Well, Jackie Ashenden has outdone herself again in this second novel in her 11th Hour series, which features a fascinating cast of characters, brought together by the shadowy Jacob North to carry out his assignments. Many of the 11th Hour team are former military, mercenaries and black ops, with at least one notable exception, Sabrina, their resident computer geek, and Kellan Blake, her best friend, who was forced to leave the military after a helicopter crash that left him badly burned. This novel is their story and it gets a 5-star rating from this reader.

Sabrina lost her mother and brothers in a car accident when she was quite young. Her father didn't take it well but he eventually took a job as a gardener for the wealthy and influential Blake family at their estate in Southhampton, which is where she first met Kellan. When her father wandered off one day and never returned, the Blake family took her in, and she and Kellan became best friends, with Kellan now considering her a member of his family, sort of an adopted little sister, but he never noticed that his snooty parents didn't see or treat her like family at all. Sabrina was well aware that his parents, by word and deed, considered her anything but family. It's this dichotomy of perceived roles, and Kellan's misconceptions about Sabrina, his loyalty to his family, and his protectiveness of Sabrina, form the emotional backdrop for their relationship and for this novel. All Kellan knew and believed was that she was his best friend, the person he could confide in, someone who always had his back, and someone who he could rely on. But there are secrets and lies in the Blake family, and both Sabrina and Kellan manage to keep those secrets well concealed into adulthood.

When Kellan joined 11th Hour, Sabrina's computer skills and expertise as a hacker were both noticed and needed, and so she followed him into the organization. Secretly, on her part, she'd follow him anywhere, having been in love with him since age 10, when they first met. When Mr. North gives them their latest assignment, Kellan is beyond outraged. Kellan is beyond shocked to learn that his father, who he idolizes, is suspected of selling arms to South American drug cartels, and he's ready to prove that those suspicions are completely unfounded. When Sabrina is also assigned to this mission because they will need to use her hacking skills to get into the elder Blake's encrypted computer files, Kellan does everything he can to keep her out of it--and fails.

Their plan is to show up at the family estate to announce their engagement, and while there, gain access to Phillip Blake's locked office, his computer and his safe. Kellan believes in his father's innocence, while Sabrina expects that Kellan is in for a rude awakening. It's while preparing for the visit to his family home that Sabrina and Kellan have to practice their act as an engaged couple so that his family will believe it, and this is when Kellan finally begins to see Sabrina as something more than just his best friend, but rather than being pleased that he's finally noticed her as a woman, Sabrina is secretly outraged by the fact that it's taken all these years for him to finally realize that. Not only is she a woman, she's a woman with a secret she must keep, one that will change their relationship forever. What she doesn't know, is that Kellan is also keeping a deep, dark secret from her.

As these two try to find a way to complete their assignment, their pretend relationship turns physical, something which Sabrina has both dreamed of and feared. She'd rather remain his best friend forever than risk losing him after their affair by being seen as simply another one of his lovers, one of whom his parents would never approve. Kellan is still wearing blinders where his family's opinion of Sabrina is concerned, but his parents reaction to the news of his engagement to her is what begins to remove the blinders he's been wearing for years.

As the clues mount up, so does the tension, and so does their sexual relationship. Jackie Ashenden certainly knows how to ramp up the heat between her characters to incendiary levels, as well as drawing the reader into their emotional and angst-driven relationship, so much so, that she once again had this reader in tears. Once the skeletons in the Blake family closet have been revealed, and in the aftermath of all that led to these revelations, this riveting novel takes a surprising turn, one that eventually leads to an HEA ending, but not in any way that I'd expected, and I absolutely loved the way in which Ms. Ashdenden accomplished it.

Just when you think Ms. Ashenden has dotted all her "i's" and crossed all her "t's", she leaves us with a startling revelation about the next novel in this series, due out in late fall, and it can't get here soon enough for this reader.

I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this novel. The opinions expressed are my own.

a splendidly written story with a compelling storyline. Good dialogue and characters. Enjoyed it. The ending was wrapped up quite well.

This was an enjoyable story. That had a nice mix of family drama and romance. Along with a sprinkling of suspense and I liked how all of it blended together. Yet I did find the story a little slow at times, particularly during the first half. And if I'm honest, I would of liked a lot more action. But then again, Kellen is investigating his own dad who is something of a hero to him. So I do understand why this story isn't action packed and I did enjoy the best friends Sabrina and Kellen. As it had heat, sweetness and angst. And I also never once felt at a disadvantage having not read the first book in the 11th Hour Series. But I'd certainly check it out and I would happily recommend this story to others.

"Those terrible, beautiful words."

I'm a fan of the author's writing, she's always done it for me with her dirty talking alphas. But I must say that Kellan frustrated me. While I'm aware that all the members of 11th Hour are ex-military and most likely have demons chasing them, I wanted him to have more confidence and cockiness than he did. I guess having the mission focused on his family took the wind out of his sails and put him on the defensive rather than the offensive much of the time. His internal dialogue kept me in touch with his thoughts and feelings and is responsible for me wanting to throw my Kindle at him to wake him up.

Sabrina is the character I was most interested in getting to know. I love techies and her being a hacker was very intriguing for me. And of course, her having been secretly in love with her best friend since she was 10 yrs old had my romantic heart yearning for her HEA. She also shared her thoughts and feelings with me, so I knew the damage she was battling. No wonder she never let him know how she felt, the risk of losing him as a friend was too much. She'd rather have part of him than none at all if he didn't return her feelings. But how was she supposed to convince him she was only pretending to love him as she posed as his fiance? How was she supposed to touch and kiss him and then walk away as if it never happened?

What I liked most about Sabrina was that even though she was used to working behind the scenes, hidden behind her laptop, she still has some sass when her buttons get pushed. And nobody can push her buttons better than her best friend who holds her secrets and her heart. I loved it when she got mad enough to stand up for herself and tell him off. The sparks flew and I just waited for them to catch fire. Waited for him to wake up and see what he was missing, regarding his family and his friend. Yup, frustrating... But never fear, I've never read a book by this author that wasn't hot as hell and this one is no exception. She can write a sex scene like nobody's business and never disappoints between the sheets, in the alley or against a wall.

4.5Stars
Another great book from the series in this one two of the 11th Hour fell in love. Sabrina and Kellan are best friends since they were kids little that everyone's knows Sabrina is also in love with Kellan for years. In new assignment they are on a mission to discover is Kellan's father really involved in gun trafficking. So for the assignment, they have to pretend that they are engaged. For Sabrina that is pure torture, for Kellan is eyes opening in everything, how he sees Sabrina, start to feel for her, her relationship with the family, and he sees who his father truly is. Both characters well developed, likable. The story flows through the pages, chemistry between Sabrina and Kellan hot. I can't wait for for the next one.
I volunteered to review an ARC of this book for Netgelly.

Friends to lovers story to!d by a great storyteller. Sabrina and Kellan are characters easy to fall in love with. The story has plenty of suspense and the tension climbs as the situation with Kellen's family evolves. From the very beginning you find yourself rooting for Sabrina to move from friend status to lover. The glimpses of the secondary characters served to increase my interest in pursuing other books by the author.

This book was really good! Kellan was hot if a little annoying at first. The story was great! Lots of action, suspense and sexy romance. I love that Sabrina is more like a normal woman and not perfect. I don't like heroines who are too perfect and beautiful. The story does start a little slow but not does it pick up. Kellan's family is something else that's for sure. Like they say in the description, a nest of vipers. I loved the action and it definitely had me on the edge of my seat! I really hope there will be more to this series because I think I'm hooked.

I would literally read a furnace manual if Ms Ashenden wrote it - I'm that much of a fan. But Kellan was just NOT my guy. He was almost willfully ignorant, spoiled, and obtuse. I don't *love* military romances as a rule, so I wasn't expecting a ton from this series, but there was very little "military" to this - and it still didn't wow me. I like her heroes - flawed and alpha and a little broody, usually - but I just couldn't warm up to Kellan. Sabrina was alright - but again, no warm-and-fuzzies there either... her relationship with the family seemed bizarre and inexplicable to begin with. All in all, the sex was Ashenden-quality (yay!) but the characters themselves and the plot were mediocre at best.

Book 2 in the 11th Hour series, Total Control is another great romantic suspense by Jackie Ashenden. The characters interaction and the engaging storyline held me from the beginning. I look forward to reading more.

Mmmmmmmmm. Oh, I'm sorry. I can't stop looking at the cover. Daaaaaaaaaang, right?

Kellan is a member of the 11th Hour. The team of ex-military who still protect civilians even though they no longer serve their branch. Kellan has been hit over the head, because the next mission assignment couldn't really be happening, right? He's just learned that the man he's idolized his entire life could be behind an legal arms ring. WHAT?! No. Way. And there's no way he's gonna let someone else investigate this, because he's determined to prove his boss wrong. His dad's innocent. Right?

Sabrina is Kellan's best friend and although not ex-military, works with the 11th Hour Team. She's also been in love with Kellan since she was ten years old. After her mother died and father left her, Kellan's family made her a part of the family. At least that's what everyone thinks. Truth be told, she hasn't really felt like part of the family. And now with this new mission, the past is rearing it's ugly head.

OMG! I'm in love with this couple. Best friends turned lovers is THE BEST chemistry, ever!!! The mission takes on a whole new meaning when these two are forced to lie to Kellan's parents, stating they're engaged. Having to "act" the role forced Kellan to finally see Sabrina in a different light. And boy oh boy, the sparks don't just fly, they soar!!! The tension of the mission also brings up the past for both characters. Each one having to come to terms with it in order to move forward.

And that EPILOGUE!!!!!! Hurry up! I'm dyin' ova here!!!!!!!!!!!

reviewed by Chris

I am a longtime reader and lover of Ms. Ashenden’s stories. They are highly emotional and I love every minute of them (with the exception of a couple). Yeah, totally love the angst. In reading the first book in this series I got the impression that Kellan was a happy go lucky kind of guy. He is not. He is full of self-recrimination regarding both his military career and his personal life. When he and Sabrina go on a mission he discovers that she has “liked” him for many years but just could not commit. Her issue is with abandonment. I like how the stories of their growing up were intertwined to show their differences and really how they enable each other. I cried a lot while reading this story. That is always a good sign I like the story. Their interaction and journey are beautifully written. I am not usually one to talk about sensuality in books but damn, this book is freaking off-the-charts hot from the first kiss scene to the end.

Next up Night and Faith…I am betting it is a good one!

I received an arc from Netgalley. Kellan and Sabrina are sent together on a mission and while they have been friends for years attraction sparks while on the mission.

Lies, deception and overcoming past hurts is layered throughout this book. A roller coaster you don’t want to get off! Great read. 4.5 stars

This book was ok. Not exactly what I was expecting. Sabrina loved Kel for years and he only saw her as a friend. When they go on a mission to investigate his father for gun-running they pretend to be engaged to throw off suspicion. All the sudden he seems to realize that he sees her as more than a friend. It was just a little too quick and far-fetched from going from friend to more so quickly. There was very little suspens or action in the book. It was an okay read just nothing that thrilled me.

Jackie Ashenden gives another contribution to the trope of the arrogant alpha hero fiercely protective of the heroine she seems to be so fond of and whom I can’t decide whether to love or slap.
Kellan’s blond and boyish good looks make him appealing, but using sex to extract information from Sabrina, the heroine, and all that avoiding the big issues (his parents, the secret), his naiveté (about his family and Sabrina), the blurring between the mission and the familial situation are a bit hard to take.
I liked the take on the “I’ve-loved-you-for-years” theme (although one-sided) and meeting Jack King (hero from the previous story) again and I’m looking forward for the next book, featuring the mysterious Jacob Night.
I thought the story was a bit too heavy on family matters and sex, and I'm not sure about them interfering with the mission, but I’ve enjoyed Kellan and Sabrina new romantic relationship buildup.

I am a fan of this author and pretty much like anything she writes. This was a great story with likeable characters and an intriguing plot. There was also a GREAT foreshadow to the next story -- can't wait for that one!

So we are back with the 11th hour and we get Kellan and Sabrina's book. They are best friends but Kellan never knew that Sabrina has loved him for years. Now they are assigned to work together on a new assignment he figures out that he also has some feelings for her after she admitted her feelings and also when her life is put in danger while he is trying to get information to prove his father's innocence and her to prove that he is guilty. But nothing goes as planned, why? well you need to read!

Total Control was awesome. It was right blend of suspense and naughty. It's friends to lovers and centers around Sabrina and Kellan. I loved going on this journey with them and watching them deal with both internal and external conflicts. I also loved that a piece of the overall story arc was revealed it has so excited not only about it but also the illusive Mr. Night. I cannot wait to see where the author is taking this revelation.

I recommend this to lovers of romantic suspense.

Secrets sometimes need to be told. The question is which ones and who do you tell? Sabrina and Kellan have been keeping secrets thinking that they were keeping the other safe by doing so. Hind sight is 20/20. I really enjoyed, Total Control.

Kellan and Sabrina grew up together and are now part of the 11th Hour Squad, a type of Black OPS group. This time the person they ordered to investigate is Kellan's father. Kellan knows he's innocent and is determined to prove it but Sabrina isn't so sure. Sabrina's unrequited love for Kellan makes her hope she's wrong but she knows his family better than he does. Lots of action, suspense and romance make this a great read.

Sabrina is very smart and works for the 11th Hour company as a computer specialist. Kellan is former Marine and Army, from a wealthy family and took Sabrina in when her father left her at ten years old. She has been in love with Kellan for as long as she’s known him. Kellan’s father is suspected of selling arms to cartels. Kellan doesn’t believe it, so he and Sabrina go undercover as a couple to find the information that will prove he’s guilty or find nothing just like Kellan thinks. While at his childhood home secrets are revealed and he finds out everything Sabrina has been keeping from him. They’ve always been best friends but when they become lovers, Sabrina gets scared and tries to push Kellan away. Kellan has to choose the woman he’s fallen for or the man who was his hero.
A sexy, suspenseful story with friends to lovers. Secrets and a woman who’s learned to keep everyone’s secrets. The only thing that bothered me was when she finally gets what she’s always wanted, she doesn’t think she’s good enough for him.
* Voluntarily read and reviewed this for Netgalley *