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Edging
“A searing thriller of a man’s terror at the exposure of his digital sex life.”
— BookLife / Publishers Weekly
“Edging made me both squirm in genuine distress and laugh out loud!”
— Staci Layne Wilson, bestselling author of Rock & Roll Nightmares
Jake McNally doesn’t watch porn because he wants sex. He watches it because it’s the only thing that still works.
Dopamine hit. Wires firing. Escape hatch—from who he is, and where he is. A midlife flatline of burned-out dreams and suffocating family demands.
The porn helps. It smooths. Saves. Until it doesn’t. Until he collapses mid-scroll in his home office, heart detonating in his chest.
He hits the floor hard. Stays there. And when the room steadies, he remembers: The screen is still on. Tabs open. Graphic vids. Intimate chats. Subscriptions. Downloads. The secret credit cards and crushing debt.
Years of containment. One instant from exposure. His wife and kids will be home in less than an hour. If they see what’s on that monitor, the life he built vaporizes on impact.
But the real danger isn’t just what he’s hiding—it’s what he’ll do to keep it hidden.
Edging is a no-looks-away descent into compulsion, shame, and self-sabotage, where escape becomes addiction, and addiction leaves nothing standing.
— BookLife / Publishers Weekly
“Edging made me both squirm in genuine distress and laugh out loud!”
— Staci Layne Wilson, bestselling author of Rock & Roll Nightmares
Jake McNally doesn’t watch porn because he wants sex. He watches it because it’s the only thing that still works.
Dopamine hit. Wires firing. Escape hatch—from who he is, and where he is. A midlife flatline of burned-out dreams and suffocating family demands.
The porn helps. It smooths. Saves. Until it doesn’t. Until he collapses mid-scroll in his home office, heart detonating in his chest.
He hits the floor hard. Stays there. And when the room steadies, he remembers: The screen is still on. Tabs open. Graphic vids. Intimate chats. Subscriptions. Downloads. The secret credit cards and crushing debt.
Years of containment. One instant from exposure. His wife and kids will be home in less than an hour. If they see what’s on that monitor, the life he built vaporizes on impact.
But the real danger isn’t just what he’s hiding—it’s what he’ll do to keep it hidden.
Edging is a no-looks-away descent into compulsion, shame, and self-sabotage, where escape becomes addiction, and addiction leaves nothing standing.
119 pages, Paperback
Published January 19, 2026
4 people are currently reading
102 people want to read
About the author
Eric Nicholas
2 books22 followersEric Nicholas launched his writing career in the film industry, collaborating with top Hollywood production companies including Alcon Entertainment (Blade Runner 2049, Prisoners) and Escape Artists (The Equalizer, The Pursuit of Happyness). His directorial debut, Alone With Her starring Colin Hanks, premiered at the 2006 Tribeca Film Festival and was released internationally to strong reviews from leading critics. He is the author of Refugium and Edging.
www.sovranmediagroup.com
www.sovranmediagroup.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
January 9, 2026
Edging is raw and unflinching, with a grim sort of realism that makes you squirm just as much as it keeps you glued to the page. Eric Nicholas throws us right into Jake's panic and makes us feel how much he’s battling his own demons in a gripping, unsettling exploration of addiction and the lies we tell ourselves and those around us.
A must-read.
Thank you, NetGalley and Sovran Media Group, for the ARC.
A must-read.
Thank you, NetGalley and Sovran Media Group, for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book was a completely realistic, truly harrowing exploration of addiction. Be warned, this book does not gloss over anything and was incredibly graphic.
The book follows Jake, who has a heart attack during private time whilst his wife and children are out for the afternoon. It is the suffocating exploration of his journey to addiction, the realisation that his family might discover his secret, and the physical pain and stress of trying to get himself out of the situation before they get home.
This novel was shocking, heartbreaking and truly stressful. A great thriller.
The book follows Jake, who has a heart attack during private time whilst his wife and children are out for the afternoon. It is the suffocating exploration of his journey to addiction, the realisation that his family might discover his secret, and the physical pain and stress of trying to get himself out of the situation before they get home.
This novel was shocking, heartbreaking and truly stressful. A great thriller.
January 5, 2026
I wasn’t prepared for how intense this book would be. It’s fast, uncomfortable, kind of terrifying—and sometimes really funny. Nothing is softened or glossed over. It’s truthful, human, and impossible to put down. I found myself holding my breath the entire time. Five stars!
January 20, 2026
Disturbing, tense and relevant.
A short story, but one that keeps the sweat going throughout. It's graphic, be warned. And painful to read.
A 38-year-old man, Jake, is waiting for his wife and kids to pop out... so he can go online and feed his addiction. To p*rnography. What starts as his enjoyable few hours alone, indulging in some hardcore viewing sours instantly upon his unexpected heart attack and incapacitation.
Jake is stuck on the floor. Immobile. Pants down (literally), with loud and filthy material on repeat on the screen. Family due back any minute.
A short but thorough self-examination occurs next, while in the present he desperately tries to reach his phone, the keyboard... anything to prevent his small children seeing their father humiliated and their own innocence being shattered. Jake's history with such material is dissected, a typical background for many, one suspects, and the effect it is about to have on his relationship (and has already) honestly realised for the first time.
And when the family come home... we have our fingers over our eyes watching....
I liked it. If that's the word. Black, deep, depressing... it's something you wonder why the author put it on paper. Why would someone potentially ruin their life like this? DO we all have something like this in us? Are we all doomed to stew in our own heads not connecting properly with others, living pretend lives and 'faking it'?
One you won't forget. Not a beach read. But an arresting one.
With thanks to Netgalley for providing a sample reading copy.
A short story, but one that keeps the sweat going throughout. It's graphic, be warned. And painful to read.
A 38-year-old man, Jake, is waiting for his wife and kids to pop out... so he can go online and feed his addiction. To p*rnography. What starts as his enjoyable few hours alone, indulging in some hardcore viewing sours instantly upon his unexpected heart attack and incapacitation.
Jake is stuck on the floor. Immobile. Pants down (literally), with loud and filthy material on repeat on the screen. Family due back any minute.
A short but thorough self-examination occurs next, while in the present he desperately tries to reach his phone, the keyboard... anything to prevent his small children seeing their father humiliated and their own innocence being shattered. Jake's history with such material is dissected, a typical background for many, one suspects, and the effect it is about to have on his relationship (and has already) honestly realised for the first time.
And when the family come home... we have our fingers over our eyes watching....
I liked it. If that's the word. Black, deep, depressing... it's something you wonder why the author put it on paper. Why would someone potentially ruin their life like this? DO we all have something like this in us? Are we all doomed to stew in our own heads not connecting properly with others, living pretend lives and 'faking it'?
One you won't forget. Not a beach read. But an arresting one.
With thanks to Netgalley for providing a sample reading copy.
January 14, 2026
I can honestly say ive never read anything like this before.
i cant tell if i hated it or lowkey enjoyed it?
it was under 100 pages and i couldnt stop reading once j started.
i did make many weird faces while reading.. because truly what the heck was this?
i cant tell if i hated it or lowkey enjoyed it?
it was under 100 pages and i couldnt stop reading once j started.
i did make many weird faces while reading.. because truly what the heck was this?
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Wow, what a ride! This is such a raw, unfiltered, and unapologetic story, and I loved and grimaced through every page.
There is certainly no boring, drawn-out preamble, it jumps straight in and sets the tone with the first page. From there you get to observe Jake McNally's struggles with porn addiction, and join him on one of his all too regular descents into porn. You see the vast, abhorrent, and intricate web Jake has weaved for himself. He is in too deep, but he can't help himself, and hasn't been able to help himself for a very long time. If his wife, or god forbid his children were to find out all of the lies, deceit, the money, and the selfishness, his life as he knows it would come crumbling down around him.
With the wife and kids coming back in a few hours he has plenty of time to indulge himself in his vice, until he suddenly collapses and blacks out... when he wakes the porn is still on max volume, set to repeat forever, he is on the floor in agony, and the worst part is, he can't move.
From here you get to experience a wonderfully written, thrilling and tragic thought process of a man, covered in his own bodily fluids, knowing if he doesn't do something, and soon, his entire world is going to be taken from him. Maybe he can move just enough to cover himself up, and hide his stash, hide the OnlyFans messages, and the secret credit card he has spent $6000 on this year. Or.... Maybe he can't, maybe he doesn't feel he deserves to. Maybe he is finally unselfish enough to be open and honest to his family... or maybe he would do anything to hide it from them.
I absolutely loved this book, completely out of my comfort zone, but it has left a lasting impression (scar?) that will not easily be forgotten, and nor would I want it to. This battle with addiction, is all too familiar to many, be it porn addiction, or gambling, drugs, or anything. The anticipation, then the binging, then the shame and rumination. Eric Nicholas has crafted a brutally honest exploration of Jake's reckoning with addiction, that forces readers to confront uncomfortable truths. This is a book that deserves to be read, discussed, and remembered.
There is certainly no boring, drawn-out preamble, it jumps straight in and sets the tone with the first page. From there you get to observe Jake McNally's struggles with porn addiction, and join him on one of his all too regular descents into porn. You see the vast, abhorrent, and intricate web Jake has weaved for himself. He is in too deep, but he can't help himself, and hasn't been able to help himself for a very long time. If his wife, or god forbid his children were to find out all of the lies, deceit, the money, and the selfishness, his life as he knows it would come crumbling down around him.
With the wife and kids coming back in a few hours he has plenty of time to indulge himself in his vice, until he suddenly collapses and blacks out... when he wakes the porn is still on max volume, set to repeat forever, he is on the floor in agony, and the worst part is, he can't move.
From here you get to experience a wonderfully written, thrilling and tragic thought process of a man, covered in his own bodily fluids, knowing if he doesn't do something, and soon, his entire world is going to be taken from him. Maybe he can move just enough to cover himself up, and hide his stash, hide the OnlyFans messages, and the secret credit card he has spent $6000 on this year. Or.... Maybe he can't, maybe he doesn't feel he deserves to. Maybe he is finally unselfish enough to be open and honest to his family... or maybe he would do anything to hide it from them.
I absolutely loved this book, completely out of my comfort zone, but it has left a lasting impression (scar?) that will not easily be forgotten, and nor would I want it to. This battle with addiction, is all too familiar to many, be it porn addiction, or gambling, drugs, or anything. The anticipation, then the binging, then the shame and rumination. Eric Nicholas has crafted a brutally honest exploration of Jake's reckoning with addiction, that forces readers to confront uncomfortable truths. This is a book that deserves to be read, discussed, and remembered.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I’m sorry but this was awful. I was so excited about the premise – following an individual in an isolated moment of their life, examining shame and addiction. This could have been magnificent.
The issue is entirely in the writing. You could argue that the protagonist is not meant to be likable therefore the author is using language that is meant to be abrasive and this would also excuse the use of “gonna” and other slag (including adding an “” in his thoughts). However, clearly we are also supposed to see him as someone who feels bad for his wife who is going to find him so he’ll say things about how wonderful his wife is and how she doesn’t deserve this but we are never made to feel that, it is just a statement on the page. An unlikable character is absolutely fine but please flesh it out more.
You might argue that the repetition in the storytelling is emphasising the futility of his situation and how it’s not changing despite his attempts to change the outcome that is coming. But honestly I got fed up of being reminded that he was lying in his own “piss and cum” – I know, I’ve already been told that, I’m not going to forget the horrid situation he’s in, you do not need to write it at the end of every other chapter.
Then we have the flash backs to how he developed this addiction – they are completely flat. I can only describe this as telling instead of showing. To me this should have been a short story because editing it down and pulling on the most important parts would have been far more successful. The novella format is actually a far more complicated size than many give it credit for. It’s my favourite format so potentially I’m a tad harsh in my judgement but this did not have enough in it for it to be a successful novella.
The issue is entirely in the writing. You could argue that the protagonist is not meant to be likable therefore the author is using language that is meant to be abrasive and this would also excuse the use of “gonna” and other slag (including adding an “” in his thoughts). However, clearly we are also supposed to see him as someone who feels bad for his wife who is going to find him so he’ll say things about how wonderful his wife is and how she doesn’t deserve this but we are never made to feel that, it is just a statement on the page. An unlikable character is absolutely fine but please flesh it out more.
You might argue that the repetition in the storytelling is emphasising the futility of his situation and how it’s not changing despite his attempts to change the outcome that is coming. But honestly I got fed up of being reminded that he was lying in his own “piss and cum” – I know, I’ve already been told that, I’m not going to forget the horrid situation he’s in, you do not need to write it at the end of every other chapter.
Then we have the flash backs to how he developed this addiction – they are completely flat. I can only describe this as telling instead of showing. To me this should have been a short story because editing it down and pulling on the most important parts would have been far more successful. The novella format is actually a far more complicated size than many give it credit for. It’s my favourite format so potentially I’m a tad harsh in my judgement but this did not have enough in it for it to be a successful novella.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I’m a 40-year-old married woman with three sons, and I tore through Edging in one sitting.
This isn’t a gratuitous book. It’s an unflinching one.
Eric Nicholas writes addiction and compulsion with an honesty that feels uncomfortable in the best way, because it’s real. The porn isn’t the point; it’s the coping mechanism. The dopamine loop. The slow erosion that happens not in dramatic leaps, but in small, almost reasonable steps. At one point Nicholas writes, “The climax of vice—in steps, not leaps.” That line feels like the thesis for the entire novel. The highs are gratifying, the descent subtle, and by the time you realize how far down you’ve gone, you’re already there.
What struck me most is how human this story feels. The shame, the rationalizations, the internal bargaining… it all rings true. I can think of a few men I’d like to quietly put this book into the hands of.
And then there’s the ending.
I laughed. I rolled my eyes. And I deeply appreciated it.
Not because it was neat or comforting, but because it stayed honest. Edging never pretends that awareness equals transformation, or that exposure magically fixes anything. It understands the messy reality of self-sabotage and survival.
This was an easy, compelling read, and I’m genuinely glad I took a chance on it. It doesn’t look away, and neither should the reader.
*I received this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to #netgalley for the opportunity to read the advanced copy.
This isn’t a gratuitous book. It’s an unflinching one.
Eric Nicholas writes addiction and compulsion with an honesty that feels uncomfortable in the best way, because it’s real. The porn isn’t the point; it’s the coping mechanism. The dopamine loop. The slow erosion that happens not in dramatic leaps, but in small, almost reasonable steps. At one point Nicholas writes, “The climax of vice—in steps, not leaps.” That line feels like the thesis for the entire novel. The highs are gratifying, the descent subtle, and by the time you realize how far down you’ve gone, you’re already there.
What struck me most is how human this story feels. The shame, the rationalizations, the internal bargaining… it all rings true. I can think of a few men I’d like to quietly put this book into the hands of.
And then there’s the ending.
I laughed. I rolled my eyes. And I deeply appreciated it.
Not because it was neat or comforting, but because it stayed honest. Edging never pretends that awareness equals transformation, or that exposure magically fixes anything. It understands the messy reality of self-sabotage and survival.
This was an easy, compelling read, and I’m genuinely glad I took a chance on it. It doesn’t look away, and neither should the reader.
*I received this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to #netgalley for the opportunity to read the advanced copy.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
5⭐️
Edging is a searing presentation of the inner processes of addiction, here focused on the particular intricacies of pornography. Raw to the extreme, author Eric Nicholas offers graphic depictions not only of the medium itself, but of the physical and emotional toll experienced by the narrator, a husband and father whose heart attack interrupts his carefully chosen private time with an extensive and expensive collection. The story traces his spiraling panic, shame and despair as he imagines his family discovering him incapacitated and partially nude, while explicit sounds and images continue to blare in the room.
I applaud the decision to tell this story in the form of a novella. The narrative is powerfully crafted and precisely executed; any longer, and I suspect many readers would be overwhelmed. As it stands, the impact is devastating and sustained. I was left deeply sorrowful over the unspoken societal constraints and stigma that led the narrator toward addiction. Mental illness in men, particularly depression, must be normalized and addressed as the health condition it is.
TW for anyone in recovery of any kind.
Deep thanks to Sovran Media Group for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley.
Edging is a searing presentation of the inner processes of addiction, here focused on the particular intricacies of pornography. Raw to the extreme, author Eric Nicholas offers graphic depictions not only of the medium itself, but of the physical and emotional toll experienced by the narrator, a husband and father whose heart attack interrupts his carefully chosen private time with an extensive and expensive collection. The story traces his spiraling panic, shame and despair as he imagines his family discovering him incapacitated and partially nude, while explicit sounds and images continue to blare in the room.
I applaud the decision to tell this story in the form of a novella. The narrative is powerfully crafted and precisely executed; any longer, and I suspect many readers would be overwhelmed. As it stands, the impact is devastating and sustained. I was left deeply sorrowful over the unspoken societal constraints and stigma that led the narrator toward addiction. Mental illness in men, particularly depression, must be normalized and addressed as the health condition it is.
TW for anyone in recovery of any kind.
Deep thanks to Sovran Media Group for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Edging by Eric Nicholas tells the story of a man who unexpectedly finds himself forced to deal with the consequences of his porn addiction. While his wife and children are away from the home, he begins his usual routine of plugging into his digital collection of porn and related social media only to quickly feel the pain of a heart attack spread through his body. Panic sets in as he finds himself immobilized on the floor of his office, the video on his monitor continuing to loop and the sounds of raw sex echoing off the walls of the room. As he attempts to find a way out of his compromised situation his mind fluctuates between anxiety, shame and self-loathing. He struggles to come to terms not only with his immediate situation, but the string of events that led to feeling trapped by his own choices.
I found this short novella to be an excellent snapshot of the cycle of addiction and the pain it can cause to those who feel unable to break free from it. The book successfully describes the main character’s inner conflict as he realizes the damage being done to both himself and those he loves because of his failed attempts to stop what has become an unhealthy behavior.
Thanks to the publisher who provided an advance review copy of this book through NetGalley.
I found this short novella to be an excellent snapshot of the cycle of addiction and the pain it can cause to those who feel unable to break free from it. The book successfully describes the main character’s inner conflict as he realizes the damage being done to both himself and those he loves because of his failed attempts to stop what has become an unhealthy behavior.
Thanks to the publisher who provided an advance review copy of this book through NetGalley.
January 26, 2026
Oddly thought-provoking about whether we have a problem with desensitisation to porn in society today, and the impact and consequences of being exposed to porn at young ages.
The trouble with short stories is they often lack depth. But it’s also dependent on whether the story in question has something to say, something to educate etc, which I think ‘Edging’ does in a small way.
I likened him being trapped on then floor to a ‘trip’ a drug user might experience, or the paralytic state an alcoholic might find theirselves in - it gave him food for thought as to whether this was his ‘rock-bottom’ in his addiction; and unsurprisingly at times, despite being covered in his own piss and jizz, it still wasn’t rock-bottom. He was still full of his own self pity and desire for more. The same is true for many other addicts in an array of situations. This is where I felt the story somewhat thought provoking.
Some of the stuff felt like it was used for shock-value over any real purpose or ‘education’ about addiction, and the main character was totally unlikeable.
Quick read - some interesting points.
Thanks NetGalley & Sovran Media for the ARC in exchange for a review.
The trouble with short stories is they often lack depth. But it’s also dependent on whether the story in question has something to say, something to educate etc, which I think ‘Edging’ does in a small way.
I likened him being trapped on then floor to a ‘trip’ a drug user might experience, or the paralytic state an alcoholic might find theirselves in - it gave him food for thought as to whether this was his ‘rock-bottom’ in his addiction; and unsurprisingly at times, despite being covered in his own piss and jizz, it still wasn’t rock-bottom. He was still full of his own self pity and desire for more. The same is true for many other addicts in an array of situations. This is where I felt the story somewhat thought provoking.
Some of the stuff felt like it was used for shock-value over any real purpose or ‘education’ about addiction, and the main character was totally unlikeable.
Quick read - some interesting points.
Thanks NetGalley & Sovran Media for the ARC in exchange for a review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
ARC provided via NetGalley
I went into Edging not quite knowing what to expect, but I’ve been trying to broaden my reading horizons this year, so I decided to take a chance. The entire story unfolds over the course of a single day in the life of a man struggling with compulsive sexual behaviour, and one disastrous moment sends his world spiralling. After suffering a sudden, paralysing heart attack, he’s consumed by the fear of being discovered in a deeply compromising situation—his addiction laid bare to his wife and children.
The narrative is raw, unfiltered, and intentionally uncomfortable. Nicholas doesn’t soften the reality of addiction; instead, he leans into its messiness, shame, and panic. The fragmented, disorganised layout mirrors the protagonist’s frantic mental state, and the fast pacing amplifies the sense of claustrophobic urgency.
The ending is undeniably sad, offering a stark and honest look at how addiction—of any kind—can unravel a life. It’s a confronting read, but one that feels purposeful in its honesty.
I went into Edging not quite knowing what to expect, but I’ve been trying to broaden my reading horizons this year, so I decided to take a chance. The entire story unfolds over the course of a single day in the life of a man struggling with compulsive sexual behaviour, and one disastrous moment sends his world spiralling. After suffering a sudden, paralysing heart attack, he’s consumed by the fear of being discovered in a deeply compromising situation—his addiction laid bare to his wife and children.
The narrative is raw, unfiltered, and intentionally uncomfortable. Nicholas doesn’t soften the reality of addiction; instead, he leans into its messiness, shame, and panic. The fragmented, disorganised layout mirrors the protagonist’s frantic mental state, and the fast pacing amplifies the sense of claustrophobic urgency.
The ending is undeniably sad, offering a stark and honest look at how addiction—of any kind—can unravel a life. It’s a confronting read, but one that feels purposeful in its honesty.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Wow! When I saw this available to read on Netgalley I clicked on it and was intrigued by the synopsis. Eric Nicholas has shown the world an accurate portrayal of addiction. We find Jake in a compromising situation and at times you root for him to get out it unscathed. We get an unfiltered look at how a person's dopamine receptors diminish, causing the person to develop a tolerance, which leads to the person craving the substance, and then ultimately having the person prioritize substance seeking over basic human need(s). This cycle of addiction is depicted in such a way that we see how Jake got into this position, how he has tried in the past to get out of his addiction, and how it has impacted all aspects of his life. This read had me on the edge of my seat and I could not put it down until I finished the very last page. I was reading it on my phone and the last page I kept swiping to see if there was more to Jake's story. I was flabbergasted. Must read of 2026!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you NetGalley for an advanced copy of "Edging" by Eric Nicholas. It will be released on January 19th, 2026.
Edging is a short story about a porn addicted man named Jake, who goes to fulfill his needs while his wife and kids are out of the house. Except he suffers from a medical emergency and collapses in the floor, paralyzed, while his screen continues to show graphic videos, and more.
It's a quick read, but it is intense and terrifying to see him confront himself about his addiction, and while he tries to push himself to get help or turn his computer off.
I HIGHLY recommend this read if you enjoy thrillers, but because of it's content-- if you are triggered by pornography and all of it's components-- maybe skip this one.
Edging is a short story about a porn addicted man named Jake, who goes to fulfill his needs while his wife and kids are out of the house. Except he suffers from a medical emergency and collapses in the floor, paralyzed, while his screen continues to show graphic videos, and more.
It's a quick read, but it is intense and terrifying to see him confront himself about his addiction, and while he tries to push himself to get help or turn his computer off.
I HIGHLY recommend this read if you enjoy thrillers, but because of it's content-- if you are triggered by pornography and all of it's components-- maybe skip this one.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Edging is a raw, explicit, and deeply uncomfortable novella that left a strong impression on me. (even if I’m still unsure how I ultimately feel about it.)
The pacing is fast and works for the length. Any longer and I don’t think I could have handled it. The short chapters keep the story moving, there is character work and backstory that adds emotional weight.
This book made me feel discomfort, sadness, and a kind of pity for the narrator The final chapter pushed the experience firmly into pure shock, leaving me unsettled and unsure whether I “enjoyed” the book at all. It’s challenging, provocative, and not an easy read, but it’s certainly memorable.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The pacing is fast and works for the length. Any longer and I don’t think I could have handled it. The short chapters keep the story moving, there is character work and backstory that adds emotional weight.
This book made me feel discomfort, sadness, and a kind of pity for the narrator The final chapter pushed the experience firmly into pure shock, leaving me unsettled and unsure whether I “enjoyed” the book at all. It’s challenging, provocative, and not an easy read, but it’s certainly memorable.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Edging by Eric Nicholas is a unique novella about compulsion, shame and addiction to adult videos.
The book centers around Jake McNalley a family man with an addiction. It gives us a glimpse into his depraved mind, counting down the second until is family leaves, so that he can go to his computer and revel in his fantasies.
I didn't love the ended up understand that compulsions are hard to overcome and ultimately what is rock bottom for some people might not be for others. It is well written and definitely does not shy away from the realities of addiction.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book from NetGalley and Sovran Media Group in exchange for my honest opinion and review.
#netgalley #edging
The book centers around Jake McNalley a family man with an addiction. It gives us a glimpse into his depraved mind, counting down the second until is family leaves, so that he can go to his computer and revel in his fantasies.
I didn't love the ended up understand that compulsions are hard to overcome and ultimately what is rock bottom for some people might not be for others. It is well written and definitely does not shy away from the realities of addiction.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book from NetGalley and Sovran Media Group in exchange for my honest opinion and review.
#netgalley #edging
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
*3.5 - Alright, hear me out! Because I know y'all are looking at this cover and thinking "oh yep, Horny Shaz is at it again"..... and you might be right but this book is not what I was expecting!
This was unlike anything I have read before. Edging is a dark, dirty and surprisingly funny take on addiction with graphic (and I mean graphic) depictions of a man struggling with compulsive sexual behaviour.
Jake’s internal monologue had me cackling on the couch, and I was genuinely 'edging' to see how this would play out 😅 The irony is not lost on me at how anti-climatic the ending was.... Short, sharp, and strangely funny, I flew through this in one go.
Thank you to NetGalley and Sovran Media Group for the ARC 💌
This was unlike anything I have read before. Edging is a dark, dirty and surprisingly funny take on addiction with graphic (and I mean graphic) depictions of a man struggling with compulsive sexual behaviour.
Jake’s internal monologue had me cackling on the couch, and I was genuinely 'edging' to see how this would play out 😅 The irony is not lost on me at how anti-climatic the ending was.... Short, sharp, and strangely funny, I flew through this in one go.
Thank you to NetGalley and Sovran Media Group for the ARC 💌
January 20, 2026
When I first saw this book on Netgalley I didn't know what to think. I read the blurb but thought it'd be different from it was. I ended up really enjoying seeing into the mind of someone who deals with a severe mental health issue that I do not experience. His self-hatred and attempts to justify and then acceptance was something I could really feel because I myself have dealt with that in my OWN mental health issues.
This is something that is shamed and frowned upon but can be a huge problem for some folks that needs more light touched on. It shouldn't be taboo or hidden, addiction of any kind needs help and support.
The writing comes across as rough around the edges and at some points shares a darkness a lot don't know about, I really ended up enjoying this.
This is something that is shamed and frowned upon but can be a huge problem for some folks that needs more light touched on. It shouldn't be taboo or hidden, addiction of any kind needs help and support.
The writing comes across as rough around the edges and at some points shares a darkness a lot don't know about, I really ended up enjoying this.
February 12, 2026
Content warning; I mean, you shouldn't need one. But assuming you're walking in blind, this is a book about a character struggling with porn addiction and having a heart attack while perusing the internet.
It actually taps into a very valid problem the world is having now, with the increasing "pornification" of society and the easily accessible, more and more tailored and intense content available. Commercial websites use every trick in the world to grab attention and lust is one of the most powerful levers to pull. AI will only make this worse.
The story is quick and dirty, very biological and not for the faint of heart. It's a parable for the modern day about the pervasive risk of addiction. How something so easy and ubiquitous can lead to total ruin.
It actually taps into a very valid problem the world is having now, with the increasing "pornification" of society and the easily accessible, more and more tailored and intense content available. Commercial websites use every trick in the world to grab attention and lust is one of the most powerful levers to pull. AI will only make this worse.
The story is quick and dirty, very biological and not for the faint of heart. It's a parable for the modern day about the pervasive risk of addiction. How something so easy and ubiquitous can lead to total ruin.
January 28, 2026
A quick, fast paced read through the mind of a porn addicted male. This book conveys the desperation, guilt and shame that comes along with addiction (of anything). Here this man is, about to die for all he knows, yet he can only cycle through the obsession, guilt and shame as he reflects on his life and addiction up to that point. It's harrowing, it's shocking, but I believe it portrays porn addiction so well. Or again, any addiction, as it can ultimately make you want to die as well. It was short, fun, informative and left a lesson behind and thoughts that will go on for years. I definitely recommend it.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Title: Edging
Author: Eric Nicholas
Rating: 🌟🌟
Publication Date: January 19, 2026
Wow! Chapter 1 of this novella really starts off with the "wow" factor. It was short, but just enough to grab and keep my attention.
Unfortunately, that's where the positives end. This novella had such potential, but it totally fell short. The entire book basically focused on the main character trying to get off the floor of his office so he could turn his computer off. Just ridiculous.
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion/review.
Author: Eric Nicholas
Rating: 🌟🌟
Publication Date: January 19, 2026
Wow! Chapter 1 of this novella really starts off with the "wow" factor. It was short, but just enough to grab and keep my attention.
Unfortunately, that's where the positives end. This novella had such potential, but it totally fell short. The entire book basically focused on the main character trying to get off the floor of his office so he could turn his computer off. Just ridiculous.
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion/review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Wow.
Edging is an incredibly compelling and unrelenting character study crammed into a tiny package. Its examination of porn addiction and its effects on the main character's life are unflinching and uncompromising. The tension is constant, the pace is blazing fast, and because of its length, it's very easy to slam through the whole book in one sitting. A really great read.
Highly recommend!
Thank you NetGalley and Sovran Media Group for the early review copy!
Edging is an incredibly compelling and unrelenting character study crammed into a tiny package. Its examination of porn addiction and its effects on the main character's life are unflinching and uncompromising. The tension is constant, the pace is blazing fast, and because of its length, it's very easy to slam through the whole book in one sitting. A really great read.
Highly recommend!
Thank you NetGalley and Sovran Media Group for the early review copy!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Okay… where to start with this one? Just jaw-dropping on so many levels. From page 1, you’re locked into the main character’s thoughts and you LIVE his ordeal all the way to the shocking end. This is a ballsy book - nothing most publishers would dare release – and for that reason alone it’s a must-read.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Expected Pub Date: 1/19/2026
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this book.
This was a short and quick read. Wow, just wow. Things you never really consider or think about if it doesn't affect you. An addiction that no one talks about. This book is very explicit and graphic but very well done, and an eye opener.
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this book.
This was a short and quick read. Wow, just wow. Things you never really consider or think about if it doesn't affect you. An addiction that no one talks about. This book is very explicit and graphic but very well done, and an eye opener.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This book is an unrelenting thrill ride with depth. A compressed study of ego collapse in the digital age, it's sharp, timely, and unsettling - one bad minute that exposes an entire life. A must read.
January 12, 2026
This had great potential but just never really got there… which is quite ironic if you think about it.
Not the mystery/thriller it’s advertised to be.
Thanks to Netgalley, the publishers and author for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Not the mystery/thriller it’s advertised to be.
Thanks to Netgalley, the publishers and author for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 13, 2026
This book completely lacked depth. It was shock for the sake of shock. Also the redundancies were exhausting. Potentially cool premise that fell entirely flat.
Big thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for allowing me to enjoy this.
Big thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for allowing me to enjoy this.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I had to sit with this one for a few days to organize my thoughts. In short: bold, brave, and unfiltered. A deeply serious work that lays bare every truth while, at times, being wickedly funny. Edging sets the bar for 2026.
January 14, 2026
Wow. I liked this WAY more than I thought I would. Gripping, real, and filled with tension. I didn’t know who to root for more - Jake or Holly. The ending deflated me a bit, but that’s addiction. Recommended for any wanker.😂
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Good God. One of the best thrillers of early 2026.
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