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Controlling the Elements
The Manipulator Series
Book 1
Controlling the Elements
" My name is Dillon Danvers and I have no control over my life. "
Dillon Danvers, a once confident and successful twenty-five-year old woman, finds herself picking up the pieces of her shattered life after the tragic death of her twin brother and his wife. As if it wasn’t hard enough to adapt to life without her twin, she is also trying to navigate the world of ‘single parenting’ as the legal guardian of her six-year-old nephew, Lyon. As life starts settling into a routine she can be confident in, her world flips on its axis once more.
Natural disasters seem to be popping up all over the world at an alarming rate. In the midst of the chaos Dillon finds herself able to do things she never thought fathomable. Weird things start to happen in extreme situations of stress.
But what starts to happen to her can't be possible, can it? Why can she suddenly do things that are as crazy as you would find in special effects on movies? It's enough to make her believe she is truly losing her mind.
When Tucker, Everett, Flint, Zephyr, and Connor enter her life they try to solve the reason why she seems be suddenly integrated into their world, one that has never had a female who has the same talents as them. They call her a Manipulator.
After everything that's happened to knock Dillon down, will she be able to accept the truth of what she is? Or will she find herself losing not only the last of her family, but her heart as well as she filters through the lies that her loved ones left behind?
**** This is a slow burn Reverse Harem****
Book 1
Controlling the Elements
" My name is Dillon Danvers and I have no control over my life. "
Dillon Danvers, a once confident and successful twenty-five-year old woman, finds herself picking up the pieces of her shattered life after the tragic death of her twin brother and his wife. As if it wasn’t hard enough to adapt to life without her twin, she is also trying to navigate the world of ‘single parenting’ as the legal guardian of her six-year-old nephew, Lyon. As life starts settling into a routine she can be confident in, her world flips on its axis once more.
Natural disasters seem to be popping up all over the world at an alarming rate. In the midst of the chaos Dillon finds herself able to do things she never thought fathomable. Weird things start to happen in extreme situations of stress.
But what starts to happen to her can't be possible, can it? Why can she suddenly do things that are as crazy as you would find in special effects on movies? It's enough to make her believe she is truly losing her mind.
When Tucker, Everett, Flint, Zephyr, and Connor enter her life they try to solve the reason why she seems be suddenly integrated into their world, one that has never had a female who has the same talents as them. They call her a Manipulator.
After everything that's happened to knock Dillon down, will she be able to accept the truth of what she is? Or will she find herself losing not only the last of her family, but her heart as well as she filters through the lies that her loved ones left behind?
**** This is a slow burn Reverse Harem****
371 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 24, 2017
44 people are currently reading
155 people want to read
About the author
N.R. Spratlin
3 books65 followersWriting has been a passion of mine since my later years of elementary school. As an avid beach lover, I am lucky enough to live along the Alabama/Florida coast. Most weekends you will find me out on the water with my family. Speaking of family, I have the best family and friend support system in the world.
I can truly say it only takes the right people believing in you, that help you learn to believe in yourself, to make your dreams come true. If you put your mind to it, the possibilities in your life are endless. My goal is to be able to show that through my work
I can truly say it only takes the right people believing in you, that help you learn to believe in yourself, to make your dreams come true. If you put your mind to it, the possibilities in your life are endless. My goal is to be able to show that through my work
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
November 17, 2017
Rating : 2.5 stars
Solid first installement. The book focused more on Dillon's road to healing than the powers and it was heartbreaking.
√ Multiple POV, totally dig that
√ No romance (yet) ; meaning to insta puke.
√ A kid actually completely loveable that i don't want to throw out the window
√ Soccer mom's are super super super scary
√ Science fiction and not fantasy!
√ tears tears tears
Solid first installement. The book focused more on Dillon's road to healing than the powers and it was heartbreaking.
√ Multiple POV, totally dig that
√ No romance (yet) ; meaning to insta puke.
√ A kid actually completely loveable that i don't want to throw out the window
√ Soccer mom's are super super super scary
√ Science fiction and not fantasy!
√ tears tears tears
October 24, 2017
I was lucky enough to receive an advanced reader copy of this book an voluntarily decided to review it
Oh wow! I really do not have the words to express how awesome this book is! To say I was pleasantly surprised is actually a huge understatement!!
When Dillon tragically loses her twin brother and his wife her whole world implodes. She is now soul legal guardian of her nephew and to make matters worse she feels like she is going crazy as weird things start happening to her.
A fantastic storyline which is well written, the book captured my interest from page one and held me gripped throughout. Dillon is a strong heroine trying to deal with everything and the guys are all amazing with great characteristics and the relationships between them make for great reading
I also need to add that this book also stirs your emotions from the beginning, it is touching and thought provoking and beautifully written, from what Dillon has done through with her nephew and to what I feel is coming in future books, I get the impression that all the guys have their own emotional stories to share throughout the series, and this fantastic debut author will tell them with compassion and poise as she has done with this story, very heartfelt and lovely
I found this to be an amazing story and I am so incredibly excited for book two, so do yourself a favour and treat yourself to this fantastic read
Oh wow! I really do not have the words to express how awesome this book is! To say I was pleasantly surprised is actually a huge understatement!!
When Dillon tragically loses her twin brother and his wife her whole world implodes. She is now soul legal guardian of her nephew and to make matters worse she feels like she is going crazy as weird things start happening to her.
A fantastic storyline which is well written, the book captured my interest from page one and held me gripped throughout. Dillon is a strong heroine trying to deal with everything and the guys are all amazing with great characteristics and the relationships between them make for great reading
I also need to add that this book also stirs your emotions from the beginning, it is touching and thought provoking and beautifully written, from what Dillon has done through with her nephew and to what I feel is coming in future books, I get the impression that all the guys have their own emotional stories to share throughout the series, and this fantastic debut author will tell them with compassion and poise as she has done with this story, very heartfelt and lovely
I found this to be an amazing story and I am so incredibly excited for book two, so do yourself a favour and treat yourself to this fantastic read
October 24, 2017
All I can say is WOW! I am truly impressed by debut author N.R. Spratlin. She has done a fantastic job creating a relatable setting, with an even more relatable heroin. You simply can’t help but feel connected to Dillon and simply enjoy her personality and spunk. Dillon is a witty and even sometimes sarcastic, heroin who quickly ends up in the middle of something bigger than she ever imagined when she became the sole guardian of her lovable nephew Lyon.
Readers are quickly introduced to Tucker, one of the many hunky men to find themselves influenced by the heroin. Let’s be honest, what’s not to love about multiple hunky heroes? The men in Dillon’s life each have a personality of their own, and unique charm that make each endearing.
Spratlin has done a great job building an endearing background story, which any reader couldn’t help but find connections to. The plot of the story has twist and turns at every corner with very little time in between. The fantastical concept is unique and edgy, something unseen amongst many RH stories out there. There is a lighthearted easy to love vibe with a pinch of sarcasm.
This is the first book of many to come in The Manipulator Series. I can’t wait to see what this wonderful author has in store and where this series takes it’s readers.
Readers are quickly introduced to Tucker, one of the many hunky men to find themselves influenced by the heroin. Let’s be honest, what’s not to love about multiple hunky heroes? The men in Dillon’s life each have a personality of their own, and unique charm that make each endearing.
Spratlin has done a great job building an endearing background story, which any reader couldn’t help but find connections to. The plot of the story has twist and turns at every corner with very little time in between. The fantastical concept is unique and edgy, something unseen amongst many RH stories out there. There is a lighthearted easy to love vibe with a pinch of sarcasm.
This is the first book of many to come in The Manipulator Series. I can’t wait to see what this wonderful author has in store and where this series takes it’s readers.
October 22, 2017
Let me just say, WOW! This is a terrific start to a brand new series.
There were several things that really made this book stand out for me. The storyline is great. The characters are very relatable and the sexual tension is enough to keep you glued to the page! I don't want to give too much away by going into great detail.
I was sucked into the story from the very first chapter. Readers are introduced to Dylan and experience a life changing event. The guys are slowly brought into her life and things get very interesting!! You're given enough information to keep you interested and intrigued by the characters.
I'm a big fan of RH novels. Sometimes the role of the heroine can be overshadowed by all the testosterone. I definitely didn't feel that way with CTE. It's hard for me to decide which one of the guys is my favorite. With choices like Tucker, Connor, Everett, Flint, and Zephyr, who the hell would want to choose anyways?!!!! Especially when you can have all five!!!!!
N. R. Spratlin has a hit. I've been sucked into a brand new world with a kick-ass heroine and five amazing guys. I'll never be able to drink and karaoke the same way ever again!! When can I get book two??!! Please!!!
There were several things that really made this book stand out for me. The storyline is great. The characters are very relatable and the sexual tension is enough to keep you glued to the page! I don't want to give too much away by going into great detail.
I was sucked into the story from the very first chapter. Readers are introduced to Dylan and experience a life changing event. The guys are slowly brought into her life and things get very interesting!! You're given enough information to keep you interested and intrigued by the characters.
I'm a big fan of RH novels. Sometimes the role of the heroine can be overshadowed by all the testosterone. I definitely didn't feel that way with CTE. It's hard for me to decide which one of the guys is my favorite. With choices like Tucker, Connor, Everett, Flint, and Zephyr, who the hell would want to choose anyways?!!!! Especially when you can have all five!!!!!
N. R. Spratlin has a hit. I've been sucked into a brand new world with a kick-ass heroine and five amazing guys. I'll never be able to drink and karaoke the same way ever again!! When can I get book two??!! Please!!!
October 20, 2017
Fabulous novel for this amazing new author! Sassy heroine with heart of gold and backstory that will make you feel all sorts of emotions! Throw in handsome guys twist of supernatural and this book is pure gold! I love Dillon and her guys. There is a heartwarming moment between Flint and little Lyon that will make your heart melt!! Can’t wait to see wait comes next in this amazing new story world! Bravo!!
October 20, 2017
Spratlin is a genius in my book! I absolutely loved the book, the way it hold your attention. their is enough mystery to keep you reading, enough sadness to tug your heartstrings, enough hunky men to make you drool, and enough elemental powers to make me envious. I would definitely suggest reading!!
October 20, 2017
Absolutely amazing! This book will have you laughing, at the verge of tears and in love with everyone. The men are adorable and hunks! Our leading lady is quirky and remarkable! The elemental control is interesting and will deffenetly be stuck in my head to make this book stand out from all the rest. Can't wait for the next book!
October 20, 2017
The perfect debut novel for a new author! The story of 6 people falling in love is beautifully woven into everyday life with a dash of supernatural. You will fall in love with Dillon and her men, and most especially Lyon. After reading book one, I can't wait to get my hands on the rest of the series. NR Spratlin is sure to shoot to the top of your favorite RH authors. 😍
October 20, 2017
Holy cow this book rocked!! I was expecting it to be good but man this blew me away. I loved it and can’t wait to read more from this author!!
October 24, 2017
Wow just wow I can't believe this is NR's debut book because it was simply amazingly written and absolutely heartbreaking.
I'll be honest most of the time I don't go for the gut-wrenching hard read but this was absolutely amazing. I cried so much during reading this I will seriously need a few days to recover from my emotions.
We meet Dillion during one of the hardest times in her life. Not only did she recently loose her twin bother but now she is struggling with her new role as single parent to her nephew Lyon. And while this is a paranormal Sci-fi Reverse Harem romance this book was more about the healing of the characters then getting into all that genre specific stuff. This is just the very BEGINNING of the story for this amazing cast of characters so we don't learn much in this first installment.
This series definitely seems like it'll have around 6-10 installments so I was completely delighted with the pace of this read. So we get just to the basics of the elements in book 1. And that might get some readers upset because it might feel not a lot "happens" but again you have to understand that this is NOT an easy feel good read. This is a heart breaking tale of 7 beautifully designed characters on the road to recover. Each character has their own heartbreaks and their own flaws but that's what makes them so relatable and beautiful.
I also wasn't sure how much I'd like the alternating POVs of all the characters in the beginning because in my experience they can seem like they take away from the story when you're in everyones head all the time. But seriously, NR weaved each POV together in a way that is gorgeously unique and it adds all these elements that I didn't even realize was needed until the read the every last sentence.
Overall I can't wait to meet Dillion, Lyon, and her boys again in book 2,3,4,5,6,100. For a debut author NR blow me away and she is defiantly going on my immediate One-Click list. I highly recommend this series to anyone ready to ball their eyes out. If you want a hard, emotion packed story that'll leave you in a book hangover for days then you are going to want to One-Click this right now.
Happy Reading Manipulators!
I'll be honest most of the time I don't go for the gut-wrenching hard read but this was absolutely amazing. I cried so much during reading this I will seriously need a few days to recover from my emotions.
We meet Dillion during one of the hardest times in her life. Not only did she recently loose her twin bother but now she is struggling with her new role as single parent to her nephew Lyon. And while this is a paranormal Sci-fi Reverse Harem romance this book was more about the healing of the characters then getting into all that genre specific stuff. This is just the very BEGINNING of the story for this amazing cast of characters so we don't learn much in this first installment.
This series definitely seems like it'll have around 6-10 installments so I was completely delighted with the pace of this read. So we get just to the basics of the elements in book 1. And that might get some readers upset because it might feel not a lot "happens" but again you have to understand that this is NOT an easy feel good read. This is a heart breaking tale of 7 beautifully designed characters on the road to recover. Each character has their own heartbreaks and their own flaws but that's what makes them so relatable and beautiful.
I also wasn't sure how much I'd like the alternating POVs of all the characters in the beginning because in my experience they can seem like they take away from the story when you're in everyones head all the time. But seriously, NR weaved each POV together in a way that is gorgeously unique and it adds all these elements that I didn't even realize was needed until the read the every last sentence.
Overall I can't wait to meet Dillion, Lyon, and her boys again in book 2,3,4,5,6,100. For a debut author NR blow me away and she is defiantly going on my immediate One-Click list. I highly recommend this series to anyone ready to ball their eyes out. If you want a hard, emotion packed story that'll leave you in a book hangover for days then you are going to want to One-Click this right now.
Happy Reading Manipulators!
November 1, 2017
This was a fantastic new series from a new author. I was able to get an
ARC copy of this book and I am sooo damn glad I did. This book caught my attention from the page one and kept it till the end.
This is not a bubbly happy book but one that has depth and emotions. IT made me cry twice throughout the book and i don’t cry for many books. This book is both gripping and complex in the emotional roller coaster of a story that is both complex for characters and what they are going thru especially the heroine and the men she meets.
This is a slow burn Reverse Harem story that is just a wonderful telling of six people who come together to overcome death of love ones, and the grief that falls afterwards, challenges to a society that women are second to men, and hidden danger that we see just a glance of from the end.
Grab your copy today you wont be disappointed
ARC copy of this book and I am sooo damn glad I did. This book caught my attention from the page one and kept it till the end.
This is not a bubbly happy book but one that has depth and emotions. IT made me cry twice throughout the book and i don’t cry for many books. This book is both gripping and complex in the emotional roller coaster of a story that is both complex for characters and what they are going thru especially the heroine and the men she meets.
This is a slow burn Reverse Harem story that is just a wonderful telling of six people who come together to overcome death of love ones, and the grief that falls afterwards, challenges to a society that women are second to men, and hidden danger that we see just a glance of from the end.
Grab your copy today you wont be disappointed
October 21, 2017
I really liked this first book in this new series. it was a different spin on a slow burn RH. It was an enjoyable read and had some great chemistry between the characters. The only thing that was a little off for me was how quickly the main character was able to cope with some life altering news from basically complete strangers. I will continue the series once the next book is released. I have a feeling as this author progresses and the story continues it will just keep getting better and better.
October 24, 2017
What a fantastic debut novel for Spratlin! The characters are fantastic and you really get a sense for each one. My favorite is Connor! I can't wait to see where this series goes and I will be impatiently waiting for the next one. I definitely recommend reading this first in an RH series. :-)
October 21, 2017
So emotional and hard hitting! Loved the intense real emotions brought up in the boom! Sprawling gives you a real look at what tragedy can do to people! At the same time the story is unique and amazing! A slow burn with a gripping story! Love all the characters and the way they combine to make an awesome story! A great RH with a well rounded cast and more depth then normal! Well worth the read! I’m on pins and needles waiting for the next book!!
October 19, 2017
Absolutely incredible read!!! I'm simply blown away that Controlling the Elements is a debut novel from this author! This book brings on so many real emotions from the characters that you can truly related to them. This is not a simply love story. It's complex. This book and these characters have layers as if they truly exist. The author's attention to raw emotion, detail, and story telling completely sold me and I WILL STRONGLY recommend this book! I can't wait to see what else this author has in-store for us readers!!!!
November 20, 2017
Good read.
This was a good book with a good story. Nothing like i have read before. Wish these men were real. While grab your heart right from the beginning.
This was a good book with a good story. Nothing like i have read before. Wish these men were real. While grab your heart right from the beginning.
October 25, 2017
Wow, N.R. Spratlin knows how to make an entrance! From the very first page, I was completely and utterly engrossed in this book. It takes you on an emotional roller coaster, as the main characters battle intense internal struggles. Full of twists and turns, it will leave you begging for the next book.
Dillon has just lost her twin brother, and in doing so gained a child. She is now the legal guardian of his son, Lyon. As if learning to navigate being a single mother isn't hard enough, Dillon is also experiencing some changes. Changes that she can't explain.
This riveting new series is packed with so many different emotions. N.R. Grabs you by the heart and takes you on a wild journey; and this is only the beginning. Love, loss, heartache, and regret they overshadow every moment of this book. It will make you feel not as if you are watching the scenes play out around you, but as if you lived the lives of the main characters.
There is so much depth to this story, such an intense real-ness that you cannot help but identify with these characters. You will cry when they cry, laugh when they laugh, and watch them grow into something more.
I cannot wait to see what the next book has to offer. What an amazing new series, by a talented author.
Dillon has just lost her twin brother, and in doing so gained a child. She is now the legal guardian of his son, Lyon. As if learning to navigate being a single mother isn't hard enough, Dillon is also experiencing some changes. Changes that she can't explain.
This riveting new series is packed with so many different emotions. N.R. Grabs you by the heart and takes you on a wild journey; and this is only the beginning. Love, loss, heartache, and regret they overshadow every moment of this book. It will make you feel not as if you are watching the scenes play out around you, but as if you lived the lives of the main characters.
There is so much depth to this story, such an intense real-ness that you cannot help but identify with these characters. You will cry when they cry, laugh when they laugh, and watch them grow into something more.
I cannot wait to see what the next book has to offer. What an amazing new series, by a talented author.
January 1, 2018
I really enjoyed this book. I usually don't like the slow burn RH but in this book, it really works.
I don't really read RH books unless they are of the paranormal variety and this book they are all humans just advanced, so advanced that they can control the elements.
I gave this book 4 stars because there is some editing issues that need to be worked out in the next book.
I don't really read RH books unless they are of the paranormal variety and this book they are all humans just advanced, so advanced that they can control the elements.
I gave this book 4 stars because there is some editing issues that need to be worked out in the next book.
October 26, 2017
Omg as soon aw I got my copy of this book I could not put it down. Another great read by an amazing author. I can't wait for more in this series and can't wait to see what happens next. I would recommend this book to anyone that needs an escape and wants to fall feet first into a new read.
October 28, 2017
Great beginning
The first of this book was hard to read, then Tucker and Conner's chapter had me laughing out loud, thanks Conner! She has a lot of stuff going on between Dillion, Lyon, and all the guys it will be interesting how she will bring them all together. Looking forward to book 2.
The first of this book was hard to read, then Tucker and Conner's chapter had me laughing out loud, thanks Conner! She has a lot of stuff going on between Dillion, Lyon, and all the guys it will be interesting how she will bring them all together. Looking forward to book 2.
November 1, 2017
What a great start to this series! I am already obsessed with the characters and can't wait to see where they go from her.
Definitely check this series out if you have an interest in the RH genre!
Definitely check this series out if you have an interest in the RH genre!
November 14, 2017
This was such an original refreshing read. This book devastated me right up front and took me on one hell of an emotional roller coaster ride. Add in 'magic' in the form of controlling elements, the strong familial aspect, and all the love, it was hard to put this book down. I can't wait to see what happens in the next book!
November 21, 2017
I haven't read a book that made me cry in a while. This was so good! From the first page - THE FEELS!!! You can really relate to the characters, when they're angry, uncertain, and especially when sad. There are ups and downs in this story, and Spratlin does an amazing job of making the reader feel a part of the character.
I honestly wasn't sure what to expect as I've never read anything by this author. I am so glad I did! I cannot wait for more.
This story is unique, unlike anything I've read before. It's original and wonderful and I really think you should just read it. Like now.
I honestly wasn't sure what to expect as I've never read anything by this author. I am so glad I did! I cannot wait for more.
This story is unique, unlike anything I've read before. It's original and wonderful and I really think you should just read it. Like now.
October 28, 2017
I’m going to admit that it was a slow start, but once I got half way through, wow! This book had me crying and then laughing. I’m very eager to read the next book. The characters are very relatable and lovable.
November 10, 2017
Definitely a must-read from this debut author. Great story line, newly edited, sassy female lead and sexy men. As far as science fiction romance goes this book is top notch!
October 27, 2017
Good story
This is a good story but I sometimes found it hard to read. I know the author was trying to help us understand the story, but I found myself skipping ahead due to the long explanations.
This is a good story but I sometimes found it hard to read. I know the author was trying to help us understand the story, but I found myself skipping ahead due to the long explanations.
October 26, 2017
Amazing
I cannot wait to see what happens next. I have been pulled into the story and I can't wait to find out what happens next!
I cannot wait to see what happens next. I have been pulled into the story and I can't wait to find out what happens next!
November 20, 2017
This book grabbed my attention from the beginning with the loss of Dillon's loved ones and having to step in as a single mom to her nephew. I couldn't put this down! Loved the story line and characters.
November 4, 2017
NR has created an original and surprisingly realistic storyline here. The pitfalls of Dillon's life and the joys and sorrows are so akin to the real world that it makes it easy to relate and get lost in her story. The new and unusual take on "abilities" is refreshing, and the detailed character history for each of the guys is basically like word porn for the mind. It's definitely a slow burn, so take your time and enjoy getting to know each of the characters in depth. Suffice it to say--I will be reading the next book!
November 2, 2017
I was given an advanced reader copy of this book to review. I was pleasantly surprised by Spratlin's story. It is a slow burn story but she does a wonderful job drawing out her characters. There's definitely more than a few places that you find yourself on the feels train. Spratlin does a great job drawing out the emotion in her characters which gives them great depth and I'm excited to see how she continues to develop them and continue that development in the next book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews