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Control
Six talented but dangerously toxic personalities in the entertainment hotbed of Atlanta push their psychologist to her own vulnerable limits – and maybe beyond – in this enthralling, knife-edged thriller from NAACP Image Award-winning author Omar Tyree.
Dr. Victoria Benning knows it’s unethical to discuss the therapy sessions of her clients, but the drama of their unpredictable lives tests her professional role like never before.
First, she counsels Mrs. Melody, a brutally honest, gorgeous rap artist who relies on sexual leverage with men to elevate her music career. Then there’s Charles Clay, a hot young film director and master manipulator with a fetish for opportunistic women. Tyrell Hodge is a frustrated screenwriter, part-time driver, and full-time complainer who desperately needs a break. Dark & Moody is a music producer who prays for a blood sacrifice in order to succeed. Joseph Drake, a venture capitalist from a powerful, slave-ownership family, now suffers from a spell of White guilt.
And Destiny Flowers is a hopeless dreamer who struggles to keep her mouth and mind at peace—while harassing the tolerant doctor she hopes will ultimately help her.
Working around the clock, Dr. Benning observes a troubling, treacherous common denominator that plagues all six a desperate impulse to grasp control of everything and everyone in their lives—no matter the cost. It’s a struggle with which she’s all too familiar. Determined to head-off tragedy, she comes up with a brilliant game plan to make their collective talents work in everyone’s favor. . .
But just as she moves into action, inexplicable events quickly turn fatal, as the doctor finds her plan, her career, and her personal life all spiraling into madness—and hopelessly out of control.
Dr. Victoria Benning knows it’s unethical to discuss the therapy sessions of her clients, but the drama of their unpredictable lives tests her professional role like never before.
First, she counsels Mrs. Melody, a brutally honest, gorgeous rap artist who relies on sexual leverage with men to elevate her music career. Then there’s Charles Clay, a hot young film director and master manipulator with a fetish for opportunistic women. Tyrell Hodge is a frustrated screenwriter, part-time driver, and full-time complainer who desperately needs a break. Dark & Moody is a music producer who prays for a blood sacrifice in order to succeed. Joseph Drake, a venture capitalist from a powerful, slave-ownership family, now suffers from a spell of White guilt.
And Destiny Flowers is a hopeless dreamer who struggles to keep her mouth and mind at peace—while harassing the tolerant doctor she hopes will ultimately help her.
Working around the clock, Dr. Benning observes a troubling, treacherous common denominator that plagues all six a desperate impulse to grasp control of everything and everyone in their lives—no matter the cost. It’s a struggle with which she’s all too familiar. Determined to head-off tragedy, she comes up with a brilliant game plan to make their collective talents work in everyone’s favor. . .
But just as she moves into action, inexplicable events quickly turn fatal, as the doctor finds her plan, her career, and her personal life all spiraling into madness—and hopelessly out of control.
1 pages, Audio CD
Published May 21, 2024
67 people are currently reading
9238 people want to read
About the author
Omar Tyree
103 books920 followersOmar Tyree, a New York Times best-selling author, a 2001 NAACP Image Award recipient for Outstanding Literature in Fiction, and a 2006 Phillis Wheatley Literary Award winner for Body of Work in Urban Fiction, has published 16 books and has sold nearly 2 million copies worldwide that has generated more than $30 million.
With a degree in Print Journalism from Howard University in 1991, Tyree has been recognized as one of the most renowned contemporary writers in the literary community. He is also an informed and passionate speaker on various community-related and intellectual topics. Now entering the world of feature films, business lectures, and children’s books, Tyree is a tireless creator and visionary of few limitations.
Tyree is a popular speaker on the university and corporate circuits. In his “Equation for Life” lecture, Tyree weaves together a full-proof formula for attaining lifelong success in business, as well as everyday living. Ideal for innovation, corporate sales and marketing teams, one attendee who heard the lecture commented, “Omar Tyree’s Equation for Life speech made me rethink my whole life - it has given me the focus I need.” The success of the speeches over the last 11 years landed Tyree his first nonfiction book deal with John Wiley, the number 1 business publisher in the world. The Equation: Applying the 4 Indisputable Components of Business Success, is being released in early January 2009.
As an author, journalist, performance poet, songwriter, screenwriter,entrepreneur, innovator of various creations, and an energetic and fiery speaker, Tyree is no stranger to the world of contemporary urban influence. Tyree became one of the dominant literary promoters of the 1990s, leading to offers of publishing deals by a number of influential mainstream book publishers. In 1995, he signed a lucrative two-book arrangement with publishing powerhouse Simon & S chuster. A few years later, Tyree signed an undisclosed long-term contract that established him amongst Simon & Schuster’s top authors.
His journey as an entrepreneur began in his early 20s when he started the book publishing company Mar Productions, to release his earliest works of fiction. Tyree’s entrepreneurial ventures have evolved to include the Urban Literacy Project as a nonprofit organization to inspire reading, writing, thinking,visualization, application and financial literacy skills among disadvantaged youth and adults. He has also formed Renaissance Entertainment Group, a partnership with self-made multimillionaire Arthur Wylie, to produce Tyree’s body of fiction novels into feature films.
Tyree’s articles have been published in the Washington Post, Essence, Upscale, Ebony, TheDailyVoice.com and several other publications
With a degree in Print Journalism from Howard University in 1991, Tyree has been recognized as one of the most renowned contemporary writers in the literary community. He is also an informed and passionate speaker on various community-related and intellectual topics. Now entering the world of feature films, business lectures, and children’s books, Tyree is a tireless creator and visionary of few limitations.
Tyree is a popular speaker on the university and corporate circuits. In his “Equation for Life” lecture, Tyree weaves together a full-proof formula for attaining lifelong success in business, as well as everyday living. Ideal for innovation, corporate sales and marketing teams, one attendee who heard the lecture commented, “Omar Tyree’s Equation for Life speech made me rethink my whole life - it has given me the focus I need.” The success of the speeches over the last 11 years landed Tyree his first nonfiction book deal with John Wiley, the number 1 business publisher in the world. The Equation: Applying the 4 Indisputable Components of Business Success, is being released in early January 2009.
As an author, journalist, performance poet, songwriter, screenwriter,entrepreneur, innovator of various creations, and an energetic and fiery speaker, Tyree is no stranger to the world of contemporary urban influence. Tyree became one of the dominant literary promoters of the 1990s, leading to offers of publishing deals by a number of influential mainstream book publishers. In 1995, he signed a lucrative two-book arrangement with publishing powerhouse Simon & S chuster. A few years later, Tyree signed an undisclosed long-term contract that established him amongst Simon & Schuster’s top authors.
His journey as an entrepreneur began in his early 20s when he started the book publishing company Mar Productions, to release his earliest works of fiction. Tyree’s entrepreneurial ventures have evolved to include the Urban Literacy Project as a nonprofit organization to inspire reading, writing, thinking,visualization, application and financial literacy skills among disadvantaged youth and adults. He has also formed Renaissance Entertainment Group, a partnership with self-made multimillionaire Arthur Wylie, to produce Tyree’s body of fiction novels into feature films.
Tyree’s articles have been published in the Washington Post, Essence, Upscale, Ebony, TheDailyVoice.com and several other publications
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
May 8, 2024
I was a fan of Omar Tyree's earlier works so when I saw he had something new out and it was categorized as a psychological thriller I was excited to read it. Unfortunately this missed the mark for me. It starts off with Dr. Victoria Benning counseling these six individuals in the entertainment industry who are all struggling with or obsessed with control in their specific fields. Each chapter is supposed to be a reflection of her sessions with one of these six people; however, at points there are things going on with the person and she is not even mentioned in the chapter so it lost that flow to me. Additionally, when she has the idea to get everyone together to help solve their issues it was like she became more of their friend and less of their psychologist. There was not much mystery or thriller aspects mentioned in many of the chapters so the whole thriller idea was lost to me. The ending seemed rushed and while there was a twist I felt it was a little lackluster and not the big shock factor I look for in a thriller or psychological thriller. I am happy that he is back and I will read more from him but this book was just okay and didn't really do it for me. Thank you to the publisher Kensington Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
May 6, 2024
So…I was really excited about this book. I’ve been an Omar Tyree fan for years! This book started off interesting but around the 40% mark it went off the rails. Dr. Benning was too unprofessional and she came across as very young.
The characters had interesting back stories, but there was too much going on. Each chapter started getting further away from the plot. I kinda figured out the big twist (it was obvious after awhile). The ending didn’t really make sense to me.
I think this book just wasn’t for me. I’m older now and this book felt a little too silly and convoluted. Fans of Omar Tyree might be interested, but I was disappointed!
Thank you NetGalley for my ARC.
The characters had interesting back stories, but there was too much going on. Each chapter started getting further away from the plot. I kinda figured out the big twist (it was obvious after awhile). The ending didn’t really make sense to me.
I think this book just wasn’t for me. I’m older now and this book felt a little too silly and convoluted. Fans of Omar Tyree might be interested, but I was disappointed!
Thank you NetGalley for my ARC.
May 26, 2024
Boy, Bye!
Man, I should’ve known better, but I went in with an open mind. I haven’t read anything from this author in ages. This might be my last book from him. I absolutely cannot figure out what he was trying to do with this storyline. It was so nonsensical. The psychologist recruiting her clients to make a movie (with a lame plot) wasn’t believable at all. Their individual storylines were all ridiculous. I got so tired of Dr. Benning mentioning that she was from Camden, NJ over and over again. She had no substance to her personality outside of that. The plot twist at the end was some soap opera nonsense. Thankfully, I got this from the library. Otherwise, I’d be demanding a refund.
Man, I should’ve known better, but I went in with an open mind. I haven’t read anything from this author in ages. This might be my last book from him. I absolutely cannot figure out what he was trying to do with this storyline. It was so nonsensical. The psychologist recruiting her clients to make a movie (with a lame plot) wasn’t believable at all. Their individual storylines were all ridiculous. I got so tired of Dr. Benning mentioning that she was from Camden, NJ over and over again. She had no substance to her personality outside of that. The plot twist at the end was some soap opera nonsense. Thankfully, I got this from the library. Otherwise, I’d be demanding a refund.
September 9, 2024
“Out of Control” is a more accurate title for this book because that’s exactly how this story felt. I won’t let this taint my view of Omar Tyree’s writing, I’ll just assume he had too many ideas that made sense in his head but not on the pages of this book. The premise is interesting. Six talented personalities in Atlanta’s entertainment industry with a desperate need to grasp control of everything and everyone in their lives. Dr. Victoria Benning knows it's unethical to discuss the therapy sessions of her clients, but the drama of their unpredictable lives tests her professional role like never before.
Aside from being unrealistic, the story’s execution is all over the place. Too many POVs left me feeling indifferent towards each of the characters. This doesn’t read like a psychological thriller & honestly, the twist pissed me off! If you haven’t read any of Omar Tyree’s books, don’t let this be the first.
Aside from being unrealistic, the story’s execution is all over the place. Too many POVs left me feeling indifferent towards each of the characters. This doesn’t read like a psychological thriller & honestly, the twist pissed me off! If you haven’t read any of Omar Tyree’s books, don’t let this be the first.
May 24, 2024
Maybe I expected too much from an established writer… this was a 3 on a good day! Sometimes this book was all over the place. The ending seemed rushed and made little sense.
June 13, 2024
I know it’s been years since I’ve read one of his books but WHAT THE HECK WAS THIS???!!! I was so tempted to DNF it book but I wanted to see it through. Complete waste of my time.
September 21, 2024
I’m upset
This book was such a waste of my time. I was trying to give Tyree the benefit of the doubt. I shouldn’t have done that. I haven’t read this author in forever and decided to read this because I used to read all of his work. It’s hard for me to believe that he even wrote this. It’s so empty,unfulfilling, and predictable. There was no character development, matter of fact, there were too many characters. The plot was unbelievable. Especially when the main character was supposed to be so educated and a psychologist to boot. If you want to try this, don’t buy it..definitely get it from your local library. It’s not worth any amount of money.
This book was such a waste of my time. I was trying to give Tyree the benefit of the doubt. I shouldn’t have done that. I haven’t read this author in forever and decided to read this because I used to read all of his work. It’s hard for me to believe that he even wrote this. It’s so empty,unfulfilling, and predictable. There was no character development, matter of fact, there were too many characters. The plot was unbelievable. Especially when the main character was supposed to be so educated and a psychologist to boot. If you want to try this, don’t buy it..definitely get it from your local library. It’s not worth any amount of money.
May 11, 2024
Omar Tyree is one of the authors I fell in love with as a young girl. All of these years later I am still a huge fan of his books. I was so happy to learn that he has a new book that I had to read it. I’m so happy that I did. The drama in this book, I was there for it. Another highly recommended book by one of my favorites.
Thank you to the author and NetGalley for gifting me this book in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to the author and NetGalley for gifting me this book in exchange for my honest review.
May 22, 2024
I was super excited to read something new from Omar Tyree. A psychotic thriller sign me up lol.
This story started off strong but then it started to derail. I feel like I got more interested when I was 60% in. This book shows how it don’t matter how rich or poor you is we all got problems and if you don’t have control in your life it will sparel out of control. The plot twist of this was so off guard & I didn’t expect it. I do feel like the story was kinda all over the place so at some points I had a hard time staying focused. This was a ok read and I will give it 3 stars.
Thank you Kensington Publishing and NetGalley for providing me with this digital advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
This story started off strong but then it started to derail. I feel like I got more interested when I was 60% in. This book shows how it don’t matter how rich or poor you is we all got problems and if you don’t have control in your life it will sparel out of control. The plot twist of this was so off guard & I didn’t expect it. I do feel like the story was kinda all over the place so at some points I had a hard time staying focused. This was a ok read and I will give it 3 stars.
Thank you Kensington Publishing and NetGalley for providing me with this digital advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
April 18, 2024
When I tell you I did not expect that ending at all you know the book was good. The twist and turns were written so well. It did become very fast paced at the end which made me not want to stop reading so I could find out what happened next.
It did take me a little bit to get all of the different people straight in the beginning but I liked how all the characters had different aspects to them.
Once again this author did not disappoint.
Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read this book before it comes out
It did take me a little bit to get all of the different people straight in the beginning but I liked how all the characters had different aspects to them.
Once again this author did not disappoint.
Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read this book before it comes out
June 6, 2024
I wanted to love this book because Omar Tyree, duh! However I figured the book out by the description, cover, and title. I was hoping I would be wrong but I was not. The book just lacked something. It didn't keep me very interested, nor did I get the psychological thriller or much thriller in it at all. It was just ok.
Thank you Netgalley for allowing me the opportunity to review this book for my honest opinion.
Thank you Netgalley for allowing me the opportunity to review this book for my honest opinion.
February 18, 2025
The reality of human relationships is that every one of them has three stories, his story, her story, and the truth. And the truth was always a combination of the first two, but never in an exact percentage. Humans have never been that perfect to create exactness. It was always a hodgepodge with a little bit of this, and a little bit of that. But in their case, it was a lot of this and a lot of that.
Nevertheless, Tyrell figured they still had a connection, because they were still there together. Why else would she stay? That was the pregnant question in the room. What kept her around him? Was it simple comfort? The comfort of knowing every move a man is going to make and knowing exactly how to counter him? Or maybe it was just the money that Tyrell continued to fork over to pay the bills.
~~Atlanta is shown above in all its glowing, night-time glory. Tyree takes us into the exhilarating but volatile world of up-and-coming musicians, producers, and actors. Atlanta has become known as "Black Hollywood", drawing hopefuls from around the country. Dr. Victoria Benning is a therapist, relocated to Atlanta from New Jersey, who provides emotional support and council to her clients, many of whom are trying to climb the entertainment ladder. The notices a common theme amongst them--they are all grasping for control (or trying to *maintain* control) over their own lives. But then she gets the idea of combining their various talents, and creating a movie. Can she get these strong personalities to cooperate together over a shared project, or will the entire situation spin hopelessly out of control?
First two sentences: "Control," by Janet Jackson, produced by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. I was a little girl when that record first came out, and I immediately fell in love with it.
Vital Statistics: Author: born in Philadelphia, he first studied to be a pharmacist, before transferring to Howard University, and receiving a degree in print journalism.
Year written: 2024
Length: 281 pages
Setting: contemporary Atlanta, Georgia
Genre: psychological thriller with a healthy serving of profanity and a dash of violence
Read if: you don't mind brash prose and in-your-face dialogue, and enjoy psychological thrillers
My two cents: I hate giving books low ratings, but I had to force myself to finish this one. From what other reviewers have said, Omar Tyree is an author with a large collection of writing, and many fans were disappointed by this recently written novel. So don't be like me and choose this book as your introduction to Tyree. If the violence and profanity weren't so over the top, I would have thought I was reading a young adult novel due to the simplicity of the prose. The chapters felt redundant as the main characters continued to struggle with the same problems over and over with no hint of growth or change. The only character I could understand (and therefore cheer for) at least somewhat was Mrs. Melody. Given 1 star or a rating of "bad." Not recommended, however, based on the strong reputation of this author, I *would* recommend reading one of his earlier novels.
Nevertheless, Tyrell figured they still had a connection, because they were still there together. Why else would she stay? That was the pregnant question in the room. What kept her around him? Was it simple comfort? The comfort of knowing every move a man is going to make and knowing exactly how to counter him? Or maybe it was just the money that Tyrell continued to fork over to pay the bills.
~~Atlanta is shown above in all its glowing, night-time glory. Tyree takes us into the exhilarating but volatile world of up-and-coming musicians, producers, and actors. Atlanta has become known as "Black Hollywood", drawing hopefuls from around the country. Dr. Victoria Benning is a therapist, relocated to Atlanta from New Jersey, who provides emotional support and council to her clients, many of whom are trying to climb the entertainment ladder. The notices a common theme amongst them--they are all grasping for control (or trying to *maintain* control) over their own lives. But then she gets the idea of combining their various talents, and creating a movie. Can she get these strong personalities to cooperate together over a shared project, or will the entire situation spin hopelessly out of control?
First two sentences: "Control," by Janet Jackson, produced by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. I was a little girl when that record first came out, and I immediately fell in love with it.
Vital Statistics: Author: born in Philadelphia, he first studied to be a pharmacist, before transferring to Howard University, and receiving a degree in print journalism.
Year written: 2024
Length: 281 pages
Setting: contemporary Atlanta, Georgia
Genre: psychological thriller with a healthy serving of profanity and a dash of violence
Read if: you don't mind brash prose and in-your-face dialogue, and enjoy psychological thrillers
My two cents: I hate giving books low ratings, but I had to force myself to finish this one. From what other reviewers have said, Omar Tyree is an author with a large collection of writing, and many fans were disappointed by this recently written novel. So don't be like me and choose this book as your introduction to Tyree. If the violence and profanity weren't so over the top, I would have thought I was reading a young adult novel due to the simplicity of the prose. The chapters felt redundant as the main characters continued to struggle with the same problems over and over with no hint of growth or change. The only character I could understand (and therefore cheer for) at least somewhat was Mrs. Melody. Given 1 star or a rating of "bad." Not recommended, however, based on the strong reputation of this author, I *would* recommend reading one of his earlier novels.
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June 27, 2024This book was gifted by the author
When I learned Omar Tyree had written another novel, I knew I would read it. It didn’t matter what the book would be about, the fact that it was written by Omar Tyree was enough for me. But then I found out it was going to be a psychological thriller, that put the icing on the cake!
𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐥, a rich in dialogue, character driven novel opens with the protagonist Dr. Victoria Benning, a psychologist from the tough streets of Camden, New Jersey. Dr. Benning has a fascination with concept of control. So much so, that she opens the Prologue discussing Joe and Katherine Jackson, the parents of Michael Jackson. She even recites lyrics from the chart topping song 𝘊𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘭 by Janet Jackson.
Now, if you know me, you know I love music. So beginning the novel with lyrics from a Janet Jackson song got me hyped. I was totally here for it😆.
There are a total of six leading characters. Each a patient of Dr. Benning. Each with a different control issue. Each in search of a solution.
The characters are:
Dark & Moody~ a female beat maker in the music industry. She will stop at nothing to become famous, even if it means human sacrifice.
Charles Clay ~ a successful filmmaker with an insatiable appetite for young women.
Mrs. Melody ~ a young, female rapper who named herself 𝐌𝐫𝐬. Melody because she’s married to the game.
Tyrell Hodge ~ a disgruntled ex-film writer turned upscale Uber driver who’s trying to get back into Atlanta’s movie scene.
Joseph Drake ~ A white venture capitalist trying to resolve his white privileged guilt complex.
Destiny Flowers ~ a woman seeking advice from the Dr. although she’s not officially a patient.
In each chapter we learn more about the dilemma each character face. As the novel evolves, the characters start to cross paths with one another causing chaos and confusion.
All I can say is, this was one heck of a journey that left me speechless. Just when I thought I knew the direction the story was heading, it took another unexpected turn.
WOW 🤯!
When I learned Omar Tyree had written another novel, I knew I would read it. It didn’t matter what the book would be about, the fact that it was written by Omar Tyree was enough for me. But then I found out it was going to be a psychological thriller, that put the icing on the cake!
𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐥, a rich in dialogue, character driven novel opens with the protagonist Dr. Victoria Benning, a psychologist from the tough streets of Camden, New Jersey. Dr. Benning has a fascination with concept of control. So much so, that she opens the Prologue discussing Joe and Katherine Jackson, the parents of Michael Jackson. She even recites lyrics from the chart topping song 𝘊𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘭 by Janet Jackson.
Now, if you know me, you know I love music. So beginning the novel with lyrics from a Janet Jackson song got me hyped. I was totally here for it😆.
There are a total of six leading characters. Each a patient of Dr. Benning. Each with a different control issue. Each in search of a solution.
The characters are:
Dark & Moody~ a female beat maker in the music industry. She will stop at nothing to become famous, even if it means human sacrifice.
Charles Clay ~ a successful filmmaker with an insatiable appetite for young women.
Mrs. Melody ~ a young, female rapper who named herself 𝐌𝐫𝐬. Melody because she’s married to the game.
Tyrell Hodge ~ a disgruntled ex-film writer turned upscale Uber driver who’s trying to get back into Atlanta’s movie scene.
Joseph Drake ~ A white venture capitalist trying to resolve his white privileged guilt complex.
Destiny Flowers ~ a woman seeking advice from the Dr. although she’s not officially a patient.
In each chapter we learn more about the dilemma each character face. As the novel evolves, the characters start to cross paths with one another causing chaos and confusion.
All I can say is, this was one heck of a journey that left me speechless. Just when I thought I knew the direction the story was heading, it took another unexpected turn.
WOW 🤯!
June 2, 2024
I am soooo glad I chosed to use my credit and listen to this book! First of all, I enjoyed Staci Mitchell’s narration. Secondly, if I had of read the physical copy of this book I would have THROWN it across the room when I was finished cause what in the schizophrenia hell?! That was a crazy ending.
This book is categorized as a thriller and honestly, it’s hardly that. The most thrilling character of this book I can say is Destiny Flowers and she was more of a mystery. The thrills didn't kick in until the last few chapters. Dr. Victoria Benning is definitely one messed up psychologist. Again, I am glad I listened to it. I’m going to give it 4 stars cause the characters were all good and entertaining to me and I enjoyed getting to know them and their “stories”.
This book is categorized as a thriller and honestly, it’s hardly that. The most thrilling character of this book I can say is Destiny Flowers and she was more of a mystery. The thrills didn't kick in until the last few chapters. Dr. Victoria Benning is definitely one messed up psychologist. Again, I am glad I listened to it. I’m going to give it 4 stars cause the characters were all good and entertaining to me and I enjoyed getting to know them and their “stories”.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 15, 2024
This is a psychological thriller centered around the subject matter of “Control” and the ways in which everyone wants a piece of the power of control. Lots of intricacies to the characters and they are all connected in a variety of ways, with one main character driving the main plot. I was able to interview the author after reading this one and I’m glad I did. It definitely gave me a deeper understanding of the meaning behind the story. Some may consider this one an “urban thriller” due to some of the character backgrounds and some of the sexual content. This one would be great for Bookclubs to discuss the characters intricacies and the ending. Who is in Control? Read this one then you tell me.
May 26, 2024
Enjoyed the story!
May 2, 2024
Who is controlling whom in this well-written novel? There's an interesting twist at the end where nothing is as it seems. The characters come to life and the movie industry is probably as bad as depicted.
November 3, 2024
Control by Omar Tyree
At the beginning of the book, the introduction to the characters and the setup of the story’s theme had me interested. I was excited to get to know each of the different subjects and what they brought to the storyline. However, as I kept reading, I found that the story lacked the thrill and excitement I had anticipated. I kept waiting for a pivotal moment to elevate the narrative, but it never happened. The character arcs remained one-dimensional which made the reading dull and my interest fell flat as the story progressed.
I’ve read a few titles by this author in the past that I thoroughly enjoyed, but this book did not meet my expectations. It's listed under the psychological thriller genre, but the only thrill I experienced came from the ending. Although there was some suspense, it was not enough to keep me fully engaged. The ending came very quickly and took me by surprise. Honestly, I struggled to finish this book, but I did finish because I hate rating DNF 🙃 (unless it’s triggering).
My ⭐ rating is 2/5 because at least the ending was interesting.
At the beginning of the book, the introduction to the characters and the setup of the story’s theme had me interested. I was excited to get to know each of the different subjects and what they brought to the storyline. However, as I kept reading, I found that the story lacked the thrill and excitement I had anticipated. I kept waiting for a pivotal moment to elevate the narrative, but it never happened. The character arcs remained one-dimensional which made the reading dull and my interest fell flat as the story progressed.
I’ve read a few titles by this author in the past that I thoroughly enjoyed, but this book did not meet my expectations. It's listed under the psychological thriller genre, but the only thrill I experienced came from the ending. Although there was some suspense, it was not enough to keep me fully engaged. The ending came very quickly and took me by surprise. Honestly, I struggled to finish this book, but I did finish because I hate rating DNF 🙃 (unless it’s triggering).
My ⭐ rating is 2/5 because at least the ending was interesting.
June 3, 2024
I was excited to see another book by Omar Tyree! I thought the book was entertaining in the beginning as we learned about the 6 patients of Dr. Victoria Benning. I did find myself becoming disinterested as the story went on. Others may enjoy this one though!
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for allowing me to read this digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for allowing me to read this digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.
September 17, 2024
Wack basically she made up the characters in the book she was crazy all the characters were her. Waste of time I really coulda finished in 2 days
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 21, 2024
Oof. This was my first Omar Tyree book and it will absolutely be my last. Frankly this was terrible. The characters are cartoon cut outs, it's crude as hell with no real purpose for the crudity, the dialogue is stilted and the plot is a mess. On top of that I really didn't like how it handled either race or sex. Yeah, I know, a white girl getting upset about race. Trust me, sometimes even the white girl can say something was handled appallingly. And this was handled appallingly.
Let's start with the characters. Dr Victoria Benning is a psychologist counselling six very big and bold personalities in Atlanta. Every one of these six is messed up in their own way, but unfortunately not in an interesting way. Every single one of them is essentially a cardboard cut out. You've got the rich businessman who likes to fuck barely legal girls. A bitter and angry failed screenwriter now doing driving jobs for the relatively wealthy but described as a Neanderthal at home for good reason. Two musicians with serious sex issues going on. A bloke with two kids he never talks about who doesn't really add anything to the narrative and a crazy ass woman who keeps phoning, refusing to be hung up on and never books an actual appointment. All of them are crude, all of them are two dimensional. Very few of them have any redeeming qualities whatsoever.
And don't get me started on Victoria herself. I’ve never seen such an unprofessional psychologist. She’s got no professional boundaries, no actual ability to counsel or any of the tools or mechanisms actually use to help their patients. She gets drawn into her patients dramas and quickly crosses the line from professional to personal. She’s not a psychologist. She’s an ineffective friend who happens to charge $100 an hour. Hell she even offers to screw one of his patients because she can’t afford to pay him for his screenwriting skills. She’s meant to be intelligent and educated, yet shows none of this in her behaviour or thought processes.
Hell, most of her time is spent trying to organise a truly awful movie idea that for some random reason everyone in the novel thinks is brilliant. It’s not. It would make an awful movie. And yet the entire focus of her attention - and therefore the novel - moves to this. Her ‘therapist reflections’ and up just being point of view changes to follow her patients - or more importantly by now, the key players in this awful movie - when Victoria is not there. The central hook of the novel should have been the therapy. Yet that’s all but discarded. I’m not sure focussing on the therapy would have saved this though. You’d need to write a decent therapist for that. And believable patients.
Finally, the ending. It was the absolutely awful topping on the awful cake. It was nonsensical and rushed and essentially came out of nowhere.
All in all, this is the hot mess of all hot messes. Not worth picking up at all. If it was a physical book, I’d burn it to prevent anyone else suffering. As a KU title, I’ll just have to return it with I’ll grace.
Let's start with the characters. Dr Victoria Benning is a psychologist counselling six very big and bold personalities in Atlanta. Every one of these six is messed up in their own way, but unfortunately not in an interesting way. Every single one of them is essentially a cardboard cut out. You've got the rich businessman who likes to fuck barely legal girls. A bitter and angry failed screenwriter now doing driving jobs for the relatively wealthy but described as a Neanderthal at home for good reason. Two musicians with serious sex issues going on. A bloke with two kids he never talks about who doesn't really add anything to the narrative and a crazy ass woman who keeps phoning, refusing to be hung up on and never books an actual appointment. All of them are crude, all of them are two dimensional. Very few of them have any redeeming qualities whatsoever.
And don't get me started on Victoria herself. I’ve never seen such an unprofessional psychologist. She’s got no professional boundaries, no actual ability to counsel or any of the tools or mechanisms actually use to help their patients. She gets drawn into her patients dramas and quickly crosses the line from professional to personal. She’s not a psychologist. She’s an ineffective friend who happens to charge $100 an hour. Hell she even offers to screw one of his patients because she can’t afford to pay him for his screenwriting skills. She’s meant to be intelligent and educated, yet shows none of this in her behaviour or thought processes.
Hell, most of her time is spent trying to organise a truly awful movie idea that for some random reason everyone in the novel thinks is brilliant. It’s not. It would make an awful movie. And yet the entire focus of her attention - and therefore the novel - moves to this. Her ‘therapist reflections’ and up just being point of view changes to follow her patients - or more importantly by now, the key players in this awful movie - when Victoria is not there. The central hook of the novel should have been the therapy. Yet that’s all but discarded. I’m not sure focussing on the therapy would have saved this though. You’d need to write a decent therapist for that. And believable patients.
Finally, the ending. It was the absolutely awful topping on the awful cake. It was nonsensical and rushed and essentially came out of nowhere.
All in all, this is the hot mess of all hot messes. Not worth picking up at all. If it was a physical book, I’d burn it to prevent anyone else suffering. As a KU title, I’ll just have to return it with I’ll grace.
June 17, 2024
I was very excited when I was approved for this ARC since we haven’t heard from Mr. Tyree in a while. I even went to his author talk to meet him and enjoyed hearing about his journey as an author. The concept of the book, that most people make daily decisions to harness and exhibit control, is true and is shown throughout the book, Although the premise is interesting and each individual character is interesting, I didn’t care for the book overall. The concept was that a psychologist was writing her reflections on several of her clients that had issues with control. However, the reflections were not always written from her point of view, didn't always have feedback for the patient, and often contained information that the psychologist was not privy to. A better approach would have been to write from the character’s points of view. There were too many characters with completely different storylines that barely overlapped. Additionally, the decision of the therapist to connect several of her clients through a film project seemed unprofessional and farfetched. Then the ending comes…. I felt like the story wasn’t over yet. It was sudden with lots of loose ends and very little character development. Although the book was listed as a mystery/thriller, it didn’t read that way. I guess that it was placed in those genres because of the ending. I give this book about 2.50 stars.
June 4, 2024
"Control" by Omar Tyree is a compelling and thought-provoking novel that delves into the complexities of power dynamics and personal relationships. Tyree's writing is both engaging and insightful, capturing the essence of his characters with depth and authenticity. The plot is well-crafted, with twists and turns that keep the reader hooked from beginning to end. One of the standout elements of the book is the character development. Each character is vividly portrayed, making it easy to empathize with their struggles and triumphs. Tyree skillfully explores themes of ambition, love, and betrayal, all while maintaining a realistic and relatable narrative. The pacing of the story is well-balanced, allowing for moments of reflection and intense action. However, there are parts where the narrative could benefit from tighter editing, as some scenes feel slightly drawn out. Despite this minor flaw, the overall impact of the story remains strong. Tyree's ability to address important social issues within the context of an entertaining story is commendable. "Control" is a testament to his talent as a storyteller and his keen understanding of human nature. This book is a must-read for fans of contemporary fiction who appreciate a good blend of drama and introspection. In summary, "Control" is a powerful novel that offers a rich reading experience. While not without its minor imperfections, it is a testament to Omar Tyree's skill as a writer and his ability to captivate his audience.
Thank you to Omar Tyree, The Publishers, and NetGalley for providing a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to Omar Tyree, The Publishers, and NetGalley for providing a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
June 8, 2024
Reading Between the Wines book review #47/130 for 2024:
Rating: 3 ½ 🍷 🍷 🍷
Book: Control
Author: Omar Tyree
Available now!
Sipping thoughts: Omar Tyree!!??! That was my first thought when I saw this book posted on Netgalley. I Have not read O.T. book since I was in my 20s. I did not know he was still writing but so excited to find out he was. I had high hopes for this book, and I do not think it was entirely met. I can say I enjoyed reading it and being confused by it at the same time. It was pretty fast paced and a domesticated story. I had an inkling about how one of the characters and Dr. Victoria was going to be linked but I had no idea I was on the right track but the wrong train! I have read this trope before and enjoyed reading it again.
Cheers and thank you to @KensingtonPublishing and @Netgalley for an advanced copy of @Control.
#Control #OmarTyree #KensingtonPublishing #NetGalley #advancedreadercopy #ARC #Kindle #Booksofinstagram #readersofinstagram #bookstagram #nicoles_bookcellar #bookworm #bookdragon #booknerd #booklover #bookstagrammer #bookaholic #bookreview #bookreviewer #IHaveNoShelfControl #ReadingBetweenTheWines #fiction #thriller #suspense #mystery #MysteryAndThrillers #GeneralFictionAdult
Rating: 3 ½ 🍷 🍷 🍷
Book: Control
Author: Omar Tyree
Available now!
Sipping thoughts: Omar Tyree!!??! That was my first thought when I saw this book posted on Netgalley. I Have not read O.T. book since I was in my 20s. I did not know he was still writing but so excited to find out he was. I had high hopes for this book, and I do not think it was entirely met. I can say I enjoyed reading it and being confused by it at the same time. It was pretty fast paced and a domesticated story. I had an inkling about how one of the characters and Dr. Victoria was going to be linked but I had no idea I was on the right track but the wrong train! I have read this trope before and enjoyed reading it again.
Cheers and thank you to @KensingtonPublishing and @Netgalley for an advanced copy of @Control.
#Control #OmarTyree #KensingtonPublishing #NetGalley #advancedreadercopy #ARC #Kindle #Booksofinstagram #readersofinstagram #bookstagram #nicoles_bookcellar #bookworm #bookdragon #booknerd #booklover #bookstagrammer #bookaholic #bookreview #bookreviewer #IHaveNoShelfControl #ReadingBetweenTheWines #fiction #thriller #suspense #mystery #MysteryAndThrillers #GeneralFictionAdult
September 11, 2024
Hey hey, my favorites 🥰😁
#annieethebookiee is back with a #bookreview
The book she is reviewing is: Control
🄰🅄🅃🄷🄾🅁 ✍🏾: @only1omartyree
Ⓟⓤⓑ 📅: 5/21/24 🔎OUT NOW‼️
🌶️🌶️/🆂🅿🅸🅲🆈
💧/🆃🅴🅰🆁🆈 🅴🆈🅴🅳
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/🆁🅰🆃🅸🅽🅶
🥶🥶🥶🥶 🥶/ 🅢🅤🅢🅟🅔🅝🅢🅔
🚨 ⓢⓟⓞⓘⓛⓔⓡⓢ 👇🏾 🚨
【P】【a】【c】【e】👇🏾
🐇🐇🐇🐇🐇
🄼🅈 🅃🄷🄾🅄🄶🄷🅃🅂
I'm a #thrillerbae I know this is about to be good.
R♥e♥v♥i♥e♥w♥
X'cuse me Omar 🫣 to the front neoooow.. what the?
Alright na, Dr. Victoria I liked her from beginning to end. She stood on business with her clients until she didn't 🤫
Six different patients.. six different problems.. ALL LOOKING TO BE IN CONTROL.. but how? That's when the good ole doc comes in and helps them realize THEY ARE THE PROBLEM.. LoL we hate to be the problem but unfortunately it happens.. anyway, there was one client who could help the other five to get out of the situation(s) they were in but they were fighting their own demons.. so how could they help 👀 with Victoria being the middle person she tried places herself in everybody else's shoes until.. things starting spiraling out of control and now... Y'all gotta go read the book to find out the rest.. all I know is.. the plot got me and this was a #bonnetsnatching read!
Loved it!
#annieethebookiee is back with a #bookreview
The book she is reviewing is: Control
🄰🅄🅃🄷🄾🅁 ✍🏾: @only1omartyree
Ⓟⓤⓑ 📅: 5/21/24 🔎OUT NOW‼️
🌶️🌶️/🆂🅿🅸🅲🆈
💧/🆃🅴🅰🆁🆈 🅴🆈🅴🅳
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/🆁🅰🆃🅸🅽🅶
🥶🥶🥶🥶 🥶/ 🅢🅤🅢🅟🅔🅝🅢🅔
🚨 ⓢⓟⓞⓘⓛⓔⓡⓢ 👇🏾 🚨
【P】【a】【c】【e】👇🏾
🐇🐇🐇🐇🐇
🄼🅈 🅃🄷🄾🅄🄶🄷🅃🅂
I'm a #thrillerbae I know this is about to be good.
R♥e♥v♥i♥e♥w♥
X'cuse me Omar 🫣 to the front neoooow.. what the?
Alright na, Dr. Victoria I liked her from beginning to end. She stood on business with her clients until she didn't 🤫
Six different patients.. six different problems.. ALL LOOKING TO BE IN CONTROL.. but how? That's when the good ole doc comes in and helps them realize THEY ARE THE PROBLEM.. LoL we hate to be the problem but unfortunately it happens.. anyway, there was one client who could help the other five to get out of the situation(s) they were in but they were fighting their own demons.. so how could they help 👀 with Victoria being the middle person she tried places herself in everybody else's shoes until.. things starting spiraling out of control and now... Y'all gotta go read the book to find out the rest.. all I know is.. the plot got me and this was a #bonnetsnatching read!
Loved it!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 7, 2024
3⭐️ — When I heard that Omar Tyree was dipping his toe in psychological thriller I was excited and couldn’t wait to get my hands on it. Ultimately, I’m disappointed because this missed the mark for a psychological thriller.
The book follows the lives of a therapist and her six clients but towards the middle of the book it’s like the therapist was pushed to the back and now it was all about her clients. Though their stories were interesting, none of them made you wonder like a psychological thriller. Also, the therapist started acting more like their friends instead of their therapist and started crossing too many lives. Like wanting to be with one of her clients.
Then the therapist lowkey had a stalker the whole time that we didn’t find out until the end and it was funny who the person was.
Overall, it was an okay read. It wasn’t until the end until we got a small hint of the genre and also tied in with the book name.
The book follows the lives of a therapist and her six clients but towards the middle of the book it’s like the therapist was pushed to the back and now it was all about her clients. Though their stories were interesting, none of them made you wonder like a psychological thriller. Also, the therapist started acting more like their friends instead of their therapist and started crossing too many lives. Like wanting to be with one of her clients.
Then the therapist lowkey had a stalker the whole time that we didn’t find out until the end and it was funny who the person was.
Overall, it was an okay read. It wasn’t until the end until we got a small hint of the genre and also tied in with the book name.
May 12, 2024
I am a huge fan of Omar Tyree & was excited to see him returning with a new book, especially because I have been reading his books since I was a teenager. I seen that this book was a psychological thriller and I became even more excited because that is my favorite genre & he normally writes a different genre. Unfortunately I just thought this book was okay even though it had potential & had a good start. There was a lot going on with Dr. Benning & her six clients so you don’t get bored with each chapter. Yet I figured out the plot twist and it didn’t tie together smoothly in my opinion at the end. Each character is very flawed and has issues with control in their lives and it all comes around full circle. I enjoy Mr. Tyrees’ work and I will continue to read any other future books he puts out. Grateful for this complimentary copy of the book for an exchange of my honest review.
June 3, 2024
I was excited to see Omar Tyree back in the writing game. This psychological thriller isn’t his usual style. The book was a bit all over the place and seemed like it was geared towards the younger crowd. Very slow in some areas and I found myself a bit disengaged at times. Dr. Bennington was interesting to say the least, but at times I forgot she was even a doctor with the way she spoke & the lines she crossed.. I wasn’t surprised at the ending.
Overall it’s an okay read, I know the author can do much better since this is a new writing style for him. So i would read another attempt at his thrillers.
Thank you NetGalley, the publisher & of course the author for gifting me this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Overall it’s an okay read, I know the author can do much better since this is a new writing style for him. So i would read another attempt at his thrillers.
Thank you NetGalley, the publisher & of course the author for gifting me this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
October 19, 2024
My first encounter with Omar Tyree was through his novel “Flyy Girl”, which I read during my teenage years. I've held on to a bit of nostalgia for that book. As for “Control”, I approached it with certain expectations, but I found myself feeling frustrated for much of the read. Things just didn’t seem to add up. Now that I’ve read countless books by various authors, this one felt particularly challenging. I struggled to grasp the direction of the story, especially with the characters’ backgrounds—I'm from Camden, and he's from Chicago, and then there's Destiny or whatever her name is. I’m determined to finish it, but I’m having a hard time justifying further investment. I’m already 70% through!
December 7, 2024
Omar Tyree has been one of my favorite authors for years, and I’m so glad to see him back in the literary world with a new book, Control. The story introduces Dr. Victoria Benning, who works to help her clients solve their problems by building off each other's unique gifts and talents. Each person in the story has something that the other may need or that could help them in some way, creating an interesting dynamic between the characters.
The writing is engaging and keeps you turning the pages, and the way the characters interact and grow is both realistic and inspiring. Control is a must-read for fans of meaningful and entertaining stories. I’m excited to see what Tyree has in store for us next!
The writing is engaging and keeps you turning the pages, and the way the characters interact and grow is both realistic and inspiring. Control is a must-read for fans of meaningful and entertaining stories. I’m excited to see what Tyree has in store for us next!
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