The Edge of Never

by Sarah Bailey

How far would you go for a stranger?

Kit

When your life falls apart and grief consumes you, what better way to forget than to take a winter mountaineering course in the Scottish Highlands?

That was my thought when I booked myself on to it. Now I’m regretting ever signing up. Getting paired up with a grumpy stranger who thinks I’m a foolish amateur is only the tip of the iceberg.

When an avalanche hits, we get separated from the group and have to find another way down the mountain. After he gets injured and has to rely on me for survival, things go from bad to worse. With no hope of rescue in sight, I have a feeling he’s going to be more of a challenge than the dire conditions we’re in.

Thane

When you lose everything and grief drowns you, what better way to remember you’re alive than in freezing cold conditions with nature surrounding you?

I thought getting away from it all would help me forget about her. However, on the mountaineering course my friend convinced me to help him with, he paired me up with an inexperienced partner. They can’t do anything right and it’s driving me up the wall.

Now I’m trapped needing them more than I’ve ever needed anyone in a fight to survive after we get stuck in the mountains with no way of contacting the outside world. With all hope lost, I have a feeling they might be the death of me, even if we get out of this alive.

A standalone survival romance (M/Non-binary pairing) with major themes of grief throughout.

This book contains sensitive topics and therefore comes with a content warning. Please see the author's website for full details.

Genres: Queer, LGBT, Contemporary, Genderfluid

417 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 22, 2024

About the author

Sarah writes dark, contemporary, erotic and paranormal romances. They adore all forms of steamy romance and can always be found with a book or ten on their Kindle. They love anti-heroes, alpha males and flawed characters with a little bit of darkness lurking within. Their writing buddies nicknamed Sarah: 'The Queen of Steam' for their pulse racing sex scenes which will leave you a little hot under the collar.

Born and raised in Sussex, UK near the Ashdown Forest, they grew up climbing trees and building Lego towns with their younger brother. Sarah fell in love with novels as a teenager reading their aunt's historical regency romances. They have always loved the supernatural and exploring the darker side of romance and fantasy novels.

Sarah currently resides in the Scottish Highlands with their husband. Music is one of their biggest inspirations and they always have something on in the background whilst writing. They are an avid gamer and are often found hogging their husband's Xbox.

Reviews

[Sarah]

Content Warning:
Discussions of pregnancy trauma, miscarriage, surrogacy and infertility, loss of a loved one, grief, depression, misgendering and deadnaming a non-binary person, discussions of gender dysphoria, autistic meltdowns, ableism, mild description of domestic violence, graphic sexual content including but not limited to hand necklaces and hair pulling.

[C.A · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve always felt that Sarah Bailey is a master at writing books full to the brim with strong and often difficult emotions to work through. But this book took what I’d come to expect for that and blew it straight out of the water. It was emotional. It was touching. It was spicy. But most of all, Kit and Thane both will forever live rent in my head and my heart.

[Amoyisreadingxoxo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Story:📕📕📕📕📕
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️.75

WOW. This is literally a masterpiece that Sarah Bailey is about to release into the world and you guys are not ready!
This book is so RAW, invigorating, and emotional on so many levels and I fell in love with Kit & Thane😫
Their journey to finding each other gave me goosebumps as I read, because both of them had the reassurance they needed for each other when it came to finding their footing in the world after experiencing deep trauma.
Kit is non-binary, autistic and bisexual so as they find themselves through their journey, Thane plays an integral role in their self discovery. Thane is navigating life after world-altering events occur that knocks him off kilter, then Kit appears and they are exactly what they need.
I HIGHLY recommend this book for everyone, and please check the trigger warnings!

Tropes: One Bed/Sleeping bag, forced proximity, Detest to lovers, Medium burn, Male to Non-binary pairing, autistic MC

[Caitlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sarah Bailey’s newest book isn’t a dark mafia romance like maybe we’ve come to expect from them, but my god is it good. It still has the spicey spice and the accented mmc I’ve come to expect from Bailey, but I feel like they hit a whole new emotional register in this newest book.

Kit - who is nonbinary and autistic - needs an escape from the trauma of their life and a bad friend breakup, so they head to Scotland to go on a winter trek in the highlands. There, they are paired up with massive and massively grumpy Thane, who is battling his own demons after the death of his wife. The two get caught in the wilderness alone and snowed in, with only each other to rely on, and this forced proximity forces them both to open up, grieve together, and *obviously* fall for each other.

This is definitely a romance, but at its core it is so much about self-acceptance and grief. Kit has spent most of their life as a people pleaser who doesn’t get their needs met and Thane is enveloped in a massive amount of guilt for the death of his wife. Both grow a tremendous amount in the short time they’re together and realize how truly deserving they are. They are so so sweet and loving of each other.

This is wonderful for:
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿opposites atteact
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿autism / nonbinary / bisexual / asexual representation
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿hot Scottish men with a dirty mouth
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿forced proximity
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿conversations about grief
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿strong no-kid romance stance
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿found family

I loved this book and even though it’s a bit of a change from Bailey’s other works, I think it’s one of their strongest. Definitely check the TW (especially if sensitive to gender dysmorphia or pregnancy loss) but this is so beautiful

[Morgan Spoelhof · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic Sarah Bailey book! This took me on an emotional rollercoaster and I loved every minute of it. I absolutely adored Kit and Thane. Such an amazing and heartfelt story!

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I honestly couldn't put this book down. I instantly fell in love with Kit and could relate to them on a level I hardly ever feel when reading. The entire book felt completely authentic and captured the way grief, sexuality and neurodivergence in such a manner is honestly awe-inspiring. Even if I haven't felt some of their emotions or been in their exact shoes, I could relate to both MCs with such clarity.

I have been a huge fan of Sarah Bailey for years and devoured almost their entire catalog, honestly didn't think anything was going to beat/top Spit Daddy ;) but this definitely holds a very close place in my heart and will be a re-read on those rainy/emotional days when I just need that close comfort.

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Sarah Bailey and all of their work. This book was different than previous books i have read of theirs and man, this one hit me in the feels.

I want to say that this is my first read where one of the main characters is Non-Binary (NB) as well as on the spectrum. I absolutely loved how Kit was written.

Kit goes through something very traumatic which leads them to an adventure. Thane, having become a bit of a recluse after the death of this wife, is talked into helping his friend be a guide with him to take a group of people up a mountain. Thane's friend pairs him with Kit to help them as they were the only one there solo.

but something happens that lands them stranded and Thane hurt. can they survive until found?

while this is not dark, please check the TW/CW as there are some situations that might be triggering to some people. This book has some pretty heavy emotions in all the best ways! You will definitely have tons of compassion for Kit (well i know i at least did!)

story 5/5
spice 5/5

I received an ARC copy and this is my honest and true review

[Rach✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made me want to move to Scotland 👀
Or I still need to visit Scotland before I decide that 🤣

Sarah’s books always get me out for a reading slump and I loved this book so much!

Overall Ratings:
5/5 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟♾️
4/5 🔥🌶️🔥🌶️

[Trinity · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 🌶🌶🌶/5

TW - discussions of pregnancy trauma, miscarriage (recounted), surrogacy and infertility (MRKH syndrome), loss of a loved one (partner, car accident, recounted), grief, depression, anxiety, drinking (past, mentioned), suicide ideation (past), misgendering and deadnaming a non-binary person, discussions of gender dysphoria, autistic meltdowns and masking, ableism, mild description of domestic violence (scs), cheating, characters get stuck on a mountain in very poor weather conditions incl an avalanche + threat of hypothermia, imprisonment (attempted murder, sc, discussed)

CW - hand necklaces, hair pulling

Tropes - survival romance, forced proximity, Scotland setting, one sleeping bag, they do each other's hair, protective

Representation - non binary MC, asexual rep, autism rep

This book starts with emotional damage when we meet Kit (30, NBMC) dealing with the aftermath of tragedy with their shitty best friend being the complete opposite of what a best friend is meant to be.

To get away from it all, Kit travels to Scotland to climb a mountain and that is where they meet Thane (32, MMC) and it's a rocky start lmao. Thane is standoffish and can appear to just be an asshole but tragedy strikes and the pair of them are forced together to survive. The two basically trauma bond on that mountain while fighting for their lives and it was cute seeing them share new experiences together.

This story is very different from what I've read from Sarah Bailey as I'm use to their dark mafia romance but I did enjoy this book and the story the characters had to tell. They're both dealing with the trauma and wanting those close to them to respect that whilst finding themselves through the mess of it all.

Scale:
⭐️ - would've DNF'ed / continued out of spite
⭐️⭐️ - shit, but whatever
⭐️⭐️⭐️ - meh, could've been better
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - lit 👅
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - loved it, inject this shit into my veins 🤪

🫑 - no smut
🌶 - no point
🌶🌶 - mediocre at best
🌶🌶🌶 - standard smut, hot
🌶🌶🌶🌶 - 🥵 okay, some CW
🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶 - fuck me 🥵🥵 CWs / filthy with a side of filth - see Poison / Room Twenty-Two: Hide and Seek/ The Naughty List

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is worth every second, every penny, every thought you spend on it.

This was one of the best books I've ever read with disability representation of this kind.

I've never understood characters more than I understand Kit and Thane. They truly bared their souls to us and I'm beyond greatful. This was so deep and heartbreaking. I truly cried then they told their stories, no one should go through any of the things they did.

There's multiple layers to these characters, and the more I read the more I want to hug them both.
The grief both of them are going through is hard for anybody, and to open up to a stranger in the circumstances they were in. Wow.

The pace in this book was fantastic, it kept you on your toes the entire time. Thane being pessimistic (he would say realistic) and Kit being optimistic. Great balance between the two of them.
And Thanes absolute respect and understanding made me cry along with Kit. They truly deserve to be treated like a human and no less.

And I'm a sucker for Sarah's Scottish men with filthy mouths. O.M.G

Sienna, Jenna and Kit's mom are pieces of shits. Why is it the women in their lives are the worsts of them all????? Gah, embarrased to be a woman because of people like them.

I started this early and read a few chapters then I had to take a short break from reading. (Hence the long reading date)

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

What to expect
🏔 One Bed/Bag
🏔 Forced Proximity
🏔 Male & Non-binary pairing
🏔 Pregnancy Trauma
🏔 Loss of a loved one

I enjoy Sarah's writing, and I was so excited about this after reading the blurb. I recommend checking the TW/CW because our main characters have experienced deep trauma that will impact whether someone picks this up.

Watching Kit and Thane start to come to terms with not only who they are but also dealing with their grief and trauma was honestly really healing for me. This is the highest compliment I can give this book since I certainly didn't go in feeling that I had any issues to deal with, but I really connected to different aspects of both characters.

I cried 100% at parts, and I'm saying it's a mixture of Sarah's beautiful writing and the headspace I was in while reading. Either way, I needed to shed tears, and I always appreciate books that can bring them to the surface.

I never want to be stuck on a mountain (snowstorm or not), but if it had to happen, if I were with a man like Thane, I wouldn't mind it so much. I was already on board because of the Scottish accent that Sarah writes in, which helps bring his voice to life in my head, but the words that come out of that man's mouth during spicy times...phew!

If you're a fan of Sarah's other works, you will enjoy this. If you are looking for a different read that will take you on an emotional journey with well-thought-out characters, I can't recommend this enough!

[Adele · Rating 5 out of 5]

A tough but authentic read

I will start by saying that as a neurodivergent myself, I am always drawn and on the lookout for reads that stray from the main path. I have read other books of Sarah’s previously, and their dark and angst-ridden take on life honestly calls to me.
The Edge of Never isn’t as dark as some of their work, but the angst, grief, and daily challenge of fitting in is perfectly portrayed in the book’s characters.

Kit and Thane’s relationship progresses quickly but under duress and exceptional circumstances. While their initial banter is easy to rationalise, so is their instant draw towards each other. They both feel isolated in their feelings and struggle with internal battles that they recognise in one another. The empathy they can show despite their initial recalcitrance is what will ultimately have us readers feeling all soft and squishy inside.

This is a difficult read, and while it is a romance, it does deal with a lot of self-acceptance and personal growth outside of the romantic. This makes it different, just like its characters; it is more than just a quick read; more memorable, and more likely to leave an impression.

[Clairsreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am truly to honored to be part of an author's journey especially in the beginning stages getting to ARC read. I love reading and talking about what I read so being one of the first to experience a new journey is truly magical. 

One of the most raw and realistic things I have ever read. I absolutely devoured every page of this book and am a little bit secretly hoping to get stranded on a mountain with Thane. I have never read anything like this and I honestly don't have anything to compare it to. Thane and Kit were beautiful. Their tension, understanding and ultimate connection felt like the fates were aligning. 

Thane is a mourning, brooding Scottish outdoorsman who gets stranded on a mountain during a blizzard with Kit, an autistic, non binary person escaping from their own trauma and hardships back at home. The banter and bickering between this two coupled with the written accent of Thane that I COULD HEAR WHISPERING IN MY EAR was so different from anything I've ever read. While I had to re-read sentences every once in a while, I caught on pretty quick to the lingo and it honestly made me feel more immersed in the story. 

The trauma and subsequent healing journey that took place for both characters together and apart was so polarizing. I really felt like I was witnessing their anguish and love first hand. 
This book will not be for everyone but thats okay because it was definitely for me. This book was a beautiful love story for those that are just a little or a lot different. 

Thank you again to Sarah Bailey and team for this opportunity! 🖤

[D.Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a lovely read from Sarah!

Thane and Kit, paired up together for a mountaineering course, both there working through their grief and trauma. Thane, the experienced one, continues to get annoyed at Kit, who’s very much a novice with the sport. When they get separated from the group after an avalanche and Thane’s injury doesn’t allow them to keep going, they have to work as a team to stay alive.

The close proximity and hazardous environment leads both Thane and Kit to a point where they allow themselves to be vulnerable in such a way that they feel safe with each other, in a way they’ve not felt with the other people in their lives.

Sarah’s able to capture each character’s depth of emotion and the grief and trauma they’ve been harboring. Sarah has a way of peeling back the layers and exposing hidden pieces so we get to experience the characters growth throughout the story.

I highly recommend reading this! You won’t be disappointed, but please check the TWs first.

[Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thane and Kit have my whole heart.

[Bette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Story & Narration🎧Captivating & Emotional!

The Edge of Never
By: Sarah Bailey
Narrated by: Zoe Baxter, Sean Masters

This is a such a wonderful story, an original romance that captivates your attention and tugs at your at your heartstrings like no other. Kit, who is non-binary, was in love with their best friend, Sienna, who takes advantage of their kindness and friendship, which results in a devastating loss. Sienna had some cruel words and showed Kit her true colors, making them second guess their friendship. Kit then takes off to the Scottish Highlands for a winter mountaineering adventure, a good way to get their mind off of their loss. Thane is grieving from his own loss, but his friend gets him out to help work the course on the mountain, the same course Kit is taking. The two bonk heads right from the start, and seeing they need extra help and attention, Thane partners up with them to work one on one. Then an avalanche hits, throwing them off the course and all alone. Kit thinks quick and gets an injured Thane to safety, and both get into survival mode. The two must wait out a storm and hope search teams come looking for them. While waiting the storm out, the two become acquainted and they find it easy to talk to each other, and eventually share what they have been through. Both have interesting backstories, heartbreaking stories, but they get each other and are great for one another. Thane was accepting of Kit being on the spectrum and her needs. There is never a dull moment in this story, a multi-layered story with complex characters and the perfect balance of drama, angst, heartfelt emotions and spicy romance. The writing, plot and world building are fantastic, as are the character growth and development. Sarah Bailey, thank you for this great story and emotional rollercoaster ride.

🎧📚🎧 Zoe Baxter and Sean Masters did a fantastic job voicing the characters and did so with a complete understanding of who they were portraying, giving each a voice that was fitting, accents and all, and were convincing in every role. Masters nails it as Thane, grasping every aspect of his personality and demeanor, from his grumpiness to his caring side and he was a natural performing in with a Scottish accent. Baxter was just as amazing in Kit’s role, showcasing their personality and demeanor perfectly and was a natural in the role, too. They set the right tone for the story, captured all the characters’ emotions and had you feeling them all. These two made a great team, with voices and talent that complemented each other and a performance that keeps you glued to the story while taking it to another level. They are entertaining storytellers and a pleasure to listen to.

[Suzy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very emotional and intense story. Literally and figuratively, this couple conquers a mountain together. So many layers and complexities to this story- it is not a light read. Everything you could think of to challenge a person's life these two have experienced or will experience collectively in this story. The main couple is Kit, who is non-binary, so the pronouns used is they/them. (I warn this because sometimes my Gen X brain, though open, is not totally use to new pronoun usage and at times had to remember who "they/them" were referring to. As a matter of fact, I have had to revise this review a few times because I defaulted to using she pronouns. If pronouns are an issue for you, don't get this book.) Kit has many personal battles. They have dealt with a lot of sexism over their gender identification. They have been in an unrequited love affair with their best friend, suffered a miscarriage as the best friend's surrogate, and cheated with the best friend's husband. If that was not challenging enough, they are autistic and have to deal with overstim situations that causes rather significant meltdowns. Oh, and they have major PTSD from a childhood trauma mixed in as well. Thane is a recluse widower who has his own battle with PTSD and has not come to terms with his wife's death. He is one of the grumpiest, anti-social human beings you have ever met, but he is an awesome mountain climber and guide which is how he gets roped into helping with a mountain excursion lead by his best friend. As luck (or rather unluck) would have it. these two individuals find themselves separated from their mountain expedition group and stranded with Thane injured. And, what do you know, there is only one tent and one sleeping bag?! It's like the mother of all snowballs rolling down hill, getting bigger and bigger as it goes. Yes, there is sexy time, very spicy sexy in fact, but this story is a true fight to be together for these two. The story is well written. it will pull at your heart strings (It might actually rip your heart out in fact), but it makes the HEA all the more sweeter. And I am telling you there is a HEA because I personally began to wonder if these two would find their HEA. By the end, you will have imaginary pom poms in hand to root for these two. The narrators are amazing. They did a phenomenal job,

[BookSpice_and_EverythingNice | Malika · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes you can tell when an author gives a book their ALL and that's exactly what Sarah Bailey did here.

Kit is unlike ANY MC I've come across. They were so relatable, even though their struggles are things I have no personal experience with. Their trauma in this book broke my heart and it was a side of a trope, that can honestly be triggering for me, that was so beautifully done.
Thane and their instant and constant bickering was also such an interesting and relatable way to introduce them together, I ate it up. Kit is bisexual, autistic, and enby. I have never read a character like them. I'm not sure how to describe it, and I mean this with the utmost respect, but Sarah was able to give Kit these characteristics and explain the base level of their feelings and experience as such in a way that was easy to understand, was apart of the character development and plot without feeling forced or "overdone," and really added so much to the book in the best of way.

I would like to start a petition that Sarah write an entire series starring only Scottish grumpy MMCs. Thane has SHOT to my list of dream book boyfriends. He was grumpy, funny, thoughtful, damaged, honest, and his MOUTH! Not to mention he was BIG with A MAN BUN AND AN UNDERCUT!! AND HE'S A GINGER!! Like... he's a walking wet freaking DREAM.
Just like Kit, Thane has his own trauma and baggage and my heart ached so hard for him.

These two were so great together. No notes. The way they opened up and how they each gave the other person emotional and physical things they didn't even know they needed... MY HEART.

Now, while this book is EMOTIONAL AF... It was also hot as hell. It's a bit of a slow burn (but there is TONS of tension) but when these two finally snap... HOT D@MN. Again... Thane Daddy should literally whisper Scottish dirty talk into my ear and get me off without touching me...

Basically, read this and freaking thank me later!

[sarah.readstoomuch · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to love this, but this one was just ok.

What I liked:

- The book gave us nonbinary, bisexual, asexual, and autism representation, and all of it felt consequential to the story. The details about the dysphoria Kit felt as a surrogate were relatable as hell to me as an agender person particularly. And the author didn’t mess up their pronouns once, which should be a given but frankly isn’t true of all of the books with nonbinary characters I’ve read this year.
- The emotional connection between Kit and Thane felt deep even after such a short time together. Which helped the happily ever after setup at the end of the book feel real as opposed to forced or rushed.

What I didn’t:

- It was mostly told in dialogue and internal monologue, and I personally wanted more action.
- I felt like the details about Kit’s mom were actually unnecessary to the story because the author didn’t then connect that experience to why Kit is the way they are. Because of that, it felt a little like Chekhov’s Tragic Backstory.
- The primary villain in the story (because there is one besides the storm/avalanche situation) is a bit one-note. Like she’s just awful. And apparently has always been selfish and we’re led to believe anything decent she’s ever done was for herself. Because of that, I did not buy Kit’s friendship with her at all. Like it makes sense to have a terrible friend and then grow and learn they’re terrible, but Kit seems to know they’re terrible from the very first chapter and we’re never shown much of their previous friendship, so all of that character development for them to see it happened off-page, so the betrayal just didn’t hit as hard for me.

website | threads | booksky | booksta

[Diana in SC · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely gorgeous romance with the hottest Scottish guy
Audiobook version: 5 stars overall, 5 stars story, 5 stars narration

This romance is marvelous and captivating. I couldn’t stop listening! It is now one of my favorites, and Thane is one of my top 3 book boyfriends. The duet narration is absolutely perfect! The female narrator has a lovely melodic voice and a beautiful English accent; the male narrator has a gravelly voice and a Highland brogue accent that is drop-dead sexy. Both narrators are highly skilled in every way.

Two people get stranded by an avalanche when winter hiking up a Scottish mountain and fall for each other as they each undergo grief for different reasons. The couple make love like a man and woman, but the person Kit with the woman’s body is non-binary and doesn’t feel either gender. It took some getting used to the “they/them” pronouns for a single person, but it was so worth it. Kit is also neurodivergent and is courageous in a few ways. The guy Thane after he gets over his initial grumpiness is such a sweet and considerate guy. He also talks dirty in a Scottish brogue – super freaking hot!

All of the bedroom scenes are fully consensual and exquisitely intimate. The pair both do a bunch of good-natured swearing (F-bombs) as part of their natural speech patterns. The story was emotional but not too emotional; people other than me might cry a bit. Kit and Thane's relationship is full of respect and support. Very satisfying happy ending and not too many obstacles to romance. I also love that the author is British, so the setting and culture both feel authentic.

I requested and received a free audio copy via the publisher, and I voluntarily wrote this honest review. #TheFlockVIPReviewTeam

[Suze Prescot · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kit is non-binary, bi-sexual and autistic; they have just suffered trauma, and choose to escape to Scotland on a mountaineering course for a week. Thane is a widower; two years ago he lost his wife and has been unable to set aside the guilt. Paired together on the climb, Kit resents Thane's apparent attitude to their clumsiness, while Thane get annoyed with their 'mouth'. Circumstances force them into a situation where truths come pouring out.
I have long been an admirer of Sarah Bailey's work, and this is no exception. At the beginning, Sarah admits that they too are non-binary and so I will respect the use of gender neutral pronouns here. I confess, that as a former teacher of English, I struggle to read stories with they/them/their instead of her/him/hers, but this pales in the face of such a powerful story.
This is both heart-breaking and heart-warming. Mostly what in the theatre is called a two-hander, the focus on these two characters makes you question the way people are treated with such casual neglect in their everyday lives.
Sarah Bailey is known for steamy works and this story lives up to their reputation. As Kit and Thane grow closer emotionally, their relationship allows them to explore their physical wants and needs as well.
I have taught children with autism, read about the condition and attended training; but here the author describes clearly how it feels to suffer sensory overload; to be treated differently; to have to explain actions and reactions all of the time.
Read it. Learn from it. Love it.

[S.R. Severn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A journey of healing, acceptance and love

This was a first for me in a couple ways - reading a non-binary character with autism, and a survival romance genre.

The Edge of Never took me on a journey of healing, grief, stages of loss, anger and confusion (in good ways). I found myself relating to Kit in some subtle ways which really had my heart singing for their victory and HEA.

I'm used to reading alpha males with a grumpy, IDGAF mindset, but Thane beaming with such a compassionate, understanding and patient nature honestly had me swooning throughout this book.
We all need a Thane, someone patient, accepting, caring and considerate who can comfort us in trying (stressful and overwhelming) times. Kit gave a voice to the inner part of me who has lived a life of people pleasing and overthinking.

I haven't read a book like this one before. It took me on a really emotional journey with a wonderful ending that made the rollercoaster worth it.

Once again, this author has done a beautiful job at raising awareness and having a compassionate voice which doesn't cause confusion or run the risk of info dumping too much at once. TEON is a truly healing book which raises the bar on what consideration, acceptance and love should look like, especially in a world that is ever evolving and changing.

[Willie Mercedes · Rating 5 out of 5]

After experiencing a traumatic event, Kit chooses to travel to Scotland and join a mountaineering course to reconnect with theirself and improve their mental well-being. Thane, a widower who has been feeling stuck, decides to accompany the group up the mountain with a friend. When they get separated following an avalanche, Kit and Thane must trust and rely on each other to survive. As a long-time fan of Sarah Bailey's work, I can say this book is another exceptional piece! I highly recommend everyone to read this masterpiece. The way Kit and Thane support each other shows how everyone deserves to be loved and understood.

Things to know
forced proximity, Discussions of pregnancy trauma, miscarriage, surrogacy and infertility, loss of a loved one, grief, depression, misgendering and deadnaming a non-binary person, discussions of gender dysphoria, autistic meltdowns, ableism, mild domestic violence, hand necklaces and hair pulling, autistic MC, one sleeping bag, dislike to lovers, male/NB pairing

[Kali Dempsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐ 3 🌶️ 5 🎧

This was really different from what I expected, but I'm not mad about it. Yes, there's a wilderness survival element, but the true surviving these two did was emotional. This is a story of differences, of being atypical, and finding love and acceptance.

Thayne was amazing. He was so open and just wonderful, even when he was being a grump. The wasly he immediately accepted Kit for who they were was so good, but the way he came for those who dead named them or misgendered them was absolutely swoon worthy. On that subject, Sienna can haul herself off that cliff she was *so worried* about Kit jumping from. Goodness gracious, I'm not sure I've met a more narcissistic side character before.

The ending and epilogue were freaking everything. I loved how settled Kit and Thayne felt after they found each other and let their walls down and adored their happily ever after.

The audio was amazing too. This was DUET narration and Zoe Baxter and Sean Masters did a phenomenal job with these characters.

Thank you Pink Flamingo for the opportunity to listen!

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve been waiting for Sarah’s return for a while. I’m an absolute fan of the Four Horsemen series, as well of Our Darkest and Benson Siblings. Sarah’s writing is amazing.

The Edge of Never marks their comeback from a hiatus, and brings a new flavor to romance. The tropes are the ones we know and love - grumpy/sunshine, one bed (-ish, it’s a tent) -, but with real world characters - a non-binary protagonist, people handling grief and prejudice.

The background of the Scottish Highlands and a Scots overprotective partner are just the cherry on top. The story is enticing and a very quick read - one of those that makes you wish for more. It’s sweet, and the spice, as all Sarah Bailey books, is SPICY.

Do check trigger warnings - there’s quite a few here, since the characters are very everyday, normal people.

Also, i did get my copy early as an ARC reader. However, my opinions are my own, and i was very happy to get my hands on it early.

[Jen B · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book left me speechless and emotionally raw. The glaring example of how cruel and inconsiderate we can be to one another - drives me crazy. Word can be so beautiful if strung together correctly but they also have the power to be so destructive. We as humans have to be so mindful of this which this story is glaringly obvious we are not. To say I loved this story is an understatement. I love not only reading but the opportunity to gain insight and understanding to the individuals that are unqiue and special. Walking through life with blinders on is a tragedy as there is so much wonder you could be missing. Sarah, continue to be you, this story may be outside your usual box but your talent shines and makes this an incredible read. Enjoy!

I read this book as an ARC but purchased it for my forever library.

[PelicanFreak]

This was interesting—I was drawn in instantly with the drama and ‘best friend’ I loved to hate, and it escalated from there with a bit of adventure.

This wove a fun plot with adventure … danger … action … a bit of steam and then some romance … with some incredible character development. Honestly, it was pretty expertly designed and I’d absolutely read more from this author.


NB representation.
Mention of miscarr!age.
Survivalism.
Forced proximity / one bed.
Broken hero.
Broken heroine.
Self discovery.
New beginnings … and ends.
Aut!sm representation.

Overall:
Packed lots of feels, was fun, and I couldn’t help but admire the writing skill.
Excellent.
And the ND representation was spot-on, at least for me who found so much of it relatable.
4.5 stars.

🎧Audio:
Excellent audio production—with flawless overall sound and perfect narrators. 5 stars.
🦩

[Teddi Edge · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t know how to put into words how I felt reading this book. This book was a rollercoaster of emotions and experiences. I love both of the main characters and our married friends. This book is not afraid of the hard conversations that people with disabilities face especially autistic individuals and that most people come with their own trauma. We need to learn kindness and how to accept people as they are since everyone deserves love and respect. This book definitely had me in the feels the whole time and I could not stop reading it even in the heartbreaking parts. Sarah Bailey is one of my favorite authors for their dark romance books but this one is just amazing in a completely different way and I can’t wait to see what else they write

[Miriam Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Check trigger warnings before reading ⚠️

This book is different from books Sarah has written before, but this does not make it any less of an incredible book.

The depth they have gone into with these characters is outstanding. The detail is so raw and makes you really feel for both characters. They have both been through life changing events and have lost themselves along the way.

After an avalanch Kit and Thane are trapped in a tent after an accident leaves, Thane is unable to travel far, especially during the storm. Kit and Thane open up about their pasts and find a connection together.

After being rescued, they both have hurdles to overcome with the journey they went through. This had me feeling so many emotions and another fantastic story by Sarah!

[Autumn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sarah has a way of making me want to do things I never did before! The highlands have always been on my list, but now I need to go mountaineering to find my own Thane. I love how they are using their gift of writing to create these books as they work through their own sense of self. They have such a way with words and getting those feelings out and to the reader. Thank you for sharing your journey with us this way, Sarah 🖤 this book was heartbreakingly beautiful while covering tough topics not often touched on. As always, please check trigger warnings. Even if you are a regular Sarah reader, this book is a different type of dark and twisty with different sets of triggers.