In my DNF era! This is soft-dnf for now.

it was hard to rate this book...
The story was slow and ho-hum, I kept thinking I'd put it down but I just couldn't stop myself from reading further. So this book has that something that keeps you reading; I'd rate the story 2 stars with one star bonus point for the "can't put it down" quality. 3 stars total. ( )

Normally, erotic romance written in the first person present featuring a wealthy businessman and an awkward young woman would not appeal to me. But in the capable and talented hands of Charlotte Stein, this story captivated me entirely.

What I loved:

Style: As I mentioned above, romances written in the first person present are not my thing. Often, it keeps me from understanding the development of the other half of the relationship. In Run to You, Stein uses this as a tool to capture the immediacy of Alissa's growth and self understanding while also allowing the reader to understand the change in Yanos as Alissa observes it. Employing this style, especially in a romance, is tricky and Stein pulls it off impeccably.

The Hero: Janos seems like he will be the stereotypical hero: alpha male, fabulously wealthy, always perfectly dressed, sexually adventurous, seductive, and gorgeous. He is those things, but Stein allows the reader to discover along with Alissa his layers, weaknesses, and tender places. When Alissa finally breaks him open, it is a wonderful sight to behold.

The Heroine: A heroine who is inexplicably clumsy, unsure of herself, perplexed why some gorgeous man would want her, and not truly content with her life is usually the type of heroine I avoid like the plague (I'm looking at you,Twilight!). Alissa is those things and it isn't until she encounters Janos that she discovers her strength as a person and as a sexual being. But her new found strength and clarity is not dependent on him. She gives into her own weaknesses but it is her own self (and support from a friend) that empowers her to fight for what she wants.

Their Relationship: As this is erotic romance, much of the plot and relationship development is rooted in sex, but their interactions are such that the reader can be assured that their relationship will be just fine even when they are not in the bedroom (or car, elevator, etc.). They both discover new strengths and weaknesses together and both make sacrifices to be together.

The Sex: It is impossible to discuss a Charlotte Stein book without mentioning the sex. Her sex scenes are interesting, creative, and very hot. Rather than rely on the erotic fantasy, she creates sex scenes that are earthy and real. These are two people having very real and very hot sex and they are discovering themselves and each other the entire time.

Overall, this was a wonderful story with believable, multi-dimensional characters, fantastic wit, and a sigh worthy ending. I can't wait for Stein's next. ( )

What do you get when Charlotte Stein tries her hand at the "insecure heroine meets dominant billionaire" trope? An astoundingly original twist on a tired theme. That's what you get.

Some ways Run To You is not your standard billionaire BDSM novel:

- The heroine, Alissa, isn't a doormat who lets the hero, Janos, walk all over her. I swear I swooned a little every time he'd pull some high-handed billionaire BS and she'd turn around and tell him exactly what she did and didn't like about his behavior.

- The hero isn't some one-note effortlessly confident dream man. He's got real hangups and vulnerabilities.

- Falling in love isn't some instantaneous thing. It's a messy process that scares the ever-lovin' crap out of both parties involved.

Overall, I think Run To You is a smart, sexy, and very romantic erotic romance and I'd easilly rank it with my favorite Charlotte Stein stories.



Some Favorite Quotes:

"Maybe this is just a movie – a freeze-frame of total happiness, mine for a moment but soon gone. And if that’s the case, well, I’m going to catch it while I can."

'Most women like the idea of Pretty Woman, but don’t actually want to live it, for God’s sake. Who wants to be controlled by an eccentric billionaire? I’ll tell you who: no one. No one in the known universe.’
'Some people might.’
‘Such as?’ ‘Such as … people … who … like billions of dollars.’
‘Well, there is that contingency.’
‘And … women who fancy … Richard Gere.’

( )

First, I'll start by saying, the cover is hot, but is not representing of Janos. Because Janos is a MAN!!!!! Rawr.

I think one of the only authors in existence today can write a book with only 2 characters. Run To You is just that. 95% (plus) of the book is Allison and Janos. The dialogue, the insanely smart and eloquent inner musings, the way the plot just carries itself forward. Sheer brilliance.

Allison's friend disappears on a self imposed vacation/escape/whatever and all is left is her diary. In that diary Allison finds one repeated appointment that has no details, just one word: Assignation. And doesn't just this word make you want to know what is going on? Allison clearly feels the same way as she goes to the next one, in her friend's stead. What she finds is a luxurious hotel room, a riveting stranger and a closet.

But when I dare to look again, the room is empty. He wasn't going for the closet, I realise. He was going for the exit. He came to meet his lovely Lucy, and, once he realised she wasn't here, he made a call to the complaints department of the Assignations Bureau, before taking his leave."

I think there's an Allison is practically each and every one of us. Yes, even us smut addicts. And her insecurities, her self doubts, the way she under-appreciates herself, is personal to many women. Additionally, Allison is clearly a funny girl. I could've highlighted the entire book where her musings are concerned just so I can go over and laugh at her ridiculous (and SO REAL) thoughts.

Janos is a Hungarian man. A manly man. He's big, burly, hairy, handsome, and aloof, a little brooding, quite cold and seemingly unreachable. Oh, and mui RICH! Problem is, ladies, he only has eyes for little, shy Allison.

There's this one part at the end of the story, where a third character enters for a few small moments. And what this character said is just perfect:
"Don't pretend it doesn't matter, so you no longer have to hope and believe that it does. Hope isn't poison, Lissa. Hope is the thing that keeps you going when everything is awful and dark and you don't know which way to turn."
I loved the book. I loved the characters. I loved the language, the writing, the cleverness, the intense emotions, the way the story hit just right, the humor, the fact the 2 characters are all it takes to write a brilliant story and the fantasy it pretty much planted in my head. Now... waiting for my very own Janos.

( )