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Edge of Torment

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At the EDGE of pleasure often lies a little pain…He didn’t think he was capable of love; she thought she had everything she ever needed. But when former ballet dancer and entrepreneur Annabelle Smith and environmentalist Michael Black meet, they are thrust into a headlong relationship that may devastate them both.Falling almost too fast for this enigmatic, controlling man, Annabelle is both excited and terrified by the fine line Michael walks between his dark and light side, as he introduces her to a world of games, bondage, and punishments. And to her surprise, she likes her submission. She likes the control he wields. And he cannot have it any other way. He likes to bring Annabelle to the edge, and she likes the edge he brings her to. Pleasure has never felt so good.But can Michael fully let go of his trust issues and fall in love? Or will his past leave Annabelle on the EDGE of TORMENT?Edge of Torment (The Full Series) was originally published in three books called The Natalie's Edge Series. Now updated and edited, the story of Michael and Annabelle can be read in one full volume, found here. Edge of Torment (Part I) is included in this volume.

485 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 8, 2018

120 people are currently reading
158 people want to read

About the author

R.B. O'Brien

32 books263 followers
R.B. O’Brien has always been drawn to the more taboo side of storytelling, even as a young adult, from hiding books from strict Catholic parents as a teen to getting lost in the erotic sections of bookstores for hours.

She is best known for her three published erotic romances, Thorne, Edge of Torment and Imogen. But she is now forging a name for herself in the New Adult Romance category as well as poetry, her true passion, Ruin My Lipstick her first of many to come.

Much of O'Brien's work explores the darker, sensual nature of relationships, those riddled with the reality of insecurities and human folly, often exposing the vulnerability, emotional turmoil, and occasional pain that can come from losing oneself in the heat of passion and the obstacles of love.

O'Brien holds a degree in English literature and teaches for a living in the Northeast, USA. She is the founding member of The Nu Romantics, a poet, a professor, a writer, a dancer, and a hopeful romantic known for her poetry prompts on social media. O’Brien also has a profound affection for Shakespeare and beyond that, writes. Every chance she gets.

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5 stars
65 (52%)
4 stars
26 (20%)
3 stars
20 (16%)
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8 (6%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews134 followers
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April 4, 2023
💝 FREE on Amazon today (12/20/2018)! 💝

Blurb:
At the EDGE of pleasure often lies a little pain…

He didn’t think he was capable of love; she thought she had everything she ever needed. But when former ballet dancer and entrepreneur Annabelle Smith and environmentalist Michael Black meet, they are thrust into a headlong relationship that may devastate them both.

Falling almost too fast for this enigmatic, controlling man, Annabelle is both excited and terrified by the fine line Michael walks between his dark and light side, as he introduces her to a world of games, bondage, and punishments. And to her surprise, she likes her submission. She likes the control he wields. And he cannot have it any other way. He likes to bring Annabelle to the edge, and she likes the edge he brings her to. Pleasure has never felt so good.

