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Dark Obsession #4
Beware of Me
Walk on the wild side with New York Times and USA Today best-selling author Cynthia Eden's dark new romantic suspense, BEWARE OF ME.
Criminal. Killer. Monster. Ethan Barclay has been called many things in life, and he usually doesn't care what people say about him. He's tough, hard, and brutal when he needs to be. But even the most dangerous of men can have a weakness. Ethan's weakness has—and always will be--Carly Shay.
Their pasts are tied together—twisted and melded by blood and death. Walking away from Carly was the hardest thing that Ethan ever did, but it was also his one good deed. He knew Carly deserved far better than him, and he wanted her to have a perfect life, a life that didn't involve paying for Ethan's sins.
Only now the secrets from their past have been revealed, and Carly's life is on the line. Ethan's enemies, Carly's enemies—the predators are closing in on them. But Ethan isn't going to let Carly be threatened. He will move heaven and hell to protect her. He won't lose Carly, not again, and for those foolish enough to try and take her from him...they are about to see just how deadly Ethan truly can be.
Author's BEWARE OF ME is a complete, stand-alone story. All of the books in the Dark Obsession series are stand-alone titles.
Dark Obsession
WATCH ME - Book 1
WANT ME - Book 2
NEED ME - Book 3
BEWARE OF ME - Book 4
Criminal. Killer. Monster. Ethan Barclay has been called many things in life, and he usually doesn't care what people say about him. He's tough, hard, and brutal when he needs to be. But even the most dangerous of men can have a weakness. Ethan's weakness has—and always will be--Carly Shay.
Their pasts are tied together—twisted and melded by blood and death. Walking away from Carly was the hardest thing that Ethan ever did, but it was also his one good deed. He knew Carly deserved far better than him, and he wanted her to have a perfect life, a life that didn't involve paying for Ethan's sins.
Only now the secrets from their past have been revealed, and Carly's life is on the line. Ethan's enemies, Carly's enemies—the predators are closing in on them. But Ethan isn't going to let Carly be threatened. He will move heaven and hell to protect her. He won't lose Carly, not again, and for those foolish enough to try and take her from him...they are about to see just how deadly Ethan truly can be.
Author's BEWARE OF ME is a complete, stand-alone story. All of the books in the Dark Obsession series are stand-alone titles.
Dark Obsession
WATCH ME - Book 1
WANT ME - Book 2
NEED ME - Book 3
BEWARE OF ME - Book 4
251 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 14, 2015
92 people are currently reading
821 people want to read
About the author
Cynthia Eden
320 books6,827 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 145 reviews
August 3, 2015
4 - "When you have nothing... You want it all." Stars!
Ethan Barclay, has very much been portrayed as the bad guy in pretty much all of the previous books in Cynthia Eden’s Dark Obsession Series, we saw a slight crack in the façade towards the end of Need Me, (book three) which leads neatly onto this book, and takes Ethan to New York, in pursuit of the one woman who, knows who he is, and hold all of his secrets, as well as his heart in the palm of her hands.
I really enjoyed this book, Ethan has been a little bit of an enigma in the previous stories, in that you sense that there is actually more good in him than the bad you see, and it is more circumstance and external influence that forces him to act as the bad guy, rather than by choice. And it very much shows in the story that Cynthia gives him and Carly.
”I didn’t ask about your scars. Mostly because I don’t see them.”
As with all books by this author, I have come to learn to expect the unexpected, the same can be said with Beware of Me, you don’t just have the reconnection and rebuilding of a broken relationship, between two people that are carrying around a boat load of baggage, but there are always a few bad guys, and nefarious characters thrown in to add a little excitement to the plot along the way. And like always just when you think you have it all worked out, something or someone comes out of left field and blows all of you theories out of the water!
”You can’t stay with me forever…
“Don’t be so sure of that.”
Another great thing, over and above my enjoyment of the actual book is that the author confirmed that she will be telling Victor Monroe’s story soon in Mine to Protect, but there was also a pretty big hint that Detective Faith Chestang will be getting a book as well at some point, and this makes me very happy, as I have loved this series since the beginning, and the opportunity to spend more time with these characters is one I am not going to pass up willingly!
”I’ll get you through the storm that’s coming.”
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.
Ethan Barclay, has very much been portrayed as the bad guy in pretty much all of the previous books in Cynthia Eden’s Dark Obsession Series, we saw a slight crack in the façade towards the end of Need Me, (book three) which leads neatly onto this book, and takes Ethan to New York, in pursuit of the one woman who, knows who he is, and hold all of his secrets, as well as his heart in the palm of her hands.
I really enjoyed this book, Ethan has been a little bit of an enigma in the previous stories, in that you sense that there is actually more good in him than the bad you see, and it is more circumstance and external influence that forces him to act as the bad guy, rather than by choice. And it very much shows in the story that Cynthia gives him and Carly.
”I didn’t ask about your scars. Mostly because I don’t see them.”
As with all books by this author, I have come to learn to expect the unexpected, the same can be said with Beware of Me, you don’t just have the reconnection and rebuilding of a broken relationship, between two people that are carrying around a boat load of baggage, but there are always a few bad guys, and nefarious characters thrown in to add a little excitement to the plot along the way. And like always just when you think you have it all worked out, something or someone comes out of left field and blows all of you theories out of the water!
”You can’t stay with me forever…
“Don’t be so sure of that.”
Another great thing, over and above my enjoyment of the actual book is that the author confirmed that she will be telling Victor Monroe’s story soon in Mine to Protect, but there was also a pretty big hint that Detective Faith Chestang will be getting a book as well at some point, and this makes me very happy, as I have loved this series since the beginning, and the opportunity to spend more time with these characters is one I am not going to pass up willingly!
”I’ll get you through the storm that’s coming.”
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.
August 13, 2015
5 'You're my weak spot' Stars
Ethan Barclay and Carly Shay share a dark past and secrets that could ruin the both of them. Now those secrets are out and the wrong people have knowledge of what happened all those years ago. Ethan refuses to leave Carly unprotected again so he heads to New York to be closer to her. He never expected to have his offer of protection turned down and now he realizes there is a lot about Carly that he doesn't know. Carly has her own secrets that even Ethan isn't aware of and she will do anything to protect them. Murder, secrets, mad men, and romance all come together and explode in Ethan and Carly's world - can they survive it?
Oh my gods this book gives me just one more reason to love the wonderful Cynthia Eden. I could not get enough of Ethan and Carly and the secrets! My lord there were so many! Twists and turns at every corner and I honestly had no idea what was going to happen. I was literally at the edge of my seat with this one. Once I thought I figured out the mystery there would be more information revealed and I would realize I had no idea what I was thinking. The suspense was amazing in this story and I loved how invested I got into the mystery.
Ethan grabbed my attention from the first time we met him in this series. He was such a mystery and had so much hidden that he really intrigued me. Though I had already liked him, this book made me absolutely love him. I never realized that he could be as sweet as he was with Carly. It was completely swoon worthy, the way he was possessive of her and attentive of her issues from her past.
Carly had a horrendous past and she had a lot of healing to do but she came out of everything a lot stronger. I admired the strength and courage she had even after everything she went through. I really liked her character and how she stood up for herself and didn't just fall back into Ethan's arms. She didn't cower in the face of danger, she was pretty kick ass actually.
Bottom line, everyone needs to read this book! It's part of the Dark Obsession series but can be read as a standalone, though I recommend reading the others also. Just because they are just as amazing. Just be prepared to ignore your real life and hide away with this book until you can find out what happens.
Ethan Barclay and Carly Shay share a dark past and secrets that could ruin the both of them. Now those secrets are out and the wrong people have knowledge of what happened all those years ago. Ethan refuses to leave Carly unprotected again so he heads to New York to be closer to her. He never expected to have his offer of protection turned down and now he realizes there is a lot about Carly that he doesn't know. Carly has her own secrets that even Ethan isn't aware of and she will do anything to protect them. Murder, secrets, mad men, and romance all come together and explode in Ethan and Carly's world - can they survive it?
Oh my gods this book gives me just one more reason to love the wonderful Cynthia Eden. I could not get enough of Ethan and Carly and the secrets! My lord there were so many! Twists and turns at every corner and I honestly had no idea what was going to happen. I was literally at the edge of my seat with this one. Once I thought I figured out the mystery there would be more information revealed and I would realize I had no idea what I was thinking. The suspense was amazing in this story and I loved how invested I got into the mystery.
"You don't own me." Her words were out before she even gave them a second thought. "No." He sighed. "I don't. But we both know I'd move heaven and earth to posses you.
Ethan grabbed my attention from the first time we met him in this series. He was such a mystery and had so much hidden that he really intrigued me. Though I had already liked him, this book made me absolutely love him. I never realized that he could be as sweet as he was with Carly. It was completely swoon worthy, the way he was possessive of her and attentive of her issues from her past.
Carly had a horrendous past and she had a lot of healing to do but she came out of everything a lot stronger. I admired the strength and courage she had even after everything she went through. I really liked her character and how she stood up for herself and didn't just fall back into Ethan's arms. She didn't cower in the face of danger, she was pretty kick ass actually.
Bottom line, everyone needs to read this book! It's part of the Dark Obsession series but can be read as a standalone, though I recommend reading the others also. Just because they are just as amazing. Just be prepared to ignore your real life and hide away with this book until you can find out what happens.
July 16, 2015
~ Arc provided via Netgalley in exchange for honest review ~
This review is posted on Way Too Hot Books.
No, I did not picked this book up only because of the coverguy, really, I didn't. (Yeah, right.) The last book that ended on my favorite shelf was a romantic suspense novel, so the genre and the synopsis sounded like something I might enjoy. And I did for the most part.
Carly Shay has been hiding from her past for the past few years and pretty successfully until her ex-lover Ethan Barclay, the infamous mob boss and a man who broke her heart, pays her a visit. Carly and Ethan have been through a lot. The time they spent together is at the same time one of her most cherished memories and worse nightmares which still prevent her from moving on and having a normal life.
Ethan wants her back at his side and this time forever, but he's not the only one. There are also enemies from her past who want her dead, suspicious friends who want to help and FBI agent who is one step behind from solving her darkest secret. And the question is- whom to trust, the devil you know or the one you don't?
The story was dark, action-packed, suspenseful, emotional and steamy. My favorite character was definitely the sexy, provocative, sensual and bad-ass Ethan. The scars on his face only added to his appeal. In comparison to him, I wasn't the biggest fan of Carly in the beginning of the story, because she seemed quite naive and impulsive in some situations, bringing herself in danger, but she did get better later on, especially in the second half of the book.
My rating would have probably been bigger if the suspense had been done a bit better. The twists were okay and they did have the element of surprise, but what can I say- I've read better. My favorite was the last one. I definitely didn't expect *that*, even though I had my suspicious about that person. All in all- it was an enjoyable, fast-paced read. It can be read as a standalone, but still, somehow I can't lose the impression that I would have liked it more if I had read the previous installments of the series.
This review is posted on Way Too Hot Books.
No, I did not picked this book up only because of the cover
"You are so wrong for me," she said. And she was the only right thing in his world.
Carly Shay has been hiding from her past for the past few years and pretty successfully until her ex-lover Ethan Barclay, the infamous mob boss and a man who broke her heart, pays her a visit. Carly and Ethan have been through a lot. The time they spent together is at the same time one of her most cherished memories and worse nightmares which still prevent her from moving on and having a normal life.
Ethan wants her back at his side and this time forever, but he's not the only one. There are also enemies from her past who want her dead, suspicious friends who want to help and FBI agent who is one step behind from solving her darkest secret. And the question is- whom to trust, the devil you know or the one you don't?
"When you get scared," his voice was gruff, "when you think the world is going to pieces around you, I'll be there. I can help you. I will help you.
The story was dark, action-packed, suspenseful, emotional and steamy. My favorite character was definitely the sexy, provocative, sensual and bad-ass Ethan. The scars on his face only added to his appeal. In comparison to him, I wasn't the biggest fan of Carly in the beginning of the story, because she seemed quite naive and impulsive in some situations, bringing herself in danger, but she did get better later on, especially in the second half of the book.
My rating would have probably been bigger if the suspense had been done a bit better. The twists were okay and they did have the element of surprise, but what can I say- I've read better. My favorite was the last one. I definitely didn't expect *that*, even though I had my suspicious about that person. All in all- it was an enjoyable, fast-paced read. It can be read as a standalone, but still, somehow I can't lose the impression that I would have liked it more if I had read the previous installments of the series.
"I thought you'd lost your soul a long time ago."
He smiled at her. "I did. I gave it to a seventeen-year-old girl...a beautiful girl who was willing to do anything in order to save my sorry ass."
August 3, 2015
Beware of Me is the fourth book in the Dark Obsession series and we finally get Ethan's story.
Ethan Barclay is the big bad villain the criminal the killer and everyone is terrified of him. We met him in the other Dark Obsession books but when it comes to the women in his life he would do anything for them especially Carly Shay she is his only weakness.
Carly Shay survived an horrific ordeal when she was seventeen thanks to Ethan but now the past is coming back to haunt them. Ethan is determined to protect Carly and this time he is not walking away from her Carly is his future.
This is a great suspense story I was gripped. Who is coming after Carly for revenge? There are plenty of twists in the plot and a few sexy moments between Ethan and Carly. I love Ethan he is a tough guy but when it comes to Carly he is a teddy bear.
Fans of Cynthia Eden's Mine series Victor Monroe features a lot in this one, ready for his own book Mine to Protect coming soon.
Ethan Barclay is the big bad villain the criminal the killer and everyone is terrified of him. We met him in the other Dark Obsession books but when it comes to the women in his life he would do anything for them especially Carly Shay she is his only weakness.
Carly Shay survived an horrific ordeal when she was seventeen thanks to Ethan but now the past is coming back to haunt them. Ethan is determined to protect Carly and this time he is not walking away from her Carly is his future.
This is a great suspense story I was gripped. Who is coming after Carly for revenge? There are plenty of twists in the plot and a few sexy moments between Ethan and Carly. I love Ethan he is a tough guy but when it comes to Carly he is a teddy bear.
Fans of Cynthia Eden's Mine series Victor Monroe features a lot in this one, ready for his own book Mine to Protect coming soon.
July 20, 2015
**NETGALLERY**
https://s2.netgalley.com/catalog/book...
Ethan Barclay. Is. Here. EEK!
I love CE’s romantic suspense stories and I was over the moon when I learned that the series would continue on to give Ethan a story of his own. After all, what’s not to love about this bad-boy that seems to have a huge heart when it comes to the people he cares about?
Although Ethan has been a major player in this series, it isn’t until Need Me that his story starts to reveal itself fully. A glimpse into his life before all of this and the young woman that he pushed away to protect. The same woman that reenters his life at the end of Need Me, Carly.
Now that Ethan has seen Carly again after all these years, he isn’t willing to just stand back and lose out on the one thing he’s wanted all these years. Now with threats from their shared crime back to haunt them, protecting her his number one goal, second only to claiming her heart yet again.
I think what I love the most about the way CE writes is that she weaves clues in and out of the story but never reveals quite enough to give up the story. She leaves you guessing and wanting more each and every time.
I loved watching Ethan with new eyes and seeing him finally lay claim to something real. And Carly, with all her baggage from her past just only needed one thing to push her through to the other side. Ethan. The one man who would do anything for her, finally does the one thing she’s always wanted. Loves her.
I’m glad this series just didn’t end with our security boys and I can’t wait for more.
https://s2.netgalley.com/catalog/book...
Ethan Barclay. Is. Here. EEK!
I love CE’s romantic suspense stories and I was over the moon when I learned that the series would continue on to give Ethan a story of his own. After all, what’s not to love about this bad-boy that seems to have a huge heart when it comes to the people he cares about?
Although Ethan has been a major player in this series, it isn’t until Need Me that his story starts to reveal itself fully. A glimpse into his life before all of this and the young woman that he pushed away to protect. The same woman that reenters his life at the end of Need Me, Carly.
Now that Ethan has seen Carly again after all these years, he isn’t willing to just stand back and lose out on the one thing he’s wanted all these years. Now with threats from their shared crime back to haunt them, protecting her his number one goal, second only to claiming her heart yet again.
I think what I love the most about the way CE writes is that she weaves clues in and out of the story but never reveals quite enough to give up the story. She leaves you guessing and wanting more each and every time.
I loved watching Ethan with new eyes and seeing him finally lay claim to something real. And Carly, with all her baggage from her past just only needed one thing to push her through to the other side. Ethan. The one man who would do anything for her, finally does the one thing she’s always wanted. Loves her.
I’m glad this series just didn’t end with our security boys and I can’t wait for more.
July 28, 2015
ARC received for review
Still loving this series. I knew Ethan would be dark and angsty, but I wasn't expecting Carly to be angsty. But boy did Ethan love that girl and together they were amazing. Suspense, drama, a little romance, hot sex, bad guys, love, some of the old gang, more hot sex. I should know better than to try and figure out the bad guy in Ms. Eden's books cause I'm always wrong.
I'm excited that Agent Victor gets the next book can't wait to find out more about Zoe. I still want Detective Faith to get a HEA.
I don't know why but every time I read this title I get the Heffalump and Woozles song from Winnie the Pooh running thru my head.
Still loving this series. I knew Ethan would be dark and angsty, but I wasn't expecting Carly to be angsty. But boy did Ethan love that girl and together they were amazing. Suspense, drama, a little romance, hot sex, bad guys, love, some of the old gang, more hot sex. I should know better than to try and figure out the bad guy in Ms. Eden's books cause I'm always wrong.
I'm excited that Agent Victor gets the next book can't wait to find out more about Zoe. I still want Detective Faith to get a HEA.
I don't know why but every time I read this title I get the Heffalump and Woozles song from Winnie the Pooh running thru my head.
December 25, 2017
2,25 stars
2nd chance played meh.
He left her all these years ago because he was dangerous 😪, but had no problems to be with many OWs, even to get engaged to one of them. Yeah? But he loved only the h. Yeah, of course I believe it... 😴😱😧
2nd chance played meh.
He left her all these years ago because he was dangerous 😪, but had no problems to be with many OWs, even to get engaged to one of them. Yeah? But he loved only the h. Yeah, of course I believe it... 😴😱😧
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 19, 2020
Review posted on Got Fiction?
3.5
This is the fourth book in Cynthia Eden’s Dark Obsession series, and as much as I’ve been waiting for Ethan’s book, I have to admit, this wasn’t my favorite.
Ms. Eden’s trademark brand of sex appeal and suspense were present, but I just didn’t love it.
Carly and Ethan share a tragic past, one full of horror and shrouded in mystery. And while Ethan has built up his empire, sometimes legally, sometimes…not, Carly has spent her time staying away from everyone she loves to protect them.
Little does she know, Ethan’s been keeping tabs on her.
Ethan has never been able to let go of the memory of the 17 year old girl who tried to save him. So he feels it’s time to return the favor. Especially now that it seems someone wants to remind Carly that her past can come back to haunt her.
This book was just as intense and well done as the others, and I’m intrigued by a new player. I think that Cynthia Eden has become my go-to for a good, thrilling, Romantic Suspense. I always know I won’t be able to stop turning pages, and the edge-of-your-seat, heart-in-throat feeling comes with each one of her books.
This book works as a stand alone, but if you’re looking to start this series, very often the first book Watch Me is on sale.
***ARC courtesy of the author
3.5
This is the fourth book in Cynthia Eden’s Dark Obsession series, and as much as I’ve been waiting for Ethan’s book, I have to admit, this wasn’t my favorite.
Ms. Eden’s trademark brand of sex appeal and suspense were present, but I just didn’t love it.
Carly and Ethan share a tragic past, one full of horror and shrouded in mystery. And while Ethan has built up his empire, sometimes legally, sometimes…not, Carly has spent her time staying away from everyone she loves to protect them.
Little does she know, Ethan’s been keeping tabs on her.
Ethan has never been able to let go of the memory of the 17 year old girl who tried to save him. So he feels it’s time to return the favor. Especially now that it seems someone wants to remind Carly that her past can come back to haunt her.
This book was just as intense and well done as the others, and I’m intrigued by a new player. I think that Cynthia Eden has become my go-to for a good, thrilling, Romantic Suspense. I always know I won’t be able to stop turning pages, and the edge-of-your-seat, heart-in-throat feeling comes with each one of her books.
This book works as a stand alone, but if you’re looking to start this series, very often the first book Watch Me is on sale.
***ARC courtesy of the author
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August 4, 2015
A mildly disappointing and repetitive read, although the blurb sounds interesting enough.
Lately everything I read by Cynthia Eden seems to have the same formular, and although it's entertaining enough when you don't know what to read, it becomes slightly annoying to read the same story in various variations.
The two main characters, Carly and Ethan fell flat, their connection barely more than sexual chemistry and a past. Too many details were left out, plot-wise and relationship-wise, so the whole story was underdeveloped.
ARC via NetGalley
Lately everything I read by Cynthia Eden seems to have the same formular, and although it's entertaining enough when you don't know what to read, it becomes slightly annoying to read the same story in various variations.
The two main characters, Carly and Ethan fell flat, their connection barely more than sexual chemistry and a past. Too many details were left out, plot-wise and relationship-wise, so the whole story was underdeveloped.
ARC via NetGalley
August 19, 2015
Ethan's book was soooo good! I loved it, and when I thought it was over and the killer was caught...there was still more!! Really looking forward to Victor's book.
July 28, 2015
Ethan! Finally, Ethan! I have been looking forward to his story since the first book in the Dark Obsession series, Watch Me.
Ethan is the anti-hero, the biggest bad of the big bads, the guy who walks a fine line between successful businessman and criminal. It has always been clear that Ethan had a lot going on under the surface. In book 3, Need Me, that something, or someone, was introduced - Carly.
Ethan and Carly go way back, and shared some horrific events, events that were filmed and held over their heads as blackmail. In order to protect a young Carly, Ethan walked away from her 10 years ago, never realizing the extent of what Carly had endured. All Ethan knows is he has missed her every day. Ethan has maneuvered his life to be a legitimate business owner, subconsciously wanting Carly to respect him and his accomplishments.(Love how this is laid out - Ethan knows everyone thinks he is a criminal, when in actuality, his businesses are all legit. His reaction to people's assumptions about his activities ranges from smug when dealing with the FBI to slightly embarrassed and a lot vulnerable, when explaining himself to Carly.)
Ethan hit all of my boxes when it comes to what makes a good hero - he is strong, controlled, protective, vulnerable with the shero, with a dose of the "I'm not worthys" when it comes to Carly. His adoration of Carly is never in question. He wants her, and he means to convince her they can be good together. Completely swoon worthy!
Carly is pretty terrific as a shero, too. She has been through a lot, both recently and in the past. Someone has become fixated on her and is threatening her. Carly isn't an idiot, though, and allows Ethan to offer her protection. She calls Ethan on his angst, and pushes him to let go with her. She knows just what to say to get through to Ethan. Carly isn't a fragile flower, despite her past. Loved how she faced her fears and in the end, saved herself.
Ms. Eden masterfully weaves all the mystery and angst and smexy times into an emotional, tension-filled story. Although this is book 4 in the Dark Obsession series, Beware of Me can be read as a standalone. The worst that will happen is you will feel compelled to go back and read the first three books in the series to see Ethan's evolution, and to find out more about Sophie, and Lex, and Julianna and Devlin...
Bottom line - Beware of Me is a romantic suspense that does right by both the romance and the mystery. Creepy villains whose identities will be a mystery until the end. Emotional sexy times. Just a terrific read. Highly recommend!
Disclaimer - A promotional copy of this title was provided to me by Netgalley for an honest review.
Ethan is the anti-hero, the biggest bad of the big bads, the guy who walks a fine line between successful businessman and criminal. It has always been clear that Ethan had a lot going on under the surface. In book 3, Need Me, that something, or someone, was introduced - Carly.
Ethan and Carly go way back, and shared some horrific events, events that were filmed and held over their heads as blackmail. In order to protect a young Carly, Ethan walked away from her 10 years ago, never realizing the extent of what Carly had endured. All Ethan knows is he has missed her every day. Ethan has maneuvered his life to be a legitimate business owner, subconsciously wanting Carly to respect him and his accomplishments.(Love how this is laid out - Ethan knows everyone thinks he is a criminal, when in actuality, his businesses are all legit. His reaction to people's assumptions about his activities ranges from smug when dealing with the FBI to slightly embarrassed and a lot vulnerable, when explaining himself to Carly.)
Ethan hit all of my boxes when it comes to what makes a good hero - he is strong, controlled, protective, vulnerable with the shero, with a dose of the "I'm not worthys" when it comes to Carly. His adoration of Carly is never in question. He wants her, and he means to convince her they can be good together. Completely swoon worthy!
Carly is pretty terrific as a shero, too. She has been through a lot, both recently and in the past. Someone has become fixated on her and is threatening her. Carly isn't an idiot, though, and allows Ethan to offer her protection. She calls Ethan on his angst, and pushes him to let go with her. She knows just what to say to get through to Ethan. Carly isn't a fragile flower, despite her past. Loved how she faced her fears and in the end, saved herself.
Ms. Eden masterfully weaves all the mystery and angst and smexy times into an emotional, tension-filled story. Although this is book 4 in the Dark Obsession series, Beware of Me can be read as a standalone. The worst that will happen is you will feel compelled to go back and read the first three books in the series to see Ethan's evolution, and to find out more about Sophie, and Lex, and Julianna and Devlin...
Bottom line - Beware of Me is a romantic suspense that does right by both the romance and the mystery. Creepy villains whose identities will be a mystery until the end. Emotional sexy times. Just a terrific read. Highly recommend!
Disclaimer - A promotional copy of this title was provided to me by Netgalley for an honest review.
January 19, 2016
ARC REVIEW
Cynthia Eden's Dark Obsessions series book four, but every book is a stand alone. However in the case of Ethan Barclay reading the previous books will give an insight into who Ethan really is. I love this series. This book has the right mix of suspense and romance it is very well balanced. It does get a tad repetitive always referring to the past. But I loved Carly and Ethan and I hope the series isn’t over yet.
Ethan Barclay is criminal, he is a murderer, but he's not the villain of the story; Ethan is the anti-hero. Now I dislike stories that glamorize the criminal lifestyle, this isn't one of them. Ethan is bad he is what he is and he doesn't try to be anything else. He knew as a child he was destined to be something better then what he was. He worked hard to get where he is and now that he has reached his monetary goal he plans to go straight and he wants the one who got away.
Carly Shay was young and stupid and paid the price for it. She has lived in hiding away from her past the only reason she reappeared in Ethan's life was because her stepsister needed her. Now the bad guys are coming out of the woodwork to seek vengeance for the man her and Ethan killed. Carly has had a hard time moving on and even after all these years she still is on edge. The reappearance of Ethan in her life is comforting but scary she doesn't want to want him after everything that happened and then he just walked away; she just wants to be left alone to her life. Ethan's showing up after all these years is for her protection the news that old enemies are after her.
Ethan never wanted to leave Carly; he always thought he wasn’t good enough for her. He may have walked away from her but he never let her go. He has kept tabs on her all these years and now with her life on the line he is willing to do anything to keep her safe even from the FBI.
Overall, it was a great read, and in the end it even surprised me with whodunit.
Cynthia Eden's Dark Obsessions series book four, but every book is a stand alone. However in the case of Ethan Barclay reading the previous books will give an insight into who Ethan really is. I love this series. This book has the right mix of suspense and romance it is very well balanced. It does get a tad repetitive always referring to the past. But I loved Carly and Ethan and I hope the series isn’t over yet.
Ethan Barclay is criminal, he is a murderer, but he's not the villain of the story; Ethan is the anti-hero. Now I dislike stories that glamorize the criminal lifestyle, this isn't one of them. Ethan is bad he is what he is and he doesn't try to be anything else. He knew as a child he was destined to be something better then what he was. He worked hard to get where he is and now that he has reached his monetary goal he plans to go straight and he wants the one who got away.
Carly Shay was young and stupid and paid the price for it. She has lived in hiding away from her past the only reason she reappeared in Ethan's life was because her stepsister needed her. Now the bad guys are coming out of the woodwork to seek vengeance for the man her and Ethan killed. Carly has had a hard time moving on and even after all these years she still is on edge. The reappearance of Ethan in her life is comforting but scary she doesn't want to want him after everything that happened and then he just walked away; she just wants to be left alone to her life. Ethan's showing up after all these years is for her protection the news that old enemies are after her.
Ethan never wanted to leave Carly; he always thought he wasn’t good enough for her. He may have walked away from her but he never let her go. He has kept tabs on her all these years and now with her life on the line he is willing to do anything to keep her safe even from the FBI.
Overall, it was a great read, and in the end it even surprised me with whodunit.
August 24, 2015
Another amazing book from my all time favorite author, Cynthia Eden! Her blunt and stark writing has always intrigued me and pulled me into her novels and Beware of Me was no different. While these are stand alone novels, the Dark Obsession series is loosely tied together with crossover characters and so the overall story arc will make more sense if read in order.
Ethan is not a man people want to mess with. His name is spoken in whispers and those who cross him might simply disappear. Yet the one woman who can bring him to his knees wants nothing to do with him since he walked away from her broken seventeen year old spirit years ago. When a threat surfaces regarding both their pasts, Ethan has no choice but to return to Carly and try to convince her to let him protect her.
It’s been years since Carly has seen Ethan and now that she’s finally over him he’s shown back up in her life as quickly as he disappeared. Her past is full of secrets that even Ethan doesn’t know but with danger closing in on her she may have no choice but to trust the one man who broke her heart.
Beware of Me is action packed from beginning to end and peppered with hot scenes that had my Kindle overheating! It’s a fairly short novel so I managed to read it in one sitting simply because I couldn’t put it down. Ethan was the perfect bad boy who was trying to do the right thing for a woman he never could get out of his system. His actions in the past really broke Carly but it was unintentional and his regret felt completely real. One of the things I adore about Eden’s writing is her ability to make me feel so involved in her characters lives. While I found Carly’s therapy to be a bit off the mark for the situation, I did enjoy her as a character and can get past my little pet peeve just because I loved everything else. As with any Eden book there are several twists and turns to keep a reader guessing right up to the end.
I give Beware of Me by Cynthia Eden 5 stars!
Ethan is not a man people want to mess with. His name is spoken in whispers and those who cross him might simply disappear. Yet the one woman who can bring him to his knees wants nothing to do with him since he walked away from her broken seventeen year old spirit years ago. When a threat surfaces regarding both their pasts, Ethan has no choice but to return to Carly and try to convince her to let him protect her.
It’s been years since Carly has seen Ethan and now that she’s finally over him he’s shown back up in her life as quickly as he disappeared. Her past is full of secrets that even Ethan doesn’t know but with danger closing in on her she may have no choice but to trust the one man who broke her heart.
Beware of Me is action packed from beginning to end and peppered with hot scenes that had my Kindle overheating! It’s a fairly short novel so I managed to read it in one sitting simply because I couldn’t put it down. Ethan was the perfect bad boy who was trying to do the right thing for a woman he never could get out of his system. His actions in the past really broke Carly but it was unintentional and his regret felt completely real. One of the things I adore about Eden’s writing is her ability to make me feel so involved in her characters lives. While I found Carly’s therapy to be a bit off the mark for the situation, I did enjoy her as a character and can get past my little pet peeve just because I loved everything else. As with any Eden book there are several twists and turns to keep a reader guessing right up to the end.
I give Beware of Me by Cynthia Eden 5 stars!
July 27, 2015
The repercussions from that tragic night years ago still haunt both Ethan and Carly, even if they´re miles apart. When Carly returns Ethan´s enemies sees their chance to get back - and now Carly´s threatened again.
Can Ethan save her a second time, and will they give in this time?
Contemporary Romance, Suspense, action and smutty fluff in a great combo, and you´ll finally learn what really happened all those years ago from the two main players.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in return for an honest review.
Can Ethan save her a second time, and will they give in this time?
Contemporary Romance, Suspense, action and smutty fluff in a great combo, and you´ll finally learn what really happened all those years ago from the two main players.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in return for an honest review.
July 28, 2015
It was okay, I guess. Parts of it didn't make a whole lot of sense. It was a bit repetitive, and was put out there in the blurb at NG as a standalone read; but it wasn't. It referenced heavily to books 2 and 3, which I had not read; and the storyline was obviously a continuance from the last book. If I had spent money on this, I would have been pissed. At least the finale made some sense since I had read the first book.
March 19, 2019
5/5 Sterne
Dark Obsession - Beware of me
von Cynthia Eden
»be« - Das digitale Label von Bastei Lübbe
„Er darf sie nicht verlieren ...
Verbrecher. Killer. Monster. Es gibt viele Bezeichnungen für Ethan Barclay. Doch ihm ist egal, was andere Menschen über ihn sagen. Er ist so gefährlich und brutal, wie es für seinen Job nötig ist. Nur bei Carly Shay wird er schwach. Ihre Vergangenheit bindet sie aneinander - eine Vergangenheit voller Blut und Tod. Sie zu verlassen, war das Härteste, was er je tun musste. Aber Carly hat ein besseres Leben verdient, eins, in dem sie nicht für seine Taten büßen muss. Doch als alte Geheimnisse ans Licht kommen, schwebt Carly wieder in Gefahr - und Ethan wird Himmel und Hölle in Bewegung setzen, um sie zu beschützen. Denn er kann Carly nicht verlieren - nicht noch einmal.
Heiße Bodyguards, die durchs Feuer gehen für die Frauen, die sie beschützen sollen. Doch nicht alle Bodyguards sind so unschuldig, wie sie scheinen. Eine explosive Mischung aus Spannung und Leidenschaft.
Romantic Suspense bei beHEARTBEAT - Herzklopfen garantiert.“
Ich bedanke mich bei Natgally und dem »be« - Das digitale Label vom Bastei Lübbe Verlag für das Rezensionsexemplar des Buches.
Da dies nicht mein erstes Buch in dieser Reihe ist, war es sehr leicht wieder in das Geschehen einzusteigen, da ich jedem Leser empfehlen würde auch die vorherigen Teile zu lesen. Auf diese Weise gelingt es einem wesentlich besser, die komplexen Auf diese Weise gelingt es einem wesentlich besser, die komplexen Zusammenhänge zu erfassen. Man kann das Buch aber auch einzeln lesen. Dieses Buch knüpft sehr dicht an das Ende des 3. Buches an und man ist somit gleich mitten drin in der Handlung. Durch einen in der Vergangenheit gehaltenen Prolog startet man in dieses Buch. Damit der Leser die jeweiligen Charaktere besser verstehen und ihr emotionales Inneres verstehen kann, wählte die Autorin die Erzählweise aus deren Sicht in den unterschiedlichen Kapiteln. Den Hauptprotagonisten Ethan kennt man aus den vorangegangenen Werken. Durch einen Fehler in seiner Vergangenheit, hat er Carly verloren und setzt nun alles dran sie wieder für sich zu gewinnen. Aber Carly hat Probleme damit zu vergessen und zu vergeben. Erst als sie Probleme bekommt ist sie auf Ethans Hilfe mehr als angewiesen und die beiden haben wieder Kontakt miteinander. Abgesehen von den Hauptcharakteren gibt es eine ganze Reihe von interessanten Nebencharakteren, einige davon auch schon bekannt aus den anderen Büchern. Der Plot des Buches ist spannend gehalten und enthält jede Menge von überraschenden Wendungen und Geschehnissen. Hin und wieder meint man zu ahnen was geschieht aber immer wieder gibt es neue Ansätze und man kommt wieder ins Zweifeln. Die Handlung bleibt spannungsgeladen bis zur letzten Seite und somit auch bis zum Ende dieser Buchreihe, da dieses Buch nun das Ende dieser Serie darstellt. Die Autorin hat es geschafft mich immer wieder mit ihren Büchern zu begeistern und zu überraschen und ich hoffe auch in Zukunft wieder neue und spannende Bücher von ihr zu lesen. Die Autorin schafft eine gelungene Mischung aus Thriller und Liebesroman. Ich gebe diesem Buch 5/5 Sterne.
#liebesroman #newadult #belletristik #rezension #rezensionsexemplar #roman #bookstagram #cynthiaeden #bastei_lübbe #basteilübbeverlag #bücher #bücherliebe #booklover #reading #bookadict #darkobsession #bewareofme #leseratte #bücherwurm #bookaholic #lesen #lesenmachtglücklich #instabooks #booknerd #readingtime #ilovebooks #netgalley #netgalleyde #ichliebelesen #buchnerd #ichliebebücher
Dark Obsession - Beware of me
von Cynthia Eden
»be« - Das digitale Label von Bastei Lübbe
„Er darf sie nicht verlieren ...
Verbrecher. Killer. Monster. Es gibt viele Bezeichnungen für Ethan Barclay. Doch ihm ist egal, was andere Menschen über ihn sagen. Er ist so gefährlich und brutal, wie es für seinen Job nötig ist. Nur bei Carly Shay wird er schwach. Ihre Vergangenheit bindet sie aneinander - eine Vergangenheit voller Blut und Tod. Sie zu verlassen, war das Härteste, was er je tun musste. Aber Carly hat ein besseres Leben verdient, eins, in dem sie nicht für seine Taten büßen muss. Doch als alte Geheimnisse ans Licht kommen, schwebt Carly wieder in Gefahr - und Ethan wird Himmel und Hölle in Bewegung setzen, um sie zu beschützen. Denn er kann Carly nicht verlieren - nicht noch einmal.
Heiße Bodyguards, die durchs Feuer gehen für die Frauen, die sie beschützen sollen. Doch nicht alle Bodyguards sind so unschuldig, wie sie scheinen. Eine explosive Mischung aus Spannung und Leidenschaft.
Romantic Suspense bei beHEARTBEAT - Herzklopfen garantiert.“
Ich bedanke mich bei Natgally und dem »be« - Das digitale Label vom Bastei Lübbe Verlag für das Rezensionsexemplar des Buches.
Da dies nicht mein erstes Buch in dieser Reihe ist, war es sehr leicht wieder in das Geschehen einzusteigen, da ich jedem Leser empfehlen würde auch die vorherigen Teile zu lesen. Auf diese Weise gelingt es einem wesentlich besser, die komplexen Auf diese Weise gelingt es einem wesentlich besser, die komplexen Zusammenhänge zu erfassen. Man kann das Buch aber auch einzeln lesen. Dieses Buch knüpft sehr dicht an das Ende des 3. Buches an und man ist somit gleich mitten drin in der Handlung. Durch einen in der Vergangenheit gehaltenen Prolog startet man in dieses Buch. Damit der Leser die jeweiligen Charaktere besser verstehen und ihr emotionales Inneres verstehen kann, wählte die Autorin die Erzählweise aus deren Sicht in den unterschiedlichen Kapiteln. Den Hauptprotagonisten Ethan kennt man aus den vorangegangenen Werken. Durch einen Fehler in seiner Vergangenheit, hat er Carly verloren und setzt nun alles dran sie wieder für sich zu gewinnen. Aber Carly hat Probleme damit zu vergessen und zu vergeben. Erst als sie Probleme bekommt ist sie auf Ethans Hilfe mehr als angewiesen und die beiden haben wieder Kontakt miteinander. Abgesehen von den Hauptcharakteren gibt es eine ganze Reihe von interessanten Nebencharakteren, einige davon auch schon bekannt aus den anderen Büchern. Der Plot des Buches ist spannend gehalten und enthält jede Menge von überraschenden Wendungen und Geschehnissen. Hin und wieder meint man zu ahnen was geschieht aber immer wieder gibt es neue Ansätze und man kommt wieder ins Zweifeln. Die Handlung bleibt spannungsgeladen bis zur letzten Seite und somit auch bis zum Ende dieser Buchreihe, da dieses Buch nun das Ende dieser Serie darstellt. Die Autorin hat es geschafft mich immer wieder mit ihren Büchern zu begeistern und zu überraschen und ich hoffe auch in Zukunft wieder neue und spannende Bücher von ihr zu lesen. Die Autorin schafft eine gelungene Mischung aus Thriller und Liebesroman. Ich gebe diesem Buch 5/5 Sterne.
#liebesroman #newadult #belletristik #rezension #rezensionsexemplar #roman #bookstagram #cynthiaeden #bastei_lübbe #basteilübbeverlag #bücher #bücherliebe #booklover #reading #bookadict #darkobsession #bewareofme #leseratte #bücherwurm #bookaholic #lesen #lesenmachtglücklich #instabooks #booknerd #readingtime #ilovebooks #netgalley #netgalleyde #ichliebelesen #buchnerd #ichliebebücher
February 11, 2019
I knew it that Dr Nelson was envolved !! well that a great book
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 26, 2015
I don't know how Cynthia Eden does it every single time, but whatever she does, she does it right. Like always, she sucked me right into one of her books.
Beware Of Me was so far my favourite in the Dark Obsession series, because let me be honest I'm a total Ethan fan-girl. He finally, finally, finally got his own book. I'm soooooo happy about everything in this book. If you read my other reviews for the Dark Obsession series, you probably noticed that I've developed my own little obsession as well. An obsession for Ethan. *smirk*
I love his whole alpha-male-'touch my woman and I will chop of your arm'-attitude. He's ruthless and a smart-ass and at the same time he cares deeply for Carly. Then again he throws punches first and asks questions later. Also his whole sacrifice thing in the end was so swoon-worthy. He's a guy with many, many layers. Did I mention he's funny in a dark way, too?
Also he found his perfect match in Carly (I wanted him all for myself!). Carly is stubborn and would give everything up for Ethan. Carly and I totally connected in this story. I really, really liked her. Like I said she is the perfect match for Ethan.
The bad guy was kind of obvious to me, but by now I just know how Cynthia Eden books work. You probably won't figure it out so fast.
This is awkward now, but I've gotten to the point in this review where I don't know what else to say, because all my reviews for book by Cynthia Eden sound alike. That's because I just love her, her writing style and her books.
So like always, if you are on the look out for an interesting, intense read filled with feelings, check out her latest book Beware Of Me.
You should definitely check her out. Just saying ;) *whispering: "She's my favourite author" *
Do I recommened Beware Of Me?
Yes, and since you can read this as a stand-alone, what are you waiting for? :)
Rating: 4,5 stars
Beware Of Me was so far my favourite in the Dark Obsession series, because let me be honest I'm a total Ethan fan-girl. He finally, finally, finally got his own book. I'm soooooo happy about everything in this book. If you read my other reviews for the Dark Obsession series, you probably noticed that I've developed my own little obsession as well. An obsession for Ethan. *smirk*
I love his whole alpha-male-'touch my woman and I will chop of your arm'-attitude. He's ruthless and a smart-ass and at the same time he cares deeply for Carly. Then again he throws punches first and asks questions later. Also his whole sacrifice thing in the end was so swoon-worthy. He's a guy with many, many layers. Did I mention he's funny in a dark way, too?
As Ethan opened the door for Carly, he gave the special agent a friendly wave... With his middle finger. ~ 20 %
Also he found his perfect match in Carly (I wanted him all for myself!). Carly is stubborn and would give everything up for Ethan. Carly and I totally connected in this story. I really, really liked her. Like I said she is the perfect match for Ethan.
"The way to break her..." [XX] smiled at Ethan. "The way to break her... is by breaking you."
Ethan just stared back [...]. "I'm not easy to break. Kind of a been there, done that with me. But, hey, you're obviously feeling all bat-shit crazy, so give it your best shot." ~ 63%
The bad guy was kind of obvious to me, but by now I just know how Cynthia Eden books work. You probably won't figure it out so fast.
This is awkward now, but I've gotten to the point in this review where I don't know what else to say, because all my reviews for book by Cynthia Eden sound alike. That's because I just love her, her writing style and her books.
So like always, if you are on the look out for an interesting, intense read filled with feelings, check out her latest book Beware Of Me.
You should definitely check her out. Just saying ;) *whispering: "She's my favourite author" *
Do I recommened Beware Of Me?
Yes, and since you can read this as a stand-alone, what are you waiting for? :)
Rating: 4,5 stars
August 9, 2015
The 4th book in the Dark Obsession series tells the story of bad boy Ethan and Carly, Julianna’s sister.
This was a special book for me as we don’t often get to read the villain/bad boy’s side of story. Ethan has been the series bad boy since book #1. In the previous book, Need Me, Carly’s sister was in danger and so Carly and Ethan met once again. We never really knew the real Ethan until he encountered Carly again.
Ethan travels to New York to do what he should have done long ago, protect Carly. After everything Carly has been through she just wants to live as normal as she can manage. She wants nothing but to forget her past, especially the secret she and Ethan share.
I just loved Ethan and Carly. Ethan wanted to protect her but it was Carly who really protected him all these years. Both main characters were a mystery. They might share a deadly secret but each had their own too. Carly was a very complicated character, even more than Ethan but he was the real enigma. Uncovering their past was like riding a roller coaster. Unpredictable!
They were strong, brave and courageous. Ethan wasn’t a villain not to this story and not to the ones before. Circumstances forced him to take actions that he may regret but at the time were necessary. The tension is palpable from the beginning and yet you will never guess what’s coming next.
In Beware of me we also get to see Victor Monroe, Sophie and Lex and Faith. Good news is that Victor will be getting his story in Mine to Protect, perhaps with Zoe?! I really want to read Victor’s story. He seems like an alpha male type of a guy and every time Zoe’s name is mentioned in the book he was like a berserker. He is going to be a fierce main character. I wish we could get some more info about Faith too (maybe even her cousin, Charles). I didn’t think we would see her again but she really has an important role in the book.
Beware of me isn’t your typical romance book. It has many surprises, much suspense, action, mystery and many more twists. Who is the villain is the villain’s book? That’s for you to find out.
I can’t wait for more.
Highly recommended!
*ARC provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
Posted on: http://sofialovesreading.blogspot.gr/...
This was a special book for me as we don’t often get to read the villain/bad boy’s side of story. Ethan has been the series bad boy since book #1. In the previous book, Need Me, Carly’s sister was in danger and so Carly and Ethan met once again. We never really knew the real Ethan until he encountered Carly again.
Ethan travels to New York to do what he should have done long ago, protect Carly. After everything Carly has been through she just wants to live as normal as she can manage. She wants nothing but to forget her past, especially the secret she and Ethan share.
I just loved Ethan and Carly. Ethan wanted to protect her but it was Carly who really protected him all these years. Both main characters were a mystery. They might share a deadly secret but each had their own too. Carly was a very complicated character, even more than Ethan but he was the real enigma. Uncovering their past was like riding a roller coaster. Unpredictable!
They were strong, brave and courageous. Ethan wasn’t a villain not to this story and not to the ones before. Circumstances forced him to take actions that he may regret but at the time were necessary. The tension is palpable from the beginning and yet you will never guess what’s coming next.
In Beware of me we also get to see Victor Monroe, Sophie and Lex and Faith. Good news is that Victor will be getting his story in Mine to Protect, perhaps with Zoe?! I really want to read Victor’s story. He seems like an alpha male type of a guy and every time Zoe’s name is mentioned in the book he was like a berserker. He is going to be a fierce main character. I wish we could get some more info about Faith too (maybe even her cousin, Charles). I didn’t think we would see her again but she really has an important role in the book.
Beware of me isn’t your typical romance book. It has many surprises, much suspense, action, mystery and many more twists. Who is the villain is the villain’s book? That’s for you to find out.
I can’t wait for more.
Highly recommended!
*ARC provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
Posted on: http://sofialovesreading.blogspot.gr/...
August 14, 2015
Check out more reviews at Little Miss Bookmark!
This is the second novel that I've read by Cynthia Eden. I really enjoyed the other novel (Die for Me) and I think that may have somehow tainted my views on this one. To be honest, I don't know. All I do know is that I wasn't as entranced with this one as I was with the other.
I am not big on reading a book from the middle of a series if I haven't read the other novels first. I can't tell you how many books I've seen that look good but it's a mid-series book and I refuse to pick it up until I've read the previous novels. This one was like that also but it specifically said at the bottom of the blurb on Goodreads that this book was a stand-alone. Here's the deal ... I picked this one up and I felt like I was missing something. I felt like that for the first quarter of the book. There just seemed to be things that were out of context or something. I don't know. It felt disjointed and the only thing that I could come up with was that I was missing little tid-bits of info from the other books in the series. And I think that really contributed greatly to my not connecting with this one.
That's not to say that this book is bad, it isn't. It's a good book but I would highly recommend reading the previous books in the series before you pick this one up. I think that I missed a big chunk of background info that would play a pretty big part in the plot and storyline. I didn't really connect with the characters from the beginning. I felt like I was reading a story but I wasn't experiencing it ... if that makes sense. I didn't fall into the story and get lost and I really missed that because I had it with Die for Me.
While I felt disjointed from this book, there are quite a few surprises that I didn't expect that kept the story clicking forward throughout the whole book. Just when I would think that I had something figured out, something would happen and I was completely shocked with the new revelations. It's nice for a book to keep me on my toes and not be predictable. I wish that I had connected with it more in the beginning so that I could fully appreciate these twists in the end.
I'll probably give this author another shot in the future ... probably not with a book in the middle of a series if I hadn't read the previous ones but another actual stand-alone would be great.
* I received this novel in exchange for an honest review *
September 1, 2015
3 stars! ***
Beware of Me is a fourth book in the Dark Obsession series. I read only this one and it can be read as a stand-alone. There were few details missing which wasn't particulary confusing, but it made reading a bit more.. challenging.
Carly has deep, dark, twisted secrets. Those came back to haunt her couple of years later. She was involved in a murder in order to save the man she loves but many people want her dead now. And they aren't afraid of using guns, bombs and any other painful mean to hurt her.
Ethan has left the woman he loved go, because he felt that she'd be safer without him. But they found her. He comes back - to win her back, to protect her.
If it only were that simple. Carly is furious with him and doesn't want him around. She'd killed for him and he droped her like a hot potato. She stands her ground for a day max (if I had to guess, it took her circa thirty pages to let him back in).
It gets more complicated. People disappear and appear again - well, at least some of them. Everyone is against everyone and they just want to stay alive for another day.
This book was too much. There was too much drama, too much blood, too much abducting, too much guns, too much policemans ignoring law, too much criminals, too much twists, too much going round and round and roud, too much thinking it's already over when it wasn't even in half.
I wasn't impressed with the book. I wasn't annoyed or disgusted by it either. But I'll probably forget what it was about in an hour.
That's probably the result of writing way too many books. Cynthia Eden wrote over fifty books in maybe ten years? That's five books per year which let's be honest is too much. Those books can't be all good. Maybe the first ones, but now? It was mild, not original, shallow.
I think it was written the same way a student writes his papers - he starts a day before it has to be turned in and writes every thing that comes to his mind, just so that it has enough words or pages. It's passable but just not excellent. It doesn't stick with you, it doesn't plant roots in your head. It just.. is.
For more reviews visit: http://do-notdiewondering.blogspot.com
*ARC courtesy of publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
Beware of Me is a fourth book in the Dark Obsession series. I read only this one and it can be read as a stand-alone. There were few details missing which wasn't particulary confusing, but it made reading a bit more.. challenging.
Carly has deep, dark, twisted secrets. Those came back to haunt her couple of years later. She was involved in a murder in order to save the man she loves but many people want her dead now. And they aren't afraid of using guns, bombs and any other painful mean to hurt her.
Ethan has left the woman he loved go, because he felt that she'd be safer without him. But they found her. He comes back - to win her back, to protect her.
If it only were that simple. Carly is furious with him and doesn't want him around. She'd killed for him and he droped her like a hot potato. She stands her ground for a day max (if I had to guess, it took her circa thirty pages to let him back in).
It gets more complicated. People disappear and appear again - well, at least some of them. Everyone is against everyone and they just want to stay alive for another day.
This book was too much. There was too much drama, too much blood, too much abducting, too much guns, too much policemans ignoring law, too much criminals, too much twists, too much going round and round and roud, too much thinking it's already over when it wasn't even in half.
I wasn't impressed with the book. I wasn't annoyed or disgusted by it either. But I'll probably forget what it was about in an hour.
That's probably the result of writing way too many books. Cynthia Eden wrote over fifty books in maybe ten years? That's five books per year which let's be honest is too much. Those books can't be all good. Maybe the first ones, but now? It was mild, not original, shallow.
I think it was written the same way a student writes his papers - he starts a day before it has to be turned in and writes every thing that comes to his mind, just so that it has enough words or pages. It's passable but just not excellent. It doesn't stick with you, it doesn't plant roots in your head. It just.. is.
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*ARC courtesy of publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
September 4, 2015
I received an ARC of this book from the Publisher, via Netgalley, this does not affect my opinion of this book or the content of my review.
I have read and reviewed the previous titles in Cynthia Eden’s Dark Obsession series; Watch Me, Want Me, and Need Me. And FINALLY, Ethan’s book is here. As I have mentioned before, these things are like crack to me, and all the heroes have been John McClain from Die Hard in my mind, so I was insatiably curious what Eden would do with the anti-hero of the series.
And Ethan doesn’t disappoint, though he certainly isn’t John McClain. I am not sure who he is like, but he seems very individual, and maybe that is because we’ve had several books and several different people to get to know him through. We also have a connection to Mine to Have, and Victor, the prospective hero who stole the show in that book, so really there’s double the alpha hottie goodness in this particular book.
Carly and Ethan have some traumatic history together that spurred Ethan’s rise in his business. He let her go once because he thought it was best for her, but when their shared history puts her back in danger, he’ll do anything to protect her. There is a very satisfying, and creepy mystery. Plenty of red herrings to get lost in and I was never quite sure who the real villain was till the very end. This is a couple that is willing to fight everything for each other. Plus, the smexy times are very hot and well and sensitively done. (Content warning: the heroine is a rape survivor, this is mentioned as are the later ramifications but it is not graphically detailed.) There’s nothing quite like a mad, bad hero who is putty in his heroine’s hands, and a right bastard to the rest of the world. Ethan made a wonderful hero and Carly was an excellent foil for him, sweet and compassionate but no sensitive damsel in distress.
Cynthia Eden continues her string of crack-tastic romantic suspense that I just can’t stop reading. And as an added bonus, Victor is finally getting his own story in Mine to Protect, and it is “coming soon” according to the author.
https://burnsthroughherbookshelf.word...
I have read and reviewed the previous titles in Cynthia Eden’s Dark Obsession series; Watch Me, Want Me, and Need Me. And FINALLY, Ethan’s book is here. As I have mentioned before, these things are like crack to me, and all the heroes have been John McClain from Die Hard in my mind, so I was insatiably curious what Eden would do with the anti-hero of the series.
And Ethan doesn’t disappoint, though he certainly isn’t John McClain. I am not sure who he is like, but he seems very individual, and maybe that is because we’ve had several books and several different people to get to know him through. We also have a connection to Mine to Have, and Victor, the prospective hero who stole the show in that book, so really there’s double the alpha hottie goodness in this particular book.
Carly and Ethan have some traumatic history together that spurred Ethan’s rise in his business. He let her go once because he thought it was best for her, but when their shared history puts her back in danger, he’ll do anything to protect her. There is a very satisfying, and creepy mystery. Plenty of red herrings to get lost in and I was never quite sure who the real villain was till the very end. This is a couple that is willing to fight everything for each other. Plus, the smexy times are very hot and well and sensitively done. (Content warning: the heroine is a rape survivor, this is mentioned as are the later ramifications but it is not graphically detailed.) There’s nothing quite like a mad, bad hero who is putty in his heroine’s hands, and a right bastard to the rest of the world. Ethan made a wonderful hero and Carly was an excellent foil for him, sweet and compassionate but no sensitive damsel in distress.
Cynthia Eden continues her string of crack-tastic romantic suspense that I just can’t stop reading. And as an added bonus, Victor is finally getting his own story in Mine to Protect, and it is “coming soon” according to the author.
https://burnsthroughherbookshelf.word...
December 8, 2015
I free copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review.
I have read quite a few Cynthia Eden books. I tend to enjoy them so I always request them when they pop up on Netgalley. Beware of me is the first book I have read from her Dark Obsession series. It was not my favourite book of hers but I still read the whole thing and I mostly enjoyed it.
Beware of me is the forth book in the Dark Obsession series. On both the Goodreads and Netgalley description for the book it says that this book can be read as a stand alone but I do not quite agree. I was able to read this book but there were too many characters and too many mentions of things that had happened in other books for me to follow this comfortably. What didn't help was that I felt like I started this book in the middle not at the beginning. There is no real introduction, no time to ease in. It just begins in a way that made this book seem like a sequel not a stand alone. It took me too long to figure things out and get into the flow of the book, and that impacted my enjoyment of it quite a lot.
In terms of storyline, Beware of Me is entertaining enough. There was less suspense then I expected and more romance. This book didn't grip me as much as some of Cynthia Eden's other work has but her writing and the atmosphere she created were just as good as any thing else I have read from her.
I didn't find the characters all that interesting. I expected a character like Ethan to explode off the page but he didn't, he ended up being a lot more average than I hoped for. He was far to possessive of Carly, his obsession drowned out any real personality or depth he had. Carly wasn't much better. There wasn't much too her at all and I ended up neither liking nor disliking her.
The romance lacked chemistry for me. It was alright but again I feel like I might have missed something that may have been in another book.
I did enjoy this book but I wish I had read the other three books in the series first. Maybe if I had I would of enjoyed this one a little bit more.
July 20, 2015
This the fourth book in Cynthia Eden's Dark Obsession series and although it can stand alone, readers will have a better understanding of what the main or overarching plot of the series is all about if the previous books are read in order. Like the previous three books, its a romantic suspense thriller with the male protagonist being Ethan Barclay, who played a sort of dark almost villainous character in the previous books (hence reading previous books is a very good idea).
Beware of Me, is Ethan's turn in finding his true love and yes unlike the previous books its not really insta lust or even insta love for our hero. He's carried the torch for Carly Shay for 15 years and the event that led to their separation is also the same event that started everything. Ethan has always had the wrong idea that Carly was better off without him but Carly has in turn thought he had abandoned her. But now Carly is in danger and Ethan has to protect her at all cost, for the secret they have kept for more than a decade needs to stay hidden. And for Ethan nothing is more important than Carly not even his own life.
Out of the four books, this felt more romance than suspense although there is definitely a lot of the twist in the plot and surprises popping up making the readers really guess whodunit and why (and still get it wrong). The characters of Ethan and Carly are definitely broken and quite heartbreaking considering they've had all these feelings for each other that was prematurely cut all because of a tragedy that led them into separate paths. But then a stalker is coming for Carly and Ethan comes in for the rescue or is it the other way around (have to read to find out). Overall Beware of Me is fast paced, suspenseful with a tightly woven plot and two characters who are definitely complex, the sex is definitely all out steamy as well.
*ARC provided thru NetGalley in return for an honest review*
Beware of Me, is Ethan's turn in finding his true love and yes unlike the previous books its not really insta lust or even insta love for our hero. He's carried the torch for Carly Shay for 15 years and the event that led to their separation is also the same event that started everything. Ethan has always had the wrong idea that Carly was better off without him but Carly has in turn thought he had abandoned her. But now Carly is in danger and Ethan has to protect her at all cost, for the secret they have kept for more than a decade needs to stay hidden. And for Ethan nothing is more important than Carly not even his own life.
Out of the four books, this felt more romance than suspense although there is definitely a lot of the twist in the plot and surprises popping up making the readers really guess whodunit and why (and still get it wrong). The characters of Ethan and Carly are definitely broken and quite heartbreaking considering they've had all these feelings for each other that was prematurely cut all because of a tragedy that led them into separate paths. But then a stalker is coming for Carly and Ethan comes in for the rescue or is it the other way around (have to read to find out). Overall Beware of Me is fast paced, suspenseful with a tightly woven plot and two characters who are definitely complex, the sex is definitely all out steamy as well.
*ARC provided thru NetGalley in return for an honest review*
July 28, 2015
Beware of Me by Cynthia Eden is a fast paced, edgy, entrancing romantic suspense. I really enjoyed Ethan and Carly, I felt like they were perfect as hero and heroine for a few reasons. I liked that they had a history, even if it was years ago. I liked that it wasn't just one of them suffering from issues in the past...they both were. The feelings that they both still have for the other is palpable, even if Carly is still so hurt that she doesn't want anything to do with Ethan again. When the past comes back to haunt them, and someone wants them both to pay, Ethan will do anything to keep Carly safe - even if she resists him at almost every turn.
I really liked Ethan. He is so intense, he's definitely a take charge alpha man! At first his behavior and his actions felt kind of stalker-ish, but the way he cares for Carly and respects her really shone through. He left her the first time because he didn't think he was good enough for her. She only knows he left her at one of the worst times of her life. Carly was a good heroine. I could understand her feelings and hurt and why she acted the way she did at times, even if I did feel like she was oblivious at times to the danger pursuing her. I couldn't wait to see if she'd take Ethan back or force him away again, and if Ethan could keep them safe from danger. I really just found myself wanting the best possible outcome for both of them! I felt like they were meant to be together.
Cynthia kept me guessing about the suspense and who was after Ethan and Carly. Just when I thought I had it all figured out she'd throw another twist into the plot, more unexpectedness, and kept the mystery strong.
Beware of Me has it all - suspense, chills, passion, love and character growth in this second chance romantic suspense. Beware of Me is part of Cynthia's Dark Obsession series, but can easily be read as a stand alone. I'd recommend Beware of Me to any romantic suspense reader!
I really liked Ethan. He is so intense, he's definitely a take charge alpha man! At first his behavior and his actions felt kind of stalker-ish, but the way he cares for Carly and respects her really shone through. He left her the first time because he didn't think he was good enough for her. She only knows he left her at one of the worst times of her life. Carly was a good heroine. I could understand her feelings and hurt and why she acted the way she did at times, even if I did feel like she was oblivious at times to the danger pursuing her. I couldn't wait to see if she'd take Ethan back or force him away again, and if Ethan could keep them safe from danger. I really just found myself wanting the best possible outcome for both of them! I felt like they were meant to be together.
Cynthia kept me guessing about the suspense and who was after Ethan and Carly. Just when I thought I had it all figured out she'd throw another twist into the plot, more unexpectedness, and kept the mystery strong.
Beware of Me has it all - suspense, chills, passion, love and character growth in this second chance romantic suspense. Beware of Me is part of Cynthia's Dark Obsession series, but can easily be read as a stand alone. I'd recommend Beware of Me to any romantic suspense reader!
July 14, 2025
Beware of Me by Cynthia Eden
Genres: Adult, Crime, Romance, Suspense
2 Stars
This was the last book in the bundle I purchased and unfortunately it was also lacking. I will not be following this series any further. There are just to many problems with it for me.
The writing itself is lacking. The flow is off making the scenes jumpy. The whole thing comes off sophomoric. The actions of all the characters, main & supporting, come off completely unrealistic. Add to that, there are typos/editing errors.
The characters all feel 2 dimensional. The dialog is a clumsy and awkward. Thoughts are highly repetitive.
It is supposed to be a high suspense and crime story. While there is F.B.I. and cops and criminals galore, none of it comes off even remotely believable.
As for the 'Adult' scenes, well, they were very mild. Super low steam. The romance/relationship between Carly & Ethan really needed a lot more construction. They needed to come off more adult.
There is just no real intensity nor connection to any of the characters.
I'm very disappointed. There are a few books in different series I have read of Cynthia Eden's that I enjoyed very much. This series is not one of them.
I cannot recommend this book nor the series.
It has a few redeeming qualities. There aren't a ton of errors. There was a few times it was interesting. While the writing wasn't great, it also was not horrendous. It was basically 'Okay',
Genres: Adult, Crime, Romance, Suspense
2 Stars
This was the last book in the bundle I purchased and unfortunately it was also lacking. I will not be following this series any further. There are just to many problems with it for me.
The writing itself is lacking. The flow is off making the scenes jumpy. The whole thing comes off sophomoric. The actions of all the characters, main & supporting, come off completely unrealistic. Add to that, there are typos/editing errors.
The characters all feel 2 dimensional. The dialog is a clumsy and awkward. Thoughts are highly repetitive.
It is supposed to be a high suspense and crime story. While there is F.B.I. and cops and criminals galore, none of it comes off even remotely believable.
As for the 'Adult' scenes, well, they were very mild. Super low steam. The romance/relationship between Carly & Ethan really needed a lot more construction. They needed to come off more adult.
There is just no real intensity nor connection to any of the characters.
I'm very disappointed. There are a few books in different series I have read of Cynthia Eden's that I enjoyed very much. This series is not one of them.
I cannot recommend this book nor the series.
It has a few redeeming qualities. There aren't a ton of errors. There was a few times it was interesting. While the writing wasn't great, it also was not horrendous. It was basically 'Okay',
November 30, 2016
Beware of Me is the fourth and final book in the Dark Obsession Series and my favorite. Although the heroes in this book all had too many similarities IMO Ethan stood out for me and I really liked his character. This book could be read as a stand alone although all the characters are introduced in the earlier books.
This book centers on Carly who is trying to get over her past until Ethan, the man she loved as a girl reenters her life. Ethan brings with him both her best and worst memories and the two are tied by a tragic event in their past. Ethan has gone on to become an infamous mob boss and he wants her back in his life permanently. Unfortunately, his re-entrance into her life brings enemies along with him not to mention the FBI is interested in Carly's past as well. Carly isn't sure who to trust and Ethan has no intention of letting Carly get hurt.
I've always enjoyed darker heroes who aren't always on the right side of the law and I thoroughly enjoyed Ethan. He's sexy, dangerous, and a bad-ass. His face is scarred and that only added to his appeal to me. Carly is a bit naive and it took me about half the book to warm up to her but in the end I liked her. The suspense was good but had the potential to be great. It was all just a little too fast and wrapped up a bit too neatly. Although this book had a few twists and turns that made it interesting. Overall, an enjoyable read and the best in this series.
This book centers on Carly who is trying to get over her past until Ethan, the man she loved as a girl reenters her life. Ethan brings with him both her best and worst memories and the two are tied by a tragic event in their past. Ethan has gone on to become an infamous mob boss and he wants her back in his life permanently. Unfortunately, his re-entrance into her life brings enemies along with him not to mention the FBI is interested in Carly's past as well. Carly isn't sure who to trust and Ethan has no intention of letting Carly get hurt.
I've always enjoyed darker heroes who aren't always on the right side of the law and I thoroughly enjoyed Ethan. He's sexy, dangerous, and a bad-ass. His face is scarred and that only added to his appeal to me. Carly is a bit naive and it took me about half the book to warm up to her but in the end I liked her. The suspense was good but had the potential to be great. It was all just a little too fast and wrapped up a bit too neatly. Although this book had a few twists and turns that made it interesting. Overall, an enjoyable read and the best in this series.
August 2, 2015
Beware of Me, a real treat for lovers of romantic suspense. In 4th book of Cynthia Eden Dark Obsession series we have Carly and Ethan who we all met in Need Me. This time around it’s Carly who’s in danger. They say that your past can’t hurt you it can only make you stronger. In some was this statement is true in others it can seriously kill you. Carly and Ethan past are tied together entwined so to speak by blood and death. For this reason alone Ethan walked away from Carly, just to walk back in several years later when the secret of their past were revealed.
My Take: I really, really loved this book. One thing that Cynthia Eden does best is keep you guessing; at One point I thought I solved the mystery, than she threw in a twist that I never seen coming. Ethan was the type of guy that would do anything for the one person he loves. Whereas, Carly, she was wounded but she refused to be a victim to let what happen to her when she was 17 to control the rest of her life. Which I really loved about Beware of Me, this story had really strong characters. If the suspense doesn’t grab you maybe the real hot chemistry between Ethan and Carly will.
My Take: I really, really loved this book. One thing that Cynthia Eden does best is keep you guessing; at One point I thought I solved the mystery, than she threw in a twist that I never seen coming. Ethan was the type of guy that would do anything for the one person he loves. Whereas, Carly, she was wounded but she refused to be a victim to let what happen to her when she was 17 to control the rest of her life. Which I really loved about Beware of Me, this story had really strong characters. If the suspense doesn’t grab you maybe the real hot chemistry between Ethan and Carly will.
August 9, 2015
**My thanks to NetGalley and Hocus Pocus Publishing Inc, for providing me with a free copy for an honest review**
We have seen signs in the previous books in this series that Ethan had a heart, especially at the end of book three.
However in this book we find out how much further Ethan will go for the woman he has always loved and what he is prepared to do for her.
He has always kept an eye out for Carly and now that she is back in his life he will not let her go.
Carly is a very strong character and always stands up for who and what she believes in, even when others try to sway her opinion. she too will do anything for those that she loves, especially Ethan.
She sticks to her convictions and shows that you can battle and get past your demons coming out as a much stronger person.
We have seen signs in the previous books in this series that Ethan had a heart, especially at the end of book three.
However in this book we find out how much further Ethan will go for the woman he has always loved and what he is prepared to do for her.
He has always kept an eye out for Carly and now that she is back in his life he will not let her go.
Carly is a very strong character and always stands up for who and what she believes in, even when others try to sway her opinion. she too will do anything for those that she loves, especially Ethan.
She sticks to her convictions and shows that you can battle and get past your demons coming out as a much stronger person.
January 7, 2017
I'm dying to read Ethan's book. Love him!!!!!
I would've given this 5 stars if it wasn't for the ending! I know some people will say it's the most romantic and best ending, but you've spent you entire life building your "empire", you'd get bored of you gave it all way in a heart beat, even for the woman you love :(
And the killers, it was actually quite obvious (- aka, therapist and brother).
But detective Monroe was a bit stupid at times. But I want to red his story with Zoe so can't wait.
And have I said (a million billion times) that I LOVEEEEE ETHAN! He's just fucking perfect!
I think Carly was very strong but you could see that she needed Ethan and he never should have left it that long to come back to her because they love they have for one another is timeless. Also, glad to see that Sophie, Lex and Faith made an "appearance" :)
I would've given this 5 stars if it wasn't for the ending! I know some people will say it's the most romantic and best ending, but you've spent you entire life building your "empire", you'd get bored of you gave it all way in a heart beat, even for the woman you love :(
And the killers, it was actually quite obvious (- aka, therapist and brother).
But detective Monroe was a bit stupid at times. But I want to red his story with Zoe so can't wait.
And have I said (a million billion times) that I LOVEEEEE ETHAN! He's just fucking perfect!
I think Carly was very strong but you could see that she needed Ethan and he never should have left it that long to come back to her because they love they have for one another is timeless. Also, glad to see that Sophie, Lex and Faith made an "appearance" :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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