| Title | : | Losing Control (Dominion, #1) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | - |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Kindle Edition |
| Number of Pages | : | 350 |
| Publication | : | First published September 28, 2023 |
Strait-laced talent agent Adriana Ortiz’s world is rocked when she’s thrust into the tumultuous orbit of Roxy, the raw, enigmatic pop rebel with a notorious edge and a guarded heart.
Tasked with steering the wild Roxy on a whirlwind tour, Adriana boards Roxy’s opulent tour bus. The nights are filled with roaring crowds, but it’s the electric tension between Roxy and Adriana that sets the air on fire.
As they blaze through cities, the magnetic pull between them turns undeniable. A forbidden connection that threatens to consume them.
But for Roxy, who’s danced on the edge of fleeting passions and never let anyone through the barriers around her heart, the intensity is too real. Is she ready to take a chance on genuine intimacy?
Is the wild, unbridled Roxy worth the risk to Adriana’s career, or is she just another woman falling victim to Roxy’s charms?
Get hooked on this opposites-attract, forbidden, rockstar sapphic romance with sizzling chemistry.
Losing Control is the first book in the Dominion series. A steamy, sapphic series set in a Miami talent agency and centered on strong women and the ladies who can't resist them.
Losing Control (Dominion, #1) Reviews
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When I read 𝗗𝗮𝗺𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗹 short story I didn't like Roxy very much but I never doubted Arias would melt my brain one way or another. Roxy was full of life and spontaneity, but also vulnerable, while Ariana was a true workaholic. Neither of them was unhappy but their lives are more colorful and meaningful with each other in it. They bring each other balance.
I was expecting attraction building, but I was surprised that Adriana and Roxy wanted to rip each other's clothes from day one. Then, I was wondering where Arias would take me. This "I want to do it so bad, but I can't" was excruciating in a delicious way. There are two scenes on the bus tour that made my mouth dry. Arias has this talent for making her characters wait that add so much tension it's brilliant. For the romantics out there, don't worry it's full of feelings, making it a perfect balance of chemistry ,spice and romance. What I appreciate a lot is how well the characters communicate.
Both Adriana and Roxy express genuine and realistic fears in their position.
𝗗𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲 is in theory a show written by Laney from 𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝗼𝗿 𝘀𝗰𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗹 (you should really read this one if you haven't). I wish I was living in her world to see it for real. But I really look forward to read Lola and her hot lawyer story, and I am extra curious about Natalia's story, who I admit is scary as hell.
If you didn't get it from all my bla bla: I loved this book. -
The tension. The chemistry. The passion.
Wow wow wow. I already knew I’d like this book, one being J.J. Arias and the other being a celebrity romance, but I was completely blown away and have been trying to cure the book hangover ever since. Run, don’t walk to pick this one up September 28!
Thank you to the author for providing me an arc in exchange for an honest review! -
I wish there more stars to give this book. It will probably be my favorite sapphic read of 2023. I fell hard for these women. Roxy surprised me - she’s vivacious and disarmingly, painfully vulnerable, but Adriana was right there with her. For me personally, it was the perfect blend. The chemistry was palpable. It’s a slow burn but not agonizing and it kept me on the edge of my (damp) seat. So much steam. So much about the characters impressed me. I don’t want to say more so you can discover it all for yourself- especially the beautifully cool lyrics. Block off your calendar and get this book.
Great quote: “love is the whole point of living”
Short summary: When Adriana is assigned to manage Roxxxy, she’s positive she can keep the wild rockstar in line and earn her boss’ respect, which is basically all she craves. Until she ends up managing the tour from the bus and meets the woman behind the persona who’s less roxy more heart, and definitely sex on a stick. But Adriana’s her manager and a stickler for ethics. As desire pushes her limits, how far will she go not to break the rules and keep her job? Can the wild rockstar’s heart even be tamed or will Adriana be the next victim in a long string of broken-hearted women?
Thanks to the author. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review. -
I went into this thinking it was a romance between two talent agents (I clearly didn't read the blurb correctly), but it's between a talent agent and the pop star she managed! I love celebrity romances, so this was a big bonus right from the start :)
Adriana and Roxy had some insane chemistry. I loved reading every sentence of it. Definitely one of the best in-book chemistry I've seen between characters!
I loved that there was no third act break up. This is the third book I've read in a row with no break up, and it's been an amazing run. More books need to do this!
There was a point in the book where I thought Adriana's reluctance to become anything romantic with Roxy became extremely redundant. They essentially slept with each other, and I thought it would become a forbidden romance, but it didn't go in that direction. Ngl, it was frustrating when they went back to 'we can't' etc.
I'm looking forward to reading Lola's and Natalia's books now! -
Listened to the audio on this with a new narrator to me Kingsley Rose. She did a great job. This was better to me than the other AList celebrity romance stories I’ve read. It was a long slow burn and seemed to have more realistic characters.
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3 ⭐
All the tension, the should I, could I, would I went on and on till about 2/3 of the book. I am the queen of tension and loved it but somehow Losing Control had me almost losing my mind. And truth be told, I skimmed through the book. And when the 2 MCs, Adriana (a slightly uptight 38 y/o no-nonsense talent agent) and Roxanne (charming, sexy, wild 30 y/o rockstar) finally got there and the stars aligned, it was kind of an anti-climax for me. Didn’t matter that they got all hot and tangled…finally. Story is on a low angst with all the angsiness coming from all the tension and yearning in the first 2/3 of the book when A and Roxy focus on being professional and not crossing the line. If you ask me, the line was crossed a couple of times… I guess it all depends on what or how you define crossing the line… which is really a matter of opinion.
Don’t get me wrong, I’ve enjoyed reading most, if not all of Arias’ books but me and Losing Control just didn't click. I hope book 2 and 3 will put me back on track and not let me lose interest in the series… cos I really would like to read Ice Queen Natalia’s story 😊 -
Scorching chemistry, good relationship, no major out of nowhere falling out, just a good time with likable characters
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This book was a wild ride and I ate up every word in it. The fact that it was just as sweet as it was sexy was amazing - there were so many scenes that stated off incredibly steamy and then ended with me in (happy) tears. I loved Adriana’s growth and how she learned to let loose and go after what she wanted and how Roxy learned the value of restraint. They were perfect together. And Roxy is an absolute cinnamon bun of an angel who regularly gave me the feels when she was selfless, thoughtful, kind, and loving with Adriana. I immediately started reading the next book in the series so I could keep indulging in the amazing world Arias had crafted. An easy 5/5 stars for me!
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Losing Control is a fantastic introduction to the Dominion Series! Adriana's perfectly ordered world is thrown for a loop when she has to join the rebellious singer, Roxxxy's tour as not only her agent but her tour manager. During their first meeting, Adriana firmly puts Roxxxy in her place which leads to her slowly showing Adriana the real Roxy.
This story is a super slow burn that is so perfectly paced. Adriana and Roxy take time to bridge the gap that's been formed due to Roxxxy's poor choices over the years. As they grow closer, it gets harder for them to stay on the right side of the line. Roxy's romantic side is so sweet and I love how upfront she was with Adriana about her feelings. Adriana's perfectionism was routinely put to the test by Roxy, and it was so exciting to witness her growing feelings for Roxy. The supporting characters were entertaining and really added a lot to the story.
Losing Control is a slow-burn celebrity romance that will leave readers swooning! I can't wait for book 2! -
3 ⭐
All the tension, the should I, could I, would I went on and on till about 2/3 of the book. I am the queen of tension and loved it but somehow Losing Control had me almost losing my mind. And truth be told, I skimmed through the book. And when the 2 MCs, Adriana (a slightly uptight 38 y/o no-nonsense talent agent) and Roxanne (charming, sexy, wild 30 y/o rockstar) finally got there and the stars aligned, it was kind of an anti-climax for me. Didn’t matter that they got all hot and tangled…finally. Story is on a low angst with all the angsiness coming from all the tension and yearning in the first 2/3 of the book when A and Roxy focus on being professional and not crossing the line. If you ask me, the line was crossed a couple of times… I guess it all depends on what or how you define crossing the line… which is really a matter of opinion.
Don’t get me wrong, I’ve enjoyed reading most, if not all of Arias’ books but me and Losing Control just didn't click. I hope book 2 and 3 will put me back on track and not let me lose interest in the series… cos I really would like to read Ice Queen Natalia’s story 😊 -
Initially, I had some reservations about Roxy as a love interest, but as her layers peeled back, I was completely on board. The dynamics between her and Adriana on tour are electrifying. I loved following Roxy and Adriana shenanigans while on tour together - particularly the quiet tension that just sizzled with chemistry.
J.J. Arias, who I absolutely adore, delivers once again with Losing Control. Although this is a slow burn, it's the sort that keeps you eagerly flipping pages, waiting for every stolen glance and soft-spoken confession.
The story masterfully combines elements of passion, rebellion, and the courage to love, making it a seductive read. I can't wait for the second novel in the series featuring Lola and Hot Lawyer 🔥🔥🔥
Many thanks to J.J. Arias for providing me a copy of this novel. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review. -
I have to say when I saw the title of the books in this series... this is not what I expected. So vanilla (not a bad thing) but I thought it was going to be something like one of those Meghan O'Brien or Hildred Billings or Anna Stone... I swear.
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This was really cute. Wish there was a tad more drama, but still enjoyed.
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I have never read JJ Arias’ work but I have heard of it. That’s the problem with hearing about books though - you worry they won’t live up to their hype.
Off the jump I was worried where this was going - queer pop star Roxxxy basically gets dumped in talent agent Adriana’s lap after losing her tour manager because she slept with his daughter (yikes!). Too late to find another tour manager, Adriana takes over the role. Adriana hangs out for one day on the tour bus and already Roxxxy is trying to seduce her (pg 46) (double yikes!). How do you keep the tension in a book if people wanna rip each other’s clothes off that early?
As I kept reading, I learned JJ has this amazing way of peeling back layers on her characters so you can learn enough about them to keep you hooked. Roxxxy is a persona - Roxy is actually kind, thoughtful, and quite lonely. She surrounds herself with people who have helped her along the way and is always trying to give back to the communities that helped her through a tough upbringing. She’s looking for a real connection - “tell me something true”. She wants to change her pop star image but is worried it’s too late which just causes her to lean into her rebellious image even more.
Adriana is a tenacious agent at Dominion Talent and a self proclaimed workaholic. She spends all her energy on her clients which leaves little energy or time left to find love. She wants so hard to stick to her ethical guns, but the more she hangs around Roxy, the more she gets under her skin - playing guitar her bedroom (artists, *swoon*), space pancakes and mermaids, that moment when a loophole changes everything (pg. 175), and suddenly she starts to believe this could go somewhere…and it scares the sh*t out of her.
You can’t help but cheer these two on - truly. Roxy brings out a soft, relaxed side in Adriana. Makes her feel safe to let go of her reigns. Adriana makes Roxy be brave enough to try changing her image and live a normal life (you know, sans groupies). Gives her permission to take charge of what she wants - personally and professionally. I know there are more books in the Dominion series so I hope to see more of these two. R + A 4eva 🦋
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ -
Haute. Tension. This actually turned out more wholesome than I thought it would be based on the blurb. I’m a big fan of JJ’s writing style when it comes to describing her characters. I can easily picture them in my head and slip into the scenes. I loved both mains here and surprised myself that I wasn’t annoyed with the “stall.” Credit to the author for keeping the balance between seduction and sweet so expertly.
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3.5 ⭐️
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There are certain truths that exist any time I read a book by Arias. I know for certain that my emotions will be nurtured. She has a way of making me feel safe in her writing that I haven't really found anywhere else. That doesn't mean there isn't ample struggle or conflict, but I know that any turmoil, trauma, worry, or fear will exist in a safe space. I know communication about these things will be met openly and honestly by the MC's. I know the slow burn will have a very satiating conclusion. And I know without a doubt that it will be one of the sexiest, most satisfying, and love-affirming books I've ever read.
