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Deadly #1
Deadly Fear
TWO BRILLIANT AGENTS
FBI Special Agent Monica Davenport has made a career out of profiling serial killers. But getting inside the twisted minds of the cruel and the sadistic has taken its toll: She's walled herself off from the world. Yet Monica can't ignore fellow agent Luke Dante, the only man who ever broke through her defenses.
ONE DREAM TEAM
Luke has the unique ability to put victims at ease...professionally, he and Monica made a perfect team. Now they're reunited to catch a murderer who uses his victims' deepest, darkest fears for sport - but their investigative skills aren't enough. Luke and Monica will have to face the secrets from their past, the ones that terrify them the most, if they are to have a future together.
BUT CAN THEY CATCH A KILLER WHOSE WEAPON IS...
DEADLY FEAR
FBI Special Agent Monica Davenport has made a career out of profiling serial killers. But getting inside the twisted minds of the cruel and the sadistic has taken its toll: She's walled herself off from the world. Yet Monica can't ignore fellow agent Luke Dante, the only man who ever broke through her defenses.
ONE DREAM TEAM
Luke has the unique ability to put victims at ease...professionally, he and Monica made a perfect team. Now they're reunited to catch a murderer who uses his victims' deepest, darkest fears for sport - but their investigative skills aren't enough. Luke and Monica will have to face the secrets from their past, the ones that terrify them the most, if they are to have a future together.
BUT CAN THEY CATCH A KILLER WHOSE WEAPON IS...
DEADLY FEAR
385 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published August 1, 2010
244 people are currently reading
8943 people want to read
About the author
Cynthia Eden
300books6,758followersAward-winning author Cynthia Eden writes sexy tales of contemporary romance, romantic suspense, and paranormal romance. She is a New York Times, USA Today, Digital Book World, and IndieReader best-seller. Since she began writing full-time in 2005, Cynthia has written over one hundred novels and novellas.
Cynthia lives along the Alabama Gulf Coast. She loves romance novels, horror movies, and chocolate. Her favorite hobbies including hiking in the mountains (searching for waterfalls) and spelunking.
Cynthia lives along the Alabama Gulf Coast. She loves romance novels, horror movies, and chocolate. Her favorite hobbies including hiking in the mountains (searching for waterfalls) and spelunking.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 521 reviews
March 25, 2015
What a book. OMG.
Best suspense I have read so far, seriously amazing with brilliant writing!
Huge, huge, huuuuuuuge rec!!!!
It was superb!
I was gripping my reader like a lunatic, I am lucky I don't bite my nails cause I wouldn't have any by now :DD
There is always something happening, but the best of it is, I didn't see almost half of it coming! One this was especially a shock and boy, I'm glad this author isn't lovey-dovey with the suspense part, it just makes it more real!
And the worst part for me was, I had to stop reading at the scene when they find out who the bad guy is! I almost died, that part was intense and brilliant!
The writing
Yes it is, but obviously not for Cynthia Eden.
The woman is amazing!
OMG I loved every page here, even the twisted POV from the killer!
I think that shows just how brilliant the writing is, because I usually don't enjoy this type of thing :D
The case is complicated, lots of twists and unexpected events, and I have to admit, I did not guess who the killer might be.
The characters are so complicated and dark, even the good guys, and I love it!!
I still can't get over the fact that I love something like that LOL
The killer's POV.
OMG. Creepy. Awful.
The way he kills.
Sick. Scary :( I kinda read those parts with my hand in front of my eyes :D
One was particularly horrific :(
But!
That just adds to the book, if you can believe it!
I hated the POV, hated! But then, it made me more scared about the MCs, about the case, about the next victim, it made it all that much more intense!
The romance
“Sometimes you want to feel alive. When you see death so much, you just� want to feel alive again.� Being with her had always made him feel alive. Running fast and hot and free. He opened the door and the squeak of the hinges seemed way too loud. “If you wanna feel alive, you know where to find me.�
Just like everything else in the book, even the romance was intense.
You won't get any mushiness with the MCs, only emotions, attraction, lust and darkness.
It was amazing to read about them, even though sometimes difficult, especially with her past and everything :(
They are perfect for each other, I just love how they interact through the book, it is all filled with so much sexual tension, and when the sex happens... Amazing :)
I just have to say one thing for the end.
This book will go to my best of the best, but not to my favorites.
It is amazing, such a brilliant book, but I KNOW I will never read it again. It is too intense, and one go through this was enough for me.
BUT it is still one of the best books I have ever read so it has to go to my best of the best :)
So, to every suspense and thriller fan out there, this is a MUST READ!
Hell, even for those of you who aren't, give it a shot because it's worth it!
June 10, 2017
5 “What scares you?� Stars
****Spoilers****
“I don’t want to play your stupid games!� she snapped. “Innocent people are dying so you can—� “Is anyone ever really innocent? Jones wasn’t, but I still offered him a chance. Maybe I’m getting soft.� What? Laughter. “Maybe I’m not.� “Listen, you—� “I guess you were innocent once though, weren’t you, Davenport? But that was so long ago…� Bastard. How did he know? How? “You’re like me, aren’t you? Deep down, underneath the skin?� And she could almost hear pleasure in that grated voice. “No, I’m not.� “We’ll see. I’m watching you, Davenport. Learning all about you.� Softer now. “And I think I know—� “What?� Her fingers were about to break the phone. “What is it that you know?� “What scares you.�-Monica on the phone with the killer
HOLY SHIT. Deadly Fear was a wild, creep ride. I was in the mood for a good romantic suspense and did I ever get that with this book. Cynthia Eden brought her A game. I was hooked from page one and I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. Action packed, sexy, exciting, and at times dark this book was everything I love in romantic suspense reads. I really enjoyed myself and couldn't put this book down until I finshed it. Who needs to eat or sleep not this bitch! The problem I tend to find with a lot of the romantic suspense I read are they are either too light on the romance side, to the point of having no romance at all or they are weak on the plot but there is tons of sex. That or they are really predictable and I can see everything coming a mile away. Not with this one. It was the perfect balance of action and sexy time. The plot was strong and I had no clue who the killer was til a few minutes before the main couple did.
“You got scared,� he charged, the words he’d wanted to throw at her for too long firing out. “I got too close, didn’t I? And you had to fucking run.�-Luke
“The past is over, Dante.� They’d been over this before, when he’d made the mistake of tracking her down. Serious mistake. “We’re professionals, we can—� “Pretend we never had sex? Pretend we didn’t nearly tear each other apart because we were so fucking hungry those nights?�-Monica and Luke
Luke was so damn sexy and all alpha. He just oozed sexy appeal. He was strong, smart, protective, and caring. Everything you would want in an FBI agent. He had the hero thing down pat. Having watched his mom be beat to death by her lover he was always trying to save and protect women. I love how he was with Monica. He wanted her and he let her know but he didn't beg after her. A man's got to have pride after all.
He yanked on his jeans and rose. Because he was watching her—what else was new?—he caught the swift glance she tossed him and he saw the way her gaze dropped to his chest. Luke couldn’t help it. He had to flex, just a little. A man had his pride.-Luke
Monica was a totally intriguing character. She was kidnapped by a serial killer as a teen. She was his only surviving victim. But she didn't come out of that ordeal untouched. Because she has seen evil up close and been touched by it, she is able to get into a killers mind making her one of the best serial killer profilers in the FBI. Monica was brave, smart, and totally kicked ass. She had major walls up because of what she lived through, but it was understandable. Monica was all about control. She didn't want to feel helpless or like a victim. I loved that Monica was a fighter.
“Get dressed,� Monica said, then she rubbed the back of her hand over her mouth. Luke stiffened. No, she didn’t just� “The case� the deputy has something we need to see.� She swung away from him. Luke grabbed her arm and swung her right back around to face him. “What are you—� He kissed her. Hard. Fast. When his head lifted, he glared at her. “Don’t wipe me away again, baby.�-Monica and Luke
“Don’t make me need you more.�-Monica
Monica and Luke together OMG they were so hot. The sexual tension in this book was strong. I felt like Monica and Luke had explosive chemistry. The sexy time in this book was raw, hurgry and so yummy. Luke and Monica both liked it fast, hard, down and dirty. But it wasn't all just sex. I felt their love too. Their relationship had a great build to it. The plot of this book was amazing. I loved how it kept me guessing til the end. Cynthia Eden didn't go light on the bad guy. The killer was evil and creepy. She didn't shy away from the dark side of murder either. Being inside the killer's mind and watching him kill or in Sam and Luke cases torture was spine chilling to read. Sam, Kenton, and Hyde were all interesting and likable secondary characters. Especially Sam. I want her to get her HEA after all she lived through. I loved how Sam fought even thought she was scared when she was kidnapped and tortured. She was brave and tried to fight. I am so glad I bought this series and I can't wait to read the next one.
“You’re it for me, Monica. I’ve known it from the first time I kissed you.� -Luke
****Spoilers****
“I don’t want to play your stupid games!� she snapped. “Innocent people are dying so you can—� “Is anyone ever really innocent? Jones wasn’t, but I still offered him a chance. Maybe I’m getting soft.� What? Laughter. “Maybe I’m not.� “Listen, you—� “I guess you were innocent once though, weren’t you, Davenport? But that was so long ago…� Bastard. How did he know? How? “You’re like me, aren’t you? Deep down, underneath the skin?� And she could almost hear pleasure in that grated voice. “No, I’m not.� “We’ll see. I’m watching you, Davenport. Learning all about you.� Softer now. “And I think I know—� “What?� Her fingers were about to break the phone. “What is it that you know?� “What scares you.�-Monica on the phone with the killer
HOLY SHIT. Deadly Fear was a wild, creep ride. I was in the mood for a good romantic suspense and did I ever get that with this book. Cynthia Eden brought her A game. I was hooked from page one and I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. Action packed, sexy, exciting, and at times dark this book was everything I love in romantic suspense reads. I really enjoyed myself and couldn't put this book down until I finshed it. Who needs to eat or sleep not this bitch! The problem I tend to find with a lot of the romantic suspense I read are they are either too light on the romance side, to the point of having no romance at all or they are weak on the plot but there is tons of sex. That or they are really predictable and I can see everything coming a mile away. Not with this one. It was the perfect balance of action and sexy time. The plot was strong and I had no clue who the killer was til a few minutes before the main couple did.
“You got scared,� he charged, the words he’d wanted to throw at her for too long firing out. “I got too close, didn’t I? And you had to fucking run.�-Luke
“The past is over, Dante.� They’d been over this before, when he’d made the mistake of tracking her down. Serious mistake. “We’re professionals, we can—� “Pretend we never had sex? Pretend we didn’t nearly tear each other apart because we were so fucking hungry those nights?�-Monica and Luke
Luke was so damn sexy and all alpha. He just oozed sexy appeal. He was strong, smart, protective, and caring. Everything you would want in an FBI agent. He had the hero thing down pat. Having watched his mom be beat to death by her lover he was always trying to save and protect women. I love how he was with Monica. He wanted her and he let her know but he didn't beg after her. A man's got to have pride after all.
He yanked on his jeans and rose. Because he was watching her—what else was new?—he caught the swift glance she tossed him and he saw the way her gaze dropped to his chest. Luke couldn’t help it. He had to flex, just a little. A man had his pride.-Luke
Monica was a totally intriguing character. She was kidnapped by a serial killer as a teen. She was his only surviving victim. But she didn't come out of that ordeal untouched. Because she has seen evil up close and been touched by it, she is able to get into a killers mind making her one of the best serial killer profilers in the FBI. Monica was brave, smart, and totally kicked ass. She had major walls up because of what she lived through, but it was understandable. Monica was all about control. She didn't want to feel helpless or like a victim. I loved that Monica was a fighter.
“Get dressed,� Monica said, then she rubbed the back of her hand over her mouth. Luke stiffened. No, she didn’t just� “The case� the deputy has something we need to see.� She swung away from him. Luke grabbed her arm and swung her right back around to face him. “What are you—� He kissed her. Hard. Fast. When his head lifted, he glared at her. “Don’t wipe me away again, baby.�-Monica and Luke
“Don’t make me need you more.�-Monica
Monica and Luke together OMG they were so hot. The sexual tension in this book was strong. I felt like Monica and Luke had explosive chemistry. The sexy time in this book was raw, hurgry and so yummy. Luke and Monica both liked it fast, hard, down and dirty. But it wasn't all just sex. I felt their love too. Their relationship had a great build to it. The plot of this book was amazing. I loved how it kept me guessing til the end. Cynthia Eden didn't go light on the bad guy. The killer was evil and creepy. She didn't shy away from the dark side of murder either. Being inside the killer's mind and watching him kill or in Sam and Luke cases torture was spine chilling to read. Sam, Kenton, and Hyde were all interesting and likable secondary characters. Especially Sam. I want her to get her HEA after all she lived through. I loved how Sam fought even thought she was scared when she was kidnapped and tortured. She was brave and tried to fight. I am so glad I bought this series and I can't wait to read the next one.
“You’re it for me, Monica. I’ve known it from the first time I kissed you.� -Luke
February 24, 2016
4 1/2 Intense Stars
Wow! What a thrilling, disturbing, and intense read! This is my first book by Cynthia Eden and it certainly won't be my last.
I don't often read romantic suspense as I prefer more romance than is commonly offered in this sub-genre. That said, there are a few authors I've found that can give me the powerful romance I crave coupled with an intense, heart stopping suspense. Ms. Eden has fallen into this category. Her book had the perfect blend of action, edgy suspense, and mouthwatering romance. I loved it.
Deadly Fear was fast paced and a bit creepy. The characterizations were richly developed and the romance passionate. The two main leads, Monica and Luke, were a great couple and I really enjoyed their second chance at romance storyline. As for the villain(s), I was definitely freaked out, which is what I look for in a good suspenseful/ thriller-ish romance.
If you're looking for a romantic suspense/thriller with an intense plot, superb characterizations, and a strong romance...this one's for you.
Wow! What a thrilling, disturbing, and intense read! This is my first book by Cynthia Eden and it certainly won't be my last.
I don't often read romantic suspense as I prefer more romance than is commonly offered in this sub-genre. That said, there are a few authors I've found that can give me the powerful romance I crave coupled with an intense, heart stopping suspense. Ms. Eden has fallen into this category. Her book had the perfect blend of action, edgy suspense, and mouthwatering romance. I loved it.
Deadly Fear was fast paced and a bit creepy. The characterizations were richly developed and the romance passionate. The two main leads, Monica and Luke, were a great couple and I really enjoyed their second chance at romance storyline. As for the villain(s), I was definitely freaked out, which is what I look for in a good suspenseful/ thriller-ish romance.
If you're looking for a romantic suspense/thriller with an intense plot, superb characterizations, and a strong romance...this one's for you.
September 20, 2020
Re-read (listened to the audiobook version) 9/13/20-9/20/20:
The romance didn't wow me as much as it did when I read this the first time (10 years ago). The hero and heroine both annoyed me this time around, but I still liked the suspense aspect of the story.
Original rating/review:
5+ stars � Romantic Suspense
WOW! Fan-freaking-tastic! There’s a new powerhouse talent in romantic suspense, and her name is . As brilliantly written, crafted, and executed and creeptasticly chilling as a Karen Rose novel with some similarities to Kylie Brant’s Mindhunters series and Leslie Parrish’s Black CATs series, but with much better developed romance and verrry steamy love scenes, Deadly Fear had everything I love in a romantic suspense thriller and kept me completely riveted from beginning to end.
Special Agent Luke Dante is the newest member of the FBI’s elite Serial Services Division, a unique, specialized task force dedicated to apprehending all types of serials: rapists, killers, kidnappers. For his first assignment, Luke’s given a case of a possible serial killer in small town Jasper, Mississippi and paired with the SSD’s lead profiler, Special Agent Monica Davenport. Monica is Luke’s former partner from his FBI training days at Quantico and also happens to be his ex-lover, the woman who got away whom he’s never been able to forget. Luke and Monica made the perfect professional team, with her profiling the killers by getting inside their warped minds and him understanding the victims, but their sexual relationship came to an abrupt end when Monica feared Luke was getting too close to discovering her secrets and ran.
Now, working together to bring down a sadistic serial killer who makes his victims suffer their darkest fears, while fighting a mutual attraction that’s as explosive and dangerous as ever, their partnership is put to the ultimate test. When the killer’s game turns personal and he snares Monica in his twisted web, threatening to unearth the past, will Luke be able to break through her walls and defenses to save them both before it’s too late?
I seriously can’t say enough about how much I loved this phenomenal read. Monica and Luke are intriguing, remarkable, and strong yet vulnerable characters, and I loved their deep emotional connection, magnetic chemistry, electric sexual tension, and searing passion. (Don’t feel bad Monica, I wouldn’t have been able to resist Luke Dante for a single minute, either!)
I love Karen Rose for chilling suspense, but I’ve always been slightly disappointed by the level of romance in her books. Eden’s Deadly Fear is one of the best romantic suspense thrillers that I’ve read with an intricately, intelligently constructed plot and eerie, gripping suspense combined perfectly with a strong, emotional romantic element and scorching hot love scenes.
So if you’re a fan of dark romantic suspense, Karen Rose, Leslie Parrish, Kylie Brant, Shannon K. Butcher’s and like romance that’s on the steamy side, don’t miss this amazing read! I’d say Cynthia Eden’s venture from paranormal romance into the romantic suspense genre is a definite, winning success. Now I can’t wait for the next books in her addictive Deadly series, in Feb�2011 and in Mar�2011, to come out! Big 5 stars!
The romance didn't wow me as much as it did when I read this the first time (10 years ago). The hero and heroine both annoyed me this time around, but I still liked the suspense aspect of the story.
Original rating/review:
5+ stars � Romantic Suspense
WOW! Fan-freaking-tastic! There’s a new powerhouse talent in romantic suspense, and her name is . As brilliantly written, crafted, and executed and creeptasticly chilling as a Karen Rose novel with some similarities to Kylie Brant’s Mindhunters series and Leslie Parrish’s Black CATs series, but with much better developed romance and verrry steamy love scenes, Deadly Fear had everything I love in a romantic suspense thriller and kept me completely riveted from beginning to end.
