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Dark Obsession #1
Watch Me
Watch Me…The first book in New York Times and USA Today best-selling author Cynthia Eden’s sexy new romantic suspense series…DARK OBSESSION.
He was hired to protect her.
Watching gorgeous Gwen Hawthorne wasn’t a hard job—but it certainly was tempting. Chance Valentine had tried to keep his distance from the sexy socialite for years, but when her father hired him to keep watch on her—as a twenty-four, seven bodyguard—Chance knew his control was about to be pushed to the limit.
He’d never wanted another woman the way he desired her. Hot. Intense. Consuming. Being so close to Gwen, Chance knew that he wouldn’t be able to resist her. So he gave into his need, her need, and he took them both to the edge of a dark and consuming desire.
But Chance soon realizes that he isn’t the only one watching Gwen. Someone else is out there, a stalker who won’t rest until Gwen is destroyed. Every day, every moment…Gwen is in danger. And Chance knows that if he can’t unmask the stalker, then he may just lose the only woman he has ever loved.
He was hired to protect her.
Watching gorgeous Gwen Hawthorne wasn’t a hard job—but it certainly was tempting. Chance Valentine had tried to keep his distance from the sexy socialite for years, but when her father hired him to keep watch on her—as a twenty-four, seven bodyguard—Chance knew his control was about to be pushed to the limit.
He’d never wanted another woman the way he desired her. Hot. Intense. Consuming. Being so close to Gwen, Chance knew that he wouldn’t be able to resist her. So he gave into his need, her need, and he took them both to the edge of a dark and consuming desire.
But Chance soon realizes that he isn’t the only one watching Gwen. Someone else is out there, a stalker who won’t rest until Gwen is destroyed. Every day, every moment…Gwen is in danger. And Chance knows that if he can’t unmask the stalker, then he may just lose the only woman he has ever loved.
200 pages, ebook
First published December 3, 2014
661 people are currently reading
2480 people want to read
About the author
Cynthia Eden
311 books6,802 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 336 reviews
December 7, 2014
3.5 Stars!
Is there such a thing as fluffy romantic suspense??
Did I like this one?
It was decent!
Did I love this one?
I've never read Cynthia Eden before so I'm not really sure how it compares, but I found a lot of this completely unrealistic and verging on eye-roll inducing!
The suspense aspect was pretty fluffy. And it was definitely insta-love between the main characters....even though they had a past. I kind of wish we had gotten more of that past.
Yeah there was some decent steam...but I didn't find the hero to be very alpha-y.
IDK...it was entertaining enough but by no means did it wow me.
It was an easy afternoon read....and I might check out the other books in the series!
Is there such a thing as fluffy romantic suspense??
Did I like this one?
It was decent!
Did I love this one?
I've never read Cynthia Eden before so I'm not really sure how it compares, but I found a lot of this completely unrealistic and verging on eye-roll inducing!
The suspense aspect was pretty fluffy. And it was definitely insta-love between the main characters....even though they had a past. I kind of wish we had gotten more of that past.
Yeah there was some decent steam...but I didn't find the hero to be very alpha-y.
IDK...it was entertaining enough but by no means did it wow me.
It was an easy afternoon read....and I might check out the other books in the series!
January 27, 2018
Oh hell no.
I can't read this crap!
So far, I haven't read any trace of original thought, dialogue, situation, characters, or anything else. If you take every alpha-male protector trope and squish it together in a terrible way, you have this book.
DNF
I can't read this crap!
So far, I haven't read any trace of original thought, dialogue, situation, characters, or anything else. If you take every alpha-male protector trope and squish it together in a terrible way, you have this book.
DNF
February 21, 2015
3.5 Stars
This was an overall okay read with some suspense and steam.
Gwens father hires Chance to protect his daughter since she has been stalked for a while.
But Gwen and Chance have a history together, which makes things more complicated.
Did I like this one?
But I didnt hate it either.
I wish there was more about Chances and Gwens past relationship.
And Chance could have been more badass. Because sometimes we he opened his mouth, I was thinking:
This was an overall okay read with some suspense and steam.
Gwens father hires Chance to protect his daughter since she has been stalked for a while.
But Gwen and Chance have a history together, which makes things more complicated.
Did I like this one?
But I didnt hate it either.
I wish there was more about Chances and Gwens past relationship.
And Chance could have been more badass. Because sometimes we he opened his mouth, I was thinking:
December 13, 2014
I finally found courage to give Cynthia Eden another chance, especially because I started to read romantic suspense novels lately, and I really hoped that this book would turn out to be a great read. It was fun and quick, but unfortunately, I did have few issues.
Positive
- Watch Me is a perfect choice if you want shorter book that will distract you from everyday problems. You will see that you will read it rather quickly because you just have to know what will happen next.
-Chemistry. Second chance romance and dominant bastards we love to hate. This book has it all. Have you read Masters and Mercenaries series by Lexi Blake? Watch Me might remind you a little bit f that series (but without Doms and other kinky stuff).
- If you are not fan of suspense/ thriller /mystery novels where main focus is on crime, this will work out for you - Cynthia Eden is all about romance.
Negative
- Everything happens too fast. I wish that author took time to develop plot more thoughtfully and not just give us glimpses of whys and hows.
- Stereotypes and cliches. This book is full of them, from characters to their interaction.
- Predictable. You pretty much know what will happen from the start which doesn't mean that you won enjoy reading this book.
Who should read this? Fans of light suspense and everyone who liked previous books by Cynthia Eden.
Review posted at Way Too Hot Books
*ARC provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!*
Positive
- Watch Me is a perfect choice if you want shorter book that will distract you from everyday problems. You will see that you will read it rather quickly because you just have to know what will happen next.
-Chemistry. Second chance romance and dominant bastards we love to hate. This book has it all. Have you read Masters and Mercenaries series by Lexi Blake? Watch Me might remind you a little bit f that series (but without Doms and other kinky stuff).
- If you are not fan of suspense/ thriller /mystery novels where main focus is on crime, this will work out for you - Cynthia Eden is all about romance.
Negative
- Everything happens too fast. I wish that author took time to develop plot more thoughtfully and not just give us glimpses of whys and hows.
- Stereotypes and cliches. This book is full of them, from characters to their interaction.
- Predictable. You pretty much know what will happen from the start which doesn't mean that you won enjoy reading this book.
Who should read this? Fans of light suspense and everyone who liked previous books by Cynthia Eden.
Review posted at Way Too Hot Books
*ARC provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!*
Want to read
December 9, 2017
📚 📌 FREE on Amazon US today (12/8/2017) 📌 📚
Stand-alone book 1.
FREE: https://www.amazon.com/Watch-Me-Dark-...
BLURB:
He was hired to protect her.
Watching gorgeous Gwen Hawthorne wasn't a hard job--but it certainly was tempting. Chance Valentine had tried to keep his distance from the sexy socialite for years, but when her father hired him to keep watch on her--as a twenty-four, seven bodyguard--Chance knew his control was about to be pushed to the limit.
He'd never wanted another woman the way he desired her. Hot. Intense. Consuming. Being so close to Gwen, Chance knew that he wouldn't be able to resist her. So he gave into his need, her need, and he took them both to the edge of a dark and consuming desire.
But Chance soon realizes that he isn't the only one watching Gwen. Someone else is out there, a stalker who won't rest until Gwen is destroyed. Every day, every moment...Gwen is in danger. And Chance knows that if he can't unmask the stalker, then he may just lose the only woman he has ever loved.
Watch me.
FREEBIES are often good for MORE than one day. I have gathered all my FREEBIES on a special shelf: Kindle-freebies (currently over 700 books)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/list...
December 8, 2014
3.5 -
Keep. Her. Safe.
Stars.
Watch Me is the first book in Cynthia Eden’s new Dark Obsession series, and the queen of romantic suspense has a new set of sexy alpha males for the reader to get their teeth into.
This is essentially a second chance love story, with a massive amount of twists, turns and gunshots thrown in. Chance and Gwen have history, but being his bosses daughter always put her firmly in the Off-Limits category.
”Months pass,” … “and I don’t see you. Now, suddenly, you’re back in my life?”
Chance has branched out on his own and started a Close Protection business with his friends, and now partners Lex and Devlin. A meeting with Gwen’s father Will establishes that all is not well, and she is most likely being stalked/threatened by her ex-lover Ethan. Will knows that Chance is the only guy Gwen will allow to protect her, Chance knows that this time he is not letting Gwen go.
Cynthia has once again managed to take a simple set of tropes and turn them on their heads, you know who you think it is, and it never is, and as you would expect there are a good few surprises and revelations as the story progresses.
Some fires burned too hot. It was better to be cold than to go up in flames.
This is an enjoyable read; I will be honest and say it at points the storyline and development felt a little rushed. A prologue would have been beneficial, but more clarity comes in relation to the nature of Chance and Gwen’s past together as the book progresses. It is without doubt a great start, and the introduction of potentially two, if not three sexy alpha male characters who all have stories to be told, means that the rollercoaster that this series is likely to be, is nowhere near its end.
”You’re the closest thing to a real home I’ve ever had.”
Lex and Sophie are up next in Want Me, due January 2015, and I am eager to see how their story develops.
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.
Watch Me is the first book in Cynthia Eden’s new Dark Obsession series, and the queen of romantic suspense has a new set of sexy alpha males for the reader to get their teeth into.
This is essentially a second chance love story, with a massive amount of twists, turns and gunshots thrown in. Chance and Gwen have history, but being his bosses daughter always put her firmly in the Off-Limits category.
”Months pass,” … “and I don’t see you. Now, suddenly, you’re back in my life?”
Chance has branched out on his own and started a Close Protection business with his friends, and now partners Lex and Devlin. A meeting with Gwen’s father Will establishes that all is not well, and she is most likely being stalked/threatened by her ex-lover Ethan. Will knows that Chance is the only guy Gwen will allow to protect her, Chance knows that this time he is not letting Gwen go.
Cynthia has once again managed to take a simple set of tropes and turn them on their heads, you know who you think it is, and it never is, and as you would expect there are a good few surprises and revelations as the story progresses.
Some fires burned too hot. It was better to be cold than to go up in flames.
This is an enjoyable read; I will be honest and say it at points the storyline and development felt a little rushed. A prologue would have been beneficial, but more clarity comes in relation to the nature of Chance and Gwen’s past together as the book progresses. It is without doubt a great start, and the introduction of potentially two, if not three sexy alpha male characters who all have stories to be told, means that the rollercoaster that this series is likely to be, is nowhere near its end.
”You’re the closest thing to a real home I’ve ever had.”
Lex and Sophie are up next in Want Me, due January 2015, and I am eager to see how their story develops.
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.
December 16, 2014
Eh...it was all right. But not the best that this author has to offer BY FAR. I feel like Eden has thrown a bunch of fluff out in the digital book world lately. Her Deadly series is one of my favorite romantic suspense series. The woman can WRITE! So where is that intensity here?
This was a little suspenseful, a little ott romantic. So much of the romance was centered on a past between the two protagonists, and while that gave them a leg to stand on in order to shy away from insta-love, it made the romance difficult to connect with. I felt like there was so much story glossed over, and I wish that...instead of putting their history in the past...that she had told the rest of the story in detail. This showed as a 100 page book on my Nook. It says 200 pages here on GR, but I don't see how that's possible. Rarely do I love a novella-length romance like I do a 300 page story. It's just not possible to be as thorough.
So while I enjoyed the reading, and was happy with the outcome, it was easily forgettable.
Advance copy provided for review
This was a little suspenseful, a little ott romantic. So much of the romance was centered on a past between the two protagonists, and while that gave them a leg to stand on in order to shy away from insta-love, it made the romance difficult to connect with. I felt like there was so much story glossed over, and I wish that...instead of putting their history in the past...that she had told the rest of the story in detail. This showed as a 100 page book on my Nook. It says 200 pages here on GR, but I don't see how that's possible. Rarely do I love a novella-length romance like I do a 300 page story. It's just not possible to be as thorough.
So while I enjoyed the reading, and was happy with the outcome, it was easily forgettable.
Advance copy provided for review
February 11, 2019
3 stars
Ok. Not good enough for Cynthia Eden.
Ok. Not good enough for Cynthia Eden.
September 25, 2025
Part of the Anthology "Dangerous to Love". Romantic Suspense is my favorite genre, but I've shied away from reading Cynthia Eden. She is a prolific writer and that says to me: Formula. Also, she writes Paranormal Romance and paranormal is not my thing. "Watch Me" is part of an anthology I picked up and I'm going to give it a read. This is a short novel at 200 pages and, I've got to say, I like the fast pace and quick resolution. There is not a single wasted page in this book, no filler, just romance and action and the baddie was a surprise.
Chance Valentine was once the bodyguard/personal protection for the daughter of a very rich and powerful man in Washington, D.C. His job was to guard his daughter, Gwen. It was Chance's misfortune that Gwen fell for him, made a play and Chance rejected her, but not because he didn't want her, because he was an ethical guy and she was his job. He left and started his own personal protection company and Gwen is in need of his services. Being in close proximity is going to be really, really tough.
Gwen Hawthorne was devastated when Chance rebuffed her advances and took up with another guy, a rebound she regretted. Now she is being stalked and needs Chance's protection, because he is the only person she can trust. But what she really wants is another chance to rekindle the fire that has smoldered between them.
4 1/2-Stars
Chance Valentine was once the bodyguard/personal protection for the daughter of a very rich and powerful man in Washington, D.C. His job was to guard his daughter, Gwen. It was Chance's misfortune that Gwen fell for him, made a play and Chance rejected her, but not because he didn't want her, because he was an ethical guy and she was his job. He left and started his own personal protection company and Gwen is in need of his services. Being in close proximity is going to be really, really tough.
Gwen Hawthorne was devastated when Chance rebuffed her advances and took up with another guy, a rebound she regretted. Now she is being stalked and needs Chance's protection, because he is the only person she can trust. But what she really wants is another chance to rekindle the fire that has smoldered between them.
4 1/2-Stars
April 24, 2018
Remember thinking this wasn't what I was expecting.
No a lot of safety info because I can't remember right now
\(-_-)/ Sorry!
Do remember that the H pushes the h away thinking he isn't good enough for her when he's working as her bodyguard and she runs to OM, using him as a rebound for the H. OM becomes an crazy stalker and h's dad brings in the H to watch her around the clock.
The H was celibate during their estrangement (not a separation since they were never really together together) but the h was in a committed relationship with OM. Not my thing really and the whole suspense of who the real stalker is was underwhelming.
Not a series I will be continuing. I think I just prefer Cynthia Eden's paranormal stuff better. Her alphas seem . . . more alpha?
No a lot of safety info because I can't remember right now
\(-_-)/ Sorry!
Do remember that the H pushes the h away thinking he isn't good enough for her when he's working as her bodyguard and she runs to OM, using him as a rebound for the H. OM becomes an crazy stalker and h's dad brings in the H to watch her around the clock.
The H was celibate during their estrangement (not a separation since they were never really together together) but the h was in a committed relationship with OM. Not my thing really and the whole suspense of who the real stalker is was underwhelming.
Not a series I will be continuing. I think I just prefer Cynthia Eden's paranormal stuff better. Her alphas seem . . . more alpha?
November 24, 2017
WTF was up with everybody being invincible???
In total there were 5 people that miraculously survived life threatening injuries. Praise Jesus.
Freaking ridiculous.
In total there were 5 people that miraculously survived life threatening injuries. Praise Jesus.
Freaking ridiculous.
June 3, 2015
Watch Me is the first in a three part suspense series by Cynthia Eden.
Gwen Hawthorne is being stalked by an ex boyfriend and her father keeps putting bodyguards on her but she always gives them the slip enter Chance Valentine the one man Gwen can never resist.
Chance used to work for Gwen's father and one night while on duty Gwen made her move on Chance but Chance walked away and Gwen was heartbroken.
Months later Chance has his own business with two old friends VJS Protection. He is going after Gwen to make her his and to protect her from her stalker.
Watch Me has plenty of sexy moments between Chance and Gwen and scary nail biting moments when the stalker is around. When reading Cynthia Eden I always try to figure out who the stalker is and with this one I was CORRECT.
Can't wait to read the rest of this series, each book is based on a different couple.
Gwen Hawthorne is being stalked by an ex boyfriend and her father keeps putting bodyguards on her but she always gives them the slip enter Chance Valentine the one man Gwen can never resist.
Chance used to work for Gwen's father and one night while on duty Gwen made her move on Chance but Chance walked away and Gwen was heartbroken.
Months later Chance has his own business with two old friends VJS Protection. He is going after Gwen to make her his and to protect her from her stalker.
Watch Me has plenty of sexy moments between Chance and Gwen and scary nail biting moments when the stalker is around. When reading Cynthia Eden I always try to figure out who the stalker is and with this one I was CORRECT.
Can't wait to read the rest of this series, each book is based on a different couple.
March 26, 2017
I enjoyed this one. It's a uncomplicated romantic suspense with a woman Gwen trying to live after a harrowing escape from a stalker. But when the phone calls started back, Gwen turned to her ex bodyguard Chance whom she had tried to forget after they had a failure to communicate in their relationship.
The ending wasn't whom I suspected so I enjoyed that twist. The writing was crisp, action steady and plot was even. It was a good balance between suspense-thriller and romance.
The ending wasn't whom I suspected so I enjoyed that twist. The writing was crisp, action steady and plot was even. It was a good balance between suspense-thriller and romance.
December 11, 2014
4.5 stars. This book had everything - suspense, mystery, romance and steam. I really enjoyed this book! Chance is hired to protect Gwen. Her dad suspects her ex-boyfriend is following her and hires Chance to protect her. Chance wants to keep a close eye on Gwen, and he's happy to have that opportunity again. I loved Chance. I love that he wasn't afraid to tell Gwen what he wants. I really liked the chemistry between these characters. I also really liked the supporting characters and I'm excited to read more books in this series about some of the other couples. I really liked this book and highly recommend it to anyone who likes a romantic suspense.
**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**
**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**
August 7, 2015
Another great read. Lots of action and lots of suspense! On to the next one.
June 10, 2015
The first book in the Dark Obsession series by Cynthia Eden. Chance Valentine is contacted by his previous boss to take a bodyguard position, protecting his daughter, Gwen Hawthorne. Gwen had a thing for Chance but Chance rejected her and she turned to another man who looks to be a psychopath. Now Gwen's life is in danger and Chance is ready to claim Gwen.
The romance portion definitely gets 4 stars from me. The suspense was good but only gets 3 stars from me on it. I think mainly because this is a novella and the development needed a little more fleshing out. But the characters were likable and I loved the interaction between them. The introduction of characters who will be featured in other books was nice. I already love them. Overall, great start to the series. This may not be my favorite book by Cynthia Eden but she definitely is worth reading. Highly recommend to Romantic Suspense fans.
I received this book through Netgalley for an honest review.
The romance portion definitely gets 4 stars from me. The suspense was good but only gets 3 stars from me on it. I think mainly because this is a novella and the development needed a little more fleshing out. But the characters were likable and I loved the interaction between them. The introduction of characters who will be featured in other books was nice. I already love them. Overall, great start to the series. This may not be my favorite book by Cynthia Eden but she definitely is worth reading. Highly recommend to Romantic Suspense fans.
I received this book through Netgalley for an honest review.
January 8, 2015
He kissed her hard. He kissed her deep. He kissed her the way he wanted to fuck her. And he knew that they’d just crossed a line, a point of no return. Gwen Hawthorne was going to be his, and anyone who tried to take her from him, anyone who tried to hurt her… he would fucking destroy...
3.50 RATING- I'm a die hard Cynthia Eden fan and have read every single contemporary romance book she has. She's just one of those authors that works for me and her books are always at the top of my "must read" list. That's why I was so excited when I found out she was releasing a new contemporary, romantic suspense series, Dark Obsession, and even more pumped to have the chance to review it.
The author has announced three books in the series so far:
1. Watch Me - available now
2. Want Me - January release
3. Need Me- February release
Each book focuses on a body guard and the lady he falls for. Since each story will feature different main characters, these novellas should be considered stand-alones, however, each story is expected to share supporting characters and be sequential.
Overall, I liked Watch Me. The action pretty much starts right off the bat which I appreciated. I was glad that even though Chance pushed Gwen away previously, he didn't spend time doing that this time around. I'm guessing because of the shorter length, there wasn't much time for that anyway. I'm a bit of a sucker for stalker stories, actually any damsel in distress story, and I've read a ton. Watch Me was pretty standard fare for that type of plot but I did appreciate the slight twist in the story mid-way through. The writing was good, the sexy bits were what I expected but in the end...I liked it, I didn't love it.
Watch Me falls into the category of romantic suspense books I read, enjoyed, and probably won't think much about again (or want to re-read). There just wasn't anything that really stood out about this title, which for a Cynthia Eden book, is a bit unusual for me. It also seemed a bit more over-dramatic and cheesy than the normal book from this author. Maybe it was the shorter length, but there was just something missing. All that being said, I am looking forward to reading more in the series. I'm always a fan of this author and although my expectations tend to be high, even when her books aren't five star reads, they're still enjoyable.
One note:
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 14, 2025
Purch Amazon Jan. 8, 2018
Watch Me by Cynthia Eden
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Crime, Mystery, Romance, Suspense
3 Stars
I wish I could give this one more. I am a big fan of Cynthia Eden's & love most of the books I've read of hers. But, this one was lacking in a few areas.
My biggest problem was the repetition. I think if I read one more time "She/He wanted his/her hands on her/him. ......since the first ....." I was going to scream & pull my hair out.
Was the mystery and criminal element well played? Yes, it was. BUT, and this is a big BUT!
🤪Chance was supposed to be a professional with years of training in the military and after on jobs. He came off 🤪🥜with a couple of screws loose. The times he should have been professional and used his head he used his fist instead. I lost a lot of respect for his character and the story itself.
Now to something weird....
On Amazon & GR the page count is listed as 236 pages. That is WRONG. It is much shorter.
The German edition says 169 pages & is most likely the correct page count.
Other than the problems I had with it, it is still a pretty good story. It moves quickly and you find yourself at the end before you know it.
The adult romance areas are nicely done. The romance itself is pretty good, but could have used a bit more maturity on both the MC's parts.
It could have been a great read, but it was just above what I consider the 'Okay' mark.
I have a feeling the next in the series will be better. That is due to what I found in this story that I did like and my past experience reading Ms. Eden's books.
Crossing my fingers 🤞
Watch Me by Cynthia Eden
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Crime, Mystery, Romance, Suspense
3 Stars
I wish I could give this one more. I am a big fan of Cynthia Eden's & love most of the books I've read of hers. But, this one was lacking in a few areas.
My biggest problem was the repetition. I think if I read one more time "She/He wanted his/her hands on her/him. ......since the first ....." I was going to scream & pull my hair out.
Was the mystery and criminal element well played? Yes, it was. BUT, and this is a big BUT!
🤪Chance was supposed to be a professional with years of training in the military and after on jobs. He came off 🤪🥜with a couple of screws loose. The times he should have been professional and used his head he used his fist instead. I lost a lot of respect for his character and the story itself.
Now to something weird....
On Amazon & GR the page count is listed as 236 pages. That is WRONG. It is much shorter.
The German edition says 169 pages & is most likely the correct page count.
Other than the problems I had with it, it is still a pretty good story. It moves quickly and you find yourself at the end before you know it.
The adult romance areas are nicely done. The romance itself is pretty good, but could have used a bit more maturity on both the MC's parts.
It could have been a great read, but it was just above what I consider the 'Okay' mark.
I have a feeling the next in the series will be better. That is due to what I found in this story that I did like and my past experience reading Ms. Eden's books.
Crossing my fingers 🤞
January 10, 2015
I absolutely love the fact that Cynthia Eden is now self publishing a lot of her books! This means more books in my hands much much faster than with traditional publishing. That makes the reader/fan-girl in me so very happy!
This go around Eden gifts us with Chance and Gwen, two people intent on leaving the past where it should be…yet they each think a different place. Chance made a huge mistake so many years ago by allowing his feelings to get in the way of his job. Gwen was forbidden fruit then and especially now after her father secretly hires him to be her shadow. The beautiful young girl has since blossomed into a stunning woman and Chance is once again conflicted with duty and feelings. He needs to protect her from some unseen evil intent on taking her from him….from the world…yet all he can think about how much he wants her.
Gwen knows she needs to be careful, both with the threat stalking her and the secretive Chance. Her need for him clouds her judgement and makes her question her sanity. She vows to pay Chance whatever his security firm wants in order to keep her safe. Unbeknownst to her he’s already been hired and turned down any monetary gain. The most important thing is keeping her safe. Even if it means he may have to take her place.
Another hot, suspenseful read from Cynthia! I enjoyed this from start to finish just like every other Eden book I’ve ever picked up! Chance and Gwen heat up the pages together quite well and they leave nothing to the imagination *wink wink*. Lots of suspense give the book a thrilling feel that kept me reading long into the night. Seriously, the tension never lets up until the very end.
I loved the “second chance at love” aspect because the characters were already acquainted with each other. Their rekindling of feelings felt sincere and well done. Chance had some making up to do for the past and for keeping some important information from Gwen about the current job as well. His growth throughout the book was well done as was Gwen’s.
Watch Me gave me everything I wanted in a Cynthia Eden book…sheer awesomeness!
I give Watch Me by Cynthia Eden 4.50 stars!
This go around Eden gifts us with Chance and Gwen, two people intent on leaving the past where it should be…yet they each think a different place. Chance made a huge mistake so many years ago by allowing his feelings to get in the way of his job. Gwen was forbidden fruit then and especially now after her father secretly hires him to be her shadow. The beautiful young girl has since blossomed into a stunning woman and Chance is once again conflicted with duty and feelings. He needs to protect her from some unseen evil intent on taking her from him….from the world…yet all he can think about how much he wants her.
Gwen knows she needs to be careful, both with the threat stalking her and the secretive Chance. Her need for him clouds her judgement and makes her question her sanity. She vows to pay Chance whatever his security firm wants in order to keep her safe. Unbeknownst to her he’s already been hired and turned down any monetary gain. The most important thing is keeping her safe. Even if it means he may have to take her place.
Another hot, suspenseful read from Cynthia! I enjoyed this from start to finish just like every other Eden book I’ve ever picked up! Chance and Gwen heat up the pages together quite well and they leave nothing to the imagination *wink wink*. Lots of suspense give the book a thrilling feel that kept me reading long into the night. Seriously, the tension never lets up until the very end.
I loved the “second chance at love” aspect because the characters were already acquainted with each other. Their rekindling of feelings felt sincere and well done. Chance had some making up to do for the past and for keeping some important information from Gwen about the current job as well. His growth throughout the book was well done as was Gwen’s.
Watch Me gave me everything I wanted in a Cynthia Eden book…sheer awesomeness!
I give Watch Me by Cynthia Eden 4.50 stars!
December 8, 2014
3 1/2 stars (rounded down to 3 stars, because it was too easy to guess who the bad guy was)
March 1, 2015
Gwen grew up protected. Being the daughter of a very wealthy man, there were always threats surrounding her family. But until Chance was the man that was put in charge or her safety, Gwen no longer felt the need to escape her bodyguard. The only problem – Chance didn’t return her affections; at least not then.
Chance has branched off and started his own security company with the help of two friends. When Mr. Hawthorne shows up demanding he take on the job of protecting his daughter, Chance can’t say no. He walked away from his feelings towards Gwen because he couldn’t cross that line again, but now things have changed. And with someone after Gwen, there is only one man that is going to protect her.
I enjoyed this story and have come to love the romantic suspense series that Ms. Eden gives us. Chance is a great hero and protector. I love the type of story that gives you a bit of a second chance romance mixed in with a forbidden affair. Chance was restrained by his job when it came to giving into his feelings for Gwen, but now there isn’t anything that is going to stop him from taking what he knows is his.
Gwen could have ventured easily into the helpless heroine role or even into that “I can’t believe she’s so stupid!” space, but she was neither. I loved that although Chance had to prove something to her, she still understood there was danger and didn’t foolishly place herself in the middle of it out of pure stubbornness.
The story itself was much more complex than I originally expected based upon the length of the story and that allowed for the storyline being much less predictable. I do wish that we had a chance to see more of their past rather than just a few mentions. This would have allowed me to gain a bit more of a connection with these two and might have made their feelings seem a little more stable, especially given the pace they move at. But in the end, this was another enjoyed title by Ms. Eden and I can’t wait to read the two books that will follow in this series.
Chance has branched off and started his own security company with the help of two friends. When Mr. Hawthorne shows up demanding he take on the job of protecting his daughter, Chance can’t say no. He walked away from his feelings towards Gwen because he couldn’t cross that line again, but now things have changed. And with someone after Gwen, there is only one man that is going to protect her.
I enjoyed this story and have come to love the romantic suspense series that Ms. Eden gives us. Chance is a great hero and protector. I love the type of story that gives you a bit of a second chance romance mixed in with a forbidden affair. Chance was restrained by his job when it came to giving into his feelings for Gwen, but now there isn’t anything that is going to stop him from taking what he knows is his.
Gwen could have ventured easily into the helpless heroine role or even into that “I can’t believe she’s so stupid!” space, but she was neither. I loved that although Chance had to prove something to her, she still understood there was danger and didn’t foolishly place herself in the middle of it out of pure stubbornness.
The story itself was much more complex than I originally expected based upon the length of the story and that allowed for the storyline being much less predictable. I do wish that we had a chance to see more of their past rather than just a few mentions. This would have allowed me to gain a bit more of a connection with these two and might have made their feelings seem a little more stable, especially given the pace they move at. But in the end, this was another enjoyed title by Ms. Eden and I can’t wait to read the two books that will follow in this series.
May 19, 2020
Read this review on Got Fiction?
This is the first book in Cynthia Eden's latest Romantic Suspense trilogy called Dark Obsession.
I liked it a lot, and I love when we have a couple who was together before and is reunited, although this isn't the typical story. Here, Gwen is the daughter of a wealthy man who is paranoid about security. Chance was one of his (and her) bodyguards, until one day, they kissed, and he told her that it could never happen again. He quit shortly thereafter, and started his own security business.
This tore Gwen apart. They had practically been best friends, and the kiss was scorching, yet Chance wanted nothing to do with her? It was awful.
So she tried her best to move on.
And ended up in a one-night-stand with the wealthy owner of a club.
Ethan wouldn't leave Gwen alone. It got the point where she had a restraining order taken out on him.
So when she begins to feel someone stalker her, the obvious answer is that Ethan can't let go, right?
This is where Chance comes back in.
Not only is he sure Gwen's stalker is Ethan, but he's going to protect her from him, at any cost. And this time, once he has Gwen in his arms, he won't let her go. But Gwen isn't sure it's Ethan, and she isn't sure about Chance anymore. Can she let him back in?
This was a great start to the Dark Obsession series, and I love Cynthia Eden's Romantic Suspenses, so this was a big hit for me.
It's a little dark, a lot sexy, and even has a twist. For anyone looking for an intense and sexy read, this book is for you. It's longer than a novella, but shorter than a full-length novel, the price point is great, and the story itself will make you want to grab book 2 Want Me.
***ARC courtesy of Hocus Pocus Publishing
This is the first book in Cynthia Eden's latest Romantic Suspense trilogy called Dark Obsession.
I liked it a lot, and I love when we have a couple who was together before and is reunited, although this isn't the typical story. Here, Gwen is the daughter of a wealthy man who is paranoid about security. Chance was one of his (and her) bodyguards, until one day, they kissed, and he told her that it could never happen again. He quit shortly thereafter, and started his own security business.
This tore Gwen apart. They had practically been best friends, and the kiss was scorching, yet Chance wanted nothing to do with her? It was awful.
So she tried her best to move on.
And ended up in a one-night-stand with the wealthy owner of a club.
Ethan wouldn't leave Gwen alone. It got the point where she had a restraining order taken out on him.
So when she begins to feel someone stalker her, the obvious answer is that Ethan can't let go, right?
This is where Chance comes back in.
Not only is he sure Gwen's stalker is Ethan, but he's going to protect her from him, at any cost. And this time, once he has Gwen in his arms, he won't let her go. But Gwen isn't sure it's Ethan, and she isn't sure about Chance anymore. Can she let him back in?
This was a great start to the Dark Obsession series, and I love Cynthia Eden's Romantic Suspenses, so this was a big hit for me.
It's a little dark, a lot sexy, and even has a twist. For anyone looking for an intense and sexy read, this book is for you. It's longer than a novella, but shorter than a full-length novel, the price point is great, and the story itself will make you want to grab book 2 Want Me.
***ARC courtesy of Hocus Pocus Publishing
November 18, 2015
“You want to know the one place I actually felt comfortable in? Where I felt as if I belonged?”
Gwen nodded.
“With you,” he said simply and he gave a hard smile. “You’re the closest thing to a real home I’ve ever had, and I didn’t even realize how important you were until you kicked me out of your life.”
Another excellent RS from Cynthia Eden. I just love how this author always stays true to her winning writing style. When I pick up a Cynthia Eden romantic suspense, I always know I will be getting fast paced action, chilling suspense and intense and sexy romance.
Chance has wanted Gwen since the first moment he met her, but he was part of her father’s security detail, and he doesn’t mix business with pleasure. So they became friends, but when Gwen tried to bring them to the next level, he pushed her away, thinking he wasn’t good enough for her.
It’s been months since he last saw Gwen, since she told him to leave her alone, since he quit his job, and opened his own security business with his two friends. Now Gwen’s father has contacted him, requesting him to protect Gwen from a stalker, and keeping her safe. And all that matters to Chance is having a second chance with Gwen, keeping her safe, and never letting her go again.
I loved Chance, and the intensity between him and Gwen was scorching. Cynthia Eden has a talent for writing obsession, possessiveness, lust and love, and it does it for me EVERY time.
Gwen was great, and I really liked all the secondary characters introduced. This is going to be another wonderful series by Cynthia Eden.
A must read for all who loves a good romantic suspense, heavy on the suspense and romance!
January 26, 2015
Check out my other reviews at Little Miss Bookmark!
Historical romance novels were always my favorite. I love everything about them. But then I got into the romantic suspense genre and this book is a perfect example as to why. I think that these might be my new favorite!
I've never read anything by Cynthia Eden but I would most assuredly read something by her again. I was kept on my toes the entire time with Watch Me. There were so many twists and turns that it really kept me interested from the beginning all the way to the last page.
The characters were really well written and while I wished to know a bit more about Gwen and Chance and their past, I was okay with just the info that I was given. But I wouldn't mind a little novella about these two. I really liked the chemistry between them but it felt like Gwen sometimes let Chance off easy. A bit more ... conflict ... between them would have been nice. The secondary characters were awesome as well and I like how it was setting up the next novel in the series. It really hooked you and made you want to know what was going to happen next.
I really don't have much more to say about the book. I think that I'll probably pick up the next in the series because I want to know what is going to happen ... Cynthia Eden left a few things open-ended and I'm wondering if little subplots will open up because of that, I sure hope so!!
February 6, 2015
Rating~ 3 stars
Gwen Hawthorne is a heiress and Chance Valentine used to be father’s bodyguard. Now he’s a partner in a security agency, when Gwen’s father hires him to be Gwen’s bodyguard for a while.
Gwen and Chance both have in love with each other for years back when Chance still used to work for Gwen’s father. Chance’s rejection led Gwen into an arms of another man which turned put to be the biggest mistake Gwen has ever made and resulted in the two parting ways. Now Gwen’s in danger and Chance would do anything to protect her and maybe finally get a second chance to be with her.
Quibbles: It felt a little too easy and the suspense part which is usually really good in Cynthia’s books fell a little off mark for me. I just felt that the book was missing something, it was good but not great and missing that something extra that I have come to expect from Cynthia.
It makes for good light romantic suspense if you are looking for nothing too dark or just starting getting into this genre.
Overall, Cynthia Eden is a must read author for me and this is a good addition to her romantic suspense books.
ARC generously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Gwen Hawthorne is a heiress and Chance Valentine used to be father’s bodyguard. Now he’s a partner in a security agency, when Gwen’s father hires him to be Gwen’s bodyguard for a while.
Gwen and Chance both have in love with each other for years back when Chance still used to work for Gwen’s father. Chance’s rejection led Gwen into an arms of another man which turned put to be the biggest mistake Gwen has ever made and resulted in the two parting ways. Now Gwen’s in danger and Chance would do anything to protect her and maybe finally get a second chance to be with her.
Quibbles: It felt a little too easy and the suspense part which is usually really good in Cynthia’s books fell a little off mark for me. I just felt that the book was missing something, it was good but not great and missing that something extra that I have come to expect from Cynthia.
It makes for good light romantic suspense if you are looking for nothing too dark or just starting getting into this genre.
Overall, Cynthia Eden is a must read author for me and this is a good addition to her romantic suspense books.
ARC generously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
November 30, 2017
💝 FREE on Amazon today (11/30/2017)! 💝
Blurb:
Watch Me…The first book in New York Times and USA Today best-selling author Cynthia Eden’s sexy new romantic suspense series…DARK OBSESSION.
He was hired to protect her.
Watching gorgeous Gwen Hawthorne wasn’t a hard job—but it certainly was tempting. Chance Valentine had tried to keep his distance from the sexy socialite for years, but when her father hired him to keep watch on her—as a twenty-four, seven bodyguard—Chance knew his control was about to be pushed to the limit.
He’d never wanted another woman the way he desired her. Hot. Intense. Consuming. Being so close to Gwen, Chance knew that he wouldn’t be able to resist her. So he gave into his need, her need, and he took them both to the edge of a dark and consuming desire.
But Chance soon realizes that he isn’t the only one watching Gwen. Someone else is out there, a stalker who won’t rest until Gwen is destroyed. Every day, every moment…Gwen is in danger. And Chance knows that if he can’t unmask the stalker, then he may just lose the only woman he has ever loved.
Watch me.
Blurb:
Watch Me…The first book in New York Times and USA Today best-selling author Cynthia Eden’s sexy new romantic suspense series…DARK OBSESSION.
He was hired to protect her.
Watching gorgeous Gwen Hawthorne wasn’t a hard job—but it certainly was tempting. Chance Valentine had tried to keep his distance from the sexy socialite for years, but when her father hired him to keep watch on her—as a twenty-four, seven bodyguard—Chance knew his control was about to be pushed to the limit.
He’d never wanted another woman the way he desired her. Hot. Intense. Consuming. Being so close to Gwen, Chance knew that he wouldn’t be able to resist her. So he gave into his need, her need, and he took them both to the edge of a dark and consuming desire.
But Chance soon realizes that he isn’t the only one watching Gwen. Someone else is out there, a stalker who won’t rest until Gwen is destroyed. Every day, every moment…Gwen is in danger. And Chance knows that if he can’t unmask the stalker, then he may just lose the only woman he has ever loved.
Watch me.
November 17, 2017
Weak story, boring characters, and the writing... not so good.
February 21, 2015
*ARC via Netgalley*
February 4, 2015
I'm a HUGE Cynthia Eden fan so I was super excited when I saw that she was coming out with a new romantic suspense series. I really enjoy reading stalker/serial killer stories and Cynthia Eden can write a stalker like no one else. Unlike most authors, she lets us get into the head of the stalker and I have to admit that's one of my favorite parts.
Chance and Gwen have wanted each other since the first time they met but since Chance worked for her dad, he wouldn't cross that line. After some humiliation and embarrassment on Gwens part, they don't see each other for months until Gwen's dad, Will, hires Chance to keep a 24/7 watch on Gwen because he fears she's in danger.
Of course Gwen questions Chance's reappearance in her life, but she's so happy when he saves her yet again that she let's it go. Poor Chance... He wanted to be with Gwen and protect her but he knew when he admitted that her father did indeed call him and ask him to watch over her that she'd probably never want to see him again. I guess in a way I see where he's coming from but he had so many opportunities to tell her the truth that he should have just been upfront with her.
Luckily, Chance is pretty good at groveling and Gwen forgives him without putting up too much of a fight. I really love the dynamic between these two. Their attraction for each other was apparent, but you could tell it was so much more than that. And when they did finally have sex? It was explosive just like they knew it would be.
As for the stalker... I had a feeling that I knew who it was as soon as we were introduced to them. But in true Cynthia Eden style, she had me second guessing myself a time or two. I won't say whether I was right or not but I will say this... I sure enjoyed the roller coaster Ms. Eden took me on!
If you enjoy reading a good romantic suspense, and even if you've never read a Cynthia Eden book before, you should definitely read Watch Me!
*ARC kindly provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Chance and Gwen have wanted each other since the first time they met but since Chance worked for her dad, he wouldn't cross that line. After some humiliation and embarrassment on Gwens part, they don't see each other for months until Gwen's dad, Will, hires Chance to keep a 24/7 watch on Gwen because he fears she's in danger.
Of course Gwen questions Chance's reappearance in her life, but she's so happy when he saves her yet again that she let's it go. Poor Chance... He wanted to be with Gwen and protect her but he knew when he admitted that her father did indeed call him and ask him to watch over her that she'd probably never want to see him again. I guess in a way I see where he's coming from but he had so many opportunities to tell her the truth that he should have just been upfront with her.
Luckily, Chance is pretty good at groveling and Gwen forgives him without putting up too much of a fight. I really love the dynamic between these two. Their attraction for each other was apparent, but you could tell it was so much more than that. And when they did finally have sex? It was explosive just like they knew it would be.
As for the stalker... I had a feeling that I knew who it was as soon as we were introduced to them. But in true Cynthia Eden style, she had me second guessing myself a time or two. I won't say whether I was right or not but I will say this... I sure enjoyed the roller coaster Ms. Eden took me on!
If you enjoy reading a good romantic suspense, and even if you've never read a Cynthia Eden book before, you should definitely read Watch Me!
*ARC kindly provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
December 22, 2014
This was a great book. I laughed at the funny moments and cried at the heart breaking moments, bit my nails at the suspense and fanned my self through all of the hot steamy moments. Both characters were strong and yet so vulnerable at the same time. They were not afraid to put their hearts out there to each other but it was sweet how at the same time they were like here I am but be gentle please. In their own way saying I cant take anymore heartbreak but I cant deny how I feel. I am usually all about the heroine in a book and although Gwen held my attention, Chance held my heart. This was a great book for a FABULOUS price. I received this book as an ARC from Netgalley for my honest review.
Chance Valentine has been fighting his attraction to Gwen Hawthorne for every a long time. When he is hired by Gwen's father to protect her he knows that this is a job he just cannot refuse. What should have been an easy job turns into one of the hardest jobs he has ever been on. Day in and day out Chance has to fight his attraction to Gwen while staying close enough to protect her from an unknown stalker.
Gwen is tired of her overprotective Father hiring guards to follow her and protect her. So when Chance shows up she cant help but wonder is he there for her or just for the job?
Together Chance and Gwen wade through all of the lies and deceptions to find who is behind all these strange events. Will they fall in love on the way? Can they see past the pain in their broken hearts and dark pasts to fall in love? That's the real question people!
Chance Valentine has been fighting his attraction to Gwen Hawthorne for every a long time. When he is hired by Gwen's father to protect her he knows that this is a job he just cannot refuse. What should have been an easy job turns into one of the hardest jobs he has ever been on. Day in and day out Chance has to fight his attraction to Gwen while staying close enough to protect her from an unknown stalker.
Gwen is tired of her overprotective Father hiring guards to follow her and protect her. So when Chance shows up she cant help but wonder is he there for her or just for the job?
Together Chance and Gwen wade through all of the lies and deceptions to find who is behind all these strange events. Will they fall in love on the way? Can they see past the pain in their broken hearts and dark pasts to fall in love? That's the real question people!
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