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L.A.S.T. Defense #1
Blade's Edge
Twelve years after Jasper Blade joined the Texas Ranger Division, an explosion forced him to retire. He's spiraling. Ending most nights in his recliner with a bottle of Shiner and a whole lot of self-pity.
When her family needed her, Emmylou Marsh gave up her career as one of the top on-air TV reporters in Los Angeles to move back to Houston. But two years later, reclaiming her career isn't as easy as she'd hoped. She needs one big story. A whopper that'll catapult her back into the national spotlight. And when she finds it, nothing will keep her from reporting the news.
But someone wants this story buried and they're willing to bury Emi right along with it.
This free 17,000-word short story is the start of a brand new series, Off the Grid, that will be released in 2022. It's only available until December 26, 2020, and you must be a member of the Addicted to Danger Romantic Suspense Reader group on Facebook to receive it. While it's a complete story, it will be re-released in 2022, revised and expanded into a full novel (but with the same plotline, same characters, same everything...just more).
Because who doesn't want more of a hot, protective Texan calling you darlin'?
When her family needed her, Emmylou Marsh gave up her career as one of the top on-air TV reporters in Los Angeles to move back to Houston. But two years later, reclaiming her career isn't as easy as she'd hoped. She needs one big story. A whopper that'll catapult her back into the national spotlight. And when she finds it, nothing will keep her from reporting the news.
But someone wants this story buried and they're willing to bury Emi right along with it.
This free 17,000-word short story is the start of a brand new series, Off the Grid, that will be released in 2022. It's only available until December 26, 2020, and you must be a member of the Addicted to Danger Romantic Suspense Reader group on Facebook to receive it. While it's a complete story, it will be re-released in 2022, revised and expanded into a full novel (but with the same plotline, same characters, same everything...just more).
Because who doesn't want more of a hot, protective Texan calling you darlin'?
ebook
First published December 14, 2020
186 people are currently reading
136 people want to read
About the author
Patricia D. Eddy
77 books892 followersPatricia 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
Facebook: https://facebook.com/patriciadeddyauthor
Instagram: https://instagram.com/patriciadeddy
Twitter: https://twitter.com/patriciadeddy
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/patri...
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Patricia-D.-Ed...
Sign up for Patricia's newsletter to receive a free romantic suspense short story! https://patriciadeddy.com/mailinglist
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
Facebook: https://facebook.com/patriciadeddyauthor
Instagram: https://instagram.com/patriciadeddy
Twitter: https://twitter.com/patriciadeddy
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/patri...
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Patricia-D.-Ed...
Sign up for Patricia's newsletter to receive a free romantic suspense short story! https://patriciadeddy.com/mailinglist
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
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November 17, 2025FREE today (November 6, 2025) on Amazon.
July 16, 2025
Another action packed and thrilling romantic suspense from Patricia D. Eddy. From the first prologue, I was hooked on Jasper’s story and I couldn’t put this story down once I started. Jasper had to leave the military due to an injury and was struggling to find his new normal as a civilian. I loved how Emi literally fell into his lap and how they became in each other’s life. Jasper was instantly protective of her especially after she started getting death threats from a piece she did about a corrupt business man. But Emi isn’t scared of the threats and is determined to stand her ground which I admired about her so much. Emi strives for the truth and isn’t afraid to go out there and find it. Jasper and Emi had great chemistry and I loved how it developed through the story. The action was nonstop and I couldn’t stop reading because I needed to know the outcome. The ending was great and I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.
April 3, 2025
Intense short story. The Texas twang was a bit off for me. The cover models don't match the ages I thought the characters were. But there's a lot of plot stuffed in. So I'd read the next one.
August 3, 2025
BLADE’S EDGE is the first instalment in Patricia D Eddy’s contemporary, adult L.A.S.T. DEFENSE romantic suspense series. This is former Texas Ranger, Lieutenant Jasper Blade, and forty year old, reporter Emmylou ‘Emi’ Marsh’s story line.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Jasper and Emi) BLADE’S EDGE follows in the aftermath of an explosion and suspension of our story line. An undercover investigation into the Cordova Cartel ended with an explosion, two law enforcement dead, and Jasper Blade fighting for his life. Fast forward eight months , now former Texas Ranger Jasper and his twin brother Captain AJ Stone reconnect at an awards dinner where Jasper will come face to face with the reporter he kicked out of his hospital room eight months earlier. Emmylou Marsh didn’t want to do a fluff piece about awards and rubber chicken dinners but as the mentor to a new on-air fashion reports, Emi finds herself face to face with our story line hero but when Emi begins an investigation into bribery and fraud of a new upscale hotel and banquet centre, our heroine becomes the target of some powerful people. Refusing to back down, Emi finds herself with a protector and guardian in the guise of our story line hero when the FBI and local PD refuse to offer protection.
The world building focuses on Emmylou Marsh’s investigation into bribery and the Cartel. Determined to get her story and reveal the corruption in Austin Texas, our heroine, often TSTL is focused on the ultimate prize, a story and the take down of some corrupt businessmen. Jasper only knows that to protect Emi he is going to have to take control, control of a woman who is too independent to back down.
The relationship between Emi and Jasper begins acrimoniously but when our heroine is threatened, Jasper refuses to stand down and watch as her life implodes. In hiding, our couple find themselves falling for one another but another betrayal is about to take aim at our story line couple. There are no sex scenes, everything is implied.
We are introduced to Jasper’s brother AJ, a man struggling since the disappearance of the woman he loves, as well as Sargeant Parker Elmore. The requisite evil has many faces.
BLADE’S EDGE is a story of power and control, betrayal and vengeance, greed and obsession, acceptance and love The action packed, character driven premise is intriguing and captivating; the romance is subtle; the characters are dynamic and determined.
copy supplied for review
Told from dual first person perspectives (Jasper and Emi) BLADE’S EDGE follows in the aftermath of an explosion and suspension of our story line. An undercover investigation into the Cordova Cartel ended with an explosion, two law enforcement dead, and Jasper Blade fighting for his life. Fast forward eight months , now former Texas Ranger Jasper and his twin brother Captain AJ Stone reconnect at an awards dinner where Jasper will come face to face with the reporter he kicked out of his hospital room eight months earlier. Emmylou Marsh didn’t want to do a fluff piece about awards and rubber chicken dinners but as the mentor to a new on-air fashion reports, Emi finds herself face to face with our story line hero but when Emi begins an investigation into bribery and fraud of a new upscale hotel and banquet centre, our heroine becomes the target of some powerful people. Refusing to back down, Emi finds herself with a protector and guardian in the guise of our story line hero when the FBI and local PD refuse to offer protection.
The world building focuses on Emmylou Marsh’s investigation into bribery and the Cartel. Determined to get her story and reveal the corruption in Austin Texas, our heroine, often TSTL is focused on the ultimate prize, a story and the take down of some corrupt businessmen. Jasper only knows that to protect Emi he is going to have to take control, control of a woman who is too independent to back down.
The relationship between Emi and Jasper begins acrimoniously but when our heroine is threatened, Jasper refuses to stand down and watch as her life implodes. In hiding, our couple find themselves falling for one another but another betrayal is about to take aim at our story line couple. There are no sex scenes, everything is implied.
We are introduced to Jasper’s brother AJ, a man struggling since the disappearance of the woman he loves, as well as Sargeant Parker Elmore. The requisite evil has many faces.
BLADE’S EDGE is a story of power and control, betrayal and vengeance, greed and obsession, acceptance and love The action packed, character driven premise is intriguing and captivating; the romance is subtle; the characters are dynamic and determined.
copy supplied for review
October 7, 2025
I voluntarily reviewed "BLADE'S EDGE" WOW!! Your pulled right into this intense, intriguing, suspense filled journey, with danger, fear, emotional turmoil, steam, corruption & bribery.
Emi Marsh is a reporter looking into corruption & bribery from the Cordova Cartel, she definitely dertermined to get the story of her career but at what cost.
Jasper Blade was injured badly in an explosion caused by the Cordova Cartel & was fighting for his life, months later he's a former Texas Ranger meets his twin brother Captain AJ Stone at an awards dinner where he meets the oh so hot Emi Marsh a reporter for the event.
Emi wants to take down some corrupt businessman putting her in danger, the FBI & PD won't give her protection.
Jasper decides to step in & protect Emi when her life is threatened, spending time together the attraction is on both sides.
Will Jasper & Emi get a HEA especially a betrayal they didn't expect will they both survive a must read page turner you can't get enough of.
Emi Marsh is a reporter looking into corruption & bribery from the Cordova Cartel, she definitely dertermined to get the story of her career but at what cost.
Jasper Blade was injured badly in an explosion caused by the Cordova Cartel & was fighting for his life, months later he's a former Texas Ranger meets his twin brother Captain AJ Stone at an awards dinner where he meets the oh so hot Emi Marsh a reporter for the event.
Emi wants to take down some corrupt businessman putting her in danger, the FBI & PD won't give her protection.
Jasper decides to step in & protect Emi when her life is threatened, spending time together the attraction is on both sides.
Will Jasper & Emi get a HEA especially a betrayal they didn't expect will they both survive a must read page turner you can't get enough of.
July 19, 2025
Blade’s Edge is fast-paced, intense, and so much fun. News reporter Emi is brilliant, bold, brave, and blunt. Determined to uncover the truth at all costs, she is also stubbornly blind to the danger that she’s put herself in. As she makes the target on her back larger and larger, she also keeps running into former Texas Ranger Jasper. He is equally headstrong and totally smitten from the second time they meet. Emotionally and physically traumatized, watching him traverse his own issues while he fights for Emi’s safety is beautifully breathtaking. I loved seeing these two grow together, and getting sneak peeks of AJ and the other supporting characters was so much fun. Author Patricia Eddy has delivered another spell-binding and action-packed love story that kept me on the edge of my seat to the very last page—and left a lovely teaser into the next book. Great start to a new series!
August 5, 2025
This author has a way of giving us broken characters and showing us, their fierce and beautiful interior, Jasper and Emi are exactly just that. After a career ending injury Jasper finds himself at the bottom of bottles and not much to look forward to, but when he runs into Emi again after their first encounter, he sees something else in her that attracts him to her. Emi is fierce and not afraid to do her job even if it puts her in dangerous situations and that’s exactly where she finds herself and in need of help. When Jasper realizes the trouble she is in, he feels this sense of protectiveness hit him and the need to be the one Emi is so strong he’s feels he’s the only one for the job. The suspense and danger grip you hard but the banter and steam keeps you enraptured. I found myself falling in love with these characters and hope we get more.
September 22, 2025
Blade’s Edge, is book one in the Last Defense series and follows former Texas Ranger Jasper Blade and reporter Emmylou (Emi) Marsh. An undercover investigation gone wrong ends in an explosion that kills two and leaves Jasper fighting for his life. Eight months later, Jasper is at an awards dinner where he is reunited with his twin brother AJ, and the reporter he snubbed eight months earlier. Emi doesn’t want to be stuck writing “fluff” pieces, so when she begins digging into the world of bribery and fraud, she quickly finds herself becoming the target of some very powerful people. Refusing to back down, she works with Jasper, both writing a story about the hero while using him for protection when the local police refuse. Can Emi keep things professional? Or will she and Jasper grow closer the longer they spend together?
August 4, 2025
After an explosion that has Jasper retiring from the Rangers, his first few days in he hospital has a reporter wanting to get a scope. Emi needs the story to prove she is a great reporter but seeing Jasper in the hospital bed and asking for her to do a story on his partners that died, she relents. Months later they meet by chance again, and then a few times more which gets them to talking but when Jasper finds out she is receiving threats after an expose story and an attempt is made…he will do whatever it takes to protect her.
A good read with suspense, some action, steam and great characters. I liked the no drama between them and the insta everything. The story flowed nicely and once I started, I couldn’t put it down.
*I voluntarily read an advanced copy and expressed my honest opinion*
A good read with suspense, some action, steam and great characters. I liked the no drama between them and the insta everything. The story flowed nicely and once I started, I couldn’t put it down.
*I voluntarily read an advanced copy and expressed my honest opinion*
March 18, 2025
Jasper was devastated by an on-the-job injury that took most of the important things away from him. Emi is trying to salvage a national news career after taking a year to care for her dying grandmother. Thrown together initially be the horrible event but later by accident, they embark on a tentative relationship that neither of them is really sure they want, but when danger comes for Emi, Jasper’s instincts take over and his mission becomes to protect her. Along the way, they fall in love and solve the crime.
July 20, 2025
Another exciting blastoff to a new series by Patricia E. Eddy. We meet Blade while still a Ranger in the bombing that left him disabled. Later he meets Emi with reporter with a jugular instinct to track down the scum in Austin. When the information Emi has dug up doesn't want to be revealed to the light, can Jasper protect her?
Patricia Eddy released this initially as a novella but blends this book so skillfully into a full length novel that you can hardly notice the extra words. Can't wait for AJ book at to see other familiar team members.
Patricia Eddy released this initially as a novella but blends this book so skillfully into a full length novel that you can hardly notice the extra words. Can't wait for AJ book at to see other familiar team members.
July 23, 2025
Such a great short read but very powerful!
Blade was the lone survivor of an explosion, resulting in him retiring from the rangers. Feeling like his life is only half now, he finds himself just making it through the day until he sees the reporter that came to his hospital room to do a story.
Emi is finally working on a story that will do some good but now she is being targeted by a cartel. Being blind to the danger and only looking at exposing the truth, Emi has a target on her back.
This was such a great love story!
Blade was the lone survivor of an explosion, resulting in him retiring from the rangers. Feeling like his life is only half now, he finds himself just making it through the day until he sees the reporter that came to his hospital room to do a story.
Emi is finally working on a story that will do some good but now she is being targeted by a cartel. Being blind to the danger and only looking at exposing the truth, Emi has a target on her back.
This was such a great love story!
August 1, 2025
Blade's Edge is the perfect introduction to another fantastic Patricia D Eddy series. Jasper and Emi's short story is action-packed from the very first page and never slows down. He's a former Ranger who is drawn to the reporter as she finds herself in danger while digging into a story full of shady characters. Their intense chemistry and fun banter while surrounded by all the danger had me invested all the way through. And, I can't wait to find out more about Jasper's broody-as-can-be brother, AJ Stone, in the next book!
"I will keep you safe. Until my last breath."
"I will keep you safe. Until my last breath."
August 3, 2025
Emi and Jasper do not meet in the best way, but there is a spark so when they meet again later on it's still there waiting to turn into more if only both of them will let it. I absolutely got Emi not wanting help but gurl you have Jasper wanting to help so let him! I really enjoyed the slow burn of these two getting together as well as the build up of danger although not sure I will look at a grocery parking lot the same again! Jasper and Emi make the perfect team and I can not wait to see them happy together in the future books and I really hope AJ gets some answers in the future.
February 12, 2025
A great engaging story with truly likeable lead characters. Jasper and Emi were made for each other.
This book had lots of suspense and action and once I started reading I couldn’t put my kindle down!
I really loved this book as I do with all of this authors works, and I can’t wait to read AJ’s story next.
This book had lots of suspense and action and once I started reading I couldn’t put my kindle down!
I really loved this book as I do with all of this authors works, and I can’t wait to read AJ’s story next.
March 2, 2025
Jasper and Emi might meet under tragic circumstances but it is not until one story goes wrong that they are thrown together in a story that is filled with action and steam. Patricia D. Eddy once again takes her reader on a wild ride while they fall in love right along with the characters. SO looking forward to the next book in the series.
August 1, 2025
After a huge explosion shatters his life, Jasper has reporter Emi fall in his lap but when trouble is after her, Jasper steps up to protect her.
Jasper is in shell shock after his tragedy and doesn't want to let anyone in but looking out for Emi brings them closer. That attraction gets them both.
So well done. A start of an amazing series i cant wait for more.
Jasper is in shell shock after his tragedy and doesn't want to let anyone in but looking out for Emi brings them closer. That attraction gets them both.
So well done. A start of an amazing series i cant wait for more.
August 10, 2025
I loved Jasper and Emi's story, and just wish life wasn't so busy so I could've finished quicker! Action, immense danger, suspense, and emotion as these two find an unlikely love of a lifetime. I love how Patricia writes stories with beautifully broken people who you can relate to. I'm eager for what's next!
August 22, 2025
Wow, this was a great story with lots of danger, suspense, action and romance. Jasper is an ex-Texas Ranger, and Emi is a news reporter going after a corrupt businessman. I am looking forward to the next book that will feature Jasper's twin AJ whose wife has been missing for 2 years. Thanks, Ms. Eddy, for writing this series, definitely more than 5 stars!!!
July 20, 2025
This was really good! Lots of action, strong romance, and complex characters really made this story shine. The plot moves quickly, and I loved watching Emi and Jasper fall for each other. I'm so intrigued about AJ and can't wait for his story!
August 13, 2025
Action filled start to a new series! Patricia D. Eddy has done it again. Emi and Jasper start out as frenemies, but their attraction just builds as Jasper tries to keep Emi safe. Her latest story will make her career if they don't wind up dead first. Don't miss this exciting book.
November 11, 2025
The Edge of Blade
Jason Blade was a retired Ranger, not by his own choice. Emmylou Marsh was a TV news reporter who co
Aught onto an story that threatened her life. Jason could use his skills to rescue her.
Jason Blade was a retired Ranger, not by his own choice. Emmylou Marsh was a TV news reporter who co
Aught onto an story that threatened her life. Jason could use his skills to rescue her.
November 15, 2025
The action kept pace to a logical development of the characters and their relationship with each other. I even woke up at 4:30 one morning (willingly) to finish the last 5 chapters! The writing was that good!
December 23, 2025
A+++
Blade's Edge is, simply stated, Awesome! A real, true page turner. Great character development, strong story, stands on its own and finishes on its own. I couldn't stop reading! I'm definitely looking forward to reading the next book in the L.A.S.T Defense series!
Blade's Edge is, simply stated, Awesome! A real, true page turner. Great character development, strong story, stands on its own and finishes on its own. I couldn't stop reading! I'm definitely looking forward to reading the next book in the L.A.S.T Defense series!
February 14, 2025
The story was good, but the Texas twang was ridiculous. Was born and raised in Texas and this book portrayed the Texas dialect more like an old west movie, couldn’t get past that.
March 8, 2025
Patricia D. Eddy I look forward to reading more of your work.
I just found another talented author. This book is incredibly good! I can’t wait for the next one!
I just found another talented author. This book is incredibly good! I can’t wait for the next one!
August 2, 2025
Wow! I absolutely loved this book. Amazing characters and wonderful plot. Very beautifully written and easy to read.
August 10, 2025
Romance
Thank you for sharing these wonderful romance novel series books. Please keep writing more of these wonderful books. Thank you
Thank you for sharing these wonderful romance novel series books. Please keep writing more of these wonderful books. Thank you
December 8, 2025
suspense and romance all in one
A wonderful twisty turny ride and yes I said turny on purpose! I could not put it down. Can’t wait for the next one.
A wonderful twisty turny ride and yes I said turny on purpose! I could not put it down. Can’t wait for the next one.
December 4, 2025
The couple: Jasper and Emi
Romance trope: romantic suspense
Series: L.A.S.T. Defense
Length: 155 pages
Plot: Jasper is part of a task force that is literally blown up and Emi is the reporter telling the story. Jasper's in a tough place, injured, let go from law enforcement, and half-drunk most of the time. Emi's searching for another big break and has put herself in danger in the process. They just might be perfect for each other.
Commentary: I liked that these characters were a little older and that pregnancy was removed from the equation. It was nice to focus on their relationship. I do think the drinking was glossed over a little, in the sense that surely it wasn't so easy for him to stop. And his relationship with his brother was so sad. But it was a fun diversion for a couple of hours. This author writes good romantic suspense.
Next book in the series: Stone's Throw
Romance trope: romantic suspense
Series: L.A.S.T. Defense
Length: 155 pages
Plot: Jasper is part of a task force that is literally blown up and Emi is the reporter telling the story. Jasper's in a tough place, injured, let go from law enforcement, and half-drunk most of the time. Emi's searching for another big break and has put herself in danger in the process. They just might be perfect for each other.
Commentary: I liked that these characters were a little older and that pregnancy was removed from the equation. It was nice to focus on their relationship. I do think the drinking was glossed over a little, in the sense that surely it wasn't so easy for him to stop. And his relationship with his brother was so sad. But it was a fun diversion for a couple of hours. This author writes good romantic suspense.
Next book in the series: Stone's Throw
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews