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Shadow Agents #1
Alpha One
Undercover agent Logan Quinn’s priority was to get Juliana James back home.
But once the senator’s daughter was safely back in their Mississippi home town, Logan had a new mission: to get another chance with the woman he couldn’t lose again.
288 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 2, 2013
267 people are currently reading
1200 people want to read
About the author
Cynthia Eden
307 books6,790 followersAward-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 138 reviews
December 31, 2012
Review posted on Demon Lover's Books & More
I love betrayal plots where the hero and heroine have history and something breaks them up, and they meet up again later. I mean seriously, I am such a sucker for those tropes. This book made my inner self so happy!
So we begin this story with Juliana being held captive in Mexico by a very bad man. El Diablo has kidnapped Juliana to get information from her father, a US Senator. Juliana lost her blinders years ago and was never under any impressions that her dad was a good man, but this seemed pretty bad even by his standards.
But as soon as we see Juliana being dragged away to be “questioned,” we see a special ops team going in for her. This is an off-the-books type of team comprised of former Special Forces team members, and they are very good at what they do. Their team leader Alpha One is Logan Quinn, Juliana’s first love, and the man who broke her heart.
Once they save Juliana, she thinks the danger will be over as soon as she’s back on American soil, but boy is she wrong. The danger is just beginning.
Logan has so many secrets he’s kept from Juliana, and now that he’s back in her life, he has to lie to her some more. His team is going to use her as bait to bring down El Diablo, and while their priority is to take him down, his priority is to keep Julie alive.
What I loved about this book is that Logan betrays Juliana but he earns his way back into her trust. Not right away of course, but when he finally tells her what he’s been hiding all these years (and wow! I never would have guessed!), she sees that he really has loved her all these years.
A sexy and exciting romantic suspense, Alpha One had me glued to the pages.
***ARC courtesy of Harlequin and netgalley
I love betrayal plots where the hero and heroine have history and something breaks them up, and they meet up again later. I mean seriously, I am such a sucker for those tropes. This book made my inner self so happy!
So we begin this story with Juliana being held captive in Mexico by a very bad man. El Diablo has kidnapped Juliana to get information from her father, a US Senator. Juliana lost her blinders years ago and was never under any impressions that her dad was a good man, but this seemed pretty bad even by his standards.
But as soon as we see Juliana being dragged away to be “questioned,” we see a special ops team going in for her. This is an off-the-books type of team comprised of former Special Forces team members, and they are very good at what they do. Their team leader Alpha One is Logan Quinn, Juliana’s first love, and the man who broke her heart.
Once they save Juliana, she thinks the danger will be over as soon as she’s back on American soil, but boy is she wrong. The danger is just beginning.
Logan has so many secrets he’s kept from Juliana, and now that he’s back in her life, he has to lie to her some more. His team is going to use her as bait to bring down El Diablo, and while their priority is to take him down, his priority is to keep Julie alive.
What I loved about this book is that Logan betrays Juliana but he earns his way back into her trust. Not right away of course, but when he finally tells her what he’s been hiding all these years (and wow! I never would have guessed!), she sees that he really has loved her all these years.
A sexy and exciting romantic suspense, Alpha One had me glued to the pages.
***ARC courtesy of Harlequin and netgalley
September 17, 2013
3 Barely There Stars!! 3 for the story and 2.5 for the audiobook narration. Nothing special!
The audio version of this book had a tinny quality to it, and the plot and featured characters were somewhat of a disappointment. After reading Cynthia Eden's Deadly series, which I absolutely loved, I had high hopes that this would give me the same zing that those books did. More like a pffffffft! Okay, it wasn't that bad and maybe the less than inspiring narration and my love for the other series played into my overall dismal rating, but I know this author can do better and I'm holding out hope for the next book!
May 4, 2013
The Set Up
Juliana James, estranged daughter of U.S. Senator Aaron James, was abducted by Diego Guerrero, head of a powerful and deadly Mexican drug and gun running cartel. She’s at a location in Mexico and the covert Elite Operations Division (EOD) has been engaged to extract her. Logan Quinn, the team leader for the mission, has a history with Juliana and it was pure coincidence that he was selected for this operation.
The Issues
Logan was involved with Juliana ten years ago when she was 20 and he 22. She hasn’t seen him since he abandoned her and he’s got some pretty big secrets that might turn her away from him forever. And, he’s not being completely honest with her about her role in tracking Guerrero and bringing him down. The Senator has evidence against Guerrero that would destroy him and Juliana plays a part in that and continues to be in danger.
What Works
The action starts from the first sentence as the book opens with Juliana in captivity. It’s almost non-stop excitement as Guerrero is so powerful he has a long reach, wreaking havoc as the team tries to protect Juliana. The romance is still at the forefront even as they hardly have time to breathe before the next threat is on them. The other members of the team (Jasper, Gunner and Sydney) are really interesting characters and the teasers about their backstories hooked me. The climax was pretty tense, exciting and well done.
What Didn’t Work
Because there was so much action and so many secrets, it was difficult for the romance to bloom until near the end. Also, the team was really getting their butts handed to them a lot! It probably was realistic but it made the EOD look a little weak.
Bottom Line
I liked the story, the action, the characters and the concept of the Elite Operations Division. If this book is any indication, their assignments are going to be pretty rough and exciting. Tweak the romance a bit and this series will be at the top of my list for the genre.
Juliana James, estranged daughter of U.S. Senator Aaron James, was abducted by Diego Guerrero, head of a powerful and deadly Mexican drug and gun running cartel. She’s at a location in Mexico and the covert Elite Operations Division (EOD) has been engaged to extract her. Logan Quinn, the team leader for the mission, has a history with Juliana and it was pure coincidence that he was selected for this operation.
The Issues
Logan was involved with Juliana ten years ago when she was 20 and he 22. She hasn’t seen him since he abandoned her and he’s got some pretty big secrets that might turn her away from him forever. And, he’s not being completely honest with her about her role in tracking Guerrero and bringing him down. The Senator has evidence against Guerrero that would destroy him and Juliana plays a part in that and continues to be in danger.
