Edges

by Darien Cox

When Shanti attempts to ski an icy black diamond trail beyond his ability, he suffers a major wipe out, shooting off into the woods and injuring himself. But when a stranger who's been watching him scrambles off the trail to help, he meets Mick Paulson, native Vermonter and the most gorgeous man Shanti has ever seen.

Smitten with the alluring stranger, Shanti asks him for a date, but quickly learns his brawny rescuer isn't exactly the dating type. But then Mick offers him a compromise. He's willing to give a full scale, romantic dinner a try, if Shanti agrees to venture into Mick's world for a night -- a place where lust runs high and inhibitions run low.

Through this bargain, they both learn where their edges lie, and what happens when they step beyond them.

Genres: M M Romance, Contemporary, Romance, LGBT, M M Contemporary, Erotica, M M M

79 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 21, 2013

About the author

Author Darien Cox lives in New England and enjoys using romantic fiction to explore the intensity, insanity, humor, and chaos that accompanies cupid’s arrow.

Reviews

[Macky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gorgeous hunk Mick is a player and doesn't do relationships, his reputation is one of " love 'em and leave 'em" in fact his name is etched into the bathroom door of the local gay bar as " Mick The Dick ". Shanti, named by his hippy parents, however is his complete opposite. Beautiful, sweet and no where near a one night stand type of guy, he's been celibate for over twelve months after having to take on his parents gift shop, which is left to him after they passed away in an accident.

Harbouring feelings of guilt, even though he isn't averse to a steady relationship in his life, Shanti isn't particularly looking for love and Mick certainly isn't, until the fateful day Shanti has a minor accident on the ski slopes and Mick is there to rescue him. Its pretty much insta lust as soon as they set eyes on each other and from that moment on everything changes for the two of them as they're both forced look at their failings a little more closely and lust turns to love.

In true Darien style, as I've come to recognise over reading four ( including this one ) of of this authors books very close together, there's some delicious interactions between the two MC's that sparks as they bounce of each other in what starts as a love/hate relationship, then eases into some strong passion filled encounters with loads of the thing that I always mention in all my reviews of Darien Cox's, great chemistry and sizzling sexual tension.

Then the thing that had me doing another little jig of joy, was a smokin' hot consensual threesome that's slipped in, and oh boy is it a goodie! In fact as always the love scenes are sexy, sensual and extremely well portrayed and very tantalising.

I have to agree that the ending to this one does seem a touch abrupt but its still a really satisfying HEA and up to now I'm having a great time with these books and all their engaging couples, although favourite up to now is still Criminal Pleasures. One more to go and then I'll be watching out not so patiently for the next.

[Simsala · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5 stars

One night stand-man falls in love.
Too bad his love interest is suspicious and hard to convince.
Well written, emotional, nice smut.

[Serena Yates · Rating 4 out of 5]

Edges, or the sudden transition between what we are familiar and comfortable with and what is new and different, can be scary for many reasons. Sometimes what lies beyond them is dangerous, and Shanti in this story experiences that when he attempts to ski down a slope that is way beyond his abilities. Sometimes the things beyond our comfort zone are simply different or unknown, and we simply don't know what lies beyond. The handling of what happens when we approach the edge of want is familiar differs between people, but, in this story, Shanti and Mick are both willing to experiment.

Shanti is not exactly an explorer of new experiences. He is willing to learn to ski, but it scares him. When he crashes on an advanced slope, he is afraid he might die. But when the best-looking guy he's seen in a long time comes to his rescue, he cannot help but hope for more. Except, said guy is a known player. As afraid as Shanti is of getting hurt, he is extremely attracted to Mick, despite his gruff behavior, and the challenge of trying something new is not something Shanti will resist.

Mick is not the emotional type. He has never really considered settling down – until he runs into Shanti and experiences what it might be like to have an actual date. Mick is stunned that he likes the experience, but he's also afraid that Shanti, who seems to be all about commitment, will never understand him and his past. So, he issues a challenge.

What both men learn about themselves is not what either of them expected, and for a long time I wasn't sure the whole "experiment" wouldn’t make them crash and burn. Passion runs high and emotional deepen as they explore what they are and are not willing to accept in a relationship. It truly is a test for both of them. If you like stories about men exploring their emotional limits, if you enjoy reading about two opposites meeting, clashing, and earning to compromise, and if you're looking for a read with plenty of hot action as well as a deeper message about acceptance, then you will probably like this novella.



NOTE: This book was provided by Phaze Books for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.

[JustJen "Miss Conduct" · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review written for Hearts On Fire Reviews

This one turned out to be very different from what I was expecting. Shanti is still recovering from the loss of his parents to a car accident a year ago, though a majority of this stems from guilt at his treatment of them. He has sunned their hippie-ish lifestyle in the past, but now runs the new age store they opened in a small Vermont ski town.

