Edge of Hope

by Lennan Daniels

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.

Genres: Smut, BDSM, Romance

399 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 28, 2023

Reviews

[Lennan Daniels]

I’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.

[Tasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Jackie Hawkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Steph Seibert · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!!

[Carolynne aka Saucy Chicken · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[R. Volt · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Avery C Jennings · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Camber Burkhart · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Leanne Millington · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!

[Tam · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Carrie Barnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Linda LaRue · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 🤗

[Elaine Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was Perfect!

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Nick · Rating 5 out of 5]

For many reasons, thank god there is a sequel.

[Megan Danielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[A.T. Abbott · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Vallie Prince · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.