Crumbling Control

Helena Hawthorn #3

by May Freighter

After attending a funeral in Aberdeen, Helena meets with a very concerned Vincent - a member of the Vampire Council. He shares his worries about the dangers European vampires are facing. The hunters are gathering from all around, local packs of werewolves fight for territory, and Eliza is up to something that she says will 'save them all'.

Lucious is staying away from Helena. The hunters shot him full of tracking bullets and every time he stops, they catch up to him. To prevent those he cares about from being in danger, he ends up helping the man he never wished to see again.

Helena's feelings for Lucious begin to waver as she cannot get in contact with him. Andrew remains as a constant by her side and makes her laugh when everything else is going to hell.

Can Helena and Lucious overcome their new trials as the hunters come knocking, demons escape through the Demon Gate, and the Council begins to crumble?

Genres: Vampires, Paranormal

433 pages, ebook

Published March 12, 2017

About the author

May Freighter is an award-winning, internationally bestselling author from Ireland. She writes Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, Paranormal Romance, and Sci-Fi Mysteries that will keep you entertained, mystified, and hopefully craving more. Currently, she's attempting to parent two little monsters and hasn't slept in over 4 years.

Who needs sleep these days, anyway?

On days when May can join her fictional characters on an adventure, stars must align in the sky and meteors will probably rain down. So keep an eye out.

Her hobbies are photography, drawing, plotting different ways of characters' demise, and picking up toys after her kids. Not exactly in that order, either.

Sign up to May's Urban Fantasy Newsletter and get DESIRED for free here!

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Website: https://authormayfreighter.com/
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/May-Freighter/...
FB page: https://www.facebook.com/authormayfre...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayfreighter/

*****
HELENA HAWTHORN SERIES:
- Alexander: Memoirs (Prequel)
- Russian Roulette
- Demon Gates
- Crumbling Control
- Desired (Spin-off Novella)
- Alexander: Monochrome Interview
- Fated Origins
- Cherished (Spin-off Novella)
- Dark Affiliations
- Blood Witch
- Twisted Truths
- TBA

*****
ANNALISE STORM CHRONICLES:
- Case: 0
- Case: 1
- Case: 2

*****
EMPIRE OF SHATTERED CROWNS
- Queen of Deception
- Queen of Ashes
- Queen of Hope
- Queen of Hearts
- Queen of Dante (Release Sept 30, 2024)
- Queen of Vows (TBA)

Reviews

[Jessica Bronder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Helena has been through hell and back. But she is a strong woman and growing stronger. Lucious is coming to care for and protect Helena. He is willing to do whatever it takes to keep her safe, even staying away from her. Although this distance is hard on the two of them, this is the easiest part of the story. The vampire counsel is starting to crumble and Helena is going to have to start making some even harder decisions to try to save those she loves and herself and Lucious.

This is an amazing series. Helena is clearly never going to get that break she has so clearly earned. You hit the ground running on page one and it doesn’t let up until the end, which was not expected. I have come to really like Alexander. He has hidden himself so deep that it has taken this long to finally fully warm up to him. He is there to help Helena when Lucious is gone.

I love how the main baddie is clearly batshit crazy yet seems to make sense. How can you really hate the bad guy when you can understand their motivation? Between this and making the tough decisions Helena has to make on who to save kept me flipping pages like crazy.

This is a great series and one that I strongly recommend. Although I would recommend starting it on the weekend because you are not going to get any sleep. Now I can’t wait to get my hands on Fated Origins.

I received Crumbing Control from Silver Dagger Book Tours for free. This has in no way influenced my opinion of this book.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished reading Crumbling Control a couple of days ago. And I'm left feeling bereft...like I've lost a good friend. I miss Helena. I miss Lucious. Heck, I even sorta miss Lazarus! That to me is a sign of a good author. May Freighter has a gift and I for one am so happy that she has decided to share it with the world. Now please Ms. Freighter, get to writing so I can visit with all of my friends again!

[Nikki Landis · Rating 5 out of 5]

There isn't a single thing I don't LOVE about this series. It's paranormal romance at its finest - wonderful storytelling, intricate plot, detailed descriptions and imagination, and a steamy love affair. So many different kinds of supernatural creatures and a world that's been built with amazing clarity and depth.

I'm a huge fan of both Helena and Lucious. They've grown leaps and bounds since book 1 but what keeps me coming back for more is that there's never a dull moment in their paranormal world. How they handle the conflicts, the strain on their relationship, and ever present chaos makes for a FANTASTIC read. I love the chemistry between the pair and simply DEVOUR every chapter. At the end of this one - I was screaming at my Kindle. Must have more!!!

I could go on and on and gush over this author and her amazing work but you NEED to READ this series. Go, do it now. Highly recommended!! 5 incredible stars!

Characters: 5/5
Plot: 5/5
Word Building: 5/5
Story Flow: 5/5

Picky Bitches OVERALL SCORE: 5/5

[Lyn Mckenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.

Wow….just wow… What an amazing book!!! And the way it ended!!! Get ready to get your mind blown away by this story! This is the third story in this series and it is a must to read the first two books to understand what is happening in this book. The way it finished i am unsure if this the last book in the series or it will carry on, i do hope it carries on as i love reading about this world!

You want an exciting storyline then this one is for you! There are many surprises and twists and turns in this book that will keep you captivated throughout the whole story. As with the other books i have read by this author she creates a world that your imagination craves to be a part of, writing in such a way that you need to read more! In my opinion this shows an amazing author.

I have found that i love Alexander’s character more an more, you see more of an insight to him in this book, you really do see a different side to him and you can see why Lucious has been friends with him for as long as he is. He has many secrets and hides himself from most people but i would love to more about him and his past. I love the way that Lucious and Helena are together, they have such a bond filled with love, trust and passion and it is a joy to read about them and their relationship.

I won't say any more about this book as i wouldn't want to give spoilers on this book as you really need to experience all the surprises for yourself, and there are many surprises! This is a major must read book that you won't be able to stop once you have started!!!

[TheBookishK9RN · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great addition to this series. So much action and emotion going on. Helena is forever fighting evil and fighting for Lucious. We were introduced to some new players and a few questions were answered. I can’t wait to see where this story goes next.

[Marzena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written story with a lot of twists and turns. Action, suspense, a lot of surprises and interesting characters. A surprising ending that leaves us wishing to know what will be next. Definitely worth reading.
I voluntary reviewed an Advance Copy of this book.

[Steph · Rating 4 out of 5]

3 Degrees Of Fiction Review Group
4 STARS

Crumbling Control is the third book in the Helena Hawthorn series. It continues the dark and complex relationship of Helena and Lucious as they try to stay alive when mean supernaturals keep coming at them. Honestly, someone needs to give the poor heroine a break! I truly admire her will to keep going after all the drama she has to face on an everyday basis. On the other hand, I love the way Lucious has changed. He becomes more protective of Helena to the point that he will even stay away from her if that means she will be safe. We saw that protective streak in book 2 but it is much more highlighted in this one.
My favorite part of the book is the reappearance of old friends. Yes, the angel guy is pulling my heartstrings again and he will do the same with yours, in a good way. The presence of Andrew and the physical distance between our hero and heroine is a huge tension point in the novel. Truth be told, it was interesting and agonizing at the same time. I could totally feel their frustration. The cruelty of the villain is something amazing too! She manages to sound so mean and crazy but make sense in her own twisted way of thinking. Honestly, that is quite an accomplishment!

The plot was full of drama, action, romance, and heart crushing moments. I can't wait for the next book in the series!

[Scherrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

You can’t help but fall in love with this series. It’s a I can’t put this book down type of series!! Great characters and interesting storyline.

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

[Cátia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just loved it! Some questions are answered and leaves us with an important and excruciating question: What will happen to Helena & Lucious?!! Again, can´t wait to read the next book!!!

