Craving Control: a dark tale of obsession

by Bella Faust

“I would fight of course... better to destroy everything than surrender her.” ~Vladimir Nabokov~ OBSESSED. He hunted her. DESPERATE. He blackmailed her. RUTHLESS. He refused to back down. Alexander Kingsley is fixated on two things. Revenge and Lilianna Mayberry . Only she’s not quite as enamoured with him and his need to control her. When Alex discovers that Anna isn’t as meek and innocent as he first suspected, his pursuit turns into a fight to the death. After all, in a world where the Maddison clan and the Black Shamrocks MC are natural-born enemies, there were only two possible ways for this to end… Kill or be killed. This 90,000-word dark psychological suspense novel is the first book in Bella Faust's Black Shamrocks MC: Australia series. A brutal, one-sided, “love” story, Craving Control is the tale of one man's battle against his obsessive tendencies and one woman’s fight to survive him.

Reader discretion is advised as this story contains potentially triggering content.

** Please note that parts of this story have been previously published under the title "Craving Control'' as Kylie Hillman in 2018 and "Fear & Fidelity" as Bella Faust in 2022. This latest version is completely re-written, re-edited, and re-formatted, contains an extra 45,000-words, and can be read as a new story that stands on its own merits. Should you have questions about this revised edition, please read the author letter available at bellafaust (dot) com **

Genres: Dark Romance, Dark, Ebooks, Romance, Contemporary

319 pages, ebook

Published January 1, 2023

About the author

CAN YOU HANDLE THE MINDF#CK?

Bella’s first book, Craving Control, can be downloaded as a welcome gift once you've confirmed your subscription to her Faust 411 reader update > https://www.subscribepage.com/the411

This book was banned online, so make sure you read the trigger warnings first!

ABOUT BELLA:

A fan of erotic psychological thrillers that are full of steam and angst, dark romance that doesn’t shy away from the pain and violence of life, but a devoted hater of the way the villain is always magically redeemed by his love for the heroine or the amazing coincidence whereby the hero just happens to sweep in and save his woman before she can really be hurt, Bella Faust spent years hoping that her favourite dark romance authors would go balls to the wall in one of their dark romance books… or even better write a whole series of these stories.

During that period of misguided longing, she worked as a finance manager at her local university, studied for her MBA, completed a BA in English, raised her two kids, taught English to high schoolers, volunteered as a Lifeline crisis counsellor, drove her husband mad with her complaints about the dearth of true dark psychological romance books, and dipped her toe into ghost-writing and editing.

Then she decided to write the books she wants to read for her-damn-self.

And, now, she’s inviting you inside her madness… as long as you make sure to check the trigger warnings beforehand!

CONNECT WITH BELLA:

Website: bellafaust.com

Reader email update: https://www.subscribepage.com/the411

Read her banned dark villainous romance in the Faust Faction on Ream: https://reamstories.com/faustfaction

Reviews

[Pisces · Rating 5 out of 5]

TO ALL THE DARK ROMANCES LOVER OUT THERE, THIS ONE’s FOR YOU
Oi You can’t be serious that I am actually sympathising with an abuser 4 the first fucking time, and he happen to be the worst one I have read so far

[Doris · Rating 5 out of 5]

CRAZY!!

This book isn’t for the faint of heart because this author pulls no punches with the dark and crazy workings of a psychopath’s mind. Alex is looking for revenge and Lilianna is in his sites. The extremes in this book is messed up which made me love it even more.

[꒰ঌAlejandra໒꒱ ♥️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s official. I love the crazies. Alexander is something else, but I’m down. Think Ramsay Bolton from GoT. Ms. Bella Faust where have you been all my life? There are not many authors that will cross the line, and I’m thankful for all the ones that do. This was fvcked up and I loved it. Quickly one of my favorites of 2023. Six stars. I’m so glad this was the first book I’ve read by Bella Faust. I went in completely blind and was giddy from Chapter 1. This is not romantic at all. It’s messed up but it’s fiction.

Craving Control is the prequel to the Black Shamrocks MC series. It’s told in Alexander’s point of view. Tempting Fate is the first book and I will admit, I’m a little scared to read it. I loved Alexander so much, I don’t want to go to team Zeke. And I don’t like him for some statements he made. But I’ll put my big girl panties on, because I need to know how this turns out!

Spice level (1-5): 🌶️🌶️ (graphic non con)
Kink level (1-3): ⛓️ primal, somnophilia, breath play

Alexander wants revenge on Lysander Mayberry for ending his dreams of a basketball career. The only way he’ll manage this is by exploiting his weakness, his twin sister Liliana. Alex plans on using her as payback but can he keep her afterwards?

I would recommend Craving Control to all the readers in that corner of dark romance that not everyone can stomach. This is raw and gritty. It’s dirty and deplorable. It’s nonconsensual and horribly illegal. Yet it was delicious. If you like the antagonist’s POV, pitch black DARK romance, all the triggers, unhinged borderline psychotic sadist MMC, you’ll love Craving Control. Read the trigger warnings. Honestly if you have triggers you may want to put this one back. Alexander is crazy. Just no. This book does contain drug use, on page non con, somnophilia, ruffies, manipulation, no hero, physical and s3xual assault, battery of women. You’ve been warned. For the readers that the above doesn’t phase you this one is for you!

Warning: Reading Craving Control may make you want someone to follow you on your morally corrupt schemes. May make you wait for a hot guy to bump into you in hopes he’ll be obsessed with you later. May make you want to thank the dark lord for the shenanigans you’ve gotten away with. May make you want to say hump and dump. May make you embrace your inner monster. May make you want to be welcomed to the dark side. Read responsibly.

*I received an Advance Reader Copy for free via Booksprout and I am leaving an honest review of my own volition. All thoughts are my own.*

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon & on Apple iBooks today (1/13/2023)! 🎁

[Lola · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author is not joking with her triggers READ THEM!!!!!

Step aside Patrick Bateman. There's a new psychopath in town. Alexander Kingsley - unerring in his mission to conquer his obsession, Lilianna Mayberry.

I may be in need of some guidance myself in terms of therapy, but so brilliantly was this written - POV:Psychopath, that there were moments early on, when I hoped there would be an HEA. When his sick mind/soul/spirit would find solace in her and her with him. Maybe they will cos........ I won't write spoilers.

What is a psychopath? Nature or nurture? Why, as a society as we so fascinated with the serial killer and not the good guy?

There were times, that I was rooting for him, down to the fact of this amazing author. There were times (mostly) I wanted to vomit.

This level of dark genre is disturbing to say the least, and not for everyone.It is brutal, the darkness of the worst night you can ever imagine and wonderfully written. This author gets into the mind of the inner voice that someone so mentally disturbed hears. Looking at his background (we are limited with this, I assume by the author's choice) we realise he is a brutal human because he knows no different?

Maybe.

This author takes us and forces us to realise - particularly as women - the worst we can imagine. It is a cautionary tale. Utterly, brilliantly written from the an almost sub human who does not possess a common mind.

I await the next book with trepidation and excitement, as any reader who adores their author should.

Message of this amazing book: Be aware, be wary, trust no one. Psychopaths are handsome.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Trista Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dark and very different. I’ve not ever read anything from the perpetrators POV, the author kept me engaged and on the edge of my seat waiting to see what Alex would do next. Jumping in to Tempting Fate ASAP.

[Claudia |✨Cushin Violeta's Bookish Realm✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝟝+ 🌟 𝕗𝕠𝕣 𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕤 𝔻𝕒𝕣𝕜 ℙ𝕤𝕪𝕔𝕙𝕠𝕝𝕠𝕘𝕚𝕔𝕒𝕝 𝕥𝕒𝕝𝕖 𝕠𝕗 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕍𝕚𝕝𝕝𝕒𝕚𝕟'𝕤 𝕆𝕓𝕤𝕖𝕤𝕤𝕚𝕠𝕟

🆆🅰🆁🅽🅸🅽🅶: Please do read the trigger list from the Author's website as this is a really dark book and might not be for everyone. DO HEED THE WARNING BEFORE DIVING IN. THIS IS NOT A ROMANCE. THIS IS THE VILLAIN'S POINT OF VIEW.

🅼🆈 🆁🅴🆅🅸🅴🆆:

Wow. Wow. This one. I really need a minute or more than that to recover.
A magnificently written tale of when a monster becomes completely taken over by what he thinks is his siren.

Alex wants to own and make Liliana completely his from the minute he lays eyes upon her. He's ready to cross any boundaries and lie and cheat his way through to have her.

His reward would become all the more sweeter when his desire and want for Anna also comes with the promise of his much awaited revenge of her twin Sander.

I'll tell you point blank why I loved this freaking dark and messed tale.
Firstly, The author has guts and I mean stronger than any metal for writing something that's supposed to be autobiographical too. When I read this part at the end, I was beyond shocked but also in total awe of the magnitude of strength it shows for someone to write such a daring story while also relaying that it's personal in nature.

Secondly, I have to commend the author for writing a story where the villain, the one with the messed up and unjustified actions remains a Villain and is not redeemed nor glorified by our lead heroine Liliana.

Thirdly, the writing is just something else in the way that I WAS ADDICTED AND COULDN'T STOP TURNING THE PAGES, even for taking a break.

This is messed up, but I was utterly weirdly fascinated by how Alex' mind worked in how he perceived Liliana and how he was driven by his so called monster.
Fascinated, until I realised the utter depravity and lowest level that Alex is capable of stooping to. Then I was horrified and beyond mad for what awaits Liliana.

It's hard to explain but for Dark Psychological book lovers like me, you'll understand and love why this book is downright a page turner. Yet difficult to explain because there are really some scenes that'll leave you outright 😱😱🤬😢😲😠

I'M SO IMPATIENT TO START OFF BOOK 1 in the Shamrocks MC series after the events of this book that leave for so many blank spaces and unanswered questions that I can't wait to find out. STRAIGHT DIVING INTO BOOK 1.

Note that this is a banned book that you won't find on retailers like Amazon and Apple stores.
This can only be found on the Author's website and you can get it for FREE by just subscribing there.
So hop on to the dark ride but... at your risk completely.

[Mumma Moon · Rating 2 out of 5]

Where to start?

This book could of been a short story. There was a lot of unnecessary information put in. The MMC and FMC are not characters of substance, I appreciate you are suppose to loathe the MMC, but he came across as very wooden for a psychopath. The FMC daughter of the leader of a MC, intelligent and tired of being dominated by overbearing men, seemed juvenile.

There is no chemistry, which I don’t know if the author was trying to persuade that there were beginnings of, especially for the MMC, seeing it’s his point of view, it never came across she was overly interested in him.

Now the dark aspect of this book pertains to physical violence from the MMC to the FMC as well as non con and actual rape at the end of the book. As well as drugged SA midway. This also happens about 60% of the way in the Violent SA and murder to an escort, to keep his “monster” satiated. So for this reason alone the story isn’t for the faint of heart.

It is in no way a romance, it’s not even dark, it’s most certainly gruelling.

For me it felt more like a rich boy thinking he can get away with treating people however he liked and get away with it, due to family imagine will ensure misdeeds will be paid off and buried.
The FMC was sacrificed by her father to save her brothers image so he can keep playing basketball, even though, the MMC has a reputation for the type of acts he enjoys.

I wouldn’t personally recommend reading this, I’ve read better psycho trope novels. Better non-con novels. And better dominant- SA etc novels.

Everyone has their personal preferences, this one just for the most part, was boring, disjointed, and non convincing.

[VanessaCliterateur · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alright, folks, grab your snacks and maybe a stress ball, because we're diving into the chaotic world of *Craving Control* by Bella Faust. Get ready for Aussie slang/UK English, mind games, and more twists than a Twizzler factory.

So, let's talk about Alex, the son of a political big shot and the grandkid of an Irish mob boss. And then there's Lilyanna, or Anna, as she's called, the tough cookie daughter of an MC president. It's like Romeo and Juliet but with way more tattoos and dangerous family connections.

Now, heads up, mates, this book is all told from Alex's messed-up point of view. He's got some mental health stuff going on, and he refers to it as "the monster." Bit dramatic, if you ask me, but stick around, 'cause this whole monster metaphor is like a roller coaster - weirdly wild, but kinda genius in its own way.

As the pages flip, you'll notice this Alex guy keeps his psychopathic vibe on high throttle all the way through. It's like he's stuck in psycho mode, but Bella Faust somehow keeps his rich, out-of-touch persona on lockdown too. Dark romance? Nah, this is more like a psychological roller derby.

Oh, Anna. She's a bit one-dimensional at first, which had me scratching my head. But wait for it – it's all part of the grand plan. The author's playing some serious 4D chess here, 'cause turns out, we're seeing Anna just the way Alex sees her. I'm incredibly impressed by how this author wove the plot and character arcs, managing to capture the intricacies and details from beginning to end. It's great writing at its finest.

Now, let's get real about the darkness factor. *Craving Control* isn't sunshine and rainbows. It’s like Macbeth threw a party and invited all his dark and twisted buddies. This isn’t a romance novel, folks. It’s more like psychological warfare and emotional gymnastics if that’s your kind of jam. There is no romance happening, so don’t get your undies in a twist if you pick this up and there’s no lovey stuff anywhere to be found. It’s a FULL true obsession story.

Remember that time Fifty Shades’ inner monologue got on your nerves? Well, buckle up, 'cause you'll get a heap of that here. But don’t be surprised if it’s equal parts annoying and addicting.

Oh boy, the dating disaster. Alex asks Anna out, goes all-out on date prep, and then? Yep, treats her like she's yesterday's cold pizza. Alex, buddy, mixed signals much? But here's the kicker – the dude's a coward, too. Runs and hides like it's a full-time job.

Let’s talk spice – and I don't mean in the kitchen. The heat level is cranked up, but brace yourself, 'cause it’s more non-con than a traffic jam. The whole book is like a non-con roller coaster that just won't stop.

But wait, there's more! Let's get grim: drugs, emotional manipulation, non-con, and dub-con scenes, plus a love triangle that'll make you dizzy. It's like a warning label on a roller coaster, but for your feels.

In a nutshell, *Craving Control* by Bella Faust is a wild ride into void-like darkness, power plays, and messed-up psychology. So, if you're into pitch-black novels that are more twisted than a Twizzler, this book might just be your very strong, very dark cup of tea.

*Author provided a free ARC Copy in exchange for an honest review*

[Kris-Posey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hooooooly freakin’ dooly!!
We are not in Kansas anymore, friends! — I went into this one blind after stumbling across it by accident whilst on the hunt for something else…

I WAS NOT PREPARED!!
I jumped in looking for a bit of ‘morally gray romance’— I most certainly did not find it!
This book was not a romance, and the main character was not even close to morally gray… No, Alex is a few hues darker and grittier than pitch black!

But…
I freakin’ DEVOURED this bloomin’ book!
ATE. IT. UP!— this was like damn book crack, and I’m a freakin’ addict!
I could not put this down, and there was a few times I wondered after my own mental state for how quick I was demolishing the pages.

It freakin’ CONSUMED me!
I can’t even tell you anything about the book I was originally searching for— nope! Full lobotomy vibes.

If you’re looking for a redeemable hero or happily ever after… this is so not your book — look elsewhere!

This book will punch you in the damn face! The way the author weaved this story and sucked me right in to the carnage— Yeah, I am so freakin’ here for that!

I can’t remember the last time writing has given me such a visceral reaction!
The story here was a bold one to tell— no hearts and rainbows, just a realness that is a little frightening…
Oh, and apparently I do like to be a little unexpectedly frightened.

I love the grittier stories. I love a bit of shock factor… a little something to keep the mind fresh and stave away the monotony you can get when you concentrate on reading a certain genre for a while.
This book was that — and I couldn’t tell you the last time a book snapped me from my comfort zone and shackled me to discomfort in such a way…

5 - live, lurk, lobotomy stars!

The character and complexity of Alex Kingsley—
Yeah… I need help, ‘cause you can guarantee I’m jumping into more Bella Faust books, being a glutton for hurt and all that!

[Rhonda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not sure what I expected. I read MC vs posh Aristocratic families, quite often. What I wasn't ready for the crazy ride with Alex and his "monster". This is not a book for someone with a weak stomach and a heart for romance.

Some of the things Alex and his "monster" does while Anna is drugged, is distasteful. It does not suit my taste. The manner in which Alex's "monster" romances, handles and hunts woman is a trigger not for everyone's tastes.

Alex, the grandson to the Leader of the Maddisons, initially wanted to date Lililanna (Anna), and dump her like all his other dates to rub it into Sander's, Anna's twin brother, face. Sander ended Alex's dream basketball career so all Alex does is think of ways to get revenge at Sander.

Sander loves, protects his twin and hates Alex. Anna decides to date Alex against Sander's request. She dates Alex until she realizes he is more serious than she and so obsessed with her, she cannot return the love to him. Anna's heart belongs to another.

Anna's Father see Alex & Anna match is the MC's opportunity to smooth things with Maddisons. What happens to Anna, now? What will Alex do to gain Anna? Will MC & Madison work together? You'll have to read!

I received a free copy of this book for an honest review. I would recommend this book to anybody who enjoys Psychological Fiction, Romance Suspense, Physchological Thrillers books. This book has triggers, it will give you a crazy ride and it is not for the light hearted.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Harleys book corner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Craving Control by Bella Faust

Star Rating: 4/5 ⭐️
Spice Rating: 3/5 🌶

⛓️ Obsessive Sociopath MMC
⛓️ Fiesty Biker FMC
⛓️ Dark Psychological Romance
⛓️ Primal Sadistic Tendencies

What can i say about this book... Those trigger warnings are no joke 😅 please take the time to read them as this book brings the meaning of Dark, this is one of the darkest books i've read, i luckily don't get triggered but i struggled to get through this. to understand the rest of this series it is best to read this book if you can as it will fill in some blanks.

I don't want to give away any spoilers but the MMC we encouter in this book has some very real problems and not the kind that you will be pining after like some of the other morally grey men with a list of red flags that usually we pine after, he is incredibly sadistic for his own pleasure and not the pleasure of others. We do also meet the FMC character for the book after this one and quite a few of the other remaining characters that are in this series, this book however is a single POV which is Alex.

I honestly did not know if i could finish this book but i am so glad that i did so that i have a better understanding for the rest of this series, this book like i said isn't essential but would be helpful, however the rest of the series do need to be read chronologically they are not standalones. Please do check them Trigger Warnings ⚠️

[Darkdirtysmut · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the mind of an obsessed psychopath, Craving Control is told in Alexander Kingsley's POV. Alex and "his monster" is set on revenge after his career was put to an end before it started by Sander.

Alex is the grandson to the leader of the Maddison clan and Sander and his twin Lilianna Mayberry are the children of the VP of the Black Shamrock MC. Enemies on opposite ends one side posh aristocratic family bathed in less and dirty secrets the otherside "trashy" and "lowest status".

Alex sets his sights and becomes obsessed with Lilianna, Anna, and is determined to make her his own in his desire to exact revenge on Sander. What Alex doesn't expect is how much of a fighter and independent woman Anna turns out to be. She fights him at every turn until she eventually tells him she doesn't want to see him anymore. This of course sets him and his monster off and he proceeds to work with his father and Anna's father to try and make her come to heel.

This book had me on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to push him too far and when Alex was going to cross the line and follow his mantra. There is nothing redeemable or romantic about Alex. Do not expect a HEA and please be sure to check your triggers because Alex's POV is twisted!

I received an advanced review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is going to destroy you both mentally and emotionally. This book is beyond darkness this book is pitch black! This is a dark obsession story that can be hard to read because Bella doesn't hold any punches and goes into great detail about our characters backgrounds and how many contributing factors led to the devastating and destroying of their lives!

Alex is looking for revenge on Sanders and he has decided to use his twin Lilianna (MC Princess) to get what is owed to him. Alex is messed up mentally and emotionally. He is quite the pyscho and he doesn't hold anything back about how much he wants Lilianna and how he is willing and going to do anything to make her his!

The biggest problem is that Anna has no desire to be with Alex. She has given her heart away a long time ago and she has no intnetions of giving Alex anything that he wants. Unfortuantely, she has awakened the monster within Alex and her life and those she loves will never be the same!!

The extremes throughout this book is beyond screwed up. Keep in mind that this a trilogy so there is 3 more books after this one becuase this Alex's POV but it is vital to understanding what has happedned to everyone before beginning Anna, Slash, and Zeke's story in the following books! Happy Reading!!!

[╰⊱♥⊱╮ღ꧁Kathy,Ahmazing Book Faerie꧂ღ╭⊱♥≺ · Rating 4 out of 5]

So!!!!!!!!
The warnings are all there, so heed them!
Holyfucnshitballsandhellfire.
I knew this was going to be intense, but pharkme!
I've read similar plots, and one I was so disgusted I gave up reading(I wasn't the only one)
But there was something different about this story, something that made me hang in there.
It was intense to the point I didn't want to put it down. There were a few times I questioned what the hell some of the characters were thinking.
Lilianna, had the measure of Alex right from the start, why couldn't anyone else see the truth? Money? Power?
Alex is a sick fuck, nothing else can be said. He should be euthanized in my books. He just can't take a bloody hint! And how the hell did he survive the beatings, not to mention jail!? Sheer pig ignorance I think.
Please, if you read this book, read the whole thing! All the authors notes , everything! It's very important that you do, as you will then understand why this book is different to others of the same style.
It's like a train wreck happening right there in front of you, and you can't stop it, or look away.
I need a break now, before I read any more of this series, but I hope like crazy that Alex gets what's coming to him, and I hope it hurts!!!

[Marcie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first read by Bella and I am completely floored. This isn’t a dark romance, this is an up front seat inside the mind of a true psychopath while he stops at nothing to possess his obsession in every single way he wishes.

“The thing I called my monster was just me fighting my true self”

Alex is a true wolf in sheep’s clothing hellbent on getting his revenge on the young man that ruined his future playing basketball. That’s when his sights fall on Lilianna Mayberry and he won’t stop until she is his every way.

Bella blew my mind with this story. It’s unnerving and haunting the way she paints the sadistic and psychotic nature that sums Alex up. His inner thoughts being the Hyde side to his outer showing of Dr. Jekyll. My heart broke for Lilianna as her naivety mixed with her somewhat sheltered upbringing didn’t prepare her for the monster she had to battle.

I do have to say, Bella has sank her claws in though because I am dying to dive into Tempting Fate to see how this all comes to play. It’s the perfect combo of American Psycho, Sleeping with the Enemy and a dash of Sons of Anarchy - and I am here for it all.

[A. Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book gets pretty dark and disturbing especially the ending. If you have any trigger warnings you will absolutely find them in this book. Alex becomes obsessed with Anna. At first to get back at her brother then I think it changes. When you read about Alex its like looking into the mind of madness. He talks about hearing a monster in his head and doing things to please the monster. Alex also really does have some kind of mental illness but it can't excuse everything he does. Alex plans and plots things out that most normal people would not. Alex belongs to the Maddison clan who are rich, wealthy, and in control. Anna belongs to the Black Shamrock a MC club that Alex thinks is truly beneath him. The two clubs are enemies and could go to war any minute. When Anna finally figures out what is really going on and stands up to Alex things get really bad. It's a fight to the death. It was shocking the number of people who betray Anna. I really don't know if this situation is something Anna can ever get over and is Alex gone for good?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ally Doby (Schleicher) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is not for the faint of heart! It is dark, evil, twisted and psychotic. The main character of this story in not the anti-hero, villain you would like to roll around in the sheets with and he is definitely not the bad boy that can be tamed.

Alexander “Alex” has revenge on his mind and a siren MC princess calling to his inner beast to be dominated and owned. What starts out as just a way for revenge quickly turns into an obsession he can’t control.

Lilianna “Lily/Anna” underestimates her strength and the man vying for her attention. Her young age and sheltered life of Alex’s family sends her in an adventure no one would be willing to sign up for.

Extra kudos to Bella for her bravery and bringing her dark thoughts to life to build a foundation for what I know is going to be an amazing series and gifting those who don’t want just your normal dark romance, but beyond that. I can already tell she will be on my favorite author list!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

If there was ever a time to pay attention to trigger / content warnings, this is it. Easily one of the darkest books I've ever read. Alex is looking for revenge from Sander Mayberry of the Black Shamrocks MC and has decided to use his twin sister, Lilianna to get it. It doesn't take long for Anna to become the object of Alex's obsession. There are a lot of factors involved in the plot of this book. The MC and Alex's family are rivals. There are political sides, mafia ties and the MC to worry about. In the midst of all this, there are "friends" of both Anna and Alex that don't always appear to be as they seem. This book is full of excitement, intrigue, drama and a lot of violence (hence the warnings!!) I really appreciated that this book is told solely from the MMC's point of view as we really get a good look at the inner workings of his sick mind and as a result feel semi-sympathetic toward his plight which really has me questioning all kinds of things. This book is for dark-dark romance readers only. You have been warned!!

[Aria Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Craving Control is a whirlwind of emotions suspense and dark dark events

But it works so well I loved that the author didn't shy away from the darker parts of the antagonist and story. you really get to see every aspect.

Alex was so intriguing to me as a character and his motives. I loved how he was written to be a complete sadistic piece of sh** it just made the emotions and adrenaline that much more real throughout reading.

And Anna I related to alot in her character and I loved that she wasn't the typical female protagonist personality type. It felt like getting to know an actual person the more you read through Alex's pov.

I loved that we get to see her dynamic with Alex and her brothers/everyone around her all her actions are her own and I loved that.

I really wanted to see more of Alex's dynamic with Anna her father, and the other characters I was so excited to check out the next book but sadly Alex didn't play as big a role

Either way I loved this book it was the perfect mix of dark and relatability

[Shannon (litmuggle) · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🚫🌶️ (you will not get a spice rating on this one as nothing constituted and extremely dark)

Let me start with this is not a Romance there will not be HEA for the MC of this book he will get what he deserves but as the series continues you will get a fantastic romance with the FMC.

Alex is a true psycho, one of the biggest monsters I have ever read and this is his story told by him and the monster that lives inside his head.

Alex may be rich, part of the elitist family that runs the town built on the back of his mafioso grandfather but he’s spiraling out of control being denied the things he truly wants. The local golden boy has ruined all his dreams and is stealing his place, but he has the ultimate ploy for revenge. He’s going to take everything from Sanders his basketball career and ruin his twin sister Anna for everyone. Destroying her will cripple him and his fathers MC they will all see. Anna better watch out Alex’s monster is on the hunt and it wants her.

I can not suggest enough please check your TW this is one of the darkest books I’ve ever read.

[Nickie Sale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Craving control is one of the darkest books I've read, readers should ensure they read the TW carefully. It takes you on Anna's nightmare with the obsessed, dark, depraved, dangerous, psychopath Alex. Alex wants revenge, revenge for the career he lost because of Anna's twin brother Sander. His plan is to use Anna to break Sanders spirit, then keep Anna for himself.

Anna, the MC princess, is the daughter of the VP of MC Black Shamrocks and Alex is the Grandson of wealthy head of the Maddison clan. The Black Shamrocks and Maddison Clan are sworn enemies, there can only be one outcome in any battle between them and thats someone will die.

Alex's depraved and psychopathic behaviour is what nightmares are made from. He puts Anna through a version of hell that leaves you cold, wondering if Anna can survive, questioning family values, angry with the corruption and so many more emotions besides. Definately not for the feint hearted.

[Marcy Sorenson · Rating 5 out of 5]

§.•´¨'°÷•..×𝙲𝚛𝚊𝚟𝚒𝚗 𝚐 𝙲𝚘𝚗𝚝𝚛𝚘𝚕×,.•´¨'°÷•..§

𝚋𝚢 𝙱𝚎𝚕𝚕𝚊 𝙵𝚊𝚞𝚜𝚝

❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥
5/5

‼️MAKE SURE TO CHECK TRIGGER WARNINGS

ᗩᒪᕮ᙭ᗩᑎᗪᕮᖇ KIᑎᘜᔑᒪᕮY Iᔑ ᗷOᖇᑎ IᑎTO Tᕼᕮ ᗰOᗷ, ᗩᑎᗪ Oᑎ TOᑭ Oᖴ TᕼᗩT, ᕼIᔑ ᗪᗩᗪ Iᔑ ᗩ ᗯᕮᒪᒪ KᑎOᗯᑎ ᑭOᒪITIᑕIᗩᑎ. ᗩᒪᕮ᙭ ᕼᗩᔑ ᗩᒪᗯᗩYᔑ ᕼᗩᗪ ᗪᗩᖇK TᗩᔑTᕮᔑ, ᗩᑎᗪ ᕼIᔑ ᖴᗩᗰIᒪY ᕼᗩᔑ ᑕOᐯᕮᖇᕮᗪ ᗩᒪᒪ ᕼIᔑ ᑭᗩᔑT TᖇᗩᔑᘜᖇᕮᔑᔑIOᑎᔑ.

ᒪIᒪIᗩᑎᑎᗩ ᗩᑎᗪ ᒪYᔑᗩᑎᗪᕮᖇ ᗩᖇᕮ TᗯIᑎᔑ, Tᕼᖇᕮᕮ Yᕮᗩᖇᔑ ᗷᕮᕼIᑎᗪ ᕼIᗰ Iᑎ ᔑᑕᕼOOᒪ. ᔑᗩᑎᗪᕮᖇ TOOK Oᐯᕮᖇ ᗩᒪᕮ᙭'ᔑ TOᑭ ᔑᑭOT Oᑎ Tᕼᕮ ᗷᗩᔑKᕮTᗷᗩᒪᒪ Tᕮᗩᗰ, ᗩᑎᗪ ᗩᒪᕮ᙭ ᕼᗩᔑ ᔑᗯOᖇᑎ TO ᗰᗩKᕮ ᔑᗩᑎᗪᕮᖇ ᑭᗩY.

Tᕼᕮᖇᕮ Iᔑᑎ'T ᗰᑌᑕᕼ ᔑᗩᑎᗪᕮᖇ ᑕᗩᖇᕮᔑ ᗩᗷOᑌT, ᗷᑌT ᕼIᔑ TᗯIᑎ ᗩᑎᑎᗩ. ᗩᒪᕮ᙭ Iᔑ ᗪᕮTᕮᖇᗰIᑎᕮᗪ TO KᑎOᑕK ᔑᗩᑎᗪᕮᖇ ᗪOᗯᑎ ᗩ ᑭᕮᘜ, ᗩᑎᗪ ᗰᗩKᕮ ᗩᑎᑎᗩ ᕼIᔑ. ᗩᒪᕮ᙭ TᖇIᕮᔑ TO ᗪᗩTᕮ ᗩᑎᑎᗩ TO ᘜᕮT ᕼᕮᖇ TO ᑕOᗰᖇ ᗯIᒪᒪIᑎᘜᒪY, ᗷᑌT ᗩᑎᑎᗩ ᕼᗩᔑ OTᕼᕮᖇ Iᗪᕮᗩᔑ...

I ᖇᕮᗩᗪ TᕼIᔑ Iᑎ Oᑎᕮ ᔑITTIᑎᘜ I ᗯᗩᔑ ᔑO ᑕᗩᑭTIᐯᗩTᕮᗪ . ᗩᒪᕮ᙭ Iᔑ ᔑᑌᑕᕼ ᗩ ᗪᕮᖇᗩᑎᘜᕮᗪ ᗩᑎᗪ ᑌᑎᕼIᑎᘜᕮᗪ ᑕᕼᗩᖇᗩᑕᕮᖇ I ᗩᗷᔑOᒪᑌTᕮᒪY ᒪOᐯᕮᗪ IT. I ᑎᕮᐯᕮᖇ Kᑎᕮᗯ ᗯᕼᔑT ᕼᕮ'ᗪ ᗪO ᑎOT.

Iᑎᑕᒪᑌᗪᕮᔑ
-ᑭITᑕᕼ ᗷᒪᗩᑕK ᖇOᗰᗩᑎᑕᕮ
- ᗪᕮᖇᗩᑎᘜᕮᗪ ᗩᒪᑭᗩᕼOᒪᕮ
- ᑎᗩIᐯᕮ ᖴᗰᑕ
- ᗰOTOᖇᑕYᑕᒪᕮ ᘜᗩᑎᘜ
- ᗰᗩᖴIᗩ
- ᔑᑌᔑᑭᕮᑎᔑᕮ
- ᑭᗩᘜᕮ Tᑌᖇᑎᕮᖇ
- TᗯIᔑTᕮᗪ
- ᑕᒪIᖴᖴ ᕼᗩᑎᘜᕮᖇ

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok. So this book was banned for a while due to extremely dark content and I can see why. Craving Control is told from the point of view of the villain and. it. is. brutal.

Please please do not ignore the trigger warnings on this.

It centres around Alex who is suffering from extreme mental health issues (known as “the monster”) and his obsession with revenge. Unfortunately, he sets his sights on Anna. I felt that I didn’t vibe with Anna but that may have been because the story is told through Alex’s eyes. I will reserve judgement for the next book.

While the ending may have been hard to read it dealt with an extremely serious issue that happens every single day somewhere in the world. I was actually shouting at the book at one point for retribution and some kind of reprieve for Anna.

While it was difficult to read, Bella kept me interested with the underlying plot and what is going to happen next.

I received a copy of this but my review is my own opinion.

[Nyghtengale · Rating 4 out of 5]

READ THE TRIGGER WARNINGS!! KNOW WHAT YOU ARE GETTING YOURSELF INTO!

I like to read dark romances and even I had to check myself a couple of times while reading these books. The story is good but its can be very hard to keep going at times.

There are many dark romance morally grey antihero’s that despite their evils can be redeemed or ever their kinks looked passed. ALEX IS NOT THAT KIND OF CHARACTER.


Still it was so odd seeing everything through his perspective. I might need therapy after it but it was a new twist to the typical MC type stories. I spent most of the last part of the stories waiting on Alex to turn around to have that moral awakening….

This story was a rough, dirty and visceral ride to hell, with no redemption in sight. Sometimes the calvary and the white knight arrive to late…

But I would still recommend this book but I would heavily vet who I did so too.

[Andrea Salazar · Rating 5 out of 5]

2nd time reading a "Dark Romance" and boy was this dark!!! Probably darker then I have ever read
Kept me reading late into the night a few times as I wasn't ready to put it down.

This book is a total mind f**k! Taking Psycho to a whole other level and in the POV as the MMC Alex Kingsley but a total MONSTER.

Alex is dead set on ruining lives in their city. His high school sports career is over after Sander Mayberry and is friends attacked him.

Alex decides to get revenge on Sander and the entire MC the Shamrocks and decides that Anna Mayberry, Sanders twin was the way to go. The tale of him wanting her and owning while getting his revenge on Sander. Anna does seem interested at first until I feel like he pushed to hard and then her friend Nadia warned her about Alex.

I cant tell the rest without spoilers but I will say this is dark, and if you are looking for the "Villian turns good read" this is NOT it!!

Just started Tempting Fate which is next in the series.

[R Rais · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five star of out of the box darkness!

This is not romance. This book is everything twisted, evil and obsessive, psychotic sick mind.

Alex isn't anti hero. He is not the villain you wanna bang. He have no redeeming qualities. He is all evil and his full POV in this book would give you the chills. For how he thinks, how he acts, all of him are psychotic sick.

And Liliana, she's the perfect prey for him. MC princess. Protected to the point of rebels just to proof she's independent. Young enough to not see the evil she's playing with. Foolish enough to think she can bet him alone. And her V card.

This book isn't dark romance. It's pure evil and twisted. Five star for the author bravery pulling this from the evil POV.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Merilu Keenum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alex is a psychopathic narcissistic animal who plots to avenge himself by ruining his attackers sister. Anna is so young, loved by her brothers, betrayed by her father’s aspirations. They come different worlds: his family is the mob and his father controls the law enforcement while her family is an MC.

Bella has written a story that made me cry for Anna and rage at Alex and her father. How could anyone do something so heartbreaking and callous? There’s nothing redeemable about Alex, no excuse, and no understanding. Mental health is a huge problem in identifying and treating. Bella’s dialogue illustrates how scary a physical confrontation can become. This story has me rooting for her family to avenge her but knowing he should be held accountable lawfully. Such a dilemma!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shanna D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Craving Control (Book 1 of Black Shamrocks MC) by Bella Faust. Alex is simply crazy intense and slightly twisted but determined to a fault. While it took me a few minutes and chapters to wrap my mind around everything that was happening and build up to the characters and their plight- I found myself deeply immersed and held captive through this dark journey. Dark and intense drama, twisted action, and strong yet damaged characters. This is definitely one of those stories that will stay with you for a time. Not meant for anyone looking for hearts and flowers. This is for those that crave dark and depraved with touches of suspense and plenty of heat. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[tattooedbooknerdgirl35 (Amanda Lynn) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Craving Control is a Dark

read. Definitely look up

triggers before reading.

For a dark read that's a bit darker

than my usual reads, I enjoyed it.

Storyline will definitely keep you on

edge with what's gonna happen next.

This dark read is about a man who is

obsessed with revenge over what

someone did to him, they took his

dream.

So he wants to hurt him where his

weakness is, enters in sweet girl Anna.

Alex wants revenge, but he wants

her too. He becomes obsessed,

his monster knows she's the one

for him, and he wants her to himself even if

She doesn't want him. He just wants her & to

break her & make her his.

Definitely get your copy & see what

happens between Anna & Alex and the MC

And Alex's ties to the Irish Mob.