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Control
Keller Mitchum has already lived a lifetime in eighteen years. Fully responsible for her five-year-old sister Parker, Keller has seen and experienced things in life that should exist in the most intense fictional plot. Wise beyond her years, she will do absolutely anything to keep Parker safe.
Garrison Davies is a twenty-three-year-old pilot in Massachusetts, working with her father in a small, family-owned cargo business. Independent, feisty, and brilliant at what she does, she makes little time for anything outside of her beloved planes and dogs. Her simple and structured world is turned on its head when a difficult situation lands two unexpected guests into her life and her house.
Garrison tries to make a safe space for Keller and Parker, only partially aware of the horrors they come from. As time passes, it becomes clear that it’s not only the past that keeps the two sisters at arm’s length. Can Garrison break through Keller's defenses and help her regain control?
Garrison Davies is a twenty-three-year-old pilot in Massachusetts, working with her father in a small, family-owned cargo business. Independent, feisty, and brilliant at what she does, she makes little time for anything outside of her beloved planes and dogs. Her simple and structured world is turned on its head when a difficult situation lands two unexpected guests into her life and her house.
Garrison tries to make a safe space for Keller and Parker, only partially aware of the horrors they come from. As time passes, it becomes clear that it’s not only the past that keeps the two sisters at arm’s length. Can Garrison break through Keller's defenses and help her regain control?
404 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2006
54 people are currently reading
91 people want to read
About the author
Kim Pritekel
74 books152 followersKim Pritekel is a published author living in Denver, Colorado. She is also a very popular online author of many novels, novellas and short stories. She is the Royal Academy of Bards 2005 Hall of Fame Author.
Her love of writing began at age 9, and she wrote her first novel at age 12, wishing to follow in the footsteps of childhood idol, S.E. Hinton. She was published for the first time at age 24 with her novel, First.
Kim has followed her dreams right into the film industry, writing screenplays for production companies in Los Angeles, as well as for her own production company, Asp Films with business partner, Kelly Neal. Their first feature film, Self Portrait – written, directed and co-produced by Kim – premiered in Denver in June of 2013.
She enjoys spending time with her family, friends and her beloved cats. She is always adding to her ever-growing collection of swords and historic memorabilia. She is a huge fan of music, including musical theater. The "musical" love of her life is Sarah Brightman, who she tosses a mention of in every book she can.
Kim is a writing machine, so come back often to see what she's working on next!
Her love of writing began at age 9, and she wrote her first novel at age 12, wishing to follow in the footsteps of childhood idol, S.E. Hinton. She was published for the first time at age 24 with her novel, First.
Kim has followed her dreams right into the film industry, writing screenplays for production companies in Los Angeles, as well as for her own production company, Asp Films with business partner, Kelly Neal. Their first feature film, Self Portrait – written, directed and co-produced by Kim – premiered in Denver in June of 2013.
She enjoys spending time with her family, friends and her beloved cats. She is always adding to her ever-growing collection of swords and historic memorabilia. She is a huge fan of music, including musical theater. The "musical" love of her life is Sarah Brightman, who she tosses a mention of in every book she can.
Kim is a writing machine, so come back often to see what she's working on next!
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
January 22, 2025
4 stars
Emotional slow-burn love story. It's about healing and recovering from an abusive childhood, learning to trust, and finding and creating their own family.
Emotional slow-burn love story. It's about healing and recovering from an abusive childhood, learning to trust, and finding and creating their own family.
July 13, 2023
#NewReview
Control by Kim Pritekel and Alex Cross is a young adult, coming of age slow burn romance. It’s about found family, healing from grief, recovering from an abusive childhood and surviving.
Garrison Davies is in her early 20’s she runs a small flying business with her dad. She is savvy, smart and driven. Garrison has a big heart but is so laser focused on making a success out of Davies Cargo that she forgets to use it. That all changes the day she discovers one of her aloof employees, beaten by the side of the road.
Keller Mitchum is about to turn 18. She works as a janitor for Davies Cargo. Keller is wiser and older than her years, with an abusive father and little sister at home she has little choice. When she is left nearly beaten to death Keller realises that in order to keep herself and her little sister, Parker safe she must reluctantly except the help that is being offered to her from Garrison.
Garrison and Keller are both loners and when they suddenly have to share a living space not all goes smoothly. But as trust is built and friendship is formed these women realise that maybe it’s ok to open your heart to another.
At times this book is a hard read, a brilliant read, but hard non the less. The authors do a supurb job at showing us the situation through Garrison’s eyes. I felt so much hurt and pain, but also hope, determination and love.
This is a slow, slow burn romance. The romance is very subtle until about 60% because of what Keller is healing from. But the trust and friendship that starts to form from the beginning is rocky but beautiful. There were times I had to take a break, but it never lasted long because I was desperate to know how these women would evolve.
The character arc in this book is intense, especially for Keller. The journey both characters go on is wonderful, but Keller’s is the one that took my breath away! What this young woman survives makes you want to give her the world. She is super smart, brave and has stubborn determination that at times hinders her. She would do anything to keep her sister safe but she is so broken.
This is one of those books that you fall in love with the characters both main and supporting. Parker, Keller’s five year old sister stole my heart and I’m happy for her to keep it. Garrison’s dad is yummy, one of those supportive beautiful characters that you’d love to meet and hear all the stories he has to tell.
Control is a book about found family, it’s about learning to trust and healing. Both main characters are healing from a lot of grief. Grief from loosing parents, grief from lost childhoods and grief from realising just how alone you are.
Having said all that this book is also completely heartwarming. While watching Garrison and Keller navigate their new reality the sheer joy I felt when milestones were met or jumped over was glorious.
One of the things I loved most about this book was that it was handled with care and sensitivity. By the time I got to the end of the epic epilogue I was happy, satisfied and had a huge smile on my face.
So if you like anguished filled books that have a heartbreaking but heartwarming storyline then this one is for you. But get the tissues ready because it’s a bumpy ride.
***Trigger warnings/Spoiler***
- these subjects are talked about but have no in-depth descriptions on the page. Abuse suffered by Keller, both sexual and physical.
On page description- watching a murder take place of a parent- finding a parent who has passed peacefully.
*arc received from the author*
#sapphicbooks #lesbianfiction #lesbian #lesbianromance #bookreview
Control by Kim Pritekel and Alex Cross is a young adult, coming of age slow burn romance. It’s about found family, healing from grief, recovering from an abusive childhood and surviving.
Garrison Davies is in her early 20’s she runs a small flying business with her dad. She is savvy, smart and driven. Garrison has a big heart but is so laser focused on making a success out of Davies Cargo that she forgets to use it. That all changes the day she discovers one of her aloof employees, beaten by the side of the road.
Keller Mitchum is about to turn 18. She works as a janitor for Davies Cargo. Keller is wiser and older than her years, with an abusive father and little sister at home she has little choice. When she is left nearly beaten to death Keller realises that in order to keep herself and her little sister, Parker safe she must reluctantly except the help that is being offered to her from Garrison.
Garrison and Keller are both loners and when they suddenly have to share a living space not all goes smoothly. But as trust is built and friendship is formed these women realise that maybe it’s ok to open your heart to another.
At times this book is a hard read, a brilliant read, but hard non the less. The authors do a supurb job at showing us the situation through Garrison’s eyes. I felt so much hurt and pain, but also hope, determination and love.
This is a slow, slow burn romance. The romance is very subtle until about 60% because of what Keller is healing from. But the trust and friendship that starts to form from the beginning is rocky but beautiful. There were times I had to take a break, but it never lasted long because I was desperate to know how these women would evolve.
The character arc in this book is intense, especially for Keller. The journey both characters go on is wonderful, but Keller’s is the one that took my breath away! What this young woman survives makes you want to give her the world. She is super smart, brave and has stubborn determination that at times hinders her. She would do anything to keep her sister safe but she is so broken.
This is one of those books that you fall in love with the characters both main and supporting. Parker, Keller’s five year old sister stole my heart and I’m happy for her to keep it. Garrison’s dad is yummy, one of those supportive beautiful characters that you’d love to meet and hear all the stories he has to tell.
Control is a book about found family, it’s about learning to trust and healing. Both main characters are healing from a lot of grief. Grief from loosing parents, grief from lost childhoods and grief from realising just how alone you are.
Having said all that this book is also completely heartwarming. While watching Garrison and Keller navigate their new reality the sheer joy I felt when milestones were met or jumped over was glorious.
One of the things I loved most about this book was that it was handled with care and sensitivity. By the time I got to the end of the epic epilogue I was happy, satisfied and had a huge smile on my face.
So if you like anguished filled books that have a heartbreaking but heartwarming storyline then this one is for you. But get the tissues ready because it’s a bumpy ride.
***Trigger warnings/Spoiler***
- these subjects are talked about but have no in-depth descriptions on the page. Abuse suffered by Keller, both sexual and physical.
On page description- watching a murder take place of a parent- finding a parent who has passed peacefully.
*arc received from the author*
#sapphicbooks #lesbianfiction #lesbian #lesbianromance #bookreview
October 9, 2023
Totally lived this book - real class. Loved the main characters and became quite engrossed. Highly recommended, even if a bit (kindle) pricy.
July 1, 2023
So very sweet!
Keller and Parker’s beginning is filled with hurt by those who should love and protect them. I’m so happy Garrison came into their lives. It was wonderful to watch them all grow together and become a family. There for one another through the hard and the happy times. I absolutely loved their story.
Keller and Parker’s beginning is filled with hurt by those who should love and protect them. I’m so happy Garrison came into their lives. It was wonderful to watch them all grow together and become a family. There for one another through the hard and the happy times. I absolutely loved their story.
October 9, 2019
Still one of my favourite Kim P. Books
June 12, 2018
The only thing I hated about this book was the cliche of Keller and Garrison ending up together. It should have been either Celeste or Julia. And the last scene, was not so cool too. It felt inevitable, like... no effect factor.
July 2, 2023
Emotional. The book is so well judged. It takes a wee while for the mains to interact. From their first interaction I am hooked, I sat up a wee bit straighter and read a wee bit faster. They slowly get to know each other. The back story of one main and her blossoming or to be more accurate unfurling her petals before blossoming is what a big part of this book is about. Life has been terrible for one, and although we are very clear on that, the writer doesn't do this gratuitously, in fact the after affects are shown rather than the brutality happening. We see love on the page, for much of the book. Certainly not the sexual expression of that (till later) but rather the doing of deeds that expresses that. I haven't expressed myself particularly well, if you want to read words used well, read this book. Very nearly up to 5, because this book really made me feel.
Edited to add, the older reviews are from an online version from years ago. This review and the book cover refer to the newly released and much improved book ( I enjoyed the old version, but I loved the book!)
Edited to add, the older reviews are from an online version from years ago. This review and the book cover refer to the newly released and much improved book ( I enjoyed the old version, but I loved the book!)
July 2, 2023
Love Reaches into Hell
This is an intense story of relationships broken and new relationships forged. About what happens when a woman adopted into love steps outward to help another woman and her little sister fight their way out of hell and how they help each other open their hearts to love.
Control begins slowly but holds your attention as the groundwork is laid. It picks up when Garrison connects with Keller and then her little sister, Parker. I appreciated its raw realness, and that the characters were authentic, causing you to care about them and what happens. Though it could use a little bit of editing, it is a well-written story worth your time.
And it's a beautiful love story, one of romance and also of, chosen family.
I recommend this book that I received as an ARC.
This is an intense story of relationships broken and new relationships forged. About what happens when a woman adopted into love steps outward to help another woman and her little sister fight their way out of hell and how they help each other open their hearts to love.
Control begins slowly but holds your attention as the groundwork is laid. It picks up when Garrison connects with Keller and then her little sister, Parker. I appreciated its raw realness, and that the characters were authentic, causing you to care about them and what happens. Though it could use a little bit of editing, it is a well-written story worth your time.
And it's a beautiful love story, one of romance and also of, chosen family.
I recommend this book that I received as an ARC.
April 23, 2025
Control is a tale of survival. Seventeen-year-old Keller nearly loses her life after suffering sexual and physical abuse at the hands of her father. With a little help from her employer Frank and his daughter Garrison, Keller perseveres and is also able to rescue her five-year-old sister Parker. As would be expected, the aftereffects of that trauma take a long time to heal. The relationship between Garrison and Keller develops very slowly. Beyond the trauma, Keller’s inexperience with loving relationships leaves her extremely cautious in moving forward with Garrison. This is a good read with some very difficult content but an affirming view on the restorative potential of found family.
June 14, 2023
This book had to be written and I hope many read it. While it is a story of love and compassion, the underlying ugly fissure of abuse gives it a poignant and powerful perspective. If a child says that they are being abused, then the relevant authorities need to listen to them. Children are innocent and can't make up stories about what the dregs of society is doing to them... therefore, LISTEN. Moreover, no one realizes whether the abusers or the ones turning away not wanting to be "involved", what the mental and physical implications are for an abused child. One of Kim's well-written books. The research into the intricacies and working of aviation is also good.
December 3, 2025
A tragic yet beautiful story about a young woman who opens up her home and her heart to two broken girls and gains a new family. There were a few scenes that were hard to read, but there were many more scenes that were truly heartwarming. I especially liked the bond between Garrison and Parker and how important they became to one another. Keller was harder to read at first and no wonder with the things she'd been through, but, once she started opening up, it became really easy to root for her as well. Their romance was a nice, organic slow burn. And the ending was very satisfying.
I'm looking forward to trying out other books by these authors.
I'm looking forward to trying out other books by these authors.
July 2, 2023
Highly recommend Control. Every book by Kim Pritekel is so different from the others.
Control made me furious me in places. I cried for the life that Keller and her sister had to endure before Garrison helped them. The lack of control over their own lives as children waiting for the age they can be in control.
Control made me furious me in places. I cried for the life that Keller and her sister had to endure before Garrison helped them. The lack of control over their own lives as children waiting for the age they can be in control.
July 18, 2023
Resilience
Wow, this books covers some painful and deep topics with respectful insight. The story was presented in a way that keeps the reader engaged without being overwhelmed by the depravity revealed. It real story of resilience, hope and love.
Wow, this books covers some painful and deep topics with respectful insight. The story was presented in a way that keeps the reader engaged without being overwhelmed by the depravity revealed. It real story of resilience, hope and love.
March 14, 2019
This was a story! Well defined, loveable characters, somewhat realistic and good dialogue. The only downside is the few grammatical errors I came across,but a a nice and appreciated read.
December 26, 2025
such a good read and little parker is so cute bless her little cotton socks
December 19, 2015
A good book. At first it seems a little sensitive around until we tell the story of Keller, then really begins the book with a series of unseen challenges, struggle with himself is the worst battle is in the book and yet is what leads to know their characters.
Is tender without being excessive.
Good work, girls!
Is tender without being excessive.
Good work, girls!
June 25, 2013
This story had me hooked and finished it in one day.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews