I've been taking care of myself for as long as I can remember. Kicked out as a teen, I’ve gone from living on the streets to earning money in any way possible. My life has never been easy, but it’s still mine.
Now Evan, a mafia enforcer, has taken a liking to me. He thinks he can “save” me. Well, he can fuck right off. I'm never going to be dependent on anyone else ever again.
Because if I start to fall for him, if I start to rely on him, it'll hurt even worse when he inevitably decides to dump me just like everybody else does.
This is the second book of the Mafia Doms series. It can be read as a standalone, but it is best enjoyed after reading Submit. Content warnings include stalking, sex work, and violence. Control is a “mid-gray-to-dark” 83k word novel from Adara Wolf & R. Phoenix. Please look inside for more detailed notes.
I write almost exclusive m/m, but I have a fondness for bisexual protagonists. I enjoy a lot of darker themes, so you'll see a lot of that around here.
When I’m not writing, I’m reading, painting, playing video games, and rescuing cats. I also enjoy learning about languages and other cultures.
If you're ever curious about the contents of my works, I put content notes on my website (http://adarawolf.com)
4.5 stars. You want a fluffy read? Just keep walking. You want a big burly possessive head of the mafia security guy, who’s obsessed with a sex worker and wants him safe? Grab this with two hands!! It’s goooood!
Evan is mafia boss Silvano Cresci’s head of security, at a mob meeting in a sex club he is stunned by the beautiful dancer/sex worker Helios.
Helios doesn’t trust Evan one bit. He’s a killer, and Helios is certain he will be next.
What do you want to do?” He grins at me. “Except run away. That’s not an option.
Kept against his will, by a possible murderer, yippee that’s fun. NOT! Evan wants to keep Helios safe, away from Steve, his club boss who steals money from his employees. He’s a dirty boss who doesn’t mind when customers are roughing up his workers. He got Helios in his claws.
“How’s this stay in your pants, anyway? Do you have special underwear?”
Without both knowing, they have some romantic moments, on the other hand, they are arguing a lot and I wondered how patient Evan really was. I love it when a read gives me what I want, not in a predictable way, but more in a satisfying way I didn’t know I needed. Evan is quite the sappy one, and Helios is super reluctant, because duh, obviously, it’s mafia we’re talking about, and that means blood and killing right? Gosh, I loved this story, it was super entertaining, bloody at times, with crazy shady characters. The stalker parts were awesomely done! There are some delicious spicy moments to enjoy. Overall a story I enjoyed very much!
Solid 4 ⭐ Biggest reason? 'cuz it made me laugh, several times. their humor - or banter? - just tickled my funny bone. It really brightened my day. Mostly in the first half of the book.
I took one look at the cover and though 'choke me'. God, these hands are to be worshipped.
May contain mild spoilers ahead
For me, this wasn't that dark. From a scale of one to one hundred, maybe a 5? I mean, yes, there was stalking - only on the phone though. And aside from one scene of light bondage- with cuffs, there was zero kink. I think they could pass as a very normal couple if not for Evan's obsession with H.
3.75✨ ~ One of the minor characters is annoying but I absolutely loved the main pairing. I thought the writing was good and I loved the dynamic between Helios and Evan. It was really sweet, but definitely take a look at trigger warnings!
This was exactly what I was looking for when I picked it up: a quick, fun, smutty, dark romance. I love a lot of the tropes mentioned and I wasn't disappointed. I never really fell in love with either character, but that wasn't what I was here for. I wanted a possessive MC (check - thanks Evan), some light stalking (in a semi-good way??), and I love a good sex work trope. Evan, though kind of oblivious, was possessive and obsessive in such a fun way. Helios was strong in his own way, though beaten down by life when he meets Evan. I enjoyed the mafia aspect as well, which can be hit or miss for me. And the ending was surprisingly realistic and healthy! 3/5 spice levels.
Notes: sex worker, obsession, possessive MC, stalking, mafia, puzzles, violence, there's a dog!
I recived an ARC for this one amd I give my onest opinion. I liked it (it s very well writen loke all the books by this authors), but it s kinnd a bit to fluffy for a mafia romance. This mobsters are soooo considerate and kind. I expected something else but if are looking for something sweet the this is for you..
The chokehold this audio had me in!!!!! Omg love Evan & Helios… cackled so much… now I’m dying for the other ones from this series… downloaded 😝😝😝 big shoutout to these amazing authors!!!! SN: Fox was my fav 🤣🤣🤣
Well, I ate this up quite quickly. And I loved almost everything about it (some side characters were not my vibes... I'm looking at you, Fox) and the relationship between Evan and Helios were great, especially towards the end.
I just finished CONTROL by Adara Wolf and RPhoenix. I hadn't read any of their work before, and I really enjoyed it.
Control can be read as a standalone or as a part of the series. I didn't feel lost not having read any of the other books, Helios and Evan were their own thing.
Evan, head of security for a mafia don, meets Helios on the job. It's an instalust thing for Evan. He is just so into Helios from the get-go.
Read the content warning and trigger warnings.
Evan goes full stalker to become more involved in Helios' admittedly horrible life.
Helios is a sex worker trapped in his life. He's given up any hope of ever getting out, scared to be abandoned again. He has resigned himself to the fact that nothing good will ever happen to him. Evan doesn't quit trying to break down the walls around Helios' heart. He doesn't even think about it. Evan relentlessly pursues Helios.
This was a dark mafia romance. It had its gritty horrible parts, but to see Helios soften to Evan's campaign for a happily ever after was a joy. Chorizo was adorable and heartbreaking, too, in equal measure.
The chemistry between the mcs was 🔥🔥🔥🔥 and on point for the characters. The aversion to ------- was understandable, and Evan's thoughtfulness was a treasure.
Honestly, I left the book happy for the couple, and I really want to be Helios's friend.
Absolutely recommend if you're looking for a darker Papí romance featuring mafiosos and sex workers. Again, read those content warnings. Some scenes were just absolutely heartbreaking.
Who doesn't love a possessive unhinged mafia enforcer willing to break all the rules for you?
Another fabulous mafia doms book. I have enjoyed this series so much (starting with Cristiano and Fox in the ruthless daddies series). In this book we get to know Evan better, we met him previously when he took over as head of security for Silvano. Cristiano is the one that brought him into our lives! So thanks Cristiano cause woo, Evan is hot and just so dang sweet (well to Helios). Evan is mysterious, dangerous, and so sexy. He is just minding his own business, doing his job when Helios saunters into his life and completely turns his world upside down. Evan is hooked, he can’t focus except on Helios. Helios is a stripper at the club Silvano’s meeting is taking place at. Helios is flirty and sensual, but we learn it’s an act. The poor guy has a manager/pimp who makes sure Helios does his job. Evan tries to break down Helios walls but it’s slow going. Helios doesn’t trust easily…or at all…especially men as dangerous as Evan. He’s terrified but he knows how to play the game and survive. It’s such an intriguing and interesting plot, with lots of steamy times, blood and gore, a protective, possessive man, and a stripper that just needs a helping hand and to let those walls down. As always the writing is fantastic. This book was smoking hot, funny, sweet and twisted and dark for those of us that just have black hearts. This is a great dark mafia romance between the muscle and the stripper. And if you haven’t read Cristian and Fox’s story or Kyran and Silvano’s, I highly recommend all three books. This duo of authors always bring a great plot, endearing characters and all the feels.
We've had Silvano and Kyran, plus Christiano and his Murder Twink Fox, now we have Silvano's bodyguard Evan and his own twink Helios. The bosses are having a meeting at a gay strip club, and Silvano is annoying Kyran by teasing Evan with the twink and giving him a dank from the lithe Latino dancer, Helios. Thing is, after the private dance, and a bit more, Evan is obsessed. He's sending gifts, turning up at his work and outside his home, and though Helios sees it as stalking, Evan just wants to take care of him and date him. And his dog - though it's only a street dog, the animal has imprinted on Helios. Helios isn't used to being treated kindly and he's stuck in the job with pimp Steve because of a debt he owes. Evan might be big and scary but he's also sweet and sort of adorable, with Helios calling him Papi. The washing of the dog scene is hilarious, the scenes with Fox being Fox are great too. I look forward to seeing what Knives is about in the next book and we get a HEA - after a lot of vengeance that is.
OMG, I just finished reading it and absolutely loved it! This mafia series just keeps getting better and better! Control is about Evan (Head of security of a mafia Dom) and Helios, a sex worker he meets in a club and can't stop thinking about. Helios has had a very difficult life and doesn't trust anyone and has a lot of difficulties letting anyone in. However, Evan can't leave Helios alone and maybe resort to some "light" stalking which I absolutely loved. These two are just so perfect for each other and they 100% deserve a HEA.
"You think you always have to be in control of every situation, that you can't relax or let someone else see you vulnerable." He secures the cuff to the bedpost, then offers his hand out for my other wrist. "But you can".
Read this if you are looking for a dark mafia romance with hurt/comfort, daddy vibes, stalking, touch him a die vibes. Please check CW, this is a dark romance with heavy themes
There are definitely uncomfortable parts, especially when it comes to Helios's work and time in the club. Also, I didn't realise until it got to that part, but it's not until the end that we finally find out his name, it just got normal after a while.
Evan is definitely delusional if he's actually surprised that his behaviour freaks Helios out. I mean, under normal circumstances I'd be screaming at my kindle that Helios should get away from Evan as soon as possible. Maybe not now, considering something far worse is waiting for him.
I am glad Helios was stubborn and got a relatively normal relationship in the end (even though Evan is still overprotective).
So this is my third adventure in the Mafia Doms series (if I also count the prequel novella). And I was really happy with the way the story turned out. It is just enough angsty, just enough sweet, but also dark. None of the characters are good or just bad. And I mean all of them. Silvano is provoking poor baby Kyran, Fox is a little bitch who hates competition, Cristiano was just done with Fox most of the time (and I loved that), and Evan was a fierce protector who used questionable means.
There is barely any plot but the character focus was definitely worth it. And I mean that. I usually like some plot in mafia book but here was so much character development that I just could not put it down. I only wished the authors did not tease us with them being versatile but it is just talked about. I understand that the reason may be that some readers want strict roles, but why not make it different for once? Maybe in some other story.
I received an e-ARC (thank you!) in exchange for an honest review. The opinions are my own. I never filter my opinions on books.
It’s just this urge to take care of him, even though he’s prickly and I don’t think he’d ever admit to wanting or needing help. Fuck, I want to lock him up in my room and keep him safe from the outside world. — Helios💛Evan
I have to admit I have a weakness for overprotective Bad Boys 😌
Evan is this super scary guy, deadset to protect Helios no matter what! Helios NEEEEEDS to be protected (even if he doesn’t think so)
Their dynamic was great and I loved the whole development of CONTROL 🔥
Helios has a rough life and Evan's life is lonely. It doesn't help Evan that his boss is flaunting his love life in Evan's face 🥲 Evan just want someone to take care of and come home to. Helios just want to survive the hand he's been dealt.
I find their story to be a sweet love story set in a Mafia world. The quote: “You’re like a genie, you know that? Has anyone wished for your freedom before?” absolutely broke me 💔
Wow! This story is both heartbreaking and heart-warming. That Helios couldn’t let himself believe Evan wanted the best for him, the things he had to do and say to save himself from Steve, honestly it ripped my heart out. And omg, Fox is Fox. You feel like throttling him and then… Another brilliant book by these two authors. This is an amazing series that makes me feel, hurts my heart, and then puts it all back together again.
Love this series ,,Evan works as the head of security for the Mafia and when he is in a meeting he sees Helios the stripper/ sex worker and Evan’s falls down hard for Helios now if he gets the chance to show Helios love instead of dancing for money but they have a lot to work through especially Helios boss who wants no to lose Helios there is a lot more involved in this book you have to read it,,,,,I read this book for these authors for my honest opinion
I absolutely loved this MM Dark Mafia romance. It does have violence that happens to one of the MMCs so please check TW. It has stripping, murder, obsession, stalking and a lot of spice. I highly recommend this book.
✅ Mafia ✅ Dark Romance ✅ Daddy Kink ✅ Possessive MC ✅ Heat 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
I absolutely love this series it has all my favorite tropes and then some. It is possible to read as a standalone but I highly recommend starting from the beginning since not only will it make more sense but the previous books are fire! Previous characters continue to show up as well which is great. As for these two Evan is everything you want from a possessive a$$hole MC lol. He doesn’t want to admit that he needs Evan but he’s actually perfect for him and vice versa.
Definitely read the warnings to make sure this is your jam and if it is enjoy the ride!
These authors have done it again! This was everything I’ve come to love. Let me back up all the warm and fuzzy. This is NOT a fluffy book! It still delivers all I wanted in this book. Head of the mafia meets sex club worker. Perfect!
Reviewed in the United States I loved Evan and Helios. Hellos didn't care for the his boss who treated him like dirt. Evan wants to protect and control Hellos. Hellos doesn't want to be controlled like his boss did to him because it's not living
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Absolutely loved! Evan was just the right amount of creepy without going to far, and thank goodness Helios didn't immediately ignore all the red flags. I love a good stalker book and this was amazing! And I enjoyed the cameos from previous characters.
I don’t even remember these character’s names. But you have a mafia enforcer who is also a service top and can’t seem to actually protect the object of his affection which was really unattractive. He needs a lot of help doing the protecting which seemed odd to me considering he’s supposed to be like….. head of security. But okay.
The other MC is a sex worker and we have to suffer through sexual encounters with people other than the other MC. Nothing wrong with that. But not my cuppa. I thought it would be like former sex work once he got with the MC . But no he continues. Grant it, it makes sense for his character. But it was still really annoying. That coupled with the lack luster performance of our “supposedly” stronger and bigger MC. And yea just not nearly as enjoyable as Submit.
Fox was also really annoying. And it’s crazy that I remember his name ( probably because he was so annoying) but I can’t actually remember the MC’s of this book. Because Fox is a side character in this book.
Oh well, I do like these authors tho, so here hoping I love the next one.
I didn't feel like these characters had any chemistry throughout the entire book. Helios made terrible decisions left and right, and I felt like Evan had the maturity of a teenager. It was weird, and the writing and storyline felt disjointed. Honestly, once the main storyline resolved itself, I skimmed the last chapter because I didn't find it interesting at all anymore. 🤷🏼♀️