Once Shiloh is in Holden's orbit he can't help but want to touch the man that brings out all kinds of feelings in Holden. And even when surrounded by a supportive family, Holden's not sure he can be everything he wants to be for Shiloh.
From the blurb:
I'm the bossy brother ...
Controlling the world around me is the only way I feel safe. Childhood abuse has left me scarred inside and out. But control makes me feel strong.
Unfortunately, I can’t control everything I want--including my body's panic response to touch. It’s hard to share affection with my brothers, much less anyone else. I’ve all but given up on a romantic relationship.
My only intimacy is with a camboy who can give me what I need without triggering my trauma. Shiloh is beautiful, warm, and sensitive. We're not just camboy and client; we're friends. It’s not everything I crave, but it’s more than I’ve ever had.
Then I find out he’s in trouble—and I can’t stand by and watch him get hurt. I bring him home, pushing my boundaries to protect him. But once he’s in my safe space, so close and inviting, my temptation wars with preservation.
Can I overcome my touch-aversion for a chance at real love—or will I just hurt us both?
Control Freak is Book 3 of Foster Bro Code, about a group of foster brothers who have made a pact to have each other's backs as they heal and find their way to love. TW for references to childhood abuse, lingering trauma and anxiety, and physical assault/violence on page.
SNik's review:
Third in series (Foster Bros Code), can be read as a standalone but best if read in order. Found family. Hurt/comfort. Disability representation. Slow burn. Dual POV. Heed content warnings.
Shiloh is a teacher only doing camming to pay back a debt that isn’t even his, but when he’s in trouble he turns to his friend and private client Holden for help. Holden doesn’t hesitate to protect Shiloh, but he can never hope for more when he has dealt with touch aversion all his life, and Shiloh deserves someone that can hold him.
This story is full of hurt/comfort for both characters, and this series still holds up the strong found family with characters that are loyal and supportive throughout. I appreciated that Holden’s story didn’t have an instant fix, that his struggle was relatable and felt true to the character, and that Shiloh really respected Holden setting his own pace to try. It actually felt like even with the bumps along the way that these two really felt right together.
Molly Otto's review:
Meeting Holden in the previous books you knew it would take someone special to be able to help him heal and Shiloh is that perfect person. What starts with camboy relationship turns into a real friendship, and when Shiloh needs help, Holden does all in his power to be that person for him. This is a slow burn in the best way possible, these two take it at the right pace for Holden to be comfortable with touch to more. They have a beautiful building of more showing how great of a writer DJ is. Just sigh, I adored everything about this relationship. What made me appreciate this book so much was it took time and patience and therapy, it was not a quick fix but an earned one. Truly a great piece of writing. This series has become easily my favorite of DJs showing how beautiful of a writer they are. With one more brother to go, I cannot wait to see what is in store for Bailey and the man he can't help but pine for.
When I first learned of this series, I knew Holden's book would be my favorite and I was absolutely correct! My heart breaks for everything these guys went through as children, but oh sweet little Holden's story was so devastating. I just want to reach through the page and give the little boy Holden was a hug so he can see not all touch hurts. Check your trigger warnings for the whole series, really, but especially this one.
I have to give DJ major credit for doing authentic research into Holden's trauma and response and hiring a sensitivity reader with first-hand experience with touch aversion. Too many stories with this that I have read treat it like love is a magical fix and that simply isn't true.
All the bros and the way they love each other is amazing. I love that DJ writes them as being so real. They make missteps. They say things in the heat of the moment that they don't mean. And then they apologize. They communicate. Given everything they have been through, their ability to self-reflect and communicate and their emotional maturity is amazing.
Now for the romance, I was really curious how DJ would navigate this for Holden. Of course we get some hints in Axel's book, but it was still so creative and well done. I adored Shiloh. He is so sweet and patient, and I was gratified to read that he and Holden worked together to find ways to achieve intimacy while making sure both their needs were met. His love for Holden does not negate Shiloh's need for physical connection, and they had to find ways to navigate that. Ultimately, the most rewarding thing about all of this was the communication between characters. Shiloh is an excellent counter balance to Holden. They both have caretaker, nurturing personalities, but Shiloh gently helps Holden see when he crosses from caretaker to overbearing.
The writing is excellent. The story is emotional and rewarding, and the pace was satisfying. The underlying plot was interesting enough to keep the story going beyond the romance.
Heather's review:
I truly enjoyed getting to know Holden in the first two books, but I was so happy to see that he found his person in this book! From the initial anonymous camming sessions to what became a beautiful relationship with Shiloh, this book explored Holden's trauma and his battles and victories in a truly sympathetic way. I love how supportive and mindful both men are as they work through their own hurt/comfort journey and also support Holden's siblings and their partners in the story.
I am truly looking forward to reading Bailey's story now, but am sad that this series is going to be ending... while this book could be read standalone, it's best read in order.
Control Freak is currently available as an e-book and paperback and can be read as part of your Kindle Unlimited Subscription
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