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The Edge #4.5
Edge of Ruin
In this scorching boxed set of brand-new novellas by USA Today bestselling author Megan Crane, the ultimate Viking warriors rule a future, destroyed world with the force of will alone. But now, they will meet the women who will change…everything.
“Danger’s Edge”
Tait has laid claim to the fearsome reputation of raider. His overwhelming presence and fierce sexual prowess makes people both burn for his touch and cower in his wake. Elenthea has spent her whole life on the Raft, a floating city known for being much safer than the ravaged land. But when Raft politics leave Elenthea a breath away from stranded in the sea, she turns to the blisteringly hot warrior to help secure her place on land. But will this bargain of survival be consumed by passion?
“Need’s Edge”
Matylda felt she had no choice but to become a mail order bride, but Zavier isn’t at all what she expected. He’s dark and forbidding, and his sexual expectations are demanding… and hungry. Very, very hungry. It isn’t long before Matylda finds herself more than a little addicted to her mail order husband’s touch… but he has the option to trade her in at the March equinox. Will he return her like every other bride before her? Or will this commanding raider keep his explosively passionate mail order bride?
“Raider’s Edge”
Mighty warrior Jurin stepped up and claimed Melyssa’s baby when she first came to the clan. As kind as he is fierce, as gentle as he is brutal, Jurin took a vow to act as friend and father to Melyssa’s family. But doing so means ignoring the surge of sensual awareness that simmers barely repressed between them, and soon Jurin must decide whether to play the role of distant protector— or claim her as his woman for good…
“Danger’s Edge”
Tait has laid claim to the fearsome reputation of raider. His overwhelming presence and fierce sexual prowess makes people both burn for his touch and cower in his wake. Elenthea has spent her whole life on the Raft, a floating city known for being much safer than the ravaged land. But when Raft politics leave Elenthea a breath away from stranded in the sea, she turns to the blisteringly hot warrior to help secure her place on land. But will this bargain of survival be consumed by passion?
“Need’s Edge”
Matylda felt she had no choice but to become a mail order bride, but Zavier isn’t at all what she expected. He’s dark and forbidding, and his sexual expectations are demanding… and hungry. Very, very hungry. It isn’t long before Matylda finds herself more than a little addicted to her mail order husband’s touch… but he has the option to trade her in at the March equinox. Will he return her like every other bride before her? Or will this commanding raider keep his explosively passionate mail order bride?
“Raider’s Edge”
Mighty warrior Jurin stepped up and claimed Melyssa’s baby when she first came to the clan. As kind as he is fierce, as gentle as he is brutal, Jurin took a vow to act as friend and father to Melyssa’s family. But doing so means ignoring the surge of sensual awareness that simmers barely repressed between them, and soon Jurin must decide whether to play the role of distant protector— or claim her as his woman for good…
271 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 8, 2017
10 people are currently reading
99 people want to read
About the author
Megan Crane
67 books698 followersUSA Today bestselling, multi-award-nominated, and critically-acclaimed author Megan Crane has written more than 150 books and shows no sign of slowing down. She publishes contemporary romance and paranormal romance as Megan Crane (and briefly M.M. Crane) with an extensive backlist of women’s fiction, rom-coms, chick lit, and young adult novels—among other things. She’s also won a large and loyal fanbase as Caitlin Crews with Harlequin Presents, Harlequin Dare, Harlequin Historical, and contemporary cowboy books. And for Midwestern small town coziness, found families, romance, and some paranormal scariness thrown in, Megan partners with Nicole Helm to publish as Hazel Beck.
Megan has a Masters and Ph.D. in English Literature, has taught creative writing classes in places like UCLA Extension’s prestigious Writers’ Program, and is always available to give workshops (or her opinion). She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her comic book artist husband, though, at any given time, she is likely to either be huddled in a coffee shop somewhere or off traveling the world. Preferably both.
You can find out more than you ever wanted to know about her at www.megancrane.com
Megan has a Masters and Ph.D. in English Literature, has taught creative writing classes in places like UCLA Extension’s prestigious Writers’ Program, and is always available to give workshops (or her opinion). She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her comic book artist husband, though, at any given time, she is likely to either be huddled in a coffee shop somewhere or off traveling the world. Preferably both.
You can find out more than you ever wanted to know about her at www.megancrane.com
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
January 18, 2019
Danger's Edge - 3 stars
Interesting idea of another "country"...a floating one...anyone ever heard of Water World. Tait gets lost at sea while on watch and Elenthea finds him. The raft's idea of Houses and sex are weird. Tait sets her straight and shows her the real thing.
Need's Edge - 2 stars
Sorry I had issues with one of the brothers running away from the clan. Clan forever. Zavier was really hot, and it was interesting to see how the world survived and evolved in Europe after the storms.
Raider's Edge - 4 stars
This is the one I really wanted to read. Loved finding more out about Jurin and seeing his relationship with Melyssa come about. Plus seeing the brothers again even if they are giving Jurin a hard time.
Now I know Indy isn't a brother, but I want him to get a HEA after all the help he was to the clan.
Interesting idea of another "country"...a floating one...anyone ever heard of Water World. Tait gets lost at sea while on watch and Elenthea finds him. The raft's idea of Houses and sex are weird. Tait sets her straight and shows her the real thing.
Need's Edge - 2 stars
Sorry I had issues with one of the brothers running away from the clan. Clan forever. Zavier was really hot, and it was interesting to see how the world survived and evolved in Europe after the storms.
Raider's Edge - 4 stars
This is the one I really wanted to read. Loved finding more out about Jurin and seeing his relationship with Melyssa come about. Plus seeing the brothers again even if they are giving Jurin a hard time.
Now I know Indy isn't a brother, but I want him to get a HEA after all the help he was to the clan.
November 21, 2017
Edge of Ruin is a collection of three novellas set in the dystopian world of The Edge series by Megan Crane. The series has a continuing story arc through books 1 to 4, though each story has a standalone romance. This collection seeks to add to the worldbuilding of the series by profiling some new and interesting settings and characters, in a sexy, intriguing, and very enjoyable set of stories. In the same way that magic often holds the key to a fantasy series, it’s sex that rules the dystopian world of The Edge. This set of novellas takes place during the latter part of the main series. The first two novellas are completely set apart from the main story and the third is set in familiar Raider territory, with characters introduced in book 1. In my opinion this can be read as a standalone in that none of the novellas are instrumental to the main series story arc but I definitely recommend the series as a whole.
The following is a review for the first novella in the set.
Novella #1 Danger’s Edge
Elenthea lives on The Raft. It’s a set of floating pontoons lashed together to make a huge city on the water that moves at the whim of the Atlantic ocean. Like all societies in the Edge series, there are strict rules that must be followed in order to not be outcast. The Raft is ruled by Houses which for warmth and comfort are at the center of the floating city – the higher up you are in the society, the closer to the center you live. And the male ruler of each House is also called a House. The women have a duty to supply the sexual needs of the House on a rotating basis according to Mistresses who see that the Houses run smoothly. Elenthea is a lower member of society who lives her life without complaint – or joy. As a bit of escape she likes to go to the outer edges of The Raft, and on one such excursion she encounters what she thinks is a log, only to discover that it’s a canoe with a very fierce looking man inside, one she believes is dead, until he opens his eyes.
Tait was swept away at sea while on duty on the edges of King Wulf’s raider territory. For ten days he’s been adrift, expecting to die, only to discover he’s alive, if weakened, due to a beautiful woman who hauls him aboard The Raft. With her help he recovers his strength and gets to work on building a seaworthy boat from the small fishing vessels stored in a boathouse on the edge of The Raft. The winter storms are fierce, and no ones comes out to the edge, so Elenthea is able to slip away daily after her chores are done to be with Tait. A discussion on the expected sexual servitude of the lower class leads to a deal – in return for Elenthea’s help, Tait will teach her some ‘tricks’ to make her rotations more pleasurable. It’s no hardship for him to indulge with the willing woman who seeks to learn. He’s clear that he’s leaving as soon as his boat is seaworthy and this will be a short lived fling. His life as a Raider has no place for a mate. But when it’s time to leave, will he be able to let her go?
I really didn’t think there were any surprises left in the series, but I was wrong. The author takes us on a whole new journey in this one, with a previously untold area of the world after the storms and a new and fascinating view of life for the less privileged. Elenthea has always known that she didn’t fit in with the world the way she was supposed to, and now she knows why. It’s so that when Tait comes to her, she has the courage to confront him, and to realize that he may be the way out, or at least, a way to make her life more bearable. I loved the two of them together, the give and take, and the realization Tait has that makes him second guess his own plans for the future. There is a happy for now ending that will let them continue the journey they’ve started here.
The following is a review for the first novella in the set.
Novella #1 Danger’s Edge
Elenthea lives on The Raft. It’s a set of floating pontoons lashed together to make a huge city on the water that moves at the whim of the Atlantic ocean. Like all societies in the Edge series, there are strict rules that must be followed in order to not be outcast. The Raft is ruled by Houses which for warmth and comfort are at the center of the floating city – the higher up you are in the society, the closer to the center you live. And the male ruler of each House is also called a House. The women have a duty to supply the sexual needs of the House on a rotating basis according to Mistresses who see that the Houses run smoothly. Elenthea is a lower member of society who lives her life without complaint – or joy. As a bit of escape she likes to go to the outer edges of The Raft, and on one such excursion she encounters what she thinks is a log, only to discover that it’s a canoe with a very fierce looking man inside, one she believes is dead, until he opens his eyes.
Tait was swept away at sea while on duty on the edges of King Wulf’s raider territory. For ten days he’s been adrift, expecting to die, only to discover he’s alive, if weakened, due to a beautiful woman who hauls him aboard The Raft. With her help he recovers his strength and gets to work on building a seaworthy boat from the small fishing vessels stored in a boathouse on the edge of The Raft. The winter storms are fierce, and no ones comes out to the edge, so Elenthea is able to slip away daily after her chores are done to be with Tait. A discussion on the expected sexual servitude of the lower class leads to a deal – in return for Elenthea’s help, Tait will teach her some ‘tricks’ to make her rotations more pleasurable. It’s no hardship for him to indulge with the willing woman who seeks to learn. He’s clear that he’s leaving as soon as his boat is seaworthy and this will be a short lived fling. His life as a Raider has no place for a mate. But when it’s time to leave, will he be able to let her go?
I really didn’t think there were any surprises left in the series, but I was wrong. The author takes us on a whole new journey in this one, with a previously untold area of the world after the storms and a new and fascinating view of life for the less privileged. Elenthea has always known that she didn’t fit in with the world the way she was supposed to, and now she knows why. It’s so that when Tait comes to her, she has the courage to confront him, and to realize that he may be the way out, or at least, a way to make her life more bearable. I loved the two of them together, the give and take, and the realization Tait has that makes him second guess his own plans for the future. There is a happy for now ending that will let them continue the journey they’ve started here.
August 15, 2018
Spoilers
Elenthea meets Tait as he drifts up to the Raft where she lives in her community. Like the settlements of the landed kingdoms there are rules here and all femailes must have sex with the different heads of the Houses hoping for a pregnancy.When she meets Tait who is a Raider who drifted from his home by accident,she learns passion(lots of lusty sex) and love. I loved how when he told her it was just sex she didn't break down just stood form and left. He went after her(yippie). He then takes her back to his home and claims her. I liked this one short,sexy and sweet so 4 stars
Book 2
Slightly different story of a former Raider and his mail order bride who took her position to save her sister. Again men are in control and he has a new wife regularly and when he feels they are not a fit for him he send them back and gets a new one.Though he was an idiot at times I enjoyed this one as the h had a backbone and didn't back down from him. She became a real Frontier woman and stayed with him, though we get a mention that they were happy for many years together there were no babies which is my favorite part of an epilogue. 2.5 he was an a** 😂
Book 3
Unfortunately I was not a fan of Melyssa from previous books and I found her weak and selfish in this one as well until her epiphany at the end. Jurin claimed her and her daughter to save them and provided for them for the months they've been living with the Raiders. In the end he claimed her as a mate and as much as I liked him I felt he deserved better so I didn't enjoy this one as much. 2* only because of Jurin.
