Edge of Steel (Shifter Guardians Academy Book 2)

Carmen Alicea

Fated mates who have to work for redemption!

"If revenge, rejection angst, and stubborn heroines with zero patience for groveling are your thing, Edge of Steel by Elizabeth Dear is about to scratch that itch in the most satisfying way. This isn’t your typical soft, forgiving fated mates story, it’s sharp, emotional, and packed with a heroine who refuses to be anyone’s second choice. Let’s get one thing straight: this is not your soft, forgiving fated mates story. Elizabeth Dear flips the usual fated mates trope on its head. Yes, the bond exists, but emotional healing and trust are nowhere to be found. Heath, Aiden, Elijah, and Wyatt each come back full of regret and determination, but the question lingers do they truly deserve her? The push and pull between the undeniable pull of fate and the very real pain of betrayal creates a slow-burning tension that feels raw, messy, and completely addictive. This isn’t just about romance, it’s about survival, strength, and proving worth in a brutal environment. Avery isn’t sitting around waiting to be claimed; she’s fighting for her place among the elite, protecting herself and her beast, and sharpening both her physical and emotional defenses. Watching her choose herself over the bond again and again is deeply satisfying. It’s a reverse harem that doesn’t shy away from emotional consequences, where groveling isn’t optional, it’s necessary. The pacing allows the tension to build naturally, making every interaction between her and the men feel charged and meaningful. In the end, Edge of Steel delivers a story that’s fierce, emotionally gripping, and unapologetically defiant. It’s perfect for readers who crave strong heroines, redemption arcs that have to be earned, and romances that don’t come easy. Because these men don’t just have to win her heart, they have to prove they’re worthy of even standing beside her. ["

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April 30, 2026 Verified Purchase

S. Peralta

Disappointed

"I absolutely LOVED CoC. It might be my all time favorite book in this adult genre. This book had almost no plot movement. I waited on pins and needles for half a year for the only thing to happen is summer camp and for them to make up. I'm not even sure how I feel about this Jeremiah bit. I really did think maybe she should just date Kellen's quad when they immediately accepted her in the beginning and they didn't have the history of pain to get past but there is 0 chance she should go off with them. Wtf. I needed them to bond. Save Clara. End Holden (maybe Stephen too), finish college, solve the murders... probably more all in 1 book? When this book resolved so little? This book actually resolved almost nothing and created a new plot twist. I'm so mad. ["

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May 4, 2026 Verified Purchase

marginsbymoonlite

Shifter summer camp, epic trials, top-tier groveling, and yearning that sparks flames 🔥

"I thought that Clash of Claws was amazing, but then Elizabeth said let’s drop them all in a summer camp with crazy trials, and I was even more hooked! We meet some charismatic new cast members, and hate Cash & Co. even more than we already did. How that’s possible, I have no idea because he is literally the most annoying SDE character I’ve had the pleasure of reading this year. What I liked: 💪 Avery as a strong female lead. The guys epically messed up and she denied them REPATEDLY even though they were fated mates. I love that she knew her worth (super-powerful Prime, strategic fighter, smart, etc.) and stayed firm with her values. She’s just as powerful as the guys, if not more (it’s definitely more). 🔍 The murder mystery. We still don’t know a whole lot at this point but it screams secret society. I’m itching to figure out why this group thought it would be beneficial to breed out strong shifter females as a society. Are they connected to the rifts? Is it just the f—g patriarchy? So many questions still, but they’re juicy. 🤎 Ward Gale. That man is a gem, protect him at all costs. His pride in Avery as a person and warrior is so endearing. And his support in her training and protection was invaluable, especially when dealing with Cash and his psychotic quad. I feel SO frustrated for the Blackwell crew after that twist at the end. It’s just obstacle after obstacle for them. The Crimson quad’s persistence and inability to take a hint is already frustrating the h*ll out of me, so I can’t wait to see what trouble George cooks up 😈 Without giving too much away, there is top-tier groveling, yearning that will have you second-guessing your forgiveness baselines, and combat training that totally brings the action. Such a great installment in this series! I can’t wait for Book 3 to come out, because there is still so much left unanswered and I know we’re going to have some shockers. ["

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May 16, 2026 Verified Purchase

T.Fifer

George is my favorite!

"This was the much anticipated second book in the Shifter Guardian Academy and it did not disappoint. Avery is off to Guardian training camp, where she must interact with Blackwell Quad. The Quad is doing everything in their power to get Avery to forgive them for the past mistakes. You can't help but root for the boys, even knowing how badly they treated her in book one. I love everything about this series: the witty banter between the characters, Avery's strength and independence, all the fight scenes, the fated mates, the side characters and who could forget George. Avery has such a fantastic support system with her family and friends. Even as she fights these men in her life, they are willing to do anything for her. They try to keep her safe, even when her own actions work against her. We finally started to get some answers about the past and present-day connections. It really grabs a hold of you and makes you want to learn more. Everything appears to be connected in one way or another. Just as things get interesting, we are left with another cliffhanger. I really need book three ASAP; I can't wait to see how this story plays out. ["

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April 28, 2026 Verified Purchase

Brittany Williams

ALL THE STARS!!!

"The groveling 😭😭 the emotional intelligence the MMC’s showed was perfect they understood her need for time but wanted to show they were ready when she was. The completed worship Elijah has for Avery is so freaking cute!! The way they learned to work as a group and become a quad. Also Mr Ward Gail and his soft spots ❤️ i think i fell so hard for every single Blackwell quad member. Ian btw is just the best brother and im so glad we got to see his talents and his relationship with brody and there group forming. Now. The heart breaking in the beginning was so good it hurt but it’s a good hurt i cannot wait to get book 3. I just stayed up til midnight to get this released and im feening for the next book already. I loved the way Avery stood her grown on her being hurt and why, i loved how when she found out the reasons why she didn’t automatically go back but explained what she wished would’ve happened. The story line was so smooth i didnt even realized how far i got til it was over. George is the best male in this book and i will stand by that. Wyatt just broke my heart all over again but in a i love you so much it hurts way. This book is a must read. Like everyone needs to read it right now. Thank you so much Elizabeth Dear for the story you;ve created and as it saddens me thats there’s only 1 book left i can not tell you how excited I am to read it one day. ["

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April 28, 2026 Verified Purchase