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Away We Go #2
Restraint
A new erotic romance novella by bestselling author Charlotte Stein.
Mallory is certain that one of her friends – handsome but awkward Artie – hates her guts. The last thing she wants to do is go on a luscious weekend away with him and a few other buddies, to a cabin in the woods. But when she catches Artie doing something very dirty after a night spent listening to her relate some of her sexcapades to everyone, she can’t resist pushing his buttons a little harder. He might seem like a prude, but Mallory suspects he likes a little dirty talk. And Mallory has no problems inciting his long dormant desires.
Mallory is certain that one of her friends – handsome but awkward Artie – hates her guts. The last thing she wants to do is go on a luscious weekend away with him and a few other buddies, to a cabin in the woods. But when she catches Artie doing something very dirty after a night spent listening to her relate some of her sexcapades to everyone, she can’t resist pushing his buttons a little harder. He might seem like a prude, but Mallory suspects he likes a little dirty talk. And Mallory has no problems inciting his long dormant desires.
56 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 28, 2012
34 people are currently reading
1025 people want to read
About the author
Charlotte Stein
110 books2,077 followersCharlotte Stein is the RT and DABWAHA nominated author of over fifty short stories, novellas and novels. When not writing deeply emotional and intensely sexy books, she can be found eating jelly turtles, watching terrible sitcoms and occasionally lusting after hunks. For more on Charlotte, visit: www.charlottestein.net
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 175 reviews
September 26, 2025
A very odd but hot little story. The FMC is the one leading the show, gregarious, dirty mouth, very outgoing. The MMC has been sheltered, deeply embarrassed by dirty talk, and seems a virgin, although it wasn’t implicitly stated.
Contemporary erotica
Enemies to lovers
Dirty talk
Fmc in charge
Works as a standalone
Novella
A very sweet ending for this couple.
Contemporary erotica
Enemies to lovers
Dirty talk
Fmc in charge
Works as a standalone
Novella
A very sweet ending for this couple.
February 19, 2016
I couldn't get into the characters or story at all. The writing is just stream of consciousness vomited onto the page, in present tense to boot, and almost infantile. Whether this is affected, planned or happenstance, I don't care. It gives me a headache. Written in a way as if the 1st POV character still is childish.
If I made an educated guess, then I'd suppose this author roots in post-2010 fanfic. Not my sort of thing, I'm afraid.
If I made an educated guess, then I'd suppose this author roots in post-2010 fanfic. Not my sort of thing, I'm afraid.
February 1, 2021
That was randomly delightful. I freakin love shy heroes.
November 29, 2012
This is the second Charlotte Stein book in a row I've given a five star rating, but it's very different from Deep Desires -- probably the only thing they have in common is they're both narrated in the first person by women. Our narrator here is Mallory, a sharp, funny young woman who had me laughing, as she tells the story of how her friend James ruined their vacation plans by inviting her worst enemy Artie. For some unknown reason, Artie just seems to loath her.
"'He looked at you weird one time. He probably had something in his eye!'
'Yeah, I think it's called "extreme contempt." ' "
Things come to a head one night when Mallory and Artie wind up in a hot tub together.
"It's beautiful, and the air is crisp and just a little cold… Nothing could be lovelier. So why doesn't he look like it's lovely at all? All he does is stare off at some indeterminate point, as though some indeterminate point annoys him an incredible amount. I can even make out that little frown-y crinkle between his brows, because of course the trees are such a pain in the ass. The softly falling night is such an inconvenience."
When Mallory attempts to clear the air between them, Artie responds so nastily that she can't help crying… which sends him into a frantic apology and an unexpected, very heated embrace. And Mallory discovers that Artie's unpleasantness has been hiding a painfully repressed fascination.
"'Are you really going to make me say it?' he asks, and it's like I'm being cruel. He sounds almost tortured now, and that hand in his hair is making a fist - but I still can't help him. Even after he's said the words, I'm at a loss. 'You know. Your bosom.'
I wonder if that Bible college he went to was in 1955."
It takes some work to get Artie to let go… and both of them enjoy it thoroughly. I did too. I love large heroes and Artie is described in such a way that you know he really is large, not just the typical massive shoulders-trim waist you get in virtually every romance. And the cool, quiet demeanor that hides seething desires... woof!
This is a fairly short story and takes place within just a week's time, so it's not a full fledged romance ending with wedding bells. But the ending feels happy and right.
"'He looked at you weird one time. He probably had something in his eye!'
'Yeah, I think it's called "extreme contempt." ' "
Things come to a head one night when Mallory and Artie wind up in a hot tub together.
"It's beautiful, and the air is crisp and just a little cold… Nothing could be lovelier. So why doesn't he look like it's lovely at all? All he does is stare off at some indeterminate point, as though some indeterminate point annoys him an incredible amount. I can even make out that little frown-y crinkle between his brows, because of course the trees are such a pain in the ass. The softly falling night is such an inconvenience."
When Mallory attempts to clear the air between them, Artie responds so nastily that she can't help crying… which sends him into a frantic apology and an unexpected, very heated embrace. And Mallory discovers that Artie's unpleasantness has been hiding a painfully repressed fascination.
"'Are you really going to make me say it?' he asks, and it's like I'm being cruel. He sounds almost tortured now, and that hand in his hair is making a fist - but I still can't help him. Even after he's said the words, I'm at a loss. 'You know. Your bosom.'
I wonder if that Bible college he went to was in 1955."
It takes some work to get Artie to let go… and both of them enjoy it thoroughly. I did too. I love large heroes and Artie is described in such a way that you know he really is large, not just the typical massive shoulders-trim waist you get in virtually every romance. And the cool, quiet demeanor that hides seething desires... woof!
This is a fairly short story and takes place within just a week's time, so it's not a full fledged romance ending with wedding bells. But the ending feels happy and right.
December 28, 2015
Oooh, all the sweetness and cheesiness is making me want to simply hug somebody. Although that could lead to a more strange outcome. ;)
I loved how their story developed from enemies to lovers. In the first few pages it's made clear why Mallory thinks Artie disliked her so much. But after he tells her the real reason behind his behaviour, he instantly became one of my favourite male characters. I loved his awkwardness and shyness around her and thankfully she really pushed his buttons and brought forth the real Artie, that is not afraid of showing her how he really feels about her. As for Mallory, she knows what she wants. She's sassy and playful but has also her more woundable moments. Together they really make such a cute couple.
The only thing that bothered me was that I'd have loved to see how their story continued. Also, a shame there is no epilogue.
Still, this is a great read, if you want something light and sweet. :D
Safety-gang: Safe but
I loved how their story developed from enemies to lovers. In the first few pages it's made clear why Mallory thinks Artie disliked her so much. But after he tells her the real reason behind his behaviour, he instantly became one of my favourite male characters. I loved his awkwardness and shyness around her and thankfully she really pushed his buttons and brought forth the real Artie, that is not afraid of showing her how he really feels about her. As for Mallory, she knows what she wants. She's sassy and playful but has also her more woundable moments. Together they really make such a cute couple.
The only thing that bothered me was that I'd have loved to see how their story continued. Also, a shame there is no epilogue.
Still, this is a great read, if you want something light and sweet. :D
Safety-gang: Safe but
November 25, 2012
I don't know where Charlotte Stein has been all of my erotic reading life, but damn....I think I'm in love. Mallory is going on holiday with friends when she finds out Artie is tagging along. Since Artie seems to loathe her existence (and she has no clue why), she's not exactly overjoyed to find out he's been invited along. What happens next shocks her to the core.
I've been whining a bit (OK, a lot) lately about how all erotica is reading the same to me - and this story was EXACTLY what I needed. A repressed hero. A heroine who literally takes the bull by the horns. Lots of dirty talk and sex scenes that avoid hopping on the suddenly trendy BDSM bandwagon. Others have noted Stein's stream of conscious writing style, but it works well for me here, especially in Mallory's first-person voice. It's different, it's fresh, I want to drop everything and read Stein's backlist.
I've been whining a bit (OK, a lot) lately about how all erotica is reading the same to me - and this story was EXACTLY what I needed. A repressed hero. A heroine who literally takes the bull by the horns. Lots of dirty talk and sex scenes that avoid hopping on the suddenly trendy BDSM bandwagon. Others have noted Stein's stream of conscious writing style, but it works well for me here, especially in Mallory's first-person voice. It's different, it's fresh, I want to drop everything and read Stein's backlist.
July 23, 2012
I tagged this friends-to-lovers, but it's really frenemies-to-lovers. Mallory is going away with her two best friends for three weeks: male and female. The male friend is finally ready to make a play for the other female. (And sorry, I can't remember friends' names because they really weren't a big part of the story at all.) Male friend invites one of his male friends, Artie, along. By all accounts, Artie can't stand Mallory. She doesn't understand why, and she's not happy about Artie going along. His attitude towards her makes her feel like scum on his shoe.
So one night, they're all hot-tubbing, but the friends decide to retire for the night. Mallory decides to try to get to the bottom of what, specifically, Artie doesn't like about her. Turns out it's everything about her, he says, which makes her cry, much as she tries not to. Which in turn makes Artie feel like shit and come clean with what the problem is: she has no problem talking about sexual things (it's all innuendo, not even explicit), and he doesn't know how to deal with how it makes him feel (horny), so he tries to just deflect it or ignore it. He went to a Bible college where people didn't even admit to using the bathroom, much less discuss things with sexual innuendo.
So now Mallory can't get out of her head how he felt behind her, erect, when they were in the hot tub. And she wants to try to dispel some of the discomfort between them. And she catches him masturbating. Game on! Well, not a game. Really, it's sort of her gently cajoling him into certain situations and him rising to the occasion (literally) beautifully. Some very steamy, sexy situations.
In the end, it was really sweet how they sort of came to an understanding about each other and ultimately fell in love. Shortish story, but with an HEA which makes me happy.
So one night, they're all hot-tubbing, but the friends decide to retire for the night. Mallory decides to try to get to the bottom of what, specifically, Artie doesn't like about her. Turns out it's everything about her, he says, which makes her cry, much as she tries not to. Which in turn makes Artie feel like shit and come clean with what the problem is: she has no problem talking about sexual things (it's all innuendo, not even explicit), and he doesn't know how to deal with how it makes him feel (horny), so he tries to just deflect it or ignore it. He went to a Bible college where people didn't even admit to using the bathroom, much less discuss things with sexual innuendo.
So now Mallory can't get out of her head how he felt behind her, erect, when they were in the hot tub. And she wants to try to dispel some of the discomfort between them. And she catches him masturbating. Game on! Well, not a game. Really, it's sort of her gently cajoling him into certain situations and him rising to the occasion (literally) beautifully. Some very steamy, sexy situations.
In the end, it was really sweet how they sort of came to an understanding about each other and ultimately fell in love. Shortish story, but with an HEA which makes me happy.
December 28, 2015
A really short, really cute, steamy read. Mallory thinks nerd Artie hates her because of her foul mouth. Forced into going on a three week vacation together with Mal's brother and his girlfriend, Mal and Artie are forced to come to grips with what their real feelings are. Apparently, Mal's foul mouth stirs things "up" in Artie that Artie doesn't quite know how to handle and that's why he gives Mal the cold shoulder.
As Artie does learn to deal with what's "up," this is a very enjoyable and entertaining short read.
As Artie does learn to deal with what's "up," this is a very enjoyable and entertaining short read.
January 1, 2013
Holla! That was one scorching hot hook-up story. Loved the sexually repressed hero and the dirty-talking, sexually aggressive heroine. Stein's stream of consciousness style of first person narration really seals the deal, though. It shows how Mallory seems to be figuring all of this out as she goes along, drawing the reader into the delightful insanity that is a new romance.
Read
June 16, 2012Big guy. Shame. Dirty talk. Humor. Achingly honest sex. Irresistible voice. Classic Charlotte Stein.
BTW, ignore the weird 1980s cover. I think the publisher sat down and said, "How can we create a cover that feels exactly the opposite of what's going on inside the book?"
BTW, ignore the weird 1980s cover. I think the publisher sat down and said, "How can we create a cover that feels exactly the opposite of what's going on inside the book?"
December 12, 2013
Great erotica about a burgeoning romance between a repressed man and a sexually aggressive woman. I loved Mallory's narrative, the way she described her relationship with Artie and the way their romantic relationship began. Charlotte Stein writes hot hot stories. LOVE!
July 19, 2012
horrible mumbled writing style
September 1, 2015
This was somewhat PWP but, what can I say, Stein is the master [mistress?] of well written, quick, entertaining, dirty, erotica. It totally and completely worked for me.
January 11, 2021
It was funny and hot and even a bit awkward but I really liked it.
Though I could have done with more.
Though I could have done with more.
May 2, 2016
A short cute, sexy and surprisingly funny read. A little something to read before bed.
January 29, 2018
I LOVED THIS. Mallory, the MC, is not a typical Stein heroine--she's more of who they are 60% into a book when they discover they really don't have any fucks to give. There's a bit when she talks about a phone book being read into her vajay that had me laughing at the dentist's office. And when she comes up against repressed Artie while on vacation with her friends? Sparks just start flying. Take this novella as a good intro into Charlotte Stein's particular voice AND as a primer on dirty talk--you can thank me later.
July 23, 2018
This was downright about smut. No getting to know the characters, no describing their hair color or teeth shape or whatever... just plain smut. And damn it was hot!
Also, on one hand I'm grateful for the author for writing Artie as an awkward almost a sweetheart kind of guy instead of the alpha assholes that usually keep me away from erotica. and on the other, would it kill if this were a bit longer?
Also, on one hand I'm grateful for the author for writing Artie as an awkward almost a sweetheart kind of guy instead of the alpha assholes that usually keep me away from erotica. and on the other, would it kill if this were a bit longer?
May 25, 2018
I really wanted to know his backstory, what made him like that. I needed more. But I knew this was a novella before I started it, so I don't think its fair to complain because I enjoyed the ideia behind it a lot. It ended up being sweet, for such a smut driven plot.
May 23, 2020
I want the dollar and the hour I spent on this back! One of my biggest pet peeves is too much inner monologue and 60% of this book is inner monologue GOODNESS GRACIOUS I wanted to rip my hair out.
March 9, 2025
I just really enjoy Charlotte Stein’s voice
August 2, 2018
What a strange little novella, but holy smut, batman. That was sinfully hot.
November 25, 2012
I know me and Ms Stein haven't gotten along in the past, but I am glad I decided to give her books another shot. The blurb to this one was just too yummy to pass up on. My one issue was that it was written in 1st person from Mallory's POV, and we never really got to get under the skin of Artie.
I love that Artie was innocent enough to get turned on by boobs and a potty mouth. Though how innocent he really is we never really find out, hence why I wish this had been written in 3rd person so that we could have gotten to know him more personally. I want to say Artie was a virgin, but again, I can't tell one way or the other for sure.
Anyway. The reason I did like this one is the innocence of it all. It was fun watching Artie discover certain aspects of sex, even through Mallory's POV. I love how their relationship shifted from animosity, to gentle flirting, to x-rated smut, to the elusive L-word.
Oh all right, I have one other beef with this one. It was entirely too short. :D
I love that Artie was innocent enough to get turned on by boobs and a potty mouth. Though how innocent he really is we never really find out, hence why I wish this had been written in 3rd person so that we could have gotten to know him more personally. I want to say Artie was a virgin, but again, I can't tell one way or the other for sure.
Anyway. The reason I did like this one is the innocence of it all. It was fun watching Artie discover certain aspects of sex, even through Mallory's POV. I love how their relationship shifted from animosity, to gentle flirting, to x-rated smut, to the elusive L-word.
Oh all right, I have one other beef with this one. It was entirely too short. :D
December 14, 2022
Ok. Sixteen people have placed this short story on their “virgin hero”shelf. Does the book say he is a virgin? No.. Is it easy to assume he is? Yes. And I LOVE a damaged virgin hero so I choose to believe those 16 people.
Like I said, I love damaged virgin heroes and NO ONE writes them better than Charlotte Stein.
Ivan in “Deep Desires” was my first CS damaged Virgin. He made me go back for more.
Then there was Cyrian in “Sweet Agony”.
Gabriel in “Control” was probably my favorite.
Well, until this book. I loved Artie so much. I wish this had been a full length novel. I would love to get into his issues, kinks, and back stories a little bit. This guy was by far the sweetest of the messed up virgin heroes. I loved it and I wish Ms. Stein would crank out the damaged virgin heroes and the strong sexual ladies who lead them, for me on a weekly basis! I adore them and her.
Like I said, I love damaged virgin heroes and NO ONE writes them better than Charlotte Stein.
Ivan in “Deep Desires” was my first CS damaged Virgin. He made me go back for more.
Then there was Cyrian in “Sweet Agony”.
Gabriel in “Control” was probably my favorite.
Well, until this book. I loved Artie so much. I wish this had been a full length novel. I would love to get into his issues, kinks, and back stories a little bit. This guy was by far the sweetest of the messed up virgin heroes. I loved it and I wish Ms. Stein would crank out the damaged virgin heroes and the strong sexual ladies who lead them, for me on a weekly basis! I adore them and her.
November 26, 2012
A very sexy and sweet erotic romance. I thought Mallory was a refreshing heroine with her sexual confidence that never went overboard. Artie as the repressed hero with quite the desirable...asset...was a wonderful combination of hot and awkward. I liked how Ms. Stein provided the reader with both plot and sex while still acknowledging the genre. I'm not a huge fan of erotica, but I really enjoyed Ms. Stein's writing so I'll definitely look more of her work up.
December 31, 2017
Update 12/17: Re-read this during a bout of insomnia. Absolute perfection...exactly what a romantic novella should be. Also, insomnia sucks.
Original review:
What a great little novella this was. For me, this goes to show that you don't need whips and contracts and controlling billionaire alpha males (not that there's anything wrong with that, if that's what floats your boat!) to make erotica powerful. Malory and Artie (Artie!) have never gotten along. Malory is about to find out why.
Original review:
What a great little novella this was. For me, this goes to show that you don't need whips and contracts and controlling billionaire alpha males (not that there's anything wrong with that, if that's what floats your boat!) to make erotica powerful. Malory and Artie (Artie!) have never gotten along. Malory is about to find out why.
July 18, 2012
This was pretty good! I enjoyed it, but it was too short. I think it needed more depth - and an editor. Overall, I liked reading this! I will definitely being trying out Ms. Stein's other works.
I may be giving this an extra star because it was free on Amazon. I'm a sucker for free things.
I may be giving this an extra star because it was free on Amazon. I'm a sucker for free things.
July 22, 2012
Cheeky little read.
August 6, 2012
That was insanely fantastic, totally adorable at the end, and had some wickedly sardonic lines which made me snort with laughter. I do adore Charlotte Stein's voice.
April 10, 2013
Short but fun & hot. It was cool to have the hero be a prude at the start of the story. They were cute together.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 175 reviews