Special Agent Luke Dante is the newest member of the FBI’s elite Serial Services Division, a unique, specialized task force dedicated to apprehending all types of serials: rapists, killers, kidnappers. For his first assignment, Luke’s given a case of a possible serial killer in small town Jasper, Mississippi and paired with the SSD’s lead profiler, Special Agent Monica Davenport. Monica is Luke’s former partner from his FBI training days at Quantico and also happens to be his ex-lover, the woman who got away whom he’s never been able to forget. Luke and Monica made the perfect professional team, with her profiling the killers by getting inside their warped minds and him understanding the victims, but their sexual relationship came to an abrupt end when Monica feared Luke was getting too close to discovering her secrets and ran.
Now, working together to bring down a sadistic serial killer who makes his victims suffer their darkest fears, while fighting a mutual attraction that’s as explosive and dangerous as ever, their partnership is put to the ultimate test. When the killer’s game turns personal and he snares Monica in his twisted web, threatening to unearth the past, will Luke be able to break through her walls and defenses to save them both before it’s too late?
I seriously can’t say enough about how much I loved this phenomenal read. Monica and Luke are intriguing, remarkable, and strong yet vulnerable characters, and I loved their deep emotional connection, magnetic chemistry, electric sexual tension, and searing passion. (Don’t feel bad Monica, I wouldn’t have been able to resist Luke Dante for a single minute, either!)
I love Karen Rose for chilling suspense, but I’ve always been slightly disappointed by the level of romance in her books. Eden’s Deadly Fear is one of the best romantic suspense thrillers that I’ve read with an intricately, intelligently constructed plot and eerie, gripping suspense combined perfectly with a strong, emotional romantic element and scorching hot love scenes.
So if you’re a fan of dark romantic suspense, Karen Rose, Leslie Parrish, Kylie Brant, Shannon K. Butcher’s and like romance that’s on the steamy side, don’t miss this amazing read! I’d say Cynthia Eden’s venture from paranormal romance into the romantic suspense genre is a definite, winning success. Now I can’t wait for the next books in her addictive Deadly series, in Feb�2011 and in Mar�2011, to come out! Big 5 stars!
August 13, 2016
Blood and death - now that was what she understood
First time reading this author but it certainly won’t be the last. This was a bit of a rollercoaster with bodies showing up and we hadn’t a clue who to blame. Left me guessing to the very end.
Tall, muscled, with bright emerald eyes and sun-streaked blond hari, Dante was a southern boy with charm and a dimple in his chin
But if one thing had been drilled into him in those profile classes at the Academy, it was that even dead victims could talk. You just had to know how to hear them
Sex with her hadn’t been as good as before.
It had been better. They’d barely touched and he’d been about to explode in his jeans
Louisiana.
Home was where death waited
I won’t say too much about the book but it had the perfect blend of romance and suspense for me. Yes, they had a history. Yes, she did not want to pursue a relationship but the attraction was too strong and soon the ice began to thaw�.
January 9, 2018
3.75 Stars
Overall Opinion: This was pretty good! I am not a huge fan of suspenseful romance books because I usually struggle with the balance between the suspense and the romance, but I was in the mood for one. I think does a good job at that balance! She keeps me engaged with the suspense and also provides me enough steam and romance to keep me engaged in their relationship as well! BUT -- I would have liked some more about how they were before. We get implications and mentions of their past, but I wanted to understand it more! I really like the build up part in a relationship, and because they already had done that when the story started it seemed like something was missing. I get it -- we didn't really have time to dwell on that, but it just kind of bothered me. Another thing is the lack of a HEA. I know this is the beginning of a series, so maybe we'll get more about them later -- but why not a glimpse into their future? I know these two beefs I have come from the romance reader in me, and this is a suspense book as well...so maybe I just need to let them go 🤷🏻♀�
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Monica and Luke's story. They met and had a hot fling at FBI training, so when they are reunited to be on a serial killer profiling team they are both unprepared for the feelings they still have for one another. There is a serial killer in a small town, and Luke's is the new guy in the team that is assigned to accompany Monica to try to catch him. Old feelings return, some sexy times happen, big secrets are revealed, and all the while there is a serial killer on the loose...and they get a HFN ending.
POV: This alternated between focusing mainly on Monica and Luke in 3rd person narrative, but it did focus on some side characters and the killer as well.
Overall Pace of Story: Good. I never skimmed, and I thought it flowed well.
Instalove: No, but feelings were already present when the story begins.
H rating: 4 stars. Luke. I liked him. I appreciated how he cared for the h and didn't have troubles expressing that.
h rating: 4 stars. Monica. I liked her. I liked how she was so strong and smart in crazy situations.
Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed
Push/Pull: Yes
Heat level: Good. They have some good tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but not so much it takes away from the story.
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW/OM drama: No
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: No
Separation: Not during the book
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This did have closure on the case and they shared their "ilys", but I wanted more closure with the couple -- maybe even an epilogue with them together down the line?! I would call this a HFN ending.
Safety: This one should be Safe for most safety gang readers
Overall Opinion: This was pretty good! I am not a huge fan of suspenseful romance books because I usually struggle with the balance between the suspense and the romance, but I was in the mood for one. I think does a good job at that balance! She keeps me engaged with the suspense and also provides me enough steam and romance to keep me engaged in their relationship as well! BUT -- I would have liked some more about how they were before. We get implications and mentions of their past, but I wanted to understand it more! I really like the build up part in a relationship, and because they already had done that when the story started it seemed like something was missing. I get it -- we didn't really have time to dwell on that, but it just kind of bothered me. Another thing is the lack of a HEA. I know this is the beginning of a series, so maybe we'll get more about them later -- but why not a glimpse into their future? I know these two beefs I have come from the romance reader in me, and this is a suspense book as well...so maybe I just need to let them go 🤷🏻♀�
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Monica and Luke's story. They met and had a hot fling at FBI training, so when they are reunited to be on a serial killer profiling team they are both unprepared for the feelings they still have for one another. There is a serial killer in a small town, and Luke's is the new guy in the team that is assigned to accompany Monica to try to catch him. Old feelings return, some sexy times happen, big secrets are revealed, and all the while there is a serial killer on the loose...and they get a HFN ending.
POV: This alternated between focusing mainly on Monica and Luke in 3rd person narrative, but it did focus on some side characters and the killer as well.
Overall Pace of Story: Good. I never skimmed, and I thought it flowed well.
Instalove: No, but feelings were already present when the story begins.
H rating: 4 stars. Luke. I liked him. I appreciated how he cared for the h and didn't have troubles expressing that.
h rating: 4 stars. Monica. I liked her. I liked how she was so strong and smart in crazy situations.
Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed
Push/Pull: Yes
Heat level: Good. They have some good tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but not so much it takes away from the story.
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW/OM drama: No
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: No
Separation: Not during the book
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This did have closure on the case and they shared their "ilys", but I wanted more closure with the couple -- maybe even an epilogue with them together down the line?! I would call this a HFN ending.
Safety: This one should be Safe for most safety gang readers
August 15, 2010
Really quite good. I know a lot of reviewers compare this to a Karen Rose book, and I can definitely see the similarities. This was an expertly plotted thriller about a female FBI profiler's race to stop a serial killer, and it drove me crazy trying to figure out who the serial killer could be. I bounced back and forth between a few suspects, but discounted the obvious choice because I thought the author kind of made it a little too plain who she wanted you to think it would be. But when the killer's identity was finally revealed and the reasons for why he was the killer, it was a nice surprise and certainly made sense.
Now why not a 5 star read? Well, I couldn't help comparing in to a Karen Rose book (who I consider the undisputed queen of the diabolical, psycho crazy character), and I thought this serial killer (who tortured his victims with their greatest fears) came up a little short. Not to say that what he did wasn't sickening, scary, and demented, but I didn't feel as scared and horrified as I expected. Maybe it's because the author didn't get into the minds of the victims as much as KR does--we were largely told what happened to them, we didn't see it happen (except for one case) and get into the minds of the victims when it did. We didn't get to experience their horror and fear. The one time that we did, I thought "yes, this is how it should be written" and I could feel this character's fear. So I think this story fell just a wee bit short for me in the fear factor.
If it fell short in the fear factor, it certainly made up for it in the romance department. I loved the relationship between the uber smart, beautiful FBI profiler Monica Davenport (who had her own secrets and fears) and her love interest, FBI agent Lucas Dante. I loved how the protective Lucas was able to get past the icy walls that the alpha Monica had surrounding her heart, her feelings, and her whole life. Their sex scenes were scrumptious. Lucas was to die for. My only complaint (or should I say wish) was that I would've liked to have seen some scenes (maybe some flashbacks) about when they met at the Academy at Quantico. We were told a bit about their past, but I would've preferred some actual scenes complete with dialogue, just so I could get a better feel for their realtionship. I think it would've helped me to better connect with the characters. As it was written, I really didn't emotionally connect with them until I was over halfway through the book, when the author started to reveal more bits and pieces about the characters' backgrounds.
This was an excellent start to a new series, with a real nail-biter ending, and the last 100 pages were un-put-downable! I enjoyed meeting all the supporting characters, and look forward to fellow agent Kenton Lake's story (), and especially agent Samantha's story (). If you like a romantic suspense in the style of Karen Rose, but with more romance, give this series a shot. 4 stars
Check out for a look at some extra features about this series, including a prequel to "Deadly Fear", a deleted scene, agent profiles, case files, and a Q & A with the suthor.
Now why not a 5 star read? Well, I couldn't help comparing in to a Karen Rose book (who I consider the undisputed queen of the diabolical, psycho crazy character), and I thought this serial killer (who tortured his victims with their greatest fears) came up a little short. Not to say that what he did wasn't sickening, scary, and demented, but I didn't feel as scared and horrified as I expected. Maybe it's because the author didn't get into the minds of the victims as much as KR does--we were largely told what happened to them, we didn't see it happen (except for one case) and get into the minds of the victims when it did. We didn't get to experience their horror and fear. The one time that we did, I thought "yes, this is how it should be written" and I could feel this character's fear. So I think this story fell just a wee bit short for me in the fear factor.
If it fell short in the fear factor, it certainly made up for it in the romance department. I loved the relationship between the uber smart, beautiful FBI profiler Monica Davenport (who had her own secrets and fears) and her love interest, FBI agent Lucas Dante. I loved how the protective Lucas was able to get past the icy walls that the alpha Monica had surrounding her heart, her feelings, and her whole life. Their sex scenes were scrumptious. Lucas was to die for. My only complaint (or should I say wish) was that I would've liked to have seen some scenes (maybe some flashbacks) about when they met at the Academy at Quantico. We were told a bit about their past, but I would've preferred some actual scenes complete with dialogue, just so I could get a better feel for their realtionship. I think it would've helped me to better connect with the characters. As it was written, I really didn't emotionally connect with them until I was over halfway through the book, when the author started to reveal more bits and pieces about the characters' backgrounds.
This was an excellent start to a new series, with a real nail-biter ending, and the last 100 pages were un-put-downable! I enjoyed meeting all the supporting characters, and look forward to fellow agent Kenton Lake's story (), and especially agent Samantha's story (). If you like a romantic suspense in the style of Karen Rose, but with more romance, give this series a shot. 4 stars
Check out for a look at some extra features about this series, including a prequel to "Deadly Fear", a deleted scene, agent profiles, case files, and a Q & A with the suthor.
July 11, 2013
Fantastic romantic suspense! The perfect blend of evil mystery villain, intense FBI action, and hot, Hot, HOT sexual tension.
MY SYNOPSIS
Monica Davenport has a past that is finally catching up with her in more ways than one. No stranger to serial killers, she joined the FBI's special group of hunters after her own run in with a sadistic killer while in her teens. She spent some time with the sicko, and now has an inside track into what drives someone like that. She's become an integral part of the elite SSD. When another man from her past joins the same team, Monica is in danger of losing herself to the one man who ever got under her skin and found the real Monica.
Luke Davenport never forgot the beautiful but secretive woman that he had a brief affair with years before. So when he sees her on the other side of the table at his introductory meeting to the SSD, he makes a decision that he won't let her walk away with no explanation again. When the two are sent to a remote southern town to hunt down a suspected serial killer together, the sexual tension is off the charts, but they don't have a lot of time to spend on each other. Because now the killer is hunting FBI agents.
MY THOUGHTS
This is my first Cynthia Eden book, and what a surprise it was! The woman is a natural, and this book in a word: INTENSE!! The killer is truly evil...this guy likes to see the fear in the eyes of his prey...he feeds off terror. He digs into his victim's past and figures out what they fear most in the world...then he uses that information to kill them in a way that is literally out of their very own nightmares. That's true evil there...no rhyme or reason to why he does it in this manner. And that's scary, because many serials don't really see their victims as people. But this guys HAS to...he kills them in very personal manners, and he has to understand them as well.
The romance between Luke and Monica sizzles. I'm a sucker for unrequited love stories, but there tends to be few books that have a valid reason for a breakup. More often than not, I roll my eyes at the contrived manner in which an author goes about separating two people who are obviously meant to be together. Not so in this case. Cynthia Eden tells a believable story, dredging up the past in such a way that makes the reader empathize with Monica's lonely life. Luke is her perfect counterpart, neither too alpha to set aside the natural tendency of men in his position to take over in the place of a female, nor too beta that he lets her strong personality overshadow his masculinity. They have a great push and pull with each other, and their romance was believable and totally sexy.
And then she instills an incredible sense of urgency in the reader. I swear, I was bouncing up and down in my seat, leaning forward and trying to hurry he agents along. HURRY, HURRY!! She's gonna DIIIIEEEE!!! But let me tell you, Eden isn't loyal to her secondary characters. This isn't a save everyone type novel. At one point, I had my hand over my mouth in shock, and I kept thinking that something would change what I knew was getting ready to happen.
August 13, 2010
WOW!WOW!WOW! What a book! This book was a 5 star from page 1. It grabbed me and just took control, lol! I have chills running up and down my arms this book was that good of a read for me. Can hardly wait for book 2, Deadly Heat to come out in February 2011. I'll be reading it the moment I have it in my hands.
I have to thank AJ and all my other buddies here at goodreads for making such great reviews on this book. Without those this book might have sat and I might never had read it.
I have to thank AJ and all my other buddies here at goodreads for making such great reviews on this book. Without those this book might have sat and I might never had read it.
September 17, 2013
What scares you?
Well, for one, the serial killer in this awesome book did! As I was reading this book I was trying to figure out who it was and guess what, I WAS WRONG! Totally threw me! I loved it!!
We start out meeting Monica or Ice as some call her. She is one of the top FBI profilers and is all about the job. She doesn't let anyone close and has closed herself off from emotion. She was the victim of her own nightmare in her teens.
Enter Luke Dante. He is new to the team in the SSD (Serial Services Division) where his specialty is the victims. This division focuses on finding and apprehending serial killers. Luke and Monica already have a history together from the Academy. He was the one man who was able to melt some of that ice that Monica tries to cover her heart in. They burned up the sheets and of course she got scared that she would actually start feeling something for him so she ran.
Monica and Luke are called to investigate a possible serial killer. Working so close together, Luke decides that he isn't going to let her run from him again and slowly starts to melt the ice again.
The serial killer takes an interest in Monica and starts playing games with her. What is Monica's biggest fear? The killer figures out what his victims biggest fears are and then that is how they he kills them. Creepy right?
Luke isn't going to let anything happen to her but when the killer starts getting close, will they be able to save each other?
This was a great read with tons of mystery and suspense and steam. It was well written and I will definitely be continuing on with this series.
Well, for one, the serial killer in this awesome book did! As I was reading this book I was trying to figure out who it was and guess what, I WAS WRONG! Totally threw me! I loved it!!
We start out meeting Monica or Ice as some call her. She is one of the top FBI profilers and is all about the job. She doesn't let anyone close and has closed herself off from emotion. She was the victim of her own nightmare in her teens.
Enter Luke Dante. He is new to the team in the SSD (Serial Services Division) where his specialty is the victims. This division focuses on finding and apprehending serial killers. Luke and Monica already have a history together from the Academy. He was the one man who was able to melt some of that ice that Monica tries to cover her heart in. They burned up the sheets and of course she got scared that she would actually start feeling something for him so she ran.
Monica and Luke are called to investigate a possible serial killer. Working so close together, Luke decides that he isn't going to let her run from him again and slowly starts to melt the ice again.
The serial killer takes an interest in Monica and starts playing games with her. What is Monica's biggest fear? The killer figures out what his victims biggest fears are and then that is how they he kills them. Creepy right?
Luke isn't going to let anything happen to her but when the killer starts getting close, will they be able to save each other?
This was a great read with tons of mystery and suspense and steam. It was well written and I will definitely be continuing on with this series.
April 3, 2011
I really liked this book. However, I found it difficult to connect with the characters until I was almost 3/4 way through the book, and then I just liked them.I was a little put off by the timing of the sex scenes, and because of this I didn't get that warm tingly feeling!! LOL. (The scenes were well written.)I also felt that Luke was lacking a little, *ducks* I mean he manned up when it came to the bedroom, but he didn't really do much until then. He just seemed like a lost Horn Dog following Monica around waiting on the next chance to jump in the sack with her.
I guess it's only fair that I say what I did like about this book. I really liked the story / plot ect. Toward the end I felt like I was in one of those Toyota's speeding along the highway with no brakes...HA HA!! I liked Monica once I found a connection to her. I liked this book and I will be reading the next ones in this series!!
I wasn't very impressed by Eden's characterization. I need to love them or hate them, just as long as I feel something. It took a long time to "like" them.
I hope no one was offended by my Toyota comment...I own a Toyota Myself, and I love it!! LOL
I guess it's only fair that I say what I did like about this book. I really liked the story / plot ect. Toward the end I felt like I was in one of those Toyota's speeding along the highway with no brakes...HA HA!! I liked Monica once I found a connection to her. I liked this book and I will be reading the next ones in this series!!
I wasn't very impressed by Eden's characterization. I need to love them or hate them, just as long as I feel something. It took a long time to "like" them.
I hope no one was offended by my Toyota comment...I own a Toyota Myself, and I love it!! LOL
July 24, 2013
This book is what scared me! Nah, it wasn't that bad.....really. Did I have a feeling of déjà vu with Silence of the Lambs in the back of my head? Yes. I think I would've lost it if American Girl by Tom Petty broke out on the radio.... It DOES give you that spooky feeling.
Monica is a master at getting in the head of serial killers. She has experience.....she was the victim of endless torture at the hands of a serial killer. If she didn't know how to get in their heads, she'd be dead. Dead like all the other victims of the Romeo killer. Being rescued brought her freedom but she remains a tough shell of ICE that nobody can breach. Nobody will bring her defenses down. She's an accomplished FBI Special Agent and very few people know she's the line survivor of the Romeo serial killer 16 years ago.
The one person who came close to breaking through her shell was Luke Dante. It's been years since they had their hot and heavy love affair but when things got too "close" for her, when she sensed her walls crumbling, she fled. Little did Monica know that fellow FBI agent would be the one assigned with her to investigate a new series of killings in Jasper, Louisiana. She still aches for this man but something about him makes her feel weak. She can't feel weak.....
When Luke walks into the briefing room and sets eyes on Monica, he knows things aren't resolved between them. When things got hot, she ran. He's not letting her get away again. He's had women in his bed since her but none have compared to the all-consuming passion they shared.
Sex aside, they've got a killer to find. A killer who thrives on FEAR..... He finds out his victim's biggest fears and recreates the scene of terror for them before slowly killing them.....
One by one, victims appear. The killer is getting ballsy. But when the killer appears to be showing an interest and knowledge in Monica's secret with the Romeo killer, her fear itself starts to settle in. How does the killer know who she is? Is he choosing her as his next victim? Even Luke doesn't know who she really is. How can they catch a killer while she hides her secret past from her partner?
I thought I had it....I thought I knew the killer. I was so excited I figured it out. I WAS WRONG. This book is serious edge of your seat suspense and thriller stuff. It's not honestly my usual type of read but I enjoyed it thoroughly. The writing was perfect. Nothing was given away. She gives you enough clues where you think you've got the killer identified, and BAM, wrong. One really freaky part was the alternating POV between the characters. You even get in the head of the KILLER. You try but you still can't seem to figure out who he is. But his POV makes you realize just how sick and twisted he is.....and it causes you, the reader, to FEAR.
There is a bit of a love story also in the storyline but it's definitely in the shadows. The scenes between Luke and Monica are intense and hot when they come together but I didn't focus near as much on the love story as the suspense in finding the killer before he hits again.
Thanks Blacky for a great book recommendation!
June 6, 2016
Deadly Fear had me gripped from the first page.
FBI Special Agent Monica Davenport is a part of the Serial Services Division team aka SSD they hunt serial killers. They have a new addition to the team Special Agent Luke Dante, Luke and Monica have a history they were lovers years ago.
They are currently hunting a serial killer that targets women and killing them using their deepest, darkest fears. Can the team work together with the local authorities to find the killer before he targets one of their own?
Monica has a secret that only her boss knows, she is a survivor of an horrific ordeal something that happened to her when she was a teenager she does not let anyone get to close to her but Luke is slowly breaking through her walls, they spend their days working the case and the nights tearing each others clothes off having hot passionate sex. Do these two have a chance at a future together? Will they share each other's dark secrets?
This had me gripped with all the murders the suspense of would they be rescued in time and trying to figure out who the killer was (I was correct). I loved the dynamics of the team Hyde the caring boss, Kenton the flirt, Samantha the computer geek, Monica the serial killer mind reader and now Luke the protector.
I cannot wait to read the other two books in the Deadly series, I will be reading them SOON while this is fresh in my mind as I want to discover more about Kenton and Samantha.
I am going to start reading more Cynthia Eden in between my romances as she has the perfect mix of suspense and romance.
FBI Special Agent Monica Davenport is a part of the Serial Services Division team aka SSD they hunt serial killers. They have a new addition to the team Special Agent Luke Dante, Luke and Monica have a history they were lovers years ago.
They are currently hunting a serial killer that targets women and killing them using their deepest, darkest fears. Can the team work together with the local authorities to find the killer before he targets one of their own?
Monica has a secret that only her boss knows, she is a survivor of an horrific ordeal something that happened to her when she was a teenager she does not let anyone get to close to her but Luke is slowly breaking through her walls, they spend their days working the case and the nights tearing each others clothes off having hot passionate sex. Do these two have a chance at a future together? Will they share each other's dark secrets?
This had me gripped with all the murders the suspense of would they be rescued in time and trying to figure out who the killer was (I was correct). I loved the dynamics of the team Hyde the caring boss, Kenton the flirt, Samantha the computer geek, Monica the serial killer mind reader and now Luke the protector.
I cannot wait to read the other two books in the Deadly series, I will be reading them SOON while this is fresh in my mind as I want to discover more about Kenton and Samantha.
I am going to start reading more Cynthia Eden in between my romances as she has the perfect mix of suspense and romance.
November 18, 2022
3 stars. I have mixed feelings about this one.
First, the narrator wasn’t great because she’s the same narrator who did all of Nalini Singh’s Guild Hunter series, and I just couldn’t quite stop hearing these characters as those other characters.
Second, the heroine made some REALLY bad decisions during this book, and I felt like a lot of the drama could have been avoided if she had just behaved rationally. Why does she keep running off on her own? Why isn’t she being more careful in general? Why, at the end, didn’t she share her suspicions with everyone and have a better plan in place instead of walking into a trap? I know that the author needed to write a story, but I also KNOW there are ways to write these stories without creating major plot holes. Is it really realistic that the FBI would send only five agents to the scene of a multiple victim serial killer? And then, as he keeps killing people, why wouldn’t they send for more agents as backup?! This isn’t nearly as bad as some books I’ve read, but these small details bother me.
Third, this is a second chance romance. Gag.
SWE; no virgins, MCs first met 6 years earlier and had a fling, heroine pushed hero away, they both had other partners during the separation, no om/ow drama, no cheating during this story.
First, the narrator wasn’t great because she’s the same narrator who did all of Nalini Singh’s Guild Hunter series, and I just couldn’t quite stop hearing these characters as those other characters.
Second, the heroine made some REALLY bad decisions during this book, and I felt like a lot of the drama could have been avoided if she had just behaved rationally. Why does she keep running off on her own? Why isn’t she being more careful in general? Why, at the end, didn’t she share her suspicions with everyone and have a better plan in place instead of walking into a trap? I know that the author needed to write a story, but I also KNOW there are ways to write these stories without creating major plot holes. Is it really realistic that the FBI would send only five agents to the scene of a multiple victim serial killer? And then, as he keeps killing people, why wouldn’t they send for more agents as backup?! This isn’t nearly as bad as some books I’ve read, but these small details bother me.
Third, this is a second chance romance. Gag.
SWE; no virgins, MCs first met 6 years earlier and had a fling, heroine pushed hero away, they both had other partners during the separation, no om/ow drama, no cheating during this story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 7, 2011
5 Stars!! This book was AWESOME!!
This was my first Cynthia Eden, and I was blown away. I was immediately drawn in. Very creepy and it plays on your greatest fears. What scares you? Serial killer, sex and mayhem…romantic suspense at its best. Loved the style of writing with all the expressed thoughts from the characters. I could almost see their facial expressions as they’re thinking, remembering, and processing the information…like a movie in my head. Monica and Luke, two people with haunted pasts, re-connecting after years apart, can they get it right this time? Stand back and watch the fireworks!
Thanks for the rec Kathleen…it’s on to !
September 28, 2013
Wow, I really loved this one! It was a perfect blend of romance and suspense. I loved the writing, the MC's, and the whole creepy feel of the book. It was my first Cythia Eden, but it sure won't be the last. Can't wait to read the rest of the series!
December 26, 2017
3.5 stars
Good suspense, but a 2nd chance romance - my less favorite.
Strong heroine. She saved this book for me.
Good suspense, but a 2nd chance romance - my less favorite.
Strong heroine. She saved this book for me.
March 3, 2022
I'm going to try to keep this short and sweet because this book is best enjoyed when going in blind.
Monica is hard to love, but you have to love her. She gets in the killer's head, she gets the job done, and she handles herself like a pro. Except when it came to Luke. With him, she seemed to lose all control. And I happened to love the dynamic between these two. Luke was the go-to protector kind of guy. Alpha without being over the top. And Monica was the kind of woman who could take care of herself. Seriously.
So when a serial killer they're hunting seems to always be one step ahead, who better to have on the case then the best of the best? And trust me, Luke and Monica were incredible together, in and out of bed!
I really enjoyed how the author let us into the killer's head. It added a touch more terror than I would have gotten from the protagonists alone. There is so much involved in this story and I loved getting the chance to figure out all of the little bits.
I'm looking forward to continuing the series!
Always find more
Monica is hard to love, but you have to love her. She gets in the killer's head, she gets the job done, and she handles herself like a pro. Except when it came to Luke. With him, she seemed to lose all control. And I happened to love the dynamic between these two. Luke was the go-to protector kind of guy. Alpha without being over the top. And Monica was the kind of woman who could take care of herself. Seriously.
So when a serial killer they're hunting seems to always be one step ahead, who better to have on the case then the best of the best? And trust me, Luke and Monica were incredible together, in and out of bed!
I really enjoyed how the author let us into the killer's head. It added a touch more terror than I would have gotten from the protagonists alone. There is so much involved in this story and I loved getting the chance to figure out all of the little bits.
I'm looking forward to continuing the series!
Always find more
July 30, 2010
"What scares you?" It's the one question a killer has to know before he snatches his next victim. A killer who sets up his victims to face their greatest nightmare while he gets off on their fear and pain. That is the dramatic structure to the first installment of the Deadly Series and get ready to be shakin� in your boots! Not only is there a serial killer on the loose to keep the hair on your neck on edge, but there is some scorchin� hot sexin� going on between the two FBI agents assigned to the case.
Special Agent Monica Davenport has a secret. A secret that drives her to profile serial killers. She's intelligent, beautiful, resilient and has a knack for being able to think like a killer in order to capture the sick and twisted. All sex, power and temptation, Southern bred Special Agent Luke Dante hides a secret as well. A secret that fuels him to protect crime victims. Both have a past together at Quantico where they trained to be agents. Now, years later, Davenport and Dante are brought together once again on the Serial Services Division (SSD) to capture the latest killer known as "The Watchman." The Watchman has learned how to torture and kill from one of the best serial killers in the South. He studies his victims for months to find what they fear worse than death. Once captured, he can torture them for days with that fear before killing them. There are major secrets hidden by all the characters involved which play a pivotal role to the storyline and the killer keeps you guessing his identity up until the end. There is also an undeniable chemistry and sexual connection between Davenport and Dante. Their connection is immediately reignited upon their reunion in the SSD and let me say it boils off and on throughout the hunt for the killer.
Ms. Eden balances a perfect blend of sexual tension, romance, and suspense in this story. One minute, I was fanning myself from the fierce, raw sex and the next minute I was double checking the locks on my front door! Wow, just wow! I had high expectations when Larissa Ione/Demonica Series slaps a quote on the front of Deadly Fear's cover: "I dare you to not love a Cynthia Eden Book!" I don't know where I've been that I have not picked one of Ms. Eden's books before but "stop the press." If her other books are anything like the quality of Deadly Fear, I am running out to by them! What an action packed, high suspense, hot, read! This is the beginning of a new series for Ms.Eden and I am already biting my lip raw for the next installment!
If you enjoy psychological thrillers like Silence of the Lambs mixed with a badass heroine that is as hot in bed as she is on a killer's trail, Deadly Fear is one crime you don't want to miss!
5/5 Stars
Favorite Quote:
"I want you." The words came out, bold, a little fast, from her lips.
And those words - they made him hard.
He gave a nod. "I'll have you again."
She gave a real smile. Just a flash. "No Dante, I'll have you."
Special Agent Monica Davenport has a secret. A secret that drives her to profile serial killers. She's intelligent, beautiful, resilient and has a knack for being able to think like a killer in order to capture the sick and twisted. All sex, power and temptation, Southern bred Special Agent Luke Dante hides a secret as well. A secret that fuels him to protect crime victims. Both have a past together at Quantico where they trained to be agents. Now, years later, Davenport and Dante are brought together once again on the Serial Services Division (SSD) to capture the latest killer known as "The Watchman." The Watchman has learned how to torture and kill from one of the best serial killers in the South. He studies his victims for months to find what they fear worse than death. Once captured, he can torture them for days with that fear before killing them. There are major secrets hidden by all the characters involved which play a pivotal role to the storyline and the killer keeps you guessing his identity up until the end. There is also an undeniable chemistry and sexual connection between Davenport and Dante. Their connection is immediately reignited upon their reunion in the SSD and let me say it boils off and on throughout the hunt for the killer.
Ms. Eden balances a perfect blend of sexual tension, romance, and suspense in this story. One minute, I was fanning myself from the fierce, raw sex and the next minute I was double checking the locks on my front door! Wow, just wow! I had high expectations when Larissa Ione/Demonica Series slaps a quote on the front of Deadly Fear's cover: "I dare you to not love a Cynthia Eden Book!" I don't know where I've been that I have not picked one of Ms. Eden's books before but "stop the press." If her other books are anything like the quality of Deadly Fear, I am running out to by them! What an action packed, high suspense, hot, read! This is the beginning of a new series for Ms.Eden and I am already biting my lip raw for the next installment!
If you enjoy psychological thrillers like Silence of the Lambs mixed with a badass heroine that is as hot in bed as she is on a killer's trail, Deadly Fear is one crime you don't want to miss!
5/5 Stars
Favorite Quote:
"I want you." The words came out, bold, a little fast, from her lips.
And those words - they made him hard.
He gave a nod. "I'll have you again."
She gave a real smile. Just a flash. "No Dante, I'll have you."
February 15, 2012
Ryan McPartlin as Luke Dante (though Luke's eyes are a little greener)
★★★★� (Review of audiobook.) First time I’ve “read� this author and first time I’ve heard this narrator, Justine Eyre, who does a nice job of reading.
Even though I picked this one up mostly because I needed Mississippi for my 50 States Challenges (and audible.com was having a sale!), I liked both of them well enough to continue this well-written series. A few things the author had to overcome to win my admiration: the villain is über-evil and typically after the lead female agent; plus, I’m not one for second chances at love. Nevertheless, Ms. Eden manages to hold my attention and pull all these off with aplomb. In addition, the love scenes are surprisingly H.O.T. and the suspenseful moments outside of thebedroom motel room are gripping as well.
★★★★� (Review of audiobook.) First time I’ve “read� this author and first time I’ve heard this narrator, Justine Eyre, who does a nice job of reading.
Even though I picked this one up mostly because I needed Mississippi for my 50 States Challenges (and audible.com was having a sale!), I liked both of them well enough to continue this well-written series. A few things the author had to overcome to win my admiration: the villain is über-evil and typically after the lead female agent; plus, I’m not one for second chances at love. Nevertheless, Ms. Eden manages to hold my attention and pull all these off with aplomb. In addition, the love scenes are surprisingly H.O.T. and the suspenseful moments outside of the
July 30, 2010
I found this book nothing less than a thrilling page turner, so much so I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. I love a good suspense with out all that CSI stuff. If your looking for a book you can really sink you teeth in this would be it. I would suggest that you give yourself time to read this one its not a quick simple book to read. Cynthia delivers a punch in mystery, excitement, danger, emotions, and a enthralling cast of agent characters that I truly enjoyed reading. Plus she throws a few surprise’s along the way. I found the right amount of murder case and hot steamy romance between the hero and heroine, so I never got board with either one.
This book is a scary thriller, so if your kind of squeamish be careful this book is about a killer that gets to know his victims then he tortures and kills them and its not pretty to read
I loved the depth or intensity if you will, the author wrote between the hero and heroine its brilliant and it hooked me in the most. I really enjoyed both Luke and Monica they had relations once and now they are together again. I loved reading Luke. He knows both of them has secrets and he has to find a way to get Monica to tell all, before they can have a chance together. I loved how the author wrote Monica all tuff. She has a reason she knows the killers so well and its not pretty to read. It takes both Luke and Monica to take down the killer and in the mean time make things work between them. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who wants a good mystery suspense.
This book is a scary thriller, so if your kind of squeamish be careful this book is about a killer that gets to know his victims then he tortures and kills them and its not pretty to read
I loved the depth or intensity if you will, the author wrote between the hero and heroine its brilliant and it hooked me in the most. I really enjoyed both Luke and Monica they had relations once and now they are together again. I loved reading Luke. He knows both of them has secrets and he has to find a way to get Monica to tell all, before they can have a chance together. I loved how the author wrote Monica all tuff. She has a reason she knows the killers so well and its not pretty to read. It takes both Luke and Monica to take down the killer and in the mean time make things work between them. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who wants a good mystery suspense.
June 4, 2012
Wow I loved this book, Cynthia Eden does fabulous romantic suspense. Looking forward to the rest of the series.
March 30, 2014
5 Stunning stars
“I’d walk through hell for you, but I won’t walk away from you, not again.�
Amazing!!!! I absolutely loved this book! It grabbed me from the first chapter and just couldn’t put it down! I needed to know more and the suspense was killing me! The only time I didn’t want to read was during the night because the serial killer was just too fu**ing insane!!!
FBI Special Agent Monica Davenport is one of the best the field of profiling serial killers. But to be able to catch them, you have to be able to think like them, to get inside their minds and to be able to play their games. She is that good because she once was an actual victim. But never again...or at least that’s what she thought.
She has been assigned a new case-there might be a serial killer in a small town. She and her new team member- Agent Luke Dante, have to go and investigate some seriously disturbing murders of women. Monica is not thrilled to work with Luke because they had shared some really steamy nights years ago. Also, he is the only person able to see through her cold attitude.
“And, dammit, yes. Luke Dante was sex, he was power, and he was temptation.�
“The one man who’d come too close. The one man who’d made her burn, made her desperate.�
When they conclude that there in fact is a serial killer in the town...the chase begins. But seriously...how do you catch a murderer whose weapon is your deepest fears. And what if he is more prepared than you thought. Monica and Luke struggle to find clues and time is not their friend. They should move fast because the killer is smarter that they think. And his plan is more complicated too.
“He’d planned for this moment for so long. The perfect kill.�
This story has everything- suspense, seriously interesting plot, love, steamy moments, drama and one fucked up man that plays with your strongest fears. You will wonder during the whole story who the killer is and what will he do next. There are different POVs...Monica’s, Luke’s and the killer’s. This just makes the story even better.
I definitely recommend this book! This was my first time reading a story like this....and OMG...it was an absolutely amazing ride!!! I will definitely read the other books in the series!
“I’d walk through hell for you, but I won’t walk away from you, not again.�
Amazing!!!! I absolutely loved this book! It grabbed me from the first chapter and just couldn’t put it down! I needed to know more and the suspense was killing me! The only time I didn’t want to read was during the night because the serial killer was just too fu**ing insane!!!
FBI Special Agent Monica Davenport is one of the best the field of profiling serial killers. But to be able to catch them, you have to be able to think like them, to get inside their minds and to be able to play their games. She is that good because she once was an actual victim. But never again...or at least that’s what she thought.
She has been assigned a new case-there might be a serial killer in a small town. She and her new team member- Agent Luke Dante, have to go and investigate some seriously disturbing murders of women. Monica is not thrilled to work with Luke because they had shared some really steamy nights years ago. Also, he is the only person able to see through her cold attitude.
“And, dammit, yes. Luke Dante was sex, he was power, and he was temptation.�
“The one man who’d come too close. The one man who’d made her burn, made her desperate.�
When they conclude that there in fact is a serial killer in the town...the chase begins. But seriously...how do you catch a murderer whose weapon is your deepest fears. And what if he is more prepared than you thought. Monica and Luke struggle to find clues and time is not their friend. They should move fast because the killer is smarter that they think. And his plan is more complicated too.
“He’d planned for this moment for so long. The perfect kill.�
This story has everything- suspense, seriously interesting plot, love, steamy moments, drama and one fucked up man that plays with your strongest fears. You will wonder during the whole story who the killer is and what will he do next. There are different POVs...Monica’s, Luke’s and the killer’s. This just makes the story even better.
I definitely recommend this book! This was my first time reading a story like this....and OMG...it was an absolutely amazing ride!!! I will definitely read the other books in the series!
June 27, 2013
4.5 stars
Ok, this is a fantastic romantics suspense, with just the perfect balance of romance and mystery. I'm so glad my GR friends encouraged me to read it.
Luke and Monica were fabulous characters. They were perfect for each other. You could see it in every line, and every word. Two sides of the same coin. And man, they were hot. Crazy chemistry. I adored that Luke would not let Monica hide, that he saw all of her, and loved her because of who she was, not in spite of it.
I was also fascinated with Monica. I can't even really wrap my head around how what she went through shaped who she was. The fact that she made it out the other side was a miracle.
I don't want to talk too much about the mystery, because I'd hate to ruin anything, but suffice to say it was masterfully written. I was left guessing until the very last minute, even though all the clues were there. I loved how the past kept getting woven into the present case. I was completely engrossed in every word.
Cynthia Eden also did a great job introducing you to all the secondary players on the team. I cannot wait to read their books.
Overall, action packed, fabulous mystery, great romance, and some super hot chemistry. What more could you ask for?
Ok, this is a fantastic romantics suspense, with just the perfect balance of romance and mystery. I'm so glad my GR friends encouraged me to read it.
Luke and Monica were fabulous characters. They were perfect for each other. You could see it in every line, and every word. Two sides of the same coin. And man, they were hot. Crazy chemistry. I adored that Luke would not let Monica hide, that he saw all of her, and loved her because of who she was, not in spite of it.
I was also fascinated with Monica. I can't even really wrap my head around how what she went through shaped who she was. The fact that she made it out the other side was a miracle.
I don't want to talk too much about the mystery, because I'd hate to ruin anything, but suffice to say it was masterfully written. I was left guessing until the very last minute, even though all the clues were there. I loved how the past kept getting woven into the present case. I was completely engrossed in every word.
Cynthia Eden also did a great job introducing you to all the secondary players on the team. I cannot wait to read their books.
Overall, action packed, fabulous mystery, great romance, and some super hot chemistry. What more could you ask for?
August 19, 2013
Now this was an exciting read! And what a brilliant, tough, amazing heroine!! I absolutely loved Monica!! The hero Luke was a wonderful character as well, but honestly it felt like he took a backseat to the heroine. That woman knows how to kickass!! And Luke is a kickass hero as well, but he also knows how to support Monica and let her be independent, what a great team these two were.
They are on the hunt of a serial killer, who kills his victims with their most deadly fear. The killer is a sick f*ck, twisted, evil and the author lets you into his head.
The romance between Monica and Luke was awesome, plenty of heat, chemistry and genuine feeling that I could feel as I read this book.
This book had the intensity I love, I couldn’t put it down and I found myself getting consumed and tense wondering where the killer would strike next! What a roller-coaster ride!!
I will definitely be reading the rest of this series!! Awesome read!!
They are on the hunt of a serial killer, who kills his victims with their most deadly fear. The killer is a sick f*ck, twisted, evil and the author lets you into his head.
The romance between Monica and Luke was awesome, plenty of heat, chemistry and genuine feeling that I could feel as I read this book.
This book had the intensity I love, I couldn’t put it down and I found myself getting consumed and tense wondering where the killer would strike next! What a roller-coaster ride!!
I will definitely be reading the rest of this series!! Awesome read!!
July 9, 2013
Just a good the second time around.
1st read 8/10/10
WOW!!!!!! This my friends is how you write romantic suspense. I read a lot of romantic suspense and never before has a book spooked me. This one did!!! And it was awesome!
I have found a new author to put on my auto buy list. I am just sad that I have to wait until Feb 2011 for the next book to come out.
Luke and Monica smolder on the pages. That doesn't last long because they give into the need for each other, in what I can only describe as explosive. Luke never hides his passion or desire for Monica. She was a little slower to respond to Luke, but this was due to her past. Not once was her apprehension towards him annoying, and that usually bugs me about the heroines. They are sometimes to wishy washy. Not in this case, Monica is a kick a@@ and I loved her.
This is a great book and if you are on the fence about reading it, get off and get to reading. Just make sure you leave the lights on...
1st read 8/10/10
WOW!!!!!! This my friends is how you write romantic suspense. I read a lot of romantic suspense and never before has a book spooked me. This one did!!! And it was awesome!
I have found a new author to put on my auto buy list. I am just sad that I have to wait until Feb 2011 for the next book to come out.
Luke and Monica smolder on the pages. That doesn't last long because they give into the need for each other, in what I can only describe as explosive. Luke never hides his passion or desire for Monica. She was a little slower to respond to Luke, but this was due to her past. Not once was her apprehension towards him annoying, and that usually bugs me about the heroines. They are sometimes to wishy washy. Not in this case, Monica is a kick a@@ and I loved her.
This is a great book and if you are on the fence about reading it, get off and get to reading. Just make sure you leave the lights on...
January 15, 2016
Very dark read.Not really my cuppa.
March 5, 2011
5+ Stars Romantic Suspense!
Wow! What an intense, suspenseful, edge-of-the seat ride was that! And I loved every minute of it. Cynthia Eden's Deadly Fear has been sitting prettily in my TBR pile for ages now and right now I am kicking myself for being so slow in becoming a fan of the Deadly series which has earned quite a lot of rave reviews during the short span of time that has passed since the debut of the series, which happens to be this book. Being my first Cynthia Eden, I am definitely joining the throng of the millions of fans she must have acquired if the way this one reeled me in and glued me to the pages which required my sheer force of will to leave the book aside for anything else is any indication of how the rest of the series is going to turn out.
Deadly Fear is the story of Special Agent Luke Dante who joins the Serial Services Division (SSD), the only unit in the FBI that is solely dedicated towards tracking and trapping serials. Keith Hyde, the agent in charge is the brains behind the unit and has handpicked each and every member of the team. Luke Dante was offered the job because of his ability to hone in on the victims, because of his ability to empathize and glean useful information in their darkest hours which is essential in any serial crime investigation. Tall and well muscled with bright emerald eyes and sun streaked blond hair with a dimple in his chin, Luke demanded my whole attention as he made a memorable entry into the story. Luke has a protective streak a mile wide and can never stand it if a woman is hurting on his watch; the remnant effects of witnessing the murder of his own mother.
Special Agent Monica Davenport known as Ice amongst her colleagues is already a legend in being one of the best profilers, one who has a reputation of getting inside the serial's head, to think like they do and bring them down. Monica has a painful past that she keeps well hidden from the rest of her team and the rest of the world apart from Keith who gave her the chance to become what she is today. The only chink in her armor of ice is Luke who Keith insists on bringing in as their newest member regardless of her misgivings and protests. Six years back, Monica and Luke had shared nights of intense passion from which Monica had walked away as she fears that no one would be able to love her after learning about her less than ideal past.
SSD's newest case comes from the small town of Jasper in the South where a serial has emerged who attacks women in their twenties and early thirties, focuses on what scares them the most and gives them a taste of their worst nightmare as the last thing they experience before leaving this world. From the minute Monica and Luke sets foot in Jasper, memories that Monica has been keeping at bay for a long time break out onto the surface as the killer taunts her with bits and pieces from her past, trying to find out what it is that Monica fears the most.
As the body count continues to rise, Monica and Luke home in on clues that lead them towards a devious killer who might be too close for comfort than either of them ever thought possible. A killer who has no intention of giving up till he has completed what he has set out to do, to become a legend in the world of serials, to wreak havoc on a small town where everyone knows the other and to destroy his victims with what they fear the most.
Cynthia Eden spins a tale that is hard to put down, where the scenes come alive right in front of your eyes, where the intense and hot passion between Luke and Monica sets the pages afire. Coupled with edge of the seat suspense that felt at times as if I were watching an episode of the Criminal Minds where its always a race against a ticking clock, Deadly Fear gives the reader every single thing they would want in a romantic suspense novel. I have heard that her books are similar to that of Karen Rose's, and I will tend to agree to a certain extent. Yes, her villains leave you with the heebie-jeebies, but that's where the similarity ends. Because with Karen Rose's books, the romance and passion takes a back seat whilst the suspense keeps piling keeping you on the edge, but in Cynthia Eden's stories, she delivers on all fronts making her one of my favorite romantic suspense authors even with this one book.
Right now I am on a mission to acquire the rest of her books in the Deadly series, books 2 and 3 which have already come out.
I recommend this title to those who love edge of the seat suspense combined with red hot passion that will leave you breathless and wanting more. Luke and Monica certainly did that and more for me throughout this very well done romantic suspense novel.
Things that worked for me:
1- Cynthia Eden's ability to creep you out one second and then totally makes you get lost in the heady passion between her characters the next minute. It is a testament to her writing ability that she is able to pull off both in such a fast paced read without leaving the reader feeling as if he/she has been cheated out of an important aspect of the novel. Just loved how the story rolled out.
2- Luke Dante of course. Who wouldn't love a man who in all his glory is so focused on the one woman who is made for him? I am definitely a sucker for Luke's type and fell in love with him from his very first entrance into the story. His protective nature is one of his most endearing qualities and it doesn't come off as the suffocating type of protectiveness which was the best thing about him.
3- Monica Davenport. Her character is an intense mixture of brokenness and strength that left me in awe. What Monica was subjected to would have broken down a lesser woman and it is how she battles with her inner demons and comes out winning that makes me root for her big time. Her vulnerability which only Keith and Luke can see, makes her more determined than ever to push Luke away, but in the end, even Monica is not strong enough to push away from the lure of comfort, love and loyalty that is part of the package that Luke offers now and forever.
4- The villain who lent everything of the edge of the seat suspense material to this story. He made my heart race and fear for what might happen next, leaving me impatient to find out just what it is that drives his insanity. Definitely comes out winning in the heinous villain department.
I leave you with a tantalizing glimpse into the raw and combustive passion between Luke and Monica which Monica tries so hard to deny but in the end has no choice but to surrender to as Luke pulls no punches to win the affections of the woman who owns his heart, now and forever.
Monica's fingers rose, hovered over his shoulders.
To push him away or to pull him closer?
"Damn you, Dante." she muttered as her hands locked over him - then hauled him closer. Monica rose up on her toes and crushed her mouth to his.
Hell, yes.
The fire ripped through his blood at the touch of her mouth - just like before. Just. Like. Before.
Lips parted. Their tongues met. Took. A moan rose in her throat, the sound sexy and raw and wild.
Wow! What an intense, suspenseful, edge-of-the seat ride was that! And I loved every minute of it. Cynthia Eden's Deadly Fear has been sitting prettily in my TBR pile for ages now and right now I am kicking myself for being so slow in becoming a fan of the Deadly series which has earned quite a lot of rave reviews during the short span of time that has passed since the debut of the series, which happens to be this book. Being my first Cynthia Eden, I am definitely joining the throng of the millions of fans she must have acquired if the way this one reeled me in and glued me to the pages which required my sheer force of will to leave the book aside for anything else is any indication of how the rest of the series is going to turn out.
Deadly Fear is the story of Special Agent Luke Dante who joins the Serial Services Division (SSD), the only unit in the FBI that is solely dedicated towards tracking and trapping serials. Keith Hyde, the agent in charge is the brains behind the unit and has handpicked each and every member of the team. Luke Dante was offered the job because of his ability to hone in on the victims, because of his ability to empathize and glean useful information in their darkest hours which is essential in any serial crime investigation. Tall and well muscled with bright emerald eyes and sun streaked blond hair with a dimple in his chin, Luke demanded my whole attention as he made a memorable entry into the story. Luke has a protective streak a mile wide and can never stand it if a woman is hurting on his watch; the remnant effects of witnessing the murder of his own mother.
Special Agent Monica Davenport known as Ice amongst her colleagues is already a legend in being one of the best profilers, one who has a reputation of getting inside the serial's head, to think like they do and bring them down. Monica has a painful past that she keeps well hidden from the rest of her team and the rest of the world apart from Keith who gave her the chance to become what she is today. The only chink in her armor of ice is Luke who Keith insists on bringing in as their newest member regardless of her misgivings and protests. Six years back, Monica and Luke had shared nights of intense passion from which Monica had walked away as she fears that no one would be able to love her after learning about her less than ideal past.
SSD's newest case comes from the small town of Jasper in the South where a serial has emerged who attacks women in their twenties and early thirties, focuses on what scares them the most and gives them a taste of their worst nightmare as the last thing they experience before leaving this world. From the minute Monica and Luke sets foot in Jasper, memories that Monica has been keeping at bay for a long time break out onto the surface as the killer taunts her with bits and pieces from her past, trying to find out what it is that Monica fears the most.
As the body count continues to rise, Monica and Luke home in on clues that lead them towards a devious killer who might be too close for comfort than either of them ever thought possible. A killer who has no intention of giving up till he has completed what he has set out to do, to become a legend in the world of serials, to wreak havoc on a small town where everyone knows the other and to destroy his victims with what they fear the most.
Cynthia Eden spins a tale that is hard to put down, where the scenes come alive right in front of your eyes, where the intense and hot passion between Luke and Monica sets the pages afire. Coupled with edge of the seat suspense that felt at times as if I were watching an episode of the Criminal Minds where its always a race against a ticking clock, Deadly Fear gives the reader every single thing they would want in a romantic suspense novel. I have heard that her books are similar to that of Karen Rose's, and I will tend to agree to a certain extent. Yes, her villains leave you with the heebie-jeebies, but that's where the similarity ends. Because with Karen Rose's books, the romance and passion takes a back seat whilst the suspense keeps piling keeping you on the edge, but in Cynthia Eden's stories, she delivers on all fronts making her one of my favorite romantic suspense authors even with this one book.
Right now I am on a mission to acquire the rest of her books in the Deadly series, books 2 and 3 which have already come out.
I recommend this title to those who love edge of the seat suspense combined with red hot passion that will leave you breathless and wanting more. Luke and Monica certainly did that and more for me throughout this very well done romantic suspense novel.
Things that worked for me:
1- Cynthia Eden's ability to creep you out one second and then totally makes you get lost in the heady passion between her characters the next minute. It is a testament to her writing ability that she is able to pull off both in such a fast paced read without leaving the reader feeling as if he/she has been cheated out of an important aspect of the novel. Just loved how the story rolled out.
2- Luke Dante of course. Who wouldn't love a man who in all his glory is so focused on the one woman who is made for him? I am definitely a sucker for Luke's type and fell in love with him from his very first entrance into the story. His protective nature is one of his most endearing qualities and it doesn't come off as the suffocating type of protectiveness which was the best thing about him.
3- Monica Davenport. Her character is an intense mixture of brokenness and strength that left me in awe. What Monica was subjected to would have broken down a lesser woman and it is how she battles with her inner demons and comes out winning that makes me root for her big time. Her vulnerability which only Keith and Luke can see, makes her more determined than ever to push Luke away, but in the end, even Monica is not strong enough to push away from the lure of comfort, love and loyalty that is part of the package that Luke offers now and forever.
4- The villain who lent everything of the edge of the seat suspense material to this story. He made my heart race and fear for what might happen next, leaving me impatient to find out just what it is that drives his insanity. Definitely comes out winning in the heinous villain department.
I leave you with a tantalizing glimpse into the raw and combustive passion between Luke and Monica which Monica tries so hard to deny but in the end has no choice but to surrender to as Luke pulls no punches to win the affections of the woman who owns his heart, now and forever.
Monica's fingers rose, hovered over his shoulders.
To push him away or to pull him closer?
"Damn you, Dante." she muttered as her hands locked over him - then hauled him closer. Monica rose up on her toes and crushed her mouth to his.
Hell, yes.
The fire ripped through his blood at the touch of her mouth - just like before. Just. Like. Before.
Lips parted. Their tongues met. Took. A moan rose in her throat, the sound sexy and raw and wild.
October 26, 2013
I fucking knew it! This book kicked a whole lot of ass! Why can't I give this a 4.5 again?
Review to come.
Review to come.
March 9, 2015
This was me throughout the whole book..
I was hooked from the start and couldn't put it down!
Just the perfect mix between
ROMANCE
and
SUSPENSE!
Can't wait to read the rest of this series! Displaying 1 - 30 of 521 reviews
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