM, she starts to fantasize that Noah might be able to take care of her in new and exciting ways.
For his part, Noah is fresh off a break-up with a woman who (like several previous lovers and his ex-wife) felt that his zealous, deeply caring brand of dominance was suffocating. Noah wonders if there is something fundamentally wrong with him that will doom him to being single forever, until Grace approaches him with a proposition.
Grace wants Noah to show her everything, and she doesn't shy away even when his TPE (total power exchange) relationship "rules" include picking out Grace's clothes, dressing and undressing her like his most prized doll, and refusing to let her lift a finger. In return, Grace gets the best sex of her life and Noah's focused attention, allowing her to clear her head and finally be free of her anxieties.
My talented friend Penny Blakely put so much love and care into telling this story, and it shows! If I had my way, this would be the only novel you would ever need about BDSM relationships and what a healthy one looks like. The rich characters, the tension and heat, and the exciting plot developments around Noah and Grace's big case all contribute to a book that will live in your heart and mind and won't fade anytime soon.
July 1, 2023
In short, Control is one of the most intriguing, incredibly well-written stories I've read in YEARS
While Control may fall into the broad category of erotica, the story it contains is far, far more than that.
Control is full of intrigue, love, lust, and suspense, all bundled up into an incredible tale, and of course with a hearty serving of safe, sane, and consensual BDSM.
Not only is their story incredible, but Noah and Grace as characters are both so wonderfully written that it’s hard to remember sometimes that they aren’t real people. While we can see his austere, well-put together, unfailingly kind yet detached exterior, we also see into his mind to find someone who is both haunted by his past relationships and seemingly doomed to repeat them. That is, until Grace comes along. With Grace, we get to see not only the badass FBI agent, but the human with anxieties and softness just like the rest of us.
So, if you’re looking for some incredibly well-written erotica, with an incredible story that will keep you turning page after page, dive into Control! You won’t regret it!
While Control may fall into the broad category of erotica, the story it contains is far, far more than that.
Control is full of intrigue, love, lust, and suspense, all bundled up into an incredible tale, and of course with a hearty serving of safe, sane, and consensual BDSM.
Not only is their story incredible, but Noah and Grace as characters are both so wonderfully written that it’s hard to remember sometimes that they aren’t real people. While we can see his austere, well-put together, unfailingly kind yet detached exterior, we also see into his mind to find someone who is both haunted by his past relationships and seemingly doomed to repeat them. That is, until Grace comes along. With Grace, we get to see not only the badass FBI agent, but the human with anxieties and softness just like the rest of us.
So, if you’re looking for some incredibly well-written erotica, with an incredible story that will keep you turning page after page, dive into Control! You won’t regret it!
June 20, 2023
Control was my most anticipated book of 2023 and it did not disappoint!
I'm usually a bit wary of reading books that are heavy on BDSM. The main male character usually ends up being too toxic and I walk away from it feeling gross.
This couldn't be further from the truth with Control. Noah Keane is the king of consent. I loved watching him and Grace explore this new relationship and all the added layers involved with a TPE relationship. No matter the scene or dynamic Noah constantly is checking in with Grace for her comfort and safety and pleasure.
I loved getting to see them navigate their relationship through their work as FBI agents and the case is built so seamlessly into the story.
For a debut novelist Penny Blakely totally smashed it and I know anything she writes in the future will be an instant purchase from me.
I'm usually a bit wary of reading books that are heavy on BDSM. The main male character usually ends up being too toxic and I walk away from it feeling gross.
This couldn't be further from the truth with Control. Noah Keane is the king of consent. I loved watching him and Grace explore this new relationship and all the added layers involved with a TPE relationship. No matter the scene or dynamic Noah constantly is checking in with Grace for her comfort and safety and pleasure.
I loved getting to see them navigate their relationship through their work as FBI agents and the case is built so seamlessly into the story.
For a debut novelist Penny Blakely totally smashed it and I know anything she writes in the future will be an instant purchase from me.
July 12, 2023
Feel so happy to be able to support an author’s first published work! Super comforting, cute romance book that feels almost like a montage of a couple’s first months/years together. I’d almost even liken it to walking through an art museum and seeing a series of paintings that capture beautiful memories, which works so well given Noah and Grace’s love of art.
Great for fans of spice that want healthy, ethical, positive representation. I hope Penny continues to publish her writing :)
Great for fans of spice that want healthy, ethical, positive representation. I hope Penny continues to publish her writing :)
July 3, 2023
This book was an absolute haven of comfort for me. It had such a profound impact on my emotions that I found myself shedding tears of comfort and longing, yearning for my very own Noah. The way this story enveloped me was so powerful that I genuinely felt a sense of sadness when it came to an end. In fact, the following day, I couldn't resist the urge to revisit my favorite moments and relive all the tender moments. Not once was I bored from the smut and all the scenes have been living in my head rent-free ever since. It had me craving more
My heart went out for Noah. We start the story with him feeling broken and wrong to him finally accepting that he’s a good man thanks to Grace and I absolutely adored it. It’s been about two weeks since I finished this and I still find myself thinking of them and rereading my favorite highlights over and over again. I can’t thank you enough for bringing me a book that can provide me the amount of comfort that it did.
This was an excellent debut novel and I eagerly anticipate the author's next literary endeavor. If this is just the beginning, I can't help but wonder what other marvelous stories and characters lie in store for us!
My heart went out for Noah. We start the story with him feeling broken and wrong to him finally accepting that he’s a good man thanks to Grace and I absolutely adored it. It’s been about two weeks since I finished this and I still find myself thinking of them and rereading my favorite highlights over and over again. I can’t thank you enough for bringing me a book that can provide me the amount of comfort that it did.
This was an excellent debut novel and I eagerly anticipate the author's next literary endeavor. If this is just the beginning, I can't help but wonder what other marvelous stories and characters lie in store for us!
March 2, 2024
Loved the story, the relationship and the spice.
My only complaints are that it goes so fast that it can seem exagerated and Grace isn't developped as a character - we don't know much about her background. Loved Noah though.
My only complaints are that it goes so fast that it can seem exagerated and Grace isn't developped as a character - we don't know much about her background. Loved Noah though.
July 3, 2023
Fantastic. Emotional, exciting, packed with intrigue and perfectly paced.
July 29, 2023
Penny Blakely's debut novel is a marvel. She takes the delicate intricacies of a power-control relationship and navigates it with love and care. Noah and Grace are a dynamic pair together and on their own. A definite recommend from me.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews