Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Beyond amazing I enjoyed this book so very much. The characters and storyline were fantastic. The ending I did not see coming Could not put down nor did I want to.

Thank you to NetGalley for letting me read this in exchange for an honest review.

This book deals with the relationship between Lacey and Stian. I felt that there wasn't enough background on either character. I thought that it was very insta-lovey. Although, I enjoyed some aspects of their relationship, I found that parts of it were not realistic. I enjoyed his caring and protectiveness of Lacey. But, the story felt rushed and not as well-developed as I would have liked.

This also deals a lot with Lacey on the journey to recovery with the eating disorder that she suffers from and how their relationship affects that. It shows how there were beneficial aspects for Lacey, concerning the type of relationship they shared.

Overall, this story was okay. I liked some aspects of the story, but I found some areas to be lacking for me, in my opinion.

As much as the cover might suggest, this is not just a steamy romance, in fact the main character is not Lacey or Stian/Mr Blomqvist, it’s anorexia. And this was a nice surprise.

I was “slightly” put off at first because of the “daddy” issue. Freak control is about a mild BDSM relation, with 15 year age gap, and while I’m all for “Sir” and spanking or chokers, I just could not deal with “daddy” endearments, especially in Dirty Talk + Daddy.

BUT I have never seen anorexia, especially the aftermath of it, its consequences on relations in a romance before. I might have read things about the control of the body, how starving makes you feel, but I’d never read what it means on all other aspects of life, or in your mind. So, don’t be fooled by the easy cover, this is a dark tough one.

That said, I really liked how Mr Blomqvist fell for the little Lacey, even though I couldn’t really understand why, I LOVED all mythology references, and I LOVED that Lacey was Greek and Mr Blomkvist was basically a Viking from Sweden, I loved how his endearing words were Swedish. You don’t get to see much international/cultural background in US romance, and it’s refreshing and inspiring. So despite the Daddy stuff, I’m going to read Brianna Hale again.

I was super excited because this book felt like Secretary (with Maggie Gyllenhaal and James Spader) except with an eating disorder. For example, James’ character grew orchids, and Stian grows bonsai trees. Even though it was similar to the movie it did not feel trite or overdone in any way. There was a real authenticity of how the author dealt with mental health issues and the joy that can be found in a relationship; regardless of the nature of the relationship. It was my first BDSM read and I enjoyed it. I will say if you find the Daddy/Little Girl kink icky, it will be difficult, but I was able to muster through by changing it to Sir in my head.

It was an interesting book to read. There was a lot happening and it was a bit much for me at times, but I do appreciate the focus on Lacey’s disease and the roll Stian played in her recovery. The use of BDSM was a little odd for my liking, but this may be the perfect tale for someone who can relate a little better. Decently written and I enjoyed the book overall.

Years ago I used to have a cartoon strip that I had cut out of the paper at school. It was about a girl who walked around on her head and couldn't find love, then she met a man who walked on his head too. I always liked the idea that although you might not be perfect for everyone, there's someone out there that's perfect for you. In many ways, that is the theme of this book.
I do feel as though I need to say a couple of things at the start. Firstly, while this is a book with a heavily sexual element, in fact, a heavy BDSM element (which should be no surprise if you look at the title and the cover) that's not really what it is all about. Often this type of book is pure escapism and fantasy, but that's not really the case here. Our lead female character, Lacey, is anorexic or recovering from anorexia. Much of the storyline focuses on her attempts to deal with the hold that it has over her and the way that it controls her life. Stian offers her a different type of control and structure that helps her to deal with her issues.
I am often quite sceptical about books where there is a huge age difference and seemingly a difference in power between the two characters, but I'm not sure that that is the case here. At the same time, I'm not totally sure that it isn't either. Stian does help Lacey with her demons, but he isn't there to cure her, they just are right for one another in many ways.
For me, much of this book raised as many questions as it answered and while I loved every second of it, I'm left thinking about it long after the close of the last chapter. I found it well written, gripping and ultimately hugely satisfying.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Control Freak by Brianna Hale was an emotional and touching story about recovery and love. It is the story about man who controls every aspect of his life who falls in love with a woman who needs control in her life. Stain may be a cold man who may seem distant and uncaring, but he has never met a woman like Lacey.

Lacey has demons that consume her. I do not want to say too much; except she suffers from an eating disorder (which is in the blurb) that she is struggling to overcome. She desires a man who can control her in certain ways and Stain is that man. But with her struggles, can she find a way to truly let him in? This story was emotional, but I loved how determined Stain was to stand by Lacey at all cost.

I picked this up because I have been in the mood for romance books and Control Freak looked like it would be a quick, fun read. My god, I was not expecting to love this book as much as I did!

We follow university student and recovering anorexic, Lacey Petrou as she spends her summer working at a museum for the broody boss, Stein Blomqvist. She’s not all that thrilled at having to work with Stein, especially after he saved her from falling down the stairs and yelled at her at the opening night of her father’s art show.

I found the representation and discussion around mental health and anorexia, in particular, respectful and grounded in reality. It didn’t feel as though Lacey’s anorexia was only there for a point plot. I, luckily, haven’t had to battle with an eating disorder but I feel like I have an insight into what it would be like to live with it. It was heartbreaking and exhausting, but there is such strength in Lacey’s character. Every day for her is a fight not to relapse.

I think I must have a think for broody, gruff blonde love interests. I’ve adore every book I’ve read with one and Stien is no different. Stein is known for being controlling and difficult to work with, however, he is kind and patient enough to offer Lacey a Dominant/submissive relationship as an alternative therapy. Nothing ever happens without Lacey’s consent. In fact, this dynamic only starts when Lacey shows interest. Their relationship is formed by mutual trust, care, control and submission.

I found that the difference between this work and other of Hale’s is that there was more of a balance between the character development and smutty times. Even though they don’t have the most traditional relationship and Stein prefers to be called ‘daddy’, you can feel the care and respect he has for her. I feel like the BDSM elements weren’t just there to add sexual tension or heat to this story but they were played out with thought and care for what they needed. Unlike other dominate heroes I’ve read, Stein never crossed a line or pushed the heroine into a dynamic she was never interested in. Which I appreciate so much.

If you cannot tell, I adore this book and I wish there was more to it. These two have to be one of my favourite couples I’ve read. I’m excited to read more from Brianna Hale.

Control Freak by Brianna Hale is the story of Stian and Lacey.
Lacey has a eating disorder that she is trying to bring under control. When her father pushes her to get a job working as Stian assistant for the summer she does as he asked, but what she finds is some peace from her troubled thoughts. Both are attracted to each other but Stian is older and a control freak where Lacey is young but has her food demons. Although this is a steamy read it does show us the emotions that Lacey is fighting inside her head.
I really enjoyed their story and this author touching on a sensitive subject.

Just not my style of book. I am thankful for the ARC for my honest review. I think the book focused too much on the eating disorder and there wasn't much of a conclusion to everything either. Just a few "scenes" here and there of what was going on between the two. A lot of back and forth.

Liked the book alot.
Kinda "fell in love " With both characters and watched them progress with a perfect amout of steamy smut as well.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. Thank you NetGalley.

Trigger Warning; Eating disorders are discussed in this book. This may be a trigger for those who struggle/battle with an ED of their own. I do think it was great that it was openly spoken about in the book as many don't realize just how difficult it is to regain control of your life from an eating disorder. I also love that this book explores the safe and amazing lifestyle of BDSM. When done right, BDSM can be an amazingly sexy and fun lifestyle for many.

This was my first book by Brianna Hale, but it definitely won't be my last!

I really enjoyed this book. I do think it should have had more trigger warnings, coming from personal experience some of the issues at hand were hard to read. It was done so in an honest, true, and eye opening way though. I think a lot of it will be good for people who haven't necessarily dealt with an eating disorder to read, and widen their view on it, But for many, it may also be hard to read. I loved the romance, I loved that this book showed the sexy side, the safe side, the trusting side, and the freeing side to BDSM. It was done again, with honesty, and truth. The romance was great, the character build was fantastic. But I did wish I could have gotten to know Stian a little more. The book was very focused on Lacey. And no one likes a one - sided romance. Though the romance was nothing near one - sided.

It’s been a hot minute since I’ve read a dark romance and I really liked this one. It tugged at my heart and was difficult to read due to the content but the story was well written and made me think a lot about mental illness.

The book is seemingly about a controlling man, Stian, and his need for order. It goes even deeper than that when you read of Lacey’s struggle to keep control in her life while struggling with anorexia. Brianna Hale did an amazing job describing Lacey’s inner demons even though it was painful to read. It felt very realistic. I also loved that Stian was not her savior but was there for whatever she needed in her recovery.

TW: BDSM, “daddy” age gap, mental illness, anorexia

Content Warning: Eating Disorders/Anorexia

Whether or not you like this book will probably depend on whether or not you think it's healthy for the anorexic heroine to give over her control to her boss/Daddy as a way of managing her very real (and thoroughly described and explained on page) struggles with her eating disorder.

Do I think people with eating disorders can have healthy romantic partnerships? Yes. Was that what happened here? I don't know, but I didn't like how a lot of it felt. I think if a character in a romance is so ill after their love affair and the impact it has on them that they need to be institutionalized for inpatient treatment for 4 weeks after the 75% mark of a book....then maybe it's okay to just focus on that character's journey towards wellness and not worry about making that a romance. YMMV.

I received a copy of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Stian Blomqvist craved being in control in all aspects of his life. He requires perfection from all of those around him. Stian is a museum director and Lacey Petrou works for him as his assistant. Control Freak definitely has lots of daddy kink, it also tackles the seriousness of an eating disorder. The relationship that blossoms between Stian and Lacey helps her deal with her daily struggles. I really enjoyed the slow burn of their building relationship. Great story, but not for the faint of heart. The author has done her research involving an eating disorder, which I really appreciated.

This was my first book by Brianna Hale and I'm certain I'll be reading more from her! Loved this book and would absolutely recommend it to a friend!

This is an amazing emotional and steamy read. Stian is a control freak and Lacey is his new assistant and recently out of treatment for an eating disorder. Soon sparks fly between Stian and Lacey and a daddy dom relationship begins. Lacey’s emotional issues come out and Stian does his best to help her with her issues and showing how much he loves her. Will it be enough? Fast-paced read with amazing characters who have so much depth. The story is very emotional and it really drew me in, I was hooked from beginning to end. I loved it!

The cover caught my attention. Let’s be honest it’s hard to not notice and appreciate that cover.

So I read the blurb but I just didn’t really fancy reading a book that featured an eating disorder.

But the reviews were so good. So many of my friends had read and loved it.

So I decided to give it a try.

Lacey suffers from anorexia and it’s crippling. It completely controls her. Every minute of every day. She’s not living, not really. She’s merely existing from one day to the next.

She gets a summer job working for Stian Blomqvist. The job or rather Mr Blomqvist gives her an element of peace and control.

It wasn’t easy reading at times. I was surprised how large a part the anorexia actually played. But it was handled with great sensitivity.

Stian was an amazing character and the way he treated Lacey was beautiful.

“Not so hard. I keep them small and perfect and give them everything they need, and they seem to thrive.”

And how I wanted Lacey to thrive.

I voluntarily read a review copy kindly provided by NetGalley.

3.5 stars
Interesting office romance, age gap and heartbreaking story but lovely and hopefully at the same time.
It's a good written story, with two characters that are so different but so well matched up together, it's heartbreaking at times but also hopefully and even if it has darker moments, it's still a love story. Everyone has their own opinions and feelings and tastes, we should not judge them for it and if someone finds love in a situation where others can't understand I always appreciate them.

Control Freak is a deep, emotional read that pulls at your heart strings and although at times it does get a little dark and a whole lot heartbreaking, it was also hopeful, sweet and romantic. Lacey and Stian were a great couple that I couldn’t help but love and root for. They definitely have real life obstacles to overcome but their love and devotion to each other was the highlight of the story.

This love story has a beautiful message of hope, of love and commitment and never giving up. It was a really sweet love story. The D/s and Dd/lg elements were there but didn’t overwhelm the main plot. I liked that Lacey and Stian counter balanced each other and their D/s roles seemed natural to them both. Stian as a Daddy Dom and Lacey as a Little just clicked and added another layer to their relationship. It wasn’t all rainbows and fluffy kittens. Its was gritty and raw but no less beautiful.

Would I recommend? I liked this sweet story, it was hopeful and romantic and unique. It definitely gave me all the feels and I loved the ending *sigh* Definitely recommend it.