A slow burn, billionaire, romantic suspense filled with safe houses, stalkers, bdsm elements and a vow to never mix business with pleasure.

Will Caleb Steele meet his match when his client is unable to contain her attraction towards him? Will Lily Gracen discover who is stalking her before her safety is impacted?

Both have a past that is layered with pain, trust issues, and will need to navigate through them while they explore new feelings.

I was expecting the suspense to be a bit more intense as the build up for the "fixer" was focused on. If you are looking for a book that is a quick read, with steam, and a little bit of suspense check this out.

This is the first novel I've read by Zara Cox, but not my first read in the Dare imprint, which promises short, hot reads, and this one didn't disappoint on that score, but the blurb led me to believe that this would be a short novel of sexy romantic suspense, and it didn't quite deliver on the suspense I was expecting, and for that reason I'm giving it a 3-star rating.

The set-up is simple. Caleb Steele is a "fixer", a high-priced one, very picky about the jobs he accepts, and he has an interview with new client named Lily Gracen, a brilliant chief coder for a high-tech computer firm. It seems she's somehow acquired a stalker. When the two characters first meet they are instantly attracted to one another physically, and Caleb makes it quite clear that he doesn't ever get personally involved with his clients--but then this is a Dare romance after all, and we know that won't be the case for long.

Lily is petite, lovely and brilliant, dresses as if she's planning to attend a BDSM club, and has been steadily working on an algorithm that will revolutionize the computer industry and make billions of dollars in profits for her company, but so far, her stalker, who is really a cyber-stalker, has only sent her bits and pieces of her top secret code, meaning that despite strict company security measures, she's somehow been hacked.

Once Caleb is apprised of the facts, he first arranges for Lily's home to be made secure, and he then spirits her away to another safer location, and all the while these two are learning more about each other, and coming closer and closer to breaking Caleb's rule about not getting involved with his clients. Both characters have been hurt in the past, and both have erected walls to keep from being hurt again, but the attraction between these two characters soon gives way to incendiary sex, and while those scenes were certainly hot, what disappeared from the story was any sense of danger from Lily's stalker. There are no explicit threats, there are no attempts to kidnap her, no warning notes, no one appears to be tracking them, no communication whatsoever except a couple of additional computer messages containing bits and pieces of Lily's algorithm.

While I liked both main characters, and the smoking-hot chemistry between them, I especially admired Lily's sassy attitude and her intelligence, whereas Caleb was a little too alpha and bossy, but he didn't really cow Lily, who managed to hold the upper hand in their relationship quite often and quite well. Although I did understand that in Caleb's line of work, having a client obey his directives without question is paramount to their safety, much of the time, he seemed more concerned with getting Lily into bed, or the shower, or pretty much anywhere he could have sex with her, than he was concerned about keeping her safe. Having said that, once Caleb's rules are broken, his job of finding and stopping Lily's stalker just falls by the wayside, and handled by his employees, not him. When we finally do find out the identity of the stalker, it's done in such a throwaway fashion in a sentence or two, that it's clear that Lily's life was never really in danger, and I was left wondering why the author needed all the scene changes and safe houses Lily was moved to, when the threat was to her code, not her person.

While I did find this short novel to be a quick, hot and enjoyable read, I felt somewhat let down when the suspense/stalker aspect of the story practically became a non-issue. Yes, there's some emotional angst and drama between the two main characters, and the expected HEA ending, but looking at it objectively, although this book worked well as a sexy romance, as a reader, I felt that it definitely failed in the suspense department.

I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this novel. The opinions expressed are my own.

Are you looking for another Harlequin Dare book? If so, you should get this book. Lily Gracen is a genius computer coder who is being stalked. She needs protection and she tracks down Caleb Steele to be her bodyguard. He has a rule that he never gets involved with his clients. Weelllllllll..... Readers might start to guess what direction this will go in.

I love that Lily is making it in a male-dominated industry and she is really good at what she does. Caleb is definitely an alpha male, but readers will be exposed to his vulnerable side. Eventually, Lily and Caleb will not be able to keep their hands off of each other. The sex scenes are really hot as readers of this line should expect. This is a bit of a suspense story and we get to know what the characters pasts were and how those experiences shape who they are today.

Props to the cover designer. If I ever need a bodyguard, that is what I will be expecting. Fun, action-packed book that you will quickly devour.

What an exciting, exhilarating & suspenseful read, LOVED it! I felt like I was 'Close to the Edge' anticipating Lily stalkers' next move while Caleb was always 'Close to the Edge' of taking Lily to new heights. This is the first book I have read by Zara Cox and I hope it won't be my last. The Kindle-melting chemistry & between the sheets encounters between Lily & Caleb are hot hot hot, you will certainly need ice to cool down. Caleb is the epitome of a hot & sexy alpha male but he also has a soft & caring side that makes him swoon-worthy and the perfect book boyfriend. Dare you to read this most definitely recommended book published by Harlequin DARE, Close to the Edge by Zara Cox.
I am voluntarily leaving this voluntary review, but for full disclosure I did receive an review copy, ARC, of this book from Harlequin via NetGalley.

Close to the Edge by Zara Cox is a contemporary, suspense romance. The moment he meets sublime coding prodigy Lily Gracen, Caleb Steele knows his “never get involved with a client” rule is going to be broken. But not until he stops her stalker. Caleb might be in charge of Lily’s safety, but when they’re locked down in her Silicon Valley mansion she’s the master. For keeping his hands off Lily is bringing Caleb close to the edge of his control.

Close to the Edge is a suspenseful read, not only with "when will they" but also with the stalker issue that brings our characters together. I like that both Lily and Caleb have their vulnerabilities, and that they are struggling with themselves as much as they are with what they want to happen, and what they think should happen. I did like the way they actually talked things out, for the most part, and kept working to find understanding for each other. Stubbornness and fear of getting hurt are their biggest enemies, and I think once they could admit that to themselves everything was bound to work out. I found Lily endearing in some of her ways, but was a little off put by her blacking out with every orgasm (or at least that's how it seemed to me) and how super observant protector guy never noticed. However, that was the only thing that really bothered me and otherwise I found the read to be entertaining and enjoyable.

Close to the Edge is an engaging read, and one that will keep you turning pages. I thought some of the sex was a little over the top, but that is more about my personal preferences than the writing. Not my perfect cup of tea, but definitely an entertaining ride.

Some lines should never be crossed
…unless it’s wickedly worth it

The moment he meets sublime coding prodigy Lily Gracen, Caleb Steele knows his “never get involved with a client” rule is going to be broken. But not until he stops her stalker. Caleb might be in charge of Lily’s safety, but when they’re locked down in her Silicon Valley mansion she’s the master. For keeping his hands off Lily is bringing Caleb close to the edge of his control…

Review:

This Author know how to write a great love story full of emotion and sexy goodness. The story also has action and suspense woven through it to form a well-rounded story. Lily and Caleb are such a great couple, just enough alike and different to make them interesting. I loved that Lily is a nerd girl, with wicked programming skills. Caleb is definitely alpha male, but also such a gentleman and caring guy.

Though this story is 200+ pages it seemed I just flew through it. I was engaged and captured into the story from the very beginning to the end.

4Stars
*I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this book provided by the publisher.*

Nothing's more fun than two hotties trying (and failing) to fight their attraction for each other. Throw in a bit of a mystery, and I'm hooked. That's what you get here with Caleb and Lily. Caleb's motto is to never get involved with a client. Lily prizes her independence, especially from men. But that all goes out the window when they start working together to keep Lily's project protected. Hot, hot, hot! Oh, and a good story, too.

This book was a quick, fantastic read. I do have one main thing I didn't like and that was how poorly the oral bits were written. I honestly got so fed up with that I had to just skip past them beyond that the book is amazing. I really didn’t want it to end. This was a difficult review to write I’ll be honest but I’m trying to not put any spoilers in it. So I apologize for the shortness of it but I will say is go pick this book up and give it a read you will not regret it. Honestly I was kind of torn on how many stars to give it as well. It was so well written minus the oral parts. If my dream tbr pile didn't grow by the day I would read again and I would definitely read more by this author as she writes in two names.

ARC received for review

This one was just meh to me. Nothing over the top and I didn't really like either one of them.

I’m really liking this Harlequin Dare series, though this one was just meh for me.

Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin for the ARC!

The Dare imprint keeps putting out amazing books! I loved this one from Zara Cox! Sooo sexy! I highly recommend!

This was just Ok for me. I could never really get in to it. Just not my cup of tea, so I don't feel that I can give a real review.

"She didn't utter a word. Neither did I. And yet, a thousand conversations passed between us."

Zara Cox is a favorite author that I discovered by accident. I get excited just seeing her name, having no clue what she'll have for me next, and not caring. I just know that whatever she decides to tackle will keep me up all night because once I start I don't stop. Proven by the fact it is 4:44 am and I haven't been to sleep yet. I just could not put it down...

I'm a techie myself, so I really enjoyed the fact that Lily is a genius coder. I dig those type of details and when you throw in a stalker and a super sexy security man it's better than chocolate. I couldn't turn a page without there being something exciting to devour. Whether it was a threat to her safety or a threat to his impressive control the suspense was addictive. He was trying to keep from breaking his no-hanky-panky-with-clients rule and it was the hardest thing he had to do, but it wasn't the hardest thing he had. If you don't believe me, ask Lily. It was impossible for him to hide how he felt, and it was impossible for her to hide that she saw it. Can you say sexual tension? Holy hotness Batman!

The author kept me busy trying to figure out who the stalker was and pulled me in deeper by sharing the painful pasts of both characters. They both are broken with walls so high that I was worried they wouldn't be able to penetrate each other's fortress. In spite of or maybe because of their demons, they are both very strong, neither wanting to give up control. He noted that, "She wouldn't appreciate being called a spitfire but that was exactly what she was." Their chemistry crackled and their banter was foreplay. I loved Close to the Edge! It checked all my boxes and left me smiling and satisfied. I highly recommend it. I can't wait to see what she has for us next. The line forms here...

To me this book was too heavy on the the sexual innuendos and too light on the plot. The mystery wasn’t keeping me on the edge of my seat. I might try another book sometime.

This book got better as it went along. I liked the strength of the heroine. I didn't think the myserty sub plot was needed. It was anti climactic. And his job description as a "fixer" made it seem like he was some badass when at best he was a bodyguard and at worst a personal assistant

Close to the Edge by Zara Cox will keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end just like anything she writes. I discovered her about a year or so ago, since, every time she's got a new release, there I rush to get it. What can I do? I simply love her stories.

I do have to say this wasn't my favorite book by her, but it was still entertaining. As usual, she did a wonderful job weaving the thrill of suspense around the main characters, and the sexy times were hot as only she knows how to write them.

In Close to the Edge, Lily is a genius coder. She's developing something that will blow people's minds once it's fully tested and marketed. Lily didn't have it easy growing up and made the best of her situation to become successful. Unfortunately, her freedom is the hefty price she has to pay as a consequence of her curiosity in her teenage years. If she delivers what she's been asked to do, she can walk free.

Caleb learned not to mix business with pleasure the hard way. The problem is Lily tempts him in every possible way, making it hard for him to stick to his three hard and fast rules. For as tough a man as he is, he's vulnerable where it counts and he's afraid that if he lets Lily in, she will break his heart.

I liked the banter between Lily and Caleb but I didn't feel the chemistry the way I've been used to with this author's other books. I can't pinpoint why. Perhaps it was the length of the story. I'm not really sure other than I liked Caleb more than I did Lily. Then again, this was an enjoyable read. It was fast-paced and with a hook at the end of every chapter, and I couldn't make myself put it down until I found out who the culprit was causing Lily all the trouble she was going through. Zara Cox's fans will enjoy this story.

Caleb really likes to make his thoughts known, “no, I’m a man with basic but fundamental needs. If I have to endure the R word, then I sure as he** expect some regular effing as part of the bargain. Otherwise, what’s the point?” Caleb has problems with jealousy, "his jaw clenched. “So you decided to let some punk drool all over you?” he bit out. I shrugged and his gaze dropped to my cleavage." I liked this book, I liked how dominant Caleb was.

Great read, the chemistry between Caleb and Lily was off the charts and really drew you into the will they won’t they of the story, the mystery was kinda of predictable and seeing as it was secondary to the story I really didn’t care.