Since his sister’s brutal murder, Colum O’Connor found refuge in his work as archivist for the Masters’ Admiralty. Haunted by grief and regret, he prefers books to people, solitude to companionship.
But when a dangerous enemy discovers part of a secret manuscript by one of the Masters’ Admiralty’s most scandalous members, Colum is forced to leave the safety of the archive. With the help of enigmatic Xavier Allarde and Annie Ward–a woman who is more than what she seems–Colum races to find the missing pieces of Oscar Wilde’s tell-all book.
The closer they get to solving the mystery, the more undeniable their attraction becomes. Worse, Colum realizes he might be falling in love with Xavier and Annie.
There’s just one problem. Colum is already married.
Writing a book was number one on Mari Carr’s bucket list. A New York Times and USA TODAY bestseller, Mari’s computer is now jammed full of stories — novels, novellas, short stories and dead-ends. Mari writes contemporary sexy romance novels. To learn more about her spicy stories, click here. Join her newsletter so you don't miss new releases and for exclusive subscriber-only content. Find Mari on the web at maricarr.com Email: mari@maricarr.com
The final trinity, and it was just perfection! I knew there were going to be moments in this story that would wreck me, and I admit, there were tears streaming down my face almost immediately, and then near the end. There were also moments that made me smile, made me laugh, and made me hopeful. There was chemistry all over the place, and there were ick (not the eye!) as well. But altogether, there were three people, not destined to be together, that found a deep and lasting connection. They would accept no less than them being together, forever, and would do whatever was necessary to make that happen <3
Will you fall madly in love with Colum? Probably. Annie? Yep. Xavier? Without a doubt. Just don't forget to leave your feelings at the door because these assholes will gut punch you when you least expect it. Trust no one. Not even the authors. ESPECIALLY NOT THE AUTHORS! Evil bitches! 🔪❤️ 👀
Colum has always been a favourite of mine... his quirks, his love of research, his more quiet demeanour that spoke volumes about his grief and his regret over his sister's murder. Finding solace in the hidden depths of the Master's Admiralty and putting the needs of others ahead of his own, he showed strength in a more understated way. But when he is forced to leave his sanctuary, being paired with Annie and Xavier was the best medicine for what ailed him. 4.5 stars
Another fantastic read in the Trinity Masters Series
For series lovers, one word: Franco!!!
Wow! This book is a roller coaster, starting on the 1st Chapter, so hold on! Colum, yes he gets his Trinity, loved having a whole book with him vs. bits and pieces to whet your appetite. Oooo, Xavier and Annie secrets - loved them both!!! Reminds one not to piss off the submissive.
Loved the Oscar Wilde angle & the location details!
Well paced, and just a great read!
Now the next book....can *not* wait: Eric and Nikolette!?!?!? YESSSSS!
This was one of my favorite books in this series. I have been waiting on Column’s book, and it was worth the wait. Control’s Undoing is a steamy page turner. Column finally finds his Trinity and a happily ever after. The Trinity has to protect each other while they are working to solve a problem that evolves into so much more. The Spaniard plot expands, and I can’t wait to see what happens to Nicolette and Eric in the last book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Control’s Undoing is one of those stories that we just devour and then have to go back to reread slowly so we can savor every moment. A story of one trinity developing quite by accident between three people that were brought together to complete a task, but never meant to be lovers, as they investigated the tragic demise of a man that lost his own Trinity and lost faith in the society that should have back and protected him. Colum has not ever had an easy life, introverted and unable to easily move through society, he has always had to lean on someone to function in social situations or around people that don’t know him well. He is completely unprepared for the love that smacks him and brings out a side of himself he never knew was there, leading him into a whole new adventure of loving two people that he is willing to sacrifice everything for. Annie has finally found a way to live with her trouble past, moving forward in a positive direction so when he arrived in Dublin on a new assignment she has no idea her destiny await in the form of two sexy men that should be totally wrong for her. They turn her world upside down and remind her that even if her past has darkness, the skills she acquired can be used for good as she protects her men and helps to bring down the enemy confronting their Trinity societies. Xavier has been asked to offer his expertise on Wilde, giving him a new adventure and chance to learn more about his favorite subject, meeting the loves of his life was never in the plan though. Now he has to help to find the manuscript, seduce the sexy archivist and gorgeous American, and then devise a way to keep them all together in the end, but he will do whatever it takes to keep them with him forever. I loved every moment of this story, getting to watch each of these lovers find new pieces of themselves with the help of their soulmates, and of course seeing them working together to overcome every obstacle in their path to happiness and lasting love. Together Colum, Annie, and Xavier were a force to be reckoned with and one that no one and nothing was able to defeat or stop, making them one of my favorite trios in all of the series combined. While I know it will be bittersweet, I am DYING for the last story (Fate’s Design) which will give us the much await conclusion to the all-important Eric and Nikolett’s story, though we haven’t been told yet if they might have a third. Knowing the series is ending is truly bittersweet, but I’ve enjoyed every second of the crazy ride and look forward to new and amazing adventures from both of these remarkable writers in the future.
Individually Mari Carr and Lila Dubois are amazing writers that know how to play with their readers. Together, these two are evil geniuses that leave readers emotionally wrecked but so satisfied that you can't help but keep coming back for more. I'm so sad Control's Undoing is the last of this dastardly duo's double trouble fray into Trinity Masters but if you are going to finish such an amazing adventure and partnership, this is the way to do it.
Control's Undoing is the second installment of The Spaniard story arc but book 14 overall of the Trinity Masters series and it is SO good. Colum has been a quirky, quiet but contant character throughout this series and I'm really glad he finally gets his own HEA. He finds acceptance and a lasting love but not without a lot of suspense, danger, emotional turmoil and of course wickedly funny and super steamy moments in typical Trinity Masters style!
Annie and Xavier are Colum's missing pieces but the fight to get their trinity union is one full of ups and downs. The Spaniard is wicked and is determined to let nothing or no-one step in their way and this leads to some dramatic and suspense filled moments I don't want to spill but just know you'll need tissues! You'll fall for Annie and Xavier as surely as you've fallen for Colum over the years and reading their journey left me an emotional wreck. The messages between Franco and Colum, two friends that use their differences to strengthen their genuine friendship and love, are brilliant and made me smile a lot!
Though this is not the conclusion we're all waiting for in the overall arc, it is a finalisation of sorts of what has been an amazing author partnership and world that has given me lots of emotional rollercoasters but always leaves me eager for more pain and happiness. Colum's story is brilliant. It is EXACTLY the way these two need to finish and though I'm sad, I'm re-reading Control's Undoing already simply because it is that great.
Next up, Lila will complete Eric and Nikolett's story and I'm sure give us the explosive conclusion of The Spaniard story arc. I'm eager to see how years with the Trinity Masters will conclude ❤️
Sorry Lila, I had to go back and reread parts since well WOW!!!!
This is finally Colum's book. And more of the two sides of the pond working together. But well Colum .... Okay, I may have a thing for bookish nerdy types.
The book starts with the Archivist, Colum, finding part of a story written by Oscar Wilde. Yes, that Oscar Wilde. Turns out he was part of a trinity with Bram Stoker and Florence Balcombe (better known as Bram Stoker's wife.) And well, let's just say this story is rather explosive and considering the published works we have access to plus his private/public life, saying this hidden story is explosive is saying a lot. (Okay, I may have read a ton of Oscar Wilde's published works in college since I love to read.)
But Colum as the Archivist is not a member of any territory nor is he required to be in a Trinity. But things change and Eric decrees that Colum must marry and picks his Trinity for him. And then Colum meets Annie and Xavier. And Colum finds his people. In so many ways.
This is a nuanced layered novel. You can go in blind into this novel and enjoy it but I do recommend reading the other books in both series since they are enjoyable. I mean everyone needs to meet Franco and understand his rather offbeat sense of humor.
I really enjoyed that each chapter started with a text chain between Colum and Franco. That alone is highly entertaining on it's own. And the phrasing is amazing. I mean one of my favorite lines is from Annie saying to Xavier and Colum - "If I was Nikolett, I'd chop off Eric's dick, ffry it up in cornmeal, and feed it to him for breakfast."
I am said that this is the last co-written Trinity book but I know that Lila will continue this series without Mari and keep it at the high level of antics we are all used to.
I did receive a copy of this novel in advance from Lila in exchange for a fair and unbiased review.
This series is winding down, with only one more book to come, if I understand correctly. Colum has been a supporting character in previous books and now he finally gets his own trinity but not without some drama.
For both political and personal reasons, Fleet Admiral Eric has placed him in a trinity with Nikolett, Admiral of Hungary (and the woman Eric loves), and Sarah, a knight from Germany. Colum is not happy to be married to Nikolett. Eric is like a brother to him and Nikolett is a little bit scary but at least he will remain in Dublin overseeing the society's archives. Then he's assigned to work with Annie, a member of the Trinity Masters from America, and Xavier, a Masters' Admiralty member from France. The trio is involved in a search for hidden pieces of a missing manuscript that would expose their secret societies, and Colum finds himself falling in love with them. Suddenly, a loveless marriage is no longer acceptable.
This book resolves the problem of the trinity marriage that no one wants and gives Colum, Annie, and Xavier the happy ending they deserve. It does not resolve the issue of the missing manuscript pieces, or the fiery relationship between Eric and Nikolett. And who is the Spaniard and why does he want to destroy Eric and the Masters' Admiralty?
Honestly, the whole missing manuscript by Oscar Wilde plot seems nonsensical to me, but I can't wait for the next book. It seems like I have been waiting forever for Eric to get his head out of his butt regarding Nikolett! I know it will be a grand conclusion to the series and I'm counting down the days, weeks, and months.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Colum O’Connor became the Archivist for Masters Admiralty and deemed neutral, granting him exemption from marriage. After the sudden loss of his sister Josephine, the Archive became his sanctuary. However, when seeking approval to establish a collaborative Archive between both Trinities with his best friend Franco, everything changed—Colum was unexpectedly assigned a trinity and required to marry.
Meanwhile, a discovery made by Colum, coupled with an alarming notification from the dark web, forced the Masters’ Admiralty and Trinity Masters into another high-stakes mission to protect their secret. Tasked with retrieving the missing pages of the Oscar Wilde manuscript, Colum was paired with Annie Ward and Xavier Allarde for the search. Before they could begin, he was ambushed in the one place no one should have known about—the Archive.
As tensions escalate, Colum finds himself developing feelings for Annie and Xavier, who are not his designated marriage partners. While the trio faces continued threats, Fleet Admiral Eric Ericsson receives word that Admiral Nicolette Varda has endured multiple attacks. Determined to protect her, Eric orders Colum and his team to the Isle of Mann and personally retrieves a furious, unwilling Nicolette—Colum’s assigned wife.
Having orchestrated Colum’s pairing himself, Eric now faces the challenge of ensuring a resolution that leads to a happy ending for all involved. I was fortunate to have received an early copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Control's Undoing is the next to last book in the Trinity Masters/Masters Admiralty series by Mari Carr & Lila Dubois. For the past twelve years these gifted ladies have given us sizzling menage romances involving fabulous characters that are interwoven with suspense, intrigue and danger. I, for one, will miss the anticipation of an upcoming book once the series is complete.
This book is a rollercoaster of emotions with some white hot sensual encounters, dangerous events, great chemistry between the main players and a mission to track down a manuscript with the potential of exposing the Masters Admiralty secrets to the world. I loved and laughed out loud at the text conversations at the beginning of each chapter. I shed tears a couple of times during high stress emotional moments. Got chill from The Spaniard's deviousness and cruelty and wanted to wring Eric Ericsson's neck, yet again, for his stubbornness. I rooted for Colum, Annie and Xavier from the get go. Despite the obstacles before them, these three are committed to being together no matter what it takes. The last series book, Fate's Design, is set up perfectly by the authors but the wait until December to read the finale will seem interminable.
