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True #4.2
True Control
WAIT! YOU HAVE A DECISION TO MAKE BEFORE BUYING THIS BOOK!
Note from the author:
I’ve written two completely different, alternative endings to this series. See for yourself why fans are saying this makes all the other dark romances look like greyed out shades of fairytales.
This is the end one way or another.
~Willow
ONE OR TWO
There was only ever one ending for Max and Lucy, but I aim to please—or torture—however you wish to look at it. I believe in true choices, so I give you control of their fate to pick which ending you prefer.
LOST OR FOUND
This is the lighter ending for Max and Lucy. When destiny gets in the way, love may have trouble finding a way back to True Control.
NOTE: All the books in this series are available for purchase/download now, so you won’t be left wanting or waiting. This series involves a combination of Domestic Discipline, D/s, and Sm
Now available in paperback too!
Excerpts:
I try to be still in Max’s arms. I’m too chilled by his words. So calm. So clear. “What if…what if that’s not what I want…what I need…?” I say this as almost a whisper, too afraid to say it…to afraid to keep it in.
He doesn’t say anything for a long time. I almost think he didn’t hear me until his voice answers in a whisper too, “You gave up having a choice when you became my wife, Lucy. What you want…what you need…I decide. You’ll take whatever I do to you.”
Even in a whisper, I know his final tone when I hear it. There’s no point in talking more. I swallow and still only speak in a cracked whisper, “What…what are you going to do to me, Max?”
And he waits to answer me again. His voice slides across the words, like he’s enjoying hearing the fear in my voice, feeling the shiver in my body. “Do you really want to know, little girl?”
…..
I don’t really want to be cruel to her. I like hurting her, sometimes just for my pleasure…but I want to be loving and kind to her too. And most of the time, I am.
I give her all of my love. I deny her nothing. Within reason anyway. I’m not a fool though. I know what I demand isn’t for everyone. I’ve had enough girlfriends throw modern feminism and equal rights crap in my face to know that Lucy isn’t like any other girl.
She understands that she needs my guidance. She gets that all of my rules, demands, punishments are meant to help her, to help us. To be happy.
I know I’m a monster. I’ve come to terms with this. I don’t care what anyone thinks of me. I only care about Lucy. About her obeying and submitting to me.
Note from the author:
I’ve written two completely different, alternative endings to this series. See for yourself why fans are saying this makes all the other dark romances look like greyed out shades of fairytales.
This is the end one way or another.
~Willow
ONE OR TWO
There was only ever one ending for Max and Lucy, but I aim to please—or torture—however you wish to look at it. I believe in true choices, so I give you control of their fate to pick which ending you prefer.
LOST OR FOUND
This is the lighter ending for Max and Lucy. When destiny gets in the way, love may have trouble finding a way back to True Control.
NOTE: All the books in this series are available for purchase/download now, so you won’t be left wanting or waiting. This series involves a combination of Domestic Discipline, D/s, and Sm
Now available in paperback too!
Excerpts:
I try to be still in Max’s arms. I’m too chilled by his words. So calm. So clear. “What if…what if that’s not what I want…what I need…?” I say this as almost a whisper, too afraid to say it…to afraid to keep it in.
He doesn’t say anything for a long time. I almost think he didn’t hear me until his voice answers in a whisper too, “You gave up having a choice when you became my wife, Lucy. What you want…what you need…I decide. You’ll take whatever I do to you.”
Even in a whisper, I know his final tone when I hear it. There’s no point in talking more. I swallow and still only speak in a cracked whisper, “What…what are you going to do to me, Max?”
And he waits to answer me again. His voice slides across the words, like he’s enjoying hearing the fear in my voice, feeling the shiver in my body. “Do you really want to know, little girl?”
…..
I don’t really want to be cruel to her. I like hurting her, sometimes just for my pleasure…but I want to be loving and kind to her too. And most of the time, I am.
I give her all of my love. I deny her nothing. Within reason anyway. I’m not a fool though. I know what I demand isn’t for everyone. I’ve had enough girlfriends throw modern feminism and equal rights crap in my face to know that Lucy isn’t like any other girl.
She understands that she needs my guidance. She gets that all of my rules, demands, punishments are meant to help her, to help us. To be happy.
I know I’m a monster. I’ve come to terms with this. I don’t care what anyone thinks of me. I only care about Lucy. About her obeying and submitting to me.
176 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 14, 2015
16 people are currently reading
171 people want to read
About the author
Willow Madison
10 books271 followersFor new release info, sign up for her (never spammy) newsletters:
http://willowmadisonbooks.com
Willow Madison enjoys writing in a variety of genres including dark psychological suspense, contemporary romance, and dark romance. All her books have one thing in common: an unflinching, unapologetic, uncompromising exploration into what dark corners our desires can take us.
Find yourself in Willow Madison Books
More About Willow . . .
Willow came into this world hand first, clutching a No 2 pencil between her chubby baby fingers. Coming up with ways to twist the lives of her Barbies and Kens was a favorite pastime from her towheaded youth.
In the wilds of the Windy City, her imagination really took off, resulting in all sorts of dramas, big and small.
Speaking of size, she prefers her male characters to be larger than life, unapologetically Alphaholish, and as close to so wrong he’s right as she can write.
Willow embodies a wanderlust, having explored five continents and called seven states home so far, with a hope to never lose her tumbling tumbleweed status unless it’s for the chance to live out her ultimate fantasy.
She’s had many loves, some four-legged and viciously fanged, others high in calories and covered in chocolate. Tacos are hard for her to resist, and she’s a firm believer that chili sauce makes most anything better.
A perfect day ends with stretching and a new book.
Some of this is fictitious. But you can’t fault her—Willow is a writer.
Connect with Willow . . .
https://www.facebook.com/willowmadiso...
http://willowmadisonbooks.com
Willow Madison enjoys writing in a variety of genres including dark psychological suspense, contemporary romance, and dark romance. All her books have one thing in common: an unflinching, unapologetic, uncompromising exploration into what dark corners our desires can take us.
Find yourself in Willow Madison Books
More About Willow . . .
Willow came into this world hand first, clutching a No 2 pencil between her chubby baby fingers. Coming up with ways to twist the lives of her Barbies and Kens was a favorite pastime from her towheaded youth.
In the wilds of the Windy City, her imagination really took off, resulting in all sorts of dramas, big and small.
Speaking of size, she prefers her male characters to be larger than life, unapologetically Alphaholish, and as close to so wrong he’s right as she can write.
Willow embodies a wanderlust, having explored five continents and called seven states home so far, with a hope to never lose her tumbling tumbleweed status unless it’s for the chance to live out her ultimate fantasy.
She’s had many loves, some four-legged and viciously fanged, others high in calories and covered in chocolate. Tacos are hard for her to resist, and she’s a firm believer that chili sauce makes most anything better.
A perfect day ends with stretching and a new book.
Some of this is fictitious. But you can’t fault her—Willow is a writer.
Connect with Willow . . .
https://www.facebook.com/willowmadiso...
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
August 19, 2016
I
hated
this ending. With a loathing that I cannot even fully describe. I doubt I’ll make much sense in this review because it’s just a lot of anger and disgust.
Spoilers ahead peeps!!
This is the 2nd ending for the True series, the nice happy one and everyone seems to be calling it. I personally thought it was utter crap and am only giving this 2 stars. One for Max; and one for the author’s ability as a writer. Which the ability is spectacular given that she could make me so damn angry when it’s just a story and not real.
Since this is an alt ending, it also picks up exactly where #3 leaves off. But with an entirely different story. The same with #4.1, Jake and Lucy have been seeing a lot of each other as friends, and Lucy has been confiding in him instead of Max because she is afraid to speak her fears to him over some things. Jake has been doing his best to help her but can’t ignore his feelings for her.
When an unexpected accident occurs, leaving Max fully out of the picture, Jake inserts himself more fully into Lucy’s life. Basically completely taking over where Max left off. Here is where my anger just boils over. I’m doing bullet points for my frustrations to try and keep from ranting.
Anyway, rant over. I hated this book and will pretend like it never happened. Everyone getting lobotomies and personality transfers. Acting like selfish-pricks. So over this.
I received a copy of this story for free from the author in exchange for my honest review.
Spoilers ahead peeps!!
This is the 2nd ending for the True series, the nice happy one and everyone seems to be calling it. I personally thought it was utter crap and am only giving this 2 stars. One for Max; and one for the author’s ability as a writer. Which the ability is spectacular given that she could make me so damn angry when it’s just a story and not real.
Since this is an alt ending, it also picks up exactly where #3 leaves off. But with an entirely different story. The same with #4.1, Jake and Lucy have been seeing a lot of each other as friends, and Lucy has been confiding in him instead of Max because she is afraid to speak her fears to him over some things. Jake has been doing his best to help her but can’t ignore his feelings for her.
When an unexpected accident occurs, leaving Max fully out of the picture, Jake inserts himself more fully into Lucy’s life. Basically completely taking over where Max left off. Here is where my anger just boils over. I’m doing bullet points for my frustrations to try and keep from ranting.
Anyway, rant over. I hated this book and will pretend like it never happened. Everyone getting lobotomies and personality transfers. Acting like selfish-pricks. So over this.
I received a copy of this story for free from the author in exchange for my honest review.
August 17, 2019
Love how un-pc and unapologetic this series has been. Love that Lucy got the nerve to slap someone in 4.2!! (Hope this isn't too spoilery? I won't say who...) I love how I didn't have to choose an ending and got two! I enjoyed both versions, but this version was much less painful to read I think I may even like 4.2 more than 4.1. Although I fully enjoyed reading both and I don't want to have to choose between them.
September 13, 2020
Good riddance, Max - helloooooooooo, Jake!!!
I'm going to post my series review here, because this was my preferred ending (although I liked the other one as well). MAJOR SPOILERS THROUGHOUT!!!
This is one hell of a series. I don’t even know what to think. The author has done an excellent job pulling my head in so many different directions it’s not even funny.
As I’ve said before, this is a very dark series. There are triggers galore, and though the relationship is presented as one of a consensual nature, with Lucy seemingly entering into the relationship voluntarily, this reader really couldn’t help but wonder if that was truly so. Max is definitely a narcissist and a sociopath. He charms everyone he meets, lacks empathy for Lucy, is extraordinarily self-centered, and seems to lack a conscience. He is ruled by rage; a prisoner to anger. His behavior frustrated me to no end, as did Lucy’s.
