Taking Control by Jen Frederick | Rating: ★★★☆☆

As a note, an e-galley of this novel was sent to me via NetGalley by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not effect my opinions in any way.

When you’ve got a book as fun as Losing Control, a sequel can often be a tricky addition. It isn’t always easy to navigate through a second installment when the one that came before it was such a fun experience. You’re often left wondering how the author could possibly top it and expand on their story, if it’s at all possible to add on without watering down its original content.

The Kerr Chronicles started off solid in its first book; heartbreaking, tension filled, smutty goodness with a seriously soft and intelligent side. It could easily have you hot and bothered one moment, tearing up the next or basking in the warm fuzzies from cuteness. Jen Frederick is a talent to be able to portray each of these, and more.

Each character is developed and comes to life right before our eyes.

Tiny and Ian are both something else: phenomenal characters in all the ways that make reading enjoyable. And while these two continue about their way in this second installment, I can’t help but wonder if Jen Frederick’s gotten in a bit of a slump when it comes to continuing their story.


Where Losing Control was a fast, engaging read, this little guy seemed slightly slower and dragged on quite often. It wasn’t a bad read in the least, in fact I enjoyed it, it just lacked the extra spark that we saw in part one of Tiny’s stories. There were a ton of sex scenes as usual, but they often fell flat and seemed a tad bit repetitive to me; taking away from specific plot points.

If there’s one thing for certain, even if it seemed flawed or out of place: Jen Frederick knows how to write the dirtiest and oddly tender sex scenes. Like, ever.

In Taking Control we find the two settling in together and exploring their relationship. We see Tiny’s grief still visible from the heartbreaking loss of her mother, we see her struggling to adjust to the new found luxury that being with Ian gives her. It’s told primarily from Ian’s point of view and although we get a glimpse of Tiny’s as well I have to admit that was part of my problem with it.

I miss Tiny’s mind. Ian’s mind is a trip and it’s certainly not the worst point of view to see. Readers will love this change because he is everything fans of the genre dream of and long to read about. Although it wasn’t my cup of tea, I can see this hitting all the right marks for fans.

(Especially when you pitch in how much of a pro Ian is at dirty talk.)

Overall, the plot was a balance between slow and suspenseful. It was also intriguing at times. It wasn't the best novel I've ever read but it wasn't the worst and serves perfectly as an end of summer read. We see a few plots from the previous installment come back into play and the return of other characters as well as introduction to others. We see more information on other characters and although I’ve heard this was only a series duo I hope we see a spin-off of sorts in time.