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Darren & Aden #2

On The Ragged Edge Of The World

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(Gay / Dark Fantasy / Werewolf / BDSM / Exhibitionism / Public Places) Darren Sumner spent fifteen years hunting werewolves, a member of the elite organization Argenti. But one night of betrayal sent him from his Argenti family to the arms of werewolf Aden Richter--one of the most powerful Alphas in Washington D.C. Neither can deny their passion or their hunger for the other, but as Darren tries to find his place in this new world, he wonders whether desire can be enough. Rumors of an upcoming power struggle between the packs bring the question of Darren's role to the forefront. Is he Aden's partner and a leader of the pack? Or is he nothing more than Aden's lover, placed outside his family? Darren struggles to prove himself as the tensions between the packs mount and Aden's ex-lover puts a plan of vengeance into action.

184 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2009

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About the author

Jamie Craig

112 books173 followers
Jamie Craig is actually a pen name for the collaboration of authors
Vivien Dean http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/... and
Pepper Espinoza http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/...

ABOUT JAMIE CRAIG

Vivien Dean and Pepper Espinoza have been writing and publishing together as Jamie Craig since 2006. They have published with Juno Books, Samhain Publishing, Liquid Silver Books, and multiple titles with Amber Quill Press.

Pepper Espinoza has been writing and publishing erotic romance since 2005. She grew up in Utah and lives there now, where the landscape and history provide a great deal of inspiration for her work. Besides writing, she enjoys playing video games, watching movies, and going to concerts.

Vivien Dean returned to writing in 2005, and has published with Liquid Silver Books, Samhain Publishing, and Amber Quill Press. She currently resides in northern California with her husband and two children.

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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
Profile Image for Arthur.
783 reviews94 followers
November 2, 2011
This is the kind of relationship of M/M characters that I really enjoy. They are not perfect. They even said hurtful things to each other, but, instead of sulking, drown in angsty emotional feeling of woe me and do destructive things (like sleeping with other man), they both just man up and live.

Darren is an ex-Argenti agent--an organization aiming to kill rouge werewolves. Aden is an Alpha of his pack. So, when Darren became Aden's lover, it's not surprising that the pack is not giving him a warm welcome. After all, some of Argenti's 'victims' maybe their family members or friends. Thankfully, instead of becoming damsel in distress and relying on Aden to help him, like many M/M books out there, Darren fights hard and proves himself to be worthy.

The plot is interesting. It's full of action and romance. It also involves Oliver, Aden's ex lover who five years ago betrayed Aden and the pack. When people--including members of the pack--start to question how Aden's current lover (Darren) would be different from the last one, how would he answer that?
Profile Image for Becca.
3,212 reviews47 followers
March 14, 2020
Not a bad little book. Wars between the wolves because of greed and power. It makes for an interesting story, for sure. But what made this more intriguing is the love connection between the two MCs. One a wolf shifter and the other a wolf hunter.
I feel for Darren and Aden. Both in the positions they are. When I looked this up on GR, they had one say it was part of a series and another say not. But with the way some things are said, I wonder if there’s some back up that’s being missed. The fact is, an old pack member is using his new power and wealth and backing in order to get back at Aden. And the people he’s recruiting, are the elite of D.C. And it’s up to Aden and all to stop him before it gets worse.
It’s got a good plot. Some characters I want to smack at times. Aden included. But at the end of the day, they are all trying to do things for the greater good. No matter how it happens. But this story is a test of trust and faith. Of true family and love. And the struggles that comes with being nin a packs. But it’s good.

http://lovebytesreviews.com/
Profile Image for Elisa Rolle.
Author 107 books237 followers
October 25, 2015
2009 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention (5* from at least 1 judge)
Profile Image for J'aime.
812 reviews29 followers
August 9, 2011
I stumbled across this book purely by accident, thanks to Amazon's recommendation features. I wasn't looking for it, but when I saw it had werewolves I ordered it. I have previously enjoyed gay romances with werewolves by Kate Steele and others, but the two authors who are Jamie Craig tend to have a sharper edge to their work. Their novella, "February: Mine" is a prime example where vampires take BDSM to a dark place.

This story has the edge I like, but also a strong, sometimes borderline sappy, romance. Darren was an agent for Argenti, an organization that hunts and kills rogue werewolves. Aden is a pack alpha. When the novel opens, they are already a couple. Another reviewer mentioned that this novel is a "sequel" to the novella "Calendar Boys--October: Trick Of Silver". I didn't know about that story at all, and I didn't notice anything "missing" from this book so it most definitely stands alone. (However, I enjoyed it so much I intend to get the novella so I can see how Darren and Aden met!) Darren is persona non grata in Argenti these days, but a fellow agent/friend has come to warn him about trouble brewing around Aden's pack. Readers will learn it's being instigated by a former lover of Aden which sets the stage for the plot, but doesn't go into the overused cliché of it causing angst in the relationship.

Though the underlying conspiracy isn't deep, it was very enjoyable because of the world-building done by the authors. Readers are given just enough information about Argenti, pack politics and werewolves in general to make everything seem real. Secondary characters don't get a lot of development, but they aren't just two-dimensional cardboard cut-outs either. Darren isn't accepted among Aden's pack yet because they see him as an enemy that hunted them (which he was) and he's not a wolf. He earns respect in a brutal, exciting fight giving the entire story a mafia feel which I liked. I also really enjoyed Aden and Darren's relationship. Though Aden is the typical alpha male (pun intended!) and wants to protect his mate, he also respects Darren and sees him as an equal partner. Their banter is lively and fun, though the use of endearments like "gorgeous" gets a little annoying after a while. Both characters are likeable, and I found myself rooting for them.

The sex was frequent, explicit and interesting. Aden and Darren are just starting to play with some BDSM elements, though this is far from a standard BDSM story, and it shakes it up. Also, the authors throw some tender, and intense scenes at the end when they reveal just how much Aden loves Darren and see him as a true equal (and not just a bottom!) Overall, and excellent book that I hope becomes a series. I'd love to see other characters in this world get their own stories
Profile Image for Charly.
752 reviews31 followers
October 31, 2012
Exciting story and hot, detailed sex scenes

Warning: This review might contain what some people consider SPOILERS.

Rating: 8/10

PROS:
- The description throughout the book is rich and detailed. Settings, characters, conversations, and situations are all pretty well-developed. Especially situations.
- The sex scenes are hot. Graphic, detailed, long-winded (each one’s around 10 pages). And there’s one that comes as close to depicting “making love” as just about any other sex scene I’ve ever read. It’s romantic and lovely, yet not overly sweet. (There’s some bondage in a couple of scenes, just so you know.)
- The final climactic scene is exciting. I didn’t feel that it stretched on forever or that it was over too soon.
- Some of the exposition as well as some of the characters’ comments are straightforward and matter-of-fact in a way that’s pretty funny. Here’s one of my favorite lines: When Darren asks about the mechanics of turning someone into a werewolf, Aden says, “My pack isn’t some secret fraternity. We want someone, they want to join us, we bite them. End of story.”

CONS:
- The writing is strong, but at times it’s a little on the dense side. As in, sometimes I was really interested in the story and wanted to be able to read quickly, but I couldn’t. I had to slow down because so many important details were coming at me so quickly.
- Aden and Darren each have a nickname for the other, and a few times when one of the men interjected his lover’s nickname into a conversation, it felt less like the situation called for the nickname than it did that the authors wanted to make sure the readers hadn’t forgotten it.
- Occasionally the authors use “he/his/etc.” too often without specifying which “he” they’re talking about. Example: “Aden moaned as he tightened around his [body part], the pressure of his mouth increasing until his teeth bit into Darren’s lips.”

Overall comments: I enjoyed this story quite a bit. The authors write well, the characters are tough and masculine, and the sex, though there’s not just a whole lot of it, is delicious.
100 reviews8 followers
September 13, 2009
This is a good read for those who like werewolf stories, spy thrillers and light BDSM. On the Ragged Edge of the World takes place in a world where werewolves live and work among regular people. The novel is a sequel to the novella Trick of Silver and I do recommend you start with that solid opener that introduces us to – Darren, a spy/assassin in a CIA-like organization that tracks outlaw werewolves – and Aden, a bookshop owner and the leader of a local Washington DC werewolf pack who is suspected of some nasty business. Ragged Edge picks up where Trick.. leaves off.

I really like these characters. Even though their relationship has BDSM qualities, they treat each other as equals outside the bedroom, which is a refreshing twist to the ordinary dom/sub relationship. The story is basically about confronting prejudices and the challenge of bringing someone new into your life – and pack... but it is also about action, suspense, pack politics and lots and lots of hot sex.

I highly recommend it... but do start with Trick of Silver. It is worth it.

note: Trick of Silver is part of Jamie Craig's "Calendar Boys" series and is listed as October: Trick of Silver (Calendar Boys, #10), but you do not have to read the other stories in the series, they are all written completely independently of each other - most of them aren't even paranormal.
Profile Image for Jimmy Hanson.
412 reviews12 followers
April 11, 2011
Although I got a bit distracted in the middle of this one, I'd have to say it's due to my own faults, and not that of the story. I have loved Jamie Craig's books, all that I've read so far, and this one is no different. There are more steamy scenes in this one which, while in a way kind of distracts from the plot, also has a great deal to do with it. They also shape both characters - Darren, the ex-hunter, and Aden, the werewolf pack leader - in ways that really probably couldn't have been expressed otherwise. The fighting temptation of Aden for Darren's blood [as the wolf after prey:], Darren's slightest fear [in being the prey:], adds an amazing and dangerous chemistry to their couplings - that whole, adrenaline-rush/endorphin-high/fight-flight-surrender thing.

The plot, while kind of out there, is none-the-less a stand-alone in it's own right. I might have been able to understand it more if I hadn't taken the break from it, or perhaps if I'd been reading only THIS novel as opposed to six others at the same time. It is definitely a novel that would not necessarily require someone's full attention so much as DEMAND it, which I [quite gladly:] gave when the hooks dug in.

Already I have plans of re-reading it in the near future, simply because I am so confident in my enjoyment of it that I will shortly WANT to re-read it, as well as it's prequel "Trick of Silver."
Profile Image for Tam.
Author 21 books104 followers
January 25, 2011
This is the sequel to Trick of Silver. Aden and Darren are living happily in the weeks following their getting together, when Darren gets a call from an old colleague to meet. She tells him there is some kind of power play going down amongst the shifters in DC, meanwhile Darren and Aden find out an ex-lover who betrayed the pack and nearly got him killed, has been inviting powerful people to parties. Finally Aden agrees to let Darren get some information using the help of his colleague. Seems the ex is creating new wolves and trying to stir up trouble and is determined that Aden will go down. They have to work to stop him after he kills one of Aden’s pack and kidnaps another. It’s quite the action packed sequel with Darren fighting for his place in the pack (literally) and Aden having to admit that he’s not infallible and that he’s making decisions based on emotion rather than logic and lots of political maneuvering within the packs. The smexin’ in these books is very aggressive and raw with a D/s edge to it and they don’t waste a lot of money on lube. LOL I did enjoy both books though and if you’re in the mood for something a bit edgier and violent it’s a good choice.
Profile Image for Ami.
6,239 reviews489 followers
May 16, 2010
This book is a sequel of novella "Calendar Boys: October - Trick of Silver". Takes place a month after the event in the novella, Darren, an ex Argenti agent (an agency that hunts and kills bad werewolves) and his lover, Aden, a leader of a pack, are now dealing with threats from a new pack led by Oliver, Aden's one time lover. At the same time, they're dealing with Darren's position in Aden's pack, since the werewolves are questioning the idea of an ex agent being there.

I LOVE Darren and Aden!! They're one of my favorites werewolf/human couples. The story combines thriller, urban fantasy, and delicious light BDSM scenes flawlessly. I love Darren and Aden's relationship so much. Aside from the hot sex, the story also brings out tenderness, when Darren taking care of Aden (in his wolf form) when he is injured after fighting Oliver. GREAT story. Here's hope for another story of them *cross finger*
Profile Image for Gwengwel.
524 reviews21 followers
January 14, 2011
It's a 3.5 stars for me.

What I like:
-The evolution, the construction of the relation between Aden and Darren
-The description of the different battles.
-The sex, yes, it's was a little too much, but well write, hot and the BDSM aspect was realist and even when Aden bottomed he remained Dom.
-August seems a strong woman, sadly we didn't see her a lot.

What I didn't like:
-The final battle was disappointing. Olivier died easily, it's was not impressive.
-The completly lack of background (already mentionned in the prequel). No family, no friend, we know nothing of the history of the Werewolf, of Argenti. (ex: Severial time it's mentionned that Aden's old and powerful. Gail, a wolf of Aden's pack, is +/-60 years and Darren said that she's old. How old is Aden? Did Were age at the same speed than human? That's not clear) A lot of questions remains without answer.

This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Ravyn.
284 reviews34 followers
May 26, 2010
Pretty darn enjoyable, in a guilty pleasure kind of way. It was a little higher on the porn quotient compared to what I typically like, but that's ok because combining an alpha werewolf with his ex-assassin makes for some super hot sex (of the light-BDSM variety). But don't worry, there's also a fair amount of ass-kicking and relationship building along the way.

Final Thoughts: Crossing my fingers for another sequel. Be sure to read the prequel novella first, Trick of Silver .
Profile Image for Kari Gregg.
Author 30 books677 followers
January 11, 2010
Here, we’re permitted to experience and play in the excellent story world Jamie Craig created in Calendar Boys (October: Trick of Silver). A much more satisfying read. Longer than the first book, the plot is more intricate and the reader is introduced to a fascinating supporting cast of secondary characters. You won’t need the first book to grasp what’s going on in this one, but you’ll miss some nuances and layers in the story line if you read these two books out of order. Trick of Silver, I was so-so on, but I adored the story world. On the Ragged Edge sells it.
Profile Image for Leah.
335 reviews
June 9, 2010
Oh my F*&^! <--Yeah you know what I wanted to say. This book is ridiculously action packed. I chewed my nails down to stubs and am in desperate need of a manicure now. OTRETW is much better than the first book. I love that the plot and sex are equally stimulating. But seriously the end *gulps, pants, stumbles, keels over DEAD* blew me away. One of the raunchiest, mouth watering....UNF! Just go read it. Jeebus! I need a shower. Fantastic Read!
Profile Image for Jerry.
676 reviews
November 21, 2011
Sequel to Calendar Boys, October, A Trick of Silver
Nice continuation of the story of Darren and Aden. Learned more about the slightly different werewolf world Jamie has created. Interesting to think of a werewolf being a book lover. Lots of aspects to explore in future books.
I look forward to the continuation. However I say again this is too short for the cost and I wold like it better as a longer book.
Profile Image for Meggie.
5,330 reviews
December 14, 2011
This sequel was amazing continuance from previous first book in this plotted world.Trick of Silver. As previous book, this one was continued from were previous book ended. Darren had to earn respect as a new park member, and Aden had to accept Darren as his parter, and as his true mate to his wolf. I loved it and will always enjoy re-reading both of those books! Aden and Darren were hot together.
76 reviews30 followers
May 26, 2014
Loved this! Such intense passion and love between two wonderful and beautiful men... and the action, pace, and plot... the combination was amazing. I wish there were more... more of Aden and Darren...
Profile Image for Chris.
2,882 reviews209 followers
October 19, 2010
Good paranormal m/m romance continuing the story of the werewolf hunter trying to fit into the pack that his werewolf lover leads.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews

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