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The City #2
In Control
I wasn’t a typical teenager.
I’d been through more rough patches than a weed eater.
I didn’t grow up behind a white picket fence.
I didn’t go to Sunday school.
My body was no temple, though it was worshiped by many.
Girls kept their boyfriends away from me for good reason.
I was desired.
Wanted.
Admired.
While my friends were following the rules, I was breaking them.
I’m careless.
Reckless.
Uncontrollable.
I don’t apologize for who I am.
I embrace it.
But all things must come to an end.
He was my new beginning.
I wasn’t a typical teenager.
I’d been through more rough patches than a weed eater.
I didn’t grow up behind a white picket fence.
I didn’t go to Sunday school.
My body was no temple, though it was worshiped by many.
Girls kept their boyfriends away from me for good reason.
I was desired.
Wanted.
Admired.
While my friends were following the rules, I was breaking them.
I’m careless.
Reckless.
Uncontrollable.
I don’t apologize for who I am.
I embrace it.
But all things must come to an end.
He was my new beginning.
*Contains scenes of a graphic nature including abuse and sexual abuse.*
Note: In Control is a companion novel. This book is not a continuation from the first book in this series, In the Air.
I’d been through more rough patches than a weed eater.
I didn’t grow up behind a white picket fence.
I didn’t go to Sunday school.
My body was no temple, though it was worshiped by many.
Girls kept their boyfriends away from me for good reason.
I was desired.
Wanted.
Admired.
While my friends were following the rules, I was breaking them.
I’m careless.
Reckless.
Uncontrollable.
I don’t apologize for who I am.
I embrace it.
But all things must come to an end.
He was my new beginning.
I wasn’t a typical teenager.
I’d been through more rough patches than a weed eater.
I didn’t grow up behind a white picket fence.
I didn’t go to Sunday school.
My body was no temple, though it was worshiped by many.
Girls kept their boyfriends away from me for good reason.
I was desired.
Wanted.
Admired.
While my friends were following the rules, I was breaking them.
I’m careless.
Reckless.
Uncontrollable.
I don’t apologize for who I am.
I embrace it.
But all things must come to an end.
He was my new beginning.
*Contains scenes of a graphic nature including abuse and sexual abuse.*
Note: In Control is a companion novel. This book is not a continuation from the first book in this series, In the Air.
204 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 12, 2013
8 people are currently reading
510 people want to read
About the author
Crystal Serowka
2 books184 followersI'm proud to call myself a writer. Sharing my work with the world is a blessing and it's one I'll never take for granted.I live for my words, not the possibility of becoming rich off of them.
I love supportive people and have been blessed with meeting so many of them lately.
Remember to read the books you love, support the authors you love, and do without the negative people in your life.
I love supportive people and have been blessed with meeting so many of them lately.
Remember to read the books you love, support the authors you love, and do without the negative people in your life.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
January 6, 2014
I've been working my ass off on writing this book, and I'm halfway done. At this point, I love it more than I love my first book, In the Air. I hope that shows when you read all about Kingsley's past and present life.
PURCHASE ON AMAZON - http://www.amazon.com/In-Control-The-...
PURCHASE ON AMAZON - http://www.amazon.com/In-Control-The-...
May 3, 2014
Review Originally Posted at: Book Freak
Reading the blurb made me want to read this book – who could possibly resist it? Reading it the first time had me dying of curiosity. I want to know who this girl is!
I read this book prior to reading the first one, and it really doesn’t matter because this too could function as a standalone novel.
Kingsley is the girl who likes to have control. She has a very strong personality, knows what she wants and how to get it, she sleeps around, and is never sorry for her actions. Until Wren. He was the unexpected turn in her road. He was her surprise. He was the reason she was about to lose control.
I love how the story unfolded – we see how Kingsley and Wren worked through the transition of their relationship. From being f**k buddies to having a REAL relationship that includes trust and commitment.
But before they can venture to it – both, especially Kingsley should first open up herself to him and trust him about her secrets. I was surprise when I have read Kingsley here, compared it to the first book. Perhaps if I have read In The Air first, I would not believe that she could be that vulnerable, or that behind her strong façade lies a broken, lost soul.
What she had been through when she was young was just heartbreaking. She grew up in a foster home, abused. When she finally found true love, experienced it – it turned out to be something that it is not. What started out to be beautiful, turned out to be toxic. I was wondering who Porter was since I started reading this book. When I finally met him somewhere in the middle –
Was this the guy she wanted back then? The one she was still hung-up with? Is this the guy she would risk what she had with Wren?
Speaking of Wren –
He wanted her. SO MUCH. With or without clothes, in or out of bed. He wanted to prove to her that he's worth the try.
HOT. HOT. HOT. Just like our heroine, our boy here has been through a lot as well. It may not come close to what she has experienced, but enough to wound and haunt him. Tattoos have covered his body- but there’s one tattoo that Kingsley wanted to know about. Something that he’s not willing to share if she’s not going to hand in any.
Besides the fact that they couldn’t keep their hands off each other, and they were humping like bunnies everywhere they went – I love these two people. They clearly deserve each other, much more their happy ending. There were a few bumps, surprise appearance from an ex, and some hair-raising blast from the past. It may have taken a while, and a whole lot of nerves before she actually plunge in to her emotions. Nevertheless, this was a perfect love story with a heart-stopping ending.
★ARC Copy was given in exchange for an honest review.★
Reading the blurb made me want to read this book – who could possibly resist it? Reading it the first time had me dying of curiosity. I want to know who this girl is!
I read this book prior to reading the first one, and it really doesn’t matter because this too could function as a standalone novel.
Kingsley is the girl who likes to have control. She has a very strong personality, knows what she wants and how to get it, she sleeps around, and is never sorry for her actions. Until Wren. He was the unexpected turn in her road. He was her surprise. He was the reason she was about to lose control.
I love how the story unfolded – we see how Kingsley and Wren worked through the transition of their relationship. From being f**k buddies to having a REAL relationship that includes trust and commitment.
But before they can venture to it – both, especially Kingsley should first open up herself to him and trust him about her secrets. I was surprise when I have read Kingsley here, compared it to the first book. Perhaps if I have read In The Air first, I would not believe that she could be that vulnerable, or that behind her strong façade lies a broken, lost soul.
What she had been through when she was young was just heartbreaking. She grew up in a foster home, abused. When she finally found true love, experienced it – it turned out to be something that it is not. What started out to be beautiful, turned out to be toxic. I was wondering who Porter was since I started reading this book. When I finally met him somewhere in the middle –
Was this the guy she wanted back then? The one she was still hung-up with? Is this the guy she would risk what she had with Wren?
Speaking of Wren –
He wanted her. SO MUCH. With or without clothes, in or out of bed. He wanted to prove to her that he's worth the try.
HOT. HOT. HOT. Just like our heroine, our boy here has been through a lot as well. It may not come close to what she has experienced, but enough to wound and haunt him. Tattoos have covered his body- but there’s one tattoo that Kingsley wanted to know about. Something that he’s not willing to share if she’s not going to hand in any.
Besides the fact that they couldn’t keep their hands off each other, and they were humping like bunnies everywhere they went – I love these two people. They clearly deserve each other, much more their happy ending. There were a few bumps, surprise appearance from an ex, and some hair-raising blast from the past. It may have taken a while, and a whole lot of nerves before she actually plunge in to her emotions. Nevertheless, this was a perfect love story with a heart-stopping ending.
★ARC Copy was given in exchange for an honest review.★
December 15, 2013
"Love isn't something you hide from. Love isn't something you trade in. Love is a priority. It's the one thing in people's lives that makes them want to live."
This book was unreal! I had been desperate to read it since I read the first book in this series and even though I knew this book wasn't going to have the same main character, I still couldn't wait to read it! The synopsis of this book doesn't even give you a hint to what happens in it, but it sums up the main character perfectly! This book took me completely by surprise and made my heart break! It was such an emotional read! The plot of this book was written exceptionally well! I was sucked right in and once I stared reading, I couldn't put it down until I had finished reading every word! The plot was so sad and hard to read, but it had light to it as well! It was about a girl, who had had a really tough life, learn to move on and finally see herself for who she really was! I also have to point out that I loved that this book was written in a 'now' and 'then' format, as it really showed me just how hard the main character's life had been and it really hit me hard, as it showed the full extent of what the main character had been through! The characters were absolutely amazing! Kinsley was the main character in this book and she appeared in the first book in this series, In the Air, but she was only a secondary character! I couldn't wait to read her story, but I never expected her background to have been so hard! My heart broke for Kinsley as I learned about her life! Nobody should ever have to be submitted to a life like that, but the author didn't hold back and she showed the full extent of what Kinsley went and had been through in her life! I really have to admire the author for that! Kinsley was such a beautiful and sweet person, but she had been through a lot and what she had been through affected how she reacted and made her close up! I completely understood why she had a hard time trying to engage in a romantic relationship as opposed to a sexual relationship, as she had been violated in the worst way and she doubted her worth because of it! Kinsley was so much stronger than she knew and it took her until the very end of this book to realise just how strong she really was! Kinsley did have two love interests in this book, Wren and Porter, but one was in the 'now' stages and one was in the 'then' stages! I do have to admit that I definitely preferred Wren over Porter, as Porter was all about fitting in and having friends and he only really wanted a sexual relationship with Kinsley, whereas Wren was more about wanting a romantic relationship with Kinsley and he wanted her to open up to him! I could tell that Wren had genuine feelings for Kinsley as well! Plus, Porter started out really nice and then turned into an ass! I'm not sure if there's going to be another book to this series or a novella to Kinsley's story, as this book did end beautifully, but quite abrupt, so I think a novella would be an awesome idea! I will say that I'm definitely looking forward to reading more from this author and I can't wait to see what she's going to release next! The cover for this book is so beautiful! I haven't seen a cover like it before! It's beyond stunning! Big thank you to Crystal for an ARC of In Control!
This book was unreal! I had been desperate to read it since I read the first book in this series and even though I knew this book wasn't going to have the same main character, I still couldn't wait to read it! The synopsis of this book doesn't even give you a hint to what happens in it, but it sums up the main character perfectly! This book took me completely by surprise and made my heart break! It was such an emotional read! The plot of this book was written exceptionally well! I was sucked right in and once I stared reading, I couldn't put it down until I had finished reading every word! The plot was so sad and hard to read, but it had light to it as well! It was about a girl, who had had a really tough life, learn to move on and finally see herself for who she really was! I also have to point out that I loved that this book was written in a 'now' and 'then' format, as it really showed me just how hard the main character's life had been and it really hit me hard, as it showed the full extent of what the main character had been through! The characters were absolutely amazing! Kinsley was the main character in this book and she appeared in the first book in this series, In the Air, but she was only a secondary character! I couldn't wait to read her story, but I never expected her background to have been so hard! My heart broke for Kinsley as I learned about her life! Nobody should ever have to be submitted to a life like that, but the author didn't hold back and she showed the full extent of what Kinsley went and had been through in her life! I really have to admire the author for that! Kinsley was such a beautiful and sweet person, but she had been through a lot and what she had been through affected how she reacted and made her close up! I completely understood why she had a hard time trying to engage in a romantic relationship as opposed to a sexual relationship, as she had been violated in the worst way and she doubted her worth because of it! Kinsley was so much stronger than she knew and it took her until the very end of this book to realise just how strong she really was! Kinsley did have two love interests in this book, Wren and Porter, but one was in the 'now' stages and one was in the 'then' stages! I do have to admit that I definitely preferred Wren over Porter, as Porter was all about fitting in and having friends and he only really wanted a sexual relationship with Kinsley, whereas Wren was more about wanting a romantic relationship with Kinsley and he wanted her to open up to him! I could tell that Wren had genuine feelings for Kinsley as well! Plus, Porter started out really nice and then turned into an ass! I'm not sure if there's going to be another book to this series or a novella to Kinsley's story, as this book did end beautifully, but quite abrupt, so I think a novella would be an awesome idea! I will say that I'm definitely looking forward to reading more from this author and I can't wait to see what she's going to release next! The cover for this book is so beautiful! I haven't seen a cover like it before! It's beyond stunning! Big thank you to Crystal for an ARC of In Control!
December 12, 2013
I was gifted this book in exchange for an honest review. Reading this synopsis did not give an accurate picture of what you were going to get with this book. This book is heavy on the heart and not in a romantic way. While there is romance entwined there is pain, lots and lots of deep cutting pain. This book is not for the faint of heart as it touches on issues of trauma that are not often written about because they do not appeal to a lot of readers. That being said, I cannot give this author enough props for making me feel every ounce of pain that Kingsley felt through out her life. Kingsley is a black woman who has endured more in her life than anyone should have to. This book was beyond believable and I often had tears of sadness running down my face for Kingsley. This book touches on how trauma affects a person for their whole life and that it is not easy to get past trauma you experience as a child. I do not often compare authors or stories because it is not often that I feel that a new author is rising to meet the level of an author that I adore. I am going to make an exception in this case and compare this book to The Lost Boy by Dave Pelzer in how much emotion was pulled from me. I have been in quite a funk since ending the book because I was pulled in so deep. Thank you Crystal for reminding me that it is possible to overcome and become a strong person in the end. I give this author 5 fangs for this book. You are an amazing writer.
Publishing on Dec 22, 2013.
Publishing on Dec 22, 2013.
Want to read
November 25, 2013 Can't wait to read this one!!
December 26, 2013
~WOW!!! You know there's books you like and there's books you love.... and then there's books that you don't get the choice. This was that kind of book for me. There was no choice after reading this if I was going to like or love it. Crystal Serowka pulled me in so far with this, there is no letting go. I CAN'T let go of this book. I can't get it out of my head. I'm still thinking about it, and know that I will never forget it. Love doesn't describe how I feel for this. It touched on some serious topics, that are very real, but not often talked about. I hate that life can be that way. But I love having read about such an emotional and heart wrenching story.
Okay, now that I've gotten my emotions about this on the table, let me chat to you about this amazing story. In Control is a companion novel. This book is not a continuation from In the Air. This can be read as a stand alone. I however had already read In The Air and loved it, which is why when I had the chance to ARC In Control, I jumped at it. Now I'm not putting down Crystal's first book, because like I just said, I loved it... but this story raised the freaking bar on 5 star ratings. This story grips you (or at least it did me) and doesn't let go.
Just like the author warned you, this book contains scenes of a graphic nature including abuse and sexual abuse. I don't want to give things away because I believe that is cheating both the reader and the author, so take my word that Kingsley has been through some serious shizz.... (don't want to offend anyone ;) )
I couldn't relate to Kingsley at all, but I felt her. I felt her pain, I felt her anger. I want to say I felt her joy, but that wasn't a prominent emotion in this story. I felt her love though. Even when she wouldn't admit it.
I love love love Wren. I love his reactions, his determination, his emotions. I love him. And I love that he wasn't the perfect hero. I loved that he wanted her so much. I loved that even through all the crap, he loved her.
I started to love Porter, but now I hate him. I think I hate him even more at the end for playing her weaknesses than I do for him using her and ruining something fantastic by making it toxic.
So I'm going to throw it out there, because this is my review and I can, my absolute favorite part (because it makes me giggle) is when Kingsley is checking out her room at Wren's parent's place.
I wonder if Mrs. Kavanagh would have a heart attack if I told her that I'd
once gotten a skirt from a homeless person. I saw it in her cart one
morning and told her that I'd buy her a bottle of vodka (the cheapest, of course)
in exchange for it. For less than ten dollars, I was the new owner of a red
leather skirt. What would really put her over the edge was knowing that
her sweet son, Wren, ripped it off of me that first night we met.
