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At the Brink #2
Oltre il limite
Per saperne di kink, era suo dovere impararne il linguaggio e sperimentarlo sulla propria pelle. Eppure non si aspettava di arrivare a rischiare la vita tanto da dover essere salvata. E proprio da Noah, l'unico uomo di cui si sia mai innamorata nella sua vita.
La donna che l'ex SEAL si trova davanti dev'essere impazzita. È nuda e chiusa in una gabbia. Non può trattarsi davvero della dolce Clara, la figlia di una senatrice, che anni prima con uno sguardo era in grado di bloccargli il respiro... Noah non sapeva che si trattasse di lei quando si è precipitato in quella stanza piena di fiamme, ma ora è convinto di una cosa: non la lascerà più andare.
Sebbene l'originale modo che lei ha proposto per ringraziarlo potrebbe portarli al punto di non ritorno, lui non si tirerà più indietro e arriverà a oltrepassare ogni limite.
La donna che l'ex SEAL si trova davanti dev'essere impazzita. È nuda e chiusa in una gabbia. Non può trattarsi davvero della dolce Clara, la figlia di una senatrice, che anni prima con uno sguardo era in grado di bloccargli il respiro... Noah non sapeva che si trattasse di lei quando si è precipitato in quella stanza piena di fiamme, ma ora è convinto di una cosa: non la lascerà più andare.
Sebbene l'originale modo che lei ha proposto per ringraziarlo potrebbe portarli al punto di non ritorno, lui non si tirerà più indietro e arriverà a oltrepassare ogni limite.
339 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 20, 2018
11 people are currently reading
116 people want to read
About the author
Anna del Mar
64 books236 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 39 reviews
November 13, 2016
'To the Edge' by Anna del Mar is book two in the "At The Brink" series. This is the story of Noah and Clara. I have read the previous book but feel this is easily a standalone book.
Clara and Noah were young sweethearts during the summer time. But Noah left and Clara always thought he didn't want her anymore. Now 15 years later in their present time we find Noah sufferers from PTSD and has moved back to the neighborhood were they used to date. The PTSD makes it impossible for him to leave the house but when he see Clara's old house possible on fire he goes to save it but find Clara in there too. Clara is trying to work learning new things for her blogg when Noah finds her. Noah saves her and they find that neither one left the other that her mother had put a stop to their relationship. But can they move past what is going on with Noah and working on getting relationship back? Ms. del Mar reads are always hot and emotional for sure!
"My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read."
Clara and Noah were young sweethearts during the summer time. But Noah left and Clara always thought he didn't want her anymore. Now 15 years later in their present time we find Noah sufferers from PTSD and has moved back to the neighborhood were they used to date. The PTSD makes it impossible for him to leave the house but when he see Clara's old house possible on fire he goes to save it but find Clara in there too. Clara is trying to work learning new things for her blogg when Noah finds her. Noah saves her and they find that neither one left the other that her mother had put a stop to their relationship. But can they move past what is going on with Noah and working on getting relationship back? Ms. del Mar reads are always hot and emotional for sure!
"My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read."
November 18, 2016
3.25 stars
ARC kindly provided by Carina Press via Netgalley in exchange of an honest review.
This is the story of Clara and Noah, and their second chance.
The story is original in a way since it is a second change romance with a twist. The writing style is nice. The book is written from a dual POV (Clara's and Noah's) and there are a couple of twists in the plot. There were quite some steamy scenes in this book! The interactions of the heroes were more than intense!
When I've read the blurb, I thought that this is a romance with a stalker. I was anxious about everything that was happening as I was trying to figure out who was watching them, who the stalker was and how he was going to put Clara under pressure. Did he have a camera in the office when she was naughty? Had he hacked her gsm and recorded her conversations with Noah? Unfortunately the stalker appeared closed to the end of the book. It was kind of disappointing that this angle of the story wasn't used more in the plot.
Another point that I was disappointed was the characters. Although Clara and Noah together were really intense and full of passion, when they were apart they felt without depth to me. I couldn't connect to them.
The end of the book was nice although there were a couple of details that were unnecessary for me. I missed an epilogue as I'd love to see how Clara and Noah worked out their issues and how they progressed together. I believe the idea of this book was really nice, but somewhere in the way the details didn't work out as they should.
ARC kindly provided by Carina Press via Netgalley in exchange of an honest review.
This is the story of Clara and Noah, and their second chance.
The story is original in a way since it is a second change romance with a twist. The writing style is nice. The book is written from a dual POV (Clara's and Noah's) and there are a couple of twists in the plot. There were quite some steamy scenes in this book! The interactions of the heroes were more than intense!
When I've read the blurb, I thought that this is a romance with a stalker. I was anxious about everything that was happening as I was trying to figure out who was watching them, who the stalker was and how he was going to put Clara under pressure. Did he have a camera in the office when she was naughty? Had he hacked her gsm and recorded her conversations with Noah? Unfortunately the stalker appeared closed to the end of the book. It was kind of disappointing that this angle of the story wasn't used more in the plot.
Another point that I was disappointed was the characters. Although Clara and Noah together were really intense and full of passion, when they were apart they felt without depth to me. I couldn't connect to them.
The end of the book was nice although there were a couple of details that were unnecessary for me. I missed an epilogue as I'd love to see how Clara and Noah worked out their issues and how they progressed together. I believe the idea of this book was really nice, but somewhere in the way the details didn't work out as they should.
November 27, 2016
This book ignores the "safe, sane and consensual" creedo of the BDSM lifestyle in so many ways.
When Clara Luz was presented with the opportunity to immerse herself into the world of kink for an article, she thought, "why not?" As a senator's daughter, Clara hadn't ever had the opportunity to spread her wings, but of course the first time she does so, the consequences are almost deadly. When former Navy SEAL and ex-lover Noah Blake spots smoke in the sky, he rushes over to the Luz compound, never expecting to see the woman he used to love cuffed in a cage with a ball gag in her mouth. Noah and Clara put out the fire, but the flames between the two of them are just rekindled. Even though Noah's PTSD and agoraphobia confines him to his home, there's plenty of ways to explore BDSM inside.
TO THE EDGE is the 2nd book in the At The Brink series. I absolutely loathed Noah. He was such an asshat to Clara that I wasn't sure what the hell she was doing with him! Yes, she wanted to learn about BDSM, but he didn't seem to be a good Dom. "Because I said so" isn't an appropriate answer, and constantly manipulating her and pushing her to do whatever he wanted whenever (at great risk to her, her mother and her charitable foundation, BTW), didn't sit well with this reader. One such gem:
Patience came sparingly to me, and all this waiting irked me to no end. He was taking a long time. My nose tickled. I had an urge to scratch. I sneaked in a quick rub. He flashed me a ribbing glance.
"Stop fidgeting," he said. "Have some pride."
No thank you. The empathy I had for his PTSD was ruined by his possessive, assholish "my way or the highway" approach to the consensual part of the BDSM creed. If Clara was unsure or hesitant, he didn't stop and talk her through her fears, he just pushed her and goaded her into doing whatever it was he wanted from her. And she caved each time, which just made her into a frustrating pushover for me. The sex scenes were highly erotic and well written, but even they got old after awhile and I wound up skimming instead of enjoying. I'm a big fan of Ms. del Mar's work, but this one was a lesson in patience for me.
Bottom Line: No OM/OW or sharing; no condom use (but testing was done prior to sex); BDSM/kink (spanking, bondage, pain); no sexual assault; violence/murder.
When Clara Luz was presented with the opportunity to immerse herself into the world of kink for an article, she thought, "why not?" As a senator's daughter, Clara hadn't ever had the opportunity to spread her wings, but of course the first time she does so, the consequences are almost deadly. When former Navy SEAL and ex-lover Noah Blake spots smoke in the sky, he rushes over to the Luz compound, never expecting to see the woman he used to love cuffed in a cage with a ball gag in her mouth. Noah and Clara put out the fire, but the flames between the two of them are just rekindled. Even though Noah's PTSD and agoraphobia confines him to his home, there's plenty of ways to explore BDSM inside.
TO THE EDGE is the 2nd book in the At The Brink series. I absolutely loathed Noah. He was such an asshat to Clara that I wasn't sure what the hell she was doing with him! Yes, she wanted to learn about BDSM, but he didn't seem to be a good Dom. "Because I said so" isn't an appropriate answer, and constantly manipulating her and pushing her to do whatever he wanted whenever (at great risk to her, her mother and her charitable foundation, BTW), didn't sit well with this reader. One such gem:
Patience came sparingly to me, and all this waiting irked me to no end. He was taking a long time. My nose tickled. I had an urge to scratch. I sneaked in a quick rub. He flashed me a ribbing glance.
"Stop fidgeting," he said. "Have some pride."
No thank you. The empathy I had for his PTSD was ruined by his possessive, assholish "my way or the highway" approach to the consensual part of the BDSM creed. If Clara was unsure or hesitant, he didn't stop and talk her through her fears, he just pushed her and goaded her into doing whatever it was he wanted from her. And she caved each time, which just made her into a frustrating pushover for me. The sex scenes were highly erotic and well written, but even they got old after awhile and I wound up skimming instead of enjoying. I'm a big fan of Ms. del Mar's work, but this one was a lesson in patience for me.
Bottom Line: No OM/OW or sharing; no condom use (but testing was done prior to sex); BDSM/kink (spanking, bondage, pain); no sexual assault; violence/murder.
October 30, 2016
*** ARC kindly provided by the publisher Carina Press, via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. ***
What would you do if the love of your life left you 15 years ago. You never forgot him. Now you have to write a BDSM article for a blog and you have no experience with it. The man you contacted to initiate you left you cuffed in a dangerous situation. You get saved by the man you never forgot and he seems to have a kinky side. Would you ask him as a replacement??? I would definitely do it if it was Noah!!!
Noah never forgot Clara. They were still young when they met. He had plans and wanted her in it but life doesn’t always go like you want it to. Now he gets another shot. Will it work this time?
I really loved both main characters and the chemistry between them. This was a great second chance romance with a kinky side ;)
What I missed was an epilogue and some more information on the bad guy Noah is tracking online and how that part was handled.
What would you do if the love of your life left you 15 years ago. You never forgot him. Now you have to write a BDSM article for a blog and you have no experience with it. The man you contacted to initiate you left you cuffed in a dangerous situation. You get saved by the man you never forgot and he seems to have a kinky side. Would you ask him as a replacement??? I would definitely do it if it was Noah!!!
Noah never forgot Clara. They were still young when they met. He had plans and wanted her in it but life doesn’t always go like you want it to. Now he gets another shot. Will it work this time?
I really loved both main characters and the chemistry between them. This was a great second chance romance with a kinky side ;)
What I missed was an epilogue and some more information on the bad guy Noah is tracking online and how that part was handled.
June 5, 2024
*audiobook
"He thought my breasts were kick-ass!"
"He thought my breasts were kick-ass!"
November 15, 2016
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
Packed with steam and a second chance romance, To the Edge introduces readers to Clara and Noah, two individuals with a 15 year old past and a shared interest in BDSM. Clara wants to be independent of her mother, she's built up a following with her sexy, open discussion blog, but a chance for more presents her with a problem, a locked in a cage with handcuffs kind of problem. Noah never forgot the vivacious, young Clara, he always wanted her back, but didn't expect to find himself making a deal with her to teach her how to submit. As the two embark on their journey old emotions flare up, but a lurking darkness must be dealt with before the two can find their lost happily ever after.
I am a fan of Anna del Mar for a reason, she always brings the heat and the suspense, and To the Edge is a great example. The characters are interesting, filled with hurt that has shaped them and a shared history that had them separated for 15 years for a reason. It is apparent from the moment Clara and Noah are in the same room that the flames of their chemistry never burnt out, but rather grew and aged with them. Both characters were so frustrating for me, held back by the threads of their past and allowing themselves to be flawed individuals, but as the book progressed so too did the characters. Their BDSM fling is interesting, I wasn't sure I was comfortable with it at first, but their history and growing lust allowed both to be very transparent and made the separation of roles all the more interesting. As Noah pushed for Clara's submission each faced their painful separation and it allowed them to grow past it together, but in a very sexy way.
Then there's the backstories, the growing suspense that threatens everything, and the secondary, yet still influential characters we meet through out the novel. Noah has PTSD and works in some very high level secret security, but he's also home bound. While the PTSD is an invisible threat, it is a heavy one, and Anna del Mar writes it authentically. Clara's mother is a high-profile political woman with an agenda of always being the best and the best includes Clara meeting every expectation. Clara's mother has had a hand at everything ugly in her life, but the betrayal runs deeper than even Clara, or I, expected it to. Unbeknownst to everyone there is a larger threat lurking, one that has a seedier goal in mind, and will do anything to reach it. I enjoyed the suspense, especially since I didn't guess it at all, but I wish it had played out through out the entire novel and not just predominantly the latter half.
As a standalone novel, To the Edge is a great romantic suspense with a hefty side of BDSM and erotica. While the previous novel in the series, At the Brink, is still my favorite, I really enjoyed this read and suggest it to all fans who like some kink with their second chance love.
Packed with steam and a second chance romance, To the Edge introduces readers to Clara and Noah, two individuals with a 15 year old past and a shared interest in BDSM. Clara wants to be independent of her mother, she's built up a following with her sexy, open discussion blog, but a chance for more presents her with a problem, a locked in a cage with handcuffs kind of problem. Noah never forgot the vivacious, young Clara, he always wanted her back, but didn't expect to find himself making a deal with her to teach her how to submit. As the two embark on their journey old emotions flare up, but a lurking darkness must be dealt with before the two can find their lost happily ever after.
I am a fan of Anna del Mar for a reason, she always brings the heat and the suspense, and To the Edge is a great example. The characters are interesting, filled with hurt that has shaped them and a shared history that had them separated for 15 years for a reason. It is apparent from the moment Clara and Noah are in the same room that the flames of their chemistry never burnt out, but rather grew and aged with them. Both characters were so frustrating for me, held back by the threads of their past and allowing themselves to be flawed individuals, but as the book progressed so too did the characters. Their BDSM fling is interesting, I wasn't sure I was comfortable with it at first, but their history and growing lust allowed both to be very transparent and made the separation of roles all the more interesting. As Noah pushed for Clara's submission each faced their painful separation and it allowed them to grow past it together, but in a very sexy way.
Then there's the backstories, the growing suspense that threatens everything, and the secondary, yet still influential characters we meet through out the novel. Noah has PTSD and works in some very high level secret security, but he's also home bound. While the PTSD is an invisible threat, it is a heavy one, and Anna del Mar writes it authentically. Clara's mother is a high-profile political woman with an agenda of always being the best and the best includes Clara meeting every expectation. Clara's mother has had a hand at everything ugly in her life, but the betrayal runs deeper than even Clara, or I, expected it to. Unbeknownst to everyone there is a larger threat lurking, one that has a seedier goal in mind, and will do anything to reach it. I enjoyed the suspense, especially since I didn't guess it at all, but I wish it had played out through out the entire novel and not just predominantly the latter half.
As a standalone novel, To the Edge is a great romantic suspense with a hefty side of BDSM and erotica. While the previous novel in the series, At the Brink, is still my favorite, I really enjoyed this read and suggest it to all fans who like some kink with their second chance love.
November 18, 2016
I have been waiting for the next in this series. I have been wanting more since the first encounter. I have just been teetering on the brink. Now, I have what I have been waiting for and let me see what I have to say about it was a bit different from my expectations. That could be a good things. Having thing not be predictable and repetitive makes for a more interesting read. I did enjoy my read and will be waiting for the next book in this series.
Noah and Clara had a past. Now in the future they have a chance to make things turn out differently than before. Clara had a job to do but the first attempted didn’t quite go as anticipated. But the turnaround was that she got something she has been wanting for a very long time. Now was her chance to be bold, strong, commanding. Take charge of what she wanted and needed. It all lay before her. Noah would give this woman anything including his heart. They had the chemistry, the passion, the desire, and the love to make this second chance more than the first one.
I was disappointed with no background information on this hunted. Noah has a lot going on but a bit more depth to his prey would have made things a bit more inticing. Clara was way too old to still have mommy interfering. I was waiting for her to put her foot down and hard. I wanted a formal background on Clara and Noah or at least a pick in to what was driving Noah onwards. Even with all that I still found the story to be good and on the level of book on in some aspect. The kink and bondage was satisfying. The relationship between Clara and Noah acceptable.
Noah and Clara had a past. Now in the future they have a chance to make things turn out differently than before. Clara had a job to do but the first attempted didn’t quite go as anticipated. But the turnaround was that she got something she has been wanting for a very long time. Now was her chance to be bold, strong, commanding. Take charge of what she wanted and needed. It all lay before her. Noah would give this woman anything including his heart. They had the chemistry, the passion, the desire, and the love to make this second chance more than the first one.
I was disappointed with no background information on this hunted. Noah has a lot going on but a bit more depth to his prey would have made things a bit more inticing. Clara was way too old to still have mommy interfering. I was waiting for her to put her foot down and hard. I wanted a formal background on Clara and Noah or at least a pick in to what was driving Noah onwards. Even with all that I still found the story to be good and on the level of book on in some aspect. The kink and bondage was satisfying. The relationship between Clara and Noah acceptable.
January 5, 2017
This is the 4th book I've read by this author and by far the most disappointing. This book is all sex, with very little if any plot. The blurb leads you to believe that there will be a plot other than sex, however it's not until the end (maybe last 5%) that the issue with another guy even comes into the story. Noah is supposed to be tracking someone through the story, and I had thought that maybe that guy would be tied to Clara somehow, but the author seemed to just abandon that part of the plot.
Not a horrible book (hence 2 stars instead of 1), just not at all what I expected from this author having read other books by her. I wanted more of a connection between Clara and Noah. I wanted Noah to act like he cared for Clara instead of constantly trying to control her life. I wanted a plot that went beyond her exploring BDSM.
** ARC received from Netgalley **
Not a horrible book (hence 2 stars instead of 1), just not at all what I expected from this author having read other books by her. I wanted more of a connection between Clara and Noah. I wanted Noah to act like he cared for Clara instead of constantly trying to control her life. I wanted a plot that went beyond her exploring BDSM.
** ARC received from Netgalley **
October 23, 2016
Mind blowing. Captivating. Erotic. Mind bending. Suspenseful. Flammable. It's so freaking hot!
What the hell did I just read? Seriously, I am still recovering from this one. Anna just goes over the top and runs with this story.
We have Noah, ex SEAL now living on Avalon an island in the Chesapeake Bay where he first met Clara Luz his first love. Noah has bought a house there and still works special ops with his team from his home. Noah suffers from severe PTSD and cannot leave the house. Although he's got a little green bottle of "rescue" that in dire times he can drink a sip and manage to get out, problem is it makes him sick as a dog afterwards. His heart rests with Clara.
Meet Clara Luz, love of Noah's young life. They meet here on the island one summer, he's set to go to the Naval Academy, he just needs a letter of recommendation from Clara's power hungry Senator Mother. That he gets. And a very unfriendly push off the island and a warning. None of which Clara is aware of, she only knows Noah left her and she still misses him. A little backstory on Clara which was interesting. Clara was a sperm donor baby, her all mighty powerful mother chose the donor carefully and was a single Mom. Mother is a word I use loosely. She's cruel, has ridiculous expectations and Clara feels like she's been nothing but a disappointment to her. Clara runs her mother's foundation which relies on heavy hitter donors and funds many social programs some near and dear to Clara's heart. Clara also writes a blog, in secret. It's a sex advice blog and is very popular. When she's approached my an old mentor who wants to merge with her and also wants her do to a story on BDSM 101, Clara reluctantly agrees. Old mentor fixes her up with a "Dom", Clara's rules are very clear. They meet at the house on Avalon. He puts her in a cage, handcuffed and leaves the house to get coffee. Clara, blindfolded smells something and it's smoke. She can't see. After she manages to free her feet, she then hears a male voice. That would be Noah. He frees her, gets sicks from drinking the "remedy" and she stays at his place and takes care of him. They work out a lot of their past misinformation and miscommunication. Noah's out of it for a couple days. Clara comes up with the idea that Noah can help her with this article because he has some experience in the arena, so he agrees. She's clueless about sex much less BDSM and her sass makes her a delightful sub. Dom Noah is one powerful man and the smoke and flame comes right off the pages in this book. He takes Clara to places that she would have never gone. He's fair but cuts her no slack- at all. Add to that their relationship is developing and Noah is still involved with taking down a lead terrorist who has been evasive. Clara hooks him up with her Dr who has helped her, there is a new program for PTSD so he spends his time doing that online also. He demands from Clara at his beck and call. She's the match to his gasoline.
It's one hell of a story.. There's so much subterfuge, the backstories are so involved yet so clear, there are secondary characters that all snap into place. We see Josh again from the previous book who is still having Lily trouble. I had to put this down for an hour. I really did. There are several twists in the subplot that keep you on edge, couple that with the expectation of what Noah is going to bring to the attic next. Whew! Intense. It's intense. I loved it. Anna never ceases to amaze me, her stories capture the PTSD element so very well, and her characters are larger than life. This is her edgiest book thus far and man does she nail it. It's a must read. Noah and Clara, trust me. No, trust Noah.
I hated to see this end, but I look forward to the next book in the series.
**arc from NetGalley and Publisher Carina Press** in exchange for an honest review.
What the hell did I just read? Seriously, I am still recovering from this one. Anna just goes over the top and runs with this story.
We have Noah, ex SEAL now living on Avalon an island in the Chesapeake Bay where he first met Clara Luz his first love. Noah has bought a house there and still works special ops with his team from his home. Noah suffers from severe PTSD and cannot leave the house. Although he's got a little green bottle of "rescue" that in dire times he can drink a sip and manage to get out, problem is it makes him sick as a dog afterwards. His heart rests with Clara.
Meet Clara Luz, love of Noah's young life. They meet here on the island one summer, he's set to go to the Naval Academy, he just needs a letter of recommendation from Clara's power hungry Senator Mother. That he gets. And a very unfriendly push off the island and a warning. None of which Clara is aware of, she only knows Noah left her and she still misses him. A little backstory on Clara which was interesting. Clara was a sperm donor baby, her all mighty powerful mother chose the donor carefully and was a single Mom. Mother is a word I use loosely. She's cruel, has ridiculous expectations and Clara feels like she's been nothing but a disappointment to her. Clara runs her mother's foundation which relies on heavy hitter donors and funds many social programs some near and dear to Clara's heart. Clara also writes a blog, in secret. It's a sex advice blog and is very popular. When she's approached my an old mentor who wants to merge with her and also wants her do to a story on BDSM 101, Clara reluctantly agrees. Old mentor fixes her up with a "Dom", Clara's rules are very clear. They meet at the house on Avalon. He puts her in a cage, handcuffed and leaves the house to get coffee. Clara, blindfolded smells something and it's smoke. She can't see. After she manages to free her feet, she then hears a male voice. That would be Noah. He frees her, gets sicks from drinking the "remedy" and she stays at his place and takes care of him. They work out a lot of their past misinformation and miscommunication. Noah's out of it for a couple days. Clara comes up with the idea that Noah can help her with this article because he has some experience in the arena, so he agrees. She's clueless about sex much less BDSM and her sass makes her a delightful sub. Dom Noah is one powerful man and the smoke and flame comes right off the pages in this book. He takes Clara to places that she would have never gone. He's fair but cuts her no slack- at all. Add to that their relationship is developing and Noah is still involved with taking down a lead terrorist who has been evasive. Clara hooks him up with her Dr who has helped her, there is a new program for PTSD so he spends his time doing that online also. He demands from Clara at his beck and call. She's the match to his gasoline.
It's one hell of a story.. There's so much subterfuge, the backstories are so involved yet so clear, there are secondary characters that all snap into place. We see Josh again from the previous book who is still having Lily trouble. I had to put this down for an hour. I really did. There are several twists in the subplot that keep you on edge, couple that with the expectation of what Noah is going to bring to the attic next. Whew! Intense. It's intense. I loved it. Anna never ceases to amaze me, her stories capture the PTSD element so very well, and her characters are larger than life. This is her edgiest book thus far and man does she nail it. It's a must read. Noah and Clara, trust me. No, trust Noah.
I hated to see this end, but I look forward to the next book in the series.
**arc from NetGalley and Publisher Carina Press** in exchange for an honest review.
February 6, 2017
To the Edge is a second chance at love romance with a BDSM erotica twist. There is a little bit of everything in this book. It has its angst moments courtesy of the male protagonist's situation but there is also some humorous bent courtesy of female lead's way with words. Because of this its hard to peg the exact tone of the story. Despite this its still entertaining and definitely is romance erotica.
*ARC courtesy of the publisher thru NetGalley*
*ARC courtesy of the publisher thru NetGalley*
June 6, 2017
I enjoyed this book a lot more than the first. It was pretty much a completely different read than the first, even though they're in the same series. The only similarities were that the heroes knew each other from their military career as Navy SEALS.
Clara is a senator's daughter and she's pretty much a pushover and obeys her mother's every command. She has branched out a bit and has a secret sex blog, which is how she finds herself caged in her grandfather's old home while a fire is burning in the bathroom. She was there doing research into BDSM and was getting a bit of a demonstration before being left for a while. Lucky for her, Noah, her first and only love, is living in a home nearby and spots the smoke and comes to her rescue.
Their relationship ended badly 15 years ago and both thought the other person didn't want them - thanks to her overbearing mother. But they've never quite gotten over one another. Noah volunteers to be Clara's Dom for a few weeks so that she can do the research she needs for her article on BDSM - anything to get her back into his life. Unfortunately, Noah also suffers from PTSD and it's debilitating. He can't even leave the house, it's that bad, so that puts him in a tough spot every time Clara leaves and he can't go after her.
The sex scenes were sizzling in this book and may be too intense for some. I thought the BDSM portrayed was pretty accurate compared to some books out there, so that was a nice surprise. Yes, sex played a huge role in this book, but it wasn't the entire premise of the book.
We also get insights into how Noah was coping and dealing with his PTSD. We see Clara become her own woman (I mean, she is 30+ years old, so she shouldn't still be under her mom's thumb, geez). And we get a little suspense thrown in there. The suspense helped keep my attention, but it was all really predictable.
I liked Noah a lot. He was gruff, incredibly intelligent, bitter at times, but he was loyal and had a good soul down deep. It broke my heart to see how the PTSD was keeping him from living, but I loved seeing that he was willing to take necessary steps to overcome the disease.
Clara wasn't my favorite person, mostly because I thought she was way too much of a pushover. She did have a sense of humor though, which gave her a bit of personality. She just lost some of my respect when she refused to stand up to her mom and everyone else out to control her. I also hated her when she completely blew her fuse and hurt Noah so much in the end. I just wanted to slap some sense into her then. I don't think I would have forgiven her as quickly as Noah did, but at least he made sure she knew she hurt him and that he didn't want it to happen again. You shouldn't make fun of someone's disease, so she was just wrong for doing so.
I also wasn't buying her mom's change of heart/attitude at the end. Maybe she just used belittling her daughter as a shield, but no one can change that quickly.
I only wish that we had gotten an epilogue so that we could see how Noah/Clara coped with his ongoing PTSD and her new ventures. For that reason, I had to take off a star since it felt as though the story wasn't finished.
Clara is a senator's daughter and she's pretty much a pushover and obeys her mother's every command. She has branched out a bit and has a secret sex blog, which is how she finds herself caged in her grandfather's old home while a fire is burning in the bathroom. She was there doing research into BDSM and was getting a bit of a demonstration before being left for a while. Lucky for her, Noah, her first and only love, is living in a home nearby and spots the smoke and comes to her rescue.
Their relationship ended badly 15 years ago and both thought the other person didn't want them - thanks to her overbearing mother. But they've never quite gotten over one another. Noah volunteers to be Clara's Dom for a few weeks so that she can do the research she needs for her article on BDSM - anything to get her back into his life. Unfortunately, Noah also suffers from PTSD and it's debilitating. He can't even leave the house, it's that bad, so that puts him in a tough spot every time Clara leaves and he can't go after her.
The sex scenes were sizzling in this book and may be too intense for some. I thought the BDSM portrayed was pretty accurate compared to some books out there, so that was a nice surprise. Yes, sex played a huge role in this book, but it wasn't the entire premise of the book.
We also get insights into how Noah was coping and dealing with his PTSD. We see Clara become her own woman (I mean, she is 30+ years old, so she shouldn't still be under her mom's thumb, geez). And we get a little suspense thrown in there. The suspense helped keep my attention, but it was all really predictable.
I liked Noah a lot. He was gruff, incredibly intelligent, bitter at times, but he was loyal and had a good soul down deep. It broke my heart to see how the PTSD was keeping him from living, but I loved seeing that he was willing to take necessary steps to overcome the disease.
Clara wasn't my favorite person, mostly because I thought she was way too much of a pushover. She did have a sense of humor though, which gave her a bit of personality. She just lost some of my respect when she refused to stand up to her mom and everyone else out to control her. I also hated her when she completely blew her fuse and hurt Noah so much in the end. I just wanted to slap some sense into her then. I don't think I would have forgiven her as quickly as Noah did, but at least he made sure she knew she hurt him and that he didn't want it to happen again. You shouldn't make fun of someone's disease, so she was just wrong for doing so.
I also wasn't buying her mom's change of heart/attitude at the end. Maybe she just used belittling her daughter as a shield, but no one can change that quickly.
I only wish that we had gotten an epilogue so that we could see how Noah/Clara coped with his ongoing PTSD and her new ventures. For that reason, I had to take off a star since it felt as though the story wasn't finished.
November 11, 2016
This is the first book that I have read by this author and I doubt it will be my last. This was a very steamy second chance romance with lots of kink thrown into the mix. Clara has been writing a sex blog for years when she is asked to write an article on BDSM. Only problem, she has never experienced it. So she decides to hire someone to introduce her to the elements of BDSM without really knowing the person beyond a background check. Which is how she ends up locked in a cage, needing to be rescued when her house catches fire. And just to make matters worse who should rescue her but her sexy ex, Noah, that left her fifteen years ago. Who just happens to be the only man she has ever loved.
This was a great romance that included lots of angst from the hero's PTSD that was keeping him trapped inside his own home to the demanding mother hiding her own secrets to Clara's own personal demons. A little bit of everything. I only wish there had been an epilogue to the story but I suppose we will see more of Clara and Noah in future books to this series. Or at least I hope so!
This was a great romance that included lots of angst from the hero's PTSD that was keeping him trapped inside his own home to the demanding mother hiding her own secrets to Clara's own personal demons. A little bit of everything. I only wish there had been an epilogue to the story but I suppose we will see more of Clara and Noah in future books to this series. Or at least I hope so!
November 11, 2016
This was definitely a much sexier side of this author than I've read in the couple of other books I've enjoyed by her. This was downright naughty with lots of kinky bedroom action, plenty of emotional drama, and a smidge of suspense. I tend to prefer a bit heavier hand with the suspense and a bit less in the bedroom, but I liked the characters, so I kept reading. Both Noah and Clara were strong despite their flaws. Noah's issues were severe, but he made a way to overcome them when it really counted. Clara also found her backbone at the perfect time. Overall, it was a smoking hot read for those who like a lot of dirty talk and kink in their romance.
I received an ARC from Net Galley for review.
I received an ARC from Net Galley for review.
October 11, 2023
Clara's mom is one controlling snob. A narcissist like her will always get what they want because their victims don't even realize they're being manipulated.
Ed Durant gives me the creeps.
I think Clara should have told creepy Ed straight away, to shove his sleazy proposal somewhere where the sun doesn't shine.
She should have used her strong will and defiance on her mum long before she did to stop her mom from manipulating her. Because of Noah, I guess she developed the courage to confront her. She felt more confident around him because he made her feel comfortable.
I'm not a big fan of this book, I only really connect with Noah, the others don't capture my attention. It's so much better in book one and three.
Ed Durant gives me the creeps.
I think Clara should have told creepy Ed straight away, to shove his sleazy proposal somewhere where the sun doesn't shine.
She should have used her strong will and defiance on her mum long before she did to stop her mom from manipulating her. Because of Noah, I guess she developed the courage to confront her. She felt more confident around him because he made her feel comfortable.
I'm not a big fan of this book, I only really connect with Noah, the others don't capture my attention. It's so much better in book one and three.
July 25, 2017
I really enjoy this series. I really enjoy Anna del Mar's work. She is the rare erotica author that not only has really hot, steamy sex scenes but she has a compelling, believable story with fully realized characters. Loved all the characters and their diversity as well as their compatibility. I just couldn't put the story down.
October 20, 2016
I have to admit, I am partial to a good D/s story, and for a strong Dom to take on a new, unexperienced sub is undeliably beguiling (not a 50 Shades fan, please note - never even read it!). When the Dom and sub in question know each other from a tumultuous past relationship, things get even more interesting. Add in an overbearing mother, a nasty case of PTSD, and someone out to get our heroine, and you have something rather unputdownable. Steamy sex scenes, a story that's not lost in the lust, and larger than life characters come together to make for a great read.
June 30, 2021
The romance was run f the mill BDSM, the alpha male was wounded warrior flavour, but I did like the heroine insisting on sorting out her own mess.
October 31, 2016
***ARC Provided by the Author for an Honest Review***
To the Edge by Anna Del Mar had it all, sex, lust, love and a little bit of suspense all thrown in and blended to make an intriguing story line.
Noah and Clara’s story was refreshing and I must admit it held my attention completely. This is a first for me by Anna Del Mar and I was pleased to find such a well-defined thrilling story line.
Noah rescues Clara from a precarious situation. Not only is Clara his first love but she offers him a proposal he just can’t say no to. It’s a new experience for both, but it’s not without drama.
This was a really good book that had a way of captivating me in a way I wasn’t expecting and I would recommend you grabbing a copy to see what I mean.
This is a four-star read for me.
Reviewed by Stacey J
December 28, 2016
Anna del Mar really does push BDSM erotica to the edge with this one, the second novel in her At the Brink series and it earns 5+ stars from this reader. It's a well-researched, well-written, sexy, steamy, holy hotness, second chance romance and it worked for this reader on every level.
Clara is the 32-year-old daughter of an uber-controlling U.S. Senator, an emotionally abusive and manipulative woman who is grooming Clara to be the next in the family's political dynasty, whether Clara wants that career or not. At present, Clara is managing the family's charitable foundation and is being worked to death. Her now ex-fiance only wanted her for her family connections, and behind her mother's back, she's started a blog, sextattle.com, which is taking off in popularity, and in which she and her subscriber's discuss sexual issues, kink and BDSM. She's received an offer to merge her blog with a larger, heavily trafficked on-line site from the site's creator, who has tasked her with writing an article about the BDSM lifestyle, something Clara is interested in exploring but has little knowledge of beyond reading about it. She finds a Dom she thinks she can trust who will help her explore the lifestyle and plans their first meeting at the old family summer home on Avalon, a small island in the Chesapeake Bay. Unfortunately, her Dom leaves her hanging, literally and figuratively, handcuffed, gagged and bound inside a cage, goes out to get coffee and is gone way too long. When Clara smells smoke she realizes that the the house is on fire and she's trapped with no way out.
The person who comes to her rescue is Noah, the boy she loved and lost 15 years ago, who disappeared without a word and broke her young heart. He's now a highly decorated, ex-Navy SEAL with a serious case of PTSD which manifests itself as extreme agoraphobia. He bought a house on the island and is working from home in advanced cyber-intelligence trying to thwart international terrorism. Once rescued, Clara lets him have it--venting her fear by raging at him for leaving her without a word--except, that she soon learns he did leave her a letter, one she never received, one about which she was lied to by the people she trusted most.
When Noah finally asks her what on earth she was doing trussed up in that cage in an empty house, she explains her reasons for experimenting with BDSM, and as she soon learns, Noah is an experienced Dom, and so they strike a agreement that he will be her Dom and teach her enough to write her article if she will be his obedient sub, for a period of three weeks, the deadline for the article she's agreed to write, and teach her he does. Part of their agreement also includes the caveat that Noah work on his PTSD on-line with Clara's therapist.
Make no mistake, this is more BDSM erotica than romance novel, and some of the scenes between these two compelling characters are extremely explicit and not for the faint of heart. Although these former lovers do care deeply for one another, Noah definitely puts the Dom in Dominant and Clara is not naturally submissive--she's more of a Type A control-freak whose Achilles heel is her mother, who Clara now knows was responsible for getting rid of Noah 15 years ago, thinking him unworthy of her daughter, and making sure she never received his letter. There are more plots and subplots than those I've mentioned, and they vary from utterly creepy to hilariously funny, no easy task for an author to pull off in as serious a BDSM novel as this one.
This novel worked for this reader, hooking me from the very first page, but I'm well aware that it won't work for every reader, and it's most definitely for the 18 and over crowd. If you like your novels hot, want to see BDSM accurately portrayed, read wounded warrior romances and love second chance at romance novels, grab a copy of To the Edge--you won't be disappointed.
Clara is the 32-year-old daughter of an uber-controlling U.S. Senator, an emotionally abusive and manipulative woman who is grooming Clara to be the next in the family's political dynasty, whether Clara wants that career or not. At present, Clara is managing the family's charitable foundation and is being worked to death. Her now ex-fiance only wanted her for her family connections, and behind her mother's back, she's started a blog, sextattle.com, which is taking off in popularity, and in which she and her subscriber's discuss sexual issues, kink and BDSM. She's received an offer to merge her blog with a larger, heavily trafficked on-line site from the site's creator, who has tasked her with writing an article about the BDSM lifestyle, something Clara is interested in exploring but has little knowledge of beyond reading about it. She finds a Dom she thinks she can trust who will help her explore the lifestyle and plans their first meeting at the old family summer home on Avalon, a small island in the Chesapeake Bay. Unfortunately, her Dom leaves her hanging, literally and figuratively, handcuffed, gagged and bound inside a cage, goes out to get coffee and is gone way too long. When Clara smells smoke she realizes that the the house is on fire and she's trapped with no way out.
The person who comes to her rescue is Noah, the boy she loved and lost 15 years ago, who disappeared without a word and broke her young heart. He's now a highly decorated, ex-Navy SEAL with a serious case of PTSD which manifests itself as extreme agoraphobia. He bought a house on the island and is working from home in advanced cyber-intelligence trying to thwart international terrorism. Once rescued, Clara lets him have it--venting her fear by raging at him for leaving her without a word--except, that she soon learns he did leave her a letter, one she never received, one about which she was lied to by the people she trusted most.
When Noah finally asks her what on earth she was doing trussed up in that cage in an empty house, she explains her reasons for experimenting with BDSM, and as she soon learns, Noah is an experienced Dom, and so they strike a agreement that he will be her Dom and teach her enough to write her article if she will be his obedient sub, for a period of three weeks, the deadline for the article she's agreed to write, and teach her he does. Part of their agreement also includes the caveat that Noah work on his PTSD on-line with Clara's therapist.
Make no mistake, this is more BDSM erotica than romance novel, and some of the scenes between these two compelling characters are extremely explicit and not for the faint of heart. Although these former lovers do care deeply for one another, Noah definitely puts the Dom in Dominant and Clara is not naturally submissive--she's more of a Type A control-freak whose Achilles heel is her mother, who Clara now knows was responsible for getting rid of Noah 15 years ago, thinking him unworthy of her daughter, and making sure she never received his letter. There are more plots and subplots than those I've mentioned, and they vary from utterly creepy to hilariously funny, no easy task for an author to pull off in as serious a BDSM novel as this one.
This novel worked for this reader, hooking me from the very first page, but I'm well aware that it won't work for every reader, and it's most definitely for the 18 and over crowd. If you like your novels hot, want to see BDSM accurately portrayed, read wounded warrior romances and love second chance at romance novels, grab a copy of To the Edge--you won't be disappointed.
September 30, 2016
I enjoyed this book. I liked the characters and their development through out the book. I appreciated that "their love" did not cure the hero's PTSD and that the heroine worked through her issues herself.
November 23, 2016
Clara is taking a whole new approach to breaking free. She’s becoming submissive. Not just to anyone, but to the love of her life who left her 15 years ago. Sure, that’s a mighty long time to carry a torch for someone she met when she was only 17- and at the time barely knew herself-, but it’s not long when he’s “the one”. She’d imagined their reunion many times. Dreamt of it. But never in her wildest dreams had she imagined things would turn out the way they do.
Noah never got over Clara and the way she kicked him (or had him kicked) to the curb…literally. He knew he’d see her again one day. At least he had hope. And it’s that hope that kept him fighting for his sanity. Suffering from PTSD, Noah knew being with her again could be a long time coming, so how glorious it was when the time was greatly shortened. He had imagined their coming together would be as kinky as it was, but he never believed those dreams would actually come true.
Ask and ye shall receive…
Clara became synonymous with kink. And the fact that it was her suggestion proved to Noah he wasn’t really in hell. His mind just tended to vacation to the location. But then Clara gave him something else to think about. Better ways to spend his off time other than sitting alone in his cottage.
There’s no question that the chemistry between them is enough to be added to somebody’s curriculum. They can’t be around each other without engaging in some kind of physical activity and the heat will burn the pages and blow out e-readers. It’s believable that they’re still extremely drawn to each other after all the time apart, and the way they both compromise and own up to their faults makes their story that much less complicated.
I’ve loved everything I’ve read by del Mar, and this is no exception. However, unlike the other novels, this one is short on the actual romance. There’s plenty of sex, but I felt a little cheated outside the bedroom. They both had demanding jobs and obstacles to overcome (so there is something other than the sex), but most (not all) of that non-sexual encounters that readers see rather than be told about are when they’re apart. The suspense is good, and I was surprised by a revalation…a couple of revelations actually…which added something more to the story. I do wish I cuold’ve gotten more out of the whole terrorist thing. It was built up to be something big, and although it was (so it’s said) we don’t get to “see” how it ends. We’re only told.
Despite me wishing for a little more non-sex, I still really enjoyed the story.
Noah never got over Clara and the way she kicked him (or had him kicked) to the curb…literally. He knew he’d see her again one day. At least he had hope. And it’s that hope that kept him fighting for his sanity. Suffering from PTSD, Noah knew being with her again could be a long time coming, so how glorious it was when the time was greatly shortened. He had imagined their coming together would be as kinky as it was, but he never believed those dreams would actually come true.
