Taking Control: Rick's Story

by Morgan Malone

Summer on the Jersey Shore and all Rick Sheridan wants is some solitude at his beach house. Then he spots a lean, leggy blonde coming out of the surf and his plans are shot to hell. And the dangerous looking knife strapped to her arm tells him this is no damsel in distress. As a not-so retired Marine, at 51, Rick’s learned that nothing is for certain, plans can spin out of control and shit happens. Wounded and weary from one too many wars, Britt Capshaw thought a summer at the Shore, hanging out in her family’s beach cottage, would help her heal. And figure out what to do with the rest of her life. Out of the military, disillusioned and distrustful of any two-legged male, Britt’s one love is Alex, the yellow Labrador retriever she rescued from Afghanistan. Rick and Britt are immediately attracted to one another, but after years in combat, they are wary of letting down their guard, of giving up control. The summer heats up and fireworks are flying between them even after the Fourth of July. But, ghosts from their pasts haunt them and finally bring them face to face with some dark secrets that may destroy the fragile trust they’ve built. Can Britt trust Rick with her dangerous past? Will Rick be able to let go of the rigid control he needs to keep Britt and himself safe from more heartbreak? These two brave souls fight against surrendering their hearts and finally finding love. Who will win?

174 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 17, 2018

Reviews

[Leslie aka StoreyBook Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can't imagine what it is like for those in the military that see battle and the stress that surrounds the jobs that they perform to protect our country.  This book gives us a little insight into PTSD for Britt and Rick and how it is not quite the same for each person.  I thought their stories were well told - from what they experienced to how it currently affects them both physically and mentally.  They both have trust issues that they work through with each other and with the help of some four legged friends, especially a horse named Kip.  When I was reading the book, I wondered where the horse came into play that was on the cover.  It is halfway or more through the book before you understand why there is a horse on the cover.

There are some descriptive sex scenes and a fair amount of foul language.  Just a heads up in case you don't like to read this in your book.  I think some of it was appropriate but there are also a part where I felt like it was on the fringe of BDSM.  However, knowing how both characters had control issues it was not too surprising to have this sort of scene.

We give it 3 1/2 paws

[E. · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

“Taking Control: Rick’s Story” by Morgan Malone is the second book in the ‘Love in Control’ series. This contemporary romance does a lovely job of portraying the dance of attraction that plays out between two wounded veterans as they fortuitously share time on the Jersey Shore. Both Rick Sheridan and Britt Capshaw have retreated there to heal and evaluate their respective lives and neither wants to deal with a pesky neighbor, or so they think.

I love the way each backstory is gradually revealed (although I ache at the revelations) as well as the unique twist provided by the military background that these two characters have, which colors both their reactions and their interactions. The charismatic dog Alex naturally steals whichever scene he is part of and I was intrigued by the Saratoga WarHorse program that provides therapy for our wounded warriors, although I wanted more detail about the experience. I was drawn into this story instantly and delighted that these two are mature characters who have to fight to let down their walls enough to be comfortable showing their scars (both physical and emotional). There is a nicely balanced combination of poignancy, romance, and sensuality that keeps one invested in this lovely tale of two courageous people who are struggling to heal and lead a meaningful life. This is the first book I have read by this author but I will definitely be on the lookout for more of her titles.

A copy of this title was provided to me for review

[Eva Millien · Rating 4 out of 5]

Scars from the past play a big part is heartwarming contemporary romance with strong, compelling characters that grabs readers’ attention and ensures that they want to know the story and as they get to know the story, the readers can’t help but admire them for the past, their courage and their strength. The relationship between Rick and Britt is sweet but full of emotional turmoil that tugs at heartstrings and a past full of strength, courage and some dark turbulence due to their time in the service that that adds to the heart jerking emotional atmosphere of the story, while the chemistry between the two is undeniable these issues have them holding back from each other. Readers can’t help but become caught up in the story as Rick and Britt both try to overcome the past that haunts them and they face dark secrets that threatens destroy the fragile trust between them. The plot is steady paced with an adorable dog that helps this couple reach for their happily ever after.

[S.L. Dearing · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a good romance, and Taking Control: Rick's Story by Morgan Malone does not disappoint.

I wasn't sure how I felt about Rick and Britt in the start of the book, but I really grew to love them. They are both tremendously flawed, damaged and struggling, but as we see more and more glimpses into their souls, we become invested in them. Early on I was rooting for them, hoping they would be able to trust themselves and each other. I also loved that they were older characters, not only struggling with their demons, but dealing with baggage we can all relate to.

I'm not military, despite being the daughter and grand-daughter of Navy men, but Ms. Morgan's military accuracy rand true and I was impressed she did her research, I love that. I also loved that like in life outside the military, it isn't one thing that can destroy us, but rather a series of events.

Taking Control: Rick's Story is a quick read, but definitely worth the money and the time. I was definitely invested in Rick and Britt, and was super emotional at the end.

While this is book 2 in the series, it is definitely a stand alone.

Love a good romance, military or otherwise? Then grab a copy today.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did not know this book was number two in a series. Yet, it can be read as a stand alone novel. Instantly, I felt and established strong, personal connections to both Rick and Britt. In the beginning, Rick showed real emotion when he experienced a moment from the past and broke down in tears. Right away, this endeared me to him. On the other hand, Britt was a bit more assertive. Yet, in a good way without being in your face. Britt was also hurting. Together Rick and Britt were just what the other one needed.

The romance between these two was full of heart and soul. It was not too hot but making love it more than just "sex". It can be really H-O-T when it is filled with a true connection. The story was made better with the endearing qualities of Britt and Rick. I could not stop reading as I really liked their story. Author, Morgan Malone knows how to write a stirring story that tugs at the reader's heart strings. Readers will enjoy reading this book.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful and compassionate story of love and healing, brilliantly written about two wounded warriors who need to learn to let go of control and trust each other. Rick Sheridan a Marine Colonel whom we met in Kat's story and Britt Capshaw an Army Captain both retreat to the Jersey Shore to heal and decide what is next. There is an immediate attraction but trust is slow to come. I love the way the author slowly weaves in their back story and the compassion she shows for what our service people go through. The Saratoga WarHorse program that provides therapy for wounded warriors is an amazing program and beautiful addition to this story. The dialogue is so mature and beautiful as are the supporting characters. This is the third book I have read by this amazing author and I absolutely love her work. I can not wait to read more of her work. I would give this a ten if I could.

[Donna Rae · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Jersey Shore is a great setting to heal . Solitude and the calm of the ocean is what Rick needs but he has a new neighbor Britt and her dog Alex.
There is an Immediate attraction to each other. Both from military backgrounds need to be able to get past the things that haunt them . Can they get past the things that want them to find love? Well I guess you’ll have to read the book to find out. A good clean cut wholesome read !!! Very enjoyable!

[Susan Sherwin-Albert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

There was a lot of respect for veterans and the fact that two people had to adjust to their civilian lives and each other. Nicely written!