Brace yourself for cutting-edge suspense in the scorching third novel of Shannon K. Butcher’s new action-romance series...
“I NEED TO KNOW IF ANYONE WAS KILLED LAST NIGHT.”
In his years working for the private security firm The Edge, Clay Marshall has seen it all. But the recent blackouts he's been having are new. So is waking up with blood on his hands and clothes, with no memory of where the blood came from—or who he might have killed. He hates to admit it, but he needs help.
Dr. Leigh Vaughn has treated other Edge employees before, but from the moment she sees him for the first time, Clay strikes her as a special breed of man. She knows he’s dangerous, and distrustful of doctors, but she finds herself drawn to him even as his own steely exterior gives way to his growing desire for her.
Neither knows, however, that Clay is being used as a pawn in a larger experiment, and that his blackouts are only the first step toward a terrifying goal. And both Leigh and Clay will put themselves in harm’s way to stop an unseen enemy—and to save one another.
Bestselling author Shannon K. Butcher, who now writes as Anna Argent, has written more than thirty titles since launching her career in 2007. She has three award-winning series, including the paranormal romance series The Sentinel Wars, the action-romance series The Edge, and the romantic suspense Delta Force Trilogy. Her alter ego Anna Argent also writes several series with a fresh and interesting spin on paranormal romance (The Lost Shards, The Taken and The Stone Men series) as well as a contemporary romance series set in a small town in the Ozarks. As a former engineer and current nerd, she frequently uses charts, graphs and tables to aid her in the mechanics of story design, world building and to keep track of all those colorful characters, magical powers and alternate worlds. An avid bead and glass artist, she spends her free time turning small sparkly bits into larger sparkly bits. She’s rarely on social media, so the best place to find out news about upcoming releases under either name is via her newsletter. You can sign up at AnnaArgent.com.
The third book in Shannon K. Butcher's Edge series. Clay Marshall wakes up with blood all over him without the memories of how it happened. He calls Payton Bainbridge who sends Dr. Leigh Vaughn to watch him. Leigh has seen this happen before to her own brother. Now they need to uncover the truth and keep from having this or something worse happen again.
This started rough for me. I nearly gave up but I did keep on and it eventually got better. The ending wasn't all that satisfying for me but I don't want to give any spoilers. While there wasn't a cliffhanger per se I was left with unanswered questions. Questions that will probably be answered in future additions to the series. I hope, anyway. I really liked SKB's Delta Force series but this series hasn't been quite as riveting for me.
Rating 3.5 stars The hero Clay has been having black-outs for while and he finally calls his boss of sorts Payton for help. Payton along with a few men were responsible for what happened to Clay and others, they allowed experiments to happen on them as kids. He enlists the heroine's help, she is a doctor who lost one brother to this madness and has another brother locked up. Clay was a hero who valued control and now that had been taken away from him, from someone he didn't even know, so he didn't like taking the heroine's help especially since he was now a puppet and could hurt her and others without being aware of it. I admired the heroine's dedication to her brother and her spunk.I also enjoyed the romance a lot. Overall in the story we saw a lot many strings being unraveled. Adam and Mira, a lot many things happen and I am curious to know what happens next.
The only reason it took me so long to finish this book was that I kept waiting for a time when I could just read the last half straight through. I enjoyed this SO much better than Razor's Edge and the hero, Clay, was the reason why.
I kept thinking of Larissa Ione's Rogue Rider while I was reading this because her hero, Reseph, bears some similarity to Clay. Reseph as Pestilence launched an apocalypse, leading to the deaths of thousands. Clay, brainwashed, was an assassin, killing whoever he was ordered to and he contributed to a nightmarish existence for innocents. Both men have blood on their hands from actions they wouldn't have performed if they'd been in their right minds and both are dangerous to the people around them if they ever revert back to their 'evil' selves.
Clay, of course, is not one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. He's a regular human who was mucked with as a child. I flashed back to Dollhouse a bit when Butcher started going into details (i.e. "There are three flowers in a vase. The third flower is green"), but, for me, the core of the book was Clay's desire for atonement and his messed-up feelings for the heroine, Leigh. He doesn't believe he deserves to be with her, but it's clear he's very drawn to her.
Leigh is equally attracted to him, but Clay is a loaded weapon with a hair trigger. He reverts to his brainwashed state when his life is threatened and he becomes incapable of distinguishing friend from foe (if violence against women is a squick of yours, in one scene, Clay does start to attack Leigh before she is able to tranq him). I can't imagine what it would be like to be falling for a man who could do that, even if you know, logically, he didn't mean it. Butcher doesn't gloss over this and Leigh does consider the ramifications of being with him.
In essence, this is a book about a man who is broken and the woman who helps save him. The mystery surrounding Clay's brainwashing is part of a greater whole that presumably (I haven't read it) starts with the first book, Living on the Edge. There's not a heck of a lot of world-building, so it would probably be in the reader's best interest to have read one of the previous titles. Butcher also appears to set up the next book in the series and I'm really interested in that couple. The next hero is pretty much a dick and I'm looking forward to seeing how Butcher redeems him.
I received this first read book for free from goodreads giveaway. This book was very enjoyable almost like watching an episode on television! This is my first book in this series and I do believe it is book three,I had no problems with this being a stand alone, I can tell however, there was some back story so I would like to say that reading this made curious to read the other books. I gave it three stars it was a bit predictable but it didn't take away from the entertainment. I'm thankful for this giveaway and I would recommend this book to family and friends especially us LADIES!! Sexy ex military guys with shirts off may not be so appealing to some men! Of course some may love it as well! Good book liked it!
As Clay has been a tantalizing character throughout the series his story proved to be as intense as expected. Regardless of the fact plot twists were easy to unravel for me their very predictability made the execution smooth to follow along with.
I hate to rate this book because I spent majority of the book trying to remember what had happened in the previous books. I had a hard time getting into it and truthfully could not really get into either of the characters. Will probably not continue with this series.
Third in the Edge romantic suspense series revolving around the Edge Security firm and its manipulated operatives. The couple focus is on Clay Marshall and Dr. Leigh Vaughn while setting us up for Adam Brink and Mira Sage.
My Take Whoa. Intense story and I can see where it is individually terrifying for its primary participants. Yeah, it's somewhat space-agey with the basic scenario---although I can see where possibilities exist!---and Butcher has some interesting characters. Very real people doing their best in a bad situation. Payton is contrite, but doesn't let emotion get in the way of the best for the most. Clay and Leigh each have their own reactions and interpretations that ring true as their situation evolves. I am a bit surprised that Mira is so careless, but that's human too. One can't stay on high-alert 24/7.
I don't buy that Payton would be that careless at the beginning. Then there's the man Clay is supposed to kill. Gimme a break. With all their contacts and high tech, they can't figure out a way to fake it??
Phew, that scene when Grady finds them and Leigh insists on the handcuffs was very real even as I kept screaming in my head for her to let him go. I do like that Leigh can think on her feet. And act.
If it weren't so horrible, it would be funny that Adam actually thinks he can use Mira against Dr. Sage.
Butcher does a good job of conveying Clay's fear. Unknowing of who is controlling him, why they're using him, what his end-use is. Payton's aid is two-edged and when Clay learns the truth about him, well, that's more support cut away. Then there's that partial knowing as flashes of memory hit him. And knowing that Leigh is only using him for her own ends.
I do love Mira and Leigh's end run! Although it seems that Adam may have the last laugh. We'll just have to wait and see what happens in book 4.
The Story It's getting worse. He keeps losing chunks of time and...all this blood. God, there's so much blood this time. It just takes one panicky phone call and it's all out of Clay's hands with him in a supposed safe house. One of Payton's.
Then the babysitter shows up. A doctor. And Clay is outta here! He wants nothing, NOTHING to do with doctors. But she's too important; she knows too much and may be his only chance.
The Characters Dr. Leigh Vaughn is being blackmailed into treating wounded men. The price is an occasional visit with her imprisoned brother, Garrett. The brother still alive. Hollis was another brother.
Clay Marshall has been Mira's best friend since they were kids and he rescued her. A mistake as it put him on the List.
The Edge is… …a security firm started up by Bella Blayne with money from Payton Bainbridge who is desperately trying to make up for all the wrongs he's done. One way is through funding, being a part of The Edge. Mira Sage is the resident geek at The Edge, and Clay is her best friend. Sloane GIdeon works at The Edge and is Norwood's daughter (see Living on the Edge , 1).
Threshold Project was… …a series of highly illegal experiments done by the government.
Mira's father, Dr. Richard Sage, is a scientist and a monster. More interested in experimenting and manipulating the bodies, including his own daughter, around him then in being a loving, caring dad. His minions include Ruby Rypan, a robotic Amazon who never lets emotion in the way of professionalism. Grady is a professional hitman, one of the best. Adam Brink is another lone operative who can be manipulated. And Eli is the lever.
Dr. Norma Stynger is a former, and hated, colleague. She's actually worse than Sage. Senator Gregory Kerrington II certainly makes it reasonable to put term limits on serving politicians. What a scum bag! Where's an assassin when ya need one!?
The Cover I can certainly see where the doc loses her head and keeps wanting to drag Clay off to bed. This dark-haired boy in his artistically torn black T-shirt and black combat pants is hot. I like the contrasting backgrounds of lit-up urban downtown in the back with the steam vent and rough brick wall up front.
The title is true enough, for Clay is teetering on the Edge of Sanity.
This book had two scenes that I liked. One of which didn't even take place between the alpha male and his woman. The rest of the book was mediocre, which is disappointing from SB. Her books are usually fun brain candy.
This book throws together Leigh, a doctor who does under the table medical work for the Edge, and Clay, geek girl Mira's best bud. The plot is that like Leigh's brother's, Clay was "programmed" as a child and now can be controlled through key words. Clay wakes up bloody one morning and can no longer deny that something is wrong. He calls Mira, who calls Edge's Payton. Payton sends over Leigh to patch up Clay and sparks fly.
It was slow. Neither Clay nor Leigh trusted the other and both got all bent out of shape when the other didn't trust them. Also, I know that normal people can't fathom killing anyone, but in this Edge world, where everyone is a bodyguard or paramilitary, the angst over killing the bad guys was a little over the top. Wow. I sound callous.
spoiler>The one thing I did enjoy was the instant attraction between Adam and Mira. I look forward to that in the next book.
As for Clay and Leigh? Meh, although their first kissing scene was pretty spectactular - until Clay got all moody and walked out.
I'll still read the next book. I really like Mira and I hope she's the main character in it.
The romance in this third novel, like the ones in the previous two are a means to an end, the story of two powerful older men who took part in Nazi-worthy medical experimentation on children to create human puppets with advanced gifts, and it has come back in a new incarnation. Payton Bainbridge and Bob Norwood are the men at the center of this series as they seek to remedy and redeem the terrible legacy of their actions 20 years earlier.
Don't get me wrong. The developing story of Clay, now an adult, who was one of those child victims, has been slowly been developing as a backburner story since the first novel. Th he resolution of his situation and his relationship with Leigh was well written and emotionally involving if the same formula of two emotionally wounded people who find love hope and healing in each other. But like the previous two couples in the,series, we won't see them again. They're served their purpose in the greater scheme of things. I'll keep reading because I do want to read how Dr. Strynger gets taken down, but I feel cheated by the lack of continuity for characters Butcher has asked me as a reader to care about.
This book seemed to focus more on the larger story arc, but it worked well with what happened to Clay, as his whole life revolved around it. I hated seeing what Clay, hated how Clay had to realize and live with what he was forced to do. It would be hard for anyone to live with, but it seemed like Clay's personality was one where it made it harder.
I was glad that Leigh was there for him. At first it was the commonness with what happened to her brother's that started the relationship, but I was glad to see that it moved to more.
I loved the solution at the end, it was one that allowed Clay to feel safe and never be used against Leigh.
I was very intrigued by what happened with Mira and Adam. I am hoping that there is more with them in future books.
One of my favorite aspects of the Edge series is the dark past lurking in the background of Payton Bainbridge and General Norwood. Yes, the focus on the romantic liaisons of main characters from book to book is naughty and delicious, but the hope of denouement regarding Dr. Stynger and wraiths of the past is the sauce which blends the meal in which each installment is a course.
Persons of like mind will be well satisfied when they read Edge of Sanity.
Look for many small gems among Shannon Butcher's turns of phrase in the story as well. Nothing pleases me more in a novel than when a sudden literary gems sparkle out of the writer, inviting you to read a description several times simply to savor it.
Not a bad, dull, or terrible book, but it didn't grab me and I almost didn't finish it. It followed the same pace and theme that the others in this series did, but I had a hard time connecting with both main characters - I found both a little whiny, and the constant introspection made the extremely fast pace feel glacially slow.
Halfway through, I just stopped caring what happened, and set the book down for weeks till I managed to skim through the last half today. The only reasons I did that was because the secondary stories were more interesting, and because it irks me to not finish a book I paid for. I don't know if I'll spent time keeping up with this series after this one.
The ride continues with Clay's story and the mystery of his recent blackouts. Blackouts that leave him battered, bruised and all too often bloody. Worried about what he may have done when out of control, he reaches out for help. But the help delivered to him is far too beautiful and easily damaged, especially by him. However, Dr. Leigh Vaughn is stronger than she seems and has a vested interest in finding a way to fix what's wrong with Clay. The steamy relationship that blows up between them is not only unexpected, it may also be compromising their chance to find the answers they both need. Read this series!
I actually rate this book 3 and 1/2 stars. I enjoyed the story of Leigh and Clay, and their search for whomever it was controlling his mind.Clay was losing time and when he would wake, he was usually injured and covered in blood. With the help of the urbane Payton and Clay's best friend Mira, they were determined to solve the mystery. Right up to the last chapter, I just could not see there being a HEA. But Shannon pulled it off! Her next book is a new installment of the Sentinel Series which I am looking forward to.
Shannon Butcher again delivers a taut, sexy tale. The hero and heroine were captivating and the story itself was completely engaging. I kept sneaking pages while I was out or doing things that should have had my attention, but I just had to know how everything was going to turn out. Can't wait to start the next book in the series. I hope the Edge series is around for a long time.
This book sucked me in from the beginning. More like 4.5 stars for me. I only take off a half a star because Clay and Leigh could be a little frustrating at times. I really liked the introduction of Adam and his chemistry with Mira. Fingers crossed they get the next book.
Finally get to read the story of Clay, was worried he wouldn't make his own story! Love what Leigh did to save him and hope to hear one day the stories of Garrett, Gage, Payton, Riley, among others!!'