Carr and Dubois’s Control: Undoing is a seductive, slow-burn romance wrapped in a literary thriller, where secrets simmer just beneath the surface. At its core is a compelling trinity marriage—an emotionally charged union between an intuitive artist, a reserved historian, and a mysterious woman harboring a hidden past.
Carr and Dubois skillfully weave a narrative rich in sensual tension and psychological intrigue. As the three begins to uncover threads of someone trying to reveal the secret society, the trio is drawn into a historical artifacts and their own revealing truths. The slow build between the characters adds emotional depth, while the layered plot keeps readers turning pages.
The attempts on multiple lives becomes the novel’s emotional pivot, balancing vulnerability and strength as the present threatens the fragile dynamic forming between the three. Many revelations bring both peril and passion, blurring the lines between loyalty, love, and survival.
A must-read for fans of romantic thrillers, Control: Undoing is an intelligent and intoxicating tale of hidden histories and heart-stopping revelations.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book was bitter sweet for me. It's the second to last book in this series and I struggled to finish not because it was a bad book, I just did not want to let go. Colum is the Archivists and is neutral. When a joint archive between the two societies is proposed it comes with stipulations. Colum must marry and it must be someone in leadership. When his trinity is proposed it comes with a twist. Annie Ward is a American woman with a deadly past. When she is paired with Colum and Xavier from the Master's Admiralty society to track down a lost manuscript that could expose their societies, she never expected to be attracted to her partners. As they track the parts of the lost manuscript across continents the danger becomes more evident that there is more at play. However, as they fight their attraction there more at play to keep them apart. Overall, this was an emotional read and while I am happy Colum got his happy ending there is a profound sadness finishing this book. I highly recommend this book and cannot wait for the final book.
A threesome assigned to figure out where a manuscript is hidden in order to protect the two groups.
Unfortunately their grouping up follows Eric marryimg Collum off ti Nik to keep her "safe" from his urges and love he's trying to bury. Somewhat predictable that the threesome are attracted to each other and they quickly become embroiled in their investigation alongside their buiding attraction to each other. As happens, they fell into bed with each other and soon feelings begin to get involved.
Lots of suspense and investigating occur in this book. So much so, that it's hard to follow at times.
Was a great read and Colum finally has some closure on his loss of his sister Josephine. All works out and the three of them settle in in Dublin as a throuple.
Next and last is Eric and Nikolett's story. My hope is they add a third that is man enough to handle Eric's constant fears and guilt when it comes to constantly taking on burdens there's no way he can cover. We'll see....
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Finally Colum gets his story. Forced into a 'name only' marriage in order to keep his position as Archivist of the new, combined Trinity Archive, Colum is tasked, along with Annie & Xavier, to find the missing pieces of an Oscar Wilde manuscript that threatens to expose the Masters Admiralty. With danger circling the three and tensions rising as they chase back and forth across the Atlantic, the unexpectedly developing Trinity find themselves spiralling into a love that Colum knows he can't succumb to.
The pace is relentless, with emotional highs and lows, as the story rushes towards a dramatic conclusion with mystery attackers, glimpses of The Spaniard and hints at the forthcoming confrontation between Eric and Nicolette. Whilst the mystery at the heart of this story, revolving around Oscar Wilde, ultimately remains unresolved, all clues point to an explosive finale in the upcoming "Fate's Design". Can't wait!
I was given an advance copy in return for my honest review.
I cannot tell you how much I love this visit to the Trinity Masters, if you don't count the insane decisions Eric makes! I have always liked the adorably awkward Colum and his obliviousness to social norms, I (and he) never thought he would get his trinity, but he finds two people who, not only understand him and his quirks, but they actively embrace them and also manage to uncover his previously unknown dark and dirty side. It is amazing to see him find himself and grow in confidence and happiness as Xavier and Annie shower him with love, affection and very steamy sex. Their road to HEA is definitely not easy, it has more road blocks than most, but it is so worth every fight they have to claim their future. I also love the easy and ridiculous friendship he and Franco have, it is heartwarming to see their bond. Eric's book is next and it is guaranteed to be explosive, steamy and emotional.
Control's Undoing is the 2nd book in The Spaniard Trilogy, set in the Trinity Masters/Masters' Admiralty world. It's by far my favourite so far because these three - Annie, Xavier and Colum - are just sooo good together. I absolutely loved their quirks, their strengths and weaknesses, all the surprises, the heat, the feelings and how they support each other right from the start. Add in tongue-in-cheek text exchanges with Franco that made me chuckle, a cameo of the tumultous relationship between Eric and Nicolett which made me growl and a wonderfully sweet and spicy happy ending for the trinity and voila, you've got an absolute masterpiece that's earned a spot on my keeper shelf. Also, I will never look at Oscar Wilde the same again! Can't wait for the conclusion to the trilogy. I was fortunate to have received an early copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Once you start Control’s Undoing it is very hard to put down. The characters are wonderful and each unique, plus Eric and Nicolette. Colum is the kind of character you just want to hug and Xavier and Annie do that in spades. There are a lot of strong female characters in this series but Annie is in a class of her own, don’t get in her way or you may not be able to see her coming! We learn a lot about Colum’s background and Xavier’s secret is revealed, there is so much happening. This story that affects so many in both Trinities and prepares us for the last book (😢). There is no solution to the puzzles in this book, but we are edging ever closer and there is a happy ending for this trinity.
Carr and Dubois have done it again and Control's Undoing (2nd book in the Spaniard trilogy) quickly became my favorite book between their many series. From the constant suspense to the heat between Colum, Xavier, and Annie to the text message exchanges between Franco and Colum that start each chapter. I was on the edge of my seat and laughed way too many times.
Be prepared for late nights, because the phrase "one more chapter" came up one too many times for me.
I can't recommend this whole series enough. The Trinity Masters is one of my favorite multi series reads. I really wish it came in Audio, but while I mainly buy Audio books now, I never miss a chance at reading a book from this duo!
I absolutely LOVE the world that Mari and Lila have crated with Trinity Masters and the Masters Admiralty! I`m sad that this is the final book that they have co-written, but I`m also very curious as to what comes next! Colum, Xavier and Annie`s story is yet again different from any other trouple`s. There is so much angst for Colum… he`s been through so much, but I LOVE the HEA!!! Again, there are so many details in the story, that you have to go slowly in order to savour every bit of it! Love the three main characters: Annie is quite the surprise, Xavier is quite the charmer and Colum just blossoms into a character I never could have imagined. I absolutely LOVED this story!!!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Colum O’Connor has been a favorite of mine since the first time he stepped onto the pages of the Trinity Masters/Master's Admiralty series. I wondered if, and how it would play out, he was put in a trinity. I'll admit, the first chapter made me angry, lol. But I've got to trust those devious little vixens...AKA, Mari and Lila..to sooth my hurt feelings and allow me not to throw my e-reader against the wall!
Yes, it's still intact. Of course I am thrilled with Xavier, Annie and Colum. There was still anxiety and heart palpitations as I read this book and LIERALLY stayed up all night doing so. But t was probably one of my favorite books in the series.
I'm not sharing anything else, ya gotta read the book yourself! But I truly believe, you will love it!
This is one of my favorite series I wish it keep going on. I have been waiting on Column’s book so long, I hurt so bad for him and Josphine. I have to say it was worth the wait, this was so much more than I expected. Column is assigned his Trinity and has a dismal future without a happily ever after. Until he meets two people that he funds he can't live without. But will he be able to convince the Society his found Trinity will be exactly what he and the society needs. I can’t wait to see what happens in the next book who the Spaniard is and why Nicolette is his target. Will Eric and Nicolette finally get their HEA in the last book. Control’s Undoing is a steamy page turner that you have to get.
I don't recall ever having such an emphatic reaction to what I thought was coming ... No, No, No!!! How can he do that?? So many things happening throughout this book. Action packed is one way of putting it. Someone is definitely playing with the Trinity Masters and knows so much. Anticipation for the last book is so high. Colum the archivist is placed in a trinity, much against his wishes as he'd taken the role of archivist so he wouldn't have to "people". When he's tasked with finding the manuscript parts along with Xavier and Annie, his world turns upside down. I can't even begin to think how Nikolett feels. A must read for sure.
Wow, another crazy ride at the hands of Mari Carr and Lila Dubois. It was beautiful to see Colum coming out of his shell to find the happiness he deserves. The interactions between Franco and Colum were sweet, often very funny, and poignant. I want a friend like that. There were many fun, lighthearted moments in this story, which was a pleasant surprise, considering many of the books are darker. Not to say there aren't dark moments, along with touching on Eric and Nicholett's story. While I'm not looking forward to this series ending, I can't wait to find out who the Spaniard is and why a Scot would be called the Spaniard.
Yay, Colum gets his trinity and HEA. Colum thinks he's content to remain single and in charge of the Masters' Admiralty archives. You can't help but feel for Colum with his social awkwardness that can come across as rudeness. Things change drastically for him when he is partnered with Xavier Allarde and Annie Ward to protect the Masters' Admiralty's secrets.
I loved the interactions between these three, from Annie's insights into both Colum and Xavier to Colum's protectiveness to Xavier's dirty talk. There's also great humor throughout the story, plenty of suspense, and text snippets between Franco and Colum giving a look at their friendship. This is one of my favorites of these series.
I have loved the mystery of this series, the suspense, who is the deviant Spaniard. I absolutely fell in love with Colum. I really like Annie and Xavier as well, but Colum just touched my heart. The way those two brought him out of his shell, to discover all he could be, the secrets he never knew he was keeping about himself. I like the touch into historical people to bring this all together. Now for Eric and Nikki. Dude needs to get it together. A story of mystery and intrigue, healing and discovery, love and passion.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I loved this story of Xavier, Annie and Colum!! Colum and his best friend Franco are trying to form a joint archive between the two societies. Eric forces him into a trinity with Nikolett and A Spartan guard Sarah. Colum us fine with it, resigned to live a loner life in his archive. Then Eric pairs him with Annie and Xavier to find a hidden Oscar Wilde manuscript. Now his world finally comes to life. This is a trinity in the making! They truly are made for each other. I love thus book and series! I highly recommend! I can't believe its almost over after all these books and years. I absolutely cannot wait for Eric and Nikolett story!
Once again I was completely drawn into an historical mystery and then swept away by the dawn of true love. You know it’s coming, there is how many of these books we all love, but the personalities are all new and fresh and we get to know them and develop feelings for them. Colum has always been the shy little brother, but maybe not really. Now we meet the lovely Annie who is so much more than an art broker. And Xavier the conceited artistic poet. The romance and suspense are about 50/50, but both are high octane roller coaster rides! Loved this read!
Fans of this series are going to love Colum's book. From the cute texts at the start of every chapter; to the ongoing Eric and Nikki tension (she gets the best snarky line in the book!); the sweetest, most unexpected surprise; the stellar suspense; and the growing love between Colum, Annie and Xavier, this book is hard to put down. I'm sad we are almost at the end of this series, but I wouldn't miss a single book in this series!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Well, I cannot believe we are nearly at the end of the Trinity Masters/Masters Admiralty journey. As always, this was a winner. What a story!
I have been waiting for Colum to get a book, and this was a perfect blend of heat, intrigue, danger, love, and humor. These authors are so clever in their writing. The research that they must do to set up such well-crafted stories is astounding.
Colum, Annie and Xavier are wonderfully written characters, and I enjoyed every word of this page turning book! I also enjoyed the special cameos from past books.