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Control #1
Control
Paige Stone lived anything but a normal childhood. Having been raised around an abused women's shelter operated by her parents, Paige was a constant witness to the tragedy and heartache suffered by women at the hands of the men they trusted. Out of refusal to ever allow that to happen to her,... Paige built walls around her heart at a young age. Those walls were only fortified when tragedy struck on her sixth birthday and took from her the only friend and love she knew. Now at 22 years old, and working as a private investigator, Paige is driven by a deep need for strength, independence and a stubborn refusal to accept help from another person. Surrounding herself with her three best friends, Paige never assumed that the autonomy she had worked so hard to build could be challenged.
That was, until Paige met Daemon Pierce.
Mysterious, strong-willed, and breathtakingly beautiful, Daemon seemed to instantly know Paige better than she knew herself. Paige is disgusted by Daemon's reputation as a womanizer, but becomes intrigued when she is unable to discover his background. Paige's curiosity about Daemon proves to be her downfall as she is swept up in his charming and arrogant pursuit to possess her in every possible way.
For the first time in her life, Paige will struggle for control while Daemon slowly dismantles the walls she has built around herself. Only time will tell who will be victorious in their battle of wills as Daemon teaches Paige the weaknesses within herself that she never knew existed. Paige stays one step ahead in her struggle against Daemon's controlling ways, but when tragedy strikes her life a second time, she has to choose; will she put her life in danger, or will she finally accept a helping hand?
***Content Warning - This is a new adult fiction with mature themes. It contains graphic sexual situations, mature language and explicit description of sexual violence.***
That was, until Paige met Daemon Pierce.
Mysterious, strong-willed, and breathtakingly beautiful, Daemon seemed to instantly know Paige better than she knew herself. Paige is disgusted by Daemon's reputation as a womanizer, but becomes intrigued when she is unable to discover his background. Paige's curiosity about Daemon proves to be her downfall as she is swept up in his charming and arrogant pursuit to possess her in every possible way.
For the first time in her life, Paige will struggle for control while Daemon slowly dismantles the walls she has built around herself. Only time will tell who will be victorious in their battle of wills as Daemon teaches Paige the weaknesses within herself that she never knew existed. Paige stays one step ahead in her struggle against Daemon's controlling ways, but when tragedy strikes her life a second time, she has to choose; will she put her life in danger, or will she finally accept a helping hand?
***Content Warning - This is a new adult fiction with mature themes. It contains graphic sexual situations, mature language and explicit description of sexual violence.***
Paperback
First published May 28, 2013
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About the author
M.S. Willis
14 books788 followersM.S. Willis is a dark writer who likes to dabble on the taboo side of eroticism. She is most known for her Control Series, the Estate Series, Because of Ellison (contemporary romance), and Standard Romance Story (Romance Comedy). When she isn’t writing as M.S. Willis, you can find other books by her under Lily White where she has penned the Masters Series (Her Master’s Courtesan and Her Master’s Teacher), Target This, Hard Roads, and Asylum. She’s co-authored Serial (a four part serial series) as Lily White as well. M.S. Willis enjoys stretching her writing muscles by continuing to challenge herself with each book she publishes.
In addition to writing, she is an avid reader, gummy bear slayer, and a gold medalist in puppy naps.
In addition to writing, she is an avid reader, gummy bear slayer, and a gold medalist in puppy naps.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
July 23, 2013
SPOILER FREE REVIEW -mature content reader discretion is advised.
A high 3.5 STARS out of 5
Genre: Contemporary Romance
**Content Warning** -This is a new adult fiction with mature themes. It contains graphic sexual situations, mature language and explicit description of sexual violence.
In Control we meet Paige, a fiercely independent woman whose heart is heavily guarded. She was raised in an abuse shelter for women ran by her parents. This upbringing has brought Paige face to face with heartache on a daily basis. So for her falling in love and having a relationship is just not her thing especially after coming to witness to women who are abused by men that claimed to love them.
When the book opens readers get a flashback to a young Paige, and her best friend, a little boy named Buddy. We learn a little bit of what her life was like at the woman’s abuse shelter through her child eyes. Readers also get a small glimpse of that tragic day Paige and Buddy are split apart on her 6th birthday as she holds on to the promise he makes to come back for her.
Fast forward to an adult Paige who is 22yrs old and very much independent working as a PI. I loved the scene of her filming her client. I could actually relate to the scenario because my father used to be a PI and I vividly recall him having similar cases to the one Paige has.
Sorry I digress, moving on.
The Characters
Paige has two roommates David and Annie; both provide good laughs. Then we have Alex. Alex and Paige are “Friends with benefits” he is described as tall, muscular and tatted. YUM!
Riding solo
The main way of transportation for Paige is on her motorcycle. Can you say BAD ASS! The girl has no qualms with riding solo in any aspect of her life. After arriving home she briefly comes up to speed with her roommates activities for the evening ,she showers, gets dressed and heads right back out to Tomb, a local night club. Tomb, is her go to place where she likes to rock out to good music with live bands!
He was never part of the plan
Paige meets a bouncer at Tomb named Daemon after a…rescue…followed by an altercation at the bar. Daemon rescues Paige twice in one night. Whether she wanted him to or not… There is a whole lot of flirting and bickering between the two. I call that sexual tension because these two practically drool on one another. The bickering is mostly brought on by Paige and her “I don’t need a man to help me“ attitude. Daemon seems to take it all in stride though.
It because abundantly apparent that Paige liked what she saw because she goes back to Tomb after the disastrous night. However this time good music is not what she is looking for. Oooh no, it’s Daemon whose in the forefront of her brain this go round.
While Paige sits around wanting to act as if she does not want Daemon. He on the other hand makes it clear.
“If I had you, Paige, I would not only be with you; but I would own you, I would control you, and I would, in all ways, possess you.” ~Daemon
As you can see Daemon doesn’t waste time he wants Paige. And he goes after her.
“Are you sure you want this, Paige? Once I take you, there is no going back.” ~Daemon
Now sorry but I’ll have to stop there before I give anything away. Control takes a twist I never saw coming as Paige and the lives of those close to her are irrevocably changed.
My thoughts
When the book closes it leaves a BIG PLOT WHOLE with a very need to know unanswered question. Thank goodness I have book 2, Conflict. *wipes sweat from forehead* I felt that the writing was fair. The author balances sexy, humor and a little bit of mystery well enough to keep you turning the page for more!
The last 20% was… C R A Z Y
My Ratings
Characters- Lovable
Writing Style- Fair, it will definitely keep you turning the page.
Plot/Storyline- Features a strong woman, has sexy moments and is intense at times.
Steam Factor- Medium/Moderately Steamy
Overall- I liked it! I'm off to read book 2, Conflict!
Now go forth and read. Then come tell us about it on Goodreads!
For more reviews got to http://realitybites-letsgetlost.blogs...
Copy kindly provided by author in exchange for an honest review*
A high 3.5 STARS out of 5
Genre: Contemporary Romance
**Content Warning** -This is a new adult fiction with mature themes. It contains graphic sexual situations, mature language and explicit description of sexual violence.
In Control we meet Paige, a fiercely independent woman whose heart is heavily guarded. She was raised in an abuse shelter for women ran by her parents. This upbringing has brought Paige face to face with heartache on a daily basis. So for her falling in love and having a relationship is just not her thing especially after coming to witness to women who are abused by men that claimed to love them.
When the book opens readers get a flashback to a young Paige, and her best friend, a little boy named Buddy. We learn a little bit of what her life was like at the woman’s abuse shelter through her child eyes. Readers also get a small glimpse of that tragic day Paige and Buddy are split apart on her 6th birthday as she holds on to the promise he makes to come back for her.
Fast forward to an adult Paige who is 22yrs old and very much independent working as a PI. I loved the scene of her filming her client. I could actually relate to the scenario because my father used to be a PI and I vividly recall him having similar cases to the one Paige has.
Sorry I digress, moving on.
The Characters
Paige has two roommates David and Annie; both provide good laughs. Then we have Alex. Alex and Paige are “Friends with benefits” he is described as tall, muscular and tatted. YUM!
Riding solo
The main way of transportation for Paige is on her motorcycle. Can you say BAD ASS! The girl has no qualms with riding solo in any aspect of her life. After arriving home she briefly comes up to speed with her roommates activities for the evening ,she showers, gets dressed and heads right back out to Tomb, a local night club. Tomb, is her go to place where she likes to rock out to good music with live bands!
He was never part of the plan
Paige meets a bouncer at Tomb named Daemon after a…rescue…followed by an altercation at the bar. Daemon rescues Paige twice in one night. Whether she wanted him to or not… There is a whole lot of flirting and bickering between the two. I call that sexual tension because these two practically drool on one another. The bickering is mostly brought on by Paige and her “I don’t need a man to help me“ attitude. Daemon seems to take it all in stride though.
It because abundantly apparent that Paige liked what she saw because she goes back to Tomb after the disastrous night. However this time good music is not what she is looking for. Oooh no, it’s Daemon whose in the forefront of her brain this go round.
While Paige sits around wanting to act as if she does not want Daemon. He on the other hand makes it clear.
“If I had you, Paige, I would not only be with you; but I would own you, I would control you, and I would, in all ways, possess you.” ~Daemon
As you can see Daemon doesn’t waste time he wants Paige. And he goes after her.
“Are you sure you want this, Paige? Once I take you, there is no going back.” ~Daemon
Now sorry but I’ll have to stop there before I give anything away. Control takes a twist I never saw coming as Paige and the lives of those close to her are irrevocably changed.
My thoughts
When the book closes it leaves a BIG PLOT WHOLE with a very need to know unanswered question. Thank goodness I have book 2, Conflict. *wipes sweat from forehead* I felt that the writing was fair. The author balances sexy, humor and a little bit of mystery well enough to keep you turning the page for more!
The last 20% was… C R A Z Y
My Ratings
Characters- Lovable
Writing Style- Fair, it will definitely keep you turning the page.
Plot/Storyline- Features a strong woman, has sexy moments and is intense at times.
Steam Factor- Medium/Moderately Steamy
Overall- I liked it! I'm off to read book 2, Conflict!
Now go forth and read. Then come tell us about it on Goodreads!
For more reviews got to http://realitybites-letsgetlost.blogs...
Copy kindly provided by author in exchange for an honest review*
October 13, 2016
You know that feeling that consumes you the instant you set your eyes on smth that you just know it's right for you...
Yeah, well that's what i felt when I came into contact with Daemon (still not sure how to pronounce that, smth between Damon and Demon?!)
anyway the two of us just clicked, just like that (I'm snapping my fingers to emphasize it LOL)
although, I did encounter some (non)facts in the story that just didn't sit right, I willingly decided to overlook them...cause after I've read this:
I was just...mmm, mmm, mmm
bring it on, bring it on
damn, this gif works perfectly every.single.time LOL
Yeah, well that's what i felt when I came into contact with Daemon (still not sure how to pronounce that, smth between Damon and Demon?!)
anyway the two of us just clicked, just like that (I'm snapping my fingers to emphasize it LOL)
although, I did encounter some (non)facts in the story that just didn't sit right, I willingly decided to overlook them...cause after I've read this:
“You wanted to know what I meant by saying ‘if you were my girl’.”
He moved closer to me again and tilted my head up by placing his finger underneath my chin.
“If I had you, Paige, I would not only be with you;
but I would own you, I would control you, and I would, in all ways, possess you.”
I was just...mmm, mmm, mmm
bring it on, bring it on
damn, this gif works perfectly every.single.time LOL
January 12, 2014
The flashbacks were to long in detail. That is the only problem I had with this book. The violence was not saved for the outer characters like some romance's. The characters you will love/hate but Ms. Willis writes the real world here and people do get hurt, badly.
Paige was over the top in her tilted view of strength. I understand why she has such few females in her life and leads a life of solitude. Her arrangement with Alex makes sense and she is very selfish or maybe self preserving.
David is my favourite his personality was written very well!
Daemon and who he may or may not I felt was obvious but I don't believe we were suppose to be in the dark about that mystery. I think the point of this book is the levels of control that each character uses not the mystery of Buddy or Daemon. Alex control is to give Paige what he thinks she needs to make her love him. He is very controlled in giving her what she as spelled out. Annie's control is over her friends to always come to her rescue; Annie's controlling her friends by constantly being the center of their attention so she repeats bad behaviour. Daemon's he likes to give control in a controlled atmosphere. If anything Ms. Willis named this book wisely!
Paige pissed me off, a lot! I understand her decisions but didn't agree with them. She was raised in an environment of helping others yet never ask for help herself; how she missed that lesson is telling.
Why Paige didn't use her employment to track Chris made me feel she was bad at her job. I would be researching that menance instead of a bouncer at a club. And with her job I would have contacted the police for the damage to her bike at the very least that is just common sense . So, a few irks for me but over all I really appreciated how different this story played out; better than I expected and can't wait to start the next one.
Paige was over the top in her tilted view of strength. I understand why she has such few females in her life and leads a life of solitude. Her arrangement with Alex makes sense and she is very selfish or maybe self preserving.
David is my favourite his personality was written very well!
Daemon and who he may or may not I felt was obvious but I don't believe we were suppose to be in the dark about that mystery. I think the point of this book is the levels of control that each character uses not the mystery of Buddy or Daemon. Alex control is to give Paige what he thinks she needs to make her love him. He is very controlled in giving her what she as spelled out. Annie's control is over her friends to always come to her rescue; Annie's controlling her friends by constantly being the center of their attention so she repeats bad behaviour. Daemon's he likes to give control in a controlled atmosphere. If anything Ms. Willis named this book wisely!
Paige pissed me off, a lot! I understand her decisions but didn't agree with them. She was raised in an environment of helping others yet never ask for help herself; how she missed that lesson is telling.
Why Paige didn't use her employment to track Chris made me feel she was bad at her job. I would be researching that menance instead of a bouncer at a club. And with her job I would have contacted the police for the damage to her bike at the very least that is just common sense . So, a few irks for me but over all I really appreciated how different this story played out; better than I expected and can't wait to start the next one.
January 23, 2015
When I read the Blurb, it seemed exciting so I picked it up, but then I had been like:
How to rate this book O_o
Anyways About Paige:
She is a strong women who is traumatized by the events that takes place in her childhood. Her parents have this center who help Domestic Abused women. (I don't want to reveal to much)
Daemon: He is strong and mysterious. I never really connected much with his character in this Novel
So this is my reaction when I read this book:
1.)
2.)
3.)
4.)
5.)
6.)
Will I read the 2nd part? I don't know
For me 2*
How to rate this book O_o
Anyways About Paige:
She is a strong women who is traumatized by the events that takes place in her childhood. Her parents have this center who help Domestic Abused women. (I don't want to reveal to much)
Daemon: He is strong and mysterious. I never really connected much with his character in this Novel
So this is my reaction when I read this book:
1.)
2.)
3.)
4.)
5.)
6.)
Will I read the 2nd part? I don't know
For me 2*
April 2, 2019
Paige’s parents owned & operated an abused woman’s facility so she practically grew up there. Living at, “The Center” was a young boy named Buddy who instantly became Paige’s best friend. The 2 were inseparable until tragedy struck Buddy’s family and he was never heard from again. Decades later, Paige meets Daemon at a bar one night after he rescues her from the mosh pit (and again later from a drunk who gets too handsy). Paige is an uber independent, feisty woman and Daemon is controlling, so their dynamic is interesting! These are not the only 2 characters in the story either. Paige has 2 roommates, a long-term fu
Lily White (MS Willis’ other name) is an author I automatically 1-click. Her books are insanely good, so it was hard for me not to compare what I know she is capable of with this book, which at times, was just mediocre. For example, in this book there was almost an entire chapter about the main character’s desire/quest to obtain a cup of coffee which, in my opinion, is not at all important, exciting or entertaining, and definitely not Lily White quality writing. The only thing that was identical about the two author’s writing styles was that there were, “gossamer curtains” in this book, just like there seem to be in almost every book by Lily!
Lily White (MS Willis’ other name) is an author I automatically 1-click. Her books are insanely good, so it was hard for me not to compare what I know she is capable of with this book, which at times, was just mediocre. For example, in this book there was almost an entire chapter about the main character’s desire/quest to obtain a cup of coffee which, in my opinion, is not at all important, exciting or entertaining, and definitely not Lily White quality writing. The only thing that was identical about the two author’s writing styles was that there were, “gossamer curtains” in this book, just like there seem to be in almost every book by Lily!
June 1, 2013
my favorite read of the year thus far!!! I'm all over the place here. Full review to come!
May 17, 2013
Excerpt:
Paige Stone lived anything but a normal childhood. Having been raised around an abused women's shelter operated by her parents, Paige was a constant witness to the tragedy and heartache suffered by women at the hands of the men they trusted. Out of refusal to ever allow that to happen to her,... Paige built walls around her heart at a young age. Those walls were only fortified when tragedy struck on her sixth birthday and took from her the only friend and love she knew. Now at 22 years old, and working as a private investigator, Paige is driven by a deep need for strength, independence and a stubborn refusal to accept help from another person. Surrounding herself with her three best friends, Paige never assumed that the autonomy she had worked so hard to build could be challenged.
That was, until Paige met Daemon Pierce.
Mysterious, strong-willed, and breathtakingly beautiful, Daemon seemed to instantly know Paige better than she knew herself. Paige is disgusted by Daemon's reputation as a womanizer, but becomes intrigued when she is unable to discover his background. Paige's curiosity about Daemon proves to be her downfall as she is swept up in his charming and arrogant pursuit to possess her in every possible way.
For the first time in her life, Paige will struggle for control while Daemon slowly dismantles the walls she has built around herself. Only time will tell who will be victorious in their battle of wills as Daemon teaches Paige the weaknesses within herself that she never knew existed. Paige stays one step ahead in her struggle against Daemon's controlling ways, but when tragedy strikes her life a second time, she has to choose; will she put her life in danger, or will she finally accept a helping hand?
***Content Warning - This is a new adult fiction with mature themes. It contains graphic sexual situations, mature language and explicit description of sexual violence.***
Let me be the first to say...WOW!!! There is so much more to this story than what the excerpt is saying.
The story is about a girl names Paige. She spent her life growing up in a shelter for abused families that her parents run. As a young girl, she experienced loss when her best friend and first love, Buddy, was taken from her.
Paige works as a professional private investigator. She has two roommates, David and Annie, and an friend "with benefits" names Alex.
The story follows the day-to-day workings between the four of them. I really love David in this. He is the gay best friend I never had in my life and I wish I had a friend like him. Annie suffers from "can't find the right guy because she keeps picking the wrong one" syndrome and I feel sorry for her. But at the same time, it's her own fault as she won't look past her description of "the guy for her". Then there is Alex. he gets sucked into this web because he is in love with Paige and will accept whatever line she releases for him. This sounds really selfish and it is.
The story goes back and forth between real time and dreams that she has of times with Buddy. I am really glad that the dreams font is italicized so you can tell the difference between the two. The dreams open a little bit into Paige's past so you can get a sneak peak of the relationship between the two. You also get to find out what happened on that fateful day.
I like Paige's character in this story. She is strong and independent. But, I think this is taken too far at times. Where I like her strong personality (which helps later in the story), I think there are times in the book where she goes overboard. For example, when Daemon wants to help her off the speaker. There are times to be strong-willed and there are times when being strong-willed is taken completely out of context. This is one of those times. There are more examples of this as you go through the book. I think her "nature" gets her in a lot of trouble later on and could have been avoided if she would have just accepted the helping hand. But, don't get me wrong, it doesn't take away from the story and doesn't affect my 5 star rating of this book. I do want to say that in the next book, I hope Willis lets off of that some so she can be a more relateable character.
This book is very descriptive, The scenery and events going on around you are very well written so you think you are actually there. Willis did a very good job of "putting you there" in the way she describes what is going on.
"I had chosen a plain black tank top and my favorite pair of distressed dark blue jeans. At 5'10 and with a skinny frame, finding a pair of jeans that accented my butt and were long enough was a difficult task. When I found these, I bought two other pairs just like them because they fit so well. I pulled on my black knee high, lace-up riding boots and walked back into my bathroom to dry my hair. I left my long blond locks hanging loose down my back and applied some light mascara and lip gloss. After spritzing on some of my favorite perfume, I felt ready to go."
The rest of the book plays the same way. I like things to be descriptive so that I can really see and feel what is happening.
I do have to say the book starts very slowly. I want to say the idea was to get to know the characters and what happened in their day to day life but I'm not really sure. It takes a while to get to the plot of the story and when you get there, it falls a little short. I think there was more that could have been done with it and I hope it opens more in the second book. Then again, I wasn't looking at this like a mystery/thriller so I was a little taken back.
Then there is Daemon. Wait a minute....one more second....OMG!!!!!!!!!!! Can I get a little slice of that heaven every day?!?! I have to say I am in love with his character. Not only is he this masculine, controlling, male hard-on, but he is caring and sweet and so into Paige that you wish you were her. WOW. I'm really intrigued to find out some things about him that you learn throughout the story. And if it is what I think it is...I'm going to cyber-slap him!!! LOL...
All in all, I recommend everyone to read this. When it comes out I will post a link to buy it. You will not be sorry and you will not put it down until you are finished. I can promise you that.
Paige Stone lived anything but a normal childhood. Having been raised around an abused women's shelter operated by her parents, Paige was a constant witness to the tragedy and heartache suffered by women at the hands of the men they trusted. Out of refusal to ever allow that to happen to her,... Paige built walls around her heart at a young age. Those walls were only fortified when tragedy struck on her sixth birthday and took from her the only friend and love she knew. Now at 22 years old, and working as a private investigator, Paige is driven by a deep need for strength, independence and a stubborn refusal to accept help from another person. Surrounding herself with her three best friends, Paige never assumed that the autonomy she had worked so hard to build could be challenged.
That was, until Paige met Daemon Pierce.
Mysterious, strong-willed, and breathtakingly beautiful, Daemon seemed to instantly know Paige better than she knew herself. Paige is disgusted by Daemon's reputation as a womanizer, but becomes intrigued when she is unable to discover his background. Paige's curiosity about Daemon proves to be her downfall as she is swept up in his charming and arrogant pursuit to possess her in every possible way.
For the first time in her life, Paige will struggle for control while Daemon slowly dismantles the walls she has built around herself. Only time will tell who will be victorious in their battle of wills as Daemon teaches Paige the weaknesses within herself that she never knew existed. Paige stays one step ahead in her struggle against Daemon's controlling ways, but when tragedy strikes her life a second time, she has to choose; will she put her life in danger, or will she finally accept a helping hand?
***Content Warning - This is a new adult fiction with mature themes. It contains graphic sexual situations, mature language and explicit description of sexual violence.***
Let me be the first to say...WOW!!! There is so much more to this story than what the excerpt is saying.
The story is about a girl names Paige. She spent her life growing up in a shelter for abused families that her parents run. As a young girl, she experienced loss when her best friend and first love, Buddy, was taken from her.
Paige works as a professional private investigator. She has two roommates, David and Annie, and an friend "with benefits" names Alex.
The story follows the day-to-day workings between the four of them. I really love David in this. He is the gay best friend I never had in my life and I wish I had a friend like him. Annie suffers from "can't find the right guy because she keeps picking the wrong one" syndrome and I feel sorry for her. But at the same time, it's her own fault as she won't look past her description of "the guy for her". Then there is Alex. he gets sucked into this web because he is in love with Paige and will accept whatever line she releases for him. This sounds really selfish and it is.
The story goes back and forth between real time and dreams that she has of times with Buddy. I am really glad that the dreams font is italicized so you can tell the difference between the two. The dreams open a little bit into Paige's past so you can get a sneak peak of the relationship between the two. You also get to find out what happened on that fateful day.
I like Paige's character in this story. She is strong and independent. But, I think this is taken too far at times. Where I like her strong personality (which helps later in the story), I think there are times in the book where she goes overboard. For example, when Daemon wants to help her off the speaker. There are times to be strong-willed and there are times when being strong-willed is taken completely out of context. This is one of those times. There are more examples of this as you go through the book. I think her "nature" gets her in a lot of trouble later on and could have been avoided if she would have just accepted the helping hand. But, don't get me wrong, it doesn't take away from the story and doesn't affect my 5 star rating of this book. I do want to say that in the next book, I hope Willis lets off of that some so she can be a more relateable character.
This book is very descriptive, The scenery and events going on around you are very well written so you think you are actually there. Willis did a very good job of "putting you there" in the way she describes what is going on.
"I had chosen a plain black tank top and my favorite pair of distressed dark blue jeans. At 5'10 and with a skinny frame, finding a pair of jeans that accented my butt and were long enough was a difficult task. When I found these, I bought two other pairs just like them because they fit so well. I pulled on my black knee high, lace-up riding boots and walked back into my bathroom to dry my hair. I left my long blond locks hanging loose down my back and applied some light mascara and lip gloss. After spritzing on some of my favorite perfume, I felt ready to go."
The rest of the book plays the same way. I like things to be descriptive so that I can really see and feel what is happening.
I do have to say the book starts very slowly. I want to say the idea was to get to know the characters and what happened in their day to day life but I'm not really sure. It takes a while to get to the plot of the story and when you get there, it falls a little short. I think there was more that could have been done with it and I hope it opens more in the second book. Then again, I wasn't looking at this like a mystery/thriller so I was a little taken back.
Then there is Daemon. Wait a minute....one more second....OMG!!!!!!!!!!! Can I get a little slice of that heaven every day?!?! I have to say I am in love with his character. Not only is he this masculine, controlling, male hard-on, but he is caring and sweet and so into Paige that you wish you were her. WOW. I'm really intrigued to find out some things about him that you learn throughout the story. And if it is what I think it is...I'm going to cyber-slap him!!! LOL...
