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At the Brink #1
At the Brink
A Story of Sexual ObsessionLily: I should never have agreed to it.A woman will do a lot to keep her husband happy. But when my husband sells me to the highest bidder--billionaire, former Navy SEAL, pride of Boston's business scene--I agree, not to keep him happy but because it gives me the chance to finally escape. Escape my marriage, escape my debts, escape my life ...Josh Lane demands a steep price: my pride and my morals. But the truth is, I've never felt anything like what I feel for him. He brings color into my gray world. And his insistence that I submit to his commands--his depraved, filthy, amazing commands--only feeds my craving to be taken by him. Again. And again.I should never have agreed to it, but I'm so glad I did.Josh: I don't need to pay to keep women in my bed. Though my preferences may be unorthodox, I never leave a woman unsatisfied--far from it. Lily Boswell, though ... her innocence draws me, her secrets intrigue me. Having her is worth dealing with her cowardly scum of a husband.I want to release her passions and heal her wounds.On my terms.Because the blindfolds and restraints hide more than she could imagine. I must keep her safe from the people who would destroy me--and the demons that haunt my dreams.
1 pages, MP3 CD
Published May 24, 2016
37 people are currently reading
232 people want to read
About the author
Anna del Mar
65 books235 followersAnna del Mar writes hot, smart romances that soothe the soul, challenge the mind, and satisfy the heart. Her stories focus on strong heroines struggling to find their place in the world and the brave, sexy, kickass, military heroes who defy the limits of their broken bodies to protect the women they love. She is the author of The Asset (Carina Press), the first novel of her Wounded Warrior series and three other novels scheduled for release during 2016.
A Georgetown University graduate, Anna enjoys traveling, hiking, skiing, and the sea. Writing is her addiction, her drug of choice, and what she wants to do all the time. The extraordinary men and women she met during her years as a Navy wife inspire the fabulous heroes and heroines at the center of her stories. When she stays put—which doesn’t happen very often—she lives in Florida with her indulgent husband and two very opinionated cats.
A Georgetown University graduate, Anna enjoys traveling, hiking, skiing, and the sea. Writing is her addiction, her drug of choice, and what she wants to do all the time. The extraordinary men and women she met during her years as a Navy wife inspire the fabulous heroes and heroines at the center of her stories. When she stays put—which doesn’t happen very often—she lives in Florida with her indulgent husband and two very opinionated cats.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
July 27, 2017
This book has been sitting on my to-read list for awhile and I'm so glad I finally got round to reading it.
I had an idea what to expect from the blurb (a hot sexy read) but this actually turned out to be so much more than I'd expected.
Lily Boswell is a lovely woman both inside and out why she's married to such an unpleasant man as Martin is a complete mystery. A mystery that gets explained as the book progresses but Lily deserves so much more especially considering they're out of money and out of time, Martin needs a huge amount of cash to keep WindTech from going under and he'll do anything to get it, apparently even selling his wife.
Josh Lane is the man of the moment he's rich and powerful, hot and sexy with a huge trail of women in his wake. The last thing he needs to do is pay for sex but there's something about Lily, something about her calls to him and having her becomes an obsession.
What starts out as a business transaction turns into so much more and the more time we spend with these two characters the more we grow to love them.
As I said earlier this book was much more than I expected not only do we have two complex and interesting characters, loads of hot kinky sex but also someone is not as they seem and Josh and Lily are both in danger.
Fabulous read.
May 31, 2016
4.5 stars
ARC kindly provided by Carina Press via Netgalley in exchange of an honest review.
This is the story of Lily and Josh and it's a really beautiful one!
When I read a book that touches me deep in my heart, I really don't know how to write a review and to do it justice! This book is one of them! The writing was amazing! Ms. del Mar is so talented! There was not a line or even a word that was misplaced or unnecessary in this story! The plot moved flawlessly with a couple of twists! The characters were well-developed and they grew during this journey! And everything about it felt so right in my heart! Well, there was insta-attraction but it was well explained! There were really hot sex scenes but there was a reason for each of them! There was pain but love and joy as well! The book is written by a dual POV and it's amazingly done! The voices of Lily and Josh are so different and clear that there was no confusion, on the contrary they made the book so much more beautiful!
Lily is an amazing heroine! She has a difficult life and few bad choices in her past but she is a fighter! She doesn't give up her life and she doesn't cry about it! She is so proud! Lily has so much love in her heart to give to everyone who needs it and so much compassion! I really love her!
Josh is a great man! He looks after the ones that he cares about with his own ways! He also has love to give but he just doesn't know how! When he is with Lily, he looks like a boy that finally has joy! He doesn't give up on anything or anyone and I honestly love him too!
Their interactions were amazing! There were so many emotions among them and I could even feel their connection and the development of their relationship! Just beautiful!
The end of the book was breathtaking! I was reading their story and I thought that I had figured everything out but I was so wrong! Ms. del Mar didn't choose the easy way out of this story but she made her heroes to work and to earn their closure (happy or not!). The last chapters were fantastic! The end of the story was fantastic! I could never have thought a better way to conclude this story!
I definitely recommend this book to everyone who loves to read an erotica story full of true emotions!
ARC kindly provided by Carina Press via Netgalley in exchange of an honest review.
This is the story of Lily and Josh and it's a really beautiful one!
When I read a book that touches me deep in my heart, I really don't know how to write a review and to do it justice! This book is one of them! The writing was amazing! Ms. del Mar is so talented! There was not a line or even a word that was misplaced or unnecessary in this story! The plot moved flawlessly with a couple of twists! The characters were well-developed and they grew during this journey! And everything about it felt so right in my heart! Well, there was insta-attraction but it was well explained! There were really hot sex scenes but there was a reason for each of them! There was pain but love and joy as well! The book is written by a dual POV and it's amazingly done! The voices of Lily and Josh are so different and clear that there was no confusion, on the contrary they made the book so much more beautiful!
Lily is an amazing heroine! She has a difficult life and few bad choices in her past but she is a fighter! She doesn't give up her life and she doesn't cry about it! She is so proud! Lily has so much love in her heart to give to everyone who needs it and so much compassion! I really love her!
Josh is a great man! He looks after the ones that he cares about with his own ways! He also has love to give but he just doesn't know how! When he is with Lily, he looks like a boy that finally has joy! He doesn't give up on anything or anyone and I honestly love him too!
Their interactions were amazing! There were so many emotions among them and I could even feel their connection and the development of their relationship! Just beautiful!
The end of the book was breathtaking! I was reading their story and I thought that I had figured everything out but I was so wrong! Ms. del Mar didn't choose the easy way out of this story but she made her heroes to work and to earn their closure (happy or not!). The last chapters were fantastic! The end of the story was fantastic! I could never have thought a better way to conclude this story!
I definitely recommend this book to everyone who loves to read an erotica story full of true emotions!
August 13, 2016
Aghhhhhh!!!! This freaking book!!! I sooo hated/loved it!!!! Their "love" story is amazing. Josh is super adorable, controlling, moody. Lily is shy and "brave". Together they were fantastic. The moments they spend together outside the sheets are very endearing. I ONLY WISH THIS BOOK WAS NOT SO SMUTTY SO I could have absolutely loved it. The author kept throwing me off because of how poetic and sweet the book was at times and then BAM!!! Crass and smut. This book made Fifty Shades of Grey seem PG in comparison. Lol. I hadn't liked a love story this much in a while.
May 16, 2016
ARC provided by Carina Press via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Read as part of Shh...TopPicks May 8: Heroes with Illness/Disabilities/Injuries/Addiction
Goodreads Blurb: A Story of Sexual Obsession
Lily:
I should never have agreed to it.
A woman will do a lot to keep her husband happy. But when my husband sells me to the highest bidder—billionaire, former navy SEAL, pride of Boston's business scene—I agree, not to keep him happy, but because it gives me the chance to finally escape. Escape my marriage, escape my debts, escape my life…
Josh Lane demands a steep price: my pride and my morals. But the truth is, I've never felt anything like what I feel for him. He brings color into my gray world. And his insistence that I submit to his commands—his depraved, filthy, amazing commands—only feeds my craving to be taken by him. Again. And again.
I should never have agreed to it, but I'm so glad I did.
Josh:
I don't need to pay to keep women in my bed. Though my preferences may be unorthodox, I never leave a woman unsatisfied—far from it. Lily Boswell, though… Her innocence draws me, her secrets intrigue me. Having her is worth dealing with her cowardly scum of a husband.
I want to release her passions and heal her wounds.
On my terms.
Because the blindfolds and restraints hide more than she could imagine. I must keep her safe from the people who would destroy me—and the demons that haunt my dreams.
I loved this book far more than I expected to. It's emotional from the start, it starts with a bang and it ends with one. Josh and Lily are the kind of characters that could easily have their own standalone novels focusing on their pasts, they're both slightly damaged and looking for escapes, but when they come together everything makes sense for just a little while. Both have major weak points, but are stubborn and strong regardless of their weaknesses. I really liked reading from their dual POV's, because they both were so uniquely different and I truly felt like I switched from a young woman's artsy mind to an older male's business mind with each perspective shift. Lily is probably the strongest "damaged" heroine I have read about in a long time, girl has guts, while Josh was very weak when it came to his emotional problems, but strong when it came to control. The plot is similar to many out there, from the "Indecent Proposal" similarities (Thanks S, I watched it this weekend!) to every book about a sexual relationship becoming more, but it is how Anna del Mar tackled it that was fantastic. Both characters were so interesting and complete character development took place over the course of the book. The reader is shown glimpses of their pasts and short explanations of why they are how they are, but it isn't until the very end that you understand everything about them. It is only together that they both overcome what has held them back for so long. The secondary characters were so vital to the development of the main characters as well, I think they brought a new layer to Josh's story and really helped in showing that Lily was more than just another girl and that Josh was more than the controlling alpha-male he comes across as.
"Erotic pull? Is that what it was? I remembered the feeling, the universe darkening around us, his massive star pulling on my puny planet, altering my orbit, and the sense of an impending collision rattling my senses and obscuring my reason."
"What and infuriating sound. It meant everything that I already knew. We couldn't really make up, because in order to do so we'd have to be some sort of a normal couple-which we would never be-instead of two really screwed up beings bound together by a quasi-contractual agreement and a wild flare of chemistry."
There is immediate attraction between the main characters, but it's not instalove or even really instalust that's acted upon. The biggest intrigue is Lily's husband offering her up to save himself and both Lily and Josh, the businessman, finding that their attraction is stronger than the business deal. The book is very sexy, some beautiful smutty moments, but it isn't everything between the characters. For Josh it was something he relied on and hid behind, while Lily was almost virginal and found a new self that had been hidden inside her. Their relationship was tumultuous, at first their communication was poor and it was just about the sex, but their sexual relationship was what brought out them learning to open up. There was a lot of discussion about trust and sharing your darkness, which I really enjoyed. The end was a total twist for me and even though I had started guessing at it, I never could have predicted how it all worked out.
Her gaze consumed me with the passion I'd discovered in her soul. I knew at that moment that she saw me, not as I wanted to be, but rather exactly as I was"
This emotional roller coaster of a book is part angst and part sexy, plus a lot of really incredible writing. Anna del Mar leaves you on the edge of your seat, giving just enough new information to leave you hanging on, but still keeps the anticipation high. I loved not knowing the final outcome and seeing Lily and Josh work out their problems both separately and together to form a better union. The chemistry between these two is very real and I definitely would suggest At The Bring for readers looking for an emotional, erotic romance with some serious depth.
Favorite quote: "It wasn't even a question. I was game for all her games."
Read as part of Shh...TopPicks May 8: Heroes with Illness/Disabilities/Injuries/Addiction
Goodreads Blurb: A Story of Sexual Obsession
Lily:
I should never have agreed to it.
A woman will do a lot to keep her husband happy. But when my husband sells me to the highest bidder—billionaire, former navy SEAL, pride of Boston's business scene—I agree, not to keep him happy, but because it gives me the chance to finally escape. Escape my marriage, escape my debts, escape my life…
Josh Lane demands a steep price: my pride and my morals. But the truth is, I've never felt anything like what I feel for him. He brings color into my gray world. And his insistence that I submit to his commands—his depraved, filthy, amazing commands—only feeds my craving to be taken by him. Again. And again.
I should never have agreed to it, but I'm so glad I did.
Josh:
I don't need to pay to keep women in my bed. Though my preferences may be unorthodox, I never leave a woman unsatisfied—far from it. Lily Boswell, though… Her innocence draws me, her secrets intrigue me. Having her is worth dealing with her cowardly scum of a husband.
I want to release her passions and heal her wounds.
On my terms.
Because the blindfolds and restraints hide more than she could imagine. I must keep her safe from the people who would destroy me—and the demons that haunt my dreams.
I loved this book far more than I expected to. It's emotional from the start, it starts with a bang and it ends with one. Josh and Lily are the kind of characters that could easily have their own standalone novels focusing on their pasts, they're both slightly damaged and looking for escapes, but when they come together everything makes sense for just a little while. Both have major weak points, but are stubborn and strong regardless of their weaknesses. I really liked reading from their dual POV's, because they both were so uniquely different and I truly felt like I switched from a young woman's artsy mind to an older male's business mind with each perspective shift. Lily is probably the strongest "damaged" heroine I have read about in a long time, girl has guts, while Josh was very weak when it came to his emotional problems, but strong when it came to control. The plot is similar to many out there, from the "Indecent Proposal" similarities (Thanks S, I watched it this weekend!) to every book about a sexual relationship becoming more, but it is how Anna del Mar tackled it that was fantastic. Both characters were so interesting and complete character development took place over the course of the book. The reader is shown glimpses of their pasts and short explanations of why they are how they are, but it isn't until the very end that you understand everything about them. It is only together that they both overcome what has held them back for so long. The secondary characters were so vital to the development of the main characters as well, I think they brought a new layer to Josh's story and really helped in showing that Lily was more than just another girl and that Josh was more than the controlling alpha-male he comes across as.
"Erotic pull? Is that what it was? I remembered the feeling, the universe darkening around us, his massive star pulling on my puny planet, altering my orbit, and the sense of an impending collision rattling my senses and obscuring my reason."
"What and infuriating sound. It meant everything that I already knew. We couldn't really make up, because in order to do so we'd have to be some sort of a normal couple-which we would never be-instead of two really screwed up beings bound together by a quasi-contractual agreement and a wild flare of chemistry."
There is immediate attraction between the main characters, but it's not instalove or even really instalust that's acted upon. The biggest intrigue is Lily's husband offering her up to save himself and both Lily and Josh, the businessman, finding that their attraction is stronger than the business deal. The book is very sexy, some beautiful smutty moments, but it isn't everything between the characters. For Josh it was something he relied on and hid behind, while Lily was almost virginal and found a new self that had been hidden inside her. Their relationship was tumultuous, at first their communication was poor and it was just about the sex, but their sexual relationship was what brought out them learning to open up. There was a lot of discussion about trust and sharing your darkness, which I really enjoyed. The end was a total twist for me and even though I had started guessing at it, I never could have predicted how it all worked out.
Her gaze consumed me with the passion I'd discovered in her soul. I knew at that moment that she saw me, not as I wanted to be, but rather exactly as I was"
This emotional roller coaster of a book is part angst and part sexy, plus a lot of really incredible writing. Anna del Mar leaves you on the edge of your seat, giving just enough new information to leave you hanging on, but still keeps the anticipation high. I loved not knowing the final outcome and seeing Lily and Josh work out their problems both separately and together to form a better union. The chemistry between these two is very real and I definitely would suggest At The Bring for readers looking for an emotional, erotic romance with some serious depth.
Favorite quote: "It wasn't even a question. I was game for all her games."
April 8, 2024
Decent chemistry, but the fmc ruins it. She ruins it with her insecurities, being "surprised" that she's beautiful and her slutshaming language.
2 stars for not having horrible chemistry.
2 stars for not having horrible chemistry.
April 4, 2016
I received an eARC, from NetGalley and the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.
'At The Brink' by Anna del Mar is a really hot, emotional book that I could not put down. This is the first book I have read of Anna del Mar and now I am dying to try to get more!!
Josh Lane is a ex-Navy Seal that is also very rich. Josh doesn't do relationships and is more into quick unattached affairs that he controls. We learn that something from his Navy Seal days has changed him and it had also had the girl he was engaged to break it off with him.
Lily Boswell has been taking care of her mother and that is her priority. Lilly Husband is nothing but a user and keeps Lilly under his thumb with threats of ruining her...and her mother.
So when he ask that she go to a party to try to help him get a project picked up by Josh Lane. So she goes between being worried about what he could do and that this might be the way to get him out of her life.
When Josh and Lily meet they both feel very attracted to each other. Josh quickly get the meaning that Lily husband would be her up as part of the 'deal'. Josh has taken in to the fact that he might be able to help Lily and be able to get his instant desire under control.
Lily had not ideal her husband was trying to use her for collateral to Josh for his project. When she goes with her husband to Josh office she learns what her husband has done. Josh talks to her and lets her decide if this is something she can go forward with.
I would ask that you give this book a chance. It has more to it then what can be put down in words. I think you will enjoy the emotional roller coaster ride you get here.
Please Follow Me on the below Sites for my Reviews.
http://sissymaereads.blogspot.com/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/17091...
https://www.facebook.com/sally.mae.39...
'At The Brink' by Anna del Mar is a really hot, emotional book that I could not put down. This is the first book I have read of Anna del Mar and now I am dying to try to get more!!
Josh Lane is a ex-Navy Seal that is also very rich. Josh doesn't do relationships and is more into quick unattached affairs that he controls. We learn that something from his Navy Seal days has changed him and it had also had the girl he was engaged to break it off with him.
Lily Boswell has been taking care of her mother and that is her priority. Lilly Husband is nothing but a user and keeps Lilly under his thumb with threats of ruining her...and her mother.
So when he ask that she go to a party to try to help him get a project picked up by Josh Lane. So she goes between being worried about what he could do and that this might be the way to get him out of her life.
When Josh and Lily meet they both feel very attracted to each other. Josh quickly get the meaning that Lily husband would be her up as part of the 'deal'. Josh has taken in to the fact that he might be able to help Lily and be able to get his instant desire under control.
Lily had not ideal her husband was trying to use her for collateral to Josh for his project. When she goes with her husband to Josh office she learns what her husband has done. Josh talks to her and lets her decide if this is something she can go forward with.
I would ask that you give this book a chance. It has more to it then what can be put down in words. I think you will enjoy the emotional roller coaster ride you get here.
Please Follow Me on the below Sites for my Reviews.
http://sissymaereads.blogspot.com/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/17091...
https://www.facebook.com/sally.mae.39...
March 8, 2018
Yeah I know … rules should never be broken but … sometimes .. I made it a rule to never read the opening chapters of new books at the end of a just finished one. I only read the Blurbs to see if the content piques my interest.
Because I know myself – I know that I get grumpy because those opening flycatcher chapters end right in the middle of something and leave you waiting for the book– well THANK YOU Anna del Mar… NOW I am grumpy … because I did not even finish my review for “At The Brink” and now I need to have “The Stranger” because I read its opening chapter.
Coming back to the problem at hand – my review for “at the Brink”. … and actually “breaking the rule” is a good opening also for that. The first chapters had me kind of frustrated. This book was not my first one by Ms. del Mar – so I knew that it had potential to be a good one, but you never know until you start.
So I struggled through the first chapters and there was only one thought on my mind. “Is she really going to pull of an “Indecent Proposal” kind of thing? But than as the story continued another thought occurred to me… She was NOT only going to use THAT card – no – she really pulled ALL the stops – and used every card there is.
At first I though “OH NO – don’t do that” because the way the plot developed reminded me of a potpourri of several other books…. But suddenly I got it … don’t ask me if my line of thought changed or if it was the story development but suddenly it kind of “clicked” and everything fell into place.
I was not only at “peace” with the story but also my opinion of this author was solidified.
Josh and Lily are such interesting characters – and their development takes place throughout the whole book. It is only on the last pages that their picture becomes complete for the readers. What a rare gift – to tell a story like this.
She has an amazing way of capturing the readers attention – with this book it felt like she used an overload of impressions from other stories to make a point in her own. It is really difficult to explain what I felt.
Especially now that there is not even a real blurb out on GR – so I am not sure how much info is too much …
One thing I have to say though …. Only after I finished I noticed the clever way that the author distracted from a certain fact that even Lily only realized at the very end.
Great job … this little twist along the way never even occurred to me. And I rarely say this as I usually hate Movie to Book adaptations – but I would love to see this “little” fact transferred to a movie – to see if this really works out.
Because in my family circle I have a comparing “fact” and I realized even as a small child quite early what was going on – so I can not quite figure out if it is really possible to NOT realize it… (yeah I know talking about riddles – sorry)
So after a confusing beginning with a lot of mixed feelings this book developed into something really capturing. I was hooked to the plot until the very end – and if it is now believable or not – I liked the way the end developed – it just gave the story this little extra that was missing in the beginning – this very personal touch of the author.
God – did I say I need the next book ? like in I REALLY NEED TO READ “The Stranger”?!
May 18, 2016
Hey ladies, this is one book boyfriend you'll wanna get your hands on STAT!
Lily Boswell can't believe her loser husband offered her up to billionaire Josh Lane for an influx of money into his failing company. Except that she can, she totally can believe it. It's a good thing then that Josh is WAY easy on the eyes and makes her heart stutter in her chest when he touches her.
Josh doesn't have to pay women to be in his bed, but he'd give his fortune away for one night with Lily. Fortunately that doesn't have to be the case, since her husband virtually gives her away, even if she doesn't really want to be his lover. The two of them have a once in a lifetime chemistry, and he's willing to find out what could be between them. Josh completely corrupts the demure Lily, taking her to dizzying sensual heights and showing her things she never dreamed about. But Josh has a lot of secrets, secrets that Lily has no way of uncovering. And with forces conspiring to break them apart, she may not ever have the chance.
AT THE BRINK is the first novel in the new At The Brink series by Ms. del Mar, and it's AWESOME! Josh and Lily had some seriously insane chemistry, and their sex scenes absolutely made me drool! But beyond the hot hot hot sexy sex, their banter and adoration of each other was epic. This is one book couple that will stay with me for awhile!
Lily was a sweet, lovely woman. With a shithead husband who made her life hell and a negative balance in her banking account, she makes the best of a craptastic situation. Josh sweeps her off her feet and she's helpless to resist his domineering persona. Former Navy SEAL Josh needed control over all aspects of his life, and while Lily was a good bedroom submissive, she wasn't one to be tamed in life. Together the couple formed a brilliant love affair that captivated and enthralled me from the first page. I'm super excited to work my way through her books featuring some phenomenal veterans.
Bottom Line: I wholeheartedly and enthusiastically recommend picking up AT THE BRINK and enjoying Ms. del Mar's fabulous writing style! - See more at: http://www.theromancereviews.com/view...
- See more at: http://www.theromancereviews.com/view...
Lily Boswell can't believe her loser husband offered her up to billionaire Josh Lane for an influx of money into his failing company. Except that she can, she totally can believe it. It's a good thing then that Josh is WAY easy on the eyes and makes her heart stutter in her chest when he touches her.
Josh doesn't have to pay women to be in his bed, but he'd give his fortune away for one night with Lily. Fortunately that doesn't have to be the case, since her husband virtually gives her away, even if she doesn't really want to be his lover. The two of them have a once in a lifetime chemistry, and he's willing to find out what could be between them. Josh completely corrupts the demure Lily, taking her to dizzying sensual heights and showing her things she never dreamed about. But Josh has a lot of secrets, secrets that Lily has no way of uncovering. And with forces conspiring to break them apart, she may not ever have the chance.
AT THE BRINK is the first novel in the new At The Brink series by Ms. del Mar, and it's AWESOME! Josh and Lily had some seriously insane chemistry, and their sex scenes absolutely made me drool! But beyond the hot hot hot sexy sex, their banter and adoration of each other was epic. This is one book couple that will stay with me for awhile!
Lily was a sweet, lovely woman. With a shithead husband who made her life hell and a negative balance in her banking account, she makes the best of a craptastic situation. Josh sweeps her off her feet and she's helpless to resist his domineering persona. Former Navy SEAL Josh needed control over all aspects of his life, and while Lily was a good bedroom submissive, she wasn't one to be tamed in life. Together the couple formed a brilliant love affair that captivated and enthralled me from the first page. I'm super excited to work my way through her books featuring some phenomenal veterans.
Bottom Line: I wholeheartedly and enthusiastically recommend picking up AT THE BRINK and enjoying Ms. del Mar's fabulous writing style! - See more at: http://www.theromancereviews.com/view...
- See more at: http://www.theromancereviews.com/view...
May 2, 2016
Paige's review posted at Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
I thought At the Brink was cross between Fifty Shades, This Man Series and Indecent Proposal. The author does a good job keeping the reader interested in Josh and Lily.
Josh is demanding, controlling, a successful business man and a Navy SEAL. He knows what he wants and who he wants. He has a scarred past and has built up walls to keep his past hidden. Even after all this couple has been through, Josh still keeps his past a secret from Lily.
Lily has always been a victim. Her parents, her husband and now Josh. Their relationship started out as a business deal but over time the couple experienced more. Lily also build up walls and was hesitant to let Josh in but realized she wanted more from him.
Josh and Lily were explosive from the start. Lily was timid at first but was ready to play any game Josh wanted. By the end of the book found the sex to be a little over the top. The couple needed more than sex to bring them together.
The author takes time bringing this couple together throughout the book but I thought the ending was rushed. I also didn't like the last few chapters. This couple deserved a better ending.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
I thought At the Brink was cross between Fifty Shades, This Man Series and Indecent Proposal. The author does a good job keeping the reader interested in Josh and Lily.
Josh is demanding, controlling, a successful business man and a Navy SEAL. He knows what he wants and who he wants. He has a scarred past and has built up walls to keep his past hidden. Even after all this couple has been through, Josh still keeps his past a secret from Lily.
Lily has always been a victim. Her parents, her husband and now Josh. Their relationship started out as a business deal but over time the couple experienced more. Lily also build up walls and was hesitant to let Josh in but realized she wanted more from him.
Josh and Lily were explosive from the start. Lily was timid at first but was ready to play any game Josh wanted. By the end of the book found the sex to be a little over the top. The couple needed more than sex to bring them together.
The author takes time bringing this couple together throughout the book but I thought the ending was rushed. I also didn't like the last few chapters. This couple deserved a better ending.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
May 4, 2016
I received an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review and if I could give it more than a 5-star rating I would.
Lily Boswell is married to Martin Poe, a dreadful little man who forces Lily to attend a gala fundraiser for wounded warriors with him. She dreads such events and they cause her to suffer panic attacks, but Martin doesn't care--he has a plan in place, and a loathesome plan it is. He plans to barter with Josh Lane, billionaire business magnate, whose financial support he desperately needs to continue developing his latest get rich quick scheme, WindTech. He's already spent all of his wife's money, she's working multiple jobs and attempting to keep her comatose mother in a long-term care facility. As she leaves the rest room at the gala after once again trying to deal with her panic attack, she encounters a drunken guest being abusive to a blind and injured veteran and his service dog, which is where Lily first encounters Josh Lane, when she asserts herself as having witnessed the drunk step on the dog's paw, and Josh soon makes short work of the drunken fool, having his escorted out.
Josh is as immediately attracted to Lily as she is to him, and when Martin proposes that Josh can have everything and anything he owns, including his wife, in exchange for bankrolling WindTech, he's intrigued enough to Consider accepting Martin's offer. When they meet again at his office, Josh learns that Lily had no idea what her husband had suggested, but Josh is impressed by her honesty and innocence, and, as long as Lily agrees to his conditions, Josh will accept Martin's offer. And so begins their admittedly strange, exceedingly erotic, dangerous and emotionally tumultuous relationship.
Josh Lane is as alpha an alpha male as this reader has encountered in some time, some of his sexual demands are far from vanilla in nature, and he's not an easy man to get to know or fully understand--and that applies to both Lily and the reader. He's often remote and highly controlling, yet, at the same time, he's often both the tormentor and the tormented, while Lily tries to understand what drives him and what torments him.
The reasons why Josh is the way he is form the backbone of this suspenseful novel. Ms. del Mar is certainly quite adept at writing some of the hottest and most compelling erotic scenes I've read (which is why I'd suggest this novel is most definitely for the 18+ reader), but At The Brink is so much more than just another erotic romance novel about a billionaire and his whims. Instead, At The Brink touches on subjects near and dear to this reader's heart, issues of honesty, trust, forgiveness, and the PTSD that now plagues so many of our returning veterans. It's a novel filled with intrigue and danger, it's masterfully written and plotted, it has memorable characters about whom you come to care deeply, and I cannot recommend it highly enough.
Lily Boswell is married to Martin Poe, a dreadful little man who forces Lily to attend a gala fundraiser for wounded warriors with him. She dreads such events and they cause her to suffer panic attacks, but Martin doesn't care--he has a plan in place, and a loathesome plan it is. He plans to barter with Josh Lane, billionaire business magnate, whose financial support he desperately needs to continue developing his latest get rich quick scheme, WindTech. He's already spent all of his wife's money, she's working multiple jobs and attempting to keep her comatose mother in a long-term care facility. As she leaves the rest room at the gala after once again trying to deal with her panic attack, she encounters a drunken guest being abusive to a blind and injured veteran and his service dog, which is where Lily first encounters Josh Lane, when she asserts herself as having witnessed the drunk step on the dog's paw, and Josh soon makes short work of the drunken fool, having his escorted out.
Josh is as immediately attracted to Lily as she is to him, and when Martin proposes that Josh can have everything and anything he owns, including his wife, in exchange for bankrolling WindTech, he's intrigued enough to Consider accepting Martin's offer. When they meet again at his office, Josh learns that Lily had no idea what her husband had suggested, but Josh is impressed by her honesty and innocence, and, as long as Lily agrees to his conditions, Josh will accept Martin's offer. And so begins their admittedly strange, exceedingly erotic, dangerous and emotionally tumultuous relationship.
Josh Lane is as alpha an alpha male as this reader has encountered in some time, some of his sexual demands are far from vanilla in nature, and he's not an easy man to get to know or fully understand--and that applies to both Lily and the reader. He's often remote and highly controlling, yet, at the same time, he's often both the tormentor and the tormented, while Lily tries to understand what drives him and what torments him.
The reasons why Josh is the way he is form the backbone of this suspenseful novel. Ms. del Mar is certainly quite adept at writing some of the hottest and most compelling erotic scenes I've read (which is why I'd suggest this novel is most definitely for the 18+ reader), but At The Brink is so much more than just another erotic romance novel about a billionaire and his whims. Instead, At The Brink touches on subjects near and dear to this reader's heart, issues of honesty, trust, forgiveness, and the PTSD that now plagues so many of our returning veterans. It's a novel filled with intrigue and danger, it's masterfully written and plotted, it has memorable characters about whom you come to care deeply, and I cannot recommend it highly enough.
July 7, 2016
Indecent proposal meets Fifty Shades with a little Coming Home twist. I applaud that del Mar brings something different to the romance game with her heroes with a (damaged) heart, but this take lacked an emotional connection between its main characters. The premise and backstory were ridiculous as it was unbelievable. I lost interest about halfway through the first quarter with Lily's "will she or won't she,"act. del Mar does a lot of telling us how strong Lily is, but I found her one of the weakest protagonists I've read in some time. The male lead doesn't fare much better and instead of sexy brooding he is more of a boorish bore. Their relationship is one supposedly built on chemistry and uncontrollable attraction, but it takes over half the book for the heroine to not have a panic attack when they're together. Their agreement/contract is odd and not very seductive, as is the pedestrian pillow talk. There is a big buildup towards it, but I never understood what the big rush was. Grand setups of corporate espionage and the big reveal are underwhelming: villains coming and going, physicality issues and plenty of sexy times, however, it has a rather staid and somber. I was expecting big things after del Mar's last book, and while her perspective is interesting I found this particular outing a letdown. I wished I liked this one more, but it lacked the heart and heart-pounding action I have come to expect from this author.
December 30, 2018
Bit on the fence with this one. At times it was really good but at times the plot was a bit eye rolling.
It was different from the usual "Dominant" male and the usual BDSM stuff that goes with that domination. He loved his kink but didn't resort to the usual "sub" "little one" language which I really liked.
The plot was one we all know but what I liked about the MC was that he did show his softer side.
Straight onto book 2.
It was different from the usual "Dominant" male and the usual BDSM stuff that goes with that domination. He loved his kink but didn't resort to the usual "sub" "little one" language which I really liked.
The plot was one we all know but what I liked about the MC was that he did show his softer side.
Straight onto book 2.
June 10, 2016
4 Stars!!!
December 21, 2016
DNF at 25%. If I could give this book zero stars I would. The writing is HORRIBLE, it reads like a high schoolers version of Fifty Shades of Grey.
Save your money and avoid this one.
Save your money and avoid this one.
June 1, 2017
I think I would have 'loved' the book had it not been so incredibly long. It's so long that you lose interest after a while. I was listening to the audiobook (14+ hours long), so that meant that I kind of zoned out in some parts, but not enough to miss what was going on. Overall, it was a great book with an even better ending, as long as you can make it through some of the mundane middle parts.
Lily is married to a POS man who is pretty much blackmailing her into staying married and is now, entering into an agreement with Josh to become his lover. In exchange, Josh will fund her husband's project until he can get the prototype working. It was all really irrelevant it seemed since her husband just kind of disappeared from the story after the beginning drama.
Josh is a billionaire former Navy SEAL and has certain demands in bed (but honestly, they were pretty tame). He knows there's something different about Lily the second he sees her and wants to make her his so that he can protect her and of course get something out of the deal while he's at it. Honestly, after his insinuation at contractural demands of her 'services' that she'd have to give in order for her husband to be helped, he really became kind of a softy towards her, but one who still liked order and used his alpha tendencies to his benefit.
On top of all the relationship drama, we get corporate espionage, manipulation, threats and attempted murder. So it keeps the story interesting, that's for sure, but I think the book could have wrapped up a lot sooner since every situation was wrapped up in a pretty bow without much hoopla.
I liked Josh, he was a bit overprotective and overbearing and that didn't bother me, but his insecurities were probably his worse feature. He kept himself closed out to Lily right until the end and then it was all kind of anti-climatic. It's not as if you couldn't put 2 and 2 together to figure out what his hang up was about. I get why he had issues and his heart was broken before, but that didn't mean he had to close himself off to everyone. And to then stay away for months afterwards and hurt himself and Lily in the process, yeah, not cool.
Lily was a bit of a 'mouse' it seemed for most of the book. It wasn't until the end that she finally stood up for herself in a big way and took charge of her life. I did like that she had a sense of humor, was witty and had a big heart. I just wish she had put her foot down earlier - it could have saved them both some heartache.
I enjoyed the meeting the most. It was sweet and really showed the love they had for each other (although, now that I think about it, did they ever even say they loved each other???). I felt the connection between them at that point and saw how they were both needed to piece the other person back together again and help them finally heal.
Lily is married to a POS man who is pretty much blackmailing her into staying married and is now, entering into an agreement with Josh to become his lover. In exchange, Josh will fund her husband's project until he can get the prototype working. It was all really irrelevant it seemed since her husband just kind of disappeared from the story after the beginning drama.
Josh is a billionaire former Navy SEAL and has certain demands in bed (but honestly, they were pretty tame). He knows there's something different about Lily the second he sees her and wants to make her his so that he can protect her and of course get something out of the deal while he's at it. Honestly, after his insinuation at contractural demands of her 'services' that she'd have to give in order for her husband to be helped, he really became kind of a softy towards her, but one who still liked order and used his alpha tendencies to his benefit.
On top of all the relationship drama, we get corporate espionage, manipulation, threats and attempted murder. So it keeps the story interesting, that's for sure, but I think the book could have wrapped up a lot sooner since every situation was wrapped up in a pretty bow without much hoopla.
I liked Josh, he was a bit overprotective and overbearing and that didn't bother me, but his insecurities were probably his worse feature. He kept himself closed out to Lily right until the end and then it was all kind of anti-climatic. It's not as if you couldn't put 2 and 2 together to figure out what his hang up was about. I get why he had issues and his heart was broken before, but that didn't mean he had to close himself off to everyone. And to then stay away for months afterwards and hurt himself and Lily in the process, yeah, not cool.
Lily was a bit of a 'mouse' it seemed for most of the book. It wasn't until the end that she finally stood up for herself in a big way and took charge of her life. I did like that she had a sense of humor, was witty and had a big heart. I just wish she had put her foot down earlier - it could have saved them both some heartache.
I enjoyed the meeting the most. It was sweet and really showed the love they had for each other (although, now that I think about it, did they ever even say they loved each other???). I felt the connection between them at that point and saw how they were both needed to piece the other person back together again and help them finally heal.
August 17, 2021
Alle sue condizioni è il primo volume di una duologia erotica ma singolarmente sono autoconclusivi. Quello che mi aveva colpito di questo libro era la trama interessante ed era anche partito bene peccato che arrivata a metà mi sono dovuta ricredere.
Le vicende sono raccontate dal punto di vista di entrambi i protagonisti (Lily, un'artista che non ha mai esposto, con pochi soldi e una madre da accudire e Josh ex SEAL, ricchissimo, bellissimo, bravo a letto e con esigenze particolari).
Ma veniamo alla trama. Lily è sposata con un manipolatore, che la tradisce e sperpera tutto il denaro che riesce a mettere da parte. Ha una società che rischia il fallimento quindi ricatta Lily (ha firmato qualcosa che la farebbe finire in prigione): dovrà partecipare ad un evento di beneficenza ed essere carina con l'uomo che potrebbe investire del denaro in quella società.
Tra Lily e Josh scatta subito una potente attrazione che sfocia in un contratto tra i due. In cambio del denaro per il marito, loro passeranno del tempo insieme. Lily accetta (non solo per il ricatto) e inizia la loro bollente relazione.
La relazione tra i due più che dai sentimenti, è basata soprattutto sull'attrazione incontrollabile. A dire il vero lascia perplessi il fatto che un momento prima sono legati in una torbida relazione sessuale e un momento dopo, lui la porta a casa sua (dove non aveva mai portato nessun'altra donna), rombe il contratto e la porta a conoscere i suoi...
Le scene di sesso sono decisamente troppe per cui appesantiscono un po' il ritmo della narrazione.
Anche la rivelazione di Lily (il motivo per cui veniva ricattata dal marito) viene buttata così. Poteva essere interessante anche se l'autrice avesse esplorato un po' di più lo spionaggio aziendale.
Il marito di Lily salvo l'iniziale apparizione è tutto preso dal lavoro. Lascia cadere troppo facilmente la presa su Lily.
La rivelazione sul finale è decisamente inaspettata, ma mi aspettavo un approfondimento maggiore della cosa.
Si poteva fare di più perché l'idea iniziale non era male.
Le vicende sono raccontate dal punto di vista di entrambi i protagonisti (Lily, un'artista che non ha mai esposto, con pochi soldi e una madre da accudire e Josh ex SEAL, ricchissimo, bellissimo, bravo a letto e con esigenze particolari).
Ma veniamo alla trama. Lily è sposata con un manipolatore, che la tradisce e sperpera tutto il denaro che riesce a mettere da parte. Ha una società che rischia il fallimento quindi ricatta Lily (ha firmato qualcosa che la farebbe finire in prigione): dovrà partecipare ad un evento di beneficenza ed essere carina con l'uomo che potrebbe investire del denaro in quella società.
Tra Lily e Josh scatta subito una potente attrazione che sfocia in un contratto tra i due. In cambio del denaro per il marito, loro passeranno del tempo insieme. Lily accetta (non solo per il ricatto) e inizia la loro bollente relazione.
La relazione tra i due più che dai sentimenti, è basata soprattutto sull'attrazione incontrollabile. A dire il vero lascia perplessi il fatto che un momento prima sono legati in una torbida relazione sessuale e un momento dopo, lui la porta a casa sua (dove non aveva mai portato nessun'altra donna), rombe il contratto e la porta a conoscere i suoi...
Le scene di sesso sono decisamente troppe per cui appesantiscono un po' il ritmo della narrazione.
Anche la rivelazione di Lily (il motivo per cui veniva ricattata dal marito) viene buttata così. Poteva essere interessante anche se l'autrice avesse esplorato un po' di più lo spionaggio aziendale.
Il marito di Lily salvo l'iniziale apparizione è tutto preso dal lavoro. Lascia cadere troppo facilmente la presa su Lily.
La rivelazione sul finale è decisamente inaspettata, ma mi aspettavo un approfondimento maggiore della cosa.
Si poteva fare di più perché l'idea iniziale non era male.
September 1, 2022
This got 1 star because it's required for a review. And I suppose the 1 star can be attributed to the voice of Jeremy York. He's sexy. The book; however, is mostly boring and dumb. I DNF at 50% because the female lead got so freaking stupid. I can't stand a stupid woman. It's also confusing and frustrating. She just lets him act like a complete ass and never says anything. Then every single time someone threatens her - instead of telling the one that can help her and even being a tiny bit honest with her partner - she decides "I'll just take care of it myself" is the best route to go. Seriously? Isn't that line completely played out by now?! I'm also not sure about this - the audio version, when the female narrator spoke the male lines - it was more angry and gruff. When the male narrator read his lines, it was delivered nicer. But again it's mostly boring. It also got SO frustrating because he would be like "oh I am acting like such an ass" but then he never did anything to rectify it. I was frustrated but still determined to try and finish - but at 50% she acts so dang stupid that I can't even finish. STUPID. AND...... the guy you're with tells another woman that he loves her and when you ask who it was he tells you it doesn't matter AND YOU DON'T QUESTION IT?!?! what kind of spineless twat are you?! I just can't stand it.
March 9, 2022
Josh Lane may be one of the most complex characters that I've run across in a while. He's controlling, exacting, a perfectionist, a business dynamo and a man with demons. He protects himself by erecting emotional walls and keeping all but a handful of people at arm's length. Yet he is generous to all fault and has a softer side that is seldom seen. Lily Poe has been emotionally stunted and traumatized for most of her life by her father, her mother and even her husband has contibuted. Her relationship with Josh is as unconventional as it gets but through him she starts to develop and assert her strengths while charting her course. It's definitely a rocky road for her and Josh. While he's exposed all of her vulnerability, he's not forthcoming with his own dark secrets.
April 2, 2022
Decide to see if so the author could get “naughty” it was okay …more descriptive… this one was a bit twisty - had some good stuff some slow parts overall good but the lack of communication was annoying at times.
Josh is an ex Seal turned billionaire- I liked him even though he appeared to be controlling and have proclivities… Lily - idk / at first she was timid and a pawn / she grew a spine but her rejection over 3/4 in made no sense - a bit much - so I had a few ughs and it could also be that I’ve been binging on this author - so worth the read - I’m going to take a break then I’ll come back and listen to the next in the series…
Narrators ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Josh is an ex Seal turned billionaire- I liked him even though he appeared to be controlling and have proclivities… Lily - idk / at first she was timid and a pawn / she grew a spine but her rejection over 3/4 in made no sense - a bit much - so I had a few ughs and it could also be that I’ve been binging on this author - so worth the read - I’m going to take a break then I’ll come back and listen to the next in the series…
Narrators ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
February 11, 2021
Fantastic story. It’s too bad I listened to it on Audible. Lily’s character was narrated wonderfully while Josh’s character was horribly narrated. It ruined the book for me. It’s no fault of the author. On audible I have this book 3 stars and that was generous.
Read
May 9, 2019Ugh! This book is so hard to enjoy. The mc's are lacking any personality. It seems the author is trying so hard to write erotica, that the story is just stagnant. And her erotica? It's like they're going through the motions, with no emotion. Boring. 4 days later and I'm still trying to finish this long, unemotional, uneventful, novel with the flat characters. The juvenile writing is making it hard.
July 12, 2021
What I like about Anna Del Mars books are the story lines - they are diverse and intriguing. As I get older I am more bored by the ever lengthening sex scenes but I put up with them for the story.
June 27, 2025
amazing gripping read multiple times
September 18, 2016
5 Breathless-Stars! ☆☆☆☆☆
Have you ever read a book extra slow, just to savor every word of a beautiful story. This was one of those books for me. My heart raced, broke and melted chapter after chapter. I was hooked from the beginning and couldn't look away.
Josh Lane was perfect. Simply put, because not only is he hot, he owns his own company, he can fly a plane, drive a boat, and he even built a house with his own hands! A freakin house?!?!! ...wow.
I can't beat a nail into a piece of wood without damaging something or injuring myself.
“What I want from you is not a one night stand,” he said. “It’s a sustained period of companionship.”
My lips couldn’t even pronounce the word. “Companionship?”
“Sexual companionship,” he said. “Specifically the kind of unconventional practices I prefer, provided on my terms and to my specifications.”
“Say again?”
“Lily, I want to fuck you. I want to fuck you a lot, whenever and however I want to.”
The feel of the story reminds me a lot about 'Fifty Shades of Grey'. Not the part of Martin giving away his Wife to be used any way fitted by Josh, but by the connection between Josh and Lily, ...and Josh's BDSM fetish. The way their romance played out was sweet and heart-warming.
I love Lily's character. She's the kind of girl you'd want as your best friend. She's sweet, loving, brave and good-hearted. But don't get those qualities confused with naive or stupid, because she is a strong woman who falls in love with a broken man.
The sex scenes left me breathing heavy & fanning myself... :) Yeah...that hot! I loved it when Josh talked dirty during sex, which was almost every single time. And I may seem odd, border line stupid even, but i like when guys f#%k with their clothes on, like Josh did a couple of times. Maybe its the whole idea of wanting to bang so hard, so fast, that taking the clothes off is a waste of time? ...i don't know, but i do know i like it :)
I did find it funny though that a guy like Josh who is not only a heavy hitting business man, who runs a huge company and was also in the army & navy texts like a 12 year old girl... Even i don't type, "@meeting. TTYL" ...just saying. It took me way too long to figure out what 'TTYL' means.
I liked the climactic post-ending. (The ending was kind of mellow.) It wasn't at all what i expected. I thought Lilly's photos would get leaked or Martin would make his disgusting appearance and f#%k everything up for Josh and her, but i was wrong. I even liked the ending. It was sweet, just like Lilly and Josh's relationship. :)
Have you ever read a book extra slow, just to savor every word of a beautiful story. This was one of those books for me. My heart raced, broke and melted chapter after chapter. I was hooked from the beginning and couldn't look away.
Josh Lane was perfect. Simply put, because not only is he hot, he owns his own company, he can fly a plane, drive a boat, and he even built a house with his own hands! A freakin house?!?!! ...wow.
I can't beat a nail into a piece of wood without damaging something or injuring myself.
“What I want from you is not a one night stand,” he said. “It’s a sustained period of companionship.”
My lips couldn’t even pronounce the word. “Companionship?”
“Sexual companionship,” he said. “Specifically the kind of unconventional practices I prefer, provided on my terms and to my specifications.”
“Say again?”
“Lily, I want to fuck you. I want to fuck you a lot, whenever and however I want to.”
The feel of the story reminds me a lot about 'Fifty Shades of Grey'. Not the part of Martin giving away his Wife to be used any way fitted by Josh, but by the connection between Josh and Lily, ...and Josh's BDSM fetish. The way their romance played out was sweet and heart-warming.
I love Lily's character. She's the kind of girl you'd want as your best friend. She's sweet, loving, brave and good-hearted. But don't get those qualities confused with naive or stupid, because she is a strong woman who falls in love with a broken man.
The sex scenes left me breathing heavy & fanning myself... :) Yeah...that hot! I loved it when Josh talked dirty during sex, which was almost every single time. And I may seem odd, border line stupid even, but i like when guys f#%k with their clothes on, like Josh did a couple of times. Maybe its the whole idea of wanting to bang so hard, so fast, that taking the clothes off is a waste of time? ...i don't know, but i do know i like it :)
I did find it funny though that a guy like Josh who is not only a heavy hitting business man, who runs a huge company and was also in the army & navy texts like a 12 year old girl... Even i don't type, "@meeting. TTYL" ...just saying. It took me way too long to figure out what 'TTYL' means.
I liked the climactic post-ending. (The ending was kind of mellow.) It wasn't at all what i expected. I thought Lilly's photos would get leaked or Martin would make his disgusting appearance and f#%k everything up for Josh and her, but i was wrong. I even liked the ending. It was sweet, just like Lilly and Josh's relationship. :)
November 30, 2016
The first word that I think of when I think about this book is: Wowzers!
Lily’s habit of assigning colors to people and her environment was something I understand pretty well because I used to do it a lot too. Her husband was a douche bag of the highest order. I can empathize with her about getting stuck in a relationship that you hate. She is a strong person and as the book progresses grows even more so. Things may’ve started as a business deal of sorts but it so doesn’t end that way. With Josh’s help she begins to find herself and get back on her feet and finally stand on her own and worry about herself and not everyone else, like her mother and Martin. She also deals with her emotional hang-ups she acquired from her controlling mother and philandering father and husband.
Josh is the typical control freak, which you get a better understanding of when you get towards the end of the story. I appreciated the type of work his company did and how he was all about helping our vets. His proclivities when it came to the bedroom kinda tripped off the meter asking wtf is he hiding, but again you don’t actually learn why till the end of the story. I will say that this mystery was one I was curious about the entire book and wasn’t expecting what actually happened *at all*. I love how Lily started healing him and having him work on the issues he had had for so long. Lily totally busted the walls he put up to keep the world out and let him set things up to control every aspect of his life, and others.
Another thing that I appreciated is how close to the truth Del Mar tries to be. She did this by mentioning about the protestors who are actually something a veteran has to watch out for and how Josh had been attacked more than once by them.
These were two seriously screwed up people, but the way their romance unfolded and helped start to smooth out the kinks was something to read. It was one part Beauty and the Beast, one part Indecent Proposal, with some Cinderella thrown in.
Having read both this book and the other book that she has out right now, The Asset; I can cheerfully say that while they are similar in story they are prettttttty far when it comes to serious sexy times. Both stories had me riveted to the book and hesitant to put it down to do things like laundry, shower, or actually eat something. The Asset proved to me that she writes a good story, The Brink shows me that she is practically an expert when it comes to writing some sizzling; have to fan yourself while you read sex scenes.
I’m not sure what else to say so I will wrap up my rambling with: I loved this book and pretty much everything about it.
Lily’s habit of assigning colors to people and her environment was something I understand pretty well because I used to do it a lot too. Her husband was a douche bag of the highest order. I can empathize with her about getting stuck in a relationship that you hate. She is a strong person and as the book progresses grows even more so. Things may’ve started as a business deal of sorts but it so doesn’t end that way. With Josh’s help she begins to find herself and get back on her feet and finally stand on her own and worry about herself and not everyone else, like her mother and Martin. She also deals with her emotional hang-ups she acquired from her controlling mother and philandering father and husband.
Josh is the typical control freak, which you get a better understanding of when you get towards the end of the story. I appreciated the type of work his company did and how he was all about helping our vets. His proclivities when it came to the bedroom kinda tripped off the meter asking wtf is he hiding, but again you don’t actually learn why till the end of the story. I will say that this mystery was one I was curious about the entire book and wasn’t expecting what actually happened *at all*. I love how Lily started healing him and having him work on the issues he had had for so long. Lily totally busted the walls he put up to keep the world out and let him set things up to control every aspect of his life, and others.
Another thing that I appreciated is how close to the truth Del Mar tries to be. She did this by mentioning about the protestors who are actually something a veteran has to watch out for and how Josh had been attacked more than once by them.
These were two seriously screwed up people, but the way their romance unfolded and helped start to smooth out the kinks was something to read. It was one part Beauty and the Beast, one part Indecent Proposal, with some Cinderella thrown in.
Having read both this book and the other book that she has out right now, The Asset; I can cheerfully say that while they are similar in story they are prettttttty far when it comes to serious sexy times. Both stories had me riveted to the book and hesitant to put it down to do things like laundry, shower, or actually eat something. The Asset proved to me that she writes a good story, The Brink shows me that she is practically an expert when it comes to writing some sizzling; have to fan yourself while you read sex scenes.
I’m not sure what else to say so I will wrap up my rambling with: I loved this book and pretty much everything about it.
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July 10, 2016Nearing the halfway point, and I'm finally not hating it quite as much as I thought I would. But the premise is ridiculous. RI-DIC-U-LOUS. Like, at the beginning I hated everyone, including the hero and heroine. I still hate them, because WHAT THE F*CK? This is to say that if the sex hadn't started, I might have given up. ;-)
I'm finding it a bit uneven. The heroine seems to act out of character. The reason they're together is sketchy at best, meaning I just was scratching my head at the whole reasoning of the 'deal' that was worked out, and how it really would benefit Lily. (There's really no other way to get money for your mom's nursing home besides letting your sleazebag husband sell you to a billionaire as a sex slave? This is the one and only option? What would have happened if the billionaire hadn't offered? Mom would just live on the street in a persistent vegetative state?) And Lily really does get with the program remarkably fast, for someone who objected to the proposition at first. Once she agreed to it (again, why, but whatever) she's like, "OK, I guess I'm a sex slave now. All righty then." Meanwhile, I don't like Josh, because, well, he's the sort of guy who thinks it's okay to buy a woman from another guy. I'm not much for feeling guilt, but this would fall under a "guilty pleasure" book for me if I did. (I'm not into those sheikh/harem books but I'd lump it somewhere in that sort of area, I think.) So, basically I'm embarrassed to say I'm sticking with it, at least for now. I'll be back if/when I finish to update here.
Finished: Okay, I'll give it up that it did all come together in the end, somewhat conveniently, as a matter of fact, but up to the last big sequence, it was pretty torturous for me, and sexy wounded warrior or not, Josh wouldn't be the guy for me. Lily's personality was somewhat all over the place; she doesn't believe in psychology, yet seems to know quite a bit about it and uses it at her own convenience while complaining about it the rest of the time. So weird. Anyway, I'd rec this book if you're really into tortured alpha males, but if you're not, I'd stay away if I were you. It was mostly well written, with some caveats of odd sexual words and phrases that threw me out of the book while I made my "I've been slimed" face.
I'm finding it a bit uneven. The heroine seems to act out of character. The reason they're together is sketchy at best, meaning I just was scratching my head at the whole reasoning of the 'deal' that was worked out, and how it really would benefit Lily. (There's really no other way to get money for your mom's nursing home besides letting your sleazebag husband sell you to a billionaire as a sex slave? This is the one and only option? What would have happened if the billionaire hadn't offered? Mom would just live on the street in a persistent vegetative state?) And Lily really does get with the program remarkably fast, for someone who objected to the proposition at first. Once she agreed to it (again, why, but whatever) she's like, "OK, I guess I'm a sex slave now. All righty then." Meanwhile, I don't like Josh, because, well, he's the sort of guy who thinks it's okay to buy a woman from another guy. I'm not much for feeling guilt, but this would fall under a "guilty pleasure" book for me if I did. (I'm not into those sheikh/harem books but I'd lump it somewhere in that sort of area, I think.) So, basically I'm embarrassed to say I'm sticking with it, at least for now. I'll be back if/when I finish to update here.
Finished: Okay, I'll give it up that it did all come together in the end, somewhat conveniently, as a matter of fact, but up to the last big sequence, it was pretty torturous for me, and sexy wounded warrior or not, Josh wouldn't be the guy for me. Lily's personality was somewhat all over the place; she doesn't believe in psychology, yet seems to know quite a bit about it and uses it at her own convenience while complaining about it the rest of the time. So weird. Anyway, I'd rec this book if you're really into tortured alpha males, but if you're not, I'd stay away if I were you. It was mostly well written, with some caveats of odd sexual words and phrases that threw me out of the book while I made my "I've been slimed" face.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 10, 2016
I have stated in previous book reviews that I love “arrangement” romances, I literally cannot get enough of them. So could I miss out on reading Anna Del Mar’s “At the Brink”? Absolutely not. Did I enjoy reading it? Yes, I did! The book was well-written, the plot was well paced and plausible, and I loved all of the characters!
I adore Josh. I don’t care that he’s a bit OCD, I don’t care that he’s demanding and controlling, I don’t care, I don’t care, I DON’T CARE! I love this man’s character. He is underneath it all, an emotionally wounded and loving man who cares and feels deeply. This is a man you can trust with your life. He is brave, honorable and loyal. He will fight for you, take care of you, protect you — practically move heaven and earth for you! He might not use his words to express his feelings, but he more than makes up for that with his actions inside and outside the bedroom… ;)
Lily is a sweetheart. There’s even a passage in the book where Josh says something like, “Who wouldn’t like Lily.” and I couldn’t agree more.
Lily is introverted but she has a subtle fire within her that Josh took notice of and desperately wanted to be consumed by. She’s beautiful, kind and good-natured. She is not weak. Unsure of herself and insecure maybe.. but definitely not weak.
I think what I respected most about Lily was her acceptance of Josh for who he was. She didn’t push him or give him ultimatums in order to force him to change. When circumstances in the book caused them to part, she took action and fought for her man. I LOVED THAT! :) She tried to speak his language, in order to understand him, and be his safe place to fall. I don’t think she changed who she was for him either. He brought out the sensual and passionate woman that she didn’t know she was, and once he brought it out, there was no way that genie was going back in that bottle!
There are quite a few steamy sex scenes in this book. Passionate. Raw. Delicious. Dirty. So you need to be prepared. Have a fan nearby…. ;)
I thoroughly enjoyed reading “At the Brink”. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys romances that are brazenly erotic, their heroes bossy but broken, and their heroines kick-ass yet sweet. :) I would definitely read another book by this author. :)
I adore Josh. I don’t care that he’s a bit OCD, I don’t care that he’s demanding and controlling, I don’t care, I don’t care, I DON’T CARE! I love this man’s character. He is underneath it all, an emotionally wounded and loving man who cares and feels deeply. This is a man you can trust with your life. He is brave, honorable and loyal. He will fight for you, take care of you, protect you — practically move heaven and earth for you! He might not use his words to express his feelings, but he more than makes up for that with his actions inside and outside the bedroom… ;)
Lily is a sweetheart. There’s even a passage in the book where Josh says something like, “Who wouldn’t like Lily.” and I couldn’t agree more.
Lily is introverted but she has a subtle fire within her that Josh took notice of and desperately wanted to be consumed by. She’s beautiful, kind and good-natured. She is not weak. Unsure of herself and insecure maybe.. but definitely not weak.
I think what I respected most about Lily was her acceptance of Josh for who he was. She didn’t push him or give him ultimatums in order to force him to change. When circumstances in the book caused them to part, she took action and fought for her man. I LOVED THAT! :) She tried to speak his language, in order to understand him, and be his safe place to fall. I don’t think she changed who she was for him either. He brought out the sensual and passionate woman that she didn’t know she was, and once he brought it out, there was no way that genie was going back in that bottle!
There are quite a few steamy sex scenes in this book. Passionate. Raw. Delicious. Dirty. So you need to be prepared. Have a fan nearby…. ;)
I thoroughly enjoyed reading “At the Brink”. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys romances that are brazenly erotic, their heroes bossy but broken, and their heroines kick-ass yet sweet. :) I would definitely read another book by this author. :)
April 9, 2016
What a gripping powerful story! It starts out very scandalous and and some parts outrageous but turns into a heart wrenching romance with a back story that explains it all.
Lily starts out as a scared little rabbit that is so unsure of herself. She suffers from panic attacks but then has the guts to stand up for herself. She definitely knows how to scarfice to get what she wants freedom and security. Lily grows into a beautiful strong woman as the story goes on and fights for what she wants, I didn't want to strangle her and she didn't make those dumb heroine decisions where you want to pull out your hair and scream "You dumb ass!!!!" I like that she speaks her mind to Josh and let's him have it when he deserves it! I love her progression throughout the story!
Josh is a very in control man and I mean he has total control. You will want to throttle him at times because he is so arrogant and conrolling, He at times was over the top, but he fits the very high IQ person that has no common sense or emotional sense. He has his reasons to act and it is hard to see the reasons. I never figured out his secret and for once I was surprised with the big reveal. He is sexy as hell and kinky too. Total male whore before he meets her, but totally rock steady after. He is a damaged hero, but once the reveal is opened you understand him and just love him even more.
The sex is kinky and fun nothing over the top. When he has her paint herself it is really hot! The sex isn't the whole story and just the right amount of ummm. The two have so much hotness between them! I think I need a shower!
Great emotional read loved it couldn't put it down even read some at work...but don't tell. First book from this author and I will check our more from her.
Received an ARC from the publisher for a honest review.
Lily starts out as a scared little rabbit that is so unsure of herself. She suffers from panic attacks but then has the guts to stand up for herself. She definitely knows how to scarfice to get what she wants freedom and security. Lily grows into a beautiful strong woman as the story goes on and fights for what she wants, I didn't want to strangle her and she didn't make those dumb heroine decisions where you want to pull out your hair and scream "You dumb ass!!!!" I like that she speaks her mind to Josh and let's him have it when he deserves it! I love her progression throughout the story!
Josh is a very in control man and I mean he has total control. You will want to throttle him at times because he is so arrogant and conrolling, He at times was over the top, but he fits the very high IQ person that has no common sense or emotional sense. He has his reasons to act and it is hard to see the reasons. I never figured out his secret and for once I was surprised with the big reveal. He is sexy as hell and kinky too. Total male whore before he meets her, but totally rock steady after. He is a damaged hero, but once the reveal is opened you understand him and just love him even more.
The sex is kinky and fun nothing over the top. When he has her paint herself it is really hot! The sex isn't the whole story and just the right amount of ummm. The two have so much hotness between them! I think I need a shower!
Great emotional read loved it couldn't put it down even read some at work...but don't tell. First book from this author and I will check our more from her.
Received an ARC from the publisher for a honest review.
May 6, 2016
This risqué romp is more than worth the time it took to create, edit, and publish! I was so intrigued, I thought I’d become a sexy spy. I absolutely LOVE Josh and all his hang-ups, demands, and naughtiness; and for the record – I have absolutely no shame!
When I thought the sex scenes couldn’t burn any hotter, the flames would spike; and the best part? The plot, the characters, the action! Take your pick. I choose them all.
A former Navy SEAL, Josh is organized, demanding, and trustworthy. He lives his life by military rules, and he has no problem demanding – and expecting- what he wants. Lily is quite the opposite, but beneath her soft exterior lies a vixen, and before Josh can count the bullets in his gun, he’s hooked. Of course he has trouble verbally expressing that, but talk isn’t the only form of communication. Lily is a talker, but she quickly- albeit reluctantly- learns his favorite form of communication. The characters are well-developed, as is their relationship, and I would love to read more about them. Even their initial attraction was more than just physical; the cute-meet kicking off a tantalizing read.
Amman, Mac, and Baez grabbed and held on to my attention just as much as the H/H. Secondary characters is too mild of a description. I loved these guys! There’s also some mystery – a who’s-trying-to-dun-it, if you will. So my mind was just busy all the way around. There was not one boring moment. And the dialogue? Expert!
Del Mar didn’t disappoint. I read the Asset, so I was already aware of her capabilities, and this just confirmed her skills! Kudos, and more Kudos!
When I thought the sex scenes couldn’t burn any hotter, the flames would spike; and the best part? The plot, the characters, the action! Take your pick. I choose them all.
A former Navy SEAL, Josh is organized, demanding, and trustworthy. He lives his life by military rules, and he has no problem demanding – and expecting- what he wants. Lily is quite the opposite, but beneath her soft exterior lies a vixen, and before Josh can count the bullets in his gun, he’s hooked. Of course he has trouble verbally expressing that, but talk isn’t the only form of communication. Lily is a talker, but she quickly- albeit reluctantly- learns his favorite form of communication. The characters are well-developed, as is their relationship, and I would love to read more about them. Even their initial attraction was more than just physical; the cute-meet kicking off a tantalizing read.
Amman, Mac, and Baez grabbed and held on to my attention just as much as the H/H. Secondary characters is too mild of a description. I loved these guys! There’s also some mystery – a who’s-trying-to-dun-it, if you will. So my mind was just busy all the way around. There was not one boring moment. And the dialogue? Expert!
Del Mar didn’t disappoint. I read the Asset, so I was already aware of her capabilities, and this just confirmed her skills! Kudos, and more Kudos!
January 25, 2022
I was fully prepared to apologize to the author for making her answer such a mundane question as "What Makes At The Brink Unique?" when I hosted a guest post for the release of this book (and I truly am sorry for the mundane question; not having read the book I couldn't come up with anything more detailed and I believe I might have had a limited amount of time to come up with something better. I'm pretty sure I'm the reason why tour hosts request something more elaborate than simple "List 10 Things" questions for guest posts now.) But now I'm kind of glad I made her try to prove why her book was different from all other romance novels out there (pretty sure those were around my exact words too). Because, honestly? Not so much.
Male character: rich, powerful, dominate, broken, guarded with secrets, won't let himself love or be loved.
Enter female character who changes that last part: troubled, a bit broken herself, in need of rescuing, bit uptight, insecure (why would a guy like him want me?).
I could go on.
I don't know what led me to stick around, I'd make a joke and say it was the sex but I genuinely don't know, I just really wanted to know how it would end.
I did like the ending. Even if what led to it made no real sense and was wrapped up way too quickly.
Maybe this book would be enticing to someone like Lily, new to this type of world, but for someone who has been around these themes and genre it's kind of a been there done that sense.
Male character: rich, powerful, dominate, broken, guarded with secrets, won't let himself love or be loved.
Enter female character who changes that last part: troubled, a bit broken herself, in need of rescuing, bit uptight, insecure (why would a guy like him want me?).
I could go on.
I don't know what led me to stick around, I'd make a joke and say it was the sex but I genuinely don't know, I just really wanted to know how it would end.
I did like the ending. Even if what led to it made no real sense and was wrapped up way too quickly.
Maybe this book would be enticing to someone like Lily, new to this type of world, but for someone who has been around these themes and genre it's kind of a been there done that sense.
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