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Protector and Defender Romance #4
When He Defends
He didn’t want a new partner, especially not her.
FBI Agent Gray Stone knows killers. As a top profiler at the Bureau, monsters are truly his business. So he absolutely does not need to be paired up with the infuriating—and gorgeous—Dr. Emerson Marlowe. But her mother is a senator with far too much power, and, all of a sudden, Gray finds himself on training duty, a duty that includes way too many hours and way too much temptingly close contact with Emerson.
He doesn’t play well with others. In fact, he doesn’t play at all.
What’s he supposed to do with a sexy shadow? One who is just as good at mind games as he is? One who is smart and funny and…dammit. Emerson has practically no field experience, and the last thing Gray wants to do is put her in harm’s way. He may not want to work with Emerson, but he will not let anyone hurt her. So when a new case goes sideways and a killer gets chillingly close, Gray has to come up with a new training plan.
New She follows his orders. She does exactly what he says. And she does not get in the way.
Except Emerson can’t follow orders to save her life. She does whatever she wants, and the woman is one hundred percent in his way. In his way. In his mind. In his dreams. And, maybe, just maybe, the infuriating Emerson is even working her sneaky way into his heart. But danger is growing around her, danger that doesn’t seem to just be coming from their work at the FBI. A stalker has eyes on Emerson, a predator who is well-acquainted with darkness and pain. A perp who wants Emerson to suffer.
To protect his new partner, Gray will have to let his own darkness come out to hunt.
No one turns Gray’s partner into prey. No one terrifies Emerson. No one hurts her. Ever. Gray stops playing the good guy, and he goes all in on protecting her. Protecting and defending—that’s his way of life, but this time, the defense is personal. Emerson is his—uh, his partner, of course, and, hell, maybe a whole lot more. Gray has always kept his inner darkness on a tight leash, but when Emerson is threatened, his control shatters. He will claim her, he will protect her, and he will put the perp who threatens her in the ground.
Author’s Grayson “Gray” Stone has spent far too many years playing mind games with other people. This time, he’s the one who will see his life spiral out of control as he falls hard for a partner he never expected. Forced proximity, danger, desire, opposites fiercely attracting…oh, get ready for all the fun things. Did I mention the steam? Because there is plenty of it in this romance.
FBI Agent Gray Stone knows killers. As a top profiler at the Bureau, monsters are truly his business. So he absolutely does not need to be paired up with the infuriating—and gorgeous—Dr. Emerson Marlowe. But her mother is a senator with far too much power, and, all of a sudden, Gray finds himself on training duty, a duty that includes way too many hours and way too much temptingly close contact with Emerson.
He doesn’t play well with others. In fact, he doesn’t play at all.
What’s he supposed to do with a sexy shadow? One who is just as good at mind games as he is? One who is smart and funny and…dammit. Emerson has practically no field experience, and the last thing Gray wants to do is put her in harm’s way. He may not want to work with Emerson, but he will not let anyone hurt her. So when a new case goes sideways and a killer gets chillingly close, Gray has to come up with a new training plan.
New She follows his orders. She does exactly what he says. And she does not get in the way.
Except Emerson can’t follow orders to save her life. She does whatever she wants, and the woman is one hundred percent in his way. In his way. In his mind. In his dreams. And, maybe, just maybe, the infuriating Emerson is even working her sneaky way into his heart. But danger is growing around her, danger that doesn’t seem to just be coming from their work at the FBI. A stalker has eyes on Emerson, a predator who is well-acquainted with darkness and pain. A perp who wants Emerson to suffer.
To protect his new partner, Gray will have to let his own darkness come out to hunt.
No one turns Gray’s partner into prey. No one terrifies Emerson. No one hurts her. Ever. Gray stops playing the good guy, and he goes all in on protecting her. Protecting and defending—that’s his way of life, but this time, the defense is personal. Emerson is his—uh, his partner, of course, and, hell, maybe a whole lot more. Gray has always kept his inner darkness on a tight leash, but when Emerson is threatened, his control shatters. He will claim her, he will protect her, and he will put the perp who threatens her in the ground.
Author’s Grayson “Gray” Stone has spent far too many years playing mind games with other people. This time, he’s the one who will see his life spiral out of control as he falls hard for a partner he never expected. Forced proximity, danger, desire, opposites fiercely attracting…oh, get ready for all the fun things. Did I mention the steam? Because there is plenty of it in this romance.
310 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 23, 2025
63 people are currently reading
84 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 40 reviews
September 17, 2025
I just finished reading When He Defends by Cynthia Eden, and wow! I’m still buzzing! This author always nails the balance of danger, passion, and that edge of your seat pacing, and this one hit all the right spots for me. Gray, the hero? Total alpha! Protective, relentless, and impossible not to fall for. I loved that Emerson, the heroine, had strength and vulnerability in equal measure. Together their chemistry was off the charts!
I can’t get enough of the mix of grit and heart Ms. Eden gives. I’m tense one second, swooning the next. The twists keep coming, and even though I thought I saw some of them ahead of time, I was still blindsided. This one was fast, intense, and exactly the kind of romantic suspense I crave.
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
Steam
I can’t get enough of the mix of grit and heart Ms. Eden gives. I’m tense one second, swooning the next. The twists keep coming, and even though I thought I saw some of them ahead of time, I was still blindsided. This one was fast, intense, and exactly the kind of romantic suspense I crave.
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
Steam
on-hold
September 27, 2025On hold at 35%.
I lost interest. I don’t particularly enjoy Gray's back-and-forth game. I'm not a fan of the fact that it was Emerson who was still doing the chasing. But my annoyance peaked after finding out the imbalance in their sexual experience. He's older than her, so I get it to some extent, but she just comes off as super inexperienced. 😑
So, now and out of nowhere, he just decides to say "fuck it" because she went to a bar with their coworkers, and he’s not too thrilled about the other guy showing interest in her.
Then, just when they were about to do something at her apartment, Emerson's ex suddenly showed up at her doorstep. Obviously Gray was acting all caveman-like and super possessive about her. I mean, it’s gotta be driving him crazy that in just one night, he ran into two guys who are into her. 🤷♀️
Idk, I let two days pass, and I'm still annoyed, so I'm going to pause this for now. I might (or not) get back to it at some point. Such a bummer, I was sooo excited for this. 😶
I lost interest. I don’t particularly enjoy Gray's back-and-forth game. I'm not a fan of the fact that it was Emerson who was still doing the chasing. But my annoyance peaked after finding out the imbalance in their sexual experience. He's older than her, so I get it to some extent, but she just comes off as super inexperienced. 😑
So, now and out of nowhere, he just decides to say "fuck it" because she went to a bar with their coworkers, and he’s not too thrilled about the other guy showing interest in her.
Then, just when they were about to do something at her apartment, Emerson's ex suddenly showed up at her doorstep. Obviously Gray was acting all caveman-like and super possessive about her. I mean, it’s gotta be driving him crazy that in just one night, he ran into two guys who are into her. 🤷♀️
Idk, I let two days pass, and I'm still annoyed, so I'm going to pause this for now. I might (or not) get back to it at some point. Such a bummer, I was sooo excited for this. 😶
September 25, 2025
“𝑻𝒐𝒖𝒄𝒉 𝒎𝒚 𝒘𝒊𝒇𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑰’𝒍𝒍 𝒓𝒊𝒑 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒂𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒕. 𝑫𝒐𝒆𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒔𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒅 𝒈𝒐𝒐𝒅? 𝑨𝒎 𝑰 𝒈𝒆𝒕𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒑𝒐𝒔𝒔𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒗𝒊𝒃𝒆 𝒅𝒐𝒘𝒏 𝒋𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒓𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕? 𝑳𝒆𝒕 𝒎𝒆 𝒕𝒓𝒚 𝒂𝒈𝒂𝒊𝒏… 𝑵𝒐 𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒇*𝒄𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒐𝒖𝒄𝒉𝒆𝒔 𝒎𝒚 𝒘𝒊𝒇𝒆. 𝑩𝒆𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒓?”– 𝑮𝒓𝒂𝒚 𝑺𝒕𝒐𝒏𝒆, 𝒑𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒄𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒏𝒐 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒐𝒏 𝒊𝒏 𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒊𝒄𝒖𝒍𝒂𝒓 𝒃𝒆𝒄𝒂𝒖𝒔𝒆 𝒉𝒆 𝒂𝒍𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒚 𝒉𝒂𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒑𝒐𝒔𝒔𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒗𝒊𝒃𝒆 𝒅𝒐𝒘𝒏 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝒊𝒕 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝑬𝒎𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒐𝒏 𝑴𝒂𝒓𝒍𝒐𝒘𝒆" 😅
This is the 4th book in the series and honestly… it left me OBSESSED!! 🔥 If Kane in the previous book was already an obsessive stalker who kept me up at night, Gray is no different, same recipe, just a different package! 🤣
Gray Stone is an FBI profiler, and when he’s forced to work with Emerson, a brilliant, fearless psychologist but with little field experience, he’s convinced he’ll end up having to save her. Spoiler: he was NOT ready for the whirlwind that she is!
And that’s exactly what makes this book so addictive. The interactions between Gray and Emerson are pure gold: tension-filled arguments, just the right amount of sarcasm, sizzling chemistry, and vulnerable moments that keep you glued to the pages!
Emerson doesn’t get intimidated by Gray’s bad temper (or his not-so-peaceful instincts 👀😅), and that’s exactly what makes them such an irresistible duo!
Cynthia Eden knows exactly how to mix intense romance, breath-stealing suspense, and flawed but lovable characters. Between chases, threats, and dark secrets, you simply can’t put this book down!
Get ready to lose some sleep, because every page is worth it!
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!
This is the 4th book in the series and honestly… it left me OBSESSED!! 🔥 If Kane in the previous book was already an obsessive stalker who kept me up at night, Gray is no different, same recipe, just a different package! 🤣
Gray Stone is an FBI profiler, and when he’s forced to work with Emerson, a brilliant, fearless psychologist but with little field experience, he’s convinced he’ll end up having to save her. Spoiler: he was NOT ready for the whirlwind that she is!
And that’s exactly what makes this book so addictive. The interactions between Gray and Emerson are pure gold: tension-filled arguments, just the right amount of sarcasm, sizzling chemistry, and vulnerable moments that keep you glued to the pages!
Emerson doesn’t get intimidated by Gray’s bad temper (or his not-so-peaceful instincts 👀😅), and that’s exactly what makes them such an irresistible duo!
Cynthia Eden knows exactly how to mix intense romance, breath-stealing suspense, and flawed but lovable characters. Between chases, threats, and dark secrets, you simply can’t put this book down!
Get ready to lose some sleep, because every page is worth it!
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!
Read
September 25, 2025Hero pushes away to much
H only been 2 mo
h it’s been 2 years!!!
No thank you
H only been 2 mo
h it’s been 2 years!!!
No thank you
October 2, 2025
Will there ever be a Cynthia Eden book I don’t enjoy? Doubtful but maybe one day. Certainly not this day.
Honestly, this series has been stellar so far. Like… just everything about it has been everything I love to read in a series. Emerson and Stone’s book did not disappoint.
Their chemistry was hot. And them being honest about their feelings from the get go was honestly refreshing.
The plot in this one was stellar and intricate and it introduced us to Cassian!!! Who I am SO excited to read his book, let me tell you.
I will say though… Kane and Ana were a hard act to follow. Which I think made me not enjoy this book quite as much because compared to those two… everything seems lackluster 🤣🤣
Also, we didn’t see ANY of the SEALs! Which was depressing because this was the first book we didn’t see at least one of them.
But I still really liked it. I still am so so so happy she’s writing more in this series and I am going to have to catch up on Ice Breakers because that’s the world her Christmas book is set in this year!
Honestly, this series has been stellar so far. Like… just everything about it has been everything I love to read in a series. Emerson and Stone’s book did not disappoint.
Their chemistry was hot. And them being honest about their feelings from the get go was honestly refreshing.
The plot in this one was stellar and intricate and it introduced us to Cassian!!! Who I am SO excited to read his book, let me tell you.
I will say though… Kane and Ana were a hard act to follow. Which I think made me not enjoy this book quite as much because compared to those two… everything seems lackluster 🤣🤣
Also, we didn’t see ANY of the SEALs! Which was depressing because this was the first book we didn’t see at least one of them.
But I still really liked it. I still am so so so happy she’s writing more in this series and I am going to have to catch up on Ice Breakers because that’s the world her Christmas book is set in this year!
October 16, 2025
Grayson Stone, known as Man of Stone among his colleagues loves to play games. He is callous, secretive, grumpy, brilliant and all around a jerk. He’ll do anything for his missions.
Enter Dr. Emerson Marlowe- newest addition to FBI, brilliant profiler, daughter of a Senator, loves high heels and exact opposite of Gray. In his words ‘bane of his existence’!
When Gray is forced to partner with Emerson in a new case, nothing will ever be the same.
I loved how Emerson flicked Gray’s world upside down with just being existing. The man was OBSESSED from the beginning. They had this combustible chemistry. She was his match in all ways.
For me highlight of this book was Gray’s jealousy. God, I ate it up!
Loved the plot too. Gray’s characterisation is top notch. I loved his dark humour.
I can’t wait for Cassius Striker’s book. That man is 🔥.
-Romantic suspense.
-Serial killer & Stalker on loose.
-FBI agent x profiler.
-They are both badass.
-Can’t decide who’s more obsessed, the hero or the stalker.
-Interconnected Standalone series.
-Recommended.
I received an advance review copy and I’m leaving this review voluntarily.
Enter Dr. Emerson Marlowe- newest addition to FBI, brilliant profiler, daughter of a Senator, loves high heels and exact opposite of Gray. In his words ‘bane of his existence’!
When Gray is forced to partner with Emerson in a new case, nothing will ever be the same.
I loved how Emerson flicked Gray’s world upside down with just being existing. The man was OBSESSED from the beginning. They had this combustible chemistry. She was his match in all ways.
For me highlight of this book was Gray’s jealousy. God, I ate it up!
Loved the plot too. Gray’s characterisation is top notch. I loved his dark humour.
I can’t wait for Cassius Striker’s book. That man is 🔥.
-Romantic suspense.
-Serial killer & Stalker on loose.
-FBI agent x profiler.
-They are both badass.
-Can’t decide who’s more obsessed, the hero or the stalker.
-Interconnected Standalone series.
-Recommended.
I received an advance review copy and I’m leaving this review voluntarily.
September 23, 2025
The Man of Stone!!
Gray Stone and Emerson Marlowe were on the last book in this series and I knew when I say there interaction they were going to smoking together.
He tried to fight against there connection to hard he was about to explode.
“You discover what a person wants the most. Then, threaten to take it away. Because what someone wants most? That thing is also the person’s weakness.
They are both Mind Hunters and together they are unstoppable. I love the alpha males this author writes.
“Instead, you’re here, doing your big, bad wolf impression.”
Im so glad that Cass is getting his own story. I can’t wait but then anything this author writes is full of humor and danger that keeps the pages flying.
Gray Stone and Emerson Marlowe were on the last book in this series and I knew when I say there interaction they were going to smoking together.
He tried to fight against there connection to hard he was about to explode.
“You discover what a person wants the most. Then, threaten to take it away. Because what someone wants most? That thing is also the person’s weakness.
They are both Mind Hunters and together they are unstoppable. I love the alpha males this author writes.
“Instead, you’re here, doing your big, bad wolf impression.”
Im so glad that Cass is getting his own story. I can’t wait but then anything this author writes is full of humor and danger that keeps the pages flying.
September 27, 2025
🇫🇷French & English reviews🇬🇧
📖Genre & Tropes📖 : romance suspense x almost enemies to lovers x work romance x serial killer plot x murder plot x ex military hero x FBI hero and heroine x touch her and die x fake marriage x spicy
Une romance à suspense que j’ai ADORE et probablement mon tome préféré de la série !!
C’était l’un des livres que j’attendais avec le plus d’impatience parce que, dès les premiers tomes de cette série, j’ai su que j’allais ADORER Gray !! Et sans surprise, j’ai adoré Gray =D Il était tellement grognon mais en même temps hyper protecteur et badass et Emerson face à lui hyper courageuse et toute mignonne mais une badass à part entière !
La romance était GÉNIALE : pleine de tensions et de joutes verbales mais aussi de moments chauds bouillants ! En plus de ça, deux agents du FBI dont un badass grumpy et une badass discrète et avec un petit age gap et une vibe romance avec son boss ! Bref, je n’ai pu que la dévorer !
Les multiples intrigues étaient également passionnantes et, même si j’avais deviné l’identité de la plupart des suspects, l’enquête et toute la tension autour des secrets et des mensonges des héros étaient top !
Et les personnages secondaires … Je m’attendais TELLEMENT PAS au cousin de Gray, Cass, mais maintenant je veux TOUT SAVOIR SUR LUI ><
Bref, uneromance à suspense pleine de tensions que j’ai dévoré !
Pour plus de jolies chroniques 😘 : Mon Bujo tout en couleurs et en livres
⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐
A suspense romance that I LOVED and probably my favorite book in the series !!
This was one of the books I was most looking forward to because, from the first few books in this series, I knew I was going to LOVE Gray !! And unsurprisingly, I loved Gray =D He was so grumpy but at the same time super protective and badass, and Emerson, on the other hand, was super brave and cute, but a badass in her own right !
The romance was AWESOME : full of tension and verbal sparring, but also some really spicy moments ! On top of that, there were two FBI agents, one of whom was grumpy and the other discreet, with a small age gap, and a romance with her boss vibe ! In short, I couldn't help but devour it !
The multiple plots were also fascinating, and even though I guessed the identities of most of the suspects, the investigation and all the tension surrounding the heroes' secrets and lies were fantastic !
And the supporting characters... I was SO NOT expecting Gray's cousin, Cass, but now I want to KNOW EVERYTHING ABOUT HIM ><
In short, a suspense romance full of tension that I devoured !
For more pretty reviews 😘: My Bujo, all in color and books
📖Genre & Tropes📖 : romance suspense x almost enemies to lovers x work romance x serial killer plot x murder plot x ex military hero x FBI hero and heroine x touch her and die x fake marriage x spicy
Une romance à suspense que j’ai ADORE et probablement mon tome préféré de la série !!
C’était l’un des livres que j’attendais avec le plus d’impatience parce que, dès les premiers tomes de cette série, j’ai su que j’allais ADORER Gray !! Et sans surprise, j’ai adoré Gray =D Il était tellement grognon mais en même temps hyper protecteur et badass et Emerson face à lui hyper courageuse et toute mignonne mais une badass à part entière !
La romance était GÉNIALE : pleine de tensions et de joutes verbales mais aussi de moments chauds bouillants ! En plus de ça, deux agents du FBI dont un badass grumpy et une badass discrète et avec un petit age gap et une vibe romance avec son boss ! Bref, je n’ai pu que la dévorer !
Les multiples intrigues étaient également passionnantes et, même si j’avais deviné l’identité de la plupart des suspects, l’enquête et toute la tension autour des secrets et des mensonges des héros étaient top !
Et les personnages secondaires … Je m’attendais TELLEMENT PAS au cousin de Gray, Cass, mais maintenant je veux TOUT SAVOIR SUR LUI ><
Bref, uneromance à suspense pleine de tensions que j’ai dévoré !
Pour plus de jolies chroniques 😘 : Mon Bujo tout en couleurs et en livres
⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐
A suspense romance that I LOVED and probably my favorite book in the series !!
This was one of the books I was most looking forward to because, from the first few books in this series, I knew I was going to LOVE Gray !! And unsurprisingly, I loved Gray =D He was so grumpy but at the same time super protective and badass, and Emerson, on the other hand, was super brave and cute, but a badass in her own right !
The romance was AWESOME : full of tension and verbal sparring, but also some really spicy moments ! On top of that, there were two FBI agents, one of whom was grumpy and the other discreet, with a small age gap, and a romance with her boss vibe ! In short, I couldn't help but devour it !
The multiple plots were also fascinating, and even though I guessed the identities of most of the suspects, the investigation and all the tension surrounding the heroes' secrets and lies were fantastic !
And the supporting characters... I was SO NOT expecting Gray's cousin, Cass, but now I want to KNOW EVERYTHING ABOUT HIM ><
In short, a suspense romance full of tension that I devoured !
For more pretty reviews 😘: My Bujo, all in color and books
October 2, 2025
WHEN HE DEFENDS is the fourth instalment in Cynthia Eden’s contemporary, adult PROTECTOR AND DEFENDER romantic suspense series. This is psychiatrist Dr. Emerson Marlowe, and former US Marine turned FBI profiler Gray Stone’s story line. WHEN HE DEFENDS can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary
Told from several omniscient third person perspectives including Emerson and Gray WHEN HE DEFENDS focuses on the search for a serial killer. Someone is targeting married couples,and with her expertise the field of psychiatry, Emerson has asked to be paired with our story line hero but never expected to find herself hunting a killer on a secluded island.
Meanwhile, Emerson’s life has never been her own, and with her mother constantly taking control, our heroine is determined to break free but all is not as it appears to be, so with the help of his fellow friends and agents, Gray begins a deep dive into the history of the Marlowe family.
The world building follows several paths as our couple go undercover to ferret out a killer. From the outset, our couple find themselves a target of someone unknown but as Emerson and Gray get closer to the truth, someone else takes aim determined to stop them both.
The relationship between Gray and Emerson begins as a professional pairing that will quickly turn into something more. Undercover as a married couple, Gray is determined to protect the woman with whom he is falling in love. The $ex scenes are. Intimate and passionate without the use of over the top sexually graphic language and text.
The secondary and supporting characters are desperate and colorful. We are introduced to Emerson’s overbearing and over protective mother Senator Marlowe, and her security guard Owen: Emerson’s ex Nathaniel; Gray’s cousin and MC member Cassius ‘Cass’ Striker, as well as several FBI agents and friends including Rhylan, Malik, Ronan, Tyler and Kane. The requisite evil has many faces.
WHEN HE DEFENDS is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, power and control, obsession and jealousy, family and relationships, acceptance and love.The character driven premise is intriguing , engaging and suspenseful; the romance is seductive; the characters are energetic, determined and charismatic.
copy supplied for review
Told from several omniscient third person perspectives including Emerson and Gray WHEN HE DEFENDS focuses on the search for a serial killer. Someone is targeting married couples,and with her expertise the field of psychiatry, Emerson has asked to be paired with our story line hero but never expected to find herself hunting a killer on a secluded island.
Meanwhile, Emerson’s life has never been her own, and with her mother constantly taking control, our heroine is determined to break free but all is not as it appears to be, so with the help of his fellow friends and agents, Gray begins a deep dive into the history of the Marlowe family.
The world building follows several paths as our couple go undercover to ferret out a killer. From the outset, our couple find themselves a target of someone unknown but as Emerson and Gray get closer to the truth, someone else takes aim determined to stop them both.
The relationship between Gray and Emerson begins as a professional pairing that will quickly turn into something more. Undercover as a married couple, Gray is determined to protect the woman with whom he is falling in love. The $ex scenes are. Intimate and passionate without the use of over the top sexually graphic language and text.
The secondary and supporting characters are desperate and colorful. We are introduced to Emerson’s overbearing and over protective mother Senator Marlowe, and her security guard Owen: Emerson’s ex Nathaniel; Gray’s cousin and MC member Cassius ‘Cass’ Striker, as well as several FBI agents and friends including Rhylan, Malik, Ronan, Tyler and Kane. The requisite evil has many faces.
WHEN HE DEFENDS is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, power and control, obsession and jealousy, family and relationships, acceptance and love.The character driven premise is intriguing , engaging and suspenseful; the romance is seductive; the characters are energetic, determined and charismatic.
copy supplied for review
September 24, 2025
Gray is why I read Cynthia Eden. She has a way of writing her alpha men that balances them out between a protector and someone that lets the woman fly. Often her males are attracted to smart, accomplished women.
From the moment we are introduced to Gray I wanted his story because I knew it was going to be as good as it turned out to be. Poor Gray is in a pickle. He's partnered up with a woman he doesn't want to be with. For many reasons. He also feels like he can't trust anyone other than his partner.
In the prior book, When He Fights you meet Emerson and don't really get much of a read on her. Yes, she's smart but she's always up to something. She does save Gray so we can't fault her any. I wasn't sure if these two would be a good match because she came off as a little mousy but in their book, you find that she really isn't. Shy yes but knows how to stand for herself at least with Gray.
As I learn more about Emerson and Gray you really feel for these two. I love them as a couple and feel they are getting the people that they both deserve in life. They work together so well. Neither miss much and what one does the other notices. Both are willing to fight for each other and die if they must.
I so hated Emerson's mother. She's a terrible mother that doesn't deserve such a good person as a daughter. Now Cass who we meet in this book, I want his story and can't wait to read it. It's next by the way.
Yes, this story can be read as a standalone, but I would read the prior books to get a good feel for the series. You'll like the relationship between the men. It was one of the things I missed in this story. None of the guys were in it. Of course, we got a new character, so I won't complain, much.
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ARC received for an honest review
September 25, 2025
I wanted to like this one, but in the end I just didn’t feel like it hit the mark. I’ve read quite a few books by Cynthia Eden over the years and have enjoyed most of them. It just somehow feels like her more recent books are interchangeable. The characters names may differ, but the man is always a hardened and dominant type and the woman is always tough and determined. In this story the characters are Agent Grayson Stone and Dr. Emerson Marlowe. The premise is that Emerson’s mother, a sitting Senator, has used her influence to get her daughter a job working with the FBI. And Agent Stone, the most revered member of the Agency, agrees to let her work with him for reasons of his own. You really have to ignore logic here, since a scenario like that seems questionable at best. And, like in so many other Eden books, Gray is resisting Emerson for her own good. He keeps warning her that she wouldn’t be able to handle how dark he is, yet when he does “let go” I couldn’t figure out what he thought was so dark about himself. And quite frankly, for a man professing to think Emerson is intelligent, he certainly didn’t trust her to know her own mind and decide for herself. Sigh. The plot was quite convoluted, with several avenues to follow. The two working cases together, Emerson’s fear she has inherited her father’s illness, a motorcycle club with a mystery man leading them, a senator pulling strings, a stalker. And while I do love a competent man, I was just a little frustrated with how perfect Gray was supposed to be. He was an elite former soldier and now is so good at his job at the FBI that they let him do whatever he wants. Huh? He can basically snap his fingers and have access to anything, and he’s a master at everything he does. There was nothing realistic about the character at all. And while the author writes about the characters and their emotions, ultimately I didn’t really FEEL any of it. I was disappointed with the book and regret that I really can’t recommend it.
September 29, 2025
Finally (yeah!), we have FBI Agent Grayson (call me Gray) Stone’s story. Gray is an excellent profiler, able to get into the minds of a killer. He had no idea that he would meet anyone who also knows what a killer is thinking until he meets Dr. Emerson Marlowe. She has gotten herself assigned (well, with her senator mother’s assistance) to work with Gray. He doesn’t want her near his cases or him, but it seems that he will have to play nice for a while. As he and Emerson are tracking a serial killer, all he asks is that she do what he tells her to do, but beginning with the first case, she doesn’t. The air between them practically sizzles as they trade arguments about what needs to be done. Slowly, he learns more about her past and the issues that she has dealt with including her father’s suicide. She has been stalked for years with no one believing her. Is someone trying to drive her out of her field of practice? Cassius, his MC friend, asks for his help in the unsolved death of his friend and wife. The opportunity arises for them to pose as a couple, at a resort, and all bets are off as she has dug her way into his heart. He will protect her with his life as they unearth the various secrets that have plagued her over the years. Every book in this series has characters that will stay with you as they grab you by the heart! I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (paytonpuppy)
September 15, 2025
Emerson Marlowe is a psychiatrist and is freelancing with the FBI. Her mother is a senator and helped her get in. Her father jumped off a cliff when she was seven. He was supposedly a schizophrenic and Emerson is afraid she will be like him. Because since she was seventeen, someone has been sneaking into her home and breaking mirrors. Her mother or the police will not believe her. Grayson “ Gray” Stone , is the top profiler at the FBI and has his own team. He had a rough childhood. Gray doesn’t want a partner but The Senator makes it known he doesn’t have a choice. Together they catch a serial killer but it seems someone is stalking Emerson. Gray has people looking into who could be stalking her because no one messes with his “partner “. They go undercover as a married couple to find a serial killer. They are pretending to be on their honeymoon because couples are being murdered two days after they get back from the resort island. Gray will give up his life for Emerson and he just might have to.
I believe this is my favorite one so far. Gray at first doesn’t want Emerson but then he goes into overprotective mode. Emerson is very smart and funny. She doesn’t listen to a thing Gray says. She has absolutely no field experience but Gray ends up training her. Very steamy. Action. Secrets. Definitely opposites attract.
* VOLUNTARILY READ AND REVIEWED FOR THE AUTHOR *
I believe this is my favorite one so far. Gray at first doesn’t want Emerson but then he goes into overprotective mode. Emerson is very smart and funny. She doesn’t listen to a thing Gray says. She has absolutely no field experience but Gray ends up training her. Very steamy. Action. Secrets. Definitely opposites attract.
* VOLUNTARILY READ AND REVIEWED FOR THE AUTHOR *
September 23, 2025
WOW, WOW, WOW!!! I don’t know how Cynthia Eden keeps surprising us with every single book she writes yet this one was just as spectacular as the rest of this series.
Dr. Emerson Marlowe is a profiler recently hired by the FBI to work with agent Grey Stone on a serial murder case involving the killing of married couples. Emerson’s past relationship didn’t remotely prepare her for the emotions Grey sparks in her.
Grey doesn’t want or need a partner but Emerson’s senator mother used her status to force it. This case is dangerous and they currently have few leads. With Grey’s inner darkness on a short leash he is struggling with the emotional pull he feels for Emerson. Then he finds out Emerson has a stalker and Grey is determined to put the guy in a deep grave to protect her at any cost.
While the two portray a loving, married couple, a killer is looking for their next victims, Emerson is fighting the emotions from a past that is suddenly making no sense, and she is terrified she is losing her mind.
I received an ARC and freely offer this review.
Dr. Emerson Marlowe is a profiler recently hired by the FBI to work with agent Grey Stone on a serial murder case involving the killing of married couples. Emerson’s past relationship didn’t remotely prepare her for the emotions Grey sparks in her.
Grey doesn’t want or need a partner but Emerson’s senator mother used her status to force it. This case is dangerous and they currently have few leads. With Grey’s inner darkness on a short leash he is struggling with the emotional pull he feels for Emerson. Then he finds out Emerson has a stalker and Grey is determined to put the guy in a deep grave to protect her at any cost.
While the two portray a loving, married couple, a killer is looking for their next victims, Emerson is fighting the emotions from a past that is suddenly making no sense, and she is terrified she is losing her mind.
I received an ARC and freely offer this review.
September 22, 2025
When He Defends A Protector & Defender Romance (Book 4) by Cynthia Eden is the stronger than thought heroine and tough as nails hero that this author does best. Grayson Stone came across even more cold, tough and protector than he did as a supporting character in the previous series books. That is not a bad thing but did cause me to have to shift my view of him some. As for Emerson, she was always her true self, but her secrets were unexpected, throwing intriguing twists to the story. Even the conclusion has surprises but then a Cynthia Eden book always has at least one. This one has some that were disheartening with Ryan being one, others twists I was expecting because I had never trusted those characters. All in all, it is an addictive series with each book becoming a quick read since it is difficult to put the book down once you start reading.
September 21, 2025
Its 'bout dang time Gray got some...
We all know Gray Stone by now. He's been in so many books, the good guy, the FBI agent who keeps people safe, plays by the rules. Loves the rules. Follows the rules. His rules. He's always there in a support position. So I was excited that he finally got his own book. He better be gettin' some. And he does.
Emerson is his foil, a sheltered daughter of a senator, now his shadow. Emerson has NO concept of rules. She blithely goes through life without a clue. Somehow, she tickles Gray's heart of Stone and his fancy and they are hooking up and getting steamy.
Wait until Gray flips from good guy, rule follower to rule breaker, over protective bad A. Sign me up!
Highly recommend.
We all know Gray Stone by now. He's been in so many books, the good guy, the FBI agent who keeps people safe, plays by the rules. Loves the rules. Follows the rules. His rules. He's always there in a support position. So I was excited that he finally got his own book. He better be gettin' some. And he does.
Emerson is his foil, a sheltered daughter of a senator, now his shadow. Emerson has NO concept of rules. She blithely goes through life without a clue. Somehow, she tickles Gray's heart of Stone and his fancy and they are hooking up and getting steamy.
Wait until Gray flips from good guy, rule follower to rule breaker, over protective bad A. Sign me up!
Highly recommend.
September 24, 2025
When He Defends is the 4th in the Protector and Defender Romance series. While it can be read as a standalone, I highly recommed reading the books in order, since Gray plays a role in all the previous stories and that background just adds to his character. I absolutely love his loyalty, his determination and his dedication - to his friends, his cases and of course, to Emerson. Their road to romance is filled with potholes, danger, suspicious characters and sooo much sizzling chemistry! A page-turner of the first order, it kept me glued to my seat from the first sentence to the last. It also introduces another protector whose story I now look forward to! I was fortunate to have received an early copy and am leaving this review voluntarily and honestly.
December 14, 2025
LOVED this book
Gray and Emerson make the perfect couple. I love their conversations and how they are usually honest with each other and themselves. This book started off exciting from page 1 until the very end. I’m so bummed it’s over and plan to reread in a couple months when Cass’ book is released. Non-stop action with special moments between them. There were a few mysteries/plots in this book with various bad guys. Kept me enthralled and entertained the entire time. Their chemistry was hot and relationship intense. She’s a strong, brilliant woman while he’s an alpha who’s protective and skilled as an FBI agent. No drama, good action and beautiful romance that brings out the feels. I highly recommend and will add this to my books to read again list.
Gray and Emerson make the perfect couple. I love their conversations and how they are usually honest with each other and themselves. This book started off exciting from page 1 until the very end. I’m so bummed it’s over and plan to reread in a couple months when Cass’ book is released. Non-stop action with special moments between them. There were a few mysteries/plots in this book with various bad guys. Kept me enthralled and entertained the entire time. Their chemistry was hot and relationship intense. She’s a strong, brilliant woman while he’s an alpha who’s protective and skilled as an FBI agent. No drama, good action and beautiful romance that brings out the feels. I highly recommend and will add this to my books to read again list.
September 23, 2025
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of "WHEN HE DEFENDS" This intense, intriguing, action packed romance that pulls you in from the start its full of emotional turmoil, fear, angst, steamy scenes, humor, you won't be able to stop reading.
FBI Agent Gray Stone is a profiler & Dr. Emerson Marlowe take you a wild journey he doesn't play well with others but her mother is a Senator with to much power & he's stuck working with her.
Gray & Emerson are a match she's as good at mind games as Gray is, he's not happy she has no field experience & doesn't want anything happening to her.
Emerson isn't good at following orders & their chemistry is off the charts.
Gray is concerned as Emerson has a stalker very good with pain & darkness & wants her to suffer.
Will Gray be able to keep Emerson alive & catch the stalker wanting her dead.
Will they get a HEA its a must read you don't want to miss, Cynthia Eden never disappoints I love her books, its a page turner to the end.
FBI Agent Gray Stone is a profiler & Dr. Emerson Marlowe take you a wild journey he doesn't play well with others but her mother is a Senator with to much power & he's stuck working with her.
Gray & Emerson are a match she's as good at mind games as Gray is, he's not happy she has no field experience & doesn't want anything happening to her.
Emerson isn't good at following orders & their chemistry is off the charts.
Gray is concerned as Emerson has a stalker very good with pain & darkness & wants her to suffer.
Will Gray be able to keep Emerson alive & catch the stalker wanting her dead.
Will they get a HEA its a must read you don't want to miss, Cynthia Eden never disappoints I love her books, its a page turner to the end.
December 12, 2025
I think out of the four maybe this is my least favorite, mostly because I had maybe a little too high expectations for Gray after seeing him throughout the three books
But they still have a pretty great storyline, a bit slower compared to others but still intriguing and fun to read (again, so movie-like) and I also feel bummed bcs the Semper Fi crew didn't appeared even ONCE in this book like wdym? Esp when Gray had been in every one of theirs
But story wise was pretty great, however the revelation felt pretty flat and anti climatic
But they still have a pretty great storyline, a bit slower compared to others but still intriguing and fun to read (again, so movie-like) and I also feel bummed bcs the Semper Fi crew didn't appeared even ONCE in this book like wdym? Esp when Gray had been in every one of theirs
But story wise was pretty great, however the revelation felt pretty flat and anti climatic
September 24, 2025
Loved it!
I don’t think I’ve read a book by Cynthia Eden that I didn’t love and this book was no exception. It was fun reading Emerson and Gray’s story, following along as they looked for killers, became partners in more than just work and solved old mysteries. They were a perfect match for each other just the right amount of ying and yang. I can’t wait for the next book in the Protector and Defender romance series.
I don’t think I’ve read a book by Cynthia Eden that I didn’t love and this book was no exception. It was fun reading Emerson and Gray’s story, following along as they looked for killers, became partners in more than just work and solved old mysteries. They were a perfect match for each other just the right amount of ying and yang. I can’t wait for the next book in the Protector and Defender romance series.
September 25, 2025
BEST YET!!!! Gray and Emerson will keep you thrilled, enthralled, gasping for breath, laughing, and totally involved in their battle for truth, justice and happy-ever-after. Start to finish, this is a perfect read (in my opinion)!
Cynthia Eden is a master author of romantic-suspense. I'm a fan of all her book series, the characters and plots. But she's outdone herself and gone above and beyond with the unforgettable Gray and stunning Emerson -- their story won't be soon forgotten!
September 27, 2025
Gray and Emerson
I’ll admit I was waiting for Gray’s story and it didn’t disappoint. He and Emerson were so much fun. All the twists and turns, blind alleys and red herrings, another great story with danger, sexy times and surprises. I’m hoping that Cass gets his own story, he’s a very interesting character. I love that both Gray and Emerson are strong but vulnerable, it makes them more realistic and enjoyable. Another compelling read in the series and definitely a keeper.
I’ll admit I was waiting for Gray’s story and it didn’t disappoint. He and Emerson were so much fun. All the twists and turns, blind alleys and red herrings, another great story with danger, sexy times and surprises. I’m hoping that Cass gets his own story, he’s a very interesting character. I love that both Gray and Emerson are strong but vulnerable, it makes them more realistic and enjoyable. Another compelling read in the series and definitely a keeper.
October 1, 2025
Damn!! That was intense!! I sooooo wasn't expecting it 2 turn out that way. But her mom needs 2 loose everything 4 the yrs she treating her daughter cause of her being a bitch and high maintenance. Then she causes trouble then acts like she doesn't know much of anything. I can't believe his buddies wasn't in it with him helping out like he helped them out. There was alot of twists and turns. I loved it!!
September 16, 2025
I loved this book. Gray really fought his feelings for Emerson. Kept saying he didn’t want a partner, but he finally admits she’s his everything. So much happens, and I loved being shocked by the plot. I never liked her Mom or her ex. Thankfully they do get a very happy ever after. I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy and I highly recommend this book.
September 18, 2025
So amazing!
Gray and Emerson have a beautiful bond! I love both of their characters, their banter, their connection! This book has passion, angst, emotion, drama, action, twists, humor....all blended perfectly to create a captivating tale. Ms. Eden has yet again brought us a masterpiece.
I voluntarily read an advanced copy.
Gray and Emerson have a beautiful bond! I love both of their characters, their banter, their connection! This book has passion, angst, emotion, drama, action, twists, humor....all blended perfectly to create a captivating tale. Ms. Eden has yet again brought us a masterpiece.
I voluntarily read an advanced copy.
September 27, 2025
Love this book
I only have one series that I read of Cynthia’s. She has NEVER disappointed me ever. I just wanted to ever thing to stop until I finish her most recent release. OMG… When He Defends.🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰 For me, there are no words for how good this book is. HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS and all her books!!
I only have one series that I read of Cynthia’s. She has NEVER disappointed me ever. I just wanted to ever thing to stop until I finish her most recent release. OMG… When He Defends.🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰 For me, there are no words for how good this book is. HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS and all her books!!
September 25, 2025
Wowza! What a great addition to the series! Cynthia Eden always pulls you in from the beginning with nonstop action, suspense, and love. Very steamy. Action. Secrets. Definitely opposites attract. Can’t wait for When He Guards. Cass and Agnes’s chance at a HEA.
September 23, 2025
This book has plenty of suspense, but also some serious betrayals. Some surprised me. This is a fast enjoyable book. Thank you to net galley for an advanced readers copy.
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