[A_MOTUS · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntary reviewed an Advance Copy of this book.
Old friends are coming back, villains are going mad and the fate seems already decided. I loved the complexity of the plot and the way the characters keep being so surprising but at the same time they stay true to themselves. In this book Helena's character have grown. She is not so innocent anymore. Ravaged by the loss of people she hold dear, but also by the truth of her involvement, she is now learning that she was never alone. Another being was always with her and influencing her without her knowledge. Ally or foe, the vampires might be the one to hold the key of this mystery. But asking questions might give a new reason to her enemies to use her.
In this world control is everything but soon even the most powerful players are played by an invisible treat. The treads are coming in place for the next level.
A grand final that keep us on edge for what is coming next. One thing for sure Lucious is going to have it bad.

[Mi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Story as it is progressing gets more and more exciting, Helena and others get tangled more in mystery and it brings out the best. Reader has to have a lot of patience to not skip a lot of pages to find out what is on end. It is so good that I wish I could read faster to know and learn what happen next. The plot and suspense is one of the best. This is book which should be a hit of a millenium. I wish to read another books written by this amazing author soon.

Good job, well done May.

[Cath · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book three of the Helena Hawthorn series and the main characters are former saint and human Helena Hawthorn, and the vampire she shares a soul string with, Lucious Ellwood. A witch they got to assist them and others, to open the Demon Gate in the last book, didn’t make it home and Helena was invited to Aberdeen to be at her funeral and help tell her circle of fellow witches how she had died and about her last moments. Strangely, her young daughter has now become the new High Priestess, which is quite odd to witness. Vincent pulls Helena back into the orbit of the vampire council and Lucious gets worried about just what exactly Councilwoman Eliza is up to and why she is keeping his sire Anna prisoner there! Eliza is supposed to be equal to the other vampires on the council, but she is clearly in charge and up to something. Hunters are gathering around London and look ready to annihilate all vampires, once and for all. Lucious has to rely on a previous ally who let him down, Byron, a werewolf, who doesn’t belong to a pack, having fallen in love with a human and having a young daughter Antoinette. He has to rely on Byron’s assistance when the hunters almost manage to kill him and he has to escape their tracking devices and large numbers. He must stay away from Helena, so as not to draw her into this war any further!

Helena has the huge library of the council HQ to use and to try and find more information about the demons and the demon realm. She is also trying to find out more about the link between her and Lucious, how their souls are so in synch and what it all means. But the fates have a lot more already planned for Helena and her role in live is not really her own to pursue! She doesn’t know what to think of her feelings for Lucious, since he is so far away from her, now that his childe Andrew, has returned. Andrew wants her to love him rather than Lucious, but even love she loves him as a friend, she can’t love him in the way he wants, no matter how much he lightens her load. Alexander comes into his own more in this book, as he starts to admire Helena, even if he doesn’t show it much. Lucious is his long held friend and whilst he refuses to love again, Lucious has clearly fallen for Helena and their souls are linked in some mysterious twist of fate. He does as Lucious asks and helps to protect her, but none of them know what Eliza is up to and what hell it will bring down upon them! Vampires will be sacrificed, as hunters circle ever closer and wolf packs decide to fight against themselves, whilst the witches stay away from the action.

Helena is tormented each night with the love life of another, a fate who fell for an angel, and what connection it has to her current life and her future. But another who she thought was a friend, will soon betray her. The doppelganger in her mind has warned her, that certain choices may lead to her death, but she is about to be given a choice that even she can’t believe! Alexander is supposed to be keeping her safe whilst Lucious can’t be with her, but even he has no choice but to let her go and face her fate. Her fate will lead to Lucious having to make the ultimate sacrifice, to allow her to live without the weight of the path the fates placed her in, having to be the only life she could live. A shocking ending, with you left wondering what on earth will happen next and still rooting for your favourite characters to somehow get out of this! So much danger and betrayal at every corner, as the action ramps up even more, with former friends turned enemies and enemies end up as allies! I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Things have not slowed in the least as Book 3 continues its breakneck pace.

Helena and Lucious are still battling to stay alive as they are given no break and no time to recover. Lucious is showing even more of his protective side with Helena, revealed further when he has to deliberately stay away from her to keep her safe. The Hunters had shot him with tracking bullets and he leads danger to everyone he cares about as Hunters relentlessly pursue him as soon as he slows down. So he has to trust others to take care of Helena, and this adds a great deal of stress to the relationship for both of them.

Helena talks with Vincent, a member of the Vampire Council, who tells her he is worried over the dangers the European vampires are facing. Hunters are gathering from everywhere, local packs of werewolves are fighting for territory, and Eliza is up to something. Where will Helena end up next? Will she give up on Lucious when she can’t reconnect with him and reaffirm their feelings?

This is an amazingly well-written exciting read with more twists and turns than the reader can count. The reader is kept in a constant state of tension as the story races along. The plot continues to be intriguing and old and new characters move in and out of the story, the reader continuing to be drawn to the intensely powerful relationships. Get your copy and follow along in this suspenseful adventure! There’s even more to come!

[Lene Blackthorn · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the third book in this series, Helena and Lucious do not get any breaks from the drama and dangers. With the council - or rather Eliza - having their own agenda, the hunters being a mortal danger, and Michael's reappearance, not mentioning Maya's situation or the newest threats to Helena's family, there is not a single dull moment in the book. I enjoyed this emotional rollercoaster, the battles and conflicts, and the character growth, noticing an already significant change in Helena under the circumstances - losing her innocence, gaining more knowledge, and growing into her new self, accepting slowly the truths she cannot deny anymore. I also liked to watch Alexander in this book, getting more understanding of his character and seeing his changing attitude towards Helena. And that ending - well, I'd say there is even more drama and problems to come.

[Nina Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crumbling Control by May Freighter is the third book in the Helena Hawthorne series. This is a stand alone book that begins where second book Demon Gates ended. Helena is still recovering from the ordeal with the demon Lazarus and is now summoned to the home of the council member Vincent. Lucious is running to stay ahead of the hunters hunting him and both of them are just trying to survive. This book is full of hidden agendas, mysteries, and a fate that will not be stopped. This story is so compelling that I couldn’t put it down. I loved every twist and turn in this tale and the love connection between Helena and Lucious is spicy and sweet. This book will be a favorite for anyone who loves an epic vampire romance. Crumbling Control is a epic vampire love story controlled by fate.

[Lisa Eiff · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book. The third installment for this series is well written and draws you right into the storyline. Helena has interactions with a wide variety of curious characters in this novel, and it's packed with action up until the end. Oh, and another thing...you probably won't expect the ending.

I received an ecopy of this book from the author but wanted to share my honest opinion of this book here. I strongly recommend you start with book 1 in the Helena Hawthorne series if you just happen across this review and decide to check this book out, that way you can become acquainted with the characters and their journeys up to this point. You will not regret it.

[The Mysterious Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

“How will Helena and Lucious overcome their new trials once the hunters come knocking on their door, demons escape through the Demon Gate, and the Council begins to crumble?”

Yup, that publisher’s blurb quote just about sums it up. May Freighter’s Helena Hawthorn series just keeps on going from superb to superb, and that’s certainly the case in Crumbling Control, it’s third book. Action from start to end. Tension and thrills from start to end. Wow, from start to end. And great characters who keep on growing and getting more complex and fabulous, not only Helena and Lucious. Can’t forget Alexander, and the rest of the cast for that sake.

Highly recommended.

[DesiRae Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

*I recieved this book free from the author for my honest opinion*

Let me start off by saying I truly enjoy this story line. I love Luscious, I love Alexander, Helena has shown her dedication to her friends over and over again. And there is enough action to keep the story going nicely.

But I have questions.... Where did Andrew go? And Peri? Also I don't understand what the difference is between turning someone into a Vampire or a ghoul. Did I somehow miss an important step when Andrew was turned?

I feel like there are a lot of loose ends to be tied up, will the next book tie some up? Or will be dig the hole deeper?

Guess we shall see. Fated Origins begins tomorrow....

[Caroline Doig · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 3 to the series and I must say wow what a book! Lucious gets shot by hunters with tracking bullets but he has to keep on running, he definitely can’t go back to Helena or he will be putting her life in danger so he gets Alexander to keep her safe. So many twists and turns on every page that it will keep you enthralled right up to the very end. I love ❤️❤️this book but you need to start from book 1 to understand the characters and the storyline, I just can’t brag about this book enough. Absolutely fantastic read and I highly recommend this book.

[Lucretia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I might have mentioned before that I adore this series. Part three is another home run. Things haven't become any easier for Helena, well, other than having Lucious, but even that isn't easy at this point. Their required separation is probably the least complicated part for either of them as this story takes off with high action and holds you in its grip from start to finish. Secondary characters continue to grow and gather my attention. Especially Alexander... If you are looking for a paranormal series to binge read, this is it. Bravo, I'm on to the next part.

[Raina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intense and amazing

This story pulls the emotions all over the place. One moment things are great and the next people are dying. Vampires, demons and witches everywhere but humans are kept in the dark. Helena is an amazing character. The one thing you can count on her doing is doing anything to protect those she loves, even if it means death. The view of good and evil blurs constantly through the book. Action and fighting are everywhere. And the love of the two main characters transcends even death of possible.

[Nilda Cruz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved everthing about this series. The characters, amazing storytelling, the emotions and the romance. Helena meets with Vincent, a member of the European Vampire Council. Vampires are in danger, the werewolves are fighting for territories and Lucious is staying away from Helena. She is spending more time with Andrew. What will happen with Helena and Lucious? Well, you got to read to find out. I know you will be drawn into this series even more.

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

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

New battles and new enemies. With no break after their last battle they now have vampire hunters to deal with. Lucious is shot with tracking devices and stays away from Helena to protect her from them. However his distance is affecting Helena and now she's becoming unsure. After her meeting with Vincent, and learning of the hunters Andrew stays by her side while Lucious is gone. Excited to see what the next book bring for Helena and Lucious.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is so much going on in this book. There’s layer upon layer of story all happening at once and very little of it is to Lucious and Helena’s benefit. Nothing in this book is as simple as it seems on the surface as both Helena and Lucious face one betrayal and heartbreak after another. We finally learn many of the secrets Michael has been keeping, but the price paid for that knowledge is a high one. I’m a little afraid to see where the next story is going to take us, however I’m determined to embrace where the adventure leads.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author.

[Di · Rating 4 out of 5]

After leaving me nearly incoherent at the end of the previous book, this one proceeded to put me through the wringer all over again. And I simply don’t know the right words to explain how fantastic this book was without digging myself deep into spoiler territory. This book is more straight-forward in where the threats are coming from, but that doesn’t mean it’s any less exciting. It’s filled with action that goes by in a breathless blur and kept me on the edge of my seat for the entire book.

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

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

he is filled full of tracking devices and every times he stops they catch up to him. to protect her he stays away but this makes her question what is going on. she gets close to another. how can they get through this new tough trial? will they ever be able to be together again? there is only one way to find out

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

[SA · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, May Freighter does it each time! She puts the reader under her spell. This is the third book in the series and yet every twist, surprise, and event are brand new. The way things are connected to past events, the way veils are lifted from each character, making us judge our sanity in trusting him or her in the first place, it is all simply brilliant. I can only respect the complex world created here and bow to the author. The end as always made me pant for more.

[Scarolet Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crumbling Control (Helena Hawthorn Series Book 3) by May Freighter is a wonderful story to read. This is book number three in this wonderful seris that I have loved from the very begining and it just keeps getting better as the series continues I am hooked. I highly recommend this story to everyone who loves readign about shifters, demons,vampires, fantasy and romantic suspense in their stories.

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

[Jeanne Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read several books written by May Freighter; she has done a great job at writing a good book; she is becoming one of my favorite authors. I can’t wait to read more of books her books.

The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.

I loved the chemistry between the characters.

I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.

[Laurie Beemer · Rating 5 out of 5]

7 stars- Who doesn't love surprise and sexiness and vampires? This series started great and it is now becoming fantastic. Book three in the series has more suspense, steam, fun, and intensity. The more of the series I read the more in awe of Helena I become. She is fun to follow as she stumbles across one surprise or another. Thank you for allowing me to read this and write about it.