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Spiralling Ink #3

Control: Hayley's Spiral

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“You see, I've been watching you since I came back. I've seen the way you move people around as if they were all chess pieces to your queen...” his hand slid across my belly and wound its way to my hip.
“But you see, you may well be the queen...” his hand smoothed over my arse, his fingers digging tightly into my flesh. “But I’m the king.”
He yanked my body into his and finally removed his thumb from my mouth.
“You want to control someone? Try me Red.”

What do you see?
An attitude. A bitch. A scar.
I didn’t get this far by being the sweet one. I’m the party, the organiser, the fun… the control.

But inside I’m slowly unravelling. The darkness bleeds into my soul, threatening to devour me.
I won’t go down without a fight. I’ll need courage, honesty.
I will need… Him.

My name is Hayley – and this is my spiral.

267 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 21, 2017

2 people are currently reading
43 people want to read

About the author

Karen Raines

14 books388 followers
A self-confessed reading addict, Karen is usually found either writing or with her nose stuck in a book. Or Adulting because apparently, she should do that too sometimes!
She’s a lover of wildly inappropriate humour, has an addiction to swear words and bananas, lands her foot in her mouth daily… but she wouldn’t have it any other way.
Karen can be summed up with 5 words:
Friendly, loyal, thankful, funny and above all… Smutty!

Come and check her out on social media... (pssst, she's everywhere!)

Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/authorkarenr...

Co-Authored FB Fan Group ‘Sinful Smutters’:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/11009...

Twitter:
https://twitter.com/Karen_Raines_SI

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/karenraines...

Website:
http://www.karenraineswrites.com/

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
Profile Image for Catherine Bibby (Rochelle's Reviews).
950 reviews35 followers
April 19, 2017
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review

I was more than ready to start reading Hayley's story in Control. While most other readers despised Hayley, I just knew beneath her scarred, sarcastic, and bitter facade was a woman who needed to heal from the tragedy that struck her group of friends in Loved, the first book in the Spiralling Ink series. It wasn't long and I was laughing and crying along with the crew and hesitant to finish Hayley and Del's story. They are everything that you could ask for in a fictional couple. They are snarky, humorous, oh so sexy, and full of heart! Karen had me falling head over heels even more for this group of souls trying to find themselves in the midst of the tragedy of losing their dear friend Matty.

I couldn't help but rub my hands together with glee before opening Control and beginning to scratch the surface of the mysterious Hayley Spence who comes with plenty of sass along with her curves and sex appeal. Karen brings us deep into this character's psyche to learn more than we ever could have guessed about this strong, bad ass female with many layers of vulnerability underneath for both readers and Del to discover on her bumpy, emotional journey. I truly think that Hayley is my favorite of the group, although her best friend Mark keeps me in stitches half the time, because she has so much depth and reminds me so much of myself in certain ways. She lets so very few in but when she does, you realize what a truly intelligent, caring, and vibrant young woman she is.

Del Coxley had me intrigued from the moment he made his way back into town and verbally attacked Hayley and her friends in his drunken grief over losing his brother Matty. Never would I have guessed that such a strong alpha hottie like Del could ever love so deeply and let Hayley take the reins when necessary. Del has this sixth sense to what lies beneath Hayley's saucy front and he has the patience and the love to give her everything that she needs. He is the perfect blend of macho and gentlemen to knock down Hayley's walls and rev her engine over and over and over again. I could not get enough of these two together!

Karen Raines delivers a story that digs deep into a readers thoughts and emotions and has us never wanting to forget this amazing group of friends and everything that they experience together. I highly recommend Control for a romance that will have you laughing through your tears and burning the midnight oil to see what Hayley, Del, and the whole mischievous lot of characters are up to next. Karen Raines has shown an exceptional amount of talent and has me addicted and waiting very impatiently for more of her Spiralling Ink series or any other story that she decides to bless her readers with in the future.
524 reviews3 followers
April 16, 2017
Although I loved books 1 and 2 Ive got to say Control has become my favourite. This story is amazing. I love that the gorgeous Del never stops trying to win Hayley's affections and the way he calls her Red. I love the fact that although Hayley is a sarcastic sassy bitch she wants to be loved but feels unworthy, ugly and doesn't need anyone. The sex scenes in this book had me breaking into a sweat !!. This story was full of deep emotions and fears as well as laughs and good banter between the characters. At times this book was dark but written brilliantly.. I absolutely loved this story and can't wait for the next instalment
Profile Image for Amanda Andrews.
51 reviews1 follower
April 22, 2017
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Control is book three in the Spiralling Ink series and it is fantastic!! I absolutely LOVED Haley's sass in the first two books, but it was nice to see the other sides of her that she works to keep hidden. I love seeing the relationship between characters build, and watching Haley and Del's grow was beautiful, not to mention hot! I also liked that the rest of the group made their appearances, and it made me wish I had a group of friends that were that close. Overall a great read!
Profile Image for Autumn Bryant.
482 reviews1 follower
April 14, 2017
Book 3 in the Spiralling Ink Series focuses on Hayley. Hayley is the fiery, beautiful, red head of this group of friends. She likes control and thrives on it. When she was attacked and left with a scar her control is taken away. No longer feeling beautiful she starts pushing her friends away. As always with this group of friends and a very persistent man, she learns that sometimes you have to let go of your control, to find who you really are.
2,617 reviews25 followers
April 14, 2017
omg another awesome story in this series! this one is about a woman who was scared for life on her face. she sees her scar as being ugly. along comes a man to make her see she is beautiful. it looks like her past has come back to haunt her. can she move on and be happy? thanks for giving me a chance to read this book!
Profile Image for M.K..
Author 288 books623 followers
May 6, 2017
I just knew under all that snark Hayley was going to be magic! This is Hayley's story of coming back from that terrible night! AN absolute must read!
Profile Image for Energy Rae.
1,766 reviews55 followers
April 21, 2017


The third book in the series, (which can be read as a standalone, making it a true series), we follow Hayley and her spiral from the devastating event that left this close-knit group (of now 6 friends) torn apart. In one fateful night, they lost their friend Matt, their friend Claire was raped, and Hayley was forced to watch with a knife held to her face, in which the man doing it also left her marked.
While appearing unnoticeable to most, it becomes so much more to Hayley, having to hide from her reflection in an effort to stop the horror of that night from coming back to her. Yet it still haunts her dreams and Hayley goes through Post Traumatic Stress, causing her to push away her friends in fear. Hayley, losing the control she so desperately needs in her life, turns to Olivia; friend and mentor to a group of people who have their own body issues. It is with Olivia and this group that Hayley finds her solace.
But then Matt's brother Del steps in, the newest member of the group, refusing to let Hayley push him away like the others. He knows that behind the bitchy facade is someone who is hurting. He remembers the Hayley that blew him away when he met her so many years ago and wants to help her find some of that girl again. While Hayley is resistant to Del, perhaps underneath the sappy love she has watched Claire and Kit go through isn't all that sappy after all.
Raines has written an amazing story in Control, bringing real life issues such as body dysmorphic disorder, a touch of obsessive compulsiveness, and post-traumatic stress into a storyline that raises awareness in a relatable storyline. As in Loved and Strength, the characters are so well written that you feel a part of their group, and you feel the emotions that each of them is experiencing. Raines gives us the perfect mix of hilarity, pain, heartache, love and even a bit of mystery. In "Control" she has raised this series to a whole new level. By far my favorite book in this series and I am anxious to continue this journey with them.
134 reviews
April 13, 2017
DO NOT READ IF YOU HAVE NOT READ LOVED AND STRENGTH the first 2 of the Spiralling Ink Series!

KAREN you have done it again!

~Del and Hayley~

Hayley's Spiral is beautiful love story of a broken girl trying to find her way. Hayley is nothing short of a control freak. She freely admits this and those who love her the most except it of her. Her best friends and her have been through so much together and over came so much in return.
Del is Matt's older brother, When Matt died Del hadn't seen him in years. His mother poisoned his mind again their friends and feed him lie after lie about them. Del has always thought that Hayley was beautiful but what made her that way was her take charge and take no crap attitude. He finds that really sexy. Del knows that after everything that has happened he is going to have to work extra hard to make Hayley his. Hayley is still dealing with everything the only way she thinks she can. She seeks out the pain to make her pain stop or she drinks until she can't remember who she is anymore. Her friends are noticing her getting farther and farther away from them. They want to help her but they have no idea that the one person that will help her the most will be Del. Del is determined to make Hayley his but little does he know exactly what they will have to go through to get their Happily Ever After.

I absolutely fell in love with Hayley as I knew I would. I truly think that Del and Hayley may be my new favorite spiralling couple. Although AJ is still my book boyfriend ;)

Karen thank you for always intrusting me to read your amazing books. I can not tell you how much I love them all!
62 reviews1 follower
April 11, 2017
4.5 stars
This is Hayley's story and the third book in the sensational Spiralling Ink series. It centers on Hayley's struggles, changes, and recovery from a dreadful incident that has profoundly affected not just her but her closest friends and family too. It is dark, painful, and sad, but at the same time, bursting with hope, love, and inspiration.
Unlike Kit and Claire (the heroines of the series' 1st and 2nd books) who have charisma and are naturally likeable, however, Hayley is an acquired taste. She is undeniably beautiful (just look at the cover which I thought was great!) but she is also hard, unapologetic, headstrong, and always likes things done her way.
The more I read and turned the pages of Control though, the more Hayley grew on me. I liked her best when she was with Del. He was the perfect match for the complicated redhead and I admired his persistence, perceptiveness and genuine concern.
Along with the romance, the combination of humour, suspense, mystery, and a few surprises will keep the readers riveted. As always, I enjoyed reading and catching up with Hayley's best buddies, especially Mark, the funniest and craziest of them all! The epilogue had me intrigued as well. I thought the next story would surely be Mark's or Chris's but I was wrong. Can you guess who's next?
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
Profile Image for Crystal's Book World ~ Crystal Cordova.
1,782 reviews27 followers
May 27, 2017
I read the first two books Loved and Strength and was just emotionally pulled to their stories. You can not read Control without the first two. Too much has happened and it helps with the background knowledge of this story. We lost Matty and it has left a physical and emotional scar within the circle of friends. Hayley's scar that she sees day in and day out is a constant reminder of that night. She no longer knows what beauty is from the inside out. Until she meets her "One". Del! He saves them both with the emotional support they both need and only find within each other.

Hayley is a feisty red head and always in need for control. With the previous books, I didn't care too much for her character. In Control, my mind took a 180. I love Hayley and have to say she is my favorite from this group. A must read with this series. I will definitely re-read the next chance I can get. Thank you Karen Raines for bringing us another amazing story.
Profile Image for Romaine Heart.
2,337 reviews30 followers
April 11, 2017
Control: Hayley's Spiral (Spiralling Ink, #3) was FABULOUS!!! 5 stars+++ I could really relate to Haley's story since I'm also a fiery Irish redhead with a scar from my eye to my jawline. Her story touched my heart so deeply emotionally that I cried and yet her smart mouth made me laugh hysterically.
A damaged and broken woman losing control of her life as it's spiralling downwards. Haley's story would not be complete without the love and support of the other amazing main characters.
This story will definitely grab you from the first page and lead you on an emotional rollercoaster ride with it's twists and turns throughout Haley's story. Events that you would never expect to happen leaves you on the edge of your seat wanting more.
Karen Raines is a magnificent author and I do believe this is her best book yet.
Suspense, self discovery, unconditional love, romance
I'm volunteering an honest review for an advance reader's copy.
424 reviews2 followers
April 17, 2017
Sensational!!!! I just get more and more drawn to the series with every book that gets released and it just keeps getting better and better. The writing style and main theme as in Loved and Strength is kept in Control. Hayley's inner turmoil is explained, and the gang make their appearance like in the previous books. One of the things I really liked is that Del is the other main character. Nate and AJ are great, but since his first appearance there was something special about Del and is great to get to know him and get to witness such a beautiful love story. This book is some kind of revelation since the reader can finally see Hayley as she is when her walls are down and she has to face her demons. This is my favorite book so far, the series has become a must and Karen Raines is one of my to read authors today.
Profile Image for Dee Winston.
551 reviews
April 21, 2017
I rate this book 4 1/2 emotional stars. I thought Claire's spiral was emotional, but Hayley's is more. Hayley's spiral took on self hatred. She let her friends think the worse of her so they wouldn't know what was she was really going on. Then came Del who saw behind the facade and was determined to break through her walls. He saw what she didn't want the world to see, and through that he was able to love the real her. Sometimes giving up control means getting what you want in the end. This Spiriling Ink series has been a great read and I can't wait for the next installment. Because these books are a little more than a love story. And you just can't wait to see what else is going to happen
Profile Image for Teri.
3,918 reviews37 followers
April 20, 2017
Book one in this series set the pace for the books to follow but . . . then there was the story of Hayley and Del. They didn't know nor did they really see what was happening to her. They didn't see just how broken she was. She couldn't let them see, it was her job to protect them. Olivia showed her things and opened her up to see and understand. Then there was Del no way was she ever getting close to him, no way no how. She doesn't know it yet but she is going to be in my bed. Need I say more about Del?

As I said the first 2 books were awesome. The stories, the friends, the lives, the love, the pain, the intensity, we have become a part of it feeling every it of it. That's what this author has skillfully done and adding twist which have you craving for the next book in the series.
Profile Image for Melissa.
244 reviews
April 27, 2017
First, if you haven't read Loved and Strength...STOP! Get them and start at the beginning, you will not regret it.

Karen Raines has done it again, I am more in love with the friends of Spiralling Ink than ever before! Control is the best book yet!!

Since the attack that altered the course of their lives, the Spiralling Ink Crew have been dealing in any way they can. In Hayley's case, being a raging bitch and trying to control everything is dealing with in, until it isn't. Just when it seems she is on the verge of breaking again, Hales finds her grounding force in the most unlikely place.

Since book 1 of the Spiralling Ink series, Hayley has been my favorite character, you knew she was hurting, struggling, but until now, few knew the full depth of her pain.
Profile Image for Julie Clark.
68 reviews1 follower
April 23, 2017
This is the third in the Spiralling Ink series and I'll admit I went into this book not really liking Hayley all that much after her bitchy behaviour during Strength and if you feel the same, please don't be put off. Karen had some work ahead of her redeeming Hayley's character but it was a job well done.

As with both of the other books in this series each story covers one friends journey to recovery after the attack on the group. None of these books can be considered a light read as they all deal with the aftermath of that violent attack, but each sensitive subject matter is dealt with remarkably well. Hayley struggles with her physical appearance after the attack and I loved how Del doesn't want to ride in and fix Hayley's problems, but he is determined to try to understand her and help her heal.

I have no idea how Karen managed to come up with another plot twist but it was brilliantly executed! I loved catching up with the now familiar side characters, and I'm looking forward to seeing where a Karen takes this series next.
Profile Image for Tamara Harrington.
530 reviews29 followers
April 21, 2017
Received an ARC in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
I was super excited to get my hands on Hayley's story as when reading the first two books, you sort of develop a little bit of a hate on for her. However, we know she went through the same tragedy and this gave us a chance to see behind the facade. Even though Hayley is still not my all time favourite of this group, I love Claire the most, Hayley wormed her way into my heart and made me love her and everything that she has been through. I don't believe in spoilers but I will tell you to get some ice cream and a serious amount of tissues because this story has all those feels!
Profile Image for Jamie Ellis.
1,131 reviews15 followers
April 27, 2017
Amazing.......

Loving this series so hard and cannot wait for Neil's story. Loving all the little twists, revelations, sex scenes, and a storyline that just flows flawlessly. Seriously this series is brilliantly written. I devoured all three books in three days couldn't put my kindle down. I saved it in my last review and say it again in this one, you will love the cast off characters and their closeness with each other. This band of misfits just really fit well together and the love is an amazing thing to witness.
So thank you for keeping this avid reader seriously enthralled and entertained.
Thanks Jamie Nibarger Ellis
Profile Image for Shannon Ellis.
4 reviews
April 25, 2017
I have been waiting a long time for this book. I loved the first two and couldn't wait to open this one up. This book is about Haley "Red" and Del. I will say that in the second book I had no love for Del. I thought he was a drunk and a jerk. I didnt think I was going to like his character. I am so glad i was wrong. I fell in love with Del. He was patient amd unrelenting. He was cocky and bold. In my opinion he was the perfect fit to Haleys spunky, bitchy insecure self. This book was emotional. It was funny. It was edgy and dark. But it brang the humor. And it brought the whole gang with it. I loved this book. I think I laughed out loud and sniffled at the same time. Another book that Karen Raines nailed and I can't wait to see what comes next.
Profile Image for Michelle.
10.7k reviews28 followers
April 26, 2017
Control is the third book in the Spiralling Ink Series. Hayley's story is a bit darker than I was expecting but I loved it! If you've read Loved and Strength then you will now understand why Hayley is the way she is. I liked the way Del was determined to win her over and let everyone get to know the real Hayley. I loved Del and Hayley together and the way their relationship progressed. Karen Raines has written another great book. It's well written and the characters are well developed. This author has a knack of pulling you in making the reader feel like you are connected to the characters. I highly recommend this book and this series to everyone.
108 reviews
April 17, 2017
Another fantastic book in the Spiral Series, Haley's Story.
After suffering the attack in which Haley was brutally knifed across her face, leaving scars externally and mentally. Unable to deal with the daily reminder Haley finally spirals out of control.
Haley's heart wrenching story of healing, finding control again, finally accepting herself and love. Karen Raines has hit another 10 with this book. Beautifully written and a must read in the Spiraling series.
Profile Image for Megan Jacob.
442 reviews2 followers
April 17, 2017
Hayley watches her friends heal from the attack, however she finds herself spiraling out of control. With support Haley is slowly healing, however she's finding some unorthodox ways to help herself cope. Del has his sights set on Haley. when del helps Haley learn to accept things, it was touching to watch their story unfold. You could feel the love on the pages for this group of people. I volunteered my review for a copy of this book
1,246 reviews10 followers
April 16, 2017
This book was great, it gives you another view point of the attack, this time Hayley and how this affected her. She saw her self as different from what others saw. She tried to be the same person she was before the attack but failed. Can't wait to read more of these.
Profile Image for Jen  C.
430 reviews15 followers
April 21, 2017
Firstly you need to read the 1st two books in this series Loved & Strength to get to know the lovable bunch of friends in the series.

Lust, passion, hatred, heartbreak, hidden truths this book is a spiral of emotions.

****SOME SPOILERS****

The book takes you back to the dreadful day that they all lost their best friend, and how all their lives went spiralling out of control in the blink of an eye.

Hayley is a Control freak in all aspects of her life, and she definitely likes to be in control of her sex life. She's a one night stand girl. Then that fateful night happens Claire was attacked, her best friend is beaten, Matty's gone and she herself is scarred and her control has gone. A year later she's still lost control, life is a battle of mindless punishing sex and alcohol is one of her friends. Matty's brother Derek (Del) is constantly in her face he wants her but she pushes him away, until she can't anymore. But he doesn't know how she really feels about her scar, only her dad and best friend Mark know her darkest secrets.

What will happen when Hayley reveals all about herself?

Can Derek be the one to stop her from spiralling further out of control?

Will Hayley get her HEA?
Profile Image for Stephanie.
654 reviews11 followers
April 12, 2017
Completely and utterly love Del. He is alpha and dark and so good for Hayley!!! Karen brings characters to life with real life problems and feelings.
57 reviews
April 26, 2017
Another awesome read by Karen Raines! It was just at good as the first two books of this series. I would suggest that you read the first two books in the series before this one so you get to know the other characters a bit. It was emotional and steamy!
Profile Image for Jay Williams.
242 reviews1 follower
April 23, 2017
This is Hayley's story, Hayley lives her life drinking, having rough sex & has sarcastic manner. Though it is just coping mechanism for her due a tragedy that happened to her & her group of friends.

Del has a crush on Hayley though she does not seem to reciprocate it. However he does not stop trying or give up on her. Eventually he wins, this was a fab read & I look forward to the next book
Profile Image for Brittany.
62 reviews6 followers
April 21, 2017
Control is the third book in the Spiralling Ink Series. I've been hooked since book once and this installment was everything I wanted it to be! We get a better understanding of Hayley and why she acts the way she does. We get hot as hell Dell, and man is he sexy. Totally made me swoon! The two of them together are explosive in the best possible way. I was hooked from the first page. Great job! This is now my favorite book in the series. Rarely do series get better, but this one does. I need more!!
Profile Image for A.D. Herrick.
Author 22 books75 followers
March 8, 2018
Wow

Absolutely stellar!! So perfectly done!! I absolutely cannot get enough of this monthly crew! Definitely on pins and needles for the next book!!
Profile Image for zen_s.
2,015 reviews17 followers
June 17, 2017
[2 stars] book was okay, so far the series are okay but dun understand why hayley's book have del & her pov but kit & claire's only have their pov and not nate & aj. slightly inconsistent i feel.
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