Thank you to Crystal Serowka for bringing such a story to us. Thank you for letting me get an early copy and thank you for letting me review it for you. You have a forever fan with me, and I seriously look forward to everything you have in the future.
Okay, now that I've gotten my emotions about this on the table, let me chat to you about this amazing story. In Control is a companion novel. This book is not a continuation from In the Air. This can be read as a stand alone. I however had already read In The Air and loved it, which is why when I had the chance to ARC In Control, I jumped at it. Now I'm not putting down Crystal's first book, because like I just said, I loved it... but this story raised the freaking bar on 5 star ratings. This story grips you (or at least it did me) and doesn't let go.
Just like the author warned you, this book contains scenes of a graphic nature including abuse and sexual abuse. I don't want to give things away because I believe that is cheating both the reader and the author, so take my word that Kingsley has been through some serious shizz.... (don't want to offend anyone ;) )
I couldn't relate to Kingsley at all, but I felt her. I felt her pain, I felt her anger. I want to say I felt her joy, but that wasn't a prominent emotion in this story. I felt her love though. Even when she wouldn't admit it.
I love love love Wren. I love his reactions, his determination, his emotions. I love him. And I love that he wasn't the perfect hero. I loved that he wanted her so much. I loved that even through all the crap, he loved her.
I started to love Porter, but now I hate him. I think I hate him even more at the end for playing her weaknesses than I do for him using her and ruining something fantastic by making it toxic.
So I'm going to throw it out there, because this is my review and I can, my absolute favorite part (because it makes me giggle) is when Kingsley is checking out her room at Wren's parent's place.
I wonder if Mrs. Kavanagh would have a heart attack if I told her that I'd
once gotten a skirt from a homeless person. I saw it in her cart one
morning and told her that I'd buy her a bottle of vodka (the cheapest, of course)
in exchange for it. For less than ten dollars, I was the new owner of a red
leather skirt. What would really put her over the edge was knowing that
her sweet son, Wren, ripped it off of me that first night we met.
Thank you to Crystal Serowka for bringing such a story to us. Thank you for letting me get an early copy and thank you for letting me review it for you. You have a forever fan with me, and I seriously look forward to everything you have in the future.
December 22, 2013
Kingsley. Oh, Kingsley. We first met Kingsley in In The Air. She’s sort of an enigma. She’s a bitch. In fact….I even talked about Kingsley in my review of In The Air
While I loved Natalia and Samson, one of my favorite characters in the book was Kingsley, Natalia’s roommate. She was harsh, a bit too much to take at times, but she was honest to a fault and she just added that extra bit of spice to the book.
SO, to say I was excited for the release of In Control was an understatement. I’ve shamelessly been stalking the author’s page to see when it was coming out. When I received my ARC….I may have let out a little squeal. Just a little one. Oh, and also, just because you haven’t read In The Air, shouldn’t deter you from reading In Control. You don’t need to read In The Air to “get” In Control.
Back to why I’m here. To talk about In Control.
It’s obvious that Kingsley has issues, from the get go.
My classmates thought of me as the quiet girl that always had her nose in her notebook. My teachers sensed I was troubled, but none of them ever asked about my personal life. By flying under the radar, no one had any clue how sad I actually was.
Kingsley is a foster kid. She’s got a pretty shitty home life, to say the least. It’s made her bitter and guarded and just plain shattered.
Wren is the one person who loves her despite all of her flaws. The problem is, she can’t give him what he needs…well, not completely. She’s been broken one too many times. I wasn’t sure whether I loved the dual timeline story going on or if it bugged me. I did love getting a glimpse into why K is the way she is, but it almost made me angry with her for the way she treats Wren.
You’re never going to open up to me. How am I supposed to love you if you won’t allow me to love all of you?
I admit. I have a soft spot for Wren. Sure. He didn’t have a life like Kingsley, but what did he ever do but love her?? Sure, their relationship is combustible, but with Kingsley, how could it be anything but? The fact that Wren sticks around and presses Kingsley to open up to him makes me love him even more. The fact that he doesn’t run and tries to break down her walls of armor, well, yep, he’s the real deal. Another reason I love Wren….
Wren had a knack for displaying his emotions through songs. When his words fell short, he’d always have a song that could sum it all up.
**that’s me…so of COURSE I’m gonna love Wren!**
I loved seeing deeper into Kingsley’s story and what made her the bitch she is. The author definitely took a different tone in this book from In The Air, but I’ve gotta be honest, it was a welcome change.
While I loved Natalia and Samson, one of my favorite characters in the book was Kingsley, Natalia’s roommate. She was harsh, a bit too much to take at times, but she was honest to a fault and she just added that extra bit of spice to the book.
SO, to say I was excited for the release of In Control was an understatement. I’ve shamelessly been stalking the author’s page to see when it was coming out. When I received my ARC….I may have let out a little squeal. Just a little one. Oh, and also, just because you haven’t read In The Air, shouldn’t deter you from reading In Control. You don’t need to read In The Air to “get” In Control.
Back to why I’m here. To talk about In Control.
It’s obvious that Kingsley has issues, from the get go.
My classmates thought of me as the quiet girl that always had her nose in her notebook. My teachers sensed I was troubled, but none of them ever asked about my personal life. By flying under the radar, no one had any clue how sad I actually was.
Kingsley is a foster kid. She’s got a pretty shitty home life, to say the least. It’s made her bitter and guarded and just plain shattered.
Wren is the one person who loves her despite all of her flaws. The problem is, she can’t give him what he needs…well, not completely. She’s been broken one too many times. I wasn’t sure whether I loved the dual timeline story going on or if it bugged me. I did love getting a glimpse into why K is the way she is, but it almost made me angry with her for the way she treats Wren.
You’re never going to open up to me. How am I supposed to love you if you won’t allow me to love all of you?
I admit. I have a soft spot for Wren. Sure. He didn’t have a life like Kingsley, but what did he ever do but love her?? Sure, their relationship is combustible, but with Kingsley, how could it be anything but? The fact that Wren sticks around and presses Kingsley to open up to him makes me love him even more. The fact that he doesn’t run and tries to break down her walls of armor, well, yep, he’s the real deal. Another reason I love Wren….
Wren had a knack for displaying his emotions through songs. When his words fell short, he’d always have a song that could sum it all up.
**that’s me…so of COURSE I’m gonna love Wren!**
I loved seeing deeper into Kingsley’s story and what made her the bitch she is. The author definitely took a different tone in this book from In The Air, but I’ve gotta be honest, it was a welcome change.
December 27, 2013
4.0 Stars for Storyline
5 stars for Writing
Control. That’s what Kingsley thrives on. Throughout her life, she controls her emotions, her actions, keeping them guarded against people like Wren who want a part of her heart. We learn much more about her in this book - what makes her tick, the things she holds dear and the events in her life that have molded her aversion to relationships. The storyline alternates between past and present, each chapter from the past explaining Kingsley’s present. The plot is focused on a trip that Wren and Kingsley are taking to meet his family. Her reaction before and during the visit comprises the main gist of the story.
For someone like me who places much importance on the weight of an author’s words, Crystal Serowka’s new book has knocked it out of the park. The story, though predictable at times, is filled with words that touch one’s heart. Her writing is flawless. Cool, crisp, clear. Clean. Smooth, impeccable, no jagged edges. Everything flowed beautifully. It was like watching a movie; the scenes were expertly interspersed with vivid descriptions, moving emotions and smart and witty conversation.
So here it comes… Wait for it? What was it that I didn’t find, you ask? Would I have wanted more plot, maybe? The way that Crystal Serowka took hold of my attention, she could have thrown anything at me and I would have gladly taken the bait. I came out of the first book with the impression that Wren himself was damaged. Where was his damage in this book? For some reason, he turned into the soulful and well grounded guy that I didn’t think he could be. I just couldn’t grasp the magnitude of his change. We started down the path with the discussion related to his tattoos, but we lost our way just when we thought that the floodgates were about to open up.
But then again, maybe I need to manage my expectations. This is, after all, Kingsley’s book.
I can’t say enough about how this young author has really come into her own with this book. And since I know her personally, I know for a fact that she has poured her heart and soul into it. I am so proud of her words, of her growth and her grace as a person and as a writer. Congratulations, Crystal Serowka! I can’t wait to read your next book!
5 stars for Writing
Control. That’s what Kingsley thrives on. Throughout her life, she controls her emotions, her actions, keeping them guarded against people like Wren who want a part of her heart. We learn much more about her in this book - what makes her tick, the things she holds dear and the events in her life that have molded her aversion to relationships. The storyline alternates between past and present, each chapter from the past explaining Kingsley’s present. The plot is focused on a trip that Wren and Kingsley are taking to meet his family. Her reaction before and during the visit comprises the main gist of the story.
For someone like me who places much importance on the weight of an author’s words, Crystal Serowka’s new book has knocked it out of the park. The story, though predictable at times, is filled with words that touch one’s heart. Her writing is flawless. Cool, crisp, clear. Clean. Smooth, impeccable, no jagged edges. Everything flowed beautifully. It was like watching a movie; the scenes were expertly interspersed with vivid descriptions, moving emotions and smart and witty conversation.
So here it comes… Wait for it? What was it that I didn’t find, you ask? Would I have wanted more plot, maybe? The way that Crystal Serowka took hold of my attention, she could have thrown anything at me and I would have gladly taken the bait. I came out of the first book with the impression that Wren himself was damaged. Where was his damage in this book? For some reason, he turned into the soulful and well grounded guy that I didn’t think he could be. I just couldn’t grasp the magnitude of his change. We started down the path with the discussion related to his tattoos, but we lost our way just when we thought that the floodgates were about to open up.
But then again, maybe I need to manage my expectations. This is, after all, Kingsley’s book.
I can’t say enough about how this young author has really come into her own with this book. And since I know her personally, I know for a fact that she has poured her heart and soul into it. I am so proud of her words, of her growth and her grace as a person and as a writer. Congratulations, Crystal Serowka! I can’t wait to read your next book!
Read
August 27, 2013*o* COVEEEERRRR!!!!
December 27, 2013
Review to follow on www.aloveaffairwithbooks.com blog
January 22, 2016
Kinsley's story is a sad one, but what a good read. This is about being broken, and finding a way to put the pieces back together. I liked this on better than the first one.
Currently reading
July 12, 2013This one promises greatness. ;)
September 10, 2017
This could so have been a 5 star read for me but became a 3.5 star read for several reasons.
More depth and this would definitely have been a 5 star read. Nevertheless, it kept me engrossed until the last page.
More depth and this would definitely have been a 5 star read. Nevertheless, it kept me engrossed until the last page.
January 5, 2018
I'm happy to have read this book as the writing style was refreshing. The heroine groes stronger as the years pass by and the hero is my favourite character because he really don't give up.
I am not a fan of the narration being cut between past and present but since I was hooked by the first few pages, I sucked it up and continued my reading.
My only real problem with the book is its ending!!!!!!!! It's not a cliff hanger but come on, I wanted an epilogue or at the very least 2 more pages where they kiss and hug instead of just smile. And I wanted to know what happened to Drew :(
I am not a fan of the narration being cut between past and present but since I was hooked by the first few pages, I sucked it up and continued my reading.
My only real problem with the book is its ending!!!!!!!! It's not a cliff hanger but come on, I wanted an epilogue or at the very least 2 more pages where they kiss and hug instead of just smile. And I wanted to know what happened to Drew :(
December 21, 2013
**ARC Copy was given by author in exchange for an honest review**
When I read In the Air, book one, I knew Kingsley had a story to tell, and it was going to be raw and devastating. Kingsley's snarky attitude and in your face comments spoke of a young woman who wears a mask, hiding who she truly is for fear of not being accepted. I wanted to hear her story, and I am so glad that Crystal Serowka decided to tell it, and boy, did she do a PHENOMENAL JOB!
"'I love you.' Three words. Eight letters. One single tear escaping as the concrete slowly chipped away."
For Kingsley, the idea of love is too scarring; from early on, she understood that if she loved someone that gave that person control over her life, and her need for control was something she was unwilling to give up. As long as she used people, men in particular, she controlled what she allowed herself to feel, and while she allowed them to manipulate her body, she never allowed them to control her heart...that is, until Wren. They were only supposed to be fuck buddies, but slowly, it turned into a relationship that scared the living daylights out of her and had her reliving moments from her past that she worked so hard to keep buried.
"I wanted to let myself fall for Wren, but the one time I had allowed my heart the freedom to feel, I was betrayed. I wasn't sure I was ready to give my heart away."
So Kingsley fights her feelings for Wren, which threatens their entire relationship as she walks away from him at the end of Chapter One. What follows chapter one is an alternating perspective of Kingsley's current life with Wren and her past life with the Hendersons and Porter.
As I began reading the "then" and "now" chapters, I experienced two Kingsleys; both tormented and immensely fragile but one who allowed other people to control her and the other who fights tooth and nail to remain in control of every detail. As her story continues, it becomes clear that the only way that Kingsley will be able to give herself fully to Wren is if her two fractured selves come together and heal.
Kingsley's "then" life is beyond horrifying; verbal and physical abuse are constants in her young life. She is attacked at home, ridiculed at school, and made to feel worthless on a consistent basis by a plethora of people. What she has to endure during this time is heartbreaking. Her innocence is shattered one horrible night, and she begins hurting herself to ease the pain and the negative feelings inside of her. During this time, Porter comes into her life, and she believes that Porter can save her with his love. Her attempts to hold on to Porter's love even when he becomes reckless and their time together turns in to nothing but drinking and sex proves how desperate she is for love. But then, Porter breaks her heart, and Kingsley is left with nothing and no one.
Fast forward a bit and her "now" life with Wren begins with a quick screw in the bathroom of a bar. But Kingsley's "one night" with him turns in to multiple nights...meaningless sex turns into deeper feelings and then those feelings, for both of them, even though Kingsley will not admit it, turn into love. Wren has fought desperately to get Kingsley to open up but her wall, though slowly crumbling, remains steadfast - until one fateful night when Kingsley's "then" life intersects with her "now" life, and she realizes what she has to lose by not opening up to Wren and giving all of herself to him.
"Three words, eight letters, two smiles mirroring each other. I loved him."
This book is an amazing read. My heart broke for Kingsley and what she had to endure as a young girl. I wanted to yell at her and tell her to open her eyes to her relationship with Porter and see how unhealthy it was, and I wanted to knock her aside the head when she let Wren walk away from her on the beach. But, it made sense that she had to put her two selves together before she could move forward, and the book was set up brilliantly to understand that and to wait for it at the end. In Control is an emotional read due to the abuse Kingsley had to endure as a young girl and how it left her scarred as a young woman, but it is also an uplifting read because it illustrates human will and strength marvelously. Kingsley could have given up so many times; life dealt her a horrific hand, but she fights and endures because that is who she is - one part shattered and one part solid; two sides of one person who had the guts to give in to love again and now hopes to reap its benefits.
4.5 poison apples from The Fairest of All Book Reviews
When I read In the Air, book one, I knew Kingsley had a story to tell, and it was going to be raw and devastating. Kingsley's snarky attitude and in your face comments spoke of a young woman who wears a mask, hiding who she truly is for fear of not being accepted. I wanted to hear her story, and I am so glad that Crystal Serowka decided to tell it, and boy, did she do a PHENOMENAL JOB!
"'I love you.' Three words. Eight letters. One single tear escaping as the concrete slowly chipped away."
For Kingsley, the idea of love is too scarring; from early on, she understood that if she loved someone that gave that person control over her life, and her need for control was something she was unwilling to give up. As long as she used people, men in particular, she controlled what she allowed herself to feel, and while she allowed them to manipulate her body, she never allowed them to control her heart...that is, until Wren. They were only supposed to be fuck buddies, but slowly, it turned into a relationship that scared the living daylights out of her and had her reliving moments from her past that she worked so hard to keep buried.
"I wanted to let myself fall for Wren, but the one time I had allowed my heart the freedom to feel, I was betrayed. I wasn't sure I was ready to give my heart away."
So Kingsley fights her feelings for Wren, which threatens their entire relationship as she walks away from him at the end of Chapter One. What follows chapter one is an alternating perspective of Kingsley's current life with Wren and her past life with the Hendersons and Porter.
As I began reading the "then" and "now" chapters, I experienced two Kingsleys; both tormented and immensely fragile but one who allowed other people to control her and the other who fights tooth and nail to remain in control of every detail. As her story continues, it becomes clear that the only way that Kingsley will be able to give herself fully to Wren is if her two fractured selves come together and heal.
Kingsley's "then" life is beyond horrifying; verbal and physical abuse are constants in her young life. She is attacked at home, ridiculed at school, and made to feel worthless on a consistent basis by a plethora of people. What she has to endure during this time is heartbreaking. Her innocence is shattered one horrible night, and she begins hurting herself to ease the pain and the negative feelings inside of her. During this time, Porter comes into her life, and she believes that Porter can save her with his love. Her attempts to hold on to Porter's love even when he becomes reckless and their time together turns in to nothing but drinking and sex proves how desperate she is for love. But then, Porter breaks her heart, and Kingsley is left with nothing and no one.
Fast forward a bit and her "now" life with Wren begins with a quick screw in the bathroom of a bar. But Kingsley's "one night" with him turns in to multiple nights...meaningless sex turns into deeper feelings and then those feelings, for both of them, even though Kingsley will not admit it, turn into love. Wren has fought desperately to get Kingsley to open up but her wall, though slowly crumbling, remains steadfast - until one fateful night when Kingsley's "then" life intersects with her "now" life, and she realizes what she has to lose by not opening up to Wren and giving all of herself to him.
"Three words, eight letters, two smiles mirroring each other. I loved him."
This book is an amazing read. My heart broke for Kingsley and what she had to endure as a young girl. I wanted to yell at her and tell her to open her eyes to her relationship with Porter and see how unhealthy it was, and I wanted to knock her aside the head when she let Wren walk away from her on the beach. But, it made sense that she had to put her two selves together before she could move forward, and the book was set up brilliantly to understand that and to wait for it at the end. In Control is an emotional read due to the abuse Kingsley had to endure as a young girl and how it left her scarred as a young woman, but it is also an uplifting read because it illustrates human will and strength marvelously. Kingsley could have given up so many times; life dealt her a horrific hand, but she fights and endures because that is who she is - one part shattered and one part solid; two sides of one person who had the guts to give in to love again and now hopes to reap its benefits.
4.5 poison apples from The Fairest of All Book Reviews
December 27, 2013
In Control by Crystal Serowka was a pretty intense read for me. My heart hurt while reading this book. The feelings that I felt for Kingsley were so real. Kingsley is in serious need of a hug or maybe one hundred. We met Kingsley in Crystal's first book In The Air. My first thoughts of Kingsley are that she's one wild girl. She does what she wants and doesn't care what anyone thinks of her. I loved her character and couldn't wait to read this book. In Control is all about Kingsley and what has made her the person she is. I have fallen in love with her in so many ways.
Wren and Kingsley have been sleeping together for a while. Their relationship started as a no strings attached but the more time Wren spent with Kingsley the more he liked her. Kingsley has been afraid of the feelings she has been feeling for Wren and it has drudged up some really bad feelings from her past. Wren wants more with her and invites her home with him to meet his parents and spend the weekend. At first Kingsley is totally against it but when she see's how much Wren wants it she breaks down and gives in. Kingsley really does care for Wren and is willing to make him happy. They end up going but things begin to fall apart. Kingsley starts to have some real feelings for Wren and now that she see's where he comes from is more then willing to give him what he has been asking for. Unfortunately it is far from a happily ever after for them. Kingsley finds that her past just won't let her be. She losing the control she has carefully built to protect herself. What will happen when she finally loses all her control and has to depend on someone else to protect her heart?
This book has alternating chapters that are titled from then and now. The then chapters were really hard to read and I just wanted to see Wren and Kingsley. I wanted to see Wren and Kingsley ride off into the sunset together. Saying that I'm a sucker for a great HEA. I'm not going to tell you if that is what happens but this book is a definite journey for them. Kingsley had a rough childhood. Looking at what she went through is something that you wouldn't want anyone to go though. Every child should have happy childhood memories and Kingsley was robbed of that. This poor girl deserves a happily ever after and if I could give her one then I would in a heartbeat. Looking back on her past she isn't anything like the girl she used to be. She does have people who care for her now. All she has to do is let them in.
This is definitely an emotional almost gut wrenching read. Be prepared to feel Kingsley's pain while reading that. Saying that I enjoyed this soul cleansing read. It made me feel things that I felt were buried deep with in myself. This story is one that will stay in your heart long after reading it.
August 12, 2016
**ARC**
I loved & bonded with Kingsey while reading In the Air (book#1), and when reading the synopsis for In Control and found out it was about her, I knew I had to read it! I wanted to read more on her with book #1, but I am excited and happy that Crystal gave her, her own story in this one. It gives an insight on why she is so Fearless and yet at the same time so broken on the inside.
I read this one in a day and was heart broken, angry, wanting to slap her more than once, and ultimately happy in the end. This book takes us through her life in the Foster Care system, and just what she had to do to survive the many homes she was in, always being the outsider because she was beautiful and the girls were alway jealous of her and the guys always desired her. She was different from the moment she was born, and knew that life was not going to be easy to get through, but she tried her hardest to survive with a smile on her face.
I loved how this book was told from a Present POV & a Past POV.
The Present POV was with her current relationship Wren and it let us see why she was seriously so adamant on getting into a relationship with him when he wanted nothing more than to show her how it is to be loved for real. What started out as a FWB type of relationship, turned into Wren falling really hard for Kingsley & Kingsley always running when things got deep. I mean she had her innocence taken away from her when she was younger, only slating the thoughts she already had in her head about no one really wanting her for love, only using her for what she could give them.
The Past POV was of her teen years and the one boy who she thought could finally love her for what she was on the inside and not what everyone saw her for on the outside. Porter was good for her in the beginning and by the end of the book, I wanted to punch him in the head myself, for doing to her what others have done, in turn, making her think that no one will ever love her for her true self, but use her and throw her away once they got what they needed. My heart broke in half for her, during the Past POV’s, it was so hard to keep the tears under control when reading.
In the end though, we watched her work through some of the toughest things she had to in life, all the while, Wren was there to let her know that he was not going anywhere. He wanted her to know that once he loves, he loves with his whole soul and heart and he was hoping that she could do the same in return……
"Love isn't something you hide from. Love isn't something you trade in. Love is a priority. It's the one thing in people's lives that make them want to live. It's the one thing in my life that's kept me breathing."
I loved & bonded with Kingsey while reading In the Air (book#1), and when reading the synopsis for In Control and found out it was about her, I knew I had to read it! I wanted to read more on her with book #1, but I am excited and happy that Crystal gave her, her own story in this one. It gives an insight on why she is so Fearless and yet at the same time so broken on the inside.
I read this one in a day and was heart broken, angry, wanting to slap her more than once, and ultimately happy in the end. This book takes us through her life in the Foster Care system, and just what she had to do to survive the many homes she was in, always being the outsider because she was beautiful and the girls were alway jealous of her and the guys always desired her. She was different from the moment she was born, and knew that life was not going to be easy to get through, but she tried her hardest to survive with a smile on her face.
I loved how this book was told from a Present POV & a Past POV.
The Present POV was with her current relationship Wren and it let us see why she was seriously so adamant on getting into a relationship with him when he wanted nothing more than to show her how it is to be loved for real. What started out as a FWB type of relationship, turned into Wren falling really hard for Kingsley & Kingsley always running when things got deep. I mean she had her innocence taken away from her when she was younger, only slating the thoughts she already had in her head about no one really wanting her for love, only using her for what she could give them.
The Past POV was of her teen years and the one boy who she thought could finally love her for what she was on the inside and not what everyone saw her for on the outside. Porter was good for her in the beginning and by the end of the book, I wanted to punch him in the head myself, for doing to her what others have done, in turn, making her think that no one will ever love her for her true self, but use her and throw her away once they got what they needed. My heart broke in half for her, during the Past POV’s, it was so hard to keep the tears under control when reading.
In the end though, we watched her work through some of the toughest things she had to in life, all the while, Wren was there to let her know that he was not going anywhere. He wanted her to know that once he loves, he loves with his whole soul and heart and he was hoping that she could do the same in return……
"Love isn't something you hide from. Love isn't something you trade in. Love is a priority. It's the one thing in people's lives that make them want to live. It's the one thing in my life that's kept me breathing."
September 10, 2016
4.5 Stars
"They had no idea that whatever name they called me, whatever they wrote on my locker, it wasn't ever going to bother me. I had been shattered a long time ago, and the shards of my former self were so sharp, nothing else could ever harm me"
In Control is a wonderful book about first love and being broken by them and how to put yourself back together. You guys should know by now I love first love and I love reading about broken people so this had two of my favorite things in it to begin with. Kingsley is a foster child who moves home to home until she finds one that keeps her, for the check of course. My heart broke for what she went through as I can imagine that it is not that uncommon that these things happen regularly in our foster care system. I loved that she was strong and survived through the betrayal and hurt and didn't dwell on it. She may not have dealt with it properly, but she did deal with it! She had no happiness in her life until she met Porter. She had 171 days of his love. *tears*
"This is what being my age should feel like, Porter made me see that being a kid meant being stress-free. It meant getting excited over the simple things in life and not having to worry about anything."
The book goes from future to past throughout and at first it bothered me. It only bothered me because I really, really wanted to know what happened between her and Porter. So we go back and forth between her past, Porter, and her possible future, Wren.
"The kind of love he was showing me couldn't exist because I'd deemed myself unlovable."
We get to see her feelings and possibly her first relationship since Porter broke her develop, and also hear about what Porter did in the past. There are a couple of WTF moments that I enjoyed. The writing style kept me very interested and there were even a couple of lol moments. There were however also a few inconsistencies that stood out to me. Certain things stand out to me in books and details are one of them. 99 out of a 100 people probably would never even notice them, but of course, I did. Overall, I really really enjoyed this book and will more than likely read the companion novel, In The Air. From what I can tell they are both totally stand alone novels.
"I love you." Three words. Eight letters. One single tear escaping as the concrete slowly chipped away."
Reviewed by Mystery Reviewer for Crystal's Many Reviewers
*Copy provided for honest review*
"They had no idea that whatever name they called me, whatever they wrote on my locker, it wasn't ever going to bother me. I had been shattered a long time ago, and the shards of my former self were so sharp, nothing else could ever harm me"
In Control is a wonderful book about first love and being broken by them and how to put yourself back together. You guys should know by now I love first love and I love reading about broken people so this had two of my favorite things in it to begin with. Kingsley is a foster child who moves home to home until she finds one that keeps her, for the check of course. My heart broke for what she went through as I can imagine that it is not that uncommon that these things happen regularly in our foster care system. I loved that she was strong and survived through the betrayal and hurt and didn't dwell on it. She may not have dealt with it properly, but she did deal with it! She had no happiness in her life until she met Porter. She had 171 days of his love. *tears*
"This is what being my age should feel like, Porter made me see that being a kid meant being stress-free. It meant getting excited over the simple things in life and not having to worry about anything."
The book goes from future to past throughout and at first it bothered me. It only bothered me because I really, really wanted to know what happened between her and Porter. So we go back and forth between her past, Porter, and her possible future, Wren.
"The kind of love he was showing me couldn't exist because I'd deemed myself unlovable."
We get to see her feelings and possibly her first relationship since Porter broke her develop, and also hear about what Porter did in the past. There are a couple of WTF moments that I enjoyed. The writing style kept me very interested and there were even a couple of lol moments. There were however also a few inconsistencies that stood out to me. Certain things stand out to me in books and details are one of them. 99 out of a 100 people probably would never even notice them, but of course, I did. Overall, I really really enjoyed this book and will more than likely read the companion novel, In The Air. From what I can tell they are both totally stand alone novels.
"I love you." Three words. Eight letters. One single tear escaping as the concrete slowly chipped away."
Reviewed by Mystery Reviewer for Crystal's Many Reviewers
*Copy provided for honest review*
April 7, 2015
I enjoyed this book, read it in less than a day. The description is pretty accurate, the book reminded me bit of Rebecca Donovan's Breathing series just due to the nature of the abuse and the lack of telling anyone. It really wasn't until far into the second book that I realize that Kingsley (the female foster child) was black. Not that it makes a difference but they kept referring to dark skin not black and then one sentence referred to her as black. I am still not 100% sure but I do like a picture of my character in my head and this one confused me. Maybe I am wrong but it doesn't matter I just wish it was clearer from the beginning. She was a beautiful, tall, out of control teenager. And Wren, he was to only guy that could tame her after Porter completely destroyed her. I was attracted to this book due to the dancing at Julliard, but this book had little if none of the dancing.
Kingsley gave her body away to escape from the pain and suffering she had endured in her life, from being a throw away kid to being bounced around from foster home to foster home being treated badly.
It is a story of how a lost soul finds herself but she had to learn a lot of life lessons along the way. Wren is the boy who she couldn't get enough of even though she vowed she wouldn't ever fall in love or let her heart open to anyone again. Porter destroyed her, betrayed her, ruined her life.
I do love Wren, he is an awesome character and one who I would like to see more of. He was also hurting and suffered and he wanted Kingsley. He fought for her as much as she pushed away. Dialogue was very witty.
Loved how the book ended. Really had me going for the last few chapters and I was on the edge of my seat wondering where she would end up and how she would ruin things. It was really a beautiful ending.
One of My favorite parts in this book:
I looked at him in the distance, praying to God that he wouldn't walk away. In those second, I made so many promises:
I won't ever treat another person like shit.
I'll stop hating myself so much and learn to love.
I'm trying. I'm trying so hard, God.
I'm sorry I stopped believing in you.
I'm sorry I blamed you for everything that happened to me.
Please, allow me to feel what real affection could be like.
Kingsley gave her body away to escape from the pain and suffering she had endured in her life, from being a throw away kid to being bounced around from foster home to foster home being treated badly.
It is a story of how a lost soul finds herself but she had to learn a lot of life lessons along the way. Wren is the boy who she couldn't get enough of even though she vowed she wouldn't ever fall in love or let her heart open to anyone again. Porter destroyed her, betrayed her, ruined her life.
I do love Wren, he is an awesome character and one who I would like to see more of. He was also hurting and suffered and he wanted Kingsley. He fought for her as much as she pushed away. Dialogue was very witty.
Loved how the book ended. Really had me going for the last few chapters and I was on the edge of my seat wondering where she would end up and how she would ruin things. It was really a beautiful ending.
One of My favorite parts in this book:
I looked at him in the distance, praying to God that he wouldn't walk away. In those second, I made so many promises:
I won't ever treat another person like shit.
I'll stop hating myself so much and learn to love.
I'm trying. I'm trying so hard, God.
I'm sorry I stopped believing in you.
I'm sorry I blamed you for everything that happened to me.
Please, allow me to feel what real affection could be like.
June 17, 2014
After reading the blurb for this and receiving my copy for review I was very excited about this book.
I was NOT disappointed.
This beautifully written tale is not for the faint hearted, it contains subject matter that is confronting and very real.
Our main gal Kingsley is so broken, it looks like the pieces of her shattered soul are never going to be put back together. Then comes Wren, our very patient guy. Bless him, even though he is so absolutely in love with Kingsley he struggles with her inability to open up to him and let him in so he can help fight her demons with her.
In Control is written from Kingsley's point of view and it displays her struggles with her current feelings for Wren, and what happened in her horrific past. It's a confronting tale as she opens up about the abuse she suffered in her past, as well as dealing with a betrayal that was so big it set of a chain of actions that ultimately changed her life.
While figuring out her relationship with Wren and deciding that as absolutely terrified she is with falling in love again, she knows that Wren is definitely worth taking a shot on. While their relationship is still new and very fragile, Kingsley comes face to face with the man that betrayed her years ago. It only takes one act from Porter for her to realise that, it's Wren that holds her heart and that she needs him more than she has ever needed anyone else.
Are Kingsley's actions going to cost her the man she truly loves? Can Wren handle the confessions of Kingsley's past? Or is her inability to open up and let him in going to tear them apart forever?
I'm desperately hoping for a 3rd book in this series.
I give In Control 4.5 dancing stars.
I was NOT disappointed.
This beautifully written tale is not for the faint hearted, it contains subject matter that is confronting and very real.
Our main gal Kingsley is so broken, it looks like the pieces of her shattered soul are never going to be put back together. Then comes Wren, our very patient guy. Bless him, even though he is so absolutely in love with Kingsley he struggles with her inability to open up to him and let him in so he can help fight her demons with her.
In Control is written from Kingsley's point of view and it displays her struggles with her current feelings for Wren, and what happened in her horrific past. It's a confronting tale as she opens up about the abuse she suffered in her past, as well as dealing with a betrayal that was so big it set of a chain of actions that ultimately changed her life.
While figuring out her relationship with Wren and deciding that as absolutely terrified she is with falling in love again, she knows that Wren is definitely worth taking a shot on. While their relationship is still new and very fragile, Kingsley comes face to face with the man that betrayed her years ago. It only takes one act from Porter for her to realise that, it's Wren that holds her heart and that she needs him more than she has ever needed anyone else.
Are Kingsley's actions going to cost her the man she truly loves? Can Wren handle the confessions of Kingsley's past? Or is her inability to open up and let him in going to tear them apart forever?
I'm desperately hoping for a 3rd book in this series.
I give In Control 4.5 dancing stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 21, 2013
In Control is the second book in Crystal Serowka’s The City Series and is a phenomenal read that takes you on one hell of an emotional roller coaster.
The story is written through the eyes of Kingsley, an independent, unapologetic strong female lead. Kingsley quickly became one of my favorite book females because she’s such an anomaly. This woman comes from an absolutely horrific childhood but has fought like hell to shape herself into a fierce, powerful adult who commands respect and controls her future. As her character reveals pieces of her past against the backdrop of her present, I was able to see the extent of her character’s journey from trauma to acceptance. It was beautiful to see such strength come from such tragedy.
What kept me drawn to Kingsley’s story and engrossed in the book was Crystal Serowka’s unique writing style. She is a master at her craft and approaches her story with such expert technique. Manipulating words, molding sentences, and constructing a story that delivers such joy and heartbreak it’s addictive. Alternating between chapters in the present and past, Crystal weaves subtle clues and foreshadowing that ultimately build to incredibly intense and shocking plot twists. I loved how familiar yet unpredictable this story was. I’ve read plenty of stories about damaged female leads, but Kingsley’s story is one that continues to haunt me long after I’ve finished.
I highly recommend immersing yourself in Crystal Serowka’s In Control. Follow the peaks and valleys of Kingsley’s story and fall in love with her just like I did. This story is an exceptional read you don’t want to miss!
The story is written through the eyes of Kingsley, an independent, unapologetic strong female lead. Kingsley quickly became one of my favorite book females because she’s such an anomaly. This woman comes from an absolutely horrific childhood but has fought like hell to shape herself into a fierce, powerful adult who commands respect and controls her future. As her character reveals pieces of her past against the backdrop of her present, I was able to see the extent of her character’s journey from trauma to acceptance. It was beautiful to see such strength come from such tragedy.
What kept me drawn to Kingsley’s story and engrossed in the book was Crystal Serowka’s unique writing style. She is a master at her craft and approaches her story with such expert technique. Manipulating words, molding sentences, and constructing a story that delivers such joy and heartbreak it’s addictive. Alternating between chapters in the present and past, Crystal weaves subtle clues and foreshadowing that ultimately build to incredibly intense and shocking plot twists. I loved how familiar yet unpredictable this story was. I’ve read plenty of stories about damaged female leads, but Kingsley’s story is one that continues to haunt me long after I’ve finished.
I highly recommend immersing yourself in Crystal Serowka’s In Control. Follow the peaks and valleys of Kingsley’s story and fall in love with her just like I did. This story is an exceptional read you don’t want to miss!
January 13, 2014
Kingsley is a dancer. She's studying at Julliard. She's been seeing Wren for a few months. It's just sex. Right?
Kingsley grew up in the foster care system. She has no idea who her real parents are. She doesn't get close to anyone, she learned her lesson when she was 14.
Wren is the guy that breaks that rule. He loves her and Kingsley finds herself in a new situation. She loves him back. But she can't admit it. The last time she loved someone her whole life was turned upside down so her number one rule: Love No One. But Wren still pushes his way into her heart. Now she just has to figure out a way to share her feelings.
We are taken through Kingsley's life through flashbacks to her childhood. To a time where her foster parents hid her in the basement. She was beaten and starved but the one thing she thought she had was Parker. He loved her and she loved him. But Parker is also the reason Kinglsey can't love again.
This book is part of a series and I had not read the first book, In The Air, but I find myself wanting to read more by this author. While there are scenes of abuse, they are not graphic but still powerful. You feel Kingsley's anguish in her early years. Wren has also been hurt in the past but he is aching for Kinsley's love. He pushes her to admit her feelings and it is good for us to see Kingsley's growth. I found the ending a little abrupt and wish it would have given us a little more. I would love to know where they go from here.
I received this book free for an honest review. 3-1/2 Stars!
Kingsley grew up in the foster care system. She has no idea who her real parents are. She doesn't get close to anyone, she learned her lesson when she was 14.
Wren is the guy that breaks that rule. He loves her and Kingsley finds herself in a new situation. She loves him back. But she can't admit it. The last time she loved someone her whole life was turned upside down so her number one rule: Love No One. But Wren still pushes his way into her heart. Now she just has to figure out a way to share her feelings.
We are taken through Kingsley's life through flashbacks to her childhood. To a time where her foster parents hid her in the basement. She was beaten and starved but the one thing she thought she had was Parker. He loved her and she loved him. But Parker is also the reason Kinglsey can't love again.
This book is part of a series and I had not read the first book, In The Air, but I find myself wanting to read more by this author. While there are scenes of abuse, they are not graphic but still powerful. You feel Kingsley's anguish in her early years. Wren has also been hurt in the past but he is aching for Kinsley's love. He pushes her to admit her feelings and it is good for us to see Kingsley's growth. I found the ending a little abrupt and wish it would have given us a little more. I would love to know where they go from here.
I received this book free for an honest review. 3-1/2 Stars!
January 10, 2014
So! This cover and this synopsis just begs for this book to be read! It is part of a series, however, book one is actually about a friend, Natalia, so it really doesn't have to be read to get a good feel for this one. Which is great because sadly I have not read book one, but now I want to!
Now honestly, this was a tough read but not because of the writing but because of the scenes of abuse. It's written in two parts, with then chapters and the now chapters and the then was so horrific that sometimes I just felt like crying! Kingsley goes through a lot of abuse, sexually, mentally, and physically and reading that just brought on so much empathy. But that's what this story is about, finding out exactly who Kingsley is and if she can get over everything that has happened to her.
And then you have Wren. He's also been hurt but he's trying to put his heart on the line and Kingsley keeps stepping on it. The now portions weren't AS horrific as the THEN portions but man... the hurt that these two go through is nearly devastating...
And I read it all in one night! I actually stayed up way late reading this. I just couldn't put it down. It's very alluring and Crystal's writing is amazing. I could not stop until I got to the end, it was fantastic.
This says New Adult for a reason. Not only are there graphic situations but the sex scenes are hot, hot, hot! I wouldn't recommend this to a young adult but the older readers out there... enjoy!
Now honestly, this was a tough read but not because of the writing but because of the scenes of abuse. It's written in two parts, with then chapters and the now chapters and the then was so horrific that sometimes I just felt like crying! Kingsley goes through a lot of abuse, sexually, mentally, and physically and reading that just brought on so much empathy. But that's what this story is about, finding out exactly who Kingsley is and if she can get over everything that has happened to her.
And then you have Wren. He's also been hurt but he's trying to put his heart on the line and Kingsley keeps stepping on it. The now portions weren't AS horrific as the THEN portions but man... the hurt that these two go through is nearly devastating...
And I read it all in one night! I actually stayed up way late reading this. I just couldn't put it down. It's very alluring and Crystal's writing is amazing. I could not stop until I got to the end, it was fantastic.
This says New Adult for a reason. Not only are there graphic situations but the sex scenes are hot, hot, hot! I wouldn't recommend this to a young adult but the older readers out there... enjoy!
August 6, 2016
Bottom line, I can't take this book and compare it to any of my other four star books or any other books that I've read, period. It just sort of stands on it's own, for the lack of a better term. I also didn't want to do any over-thinking when it came to rating it. I liked what I liked and that's where the majority of my rating came from.
Things I liked:
This author's writing has definitely improved from In The Air.
There were quite a few elements of this story (in "THEN" chapters), that I felt I could personally understand and relate to, and those feelings were expressed in a really believable way.
The subject matter of the book was something I love reading about and I would have loved to see more of it and even more intensity behind it.
Things I didn't like:
There were a few gaps that I would have filled in throughout or developed a bit differently.
The two main characters liked to fight...a lot. I would have liked to see the fighting sprinkled here and there to keep the "NOW" and the character motivations behind the fighting believable.
The story ended abruptly, however, there was conclusion and I feel like if the story had continued it would have been too long and drawn out.
Overall, I am happy to say that it was a good read and not disappointed that I read it. :)
Things I liked:
This author's writing has definitely improved from In The Air.
There were quite a few elements of this story (in "THEN" chapters), that I felt I could personally understand and relate to, and those feelings were expressed in a really believable way.
The subject matter of the book was something I love reading about and I would have loved to see more of it and even more intensity behind it.
Things I didn't like:
There were a few gaps that I would have filled in throughout or developed a bit differently.
The two main characters liked to fight...a lot. I would have liked to see the fighting sprinkled here and there to keep the "NOW" and the character motivations behind the fighting believable.
The story ended abruptly, however, there was conclusion and I feel like if the story had continued it would have been too long and drawn out.
Overall, I am happy to say that it was a good read and not disappointed that I read it. :)
January 13, 2014
This books was an amazing book. It was a fast read with just the right amount of angst. This book has some hard subject matters!
Kingsley is living in foster care trying to make it till her eighteenth birthday. She is always quiet and doesn't have friends. The first time she meets Porter she falls in love. She wants him, but never talks to him. After a really bad night everything falls apart. Her life is completely turned upside down. She has no home, no boyfriend and no one to love her. She turns to men to help her threw her dark times. That is until one guy changes everything. Will she finally open her heart and love again?
Wren never wants to experience heartbreak again, but knows he needs to fight for Kingsley. He wants her and try's to not push her away, but she is a hard woman to please. He finally gets her to try, but will it be enough? Can he be the man she needs?
I really enjoyed this book. I really needed more. I couldn't give it a 5 star because I feel it was a little to rushed at the end. It needed more, but this is definitely a must read book!!
Kingsley is living in foster care trying to make it till her eighteenth birthday. She is always quiet and doesn't have friends. The first time she meets Porter she falls in love. She wants him, but never talks to him. After a really bad night everything falls apart. Her life is completely turned upside down. She has no home, no boyfriend and no one to love her. She turns to men to help her threw her dark times. That is until one guy changes everything. Will she finally open her heart and love again?
Wren never wants to experience heartbreak again, but knows he needs to fight for Kingsley. He wants her and try's to not push her away, but she is a hard woman to please. He finally gets her to try, but will it be enough? Can he be the man she needs?
I really enjoyed this book. I really needed more. I couldn't give it a 5 star because I feel it was a little to rushed at the end. It needed more, but this is definitely a must read book!!
January 15, 2014
Kingsley grew up in a foster home with shitty foster parents. She feels she was unworthy of love or happiness. Porter is a boy at her school she secretly has a crush on. When the two finally talk and then hang out it's everything Kingsley ever dreamed of. Nothing lasts forever and she goes through a series of painful events that shape the woman she will become. Fast forward to the now and Kingsley meets Wren. She struggles with the wall she has built for herself to keep love out. Being with Wren is changing all that.
I really enjoyed this book. I really felt for Kingsley and all that she had to endure. You read both her past and her present which gives you an insight into her character. This is a great book and I will have to check out the first book by this author!
I really enjoyed this book. I really felt for Kingsley and all that she had to endure. You read both her past and her present which gives you an insight into her character. This is a great book and I will have to check out the first book by this author!
December 29, 2013
4.5 Stars!
Wonderful book from Ms. Serowka! I loved reading Kingsley's journey, gradually gets bits and pieces of her past mingled in with the present. My heart ached for her after reading everything she had gone through while living in foster care and dating the first boy she ever loved, but I think it helped explain why she has such a hard time sharing her feelings and committing to Wren. I was kept on my toes right up to the end, but was very pleased with the outcome!
My only complaint: I wish it was longer! I want more Kingsley and Wren!
Wonderful book from Ms. Serowka! I loved reading Kingsley's journey, gradually gets bits and pieces of her past mingled in with the present. My heart ached for her after reading everything she had gone through while living in foster care and dating the first boy she ever loved, but I think it helped explain why she has such a hard time sharing her feelings and committing to Wren. I was kept on my toes right up to the end, but was very pleased with the outcome!
My only complaint: I wish it was longer! I want more Kingsley and Wren!
May 26, 2015
Lovelovelovelove it so much! why did I've waited so lond to read it?????? The words magical, want to read,read it could not put my kindle down!!!!!! Now I want more of Wren and Kingsley love them!! But I hate it when she's go back to her past, want to throw my kindle. I want a HEA for Wren and Kingsley, Crystal!!!!!!!!!! Recommending!!!!!!!!
May 9, 2015
Kingsley - 1 star
Wren - 4 star
The storyline was ok, but I just can't really reconcile myself to like Kingsley. Wren was the only redeming factor, in my opinion. It was nearly a DNF for me, I just kept reading hoping he'd get the HEA he deserved.
Wren - 4 star
The storyline was ok, but I just can't really reconcile myself to like Kingsley. Wren was the only redeming factor, in my opinion. It was nearly a DNF for me, I just kept reading hoping he'd get the HEA he deserved.
December 23, 2013
Review to follow...
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