But can Michael fully let go of his trust issues and fall in love? Or will his past leave Annabelle on the EDGE of TORMENT?
Profile Image for Jennifer Pierson.
11.7k reviews187 followers
September 7, 2018
R.B. O'Brien is a new to me author, and she pulled some very intense emotions out of me with her talented writing style, so I'll definitely be reading more of her in the future. Edge of Torment is the story of Annabelle and Michael, who meet in an elevator & are drawn to each other immediately. It's a journey that travels on the intense side from the get go which had me really up in arms, since Michael has to have full control, and Annabelle lets him. That's not my problem, my problem became when he used this control to punish in ways that made me seriously hate him, and that's where it kept me from giving this story the perfect rating. Yeah, a lot of this story was super sexy, as they lit thing on fire with their amazing chemistry because it was palpable, and it kept me turning the pages, but again, I just couldn't get past some of the things he did. It may not be the popular opinion, but hey, it's mine. But on the flip side of that, that was the beauty of Ms. O'Brien's writing, that I felt like I was transported into world to have those extreme emotions, so yeah, like I said above, I'll be reading more by her in the future. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
Profile Image for Lauren Dodson.
173 reviews3 followers
September 8, 2018
This book took me by surprise. It wasn't what I initially thought it was going to be. And to be quite frank that it a good thing. The intensity between the couple is 100% off the charts. It's an undeniable intensity that is so strong that no matter what it keeps pulling these two back together. It may not always be a good thing but they are there and always ready to fight for what and who they want.
This book initially left me torn because it is not your typically happily ever after, it is real. It is a hard fought Happy for now, that if the author were to write more you'd see that dynamics more clearly. It has a great parallel to real world that HEA isn't always the same cookie cutter ending where everything works out forever. It takes hard work, love, understanding, communication; Getting a Happy for Now is actually a win because life, people are fluid and ever changing, that means that the happiness changes as the situation does. This book really exemplifies that in the greatest way. ~ A Wild About Romance Review
1,544 reviews45 followers
September 5, 2018
A chance meeting in an elevator leaves Annabelle thinking of the extremely gorgeous man that she was drawn to, seeing him again he lets her know he likes what he sees, but doesn’t give her is name.
Although Annabelle lives with her boyfriend, their relationship is changing, and she can’t stop thinking about Elevator Man.
Given the chance to learn his name, she heads to a party, he lets her know she doesn’t have to control everything and she realises that he’s right, but he lets her know he hopes to see her again not letting her know his name.
Finally, she learns Elevator Man’s name, Michael, Michael lets her know he likes to play games, he needs to know that she craves him.
Annabelle continues to play games with Michael, she learns that they can sometimes be cruel, but she also realises that under all his confidence and control, he’s insecure, to make him feel secure she needs to give up her control and find herself falling in love with him.
As much as Annabelle loves Michael and she believes he loves her, will she be able to survive, his ex, still wanting him, the games he plays to feed his insecurities, making her show him she wants him. Can Michael let go of his insecurities and stop playing games with Annabelle or will the one game be the last one he gets to play.
Profile Image for Sassy Southern Book Blog.
5,461 reviews276 followers
September 8, 2018
Is there a star rating higher than 5? If so, this book absolutely deserves it and even more. There was so much to this book. So much that made me love it even more. From the characters, to their intense chemistry I have to say I loved it all. I loved the kink, the dirtiness just made it even better for me. At times you would find me stepping away needing to take a breather. As I was getting a little too excited. Wanting to call the first person available to be able to satisfy that longing I had. This was an emotional and sexual roller coaster. Not meant for the faint of heart. This book dug it’s claws in me and didn’t want to let go. Making it one of my top reads of 2018. - By Vanessa
Profile Image for Wendy Livingstone.
20.3k reviews256 followers
September 7, 2018
This is yet another fantastic story from this talented author. Annabelle is a former ballet dancer, and Michael is an environmentalist, and these two complex characters are drawn to each other at first sight. As Annabelle is introduced into the world of BDSM, she goes through varying emotions regarding Michael. This is a well written flawless story, which is emotional, sexual and an intense and powerful read. I look forward to reading more from this author, and highly recommend her work for all.
760 reviews7 followers
September 6, 2018
This is the first book by R.B. O’Brien that I have read, and all I can say is WOW! What a story! What a talented author!
This novel revolves around two complex main characters, Annabelle and Michael. They meet in an elevator on the way to their businesses, and they are drawn to each other immediately. But, as their relationship progresses, it is FULL of contrasts---exciting, arousing, and sensual contrasts!
Although both of these people are successful in their careers, they are definitely insecure in their relationship. Following them, I was drawn in as they battled attraction, yet hesitancy; arousal, yet denial; exhaustion, yet exhilaration; satisfaction, yet frustration. It felt like they were experiencing both heaven and hell during their bouts of tormented pleasure. Michael certainly knows how to use pleasure to both reward and punish!
Annabelle is drawn to Michael, but at times she hates him, and I know exactly how she feels. As I was reading about her punishment for deceiving him, I wanted to hate him, really hate him, but somehow I couldn’t. His control of both himself and her is astounding. He demands control. She craves his domination and her own resulting release, and it is absolutely erotically stimulating for the reader.
This whole book is so emotionally and sexually intense that I needed to occasionally just stop and breathe before continuing. I want to say it was a roller coaster ride of emotional and sexual tension, but that is not true. It was not an up and down ride. It was a ride that twirled and spun me, with no idea of the speed or direction. It was exhilarating and confusing and exciting. And, kind of like Annabelle, I wanted it to go on and on, while at the same time, I wanted to jump off. And then, instantly, I wanted to get right back on.
In my opinion, this is a dirty, delicious, intoxicating book about how each person should find, explore, and accept their individual desires. Well done R.B. O’Brien. I intend to read more of your work.
Profile Image for Jenny Prose.
746 reviews10 followers
September 17, 2018
1.5 Stars

I had such high hopes for this story, and was deeply disappointed :(
This story couldn't keep my interest. The characters were one dimensional and boring. The story starts with the Heroine cheating on her live-in boyfriend with this mystery man. So that threw me off out of the gate, then it was such a slow storyline, that I kept waiting for the climax that never came for me.
I tried, I really did, but I really disliked this story.
Profile Image for Christina.
864 reviews9 followers
January 5, 2019
This book is pure garbage. Michael is more or less a sick sociopath. Annabelle spends most of the book insecure, whining, crying. I hated that Michael had one set of standards for himself, he could withhold information, have women stay with him. But if Annabelle gave anyone a bit of attention, he becomes enraged and childish. That is not sexy..it is sickening. For example, when she was helping her friend with the wedding, he is upset she is not at his beck and call. Or at his Christmas party, when he left her high and dry. He basically set it up for Rebecca to be disdainful of Annabelle, by parading telling her all about him and Annabelle's relationship. Flaunting her like he did on the subway. and calling on Rebecca the minute right after he so called broke up with Annabelle. And Annabelle is not someone to be admired, she was weak and caved all the time to his whims. I was not impressed with this fake 50 shades rip off. Why this trash got 5 stars are beyond me.
Profile Image for EroticaAfterDark (Lilith).
2,780 reviews957 followers
Want to read
September 8, 2018
#Erotica #new #release $2.99 #BDSM
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#Erotica #new #release $2.99 #BDSM
NEW RELEASE
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2MZhrSO
Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/2O0HYeQ
Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/2MXPnip

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BDSM
Profile Image for George.
142 reviews2 followers
September 10, 2018
Edge of Torment, by Rosemary R.B. O'Brien

Rosemary O'Brien has to be the Grand Mistress of  foreplay, edging and denial. Right from the time her heroine Annabelle meets Elevator Man Michael L. Black (i.e. on the first page) through the whole story, the sexual tension had me quivering. When Rosemary said her book was a dark romance she really meant it. The book is a carnival ride of ups and downs as Annabelle and her dominating protagonist fight through a love affair that will leave you breathless.
 
At the same time,   I have to admire how the author winds the romance around a real story of environmental consciousness. Her understanding of the green movement is remarkable, and while the story kept me on the edge of my seat for what seems like days, its moments of sanity brought me right back to the ground with a thud and back into the real world. In a novel with as much sexual tension as this one, that is a real accomplishment. I never felt I was reading (as we used to call them in college) a “skin” book, just an old-fashioned word for a pornographic book. O'Brien's work is true erotic literature. I kept thinking of Heathcliff, and how scandalous Emily Bronte's hero must have seemed when she published that book. Or D.H. Lawrence’s Lady Chatterley’s Lover.
 
Her ability to turn the story on  a word is also absolutely remarkable. And he way she turned the tale first in one direction and then in another kept me hanging on the actual romance itself. Her continual references to “catholic guilt”  kept me laughing and remembering instances from my teens with catholic girls I dated from time to time. All in all this is another masterpiece of erotic writing that took my breath away.
Erotic but a true love story

I would be remiss if I did not mention that the books is also threaded with references to the dance—ballet. Annabelle trained to be a dancer, but her fulsome body shape precluded her from ever becoming a prima ballerina. Nevertheless references to ballet crop up throughout the story, and lend credibility to the romance that is taking place. The dance references are a metaphor for the vagaries of a love affair and make it seem more real.

Erotic writing is not a genre for amateurs. True erotic writing is not pornographic even though its descriptions of lovemaking are often graphic and vivid. This is a tale of a genuine but damaged male finding his mate in a strong independent woman who also has a submissive side to her nature she barely suspects or understands. The two make an explosive combination that eventually leads to a true, albeit unconventional, love affair.
Profile Image for Rachel Vine.
Author 16 books76 followers
September 16, 2018
I have read books by this author before, so I knew I was in for a good read, but Edge of Torment delighted me with the depth of passion and tumultuous story of Michael and Annabelle—a couple whose heart and soul are laid bare for the reader, as we follow the ups and downs of their relationship.

The two have hidden secrets—secrets that, when discovered, drive them apart. Michael is a man who needs to dominate his partners sexually; Annabelle, although a strong, independent businesswoman, discovers a submissive side to her of which she had been unaware. Will their secrets, when revealed, drive them apart? That is the question that we, the readers, long to discover.

This book pulsates with emotion as we are carried along by this passionate love story. I loved it and stayed up long into the night to finish it. The author pulls us in magnificently with this well-written and absorbing book. I highly recommend it.
Profile Image for HaleyJo.
269 reviews10 followers
June 10, 2021
Love/Hate

I will start with what I loved about this. The characters. I loved all of them. Including the supporting cast of Patty, Justine, Scott, and Noah. They were incredible, as were the main characters. Their intensity was palpable and I could really feel them. The plot of this was amazing as well. How this relationship begins clear to how the story ends was well constructed and thought out.

My dislike was the repetitive, almost predictable, scenes. When the steamy parts came about, it was mostly the same. Then closely followed by a major fight. This happens several times in the book. I really wanted to love this book so much because the characters really drew me into it, but the repeat of actions and reactions made it fall a little flat for me.

That being said, I have read another series by this author, which I absolutely loved, and will continue to dive deeper into her writing.
Profile Image for Vanessa.
626 reviews12 followers
September 30, 2018
Is there a star rating higher than 5? If so, this book absolutely deserves it and even more. There was so much to this book. So much that made me love it even more. From the characters, to their intense chemistry I have to say I loved it all. I loved the kink, the dirtiness just made it even better for me. At times you would find me stepping away needing to take a breather. As I was getting a little too excited. Wanting to call the first person available to be able to satisfy that longing I had. This was an emotional and sexual roller coaster. Not meant for the faint of heart. This book dug it’s claws in me and didn’t want to let go. Making it one of my top reads of 2018.
Profile Image for Mandi.
106 reviews3 followers
June 20, 2019
R.B. has done it again!! An exceptionally well written story, which is full of emotion, sexual encounters and powerful characters. I was drawn into the story from the beginning and spent many hours falling in love with the characters and their love story.

Anabelle, a former ballet dancer and Michael, an environmentalist are drawn to each other from their first sight. He introduces her into a world that she never knew about.... BDSM. R.B. takes you on an emotional rollercoaster, as the story develops with Anabelle experiencing and exploring her submissive nature.

I highly recommend this read, you'll love it!! I promise!!
151 reviews2 followers
January 25, 2021
Finally, they connected

What a journey these two characters had. This story is long but the finally connect. Even though it becomes repetitive meaning they always seem to have the same problems and the story drags on,you can't help but turn the pages to get to the ending. There are a lot of twists and turns but we do get a HEA ending. I highly recommend it to lovers of a romance with a little hard edge. But we forewarned that there is explicit sexual content if that happens to be an issue with you.
75 reviews
August 24, 2021
What can one say.

I hated Michael, I loved Michael he was an overbearing, sadistic, bullying, narcissist. Who definitely triggered anger in me. Annabel she drove me nuts with her over thinking. I couldn't put the book down until I read it. I am glad that they got it together in the end though. Although to be honest I would had had him hung drawn and quartered before now. There were too many cliff hangers in the story and I felt at times it was drawn out more than necessary.
Profile Image for Jodi Ball.
436 reviews13 followers
September 25, 2018
Edge of Tourment

Wow! Thoroughly enjoyed this book !
Loved the rocky adventures of Michael introducing Annabel to his world.
So many emotions and an intersting twist at the end, but no spoilers..
If you love a good steamy read then this book is a must.
Well done R.B. O'Brien can't wait to read more of your work.
10 reviews1 follower
December 28, 2018
A love story with erotic tendencies

I could hardly put this book down. There was always the anticipation of the other shoe dropping. Annabelle and Michael's back and forth struggles are real. I could relate to Annabelle and her confusion and I loved how Michael explained their relationship.
Profile Image for Debbie Archey.
119 reviews1 follower
November 12, 2018
Great book

I love how this couple went thru all the ups and downs. You never knew what was going to happen next. How they made the journey to the love they found is great. I would highly recommend this book to everyone.
Profile Image for E. Leta Davis.
923 reviews4 followers
December 10, 2018
The correct title for this book should be edge of abuse not torment. No responsible Dom would have acted the way this selfish self-centered man did. It was well written, but I really wanted to slap him occasionally.
125 reviews3 followers
February 8, 2019
Wow!

Wow, what a great read! It kept me wondering what was gonna happen next! There was always something going on, something new to wonder about, until it all came together! Loved it! I highly recommend it!
Profile Image for WBS-S.
698 reviews2 followers
May 29, 2019
Great story that kept moving

I really enjoyed this book. It was filled with all kinds of turns and twists with two deeply flawed people as the main characters. They seemed real and I kept turning the page to see what would happen next. Good bdsm story.
Profile Image for Angie Marie.
5 reviews1 follower
May 12, 2021
Enthralling

I couldn’t put this down! The emotions were so powerful, the scenes so beautifully written and sexually torturous( in the best way )! The first book I’ve stumbled on from this author and I will be looking for more!
2 reviews
October 6, 2018
Awesome

I couldn't put the book down. I cried, I laughed. I want more Michael and Annabel. The sex is hot!
1,071 reviews6 followers
June 1, 2019
Incredible

I definitely recommend this book. An amazing love story that keeps you hooked from the beginning. I wish it hadn't ended.
7 reviews1 follower
December 23, 2020
Angst!

Way too much angst. And for someone who wants to be in control, much too selfish. A bit of good sex is not worth this drama.
181 reviews
June 14, 2021
Great story! I did get frustrated with Annabelle and Michaels arguments and there were a lot of them, but it kept the story going. I loved the power exchange and the sex was hot hot hot!
Profile Image for Laura Anderson-lesyshen.
280 reviews5 followers
December 23, 2021
Submission

Wow what a story . . . I’m not sure I could be as strong as Annabelle … but so glad there was a HEA after all !!!
Profile Image for Huanne Woodward.
341 reviews9 followers
March 25, 2022
yes sir

The world of domination and submission is interesting. So much drama in this story but a HEA ending is surprising.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews

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