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No Control
I read her words. I felt her soul. I knew she was destined to be mine.
She's the light in the darkness, the epiphany of my redemption. I’ll do whatever it takes to get my hands on her—though I’d rather her believe it was her own idea. So, I set the bait, luring her into making a deal with the devil. But surprisingly, she doesn’t take it. And now, I’m left to force her hand. Because without her, I’m afraid I’ll be devoured by the monster inside of me. **No Control: A Dark Romance contains heavy themes such as stalking and detailed violence, but it does not include cheating or SA. It is a standalone with an HEA.
She's the light in the darkness, the epiphany of my redemption. I’ll do whatever it takes to get my hands on her—though I’d rather her believe it was her own idea. So, I set the bait, luring her into making a deal with the devil. But surprisingly, she doesn’t take it. And now, I’m left to force her hand. Because without her, I’m afraid I’ll be devoured by the monster inside of me. **No Control: A Dark Romance contains heavy themes such as stalking and detailed violence, but it does not include cheating or SA. It is a standalone with an HEA.
260 pages, Paperback
Published March 15, 2024
829 people are currently reading
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 464 reviews
November 3, 2024
I actually really loved this book. I think it’d be a great starter into the dark romance category for those who want to try out the genre. It really had me cackling in some parts; I genuinely loved the MMC and his sense of humor. He was hilarious! The FMC… kinda drove me batty but he made up for her 😂
I also annotated quite a bit in this book so I’ll make those public for your enjoyment if you want to read along 😂
I also annotated quite a bit in this book so I’ll make those public for your enjoyment if you want to read along 😂
April 29, 2024
1.75 ☆
I just didn't feel anything for this book. I wanted to have more build-up and tension with the characters. I wanted to know more about why Henry was so obsessed. As soon as you get into the book you realize that he has been stalking her and that is that. I wanted to see him from the very beginning with this growing obsession. Also, I refuse to believe the fmc didn't know the mmc killed her fiancé from the start (not a spoiler)🤚. ALSO also, if I didn't know this had a HEA I would have thought the mmc was going to kill her at one point. Like his monologue was so back-and-forth. He doesn't want to hurt her, but he thinks about it constantly. He wants to scare her in order for her to be with him, but then gets tired when she fears him. I got a headache.
I just didn't feel anything for this book. I wanted to have more build-up and tension with the characters. I wanted to know more about why Henry was so obsessed. As soon as you get into the book you realize that he has been stalking her and that is that. I wanted to see him from the very beginning with this growing obsession. Also, I refuse to believe the fmc didn't know the mmc killed her fiancé from the start (not a spoiler)🤚. ALSO also, if I didn't know this had a HEA I would have thought the mmc was going to kill her at one point. Like his monologue was so back-and-forth. He doesn't want to hurt her, but he thinks about it constantly. He wants to scare her in order for her to be with him, but then gets tired when she fears him. I got a headache.
March 3, 2024
Omg this book is amazing.
I’m fully obsessed.
It’s so damn good!!!
The characters… omg I fell in love with all of them. Henry, Lydia, Jude, Cher. All of them. I adore them all. The writing is soooooo amazing, the world building is perfect. Not to descriptive that you get bored with the over explaining, but the perfect amount so you have a scene in your head while still being completely sucked in to the story.
10/10 would recommend this book if you like dark romance.
Please read the triggers.
This will be in my favs book list forever.
I’m fully obsessed.
It’s so damn good!!!
The characters… omg I fell in love with all of them. Henry, Lydia, Jude, Cher. All of them. I adore them all. The writing is soooooo amazing, the world building is perfect. Not to descriptive that you get bored with the over explaining, but the perfect amount so you have a scene in your head while still being completely sucked in to the story.
10/10 would recommend this book if you like dark romance.
Please read the triggers.
This will be in my favs book list forever.
March 2, 2024
I really enjoyed the writing style of this book. I loved the premise of the book and the characters. I just wish the book itself was longer and…. More filled out? I wanted more background and more build up. I liked the plot twist but I thought that final climatic scene happened too quickly.
January 12, 2025
Stalkerific!
The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 🖤💙💜❤️
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📕📗📙📘📔
World building: 🌏🌍🌎🌏🌍
Character development: 🙂🥰😎😄😋
The Hero: Henry - he is a contract killer who has always wanted to fall in love but never has been able to. He also believes that nobody could love a man like him. His sister turned him on to a series of dark romantic suspense books he has taken a liking to, and he wants to hire the writer to write a thriller book for him.
The heroine: Lydia - she is a writer who has written a series of books under a pen name, though she hasn’t quite made enough money to live off. She also takes on other writing jobs. She is engaged to a guy named Mason, who was very sweet to her when they started dating six years ago but has gradually gotten meaner as the years go by. He also has trouble holding down a job and she ends up paying most of the bills for both of them. Lydia tends to hide herself away from the world like she doesn’t want any attention or doesn’t want to be found.
The Story: Henry has started to become a bit obsessed with Lydia, which is why he wants her to ghost write a book for him. It is basically just a made-up reason for him to get to know her on a personal level. He gives her a contract for a great deal of money to write the book and since it is to be set in L.A., he would require her to move into his house in Los Angeles until she finishes a draft of the book.
When Lydia turns Henry down, he is determined to get her to change her mind, so he stalks her and scares her into thinking her ex-boyfriend is harassing her. She eventually agrees to work with Henry just to get away from her ex. I love stalker romance, and this was a good one. Henry was definitely more than a bit crazy, but I really liked him. He just didn’t care how crazy he was, and I liked the fact that he had a partner, Jude, that kept telling him how crazy he was, but he just kind of laughed it off. I also liked the fact that he tends to kill bad guys who deserve it, like the wife-beating guy he goes after when he gets back to California. I also liked how obsessed he was with Lydia.
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The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 🖤💙💜❤️
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📕📗📙📘📔
World building: 🌏🌍🌎🌏🌍
Character development: 🙂🥰😎😄😋
The Hero: Henry - he is a contract killer who has always wanted to fall in love but never has been able to. He also believes that nobody could love a man like him. His sister turned him on to a series of dark romantic suspense books he has taken a liking to, and he wants to hire the writer to write a thriller book for him.
The heroine: Lydia - she is a writer who has written a series of books under a pen name, though she hasn’t quite made enough money to live off. She also takes on other writing jobs. She is engaged to a guy named Mason, who was very sweet to her when they started dating six years ago but has gradually gotten meaner as the years go by. He also has trouble holding down a job and she ends up paying most of the bills for both of them. Lydia tends to hide herself away from the world like she doesn’t want any attention or doesn’t want to be found.
The Story: Henry has started to become a bit obsessed with Lydia, which is why he wants her to ghost write a book for him. It is basically just a made-up reason for him to get to know her on a personal level. He gives her a contract for a great deal of money to write the book and since it is to be set in L.A., he would require her to move into his house in Los Angeles until she finishes a draft of the book.
“Lydia Waters is the answer to the question I’ve been asking myself since I survived the night my parents were murdered. After reading her books, I wanted to solve the mystery of who she was, feeling like she wrote the same man in every single book. He might take a different dark twist, kink, or scenario, but regardless, I see myself on the page—and I want to know why.
I mean, is the woman manifesting me? Could someone actually want me?”
When Lydia turns Henry down, he is determined to get her to change her mind, so he stalks her and scares her into thinking her ex-boyfriend is harassing her. She eventually agrees to work with Henry just to get away from her ex. I love stalker romance, and this was a good one. Henry was definitely more than a bit crazy, but I really liked him. He just didn’t care how crazy he was, and I liked the fact that he had a partner, Jude, that kept telling him how crazy he was, but he just kind of laughed it off. I also liked the fact that he tends to kill bad guys who deserve it, like the wife-beating guy he goes after when he gets back to California. I also liked how obsessed he was with Lydia.
“Now that the woman is in my house, and the high of stalking her is gone, I’m a ticking time bomb. And it’s only a matter of time before I explode.”
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October 3, 2024
4.5 STARS | DARK, but SO FREAKIN’ GOOD for a DARK ROMANCE! This story had badass vibes, true emotions, and yes, a dog named Duke! I recently brought this book off on Amazon and it was on sale for $8! It went on my October TBR at the last second, no regrets after reading it! NO CONTROL tells the story of Henry Bryne, a psycho hitman stalks Lydia and gives her a agreement to write a romance book back in Los Angeles. Lydia doesn’t know the real reason why Henry really wants her for: sex. A fast-paced dark romance that has all the feels and knife play you want! A must read to my dark romance readers!
June 4, 2024
the devotion of this man?????? i’m on my fucking knees. 🛐🥵😮💨❤️🔥
March 4, 2024
This was absolute perfection! A hired assassin falls in love with a dark romance writer because he feels like she writes about men similar to him. He then hires her to write a book for him, but the catch is that she has to move into his home. She's a little hesitant, but he'll do ANYTHING to convince her..
I absolutely love Henry so much! He's the perfect dark and broody with a little touch of stalker.🥵 This had some crazy twists and turns and had me holding my breath in some spots! My only complaint is I wish it was longer! I love Henry and Lydia and would've loved to read more of them!
I absolutely love Henry so much! He's the perfect dark and broody with a little touch of stalker.🥵 This had some crazy twists and turns and had me holding my breath in some spots! My only complaint is I wish it was longer! I love Henry and Lydia and would've loved to read more of them!
November 25, 2025
great stalker romance
Gotta love an obsessed mmc! And that’s exactly what we have here. He’s infatuated from the very beginning and I loved all of it. This was a highly anticipated book for me and although I’m not a huge fan of the third act breakup, it does end in HEA! I’m excited to see what else Annie Wild puts out in the future.
Gotta love an obsessed mmc! And that’s exactly what we have here. He’s infatuated from the very beginning and I loved all of it. This was a highly anticipated book for me and although I’m not a huge fan of the third act breakup, it does end in HEA! I’m excited to see what else Annie Wild puts out in the future.
April 20, 2024
lol this was bad
March 16, 2024
No control! Couldn’t put it down!
I got this ARC a few weeks back.
This stalker romance was a great read for readers who are new to dark romance. It was an easy read and a perfect palette cleanser before picking up another series.
The banter is great and very comical sometimes. Henry is a big ol hottie, Lydia is a babe and Mason, ugh 😑 Highly recommend.
I got this ARC a few weeks back.
This stalker romance was a great read for readers who are new to dark romance. It was an easy read and a perfect palette cleanser before picking up another series.
The banter is great and very comical sometimes. Henry is a big ol hottie, Lydia is a babe and Mason, ugh 😑 Highly recommend.
April 7, 2024
I did enjoy this book, but I felt it needed more. More background into the main characters, less rushed at the end.
June 1, 2024
Dark? Where?
May 2, 2025
♡ ੭﹕ i wanted to love this book so bad. the premise is so good, and the story had so much potential, but it wasn’t my cup of tea. everything was underdeveloped in my opinion :(
April 10, 2024
I received an ARC of this book. I've been in a reading slump, but let me tell you, this book had me hooked from the start. It was an easy read that i literally did not put down and finished in one day. IT'S THAT GOOD. The cover is clean. I like the look of it. It grabs me enough to read what the book is about. Which for me is important. If a books cover can't grab me, odds are I'm not looking into what the book is about. But this book has got it. Now let me say this....Henry man, oh man, henry!!! You can stalk me anytime! I love a good morally gray villain, and man, does Henry hit that mark! "Whoever came before me won't exist in your mind when I'm finished with you." *hot and bothered* "Every monster and evil inside of me bows to you." Oh my word. I enjoy the writing. The banter and inner conversion with the characters self. I like jude's characters as well as the morally grey best friend with somewhat of a conscious. Lydia is a great female character. The way this book had my heart racing, my blood pumping. I was sucked in from the beginning. I went from laughing and getting my heart pounding to crying. I went from needing an ice pack to cool down to a tissue for the last part. I absolutely loved this book. 5 stars!!! Annie Wild, girl, this book is amazing. Chefs kiss. I will be recommending it to everyone!! It's definitely on my favorite list for sure!
December 12, 2024
This book was perfect .. it's a quick read, and I easily chewed through this story in one sitting.. an assasin, a ghost writer, and a dark obsession for a dangerous game of cat and mouse turned stalker to lovers.
March 16, 2024
WOW, WOW, WOW!!!! No words can describe how much I ate this book up! Could not put it down and 1000% recommend. Dark romance readers this IS for you🖤
July 2, 2024
Book 1 of Dark Romance Book Club
3.5 star rounded up.
This was an interesting dark romance read.
It felt dark at times and then also not dark at all.
Lydia & Henry I didn’t feel invested in their relationship. It felt like we could have had a lot more in the story but the plot stagnated more than once.
3.5 star rounded up.
This was an interesting dark romance read.
It felt dark at times and then also not dark at all.
Lydia & Henry I didn’t feel invested in their relationship. It felt like we could have had a lot more in the story but the plot stagnated more than once.
March 13, 2025
This book is super fast paced and I honestly wish it was longer!! I fell in love with Lydia & Henry.
He’s an unhinged hitman. She’s a writer engaged to a narcissist. He murders people for money. She writes dark romances about people who murder. And in between all the crazy that happens.. they fall in love 😍
He’s an unhinged hitman. She’s a writer engaged to a narcissist. He murders people for money. She writes dark romances about people who murder. And in between all the crazy that happens.. they fall in love 😍
March 9, 2025
I wanted it to have more.. Super predictable, I saw everything coming and I am always wrong. The book felt like IT wanted to give more, I wish I liked it more than I do.
March 3, 2024
ARC Review! I was sent a copy to read before release and I fell in love with this book. The emotional rollercoaster was 100% worth it.
Spoilers ahead!
Tropes:
Stalker Touch her and Die
Slow Burn
Unaliver
Forced Proximity
Bookish FMC
Knife and Breath Play
Lydia
She’s a strong and independent FMC that knows how to take care of herself. She stands up for herself and dumps that loser that I couldn’t stand from the first time he was mentioned. She trusts her gut but lets herself want something that she knows she wants, despite how it looks from the outside. I loved every second of her. Girl boss.
Henry
He may have been a walking red flag but I all I saw was green. He knew what he wanted and he went for it. He opened himself up (eventually) and it learned if you love someone you have to let them go. He loves fiercely and left me breathless (pun intended… you’ll understand when you read the book 😉)
The ending I didn’t see coming and it had plenty of twists and turns to keep me on my toes. Doesn’t hurt that I was actually brought to tears. It was definitely a HEA for these two and they deserve every minute of it.
Spoilers ahead!
Tropes:
Stalker Touch her and Die
Slow Burn
Unaliver
Forced Proximity
Bookish FMC
Knife and Breath Play
Lydia
She’s a strong and independent FMC that knows how to take care of herself. She stands up for herself and dumps that loser that I couldn’t stand from the first time he was mentioned. She trusts her gut but lets herself want something that she knows she wants, despite how it looks from the outside. I loved every second of her. Girl boss.
Henry
He may have been a walking red flag but I all I saw was green. He knew what he wanted and he went for it. He opened himself up (eventually) and it learned if you love someone you have to let them go. He loves fiercely and left me breathless (pun intended… you’ll understand when you read the book 😉)
The ending I didn’t see coming and it had plenty of twists and turns to keep me on my toes. Doesn’t hurt that I was actually brought to tears. It was definitely a HEA for these two and they deserve every minute of it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 4, 2024
Genuinely loved this book omg!
Bare with me because I wanna get some things off my chest:
1)Mason, I just wanna give you a big ole🖕🏾because you did NOT deserve Lydia, and I’m so happy that Henry/Dexter ended you early lol.
2)There were so many twists and turns in this that flowed so well and I was genuinely enjoying the story as it progressed.
