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The Edge of Harmony

Book one in the Harmony series: A forbidden love dystopian romance

Wanting him was never part of the plan. Choosing him could cost her everything.

The Edge of Harmony by Lucy Milbaud — temporary placeholder cover (cover to be revealed)

Synopsis

In a future UK where only genome-matched couples are allowed to have children, birth rates have collapsed, and reproduction has become a duty.

Aven doesn't want children. But when her name is drawn in the lottery, she's forced to attend the Harmony Retreat, date her assigned matches, and choose one to start a family for the good of the nation.

Her plan is simple: survive the retreat, let Harmony think they won, and find a way to avoid the future chosen for her. But when a secret from her past resurfaces, compliance is no longer enough. Suddenly, the wrong choice could cost her far more than motherhood.

As Aven is forced to play a more dangerous game, an Enforcer she can't afford to need repeatedly breaks the rules to protect her. The walls she so carefully built start to crumble and the temptation of this forbidden, dangerous connection grows harder to resist as he becomes the only place she feels safe.

The Edge of Harmony is the first book in the Harmony Series.

Readers who love The Hunger Games and The Handmaid's Tale will love this book

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About the author

Portrait of Lucy Milbaud

Lucy Milbaud writes dystopian romance about control, trauma and impossible choices. Her stories blend high-stakes secrets with slow burn forbidden love and the cost of survival. When she’s not writing, she works in the wedding industry, capturing love stories through her lens. Based in Suffolk, UK, she lives with her partner and two dogs and spends most of her free time reading romantasy or bouldering at her local gym.

Content information

This book contains content that some readers may find distressing. Please see below for specific themes and how they appear in the text.

Themes and possible triggers

  • Rape and sexual assault: Described (scene fades to black for final act)
  • Childhood sexual abuse: Briefly referenced
  • Emotional and psychological abuse: Described
  • Abortion and miscarriage: Mentioned and discussed
  • Alcohol use and intoxication: Described
  • Panic attacks, trauma response and claustrophobia: Described
  • Blood, injury: Described

A note to readers

Your wellbeing matters more than any book. If any of these topics would harm you, please put yourself first and skip this one, or set it down if you need to. If you're struggling, reach out to someone you trust or a professional who can help.

Spice level 🌶️🌶️🌶️

Explicit but not erotica (Open Door)

This book contains detailed, on-page sexual content including non-consensual sexual violence.

The consensual sexual content is integral to character development and the romantic arc, not gratuitous. These scenes focus on mutual desire and pleasure.

Rape and sexual assault are depicted as the traumatic violations they are and not romanticised, or presented as acceptable.

This list may be updated as the book nears publication. If something should be listed and is not, you are welcome to email and ask.