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An Underground Club Tale

Submissive Joshua has struggled with his addiction to pain for years—something Dom Nash knew when he took Joshua on. Nash also knew their path wouldn’t be an easy one, but through commitment and determination, he peels back Joshua’s layers one by one, revealing a horrific history of abuse and neglect that spans Joshua’s entire life. Nash wants nothing more than to gain Joshua’s trust and help him find the happiness that’s eluded him so long.

Providing structure and discipline is only part of what Joshua will need on his way to recovery. He’ll need the help of Dr. Hobson and their close friends at the Underground BDSM Club to help hold Joshua together as he faces the trauma of his past. It’ll push him to the edge, but Nash will be there to keep him from falling into the abyss of despair, and if Joshua can come out on the other side, he’ll be a step closer to wholeness, healing, and happiness.

200 pages, ebook

First published July 17, 2018

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About the author

S.J.D. Peterson

51 books1,005 followers
It's been an amazing journey since DSP first contracted Lorcan's Desire in January 2011. I've published 2 free reads with the M/M Romance group, my back list is growing, met some great people and have made some amazing friends.
I'm still in shock that I'm listed among the many talented authors at Dreamspinner Press! The little voice in the back of my head is screaming, "You are so out of your league."
Shhhhh I won't tell them if you don't :)


You can call me Jo, everyone does :)

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5 stars
14 (17%)
4 stars
34 (43%)
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29 (36%)
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2 (2%)
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
Profile Image for Saimi Vasquez.
1,565 reviews84 followers
July 26, 2022
Joshua todavia no puede entender porque Nash quiere estar con el, sabe que todo lo bueno tiene su fin y esta esperando porque por fin caiga el otro zapato, por eso no puede concentrarse en nada, su actitud no es tan relajada y sigue sufriendo de ataques de panico e unas intensas ganas de cortarse o por lo menos sentir dolor que Dom no le administra. Sabe que las cosas no pueden terminar asi, si quizas pudiera dejar de pensar por un momento podria tranquilizarse, quizas si Nash lo golpeara para hacerlo "volar" de nuevo el podria ver las cosas mejor o quizas su medico tiene razon, tiene que enfrentar su pasado para ver el futuro que le espera.
Nash ya no sabe que hacer, la forma en como Joshua intenta manipularlo para que lo "castigue" es algo que no puede seguir permitiendo, quizas va a necesitar ayuda, ayuda profesional, alguien que le haga ver que es lo mejor para poder ganar la confianza de Joshua y tal vez su sumision. Si solo pudiera saber que es lo que esta pensando, si solo pueda conseguir alguna forma de recompensarlo para que no quiera mas "castigos". Tendra que tener mucha paciencia, y tambien mucha ayuda para poder ayudar a Joshua a superar su adiccion, asi como tambien su confianza y si es posible, su amor.

Este libro se supone que debe continuar donde quedo el anterior, y sin embargo, se fue muchisimo mas atras, haciendo retroceder los "avances" que habia tenido el prota. Me pago igual que con el primer libro de esta serie, el autor lentamente nos pinta a unos personajes frustrados, dolidos, pero infinitamente planos, y cuando casi se acerca el final del libro, los personajes de golpe se dan cuenta de sus errores y zass todos son felices, para mi, la linea de la trama fue muy mal llevada, si querias que los personajes se dieran cuenta de sus errores, tienes que encontrar un punto donde realmente piensen y se den cuenta, algo como un momento de "Ahhhhhhh!!!", pero no asi de golpe. Es como si estuvieras caminando por un camino de tierra en un pueblo y justo enfrente se convierte en una autopista en una ciudad, Donde esta la union? la intercepcion? el velo que se descubre?.
En fin, este es un autor que me han recomendado mucho, quizas esta no es su mejor serie, asi que quizas mas adelante (proximo ano, tal vez) le de otra oportunidad.
Profile Image for Karen.
1,860 reviews87 followers
July 10, 2018
3.5 stars rounded down...Not quite what I was expecting but still a rather sexy enjoyable read.

and now more of Nash & Joshua's story...

'The Edge' is the third book in SJD Peterson's series 'The Underground Club' and it's the the second part of Joshua and Nash's story. 'Limitless' was the second book in this series and it was where Joshua and Nash's story really began, although they were introduced to us in 'Override' which was the first book in this series and about Donovan and Seth.

Briefly 'Limitless' gave us the beginning of Joshua and Nash's story and how they came to be together and while I really enjoyed it, I was more than a little happy to get more about them because with all of Joshua's issues I just didn't see these two have an uncomplicated 'happily ever after' and...well, I was right. Nash has got his work cut out for him if he's going to be the Dom that Josh needs and Josh has his work cut out for him as well if he's going to be the sub that he feels Nash deserves...now if we could just get Josh to open up and talk about what's bothering him...enter Dr. Cedric Hobson, Nash's friend and fellow Dom and Denny, current sub of Malcolm's and hopefully soon to be friend for Joshua...a peer who's not a Dom...something that Nash is hoping will help Joshua to relax and open up.

Overall this was an enjoyable addition to Joshua and Nash's story and there was a lot about it that I enjoyed but overall it came down to a case of I liked this and while it was a solid read for me, it just didn't put me over the moon and quite honestly that's ok not every book has to be a 5 star read because if they were than really what would be so special about any of them? Just like everything else in this world it's the variety that keeps things interesting.

We're given a much closer look at Joshua and Nash's relationship on an emotional level in this part of the story as Nash begins to realize that while his intentions were good his actions weren't what 'his boy' needed and Nash is just man enough to acknowledge when what's best for 'his boy' may not be something that he can provide by himself or directly. As Nash begins to see the depth of Josh's problems he also begins to see that he's not equipped to deal with it all no his own or alone and he does what any good Dom would do...he gets the help that Joshua needs.

This for so many reasons was one of my favorite parts of the story. I loved that Nash was the one who acknowledged that he wasn't what Joshua needed...well, not the totality of what he needed and then he took action to ensure that that need was met and he continued to self-monitor the relationship realizing after a time that things still weren't quite what Josh needed and again he took action to ensure that Joshua's needs were met...for me Nash's behavior 'screamed Alpha male' and honestly if I was looking for a DOM I'd want someone like Nash. Someone who was more worried about the mental and physical well being of their sub than their macho image.

The other aspect of this book that I really liked was Joshua's journaling that his therapist had him do. It was an awesome way to show us 1. Joshua's perspective on things and 2. the progress that he made throughout the story. It allowed for these things to happen in what felt like a more natural and organic manner.

And then there was the ending of the story...in a way it was probably my favorite part of the story because it worked...yes, Nash and Joshua got their happily ever after but it was well earned and much deserved and if felt right it wasn't an over the top hearts and rainbows the world is perfect sort of ending. To me it felt more like a well earned, we deserve this because we worked damned hard to get it sort of ending.

I'm hoping that we get a chance to see what's going to happen between Malcolm and Denny because these two so need to be a thing and not a temporary thing as Malcolm keeps implying, but I'm also hoping that I get a chance to go back and read 'The Guards of Folsom' as well...it's still on my TBR list. I've read a few books but this author and I've enjoyed them all to varying degrees and I'm looking forward to continuing with this series.

*************************

An ARC of 'The Edge' was graciously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Joyfully Jay.
8,026 reviews464 followers
July 16, 2018
A Joyfully Jay review.

3.5 stars


The Edge is the third book in SJD Peterson’s Underground Club series, but it follows directly on the heels of Limitless, the second book in the series that introduced Nash and Joshua. As such, you will want to have read that book first in order to get the beginning of their story.

One of the things I appreciated in the first book that I liked here as well is that we aren’t seeing a perfect Dom/sub relationship where the Dom always knows exactly what to do. And even better, where not everything is solved with magic Domming. Nash is at a lost a lot of the time as how to best proceed with Joshua. There are still times where I think Nash is unjustifiably cocky about his own skills, but most of the time he is aware of his limitations and is working hard to figure out how to best meet Joshua’s needs. He also encouraged Joshua to see a therapist in the first book and those visits continue here. It gave the story a nice complexity and a different approach to the BDSM elements than I often see. I was glad to see the guys reach a point where things may not be perfect, but at least Joshua doesn’t seem so haunted anymore.

Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.



Profile Image for Antisocial Recluse.
2,713 reviews
June 29, 2018
This is a welcome sequel to Limitless, the first book featuring Joshua and Nash, the second book in the series. The prologue picks up exactly where Limitless left off but we get a far different impression of Joshua than in book one. Nash has made some rather blithe assumptions about the status of both their D/s and personal relationships and it’s a jolt when he realizes he was mistaken. It’s quite realistic though, showing he’s human, he makes mistakes but is conscientious enough to ask for help when needed. Joshua has begun seeing a therapist and is journaling his thoughts, so we see a much different side than Nash does, for much of the time.

I appreciated the fact that the book chronicles a realistic progression of Joshua’s mental and emotional state. Nash is shown trying to meet his needs by adjusting his actions as well. Initially we’re treated to a couple of s/m scenes between them but that changes too, although there’s still a fair amount of hot sex. I do feel the story lost momentum at points, where sex substituted for dialogue between Joshua and Nash regarding their relationship. There was more time spent on their separate thoughts and actions and less of them discussing expectations as a couple. It was rather late in the story before I really sensed Nash and Joshua were on the same page. It was fulfilling to see Joshua working through his issues.

Denny is a new character introduced as a friend for Joshua, also a likely subject for a story between him and Malcolm. I hope it continues this theme I enjoy the most from this author, which has largely been in the edgier kink realm. Nash and Joshua were characters that drew me in and had me rooting for a true happy ending, which they ultimately achieved. Fans of the Whispering Pines and Guards of Folsom series should enjoy this as well and I can recommend this for fans of more realistic BDSM culture.

*An ARC was provided by the author, publisher or promotional service and I have chosen to publish a fair and honest review for Jessie G Books Reviews blog*

Profile Image for JustJen "Miss Conduct".
2,285 reviews151 followers
July 20, 2018

3.5 stars - This story follows the previous book, Limitless, and picks up with Nash and Joshua going forward with a contract.

Joshua is in therapy, though he appears to be doing it more for Nash than for himself. He is trying to work on his issues, but he still has a pretty bleak outlook. He’s never had anyone to truly trust or to believe that they wouldn’t disappoint him in one way or another, so he is constantly waiting for the shoe to drop.

On the flip side, Nash is having some difficulty in that he is actually questioning his own abilities in providing what Joshua needs. He really doesn’t want to give in to giving the pain Joshua is asking for. He wants to find other means for Joshua to find focus. He’s pretty creative, but it takes a bit of convincing for Joshua to be on board. So, needless to say, they are both working through some major issues, just from different angles, with the goal of meeting in the middle.

This installment didn’t grab hold of me quite as much as the previous book, though I’m not entirely sure why. I liked that these guys were spending their time at home while they worked on things, as opposed to going to the club, as they clearly weren’t in a solid enough place for that type of activity. This was more of them building their relationship and trust and getting to a better place where each of them were more confident in each other and themselves. Ms. Peterson did a great job showing their progress, and giving these guys a wonderful happy ending. I sure hope we get to see more of them in the future, as I’d love to see how they’re doing as the time goes on.

Review written for Love Bytes Reviews/.
Profile Image for Christy.
3,892 reviews118 followers
July 19, 2018
I find it incredibly ironic that one of my rare issues with book two in this series, ‘Limitless’, was that I felt it ended rather abruptly and left me hanging as to what the future for Nash and Joshua would be. Ironic because it turns out that this volume continues their story and has more of Joshua facing his past and Nash helping him to deal with it. Of course, Joshua believes that he can keep all of his bad memories locked away inside of him and eventually they’ll disappear. Well, when the safe explodes it’s going to be Nash and Joshua fighting for his sanity.

“It was ironic that the one man Nash wanted to be the best for, the one man he was falling in love with, was also the one man Nash couldn’t read or know how to help.”

Wasn’t it interesting to discover that all the forward progress Nash believes has been made really is Joshua playing the part of the perfect submissive, all while trying to manipulate Nash into giving him the severe pain he needs? Once Nash discovers this, he realizes that it is his own pride that has kept him from seeing how he has been very cleverly played by Joshua. It was very fascinating watching Nash proceed with this new perspective but also heartbreaking once Joshua was faced with confronting his past.

Please find my full review at Rainbow Book Reviews
Profile Image for Jewel.
1,852 reviews271 followers
Want to read
November 25, 2018
Thank you Holly Gingerbread for the Dreamspinner gift card! I bought this book with it. I feel so spoiled!!! Thank you!!
Profile Image for Angie.
1,279 reviews21 followers
July 13, 2018
3.5 stars

I received a copy to read and review for Wicked Reads

Third book in the series and I liked the book, I just didn't love it. While there was hot sex, which I LOVE, there was a lot of inner monologue, which I hate. I need dialogue between the characters. If i can't connect to Nash ir Joshua that makes it hard for me to get into the story and love it. There was a lot these two needed to work out and they had one hell of a bumpy ride. I am eagerly awaiting to see what's next in the series.
Profile Image for Fovika.
98 reviews
April 16, 2020
This book deals with a snippet from their lives. It starts with the last chapter from Limitless and we follow them for what I think is about a years time, maybe less. And I would read this as a standalone (mostly because I hated Limitless and it doesn't add anything you can't infer from this book alone, it only subtracts).

I didn't mind this book. I don't like Nash's thought processes (I don't mind them as much in this book alone, but because I read Limitless, he just annoys me). And I hated (with a passion) the epilog. The whole book can basically be compressed to this quote:
The thought of giving up on Joshua made Nash physically sick to his stomach. He wanted Joshua more than anything. Nash shook his head. No, he wanted a happy and healthy Joshua more than anything. So, the real question Nash had to ask himself—was he strong enough?
Profile Image for Cathy Brockman.
Author 5 books92 followers
July 18, 2018
This is book three in the underground series and you do need to read book 2 first. However, I didn't and still enjoyed this one but ould have liked to have known more about how Nash and Joshua met and got together. Having said that we do get some of Joshua's issues and past in is journals and visits to his doctor.

I loved Nash. he saw something in Joshua and despite all the other dom's warnings took him on anyhow. He was determined to make Joshua his and never gave up no matter how hard.

Joshua felt he doesn't deserve happiness and feared to get happy because once he did it was always snatched away.

This story was rather dark but beautifully written as all of S.J. D. Peterson books are. The characters are so good you can't help but feel deeply for each one. I loved Denny and he added a bit of lightness o the story. I hope his and Malcolm's story is next! My only issue and it's a small one is I would have liked more description of the characters physically. Its possible it was in the first book but I would have liked to see the physical description here.
If you like BDSM this is a good series.
Profile Image for CB.
3,186 reviews6 followers
September 19, 2018
A sweet, sexy series. There are 3 books out now and, although it sounds like a lot of BDSM due to the series title, it's not the main focus.

This is the 3rd book in the series and the 2nd about Nash and Joshua. I suggest reading the 1st book they are in "Limitless" (which is the 2nd book in the series). You do not have to read the 1st book, "Override," as only Nash makes a very, very brief appearance there, but it was an enjoyable book and shows a little about The Underground Club too so I suggest it.

As for Nash & Joshua, these 2 MC's have a lot to work through and it's a great journey to go on with them. So glad the author gave them 2 books, they need it!!

