One mistake, and Ford lost the only woman he ever loved.Twenty years ago, Joey walked out of his life and into a nightmare. One that shattered her soul along with all hope of a normal life—the one she was supposed to have with Ford.After throwing himself into his career as a marine, Ford moved to Boston and, along with a blind, former Special Forces soldier, started Second Sight, one of the most … Forces soldier, started Second Sight, one of the most elite investigative and security companies in the world. He thought he was happy.
Until one phone call turns his world upside down.
On a humanitarian aid mission with Doctors Without Borders, Joey’s taken, stolen away and forced to witness a world where women are property.
Her unique skills keep her worst nightmares from coming true, but with no possibility of escape and no one to look for her, she fears she’ll soon disappear forever.
Can Ford find her before she loses all hope? Or will this be his final mission?
By Lethal Force is the fifth book in the Away From Keyboard series. Each book can be read as a complete standalone, but characters from previous books do show up in future installments.
Warning: This book contains dark themes, including references to human trafficking and sexual assault. While there is no graphic description of sexual violence, sensitive readers should be aware of these themes before purchasing.
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My heart shattered with this one because both Ford and Joey went through the unspeakable separately when they could have been together. Now he won’t stop at anything to make sure she is safe. I could feel their love for each other even through the years and felt myself on edge just waiting for the danger to pass. Another great addition to the series.
I hold Patricia Eddy’s writing in high regard but this book left me wanting in some ways, and ended up totally satisfying me in others. PLEASE NOTE – I just finished a re-read of this book, and if you don’t read it, you will be missing a book that sneaks up on you.
The story is about two older people (and I’m using the term older because an awful lot of romance writers think if the heroine is over 19, she’s ancient, blah) who haven’t seen each other in twenty years but have carried a torch for each other for that long. Ford is a former Marine who lost his love, Joey, because he couldn’t trust her with his secrets, his true feelings, his memories. Joey, when they broke up, was a medical school student who, the night she left Ford, was assaulted in the worst kind of way. That assault has charted her life’s direction since then. She has never met anyone since that would rival Ford for her affections.
When Joey finds herself in a bad situation while working with Doctors Without Borders, Ford hears of it and decides that he cannot live with himself if he doesn’t try to rescue her.
That’s it for the description part of this essay… if you want to know what Ford and Joey do after that, read the book. Really. You need to read the book. YOU NEED TO READ THE BOOK.
I really liked this book but I wanted MORE out of Joey and Ford. I have now read this book 3 times, and each time I get more out of it. this book twice. Once to enjoy the story and get into the meat of it. The second time I read it was because I needed to understand if I was missing something. And the third time was, YES, I had missed some nuances that made the book better for me. t the beginning of the book and up until probably about a third of the way through, I couldn’t didn’t like Joey much. Don’t get me wrong, I understood her, but I wanted her to be stronger. The only thing I could latch onto with her personality in the first part of the book was fear. I understood that fear, understood where it was coming from and the fact that she overcame it eventually. But it was there, and took over her personality for a while. I look for emotion in all the characters I enjoy, and the fear was not only resonating but also overpowered her. It wasn’t until the last time I read the book that I was able to warm up to her before the last 2/3 of the book. with her. To readers, DO NOT GIVE UP ON HER.
That’s how I enjoy a book. I have to understand and like the characters (and keep in mind, I can “like” a serial killer character if he/she is written well). The story must be cohesive, but the characters make it for me. Ford’s character was a bit more open in my opinion and I enjoyed his portion of the story, and his personality, from the very beginning. He wasn’t as one dimensional as Joey at the beginning and as she grew emotionally as a character in the book, he was able to match her emotion for emotion. I loved the last third of the book, and even cried when the three women were reunited.
I had a rough time writing a review for this book. I made the mistake, during the first reading, of comparing it to the other books in the Away From The Keyboard series. I realized about half way through, that I needed to jettison the other books, and once I was done, I started to re-read it and stopped comparing it to the previously published books. Once I did that, I realized this was a very good book containing different characters with different emotional needs than those in the previous books.
Would I recommend it? Of course, I would always recommend Patricia Eddy’s books. I haven’t found one yet that wasn’t to my taste. But it is because I hold her books in the highest regard that I always want her to hit the high notes, so to speak. I always want her to reach as high as she can in her stories, and as deep as she can into the hearts of her characters. This book didn’t quite make it there, but it was close. But even then, this author is still better than 89% of the indie authors out there today.
I started this series with book three, went back to read the first two, then reread them all before book four came out. While these can all be standalone novels, the writing deserves a proper read through from the very beginning.
I found it thrilling to know that these events were basically overlapping with the events of the previous book, as if we were privy to something that the characters within didn’t know.
What I love most about the Away From Keyboard series is that the author makes broken come across so beautifully. Joey and Ford are both so fractured from their pasts, and their individual stubbornness prevents them finding solace in each other for twenty long years. Like every previous book, Eddy has found a way to present PTSD and the lingering scars of the past in a way that maybe the reader can’t directly step into, but can easily find common ground with.
I love that previous characters are dropped into conversation from time to time (especially Ryker!) … and that ending… Let me just say, September can’t come quick enough, I’ve already pre-ordered the next.
This book didn’t disappoint, and I’m sitting on the edge waiting to see where the next book leads.
By Lethal Force
Away from Keyboard, Book 5
By: Patricia D. Eddy
Narrated by: Aiden Snow, Grace Grant
The Away from the Keyboard romantic suspense series ranks up as one of my favorite of all time. Each book is a standalone, but I am enjoying them in order. This one had me on the edge of my seat the entire book! Ford is home for a 3 day leave, spending time with his fiancé Joey. His experiences are haunting, and it’s time to go back, so Joey quietly leaves to go and the real horror begins. Ford thinks she has just taken off, but circumstances beyond her control have happened and now 20 years later history is about to repeat itself. Ford, now working for Second Sight is sent to retrieve Joey taken from her Doctors without Borders mission. When he finds out it’s her, there is no doubt he is going to do whatever it takes to save her. But will he find her in time? Will she want to be with him? Talk about a story with real issues and a romance to make you swoon. Joey has strength beyond reproach. She has been through so much, yet she finds the courage to go on, and the compassion to help others. Ford is the one you want to come get you. He is protective, strong and stops at nothing to keep you safe. Twists and turn kept me guessing and the heat had me falling in love. Love this book, this couple and this series.
Narration continues by Aiden Snow and Grace Grant. This team is incredible, each tuning into their characters and pulling out each emotion. They enhance the story with their dual style narration, complimenting each other and giving us a memorable performance.
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A very mature story starring characters that we’re about to get married 20 years back and due to terrible, devastating and haunting circumstances never actually got to walk down the aisle. So much time wasted for reasons at the end no-one can clearly remember, but when Joey is kidnapped, Ford is about to move heaven and earth to find and rescue her, even If it’s the last thing he’ll ever so, because he’s still desperately in Love with her and hopes, she somehow is too. A very emotional story that leaves you breathless more than once.
This is more or less about Joey and what happened to her when she left Ford asleep in bed. She was in the wrong place at the wrong time and was drugged and kidnapped by traffickers. However, while she was in the hospital she tried to contact Ford and let him know what happened. Of course he was on deployment and didn’t know what happened. Long story short, working for Doctors w/out borders she’s kidnapped again. There’s a lot going on with her. Ford tries to get in touch with contacts to find her. Now all this is 20 years later that they connect in anyway. Can’t wait to read Ripper’s story. I thought Isaad was a strange name for a man with blue eyes over there.
My favorite book so far in the Away from the Keyboard Series. For those who have read the previous three books, there is far less tech in this story. It’s in the background. Your favorite characters from the previous books are in supporting roles (using that tech savvy). This book overlaps time wise with Dax and Evangelina’s story. I liked that the characters were older. I liked that the author chose to tell the story of trafficking AFTER the rescue. And of course the romance, who doesn’t love a love story that lasted 20 years. Well written, fast paced, some steam, a happy ending and foreshadowing to the next book.
Just when I think I’ve seen the best of Eddy’s writing along comes this book and I’m floored.
Joey defines beautifully broken and ultimately her character’s strength, pose, intellect, compassion, love, and forgiveness for herself and others steals the show. She is a force!
Ford is no slouch with his stoic, unyielding love and support. I love him with all of my heart.
The two together bring a story of the redemption of love, first for self and with that with for each other. There aren’t words that can do justice to describe how lovingly and beautifully crafted this book is.
The story of Ford and Joey is moving and emotional. This book is written with the Prologue of the engaged medical student and Marine. Fast forward twenty years, after a misunderstanding, lost engagement, her kidnapping by human trafficking thugs, the now Dr. is on a humanitarian aid mission with Doctors Without Borders, who is once again kidnapped. Ford, now with an investigative and security company, is on the job to locate and rescue the love of his life that he hasn’t seen in 20 years. The book is well written, however, I did find the constant tears of Joey to be a bit overwhelming. There were also other personal tragedies that wore on me somewhat but that doesn’t mean I won’t be picking up the next book by this author. There is a lot happening in this story-line. I appreciate the warning that there is sexual violence and assault
The anticipation for the release of this book was killing me. I always had a feeling Ford’s story would be captivating, having already fallen in love with this character from Second Sight. All I can say is, this narrative is fluid pleasure. The story develops so smoothly, seamlessly that you feel like you’re encapsulated in a bubble of warm water, in spite of the heavy subjects dealt within the plot. My heart still aches for Ryker (On His Six) stronger than anything, however this book stands at the top of my all time favourites with two strong characters everyone can relate to. Unmissable!
Wow I thought the previous books in this series have been fantastic but this one blew the others out of the water, I loved how Ford and Joey were older and have had life experience… but geezus it was rough life experience. From the very beginning this book will draw you in and rip your heart out with what they both go through, we start just before they break up and then when Ford finds out she needs his help 20 years later. The flow between past and present is seamless and you will want to keep the tissues handy while you go through the emotional roller coaster ride with them and only hope that their strong will and determination get them through!
LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE this story!
I would have added more but you get the idea.
This was dark, not in a graphic, gory way but emotionally. Joey and Ford both had some serious crap happen to them in the past, the mental images I gave myself were probably worse than if it was written out, who knew my brain was so dark??? The sheer evil in this world astounds me sometimes, so probably why I love these guys so much! They’re doing something, sometimes just little things, but they are my tarnished, worn down, slightly grey knights.
I read this through in one read, and after being up since 3:30 am, that says a lot. I had to know what happened, after 20 years is there any hope of a connection? Can they at least close the pages on the past? Needed to know what happened to Joey, and Ford and and and……..so many thoughts rumbling around after this.
Guess my main point is, it was amazing, emotional and heartbreaking. Couldn’t ask for a better story for Ford.
Will be waiting in the future for more, got to be some more stories for the guys……sigh, I hope so anyway.
I received an advanced reader copy. I am voluntarily leaving a review. Ford was a Marine and Joey was in Med school when they fell in love and got engaged. After his first deployment, he was having difficulty coming to terms with what he did and seen in combat. After Joey catches him on leave, they spend the night together and that is the last time they ever see each other. Twenty years later, Ford is contacted by her sister, Joey is working with Doctors Without Borders and is missing. Ford drops everything to go find her. Ms Edy has a real knack for really developing her characters. Her former military characters have injuries and scars and demons that are true to life and not easily overcome. Her non-military characters are also flawed and true to life. This series is wonderful and I cannot wait for the next book. A strong 4.5 star read.
Once again this author floors me with her writing and characters that draw me in and won’t let go. The next instalment in the Away From Keyboard series had me on the edge of my seat and rooting for the characters throughout the story. Ford lost Joey many many years ago but she is still his one and only love and thinks about her all the time. When her sister calls Ford and tells him that she is missing, nothing will stop him from finding her and this time when he finds her, he doesn’t want to let her go.
Oh man what a read with characters that seem so real and descriptions of the scenery that made me feel like I was right there, jumping off the pages, page after page. The story flowed beautifully and the characters were amazing and I LOVED Ford, especially after he admits what he didn’t do all those years apart from Joey…melted my heart and makes me want a Ford for myself. Both were “broken” in their own way but their commitment and love for each other puts the broken pieces, piece by piece, back together, one step at a time. I LOVED the no drama between them, didn’t need it with everything going on around them and it was so so so refreshing. Not only that but the suspense had me flipping the pages wanting to know what happens next and the author did not disappoint.
*I voluntarily read an advanced copy and expressed my honest opinion*
Ohhhhhhhhh Ford. My goodness me. To be honest I’ve never paid much attention to him as a minor character in the other books but boy does he hold his own in this book. And this time both main characters are so broken. It’s a beautifully written story and heartbreaking and uplifting at the same time. In some respects I didn’t want it to end as I was very happy in their world.
Every time I read a new Away From the Keyboard series book I swear it’s my favorite. But, it struck me that each book released is on an equal footing with the previous books. The stories are riveting in their intensity and hard hitting fast paced action and the characters are so rich and multidimensional. What sets each book apart are the powerful underlying emotions and feelings that play out among the characters. In By Lethal Force Patricia Eddy explores regret, paralyzing fear, panic, the need for control, resilience and second chance love to name a few. Ford and Joey are “it” for each other and despite being separated for more than 20 years, their love has not abated. Making that love work after so much has happened may be not be easy thing.
Joey meets Ford and they fall in love. He proposes, and then their world falls apart. Joey is abducted and rescued and feels herself not worthy of Ford any more, so she ignores his attempts to contact her, and they both go on their ways. Joey becomes a doctor, and Ford leaves the Marines, and then their lives come full circle 20 years later when once again tragedy strikes Joey. Ford swears he will be there for her this time and so begins a journey to rescue and rebuild.
This story was so compelling and riveting. It kept me reading and reading until it was done.
Patricia D. Eddy writes stories of love lost and love found with so much emotion and detail. I have thoroughly enjoyed this series and highly recommend it.
By Lethal Force is book five in the Away from Keyboard series by Patricia D. Eddy. I feel like I want to write this entire review in ALL CAPS! Because that’s how amazing it is! You can totally read this as a stand alone. The time line runs parallel with the previous book, Dax’s story in Second Sight. Including this book, I have now read three of the books in this series and every one of them completely blew my mind. Just so fantastic!
Ford Lawton is retired military and now works for his friend, Dax in the security company called Second Sight. Twenty years ago, Ford thought he had his life all planned out. He was engaged to the absolute love of his life and was in the military. But then he experienced the horror of war and it was so much worse than he ever could have imagined. On a three day forced leave, he almost messed up things with Joey, his fiancée, but she calmed him down. The next morning, she was already gone when he woke up and he had to return to duty.
Josephine (Joey) Taylor is in medical school. As soon as she graduates, she and Ford will be married. She didn’t even know Ford was home when she saw him that night. She snuck out the next morning to go to school and took a shortcut that irrevocably changed her life in the worst of ways. Ford had already shipped out and was unreachable. There was no way to get a message to him. The emotional trauma of what happened is too great and Joey decides to just disappear.
Now twenty years later, Ford is working for Second Sight and Joey is working for Doctors Without Borders. They haven’t seen or spoken in all these years but their love for one another has never waned. While traveling from one place to another, the unthinkable happens again and Joey is taken. With no hope of escape, Joey is forced to accept that no one will ever find her.
When Ford gets word that the woman he never stopped loving is taken, there is nothing that will stand in the way of him finding her. And when he does, he will do whatever it takes to give them a second chance. Because his life the last twenty years without her has been empty. When he finds her, and find her he will, he’s not letting her go again.
“We’re all broken, Joey. But broken isn’t worthless. It’s beautiful.”
This book! Don’t even consider being able to read little bits at a time and putting it down. Once you start, you won’t be able to stop. It’s non-stop action. I was amazed at how deep the love between Ford and Joey was and how it sustained over all these years. And it was each other that they both needed to heal. This author is some kind of a magical person with her words. I have been in awe with every book. If you enjoy gripping suspense with your romance, this book and series are definitely for you. I loved the way it leads in to what the next book in the series will be, Fighting For Valor, due out in just a few months.
I’m going to copy and paste the warning that the author added to her blurb because she said it perfectly and I feel it is important for you to know.
Warning: This book contains dark themes, including references to human trafficking and sexual assault. While there is no graphic description of sexual violence, sensitive readers should be aware of these themes before purchasing.
This is the fifth book in the Away From Keyboard Series. I love this Series so much! You can read this story as a standalone, but believe me, you don’t want to miss one book in the Series. Joey and Ford’s story is suspenseful, fast-paced, and action packed, filled with twists and turns. Their chemistry is strong and wonderful. I love the ending! This Romantic Suspense/Military Romance is also a great second chance to love. I enjoyed it so much. I highly recommend the entire Series. Grace Grant and Aiden Snow did an outstanding job with the narration. I love their voices together! Now, I can’t wait for the next audiobook in the Series, Fighting for Valor. (review updated with the audiobook version)
This book deserves more than 5 stars!! After an argument, Joey and Fords engagement is on the line – Joey cannot continue without Ford trusting her enough to share what is happening on deployments. The night she walks away leads to a night of torture and despair, leaving only a shell of the person she once was. Walking away is the only thing she can do. But 20 years later their paths cross once again and this time Ford is there to help save her from her captors. But can old feelings come back to the surface when Joey feels so broken? Can Ford put her back together while he saves them both? This book had me on the edge of my seat form the opening pages. It had me yelling and crying all within the same chapter. Two broken souls that rip your heart out and leave you feeling battled and bruised. With beautifully written characters and a plot that kills you then puts you back together again this was an awesome book. Patricia D. Eddy stand up and take a bow – job well done.