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Protector and Defender Romance #2
When He Hunts
She’s a dead woman walking.
Luna Black knows that she’s being hunted. The price on her head is astronomical. She was in the wrong place at the wrong time, and she saw some very dangerous people doing some very, very bad things. Now she needs to reach the Feds, stat, and get a new identity and a new life. Because her old life? Definitely over.
It’s not personal. She’s just a job.
Ronan Walker lives in the shadows. His job? Simple—to deliver death. And the latest hit has him tracking down the very elusive and unpredictable Luna. But he’s not the only hitman on her trail. Luna has valuable intel. The kind of intel that can never see the light of a courtroom. When the other hunters swarm in on her, Ronan has no choice but to intervene.
Death wasn’t supposed to be so…dead sexy.
After he defeated the group trying to abduct her, Luna expected to die by the gorgeous stranger’s hands. Even as he kissed her, Luna was sure that the tall, dark, and fierce predator would kill her. Only…she woke up, very much still alive, and handcuffed to his bed. Before she can even scream, he offers her a deal…protection, but for a price.
Is he a hitman with a heart?
No, he’s not. Not even close. His heart never gets involved in a job. Ronan faked Luna’s death, and now he has to keep her with him in the shadows until the Feds are ready to use her in order to bring down a massive criminal ring. The problem? He’s not exactly used to sharing close quarters with anyone. Especially not someone like Luna…a woman who pushes him to the edge and makes him want to let go of the fierce control that he’s kept in place for years.
On the run. Hiding in the shadows. Pretending to be a couple in love�
Sometimes, it’s easy to pretend. To act like lovers. But what happens when the pretending starts to feel all too real? The longer they are together, the more Luna realizes there is so much more to Ronan than meets the eye. He protects her, he defends her from every threat, and she…just might be falling hard for the hitman who swears he can never love�
The story of her life. To fall for the man who delivers death.
Author’s Note: Ronan deals with death. He’s worked undercover as a hitman for years, only seeing the darkest side of life. Then he meets Luna. A woman named for the moon but who feels like sunlight in his arms. No way should he want her as badly as he does. No way should he start to think of Luna as his. But…he does. And anyone coming after Luna will find that Ronan will take “protecting and defending� her to a whole, new level. No one else will touch Luna, no one will hurt her, and he will deliver death to anyone who tries to take her from him.
Luna Black knows that she’s being hunted. The price on her head is astronomical. She was in the wrong place at the wrong time, and she saw some very dangerous people doing some very, very bad things. Now she needs to reach the Feds, stat, and get a new identity and a new life. Because her old life? Definitely over.
It’s not personal. She’s just a job.
Ronan Walker lives in the shadows. His job? Simple—to deliver death. And the latest hit has him tracking down the very elusive and unpredictable Luna. But he’s not the only hitman on her trail. Luna has valuable intel. The kind of intel that can never see the light of a courtroom. When the other hunters swarm in on her, Ronan has no choice but to intervene.
Death wasn’t supposed to be so…dead sexy.
After he defeated the group trying to abduct her, Luna expected to die by the gorgeous stranger’s hands. Even as he kissed her, Luna was sure that the tall, dark, and fierce predator would kill her. Only…she woke up, very much still alive, and handcuffed to his bed. Before she can even scream, he offers her a deal…protection, but for a price.
Is he a hitman with a heart?
No, he’s not. Not even close. His heart never gets involved in a job. Ronan faked Luna’s death, and now he has to keep her with him in the shadows until the Feds are ready to use her in order to bring down a massive criminal ring. The problem? He’s not exactly used to sharing close quarters with anyone. Especially not someone like Luna…a woman who pushes him to the edge and makes him want to let go of the fierce control that he’s kept in place for years.
On the run. Hiding in the shadows. Pretending to be a couple in love�
Sometimes, it’s easy to pretend. To act like lovers. But what happens when the pretending starts to feel all too real? The longer they are together, the more Luna realizes there is so much more to Ronan than meets the eye. He protects her, he defends her from every threat, and she…just might be falling hard for the hitman who swears he can never love�
The story of her life. To fall for the man who delivers death.
Author’s Note: Ronan deals with death. He’s worked undercover as a hitman for years, only seeing the darkest side of life. Then he meets Luna. A woman named for the moon but who feels like sunlight in his arms. No way should he want her as badly as he does. No way should he start to think of Luna as his. But…he does. And anyone coming after Luna will find that Ronan will take “protecting and defending� her to a whole, new level. No one else will touch Luna, no one will hurt her, and he will deliver death to anyone who tries to take her from him.
286 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 25, 2025
88 people are currently reading
194 people want to read
About the author
Cynthia Eden
303books6,752followersAward-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 36 reviews
April 21, 2025
3.5 �
This was okay, I think? I mean, idk how other romantic suspense works, but in most stories I've read, it's always been a case of insta-love, and this one is no different.
Luna saw something she shouldn't have, and a hit was ordered for her. Ronan saw that hit, but the feds, along with one of his friends, instructed him to protect Luna instead. So he trailed her and faked her death.
Anyway, Gray, Ronan's friend, is still planning a strategy to catch the killer. So he told him to stay with her until he had a solid plan for getting Luna's statement without putting her life at more risk.
I think they'd been stuck together for 2 days before things changed between them. Like I said, insta-love. Luna decided to finally live her life without fear. So she became bolder, and when I say she's bold, not once did this woman hesitate to tell Ronan what she wants. I like her straightforwardness that comes with innocence at the same time. 🤣
And Ronan, though he tried to fight his attraction to her, didn't last long anyway. He eventually gave in, and he became protective of her while she was in his custody.
But the problem came when the hit was not just for Luna anymore. The killer also put a bounty on Ronan's.
In plot devices like these, when the hero thought that the heroine would be safer if he were gone, the MMC usually leaves the FMC without so much as looking back. And that's exactly what Ronan did here, knowing all along that it was the same thing Luna's dad did to her. He knew about the abandonment, but he ended up being just another man in her life who left her as well. Not cool, Ronan, not cool.
Anyway, that's what the bad guy wanted to happen. But thankfully Ronan and his friends realized it sooner, and they finally caught the killer.
There was a two-month separation because Ronan had to fake his death to live a new life. Luna was aware of this. They knew it had to happen, but this didn't make it any easier for both of them. They met again after two months, and this ended in a HFN with them back together.
In the epilogue, there was a mention of a wedding invitation from James (Ronan) and Luna, but it was mostly about the next story, which happens to be Kane's and his past protectee, Ana.
Their story is somewhat second-chance-ish, because from the small hints given, he was her protector before she was taken away by the feds when it was time for her to live a new life. He didn't run after her, and according to him, that was the greatest mistake of his life. And in the next book, the killer who he had put away escaped just a few days ago and is now again coming after Ana.
Book info:
- Forced proximity
- Girl on the run
- Loss of loved one (past)
- Unaliving
- Insta-love
- Catching a serial unaliver
- Steaamy
- No cheating, OM/OW
- Separation (2 mos)
- No V
- HFN/HEA (engaged)
Notes:
〰️ There's not enough background about the MCs. Idek their ages, but I get the feeling he's older than her. 🤷♀�
〰️ As for safety, she's been with 3 men all her life, and all of them were bad experiences. There was no direct info about Ronan's past, but reading between the lines, it's obvious he had his fair share of women. 🙃 Not sure if he's a hoe, though. But the constant reminder that Luna had only been with 3 men really grates on my nerves, ngl. And to read that she experienced many firsts with Ronan didn't make it any better (for me). But he said it was his first time sleeping with a lover, and he hadn't done that before. I'm not sure how to feel about that, tbh. Anyway, my point is, she's inexperienced AF, and Ronan was more than happy to teach/indulge/introduce her to some things she wanted to learn.
〰️ They were trying to tick off things in her adventure bucket list, and I think that's cute. 😄
This was okay, I think? I mean, idk how other romantic suspense works, but in most stories I've read, it's always been a case of insta-love, and this one is no different.
Luna saw something she shouldn't have, and a hit was ordered for her. Ronan saw that hit, but the feds, along with one of his friends, instructed him to protect Luna instead. So he trailed her and faked her death.
Anyway, Gray, Ronan's friend, is still planning a strategy to catch the killer. So he told him to stay with her until he had a solid plan for getting Luna's statement without putting her life at more risk.
I think they'd been stuck together for 2 days before things changed between them. Like I said, insta-love. Luna decided to finally live her life without fear. So she became bolder, and when I say she's bold, not once did this woman hesitate to tell Ronan what she wants. I like her straightforwardness that comes with innocence at the same time. 🤣
And Ronan, though he tried to fight his attraction to her, didn't last long anyway. He eventually gave in, and he became protective of her while she was in his custody.
But the problem came when the hit was not just for Luna anymore. The killer also put a bounty on Ronan's.
In plot devices like these, when the hero thought that the heroine would be safer if he were gone, the MMC usually leaves the FMC without so much as looking back. And that's exactly what Ronan did here, knowing all along that it was the same thing Luna's dad did to her. He knew about the abandonment, but he ended up being just another man in her life who left her as well. Not cool, Ronan, not cool.
Anyway, that's what the bad guy wanted to happen. But thankfully Ronan and his friends realized it sooner, and they finally caught the killer.
There was a two-month separation because Ronan had to fake his death to live a new life. Luna was aware of this. They knew it had to happen, but this didn't make it any easier for both of them. They met again after two months, and this ended in a HFN with them back together.
In the epilogue, there was a mention of a wedding invitation from James (Ronan) and Luna, but it was mostly about the next story, which happens to be Kane's and his past protectee, Ana.
Their story is somewhat second-chance-ish, because from the small hints given, he was her protector before she was taken away by the feds when it was time for her to live a new life. He didn't run after her, and according to him, that was the greatest mistake of his life. And in the next book, the killer who he had put away escaped just a few days ago and is now again coming after Ana.
Book info:
- Forced proximity
- Girl on the run
- Loss of loved one (past)
- Unaliving
- Insta-love
- Catching a serial unaliver
- Steaamy
- No cheating, OM/OW
- Separation (2 mos)
- No V
- HFN/HEA (engaged)
Notes:
〰️ There's not enough background about the MCs. Idek their ages, but I get the feeling he's older than her. 🤷♀�
〰️ As for safety, she's been with 3 men all her life, and all of them were bad experiences. There was no direct info about Ronan's past, but reading between the lines, it's obvious he had his fair share of women. 🙃 Not sure if he's a hoe, though. But the constant reminder that Luna had only been with 3 men really grates on my nerves, ngl. And to read that she experienced many firsts with Ronan didn't make it any better (for me). But he said it was his first time sleeping with a lover, and he hadn't done that before. I'm not sure how to feel about that, tbh. Anyway, my point is, she's inexperienced AF, and Ronan was more than happy to teach/indulge/introduce her to some things she wanted to learn.
〰️ They were trying to tick off things in her adventure bucket list, and I think that's cute. 😄
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 14, 2025
Get it here:
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March 18, 2025
Welcome to hitman heaven!
I absolutely loved this book! From the very first page, it had me completely hooked. The tension, the action, the sizzling chemistry—it was everything. Luna and Ronan’s dynamic is pure perfection. She’s fierce and determined, even when the odds are stacked against her, and Ronan? He’s the ultimate deadly, brooding protector who will burn the world down for her.
The pacing is nonstop, with danger lurking at every turn, and the romance? Incredible. The forced proximity, the fake relationship, the undeniable pull between them—it all builds in the best way. Ronan tries so hard to keep his heart out of it, but the way he protects Luna, how possessive and all-in he becomes? Swoon. This book has the perfect blend of heart-pounding suspense and scorching romance, and I couldn’t put it down.
I highly recommend this if you love intense, action-packed romance with a hero who will do anything to keep his woman safe.
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
Steam
I absolutely loved this book! From the very first page, it had me completely hooked. The tension, the action, the sizzling chemistry—it was everything. Luna and Ronan’s dynamic is pure perfection. She’s fierce and determined, even when the odds are stacked against her, and Ronan? He’s the ultimate deadly, brooding protector who will burn the world down for her.
The pacing is nonstop, with danger lurking at every turn, and the romance? Incredible. The forced proximity, the fake relationship, the undeniable pull between them—it all builds in the best way. Ronan tries so hard to keep his heart out of it, but the way he protects Luna, how possessive and all-in he becomes? Swoon. This book has the perfect blend of heart-pounding suspense and scorching romance, and I couldn’t put it down.
I highly recommend this if you love intense, action-packed romance with a hero who will do anything to keep his woman safe.
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
Steam
March 12, 2025
Luna Black has been in the wrong place at the wrong time. She witnesses a murder while delivering a singing telegram. She is on the run, she must reach the Feds to get her new life and new name. Ronan Walker is known as Ronan the Relentless and a hired hitman. He has been hired to kill Luna but he’s not the only hitman after her. He saves her from a trio trying to kidnap her and fakes her death. Ronan must keep her safe until the Feds can use her to bring down the dangerous criminals. Maybe Ronan isn’t as bad as he pretends to be. They go undercover at a resort as husband and wife but it gets a little too real. Ronan is used to being in the shadows but Luna has brought light into his life and he’ll do anything to keep her.
You can never go wrong reading a Cynthia Eden book. They keep you in suspense and hanging on to the edge of your seat. Steamy. Secrets. I always wait with bated breath for the next one.
* VOLUNTARILY READ AND REVIEWED FOR THE AUTHOR *
You can never go wrong reading a Cynthia Eden book. They keep you in suspense and hanging on to the edge of your seat. Steamy. Secrets. I always wait with bated breath for the next one.
* VOLUNTARILY READ AND REVIEWED FOR THE AUTHOR *
March 14, 2025
I absolutely loved this book and couldn’t put it down. Loved how quickly Ronan becomes so possessive and protective over Luna. Loved how they both easily referred themselves as his wife and her husband. Will he be able to leave her? Had a little heartbreak but thankfully they got their happy ever after. This book is worth re reading and I’m excited for the next book. I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy and I highly recommend this book.
March 25, 2025
This was such a fun, easy, fast paced romance. I finished it in a day!
Ronan and Luna had amazing chemistry. I loved how they were together and how they treated each other. Both were so accepting and protective of each other.
Saying Ronan is obsessed with Luna is understatement.
He was this perfect blend of broody and charming.
He was constantly cracking me up. Then came Tyler and then Kane and it was laughing fest. What makes it hilarious is they don’t mean it be funny. I love this quirky bunch who are obsessed with their ladies.
Luna was lovely and I loved how strong she was. Can’t wait to read more from this series.
Cynthia Eden is my auto-buy author. I love her heroes and her writing style.
-Hitman x target.
-Morally grey hero.
-Forced proximity, Romantic suspense.
-Hurt her and I’ll kill you.
-Standalone, recommended and safe.
I received an advance review copy and I’m leaving this review voluntarily.
Ronan and Luna had amazing chemistry. I loved how they were together and how they treated each other. Both were so accepting and protective of each other.
Saying Ronan is obsessed with Luna is understatement.
He was this perfect blend of broody and charming.
He was constantly cracking me up. Then came Tyler and then Kane and it was laughing fest. What makes it hilarious is they don’t mean it be funny. I love this quirky bunch who are obsessed with their ladies.
Luna was lovely and I loved how strong she was. Can’t wait to read more from this series.
Cynthia Eden is my auto-buy author. I love her heroes and her writing style.
-Hitman x target.
-Morally grey hero.
-Forced proximity, Romantic suspense.
-Hurt her and I’ll kill you.
-Standalone, recommended and safe.
I received an advance review copy and I’m leaving this review voluntarily.
March 19, 2025
🇫🇷French & English reviews🇬🇧
*Cette chronique est basée sur un NetGalley ARC en échange d'un avis neutre et honnête*
Genre & Tropes : romance suspense x bodyguard plot x morally grey hero x touch her and die x forced proximity x fake marriage x spicy
Le deuxième tome de ce qui s'annonce comme ma future série préférée
On m'a probablement entendu hurler jusqu'en Islande quand j'ai vu que j'avais reçu un ARC de ce deuxième tome ! Cynthia Eden est un achat automatique pour moi et ce tome ne fait pas exception !
J'ai adoré l'intrigue forte en rebondissements avec la prof de théâtre qui est témoin d'un meurtre et qui se retrouve à fuir ... Pour tomber dans les bras d'un tueur à gages sexy !!
Et bien sûr un faux tueur à gages avec un faux mariage mais une romance à la fois mignonne et sexy et tout ça à la Nouvelle-Orléans ?? J'ADORE !!
Bref, une romance à suspense que j'ai dévoré trop vite ! Pour les fans de romances à suspense avec des intrigues tordues et des romances dévorantes, je recommande !
PS : CES DERNIÈRES PAGES !! J'ai besoin du tome avec Kane ><
PS2 : to the publisher and Netgalley, thank you so much for the ARC =D
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
*This review is based on a NetGalley ARC in exchange for a neutral and honest review*
The second book of what's shaping up to be my future favorite series
I could probably be heard screaming all the way to Iceland when I saw I'd received an ARC of this second book ! Cynthia Eden is an automatic purchase for me, and this book is no exception !
I loved the twisty plot with the drama teacher who witnesses a murder and finds herself on the run ... only to fall into the arms of a sexy hitman !!
And of course, a fake hitman with a fake wedding, but a romance that's both cute and sexy, and all that in New Orleans ?? I LOVE IT !!
In short, a suspenseful romance that I devoured too quickly ! For fans of suspenseful romances with twisted plots and all-consuming romances, I recommend it !
PS: THOSE LAST PAGES !! I need the book with Kane ><
PS2: to the publisher and Netgalley, thank you so much for the ARC =D
*Cette chronique est basée sur un NetGalley ARC en échange d'un avis neutre et honnête*
Genre & Tropes : romance suspense x bodyguard plot x morally grey hero x touch her and die x forced proximity x fake marriage x spicy
Le deuxième tome de ce qui s'annonce comme ma future série préférée
On m'a probablement entendu hurler jusqu'en Islande quand j'ai vu que j'avais reçu un ARC de ce deuxième tome ! Cynthia Eden est un achat automatique pour moi et ce tome ne fait pas exception !
J'ai adoré l'intrigue forte en rebondissements avec la prof de théâtre qui est témoin d'un meurtre et qui se retrouve à fuir ... Pour tomber dans les bras d'un tueur à gages sexy !!
Et bien sûr un faux tueur à gages avec un faux mariage mais une romance à la fois mignonne et sexy et tout ça à la Nouvelle-Orléans ?? J'ADORE !!
Bref, une romance à suspense que j'ai dévoré trop vite ! Pour les fans de romances à suspense avec des intrigues tordues et des romances dévorantes, je recommande !
PS : CES DERNIÈRES PAGES !! J'ai besoin du tome avec Kane ><
PS2 : to the publisher and Netgalley, thank you so much for the ARC =D
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
*This review is based on a NetGalley ARC in exchange for a neutral and honest review*
The second book of what's shaping up to be my future favorite series
I could probably be heard screaming all the way to Iceland when I saw I'd received an ARC of this second book ! Cynthia Eden is an automatic purchase for me, and this book is no exception !
I loved the twisty plot with the drama teacher who witnesses a murder and finds herself on the run ... only to fall into the arms of a sexy hitman !!
And of course, a fake hitman with a fake wedding, but a romance that's both cute and sexy, and all that in New Orleans ?? I LOVE IT !!
In short, a suspenseful romance that I devoured too quickly ! For fans of suspenseful romances with twisted plots and all-consuming romances, I recommend it !
PS: THOSE LAST PAGES !! I need the book with Kane ><
PS2: to the publisher and Netgalley, thank you so much for the ARC =D
March 20, 2025
WHEN HE HUNTS is the second instalment in Cynthia Eden’s contemporary, adult GUARDIAN AND PROTECTOR erotic, romantic suspense series. This is assassin for hire Ronan Walker, and drama teacher Luna Black’s story line. WHEN HE HUNTS can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary.
Told from several omniscient third person perspectives including Ronan and Luna WHEN HE HUNTS follows the hunt and take down of our story line heroine. Luna Black witness the murder of a friend, and now she is the target of a powerful man. On the run, Luna will face down several assassins including the man with whom she is falling in love. Refusing to lose his payday, Ronan not only abducts our heroine but takes aim at the other assassins hired to finish the job but Ronan never expected to find himself falling for our story line heroine, and in doing so, places a target on the woman he loves.
The world building follows Ronan and Luna as our couple begin a cross country adventure in the hopes of staying one step ahead of the man who hired our story line hero. Working undercover with the both the FBI and US Marshall’s office, Ronan takes aim at the people who placed a hit on our story line heroine.
The relationship between Ronan and Luna begins as assassin and captor but quickly turns into something more. Protecting Luna becomes Ronan’s number one priority even in the face of threats against his own life. The $ex scenes are passionate and intense without the use of over the top sexually graphic language and text.
The secondary and supporting characters include the return of FBI Agent Grayson Stone; former Marine Kane Harte, and former Marine turned US Marshall Tyler Barrett, and his wife, professional thief Esme Laurent. The requisite evil has many faces.
WHEN HE HUNTS is a story of power and control, betrayal and vengeance, secrets and lies, acceptance and love. The character driven premise is exciting and engaging; the romance is provocative; the characters are determined and dynamic.
copy supplied for review
Told from several omniscient third person perspectives including Ronan and Luna WHEN HE HUNTS follows the hunt and take down of our story line heroine. Luna Black witness the murder of a friend, and now she is the target of a powerful man. On the run, Luna will face down several assassins including the man with whom she is falling in love. Refusing to lose his payday, Ronan not only abducts our heroine but takes aim at the other assassins hired to finish the job but Ronan never expected to find himself falling for our story line heroine, and in doing so, places a target on the woman he loves.
The world building follows Ronan and Luna as our couple begin a cross country adventure in the hopes of staying one step ahead of the man who hired our story line hero. Working undercover with the both the FBI and US Marshall’s office, Ronan takes aim at the people who placed a hit on our story line heroine.
The relationship between Ronan and Luna begins as assassin and captor but quickly turns into something more. Protecting Luna becomes Ronan’s number one priority even in the face of threats against his own life. The $ex scenes are passionate and intense without the use of over the top sexually graphic language and text.
The secondary and supporting characters include the return of FBI Agent Grayson Stone; former Marine Kane Harte, and former Marine turned US Marshall Tyler Barrett, and his wife, professional thief Esme Laurent. The requisite evil has many faces.
WHEN HE HUNTS is a story of power and control, betrayal and vengeance, secrets and lies, acceptance and love. The character driven premise is exciting and engaging; the romance is provocative; the characters are determined and dynamic.
copy supplied for review
March 25, 2025
I'm always so happy to be reading Cynthia Eden. She writes such great stories. You can't help but fall in love with her characters. It took me a second to remember Ronan. Not that he isn't one of those characters that make you sigh, it had more to do with the number of books and series she puts out. I got lost for a second. Happily, I got caught up very quick and remembered him.
I'm so glad I did because he made this story so good. I was so happy to read about him and his life.
He is one of those characters that there is more than meets the eye. Even after the story I don't know if we know the true Ronan.
What we do know about him is that he's such a good guy. I loved watching him fall in love with Luna. She is so perfect for him. She's a sweet, loving woman that brings out the best in Ronan. She not only brings out the best she shows him that there is more to him then what he thinks.
I felt so bad for Luna. One second, she's living her life and the next she's running for her life. I don't know how she survived because she is way too nice to be on the run. She needs someone like Ronan in her life to look out for her. That way she can just be the good person that she is and he can have her back.
This is such a good story, and I loved these two. I wanted so badly to have this story go on more that's how much I liked it. It has wonderful characters and a good suspense. I can't wait for the next book in the series.
| | |
ARC received for an honest review
April 5, 2025
I can never get enough of Cynthia Eden’s books. “When He Hunts,� the second book in the Protector and Defender Series is another satisfying, exciting and not-to-be-missed romantic suspense-filled novel. Each book can be read as a standalone � but I’m betting one won’t be enough.
From start to finish, the plotting is energetic and fast-paced with a highly enticing and dangerous case to be solved. The close-proximity romance sizzles with chemistry in a steamy and emotional romance between two outstanding lead characters, Ronan Walker and Luna Black. This pair set the pages on fire. Luna gives as good as she gets. And Ronan fights his feelings until he finally breaks -- loving Luna is the only answer.
Good guy/bad guy � that’s the question. I was never quite sure at times. Ronan is a mystifying character whose story broke my heart and won it, too.
For readers who have read the first book, “When He Protects,� Ronan, Kane, Tyler, Esme and Grayson all make reappearances adding the extra element of enthusiasm in this one. With the ending, there are hints that Kane Harte may be the hero in the third installment to this series.
A chilling thriller and a fantastic page-turner with plenty of suspense that never wavers, along with a deep and moving love story that wins in the end!
March 21, 2025
I so enjoy Cynthia Eden’s style of writing romantic suspense and her latest, When He Hunts, Book #2 in the Protector and Defender Series, hit all the marks for me again. Whether she’s writing about U.S. Marshals or FBI Agents or bodyguards or security guys or hitman (who aren’t really hitman...wink, wink), she nails this genre every single time. Luna Black is one fierce, brave, amazing woman and I was her cheerleader from Page 1. And Ms. Eden certainly knows how to write big, broody male alpha heros who have a heart of gold and will go to the ends of the earth for the ones they love. Ronan Walker is no different, but what I’m really enjoying with this series is the comradery among these men. They really are true blue friends and I’ve enjoyed their banter almost more than the romantic aspect of the story. Revisiting Tyler and Esme was a nice surprise that wasn’t just a quick revisit--they were actually part of this very well written and suspenseful read. I am so looking forward to Kane’s story as well as Grayson’s. I just wish we didn’t have to wait! Another 5+ star read. I'm very grateful to have been given an opportunity to read and review an advance copy of this book through NetGalley.
March 25, 2025
She saw something that she was not meant to, and drama teacher Luna Black is running for her life! If only she would hear from her contact at the FBI, then maybe WITSEC could keep her alive? Before that can happen, her luck runs out and she is being chased through the streets of New Orleans. When a man steps out in front of her, is he her protector or her death sentence? Ronan Walker finds her in an alley trying to flee and knows that he must kill her…to keep her safe. He had no intention of getting involved with her, but her trust in his ability to save her, to save them has him wanting to keep her with him, for now…for forever? If so, the man who wants her dead must believe that she is dead or if not, the man must die. She wants the safety, but she always wants the adventure with him, to know him in all ways. As his supervisor plots how to keep them both alive, to end the threats against them, his friends join the hunt for those who put a hit on her and now on him. Those who seek to end her life have no idea that she is a fighter and will fight for the life she wants…with Ronan! A complete rush from beginning to end!! I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (paytonpuppy)
April 1, 2025
3.5 STARS
Luna Black is on the run from a bad situation. She accidentally witnessed something that has put her life in danger. Just when she has hopes of connecting with the FBI, Luna is confronted by a trio intending to do her harm. Her rescuer, Ronan Walker, grabs Luna in an unorthodox way to help keep her safe. Luna is one of those gals who does not follow rules, or directions easily so Ronan has quite a time getting her on board with his plans.
Ronan sees himself as little better than the criminals he hunts. When he and Luna go undercover in a fake marriage, he begins to see that life has other choices. Working with the Feds who have their own agenda for Luna’s involvement, the plans do not always go smoothly.
Both Luna and Ronan have a lot of personal baggage, not surprisingly for him given his deadly line of work, but what lightens the load is Luna’s quirky personality which brings Ronan’s better nature to the forefront. They have more than a few adventures while pretending to be a couple to help take down the big bad guy. This story is part of the Protector and Defender series; however, it can be read as a standalone.
March 19, 2025
When He Hunts is the 2nd book in the Protector and Defender series, but can be read as a standalone. Luna and Ronan's story made me fall in love with this hitman right along with his 'target', had me hooked from the first word to the last and I loved everything about it: the witty banter, the internal dialogues, the fierceness and depths of their feelings for each other, the sizzling chemistry leading to smoking hot sexy times, the indistructible bonds between Ronan and his friends, the non-stop, fast-paced action and of course, the happy ending where the bad guys get their just deserts and Luna and Ronan get their well-deserved HEA while we get a peak at the next story to come. I can't wait!
I was fortunate to have received an early copy and am leaving this review voluntarily and honestly.
I was fortunate to have received an early copy and am leaving this review voluntarily and honestly.
May 1, 2025
As usual, Cynthia Eden crafts an exciting world full of robust characters and high stakes at a breathtaking pace. Luna and Ronan are so compelling and relatable, equally flawed, and equally suitable. Ronan is bewitched by Luna’s hutzpah and bravery in the face of certain death, and Luna is captivated by Ronan’s strength and protectiveness and willingness to abandon everything in his life to keep her safe. Their combined survival relies on cooperation and hiding in plain sight, and I’ll tell you that at times, it was touch and go.
When you’re life’s on the lam and it’s nearly impossible to know who to trust, trust your heart. And trust me: WHEN HE HUNTS is a great story. If you’re a fan of romantic suspense, I think you’ll enjoy this series.
*Read the full review at: .
When you’re life’s on the lam and it’s nearly impossible to know who to trust, trust your heart. And trust me: WHEN HE HUNTS is a great story. If you’re a fan of romantic suspense, I think you’ll enjoy this series.
*Read the full review at: .
March 15, 2025
Luna Black is being hunted. She knows it, she feels it. She saw something very, very bad and now, someone will stop at nothing to keep her quiet.
Hitman Ronan Walker’s job isn’t quite what most people think. His newest target is Luna Black. He must kidnap her, hide her, protect her, then deliver her to the Feds to testify against a criminal ring.
Luna may believe no one will keep her safer or protect her from the monsters hiding in the shadows. But, regardless of how many times Luna insists he’s a good guy, Ronan will argue that detail until the day he dies. Death is all he knows. There is no good in him.
Will Luna be able to convince Ronan that she sees who he truly is and can be before it’s too late?
I received an ARC and freely offer this review.
Hitman Ronan Walker’s job isn’t quite what most people think. His newest target is Luna Black. He must kidnap her, hide her, protect her, then deliver her to the Feds to testify against a criminal ring.
Luna may believe no one will keep her safer or protect her from the monsters hiding in the shadows. But, regardless of how many times Luna insists he’s a good guy, Ronan will argue that detail until the day he dies. Death is all he knows. There is no good in him.
Will Luna be able to convince Ronan that she sees who he truly is and can be before it’s too late?
I received an ARC and freely offer this review.
March 26, 2025
Four and a half because it’s fun and the ending was amazing and everything I wanted !
This was fun with a capital F ! Honestly I really did not expect to be quite as entertained as I actually was. The couple are in if I'm blunt a fairly predictable situation as in forced proximity so yup expect saucy heat ! The suspense was original enough to keep me turning the pages and I enjoyed the surprises. I think for this reader the absolute best was how it all played out with a beginning that felt right for this couple and huge possibilities of what could happen next for other characters in this series. A solid romance that I enjoy and it was pure escapism.
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested and my comments and thoughts are with and I believe fair
This was fun with a capital F ! Honestly I really did not expect to be quite as entertained as I actually was. The couple are in if I'm blunt a fairly predictable situation as in forced proximity so yup expect saucy heat ! The suspense was original enough to keep me turning the pages and I enjoyed the surprises. I think for this reader the absolute best was how it all played out with a beginning that felt right for this couple and huge possibilities of what could happen next for other characters in this series. A solid romance that I enjoy and it was pure escapism.
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested and my comments and thoughts are with and I believe fair
March 24, 2025
When He Hunts is the second book in the Protector & Defender Series with the main hero being one who usually is the character, one has to be protected from in life. By Cynthia Eden who has a knack for showing how bad people may not be so bad after all. Ronan has a job to do, not really seeing Luna as a real person until he meets her. Then there is a change. Luna is not sure if Ronan is a good guy or a bad one. This reader is not sure at times either. Sometimes good people do bad things, and bad people are capable of doing good things. Heroes can come in all shapes, sizes and walks of life. So read for yourself to decide.
March 26, 2025
Why are Cynthia Eden's anti-hero's so delicious?
OMG. Ronan is a hot hitman who spur of the moment, decides to keep Luna Black. He fakes her death (there's a million dollar bounty on the drama teacher's head) and handcuffs her to his bed. Now what to do with her?
Luna Black knew she was being hunted. She was being hunted by multiple bounty hunters and hitmen. She just happened to want Ronan to be a hero. When she realized he was there to kill her, she kissed him before dying. Only she didn't.
Luna and Ronan steam up the pages as he tried to keep her and keep her alive.
Recommend.
OMG. Ronan is a hot hitman who spur of the moment, decides to keep Luna Black. He fakes her death (there's a million dollar bounty on the drama teacher's head) and handcuffs her to his bed. Now what to do with her?
Luna Black knew she was being hunted. She was being hunted by multiple bounty hunters and hitmen. She just happened to want Ronan to be a hero. When she realized he was there to kill her, she kissed him before dying. Only she didn't.
Luna and Ronan steam up the pages as he tried to keep her and keep her alive.
Recommend.
March 27, 2025
such a good bad guy�.
Such a fun story. Ronan, the hitman from when he protects, is such a complex and interesting character. He meets his match in Luna, the woman he’s been hired to kill. From New Orleans to the bayou to an island in Florida, they go on a wold and very dangerous adventure. Other hit men, crazy bad guys, crazy good guys and some very sexy times between our two main characters make for a terrific story. Kane, Tyler, Esme and Grayson all make an appearance and it’s the chemistry between all of them that makes the story so interesting. Can’t wait for the next one, hopefully Kane’s story and I do hope we get to see Grayson take the fall as well.
Such a fun story. Ronan, the hitman from when he protects, is such a complex and interesting character. He meets his match in Luna, the woman he’s been hired to kill. From New Orleans to the bayou to an island in Florida, they go on a wold and very dangerous adventure. Other hit men, crazy bad guys, crazy good guys and some very sexy times between our two main characters make for a terrific story. Kane, Tyler, Esme and Grayson all make an appearance and it’s the chemistry between all of them that makes the story so interesting. Can’t wait for the next one, hopefully Kane’s story and I do hope we get to see Grayson take the fall as well.
March 27, 2025
This was freakishly insta-lovey, which is common for Cynthia Eden books, but it felt really out of place in this one. Luna is on the run, she's terrified because people are trying to kill her, and then Ronan comes along, literally drugs and kidnaps her, handcuffs her to the bed in a strange location where it is just the two of them (no one will hear her scream? Seriously) and point blank tells her he's a killer and she feels comfortable enough to tell him that he is attractive? She feels comfortable being attracted to this man? It is just so so far from reality that I could not get behind it.
April 1, 2025
I enjoyed this book. I guess I will just have to ignore the profanity as that is how Cynthia Eden writes. No one that I know talks in the way these characters do, but I guess there has to be people out there who do. I don't mind some profanity, but the author's books are overrun with it.
My one major problem with the book is the cliffhanger. That is why the 4 stars. Otherwise it would have been 5 stars. If the author wants to add a cliffhanger, why not call it a teaser. Then the reader can decide to read it or not. Stuck in the epilogue, I start reading and then realize it is too late.
My one major problem with the book is the cliffhanger. That is why the 4 stars. Otherwise it would have been 5 stars. If the author wants to add a cliffhanger, why not call it a teaser. Then the reader can decide to read it or not. Stuck in the epilogue, I start reading and then realize it is too late.
May 1, 2025
so so so disappointed! i loveddd the first book, i had such high expectations for this one too and it really disappoint! i didnt feel any chemistry between the two and i just felt like the relationship was a bit forced�
it was tooooooo insta-love which threw me off from the beginning and then i couldnt take it anymore.
i tried to keep reading but then i started skimming and i dnfed at 67%
i felt like she would just talk to talk and he wasnt an Alpha he was lowkey annoying.
anyways im really disappointed, i really hope the third book is better
it was tooooooo insta-love which threw me off from the beginning and then i couldnt take it anymore.
i tried to keep reading but then i started skimming and i dnfed at 67%
i felt like she would just talk to talk and he wasnt an Alpha he was lowkey annoying.
anyways im really disappointed, i really hope the third book is better
March 24, 2025
Luna Black is in the wrong place at the wrong time and witnesses a murder. Now she is on the run trying to stay alive. Someone comes to her rescue but can she trust him or has she gone from the frying pan into the fire. The book starts out with suspense and also has a romance. It was definitely an entertaining book and I look forward to the next book in the series. Thank you to net galley for an advanced readers copy.
March 30, 2025
A quick, fast paced romantic-suspense. Ronan and Luna had great chemistry although Luna had a bit of TSTL at times. Ronan, however, was seriously hot swoon worthy. Quirky group of well developed characters that layered fantastic humor, suspense and surprises. Cynthia Eden has always been one of my auto-reads.
-Hitman dark brooding hero
-Forced proximity
-Touch her and you will die
Can’t wait to read the next up!
-Hitman dark brooding hero
-Forced proximity
-Touch her and you will die
Can’t wait to read the next up!
April 6, 2025
Damn!! I didn't c it going that way at all. It was pretty good but I'm a little confused about a few things. Roan did a job but it was a little different than he normally does. But Luna was going 2 set him straight on a few things and keep him on his toes. Can people change their ways after doing it 4 so long? Read and find out.
April 11, 2025
I am LOVING this new series by Cynthia Eden. Luna and Ronan were like fire and ice, yet their connection was powerful and undeniable. And just like all of Eden’s books, “When He Hunts� was the perfect combination of romance and suspense. I gladly give this book five stars, and I can’t wait for Kane’s story next.
March 26, 2025
love
Oh another amazing read! I truly love this author and everything she writes. This one was amazing. Love how it started, love how it ended and can’t wait for more from this author.
Oh another amazing read! I truly love this author and everything she writes. This one was amazing. Love how it started, love how it ended and can’t wait for more from this author.
April 9, 2025
This is another great read and well written. It’s full of suspense, mystery and romance. I love reading Cynthia Eden and she holds you to the end with the suspense. Luna Black is on the run with a hit on her because she witnessed a murder. Ronan walker has been set out to protect her. She doesn’t trust him but she sure is attracted to him. He is attracted to her too but knows he can’t because he’s a hitman. This was well worth the read.
March 27, 2025
This was such a great book!
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