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The Edge #0.5-4

Girl on the Edge

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He's her husband, but he's not the man she married

Caden and Greysen come home from deployment to build a life together. Everything is perfect, until Caden starts changing into a different man -- one with a savage edge that's as dangerous as it is seductive.

Who is her husband?
What has he become?
And why?

With time running out and forces bigger than their marriage working against them, Greysen needs to put together the pieces before Caden takes it all too far...


*Previously released in serial format starting with Rough Edge.

839 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 22, 2019

1578 people are currently reading
1510 people want to read

About the author

C.D. Reiss

112 books9,641 followers
CD Reiss is a New York Times bestselling author. She still has to chop wood and carry water, which was buried in the fine print. Her lawyer is working it out with God but in the meantime, if you call and she doesn't pick up she's at the well hauling buckets.

Born in New York City, she moved to Hollywood, California to get her master's degree in screenwriting from USC. In case you want to know, that went nowhere but it did give her a big enough ego to write novels.

She's frequently referred to as the Shakespeare of Smut which is flattering but hasn't ever gotten her out of chopping a single cord of wood.

If you meet her in person, you should call her Christine.

***NONE OF MY BOOKS ARE SAFE***

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5 stars
411 (42%)
4 stars
282 (29%)
3 stars
166 (17%)
2 stars
58 (6%)
1 star
44 (4%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 187 reviews
Profile Image for Tahera.
743 reviews282 followers
March 15, 2019
This book had a decent story and plot line about an army couple dealing with PSTD and split personality disorder all thanks to a controversial method/ medication designed to eradicate stress/ mental weakness and enhance physical performance during active war.....the problem is it just took too long to get anywhere with it. For almost half the book, there was nothing but a lot of rough, BSDM sex between the couple (their way of dealing with the situation) and it just got repetitive and tiresome. There were 2-3 instances when I was almost tempted to give up on it because I was frustrated! The pacing was alright too but for a book that is supposed to be a fast paced, psychological thriller, it sure took it's own time to finally get to the 'thrilling' part.

My thanks to NetGalley, the author and publisher for the ARC. I really hoped I could give this book a higher rating but I feel what let it down was the sheer length (over 700 pages) it required to tell the story.
Profile Image for 8stitches 9lives.
2,853 reviews1,723 followers
January 21, 2019
As I have mentioned previously nothing annoys me more in terms of reading than when I pick up a novel that has been misrepresented; this is by far the most extreme case of that I have had the displeasure to discover. This is categorised as falling into the mystery/thriller genre, but don't be fooled; this is 99% erotica and 1% suspense. It is also very poorly constructed and written, and I'm afraid this is one of those rare occasions that I had to DNF. The one adjective that sums up this awful reading experience the most is - DIRE.

I really don't know why a publisher and/or author would find it agreeable to target this book at the completely wrong audience. It's far more likely to end in negative reviews due to people feeling misled and wasting their time, money or both on a novel that is not for them. Do yourself a favour if you're looking for suspense, crime, mystery or thrillers then spend your money elsewhere, it's hard-earned after all. However, if you're looking for erotica and a book that would make Fifty Shades of Grey look tame by all means grab a copy - you may enjoy these lurid sex scenes; they certainly aren't for me. Whatever floats your boat.

Many thanks to Flip City Media for an ARC.
Profile Image for The Sassy Bookworm.
4,057 reviews2,871 followers
January 30, 2019
I've legit been reading this book for a WEEK. That is not to say it was boring, because it wasn't. I actually really enjoyed it. However, it is such a LONG ass book I had to break it up into pieces. (lol) In any case, this was a damn intriguing read. I am not sure why it is classified as a physiological thriller, because there is a TON of graphic sex in it, but c'est la vie. It was good. I enjoyed it. It had great characters. The plot was intriguing. The end.

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Profile Image for Betül.
1,067 reviews292 followers
January 9, 2023
**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**

description

I would describe Girl on the Edge as an Erotic (Medical/psychological) Thriller. For the first 30% of the book, I was dedicated and intrigued by the story and characters. I was expecting a lot of things to happen, seeing how long the book was (839 pages). However, it just fell flat and repetitive after a while. It seemed like (rough) sex was the answer to everything. I just got bored with it and started skipping those scenes completely. In my opinion, they didn't add anything to the story.

I was expecting the married couple (Caden and Greysen) to go through major character development, but they come across as one-dimensional and I didn't see a lot change. I was not invested in their relationship, because I disconnected from them after the first quarter of the book. The length of this book didn't do it any favors in my opinion, I think I could've enjoyed this book more if it was much shorter. Also the heavy focus on the military was not my thing at all. That was another factor why I didn't enjoy this book as much as I would've liked. I usually love thrillers but this one just didn't work for me.
Profile Image for Jen.
241 reviews34 followers
August 2, 2025
I love this author, but this (set of) book(s) is a miss for me.

1. I don't require stories to be realistic, but all the same, there's a limit to how far out there I enjoy stories to go. This story flew past that limit. I'm sure doctors performing surgery for 8 straight days with no sleep works for some people, but I was rolling my eyes. When we find out why the characters are the way they are and how they are cured, well that was some bullshit too..

2. The story could have been cut much shorter. I realize the author likes to release stories in multiple cliffhanger novellas, but it takes from the story when things get repetitive or unnecessary.

3. The main characters got an entire prequel novella sharing how they fell in love and I still didn't see or feel it. The couple simply didn't click for me.


2.5 stars
Profile Image for Dana-Adriana B..
768 reviews302 followers
November 23, 2020
It is an erotic-thriller, but more interesting than the rough sex scenes is to look inside the dark side of Caden. The psychological part of the book is really interesting, but not the sex scenes.
Thank you Netgalley for this interesting ride.
1,950 reviews51 followers
December 2, 2018
Wow, was this one intense! Caden and Greyson are newlyweds, both veterans suffering from PTSD as well as childhood trauma. When Caden suddenly feels he is being "watched" and inhabited by a stranger, his desire to hurt Greyson during sex is overwhelming. Fortunately, Greyson enjoys it and so it continues as Caden leaves
bruises and is only able to stop short of really damaging his wife. While I am not a prude, there was SO much sex that I actually got tired of hearing about every orgasm they experienced and it took away from the plot. That being said, the plot is incredibly interesting and the ending is amazing. So fans of Reiss will surely love this novel and I will attempt the others as the writing is strong and believable.
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!
Profile Image for Sissy's Romance Book Review .
8,992 reviews16 followers
January 19, 2019
Girl on the Edge by CD Reiss is the box set of The Edge Series which tell the story of Caden and Greyson. Caden and Greyson stories is one that does need a box set and such a series They are married but are fighting past demons and ones that are in the present. It a thrilling read that keeps you on the edge of your seat wondering what is going to happen next...can they get past this and so on. It also brings those hot scene that I look forward to with Ms. Reiss writing. I really enjoyed this series and glad that we have this box set for a 'one stop shop' to get them all!.
Here is the list of books in this box set with 839 pages;
The Edge Series;
Cutting Edge (prequel)
Rough Edge
On the Edge
Broken Edge
Over the Edge
Profile Image for Heather Fineisen.
1,384 reviews117 followers
December 11, 2018
This is Shades of Grey on PTSD and deployment. A lot of sex as orgasm is central to the plot and too long as it is an intended series put together in one book. Caden and Greyson are a strong couple and it is easy to root for their recovery. The military setting enhanced the story but it tended to drag on towards the end.

Copy provided by the Publisher and NetGalley
Profile Image for Blagica .
1,381 reviews16 followers
January 30, 2019
Girl on the Edge
Taking you on the edge of insanity.
I have read a number of books by C.D Reiss when I saw this on Netgalley I was excited to read a thriller by this author and dived right in. I want to thank all parties involved in my arc of this book. Wow, was this one intense! Caden and Greyson are newlyweds, both veterans suffering from PTSD as well as childhood trauma. When Caden suddenly feels he is being "watched" and inhabited by a stranger, his desire to hurt Greyson during sex is overwhelming. Fortunately, Greyson enjoys it and so it continues as Caden leaves bruises and is only able to stop short of really damaging his wife. If I could give you any advice, I would say pay attention and make sure you have the time to invest in this read because the change of characters, personas, and setting/times can confuse you faster than any dissociative disorder ever could. Girl On The Edge is largely about mental health and trauma, the ways we respond to it or don’t, process or repress, and how this ultimately affects our life and relationships. We know early on Caden experienced trauma, much of which he’s never told Greysen about, and his repression begins creeping to the surface.

This was interesting in and of itself but Reiss doesn’t leave the story there. Greysen knew almost intuitively what Caden needed, perhaps because she’s a psychiatrist (although she is not treating him, thankfully), and she kept fighting for him, where many would walk away. I can’t say whether she should have walked away, only that her actions fit their relationship. I don’t want to go into detail but I will say the trauma explored is not limited to Caden. This is five books in one beautiful package. I think the only reason that I can’t give it a 5-star read is because it was a tad too long for me. I know all the details were needed but for me over 800 pages is a bit much. Well done I will be reading more by this author for sure.
Profile Image for Mimiorphee.
697 reviews41 followers
August 1, 2024
4.5 ☆
It's been so long since I opened a CD Reiss book that I had almost forgotten how good they were.
Grey and Caden's story is a whirlwind of raw passion and true love. Omg, did I enjoy being in their heads! The author did amazing research, and although she took many liberties about the army's functioning, medical possibilitiesn and psychological disorders, it never bothered me. I was there with the characters. I suffered with them, I fought with them. They never ceased to entice me. I rooted for them, their strengths, their flaws.
Girl on Edge is not a psychologicalogic thriller, but there's a lot of psychology in it. The mind is scary, it's beautiful. Just like this story.
Profile Image for P.
650 reviews41 followers
May 20, 2020
Wow this book had many WTF moments. I'll admit the storyline itself was a bit confusing sometimes, but their is alot of medical lingo. But the writing, characters were brilliant. My heart goes out to all people suffering from PTSD. 💔💔
Profile Image for Vanessa.
Author 5 books110 followers
January 6, 2019
**FULL REVIEW**

**claps hands**

Now, that I have your attention...because you have to pay attention when reading this book.

The change of characters, personas, and setting/times can confuse you faster than any disassociative disorder ever could.

With that said...I liked it.

"I break for you. Do you understand? I break every damned day and you do this? Why? You think getting away from me is going to cure you?"

Doctors...sheesh. Think they know everything...

This tale of Caden and Greysen is one that stuck with me. It's one that forced me to think, to consider every possibility, every aspect of their relationship, their lives...their outcome.

Would they make it? I honestly had no idea...

"Even as I convinced myself that was possible, I knew it wasn't. I was con-man and mark. Thief and victim. A willing dupe in my own web of lies."

The fact that there are about five books wrapped into this one cover was quite convenient. The thought of having to hunt each installment down as each part ended would've sent ME over the edge, talk about some cliffhangers.

As far as the story goes... as I said, I liked it. Didn't love it, because truly, it felt quite long and drawn out. I feel the author could've reached her point much quicker, and while the mental games she played with us as readers were well worth reading to the end, I found myself skipping and skimming parts that felt unnecessary with details irrelevant to the story arc. I know there's a lot to absorb, medical and military jargon that requires some explaining but with the length of this story, the details became lost and pulled me from the action.

All in all, Caden and Greysen's love story is just that. A twisted, distorted, dark, and crazy love story. One I would never want to live through...but enjoyed reading about.

*Side note: The author's note at the end, along with her acknowledgments and explanations...LOVED THAT! I felt I understood more of the story after reading it and was thankful to have that little insight into her mind while writing this book (series).*

**3 You Jump, I Jump, Stars**
Profile Image for Leigh Kramer.
Author 1 book1,418 followers
January 27, 2019
This story was fascinating on every level. I had no idea how or if it was going to turn out but I was there for every twist and turn. To fully appreciate what Reiss has accomplished, it’s best if you don’t know much going in so I’m not going to say much about the plot itself but more my reaction to it and what I found most interesting.

Greysen and Caden are adjusting to married life together after Greysen retires from the military. They met and married while they were both in service and this is their first chance at a civilian life together. But Caden soon realizes something is wrong with him and thus the story begins.

I’d describe it as an erotic romance crossed with a domestic thriller. There are aspects that may be troubling to some readers, which I’ve listed in the content warnings at the end. It’s edgy and it may not be for everyone but it was certainly a great choice for me.

"Decisions are made before they're made. The seeds are planted and watered, growing invisibly under the surface until the sprouts show, and even then, with those first two spear-shaped leaves, we can't identify the fruit they'll bear."

Girl On The Edge is largely about mental health and trauma, the ways we respond to it or don’t, process or repress, and how this ultimately affects our life and relationships. We know early on Caden experienced trauma, much of which he’s never told Greysen about, and his repression begins creeping to the surface.

This was interesting in and of itself but Reiss doesn’t leave the story there. Greysen knew almost intuitively what Caden needed, perhaps because she’s a psychiatrist (although she is not treating him, thankfully), and she kept fighting for him, where many would walk away. I can’t say whether she should have walked away, only that her actions fit their relationship. Consent is prioritized through all the ups and downs and helped level any concern that their relationship wasn’t healthy. The sex scenes were super steamy—this is open door all the way and I loved it.

Without going into detail, I do want to mention the trauma explored is not limited to Caden because this really elevated the story for me. Not only to see how the characters responded so differently to what’s happened but also the difference in caregiving styles. Caden doesn’t really have a clue about what to do and is pretty shocked by it, classic white male privilege in action. The role reversal was quite effective. They have to save themselves and they have to save each other. It was really moving to see how it all came together.

It was one revelation after another, so many things I didn't see coming. Truly, an engaging read in many ways. However, this was originally four separate books/novellas condensed into one and while the author did cut 30,000 words from those stories, it did feel long and repetitive in places. But regardless, I enjoyed the ride.

CW: war, bombing, injury, suicide bomber, childhood abuse, trauma, domestic violence, repressed memories, rape, sexual assault, PTSD, dissociative disorder

Disclosure: I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Heather-Lynne.
33 reviews1 follower
January 6, 2019
Girl on the edge really is a psychological thriller! Two veterans are adapting to life as civilians and let’s just say it’s not going well. It touches on subjects I haven’t read very much about, such as ptsd and split personality disorder. It was so interesting !! It really kept me on the end he of my seat. It didn’t know what what going to happen.

This novel is pretty racy. The intimacy between the two characters could be dark and could maybe be trigger for some readers. So fair warning. But, there is a good reason why 50 shades did so well. We eat that stuff up haha !

Overall I really enjoyed this book. Just don’t recommend it to your mom. 😉
Profile Image for Shabby  -BookBistroBlog.
1,935 reviews988 followers
January 18, 2019
I'm a huge fan of the edge series, Caden and Greyson have occupied my thoughts for a long time.
This book is from Greyson's POV.
“You’re the beating heart of my life. You’re the blood in my veins. I had two unpredictable halves of a single sane husband.”
It's the same edge series( 4 books) from the other side. It shows turmoil and struggle of a wife going through husband's PTSD and it's effect on her marriage.
I just felt it was long drawn and there was no particular need for it. It was Deja Vu and quite repetitive and rehashed of earlier books. The subject was a pretty dark and dry to begin with, now to revisit again was an uphill task for me, I found myself skimming a lot. But that's just me, please go and read the book.
3.5 Placebo Stars
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Profile Image for Jennifer Momjian.
80 reviews4 followers
January 23, 2019
I was really looking forward to this story. I have read come of CD Reiss previous books and loved them but unfortunately, this one fell flat. This is an erotica/thriller and the more I read the more disappointed I got. Greyson is a psychologist with a husband suffering for PTSD and split personality. I understand that PTSD from the military is huge in our country but I feel the way the author wrote about this, was not represented well at all. For the length of this book (over 800 pages) there could have been so much to this story. So much more character development instead of the repetitiveness that it had. The answer to every problem in this story was rough/abusive sex. I am huge lover of both erotica and thriller stories but this one was just very disappointing.
Profile Image for G..
176 reviews
August 19, 2022
Wow

I listened to the audio and Joe Arden and Maxine Mitchel hit it out of the park.

You can’t put CD Reiss’s story telling in a box. Yes there is sex (a lot) but damn it’s so much more than that. The plot is intricate, hooks you and has you on the edge until the very end. What an experience. I’m at a lost to describe how reading this book makes me feel. Like I was shattered and glued back together but not the same? Idk, I’m going to be thinking about it for a bit. Not like anything I’ve read before.
Profile Image for KFForever.
1,053 reviews32 followers
January 22, 2019
kfforever

4.5 Stars ~ Reviewed by Sharon Thérèse at KindleFriendsForever

CD Reiss has offered her readers the opportunity to read this nail-biting military romance in one book which began with Rough Edge. Reiss is indisputably the queen of suspense and seeing as her gripping narrative in The Edge series kept me on the edge of my seat, I couldn’t think of a better way of reading this full-length novel now with more of Major Greyson Frazier’s thoughts. Had I inadvertently missed out small details? Well, Greyson definitely threw a different light on certain happenings, special attention being given to her fears. For me, it was like binge-watching an X-rated TV show, and can honestly say that the ebbing and flowing tension is nothing less than unsettlingly visual.

Greyson and Captain Caden St. John’s are drawn together like magnets; mutually intense feelings and sizzling chemistry leap off the pages. Their bedroom behaviour is worth mentioning. Sex...there’s a hell of a lot of it and some scenes could push future readers’ comfort zone boundaries since there’s an extremely passionate, if not dark side to their relationship. But you’ve got to give them a chance to understand why it’s so important in a marriage that can only be described as unconventionally edgy. Saying that, never did I doubt Caden’s undying love for a woman who has an unsurpassed determination to help him face his past, to save his war-torn soul from himself.

Caden might not be everyone’s cuppa as far as heroes go. He’s a pretty selfish man in the respect that he usually gets what he wants. But could he be like this because he’s losing his true self? When some of his actions threw me off-kilter, more often than not I found myself questioning the reasons behind them. And although I couldn’t help but like the guy, I felt something made accessible to him and what he considered doing with it capricious, seeing as he’s well-versed in his profession. Greyson overstepped the mark, too. Never taking her husband’s love for granted, she did what I considered to be totally unethical. Nonetheless, putting herself before him was quickly becoming second nature. With all its complexities, theirs is the perfect match. A fighter up against unimaginable ordeals, some of them personal, Greyson will do whatever she has to in her power in order to overcome the worst of their struggles.

If you’re into suspenseful angst-ridden love stories, this twisty psychological thriller is for you. It’s by no means a short read but put together Reiss’ extraordinary storytelling technique, strong character development, exciting plot elements oozing with tension, and the result is mind-blowing!
Profile Image for MJ Symmonds.
1,099 reviews16 followers
January 19, 2019
I am honestly having a hard time writing a review for GOTE. It's not because I didn't like the book because I in fact did but I didn't love it either. It's very well written as are all CD Reiss books but this one was very exhausting. It seemed like every point to the story took forever to get there and it was just very long and drawn out. Usually when an author does this it makes me want to read it that much faster but in this one it made me want to put it down because I just was not invested in it enough to care if I found out what it all meant.

After starting it I did discover that it was in fact written originally as a serial. Maybe if I had read it in that format I would have enjoyed it more. As it was as an over 800 page book it didn't engage me the way I had anticipated it to.

I must say though the storyline was absolutely brilliant!! I think I would have loved it had it been a little more compacted and not as drawn out.

**Received ARC through NetGalley. Voluntarily reviewed**
29 reviews
June 19, 2025
Holy moly! So so so well written! The way she captures dissociation and how she’s interwoven it into a dark romance was so well done. I personally did the audiobook because I’m a huge fan of Maxine Mitchell and Joe Arden. The two of them really brought the book to life, and I’d highly suggest listening. The subject matter is very intense and you should definitely look into the trigger warnings. It is not for the faint of heart. This was my first introduction to the authors work and I have to say I’m thoroughly impressed. The only thing I would have changed if I could was to do more of an ending post climax of the story. And that’s only because I fell in love with the characters and wanted to continue to see more.
Profile Image for shawna.
1,136 reviews1 follower
May 26, 2019
Dark romance with military and mental health issues

I like Reiss books but this series was my least favorite it was to much for my little brain to comprehend. I loved how Caden was cold and calculating especially in surgery . It's believable to me that surgical doctors can compartmentalize as they operate. I loved Grey's personality strong, brave and smart didn't care for her name. I loved that they had a healthy sex life and loved each other unconditionally.
Profile Image for *The Angry Reader*.
1,522 reviews341 followers
January 19, 2019
***ARC received for an honest review***
Too long. Too clunky. Too much sex. This book was a mess. It also didn’t make a ton of sense. And the characters remained one dimensional. (Which is ironic considering). I was bored by 6%. And the ending was ludicrous.


Profile Image for Kelly.
1,187 reviews
April 28, 2019
Read this as individual books previously! See individual reviews! LOVED IT!
Profile Image for Marianne.
685 reviews13 followers
January 2, 2019
Prob more 2.5

Great concept but the execution was lacking. This story was way too long! Had it been edited down to a reasonable length then it would have been much more enjoyable. I like details and well developed characters but this story gets bogged down in the details. The gratuitous sex becomes repetitive and distracts from the story after a while. There is a good story in there but it was just too much of one.

Thanks to NetGalley, the author and Author Collective 20 for a copy in exchange for a review.
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