Review: Control by Charlotte Stein

Title: Control by Charlotte Stein
Publisher: Sourcebooks
Imprint: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic, Romance, Ménage, M/F/M, M/F
Length: 258 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

Will she choose control or just let go?

When Madison Morris wanted to hire a shop assistant for her naughty little bookstore, she never dreamed she’d have two handsome men vying for the position—and a whole lot more. Does she choose dark and dangerous Andy with his sexy tattoos? Or quiet, serious Gabriel, whose lean physique and gentle touch tempt her more than she thought possible?

She loves the way Andy takes charge when it comes to sex. But the turmoil in Gabe’s eyes hints at a deep well of complicated emotions locked inside. When the fun and games are over, only one man can have control of her heart.

The Review:

Charlotte Stein’s Control is a delectably naughty erotic romance that hits all the right spots. Plenty of steamy, lust-filled sex scenes perfectly compliment the surprisingly emotional storyline and the resulting story is sizzling, funny and poignant. An absolute must read for readers who enjoy a novel that is not afraid to tread into forbidden sexual territory.

Bookstore owner Madison Morris is in a quandary about which applicant to hire as her assistant. Über sexy Andy Yarrow with the deliciously yummy tattoos and a penchant for taking control in the bedroom? Or shy, quiet, inhibited Gabriel with the tempting voyeuristic tendencies? No matter which man Madison chooses, her control is going to be sorely tested!

Madison is not afraid to take a walk on the sexual wild side and there is not a fantasy she is not willing to try. With the right man, she is more than willing to unleash her dominant side. But Madison is also comfortable taking the submissive role as well. She also likes some dirty talking-both as the talker and the listener. I think Madison is the perfect heroine because she is willing to do what we’d all like to do: embrace and explore our sexuality without limits.

Of the two heroes, Gabriel is the one who pretty much stole my heart. He is gentle, charming and sexually inexperienced with just the right amount of vulnerability. Madison’s dominance is something he craves and although he is embarrassed about some of his desires, he is up for just about anything she commands. But the most compelling scenes between these two are the ones where Gabriel reveals information about his past. Their emotional connection is just as strong as their sexual one but it takes them both a while to realize it.

Ah, I just love a bad boy and Andy fits that role perfectly. In real life he is pretty laidback but in the bedroom? He prefers calling the shots. Andy completely dominates Madison and he makes an intriguing third in Madison and Gabriel’s ménage explorations. He is a bit of a wanker (I just love that word!!!) but he manages to surprise me with his unexpected insight into Madison and Gabriel’s relationship.

The sex scenes are scorching hot and plentiful. Despite the dominant and submissive roles, it is not a BDSM novel and although there are a couple of ménages, it is not a true ménage either. It is a sexually adventurous book that defies categorization and I think that’s why I liked it so much.

Control is written in first person from Madison’s perspective. There is a stream of consciousness feel to her inner monologue but once I got used to it, I really enjoyed it. It is a little confusing for the first chapter but by the second chapter, the story flows very smoothly. The humor is well-timed and laugh out loud funny. The characters and overall plot have depth and substance and in between bouts of incendiary sex, a true romance develops. I think it is safe to say that Charlotte Stein is now on my auto-buy list and I have been eagerly purchasing her backlist!