Reviewed by Sadonna
TITLE: Control Freak
SERIES:
AUTHOR: DJ Jamison
PUBLISHER: Self-published
LENGTH: 3523 pages
RELEASE DATE: October 23, 2025
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.
REVIEW:
Note: This is the third book in this series. As such, there are major spoilers for the previous books. The couples from the previous books are supporting characters in this story. Prior reading not required but is recommended.
Holden is the oldest of the 4 foster brothers. He’s taken on trying to keep both his family and the business they inherited going. It’s not been easy at all. Gray has returned and is helping with the motor bike part of the business, Axel runs the junkyard and Bailey is still in high school and Holden is determined that he’s going to get the chance to go to college and make a success of his life. As Gray and Axel have settled in with their partners though, Holden is even more aware of how alone he is. It isn’t that he doesn’t want someone of his own. It’s just that his haphephobia, or touch aversion, doesn’t give him many options. When he’s touched, he tends to go into a panic attack. This is all thanks to the abuse he suffered before he was taken into foster care. He’s in therapy, but he’s still got a long way to go to be able to actually accept touch without the negative reaction. He’s now at least been able to find some relief with a camboy that he’s been connecting with. They talk a lot during their private sessions and at least Holden has some sort of release and connection – if it’s not in person.
Shiloh, the camboy, is a lovely guy. He’s a 3rd grade teacher by day and camboy by night. Why? His horrible ex was a conman who left town and a lot of debts. He told the guys he owed money to that Shiloh would pay them. Um, Shiloh is a teacher. Needless to say he doesn’t have that kind of money. Hence, the camboy gig. But then the collectors want more. Shiloh can’t possible pay more, so they get physical. They also get him fired from his teaching job.
When Holden finds out what is wrong with Shiloh after seeing him with marks on him, he knows he needs to do something. He’s developed feelings for Shiloh with all of their sessions together. He offers for Shiloh to come stay with him and his brothers until he can figure something else out. For the first time, they will be in the same space. But Holden still suffers from touch aversion and there is no simple answer. He and Shiloh have grown close and while they admit their feelings, Holden is convinced that he can never be enough for Shiloh because of the touch issues. Shiloh, for his part, tries to tell Holden that he is not going to leave because of Holden’s haphephobia.
There are more obstacles and more work for them to do. But family and friends come through for them and they both realize that they can have something here if they are both willing to work for it and take things as they come.
If you’re a fan of a hard won HEA with two men who deserve a lot better than they’ve gotten and put in the work to build something, then this is your book. There is no “magic potion” or spells or magic wand to fix this trauma. It’s working on it, facing setbacks, working again and trusting each other. There are no short cuts and no predicting the future. There is only putting in the time and effort and utilizing skills to overcome triggers and reactions. Kudos to DJ Jamison for the thorough research on haphephobia and for choosing the services of a sensitivity reader with first hand knowledge. I was very impressed at the way this entire storyline was handled and presented. The work and effort put into this book really shaped a beautiful if difficult and sometimes heartbreaking story into something that in the end was incredibly hopeful and heartwarming. I loved where Holden and Shiloh ended up and I can’t wait for Bailey’s book 🙂 Highly recommended. Just a beautifully told story of overcoming the past to build a brighter future.
RATING: 
BUY LINKS:
