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Inside Out #4.5

My Control

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Mark's POV novella

I have lost the man I once was, letting guilt and heartache define who I am. Darkness has controlled me, and one woman has seen what no one else has seen in me, what I do not wish to exist. My hunger for her has driven me to the edge of sanity, but no more. She's about to find out that the Master has returned.

63 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 8, 2014

73 people are currently reading
2828 people want to read

About the author

Lisa Renee Jones

373 books14.6k followers
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Lisa Renee Jones is the author of the highly acclaimed INSIDE OUT series. Suzanne Todd (producer of Alice in Wonderland) on the INSIDE OUT series: Lisa has created a beautiful, complicated, and sensual world that is filled with intrigue and suspense. Sara’s character is strong, flawed, complex, and sexy - a modern girl we all can identify with.

In addition to the success of Lisa's INSIDE OUT series, she has published many successful titles. The TALL, DARK AND DEADLY series and THE SECRET LIFE OF AMY BENSEN series, both spent several months on a combination of the New York Times and USA Today bestselling lists. Lisa is presently working on a dark, edgy new series, Dirty Money, for St. Martin's Press.
Prior to publishing Lisa owned multi-state staffing agency that was recognized many times by The Austin Business Journal and also praised by the Dallas Women's Magazine. In 1998 Lisa was listed as the #7 growing women owned business in Entrepreneur Magazine.

Lisa loves to hear from her readers. You can reach her at www.lisareneejones.com and she is active on Twitter and Facebook daily.

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Profile Image for Lisa Jones.
Author 373 books14.6k followers
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April 25, 2022
Start the scorching and suspenseful Inside Out series for just $1.99 FOR A LIMITED TIME! Then binge read the entire series!

The story of my heart and soul is on sale! IF I WERE YOU, the first book in my Inside Out series is just $1.99 for a few days - if you haven't started the series yet, now is the perfect time to do so! The entire series is available now and complete! For those of you wondering about the Hollywood update, this has been what I call a champagne and roller coaster ride. We've been at Starz, Paramount, and more. We've been ready to cast. We were about to film a pilot when covid hit. So if you still want to see it made, remind everyone how much! Tell the world about the sale and share, share, share! Remind them this project is still important! TEN YEARS it's been in Hollywood with so many almost-there stories. I'd need a big drink to tell you all the ways it's ALMOST been done. I believe this series is the best I ever wrote and ever will write again because it's that special to me.

GET IF I WERE YOU FOR $1.99
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Series page: https://www.lisareneejones.com/the-in...

ABOUT IF I WERE YOU
How It All Started…

One day I was a high school teacher on summer break, leading a relatively uneventful but happy life. Or so I told myself. Later, I’d question that, as I would question pretty much everything I knew about me, my relationships, and my desires. It all began when my neighbor thrust a key to a storage unit at me. She’d bought it to make extra money after watching some storage auction show. Now she was on her way to the airport to elope with a man she barely knew, and she needed me to clear out the unit before the lease expired.

Soon, I was standing inside a small room that held the intimate details of another woman’s life, feeling uncomfortable, as if I was invading her privacy. Why had she let these items so neatly packed, possessions that she clearly cared about deeply, be lost at an auction? Driven to find out by some unnamed force, I began to dig, to discover this woman’s life, and yes, read her journals—dark, erotic journals that I had no business reading. Once I started, I couldn’t stop. I read on obsessively, living out fantasies through her words that I’d never dare experience on my own, compelled by the three men in her life, none of whom had names. I read onward until the last terrifying dark entry left me certain that something had happened to this woman. I had to find her and be sure she was okay.

Before long, I was taking her job for the summer at the art gallery, living her life, and she was nowhere to be found. I was becoming someone I didn’t know. I was becoming her.

The dark, passion it becomes…

Now, I am working at a prestigious gallery, where I have always dreamed of being, and I’ve been delivered to the doorstep of several men, all of which I envision as one I’ve read about in the journal. But there is one man that will call to me, that will awaken me in ways I never believed possible. That man is the ruggedly sexy artist, Chris Merit, who wants to paint me. He is rich and famous, and dark in ways I shouldn’t find intriguing, but I do. I so do. I don’t understand why his dark side appeals to me, but the attraction between us is rich with velvety promises of satisfaction. Chris is dark, and so are his desires, but I cannot turn away. He is damaged beneath his confident good looks and need for control, and in some way, I feel he needs me. I need him.

All I know for certain is that he knows me like I don’t even know me, and he says I know him. Still, I keep asking myself — do I know him? Did he know her, the journal writer, and where is she? And why doesn’t it seem to matter anymore? There is just him and me, and the burn for more.
Profile Image for Michelle.
2,082 reviews895 followers
October 14, 2014
ARC received on behalf of Gallery, Threshold, Pocket Books; via NetGallery.

Mark Compton is slowly losing control. The one thing that has kept him centered for years, it is slipping at a rapid pace and beyond the whirlwind of the investigation into Rebecca's whereabouts there is one woman that he finds is at the eye of his storm. Crystal. He shouldn't allow himself to let go with her, he should keep her as far away from him as he can. But he just simply can't.

Crystal has made her way to LA, after discovering that the control that Mark craves is a bit more kinky that she thought; she is there to help him not only with Allure, but to ease some of the stress that the investigation is causing him & Riptide. Things quickly heat up between these two and even though Mark knows it is wrong, it is the only thing that is keeping him together. Touching her is something that he's begun to crave and he's even willing to let go of a little bit of control if it means he gets to do it.
------------------------

I am still holding out hope for Mark. Although I completely understand this mess of a man he's turned into I still long for that dark & controlling man that we met in the first book. I don't need him all hard and rough edges, but I still need him to man up a little bit more. I have a feeling that as the truth comes out as to just who is behind the whole Rebecca disaster and as everything else falls into place, Mark is going to be forced to face everything and in doing so, let enough guilt go to move forward.

Crystal might just be the kind of head strong woman that Mark will need to pull him out of his own head. She is unwilling to submit to him, but given that someone is going to have to give a little - I can't see her remaining as she's been if these two are going to make it. Hopefully as she powers through Mark's walls - he'll get her to let go of a little bit of her own need for control as well.

I feel that we're on the right path to get Mark back to a character worthy to be called 'Master'. This series as a whole started to drop a bit of the excitement after the second book and I am pleased that it seems to be coming back slowly.
Profile Image for Sherry Cammer.
193 reviews13 followers
September 23, 2014
In Control is another fascinating part of the Inside Out series by Lisa Renee Jones. Wow! We finally get some inside information on Mark Compton who has been a controlling master in this whole series. If you have been following this story you know about Rebecca. I think as more facts come out about what happened to Rebecca it shows us the deep feelings that Mark truly had for this woman. The mystery of her disappearance has brought out emotions in Mark we've never seen before. Crystal is a woman who is brought into Mark's life because of his mother's illness. Crystal starts to realize what kind of man Mark is. She has feelings for him, but she knows he's not in the state of mind to care about another woman at this point. However, she is determined to help Mark thru his pain. I have to say this is the first part of the series that I really started to care about Mark. Ms. Jones absolutely knows how to bring out the feelings of her characters. You must read this story as part of the Inside Out saga. It will show you a whole other side of Mark's character and the woman who may save him from the overwhelming pain he is feeling. Once again the author never disappoints her readers.
Profile Image for Esra.
Author 50 books86 followers
March 1, 2018
Önceki yorumumda istemiyorum diye bağırdığım her şey burada neredeyse yüzüme yüzüme çarpıldı! 😭😭
Belli ki bu sondan kaçış yok. Bir sonraki kitapta da Mark ve Crystal'ı okuyacağımıza göre!! 😭
Yavaştan kabullenmeye başlasam iyi olur.
Profile Image for ✰  BJ's Book Blog ✰Janeane ✰.
3,029 reviews12 followers
August 6, 2014
ARC received from Gallery Books via Netgalley for an honest review

I had only just finished No In Between before My Control turned up on my kindle, and I just had to start it right away.

In No In Between we start to see Mark losing control as the investigation into Rebecca's disappearance/murder heats up.

In My Control, he is right on the precipice, we just don't know how much more he will take before he tips over the edge. He is no longer Mr Dominant, Mr Control. He is spiralling and it is not pretty.

His relationship with Crystal is also moving forward - well, in a two steps forward, one step back kind of way. I am glad that Mark has not shut Crystal out of his life, and seems to be opening his heart up to her - well as much as he can, as much as he understands himself at this time

"She quiets the storm inside of me and I'll be damned if I understand it."

"Crystals is slipping under my once iron-clad surface where I've let no one in for ten years. Except Rebecca."

My heart broke over and over for Mark. You could feel his heart breaking as each breakthrough in the Rebecca case comes through, as he finally truly admits to himself how he felt about her. It was rough seeing him so broken when he has always been so strong. I just wanted to grab him in a big bear hug - then make a hasty retreat because you know he wouldn't be up for that!

I love that Crystal is so strong. She knows that Mark is not right for her, not good for her, but god love her for sticking it out when things get a little rough, and for not giving up on him when he needs someone the most.

So, can Crystal break through Mark's emotional walls? How will Mark survive when things come to a head with the Rebecca situation?

Nope, for that you are going to have to read.

Ms Jones packs a punch with every single word. This is only a very short novella, but boy there is so much happening in those pages. Seeing this side of Mark gives the reader a whole new perspective of the man.


Now I can't wait for the next installments in this series, and am anxious to find out how the story ends.


description Smokin Hot Book Blog Email
June 1, 2015
What I got from this little novella is that I really like reading from Crystal and Mark's POV.

Mark is an important part of the series as much as Chris and Sara are. He was(is) in love with Rebecca who disappeared and her case is still the main focus of this series.

Mark's partner this time is Crystal, who is as far as I remember a new employee in his club. I could be mistaken. The attraction between them is obvious and the sexual tension is off the charts. Crystal is not the typical submissive girl. She isn't someone Mark is used to and that what makes the pair of them refreshing. I can see her changing his mindset like Sara did with Chris.

Overall, I'm excited to begin their journey in I Belong to You..
Profile Image for Cyndi Becker.
1,385 reviews12 followers
September 8, 2014
Another great novella by Lisa Renee Jones that fills the void between Sarah and Chris’s path contained in the Inside Out novels. Really, we wouldn't have a story if it weren't for Mark, so all glimpses into what happening with him are welcome! You really must be reading the series for this novella to make any sense and you should have read No In Between first.

My Control takes place in the few days between Ava’s initial arrest and her bail hearing. I think this is where we really get to see Mark Compton in his deepest and darkest moments. For me, its a case where every novella centered on him ( From My Master through My Hunger) gets us closer to understand how things with Rebecca went so terribly wrong. More and more we are exposed to Mark’s vulnerabilities and his personal reconciliation for the part he played in Rebecca’s demise. If only this reckoning could have come sooner, we might be going down a totally different path with Mark.

As it is, My Control is good dose of Mark facing the consequences of his lifestyle. Mark is finally getting that his vulnerability isn't exclusively related to his feelings for Rebecca, but the events surrounding her disappearance are certainly driving his coming to terms with his his “softer” side. We know he can love as he is very dedicated to his family, but romantic love and familiar love are not the same. With the entrance of Crystal and the mysterious effect she has on him, Mark battles what seems inevitable, his fall as the consummate Master.

My Control is told from 2 point of views, Marks and Crystals. I will say that now that I've gotten to know Crystal a bit more, both through Marks eye’s and her own POV chapters, I’m warming up to her. She appears to have some experience in dealing with men like Mark and she doesn't back down easily. Of course I’m still holding out for Rebeccas' safe return, hoping her disappearance is all a part of another ruse, but I like where Crystal’s heart and intentions lie and feel that Mark may need to show restraint, or be bound to make the same mistake twice.

Lisa’s story telling is always superb and once again her writing; the characters, the plot, the steamy scenes always make Lisa’s books what I call easy reads. Once again, I am left feeling anxious for the next pieces in the puzzle that is Mark #YesMaster Compton.

5 stars and a definite must read for anyone immersed in the Inside Out Series.
Profile Image for Brie.
303 reviews22 followers
August 16, 2014
I received this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest and thoughtful review.

I love that LRJ made us fall in love with Crystal and Mark like she did with Chris and Sara. I got to see Mark fighting for control and losing that battle when it came to Crystal. It was refreshing to see such a strong dominant man being vulnerable and unable to control his self. I loved that he's finally admitting that he loved Rebecca and trying desperately to get her justice. Now Crystal, is always exactly what he needs, when he needs it and she gives herself freely to him with out expecting anything in return even when she knows she could end up hurt. She's also strong and does everything on her terms and sticks to them no matter what. I love watching them grow together, thats what made this book for me. It took me on an emotional rollercoaster just like the characters were going through so I was able to feel what they feel as they felt it. I love LRJ's books because she always delivers when it comes to making you see and feel through her words. Not a lot of writers can do that, she can and she does, she does it in every novel, throughout the entire novel and she does it flawlessy.

" She quiets the storm inside of me, and I'll be d----- if I understand it. "
" Touching me in a way that I let no one touch me; no one but her. "
" She's volunteered to be vulnerable, when she's refused to be submissive. "
" I hunger for her in this moment in a way I have never hungered for anyone before. "
" This moment. This woman. It's what I need. She is what I need. "
" This is not who I am, but I don't care. This is exactly what she'd said-a moment in time when what's normally wrong is right. "
" My coldness is consumed by her heat. There's no room for anything but her and me, and the craving for satisfaction. "
" I walk past her again and I can almost feel her need to reach out and touch me. And I not only want her to, but need her to. "
" It's the way Crystal both soothes my raw nerves and awakens the man in me all at once simply by entering a room. "
" You want me, you want this. And you'd better prepare yourself. I'll force you to stop running from whatever you're running from, and in the process I'll make you cry. I'll make you hate me. But you'll face it, and you'll be glad you did. "
" Go back to the hotel room. " " And if I refuse to leave? " " Then you'll f--- me on my terms, starting on your knees in the center of the room. "
Profile Image for Christi Snow.
Author 69 books739 followers
September 8, 2014
My Review:
I'm going be so sad when this series comes to an end, but am loving the little bits and pieces we're getting towards the reveal of what really happened to Rebecca. This is another little novella that works toward that showing 24 hours in the investigation from both Mark and Crystal's POV (I love that it switches between them in this one).

As the clues are revealed, Mark's control is quickly unraveling as he sinks into self-blame and recrimination for costing Rebecca her life. Confusing it all is his new relationship with Crystal which pushes at all his emotional limits. He needs and wants her, but doesn't know how to be with her without doing the same thing to her that cost Rebecca everything.

His vulnerability in these novellas pulls at me just as hard as it does Crystal. The man is hurting so much, you just want to hold him, so there's no blame for Crystal doing exactly that. It will be interesting to see how their relationship plays out. He needs her love and I think she's going to have the balls to force him into it...at least I hope so. I can't wait for the next full-length novel.

I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
Profile Image for ✰ Bianca ✰ BJ's Book Blog ✰ .
2,334 reviews1,342 followers
August 9, 2014

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MY CONTROL is a very short novella about Mark & Crystal, written in both POVs - we already read about their story in 2 previous novellas and this one will be their last novella before they get their own full-length book next!

We all just read No In Between and we know what's happening in the whole Rebecca & Ava situation.
Ava has been released from prison but the police think they have enough evidence to arrest her again on monday ...
Crystal just arrived in San Francisco to help Mark with Allure - and to just be there for him.
She knows he's not the right man for her - she's not the submissive type he normally goes for. But she still wants him - she wants to help him through this whole mess even though she knows she's going to get hurt in the end.

Mark is this close to snapping. He's not the cool dominant in-control guy he always was. He feels responsible for whatever happened to Rebecca - and he is only now - maybe, finally - admitting that he did have love-like feelings towards her. But now it's too late - the words won't help her or make her happy, not anymore.

He's alone inside his own personal hell, telling himself he can fight it alone.


But Crystal. Crystal doesn't seem to care that she should be running away from him, not towards him.
He doesn't understand her - he only knows that she's the cause of very new and strange feelings in him. Feelings he hasn't allowed himself to feel for a decade.
And because it's all too much and too scary he tries to push her away ....

What will happen to Mark & Crystal?
Will there be a HEA?
What did REALLY happen to Rebecca?
Will everybody die at the end? o.O
Or will there be a horrible Cliffhanger?

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I'M NOT TELLING YOU THAT OF COURSE... ☺

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l don't want to spoil anything ☺

OK - I might tell you that Mark & Crystal will get their own full length novel soon: I BELONG TO YOU

so - we'll see them again☺☺☺ and of course we'll meet Sara & Chris again too - there's still a last book left - Valentine's Day 2015!!! ☺
________________________________

AMAZING NOVELLA!!!


description

Such a heartbreakingly wonderful novella - all these little Mark novellas to prepare us for the 'real' thing ☺ I BELONG TO YOU, coming in November!!!
I just love Mark! And Crystal is just the perfect woman for him.

She quiets the storm inside of me and I'll be damned if I understand it.


She doesn't scare easily - even though he tries his best to push her away.

This novella - short as it was - had everything we need in our #InsideOut stories ... lots of feelings and suspense and some very erotic moments too of course ☺

Poor Mark - I just want to jump into the books and hug the hell out of him...

description

...he doesn't want to be touched though - his Subs never dared touch him. But Crystal - she just doesn't care about his famous control - she just does what she feels he needs in this exact moment.
I just love those 2 together....

I CAN'T WAIT TO FINALLY READ THE FULL-LENGTH NOVEL ABOUT THEM!!!

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Other than the shortness of My Control I have NOTHING to complain about ☺

If you loved every book of the Inside Out series - just like I did - you will LOVE this one too ----->>> GO GET IT ☺

I mentioned it before - but can I please have the Inside Out TV Show on my TV tomorrow??? And can it please be a daily thing? Because I want/need to stare at (naked) Chris & Mark all day long!





Smokin Hot Book Blog Email
Profile Image for Dirty Dayna.
2,155 reviews109 followers
August 6, 2014
5 Losing Control stars
omg omg I got the Next Inside Out book free courtesty of the publisher and netgalley for an honest review

I am sooo addicted to this series
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This is another look into Mark's life as it spirals trying to gain control over everything again. Crystal and Rebecca consume his mind and his control is slipping...


Mark’s story is broken up into 4 parts,

Part One: Guilt ..
it isn’t about me….. It’s about a broken man who doesn’t even know he’s broken
I’m spinning out of control might as well do it the fuck right.. my gaze catches the only one of Rebecca’s journals that I’ve kept for myself
And I wish like hell that I was the one dead now, not her…
My heart hurts for the pain Mark suffers through.
Guilt is normal-but if you let it, it’ll destroy you
How in such a few chapters is my mind spinning my heart hurting and tears on deck for a man that seems to crave control yet have none at the moment
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The part that gets me most is that he kisses her. She refuses to submit but she allows vulnerability.
Part Two: Lost
There is no room for anything but her and me, and the craving for satisfaction. There is no guilt, no heartache, no thinking.
Two Journals are discovered here one breaks your heart and one has you questioning everything.
Part Three: Falling Apart
I told her love was a façade. I told her it’s a cruel destructive monster that will destroy you. and it did.
Crystal is getting emotionally involved in the diaries and saving Mark but Mark wants to make sure she leaves for good
And Mark wants Ryan DEAD
This is getting so intense and delicious!
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Part Four: Rules
This section is the push pull intense bond that Crystal and Mark share. .. It leads into an amazing start for I belong to you.
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November need to hurry up and get here!!!!
Profile Image for Shayna.
1,812 reviews615 followers
September 1, 2014
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In THE MASTER UNDONE and MY HUNGER, we just scratch the surface of Mark Compton and Crystal Smith’s relationship. In MY CONTROL we dive a little deeper into their complicated feelings they have for one another. Ms. Jones gives us the gift of dual POV’s so we can finally understand what is going on in Crystal’s head, as well as, the one hell of a mess that continues to go on in Mark’s head. All three of these little sexy gems are all leading up to the BING BANG I like to call, I BELONG TO YOU, where we get a FULL-LENGTH novel of these two crazy kids! Once again, Lisa Renee Jones flies to the top of my MOST ANTICIPATED list! Don’t get me wrong, I love Chris and Sara’s love story, but there is something about Mark, something that has stuck with me since the very beginning. This man, like Chris Merit, is broken. But unlike Chris Merit, he has yet to find his Sara, his reason for going on, his heart. Mark lost that, and he is NEVER getting it back. Enter Crystal Smith, the woman who shatters his control, and is slowly digging her way into his heart, or what’s left of his heart anyway.

I believe MY CONTROL is the start of Mark’s journey to finding the MASTER in himself again. He has already proved that he can’t do it alone. To his surprise, the woman who shakes his control, is the one woman who will help him get it back.

I don’t know if I have ever been more addicted to a series in my life. Lisa Renee Jones is my hero. With the Inside Out Series, Ms. Jones has taken me on so many journeys and so many suspenseful, sexy, and thrilling whirlwinds, that I just never want it to end. I will ALWAYS crave these characters! But when it does get to a point when the journey finally ends, I will be devastated. But even though the story is finished, the characters and their stories will always have a place in my heart. They will always be there, and NEVER forgotten.

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*Gifted copy provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review*

Review will be posted on Shayna Renee's Spicy Reads on release day!
Profile Image for Zita.
874 reviews
August 30, 2014
He needs his control…

This novella occurs right after My Hunger continuing Mark and Crystal’s story and is in both their points of view. Do not read out of series order. The events are occurring during the same time frame as in No In Between.

The control that defines the man Mark is continues to elude him, for every step that he takes to regain it news is brought to his attention and he falls backwards finding a strange comfort in the arms of a woman who is no submissive. Rebecca’s love put the cracks in his armor; she awakened something dormant inside of him. Crystal sees into the man hidden beneath and if he doesn’t regain control she is liable to shatter the last of his defenses. The master is deeply tormented by grief and guilt, regret at the things he didn’t do and for those he should have done differently. His failure as a master hurt a woman that he now knows he loved and he can’t make it right. This is a man that needs to come to terms with many things about the life he has led, his epiphanies are just beginning.

Crystal sees in Mark a kindred spirit. She understands at a primal level what he is going through and he questions her on this: “...sometimes what someone is going through speaks to you on a level you can’t ignore. And because of that, people who’re completely wrong for each other are completely right in a certain moment in time. Like us right now.” Her answer leaves us to wonder what lies beneath her armor for to empathize at such a depth you have to have walked a similar path. Crystal allows Mark the freedom to be a man he has not seen in years, not the master who failed at protecting his submissive and that is what he now needs yet he fights it to prevent a repetition of the recent past and keep her out of danger as events continue to unfold, the master will do what needs to be done.

Having both points of view was wonderful, allowing us in to feel the depths of Mark’s pains and to for the first time give us insight as to what drives Crystal to take the risk she is taking with her heart to help this man she sees as broken. I am so looking forward to what happens next for these two and of what is in their pasts to make them the way that they are. Will their connection born of tragedy survive? As always this series does not disappoint me, each sexy suspenseful installment just whets my appetite for more.

ARC supplied by the publisher via NetGalley.
Profile Image for Lulu Dumonceaux.
518 reviews10 followers
October 10, 2014
I received a copy from the author.
I have read and loved all the books in this series including Rebecca's journals and now through The Master Undone, His Secrets, My Hunger and My Control novellas, we are really starting to understand Mark Compton. Mark has fiercely protected himself so that he does not feel vulnerability and pain from relationships. In My Control, Mark clearly can no longer maintain this as the facade comes crumbling down through his encounters with Crystal. Maybe it's due to the loyalty and friendship Crystal has with Marks's mother that allows her in, but she is such a challenge for Mark that he cannot resist her. Mark and Crystal have an immediate chemistry and connection and it's much more than sexual. Mark intrinsically knows that Crystal is hiding a painful past from him and maybe it's due to both of them having had and now enduring such pain that their connection runs deeper. POV's vacillate between both giving the reader so much insight. Crystal states, "wondering what I'll find, the tender family man that I've glimpsed as he cared for his mother? The hard businessman who shut me out after the last time I was here and kept me at a distance? The broken man from the hotel?" Crystal is the only one who has uncovered the many layers of Mark. And as Mark grieves the loss of Rebecca he wants "to infuriate" Crystal to gain back and keep his control. But one statement from Crystal and he knows "my resolve to keep a distance from her once and for all dissolves instantly, " but will he ultimately give up his control? Pre-order I Belong to You, release date November 18, and find out the exciting conclusion through Mark and Crystal in this full length book. And then look forward to All of Me for the final Chris and Sara story coming in February 2015!!!
Profile Image for Angela Carr.
762 reviews81 followers
September 19, 2014




Where chaos happened in Master’s Undone, here, Mark takes back His Control. Despite the hardships he is in, you see him slowly decide what he wants to do as far as Crystal goes. She has always been there, but there’s always something that holds him back. Honestly, I think it’s because of Rebecca. Now that he knows where Rebecca is, he can focus on who is in front of him. Crystal.

I love reading Marks POV. It gives me a clear view of what going on in his head. Up until now, he has been a big enigma to me. I’ve always had hunches of why he does and say things but in the very few pages of this novella is where I truly began to understand him. His relationship with Crystal is pushing through…finally. But I’m curious about how long this will last. I love hearing her voice too. Crystal is not quite a sub kind of girl. In fact, she’s a control freak herself. I have to say, she’s a strong gal hanging on the way she has. She truly is more than just a friend before Mark even realizes it. She’s been there even when he’s not looking. I think that’s what I like about her. She has not asked for anything in return.

Nothing is quite solid yet when it comes to their relationship, but I Belong To You promises a full disclosure of their story. I’m hoping Mark and Crystal finally get their relationship on a more solid ground.

If you are not up to date with this series yet, I suggest you start from the beginning. These books are not standalone and must be read in order. I promise it will not be a disappointment.

*ARC provided by publisher
Profile Image for Yaritza.
751 reviews133 followers
October 27, 2014
Once again Lisa writes another amazing book. Left my heart broken trying to find out if Rebecca is still alive or not. Crystal is such a sweet girl who is trying her best not to fall for Mark the sexual controller. Loved that she stands up for herself and doesn't let him get his way. Looking forward to see what happens next in there relationship. Mark is torn apart from not knowing what happened to Rebecca. He ended up becoming her Master but she was truly in love with him and wished that he felt the same way about her.He is driven with guilt of never telling her he truly loved her since there relationship was not ordinary. As I read you could feel the disappointment in not protecting Rebecca, anger, guilt, hatred and he is looking for revenge from any angle. He has timed out from being the master but is trying to get Crystal to turn to his kinky ways. Felt the sexual tension between them, a touch sends tremors through out there body. They are meant for each other but both try to put a barrier between them. When Lisa describe the feelings they got when they saw each other and just a slight touch sent feelings that neither felt could be possible. You won't want to miss this book.
Profile Image for 1-Click Addict Support Group.
3,749 reviews490 followers
November 17, 2014
My Control is the third Mark Compton POV novella from the Inside Out Series. With Rebecca’s death, Mark is reeling from the guilt and pain from his perceived failure to protect Rebecca and the deep feelings that he truly had for her. Add in his mother’s illness, and Mark is no longer in control of himself—his Master isn’t at the forefront, and he doesn’t know what to do to get it back.

We meet Crystal again in this novella. Crystal is the only one to truly see Mark as the man, not just the Master. Crystal recognizes that she is developing feelings for Mark, but she knows he is not in the state of mind to care about another woman at this point. Crystal, however, recognizes that she will be there for him to work through his pain and maybe, in time, he’ll be ready to move on with another woman.

I love this series. Each full length book and novella gives us pieces and insight into each of the characters and their motivations. My Control is setting up for Mark’s full length novel, I Belong to You and it allowed me to get a bit more into the mindset of Mark. Now, I can’t wait to read I Belong to You! After all the others in the series, I am INVESTED in these characters and I want to see if Mark finds his HEA. ~ Missy, 5 stars
Profile Image for Simply Love Book Reviews.
7,046 reviews870 followers
September 9, 2014
Kitty‘s review posted on Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews

5 STARS

Review copy provided for a honest review



“My Control” is one of the most powerful novella’s that I have read. Ms. Jones writing of the turmoil Mark is going through was spot on. I was able to feel his emotions throughout the book as he was going through them. Dismay, betrayal, love and hate … all wonderfully written and showing us a side of Mark that we never thought we would see.
His salvation is Crystal. She makes him feel things that he thought he had locked away. She’s breaking down walls and he has to struggle to get them back up again. But, Crystal is fighting her own demons and Mark sees it in her eyes whenever he tries to dominate her.
The final two books in the Inside Out Series should prove to be extremely interesting. Bringing the full story of Rebecca, Chris, Sarah, Mark and now Crystal, full circle. I guess we will find out if Crystal has what it takes to bring Mark to his knees instead of the other way around. She’s a strong, confident woman with secrets of her own that may or may not be the final downfall of Mark.
Profile Image for Angie.
1,301 reviews22 followers
September 8, 2014

~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads Review Team~

Please be sure to read all the books in order, you will get the full impact of this novella that way. I love this entire series and this short novella really changed my feelings towards Mark, which is something I never thought possible. I don’t want to give anything away but this is a must read for anyone who is reading the entire series.

Characters: We learn more about Mark and why he is the way he is and see a different side of him.

Sex: yes

Religious: no

Would I recommend to others: yes

More than one book in the series: yes

Genre: Romance

Would I read more by this author: yes

~Wicked Reads Review Team~

Wicked Reads Review Team
Profile Image for Shelby.
584 reviews8 followers
September 8, 2014
*I received a free copy to read & review for Wicked Reads*

I just want to reiterate that I absolutely LOVE these novella's - these tiny stories really pack a punch!

What do I say about Mark Compton?
He's dealing with regrets, and pain, and depression - while still keeping strong for his family. His entire demeanor has drastically changed throughout this series, but this installment really shows him in a different light. Crystal's helping him more then he's willing to admit or accept-and it's interesting the way he handles this.

Overall, this was a super quick read that gives us insight into the Control hungry, Dominant alpha, Mark Compton...and raises the questions: How will Mark deal with the situation at hand, and will he ever heal -completely?

Wicked Reads Review Team
Profile Image for Sofia Lazaridou.
2,864 reviews136 followers
September 26, 2014
I am tired of not getting anywhere with Rebecca's murder. I don't get why the author is toying with us about the possibility of her being alive, only to come a few lines later and tell us that she isn't. It has been made very clear that she is dead many times in the previous books, but somehow the thought of finding Rebecca alive seems to keep popping up in the thoughts of a character.

I want the full length novel for Mark and Crystal and not only 49 pages that leads me to nowhere. When I started this novella I thought that their relationship would move forward and they would come closer. To my disappointment, that didn't happen and things aren't going to be easy on them.

I am glad their story will be next because I can't take more of this teasing and I am tired of not seeing any of the stories in this book progressing.
Profile Image for Stacey.
968 reviews13 followers
September 4, 2014
this is a ARC review .. Mark and Crystal are back they are still trying to find Rebecca's killer whom we read in the last book to be Ava but she restated that she never did kill Rebecca so question is who did ? or was it really Ava and Ryan whom wants Amanda who works at ALLURE .. and will Mark ever let his defenses down to let Crystal in .. and at the tail end there is a thought on a contract so does Crystal give up control or will Mark or will they both give up control to each other to find this and more out Pre-order this book at http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00H... AND BUY IT TODAY COMES out in 4 days and 6 hours give or take /...
Profile Image for ✦ Ellen’s Reviews ✦.
1,763 reviews360 followers
September 20, 2014
3.5 stars! Love this series. This novella is right after “No In Between” and must be read in order. The author gives us Mark’s viewpoint which was absent while reading Chris and Sara’s story. This whole series is one of my favorites and I highly recommend starting this series if you haven’t read them yet…smart, sexy, adult and very twisty. Lisa Renee Jones draws you into these characters and you can’t wait to see what happens next.

I loved seeing this side of Mark and I absolutely loved seeing Crystal’s viewpoint. He may have just met his match. This is a very short story and is a great introduction to the upcoming “I Belong to You.” Finally, I do not recommend reading this as a standalone but instead should be read as part of this fantastic series. Can't wait for more of Mark's POV!

(*ARC provided by the author in return for an honest review.)

Profile Image for ★MC's Corner★.
965 reviews46 followers
September 24, 2014
description

NEXT ONE PLEASE!!!
*MC’s Corner*
Note: Spoilers.
• The last part sure is exciting! I can’t wait for the next one!!!


• My Control is about Mark Compton’s control. Control with everything that happened, happening and things that is going to happen, control with whatever is happening between him and Crystal.

• It was very short. (I wish it was longer*grin*)

• (Gosh! I didn’t realize it was so hard reviewing a novella. PHEW!)

ARC provided by Pocket Star Books & NetGalley in exchange of honest review. Thank you!
@gleekidMC
Profile Image for Rachael Orman.
Author 23 books380 followers
September 9, 2014
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.

I've been waiting for more on Mark & Crystal. I have to say this didn't let me down.

Mark is going through the roughest patch in his life. Old demons, new troubles. Everything is going to hell around him and he's falling apart trying to keep his control of it all.

Crystal is along for the ride. She sees what is happening to Mark even though he tries to keep it from everyone. She's his support without intentionally putting herself there. She refuses to let Mark push her away, and he tries.

This was a fast read and I can't WAIT for the rest of their story and the conclusion to the Rebecca mystery and hopefully the closure to Ella's story as well.
1,008 reviews8 followers
September 5, 2014
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.

For me Mark Compton went from being the least interesting character in the first book to being by far the most interesting character. I'm loving watching him struggle with his emotions and control. It is great being inside is head.

If you love strong female leads you'll love Crystal. She is every bit Mark's equal and just what he needs.

This may only be a novella but it packs a punch. It is sexy, emotional page turning stuff, I loved every word.

Wicked Reads Review Team
Profile Image for Dana ~ The Dirty Smut'atter.
876 reviews154 followers
October 24, 2014
4.5 STARS [just based on it being so short]

This installment we finally get to see a glimpse of the man hiding behind the facade Mark has built for himself. Crystal never allows Mark to take full control of a situation with her and that makes her a great match for this extreme alpha male. We get a bunch of details surrounding the investigation and I really want to punch Ryan in the face................HARD!! What the heck is he hiding from Mark and more importantly the investigation.

I love the dual point of views and the smoking hot sex that follows these two characters.

Lucky me I have an ARC of book 4 and you know I am going to tackle that one next!!
Profile Image for Dee.
161 reviews4 followers
September 9, 2014
I'm a sucker for dual POV's. I love these glimpses into what makes Mark tick. His grief and guilt over Rebecca is heart wrenching. He tries to hide/fight his vulnerable side but it's in there behind the tough controlled exterior. Crystal sees what's behind it all but will she be able to break down his walls? Mark knows she's hiding something but what's in her past that she doesn't want to open up about? Will he be able to break down her walls or will he keep trying to push her away and deny himself of what he really wants (Crystal)?

My only complaint is I want MORE!! Looking forward to I Belong to You where Mark and Crystal will get their full length novel!
Profile Image for Amy .
3,125 reviews
December 5, 2015
Actual Rating: 4.5 Exciting Stars!

I'm going to keep this review short and sweet. My Control is another great addition to the Inside Out Series! I love getting inside Mark's head and seeing his inner struggles for control. I'm intrigued by his "relationship" with Crystal. She is so different from what he's used to, but I think they're going to end up being perfect for one another. I absolutely love the mystery and suspense that surrounds this story and this series! It never disappoints and always leaves me wanting more. I can not wait for the final book, I belong To You!!!


*****I received a copy of this via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*****
Profile Image for Carmen.
363 reviews6 followers
September 1, 2014
**I received this book from Gallery, Threshold, Pocket Books through NetGalley for an honest review.**

Mark is coming to terms that he did love Rebecca. His relationship with Crystal is confessing and he is losing his Master controls.

Rebecca's disappearance/murder is still at the forefront. Mystery is still the element. Mark is no longer a suspect but people close to his lifestyle are.
On top of all of this Mark's mother is still in the hospital.

I'm looking forward to so many answers in the next book!
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