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Edge of Hope
Edge of Hope is a 94k, slow-burn, sweet and spicy romance.Hope Lawson’s bartender has “bad decision” written all over him. From his intricate tattoos, to his heated hazel gaze, and the hand-painted “You won’t like him when he’s Irish” sign hanging above his dark head, not one inch of Devon Cleary looks like a good idea. Given that she misread her badge-wielding ex so badly that she still isn’t rid of him a year later, Hope is determined to keep her real-life interactions with Devon professional and her fantasies to herself. The problem is, Devon looks at her like he sees her, and then follows through on his assessment. The one time Hope needed him, he vaulted the bar to reach her. It makes the guy hard to ignore. Is Hope capable of opening herself up again? Even if she can, will her past allow it?Devon Cleary doesn’t do relationships. He got an early education in the damage they cause and wants no part of it. When he isn’t wiping down his bar, he prefers trading carefully negotiated pain for temporary peace at Edge, the local BDSM club. But when one of his regular customers is involved in an altercation on his dancefloor, Devon’s inner dominant claws to the surface in unexpected ways, complicating the already uncomfortable attraction he feels for the cautious little brunette. Is Devon capable of leashing his dark side to give Hope what she needs? Can Hope handle him if he can’t?To overcome their demons, they’ll need to confront their pasts.
399 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 28, 2023
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December 20, 2023I’ll admit that I’m biased. 😌
When I began writing Edge of Hope, Book One of The Edge Series, my desire was to tell a story that people would feel in their bones. I wanted to capture the emotional and visceral experiences of an evolving BDSM dynamic on page, while upholding the importance of consent, and erasing some of the taboo. (Just the bad “taboo,” not the titillating taboo. 😉😈)
I wanted to show how healing and vital that level of connection can be for those with similar natures, especially when battling demons that so many of us face—things like childhood trauma, toxic ex-partners, family drama, shame, and struggles with our own worth. I hoped that readers outside of the community might gain a clearer understanding of the delicate beauty of these relationships, and those within could see a few highly-fictionalized glimmers of themselves, where safewords are still very much a thing. Representation matters, after all.
I am immensely grateful to anyone who gives this story a chance, and even more so to those who take the time to let me know what they thought. I know that we all have our favorite flavors, but Hope and Devon are one of mine, and I am thrilled every time one of you shares that you loved them too. 🖤
Until next time… See you at the Edge of Ruin, you impatient little things.
When I began writing Edge of Hope, Book One of The Edge Series, my desire was to tell a story that people would feel in their bones. I wanted to capture the emotional and visceral experiences of an evolving BDSM dynamic on page, while upholding the importance of consent, and erasing some of the taboo. (Just the bad “taboo,” not the titillating taboo. 😉😈)
I wanted to show how healing and vital that level of connection can be for those with similar natures, especially when battling demons that so many of us face—things like childhood trauma, toxic ex-partners, family drama, shame, and struggles with our own worth. I hoped that readers outside of the community might gain a clearer understanding of the delicate beauty of these relationships, and those within could see a few highly-fictionalized glimmers of themselves, where safewords are still very much a thing. Representation matters, after all.
I am immensely grateful to anyone who gives this story a chance, and even more so to those who take the time to let me know what they thought. I know that we all have our favorite flavors, but Hope and Devon are one of mine, and I am thrilled every time one of you shares that you loved them too. 🖤
Until next time… See you at the Edge of Ruin, you impatient little things.
December 21, 2023
my new favorite book
The only con about this book, is that it ended far too soon. I was so wrapped up in hope and Devon’s story that I devoured this book in three hours.
The consent, the slow burn, etc. Everything will sink their claws into you and not let you put this book down.
The only con about this book, is that it ended far too soon. I was so wrapped up in hope and Devon’s story that I devoured this book in three hours.
The consent, the slow burn, etc. Everything will sink their claws into you and not let you put this book down.
November 18, 2023
Loved this! The relationship between Hope and Devon is so refreshingly unique. The way they trust each other with their trauma and work through it together is empowering. In addition, the relationships they hold with those close to them are so endearing and enjoyable to read. Consent is THEMATIC throughout the book, and that alone is just so wonderful. The author did such a great job balancing character development, chemistry, plot, and spice! Can’t wait for the next one!
