Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book
Rate this book
He saved her from a nightmare.

Once upon a time, Kane Harte rescued Anastasia Patrick from hell. He took her away from a killer, protected her, and maybe even came perilously close to loving her. But then she was given a new life. A new name. A new home. And there was no room for Kane or the darkness he carried in her new world. So he walked away. Didn’t look back. Fine, maybe he looked back a little. Or a lot. Maybe he dreamed of her every time his eyes closed. Sue him.

She falls for bad guys. It’s a quirk. A flaw? Whatever.

When her ex turned out to be a killer, Anastasia “Ana” Patrick knew she was in trouble. But enter the FBI—or rather, enter the super scary, slightly shady, and undeniably hot Kane Harte. He protected her, he gave her a new life—new name, new home, new Ana. And he also broke her heart. That would be the previously mentioned issue she had with bad guys. She fell for the dangerously secretive Kane, and he walked away.

He shattered her heart but gave her safety. Not exactly a fair exchange…

Now her safe world has been wrecked. Danger has found Anastasia—Ana—once again, and she has no choice but to flee on her own. The killer from her past has escaped prison, and he’s coming after her. Ana runs, desperate to get away, and she finds herself barreling straight into the arms of the protector she never expected to see again.

Kane Harte can kill a man in a hundred different ways. He can also break a woman’s heart without batting an eye.

She won’t fall for him again. Absolutely, Ana will not make that mistake again. Once burned, twice super cautious. But she needs a hero, and Kane excels when it comes to handling deadly trouble. She will control herself around him—there will be no giving in to the crazy desire she still feels for Kane—and, uh, sure, when the Feds decide that she has to be the bait to lure in the killer, Ana will play by their rules. Not like she has a choice, not if she wants to stay alive…

He won’t keep his control. He won’t play by the rules. And he will take what he wants.

Kane is done. He did the whole good-guy routine once before and walked away from Ana. Not happening again. This time, he’ll give in to his need, his obsession, and he will never, ever let go. The Feds want to trap the killer after Ana? Fine. He’ll trap him, but Kane will be the one calling the shots and setting the stage. Kane and Ana will play lovers—they will be lovers—and they’ll draw in the killer. Kane will eliminate the threat to Ana, and he will do whatever it takes to possess the woman who has haunted his dreams for far too long.

Kane made a mistake when he let her go the first time. Now, he’s going to fight like hell for his second chance with Ana. Nothing will stop him from claiming Ana. Not the Feds. Not her killer ex. And not his own bloody and dark past. “Heartless” Kane Harte will put his life and heart on the line for his Ana. Touch what belongs to him? Try to hurt her? He will make you pay.

320 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 25, 2025

80 people are currently reading
260 people want to read

About the author

Cynthia Eden

307 books6,791 followers
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.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
219 (60%)
4 stars
96 (26%)
3 stars
38 (10%)
2 stars
4 (1%)
1 star
3 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
Profile Image for Jen ♥.
1,678 reviews913 followers
August 20, 2025
3.5 ⭐ (spoiler-ish below)


This was fun, imo. Way more entertaining than the previous two books. But then that's probably because there's more humor in this story. It's a romantic suspense, but Kane and Ana plus Grayson were a hoot together. 😆

Anyway, two years ago, Ana was in protective custody, as she was a key witness that helped put her ex behind bars. During this time, Kane was assigned to be her bodyguard. I guess with forced proximity and mutual attraction, they both fell for one another. But Kane was a rule stickler, and he thinks he's not good enough for her, so he let her go. 🫠

In the present time, Ana's ex escaped from prison. Now she and the feds are worried because they know he'll go after her. The guy was crazy obsessed with her; sure, he's mad for being sent to prison, but he's still scarily into her. 🫣

So the feds needed to protect her again, and Kane volunteered to be her bodyguard. This is more than just a job, and it's very personal to him. He also vowed to win her back because, as he said, he doesn't make the same mistake twice, and that was letting her go.

Anyway, these three were chaotic together at best. I feel so bad for Grayson for having to put up with the stress his friends (all the Hs in this series) always caused him, but I know he really cares for them anyway. 🤣

But Kane is definitely the craziest and scariest by far. 😂 He's like a child he can't leave for five seconds because something will definitely happen and mostly not feds approved. This man is so down bad and will stop at nothing to make Ana his. His antics were really stupidly cheesy and funny, but I still ate them up. 🤭

It's not like Kane had to work hard anyway. Ana is still in love with him. So if readers are looking for some sort of push and pull, there's minimal of that here. It's basically game over, and Ana didn't fight long against her attraction to Kane, not that she has a choice. I mean, the guy literally bulldozed his way into her life. 🤣

As for the suspense, it was okay; it felt a bit dramatic at some parts, but I'm really glad the psycho ex got his comeuppance. 

Overall, this was an enjoyable read for me. I can't wait for Gray's book. 🤭 He and Emerson's crumbs had me smiling every time. I can't wait for him to fall at her knees. 😁


Book info:
- Romantic suspense
- Second chance (2 yrs)
- Violence
- Psycho Ex
- Loss of loved one (past)
- Kidnapping
- Stalking (the fun kind 😉)
- No cheating, OW, separation
- Minor OM
- Both celibate during separation! 🥳
- HFN (engaged)


Notes:
- OM1. He was hired by the ex to get close to Ana, and then he ordered him to eventually unalive her. He and Ana went on a few dates, and they shared kisses, but that's how far they went. She finally decided to move on from Kane, and he was the first man she dated.
- OM2. Psycho ex—need I say more?
- Kane had been carrying his grandma's ring for the last two years. He was waiting for the right time to show his face again and to ask for another chance. Took him long though. Without the sudden escape of the OM, I don't think he'd find the courage. 🤷‍♀️
Profile Image for Carvanz.
2,365 reviews893 followers
July 29, 2025
Gritty. Growly. Obsessively Protective. When He Fights sprinted past all my favorite tropes with a snarl and a promise to protect, delivering a ride that’s raw, intense, and emotionally feral in the best way.





Kane is dangerous, rough-edged, and terrifyingly competent. The very embodiment of that addictive insta‑protection, insta‑possessiveness, insta‑chemistry I love and that Ms.Eden writes so well, but turned all the way up.





While I’m usually all about the hero (and Kane definitely ranks at the top), Ana's little quirks, the ducks, her fingers gently playing strings only she can hear, brought her to life in such a vivid, memorable way. I didn’t just root for her; I felt her. I also loved how the story leaned hard into Kane’s protective, obsessive nature without ever sacrificing Ana’s agency. She's not just his to protect, she becomes his partner.





Kane and Ana’s connection was both combustible and emotionally earned, a second chance romance wrapped in danger, longing, regret, and a deep, soul shaking passion that made me want to reread my favorite scenes before I had even finished the book. Their past was tangled, their chemistry off the charts, and their reunion? Explosive. The push and pull between them was pure fire, the sparks were instant, dangerous, and unstoppable. I loved that through it all, they were not just surviving the threat, they were reclaiming the promise of each other.





I highly recommend this if you're into lethal alphas who would burn the world for their woman, heroines with grit and fire, and love stories that start at a ten and only get more intense.

Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
Steam
Profile Image for Ami.
43 reviews14 followers
Read
August 3, 2025
dnf 60%
safe but boring
Profile Image for AvidReader.
1,454 reviews331 followers
August 12, 2025
4.75🌟!

I was so excited for Kane Heartless Harte’s book and I loved it! It was clear that Kane had a history in the last book and after that epilogue I was intrigued.

Anastasia is on run from her ex who is also a dangerous hitman/ mob enforcer. When she meets her new bodyguard Kane it’s love at first sight for her. I loved how fearless and bold Ana was. She was so protective of Kane even though he’s the big bad Ex Marine.
I loved the way Kane loved Ana. No expectations just pure yearning and loving from afar.

Gray is decidedly a better character in this book but still calculating, pulling strings and cunning. And the good part? His heroine is already on field and he’s completely twisted in her. I can’t wait for her to make him go crazy.
I also loved that both were celibate during two year separation.

Overall I enjoyed it thoroughly.
Read if you love;

-Bodyguard x witness.
-She falls first and he falls harder.
-Obsessed hero.
-Touch her and die.
-Standalone, Safe, fast paced and TW.

I received an advance review copy and I’m leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for iremucka.
265 reviews16 followers
August 10, 2025
Cynthia Eden... Third time is not a charm. 🤨
Aşırı hızlı romans olmaz...
Beğenmedim, ilk iki kitabını daha çok beğenmiştim. Adı üstünde adamımız kızı koruyor vs vs.. İlk sayfalarda kola üstüne mentos atmış anları yaşattın.

Bizimle değilsin.
Profile Image for Christine Jalili.
2,175 reviews44 followers
July 24, 2025
I’ve loved each book by this author so far. Loved how protective agent Kane Hart is about Anastasia (Ana) but really fights his feelings. Ana’s ex is obsessed with her. Loved how Kane and Ana each want the other safe. But when he finally tell her he loves her? Loved their happy ever. I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy and I highly recommend this book.
Profile Image for Cc.
1,207 reviews149 followers
August 1, 2025
The problem with Cynthia Eden is the same problem Kristen Ashley has. Her writing has become formulaic and her characters caricatures of her body of work. The hero's, over the top touch her and die and the heroines are sassy, smart mouthed, kick ass in her lady like 5 inch heels (4" are not high enough to prove her bad assery) and gorgeous beyond belief wit real violet eyes. It's really too bad bc she can write. When I first found her it was through her serial Harlequin books and I still, to this day, re read & enjoy them. Intelligent main characters with real problems, solved by both leads. Enjoyable quick reads with believable stories. Now? You can just insert any of her previous heros and heroines name into the new story and it'll be the same story, give or take a slightly different setting. I understand that in today's publishing world that turnover is paramount; the reader is very demanding of the author. Unfortunately for the author, readers get bored of what they've demanded and move on. But, lol, fortunately for the author, new readers get snagged into this cycle and the beat goes on. I tried (or tried to try) a new KA book with disastrous results and the same happened here. I'm out - but I enjoyed my time with her. I still love her old Harlequins, so yay for me and re reads.

As a PSA, Harlequin has some of the best authors with real writing skills. They stay a relevant publishing house by demanding those skills, which is amazing for a reader that loves romance. Especially the romantic suspense and historical romance genre's. Two authors to check out: Janice Kay Johnson for RS and Louise Allen for HR. Start with earlier works and definitely check out KU for the "hook readers" offerings on that platform, if you subscribe. Janice Kay Johnsons books on KU are great suspense with romance, Louis Allen has fewer offerings but are great. Both have sex scenes but I assume if your reading Cynthia Eden, sex scenes will not be problem. ;)
Profile Image for Karen.
179 reviews5 followers
October 9, 2025
Kane and Ana were explosive from the start! He falls hard and fast. The story was packed with badass and swoon-worthy moments, plus the camaraderie between the three friends made it even better. A perfect blend of humor, heart, and suspense from beginning to end. Highly recommend this book and the entire series—can’t wait for Grady’s story!
47 reviews2 followers
August 2, 2025
Kane & Ana

There’s something about a good bad boy that just grabs your heart and won’t let go. Another thrill ride and sexy adventure with cameos from Tyler and Grayson to up the fun factor. I enjoy the fact that Ana is so strong, not just a damsel in distress. Kane is everything you’d want in a hero, even if he doesn’t see himself that way. Throw in some bad guys, scary situations and a lot of heat and emotion, great dialogue and you have another terrific entry in the Protector/Defender series. I can’t wait for Gray and Emerson’s story!
2,599 reviews2 followers
August 4, 2025
Damn!! I was worried toward the end when it really got a little dicy. But it was really good!! Kane really proves himself of what he is as a good protector.
2,711 reviews126 followers
July 21, 2025
WHEN HE FIGHTS is the third in Cynthia Eden’s Protector and Defender series. Agent Kane Harte has held a torch for musician Anastasia Patrick. He helped her escape her murderous mob-assassin ex a couple years ago, and walked away from their crazy chemistry to give her a chance at reclaiming a life of peace and freedom. Unfortunately that ex turned out to be not only obsessed with Ana, he’s very eager to get his vengeance on the agents he blames for imprisoning him. And even more unfortunately, he’s somehow escaped.

Cynthia Eden’s latest is an absolute delight of a page-turner. While Ana is understandably dismayed at the danger she finds herself in, she is no shrinking violet. Kane wants her safe, she wants him safe, they all want the baddie out of the way, easy-peasy, right? Loved Ms Eden’s usual humor and heat, and loved Ana and Kane’s passion and determination. A triumphant take-that for the good guys…
Profile Image for Read All About It.
2,018 reviews23 followers
July 29, 2025
Steamy Adventure!!

Kane has to be the baddest hero I’ve read by this author and that’s saying something.

Anastasia has been in hiding for two years. When she ends up in danger Kane is there in a heartbeat.
With her signature humor and banter between characters this is a definite winner!!

Twisted and super suspenseful this one will keep you on edge.

“I know exactly what you are, Kane Harte. I just wish you knew, too. Do me a major favor? Stop seeing yourself as the villain.
Profile Image for Lira.
129 reviews14 followers
September 25, 2025
"𝑰’𝒎 𝒂 𝒍𝒊𝒂𝒓. 𝑰’𝒎 𝒂 𝒌𝒊𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒓. 𝑰’𝒎 𝒂 𝒎𝒂𝒏 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒔𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒊𝒏 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒍𝒊𝒇𝒆. 𝑨𝒏𝒅 𝑰 𝒂𝒎 𝒂 𝒎𝒂𝒏 𝒘𝒉𝒐 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒖𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒍 𝑰 𝒅𝒊𝒆."

One thing’s for sure: once you start reading Cynthia Eden’s books, it’s impossible to stop! They’re addictive, action-packed, with just the right amount of humor, charismatic characters, well-balanced tension, and of course, spicy scenes that will definitely make you blush. And this book is no exception… well, maybe just a little bit, thanks to Kane! 🫦

Out of all the characters I’ve met from the author, Kane is without a doubt the most… obsessive! 😅👀 Yes, he definitely has stalker tendencies, but somehow Cynthia Eden makes it work! He’s intense, fiercely protective, and absolutely relentless when it comes to Ana. He’s the kind of character that makes you question your sanity while you’re swooning over him. 😅😈

Ana, on the other hand, is amazing, a strong, smart heroine with a fierce attitude who refuses to be intimidated. The chemistry between them is explosive! The banter is on point, the emotional tension is real, and the steamy scenes… well, just be ready. 🔥

Beyond the main couple, two secondary characters really caught my attention: Gray and Emerson. I’m more than ready to dive into their story and I have a feeling it’s going to be even more intense!

𝑰 𝒓𝒆𝒄𝒆𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒅 𝒂𝒏 𝒂𝒅𝒗𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒑𝒚 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝒊𝒏 𝒆𝒙𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒎𝒚 𝒉𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒅 𝒓𝒆𝒇𝒍𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒔 𝒉𝒐𝒘 𝑰 𝒕𝒓𝒖𝒍𝒚 𝒇𝒆𝒍𝒕 𝒘𝒉𝒊𝒍𝒆 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒊𝒕!
Profile Image for Yvonne S.
213 reviews1 follower
October 13, 2025
Didn't like this one

When He Fights, book three in Cynthia Eden’s Protector and Defender series, didn’t work for me, and that surprised me. I’ve long considered this Cynthia Eden a go-to author when I need a reminder of why I love romance. Her books have often broken my streaks of underwhelming reads and reignited my enthusiasm for the genre. But this one? It felt like too much of everything, and not in a good way.

The premise had promise: Two years ago, Kane saved Ana from her ex-boyfriend’s attempt on her life. She fell for him, but he walked away once the job was done. Now, the ex—who also happens to be a mob enforcer—has escaped prison, and Ana is once again in danger. Kane is reassigned to protect her. Though Ana has tried to move on, her feelings for Kane remain unresolved. Kane, meanwhile, is obsessed with Ana but convinced he’s not good enough for her. As they dodge danger, they also have to confront their past and decide if they’re ready for a future together.

I came into this book with goodwill. The author’s Wilde Ways, Icebreakers, and Trouble for Hire series are full of favorites for me. Even when certain tropes or character choices didn’t land, the stories were still enjoyable. But with this series—and this book in particular—the tone feels off. The characters, the dialogue, the emotional beats… everything is dialed up so high that it starts to feel juvenile and exaggerated, which undercuts the emotional stakes.

Take Ana, for example. I usually root for heroines who go after what they want, but Ana’s repeated declarations of love and physical availability—despite being rejected—made her feel more desperate than determined. Her forgiveness came too quickly, her pride too easily set aside. I wanted to see her hold her ground, to protect her heart a little more fiercely.

Kane, on the other hand, had all the makings of a classic alpha hero—possessive, protective, emotionally wounded—but he was written with such over-the-top intensity that he stopped feeling real. His physicality was described so frequently and so dramatically that I started picturing him as a cartoonishly inflated action figure. I appreciated that he hadn’t moved on with other women and that he’d kept tabs on Ana, but those grounded details were overshadowed by the caricatured portrayal.

There were also moments that pulled me out of the story entirely. Like Kane and Ana discussing their sex life in front of colleagues. It didn’t read as bold or playful; it felt awkward and cringey. And Ana’s behavior often contradicted the image of a capable, gutsy heroine. She’d act like she could take on the world, only to need rescuing again and again. Her “quirk,” which I won’t spoil, was meant to be endearing, I think, but I couldn’t visualize it without imagining her looking unhinged. In one scene, when her ex threatens her, she responds with “I don’t love you.” It was such a baffling non sequitur that I had to reread it.

That said, I don’t think this book is without merit. The pacing is fast, the stakes are high, and the author’s signature blend of danger and desire is still present. Readers who enjoy heightened drama and intense, obsessive love stories may find this installment satisfying. But for me, the characters felt more like archetypes than people, and I just did not enjoy it.

To be honest, I haven’t connected with this series since book one, and I’m hesitant to continue. That’s a shame, because Gray and Emerson’s story sound intriguing. I may give it a shot, but I’ll be going in with tempered expectations.
Profile Image for Sandy S.
8,157 reviews202 followers
July 27, 2025
4.5stars-WHEN HE FIGHTS is the third instalment in Cynthia Eden’s contemporary, adult PROTECTOR AND DEFENDER erotic, romantic suspense series. This is musician Anastasia Patrick, and former US Marine/ Security specialist Kane Harte’s story line. WHEN HE FIGHTS can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary.


Told from dual omniscient third person perspectives (Kane and Ana) WHEN HE FIGHTS follows the protection of our story line heroine. More than two years earlier, Anastasia Patrick witnessed the murder of a man, and was under FBI protection with security specialist Kane Harte but the arrest of Mafia assassin Logan Catalano, Ana’s former boyfriend, Kane walked away without looking back. Fast forward to present day, living quietly under an assumed name, Ana will discover Logan Catalano has escaped, and Kane’s new assignment is our story line heroine. Struggling with their continued attraction to one another, Kane and Ana must dance around the proverbial elephant in the room, knowing there is more than one person taking aim at our story line couple.

The world building follows two timelines, as Kane Harte battles between head and heart knowing to fall in love will weaken his defenses in the face of protecting our story line heroine. Ana had proclaimed her love as she watched Kane walk away, and his return brings with it the heart break of betrayal but the escape of Logan Catalano from prison means Ana is once again a target, and Kane is determined to protect our heroine with his life.

The relationship between Kane and Ana is one of second chances but Kane struggles with his attraction, and Ana struggles to trust the man who broke her heart. The 4ex scenes are erotic and provocative without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

The colorful and energetic secondary and supporting characters includes the return of FBI Agent Grayson Stone; former US Marine Tyler Barrett (When He Protects #1), as well as the introduction of FBI psychiatrist Dr. Emerson Marlowe; Ana’s best friend Zuri Harris; Mafia hitman Logan Catalano, and karate instructor Turner Mitchell. The requisite evil has many faces.

WHEN HE FIGHTS is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, power and control, obsession and madness, acceptance and love. The fast paced, character driven premise is dramatic and captivating; the romance is fated and impassioned; the characters are desperate, determined, and charismatic.


copy supplied for review
Profile Image for Lea Bookjoy.
1,769 reviews87 followers
August 14, 2025
🇫🇷French & English reviews🇬🇧

[image error]
*Cette chronique est basée sur un NetGalley ARC en échange d'un avis neutre et honnête*

📖Genre & Tropes📖 : romance suspense x bodyguard x evil ex x second chance x ex military x spicy x forced proximity

Une romance à suspense sexy et pleine de tensions que j’ai adoré !!

Après la fin du précédent tome, j’étais curieuse de découvrir l’histoire de Kane et Ana … Et j’ai ADORE ! Tout le passé douloureux entre eux, les secrets, les peurs et bien sûr l’ex absolument horrible d’Ana ! J’ai adoré toute cette tension entre eux en parallèle de l’intrigue et j’ai dévoré ce livre !

CETTE DEMANDE EN MARIAGE !! Clairement la demande la plus mignonne de la planète ><

Bref, une romance à suspense sexy à dévorer sans modération !

PS : merci beaucoup Netgalley et la maison d’édition pour cet ARC !!

PS2 : j’ai TELLEMENT besoin du tome avec Gray et Emerson ><

Pour plus de jolies chroniques 😘 : Mon Bujo tout en couleurs et en livres


⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐


*This review is based on a NetGalley ARC in exchange for a neutral and honest opinion*

A sexy and tense suspense romance that I loved !!

After finishing the previous volume, I was curious to discover Kane and Ana's story ... And I LOVED it ! All the painful past between them, the secrets, the fears, and of course Ana's absolutely horrible ex ! I loved all the tension between them alongside the plot and I devoured this book !

THIS MARRIAGE PROPOSAL!! Clearly the cutest proposal on the planet ><

In short, a sexy suspense romance to devour without moderation !

PS: Thank you so much to Netgalley and the publishing house for this ARC!!

PS2: I SO need the book with Gray and Emerson ><

For more pretty reviews 😘: My Bujo, all in color and books
2,463 reviews41 followers
July 31, 2025
Prepare yourself for another dangerous, sensuous and often laugh out loud romantic suspense by one of the best! Two years ago, Kane Harte rescued Anastasia Patrick from her abusive, mafia connected husband Logan, who wanted her dead. She witnessed something she shouldn’t have, then testified against him and helped send him to prison. There was a strong attraction between them, but Kane knew that he was not good enough for her, as his past has left him too damaged. Feeling safe over the past two years, she still misses Kane, but knows that she will never see him again…she was a job and that job is finished…until Logan escapes from prison. Kane shows up at her rental, to protect her once again as he has been carefully watching over her. Along with his FBI friend, Grayson Stone, they will need to relocate her once again. She insists on staying and fighting for the life she has come to love and for Kane! He had stopped a previous attempt on her life and should have killed Logan when he had the chance, but now there is no way he will allow her ex to survive. As further attempts are made against her and Kane, will he be able to keep her safe and finally end the threat against her? A complete rush from the beginning to the satisfying end! I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (paytonpuppy)
Profile Image for Kanan Jain.
840 reviews
August 13, 2025
When He Fights, the third book in Cynthia Eden's Protector and Defender series, plunges readers into a sizzling second-chance romance amidst dangerous circumstances. Anastasia "Ana" Patrick, a former witness in protective custody, finds her past resurfacing when the dangerous ex-boyfriend she helped put away escapes from prison and comes looking for her. Enter Kane Harte, the former Marine turned security specialist who once protected Ana and shattered her heart when he walked away, convinced he wasn't good enough for her.
Now, forced back together under the threat of Ana's ex, their undeniable attraction ignites, creating an explosive chemistry that fuels the narrative. Eden expertly crafts a balance between pulse-pounding suspense and raw, passionate romance as Kane battles his inner demons and his fierce need to protect Ana, while she grapples with trusting the man who broke her heart. The novel is lauded for its strong, intelligent heroine in Ana, a morally gray and intensely protective hero in Kane, and a fast-paced plot filled with twists, turns, and emotionally charged scenes. Readers will be left on the edge of their seats, rooting for Kane and Ana to overcome the danger and find their happily ever after.
928 reviews
August 13, 2025
This is a thrilling, exciting page-turner that will keep readers on the edge of their seats throughout the entire book. Ana’s ex-boyfriend is obsessive, over-bearing, abusive and pure evil. When she breaks up with him, he decides if he can’t have her, then nobody else will.

When Ana’s ex attempts to kill her, Kane Harte, saves her life. They both fall in love with each other, but Kane refuses to accept her love. Even though he is a caring “protector and defender,” he only sees himself as an “evil, dangerous” killer. Thus he fights their feeling because he is definitely no good for her.

However, years later, Ana’s ex tries to kill her again, and Kane returns to take on the role of her protector again. He now knows for a fact that he loves her, and is aware that she still loves him. So he finally decides to stop fighting their feelings. Kane eventually gives into his need for her. Readers will love the hot, steamy chemistry between Ana and Kane,

This is a steamy thriller with non-stop action, riveting suspense and many twists and turns that will keep readers uptight and apprehensive until the end of the book!
6,064 reviews26 followers
July 27, 2025
Heartless....

Kane is anything but heartless when it comes to Ana.
Kane was her bodyguard for a month, while he was protecting her from her homicidal ex, Logan Catalano, a mob hitman. Logan almost got Ana but Kane saved her at the last minute then let her go to her new life as Ana after she testified against Logan. The deal was she would never see Kane again (even if she fell in love with him in that month) and if she did, she was in deep, deep trouble. Meaning, Logan would come for her again.

After a prison break, Ana is on the straight to Kane. Because Kane has never been far behind, always watching her.
Holy moly, Kane is the anti-hero I want watching my six. He's massive everywhere and hyper focused on Ana. Yeah. I think I'd keep him, too.

He's possessive, a protective tank, and determined to keep Ana, cuz he gave her up once and he is never doing that again. He is going to keep her safe and keep her.
Period.
Highly recommend for a steamy, fast paced wild ride.
Profile Image for Cathy.
396 reviews4 followers
July 31, 2025
4 stars.

Agenda items… Track down Logan Catalano. Destroy him. Love Ana forever. Done.


This series is soooo great! Can't wait for the next part.

WHAT I LIKED: The main characters, the tension, the suspense, the heat!

WHAT TO EXPECT:

Pov: dual, 3rd person
Heat: open doors
Pacing: love at first sight
Communication: miscommunication / healthy communication
Third act:
Ending:

Main characters:
* Alpha Hero
* Bodyguard
* Damsel in distress
* Physically very different

What?
* Dirty talk
* Forced proximity
* Mutual pining
* One bed
* Second chance

Where?
* Workplace romance

Drama?
* Difficult past

Other vibes:
* ”Touch her and die”
* The one that got away
* ”Who did this to you”
4,075 reviews21 followers
July 28, 2025
When He Fights is a Defender and Protector Series book by Cynthia Eden. Number three in the series, it is a case where the main characters have met in the prologue but then two years go by before they are reunited. Ana Patrick has a new life thanks to the witness protection program but the killer that Kane Harte first rescued Ana from has escaped from prison. Now he is back on the case. The chemistry between these two is combustible and the danger is beyond scary.

The villain is a true monster who is determined to extract vengeance on Ana. Someone will die and he plans on one being Ana. It takes Kane and associates to work together to bring this case to conclusion. All three are protectors but Ana is a tough character too. An exciting rollercoaster story from the beginning. Be aware there is recurrent bad language also with open bedroom door scenes.
1,530 reviews11 followers
July 29, 2025
When He Fights is the 3rd book in the absolutely brilliant Protector and Defender romance. While it can be read as a standalone, I loved the roles Kane's brothers-in-arms - the heroes of previous books - play in this entertaining, fast-paced romantic suspense that gripped me with the first word and didn't let go until the end. I especially enjoyed the witty, tongue-in-cheek internal dialogues that had me grinning from ear to ear! A rollercoaster of a ride with a strong-as-can-be FMC and a MMC who's way better and deserving than he gives himself credit for. There's a wonderful HEA for our couple and a peek at what's to come and I can't wait! I received an early copy and am leaving this review voluntarily and honestly.
Profile Image for Travelogged Blogs.
1,531 reviews128 followers
August 29, 2025
“You don’t know that I have spent the last two years thinking about you.” Her eyes widened. “How do I spend my nights? I spend them dreaming about you.”

I enjoyed reading this book. The chemistry between Ana & Kane was electric and I liked how they were equally protective and passionate about each other. The side characters were good and I am already very excited to read the next book because the Gray & Emerson crumbs in this one have me in a chokehold. The plot was thrilling but I think Ana made a lot of stupid choices and Kane's character wasn't developed enough. The romance should've also had more build up, maybe then, I would've loved the book more. But still, overall this was an easy and entertaining read and I'll definitely continue this series.
534 reviews3 followers
August 2, 2025
I like the books by this author. However, I am really tired of the use of f*ck and f*cking. Over a period of a few days Ana and Kane used the word 138 times. Maybe, at 74 I am not aware of what people say today.

Even though I liked the book, it seemed to fit a particular formula. The author's books all appear to be the same. The hero is obsessed with the female. He will do anything for her, even kill for her. The only thing that changes in the books are the names, the locales, and the situation. That said, I will still read the author's books.
122 reviews1 follower
August 8, 2025
I loved this story from the first page!! Kane was something else! You could hear Ana's teeth grinding at times! Her prior history, his overwhelming protectiveness in regards to her. Both of their emotions!! Just loved this story, and I loved his friendship with Grayson. So well written with a beautiful HEA!!
742 reviews1 follower
August 20, 2025
Ana and Kane

3 1/2*

Good story but not a great delivery. So many moments seemed like spoofs. Ana elbows an FBI agent and runs into a dangerous situation— seriously? Silly.

Story line was a good one. Just did not like the writing. Couldn’t take some of these characters seriously.
193 reviews
Read
August 9, 2025
DNF. From the first page i could not relate to the main characters and I have got to the point in my reading that I don't persist if thats the case. Will still read this author because this is the first that I have DNF.
119 reviews
August 13, 2025
Couldn't put it down.

Kane has my heart! ❤️🌻 I love the back story with these two. Ana has no idea how involved Kane has been since she put her Ex in prison. But he escapes & will kill her this time. Not on Kane's watch! Great flow with action & romance. Enjoy! 📚🎉❤️🌻
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.