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EDGE
He’s lost his edge…
Photojournalist Cache Calder lives to chase a great story. He’s just returned from the Middle East after surviving a suicide bombing that left him injured and grief-stricken. The last thing he wants is to travel to the wilds of Alaska on a “Where Is She Now” Assignment. But when his editor informs him that his subject is former kidnapping victim, Amelia Bennett who jump-started his career twenty years earlier, he packs his bags.
She lives on the Edge…
Mel Bennett’s carefully maintained control unravels the moment she meets Cache Calder. Attraction flares for the man who seems to really “know” her. No one at the Edge of Reason Lodge is aware she was the young teenager who’d survived one of the most publicized kidnappings in recent history, and she wants it to stay that way. But she starts to question her heart and her sanity when unexplained incidents begin to happen and a deadly threat returns to finish what he’d started so long ago.
He’s lost his edge…
Photojournalist Cache Calder lives to chase a great story. He’s just returned from the Middle East after surviving a suicide bombing that left him injured and grief-stricken. The last thing he wants is to travel to the wilds of Alaska on a “Where Is She Now” Assignment. But when his editor informs him that his subject is former kidnapping victim, Amelia Bennett who jump-started his career twenty years earlier, he packs his bags.
She lives on the Edge…
Mel Bennett’s carefully maintained control unravels the moment she meets Cache Calder. Attraction flares for the man who seems to really “know” her. No one at the Edge of Reason Lodge is aware she was the young teenager who’d survived one of the most publicized kidnappings in recent history, and she wants it to stay that way. But she starts to question her heart and her sanity when unexplained incidents begin to happen and a deadly threat returns to finish what he’d started so long ago.
377 pages, ebook
First published March 16, 2013
108 people are currently reading
698 people want to read
About the author
Tiffinie Helmer
40 books304 followersUSA Today Bestselling Author Tiffinie Helmer is always up for a gripping adventure. Raised in Alaska, she was dragged 'Outside' by her husband, but escapes the lower forty-eight to spend her summers commercial fishing on the Bering Sea.
A mother of four, Tiffinie divides her time between enjoying her family, throwing her acclaimed pottery, and writing of flawed characters in unique and severe situations.
You can learn more about Tiffinie at www.tiffiniehelmer.com
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Tiffinie-Helmer...
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Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/tiffiniehelm...
Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/116809553...
A mother of four, Tiffinie divides her time between enjoying her family, throwing her acclaimed pottery, and writing of flawed characters in unique and severe situations.
You can learn more about Tiffinie at www.tiffiniehelmer.com
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Tiffinie-Helmer...
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/tiffi...
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/tiffiniehelm...
Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/116809553...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
February 16, 2015
Quick summary
Amelia (Mel) Bennett was abducted by a cult when she was 12-years old. Her suffering was further exacerbated by the media. Cache Calder was the photographer for the article that exploited her story, creating an indelible image of her that no one's forgotten. It's 20 years later and he and his editor are off to Alaska for a follow up interview with the reclusive subject. Cache believes he has her consent...not.
What I enjoyed
Alaska is one of those places that is both fascinating and terrifying to me. This story elevates both my fascination and fear as Helmer does a great job of bringing to life the awesome beauty and the rawness of the state. It added to the suspense and the romance. Mel's story slowly unfolded throughout the story, which normally doesn't work for me but the setup of the prologue laid the foundation perfectly. Her romance with Cache seemed to develop a bit quickly but it took a hard hit later, forcing them to take a step back that made it even better.
The mystery and suspense was very well done. I honestly didn't figure out who was after Mel until it was revealed.
The narration
While the narrator enunciated and paced the story flawlessly, her tone wasn't the best for the suspenseful aspects. She was a bit too sweet and upbeat for the tense moments. Otherwise, she was fine.
The bottom line
I enjoyed this story, especially it's Alaskan setting. I'm looking forward to continuing the series.
(I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review)
Amelia (Mel) Bennett was abducted by a cult when she was 12-years old. Her suffering was further exacerbated by the media. Cache Calder was the photographer for the article that exploited her story, creating an indelible image of her that no one's forgotten. It's 20 years later and he and his editor are off to Alaska for a follow up interview with the reclusive subject. Cache believes he has her consent...not.
What I enjoyed
Alaska is one of those places that is both fascinating and terrifying to me. This story elevates both my fascination and fear as Helmer does a great job of bringing to life the awesome beauty and the rawness of the state. It added to the suspense and the romance. Mel's story slowly unfolded throughout the story, which normally doesn't work for me but the setup of the prologue laid the foundation perfectly. Her romance with Cache seemed to develop a bit quickly but it took a hard hit later, forcing them to take a step back that made it even better.
The mystery and suspense was very well done. I honestly didn't figure out who was after Mel until it was revealed.
The narration
While the narrator enunciated and paced the story flawlessly, her tone wasn't the best for the suspenseful aspects. She was a bit too sweet and upbeat for the tense moments. Otherwise, she was fine.
The bottom line
I enjoyed this story, especially it's Alaskan setting. I'm looking forward to continuing the series.
(I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review)
February 1, 2016
Audiobook Edition
Narrator: She had sort of a soft, soothing voice that didn't match up well for the Romantic Suspense genre. But, I enjoyed her reading p, for the most part,
I usually waffle a bit about reading Romantic Suspense. Many times the love story is crammed in and around a trauma-filled plot. In this case, though, I found myself sucked in almost from the start. Then again, I'm a total sucker for any plot variation of A. Christie's "Ten Little Indians." Here, a group of relative strangers find themselves isolated at the beautiful, but remote 'Edge of Reason Lodge' completely surrounded by the wilderness of Alaska.
There, the closed-off, completely self-sufficient Lodge Manager, Amelia "Mel" Bennett--who has found herself the perfect place to hide away from life after her much-publicized horrific childhood abduction--meets the gorgeous and mysterious Cache Calder--a world-renowned photojournalist--who bears the scars of his own recent trauma. Mel wonders if he could be the one man to thaw her frozen heart. Or, Cache fears, he might just be the one man to break her heart into a million shards, once she discovers who he really is and why he's really there.
Then, Mel starts seeing glimpses, reminders of her horrific past. She flatly refuses to acknowledge that someone staying at HER lodge might be evil: one of her guests or someone she's known for years. She can't accept that her "home" is no longer safe. As she fits the puzzling pieces together, she finally realizes the terrible truth and fully accepts the deadly extent this individual will go to in order to lure her away from safety and out into the wilderness, where he watches and waits.
--It won't be long now. The heathen sinner that Amelia has grown up to be will soon discover that her perceived control is but fleeting. One false step, and she'll find herself at his mercy. And there, at long last, she'll face her final judgment.--
This time, though, Mel isn't a helpless child. This time she won't go meekly to her certain death. She's tired of living in fear. This time she's ready to fight back!
But, in readying themselves for their Epic Battle of Good versus Evil, they may have overlooked one thing: that Mankind's most enduring folly is his assumption that he maintains any real domination over Earth--especially so very deep in the wilds of Alaska.
Note: There are some great romantic moments, too. And I loved the ending. The story did leave me with a few unanswered questions, though:
--How about a peek at Cache's story on Mel;
--What in the HELL was Tom thinking!;
--I want to know more about Sergei's mysterious backstory;
--And did Mel eventually sell or display her quilts?
Maybe some of these points will be addressed in one of the other "Edge" books or else in the "Wild Wo/Men of Alaska" series.
Narrator: She had sort of a soft, soothing voice that didn't match up well for the Romantic Suspense genre. But, I enjoyed her reading p, for the most part,
I usually waffle a bit about reading Romantic Suspense. Many times the love story is crammed in and around a trauma-filled plot. In this case, though, I found myself sucked in almost from the start. Then again, I'm a total sucker for any plot variation of A. Christie's "Ten Little Indians." Here, a group of relative strangers find themselves isolated at the beautiful, but remote 'Edge of Reason Lodge' completely surrounded by the wilderness of Alaska.
There, the closed-off, completely self-sufficient Lodge Manager, Amelia "Mel" Bennett--who has found herself the perfect place to hide away from life after her much-publicized horrific childhood abduction--meets the gorgeous and mysterious Cache Calder--a world-renowned photojournalist--who bears the scars of his own recent trauma. Mel wonders if he could be the one man to thaw her frozen heart. Or, Cache fears, he might just be the one man to break her heart into a million shards, once she discovers who he really is and why he's really there.
Then, Mel starts seeing glimpses, reminders of her horrific past. She flatly refuses to acknowledge that someone staying at HER lodge might be evil: one of her guests or someone she's known for years. She can't accept that her "home" is no longer safe. As she fits the puzzling pieces together, she finally realizes the terrible truth and fully accepts the deadly extent this individual will go to in order to lure her away from safety and out into the wilderness, where he watches and waits.
--It won't be long now. The heathen sinner that Amelia has grown up to be will soon discover that her perceived control is but fleeting. One false step, and she'll find herself at his mercy. And there, at long last, she'll face her final judgment.--
This time, though, Mel isn't a helpless child. This time she won't go meekly to her certain death. She's tired of living in fear. This time she's ready to fight back!
But, in readying themselves for their Epic Battle of Good versus Evil, they may have overlooked one thing: that Mankind's most enduring folly is his assumption that he maintains any real domination over Earth--especially so very deep in the wilds of Alaska.
Note: There are some great romantic moments, too. And I loved the ending. The story did leave me with a few unanswered questions, though:
--How about a peek at Cache's story on Mel;
--What in the HELL was Tom thinking!;
--I want to know more about Sergei's mysterious backstory;
--And did Mel eventually sell or display her quilts?
Maybe some of these points will be addressed in one of the other "Edge" books or else in the "Wild Wo/Men of Alaska" series.
March 21, 2013
Edge by Tiffinie Helmer
I almost DNFed this book at the first chapter. It starts with a disturbing scene with a poor girl who has been abducted by a religious fanatic. However, I stuck with it because I trusted Tiffinie to do right by this story. And she did. Edge is a fabulous romantic suspense--the perfect balance of suspenseful storyline, engaging romance, interesting secondary characters, and incredible setting--the Alaskan wilderness. I felt like I was breathing in the frigid cold air right along with the characters. The setting popped off the page, and it was the ideal backdrop for this story. The writing was smooth and professional, the material handled perfectly. And that's a big deal for me. Too many writers add unnecessary graphic detail when dealing with difficult subject matter like abduction, rape, etc. A lot of times it feels gimmicky to me--like a crappy horror movie throwing in guts and violence for the hell of it. Helmer handles Mel's past with a light touch...we get just enough information to know that she was traumatized, but not enough to detract from her strength and healing. Cache, the hero, is a fantastic character, flawed, also tortured by his past, and the ultimate mate for Mel. I loved the two of them together, I loved the resolution to the story, and I loved how Helmer tackled prickly family issues and a secondary love story, too. And we even get a bad-ass bear scene. Awesome!
Grade: A-
I almost DNFed this book at the first chapter. It starts with a disturbing scene with a poor girl who has been abducted by a religious fanatic. However, I stuck with it because I trusted Tiffinie to do right by this story. And she did. Edge is a fabulous romantic suspense--the perfect balance of suspenseful storyline, engaging romance, interesting secondary characters, and incredible setting--the Alaskan wilderness. I felt like I was breathing in the frigid cold air right along with the characters. The setting popped off the page, and it was the ideal backdrop for this story. The writing was smooth and professional, the material handled perfectly. And that's a big deal for me. Too many writers add unnecessary graphic detail when dealing with difficult subject matter like abduction, rape, etc. A lot of times it feels gimmicky to me--like a crappy horror movie throwing in guts and violence for the hell of it. Helmer handles Mel's past with a light touch...we get just enough information to know that she was traumatized, but not enough to detract from her strength and healing. Cache, the hero, is a fantastic character, flawed, also tortured by his past, and the ultimate mate for Mel. I loved the two of them together, I loved the resolution to the story, and I loved how Helmer tackled prickly family issues and a secondary love story, too. And we even get a bad-ass bear scene. Awesome!
Grade: A-
February 28, 2022
I might have liked this one more if I read it, instead of listening to the audiobook. The narrator wasn’t the best.
January 1, 2015
A Woman with a past has remade herself and now lives at the edge of the wilderness, the man who has come to get her story twenty years after his photograph made her infamous and in the shadows a menace from the past watches and waits because its time to finish what was started twenty years before.
First of all, I apologize for how long I plan to ramble on about this story. I cam feel already that I have a lot I want to say. If you want to skip around the usual why I picked it and the summary and head straight to my impressions, I will not be offended.
I love a good romantic suspense and gobble up any story set in Alaska so when I was offered the chance to listen to a story by this new to me author, I grabbed it up eagerly. I anticipated chills of excitement with the scenario of a dangerous killer stalking a woman making her believe she is going crazy even while a photographer is in a dilemma of how to tell her the truth of why he has come now without her assuming the worst. The story definitely fulfilled my expectations and then offered so much more. It was the first in a series of stories where the Alaskan wilderness setting was so well-drawn that it was vibrant enough to be an extra character in the story.
The story opens with photojournalist, Cache Calder, laid up in his apartment in NYC recovering from a leg wound suffered during a roadside bombing in the Middle East. The leg is a mess and he worries that he may never recover full function, but it is his head and heart that hurt the most because the bombing took his two best friends from him in the process. When his editor, Tom, shows up begging him to do a new assignment, Cache's first inclination is to say 'no', but then Tom tells him that it is a follow-up 'where is she now' piece to the first picture and story he ever broke that made his career. His picture of the rescued teenager, Amelia Bennett, who had been kidnapped by a cult for weeks, tortured in the name of the fanatics who were getting set to sacrifice her just as help arrived. The image he captured in his camera's eye that day has stayed with him. For the first time since the bombing, he feels interest stirring. He wants to do the assignment. Tom is cagey about details until they are on the last leg of their journey to Alaska and Cache learns that Tom doesn't have Amelia's permission for a story and she has refused repeatedly. Tom has lied about who they are and their purpose for being at The Edge, Amelia's vacation lodge. As Cache gets to know the woman that Amelia has become, he hopes for a miracle that she will take the truth well and let him stay in a place that feels oddly like he has finally come home.
Mel has remade herself after that horrific time as a teen captive of a cult group and the subsequent spiral into addiction afterward with the world seeing it all as the press followed her story. Here on the Edge that she owns with Lynette and Sergei helping her nobody knows or cares about her past. But now that's about to change when the letter from her sister arrives. Mel cut off her family years before and now Nicole, fresh from a divorce with her cheating husband, needs a place to stay with her two teen children in tow. She still resents her sister and wants nothing to do with her, but she can't turn away the kids so she will let them come, she will not coddle them and they will help work at the inn to earn their keep. Her sister isn't the only unsettling person around the place. One look at the sleak, city-slicker Tom and the disturbing and assessing eyes of Cache her new clients makes her realize the next few weeks won't be peaceful. Then the disturbances around the inn begin all hinting that the nightmare she thought was dead and gone forever might still be alive and there at the Edge where she and the others are isolated and on their own.
So, this story really got to me and surprised me. I didn't think I would be finishing it as I listened to the first few chapters. The heroine was abrasive, rude, and pretty self-absorbed. I didn't like her, but I felt guilty for not liking her because she had gone through the horrors of being a young girl captured by a cult, violated, tortured and then after rescue her experiences left her isolated from her family and in the world's eye through the ruthless press. She was very hard and unforgiving toward others and she had this stubborn-stupid thing going where she felt she knew best and kept saying things were fine when they obviously were not. So yeah, she totally had a legit excuse for being the way she was, but...
For the first time in my life, I was actually more sympathetic with the 'reporter' character when I generally detest them. Haha! First for everything I guess. Cache was a photojournalist, but he was honorable. He had no plans to sneak a story or exploit Mel. He wanted her story, but it was mostly because he thought it would encourage others and he wanted to know because he wanted to know her. Now did he screw up by not coming clean right away after Tom set it all up with lies? Absolutely. But the way Mel was acting, the whole unadorned truth wouldn't have served since his goal was to get close and have a relationship.
The story was a multi-faceted thing for me. There was so much more than just the romance and the suspense. The romance was probably the weakest and smaller story though I don't mean to say that it was bad. It's just that Mel and Cache weren't going to happen while Mel was holding him at armslength insisting on a one and done while for his part, he was hiding his real identity from her. Cache's gifts that made him a good photojournalist really helped him see the real Mel so that he could be patient and look beyond the harsh facade she presented to the world. He admired her greatly and I was really rooting him on as he took all her vitriol and blame for his deception about his name and for Tom's machinations that he didn't really deserve. I did a lot of muttering and wanted to smack her in the back of the head more than once because she really couldn't see beyond her own issues. Cache had been through a ton both physically and emotionally. He was world weary and disillusioned, but he was there for her, supportive, strong and solid. She needed a guy like him who wasn't intimidated by her need to appear strong. Though when she wouldn't be smart about her injuries, it was funny to watch him stick his foot in his mouth trying to order her to rest. The passion between these two was neatly done as it was allowed to build through the early part of the story. I loved their first bedroom scene when Cache was able to show her how making love was meant to be. Their romance wasn't easy, but worth it.
The suspense was good, though again, it took a secondary role. I spent a good portion of the book squinting at all the male characters wondering who was the former cult leader hiding there and leaving evidence of his presence to terrorize Mel and skulk in the shadows. It had a nice thriller quality to it because of the isolation factor of them all being locked away at the inn far from anyone else. The tension built well to the big climax that had me chewing a nail and holding my breath.
But the biggest part of the story was the character's individual stories that pushed aside both the romance and the suspense to add depth. Mel was the main one, but Cache, Nicole, Lynette, and even young Emmy all had individual stories of failure and growth. The author really dug deep and struck the emotions and got a strong response from me. This is why, though I wanted to toss aside Mel's story at first, I'm glad I stuck with it and ended up really connecting and engaging with the story and characters. It totally helped that there was humor sprinkled throughout and that Alaska got a nice story too.
The narrator, Mia Chiramonte, delivered a nice audio story. I adjusted to her storytelling quickly and settled in right away. She made the story come alive in my mind so that I sometimes forgot where I was and what I was doing. I will definitely be more inclined to listen to a story if she is doing the narrating.
So, to tie it up, this story is very challenging and isn't light. It requires a lot of patience on the part of the reader as it develops and builds slowly, but steadily. It's humorous, heartwarming, spine-tingling and frustrating all in one. Romantic suspense fans should definitely give it a go.
My thanks to Audible.com for the opportunity to listen to the book in exchange for an honest review.
First of all, I apologize for how long I plan to ramble on about this story. I cam feel already that I have a lot I want to say. If you want to skip around the usual why I picked it and the summary and head straight to my impressions, I will not be offended.
I love a good romantic suspense and gobble up any story set in Alaska so when I was offered the chance to listen to a story by this new to me author, I grabbed it up eagerly. I anticipated chills of excitement with the scenario of a dangerous killer stalking a woman making her believe she is going crazy even while a photographer is in a dilemma of how to tell her the truth of why he has come now without her assuming the worst. The story definitely fulfilled my expectations and then offered so much more. It was the first in a series of stories where the Alaskan wilderness setting was so well-drawn that it was vibrant enough to be an extra character in the story.
The story opens with photojournalist, Cache Calder, laid up in his apartment in NYC recovering from a leg wound suffered during a roadside bombing in the Middle East. The leg is a mess and he worries that he may never recover full function, but it is his head and heart that hurt the most because the bombing took his two best friends from him in the process. When his editor, Tom, shows up begging him to do a new assignment, Cache's first inclination is to say 'no', but then Tom tells him that it is a follow-up 'where is she now' piece to the first picture and story he ever broke that made his career. His picture of the rescued teenager, Amelia Bennett, who had been kidnapped by a cult for weeks, tortured in the name of the fanatics who were getting set to sacrifice her just as help arrived. The image he captured in his camera's eye that day has stayed with him. For the first time since the bombing, he feels interest stirring. He wants to do the assignment. Tom is cagey about details until they are on the last leg of their journey to Alaska and Cache learns that Tom doesn't have Amelia's permission for a story and she has refused repeatedly. Tom has lied about who they are and their purpose for being at The Edge, Amelia's vacation lodge. As Cache gets to know the woman that Amelia has become, he hopes for a miracle that she will take the truth well and let him stay in a place that feels oddly like he has finally come home.
Mel has remade herself after that horrific time as a teen captive of a cult group and the subsequent spiral into addiction afterward with the world seeing it all as the press followed her story. Here on the Edge that she owns with Lynette and Sergei helping her nobody knows or cares about her past. But now that's about to change when the letter from her sister arrives. Mel cut off her family years before and now Nicole, fresh from a divorce with her cheating husband, needs a place to stay with her two teen children in tow. She still resents her sister and wants nothing to do with her, but she can't turn away the kids so she will let them come, she will not coddle them and they will help work at the inn to earn their keep. Her sister isn't the only unsettling person around the place. One look at the sleak, city-slicker Tom and the disturbing and assessing eyes of Cache her new clients makes her realize the next few weeks won't be peaceful. Then the disturbances around the inn begin all hinting that the nightmare she thought was dead and gone forever might still be alive and there at the Edge where she and the others are isolated and on their own.
So, this story really got to me and surprised me. I didn't think I would be finishing it as I listened to the first few chapters. The heroine was abrasive, rude, and pretty self-absorbed. I didn't like her, but I felt guilty for not liking her because she had gone through the horrors of being a young girl captured by a cult, violated, tortured and then after rescue her experiences left her isolated from her family and in the world's eye through the ruthless press. She was very hard and unforgiving toward others and she had this stubborn-stupid thing going where she felt she knew best and kept saying things were fine when they obviously were not. So yeah, she totally had a legit excuse for being the way she was, but...
For the first time in my life, I was actually more sympathetic with the 'reporter' character when I generally detest them. Haha! First for everything I guess. Cache was a photojournalist, but he was honorable. He had no plans to sneak a story or exploit Mel. He wanted her story, but it was mostly because he thought it would encourage others and he wanted to know because he wanted to know her. Now did he screw up by not coming clean right away after Tom set it all up with lies? Absolutely. But the way Mel was acting, the whole unadorned truth wouldn't have served since his goal was to get close and have a relationship.
The story was a multi-faceted thing for me. There was so much more than just the romance and the suspense. The romance was probably the weakest and smaller story though I don't mean to say that it was bad. It's just that Mel and Cache weren't going to happen while Mel was holding him at armslength insisting on a one and done while for his part, he was hiding his real identity from her. Cache's gifts that made him a good photojournalist really helped him see the real Mel so that he could be patient and look beyond the harsh facade she presented to the world. He admired her greatly and I was really rooting him on as he took all her vitriol and blame for his deception about his name and for Tom's machinations that he didn't really deserve. I did a lot of muttering and wanted to smack her in the back of the head more than once because she really couldn't see beyond her own issues. Cache had been through a ton both physically and emotionally. He was world weary and disillusioned, but he was there for her, supportive, strong and solid. She needed a guy like him who wasn't intimidated by her need to appear strong. Though when she wouldn't be smart about her injuries, it was funny to watch him stick his foot in his mouth trying to order her to rest. The passion between these two was neatly done as it was allowed to build through the early part of the story. I loved their first bedroom scene when Cache was able to show her how making love was meant to be. Their romance wasn't easy, but worth it.
The suspense was good, though again, it took a secondary role. I spent a good portion of the book squinting at all the male characters wondering who was the former cult leader hiding there and leaving evidence of his presence to terrorize Mel and skulk in the shadows. It had a nice thriller quality to it because of the isolation factor of them all being locked away at the inn far from anyone else. The tension built well to the big climax that had me chewing a nail and holding my breath.
But the biggest part of the story was the character's individual stories that pushed aside both the romance and the suspense to add depth. Mel was the main one, but Cache, Nicole, Lynette, and even young Emmy all had individual stories of failure and growth. The author really dug deep and struck the emotions and got a strong response from me. This is why, though I wanted to toss aside Mel's story at first, I'm glad I stuck with it and ended up really connecting and engaging with the story and characters. It totally helped that there was humor sprinkled throughout and that Alaska got a nice story too.
The narrator, Mia Chiramonte, delivered a nice audio story. I adjusted to her storytelling quickly and settled in right away. She made the story come alive in my mind so that I sometimes forgot where I was and what I was doing. I will definitely be more inclined to listen to a story if she is doing the narrating.
So, to tie it up, this story is very challenging and isn't light. It requires a lot of patience on the part of the reader as it develops and builds slowly, but steadily. It's humorous, heartwarming, spine-tingling and frustrating all in one. Romantic suspense fans should definitely give it a go.
My thanks to Audible.com for the opportunity to listen to the book in exchange for an honest review.
June 21, 2017
Really enjoyed this! Then it ended! Needed an epilogue!!!!
April 13, 2013
You'll find humor, romance, and suspense at the Edge of Reason Lodge! Loved this book! I've never been to Alaska and am not much of a "roughing it" type of person, but reading this story makes we want to visit and she what it would be like to see the beautiful surroundings, lack of technology, and small town feel! Maybe someday I'll make it! And now a bit about the story...
Amelia Bennett was kidnapped at 12 by a fanatical religious cult leader set on making her his wife and daughter. When she didn't give him children he planed to sacrifice her to God. Somehow, she got away and Cache Calder (a recent photojournalist graduate) snapped her picture capturing all the emotion in print. This sparked his career and he was doing great, until a bomb in the middle east killed the his two team mates and best friends and left him with a bum leg. As he sat a home and contemplated his life, his editor Tom (a slick New Yorker) located Amelia and wanted him to the 20 years later story on her. When Tom and Cache arrived Amelia's lodge as guest under different names he had no idea she hadn't agreed to the interview. Wondering what else Tom was keeping from him, he got to know Amelia, now Mel, better and fell in love.
All is going well at the lodge until Tom has a few mishaps - falling into a porcupine, getting hit over the head by the supposed poacher / intruder who had been stalking the Edge for a few weeks, and finally getting caught in a compromising situation. Secrets come out and set everyone on edge at the Edge of Reason. I don't want to give any more away, pick up your copy today!
Favorite passage: "I know what you are thinking." "That it's a shame to make a bed we could crawl into?"
And don't miss Hooked, coming May 13th, 2013.
Amelia Bennett was kidnapped at 12 by a fanatical religious cult leader set on making her his wife and daughter. When she didn't give him children he planed to sacrifice her to God. Somehow, she got away and Cache Calder (a recent photojournalist graduate) snapped her picture capturing all the emotion in print. This sparked his career and he was doing great, until a bomb in the middle east killed the his two team mates and best friends and left him with a bum leg. As he sat a home and contemplated his life, his editor Tom (a slick New Yorker) located Amelia and wanted him to the 20 years later story on her. When Tom and Cache arrived Amelia's lodge as guest under different names he had no idea she hadn't agreed to the interview. Wondering what else Tom was keeping from him, he got to know Amelia, now Mel, better and fell in love.
All is going well at the lodge until Tom has a few mishaps - falling into a porcupine, getting hit over the head by the supposed poacher / intruder who had been stalking the Edge for a few weeks, and finally getting caught in a compromising situation. Secrets come out and set everyone on edge at the Edge of Reason. I don't want to give any more away, pick up your copy today!
Favorite passage: "I know what you are thinking." "That it's a shame to make a bed we could crawl into?"
And don't miss Hooked, coming May 13th, 2013.
March 19, 2013
An intriguing start to a new series based the wilds of Alaska.
Twenty years ago Amelia Bennett was kidnapped by a cult leader for 9 months. She should have died but managed to survive physically but it took a toll on her emotionally where she eventually wanted to check out of life.
Mel Bennett is now part owner of the Edge of Reason Lodge in Alaska. It’s remote and cut off from the real world. Problem is the real world is about to descend on her.
Cashe Calder made his photojournalist career on taking a picture of a little girl that survived a nightmare. Twenty years later he is struggling with injuries sustained from a suicide bombing that killed two co-workers. He is struggling with depression and what he wants to do with his life when his editor suggests he do a follow up article on Amelia. The two embark on the trek to Alaska under the disguise of vacationers.
Mel’s sister, who she has been estranged from, suddenly sends a letter that she and her 2 children are coming to stay for the summer with Mel. Nicole is at a crossroads after her divorce and doesn’t have a place to live or a job.
Mel does her best to keep her tight control over her life and emotions with all the unwanted visitors along with running the Lodge that has a great cast of characters helping her run it. Along with not wanting to deal with her sister and the past history between them she also finds herself attracted to Cashe and suddenly seeing things that have to do with her past abduction.
The author was very descriptive of the Alaskan scenery and also of all the hazards of living in the wilds. The multiple POV and relationships also provided a well rounded story of survival of tragedies and starting over.
Twenty years ago Amelia Bennett was kidnapped by a cult leader for 9 months. She should have died but managed to survive physically but it took a toll on her emotionally where she eventually wanted to check out of life.
Mel Bennett is now part owner of the Edge of Reason Lodge in Alaska. It’s remote and cut off from the real world. Problem is the real world is about to descend on her.
Cashe Calder made his photojournalist career on taking a picture of a little girl that survived a nightmare. Twenty years later he is struggling with injuries sustained from a suicide bombing that killed two co-workers. He is struggling with depression and what he wants to do with his life when his editor suggests he do a follow up article on Amelia. The two embark on the trek to Alaska under the disguise of vacationers.
Mel’s sister, who she has been estranged from, suddenly sends a letter that she and her 2 children are coming to stay for the summer with Mel. Nicole is at a crossroads after her divorce and doesn’t have a place to live or a job.
Mel does her best to keep her tight control over her life and emotions with all the unwanted visitors along with running the Lodge that has a great cast of characters helping her run it. Along with not wanting to deal with her sister and the past history between them she also finds herself attracted to Cashe and suddenly seeing things that have to do with her past abduction.
The author was very descriptive of the Alaskan scenery and also of all the hazards of living in the wilds. The multiple POV and relationships also provided a well rounded story of survival of tragedies and starting over.
December 5, 2018
This story begins with us getting a pretty graphic and crazy Prologue. Then it sets us up for Cache a photojournalist who is being assigned a new job. The job is going to take him back to the past to see how the star of the story that made his career is turning out years later. So, he goes to Alaska to meet her.
The problem is that she doesn't really know what he does for a living, and she's keen on keeping her life private, and people away from her. She suffored something really horrible years ago, and Mel just wants to get away from it all. Hence living in Alaska with very few friends, and hardly ever speaking with her family. But when the handsome Cache comes into town he brings a whole lot of feelings, and trouble she never wanted. Along with her sister she has a whole lot of things to worry about, and is unaware of the danger lurking around every corner.
This audio book was my first to listen to. It was actually really interesting, and had me hooked from the start. The suspense was pretty good, and most of the characters were very interesting. The only thing I didn't like was the drama between the sister and Mel. I sort of wish the story had pulled more suspense and romance into it. But it was still a very good interesting read. And I've discovered that I enjoy audio books, and I do recommend this one!
The problem is that she doesn't really know what he does for a living, and she's keen on keeping her life private, and people away from her. She suffored something really horrible years ago, and Mel just wants to get away from it all. Hence living in Alaska with very few friends, and hardly ever speaking with her family. But when the handsome Cache comes into town he brings a whole lot of feelings, and trouble she never wanted. Along with her sister she has a whole lot of things to worry about, and is unaware of the danger lurking around every corner.
This audio book was my first to listen to. It was actually really interesting, and had me hooked from the start. The suspense was pretty good, and most of the characters were very interesting. The only thing I didn't like was the drama between the sister and Mel. I sort of wish the story had pulled more suspense and romance into it. But it was still a very good interesting read. And I've discovered that I enjoy audio books, and I do recommend this one!
October 1, 2016
This review is also available on my blog, Bows & Bullets Reviews
Cache Calder's life will never be the same. He is still trying to get his bearings after a suicide bomber left him injured and his friends dead. It was his fault they were there, chasing a story for his photojournalism career. So when his boss shows up demanding he travel to Alaska for a new story, he tells him to shove it. That is, until he learns that his subject is Amelia Bennett, the girl who gave him the acclaim to chase the stories he wanted. Mel Bennett has left her old life as far behind as possible. No one in her new life knows that she was the kidnap victim of a religious fanatic 20 years ago. But when strange things start happening at the Edge just after Cache's arrival, her control and her grip on reality start to falter and suddenly, she has much bigger problems than the people at the lodge discovering her past.
Mel was a stubborn character! She was determined to have everything her way, regardless of the cost to her. She's smart and strong and completely enviable in some ways. After all, this woman is fully capable of looking after herself in Alaska, where the dangers range from hypothermia in the winter to bear attacks to angry poachers to just making sure you have enough food. She does everything. She hunts, she fishes, she flies a damn plane. The woman can take on almost any challenge. But it also makes you wonder how important that control over her world is. I cannot imagine the horrors of her kidnapping and the torment of being held captive for as long as she was, but I can imagine that after an ordeal like that, control is paramount. I can also imagine that she's still suffering lingering effects of PTSD. Either way, watching her fight her attraction to Cache was very amusing.
Then we have Cache himself, a character I was instantly rooting for. Once he boards his plane to Alaska, he learns that not only has Mel not granted permission to do her story, but his superiors have booked him under a false name so they can be surreptitious about obtaining her story. Being a man of incredible honor, he refuses to do this job. He'll take Mel's picture, but he won't turn them over or print a word of her story unless he receives written permission to do so. Then, once he arrives on the Edge, he sees how wonderful Alaska (and Mel) can be. He's too caught up in the world to come clean with her and then he is scared of the consequences. Things get heated, and fast and suddenly, all he wants to do is quit his job and stay on the Edge for the rest of his life. There is something about this isolated part of Alaska that has captured him. The wildlife is fascinating and the scenery is gorgeous. It's land made for a photographers eyes and he cannot get enough.
What was really great about this was the entire cast has their own story. Helmer gave you the standard perspectives of Mel and Cache, but you also got a bit of Lynette and Emily and Nicole wrapped in. The side characters each got their own mini story that was equally as interesting as Mel's. I'll admit there were times when I just wanted to get back to the main story line, but each additional perspective gave me a bigger picture of the story and that made it better.
There was nothing about this story that bothered me. It gets 4 stars because I don't adore it the way I adore my 5 star books. It was interesting and fascinating, but that magical, OMFG, this is AMAZING quality was missing. Don't misunderstand me, this book was great and I highly recommend it to romance fans, but it isn't something that I think I'll ever re-read. The mystery, I have to say, was entirely captivating. Who the hell was messing with Mel? Was it all in her head? Who is fucking with the canoes and stealing the food? What the hell is going on at this lodge?!?
The story is engrossing, the writing is great, and the tension between Mel & Cache is palpable. This has everything you could want in a romance.
Audio notes:
This is my first Mia Chiarmonte novel. I have to say, she does a pretty spectacular job. I'm relatively picking about narrators. They can't have an over-nasal-y voice or a whiny voice. They must be able to show inflection and create different voices. I've came across some I loved (Emily Bauer) and some I hated (Justine Eyre), and some in the middle. A good narrator can make or break how I feel about a novel. The mark of a good narrator, for me, is when I forget that there is just one person reading this story because each voice takes on a different character for me. That definitely happened with Mia. She reads at a great pace with varied voices for each character. Pacing is another thing that's super important with audios. Too slow and you are bored. Too fast and you feel like you've missed something. I know Audible gives you the option of speeding up or slowing down, but I don't like doing that. I like listening to the narrator's natural pace. Mia does a perfect job. I don't have a single complaint and that is really saying something.
****Thank you to Esther Bochner at Audible for providing me with an audio copy in exchange for an honest review****
Cache Calder's life will never be the same. He is still trying to get his bearings after a suicide bomber left him injured and his friends dead. It was his fault they were there, chasing a story for his photojournalism career. So when his boss shows up demanding he travel to Alaska for a new story, he tells him to shove it. That is, until he learns that his subject is Amelia Bennett, the girl who gave him the acclaim to chase the stories he wanted. Mel Bennett has left her old life as far behind as possible. No one in her new life knows that she was the kidnap victim of a religious fanatic 20 years ago. But when strange things start happening at the Edge just after Cache's arrival, her control and her grip on reality start to falter and suddenly, she has much bigger problems than the people at the lodge discovering her past.
Mel was a stubborn character! She was determined to have everything her way, regardless of the cost to her. She's smart and strong and completely enviable in some ways. After all, this woman is fully capable of looking after herself in Alaska, where the dangers range from hypothermia in the winter to bear attacks to angry poachers to just making sure you have enough food. She does everything. She hunts, she fishes, she flies a damn plane. The woman can take on almost any challenge. But it also makes you wonder how important that control over her world is. I cannot imagine the horrors of her kidnapping and the torment of being held captive for as long as she was, but I can imagine that after an ordeal like that, control is paramount. I can also imagine that she's still suffering lingering effects of PTSD. Either way, watching her fight her attraction to Cache was very amusing.
Then we have Cache himself, a character I was instantly rooting for. Once he boards his plane to Alaska, he learns that not only has Mel not granted permission to do her story, but his superiors have booked him under a false name so they can be surreptitious about obtaining her story. Being a man of incredible honor, he refuses to do this job. He'll take Mel's picture, but he won't turn them over or print a word of her story unless he receives written permission to do so. Then, once he arrives on the Edge, he sees how wonderful Alaska (and Mel) can be. He's too caught up in the world to come clean with her and then he is scared of the consequences. Things get heated, and fast and suddenly, all he wants to do is quit his job and stay on the Edge for the rest of his life. There is something about this isolated part of Alaska that has captured him. The wildlife is fascinating and the scenery is gorgeous. It's land made for a photographers eyes and he cannot get enough.
What was really great about this was the entire cast has their own story. Helmer gave you the standard perspectives of Mel and Cache, but you also got a bit of Lynette and Emily and Nicole wrapped in. The side characters each got their own mini story that was equally as interesting as Mel's. I'll admit there were times when I just wanted to get back to the main story line, but each additional perspective gave me a bigger picture of the story and that made it better.
There was nothing about this story that bothered me. It gets 4 stars because I don't adore it the way I adore my 5 star books. It was interesting and fascinating, but that magical, OMFG, this is AMAZING quality was missing. Don't misunderstand me, this book was great and I highly recommend it to romance fans, but it isn't something that I think I'll ever re-read. The mystery, I have to say, was entirely captivating. Who the hell was messing with Mel? Was it all in her head? Who is fucking with the canoes and stealing the food? What the hell is going on at this lodge?!?
The story is engrossing, the writing is great, and the tension between Mel & Cache is palpable. This has everything you could want in a romance.
Audio notes:
This is my first Mia Chiarmonte novel. I have to say, she does a pretty spectacular job. I'm relatively picking about narrators. They can't have an over-nasal-y voice or a whiny voice. They must be able to show inflection and create different voices. I've came across some I loved (Emily Bauer) and some I hated (Justine Eyre), and some in the middle. A good narrator can make or break how I feel about a novel. The mark of a good narrator, for me, is when I forget that there is just one person reading this story because each voice takes on a different character for me. That definitely happened with Mia. She reads at a great pace with varied voices for each character. Pacing is another thing that's super important with audios. Too slow and you are bored. Too fast and you feel like you've missed something. I know Audible gives you the option of speeding up or slowing down, but I don't like doing that. I like listening to the narrator's natural pace. Mia does a perfect job. I don't have a single complaint and that is really saying something.
****Thank you to Esther Bochner at Audible for providing me with an audio copy in exchange for an honest review****
January 26, 2015
Caffeinated Breakdown of Edge
World: The story of Edge takes place at the Edge of Reason Lodge in picturesque Alaska near Homer. Here Mel Bennett and her motley crew of trusted staff entertain a limited amount of guests with whale watching, hiking, kayaking and wildlife. New guests are arriving along with her recently divorced and estranged sister, accompanied by her two teenage children. Life is about to get complicated for Mel and she does not handle complicated. Something else has come to her quiet little sanctuary and she will need to have her wits about her. The story is delivered in multiple perspectives and drew me right in.
Characters: Helmer provides us with a unique cast of characters from those you will adore to ones you will immediately loath. *cough*Tom *cough*. Mel’s real name is Amelia Bennett. As a child, a religious cult abducted her and carved out the woman she is today. Cache Calder is a renowned photojournalist recovering from serious injury and loss. Tom is his younger, obnoxious, "GQ" boss who travels with him to Edge. Nicole, Mel’s sister has let herself go after a bitterly unexpected divorce. Her son thinks everything about the Edge is cool and embraced the setting with youthful enthusiasm. Her young daughter however believes she is facing death, because, "OMG, There is nothing to do!" Sergei works at the Edge and his Russian accent and misunderstandings of American expressions made me giggle. Ramsay, oh lord the man was a hoot especially when dealing with the cook.
Plot: Tom tells Cache he has located Amelia Bennett the young girl who launched his career some twenty years ago and offers him a chance of a “where are they now” piece. It is just the thing to snap Cache out of his depression. In flight, Tom tells him he has booked them into the lodge undercover and that Amelia has no idea they are coming. *I smell trouble* Mel’s former kidnapper is dead, but strange sightings, biblical quotes and her own intuition tell her something is wrong. Could he be back from the dead? Nicole and her children need a change of scenery after Nicole discovered her husband when he decided to trade her in for a younger model. All of this takes place in one of the most beautiful and tranquil settings.
Romance: Anytime one party has a secret that could hurt the other you know things are going to get complicated before you get your HEA. As damaged, as Mel is it was not an easy romance. I enjoyed this couple and felt their feelings and actions were genuine. There is heat, but it is fade to black and perfect for a larger audience.
Suspenseful aspects: Helmer kept us on our toes with twists, fear and a few near death scenes. She allowed the tension to build, weaving in the scenery and background information on Mel’s prior kidnapping. The remote setting only ramped up the suspense.
The writing: Helmer paints a three-D picture not only with the beautiful lodge, ocean and woods but also with her characters. She gave them depth and I can close my eyes and bring forth an image of each of them. I can even smell Tom’s cologne. *cough* The tale hooks you from the onset as we travel back to Mel’s abduction. The author even weaved in facts about wildlife, fishing and nature in Alaska. I loved all of these little details.
The Narration: Mia Chiromonte made me a little nervous at first, but once we left the darker beginning, her voice as Mel kicked in strong and I connected. While I was not overly pleased with Cache’s voice. She nailed Tom’s preening beautifully and the Russian accent of Sergei. My issue with Cache is one I have with female narrator’s capturing the male voice. It sounded horse, but eventually grew on me.
Caffeinated Conclusion: Edge is the type of romantic suspense that stays with you and had more substance than your typical escape book placing it somewhere neared to a thriller or mystery novel.
Audio copy provided by publisher. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Book Reviewer
World: The story of Edge takes place at the Edge of Reason Lodge in picturesque Alaska near Homer. Here Mel Bennett and her motley crew of trusted staff entertain a limited amount of guests with whale watching, hiking, kayaking and wildlife. New guests are arriving along with her recently divorced and estranged sister, accompanied by her two teenage children. Life is about to get complicated for Mel and she does not handle complicated. Something else has come to her quiet little sanctuary and she will need to have her wits about her. The story is delivered in multiple perspectives and drew me right in.
Characters: Helmer provides us with a unique cast of characters from those you will adore to ones you will immediately loath. *cough*Tom *cough*. Mel’s real name is Amelia Bennett. As a child, a religious cult abducted her and carved out the woman she is today. Cache Calder is a renowned photojournalist recovering from serious injury and loss. Tom is his younger, obnoxious, "GQ" boss who travels with him to Edge. Nicole, Mel’s sister has let herself go after a bitterly unexpected divorce. Her son thinks everything about the Edge is cool and embraced the setting with youthful enthusiasm. Her young daughter however believes she is facing death, because, "OMG, There is nothing to do!" Sergei works at the Edge and his Russian accent and misunderstandings of American expressions made me giggle. Ramsay, oh lord the man was a hoot especially when dealing with the cook.
Plot: Tom tells Cache he has located Amelia Bennett the young girl who launched his career some twenty years ago and offers him a chance of a “where are they now” piece. It is just the thing to snap Cache out of his depression. In flight, Tom tells him he has booked them into the lodge undercover and that Amelia has no idea they are coming. *I smell trouble* Mel’s former kidnapper is dead, but strange sightings, biblical quotes and her own intuition tell her something is wrong. Could he be back from the dead? Nicole and her children need a change of scenery after Nicole discovered her husband when he decided to trade her in for a younger model. All of this takes place in one of the most beautiful and tranquil settings.
Romance: Anytime one party has a secret that could hurt the other you know things are going to get complicated before you get your HEA. As damaged, as Mel is it was not an easy romance. I enjoyed this couple and felt their feelings and actions were genuine. There is heat, but it is fade to black and perfect for a larger audience.
Suspenseful aspects: Helmer kept us on our toes with twists, fear and a few near death scenes. She allowed the tension to build, weaving in the scenery and background information on Mel’s prior kidnapping. The remote setting only ramped up the suspense.
The writing: Helmer paints a three-D picture not only with the beautiful lodge, ocean and woods but also with her characters. She gave them depth and I can close my eyes and bring forth an image of each of them. I can even smell Tom’s cologne. *cough* The tale hooks you from the onset as we travel back to Mel’s abduction. The author even weaved in facts about wildlife, fishing and nature in Alaska. I loved all of these little details.
The Narration: Mia Chiromonte made me a little nervous at first, but once we left the darker beginning, her voice as Mel kicked in strong and I connected. While I was not overly pleased with Cache’s voice. She nailed Tom’s preening beautifully and the Russian accent of Sergei. My issue with Cache is one I have with female narrator’s capturing the male voice. It sounded horse, but eventually grew on me.
Caffeinated Conclusion: Edge is the type of romantic suspense that stays with you and had more substance than your typical escape book placing it somewhere neared to a thriller or mystery novel.
Audio copy provided by publisher. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Book Reviewer
December 19, 2013
I love a great Romanic suspense novel and I love living in the great state of Alaska, so in was only natural that I would read a book that has both of these. Tiffinie Helmer delivered in her newest release “Edge”
The Edge opens with Cache, a photojournalist, being sent to The Edge of Reason Lodge, to get the “Where is she now” story on Amelia Bennett , who was kidnapped when she was of the tender age of 12 and her story made to the cover to People magazine. It was such a major story, that a TV Movie was produced telling her story to the world.
Cache was recovering from his own trip to Hell, he had survived an insurgent’s bomb while working in somewhere in the Middle East, that took the lives of his two closes friends. Not only had he witness his friends being blow to pieces, his leg was shattered, held together by pins. Talk about a heavy case of survivor’s guilt.
Our lodge owner was none other than Amelia “Mel” Bennett. She loves living out in the middle of nowhere, where people don’t know about her dark past. Living in Alaska gives her the escape she craves. She is perfectly content being alone, till she meets Cache Calder.
The attraction between these two characters is all most instant. Cache awakens Mel like the one no other man has before. What Mel doesn’t know is that Cache was the one who took that world famous picture of the rescued 12 year old. Yes, you can see where this story is heading….
Mel and Cache both had deep emotional issues and Tiffinie did a great job of keeping the readers engage in those struggles. I couldn’t help but admire Mel, she was one tough cookie, after everything she had been through. However, her pride in her strength could be her downfall, for someone is tracking her every move and her refusal to ask for help could cost her, with her life.
“Edge” is also full of some great secondary characters and if you had read any of Tiffinie’s other books, you may even recognize one of them!
The story takes place in Homer, one of the most beautiful areas in Alaska, Homer has always been a favorite of mine, and I feel that Ms. Helmer gave such a wonderful descriptions that you’ll feel like you are on a virtual tour. This Alaska Chick was thrilled to read about such places as the Homer Spit and the Salty Dawg Saloon (even own an Alaskan classic, the Salty Dawg Hoodie). Everything was so real, that for a moment I forgot that the Edge of Reason Lodge didn’t existent.
Edge was an emotional roller coast ride from the beginning and I enjoyed every minute of the ride.
The Edge opens with Cache, a photojournalist, being sent to The Edge of Reason Lodge, to get the “Where is she now” story on Amelia Bennett , who was kidnapped when she was of the tender age of 12 and her story made to the cover to People magazine. It was such a major story, that a TV Movie was produced telling her story to the world.
Cache was recovering from his own trip to Hell, he had survived an insurgent’s bomb while working in somewhere in the Middle East, that took the lives of his two closes friends. Not only had he witness his friends being blow to pieces, his leg was shattered, held together by pins. Talk about a heavy case of survivor’s guilt.
Our lodge owner was none other than Amelia “Mel” Bennett. She loves living out in the middle of nowhere, where people don’t know about her dark past. Living in Alaska gives her the escape she craves. She is perfectly content being alone, till she meets Cache Calder.
The attraction between these two characters is all most instant. Cache awakens Mel like the one no other man has before. What Mel doesn’t know is that Cache was the one who took that world famous picture of the rescued 12 year old. Yes, you can see where this story is heading….
Mel and Cache both had deep emotional issues and Tiffinie did a great job of keeping the readers engage in those struggles. I couldn’t help but admire Mel, she was one tough cookie, after everything she had been through. However, her pride in her strength could be her downfall, for someone is tracking her every move and her refusal to ask for help could cost her, with her life.
“Edge” is also full of some great secondary characters and if you had read any of Tiffinie’s other books, you may even recognize one of them!
The story takes place in Homer, one of the most beautiful areas in Alaska, Homer has always been a favorite of mine, and I feel that Ms. Helmer gave such a wonderful descriptions that you’ll feel like you are on a virtual tour. This Alaska Chick was thrilled to read about such places as the Homer Spit and the Salty Dawg Saloon (even own an Alaskan classic, the Salty Dawg Hoodie). Everything was so real, that for a moment I forgot that the Edge of Reason Lodge didn’t existent.
Edge was an emotional roller coast ride from the beginning and I enjoyed every minute of the ride.
May 18, 2013
Oh my I have my suitcase packed and am ready to head to the Edge!
Tiffinie has a way with words, her writing and her vivid descriptions, and the way she puts forth her stories are so well detailed I feel as though I am in Alaska! I absolutely love Alaska and I haven’t even been there. !
After reading Tiffinie's stories, I must say I pinned pics of Alaska, the unknown beauty is just to die for. It’s just really my dream vacation. As long as hotty like Cache is there to keep me company! * grins *
In this story we have one kick arse strong woman. * Amelia * I liked that she was solid, flawed definitely not perfect and certainly not whiney like some lead ladies. Her past certainly did not define her future. This past I really liked.
Cache was strong, doesn’t take no for an answer and dealing also with his past. He was persistant and I loved that in him and his character. But they say persistence certainly pays !
The chemistry between Cache and Amelia was passionate, spine tingling and ahhhh... I loved them together in this story, and have to say despite all the ups and down was happy with my HEA !
We see Sergei in this instalment; He really does make me cackle at times with his Russian accent and his words.
The storyline was intriguing, suspenseful and many a times I had to gasp - Sigh - and even sheepishly grin.
The characters are well put forth, each and every one has there special place within the story, and as the story unfolds we see them grow.
I had to say I was laughing at Ramsay along the way, that old coot certain lightened up the end of the storyline. Loll.
Overall, Edge was certainly was I expected plus more.
This story breathes a life of its own into each page, and I read this in one day! The setting itself is intriguing, and all of the Characters certainly breathed a life with every turn of the page, and a good deal of the relationships that were formed seemed realistic and true to life.
'Anyway, I thought the storyline, romance and action scenes were a great mix. As far as the whole book was concerned, I loved it!
FULL REVIEW TO COME.
Tiffinie has a way with words, her writing and her vivid descriptions, and the way she puts forth her stories are so well detailed I feel as though I am in Alaska! I absolutely love Alaska and I haven’t even been there. !
After reading Tiffinie's stories, I must say I pinned pics of Alaska, the unknown beauty is just to die for. It’s just really my dream vacation. As long as hotty like Cache is there to keep me company! * grins *
In this story we have one kick arse strong woman. * Amelia * I liked that she was solid, flawed definitely not perfect and certainly not whiney like some lead ladies. Her past certainly did not define her future. This past I really liked.
Cache was strong, doesn’t take no for an answer and dealing also with his past. He was persistant and I loved that in him and his character. But they say persistence certainly pays !
The chemistry between Cache and Amelia was passionate, spine tingling and ahhhh... I loved them together in this story, and have to say despite all the ups and down was happy with my HEA !
We see Sergei in this instalment; He really does make me cackle at times with his Russian accent and his words.
The storyline was intriguing, suspenseful and many a times I had to gasp - Sigh - and even sheepishly grin.
The characters are well put forth, each and every one has there special place within the story, and as the story unfolds we see them grow.
I had to say I was laughing at Ramsay along the way, that old coot certain lightened up the end of the storyline. Loll.
Overall, Edge was certainly was I expected plus more.
This story breathes a life of its own into each page, and I read this in one day! The setting itself is intriguing, and all of the Characters certainly breathed a life with every turn of the page, and a good deal of the relationships that were formed seemed realistic and true to life.
'Anyway, I thought the storyline, romance and action scenes were a great mix. As far as the whole book was concerned, I loved it!
FULL REVIEW TO COME.
April 21, 2019
The premise of this book is so ridiculous it's almost laughable. The idea that a photojournalist could take a prize winning photo of a young, abused girl and later fall in love with her seems utterly ridiculous to me - wouldn't she always be that young girl in his memory? Isn't it almost a little disturbing?
Which is a lot to be going against the book from the outset, but the fact is, I really quite enjoyed this. It was daft, and a typical romance storyline, but there was enough to keep me listening, and not just during my usual commute listening time.
The setting made the story much more interesting - I don't know a lot about Alaska, but the idea that some people choose to survive at the edge of the world, and what those sort of people might be like was something that kept me glued to the pages. It's clear that Helmer has a great love of Alaska and the kinds of people who live out there. The characters that populate the Edge of Reason lodge are all very fondly drawn - no nonsense types that you get the sense are all hiding from something. I really liked spending time with them and trying to get inside their heads.
The romance was just the right combination of almost/nearly moments and conflicts and barriers being thrown between Cache and Mel. Despite my misgivings about the set up, I could get behind the characters as a couple. They had good chemistry together, and I like a good old fashioned 'out stubborn' contest.
The narrator, Mia Chiaromonte, did a good job of bringing the characters to life, though there wasn't anything particularly memorable about the performance. Listening to the book didn't really bring any extra depth for me, but then it's not the sort of book that has a great deal of depth.
If you like romance and all it's cheesy tropes, definitely check out Tiffinie Helmer. This was an enjoyable read, despite my misgivings, and I'd pick up another Helmer book to satisfy my occasional desire to read romance novels.
Which is a lot to be going against the book from the outset, but the fact is, I really quite enjoyed this. It was daft, and a typical romance storyline, but there was enough to keep me listening, and not just during my usual commute listening time.
The setting made the story much more interesting - I don't know a lot about Alaska, but the idea that some people choose to survive at the edge of the world, and what those sort of people might be like was something that kept me glued to the pages. It's clear that Helmer has a great love of Alaska and the kinds of people who live out there. The characters that populate the Edge of Reason lodge are all very fondly drawn - no nonsense types that you get the sense are all hiding from something. I really liked spending time with them and trying to get inside their heads.
The romance was just the right combination of almost/nearly moments and conflicts and barriers being thrown between Cache and Mel. Despite my misgivings about the set up, I could get behind the characters as a couple. They had good chemistry together, and I like a good old fashioned 'out stubborn' contest.
The narrator, Mia Chiaromonte, did a good job of bringing the characters to life, though there wasn't anything particularly memorable about the performance. Listening to the book didn't really bring any extra depth for me, but then it's not the sort of book that has a great deal of depth.
If you like romance and all it's cheesy tropes, definitely check out Tiffinie Helmer. This was an enjoyable read, despite my misgivings, and I'd pick up another Helmer book to satisfy my occasional desire to read romance novels.
February 3, 2015
Why I read it: I was provided with a review copy by Audible Studios.
Trigger Warning: Rape (of a child, off page. NOT detailed, but mentioned in the story).
What worked for me (and what didn’t): First, let me say that I’m really glad I listened to this one because, at least in Australia, we pronounce “Cache” with a long “a” (ie Cay-sh) and I just don’t think I could have coped with a hero named after a place you hide things. Thankfully the narrator pronounced the name in the American way so I heard “Cash” which is just fine as a hero name! (*laughs at self*)
I’ve been a fan of romantic suspense for a long time. Perhaps because I love it so much, I have become very picky about it. I don’t mind a heightened reality but I want the world building to be consistent. I prefer more romance than suspense, or at least an even balance, rather than the other way around and I’m becoming averse to “torture porn”. I had high hopes for this book from a new-to-me author (and narrator as it happens). While parts of the book didn’t work for me that well, I did enjoy it and, in terms of the mix of romance and suspense, I think the book got it about right.
Read the rest: http://www.kaetrinsmusings.com/2015/0...
Trigger Warning: Rape (of a child, off page. NOT detailed, but mentioned in the story).
What worked for me (and what didn’t): First, let me say that I’m really glad I listened to this one because, at least in Australia, we pronounce “Cache” with a long “a” (ie Cay-sh) and I just don’t think I could have coped with a hero named after a place you hide things. Thankfully the narrator pronounced the name in the American way so I heard “Cash” which is just fine as a hero name! (*laughs at self*)
I’ve been a fan of romantic suspense for a long time. Perhaps because I love it so much, I have become very picky about it. I don’t mind a heightened reality but I want the world building to be consistent. I prefer more romance than suspense, or at least an even balance, rather than the other way around and I’m becoming averse to “torture porn”. I had high hopes for this book from a new-to-me author (and narrator as it happens). While parts of the book didn’t work for me that well, I did enjoy it and, in terms of the mix of romance and suspense, I think the book got it about right.
Read the rest: http://www.kaetrinsmusings.com/2015/0...
April 10, 2013
Tiffinie continues to awe me with her unique and amazing writing. This book will transport you into her book.
The details are so vivid. I have never been to Alaska but after reading this book I feel like I just took a vacation there.
This book played out like a movie in my head. It has a unique storyline. You become engrossed from the very first page. This book pulls you.
There is lots of nail biting suspense that keeps you wondering what will happen next. I couldn't stop turning the pages.
All the characters in this book stand out making them unforgettable even Tom with his constant accidents LOL
Tiffinie blends mystery, suspense, action, emotion, lust, passion and romance perfectly.
This book was very well written. This book will stay will me for a long time to come.
The details are so vivid. I have never been to Alaska but after reading this book I feel like I just took a vacation there.
This book played out like a movie in my head. It has a unique storyline. You become engrossed from the very first page. This book pulls you.
There is lots of nail biting suspense that keeps you wondering what will happen next. I couldn't stop turning the pages.
All the characters in this book stand out making them unforgettable even Tom with his constant accidents LOL
Tiffinie blends mystery, suspense, action, emotion, lust, passion and romance perfectly.
This book was very well written. This book will stay will me for a long time to come.
May 17, 2013
Tiffinie really should add tour guide to her resume. This book has beautiful descriptions of Alaska, the wildlife and the numerous outdoor activities it provides. The story line was suspenseful with a side of sexual tension, just the perfect mix. A story that goes back 20 years to a kidnapped child and has come back to haunt her. The photographer who caught her story in a picture 20 years ago is back to complete a "Where is she now?" storyline. Just imagine the possibilities. Tiffinie kept my interest the whole time. Anxious for the next books in the series and the stories with Sergei (loved to read his accent).
November 9, 2018
I had to let this one sit a few days before reviewing. I'm still pissed. Had to skip most of the last third of the book because the heroine was so stupid, funny how skipping a big chunk of the book didn't detract from the story because it was so predictable. I f**ing hate characters who are so independent that they endanger the people around them because they refuse to even say what is going on, much less ask for help. "oh, I didn't see the need to say anything about the pentagram painted in blood on my sheets. Even though there is a whole bunch of other people, including kids, at risk from a psycho." I'm sorry I just can't be forgiving on this one.
March 20, 2013
I've read all of Ms. Helmer's stories, and all have been excellent, but Edge is my favorite. Her characters jump to life from the first page. Mel is a great character with brutal past, but she's moved beyond that and created a wonderful life for herself. The only thing she's missing is a man. Enter Cache who's looking for a story, but falls in love instead. Their romance is sizzling. The secondary characters add plenty of depth and emotion to the story, and the setting is amazing. Congratulations Ms. Helmer!
September 30, 2020
DNF at 30% because I continue to be a hater.
There is a lot about the characters and writing that turned me off and it only got worse. I don't read adult romantic suspense for a POV of an annoying teenager. PLZ do not do this to me unless you have forced me to care about the kid for three books and trick me into tolerating it like Rachel Caine did.
This is available on Audible Plus though if you want to give it a chance! I'm not counting this as a book read this year though.
Moving on...
There is a lot about the characters and writing that turned me off and it only got worse. I don't read adult romantic suspense for a POV of an annoying teenager. PLZ do not do this to me unless you have forced me to care about the kid for three books and trick me into tolerating it like Rachel Caine did.
This is available on Audible Plus though if you want to give it a chance! I'm not counting this as a book read this year though.
Moving on...
April 5, 2013
Awesome, Awesome author. The whole idea behind this novel is frickin' (yes I just used frickin') amazing. Helmer manages to create just enough creepy with just enough romance to keep you totally engaged through the whole thing. I loved every moment of the book and was left a little breathless in a few bits. Definitely an adult novel! But totally loved the writing style and loved the characters. A must read for people with a pulse!!!
March 20, 2013
I loved the way Ms. Helmer made the reader feel they were actually in Alaska. The Edge of Reason Lodge and the setting it's in, is a character of the book as much as Cache and Mel are. The reluctant attraction is electric from the beginning. The story was a perfect balance of suspense, chemistry and story. If that makes sense. I highly recommend EDGE! Well done Ms. Helmer.
May 25, 2013
This would have been a 5 star for me if the author would have added one more scene. I would have liked to have seen when she was rescued and then later when the photograph was taken. It would have made the story more complete for me. But otherwise, I enjoyed this one. I would read this author again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 25, 2013
I really didn't like this book. I didn't feel the connection between the main characters, and the premise is too dark for me. I really enjoyed the other books in this series, but I wish I had given this one a pass.
April 20, 2014
I knew I was going to like it. I didn't know I was going to enjoy it so much. I'm not a fan of suspenseful books, but this one grabbed me and wouldn't let go until I knew exactly what was going to happen. A great read. I'm looking forward for more!
June 21, 2015
'm no review expert but this book was awesome. It kept me entertained. I laughed, I cried(I cry over everything), I bit my fingernails. This is one of my favorites by Tiffinie. Just buy the book and enjoy it. In fact buy them all!!
March 19, 2013
I loved it. It kept me on the EDGE of my seat. I can't wait to be HOOKED on the next book in the series.
March 26, 2013
I love love love this book! I wish I could give it more then 5 stars! I highly recommend it :) Tiffinie Helmer delivers yet again <3
April 7, 2013
I was absolutely glued to the book and the relationship between Cache and Mel!I enjoyed the read and highly recommend it!
May 16, 2013
I just love this book!! I liked the setting being in Alaska. Would love to have had a epilogue to know what happens next. On to the second book Hooked.
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