April 30, 2026
I’m really torn about this book. One thing I hated was the back and forth between first person and third person writing. It made it really hard to connect with the characters and the story because of how it kept changing. I did like the spice but at the same time it was not realistic to me. As someone who is in the BDSM lifestyle, this was rather off and not believable. Maybe I’m being too harsh but the story felt unfinished and lack luster.
May 18, 2025
I was intrigued. I was invested. Then I was kinda lost.
Three stars for strong ideas and soft emotion, but it didn’t quite stick the landing.
Three stars for strong ideas and soft emotion, but it didn’t quite stick the landing.
March 26, 2026
I wanted to give this a better review but there's a lot of really hard, valuable work that's spoiled by what I feel like are some huge oversights in the culmination of the book.
The author gets SO MUCH RIGHT about bdsm! Yes, the technical things are correct, but to me what's more rare and more sweet are the characterizations of the people who are active in the bdsm scene. People who do bdsm are often the most sweet, fun, caring, compassionate, principled and painfully earnest people you'll ever meet and this book gets that right. I know people in the BDSM scene and these characters reminded me of those people I love dearly, including the neuroticism which can come from being so principled and regularly dealing with power dynamics.
However, it's hard to reconcile the careful consideration of the portrayal of BDSM culture with the last few scenes. The MMC spends the entire book hand-wringing over consent and needing to have a boundaries conversation and negotiation before proceeding with the FMC but he NEVER DOES. The only time they talk about boundaries are when they are already in a scene, he's in a persona, she's in subspace and recovering from abuse from a third party she experienced MOMENTS BEFORE. She is not in any kind of state to be able to give enthusiastic consent and their scene no longer qualifies as safe, sane, or consentual.
I understand that a negotiation or boundary conversation isn't viewed as sexy and might be a challenge to make interesting, however this could've been solved by an off-page reference like, "I went over our conversation again as I watched her chest rise and fall in her sleep. She did feel awkward discussing boundaries but I could tell her interest was piqued while we went over potential scenes."
The hangups and characterization of the MMC just doesn't make sense with these scenes, and since this book earned so many points for the emphasis on safe, sane, consentual (without literally saying it) it also loses those same points for disregarding them when they were most important.
The author gets SO MUCH RIGHT about bdsm! Yes, the technical things are correct, but to me what's more rare and more sweet are the characterizations of the people who are active in the bdsm scene. People who do bdsm are often the most sweet, fun, caring, compassionate, principled and painfully earnest people you'll ever meet and this book gets that right. I know people in the BDSM scene and these characters reminded me of those people I love dearly, including the neuroticism which can come from being so principled and regularly dealing with power dynamics.
However, it's hard to reconcile the careful consideration of the portrayal of BDSM culture with the last few scenes. The MMC spends the entire book hand-wringing over consent and needing to have a boundaries conversation and negotiation before proceeding with the FMC but he NEVER DOES. The only time they talk about boundaries are when they are already in a scene, he's in a persona, she's in subspace and recovering from abuse from a third party she experienced MOMENTS BEFORE. She is not in any kind of state to be able to give enthusiastic consent and their scene no longer qualifies as safe, sane, or consentual.
I understand that a negotiation or boundary conversation isn't viewed as sexy and might be a challenge to make interesting, however this could've been solved by an off-page reference like, "I went over our conversation again as I watched her chest rise and fall in her sleep. She did feel awkward discussing boundaries but I could tell her interest was piqued while we went over potential scenes."
The hangups and characterization of the MMC just doesn't make sense with these scenes, and since this book earned so many points for the emphasis on safe, sane, consentual (without literally saying it) it also loses those same points for disregarding them when they were most important.
April 19, 2025
Finally, a BDSM story from an author who knows what they’re talking about.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
Burn: 🔥🔥 (slow, but satisfying )
Darkness: 🩶
Heat: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Range of Emotions: 🫣🤔😏😍😂😠😂😳🥺😏🥵🤤🤤🫣🥹😢🥰🤨🤯😭🤬😱🥵🫣😮💨😵🤬👏😖🤩🥵🤩🥰🥵
Ending: 🎗️ {Messy Bow, but not a negative}
POV: 🥉 {3rd}
Genre: BDSM Romance
Kinks & Triggers: BDSM, Dom/sub, stalker, abusive relationship (ex), witchcraft/new age(not a big part of the plot), suicide by overdose.
This book kept seeping into my daily life. That how I know it’s a good book, when I can’t wait to finish my adult responsibilities just so I could get back to the book!!!
I think this might be the first BDSM book I’ve read that feels like the writer actually understands real life BDSM D/s relationship. Wow!!!🤩
The only reason I couldn’t give this a full 5 stars is because I so badly wish this could have been 1st person, and the wrap up feels rushed, HOWEVER… I can’t wait to get to the second book. The ending is somewhere between a cliffhanger and a messy bow, but still done well. 😅
The characters’ growth is awesome. I love Hope and Devon so much, and their chemistry is perfect and just amazing!
Can’t wait to go to the Edge again!!
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
Burn: 🔥🔥 (slow, but satisfying )
Darkness: 🩶
Heat: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Range of Emotions: 🫣🤔😏😍😂😠😂😳🥺😏🥵🤤🤤🫣🥹😢🥰🤨🤯😭🤬😱🥵🫣😮💨😵🤬👏😖🤩🥵🤩🥰🥵
Ending: 🎗️ {Messy Bow, but not a negative}
POV: 🥉 {3rd}
Genre: BDSM Romance
Kinks & Triggers: BDSM, Dom/sub, stalker, abusive relationship (ex), witchcraft/new age(not a big part of the plot), suicide by overdose.
This book kept seeping into my daily life. That how I know it’s a good book, when I can’t wait to finish my adult responsibilities just so I could get back to the book!!!
I think this might be the first BDSM book I’ve read that feels like the writer actually understands real life BDSM D/s relationship. Wow!!!🤩
The only reason I couldn’t give this a full 5 stars is because I so badly wish this could have been 1st person, and the wrap up feels rushed, HOWEVER… I can’t wait to get to the second book. The ending is somewhere between a cliffhanger and a messy bow, but still done well. 😅
The characters’ growth is awesome. I love Hope and Devon so much, and their chemistry is perfect and just amazing!
Can’t wait to go to the Edge again!!
May 15, 2025
Why aren't more people talking about this book?!?!?
Hope is trying to escape a past relationship when she moves to a new city. She meets her new best friend and neighbor, Chloe, and they find their favorite new bar. She meets the cute bartender/owner of that new favorite bar, Devon, too. After several months of flirting and fantasizing, Hope finally gets the opportunity to go out with Devon.
And they hit it off like champs!!
But Hope's past relationship rears its ugly head and she has to deal with it before it starts causing issues in her new relationship with Devon. In the meantime, Hope finds out that the things she enjoys are not as crazy and weird as she thinks they when Devon introduces her to a whole new world.
The character development in this book is off the charts. The banter, the plot, and the steam are a work of art. If this had been a stand alone, the ending would not have been satisfying, but it's not a stand alone, and the second book picks up exactly where the first one left off.
The BDSM in this book is so real, so perfectly explored, so utterly authentic. I loved every single page and I am sooooo happy I picked it up.
Hope is trying to escape a past relationship when she moves to a new city. She meets her new best friend and neighbor, Chloe, and they find their favorite new bar. She meets the cute bartender/owner of that new favorite bar, Devon, too. After several months of flirting and fantasizing, Hope finally gets the opportunity to go out with Devon.
And they hit it off like champs!!
But Hope's past relationship rears its ugly head and she has to deal with it before it starts causing issues in her new relationship with Devon. In the meantime, Hope finds out that the things she enjoys are not as crazy and weird as she thinks they when Devon introduces her to a whole new world.
The character development in this book is off the charts. The banter, the plot, and the steam are a work of art. If this had been a stand alone, the ending would not have been satisfying, but it's not a stand alone, and the second book picks up exactly where the first one left off.
The BDSM in this book is so real, so perfectly explored, so utterly authentic. I loved every single page and I am sooooo happy I picked it up.
December 9, 2023
I adored this book, the author’s debut (I think) and the first in a series. I now eagerly await the next! This is not your ordinary BDSM romance. It’s a sensitive slow burn, with a Dom who is incredibly caring and astute, despite his damaged past and dark ‘demon’ side (which I suspect will rear its head much more in book two!). I loved Hope and Devon’s interactions and the smexy scenes were absolutely hot, but not the focus of the book. Nothing gratuitous here. I feel like I’ve just scratched the surface of what these two MCs are about, with much no doubt resolving across the series story arc. Not a cliffhanger, this novel is a solid read in its own right, but it’s clear the author is setting up readers for a lot more depth to come. If you want to better understand the relational/emotional side to BDSM, get this book. A Dom both brutal and tender exactly when needed is this reader's dream. Highly recommend.
June 9, 2026
Audio Review
Duet Narration by Sloane Mitchell and P.G. Hammock
Tropes:
Slow-Burn
Workplace/Bartender
Grumpy x Sunshine
Dominant/BDSM Elements
Consent
Past Trauma/Ex Drama
This story follows Hope Lawson, a cautious woman trying to move past a toxic relationship with her ex, and Devon Cleary, an Irish bartender who avoids relationships and frequents a local club, Edge. When Devon leaps to Hope's defense during a tense situation, their mutual attraction becomes impossible to ignore, forcing both to confront their deep-seated past demons to see if they can build a future together.
This book delivers a genuinely fantastic plot, but the spice was absolutely immaculate in its slow building—it was incredibly satisfying to watch unfold. Sloane Mitchell and P.G. Hammock gives top-tier performances. Their delivery captures every ounce of Hope's vulnerability and Devon's intense, commanding presence flawlessly, keeping you glued to every word.
Huge thanks to @Wholebrainsmut and the author for this audio copy!
Duet Narration by Sloane Mitchell and P.G. Hammock
Tropes:
Slow-Burn
Workplace/Bartender
Grumpy x Sunshine
Dominant/BDSM Elements
Consent
Past Trauma/Ex Drama
This story follows Hope Lawson, a cautious woman trying to move past a toxic relationship with her ex, and Devon Cleary, an Irish bartender who avoids relationships and frequents a local club, Edge. When Devon leaps to Hope's defense during a tense situation, their mutual attraction becomes impossible to ignore, forcing both to confront their deep-seated past demons to see if they can build a future together.
This book delivers a genuinely fantastic plot, but the spice was absolutely immaculate in its slow building—it was incredibly satisfying to watch unfold. Sloane Mitchell and P.G. Hammock gives top-tier performances. Their delivery captures every ounce of Hope's vulnerability and Devon's intense, commanding presence flawlessly, keeping you glued to every word.
Huge thanks to @Wholebrainsmut and the author for this audio copy!
October 14, 2024
The Edge of Hope shocked me, in the best way possible.
I went into this book blind (didnt read the blurb and chose it because of a recommendation). It is not something that I would usually read although I may have a new genre to explore because I DEVOURED this book.
Considering this is a debut novel, it is absolutely outstanding. Its written well, the characters are intriguing and have detailed backstories. The tension between the characters is so delicious that I stayed up until the early hours of the morning reading. I know better, I did it anyway, I did not regret it one bit.
I cannot WAIT for the next book in the series. Seriously.
I went into this book blind (didnt read the blurb and chose it because of a recommendation). It is not something that I would usually read although I may have a new genre to explore because I DEVOURED this book.
Considering this is a debut novel, it is absolutely outstanding. Its written well, the characters are intriguing and have detailed backstories. The tension between the characters is so delicious that I stayed up until the early hours of the morning reading. I know better, I did it anyway, I did not regret it one bit.
I cannot WAIT for the next book in the series. Seriously.
December 6, 2025
This book is fantastic! Authentic, consent-driven BDSM/Kink is so refreshing, especially when presented by narrators that truly do sound like what you expect! Nothing is "out of place" or "just thrown in because it's hot" - it all plays (wink!) together in a perfect harmony of power, control, consent, restraint; real themes and scenarios. The end will truly have you gnawing at the bars of your enclosure waiting for the release of audiobook two! Amazing work by an even more amazing author and I cannot wait for more!
October 18, 2025
4.5 stars - I was delightfully surprised by the depth of the characters and the emotions I felt reading their story! I was expecting something dark and spicy, and while it did have those elements...that wasn't all. It was also sweet, full of character development, open communication about boundaries & consent, found family, a witchy store, and a lovable rescue dog. I literally could not stop reading once I started. Can't wait for the next book & to see where these characters go next.
May 11, 2026
More like 4.5 stars, and only minus a half star because of how long it took for Hope to open up. But can I just say that this is the perfect blend of plot with a sprinkling of heady spice. I love how the lines between consent and non-consent are so perfectly drawn, as if to ensure the reader really understands the importance between the two. This is such a great darker contemporary romance and I can wait to see what the second holds in store for me.
August 17, 2024
Very hawt scenes!
I loved the story line and how they both seem to have troubled pasts, normally it's just one or the other, and their scenes are really well written and hawt hawt hawt.
I found some of the pov a lil confusing as the same thing is repeated from both perspectives but like with normal chapters U expect a continuation.
Id recommend this book!
I loved the story line and how they both seem to have troubled pasts, normally it's just one or the other, and their scenes are really well written and hawt hawt hawt.
I found some of the pov a lil confusing as the same thing is repeated from both perspectives but like with normal chapters U expect a continuation.
Id recommend this book!
July 8, 2025
This book introduces the reader to some amazing characters with Hope & Devon centerstage. I was entranced by the story, the worldbuilding and the just-right pace that seemed to keep me yearning for "what's next". I dove into the book and came back to reality about 24 hours later...I love an author that can draw me in soooo deeply.
July 15, 2025
I chose this book based on the cover. To be honest, I wasn’t expecting much. However, what I found was a story that had depth and emotion and a lot more character insight/depth/layers than a lot of books I’ve read lately. This definitely led to me reading the follow up book because I had to know what happened next.
March 14, 2026
When the Sparks Fly 🔥
Sweet, spicy, and intense. Hope and Devon's journey is HOT. The BDSM scenes are consensual and sizzling, and their slow-burn romance is everything. A little slow in the beginning for me, but didn't take too long to get hooked. Can't wait to read Edge of Ruin! 🤓
Sweet, spicy, and intense. Hope and Devon's journey is HOT. The BDSM scenes are consensual and sizzling, and their slow-burn romance is everything. A little slow in the beginning for me, but didn't take too long to get hooked. Can't wait to read Edge of Ruin! 🤓
August 28, 2026
I’ll always have a soft spot for a book where the FMC finds the strength to leave an abusive relationship and the MMC helps her heal the wounds along the way. 🥹💛 (Because same.)
My only qualm was the ending. It felt a little abrupt and slightly awkward, which took away from an otherwise really enjoyable story.
My only qualm was the ending. It felt a little abrupt and slightly awkward, which took away from an otherwise really enjoyable story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 6, 2025
I purchased this book from the authors table at a book convention. I am so glad I did! Amazing writing with Amazing characters. Hope and Devon have intrigued me and I can’t wait to start book 2 Edge of Ruin. Although the title scares me a little! Looking forward to the rest of their journey 🤗
April 10, 2025
Real and romantic
The book was about a lifestyle, but it was also about falling in live and letting yourself be seen by someone who truly wants to. Can't wait to start the next one!
The book was about a lifestyle, but it was also about falling in live and letting yourself be seen by someone who truly wants to. Can't wait to start the next one!
June 7, 2025
This was Perfect!
December 1, 2025
Characters you want to meet.
You don't always find a book with spice AND with characters you enjoy and a storyline that pulls you in. This one has it all.
You don't always find a book with spice AND with characters you enjoy and a storyline that pulls you in. This one has it all.
January 23, 2026
For many reasons, thank god there is a sequel.
March 5, 2026
Such a great story. Both the FMC and MMC really draw you in. story line is great.
🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶
🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶
July 22, 2026
I’m a sucker for an adorable cuddly pitbull puppy 😍
August 9, 2026
I LOVED Devon Cleary. LOOOVED him!!! But OH, I’d Hope didn’t drive me crazy sometimes with her miscommunications and reactions! Ugh! Can’t wait to read the next part!
December 9, 2023
This book... This book did things to me. Deep, emotional things. Beyond it being a lovely love story, it presents the essence of BDSM - trust - so beautifully that I was truly moved. Not to mention it has great spice and steamy scenes to satisfy any reader. Give this book a chance - you're bound to fall for it. Hard.
May 24, 2024
THIS is how books in this genre SHOULD be written. An accurate representation of consent and non-consent set against a steamy backdrop. Great characters and a storyline that sucks you in (I meant to go to bed early tonight, but realized I only had half of the book to go...and now it's past midnight and I'm writing a review 🤣). I can't wait for the sequels.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews