Caleb Marron was only eight years old when his mother was taken from him.
He watched, helpless and weak, as his father and uncle fought to bring her back home. Since that day, he vowed to protect the ones he loves at all costs. Now grown and CEO of Marron House Technology, Caleb plans to destroy the legacy of anyone who hurt his family. That is until a roadblock in the form of a golden-haired, blue-eyed beauty named Talia Stone stands in his way. Fascinated by the golden goddess, Caleb offers Talia a chance to achieve her dream on a silver platter, but at the cost of her submission. Will Talia accept Caleb's proposition? Will she be able to submit, or will her demons keep her from the pleasure Caleb promises?
Award-winning author Shae Coon writes dark romance that tantalizes while leaving you guessing what comes next. Shae has many published titles, including the Marron House Romance Series and the Dark Roma Mafia Romance Series. Before she started writing romance, Shae worked for a construction company to become the top-performing project coordinator and ultimately left to pursue her dream of becoming a full-time writer. Shae is a die-hard Dallas Stars hockey fan who enjoys iced coffee, books, and spending time with her crazy, outspoken, say-it-like-it-is family. Shae also volunteers her time to other authors, whether helping them with imposter syndrome or creating a beautiful book cover for an up-and-coming author.
Controlling Assets by Shae Coon is the second interconnected standalone in the Marron House series. This novel follows the very successful Caleb Marron in his fight to take down his enemy, Talia Stone. In this spicy dark romance, Caleb and Talia try to fight their desires until it becomes clear that there's something between them. While this genre isn't one that I typically read (I'm not the biggest fan of dark romance), I absolutely loved Shae's style of writing. She was clear and concise in her diction, and every character really seemed to pop off the page. The family dynamic between Caleb, his sister, and his parents is one that you'll absolutely adore. Talia and her traumatic past will reach into your heart and squeeze. Her anxiety, fear, and, most importantly, strength, is extremely relatable to readers. The enemies to lovers story between Caleb and Talia will leave fans of dark romance revealing in their own fantasies. This story is filled with anticipation and excitement, and the last fifty pages will have you screaming out loud, praying that a happy ending is the one you'll receive. While I won't spoil anything in this book, I will tell you as a first time reader of Shae Coon, that this book is one that dark romance readers won't want to miss. While reading this book, please keep in mind that there are very sensitive issues that are discussed thoroughly, albeit not taken lightly. This novel addresses subjects of human sex trafficking, rape, and domestic abuse. The ending of this book will definitely leave you wanting more, and luckily you'll get the chance soon when the NEXT Marron House book is out.
It was not over done in sex like most books are . Don’t get me wrong - I like dirty books but this book doesn’t need it . There’s so much detail and had me at the edge of my seat the entire book . A serious book hangover for sure
This book is 5+ stars for me!! It is my favorite kind of story. You know what I mean...just so intense that the characters get so far under your skin that you can't stand to be away from them for any length of time? Well, that was me while reading this book, I couldn't concentrate or get anything done. 🤭🤷🏻♀️
Reading this book was a bittersweet experience. I couldn’t get enough; I wanted to rush through this entire novel and absorb it all as quickly as possible. On the other hand, I wanted to take my sweet time and drag things out because I never wanted it to end.
First, I am a total sucker for a hero that tries to keep his emotions in check. That said, the fact that Talia is a strong heroine was what I needed. She was also a CEO and she didn't want to submit to her rival, Caleb.
Caleb's intensity and focus is what really captured me in all this. The chemistry between Talia & Caleb was just off the friggin' charts, I swear at times I could feel it coming right off the pages. 🔥🔥🔥
I really enjoyed the BDSM element, it wasn't necessarily heavy but intense. I loved how there was such a vulnerable, sweet boy underneath that gorgeous domineering man! 🤤🤤
Obviously you can tell I am completely smitten with Caleb, but let me tell you a little bit about why I completely love Talia too. I couldn't help but love her fire! Yes, just like the rest of the female population she has fallen completely under Caleb's spell but she is not willing to just submit to his every whim - She's feisty but conflicted, I loved that!!
Now, I could write about this book all day long but instead I will say if you haven't read this and you enjoy a read that will stay with you for days after you finish it then I cannot recommend this enough!!
GO GET IT - RIGHT NOW!!! That's right, shouty capitals!! LOL
Huge thank you to the author, Shae Coon, for sending me an eARC in return for an honest review!
🌸4/5 Stars🌸 🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶/5
Let me start by saying, PLEASE CHECK THE TRIGGERS FOR THIS BOOK BEFORE YOU READ IT! If you think you can deal with the triggers, you HAVE to read this book! From cover to cover this book was action packed, sexy, thrilling, and tragic. This book was so not what I expected, but in the best way possible. What happens throughout this book will leave you shook!
I gave it four stars because there was so much plot that it was a little hard to follow at times, but was still a great book none the less! Shae Coon has such a descriptive writing style and made this book so fun, but because of that, be prepared to cry, laugh, and blush with the characters. The ending definitely left me in tears!
This book the second in a series, but can be read as a stand-alone (like I did). I will warn you, once you open this book you won’t want to put it down! I read it in less than two days! The characters are so dynamic, the world building was phenomenal, and Shae Coon seemed to have really done her research! Props to the author on this one! It’s a great read!
Check all triggers first, but I definitely recommend you read this book!! It’s very dark and twisty, but the growth of the characters is insane and absolutely worth the trauma of reading it!
This book is not just a steamy romance novel although the scenes between Talia and Caleb are brilliantly written and hot. It tells a story of how to survice what incredibly evil people can do to others, about the scars that leaves and how to come out stronger at the end. Because of that, it is not a `fun` or an easy book to read but rather one that will grip you by the throat and not let you rest until you've arrived at the HEA. Shae's writing style is very realistic, it feels like you are right there with Talia and Caleb through the bad but also the good. I have not read the first book in the series but didn't feel lost because of the very cleverly done recap at the beginning. Now though I will definitely go back to read the story about Caleb's parents and at the same time I look forward to his sister's story which is up next.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The addition starts with the book cover….yeah…yeah…yeah don’t judge a book by its cover they say ….well we all do it and this one here it is the scratch to your itch or better yet the filling to your oreos! Speaking of filling…..wait, that’s for later. Within the first chapters you get the panoramic view of whom you’re dealing with! This is book is part of the Marron House Romance series why just read one when you can start at the beginning and keep reading through the series it won’t be a waste of time. Talia strong, sweet when she wants to be, very intelligent and by no means a submissive (until she meets the Dom) Caleb sexy as all get out Dom who is controlling and brilliant in the tech world. The chemistry is intense, and the magnetic pull can’t be ignored but she isn’t a submissive and he offers her something to help her learn to be falling in love along the way wasn’t on the place to be offered. So, what happens when emotional bonds weren't on the menu, attachments certainly weren't supposed to form. But when fate put things in place and love rears her beautiful head and throws yet another wrench into the works?
Heat:8/10 Emotion 8/10 Story: 7/10 Characters: 8/10 Interest: 7/10 POV: Dual No Cheating No Cliffhanger
"Controlling Assets" is a wonderful story. It is well written, has wonderful characters, action, lots of steam and suspense. An enemies to lovers story of two people entering into a contractual agreement that turns into more. I am so disappointed that i couldn't give it a full 5 stars. I thought i would until about 90% of the book, but then it left me with a bitter taste. I understand the events (even if i didn't like them and i believe it could have been a little less painful) but at least i needed an epilogue, not such an abrupt ending. Up to that point it was one of the best books i have read lately. The steamy scenes are really passionate and soooo hot and the plot is interesting. Still, i am already reading Lizzie's story (maybe i will see more from the characters in this book) and i will read more from the author since the previous ones i have read were also good.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Oh my goodness I love this book so much just has much as the first one! I couldn’t put it down whatsoever. Like father like son he is into the Dominant and submissive relationship. And his Emmy is the perfect match for him. I loved everything in this book this author is amazing with her stories I could read them nonstop. If you loved bound in love your love the second book just has much. So find out for yourself how amazing these people are in this awesome read is. I for one can’t get enough of this series and am so looking forward to the next book!! I hope it comes out sooner than later!! I will forever I believe be a fan of this series and this author works!! Can’t wait to see what she as in store next in her amazing series here!!! :)
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Author Shae Coon has an amazing talent in how she draws you in to the life of each of her characters. She builds such an amazing passion, even if they hate each other in the beginning, that you find yourself caring so deeply for them. I found myself tearing up in many of her scenes that were so well written with the amount of pain they felt. As with all of her books, this is a must read! It is truly a suspense, romance, and just plain pleasure and pain filled series. Once you read the first, you will WANT to keep going to see what happens with the others in her story.
Controlling Assets is a bdsm type love story. If you liked the sexy parts of 50 Shades but wished for more story you will love this! Caleb is a CEO, dom, and mastermind of the tech world who wants to keep his emotions in check. Talia is a strong put-together CEO of Stone Technologies and doesn't want to submit to her rival, Caleb. He will offer her something she can't refuse and they will fall in love along the way. The book has some very steamy scenes, suspense, intrigue, love, it's really wonderful. I'm excited to read everything Shae Coon puts out! This book is definitely 5 stars.
Another fantastic book and a great addition to the series. Although I thought this book would actually be about Kyle and Lacey, I was pleasantly surprised to see it was actually about Caleb and how he grew up. I haven't read any other series in which the second book is about the child but I think it was a great next book. I did predict Talia and Caleb developing a relationship, howevet the way it developed surprised me. This book was another one that I was unable to put down! Keep up the good work! Again, I can't wait to read the next book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This is my second book by this author which I enjoyed just as much as the first one. This is a well written story of revenge, propositions and a past that comes back to haunt. Taila and Caleb are great characters and they are my favorite of the book. They have great chemistry as well as brought out some emotion in me. They are connectable and supportive of each other and the other chemistry. They have great growth throughout the story and made the story easy to read. This is a fast paced story that kept me turning pages to find out what happens next. This is a story you don't want to miss what happens with these two. I enjoy how the author was able to bring their story to life. I highly recommend this book. It is worth the pick up for sure.
A rip roaring read - the book moves with pace, I loved both Caleb and Talia as well as other key characters and enjoyed their story. The second in the series but I read as stand alone to no detriment - I look forward to more from Shae Coon.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I loved everything about this book! Fantastic characters, amazing story and incredibly written. This was a spectacular sequel to the first book in every way. I could not get enough it and can not wait for the third book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
4.5/5 A major slow burn, but Ah! “Little Girl” excuse me while I scream out my intense lack of consciousness. The characters have aged so well. They’ve been built up and I think Caleb’s story with Talia is my favorite as of yet. Shae layers the suspense very nicely, luring you in for more and more of Caleb and Talia’s lives before they intertwine. Then, you’re left following the twisting road of their relationship.
Another great read. Another page turner. Wonderful story. I loved everything about this book. The thrill. The not wanting to put it down. I just had to know what happened next. I couldn't let my mind sleep until I knew how they saved her. I had to make sure they could get to her. And the ending. Thank god. Beautiful. Well done.
Omg. This story is intense. It was intense enough with just the business takeover and the arrangement made, but the twists and turns that happened after they became a couple was intense. I could not get enough. I highly recommend this story to others.
*Potential Spoilers* Whilst it can be read as a stand-alone, I’m really glad I read the first book “Bound in Love” before starting this one. It helped with Caleb’s back story and with understanding the dynamic of the characters.
Shae has written some badass, strong female characters between this book and the first one. To go through the trauma Talia went through and still find her way back to Caleb was heart wrenching and beautiful to read. Don’t even get me started on the Dom/Sub scenes! 🥵🔥 I wouldn’t have picked it that the innocence little 8yr old from book 1 would follow in his fathers footsteps in the bedroom.
If you think you can handle the triggers after reading them then dive right in! I wasn’t disappointed.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Very good stand alone book. Caleb is the CEO of the Tech world and his rival is Talia from a smaller Tech company. Fate brings them together and although she doesn't want to give in to him, love conquers them in the end. Very good dark bdsm. Steamy and suspenseful...a page turner!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Great book! I loved the characters and the story was definitely action packed with BDSM & real life situations! Check CW before reading as this book contains triggers!
There may be some triggers that are mentioned in the book which includes rape, kidnapping, sex trafficking, and abuse.
Controlling Assets by Shae Coon is an enemies to lovers trope. Caleb Marron is a tech genius, graduating high school at 16 and starting a successful tech & security company. Caleb’s plans are to destroy anyone who has hurt his family, hence his plans to destroy Tanish Technologies. There seems to be one problem, Tanish’s “bastard” child Talia Stone appeared out of nowhere taking over her father’s company, putting a pause on Caleb’s revenge plans.
I’m new to Shae Coon’s books so I’m not used to her writing style yet. There was a lot going on in the book so it was a bit hard to keep up sometimes. And I honestly did find myself bored at times but that doesn’t mean that I didn’t like the book because I did!
I wasn’t sure what I expected of Caleb when I was reading the book description but I certainly wasn’t expecting him to be a Dom. I guess I understand their chemistry but it was still a bit hard for me to grasp how easily she could give up her control and how open they can be with one another when they were enemies not too long ago. I felt like everything moved a bit fast once they signed the contract and I guess that’s what happens when you trust someone. He was against kissing and having a relationship but he apparently wanted more with her. I don’t know there were times where I did feel their chemistry and there were times where I didn’t feel it at all or I wasn’t fully convinced. But still, there were some sweet aspects of this book and some really sad ones.
Controlling Assets is part of a series but can be read as a standalone. Both written in Caleb’s and Talia’s POV. There are a few time jumps at the beginning for those who don’t particularly likes those type of stories.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Caleb Marron is a man scarred by the abduction of his mother when he was 8, dedicated to protecting his family. He owns a technology company and a security company, and wants to destroy a rival tech company that was owned by a man involved with his mother’s abduction, now run by his daughter, Talia. The two meet in a club and even though they hate each other, there is a very strong sexual attraction, leaving them thinking of each other but not coming into contact. They meet again two years later, the sexual attraction is as strong as ever. Talia is trying to get some stock which Caleb has to get control of her company, and she agrees to become his submissive in exchange for the needed shares. The two work to keep this a business arrangement but best plans don’t always work, and people from both Talia’s past and Caleb’s past interfere, leading to life or death decisions. Strong characters, plenty of action keep it interesting.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I'm obsessed with how Shae Coon can write such angsty, pained, addictive characters that not only crave each other but make me want to crave them too - ugh! And dont even get me started on the smexy time these two enjoy - not OTT but balanced with exploring more depth in each character and discovering more about their idiosyncrasies. Nice journey arcs that helped these character come alive for the reader throughout.
Next! You're on my keeper pile with this one!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I loved this book as much as the first in the series. Shae brings you into their world. she builds characters that are relatable on many levels. The emotions you feel from all of them, even the villain are raw and powerful.