Brutal Ice

Ice Breaker Cold Case #11

by Cynthia Eden

He was never meant to be anyone’s savior…and then he found her.

Royal Boudreaux isn’t interested in being a hero. Quite the opposite. Darkness clings to him, and he lets that darkness out by hunting and catching the most dangerous killers who roam the streets. Everyone needs a hobby, right? During his latest hunt, Royal expects to take down his prey. He doesn’t expect to find a beautiful woman trapped in the trunk of a car.

Save the woman. Then walk away…

He intends to drop the gorgeous victim at the nearest police station and then get the hell away from her. Only walking away isn’t an option for Royal. Not this time. Because there is something about dancer Violet Murphy that calls to him. A driving, primitive pull. Royal finds that he can’t stay away from her. Scratch that--he doesn’t want to be away from Violet. What he does want? Her.

Determined, fierce, and unwilling to give in to the fear that he sees in her eyes, Violet slides right past Royal’s guard. Fragile on the outside, but with a core of steel in her soul, Violet is a fighter. But she can’t fight this battle alone.

She needs protection. Lucky for her, Royal has experience at playing bodyguard.

When Royal saved Violet, the killer escaped. Somewhere in the hot Savannah night, the killer still lurks. Royal intends to protect Violet and take out his prey. But Violet has uncovered the dark truth about Royal, and instead of being repelled, she’s determined to be at his side in order to get the justice she seeks. Being a victim again? Not on her agenda, thanks.

An unlikely alliance. A desire that can’t be contained.

Danger. Lust. Need. Desire burns brutally hot on a Savannah night. But the killer isn’t the only one closing in…because a very unexpected ghost from Royal’s own past is heading to town. Everything Royal knew about himself is about to be completely upended. Hero, monster…which one is he? With chaos reigning, there is only one certainty for Royal…protect Violet.

Save the woman. Then never, ever walk away.

Because you don’t walk away from the woman who holds your battered heart in the palm of her hand.

Author’s Royal’s hobby is dangerous, diabolical, and definitely not ordinary. But then again, he’s all of those things, too. When he discovers Violet, his entire world shifts focus. She matches him, she scares him, and…she just damn well might complete him. But in order to have a life with Violet, Royal has to first hunt down and stop the man who abducted her—and killed three other women. Lucky for Royal, he’s not hunting alone. The Ice Breakers are back. Passion, twists, and hot romance are coming your way.

Genres: Romantic Suspense, Romance, Contemporary, Mystery, Suspense

294 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 24, 2024

About the author

Award-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.

Reviews

[AvidReader · Rating 5 out of 5]

You can see I finished this in a day, so definitely this was a hit for me. In fact Cynthia Eden always delivers!

Royal a club owner and secret vigilante meets Dancer Violet quite unexpectedly and in dangerous situations. And she becomes a thorn in his mind.
Royal and Violet was opposite in every way but they both had one things in abundance- courage.
I adored how they took care of each other. Especially Violet. She was adorably protective of him. And for a man who is all alone in the world, that’s the only thing that matters.
Loved the way they supported each other. And that love confession WAS EVERYTHING!

Royal quickly became one of my favourite hero. I laughed at his antics and my heart ached for his secret pain. So you can imagine how thrilled I was at the final revelation and Declan’s entry.

Epilogue was cute and can’t wait to read the next book.
P.s Favourite series.

—Romantic suspense.
—Serial killer on loose.
—Vigilante x Dancer.
—He is obsessed with capital O.
—Found Family, fake dating.
—Could be read as standalone and safe.

I received an advance review copy and I’m leaving this review voluntarily.

[Carvanz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oooh! I love a dark hero and Royal was absolutely shiver inducing!





It’s been quite a while since I’ve been moved by such a character but everything about him drew me in. I mean, even his name, Royal Boudreaux, gave me a tingle. When you add in his obsession and fierce protectiveness of Violet, holy heck, the summer heat just ratcheted up to a whole new level.





Royal and Violet’s story is dark, dangerous, layered with an intrigue that ensnared me and filled with a passion so hot it seared the pages. At each turn of the page there was a new development, a situation I never saw coming, or an unexpected twist. I was completely consumed and unable to set this book aside. Five stars all the way!!

Multi POV
Safe no ow/om drama; h a virgin; H not a manwhore
Triggers no apparent triggers
Steam 5 /5; explicit; condoms used

[Snow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awwww...Royal Boudreaux, man did you surprise me...and Violet
4,5 stars for this gem :)

[Read All About It · Rating 5 out of 5]

Royal Boudreaux has lived his life on the dark side. He hunts the hunters. One night he’s out there when he comes upon a victim that turns him into a hero.

There was truly no rest for the freaking wicked.

Violet Murphy is a dancer. Sweet and innocent. Once he sees her he has to protect her at all costs.

“And I think you’re the bad guy and the good guy all wrapped up in one package.”

This series is beyond amazing. Alpha males that are walking dream. Strong female’s who will stand behind her man through thick and thin. Suspenseful goodness.

[Marta Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

Four and a half
This is part of a series and yet I do feel this book works easily as a stand alone . Royal is a self made man who has pulled himself out of a terrible beginning but has never forgotten the darkness that lies beneath and he’s determined to put away those the police don’t always catch . Hunting a killer Royal thinks he’s found his hideaway but what he actually finds is the next victim and she’s alive !
Violet remembers little of her abduction but certainly Royal her mysterious rescuer is someone she won’t forget in a hurry. Royal isn’t one to just walk away and watches Violet and when it’s clear the killer hasn’t finished with her Royal steps in but is that what Violet wants?
I enjoyed this very much and found Royal to be a very strong lead and yet I did find his belief that he was too dark and damaged to be loved a little irritating . He has a “brother “ who believes in him and indeed loves him but doesn’t love himself . Violet has pushed herself hard with a work ethic that requires absolute commitment and yet her attraction to Royal pushes all her buttons .
As usual the author adds red herrings to keep the reader guessing whilst surely but surely giving us mystery and suspense which is always fun . Romance yes that’s a given but it’s also quite amusing as Royal falls hard and fast and I definitely finished this book with a smile on my face.
This voluntary take is of an advanced copy and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair

[Nancy Ku · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brutal Ice (Ice Breaker Cold Case Romance Book 11) by Cynthia Eden
Royal and Violet story - lots of baggage, angst, discovery, evil, danger, murder, some laughs and tears, the family you make, good friends and becoming an Ice Breaker, plenty of heat all get us to a HEA.
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Informative Wonderful characters Entertaining Unpredictable Action-packed Steamy Scary Tear-jerker Romantic Easy-to-read Witty Page-turner Haunting Twisted Tragic Great world building Happily Ever After.

[Christine Jalili · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic book by one of my all time favorite authors. I was hooked from page one. Loved how Violet looks at Royal as her hero and she’s so vocal at letting everyone know. He doesn’t think he’s good enough for her, but he finds himself so possessive and protective towards her. She’s everything to him. But who is her stalker? Loved staying on edge. Even had some happy tears in their happy ever after. This book is worth re reading. I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy and I highly recommend this book.

[viv · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

[Michelle the Romance Witch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow what a crazy intense story. Loved getting to know Royal and see him lose his heart to Violet

[Sandy S · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5stars- BRUTAL ICE is the eleventh instalment in Cynthia Eden’s contemporary, adult ICE BREAKER: COLD CASE romantic suspense series focusing on the men and women who work for Ice Breakers, an online team of crime solvers. This is billionaire Royal Boudreaux, and ballerina Violet Murphy’s story line. BRUTAL ICE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from three omniscient third person perspectives (Royal, Violet, killer) BRUTAL ICE follows Royal Boudreaux, as he hunts for a serial killer, Royal Boudreaux is a billionaire with a penchant for taking down the society’s evils but his most recent case brings him up close and personal with his future in the guise of dancer Violet Murphy. Royal found Violet locked in the trunk of an abandoned car, the woman bound and gagged as the killer’s next victim. Vowing to protect Violet with his life, Royal becomes guardian and protector of the woman he loves as he hunts for the person responsible for targeting our story line heroine. What ensues is the building relationship between Royal and Violet, and the potential fall-out as Royal becomes the prime suspect in the case he is desperate to close.

The world building focuses on the hunt for a killer. Royal Boudreaux and his ‘brother’ Beau were once street kids who were one another’s protectors and family. Royal’s need to destroy the people who take the lives of others makes him the perfect foil for law enforcement but Royal’s ability to track down the killers is often in opposition to the people in charge. When someone targets dancer Violet Murphy, Royal is determined to uncover the truth but

The relationship between Violet and Royal begins as a rescue but Royal doesn’t do relationships; is a man who keeps to himself but a man with the ability to uncover the truth. Falling for Violet was never his intention but he will protect Violet with his life. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top sexually graphic language and text.

The colorful secondary and supporting characters include Royal’s ‘brother’ Beau; Detective
Curran Barlow: stage director Micah Wright: dancer Simone; Dr. Leo Barnes, and the return of Dr. Antonia “Tony” Rossi and Aidan Warner (Touched By Ice 4), and Declan Flynn. I hope the author has future plans for Declan, and Beau.

BRUTAL ICE is a story of secrets and lies, obsession and madness, family and relationships, acceptance and love. The premise is intriguing and compelling; the romance is seductive; the characters are desperate, strong and determined.


copy supplied for review

[Ann Lorz · Rating 4 out of 5]

My happy place is reading a Cynthia Eden book. It's like she speaking just to me. Don't be jealousy I'll share her with you all. I'm so happy we are getting Royal's story. I really wanted to know more about him. He was so shadowy in the prior book. That's one of the things I love about her books you know how dangerous the men are, but you want to know more about them anyway.

I love Royal he is such a good guy with a ton of baggage weighing him down. Doing the right thing isn't always the easiest for him but he will do it anyway. Throughout the story I wanted so badly for him to realize that family isn't always the ones you are born into, sometimes it's the ones you make for yourself. I was happy that he did get some family closure though.

Violet is the sweetest, nicest person. She is perfect for Royal. She is willing to get a bit dirty with him and not only with his finding serial killers side job. She so doesn't deserve what happens to her both the kidnapping and what happens in her personal life. I want to get into more, but it will ruin part of the story for you.

These two together make a great team. He will do anything to protect her, and she will do the same. I'm so glad he found someone to stand with and for him other than just family. The story is very fast paced and keeps you wondering. So many bad people surround Violet that you don't know who's the worse. Sadly, for them Royal is in their way. I'm so looking forward to her next book.

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ARC Received for an honest review

[Anne OK · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Ice Breaker Cold Case Series hooked me with the first book, and I’ve since sat on pins and needles awaiting the arrival of each additional book. The 11th installment, “Brutal Ice” with leading characters Royal Boudreaux and Violet Murphy is wickedly gripping and a riveting wowzer. Once I started reading, I could not put this book down until there was no more. Cynthia Eden is a terrific storyteller at the top of her game and just continues getting better and better with never a disappointment.

Oh! how the mighty fall – and with one look, Royal (who we met in Book #10 “Savage Ice” with Beau LeBlanc, his “bro”) falls head over heels for the beautiful tiny dancer, Violet. But trouble is the name of the game and Violet is front and center in the eyes of a killer. In a powerhouse filled with horrifying death and deceit, a devious and psychologically deranged and unhinged killer whose mind-blowing crimes are twisted, heartrending and agonizingly cruel – makes this a crime-infested compulsive read with twists around every turn and the very definition of a chilling page-turner.

I was so awed by not only the dark hero whose “hobby” walks a thin line between good and bad, but equally by the beautifully talented and strong dancer who keeps them both on their toes! The banter and emotional draw between them are extraordinary and lively. One of my top favorite matches as a couple throughout this series of books.

With an ending that introduces a new and very intriguing character with hints toward another book, I’m smiling ear-to-ear and eagerly awaiting the arrival of the next “Heartbreaker.”

[Sharon Grow · Rating 5 out of 5]

He hunts for a killer never knowing that his search might bring him the love of his life. He never wanted that, he never wanted her, but when he saves her, she will be his to protect. Royal Boudreaux’s search is interrupted when he discovers Violet Murphy, in a car trunk. He takes her, to save her and delivers her to the police station. Violet is the prima ballerina for an upcoming ballet, but the memories of what she suffered is affecting her performance. At a gala event, Violet once again sees Royal and learns that he has been protecting her from afar. He believes that the killer is still out there and that someone may have seen her abduction, but if so, why didn’t they report it? As they spend time together, posing as a couple, he admires her beauty, her strength, and though she appears fragile, she has a core of steel. Royal must continue to hunt for the killer while staying out of jail. He and his brother, Beau, have “helped” the police to apprehend other killers without recognition. The killer is not yet done, but he has no idea who he is dealing with…Royal and Violet make a “kickass” team. There is still more news for Royal, but will it convince him to stop his hunting and work within the parameters of the Ice Breakers? I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (paytonpuppy)

[Silke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brutal Ice is the 11th book in the Ice Breaker Cold Case series. While it can easily be read and enjoyed as a standalone, I would highly recommend reading the previous book, Beau's story Savage Ice, for more background info on Royal. He is a very complex man - tough, dangerous, unmovable and cold on the outside, yet filled with insecurities and a longing for belonging and love on the inside. Finding, protecting and ultimatily loving Violet takes every single one of his character traits - and the help of his brother Beau as well as the Ice Breakers. Violet is his perfect match - fragile, small of build and full of fear on the outside, yet with an inner core of steel, a sense of loyalty and protectivess that matches his. I loved their dynamic including the uncontainable chemistry between them! The storyline was full of angst, suspense, red herrings and non-stop action which kept me glued to the pages and up well past my bedtime because I simply couldn't put the book down. Right at the end, we are introduced to a very intriguing side character and I do hope that he will get his own story soon ...
I was lucky to have received an advanced copy from the author and am leaving this review voluntarily and honestly.

[Whispers From · Rating 5 out of 5]

Royal Boudreaux lives in darkness. He hunts down the most dangerous men out there. When he arrives at an old abandoned winery, he hears a thump in the trunk of an old sedan. He opens the trunk and the most beautiful woman he has ever seen is duct taped up and stares at him with wide eyes. Violet Murphy is a ballerina and is the star of Snow White. When she’s jumped and knocked out in the back of the theater, she awakes in the trunk. She thinks Royal is her abductor but he is saving her which is not like him. He drops her at the police station and asks that she doesn’t mention him to the police. They decide Violet should stay with him until the killer is caught. Royal informs Violet that once he has her, he’ll never let her go and she’s alright with that. But will they get their happily ever after or will the killer get to her first?

You cannot go wrong by reading this series from Cynthia Eden. They just keep getting better. Action. Suspense. Sex. An overprotective male and a female who gets just as protective. I read this in one day. I couldn’t put it down.

* Voluntarily read and reviewed for author. Received copy from Bookfunnel *

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brutal Ice is another reluctant hero in the Ice Breakers Series by Cynthia Eden. No one can do it better than Ms. Eden to create an anti-hero that you fall in love with even sooner than the heroine does. Royal Boudreaux is such a character, as soon as you know he can’t walk away after saving dancer Violet Murphy, you are a goner for him. I like it when the character’s behavior even seems to surprise him because Royal finds himself behaving better than he thought himself capable of doing.

Royal finds out that doing the right thing can change a person. I also like it when the characters grow and change into a better version of themselves, which is exactly what happens to Royal in this story. He didn’t plan to do that but when motivated by love, he certainly does. If this is your kind of hero, you will not want to miss reading Brutal Ice.

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brutal Ice is the 11th book in the Ice Breaker series by Cynthia Eden and it's aptly named for sure! I have so enjoyed this series and I honestly don't know how Ms. Eden comes up with such diverse characters and plot lines. There is no overlap -- amazing! This is Royal and Violet's story and like every other romantic suspense that this author writes, it has all you need or want. Well-developed characters, witty banter, fast-paced plot that has you guessing and wondering and biting your nails until the very end. Cynthia Eden is right there at the top of my list of favorite authors when it comes to this genre -- another excellent addition to her library of 5+ star reads. I'm grateful to have been given an opportunity to read an advance copy of this book through NetGalley.

[Ann C. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Will someone please tell me the meaning of "I FLE DPN P CBDL" and "UI SFF EBZT MBUFS....?" The first string was at the beginning of Chapter 3 and the second string was at the beginning of Chapter 20. I am assuming this is an editing mistake on my Kindle. If this is actually supposed to mean something then I have no idea.

I have enjoyed the series until this one. I think it is time to end the series. Royal is just too over the top. In fact, I really didn't care for any of the characters except for Kai. There is very little connection to the Ice Breakers except for the entrance of the lady with the dog. She is in maybe 2 pages.

At least Cynthia Eden has not started writing in POV. Please, please do not do that.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love Brutal Ice . This is Royal was abandoned at two years old . Royal really isn't his real name . He found a brother in Beau Royal is no hero except that's what he believes . He hunts those that hurt the innocent and slip through the cracks . He's works in the shadows . While hunting a serial killer he finds violet held prisoner in the killers trunk . Royal chooses to save her and the killer gets away . Unfortunately violet is still in danger and Royal cannot leave her alone as danger escalates his feelings towards violet intensify and the two will do anything and everything to protect each other . This story is intense and intriguing so suspenseful and steamy . I highly recommend taking the time to read .

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best ones yet!

We have Royal out hunting a serial killer when he comes upon Violet trapped in the trunk of the killers car. He saves her and the killer gets away.

The killer can't let Violet live. She's HIS and he will continue to go after her.

Royal on the other hand has tried to stay away from Violet even though he has a pull toward her. He finally gives in and pays to have the first dance with her at a charity event for the ballet which she will be starring in. Violet realizes who he is right away and feels an attraction to him too but she pulls away from him.

Events unfold that bring them together.

It's a great read with a nice twist at the end. Enjoy!

[Jane.w · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book!

This was such a great book! It caught my attention from page 1 to the very end. I’m so sad it’s over. Very exciting with non-stop action. The romance between Royal and Violet is hot and intense with many sweet moments. He’s such a protective, strong guy who’s tender with her. The mystery of who the serial killer was interesting and kept my attention.
This is a great book and I highly recommend it to everyone. I will totally read this again. In fact, it’s inspired me to reread the entire series.

[Dawn Cruikshank · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brutal Ice

OMG! What a dark and fantastic story by Cynthia! This story is about Royal and Violet. It starts out with Royal hunting but instead finds his angel. He was hooked the minute he took Violet out of the trunk. It took Violet a bit longer but fate intervened at the right time for them both. Now both team up to catch a serial killer. The bad guy was someone who I didn't suspect at all. Then Royal finally sees his biological brother. So happy these two found each other. FANTASTIC job Cynthia! I would recommend this book!

[Heather Monplaisir · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love anything written by Cynthia Eden! I especially enjoyed Royal and Violet's book the most but it is a close race between Cruel and Brutal Ice. I read some of the books out of order. I read Cruel Ice first and just had to learn more about Royal and Violet in Brutal Ice. I couldn't put this book down and read it in one day. It was a fast-paced book with so many twists and turns. It was difficult to figure out who the killer was until the very end. All the books in this series are excellent. I have now jumped to Aiden and Antonia's story in Touched by Ice.

[Melissa May · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I finished Brutal Ice in one sitting because I just couldn’t put it away!
It’s a great romantic suspense filled with intrigue, hot romance and twists and turns.
Sparks where flying hot between Royal and Violet!
I love a dark hero and Royal is exactly that!
I don’t want to give anything away so just pick up the book and start reading!
You won’t be able to put it down!
Highly recommended!
I received this arc from the author and this review is my honest opinion

[Patricia Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Royal’s story

What a ride and what a hero, however reluctant he may be about the title. Violet is a strong personality in a fragile body, but she’s a great match for Royal Boudreaux. Serial killer, red herrings, professional jealousy and a publicity hungry jerk make for an interesting and entertaining story. A great addition to the ice breaker series and breadcrumbs left about who might be the focus of what I hope will be another terrific story down the line.

[Cheryl A · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a real page turner and hard to stop reading until I finished it. Royal is on the hunt of a serial killer and finds Violet in the trunk of the killer where he rescues her. He is so attracted to her but he knows he is bad for her but he can’t help himself. He knows she is not safe so he is determined to protect her and find the killer. They work together to find the killer. This is another great book of the Ice Breaker Cold Case. It is well written and definitely worth the read. Looking forward to the next Ice Breaker case.

[marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another awesome read!

Brutal Ice is another great suspenseful novel in the ice breaker cold case series. The totally alpha "bad" hero is such a compelling character. Heroine is capable, smart and helps defend herself with the aid of the hero. The plot twists and turns keep the story moving and fully engage the reader.

[Heather Paulsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

OH, my goodness this was good! Royal & Violet's story is amazing! This was a finish in one day kind of story. It is definitely a " I will read one more page and then get my stuff done" kind of read. I had to know what happened next. Such a good villain, I so didn't see that coming. Loved it and can't wait for the next.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this a lot more than I expected I would. I liked Royal well enough in the last book, but I wasn't sure how I felt about him as a hero. Turns out, he's quite funny and this book had more than a few humorous moments. I also enjoyed Violet a great deal. The murderer was incredibly obvious from early on, but it still was worth reading to the end to see how everything gets wrapped up.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love, love, love this series. Cynthia Eden is a must buy for me. I bought this book and read it in a day. The plot is always entertaining and twisty. The characters are heartwarming and heartbreaking. Royal totally stole my heart.