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Away From Me
Re-released in a second edition with updates.
Shattered by the loss of his wife, Callum Reed is a man surrounded by rules designed to protect him. He rebuilds his life with careful discipline, but can’t deny what he feels when he meets the lovely Gabrielle Sullivan. She’s everything he wants in a woman, but he views all relationships as contractual. Despite her misgivings, Gaby signs his contract and becomes his perfect partner. Until the night she breaks his cardinal rule.
After three years of perfect obedience, Gaby declares she wants love and she isn’t settling for less. Love isn’t in their contract, so Cal lets her go. But Gaby has a secret reason for leaving. When Cal discovers the truth, nothing will stop him from following her.
On a secluded island paradise, Callum will do anything to prove he’s the perfect husband for his defiant love.
Shattered by the loss of his wife, Callum Reed is a man surrounded by rules designed to protect him. He rebuilds his life with careful discipline, but can’t deny what he feels when he meets the lovely Gabrielle Sullivan. She’s everything he wants in a woman, but he views all relationships as contractual. Despite her misgivings, Gaby signs his contract and becomes his perfect partner. Until the night she breaks his cardinal rule.
After three years of perfect obedience, Gaby declares she wants love and she isn’t settling for less. Love isn’t in their contract, so Cal lets her go. But Gaby has a secret reason for leaving. When Cal discovers the truth, nothing will stop him from following her.
On a secluded island paradise, Callum will do anything to prove he’s the perfect husband for his defiant love.
127 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 24, 2010
About the author
Sophie Oak
38 books1,648 followersA lifetime devotee to the written word, Sophie published her first novel this year. Prior to becoming a novelist, she worked in theater and comic books. She lives in Fort Worth, Texas with her husband and three precocious children, who wonder when mom is going to write a book they will be allowed to read. Her answer: probably never. Sophie believes in happy endings for everyone, no matter how extreme the story. Her stories may feature some of the fringe elements of sexuality, but at heart they are always about love.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 227 reviews
January 26, 2018
So funnily enough I JUST read this one for the first time a few months back. It had been sitting on my tablet for a LONG time and I just hadn't gotten around to reading it. It turned out to be one of my all-time favorite Lexi books. So saying I was super excited to get my hands on this "new" re-released version would be an understatement. I loved it then and I still think it is one of Lexi's best books.
~WRITING - PLOT - PACE~
As always with this author the writing in this one was fantastic. The pace was perfect. The plot was engaging and kept me turning the pages. It's a quick read. Longer than a novella but not as long as a full-length book. That said, it packs a lot of angst and feels within those limited pages. Also, do be aware that it does have a dead ex in it, but I never felt Gabrielle was second best. But I am not bothered by that scenario so that is just MY interpretation. This is the type of angst filled plot I ADORE. The hero's an a$$. The heroine gets hurt by his behavior. They separate. The hero gets his head out of his a$$ and goes after the heroine. There is some angsty back and forth and they live HEA. Or HFN in this case. I do wish there had been an epilogue BUT I believe we will be seeing this couple pop up in others books as the author re-releases them and goes about connecting them through the added material.
~FAVORITE QUOTE~
"Such a nice man wouldn’t do anything bad." "You should be glad you live on an island, Jackie. You would be horribly murdered by the first serial killer to come along."
~HERO~
Cal (Callum)...So Cal is a bit of an a$$ to begin with. He doesn't want to love again. He doesn't want to marry again. He doesn't want kids. Gabrielle and Cal have lived together for three years they have a D/s relationship complete with a contract, but Gabrielle is in love. She rocks the boat. Cal doesn't respond well and acts like a complete a$$hole. Fast forward ten months later they meet again. He AGAIN pulls a douche move. So yea, he is a dickhead. That said, I LOVED him. He made up for his behavior by groveling and winning back Gabrielle. He was also a smokin' hot Dom AND he wasn't a manwhore at all. In fact, he had only slept with TWO women his whole life. His deceased wife and Gabrielle.
~HEROINE~
Gabrielle was a very likable heroine. My heart broke for her at the beginning of this book and for all she went through the months they were apart. I like that she didn't immediately fall right back into Cal's arms (though the book is short so she didn't hold out too long). I like that she was moving on and standing on her own two feet. She was pining for Cal but was making plans to move on. She was a strong heroine.
~SECONDARY CHARACTERS~
This one is a little light on secondary characters. I loved Cody though. I would love to see him get a book of his own. I also loved the tiny little Liam cameo that we got!
~HEAT LEVEL~
Medium. There are some hot sex scenes in this one. Bondage. Spanking. Anal play. The frequency felt right for the length of the story.
~ANGST LEVEL~
Medium to High. This one is fairly angsty but all that angst comes from the couple themselves. There isn't anything or anyone outside of their relationship that causes issues. There is no OW drama or OM drama. As I mentioned Cal has only been with two women his entire life and he was celibate for the ten months, they were apart. Gabi wasn't a virgin, and she was also celibate during their separation.
~IN THE END~
I LOVED it. Like I said this is one of my all time favorites by this author. Well written and paced. Full of the type of angst I love. Tons of feels and hot sex. With characters that are extremely likable and who you will be rooting for to get a happily ever after. Two HUGE thumbs up from yours truly.
January 30, 2018
5 STARS
All. Of. The. FEELS.
Oh mylanta! Dare I say that this was one of my favorite stories from this author? And having read practically her entire backlist, that's saying a lot. But oh my GOD! This book! I don't remember the last time a couple and their story captured my heart so thoroughly and so effectively.
Away From Me is a powerful second chance romance. It's a story of love lost and moving on. It's a story brimming with emotion, angst, and enough sexual chemistry to light a small village. No joke.
If you love a romance with an epic grovel, this book will bring it, and then some. Callum Reed is a man that makes a colossal mistake, albeit unknowingly. But boy, when he decides to mess up, he definitely goes for gold. Used to guarding his heart after a tragic loss, when his submissive asks him for more than a mere contract between them, he doesn't budge. When she tells him she's leaving, he thinks she's manipulating her. But you know what they say about the bigger they are, right? Because when he takes the time to get his head out from his fear and pain, he goes after Gabby with a singleminded intent. And it. was. AWESOME.
