Freed

The Steel Brothers Saga, Book 18

By: Helen Hardt

Narrated by: Troy Duran, Jennifer Mack

When you hit rock bottom, there’s nowhere to go...

Dale Steel has spent his life running from the horror of his past, so he’s completely unprepared for horror to follow him into the present. But that’s exactly what it’s done. His only hope is his love for Ashley White, so he grabs hold with both hands, determined to escape his bleak existence.

Ashley is so in love she can’t see straight. Dale - and the thrall he holds over her - has given her a new outlook on sex and relationships, and she’s all in. Things are finally falling into place.

But Ashley and Dale’s troubles are far from over. An untimely death disrupts their hopes at happiness, followed by a phone call that leaves Dale even more grief-stricken. He must make an important decision. Two roads lie in front of him, but only one will free him.

©2021 by Waterhouse Press, LLC. (P)2021 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Oh my gosh!

Absolutely one of the best books in the newest series! I loved the story of Dale and Ashley. The ending…get tissues.

Elegantly Brutal

This book was the most difficult to listen to in terms of the child abuse story line. Be warned ...
Donny is more turtured than his father ...

FREED is gut wrenching!

My heart cries for the torture Dale and Donny little bodies endured. Dale at only 10 years old had his youth snatched away by these monstrous pedophiles. The details of the pain Dale and Donny suffered is burned in my brain and I haven't been able to shake it off. The abduction happened 25 years ago and it appears that Donny has learned to live with it but Dale has not. From reading the other books we know what was done to them but this book, especially at the end, to my horror, is graphic. You cry for Dale who hid a secret that has slowly eaten at his soul and made him an emotional recluse. Dale believed that Ashley and his family would hate him if his secret was revealed so he kept it hidden deep inside where it became a toxic sludge of emotion.

This book is named FREED because Dale is finally facing his demons instead of hiding them. He has decided to take the road least traveled that will lead him into the arms of Ashley and give him the freedom to feel without fear. His first steps to freedom are so scary I didn't realize I was holding my breath until I could see that he was going to survive the pain of opening-up. Believe me, there is a happy ending but the journey to the HEA is a long tortuous one that you will love to hate.

The entire book wasn't all stressful. There were some great scenes at Tiffany's and Las Vegas that are wonderful. Of course the romance is passionate. Ashley is the perfect match for Dale. Sometimes I compared her loyalty with Dale to a dog with his master. But you realize fairly early in the book that she will do anything to have him.....and she does.

I want say my piece about Bradford Steel who is mentioned several times. I read Brad and Daphne's story and it was a very sad story. No matter what Brad did to protect Daphne, he failed. No matter how hard he tried, how many people he paid off or how many lies and truths he told, in the end Wendy won. Even though I know from Talons story the full extent of Brad's failure and am saddened by the bad decisions he made I am going to give him credit for trying to do the right thing. All he wanted was a life with Daphne who he loved above all things. I think that even though Wendy was the catalyst who caused the insanity that instigated the madness, that Bradford was a little crazy himself. How could he not be? Wendy took so much away from him.
Do you remember Brads best friend in college who mysteriously died at his wedding (I think). Is it coincidental that Willow's young husband suddenly had a heart attack at a wedding celebration and later died? When you read the book and realize the characters in attendance at this reception, you may wonder too if the ghost of Wendy is still haunting this family.

Well, before starting this book take in a deep breath, get a glass or bottle of your favorite wine and a box of tissue and enjoy one of the best set of books Helen has written since Talon and Jades.

Freed was a great title

Love it was so interesting and kept me wanting to listen finished the book in 4 days.

Excellent Continuation of the Series!

Even though dark at times, the ongoing story of the Steeles keeps you wanting to be involved in their lives. Secrets come out that should have stayed hidden actually bring some of the family together, and brings them closer. Great narrators as well! Can't wait for the next installment.