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Tales from the Edge #1
Reaching the Edge
The Edge is a training company with a difference. Its weekend clients come for classes in bondage and domination, not team building and problem solving.
The management, staff and customers of The Edge do not lead boring lives. In fact they have a habit of getting themselves into all kinds of trouble. Put Dominant, possessive alpha males together with bratty, loveable submissives and sparks are bound to fly. These Tales from The Edge are their stories.
Book One in the Tales from The Edge series.
When you reach the edge, you can’t avoid taking a leap of faith.
Joe Dexter leads a complicated life. In one world he is a consultant criminal psychologist—in another he runs The Edge, a successful corporate training company. He’s also an active Dom in the London BDSM scene.
A social call to The Underground, a club owned by an old friend, turns into much more when Joe is introduced to a prospective sub. Falling hard for the boy’s tumbling blonde curls, huge blue eyes and desperate need for protection, Joe carefully coaxes him out of his shell. By the end of an intense weekend, unbreakable bonds have been forged and Joe is well on the way to becoming Olly’s Master.
Joe knows that there is trauma in Olly’s past, but it is not until his professional and private lives collide that Joe discovers the truth. He knows he shouldn’t have let Olly out of his sight but it’s too late—Olly’s old Master is back on the scene and he’s not in the mood to forgive and forget.
With Olly’s life on the line, Joe risks everything to save him. Has Joe found his perfect submissive only to lose him in a horrible twist of fate, or will love win the day? They’ve reached the edge and there’s no avoiding a leap of faith.
L.M. Somerton
Lucinda lives in a small village in the English countryside, surrounded by rolling hills, cows and sheep. She started writing to fill time between jobs and is now firmly and unashamedly addicted.
The management, staff and customers of The Edge do not lead boring lives. In fact they have a habit of getting themselves into all kinds of trouble. Put Dominant, possessive alpha males together with bratty, loveable submissives and sparks are bound to fly. These Tales from The Edge are their stories.
Book One in the Tales from The Edge series.
When you reach the edge, you can’t avoid taking a leap of faith.
Joe Dexter leads a complicated life. In one world he is a consultant criminal psychologist—in another he runs The Edge, a successful corporate training company. He’s also an active Dom in the London BDSM scene.
A social call to The Underground, a club owned by an old friend, turns into much more when Joe is introduced to a prospective sub. Falling hard for the boy’s tumbling blonde curls, huge blue eyes and desperate need for protection, Joe carefully coaxes him out of his shell. By the end of an intense weekend, unbreakable bonds have been forged and Joe is well on the way to becoming Olly’s Master.
Joe knows that there is trauma in Olly’s past, but it is not until his professional and private lives collide that Joe discovers the truth. He knows he shouldn’t have let Olly out of his sight but it’s too late—Olly’s old Master is back on the scene and he’s not in the mood to forgive and forget.
With Olly’s life on the line, Joe risks everything to save him. Has Joe found his perfect submissive only to lose him in a horrible twist of fate, or will love win the day? They’ve reached the edge and there’s no avoiding a leap of faith.
L.M. Somerton
Lucinda lives in a small village in the English countryside, surrounded by rolling hills, cows and sheep. She started writing to fill time between jobs and is now firmly and unashamedly addicted.
112 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 18, 2013
18 people are currently reading
329 people want to read
About the author
L.M. Somerton
75 books178 followersLucinda lives in a small village in the English countryside, surrounded by rolling hills, cows and sheep. She started writing to fill time between jobs and is now firmly and unashamedly addicted.
She loves the English weather, especially the rain, and adores a thunderstorm. She loves good food, warm company and a crackling fire. She's fascinated by the psychology of relationships, especially between men, and her stories contain some subtle (and some not so subtle) leanings towards BDSM.
She loves the English weather, especially the rain, and adores a thunderstorm. She loves good food, warm company and a crackling fire. She's fascinated by the psychology of relationships, especially between men, and her stories contain some subtle (and some not so subtle) leanings towards BDSM.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
October 11, 2014
Hated it.
Ugh, this book was terrible! Insta-love BDSM gone wrong. There was nothing right about this story.
Joe and Olly have the strangest dynamic. Joe treats Olly like a child, which I found to be really disturbing. There is a lot scenes involving drinking hot cocoa together and calling Olly "angel," "my sweet boy," "darling" and other crap. Olly didn't read MAN to me one bit.
There was also that dangerous and totally off-base concept that BDSM can cure PTSD. When Olly was traumatized in a horrific assault, the cure was finding a new master, of course! Wha???
But what really got my blood boiling is when Olly is kidnapped, held prisoner, and is sexually assaulted by his former master (not a spoiler- it is the warning in the blurb!), instead of calling the cops, Joe decides to play superman and free him himself. What a freaking moron. I wanted to punch Joe. He should have called the cops and not wasted time trying to be a hero. But then Joe wouldn't have been able to plan his super fun revenge scheme!! Idiot...
Miraculously, Olly doesn't seem to have any issues with his assault. One good spanking from his all knowing dom and he is chipper as can be!
The sex was boring, it was sentimental and insta-love to the max, and felt factually incorrect with regard to psychological trauma.
Fail.
**Read for project GRL 2014- My quest to read authors that I've never tried before**
Ugh, this book was terrible! Insta-love BDSM gone wrong. There was nothing right about this story.
Joe and Olly have the strangest dynamic. Joe treats Olly like a child, which I found to be really disturbing. There is a lot scenes involving drinking hot cocoa together and calling Olly "angel," "my sweet boy," "darling" and other crap. Olly didn't read MAN to me one bit.
There was also that dangerous and totally off-base concept that BDSM can cure PTSD. When Olly was traumatized in a horrific assault, the cure was finding a new master, of course! Wha???
But what really got my blood boiling is when Olly is kidnapped, held prisoner, and is sexually assaulted by his former master (not a spoiler- it is the warning in the blurb!), instead of calling the cops, Joe decides to play superman and free him himself. What a freaking moron. I wanted to punch Joe. He should have called the cops and not wasted time trying to be a hero. But then Joe wouldn't have been able to plan his super fun revenge scheme!! Idiot...
Miraculously, Olly doesn't seem to have any issues with his assault. One good spanking from his all knowing dom and he is chipper as can be!
The sex was boring, it was sentimental and insta-love to the max, and felt factually incorrect with regard to psychological trauma.
Fail.
**Read for project GRL 2014- My quest to read authors that I've never tried before**
October 9, 2014
Reaching the Edge is the first book in a new series for L.M. Somerton. She introduced many, many characters in this book and I've no doubt we will be seeing all of them again. I had extremely high hopes for this book, given the exciting blurb that seemed geared exactly to my tastes/kinks, but the book fell short and didn't deliver what I was looking for. I wanted hurt/healing/comfort intermixed with mind-blowing, passionate sex, while the MCs fell in lust and then in love. That is my perfection. What this book was was insta-love with MC Joe treating MC Olly like a child. I didn't feel the passion between the two men and the way Joe and his Dom friends spoke of Olly was incredibly degrading, bordering on creepy. Now, don't get me wrong. I've read a lot of BDSM in my time and I absolutely understand the D/s relationship, but this one did NOT work for me. Maybe the book was too short, maybe it was because of the insta-love, but I did not feel the bond between the two men.
I hope I am in the minority, so I am going to recommend this book to BDSM enthusiasts, but caution regular M/M romance fans to tread lightly and maybe choose a different BDSM book if you are looking at experimenting with this genre. I suggest Falling Into Place or Sub for Hire instead.
I hope I am in the minority, so I am going to recommend this book to BDSM enthusiasts, but caution regular M/M romance fans to tread lightly and maybe choose a different BDSM book if you are looking at experimenting with this genre. I suggest Falling Into Place or Sub for Hire instead.
August 26, 2013
Ermm, it seems my luck has run out, because Reaching the Edge is another m/m novel I didn't finish. For me, in an erotic romance novel everything is about chemistry, otherwise I find the sex scenes boring and gratuitous.
Olly, the submissive, goes to a famous London underground BDSM/gay club to look for a new master, after having been brutally raped in a hostage situation. In addition to this incicent, he also has to deal with serious trust issues and mental wounds inflicted by his previous sadist of a master, a cold-blooded egocentric surgeon.
I liked the premises of Reaching the Edge, being a sucker for this kind of plot that basically is all about the healing power of love. My problem with the situation was, that Olly willingly and without real doubts and fears submits to Master Jo, after having him seen for less than an hour and without serious negotiations.
I also might be old-fashioned, but I do like my characters to kiss before they start playing seriously, but especially BEFORE they start talking about a long term relationship and BEFORE the dom knows he has fallen in love with the sub.
There are few romance tropes I love more than a love at first sight story, if, and that's a big if, the author can really sell it to me. I go all mushy reading about the chemistry and sizzle between a couple, the angst and rollercoaster ride, but just sex and a pair of cuffs and other paraphernalia does not make me belive in kismet.
I discontinued the story after reading that Joe has fallen in love with Olly which is nice, but there was nothing previously in the story, besides sex, that warranted those feelings. Sorry, that's a DNF for me.
Olly, the submissive, goes to a famous London underground BDSM/gay club to look for a new master, after having been brutally raped in a hostage situation. In addition to this incicent, he also has to deal with serious trust issues and mental wounds inflicted by his previous sadist of a master, a cold-blooded egocentric surgeon.
I liked the premises of Reaching the Edge, being a sucker for this kind of plot that basically is all about the healing power of love. My problem with the situation was, that Olly willingly and without real doubts and fears submits to Master Jo, after having him seen for less than an hour and without serious negotiations.
I also might be old-fashioned, but I do like my characters to kiss before they start playing seriously, but especially BEFORE they start talking about a long term relationship and BEFORE the dom knows he has fallen in love with the sub.
There are few romance tropes I love more than a love at first sight story, if, and that's a big if, the author can really sell it to me. I go all mushy reading about the chemistry and sizzle between a couple, the angst and rollercoaster ride, but just sex and a pair of cuffs and other paraphernalia does not make me belive in kismet.
I discontinued the story after reading that Joe has fallen in love with Olly which is nice, but there was nothing previously in the story, besides sex, that warranted those feelings. Sorry, that's a DNF for me.
July 23, 2018
That was sweet.
I do enjoy the way this author writes... the characters are good, a bit too simple, but I like them both. There's a nice little drama in this one which was well played and interesting. My only issue was the BDSM scenes. I would have preferred them to be more detailed and longer, the whole book would have worked better for me then.
