Factory Controller

by Olivia Rigal

They call themselves the Foundation for an Active, Optimized and Rich Youth.
We call them the F.ACT.O.R.Y.
They took us in as broken kids, spared no expenses to put us back together.
When they thought we were ready they sent us out to the world to live our lives.
We were set loose but not free.
Each of us owes them one Favor.
And now they’ve come to collect.
--------------------------------
Factory Controller
Heather
There are two things in life that you can’t outrun: death and taxes.
The Factory sent me to Brazil to investigate a nun’s questionable tax returns.
But instead of finding simple tax fraud, I discovered a human trafficking ring.
Great.
Now I’m running from mercenaries intent on keeping their dirty little enterprise a secret.
I’m in a world of trouble.
My escape plane was shot down and now I’m on foot.
All I have to do is escape the Amazon rainforest.
Escape from giant anacondas ready to coil and squeeze me to death.
Avoid fuzzy spiders with venomous fangs.
Evade poison dart frogs with skin so toxic that one tiny frog can kill ten people.
And keep my hands off the most dangerous animal of all: Trent.
He’s hotter than the afternoon humidity.
Wilder than the jaguars that hunt us at dusk.
More dangerous than the armed men on our heels.
Now is not the time to fall in love.
But I may not have a choice.
He’s stolen my heart, and the only way to get it back is to make it out alive.
Trent
Just my luck!
I picked up a crazy woman who thinks someone’s after her.
She’s clearly paranoid, and probably delusional.
She keeps ranting about a secret group called “The Factory.”
I don’t believe a word of it.
Besides, I’ve got bigger problems.
I need to keep us alive long enough to prove that she’s nuts.
I shouldn’t be drawn to her, but I am.
Maybe I’m going crazy too.
Keeping her safe in the jungle is the honorable thing to do.
But what I’m feeling right now is anything but honorable.
I want to kiss her luscious mouth.
I want to stroke her irresistible curves.
We may not live to see daylight, but in darkness, anything can happen.
I just hope we live long enough to figure out what’s happening between us.


Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Amazon, Own, Romantic Suspense, Mystery Thriller

266 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 4, 2022

About the author

Olivia Rigal started publishing short novels in 2013 as an indie.
The story she tells stand alone.
However her characters often meet so you can run into them again in several stories.

Some of her books can be found in French, German, Portuguese, Italian and Spanish.

Reviews

[Carey S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Heather Duncan is sent down to the rainforest of Brazil to investigate a charity that The Factory has been supporting. When she gets there and meets the woman in charge, she is not impressed. And when she overhears the same woman planning her demise, she knows that she needs to get out of there quickly. In the meantime, she meets a native kid who lets her know about people who have been disappearing. In the process of getting proof, she gets caught; naturally, she runs. She ends up finding Trenton Holt near a shack on a river. He offers to help her get back to the large city that she flew from initially. Unfortunately, the people who caught her watching them commit a crime, want her dead.

This story is filled with details that bring the rainforest and the Amazon to life. There are fun little tidbits about the wildlife and insect life that bring vibrancy to this story that is very appealing. As Trent and Heather head toward their escape, they keep finding danger. Along the way, they also find help in unlikely places and they find a family of sorts. This tale will hold reader’s interest if they like stories that include danger, adventure, learning about a different way of life, and sex. The sex part takes a while to develop, as conditions aren’t ideal for ‘wining and dining.’ Nevertheless, there is tension, some drama, and lots of attention to little details that make this story fun and exciting.

[m.e.d.u.s.a_r.e.a.d.s · Rating 5 out of 5]

By nature, I'm a stoic reader. I don't usually respond to what I read..until now. This book had my heart-rate pulsing during the action (all the action...wink, wink, nudge, nudge), slowing during the somber moments, and my mind at war over whether or not love could really outrun death in the jungle. I carried this book with me everywhere from start, I had to know what happened next. And I can't wait to meet the other Factory wards...although my opinion of their benefactors leaves me with one question: Just what is The Factory really after?

[Clara Martinez Turco · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the things I love the most about Olivia Rigal's writing is how she pushes boundaries and goes for intriguing and unconventional themes. In Factory Controller, book 1 of her new series The Factory, she introduces an organization that takes in orphans and troubled kids and invests in their education. And, eventually, asks for a "favor" that will repay their debt and set them free.

Heather Duncan is an NYC-based forensic accountant. She is sent to the Brazilian forest to look into the books of a charity that the Factory has been donating to for years. She not only confirms her suspicions about financial mismanagement but also uncovers a human trafficking scheme. When the missionary in charge of the charity finds her trying to get proof, she is chased by mercenaries.

While trying to avoid getting caught, Heather runs into Trent Holt, an American ex-pat who has been living in the Amazon for the past ten years. She asks for his help, and he thinks she is delusional until the mercenaries find her and try to kill them both. They will start a treacherous and dangerous journey through the Amazon. As they face life and death situations, Heather and Trent will get to know each other, their fears, and their heart-breaking backstories.

With the Amazon as a backdrop and a silent yet very present character, Rigal presents an unforeseen plot filled with suspense and adventure. She touches on the indigenous communities, the value of the land, the Amazon outlaws... so many intriguing things that make this book a page-turner. And well, there is obviously the love story between Heather and Trent, which is almost unexpected. Factory Controller is a book I didn't know I needed. I'm officially hooked, and I'm very curious to see where this series goes.

[Nikki Brooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brand new to me author and I'm loving her so far! I love it when an author takes a genre you know well and kind of skews it a bit and puts their own mark on it.

Anything called The Factory is a bit ominous but they looked after Heather and gave her an education and all they wanted was one "favour" sometime in the future, which would be within the realms of her talents/education. Well carrying out an audit of charity funds doesn't sound too taxing, even if the audit has to be carried out in South America.

The Brazilian Rainforest is not the place you want to find out that your auditee is up to their neck in corruption and possible human trafficking. Relying on an ex-pat, slightly pickled pilot is not exactly a great move either but beggars can't be choosers and Heather needs all the help she can get!

Trent has been hiding from the world fr the last decade. He's jaded, grizzled and just wants to fly his plane. This Accountant should be an easy pick up and drop off. Tell that to his plane which is getting shot at and now rests in bits!

A brilliant action-adventure yomp through the Rainforest, a la Romancing the stone. Heather is very out of her comfort zone but she has a heart of gold and just wants to let the authorities know what's happening. Trent is kind of morally grey but as the story progresses we realise that his halo is just a wee tad dirty and just needs someone to believe in him really.

The Amazon itself is a wonderful character in the book. I'm interested to see where this series goes and to find out more of what the eponymous "Factory" is really up to!

[Lene Blackthorn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This romantic suspense is full of adventures, tension, and undeniable chemistry. Heather, an excellent and talented accountant raised by the Factory as an orphan, is sent to investigate possible fraud in a charity organization in Brazil. Discovering something far worse, she is forced to escape and ends up in the Amazonian forest. Her chances for survival would be much slimmer if she wouldn't stumble upon Trent, who lives among the natives and knows the jungle well. The time spent together teaches them not to open their mind but also understand each other and brings them closer.
The book was a good motivation to get interested in the whole series, as it outlined the backstory of the Factory, what they can achieve, yet remained wrapped in mystery even after the final chapters. The story developed naturally yet fast and both main characters were complex people with their faults and strengths, The chemistry between them worked well, and even though the story only covers a shorter time period, I could believe they would develop such feelings so soon. All in all a nice reading experience.

[Just Read and Imagine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heather has been sent to Brazil to find out if Sister Isabella has been pocketing most of the money the Foundation for an Active, Optimized and Rich Youth (FACTORY) has been funneling into Sister Isabella’s charity. She meets up with Isabella on arrival and immediately Heather starts blocking every attempt from Isabella to keep her from leaving Macapá. She is the first auditor that wants to actually see the charity and not just be handed documents to examine and this throws a wrench Isabella’s illegal operation. When she finally gets to the onsite location and attempts to match expenses, Isabella starts scheming to get Heather kidnapped and out of the way. Heather is able to escape with the help of Trent, an American that left the US to get away from all responsibilities of the states. When he attempts to fly her back to the airport in his ‘water’ plane, they are shot at and the plane is disabled. Now their journey really begins….

[Peggy · Rating 2 out of 5]

What a judge disappointment and a big waste of time trying to read an author’s first draft? Thanks! This is a new author for me and I probably won’t read her again. I have read the reviews before mine to see if most agreed or not. The story was okay the parts that made sense but this book was given to us in such sloppy shape, first draft shape. The errors were bad enough. Doesn’t an author realize that if you constantly take a reader out of the story due to errors they aren’t going to feel great about their review? BUT, the author obviously didn’t even read her own work because the continuity issues were horrendous. Most of the time< characters were in one place one minute and the next sentence they were some where else with no explanation. I had to re-read over and over again just trying to figure out what was intended. The experience was frustrating to the point of wanting to not finish. As for the 5 star reviews, I guarantee those people didn’t read it.

[Tesh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heather and Trent are just an amazing characters. The connection and chemistry between these two is sassy,  passionate and so strong especially from the moment they met. Who could forget that? Not me.
Heather is sent by the Factory to audit a charity in the Amazon but falls into heaps of trouble.  On her run from trouble she happens upon a shack by the river and a white man in all his glory,  which was Trent.
Very well written,  the language style was easy read and fast paced with a great fresh dialogue.
The passion and the journey sits well on Heather.  She fights for what's right and works hard as does Trent who had a lot of jungle savvy and gets them out of tricky situations.
This is a very new to me author,  but oh my,  such a fantastic book.  Ill be looking for more, that's for sure.  Highly recommended!!
This was an ARC and this is my honest review.

[Sandass · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Junglebook Rewritten

This book, in an Amazon Jungle setting takes us on a journey in which a young couple determines what they value in life. Like many couples who have come before them, it's more than money.
There was a new twist to this book I've not encountered before, that of being attacked by a native wild cat. Caring people from a small village turn out to be just what is needed to allow Trent to heal and for him and Heather to grow their relationship.
There are many other challenges in the book including kidnappings, murders, shootings, stealing, disabling an airborne airplane, and hiking for dozens of miles through the rainforest without food. I was happy to have found a really good book to read after recently having encountered some weak and failed attempts at writing
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book

[Dora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adventure and romance in the Amazon! With an organization hiding secrets, a mission that seemed clear became a run for their lives. Much more than a simple matter of corruption had been curdled there! The descriptions of the Amazon region and its people were very interesting, scary, but at the same time educational. A hostile environment, full of an incredible diversity of flora and fauna. I liked the way Heather and Trent bonded, their strong chemistry, their adaptive abilities, and their interest in uncovering the mystery behind the organization. Lots of action, suspense, danger, corruption, violence, mystery, romance and passion. I am eager to know the stories of the next characters and if they are going to join in unraveling the mysteries of the FACTORY.

[Sally C · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an orphan Heather Duncan was taken in and educated by The Factory and what they want in return is for Heather to do them one favor. Now they came to collect said favor and her assignment is to go to Brazil and do what she is trained for, audit books as an accountant. But what Heather stumbles on is so much more than an accounting error or books that don’t balance. To not be killed because of what she discovered Heather escapes into the Amazon jungle and take her chance on spiders, jaguars, anacondas, and the naked crazy man. The first in The Factory series is a deftly plotted page-turner with loads of action, heart pounding suspense, an unlikely match, some humor and throw in a nerdy accountant and you have a great read that keeps you entertained till the very end. Loved it!

[Tracie R · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

The first in The Factory or Foundation for an Active, Optimized and Rich Youth and my first read by this author.

Heather was afforded the best education money could buy, paid for by the Factory and in return when they needed her she would owe them a favor. Well the favor has been called in and what should be a routine audit turns into a race against time in the Amazon rainforest. Being chased by Mercenaries, dealing with the deadly creatures of the wild, Oh and relying on the hunky native man Trent she encountered along the way to help her get to safety.

The character interaction was engaging, the story had suspense, humor and romance and overall Factory Controller is a promising start to this new series.

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

After discovering serious discrepancies in what should have been a simple audit, Heather and Trent dodge life-threatening flora and fauna, including the human variety, in the Amazonian rainforest. I’m going to kidnap one of the author’s own references in trying to describe this book; part Krippendorf's Tribe, part Rambo. And I might even go so far as to suggest some shared theories with the Jason Bourne franchise. This book pulled me in from the moment I started reading it. Then, it held me captive on the edge of my seat for the entire story. Filled with action and intrigue, this book has left my mind spinning with all the possibilities it suggests. Now, I'm very intrigued to know more about who and what the Factory really is.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author.

[Denise H · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first book I’ve read from this author and I thought it was an interesting read. It jumps right into the adventure from the first page and it has plenty of humor, action, danger, suspense, and romance. I liked the introduction of the indigenous people living in the jungle and Trent and Heather’s interactions with them. I also thought Trent was a fun character and helped balance out Heather’s sometimes irritating qualities. She seemed incredibly naïve at times, had a little holier than thou attitude in some instances but getting to know her character, you could see her heart was in the right place – wanting answers and wanting to help. I was not particularly thrilled with the ‘wrap up’ with Heather’s boss and her assignment. It seemed like there should have been more to it than there was. (*Spoiler* - if he already suspected or basically knew what was going on, then why send her to investigate and put her life in danger, etc. And she seemed to be dismissed with no real answers. So…?) Maybe this will be addressed further in the other installments in the series? I don’t know, but it kind of diminished some of the story for me. There were also some scenes that felt cut short, and I do wish more background on the Factory would have been provided but overall, it was a decent read to pass some time.

[Carolyn Spence · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an interesting story, the Factory and all its members that owe favors. Heather is tasked with doing an audit on a business down in Brazil, it only takes her a few hours to know that something is not right, the next thing you know she is on the run in the jungle. Amazing, but she meets a naked man, and that man turns out to be her savior. Trent has left society a long time ago and he's living day to day in "the Green". It's a wild adventure and and not all the beasts are animals. The story definitely had me turning the pages to see what was going to happen next. Intriguing for sure.

I voluntarily reviewed this book.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heather is a forensic accountant who was brought up by the Factory and they are calling in their favour. She has to go to Brazil to check out a charity’s books. She finds something disturbing and ends up running into the Amazon to save herself. There she meets Trent and trouble finds them. This book was fascinating from start to finish. I learnt about a new reptile called a caiman which is similar to an alligator, not something I would want to meet up with. I also like the part where a tribe named Trent and Heather the Loud Couple, you will have to read the book to know what this is about, it did make me laugh. I would recommend this book.

[Book Lover · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very interesting book. Heather is taken in by the Factory. They give her the schooling she needs to succeed in life. She needs to repay them by doing one favor. Then her debt is repaid. She never thought that favor would leave her in the middle of the Amazon fighting for her life.

Trent loved his life in the Amazon. No rules, no laws, no taxes, no problems. Until he comes face to face with Heather. After losing his parents, he never wanted to care for anyone again. While trying to get her to safety, he finds that his heart is opening up to her.

There are twist and turns that will leave you wondering who is behind everything that is happening.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pulse pounding action with intrigue and and unlikely super sexy hero, what's not to love! Heather didn't have a regular childhood but has made a name for herself as a controller. She always knew the Favor would be called in one day, but she didn't think she would end up in the jungle, on the run and relying on a stranger to keep her alive! Trent has taken refuge in the jungle for the last 10 years or so and thinks he has seen everything, until Heather literally falls into his path. They are both on the run, not sure who to trust and navigate the chemistry between them. Great book!! I received this ARC from Bad Boy Updates.

[Kazza · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was nice to read a book that was very different from the books I have been reading lately. Only I found it really hard to read, the first half was a bit slow for me sorry, I thought it wasn’t exciting enough. The setting is the the Amazon jungle with men with guns chasing them, but it could of been so much more gripping than it was. The story line was quite flat. The characters were good, Heather and Trent were a great team. The second half was like a new book, it was the total opposite, it was exciting and needed to keep reading till the end. That half I really enjoyed.

I read an ARC of this book and am voluntarily writing my review

[Rhonda Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good Romance

Mostly a romance with some action. I would guess about 60% of the book is the couple trying to walk through the jungle getting to know one another. That was not easy as they were both pretty closed off. But avoiding creepy crawlers makes people tend to open up. The rest of the book was action filled with encountering and evading bad guys. I wish the couple had somehow been involved with the getting the bad guys, but that was done after the fact, just kind of like an FYI. I did buy the first 5 books in the series, so I want to see if other books deal justice personally and in your face. Here's hoping.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book with more than one level. On one hand it is a sweet love story between Heather and Trent, but there are other themes that are perhaps more important. Child trafficking that occurs not just in Brazil but everywhere and then there is the threat to the rainforest and the indigenous peoples that live there. I found the interaction fascinating. The trip by Heather and Trent persuaded me that I will never want to visit the area, I am not a fan of the wildlife even if what Trent says is true and they are not interested in humans. This is a fast read and very enjoyable.

[Carol Demmon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heather is a forensic auditor who is fulfilling a commitment to the Factory in Brazil. She finds herself running for her life in the jungle when she discovers human trafficking. She runs into Trent who has spent the last 10 years living in the jungle. As they lose themselves in the jungle running from mercenaries they overcome many obstacles. They have to depend on each other and a spark attraction soon grows. This book will take you on an adventure that will make you want to finish it. I will read the next book in this series.

[Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a great read.
Heather is sent to a remote area in Brazil to look into a charity supposedly helping people in the area but instead finds herself in danger running from human traffickers in the Amazon rain forest.
When she comes upon Trent he agrees to help her get to safety but their journey is anything but straight forward in the jungle.
While on the journey they get closer but can they get their HEA.
It's full of drama and suspense and plenty of emotion but will they make it out alive.
Great ending.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.

[Darcy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Action packed thrill ride from beginning to end. Heather is tasked by the Factory to audit finances of a foundation in Brazil. When she finds herself in danger with no one to trust, she has no choice but to run. Trent has checked out of civilization for years and is content living in the jungle on his terms. After Heather stumbles across his camp, they both find themselves on the hike of their lives being chased by mercenaries and facing danger at every turn. I loved the fast paced suspense, heated romance and takes of life amongst the villagers. Engaging story and characters.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

She has been looking into the tax affairs of a nun and she needs to travel to see them in person. She is about to undercover a plot of a slave trade and now she needs o run. They do not want her exposing their plans and she will meet someone who will help, although he does not believe what she is saying. Can she prove the truth to him? Can they stay one step ahead of the gang? Can he keep her safe? See just how they get out of the jungle

[_booknerd.4ever_ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had a hard time reading this one. I loved the descriptive details of the Amazon and the jungle. I couldn’t really get behind the characters or the plot. There were just too many unanswered questions. We never got those answers. I didn’t like interaction between Heather and her boss. Just could have been a little better though I will give book 2 a try.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book.

[Alyssa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was definitely an interesting start to this new series. The organization that’s introduced seems like it has orphaned kids best interests at heart, but it’s easy to see that there is a catch in their future. With plenty of action through the jungle, Trent and Heather’s story kept me on my toes and made watch carefully to see what might happen next. I’m curious to see what the next book will be like.

I willingly leave an honest review in exchange for an ARC copy

[Nicole A · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s a great adventure! Trent and Heather have chemistry galore! They are thrust together by really terrible circumstances and are fighting for their lives. Along the way, they develop feelings for one another. It’s a story full of twists and turns, leaving you unsure of who’s against them. There are blurred lines between good and bad, but they stick together and end up with a sweet HEA.

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

An action packed adventure through the Amazon with humor and drama not to mention the increasing danger as she finds out what’s really going on. I also liked the intrigue that surrounds her character and those with whom she lives. A very entertaining story. I requested a copy of this book and am voluntarily writing a review.

[Nathalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Factory Controller" is the first Book in Olivia Sigal's Series "The Factory".

this might have been the best Adventure/Romance i've read in some time.

Heather' and Trent's Trip through the Amazonian Jungle filled with Spiders, Snakes and Jaguars - oh my - is nail-biting-inducing Excitement.

Can't wait to read the next Book in this Series!