When both of the characters reveled their backstories, you see how all that trauma drew them together as their relationship progressed.
Lydia’s bestie and Jude were cute too!! I hope they get their own book because I was definitely intrigued about their stories as well.☺️
The story, THE SPICE, my goodness everything was hitting as it should😌
I can’t wait for this author’s next publication!!
Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Story:📕📕📕📕
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Bare with me because I wanna get some things off my chest:
1)Mason, I just wanna give you a big ole🖕🏾because you did NOT deserve Lydia, and I’m so happy that Henry/Dexter ended you early lol.
2)There were so many twists and turns in this that flowed so well and I was genuinely enjoying the story as it progressed.
When both of the characters reveled their backstories, you see how all that trauma drew them together as their relationship progressed.
Lydia’s bestie and Jude were cute too!! I hope they get their own book because I was definitely intrigued about their stories as well.☺️
The story, THE SPICE, my goodness everything was hitting as it should😌
I can’t wait for this author’s next publication!!
Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Story:📕📕📕📕
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
February 21, 2025
A heavily morally grey man who has a soft spot for a dog? Green flag 💅🏼
March 2, 2024
I received an ARC of this book and blew through it in 4 hours. This book was a perfect dark romance for someone who maybe doesn't want the super heavy aspect of Haunting Adeline, but the same concept of stalker/obsession.
Lydia telling him no to his face about the contract was absolute perfection. Her not immediately falling into his hands made the entire build up even better. I also love that Mason was taken care of immediately instead of becoming an problem later on. Dude was a dickbag.
Duke was absolutely the main character. The goodness boy.
I truly thought Jude, who i do want to wee more of, had ordered the hit because of how he kept reminding Henry he didn't approve of him letting the witness live. But the WOMAN DOING IT?! The best little plot twist amongst the chaos.
Cher talking about how Henry gave up his life to make sure she had everything in life about made me cry. Self sacrificing for his family was not something I expected, but it gave Henry more sides to himself instead of just a psychopathic hit man.
Overall this book had me laughing, kicking my feet at a murderer, and misty eyed at the end. Lydia forgiving him. Him coming back to her. The 5 years later showing they were together. I truly cannot wait to see what the future holds for these characters.
Lydia telling him no to his face about the contract was absolute perfection. Her not immediately falling into his hands made the entire build up even better. I also love that Mason was taken care of immediately instead of becoming an problem later on. Dude was a dickbag.
Duke was absolutely the main character. The goodness boy.
I truly thought Jude, who i do want to wee more of, had ordered the hit because of how he kept reminding Henry he didn't approve of him letting the witness live. But the WOMAN DOING IT?! The best little plot twist amongst the chaos.
Cher talking about how Henry gave up his life to make sure she had everything in life about made me cry. Self sacrificing for his family was not something I expected, but it gave Henry more sides to himself instead of just a psychopathic hit man.
Overall this book had me laughing, kicking my feet at a murderer, and misty eyed at the end. Lydia forgiving him. Him coming back to her. The 5 years later showing they were together. I truly cannot wait to see what the future holds for these characters.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 2, 2025
This book was picked for my book club. I’ve never read a dark romance before anddddd I don’t think I ever will again 🤭.
Spoilers(?):
He finally gets her to go live in his house to “write a book” for him after she’s already said how scared she is of him. Right off the bat he starts calling her baby and saying he owns her??? Then she kinda likes it? Lmao… idk it was a little too much of a reach for me.
Spoilers(?):
He finally gets her to go live in his house to “write a book” for him after she’s already said how scared she is of him. Right off the bat he starts calling her baby and saying he owns her??? Then she kinda likes it? Lmao… idk it was a little too much of a reach for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 12, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
I LOVE dark romance, so I was excited to read this book. It had a good storyline and some interesting moments, but overall it felt a bit rushed. I wish there had been more details, because the writing kept me interested, but I think the book needed more depth to really stand out. It’s a decent read if you want to dip your toes in the “dark” pool, but I was hoping for more. The dark romance elements were there, but not strong enough for what I usually look for in this genre.
I LOVE dark romance, so I was excited to read this book. It had a good storyline and some interesting moments, but overall it felt a bit rushed. I wish there had been more details, because the writing kept me interested, but I think the book needed more depth to really stand out. It’s a decent read if you want to dip your toes in the “dark” pool, but I was hoping for more. The dark romance elements were there, but not strong enough for what I usually look for in this genre.
March 5, 2024
I loved this book!!! I laughed, I cried ahh and Henry omg where can I get one. The possessiveness of this man, and Lydia the way she accepted him. And that ending, it played with my emotions so much. I need more of this world. I did receive this for review but let me tell you it’s so good you won’t be disappointed. I honestly would recommend if you like dark romance.
March 20, 2024
✨ARC Review✨
“I love you, Lydia. I love you with every fucking ounce of my being. Every monster and evil inside of me bows to you. And I thought…I thought if I broke you, you’d love me. But as it turns out, I was the one who was meant to be broken.”
5⭐️
3🌶️
An absolutely amazing dark romance debut by Annie Wild! I loved this book so much. It’s fast paced but the storyline flowed and it gave you just enough details to grab your attention throughout the book. The storyline between Lydia and Henry is thrilling and emotional. While it has a very satisfying HEA, I just wanted more of Lydia and Henry! I couldn’t get enough of them.
Lydia’s character is admirable. The way she fights for herself to surpass the trauma she faces makes her relatable. Even when she quickly begins to feel the undeniable pull towards Henry. Henry is what every dark romance girl wants in the MMC. Morally grey but soft only for her and will unalive anyone who touches her. Henry had me swooning throughout the book and then took my heart at the end. The way he loves Lydia will make you melt! And the spicy scenes 😮💨🥵 perfect! Just the right amount for a fast paced book. And the side characters, Emma, Jude and Cher were perfect for adding more interest to the storyline. I highly recommend this book for all dark romance lovers!
Annie, I cannot wait for your next book! Thank you so much for the ARC copy 🖤🖤🖤
Add this book to your TBR, if you like:
- Haunting Adeline
- Stalker vibes
- Touch her and d!e
- Slow burn with a spicy payoff
- Unaliver
- Forced proximity
- Bookish FMC
- Knife and breath play
“I love you, Lydia. I love you with every fucking ounce of my being. Every monster and evil inside of me bows to you. And I thought…I thought if I broke you, you’d love me. But as it turns out, I was the one who was meant to be broken.”
5⭐️
3🌶️
An absolutely amazing dark romance debut by Annie Wild! I loved this book so much. It’s fast paced but the storyline flowed and it gave you just enough details to grab your attention throughout the book. The storyline between Lydia and Henry is thrilling and emotional. While it has a very satisfying HEA, I just wanted more of Lydia and Henry! I couldn’t get enough of them.
Lydia’s character is admirable. The way she fights for herself to surpass the trauma she faces makes her relatable. Even when she quickly begins to feel the undeniable pull towards Henry. Henry is what every dark romance girl wants in the MMC. Morally grey but soft only for her and will unalive anyone who touches her. Henry had me swooning throughout the book and then took my heart at the end. The way he loves Lydia will make you melt! And the spicy scenes 😮💨🥵 perfect! Just the right amount for a fast paced book. And the side characters, Emma, Jude and Cher were perfect for adding more interest to the storyline. I highly recommend this book for all dark romance lovers!
Annie, I cannot wait for your next book! Thank you so much for the ARC copy 🖤🖤🖤
Add this book to your TBR, if you like:
- Haunting Adeline
- Stalker vibes
- Touch her and d!e
- Slow burn with a spicy payoff
- Unaliver
- Forced proximity
- Bookish FMC
- Knife and breath play
November 14, 2024
this was a quick, fun and entertaining read🖤
September 24, 2025
2,5 ⭐️ The book was fun at first, but when i got to 50% i got bored, it was a little boring, and i just wanted to finish it, it wasn't bad, it was good.
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