Control

Meet Me in the Dark

by Jade Dare

Control.

It’s the one thing Charlotte doesn’t feel like she’s had any of for the past few months. Ever since she had to tell her darkest sexual fantasy in a game of truth or dare at a party, and she saw the way Jackson’s eyes lit up at her words. Now her days are filled with dirty thoughts, and her nights with filthy dreams, about him.
But she knows she can never be with him anywhere other than her mind.

When Jackson corners her and offers to make her fantasy a reality, she’s as shocked as she is doubtful. She doesn’t believe he can make her feel like it’s anything more than pretend when he holds her down and takes her by force. He can’t give her the danger and thrill she’s seeking, so what’s the use in saying yes?

Waking up from yet another dream about Jackson has her agreeing to hand over every bit of control to him, anxious to see what he’ll do with it. Now, she just has to wait until he comes for her.

This is a standalone erotic romance. No cheating, no cliffhanger, and HEA guaranteed! It contains content that some may find triggering.

Genres: Novella, Contemporary, Spicy, Dark Romance, BDSM

147 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 17, 2022

Reviews

[Natalia · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5*
Pick up this book because it reminded me of Bait by Jade West.
But it fell short...
Lets sumarize this book:
5 pages of setting (from the last book to this so we can understand the story without reading the 1st)
2 pages of the MC agreeing with kinky role-play rape/non-con sex (limits, sexual health etc)
20 pages of agreed kinky sex
2 pages of MC actually talking
20 pages of agreed kinky sex
2 pages of MC actually talking
20 pages of agreed kinky sex
2 pages of MC actually talking
At 80% the h does the most immature and childish thing! Out of nowhere in her mind decides that she is in love with him and that he doesn't love her (even when he shows exactly the opposite) and ends everything no explanation given. arrggg!

I'm my opinion is lazy writing, creating drama with miscommunication.

The H is the adult and calls her out on her bullshit after accidentally hear her play the pity card with her friends. He says the most true, heartbreaking beautiful things to her when he confronts her!

"Angry, that she had assumed, all without a word from me, that it was better to never be with me again than to do it with love in her heart that she felt would be a betrayal to me. That she'd lied to me, deceived me."

You had your chance to speak, and you withheld your words from me. So don't speak now.

'Because if you had asked how I felt, I would have told you that I feel like I can hardly breathe when I'm not with you. That you're constantly on my mind and have taken over my thoughts so much that I feel like you've consumed me, and that I was happy to no longer belong to myself. As long as that meant that I was yours.'

Of course she says she's sorry, they have kinky makeout sex and live HEA!

Triggers: role-play rape/non-con sex that includes slapping and name calling!

[Colleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Control is Book 2 in the ‘Meet Me In The Dark Series’ and tells the story of Jackson and Charlotte. Jackson hears Charlotte describing her deepest darkest sexual fantasies while at a party one evening. Intrigued, he offers to make all her dreams come true. Little does he know that he is the star of all her fantasies!

OMG! what an absolutely downright dirty and delicious read this is! It’s captivating and intriguing from the very first page. It’s a very well written book, the super hot, sexy scenes makes it a very easy to read page turner. Ms Dare can certainly write an amazingly descriptive sex scene that can leave you unashamedly squirming.

This novel can be read as a standalone but it may be advantageous to read ‘Desperation’ which is Book 1 in this series first, as the characters also appear in this book but it isn’t really necessary and does not detract from the story. I can’t wait to read further instalments in this series. A very well deserved 5 Stars!

I received an ARC of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Margot Hage · Rating 5 out of 5]

Listen... has a book ever made you straight up feral?

This couple is perfect, I don't even have a single criticism about their relationship- and I'm a picky little thing. The steam! The flow of their story! The beef wellington scene! I've got a wretched case of book hangover from this one.

Jade Dare is a new author for me, and I was shocked at how fast I followed her on her socials. 10/10 worth your time.

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

[amberebooksandmore · Rating 4 out of 5]

great story

This was a great read! I was excited for these characters story after the end of the first one. Getting to still see the other characters as they lived their life was a nice touch. I loved watching this relationship unfold!

[Natasha Allen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ok so let me explain. The 🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶is 5/5! It was good! Really good!!

And the MMC was 🥵🥵 tattooed, built, man bun, chef and doting uncle 🤤🤤

The FMC was annoying and immature.

The actual story was ridiculous! And cheesy and I felt I had to read as fast as possible not out of enjoyment but just so I could get it over and done with!

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the series and can be read as a standalone. Charlotte ends up telling her darkest sexual fantasy in a game of truth or dare. When Jackson offers to make her fantasy a reality, will she take him up on his offer? Fast-paced read with lots of intense chemistry and sizzling scenes. I liked it.

[Tima · Rating 4 out of 5]

Trigger warning for consensual non-con. If this is an issue for you, don’t get this book. Really.

For anyone else, this is a kink I haven’t often seen written well as romance. It’s definitely done in erotica categories but, in my experience, doesn’t normally transfer into romance well. This one is done well!

Charlotte, the female lead, has a kink that most of her partners haven’t understood and definitely haven’t been able to give her. When Jackson, her sister’s brother-in-law and the male lead, offers to give it to her, she’s reluctant to take him up on it because they need to be able to continue interacting for the rest of their lives. But he convinces her to give him a chance and she finds him great. But then she starts to fall in love and they only signed up for sex…

This story is single POV (though I wish it were dual), well written, and an interesting detailed read. Consensual non-con is not usually my thing - see above - but I really enjoyed this story.

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

[Susan Hoffert · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the very 1st page I was hooked. Jackson takes Charlotte through her wildest fantasies and they both come out the other side. But will they come out the other side together? Every secret encounter was better than the last and I had a hard time putting this book down. If you are looking for hot, steamy, out side the normal romance book this is it. This book is a VERY erotic romance with explicit language and mature content.

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

[Dawnmarie Burke · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this 2nd book of the Meet Me In the Dark series we get Jackson and Charlotte's sizzling hot story. Charlotte plays a game of truth or dare and she winds up revealing her darkest sexual fantasy. Jackson offers to make her fantasy a reality will Charlotte take him up on his offer? Will she tell Jackson about all of her dirty fantasies? You really need to read this steamy fast-paced red HOT chemistry story to see what happens. I would recommend reading this book.

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

[Darcy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had a hard time reading this book. It wasn't because of Charlotte's fantasy, but more because that took up pretty much 80% of the book. Outside of the rough smex, there wasn't much to their relationship except making eyes at each other across the room. There was zero communication as to what they wanted outside of the games they played. Jackson explains his family dynamics and what he is doing with his life, but the reader gets next to nothing about Charlotte. It was great that they were able to meet each others desires without confusing fantasy and reality, but I would have liked more of a story about their actual lives outside of the bedroom, back alley, car etc.

[Vievie2 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Imagine having all your wild fantasies come true - well, Charlotte told her darkest fantasies in a game of truth and dare at a party and was overheard by Jackson, who offered to make them come true. Sizzling chemistry, well written, great characters filled with relatable human emotions. Worth a read.

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

[Nayeli Orozco · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am genuinely impressed.Jackson and Charlotte really couldn’t be paired up with anyone else. Charlotte is going through a phase where she believes that no one is able to fulfill her sexual desires. When Jackson overheard her he made it his mission to prove her wrong.
Smutty story with a HEA.

I was gifted a copy of the book and I am looking forward to reading more from this author.

[Randinicole_reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

That was some of the best degradation I’ve ever come across. Also a healthy cnc fantasy being brought to life… I love that for them.

I had to literally take a couple breaks because the degradation had me so hot & bothered.. ok 😂 anyways enjoy!

4 ⭐️ 4 🌶️

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has plenty of spice. Charlotte has fantasies she doesn’t want to speak out loud, but does, and Jackson is willing to fulfill every one no matter how dirty. And, he’s also a hot guy with a heart. What starts out as relinquishing control turns into a deeper emotional relationship.

I believe the characters are well-written and look forward to reading more books by this author.

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

[Tracy H · Rating 5 out of 5]

The characters were beautifully written. Charlotte and Jackson were a perfect pair. It can be read as a standalone but is part of a series.

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

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome Story

Just like the first in the series this one was awesome as.well. I'm sad their only three books in this series. But I'm sure I can find others by Jane Dade that I'll enjoy. Thank you for sharing your awesome talent.

