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Impulse Control
I didn’t come to Paris to behave.
I came to build a life—on my terms. To turn photography into a career. To live alone. To want what I want without explaining it to anyone.
Instead, I arrived with a best friend who bought my building, a past that refuses to stay buried, and a heart that’s a lot more complicated than I ever planned for.
I’m good at faces. At reading desire. At seeing what people don’t say out loud. What I’m terrible at is pretending I don’t want things that blur lines—between friendship and longing, independence and intimacy, women and men.
Paris doesn’t care about my labels or my plans. It offers temptation, ambition, and the kind of love that doesn’t ask politely.
This isn’t a love story with rules. It’s a beginning with consequences.
I came to build a life—on my terms. To turn photography into a career. To live alone. To want what I want without explaining it to anyone.
Instead, I arrived with a best friend who bought my building, a past that refuses to stay buried, and a heart that’s a lot more complicated than I ever planned for.
I’m good at faces. At reading desire. At seeing what people don’t say out loud. What I’m terrible at is pretending I don’t want things that blur lines—between friendship and longing, independence and intimacy, women and men.
Paris doesn’t care about my labels or my plans. It offers temptation, ambition, and the kind of love that doesn’t ask politely.
This isn’t a love story with rules. It’s a beginning with consequences.
- GenresContemporary
388 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 22, 2026
About the author
Heather Long
294 books2,348 followersI love books. Not just a little bit, but a lot. Books were my best friends when I was growing up. Books didn’t care if I was new to a town or to a class. They were always there, my trustiest of companions. Until they turned on me and said I had to write them.
I can tell you that my own personal happily ever after included writing books. I’ve always said that an HEA is a work in progress. It’s true in my marriage, my friendships, and in my career. I am constantly nurturing my muse as we dive into new tales, new tropes, new characters and more.
After seventeen years back in Texas, we relocated to the Pacific Northwest in search of seasons, new experiences, and new geography. I can’t wait to discover what life (and my muse) have in store for me.
Maybe writing was always my destiny and romance my fate. After all, my grandmother wasn’t a fan of picture books and used to read me her Harlequin Romance novels.
Friends to lovers, enemies to lovers, friends to enemies to lovers, you name it, I love them and love to write them. I started with Earth Witches Aren’t Easy, the first in the Chance Monroe trilogy, but my characters and I have traveled a long way since I created that urban fantasy world.
One of the series I hear my readers recommend the most is the Untouchable series followed in quick succession by the Vandals, and that just delights me. No lie, whenever one of my readers brings up my wolves, I do a little a fist pump.
I’m active on social media, and I love hearing from readers. Feel free to tag me with a question about any of my books, or just say hi!
I can tell you that my own personal happily ever after included writing books. I’ve always said that an HEA is a work in progress. It’s true in my marriage, my friendships, and in my career. I am constantly nurturing my muse as we dive into new tales, new tropes, new characters and more.
After seventeen years back in Texas, we relocated to the Pacific Northwest in search of seasons, new experiences, and new geography. I can’t wait to discover what life (and my muse) have in store for me.
Maybe writing was always my destiny and romance my fate. After all, my grandmother wasn’t a fan of picture books and used to read me her Harlequin Romance novels.
Friends to lovers, enemies to lovers, friends to enemies to lovers, you name it, I love them and love to write them. I started with Earth Witches Aren’t Easy, the first in the Chance Monroe trilogy, but my characters and I have traveled a long way since I created that urban fantasy world.
One of the series I hear my readers recommend the most is the Untouchable series followed in quick succession by the Vandals, and that just delights me. No lie, whenever one of my readers brings up my wolves, I do a little a fist pump.
I’m active on social media, and I love hearing from readers. Feel free to tag me with a question about any of my books, or just say hi!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
May 22, 2026
Impulse Control by Heather Long book 1 in
Elusive: Love in Focus
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌶🌶💀
Paris is the city of love, but that's not what Rachel's looking for. She wants to find herself, not be extention of. However with her schedule she starts losing what makes her her. Until a svelte model with an Australian accent, Kiara catches her eye and quiets the noise. Dominic supports her, he understands and wants desperately to love her but Rachel is scared of asking, wanting and needing. You will absolutely get frustrated, I cried for her and him. Impulse Control will leave you feeling empty, confused and in love with these characters.
Tropes:
Friends to lovers. Woman's fiction. Bisexual fmc. Sex Positive. He falls first. FF.
Quotes:
“You are afraid that if you slow down, you will fail,” she continued. “But what you are actually afraid of is that you will feel.”
“I don’t need you to come home,” he continued. “I just need to be where you are. I can build a life there. With you.”
“You must choose the one that scares you most. Because that is the only one that is actually yours.”
Elusive: Love in Focus
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌶🌶💀
Paris is the city of love, but that's not what Rachel's looking for. She wants to find herself, not be extention of. However with her schedule she starts losing what makes her her. Until a svelte model with an Australian accent, Kiara catches her eye and quiets the noise. Dominic supports her, he understands and wants desperately to love her but Rachel is scared of asking, wanting and needing. You will absolutely get frustrated, I cried for her and him. Impulse Control will leave you feeling empty, confused and in love with these characters.
Tropes:
Friends to lovers. Woman's fiction. Bisexual fmc. Sex Positive. He falls first. FF.
Quotes:
“You are afraid that if you slow down, you will fail,” she continued. “But what you are actually afraid of is that you will feel.”
“I don’t need you to come home,” he continued. “I just need to be where you are. I can build a life there. With you.”
“You must choose the one that scares you most. Because that is the only one that is actually yours.”
July 5, 2026
This book got under my skin in the best and most frustrating way. Heather Long has a way of creating characters who feel so achingly real that you can't help but become emotionally invested, even when they're making you want to scream. Rachel's story completely consumed me.
Rachel arrives in Paris chasing her dream of becoming a photographer, but it's obvious pretty quickly that she's running toward more than just a career. She's running from expectations, relationships, and the impossible pressure she's put on herself to do everything all at once. School, internships, photography, friendships, romance, finding herself...she keeps piling more onto her plate until she's barely sleeping, barely eating, and slowly losing herself in the process. Watching her spiral into burnout was equal parts heartbreaking and frustrating because you can see the crash coming long before she does.
Rachel is wonderfully flawed. I didn't always agree with her decisions, and there were plenty of moments where I wanted to reach into the pages and shake her, but that's exactly why she felt so authentic. She's messy, overwhelmed, insecure, and trying to figure out who she is underneath everyone else's expectations. The story asks a question that really stuck with me long after I finished: are you actually living your life, or are you just filling every second of it?
The relationships are where this story really shines. I've been invested in Rachel and Dominic ever since meeting them before, and seeing their relationship from Rachel's perspective made me love Dominic even more. My heart absolutely broke for him. He's patient, steady, supportive, and never asks Rachel to be anything she isn't ready to be. He simply keeps showing up, hoping she'll eventually let him in. Their chemistry is undeniable, but it's the vulnerability between them that completely stole my heart.
Then there's Kiara, who brings a completely different kind of connection into Rachel's life. She represents freedom, possibility, and a version of herself that isn't buried beneath deadlines and expectations. I really appreciated that neither Dominic nor Kiara tries to pressure Rachel into choosing or becoming someone she's not. They both give her the space to figure herself out, even when she's making things infinitely more complicated than they need to be.
Paris is also such a beautiful backdrop. It feels less like a setting and more like part of Rachel's journey. It's inspiring, creative, romantic, and full of opportunities, but it also forces her to confront some uncomfortable truths about herself and the life she's trying so desperately to build.
By the end, I was emotionally exhausted in the best way. Frustrated, hopeful, completely invested, and desperate for the next book. That ending left so much unresolved, and I already know Rachel still has a long road ahead of her. Heather Long has me fully hooked on this journey, and I cannot wait to see where it goes next.
What to Expect
-Self-Discovery Journey
-Paris Setting
-Love Triangle / Relationship Exploration
-MF & FF Romance
-Slow Burn
-Coming of Age
-Emotional Burnout
- Found Identity
- Book One of a Series
Rachel arrives in Paris chasing her dream of becoming a photographer, but it's obvious pretty quickly that she's running toward more than just a career. She's running from expectations, relationships, and the impossible pressure she's put on herself to do everything all at once. School, internships, photography, friendships, romance, finding herself...she keeps piling more onto her plate until she's barely sleeping, barely eating, and slowly losing herself in the process. Watching her spiral into burnout was equal parts heartbreaking and frustrating because you can see the crash coming long before she does.
Rachel is wonderfully flawed. I didn't always agree with her decisions, and there were plenty of moments where I wanted to reach into the pages and shake her, but that's exactly why she felt so authentic. She's messy, overwhelmed, insecure, and trying to figure out who she is underneath everyone else's expectations. The story asks a question that really stuck with me long after I finished: are you actually living your life, or are you just filling every second of it?
The relationships are where this story really shines. I've been invested in Rachel and Dominic ever since meeting them before, and seeing their relationship from Rachel's perspective made me love Dominic even more. My heart absolutely broke for him. He's patient, steady, supportive, and never asks Rachel to be anything she isn't ready to be. He simply keeps showing up, hoping she'll eventually let him in. Their chemistry is undeniable, but it's the vulnerability between them that completely stole my heart.
Then there's Kiara, who brings a completely different kind of connection into Rachel's life. She represents freedom, possibility, and a version of herself that isn't buried beneath deadlines and expectations. I really appreciated that neither Dominic nor Kiara tries to pressure Rachel into choosing or becoming someone she's not. They both give her the space to figure herself out, even when she's making things infinitely more complicated than they need to be.
Paris is also such a beautiful backdrop. It feels less like a setting and more like part of Rachel's journey. It's inspiring, creative, romantic, and full of opportunities, but it also forces her to confront some uncomfortable truths about herself and the life she's trying so desperately to build.
By the end, I was emotionally exhausted in the best way. Frustrated, hopeful, completely invested, and desperate for the next book. That ending left so much unresolved, and I already know Rachel still has a long road ahead of her. Heather Long has me fully hooked on this journey, and I cannot wait to see where it goes next.
What to Expect
-Self-Discovery Journey
-Paris Setting
-Love Triangle / Relationship Exploration
-MF & FF Romance
-Slow Burn
-Coming of Age
-Emotional Burnout
- Found Identity
- Book One of a Series
May 23, 2026
This book completely pulled me in emotionally. Rachel’s life feels so chaotic because she’s constantly trying to do everything at once — college, internships, photography, friendships, relationships, and figuring out who she actually is underneath all the pressure. It really makes you think about the difference between being busy and truly living. Watching her slowly burn herself out was frustrating and heartbreaking at the same time.
The author does such a good job making Rachel feel real and flawed. There were definitely moments where I wanted to yell at her choices, but that’s what made the story so engaging. You can feel how lost she is, even when she’s surrounded by opportunities in Paris.
The relationships were another huge highlight for me. Dominic was incredibly patient and supportive, and you could tell how deeply he cared about Rachel even when she struggled to let him in emotionally. Their chemistry was intense, but there was also so much vulnerability between them. Then Kiara enters Rachel’s life and brings this completely different energy — freedom, calm, and escape from all the expectations weighing her down.
Paris itself felt almost like another character in the story, full of beauty, creativity, and self-discovery, but also forcing Rachel to confront difficult truths about herself and what she really wants. By the end I was emotionally wrecked, frustrated, and desperate to know what happens next because book two clearly has a lot to resolve. Definitely a story that stays in your head after finishing it.
The author does such a good job making Rachel feel real and flawed. There were definitely moments where I wanted to yell at her choices, but that’s what made the story so engaging. You can feel how lost she is, even when she’s surrounded by opportunities in Paris.
The relationships were another huge highlight for me. Dominic was incredibly patient and supportive, and you could tell how deeply he cared about Rachel even when she struggled to let him in emotionally. Their chemistry was intense, but there was also so much vulnerability between them. Then Kiara enters Rachel’s life and brings this completely different energy — freedom, calm, and escape from all the expectations weighing her down.
Paris itself felt almost like another character in the story, full of beauty, creativity, and self-discovery, but also forcing Rachel to confront difficult truths about herself and what she really wants. By the end I was emotionally wrecked, frustrated, and desperate to know what happens next because book two clearly has a lot to resolve. Definitely a story that stays in your head after finishing it.
May 25, 2026
Rachel in Paris! Ostensibly, she's there to learn and to further her career, but that's only part of her story. She needed to run, to escape. She needed to discover herself; decide who she wants to be. She needed space from her best friend Frankie, and she needed time away from her boyfriend Dominic. Paris gave her room to breathe. It embraced her. But soon it began to consume her. Internship, school, outside projects. She lost herself to her schedule. Sleeping, eating, and even breathing became afterthoughts. She missed Dominic deeply but doesn't know how he fits into her life. Or if she even wants him to. Then she meets someone new. Someone who doesn't expect anything from her. Someone she has no history with. Someone who adds even more complications to her already overcomplicated life.
This is a tough read! Of course, it's well-written and entertaining, but Rachel herself makes it difficult. The author warns the readers from the beginning. Trust her. Rachel is complicated and overcomplicates. She's on a journey of self-discovery, and it's painful and frustrating. This is a story of pulling back the curtains to see the hidden parts of Rachel's psyche. She's believable and relatable, exactly what you expected, but with hidden pain and insecurity. She needs a good long hug and a thorough shaking. I hate that she's lost and floundering while giving more than is healthy to be outwardly successful. It creates so much tension because it's only a matter of time before everything crumbles down around her if she doesn't slow down. I also hate that she's insisting on going it all alone and is missing so much of what matters. My heart went out to Dominic. My heart hurts for him. He's been perfect and still... I have nothing against Kiara. She seems great, but I'm not attached to her yet. It will be interesting to see how all of the pieces eventually fit together. And finally, I loved the ending. What a twist! Can't wait to see if Rachel picks up another complication with her new project. Hope so!
This is a tough read! Of course, it's well-written and entertaining, but Rachel herself makes it difficult. The author warns the readers from the beginning. Trust her. Rachel is complicated and overcomplicates. She's on a journey of self-discovery, and it's painful and frustrating. This is a story of pulling back the curtains to see the hidden parts of Rachel's psyche. She's believable and relatable, exactly what you expected, but with hidden pain and insecurity. She needs a good long hug and a thorough shaking. I hate that she's lost and floundering while giving more than is healthy to be outwardly successful. It creates so much tension because it's only a matter of time before everything crumbles down around her if she doesn't slow down. I also hate that she's insisting on going it all alone and is missing so much of what matters. My heart went out to Dominic. My heart hurts for him. He's been perfect and still... I have nothing against Kiara. She seems great, but I'm not attached to her yet. It will be interesting to see how all of the pieces eventually fit together. And finally, I loved the ending. What a twist! Can't wait to see if Rachel picks up another complication with her new project. Hope so!
June 5, 2026
"Let me let you go"
This story follows Rachel on her lifechanging trip to Paris but I have been hooked on Rachel and Dominic's will they wont they tension since meeting them in Frankie's series and couldn't wait to see how this was going to unfold. I adore Dominic and fell even harder seeing him with Rachel as they tip toe around the start of a relationship. My heart broke at Dominic's sincerity and patience; and he is definitely climbing the ranks of my favourite Heather Long MMCs!
Dominic nor Kiara pressure Rachel into anything and are willing to wait but instead of Rachel sharing her burden, she feels the need to do everything solo. Anyone who has used work as a distraction or coping mechanism will empathise with Rachel and watching this slow spiral into burnout with Rachel recognising this was heart breaking to read. The diary aspect was really interesting too as the entries become sparser and Rachel herself mentions them feeling like an obligation. When things inevitably start to strain, Rachel makes some tough choices to keep her heart safe whilst trying not to hurt anyone as she learns who she truly is and what she really wants. I was bereft at those last few chapters but I know the HEA is going to be worth it.
My interpretation of the star system;
3 stars - I enjoyed it; would read the author again
4 stars - I really liked it; I am invested and definitely want more from this author/series
5 stars - I loved it; I engaged with this book completely until I finished it and it is one I will re-read
This story follows Rachel on her lifechanging trip to Paris but I have been hooked on Rachel and Dominic's will they wont they tension since meeting them in Frankie's series and couldn't wait to see how this was going to unfold. I adore Dominic and fell even harder seeing him with Rachel as they tip toe around the start of a relationship. My heart broke at Dominic's sincerity and patience; and he is definitely climbing the ranks of my favourite Heather Long MMCs!
Dominic nor Kiara pressure Rachel into anything and are willing to wait but instead of Rachel sharing her burden, she feels the need to do everything solo. Anyone who has used work as a distraction or coping mechanism will empathise with Rachel and watching this slow spiral into burnout with Rachel recognising this was heart breaking to read. The diary aspect was really interesting too as the entries become sparser and Rachel herself mentions them feeling like an obligation. When things inevitably start to strain, Rachel makes some tough choices to keep her heart safe whilst trying not to hurt anyone as she learns who she truly is and what she really wants. I was bereft at those last few chapters but I know the HEA is going to be worth it.
My interpretation of the star system;
3 stars - I enjoyed it; would read the author again
4 stars - I really liked it; I am invested and definitely want more from this author/series
5 stars - I loved it; I engaged with this book completely until I finished it and it is one I will re-read
Review of advance copy received from Author
*Menage
*Contemporary
*Dual-1st-PoV
*College/Uni aspects
*Relatable FMC
*Finding Yourself
*MF Scenes
*FF Scenes
*Mid Burn
*Book 1 / ?
Living your life?
Wow this book really throws some questions out there 😱 Rachel has crammed so much into her life as she wants to experience it all between college, internships, living in Paris, coursework, and attempting a social life….shes burning herself out! Forcing others to ask her is she just occupying her own timetable or is she truly living and experiencing life?! You certainly look inwards 🤔 Heathers a super author in really drawing you into the story and engaging with the FMC as she tries to find herself…and honestly you could scream at Rachel for some of the decisions she makes 😡😢
Thankfully she has people looking out for her…Dominic who ever met before and it’s clear he’s besotted with her, not asking for more than she give, and they have some serious heat, but he just needs some assurance that he had a place in her life at some point 🥺 then there’s the new girl who isn’t tied to any aspect of her chaotic life and offers her a sense of freedom from all the aspects asking for her attention 😳 the city of love has offered her some amazing photography based learning experiences but it also leaves Rachel with some tough questions and decisions…..book two has got some serious making up to do , can’t wait wait 😅
*Contemporary
*Dual-1st-PoV
*College/Uni aspects
*Relatable FMC
*Finding Yourself
*MF Scenes
*FF Scenes
*Mid Burn
*Book 1 / ?
Living your life?
Wow this book really throws some questions out there 😱 Rachel has crammed so much into her life as she wants to experience it all between college, internships, living in Paris, coursework, and attempting a social life….shes burning herself out! Forcing others to ask her is she just occupying her own timetable or is she truly living and experiencing life?! You certainly look inwards 🤔 Heathers a super author in really drawing you into the story and engaging with the FMC as she tries to find herself…and honestly you could scream at Rachel for some of the decisions she makes 😡😢
Thankfully she has people looking out for her…Dominic who ever met before and it’s clear he’s besotted with her, not asking for more than she give, and they have some serious heat, but he just needs some assurance that he had a place in her life at some point 🥺 then there’s the new girl who isn’t tied to any aspect of her chaotic life and offers her a sense of freedom from all the aspects asking for her attention 😳 the city of love has offered her some amazing photography based learning experiences but it also leaves Rachel with some tough questions and decisions…..book two has got some serious making up to do , can’t wait wait 😅
May 26, 2026
WOW…don’t really know what to feel. I loved getting to know Rachel but I have to admit that her love interests are very mixed. I know Heather warned us (readers) that Rachel’s journey would be messy and imperfect but it makes it way more real. But then again I have mixed feelings on where Rachel is at and how Impulse Control ended. I will say that Heather is a favorite author of mines and I love all of her books and I trust she will get us to Rachel’s HEA eventually though there are no promises on who that will be with. Impulse Control has lots of my favorite elements and requirement (drama, angst, twists and turns, all the feels (both characters and readers), and so much heat) of mine that is a must for a five ⭐️book. I highly recommend Impulse Control,, Elusive: Love in Focus series, and Heather Long as an author! Readers don’t have to read the previous books where Rachel first appeared but I honestly and truly recommend reading the Untouchable series and the Untouchable What If series (currently being worked on and not completed yet but I highly recommend)! I can’t wait for the next book in Elusive: Love in Focus series! Hope you enjoy the journey as much as I did! Please read the foreword that Heather included as a caution for readers. Keep reading and see you at the end of Rachel’s journey!
Review of advance copy received from Author
EVERYBODY GIRD YOUR LOINS!
Yeah this is gonna be one of those. It's almost Devil Wears Prada-esque. In this case, Andie is Rachel. Rachel apparently made her debut in The Untouchables series. I haven't read that yet. Don't come for me. And again appeared in Blood Brothers. That series is incredible by the way.
Rachel just moved to Paris. Her dream of being a photographer is just well within her grasp. She taking classes at the Sorbonne, she's interning at Paris Daily. She's working with a man named Rene. Who gives off short man, big everything else energy. He is no nonsense. Doesn't beat around the bush. There's no good morning how are you there's just a toss of a flash drive and a need this by Friday.
But you can read all about Rachel. How she's stretched thin. How she's missing the man named Dominic back in New York. How he is just present without actually being present. He's unwavering. He's steady. He's the "ok talk when you can not because you have to". Rachel is raw and real. And by 70% I started to cry. And by the end of the book I had full on sniffles and ugly tears running down my cheeks. Because there's so much raw emotion coming off her in waves. I wanted to smack her hand. I wanted her to call. I wanted her to take the 5 minutes. Because it's 5 minutes!!
Yeah this is gonna be one of those. It's almost Devil Wears Prada-esque. In this case, Andie is Rachel. Rachel apparently made her debut in The Untouchables series. I haven't read that yet. Don't come for me. And again appeared in Blood Brothers. That series is incredible by the way.
Rachel just moved to Paris. Her dream of being a photographer is just well within her grasp. She taking classes at the Sorbonne, she's interning at Paris Daily. She's working with a man named Rene. Who gives off short man, big everything else energy. He is no nonsense. Doesn't beat around the bush. There's no good morning how are you there's just a toss of a flash drive and a need this by Friday.
But you can read all about Rachel. How she's stretched thin. How she's missing the man named Dominic back in New York. How he is just present without actually being present. He's unwavering. He's steady. He's the "ok talk when you can not because you have to". Rachel is raw and real. And by 70% I started to cry. And by the end of the book I had full on sniffles and ugly tears running down my cheeks. Because there's so much raw emotion coming off her in waves. I wanted to smack her hand. I wanted her to call. I wanted her to take the 5 minutes. Because it's 5 minutes!!
May 22, 2026
As I finished Impulse Control, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to give Rachel a hug…or slap her upside the head! Geez, does she have a tough road ahead of her. I guess I’d sum up this first book as ‘Rachel is on a journey to find herself’. And let me warn you: as of the end of book one? Yeah, she doesn’t figure it out.
Wow for the other characters! I loved Domenic, even when he was being a butt head about getting his own way. My opinion is he truly cares about Rachel but she is still in her ‘finding herself’ phase. And he is giving her the space to do it. Just about broke my heart!
I feel for Rachel, though; she is just going thru life at a thousand mph and I can’t figure out – yet – if she is running towards a solution/answers, or running away. It’s hard. And this first book is all about that journey. Once again, though, I’m going to shoot nasty looks at the author for leaving us hanging. She DID warn the readers but I can’t wait to read the next book. Rachel has so many opportunities in her life, at the moment, but (imo) she just has to slow down to figure out what she wants. And when she wants it/them. Life is all about choices…
Great read! Even if it does hit all the finding-yourself stumbles…
Wow for the other characters! I loved Domenic, even when he was being a butt head about getting his own way. My opinion is he truly cares about Rachel but she is still in her ‘finding herself’ phase. And he is giving her the space to do it. Just about broke my heart!
I feel for Rachel, though; she is just going thru life at a thousand mph and I can’t figure out – yet – if she is running towards a solution/answers, or running away. It’s hard. And this first book is all about that journey. Once again, though, I’m going to shoot nasty looks at the author for leaving us hanging. She DID warn the readers but I can’t wait to read the next book. Rachel has so many opportunities in her life, at the moment, but (imo) she just has to slow down to figure out what she wants. And when she wants it/them. Life is all about choices…
Great read! Even if it does hit all the finding-yourself stumbles…
June 4, 2026
5🌟
2🌶️
I absolutely adore Heathers writing style and this book did not disappoint. The way she draws you into a story is absolutely flawless. This book features both MF and FF content so please bear that in mind before reading and check out Heathers foreword at the start.
I was very excited for Rachel’s books to finally come to life and this first book was a great start. Rachel is complex but also very relatable and seeing her start her own journey and story through life is so exciting.
I’ve only read a couple of books with FF content and it’s been usually in a why choose setting so this was a first for me. I feel Heather captured Rachel figuring out her sexuality well and shows people reading who are experiencing similar emotions a way to relate in a fictional setting.
The spice was slow but so worth it and it leads greatly into book 2. I can’t wait to see how Rachel progresses in book 2 and where things will lead with Dominic. This book made me feel all the emotions and was beautifully done.
Thank you Heather for the opportunity to have this book as an ARC and I’m excited for what’s next.
If you love
💜friends to lovers
🌟bisexual ménage
💜sex positive
🌟he falls first
💜devil wears prada meets small town
Then this book is for you!!💜
2🌶️
I absolutely adore Heathers writing style and this book did not disappoint. The way she draws you into a story is absolutely flawless. This book features both MF and FF content so please bear that in mind before reading and check out Heathers foreword at the start.
I was very excited for Rachel’s books to finally come to life and this first book was a great start. Rachel is complex but also very relatable and seeing her start her own journey and story through life is so exciting.
I’ve only read a couple of books with FF content and it’s been usually in a why choose setting so this was a first for me. I feel Heather captured Rachel figuring out her sexuality well and shows people reading who are experiencing similar emotions a way to relate in a fictional setting.
The spice was slow but so worth it and it leads greatly into book 2. I can’t wait to see how Rachel progresses in book 2 and where things will lead with Dominic. This book made me feel all the emotions and was beautifully done.
Thank you Heather for the opportunity to have this book as an ARC and I’m excited for what’s next.
If you love
💜friends to lovers
🌟bisexual ménage
💜sex positive
🌟he falls first
💜devil wears prada meets small town
Then this book is for you!!💜
Review of advance copy received from Author
Impulse Control held me in its grasp until the very end and now I am in definite need of the next one! I have been enjoying the books I’ve picked up by Heather so when I saw a promo for this one, I immediately signed up. This book did not disappoint!
Rachel moved to Paris to start her photography career. She moved to live her life on her own terms. To do what she wants. However, two things complicate that life. One man who wants to love her. One woman who won’t be second place. But Rachel is still learning how to live her life.
Just like Heather stated, Rachel is one of those characters who will make you yell at the page. Half the time, I was yelling at her internally. But her character is so real and so relatable. She is trying to succeed at work. She is trying to better herself. But in the process, she’s losing herself.
This story was honestly so different than what I’ve read before from Heather, but it was so good. I was reading this story and was fully immersed that when the ending came, I wasn’t even expecting it. I think I will definitely be checking out the other stories that Rachel shows up in! I can’t wait for book two!
Rachel moved to Paris to start her photography career. She moved to live her life on her own terms. To do what she wants. However, two things complicate that life. One man who wants to love her. One woman who won’t be second place. But Rachel is still learning how to live her life.
Just like Heather stated, Rachel is one of those characters who will make you yell at the page. Half the time, I was yelling at her internally. But her character is so real and so relatable. She is trying to succeed at work. She is trying to better herself. But in the process, she’s losing herself.
This story was honestly so different than what I’ve read before from Heather, but it was so good. I was reading this story and was fully immersed that when the ending came, I wasn’t even expecting it. I think I will definitely be checking out the other stories that Rachel shows up in! I can’t wait for book two!
May 31, 2026
Rachel could never disappoint!!!
When I first read about Rachel, I knew her story was going to be a must read. In true Rachel fashion, it has a little angst, there was always going to be push/pull for the simple fact that she is a amazingly stubborn characters I have read. In The Untouchables she is so strong, with a larger than life presence on page, in Impulse Control it was refreshing to see her in a different light.
Rachel making the decision to move to Paris seemed impulsive and to most like running away, and it could well have been the case in the beginning but I actually love this for her. She needed to spread her wings, to do her own thing and while she certainly stumbles, I think this is what she needs. She has alot of relatable moments and I love that.
I dont know if I want the series to have more love interests pop up down the road or if I want it to be fmf or ffm but either way I am here for the long haul. I am so invested in Rachel and can't wait to see where she goes and what she does next.
When I first read about Rachel, I knew her story was going to be a must read. In true Rachel fashion, it has a little angst, there was always going to be push/pull for the simple fact that she is a amazingly stubborn characters I have read. In The Untouchables she is so strong, with a larger than life presence on page, in Impulse Control it was refreshing to see her in a different light.
Rachel making the decision to move to Paris seemed impulsive and to most like running away, and it could well have been the case in the beginning but I actually love this for her. She needed to spread her wings, to do her own thing and while she certainly stumbles, I think this is what she needs. She has alot of relatable moments and I love that.
I dont know if I want the series to have more love interests pop up down the road or if I want it to be fmf or ffm but either way I am here for the long haul. I am so invested in Rachel and can't wait to see where she goes and what she does next.
June 1, 2026
Finally Rachel....
I, like most that have fallen in love with Heather Long's books, have been waiting on this story. If you're familiar with Heather's work you'll know that some side characters come onto the page and they are so large they demand their own story. This was Rachel from the moment we meet her in Frankie's story. So this, this was one I anticipated and it completely blew me away.
Rachel has moved to Paris to start building her life and to find herself. The thung finding yourself is hard and scary, so very scary. And for someone like Rachel - terrifying. I think Mischa's words to her at the end encompass that truth and finally force Rachel to be honest with herself. Did that last chapter break my heart? Of course it did. But did I understand why? Absolutely. Sometimes to find your truths and who you are you have to let go of the things and people that mean the most. But I wholeheartedly believe that Rachel will find what she's looking for and so much more and I look forward to the next part of her journey.
I, like most that have fallen in love with Heather Long's books, have been waiting on this story. If you're familiar with Heather's work you'll know that some side characters come onto the page and they are so large they demand their own story. This was Rachel from the moment we meet her in Frankie's story. So this, this was one I anticipated and it completely blew me away.
Rachel has moved to Paris to start building her life and to find herself. The thung finding yourself is hard and scary, so very scary. And for someone like Rachel - terrifying. I think Mischa's words to her at the end encompass that truth and finally force Rachel to be honest with herself. Did that last chapter break my heart? Of course it did. But did I understand why? Absolutely. Sometimes to find your truths and who you are you have to let go of the things and people that mean the most. But I wholeheartedly believe that Rachel will find what she's looking for and so much more and I look forward to the next part of her journey.
June 9, 2026
This is a fun, angsty slice-of-life romance that I’ve been looking forward to for ages! As of book one, there isn’t any conspiracy, violence, or Big Bad villain, it’s just a college student in a foreign country trying to manage her life alongside romance, crushes, and everything else that comes from juggling too much and being unwilling to let anything fall.
Rachel is compelling because she comes across as very self-assured but as you dive deeper into her perspective, you see that she is full of doubts, questions, and fears. She does her best to stay busy so that she doesn’t have time to analyze her emotions. It’s both heartbreaking and inevitable to watch her start to unravel.
I enjoyed the set up for the romance in this book. It’s not a typical meet-cute kind of story, and there is some uncertainty about where it will end up when the story is over, but I couldn’t have put this book down for anything. It ends on a bittersweet note and I’m very curious to see how things go in the next one!
Rachel is compelling because she comes across as very self-assured but as you dive deeper into her perspective, you see that she is full of doubts, questions, and fears. She does her best to stay busy so that she doesn’t have time to analyze her emotions. It’s both heartbreaking and inevitable to watch her start to unravel.
I enjoyed the set up for the romance in this book. It’s not a typical meet-cute kind of story, and there is some uncertainty about where it will end up when the story is over, but I couldn’t have put this book down for anything. It ends on a bittersweet note and I’m very curious to see how things go in the next one!
July 16, 2026
Heather, I just finished re-reading Impulse Control, and I am absolutely in awe of your writing. You captured me within minutes through Rachel’s voice—it felt so authentic and compelling from the very beginning.
There were so many moments when I had to stop reading just to absorb the poetry woven into your words. So many of the themes resonated with me that I knew I had to do a reread almost immediately.
This is one of those books that makes you want to highlight every other page (though I could never bring myself to write in a book, lol). Rachel’s inner thoughts are filled with so much insight, and I found myself reflecting on them long after I put the book down.
And then you paired all of that with the art of photography, which added another beautiful layer to the story.
Thank you for writing this book for all of us girls who struggle to ask for help, who tend to run instead of stay, and who see pieces of ourselves in Rachel. It was a truly beautiful reading experience, and I’m so grateful you shared it with us.
There were so many moments when I had to stop reading just to absorb the poetry woven into your words. So many of the themes resonated with me that I knew I had to do a reread almost immediately.
This is one of those books that makes you want to highlight every other page (though I could never bring myself to write in a book, lol). Rachel’s inner thoughts are filled with so much insight, and I found myself reflecting on them long after I put the book down.
And then you paired all of that with the art of photography, which added another beautiful layer to the story.
Thank you for writing this book for all of us girls who struggle to ask for help, who tend to run instead of stay, and who see pieces of ourselves in Rachel. It was a truly beautiful reading experience, and I’m so grateful you shared it with us.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Copy!!
"How many times can you keep the shutter closed on your own life...before you forget what you were trying to protect?"
I knew when Rachel's story came out, it was going to break me. If you have read Frankie's story, you know that Rachel is a giver. She does everything that she can to protect, help, and be there for the people she loves. She is also someone who doesn't know where she lands. She fights for everyone, but not really for herself. We finally get to see Rachel stripped down and even bare in moments. She is so dang real. There were times in this book that I wanted to shake her. Other times, I cried for her. I just devoured her story. She broke me apart and I cannot wait to see her find herself. Dominic, Kiara, and whomever else....they better appreciate such an amazing person. Her photography is a part of her and watching her grow and become uncomfortable is everything. I cannot wait to watch Rachel grow into herself and learn to love herself, flaws and all.
"How many times can you keep the shutter closed on your own life...before you forget what you were trying to protect?"
I knew when Rachel's story came out, it was going to break me. If you have read Frankie's story, you know that Rachel is a giver. She does everything that she can to protect, help, and be there for the people she loves. She is also someone who doesn't know where she lands. She fights for everyone, but not really for herself. We finally get to see Rachel stripped down and even bare in moments. She is so dang real. There were times in this book that I wanted to shake her. Other times, I cried for her. I just devoured her story. She broke me apart and I cannot wait to see her find herself. Dominic, Kiara, and whomever else....they better appreciate such an amazing person. Her photography is a part of her and watching her grow and become uncomfortable is everything. I cannot wait to watch Rachel grow into herself and learn to love herself, flaws and all.
May 23, 2026
Holy emotional rollercoaster! I’ve always loved Rachel’s character. She comes across as so self assured, strong, and no nonsense when she’s been a supporting character in Heather’s other books. But this stripped down, real version of Rachel is spectacular. Seeing her in her element in Paris and the way Rachel experiences moving to a foreign country and figuring out a new life and then her shaping herself to figure out how all the pieces of her life need to fit to reach her goals….dang. This book is so emotionally impressive!!! Although, I cried and wanted to throw the book and yell at her by the end for what I’m perceiving as poor choices - but that’s why Heather is here to guide Rachel’s story in a way to maximize impact. I can’t wait to see where this next important step in her life leads her!!!
May 25, 2026
Heather Long just broke my heart. It feels like I've been waiting for forever for Rachel's story. After so many glimpses at her in the Untouchables story I was ready for her to step into the limelight. She's moved to Paris to work and study photography. She has an internship, a mentor, classes to attend. Dominic is there for her. And you see this wonderful buildup and then you can see the crash and burn coming. Rachel doesn't tell anyone no. And she becomes ruled by her phone and calendar, and then starts falling behind on that. And all you feel from her is sadness and defeat. There's no happiness. First, Rachel broke my heart. Then Dominic broke my heart. And it's all Heather's fault. I can't wait for what comes next, but please let it be some happiness!
May 26, 2026
I feel like the snippets of Rachel and even Dominic, throughout the other series have been like the longest game of f0repl@y ever. I have been desperate for their story for god knows how long now, it wasn’t what I expected but I loved every minute of it. Dominic has completely stolen my heart, I just wanted to wrap him up in bubble wrap and keep him for myself. Rachel - I’m loving her journey and excited to see how she grows into herself. I’ve loved seeing this side of her, beneath the hard shell, the self assured and sassy girl she’s always presented as. I enjoyed seeing what goes on underneath, the effects of pressure on her made her that bit more human and relatable. I’m definitely curious and intrigued about who will come and go in Rachel’s life as she’s finding herself.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I knew this book was going to be a favorite for this year and boy did it not disappoint! Heather- Rachel’s book is everything I knew it would be and more. 😍😍😍
The way she has grown since we first met her with the Untouchable series. Watching her spread her wings to become her own person. It’s not only magical to read, but I find myself grinning, laughing, swooning and even crying as she has these big life moments and dreams.
As much I love Rachel with Dom - I love that my girl is still embracing her love for all and exploring, experimenting. Like the banter & chemistry she has with Kiara.
I truly cannot wait to see how this series develops and the relationships.
The way she has grown since we first met her with the Untouchable series. Watching her spread her wings to become her own person. It’s not only magical to read, but I find myself grinning, laughing, swooning and even crying as she has these big life moments and dreams.
As much I love Rachel with Dom - I love that my girl is still embracing her love for all and exploring, experimenting. Like the banter & chemistry she has with Kiara.
I truly cannot wait to see how this series develops and the relationships.
May 23, 2026
I was so excited when I saw this is about Rachel. If you have read Frankie's books, you know who Rachel is. You do not have to read any other books to read this though. This is Rachel's story.
I just loved reading this even though I wanted to reach through my kindle and shake her sometimes. I found myself not wanting to stop reading because I needed to know what would happen next.
Rachel does for so many and just keeps piling more stuff to do. She doesn't take time for herself and you just see her struggles. I found my heart hurting for her too. This book is just so raw and so good. I am rooting for anyone she let's into her life. Cannot wait for the next book.
I just loved reading this even though I wanted to reach through my kindle and shake her sometimes. I found myself not wanting to stop reading because I needed to know what would happen next.
Rachel does for so many and just keeps piling more stuff to do. She doesn't take time for herself and you just see her struggles. I found my heart hurting for her too. This book is just so raw and so good. I am rooting for anyone she let's into her life. Cannot wait for the next book.
June 1, 2026
Oh Rachel....Who wouldn't love Paris? I guess sometimes you have to move far away to find yourself. An aspiring (and fabulous!) photographer, Rachel moves to Paris to study and hone her art, distance herself from Dominic and truly find out about and find herself. Alone, but not lonely, busy to the point of exhaustion, trying to balance all aspects of her life, work, school, relationships....but somehow losing herself in the process...This is the beginning of Rachel's story. I love this girl. She has so much potential and so much heart...Heather Long is a wonderful story teller. She wraps us up with Rachel's story and has us begging for more. Give us more Heather. We need the next book!
August 7, 2026
1. We finally get Rachel’s story and I could not be happier - it has been plaguing my mind.
2. Rachel is so human. Maybe one of the most relatable FMCs in that aspect that I have ever read.
3. I also wanted to reach through the pages and shake her multiple times throughout the book.
Heather Long has an uncanny ability to make me feel things I never thought I would feel and relate to characters that are completely different than me… and leave me obsessing over when the next book comes out due to the cliffhanger. I can’t wait to see where Rachel goes next, how her feelings change, and how she handles the people in her life.
2. Rachel is so human. Maybe one of the most relatable FMCs in that aspect that I have ever read.
3. I also wanted to reach through the pages and shake her multiple times throughout the book.
Heather Long has an uncanny ability to make me feel things I never thought I would feel and relate to characters that are completely different than me… and leave me obsessing over when the next book comes out due to the cliffhanger. I can’t wait to see where Rachel goes next, how her feelings change, and how she handles the people in her life.
Review of advance copy received from Author
qotd- could you go to live, work and go to school in Paris without friends or family?
Release date 5/22/26
A young woman on a journey of self-discovery, seeking to understand her true desires, and to learn and grow. Watching Rachel try to juggle her work, her emotions, and her love interests was heart-aching to read. Dominic was there to challenge, test, tease, and push her; then there was Kiara. This story just flowed for me, and before I knew it, I was on the last page. A truly delightful story that I cried when I got to the last page.
OMG - Dominic was 🤌💋 🫠.
Release date 5/22/26
A young woman on a journey of self-discovery, seeking to understand her true desires, and to learn and grow. Watching Rachel try to juggle her work, her emotions, and her love interests was heart-aching to read. Dominic was there to challenge, test, tease, and push her; then there was Kiara. This story just flowed for me, and before I knew it, I was on the last page. A truly delightful story that I cried when I got to the last page.
OMG - Dominic was 🤌💋 🫠.
May 14, 2026
I can safely say that I truly enjoyed this book, but Rachel makes me so mad sometimes! Yes, I had the author’s warning that it would happen, but it hits so much harder when you’re in the story. I adore Dominic and his devotion to Rachel. My heart hurts for him, and I can feel his pain. Rachel is extremely relatable. The continual addition of new tasks piling up and struggling to find who you really are amongst it all. I am interested to see how Kiara continues to change the overall picture. I can’t wait to see how the new adventure plays out!
May 23, 2026
Loved Rachel
Rachel , Rachel , Rachel. OMG how i have been desperately waiting for your story to be told. Wow , what an emotional ride that was. I honestly didn't expect to need tissues and chocolate this early on , but i did. My heart is a little bit shattered at the minute. I knew I was going to love Rachel from when we met her in previous series , but she is so much more than the girl we think we know. This book is soooooo good and with that ending I am desperate for more , I really need her to get the HEA she deserves.
Rachel , Rachel , Rachel. OMG how i have been desperately waiting for your story to be told. Wow , what an emotional ride that was. I honestly didn't expect to need tissues and chocolate this early on , but i did. My heart is a little bit shattered at the minute. I knew I was going to love Rachel from when we met her in previous series , but she is so much more than the girl we think we know. This book is soooooo good and with that ending I am desperate for more , I really need her to get the HEA she deserves.
October 24, 2026
Existential crisis or coming of age?
This book is definitely a “get to know” Rachel one.
Not much is happening and things are quite routine. We get a great feel of Paris and what it’s like to work and attend classes as a photographer. I loved Dominic chapters but didn’t like the way she treated him and the cheating (yes, I consider kissing another person while in a long distance relationship still cheating).
I am still intrigued by Rachel and her story so I will definitely read other books in the series!
This book is definitely a “get to know” Rachel one.
Not much is happening and things are quite routine. We get a great feel of Paris and what it’s like to work and attend classes as a photographer. I loved Dominic chapters but didn’t like the way she treated him and the cheating (yes, I consider kissing another person while in a long distance relationship still cheating).
I am still intrigued by Rachel and her story so I will definitely read other books in the series!
May 19, 2026
Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Wow. I was expecting a cliffie but this book ends so much differently but also reads so different.
Rachel is trying to find herself so she runs to Paris. There she is immersed in trying to be herself and be free. But her learnings lead to confusion and her decisions are confusing.
Her love is her calendar and in it she find solace. But is it peace or just a substitute?
#impulsecontrol #heatherlongauthor #risareads221reviews
Wow. I was expecting a cliffie but this book ends so much differently but also reads so different.
Rachel is trying to find herself so she runs to Paris. There she is immersed in trying to be herself and be free. But her learnings lead to confusion and her decisions are confusing.
Her love is her calendar and in it she find solace. But is it peace or just a substitute?
#impulsecontrol #heatherlongauthor #risareads221reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
Rachel moves to Paris is attends class and a photographer. But she is more than that she needed an escape from her life, family, Frankie, Dominic who loves her unconditionally and despite her not giving him the same. She is afraid of being loved and she feels stuck not sure of what she wants never ready to give him ot anyone her all. Instead she hides only giving parts of herself. She doesn’t make the decision we hope she does but that’s her. Unpredictable and the books ends with me wanting to hug and shake her but also sad for her and the others effected by her decision or lack thereof.
May 22, 2026
Gahhhhhh Rachel!!!!!!! Heather is one of those authors that it doesn’t matter what it is, if she writes it, I'm reading it. Besides just loving Rachel as a character in general, I found her and so many moments in her story to be relatable. I felt her struggles in my bones. The constant running, pushing, going, going, going. Burning the candle from both ends and surviving on caffeine and phone reminders. I'm counting the days for the next book. I need to know how her story ends!
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