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Protector and Defender Romance #7
When He Lies
Their paths collide on a mission. He’s working undercover. So is she. But they are on two very different sides of the law.
A top operative at the CIA, Ryan Quinn is used to hunting down the worst of the worst. Manipulation is the game. And he is exceptionally good at the game. His latest case involves him playing the role of a wealthy and bored businessman as he sneaks into the inner circle of some very dangerous individuals. The tool he uses to get into that circle? The lovely and innocent Simone Sailor.
Fun fact…She’s using him. Men always underestimate her…Too bad. That’s their mistake.
Simone has a job to do, and nothing will stop her from achieving her goal. She has some trinkets to retrieve for a very upset family. Retrieval specialist–yep, that’s her. She thinks that title sounds so much better than say…thief. So she lies, she pretends, and she gets the job done. One hundred percent success rate. Playing innocent and fooling her marks? Please. That’s something that she can do in her sleep. Except this time, she finds herself getting a little too close to one of her targets…the gorgeous and seemingly clueless Ryan. A bored but way too sexy billionaire. A man who has a touch that sends wildfire racing through her veins.
She’s distracted during her heist. He distracts her, and she gets caught in the act of retrieving property. And death is the punishment. For her…and for Ryan.
Uh, oh. Simone may have underestimated the danger in her latest job. When she and Ryan are suddenly kidnapped, she realizes that, for the first time in her life, she could seriously use a hero…and turns out, Ryan is not the useless rich boy that she assumed. He’s smart, he’s incredibly dangerous…and Ryan just killed someone without blinking in order to save her life. Oh, and also…he’s saying that she’s under arrest. That he has to keep her close, twenty-four, seven, and that there is now an exceedingly large bounty on her head.
She’s his prisoner. His leverage. And…his absolute obsession.
Simone is not innocent. She is not sweet. She is going to drive Ryan absolutely and utterly insane. He crossed lines with her–so many complicated lines. He’s killed for her, and he will do whatever it takes to keep her alive. She’s now a very important witness, and the CIA intends to leverage her knowledge of the international crime world. But…Ryan just wants her. And the longer they are together, the hotter the desire between them blazes.
But liars aren’t supposed to fall in love.
Too bad because Ryan is pretty sure that he’s falling hard for gorgeous Simone. Now, if he can just keep her alive, if he can capture all the bad guys who want her dead, and if he can prove to her that, for the first time in her life, she’s finally found someone that she can truly trust…then maybe this spy will have a chance at a happy ending with the pretty thief who may have stolen his heart.
Author’s note: Simone never thought that she’d need a protector, but now, her life is on the line, and a good guy is the only one who can keep her alive. On the run, thrown together in close confines and chaos, with their enemies fast on their trail…she has no choice but to rely on Ryan. As for Ryan, he’s about to prove to Simone that this good guy knows all about playing dirty, fighting hard, and burning down the world in order to protect the woman who was meant to be his.
A top operative at the CIA, Ryan Quinn is used to hunting down the worst of the worst. Manipulation is the game. And he is exceptionally good at the game. His latest case involves him playing the role of a wealthy and bored businessman as he sneaks into the inner circle of some very dangerous individuals. The tool he uses to get into that circle? The lovely and innocent Simone Sailor.
Fun fact…She’s using him. Men always underestimate her…Too bad. That’s their mistake.
Simone has a job to do, and nothing will stop her from achieving her goal. She has some trinkets to retrieve for a very upset family. Retrieval specialist–yep, that’s her. She thinks that title sounds so much better than say…thief. So she lies, she pretends, and she gets the job done. One hundred percent success rate. Playing innocent and fooling her marks? Please. That’s something that she can do in her sleep. Except this time, she finds herself getting a little too close to one of her targets…the gorgeous and seemingly clueless Ryan. A bored but way too sexy billionaire. A man who has a touch that sends wildfire racing through her veins.
She’s distracted during her heist. He distracts her, and she gets caught in the act of retrieving property. And death is the punishment. For her…and for Ryan.
Uh, oh. Simone may have underestimated the danger in her latest job. When she and Ryan are suddenly kidnapped, she realizes that, for the first time in her life, she could seriously use a hero…and turns out, Ryan is not the useless rich boy that she assumed. He’s smart, he’s incredibly dangerous…and Ryan just killed someone without blinking in order to save her life. Oh, and also…he’s saying that she’s under arrest. That he has to keep her close, twenty-four, seven, and that there is now an exceedingly large bounty on her head.
She’s his prisoner. His leverage. And…his absolute obsession.
Simone is not innocent. She is not sweet. She is going to drive Ryan absolutely and utterly insane. He crossed lines with her–so many complicated lines. He’s killed for her, and he will do whatever it takes to keep her alive. She’s now a very important witness, and the CIA intends to leverage her knowledge of the international crime world. But…Ryan just wants her. And the longer they are together, the hotter the desire between them blazes.
But liars aren’t supposed to fall in love.
Too bad because Ryan is pretty sure that he’s falling hard for gorgeous Simone. Now, if he can just keep her alive, if he can capture all the bad guys who want her dead, and if he can prove to her that, for the first time in her life, she’s finally found someone that she can truly trust…then maybe this spy will have a chance at a happy ending with the pretty thief who may have stolen his heart.
Author’s note: Simone never thought that she’d need a protector, but now, her life is on the line, and a good guy is the only one who can keep her alive. On the run, thrown together in close confines and chaos, with their enemies fast on their trail…she has no choice but to rely on Ryan. As for Ryan, he’s about to prove to Simone that this good guy knows all about playing dirty, fighting hard, and burning down the world in order to protect the woman who was meant to be his.
- GenresRomance
362 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 26, 2026
About the author
Cynthia Eden
321 books6,836 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 - 18 of 18 reviews
May 26, 2026
Holy heroines!!! Cynthia Eden just gave me the heroine of all heroines! Simone was everything! I’m usually all about the hero, and don’t be mistaken, Ryan was fire, but Simone didn’t just capture his heart, she caught mine as well. Her zany, madcap ways were, for lack of a better word, simply delightful. She was so freaking cute and brilliantly on point with how to get the job done while batting her eyes. She had him turned every which way but loose and dang if he didn’t love every moment of it.
I loved that I never felt like I knew exactly what was happening with them. Who was telling the truth? What were the real motives underneath it all? And who exactly was hunting them? Every time I thought I had things figured out, another layer was revealed and everything changed. I was clueless how it was all going to end.
This was a fast paced read that I literally could not stop reading. I love everything by this author but this one is going to the top of my favorites list. I need this as an audiobook! I am absolutely ready to dive back into this story all over again.
Multi POV
Safe
Triggers
Steam
I loved that I never felt like I knew exactly what was happening with them. Who was telling the truth? What were the real motives underneath it all? And who exactly was hunting them? Every time I thought I had things figured out, another layer was revealed and everything changed. I was clueless how it was all going to end.
This was a fast paced read that I literally could not stop reading. I love everything by this author but this one is going to the top of my favorites list. I need this as an audiobook! I am absolutely ready to dive back into this story all over again.
Multi POV
Safe
Triggers
Steam
May 30, 2026
🇫🇷French & English reviews🇬🇧
*Cette chronique est basée sur un NetGalley ARC en échange d'un avis neutre et honnête*
📖Genre & Tropes📖 : Romance suspense x thief heroine x spy hero x heist plot x suspense plot x he falls first x touch her and die x spicy
Une romance à suspense entre un espion de la CIA badass et une voleuse tout aussi badass que j’ai lu avec plaisir
Après le tome avec Agnes puis Nash, j’étais impatiente d’avoir enfin l’histoire du dernier de la fratrie, Ryan !
Et si j’ai adoré Ryan (j’adore les espions de la CIA =D) d’abord en mode espion puis en mode amant surprotecteur, j’ai un peu moins accroché à sa romance avec Simone … En soi, Simone avait tout du personnage que j’allais adorer : une voleuse intelligente et amusante avec un passé sombre et une tendance à raconter bobards sur bobards !
Mais j’ai eu du mal à m’attacher au personnage (je ne sais pas trop pourquoi, j’ai eu du mal à m’identifier à elle) et notamment la façon dont elle gère ses sentiments pour Ryan (c’est un des trucs que je n’aime pas trop dans les romances, quand les héroïnes rejettent les héros pour rien !) Je ne sais pas si c’est moi ou autre chose mais j’ai trouvé du coup la romance moins convaincante, comme si le rythme était faussé (normal puis trop rapide puis à nouveau normal)
MAIS est-ce que je veux un tome avec Logan maintenant ?? OUI OUI OUI !!
Bref, une romance à suspense sympa même si pas ma préférée dans cette série !
PS : to the publisher and Netgalley, thank you so much for the ARC =D
⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐
*This review is based on a NetGalley ARC in exchange for a neutral and honest review*
A suspense romance between a badass CIA spy and an equally badass thief that I thoroughly enjoyed reading
After the books featuring Agnes and then Nash, I was eager to finally read the story of the youngest sibling, Ryan !
And while I adored Ryan (I love CIA spies =D), first as a spy and then as an overprotective lover, I wasn't quite as taken with his romance with Simone … Simone herself had all the makings of a character I would love : a clever and funny thief with a dark past and a penchant for lying a bit too much !
But I had trouble connecting with the character (I'm not really sure why, I just had a hard time identifying with her), especially the way she handles her feelings for Ryan (it's one of the things I don't really like in romances, when heroines reject heroes for no reason !). I don't know if it's just me or something else, but I found the romance less convincing as a result, as if the pacing was off (normal, then too fast, then normal again).
Anyway, do I want a book with Logan now ?? YES YES YES !!
In short, a nice suspense romance, even if not my favorite in this series !
PS: To the publisher and NetGalley, thank you so much for the ARC =D
*Cette chronique est basée sur un NetGalley ARC en échange d'un avis neutre et honnête*
📖Genre & Tropes📖 : Romance suspense x thief heroine x spy hero x heist plot x suspense plot x he falls first x touch her and die x spicy
Une romance à suspense entre un espion de la CIA badass et une voleuse tout aussi badass que j’ai lu avec plaisir
Après le tome avec Agnes puis Nash, j’étais impatiente d’avoir enfin l’histoire du dernier de la fratrie, Ryan !
Et si j’ai adoré Ryan (j’adore les espions de la CIA =D) d’abord en mode espion puis en mode amant surprotecteur, j’ai un peu moins accroché à sa romance avec Simone … En soi, Simone avait tout du personnage que j’allais adorer : une voleuse intelligente et amusante avec un passé sombre et une tendance à raconter bobards sur bobards !
Mais j’ai eu du mal à m’attacher au personnage (je ne sais pas trop pourquoi, j’ai eu du mal à m’identifier à elle) et notamment la façon dont elle gère ses sentiments pour Ryan (c’est un des trucs que je n’aime pas trop dans les romances, quand les héroïnes rejettent les héros pour rien !) Je ne sais pas si c’est moi ou autre chose mais j’ai trouvé du coup la romance moins convaincante, comme si le rythme était faussé (normal puis trop rapide puis à nouveau normal)
MAIS est-ce que je veux un tome avec Logan maintenant ?? OUI OUI OUI !!
Bref, une romance à suspense sympa même si pas ma préférée dans cette série !
PS : to the publisher and Netgalley, thank you so much for the ARC =D
⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐
*This review is based on a NetGalley ARC in exchange for a neutral and honest review*
A suspense romance between a badass CIA spy and an equally badass thief that I thoroughly enjoyed reading
After the books featuring Agnes and then Nash, I was eager to finally read the story of the youngest sibling, Ryan !
And while I adored Ryan (I love CIA spies =D), first as a spy and then as an overprotective lover, I wasn't quite as taken with his romance with Simone … Simone herself had all the makings of a character I would love : a clever and funny thief with a dark past and a penchant for lying a bit too much !
But I had trouble connecting with the character (I'm not really sure why, I just had a hard time identifying with her), especially the way she handles her feelings for Ryan (it's one of the things I don't really like in romances, when heroines reject heroes for no reason !). I don't know if it's just me or something else, but I found the romance less convincing as a result, as if the pacing was off (normal, then too fast, then normal again).
Anyway, do I want a book with Logan now ?? YES YES YES !!
In short, a nice suspense romance, even if not my favorite in this series !
PS: To the publisher and NetGalley, thank you so much for the ARC =D
May 30, 2026
I couldn't wait to read Ryan's story. I liked him in the prior books and couldn't wait for his story. For the most part I was so happy with it. I will tell you that I had a few issues with Simone. Here's the weirdest part, I can't even put my finger on why.
I don't know if it's because she spent so much of the book thinking about getting away from Ryan. I understood why she wanted to run; I just thought it was kind of silly when she knew so many people were out to get her. Me, I'd want to be kept in the middle of the CIA office with many people around me with guns.
When I was able to get over her death wish I found myself really getting into it the story. I loved Ryan and how protective he is. Even when he didn't trust Simone, he wanted to keep her safe. As the moved on, you'll find yourself really enjoying their interactions. They made me laugh more than once.
The story is a crazy fun one with tons of action. At times you don't know who's a friend or who's going to kill you. For me the best part of the book is the ending. It moves quickly and you hate some people and feel so bad for Simone for all she goes through.
This might have started off slowly for me, but when it picked up, I totally loved it and didn't put it down till I was done reading it.
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Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Will the last Quinn sibling, Ryan, find his forever? Ryan is an agent with the CIA and working undercover to take down a syndicate run by a Russian and a local businessman. The businessman is in desperate need of funds and hopes to obtain those from Ryan who is posing as a wealthy investor. Simone Sailor is the businessman’s assistant, with plans of her own to “retrieve” jewelry that was stolen from her dear friend’s Nana. She is successful, but this places her in close contact to Ryan, who is a CIA agent. He is also planning the theft of a valuable item from the businessman, one that contains a chip that holds the details of the Russian’s illegal businesses. The relationship between Ryan and Simone becomes a heated affair as they each work to accomplish their individual missions. She knows that she is falling in love with him, but could he ever feel the same? Evading men who want to kill him and the Russian who plans to use her to “retrieve” his stolen item, will they survive long enough to enjoy the intense attraction between them? He had earlier learned that Simone was left an orphan upon the deaths of her parents, surviving the foster system with her best friend Logan’s support (can’t wait for his story!). The Russian threatens the lives of those she cares for, unless she “retrieves” his stolen item. Surely, there must be a way to stall long enough time for Ryan to find them? Maybe? A thrill from the very first pages, with an even more thrilling ending! WOW! I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (paytonpuppy)
May 26, 2026
I voluntarily reviewed "WHEN HE LIES" given by the author Cynthia Eden who never disappoints its full of suspense, danger, being undercover, steam, an intense drama you can't out down.
Ryan Quinn a top CIA Operative hunts the most dangerous this is an undercover mission to retrieve a chip giving information on The Syndicate run by a Russian, he's suppose to be a wealthy businessmen, getting into the inner circle of some very dangerous, corrupt criminals.
The info Ryan's after is very important to get & Simone Sailor is the assistant he's trying to get close to but she's also there to get back jewelry taken from her BF, playing sweet, innocent trying to fool her targets has worked for her but being caught while trying to get what she's after puts her in grave danger.
Ryan & Simone end up being kidnapped its a death sentence for both getting the info on the corrupt Russian Crime World, she sees a totally different side to Ryan he killed someone to keep her alive.
Ryan will do anything to save Simone by telling her she's under arrest having to keep her around 24/7 to be sure she stays alive, with an extremely huge bounty in her head.
Ryan will hold her captive, his leverage, he's not suppose to fall but he's fallen hard for her, when she knows all his lies will she learn to trust he's got her back.
Will Ryan & Simone survive the Russians after them to get a HEA so many twists & definitely a page turner to end, its one you don't want to miss.
getting distracted dyring what she's there for & caught stealing
Ryan Quinn a top CIA Operative hunts the most dangerous this is an undercover mission to retrieve a chip giving information on The Syndicate run by a Russian, he's suppose to be a wealthy businessmen, getting into the inner circle of some very dangerous, corrupt criminals.
The info Ryan's after is very important to get & Simone Sailor is the assistant he's trying to get close to but she's also there to get back jewelry taken from her BF, playing sweet, innocent trying to fool her targets has worked for her but being caught while trying to get what she's after puts her in grave danger.
Ryan & Simone end up being kidnapped its a death sentence for both getting the info on the corrupt Russian Crime World, she sees a totally different side to Ryan he killed someone to keep her alive.
Ryan will do anything to save Simone by telling her she's under arrest having to keep her around 24/7 to be sure she stays alive, with an extremely huge bounty in her head.
Ryan will hold her captive, his leverage, he's not suppose to fall but he's fallen hard for her, when she knows all his lies will she learn to trust he's got her back.
Will Ryan & Simone survive the Russians after them to get a HEA so many twists & definitely a page turner to end, its one you don't want to miss.
getting distracted dyring what she's there for & caught stealing
June 1, 2026
This is the 7th book in the series, but it can easily be read on its own. However, I highly recommend reading them all, preferably in order, simply because they are fun reads. In the last book, When He Loves, I found Ryan to be extremely entertaining as he tormented his brother when he was falling in love. And because of that, I was definitely looking forward to see Ryan find his match. The heroine, Simone, is a thief who is using Ryan as a cover to acquire some stolen property. While Ryan is busy using Simone as his cover to take down a criminal. Too bad that neither one knows they are being used or that they'd end up being perfectly matched.
Like the other books in the series, this was a fast-paced romantic suspense that quickly pulls the reader into the story. I'm already looking forward to the next book since it will feature Logan.
Like the other books in the series, this was a fast-paced romantic suspense that quickly pulls the reader into the story. I'm already looking forward to the next book since it will feature Logan.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Explosive action and gripping drama follow Simone and Ryan throughout this book, with an equal amount of tension and tenderness that is so endearing.
There is nothing bashful or timid about Simone Sailor. The antics she pulls and witty banter are so funny while still seriously weighty. Simone considers herself a retrieval specialist and she is determined to return some precious items to their rightful owner. But it seems Ryan Quinn is constantly getting in her way.
CIA operative Ryan Quinn has a mission to complete and dealing with the tantalizing Simone at every turn is driving him crazy. Especially when he realizes that protecting her from a deranged madman is as important to him as the mission. Before long Simone is more important than anything, including the mission.
I received an ARC and freely offer this review.
There is nothing bashful or timid about Simone Sailor. The antics she pulls and witty banter are so funny while still seriously weighty. Simone considers herself a retrieval specialist and she is determined to return some precious items to their rightful owner. But it seems Ryan Quinn is constantly getting in her way.
CIA operative Ryan Quinn has a mission to complete and dealing with the tantalizing Simone at every turn is driving him crazy. Especially when he realizes that protecting her from a deranged madman is as important to him as the mission. Before long Simone is more important than anything, including the mission.
I received an ARC and freely offer this review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Ryan Quinn is a CIA operative, one of their top operatives, he is undercover as a rich billionaire. He is getting close to a man who can lead him to a really bad Russian. Simone Sailor is a retrieval specialist and is trying to get back some jewelry. Ryan is using Simone just like she’s using him. But everything goes sideways and they get caught. They get kidnapped. Go into hiding. And try to turn the tables on the bad guys.
I honestly have no idea how to explain this story. It’s awesome. Lies. Sex. Action. Sort of enemies to lovers. Simone lost her family and always wanted to belong to a family. Ryan always gets his man or woman. He is very protective. I voluntarily read and reviewed this for the author.
I honestly have no idea how to explain this story. It’s awesome. Lies. Sex. Action. Sort of enemies to lovers. Simone lost her family and always wanted to belong to a family. Ryan always gets his man or woman. He is very protective. I voluntarily read and reviewed this for the author.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
When He Lies is the seventh book in the Protector & Defender Romance Series by Cynthia Eden. Once again there is a strong tough hero who is after some dangerous people. Thinking he is using Simone Sailor to get close to the CIA’s targets, it is actually the other way around. Simone is using him to complete a job of retrieval. Everything goes sideways so now they are in dire straits. A game of catching killers leads to them being together and in danger themselves. I found these two characters to be interesting. Simone is beautiful, intelligent and clever but she is also smart enough to know she needs the CIA behind her but would prefer it on her terms. CIA Operative Ryan is a determined male who want to stay in charge. All the making of an entertaining suspenseful romance.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This is such a fantastic book and worth re reading. Loved that I felt the emotions and how quickly Ryan falls for Simone. They both think they are using the other, but are so quick to save each other. I had tears when he says she’s the love of his life but to leave because he’s trying to keep her safe. Loved the suspense level and that they get their happy ever after. Loved both epilogues. I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy and I highly recommend this book.
May 31, 2026
Not her best so my advice is Don't bother!
Cynthia Eden is one of my go to authors, her books are usually well written and the plot excellent and generally 5 Star review material. Sadly not this time. I found the characters pathetic, the plot was so far fetched it became exceedingly boring. If anything I struggled to finish the book before I lost the will to live..
Cynthia Eden is one of my go to authors, her books are usually well written and the plot excellent and generally 5 Star review material. Sadly not this time. I found the characters pathetic, the plot was so far fetched it became exceedingly boring. If anything I struggled to finish the book before I lost the will to live..
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Ryan is a CIA operative and Simone is a retrieval expert. Each have their own agenda. When they clash sparks fly. The conversations between them are fun and sometimes funny. The book is part of a series but could be read as a stand alone. Thank you to net galley for n danced readers copy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Fast-paced and action-packed storyline with lots of romance and intrigue. Loved the wonderful characters, sharp banter, heart, and sizzle. An edge of your seat page-turner with plenty of plot twists and turns. A sexy and fun read!
May 26, 2026
This story is hilarious! Cynthia hit all the right notes with this one: suspense, drama, romance, and so much fun throughout
May 28, 2026
I Love Me Some Sassy Banter!
On the go from start to finish. Smart and quick repartee. Eden doesn't disappoint. And there's even a black cat:)
On the go from start to finish. Smart and quick repartee. Eden doesn't disappoint. And there's even a black cat:)
May 30, 2026
I really like this series. but to me it was the same premise as the first book in the series
June 1, 2026
I’ll read anything Cynthia Eden writes. This one does not disappoint!
May 26, 2026
Liars do get the girl sometimes.
“You just admitted that you’re utterly and completely fascinated by me.”
Ryan went to work got the CIA and became there best operative. We met him in previous books and I was excited to see him get his own HEA.
Too bad for him, she wasn’t on the menu. No snacking allowed.
Simone Sailor is a retrieval specialist. Getting stolen items back is her thing and she’s very good at her job.
Going undercover as a billionaire to catch the bad guy. Ryan gets way more than he bargained for.
How do a spy and a, uh, retrieval specialist get together?”
This is a high octane adventure that shows exactly how great this author is at grabbing and keeping us coming back for more.
“You just admitted that you’re utterly and completely fascinated by me.”
Ryan went to work got the CIA and became there best operative. We met him in previous books and I was excited to see him get his own HEA.
Too bad for him, she wasn’t on the menu. No snacking allowed.
Simone Sailor is a retrieval specialist. Getting stolen items back is her thing and she’s very good at her job.
Going undercover as a billionaire to catch the bad guy. Ryan gets way more than he bargained for.
How do a spy and a, uh, retrieval specialist get together?”
This is a high octane adventure that shows exactly how great this author is at grabbing and keeping us coming back for more.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews