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.*

I am fairly surprised by how much I enjoyed the story, “Command and Control.” I have been immensely loving military-themed romances lately and so I was anxious to dive. I wasn't disappointed with the story. In fact, I liked how this book was pure romance. The romance itself was a little heavy and yet I couldn't get enough.

Both Meghan and Trevor had a passionate love affair prior to Trevor’s leaving. Meghan has moved on with her life but after Trevor returns home from his military tour so much changes for both of the characters. Their chemistry and feelings for one another were like riding an emotional roller coaster. As much as I liked Meghan I did favor Trevor more. I liked how open he was with his feelings, with accepting his faults and trying his hardest to win Meghan back.

There isn't much to say other than if you are looking for a whirlwind of a story filled with heartache, second chances, and romance then this story is for you.

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.

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.

Ms. Stevens is a favorite of mine and reading about Trevor and Megan was enjoyable. The second chance aspect of the story is warm and familiar and the angst they have to go through to get to the HEA is believable. I like that this is part of a short series connected to some of the secondary characters. Good writing. Great chemistry between Trevor and Megan. Very enjoyable.

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 *

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

COMMAND AND CONTROL by Shelly Stevens is a surprise for a small town second chance romance and it's all about CONTROL. A fast read for a summer afternoon. Giving some control back to a war veteran when it seems he's losing his. That's the way Meg sees she can help her ex boyfriend get his life back after returning from Afghanistan. In a small town with some quirky characters this series is one to look forward to reading!

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

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!

Really great story with the perfect amount of romance and steamy scenes. Megan is longing for Trevor even thought she wants to deny it and Trevor is holding the same feelings for Megan. He left his PTSD from his tour get in his way for a while then finally gets a little push and comes to his senses where Megan is concerned. You'll get a HEA from this book! This is the 2nd book (I have not read the first) although I may go back and do that. I'll have added this to my list and will definitely read the rest of the books in this series.

Wow, I liked this a lot more than I had expected. The overall story wasn't dragged out and the lead characters Megan and Trevor already had a previous established relationship that was tarnished by the soldier's PTSD. They were able to make amends and find love again despite how quickly I thought the author resolved his PTSD attacks but overall, I am please with this quick and easy read.

Cute, quick romance. I liked the story and the characters. This is the first book of the series I’ve read so I’m going to have to go back and read the rest - the Wyatt family are great!

Wow this was a great follow up to Tyson and Ellie’s story. Megan and Trevor so clearly love each other but his PTSD is creating a barrier between them. Sadly this is an issue for many and it was handled thoughtfully here (not that it’s the solution for everyone!). But the story made clear that whatever ground was gained in the confines of the story was not a total resolution. A sweet and hot second chance romance.

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 .

Shelli Stevens weaves a tale of love and sexy hot passion that will have you engrossed from the very first page!

Another great addition to the Holding out for a Hero series by Shelli Stevens, Command and Control.
A spicy possible second chance at romance storyline. It pulled me in from first page with it's character development and plot. Looking forward to reading future books in this series and more by this author.

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)

I received and ARC from NetGalley in exchange for and honest review. This was a great quick read. I love Second Chance romances and I especially love them when the guy is an alpha. Once Trevor hears that Megan might be getting married he immediately stakes his claim. Very easy story to follow and entertaining. I would definitely recommend and go back and read the first one in the series so you understand the character connections.

I received this as a complimentary - thank you Netgalley

I loved the book - a contemporary romance with threads including PTSD - I really enjoyed the book. The author is new to me which is great , I am always looking for new authors to discover and recommend at work

It would make a great holiday read and also, with the military, PTSD threads an interesting book club book.

Really enjoyed and look forward to reading more of the author's work