Back from the Edge

by K.C. Wells

When Seb’s golden retriever Honey runs off along the cliff during his early morning walk, the last thing he expects to find is Phillip, standing there at the edge, the sea pounding the rocks beneath him. So Seb isn’t really surprised to hear the voice of his dead partner in his head…

Do something, love…

When Honey won’t leave Phillip’s side, Seb does the only thing he can think of – invites Phillip to come home with him for breakfast. Something in the quiet man touches him, and he wants to know more.

And leaving Phillip standing on that cliff is not an option.

Originally published in the Burning First Kiss Anthology.

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, Contemporary, Short Stories, LGBT, Amazon, Abuse

50 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 7, 2013

About the author

K.C. Wells lives on an island off the south coast of the UK, surrounded by natural beauty. She writes about men who love men, and can’t even contemplate a life that doesn’t include writing.
The rainbow rose tattoo on her back with the words 'Love is Love' and 'Love Wins' is her way of hoisting a flag. She plans to be writing about men in love - be it sweet and slow, hot or kinky - for a long while to come.

If you want to follow her exploits, you can sign up for her monthly newsletter: http://eepurl.com/cNKHlT

You can stalk – er, find – her in the following places:

E-mail: k.c.wells@btinternet.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KCWellsWorld
Twitter: @K_C_Wells
Website: https://www.kcwellswrites.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/k.c.wells
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/k-c-w...


And for those who like things a little hotter?
There's KC's alter ego, Tantalus, who writes gay erotica.

Reviews

[~✡~Dαni(ela) ♥ ♂♂ love & semi-colons~✡~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

~4.25~

Beautiful and over far too soon, this is a tale of two lonely men finding each other, with a little help from Honey, the sweet golden retriever who stole my heart (and Philip's too).

I cried my eyes out, but the ending more than made up for it.

Bittersweet, hopeful ... I wanted all the inbetweens.

Short story, major feels.

[Chelsea · Rating 2 out of 5]

Novellas are never easy to review but so much of this was just odd. The pacing, the plot, the insta love, the talking about dead ex’s and dead mothers on first meeting, the crying, the unrealistic dialogue. 🤷🏻‍♀️
You don’t save a man from a cliff and kiss him in the same day, come onnnnn.
Also the dog felt like it was used as a tool to make the book wholesome? But like stfu, we get it, she’s a good girl, move on 💀
(If I’m saying that about a dog, you know the dog was too much because dogs are my fucking favourite thing in this universe and MCs with dogs get extra respect points from me soooooo…)

[Bev · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short and sweet, one of the better shorties out there.

[Meags · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars

Back from the Edge, by K.C. Wells, is a beautiful short story about finding hope when all seems hopeless. It pulled on my heartstrings with ease and served as a good reminder that it’s never too late to reach for the life you’ve always wanted.

In brief, the story follows sad and suicidal Phillip, as he serendipitously meets Sebastian and his intuitive Golden Retriever, Honey, who arrive just in time to stop Phillip from tragically ending it all one early morning on a somber cliff-side.

For such a small story, Wells managed to pack a lot of emotions in. I felt Phillip’s desperation and hopelessness so deeply, while also feeling his easy and instant connection to Seb (and Honey, alike)—the kind of connection that makes life seem full of hope and new promises.

These two men fell for each other pretty quickly, no doubt, but I bought it completely, even in the face of such intense circumstances. The whole story had a warm and fuzzy sense of destiny fulfilled, like these guys were went to meet and meant to be together (with a helpful nudge or two from the adorable dog, and maybe even from the memory of Seb’s deceased partner).

This could have been a much bigger, detailed and delicious story, but I find myself surprisingly and fortunately content with exactly what this 36-page treat had to offer. I didn’t need any more or any less—it was perfect as is.

And that epilogue? Just wonderful!

[Denise H. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Re-read May 26, 2020
*** This free short story, is a British tale that will make you think.
Philip, 42, is ready to end it all, when Honey, a Golden Retriever leans on his leg. Following quickly behind, by Sebastian/Seb, 52, who is catching up to his pet.



Philip has been trapped his whole life by a domineering Mum, and now he's out of hope.
We hear each man's story, and find that they need each other.
This is a lovely tale of sadness turned around.
ENJOY.

=====

[Trisha Harrington · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a bittersweet, but hopeful story.

I love reading about lost characters finding each other. And this was a really nice example of one.

Honey, the dog, was an added bonus. She really made the story for me.

This is short read. But we get a HEA at the end, which was really lovely and made me smile.

[Debra ~~ seriously slacking on her reviews ~~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

A touching short story (originally published as part of an anthology) of two lonely men, one at the end of his rope and one just going through the motions, finding each other. I'm not a dog person, but even I could not resist Honey. I adored the epilogue and could have easily read more.

[BevS · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little gem of a story with a lovely happy ending. 4 stars from me.

[* A Reader Obsessed * · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

Seriously sweet feels with good touches of hurt/comfort.

As usual with shorts like this, one wants the full version.

[Catherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

*** 3.5 Stars ***

Starts a little sad, but the whole thing is super sweet.

[Kazza · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very sweet. I do love a dog in a story too, and Honey was gorgeous. It's always nice to see people getting a second chance at life and love.

But in all honesty, it's too short for the premise. This is a romance that needed more page time and it also needed sex on page, just once, not post sex bodily parts.

Nice freebie from the author to while away a bit of time with a cup of coffee, tea or a wine.

[BWT · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting premise. A man at the end of his rope decides to kill himself, but is brought back from the literal and figurative edge by another man who also knows loss.

It's a quick novella, had some sweet moments, and a lovely HEA, especially considering the start.

The one thing that bothered me was they put their beautiful dog, Honey, to sleep and immediately went to the rescue to pick out a new dog? Who does that?

[Elena · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars for the dog

I really liked the premise. If I could just get past the fact that abuse and trauma a lifetime long and suicidal thoughts were basically overlooked and “cured” with pet therapy, cuddles, generic reassurances and encouragement from a stranger turned partner in the span of 24 hours, I could have loved this. Unfortunately, I couldn’t.

I found really hard to believe that Phillip’s would be so well adjusted, because he was, all things considered, after spending all his life locked in a house with an emotional abusive mother and without having any sort of meaningful social experience and relationship outside his house, apart from driving to the grocery store and to the hospital. He didn’t even go to school.
Those are the kind of things that need therapy and time to be overcome and I also don’t think it was very healthy for Phillip to enter in a serious relationship with another man at this point in his life. Married within a year. Seriously? Why the rush?
He needed time to make friends, to have some sort of emotional independence on his own, to live a little before knowing what he wanted for himself. Maybe all that happened in the time jump before the end and the author decided not to show us, but this way I feel like Phillip just threw himself in the arms of the first man he met, found attractive and who treated him with patience and gentleness. Not the perfect recipe for a healthy, lasting relationship, in my opinion.

[⚣Michaelle⚣ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 Stars

Definitely different from anything else I've read by this author. But, while it was a sweet story about the power of love to help in healing, the very short length meant we didn't get a lot of characterization.

Nor a lot of story.

It skipped ahead a couple of years that I would have liked to read about - because after almost committing suicide and having practically NO socialization skills, it would have been a long, hard road for Phillip to grow into a well-adapted adult. THAT, and how Seb handled it, would have been ridiculously interesting!

[Tina · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5 stars.

Emotional, bittersweet short story with a sappy HEA at the end. What happened to Phillip before Seb and Honey saved him is somewhat far-fetched... but in fiction everything is possible, right?

Honey, the golden Retriever is a wonderful dog. Loved her. :)

[Peppa · Rating 2 out of 5]

The story had potential but I don’t think it was handled the best here, it felt a bit off. For the seriousness on topic that the novella had, was it too insta love for me Idk everything was just too fast without any built up, what left me a bit wondering how the hell they even started to care for each other that fast lmao.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25
I picked this up when it was a freebie (at least, I think I did) and found it a well written, touching dtory of grief and recovery. Despite the sad theme through the story, I found it heart-warming and quite lovely. I will absolutely be checking out more by this author.

[Marcie · Rating 4 out of 5]

"What a difference a day makes."

[♥️Victoria ♥️ ♥️love books♥️ · Rating 3 out of 5]

[Mary Mary · Rating 1 out of 5]

* 1.5 stars *

It wasn't terrible, I just didn't like the idea and it was too sweet.

The story about a man accidentally rescuing another guy from his suicidal attempt could have been really good. I liked the blurb and I liked that there was a dog involved but to be honest I didn't like anything else. I am not into stories with MCs in their 40-50 and definitely not into stories with the major character that spent his whole life in house with his mother. Ok it is horrible, she was sick and i feel sorry for him, but in the same time he was a grown man he didn't have to let her ruin his life because she wanted to control him! And Jesus, 42 year old man who just escaped his house! I sooo did not liked this.
Also, it was nauseatingly sweet. I can believe some ppl just click. I can imagine Seb and Philip were both lonely but what did they really had in common? It was so unbelievable I spent the whole time reading rolling my eyes. Blergh

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Re-read
It breaks my heart every time I read this and you might think why I keep reading it!!
One word - HOPE!

Re-read
This is a sad but beautiful story, that will bring tears to your eyes and joy to my heart.

All it takes is one step. Just close your eyes and step out over the edge. It’ll all be over before you know it"

[CrabbyPatty · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short, extremely sweet love story between Sebastian and Philip, featuring the adorable dog Honey.

[Justin Nova · Rating 4 out of 5]

Starts melancholy but ends up being a lovely story of two lonely men finding love together.

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gifted to me by a lovely secret elf this year.

I quite liked this book, even though I wished it had been a little longer.

[Bluebelle-the-Inquisitive (Catherine) · Rating 5 out of 5]

All it takes is one step. Just close your eyes and step out over the edge. It’ll all be over before you know it. — Philip Thornley

Warnings: Abuse, suicidal thoughts

Back From the Edge follows Philip Thornley, Sebastian Durrant and Sebastian's dog Honey for 24 hours. Set on the Isle of Wight, it starts on the edge of a cliff and ends in a warm and cozy quintessentially British cottage. This is a novella that absolutely does not need to be any longer than it is. Any longer and you'd be heading into some overly dark places, as it is the impact of them is shown but not the acts themselves. We are talking about abuse by a mother, social and intellectual abuse. Potentially physical but he stops short of saying it. Abandonment by the father. Honestly, it's heartbreaking. I'm not going to go into Seb and Phillip too much here, I think this is a story and characters that need to be read. To just be told would lose the emotional weight of the story.

What I will say is the blurb is semi-misleading. I found it to imply that the narrator is Seb the owner of the dog, the one that finds the suicidal man. The opposite is true, the primary narrator including the scene at the cliffs is Phillip. We are in his mind hearing the intrusive thoughts and hear them more than once. We do flash to the scene at the cliffs as experienced by Seb but later. The hero of the book is 12-year-old Golden Retriever Honey. That dog is written as a bit of a guardian angel. And as a pup definitely missed a calling as an assistance dog. Despite what Sebastian may say to the contrary. She is a perfect way to speak for the reader without words if that makes sense. Caleb while just a picture and an abstract voice is very present. I appreciate how he was done and his ongoing presence in Seb's life.

I want to share some of the brilliant lines from the story because I really like K.C. Wells's writing.
• Philip blushed. “I saw this series called Queer as Folk.” Seb snickered and that eased him for some reason. “As soon as I saw men kissing, having… sex”—he felt his cheeks heat up even further—“I knew I’d come home. That’s how it felt. And then I discovered Torchwood—and fell in love with Captain Jack Harkness.”
Seb snorted. “Who didn’t?” — This is just a mood. I'm so glad it's here. Jack Harkness is an omnisexual legend and let's be honest John Barrowman didn't make it hard for many of us to go with it. (Philip and Sebastian)
• "For the first time in a long while, Philip felt a new emotion stir deep within him.
Hope." and "It was so difficult to resist the negativity which had epitomized his thinking for so long. It was far easier to lose sight of the first glimmers of hope which had surfaced throughout his hours spent with Seb and Honey." — These are twin quotes essentially a chapter apart happening at quite different times of the day. I found them to be critical inclusions for a slight feel of realism. That sense of realism is what I liked about the writing. It's not so much to be distressing but enough to make you think and pull you in. (Phillip)
• “Don’t, please. Don’t think about it. I know what’s going through your mind. Believe me, the same thoughts haven’t left mine since I brought you here.” — These thoughts are fairly easy to derive given the context of their meeting. But I include it because I wanted to express y love of the idea that both Phillip and Seb acknowledge thoughts like this. They are both aware of their situation and what could have been. (Sebastian)

The main plot takes place over 24 hours representing the idea of each day is a new today and so much can change. With an epilogue 2 years later. There is no sex it is not that kind of story and wouldn't suit the plot and characters if there was. One is a widower of 3 years who is only just feeling again for the first time the other is hurting. That is not to say there isn't some on-point intimacy. This is absolutely not for everyone, not only is it short it is heavy. There are some serious red lines in here much as there was in Debt (which reminds me I really need to read Burden). But if you are willing to try it you will likely enjoy it.

That drawn, tight expression, the tension in his body… It had been so obvious what he’d been about to do. Why else would someone be standing at the edge of a cliff at seven o’clock one dark February morning? The invitation to breakfast was the first thing to cross his mind. And in his head he could almost hear Caleb’s voice. Do something, love. — Sebastian Durrant

A representative gif:

[Serena Yates · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loneliness is a horrible feeling, and when it gets to the point that someone can no longer deal with it, cannot see a way out, it can lead to decisions that no well-adjusted person can truly understand. Phillip is in such a situation, but he is lucky. Seb and his dog, Honey, come along just when he is about to step of a cliff, literally, and offer an alternative. It starts small, just an invitation for breakfast, but once the first step is taken, neither Phillip nor Seb want to let go.

Phillip has led an isolated life, kept apart from other people by a cruel, probably psychotic, mother. He is too nice to be a rebel, and was too insecure to consider changing his situation. But once his mother dies he is on his own, and that is worse for him than dealing with the familiar situation – as bad as it was. It is hard for Philip to imagine a different life, but that is where Seb comes in. Seb is alone, has lost his lover of many years, and while he copes with life (he has friends and a job that Phillip does not have), he isn’t happy. Finding Phillip is an eye-opening experience and opens up a whole range of options neither of them had before. Their story may start out as a tragedy, but gradually develops into a hope-filled tale of newfound companionship and the possibility of more.

If you like reading about sad situations improving, if two men finding unexpected happiness is your thing, and if you’re looking for a read that is emotional, intense, and very sweet, then you will probably like this short story.

[Shelley Chastagner · Rating 4 out of 5]

This short story is tinged with sorrow but doesn't overwhelm it. Philip is ready to give up on the life he's never had a chance to live. His despair brings him to the edge. Sebastian impresses me with his kind compassion and his insightfulness. The ending is a wonderful leap forward in time to show all that comes from their chance meeting.
Adult read

[Tully Vincent · Rating 3 out of 5]

Awww. Loved Honey the dog... I'm a sucker for a dog story, so really enjoyed the beginning and the ending bits made me cry.

[Elena · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was wavering between 4 and 5 stars for this one... But that ending!!!
First of all, a little background... I was reading 2 shorts in a quick succession: Hexed and this one and that made rating Back from the Edge a lot easier!
(You can find my review to Hexed here: my review so you can see what I mean by yourselves.)

Back from the Edge is a gem! Oh, it is very surreal in a way... the main plot takes up only 2 days so... everything had to be sort of rushed - but it didn't feel like that! Besides, the MC himself says it is all surreal to him ;)
But, nevertheless, it is such an emotional read! I simply fell in love with it from the very start because please! Would you keep a straight face against something like that???


I loved everything about this story. The fact that the MCs were older, not at all lovey-dovey, and they felt real . The golden retriever was adorable! I hate the "overusage" of cute, big-eyed dogs in books but Honey was just one more MC here. And her reactions felt real too. I know for a fact that dogs sense so much more that we do with our dulled senses and rational thinking The place was just perfect:


As well as Seb's little home:



And the writing style was captivating and so easy to follow.
The strongest point of this story is, however, that it was full of emotions and feelings! I fell for the MCs immediately and I could see the things with their eyes right from the start and it was heart-wrenching indeed!


HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

[Josy · Rating 3 out of 5]

~ 3.5 stars ~

Lovely short story with two sweet MCs and an adorable dog.

Read as part of my EuroPrideCon reading challenge: to read new-to-me-authors before the convention (https://europridecon.jimdo.com/).