Dancing on the Edge

Tales from the Edge #3

by L.M. Somerton

Life is a dance. Whether you lead or follow, the passion of it should sweep you away.

Carey and Alistair have the kind of relationship that is the envy of their friends. Carey is an old-fashioned Dom who appreciates quiet obedience. Alistair is a sub who is comfortable in his skin and finds peace in his submission. Needless to say, their happiness is too good to last.

When Alistair’s powerful father chooses his reputation over his son, all hell is let loose. Forcibly committed to a clinic for reversion therapy, Alistair can only hope that his lover will save him.

Carey calls on his friends from The Edge and they band together not just to rescue Alistair but also to protect his future. They’ve all flirted with danger in the past - but friendship is worth any risk. As the tension mounts and the stakes get higher, new bonds are forged but will Carey and Alistair’s love survive?

Reader Advisory: This book contains the use of restraints, the pushing of boundaries and edging, kidnap, forceful imprisonment and forms of visual torture along with scenes of prolonged physical torture. It also contains characters with extreme prejudiced views. This book is best read in sequence as part of the series.

Genres: BDSM, M M Romance, Romance, Erotica, Contemporary, Abuse, Suspense

130 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 1, 2013

About the author

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.

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.

Reviews

[Mimi · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Michael Joseph · Rating 4 out of 5]

See my web site for my review of “Dancing on the Edge”.

[Molly Lolly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Original review on Molly Lolly
Four and a half stars!
Alistair and Carey are lovely together. Their story had me on the edge of my seat the whole I was reading. Ms. Somerton writes wonderful suspense and she had you wondering the whole time if everyone was going to come out safely and if Alistair and Carey would be able to be together by the end of the story. But you also can’t put the book down because you have to find out what happens next. I would love to see Alan get a story. I want him to have a happily ever after. He’s fascinating and deserves some happiness as well.

Alistair is completely secure in himself and his desires. He endures much in this book and it hurts watching him deal with it. He’s strong in the face of everything thrown his way and I admired how he handled himself. Alistair is happy in his submission to Carey and loves Carey deeply. His emotions come through clearly in the story when it came to Carey. He’s got a bit of a cheeky streak but nowhere near Olly or Aiden’s level. You can tell he’s content with his life exactly the way it is.

Carey relies on Alistair but he doesn’t realize it as readily as he should until the quiet submission and companionship isn’t there. Carey loves Alistair more than words can express and he’s lost while Alistair is done. However you can see his conviction to make things perfect for Alistair and ensure nothing happens ever again with each moment Alistair is gone. Carey feels deeply and cares for his friends. By the end of the story you can see how happy he is to be able to express his feelings for Alistair and his gratitude towards his friends.

In this story there are scenes that could cause some issues. Alistair undergoes trauma when he’s kidnapped. The scenes are very realistic and I suggest anyone that can’t handle those kinds of events to not read them. Alistair’s mental state is well described during these scenes and you get a clear sense of how he’s affected by what’s happening to him. Ms. Somerton does a wonderful job treating the topics with care and respect. Alistair recovers from his ordeal but he does suffer at the hands of others.

Carey and Alistair are perfect for each other. They love each other so much and complete the other in the best of ways. They were still missing a few pieces at the beginning of the story. The forced time apart showed them what they had and made each of them appreciate it more. Though those epiphanies would have happened without the events in the story, it sped them up. Carey and Alistair love each other more openly and deeply by the end of the story and they are going to be together for as long as they live.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has excitement and intrigue in a BDSM-themed setting. Carey is the successful owner of a BDSM club. His sub, Alistair, is committed to him, but as yet, uncollared. Alistair is estranged from his father, who never accepted that Alistair is gay and into the scene. When Alistair's father rises to a more prominent position that caters to ultra-conservative clientele, both Carey and Alistair become concerned about possible future threats. They didn't anticipate what comes next. This book has plenty of kinky times, danger, supportive friendships, and a deep D/s love.

[Himom90 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tense but fun

I enjoyed Alistair and Carey’s book. Thanks to the machinations of the dominants and the antics of the submissives, Olly and Aiden, what could have been a high angst story is instead a fun erotic romp interspersed with moments of tension. I’m looking forward to Christian and Agent Beckett’s story

[Dani Elle Maas · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

this is such a complete heartfelt story. very good !

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

It keeps getting better and better! I LOVE OLLY!

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable Entertaining. BDSM elements. Recommend.

[Thomaidha Papa · Rating 3 out of 5]

3~3.5 Hearts
Review written for MM Good Book Reviews

Here I go back to the Tales from the Edge series and book three was actually quite appealing for me. Unlike the previews one, the relationship followed here was a solid one and both characters were equally charming and comfortable in their love.

Carey is a near forty years old man, and while the fear that his young lover will one day leave him for a younger one is there lurking in the corner, he is in a most delightful relationship with Alistair. Everything is quite sweet for them and I admit that this is one of the few D/s relationships I’ve read that managed to give me a sense of normality. I found everything, everything, about Carey and Alistair perfectly normal, sweet, and damn it like the relationship next door. They seem like an old marriage couple, that good, that comfortable, and that easy on the eyes and mind.

But life is never easy and when things were the most calm, that’s when the storm hit suddenly and violently. The plot is not a hard one; a bigoted father who for the sake of his fame and name puts his son into a “curing” clinic. We’ve seen this before and admittedly this story was kind of fun even if the subtext was a dramatic one.

That’s what made me like this read so much, beside the small length, and the many invasions. The time our main characters spent on letters here is yet again too little since Carey and Alistair are separated. But the story id filled with (surprise!) Olly and Joe, and Heath and Aiden as they came to the rescue. And while I was pissed in book #2 for not having much time with Aiden and Heath, well my wish was granted and we witness this pair in quite many scenes here as they do absorb quite a big chunk of space. And there’s of course Olly… you know… the little brat… No comment about his shenanigans, he is just a hurricane of a character bound to turn everything upside down in his pass.

So even as the story is not something hard or difficult, and even as there is again not much going on with the main characters, I still liked this one. It was fun, and it was funny. The bad guy was a bit of a surprise in the end. The second bad guy vanished and that pissed me off a bit, I mean, he deserved some jail time, but never mind. We got to meet some new characters that are probably going to feature on the next installments; I’m pretty sure Becket and Christian (how sweet as Olly said) are going to have their story and I’m quite interested into reading that one. So all in all it was an enjoyable, easy going read, with a nice pace and lacking the overwhelming drama.

I liked it!

Thommie

[Helena Stone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is different from the first two in that the two main characters are already in a committed and very close relationship when the story starts. In fact, the reader is almost lured into a false sense of security in the first few chapters of swoon-worthy love and steamy scenes. Alistair and Carey are clearly made for each other and their issue isn’t whether or not they’ll get together but whether they’ll manage to stay together when faced with Alistair’s father who is very determined to not only break them up but also cure his son from his gayness.

And that brings me to the second difference between the earlier titles and this one. This book is heavier on the angst and feels than the first two stories were, or maybe it is just that the tension lasts longer. But my heart bled for Carey as he barely manages to keep himself functioning without Alistair. As for poor Alistair; his situation hurt me as much as it infuriated me. To know that there actually are parents who would put their kids through torture as described in this book, that there are people who believe that reversion therapy is actually a viable option, is almost impossible to believe.

Mind you, this book isn’t all angst and fear. We get glimpses of all the other characters we’ve come to love in this series as they all work together to save Alistair and see two new relationships starting. And I especially appreciated the emphasis on the strength of submissives in this story.

““Carey, who is the stronger in a D/s relationship?”
“The sub”, Carey responded automatically.
“Who holds the power?”
“The sub,” Carey cursed as her realised what Joe was doing.”

While this was very much Alistair and Carey’s story, Olly—as always—played a starring role and managed to be both endearing and totally hilarious in the process. In my previous reviews of books in this series I have more than once referenced Olly’s bratty and oh-so funny attitude towards life and submission. I think the time has come to back my words up with an example, even if he does make a valid point.

“Olly snorted. “Doms like to think they know best, but half the time they are too blind to see what’s right in front of their alpha-male noses.””

While I loved the first two books in this series I have to admit that this one is my favourite so far. For me this story held just about the perfect balance between wonderful love story, hot scenes, angsty moments, and intriguing suspense. I’m so very happy I still have a good few (long and shorter) titles to go in this series. This is, for me, reading delight at its best.

[Becky Condit · Rating 5 out of 5]

The third book in the Tales from the Edge series gives us Alistair and Carey’s story. Carey owns The Underground. He is Dom to Alistair’s sub and we have seen both of them in the previous two books. Alistair fights tooth and nail to get what he wants from Carey, and although Carey knows his buttons are being pushed he obliges and gives Alistair what he needs. So far, so good, as a BDSM story goes. But then we meet Alistair’s wicked, greedy father, who cast Alistair out from family and home. Now that Edward Easton’s career has become public and prominent he is determined that having a gay son will cause him no shame, so he has Alistair kidnapped and taken to a terrible place to have the gay tortured out of him.
It becomes not only Carey’s goal but that of everyone at The Underground club and The Edge center to rescue Alistair and render Edward no longer a threat to Alistair or anyone else. This is the most tense of the three books in the series, so far, and you can’t help but cringe as Alistair is threatened and tortured at the hands of a quack psychologist while held prisoner. It takes Joe, a trained psychologist, and his sub Olly, a certified nurse, and both the subject of the first book in the series, going into the bunker where Alistair is held to rescue him. It is a surprise who they come home with in addition to Alistair and I think this is the set up for another book!
We’re meet several new characters and renew our acquaintance with several others, which keeps the series fresh and entertaining. The sex is hot, hot, hot, and the action (all kinds!) is enough to keep the reader’s attention from first paragraph to last. So, here I go, continuing my binge reading of the series!

[Inked Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given this book for an honest review by Inked Rainbow Reads.
This book has some abusive "therapy" - if that type of thing bother's you, do not read.

Carey and Alistair are a great pair. Despite their age difference, they are exactly what each other needs.

I love Alistair's confidence. It makes him a very likable character. So often the subs are unsure, timid and almost whiny - Alistair is SO not like that and I loved it! Despite his background, he found a world where he was comfortable, safe and honored. When he is faced with unspeakable torment at the hands of his father, his inner confidence shows through with the power to fight back.

I love Carey's protectiveness. Despite having some reservations about Alistair's age, Carey realizes that love really knows no age. He accepts Alistair's submission with such grace and love - it's hard not to want such a happy ending for these two. When trouble brews, Carey calls in all his favors, because he knows he's found something special in Alistair and he wasn't willing to give it up.

The twists in this story kept me on my toes. I loved Alana. She was a fantastic character - I would love to read a book on her!

It also really pains me that there are "facilities" like the one described in this book. It made me want to throw up thinking about people being subjected to such hate.

Overall, this is a great story of love, honor and the will to be yourself.
AvidReader

[Andrea Goodell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Carey and Alistair have been the couple in the background for the last couple of books. But we never really got a feel for them or the relationship except Alistair liked to be ‘bratty’ around Carey and then be punished.

We don’t get a lot of alone time with these two, so hard to say if they had chemistry. But the group as a whole still works well together, for the most part.

In this one, we really got to see the dynamic of the relationship, how it was working and not working. Once again to Olly’s interference, for the good this time. Things turn a corner for the better and are really starting to look up. Until disaster hits, of course.

These poor subs, none of them can catch a break.

We get some new charaters that blend in nicely with the old cast and reappearance of an old friend, Dave Becket. Who helps out the team get Alistair back from the mad doctor and his evil father.

We see how Aiden can put his mad skills to use and and how even the ‘normal’ club members and staff will pull together and help.
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review by Crystals Many reviews

[Carole-Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is Carey and Alistair's story - although they've appeared in the first two books as an established couple, it isn't until this one (and not until the end) that Carey collars Alistair.

Alistair is kidnapped by his wealthy father's henchmen and taken to a reversion therapy clinic where he undergoes horrid treatment meant to cure his gayness. Not nice to read at all.

But Carey calls in his friends, so Joe and Olly infiltrate the clinic in order to save Alistair.

A fairly predictable story with a couple of points to be made:
1) a high point in that Olly is his usual bouncy, cheerful self, who instills happiness wherever he goes. His interactions with his Dom, Joe, are really smile-worthy, he is such a lovely character.
2) a low point: - why the f**k has it taken Carey 3 years of a monogamous relationship with Alistair to realise he's deeply in love with him? Using the pitiable excuse of "being too old" and that Alistair might change his mind and find someone "younger", is NO excuse at all. So, I suppose I didn't feel sorry for him when Alistair was kidnapped.

Otherwise, an enjoyable read :)

[Caroline Brand · Rating 4 out of 5]

REVIEWED FOR PRISM BOOK ALLIANCE

We have met Carey and Alistair in the previous books. Although Alistair is not collared there is no doubt the pair are an exclusive D/s couple and very much in love. Carey is older than Alistair and likes to live a relatively quiet life and his biggest fear is that Alistair will get bored with him. Alistairs father is a high flying business man and the biggest asshole around. When his career becomes more public the last thing he wants anyone to know about is his gay son and his apparent deviant lifestyle. His answer to this is to kidnap Alistair and shove him into conversion therapy where he will have the ‘gay’ quite literally tortured out of him. You should not that some of this is very hard to read. Calling on his friends Carey is out of his mind with worry for his beautiful and resilient lover and they hatch a rescue plan. They also aim to make sure that Alistairs father is never again able to put him through so much pain again but they need to act quickly before the damage is too much!

[Vfields Don't touch my happy! · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun Dancing on the Edge is the third installment in the Tales from the Edge series and I have to say each one has gotten a bit better. This time around we spend our time with Alastair and Carey. One of the more entertaining aspects of this series is the fact that the author doesn't let characters from the previous books just have a quick hello. They are an integral part of the new story and that way we do see growth and we keep having fun with everyone including Olley. Yes I will admit there is a serious formula in this series but whatever. The author doesn't seem to be trying to reinvent the wheel and if it works it works. It's not the greatest read in the world but it’s fun, it's brain bleach to be enjoyed as long as you don't think too hard and just go with the flow. I will say the same thing I said with the first book, I can't believe this takes place in England. L.M. Somerton has created a world with absolutely no sense of place whatsoever.

[Shaz · Rating 4 out of 5]

The third instalment in this series. It just keeps on going as strong as ever.

Here it's mainly about Carey and Alistair. I say mainly, because I'm a little surprised how much there was in there of Joe and Olley and Heath and Aiden.

Carey and Alistair aren't a new couple like the previous books. They have an established relationship, although Carey has never collared his sub. The reasons for this are a little unclear, and I never got the reply I wanted in the book either. But that is a minor niggle in the end.

I can't wait to read more about this group of guys. I hope there are more in the works, because there are some more stories there that are begging to be told.

[Suze · Rating 4 out of 5]

Have been reading in order and would recommend this, though the stories do read standalone too. Reading in order means that updates on the established characters mean more. I thought this installment was a much tighter read and more emotional.
Oce again there is imprisonment as Alistair suffers at the hand of his father - and the sadistic bastard who tortures him. Carey has to sit back as others hatch a plan for rescue and this didn't really ring true for his character for me - and if I was Alistair and knew they knew where I was for days before rescue I would have been mighty pissed!!!
Anyway, better continuation of the series.

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Part of a series but each can be read as a stand alone. I'm entering these same comments for all the books since I read 4 of them in a row. I didn't particularly love the main characters in any of the books but the secondaries were so enticing I had to get the next book. Unfortunately, when they became the main characters, they weren't as good as I'd hoped. All the stories were unrealistic, the D/S aspect was a little out there and some parts were almost slapstick comedy. Still worth the read.

[Heidi Dover · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoy reading the series. Enjoyable installment, again really liked the interaction and dynamic between the two MCs but the whole rescue plot was slightly that side of OTT and almost silly-ish, but fits with the lighthearted enjoyment atmosphere the series has. hot, well-written, fun, enjoyable novella in the series.

[Nisi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was predictable but, I loved it. Glad to see new characters and old alike. I felt bad for Alistair but, he's a fighter. Of course, you gotta love Olly! Very interested in Kai and Christian's stories in upcoming books (hint hint). Nice read :)

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked that we got to visit with the other guys from the two previous books! I liked the Dom/Sub aspect of this book. The love, caring, and easy way that they have with each other does come through in this book. I also like the age difference as it shows that love does not know age limits.

[CarolynAnne · Rating 5 out of 5]

reread 9/16

[CB · Rating 5 out of 5]

2 more intriguing and different characters with a whole new drama in the 3rd book of the series. Just fun reading. I'm glad there's another book and hope for more to follow after that one!

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it

I love this series! Just the right amount of action and bratty boys! Ready to read the next one. Great read.

[Rachel Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm enjoying this series. I like the couples and I always love books that keep the previous characters involved in the future stories. Hot, sweet, sexy, and HEA endings!