Coded in Control ARC
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☠️ Masked Men 📖 Multiple POV 🖤 Dark Romance
🌶️ Open Door Spice 🔪 Possessive MMC ♟️ Organized Crime
⛓️ Sex Club 💍 MMF Relationship 🧠 PTSD Representation
All is right in the world - I have found my way back to dark romance! 🙌🏼 This book was everything I needed and MORE: slow burn, tension, protective MMCs, and allll the spice!
Synopsis
Those who step through the doors of Masquerave are not always promised to leave. The night club is open to all who wear a mask, though the preferred audience is one with power and twisted intentions. After escaping her monster of a boyfriend, Lena lets loose within the club’s walls and catches the attention of two enticing men. What should be an uneventful girls’ night out turns into something much more sinister. She never imagined escaping the monster of a man who mistreated her for so many years, never mind running right into the claws of two more. Though they share an intimidating manner, one seems to worship the ground she walks on while the other can barely look her in the eyes. Navigating her new reality, Lena learns about herself and the possibilities that arise when playing amongst the shadows in this mafia-like dark romance.
Can it get any better than reading about two delicious men who run a night club and take the same woman to bed while watching a BDSM strip tease, listening to a spicy playlist curated by the author herself, and sitting by the beach at sunrise? If this isn’t heaven, I don’t think it exists. Check out the playlist here!
“He lowers his lips to the crest of my ear, his breath warm, but it still sends a shiver up my spine. ‘There’s no need to run love.’”
Favorites
I love when I'm able to fully connect with and cheer on a FMC; yet, I don't find this often in dark romances. I was so pleasantly surprised by Lena's character! She is an independent, sassy, young woman in her early 30's who escapes an abusive relationship. I really loved that her character did this all on her own, and allowed women to see that it is possible to remove yourself from a similar situation. She is full of confidence and spontaneity in this novel and I found myself wishing to be more confident because of her. Lena’s curiosity and lust for the two MMCs is just enough to be believable while also allowing the story to unfold the way it does. I HATE a damsel in distress - but this book truly gave us the best of both worlds - TWO prince charmings and one badass princess who broke herself out of the castle.
Speaking of prince charmings - Tony and Devin. Hubbah hubbah 🥵 These men are the perfect pair; Devin, an outgoing and quick-witted man who is the face of their empire, and Tony, the mysterious and intimidating man behind the magic. They truly have a way with words, and my jaw was on the floor for a majority of their spicy scenes. Their tension alone is so exciting and I really hope for more of it in book two! Once they reeled Lena in, the dynamic duo became an inseparable trio - and I would not want to get in their way.
In the early chapters, Devin reminded me so much of Klaus Mikaelson from the Vampire Diaries, especially when he began eyeing Caroline Forbes. His presence is nearly suffocating and borders the line between intriguing and intimidating. They both use the pet name, “love,” in the most sultry manner and it’s soooo enticing. If I were Lena, I would have also folded immediately for this man’s charisma, never mind the gorgeous cryptic man that acts as his shadow, as well. Tony takes a good minute to come around, but when he does…. I was SPEECHLESS. I am so eager for more of his pov in the second book and to dive further into his emotions.
One aspect I appreciated about this book was the raw emotion that KL Hill incorporated. Without any spoilers, she really made each character physically and emotionally respond to events that were happening within the book. Each character’s specific reactions to violence, murder, and awful news, were all so different and yet completely real. Every POV was unique and made me feel as though I was experiencing the event alongside them.
A moment for TASHA - the side character of the century. The bipanic I felt while reading this book was so insane. I don't know if I want to be her or be with her, but regardless, the answer is yes. I would KILL for more of her story in the next book. She's both fierce and empathetic, depending on what is needed of her. She's also extremely loyal to the two men who work by her side, and immediately took Lena under her wing. I have so much respect for her character!
“He leans in, his warm breath caressing my ear. ‘Welcome to the Underground.’ His eyes flash as he pulls away like he just shared a dark secret.”
ICKS
I would have loved more information regarding Obsidian and what exactly it is that they do. There was a lot of talk about taking their organization down and getting revenge, though we truly don't know much at all. The cliff-hanger was truly a shock and made me soooo desperate for book two! I’m hoping for more details and information regarding the responsibilities of those within Masquerave, and those within Obsidian.
“The way Tony has claimed me in the shadows shines just as bright as Devin has claimed me in front of other people. Both of their marks are left on my skin and my scarred heart.”
Final Thoughts
The cliff-hanger was truly a shock and made me soooo desperate for book two! I can't wait to hear other thoughts on this book, so PLEASE feel free to message me once you read it - I absolutely LOVED it! Ladies, get out your wand, turn down the lights, and prepare to fall in love over and over and over again. Once with Devin. Again with Lena. And of course, with our delicious Tony. If you have any room left, you're going to eat up Tasha, too🤩
