Braving His Past: A MM Protector Romantic Suspense Standalone Action Gay Romance Coast Guard Recluse Agoraphobia Abuse Victim Cute Kitten Found Family Rescue Kidnapping Story

Though I've got a copy on preorder, I was thrilled to receive an advanced copy from the author to review. Braving His Past is a wildy emotional story, and as such an awaited release in Patricia D. Eddy's Away From Keyboard series, it was everything I hoped it would be and more. Romantic and intense and heartbreakingly real. As a new introduction to the series, Quinton is a character who you'll instantly fall for, and the way Eddy writes his trauma speaks to the reader on such a deep, gut-wrenching level that you can't help but *feel* every moment of the abuse he faced. Graham has been an intriguing presence ever since his introduction into Ryker's team, and his backstory and journey with Q are no less an addictive romance than any of Eddy's normal F/M couplings. There are so many moments littered throughout the book that will speak to anyone who's felt they weren't enough, who was made to feel they weren't enough... to those who are desperately seeking healing. "If the past few years have taught me anything, it's that the part of us we think are broken? Those are the parts that make us who we are." I loved it. Longtime fans of her AFK series will be welcomed by the same nail-biting suspense, acceptance and hesitant romance that's a familar staple throughout the other books. Newcomers won't find themselves lost (as past situations are touched on enough for context, while the book could easily be enjoyed as a standalone), but will likely have them clamoring to dive into book one (which is usually free, so there's no reason not to!).

If I could have, I would have given this every star imaginable. The characters really resonated, and, as always with Patricia D. Eddy’s books, they are masterfully written. I have seldom seen characters treated as kindly as she has treated Quinton and Graham, and the story is stronger because of this. While this can be read as a standalone, there are wonderful pop-ins by AFK stalwarts, and Ripper’s contribution to this story is awe-inspiring. I’m not re-telling the story; read the blurb for that, but know that, when you pick this book up, you will weep with anguish and finally with relief and joy – and you will not want to put it down.

This was one thrilling, sexy, and adrenaline-filled story that had me on the edge. But more than that, the story touches upon sensitive subjects in a kind and thoughtful manner. The chemistry between the characters was explosive and the suspense and danger surrounding them only added to the tension. I practically devoured this.