As I haven't started stalking this author as yet I don't know if there are more books in this series but it'd be awesome if it continues or we get a sort of epilogue for each couple. I need hea and babies 😂. All in all I enjoyed most of this author's books I read and Will happily read any more of her "safe", romances.
Elenthea meets Tait as he drifts up to the Raft where she lives in her community. Like the settlements of the landed kingdoms there are rules here and all femailes must have sex with the different heads of the Houses hoping for a pregnancy.When she meets Tait who is a Raider who drifted from his home by accident,she learns passion(lots of lusty sex) and love. I loved how when he told her it was just sex she didn't break down just stood form and left. He went after her(yippie). He then takes her back to his home and claims her. I liked this one short,sexy and sweet so 4 stars
Book 2
Slightly different story of a former Raider and his mail order bride who took her position to save her sister. Again men are in control and he has a new wife regularly and when he feels they are not a fit for him he send them back and gets a new one.Though he was an idiot at times I enjoyed this one as the h had a backbone and didn't back down from him. She became a real Frontier woman and stayed with him, though we get a mention that they were happy for many years together there were no babies which is my favorite part of an epilogue. 2.5 he was an a** 😂
Book 3
Unfortunately I was not a fan of Melyssa from previous books and I found her weak and selfish in this one as well until her epiphany at the end. Jurin claimed her and her daughter to save them and provided for them for the months they've been living with the Raiders. In the end he claimed her as a mate and as much as I liked him I felt he deserved better so I didn't enjoy this one as much. 2* only because of Jurin.
As I haven't started stalking this author as yet I don't know if there are more books in this series but it'd be awesome if it continues or we get a sort of epilogue for each couple. I need hea and babies 😂. All in all I enjoyed most of this author's books I read and Will happily read any more of her "safe", romances.
January 6, 2018
DANGER'S EDGE: 4/5
NEED'S EDGE: 2/5 - Zavier is too rough on the edges for me
RAIDER'S EDGE: 5/5 Major swoonage!
“How long have you been watching me?” she asked, not surprised to find she sounded like a stranger. Soft and rough at once.
“A lifetime at least,” he said in that low rumble. “Or so it seems.”
NEED'S EDGE: 2/5 - Zavier is too rough on the edges for me
RAIDER'S EDGE: 5/5 Major swoonage!
“How long have you been watching me?” she asked, not surprised to find she sounded like a stranger. Soft and rough at once.
“A lifetime at least,” he said in that low rumble. “Or so it seems.”
May 10, 2020
Reread: May 2020
First read: December 2017
I'M YELLING-
DANGER'S EDGE: 3.5/5
Elenthea is such a sweetheart I love her. And I love her with Tait, I love how they connected, how Tait tried to deny his feelings for her, how Elenthea was like k boy, bye when he tried to go all macho raider it's just sex, sweetheart on her, and how he came to his senses and went to collect her after (and I consider a knife to the forehead of the person who tried to kill your woman as an A apology).
My fav thing is seeing the characters from the previous books from Tait's POV:
(A+ description of Gunnar there.)
NEED'S EDGE: 4/5
The most surprising story, I think? The hero of this story is Zavier, who's the son of the previous King who was cut down by Wulf, and who ran away from the clan because he was a macho idiot who refused to serve Wulf just because he hated the guy. I didn't even know the previous King had sons.
The yearning for home is strong in this book; Zavier realized he was an idiot for leaving the clan they way he did, but he couldn't return because leaving was akin to treason and would almost always mean death. Dude became a farmer in this book, I can't believe-
Anyway, I love Matylda for him. She's so brave and strong, and I admire what she's done for her younger sisterwho's a selfish brat and doesn't deserve her. Zavier and Matylda in this story is married and doing all the domestic stuff that made my heart go awww because raiders are far from domestic and then you have Zavier-
I have so many feels from this story.
RAIDER'S EDGE: 4/5
Jurin claiming Melyssa at last CAN YOU SAY FUCKING FINALLY-
I died at mentions of Jurin visiting Melyssa and playing with baby Rhiannon who he claimed as his own. I love how he's so patient with Melyssa who's been through so much already, and I love seeing Melyssa realizing what freedom truly means.
The claiming scene at the end?? A++++.
I NEED MORE BOOKS-
First read: December 2017
I'M YELLING-
DANGER'S EDGE: 3.5/5
Elenthea is such a sweetheart I love her. And I love her with Tait, I love how they connected, how Tait tried to deny his feelings for her, how Elenthea was like k boy, bye when he tried to go all macho raider it's just sex, sweetheart on her, and how he came to his senses and went to collect her after (and I consider a knife to the forehead of the person who tried to kill your woman as an A apology).
My fav thing is seeing the characters from the previous books from Tait's POV:
He hadn't understood it then, but every brother who'd claimed a mate--from the war chief, who never seemed bothered by anything, to Eiryn, who was always bothered by everything, to Gunnar, who went out of his way to bother everyone else--was better for it. Happier. More settled.
(A+ description of Gunnar there.)
NEED'S EDGE: 4/5
The most surprising story, I think? The hero of this story is Zavier, who's the son of the previous King who was cut down by Wulf, and who ran away from the clan because he was a macho idiot who refused to serve Wulf just because he hated the guy. I didn't even know the previous King had sons.
The yearning for home is strong in this book; Zavier realized he was an idiot for leaving the clan they way he did, but he couldn't return because leaving was akin to treason and would almost always mean death. Dude became a farmer in this book, I can't believe-
Anyway, I love Matylda for him. She's so brave and strong, and I admire what she's done for her younger sister
I have so many feels from this story.
RAIDER'S EDGE: 4/5
Jurin claiming Melyssa at last CAN YOU SAY FUCKING FINALLY-
I died at mentions of Jurin visiting Melyssa and playing with baby Rhiannon who he claimed as his own. I love how he's so patient with Melyssa who's been through so much already, and I love seeing Melyssa realizing what freedom truly means.
The claiming scene at the end?? A++++.
I NEED MORE BOOKS-
January 12, 2023
I enjoyed all of the books in this series, but this little collection of novellas was by far my favorite. There's less sex and less angst, but the characters and relationship development was wonderful, possibly because of that. I laughed out loud a few times, I cried a few times, and I am going to read it again as soon as I can.
January 3, 2018
Novella 1 Edge of Ruin
3.5 I so wanted to rate this a 5 I loved the story, what there was of it. Tait finds his mate Elenthea on a floating City after she helped rescue him. They had a few encounters and she was going to sacrifice herself for him to get away but then he realized he also loved her and went to rescue her nothing really happened on the boat that we saw, they hit land where Elenthea didn't even know it still existed and the story just abruptly ended like WTF. Ugh I wanted more I wanted her reactions to life on land of getting to maybe be pary of a family, having friends things she never had.
Novella 2 Need's Edge
5*** I loved this story and for a novella it covered everything. Zavier was a loner and didn;t think he needed a women in his life. Matylda needed this marraige to work to save her sister little did she expect to fall in love with this mountain man but, fall she did he was everything she ever wanted and she loved their farm and her life there.
3.5 I so wanted to rate this a 5 I loved the story, what there was of it. Tait finds his mate Elenthea on a floating City after she helped rescue him. They had a few encounters and she was going to sacrifice herself for him to get away but then he realized he also loved her and went to rescue her nothing really happened on the boat that we saw, they hit land where Elenthea didn't even know it still existed and the story just abruptly ended like WTF. Ugh I wanted more I wanted her reactions to life on land of getting to maybe be pary of a family, having friends things she never had.
Novella 2 Need's Edge
5*** I loved this story and for a novella it covered everything. Zavier was a loner and didn;t think he needed a women in his life. Matylda needed this marraige to work to save her sister little did she expect to fall in love with this mountain man but, fall she did he was everything she ever wanted and she loved their farm and her life there.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 23, 2017
YES! MORE VIKING DYSTOPIAN ROMANCE!
I loved this book. I'm a huge fan of this series, and this collection of short stories satisfied my craving for more. I love that one of the stories in this collection wrapped up a secondary storyline from the series. It's great that it was given its own space to shine in this book, instead of being lost in the prior books. Overall, this book was more of the writing, storylines and characters that I loved from the series - and I found nothing to complain about.
Honestly, the author could extend this series indefinitely and I would read everything.
I loved this book. I'm a huge fan of this series, and this collection of short stories satisfied my craving for more. I love that one of the stories in this collection wrapped up a secondary storyline from the series. It's great that it was given its own space to shine in this book, instead of being lost in the prior books. Overall, this book was more of the writing, storylines and characters that I loved from the series - and I found nothing to complain about.
Honestly, the author could extend this series indefinitely and I would read everything.
June 2, 2022
Set of novellas from the Edge series, a dystopian future world after climate disasters (storms & sea level rise) and a return to pre-industrisl times, with occasional exceptions, and a need to repopulate the world. Viking-esque raiders are ultimate alphas and rebels, and this series seems fairly sexually graphic and rough, so dirty fantasy rather than sweet romance.
October 11, 2017
I think I'm going to have to be sad, now...this was apparently the end of a VERY intense, very good series. I hope I'm wrong and there are more. Great series, nice installment on that series...if you've read the other four, you're going to have to read this one because,well, addiction.
August 22, 2017
Aww man, I'm always sad at the end of any book from the Edge series because I relish each story. Of the 3 novellas, I loved Zavier's book the best. Even though he is not a character of great importance in the main books, his contribution or rather resistance towards Wulf becoming king of the clan is as it makes up the background of this man's story and the reason for his current isolated existence. Enter Matylda and everything just fits better in his life until he realizes that he's getting a bit too attached and then the trouble begins.
Jurin's story was the one I most looked forward to since book 1. I was a little disappointed that it was so short and hurried. I would have like to see a bit more of his pursuit of Melyssa but it was still a sweet book.
Elenthea and Tait's story was an entertaining read and you see him lose his heart to her without even realizing that he's falling in love with her.
All three books have a common thread running through them that is no matter how fierce a warrior or hard a man, love completes him.
Jurin's story was the one I most looked forward to since book 1. I was a little disappointed that it was so short and hurried. I would have like to see a bit more of his pursuit of Melyssa but it was still a sweet book.
Elenthea and Tait's story was an entertaining read and you see him lose his heart to her without even realizing that he's falling in love with her.
All three books have a common thread running through them that is no matter how fierce a warrior or hard a man, love completes him.
September 3, 2017
Really liked the first one on the Raft, the second wasn't my favorite and the third one was pretty good.. Can't wait to see where this author takes this series next!
December 31, 2017
Really enjoyed the first story, really hated the second, decided to cut my losses.
February 19, 2018
DANGER'S EDGE: 3/5
NEED'S EDGE: 3/5
RAIDER'S EDGE: 2/5
NEED'S EDGE: 3/5
RAIDER'S EDGE: 2/5
March 5, 2018
I enjoyed all of them. Interestingly, I enjoyed this one more than Wulfs. But my fave is still Gunnar, swoon, crazy SOB.
November 24, 2019
Enjoyed Tait and Elenthea's short story.
Loved Zavier and Matylda's short story.
Couldn't finish Jurin and Melyssa's short story.
Loved Zavier and Matylda's short story.
Couldn't finish Jurin and Melyssa's short story.
December 17, 2024
Megan Crane ruins me for other authors
Seriously. I don't even like novellas. How was this SO good? SIGH. Its amazing that she can fit character development, backstory, cameos from other beloved characters, steamy scenes, and legitimate HEAs into such short pages. LOVE.
Seriously. I don't even like novellas. How was this SO good? SIGH. Its amazing that she can fit character development, backstory, cameos from other beloved characters, steamy scenes, and legitimate HEAs into such short pages. LOVE.
September 14, 2017
Hot damn - didn't think I was into Vikings until I read this little collection but clearly I am! Phwoar!
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews