Beyond Control is the second novel in the Beyond series by Kit Rocha.
Finished on: 23.6.2026
[Here is my review of the first book, Beyond Shame.]

Plot:
Alexa, Lex to her friends, has found her place in Sector Four. After clawing her way to freedom from Orchid House, she is an esteemed leader in Sector Four, as close to Dallas O’Kane as anyone. Dallas has fought to lead the sector as well, and has built it into the place it is today. Lex and Dallas have been dancing around each other for what seems like ever. Lex never wants to be controlled ever again, and Dallas needs to control everything. When they finally try to change their relationship, things don’t become easier.

Beyond Control was interesting, but, much like the first book, didn’t quite work for me the way it should have, though maybe a little better than the first. Still, I am curious enough to keep going with the series.

When I read the first novel in the series, my reaction was rather lukewarm, and particularly Lex and Dallas left me scratching my head. So it was definitely interesting for me that their novel is the second in the series. I was hoping that a deeper dive into their relationship would make the lightbulb come on in my head as to how their relationship worked. And it did, somewhat. I understand better now rationally, though still not so much emotionally.

At least, the power play didn’t really hit home for me. That being said, when Lex and Dallas have their obligatory third act falling out, that I felt. Too often in romance stories, that falling out is more annyoing than understandable. In this case, though, damn, Lex was right. In fact, their falling out was so understandable, I am not sure whether I actually forgave Dallas in tiem for the happy end.

Sex is an important part of Lex and Dallas‘ relationship, and in fact their entire sector. Again, I have to admit, that I didn’t find it as hot as I should have by any right. But I think, it worked a little better here for me than in Beyond Shame, so that’s something.

The first part of the book is focused on their relationship, with the politics of the world taking somewhat of a backseat. It is only later that the politics and the plot outside of the relationship picks up steam. To me, the world-building and the politics were the most interesting part. Both this, and the promise of the next couple in the series, Bren and Six, have me hooked enough to continue reading for sure.

Summarizing: Maybe slightly better than the first, definitely engaging.