Coded in Control

by K.L. Hill

Welcome to the dark and prestigious world of Masquerave, where anyone is welcome, but sinners are preferred. And the only rule? You must adorn a mask. After narrowly escaping a monster that nearly consumed me, I thought I was free. But the scars remain, and the unsettling feeling of being watched never fades. I convinced myself I’d escaped their clutches, but I’m nothing more than a pawn in a dangerous game, one they’re unwilling to lose.

After another close call, I find myself trapped between two unpredictable and perilous men, caught in a web of lies, deception, and murder.

As the tension builds and the stakes escalate, the club gets even hotter, bringing me to new heights and pushing me past my limits. I find myself navigating this devious world with one man who seems to worship me at my feet and another who seems to loathe my entire existence.

But with the game growing even more dangerous, I’m faced with a choice: work with them to take down an even bigger monster and secure my freedom, or risk everything in a desperate bid to escape my past once and for all.

Author's Note: Coded in Control is the first book in the Masquerave series. This book ends on a cliffhanger. For CWs, please check the author's website.

Genres: Dark, Dark Romance, M M F, Forced Proximity, Why Choose

420 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 8, 2025

About the author

KL Hill is a dark and paranormal romance author.
She resides in Indiana with her husband, precious pets, and a coop full of pigeons.
Coded in Control, the first book in the Masquerave series, is now available!

Reviews

[Ashley Serino · Rating 5 out of 5]

We listen and we don't judge. However, I don't care if I'm judged on this one. I will scream it up on this hill with how good this story was.

Respectfully, I would also like to make eye contact with both MMCs. Respectfully, of course.

This book 🥵🥵🥵... The words I'm trying to write can't do this lovely spiced-up, dark romance, some 🥵🫣 dreams, book justice.

This book is an MMF book (IYKYK) and was done very well. The characters had perfect chemistry.

It's not just spice, even though there is a lot, it has a storyline that flows all together. No plot holes.

But when KL Hill said CLIFFHANGER they seriously meant it. I'm over here dying for the next book. I want to thank her for giving us a warning because I think I would have been even more emotionally damaged than I am now.

I say that with such enthusiasm for the next book.

[Suellynn Keil · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was freaking hooked from chapter one and it just kept getting better. You can always get me with a why choose romance. The plot was good! The spice was 🥵 I knew we were going to leave on a cliffhanger, but I wasn’t expecting the ending to go the way it did. I’m obsessed with the characters. (Is Tasha going to get a book?🫣) I need book two immediately!


* why choose (MMF)
* touch her and ☠️
* dark romance
* grumpy/sunshine
* forced proximity

Huge thank you to the author for the ARC!

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Undeniable chemistry between the main characters, with a fair amount of tension.

Devin and Tony are both everything I love in MMC’s.

The cliffhanger was a bit predictable for me. Not that seeing it coming lessened the impact in anyway.

I can’t wait to find out what happens next!!


I received an early copy and this is my honest review.

[M’ya Forcum · Rating 4 out of 5]

omg i don’t even have words for how good this book was 😍 the scene with Lena & Tony in his bedroom ugh so beautiful & then that ending????? I NEED THE NEXT BOOK NOWWWWWW 😂
also I fucking love Tasha & i hope she gets a book
thank you to the author for this ARC! 📚

[Megan Moser · Rating 4 out of 5]

For a debut story with this kind of depth to the story I was really impressed. There were a lot of moving parts within and the author did a good job of keeping everything streamline and easily digestible.

The story did feel a little slow going into it for me though I did love the concept of what all was taking place. I just wanted the storyline to move a bit faster.

The MMCs were perfect with almost a yin and yang energy to them, dark pasts, and those hints of a special connection between each other was fun too. It kept you guessing!

I loved the FMC’s friend group! They were fun and all had different personalities that made the relationship between them feel so real. Oh and Tasha is fire!!! I feel like I would love her and be terrified of her lol.

With all that being said I LOVE a good secret society meets play club with suspense, tension, spice, and drama and this definitely brought it all! It was well written and developed. The story kept you engaged even when I felt it could be faster paced, and the characters were a really good time!

I’m definitely ready to see where this series continues to bring us! Note: this does leave you in a cliffhanger but personally I love a cliffhanger.

[Jessie · Rating 5 out of 5]

oh man this was so good😩 and so hot. yes yes yes. okay review time (spicy quotes below, no spoilers)

for a book with a large amount of spice, to also have 3 separate characters with so much depth to them and their backstory, that deserves 5 stars in itself. its something i genuinely dont think i see enough in dark romance high-heat stories and the author did it seamlessly.

devin & tony🥹😩🥵 i love both of these men SO MUCH and i dont blame Lena at all for wanting them both, i know i would!

“Touch him, and I’ll touch you like the dirty little slut you want to be tonight.”

“Even on your knees, you have me at your fucking mercy.”

“So fucking beautiful with my handprint wrapped around your pretty little throat like a necklace of blood rubies.”

OKAAAYYYY YES PLEASE.

what we got of tony’s backstory broke me, both of the mens did but damn i feel so horrible for tony and i cant wait to get more of what happened, what made him the way he is. devin’s dad is a dick, not worth mentioning. and FUCK MATT. that cliffhanger absolutely wreckeddddd me i already cant wait for book 2 and 1 isnt even out yet😭

thank you thank you thank you for the arc, i couldnt be more grateful to have gotten to read this beauty early

[Alyssa Scheltema · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so so so glad that I came across KL Hill when the ARC sign ups were posted because this book has had me in a chokehold since I applied and has not let me up for air since. I loved being able to read from all the different POV’s and seeing how each MC ticked. I know that the authors note warned me about the cliffhanger… but gooood lordddd. 😭😭 Sliced my heart in half and now I am on my knees begging for book two.

It was so refreshing to see a FMC grow into herself the way Lena does and honestly all of the women in Coded In Control are just phenomenal. I honestly can’t believe that this was a debut book. It followed the story line so well and kept me guessing about the many things in the dark which I loved.

The club requiring masks was such a fun element that was highlighted in the best ways and the not-so-secret, secret society brought the perfect edge to the Masquerave world.

I will say though, if **** turns out to be a rat, I hope they burn him to the ground. 😈

If you’re looking for a dark romance, a splash of bloodlust and murder along with two very brooding men, read this one! You will absolutely not regret it.

[Aurora Kretsch · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Kindle Unlimited: Yes.

This gave me major LORDs vibes and that’s not a bad thing, I’ve had a good time with a good chunk of the LORDs books. It’s very spicy and really a good time! That cliffhanger got me though, holy crap. I need the next one ASAP!

[Vicky Weedon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had a good storyline and plot with plenty of spice too!
The story follows Lena who’s left a bad relationship but he’s not ready to let her go. Lena meets Devin & Tony who are there to help protect her and take down the bad guys! The chemistry between the characters is great and the friendships formed are nice to see.

I did enjoy this story and look forward to book two after the cliffhanger we were left with!
I will say it’s was mainly plot focused for the first half and then the spice kicked in and it felt like the story got lost slightly until the last few chapters, apart from that it was great and I’d recommend if you enjoy a darker romance filled with kinks, MMF & secret society’s.

[Johanna Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Warning this was way more spice and gore level than I thought it was going to be. So be warned- there is a ton of sex in this book, there’s a sex club in it. There is a lot of violence also. So get that out of the way up front. Push that to the side, that’s not really my jam BUT the story line is there. It’s good. You’re invested in the main characters and even the side characters, after finishing this book, I wanted more. I need more of their backstories, I need to hear how it ends. The sex club is key to the story and I get that, I understand the point of it, it’s actually quite brilliant for catching the criminal activity of the city and the big players of the criminal underground. The book does on a cliffhanger and even though I would be the first to tell you I typically wouldn’t pick up these kind of books. I’m going to be finishing this series. I’m glad I got it as an ARC or I would not have given it a shot. I won’t lie, I did skip several scenes, but if you enjoy those spicy or violent scenes, then you will not be disappointed in this book. And if you don’t enjoy them, you can skip past and still enjoy the book because there is enough of a plot and character development to make it a good read.

[Jacklyn B · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really good dark romance! It has a little of everything - suspense, masked men, a seggs club, morally gray behavior, and super steamy scenes! There are also some great twists and turns following Lena, Devin and Tony.

Lena has some great character growth - she is dealing with trauma from a past relationship and meets a mysterious man at a club. She gets some shocking news and ends up under the protection of not one but two mysterious men. Both Devin and Tony are protective, and I loved that Tony was also a little brooding and grumpy! All three have amazing chemistry and also I really liked Lena’s friends.

There is this really great sense of tension and danger throughout the book. Almost like you are afraid to let your guard down…no spoilers but there is a wild ending!! I am eagerly awaiting the next book in the series!!

✨What To Expect:
🖤Dark Romance 
🥀Romantic Suspense
🔥MMF
🖤BD$M
🎭Masked Men
🔪Revenge
❤️‍🔥Insta-Lust/He Falls First 
🥀Organized Crime/Secret Society 
🌦️Grumpy/Sunshine Vibes
☠️Touch Her & 💀
🩶Morally Gray MMCs

[Caitlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars 4 peppers

- MMF
- Dark
- Grumpy/sunshine
- Forced Proximity
- Touch her and unalived

This book was so good. From the blurb and teasers I could tell I would like but dang, it blew me away. I was hooked immediately.

Devin and Tony are both so freaking hot in their own ways, I love how different they are but how perfect they are together for Lena. The chemistry was fire, the spice was HOTTTTT. There is so much angst. The plot is fast-paced, will keep you on your toes and just when you think you know, the rug is pulled out from under you.

The ending absolutely wrecked me, I wasn't ready. Need book 2 stat.

[Amara F · Rating 3 out of 5]

*I was given this book as an eArc but my review is based solely on my own thoughts and opinions*

This is a dark read. Very heavy on the torture and violence, etc etc. Don’t get me wrong, I love a morally grey dark character but this was maybe too much for me. The first like 5 pages of the book, the character talks about how much they need blood, over and over again cause he’s a shark and then again a couple pages later. Felt more like a vampire novel than a gangster one haha jk. The mfc is vanilla and sweet and innocent but her inner monologue says: “the image of him squeezing my throat, cutting off air as he thrusts his c**k into my needy p***y has me letting out a small whimper.” This didn’t make sense for her type of character. The club is a sex club which is not mentioned in the description, very heavy on whips, chains, bondage, bdsm, which I was not expecting. It was hard for me to get into personally. I’m a mood reader, so idk if I just wasn’t in the mood for this type of book or maybe I’m just not a fan of really dark romance. I love a good mafia book because it teeters on dark but doesn’t go all the way. I can appreciate what this author has written, I personally give it a 2 but that’s on me and my personal preferences. I think people who enjoy this type of writing style and tropes will give it a 3-4. I just want to thank the author for giving me this opportunity and that I’m sorry I wasn’t able to help you further but am so happy to see others enjoyed this book. The author should be really proud of themselves.

[readsbyanaid · Rating 4 out of 5]

Woweeeee! I had so much fun reading this incredible debut novel. Never in a million years would I have guessed this is the author’s first book! It was written so well, incredible detail to the overarching plot, complex characters, and unconventional relationships.

The MMCs were **chef’s kiss.** a perfect mix of dangerous, possessive, sweet, and caring with a dash of unhinged madness. They were the perfect balance to the FMC who grew into her own as the story continued and there’s nothing better than seeing a woman heal from her trauma and own being the absolute goddess that she is. Their dynamic as a trio was really intriguing because they are all so different but balance each other out so well.

You have the dark romance aspect, taboo elements, **spice,** and suspense surrounding the plot. AND THAT ENDING? I beg your kindest pardon but that was a cliffhanger for the ages!

**please check TW/CW if you are sensitive or uncomfortable with certain topics**

[Jennifer*Scorpio*Cats*Coffee*Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, this was so much fun! The banter, the hedonism, the troubled pasts and instalove. Throw together 3 amazingly hot people, a BDSM club, danger, and high stakes, and you have a Great adventure. There is heavy passion, juicy scene detail, and strong female characters. I thoroughly enjoyed how the two MMCs evolved with Lena. As a queer and poly lady who loves her loves, the representation of a poly/triad relationship, as well as all forms of relationships in this book, is very refreshing and beautiful.
🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶⚰️⚰️⚰️⚰️🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶

Ok, don't read past this for possible spoilers!

⚰️⚰️⚰️⚰️⚰️⚰️🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶⚰️⚰️⚰️⚰️⚰️⚰️


I knew going into this that there would be a cliffhanger. Mentally, I knew this. However, by the last 2 chapters, I was NOT emotionally prepared for how it happened. I sat in my car after work, finishing it, and then screamed at my phone. I am so invested in Tony, Lena, and Devin. Bri and Tasha. AND IF A CERTAIN MALE CHARACTER ENDS UP A DIRTY SPY AGENT FOR THE BAD GUYS, I'M GONNA BE SOOOOOOO PI$$ED.

Ahem, ok, I'm fine now. I appreciate that K.L. Hill didn't make Lena more meek and timid when she is accepting the events that transpired, her ex's true identity, and the reality that two smoking hot devils want to tango with her. So many times the women spend 2/3 of the book saying, "But why me, I'm nobody, I'm plain Jane." But Lena absolutely thrives when she accepts her own desires. I cannot wait for the second book to see how they destroy the world for her and their circle of family.

[Nnekka Robinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Darkness and depravity. Abusive and controlling ex. Dominant and endearing guys this is an MMF romance with a lot of dark tones and on page scenes.

[Remi James · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an incredible read, especially for my second ARC. The characters and plot had so much depth and were insanely captivating. I adored how sinful the characters were and that nothing could stop them. This book was filled with so much emotion and had me feeling deeply for them. KL Hill is such an incredible author and has done an amazing job with this book and I cannot wait to see where the rest of this series goes.

[Wendy Marie (myrisingphoenixera.reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Welcome to Masquarave, where the rich and powerful come to play behind a mask. Coded In Control is the debut novel by author KL Hill. This story explores dark and triggering content, be sure to read the author’s warnings on her website. This is a dark and spicy MMF romance, that is insta-lust and slow burn. Devin Green and Tony Fox use the club and its high profile patrons as their hunting ground to weed out the members of The Obsidian, a secret society of corrupt men who run the city. Lena Taylor is out with her friends one night trying to move forward after she finally escaped her abusive ex fiancé. She bumps into an attractive man with a gold mask and stunning blue eyes, Devin and ends up following him down a dark hallway. A decision that changes her life and puts her in the middle of a war she didn’t know was happening. The relationship dynamics between the main characters is complex and the progression is slow at first. I loved the instant connection that Lena and Devin had, he makes her feel safe and free to be who she is. Tony keeps his distance but when he lets his walls down, he is vulnerable with Lena in a way he hasn’t been with anyone before. The chemistry between the three of them jumps off the page and has you wanting more. The ending is a huge cliffhanger that had me gasping. I cannot wait until book two and more stories from Masquerave.

I’d like to thank KL Hill for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of Coded In Control.

4⭐️
4🌶️
📚ARC Review📚All thoughts and opinions are my own📚
🐦‍🔥Follow me on socials @myrisingphoenixera 🐦‍🔥

[Cindy Caballero · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’re a sucker for dark, broody men, this book will absolutely deliver. KL Hill gives us intense, complex love interests, and the way relationship dynamics unfold? So good. I was hooked on the tension, the chemistry, and the emotional depth from the start.

Lena’s character arc was another standout. Watching her step into her confidence and power was really satisfying, and it added so much to the story beyond the romance. And yes… the spice? Chef’s kiss. Hill knows how to bring the heat without losing the heart.

That cliffhanger, though?? I’m already impatient for the next book. I need answers, I need more brooding, and I need more on Tash and Tony.

[Jojobean_reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Apparently, the urge to follow a stranger down a dark hallway is my new normal."

Devin, Lena and Tony... jesus take the wheel and goddamn handbrake too.
Being able to ARC read is always going to be a favourite hobby for mine. But it is especially incredible when the books are this good. I cannot wait for the next installment. Hold your balls and your boob's lads cuz you're in for one hell of ride with this one!!!!

[Alisha Pascual · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness!! That was such an amazing book! I hate cliffhangers because I am impatient but I can’t wait to read the next book. Lena growing into herself and leaving her toxic relationship with Matt, but finding herself under the protection and love of Devin and Tony. Whew! Those two are intense. The possessive demeanor, demons, dirty talk and looks of those two 🥵🌶️ Absolutely recommend reading 💕

[Alex Moulthrop · Rating 4 out of 5]

All is right in the world - I have found my way back to dark romance!🙌🏼This book was everything I needed and MORE: slow burn, tension, protective MMCs, and allll the spice!

I love when I'm able to fully connect with and cheer on a FMC; yet, I don't find this often in dark romances. I was so pleasantly surprised by Lena's character! She is an independent, sassy, young woman in her early 30's who escapes an abusive relationship. I really loved that her character did this all on her own, and allowed women to see that it is possible to remove yourself from a similar situation. Her curiosity and lust for the two MMCs is just enough to be believable while also allowing the story to unfold the way it does. I HATE a damsel in distress - but this book truly gave us the best of both worlds - TWO prince charmings and one badass princess who broke herself out of the castle.

Speaking of prince charmings - Tony and Devin. Hubbah hubbah 🥵 These men are the perfect pair; Devin, an outgoing and quick-witted man who is the face of their empire, and Tony, the mysterious and intimidating man behind the magic. They truly have a way with words, and my jaw was on the floor for a majority of their spicyy scenes. Their tension alone is so exciting and I really hope for more of it in book two! Once they reeled Lena in, the dynamic duo became an inseparable trio - and I would not want to get in their way.

And TASHA - the side character of the century. The bipanic I felt while reading this book was so insane. I don't know if I want to be her or be with her, but regardless, the answer is yes. I would KILL for more of her story in the next book. She's both fierce and empathetic, depending on what is needed of her. She's also extremely loyal to the two men who work by her side, and immediately took Lena under her wing. I have so much respect for her character!

I would have loved more information regarding Obsidian and what exactly it is that they do. There was a lot of talk about taking their organization down and getting revenge, though we truly don't know much at all. The cliff-hanger was truly a shock and made me soooo desperate for book two! I can't wait to hear other thoughts on this book, so PLEASE feel free to message me once you read it - I absolutely LOVED it!

Ladies, get out your wand, turn down the lights, and prepare to fall in love over and over and over again. Once with Devin. Again with Lena. And of course, with our delicious Tony. If you have any room left, you're going to eat up Tasha, too 😉🤩

[Dani Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you're looking for a dark romance that drips with chaos, vengeance, and a whole lot of bloodlust, this is the book. Packed with emotionally broken characters, intense power dynamics, and scenes that flip between gut-wrenching and toe curling, this story doesn’t pull any punchesliterally or emotionally.

Let’s talk about Matt.
What. A. Trashfire. He’s the kind of character you love to hate and you will hate him. Abusive, manipulative, cheating sleazeball. He treats Lena like she’s his plaything, and Leila like a trophy pet. Honestly, the man got exactly what was coming to him, and watching his downfall is nothing short of satisfying.

Lena’s arc is one of the most interesting.
She starts off a bit too oblivious (girl, how did you not see through Matt??), but once the truth slaps her in the face, she transforms. She goes full-on vengeful queen, teaming up with Tony and Devin to take Matt down with fire and fury. She’s fiery, fierce, and emotionally resilient. Even when blood’s splattering and chaos reigns, Lena doesn’t flinch she steps up. Her dynamic with Devin is especially delicious: drawn to his dominance and brutality, yet never fully surrendering her independence. And the chemistry between her and Tony? It’s the perfect mix of soft and savage. Their connection hits deep heartwarming in the most unexpected ways, yet laced with a tension so intense it practically scorches the page.

Devin. Ohhh Devin.
Dark, unhinged, and magnetic in the most terrifying way. He’s the type of man who whispers sweet nothings like “No coming till I say” while casually letting a blade kiss his skin. He’s a Dom with a taste for control and just a hint of pain kink. But don’t be fooled underneath the menace is a man who comforts Lena when she breaks. His backstory adds even more depth to an already addictive character.

And then there's Tony.
Imagine a furious, dark-hearted teddy bear who knows exactly how to make pain linger just enough to get answers. He’s calm and controlled until he’s not. And when that moment hits? Goosebumps. His emotional armor cracks in front of Lena, and it’s intense. There's a scene between them that’s raw, vulnerable, and impossibly hot. He may be a killer, but he's also a total tease (and yes, that kind of tease ����).

Side note: TASHA.
Total psychotic, sexy badass. She flirts with everyone and could kill a man with a wink or a knife. She doesn’t need anyone to fight her battles, and she oozes that untouchable, wild energy. Definitely a standout side character who steals every scene she's in.

[xbebex78 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lena bumped into a man that will make her catch her breath even with his mask on and his captivating blue eye.Devin was in his thoughts when Lena bumped into him and when he saw her in her he was taken about how she looked even with her mask on. He didn’t like who she was with but he told himself she will be his. After three months she’s single and goes to the club with her friends. She’s transfixed on a girl dancing on the pole that she bumps into someone. When she looked at him into his eyes she felt like she’s looked into them before. He offered her a drink and she said no and he walked to the bar. She went back at looking at the dancer. Once she was done she felt an arm on her elbow and got scared for a second til she turned to see who it was. Blue eyes (Devin) told her glass was empty she needs another drink. He told her she can have as many she wants it on the house. Then he walked away toward a dark hallway. She stared at him til he looked back and stared for a second then kept walking. She followed him, and he toke her to the underworld. She see what is going on and she say she can’t be there but he didn’t hear her. She keeps following him to where ever is taking her. They come to a room where a woman and two men’s are in. Devin tells her to sit on his lap and to watch them. She’s all wet just by seeing all she seen since going underground. As soon as Devin is done playin with Lena they head back to the club area. Once’s they get to the door she start rubbing herself on him. They get into kissing and all when the door opens and she hears his voice. Matt showed up and fear hits her again just by seeing him. It went crazy for a min but she didn’t want nothing to do with Matt. She now left with Devin, she followed him to where he was going. All she has now is him and she will take any help she can. He told her that they will not let Matt get to her. She remembers Devin from the night she bumped into him. Now that she knows who he is he tells her they want to get Matt, but she will need protection. Tony takes Lena and her friends back home. They put someone to watch over there apartment to make sure Matt or anyone tries anything. She ends up going back to the penthouse the next day and that is when everything changes for all of them. This book is really good and OMG I don’t want to spoil it but I need book 2 asap. I want to know what happens next. It will live you wanting more. Especially wanting some more of Tony. 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Aidan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reader be warned, these men are on the darker side of morally gray. So if that's not for you, this book isn't for you. They are dark in and out of the bedroom, no "he's so scary, but he's a teddy bear for me" will be found on these pages.
In the beginning the FMC seems kind of oblivious. But they do explain that she was -willfully- oblivious, that she was conditioned to be that way. It makes sense for the plot, and she grows out of it. I loved that from the very beginning the boys are into each other, even if they aren't acting on it in order to maintain a very delicate balance in their lives. I love when the men are equally as obsessed with each other as they are their woman, so the relationships in this one were absolutely impeccable. And when the why choose has it’s why choose moment? Someone should have thrown some cold water on me.
They do unfortunately commit the cardinal sin of bdsm: using a belt as cuffs. They’re into a lot of the darker stuff, this probably shouldn’t be a how-to guide anyway. If you’re interested in trying this stuff at home please do your own reseach. That said, every scene in this book had my mouth watering. The spice is SPICY. If the spice in this book was food, it would be too hot for me to handle. I can't say enough about how much I loved these scenes, so I won't try to elaborate in fear of not doing them justice. If you're not turned off by what I've said already then absolutely read this book.
Fair warning, it ends in a really terrible spot. Every book is a cliff hanger these days but we’re already on the cliff and then there’s a mysterious “ding” in the apartment and the book ends? Immensely frustrating. Will be buying the next one as soon as it's released though, don't let me deter you. Just a heads up.

[Tiffany Coffey · Rating 5 out of 5]

[Even if the dreams continue to plague me until I leave this world and am greeted at Hell's gates, I have nothing to be afraid of anymore. Not with them by my side]

WOW, Ok. First: it is hard to believe that this is KL Hill's DEBUT novel. Second: Holy moly, I absolutely loved it.

Dark romance isn't a category of romance that I frequent, but there was something about the premise of the book and this being a debut novel that really peeked my interest... and WOW.

This story follows an FMC who escapes a life of abuse by a man who had all control over her. To her surprise, she learned that he lived a double life and turns out, the two MMCs are out to get him and the organization he leads for their own reasons. As leaders of the Masquerave club and all the ins and outs, the MMCs are dark, dirty, and down for doing what they need to to protect those they love. As this story is an MMF, the two MMCs have a history of longing for each other, add in their Queen the book goes from action blood-filled slow smolder, to a full on fire that ends with what I would call an explosion that leaves us unsure of what is next in the world of Masquerave.

This story had my emotions on a ride from the very beginning. This story is gory and whory and I ate it right up. I was so caught up by the story that at one point what happened hit me right in the heart and I cried for them, and honestly, I stayed fully engaged in the way KL Hill wrote the story - my annotations on my kindle is packed with quotes I appreciated.

What to expect:
MMF
Insta-lust
Slow burn
Organized Crime
Masked men
* Club and activities
Touch her and ...

I voluntarily read an Advance Reader Copy of Coded in Control and I am providing my honest review. Thank you, KL Hill for the opportunity.

[Alyssa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Receiving an ARC of Coded in Control was a thrill, and I'm happy to say it delivered. From the very first page, I was utterly immersed in the dark and seductive world of Masquerave. The author masterfully crafts an atmosphere of suspense and intrigue, where the allure of the forbidden is as potent as the danger lurking beneath the surface.

Lena's journey of self-discovery is compelling and relatable. Her struggle to reclaim control and embrace her desires resonates deeply, making her a character you can't help but root for. The chemistry between Lena and the enigmatic men she encounters is electric, adding layers of tension and complexity to the narrative.

The blurb hints at a dangerous game, and the book delivers on that promise. The sense of being watched and the constant threat of unseen monsters create a palpable sense of unease. The author skillfully builds suspense, leaving you on the edge of your seat as Lena navigates a web of lies, deception, and murder.

The setting of Masquerave itself is a character, rich in detail and shrouded in mystery. The concept of masks and hidden desires adds a fascinating layer of symbolism to the story. The push and pull between Lena and the two men, one seemingly devoted and the other vehemently opposed creates a captivating dynamic that kept me turning the pages.

Be warned, Coded in Control ends on a cliffhanger, and I'm eagerly awaiting book two! This dark and seductive read explores themes of power, desire, and self-discovery. If you're a fan of atmospheric suspense and complex character dynamics, this book is for you. As always, please check the author’s website for content warnings.

[Katty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Coded in Control was a very intense read. I love a book that really sucks you into the pages and has you feel like you've been directly transported into the setting. That's exactly what KL Hill did.
The first few chapters of the book all take place in one night and it was so seamless the way that Hill wrote it.
I never felt like I'd lost time, if that makes any sense.
This book was very dark and intense. I'm not squeamish by any means, but reading Coded In Control, I had to set the book down a few times to bring myself back into reality.
I loved how different of a dark romance this was. Taking place in a club that is meant for those who would like to explore their deepest desires.

To have 3 seperate main characters and to be able to effortlessly tie together all of their backstories in a way that wasn't forced just for the sake of word count, it an incredible skill. I felt for all them, Devin, Tony, Lena.
Even the side characters in Lena's friend group were so well done, they never fought for attention.

The spicy parts were absolutely S P I C Y. I'm still thinking about them.

While there were some parts that were slow and were a little bit of a hill to get over, but to be honest it wasn't a jarring slow down.

This was truly a great read. I swear I'll be forever haunted by Devin's smile in the shadows of his playroom. IYKYK

Thank you to the author KL Hill for providing me with the opportunity to read Coded in Control in advance to the full release. This review is my true and honest thoughts of the book.

[Ayla Schroeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes:
* MMF
* Found Family
* Touch her and ☠️
* K!nk Club
* Organized crime

Y’all this is SUCH an amazing debut novel. The writing is insanely good and the plot flowed so well it had me captivated the entire time. This is a MMF book that follows Lena, Tony, and Devin. Lena has just left a horrible relationship when she meets Devin and Tony. She comes to find out her ex is more horrible than she ever imagined and he’s been involved in some secret society/ mafia type of business. Devin and Tony become her protectors and they decide to keep her in their home while they try to find her ex. The chemistry between all three of them is electric from the beginning. Throughout this the suspense had me on the edge of my seat. The plot has so many twists and turns I literally couldn’t put this down I was constantly waiting to see what would come next. The spice in this is next level, the three of them are off the charts in the bedroom. I loved the sense of found family in this book. They all accept each other for who they are no conditions. Their family isn’t just the three of them it also includes their closest friends who are brought in and cared for. This book has stuck with me and seriously is in my top reads for the year it is so so good. 🫶

Be warned though this book does end on an INSANE cliffhanger that has me already dying for book 2 😤

Thank you to KL Hill for the ARC of this book!! ❤️‍🔥

[Ashley Rogers · Rating 4 out of 5]

*light spoiler warning

4.3/5 ⭐️

If you're in the mood for a steamy, fast-paced read with a heavy dose of spice and a touch of plot, Coded in Control delivers exactly that. This is a why choose romance featuring a polyamorous relationship—two possessive, intense men and one strong-willed woman caught in a whirlwind of passion, danger, and some very steamy scenes. Oh, and did I mention the sex club?

While the story leans hard into the spice (and does it well), I found myself wishing for more background on the characters. We don’t really get solid details—like their ages—until about halfway through the book, and I would’ve loved a little more depth or context early on to really connect with them.

That said, the chemistry between the trio is undeniable, and the emotional tension builds alongside the physical heat. And just when you’re fully invested… BAM. It ends on a major cliffhanger. Frustrating? Yes. Effective? Also yes.

Favorite line? Hands down: “And I will continue to bathe in the blood of our enemies and burn the world down for her.” That one sentence captures the vibe of the book perfectly—dark, protective, and unapologetically intense.

If you’re into high-heat romance with a dark edge and don’t mind waiting for the next book to get some answers, Coded in Control is a wild ride worth taking.