Brother of the fiercest crime lord in Fair Haven, Vadim Gorgoshev has survived horrors most men couldn’t imagine in their nightmares—and he’s learned to thrive in the chaos.
But the master of control meets his match when a fiery redhead crosses his path.
Will the obsessive Vadim maintain the upper hand or will the reckless Tiffany turn his world upside down?
Control is the first book in a new trilogy in the Club XXX world. Vadim’s trilogy is completely standalone and can be enjoyed without first reading Maxim’s trilogy.
I am a quirky writer from the US who dabbles in dark, paranormal and contemporary romance. My stories aren't always typical, but contain a little something for everyone.
I LOVE TIFFANY SO MUCH! She made me chuckle so many times. Perfect blend of "Oh yeah? I'll show you" and "mama bear" energy. Perfect match for Vadim's mind games.
RTC with my fav quotes coming soon!
*Full Review*
Everything is falling into place perfectly. Usually, that only heralds bad news. Either I passed out in the lounge, and this is all a vivid hallucination, or something bad is on the horizon to dampen this moment. Either way...
I don't want to turn back.
Tiffany is newly divorced and on the prowl. She decides, as part of her plan to live life on her terms, to go to a fancy bar and hit on billionaires, as part of her sexy fantasy to have a one night stand with a rich dude.
One note about Tiffany. She likes Chanel and she likes to drink. And while that may be cause for concern that Tiffany is a caricature of what femininity is under the patriarchy, do not panic. Repeat. Do not panic. The story is written from her perspective, and she is smart, she doesn't take herself too seriously, and she will say her piece.
He'll pay for this later. Oh, he will so pay. But for now, I know it's better to play my part and bide my time. No one will ever make a fool of me again, out of spite or otherwise.
So I instantly fell in love with Tiffany. I loved the set-up of Tiffany scoping out the joint and ending up back in Vadim's penthouse. But I truly knew I was safe with Tiffany when I read how she reacted to Vadim's mind games. The moment she realized she was being manipulated as a pawn, her fight instinct was up but she didn't do anything dumb but played it out brazenly in public and then confronted Vadim afterwards about his shitty actions.
The quote above comes from when Tiffany goes to meet Vadim's brother, Maxim, in a dress suitable for adult parties - not parties where kids are present. She realizes Vadim pushed her to wear the dress with the most skin in order to disrespect his brother, by making it seem as though he brought an escort to the party. Unwilling to be embarrassed or upset, she puts on her best socialite foot forward.
"See how good it can be when you give me what I want?" I tell him accusingly. "I give you what you need..."
Control is my favourite book of Vadim's love story because it is a complete fantasy. I don't get the appeal of rich millionaires who take over your life but I do get the appeal of said rich millionaire meeting his match with an unflappable woman who is itching to live life. And she's not embarrassing or sad or awkward about it. Yes, she's a wino but girl grew up on a vineyard. Her head's screwed on tight where it counts.
"Baby, I've decided to no longer be offended by your dickishness. I'm just going to train you as any decent woman would."
I loved the wife interview process. I loved the sex club scene. I basically loved all of the scenes where Tiffany has the gumption to throw the ball back into Vadim's court. So much fun! Now this is what living vicariously through fictional characters is all about.
And Vadim was a sweet hero. Although he was considered a bit of a mindf**ker in Maxim's story, he wasn't that much of a manipulator as his character arc is driven by He's not into sexual games or mind games. He has a focus that keeps him centred.
I say this because I went into Vadim's story expecting to read a dark mafia romance. I'm very happy that I got this instead because I love a good angst-y read but I also loveee a funny and fun read. This was not sexually explicit or experimental as Maxim was. This was a fun little escapade. Or maybe I just think that because I just finished Maxim when I read this. 😂
This book was a surprise... I was really thinking in something along the line of the previous books... This was the total opposite!
I liked that the h is turning a new page in her new free life and enjoying it to the max. She is direct, open, funny and sassy! The only thing that grated on my nerves was how frivolous she was... The cloths, the lavish underwear, the jewels, the gifts... She says she was a "perfect wife" but she leaves out that she was a "trophy wife" looks pretty but does nothing aside of going on shopping sprees!
Him, was a bit of disappointing, I was thinking he was going to be all dark and twisted from what we saw from the last book... but no. He is damaged, guarded.
It was a slow book, with a lot of feelings... things are starting to pick up...
Control is a fitting name for the first book about Vadim, Maxim's troubled and estranged brother from the first three Club XXX books. We met Vadim in the last book, and got treated to a first class lesson in dangerous sibling rivalry. Make no mistake, the only thing the two brothers seem to have in common is a brutal upbringing and a need to control their environment. Enter Tiffany, a bored divorcee looking for wild, uninhibited sex with a stranger. Right away, Vadim comes off completely different than Maxim. Some of my favorite parts of the book describe Vadim.
"He’s pretty. Freakishly so. An angelic nose anchors his delicately crafted features— like a masculine but beautiful doll. Pale skin conforms to his high cheekbones and strong jaw. Jesus almighty, I’ve never seen a sexier jaw. Eyes so dark, I feel the need to strike a match take me in with little reaction, and my brain runs wild trying to decipher them. Is he bored? Surprised that I’ve approached him?"
"There’s something about his eyes that I find the most enticing. They’re… shadowed. Like he has an invisible wall up, and I’m only seeing a sliver of what lurks underneath—what he wants me to see. And right now, he wants me to see a sheepish, devastating smile."
"My eyes linger over his face this time, and my next breath catches in my throat. His eyelashes go on for days, his lips alarmingly pink. Again, my brain turns to dirty, dirty things. But a part of me almost feels ashamed for putting him in that light— even in my imagination. He looks so innocent."
Tiffany isn't fooled. She sees the wall he puts up and decides what the heck? It's just a one night stand! But Vadim is mysterious and alluring, and they both make a deal for company that seems to already have an end date. Tiffany is bold, whip smart and observant, never hesitating to challenge Vadim on his baloney. She's fascinated by him almost immediately.
"Denying himself of beauty and pleasure is starting to seem like his defining trait. "
“"Why do you have your penis pierced?” We both glance down to the center of his slacks . Is that a slight bulge I see? My cheeks heat, and I’m not sure if I enjoy the idea that he may like feeling me against him as much as I do. Or, it could be a trick of the light. “Why? Control,” he says simply. “To prove that I alone can exert ownership over my body.”"
""...Offer me a real, heartfelt compliment, and I’ll stay. Until Tuesday. After that, you’re allowing me the use of your private plane to go back to Cali so that you can’t ‘cancel’ any more commercial flights.” He frowns, looking surlier than ever. “I can start, if you want?” I say sweetly. “Watch and learn— I love your c$ck. I love how you f&@% when you lose yourself in the moment. I love it when you slap me on the—”“The things you say.” His frown deepens, his brows furrowing in aggravation. “Am I really to believe that you were a Sunday school teacher?”“Amen,” I say solemnly. “But whether you believe me or not doesn’t matter to me. I don’t spend my life concerned with the intentions of others like you do.”"
And she's successful grabs his attention. Slowly, Vadim becomes less of a myth and more of a man fighting off his demons. The interactions between Vadim and Maxim show a fractured relationship that never really had a chance to thrive. Instead of lashing out and demanding, like Maxim does, Vadim shrinks and gives in to the negativity. But again, here comes Tiffany who, after just a few days of dissecting Vadim, she just GETS it. Typical, right? And they call women overly emotional.
The sex scenes were dynamite in the page. Sky doesn't just write them. She paints them in broad, beautiful strokes.
"Lost in a haze of pleasure, I hear him curse, his hips slamming over mine. Like gasoline poured onto a roaring inferno, the sensation of his release flooding my sheath sets me off yet again."
I loved the way Vadim started to count on Tiffany's unique presence. How she became his saving grace, so much so that he was afraid to lose her. Tiffany is written as a strong, funny woman who DEMANDS Vadim's attention. It's such a pleasure to read about a male character who appreciates a female like Tiffany! When some major revelations occur, I just cheered on my head, as you can't help but root for them. Vadim is not a dom like Maxim, and Tiffany's sexual journey runs parallel to Vadim's. Some of it is heartbreaking. You can certainly read this book as a standalone, but I can't help but be happy that I devoured the first three books in the Club XXX series, especially the last book. I just felt that I had some insider revelations that helped to shape the story for me. When you read the beginning of Vadim's story, you know there's so much more to come, and there is a cliffhanger. The story is a masterpiece of human emotion and empathy for a man who doesn't think he's really worth your time, and a woman willing to do anything to solve his mystery.
This was an amazing read and an excellent way to kick-off this trilogy. I just loved these characters. Vadim and Tiffany easily and quickly stole into my heart. The dynamic between these characters was very compelling and their chemistry and clever banter kept me captivated. I felt that these two had an almost yin and yang quality to them and I found that super appealing. The book itself is very well written and the story engaging. There's plenty of intensity, powerful emotions, drama and steam as the storyline unfolds. Totally enjoyed it and can't wait until book two releases. I am posting a candid, volitional review.
I need book two -- like yesterday!!! this ends on a very big revelation
I was curious about Vadim especially after meeting him in Maxim's story. I knew after the incident (don't want to risk spoiling) with Maxim at the end of the last book there was so much more to him... Secrets I wanted to be revealed
This is the first book in his story and I think Sky did a solid job of creating a foundation for what is to come. This was a bit slow for me in the beginning but as it progressed I clicked with the characters.
Tiffany has had enough. It is time to take back her life and be Free. Free of the bonds of being the Pastors wife, the Perfect daughter, enough Paying for the sins of her youth. And she is starting with a vacation of debauchery. Absolutely have to love 💘that not only did she divorce the dead weight but it seems she also freed herself of her brain to mouth 👄filter. It was refreshing to have a female lead that was so forthcoming. I was a bit taken aback by Tiffany's drinking. I didn't have a problem with her taking a no holds barred experimental vacation. After the life she lived (revealed as the story progresses) she deserved it. Just the wine thing, bugged me these were some major life choices and making them while intoxicated?
And Vadim... I knew there was so much more to him. He comes across as cold and detached but you can see the little boy hiding behind the walls, seeking something... He is taking back his life. He has a plan, but for it to work he needs a wife. And who better than the little redhead minx that pushes all his buttons? That tests his control? Practice makes perfect -
Maxim still gets my hackles up ughhh he can be so blind
Wait for it - once everything begins to fall into place - When part of the past is revealed -I was a bit blown away here I have so many questions Right when things get real...
“It’s not like I’m falling for him, the beautiful, sexy, billionaire of unknown wealth who delivers the best sex I’ve had to date. That would be recklessly irresponsible. So it’s a good thing I’m not thinking about him right now, wondering what the hell he’s getting up to without me.”
Tiffany is one hell of a character! I loved her! What’s a feisty thing who knew exactly what she wants and let’s her freak flag fly. She unknowingly picked a gentleman who isn’t used to touch. Doesn’t allow himself love or touch or pleasure. We meet Vadim the reclusive billionaire.
Gah. He’s such a complicated character. He’s intrigued by Tiffany and her openness of her kinks and wants.
This is a complicated love story. It leaves off on cliffhanger with Vadim trying to adopt a little girl. Who? What? Wtf? You’ll have to read the second book to find out.
Good lord, shame on me for not having moved this up on my TBR sooner because this was delicious. Normally, Tiffany and her antixs would have put me of as being bratty but it worked In this story. I liked how it pushed Vadim into a person with feelings. Vadim was DELICIOUS.
Looking forward to unveiling more secrets and all that this author has in store for these characters.
This was incredible and exciting I was pacing the floors nail biting story. The characters will sweep you away just phenomenal writing they come to life on every page , so addicting it's like a movie but you never know what to expect. I adore Tiffany she was so real and fun not afraid of anything and if any one can make sense of Vadim it's her believe me these to are complicated and explosive and so right but they get each other and Vadim is not an easy man with many many layers to unravel and it can be very scary and sweet all at the same time.
I can't even say enough about his story it is so so good and I want no I need more, of this man.
I have been patiently waiting for Vadim's story and Lana did not disappoint! Vadim is mysterious and unknown to me, only cameos in the previous books and I love him more and more! Ella exposes herself to Vadim and silently dreams of him repeatedly. I think there is more to Vadim than what is exposed in this story! I need more of him!
TBH, I was expecting a very different Vadim. I was waiting for fireworks, goosebumps and electrifying chemistry between H and h but this wasn't the case. At times I was even bored. I was waiting for Vadim to turn to an ultra alpha, instead he turned into an indecisive softie. Maxim and Frankie are still my favourite couple.
Oh, this kicked me HARD in the heart. Seriously kicked me. The 2 main characters are Vadim & Tiffany. Vadim is Maxim's (Submit, Obey, Surrender) brother: tortured, tormented, tossed aside from childhood he's erected ironclad walls to protect his mind & heart from further assaults. Tiffany is an everyday woman, freshly divorced (FREE!) of her rigid controlling jerk of a husband & vibrating to experience everything in life she's ever imagined or dreamed. And her first order of business is her headfirst dive into the DEEP end of her kinky sexual revolution pool. And purely by chance, Vadim is the first participant she chooses. And after a wobbly start (considerably emboldened due to her weakness for wine) Vadim & Tiffany engage in what is to be a 4 hour one of . . . . Ms. Sky is an absolute artist in this tale, the reader has hints that Vadim is not what he seems: cold, distant, detached, but his walls are always raised & impenetrable. But Tiffany is a force of nature unto herself: determined, playful, snarky but not cruel, eager & enthusiastically desirous of enjoying her time with Vadim & wanting him to enjoy her. Even Vadim finds her honest admiration & compliments increasingly difficult to repel or disbelieve. But just exactly WHAT, if anything, IS Vadim's ultimate goal? And how, if at all, does Tiffany fit in? 'Control' is told completely via Tiffany's POV & therefore Vadim remains a unknown quantity & enticingly mysterious. Tiffany does start chipping at his defenses, worming or cajoling 'tiny scraps' of his past & feelings in unexpected bursts & slices that ever so slowly allow both Tiffany & the reader to understand just how d*mn awful & heinous Vadim's life has been. Ms. Sky slowly peels the layers that shield Vadim to begin to reveal a man so damaged & tormented that both Tiffany & the reader's hearts ACHE for this man. No matter his power, his wealth, his mask: we ACHE for him. And Tiffany IMO is a superb heroine: she has her moments of selfishness, of self concern, self focus, of flippancy, BUT they are thankfully very brief & few & far between. What shines out from Tiffany is her true attraction to, admiration of, & growing sense of caring for the beautiful man that fascinates her in every way. Her true, sincere & deepening concern for the tragic & lonely Vadim, her honest desire to make him smile, happy, carefree. The reader is lifted higher & higher with their hopes for a potential long-term relationship between Vadim & Tiffany & then a new angle is exposed, one which reinstates Vadim's walls higher than ever & shakes Tiffany to the core . . . . A beautifully written romance with wonderfully light deft touches that increasingly engage the reader emotions, keeps them pulled in & intrigued, invested in Vadim & Tiffany's path to a potential future, maybe together. I loved this one & cannot wait for the next book in their story.
Spice 3/5 darkness 0/5 rating 3.5 Ovum, I expected so much more. I expected violence dominance. Not you catering to a mouthy, designer, loving redhead. I expected the Vadim that manically laughed at Frankie not a poor broken soul. 😫 This book was a complete 180 from Maxim and Frankie. It’s not nearly as dark as the last books, at least not yet anyway. I was expecting Vadim to be a mini Max🥲. Tiffany is a recently divorce’ her boring mentally abusive ex-husband, got with another woman, so she left, and she had new rules for her life. (I’m waiting for Vadim to meet that man) She wanted to meet a rich man that liked to have kinky sex, so she meets Vadim. Their relationship starts off interesting because he doesn’t know what to do with her. She’s very outgoing and he’s confused by that. She also likes to complement him a lot, like a lot, and he grows to love this. All throughout the books she kept saying stuff like “oh his wall is coming down”. But I don’t think it is like at all. The only things she knows about him is the beef between him and Maxim. And that he was abused as a child. She literally has no clue how crazy he is and what he does for a living… like he’s killed lots of people girl!!!! I’m waiting to see the Vadim, we saw with Frankie and how crazy he was with her. It’s definitely weird going from Maxim to Vadim. Maixm is so aggressive and dominant (I miss him) and Vadim doesn’t really care about being bossed around and he’s just now figuring out that sex can be pleasurable… he researches how to be a Dom basically, because Tiffany wants to do all these kinky things. She also said Vadim was the most dangerous man she’s ever been with… She would actually shit herself if she was with Maxim. And if she knew Frankie got off on pain… “Someone so lost, so tormented that driving a needle through his own penis was the only way he could regain control. Over his body. Over himself.” She would be mind blown by Frankie lmao Anyway, all was going well. They were opening up to each other, kinda on his part lol and then the dinner with Maxim and Martin happened, which of course Maxim went off on Vadim, but Miss sassy Tiffany yelled at Maxim lmao. That didn’t put a crack in their relationship no, not even him kidnapping a child. What did was him bringing his daughter home??? I don’t know. I guess we’ll find out in the next book, but I don’t think he’s playing anymore. I genuinely think he was going to tell her, but didn’t know how. I still love Maxim and Frankie more. I just love a dominant man and so far Tiffy is given more dominant than damn psycho Vadim 😭😭
If you haven't read Maxim's story, I highly advise you to do that before reading this novel. The volatile relationship between Maxim and Vadim is front and center in book one with little backstory or history to give the reader any insight into these two brothers and their lives prior to this novel. I felt the author fell short on that aspect of the novel.
Vadim is a deeply troubled man with a troubling past that is not well defined in book one. He has emotional baggage as well as physical baggage that he attempts to deal with in book one. He has walls that seem impenetrable at times which he can turn off or on at the drop of a hat.
Enters Tiffany who is a shallow character throughout much of book one. She redeems herself by the end of book one. She too has allot of emotional baggage she refuses to deal with and is on a mission to indoctrinate herself into a BDSM lifestyle with little information or research or knowledge of the lifestyle. They meet in Maxim's BDSM club with no fireworks going off and both admitting the other is not someone they are drawn to. One thing leads to another with she and Vadim getting together for a one night stand that turns into a week and then longer. As messed up as Vadim character is Tiffany's character was frustrating during book one with her senseless banter and questions, her insatiable appetite for sex and buying couture on Maxim's credit card into the ten's of thousands. Who does that with someone you just met? Her character throughout much of book one seemed entitled and with little depth. She has just gotten a divorce from her minister husband who knocked up his secretary and decided to go all "Christian Grey" to sooth her tattered self esteem. Tiffany isn't a bad person but one that has no direction or plans for the future other than to have BDSM with anyone interested, live off her trust funds and alimony. No job or education or wife/mother skills (she can't even cook) she decides to stay so that Maxim can adopt a daughter he knew little about. He on the other hand is frustrating because he includes her in uncomfortable situations without little knowledge beforehand which leads to some bitter arguments. He's famous for dropping her into very difficult situations with no forewarning.
The book ends on a cliff hanger with as many unanswered questions as the story began with.
Control: XXX Vadim Book 1 (Club XXX 4) by Lana Sky
Tiffany Conners is a newly divorce’ and repressed. She has played the dutiful wife and Sunday school teacher but wants a little taste of the darker side of romance. She is tired of hiding that inner part of herself.
Vadim (Dima) Gorgoshev has been through literal hell his entire life and has made it through the other side. He has learned to control everything in his life because it is what saved him from utter chaos.
After years of playing a part that everyone wanted her to be, Tiffany is being a little selfish for once and then going back to her boring life. She just wants a taste and then she will close that part of herself. She meets a man that she thinks will help to scratch that itch. What she finds instead is a man that needs it just as much as she does. Vadim needs help with an ongoing project and Tiffany might be the perfect fit. All he needs to do is find the right price to get her to agree. When an agreement is made with an end date, will Vadim allow her to walk away after having a taste of her? Vadim can control everything in his life but when it comes to Tiffany, there is none. How can a woman make him want to and will he ever be the same?
I fell in love with Dima in Surrender with is grin that hid the hidden scars of his youth. I know that book only showed the surface of his pain but the amount of strength that it takes to still breath every day. Tiffany became a favorite within the second page of this book with her inner monologues. I am so used to Lana’s dark twisted love stories, but I have also fell in love with this brand as well. Gone was the animalistic and instead the quiet study of the inner control of a man afraid to let go. The way that Tiffany went after Vadim without question because she wanted to. She isn't one to hold back when it comes to what she is thinking and that was refreshing. Like her mother, she tries to act with good manners and calm the storms. Vadim needs that in his life. A kind of cushion between normal issues of life because he doesn’t think of the little things. Tiffany picks up the slack but because she wants to.
This book is so different to LS' previous series. It's very refreshing, and showcases a great sense of her range as a writer. Honestly though, I would read and thoroughly enjoy anything that she wrote because she bypasses your rational mind and decides to punch you in the heart or the gut–in a good way though, I swear, pinky promise, on all my deceased family member's graves.
So our two central characters: Tiffy is definitely one of my favourite characters from LS. She's a strong woman who speaks her mind, knows what she wants, and is tired of being sidelined. She's also incredibly sensitive and caring in regards to Vadim who may or may not actually deserve it. And of course she's not without her flaws or past.
Vadim however, is still a bit of a mystery, though it's clear that he's a caring and thoughtful person despite his past. Which, we get to know certain elements of, but no the full extent of his trauma and experiences. His key motivations for the most part are guarded. And as his character seems to change and develop, I started to question whether or not it was 'real' or just some part of an elaborate mind game.
Them together was surprising to me. They have great chemistry, it's believable, raw, at times brutal (in an emotional way). I love, love, LOVE (**coughs**) how they propel each other forward through the story. There are also some cameos from past characters in this universe and I found it very enlightening to perceive these people, and their world through the lens of Tiffy.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of "CONTROL: XXX VADIM" WOW!!! This was a phenominal start to this dark twisted mindblowing story right from the start it grabs and doesn't let go. Vadim Gorgoshev is the brother to the fiercest Crime Lord in Fair Haven Maxim these two don't get along he brings put the worst out in Vadim who survived horrors of his past making him cold, disconnected, distant & mysterious. Tiffany Connors is at the Gray Bar at Hotel Six looking for a one night stand, her life was destroyed by her ex-husband Jim married for 7yrs she caught him cheating with his secretary her sex life was loveless as well as her marriage she is now a new strong, sexy, confidant woman no one will ever make her feel worthless ever again. Vadim and Tiffany strike up a conversation at the bar these two are like light and dark, yin and yang even though he tells her she isn't his type and mistook her for an escort they end up in his room. Vadim and Tiffany's journey start after their one night of hot steamy sex the banter between these two make them such interesting entertaining couple you can't get enough of she ends up in Fair Haven with him. I definitely recommend to get this well executed book Lana Sky is a very talented writer her stories are so addicting, dark, twisted, enthralling, captivating, intriguing, I read this in one go the characters are awesome so much happens and the shocking ending WOW!!! totally not expected leading you to book two "CORRUPT" which can't come soon enough.
Control:XXX Vadim is book one in this new series and Ohhhhh what an excellent start to what I know will be another wild and crazy ride by Lana Sky!
Vadim has a tortured past, a brother who is a fierce crime lord, one whom he would like to have a relationship with except there is so much horrible history between them. Also, there is a need he never knew he had which happens to be a particular redhead that challenges him and would like nothing more than to tear down the walls that he has so deeply constructed.
Tiffany is a divorcee looking for something she has never had, freedom, and she is going to take that bull by the horns. When Tiffany and Vadim meet, that is where the fun begins. I love Tiffany so much because she is so tenacious, leaps without thinking and speaks her mind, often.
The only thing I didn’t like about this book is that it ended way too soon. I can’t wait to see how Vadim and Tiffany evolve and how Maxim and Francesca’s relationship grow between them all. Also, will Vadim let more of his closely guarded walls down and will Tiffany stay when she finds out one of his many secrets? I guess I will have to patiently wait for my next fix!
Side note, If you haven’t read Maxim and Francesca’s story (Submit, Obey and Surrender) it is a must read as the last book is Vadim’s introduction. You need to get to know each and every one of these enigmatic characters because they are so worth it.
Thank you again Lana for your exceptional writing and storytelling.
Control: XXX Vadim Book 1 If you haven’t read any of Lana Sky’s work yet, although I highly recommend starting, don’t be cautious to read this masterpiece. This book has worked its way up as my favorite Sky book, it’s not as dark as her others and we get to see an extremely strong and independent woman that will steal the book.
“Lovely!” I clap my hands, my smile beaming, “Congratulations!” I swear everyone flinches. But I take the awkward tension as a challenge. I will survive this, so help me, God. Or I will gleefully take Vadim down with me.
Tifanny immediately stole the show for me. Her ‘go get it’ attitude and persistence to get what she wants, amazed me. Her old boring life pushes her into the hands of Vadim where she gets to explore the life she has always wanted to live. We get to see Vadim and his life outside of Maxim, a side that you wouldn’t expect. Now before I get lost in the plot and spoil it for you, let’s talk about how wonderfully Lana Sky writes these characters. Intense and entertaining dialogue, detailed descriptions, and beautifully crafted sex scenes will have you finishing this book in one sitting. Of course, it wouldn’t be complete without a frustratingly well-written cliff hanger.
Now hopefully I’ve given you enough reason to pick up this book and maybe you’ll love it as much as I do.
This is such a different beast from the Maximum books. I thought a story about Vadim would be from his perspective, but not once is this story told from his POV. It's all from the eyes of Tiffy, a newly divorced woman who is on the prowl. After 10 years of playing the dutifully wife only to come home to find her husband with his pregnant mistress, she has decided to take life back by the horns and she wants to play it kinky-style. So though Vadim isn't her type (he's too thin, too beautiful), she decides to heck with it. That one decision leads her to another coast, a power-play within a family she couldn't even understand, auditioning for the role of a fake wife, and so many new kinky sexy times that her brain may be fried. What was supposed to be a one-night stand has somehow turned into something more complicated. It's charming and aching all in one as these two users come head to head. Who will come out on top and who will get burned? One thing is for sure, Vadim is a complex person that I thought and I want to know all his secrets.
Unquestionably one of Lana Sky's best books! I loved everything about this story, every single word! Lana Sky created characters that were phenomenal. Tiff, as she sometimes calls herself, is sassy, spunky, and the things that come out of her mouth kept me smiling constantly. Vadim, extremely handsome, dark and brooding, and had more money than could ever be spent, even though Tiff to spend it all when given his credit card shopping all top designers. The thing about Vadim, you never knew what he was thinking at times which drove Tiff crazy wondering what he was hiding. Sex starved from her first husband, Tiff was into just about anything kinky. What kept me on the edge was Tiff never knew where she stood with Vadim and was always ready to take off back home. And then there was Maxim, Vadim's brother. We met him in the earlier books, he has his own story, but when he meets up with Vadim this time there is hatred and fury galore. Absolutely an unparalleled book!!!
Lana Sky is my go to for dark romances, with Control and Vadim's series this is more of suspense with the reader wanting to know what is going to happen next. It did not seem as dark as we usually get from the author, but that just makes me even more intrigued. The characters are very different as well. Tiffany is a bit spoiled and naive starting out and Vadim is extremely closed off, it definitely makes for an interesting read! There are twists and turns, especially a HUGE one with a crazy cliffhanger at the end! It keeps the reader on their toes and their interest full invested in the book.
All in all, though Control doesn't seem as dark as previous books by Lana Sky, it was still intriguing and had me becoming invested in the story and characters. I really enjoyed reading it and will definitely be keeping a look out for the next books in the series!
PS: Thank you to the author for allowing me an advanced copy of the book to read and review honestly!
I came off the Maxim high not sure if Vadim could live up to his brother--after all, Maxim is the dark hero of my heart. Vadim also didn't really catch my eye in XXX #3; it's impossible to not notice him, but I wasn't dying to know more about him, to be quite honest.
If Surrender introduces Vadim's unique personality, Control destroys any lingering idea that Vadim may be another Maxim. Though Control is part of the Club XXX universe, the focus is on our new main characters. As in the case of any continuation of a series, I was a bit worried about whether Vadim and the new female character could hold their own. I needn't have worried.
Tiffany, from the moment we first meet her, is drastically different from our previous female lead. I hesitate to call her stronger, because it feels like an inequitable comparison. Certainly, Tiffany's motivations and past have her a bit more sure-footed and clear as to what she's looking for. So her relationship with Vadim is uniquely theirs, though Lana Sky delivers the same wonderful storytelling present in Control's predecessors.
Control is the first installment in the XXX Vadim trilogy, it’s in the same universe of the XXX Maxim trilogy and it follows Vadim who is Maxims brother. Now after reading the XXX Maxim trilogy and really enjoying that, i was really excited to read this book, and I absolutely loved it, main character’s here were both very unique and un expected. Vadim’s character is so vastly different to what you would originally anticipate when reading the blurb and tiffany was such a different contrast to Lana’s previous female leads.
both of these characters felt very fresh and unique and had such a great dynamic, their relationship was really well written and they had great chemistry. the plot is really well written and interesting and the ending was really surprising and keeps you waiting for the next installment.
I love Vadim I hate Vadim. This character is so unpredictable he is the villain you want to hate but you’re in love with him. He runs hot then he runs cold but when he loves he loves unconditionally. It’s beautiful when an author can make you have feelings for a devil in disguise. It makes you question your own morals. LOL This book makes you crave for more. I found myself at the end of the book angry because it ended with a hell Mary cliffhanger. Sometimes with series books you get lost and have to read the previous book but I honestly have to say that I didn’t with this series. I couldn’t get the stories out of my head. So that should tell you right here that the series is an awesome read. I’ve enjoyed reading these books and can’t wait to read if the fiery red head can tame the bad boy Vadim.
The book tells us the story of Vadim who we briefly saw in Maxim's book and just happens to be step brother of maxim. Personally I rather prefer Vadim over maxim any day. In the beginning of the book new divorcee tiffany is looking for a sexual adventure and somehow catches the attention of Vadim who mistook her for an escort and this incidence starts their journey where tiffany is outspoken and bold and Vadim is like a cold stone . Vadim like his brother has a problem to control everything around him and there is good reason behind it . Tiffany in just short time is able to peel some of his layers. I truly liked Vadim as he is not a uncontrolled angry bull like maxim but more of a stone cold wall I am not saying he is Saint but better the maxim. This is excellent start of trilogy and can't wait to learn more about his and tiffany journey
Tiffany wants to explore the other side of life. After leaving her boring and cheating husband she wants life and experiment in a way she was never ever able to with her husband. Though she may have gotten more than she bargained for by being Vadim. It was very eye opening seeing who Vadim is outside of when he is with Maxim. Learning the things that haunt him and how he deals with them. Tiffany was breath of fresh air. She gives him spontaneity and challenges him. We see at the heart of Vadim is family and what he will do get it and just how broken his childhood left him. Why he uses mind games to cope. Tiffany sees through the broken boy who she hopes will overcome years of never experiencing real love. There are still some secrets yet to be revealed and I look forward to reading.
Once again Lana Sky brings you another Epic story! I loved Vadim, his story is different from Maxim's story but in the best of ways! After all we wouldn't want our beloved Vadim to be anything other them himself, even though he is still a little bit of a mystery. Unlike big brother Maxim, Vadim shows more emotion in his story. I still can't quite put together just how manipulative Vadim really is. dying to know actually, Vadim's character is pretty complex and still so much we need to learn about him. Tiffy is quite the character and I just love how GOSH darn cute she is lol. I liked that she speaks her mind, knows exactly what she wants in life after a tedious marriage that ended in heartbreak I loved her backstory and the dynamic of her and Vadim's relationship. This is a great beginning to another phenomenal trilogy from Lana Sky! I read this in one sitting as I usually do with Lana's books, as I am positive you will too! I am anxiously awaiting Corrupt! Vadim is my new favorite bad boy!
This story seems at first to be very frivolous but the longer I get into it I realise it is far from it. really it is a deep and twisted tale. Vadim is full of secrets and he is a very disturbed individual hiding many layers to his personality. Tiffany is a woman who is completely open and rather naive. I do not think she is remotely able to compete with Vadim's complexity and deviousness. In truth he is sexually besotted with her, as she is with him. However it is plainly obvious that he has other more devious plans for her that may be nefarious. We will just have to wait and see. This is a really absorbing and compelling read I loved it.