AFK Deployed

by Layne Daniels

We’ve been gaming together online for months. I’ve been lusting after her for nearly every minute of that time.

CEO and co-founder of a woman-owned video game company, Rowen’s the target of too many petty haters. She doesn’t know it, but every time I’m AFK (Away From the Keyboard) Deployed, it’s dealing with whatever scumbag du jour is making threats against her this time.

I convinced her to hire Cyber Patrol, the security firm my former SEAL brothers and I own, hoping to take our online games into real time. When Rowen finds out I'm both WhizzardSquid and the president of CP? Damn. I finally get the chance to see that the woman behind the Roguella avatar is every bit as powerful and potent as her online persona.

Now I just gotta convince her to let me make my deception up to her. If she'll let me prove I'm worthy of her, I'll spend a lifetime watching her six online and in the real world.

This book is the story of Edison Bremer from Dear Huxley and The SEAL's Squid, and Rowen Fowler from Glitch In the Game. All are complete standalone stories, but you may find it's fun to see how the characters connect from book to book. And don't worry, Eco's got a story of his own on the way. He's just a bit more of a secret keeper than the other guys are...

Take a journey through the Loving My Soldier collection as hearts draw the line in the sand, ensuring love is found in the most unlikely of places.

76 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 2, 2022

Reviews

[Lisa Bing · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such an entertaining story :) I really liked how OTT Edison was as he 'took care' of any threats or issues that hit Rowan's sphere. Not that she knew it ;P They were gamer pals and she didn't realize he knew who she was...or that he loved her and made her world safer. When the do meet, sparks fly, but so does her temper - and some humour. Their romance, and circle of friends and family, all came together in a fun way and I enjoyed seeing how this story unfolded :D

[Katja · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the way the heroine is described. Rowen is a kick-ass boss lady in an often misogynistic scene, the founder of a company that creates video games that are a safer and more inclusive environment for women, girls and other people who don't fit the masculine mould. I also liked the idea of the hero. Edison is a hot, protective ex-Seal, what's not to like? Edison and Rowen have been chatting anonymously online and that can also be a cute trope.

But the thing is, the plot and their romance goes against everything they say they believe in. Rowen is supposed to care about women's online safety but we find out that in a previous book she became an accomplice in helping a man catfish her female friend online. Edison says he would like the harassers "to learn their lesson and treat all women with respect" but his caveman manner shows that he does not respect Rowen. He has unilaterally decided that Rowen is his woman and his to protect, so he has previously dealt with several internet scumbags who harassed or threatened her. It never occurred to him that perhaps he should ask Rowen if she wants or consents to be his woman. He never thought he should ask if she preferred to deal with the harassers in some other manner; in fact at one point he says that if she told him not to he'd continue doing whatever he thinks would be needed to keep her safe, just more sneakily. It is not exactly clear what he did to the ones he caught but Edison's way of protecting her from stalkers makes Edison a stalker too. He has invaded her privacy in numerous ways at work and in her private life, and knows everything about her before she's even seen his face. When she finds out she tells him that he is not welcome at her house but he overrules her wishes and shows up anyway because her preferences are not relevant and he has decided she needs him. At least the sex was on her initiative but he doesn't ask her if she thinks sex without a condom is OK, he only thinks how it feels like to him. He promised her no more secrets but he did not mean it, he won't tell her things that HE doesn't think she needs to know, things that HE doesn't think she wants to know.

And this supposedly badass boss lady just rolls over and lets him get away with it all very easy because he has a sexy growly voice that turns her on. She didn't even give him a hard time about it, even though she would absolutely call the cops if anyone less hot did half of what Edison did.

