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Dark Dominance #2

Deep Control

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Not all fantasies are safe, sane, and consensual. Welcome to the world of The Gallery…

Devin’s a pilot and playboy, as well as a Gallery Dominant known for his sadistic desires. Ella is a famed physicist whose quiet intelligence masks a depraved longing for pain. When the two connect in a foreign dungeon, neither knows that one of them will soon save the other’s life.

From such dramatic beginnings, a mutual friendship grows, along with a daring D/s relationship. Is their play merely sensual, or do their feelings run deeper? Within the opulent walls of The Gallery, Devin and Ella explore ever-expanding limits and test the boundaries of trust…

210 pages, ebook

First published January 22, 2018

68 people are currently reading
555 people want to read

About the author

Annabel Joseph

70 books2,212 followers
Annabel Joseph is a NYT and USA Today bestselling BDSM erotic romance author. She writes mainly contemporary romance, although she has been known to dabble in the medieval and Regency eras. She is recognized for writing emotionally intense BDSM storylines, and strives to create characters that seem real--even flawed--so readers are better able to relate to them.

Annabel also writes non-BDSM erotic romance under the name Molly Joseph. You can sign up to receive Annabel's newsletter here: http://wordpress.us7.list-manage.com/...

Some of Annabel's favorite authors are Laura Kinsale, Judith McNaught, Jo Beverley, Flannery O'Connor, Molly Weatherfield, and Anneke Jacob.

Annabel Joseph loves to hear from her readers at annabeljosephnovels(@)gmail.com.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
Profile Image for SueBee★bring me an alpha!★.
2,417 reviews15.3k followers
Want to read
January 22, 2018
LIVE! | AMZ US | AMZ UK | B&N | KOBO | iBOOKS |


Oh la la! A PILOT, PLAYBOY & SADIST!? Yum!

Stand-alone.
LIVE! | AMZ US | AMZ UK | B&N | KOBO | iBOOKS |
Blurb:
Not all fantasies are safe, sane, and consensual. Welcome to the world of The Gallery…
Devin’s a pilot and playboy, as well as a Gallery Dominant known for his sadistic desires. Ella is a famed physicist whose quiet intelligence masks a depraved longing for pain. When the two connect in a foreign dungeon, neither knows that one of them will soon save the other’s life.
From such dramatic beginnings, a mutual friendship grows, along with a daring D/s relationship. Is their play merely sensual, or do their feelings run deeper? Within the opulent walls of The Gallery, Devin and Ella explore ever-expanding limits and test the boundaries of trust…


Books in Dark Dominance series are stand-alones:
Book 1: Dark Control
Book 2: Deep Control
Book 3: Dangerous Control


ARC provided to me by author Annabel Joseph, in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for The Sassy Bookworm.
3,999 reviews2,854 followers
January 17, 2018
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Side Note: I'm testing out a new review format. I am thinking of switching all my reviews to the same format I use when doing my "stepping out" challenge reviews. Let me know what you think Y/N?? 

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description~WRITING - PLOT - PACE~
I found this one to be very well written. It was nicely paced and the story never dragged at any point. The plot was engaging and kept me turning the pages.


~HERO~
I rather loved the hero in this one. Devin was a great guy. Maybe not as dirty and sadistic as I had expected (hoped) but he was still sexy as f-ck. Domineering. Knew his way around a belt. But he was also sweet. Charming. Pretty much all in for Ella from the start.


~HEROINE~
Ella was a little harder for me to warm up to. I didn't really understand her reasons for not wanting to love anyone. They just seemed a tad silly to me. Especially coming from someone who is supposed to be oh so smart. That said, I still managed to like her well enough that it didn't take away from my enjoyment of the book overall.


~SIDE CHARACTERS~
There really isn't too many secondary characters in this one. The couple from book one make a couple brief appearances and Milo plays a rather larger part (threesomes with the Devin and Ella at the club). I am certainly intrigued by Milo and can't wait for his book. Although the dude sure gets around with the heroines in this series (lol)


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~HEAT LEVEL~
Highish. The sex scenes were hot and plentiful. I thought Dev would be a bit more of a hardcore sadist, so I was a bit disappointed with that. There is spanking, anal, bondage, sharing, and a lot more.


~ANGST LEVEL~
I didn't find this a particularly angsty book. There is a lot of fighting feelings, but I wouldn't say that manifests itself in much push/pull. There also wasn't any OW/OM drama. It was never specifically said, but I am fairly certain Devin wasn't with any OW after meeting Ella. He, of course, shared Ella with other Doms when they were at the club. But other than that there was no one else for Ella either.


~IN THE END~
I enjoyed this one a lot. Maybe not quite as much as book one. I found the heroine a bit difficult to warm up to. That said, I did like the hero. Even if he was a bit tame for my liking in the sadist department. This author has a very readable way to her writing that gets you hooked from page one. She knows her way around a good sex scene as well. So yea, I liked it a lot and I can't wait to see what she has in store for us with Milo's book. Two thumbs up from yours truly.description

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Profile Image for Bex (Beckie Bookworm).
2,447 reviews1,576 followers
January 25, 2018
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🌟🌟🌟🌟 STARS
ARC-book Review
Release Date-22/1/18

Deep Control (Dark Dominance #2) by Annabel Joseph was an absolute delight to read.
Its one of them reads that's a little bit out of the box in regards to the normal and that's what floated my boat with this story.
So Deep Control is the second book in this series and although
these books occupy the same world this can totally be read as a stand-alone, I did and had no issues what so ever following along.
I also want to mention how much I'm loving that book cover, such a hot combustible image, adoring it totally.

So this book follows Pilot Devin a Dominant and a bit of a sadist and Ella an astrophysicist with a penchant for pain.
When the two meet, first with a brief encounter at a club and later as Devon is accompanying Ella on a flight to New York as a flight coach due to her severe phobia of flying, sparks do fly and after sharing a traumatic life-affirming experience the two end up hooking up and realise there desires align perfectly.

Deciding this is something they both want to explore Devon asks Ella along to the Gallery. An exclusive club that caters to the extreme, here there are no safe words and a sub needs a sponsor and invitation to play.
Neither wanting a relationship, each for there own reasons, the two embark on a friendship of mutual desire and depravity, but sometimes the best-laid plans can easily go to pot.

So I really enjoyed Deep Control, it was a hot messy read but also had the added bonus of a great storyline, I really liked all the characters if at times I did want to give Ella a big kick up the derriere for her sheer stubbornness in realising what she actually held in her hand and was in danger of losing if she didn't pull her finger out and smell the coffee.
Devin himself was such a delicious specimen and I just loved how he took such good care of Ella it was very apparent early on how much he cared.
I found this to be such an easy read with some great secondary characters and I raced through this very quickly indeed.
I should also probably mention that there are menage scenes where Devon shares Ella with his friend, this is all completely consensual and the HEA that eventually occurs is only between Devon and Ella but I thought I should this just mention just in case this bothers you at all.
Though I haven't read anything by this author before I am pleased to say this was a very positive experience and I will definitely be checking out any other books she has out, especially the ones in this series.

So that's about it, Deep Control gets a big thumbs up from me, check it out you won't be disappointed.
I was provided with an ARC of Deep Control (Dark Dominance #2) by Annabel Joseph of which I have reviewed voluntary.
All opinions expressed are entirely my own.

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Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm.
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com
Profile Image for ⊱✿⊰ Alicia ⊱✿⊰ .
675 reviews462 followers
January 27, 2018
4 Propelled By Love Stars

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Ella is an Astrophysicist, a science geek through and through. She has been living and working in Italy which she loved, until she got a call from an ex that left her no choice but for her to pack up and move back to the states to head a new study program.

There is one thing about this blonde science geek that's a little different, Ella enjoys pain with her pleasure and has been frequenting a BDSM club while living in Italy. On her last night she had requested a special scene where she was blindfolded and was an open invitation for all the Dom's in the club. During the scene a man with a strong American accent joined in.

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Just so happens that the American accent belongs to Devon the pilot in charge of taking care of Ella on her flight to the states as she suffers from a severe phobia of flying. So during the flight things happen that give Ella and Devon the opportunity to get to know each other better.

Man talk about HOT!!!! These two were off the charts, even when they weren't at The Gallery which is the BDSM club Devin takes Ella.

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Neither Ella or Devin are looking for love for different reasons, this causes a little drama at the end but only minor. i enjoyed this book, the characters were nice and I liked reading about a geeky girl in glasses getting her freak on, it made for a good change from the norm. I agree with my friend Eve's review that it was not as hardcore in the BDSM as I had hoped which was a bit of a bummer, I found the first book the same. The scenes where still extra hot but I think these Hero's talk themselves up so much about how sadistic their needs are that you expect so much more when it comes time to play.

Overall this was a well written love story about two people trying not to find love and they happen to like a little kink with their sex.

➰ Reviewed on behalf of the 1-Click Addict Support Group
Profile Image for warhawke.
1,525 reviews2,232 followers
January 16, 2018
Genre: Erotic Romance
Type: Standalone Book 2 of 3 from Dark Dominance series
POV: First Person - Dual
Rating:




Devin Kincaid had a particular need. As a Master at The Gallery, his brand of sadism was a favorite among the subs. But being a pilot meant he never had to settle down to enjoy the kinkery anywhere he landed.

Dr. Ella Novatny was a brilliant astrophysicist. But behind her professional facade, laid a darker side only a few got to see. Her need for emotionless pain was her escape, but things started to shift after a life changing event that would make her question her heart.



I hardly knew this man. Would he hurt me? Would I regret this wildness as soon as he started to press inside?


Since I have a thing with pilots, I like Devin right away lol! Though, I have to say he was different than what I expected him to be. For a sadist, I expected him to be darker or more intense (at least while scening). But he was more light and laidback.

Torment was her drug, and I was happy to give it to her.


I like that Ella was a smart professional who knew what she wanted/needed. I also like how certain vulnerability made her seem more "normal" and likeable.

The book started in a very interesting way. I like how they were brought together which ended up in an unavoidable connection. There was an external factor regarding her past, which I was hoping would be significant to their relationship, but it ended up being resolved a little too easily.



The sex scenes were hot. I like how both of them like playing with a certain body part lol!

Deep Control is a story of exploring possibilities. It would appeal to fans of kinky romance.

Books in the series:
Dark Control (Dark Dominance, #1) by Annabel Joseph Deep Control (Dark Dominance, #2) by Annabel Joseph Dangerous Control (Dark Dominance, #3) by Annabel Joseph



🔌 ✈ 🔌. . . (F)BR With Twinsie CC . . . 🔌 ✈ 🔌





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Profile Image for ⭐ Emerson ⭐.
328 reviews204 followers
January 23, 2018
I fucking love this series! So, So HOT!
Annabel Joseph writes steamy BDSM stories with heart.
She will forever be a favorite of mine.

Devin is delicious. I'm looking forward to Milo's story.
Profile Image for CC.
1,233 reviews727 followers
January 18, 2018


Dr. Ella Novatny is well-respected theoretical astrophysicist heavily focused on her career but when she isn’t immersed in the lab, she needs the escape of pain delivered by a Dom’s hand. Offered a job in New York, she must travel by plane and face one of her fears. However, when she is thrust into a completely uncontrollable situation, she is tested in more ways than she expected.

“I have a tendency to worry about things. To overthink. My field of science is based on questions more than answers.”

Captain Devin Kincaid is a pilot and known to be playboy sadist. Comfortable with his traveling and uncomplicated lifestyle, his time at The Gallery keeps him busy and sated by submissives. After meeting a certain masochist, Devin’s need to play with others becomes diminished but his past still affects certain decisions.

“It was fun-ishment. But I can do punishment, too.”

As Ella and Devin find a common bond with pain, she begins to trust Dev but certain vulnerabilities flair causing Ella to do what she knows so well. Even with Ella’s pushback, Devin assures her of his intentions, but when Devin’s latent emotions surface, he must accept what he feels to move forward.



“Just lie there and imagine my cock moving in and out of you, pounding your hungry, juicy pussy.”

Told in dual POV, getting into the minds of these characters feels effortless. I admired Ella’s intellectual abilities and understood her deep need to protect her heart. While Ella works hard, she also needs an equally impactful release achieved by being a submissive. With Devin providing the security and touch Ella craves, she’s able lose control and quiet her mind leading to hot scenes.

“Things are always better after you fuck me,” I said. “You have a magic cock.”

From the beginning, Devin oozes sexiness as a Dom and while in his pilot’s uniform. While these two may have been an unlikely match without kink, their attraction builds as plot points are met. What I always appreciate about this author’s writing is her consistency in staying true to her characters.

Deep Control will appeal to those who enjoy BDSM play and also a romance about characters trying to find their way together.


Dark Dominance series:
Dark Control (Dark Dominance, #1) by Annabel Joseph Deep Control (Dark Dominance, #2) by Annabel Joseph Dangerous Control (Dark Dominance, #3) by Annabel Joseph


*An ARC was generously provided in exchange for an honest review.*


*This was a (F)BR with Twinsie Hawkey!*



For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:

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Profile Image for Eliza.
661 reviews845 followers
January 26, 2018


★5 STARS★

If you’re already a fan of the series you’ll remember Devin Kincaid from Dark Control in the supporting role of best friend. He’s a seasoned Dominant and his profession as a pilot has enabled him to play in some of the best dungeons in the world.

On the night before his flight back to the U.S he finds himself in a dungeon in Italy. Taking in the scene he is enraptured by the sensuality and grace of the submissive before him. Their encounter is a brief one, but the intensity remains long after it is over.

Dr. Ella Novatny is a brilliant physicist who has been summoned back to the States in order to lend her expertise on an exciting new exploration. She’s deeply reluctant to return for various reasons but the first and foremost being her phobia of flying. So deep is her fear she has been assigned a pilot as means of support during the flight.

Although she may have been blindfolded Ella comes to the quick realisation that the voice of her pilot is the same as the mysterious American from last night’s scene. What happens during the flight sets a course that changes more than their destination.

Not only is Deep Control my favourite book in the Dark Dominance series, it’s my favourite overall from Annabel Joseph. It’s an intensely passionate read dominated by brilliant writing and well a read story. I revelled in its authenticity and wonderful balance of sex and emotion.



 
Profile Image for Lana Reads.
477 reviews229 followers
February 29, 2020
At first I gave it 4,5 stars, but I'll just go and update it to 5.

Because this book is not simply some BDSM craziness (which it definitely is), it's also a very cleverly written romance with well developed characters, fast pacing and some great background research. 

It was my first book in the series and I really loved it, reread a couple of times and will be reading again at some point. 

It's also quite hardcore and will not be everyone's cup of tea, srsly. I was surprised at how much I enjoyed it though. So yeah.
Profile Image for benevolent bastard.
519 reviews306 followers
February 24, 2020
I figured it out. To meet the love of your life, go abroad to a sex club and take part in an orgy. Why didn’t I realize this sooner?
Devin is intense, type of man that would haunt me for awhile. I loved this book so much, after reading the first time I re-read again.
Profile Image for ~IreneOust~.
509 reviews767 followers
January 24, 2018
I am going to keep this short and sweet ...

I think Annabel Joseph is an author who gets better and better with each and every one of her new releases. DEEP CONTROL is now my favorite book of hers to date. I devoured this story that delivered on every single point in my checklist: superb writing, character(s) depth, amazing supporting cast, raw sexuality which was only magnified tenfold by all the feels the author delivers. Always! I am a sucker for great dialogue and this book simply blew me away. The exchange between characters (any of them!) was fantastic. I can't think of one single thing about DEEP CONTROL that I didn't love.

I am now not-so-patiently waiting for Milo's story ...

Cheers!

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Profile Image for Jan.
1,233 reviews972 followers
February 4, 2018
*** 3 Stars ***

Don't feel like writing about this but I'll give you some visual that will make justice to the story.



Profile Image for 1-Click Addict Support Group.
3,749 reviews489 followers
January 27, 2018
4 Propelled By Love Stars

 photo airplaneheart_zpsjxwirkrf.gif

Ella is an Astrophysicist, a science geek through and through. She has been living and working in Italy which she loved, until she got a call from an ex that left her no choice but for her to pack up and move back to the states to head a new study program.

There is one thing about this blonde science geek that's a little different, Ella enjoys pain with her pleasure and has been frequenting a BDSM club while living in Italy. On her last night she had requested a special scene where she was blindfolded and was an open invitation for all the Dom's in the club. During the scene a man with a strong American accent joined in.

 photo ella2_zpsjwzdxbyd.jpg

Just so happens that the American accent belongs to Devon the pilot in charge of taking care of Ella on her flight to the states as she suffers from a severe phobia of flying. So during the flight things happen that give Ella and Devon the opportunity to get to know each other better.

Man talk about HOT!!!! These two were off the charts, even when they weren't at The Gallery which is the BDSM club Devin takes Ella.

 photo Deckerandlaynee_zpspubjoart.gif

Neither Ella or Devin are looking for love for different reasons, this causes a little drama at the end but only minor. i enjoyed this book, the characters were nice and I liked reading about a geeky girl in glasses getting her freak on, it made for a good change from the norm. I agree with my friend Eve's review that it was not as hardcore in the BDSM as I had hoped which was a bit of a bummer, I found the first book the same. The scenes where still extra hot but I think these Hero's talk themselves up so much about how sadistic their needs are that you expect so much more when it comes time to play.

Overall this was a well written love story about two people trying not to find love and they happen to like a little kink with their sex.
Profile Image for Elle ✟ Søren's ♡ (i'm too old for this shite).
690 reviews477 followers
July 13, 2018
4* scared to be lonely STARS!!

Honestly, Devin is one of the trio that I dislike because his cocky appearance in the previous book, Dark Control. When his book came out, I expected the same cockiness but, nope. He's almost a different person. I don't know where's this magic come from, but yeah Annabel Joseph always create an unrealistic almost too-good-to-be-true kind of man (in good way).

As one of the hardcore player, Devin Kincaid could have any subs in his private BDSM club, The Gallery. But his demanding job as a pilot restrict him to have complicated relationship. An unexpected meeting with the mysterious maso sub who is also his passenger awakens something inside Devin. Dr. Ella Novatny is a talented and dedicated astrophysicist. Her summon to New York couldn't beat her trauma with airplane. Devin intends to pursue her in every way.

We all know Devin is such a playboy. Ugh. But... He's so different. Devin has fallen for Ella. Can I call it insta-lust? He admitted that Ella isn't her type but her masochist really match his sadist. Their first encounter was totally raw and super HOT.

Everyone has dark secrets. Ella's fear couldn't get along with Devin. She was so afraid and I think it's normal. Devin with his coaxing makes Ella surrender her fear and submission. Devin also could be marshmallow sometimes; not that rough. They start a BDSM relationship and introduced to The Gallery. However, Devin didn't want to lose himself so he started to share Ella with his best friend, Milo.

Every denial has a price. The conflicts between Devin and Ella started small. Devin feels responsible for Ella and slay every dragon for her. But Devin forgot his own also Ella with her love trauma. Surprisingly this story isn't all about sex. It was a journey to discover fears and love heals everything. Overall, I still enjoyed Devin's sadistic side also Ella is a sexy strong woman for facing her fears in the end. A solid read; better than Fort and Juliet's story, IMO.
Profile Image for Sissy's Romance Book Review .
8,978 reviews16 followers
January 20, 2018
Deep Control by Annabel Joseph is book Two in the "Dark Dominance" series. This is the story of Dr. Ella Novatny and Devin Kincaid. I have read the previous book but this is easily a standalone book.
Devin is a Captain of an airline and that allows him to fly everywhere which in turns leaves him free to pursue different women and BDSM Clubs. Which leads him to see Ella being active in one of the clubs. Unknown to him the next day he finds out Ella is Dr. Novatny, the scientist he has agreed to 'baby sit' her because she is afraid of flying. Devin didn't think he would ever see her again when fate sends her his way he wont be able to resist.
Ella has a fear of flying but she has to fly for the job she is taking, which puts Devin in her path. Ella is a smart scientist but craves to be controlled by a Dom...and it appears that Devin might fit that bill along with other things she needs.
Profile Image for Simply Love Book Reviews.
7,046 reviews870 followers
January 22, 2018
Deep Control is part of the Dark Dominance series but can definitely be read and enjoyed as a standalone.

I love this author and will read anything she writes but I could have used a heads up about the technical difficulties on the airplane. There were a few chapters that had me as nervous as Ella.

Devin and Ella did get their happy needing but they struggled at first. In the beginning, you could see their differences so clearly, Devin is a pilot and is always on the move while Ella liked to keep her feet firmly planted. He's an extrovert while I found her to be more introverted. As the book quickly progressed, you could see how well suited these two were.

He's a Dominant and she's a submissive. He's a sadist while she's a masochist. Devin didn't hold back on his sadistic Dominant side. He was looking for control and Ella is looking to give it up. There were a few times I cringed but I also found myself laughing a bit too. Devin and Ella knew how to push each others buttons but they were able to do it in a funny sarcastic way.

Neither was looking for anything long term and they made it clear from the beginning. Despite them both protesting, their easy friendship led to something more. They both tried to hold off as long as possible but when the past comes back to haunt Devin they need to reevaluate their relationship.

We are reintroduced to his friends and the Galley. They are as interesting and charming as I remember. I'm looking for to the next book in this series.
Profile Image for Bookgasms Book Blog.
2,863 reviews1,553 followers
January 11, 2018
I was a big fan of the first book in Annabel Joseph's Dark Dominance series and could not wait for book two. I was deeply intrigued by Devin Kincaid, the Playboy Pilot and Dominant and could not wait for his book. And honestly? It was fantastic! I really LOVED his and Ella's connection. I loved their chemistry but also the strong ties that formed between them. It was unexpected amd something they werent looking for but OMG was it hot, sexy and emotional.

I loved that Ella and Devin were not looking for each other but something happened and they could not get each other out of their blood. He was a no-committment playboy looking for a new masochistic sub in in every new city he flew into and she didn't want nor believe in love. But when they get together...it's alllll FIREWORKS!!

Gahhh!! I loved every minute of this book. I loved that Ella was strong in her sexuality but as a Scientist needed to take a leap of faith to overcome her fear of love and getting attached. Likewise, I adored how honorable Devin was. He wanted to love and protect her and seriously he melted my heart. I seriously could not get enough of them both and can not wait for Milo's book!!! Bravo!! 4.5 stars!! Ratula
Profile Image for Aly is so frigging bored.
1,690 reviews266 followers
January 14, 2018
This was the 2nd book in the series and tells the story of Devin and Ella. We met Devin in the 1st book, he’s a pilot and a sadist. Ella is an astrophysicist and a masochist. Their first meeting was really interesting: Ella was being tormented in a club in Pisa and Devin joined the fun(it was REALLY hot). Their formal meeting happened the next day, where Devin’s job was to be her flight therapist.

Spending time with them was lots of fun. Both of them were stubborn and smart and I love seeing their relationship develop. At first glance they had nothing in common, but that changed as they(and we) got to know each other better. Devin is tormented by the memories of abuse his father subjected him and his mom to, while Ella can’t fathom the absolute love her father had for her mom that he fell apart and went a little crazy after she died.

This book has the trademark Annabel emotion, and yes it made me cry(all her books do). As you read you can feel and live what the characters do, her writing is just THAT good. I could feel how much Devin enjoyed hearing Ella talk about her work, how amazing and confusing it was for Ella to be his center of attention weather in the club or just the 2 of them together, how angry Devin got with her boss and their anguish when they fought. It was an experience that Ms Joseph always brings me when I’m reading one of her books.
Profile Image for Greyling54.
260 reviews13 followers
January 23, 2018
Wow! I really, really liked this one. Annabel Joseph is a favorite of mine, but I was somewhat disappointed in Dark Control, the first book in the series. This one has everything that the first was missing. It has the character development, the backstory, the depth of feeling that Dark Control was lacking, and it has fantastic BDSM scenes as well. Ella and Devin are both well drawn, well developed characters, both with issues of varying sorts. There's also some conflict stemming from Ella's past and Devin needing to rescue her against her wishes. All of it put together makes for a very good story. I just finished the book about 10 minutes ago, so this is probably not the most coherent review I've written, but wanted to post it while it was fresh in my mind.
Profile Image for Rin W. Vitale.
281 reviews61 followers
February 6, 2018
Second book of the series. This one is about Devin and Ella. The sexy pilot and masochist scientist. I think I might like it better if the story is longer, idk I feel like it’s a bit rushed in here. Not that I’m complaining the many sexy times... me need more suspense... keeps thing interesting.

Anyway, was a good read and cannot wait for Milo’s turn!!
Profile Image for Alyssa.
304 reviews36 followers
February 17, 2018
4.75 Stars!

Y'all, I loved so much about this book! But first thing's first, this book comes with a WARNING: This is pretty hardcore BDSM - sadist/masochist relationships, no safe words, sharing in some of the scenes, a lot of attention to a particular part of one's anatomy. If this is not your thing, keep it moving.

So let's start with the premise: Ella is a well known (in her industry) astrophysicist. As painfully intelligent as she is, she has an intense irrational fear of flying. Her new job wants her so bad they've chartered a flight and have also hired Devin, one of their best pilots, to also fly with her. So if you have kind of a twisted sense of humor, they have a "meet cute" (for lack of a better term) before this because she spends her last night in Italy at her sex club getting a lot of attention from the Doms. Devin just so happened to walk in when her scene was in action. Neither one has the time or the mental capacity to ever want a relationship or marriage, but after discovering their compatibility, Devin agrees to introduce her to his club scene in New York and a pretty awesome love story happens.

Here's all the things that I loved:
Ok, so yes the is full on erotic BDSM, so there's lots of sex. But I love how sex positive this author is in regards to their story. Ella is a masochist. She needs pain to get off. BUT this doesn't stem from some deep rooted self-esteem issues in her psyche. No, she's so intelligent, and her work is rather other-worldly if you will and she doesn't have a lot of free time or brain space. She uses pain and submission as a way to turn off her mind, give up control, and let herself be free. Devin is a sadist Dom. Loves giving punishments. BUT this isn't because he was abused as a kid and copes with the need to whip girls that look like his mom. Ok, yes, he had a very rough childhood; however, his Dom life is just his particular brand of kink. And he knows and is confident that his childhood and his kink are in no way mutually exclusive of each other.

Moving past that actual heavy BDSM, there's so much more to like. This is also a very well developed and well written story. That fact that Ella is an astrophysicist could definitely lean toward WTF or silly but the author actually did some research. Not only this, her job ties a lot into her background and why she pursues what she does today. Color me impressed. Their actual love story itself was super endearing, actually had quite the slow-burn element to the build, it had the really good kind of frustration without the unnecessary angst and bells & whistles. Also, with the added BDSM element, their lows are pretty brutal and their highs are the good kind of brutal. (I read book 1 and felt the same way about the highs and lows)

Devin is my first book boyfriend of 2018 and I don't even care that he's a sadist. He's also in tune with his emotions and is the first to come around to having a relationship. Ella is much slower to get with the program. From start to finish this was just a great read for me.

So now you're asking yourself why did you knock it down a quarter of a point. Well the Olympics just started and I'm feeling rather judgy, haha. If I fall in love with a story it's like I become a junkie. I just need one last hit before I let it go. There's no epilogue and I desperately wanted one. I wanted that glimpse into the future of them living their best life. To be fair, you get a little update of the Book 1 couple in this story. It's safe to say Book 3 will go onto my TBR in the future.
Profile Image for Dar.
4,425 reviews91 followers
January 14, 2018
When a book begins with a pilot in Italy trying to decide whether to go for a drink or BDSM , I know I've got the right book! Devon and Ella fell with for each other at first words, yet neither figured that out until much, much, much, later

Devon is a sadistic playboy pilot, with a new submissive to play with each time he goes to the Gallery. The Gallery is an exclusive BDSM club in Manhattan where only men Dominants are allowed, and the submissive women are available to all. Anything goes there, and it usually does, and only those hardcore into the lifestyle go there, and only if a sponsor brings you. Devin has a list of beautiful blondes for the Gallery, in fact to most clubs around the world, to satisfy his needs. He hasn't been to Pisa in a while, and he decides to go solo to the club here

The story really begins when Devin sees a beautiful blonde at the club. What is happening to her is consensual and monitored, and he can't stay away. She is also as deeply affected, we find out, and this is the start of self-denial for them both. As much as these two will gladly give into their sadistic and masochist needs, and recognize how perfectly their needs align, emotional connections terrify them

Ella is world renown scientist, smart, and sexy, and one of the few women in her field. She keeps herself completely cerebral to avoid emotional entanglements. She has seen what love has done when lost, and her scientific mind gives her reason to avoid feelings

The story is hot, it is sexy, and it seems to be exactly as Devin and Ella's relationship, some emotions that are quickly tapped down. We alternate between their points of view in the story, which adds to the wonder of what the person off-screen is thinking. This isn't a sunshine and flowers courtship, it is butt plugs and whips. Both Devin and Ella want to stick to the rules they agreed to at the beginning, but like everything else with these two, things are out of their control and moving fast without regard for what they want

If you crave that darkness, that deep sado-maso connection between two characters, and them dealing with their emotions the only way they know how, ignore and deflect, then you'll love this book as much as I did!
Profile Image for Tracy.
684 reviews20 followers
January 17, 2018
I could not get enough of Dev and Ella. Their story is full of scorching hot sex, and two people experiencing an intense emotional and intimate connection neither want or understand.

I was enthralled with Deep Control. The characters were well developed, they both had past experiences that made them leery of the depth of their feelings, causing a riot inside of the reader as we anticipate each new interaction with them. Ella craves control in her life, as does Dev. I loved watching them find a balance outside the bedroom.

I’m obsessed with this series. It’s full dark desires and sinful love. It’s a must read for the reader who craves the darker side of love and sex.

*Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads*


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Profile Image for Kathleen R..
1,407 reviews43 followers
January 24, 2018




I can't comprehend how i never read Annabel Joseph's Dark Control - i mean, i have it in my kindle, i just didn't get to it. So when i saw Deep Control pass by, i jumped on the chance to read it. Seriously though, it had all the criteria that i love about books these days, my guilty pleasures; dark. BDSM. Pushes boundaries. So very wrong!

I wish i could say that this book is for everyone, but truthfully, it isn't. To say it pushes boundaries is an understatement. It's a masochist whose sadist pushes her and brings her to a club where safe words don't apply. The level of trust that Ella has to have in Devin is immense. Yet, it's through that trust that you can see the beauty and appreciate it, of how strong these relationships can be.

This is a story unlike any i've read so far - yes i've read books about DBSM, about S/m and about Masters/slaves, but Annabel Joseph takes it one step further by showing us the underbelly of it all - how a masochist's mind is calmed through the pain that their sadist can give them.



*ARC provided by Author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Kathleen, The Small Girl from A small girl, her man and her books


https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/8063169-kathleen-r



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Profile Image for Romance Readers Retreat.
2,346 reviews225 followers
January 21, 2018
Devin is a sexy pilot who is a Dominant at the Gallery. He is a self-assured playboy and I liked him a lot. I understood completely why so many subs enjoyed playing with him. Ella is a successful physicist who hides a desire for pain and I also enjoyed her quite a lot. Her particular brand of masochism goes perfectly with Devin’s brand of Sadism. As they play together they develop a strong friendship that begins to turn into something deeper, by Ella is reluctant to move past a surface Dom/sub relationship. I’ll admit to getting a bit frustrated with her. While she had her reasons for wanting to avoid a relationship or fall in love, those reason didn’t really make sense to me. I was completely on board with their relationship though and was trying to mentally shake her.

I think I liked the first book in the series slightly more than this one, but I still enjoyed it. There were plentiful BDSM scenes and it has a high heat level. I’m loving the world of the Gallery that Joseph has created and am especially anxious for Milo’s story. He has his hand (and other body parts) in all the female lead’s so far which leads me to believe when he finds a sub he has to have things will get very interesting.
Profile Image for Expresso.
876 reviews137 followers
January 20, 2018
Deep Control is my favorite book in this series! I absolutely love the chemistry between the hero and heroine! 

Ella is an amazing heroine. She is feisty, nerdy, and adorable! A scientist who is grounded by BDSM. Devin is a handsome and an over the top possessive alpha! He is divine, yummy, and the perfect Dom! 

Their BDSM journey is not an easy one but definitely one worth taking. The story line is passionate, amazing, and different from other books in this genre. There's an actual story here and one worth reading!

This review is my personal opinion of Deep Control. My personal opinion should have zero influence on your experience with this story.

Four stars!
Profile Image for Sarah.
940 reviews
September 13, 2018
4.5 stars *sigh*...I am such an Annabel Joseph fangirl. Not only do her books feature the dreamiest doms, but she writes girls after my own heart--her characters are so relatable to me, and they make her books my absolute favorite romances. And this book was no exception--super steamy plus sooooo many feels. I had so much fun reading about Devin and Ella, and would recommend this book to anyone who likes steamy romance and isn't averse to BDSM. Looking forward to Milo's story in the next book!
Profile Image for Nadine Bookaholic.
3,714 reviews517 followers
January 24, 2018
I found this to be an extremely hot read with tons of sex scenes that could very well get a monk in the mood. While Deep Control is the second book in the Dark Dominance series it can be read as a standalone, which is what I did. But, if you're like me you will enjoy this book so much that you will want to go back and read all about Jules and Fort in Dark Control, up next we have Milo's story in Dangerous Control due out later this year.


You can see my full review along with an excerpt here: https://nadineisobsessedwithbooks.blo...
Profile Image for Cassie May.
Author 9 books85 followers
January 29, 2018
Reviewed on behalf of 3 Degrees of Fiction Blog
This book was not my book. Not at all; for different reasons.
The positive thing from this book was the writing style. It supported the plot perfectly and had no plotholes or strange wording that would have thrown me off from my reading.
The negative stuff was a little more. I am not part of the BDSM community, but I’ve read a lot of books about this topic and I have asked several friends who are part of the community about their opinion on certain things I wasn’t sure about.
Firstly. The no safeword rule. That is completely unbelievable and, to be honest, careless. Trying to understand the body language of a complete stranger in a stressful situation is impossible. And in this context, dangerous. This was the major thing that threw me off.
Other things were not so big, but all in all made the book almost unreadable for me.



All in all it was a good book that had great characters and a big character development, but the main things that were the backbone of the story, like the BDSM part were absolutely not the way I picture a safe, sane and consensual (with focus on safe and sane)BDSM relationship which is why I have to give a low rating.
Profile Image for MammieBabbie.
301 reviews13 followers
January 23, 2018
A fascinating and intriguing romance that is open, brazen and scorchingly hot...

I'm really excited about Deep Control. I haven't read Annabel Joseph before now, and I'm really kicking myself for it. I can't get over how clever this book was. Ok, so it is VERY erotic, in that a lot of scenes are of a sexual nature. Do not even complain! SO, yes, theres a tonne of hot, filthy, dirty, scorching, lip bitting sex, BUT, the story itself is very intelligent. If you now me, you'll know that I love it when an author doesn't underestimate their readers' intelligence. It's one of the reason I'm such a CD Reiss fan, but Annabel Joseph has taken it to a whole new level. If you love a geek, you will love Ella, regardless of whether you're male or female, whether you're gay or straight You will love this heroine. She is queen of the geeks.

Anywho, plot wise I really enjoyed this book. Although the characters have their kinks they do go on a journey of discovery. This isn't one of those books where the characters go on a sexual kink journey. They already know what they like and what makes it happen for them...they are also not afraid of going after it. The journey that Devin and Ella go on is emotional. It's about them discovering what they want and need emotionally and how to accept it. If that makes sense? I wouldn't say that they are ever on different pages, even when they aren't mentally aware of what they want, or rather what their hearts want, their feelings are already driving them down that precarious path. This is very much an insta-love romance and although there is a slight undercurrent of angst, it's very minimal. The drama is also rather tame, well once Ella actually makes it on a plane to New York and once that sleezebag Leo is dealt with. Saying that, even when there is drama, it never detracts from the erotic feel of the story. Personally I loved that. I was so engrossed in their pleasure and their kink, it was a journey of discovery for me.

When it came to the characters I was so fascinated and intrigued by them. Devin is very much an alpha male, and he has this consuming and possessing aura about him that at times had me wanting to get on my hands and knees for him. Do I thin he's your typical BDsM hero? No. He isn't your typical overrun by demons guy that likes to take out his pain on others. Nope, this guy is actually so laid back that he's horizontal! Ok, so he's had a hard childhood, but that's not the thing that makes him who he is. Don't get me wrong, at first I just thought he was a brute, but the way in which he looks after Ella, and not just because he wants sex, or because they're just had a scene, but because that's who he is...that just made me love him so much. He pushes her boundaries without going overboard, and because that's what she needs. Which brings me to Ella. Ella is super intelligent, she's a masochist and she's got issues. Like Devin, I didn't ever feel like those issues were what made her crave or need pain in order get the most out of her pleasure. They definitely played a part in their attachment issues, but never in the kink. Again, for me this was a really fresh take on the BDsM trope. I also liked that consent was big part of the development of this story and their kink relationship. It was never just assumed or interpreted, it was clarified. Again, massive bonus points from me!

All in all, I found Deep Control a fascinating and intriguing story. It is well balanced and expertly handled and developed. The writing was pleasurable and something really needs to be said about Annabel Joseph's ability to write so openly, brazenly and unforgivingly in regards to the kink and the BDsM lifestyle. Her bravery is astounding and awing, and I cannot wait to read her other books if they are all as ballsy as this.

Deep Control is one of the best, if not the best, book I have read in this genre. Hands down.
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