I received this book for free from the library in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Source: the library
Edge of Sanity
by
Shannon K. Butcher
romantic suspense in Paperback edition that was published by Signet on December 4, 2012 and has 368 pages.
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Other books by this author which I have reviewed include Dark and Stormy Knights, Living on the Edge, Razor's Edge, Burning Alive, Finding the Lost, Running Scared, Living Nightmare, Blood Hunt, Dying Wish, Falling Blind, Kicking It, Rough Edges
Third in the Edge romantic suspense series revolving around the Edge Security firm and its manipulated operatives. The couple focus is on Clay Marshall and Dr. Leigh Vaughn while setting us up for Adam Brink and Mira Sage.
My Take
Whoa. Intense story and I can see where it is individually terrifying for its primary participants. Yeah, it’s somewhat space-agey with the basic scenario — although I can see where possibilities exist! — and Butcher has some interesting characters. Very real people doing their best in a bad situation. Payton is contrite, but doesn’t let emotion get in the way of the best for the most. Clay and Leigh each have their own reactions and interpretations that ring true as their situation evolves. I am a bit surprised that Mira is so careless, but that’s human too. One can’t stay on high-alert 24/7.
I don’t buy that Payton would be that careless at the beginning. Then there’s the man Clay is supposed to kill. Gimme a break. With all their contacts and high tech, they can’t figure out a way to fake it??
Phew, that scene when Grady finds them and Leigh insists on the handcuffs was very real even as I kept screaming in my head for her to let him go. I do like that Leigh can think on her feet. And act.
If it weren’t so horrible, it would be funny that Adam actually thinks he can use Mira against Dr. Sage.
Butcher does a good job of conveying Clay’s fear. Unknowing of who is controlling him, why they’re using him, what his end-use is. Payton’s aid is two-edged and when Clay learns the truth about him, well, that’s more support cut away. Then there’s that partial knowing as flashes of memory hit him. And knowing that Leigh is only using him for her own ends.
I do love Mira and Leigh’s end run! Although it seems that Adam may have the last laugh. We’ll just have to wait and see what happens in book 4.
The Story
It’s getting worse. He keeps losing chunks of time and…all this blood. God, there’s so much blood this time. It just takes one panicky phone call and it’s all out of Clay’s hands with him in a supposed safe house. One of Payton’s.
Then the babysitter shows up. A doctor. And Clay is outta here! He wants nothing, NOTHING to do with doctors. But she’s too important; she knows too much and may be his only chance.
The Characters
Dr. Leigh Vaughn is being blackmailed into treating wounded men. The price is an occasional visit with her imprisoned brother, Garrett. The brother still alive. Hollis was another brother.
Clay Marshall has been Mira’s best friend since they were kids and he rescued her. A mistake as it put him on the List.
Mira Sage is the resident geek at The Edge, and Clay is her best friend. Her father, Dr. Richard Sage, is a scientist and a monster. More interested in experimenting and manipulating the bodies, including his own daughter, around him then in being a loving, caring dad.
Payton Bainbridge is desperately trying to make up for all the wrongs he’s done. One way is through funding, being a part of The Edge. Sloane works at The Edge and is Norwood’s daughter (see Living on the Edge ).
Dr. Sage’s minions include:
Ruby Rypan is a robotic Amazon who never lets emotion in the way of professionalism. Grady is a professional hitman, one of the best. Adam Brink is another lone operative who can be manipulated. And Eli is the lever.
Dr. Norma Stynger is a former, and hated, colleague. She’s actually worse than Sage. Senator Gregory Kerrington II certainly makes it reasonable to put term limits on serving politicians. What a scum bag! Where’s an assassin when ya need one!?
The Edge is a security firm started up by Bella with money from Payton. Threshold Project was a series of highly illegal experiments done by the government; Payton and General Robert Norwood were both involved.
The Cover and Title
I can certainly see where the doc loses her head and keeps wanting to drag Clay off to bed. This dark-haired boy in his artistically torn black T-shirt and black combat pants is hot. I like the contrasting backgrounds of lit-up urban downtown in the back with the steam vent and rough brick wall up front.
The title is true enough, for Clay is teetering on the Edge of Sanity.