Losing Control embodies everything I’ve come to love about Arias’ work. I don’t know if I’ve ever been this excited for a new series. Whether it’s because the writing feels so solid and mature, or because Arias seems to have turned up the heat in book 1, the anticipation is real. She has a rich history in writing fanfiction and it really shows in the unique cadence of her style and dialogue. She so good at showing us so much more than just the words on the page. She understands how to enrich moments with subtle body language and momentary pauses. Every scene between the MC’s is like watching two lovers dance. It’s rare to get an author who is so good at writing natural dialogue, understands the nuances of a look or a touch, has an incredibly sharp wit and sense of humor, and can build a scene so thick with anticipation and want that it’s impossible to even put the book down. Every book gets better and I’m just so very grateful that she writes often and quickly!
Lastly, and because my reviews mostly focus on my own takeaways from a book rather than spoilers, I want to give proper attention to the underlying theme in this book. Like so many of her other stories, Losing Control has such strong affirmations of love. More notably, the foundation of this love story is about having the COURAGE to love. I’m not sure that any one author’s body of work encompasses this theme more often and so well. It’s so important to continue telling the story of women loving women and it’s incredibly important to tell them in a way that’s positive and nurturing. That’s what I love most about this story in particular. It reminds me of falling in love with my wife. The courage it took for us to open our hearts again after heartache. That no matter how scary, love can also feel so completely right and undeniable with the right person.
“Life is all risk, mi amor. And no matter how much it might hurt in the end, love is the whole point of living.” – Losing Control
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️5/5
Gratitude and thanks to the author for the ARC. -
MÃESSSSSSSSSS 😭😭 eu amo vocês demais meu deus do céu. roxy meu bebê minha filha, adriana meu amor te amo muito volta pra casaaaaaaa. JJ véi te amo você é como uma MÃE pra mim plmd. agora libera logo o livro da minha criança atentada aka lola e da natalia antes que eu PASSE MAL (elas são MINHA FAMÍLIA!) 🥹🔐🤍
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Adriana is the second agent in Dominion, the top Miami talent agency. She has just been forced to represent Roxy, an ultra-sexy rockstar and bad girl, better known as Roxxxy. As usual, Roxxxy had done something inappropriate, and Adriana’s boss Natalia has passed her to Adriana.
This is how Roxy and Adriana end up on tour together, and how Roxy slowly breaks Adriana’s ice queen exterior, and how Adriana manages to tame Roxxxy.
This is such a sensual, sexy slow burn between the two women. Excellently written, always leaving the reader hot and bothered. The author is very good at switching between Roxy and Roxxxy as the situation changes, to follow if Roxy is in performance mode, or personal mode.
I really enjoyed this story, one of the hottest I have read this year. -
4,75⭐️ that was such an easy read, good character, hot and sexy tension in the beginning, cute and fluff in the end, good spice, honestly, absolutely no complaint at all
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4.25
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Hot, hot, hot. Jj Arias never disappoints.
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4.5 ✰
The story is filled with amazing tension and chemistry between the two MCs. It's also low angst and there's no 3rd act breakup which is refreshing. A massive plus of this book is the very quick chapters. Thank you J.J. Arias for writing a shit ton of chapters (55 plus epilogue) for this length of a book and making them a few pages long. I'm truly tired of staring at a book and each chapter taking 45 minutes to finish.
A few moments made me roll my eyes a little bit, but overall very good book and I will continue reading the Dominion series. -
Forgot to claim my first time reading last year but that doesnt matter because I love it even more the second time around!
This book is such a perfect romance read!
Famous, wild spirited singer and stern and formal manager. Age gap, AMAZING BANTER, cute little dates and stolen moments while on tour.
The best of opposites attract honestly. This book got me in the best mood. -
It’s a good book. It’s not one of those books where you feel like the characters are old friends. I didn’t get a hangover from it like I’ve had with other books. Well written. Nice amount of spice. No real complaints. But it’s not one of those books that makes you contemplate life. Man I’m craving a book like that right now. Ultimately it’s a nice story to escape life for a day or two.
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I couldn’t stop reading ahh the tension built so so much for so long, definitely will be reading the rest of the series.
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i’m a sucker for a lesbian musician story
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4.5 ★★★★★
J.J. Arias is so consistent. Always bringing the 🔥🔥🔥🔥 and the sweetness. Makes me so happy that she writes so many books a year. May she continue to bless us in the years to come.
