Fighting For Valor

Away From Keyboard #6

by Patricia D. Eddy

val·or: great bravery in the face of danger, especially in battle

Once, Jackson Richards had it in spades. As a member of the United States Special Forces, he fought alongside the bravest and most capable men he’d ever known.

Then one mistake landed them all in Hell.

For six months, he fought. But one terrible day, his captors learned the full extent of his skills, and that sealed his fate.

Tortured and broken for endless months in conditions that made Hell look like a five-star resort, Jackson Richards died, and Isaad was born. Shaped into a weapon for the wrong side, he’d forgotten who he once was. Who he was meant to be.

Until the days his captor imprisoned Joey Taylor.

Helping Joey and her marine escape reminded Jackson of the man he used to be. And now, he’ll fight. For himself. For the friends he thought he lost in Hell. And for Caro. The woman with a secret he can’t ignore.

If he’s strong enough, he’ll leave Isaad behind. Maybe then, he can take back his true name.

Ripper.

WARNING: This book contains scenes of torture and implied sexual violence that may be disturbing to sensitive readers.

Genres: Suspense, Romantic Suspense, Audiobook, Romance, Abuse, Military Fiction

298 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 10, 2019

About the author

Patricia D. Eddy is a USA Today Bestselling Author who writes romance for the beautifully broken.

Fueled by coffee, wine, and Doctor Who episodes on repeat, she brings damaged heroes and heroines together to find their happy ever afters in many different worlds. From military to paranormal to BDSM, her characters are unstoppable forces colliding with such heat, sparks always fly.

Add Patricia's latest releases to your TBR list now!
and

Patricia makes her home in Seattle with her husband and very spoiled cats, and when she’s not writing, she loves working on home improvement projects, especially if they involve power tools.

Her Away From Keyboard series will always be her first love, because that’s where she realized the characters in her head were telling their own stories—and she was just writing them down.

You can find Patricia all over the web:

Website: https://patriciadeddy.com
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Reviews

[Carol [Goodreads Addict] · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fighting For Valor is book six in the Away From Keyboard series by Patricia D. Eddy. This series really is better if read in order. Each book is about a different couple but the characters from the previous books do play a very large role in this one. I have read the three previous books. I just haven’t read books one or two yet.

Jackson Richards or Ripper as his fellow special forces brothers call him, has been presumed dead for six years. He along with his brothers, were held prisoner in the underground caves in Afghanistan for six months before he disappeared. Ry and Dax were told he was dead. But in reality, after discovering his skills with technology, he was taken miles away to a compound where he would be drugged, tortured, brain washed, starved and abused over the next six years to get him to comply with his evil captor, Abdul Faruk. Ripper can’t even remember his previous life. He was told his attempt at rescue caused the death of his brothers. That he was wanted for treason. He only knows the name he has been given by his captors, Isaad. Until events from the previous book came into play. Until he helped to rescue the doctor, Josephine. And in doing so, his broken mind starting putting the pieces back together, and he remembered. He promised himself, he would get out.



When Ry and Dax realize that their brother is alive, that they left him behind all those years ago thinking he was dead, they immediately plan a rescue operation. Because there will be no other acceptable outcome other than bringing their brother home. Once home, for Ripper, reintegrating into normal society is more difficult than he ever imagined. His PTSD won’t allow him to stay in any kind of confined spaces, even his own apartment.



Caroline (Cara) Phillips has been in Seattle for well over a year now staying under the radar as much as possible. She is on the run. And those that seek her want her dead. She spends her days waitressing and her nights doing what she truly loves, cooking. Although the food truck she is cooking in might not be her ideal choice for where to cook. It’s on her way home one night after getting off the bus that she first saw him sleeping in the doorway of a church. He was a beautiful man. He didn’t look homeless but why else would he be out here sleeping?

Both Cara and Ripper are drawn to each other. Ripper hasn’t been able to connect with anyone up to now, can’t stand the touch of another person. But something about Cara calms him. Little did these two know that there is much more that connects them.



This book was pretty gut wrenching. Although it is not necessarily graphic in nature, you know exactly what tortures Ripper is enduring. My heart broke for him. And when he came home, it broke for him all over again in his struggles to adapt. But the kindness and warmth of a beautiful woman gives him hope. Also, a bond between him and a German Shepherd that no one wants, gives Ripper the drive to try harder to overcome his fears. When Cara’s life is in danger, though, nothing else matters, and once again, Ripper remembers the man he was, the man he still is.



Patricia has once again managed to completely immerse me in her story. I couldn’t put it down. I had to know what was going to happen next. It was difficult at times, but also filled with hope. There was such a sweet connection between Cara and Ripper. And don’t get me started on Charlie, the German Shepherd. Patricia continues to awe me with her writing and I can’t wait to see what she does next.

“Together. Brothers. Always.”

For more about this book and so many more, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
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[Lissanne Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the most heart-wrenching books I've ever had the privilege of reading, and it cements my belief that Patricia Eddy is an extraordinarily talented writer. Jackson Richards has lived through nightmares others can only dream about; finally rescued after six long years of being held against his will, beaten, tortured, starved and assaulted, most men would have broken long before. But Ripper survived and now he's adjusting to life as a free man. It's not easy, trying to readjust to what his life once was before he was brainwashed.

Cara Barrett is hiding a very big secret, one that means she can't get close to anyone. But when her path crosses Jackson's, she drawn to this man. He's an enigma, but there's something about him she knows she can trust. For his part, Jackson feels oddly protective of this woman, one he knows is hiding secrets. But when her past catches up with her, she pushes him away because she can't risk getting him involved - until they realise that they're both at risk. Will the flame that burns between them burn bright enough to save them both, or will it be snuffed out forever?

This book is one that will stay with you for a very long time after you finish it. Well-written, both hauntingly sad and hopeful in equal measures, you'll find yourself cheering for Jackson and Cara like no other couple you've ever read.

[Nicki - The Overflowing Bookcase · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish I could give this more than 5 stars. The reader almost gets two books for the price of one. They get the before and after version of Ripper. The before is the extremely tortured, lost and broken soul who literally dies right in front of your eyes. After being drugged and brutally abused Ripper can not only remember who he is but at the same times knows in his heart that he is doing something wrong. But finally he is saved and rescued. Part two is what is left when he returns to the states...a broken, shattered man who cannot come to grips with his new reality. Plagued with episodes of PTSD, Ripper feels he left one hell behind and was taken to another one. That is until he meets Cara, who in her own right has equally troubling battles and hurdles to overcome. What happens when to broken souls come together? Can they save each other while they try to heal? This book had my emotions all over the place. From disgust at the brutality of Ripper's abuse, to tears when he is still lost and broken after he was saved, to a feeling of peace when Cara and Ripper find each other. All of the characters were so well written. Everyone's battles were easily connected and the brotherhood and family sense was heartwarming. I think this story was the best so far in the series!! Job well done Patricia D. Eddy!!

[Evalyne]

Meh!!!

[Amy Dickinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fighting for Love with Broken Pieces

Overall Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Patricia D. Eddy came into my reading life accidentally. I periodically sign up to read ARCs through a service as a way to find new authors. I receive an ARC copy of a book, and I offer “an honest review” in return. I came to her with her Away from Keyboard series with Ryker and Wren’s book. The way that she created romantic suspense that left me on the edge of my seat whether in the bedroom or in action grabbed me. Even more, her ability to craft a hero who seems so broken that no one can connect with him pulled at my heartstrings. When Wren finally connects with Ryker, I was done. Finito. Eddy had me “hook, line, and sinker.”

Then, she did it again with Dax and Evianna’s story. And again with Ford and Joey’s book. It doesn’t matter if she offers new characters and situations; I gobble her words, usually in one sitting. She has this skill of characterization and storytelling that engages you from the beginning to the end. She crafts moments where your heart is pumping, worried that the hero or heroine won’t make it through the tense, dangerous situation and back into the arms of their soul mate. It’s that fear, that tension, that drives her stories. Underneath it all, you hear the moral: brokenness does not exclude love. While her characters find this bit of truth in extreme situations, this message resonates with her readers: you can be a lot or a little broken and love can still find you, if you’re open to it.

With Fighting for Valor, Eddy’s newest offering, that message is central; it’s explicit. In Ryker, Dax, and Ford’s book, her readers are familiar with Ripper, the com specialist. In the first two books, we believe him dead. Until he isn’t, as we realize in Ford’s book. For six years, Ripper has been held captive and brainwashed into a different identity. He’s been tortured, abused, manipulated, and broken. His memories of himself as Ripper or Jackson Richards are so faint that they come to him quietly in his dreams. One day, he is rescued, and he must find himself again except the years of abuse threaten to derail any future. He meets Cara on the street one night, a woman who holds her own secrets and “brokenness.” Their souls call to each other, and they find comfort together when they cannot find it anywhere else. Unfortunately, Cara’s secret threatens to undermine their burgeoning love. Can Ripper push through his broken pieces to save Cara? That’s the storyline, and it’s a big one.

What sets Fighting for Valor apart from the other books in the series is Ripper’s background. Eddy warns you in her author’s note at the beginning of the book that she has to take the first 12 chapters to provide us Ripper’s story. It’s so well told that you cannot help but fly through it. If you are someone who isn’t a fan of backstory, be forewarned; it’s a big part of Ripper’s book. Personally, I loved it. If you haven’t read any of the other books in the series, you might consider it tedious, but I doubt it. Eddy crafts all of the major feelings through Ripper’s story: horror, anguish, frustration, and worry. Ripper’s story isn’t a pretty one, and it might trigger folks with abuse in their background. But providing us with his story is necessary to see his growth through the story progression.

When he finally meets Cara, he has struggled to make connections even with his “brothers,” Ryker and Dax. He has isolated himself, but Cara’s ability to bring him comfort when no one else can makes her the treasure of this book. I loved that she could “see” Ripper. That she could empathize with him out of her own personal struggles and provide him with ways to begin healing. As a character, Cara is equal parts vulnerable and strong. One minute, she’s cowering and the next she’s ordering Ripper into comfort. I love that her brokenness matched to his makes them complete, and I think it’s the reason that Fighting for Valor is my favorite of the Away from Keyboard series to date. Easily, my favorite. Oh yeah, and there’s a dog in this story. An amazing one. Dogs always make the story a little better.

Eddy’s style is fluid; it’s visceral; it’s real. As I stated earlier, you will finish this book in one sitting if you allow yourself because her storytelling draws you into a world of danger and love. The men of her series love deeply once they allow themselves to, and I think it’s a lesson to all of us that making one’s self vulnerable to be loved brings greater joy than the pain of trauma. Even if you haven’t read the other books in the Away from Keyboard series, you can pick up Fighting for Valor today, and you won’t miss anything. But you would miss out on reading the beauty of Ripper and Cara’s love and the start to their healing as they love each other through their broken pieces. Read Patricia D. Eddy’s newest book, Fighting for Valor

[Jennifer Pierson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jackson 'Ripper' Richards was once the bravest man that anyone could have at their backs while in the Special Forces, which you already know that it's an ordeal just to get in the Special Forces, so you can imagine his skill sets. However, while in Afghanistan, a mission went wrong, a mistake if you will, which got he & his brothers (teammates) captured. While some of his brothers were told he was dead, because of his skill set, he was being tortured for six years, which was so brutal that he was completely broken down. And this is when his captors molded him into a weapon named Isaad, since Ripper didn't remember who he was before his new identity. But his captors underestimated the protector deep down, and when a new prisoner showed up, he helped them escape, which set off those memories of who he really is, coming back piece by piece. And this is when his brothers realized that Ripper was indeed alive, so they were coming to get him, and no one would stand in their way. I'm telling you, to this point, the crap that Ripper went through brought me to my knees. I'm not one for torture, but realistically, it's stuff that actually happens to those who get captured in another country during war times, or hell, maybe even just because. I mean, Patricia D. Eddy wrote it with intense realism, and I swear my heart broke into pieces. Now, Ripper comes home, but the things that he suffered left a very lasting impression, so his PTSD was no joke. In fact, he had him doing stuff, like being found sleeping in the doorway of a church, which is where Caroline 'Cara' Phillips came on the scene. She's being chased down by people who want her dead, so she's really trying to stay off the radar, while on the run obviously. So, these two tortured souls have now come face to face, and even after all Ripper has been through, he felt an attraction to her. Obviously, you've figured out by now that there's so many twists that if you're like me, who drops f-bombs right & left, by the end of this book, not sure you'll have any voice left, as I know I didn't. Now, Ripper has found a new mission, to not only keep Cara safe, but getting her to reveal her big secret, and as the PTSD would have it, he fluctuates between Isaad & Ripper, so which one will the last one standing? I left you with a big question, and trust me, there's a lot more crap that I've not even touched upon, so if you want to know all the answers, you know what to do. One click this story that has so much intensity, suspense, loyal brothers, and a heroine who may be what the doctored ordered, that you won't put it down until every last page in inhaled. HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND TO ALL!

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book broke my heart and it was hard to read in one sitting. Special Ops don't leave a man behind, but the one they did, they thought was killed. He had been held by the enemy for 6 years. Brainwashed, abused, beaten and humiliated. When Ryker discovers he's still alive, they move heaven and hearth to get him back. Cara has her own medical and personal problems as well, but they fit each other. You will need to take a break, have a box of tissues and think about what our shoulders go thru when they are captured.

[Pat Freeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Keeper !

Patricia's Keyboard books are just top shelf quality! Rips story is heartbreaking and shows us just what PTSD can do to a person. Bless Caras heart she has her own problems but wants to help Rip deal with his. With the help of their "friend-family" they begin to learn to deal with their damaged minds and recover their souls. This is a tear jerker in places and bless Patricia Eddys heart for projecting herself into this book. That took courage ! Hoorah!! ....pat....

[Kaitlyn Myers · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 for me!!

Ripper and Cara form an instant connection, that helps both of them deal with anxiety and PTSD. But, their connection goes back farther than they think... When the truth comes out, can Ripper overcome his demons and help save Cara from men who are out to kill her? Can the two of them place trust in the rest of the Away From Keyboard characters to make it out alive?

Also, I have to give a minute for Charlie, the best German Shepard EVER! He is truly a main character in this story and I loved when Charlie tagged along for every mission.

Ripper is one of the most complex guys in the Away From Keyboard series. I loved living in his past at the start of the novel, and then watching him adjust back to life in the US. He interconnects flawlessly with Ryker and Dax, and their brotherhood is heartbreakingly beautiful. Which is what all of Patricia Eddy's characters represent; beautifully broken people!

[Eliana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Firstly, it is very important to read this series in order to understand all characters interactions and get the best out of the books. You'd be missing out if you start with this book.
As a huge fan of the series I can honestly say that it only gets better. Each character has their own conflicts, insecurities and self-doubts and they feel lost until they find another equally "broken" person with whom they connect on so many levels. This is the beauty of these books. How these human interactions occur and develop to bring them some sort of peace they thought they would never have again. Emotions run raw and I found myself often feeling a squeeze to the heart but anticipating a happy end so overall it is a very good mix of feelings. 
You feel an immediate connection with the characters and jump head on in the emotional whirlwind til the end. I'm always happy to reach the end and very sad at the same time as I want to be with them so much further than the pages.
Very privileged to have received an ARC but nonetheless I am buying the book as a thank you to the author and also to enjoy the bonus scenes.

[Colby Millsaps · Rating 4 out of 5]

A welcome surprise of a book

I’ve never read anything from this author before, never even seen anything, but I’ll be reading more from her. The story sucked me in and the characters were beautifully broken. She handled the difficult scenes so well and I know I’ll be rereading this book about these beautifully broken people again. The only thing that I wasn’t overly thrilled about is the insta-love. A week of knowing each other and they’re at the point of I’d die for you. While I loved them both and the story, I just had to pretend in my mind their timeline was much longer than it really was to be believable

[Kelly_Reads_Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cara and Rippers story wrecked me! They are two broken people who fate brings together in the most unusual circumstances. Their story had so many twist and turns that wove wonderfully together. Patricia made the characters come alive so the reader feels the sorrow, anxiety and the happiness.
This couple was "beautifully broken"

[Audrey Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series keeps getting better and better. If you don't read the series in order, you're missing out on who all of the secondary characters are and the backstory. You need to read the other books in the series first--- you'll thank me later.

Throughout this series, we heard about Ripper, that he was on the same team as Dax and Ryker, and that they were all in Hell together. Ryker and Dax got out of Hell, and were told that Ripper was killed, so they've been rescued for six years, only to find out that Ripper is still alive and has been held prisoner and has been forced to be a computer hacker for one of the worst men in the world. Ryker and Dax save Ripper, but when Ripper is back in the US as a free man, he finds that it's almost harder to be back to 'normality' than it was to be held a prisoner. He feels lost, unsure, and sometimes thinks that he's just dreaming that he's back in the states as a civilian with his brothers Dax and Ryker. He has a nice apartment, but after the torture he endured, he can't handle being alone in a confined space, especially at night when it gets dark, so he sleeps on the stoop of a church every night.. that's when he meets Cara, as she walks home from her job at a local food truck. She thinks Ripper is homeless. Cara is dealing with her own self-doubts and other personal things, always looking behind her back... and she knows she should not even be talking to Ripper, but there is something about him that speaks to her, and she understands the fear and emotions in his eyes.

Ripper and Cara are both broken, both feel lost but they connect with each other on so many levels and they understand each others needs without even saying what they need. Cara calms Ripper in ways that he doesn't understand. Cara confides in Ripper who she's running from and why, and Ripper, Dax and Ryker join forces once again to save her and clear Ripper's name. This is an outstanding book, am so sad that it's over. I love the other characters from past books and how involved they are in Rippers book. I also have to add, that I love that Ripper adopted a dog, Charlie, from the shelter he helped out at. That is also a big piece in this book and I think it really helped Ripper to have a dog who understood him, and helped calm him and keep him out of dark places within his mind.

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I genuinely cannot get enough of this series. Patricia D Eddy is a master of romantic suspense and I crave these characters. This one has to be close to the top for me(Dax is still my favorite). Ripper is left behind in Afghanastan, unbeknownst to his squad. Now 6 years later, they bring him home, ghosts apparent and broken. His best friends do their best to pull him back, but the friendliness of a woman who thinks he is homeless is the one that helps the most. Cara is in hiding. Overhearing information that can get her killed, she is running for her life. Befriending the homeless man can't hurt, can it? What she finds is so much more. This story is incredibly moving. It's heart wrenching and the details Eddy provides us are gruesome. But unfortunately, it's more realistic than we would like. Her writing bringing this to forward is enlightening. From corruption to love, we live, learn and heal. The characters are our friends, from book to book and truly bring that sense of family. And the addition of Charlie just melted my heart. A better dog could not have been found. This is a fantastic addition to this series and I am ready to pull down the next in the series, Call Sign:Redemption.

The narration continues to be impeccable. I have to compliment both Aiden Snow and Grace Grant. Snow provides a broken, tortured soul for Ripper, and his performance fits the character. Grant finds the perfect balance of strong and confident with scared and vulnerable. She makes Cara! These two are an amazing team.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

My heart was shattered and repaired with Rip’s story.

This book was awesome. My heart more than broke, it was shattered for Richard “Rip” Jackson. His story starts with Ryker (On His Six) and Dax (Second Sight) but takes a dramatic and heart-wrenching turn. I wept for his loss of self and everything else. I rooted for his salvation and retribution. I cheered when his team showed up for him and again when he and Cara met. Cara is a chef who was in the wrong place at the wrong time and heard the wrong people talking. She’s capable of surviving and taking care of herself but is running from those who can find her anywhere.

I loved how she and Dax met and got to know each other. I love the sense of family between the brothers-in-arms and their women. How they don’t give up on each other and show up when needed (even if not asked). I loved that Rip and Charle, the German Shepherd, found each other to help heal. I loved the twists and turns in this story and how it wove into the previous stories in this series. While you can read this as a stand-alone and love it. To truly get the deepest meaning you’ll want to read Ryker and Dax’s stories too. I was so caught up in the story, I could stop reading until I was done. Then, I wanted more of them. This is one of the best books I’ve read in a long time. I’m looking forward to more about these characters and others in this series.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 4.5*

Having discovered that Ripper is alive and being held hostage still in 'By Lethal Force', this is Ripper's story. The first part is incredibly heart-wrenching and emotional as we find out what happened to him once he was separated from Dax and Ryker in Hell. This is not an easy read but we need to understand what happened to him and experience a small part of that alongside him. As soon as the team realise that he is still alive, everyone is moving as quickly as possible to ensure that he doesn't have to spend anymore time captive that they can help.

Back in the real world, he struggles with fitting back into general society - how can you when you have been through so much and are used to a certain way of living? When his path crosses with Caro, little do they realise that their stories are intertwined. Caro is carrying her own secrets and hiding from a danger that could bring them both down. Living on edge, looking over her shoulder all the time, she is a hard worker with plenty of poise and courage.

I found Ripper's story both heart-wrenching and heart-warming. I felt myself being pulled in to his journey and hoping that he would get his life back and find his new place in the world, with the strong and beautiful Caro by his side.

***Reviewed for LBM Book Blog***

[RumBelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was raw, heartbreaking, terrifying and beautiful. Loving family and standing up for them, and what's right is the backbone of this story and it resonates.

Ripper, a Special Forces soldier went through absolute hell for six years, and when his teammates were able to rescue him, he was not the man he used to be. Nightmares, panic attacks, guilt and loneliness ate up his world. Until he met Cara, a woman running from her own nightmare trying to stay alive with several severe health conditions. Slowly, Cara helps Ripper feel again, live again, but when her life is threatened, Ripper has to be willing to revisit his past to save her.

These two are some of the strongest characters I've ever read. Both damaged, both hurt, both afraid of so much, but also willing to trust each other to heal. They both realize how important they are to each other, and that the only way they survive the darkness of each others worlds is together.

Ripper's teammates are absolutely amazing. Each hurt, but also healing they stand by each other and will go to the wall for one another. That kind of love is rare.

Charlie, Ripper's dog was the absolute joy of this book. He knew Ripper was his from the moment their eyes met. When Cara was threatened, Charlie stuck by her and defended her fiercely. He was incredibly smart, and brave.

I loved this series and cannot wait to read more.

[Favey_Listens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fighting for Valor is book 6 in the Away from Keyboard series. It can be read alone or with the series. I LOVE this series, so I highly recommend reading them all! Patricia Eddy is a 1-click Author for me. In this story Jackson has some major past trauma, having been held captive in Afghanistan for 6 months before disappearing 6 years ago. The amount of physical and mental trauma and anguish on top of memory loss and major damage from surviving the years of torture. Following his rescue he struggles to function in society. Cara is on the run and has been living on the edge of physical endurance and sanity. They are understandably drawn together but slow to trust. They fit like a glove and together they are amazing! Patricia Eddy has quite brilliantly brought these characters to life and given them a voice, a journey, and a love story with a happy ending. Just wow! Patricia’s devotion to audio and quality performers is once again evident in this book. Aiden Snow and Grace Grant deliver wonderful performances in this thrilling story and I’m all in!!

[Ahima Booklover · Rating 5 out of 5]

4,5 stars for Ripper and Cara

He was left behind in Afghanistan and tortured, brainwashed, used. She was witness to a betrayal in the own lines. After Ford and Joey returned from Afghanistan (book before), there is video proof that Rykers and Dax' army brother didn't die 6 years ago.

Back in the USA they try to keep a low profile since the rescue mission was highly illegal. Then Ripper meets Cara, a women with stack of secrets on her own.

This was a hard story to read. With the amount of torture and the time frame, I cried very early. Then the repercussions for Ripper and Cara in their daily life struggles. And to learn how their stories connected. Great story. I already look forward to get more.

[Sue Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ripper & Cara

Ripper and Cara's story is one of best I've read in this genre. I have read and enjoyed all the 'An away from the keyboard'- series, how on earth I missed this one is beyond me. Thank goodness I was searching through this authors reading lists for something exciting, which a new release in this series would be, and realised I hadn't read it! It is a very long time since I have page-turned so rapidly a book in this genre. Thank you PDE you are terrific. Bonus scenes to download as well!! Just can't get any better....

[Kamila Mykhailiuk · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! It made me feel so many emotions. I cried a few times and was very happy when Ripper met Charlie the dog.

Ripper is a very beautifully broken man. He can’t cope after being for more than six years in hell. Until he meets Cara. She understands him like no other. He is ready to protect her no matter what. Cara is so understanding and considerate towards Rip. Their chemistry is so good. Charlie is the best dog ever.

Overall I loved this book very much. If you’re a fan of romantic suspense then you should definitely read this novel.

[HaloLove · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

Wow! Just wow! I have to tell you this author truly knows how to paint a portrait of war, suffering, and hell with her words.

The beginning of this tale had me in so much pain for Jackson Richards. I swear I was glued to every word.

But then, the sickly sweet overly angst female character comes along and I kind of lose interest in the story. You have all the male PTSD, anxiety and angst which I get but then add the female angst, anxiety, with the pill popping, and crying; it’s just too much!!!!

The beginning of this story is fantastic though!

[Lorraine S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not For The Faint of Heart

I wish I could give this more than five stars. This book was amazing! Patricia Eddy writes as if she were actually a witness to the events. She writes with such detail and feeling. I seriously could not put this book down. Ripper survived the unthinkable and Cara was the person who helped bring him back. I can understand why writing this book shredded the author.

I love all the Away From Keyboard books but this is my favorite thus far.

[Avidchic reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

ptsd is tragic and I believe MS Eddy write it with great respect. it was raw in your mind with simple Insinuations.
this story touched me. it was a beautiful end to a great series....if that what it is. all emotional aspects was just harrowing
Aiden snows narration is perfection as is Ms Grants. loved the series, loved the characters, loved the suspense...but this story....sits not far ahead of Rykers story....so very poignant. it may be hard to read for some....just saying

[Pagerz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok, I thought for sure no one in this series would take Ryker's place as my favorite...and yet in sweeps Ripper and Cara and their beautiful story. Once again the combination of world building, characters, action and a bit of spice I just can't stop reading this series.

Even though each book can stand on it's one, the connections from one book to the next and so much fun and make each story feel deeper and complete.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew before I started that Ripper’s story would make me cry and it did. But it also made my skin crawl. Eddy always gives you a happy ever after, but she makes you work for it. Her characters are always raw and real. Ripper has been absolutely shredded, and there are no quick and complete fixes in these books. Away from the Keyboard books are relatable, even when extreme, and are deeply satisfying.

[Lynn J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heart pounding Suspense throughout this book!

This book is yet another one of Patricia D. Eddy’s incredibly detailed, & descriptive stories! She weaves such a true connection to the characters that you are inside of the characters’ thoughts, and are really experiencing what they are experiencing!

[Mari (Mystics & Metaphysics Book Blog) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh, this was just as gut-wrenching as the previous books, if not more. Jackson goes through so much and I loved it when he finally remembers and his brothers bring him home. I cried a little at what he had experienced. The connection he has with Caro though is undeniable and I could see how their experiences could draw them together.

[Teresa Daugherty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hard to read but so good

I must admit I skipped some of the first part of the book. I just couldn't do it. Especially knowing that people actually went through that...heart breaking.
This is a beautiful story of Ripper and Cara. Full of pain, heartache, fear but still strength and beauty. Loved sweet Charlie!
Wonderful book!

[Demi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ripper is finally rescued from Hell and Hell ever after. So many things to process he is a real mess inside. Ripper knows Dax and Ry will do anything to help his transition back to society and he tries, if only for them. Meeting Cara brings out protective tendencies and she truly seems to understand his pain. Wonderful journey for them both!