The Manic Edge

by C.J. Simone

Gabe Giordano: I know exactly what Ricci wants, never able to fully erase the memory of it all. And there’s no way in hell I’m giving it to him—even if that gets me killed. Problem is, it’s not my death that’s got me sweating. It’s losing another girl to Ricci. It’s losing Savannah.

Savannah Fletcher: He’s working for us, but it doesn’t feel like that’s how it will go. It feels like we’ll be working for him. Working for the mob.

Kallie Giordano: Don’t get involved with my brother, not if you want to stay out of trouble.


Talented but troubled musician Gabe Giordano already lost one girlfriend to the mafia, and he’s not about to lose his co-singer and the love of his life Savannah. But when their young fans are attacked and go missing, it’s looking more and more like Savannah will be next on the mafia’s list.

Joining Gabe’s detective-in-training sister Kallie, the young group battles gangsters, the notorious Giordano patriarch, and Gabe’s impending mania. But when an increasingly unstable Gabe is roped into mob crimes with threats against fans and loved ones, can he protect the innocent without turning into one more monster?


THE MANIC EDGE is a dark psychological thriller with an unreliable narrator, a rockstar romance, and themes related to mental illness, abuse, corrupt power, and redemption. It can be read as a standalone novel or as part of the CHILDREN OF THE MOB series.

CONTENT WARNING: This book contains potentially triggering content related to mental health struggles and violence.

Genres: Romantic Suspense, Thriller

381 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 18, 2024

About the author

C.J. Simone writes psychological fiction and character-driven thrillers with romance, often centered on social issues and mental health themes. Her stories are intended for an upper YA through adult audience. She holds a BA in sociology and an MA in psychology. Widowed in 2023, she now resides with her children and a variety of pets on the East Coast. For more information, please visit https://cjsimonefiction.com/.

Reviews

[C. Barnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thrilling and powerful, layered read that's more than it appears!

Gabe is perfectly flawed, lovable, and if you don't feel for him, you might need to check if you have a heart. Great mental health rep with real struggles for both Gabe and his loved ones. The characters are all so real. Mysteries and conflicts abound, along with passion and love. could not put it down, literally.

A highly recommended read!!

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love unreliable narrators and dark but hopeful stories about crime, dysfunctional families, and the inner turmoil of a troubled soul struggling with mental illness, then this is the book for you. The romances (Gabe and Savannah, Kallie and the guys) are believable and heartbreaking at times and the strong brother-sister bond between Gabe and Kallie who are touchingly protective of each other adds even more depth to an already deep, emotional story. I loved every moment of this unique book from the action and suspense to the music world to the relationships to the psychology of it all. I rooted for these characters all the way no matter how flawed or even morally gray they are. I think Gabe's dad does love his family but is one twisted man. CJ Simone does an incredible job of blending genres and creating a nail-biter of a story that has both thrilling action and intense emotional rawness and vulnerabilty. I won't forget these characters or their stories. I highly recommend.

[Jesse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exellent novel! I was fully invested in these memorable characters. Simone made me feel their emotions and their choices like they were my own. The impossible choices and plot twists kept me glued. I was impressed with the depth of the characters and the story. Also impressive was the balance between light moments and heavy dark themes. This is not your typical thriller but much more.

[Alice · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book definitely keeps you on the edge of your seat.

At first, I thought so many points of view would be distracting, but I have to admit, I love how it goes from one perspective to the next, giving the reader an inside glimpse into what each of the three main characters are thinking and feeling. It feels like these different perspectives are woven together seamlessly without distracting from the flow of the storyline, and it’s a fast-paced story. Just like the different points of view, the author’s vivid descriptive details are intertwined smoothly into the action without interrupting the flow. In fact, the details and perspectives draw the reader in with the suspense they create. There are enough clues and Easter eggs to keep the reader on the edge of their seat, guessing what might happen next. Despite this, there were still plenty of surprises I didn’t see coming. It feels a bit like a thrilling roller coaster ride with ups and downs and twists and turns. These poor characters just can’t get a break.

And these characters are so real and intense, they are relatable even though they come from a completely different world than most people’s norm. I felt as if I had been truly transported into their crazy world. The author masterfully maneuvers through complicated relationships and emotions, pulling the reader in until they feel what the characters are feeling. There is so much depth to these characters with layers of background to be uncovered or discovered throughout the story, and yet I was left feeling that there were still secrets untold and more to be discovered later. I really liked all these characters, but especially Gabe. I found him to be a chaotic good, trying to spread light and differentiate himself from his father, his shady past, and his own reckless behavior. He is continuously striving to do right, and to set things right, even as more and more problems are thrown at him and mistakes are made. “Every time I’m running away, I’m looking for light, for salvation, but it’s always more darkness.” Despite it all, he is a light in that darkness. Even his passion for music and his quest for fame are rooted in this. As he explains it, “Music gives this outlet for emotion little else does, gives the voiceless a voice, lifts the soul above this demented, cruel world,” and “fame’s not a selfish thing, like I used to think. We’re giving a greater return than we’re getting. Right here and now, we’re making the dark places a little brighter.” While this is definitely a thrilling story that will keep you on the edge of your seat, and will probably have you feeling a bit of the manic emotions the characters feel as they live life on that edge, at its heart, it is a story of redemption, of love and of light in a dark world.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow very well written and moving book. Gabe is so very very tormented and Savannah tries so hard to hold him together. They are both so damaged and try so hard to be adults. They live in a world that just seems to want to keep them apart and drag them down. Losing Damien just took out the heart of both kids. I find it hard to believe the dad is truly out of the picture. I think Kallie wanting to be a detective sounds awesome and inspiring but not real sure she’ll be able to follow through. The mafia parents are enough but to then have so many traumatized children is just heartbreaking.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily

[Diana Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Raw and beautiful

[Mika · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read through this so fast! Such a great thriller and contemporary romance! Make sure you check the trigger warnings because it is dark! I loved it. Highly recommend!

[Mylife Style · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading that books .
"The Manic Edge: A Children of the Mob Thriller" by C.J. Simone is a gripping and intense read that delves into the dark and dangerous world of the mafia, intertwined with the struggles of mental health. The story follows Gabe Giordano, the lead of the band Shine, who is caught in the web of his mob-connected family. The narrative is raw and unpredictable, filled with mobsters, music, and the mania that threatens to consume Gabe.The writing style is so vivid and immersive, making you feel the tension and danger that Gabe faces. The book explores themes of loyalty, family, and the battle between good and evil within oneself. Gabe's journey is both heart-wrenching and inspiring as he tries to protect those he loves while battling his own inner demons. Which reminds me of how strange a human nature could be . Like you tear yourself apart just to protect your other significant others.
I loved that the characters are well-developed, each with their own complexities and struggles. Gabe's sister, Kallie, a detective-in-training, adds another layer of intrigue as she tries to navigate the dangerous world her brother is entangled in. The dynamics between the characters are compelling, and the emotional depth of the story keeps you hooked from start to finish.
Thank u for sending me this books . I'm looking forward for your next books .

[Mirela Lohja · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s a really compelling book! I love when the authors can mix different genres and create such complex characters. The dynamics between the main characters is very touching and definitely adds an extra level of depth to the story. I really like it when books can convey such intense and deep emotions. Personal growth and family ties are really heart-touching issues.

[Safoa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a thriller enthusiast and Manic Edge is on top of suggestions i would give anyone. The themes were captured beautifully making them understandable, relatable and very engaging. It gave an in-depth knowledge about child abuse and mental health. The plot was beautifully delivered highlighting the weaknesses and growth of the characters who were written with their trauma in check making it very relatable and realistic, Gabe? goes through a lot and it’s kind of nice to see he overcomes it in a way- a positive way.
I couldn’t put the book down, i really wanted to know how it would end and i must say it was calm could have ended in other ways, but this was perfect.
highly recommend!

[Reemahmad · Rating 5 out of 5]

It felt exciting reading the story of Gabe Giordano again. He is a middle child who suffers from mental illness and was abused by his father and big brother since childhood. He loves music and Savana his childhood friend and band collegue. Their band started to become famous and people love their music. Although in first book Gabe was determin to change his behavior and commit to his medications, he fall in the hands of an evil mobster who started threatening him to help him with his crimes or he will hurt the people Gabe cares for. Gabe issues increased when his father became the manager for his band and wanted to decipline Gabes eratic behaviors

When I started reading, I felt the first book is better but as the story evolved I became attached and praying that Gabe will find a way to survive his troubles and find happiness.

The novel went deep into the mind of a person suffering from mental illness through different characters and went through differrent forms of abuse. And as in first chapter, the important of support to the mental ill patient by his loveones, in order to face his troubles.

The novel kept me interested and at ending I had different feeling of sad and happiness. I hope their will be a third book from this series

[Sophie Bowns · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent!

The book is really well penned by the author- I also liked the fact that although Gabe is flawed he’s actually very likeable too. Give this book a go, it’s part of your kindle unlimited subscription.

[Brittany Unley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was good. I'm interested to see what's to come with Kallie, Gabe, and Savannah.

[Dee Tats · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Manic Edge was a fast read that was hard to put down. The characters are distinct and each perspective is as interesting as the next. The chemistry between Gabe and Savannah is addicting, making the reader want more. It is fast paced while still giving the reader a closeup of Gabe’s struggle with mental illness and resistance to becoming like his mafia-connected father. There are unpredictable plot twists with a satisfying conclusion.

[Chris Maddix · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just when I thought I had escaped, CJ Simone reached out and drew me back into the slimy, mafia related world of Gabe Giordano. Gabe and his faux mother, sister Kallie, are dealing with the hardscrabble life presented to them by their father, an always sinister man who thinks little of his medicated son. Meanwhile, Gabe, guitar player for the group Shine, is just trying to get by, having established a relationship with Savannah, a friendship which is threatened by another thug named Ricci. Gabe has already lost Summer and has no wish to lose another

The format of this book is similar to a previous in the series - chapters belong to given characters, and not just by title. They change by perspective. In this chapter, you see the world through Gabe’s eyes. In the next, it’s Kallie’s. The sentences are often not complete, but are instead written the way that people talk. Here’s an example:

“I need a pen”
“Don’t got one”
“You sure?”

Intermingle those choppy, real life utterances with thoughts by Gabe and Kallie, who both fear attacks

This story is a real eye opener, though you might need to take a shower when you finish

[Bella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Music stardom meets mafia meddling in this riveting continuation of the Children of the Mob series.

The second installment in C.J. Simone’s Children of the Mob series continues the story of Gabe Giordano, Savannah Fletcher and their up-and-coming band, Shine. In Manic Mission, Gabe, an Italian-American heartthrob, was determined to break from his abusive environment and make a living in the music business. As Manic Edge opens, Shine has a song climbing the charts, but family meddling threatens to undo everything they’ve achieved together.

As a child of the mob, Gabe is rightly horrified when his father — a mob-connected loan shark with no interest in music, and even less in his son – insists on being Shine’s manager. More to the point, he’s hell bent on making Gabe “the next Elvis” while marginalizing Savannah.

Simone avoids the sophomore series slump by delivering an assortment of delicious and cringey scenes that work together to create suspense. One standout comes just after Mr. Giordano’s first official meeting with the band as his manager, in which he brings muscle to emphasize his newfound authority. He starts by telling Savannah how much he appreciates the fact that she’s been on birth control during her and Gabe’s relationship. He then warns her about getting pregnant: “Gabriel will not be distracted by you and a baby. Not now, and not any time within the near future. Do you understand me?”

Tonally, the introduction of Mr. Giordano’s perception of the modern music business is similar to that of Tulsa King’s westward mob boss Dwight Manfredi – a semi-satirical look at a criminal who is hopelessly out of step with the times, and yet, through scheming, family loyalty and brutal acts of violence, remains highly successful. However, Gabe’s struggles with mental health are in sharp contrast here. Early on, Gabe expresses difficulty in convincing himself to stay on his medication while feeling the highs associated with mania. As the story moves forward, the environment exacerbates his feelings of self-hatred and isolation, and he also faces tremendous pressure over his mental health from those around him as well. Told in chapters with alternating point of view, Simone treats the subject with the reverence and introspection it deserves – complete with trigger warnings. Fortunately, there’s plenty of euphoria as well, and for fans of the first book, Simone delivers an unmissable step in Gabe and Savannah’s character development.

[Sarah Adebesin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a sequel to “The Maniac Mission.” The Maniac Edge is a uniquely deep and emotional novel that explores crime and mob life from a perspective that is rarely shown—the perspective of a mobster’s son.

Gabe Giordano is the second son of a mafia-connected father. He is a gorgeous and talented singer and rising star with his band, “Shine.” Deeply in love with his childhood sweetheart, best friend, and bandmate, Savannah, Gabe navigates a complex world and finds himself mostly in compromising situations. His father controls the mob and has almost half of the authorities in his pocket. Estranged from his father due to their different perspectives, Gabe often gets into trouble, which leads him back to the father he desperately wants to avoid becoming. Additionally, Gabe struggles with mental instability, and we witness the many twists and turns in his life.

The book explores his bittersweet relationship with his family, including bullying from his siblings—especially from his brother, Michael—the abandonment he feels from the rest of his family, and the struggles of his sick mother, who is bedridden and suffers from a mental disorder similar to his. Gabe shares a loving relationship with his sister, Kallie, revealing his sweet and compassionate nature despite the numerous challenges in his life. These struggles continually push him in the opposite direction from the person he aspires to be, putting him and his loved ones in precarious situations from which he desperately tries to break free.

The story delves into complex themes of emotional connection, mental health, family dynamics, relationships, fame, and notoriety.

Kudos to C.J. Simone for another exceptional book. The portrayal of events and imagery is vivid and clear. Although the story is primarily told from the perspective of the main character, Gabe, I appreciate that the author also provides insights through the viewpoints of other characters like Kallie and Savannah. This is the kind of book that deserves a movie adaptation. While I can't fully express everything the book entails, I highly recommend it. It's worth every read.

Thanks to Booktasters and the author for the opportunity to take a good read.

[(Rev.) Romulus C. Kulik-Draco · Rating 5 out of 5]

I must humbly confess, that reading and now Reviewing C. J. Simone’s “The Manic Edge”, took me much longer than genuinely desired, life having had as unfortunately always, something to hurdle across my absolute pleasure of spending time in one of the best Psychological Thrillers I have ever read. And I do not easily use such descriptors.
What immersed me from the very beginning, was the style, the author’s brilliant choice of writing each chapter in the 1st person of each main character, offering for the inquisitive mind, the unique possibility of identifying at in-depth levels, with their complex personalities.
Such a choice gives the opportunity to participate in their emotional turmoils which especially for those -such as myself- who have/are living with the heavy psychological sequels of generational trauma such as parental abuse, maliciously having been taking advantage of, physical/sexual abuse, and the deepening pathologies wreaking havoc in their daily lives, offering pathways of learning to handle the incessant pain and guilt which erodes the foundations of both their personal and interpersonal/social engagements.
I have enormously benefited from navigating through the often-impossible decisions facing the characters, seeing that confronting one’s ‘demons’ may be the only option to avoid an existence chained to the mercilessness of Stockholm Syndrome.
The journey through the book brought me before very personal choices of stepping away and out from my own suffocating chains, onto valid hopes of raising my children and supporting my loved ones, in ways scarcely or never given to myself.
An exceptional book, by an exceptional writer, the gift of a better today and more hopeful tomorrow.

[Mitchelle Mbugua · Rating 4 out of 5]

C.J. Simone's The Manic Edge is a gripping, albeit disturbing, descent into the mind of a character grappling with bipolar disorder. The novel doesn't shy away from the raw intensity of manic episodes, vividly portraying the exhilarating highs and crushing lows. Simone masterfully uses sensory details to immerse the reader in the protagonist's chaotic internal world. We experience the racing thoughts, the impulsive behaviors, and the emotional volatility firsthand.

The book's strength lies in its unflinching portrayal of mental illness, challenging the stigma often surrounding such conditions. While the narrative focuses on the manic phase, it hints at the depressive episodes that often follow, illustrating the cyclical nature of the disorder. References to specific events – like the protagonist's reckless spending sprees during a manic episode or their subsequent isolation during a depressive phase – are powerfully effective in depicting the illness's unpredictable nature.

However, the book's intensity might be triggering for readers with similar experiences. The graphic descriptions of the protagonist's actions and the chaotic nature of their internal world could be overwhelming. This is not a criticism, but rather a warning. The novel’s raw honesty necessitates this strong emotional impact. The impact on the reader is likely to be profound, potentially fostering greater understanding and empathy for individuals struggling with bipolar disorder, or prompting introspection for those who have experienced similar emotional turmoil. Generally a 10/10 read.

[My Humble Thoughts · Rating 5 out of 5]

C.J. Simone does an incredible job of blending dark psychological tension with a touch of romance, creating a story that’s gripping and full of emotion. Gabe’s struggles, especially with his mania and the guilt he carries, feel so raw and real that it’s impossible not to connect with him on some level.

The mix of mob drama and the music industry gives the book a fresh and unique setting. The mafia’s control over Gabe and Savannah’s band adds so much suspense—it feels like every choice they make could lead to disaster.

Kallie, Gabe’s detective-in-training sister, is such a standout character. Her determination to protect the people she cares about while navigating her family’s dangerous connections really adds a layer of hope and strength to the story.

The romance between Gabe and Savannah feels genuine, even in the middle of all the chaos. Their relationship is both sweet and complicated, grounding the story and giving it a much-needed sense of balance.

What really stuck with me was how well the book portrays mental health struggles. Gabe’s fight with his mania is written in such a sensitive and realistic way that you can’t help but empathize with him and want to see him find some sort of peace.

Even though it’s part of a series, The Manic Edge works perfectly as a standalone novel. The twists and turns kept me hooked, and the emotional depth made it a truly unforgettable read.

[Bibliophile · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a gritty, emotional ride through the life of Gabe Giordano, a musician struggling to balance his rising fame, his family's deep mafia ties, and his own inner demons. The book does a great job capturing the raw tension of being caught between two worlds—one of music and freedom, the other of duty and darkness.

The strongest part of the novel is its character work. Gabe feels real, flawed, and relatable, and his struggles with mental health are portrayed with honesty. The band dynamics and the pressures of fame also add depth to the story.

That being said, the pacing felt uneven at times. Some sections were gripping and full of energy, while others dragged a bit, making it hard to stay fully engaged. The mafia subplot, while interesting, sometimes overshadowed the more personal elements of Gabe’s journey. I also wish there had been more resolution in certain areas—some plot points felt rushed or left hanging.

Overall, The Manic Edge is a solid read for fans of dark, character-driven thrillers, but it didn’t completely blow me away. If you like stories that mix music, crime, and psychological depth, it’s worth checking out—but temper your expectations.

[Jesse Nyokabi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gabe’s life is chaotic and marked by the violent underworld of the mafia, where only the strong can survive. His mental health issues add to the turmoil he faces.

This read is characterized by raw emotional intensity as Gabe battles against mobsters fueled by his mania. However, he is not alone in his struggle; his supportive sibling, Kallie, provides a warm balance in his life.

This story transcends the typical thriller, with its dark themes enriching its depth. Despite his complexities, Gabe is a likable character.

I loved all three main characters: Gabe, Savanna, and Kallie. Gabe’s mental health challenges and his troubles with their mafia father and other mob members make readers empathize with them.

The chemistry between Gabe and Savanna is excellent, and the brother-sister relationship between Gabe and Kallie is heartwarming. As you read, the tension builds around the abduction and other crimes, and nothing is as it seems. When mobsters start showing up dead, the plot thickens even further. This novel is both a thriller and a contemporary romance that I enjoyed from start to finish.

I highly recommend the book!

[JB · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's more of the troubled adventures of the manic rock star mafioso son Gabe Giordano, his sexy co-star and on/off lovergirl Savannah Fletcher, and that prickly mob boss dad, who I keep imagining as played by Mark Strong.

Gabe's relationship with his father is pretty brutal and has him trapped in a life he doesn't want. When another gangster tries to force Gabe into a job that may prove fatal to someone, Gabe struggles with the choice between doing what is right and risking the lives of those he loves. Add to that two girls missing, possibly because of Gabe's actions, and we see that there is a big part of Gabe that wants to be a hero.

This seems targeted for younger readers, not Nicholas Pileggi fans. Despite the subject matter, there's no overly descriptive parts that would offend. If I had a critique, it would be that we hear more about Gabe's mental health issues than we see them, so when he does do something erratic it feels a bit out of character. Might be a good idea for a TV series though!

[Shawn Brink · Rating 5 out of 5]

How much abuse can one take? This book shows the negative consequences of Parental abuse (emotional/psychological and physical), sibling abuse, self-harm, and addiction. The main character, Gabe Giordano, struggles against all the above. But this isn’t just a book about negative consequences, it’s a story of forgiveness, redemption, positive change and rising above, what you may feel, is your lot in life. Throughout this novel, Gabe learns to turn the negatives into positives as he fights to leave the mob-life he was born into.

This is a good read, but be warned of triggers: Parental abuse (emotional/psychological and physical), sibling abuse, mental health struggles, suicidality/self-harm, addiction, mentions of torture, and death. Also, this is the second book in this series – I wouldn’t recommend reading it before reading the first (The Manic Mission) because there’s a lot of info in the first that comes into play here and it could be confusing if you don’t have the background from the first book.

All in all, a good read.

[Emalee · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is so shit. I thought it would be so interesting reading the description, but the first chapter immediately threw me off. “mobster gun in my guitar case”. are you fucking kidding me? That sentence alone cringed me out.

Also, why would Gabe give a fuck about the guy in his dad’s armoire? We understand your dad is a bad guy, but why is this suddenly a problem? And his dad is so comedically evil it really loses the intended effect.

His mania is another issue I have. The book lowkey feels like it is written by someone who doesn’t have any mental disorders (or at least has never read about them), and as someone who DOES, it made me feel pretty uncomfortable.

Savannah is somehow the love of his life, but he can’t forget about Summer? And they break up all the time and see other people? Seems like y’all have more issues than Gabe’s mania.

Couldn’t get further than 50 pages before I DNF’d, and it’s a surprise I got that far.

Read for January book club 2025

[Kayla Philbrick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Booktasters and the author for giving me the chance to read and review this book.

“The Manic Edge” is a heavy story about the son of a mafia boss, Gabe. The story follows Gabe as he battles mental health issues, similar to his mom. I thought it was a good story but also a heavy one filled with trauma, violence and abuse to name a few.

My favorite part about the book was the Mafia aspect and I liked that it followed the son of one. I didn’t quite understand Gabe’s father’s dislike of him over his other siblings. However, I wondered if the author was alluding to the toxic. relationship between the parents as well as Gabe and his father. Gabe’s father was a character written for the readers to dislike a lot. I think the author did a good job of that.

I felt like there was a lot going on with Gabe’s character. It felt as though he had to many difficult situations he felt forced to deal with. But I liked his character overall.

[Dylan West · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Title is Truly Apt

I’ve never felt so sorry for the main characters of a book before. Poor Gabe gets his head messed with, and mine by extension, as the story unravels. The writing, emotionality, and characterization are just as galvanic as they were in the first book, but I think the trauma bubbles hotter and longer here. While this book has plenty of violence, I didn’t feel it was overly graphic, which was good. And the last chapter or two unloaded a barrage of surprises I really didn’t see coming, but that totally made sense.

I’m not a romance reader, but this series is trying hard to make me one. I’m just a sucker for powerful writing, and that’s what I really come to this author for. If you’ve already read book one, continuing on to this one should be a given. Time well spent.

[aji ⋆౨ৎ˚⟡˖ ࣪ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25

LOVE THIS ONE. Gabe Giordano is put through the emotional wringer, and as the story unravels, it’s impossible not to get pulled in. The trauma, tension, and heartbreak hit even harder than in the first book, keeping the stakes high from start to finish. Not to mention his relationship with other characters in this book, particularly Savannah and Kallie.

Simone’s writing is powerful, the twists are genuinely surprising yet make perfect sense, and while there’s violence, it never feels gratuitous. Even the romance—despite not being the main focus—adds depth to the characters in a way that sneaks up on you.

For readers who love unreliable narrators, morally complex characters, and stories that balance darkness with hope, The Manic Edge is a must-read. It’s raw, intense, and unforgettable—a novel that lingers long after the final page.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

A page turner that tugs at the heartstrings!

I loved all the main characters Gabe, Savanna, and Kallie. The chemistry is there between Gabe and Savanna despite their troubles with Gabe's dad and the mafia and Gabe's mental health issues, and you really feel for them throughout all these struggles. I loved the brother-sister bond between Kallie and Gabe, and she's a strong, bad*ss, cool character. As you read you need to know what's happening with the crimes and you're hoping all is not what it seems.When mobsters start showing up dead, things get even more complicated.

This is a thriller romance and contemporary rolled into one that I enjoyed from start to finish. I highly recommend the read!

[Joy Gregory · Rating 5 out of 5]

An immersive and emotional wild ride that gets you deep in the mind of our main character Gabe as he navigates his mental illness. Again Simone excels at making the different voices of the characters unique. At times heartbreaking and at other times frightening with Gabe's instability and the mafia's dark shadow and control, and with a twisty plot that has you second guessing everything you think you know. Simone doesn't make you chose a book with either deep complex characters or a captivating plot she gives you both together. This book is written far better than most books by big publishers.

I read and loved the first book but this one does stand on its own and I loved it as much as the first.