Ask and ye shall receive…
Clara became synonymous with kink. And the fact that it was her suggestion proved to Noah he wasn’t really in hell. His mind just tended to vacation to the location. But then Clara gave him something else to think about. Better ways to spend his off time other than sitting alone in his cottage.
There’s no question that the chemistry between them is enough to be added to somebody’s curriculum. They can’t be around each other without engaging in some kind of physical activity and the heat will burn the pages and blow out e-readers. It’s believable that they’re still extremely drawn to each other after all the time apart, and the way they both compromise and own up to their faults makes their story that much less complicated.
I’ve loved everything I’ve read by del Mar, and this is no exception. However, unlike the other novels, this one is short on the actual romance. There’s plenty of sex, but I felt a little cheated outside the bedroom. They both had demanding jobs and obstacles to overcome (so there is something other than the sex), but most (not all) of that non-sexual encounters that readers see rather than be told about are when they’re apart. The suspense is good, and I was surprised by a revalation…a couple of revelations actually…which added something more to the story. I do wish I cuold’ve gotten more out of the whole terrorist thing. It was built up to be something big, and although it was (so it’s said) we don’t get to “see” how it ends. We’re only told.
Despite me wishing for a little more non-sex, I still really enjoyed the story.
November 11, 2016
GENRE: Erotica
THEME: Romance, Contemporary, Military
RECEIVED: Tour
BLOG: http://seeingnight.blogspot.com/
REVIEW:
I was super excited to read At The Edge by Anna Del Mar, I heard from fellow readers about the first book At the Brink and knew this was an author I should check out. Luckily for me I had no problem diving into the second book without reading the first, I didn’t feel lost and got some small introductions to the prior couple. Of course now I cant wait to meet Josh and Lily, so the first book is now on my list.
Be prepared, To the Edge is one smoking hot book, in more ways than one of course. As when Noah finds Clara the house she’s in is one fire. But let me start from the beginning without giving away too much. Noah and Clara met when they were young in Chesapeake Bay. Noah was set to go to the Navy Academy, and even though he got a “great” recommendation from Clara’s Senator mother, it was more of a get lost farewell. Clara not knowing what her mother did loses her first love. Now its years later and Clara runs her mothers foundation and deals with being an annoyance to her mother, lets just say this woman is awful. But Claea’s side hobby is writing a sex advice blog. She gets some information from someone who wants to write an article on BDSM. She’s a total newbie with this subject but dives in anyways. Which brings her to how Noah and Clara meet up in a burning house with her caged. Let’s just say everything from there gets even hotter.
I was on the edge of my seat with this couple. Noah is an alpha male to the max and Claea is the perfect submissive for him. He has his issues, dealing with PTSD and its harmed the way hes lived his life, but Clara helps him through a lot. Its interesting how their relationship started our about writing an article to a passionate and intense relationship. Of course there are dangers, especially with Noahs job being in special ops.
Overall I enjoyed the intensity of the couples development, there is a ton of back-story for both. To me PTSD is a topic I know all too well with many friends and family who are former military and deal with it everyday. It was nice to see an author touch on this subject with care and understanding. I have definitely found a new author to follow, I loved her character building and the romance had me gasping and fanning myself! I look forward to the next book and cant wait to backtrack and read the first.
THEME: Romance, Contemporary, Military
RECEIVED: Tour
BLOG: http://seeingnight.blogspot.com/
REVIEW:
I was super excited to read At The Edge by Anna Del Mar, I heard from fellow readers about the first book At the Brink and knew this was an author I should check out. Luckily for me I had no problem diving into the second book without reading the first, I didn’t feel lost and got some small introductions to the prior couple. Of course now I cant wait to meet Josh and Lily, so the first book is now on my list.
Be prepared, To the Edge is one smoking hot book, in more ways than one of course. As when Noah finds Clara the house she’s in is one fire. But let me start from the beginning without giving away too much. Noah and Clara met when they were young in Chesapeake Bay. Noah was set to go to the Navy Academy, and even though he got a “great” recommendation from Clara’s Senator mother, it was more of a get lost farewell. Clara not knowing what her mother did loses her first love. Now its years later and Clara runs her mothers foundation and deals with being an annoyance to her mother, lets just say this woman is awful. But Claea’s side hobby is writing a sex advice blog. She gets some information from someone who wants to write an article on BDSM. She’s a total newbie with this subject but dives in anyways. Which brings her to how Noah and Clara meet up in a burning house with her caged. Let’s just say everything from there gets even hotter.
I was on the edge of my seat with this couple. Noah is an alpha male to the max and Claea is the perfect submissive for him. He has his issues, dealing with PTSD and its harmed the way hes lived his life, but Clara helps him through a lot. Its interesting how their relationship started our about writing an article to a passionate and intense relationship. Of course there are dangers, especially with Noahs job being in special ops.
Overall I enjoyed the intensity of the couples development, there is a ton of back-story for both. To me PTSD is a topic I know all too well with many friends and family who are former military and deal with it everyday. It was nice to see an author touch on this subject with care and understanding. I have definitely found a new author to follow, I loved her character building and the romance had me gasping and fanning myself! I look forward to the next book and cant wait to backtrack and read the first.
November 15, 2016
To the Edge, Anna del Mar
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Genre: Erotica, Romance
I really wanted to like this story, it sounded fun and spicy but...I was kind of underwhelmed by it.
I wasn’t really taken with the characters I guess, Clara still under mummy’s thumb at the age of 30 (ish, I can’t quite remember) and it seemed to me to be improbable.
I kept wanting to say to Clara, stand up for yourself woman, stop being such a doormat!
She talented, intelligent, does a great job of running the foundation, so to see her knuckling under each time her mu said jump just felt wrong. Acting like that as a teen – yes, at her age? Nope.
Her mum was a pretty dislikeable character too, so her actions at the end didn’t really feel right.
Noah, I liked him, understood his issues, but wonder if he could really do all that he did from home?
I don’t know, technology like that is way beyond my mind-set, but it felt a little too convenient at times. Here’s the issue, ah Noah’s got a handy bug/Trojan/bit of code that can sort it.
When Clara agrees to submit to him I thought it was for the blog and the article she’d got to write – not to thank him as suggested in the description?
Which brings us to the blog and the article – I didn’t really understand the whole thing here, why the need for that one specific article, and why the merger?
With the blog and article, Noah’s job and connections, the politics her Senator mother is involved with, the foundation, the sleazy donor; by the time it all wrapped up it felt almost incestuous!
Complications put in the story that needed some serious suspension of belief for the solutions I felt. Sometimes Less is More and I would have enjoyed better this if it was less complex and more realistic.
As ever though that’s just my take, others will feel very differently – you have to make your own choice, if you like the novels I do then you may feel as me about this one.
The sex scenes were potentially hot and sensual, but as the story wasn’t working for me they didn’t do anything.
For me the sex and the story need to go hand ion hand, with the story taking lead point, not trailing behind the sex as I felt it did here.
Its perfect for many readers of course, we all enjoy different types of novel but for me this was a fail.
.
Stars: two. Just didn’t connect well with me.
ARC supplied for review purposes by Netgalley and publisher
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Genre: Erotica, Romance
I really wanted to like this story, it sounded fun and spicy but...I was kind of underwhelmed by it.
I wasn’t really taken with the characters I guess, Clara still under mummy’s thumb at the age of 30 (ish, I can’t quite remember) and it seemed to me to be improbable.
I kept wanting to say to Clara, stand up for yourself woman, stop being such a doormat!
She talented, intelligent, does a great job of running the foundation, so to see her knuckling under each time her mu said jump just felt wrong. Acting like that as a teen – yes, at her age? Nope.
Her mum was a pretty dislikeable character too, so her actions at the end didn’t really feel right.
Noah, I liked him, understood his issues, but wonder if he could really do all that he did from home?
I don’t know, technology like that is way beyond my mind-set, but it felt a little too convenient at times. Here’s the issue, ah Noah’s got a handy bug/Trojan/bit of code that can sort it.
When Clara agrees to submit to him I thought it was for the blog and the article she’d got to write – not to thank him as suggested in the description?
Which brings us to the blog and the article – I didn’t really understand the whole thing here, why the need for that one specific article, and why the merger?
With the blog and article, Noah’s job and connections, the politics her Senator mother is involved with, the foundation, the sleazy donor; by the time it all wrapped up it felt almost incestuous!
Complications put in the story that needed some serious suspension of belief for the solutions I felt. Sometimes Less is More and I would have enjoyed better this if it was less complex and more realistic.
As ever though that’s just my take, others will feel very differently – you have to make your own choice, if you like the novels I do then you may feel as me about this one.
The sex scenes were potentially hot and sensual, but as the story wasn’t working for me they didn’t do anything.
For me the sex and the story need to go hand ion hand, with the story taking lead point, not trailing behind the sex as I felt it did here.
Its perfect for many readers of course, we all enjoy different types of novel but for me this was a fail.
.
Stars: two. Just didn’t connect well with me.
ARC supplied for review purposes by Netgalley and publisher
January 1, 2017
2.5 stars
I just haven't enjoyed the "At the Brink" series as much as Anna Del Mar's "Wounded Warrior" Series.
I did enjoy this one more than the last one which completely ticked me off in the end. I could feel a decent connection between the characters as they had previously been involved. I didn't understand a lot of the plot. It seemed ridiculous that this 30 year old woman still had to answer to mommy about absolutely everything. Her website was doing great so why this huge obsessive push for this article on another website? And the whole thing with the rich donor? Ew! Gross. I don't get it.
Noah I understood a little better. I enjoyed his character and that he was trying really hard to make improvements in his life. (Although I really could have done without his run in with his old flame that got him started down the BDSM road. It was borderline creepy and totally unnecessary.)
But really, the thing that did me in?? The following gems. Which are but a small few of what you can find in this book:
"We’d make millions if we marketed your juices.”
We aren't talking about fruit juice people.
"The vibrator purred as if a happy cat had climbed into my pussy and settled for a long nap."
A visual I never, ever, need in my mind.
"By the time Noah was done, I squirmed in my chair and my sex had produced a new concoction."
I do NOT need to hear about whatever "concoction" she is getting all over the chair.
“Your little clam loves a good shower.”
Errrrr......
"My pussy smarted pleasantly between my legs, fat and full, like a well-fed pup."
Wtf is up with the gross animal analogies??!!
"I swear, he slurped so hard, he could have drawn sweet milk from me."
Ummm, if you start spontaneously lactating you might need to see a doctor
"I clenched with all I had , but the only reason the plug didn’t shoot out of me like a missile was because Noah kept guard at the gate."
"The plug’s looped handle protruded from my asshole as if I were a crank-up toy."
I have no words.
I don't remember any of this nonsense in the authors other books. I don't get it. Sex descriptions should make me think "Whew! Hot!", not "I just threw up in my mouth a little bit."
Soooo it really wasn't a totally bad book. Unfortunately it just wasn't particularly that good either.
I received this book from netgalley in exchange for an honest review
I just haven't enjoyed the "At the Brink" series as much as Anna Del Mar's "Wounded Warrior" Series.
I did enjoy this one more than the last one which completely ticked me off in the end. I could feel a decent connection between the characters as they had previously been involved. I didn't understand a lot of the plot. It seemed ridiculous that this 30 year old woman still had to answer to mommy about absolutely everything. Her website was doing great so why this huge obsessive push for this article on another website? And the whole thing with the rich donor? Ew! Gross. I don't get it.
Noah I understood a little better. I enjoyed his character and that he was trying really hard to make improvements in his life. (Although I really could have done without his run in with his old flame that got him started down the BDSM road. It was borderline creepy and totally unnecessary.)
But really, the thing that did me in?? The following gems. Which are but a small few of what you can find in this book:
"We’d make millions if we marketed your juices.”
We aren't talking about fruit juice people.
"The vibrator purred as if a happy cat had climbed into my pussy and settled for a long nap."
A visual I never, ever, need in my mind.
"By the time Noah was done, I squirmed in my chair and my sex had produced a new concoction."
I do NOT need to hear about whatever "concoction" she is getting all over the chair.
“Your little clam loves a good shower.”
Errrrr......
"My pussy smarted pleasantly between my legs, fat and full, like a well-fed pup."
Wtf is up with the gross animal analogies??!!
"I swear, he slurped so hard, he could have drawn sweet milk from me."
Ummm, if you start spontaneously lactating you might need to see a doctor
"I clenched with all I had , but the only reason the plug didn’t shoot out of me like a missile was because Noah kept guard at the gate."
"The plug’s looped handle protruded from my asshole as if I were a crank-up toy."
I have no words.
I don't remember any of this nonsense in the authors other books. I don't get it. Sex descriptions should make me think "Whew! Hot!", not "I just threw up in my mouth a little bit."
Soooo it really wasn't a totally bad book. Unfortunately it just wasn't particularly that good either.
I received this book from netgalley in exchange for an honest review
October 2, 2023
4.5 Stars
OMG, this is the first book I’ve read by Anna del Mar, and it blew me away. I was taken to the edge, held my breath and devoured this story from beginning to end.
Clara is leading a double life as a blogger for an erotic online website she has created and that of a dutiful daughter of a prominent politician. I know, probably not what you want to read about now, but bear with me. Coerced into experiencing the world she bases her blog on, she reluctantly agrees to time with a Dom. It seems OK, to begin with, she’s no fool, checking out credentials of the guy who a fellow blogger recommends. No amount of research can prepare her for what she has taken on.
It doesn’t end there. As Clara is trying to deal with an out of control situation, she comes face to face with a guy from her past. He hasn’t been in her good graces since he left town and is the last person she needs to walk into the room now. Beggars can’t be choosers, and she reluctantly accepts his help, then storms out mortified.
Together they push each other to be their best. Noah uses his ingenuity and creativity to reach out to Clara despite his limitations. His antics took Clara to the edge and beyond when she least wanted to be challenged. Some of his suggestions had me cringing. I was waiting for someone to discover what was going on and for their relationship to implode. What happened, though, the story had you filing away any concerns and going with the flow of the situation.
The ending tied up the problems Clara and Noah had with less than I thought was required which was the only reason I have held back on giving this book 5 stars. Apart from that minor detail, this book has led me to an author who has impressed the socks off me!
What I struggled with:
*A couple of loose ends that were tied up a little too swiftly
*Clara being a little too quick to jump to an opinion
What I loved:
*Noah’s attention to detail
*The lady taxi driver
*The interaction with his past partner, brief but it said so much
*The shower scene
*His approach to his therapy
I voluntarily reviewed a Netgalley complimentary copy of this book.
OMG, this is the first book I’ve read by Anna del Mar, and it blew me away. I was taken to the edge, held my breath and devoured this story from beginning to end.
Clara is leading a double life as a blogger for an erotic online website she has created and that of a dutiful daughter of a prominent politician. I know, probably not what you want to read about now, but bear with me. Coerced into experiencing the world she bases her blog on, she reluctantly agrees to time with a Dom. It seems OK, to begin with, she’s no fool, checking out credentials of the guy who a fellow blogger recommends. No amount of research can prepare her for what she has taken on.
It doesn’t end there. As Clara is trying to deal with an out of control situation, she comes face to face with a guy from her past. He hasn’t been in her good graces since he left town and is the last person she needs to walk into the room now. Beggars can’t be choosers, and she reluctantly accepts his help, then storms out mortified.
Together they push each other to be their best. Noah uses his ingenuity and creativity to reach out to Clara despite his limitations. His antics took Clara to the edge and beyond when she least wanted to be challenged. Some of his suggestions had me cringing. I was waiting for someone to discover what was going on and for their relationship to implode. What happened, though, the story had you filing away any concerns and going with the flow of the situation.
The ending tied up the problems Clara and Noah had with less than I thought was required which was the only reason I have held back on giving this book 5 stars. Apart from that minor detail, this book has led me to an author who has impressed the socks off me!
What I struggled with:
*A couple of loose ends that were tied up a little too swiftly
*Clara being a little too quick to jump to an opinion
What I loved:
*Noah’s attention to detail
*The lady taxi driver
*The interaction with his past partner, brief but it said so much
*The shower scene
*His approach to his therapy
I voluntarily reviewed a Netgalley complimentary copy of this book.
November 17, 2016
To learn about kink, she had to learn the ropes. Yet she never expected to be so compromised she'd need rescuing. And by him. The first man she'd ever loved. The former navy SEAL who'd broken her heart.
Clara's gone wild.
Naked. Cuffed. Caged. Is this the sweet senator's daughter I left behind?
I didn't know it was her when I rushed into that room filled with flames, but I'll never let her go again.
She's proposed a unique way to thank me. It could bring us both to the edge of ecstasy—or to the point of no return.
Clara wants to submit. To me. Totally. Damn any limits. The very thought of it has brought me back from the dead.
But a stranger is watching from the shadows. He's made us his fantasy. And he plays rougher than I do. Where he's taking us now is somewhere so dark, and so dangerous, that this time it could be inescapable.
Review:
Great story of reunited young love.
Clara and Noah were once young and in love when outside forces tore them apart. Now, 15 years later Clara researching BDSM for an article gets locked in a cage, the house catches on fire and Noah comes to her rescue. The mystery and sexiness continue from there. Both Clara and Noah are flawed and have issues that get in the way of their love. Clara is insecure because of her domineering, Senator Mother. Noah was in the military as comes back from service with PTSD in the form agoraphobia, which I thought was a unique twist to the story. Clara and Noah are super sexy together as Noah teaches Clara about submission. Many secrets are revealed as the book goes on that make the book more interesting and tension filled. The ending was super satisfying.
This is a new to me Author that I really enjoyed reading her work. She had some very unique and interesting twists that for me kept the story fresh. This is book number, but I have not read the first and I was never lost or confused. The characters were endearing and made you want them to end up together.
3.5Stars
*I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this book provided by the publisher.*
Clara's gone wild.
Naked. Cuffed. Caged. Is this the sweet senator's daughter I left behind?
I didn't know it was her when I rushed into that room filled with flames, but I'll never let her go again.
She's proposed a unique way to thank me. It could bring us both to the edge of ecstasy—or to the point of no return.
Clara wants to submit. To me. Totally. Damn any limits. The very thought of it has brought me back from the dead.
But a stranger is watching from the shadows. He's made us his fantasy. And he plays rougher than I do. Where he's taking us now is somewhere so dark, and so dangerous, that this time it could be inescapable.
Review:
Great story of reunited young love.
Clara and Noah were once young and in love when outside forces tore them apart. Now, 15 years later Clara researching BDSM for an article gets locked in a cage, the house catches on fire and Noah comes to her rescue. The mystery and sexiness continue from there. Both Clara and Noah are flawed and have issues that get in the way of their love. Clara is insecure because of her domineering, Senator Mother. Noah was in the military as comes back from service with PTSD in the form agoraphobia, which I thought was a unique twist to the story. Clara and Noah are super sexy together as Noah teaches Clara about submission. Many secrets are revealed as the book goes on that make the book more interesting and tension filled. The ending was super satisfying.
This is a new to me Author that I really enjoyed reading her work. She had some very unique and interesting twists that for me kept the story fresh. This is book number, but I have not read the first and I was never lost or confused. The characters were endearing and made you want them to end up together.
3.5Stars
*I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this book provided by the publisher.*
January 7, 2017
"The last time I'd seen him was right here, in this house, an hour before he broke my heart. It was him. The first man I ever loved."
Clara feels the pressures of being a Senator's daughter who knows that certain things need to be kept in the dark. Always striving for her mother's acceptance but seeming falls short each time. She learned to just go with it but secretly rebellious with her writing her blog on sex and relationships. Trying something new to give her reads a real life experiences but finds herself cuffed, alone and in a house that is going up in flames. Who will save her? Noah Blake will. Her first love, her first broken heart, he was her everything. Noah opens Clara eyes to the wonderments of submitting. Clara's chance to be free and let go of her controlling world. Noah has his own demons he must battle and with Clara help, can he overcome them. What lengths would one go to protect and claim the one he has always loved?
To the Edge sets you free and will set you on fire. Join the journey of Clara discovering herself when she lets go and Noah shows her what it is like when you out your trust into someone who loves you. To the Edge is also a second chance romance when you don't let others stand in your way. The heart what the Heart wants.
*ARC provided by Author in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Carrie from Alpha Book Club
Clara feels the pressures of being a Senator's daughter who knows that certain things need to be kept in the dark. Always striving for her mother's acceptance but seeming falls short each time. She learned to just go with it but secretly rebellious with her writing her blog on sex and relationships. Trying something new to give her reads a real life experiences but finds herself cuffed, alone and in a house that is going up in flames. Who will save her? Noah Blake will. Her first love, her first broken heart, he was her everything. Noah opens Clara eyes to the wonderments of submitting. Clara's chance to be free and let go of her controlling world. Noah has his own demons he must battle and with Clara help, can he overcome them. What lengths would one go to protect and claim the one he has always loved?
To the Edge sets you free and will set you on fire. Join the journey of Clara discovering herself when she lets go and Noah shows her what it is like when you out your trust into someone who loves you. To the Edge is also a second chance romance when you don't let others stand in your way. The heart what the Heart wants.
*ARC provided by Author in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Carrie from Alpha Book Club
November 12, 2016
This book was the first book I've read by this author. I was intrigued by the storyline and once I started the book, I read all day until I was done. I loved Noah and Clara's story. Noah is a soldier with PTSD, but with his PTSD he doesn't leave his house. He saves Clara when he sees her house burning and he musters all of his courage to see if anyone needs help. When he reconnects with Clara he is done. He has never stopped loving her. When he finds out she is interested in learning more about kink, he knows he wants to help her. The exploration is everything to both of them as they picked up where they left off 15 years ago. Noah's lifestyle has him imprisoned, but he wants to beat it for Clara. I loved their story.
I love that this story talks about kink and how empowering it is for the woman as well as the man. There is an equal exchange of power. I loved that Clara is such a strong character and yet gives herself over to Noah even though its her nature to fight that kind of submission. The storyline of this book had me from the beginning. I loved watching Noah and Clara rekindle what they had and loved how they ignited the pages. This was a really great read. Loved it!
I love that this story talks about kink and how empowering it is for the woman as well as the man. There is an equal exchange of power. I loved that Clara is such a strong character and yet gives herself over to Noah even though its her nature to fight that kind of submission. The storyline of this book had me from the beginning. I loved watching Noah and Clara rekindle what they had and loved how they ignited the pages. This was a really great read. Loved it!
November 14, 2016
Clara Luz is tired of playing the role of pristine, dutiful daughter to her politically powerful mother. Her secret life running a sex blog has brought her a unique opportunity to let her explore her sexual side and do something for herself. Her first attempt finds her locked in a cage and in sudden need of a hero when things go horribly wrong. She's surprised when her hero turns out to be the man she's desperately loved and hated for leaving her.
Noah Blake has returned to the island of Avalon in hopes of putting his life back together. A decorated ex-Navy Seal, his PTSD keeps him locked inside his home. He's excelled in everything due to the thought of being worthy enough for Clara, the love of his life before her mother and her security detail ran him off and threatened him. When he rescues her from imminent danger, he's surprised at what she is willing to offer him, a dream come true for 3 weeks.
Noah and Clara are explosive as they come back together and learn more about each other. They quickly learn they're each suffering from damaged pasts which threaten their future together. Clara has a lot of growing up to do and learns more than just about being a submissive.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Noah Blake has returned to the island of Avalon in hopes of putting his life back together. A decorated ex-Navy Seal, his PTSD keeps him locked inside his home. He's excelled in everything due to the thought of being worthy enough for Clara, the love of his life before her mother and her security detail ran him off and threatened him. When he rescues her from imminent danger, he's surprised at what she is willing to offer him, a dream come true for 3 weeks.
Noah and Clara are explosive as they come back together and learn more about each other. They quickly learn they're each suffering from damaged pasts which threaten their future together. Clara has a lot of growing up to do and learns more than just about being a submissive.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
November 14, 2016
Childhood sweethearts drifted apart only to reconnect, missing love letters, and a mommy intervention. She’s a poor little rich girl; he’s an orphan from the wrong side of the tracks. His name is Noah. If it sounds like a story that you may have heard that rhymes with sotebook, you’ve got the premise.
I liked the second change romance in this story. I loved Clara and Noah's rapport and that they were a little older when they reconnect as it lends itself to believability. However, I wasn’t a big fan of the mystery/thriller elements. Noah felt something was off and that Clara was in danger from the onset, but he does little to suss this out, until the very end. Eleventh-hour saves can be exciting, but the action here doesn’t play out in real time for the reader to follow along, rather we get a cursory recap late in the third act.
Sex is a big part of this story. Clara uses it to overcome her low self-esteem, and Noah uses it to get over his PTSD. Not sure if that is a sanctioned therapy by the APA, but it is a standard love story with both characters hiding thinly veiled and unbelievable secrets. I always root for a military hero, but the PTSD isn't fleshed out enough.
I liked the second change romance in this story. I loved Clara and Noah's rapport and that they were a little older when they reconnect as it lends itself to believability. However, I wasn’t a big fan of the mystery/thriller elements. Noah felt something was off and that Clara was in danger from the onset, but he does little to suss this out, until the very end. Eleventh-hour saves can be exciting, but the action here doesn’t play out in real time for the reader to follow along, rather we get a cursory recap late in the third act.
Sex is a big part of this story. Clara uses it to overcome her low self-esteem, and Noah uses it to get over his PTSD. Not sure if that is a sanctioned therapy by the APA, but it is a standard love story with both characters hiding thinly veiled and unbelievable secrets. I always root for a military hero, but the PTSD isn't fleshed out enough.
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