Command and Control

Holding Out for A Hero #2

by Shelli Stevens

He’s afraid of losing his grip. She’s about to untie his last knot…

Holding Out for a Hero, Book 2

Megan Asher has a thriving career, looks, self-confidence to spare. It all means little without the love of her life. Trevor has returned from deployment in Afghanistan a haunted man, emotionally distant and unwilling to connect—except in bed. Then even that fragile thread snaps. Brokenhearted, she is forced to call off their wedding and, after a few months’ separation, try to move on.

With every aspect of his life spinning out of his once-legendary control, Trevor Wyatt convinces himself that Megan is better off—and safer—as far away from his demons as possible. Until he comes back to town for his brother’s wedding, and discovers Megan is dating.

Suddenly realizing what he’s thrown away, he vows to breach the fortress she’s built around her heart. They come together in a cataclysm of rekindled passion that unleashes the very demons he never wanted her to witness.

Back to square one, Megan realizes she must take the ultimate risk to slip past Trevor’s defenses. Give him control in the one place she can. The bedroom. The seductive move is one she prays will be the first step in helping heal him and their love.

This book contains a tormented military hero and the sexy woman he’s determined to win back. Mild BDSM and kink, and blow jobs of the beverage and non-beverage kind.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Military Fiction, Contemporary, Erotica, BDSM, Second Chance

151 pages, ebook

First published November 30, 2010

About the author

Shelli is a New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author who read her first romance novel when she snatched it off her mother’s bookshelf at the age of eleven. She is a true pluviophile (lover of rain) who currently lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and two daughters. She loves Disney, taking sunset pics (follow her on Instagram), baking, nature walking, and spontaneously bursting into song. She’s written various genres of romance, but is most known for her contemporary series such as The McLaughlins, The Bro Code, Marshall Ranch, and A is for Alpha.

Reviews

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

When I requested Command and Control, I didn’t realize it was a re-release of a novella I’ve already read. I decided to do a reread and review because I tend to enjoy this author’s work and, well, what the hell?

Megan is a lawyer living in small town coastal Oregon. Even though she called things off with her military man over a year ago, Megan is still having a difficult time moving on from Trevor. For his part, Trevor’s not moving on from anything. He returned from his deployment in Afghanistan a broken man and while he still loves Megan, he knows he’s no good for her.

Yep, it’s one of those. The “I’m no good for her so I’ll make her break up with me” force is strong with this one, folks. To be honest, that pretty much was the story. Megan wants Trevor to open up to someone, ANYONE and Trevor wants to go it alone like the stubborn man he is. We all know how this is going to turn out given its novella size, but this was still a bit of fun reading, nonetheless. I didn’t necessarily feel all of the couple’s problems were addressed but they got a sweet HEA so I’m all good.



After my initial reading, I leaned more towards a four star rating. My second time through didn’t leave me feeling quite as enchanted with Command and Control so I’m leaning towards a three star rating now. I can wholeheartedly recommend this for anyone looking for a quick read and a HEA for a soldier that most definitely deserves it and the woman who never gave up on him.

ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

[Auntee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ummm...hotness. Trevor Wyatt is a military hero suffering from some PTS and survivor's guilt. Megan Asher is a smart, beautiful, feisty lawyer heroine who used to be his fiancée. It's been a year since they broke up, and both are miserable without the other. But Trevor hasn't been the same since he's returned from Afghanistan. He's dark, distant, and moody, and refuses to open up to Megan. Despite the out-of-this-world sex life they have, it's not enough if Trevor refuses to communicate with Meg. So the relationship crumbles. After pining for Trevor for months, Meg's ready to get on with the rest of her life. But the upcoming wedding of Trevor's younger brother Tyson to Ellie (Going Down) brings them both together (they're in the wedding party), and the discovery that Megan's dating again makes Trevor realize it's now or never if he hopes to win her back. But how far is he willing to go? Can he force himself to open up to Megan? And will Megan agree to give Trevor what he desperately needs in order to save their relationship?

Oh yeah, this was a hot one. I liked the fact that Megan and Trevor had a previous relationship--somehow that made the story more believable as they weren't just jumping into the sack without really knowing each other. Trevor and Megan both appeared in the first book of this series (Going Down) so I felt like I knew a little bit about them already. This book gives the details of how they met and broke up, and shows them trying to salvage what was once a great, passionate relationship. There's some white hot sex scenes (Megan and Trevor have no trouble communicating this way), and Megan makes a sexual bargain with Trevor that finally gets him to open up. Be prepared, because this is one steamy couple.

Trevor and Megan...




Shelli Stevens does a good job making the story seem believable and makes your heart hurt for Trevor (obviously he needed some counseling). The story moved at a brisk pace and contained a few humorous moments (the bachelorette party) and lots of steamy dialogue. She also lays the groundwork for the next book in the series, Flash Point, about the youngest Wyatt brother (firefighter Todd) and the woman who's been crushing on him forever (bakery owner Kate). Looking forward to that one. 4 1/2 stars

Warning: This book contains explicit sex (including oral) and graphic language; some mild bdsm ( use of a blindfold, some handcuffs, a flogger, and some spanking) and the use of a sex toy. Not for the faint of heart.

[Lady Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE

Trevor & Megan are GREAT together!

Their story was amazing to read.
When Trevor realized that "yes", he needed help dealing with what happened to him in Afghanistan.. and what he was putting his family and friends through



Megan.. your amazing!



Your willingness to 'submit' to Trevor (even if it was only in the bedroom) in order to give him back some control in his life that he felt he lost was beautiful, and the trust you had with him was humbling.

Trevor.. your a soldier, and so used to being in control of everything (including your emotions)...when you realized how much you loved Megan, and what you where doing to her, and what she was will to do for you.. amazing!



*sigh*....off to read the final story in this series!

[MBR · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first book by Shelli Stevens was Dangerous Grounds, the first book in the Seattle Steam series which I read long time back. But Dangerous Grounds has always lurked somewhere at the back of my mind as a book that I enjoyed immensely and I just might give in and revisit Gabe and Madison one of these days. So when I found out by following Ms. Stevens on Twitter that her latest release is all about a tortured hero who needs healing in all the ways possible, I didn’t hesitate to get myself a copy and indulge. And indulge is what I did as this short story delivered on all fronts and made all my senses come wonderfully alive with the raw sensuality between Trevor and Megan.

Likes:

1- Trevor Wyatt of course! Was there any doubt in any of your minds about that? ^_^ Sexy, broody, tortured to the max and a possessive streak a mile wide when it comes to Megan, Trevor just makes my heart go thud, thud and my knees all wobbly with his mere presence. From the opening scene itself, everything feminine within me rejoiced in Trevor’s jealousy over the mere idea of anyone else claiming his Megan as their own. I definitely loved me some Trevor!

2- Megan Asher. She definitely lives up to her character as in she is beautiful, smart, knows what she wants and doesn’t hesitate to work for what she wants no matter what happens which turned out to be her most endearing quality. Megan was wise enough to know what Trevor needs so that their relationship would have a standing chance the second time round. Her plan to help Trevor certainly worked out well enough for her and for me as well. ^_^

3- The hot, hot, hot sensuality between Trevor and Megan. I think my Kindle heated up a degree or two as Megan and Trevor, both with their take charge attitudes just simply combusted after a 1 year separation. Car smexing, shower smexing and smexing of the kinkier variety takes place, all very hot and all very well done!

4- I loved the tidbits of Trevor and Megan’s shared past that made their forays into the story. Lent this story something extra of the wicked variety as well as in terms of character development.

5- Command and Control certainly made me sit up and take notice of Kate and her crush on Todd Wyatt the youngest Wyatt of the 3 brothers. I have certainly added Flash Point, the 3rd book in the Holding Out for a Hero series which is to be published on March 2011 to my wishlist.

Dislikes: Though I know novellas are supposed to be pretty short, I just felt the ending was a bit too rushed. Of course things ended on a happy note but I would have loved it more if the ending had been just a tad longer.

Full review with quotes: http://bit.ly/hOQhfB

[E-Reader Addict · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 Stars

This is the story of an alpha-male toddler.

Trevor hadn’t even realized how badly he wanted a second chance until he’d thought Megan was about to marry someone else.

I LOVE, love, love second chance love stories. But I had a hard time with this one.

Trevor and Megan loved each other deeply, but after Trevor came back from a deployment where he was injured and his team suffered great losses, he became more and more distant. When Trevor refused to get any help for his PTSD, Megan was forced to break off their engagement.

Now one year later, Megan is trying to move on despite her heart still wanting Trevor. When Trevor comes back to town for his brother’s wedding, he finds out Megan is dating someone. So now he wants her back. Which brings to mind the Toddler’s Creed:

If I want it, IT'S MINE!
If I give it to you and change my mind later, IT'S MINE!
If I can take it away from you, IT'S MINE!
If it's mine it will never belong to anybody else, No matter what.
If we are building something together, All the pieces are mine!
If it looks just like mine, IT'S MINE!
If it breaks or needs putting away, IT'S YOURS!

And thus my first issue with this story... I get why Trevor left Megan (or more accurately behaved in a way that would cause her to break things off - although...another issue here...we are told he did that but didn’t actually see it for ourselves...which this is a novella so I know the story is truncated, but it made it hard for me to understand how bad things were, causing Megan to break things off, and good grief I just took a left turn from where I was going), but it’s not very hero-like behavior if you only want someone once you think they are with someone else. Also, if you don't want to be with someone "for their own good," be a man and break up with them yourself!

Anyway, moving on…

Trevor wants Megan back and decides to go after her. There’s very little (or no) apologizing for how he behaved, or how much he hurt hurt, but Megan forgives him anyway and lets him in. Then he pushes her away again.

However, Megan doesn’t want to give up on them so easily again, so her grand idea to get him back involves fuzzy handcuffs and a flog. Because mild bedroom kink is a valid substitution for a licensed therapist.


There was a lot of telling and not enough showing in this novella for me. Even taking the shortened page count into consideration (because I DO judge novellas on their own merits), there just wasn’t enough for me to feel connected to the characters and invested in their reunion. Which is a bummer because there’s nothing I like more than watching lovers find their way back to each other.

* thank you to NetGalley and Tule Publishing for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review

[SamJ ★Needs a HEA★ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this. This is the 2nd in the series and Trevor and Megan were introduced in the first book, which gave a little of their background, so I would recommend reading them in order.

It was believable in how Trevor was portrayed. Their relationship was the main focus of the book, as opposed to outside factors like villains causing conflict which was refreshing. They both had to change and face some fears and realise their relationship could not go back to exactly how it was, as Trevor had changed.

It was a short book, and I feel it could have been longer yet still engaging.

It had some lovely heart-warming moments, you can tell the love the whole family had for each other and how they wanted to help Trevor.

It also had its lighter moments The stripper and the hen night bit were quite funny. I think it was my favourite bit.

I have recently discovered Shelli Stevens, and this is not the first book I have read by her, and doubt it will be the last.

[Sleepless Dreamer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Man, I was really on the fence with rating this book. I'm giving this book 3 stars although for me it's a 1 star read because it's done well for its genre. Looking at other reviews, it does seem like this book is perceived as good among its target audience. That's just not me.

So this is the story of Trevor, a small town man who is in the army and Megan, his ex-fiance. When Trevor comes home from base, they rediscover all the apparent love they have for each other.

The beginning of this book drew me in fantastically. The writing is accessible and flows well. It's a quick and sweet read. I started reading it in a nice park here in Vladivostok and simply had to finish it.

So what was my problem with this book?

First, I hated how Trevor speaks to Megan in the beginning. She has a boyfriend and he simply walks into her workplace and essentially demands they be together. He completely ignores her when she says she's not interested. He seems to feel that he knows better than her what she wants and as expected, he does. This is an incredibly problematic idea that comes up far too often in romantic novels. I can't support this and it is quite possibly the least romantic behavior ever, next to men finding women's anger cute (which Trevor does as well).

I picked this up without looking very closely so I hadn't noticed that this is a second book in a series but that didn't impact my reading experience so you don't need to read them together. I also hadn't noticed that this was about a soldier and oh boy, that definitely affected me.

The soldier fantasy is a huge nope for me. Really, is there anything less sexy than army people? I know that there are people out there that enjoy this and I'm not kink-shaming (okay, just a little bit, armies are inherently violent and pretty much every human catastrophe ever has included the involvement of an army) but for me, as someone who did army service, I just, huge no. The word "sir" makes me cringe and remember how in boot camp I refused to say that to anyone because fuck that, you haven't done anything to earn my respect.

Although one of my commanders in boot camp was quite attractive, I simply can't find that world attractive. Moreover, I get annoyed when I think about the army so I spent most of this book going, "ugh, army". I have even less respect towards the American military than I do to the Israeli one, I really find it hard to sympathize with Trevor's pain when I think about Afghani civilians.

I think I also felt like this was too hetro-normative and gendered for me. I know, I'm a huge cliche but truly, the bachelorette party scene was a huge cringe for me. I pretty much kept cringing whenever Todd showed up. There's this assumption that guys date girls and chemistry equals love. Every time Trevor says Mine I feel slightly sick. So yes, not the book for me.

Ultimately, I didn't like Megan's attempts at convincing Trevor to open up. I'm not a therapist but it seems to me that after someone goes through something traumatic, it's not fair, helpful or kind to beg from them to share it in this manner. It doesn't feel like something you'd do to someone you love, to be honest.

Also, the reference to Edward Cullen? The heck? Are we in 2009?

I'm sorry. I was mean in this review but I'm sure that if you enjoy romantic stories that flow well and have some sass, you'll like this. I'm just going to go find something else. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy for my review!

What I'm Taking With Me
- It's my last full day in Russia but all I want to do is sit in bed and read, what do I do?
- Can we talk about how they say that 2am is late for a night of partying? Weaklings.
- Megan sounds like a good lawyer though.

[Judi · Rating 3 out of 5]

What goes together better than peanut butter and jam? It’s a classic match made in heaven and that’s exactly what Trevor Wyatt and Megan Asher are. And just in case PB&J doesn’t do it for you...there’s always “marshmallow” close by if things get out of hand (read the book - you’ll get the reference).

Command and Control was a good second chance at love story for the oldest Wyatt brother Trevor. I love it when the hero is just a little bit bent and broken and needs to be healed by the love of a good woman. Trevor Wyatt is a man truly haunted by his nightmares of the war and he’s going to have to fight himself right along side his demons before he has any hope of getting a second shot at love with his former fiancée Megan Asher. Maybe thinking she’s got his replacement picked out and getting ready to tie the knot is just the kick in the pants he needs to get his head out of them and get his girl back...if she’ll have him.

Stevens does a good job of portraying the oldest Wyatt suffering through his survivor’s guilt and his feelings of inadequacy where Megan is concerned. He felt she deserved better than him, but couldn’t stand the thought of seeing her with another guy. It was the classic I don’t want you, but don’t want anyone else to have you either syndrome.

Megan loves Wyatt. Megan's always loved Wyatt. Megan wants another chance with Wyatt if she can break through his barriers and finally get him to open up about all the feelings he’s kept buried deep inside. So she offers up a tempting proposition to Trevor when she volunteers to give up command and control in the bedroom in exchange for his promise to finally confide in her. Let’s just say that Trevor would be a fool to turn down her plan and his Mama never raised no fool.

So in an exchange of power, things get very heated, very fast in the hallway, the bedroom, the shower and everywhere and anywhere in between. I may have been a tad disappointed in Megan that she thought the only way to get through to Trevor was by bargaining with sex, I thought she was better than that. But in the end, the plan worked and you can't argue with results.

Finally I find something very sexy about a woman who calls her military man Soldier: “You swear too much soldier“; “I’d prefer you sleep in my bed soldier“; “Hold it right there soldier”, and then his responding "Yes Ma‘am". Very hot!

Good second instalment to the series, but not as good as the first for me.

[Katya · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a nice emotional story of a couple who have been separated by issues which have been raised by the hero living through some very difficult combat deaths. I give it 3.25 stars.

This series is about a family of brothers from a small town. Trevor, the soldier, returned from war in Afghanistan, not quite himself. Once a happy, outgoing man, he returned distant, disconnected and withdrawn. His fiancee and family did everything to try to get him to open up and talk to them...or to get help but he refused and was as tight as a drum. He even stopped planning his wedding. His fiancee, frustrated and hurting, broke up with him and he returned to the army base.

Months have passed and now Trevor is back in town for his brother's wedding, he is standing up as best man...his former fiance, Megan, is the maid of honor. They are still incredibly attracted to one another. When Trevor hears Megan is dating someone else and might marry him he decides to go after her. They almost fall into bed together and tells her he wants her back but she tells him that unless he can open up to her, she won't allow that. She is not going to take that chance and does not want to do this only to end up in pain as he walks away again.

These two are hurting, but can't seem to stay away from each other. At a bachelorette party she realizes she is still in love with Trevor and goes home with him. But after some adult excitement he wakes up still in a dream and attacks her. So disgusted with himself he leaves and tells her this is impossible.

But don't count Megan out yet. She decides to go after her man and boy does she do that. She takes him to a cousin's cabin and makes a bargain with him: He opens up with what is paining him and she is his to control for the weekend. They both discover they enjoy some kinkier sex and he starts talking.

Those emotional walls start to crumble over the weekend and it does have a HEA. The only thing is that it did wrap up a bit quick. It would have been nice if the author added another 50 pages or so and elaborated how the shift in the hero happened. But all-in-all, it was a easy to read novel with great characters. I enjoyed this story and was happy for this couple when they decided to get back together and get married after all.

[Robin *loves sexy books* · Rating 4 out of 5]

this has been a great little series. the books are short but the characters have been great and drawn me in. that doesn't usually happen to me with short books. can't wait for the next one. kate and todd!!

i've really enjoyed this author. anyone looking for super hot, good characters, great sex won't be disappointed.

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This 2nd book in the Wyatt Brothers series was even hotter than the first one.. super sexy, extreamly steamy, a little bondage, spanking, floggers and blindfold thrown in.. yep, this one hit the spot. Many spots.. .haha!

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think I loved this one even better that the first book in this series. A great short, hot read. I loved the characters and the plot was better. I loved it. Totally hot hot hot and steamy! An awesome little read.

[Emma · Rating 1 out of 5]

Command and Control by Shelli Stevens
He’s afraid of losing his grip. She’s about to untie his last knot…
Megan Asher may have a thriving legal career, looks and self-confidence to spare, but they mean little without the love of her life. Trevor’s returned from Afghanistan a haunted man, emotionally distant and unwilling to connect—except in bed. Then even that fragile thread snaps. Brokenhearted, she is forced to call off their wedding and, after a few months’ separation, try to move on.
With every aspect of his life spinning out of his once-legendary control, Trevor Wyatt convinces himself that Megan is better off—and safer—as far from him as possible…until he comes home for his brother’s wedding to discover Megan is dating. Realizing what he’s thrown away, Trevor vows to breach the fortress Megan’s built around her heart. They clash in a cataclysm of rekindled passion that unleashes the very demons he’s sought to leash.
Shaken but determined, Megan takes the ultimate risk and slips past Trevor’s defenses to hand him control in the one place she can—the bedroom. She prays her seduction will be the first step to heal her hero and their love.
This is Megan Asher and Trevor Wyatt's story.
Megan Asher may have a thriving legal career, looks and self-confidence to spare, but they mean little without the love of her life. Trevor’s returned from Afghanistan a haunted man, emotionally distant and unwilling to connect—except in bed. Then even that fragile thread snaps. Brokenhearted, she is forced to call off their wedding and, after a few months’ separation, try to move on.
She stood by the display case full of cakes, dressed in a skirt suit that hugged her curves, laughing as she spoke to Kate, the owner of the shop. But the moment he entered the store, her laughter had died, and her lush mouth had parted just enough to show her surprise, even as her gaze remained unreadable. She was always so damn good at that. Keeping her emotions under control. They were the same in that way.
Trevor Wyatt froze, one foot already outside the coffee shop, his mind echoing with what he’d just overheard.
Megan Asher was getting married.
His chest tightened, almost crushing his ability to breathe as the blood pounded harder in his veins. He moved out of the entryway and back into the store, stepping to the creamer station to slowly add three packs of sugar he didn’t even want to his coffee.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book."
Command and Control by Shelli Stevens is a 1 star book.
Shelli's Books with Tule:
Protect Me, Cowboy
Marshall Ranch
The 78th Copper Mountain Rodeo
Falling for the Hometown Girl
Marshall Ranch
One More Round
The McLaughlins
Straight, No Chaser
The McLaughlins
Christmas Lights and Cowboy Nights
Marshall Ranch
Command and Control
Holding Out for a Hero
Flash Point
Holding Out for a Hero

[Marsha Keeper Bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf

COMMAND AND CONTROL is a re-release of a title that was first published in 2010 by another publishing house. It’s possible you may have read it then, so simply be aware that this novella is not brand new. Having said that, it is certainly a sexy, intense and emotional romance that will keep you flipping pages. Good stories don’t die, they just wait patiently for the next reader.

Trevor returned from deployment a far different man. He’s suffering from PTSD and survivor’s guilt. He’s holding back and turning inwards away from the woman who loves him with her whole heart. He will finally force a break-up with Megan “for her own good” because he no longer feels in control and is afraid of his actions in many ways.

A year after their split they meet again at his brother’s wedding, each being part of the wedding party, and the sparks are still there – but there is one difference. Megan is dating now, she’s taken him at his word and tried to move on. Lightbulb moment when Trevor realizes that he made a huge mistake in letting her go and determines to get her back into his life. But how when his troubles have not lessened in any way can he risk that? Megan will do anything to get Trevor back in her life – even hand over control where he needs it most.

COMMAND AND CONTROL, and Trevor and Megan’s relationship is certainly not for those readers who do not like any type of Erotica, for there is explicit sex in this story on many levels. There is also a deep love between them that Trevor’s experiences and actions have not diminished. They are finding their way back to each other – and it is a sexy journey to get to that point. I enjoyed revisiting old friends for I have read this previously years ago but enjoyed going back once again with this re-release.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

[Karen Roma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Command and Control is the second book in Shelli Steven’s Holding Out for A Hero series, which follows three brothers, each in high risk careers and each with their own unique characters traits. This story tells the eldest brother Trevor’s story and highlights the reasons he walked away from the love of his life. An active service soldier, Trevor has endured the kind of events that leave a man scarred on an emotional level that many can’t possibly fathom. And like so many before him, Trevor feels the barriers built to guard his sanity and hide his PTSD, make him a bad bet for a long-term relationship.

Megan has never stopped loving Trevor, even after she chose to end their engagement over a year before. Nonetheless, the distance he put between them seemed a void to vast to conquer and protecting her heart became her prime objective. Is love enough to repair the damage done to a tender heart, or will Megan finally let him go and lose part of her soul forever?

This was a wonderful story and a realistic portrayal of Trevor’s inner battle and the demons that haunt his dreams; while Megan was so easy to like, that my heart bled for the undying love she felt for this man who had closed off and shut her out. The storyline was easy to follow, it had great world building and the support characters were entertaining too. I can’t wait for the downfall of the cocky, baby brother Todd. And after a Sheriff and Military man, who isn't excited for a sexy Fireman!

[LJT · Rating 4 out of 5]

Are you looking for a hot and sexy second chance romance? If so, then Command and Control by Shelli Stevens is the book for you. This story flows at a quick pace from beginning to end, and the two main characters are likable, a bit kinky, and share a history that is replete with desire.

Megan and Trevor were madly in love and engaged to married before Trevor was deployed to Afghanistan. Unfortunately, he is a changed man upon his return, and as a result, their relationship suffers. They break up and Trevor moves away, firmly believing that Megan is better off without him and his baggage. The wedding of Trevor's brother brings him back to town, and brings Megan back into his life. Their sexual chemistry is still replete with lust and love, and Trevor has a lot of work to do in order to win Megan's guarded heart once again. Megan knows that if she gives herself to Trevor both emotionally and physically, he will be able to take control of his life once and for all.

This is a hot book. The balance of sexy times and story is just about perfect, and as a result, I read this book very quickly. Overall, this is a well-written second chance romance with tons of steam, a bit of kink, and an engrossing story.

Complimentary copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. What a terrific romance. I loved all the intense steamy scenes as much as the love story between Megan and Trevor. We learn that the couple had been engaged until Megan calls it off a year or so earlier. Trevor is in the military and had suffered a horrendous attack in Afghanistan. He lost his soldiers and he was injured. He had survivors guilt. He wouldn’t talk to Megan and just withdrew. He stopped coming home from his base to visit or wanting to see her.

Trevor is home on leave for his brothers wedding. He is the best man and Megan is the Maid of Honor. He hears talk that she’s dating a guy named Henry, maybe going to get engaged. It scares him and he starts to take stock of his life and what happened. He has PTSD and doesn’t want to admit it or talk to her about it. But the idea of her being with another man horrifies him and he decides to try to get back together. Megan arranges for them to go away for a couple of days and gives him control in the bedroom with the stipulation that he talks to her and shares his feelings, explains what happened, etc. There is a lot of steamy, kinky sex and explanations are given. The decide to resume being engaged. It is a HEA that I found very easy to read.

[Sharon Grow · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Trevor Wyatt returned from Afghanistan, he was a different man. He was closed off, fighting his demons on his own and unwilling to get help. He was engaged to Megan Asher, but after many attempts to get close again to Trevor, she broke off their engagement hoping this would lead him to help…to find his way back to her and his family. Trevor has returned to town for his brother’s wedding and learning that Megan may be dating he realizes that he still loves her. When he attempts a reconciliation and without being aware of his actions almost injures her, he decides that she is better off without him. Megan has one more chance to make him see that their love can withstand anything and spends time alone with him in a cabin. Will Trevor finally let down his guard and talk, really talk to Megan? Will her unselfish love and desire for him break down his barriers? A very emotional read touching on soldiers who return home and live with the memories of those teammates were not so fortunate. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (by paytonpuppy)

[patrick Lorelli · Rating 3 out of 5]

Apparently, this book is a reissue, but it was an interesting story and a fast read. Meagan is a lawyer in a coastal town and was engaged to Trevor but when he came back from his last deployment from Afghanistan he was broken and told her he was not right for her. Walking has hurt her and now months later after he heard she is dating and he is back in town for his brother’s wedding. He is playing with her mind by telling her that he is the only one she will ever love but when she agrees he walks again. He keeps walking away from her telling her he is no good for her but does not want anyone else to be with her as well. This is not a second chance book it is more like four or five. When she finally takes him to a cabin for the weekend and gives him an ultimatum. With that, he must talk to her about what happened. This is also where the erotica part comes in but it is not over the top. As much as I really wanted to like this book, I think though only 3 stars. I just didn’t care for the back and forth. I did like all of the characters around them. I received this book from Netgalley.com I gave it 3 stars. Follow us at www.1rad-readerreviews.com

[Paula · Rating 3 out of 5]

Command and Control (Holding Out For a Hero Book 2) is a reissue by Shelli Stevens. The book was first published several years ago but is now published by a different publisher. The book seems much as I remembered it from years ago but it may have been toned down some. Still it has mild BDSM in it which is new for me to read from Tule Publishing.

Trevor has returned from the war a broken man. It is a story of one no longer feeling as if he is good enough; certainly not god enough for the love of his life. Megan has moved on so she thought but decides to give over control instead of giving up. Returning vets have many struggles which some are highlighted in this story. At least for Megan and Trevor there is a HEA.

3.5 Stars
An ARC of the book was given to me by the publisher through Net Galley which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Ella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trevor hasn’t been the same since he returned from Afghanistan. When he left he had the women of his dreams, was madly in love and planning on getting married. When he returned he didn’t think he was worthy of love after all he he had done and had been through. So he started to pull away from those closest to him.
Megan was hurt by the fact that Trevor didn’t fight for them. But she couldn’t seem to move on. Trying, to listen to advice she went out on a few dates, but just never felt the connection or desire to even kiss her date. Now Trevor is back in town for his brothers wedding and she knew that they would be seeing a lot of each other as they were both attendance. But what neither of them knew is if they were able to put aside the hurt and the pain to celebrate the love of their family’s big day.

[Whispers From · Rating 5 out of 5]

Megan is an attorney and was engaged to Trevor. Trevor is in the army when he comes back from Afghanistan a changed man. When he becomes closed off, they break up. Now he’s back in town for his brother’s wedding as the best man. Megan is the maid of honor but she tries to stay away from Trevor. He wants her back but she’s been hurt before and doesn’t want to get hurt again. When they end up in bed together, something happens and Trevor believes she’s better off without him. But Megan realizes how much she wants him and will even give up control for him. Will she be able to get him back or lose him forever?
Short, sexy, and heartbreaking. Second chances and smoking hot sex. A little BDSM.
* Voluntarily read and reviewed this for NetGalley *

[Courtney · Rating 3 out of 5]

I definitely liked this one more than the first book in the series. While the MCs in Going Down often did things that felt out of character, Trevor and Megan were done better. Their personalities seemed more real and their relationship was better developed. I think that with the shortness of these stories, it helped with this one that we knew the MCs had a past relationship. They weren't starting from scratch like the previous couple was.

Overall, it was a nice little read. If you're looking for something quick with likable characters and enjoy a second-chance romance, you'll probably like this one.

[Debbie Caswell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful short story that draws you in and has you grabbing the tissues

Trevor Wyatt is a man on the edge he has returned from Afghanistan and he is damaged he is not only suffering from survivors guilt but he has fairly severe case of PTSD but he is all alpha soldier and has no intention of asking for help. He was engaged to Megan Asher a smart attorney she knows he needs help and wants him to start counselling. They both still love one another but he is driving her away as he knows that he is no good for her. Will her submission help him heal will he finally admit that he needs help You will have to read to see

[Shari · Rating 4 out of 5]

A second chance romance between Megan,she has a thriving legal career but her heart still belongs to Trevor, who is suffering from PTSD after returning from Afghanistan. Trevor is now distant and not willing to get help, so Megan calls off the wedding. Trevor has moved away but has returned to town for his brother's wedding and neither can deny the chemistry that they share. Megan takes it on her own to help Trevor, with a game of Command and Control.

I really enjoyed this spicy book of second chances. It does involve some mild BDSM. This is the second book in the series but can be read as a stand alone, looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

[Laura D · Rating 3 out of 5]

After Trevor cam back from Afghanistan he was distant toward his fiance Megan. When she has done all she can she calls off the wedding and tries to move on. He thinks it is for the best. She deserves better than a damaged solider. Now he is back in town for his brother's wedding and Megan is dating. Wait what? Hell no, that can't be. Now he realizes what he gave away and he wants her back. Megan still loves him, but can she help him realize he can heal and they can be happy? This is quite the sexy little novel.

[Bookthief · Rating 4 out of 5]

What do you do when you hear that the love of your life is getting married, and it’s not to you? You bust in on her at the party shop and look like a fool. Unfortunately their love was put to the test with his ptsd. In order for healing, Trevor needs to address this, giving Megan her hearts desire; him. But this military man is stubborn and doesn’t do anything until he thinks he is losing his love. They both have to overcome obstacles to get their love back on track; but Trevor is up to the task. Amazing read. Has you believing anything is possible.

[Bonnie Gonzales · Rating 4 out of 5]

Warning this is definitely an adult book the erotica and BDSM is a lot of the book, the story there is Trevor returns from Afghanistan with PTSD and Megan comes up with a Command and Control game where she will be his slave and she is sure it will help him.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author through NetGalley, opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This books final pages left me wanting to read #3 in the series .

[Nikki Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

Trevor is a hero you want to have good things happen to and Shelli Stevens does not disappoint. Megan and Trevor have to find a way back to each other and I love this second chance romance. Megan is there for Trevor and he has to learn to trust in their love and it will help heal him. Another great book by Shelli Stevens!

[Megan Reads Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really great short story with the perfect amount of romance and steamy scenes. This is the 2nd book (I did not read the first) although I may go back and do that. I'll definitely read the 3rd in this series when it comes out.