Away From Me (MF)

Professional Reviews

5 DELIGHTFUL DIVAS, RECOMMENDED READ: "Away From Me by Sophie Oak is a story that will take you through a lot of different human emotions; anger, happiness, lust, betrayal, fear and so much more. Callum and Gabby have wonderful chemistry even through the arguing and fighting. I was amazed at the raw emotions that their story brought out in me while reading. Even though Gabby had been the one to break Callum’s golden rule, he was the one that suffers the most and goes through the biggest changes. Gabby’s secret almost causes Callum some of his most precious friendships because of a misunderstanding. It’s this misunderstanding that makes Callum dig deep and search for his true feelings about Gabby. It was great to see how the characters develop into stronger people facing some of the worst odds. Sophie Oak is truly a master storyteller." -- Karyl, Dark Divas Reviews

5 ANGELS: "Spinning, mouthwatering stories that are more satisfying than chocolate and every bit as delicious is where Sophie Oak excels. Her characters always manage to touch your heart and her tales are never anything but compelling. Gaby was a tremendously passionate heroine who was willing to make great sacrifices at her own expense in the name of love. She was also unwilling to accept less than what she deserved. I found it extremely gratifying that she made Cal work for it when he wanted her back, and for that reason alone, I loved her. On the surface, Cal was overly arrogant in a way that had me failing to see the appeal he held for Gaby, but when you peeled the layers back, you see a good man with much to offer. The emotions behind the cause of their separation were realistic and the delicate handling of the situation was very well done. Away From Me was a wonderful story that stayed with me long after I read the final page." -- Tara, Fallen Angel Reviews

5 STARS: "Sophie Oak is just simply amazing! She perfectly blends erotica with romance and wraps them up with wonderful plots. AWAY FROM ME is the first straight male/female romance she's done and it was simply phenomenal. I've said it before, and I'll say it again, she's firmly placed herself on my auto-buy list. AWAY FROM ME is a story of love, loss, redemption, and smokin' hot lovin'. Gaby has been the perfect submissive, living with her Master, Callum, for the last three years. But she wants to change the rules. She wants love, marriage, and maybe kids. Callum isn't having it. They started their 24/7 D/s relationship with a contract that explained that's all they would ever have. When Callum doesn't give her what she wants, she leaves and he lets her go. But, almost a year later, Callum finds that Gaby has kept something from him and has a secret reason for leaving. He's spent that time apart in misery, and now that he knows what she's been hiding, he'll stop at nothing to get her back. I don't know what else I can say except that this book was awesome. The subject matter is more serious that in her previous books, but it just makes that HEA that much more sweet. From start to finish, I got trapped into the world being illustrated by the author. I laughed, I got angry, I was frustrated with Gaby and Callum, at times my heart ached for both of them, and at the end, I was filled with hope and happiness that love makes it all better. Gaby is such an amazing heroine. She goes through hell and comes out on the other side stronger and more willing to get what she wants and deserves out of life. Callum, while not the most endearing person in the beginning of the book, really transforms and gets to the root of his problems during the story. One of the things that I love about Sophie Oak is that although her stories are extremely sensual and erotic (and I love that too), she has well thought out plots in the stories as well, and this book is a perfect example of this. And of course, I have to make note of the sex. This is a BDSM book, but it's light. There's some spanking, bondage, and a public scene in a dungeon, but I think that anyone, whether they are a fan of BDSM romances or not, would be able to read this without any problem. There's also a scene at the end where let's just say, the tables are turned, and it's great! All of the scenes are erotic and steamy. I always feel like the temperature goes up in the room when I'm reading a Sophie Oak love scene. AWAY FROM ME is a fantastic light BDSM erotic romance, with wonderful characters, a great plot, and steamy, sensual love scenes. The book was just about perfect for me. 5 stars from me, and I'd give it more if I could!" -- Rho, The Romance Reviews

5 TEA CUPS, RECOMMENDED READ: "Sometimes a story comes along and socks you in the gut with the poignancy only true love can bring. Ms. Oak is a master at including the BDSM world in her works. In Away From Me, it isn’t a plot device or a shock to the system, it’s just a part of Callum’s and Gaby’s lives. The erotic scenes are light, as far as BDSM goes, but painfully sweet and ultimately heart-breaking. The story centers on the pivotal issue in a good BDSM relationship—communication. Partners in a good D/s relationship must communicate openly and honestly with one another, which can only be done if each participant knows what he or she wants. Away From Me is about two people realizing what they want. Unfortunately, Gaby realizes it before Callum. I love stories where both the hero and the heroine have strong personalities. I love stories where nobody compromises matters of the heart. I love stories that grab me from word one, sink their claws in, and never let go. This one made me, in turn, laugh, cry, gasp, and cheer. Carve out a good chunk of time because Away From Me isn’t a story you can put down until it ends. Thank you, Ms. Oak, for this wonderful novella." -- Clare C., Happily Ever After Reviews

5 CHERRIES: "I don’t think I could have enjoyed this book more. Cal and Gaby have been living happily under the terms of their dominant/submissive contract for three years until Gaby asks Cal if he loves her. When Cal says that’s not part of their deal, Gaby leaves him. Gaby actually leaves him for another reason. When I read the book’s description, the Harlequin Present’s addict in me thought she was pregnant. Actually Gaby has breast cancer and doesn’t want to burden Cal with her illness. When Cal finds out that Gaby was ill ten months later, he goes charging after her. Cal is a dominant who was damaged by his relationship with his late wife. Cal married his wife when he was 18 because she was the only person who ever needed him. They fell into a dominant and submissive relationship because it gave her a structure she needed. In truth his late wife was depressed, and needed, but refused psychiatric help. When Cal meets Gaby he was immediately captivated and they started their relationship within two weeks. Cal feels bound by a promise to his late wife that affects his relationship with Gaby. What is truly neat about Away from Me is that the true character growth curve we see is for Cal not Gaby. Cal’s growth to a person who can accept his love for Gaby and adapt to be the person she needs is breathtaking. Gaby is a strong woman who fell in love with Cal at first sight. Although it is not in her nature to be a 24/7 submissive, she accepts Cal’s terms because she sees it as the only way to be with him. Gaby grows to be a strong presence in Cal’s life in their three years together. Not only does she assume the role of his wife, she also takes over both his personal and business financial books. Gaby leaving Cal because she has cancer is not because she does not believe he will support her, rather something much more loving. One of the most interesting comparisons between Gaby and Cal’s late wife in the book was their first day living together. Cal laid out clothes for Gaby to wear, and as Cal says, “I remember that you told me if I liked the clothes so much, I could wear them.” I couldn’t help a small laugh when I read this. When Cal comes after Gaby at her job managing a sex resort the true fun starts. Although Gaby did leave Cal she still responds to his dominance. The give and take in this part of the book is beautiful. Gaby and Cal’s sexual tension is electric. In addition, the lusciously detailed sex scenes were hot. They left me with a happy smile on my face. I will mention here that although I saw the character growth curve as Cal’s, Gaby does learn to accept her body changes with Cal. What Cal does at the climax was touching. His willingness to go against his nature to give Gaby what she needs is beautiful. Ms. Oak’s writing is clear and pulls you in from the first sentence. Ms. Oak’s handling of breast cancer was sensitive and touching. Having lost my mother to cancer earlier this year I wouldn’t have read this book if I had known that was her secret reason for leaving. But I really did enjoy the book and no scars were opened. If you are looking for a beautiful BDSM romance with strong, multidimensional characters and hot sex look no further. I highly recommend Away from Me." -- Violet, Whipped Cream Reviews

4.5 STARS: "Away From Me is a poignant love story focusing on the ways we sometimes allow our past experiences to hold sway over our current lives and future happiness. It is also about the importance of honest communication. Gaby needs to hear Cal say he loves her, but he can’t. For reasons related to the death of his wife, he just can’t say the words. For reasons unknown to Cal, it isn’t just that Gaby wants to hear the words; she needs to hear him say the words. He can’t, and Gaby leaves. This is one of those amazing stories where it seems that the reader has all the background information needed to form an opinion about the characters but, bit by bit, more is learned that makes it increasingly difficult to demonize one character while elevating the other. As is usually true in real life, neither character is totally guilty nor totally innocent, but both are fiercely stubborn. It takes skillful writing to be able to develop characters in that manner, and Sophie Oak is one skillful writer. The supporting cast and the setting in Away From Me are much more than window dressing or added fluff. The friends of Gaby and Cal as well as the settings involved play a vital part in keeping the story believable and the characters relatable. Without their friends, neither of the main characters would ultimately learn the truth about the other. This is a departure from other books I have read by Sophie Oak. While just as enjoyable and while also rooted in BDSM, this book has a more serious, real-life component than her other books. It is great to see a young writer branching out to try new things and an even greater thrill to see this level of success with a new venture. I heartily recommend Away From Me. Interesting and engaging to read, it also has great lessons about honesty, friendship, constancy and perseverance." -- Lea, Blackraven's Reviews

"I rarely get to say that I was moved to tears but Sophie Oak did so with Away From Me. I stumbled across her books as a suggestion from a friend, I purchased a couple at random and from page one of this story I was hooked. Gaby was the picture perfect sub for Cal. She obeyed perfectly and never asked for anything in return, until one night; one question changed this couple's relationship forever. After being separated for ten long months they stumble across each other and slowly their walls come crumbling down. Gaby is holding a secret so close to her heart that at one point she does something I personally have never read in a book before. While this may not be the hottest book I have ever read, it is one of the most deeply moving love stories I have ever read. The subject matter talked about in this book is so deeply personal to me that I can't find the words to truly describe how much it moved me." -- J. M. Schuler, PNR

Excerpt

ADULT EXCERPT

Cal moved behind her. He kicked at her feet, spreading her legs, and his hand moved between them. He slid his fingers all around her pussy. “That’s what I want. I want this little pussy wet and begging for me.”

It took everything Gaby had not to groan. It felt so good. His fingers slid through her juicy cunt, lighting up her every nerve ending. He teased her clit, running his finger just across it only to pull back and plunge into her pussy. The sound of her cunt sucking at his fingers filled the room. Gaby whimpered. She didn’t want his fingers. She wanted his cock. She wanted him to shove that big cock of his deep inside and ride her until she couldn’t think anymore.

His hand left her, and it was a mere second before it came down again on her ass. Tears blurred Gaby’s vision. She was so sore. She needed so much.

“That was for ruining a perfectly good glass of Scotch.”

She heard murmurs from the small crowd now gathering around. Gaby could see them in the mirror. They were shaking their heads in general agreement that she deserved to be punished for spilling a truly good single malt. At least ten people were standing around now, some men and some women. Gaby had been with Cal long enough to know that they wouldn’t bother Cal as long as they followed the rules of the dungeon. As long as they stayed quiet and didn’t interrupt him, he’d fuck her in front of a thousand people. It wouldn’t bother Gaby, either, as long as her shirt stayed on. What was bothering Gaby was an overwhelming need to come.

Cal took a step back. In the mirror, Gaby watched as he admired the marks he’d placed on her ass. He ran his hand across them, tracing the pink lines he found there. They would be gone by morning, she knew. Cal was always, always careful with her. He’d never raised a welt. He knew exactly how much pressure to exert to make the pain erotic. He leaned over, his blue eyes hot as he kissed each cheek. He turned back to the row of toys and unwrapped a medium sized anal plug.

Gaby whimpered. It had been so long since he’d filled her ass. It would burn and hurt all over again, just as it had when she was a virgin there. Her torture wasn’t over.

He poured lube over the plug, greasing it. When he parted the cheeks of her ass, Gaby shivered.

“Push out when I tell you to, pet. Do not disobey me or this plug will be all you get.”

Gaby felt him fit the head of the plug against her anus.

Cal swatted her sore ass. “Don’t tense.”

Gaby forced herself to relax. Cal pushed the plug, forcing her anus to open to take it.

“Press back, pet. That’s it. Such a pretty little asshole.”

Gaby took a deep breath and tried to flatten the small of her back, pressing out against the plug. She shivered at the sensation as the plug slid home. When Cal slapped her ass this time, every nerve clenched around the plug, a jangled cacophony of pain and pleasure.

He walked around and ran a hand through her hair. “Do not try my patience again, pet. Next time, I will not go so easy. Next time, I’ll have you on a St. Andrew’s Cross counting out twenty lashes of a single tail. I’ll pull you down and fuck your mouth, and you will not be allowed to come all night. Is that understood?”

Gaby nodded. She was hoping he wouldn’t put the “no coming” punishment on her this evening.

Cal’s hands went to his belt, and he shoved his slacks and boxers off. Normally, Gaby knew, he would neatly fold them, but tonight, he kicked them aside, a sure sign that he was losing his control.

He held his big dick in one hand and her head in the other. His fingers tangled in her hair. He pulled slightly, just a little sting. The sawhorse was perfectly adjusted to place her mouth right where he wanted it. “Get me hard, pet. Your Master wants to fuck his slave.”

She almost laughed. He was so hard he could pound nails. Gaby doubted the enormous cock in front of her could get any harder. She didn’t question him. She simply opened her mouth and let him push his way in. He didn’t require anything active from her when he was in this state. He merely wanted her compliance, and she gave it to him. He gently thrust himself in and out of her willing mouth.

His cock thrust forward as his hands pulled her head in. “That’s my good slave. Open wide for your Master. Your Master is going to fuck your mouth, then he’s going to take that hot ass of yours and give you a reaming you won’t forget.”