Lucy, Lucy, Lucy. She is a sweet girl who works as a HR manager, has never been married, and enjoys going out to clubs on occasion with her friends. This is how she meets Max. Max is an attorney, as well as a bar/restaurant mogul in Chicago. He treats his employees well, and one night, when a bartender of one of his clubs is unable to work, Max picks up the shift. Lucy happens to be there with some friends.
Max sees a submissive nature in Lucy, which is the type of girl he is looking for. He decides to test the waters with Lucy right off the bat. Lucy asks him for a bourbon, but Max tells her that’s not the right drink for a lady like her, and instead makes her a weak vodka cranberry. He gauges her response to this, finding that she laughs it off and doesn’t really argue. So he takes it a little further. On their first date, tells her to change her dress into something more modest. She listens. So he takes it further, again. He orders all her meals for her. She obliges. Further still, he gives her a curfew. She obeys. He expects her to respond immediately anytime he texts or calls her, no matter when or where - even if she’s at work. If she can’t for some reason, she is to send him a text with the reason why she can’t respond, and the exact time - down to the minute - when she will reply. She complies. The reader has a sinking feeling of where this arrangement is headed - work is no excuse for her to put Max second. It’s plain to see what Max’s expectation will be when he decides Lucy’s work is too important to her.
He starts out slow in his control of her, but it’s not long before Max gets to the point where he makes literally every decision about Lucy’s life. And when I say “not long,” I mean a matter of a few weeks. After two weeks, they’ve already professed their love for one another, and after a couple months, he has already proposed, demanded she say “yes,” sets the date for the wedding for one month later, and makes all decisions related to the wedding.
At this point, Lucy must ask permission to leave his side at all, and this includes even going to the restroom. He orders her around and makes demands without ever asking nicely. He cuts off friendships and coworker relationships. When Lucy allows a man to touch her arm, Max hauls her off right then and there for a punishment. He finally tells Lucy she must obey him even in her thoughts. Nothing about Max is reasonable. His expectations are impossible to meet. Outwardly, Lucy is constantly walking on eggshells around Max, afraid of screwing up. Inwardly, she goes on and on about how much she loves him and their arrangement.
The whole way, Max shares with the reader when he chooses to pull back so as to not scare her away, and when he believes it’s time to spring a new “rule” on her. He is methodical in his takeover of Lucy, always calculating and studying her. He is honest about his intentions and expectations, and she accepts them, mostly without question. When she does question, she is punished in some way. Actually, now that I think about it, Lucy pretty much doesn’t question. She’ll be punished for facial expressions. And Max shares with the reader how much he loves her uncertainty, her fear, her pain and anxiety. He revels in it. He fantasizes about beating her up with closed fists, choking her “until her eyes pop out,” and leaving her a battered, bloody mess. He does, in fact, slap her in anger, leaving marks on purpose. At one point, he rapes her anally with such brutality that I could hardly read it. And it all turns Max on.
We get some insight into how Max was shaped into the man he became. Max and his younger brother, Jake, were abandoned by their biological father at a very young age, therefore raised by their mother, Alex. Frustrated and angry with her lot in life, she turns to drugs, alcohol, and men, effectively also abandoning her boys. She takes her anger out on her small sons, beating them frequently. Max, as the elder of the two, takes most of the beatings in order to protect Jake.
Eventually, their mother is pursued by Ron, a much older man. He sees her treatment of her sons, and decides the best way to handle the situation is to beat, punish, and discipline Alex, occasionally in front of the children. He also disciplines the boys in the same way. Ron expects Alex to wait on him hand and foot, and basically treats Alex the same way Max treats Lucy. Alex insists she loves Ron and the dynamic of their relationship, and credits him with helping her become a "good woman."
As an adult, Max fully embraces Ron’s ways, following lockstep in the path Ron chooses for him. Jake, on the other hand, sees Ron and his mother’s relationship, and later Max’s relationship with Lucy, as problematic. Still, there is a darkness in Jake, and he does desire to dominate his partner, while also developing trust that she could come to him with her feelings and concerns. Lucy is absolutely unable to do this with Max, so she turns to Jake with her fears that she is unable to be “enough” for Max, that she can’t tolerate his level of control, and that she is worried about how future children would be raised by Max. If Lucy tried to bring these concerns to Max, she would be immediately shut down a punished. No one could happily sustain a relationship like that. Max is enraged when he learns this, and even as she is kidnapped (in the “dark” ending), he plans how to violently punish her for this sleight.
I couldn’t warm up to Max at all. Even in the “nice” ending, I didn’t believe his supposed change of heart. He is one of the handful of H’s I’ve felt zero positivity toward. Jake, on the other hand - while not without his faults, I was much more enamored toward him. I think he was a perfect match for Lucy. He fulfilled her desire for a dominant partner and her craving for a bit of fear and uncertainty; while also treating her with respect and compassion. Although we are told Max loves Lucy - by himself and by Lucy - I didn’t buy it. Jake shows his love for her. Lucy is actually happy around Jake. Jake is able to control his anger, but still expresses it. He does not live his life based on what his anger tells him to do, as Max does.
Though it’s not explicitly stated, Lucy ends up loving Jake more than Max. When Max proposes and sets the date for four weeks out, she inwardly panics and her stress level goes through the roof. When Jake proposes, Lucy accepts with a huge smile, and sets the date herself for two weeks out. I loved the second ending, but the “darker” ending was good, too. Just not nearly as fulfilling, in my opinion. In any case, this series was very powerful in the roller coaster of emotions it put me on, and creatively done with the alternate endings. I recommend it for readers who love a lot of darkness in their stories, and those who can deal with triggers upon triggers.
Happy reading!
I'm going to post my series review here, because this was my preferred ending (although I liked the other one as well). MAJOR SPOILERS THROUGHOUT!!!
This is one hell of a series. I don’t even know what to think. The author has done an excellent job pulling my head in so many different directions it’s not even funny.
As I’ve said before, this is a very dark series. There are triggers galore, and though the relationship is presented as one of a consensual nature, with Lucy seemingly entering into the relationship voluntarily, this reader really couldn’t help but wonder if that was truly so. Max is definitely a narcissist and a sociopath. He charms everyone he meets, lacks empathy for Lucy, is extraordinarily self-centered, and seems to lack a conscience. He is ruled by rage; a prisoner to anger. His behavior frustrated me to no end, as did Lucy’s.
Lucy, Lucy, Lucy. She is a sweet girl who works as a HR manager, has never been married, and enjoys going out to clubs on occasion with her friends. This is how she meets Max. Max is an attorney, as well as a bar/restaurant mogul in Chicago. He treats his employees well, and one night, when a bartender of one of his clubs is unable to work, Max picks up the shift. Lucy happens to be there with some friends.
Max sees a submissive nature in Lucy, which is the type of girl he is looking for. He decides to test the waters with Lucy right off the bat. Lucy asks him for a bourbon, but Max tells her that’s not the right drink for a lady like her, and instead makes her a weak vodka cranberry. He gauges her response to this, finding that she laughs it off and doesn’t really argue. So he takes it a little further. On their first date, tells her to change her dress into something more modest. She listens. So he takes it further, again. He orders all her meals for her. She obliges. Further still, he gives her a curfew. She obeys. He expects her to respond immediately anytime he texts or calls her, no matter when or where - even if she’s at work. If she can’t for some reason, she is to send him a text with the reason why she can’t respond, and the exact time - down to the minute - when she will reply. She complies. The reader has a sinking feeling of where this arrangement is headed - work is no excuse for her to put Max second. It’s plain to see what Max’s expectation will be when he decides Lucy’s work is too important to her.
He starts out slow in his control of her, but it’s not long before Max gets to the point where he makes literally every decision about Lucy’s life. And when I say “not long,” I mean a matter of a few weeks. After two weeks, they’ve already professed their love for one another, and after a couple months, he has already proposed, demanded she say “yes,” sets the date for the wedding for one month later, and makes all decisions related to the wedding.
At this point, Lucy must ask permission to leave his side at all, and this includes even going to the restroom. He orders her around and makes demands without ever asking nicely. He cuts off friendships and coworker relationships. When Lucy allows a man to touch her arm, Max hauls her off right then and there for a punishment. He finally tells Lucy she must obey him even in her thoughts. Nothing about Max is reasonable. His expectations are impossible to meet. Outwardly, Lucy is constantly walking on eggshells around Max, afraid of screwing up. Inwardly, she goes on and on about how much she loves him and their arrangement.
The whole way, Max shares with the reader when he chooses to pull back so as to not scare her away, and when he believes it’s time to spring a new “rule” on her. He is methodical in his takeover of Lucy, always calculating and studying her. He is honest about his intentions and expectations, and she accepts them, mostly without question. When she does question, she is punished in some way. Actually, now that I think about it, Lucy pretty much doesn’t question. She’ll be punished for facial expressions. And Max shares with the reader how much he loves her uncertainty, her fear, her pain and anxiety. He revels in it. He fantasizes about beating her up with closed fists, choking her “until her eyes pop out,” and leaving her a battered, bloody mess. He does, in fact, slap her in anger, leaving marks on purpose. At one point, he rapes her anally with such brutality that I could hardly read it. And it all turns Max on.
We get some insight into how Max was shaped into the man he became. Max and his younger brother, Jake, were abandoned by their biological father at a very young age, therefore raised by their mother, Alex. Frustrated and angry with her lot in life, she turns to drugs, alcohol, and men, effectively also abandoning her boys. She takes her anger out on her small sons, beating them frequently. Max, as the elder of the two, takes most of the beatings in order to protect Jake.
Eventually, their mother is pursued by Ron, a much older man. He sees her treatment of her sons, and decides the best way to handle the situation is to beat, punish, and discipline Alex, occasionally in front of the children. He also disciplines the boys in the same way. Ron expects Alex to wait on him hand and foot, and basically treats Alex the same way Max treats Lucy. Alex insists she loves Ron and the dynamic of their relationship, and credits him with helping her become a "good woman."
As an adult, Max fully embraces Ron’s ways, following lockstep in the path Ron chooses for him. Jake, on the other hand, sees Ron and his mother’s relationship, and later Max’s relationship with Lucy, as problematic. Still, there is a darkness in Jake, and he does desire to dominate his partner, while also developing trust that she could come to him with her feelings and concerns. Lucy is absolutely unable to do this with Max, so she turns to Jake with her fears that she is unable to be “enough” for Max, that she can’t tolerate his level of control, and that she is worried about how future children would be raised by Max. If Lucy tried to bring these concerns to Max, she would be immediately shut down a punished. No one could happily sustain a relationship like that. Max is enraged when he learns this, and even as she is kidnapped (in the “dark” ending), he plans how to violently punish her for this sleight.
I couldn’t warm up to Max at all. Even in the “nice” ending, I didn’t believe his supposed change of heart. He is one of the handful of H’s I’ve felt zero positivity toward. Jake, on the other hand - while not without his faults, I was much more enamored toward him. I think he was a perfect match for Lucy. He fulfilled her desire for a dominant partner and her craving for a bit of fear and uncertainty; while also treating her with respect and compassion. Although we are told Max loves Lucy - by himself and by Lucy - I didn’t buy it. Jake shows his love for her. Lucy is actually happy around Jake. Jake is able to control his anger, but still expresses it. He does not live his life based on what his anger tells him to do, as Max does.
Though it’s not explicitly stated, Lucy ends up loving Jake more than Max. When Max proposes and sets the date for four weeks out, she inwardly panics and her stress level goes through the roof. When Jake proposes, Lucy accepts with a huge smile, and sets the date herself for two weeks out. I loved the second ending, but the “darker” ending was good, too. Just not nearly as fulfilling, in my opinion. In any case, this series was very powerful in the roller coaster of emotions it put me on, and creatively done with the alternate endings. I recommend it for readers who love a lot of darkness in their stories, and those who can deal with triggers upon triggers.
Happy reading!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 27, 2015
Not Your Standard Alternate Ending
This series has two alternate endings. Both endings pick up at the exact point book 3 leaves us at, but each book takes a very different path with a very different end result.
There are a few parallels along the way between the the two books, but rest assured this is NOT a case of reading the same material twice or through a different POV.
My suggestion to those researching this series is to read the series in order from beginning all the way to 4.2.
Pick An Ending
"Pick an ending," she fing says. Ha! Well, sometimes I want Subway and sometimes I want a Starbucks. I don't want to pick!
WTF Can I Say?
I want to say so much here in this final installment, but, as someone who has traveled this journey alongside these characters, I have felt it would be unfair to other readers to be anything but obtuse in my reviews of 4.1 & 4.2.
The two final steps are simply something that must be
This is what I will say...
I've hated Max. I've felt him to be an abusive, narcissistic, controlling, manipulative, selfish, self-indulgent, etc etc man, lover, and husband.
I would never expect him to change just for the sake of a HEA. I have wanted him to soften so very often throughout this series, but I've known for some time now that if he softened to my comfort level, it would also feel inauthentic because that sweetened Starbucks latte is just simply not who he is as a person. He's the starchy, salty, tangy Subway sandwich that only converts to sugar when digested.
The author very cautiously softened him just a tad without compromising what intrinsically made him, him.
His action in the softening moment here paralleled a moment from 4.1 where he puts his own safety and freedom at risk for Lucy. These are the scenes where he proves to readers that he loves Lucy to the best of his ability & to the best of his definition of love. Is it purely unselfish? No. His actions are also about his need. So, maybe I should also say that it proves that his greatest need isn't anger release; it's just having Lucy.
Did any of this salvage his character? That's what you must decide for yourself.
4.1 brought me to a final resting place of tolerance. I simply believed that two people with two unique, complementary needs of total control and total submission found their match within each other.
4.2 brought me to a different and very shocking resting place. I ate my words from previous reviews with a salty drink of tears to wash it down.
Just be careful what you wish for along the way to this final book because the grass on the other side of the fence may be brighter and lighter against the feet, but that light and bright don't always equal right. Again, it's up to you, the reader, to discover which side of the grass you prefer.
This Little Analogy Is The Best I Can Do For Telling You My Overall Feelings W/O Ruining Things For Ya... Too Much;)
Did you know that there is a an entire website devoted to Walmart hate with hundreds of thousands of complaints and rants? Max should have one of these~?
Most all of us tolerate our need for Walmart. Yet, most of us always complain how we "hate" Walmart. We have a laundry list of complaints against it from that they never have enough cashiers to the dumbassery of where they stock products. You might even think your Walmart (FYI Walmart is Max) needs a Starbucks to sweeten the shopping trauma. That Subway sandwich torture station can go to hell, huh?
Now, imagine Walmart just disappears one day never to return. Gone are the days of getting everything you need from one place. You need a new TV, bananas, a curling iron, and a potted plant? Well, your ass is going to four stores now. "Hate" seems kind of harsh now, right?
You might can still mosey on over to Target (FYI the other man) and meet most of your needs, but Target just isn't Walmart, even if it does have that sweet Starbucks latte that you've been wishing Walmart's ass would get.
So, here I sit at the Starbucks nook of Target sipping the sweeter latte I said I wanted. I have the shit on my need list checked off. Ironically enough, I can't stop thinking about that fucking Walmart and its' starchy Subway. Who'd have thunk it~
Willow
The author has forced me to feel every emotion under the sun throughout this series- love, hate, anger, compassion, empathy, sadness, regret, empowerment, fear, shock, awe, judgement, tolerance, acceptance, and so many more. << Forget that this series is a taboo subject and think about how profound it is to find something that brings you through that whirlwind of emotional responses and makes you really ponder your responses and the stimuli itself.
There are some editing issues and this isn't a grammatically perfect book, but that's just par for the course with self-pub.
There are subject matters at hand throughout the series that will repulse most readers. It's hard. It's traumatic. But, the reflection and overall storyline is worth every hard moment IMHO.
The author possesses an effortless and seamless flow to her writing style that reads as if you're having a conversation with yourself. I never felt like a bystander looking in secondhand at a story that was playing out on a screen. I felt present, the fly on the wall watching it live.
The realism in Willow's writing is what will bring you to your knees in the hard scenes. It's what will turn many readers away because this DOES NOT read like a dark fantasy. It reads like it could be you or yours there, and you are forced to think about how you feel about it both personally and toward the characters. Easy? No! Something worthwhile? Yes, most certainly.
Very talented lady!
"Like it's a tag of possession, but I no longer belong to anyone. Luggage lost at the airport that no one claims."
" No matter the pain he caused me, his love was always stronger. Always."
" My other emotions can briefly have control over me. But anger is the one emotion that somehow makes me more still. More focused. "
"... I don't need her to relieve my anger. I need her to relieve my desires...."
And with that, I will say goodbye to Lucy, Max, and Jake and let you decide - Subway or Starbucks... Walmart or Target ;)
March 30, 2020
I really enjoyed this, with all it's emotional intensity, but I would still recommend 4.1 for the true dark romance lover.
I wasn't sure if I would read this alternative ending because for me True Control 4.1 was the perfect ending to Lucy and Max's story. This one I both loved and hated. I definitely loved the amazing story telling of the author, my word did she make me feel . So many emotions, so much pain, such sweet love. These more subtle emotions had been masked by the anger, fear and total domination in previous books. This book is worth reading just to recognise how incredibly skilled this author is at crafting complex characters and situations. Because I wasn't distracted bymy Lucy's struggles with submitting to Max, my focus was less on being shocked, irritated, angry, surprised, horrified, awed and bemused and more on the beautiful nuances of the story.
On the other hand I hated it too. I won't say what caused that feeling, because that would be a spoiler, though if you read the other reviews many of them allude to just why this made me feel both hurt and let down. I didn't like the suggestion, or impression, that Max was somehow wrong. Max was never wrong, he quite happily told us that on many an occasion. Whilst his brand of domination wouldn't be for many, he wasn't wrong or bad, he was just a different sort of hero.
On the surface we see a much stronger Lucy in this story, however I still firmly believe that her true strength lay in her decision, her choice, to submit to everything Max demanded of her. Her ability to let go and acquiesce with every fibre of her being. There is a very judgemental part of me that believes if you needed this book as the ending of the story you should hand your "dark romance reader" card in right now. For chunks of this I felt as though I was reading an angsty contemporary romance. An amazing and well written one but one that wasn't true to the rest of the series. A bit like putting a sticking plaster on deep gash, this was fantastic but not suited to the job of being the conclusion of a dark romance.
Thank you to the author for kindly gifting me a copy of this book, because my curiosity had me desperate to know what the alternative ending was. I don't regret reading it but I'm really, really glad I read the other one first. If this is the ending you prefer that's fine because we all enjoy and need different things from our reads.
I wasn't sure if I would read this alternative ending because for me True Control 4.1 was the perfect ending to Lucy and Max's story. This one I both loved and hated. I definitely loved the amazing story telling of the author, my word did she make me feel . So many emotions, so much pain, such sweet love. These more subtle emotions had been masked by the anger, fear and total domination in previous books. This book is worth reading just to recognise how incredibly skilled this author is at crafting complex characters and situations. Because I wasn't distracted by
On the other hand I hated it too. I won't say what caused that feeling, because that would be a spoiler, though if you read the other reviews many of them allude to just why this made me feel both hurt and let down. I didn't like the suggestion, or impression, that Max was somehow wrong. Max was never wrong, he quite happily told us that on many an occasion. Whilst his brand of domination wouldn't be for many, he wasn't wrong or bad, he was just a different sort of hero.
On the surface we see a much stronger Lucy in this story, however I still firmly believe that her true strength lay in her decision, her choice, to submit to everything Max demanded of her. Her ability to let go and acquiesce with every fibre of her being. There is a very judgemental part of me that believes if you needed this book as the ending of the story you should hand your "dark romance reader" card in right now. For chunks of this I felt as though I was reading an angsty contemporary romance. An amazing and well written one but one that wasn't true to the rest of the series. A bit like putting a sticking plaster on deep gash, this was fantastic but not suited to the job of being the conclusion of a dark romance.
Thank you to the author for kindly gifting me a copy of this book, because my curiosity had me desperate to know what the alternative ending was. I don't regret reading it but I'm really, really glad I read the other one first. If this is the ending you prefer that's fine because we all enjoy and need different things from our reads.
January 7, 2016
The lighter ending.
This series finishes with two alternative endings, this is the lighter of the two, that's not to say it's 'light' as such but it's certainly lighter than the alternative, but then this series has been particularly dark and disturbing.
I was always going to like this ending more and I did but I struggled at first and I didn't expect that, I think it's because I started this book straight after finishing 4.1 and it's weird because they are completely different books but they both have the same starting point, Lucy's disappearance.
This book really surprised me at one point, I wasn't expecting that although I did wonder how it would all work out.
Once I'd settled in I loved this read but if I'm being totally honest, and I can't actually believe I'm saying this but while I preferred this ending I feel the previous one fits in more with the series. I want to say this one felt like an afterthought but I don't mean that in a negative way and I'm so glad personally that it ended with this so thank you Willow for the alternative ending.
This has been a difficult series to read as I've said in all my reviews but the fact that I've read all five books over two days should give you some idea of just how addictive it is.
March 23, 2015
Okay, I don't care what anyone has to say, I Loved Max! Yes he was scary, yes he took things way too far, and Yes he loved the crap out of Lucy!!!! These are all the reasons why I loved this series.
Okay, this book by far is the best ending! I literally felt grief, and my heart hurt for a while, but Willow made up for it with the beautiful bittersweet ending!
If you're the kind of person that can take a twisted story for what it is, (Fiction) without getting all silly and angry about it, then purchase this series! Plan on being on a roller coaster of emotions, and plan on being highly entertained. I think I'm in love with this author. Can't wait to read more by her.
By the way, I read both endings.
Okay, this book by far is the best ending! I literally felt grief, and my heart hurt for a while, but Willow made up for it with the beautiful bittersweet ending!
If you're the kind of person that can take a twisted story for what it is, (Fiction) without getting all silly and angry about it, then purchase this series! Plan on being on a roller coaster of emotions, and plan on being highly entertained. I think I'm in love with this author. Can't wait to read more by her.
By the way, I read both endings.
November 19, 2015
Yep this is definitely my pick for the right ending. Where I really was into the first ending, this is the one I choose! Max was a man, to me, who had alot of anger built in and in turn let that anger out on Lucy. He learned this from his stepfather, who believed this was the way to be. Everyone deserves to have their own choices a d make their own decisions. While Jake being raised with the same stepfather, realized this. Jake is definitely the one for Lucy!!! I actually would love to read the continuation of their story. With Willow Madison's writing, who knows the way that would turn out! And that's the reason why I love this author so much!!!!!
August 12, 2016
I skipped through most of the pages of this book and the alternate ending as well (book 4.1) this whole series is trash. it's tagged as "a dark erotic romance" but there is nothing erotic or romantic about it; it's complete trash; perfectly abusive relationships is what it was.... don't waste your time.
August 19, 2015
I wouldn't necessarily call this a light ending. It's most definitely still dark, just not AS dark as the other option :) I thought it very creative to give readers the choice. I knew I'd prefer the dark one, but what surprised me was how I equally enjoyed this book. That is, with the exception of my overwhelming, heart wrenching, 'I'll never get over this' grief about one part. They both start at the same exact moment, but they veer in entirely different directions. Lucky for us, there's no shortage of dominant men, and the super sexy times continue.
August 23, 2015
True Control is 5 controlled stars!
I am not sure how the author has done it, but she pulled this book off in a big way. This book shows the sheer breadth of this authors talent. I stand in awe of such tremendous talent.
This is one of those books I really don't want to spoil for anyone because what happens within those pages is a journey each person should travel themselves with no interference. Yep, it's that good.
In the effort not to spoil, I will tell you I read midway and had to put my Kindle down because I was sobbing like a baby. My husband still gives me odd looks, haha. My heart broke reading this book. It shattered but then it mended again. I knew joy and peace once again by the end of this book.
If you haven't read the books, start with book 1 of this series, True Nature.
You truly will not regret reading this series. Willow Madison is an author with heart and soul and she pours those qualities into her writing, making this book a breathing, living thing that grabs you by the throat.
This story has an HEA though it is not the HEA you might expect. I do promise you won't leave this book heartbroken, the author takes care of your emotions and leaves you smiling at the end.
In the end... I love my Max still, always will, but now I have to add that I also love Jake. I'm such a book slut. haha.
I am not sure how the author has done it, but she pulled this book off in a big way. This book shows the sheer breadth of this authors talent. I stand in awe of such tremendous talent.
This is one of those books I really don't want to spoil for anyone because what happens within those pages is a journey each person should travel themselves with no interference. Yep, it's that good.
In the effort not to spoil, I will tell you I read midway and had to put my Kindle down because I was sobbing like a baby. My husband still gives me odd looks, haha. My heart broke reading this book. It shattered but then it mended again. I knew joy and peace once again by the end of this book.
If you haven't read the books, start with book 1 of this series, True Nature.
You truly will not regret reading this series. Willow Madison is an author with heart and soul and she pours those qualities into her writing, making this book a breathing, living thing that grabs you by the throat. This story has an HEA though it is not the HEA you might expect. I do promise you won't leave this book heartbroken, the author takes care of your emotions and leaves you smiling at the end.
In the end... I love my Max still, always will, but now I have to add that I also love Jake. I'm such a book slut. haha.
October 16, 2019
Hmm. Choice book 1 or book 2.?
I had to look at this review firstly based on True #4.2. The twist in this storyline was unexpected. Was I sad, yes. Was it what I expected for Lucy in the end, in a way yes but probably without the twist.
Cryptic, yes, as I do not spoil the contents of books. For me, 4.2 is a softer storyline. Yes, there were times when we saw darkness but overall it was like a soft read. Still, there are trigger points that may relate to some readers.
On a personal and overall view, I’d choose True 4.1. There was darkness to that storyline, it was a much more powerful read and yes Domination from Max who also had a darker side to him.
If you are willing to take a chance and read Willow Madison’s work, be prepared. Remember too, these are fictional books and yes it also happens in real life, but remember too, consensual is always given. If personally you have trigger issues, these may not be for you, so don’t read and leave negative reviews as this is unfair to authors.
I’m glad I have found another author to add to my collection, enjoyed this series, will read again - now look into Willow’s other work.
I had to look at this review firstly based on True #4.2. The twist in this storyline was unexpected. Was I sad, yes. Was it what I expected for Lucy in the end, in a way yes but probably without the twist.
Cryptic, yes, as I do not spoil the contents of books. For me, 4.2 is a softer storyline. Yes, there were times when we saw darkness but overall it was like a soft read. Still, there are trigger points that may relate to some readers.
On a personal and overall view, I’d choose True 4.1. There was darkness to that storyline, it was a much more powerful read and yes Domination from Max who also had a darker side to him.
If you are willing to take a chance and read Willow Madison’s work, be prepared. Remember too, these are fictional books and yes it also happens in real life, but remember too, consensual is always given. If personally you have trigger issues, these may not be for you, so don’t read and leave negative reviews as this is unfair to authors.
I’m glad I have found another author to add to my collection, enjoyed this series, will read again - now look into Willow’s other work.
November 27, 2016
Una bellissima trilogia rovinata da due finali che non mi hanno convinto. Per niente! Il primo aveva un'idea originale ma non mi è piaciuto come si sono svolti gli eventi, l'ho trovato quasi affrettato su cose che andavano approfondite meglio. Già li ho odiato questo triangolo con il fratello che non ha trovato una vera risoluzione. Ho iniziato questo secondo finale con la speranza che andasse meglio e non è stato così anzi il fratello senza spina dorsale (che ho preso in antipatia da subito) è diventato il protagonista a metà libro.A quel punto ho capito che non lo avrei neanche dovuto finire... Peccato mi è dispiaciuto veramente.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 18, 2021
In some ways I preferred this sweeter ending with the brother. Her husband having an accident and being killed off was a literary cop out. An even better ending would have been the heroine gaining some strength and setting down the law to husband, his getting some help for his anger issues and being made to grovel.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 13, 2015
I'm sad... but happy too?
August 29, 2022
4.5 ⭐️s
July 16, 2015
Loved
Wow..shocking..don't know which version I love more..the author did an amazing job merging the same elements from both endings..truly talented writer
Wow..shocking..don't know which version I love more..the author did an amazing job merging the same elements from both endings..truly talented writer
April 11, 2020
4.2 preferred
I don't want to give any spoilers but let me just say I prefer the 4.2 ending 100%. To me Max was an unforgiving selfish cruel bully and I could never be on his side.
I don't want to give any spoilers but let me just say I prefer the 4.2 ending 100%. To me Max was an unforgiving selfish cruel bully and I could never be on his side.
Read
March 23, 2016FINALLY! True Control 4.2 is available in paperback:
https://www.createspace.com/6132205
https://www.createspace.com/6132205
June 29, 2024
I applaud the author for sticking to her guns and writing what she wanted to write. But for me, writing about taking a woman through the process of breaking her mind, body and soul, isolating her, molding her into a slave with no choices in life, using intimidation, humiliation, emotional and physical abuse to do it, and her never once standing up for herself knowing that she is only going to get more abuse and never going to have more in life, well it's not for me.
I see it in real life too often. Women who don't know that they are worth more, who have no where to go and no one to help them, who accept a life of loveless misery. It's heartbreaking, and that is ALL I got from this series. Not a dark romance, not erotica, only brutal domestic abuse. A woman should NEVER have to be scared in her own home. If Lucy were truly happy with getting beaten and abused, she wouldn't have been scared. There was nothing redeemng about Max, and now nothing redeeming about Jake.
There is no happy ending. There is no hope. There is no true, selfless love for Lucy. There never can be in an abusive, absolute control relationship. And in this second ending it's just Lucy allowing another man to do to her what Max did to her. If we don't have hope, there is no reason to go on. And this series didn't even give any hope.
2 stars for the writing, but I definitely feel like I wasted my time and emotions.
I see it in real life too often. Women who don't know that they are worth more, who have no where to go and no one to help them, who accept a life of loveless misery. It's heartbreaking, and that is ALL I got from this series. Not a dark romance, not erotica, only brutal domestic abuse. A woman should NEVER have to be scared in her own home. If Lucy were truly happy with getting beaten and abused, she wouldn't have been scared. There was nothing redeemng about Max, and now nothing redeeming about Jake.
There is no happy ending. There is no hope. There is no true, selfless love for Lucy. There never can be in an abusive, absolute control relationship. And in this second ending it's just Lucy allowing another man to do to her what Max did to her. If we don't have hope, there is no reason to go on. And this series didn't even give any hope.
2 stars for the writing, but I definitely feel like I wasted my time and emotions.
February 19, 2022
I prefer this ending to 4.1
Honestly this is a difficult series to read. It was raw, painful, scary, anxious, and, if you select this ending, happy. I think 4.1 is more realistic, but 4.2 didn’t make me feel like I wasted my time. Willow Madison took me places with this one. Reminded me of Adriana Noir’s SKALS series.
Honestly this is a difficult series to read. It was raw, painful, scary, anxious, and, if you select this ending, happy. I think 4.1 is more realistic, but 4.2 didn’t make me feel like I wasted my time. Willow Madison took me places with this one. Reminded me of Adriana Noir’s SKALS series.
March 31, 2015
Dunno how i feel...sad and kinda happy
Read
June 21, 2018i think i prefer the first ending...i would love to see Max and Lucy recover from this tragic moment in their lives...
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