Definitely hope to see more characters from The Underground and getting an update on these MC's would be nice too!
Profile Image for Gail.
413 reviews
August 24, 2018
3.5 stars. A day with nothing to do and an easy read to fill it. I always know SJD will make it worth my while. A good relationship development, a lot of hot sex and a HEA. What more could a girl ask for?
Profile Image for Sarah McDerment.
285 reviews3 followers
September 18, 2018
This is book 3 of "The Underground Club" series and the follow up book to "Limitless", book 2 of this series. Book 2 and 3 must be read together and are not standalone books.
I had some issues with this book that may seem petty but that really ended up annoying me throughout the book and that contributed to the low rating i'm giving this book. Considering that after book 2 I was anticipating this one to be really good, I was left disappointed that it didn't live up to exceptions.
So, I read book 3 straight after completing book 2 and therefor I had the details fresh in my head. Thing like in book 2, the author made a point of how one of the MC's drank their coffee and how particular they were that it had be right to then in book 3 completely change how they drink their coffee. Also, unless I'm wrong and have completely missed something in book 2 the author completely changed the MC's previous Masters name. Which I probably wouldn't have usually noticed but given that they were an important puzzle piece to this story it seemed rather strange to me. Yes, these points probably seem pretty to other people reading this review but the small details to me are what make a book perfect and this one was lacking in finesse.
The one thing I did like about this book is how it shows the characters as imperfect. Showing that not all Dom's know exactly the right thing to do at all times and that people struggle to find the right dynamics sometimes.
2.5 stars overall.
Reviewed by Sarah from Alpha Book Club
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Profile Image for Nudlez.
371 reviews4 followers
March 10, 2019
4.75* I loved how Joshua‘s trauma and mental health issues are treated. I especially love his diary that gives the reader another perspective on what’s going on in his head.
Profile Image for Jodi Ciorciari-marinich.
552 reviews42 followers
July 16, 2018
gave 4.5 stars but rounded to 5 for this review
\SJD knows how to write flawed characters and I love how they make you feel for them and hope they come through.

This is book 3 in the Underground Club series and I loved it!...It is a continuation of book 2 (Limitless) where we first see Nash and Joshua start the relationship.
Noah has taken Joshua as his sub. He has feelings for him from the first moments he set eyes on him in the club. When he got the change to make him his, he took it. Now he wants to help Joshua overcome his horribly abusive past and be whole. In the process Nash falls in love.

Joshua has been abused his whole life. He feels as though his is broken and can not be fixed. He agrees to be Nash's sub but knows it won't last long, nothing ever does for him. Once you hear about his past your heart will break for Joshua.
The story itself will pull you in. It is a love story that has all the BDSM aspects you will love. Joshua has to learn to open up about his past in order to move on with his life. Nash tries to help him the best he can but knows that it is up to Josh to go through the process and come out the other side.

Nash was a really good character for me to read. Yes, he is a Dom but he has such a soft side when it comes to Joshua and I loved reading about him. He is strong when he has to be in order to help Joshua but does show how much in love he is with him too. He wants to help Joshua but knows he needs to give him time to trust him and also give him what he needs.

As time goes on Joshua starts to open up and Nash realizes that their relationship needs to change and move forward to suit them both.
Malcolm and Denny help them along the way and I hope we get their story next.

In the end, both men fall in love and I think helped each other become whole.

*ARC provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Jodi from Alpha Book Club
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Profile Image for WycEd Reader.
2,328 reviews37 followers
August 11, 2018
Check out our The Edge post on Wicked Reads.

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Angie – ☆☆☆
3.5 stars

Third book in the series and I liked the book, I just didn't love it. While there was hot sex, which I LOVE, there was a lot of inner monologue, which I hate. I need dialogue between the characters. If I can't connect to Nash or Joshua, that makes it hard for me to get into the story and love it. There was a lot these two needed to work out and they had one hell of a bumpy ride. I am eagerly awaiting to see what's next in the series.

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of The Edge (The Underground Club #3) by SJD Peterson to read and review.

Wicked Reads Review Team
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews

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