I do enjoy the way this author writes... the characters are good, a bit too simple, but I like them both. There's a nice little drama in this one which was well played and interesting. My only issue was the BDSM scenes. I would have preferred them to be more detailed and longer, the whole book would have worked better for me then.
June 9, 2014
Schmaltzy, unrealistic & (uncharmingly) glossy. Blech. Disappointing, considering I thoroughly enjoyed Stroke Rate.
September 18, 2013
Review written for The Blog of Sid Love - 3.5 stars
This is Book 1 of the Tales from the Edge series. The blurb was exciting, the cover enticing, and I’m sure this is the kind of story many will like. The series centers around the company, The Edge, Ltd., which provides corporate seminars, etc., as well as courses for men looking to hone their BDSM skills. The Edge is owned and run by long-time friends, Joe and Heath, also both doms. The small group is rounded out by their friend, Carey, owner of the BDSM club the Underground.
Seeing that they would be a perfect match, Carey introduces Joe to Olly, a sub who has been working for Carey to pay for his membership to the club. Carey sees that Olly is vulnerable and is wounded and trying to recover from some type of loss. They seem to things slowly after getting to know each other a bit, as Joe wants Olly to be sure of what he wants, and it has been some time since Joe has taken on a sub as well. However, it still had the feel of insta-love/lust.
Olly is super sweet with a tiny bit of a bratty side when he gets comfortable in his surroundings. He seems to be a boat floating at sea just looking for the right captain. Unfortunately, his last captain was horrible in more ways than one, but Joe does things right, not giving Olly too much before he feels he can handle things. Joe also happens to be a practicing clinical/criminal psychologist, who was asked to take on the file of a young man who suffered some kind of trauma. This seemed significant, but other than Joe realizing this young man and Olly were one and the same, it never really comes into play.
Personally, this story was a little too light and fluffy for my tastes, and I was a little disappointed I didn’t enjoy it more than I did. I do believe others, and have many friends whom I’d recommend this to. It has a really sweet, twinky sub and a solid, more mature dom. The BDSM is on the light side, so shouldn’t scare anyone away. While Joe and Olly were sweet together, I didn’t really connect with them as much as I had hoped. The writing was smooth, but there were just little things here and there that niggled. I kept expecting to learn more about the Edge, but we didn’t really find out what the deal was until near the end, and even then, I was a bit confused as to the overall services the company provides.
There are some other intriguing characters involved though. Carey and Allistair seem like an interesting couple I would have liked a bit more background on. And, of course, there is the hunky Heath who promises slightly edgier good things to come. So much so, that I already have his book lined up on my Kindle. I recommend this one to people looking for an easy going, sweet BDSM story about injured people getting a second chance at life and love.
August 16, 2014
Reaching the Edge is the first book of the Tales from the Edge series. We meet Dom Joe and submissive Olly, who was not only tortured but abandoned by his laster master. He is hurt and doesn’t trust anyone. More than anything else though he wants a new master he can trust wholeheartedly. The Underground, an exclusive private club catering to London’s gay BDSM scene, seems to be the right place to search for the master of his dreams.
Dominant Joe, a psychologist and co-owner of The Edge, a corporate training company, is hot as hell… *drools*… holy moly, what a man! When he spots Olly for the very first time, he wants to own the submissive young guy. The drama begins when Olly’s old cruel master shows up, he’s not done with poor Olly and Joe has to fight and to do everything in his power to protect the beautiful submissive. I loved bratty, mischief Olly immediately. He has been through so much misery but never gave up on his dreams, it was so good to watch him trust again.
The story is an easy, entertaining read with not too much angst. The BDSM is nicely done and the sex scenes are pretty hot. I’m looking forward to the next story in the series. Heath, Joe’s best friend, is an intriguing character and I can’t wait to read more about him.
January 3, 2014
This one has all the makings of a good read but alas everything is too easy and moves without any really good angst. I was annoyed that Angel didn't have a harder time trusting after his ordeal. Nope. Did I miss the clear description of The Edge? Yup. And I guess I get ticked-off when a book could have been the start of a new series I could look forward to.
November 28, 2022
This was a really entertaining start to a new series. It has a perfect combination of good D/s practices, danger, passion, and love. Joe is a successful criminal psychologist by day and a sought-after respected Dom by night. Although he's been too busy to visit The Underground, his BDSM club for a few months, he makes time one evening.
While there, he's introduced to a young submissive, Olly, who has been working in the kitchen away from dominants while he heals more from a traumatic occurrence. Joe seems the perfect dominant to work with Olly and they hit it off immediately. Danger lurks when Olly's abusive ex-master continues to stalk and threaten him Can Joe and Olly find a future life together where they can live safely and happily? This book is medium-angst with a significant age gap, supportive friends, and lots of BDSM-oriented passion.
While there, he's introduced to a young submissive, Olly, who has been working in the kitchen away from dominants while he heals more from a traumatic occurrence. Joe seems the perfect dominant to work with Olly and they hit it off immediately. Danger lurks when Olly's abusive ex-master continues to stalk and threaten him Can Joe and Olly find a future life together where they can live safely and happily? This book is medium-angst with a significant age gap, supportive friends, and lots of BDSM-oriented passion.
May 20, 2019
Todo muy "por los pelos" por lo cual no conectas, y no acabas creyéndote ni la historia ni los personajes y para colmo de males todo muy precipitado.
Lo acabas porque es cortito y punto
Lo acabas porque es cortito y punto
June 14, 2016
This is Book 1 in what promises to be an exciting BDSM series centered around an upper crust club called Underground. At the time I’m reading it this is not a new book or new series but I have heard so much about it I wanted to read the series from the beginning, and the only thing I’m sorry about is it took me so long to get around to it!
Joe is an experienced Dom who does not currently have his own submissive. He is a busy corporate trainer and criminal psychologist and that takes up most of his time. When he visits his favorite club, The Underground he finds that his old friend has recently taken in an abused sub and thinks he might be a match for Joe. Joe is known to be stern but fair and whatever he promises to do he does.
Olly is known initially as Angel and it isn’t until he has some level of trust in Joe that he lets him know his real name is Oliver. Olly’s previous Master was a cruel surgeon named Mark who hurt Olly and kept him locked in a cage. When Olly takes a job as a nurse in a prison and is badly injured in a prison riot, Mark drops him like a hot potato, leaving Olly devastated and alone. He goes to The Underground looking for a new Master because he truly needs the guidance of a dominant man. Unable to afford the entrance fee, he is allowed to work in the club but is kept away from the Doms because of his fragile emotional state.
Joe and Olly find in each other what each needs in a relationship. Joe tries to take it slow but Olly pushes for more a little faster than Joe thinks wise. Then guess who reappears on the scene to cause havoc and nearly destroy what Joe and Olly have built together?
I enjoyed this book very much. The characters are well developed, the rules of their lifestyle are evident, and the sex is scorching. I’m looking forward to binge reading the rest of the series!
Joe is an experienced Dom who does not currently have his own submissive. He is a busy corporate trainer and criminal psychologist and that takes up most of his time. When he visits his favorite club, The Underground he finds that his old friend has recently taken in an abused sub and thinks he might be a match for Joe. Joe is known to be stern but fair and whatever he promises to do he does.
Olly is known initially as Angel and it isn’t until he has some level of trust in Joe that he lets him know his real name is Oliver. Olly’s previous Master was a cruel surgeon named Mark who hurt Olly and kept him locked in a cage. When Olly takes a job as a nurse in a prison and is badly injured in a prison riot, Mark drops him like a hot potato, leaving Olly devastated and alone. He goes to The Underground looking for a new Master because he truly needs the guidance of a dominant man. Unable to afford the entrance fee, he is allowed to work in the club but is kept away from the Doms because of his fragile emotional state.
Joe and Olly find in each other what each needs in a relationship. Joe tries to take it slow but Olly pushes for more a little faster than Joe thinks wise. Then guess who reappears on the scene to cause havoc and nearly destroy what Joe and Olly have built together?
I enjoyed this book very much. The characters are well developed, the rules of their lifestyle are evident, and the sex is scorching. I’m looking forward to binge reading the rest of the series!
July 24, 2013
Reaching the Edge is an appealing gay male romance which launches a small series. Yet another amatory story I’ve read by L.M. Somerton, and again, definitely not my last.
Everyone should take note of the “Reader Advisory” for any story. This was a gay male/male, D/s romance story with ‘issues’ :o) Read the books for what they are, not what you want or wish them to be. If you don't like the storyline, length of the story, etc... write your own.
Poignant and beguiling, Reaching the Edge is a feast of fanciful delights... D/s and kink, with the hint of BD just not SM. Joe Dexter is a clinical psychologist specializing in criminal psychology, the best Dom around, and has maybe been alone for too long. Oliver Glenn (Olly) is a young sub who hasn’t known love and had very little pleasure at the hands of a master who was too cruel and abusive. Together they learn ... well ...? Read the story :o) You also get a feel for other characters in the Edge series.
I enjoy m/m romance especially with a little twist, and I also enjoy a good, hot sex scene in a book. Luckily for me Reaching the Edge fits the bill.
Everyone should take note of the “Reader Advisory” for any story. This was a gay male/male, D/s romance story with ‘issues’ :o) Read the books for what they are, not what you want or wish them to be. If you don't like the storyline, length of the story, etc... write your own.
Poignant and beguiling, Reaching the Edge is a feast of fanciful delights... D/s and kink, with the hint of BD just not SM. Joe Dexter is a clinical psychologist specializing in criminal psychology, the best Dom around, and has maybe been alone for too long. Oliver Glenn (Olly) is a young sub who hasn’t known love and had very little pleasure at the hands of a master who was too cruel and abusive. Together they learn ... well ...? Read the story :o) You also get a feel for other characters in the Edge series.
I enjoy m/m romance especially with a little twist, and I also enjoy a good, hot sex scene in a book. Luckily for me Reaching the Edge fits the bill.
March 13, 2015
I read this title after KC Wells' Collars and Cuffs series, and while simultaneously exploring Silver Ties, part of Patricia Logan's collection. Many parts felt derivative of Wells' work, and not quite as well executed.
In my opinion, Somerton fell into a common writing trap in the attempt to depict the passivity and fragility of Olly. This character was intended to be a twenty-something professional who survived the loss of his support system, not a poor representation of a teen girl who was best comforted with an invitation to soak in the tub and go shopping.
It was decently edited and the characters and pacing of the plot held enough appeal to get through to the end, instead of setting it aside. However, I felt no emotional pull to continue the series.
In my opinion, Somerton fell into a common writing trap in the attempt to depict the passivity and fragility of Olly. This character was intended to be a twenty-something professional who survived the loss of his support system, not a poor representation of a teen girl who was best comforted with an invitation to soak in the tub and go shopping.
It was decently edited and the characters and pacing of the plot held enough appeal to get through to the end, instead of setting it aside. However, I felt no emotional pull to continue the series.
July 18, 2013
I'm excited to see this series published. Some of the material may be tough for some readers, so I would read the warnings and stay away if you're easily disturbed. That out of the way, I enjoyed this book. There is angst, but I didn't find it too heavy. It annoys me when readers project their own notions of the impact of trauma on book characters. In the real world, every person experiences and deals with trauma in their own way. I would have liked to see more of what was going on in Olly's head, especially in the beginning. I can't wait for the next installment, Aiden in my absolute fave!
April 13, 2015
The story of Joe, a Dominant without a sub, and Olly a submissive with massive psychological issues after an horrific attack.
This had all the hallmarks and the premise to be a really angsty, harsh read but I didn't find this story got me feeling deep enough for the subject matter (the big revenge scene with Mick left me feeling a bit flat for example).
I felt Olly was too quick to trust Joe and I wanted them to spend more time developing their trust, so despite Joe saying all the right things, he them seemed to railroad Olly (for example the collaring was done without Olly knowing in advance).
It was lightly written and read quick
This had all the hallmarks and the premise to be a really angsty, harsh read but I didn't find this story got me feeling deep enough for the subject matter (the big revenge scene with Mick left me feeling a bit flat for example).
I felt Olly was too quick to trust Joe and I wanted them to spend more time developing their trust, so despite Joe saying all the right things, he them seemed to railroad Olly (for example the collaring was done without Olly knowing in advance).
It was lightly written and read quick
January 13, 2017
Joe is set up to help a young submissive named Olly. He learns that Olly has been very hurt in the past and that his previous Master is a sadistic ass who gives Dominants a bad name.
This book is very instant love and I found myself barely getting into the characters. It was an ok read but like I said, I couldn't connect fully with the characters. There were a lot on people introduced and I felt that everything that happened was "told" to me. I didn't FEEL it.
I may not read the others in the series but this one was entertaining enough to keep going.
This book is very instant love and I found myself barely getting into the characters. It was an ok read but like I said, I couldn't connect fully with the characters. There were a lot on people introduced and I felt that everything that happened was "told" to me. I didn't FEEL it.
I may not read the others in the series but this one was entertaining enough to keep going.
August 6, 2014
I was just over all bored with this one. It's an insta-love story about a psychologist and an abused submissive.
The story itself had lots of potential, since the writing was good. Except there are things like, Joe reading Oliver's medical file, that weren't ever brought up again. If I was Oliver I'd have been pissed if I ever found out about that.
Anyway, I'd recommend this one on the writing alone not the plot. It was overly sweet, and too cute for my tastes.
The story itself had lots of potential, since the writing was good. Except there are things like, Joe reading Oliver's medical file, that weren't ever brought up again. If I was Oliver I'd have been pissed if I ever found out about that.
Anyway, I'd recommend this one on the writing alone not the plot. It was overly sweet, and too cute for my tastes.
January 31, 2015
My review: Don't!
October 9, 2017
Original review on Molly Lolly
Four and a half stars!
I love Ollie and Joe! They are so good together and compliment each other so well. I liked how they start out getting to know each other and then are thrown together more because of circumstances. I enjoy Ms. Somerton’s writing style and how she pulls you into a story and keeps your attention right until the end.
My heart hurt for Olly. He was in an abusive relationship and was hurt deeply before he met Joe. You could feel his reluctance to open up at first. Then he has more happen to him and you wonder if he’s ever going to feel safe again. I adored watching him open up and learn to trust Joe over the course of the story. He’s got such a fun personality. He’s totally spunky and completely a brat for Joe. But you can tell he loves Joe deeply. He’s also going to be a great friend to others.
Joe was stuck in a rut and needed Olly to come along and shake things up for him. But Joe also feels deeply and longs for the companionship of a committed relationship. He fell for Olly quickly and wanted to take care of him. Joe had such a strong sense of honor you can tell he’s going to care for Olly for as long as they live. He’s so happy by the end of the book you couldn’t help but be happy for him.
One thing to note is the kidnapping plot line is in detail on page. It’s not overly graphic, however it is explicit the things that happen. If seeing kidnap and abuse scenes is something you can’t handle, I suggest skipping past those scenes in the book. You can still read the rest of the story and not lose anything. Ms. Somerton handles the topic well and does it in a way that is respectful while being explicit.
Joe and Olly are wonderful together. They get together quickly and fall fast for each other. But you can tell it’s right for them and they’re meant to be together. This is a lovely first book in the series where we get to meet some other characters that I can’t wait to see in the upcoming books in this series.
Four and a half stars!
I love Ollie and Joe! They are so good together and compliment each other so well. I liked how they start out getting to know each other and then are thrown together more because of circumstances. I enjoy Ms. Somerton’s writing style and how she pulls you into a story and keeps your attention right until the end.
My heart hurt for Olly. He was in an abusive relationship and was hurt deeply before he met Joe. You could feel his reluctance to open up at first. Then he has more happen to him and you wonder if he’s ever going to feel safe again. I adored watching him open up and learn to trust Joe over the course of the story. He’s got such a fun personality. He’s totally spunky and completely a brat for Joe. But you can tell he loves Joe deeply. He’s also going to be a great friend to others.
Joe was stuck in a rut and needed Olly to come along and shake things up for him. But Joe also feels deeply and longs for the companionship of a committed relationship. He fell for Olly quickly and wanted to take care of him. Joe had such a strong sense of honor you can tell he’s going to care for Olly for as long as they live. He’s so happy by the end of the book you couldn’t help but be happy for him.
One thing to note is the kidnapping plot line is in detail on page. It’s not overly graphic, however it is explicit the things that happen. If seeing kidnap and abuse scenes is something you can’t handle, I suggest skipping past those scenes in the book. You can still read the rest of the story and not lose anything. Ms. Somerton handles the topic well and does it in a way that is respectful while being explicit.
Joe and Olly are wonderful together. They get together quickly and fall fast for each other. But you can tell it’s right for them and they’re meant to be together. This is a lovely first book in the series where we get to meet some other characters that I can’t wait to see in the upcoming books in this series.
August 30, 2018
This book hooked me in the very beginning when Joe was given a case file for someone that no other psychologist had been able to reach. The book then skipped to Joe going to his club. This part threw me a bit. At the club Joe meets Olly. Olly is this great person that you know has been through some type of trauma. You just don't know what. He and Joe hit it off and the relationship they start building is beautiful.
I love that book has BDSM. Joe is strict Dom and Olly needs that. He is also compassionate and understanding. I also love that there are hot scenes between the two and a mix of danger that appears. I just enjoyed my time reading this and will definitely be checking into the next in the series.
I love that book has BDSM. Joe is strict Dom and Olly needs that. He is also compassionate and understanding. I also love that there are hot scenes between the two and a mix of danger that appears. I just enjoyed my time reading this and will definitely be checking into the next in the series.
March 21, 2019
3.5 stars.. An okay book to read.
The start was great and Joe and Ollie were I felt they connected when the meet. Along the way it kinda lost me a little with Ollie's lack of emotions of his past. The presence of the Ex-Master in this didn't feel real even though he treated Ollie horribly is an understatement. The medical side was rushed over and NOT true to reality. The ending was okay but again missing the emotions the characters don't come through for me.
Joe agreed to help a friend with her client who'd closed down, only just living to get by.
Joe and his business partner Heath run The Edge club, a Corp training camp. Joe 28 loved going to The Underground club which it'd been awhile for him. There he meets Angel, a Sub in need of a Sir badly. Angel 22 yr (Oliver was a nurse).
The start was great and Joe and Ollie were I felt they connected when the meet. Along the way it kinda lost me a little with Ollie's lack of emotions of his past. The presence of the Ex-Master in this didn't feel real even though he treated Ollie horribly is an understatement. The medical side was rushed over and NOT true to reality. The ending was okay but again missing the emotions the characters don't come through for me.
Joe agreed to help a friend with her client who'd closed down, only just living to get by.
Joe and his business partner Heath run The Edge club, a Corp training camp. Joe 28 loved going to The Underground club which it'd been awhile for him. There he meets Angel, a Sub in need of a Sir badly. Angel 22 yr (Oliver was a nurse).
June 30, 2022
A questo romanzo mancano decisamente diversi capitoli. Mi spiego: la storia è interessante ma troppo veloce, i personaggi sono intriganti ma abbozzati. Manca l'approfondimento psicologico, la cesellatura delle situazioni e il tempo indispensabile a far sì che una storia così complessa diventi credibile.
Scritta comunque bene, è una lettura che rimane superficialmente coinvolgente, peccato.
Hugs&kisses
Scritta comunque bene, è una lettura che rimane superficialmente coinvolgente, peccato.
Hugs&kisses
May 18, 2017
finally found the time to jump into this series and dont regret it for a single moment
I love a series that connect the characters and this one definitely makes good of that
and lets face it who doest want and love an Ollie :D
I love a series that connect the characters and this one definitely makes good of that
and lets face it who doest want and love an Ollie :D
June 12, 2017
I liked it ok.
August 26, 2017
Oh my gah I love little Olly so much!!! What an incredible story!
December 14, 2018
Enjoyable Entertaining. BDSM elements. Recommend.
July 12, 2013
4.25 Stars. http://joyfullyjay.com/2013/07/review...
Joe Dexter is a Dominant with a stellar reputation within the London BDSM scene. He is a criminal psychologist, but also runs The Edge, a corporate training company, with his best friend, Heath. When the owner of The Underground, a London club, calls him in and introduces him to a new sub, Joe falls hard and fast. The young man is beautiful and deeply submissive, but also has a spark that hints at a bit of mischief.
Olly knows Joe is one of the best Dominants on the scene, and Olly’s in the market for a new master. When a tragedy occurred to Olly, his previous master, instead of sticking by his side, abandoned him when he needed him most. Olly is flailing without the direction and support of a good Dom, and he and Joe make a quick connection. It would seem Olly’s troubled life was finally looking up.
Before Joe can stake his claim, Olly’s once again in danger, and Joe must go after what he knows to be his, before it’s too late. Joe’s not willing to let the best thing in his life go without a fight, but it won’t be easy to get Olly back where he belongs.
This was a fairly intense look at the BDSM scene, where Doms and subs have clearly defined roles, and not adhering to the power structure results in punishment. I loved the relationship between Olly and Joe, though. There was definitely some rough play between the two, but the genuine affection they had for each other balanced it out. These are my favorite type of BDSM books, where the Dom is a sexy muscled man in leather, and the sub is an angel-faced waif. It may not be original, but it works.
I really liked the characters that Somerset created. The relationship between Joe and Olly was fun to read and their lighthearted dialogue kept this book from becoming to heavy. I did have a bit of a problem with the insta-love. Falling into a Dom/sub relationship quickly did not seem that unusual to me, but to immediately have feelings of genuine love for someone you’ve only just met? I wish the author would’ve held out on that a little longer.
My biggest complaint with this book is the balance of sex with plot and character development. The sex scenes are hot, and I enjoyed them a lot, but they basically took over the book. Since this novel was so short, it didn’t leave a lot of time for us to get to know the characters, and while I thought the main conflict in the story was solid and intriguing, it all happened at a fairly rapid pace in order to make room for the plentiful sex scenes. I would’ve liked to see more about the characters I grew to love.
I am looking forward to reading the next book (which I hope is about perhaps my favorite character from this book, Joe’s best friend Heath. Yum!), and if you’re into BDSM, definitely give this a read.
Joe Dexter is a Dominant with a stellar reputation within the London BDSM scene. He is a criminal psychologist, but also runs The Edge, a corporate training company, with his best friend, Heath. When the owner of The Underground, a London club, calls him in and introduces him to a new sub, Joe falls hard and fast. The young man is beautiful and deeply submissive, but also has a spark that hints at a bit of mischief.
Olly knows Joe is one of the best Dominants on the scene, and Olly’s in the market for a new master. When a tragedy occurred to Olly, his previous master, instead of sticking by his side, abandoned him when he needed him most. Olly is flailing without the direction and support of a good Dom, and he and Joe make a quick connection. It would seem Olly’s troubled life was finally looking up.
Before Joe can stake his claim, Olly’s once again in danger, and Joe must go after what he knows to be his, before it’s too late. Joe’s not willing to let the best thing in his life go without a fight, but it won’t be easy to get Olly back where he belongs.
This was a fairly intense look at the BDSM scene, where Doms and subs have clearly defined roles, and not adhering to the power structure results in punishment. I loved the relationship between Olly and Joe, though. There was definitely some rough play between the two, but the genuine affection they had for each other balanced it out. These are my favorite type of BDSM books, where the Dom is a sexy muscled man in leather, and the sub is an angel-faced waif. It may not be original, but it works.
I really liked the characters that Somerset created. The relationship between Joe and Olly was fun to read and their lighthearted dialogue kept this book from becoming to heavy. I did have a bit of a problem with the insta-love. Falling into a Dom/sub relationship quickly did not seem that unusual to me, but to immediately have feelings of genuine love for someone you’ve only just met? I wish the author would’ve held out on that a little longer.
My biggest complaint with this book is the balance of sex with plot and character development. The sex scenes are hot, and I enjoyed them a lot, but they basically took over the book. Since this novel was so short, it didn’t leave a lot of time for us to get to know the characters, and while I thought the main conflict in the story was solid and intriguing, it all happened at a fairly rapid pace in order to make room for the plentiful sex scenes. I would’ve liked to see more about the characters I grew to love.
I am looking forward to reading the next book (which I hope is about perhaps my favorite character from this book, Joe’s best friend Heath. Yum!), and if you’re into BDSM, definitely give this a read.
December 10, 2016
This book and the series it starts off came highly recommended from sources I trust, so the decision to buy the ‘Reaching the Edge’ was an easy one to make. Now that I’ve finished the book I have to admit it was also a good decision. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and couldn’t help but fall, hard and fast, for Joe and Olly.
If there is such a thing as a perfect (fictional) Dom, Joe fits the bill to a T. He’s caring, protective, loving and not without a delicious sadistic streak to keep things heated and his sub guessing.
Olly on the other hand is a wonderful combination of bratty and submissive. He longs to give himself over to a Master who will give him what he needs and love him. Even the terrifying events in his recent past haven’t killed that desire or made him fight it. When he meets Joe he finds everything he’s always wished for and the fact that he isn’t afraid to show his bratty side only goes to prove how much he trusts Joe.
The relationship between these two men develops at high speed. Joe is a goner from the moment he sets eyes on the sub with his golden locks, while Olly can’t believe his luck that a Dom as powerful and handsome as Joe would even take an interest in him. In fact, if I do have on reservation when it comes to this book it is exactly the speed with which trust and a loving bond were established. While I adore love-at-first-sight stories and always enjoy stories in which relationship angst is not a major theme, I would have expected Olly to struggle a bit more before submitting so completely to Joe. Given everything he’s gone through, his lack of doubt almost from the start felt a bit too good to be true. Surely he would have been traumatised after all his bad experiences.
Not that his minor issue interfered with my reading enjoyment. This story is well written, gripping from the start and off the charts hot, not to mention that it features two intriguing and highly entertaining protagonists. The balance between suspense and erotic love story was exactly right for me and the BDSM dynamic between Joe and Olly was as beautiful as it felt authentic. In fact, I enjoyed this journey to ‘The Edge’ so much I went and bought the second book as soon as I finished the first one. I’m not usually a fan of reading several books in a series in quick succession but I may just have to do just that with these ‘Tales from the Edge’.
If there is such a thing as a perfect (fictional) Dom, Joe fits the bill to a T. He’s caring, protective, loving and not without a delicious sadistic streak to keep things heated and his sub guessing.
Olly on the other hand is a wonderful combination of bratty and submissive. He longs to give himself over to a Master who will give him what he needs and love him. Even the terrifying events in his recent past haven’t killed that desire or made him fight it. When he meets Joe he finds everything he’s always wished for and the fact that he isn’t afraid to show his bratty side only goes to prove how much he trusts Joe.
The relationship between these two men develops at high speed. Joe is a goner from the moment he sets eyes on the sub with his golden locks, while Olly can’t believe his luck that a Dom as powerful and handsome as Joe would even take an interest in him. In fact, if I do have on reservation when it comes to this book it is exactly the speed with which trust and a loving bond were established. While I adore love-at-first-sight stories and always enjoy stories in which relationship angst is not a major theme, I would have expected Olly to struggle a bit more before submitting so completely to Joe. Given everything he’s gone through, his lack of doubt almost from the start felt a bit too good to be true. Surely he would have been traumatised after all his bad experiences.
Not that his minor issue interfered with my reading enjoyment. This story is well written, gripping from the start and off the charts hot, not to mention that it features two intriguing and highly entertaining protagonists. The balance between suspense and erotic love story was exactly right for me and the BDSM dynamic between Joe and Olly was as beautiful as it felt authentic. In fact, I enjoyed this journey to ‘The Edge’ so much I went and bought the second book as soon as I finished the first one. I’m not usually a fan of reading several books in a series in quick succession but I may just have to do just that with these ‘Tales from the Edge’.
October 22, 2013
4.5 Stars!
I think one thing I really enjoyed about this book was watching Olly come into his own. I did like the fact that even though we knew something was going on with him, we didn’t know what exactly had happened until after we were able to meet him and start to fall in love with his character. And trust me after reading this book; you will fall in love with him.
Joe’s character is still a little bit of a mystery. I don’t know if there is other books before this one that explain more about his character, but I do know after reading this one I’m still left wondering a lot about him.
One thing that I did enjoy was how Joe seemed to know not to pressure Olly into anything. It was great to watch Olly open up and become trusting once again. There was a ton of suspense in this book, more than you would think. But the part that I really enjoyed about it was it didn’t completely take over the story.
You were able to get lost in the story and the drama would pop back up when you least expect it and remind you that it was still there.
Overall though this book is an amazing story and I will be looking forward to reading more in the series.
I think one thing I really enjoyed about this book was watching Olly come into his own. I did like the fact that even though we knew something was going on with him, we didn’t know what exactly had happened until after we were able to meet him and start to fall in love with his character. And trust me after reading this book; you will fall in love with him.
Joe’s character is still a little bit of a mystery. I don’t know if there is other books before this one that explain more about his character, but I do know after reading this one I’m still left wondering a lot about him.
One thing that I did enjoy was how Joe seemed to know not to pressure Olly into anything. It was great to watch Olly open up and become trusting once again. There was a ton of suspense in this book, more than you would think. But the part that I really enjoyed about it was it didn’t completely take over the story.
You were able to get lost in the story and the drama would pop back up when you least expect it and remind you that it was still there.
Overall though this book is an amazing story and I will be looking forward to reading more in the series.
March 2, 2017
My first book from this author. This was a really nice take on BDSM in a relationship. Olly is a traumatised young submissive man who catches the eye of Joe Dexter, a Dom without a sub of his own. The two bond over a weekend and agree on a relationship but Joe is called away to work, leaving Olly vulnerable to the machinations of his previous Dom. Trials and tribulations ensue but the book ends with a happy note for both men.
I enjoyed this more than I thought I would at first. Olly is very sweet and lovely young man with some very traumatic events in his past. But he has a core of steel and a a healthy dose of determination and Joe has a soft heart and is very smitten with his boy - this was a lovely departure from the usual fare in this genre, I liked that while Olly is clearly (happily) submissive to Joe, it does not mean he doesn't have a mind of his own. Also he has a job as a nurse and is shown to be competent and well-respected in his job. Can you tell I really liked Olly?
Also, Joe's bff Heath deserves a special mention. I believe he gets a book of his own next, I look forward to reading more about him - by far the most interesting side character!
I enjoyed this more than I thought I would at first. Olly is very sweet and lovely young man with some very traumatic events in his past. But he has a core of steel and a a healthy dose of determination and Joe has a soft heart and is very smitten with his boy - this was a lovely departure from the usual fare in this genre, I liked that while Olly is clearly (happily) submissive to Joe, it does not mean he doesn't have a mind of his own. Also he has a job as a nurse and is shown to be competent and well-respected in his job. Can you tell I really liked Olly?
Also, Joe's bff Heath deserves a special mention. I believe he gets a book of his own next, I look forward to reading more about him - by far the most interesting side character!
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