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Pulling Away #1
Pulling Away
Noah and Charlie grew up in the same neighborhood. They'd always been friends, though never close. When Charlie is left alone after the death of his family, however, Noah is the only friend that sticks around after Charlie practically becomes a hermit. Determined to get through to Charlie, Noah invents a fake identity on the computer to talk with him. And while Charlie still keeps Noah at arm's length, he opens up to his new computer buddy. Finally, Noah's dream comes true when his friendship with Charlie changes to include sex, but each time they are together, Charlie pulls away afterward. Every time Noah tries to get through to him, Charlie grows even more distant. Then Charlie tells Noah's disguised internet persona that he doesn't have a boyfriend, merely a neighbor with whom he has sex. Crushed, and in order to protect himself from further heartache, Noah begins to live a life separate from Charlie. But Charlie realizes soon enough that he misses Noah in his life, that he must get past his grief and go after the man he has come to love. But is it already too late?
Genres: Gay / Contemporary
Genres: Gay / Contemporary
51 pages, Nook
First published January 1, 2008
2 people are currently reading
197 people want to read
About the author
Shawn Lane
133 books309 followersShawn Lane writes erotic gay romances and believes love and passion know no boundaries. Happily Ever After is for everyone.
In the past she has written heterosexual romances (see her backlist) but is now concentrating on gay romances.
Shawn lives in California and holds down a boring day job in a legal department of a giant corporation dreaming of the nights and weekends when she can create new stories.
Shawn loves to hear from readers, is happy to answer any questions, and has been known to send free books to fans just because.
In the past she has written heterosexual romances (see her backlist) but is now concentrating on gay romances.
Shawn lives in California and holds down a boring day job in a legal department of a giant corporation dreaming of the nights and weekends when she can create new stories.
Shawn loves to hear from readers, is happy to answer any questions, and has been known to send free books to fans just because.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
December 1, 2008
Shawn Lane's books has turned into an automatic buy for me. I really love her style of writing. My only complaint is I wish her stories were longer, but I guess we can't have it all....dang it!
Noah Riggins has had a crush on his friend Charlie for years. Charlie has always seemed to have a charmed life. Handsome and popular, he was always well liked...even when he came out to his friends. But, Charlie has changed since the death of his parents. He doesn't go out anymore, surrounds himself in darkness and has alienated himself from all of his friends but one...Noah.
Noah knows he lives an average life and has an average existance. With his boy next door looks and sweet disposition, he is a very likeable person. But, Noah wants the one person who has closed himself off from the world...and that is Charlie.
When the story begins Charlie and Noah have already slept together. Noah thinks (hopes) they have started a blooming relationship together. It is Noah that makes all the efforts with Charlie...he is the one who calls, comes by and puts himself in Charlie's life. Charlie on the other hand could really care less. Noah is his friend but he doesn't want anything more from him than sexual gradification at most. He doesn't want to hurt Noah, but Charlie is afraid to let himself care again.
I have to admit that there were times I wanted to strangle Charlie myself. His grief was apparent, but his withdrawl and coldness to Noah made me want to tell Noah to forget Charlie and go on.
But, like Noah I forgave Charlie and was very happy to see them come together and start to work out their differences.
I am hoping this is not the last we get to read about this couple. Like all of Shawn's characters I have read so far, they are interesting, compelling people who I have this crazy need to see how things are going for them...lol.
Noah Riggins has had a crush on his friend Charlie for years. Charlie has always seemed to have a charmed life. Handsome and popular, he was always well liked...even when he came out to his friends. But, Charlie has changed since the death of his parents. He doesn't go out anymore, surrounds himself in darkness and has alienated himself from all of his friends but one...Noah.
Noah knows he lives an average life and has an average existance. With his boy next door looks and sweet disposition, he is a very likeable person. But, Noah wants the one person who has closed himself off from the world...and that is Charlie.
When the story begins Charlie and Noah have already slept together. Noah thinks (hopes) they have started a blooming relationship together. It is Noah that makes all the efforts with Charlie...he is the one who calls, comes by and puts himself in Charlie's life. Charlie on the other hand could really care less. Noah is his friend but he doesn't want anything more from him than sexual gradification at most. He doesn't want to hurt Noah, but Charlie is afraid to let himself care again.
I have to admit that there were times I wanted to strangle Charlie myself. His grief was apparent, but his withdrawl and coldness to Noah made me want to tell Noah to forget Charlie and go on.
But, like Noah I forgave Charlie and was very happy to see them come together and start to work out their differences.
I am hoping this is not the last we get to read about this couple. Like all of Shawn's characters I have read so far, they are interesting, compelling people who I have this crazy need to see how things are going for them...lol.
May 1, 2013
My twitchy BUY button finger usually gets me in trouble. Haha…Huge trouble! :) But the other night luck and love were with me when I discovered Shawn Lane.
”If you’d only known how little time you had with someone, you’d do things different. Wouldn’t you?”
Pulling Away by Shawn Lane is a quick read filled with inspiration, hope, and love. It is so easy to fall in a black hole of our own pain. Just shut out the world. We try so hard to protect ourselves after a loss by pulling away from people and love. It hurts too much sometimes. If we are lucky though, there will be someone there to push and pull you out into the world again. And if we are really lucky, he will be adorable and sexy! :D
Noah and Charlie’s story tugged on my heartstrings. I have such a soft spot for the guy next door (or across the street) crushes though. :) Something so sweet about finding love right across the way. Two strong, likable characters to hope and root for. A love that inspired me to keep reaching out from behind the walls I tend to throw up at times to protect my heart.
A perfect mix of sexy and sweet that got under my skin in one beat of my heart.
Looking forward to reading more from Shawn Lane.
November 29, 2008
Pulling Away is a short story, the shortest Shawn Lane book I've read, and yet still, the author did a fantastic job giving the reader a complete story. The book starts after Charlie and Noah start having sex. To Charlie, it's just casual sex, or that's what he tells himself. Noah's been his friend for ages, they grew up in the same neighborhood and still live only a few houses apart from each other, and well, Noah's there. He's a constant in his life, someone Charlie takes for granted. But where Charlie does his best to keep the sex casual, Noah wants more.
I really felt for Noah when he realized that Charlie didn't want to be more than friends with benefits. I liked how Noah handled himself afterward. He didn't wallow in his sorrows, but made the decision to move on, even though he still had feelings for Charlie. Charlie doesn't realize what he had until it's gone. He's so used to Noah simply being there that he's rather surprised when he's suddenly not there. It's not easy for Charlie to get Noah back, nor should it be. Charlie has his own issues to deal with (rather serious issues), and he was a bit of a dick to Noah and hurt him. So I was glad he had to work for his HEA.
Pulling Away is a quick, hot, emotional read. I enjoyed it immensely.
I really felt for Noah when he realized that Charlie didn't want to be more than friends with benefits. I liked how Noah handled himself afterward. He didn't wallow in his sorrows, but made the decision to move on, even though he still had feelings for Charlie. Charlie doesn't realize what he had until it's gone. He's so used to Noah simply being there that he's rather surprised when he's suddenly not there. It's not easy for Charlie to get Noah back, nor should it be. Charlie has his own issues to deal with (rather serious issues), and he was a bit of a dick to Noah and hurt him. So I was glad he had to work for his HEA.
Pulling Away is a quick, hot, emotional read. I enjoyed it immensely.
January 13, 2009
I really enjoyed this book! I was pleasantly shocked that it had such an emotional punch to it. I liked both of the characters and enjoyed watching their relationship evolve into something that could be beautiful.
May 3, 2010
^^ IF ONLY IT WAS LONGER!^^
This story so incredibly short but it packs a strong punch. This little short will reach you on both an emotional and physical level. I was angry and then at some point I wanted to cry, then I got angry again and wanted to kick a certain someone's ass. Rollercoaster of emotions in this tiny work of art.
Charlie is depressed about losing his parents so he spends time locked inside himself and in his home. The only person accepted into his doom gloom of comfort is Noah. They have known each other pretty much all their lives. They live on the same street, went to the same school and both had their come out.
So what once was frienship turned to sex friends when one thing led to another and they both ended up doing the horizontal tango. Noah feels that this might make them a couple and charlie is trying his darnest to push him away. Some words are said and Charlie gets his wish, Noah leaves him alone, but he realizes now that he is gone he truly misses him.
This little short was well done, I loved both the characters and could understand Charlie's pain but after you just wanna say suck it up and move on. Noah is champ for putting up with C's attitude a lesser man would have left him in the dust. They both get their HEA, so all ends well.
On a side note Noah's friend Kevin, I loved him so outrageous and it didn't piss me off. I want good things for the Kev man.
This story so incredibly short but it packs a strong punch. This little short will reach you on both an emotional and physical level. I was angry and then at some point I wanted to cry, then I got angry again and wanted to kick a certain someone's ass. Rollercoaster of emotions in this tiny work of art.
Charlie is depressed about losing his parents so he spends time locked inside himself and in his home. The only person accepted into his doom gloom of comfort is Noah. They have known each other pretty much all their lives. They live on the same street, went to the same school and both had their come out.
So what once was frienship turned to sex friends when one thing led to another and they both ended up doing the horizontal tango. Noah feels that this might make them a couple and charlie is trying his darnest to push him away. Some words are said and Charlie gets his wish, Noah leaves him alone, but he realizes now that he is gone he truly misses him.
This little short was well done, I loved both the characters and could understand Charlie's pain but after you just wanna say suck it up and move on. Noah is champ for putting up with C's attitude a lesser man would have left him in the dust. They both get their HEA, so all ends well.
On a side note Noah's friend Kevin, I loved him so outrageous and it didn't piss me off. I want good things for the Kev man.
December 7, 2008
The characters had good chemistry together. I wish the story had been longer. Enjoyable, quick read.
Read
May 15, 2009This is really a very well plotted short story, so well plotted that it's really a shame that it was so short, 34 pages.
Noah and Charlie are neighbor since forever but never have been really friends. When they were at school they had different circles and interests; Charlie was the king of the school, wealthy, handsome, good at anything he tries. Noah instead was an average guy with an average life, he wasn't even a nerd or a geek, really only a normal guy.
Neither when both Charlie than Noah came out as gay they became more close, they remained good neighbors as before. But then something changed: Charlie's parents died in a car accident, leaving the guy independently wealthy but also very lonely. Around him he had no real friends, and when he needed them to come out from his depression, they simply left. Only Noah remained around, almost auto-imposing himself in Charlie's life.
And then again something changed: probably in a moment in which his loneliness was gnawing at him, Charlie almost forced Noah to have sex with him. And then again the day after when Noah as always went to check on him. Now Noah is wondering if he is still Charlie's friend, or his lover, or something else. But an unlucky phrase by Charlie makes him realize that the guy is considering Noah's something free and available, but not important. Probably this is not all true, Charlie has a real depression problem and he is really scared to lose who he loves, and so he is convinced that, if he doesn't love, he will not suffer.
As I said, it's a shame that the story is so short, since in only few words, the authors made me feel for both her characters, that are really well developed.
http://elisa-rolle.livejournal.com/44...
Noah and Charlie are neighbor since forever but never have been really friends. When they were at school they had different circles and interests; Charlie was the king of the school, wealthy, handsome, good at anything he tries. Noah instead was an average guy with an average life, he wasn't even a nerd or a geek, really only a normal guy.
Neither when both Charlie than Noah came out as gay they became more close, they remained good neighbors as before. But then something changed: Charlie's parents died in a car accident, leaving the guy independently wealthy but also very lonely. Around him he had no real friends, and when he needed them to come out from his depression, they simply left. Only Noah remained around, almost auto-imposing himself in Charlie's life.
And then again something changed: probably in a moment in which his loneliness was gnawing at him, Charlie almost forced Noah to have sex with him. And then again the day after when Noah as always went to check on him. Now Noah is wondering if he is still Charlie's friend, or his lover, or something else. But an unlucky phrase by Charlie makes him realize that the guy is considering Noah's something free and available, but not important. Probably this is not all true, Charlie has a real depression problem and he is really scared to lose who he loves, and so he is convinced that, if he doesn't love, he will not suffer.
As I said, it's a shame that the story is so short, since in only few words, the authors made me feel for both her characters, that are really well developed.
http://elisa-rolle.livejournal.com/44...
January 20, 2011
Pulling Away is an emotionally charged novella length story featuring Noel and Charlie, two sort-of friends from school. From the first line, I was swept away by Noel and his dreams of what could be as compared to what is, before meeting Charlie and becoming aware of the underlying tensions between the two.
When I first started reading Pulling Away, my impression of Charlie is that of a selfish and callous person, only to soon realise his reactions are a direct result of what has occurred in his life over the last few years rather than a direct reflection of who he really is as a person; lost, depressed and deeply uncertain.
Noel, as a character, also makes a two-fold impression. Intially I thought he was slightly anxious and a bit of a pushover, only to reach the realisation that Noel feels things deeply and his actions are a direct result of deep caring and his own amount of uncertainty.
Shawn also does an excellent job imparting a full history for each character, making me feel that I really know each of the characters and the reasons for their actions as the story unfolds and plot lines develop. A novella length story that packs a punch and is well written, I would recommend this for anyone who enjoys a contemporary style of writing, but with an edge of drama. Nx
Note: Reviewed for Queer Magazine Online
When I first started reading Pulling Away, my impression of Charlie is that of a selfish and callous person, only to soon realise his reactions are a direct result of what has occurred in his life over the last few years rather than a direct reflection of who he really is as a person; lost, depressed and deeply uncertain.
Noel, as a character, also makes a two-fold impression. Intially I thought he was slightly anxious and a bit of a pushover, only to reach the realisation that Noel feels things deeply and his actions are a direct result of deep caring and his own amount of uncertainty.
Shawn also does an excellent job imparting a full history for each character, making me feel that I really know each of the characters and the reasons for their actions as the story unfolds and plot lines develop. A novella length story that packs a punch and is well written, I would recommend this for anyone who enjoys a contemporary style of writing, but with an edge of drama. Nx
Note: Reviewed for Queer Magazine Online
June 18, 2012
Such a sweet little story that’s got a touch of angst in it too.
Charlie is a bit of a dirt bag but he has issues so he is forgiven.
Noah is my classic good guy that’s nothing special except that he is a good guy.
A quick easy read for when you want an emotional story but don’t have a lot of time.
Charlie is a bit of a dirt bag but he has issues so he is forgiven.
Noah is my classic good guy that’s nothing special except that he is a good guy.
A quick easy read for when you want an emotional story but don’t have a lot of time.
March 8, 2014
Jolie petite romance, très tendre entre deux meilleurs amis.
November 3, 2023
Charlie and Noah grew up living next door to each other. They are now adults, each living in the house they each grew up in and are friends, of sorts. Unwisely, it appears, they've engaged in a sort of sex with bennies kind of relationship. Charlie is struggling, not dealing well with the death of his parents. He has slowly withdrawn from life with the exception of his interactions with Noah, whom he treats shabbily. Nice little romance snack that deals nicely with grief, friendship and acceptance along with some hawt lovin...
August 31, 2023
It was a little ubrupt and Charlie's change of heart felt unearned. But it was a pretty easy read.
June 5, 2012
Stop pulling away, will ya?
“Come inside, Charlie. I think we need to talk.”
Yes, do the talking, guys. You need it when you realized that you love your closest-friend and wanted him to be THE ONE. Once you late to do that, maybe tomorrow you’ll stay alone and regret all of the chances that you’ve missed of.
I don’t know why I need this very long time just to finish this beautiful story. Nevermind. Once I read it again, I finished it fast. Totally in love with Charlie. Hahaha. Even, I fancy him as my lover because I love to have a muscular lover-bottom like Charlie
Over the years since he’d come out, because of his muscular build, some guys assumed he liked to top. While he liked that position well enough, the truth was, he preferred to bottom.
Amy Lane’s description about Charlie make me horny. Can I have Charlie for real? Though he acts like a douche sometimes, I know that he will realize that Noah is his destiny.And, I am too happy that Amy build those conflicts to unite them. Cliche but I love it that way.
Well, the story itself is simple. Two guys are childhood-neighborhood friends. Both are unlucky loner. And, they have an equal feeling about each other, but too afraid to admit that they need each others arm to hold onto.Thank GOD, Noah is an awesome guy next door who will treat Charlie as good as he can.
“But I’ll always be your friend. Even if you have no one else, you’ll have me.”
About the characters. Charlie is described as the more beautiful than an average Noah. But, how come he doesn’t have any admirer who approaches him? I mean, if you have that awesome appearance and you are desperately need sex, you just need to stop by a bar and then grab one-hot man to have sex with you, right? Why did Charlie not do that? Don’t know why, but I think the conflict will be more dramatic-chaotic if Charlie did flirting things with the others guy.
Anyway, I still fall in love to both of them. 3,5 out 5 stars to Charlie and Noah.
“Come inside, Charlie. I think we need to talk.”
Yes, do the talking, guys. You need it when you realized that you love your closest-friend and wanted him to be THE ONE. Once you late to do that, maybe tomorrow you’ll stay alone and regret all of the chances that you’ve missed of.
I don’t know why I need this very long time just to finish this beautiful story. Nevermind. Once I read it again, I finished it fast. Totally in love with Charlie. Hahaha. Even, I fancy him as my lover because I love to have a muscular lover-bottom like Charlie
Over the years since he’d come out, because of his muscular build, some guys assumed he liked to top. While he liked that position well enough, the truth was, he preferred to bottom.
Amy Lane’s description about Charlie make me horny. Can I have Charlie for real? Though he acts like a douche sometimes, I know that he will realize that Noah is his destiny.And, I am too happy that Amy build those conflicts to unite them. Cliche but I love it that way.
Well, the story itself is simple. Two guys are childhood-neighborhood friends. Both are unlucky loner. And, they have an equal feeling about each other, but too afraid to admit that they need each others arm to hold onto.Thank GOD, Noah is an awesome guy next door who will treat Charlie as good as he can.
“But I’ll always be your friend. Even if you have no one else, you’ll have me.”
About the characters. Charlie is described as the more beautiful than an average Noah. But, how come he doesn’t have any admirer who approaches him? I mean, if you have that awesome appearance and you are desperately need sex, you just need to stop by a bar and then grab one-hot man to have sex with you, right? Why did Charlie not do that? Don’t know why, but I think the conflict will be more dramatic-chaotic if Charlie did flirting things with the others guy.
Anyway, I still fall in love to both of them. 3,5 out 5 stars to Charlie and Noah.
December 19, 2011
This is a short story - a companion piece to the Car Wash series featuring Kevin and Michael. Noah is Kevin's best friend. He's in love with Charlie, his neighbor that he has grown up with. Charlie is gay also and has had a rough time since his parents died after being hit by a drunk driver. Noah has been a friend to Charlie, but then they have sex. Charlie is kind of a jerk to Noah - it's like he's his "backup plan" and he doesn't really want to get involved. Noah falls pretty hard and fast for him. Charlie is closed off and he talks more to an internet buddy rather than Noah. Turns out Noah is the internet buddy and he's hurt by what Charlie tells him about his feelings on Noah. Noah begins to pull away and Charlie all of the sudden misses him and decides he what he really wants is Noah. Noah confesses that he is the internet buddy and Charlie is not happy about that but he decides he really does want and love Noah. Sweet and happy ending.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 25, 2013
Hey now, wow! What a short book! And actually...dunno what to say about it. It gave off a feeling like...one of those books I read in my early teens (pure romantical stuff – black black times for me). It just seemed like very quick BIG LOVE-heartbreak-trust me again-make up sex-happy end. Nothing inbetween, not even one sentence. Guess that´s why it was like a really quick trip by subway I guess. And I have to point out again:everything was so...lined up and I guess I also missed it to be more felt by the main characters. Somehow it just seemed all well-played but not as much as to make me believe it.
I bet someone else will find this book to his/her liking but me? Not so much.
I bet someone else will find this book to his/her liking but me? Not so much.
April 1, 2014
The reason I go through books like a maniac sometimes is that I'm always looking for stories that make me cry in a good way. I don't much cry in real life so this is a way for me to vent my feels.
This had everyhting I love: rejection, one MC acting like a jerk and jealousy. And a happy ending.
4 stars because for some reason it didn't really reach that magical level like the books I give 5 stars to. Bonus points for starting after Noah and Charlie slept together
This had everyhting I love: rejection, one MC acting like a jerk and jealousy. And a happy ending.
4 stars because for some reason it didn't really reach that magical level like the books I give 5 stars to. Bonus points for starting after Noah and Charlie slept together
June 19, 2011
I loved it because the characters were real, I would have done exactly the same as Noah after reading what he wrote online, and while I can understand charlie, i always have trouble putting myself in weak-minded characters place, still i enjoyed it.
January 27, 2012
Walk away from Charlie Noah! WTF? He was just using you for sex and decides he wants you because he has nobody else! He treated you like dirt repeatedly you should at least have driven him suicidal before taking him back. Better yet, leave him to rot and die! GEEZ!!!
July 22, 2012
Yikes...Charlie was so mean. I understand his depression and all but yowza..I am not so sure I could trust him with my heart after some of the things he said. BUT, it was still a good story and now I have to read book two. I hear this one is a doozy too so I hope I'm up for it.
January 5, 2011
3.5 stars. Reread. Good short m/m romance about a guy who's isolated himself since his parents died two years earlier, only really talking to a friend he met online.
February 15, 2011
MxM, Read in 2011
March 27, 2011
Short and quick diversion.
October 4, 2015
charlie and noah neighbors friends turn lovers, But charlie has problems and noah wants to be there for him will he let him or let him go..
February 17, 2015
2.5/5
Quick, easy short read. There wasn't much to talk about. The plot was simple but intriguing enough. The writing could use some touch, but the smex made up to it.
Quick, easy short read. There wasn't much to talk about. The plot was simple but intriguing enough. The writing could use some touch, but the smex made up to it.
April 6, 2015
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1st read - Feb 20, 2011
2nd read - Apr 2, 2015
April 8, 2013
although short it was a pleasant story to read. I loved Noah
September 8, 2016
3.5 stars
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews