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Foster Bro Code #3
Control Freak
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.
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.
372 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 23, 2025
297 people are currently reading
484 people want to read
About the author
D.J. Jamison
85 books1,030 followersDJ Jamison writes a variety of queer men finding extraordinary love through M/M Romance! She is a lifelong reader and has always loved writing and editing, with a ten-year journalism career before she began publishing romance. She has books in ebook, print, and audio, as well as German, French, and Italian translations.
DJ lives in Kansas with her husband, two sons, and a sadistic cat named Birdie.
Join DJ's mailing list at http://tinyurl.com/DJandCompany
Join her FB group at www.facebook.com/groups/DJandCompany
Follow her on Ko-Fi for bonus content: www.ko-fi.com/ReadingDJ
DJ lives in Kansas with her husband, two sons, and a sadistic cat named Birdie.
Join DJ's mailing list at http://tinyurl.com/DJandCompany
Join her FB group at www.facebook.com/groups/DJandCompany
Follow her on Ko-Fi for bonus content: www.ko-fi.com/ReadingDJ
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 185 reviews
October 11, 2025
It was so nice to see Holden getting his HEA!
His fear of touch wasn't just forgotten about because he met someone and fell in love, which was great. We get to see his thought process for every step he takes, as well as his conversations with his therapist and with Shiloh, and nothing felt rushed or OTT.
Shiloh's tendency to want to sacrifice his happiness for the sake of others did annoy me a little, but I've never been a fan of martyr characters so he had an uphill battle to win me over anyway.
I did really like Holden and Shiloh together though. There was a lot of respect and understanding between them and I always prefer a slow burn so this worked well for me.
I loved all of the family time as usual and I am SO curious to see what's going to happen in Bailey's book...
*****
I received an ARC of this book from Neon Rainbow, and this is my honest review
His fear of touch wasn't just forgotten about because he met someone and fell in love, which was great. We get to see his thought process for every step he takes, as well as his conversations with his therapist and with Shiloh, and nothing felt rushed or OTT.
Shiloh's tendency to want to sacrifice his happiness for the sake of others did annoy me a little, but I've never been a fan of martyr characters so he had an uphill battle to win me over anyway.
I did really like Holden and Shiloh together though. There was a lot of respect and understanding between them and I always prefer a slow burn so this worked well for me.
I loved all of the family time as usual and I am SO curious to see what's going to happen in Bailey's book...
*****
I received an ARC of this book from Neon Rainbow, and this is my honest review
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October 23, 2025Dear Readers,
I was so intimidated when I first conceived of the idea for a touch-averse character. But as the Foster Bro Code series developed, Holden became a strong force within the series, a man who took care of his family and their business and protected those he loved--all while suffering from haphephobia due to childhood abuse.
Holden watched his foster brothers falling in love, and he longed for that kind of happiness, but he was afraid to reach for it. He'd had such bad experiences in the past. Therapy had only taken him so far, because he *hated* that he couldn't control his body's panic response to touch, and avoiding it was easier.
But then he connected with Shiloh. A sweet camboy who gave him an outlet for some of his needs without triggering him. When Shiloh needed help, Holden went into take-charge mode. He brought him home, into his space, and pushed his boundaries to keep him safe.
With Shiloh so close, he began wondering again if he could ever have something more. The idea of trying was scary as hell. Failing would mean a future of loneliness. Holden had to find the inner strength to confront that fear, along with so many others, to pursue healing and love.
His journey has ups and downs. This kind of trauma is not something you fix overnight. Or even over years or decades, in some cases. But step by step, Holden worked to build trust and intimacy that he never thought he could have.
And I built confidence that this story would be something special. That I wouldn't let Holden down by failing to do it justice.
We had to be brave together for Holden to get that hard-earned HEA.
I hope that his story resonates with you all. I especially hope that it can help someone struggling with touch aversion feel a little less alone. It's the journey, not the destination that matters. For Holden, and for all of us.
xoxo
DJ
I was so intimidated when I first conceived of the idea for a touch-averse character. But as the Foster Bro Code series developed, Holden became a strong force within the series, a man who took care of his family and their business and protected those he loved--all while suffering from haphephobia due to childhood abuse.
Holden watched his foster brothers falling in love, and he longed for that kind of happiness, but he was afraid to reach for it. He'd had such bad experiences in the past. Therapy had only taken him so far, because he *hated* that he couldn't control his body's panic response to touch, and avoiding it was easier.
But then he connected with Shiloh. A sweet camboy who gave him an outlet for some of his needs without triggering him. When Shiloh needed help, Holden went into take-charge mode. He brought him home, into his space, and pushed his boundaries to keep him safe.
With Shiloh so close, he began wondering again if he could ever have something more. The idea of trying was scary as hell. Failing would mean a future of loneliness. Holden had to find the inner strength to confront that fear, along with so many others, to pursue healing and love.
His journey has ups and downs. This kind of trauma is not something you fix overnight. Or even over years or decades, in some cases. But step by step, Holden worked to build trust and intimacy that he never thought he could have.
And I built confidence that this story would be something special. That I wouldn't let Holden down by failing to do it justice.
We had to be brave together for Holden to get that hard-earned HEA.
I hope that his story resonates with you all. I especially hope that it can help someone struggling with touch aversion feel a little less alone. It's the journey, not the destination that matters. For Holden, and for all of us.
xoxo
DJ
February 11, 2026
Hate to say it, but this one didn’t turn out well either. 2.5 - 2.75⭐, rounded down.
I was hoping for a lot more for Holden. The book had a promising start, for sure, but the story was just boring and not believable. There was also a big lack of passion and chemistry between the main characters.
🟢 A camboy (elementary school teacher) / the oldest brother and boss
🔵 Age gap 26/31
🟣 Size difference
🟠 Both gay
🟡 Found family
🔵 Touch aversion, trauma
🌶️ Not a lot of smut, a really good start, but for most of the book almost nothing happens; virgin; some kissing, some oral, some light touches; 1 penetrative scene at the end; t/b
The extortion plot, which was almost the main focus of this story, was just laughable. You’ve got two thugs threatening Shiloh, an elementary school teacher, who then has to cam to earn the money to pay back a debt his ex racked up.
"To me, there was a big distinction between cam work and prostitution, but not everyone saw it that way."
Sex work is sex work. And that's all there is to it.
While camming, Shiloh meets Holden, who lurks in the background of his sessions and books private chats but never reveals himself. They become online friends and Shiloh tells Holden about the predicament he’s in, and that’s when Holden offers to come get him and take him to his house to protect him.
So far, so good. Their first meeting was really promising and I was looking forward to everything Holden and Shiloh might experience together. But as soon as they land in Riverton, pretty much nothing happens.
Holden has a touch aversion, and even though he’s incredibly attracted to Shiloh, he somehow gets over a lifetime of trauma and stress in just a couple of weeks of living with him.
At the same time, despite doing almost nothing together besides eating and sleeping, they fall in love.
“I don’t know how I got so lucky. Of all the camboys in all the world…”
I smiled. “I got lucky too. Of all the clients who came into my chat, you were, by far, the most gentlemanly.”
The dangerous thugs chasing Shiloh get scared of Axel’s Chihuahua and suddenly become very tame and run away.
So much for that ridiculous plot.
Holden and Shiloh don’t have an ounce of passion or intensity between them. I get that they’re meant to be sweet and affectionate, and that’s fine, but that’s not how they started out. I honestly think Holden was cheated out of a really good, sexy, passionate love story. That’s what he should’ve gotten.
The whole sugar daddy talk about Holden was cringe as hell too. I mean, he did have daddy qualities, but Shiloh wasn't the type.
I did expect them to have this almost 400 page long intense getting together and getting to know each other, but just a quick sex scene was inserted at the very end and that was it.
It was all too boring and too drawn out.
The interactions with the brothers weren’t particularly interesting either, and Shiloh somehow just lands there, starts living in the house and they become one big, happy, boring family.
Nothing really worked, at least not for me.
I hope Bailey's book is better.
October 26, 2025
I loved this! I have to admit I couldn’t get into the first two books in this series but this one was so good! Holden deserved to be loved and his aversion to touch was something I have never read about before.
Shiloh was the perfect match for Holden and together they got really well. Shiloh has his own problems causing him to move in with Holden and all his brothers and their partners. This group is so wonderful together. It’s strange I couldn’t connect with the first two books but I love these other characters. I read enough of those books to get a sense of them though and they work as side characters for me.
I am extremely excited for Bailey’s book though! The youngest brother who is going off to college but isn’t sure he’s doing it for himself or to please Holden. That will be good!
I received an ARC for review
All thoughts and opinions are my own
Shiloh was the perfect match for Holden and together they got really well. Shiloh has his own problems causing him to move in with Holden and all his brothers and their partners. This group is so wonderful together. It’s strange I couldn’t connect with the first two books but I love these other characters. I read enough of those books to get a sense of them though and they work as side characters for me.
I am extremely excited for Bailey’s book though! The youngest brother who is going off to college but isn’t sure he’s doing it for himself or to please Holden. That will be good!
I received an ARC for review
All thoughts and opinions are my own
October 16, 2025
This book was everything I had expected and more. I knew Holden's story would be emotional, but it was also beautiful and
Holden had lived all his life suffering tough aversion due to past child abuse. He had a heart of gold, always the control freak but because it made him feel safe. He cared deeply for his brothers and he went to extrems to suffer in order to get the best for them. I admired him, he thought of himself so little, that he was weak but he was quite the opposite. Shiloh was the best that could've happened to him and it made him realise that he could lead a normal life.
Poor Shiloh, he just wanted a normal life working as a teacher (his passion) and having a home with a family. His ex made his life complicated and dangerous, but in a way it was what pushed him into Holden's life, so even though the ex was a piece of shit I couldn't be too angry with him.
I enjoyed this story so much. Yes, it was emotional and brought me to tears a couple of times, but it was also a journey for both the MCs. They went slow, got to know each other more and found a way to be together. Like I said, I admired the hell out of Holden, he decided Shiloh was worth to confronting his fears and they created such a special relationship, where both respected each other's boundaries. Shiloh cared so much for Holden he was willing to sacrifice his happiness so Holden and his family wouldn't get hurt.
I loved them both, they deserved so much happiness and they found it together. This book was amazing, full of all types of love and the author told Holden and Shiloh's story with care, respect and sensitivity. It was a lovely story that I recommend to everyone. In fact, go and read the whole series, the books have been great so far.
Now I can't wait to read Bailey's story, that's going to be great too.
Holden had lived all his life suffering tough aversion due to past child abuse. He had a heart of gold, always the control freak but because it made him feel safe. He cared deeply for his brothers and he went to extrems to suffer in order to get the best for them. I admired him, he thought of himself so little, that he was weak but he was quite the opposite. Shiloh was the best that could've happened to him and it made him realise that he could lead a normal life.
Poor Shiloh, he just wanted a normal life working as a teacher (his passion) and having a home with a family. His ex made his life complicated and dangerous, but in a way it was what pushed him into Holden's life, so even though the ex was a piece of shit I couldn't be too angry with him.
I enjoyed this story so much. Yes, it was emotional and brought me to tears a couple of times, but it was also a journey for both the MCs. They went slow, got to know each other more and found a way to be together. Like I said, I admired the hell out of Holden, he decided Shiloh was worth to confronting his fears and they created such a special relationship, where both respected each other's boundaries. Shiloh cared so much for Holden he was willing to sacrifice his happiness so Holden and his family wouldn't get hurt.
I loved them both, they deserved so much happiness and they found it together. This book was amazing, full of all types of love and the author told Holden and Shiloh's story with care, respect and sensitivity. It was a lovely story that I recommend to everyone. In fact, go and read the whole series, the books have been great so far.
Now I can't wait to read Bailey's story, that's going to be great too.
October 26, 2025
This was beautiful
I honestly loved this book. Holden is one of those characters who burrows under your skin. He’s so disbelieving that he’s worthy, so convinced that he’s weak and not enough when that couldn’t be farther from the truth. He loved in a way that is so complete and unerring and yet he’d tell you he wasn’t capable of that. But it felt like his whole life, he dedicated himself to protecting those he felt were his, were family. He deserved every happiness and someone who could tell and prove to him that he was worthy, lovable and beautiful. Shiloh was exactly the right person. I felt so awful for him and the awful, evil things his ex was doing to him were awful. Sometimes though, the bad things in life (whilst still awful) make way for the truly wonderful. Shiloh and Holden deserved the love they could show each other. This was one of those beautiful stories where you just feel so good having read it; the people in it are good, they got the HEA they so badly deserved and you just feel happy. When the world is giant dumpster fire, books like this just make you happy.
I honestly loved this book. Holden is one of those characters who burrows under your skin. He’s so disbelieving that he’s worthy, so convinced that he’s weak and not enough when that couldn’t be farther from the truth. He loved in a way that is so complete and unerring and yet he’d tell you he wasn’t capable of that. But it felt like his whole life, he dedicated himself to protecting those he felt were his, were family. He deserved every happiness and someone who could tell and prove to him that he was worthy, lovable and beautiful. Shiloh was exactly the right person. I felt so awful for him and the awful, evil things his ex was doing to him were awful. Sometimes though, the bad things in life (whilst still awful) make way for the truly wonderful. Shiloh and Holden deserved the love they could show each other. This was one of those beautiful stories where you just feel so good having read it; the people in it are good, they got the HEA they so badly deserved and you just feel happy. When the world is giant dumpster fire, books like this just make you happy.
November 22, 2025
Ogromnie czekałam na tę część i myślałam, że będzie to automatyczna piątka. Niestety, czegoś mi tu zabrakło.
October 23, 2025
meeting Holden in the previous books you knew it would take someone special to be able to help him heal and Shiloh is that perfect person. What starts with camboy relationship turns into a real friendship, and when Shiloh needs help, Holden does all in his power to be that person for him. This is a slow burn in the best way possible, these two take it at the right pace for Holden to be comfortable with touch to more. They have a beautiful building of more showing how great of a writer DJ is. Just sigh, I adored everything about this relationship. What made me appreciate this book so much was it took time and patience and therapy, it was not a quick fix but an earned one. Truly a great piece of writing. This series has become easily my favorite of DJs showing how beautiful of a writer they are. With one more brother to go, I cannot wait to see what is in store for Bailey and the man he can't help but pine for.
October 16, 2025
I loved this so much. It has to be my absolute favorite of the series so far. The emotional connection between Shiloh and Holden is thick and present, and their physical connection hot and heavy. It is made all the more poignant by the fact that the cannot touch. The pining! Be still my heart!
November 26, 2025
DJ Jamison did a phenomenal job with Holdens book. I was both broken hearted and filled with awe at everything Holden achieved in spite of his tragic childhood.
Can’t wait for Bailey’s book!
Can’t wait for Bailey’s book!
October 27, 2025
I wanted to give it a higher rating but I did not like how predicable Shiloh's story was. I think it's probably so that the focus is not all on Holden's struggles but it did not work for me at all. Overall, still a good book.
December 9, 2025
the whole premise being based on his touch aversion but it wasn’t even properly explained???
December 10, 2025
I fear DJ only chose the titles they did so they could use them over and over and over and over and over within the text of the book, so can't wait to hear the baby brother refer to himself as a "problem child" 95 times in the next book!
There, now that my big grievance is out of the way, I really liked the progression of this book! I was wondering how they were going to handle Holden's touch aversion in a book that was still expected to be relatively smutty, and they more or less delivered while staying true to growth and progression. Yes, I do think the results kind of sped up near the end when he was suddenly capable of a lot, and the therapist's teaser of "sometimes a switch just flips" was more CYA than anything else. But it was still a really good time. The slow burn of the relationship was effective, which is hilarious because the book was highkey instalove, but the physical barriers kept it to a slow build anyway and I enjoyed that when most books in this genre are physical first with the emotions following.
This series continues to be all around better than I'd anticipated, and I love that.
There, now that my big grievance is out of the way, I really liked the progression of this book! I was wondering how they were going to handle Holden's touch aversion in a book that was still expected to be relatively smutty, and they more or less delivered while staying true to growth and progression. Yes, I do think the results kind of sped up near the end when he was suddenly capable of a lot, and the therapist's teaser of "sometimes a switch just flips" was more CYA than anything else. But it was still a really good time. The slow burn of the relationship was effective, which is hilarious because the book was highkey instalove, but the physical barriers kept it to a slow build anyway and I enjoyed that when most books in this genre are physical first with the emotions following.
This series continues to be all around better than I'd anticipated, and I love that.
December 10, 2025
control freak indeed 😉
https://ladiikeiii.wordpress.com/2025...
***Spoilers here and there***
I loved how Holden gotten better throughout the book even through the hard times. Especially how he was in book one until this book with Shiloh. That man deserved so much love and care due to the fact what he been through as a child and had to work through as an adult.
I was glad he meet Shiloh and got stronger with his touching and hugging and even the sexual stuff because he even needed all of that for himself because he been fighting it so long.
Plus Holden and his brothers being there for Shiloh when Brick and the other guy was coming for him due to the fact Shiloh ex lied on him for no reason. I was happy to see Shiloh gets his job back being a school teacher because he didn’t deserved to get fired.
But in the end everything turn out good for Shiloh and Holden.
https://ladiikeiii.wordpress.com/2025...
***Spoilers here and there***
I loved how Holden gotten better throughout the book even through the hard times. Especially how he was in book one until this book with Shiloh. That man deserved so much love and care due to the fact what he been through as a child and had to work through as an adult.
I was glad he meet Shiloh and got stronger with his touching and hugging and even the sexual stuff because he even needed all of that for himself because he been fighting it so long.
Plus Holden and his brothers being there for Shiloh when Brick and the other guy was coming for him due to the fact Shiloh ex lied on him for no reason. I was happy to see Shiloh gets his job back being a school teacher because he didn’t deserved to get fired.
But in the end everything turn out good for Shiloh and Holden.
October 30, 2025
This is an opposites attract to more romance, featuring Holden and Shiloh, and is book three in the Foster Brothers Code series.
Holden struggles with trauma and avoids physical touch, finding comfort only with an online camboy, Shiloh. When Shiloh needs help, Holden brings him home and must face his fears to have a real relationship.
I loved this slow burn romance. Holden and Shiloh are so sweet together, and Holden’s bond with his foster brothers made the story even better. Holden has such a big heart, and they’re truly a perfect fit.
Things to expect in this book are:
Book 3 in series
MM romance
Clown burn
Camboy x client
Hurt / Comfort
Childhood abuse
Ex boyfriend drama
Touch aversion
Dom / sub vibes
Online sessions
Protective
Forced proximity
Roommates
Spicy times
Foster brothers
HEA
Holden struggles with trauma and avoids physical touch, finding comfort only with an online camboy, Shiloh. When Shiloh needs help, Holden brings him home and must face his fears to have a real relationship.
I loved this slow burn romance. Holden and Shiloh are so sweet together, and Holden’s bond with his foster brothers made the story even better. Holden has such a big heart, and they’re truly a perfect fit.
Things to expect in this book are:
Book 3 in series
MM romance
Clown burn
Camboy x client
Hurt / Comfort
Childhood abuse
Ex boyfriend drama
Touch aversion
Dom / sub vibes
Online sessions
Protective
Forced proximity
Roommates
Spicy times
Foster brothers
HEA
October 23, 2025
God, I loved this book so much. The found family trope here is amazing and those boys might be the death of me. Their relationship is so deep and warm. And the dogs!! This book touched some very sensitive topics and I feel like it was handled very well. Therapy portrayal here was surprisingly accurate as well, maybe not a 100%, but still. I loved Holden and Shiloh together. I can't wait for Bailey's book!! 🩷
Read
October 23, 2025I truly enjoyed getting to know Holden in the first two books, but I was so happy to see that he found his person in this book! From the initial anonymous camming sessions to what became a beautiful relationship with Shiloh, this book explored Holden's trauma and his battles and victories in a truly sympathetic way. I love how supportive and mindful both men are as they work through their own hurt/comfort journey and also support Holden's siblings and their partners in the story.
I am truly looking forward to reading Bailey's story now, but am sad that this series is going to be ending... while this book could be read standalone, it's best read in order.
I am truly looking forward to reading Bailey's story now, but am sad that this series is going to be ending... while this book could be read standalone, it's best read in order.
October 26, 2025
CONTROL FREAK
By DJ Jamison
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I received an E-book ARC edition of this novel in exchange for an honest review. It is available NOW on Amazon & Kindle Unlimited!
www.amazon.com/B0F9XP3CJ7
--No one was keeping me from Shiloh. No one but me, anyway. But every day, the isolation I’d taken safety in felt more like a prison.--
This is a 353-page Fast Paced, Opposites Attract, Hurt Comfort, Exhibitionism, ‘Don’t Touch Me’ MM Romance. This is the 3rd book in the FOSTER BRO CODE series about a set of 4 foster brothers that run a mechanic shop and junk yard together while supporting and being there for one another. This series has a wide range of personalities and plots that will keep you engaged and will have you falling in love with each brother and their men faster than a simple tattoo being inked on someone’s wrist. It could be read as a standalone but better enjoyed after reading the first two books. 6 also part of an existing DJJ Universe. I should try to make a diagram. . .
--Shiloh saw my scars, but he still saw me. All too often, my trauma overshadowed who I was in people’s eyes. They saw a victim. They saw a survivor. I just wanted to be Holden Cross.--
Written in alternating chapters dual 1st person POV, beginning a couple months after book 2, this book opens with an eye-opening scenario. What if you can’t be touched without spiraling out? How would that affect your life? How can you enjoy the pleasure and happiness of brotherhood, friendship, and simple intimacy? Holden, the oldest of the four brothers, the one that takes charge and runs the business aspect of the shop and the household, was abused so bad by his parents as a small child that he is now Touch Averse. The slightest graze and he crashes out. I couldn’t even begin to imagine how to even survive with that kind of trauma. Shiloh is a third-grade teacher just trying to get by in life, just like any teacher. He has high passion for his job and his kids, but his ex really screwed him over when he got sent up the river after stealing a ton of money from some pretty bad guys. Now, he is stuck paying off the debt to stay alive. To do that, he turns into a Cam-Boy at night to make money, which is how he meets Holden. After an incident, Holden learns of the situation that Shiloh is in and offers to help him hide out temporarily until they can figure out how to get him removed from this dangerous scenario.
--“I’m just wondering about what’s possible for me. Should I bother to even hope. . .?”
“Always hope, Holden. It’s a powerful healing tool.”--
Ya’ll!!!! This novel!!!! I knew from the little detail we had gotten from the first two books about Holden that his story was going to absolutely ruin me emotionally. CALLED IT! But don’t fear, DJ Jamison does a phenomenal job writing to keep the vibe as balanced as possible with the help of the ensemble. She wrote this series with so much depth into each of these characters' pasts and really showed authentic representation of each of their issues. In this addition to the series, she even took an extra step and presented Therapy Representation, as Holden is being treated for his life-long Touch Aversion symptoms. Therapy isn’t an easy process no matter what you are going for and what you have or are currently going through. But Holden and his life challenges is a different look at what childhood abuse and trauma can not only do to the mind but to the body and their physical reaction.
--“No matter what your circumstances are, I want to be the hero in your story.”--
To balance such a heavy topic, Shiloh was written as a loud and flirty personality. I mean, as a Cam-Boy who likes to exhibit their body and be a bit of a brat and likes to be controlled in the bedroom…. It’s a great combination. But his life issues are not left out, and he gets his time in the spotlight. Even though he is being rescued by Holden from a dangerous situation, he is also 100% for comforting him and helping him proceed with his treatment. His plotline, even though tense, help give the reader the emotional break they need by following his journey to a small-town with people he doesn’t know to try to start his teaching career over, even though he doesn’t have any hope for it after what he had gone through.
--I craved him. I wanted to possess him, push inside, and never leave. I wanted him to be mine in every way possible.--
The spice is…… different. Hardcore….. Slow-burn….. 3/5 🌶. Listen, when you can’t be touched, what do you expect. Does DJ Jamison leave us hanging though… NOO!!! Of course not. But the journey is a challenging one, full of first-times, experimentation & process, and a lot of passion. You will learn how much such a small graze and touch can be so sensual and overflowing with love.
--“Maybe we need a Bro BF code. I feel like we’re in this pact too.”--
The ensemble in this book and series is next tier! From book 1, Outcast, she built these characters from the ground up, starting at the beginning, continuously adding to their trajectory along the way. Even if they’re MCs in a previous installment, they fully continue by adding or helping with the plot of the next and grow as individuals and as a relationship. The brothers have amazing banter, full of humor, emotion, and love that’s life-like and authentic. They all have distinct personalities and traits that differ hard from each other since they are not blood related. And since this is book 3, we now have 2 established boyfriends to help stir the pot, as well as friends, ex-cons, and animals galore. The way the author wrote the dogs was phenomenal! She wrote them like she writes people. They each have their own personality, humor, and purpose.
--“I know how hard you’re trying, and you don’t have to try at all, not for me. Because you might not touch me much, but you touch my heart all the time, and that means a lot more.”--
This series and concept DJ Jamison created is next level. She branched out from her normal vibe by adding more angst, tension, and edge. By doing so, she expanded on her creative level, which ends up giving us more than we would have ever expected. This is an author who grows with her craft. She jazzed up a plot that could have easily been fluffy with real-world issues and topics that should be impossible to incorporate into a romance. The lengths that she went to, to put a spotlight on how the foster care system creates family but also what those individuals go through long into adulthood. I am excited to see what she has store for the reader next in Bailey’s novel and into the future with any and all new concepts she will create!
--It was the journey that mattered most, not the destination. As long as I was fighting, I was living instead of just existing. Maybe even loving too.--
💜Happy Reading🫶
**Personal Note: Book #175 in 2025 (Oct)
By DJ Jamison
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I received an E-book ARC edition of this novel in exchange for an honest review. It is available NOW on Amazon & Kindle Unlimited!
www.amazon.com/B0F9XP3CJ7
--No one was keeping me from Shiloh. No one but me, anyway. But every day, the isolation I’d taken safety in felt more like a prison.--
This is a 353-page Fast Paced, Opposites Attract, Hurt Comfort, Exhibitionism, ‘Don’t Touch Me’ MM Romance. This is the 3rd book in the FOSTER BRO CODE series about a set of 4 foster brothers that run a mechanic shop and junk yard together while supporting and being there for one another. This series has a wide range of personalities and plots that will keep you engaged and will have you falling in love with each brother and their men faster than a simple tattoo being inked on someone’s wrist. It could be read as a standalone but better enjoyed after reading the first two books. 6 also part of an existing DJJ Universe. I should try to make a diagram. . .
--Shiloh saw my scars, but he still saw me. All too often, my trauma overshadowed who I was in people’s eyes. They saw a victim. They saw a survivor. I just wanted to be Holden Cross.--
Written in alternating chapters dual 1st person POV, beginning a couple months after book 2, this book opens with an eye-opening scenario. What if you can’t be touched without spiraling out? How would that affect your life? How can you enjoy the pleasure and happiness of brotherhood, friendship, and simple intimacy? Holden, the oldest of the four brothers, the one that takes charge and runs the business aspect of the shop and the household, was abused so bad by his parents as a small child that he is now Touch Averse. The slightest graze and he crashes out. I couldn’t even begin to imagine how to even survive with that kind of trauma. Shiloh is a third-grade teacher just trying to get by in life, just like any teacher. He has high passion for his job and his kids, but his ex really screwed him over when he got sent up the river after stealing a ton of money from some pretty bad guys. Now, he is stuck paying off the debt to stay alive. To do that, he turns into a Cam-Boy at night to make money, which is how he meets Holden. After an incident, Holden learns of the situation that Shiloh is in and offers to help him hide out temporarily until they can figure out how to get him removed from this dangerous scenario.
--“I’m just wondering about what’s possible for me. Should I bother to even hope. . .?”
“Always hope, Holden. It’s a powerful healing tool.”--
Ya’ll!!!! This novel!!!! I knew from the little detail we had gotten from the first two books about Holden that his story was going to absolutely ruin me emotionally. CALLED IT! But don’t fear, DJ Jamison does a phenomenal job writing to keep the vibe as balanced as possible with the help of the ensemble. She wrote this series with so much depth into each of these characters' pasts and really showed authentic representation of each of their issues. In this addition to the series, she even took an extra step and presented Therapy Representation, as Holden is being treated for his life-long Touch Aversion symptoms. Therapy isn’t an easy process no matter what you are going for and what you have or are currently going through. But Holden and his life challenges is a different look at what childhood abuse and trauma can not only do to the mind but to the body and their physical reaction.
--“No matter what your circumstances are, I want to be the hero in your story.”--
To balance such a heavy topic, Shiloh was written as a loud and flirty personality. I mean, as a Cam-Boy who likes to exhibit their body and be a bit of a brat and likes to be controlled in the bedroom…. It’s a great combination. But his life issues are not left out, and he gets his time in the spotlight. Even though he is being rescued by Holden from a dangerous situation, he is also 100% for comforting him and helping him proceed with his treatment. His plotline, even though tense, help give the reader the emotional break they need by following his journey to a small-town with people he doesn’t know to try to start his teaching career over, even though he doesn’t have any hope for it after what he had gone through.
--I craved him. I wanted to possess him, push inside, and never leave. I wanted him to be mine in every way possible.--
The spice is…… different. Hardcore….. Slow-burn….. 3/5 🌶. Listen, when you can’t be touched, what do you expect. Does DJ Jamison leave us hanging though… NOO!!! Of course not. But the journey is a challenging one, full of first-times, experimentation & process, and a lot of passion. You will learn how much such a small graze and touch can be so sensual and overflowing with love.
--“Maybe we need a Bro BF code. I feel like we’re in this pact too.”--
The ensemble in this book and series is next tier! From book 1, Outcast, she built these characters from the ground up, starting at the beginning, continuously adding to their trajectory along the way. Even if they’re MCs in a previous installment, they fully continue by adding or helping with the plot of the next and grow as individuals and as a relationship. The brothers have amazing banter, full of humor, emotion, and love that’s life-like and authentic. They all have distinct personalities and traits that differ hard from each other since they are not blood related. And since this is book 3, we now have 2 established boyfriends to help stir the pot, as well as friends, ex-cons, and animals galore. The way the author wrote the dogs was phenomenal! She wrote them like she writes people. They each have their own personality, humor, and purpose.
--“I know how hard you’re trying, and you don’t have to try at all, not for me. Because you might not touch me much, but you touch my heart all the time, and that means a lot more.”--
This series and concept DJ Jamison created is next level. She branched out from her normal vibe by adding more angst, tension, and edge. By doing so, she expanded on her creative level, which ends up giving us more than we would have ever expected. This is an author who grows with her craft. She jazzed up a plot that could have easily been fluffy with real-world issues and topics that should be impossible to incorporate into a romance. The lengths that she went to, to put a spotlight on how the foster care system creates family but also what those individuals go through long into adulthood. I am excited to see what she has store for the reader next in Bailey’s novel and into the future with any and all new concepts she will create!
--It was the journey that mattered most, not the destination. As long as I was fighting, I was living instead of just existing. Maybe even loving too.--
💜Happy Reading🫶
**Personal Note: Book #175 in 2025 (Oct)
January 31, 2026
4.5 stars.
I've been waiting for Holden's story and what a story it is. He's the oldest and most controlling of the brothers, struggling with haphephobia (fear of being touched) due to past abuse. He has largely given up on finding love and romance, due to his condition. However, he finds solace in a distant, non physical intimacy with a cam performer named Shiloh.
When Shiloh's safety is at risk, Holden steps in to help. Shiloh comes to live in Holden's safe space, their friendship deepens and their attraction grows. The conflict between Holden's aversion to touch and his powerful feelings for Shiloh makes for an incredibly emotional scenario.
There are trials and tribulations ahead for the two guys. They're helped along by the remaining brothers, Axel, Gray, and Bailey. I love how tight knit these four are, along with the BFs, they make a formidable bunch. Always there for one another, bound by the bro code. DJ has produced a powerful exploration of trauma and its sensitive depiction of Holden's journey toward healing. I'm so pleased that there was no magic recovery. Holden 's haphephobia just doesn't disappear, he is straight with Shiloh, explaining that there'll be good days and bad days, even though he loves him. I did feel that the touchy/feely bits with the guys seemed to escalate quickly, but it certainly didn't spoil my enjoyment of the story. Can't wait for Bailey's story, I do hope he gets the full university experience.
*Please be aware that this story includes references to childhood abuse and its lingering effects, including panic attacks.
I've been waiting for Holden's story and what a story it is. He's the oldest and most controlling of the brothers, struggling with haphephobia (fear of being touched) due to past abuse. He has largely given up on finding love and romance, due to his condition. However, he finds solace in a distant, non physical intimacy with a cam performer named Shiloh.
When Shiloh's safety is at risk, Holden steps in to help. Shiloh comes to live in Holden's safe space, their friendship deepens and their attraction grows. The conflict between Holden's aversion to touch and his powerful feelings for Shiloh makes for an incredibly emotional scenario.
There are trials and tribulations ahead for the two guys. They're helped along by the remaining brothers, Axel, Gray, and Bailey. I love how tight knit these four are, along with the BFs, they make a formidable bunch. Always there for one another, bound by the bro code. DJ has produced a powerful exploration of trauma and its sensitive depiction of Holden's journey toward healing. I'm so pleased that there was no magic recovery. Holden 's haphephobia just doesn't disappear, he is straight with Shiloh, explaining that there'll be good days and bad days, even though he loves him. I did feel that the touchy/feely bits with the guys seemed to escalate quickly, but it certainly didn't spoil my enjoyment of the story. Can't wait for Bailey's story, I do hope he gets the full university experience.
*Please be aware that this story includes references to childhood abuse and its lingering effects, including panic attacks.
October 18, 2025
Control Freak by DJ Jamison is the 3rd book in her Froster Bro Code series. I suggest that you read the others first as they contain important characters as well as learning about the life they live. This is the story of the oldest brother, Holden, who has touch aversion due to abuse in his early life, and a cam boy, Shiloh, who helps him start to overcome it as they fall in love. Holden Cross is the oldest of the foster brothers and runs the auto repair shop in Riverton, Nebraska, that they inherited from their foster father when he died. He is touch averse from abuse he received in his childhood and goes into a major panic attack whenever anyone touches him. He has had therapy with Dr. Levy since he went to live with his foster parents and it has given him some calming tools but it is still very difficult to touch or be touched by anyone. His brothers, Grey, Atlas, and Bailey, are very careful with him and they all have ‘bro code’ tattooed on their wrists to show their closeness and bond. He would love to have some ‘personal’ attention with someone and has found ShyGuyforYou.com, a cam boy site featuring Shiloh Blum where he can find release but with no touching. But Shiloh has troubles of his own. His day job is as a 3rd Grade teacher in St. Louis and he was dating Jimmy and didn’t realize he was a con artist until he was caught and put in jail and his handlers, Butch and Curtis came after him wanting the money that Jimmy took from them saying he told them he gave it to him. He had broken up with him but they didn’t care and were charging him outrageous amounts each week, thus the cam boy job at night. Holden was one of his frequent customers and they had struck up online conversations after their activities and had become friends, learning a little bit about each other as time went on. Then Butch told him he was raising the amount of money he owed and when he said he didn’t think he could do it, he ratted him out and got him fired as well as roughed him up. When Holden saw him on camera he asked what happened, and being the caretaker he was convinced him to come to Nebraska where he could be safe. Shiloh didn’t see another way so he said yes and Holden picked him up that night. He was going to stay with him and his brothers in his house and they readily accepted him. At first it was going to be for only a few days but everyone told him it could be as long as he wanted. Holden had developed feelings for him and wished he could touch him but couldn’t and he didn’t want to hurt him by having a panic attack. Shiloh also had feelings for Holden that were growing stronger every day, but he knew his limitations and did everything he could to follow them. Dr. Levy told Holden that he should try some small touches with Shiloh, first on his hand, which worked and as they got closer he tried kissing him, which surprisingly also worked. They knew each other as the real people they were inside and this helped. Then they added dating and while they had a few touch setbacks, continued to move forward with their relationship, finally admitting that they loved each other, and while Holden was worried what they were doing wouldn’t be enough and Shiloh would eventually leave him, Shiloh was sure he would be able to be happy with whatever Holden would give him. He’s also happy to try teaching in the town, which is a job he loves. When Butch and Curtis show up, they are able to quickly deal with them, along with the brothers’ help, and they continually tell Shiloh he is part of their family, which makes him feel very good. This leads to a hot love scene where they are able to show their love to each other and know they are going to move ahead together. I was looking forward to reading this story after reading the others in the series because Holden had a serious problem and I wanted to see how Ms. Jamison would solve it. She didn’t disappoint. Holden is a big caretaker of his family and friends and a control freak because being in control is the way he handles his touch aversion. He desperately wants to have human contact and can’t because of it, which is why he turns to Shiloh. His life hasn’t been easy either with Butch and Curtis on his trail and has liked Holden from the beginning of their relationship on camera. Going to Riverton was a good thing for him and he was able to help Holden and find a good life with him. The brothers and their boyfriends also play a big part in the story. I highly recommend this book, especially if you like stories about a man with a serious affliction and how he falls in love with another man who sees him for who he is and is able to help him start to get over it until they are able to be together the way they want to be.
October 23, 2025
- Foster brothers and found family
- trauma
- healing
- friends to lovers of some kind
Oh my heart! I am so flashed from the story, I have no words. And I know this review won't do the book justice. It was just so well done!
But first things first:
This is Holden's book, the oldest of the foster brothers, the one who needs to have control of as much as possible while at the same time doing everything he can for the people he loves.
He is damaged from old trauma and can't easily touch other people without the risk of getting a panic attack.
His story is one of love and endurance, living with past trauma and healing as well as finding the one person who is just right for you. But that all does not happen without time, therapy and working on yourself.
Ah really I have a book hangover! It was so deeply touching and 'wonderful'. Sure it was heartbreaking in some parts, tugged on my heartstrings and was a bit of a roller coaster ride for my own emotions but overall it made me so happy with the development for Holden.
Perhaps because Holden had a place in my heart from book 1. It wasn't pity I felt for him...more sympathy/compassion.
Not being able to touch people not even the ones he loved...that has to be hard. We as humans need touch to a degree and not being able to get it - tragic in some ways.
So I really was waiting for Holden's book even not knowing how he with his haphephobia could find a HEA.
But DJ managed that. She made it completely believable and real feeling.
I was happy Holden could at least find closeness and 'touch' with Banshee, his dog. I believe Banshee gave him a lot in that regard and was really important for Holden's mental health otherwise.
The close knit ties with his brothers was another part.
Still, it pained me reading that he craved touch but just wasn't able to because of his past.
I mean getting to know more about the abuse he suffered I totally understood why he had this troubles with touch but it broke my heart. I just wanted to hug him (yes, yes, I know, that's the last thing he needed).
So to read he found a way for himself that gave him some kind of closeness with another person – even if online first - warmed my heart. That they developed a friendship and build a bond with each other was just wonderful! * happy sigh*
And then they finally met in RL. Oh my.
I mean sure, it wasn't under the best of circumstances with Shiloh 'fleeing' from thugs but Shiloh was just ...perfect in some way. Exactly what Holden needed. Patient and understanding, ready to try to help Holden but never pressuring him in any way. I think my heart melted more than once reading about their interactions and very slow approaches.
I appreciated that Holden didn't meet Shiloh and like a miracle he was fine and cured from his haphephobia. No no, they had a long way to go together and Holden will probably always have problems with touch but he overcame so much that he was able to find his own HEA. And that really made my heart happy.
The writing was engaging and captivating and I could hardly put it down to sleep.
I loved it so much!
I was rooting for Holden and Shiloh and had hearts in my eyes. I was so touched by their story and found their HEA more than well deserved, for both of them. * happy dance*
As hard as this book was to read in some parts I think it is my favourite so far from this series. And that says something because they are all wonderful.
I'm excited for Bailey's story, I'm pretty sure it will be fantastic too.
- trauma
- healing
- friends to lovers of some kind
Oh my heart! I am so flashed from the story, I have no words. And I know this review won't do the book justice. It was just so well done!
But first things first:
This is Holden's book, the oldest of the foster brothers, the one who needs to have control of as much as possible while at the same time doing everything he can for the people he loves.
He is damaged from old trauma and can't easily touch other people without the risk of getting a panic attack.
His story is one of love and endurance, living with past trauma and healing as well as finding the one person who is just right for you. But that all does not happen without time, therapy and working on yourself.
Ah really I have a book hangover! It was so deeply touching and 'wonderful'. Sure it was heartbreaking in some parts, tugged on my heartstrings and was a bit of a roller coaster ride for my own emotions but overall it made me so happy with the development for Holden.
Perhaps because Holden had a place in my heart from book 1. It wasn't pity I felt for him...more sympathy/compassion.
Not being able to touch people not even the ones he loved...that has to be hard. We as humans need touch to a degree and not being able to get it - tragic in some ways.
So I really was waiting for Holden's book even not knowing how he with his haphephobia could find a HEA.
But DJ managed that. She made it completely believable and real feeling.
I was happy Holden could at least find closeness and 'touch' with Banshee, his dog. I believe Banshee gave him a lot in that regard and was really important for Holden's mental health otherwise.
The close knit ties with his brothers was another part.
Still, it pained me reading that he craved touch but just wasn't able to because of his past.
I mean getting to know more about the abuse he suffered I totally understood why he had this troubles with touch but it broke my heart. I just wanted to hug him (yes, yes, I know, that's the last thing he needed).
So to read he found a way for himself that gave him some kind of closeness with another person – even if online first - warmed my heart. That they developed a friendship and build a bond with each other was just wonderful! * happy sigh*
And then they finally met in RL. Oh my.
I mean sure, it wasn't under the best of circumstances with Shiloh 'fleeing' from thugs but Shiloh was just ...perfect in some way. Exactly what Holden needed. Patient and understanding, ready to try to help Holden but never pressuring him in any way. I think my heart melted more than once reading about their interactions and very slow approaches.
I appreciated that Holden didn't meet Shiloh and like a miracle he was fine and cured from his haphephobia. No no, they had a long way to go together and Holden will probably always have problems with touch but he overcame so much that he was able to find his own HEA. And that really made my heart happy.
The writing was engaging and captivating and I could hardly put it down to sleep.
I loved it so much!
I was rooting for Holden and Shiloh and had hearts in my eyes. I was so touched by their story and found their HEA more than well deserved, for both of them. * happy dance*
As hard as this book was to read in some parts I think it is my favourite so far from this series. And that says something because they are all wonderful.
I'm excited for Bailey's story, I'm pretty sure it will be fantastic too.
October 26, 2025
I love this author’s writing, and I especially enjoy this series, The Foster Bro Code, the stories of four foster brothers that have created their own found family, then move on to find the loves of their lives to grow and complete the original family group. The first book has Grey finding his love Emory, book two has Alex finding Dalton, and book three has Holden finding his love Shiloh.
Holden is the oldest, badly abused as a child, living his life as touch averse since, craving the comfort of touch but unable to fight the memories and trust the touch of anyone, even the family he loves. Looking for a way to meet needs he can’t get in the usual way, he develops a relationship with a camboy, Shiloh, first through online purchases, then moving to private showings that develop into a friendship where the two share information about themselves, their dreams, thoughts and desires. When Shiloh is threatened by neighborhood thugs, Holden comes to his rescue, driving hours away to bring Shiloh back to the family home for safety. As Shiloh settles in, Holden must deal with his desires to be able to touch Shiloh, to hold him and comfort him, to find a way to conquer this crippling fear and let the one person he trusts — Shiloh — into his life, his heart and his arms. The developing relationship between the two, the care Holden shows Shiloh, the support and understanding Shiloh shows Holden as he is willing to do whatever he can, and as slowly as needed, to help Holden overcome his debilitating fear and trust Shiloh to be what he needs, is beautiful to read as the love between them grows and Holden makes progress toward his dream with this one person..
The relationship between the brothers and their partners is a special one, built of shared memories of the last foster family they had together, a caring for and trusting of each other to know they have each other’s backs, an acceptance of the individual quirks each has, and a welcoming of the loves each one finds, to build this wonderful, cohesive group they can count on for life. The last brother, Bailey, will be the focus of book four. He has just left for college — will he find what he needs away from his brothers, or will he find his person back home, reuniting the four brothers and their loves in this beautiful found family. That is my hope, just need to wait and see.
If you love found family stories, strong characters fighting to gain the love they need, and relatively low angst books,, I think this series could speak to you and the author would as well. Give any of the books a try, I think you’ll be hooked on DJ Jamison, and ready to explore an entertaining and enjoyable range of fascinating characters by this author.
Holden is the oldest, badly abused as a child, living his life as touch averse since, craving the comfort of touch but unable to fight the memories and trust the touch of anyone, even the family he loves. Looking for a way to meet needs he can’t get in the usual way, he develops a relationship with a camboy, Shiloh, first through online purchases, then moving to private showings that develop into a friendship where the two share information about themselves, their dreams, thoughts and desires. When Shiloh is threatened by neighborhood thugs, Holden comes to his rescue, driving hours away to bring Shiloh back to the family home for safety. As Shiloh settles in, Holden must deal with his desires to be able to touch Shiloh, to hold him and comfort him, to find a way to conquer this crippling fear and let the one person he trusts — Shiloh — into his life, his heart and his arms. The developing relationship between the two, the care Holden shows Shiloh, the support and understanding Shiloh shows Holden as he is willing to do whatever he can, and as slowly as needed, to help Holden overcome his debilitating fear and trust Shiloh to be what he needs, is beautiful to read as the love between them grows and Holden makes progress toward his dream with this one person..
The relationship between the brothers and their partners is a special one, built of shared memories of the last foster family they had together, a caring for and trusting of each other to know they have each other’s backs, an acceptance of the individual quirks each has, and a welcoming of the loves each one finds, to build this wonderful, cohesive group they can count on for life. The last brother, Bailey, will be the focus of book four. He has just left for college — will he find what he needs away from his brothers, or will he find his person back home, reuniting the four brothers and their loves in this beautiful found family. That is my hope, just need to wait and see.
If you love found family stories, strong characters fighting to gain the love they need, and relatively low angst books,, I think this series could speak to you and the author would as well. Give any of the books a try, I think you’ll be hooked on DJ Jamison, and ready to explore an entertaining and enjoyable range of fascinating characters by this author.
January 13, 2026
This is the third book in the Foster Brother series, and I need to be very real for a second: I liked the first two books, but I didn’t feel them the way I felt this one.
In book 1 and 2, I honestly wasn’t very invested in Emory’s or Dalton’s point of view. Gray’s and Axel’s love interests just didn’t fully click with me — not bad, just… not memorable enough for my heart. I read them, enjoyed the family dynamics, but the romance didn’t grab me the way I wanted it to.
But Control Freak? Holden’s love interest is on a completely different level. From the moment Shiloh is introduced, there’s so much depth, vulnerability, and emotional tension that I instantly felt connected to him. His struggles, his fear, his softness behind the cam persona — it all felt painfully real.
There is no magical healing here. No “love fixes everything” nonsense. Shiloh’s trauma and Holden’s touch aversion are not erased just because they care about each other and I loved that so much.
The progress is slow, intentional, and earned. Every step forward feels fragile, like it could break if rushed, and the author never cheats that process. Shiloh’s touch is not treated as some miracle cure for Holden. He isn’t an exception who suddenly makes everything easy. Holden still struggles. He still panics. He still has boundaries, and those boundaries are respected.
One of my favorite things about this book is how the family shows up for Shiloh in quiet but powerful ways. Holden has his brothers — loud, chaotic, annoying, loving brothers — but Shiloh comes into this house with no one. And Emory sees that immediately.
Em being there for Shiloh felt so intentional and so gentle. He doesn’t interrogate him or overwhelm him; he just… shows up. He understands that Shiloh needs safety without pressure, presence without expectations. And Bailey — my baby, my heart 😭
Yes, he jokes. Yes, he’s sarcastic. But the way he looks at Holden? That’s not just brotherly love. Bailey genuinely sees Holden as a father figure. He notices when Holden is struggling. He protects him emotionally, even when he doesn’t say it out loud.
Despite the title, Holden is not a control freak not where it actually matters. Yes, he likes structure and control because it makes him feel safe, but when it comes to Shiloh, he never tries to control his life. Even after bringing Shiloh into his home, Holden respects his autonomy completely. He doesn’t make decisions for him, doesn’t cage him under the excuse of protection, and never pushes boundaries. Holden and Shiloh don’t magically heal each other — they choose each other, slowly and carefully, and that makes their love feel earned.
In book 1 and 2, I honestly wasn’t very invested in Emory’s or Dalton’s point of view. Gray’s and Axel’s love interests just didn’t fully click with me — not bad, just… not memorable enough for my heart. I read them, enjoyed the family dynamics, but the romance didn’t grab me the way I wanted it to.
But Control Freak? Holden’s love interest is on a completely different level. From the moment Shiloh is introduced, there’s so much depth, vulnerability, and emotional tension that I instantly felt connected to him. His struggles, his fear, his softness behind the cam persona — it all felt painfully real.
There is no magical healing here. No “love fixes everything” nonsense. Shiloh’s trauma and Holden’s touch aversion are not erased just because they care about each other and I loved that so much.
The progress is slow, intentional, and earned. Every step forward feels fragile, like it could break if rushed, and the author never cheats that process. Shiloh’s touch is not treated as some miracle cure for Holden. He isn’t an exception who suddenly makes everything easy. Holden still struggles. He still panics. He still has boundaries, and those boundaries are respected.
One of my favorite things about this book is how the family shows up for Shiloh in quiet but powerful ways. Holden has his brothers — loud, chaotic, annoying, loving brothers — but Shiloh comes into this house with no one. And Emory sees that immediately.
Em being there for Shiloh felt so intentional and so gentle. He doesn’t interrogate him or overwhelm him; he just… shows up. He understands that Shiloh needs safety without pressure, presence without expectations. And Bailey — my baby, my heart 😭
Yes, he jokes. Yes, he’s sarcastic. But the way he looks at Holden? That’s not just brotherly love. Bailey genuinely sees Holden as a father figure. He notices when Holden is struggling. He protects him emotionally, even when he doesn’t say it out loud.
Despite the title, Holden is not a control freak not where it actually matters. Yes, he likes structure and control because it makes him feel safe, but when it comes to Shiloh, he never tries to control his life. Even after bringing Shiloh into his home, Holden respects his autonomy completely. He doesn’t make decisions for him, doesn’t cage him under the excuse of protection, and never pushes boundaries. Holden and Shiloh don’t magically heal each other — they choose each other, slowly and carefully, and that makes their love feel earned.
February 1, 2026
This is a good book. Definitely not good enough to keep me hooked for long, but it's still okay. This book is about two men, Holden and Shiloh who connected through camming, and when danger striked, they meet in real life in order to protect Shiloh.
Holden has touch aversion, and therapy hasn't been going well for him. In fact, lots of things hasn't been going well for him lately but one good thing he always looks forward to? Shiloh. And our dear, lovely Shiloh is paying off a debt he had no hands in. Anyway, they met, Sparks fly, and the rest is history.
What I like about this book?
I like the communication between both partners, love that there wasn't any unnecessary drama here, I love Holden's bond with his brothers,y to n. I love how Shiloh isn't shy and embraced who he is and what he enjoys, and most importantly, I love how the author didn't make Holden's touch aversion disappear or magically heal all because Shiloh is there. I thought it would be like those books where Holden will say, "I can't touch anyone, except him. He's the only one I can touch and he can touch me and this happened immediately we met" I would have dropped the book faster than flash. Holden's healing process was long and slow, even at the end of the book, he wasn't completely healed. And that was good, healing takes time.
What I didn't like? The attempt at cracking a joke. That was a failure, I didn't laugh. Like, at all. Every joke was boring, also didn't like how full the house was and this maybe a ME something because I love my privacy, I didn't like the way the author made Shiloh seem weak. Holden I can understand, but couldn't you have given Shiloh the ability to throw a punch? Like damn, the boy was kicked out at a young age and he claimed to be "street smart" so why can't he give one or two blows? Why was he shouting stop like a powerless girl? 😭..... I also didn't like how boring it got for me (this is a ME something, I'm selective asf when it comes to books I read. Hard to please maybe), but anyway, that's it.
Shiloh and Holden were perfect for each other. Their sex scenes were good, and I love how patient and understanding Shiloh was with Holden and his family. Accepting too.
So, if you like MM, Romance, spice, therapy,trauma, bully, family, cam boy meets Sugar Daddy😂, then this is for you. Easy to read, no headache and no too much drama. Grab your snacks and enjoy yourself!!! Byeee💓
Btw, fuck Shiloh's parents and Ex. And Holden's parents too.
Holden has touch aversion, and therapy hasn't been going well for him. In fact, lots of things hasn't been going well for him lately but one good thing he always looks forward to? Shiloh. And our dear, lovely Shiloh is paying off a debt he had no hands in. Anyway, they met, Sparks fly, and the rest is history.
What I like about this book?
I like the communication between both partners, love that there wasn't any unnecessary drama here, I love Holden's bond with his brothers,y to n. I love how Shiloh isn't shy and embraced who he is and what he enjoys, and most importantly, I love how the author didn't make Holden's touch aversion disappear or magically heal all because Shiloh is there. I thought it would be like those books where Holden will say, "I can't touch anyone, except him. He's the only one I can touch and he can touch me and this happened immediately we met" I would have dropped the book faster than flash. Holden's healing process was long and slow, even at the end of the book, he wasn't completely healed. And that was good, healing takes time.
What I didn't like? The attempt at cracking a joke. That was a failure, I didn't laugh. Like, at all. Every joke was boring, also didn't like how full the house was and this maybe a ME something because I love my privacy, I didn't like the way the author made Shiloh seem weak. Holden I can understand, but couldn't you have given Shiloh the ability to throw a punch? Like damn, the boy was kicked out at a young age and he claimed to be "street smart" so why can't he give one or two blows? Why was he shouting stop like a powerless girl? 😭..... I also didn't like how boring it got for me (this is a ME something, I'm selective asf when it comes to books I read. Hard to please maybe), but anyway, that's it.
Shiloh and Holden were perfect for each other. Their sex scenes were good, and I love how patient and understanding Shiloh was with Holden and his family. Accepting too.
So, if you like MM, Romance, spice, therapy,trauma, bully, family, cam boy meets Sugar Daddy😂, then this is for you. Easy to read, no headache and no too much drama. Grab your snacks and enjoy yourself!!! Byeee💓
Btw, fuck Shiloh's parents and Ex. And Holden's parents too.
October 20, 2025
Copy received via Neon Rainbow Reviews for an honest review
Oh, how I like these foster brothers and delving into their lives.
I somehow missed book 2, but that is fine, it did not affect my enjoyment of this book 3 at all.
And this is the book I have been waiting for. I have wanted to know more about Holden right from the start.
I liked that it deals with a different type of effect of past trauma. I have never read a book where the main character has an aversion to touch. And it made me think about how easily I take it for granted that I can hug my loved ones, that a simple touch on the arm does not send me into a spiral. So well done on that, DJ Jamison.
And the fact that even when he found the person he will want forever, his touch phobia does not just *sprinkles fairy dust* go away. We get the whole big bad with it.
Shiloh, well, he is just everything to love. His own issues follow him, and it was adorable and heartwarming how he puts Holden first, every single time (even if it does inadvertantly hurt them both). Though I did feel that his big bad did drag along just a bit.
Seeing the brothers circle the wagons to protect those they love is probably my favourite thing about this book and the series.
I need more.
Oh, how I like these foster brothers and delving into their lives.
I somehow missed book 2, but that is fine, it did not affect my enjoyment of this book 3 at all.
And this is the book I have been waiting for. I have wanted to know more about Holden right from the start.
I liked that it deals with a different type of effect of past trauma. I have never read a book where the main character has an aversion to touch. And it made me think about how easily I take it for granted that I can hug my loved ones, that a simple touch on the arm does not send me into a spiral. So well done on that, DJ Jamison.
And the fact that even when he found the person he will want forever, his touch phobia does not just *sprinkles fairy dust* go away. We get the whole big bad with it.
Shiloh, well, he is just everything to love. His own issues follow him, and it was adorable and heartwarming how he puts Holden first, every single time (even if it does inadvertantly hurt them both). Though I did feel that his big bad did drag along just a bit.
Seeing the brothers circle the wagons to protect those they love is probably my favourite thing about this book and the series.
I need more.
October 26, 2025
4.5 ⭐
Control Freak is the third book in DJ Jamison’s Foster Bro Code series, and it takes us on an emotional journey through Holden and Shiloh's story.
Holden is the oldest of the four foster brothers. He lives with severe touch aversion because of a traumatic childhood. That also drives his need for control over everything (not just himself). He's incredibly strong and dedicates himself fully to his family. But he's also convinced he's too broken to ever be a good partner. Even though he wants it badly, he doesn't think he'll ever have what his brothers have found, a true love and partner.
I don’t think it’s possible not to feel deeply for Holden and his struggles. His story made me realise how tactile we all are in our everyday life, in communication, and how truly isolating touch aversion can be for a person. 💔
I really appreciated that Jamison didn’t fall victim to the “love cures all” trope. I loved how not only is Holden’s struggle not glossed over, but we’re taken on a journey of healing and dealing with it right along with Holden. Throughout the story we get a good look into his thoughts at every step. We also get to see his genuine progress through his therapy sessions and conversations with Shiloh. All that makes Holden’s journey feel genuine. It's slow moving and messy, but real.
He’s always been the responsible one, the protector, but with Shiloh he starts to learn that it’s okay to lean on someone else, too. 🥰
Speaking of Shiloh, he's an interesting counterpart. He’s loud and flirty, passionate about his teaching career, and not at all ashamed of his cam work. But he’s also stuck in a scary situation and dealing with serious consequences from his ex's criminal actions. While I loved Shiloh, I will admit I found his habit of sacrificing his own happiness a little bit frustrating at times, but I admit it came from a good place so I couldn’t fault him too much.
Although Holden's growth is more noticeable, I loved Shiloh's growth too. His own journey of overcoming fear and guilt to start over and chase the quiet, happy life he’s always wanted is equally satisfying.
From the beginning I’ve known this was going to be a slow burn (it can’t be anything else), but I was delighted to see how beautiful and respectful their relationship is. The story shows beautifully that deep emotional connections doesn't need physical touch. Holden and Shiloh's approach to intimacy looks different and is unique to them, but it's just as caring...and hot. 😁😉
It was a lot of fun watching Shiloh blend into the family and small-town life. Also, hats of to the author for giving all the brothers such distinct personalities, it's a joy to watch them interact. Also their banter is top notch. Snarky, but full of love. ❤️
Despite dealing with difficult topics, this is a book that makes you feel hopeful...makes you feel good.
I received a copy of this book from Neon Rainbow Reviews, and this is my unbiased review.
Control Freak is the third book in DJ Jamison’s Foster Bro Code series, and it takes us on an emotional journey through Holden and Shiloh's story.
Holden is the oldest of the four foster brothers. He lives with severe touch aversion because of a traumatic childhood. That also drives his need for control over everything (not just himself). He's incredibly strong and dedicates himself fully to his family. But he's also convinced he's too broken to ever be a good partner. Even though he wants it badly, he doesn't think he'll ever have what his brothers have found, a true love and partner.
I don’t think it’s possible not to feel deeply for Holden and his struggles. His story made me realise how tactile we all are in our everyday life, in communication, and how truly isolating touch aversion can be for a person. 💔
I really appreciated that Jamison didn’t fall victim to the “love cures all” trope. I loved how not only is Holden’s struggle not glossed over, but we’re taken on a journey of healing and dealing with it right along with Holden. Throughout the story we get a good look into his thoughts at every step. We also get to see his genuine progress through his therapy sessions and conversations with Shiloh. All that makes Holden’s journey feel genuine. It's slow moving and messy, but real.
He’s always been the responsible one, the protector, but with Shiloh he starts to learn that it’s okay to lean on someone else, too. 🥰
Speaking of Shiloh, he's an interesting counterpart. He’s loud and flirty, passionate about his teaching career, and not at all ashamed of his cam work. But he’s also stuck in a scary situation and dealing with serious consequences from his ex's criminal actions. While I loved Shiloh, I will admit I found his habit of sacrificing his own happiness a little bit frustrating at times, but I admit it came from a good place so I couldn’t fault him too much.
Although Holden's growth is more noticeable, I loved Shiloh's growth too. His own journey of overcoming fear and guilt to start over and chase the quiet, happy life he’s always wanted is equally satisfying.
From the beginning I’ve known this was going to be a slow burn (it can’t be anything else), but I was delighted to see how beautiful and respectful their relationship is. The story shows beautifully that deep emotional connections doesn't need physical touch. Holden and Shiloh's approach to intimacy looks different and is unique to them, but it's just as caring...and hot. 😁😉
It was a lot of fun watching Shiloh blend into the family and small-town life. Also, hats of to the author for giving all the brothers such distinct personalities, it's a joy to watch them interact. Also their banter is top notch. Snarky, but full of love. ❤️
Despite dealing with difficult topics, this is a book that makes you feel hopeful...makes you feel good.
I received a copy of this book from Neon Rainbow Reviews, and this is my unbiased review.
October 28, 2025
This is book three of the author’s Foster Bro Code series which follows four foster brothers, all having experienced some sort of trauma before being taken in by a loving woman and her husband, giving them a family. This one features Holden, the oldest and most emotionally damaged of the four, with his inability to tolerate touch.
I can’t even imagine what it must be like but it absolutely broke my heart from the beginning with Holden’s longing to be able to touch Shiloh but, no matter how much he wanted to, his body wouldn’t cooperate enough to allow him to do it. All that kept running through my mind as I read was how lonely and isolated he had to feel, even in the midst of his family. I just wanted to cry for him and this one sentence is exactly why:
(DIRECT QUOTE) “I wanted to touch Shiloh so badly I'd happily drop to my knees and beg for it, but the damaged little boy inside me quaked with fear that pain was just around the corner.
If my own parents couldn't touch me with love, why did I think anyone else could?”
See what I mean? Can you imagine a kid having to live through something like that? It’s no wonder he became a little bossy, needing to control everything within his power.
Shiloh, the other MC, was struggling himself. As a teacher, working as a camboy on the side to raise money to pay back what his ex had stolen, he was violating the school’s morality clause and when the thugs he was having to pay reported it to the school, he lost his job. After being beat up and his safety threatened, when his favorite, private, client offered to hide him away in his home, even knowing it would never go anywhere, he couldn’t help but be a little happy it was Holden saving him… he had always had that little bossy streak that just did it for Shiloh.
This was an awesome read!! I admit it was tough at times to read what Holden had been through—and was still experiencing as a result—but the pure sweetness and sensitivity to his limitations by, not only Shiloh but also his brothers, was so heartbreakingly beautiful. It was just perfect, that’s all I can say. You need to read this book! 5 stars
I received a copy of this book for free but am voluntarily leaving a review.
I can’t even imagine what it must be like but it absolutely broke my heart from the beginning with Holden’s longing to be able to touch Shiloh but, no matter how much he wanted to, his body wouldn’t cooperate enough to allow him to do it. All that kept running through my mind as I read was how lonely and isolated he had to feel, even in the midst of his family. I just wanted to cry for him and this one sentence is exactly why:
(DIRECT QUOTE) “I wanted to touch Shiloh so badly I'd happily drop to my knees and beg for it, but the damaged little boy inside me quaked with fear that pain was just around the corner.
If my own parents couldn't touch me with love, why did I think anyone else could?”
See what I mean? Can you imagine a kid having to live through something like that? It’s no wonder he became a little bossy, needing to control everything within his power.
Shiloh, the other MC, was struggling himself. As a teacher, working as a camboy on the side to raise money to pay back what his ex had stolen, he was violating the school’s morality clause and when the thugs he was having to pay reported it to the school, he lost his job. After being beat up and his safety threatened, when his favorite, private, client offered to hide him away in his home, even knowing it would never go anywhere, he couldn’t help but be a little happy it was Holden saving him… he had always had that little bossy streak that just did it for Shiloh.
This was an awesome read!! I admit it was tough at times to read what Holden had been through—and was still experiencing as a result—but the pure sweetness and sensitivity to his limitations by, not only Shiloh but also his brothers, was so heartbreakingly beautiful. It was just perfect, that’s all I can say. You need to read this book! 5 stars
I received a copy of this book for free but am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 27, 2025
Here is D.J. Jamison's latest and highly anticipated "Control Freak." It's the third novel in the new Foster Bro Code series. This series takes place in Riverton, which is next door to Granville (which appears in Games We Play and Rules We Break series).
["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?"]
Why are these books so heartbreaking? The triggers are one thing, but the moments when they're actively battling their baggage and taking on their trauma? When the emotions get so high? When the Feels are strong and the angst is stronger? It's hard on the heart and rough on my tissue box.
But they way they find a HEA, even if it's unconventional or "slow". It's real and right. It's happy. That's all this family wants, happiness. Something special all their own. A few steps into the direction of healing (even if healing is two steps forward, one step back).
Trigger Warnings: childhood abuse and trauma, abandonment, touch aversion, touch starved, lingering trauma and anxiety, physical assault/violence, harassment, threats, and more.
#outcast #wildcard #controlfreak #problemchild #djjamison #fosterbrocode #fosterbrocodeseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
["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?"]
Why are these books so heartbreaking? The triggers are one thing, but the moments when they're actively battling their baggage and taking on their trauma? When the emotions get so high? When the Feels are strong and the angst is stronger? It's hard on the heart and rough on my tissue box.
But they way they find a HEA, even if it's unconventional or "slow". It's real and right. It's happy. That's all this family wants, happiness. Something special all their own. A few steps into the direction of healing (even if healing is two steps forward, one step back).
Trigger Warnings: childhood abuse and trauma, abandonment, touch aversion, touch starved, lingering trauma and anxiety, physical assault/violence, harassment, threats, and more.
#outcast #wildcard #controlfreak #problemchild #djjamison #fosterbrocode #fosterbrocodeseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
October 8, 2025
Holden’s story has finally arrived! I’ve been beyond excited to get Holden’s story and it’s finally here! Holden is the older and bossy brother of the group. He is protective and wants to be there for his brothers no matter what and for anything. But doing so isn’t always easy when he has a touch aversion. Trauma from his childhood has left him unable to truly touch anyone without leading to a panic attack. Lately he has been trying to break it more with his brothers, but still it isn’t easy. And finding love and a physical connection with anyone? Impossible. Until he finds a new way to get some intimacy he needs. He meets Shiloh online, a camboy who has become a lot more to him than that. Especially when they tend to talk maybe more than have sex over video chat. So when Shiloh ends up in danger, Holden has no problem jumping in to help. Having Shiloh in his space is more than he could ever have imagined. And when the two of them slowly get closer physically, the more hope Holden has that maybe he can move past his trauma. And the more he gets to know Shiloh, the harder he falls for him. One bad relationship for Shiloh left him with some bad people demanding he give them money his ex owed them. And when things blow up too much, Shiloh is grateful that Holden gives him a place to hide and regroup. And he’ll admit that for a while now he has had a lot more feelings for Holden than he’ll admit. But being with him everyday? He is falling harder and harder, but will the past come ruin everything? I adored these two! I couldn’t wait for Holden to get his happy ending. The guy more than deserves it! I loved watching their relationship develop throughout this book. Holden’s trauma isn’t something that can magically go away so I loved watching them take it slow as they figured out what a future together could look like between them. Adored their story! And I can’t wait to see where the last brother, Bailey’s story takes us!
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
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