All in all, I recommend everyone to read this. When it comes out I will post a link to buy it. You will not be sorry and you will not put it down until you are finished. I can promise you that.
May 29, 2013
*I was given a copy of this book by the author. I do not know the author, but I am thrilled that I was able to read this ARC!*
Holy freakin' hell.... How do I even classify this book?? I know one thing.... I LOVED IT and I'm desperate for the next book CONFLICT.... like NOW!!!... Seriously I've been e-mailing her non-stop because I'm crazy like that for this next book! Hands down M.S. Willis is going places and I know this series is going to be a hit.
Go like her page and tell her Megan sent you!!
https://www.facebook.com/M.S.Willisbo...
Paige aka Damsel
Paige isn't your girl next door. She grew up around a center for battered women. With her 5'10" skinny frame, long blonde hair, and 34-B... she is stubborn and emotionally unavailable...
Daemon ... is there an aka?!? This I have to find out...
"As soon as I caught sight of his clear blue eyes, my breath hitched and I was momentarily stunned silent. I continued my exploration of the person beside me and discovered a chiseled square jaw, lightly sprinkled with five o’clock shadow. His face was framed with messy dark brown hair. My gaze slowly wandered downward and found the most drool worthy broad shoulders a girl could ever ask for. His t-shirt was pulled tight over his chest and biceps and his mid-section dipped down into a perfect ‘V’. His dark blue jeans perfectly accentuated his muscular legs which hung over the edge of the speaker. I looked back up into those eyes and he smiled the most jaw dropping smile, revealing two dimples on either side of his mouth."
Alex
"With jet black hair, silver eyes, a chiseled jaw and a body that is so wonderful artists should memorialize it in sculptures"...
*YES I can see the "BENEFITS" of being friends with him...*
Poor Paige lost her best friend, Buddy, when she was 6 years old after he went to live in foster care. Buddy was so sweet to her. Every time she dreamed of him I kept hoping he would come back or... wishing my happily ever after thoughts would come true! The memories shown to the reader through dreams were never confusing because they were italicized and I'm thankful for that!
“I promise, Paige. I promise that we will see each other again.”
“I love you, Buddy,” I whispered. Buddy’s body shook with the force of his tears and he looked down at me. “I love you too, Paige.”
I was sucked in from the start. Some have mentioned that it moves a little slow, but in my opinion, Willis did this perfectly. There are more books to come and a lot to happen so I think having Control be about building the characters and the relationships and getting the back story, but yet still leaving you with questions is proof of her powerful writing skills and knowledge as an author. Don't get me wrong, there is drama in this book. There is steam in this book...
“Once again, Paige, you are mistaking what I’m saying.” He bent down to whisper against my ear. My breath hitched at his closeness and I tensed up in an attempt to control my body’s reaction to him. “I would never hurt you. I would never do anything to you that you haven’t asked for. There is no crazy bondage shit; no whips, no chains, nothing like that. What I want to do to you doesn’t require props or toys or anything else. Just me and you. But I would control you and I know that you would like it.” ~Daemon
It is sexy.
It is passionate.
Doesn't this book and man sound freakin' hot?!?!
But I fell in love reading this book. I have so many thoughts running through my head about where this series will go. It just flowed so well that I read it twice in two days! It is a book that I will go back to because it made me laugh hysterically and left me intrigued. There are a lot of characters in this book, but it is NEVER overdone. Paige has two best friends - Annie and David. They help add to the humor and drama of the story and by the end I was so emotionally invested in them too, that I almost had a meltdown.
I loved Buddy. I loved Daemon. I loved CONTROL period!
“Like I’ve told you before, I couldn’t care less what or who those other women did once I had my night with them. There was never a question, a concern or an afterthought about them when they left in the morning. But you are different in so many ways, some of which…” He appeared suddenly distant before continuing his statement. “…some of which, you don’t know. I wanted to make it clear to you in the beginning that if this happened between us, I wasn’t going to just walk away and forget I had known you.”
The book isn't your typical love story... I just knew something was coming... and it was...
What makes me desperate for more?
This:
"Daemon and Chris had both played their cards in two very different games, but I would now take control of those decks. Both men would soon learn what I was truly capable of, they would learn that they had underestimated the woman within me. Although their intentions were very different, they had both made their positions known.
This was not the end to the games that had been played against me…it was only just the beginning."
--- You may be wondering who Chris is. Well you'll have to find out when you read the book!
Holy freakin' hell.... How do I even classify this book?? I know one thing.... I LOVED IT and I'm desperate for the next book CONFLICT.... like NOW!!!... Seriously I've been e-mailing her non-stop because I'm crazy like that for this next book! Hands down M.S. Willis is going places and I know this series is going to be a hit.
Go like her page and tell her Megan sent you!!
https://www.facebook.com/M.S.Willisbo...
Paige aka Damsel
Paige isn't your girl next door. She grew up around a center for battered women. With her 5'10" skinny frame, long blonde hair, and 34-B... she is stubborn and emotionally unavailable...
Daemon ... is there an aka?!? This I have to find out...
"As soon as I caught sight of his clear blue eyes, my breath hitched and I was momentarily stunned silent. I continued my exploration of the person beside me and discovered a chiseled square jaw, lightly sprinkled with five o’clock shadow. His face was framed with messy dark brown hair. My gaze slowly wandered downward and found the most drool worthy broad shoulders a girl could ever ask for. His t-shirt was pulled tight over his chest and biceps and his mid-section dipped down into a perfect ‘V’. His dark blue jeans perfectly accentuated his muscular legs which hung over the edge of the speaker. I looked back up into those eyes and he smiled the most jaw dropping smile, revealing two dimples on either side of his mouth."
Alex
"With jet black hair, silver eyes, a chiseled jaw and a body that is so wonderful artists should memorialize it in sculptures"...
*YES I can see the "BENEFITS" of being friends with him...*
Poor Paige lost her best friend, Buddy, when she was 6 years old after he went to live in foster care. Buddy was so sweet to her. Every time she dreamed of him I kept hoping he would come back or... wishing my happily ever after thoughts would come true! The memories shown to the reader through dreams were never confusing because they were italicized and I'm thankful for that!
“I promise, Paige. I promise that we will see each other again.”
“I love you, Buddy,” I whispered. Buddy’s body shook with the force of his tears and he looked down at me. “I love you too, Paige.”
I was sucked in from the start. Some have mentioned that it moves a little slow, but in my opinion, Willis did this perfectly. There are more books to come and a lot to happen so I think having Control be about building the characters and the relationships and getting the back story, but yet still leaving you with questions is proof of her powerful writing skills and knowledge as an author. Don't get me wrong, there is drama in this book. There is steam in this book...
“Once again, Paige, you are mistaking what I’m saying.” He bent down to whisper against my ear. My breath hitched at his closeness and I tensed up in an attempt to control my body’s reaction to him. “I would never hurt you. I would never do anything to you that you haven’t asked for. There is no crazy bondage shit; no whips, no chains, nothing like that. What I want to do to you doesn’t require props or toys or anything else. Just me and you. But I would control you and I know that you would like it.” ~Daemon
It is sexy.
It is passionate.
Doesn't this book and man sound freakin' hot?!?!
But I fell in love reading this book. I have so many thoughts running through my head about where this series will go. It just flowed so well that I read it twice in two days! It is a book that I will go back to because it made me laugh hysterically and left me intrigued. There are a lot of characters in this book, but it is NEVER overdone. Paige has two best friends - Annie and David. They help add to the humor and drama of the story and by the end I was so emotionally invested in them too, that I almost had a meltdown.
I loved Buddy. I loved Daemon. I loved CONTROL period!
“Like I’ve told you before, I couldn’t care less what or who those other women did once I had my night with them. There was never a question, a concern or an afterthought about them when they left in the morning. But you are different in so many ways, some of which…” He appeared suddenly distant before continuing his statement. “…some of which, you don’t know. I wanted to make it clear to you in the beginning that if this happened between us, I wasn’t going to just walk away and forget I had known you.”
The book isn't your typical love story... I just knew something was coming... and it was...
What makes me desperate for more?
This:
"Daemon and Chris had both played their cards in two very different games, but I would now take control of those decks. Both men would soon learn what I was truly capable of, they would learn that they had underestimated the woman within me. Although their intentions were very different, they had both made their positions known.
This was not the end to the games that had been played against me…it was only just the beginning."
--- You may be wondering who Chris is. Well you'll have to find out when you read the book!
June 20, 2013
WOW , I don't even know where to begin with this review. I started this book late yesterday afternoon and as you can see I am down with reading it already. Once I started reading it I could not put it down, and I stopped to sleep lol.
This is an amazing Debut novel By M.S. Willis. She truly knows how to write a story. I was pulled in right from the start and did not look back at all.
We meet Paige when she is 5 yrs old. her parents Own and operate a Center for abused and battered woman. It is there that Paige Meets Buddy, They become the best of friends and are always together, climbing tree's, and playing. Buddy has helped Paige with all of her cuts and bruises from playing. They form a bond like no other kids have ever.
one day Buddy and his mom leave the center. Paige does not see him for a while, but then has a brief encounter with him again when she is 6 yrs old.
They have to be separated again and Buddy makes a promise to Paige.
“I promise, Paige. I promise that we will see each other again.”
“I love you, Buddy,” I whispered. Buddy’s body shook with the force of his tears and he looked down at me. “I love you too, Paige.”
We then meet Paige yrs later when she is 22 yrs old. She has grown into a great independent woman and is currently a PI investigator. She lives with her 2 best friends David, & Annie. then there is her friend Alex who she is friends with benefits.
I absolutely LOVED David and his humor. He was such a strong character as a best friend for Paige. He was funny, but he was protective and humorous at times when it was necessary.
One night she goes out to a bar called Tomb and this is where she meets Daemon one of the bouncers. Something pulls her to him and she can not explain it as she has spent years with herself closed off from all men and other people refusing to love anyone Because of what happened with Buddy.
from there things progress and we get more into the life of Paige and Daemon's relationship. Something happens that brings them closer together by the end of the book. Without going into more detail then that because I do not want to ruin it for anyone.
This book takes you on a ride like no other Book I have read thus far. There is chemistry, there is humor. there is drama, there is steam, but in the end Willis has wrote an amazing story. it has intense moments as well.
I can not wait to see where this series goes and I will be anxiously waiting for book 2. No there is NO cliffhanger per say but it does leaving you wanting more right now, because you will want to find out what happens with Paige and Daemon.
"Daemon and Chris had both played their cards in two very different games, but I would now take control of those decks. Both men would soon learn what I was truly capable of, they would learn that they had underestimated the woman within me. Although their intentions were very different, they had both made their positions known.
This was not the end to the games that had been played against me…it was only just the beginning."
Want to know who Chris is? LOL your going to have to read the book, you all know I do not like to give to much away in my reviews !!!!!!!
Book Blurb:
Paige Stone lived anything but a normal childhood. Having been raised around an abused women's shelter operated by her parents, Paige was a constant witness to the tragedy and heartache suffered by women at the hands of the men they trusted. Out of refusal to ever allow that to happen to her,... Paige built walls around her heart at a young age. Those walls were only fortified when tragedy struck on her sixth birthday and took from her the only friend and love she knew. Now at 22 years old, and working as a private investigator, Paige is driven by a deep need for strength, independence and a stubborn refusal to accept help from another person. Surrounding herself with her three best friends, Paige never assumed that the autonomy she had worked so hard to build could be challenged.
That was, until Paige met Daemon Pierce.
Mysterious, strong-willed, and breathtakingly beautiful, Daemon seemed to instantly know Paige better than she knew herself. Paige is disgusted by Daemon's reputation as a womanizer, but becomes intrigued when she is unable to discover his background. Paige's curiosity about Daemon proves to be her downfall as she is swept up in his charming and arrogant pursuit to possess her in every possible way.
For the first time in her life, Paige will struggle for control while Daemon slowly dismantles the walls she has built around herself. Only time will tell who will be victorious in their battle of wills as Daemon teaches Paige the weaknesses within herself that she never knew existed. Paige stays one step ahead in her struggle against Daemon's controlling ways, but when tragedy strikes her life a second time, she has to choose; will she put her life in danger, or will she finally accept a helping hand?
***Content Warning - This is a new adult fiction with mature themes. It contains graphic sexual situations, mature language and explicit description of sexual violence.***
This is an amazing Debut novel By M.S. Willis. She truly knows how to write a story. I was pulled in right from the start and did not look back at all.
We meet Paige when she is 5 yrs old. her parents Own and operate a Center for abused and battered woman. It is there that Paige Meets Buddy, They become the best of friends and are always together, climbing tree's, and playing. Buddy has helped Paige with all of her cuts and bruises from playing. They form a bond like no other kids have ever.
one day Buddy and his mom leave the center. Paige does not see him for a while, but then has a brief encounter with him again when she is 6 yrs old.
They have to be separated again and Buddy makes a promise to Paige.
“I promise, Paige. I promise that we will see each other again.”
“I love you, Buddy,” I whispered. Buddy’s body shook with the force of his tears and he looked down at me. “I love you too, Paige.”
We then meet Paige yrs later when she is 22 yrs old. She has grown into a great independent woman and is currently a PI investigator. She lives with her 2 best friends David, & Annie. then there is her friend Alex who she is friends with benefits.
I absolutely LOVED David and his humor. He was such a strong character as a best friend for Paige. He was funny, but he was protective and humorous at times when it was necessary.
One night she goes out to a bar called Tomb and this is where she meets Daemon one of the bouncers. Something pulls her to him and she can not explain it as she has spent years with herself closed off from all men and other people refusing to love anyone Because of what happened with Buddy.
from there things progress and we get more into the life of Paige and Daemon's relationship. Something happens that brings them closer together by the end of the book. Without going into more detail then that because I do not want to ruin it for anyone.
This book takes you on a ride like no other Book I have read thus far. There is chemistry, there is humor. there is drama, there is steam, but in the end Willis has wrote an amazing story. it has intense moments as well.
I can not wait to see where this series goes and I will be anxiously waiting for book 2. No there is NO cliffhanger per say but it does leaving you wanting more right now, because you will want to find out what happens with Paige and Daemon.
"Daemon and Chris had both played their cards in two very different games, but I would now take control of those decks. Both men would soon learn what I was truly capable of, they would learn that they had underestimated the woman within me. Although their intentions were very different, they had both made their positions known.
This was not the end to the games that had been played against me…it was only just the beginning."
Want to know who Chris is? LOL your going to have to read the book, you all know I do not like to give to much away in my reviews !!!!!!!
Book Blurb:
Paige Stone lived anything but a normal childhood. Having been raised around an abused women's shelter operated by her parents, Paige was a constant witness to the tragedy and heartache suffered by women at the hands of the men they trusted. Out of refusal to ever allow that to happen to her,... Paige built walls around her heart at a young age. Those walls were only fortified when tragedy struck on her sixth birthday and took from her the only friend and love she knew. Now at 22 years old, and working as a private investigator, Paige is driven by a deep need for strength, independence and a stubborn refusal to accept help from another person. Surrounding herself with her three best friends, Paige never assumed that the autonomy she had worked so hard to build could be challenged.
That was, until Paige met Daemon Pierce.
Mysterious, strong-willed, and breathtakingly beautiful, Daemon seemed to instantly know Paige better than she knew herself. Paige is disgusted by Daemon's reputation as a womanizer, but becomes intrigued when she is unable to discover his background. Paige's curiosity about Daemon proves to be her downfall as she is swept up in his charming and arrogant pursuit to possess her in every possible way.
For the first time in her life, Paige will struggle for control while Daemon slowly dismantles the walls she has built around herself. Only time will tell who will be victorious in their battle of wills as Daemon teaches Paige the weaknesses within herself that she never knew existed. Paige stays one step ahead in her struggle against Daemon's controlling ways, but when tragedy strikes her life a second time, she has to choose; will she put her life in danger, or will she finally accept a helping hand?
***Content Warning - This is a new adult fiction with mature themes. It contains graphic sexual situations, mature language and explicit description of sexual violence.***
May 28, 2013
What an amazing debut novel! There's no doubt in my mind that M.S. Willis will be a huge hit once this book is released. The writing was seriously better and/or comparable to author's who've published multiple books. I got so wrapped up in the story line that I finished reading it the same day I started! The imagery was excellent, the story literally played out like a movie in my mind. Usually I can more or less guess what the ending will be or how things will play out, but I was just so consumed by this story I didn't even think ahead. I was going page by page, living in each moment, letting the story unfold on its own. And what a story! The characters were well developed & intriguing. Control had the perfect blend of sex, drama and action, with a tiny bit of humor thrown in every once in a while. Basically its a well balance novel with an awesome story line and perfect execution! I'm definitely a fan.
My quick blurb:
Having grown up around an abused women's shelter run by her parents, Paige Stone has developed quite a back-bone and a no nonsense policy as far as the opposite sex is concerned. Having witnessed all the heartache & tragedy that walked through those shelter doors she's vowed not to let the same fate befall her. I absolutely loved her strength & conviction. She can fend for herself, in most cases, and finds comfort in having total control of herself and her life. And then comes Daemon Pierce. The name alone drives me crazy (in a good way) b/c it reminds of Damon from the Vampire Diaries). But anyway, Daemon is tall, dark and gorgeous...and at first glance appears to be quite the womanizer. He ignites emotions in Paige that she didn't know she was capable of feeling, and she soon realizes that he also likes to be in control. Daemon wants nothing more than to tear down the walls that Paige has so carefully constructed around herself, but first she needs to learn to let go and let him in.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel & simply can't praise it enough! I seriously can't wait to read the next book, Conflict!
My quick blurb:
Having grown up around an abused women's shelter run by her parents, Paige Stone has developed quite a back-bone and a no nonsense policy as far as the opposite sex is concerned. Having witnessed all the heartache & tragedy that walked through those shelter doors she's vowed not to let the same fate befall her. I absolutely loved her strength & conviction. She can fend for herself, in most cases, and finds comfort in having total control of herself and her life. And then comes Daemon Pierce. The name alone drives me crazy (in a good way) b/c it reminds of Damon from the Vampire Diaries). But anyway, Daemon is tall, dark and gorgeous...and at first glance appears to be quite the womanizer. He ignites emotions in Paige that she didn't know she was capable of feeling, and she soon realizes that he also likes to be in control. Daemon wants nothing more than to tear down the walls that Paige has so carefully constructed around herself, but first she needs to learn to let go and let him in.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel & simply can't praise it enough! I seriously can't wait to read the next book, Conflict!
November 2, 2013
The book reads like a beginners writing class with way too much wordiness and a general lack of flow. The dialogue wasn't natural and the characters weren't believable...for example, how many 5 year old girls would say to their mothers, upon being summoned inside from playing, "ok, momma...I'll be in shortly."
It was as if the author was trying to sound literary or at the very least, up her word count! It was very distracting to get that amount of detail in EVERY scene and sentence. Left nothing to the imagination. For instance, it couldn't be that Paige got up to begin her day...this author would instead say,
"Paige pushed aside the covers, stood up and put a pair of shorts on followed by a t-shirt. She then made her way to the bathroom, where she proceeded to close the door, retrieve the toothpaste from the top drawer and brush her teeth. NEXT she peed and went to turn on the shower. She waited for the water to warm up. Once the water warmed up, Paige entered the stall and proceeded to take a shower...."
Every scene was like that!!! See what I mean by wordy and leaves nothing to the imagination?? I mean all three books in the series read like a play-by-play account of mundane daily activities. What's upsetting is that hidden behind the mundane wordiness is a pretty good story with characters you could grow to care for if given the chance!
Find an editor. Rewrite the series into one 400 page novel. Strip all the unnecessary descriptive junk and let the plot weave the story...and have a little faith in your readers ability to fill in the blanks! My goodness...we know what it looks like to brush your teeth and pee in the morning! No need to help us visualize it in detail!!
It was as if the author was trying to sound literary or at the very least, up her word count! It was very distracting to get that amount of detail in EVERY scene and sentence. Left nothing to the imagination. For instance, it couldn't be that Paige got up to begin her day...this author would instead say,
"Paige pushed aside the covers, stood up and put a pair of shorts on followed by a t-shirt. She then made her way to the bathroom, where she proceeded to close the door, retrieve the toothpaste from the top drawer and brush her teeth. NEXT she peed and went to turn on the shower. She waited for the water to warm up. Once the water warmed up, Paige entered the stall and proceeded to take a shower...."
Every scene was like that!!! See what I mean by wordy and leaves nothing to the imagination?? I mean all three books in the series read like a play-by-play account of mundane daily activities. What's upsetting is that hidden behind the mundane wordiness is a pretty good story with characters you could grow to care for if given the chance!
Find an editor. Rewrite the series into one 400 page novel. Strip all the unnecessary descriptive junk and let the plot weave the story...and have a little faith in your readers ability to fill in the blanks! My goodness...we know what it looks like to brush your teeth and pee in the morning! No need to help us visualize it in detail!!
January 19, 2014
Despite the ENORMOUS cliffhanger at the end of this book (or rather, non-end), I will not be reading the next book in this series because of the fact that this book was just not good. Among my many complaints, the strongest are 1) Paige is freaking annoying. She is described as stubborn and obstinate by numerous characters, but I must say that these words do not come close to describing how BELLIGERENT and MORONIC she is at every step of this book. She has no good reason for her irritating "independent" woman bull-crap and her personality and behavior is consistently contradicting her supposed values of raging female independence. Example: she keeps a friends with benefits, even though she knows he is in love with her, simply because she secretly cannot stand the idea of being without a man. She consistently hounds and berates Annie for her choice in men, but she is the one with the relationship problems. I just really hate everything about her. As for Daemon, I really do not know enough about him to make a judgement call except for his physicality (which is described AT LENGTH). The reader is often prompted by the author to find Daemon intriguing and mysterious, but in reality he is just a wealthy guy going after an "untameable" woman because he enjoys having control over the difficult to control. I am calling it right now, he is Buddy all grown-up. It would be interesting to see how the author explains this bit, but I am almost certain that one entertaining part will be a let down so I still will not be reading the next book. Alex and David were the most compelling characters to me. I would read a novel about them and hopefully Paige is gone so I do not have to deal with her horrendously unappealing personality anymore.
May 30, 2013
This is the Story of Paige.Paige has walls built up and keeps people out.She doesnt do relationships.She is self reliant and she doesnt need anyone.Until she meets Daemon Pierce.Something draws her to him.I enjoyed this book.The Secondary characters were greaI feel it was well written but I think it could have been a bit longer.I think the ending could have finished better.I understand there will be a book two,which I am very looking forward too.It just felt as if the ending was rushed.You had this huge event take place and then the book just sort of ended.When the event happened and I saw how the book was almost done I was like whats going on?This is the climax and yet the story is almost over,whats going on?Im pretty sure I already have it figured out just who Daemon Pierce is to Paige and how he ties into her history.I think that could have been put into book one instead of making us wait until Book two.It was just that I needed the book to slow down or be a bit longer with all that went on I didnt get a good grip on Daemon and Paige's relationship and I think there needed to be a few more scenes with the two of them.I know it seems like im being overly critical but Im not trying to come across as that way. I truly enjoyed the book and Look forward to the next one in the series.
May 30, 2013
This book hit so close to home. As a child and having watched my mother go through physical and mental abuse of the hands of my father I cannot tell you how this book has opened those wounds. Despite that openness, I understand and appreciate the storyline and was sucked in from the beginning. I look forward to the book Conflict and can't wait to see where the story goes. I think having been witness to things like Paige I am a little more receptive to her stubbornness and the need to control herself and not relinquish the control to anyone else...I see though its okay to let others in...
November 20, 2013
Good Book! I wish I didn't have to go through two more books to get the whole story. Paige is a hard headed stubborn female, pissed me off at times. DAEMON was hot ALPHA, just my type. If I didn't think I knew who Daemon really was then I would've found him unbelievable. Within 24hrs he was really over protective, I knew who 'he' was. (At least I think anyway?) I really want to know the conclusion, so I will definitely read on. BUT I hope the story doesn't drag. Good thing I don't have to wait! :)
March 31, 2014
Not what I expected...
Not what I expected...
I so loved the Estate series. It was such a deliciously dark read so when I came across this one with the same graphic warnings, I had high hopes. I was really disappointed. Paige was REALLY annoying. She is so stubborn and takes offense at every little thing. I expected a true alpha taking control of her in dark, dirty ways and what I got was a silk scarf and amused chuckles at her defensive independence. I don't think I will finish the series.
Not what I expected...
I so loved the Estate series. It was such a deliciously dark read so when I came across this one with the same graphic warnings, I had high hopes. I was really disappointed. Paige was REALLY annoying. She is so stubborn and takes offense at every little thing. I expected a true alpha taking control of her in dark, dirty ways and what I got was a silk scarf and amused chuckles at her defensive independence. I don't think I will finish the series.
January 22, 2014
I did not finish this book. It was awful, and so immature i was so disappointment with this book. I love this author, but this book was just down right AWFUL. I wanted to like it, and i read up to 57% but it just kept getting worse and worse as i turned the page. I seldom do not read a book no matter how bad it is, but this was over the top.
August 29, 2013
Have you ever had those experiences where you know you were meant to read a book? Well this series is one of those experiences. A blogger friend asked if I would like to read this in exchange for an honest review. I was more than happy to help out and read the book. I am not even sure if OMG is strong enough for how I felt about this story. I was so sick yesterday and spent most of my day on the sofa, but no matter how hard I tried to rest, the story of Paige and Daemon wouldn't leave me alone, so I would grab my tissues and kindle and cough along as I read.
Paige being raised at a battered woman's shelter, she was forced to see the horrible conditions of women who were trying to escape abusive men. Paige meeting her best friend Buddy in the shelter made a lasting bond that would affect her life forever. Paige's parents run the shelter and she was given love and support by her parents, but Buddy and his mother had run to the shelter seeking protection and support. Buddy became Paige's protector instead, tending to her many scrapes and cuts as she was known to fall constantly and teaching her to never give up. Always brush yourself off after a fall and keep moving forward.
On Paige's sixth birthday the world came crashing in on her and she decided it was best to build walls around her heart and never let anyone as close to her as Buddy had gotten. After both Paige and Buddy watch his mother and father die, they were separated for what appeared to be forever. Buddy into foster care, Paige back to the security of her parents home, but the nightmares of that day never left Paige. She had given Buddy her birthday necklace, a dragonfly before he was taken and they both promised they would see each other again.
Many years later, Paige still has the walls and a dragonfly tattoo but what really haunts her are the nightmares and memories of the one true soul mate she lost when she was six. Her friends try to convince her that maybe it is time she lets someone in, but she just isn't ready to give any more of her heart to anyone else till Daemon rescues her from being crushed in the pit at his bar. What could have been the one thing to turn her from him in an instant, turns out to be the thing that makes her have to seek him out more. He called her a Damsel in Distress. Daemon is a God, he can control her with just his voice. He is a strong male who wants to protect what is his, but he also realizes that Paige doesn't know the difference between being independent and dangerously stupid when it comes to asking for help. He is going to have a huge job with her and I can hardly wait to see how he manages to keep her safe.
This book has such intensity to it, I couldn't put it down. Paige has to defend herself against a drunk in the bar, resulting in her breaking his finger and being rescued once again by Daemon. But the drunk whose name is Chris has a major role in her life. We still don't know if Buddy is back by the end of book one, but it leaves you wondering if maybe he hasn't reappeared and is changing the future for Paige. The characters in this book are so developed, I even bonded with David and Annie, her roommates. As the book ended we still don't know what is going to happen to them and I find it amazing that I even care. I tend to not get to invested with side characters, but there was no way to avoid it in this story.
There are scenes at the end of the book that I will caution people who are timid about rape and abuse. I found it was making my heart race and I felt the panic, but it was written with great care to only give enough details so you knew what was happening, but not so over the top it would cause great damage to the reader. I feel an urgent need to get book two immediately so I can continue this journey with Paige and Daemon and I pray that we don't have to watch Paige's heart-break if we find out Buddy has returned as promised but not in a positive way.
Paige being raised at a battered woman's shelter, she was forced to see the horrible conditions of women who were trying to escape abusive men. Paige meeting her best friend Buddy in the shelter made a lasting bond that would affect her life forever. Paige's parents run the shelter and she was given love and support by her parents, but Buddy and his mother had run to the shelter seeking protection and support. Buddy became Paige's protector instead, tending to her many scrapes and cuts as she was known to fall constantly and teaching her to never give up. Always brush yourself off after a fall and keep moving forward.
On Paige's sixth birthday the world came crashing in on her and she decided it was best to build walls around her heart and never let anyone as close to her as Buddy had gotten. After both Paige and Buddy watch his mother and father die, they were separated for what appeared to be forever. Buddy into foster care, Paige back to the security of her parents home, but the nightmares of that day never left Paige. She had given Buddy her birthday necklace, a dragonfly before he was taken and they both promised they would see each other again.
Many years later, Paige still has the walls and a dragonfly tattoo but what really haunts her are the nightmares and memories of the one true soul mate she lost when she was six. Her friends try to convince her that maybe it is time she lets someone in, but she just isn't ready to give any more of her heart to anyone else till Daemon rescues her from being crushed in the pit at his bar. What could have been the one thing to turn her from him in an instant, turns out to be the thing that makes her have to seek him out more. He called her a Damsel in Distress. Daemon is a God, he can control her with just his voice. He is a strong male who wants to protect what is his, but he also realizes that Paige doesn't know the difference between being independent and dangerously stupid when it comes to asking for help. He is going to have a huge job with her and I can hardly wait to see how he manages to keep her safe.
This book has such intensity to it, I couldn't put it down. Paige has to defend herself against a drunk in the bar, resulting in her breaking his finger and being rescued once again by Daemon. But the drunk whose name is Chris has a major role in her life. We still don't know if Buddy is back by the end of book one, but it leaves you wondering if maybe he hasn't reappeared and is changing the future for Paige. The characters in this book are so developed, I even bonded with David and Annie, her roommates. As the book ended we still don't know what is going to happen to them and I find it amazing that I even care. I tend to not get to invested with side characters, but there was no way to avoid it in this story.
There are scenes at the end of the book that I will caution people who are timid about rape and abuse. I found it was making my heart race and I felt the panic, but it was written with great care to only give enough details so you knew what was happening, but not so over the top it would cause great damage to the reader. I feel an urgent need to get book two immediately so I can continue this journey with Paige and Daemon and I pray that we don't have to watch Paige's heart-break if we find out Buddy has returned as promised but not in a positive way.
May 21, 2013
Being around women who have been abused all her life, Paige has made sure that she knows how to take care of herself. What started out as a night out changed when Daemon rescues her from being squashed in the mosh pit, he seems to keep showing up whenever she’s in trouble. When a man tries to attack her at a bar, she does what she does best and shows him who is boss, and of course Daemon is there to back her up.
Who is the mysterious Daemon and what is his fascination with Paige? And will Paige be able to give control over to him when he wants her too? All of that changes when the past catches up with her and leaves pain in its wake.
How much strength does Paige have, and will she finally be able to ask for help when she needs it?
This book was amazing! I will be perfectly honest here, as if I’m not when I do a review, but anywhoooo when I first started reading this book, I was unsure if I would enjoy it. But let me tell you, a book that can make you laugh it completely worth reading more of! There were several parts of this book that I laughed so hard that I almost cried, and there were parts where I felt horrible for what Paige was going through. (I know how hard it is to lose a coffee pot; I have lived through that with my mom!)
Paige’s character was well written to where she seemed like an average girl, there wasn’t anything that was crazy about her that made her stand out from the crowd. (And yes that’s a great thing in my opinion.) Daemon’s character, you could tell is full of secrets, and I can’t wait to find out more from his past. I have my suspicion’s, but I am not completely sure yet. (This is another thing that I have really enjoyed!)
The other characters in this book, even if they have a small role in it, are written extremely well also. M.S. didn’t just coast over their personalities, she gave each of them their own and you could tell that when the characters thought and felt in different circumstances.
One thing that I really enjoyed that M.S. was able to do with this book, was there were parts that were very serious, yet she didn’t let that tone take over the whole book. You could almost feel the different emotions that everyone had in the different aspects of the book. The cliffhanger at the end was killer!! And oh my gosh, I can’t wait for the next book in the series!
***I received a copy of this book from the author for an honest review***
Who is the mysterious Daemon and what is his fascination with Paige? And will Paige be able to give control over to him when he wants her too? All of that changes when the past catches up with her and leaves pain in its wake.
How much strength does Paige have, and will she finally be able to ask for help when she needs it?
This book was amazing! I will be perfectly honest here, as if I’m not when I do a review, but anywhoooo when I first started reading this book, I was unsure if I would enjoy it. But let me tell you, a book that can make you laugh it completely worth reading more of! There were several parts of this book that I laughed so hard that I almost cried, and there were parts where I felt horrible for what Paige was going through. (I know how hard it is to lose a coffee pot; I have lived through that with my mom!)
Paige’s character was well written to where she seemed like an average girl, there wasn’t anything that was crazy about her that made her stand out from the crowd. (And yes that’s a great thing in my opinion.) Daemon’s character, you could tell is full of secrets, and I can’t wait to find out more from his past. I have my suspicion’s, but I am not completely sure yet. (This is another thing that I have really enjoyed!)
The other characters in this book, even if they have a small role in it, are written extremely well also. M.S. didn’t just coast over their personalities, she gave each of them their own and you could tell that when the characters thought and felt in different circumstances.
One thing that I really enjoyed that M.S. was able to do with this book, was there were parts that were very serious, yet she didn’t let that tone take over the whole book. You could almost feel the different emotions that everyone had in the different aspects of the book. The cliffhanger at the end was killer!! And oh my gosh, I can’t wait for the next book in the series!
***I received a copy of this book from the author for an honest review***
October 14, 2013
4.5 Dragonfly Stars
Sometimes you just want your first best friend back to give you a hug. But those hugging days are gone. And you are left protecting yourself. Cause your first best friend isn't there to do it for you. That's what this book is about. What happens to you to make you need to protect yourself. How you go about doing that and what or who can break through those barriers.
Paige had a lovely childhood with a great first best friend. Until that one day when something happened that caused her to lose her friend and her trust. Now she depends on herself. She has friends, but she never lets anyone get too close.
Daemon meets Paige and wants to take care of her. He needs control. He wants to control Paige and her decisions. As much as Paige wants to resist, she also wants to let someone in. She hasn't done that in so long.
Paige and Daemon are Hot, Hot, Hot. The secondary characters are fun and loveable. But there is so much to overcome. Paige's past. Daemon's mysterious lack of a past. The crazy boyfriend of the roommate. And OMG...is he crazy. This is the first in the series of three. Don't expect an ending. Be ready to One Click immediately upon finishing, 'cause you will want the next one. Like NOW. And a hug. You will need a hug.
Sometimes you just want your first best friend back to give you a hug. But those hugging days are gone. And you are left protecting yourself. Cause your first best friend isn't there to do it for you. That's what this book is about. What happens to you to make you need to protect yourself. How you go about doing that and what or who can break through those barriers.
Paige had a lovely childhood with a great first best friend. Until that one day when something happened that caused her to lose her friend and her trust. Now she depends on herself. She has friends, but she never lets anyone get too close.
Daemon meets Paige and wants to take care of her. He needs control. He wants to control Paige and her decisions. As much as Paige wants to resist, she also wants to let someone in. She hasn't done that in so long.
Paige and Daemon are Hot, Hot, Hot. The secondary characters are fun and loveable. But there is so much to overcome. Paige's past. Daemon's mysterious lack of a past. The crazy boyfriend of the roommate. And OMG...is he crazy. This is the first in the series of three. Don't expect an ending. Be ready to One Click immediately upon finishing, 'cause you will want the next one. Like NOW. And a hug. You will need a hug.
July 22, 2013
I thought this book was good, but the character building really ticked me off. I'm debating on buying book two because of the last paragraph in book one. I don't like the way the author took the emphasis off Daemon to create Chris. It really nullified the control he had by making Chris the bad guy. I was stumped as to why the book even took this direction. Apparently books these days need so many freaking directions so you can get confused as to what is really going on. I don't understand Paige. The last paragraph has her taking back her life, I'm not sure I agree because it seemed like to me she is an idiot. After what Chris did to her friends and what she grew up seeing it seems her life lessons have just told her to lie to herself about whatever pitiful control she actually thinks she has. People around her get hurt and she has rose colored goggles on about how she will live her life. WTH!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 16, 2013
I had the honor to be asked to read an ARC of this book and be a beta reader for the author. I knew it was her first book and honestly was not expecting much even though I had been told by a long time friend that it was a really good book. So, I started it not expecting much. I was amazed! Left speechless even. It was so much better than I was told. It is a very emotional book and has some touchy subject in it. I don't want to spoil anything at all. I will say that it has you laughing in parts, and I mean I was laughing so hard I was crying. Then crying with your heart actually aching for the characters and your heart racing. It's got lust, love, hot sex, smiles, and thrills. It really was an amazing book and I am looking forward to the next book in the series. M.S. Willis is an author to expect great things from with this being an amazing first book.
May 24, 2013
I really enjoyed every minute of this book. Paige is very stubborn & strong willed, but once she meets Daemon oh my, my, my, he slices right into that stubbornness. I loved David, Alex & Annie, the characters in this book comes to life because you will feel like you're reading about your friends. This book had a little bit of everything, steamy sex scenes (check), hot male character (check), comedy (check). You guys will love this book, for this being Melissa's first book I must say that I am very impressed.
October 20, 2013
Wow what a fun book. Totally loved this one. It reminded me a bit of the Heller series which i adored. Totally recommend this book.
The good
1) I loved the characters. Daemon and Paige were awesome as well as Paige's friends.
2) This one kept me on my toes. I had no idea how it would progress and the ending was crazy.
3) I can't wait to read book 2 I am so excited & nervous
4) The book had a really nice flow and pace to it
5) I loved the transition from past to present
6) Sexy times!
The bad
1) What happened to Matt?
The good
1) I loved the characters. Daemon and Paige were awesome as well as Paige's friends.
2) This one kept me on my toes. I had no idea how it would progress and the ending was crazy.
3) I can't wait to read book 2 I am so excited & nervous
4) The book had a really nice flow and pace to it
5) I loved the transition from past to present
6) Sexy times!
The bad
1) What happened to Matt?
June 3, 2013
Bought this as was an amazon 'recommended for you' and I will now be recommending to others! Was a great storyline, intriguing characters, and I cannot wait for the next book!!! I love where this one's heading and I am so frustrated that I cannot read number 2 right now!!!
Can see this being a best selling trilogy :-)
Can see this being a best selling trilogy :-)
July 17, 2013
I actually really enjoyed reading this book and it was a great start to the series! Love the characters and it was surprisingly really funny at times. I honestly had nothing negative to say about it and I'm starting Conflict right now! If you like Leo by Mia Sheridan, I think you'll enjoy this story!
August 25, 2015
I just finished this book and in all honesty it is one of the best books I have read so far this year. I have added another favorite author to my list with this book and I really can't wait for the second book to find out what happens and see if all my questions are finally answered.
July 17, 2013
4-4.5 stars --
Moving on to book 2!!
Moving on to book 2!!
May 7, 2020
Growing up in woman’s abused center taught Paige how to handle herself around abusive men. Abuse came knocking on her door bringing with it a beautiful innocent young boy. This boy became her best friend in the short amount of time they spent together. She never outgrew the bond she developed with him as the years poured on.
Overall:
So this a different read. I’m not used to this type of writing from MS Willis aka Lily White. It seems I’ve stumbled across her debut book. While I appreciate the beginning point of her writing journey I wasn’t blown away by this book. But I must compliment how much she improved in her writing skills because The Estate series was a great series.
The cover makes perfect sense once you read a few chapters. Mystery solved. Found out why the book was titled Control. It seemed pretty obvious, but I had to be sure.
I prefer dialogue driven stories and this wasn’t driven by emotion, pain, or heartache. Paige’s character had some good qualities yet she wasn’t the fighter I typically find in Lily White’s books. Her fight was with herself in the sense she couldn’t break free from the connection she built with a six year old boy. The connection was limited to a few past scenes.
The words are not pulling me in the way her darker stories do. I love that she has grown so much as a writer from this debut book. I’m glad this was not my first introduction to MS Willis or Lily White for I would’ve missed out on so many excellent books.
Most of the dialogue was a play by play of each characters actions which didn’t leave much to the imagination for the reader.
Although we learn that Paige is a private investigator very little was mentioned about her job. The story mainly focused on building a new relationship between Paige and Daemon. The friends and roommates who were supporting characters got quite a bit of story time in this book. Apparently all characters will proceed into book 2 with a conclusion completing the series in book 3.
Overall:
So this a different read. I’m not used to this type of writing from MS Willis aka Lily White. It seems I’ve stumbled across her debut book. While I appreciate the beginning point of her writing journey I wasn’t blown away by this book. But I must compliment how much she improved in her writing skills because The Estate series was a great series.
The cover makes perfect sense once you read a few chapters. Mystery solved. Found out why the book was titled Control. It seemed pretty obvious, but I had to be sure.
I prefer dialogue driven stories and this wasn’t driven by emotion, pain, or heartache. Paige’s character had some good qualities yet she wasn’t the fighter I typically find in Lily White’s books. Her fight was with herself in the sense she couldn’t break free from the connection she built with a six year old boy. The connection was limited to a few past scenes.
The words are not pulling me in the way her darker stories do. I love that she has grown so much as a writer from this debut book. I’m glad this was not my first introduction to MS Willis or Lily White for I would’ve missed out on so many excellent books.
Most of the dialogue was a play by play of each characters actions which didn’t leave much to the imagination for the reader.
Although we learn that Paige is a private investigator very little was mentioned about her job. The story mainly focused on building a new relationship between Paige and Daemon. The friends and roommates who were supporting characters got quite a bit of story time in this book. Apparently all characters will proceed into book 2 with a conclusion completing the series in book 3.
November 15, 2025
I just didn’t connect with this book. The interactions between the friend group felt forced, and the characters honestly got on my nerves.
The heroine keeps repeating how much she hates being called a damsel in distress, how she’s a strong, independent woman… but it’s all talk. She is a damsel in distress the entire time! And for someone who’s supposedly a private investigator, she makes one stupid decision after another. It felt like watching a child play detective — hiding, spying, and having no idea what she’s doing.
Nope. Just not for me. And I definitely won’t be reading the second book.
The heroine keeps repeating how much she hates being called a damsel in distress, how she’s a strong, independent woman… but it’s all talk. She is a damsel in distress the entire time! And for someone who’s supposedly a private investigator, she makes one stupid decision after another. It felt like watching a child play detective — hiding, spying, and having no idea what she’s doing.
Nope. Just not for me. And I definitely won’t be reading the second book.
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