Title: Control
Author: Charlotte Stein
First published October 13, 2010
240 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9781907016448 (ISBN10: 1907016449)
Rating: 3.67
Overview
When the owner of a naughty bookshop, Madison Morris, hires an assistant, she gets more than she bargained for. Andy is aggressive and always pushing her buttons, while Gabriel is uptight and repressed, struggling to keep up with Madison’s training techniques.
As she delves deeper into the world of BDSM with these two, the lines between control and submission blur, leaving Madison unsure of who is really leading the way. With kinky threesomes and power plays, Madison must navigate her desires and figure out what she truly wants.
About the Author
Charlotte Stein is a talented author who has been nominated for awards such as RT and DABWAHA. Her impressive body of work includes over fifty short stories, novellas, and novels that are known for being both emotionally charged and seductive.
When she’s not busy crafting her next literary masterpiece, Charlotte indulges in her love for jelly turtles and enjoys watching cheesy sitcoms. She also admits to occasionally swooning over handsome men.
If you want to learn more about Charlotte and her writing, be sure to visit her website at www.charlottestein.net.
Editoral Review
Control by Charlotte Stein is a masterful exploration of desire, power, and the complex dynamics of romantic relationships. Stein, a well-respected author of erotic fiction, brings her signature style to this story of a woman’s transformation from a passive observer to an active participant in her own pleasure.
The book tells the story of Laila, a shy and reserved woman who finds herself captivated by her enigmatic new neighbor, Ryan. Against her better judgment, Laila begins a relationship with Ryan, and quickly finds herself swept up in his dominant presence.
As their relationship intensifies, Laila must confront her own desires and fears, and learn how to balance her need for control with Ryan’s need for domination. Stein’s prose is both poetic and precise, painting a vivid portrait of the characters and their world.
Through Laila’s eyes, we see the stark contrast between her mundane existence and Ryan’s luxurious lifestyle. We also get a sense of her inner turmoil, as she struggles to reconcile her submissive desires with her need for autonomy.
The pacing of the novel is excellent, with just the right balance of tension and release. Stein does an excellent job of building anticipation as Laila and Ryan’s relationship heats up, and the sex scenes are intense without being gratuitous.
The author’s use of language is also impressive, with many passages that are both erotic and deeply psychological. One of the strengths of Control is the way it explores issues of power and consent in BDSM relationships.
Stein avoids the trap of romanticizing or trivializing these issues, instead portraying them in a nuanced and thought-provoking way. She also does an excellent job of fleshing out the characters, giving them depth and personality beyond their respective roles as dominant and submissive.
If there is one weakness to the novel, it may be that it will appeal more to fans of erotic fiction than to mainstream readers. Some may find the BDSM themes off-putting or uncomfortable, and the book does not shy away from explicit sexual content.
Overall, Control is a triumph of erotic fiction that will appeal to fans of the genre and beyond. Stein’s writing is both evocative and insightful, and she raises important questions about power, consent, and desire that are relevant to all readers.
For those who are willing to dive in, Control offers a rewarding and unforgettable journey into the complex world of sexual dominance and submission. Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.