Gabby was such an incredible heroine. Sweet yet no pushover; a survivor at the core of her. I absolutely loved her. I loved her honesty and sweet nature. She loved Callum but she refuses to settle for what he wants to offer. Little does she know that the man has finally seen the light, and will stop at nothing to get her by his side again.
I don't have enough words to describe all the love I had for this book. For a novella, it was so satisfying. Never did I feel it was too short. It was perfection; with both development and pacing. A sizzling second chance romance with plenty of feeling that will keep you riveted to the pages from beginning to finish. I read it in one glorious sitting, with bated breath and sobbed my way through a good half of it. I finished it with a smile on my face and butterflies in my stomach. I cannot recommend it enough!
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
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He couldn’t, wouldn’t love Gabrielle. He would never allow another woman inside his heart like that. It hurt too much.
All. Of. The. FEELS.
Oh mylanta! Dare I say that this was one of my favorite stories from this author? And having read practically her entire backlist, that's saying a lot. But oh my GOD! This book! I don't remember the last time a couple and their story captured my heart so thoroughly and so effectively.
Away From Me is a powerful second chance romance. It's a story of love lost and moving on. It's a story brimming with emotion, angst, and enough sexual chemistry to light a small village. No joke.
If you love a romance with an epic grovel, this book will bring it, and then some. Callum Reed is a man that makes a colossal mistake, albeit unknowingly. But boy, when he decides to mess up, he definitely goes for gold. Used to guarding his heart after a tragic loss, when his submissive asks him for more than a mere contract between them, he doesn't budge. When she tells him she's leaving, he thinks she's manipulating her. But you know what they say about the bigger they are, right? Because when he takes the time to get his head out from his fear and pain, he goes after Gabby with a singleminded intent. And it. was. AWESOME.
Gabby was such an incredible heroine. Sweet yet no pushover; a survivor at the core of her. I absolutely loved her. I loved her honesty and sweet nature. She loved Callum but she refuses to settle for what he wants to offer. Little does she know that the man has finally seen the light, and will stop at nothing to get her by his side again.
I don't have enough words to describe all the love I had for this book. For a novella, it was so satisfying. Never did I feel it was too short. It was perfection; with both development and pacing. A sizzling second chance romance with plenty of feeling that will keep you riveted to the pages from beginning to finish. I read it in one glorious sitting, with bated breath and sobbed my way through a good half of it. I finished it with a smile on my face and butterflies in my stomach. I cannot recommend it enough!
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
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December 30, 2014
I've had this book forever. I vaguely recall when I bought it reading something about it being "hardcore". Well, the only thing hardcore I found here was the level of Cal's douchenheimerdom. I'm still confounded as to why or how Gaby forgave his cruel douchenozzle ways.
Seems all it took was a couple orgasms, a spanking, some buttsex and some dirty talk for her to fold like a pair of deuces at the big boy's table. And he's douche. Make no mistake about that. Then again, I guess douchedom comes with the lawyer territory sometimes.
Gaby and Cal have been in a 3 yr contractual D/s relationship when Gaby realizes that he's never going to be what she needs. She tells him she's going to leave and he's a douche. He sees her 10 mos later at a party held by mutual friends and douchenheimers out on her AGAIN! Once he finds out she had other reasons for leaving he's somehow miraculously determined to get her back and be what she needs.
The grass is always greener on the other side, I guess.
The D/s was unexceptional. There was a mid-level hotness factor that I enjoyed. The resolve to survive, rebuild and be unapologetic about that transformation was what I liked best about this story. The rest felt a little too neat.
Recommend for those who enjoy some kink and escaping into the romance novel HEA-come-hell-or-high-water void.
Seems all it took was a couple orgasms, a spanking, some buttsex and some dirty talk for her to fold like a pair of deuces at the big boy's table. And he's douche. Make no mistake about that. Then again, I guess douchedom comes with the lawyer territory sometimes.
Gaby and Cal have been in a 3 yr contractual D/s relationship when Gaby realizes that he's never going to be what she needs. She tells him she's going to leave and he's a douche. He sees her 10 mos later at a party held by mutual friends and douchenheimers out on her AGAIN! Once he finds out she had other reasons for leaving he's somehow miraculously determined to get her back and be what she needs.
The grass is always greener on the other side, I guess.
The D/s was unexceptional. There was a mid-level hotness factor that I enjoyed. The resolve to survive, rebuild and be unapologetic about that transformation was what I liked best about this story. The rest felt a little too neat.
Recommend for those who enjoy some kink and escaping into the romance novel HEA-come-hell-or-high-water void.
January 30, 2018
3.75 Stars - 4(ish)! Man, who knew a novella could pack such a powerful punch. Not only was this scorching hot, but it was also really really really angsty. A fast read with some major feels.
January 28, 2018
“The man had been her everything and he had broken her in a way no one and nothing else could.”
Are you in the mood for a good cry? Are you ready to feel ALL THE THINGS? Are you prepared to get your heart broken, only to have it put back together ever so gently? Well, Lexi Blake HAS GOT YOU on all fronts! This re-release has shattered me ALL OVER AGAIN! Away From Me gives us the quick, beautiful, and heartbreaking story of Callum Reed and Gabrielle Sullivan. From page one, I knew I was diving into a tear-jerker…an UNPUTDOWNABLE tear-jerker, for sure! AWAY FROM ME might be a quick read for avid readers like myself, but it was packed full of so much heartache, so much passion and sensuality, so much love and respect, that I just wanted to read it over and over and over again, no matter how badly it hurt.
Nobody writes like Lexi Blake…absolutely NO ONE! In Cal and Gaby’s story, she tears at my soul, only to mend it back together to make it even stronger…kind of like mimicking Cal and Gaby’s relationship. When it comes down to it, I’m absolutely a goner for these characters, Lexi’s writing, and this series. Even though this is a re-release, there was some tidbits added that fans of Lexi’s other series will greatly appreciate. I know that I did.
Are you in the mood for a good cry? Are you ready to feel ALL THE THINGS? Are you prepared to get your heart broken, only to have it put back together ever so gently? Well, Lexi Blake HAS GOT YOU on all fronts! This re-release has shattered me ALL OVER AGAIN! Away From Me gives us the quick, beautiful, and heartbreaking story of Callum Reed and Gabrielle Sullivan. From page one, I knew I was diving into a tear-jerker…an UNPUTDOWNABLE tear-jerker, for sure! AWAY FROM ME might be a quick read for avid readers like myself, but it was packed full of so much heartache, so much passion and sensuality, so much love and respect, that I just wanted to read it over and over and over again, no matter how badly it hurt.
Nobody writes like Lexi Blake…absolutely NO ONE! In Cal and Gaby’s story, she tears at my soul, only to mend it back together to make it even stronger…kind of like mimicking Cal and Gaby’s relationship. When it comes down to it, I’m absolutely a goner for these characters, Lexi’s writing, and this series. Even though this is a re-release, there was some tidbits added that fans of Lexi’s other series will greatly appreciate. I know that I did.
February 7, 2018
I honestly love Lexi Blake's alter ego Sophia Oak. She's edgy. She's real. And it's emotional. It's the kind of books that give you that pick me up and bridge the in between two books. This is what Away From Me was - it was short, sweet and at the same time, it picked your attention like no other. For me, it was the book that satisfied my thirst for more of this alter ego because the Texas Siren series has become one of my favorites and i know i have to wait weeks before the next instalment.
While Lexi Blake adds suspense in her books, through Sophia Oak, she can bridge the two personas - in Away From Me, you get to see some of the characters that you've met in her Masters and Mercenaries series and see how it all started, to find out just what their connection to the BDSM world is.
In less than 3 hours i was finished reading this book and i know that i might be missing something since there are so many references to previous series by Lexi Blake - however, that did not deter nor impact my enjoyment of the book whasoever. It simply made me more curious to start back up from the very beginning and then squeal about how 'OMG i've read this part before in so-and-so's book!!!'. That part i really can't wait because i know it'll be something to behold for sure!
*ARC provided by Author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Kathleen, The Small Girl from A small girl, her man and her books
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May 30, 2011
Sophie Oak has yet to fail me! I just love her books and this one was not exception. This one was, however, different that her other in the sense that there was no menage and it began with the H/h together., then they break up and find their way back to each other. In her other books, they are mostly discovering each other thru the story.
Gaby and Cal are in a D/s relationship. Everything is fine as long as Gaby follows Cal's rules and one of those rules is "no falling in love". Cal has been there, done that and doesn't want the t-shirt..and doesn't care to visit again. With his heart carefully guarded, he conducts his happy little life with Gaby until one day she declares her love for him and asks if that is ever going to happen for him. When he say no, she packs what she came with 3 years ago and flees.
Without giving the entire story away, Gaby has a big secret...once Cal discovers this secret he is like a dog with a bone and won't walk away until he has her back where she belongs...wearing his collar and by his side. I was actually surprised by the secret it is not at all what I thought it was going to be.
This was an enjoyable read...I love that everything wasn't all hunky-dory. They hit some bumps and the Dom had to learn to submit for once...that was quite a pleasurable scene...In more ways than one. It also touches on a lot of emotional topics. For instance, the loss of a loved one among others , letting go of old fears and learning to love again.
Although many shelve it as BDSM, it's really more BDSM lite. The main BDSM element in this novel is D/s. So even if you are not a BDSM fan, this should be a pleasurable read for you as it is more like a contemporary.
✳✳ Reviewed on I ♥ Bookie Nookie Reviews
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Gaby and Cal are in a D/s relationship. Everything is fine as long as Gaby follows Cal's rules and one of those rules is "no falling in love". Cal has been there, done that and doesn't want the t-shirt..and doesn't care to visit again. With his heart carefully guarded, he conducts his happy little life with Gaby until one day she declares her love for him and asks if that is ever going to happen for him. When he say no, she packs what she came with 3 years ago and flees.
Without giving the entire story away, Gaby has a big secret...once Cal discovers this secret he is like a dog with a bone and won't walk away until he has her back where she belongs...wearing his collar and by his side. I was actually surprised by the secret it is not at all what I thought it was going to be.
This was an enjoyable read...I love that everything wasn't all hunky-dory. They hit some bumps and the Dom had to learn to submit for once...that was quite a pleasurable scene...In more ways than one. It also touches on a lot of emotional topics. For instance, the loss of a loved one among others , letting go of old fears and learning to love again.
Although many shelve it as BDSM, it's really more BDSM lite. The main BDSM element in this novel is D/s. So even if you are not a BDSM fan, this should be a pleasurable read for you as it is more like a contemporary.
✳✳ Reviewed on I ♥ Bookie Nookie Reviews
___________________________________________________
If you like this type of book, you might enjoy one of these groups. Check us out!
Menage Readers
Erotic Enchants
Bookie Nookie's Erotic Lending Group
January 29, 2018
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review
Come get swept away with Lexi Blake’s sexy re-release of Away From Me. In this book, Blake explores the physical and emotional relationship of Callum Reed and Gabrielle Sullivan. In this Dom/Sub relationship, Callum only saw Gaby as a contract. No emotional attachments that is until Gaby couldn’t handle it anymore. She wanted more. She wanted his love and sin Callum couldn’t give her that, she leaves him. So when a year passed by, how far will Callum go to get back Gaby? Can Gaby ever go back to him on her terms?
Away With Me is a sexy but emotional erotic romance that might have been my favorite of what I have read from Sophie Oak. This book was written in a fashion to leave you wanting more and satisfied with the ending.
Come get swept away with Lexi Blake’s sexy re-release of Away From Me. In this book, Blake explores the physical and emotional relationship of Callum Reed and Gabrielle Sullivan. In this Dom/Sub relationship, Callum only saw Gaby as a contract. No emotional attachments that is until Gaby couldn’t handle it anymore. She wanted more. She wanted his love and sin Callum couldn’t give her that, she leaves him. So when a year passed by, how far will Callum go to get back Gaby? Can Gaby ever go back to him on her terms?
Away With Me is a sexy but emotional erotic romance that might have been my favorite of what I have read from Sophie Oak. This book was written in a fashion to leave you wanting more and satisfied with the ending.
February 6, 2018
This is a re-release of one of Sophie Oak's most poignant books, originally a standalone that plucks at the heartstrings from the very first chapter. It is also a classic story of a man who can't identify his own emotions and fails to see what is right in front of him.
It starts with Gaby asking her Dominant, Callum, if he loves her. Thrown off stride by the question from his submissive of three years, Callum tells her he doesn't love her and never promised her anything beyond the collar she wears. He is totally shocked when she takes off her collar and leaves.
When he sees her again nearly a year later, she has changed almost beyond recognition, and unsettled by how much he missed her, he treats her terribly, only to be wracked by guilt when he finds out why she left.
Gaby is now managing a sex resort on a private island and is startled to find Callum has come after her, wanting her back. But Gaby no longer trusts Callum and he is going to have to prove to her that his professions of love come from the heart.
Once Lexi Blake obtained the rights back to her Sophie Oak books, she is updating and re-issuing them. In this case, an unknown Dom in the beginning becomes Liam from the Masters and Mercenaries series, and additional scenes have been added, without changing the emotional impact of the book. The only change I didn't understand is changing the name of Gaby's “murse” (male nurse) from Chris to Cody. It's especially disconcerting since the characters also appear later in Siren Released, a Bliss book that will be updated as well.
I loved this story when I first read it, and the updates have only made it better. Gaby is such a strong woman to be a submissive and its delightful to watch Callum find out how far he has distanced himself not only from his friends, but his own emotions. The potential for tragedy underlies the story, but the author avoids it with a deft hand. This is one of Lexi Blake's finest works.
August 5, 2019
Recommended.
January 30, 2020
This was a short quick read that I really liked and wanted more of I wanted to know what happens off the island. Callum Reed and Gabrielle "Gaby" Sullivan are master and slave and have been in a D/s relationship for three years. Callum was shattered by his wives death he vowed to never love another or get married again so when Gaby asked if he loved her he said nothing so she left him but she left without telling him that she was sick. The first few chapters of this book I didn't like Callum I thought that he was cold and cruel until he found out Gaby was sick and no one told him his friends thought that he knew and put her out. This was a good read Gaby was so strong she went through something and came out on the other side stronger. When Cal showed up at the resort that she is managing he is determined to get her back but he knows that he has to change so he opens up to her his late wife depended on him for everything Gaby wasn't like that and he did notice and tried to do everything different a little too different he also blames himself for her death. This book had some really hot sex scenes the scene in the bath was hot. This book was well written with no errors in grammar or spelling. I hope that Ms. Blake would write about the resort.
May 10, 2012
Well, this was a very quick read but it's a hot little story with a wonderfully romantic ending.
Gabrielle has been living as Cal's 24/7 sub for 3 years. He is a widower and wants nothing more than the terms laid out in their BDSM contract. Gaby leaves him, ostensibly because he won't tell her he loves her, but she actually has other reasons which Cal is in complete ignorance of.
They meet again almost a year later and Cal treats her like a whore and uses a few badly chosen sentences to crush her and she walks away again. When Cal finds out the real reason behind their break up, he sets about winning her back.
I have a few choice words for the main characters.......
Gaby - you IDIOT!
Cal - you total f*ckwit!
But there is a deeply romantic conclusion to the story even though .
4 stars erotic romance and thanks to Karla for the great rec.
Gabrielle has been living as Cal's 24/7 sub for 3 years. He is a widower and wants nothing more than the terms laid out in their BDSM contract. Gaby leaves him, ostensibly because he won't tell her he loves her, but she actually has other reasons which Cal is in complete ignorance of.
They meet again almost a year later and Cal treats her like a whore and uses a few badly chosen sentences to crush her and she walks away again. When Cal finds out the real reason behind their break up, he sets about winning her back.
I have a few choice words for the main characters.......
Gaby - you IDIOT!
Cal - you total f*ckwit!
But there is a deeply romantic conclusion to the story even though .
4 stars erotic romance and thanks to Karla for the great rec.
February 9, 2018
That was super sweet and sexy.
It's no wonder that Lexi Blake (aka Sophie Oak) is in my top three favorite authors. Not many people can cram that much feeling into under 150 pages. I usually have trouble connecting with the characters in novellas due to their brevity, but that was not the case here. #allthefeels
It's no wonder that Lexi Blake (aka Sophie Oak) is in my top three favorite authors. Not many people can cram that much feeling into under 150 pages. I usually have trouble connecting with the characters in novellas due to their brevity, but that was not the case here. #allthefeels
May 14, 2015
Callum and Gaby. I've never read Sophie Oak before because I don't particularly like BDSM books or Menage. But I do like a good romance and if it happens to have those other things in it, well that's fine too. SOoo I got this book because I liked the premise and it was a good read. Surprisingly, the BDSM stuff is a pretty integral part of the story and what made the ending so good! It wasn't just added in for titillation, although it did that in spades without being creepy or ouchy. So anyways, Gaby and Callum have been together for 3 years but it has been a pretty one sided relationship as far as emotional give and take is concerned. Something happens to Gaby that makes it all come to a head and when Callum still can't find his emotional balls, she leaves him. He's pretty nasty about it too. Typical little man child who can't stand not getting his way... or is it because he really cares? Life goes on for the better part of a year before they see each other again and the truth about why she left comes out. He of course chases her to the island she is now working on and things heat up from there. The ending is bawdy and sweet and perfect for the MCs. I will just have to look into more by this author ; )
February 6, 2018
What do you do when you discover your relationship has gone ‘wrong’ over time? For Gabby – the thought that Callum didn’t reciprocate the type of love her heart demanded was more than she could bear. The duo had spent years together in a Dom/Sub relationship that was part of their daily routine. A stagnant relationship that was more expected than spontaneous.
With their contract at an end, Gabby leaves the relationship and the two do not cross paths again for months. Callum doesn’t respond to crossing paths with Gabby very well. Visualizing the physical changes in her appearance and associating them with other lovers. Two say their connection was strained and insulting would be an understatement. If fact – Callum’s reaction set a course that lead to revelations that would affect both former lovers.
Clearly – the duo has unfinished business. Gabby isn’t the same person that Callum thought he knew. A much tougher exterior to match the interior. With the mistakes of their past weighing on both of their shoulders, Callum and Gabby realize that their unfinished ‘business’ cannot return to the way that things once were. How can two former lovers find a way to forgive? Is there a possibility of a future for them again?
Away From Me is an unexpected second chance romance that will pull at your heart strings!! This novel is a rewritten and re-released version of the book from Lexi Blake (pen name – Sophie Oak). From the very beginning of this book….you think that you know where Callum and Gabby will lead you. Guess again!! All I can tell you is the tears on this one were real!! I found myself reaching for the tissues several times, and I am not ashamed to admit it!!
The things that brought Callum and Gabby together in the beginning will lead the duo on a path of discovery, broken heartedness, and second chances. Callum’s hard heartedness will leave an impression on you. Resulting in feelings so deep you can actually imagine the pain that Gabby felt. Lexi Blake delivers such soul wrenching drama in this second chance romance. A treat for any romance lover!
With their contract at an end, Gabby leaves the relationship and the two do not cross paths again for months. Callum doesn’t respond to crossing paths with Gabby very well. Visualizing the physical changes in her appearance and associating them with other lovers. Two say their connection was strained and insulting would be an understatement. If fact – Callum’s reaction set a course that lead to revelations that would affect both former lovers.
Clearly – the duo has unfinished business. Gabby isn’t the same person that Callum thought he knew. A much tougher exterior to match the interior. With the mistakes of their past weighing on both of their shoulders, Callum and Gabby realize that their unfinished ‘business’ cannot return to the way that things once were. How can two former lovers find a way to forgive? Is there a possibility of a future for them again?
Away From Me is an unexpected second chance romance that will pull at your heart strings!! This novel is a rewritten and re-released version of the book from Lexi Blake (pen name – Sophie Oak). From the very beginning of this book….you think that you know where Callum and Gabby will lead you. Guess again!! All I can tell you is the tears on this one were real!! I found myself reaching for the tissues several times, and I am not ashamed to admit it!!
The things that brought Callum and Gabby together in the beginning will lead the duo on a path of discovery, broken heartedness, and second chances. Callum’s hard heartedness will leave an impression on you. Resulting in feelings so deep you can actually imagine the pain that Gabby felt. Lexi Blake delivers such soul wrenching drama in this second chance romance. A treat for any romance lover!
February 6, 2018
So not only can Lexi write angsty and sexy full length novels, she can also deliver that same punch in a novella and still leave you breathless and panting. HOT DAMN!!!
This was an extremely fast read for me but I think that's because I was so drawn into the story, that I just felt this need to see where everything went. And it moved so quickly yet still felt like nothing was left out.
And Lexi knows how to add the appropriate sexiness and BDSM elements to make this book HOT HOT HOT. I am going to give any details because the blurb gives you enough that adding anything else is just pretty much giving you highlights of the whole book.
If you have never read anything by Lexi but want to get a taste of what her writing is all about, I highly recommend reading this one. And then you can thank me for starting your newest addiction. ;)
This was an extremely fast read for me but I think that's because I was so drawn into the story, that I just felt this need to see where everything went. And it moved so quickly yet still felt like nothing was left out.
And Lexi knows how to add the appropriate sexiness and BDSM elements to make this book HOT HOT HOT. I am going to give any details because the blurb gives you enough that adding anything else is just pretty much giving you highlights of the whole book.
If you have never read anything by Lexi but want to get a taste of what her writing is all about, I highly recommend reading this one. And then you can thank me for starting your newest addiction. ;)
December 28, 2010
This story was a little more of a heavy topic than her other stories. This is the story of two stubborn people who are afraid to admit what they feel, and what they are going through. They each have their problems that they try and mask from the other to try and be what they think their partner wants/needs.
I just wanted to smack Master Callum upside the head for a good half of the book, but that makes the ending we were gifted with even more special.
This book was an emotional rollercoaster, and that is a hard feat for a novella length book. Ms. Oak does it masterfully.
I'm not usually into reads about a full-time D/s lifestyle, and the first part of this book had me thinking that's where we were headed, but don't be fooled. This book is about a journey for this couple to discover where they need to be to be happy, and it doesn't end in slavehood. Probably the most profound line I have read in a long time comes from our smack-worthy Dom...
"Master in the bedroom, Gabrielle. Husband everywhere else. Partners always."
Stunning ending. Love. 5 stars. A wonderful story.
I just wanted to smack Master Callum upside the head for a good half of the book, but that makes the ending we were gifted with even more special.
This book was an emotional rollercoaster, and that is a hard feat for a novella length book. Ms. Oak does it masterfully.
I'm not usually into reads about a full-time D/s lifestyle, and the first part of this book had me thinking that's where we were headed, but don't be fooled. This book is about a journey for this couple to discover where they need to be to be happy, and it doesn't end in slavehood. Probably the most profound line I have read in a long time comes from our smack-worthy Dom...
"Master in the bedroom, Gabrielle. Husband everywhere else. Partners always."
Stunning ending. Love. 5 stars. A wonderful story.
April 13, 2011
WOW!!! I seriously wasn't expecting this book to be erotic, BDSM and emotional. Gaby has been Cal's sub for three years, she wants his love and marriage. Because of the death of his first wife Cal has refused both to love and marry ever again. Something happens to Gaby, that makes her think Cal will never want her again and she decides to leave him, especially since he does not love her. This story is about the road to Cal winning Gaby back. This story may not touch everyone like it did me, maybe it touched me because of the struggles Gaby goes through as a result of her incident....THERE IS A HEA in this story and the part when Gaby "bares all" to Cal and his reaction was tender and sweet.
I can't even say much more about this, just thinking about the story gets the tears flowing. This story hits close to home, not the BDSM part, but because the incident that happens to Gaby has happened to one of my aunts and I have witnessed first hand, via my aunt, the emotions and feelings that Gaby goes through about self image.
I can't even say much more about this, just thinking about the story gets the tears flowing. This story hits close to home, not the BDSM part, but because the incident that happens to Gaby has happened to one of my aunts and I have witnessed first hand, via my aunt, the emotions and feelings that Gaby goes through about self image.
April 14, 2011
Away From Me was awesome. I hadn't read a book with heat in it for a while so it was awesome to start back up with this new release.
Full review at:
http://anotherlookbookreviews.blogspo...
Full review at:
http://anotherlookbookreviews.blogspo...
July 1, 2019
A lite version of BDSM, but still very hot and surprisingly emotional.
February 7, 2018
Away From Me was one Sophie Oak (which is the other name under which Lexi Blake used to write) book that I read awhile ago. Although it had been two years since I had experienced it for the first time, I was ready for a re-read of the reimagined version, because I remembered how much I loved it the first time around. I was sure to love it even more now with some of my favorite M & M characters popping in for a cameo.
Away From Me is an emotional and sexy read. Callum is our damaged hero who has never really gotten over losing his wife, even though he's spent the past three years in a relationship with Gaby. One night, Gaby breaks things off with him, and he lets her go with very little fight. Nearly a year later, he's not over her even though he hasn't seen her during that time. When Callum runs into Gaby at a party thrown by mutual friends, he finds out what she's been doing during their time apart, and he is completely thrown for a loop. He resolves to get her back, no matter the cost, and to right the many wrongs that were between them.
My opinion of Callum shifted like a pendulum. In the beginning I was not his biggest fan. After the party and that fateful gazebo scene, I really hated him. And then, as he started to work through his own issues while at the same time work through his issues with Gaby, he slowly won me over, until at the end I was rooting for this couple hard.
Gaby was an awesome heroine. She made hard choices in the name of her own happiness and mental health. She tried valiantly to restart her life and to be happy. And despite how much Callum upset that attempt at happiness, she was also willing to see her time with him as an opportunity to clear the air and get some closure. However, Callum saw it as a chance to start again.
This book is small, but mighty. At only 124 pages, it's slightly longer than novella length, but Lexi Blake has packed a lot into those pages. There's a very defined story arc. We witness the fall of Callum and Gaby's relationship, and then the rebuilding of it. There's loving and fighting and hot sex at the BDSM resort Gaby works at. And there's even a sighting by a certain hot Irishman.
Away From Me is the perfect introduction to the wonder that is Lexi Blake. If you've never read anything by her before, give this one a try. I promise you'll want to read more.
Away From Me is an emotional and sexy read. Callum is our damaged hero who has never really gotten over losing his wife, even though he's spent the past three years in a relationship with Gaby. One night, Gaby breaks things off with him, and he lets her go with very little fight. Nearly a year later, he's not over her even though he hasn't seen her during that time. When Callum runs into Gaby at a party thrown by mutual friends, he finds out what she's been doing during their time apart, and he is completely thrown for a loop. He resolves to get her back, no matter the cost, and to right the many wrongs that were between them.
My opinion of Callum shifted like a pendulum. In the beginning I was not his biggest fan. After the party and that fateful gazebo scene, I really hated him. And then, as he started to work through his own issues while at the same time work through his issues with Gaby, he slowly won me over, until at the end I was rooting for this couple hard.
Gaby was an awesome heroine. She made hard choices in the name of her own happiness and mental health. She tried valiantly to restart her life and to be happy. And despite how much Callum upset that attempt at happiness, she was also willing to see her time with him as an opportunity to clear the air and get some closure. However, Callum saw it as a chance to start again.
This book is small, but mighty. At only 124 pages, it's slightly longer than novella length, but Lexi Blake has packed a lot into those pages. There's a very defined story arc. We witness the fall of Callum and Gaby's relationship, and then the rebuilding of it. There's loving and fighting and hot sex at the BDSM resort Gaby works at. And there's even a sighting by a certain hot Irishman.
Away From Me is the perfect introduction to the wonder that is Lexi Blake. If you've never read anything by her before, give this one a try. I promise you'll want to read more.
January 31, 2012
3 1/2 stars
Callum Reed likes his life the way it is. He's a successful attorney and leads a happy BDSM lifestyle with his 24/7 sub/slave of three years Gaby Sullivan; as long as she doesn't have designs on marriage in their future. One night she asks him whether or not he loves her, and goes one step further doing the unthinkable – she asks him if he'll ever marry her. What Callum thought was a perfect arrangement suddenly takes a turn for the worst – Gaby walks away. When he finds out that she'd been keeping a secret from him, and that was the main motivation behind her leaving, he goes after her desperate to win her back.
This is my first Sophie Oak book, and it was actually quite good. I'd definitely read more by this author. Ms Oak says that she believes in a HEA no matter how extreme the story, and she definitely delivered with Away From Me.
This book is an example of one such extreme. Cal doesn't want to fall in love or get married ever again, not after having lost his wife in a car accident. What he feels for Gaby is a strong affection bordering on love. However the time has come where Gaby wants more and so things take a rather ugly turn when assumptions and accusations are made without proper communication. I felt my heart get a little heavy when Gaby finally revealed her secret – the timing and the circumstances of the reveal made me grab a Kleenex. I thought I knew what Gaby was hiding, but I was SO wrong.
I thought the drama was well executed, and the love scenes were hot, but a lot of things had me asking questions. All BDSM relationships (the good ones) are based on a heavy level of trust and honesty, but neither Cal nor Gaby display a lot of that in this story. Why? They were a couple for three years and yet she didn't exactly have a high opinion of him, and tended to listen to her BFF's gossip. Again, why? Gaby came across as manipulative, both in the past and the present, and that just didn't sit well with me. Cal didn't win many brownie points until the very end, but at least this couple got their second chance at a HEA.
December 6, 2010
I need to say, this was a great story. Especially for such a short book. It was done very nicely for the length it was. Yes, The plot line was a bit predictable but this was not an epic length book. For all us erotic romance readers, especially those of us who enjoy the bdsm genre, it really was poignant and touching. A dom who didn't quite know how to open up and give all of himself, and a sub who only wanted to be loved. It was heartbreaking and yet so redeeming.
Now, this part might seem a little silly. But as many of these book as I've read, you almost never hear the Sub use her safe word. I have read many books where the sub seems to be more uncomfortable or overwhelmed than I felt was appropriate. Certainly, a matter of opinion. But since everyone has their own individual limits, I can say that there would have been times in certain stories that if it were me, I might have used my word. But that's just me. I really appreciated that this author wrote that in. Gaby was so intensely fearful of baring that part of herself to Cal that she absolutely could not go any further. So she used her word. It just seemed more realistic and very validating as a reader and someone who is still learning about that lifestyle.
I was frustrated many times during the story at how Cal's arrogance was so over the top. He just expected Gaby to give in to him. I liked that she stuck to her guns and did not give in so easily. The way Cal put himself in such a vulnerable place in order to prove his love for Gaby, was just beautiful. Looking forward to more from this author.
Now, this part might seem a little silly. But as many of these book as I've read, you almost never hear the Sub use her safe word. I have read many books where the sub seems to be more uncomfortable or overwhelmed than I felt was appropriate. Certainly, a matter of opinion. But since everyone has their own individual limits, I can say that there would have been times in certain stories that if it were me, I might have used my word. But that's just me. I really appreciated that this author wrote that in. Gaby was so intensely fearful of baring that part of herself to Cal that she absolutely could not go any further. So she used her word. It just seemed more realistic and very validating as a reader and someone who is still learning about that lifestyle.
I was frustrated many times during the story at how Cal's arrogance was so over the top. He just expected Gaby to give in to him. I liked that she stuck to her guns and did not give in so easily. The way Cal put himself in such a vulnerable place in order to prove his love for Gaby, was just beautiful. Looking forward to more from this author.
July 18, 2011
I am not a fan of BDSM and very rarely will read a book featuring it but this one really touched my heart and for the very first time I began to understand the Dom/Sub role and WHY some might get into that.(Hows that for a run on sentence?lol)What really impressed me here is the that our sub felt uncomfortable about something and actually used her safe word. This is the first book I ever read where the sub didn't just "tolerate" feeling uncomfortable but actually did something about it.
The relationship between Cal and Gabby is mature, realistic, and emotional. This is a beautiful heartfelt story line and the author doesn't use sex to solve their problems. I like how Ms. Oak explains Dom/Sub relationship with the give and takes of the relationship and what each can and does expect from each other. I also liked she shows that when one is unhappy or done-you can walk away.
I will definitely be looking into more of Ms. Oak's stories in the future.
The relationship between Cal and Gabby is mature, realistic, and emotional. This is a beautiful heartfelt story line and the author doesn't use sex to solve their problems. I like how Ms. Oak explains Dom/Sub relationship with the give and takes of the relationship and what each can and does expect from each other. I also liked she shows that when one is unhappy or done-you can walk away.
I will definitely be looking into more of Ms. Oak's stories in the future.
June 18, 2013
I found the most interesting aspect to this one was the why of why Gaby left. I can understand her reasoning and think she was both right and wrong. I actually had a hard time liking Cal and it was even worse when I learned what had happened to Gaby. I really liked that Cal had to work to gain back any trust from Gaby.
February 23, 2018
Like a 2.5. Cal didn't deserve forgiveness and he needed his ass kicked. There were some forgiving ass ppl of his behaviour.
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February 6, 2018
Callum and Gabrielle’s story packs a wallop of an emotional punch inside the pages of their novella, and because it’s told through both of their perspectives, readers witness their contracted relationship of three years quickly end due to their differing needs and wants when it comes to a partner in their bed and in their life.
I can’t say that I blame Gaby for her actions, both before and after the dissolution of their D/s relationship. Gaby didn’t want to simply be Callum’s plaything; she wanted to matter to him as a woman…as a lover…as an equal, and it was clear that wasn’t what Callum wanted, so she fled before her heart could be damaged any further.
Gaby’s ultimate reasons for leaving definitely center around her love for Callum, but it’s also an extremely personal journey she must take. Through the months that she’s away, she finds a strength within that she lost when she was with Callum, so even when Callum learns the truth behind her abrupt exit of their contract, Gaby refuses to reunite with Callum. She’s changed and she knows that he refuses to change the boundaries of his sexual relationships.
It’s definitely a battle of wills when Callum arrives on Gaby’s island and the fact that her very private business plays out in front of her guests and employees only enrages her more; so much so, though, that she can’t see the desperate man in front of her, which makes sense because he’s been quite the jackhole since Gaby blindsided him with what he sees as her new ‘agenda’ to top from the bottom.
I really enjoyed Away From Me; I have to admit that I was extremely pissed off by Callum’s mistreatment of Gaby and the fact that it was a matter of principal and stubbornness that he refused to truly see what he had with her. Lexi Blake does a great of job of illustrating Gaby’s transformation after she leaves Callum’s bed and works through her own issues and self-discovering. She becomes a strong and independent woman, and while she’s still weak when it comes to the man who owns her heart, she refuses to kneel before him until he gets his head out of his ass and treats her like she should be treated.
I hope Blake provides more insight into this intriguing couple because I would love to see how Callum and Gaby are doing and if there’s still a power play between them or an equal exchange.
4 Poison Apples (The Fairest of All Book Reviews)
I can’t say that I blame Gaby for her actions, both before and after the dissolution of their D/s relationship. Gaby didn’t want to simply be Callum’s plaything; she wanted to matter to him as a woman…as a lover…as an equal, and it was clear that wasn’t what Callum wanted, so she fled before her heart could be damaged any further.
Gaby’s ultimate reasons for leaving definitely center around her love for Callum, but it’s also an extremely personal journey she must take. Through the months that she’s away, she finds a strength within that she lost when she was with Callum, so even when Callum learns the truth behind her abrupt exit of their contract, Gaby refuses to reunite with Callum. She’s changed and she knows that he refuses to change the boundaries of his sexual relationships.
It’s definitely a battle of wills when Callum arrives on Gaby’s island and the fact that her very private business plays out in front of her guests and employees only enrages her more; so much so, though, that she can’t see the desperate man in front of her, which makes sense because he’s been quite the jackhole since Gaby blindsided him with what he sees as her new ‘agenda’ to top from the bottom.
I really enjoyed Away From Me; I have to admit that I was extremely pissed off by Callum’s mistreatment of Gaby and the fact that it was a matter of principal and stubbornness that he refused to truly see what he had with her. Lexi Blake does a great of job of illustrating Gaby’s transformation after she leaves Callum’s bed and works through her own issues and self-discovering. She becomes a strong and independent woman, and while she’s still weak when it comes to the man who owns her heart, she refuses to kneel before him until he gets his head out of his ass and treats her like she should be treated.
I hope Blake provides more insight into this intriguing couple because I would love to see how Callum and Gaby are doing and if there’s still a power play between them or an equal exchange.
4 Poison Apples (The Fairest of All Book Reviews)
January 29, 2018
5 Star Review Away From Me by Sophie Oak
Callum Reed is a man who was shattered by the death of his wife and has vowed never to fall in love or get married again. He has a contract with his submissive Gaby Sullivan and believes all is well until she decides to end their contract without warning.
Unbeknownst to Callum, Gaby is hiding a secret that she is determined he will not learn and the only way to do so is to break their contract and leave.
Fast forward and Callum accidentally discovers the secret that Gaby hid from him and he has so many emotions rising that it is hard to focus. All he knows is that his submissive needed him and he failed her, however he is also determined that he will prove to her that he is her Master and always will be. After Gaby left him, little by little Callum changes.,
Not a particularly long read, Away From me is full of passion, hope, strength and determination and at the heart is a story of love and hope, of family, going through the good and the bad times and supporting one another together. It shows the importance of communication and of listening and coming to terms with the past and moving forward.
I laughed, I cried, I yelled out loud and I refused to put Away From Me down. I have to say whilst reading this book my heart stopped a few times. I read this in nearly one read, I had to know what was going to happen next!
What an emotional roller-coaster Away From Me was. I love how caring Callum became and how protective he was with Gaby. He absolutely oozes sex appeal, dominance and control; a real alpha male, one I would most certainly love to have in my life.
This is a beautifully written love story. Although I felt Callum was an absolute jerk to Gaby initially, I was brought around and I fell in love with his kindness, compassion and you will not quit attitude, which was just what Gaby needed. Ms. Oak writes with a depth of character that at times comes right out of no-where and knocks your socks off. The layers of emotions she peels back can at times be heart wrenching, shocking and surprising.
If you haven’t yet read this book, then do yourselves a favour and read it. It is a story of love, hope, trust and faith, believe in yourself and maybe, just maybe a miracle will occur.
Callum Reed is a man who was shattered by the death of his wife and has vowed never to fall in love or get married again. He has a contract with his submissive Gaby Sullivan and believes all is well until she decides to end their contract without warning.
Unbeknownst to Callum, Gaby is hiding a secret that she is determined he will not learn and the only way to do so is to break their contract and leave.
Fast forward and Callum accidentally discovers the secret that Gaby hid from him and he has so many emotions rising that it is hard to focus. All he knows is that his submissive needed him and he failed her, however he is also determined that he will prove to her that he is her Master and always will be. After Gaby left him, little by little Callum changes.,
Not a particularly long read, Away From me is full of passion, hope, strength and determination and at the heart is a story of love and hope, of family, going through the good and the bad times and supporting one another together. It shows the importance of communication and of listening and coming to terms with the past and moving forward.
I laughed, I cried, I yelled out loud and I refused to put Away From Me down. I have to say whilst reading this book my heart stopped a few times. I read this in nearly one read, I had to know what was going to happen next!
What an emotional roller-coaster Away From Me was. I love how caring Callum became and how protective he was with Gaby. He absolutely oozes sex appeal, dominance and control; a real alpha male, one I would most certainly love to have in my life.
This is a beautifully written love story. Although I felt Callum was an absolute jerk to Gaby initially, I was brought around and I fell in love with his kindness, compassion and you will not quit attitude, which was just what Gaby needed. Ms. Oak writes with a depth of character that at times comes right out of no-where and knocks your socks off. The layers of emotions she peels back can at times be heart wrenching, shocking and surprising.
If you haven’t yet read this book, then do yourselves a favour and read it. It is a story of love, hope, trust and faith, believe in yourself and maybe, just maybe a miracle will occur.
March 6, 2018
Disclaimer: An eARC was provided via Inkslinger PR and the Author as part of the Blog Tour. The Thoughts, opinions & feelings expressed in the review are however my own.
Away From Me is another of Lexi Blake’s re – releases and another one that I absolutely enjoyed.
Callum Reed is a man who lost his wife and who compensated for human affection with a BDSM contract with the heroine – Gabrielle. Now, right from the start, you could see that he was struggling with his feelings; he was like a wild wounded animal cornered; when she gave him her ultimatum.
Gabrielle fell in love with Callum from the moment she met him- but she knew the only way to have a piece of him would be with the contract she signed with him. For 3 years, she has been the perfect submissive, but has finally reached her breaking point when she gave Cal the ultimatum; knowing that she was gambling with everything she had.
And she lost.
As with all Lexi’s books;this one was also the right combination of romance; sass and angst – a second chance romance that gave me the feels in all the right places.,/b>
Can’t wait to see where Lexi leads us with all her new re – releases!
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