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After being rescued from the Ethiopian rebels’ prisoner of war camp, Keene Soto returned to the United States a broken man. His torture had been of an especially personal nature. He believed himself to be only half a man, and that half hadn’t worked since his return to the USA. He was too damaged for any female, so he given up hope of finding love.

Until she touched him.

Kelly Edson had moved to the Holt farm with her son Jock when her stepbrother and his best friend opened the Holt Agency. She’d hoped living on the farm in the middle of nowhere Indiana would change her luck. She’d been a loser magnet. Almost every man she’d ever dated was a failure at life, pulling Kelly and her son down with him. Working two jobs and studying for her next nursing certification while raising a son, she hadn’t dated a loser in over two years. Because she hadn’t been on a date. She was surrounded by hot single men who all worked for her brother and considered her a little sister. Except Keene. She looked forward to their nightly conversations on the porch swing.

When Kelly and Keene discover she’s the only one who can help him recover from his POW physical and emotional damage, will her brother keep them apart?

When Kelly disappears, will the truth keep Keene from helping them find her?

169 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 24, 2023

58 people are currently reading
34 people want to read

About the author

KaLyn Cooper

60 books525 followers
KaLyn Cooper’s romances blend fact and fiction with blazing heat and heart-pounding suspense. Twenty-two years as a military wife has shown KaLyn the world, and thirty years in PR taught her that fact can be stranger than fiction. She leaves it up to the reader to separate truth from imagination. She, her husband, and bird dog live in Tennessee on a micro-plantation filled with gardens, cattle, and quail. When she’s not writing, she’s at the shooting range or on the river.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
Profile Image for Jennie Fortna.
2,540 reviews29 followers
January 26, 2023
A*R*C for honest review with no compensation 4.5 stars

Unchained by KaLyn Cooper is book 2 in the Holt Agency series by Ms. Cooper and Becca Jameson which is a spin-off of The Shadow SEAL’s books.

Keene Soto was rescued from an Pow camp in Ethiopia by his teammates and has come home a broken man..his torture was not just severe beatings but his manhood became a game to the rebels. Now home, removing for the most part but feels he is half a man and given up hope on family and love.

Kelly Edson, her son Jock live at the Holt Agency farm working to jobs to try to make ends meet while trying to better herself for her nursing certification.

What happens when they discover that Kelly may be the key to helping Keene become whole again?

Well written, emotional, sparks, suspense, struggles, romance, baggage and so much more…
2,028 reviews8 followers
January 23, 2023
We were introduced to these characters in the Shadowed SEALs books. While a good portion of the story revolves around the building relationship between Keene and Kelly, there is plenty of suspense and danger toward the end. And both of these characters have things in their past that they need to deal with - for Keene it is the aftermath of the torture he suffered as a POW and for Kelly it is the choices she made in men in the past, including her son Jock's father. It was pretty intense when the Holt Agency team had to band together to find out what had happened to Kelly when she didn't return home from work one day. Loved the overall story.
563 reviews8 followers
January 21, 2023
Kelly Edson and Keene Soto meet when Kelly's brother Ajax invites her and her son, Jock to live on the farm his foster parents own. Ajax has his business and home on the farm, also. Keene Soto works with Ajax at his company, the Holt Agency. Kelly and Keene are attracted to each other. However, they have some things to work through, not the least of which is helping Keene get over the horrible things he suffered while being held prisoner in Ethiopia. Do they have what it takes to fight for the HEA they deserve? Get this book and find out. Sorry no spoilers. I received this ARC and here is my honest review.
Profile Image for Sue.
4,347 reviews5 followers
January 21, 2023
An excellent read about a pow (Keene) who survived his horrors of abuse from his captors. He doesn't think of himself as a man anymore and Kelly who believes she can prove him wrong. Her and her son Jock live on the farm and she's had a rough life as well raising her baby alone. But when she sees something by accident she becomes a target. Some action towards the end, suspense and a HEA.
Profile Image for CarolKat.
2,280 reviews29 followers
March 21, 2023
Keene has PTSD and some severe nightmares since Ethoipia, his physical injuries are of a private nature and really impact his emotions. He's now working for the Holt Agency and has purchased land from the Holts. He's mostly doing the construction himself with the occasional contractor and even the occasional teammate. He really needs his own space.

Kelly Edison also lives on the ranch with her son, Jock. She's Ajax's stepsister and treats all the men like her brothers. Truly a joy to be around, Kelly's a home healthcare Certified Nursing Assistant in this rural area, working two afternoons a week. She works mornings at the diner for the rest of her income and studies to be an EMT at night. Her boss is a genius at getting the approvals for those in need. Right now, she has several patients spanning both ends of her territory. When she arrives at the first one for the day, Mr. Munson, the signs were that his other caregiver had not been in.

He tells her Shelby hadn't been there since the previous Tuesday. Apparently, he fired her. Something he really can't do, but the girl left anyway and hadn't been back. Now Kelly had to find a replacement, hopefully quickly. With her boss Rudy's approval, she goes to local high schools to see if the know of recent graduates who might need a job and be interested.

The counselor at the second school sets her on edge, to the point that she talks to Keene about what she saw on his laptop. It's enough to have him looking into it the next morning. Ajax and Keene arrange to meet with a state trooper at the diner where Kelly works.

It's really busy and Kelly has a bit of a confrontation with some construction workers.

There are several things going on here, from the suspicious counselor to having to talk about her marriage and Jock's father, to getting the replacement for Shelby.

I really loved the interaction between Kelly and Keene. The attraction is definitely there and grows rapidly even as he makes a startling, life changing discovery.

Love, Laughter, Suspense, Romance and Sizzle surround the characters in this book.

I can't wait to read the next installment of the Holt Agency!
Profile Image for Miki.
1,027 reviews42 followers
January 23, 2023
I love it, this is a shared world so you may have " meet" the characters in others series and books but it's always fun to come back to them. Former military men and women work for the Holt agency while living at the Holt farm until they are better.
In this story we focus on Keene Soto codename Gramps, he was prisoner in Ethopia and deeply tortured for months before teammate found them and rescued them......sadly those tortures did not left him in one piece physically and mentally.
He joined the Holt Agency and he is building his home but with the many operations and missions requiring his talents the house takes longer than expected to be built.

For Keene it's not really a problem at first because he like the life at the farm...however his attraction for Kelly, the stepsister of Ajax, his boss, is making it more difficult as per "bro" code she is off limit.still he enjoy taking care of her son, Jock? like the other men of the team and won't refuse to help Kelly each time it's necessary.
So when Kelly come accross a situation that make her suspect something wrong she doesn't hesitate to share the information with Keene. One thing is sure the Holt family protects their member official or not.

Really it was great , Keene and Kelly relationship is cute and they deserve each other, the investigation is well written with several twists to keep us on edge and i loved to see more of some characters i heard about before

so really good military romance suspense
3,547 reviews40 followers
January 21, 2023
We are back with the former military individuals that are members of HOLT AGENCY. If you have read Shadow in the Mountain and Shadow in the Desert, you’ll be familiar with the characters in this story.
This time the story belongs to former Navy SEAL Keene Soto. While in Ethiopia, Keene was taken prisoner and abused to such an extend that he returned a changed man physically and mentally. He feels less of a man and can’t imagine any woman wanting him.
Kelly Edison is the step-sister of Ajax, one of the founders of the agency. She’s now living in the farm with her son and the rest of the crew. A hard worker, she’s had to endured a great deal of hardships. That doesn’t stop her from being attracted to Keene.
As a friendship develops will these two take a leap of faith ?
This was a touching story and one that even though it touches a very real problem, human trafficking, it was more about relationships than action.
My only complaint is that I found the ending a bit abrupt.
I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
Profile Image for Heather Wray.
620 reviews4 followers
January 24, 2023
The Holt Agency is a spin off from the Shadowed SEALs books, and many characters you will have come across before if you’ve read any of these books.
Keane was a POW and his torture left him with a very personal injury, which mentally and physically has affected the way he has lived for the past couple of years. He sees no future relationships for himself because of this.
Kelly is a single mother to 11yr old Jock. She works two jobs just to make a living for them both, but it’s a struggle. There is much in her past that she has not shared, and when details come to light, she is more than happy for Keane’s support.
These two just might be able to move on together if something Kelly saw during her care rounds doesn’t derail their growing relationship.
I loved the sensitive way KaLyn portrayed Keane’s physical limitations. I know from personal experience how hard this can be on the male psyche, and could relate well to his situation.
The story gives you plenty of background on the couple, and their connection to the agency. With a bit of suspense to keep you engaged, it’s a good one to add to your TBR list or library.
I received a review reader’s copy of the book, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Catlou.
1,408 reviews14 followers
January 28, 2023
UNCHAINED is how Keene feels about his personal life after suffering life-altering torture at the hands of his captors before being rescued by Ajax. It’s also the way Kelly’s life was before coming with her young son to join her stepbrother Ajax on the Holt Farm. But with one innocent touch, both their lives may be changed forever. And from there the story just keeps getting better. The relationship building between Keene and Kelly is heartwarming and life-affirming. Alone this makes for a wonderfully romantic story, but when an ominous thread of human trafficking is introduced, the interest quotient is bound to rise. As the intrigue builds and Kelly receives a subtle threat that could lead to potential danger, this becomes a romantic suspense tale you are definitely going to want to read.
356 reviews3 followers
January 24, 2023
This story pulled at my emotions so much. You have the alpha male, Keene, who doesn’t feel as if he’s a whole man due to the horrendous torture that he endured while serving in the military. You also have a single mother who is struggling but also working hard to improve herself so that she can ultimately improve her circumstances for her and her son. They have been interested in each other from afar but Keene didn’t feel as though he could be whole for her. Their journey is a HEA that is surely not to be missed. I also loved all of the secondary characters. It’s a reminder of your family doesn’t have to be by blood but by who you choose to recognize as your family. I highly recommend this book. I received a copy of this book from the author and this is my honest review.
1,193 reviews
January 24, 2023
Keene Soto former Navy Seal and works for The Holt Agency.
Kelly Edson is a certified Nursing Assistant and Ajax’s step sister.
Ajax is the owner of The Holt Agency.
Jock is Kelly’s son

Keene and Kelly and Jock meet at the farm where Ajax has (The Holt Agency) where Kelly and Jock were invited to live.

Keene’s past ( held captive by Ethiopian rebels and the physical and mental
Issues to deal with).

Kelly’s past ( of abuse and being left behind by ex-boyfriend
and had a son) and is now in danger from an organization dealing with bad
and illegal dealings.

Can Keene, his teammates solve the mission and have a Happily Ever After.
You will have to read the book to find out.

This book has suspense, action intrigue, emotions and second chances.

Good Job Kayla Cooper !!!
Profile Image for Belinda .
1,292 reviews8 followers
January 26, 2023
Kalyn gives us an opening that draws you in and holds you through out. Keene works for the Holt Agency and what he has gone through,as a POW, makes him seem like less than a man. He meets his co worker and boss's sister Kelly and her son Jock and strikes up a friendship that begins to develop into more. Their late night talks swinging on the porch, his helping her son with sports and her offering to help him with his problem, bring them closer until she sees something she shouldn't have and mentions it to Keene. Soon her life is in danger and it is up to her brother, Keene and the rest of the team to rescue her. I loved Keene and Kelley's story of how respect, love and patience helped to heal them. I received this ARC and voluntarily give my review.
Profile Image for Melanie Marnell.
4,219 reviews34 followers
March 23, 2023
Kalyn Cooper reaches out and grabs your attention starting with the first page of Unchained. Trust me, you'll cringe. Keene "Gramps" Soto thought he'd never really recover the part of himself he lost at the brutal hands of his captors. Yet, Kelly Edson stirs his blood for the first time since he's been rescued. Single mom, Kelly, is a hardworking, self sacrificing provider for her son. She's also a compassionate caregiver whose touch affects all her patients, friends and family. She's always thought of all of the Holt team members as big brothers except one, Keene. They move slowly into a relationship only after he confesses his secret. When Kelly disappears, all evidence points to a human trafficker. Keene and the Hold team will stop at nothing to bring her safely home.
3,054 reviews17 followers
January 24, 2023
Touching Romance of Recovery!!

The Holt Agency is on a farm in the middle of nowhere Indiana. Living there are many team members, specifically Keene who is struggling after a vicious captivity and torture. Kelly is a single mom, of 12-year old Jock, also living on-site.

Both have trauma in their background. Both are kind and caring; Kenne especially spends time with Jock as he can no longer have a child of his own.

An emotional and beautiful coming together of these wounded characters, who may find a new start as a family.

***** I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book *****
Profile Image for Carol.
836 reviews1 follower
February 4, 2023
Unchained

Keene may be home after being rescued but the torture he received is still very vivid and very much with him. Keene and Kelly, sister of Ajax, have been friends for some time however Keene is the only one working for Ajax that she doesn't think of as a brother.
An innocent touch from Kelly one evening gave great hope of being normal again for Keene. Will Keene break the the bro-code and become more than friends with Kelly? Are the gut feelings Kelly had about a high school councillor enough to cause terror for Kelly? Will Keene be able to prevent harm from coming to Kelly?
Profile Image for A.
789 reviews
January 24, 2023
I have been waiting for the Holt Agency books since I read KaLyn Cooper and Becca Jameson’s Shadow Seals books. It was worth the wait. Unchained is the second book in the series, but it is Kalyn Cooper’s first book in the series. I loved Kelly and Keene. They were two strong souls that needed each other. Their story was a sexy, slow burn page turner. I couldn’t put it down. I love the friend’s sister trope. I couldn’t put it down. These two authors have done a wonderful job creating the characters in this series. They have an awesome sense of family within their group. I can’t wait to read the next book!
Profile Image for Madm007.
1,156 reviews7 followers
January 25, 2023
Loved this journey, can honestly say I want more from Keene and Kel's story. Strong heroes and heroines, touching on today's sad realities with enough truth, adding tension with the drama, running through the gamut of feels while reading. Then sticking with you afterward. Can't forget about the lovely heat between these two either.
A fantastic twist in here bringing in the past, in a good way for a refreshing change.
Jock was just bonus all around and brought smiles.
A happily ever after to give you the feel goods!
269 reviews
January 26, 2023
This is one of those books that wake me up in the middle of the night calling “Come read me!” Wow! Keene suffered horrendous torture while held captive in Africa. But he survived and now works for the Holt Agency with friends. Kelly is the boss’ sister and works hard to keep things together for her son and herself. Kelly has had a lot of challenges. I love the way this played out with Kelly bringing Keene back to life and Keene returning the favor. Very well handled treatment of a very delicate situation.
Profile Image for Courtney.
325 reviews43 followers
January 27, 2023
Keene was a POW in Ethiopia. While there he took beating after beating with his captors focusing on unmanning him. Even now that he is home those beatings are never far from his mind.
Kelly has had hard time after hard time for as long as she remembers, but she hasn't let that dim her light. She is kind, hardworking, a loving mom and a good nurse. She stumbles across signs of human trafficking just as she and Keene start something together. As they get closer so does the trafficker. Can Keene and the rest of the Holt Agency crew pull Kelly out before it's too late?
27 reviews1 follower
January 19, 2023
Like all the other KaLyn Cooper books I've read, this book doesn't disappoint.
The novel is set rurally in the United States and unfolds in an unrushed manner. A quick read.
In comparison to the many other books I've read by this author, there's much more reading time spent on the day-to-day lives of Keene and Kelly as their relationship evolves and much less time spent on drama and action scenes.
I read a free advance copy of this book.
1,267 reviews9 followers
January 20, 2023
Keene has returned a broken man after being held captive and beaten now lives on the farm with the other guys at Holt Agency. Kelly and her son have come to live there also with her stepbrother. Both have struggles to overcome but, with each other's help their romance grows stronger. This book has emotions, drama, and some action towards the end with everyone helping. Can't wait to see Xena's friends when they come to the farm.
Profile Image for Lisa.
2,091 reviews24 followers
January 25, 2023
Keene has all the baggage from his time in captivity. I am happy he is able to overcome and to heal. I love how strong and self sufficient Kelly is and how she is so devoted to her son. I love their story and how their slow burn finally ignites their HEA. The suspense is well thought out and well-written. I really enjoyed this book. This is my honest opinion. Thank you to the author for an advance copy.
Profile Image for Teresa.
1,388 reviews3 followers
June 14, 2025
Fantastic story of love and redemption

This is my second book of the series and so far my favorite with a kick a** heroine Kelly, hero son Jock and a former Navy SEAL Keene who was a POW and injured. she's a CNA with a heart of gold for her home health care patients and the men and woman Xena who formed Holt Agency. But when she's kidnapped by a human trafficking teacher Keene and the agency will come to the rescue for Kelly.
Profile Image for NanaX8.
2,477 reviews66 followers
January 19, 2023
What a journey Kelly and Keene both take to get their HEA...this book is filled with a lot of emotion, anger, hurt, angst, evilness but the underlying emotion of love fills both of their hearts...but when the evilness grabs Kelly, Keene is up and running to save the most precious thing in his life. Loved it!
1,382 reviews10 followers
January 22, 2023
This is such a good book.
I enjoyed everything about it.
Keene & Kelly, are attracted to each other,
but Keene works with her brother.
The story, intrigue, emotions
& great characters captivated
me from page one.
Keeps you wanting to know
what happens next.
Look forward to reading the
other books in this series!
A Must Read!!
286 reviews
January 31, 2023
A good read

I enjoyed this book. It wasn't as long as I would have liked it to be. But maybe that's just because the story and paste mood so quickly maybe the time just flew by faster. But as usual the characters were good, the plot was good and with a special little twist that I wasn't expecting,
401 reviews1 follower
June 19, 2023
Excellent read!

This book was exactly what I was looking to read. Finally, something different and new! Not the same old rehash of a mountain man story or a billionaire baby daddy one. Just a story with a fresh, clean story line of two people with different yet similar problems who fall in love! Great read, couldn't put it down!
68 reviews1 follower
January 24, 2023
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. KaLyn Cooper writes so the words capture your attention and keeps you reading to find out what is going to happen. Amazing how her and Becca Jameson can write alternating books in a series.
126 reviews
January 24, 2023
Very emotional well written story with both a H and h who are struggling in life. A single mother and a protector who was captured and tortured by rebels. Beautiful story of how families can be formed from many different individuals and backgrounds. Really enjoyed it
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