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Unwritten #1

Unwritten

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Charlie Ashley, or Mr. Ashley as his clients know him, is a high-end male escort who gets paid thousands for whatever services his clients require. He’s lived the last ten years alone, not letting anyone in, enjoying his success and provocative lifestyle.

Allison Hayes has no idea the man she is falling in love with is a male escort. She connects with Charlie through their love of music, playing a taunting game asking herself if she loves him, hates him or if she is going to save him.

After meeting Allison, Charlie enters a world where everything he knows no longer makes sense, leaving him too scared to move forward, yet making it impossible to look back.

But can he give up his entire life for love?


* Unwritten is a steamy romance intended for a mature audience.

288 pages, ebook

First published September 15, 2015

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About the author

Lauren Runow

41 books1,282 followers
Lauren Runow is the author of multiple Adult Contemporary Romance novels, some more dirty than others. When Lauren isn't writing, you'll find her listening to music, at her local CrossFit, reading, or at the baseball field with her boys. Her only vice is coffee, and she swears it makes her a better mom!

Lauren is a graduate from the Academy of Art in San Francisco and is the founder and co-owner of the community magazine she and her husband publish. She is a proud Rotarian, helps run a local non-profit kids science museum, and was awarded Woman of the Year from Congressman Garamendi. She lives in Northern California with her husband and two sons.


You can also stay in touch through the social media links below.

Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/laurenjrunow

Instagram at https://instagram.com/Lauren_Runow/

BookBub at https://www.bookbub.com/authors/laure...

Twitter at https://twitter.com/LaurenRunow

Join her reader group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/16285...

or sign up for her newsletter at http://eepurl.com/btD6j9

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5 stars
74 (44%)
4 stars
47 (28%)
3 stars
25 (15%)
2 stars
13 (7%)
1 star
6 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
Profile Image for Grey.
448 reviews42 followers
July 2, 2016
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

In theory, it starts out so well for Charlie and Allison. Boy sees girl at his favorite band's concert obviously fangirling her heart out. Boy then sees girl at Starbucks. Fate right? Boy meets girl. Boy likes girl. Girl likes boy. Problem being that boy's job is screwing people for money. *record scratch* Yep, you read that right. And boy doesn't tell girl about his job... *inevitable crash* Oh, it gets worse, but I won't tell you all about that, you need to read it yourself. *bomb detonating*

Interesting premise, good execution, smoking hot smut. That bears repeating people. SMOKING. HOT. SMUT. I think some may have difficulty reading about -shall we say- Charlie's job performance, but I understand where the author was going with the storyline. However, I can see that it may be a little difficult for some...

I loved the interjection of music into the storyline, it was obvious that the author put a lot of thought into each song choice and it really added a whole other dimension into the story. The story was written in alternating points of view from Charlie and Allison, which may be off putting to some, but I enjoyed, it's interesting to me to be able to get inside both main characters heads. Fair warning... there is a Major cliffhanger at the end. Luckily for us, the next book Rewritten is already available!
Profile Image for Marina Skinner.
1,457 reviews42 followers
September 4, 2015
4.5 stars
This book sounded incredibly intriguing from the synopsis and it did not disappoint. I think Lauren has written a great first book. The story drew me in.
I loved the way Charlie goes after Allison, there seems to be such a connection from the start and you cannot help but wonder how the relationship will progress, especially with the sort of job Charlie has. There are twists and turns in this book that will have you shaking your head and thinking..OMG!!!!! Are you serious???!!!
I loved the characters, loved the way they interacted. Then when Allison discovers something about her someone, she is absolutely thrown, thinking her life is such a lie….but I’m not saying anything more, you will have to read it for yourself!!!! I enjoyed it that much that I am extremely interested to know what happens next. What will be in store for the characters…where will things lead…I cannot wait to find out.
Profile Image for Analia Almonte.
488 reviews11 followers
January 24, 2016
4.5 stars review!! wonderful can't wait for more.