Then Edison makes vague threats about what would happen if Rowen ever attempted to date someone else but him, and Rowen, girlfriend, if you didn't see that as a big fat blinking red alarm sign, you need help. You need mace. You need online safety classes. You need to fake your own death, buy a wig and move somewhere he can't find you because that is the kind of man who will go berserk and beat you up when you want to divorce him fifteen years down the line.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Amie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story about a game designer/developer that has been having problems with threats because she is a woman. The SEAL which is part owner of a security firm that has been gaming with me woman was to be with her. The police have been called numerous of times about the threats and the vandalism tells her to get ahold of the security firm. The man who is certain that they're meant for each other and who is in love with her comes to her home, during that time her house is vandalized and the police are called. The security firm has found out who the person is and has given the police the information. The man and woman relax by doing some gaming then go to bed where she tells him that he can sleep in bed with her. When they wake up the make love after they find out about the man being arrested that vandalized her house. She tells him that she loves him while making love again. Six months later they are at a get together about to make an announcement when his sister announces that she is having a baby, everyone is happy for her and her husband which is his friend but their announcement will have to wait for another time so not to take from the other couples celebration.
Steamy romance with some suspenseful thrills added a great page turner that's easy to read. Amazing characters are in the SEAL happily ever after book that was fabulously written.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Suzanne Houser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Layne Daniels joins the multi-author Loving My Soldier series by taking us back into her Seals and Geeks world with Edison's story in AFK Deployed. The former head of his SEAL team who reunited his brothers in Mariposa with their Cyber Patrol security business, Edison fell hard for the co-owner of gaming company Flicka Invoked - all through online gaming. While getting to know Rowen, he has also been protecting her every time a threat arises from an idiot who doesn't like women making it big in the industry. When the police direct Rowen to Cyber Patrol after the newest - seemingly most dangerous - threat, she discovers who her fellow gamer really is. Despite her instant attraction to the former SEAL, will Rowen swoon over Edison's protection or has he overstepped in the name of love?

A wonderfully entertaining steamy romance!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Hanna Barker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a part of the Loving My Soldier series and focuses on Edison and Rowan. Edison has been completely head over heels in love with Rowan since he started gaming with her months prior. He has been fighting for her and helping her fight her battles behind the scenes since she moved to the town he was living in. Rowan was the co-founder (with Gwen from Glitch in the Game) and CEO of Flicka Invoked, a woman owned video game company. Rowan and Gwen are killing it in the male dominated video game field but that doesn’t come without people questioning their place in the gaming world and causing issues for her. I love how Edison is all in from the get go and that his primary focus is her happiness and safety. This was a great story and a great addition to the series!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[lf · Rating 5 out of 5]

He is closer than she thinks

I really loved this story about Rowen "Roguella" Fowler and Edison "WhizzardSquid" Bremer. Rowen is twenty-six and is one of the owners of Flicka, a female run gaming company. Edison is thirty-three years old and a former Navy SEAL who started a security company with several of his former teammates that he is now CEO of. They "meet" while playing Flicka's game, CapturingEgo. From the start Edison is drawn to Rowen and so he digs into who she actually is and then starts watching over her and taking care of certain threats. But when a major threat comes after Rowen Edison is finally forced into action and will reveal just who he is to get his girl.
This is a well written story with a nice mix of romance, longing, suspense, a bit of action, and a lot of smexy fun.

[Judy Gittleson Hendrickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rowen and Edison become good friends and partners in the gaming world but have never met. He works cyber security and finds out all about her and the sickos that sometimes come after her. He bides his time, letting her get used to him, but secretly he goes after any threats to her or her friend, who run a gaming company together. When she really needs him, they connect in an interesting way, and he is just in time to stop another threat. Loved the characters and their backstories. Such a tight knit group and the baby aspect was fun. Plenty of drama, steam, gentle revelations, great banter and fun. Totally enjoyed this story and can not wait to read the next book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Fran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Edison Bremer is the head of the Cyber Patrol, a security company that mainly works with the Department of Defense. Edison also plays games online and his best partner is Roguella, aka Rowen Fowler, and he has fallen in love with her. Rowen is the CEO of Flika Invoked and has been testing this video game with other players, mainly Whizz, aka Edison. She has been playing with him long enough that she recognizes his voice when she has to call Cyber Patrol for help. Seems someone has been threatening her and it has escalated. This is a short novella, interesting characters, steamy and fun to read. Loved it, great storyline.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mistie Best · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ahh! Edison and Rowen were absolutely adorable! I was in love with these two from the very first chapter. Watching them shorthand text back and forth was so cute. I also love the connection back to the other stories I've read about the other SEAL team members, so getting a peek back at them makes my heart happy! Back to these two... They had such a great connection, and even though Edison wasn't completely honest with Rowen about who and where he was, their connection couldn't be denied. They clicked on so many levels that they were perfect for each other. I loved watching them navigate a relationship and take it from virtual to real world! Great read!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Raecharmed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rowen owns a gaming company with her best friend. They get a lot of grief from men because of being female in a gaming field. She meets Edison in a game they play together. When she gets another threat, the local cops suggest she call a security company to come help her. The surprise is when Edison answers the phone at the security company. Will his living so close by cause her to end things between them? Can Edison finally get a chance with his girl?

This is an amazing story that once I started it I couldn't put it down. This is a well written and very entertaining story. Its a book that any book lover would enjoy.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Avid · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet Stalker

This is a great series continuation - this time with Rowen and Edison.
He is an overly protective and sweet stalker, and she is the unknowing beneficiary.

I loved the emotional journeys of both Edison and Rowen. The pacing was good, as was seeing other secondary characters from earlier books in the series.

Edison, while stalkerish, clearly has the best of motives in his heart. Rowen is a good balancing energy to Edison's harsh edges. This is a great love story.

The continuing story of these individuals and the combination of SEALS and Geeks is captivating. I can't wait to see the next one in the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Douglas Williamson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our hero is all about protecting the innocent and the ones he care about. Which includes our heroine, even though she may not know that yet. And she doesn't like surprises... Oops.

This is part of a series of contemporary romance short stories. The stories share a theme only, so no prior reading is required.

The story is well written and easy to read with a simple setting that works perfectly for this story. The characters are nicely developed with just the right amount of background to set things up. I really enjoyed watching our hero do his thing and then try to fix things. It made for a very enjoyable story. Overall, a lot of fun and I definitely look forward to more from this author.

Highly recommended.

I received an ARC from Booksprout for review purposes.

[Fiona · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read three of the books out of this series so far and I have thoroughly enjoyed each and everyone of them. I especially enjoyed this one after reading about Gwen and Cabe, Rowen is Gwen’s business partner who has closed herself off from men because of her business, Rohan is not aware that Edison knows who she is through her games. He has been looking after her in the background for a while now and when a Security Breach happens he decides it now is the time that he makes his move, these two characters start a relationship and eventually have a happily ever after.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rowen has got it going on!!! She’s a gamer and is great at it! She and her best friend created a business with these games. (I’m not into gaming at all so this is all new to me!). Rowen flirts with the Wizard, one of the other characters. Wizard just so happens to be a former SEAL, Edison. Edison is consumed by her. He basically stalks her. She keeps putting off meeting IRL.
Edison wants her all to herself and makes no bones about it. It borders on almost wanting to control her. This book had me feeling all sorts of emotions! I loved that about this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have enjoyed several stories from the series this one fits into, including Dear Huxley. I will look for the other stories connected to Edison and Huxley. I like how this is an instant love story that actually is an online slow burn. I like how protective Edison is of Rowen. I like how she can be mad at his tactics but still overcome it. I love the closeness of his team. This short story has some pretty well developed characters. It is easy to read. It has some action and a tiny bit of mystery and suspense.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[casvec · Rating 5 out of 5]

Protector or stalker....this could be a fine line and for Edison he was willing to walk it for Rowan.

Rowan was a female gamer / business owner in a male dominated field she. While playing she met Whiz who she became friends with. Edison was the CEO of a cyber security company; he met Rowan online and became obsessed with her. When treats came upon her, he took care of it, but one threat brought him out of the shadows.

This is a good fast story with right amount of danger, suspense, truth and passion that you will not want to put it down.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cherie Alvaro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rowen owns the of a women owned Video game company. She has been playing on line with Edison. She being targeted by haters, what she doesn't realise is that When Edison is 'AFK Deployed' he is actually secretly protecting her form threats. Edison and Rowen's story is really good I love a romance/suspense story and Layne did not disappoint. This was so well written. I loved how characters from other books are involved in this book, it makes their world so more real. I really enjoyed this book and look forwards to the next story both in this series and what Layne publishes next!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Oriana Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Edison is a retired SEAL that works in a company with his old buddies. Rowen is working with her best friend and develops computer games. She one day starts playing an online game with a guy, what she doesn't know is that Edison was instantly smitten and now months later he fell hard and fast for Rowen. A threat against Rowen brought them finally together face to face. But now he has to grovel for his low key stalking and lying by omission 🤣😏 Instalove (online/and in real life), sweet, romantic, fun to read, with a bit steam and with a great HEA😍😍😍 Another Cyber Patrol guy fell hard and fast. Now we need Eco's HEA 👍👍

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hot geeky gamer girl and a retired Navy Seal, what could they possibly have in common? The love of a good video game. Rowan created a video game that brought a lot of attention to her gaming company and not Ol the good kind. Edison and his security firm end up being called upon to help Rowan with her security problem. Little does she know Edison knows way more about her than she is aware. Will she freak out when her gamer life and real life collide!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Soft Stalking My Girl”

Edison has been in love for ages with a woman he met in an online game - the problem is, he knows who she is, but she doesn’t know him. Rowen is the CEO of a woman-lead video game company and she’s been receiving threats. When Rowan and Edison meet in real life, he has some groveling to do before he can take out the threats against Rowan. This story is so sweet how protective Edison is of Rowan while Rowan asserts that she can take care of herself. A short and steamy-sweet read.

[Kristine L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great story. I loved the connection, chemistry, drama, and humor between the characters. I love the storyline between Rowen and Edison and their chemistry is outstanding. Edison has really fallen for Rowen since they started gaming with her. Rowen has no idea the Edison has been taking care of her with his security firm behind the scenes. What's going to happen when they finally meet? I enjoyed the story and am looking forward to the next book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rowan and Edison meet while online gaming but they have never met in person. When things take a dangerous turn he convinces her to hire his security company but doesn't tell her he is one of the owners. This is a fast paced gaming love story with likable characters, humor, drama, danger, romance, and a happily ever after. I loved the connection this book has with others this author has written. AFK Deployed is part of the multi-author Loving My Soldier series and I look forward to reading the rest of the books. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

[Natasha Tucker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Edison has been in love with Rowan since they met online months ago. As their friendship grew so did their feelings but Edison was keeping a secret. He was OTT protect and keeping his girl safe both online and in the real world. When a threat to her safety means their real lives collide Edison is done with keeping his distance. He is all in, he just needs to show Rowan she is his forever. Sweet, steamy with a little danger, amazing chemistry and a wonderful HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

You do everything for the one you love! Including making up a gamer persona

Edison & Rowen are basically goals. I loved reading about this couple. I met my boyfriend while playing pokemon go, so this was very nostalgic to read. (I also met an ex girlfriend with pogo as well but that's beside the point!)

Reading about how games can bring people together is amazing and I'm glad Layne is writing about it. I'm glad she loves needs just as much as me!

This couple was made for each other. Rowen just didn't know it as soon as Edison did 😂😂

[Rhonda Howell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book about Rowan, a female game developer who has been threatened by someone who does not beleive women should be in the gaming world. Edison is a retired Navy seal who now runs a cyber security company. His company ends up protecting her officially as Edison has been doing so in private for awhile. Will he be able to keep her safe and show her he loves her? This is the first book I've read in this series and will definately going back to read more.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[T Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

HEA
Standalone, interconnected characters
*over 18 readers only *
Trigger warnings
Stalking (the good kind)
Death threats

They are gaming buddies online, both from the same small town and closer than she knows. He's been stalking her, protecting her, without her knowing it, for a while now. But when she calls his company for help? All bets are off. He will protect his woman.

I think the timeline might be off with the ending of this story. I'll have to go back and reread Dear Huxley because in that book I thought they waited 4 years and she tells him in a letter.

[Magali · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good but….
3.5
The story is simple, with an obsessive hero, Edison. He's super protective of a woman he only knows through the online game they both play in, but his work in security has allowed him to watch over her, protect her. This character bothered me, even if it doesn't bother the heroine Rowen, herself already the victim of a stalker.
In the end, it's tender, then hot, but I didn't really feel their emotions.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book

[Terra Oenning · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wowsa this book was a fast read and will have you hooked from the beginning until the end and the storyline flowed throughout the book. Edison is ex seal and owns security company cyber patrol with his seals brothers and is a gamer where he plays with Rowan,but when her life is in danger will they finally meet? Great story and loved Edison.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Niki · Rating 5 out of 5]

He has made her safety his new mission she just does not know it. They play a game online and he wants to meet her in person, but she is unsure. When the danger becomes more then she can ignore she reaches out for help from his company. Together with his partners they have to figure out who is after her and her company.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lisa Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rowan has been playing online with Edison even though she does not know who he really is, but he knows who she is. He is obsessed with Rowan, he has been keeping tabs on her to keep her safe. Eventually he will have to come clean.

When her life is in danger, he will have to make his presence know and hope she can forgive him deception.

I received an Advance Readers Copy of this book with no obligation to write a review.