What Works
The action starts from the first sentence as the book opens with Juliana in captivity. It’s almost non-stop excitement as Guerrero is so powerful he has a long reach, wreaking havoc as the team tries to protect Juliana. The romance is still at the forefront even as they hardly have time to breathe before the next threat is on them. The other members of the team (Jasper, Gunner and Sydney) are really interesting characters and the teasers about their backstories hooked me. The climax was pretty tense, exciting and well done.
What Didn’t Work
Because there was so much action and so many secrets, it was difficult for the romance to bloom until near the end. Also, the team was really getting their butts handed to them a lot! It probably was realistic but it made the EOD look a little weak.
Bottom Line
I liked the story, the action, the characters and the concept of the Elite Operations Division. If this book is any indication, their assignments are going to be pretty rough and exciting. Tweak the romance a bit and this series will be at the top of my list for the genre.
January 6, 2013
Excellent book. The action started on the first page and never let up. Julie had been taken hostage to try to force her father to turn over information about Mexican arms dealer Guerrero. Logan and his black ops team were sent tin to rescue her. Julie hadn't seen Logan in ten years, ever since he had left her and broken her heart. Now he swore to protect her from Guerrero. Julie wasn't sure that she wanted Logan back in her life but she did know that she could trust him to keep her safe. What she didn't know was that the team was also using her for bait to draw Guerrero out. She was furious when she found out but was also determined not to be a victim any longer. I really liked the strength of will that she developed during the book. The difference between the Julie of the start of the book and the one at the end was significant. Especially once she found out why he had left her and decided to fight for what she wanted. Logan had left Julie all those years ago because he never felt that he was good enough for her. There were things in his past that he was sure she would never forgive him for. He had also never forgotten her and when he was sent to rescue her he knew he wanted a second chance with her. Logan was caught between a rock and a hard place as he wanted to keep her safe while he found out who all was behind the attacks. He also was still afraid of what she would think of what he had become. I loved the ending and the way they were able to move on with their future. The suspense in this book was also very well done. Each step moved on logically to the next keeping me guessing as to who was really behind some of the events. There were a couple surprises that I didn't see coming. I also liked the supporting characters and how well they were all portrayed. I am really looking forward to the rest of the series.
July 2, 2013
Why did I wait so long to read this book? It was awesome, passionate, great suspense. I feel Cynthia Eden does RS better than PNR. The hero thinks he is a killer and that's all he is good for and ten years ago he walked away from the heroine, not because he didn't love her, but because he did. He joined the SEALs and is now part of an elite team. Heroine's senator dad's dirty dealings have led to the heroine being captured in Mexico and the hero is leading the rescue. He left her but never forgot her.
This is a sexy reunion. The heroine was devastated by his leaving without a word. He was her first in all senses and he just left. So, she is wary of him but he's her best bet for survival after her dad kills himself. The hero has to use her as bait and he feels terrible about it. The book, the characters everything was awesome. And Gunner and Sydney, it's gonna be interesting.
This is a sexy reunion. The heroine was devastated by his leaving without a word. He was her first in all senses and he just left. So, she is wary of him but he's her best bet for survival after her dad kills himself. The hero has to use her as bait and he feels terrible about it. The book, the characters everything was awesome. And Gunner and Sydney, it's gonna be interesting.
June 29, 2013
4 1/2 stars
January 19, 2018
This book was so good. The action either kept me on the edge of my seat, or holding my breath. The book started off with Juliana being kidnapped from the beach in Mexico. She was put in a dark room with what she thought was another victim. Let’s just say things are not as they appear. There were a lot of secrets, and deceit in this book which kept the twist and turns coming. Logan and his team came to save her. The last time she saw Logan was 10 years before. She loved him, and he had walked away without a backwards glance. She still has the hurt feelings but she is grateful that he was there to save her life once more. Juliana, and Logan can’t deny the sizzle, and flames is still there after 10 years. I love the romance between Juliana, and Logan. It’s hot, a lot of build up passion, and emotions flow between the two when they are not dodging bullets.
Sample from chapter 3
They were moving faster now. His truck waited just a few steps away. There was no sign of Gunner. “Because I want to be with you.” Her lips parted in surprise. “But _ What? An engine cranked. The limo. It would be pulling away soon, then they could – The explosion threw Logan right off his feet. The heat of the fire lanced his skin and lifted him up into the air. He clutched Juliana, Holding her as best he could. They flew through the air and slammed against the same magnolia tree he’d stood under moments before.
Sample from chapter 3
They were moving faster now. His truck waited just a few steps away. There was no sign of Gunner. “Because I want to be with you.” Her lips parted in surprise. “But _ What? An engine cranked. The limo. It would be pulling away soon, then they could – The explosion threw Logan right off his feet. The heat of the fire lanced his skin and lifted him up into the air. He clutched Juliana, Holding her as best he could. They flew through the air and slammed against the same magnolia tree he’d stood under moments before.
January 19, 2013
Just what the reading doctor ordered: a romantic suspense filled with in your face danger, a lover from the past, seal/agents, edge of your seat suspense. This basically sums up this story for me. As much as I love Cynthia Eden for her paranormal storytelling, I love her even more for her ability to keep you on the edge of your seat with very bad characters and hot heroes who goes all in to protect their lady. This story was just what I expect from the author- I thoroughly enjoyed it. I gave it 4 stars because the heroine was not my favorite-she did not distract from the story and I connected with her but I did have some "get over yourself" moments.
I am looking forward to the next book from Cynthia Eden in this Harlequin Intrigue line.
I am looking forward to the next book from Cynthia Eden in this Harlequin Intrigue line.
December 26, 2012
This is my first romantic suspense book by Cynthia Eden, as most of the books I have read of hers have been in the paranormal romance category. After reading this, I think her suspense books can be termed more thriller than suspense. She always gets my heart pounding with her stories and this one involves a crazy many who likes torture. Luckily there is a Happy Ever After...
Juliana is the daughter of a Senator who is not on the up and up and is working with a weapons dealer (Diego Guerrero). After the Senator lost his wife, he became lost and started dealing in weapons to make some extra cash on the side. Unfortunately he was skimming off the top and gathering evidence against the Guerrero. That didn't make Guerrero happy at all and being the ruthless person he was known as, he wasn't going to stand for it. So, what means the most to the Senator? Juliana. The Senator calls in the Elite Ops Division to rescue her. Little did he know Logan Quinn (someone he did not want in Juliana's life before) was part of the EOD that would be on the mission, but he was desperate to get his daughter back. The adventure begins at the beginning of the book and doesn't end until the last page.
Logan Quinn is a hero with a lot of confidence but also self doubt. It seems from the beginning of the story all he does is lie. Some of it is his choice, some comes from direct orders. Boy does he dig himself a deep hole where Juliana is concerned!
Juliana James doesn't have a good relationship with her father, Senator Aaron James. Not after her mother died and he stared dealing in weapons. She has no idea why she is kidnapped because she has no information on her father. She quickly learns why she is the target and does her best to help the EOD protect her and bring Guerrero down.
The plot in this story had the expected twists and turns that Cynthia writes but allows you to keep up and not feel lost. The romance part of this story fit very well. Logan and Juliana were together 10 years prior to this rescue mission so the reunion and time it took for them to be together emotionally again was appropriate and believable. There were a lot of lies between them and they had to get past those first. I enjoyed the supporting characters, specifically Jasper, and look forward to more stories about the EOD. If you are looking for a romantic suspense book, which is heavy on the suspense but would also like a happy ever after and is hard to put down, I highly recommend Alpha One!
Juliana is the daughter of a Senator who is not on the up and up and is working with a weapons dealer (Diego Guerrero). After the Senator lost his wife, he became lost and started dealing in weapons to make some extra cash on the side. Unfortunately he was skimming off the top and gathering evidence against the Guerrero. That didn't make Guerrero happy at all and being the ruthless person he was known as, he wasn't going to stand for it. So, what means the most to the Senator? Juliana. The Senator calls in the Elite Ops Division to rescue her. Little did he know Logan Quinn (someone he did not want in Juliana's life before) was part of the EOD that would be on the mission, but he was desperate to get his daughter back. The adventure begins at the beginning of the book and doesn't end until the last page.
Logan Quinn is a hero with a lot of confidence but also self doubt. It seems from the beginning of the story all he does is lie. Some of it is his choice, some comes from direct orders. Boy does he dig himself a deep hole where Juliana is concerned!
Juliana James doesn't have a good relationship with her father, Senator Aaron James. Not after her mother died and he stared dealing in weapons. She has no idea why she is kidnapped because she has no information on her father. She quickly learns why she is the target and does her best to help the EOD protect her and bring Guerrero down.
The plot in this story had the expected twists and turns that Cynthia writes but allows you to keep up and not feel lost. The romance part of this story fit very well. Logan and Juliana were together 10 years prior to this rescue mission so the reunion and time it took for them to be together emotionally again was appropriate and believable. There were a lot of lies between them and they had to get past those first. I enjoyed the supporting characters, specifically Jasper, and look forward to more stories about the EOD. If you are looking for a romantic suspense book, which is heavy on the suspense but would also like a happy ever after and is hard to put down, I highly recommend Alpha One!
January 3, 2013
Logan Quinn is a covert agent for an Elite Ops agency. Logan gets a message that Juliana James is missing and his new mission is to get her back and bring her home safely to their Mississippi hometown. Logan is determined to not only keep Julie safe and alive but also to get another chance with her because he is finding that he cannot lose her again.
Juliana James is a senator’s daughter that a ruthless weapons dealer wants dead. Julie never expected to see Logan again after he left her heart in pieces ten years ago. But now he is back in her life and is determine to protect her from the man that wants her dead.
Now as Logan and Julie are both blindsided by the passion that is still there between them they find that they will do anything for another chance at a future together. First they are going to have to defeat the weapons dealer so that they can stay alive and so they can enjoy that future.
This is a story that starts off fast and never slows its pace. It is action packed as Julie and Logan try and figure out just what is going on and exactly who knows what. If they are not careful and trust the wrong person it just might cost them their lives. The characters are well written and the reader will find they are very able to relate to them. For readers then enjoy action with their romance this is one to read as the action never stops and the passion between the characters sets the pages on fire.
Juliana James is a senator’s daughter that a ruthless weapons dealer wants dead. Julie never expected to see Logan again after he left her heart in pieces ten years ago. But now he is back in her life and is determine to protect her from the man that wants her dead.
Now as Logan and Julie are both blindsided by the passion that is still there between them they find that they will do anything for another chance at a future together. First they are going to have to defeat the weapons dealer so that they can stay alive and so they can enjoy that future.
This is a story that starts off fast and never slows its pace. It is action packed as Julie and Logan try and figure out just what is going on and exactly who knows what. If they are not careful and trust the wrong person it just might cost them their lives. The characters are well written and the reader will find they are very able to relate to them. For readers then enjoy action with their romance this is one to read as the action never stops and the passion between the characters sets the pages on fire.
November 28, 2012
It was an action packed, high suspense, keep you on the edge of you seat, unable to put it down kinda book... And I discovered that in just the first chapter!!
Alpha One has it all! The one that got away, second chance love, lies, secrets, suspense, and of course an Alpha male :) All the components needed for a great romance book! Not to mention a murderer on the lose, a take down anything and anyone in the way money hungry villain, and a secret that could destroy everything...
Yep I'd say Alpha One is definitely a great romance :)
Juliana James is abducted and being held hostage. She is left to think of all the things that gone wrong in her life. And during her hostage period she keeps thinking of the one who left her.
Logan Quinn left Juliana years ago thinking it was best for her. Trying to hide who he really was. Yes she ends up being abducted and in the hands of a man who no witness every survived.
Yes when Juliana needs to be rescued its Logan who saves her from hell. But in a world of lies and and secrets shes still not safe. Logan stays with her protecting her from all harm. Which isn't easy when you don't know who you can trust. Can love really survive anything?
For any other Cynthia Eden fan if you read her Deadly series you will LOVE Alpha One!
January 3, 2013
Love Cynthia Eden! Havent read much of her stuff i dont like, but honestly this is my favorite genre. Great series starter!!! Loved the action, romance, suspense and definitely the Alpha male! Looking forward to more from the EOD!!!!
February 6, 2017
This book was very exciting and fun to read. So many twists and turns. Betrayal and typical cliche I-don't-deserve-you-i-leave-you romance. However, overall, the book was really good. Very action packed for a romance book.
4.5 Stars
4.5 Stars
July 27, 2020
Juliana is the daughter of a Senator...a Senator who was running arms deals which is the reason that Juliana has been kidnapped and questioned by the notorious Diego Guerrero. Logan Quinn, secret operative for the military's Shadow Agent division and his team are sent in to retrieve Juliana and bring her home. And Logan is extra devoted because he's been in love with Juliana for 10 years...not that she'd know it because he left her after she'd given him her virginity. Which is why she's not thrilled that Logan is the agent who sticks close to her after the rescue to protect her. Diego isn't finished with her and she's still in danger. Logan will do anything to keep Juliana safe...even use her as bait to catch this guy. He'll even face her wrath and try to help her understand that he left for her own good....but the longer he stays with her the less noble he feels and the more he wants to have the life with her that circumstances denied him.
This is a pretty much non-stop action type of story with fast-paced action, kidnappings, gunfights and double crossings. Diego wants whatever evidence he believes Juliana to have and will literally stop at nothing to get it from her. But Diego isn't the only person who wants Juliana - the difference is that Diego wants her alive while someone else wants her dead. So with two people gunning for Juliana the Shadow Agent team have their work cut out for them...constantly on the move or doing whatever it is they've gotta do. And the suspense part of this is definitely the best part.
Unfortunately the romance gets pushed to the side by the suspense plot. So while there's some fantastic chemistry and obvious tension and history between Juliana and Logan, the time and energy they need in order to overcome their past obstacles just isn't there. They have some mini-conversations that get interrupted about what happened back in the past, but it doesn't feel like they really resolve it. All that near-death just makes them realize it's not important that that they want to be together now, so while they get their HEA and I didn't feel like anyone was still hurting or bitter about what happened, I also didn't feel like their second chance reunion was satisfactory...just not as satisfying as if they'd had the time to hash it all out and discuss the hurt they'd caused.
This is a pretty much non-stop action type of story with fast-paced action, kidnappings, gunfights and double crossings. Diego wants whatever evidence he believes Juliana to have and will literally stop at nothing to get it from her. But Diego isn't the only person who wants Juliana - the difference is that Diego wants her alive while someone else wants her dead. So with two people gunning for Juliana the Shadow Agent team have their work cut out for them...constantly on the move or doing whatever it is they've gotta do. And the suspense part of this is definitely the best part.
Unfortunately the romance gets pushed to the side by the suspense plot. So while there's some fantastic chemistry and obvious tension and history between Juliana and Logan, the time and energy they need in order to overcome their past obstacles just isn't there. They have some mini-conversations that get interrupted about what happened back in the past, but it doesn't feel like they really resolve it. All that near-death just makes them realize it's not important that that they want to be together now, so while they get their HEA and I didn't feel like anyone was still hurting or bitter about what happened, I also didn't feel like their second chance reunion was satisfactory...just not as satisfying as if they'd had the time to hash it all out and discuss the hurt they'd caused.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 28, 2019
Logan Quinn punya misi utk membebaskan putri seorang senator, Juliana James dari tangan gembong bandar senjata Meksiko yg keji, Diego Guerrero.
Juliana dan Logan sudah pernah berhubungan saat Juliana berusia 20 thn dan masih memendam rasa hingga saat ini. Karena mengira dirinya akan mati saat disandera, Juliana malah "bocor" ttg tambatan hatinya ini.
Baru saja Juliana dibebaskan, ayahnya mati bunuh diri. Maka Juliana harus "diamankan" yg malahan Juliana "diumpankan" spy para anak buah Diego mendatangi Juliana. Ayah Juliana mati membawa rahasia yg diinginkan oleh Diego, maka Diego terus mengejar Juliana, tidak peduli dgn membunuh orang-orang baik dan tidak bersalah.
Ketegangan dan action mewarnai novel ini nyaris dari awal hingga akhir. Plot cerita memang super cepat, tetapi saking "shinkansen"nya malah jadi berasa "numpang lewat" semua. Endingnya juga saya merasa dibuat "maksa" utk kelar deh nih cerita.
Juliana dan Logan sudah pernah berhubungan saat Juliana berusia 20 thn dan masih memendam rasa hingga saat ini. Karena mengira dirinya akan mati saat disandera, Juliana malah "bocor" ttg tambatan hatinya ini.
Baru saja Juliana dibebaskan, ayahnya mati bunuh diri. Maka Juliana harus "diamankan" yg malahan Juliana "diumpankan" spy para anak buah Diego mendatangi Juliana. Ayah Juliana mati membawa rahasia yg diinginkan oleh Diego, maka Diego terus mengejar Juliana, tidak peduli dgn membunuh orang-orang baik dan tidak bersalah.
Ketegangan dan action mewarnai novel ini nyaris dari awal hingga akhir. Plot cerita memang super cepat, tetapi saking "shinkansen"nya malah jadi berasa "numpang lewat" semua. Endingnya juga saya merasa dibuat "maksa" utk kelar deh nih cerita.
April 6, 2017
Juliana is a senator's daughter. Her dear old dad isn't a good person and has done things. Things of a criminal nature. Logan went into the military. His dad was a drunk driver who killed someone (and himself).
This had good suspense, with some TSTL moments, but nothing bad. I liked finding out what Julie and Logan's history was. Logan does get overbearing at times, but Julie holds her own.
This had good suspense, with some TSTL moments, but nothing bad. I liked finding out what Julie and Logan's history was. Logan does get overbearing at times, but Julie holds her own.
July 15, 2017
Sorry but no , maybe because this was written a long time ago and I can tell from her more recent books say Killer Instincts series that she improved so much , this was just okay.
August 6, 2022
3.5 stars
July 27, 2020
I’m on a Cynthia Eden roll.
March 2, 2013
Reviewed at http://scorchingbookreviews.blogspot....
Really 4.5 Stars
I love Cynthia Eden but I have only read her PNR. When this one went up on NetGalley, I wanted to see if I liked her writing in genres as much. In short, I really did enjoy this book so yes, I would try her suspense again!
Logan is a typical Romance Suspense man. He is a member of a black-ops military team and he has skeletons in his closet. It is one of these skeletons that forced him to leave Juliana all those years ago (although she is the only woman he ever loved) but once he receives word that she has been kidnapped by dangerous enemies of her very corrupt Father, he cannot jump to her aid quick enough. Put these two in a room and sparks do start to fly but can he ever believe that he will be good enough for her? And when all his secrets come out, will it all hit the fan anyway?
I liked Logan. I liked that he was upfront about his desire for her but it frustrated the hell out of me that he couldn’t just voice his concerns about the future of their relationship. Yes, I am aware that these things are not so simple in Romance land, but it doesn’t make it grate on me any less. What I did understand is the reason that he ran away. Wow, what a secret! It made me gasp (as did quite a few other plot twists) and it also made me love him just a little bit more!
Juliana is a strong heroine and I always enjoy that! She had a lot of stuff to deal with but she did it with minimum amount of hysterics. She tried to stay out of the way of Logan, tried to keep him from breaking her heart again but it didn’t quite happen. What I really liked was that she didn’t shy away from anything thrown her way. Logan kisses her? She deals with it head on. Someone shoots at her? She picks up the gun and does what she has to. She feels someone is in danger and she can help? She tries to do that. No, not everything goes the way she plans, she doesn’t get everything right but she doesn’t just sit on her laurels and let the man protect her; she attempts to rectify the situation herself. I wasn’t sure what would happen when the secrets all came out but it was obvious that she would face them in the way she had faced everything else.
This book has a suspense plot and it has more twists and turns than a rollercoaster. You never really knew who you could trust as everyone seemed to have something to lie about. Even Logan spent a great proportion of the current and back stories lying through his teeth. It was disconcerting to not be able to trust anyone at all as a reader. Not everything was a shock, some things I saw coming a mile off, but boy I enjoyed trying to figure out who the mole was that was helping the mysterious El Diablo. I did enjoy the few red herrings thrown in along the way; not enough to make me annoyed but enough to keep me on the edge of my seat.
Overall this was a sexy, fast-paced thriller that I enjoyed from start to finish. I will be picking up more suspense from Cynthia Eden and I do hope they are all as gripping as this one!
Really 4.5 Stars
I love Cynthia Eden but I have only read her PNR. When this one went up on NetGalley, I wanted to see if I liked her writing in genres as much. In short, I really did enjoy this book so yes, I would try her suspense again!
Logan is a typical Romance Suspense man. He is a member of a black-ops military team and he has skeletons in his closet. It is one of these skeletons that forced him to leave Juliana all those years ago (although she is the only woman he ever loved) but once he receives word that she has been kidnapped by dangerous enemies of her very corrupt Father, he cannot jump to her aid quick enough. Put these two in a room and sparks do start to fly but can he ever believe that he will be good enough for her? And when all his secrets come out, will it all hit the fan anyway?
I liked Logan. I liked that he was upfront about his desire for her but it frustrated the hell out of me that he couldn’t just voice his concerns about the future of their relationship. Yes, I am aware that these things are not so simple in Romance land, but it doesn’t make it grate on me any less. What I did understand is the reason that he ran away. Wow, what a secret! It made me gasp (as did quite a few other plot twists) and it also made me love him just a little bit more!
Juliana is a strong heroine and I always enjoy that! She had a lot of stuff to deal with but she did it with minimum amount of hysterics. She tried to stay out of the way of Logan, tried to keep him from breaking her heart again but it didn’t quite happen. What I really liked was that she didn’t shy away from anything thrown her way. Logan kisses her? She deals with it head on. Someone shoots at her? She picks up the gun and does what she has to. She feels someone is in danger and she can help? She tries to do that. No, not everything goes the way she plans, she doesn’t get everything right but she doesn’t just sit on her laurels and let the man protect her; she attempts to rectify the situation herself. I wasn’t sure what would happen when the secrets all came out but it was obvious that she would face them in the way she had faced everything else.
This book has a suspense plot and it has more twists and turns than a rollercoaster. You never really knew who you could trust as everyone seemed to have something to lie about. Even Logan spent a great proportion of the current and back stories lying through his teeth. It was disconcerting to not be able to trust anyone at all as a reader. Not everything was a shock, some things I saw coming a mile off, but boy I enjoyed trying to figure out who the mole was that was helping the mysterious El Diablo. I did enjoy the few red herrings thrown in along the way; not enough to make me annoyed but enough to keep me on the edge of my seat.
Overall this was a sexy, fast-paced thriller that I enjoyed from start to finish. I will be picking up more suspense from Cynthia Eden and I do hope they are all as gripping as this one!
January 2, 2013
Cynthia Eden continues her winning streak in my book with Alpha One, a new series built within the popular Harlequin Intrigue line. These are a bit shorter then her other books but no less as filling.
Juliana has been kidnapped as collateral to get her shifty senator father to cooperate with one of the most feared weapons dealers on the planet and hand over evidence he had planned to use in his favor. Julie’s father calls the only person he knows will stop at nothing to bring her safely back, Logan, the man who broke her heart. Logan now runs an elite group of covert ops agents who are trained in extraction and specialize in killing. Logan always knew he wasn’t good enough for Julie and his dark secrets about his past make him unable to be completely truthful with her. His guilty conscience eats at him and he was constantly beating himself up for things he never had control of to begin with. Why do alpha males always have to take responsibility for everything? I liked Julie simply because she seemed…real. Her reactions felt honest and her emotions heartfelt.
Alpha One’s villain, weapons dealer, Diego was a complex man. I enjoyed how Eden gave him two personalities and made him seem human, while still being horrible. I could almost believe how his upbringing had shaped his personality against his will and made him into the killer he was. At times he seemed like he wanted to be a better man and yet couldn’t bring himself to change. As if the idea of change scared him. He fell into a grey area where I felt bad for him and I wished he was capable of becoming better and not falling back on his upbringing and using it as an excuse.
The chemistry between Logan and Julie is remarkably hot and coupled with the constant action it really sets itself apart from some of the other romantic suspense I’ve read lately. As they fought their attraction to each other, for different reasons, I wanted to root for them to find happiness. Julie makes a nice transition from being defenseless to finding courage when it’s most needed and not ending up the damsel in distress. I also love when a hero’s control finally snaps, usually in relation to distress on the heroine. When the rigidly controlled male sees red and goes charging…Cynthia Eden excels at these scenes that are wrought with high stakes tension and Alpha One is no exception! Logan at times can appear icily calm, but the depth of his emotion was shockingly deep. I adored him.
Those readers who have read her other books will find this one a bit toned down per Harlequin’s guidelines but honestly it didn’t phase me at all. Not only did I become invested in these main characters but Eden also weaves the threads for future books in as well making a reader want to know more from the secondary characters. I can’t decide which story I want more Gunner/Sydney or Jasper…sigh….I want them ALL lol. Alpha One is sure to please Harlequin and all romantic suspense lovers!
I give Alpha One by Cynthia Eden 4.25 stars!
Juliana has been kidnapped as collateral to get her shifty senator father to cooperate with one of the most feared weapons dealers on the planet and hand over evidence he had planned to use in his favor. Julie’s father calls the only person he knows will stop at nothing to bring her safely back, Logan, the man who broke her heart. Logan now runs an elite group of covert ops agents who are trained in extraction and specialize in killing. Logan always knew he wasn’t good enough for Julie and his dark secrets about his past make him unable to be completely truthful with her. His guilty conscience eats at him and he was constantly beating himself up for things he never had control of to begin with. Why do alpha males always have to take responsibility for everything? I liked Julie simply because she seemed…real. Her reactions felt honest and her emotions heartfelt.
Alpha One’s villain, weapons dealer, Diego was a complex man. I enjoyed how Eden gave him two personalities and made him seem human, while still being horrible. I could almost believe how his upbringing had shaped his personality against his will and made him into the killer he was. At times he seemed like he wanted to be a better man and yet couldn’t bring himself to change. As if the idea of change scared him. He fell into a grey area where I felt bad for him and I wished he was capable of becoming better and not falling back on his upbringing and using it as an excuse.
The chemistry between Logan and Julie is remarkably hot and coupled with the constant action it really sets itself apart from some of the other romantic suspense I’ve read lately. As they fought their attraction to each other, for different reasons, I wanted to root for them to find happiness. Julie makes a nice transition from being defenseless to finding courage when it’s most needed and not ending up the damsel in distress. I also love when a hero’s control finally snaps, usually in relation to distress on the heroine. When the rigidly controlled male sees red and goes charging…Cynthia Eden excels at these scenes that are wrought with high stakes tension and Alpha One is no exception! Logan at times can appear icily calm, but the depth of his emotion was shockingly deep. I adored him.
Those readers who have read her other books will find this one a bit toned down per Harlequin’s guidelines but honestly it didn’t phase me at all. Not only did I become invested in these main characters but Eden also weaves the threads for future books in as well making a reader want to know more from the secondary characters. I can’t decide which story I want more Gunner/Sydney or Jasper…sigh….I want them ALL lol. Alpha One is sure to please Harlequin and all romantic suspense lovers!
I give Alpha One by Cynthia Eden 4.25 stars!
January 28, 2013
Alpha One by Cynthia EdenMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Summary:
"Julie's missing. You have to get her back."The minute he got the message, undercover agent Logan Quinn sprang into action. Getting Juliana James out of Mexico alive was the Elite Ops covert agent's only priority. But once the senator's daughter was safely back in their Mississippi hometown, Logan had a new mission: to get another chance with the woman he couldn't lose again.
Juliana had never forgotten the day, ten years ago, when Logan left her heart in pieces. Now he was back in her life, sworn to protect her from the ruthless weapons dealer who wanted her dead. As passion blindsided her—and she was once again thrust into danger—Julie realized how much she'd risk for one more day in Logan's arms.
Review:
This book starts out with action and barely allows you a moment to catch your breath through the whole book. I am kind of amazed that she was able to capture the emotion and impart a bit of the history between these two people between all the things happening.
There was so much happening that the climatic “battle” was almost a blip on the story . Trying to fit a romance in between all this action would seem to be a near impossible task but Cynthia Eden pulled it off very nicely and you don’t feel like anything was horribly rushed but I think it had to be with so many things going on.
We can get one thing straight here and that is that Logan is in love with Juliana, always has been, always will be. The fact that he has to keep saving her life just seems normal once you get into this book. The few subplots are interesting but not very flashed out but then again I think she can throw these type of stories out in her sleep.
Alpha male, tough but sensitive female who seems just beyond his reach, add a really evil bad guy and you have the making for a perfect White Knight story. Well Logan has a few wrinkles in his armor but as with most of these types of books, he is good at heart .
I can’t say too much about the story without getting into spoilers but this was a good quick read for me and I enjoyed it between the dark and equally violent PNR/UF books I read.
If you like your hero just short of Superman and the heroine with the right mix of tough, cute and sensitive, then this is your book, 4+ Stars (rounded to 5) maybe more depending on your mood and reading preferences.
View all my reviews
February 3, 2013
Courtesy of Harlequin through Netgalley in exchange of an honest review.
Alpha One, is the first novel in the suspenseful Shadow Agents series. When Juliana James gets kidnapped, her father hires Logan Quinn and the Shadow Agents to rescue his daughter. Getting Juliana out of Mexico alive didn't prove to be easy, especially not when the leader of the group has very strong emotional ties to the woman.
Juliana had not forgotten Logan. How could she forget the man she loved and who broke her heart ten years ago. Now with Logan back in her life and her life on the line, it's proving to be very tempting not to give into the desires with her future unknown.
That book was wonderful, it had everything. Suspense, drama, action, a bit of mystery, a hot alpha male and of course a second chance romance. I love second chance romance, especially when there is already a sizzling attraction between the two characters.
So the story is a mess. Juliana's father, a senator, did a big no-no by dealing with a very dangerous man. Now that man thinks that Juliana has the evidence her late father held against the man, so he goes out of his way to try and kill her. Tracking her was easier once he found out that Logan Quinn is the lost love that she revealed while being held captive. Logan does everything in his power to protect Juliana, even if it means lying through his teeth to her. And I must say, there has been A LOT of lying on his part. The mystery of why Logan left ten years ago, was like a ghost in the room between them and made me flip through the pages eagerly awaiting the big reveal.
I loved Logan as much as I enjoyed this book, he was so passionate and the guilt he carries with him make him a lovable character as he tries to stray away from the shadows of his past and the man he thinks he is. Eden has managed to capture the intensity not only of the situation, but of the feelings between Logan and Juliana that keeps pulling them together.
Alpha One, is the first novel in the suspenseful Shadow Agents series. When Juliana James gets kidnapped, her father hires Logan Quinn and the Shadow Agents to rescue his daughter. Getting Juliana out of Mexico alive didn't prove to be easy, especially not when the leader of the group has very strong emotional ties to the woman.
Juliana had not forgotten Logan. How could she forget the man she loved and who broke her heart ten years ago. Now with Logan back in her life and her life on the line, it's proving to be very tempting not to give into the desires with her future unknown.
That book was wonderful, it had everything. Suspense, drama, action, a bit of mystery, a hot alpha male and of course a second chance romance. I love second chance romance, especially when there is already a sizzling attraction between the two characters.
So the story is a mess. Juliana's father, a senator, did a big no-no by dealing with a very dangerous man. Now that man thinks that Juliana has the evidence her late father held against the man, so he goes out of his way to try and kill her. Tracking her was easier once he found out that Logan Quinn is the lost love that she revealed while being held captive. Logan does everything in his power to protect Juliana, even if it means lying through his teeth to her. And I must say, there has been A LOT of lying on his part. The mystery of why Logan left ten years ago, was like a ghost in the room between them and made me flip through the pages eagerly awaiting the big reveal.
I loved Logan as much as I enjoyed this book, he was so passionate and the guilt he carries with him make him a lovable character as he tries to stray away from the shadows of his past and the man he thinks he is. Eden has managed to capture the intensity not only of the situation, but of the feelings between Logan and Juliana that keeps pulling them together.
December 28, 2012
Juliana is in hell. Her father, the senator, has double crossed criminal mastermind Guerrero, who has kidnapped Juliana in order to get the evidence her father is holding. Her only companion in this hell is John, another captive who she shares the details of her life with in the darkness. When rescue arrives in the form of her ex-lover, Logan, Juliana is shocked. She hasn’t seen him since she was twenty. She loved him and believed him when he said they would run away and have a beautiful life together. Until he left her standing in a bus station with no explanation.
Now Logan is all that is standing between her and Guerrero. Her father couldn’t live with what he’d done and committed suicide after saying he left the evidence on Guerrero with Juliana. And her friend “John” is really Guerrero himself, making her the only person that has seen and can identify him. With law enforcement personnel and members of her father’s staff being on Guerrero’s payroll, Juliana has no choice but to trust the man that broke her heart all those years ago.
I struggled a bit with this one. It’s a solid story but there was nothing special to make this stand out from any other Harlequin Intrigue I’ve read. It’s missing that magic touch I’ve come to expect from Cynthia Eden’s books. The bad guys and two secondary characters were fleshed out and so interesting to read. Their pasts were detailed, the emotions rich, and I was fully invested in their scenes. Unfortunately, Logan and Juliana felt flat to me. The book turned around in the last 20% and I adored the ending but it was a long and sometimes boring journey to get there.
I’ll be looking for the next book in this series because I think the two secondary characters I enjoyed are up next but ALPHA ONE will not be making it to my keeper shelf.
Now Logan is all that is standing between her and Guerrero. Her father couldn’t live with what he’d done and committed suicide after saying he left the evidence on Guerrero with Juliana. And her friend “John” is really Guerrero himself, making her the only person that has seen and can identify him. With law enforcement personnel and members of her father’s staff being on Guerrero’s payroll, Juliana has no choice but to trust the man that broke her heart all those years ago.
I struggled a bit with this one. It’s a solid story but there was nothing special to make this stand out from any other Harlequin Intrigue I’ve read. It’s missing that magic touch I’ve come to expect from Cynthia Eden’s books. The bad guys and two secondary characters were fleshed out and so interesting to read. Their pasts were detailed, the emotions rich, and I was fully invested in their scenes. Unfortunately, Logan and Juliana felt flat to me. The book turned around in the last 20% and I adored the ending but it was a long and sometimes boring journey to get there.
I’ll be looking for the next book in this series because I think the two secondary characters I enjoyed are up next but ALPHA ONE will not be making it to my keeper shelf.
June 14, 2018
I expected better.
There were plots in this book that I find super irritating and overused in the romance genre:
H and h have a history.
H previously left h because he didn’t think he was good enough for her, so it was in her best interest that he break her heart and leave with no explanation.
h is heartbroken.
h has very few sexual relationships after H because she was still in love with him, and the sex wasn’t as good.
H fucks everything that reminds him of h because he can’t get her out of his head.
Fast forward, H and h are forcibly in each others presence for an extended period of time which leads to lustful fucking - but no promises of a future.
H is pushy, dominating, hot/cold.
h is a pathetic love sick puppy who can’t wrap her head around the do or die situation they are in - missing LOTS of opportunities to figure out what the hell is actually happening and doing something to help herself.
There were things I did like about the book, I particularly liked the villain in this one, and the overall plot/suspense. It was the romance/main characters that completely killed it for me though.
There were plots in this book that I find super irritating and overused in the romance genre:
H and h have a history.
H previously left h because he didn’t think he was good enough for her, so it was in her best interest that he break her heart and leave with no explanation.
h is heartbroken.
h has very few sexual relationships after H because she was still in love with him, and the sex wasn’t as good.
H fucks everything that reminds him of h because he can’t get her out of his head.
Fast forward, H and h are forcibly in each others presence for an extended period of time which leads to lustful fucking - but no promises of a future.
H is pushy, dominating, hot/cold.
h is a pathetic love sick puppy who can’t wrap her head around the do or die situation they are in - missing LOTS of opportunities to figure out what the hell is actually happening and doing something to help herself.
There were things I did like about the book, I particularly liked the villain in this one, and the overall plot/suspense. It was the romance/main characters that completely killed it for me though.
October 6, 2015
I absolutely fell in love with the first chapter in this book. The very first line in the book says it all. “You don’t deserve to die here.” What a hook and the more I read, the harder it became to put the book down and get back to reality. Immediately, the heroine is placed in a high-octane situation as she’s been kidnapped and her captors are on the brink of torturing her. The book starts with a bang and it never lets up.
And to rescue our heroine, Eden has brought in the sexiest of all heroes: Logan Quinn. As “Alpha One” in the Elite Operations Division, he’s skilled and desperate to get Juliana back from a dangerous arms dealer. I thoroughly melted each and every time these characters came into contact. Their banter and uncontrolled emotions made for a satisfying and believable romance, and to add to it? Logan will do anything, including taking a few bullets, to protect his heroine. The perfect alpha male.
5 stars.
And to rescue our heroine, Eden has brought in the sexiest of all heroes: Logan Quinn. As “Alpha One” in the Elite Operations Division, he’s skilled and desperate to get Juliana back from a dangerous arms dealer. I thoroughly melted each and every time these characters came into contact. Their banter and uncontrolled emotions made for a satisfying and believable romance, and to add to it? Logan will do anything, including taking a few bullets, to protect his heroine. The perfect alpha male.
5 stars.
November 13, 2017
GoodReads: ""Julie's missing. You have to get her back."
The minute he got the message, undercover agent Logan Quinn sprang into action. Getting Juliana James out of Mexico alive was the Elite Ops covert agent's only priority. But once the senator's daughter was safely back in their Mississippi hometown, Logan had a new mission: to get another chance with the woman he couldn't lose again.
Juliana had never forgotten the day, ten years ago, when Logan left her heart in pieces. Now he was back in her life, sworn to protect her from the ruthless weapons dealer who wanted her dead. As passion blindsided her --and she was once again thrust into danger -- Julie realized how much she'd risk for one more day in Logan's arms."
This book was great! Good suspense parts, good romance, and such an exciting development of the characters. Watching them get over the hurt of the past to move on with the future....definitely would recommend!
The minute he got the message, undercover agent Logan Quinn sprang into action. Getting Juliana James out of Mexico alive was the Elite Ops covert agent's only priority. But once the senator's daughter was safely back in their Mississippi hometown, Logan had a new mission: to get another chance with the woman he couldn't lose again.
Juliana had never forgotten the day, ten years ago, when Logan left her heart in pieces. Now he was back in her life, sworn to protect her from the ruthless weapons dealer who wanted her dead. As passion blindsided her --and she was once again thrust into danger -- Julie realized how much she'd risk for one more day in Logan's arms."
This book was great! Good suspense parts, good romance, and such an exciting development of the characters. Watching them get over the hurt of the past to move on with the future....definitely would recommend!
August 19, 2017
Pulse pounding excitement
Juliana is kidnapped while vacationing in Mexico. The man holding her thinks her father gave her information about their dealings. A team rescues her and one of them is her ex boyfriend, who'd left her without a goodbye.
Logan was a SEAL and now works for a secret group EOD. They go where others can't. He has always loved her but thought she was better off without him.
The team will protect Juliana until the danger passes. There are others out there after Juliana and it's hard to tell who's a friend or the enemy. When the past could come between them, will they be able to work past it or will the enemy destroy them?
Excellent story. Lies. Secrets. Sex. And second chances at love. Can't wait to read about Sydney and Gunner, two secondary characters.
Juliana is kidnapped while vacationing in Mexico. The man holding her thinks her father gave her information about their dealings. A team rescues her and one of them is her ex boyfriend, who'd left her without a goodbye.
Logan was a SEAL and now works for a secret group EOD. They go where others can't. He has always loved her but thought she was better off without him.
The team will protect Juliana until the danger passes. There are others out there after Juliana and it's hard to tell who's a friend or the enemy. When the past could come between them, will they be able to work past it or will the enemy destroy them?
Excellent story. Lies. Secrets. Sex. And second chances at love. Can't wait to read about Sydney and Gunner, two secondary characters.
May 10, 2013
Alpha One was a great action packed suspense romance novel. Lots of action, mystery, romance, and twists and turns.
This was fast paced and non-stop. This was hard to put down and very enjoyable. Cynthia Eden really knows how to write suspense romance.
I really enjoyed the characters Logan and Juliana. They had a past together, which ended abruptly, but now they are thrown back together as Logan and his FBI secret unit (Elite Operations Division) has been asked to save Juliana from a powerful enemy. Even after so much time away from each other, both Logan and Juliana’s feelings for each other hasn’t changed, but lies and betrayals threaten their future together and their lives.
This was such an enjoyable read and I can’t wait to read the next one.
This was fast paced and non-stop. This was hard to put down and very enjoyable. Cynthia Eden really knows how to write suspense romance.
I really enjoyed the characters Logan and Juliana. They had a past together, which ended abruptly, but now they are thrown back together as Logan and his FBI secret unit (Elite Operations Division) has been asked to save Juliana from a powerful enemy. Even after so much time away from each other, both Logan and Juliana’s feelings for each other hasn’t changed, but lies and betrayals threaten their future together and their lives.
This was such an enjoyable read and I can’t wait to read the next one.
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