Under Control

Under His Heel #3

by Adara Wolf

Agreeing to transport goods for a notorious crime syndicate isn’t the best choice Tracht had ever made, but reneging on that deal could have dire consequences for him. When it all goes sour, it’s up to Alex to pull Tracht out of the fire.

Word Count: ~57,000

Genres: BDSM, M M Romance, Dark, Science Fiction, Romance, Erotica, Abuse

189 pages, ebook

First published December 19, 2018

About the author

I write almost exclusive m/m, but I have a fondness for bisexual protagonists. I enjoy a lot of darker themes, so you'll see a lot of that around here.

When I’m not writing, I’m reading, painting, playing video games, and rescuing cats. I also enjoy learning about languages and other cultures.

If you're ever curious about the contents of my works, I put content notes on my website (http://adarawolf.com)

You can also follow me on facebook and twitter. I also have a Patreon account

Reviews

[Lilly [Hiatus due to School] · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I do love you, Alex. You’re so perfect.”

Under His Control picks up from the last book. Tracht made a promise, an agreement to transport illegal goods on a ship in order to save Alex’s life. The time has come to honour it, but what should have been a one-and-done task has now led to Tracht being captured.

This book was another wonderful addition to the series, especially since we got to see Tracht’s true feelings towards Alex. He’s forced to examine his own feelings and can’t deny the reality of who Alex has become to him. The last book made it clear that Alex is important and that there’s growing affection, but in this one, we get to learn that not only is Alex the most important person to Tracht, but that budding affection has turned into love (as much as he wants to deny it or fight it).

I loved that we got to see Alex fight and take care of Tracht. Even if the grooming made it hard for him to break free of the mental shackles that Tracht had on him, Alex would do anything for Tracht. Their relationship isn’t conventional, but I can now say there is romance between them. Of course, there’s a severe power imbalance with Alex still being a bondservant (even if he has only two years left on his contract), so you will not find any equal partnership between them.

“That was then. This is now. I am now the kind of person who values one person above all else. A person! I didn’t think it was possible. But how else was I going to save Alex from being tortured?”

“I thought, even if you didn’t prove to be a good long-term investment, I’d have fun with a big, ugly man like you. But I’m glad it was you. Your reactions are so beautiful, and the fact that a man of your size is forced to submit to me is nothing short of exquisite.”

There are sweet moments, even if they come at the expense of Tracht being drugged up, but seeing him so transparent and unguarded was nice. I love how needy Alex gets and the way he craves Tracht’s touches.

I feel like this book added another layer to their relationship and forced Tracht to confront his true feelings for Alex, and questions such as what will happen in the future once the contract ends and Alex is not forced to be with him?

“To think that people voluntarily sought out caring partners, when it apparently made you feel weak and vulnerable like this. Tracht hated it, but he also knew that he would never, ever give Alex up.”

These two are severely messed up but they’re so perfect for one another. Overall I really enjoyed Under His Control and can’t wait to start Under His Skin.

Please check TWs
-------

Book 1 - Under His Heel - My Review
Book 2 - A Kidnapping - My Review
Book 3 - Under His Control -
Book 4 - Under His Skin - My Review
Under His... Shorts - My Review

[Moony Eliver · Rating 3 out of 5]

There were parts of this I really liked, but more parts that I felt had become repetitive from books 1 and 2. I do enjoy reading about the evolution of these characters and relationship, but this one didn’t move the storyline forward enough to keep me as engaged as I’ve been in the previous volumes.

[Jenny (Nyxie) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This ended so well. We got to see Tracht’s true feelings for Alex, and once again Alex defended Tracht against all odds. This one was a lot plottier than the first one, but we got a lot more glimpses of their domestic life.

[Saimi Vasquez · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ahora Alex y Tracht ya tienen 3 años juntos. Alex ya esta aprendiendo el funcionamiento de la nave, y Tracht confía un poco mas en él. Pero cuando los Nielsen le piden el "favor" que les dejen, Tracht sabe que eso le traerá problemas. Lo que no espera es que los problemas no sean causados por Alex o él mismo, sino por su primera oficial. Ahora envueltos con los problemas de la mafia, Alex y Tracht deberán usar todo sus conocimientos y trucos para poder salir con vida de todo esto.

En este libro el autor manejo mejor los dobles puntos de vista. Así que podemos entender un poco mejor que es lo que esta pensando Tracht y porque hace algunas de las cosas que hacer, además de entender un poco porque Alex se siente tan abandonado cuando no lo tratan como se acostumbro. Pero también vemos un poco mas de la vida de otros integrantes de la nave dentro y fuera de esta, así como el dilema que se le presentara a Alex al momento de terminar su contrato.
Sin embargo, el volver a Tracht mas "humano" no lo hace un personaje mas entretenido, como tampoco lo hace que Alex sea un poco mas "inteligente". Pero si nos muestra como se va desarrollando su romance y como esperamos que todo termine bien.
Así que si, voy a leer el último libro de la serie, esperando que el final feliz que tanto nos prometió el autor.

[Trio · Rating 4 out of 5]

So dang good! I love Alex and Tracht, their f'd up relationship (and the way it's grown over the course of this series) is one for the record books.

Adara Wolf has an incredible imagination and is a spectacular story-teller. I never know what's going to happen next. Between this non-traditional relationship, the creative sci-fi aspect, and the wonderful mysteries Wolf dreams up, the Under His Heel series is fantastic and I highly recommend it!

[JenMcJ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't think I've been understated in my love for these characters and this author so it's hard to accept, but probably inevitable, that all of the books can't be my favorite. This one is that book. It's good but it lacks something that the first two books didn't. Some fundamental messed up connection that Tracht manipulates and Alex misses completely. Part of that is probably the changed dynamic. Not only does Tracht have anger issues about this but I found myself as a reader being a bit perturbed over it as well. Another part was just how self absorbed Alex was when he was with Nadia. I know that isn't a real change from prior books but in this one is was more stark and, while I know Alex isn't going to emotionally grow much, I would like to see something connect to Alex outside of Tracht that isn't poisonous like Parson or Nick.

I did like that Tracht gets some insight into his actual feelings for Alex in this book. He seems to have danced around how important he had become through the other books but this one forced him to, well, maybe not accept how he feels but recognize it, at least.

I'm glad to see Espinoza go.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dark, twisted and all sorts of nasty... and yet I am compelled to keep reading !! I really enjoy this series and hope the madness continues - surely there’s enough debauchery for another book ? Tracht continues to come up with even more humiliating and cruel punishments and Alex continues to need / take it 😮

[Fatimama · Rating 2 out of 5]

This felt so incomplete.. would have wanted an epilogue after the contract to get a glimpse of their life together

[Jo * Smut-Dickted * · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first one of this series was, far and away, my breakaway hit for 2018. I loved it, have re read it multiple times, and just generally want to keep it under my pillow forever.

I really liked the kidnapping one as well - and so wished the catheter scenes were way more drawn out. I like descriptive writing - don't sum it up for me. Let ME feel it like the character.

This one felt more like a pale imitation of the first. The dynamic seemed really off - without the underlying power thread from Tracht that I so love (to hate!). Alex seemed more flippant but intentionally so - like being more of an ass at times then just struggling against the dynamic. Tracht seemed wayyyyyy too lovey dovey and hesitant. Alex too was not reluctant here hardly at all - that shifts the dynamic as well. Even the ginger scene could not get me over this changed Tracht. The steel felt like it was gone - and that's the best part. Since this is scifi more I don't want the same world I live in. Also the Doctor spent too much time pining -- that was not appealing either.

Though my least least favorite parts of the first one were anytime the chic and Alex got together I *almost* wished for that here to add some spice (pun intended). It feels like the relationship is stalled - not enough discipline and power exchange to keep me here. Don't get me wrong - still better than many but less than what I expected. Maybe you just can't go back -- but the direction it seems to be going is a little less fun for me. Felt like only one good scene in here. Boo. I think this one will please those that want less of the dynamic (or to have it glossed over "it's too dark") and more romance feel with feelz all over the place and a kind of limit on the TPE that occurs. That's just not my bag.

I appear to be odd person out - so perhaps this is "it's not you it's me". YMMV.

[Steph ☀️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Please, Sir, I want some more 😏

Oh for the love of everything! Please tell me this series is continuing! I am seriously having a hard time rating this. For me this book is between 4 and 4.5 stars, and it honestly depends if this is the last book in the series or not. I feel there’s still more story between the two MCs and I feel there is a story to come with the new First Officer, Bahat.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

What others find disconcerting apparently has me giggling like a schoolgirl in the middle of the night.

The way that I LAUGHED in this one!! Tracht on drugs + Alex unleashing his inner "HULK SMASH" is my new favorite thing. Second only to Tracht trying to fight his obvious sentimentality and Alex's obliviousness to the fact. I love them, your honor.

[Carol (bookish_notes) · Rating 4 out of 5]

By the time I’m reviewing this book, I would’ve already read this series a few times. It’s one of those books that makes no sense for me to like and yet I’m addicted to the story and the characters?? It makes no sense. But this is also one of the few books that makes me think I love books in space more than I normally do, so it does have that going for it as well.

Content notes includes brainwashing, under the influence of drugs, sexual assault, kidnapping, mentions of rape, mentions of torture, torture under the guise of kink, violence, and misogyny. More content notes are available on the author’s website.

This book delightfully continues from both Alex AND Tracht’s POVs and, I don’t know, you gain perspective on what’s going on in the story when you can read it from Tracht’s POV as well. He’s kind of a softie but let’s not forget he’s still a manipulative asshole who readily admits he brainwashed Alex to be who he is today, so you know. At least he’s aware of what he’s done?

This book continues on the heels (hah!) of book 2, which is essentially a novella about Alex ~accidentally~ getting kidnapped and tortured when he tries to save Tracht’s nephew, Johan, from getting kidnapped. Alex and Johan both winded up being taken and Tracht had to strike up a deal with some…unsavory folks to try to save Alex when he realized that nobody else would care if his bondservant made it out of the ordeal alive. The deal he made takes shape in this book, in that he’ll have to transport an illegal container onboard his ship. And unfortunately for him, he has a very observant First Officer who suspects the container does not carry what the manifest says it carries.

First Officer Espinosa is very good at her job, but maybe too morally good to be around someone like Tracht. It’s a miracle she’s even stayed this long. By the time this book starts, Alex has been in Tracht’s services as his bondservant for three years, so a very significant time has passed for anyone who is uncomfortable with Tracht’s treatment of Alex to have…left. And yet Espinosa has stayed on and here we come to see what might be her breaking point.

We know that Tracht is very good at acting how “normal” people expect him to act, which is to say…not himself at all. He knows how to lie and manipulate people into thinking he’s normal instead of a psychopath but that also comes with a very tight control of his faculties at all times. Alex obviously knows how deep Tracht’s depravities run, but everyone else only sees what Tracht allows them to see. So, I think it’s even more fascinating that we see so much of the story here from Tracht’s perspective because he finds himself so often in situations where he has to make polite conversation with his crew and he HATES it so much. Even with his co-conspirator on board his ship, Dr. Singh.

He doesn’t care for personal drama and Dr. Singh has drama galore in this book because she’s wondering what to do with her husband and bondservant (Nadia) now that Nadia’s contract is coming to an end. This is setting up the plot for the next book because what will become of Alex and Tracht once Alex’s contract ends?

Sure, Tracht has given Alex a lot of free reign and even important duties onboard the ship (Alex is actually quite smart when he puts his mind to something, which, admittedly, isn’t often) but it doesn’t change the fact that Tracht has very much brainwashed and tailored Alex to what he wants Alex to be. It’s a toxic and messed up relationship and EVERYONE (even Tracht himself) knows it. I do think that after Parsons, Alex does have SOME awareness of what Tracht has done to him, but it’s also come to a point where he doesn’t care because even without Tracht’s meddling, Alex doesn’t have any other real prospects in life without Tracht? Obviously done that way BECAUSE of Tracht, but his life before wasn’t all grand either with his brother manipulating him at every turn and it’s how he ended up with a bond collar in the first place. It’s super messed up and Alex and Tracht are obviously not a model of any kind of a healthy relationship, but it is what it is.

I like reading the story from Alex’s perspective, but it’s lowkey fun to read it from Tracht’s perspective too because he’s smart and it’s interesting to see him admitting what he’s done to Alex is fucked up. Their sex scenes in this book are just as kinky as you’d expect, although blessedly nothing as shocking as the first book. What happens to Tracht in this book is also kept off the page and only mentioned in passing. Which I’m grateful for. Although we do see the ramifications and aftermath to Tracht’s psyche and how he handles his relationship with Alex afterwards.

We do meet a new character called Bahjat at the VERY end of this book who will presumably have a larger role in the next book and I actually really loved how this character was introduced into the storyline and how casual it is. The character is trans and for all of Tracht’s many faults, he is super chill about her. Alex on the other hand tends to be a bit uncouth, so he doesn’t know YET but he’ll find out soon.

I’ve actually come to really like this book. I like how the author doesn’t shy away from detailing the aftermath of certain things and how the characters aren’t simply okay after traumatic events. Even after the kidnapping Alex and Johan went through, Alex still remembers the trauma of that event, and we can see in the spin-off with Johan (Leashing His Heart) that he is definitely still very much not okay with what he went through, even though his ordeal was different than Alex’s. Here, we see Tracht spiraling and acknowledging even that HE should get therapy?? At least he’s self aware.

I enjoyed this book. If you’ve made it this far into the series, I would say you’d enjoy reading this book too.

[bikemi · Rating 4 out of 5]

The third in the Under His Heel series felt plottier and more revealing, with both Tracht and Alex butting up against how their feelings have evolved several years into bondservitude. Instances of tenderness are often paired with punishment, for the sheer fact that Tracht resists his new sentimental side. Alex remains a ding dong but with more responsibility on the ship and some moments that surprise us all… sometimes brawn is exactly what’s needed. This is still a dark story with many CW’s in regards to how Tracht has molded Alex. But I still find myself enamored, laughing frequently, jaw dropped on occasion, and overall rooting so hard for these two absolute disasters. Many extra points for the emotional bathing and shaving in this one.

[Brey (lil Sebastian)]

I’m not going to rate this book because I knew I wasn’t going to like it yet I tortured myself reading it anyways. There are very few books that I have read that give me no enjoyment. I can say the series is definitely in the top three of that small list. There is no love in the series. I really enjoyed The Boss by MD Gregory and just wish this series had the D/s storyline with a bit of affection. Like I just need a bit. Plus Tracht and Alex Straight up raped Alex’s brother in the last book so I don’t even know why I read this one. I think I’m calling a DNF for the rest of the series and the spinoff.

[Ellie Ellie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my favorite of the series, as the plot gets thicker and some backdrop themes of the previous books become more central to the story. It's a hard series to review as installments, so I think I will keep my overall, final thoughts for book #4. But I really loved those scenes where Tracht was more vulnerable, and the ending, in particular, was weirdly sweet.

[Ed Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have so enjoyed these books. I didn’t want it to end. Tracht truly loves Alex although I certainly wouldn’t consider this a romance. As much as Tracht loves Alex he loves hurting him more. Please don’t let this be the last book. There’s still two more years on Alex’s contract.

[Lila · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tracht deserves much worse

You thought I'd take his side? Even in a story like this, I probably would eventually, but Dara Wolf made Tracht enough of a horrible person even for me to wish his capture lasted longer, much longer. And this is honestly the first one from me.

I'm genuinely hoping Alex manages to get away, not sure how much I'll like the next one.

[the kevin (vaguely alive) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fun story of Alex and Tracht being horrible people and so cute together. They are both so unbelievably bad at talking to or caring about other people, it's so funny. I liked that there was something of a time jump from the previous book, so we can see Alex and Tracht's relationship as it grows/deepens (despite their best attempts) over the years.

The plot here was pretty solid, but something it felt...disconnected? I'm not sure what it was, but something wasn't quite as cohesive as the first two. But it worked? Idk. It's a vibe, no logic. Unfiltered Tracht at the end was pretty hilarious, despite the whole situation.

I still really enjoyed the story, and Alex and Tracht again!

[Chelsea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super enjoying this series! I hated when Tracht was taken, but couldn't stop giggling at the things he was saying while drugged, which is saying something for this type of book.

I'm excited and anxious to see how this all ends with Alex's contract coming to an end.

[Samantha Tucker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I need more! I am incredibly invested in Alex and Tracht's relationship. When a bad business decision turns into a dangerous situation for Tracht, Alex has to work harder and smarter than ever before to save him. The rescue takes a toll on Tracht both physically and mentally and leaves Alex feeling uncomfortable. Can they work through this trauma? I seriously hope so. I'm crossing my fingers for another book!

[Sallyann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so much better than the second book in the series. I almost didn’t get this book because I was quite disappointed by book 2 but this has more than made up for it. I absolutely love Tracht and Alex!! I just knew there would be trouble when Tracht agreed to take that container for the Nielsen’s and I was right. I’m so glad that Alex got to come to Tracht’s rescue and Tracht has kind of come to terms with his feelings for Alex. But the best thing about this book is that that bitch Espinosa is gone, I absolutely hated how she would treat Alex.

[Lee Todd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great story about Tracht and Alex with a dynamic relationship twist. Although this book is less dark than the previous two we see a new development in their dysfunctional bond when Tracht becomes the target in a kidnapping and Alex has to plot his rescue.
Can't wait to see where the next book takes us

[AGandyGirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

*4.5 stars*

I just love this twisted relationship. Need more!

[пташатко · Rating 3 out of 5]

(3.25)

блін, я не знаю... це було цілком пристойне продовження історії, а втім, мене чомусь не дуже вразила ця частина :( ба більше — ті мелодрами з сінґх та еспінозою мене насправді навіть активно дратували.

так, форшедовінг ніхто не відміняв: треба було якось вводити в текст сумніви й переживання (?) щодо майбутнього, яке на них чекатиме з завершенням контракту алекса + надя — єдиний аутлет дружніх стосунків в алекса і все таке, але мене ну дуже напрягала неорганічність тих всіх вставок. мені чесно було відверто байдуже на все, що не стосувалось напряму самих ��лекса з трахтом ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

гілка з еспінозою була зображена в рази ліпше, але тут мені вже просто не надто до вподоби була вона як персонажка та цінності, що врешті керували її вчинками. її integrity та відчуття справедливості, звісно, були на висоті, але i couldn't care less about it all. дайте мені аморальне мнясо!!

трахт під дією того нашийника, однак, це було чисте золото. спостерігати за їхньою з алексом динамікою за тих обставин була одна втіха. спікінг оф, приємною несподіванкою стали також ті кежуал ремарки алекса про те, що йому насправді дуже кортіло б теґтімнути когось разом з трахтом... і ладно би просто в сексуальному плані, але ж нє! зі всіма супутніми приколами. досі шкодую, що еспіноза тоді стала на заваді берсерк моду алекса. благаю, дайте алексу шанс в наступній частині переїбашить комусь пики (і не тільки). це таке приємне видовище!

коротше кажучи, конфліктіність почуттів трахта та самовідданість й бешеність алекса стали для мене зіркою сезону. решта — ну, може бути.

[Jaimed · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the switch that happens in this story. In the last book, Tracht rescues Alex with the help of the Nielsen's. Now Trachtenberg has to follow through with his promise. When the shipment gets damaged and reported to the authorities, Tracht is taken as punishment.

Alex might not be the smartest person around, but he won't let anyone keep Tracht. Even after everything that Tracht has put him through, he wants him back and won't let anyone get in his way. Their roles might be flipped, but Alex can't live without Tracht controlling him.

I had a good time reading this book and getting to see more of the thought system that the guys use. Even when Tracht admits to how he treated/treats Alex, Alex didn't care and just wants him back where he should be.

I can't wait for the next chapter in their story. It will be interesting to see where the guys go from here.

I received an ARC of this book from LesCourt Author Services. This is my honest opinion and review.

[Badh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Tracht and Alex. They are so perfect for each other, even if Tracht had to do some twisting of Alex in order to make him be perfect. I'm pretty sure that they are both pretty happy with the result, even if Tracht still loves to make Alex cry and he's willing to go quite a way to get there.

I was really happy to see them again, and to see how their relationship has grown. I liked seeing how Alex is settling in more and how he's getting more responsibility on the ship. Of course, he still has his ruffian-ish mindset, but I'm pretty sure that will never go away.

I got so angry at certain characters in this book, because they really made everything worse, in so many ways. If it had been up to me, I would've gone totally off on them. But overall, loved, loved, love this book, and I can't wait for more of Alex and Tracht.

[Ayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am OBSESSED with the depravity of this series. Somehow, this author makes me feel three very strong emotions for Tracht and Alex all at once. Hatred, Love, and being turned on pretty much sums up my feelings while reading this book. How can the scenes be so hot but so effed up at the same time??

There was an interesting storyline with Tracht and that seemed to open up much more for any future books. We see him vulnerable and sweet but then we seem him wicked as usual and I loved every second of it. Alex has also certainly come a long way but it is clear he has not completely grown out of his old ways. I cannot wait to see more from these guys!

[Jennie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alex and Tracht return in this instalment of their story. Tracht is still as sadistic as ever and Alex is proving himself to be invaluable to him.
Tracht has to pay up for getting help when Alex was kidnapped, and now it's time.. He is transporting a container and this causes more than a few problems...
They work together to find a solution but it may not be enough. Alex goes above and beyond to help Tracht as the tables have turned this time.
Tracht alternates between being kind to Alex and humiliating and hurting him.
I'm really enjoying this short series. It's not for everyone but I like it..

[Adelaide Blaike · Rating 5 out of 5]

I said in my last review that I was hoping the dynamic would be shaken up a bit...and that's exactly what we got! Tracht, the sadist Dominant, showed his soft side (admittedly involuntarily), and it was that little bit of Feelings that I knew I needed. Meanwhile, Alex threw off his submission just long enough to go charging in as Tracht's hero...only to return to kissing his boots as soon as it was over. Perfect.

[Alastair · Rating 5 out of 5]

"To think that people voluntarily sought out caring partners, when it apparently made you feel weak and vulnerable like this."