[Liana]

I’ve just binge read both of jade’s books and I loved them. This book definitely needs trigger warnings because it does get dark however Jackson gives Charlotte what she wanted

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

[Amela · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a good book, but not for everyone. You have to have a strong taste for a type of lifestyle and if you don’t then this book would seem very offensive in a way. Overall i thought the author did a great job building the characters. The pages were steaming with hotties!

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

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short story about Jackson and Charlotte. Charlotte has avoided her attraction to Jackson due to their siblings being married. When she shares her most private sexual wishes at a party, Jackson is determined to make them come true. Charlotte must decide if she wants to just keep this relationship sexual or take a chance on something more.

[Sara Griffith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Life can be crazy, but hidden desires are real. When your deep thoughts become reality and you just let go, you will be amazed at life. I love that different characters and their unique stories are brought into this story. Great book

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Had the chance to have an Arc of this short story, was a different type of book for me to read but really enjoyed it all the same. The chemistry between Charlotte and Jackson was dark, intense, hot and so much more. Highly recommend!

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

[Anij · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m in awe. I can’t believe how incredible this book is! I’ve never even heard of Jade Dare before but if this is typical of her writing she’s going to be on my favorites list in no time. She’s awesome!

Despite the premise and description this isn’t really a dark romance. Charlotte and Jackson have a dark, intense kink but this is 100% a love story. I absolutely fell for hot, sexy, alpha Jackson. What a perfect hero he is. I think I love him almost as much as Charlotte does. (*sigh*) And Charlotte, so complex and filled with confused emotions, she touched every inch of my heart. In so many ways I could relate to her and knew exactly how she felt. She has a very, very dark kink and I'm sure over the years she's repeatedly been made to feel there was something wrong with her which has probably done a number to her sense of self worth. Then, being so sick and even worrying she might die just because they didn't have enough money for her surgery. She definitely had to feel unimportant and insignificant.

Another thing I really liked was that Jackson never treated Charlotte like she was different or weak, even though she's a transplant recipient. He treated her like the strong, sexually-confident woman that she was and he never once held back. I felt this demonstrated his true understanding of her and his own inner strength and confidence.

Every act, every scene, every word they stayed true to their characters. I truly feel like they are real people. So much hot sex, so unbelievably melting emotion. Jackson talking about his parents touched my heart. The Beef Wellington scene was perfection.

Capture fantasy is a very dark kink and it's usually not written well. Jade does an amazing job with it and I really enjoyed it. She not only handled each capture scene exquisitely but she made them work in a reality way. Then she took the harder next step, easily and almost effortlessly demonstrating exactly how to incorporate this very unique kink into a loving, stable relationship without watering either side of the relationship down. I am 100% convinced no other writer has ever managed all of this in such a perfect way. What a gift!

Be warned, this book is NOT for the faint of heart. There is a ton of explicit, hot sex and plenty are potential triggers. If rough, violent capture fantasy sex offends you then don’t buy this book. Seriously. You’ve been warned. Don’t ignore this warning, buy it and then bash it by complaining it’s too graphic or violent or politically incorrect. It’s supposed to be exactly what it is.


For anyone who is up for it, this book is unbelievable. It’s like riding a roller coaster in the dark that leaves you breathless and excited at the other end. I seriously can’t wait for her to write something else. And I’m really, really crossing my fingers her next book will involve a certain trio just begging for their story to be told. Whatever she chooses to write next, count me in!

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


Later addition:
I am adding a little bit to this review. After I finished Control and posted my review I went back and read the first book in the series, Desperation. It's a wonderful book as well and has a completely different vibe. It's the love story between Sophie & Law and also introduces the entire gang. It covers the back story of Charlotte's transplant, what she went through, and even how she and Jackson met. Do yourself a favor and read these two books in the correct order. I just re-read Control after finishing Desperation and can honestly say Control was even better having read the other book. I know it seems impossible as Control is perfection, but somehow it's now even more so. I really understand Charlotte even much better and now I really feel like I know Sophie, Law and Lexa. There is so much more to them than I realized. Now, even more, I'm hoping for another book, Lexa's, to complete this series.

[Nylah Banks · Rating 5 out of 5]

10/10

I’m in love with their love story. What a fantasy come true. Enjoyed every word, and how there was never a dull moment between them.

[Sam Allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great read

Something a little different and readers SHOULD read the trigger warnings before proceeding. The book is well written, I loved the characters and enjoyed their exploration of their relationship.

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

[v0id_93 · Rating 5 out of 5]

HOTTTT

This book had my toes curling from how hot it was. If your into intense degradation, CNC, break in role play and someone banging you like they hate you..YOU NEED TO READ THIS BOOK.

[Krys · Rating 1 out of 5]

My Rating: 1.5 stars out of 5

It's no secret that I don't necessarily read these books for the plot, but this one was a hot mess all the way around (and not always in the sexy way). Right out of the gate, the theme to this one is consensual non-consent which I don't have a problem with. I didn't have a problem whatsoever with Jackson appearing out of nowhere to bring her "masked intruder" fantasies to life.

What I had a problem with was when it boarded on domestic violence. Such as the time that Jackson backhanded her so hard during one of their "scenes" (for lack of a better word), that she fell to the floor with pain exploding in her cheek, and her screams seeming to echo throughout the room. To me? That isn't sexy. That is abuse.

What I had a problem with was the half-ass excuse for a their falling out, when it could have been handled (in my opinion) in a much better way.

You see Charlotte, despite having courage enough to tell him her deepest and most depraved fantasies, can't seem to muster that same courage to tell him that she has fallen in love with him. Sure, she whispers it one night when he is asleep (and really, it would have been so much better had he actually been awake and overheard her), but she refuses to tell him. So she pushes him away. And she "breaks up" with him via text, which he doesn't see until after he (again in my opinion) showed that he cared for her.

Anyway, Jackson storms out, they are both miserable without each other, but much too prideful to admit it to the other. At least until Jackson overhears Charlotte admitting to their friends how she feels about him (which annoyed me on another level because I felt like he should have fought for her before this if he truly had feelings for her), at which time he sets a new plan into motion. Which we all know is going to work out, and that's cool because I am a sucker for a happily-ever-after, I just.... there was the potential for so much more between these two that what we got was disappointing.

However, it was nice to see Sophie and Lawson still being very much in love, while Lexa is still avoiding her future like the plague. And to be honest, her story is the one I am most looking forward to simply because out of the three of the friends she was the most against falling in love. Or even having a relationship. So I am hoping her story will be the most fun out of the bunch.

[Cheyenne Galovits · Rating 3 out of 5]

To start with, I just wanna say I dont judge shorter stories the way I judge full-length novels. The sex was outstanding and hot but a big reason I didn't rate this book higher was the lack of aftercare some of those scenes were super intense and even if they weren't a couple the fact he didn't check in and see if she was alright or ask how she's doing really bothered me. I'm into cnc and a lot of the things mentioned in this book. Aftercare is so important. Maybe it bothered me so much because it was so close to something I liked, and although her reaction was over dramatic, assuming he didn't feel the same way, I can some what understand. The dude fu ked her like he hated her and then left, no text, just would show up and do it again. The only time he showed he was interested in more than just having rough sex or being friends was when she was sick everything else could've easily been taken as him being kind because of her sister and his brother being together. (Any reviews I write are for myself so I can keep track of the books I did and didn't like)

[Thisbe · Rating 5 out of 5]

*spoilers* Charlotte has very exolicit dreams of how Jackson takes her by force. When he learns about them, he wants to make them true. But this is more than the sexual kink for them both...
I enjoyed the charcters and their relationship. This was my first book by Jade Dare and it makes me happy to discover new authors. I got sucked into the story. Just be aware of the rrigger warning,

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

[Leanne Bryson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jackson makes Charlotte's wildest fantasies come true. But it felt like that was the substance of this book. I never felt any connection, communication, and not a lot more than the physical part of their relationship. So, for me, just an OK read. The good thing is this book and book 1 of the Meet Me in the Dark Series are both available to read for free with your Kinde Unlimited subscription.

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

[Alexandria Hincks · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a pretty good short read. I love a good alpha male so I enjoyed that but make sure you check TW before reading!! I cannot stress that enough especially with this book. The main concept is CNC and I am not super into that. This was my first time reading a book with CNC and I don’t know that I would read another again. The spicy scenes once you get past the CNC and the dirty talk are so good though. 4/5 spice scale.