He meets Mick, who is a local guy, hell bent on not having an actual relationship, mostly I think because of his family. He comes to Shanti’s aid on the slopes, and when Shanti doesn’t take any crap from him, Mick is intrigued. He is the player, king of one night stands. He doesn’t date, nor does he know how. But he decides to try with Shanti.

I loved these two together, mostly because Shanti continued to stand up for himself and against Mick. Even though Mick the Dick was just that, he owned up to everything and really did want to change. There is a really hot experimental threesome scene, but the rest is just Mick and Shanti.

My biggest issue with this story came as just when the guys seem to be working through their issues and it felt like they were really getting somewhere, the story abruptly ends, leaving many questions unanswered.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally featured at Fiction Vixen for What-To-Read Wednesday http://fictionvixen.com/read-wednesda...


Rugged, lumberjack, Mick appropriately nicknamed “Mick the Dick” is a player. He is well known at the local gay bar, Stiffies (I giggled every time the bar was mentioned.) as a one night stand man who doesn’t date or do relationships. Shanti is the complete opposite. A guy dealing with guilt and grief over the death of his parents, he has been celibate for months and continues to live in a depressive funk while running his parent’s gift shop in a small ski town in Vermont.

When a day of skiing sends Shanti into a crash landing off the slopes, Mick comes to his rescue and from there a first impression is formed between both men. Mick is intrigued and a little uncomfortable with the chemistry he immediately feels with Shanti and Shanti recognizes that after meeting Mick, he finally feels something besides sadness and apathy that has plagued him for almost a year.

“What are you asking me?” Mick said. “I don’t date. I can’t say it any clearer.”

“Shanti laughed, “You’re a grown man, how can you not date? Is that some kind of macho, lone wolf bullshit, or are you trying to come off as shady and mysterious? Because frankly, a statement like that just makes you look like a tool.”

Their initial conversation ends in an argument and a passionate kiss that neither can stop thinking about.

“I think I just had my first kiss, first fight and then a terrible breakup with someone I just met two hours ago. All in a matter of minutes.”

Mick returns to Shanti’s shop the next day and apologizes for being “a tool” and from there both agree to explore the mutual attraction and chemistry they both are feeling.

I really enjoyed Cox’s voice and how he packed a great deal of emotion, vulnerability and heat in such a short novella. Mick and Shanti are complete opposites when it comes to their personal views of relationships but sexually….they are smokin’ hot take charge men. Once the physical connection is made, both men desire something more and are willing to work at a possible relationship. The courage to explore beyond their comfort zone and the will to compromise is what makes this such an enjoyable read. Well, that and the the sizzling sexy times. (There is a one time consensual m/m/m threesome. I was defiled but you won’t hear me complaining! *wink*)

“You are beautiful,” he said.

“He is isn’t he?” Mick added as he knelt down behind Shanti. “You want to kiss him again?”

“Absolutely,” Ryan said, taking Shanti’s hand and tugging him to his knees, while Mick supported his back. It occurred to Shanti then that he, clearly more inexperienced, had become the passive element in this mix, the partner to be acted upon more than the aggressor, but he didn’t mind. The way the two men discussed sharing him caused a surge of emotion, hot and searing blended with lust and surrender.

This was my first read by Darien Cox and halfway through the book I went to buy his latest release to read next. I finished Edges hoping that Cox will return to this couple in the future. At roughly 79 pages I was left wanting more of both men but also completely satisfied with a great story. If you enjoy an opposites attract theme in the m/m genre, I encourage you to give it a try.

[Vivian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Surprised me more than once and what could be a porny little read actually pulls through with unexpected depth. Good winter story for feeling the season.

[Kazza · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is not a bad novella. I do like a hot threesome thrown into the mix, but the jealousy around it soured it. So did the ending. It just stopped. A fuck after a hissy about the night before and a stalkerish one night stand and, BOOM! it's over. You can't leave a book like this. Well, you can, but I can be unhappy about it.

3 stars for the potential and the sex.

[Tina · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5 stars

I like Darien’s writing and this one is no exception. Although it’s a short story it was entertaining to read.

Mick the Dick and My-parents-were-hippies Shanti are lovable characters and I would have loved to read a bit more about the uncommon couple. My only issue is the more than abrupt ending... it left a few questions unanswered.

[Shakisha · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed it but the ending .....kinda feel like "ok, where's the rest"

I want to know more...

[Mandi · Rating 3 out of 5]

three stars because it's too short and ends abruptly. Otherwise I liked this one. One hero is a manwhore/lumberjack. The other is a little more naive and cute. They make a sexy, sexy pair.

[Cadiva · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not sure this one worked for me, everything happened a bit too quickly and the book's too short to really lay down enough plot and character development.

Mick and Shanti were both hot as anything and the couple of sex scenes there were worked well, including a threesome which didn't feel out of place, but it all just happened way too fast.

[Shirley Frances · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25 stars

Shanti is feeling depressed after his parent's death. He is guilty about the way he went about their relationship and regrets how he acted towards them. Now he finds himself the owner of a little gift shop in a tourist area in Vermont lonely and dejected. His parent's friends try to snap him out of his funk by taking him skiing but this time it doesn't work out that well. It is after that fateful wipeout that he meets Mick. A handsome homebuilder and lumberjack, Mick is a player. He has no qualms about hooking up with strangers he picks up at the bar as log as they leave after everything is said and done. However, as soon as he sees Shanti he feels strangely drawn to the man. Can their connection survive Mick commitment issues and Shanti's emotional state?

The author, Darien Cox, did a good job in bringing together two guys who were very different in many way, but who felt that they needed more from life besides going through the motions. I liked how Mick and Shanti related to each other, their interactions and their sexual chemistry. With explosive and flirtatious dialog and sizzling hot chemistry, Darien Cox's writing was entertaining, engaging and sensual.

I am not a fan of the insta-love scenario, so I appreciated the fact that the author made the characters hesitate and doubt what they were feeling before and after they got together. I liked that they communicated with each other honestly and that they each stood up for what they believed had to be done in order for the relationship to have a chance to succeed.

Edges is the first book I've read from Darien Cox and it was a hot, enjoyable, light read. What more could I ask for?

I received this title from Phaze Books through Manic Readers in exchange of my honest opinion.

[Funzee Shu · Rating 3 out of 5]

I must admit that YES! - the cover succeed dragging my curiosity to the highest level ;)

This book was about Mick who had 'reputation' as "Mick the Dick" for his one-night-stand only. Mick don't do boyfriend thing and enjoying his 'lifestyle' and never do a same guy twice.

While Shanti with his cute and naive was the totally opposite of Mick. Shanti was a boyfriend type and monogamous.

They both meet on skiing area when nervous Shanti got little accident and crashed himself to a tree. Mick came rescued him, then they start to attracted to each other.

Mick think that he'll get Shanti as easy as the other guy who easily fall for his charm. But then he found out that this Shanti guy was hard to get even he know for sure he spot the desire in Shanti eyes.

So, to get close to Shanti, Mick then start a game "I do your lifestyle, and you do mine".

Will it work?
Will Shanti fall for Mick?
Or...is Mick who fall for Shanti?

You better find it by yourself ;)

I thought there will be some angsty here due to the cover, but I was wrong.
It was light reading and quite fun.
The opening was kinda funny and make me giggle, and the three some play nearly at the end with Ryan totally something.
And I enjoy that 3some soooo much!

I'll keep this book on my reader for the cuteness story and definitely for the COVER!!

Another "snacks reading" that will lightened your mood ;)

[Angela Kocheshkova · Rating 1 out of 5]

wow, i really did not like mick. and i mean i REALLY did not like him. he royally pissed me off. and the thing is i'm usually all for characters who are like "this is my life and this is my body and i'm gonna do whatever and whoever the fuck i want" but mick was the worst. at one point he tells the main character "you think you're better than me" and i went "because he fucking is!"
anyway, me not liking mick made me not root for the relationship (quite the opposite actually) which in turn made me really hate the book cause wow shanti deserved better

[Lea M · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a sweet little story. I loved both Shanti and Mick and the way they came together (no pun intended). The threesome was a little bit out of left field and seemed like too much of a plot device, but it didn't bother me too much. It also ended a little abruptly. I would have liked to see more of Mick's family's reaction to their relationship.

[⚣Michaelle⚣ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.1 Stars

This was decently good until after the whole bar-trolling, threeway scene. The sex part was hot, but the aftermath was a hot mess.

Also, what's up with this cover? There was no polar bear skinny dipping (the hot-tub was in a sun room) so I kind of consider that false advertising. Not cool.

[Judith Poole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Still good after half a dozen reads.

I love books that I can read more than once. This is one of my favorites. This time I really got Mick's side of the story, the player who falls in love for the first time. In previous reads I have always focussed much more on sad, sweet Shanti and really missed how vulnerable Mick is. Well written and engaging, I highly recommend this book.

[Riina Y.T. · Rating 4 out of 5]

And another Darien Cox gem with endearing characters, yummy nekkid fun, a hot tub and a sizzling threesome!

[Stephanie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Stopped at 70% lost interest.

[Coni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Breathtakingly Beautiful Cover!

[Jamie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a 5 Star review until 80% when it took a sharp left turn.

[Pianisuparse · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 'Sweet, Mic and Shanti opposites attract and damn is it hot when they do' stars.

[Tristan · Rating 3 out of 5]

3/5

Short but somewhat enjoyably read. The menage scene was unnecessary in my opinion.

[Wicked Witch of the Words · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actually, I kinda loved it.
Well, it's a pity Ryan was left out eventually, but all in all, I enjoyed this short read.

[Skyla · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much love. You can read this in another week and a bit!