Title: Taking Control
Author: Jen Frederick
First published August 22, 2014
288 pages, Kindle Edition
Rating: 4.05
Overview
Jen Frederick’s Taking Control tells the story of Ian Kerr, a wealthy businessman who has always been focused on making money. When he meets Victoria “Tiny” Corielli, a sassy bike messenger, he is instantly drawn to her and wants to show her the world of elite luxury he lives in.
However, Ian’s enemies from the past are still lurking in the shadows and they are willing to use Victoria as a pawn in their deadly game. Victoria is plucked from her humble life and introduced to a world of wealth and privilege, but soon finds herself in danger as Ian’s rivals close in.
As Victoria struggles to balance her desire for Ian with the fear of losing everything, she discovers the dark side of sudden wealth and glamour. With danger at every turn, Victoria must take control of her life and fight for what she truly desires.
Editoral Review
Taking Control by Jen Frederick is a contemporary romance novel that was first published in August 2014. Jen Frederick is a prolific author known for her captivating prose and heartfelt storytelling.
This novel represents her usual style, exploring the themes of love, family, and growth. The novel follows the story of Harley and Deklan, two young adults who have had difficult lives.
Harley, focuses on raising her younger sister, while working at a bar and Deklan is a former marine struggling to adjust to civilian life. They both have their past demons to battle but they find solace in each other.
Together they explore a passion that neither had ever experienced, all while learning to navigate the complexities of life and family. The novel is set in a small fictional town in Alabama and explores the themes of growing up and finding one’s place in the world.
One of the strengths of this novel is the vividly crafted characters that Frederick brings to life. The protagonists of the story are relatable and likeable, making it easy for the reader to connect with them.
The bond between Harley and Deklan is palpable and the tension between them is sure to melt the heart of any reader. The slow-burn romance is well-crafted, with Frederick doling out the right amount of teasing and tension.
The pacing of the novel is excellent, with the gradual unfolding of the plot keeping the reader engaged throughout. The author also does a good job of weaving together different threads to create a seamless story.
There are no loose ends or unnecessary subplots, and each character’s story is beautifully intertwined with the other. However, the novel is not without its flaws.
One area of improvement could be the pacing of the ending, which feels a bit rushed compared to the rest of the novel. The story also employs some clichés of the genre, making it a bit predictable at times.
Despite its shortcomings, this novel is highly recommended for fans of contemporary romance novels. It will appeal to anyone who enjoys a heart-warming, emotionally engaging story.
Taking Control is a beautifully written narrative that showcases Frederick’s gift for storytelling and character development. This novel is a perfect addition to the bookshelves of anyone who enjoys immersing themselves into a captivating love story.
On a scale of 1-5, this novel deserves a solid 4 for its thoughtful plot, well-crafted characters, and emotional resonance.