I won this book and is my first of the author, and she don’t disappoint me at all. This book hooked me from the beginning to end. The story is well written and the plot is good, a little slow at the beginning but later you will know why. The connection with the character are phenomenal their passion for music is perfect for me I’m a fan of music, because music is everything!!! The twist and turns let me begin for more. Can’t wait for read the second part because this ends on a cliffhanger and let me tell you I was not expecting it. Good job and I will recommend to anyone. Congrats.
1 review
August 14, 2015
This book drew me in from the very first chapter. The story line was unique and the characaters were relatable yet mysterious all at the same time. So many twists and turns and OMG moments keeps me wanting more. Hats off to the Author Lauren Runow; don't ever stop writing!
Profile Image for BeautyandtheBooks.
272 reviews15 followers
September 18, 2015
This book was nothing that I expected. The plot twists were just like whoa! The sex was like whoa! Mr. Ashley was like whoa! Charlie is like awwww! Allison is adorbs. I'm so thankful for the recommendation. Funny, romantic, hot, sexy, screwed up... Everything you want in a good book is right here!
1 review
August 23, 2015
This book was amazing!!! I'm not one to read but I couldn't put it down! I got sucked in from the first chapter! Hands down the best book I've read!
Profile Image for Laurie Breitsprecher.
112 reviews5 followers
October 5, 2015
This book was so sexy and hot!! Loved Mr. Ashley!! Who doesn't want to read about a sexy Alpha male escort?? I will gladly read anything Lauren writes!
Profile Image for Kimberly (Kimmy Loves to Read).
1,035 reviews8 followers
September 21, 2015
4 1/2 stars.


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I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I read four books in a row that left me with a massive book hangover and this was one of them. The synopsis for Unwritten grabbed my attention right away. I've read a lot of books, but this one sounded like nothing I had read before, so I was willing to give it a shot. Well let me tell you, once I started reading it, I had a hard time putting it down.

Charlie, is an escort. It's pretty much all he has done his adult life. It's all he knows and up until now, life has been great. But then he meets Allison. Talk about a game changer. He first sees her at a concert and while he is immediately attracted to her, he doesn't get a chance to talk to her. Luckily for him, Charlie runs into Allison at a Starbucks. He strikes up a conversation with her and that turns into hours of chatting/flirting. Charlie has to leave for an appointment with a client, but asks Allison to meet him at Starbucks again the next day. She agrees after meeting up, the two of them go out to dinner. During dinner they discover that they both love Crossfit and make a plan to work out together the next morning. It was at this point I realized that the two of them belonged together, but circumstances being what they were, it was mostly likely going to be a long and winding road to their happily ever after.

From the moment Charlie met Allison, something in him shifted. The first time he was with a client after meeting her, felt different. He finds himself thinking about Allison and his heart just isn't in it, but being the professional that he is, Charlie does his job and leaves his clients more than satisfied. But the more time he spends with Allison and his feelings start to grow, the more he realizes that he cannot act on them. They go on these wonderful dates and just when things get hot an heavy, Charlie shuts down. It's clear to Allison that Charlie is holding back and it's killing him to do so, but he won't talk to her and tell her what is going on. Luckily for him, she is more than understanding.
Holding her tighter I lean down and kiss the top of her head. Yes, I’m going for it, and I really think I can do it this time.
I’ve loved every second with her and haven’t felt any fear since she’s been here. I know I’m totally falling for this chick and that’s all it was. I can do this…

Allison’s breathing hardens as she slowly moves her head, looking up at me, directly into my eyes. I lean in and kiss her softly before moving back and looking for her reaction. She gives me a kiss-me-now look and I lean in again, kissing her, slowly moving her down so she’s on her back and my chest is on top of her with my legs lying to her side.

I stop kissing her and pull back once more just to look at her. I still can’t believe that someone, this beautiful woman, can make me feel so whole, so happy.

I move her hair out of her face, giving her a warm smile before I kiss her again. The passion grows between us with each breath. I reach underneath her shirt, wrap my arm around her back, feeling her soft bare skin before grabbing the bottom of her shirt and slowly pulling it up over her head, taking it off and throwing it on the floor beside us.

She reaches for my shirt, pulling it up over my head as well. We are skin to skin, feeling each other’s heartbeat as we continue to explore one another.
Allison reaches for my pants and starts to unbutton the top button and there it is again. That scared feeling I felt before, making my stomach turn and my heart leap into my throat. I try to push it out of my mind, not understanding what’s going on or why this is happening. My heart beats harder and harder until I can’t breathe and I have to stop kissing her, dropping to my back so I’m lying beside her. What the fuck?

My breathing is so strained I have to focus on breathing slowly, in through the nose, out through the mouth, to try to calm it down.

Why am I so nervous? It’s like I’ve never done this before. Then it hits me.
That’s why. I’ve never done this before. Every time I’ve had sex it was with a client. I’ve never had feelings for anyone I’ve been with and the realization is overwhelming.

Allison leans to her side and I can tell she’s concerned, “Charlie, what is it?”

“God, Allison, I wish I could explain it to you.”

Putting her hand on my face, she whispers, “So try…”

I take a deep breath in, letting it out veryslowly and covering my eyes, “I can’t…” I pause before I put my arm down and look into her eyes. “But please stay here with me. Stay the night and sleep here with me.” I know I can’t hide the pleading coming out from deep within and I hope I don’t sound too pathetic.

She smiles, turns her back to me and curls up in my arms, grabbing my hand and pulling it up to her lips, kissing it saying, “Ok.”

Nothing else is said and we fall asleep wrapped in each other’s arms.
The above situation happens more than once, but their relationship eventually does progress. And just when you think that they are heading toward that happily ever after I really want for them (because they are the most perfect couple ever), they are brought back to reality. And in the most horrible of ways. Everything Charlie was afraid of comes to light, but it is actually much worse than he could have imagined. The twists and turns in this book were nothing like I expected.

Charlie and Allison were just amazing together. I couldn't put the book down because I had to know that these two were going to be okay and that their relationship was still headed toward that happily ever after. I found myself so invested in their relationship that I found myself crying. A LOT. It was obvious that they loved each other very much, but time and time again it just seemed liked the odds were against them. Talk about heartbreaking.

Now my caveat for you is that this book does end on a kind of sort of cliffhanger. So if you don't like that kind of thing, you may want to wait until the next book comes out and read them together. When I finished I immediately tweeted at the author with something along the lines of "OMG! When is the next book coming out! I NEED IT!" Or something like that. I can't wait to read Rewritten and I will just be keeping my fingers crossed that things will turn out the way I hope.


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Profile Image for Booknook Reviews .
428 reviews8 followers
October 2, 2018
Twists, turns and steamy scenes

I enjoyed reading this book. I was pleased to find no hidden triggers (ie abuse) either! The story ends on a cliff hanger which is equal parts annoying and intriguing.
Profile Image for Naomi.
1,303 reviews59 followers
December 16, 2015
Original Review @ Naomi’s Reading Palace

I hosted Unwritten on my blog a little while back, and received a copy of the book as a thank you from the author. After reading the description, I was excited to get into it and meet Charlie – the sexy-as-sin male escort – and see him fall for Allison – a student studying photography at the Academy of Art.

I really enjoyed the getting to know both Charlie and Allison. They have so much in common: their love of music and their passion for CrossFit are just the beginning! They flirt easily and are comfortable with each other in no time. Sparks fly and their connection gets stronger each time they meet. But Charlie’s secret is always on the edge, and he still has a job to do. He struggles to live two separate lives and eventually something has to give. I’m glad things with Allison didn’t progress too far until he made that final decision.

There were a few twists thrown in that shocked me. I kind of figured Allison would be tied deeper than I originally thought, and I was fine with that twist. I really wanted Charlie to grow a set and fight for what he wanted. He gave in too easily and his lapse in judgement lead to stupidity that should never had happened. Then another twist and the book took a suspense-filled turn… that should’ve been it, in my opinion! Allison and Charlie struggled after that, but slowly were able to find their groove again (although I wasn’t happy with what happened when they hit a night club, like seriously, you don’t need that!!). But anyway… When a third perspective was introduced, I was like, ahhhh hell no! * Insert eye roll here* Of course that twist had to bite them in the butt!

Honestly, I enjoyed about 60% of this book. I liked the way the author introduced me to the characters, their world and the difficulties they had, by telling the story from both Allison and Charlie’s perspectives. I liked how they had so much in common, although their relationship was not easy and they had a few hurdles. Their trip to Paris was fun and Charlie was able to find something else that he could make a career out of. But a few twists and a crazy woman made it a little too unbelievable for me. I knew the story would end on a cliff hanger, so wasn’t surprised when the story ended. However, I'm curious to know what happens next, so I may still pick up the next book.
Profile Image for MELODY.
457 reviews17 followers
February 16, 2016
This is an incredible first novel from author Lauren Runow. Wow! She introduces to Charlie and Allison. Charlie is a paid escort (cough cough), his clients call him Mr. Ashley, on a night to himself he sees Allison across a crowded bar, they are both into this punk band called Unwritten. Before he has a chance to talk to her she disappears, Charlie sees her several times in passing and decides to approact while she is sitting in a local coffee shop.

Charlie runs hot and cold on Allison - leaving her confused. Charlie realizes he has some choices to make, if he wants anything lasting with Allison. He is learning to love and see himself in a lasting relationship. Allison is just confused - her sister thinks he is married. Allison is a student photographer and she is getting ready to start her own carreer - it's obvious she has money. (the only thing that really bothered me in the entire novel was all the product name dropping)

As they grow together we are given glimpses of what Mr. Ashley does, (hot, steamy, holy crap sex scenes!) As well, as watching them grow together and the plot twist that tears them apart hits you in the face! The characters are strong and the plot lines are tight!

Be warned the book is a cliffhanger! The good news is Rewritten is already available. I cannot wait to see if the Allison and Charlie get their happily ever after! If you are in the market for a quick steamy read, this one should keep you warm on a cold winter's night!

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Profile Image for Maegan Moores.
Author 2 books497 followers
January 8, 2016
WOW! Fantastic book!

I love how Charlie first notices Allison at a bar where their favorite band is playing and is immediately drawn to her. Before he gets the chance to say anything to the beautiful woman, she leaves. He kind of writes it off, until he sees her again at a local coffee shop.

To break the ice, he introduces himself by asking her about the music she's listening to. Next thing you know, he has to leave, but he's asking her to meet him there again the next day. Little does Allison know that the reason he had to leave is that he's a male escort because if she did she probably wouldn't have gone back there. But she totally did. :)

They quickly develop a romantic relationship, she more eager to be intimate than him. Not that he doesn't want to have sex with her, but he's confused because all he's ever been good at was getting paid to have sex with women. He's never cared about someone before, much less had a relationship.

Things do not go smoothly for the pair. There's a lot of awkward moments between them, but I can't tell you why without giving away parts of the story. I will tell you that these awkward times only make the story more believable. Things don't go back to normal for them just like that. They have to work things out because they're unsure about each other. I loved that!

Two things I did not like about this book:
1) The cliffhanger (I hate cliffhangers), but thankfully the second book is out so I don't have to wait.
2. That skank Jacquelyn. Argh! I dislike her so much. :(

On to Rewritten, to find out how Charlie and Allison's story ends.
Profile Image for Aubrie Brown.
76 reviews2 followers
September 24, 2015
Unwritten. Un-bloody-Written. Where do I even begin? First, I applaud you, Lauren for a passionate, raw and down-right beautiful book. I swear I felt everything Allison had gone through. My heart was with her during the whole thing. And Charlie. He was the type of guy women spent their whole lives looking for. Romantic, caring, loving, ambitious. But his past. I have no idea how you were able to write this novel without breaking down. The twists and turns, the love and lust, just expecting the unexpected made this a must-read. A book which is too special to remain quiet. In a way he was doing his clients a favour. Showing them the love they craved, the romance they lost. But he just forgot that Allison should have come first. Love is too precious and too hard to find to be ignored. You proved that. How it takes one person to change your whole life's perspective, and you just realise how much they initially mean to you. It's something Charlie should have noticed before he got caught in a whirlwind of drama. Congratulations on your first novel, Lauren. Absolutely stunning novel, even though I just about died from the cliffhanger (which I forgive you for) Can't wait to read the rest of Allison and Charlie's love story.
Profile Image for Dusty Summerford (Reviews by Reds).
339 reviews22 followers
February 4, 2016
5 Smoking Hot Stars!!

This book was incredible. I was hooked from the first page. So many twists and turns. And the angst!! So much angst! It has everything you crave in a great book!!

Charlie goes out to an old hangout named Slim's where his favorite band Unwritten Law is playing. What he's not ready for is Allison. He sees her across the bar and is very intrigued. When the band quits playing he walks over to talk to her but she's leaving with her friends.
Two days later he sees her in Starbucks and decides to go in and strike up a conversation. They hit it off immediately. After a couple hours of flirting and amazing conversation Charlie has to leave. He has an appointment to keep. So he makes plans to see her again.
But what Allison doesn't know is that Charlie aka Mr. Ashley is an Escort. He gets paid to sleep with women. So you can imagine all the angst to come!! Because Charlie is drawn to Allison but he doesn't do relationships.

This book kept me enthralled with the story and the characters. This book does end on a cliffhanger so be sure to get Book 2!! No way can you stop on the story!!
Definitely a must read!

The Author graciously sent me this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Jenny.
2 reviews
September 13, 2015
What a sexy, suspenseful, wild ride!

To say Charlie Ashley is an escort is an understatement. He is an erotic, hands-behind-your-back tying, take-you-any-which-way-you-please dominant! From the beginning, you are at the Mercy of Mr. Ashley!

What makes this book a must-read is how easily you empathize with Charlie. You understand his path, agree with his choice of lifestyle and even root for him to be successful. That is - until he meets the girl who makes him question everything.

Allison and Charlie embark on a love story that's doomed from the start. He's an escort and she is falling hard for a man she knows nothing about. When the secret comes out, Charlie being an escort is only a portion of the battle they face as a couple. Twists and turns, betrayal and scandal threaten to keep them apart.

I am anxiously awaiting the next book in this series. I need to know how this saga will end!
Profile Image for Wil Loves Books!.
1,120 reviews462 followers
November 22, 2015
Unwritten is the debut novel by Lauren Runow and it’s Book 1 of a 2 book series. I’ve been wanting to read this one for a while but hadn’t been able due to my schedule. It totally didn’t disappoint. I really, really liked this one. Once I started reading and got into it, I just had to finish it in one sitting and see where the story would lead me. And I have to say, I was very surprised, in a good way, because this was nothing like I expected. This book is hot, dark, raw, twisty, funny at times, romantic at times, a true roller coaster ride!

No need to rehash the blurb, let me tell you what I loved the most about the book:

Charlie: I loved him and I loved his character development and growth. Loved his POV and the fact that he made no excuses for who he was. I think his inner dialogue is super funny! He’s so cocky and arrogant but nice and beautiful at the same time. In the beginning, he’s totally convinced that his job is truly the only thing he is good at and that it is the thing that defines him, he doesn’t think he needs anything else. And boy was he wrong! His struggle was so real, but so was his attraction and eventual love for Allison.

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Allison: I loved her too, she’s hard not to love. Nicely developed character. Her innocence is so real and definitely not overdone. At the same time, she is not stupid, she is actually strong, has some real goals and follows them no matter what. I loved how much she cared about Charlie and how she was not afraid to feel!

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Music: I loved that music plays a really big part in this story. I’m a music and lyrics junkie so a book that revolves around music makes my soul happy. Every song tells a story, and in this book every song told a story and had a clear purpose for being there. Loved that!

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CrossFit: Hello CrossFit!!! The characters love CrossFit so do I (even though I suck at it!) Being that I’m married to a competitive Crossfitter/Trainer (love you Old and Strong!) and that CF has been such a big part of our lives for almost 10 years it’s hard not to love those parts of the book. Lauren does an amazing job describing the CrossFit experience, on point. And yay, my favorite girl Annie makes a cameo!

The book starts of slow but when it picks up the pace, you are in for a ride, with bumps, twists and turns everywhere I did not expect. At first I thought this was going to be a cookie cutter romantic love story and let me tell you that this is not what the book is. The book obviously has romance in it but it’s also very raw. The main character, who also carries most of the book’s POV is an escort, he gets paid a lot of money to sleep with women. Throughout the book he makes no excuses about it and his sexcapades with his clients are explicitly documented in the book. Now, this is something that does not bother me much. I kinda understand the purpose of some of these scenes in reference to the story and the character’s inner struggle. But I do know that this is a turn off for some readers so I feel like I need to be honest in that respect. At times, it seemed like too many. Especially when compared to the love scenes between the main characters, which in turn seemed to fade to black at times and were kinda less descriptive. That was probably my biggest issue with the book. But then again this is book one of a series, and the author might be saving the more descriptive scenes between the main characters for the next book. However, the sex scenes are scorching hot, all of them!

The book definitely ends in a cliffhanger and it leaves you wanting more. Thankfully, Book 2 comes out on December 1st so the wait won’t be long. I’m definitely excited to see how this story will end. Lauren Runow is definitely a super talented, new and upcoming author to watch. If you are looking for a hot, twisty and unexpected book then this is the book for you!

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*An ARC was generously provided by Wordsmith Publicity in exchange for an honest review*
Profile Image for Cassandra-anne Delorie.
72 reviews3 followers
October 26, 2015
***THIS BOOK WAS GIVEN TO ME IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW***
***Contains graphic sex and language. Not for young readers***
***Cassandra Delorie #NerdGirlLola’s Review***

Smashing debut novel from up and coming Indie author Lauren Runow. Charlie and Allison start on a road that will change both of their lives forever. Charlie, a high-end male escort, sees Allison, a student at a prestigious Art School, at a concert and becomes smitten by her. Just by happenstance he sees her again at coffee shop and things heat up from there.

I love this novel for so many reasons. First off, the setting, I know 90% of the places they went (Paris being the only exception, haven’t been there yet, oh and Crossfit, no clue what that is, lol). I know this is probably weird sounding but I like reading a book and saying “Hey I know where that is.” It makes me feel like part of the book in a way. Ok dorkiness aside. The author does a great job of helping the reader feel like they really are wherever Charlie and Allison are.

I loved the use of music in the novel. Music is an excellent way to convey what the characters could be thinking or feeling, in a way that is relatable to the reader. Most of the songs used are songs that I belt out every day in the car on my way to work. Let me tell you, the songs chosen fit the book very well.

This book is amazing. The interaction between the characters is well written and quite hilarious at times, especially between Allison and her sister. Oh and the drama of it all, by the time I was finished I was so shell shocked, I did not see any of that coming.

Overall this book is a blast to read, yes it does end on a cliff hanger but it is well worth it. I recommend this to all romance readers, over the age of 18 of course.

***Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official. For more information regarding our reviews please visit our Fan Site: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.NG***
Profile Image for Nancy Reads.
684 reviews14 followers
December 11, 2015
Unwritten is a debut book by Indie author Lauren Runow, and I was pleasantly surprised to find how well written, plus original this story was to read. It has very steamy, hot, sexy, erotic scenes, and so is not for young readers, but fine for mature “young at heart” readers. Through out the entire book music plays a huge part, with songs matched with every important scene of the book, and after you finish you are provided with a complete playlist to listen to and enjoy.

So what is the story about: Charles Ashley is a high-end male escort who is paid thousands for his services. He has lived this provocative lifestyle for ten years, but never having a true relationship so feeling very alone. One day he sees a girl at a coffee shop and after meeting Allison Hayes his entire life comes into question. He knows he can’t move forward till he deals with and ends his present job, but he finds it isn’t as easy as saying “I quit”.

Allison has no idea the man she is falling in love with is a male escort. She connects with him immediately through their love of music. She knows he is keeping secrets and knows she wants to “save” him, but no idea the twists and turns, and complications that come with loving and saving Charlie. They are in for quite a roller coaster of events and shocking events and readers get to go along with them. “He sat next to me at Starbucks of all places. He saw I was listening to Unwritten Law and interrupted me. We talked for hours, and things just continued from there.”

This does end in a Cliffhanger, but the next book Rewritten was released on December 1. “There are decisions to be made, relationships to mend and futures to be told all with one question; is their love strong enough to be “rewritten”. I highly recommend reading this book and can not wait to start the next book.
Profile Image for books are love.
3,131 reviews24 followers
September 22, 2015
This is a fun book. Charlie is a man on a journey to not only find courage but love and himself. He has gone through so much and did what he had to to survive that now he fears what he can do once he walks away from what he knows. He walks away for love. Love that transforms him.

Allison at times is a little irritating but she does grow on you. Her love for Charlie is wonderful. The ending wasn’t what I expected and I am not sure what her true character will be but the next book will certainly tell us this. When she does what Charlie thought she would he does lose himself to his grief and has something happen. Another unexpected moment. But it is Charlie that has us see her goodness again.

the story is a fun flirty one that has many twists and turns and mouth open from the Wow that is handed out to you. Truly Charlie you will root for and what to see change his life for love. He has gone through so much to finally find love and have it ripped from him is heartbreaking. He does fight himself about it for the longest time until he can’t anymore. When he does give in is when heck breaks loose and our holy wow factors begin to emerge.

Each character brings a new dimension to the book. From Allison’s greedy mom, her sister who is seriously having anger issues towards men, Charlie’s friends who support and love him, Jacqueline who is freaky obsessed, Charlie who is fun flirty and the transformation from male escort to who he really is will knock you off your feet, and Allison who is the reason Charlie wishes to be himself and find himself again.

the ending will have you wanting the next book. A great beginning in this series on love and how it can empower you to change and how it gives us the strength to become who we are meant to be.
Profile Image for Andrea's Bookshelf .
50 reviews4 followers
October 7, 2015
WARNING! Ends in a cliff hanger! (for those of you who love to be on the edge of your seat)

This was one of the more interesting books I've read this year. The blurb had me 100% intrigued, who doesn't want to read a book about a male escort that falls in love? Talk about drama (which I love)!

The best thing about this book is that it's written in alternating points of view. Allison and Charlie, our main characters, tell this story with a surprise point of view at the end. It's hard to go into detail about this book without giving away major spoilers but I'll try my best. This isn't your average manwhore-falls-in-love romance, there is depth and feeling connected to the characters. Lauren Runow also does a fantastic job of twisting the plot that keeps you guessing. I can honestly say I was expecting some sort of twist but definitely not the one you'd expect.

This was a light/fast read that keeps you turning the page, wanting to know what happens next between Charlie and Allison. While I really enjoyed this book, I only give it 4 stars because I felt there could've been more character development with Allison, and there could've been more time for Charlie and Allie to build a relationship. The other thing about this book that I didn't particularly care for was the brief drug use described. I just felt it was really out of place and completely random.

I definitely recommend this book if you're looking for romance, drama, twists and turns, and great music references!
Profile Image for Mary Jo.
2,348 reviews52 followers
February 14, 2016
Alison is passionate about photography and music. At a club where her favorite band is performing, she notices an incredibly hot guy but never dreams that he would ever be interested in her. Little does she know that Charlie is captivated with her at the same concert but she disappears before he can talk to her. Imagine his surprise when he sees her through a coffee shop window, now, how does he get her to talk to him? Charlie and Alison strike up a very passionate and fun relationship. For Charlie, this is foreign territory because you see, he is a male escort. Yep, gets paid to have sex with women. How does he tell Alison what he does? As they get to know each other, we learn the complexities of Charlie’s childhood and the deep pain he deals with which sent him down the path to being a male escort and believing he doesn’t deserve love. As Charlie tries to break away from his career so that he can find a future with Alison, well, this is where all the twists and turns begin. I never expected the events to unfold as they did but loved every heart stopping moment. Just as it looks like Alison and Charlie have weathered the storms, a new dilemma is thrust upon them and has left me hanging, ready to dive into Rewritten. A copy was provided by Net Galley for an honest review.
Profile Image for Christine.
452 reviews26 followers
October 18, 2015
What a gem this book was. It was refreshing to read such a well written 1st novel and with such an original plot. Lauren Runow's Unwritten is fantastic! Charlie Ashley - high paid male escort - lost his parents at young and found himself struggling to survive in the big city. We enter the story 10 years into his "career" and things start to change when he meet a Allison who seems perfect for him. Can a man in his occupation fall in love?

I truly loved this novel, even with a cliffhanger ending (I hate having to to wait for the next book). Lauren has developed her characters so much your invested in everything. You will even be invested in the sub characters too. It's not often I'm shocked with twists and turns but damn Lauren has done it. I finished this book in a day. I just couldn't put it down to the point I feel asleep last night clutching my kindle and started again this morning. If I could give this book more than 5 Stars I would I recommend it that much. Give it a shot I'm sure you won't be disappointed.
Profile Image for Nerd Girl Vixen.
231 reviews32 followers
February 10, 2016
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*

Charlie’s life was great. He had the perfect job. He slept with women and got paid for it. Pretty sweet huh? Things were going well until the night of the concert. The beauty with the soft pink lips. She captivated him and then she was gone. Then a chance meeting at Starbucks brings Allison, the beauty from the concert into his life. Being around Allison started to stir up feelings and Charlie started to question his life. He debated on telling her the truth but would she stay if she knew the truth? Could he give up everything for her?

Love love this book! I love that music was woven into the story. Music is a huge passion for me and having it incorporated into the story was a delightful bonus. The characters were pretty great as well and have become attached to them. Allison is a refreshing female lead. She is smart, fun, and beautiful. She doesn’t play games. If you’re a fan of romance this book is for you! I can’t wait to read the next one! I give this 5 stars
4 reviews2 followers
January 10, 2016
This book had me hook from the start! I was intrigued with this from the moment I read the synopsis and I was not disappointed. Practically feeling the passion and wanting between Charlie and Allison throughout the whole book had me practically on the edge of my seat. Charlie wanting to tell Allison everything then not wanting to for fear of losing her and Allison's frustration with him just up and leaving her without any explanations, it just made me frustrated. Then everything finally seems to be going their way (with a few twists in between), then, bam, it ends! That I was not impressed with. FYI, if you are to read this book, make sure you have the second book, Rewritten, ready to go because you will not want to stop. I was like what??? So glad I have Rewritten...I am off to see if Allison and Charlie truly get their happy ending...

Thanks Lauren for gifting this book to me! I am so looking forward to more books in the future!!!
Profile Image for Rita Ames.
Author 11 books354 followers
September 26, 2015
Wow! What an amazing first book. I love it when I find an author that I want to follow as it means I get to read lots more great books.

Love triumphs over adversity takes on a whole new angle in this story as Charlie makes the jump to change everything he knows for the love of Alison and boy do they have some adversity to overcome.

This is a book of many elements, tender love, scorching hot sex of the sensual and the domineering variety (care of Mr Ashley)and a surprise ending that makes me soooo impatient for the next book.

Roll on December and book two!

You have time to read this one before it's out so get clicking!
Thank you Lauren Runow for a very enjoyable read!
1,654 reviews7 followers
February 8, 2016
Can you accept someone no matter what there faults might be? Charlie has just met Alison and they really connect but he knows that he needs to stay away as he can't allow his secret to effect her life.
They more time they spend together the more fun they have the harder it becomes for him to distance himself.
Alison can't understand why Charlie's moods are forever changing one moment he is all loving and the next he hurts her.
Can Alison accept Charlie and his profession when she finds out or will Charlie have lost her forever?
A great hot book that takes us on a ride that has its ups & downs. I was lucky enough to receive a copy in exchange for an honest review via Netgalley.
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