What do you think?
Rate this book
Tales from the Edge #4
A Double-Edged Sword
How do you stay standing when the ground is torn from beneath your feet?
Becket and Christian are taking the first, tentative steps towards the committed D/s relationship they both crave when the world literally explodes around them. In a frightening reversal of roles, Becket has to deal with his own vulnerability and Christian must find the strength to take care of his Dom. With the help of their friends at The Edge, the two men come to realise that dominance and submission cannot be switched on and off.
Events that could have ended in tragedy provide the catalyst that affirms their trust in each other, but there are still questions to answer. Is the safe path always the right one to take? Is control simply a state of mind?
One thing's for certain, life's too short for compromise.
Becket and Christian are taking the first, tentative steps towards the committed D/s relationship they both crave when the world literally explodes around them. In a frightening reversal of roles, Becket has to deal with his own vulnerability and Christian must find the strength to take care of his Dom. With the help of their friends at The Edge, the two men come to realise that dominance and submission cannot be switched on and off.
Events that could have ended in tragedy provide the catalyst that affirms their trust in each other, but there are still questions to answer. Is the safe path always the right one to take? Is control simply a state of mind?
One thing's for certain, life's too short for compromise.
177 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 18, 2014
6 people are currently reading
94 people want to read
About the author
L.M. Somerton
75 books178 followersLucinda lives in a small village in the English countryside, surrounded by rolling hills, cows and sheep. She started writing to fill time between jobs and is now firmly and unashamedly addicted.
She loves the English weather, especially the rain, and adores a thunderstorm. She loves good food, warm company and a crackling fire. She's fascinated by the psychology of relationships, especially between men, and her stories contain some subtle (and some not so subtle) leanings towards BDSM.
She loves the English weather, especially the rain, and adores a thunderstorm. She loves good food, warm company and a crackling fire. She's fascinated by the psychology of relationships, especially between men, and her stories contain some subtle (and some not so subtle) leanings towards BDSM.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
December 25, 2022
This is another enjoyable read in the series. In this book, Beckett and Christian decide to take their off-and-on D/s relationship to the next level by committing exclusively to each other. Beckett is a government agent whose job can be dangerous and take him away from home a lot. Christian is a history major who is working two jobs to survive. His life is stressful and busy, but he wants to dedicate time to Beckett. As these two begin, danger lurks. Can these two find a forever that works for them? This book revisits The Edge friends group and provides a deep loving relationship between these two men.
October 9, 2017
Original review on Molly Lolly
Four and a half stars!
I really like Becket and Christian. Their story was really fascinating and had me on the edge of my seat for much of the book. There was a tiny detail that changed from the previous book to this one. It wasn’t major but I thought it should have stayed consistent. Becket said he was bi in the previous book and this one said he’s not.
Christian is a total sweetheart. He had deep feelings for Becket right from the beginning and you could tell he wanted to belong to Becket. His kinks aligned with Becket’s quite nicely. Christian was lost while Becket was away. You could tell he was at loose ends with himself. But watching him relax and let go once he was back with Becket was lovely. He never seemed overly mischievous in previous books but he has a tiny little streak of it by the end of this book. He’s also deeply content by the end of the story as his relationship with Becket becomes more solid.
Becket is a field agent through and through. He can’t turn that part of himself off just like he can’t turn off being a Dom. He is still a little bit of an enigma but he opens up with Christian sweetly. You can feel his fears throughout the story. Becket is deviously kinky and comes up with some seriously hot ideas and scenes. His control over Christian was sexy to read. By the end of the story you can tell he’s content with how life is headed; both in his relationship with Christian and his professional life.
These two are wonderful together. They are well matched and suited for each other. Their feelings grow quickly. I enjoyed seeing the previous couples and catching up with them in this book. I liked the suspense subplot in this story and I’m hoping we get to see more in the next book. I’m eager to see more Christian and Becket and how they’re handling life together.
Four and a half stars!
I really like Becket and Christian. Their story was really fascinating and had me on the edge of my seat for much of the book. There was a tiny detail that changed from the previous book to this one. It wasn’t major but I thought it should have stayed consistent. Becket said he was bi in the previous book and this one said he’s not.
Christian is a total sweetheart. He had deep feelings for Becket right from the beginning and you could tell he wanted to belong to Becket. His kinks aligned with Becket’s quite nicely. Christian was lost while Becket was away. You could tell he was at loose ends with himself. But watching him relax and let go once he was back with Becket was lovely. He never seemed overly mischievous in previous books but he has a tiny little streak of it by the end of this book. He’s also deeply content by the end of the story as his relationship with Becket becomes more solid.
Becket is a field agent through and through. He can’t turn that part of himself off just like he can’t turn off being a Dom. He is still a little bit of an enigma but he opens up with Christian sweetly. You can feel his fears throughout the story. Becket is deviously kinky and comes up with some seriously hot ideas and scenes. His control over Christian was sexy to read. By the end of the story you can tell he’s content with how life is headed; both in his relationship with Christian and his professional life.
These two are wonderful together. They are well matched and suited for each other. Their feelings grow quickly. I enjoyed seeing the previous couples and catching up with them in this book. I liked the suspense subplot in this story and I’m hoping we get to see more in the next book. I’m eager to see more Christian and Becket and how they’re handling life together.
December 30, 2016
4.5 stars
I’ve become somewhat (understatement of the year) addicted to the Tales from the Edge. I love the combination of suspense, love story, BDSM, and very hot scenes these books give me almost as much as I adore the characters featured in these stories.
A Double-Edged Sword tells the story of Christian and Becket who are perfect for each other. Becket needs to be in complete control as much as Christian needs to surrender totally to his Dom. From the very start of the story it is clear these two men are meant to be together, which makes it all the more cruel when Becket’s job throws a spanner in the works and upsets the apple cart. Now these two men have to figure out what they are together when their roles are less clearly defined.
If I’m honest I have to admit that the subsequent conflict was far less angsty than it might have been. In fact, I think I would have preferred it if Christian and Becket had had to fight a little bit harder before resolving their issue. (Yes, I know that is strange, coming from me with my aversion to angst, but there you have it.)
But, as issues with a story go, this one was very minor. Overall I enjoyed getting to know Christian and Becket better and following them as they get closer together. The scenes between them are (of course) very hot and I absolutely adored Christian and how he responded to Becket’s dominance.
I am so happy that the characters I fell for in the earlier books all make a reappearance in this one. Olly, as always, made me laugh out loud whenever he appeared on the page but it was equally as much fun to spend more time with all the others. I’m so glad I’m only half way through this series right now. I’m very much looking forward to whatever may be coming my way next. In the company of all these ‘Edgy’ men I have no doubt I’m going to be in for a treat.
I’ve become somewhat (understatement of the year) addicted to the Tales from the Edge. I love the combination of suspense, love story, BDSM, and very hot scenes these books give me almost as much as I adore the characters featured in these stories.
A Double-Edged Sword tells the story of Christian and Becket who are perfect for each other. Becket needs to be in complete control as much as Christian needs to surrender totally to his Dom. From the very start of the story it is clear these two men are meant to be together, which makes it all the more cruel when Becket’s job throws a spanner in the works and upsets the apple cart. Now these two men have to figure out what they are together when their roles are less clearly defined.
If I’m honest I have to admit that the subsequent conflict was far less angsty than it might have been. In fact, I think I would have preferred it if Christian and Becket had had to fight a little bit harder before resolving their issue. (Yes, I know that is strange, coming from me with my aversion to angst, but there you have it.)
But, as issues with a story go, this one was very minor. Overall I enjoyed getting to know Christian and Becket better and following them as they get closer together. The scenes between them are (of course) very hot and I absolutely adored Christian and how he responded to Becket’s dominance.
I am so happy that the characters I fell for in the earlier books all make a reappearance in this one. Olly, as always, made me laugh out loud whenever he appeared on the page but it was equally as much fun to spend more time with all the others. I’m so glad I’m only half way through this series right now. I’m very much looking forward to whatever may be coming my way next. In the company of all these ‘Edgy’ men I have no doubt I’m going to be in for a treat.
September 12, 2021
Unexpected
As much as I enjoyed Beckett and Christian’s story, I only gave the book four stars because it didn’t match what was advertised. Aside from Beckett enjoying cuddling more than expected, which was disclosed before the incident, and Christian occasionally asserting himself following the incident, there was no switching of roles. Beckett was always dominant and in charge and Christian was always submissive and following Beckett’s lead. While this wasn’t a bad thing, I was looking forward to seeing how their dynamic would play out with roles truly reversed, at least while Beckett was recuperating.
As much as I enjoyed Beckett and Christian’s story, I only gave the book four stars because it didn’t match what was advertised. Aside from Beckett enjoying cuddling more than expected, which was disclosed before the incident, and Christian occasionally asserting himself following the incident, there was no switching of roles. Beckett was always dominant and in charge and Christian was always submissive and following Beckett’s lead. While this wasn’t a bad thing, I was looking forward to seeing how their dynamic would play out with roles truly reversed, at least while Beckett was recuperating.
May 18, 2017
4.5 stars
I have to say this series is turning out to be a real hit for me
I love the fact author LM Somerton keeps bringing back all characters and connecting them
I seriously love this "Family".
I have to say this series is turning out to be a real hit for me
I love the fact author LM Somerton keeps bringing back all characters and connecting them
I seriously love this "Family".
August 27, 2017
Another perfect book!! Olly makes me laugh so hard!
December 14, 2018
Enjoyable Entertaining. BDSM elements. Recommend.
November 23, 2022
Visit my website for a full review of “A Double-Edged Sword.”
July 1, 2016
Agent Becket is a Dom who belongs to The Underground club. Becket’s job takes him into the field and it is dangerous work. He is relatively unafraid and his work takes him away from home, sometimes for weeks at a time. For this reason he feels he can’t sustain a life with a committed submissive.
Christian is a sweet submissive who often plays with Becket and longs for a relationship that gives him the strict control he needs. When their friends have a talk with Becket about the fact that he needs to move his bond with Christian to the next level (sex!) Becket looks at his life and realizes this is what has been missing, so he does exactly that.
Adrien is the submissive who, in an earlier book in the series, was arrested for being a hacker, but was working undercover. When he sees code come across his screen that indicates there will be a terrorist attack he warns Becket, who rushes to the site to evacuate everyone. Unfortunately, he gets everyone out in time except himself, resulting in serious injuries. At the military hospital where he is taken to save his life he is cared for Olly, a sub we met in an earlier book who is a nurse. There are plenty of funny scenes about Olly and the fact that as a nurse he sees a lot of his patients’ bodies, whether they (including Becket) want him to or not.
When Becket is released from the hospital he is taken to The Edge, a training facility owned by Joe and Heath, so Olly can continue medical care for him. Christian is waiting for Becket and there is a bit of role reversal as the sub is not caring for his Dom, but Becket has to convince Christian that his needs for strict control are also being met while he recovers.
I love this series. This is book #4 and continues the theme of BDSM, this time in a D/s relationship that is 24/7. It was great to see the characters of previous books again and get to know Becket and Christian better. These are character-driven stories in a world LM Somerton has carefully built and refined as the series progresses. They really need to be read in order, but since they are so engaging this is not a hardship. Enjoy!
Christian is a sweet submissive who often plays with Becket and longs for a relationship that gives him the strict control he needs. When their friends have a talk with Becket about the fact that he needs to move his bond with Christian to the next level (sex!) Becket looks at his life and realizes this is what has been missing, so he does exactly that.
Adrien is the submissive who, in an earlier book in the series, was arrested for being a hacker, but was working undercover. When he sees code come across his screen that indicates there will be a terrorist attack he warns Becket, who rushes to the site to evacuate everyone. Unfortunately, he gets everyone out in time except himself, resulting in serious injuries. At the military hospital where he is taken to save his life he is cared for Olly, a sub we met in an earlier book who is a nurse. There are plenty of funny scenes about Olly and the fact that as a nurse he sees a lot of his patients’ bodies, whether they (including Becket) want him to or not.
When Becket is released from the hospital he is taken to The Edge, a training facility owned by Joe and Heath, so Olly can continue medical care for him. Christian is waiting for Becket and there is a bit of role reversal as the sub is not caring for his Dom, but Becket has to convince Christian that his needs for strict control are also being met while he recovers.
I love this series. This is book #4 and continues the theme of BDSM, this time in a D/s relationship that is 24/7. It was great to see the characters of previous books again and get to know Becket and Christian better. These are character-driven stories in a world LM Somerton has carefully built and refined as the series progresses. They really need to be read in order, but since they are so engaging this is not a hardship. Enjoy!
August 26, 2014
3.5 star review by Colette
We first met Agent Becket in Living on the Edge, Book 2 in the series, as Aiden’s handler, he sets up a covert training facility for government agents at the Edge, a corporate training facility owned by Joe & Heath. In Book 3, Dancing on the Edge, he has a larger role helping to rescue Alastair. It is in this book that he first meets Christian, the receptionist at the Underground, a BDSM club, and becomes friends with Carey the owner. Ok enough back-story – as this is the 4th book in the series, you will probably enjoy it a little more if you have read the previous 3 books.
Becket has been taken with Christian since he first met him, he is a sub with a need for strict control and Becket is the one Dom that has been able to give him the control he needs. While neither has played with anyone else since their first scene together, Becket has held back from making a formal contract with Christian because he cannot predict when he will be around due to his job. After some not so subtle encouragement from Carey and Alistair, Becket finally offers Christian the committed D/s relationship he so desperately wants.
Just as Becket and Christian are settling into their new arrangement, a terrorist attack injures Becket and suddenly their roles are reversed and Christian is taking care of his Dom. It is their working through this and figuring out how to give each other what it is they truly need that is the heart of this story. The search for the terrorists and an introduction of a few new characters is secondary and rounds out the book.
I am a fan of L.M. Somerton’s and have enjoyed all the books in this series. The BDSM scenes are quite erotic but not too extreme. The relationships between these men are strong and loving and it is fun to catch up with the couples from the earlier books.
A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review. Please visit www.lovebytesreviews.com to see this and many more reviews!
We first met Agent Becket in Living on the Edge, Book 2 in the series, as Aiden’s handler, he sets up a covert training facility for government agents at the Edge, a corporate training facility owned by Joe & Heath. In Book 3, Dancing on the Edge, he has a larger role helping to rescue Alastair. It is in this book that he first meets Christian, the receptionist at the Underground, a BDSM club, and becomes friends with Carey the owner. Ok enough back-story – as this is the 4th book in the series, you will probably enjoy it a little more if you have read the previous 3 books.
Becket has been taken with Christian since he first met him, he is a sub with a need for strict control and Becket is the one Dom that has been able to give him the control he needs. While neither has played with anyone else since their first scene together, Becket has held back from making a formal contract with Christian because he cannot predict when he will be around due to his job. After some not so subtle encouragement from Carey and Alistair, Becket finally offers Christian the committed D/s relationship he so desperately wants.
Just as Becket and Christian are settling into their new arrangement, a terrorist attack injures Becket and suddenly their roles are reversed and Christian is taking care of his Dom. It is their working through this and figuring out how to give each other what it is they truly need that is the heart of this story. The search for the terrorists and an introduction of a few new characters is secondary and rounds out the book.
I am a fan of L.M. Somerton’s and have enjoyed all the books in this series. The BDSM scenes are quite erotic but not too extreme. The relationships between these men are strong and loving and it is fun to catch up with the couples from the earlier books.
A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review. Please visit www.lovebytesreviews.com to see this and many more reviews!
July 1, 2014
REVIEWED FOR PRISM BOOK ALLIANCE
4.25 Stars
So this is book 4 in the Tales From The Edge Series and I’m sorry to say the first one I have read. Why did I not know about this series?! I ignored the reader advisory to read the series in order but now intend to go back and devour the first 3 books. If you can’t already tell....I really liked this one!
Becket is a Dom but more importantly a well respected member of the community with a close knit group of friends also within the lifestyle (this is where reading the books in order would have helped!). With his secretive and sometimes dangerous job he is not home very often which has left him feeling unable to commit to a full time sub. Christian may just be the man that changes his mind on that.
Christian seems to do nothing but work, study and sleep. He hasn’t wanted to be with another Dom since his first time with Becket but can’t seem to get the man to commit. With a little help from interfering but well meaning friends the two men finally get together again and decide to take their relationship further.
As always nothing runs smoothly. Just as it seems they might make a go of things Becket is injured at work. Feeling vulnerable from his injuries he starts questioning every aspect of his life leading to worry about how his job and choices have affected the way he has treated Christian.
This pair have love, respect and honesty to help them through and ‘contract’ their new relationship. The story was real, the secondary characters important and the sex was sizzling!
4.25 Stars
So this is book 4 in the Tales From The Edge Series and I’m sorry to say the first one I have read. Why did I not know about this series?! I ignored the reader advisory to read the series in order but now intend to go back and devour the first 3 books. If you can’t already tell....I really liked this one!
Becket is a Dom but more importantly a well respected member of the community with a close knit group of friends also within the lifestyle (this is where reading the books in order would have helped!). With his secretive and sometimes dangerous job he is not home very often which has left him feeling unable to commit to a full time sub. Christian may just be the man that changes his mind on that.
Christian seems to do nothing but work, study and sleep. He hasn’t wanted to be with another Dom since his first time with Becket but can’t seem to get the man to commit. With a little help from interfering but well meaning friends the two men finally get together again and decide to take their relationship further.
As always nothing runs smoothly. Just as it seems they might make a go of things Becket is injured at work. Feeling vulnerable from his injuries he starts questioning every aspect of his life leading to worry about how his job and choices have affected the way he has treated Christian.
This pair have love, respect and honesty to help them through and ‘contract’ their new relationship. The story was real, the secondary characters important and the sex was sizzling!
October 8, 2015
So this is book four in the series, and I was warned not to binge read so I’m not. Unfortunately, I’m still reading them close enough together that even though all D/s have different themes, the way they meet, they way they interact with each other and the people around them. The overall I feel its the same common plot that plays throughout each book so far. Except this one, in this one its the Dom that gets hurt not the sub. It’s the sub that cares for the Dom while he heals. But other than that it’s the same, the people out to get them, all the member’s rallying together to fight the bad guys, save the day.
We do learn more about everyone, how Aiden is doing, what a brat Olly is being. And of course how Christian and Becket are connecting and reconnecting.
I just wanted to enjoy these two together, maybe because Becket was at Christian mercy, or maybe because they had so much free time? Or maybe because christian needed more control and Becket was ill and couldn’t give him it, I don’t know. But none it felt right. We didn’t have time for a friends to lovers to D/s thing. I know they’ve played together but they never learned each other. Therefore I never learned them.
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review by Crystals Many review
We do learn more about everyone, how Aiden is doing, what a brat Olly is being. And of course how Christian and Becket are connecting and reconnecting.
I just wanted to enjoy these two together, maybe because Becket was at Christian mercy, or maybe because they had so much free time? Or maybe because christian needed more control and Becket was ill and couldn’t give him it, I don’t know. But none it felt right. We didn’t have time for a friends to lovers to D/s thing. I know they’ve played together but they never learned each other. Therefore I never learned them.
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review by Crystals Many review
January 27, 2015
ThreeandHalfStars
Christian and Dave (Becket) have a somewhat strange relationship. Because of Becket's job, because of Christian's submissive nature, it takes them quite a while to come together.
I felt that this story was somewhat rushed in a way. There was really no courtship - we only know that they have played a few times, but there was really no buildup. We were just kind of thrust in to this story - somewhat in the middle.
This was not one of my favorites for this series. Christian is a sub who needs ultimate dominance. We hear about it throughout the story. However, Becket, I felt, never really shows that ultimate control. There were too many other things going on in this book.
There were hints that could have taken off in the direction I thought this book would have gone, but we only ever got promises of control and dominance. I wish this book would have started earlier in their courtship - that there had been a courtship and that the focus would have been more on their relationship.
I was given this in return for an honest review by Inked Rainbow Reads.
AvidReader
Christian and Dave (Becket) have a somewhat strange relationship. Because of Becket's job, because of Christian's submissive nature, it takes them quite a while to come together.
I felt that this story was somewhat rushed in a way. There was really no courtship - we only know that they have played a few times, but there was really no buildup. We were just kind of thrust in to this story - somewhat in the middle.
This was not one of my favorites for this series. Christian is a sub who needs ultimate dominance. We hear about it throughout the story. However, Becket, I felt, never really shows that ultimate control. There were too many other things going on in this book.
There were hints that could have taken off in the direction I thought this book would have gone, but we only ever got promises of control and dominance. I wish this book would have started earlier in their courtship - that there had been a courtship and that the focus would have been more on their relationship.
I was given this in return for an honest review by Inked Rainbow Reads.
AvidReader
July 3, 2014
2.5 Hearts
Review written for MM Good Book Reviews
You know, I’m a very cynical person. One could even say I’m awfully cold when it comes to “love”. Strange how I find some romantic books fantastic at times; they swipe me away into a world of comfort where true, unconditional love exists and the joy of it shakes you up in a fundamental level. I love those books; however this one didn’t make it in that list...
You can read the entire review here: http://nblo.gs/Y8HVr
Thommie
Review written for MM Good Book Reviews
You know, I’m a very cynical person. One could even say I’m awfully cold when it comes to “love”. Strange how I find some romantic books fantastic at times; they swipe me away into a world of comfort where true, unconditional love exists and the joy of it shakes you up in a fundamental level. I love those books; however this one didn’t make it in that list...
You can read the entire review here: http://nblo.gs/Y8HVr
Thommie
July 27, 2014
Part of a series but each can be read as a stand alone. I'm entering these same comments for all the books since I read 4 of them in a row. I didn't particularly love the main characters in any of the books but the secondaries were so enticing I had to get the next book. Unfortunately, when they became the main characters, they weren't as good as I'd hoped. All the stories were unrealistic, the D/S aspect was a little out there and some parts were almost slapstick comedy. Still worth the read.
June 6, 2015
This was closer to 3.5 stars for me, but I think I was a bit…disappointed by Christian and Becket's story, when I liked them as the secondary characters in the previous book. I feel like in this one more than the other stories that I had to suspend my belief in reality while reading this one, especially with how over the top Olly has become. Still, I enjoy this series, and am going to read the next one.
July 11, 2015
Another good installment in the series.
Christian and Beckett this time, though it is just as much about Joe & Olly and Heath & Aidan as well.
Definitely a series to read in order.
I quite liked Christian and Beckett together. Though Christian does go more childlike as the book goes on.
Olly is more and more like a bouncy puppy
Christian and Beckett this time, though it is just as much about Joe & Olly and Heath & Aidan as well.
Definitely a series to read in order.
I quite liked Christian and Beckett together. Though Christian does go more childlike as the book goes on.
Olly is more and more like a bouncy puppy
August 10, 2014
Another lovely pieces in this series. Again, like the others before these, there is a touch (well, maybe a little more than that lol) of insta-love. But it's still a great read, and some great escapism.
I'd still love to read more about these friends, and I'm sure there are more boys needing to find a Dom to take care of them *grin*
I'd still love to read more about these friends, and I'm sure there are more boys needing to find a Dom to take care of them *grin*
July 26, 2014
I was happy to see Becket finally get his story but, I found it lacking. It wasn't as exciting as all of the others, imo. I don't know, I wanted more. Of course I enjoyed Olly. He's a riot. Overall, a good edition to the series. 3.75 stars
November 12, 2014
The 4th book, and last book right now, with 2 more MC's - all the other MC's show up as well. That's one thing I like about this series is how the other MC's are part of each story so you get to keep up with them and their ongoing stories as well. Hope to see more from this series soon!!
October 23, 2015
Still enjoyed the books in this series quite a bit. A nice shortish hot well-written and developed story for the length. Like all the characters, new and old, how they all flow and fit within the overall theme and still are individual. Great escape into enjoyable characters and story.
January 21, 2021
reread 9/16
July 17, 2014
Christian may be my new favorite at the Edge. (Okay, Aiden will always be my favorite, but I get some Aiden in this book, too.) I enjoyed this read, and definitely kinky as hell.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews