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The Battling McGuire Boys #3
Suspicions
Everyone’s a suspect...
Mark Montgomery will never forget the night Ava McGuire galloped onto his ranch terrified out of her mind. Once he’d saved his best friend’s sister from harm, the hardest part was letting her go. Now she’s seeking safe haven again — and rekindling desire that will engulf them both.
Uncovering the truth about that long-ago night plunges Ava into a world where no one can be trusted. Except maybe the rancher she has loved for years. But with a vengeful killer stalking them and passion drawing them inexorably closer, will Mark’s secrets be their downfall?
Mark Montgomery will never forget the night Ava McGuire galloped onto his ranch terrified out of her mind. Once he’d saved his best friend’s sister from harm, the hardest part was letting her go. Now she’s seeking safe haven again — and rekindling desire that will engulf them both.
Uncovering the truth about that long-ago night plunges Ava into a world where no one can be trusted. Except maybe the rancher she has loved for years. But with a vengeful killer stalking them and passion drawing them inexorably closer, will Mark’s secrets be their downfall?
240 pages, ebook
First published August 18, 2015
96 people are currently reading
423 people want to read
About the author
Cynthia Eden
311 books6,802 followersAward-winning author Cynthia Eden writes sexy tales of contemporary romance, romantic suspense, and paranormal romance. She is a New York Times, USA Today, Digital Book World, and IndieReader best-seller. Since she began writing full-time in 2005, Cynthia has written over one hundred novels and novellas.
Cynthia lives along the Alabama Gulf Coast. She loves romance novels, horror movies, and chocolate. Her favorite hobbies including hiking in the mountains (searching for waterfalls) and spelunking.
Cynthia lives along the Alabama Gulf Coast. She loves romance novels, horror movies, and chocolate. Her favorite hobbies including hiking in the mountains (searching for waterfalls) and spelunking.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
April 19, 2023
Reread
Good plot and storyline. Mystery and action, but the romance is focal point.
Sweet and strong heroine, been in love with the H since she was 16.
Hero is a sweetie but also alpha.
Nice chemistry between the two.
Lots of action and fast paced.
Good plot and storyline. Mystery and action, but the romance is focal point.
Sweet and strong heroine, been in love with the H since she was 16.
Hero is a sweetie but also alpha.
Nice chemistry between the two.
Lots of action and fast paced.
September 11, 2015
This was full of mystery and suspense but the love story was amazing too. Ava's love for Mark and the fact that she has been in love with him since forever melted my heart. And Mark was a swoon-worthy hero! Super adorable couple with crazy chemistry!
August 5, 2015
After book #3 this series is getting less intriguing and looking more formulaic.
I bet in the next book another McGuire brother would help some woman with a stalker issues. And they will fall in lust along the way and he will realize that she is his somehow. And towards the end someone would say I love you. The end of book #4.
I bet in the next book another McGuire brother would help some woman with a stalker issues. And they will fall in lust along the way and he will realize that she is his somehow. And towards the end someone would say I love you. The end of book #4.
July 9, 2015
This was full of action and suspense. Ava McGuire saw her parents get murdered and she ran straight for their neighbor's arms. Mark Montgomery had been abused by his stepfather as a teenager so as soon as he was able he left their ranch far behind. Joined the service and became a mercenary, but he never forgot Ava. He'd wanted her for ages and now they were both home. Only Ava is being stalked and whoever's after her is playing mind games with her, Mark, and her brothers. He'll stop at nothing to have Ava, including killing anyone who stands in his way. But Mark is equally determined to protect Ava at any cost.
Good quick read. Really enjoyed it. Now I want to read about the other McGuires.
Good quick read. Really enjoyed it. Now I want to read about the other McGuires.
November 25, 2017
This is the 3rd book in the series (The Battling McGurie boys) This is one of the best series I’ve read in a while. I’m looking forward to reading the next book. Each book has action, suspense, and romance.
September 28, 2022
Suspicious was a fast-paced read featuring a romance between a woman and her brothers' best friend.
When Ava McGuire was sixteen she saw her parents be murdered before she fled to the neighboring ranch and the safety of Mark Montgomery's arms. Ava never felt safer with someone than she did that night so when someone begins stalking her, Mark is the one she turns to for help. Mark has been drawn to Ava for years but as she's his best friend's sister, she was always considered off limits. But when Ava shows up with news someone is threatening her, Mark won't be held back anymore. As Ava and Mark grow closer the threats from her stalker become more violent making it clear that if he can't have her, no one can.
The premise of Suspicious sounded interesting and I found myself immediately drawn in by Ava's plight. I wanted to know who was after her and why they wanted her so badly. Throughout the book there are sections from the stalker's point of view and his obsession with Ava is at the forefront. Over the course of the book you seem him grow more and more unhinged as he becomes increasingly determined to take Ava for once and for all. I was ultimately surprised by his identity as another character was presented as a better suspect. The final confrontation with the stalker was very well done with just the right amount of suspense and tension to keep you invested in how everything will turn out.
Ava and Mark's relationship develops very quickly in large part due to the fact they both had feelings for each other prior to the events of the book. I'm not a huge fan of the brother's best friend trope so I knew going in that I was going to be reading this one more for the plot than the romance. Ava and Mark's romance was fine and I didn't have any major complaints about it, it just wasn't a trope I enjoy. I will say though that the steamy scenes were very well done and this author certainly knows how to write sexual tension.
Overall Suspicious was an entertaining read and I'm intrigued by the side characters enough that I'll check out the rest of the series at some point.
When Ava McGuire was sixteen she saw her parents be murdered before she fled to the neighboring ranch and the safety of Mark Montgomery's arms. Ava never felt safer with someone than she did that night so when someone begins stalking her, Mark is the one she turns to for help. Mark has been drawn to Ava for years but as she's his best friend's sister, she was always considered off limits. But when Ava shows up with news someone is threatening her, Mark won't be held back anymore. As Ava and Mark grow closer the threats from her stalker become more violent making it clear that if he can't have her, no one can.
The premise of Suspicious sounded interesting and I found myself immediately drawn in by Ava's plight. I wanted to know who was after her and why they wanted her so badly. Throughout the book there are sections from the stalker's point of view and his obsession with Ava is at the forefront. Over the course of the book you seem him grow more and more unhinged as he becomes increasingly determined to take Ava for once and for all. I was ultimately surprised by his identity as another character was presented as a better suspect. The final confrontation with the stalker was very well done with just the right amount of suspense and tension to keep you invested in how everything will turn out.
Ava and Mark's relationship develops very quickly in large part due to the fact they both had feelings for each other prior to the events of the book. I'm not a huge fan of the brother's best friend trope so I knew going in that I was going to be reading this one more for the plot than the romance. Ava and Mark's romance was fine and I didn't have any major complaints about it, it just wasn't a trope I enjoy. I will say though that the steamy scenes were very well done and this author certainly knows how to write sexual tension.
Overall Suspicious was an entertaining read and I'm intrigued by the side characters enough that I'll check out the rest of the series at some point.
September 5, 2015
Excellent book with fantastic suspense. Six years earlier, Ava had seen her parents murdered and fled for safety to the neighbor's ranch. Mark was her brother's best friend and she'd always had a crush on him. But the memories of that night wouldn't allow her to stay, so she went away to school and stayed away.
Now Ava has come back. She's decided it's time to take her life back, and one way is to help her brothers find out who killed their parents. Shortly before she left to come home, she started having problems with a stalker, one who appears to have followed her home. The first person she thought of to help her was Mark (because her brothers would over react) so she went to him. And now that she's no longer a teenager, she wants more than just protection from him.
Mark has been in love with Ava for years, but she's his best friend's little sister, so doing anything about it would be tricky. But when she comes to him for help, he can't tell her no. And he's no longer willing to ignore what he feels for her.
I loved Ava. She survived a horrific experience, and has the scars and nightmares that don't let her forget. I liked the way that she had made the decision to face her fears and take control. One of the things I really liked about her is that she stood up to her brothers' overprotective attitudes. She also didn't let Mark shut her out.
Mark was great. He was protective, but he also respected her. He had loved her for a long time, but waited to do anything about it. He's also not sure that he's good enough for her. He had been abused by his stepfather, and left home as soon as he could and joined the military, then became a mercenary. He's done things that he doesn't want her to know about. He's also kept some secrets about the deaths of her parents, all in the name of protecting her.
I loved the heat between Mark and Ava. They'd both been burying it for too long, and the intensity of the situation they're in just makes it stronger. I enjoyed seeing how they both stood up to her brothers so that they could continue their relationship. As things intensified, there came a point where Mark's secrets had to be faced, and Ava had to decide what to do. Ava also had to face her own fears of losing those she loved, as the stalker got closer. I loved seeing how circumstances made them see that their love was more important than their fears.
I loved the closeness of the McGuire family. Even though the guys are perhaps a little too protective of Ava, it is obvious that they love her and want what is best for her. It was fun to see the stare downs between Mark and various brothers, especially Davis. I also like the support they have for each other. No one is ever left to face trouble alone.
The action and suspense of the story was great. It started from the beginning with the flashback and never let up. Each new attack was more intense. I liked the sections that showed the stalker's point of view. As the book progressed, two people became the most likely suspects. I constantly bounced back and forth between the two. It wasn't until the very end that I settled on one of them, but even then there was still some doubt in my mind. The final confrontation was really intense, with the stalker finally stopped. However, there are still questions to be answered about the deaths of the McGuire parents, leaving me anticipating the next book.
Now Ava has come back. She's decided it's time to take her life back, and one way is to help her brothers find out who killed their parents. Shortly before she left to come home, she started having problems with a stalker, one who appears to have followed her home. The first person she thought of to help her was Mark (because her brothers would over react) so she went to him. And now that she's no longer a teenager, she wants more than just protection from him.
Mark has been in love with Ava for years, but she's his best friend's little sister, so doing anything about it would be tricky. But when she comes to him for help, he can't tell her no. And he's no longer willing to ignore what he feels for her.
I loved Ava. She survived a horrific experience, and has the scars and nightmares that don't let her forget. I liked the way that she had made the decision to face her fears and take control. One of the things I really liked about her is that she stood up to her brothers' overprotective attitudes. She also didn't let Mark shut her out.
Mark was great. He was protective, but he also respected her. He had loved her for a long time, but waited to do anything about it. He's also not sure that he's good enough for her. He had been abused by his stepfather, and left home as soon as he could and joined the military, then became a mercenary. He's done things that he doesn't want her to know about. He's also kept some secrets about the deaths of her parents, all in the name of protecting her.
I loved the heat between Mark and Ava. They'd both been burying it for too long, and the intensity of the situation they're in just makes it stronger. I enjoyed seeing how they both stood up to her brothers so that they could continue their relationship. As things intensified, there came a point where Mark's secrets had to be faced, and Ava had to decide what to do. Ava also had to face her own fears of losing those she loved, as the stalker got closer. I loved seeing how circumstances made them see that their love was more important than their fears.
I loved the closeness of the McGuire family. Even though the guys are perhaps a little too protective of Ava, it is obvious that they love her and want what is best for her. It was fun to see the stare downs between Mark and various brothers, especially Davis. I also like the support they have for each other. No one is ever left to face trouble alone.
The action and suspense of the story was great. It started from the beginning with the flashback and never let up. Each new attack was more intense. I liked the sections that showed the stalker's point of view. As the book progressed, two people became the most likely suspects. I constantly bounced back and forth between the two. It wasn't until the very end that I settled on one of them, but even then there was still some doubt in my mind. The final confrontation was really intense, with the stalker finally stopped. However, there are still questions to be answered about the deaths of the McGuire parents, leaving me anticipating the next book.
December 29, 2017
I just didn't like this. I've read a number of Cynthia Eden's books, but this is my least favorite for sure.
December 11, 2015
I felt like this book was more fraught with tension. I think part of it was because Ava was at the center and we got more time with what happened to the McGuire parents. I like the new info that we learned as ambiguous as it was and even as it cast more questions. I understand why Mark kept quiet, in that situation I would have too. It was interesting learning about Mark's secrets, which seemed many. But what really worked was Mark and Ava as a couple. I like that Ava stood up to her brothers when they tried to steer her away from Mark, how she stood up to Mark when he tried to steer her away. I think once the truth is out she will become a force to be reckoned with.
I'm not sure how I feel about the tidbit at the end. I have a feeling a deal will be made with the bad guy to learn the bigger truth. I mostly want him to die a painful death instead.
I'm not sure how I feel about the tidbit at the end. I have a feeling a deal will be made with the bad guy to learn the bigger truth. I mostly want him to die a painful death instead.
September 11, 2015
3·5~4 stars. If you like to read romance that h fell in love with her brother's friend for a long time, with threat from a stalker and an unsloved murder, then this is the book for you.
I didn't give it 4 stars because I wanted sth more in it. First, I hoped the author didn't narrow down the suspect before the story began, and I wanted to read more actions H took to protect h rather than her brothers. I didn't get why he didn't get a gun until the end while he was so determined to protect h from the stalker.
Maybe I''ll check next book cause I wanted to know an unsloved answer.
I didn't give it 4 stars because I wanted sth more in it. First, I hoped the author didn't narrow down the suspect before the story began, and I wanted to read more actions H took to protect h rather than her brothers. I didn't get why he didn't get a gun until the end while he was so determined to protect h from the stalker.
Maybe I''ll check next book cause I wanted to know an unsloved answer.
December 11, 2018
Ok read. All stories are very similar, and all brothers are über-strong...
The villain-choice would leave them without any friends soon...
As to the romance: not my favourite scenario - she was a virgin (and he wasn't, though no info about his sexual past) and always in love with him. He was a good guy.
I will read them all, the mystery needs to be solved! 😉
The villain-choice would leave them without any friends soon...
As to the romance: not my favourite scenario - she was a virgin (and he wasn't, though no info about his sexual past) and always in love with him. He was a good guy.
I will read them all, the mystery needs to be solved! 😉
September 14, 2017
First read book in this series and truly loved it. It kept me hooked all the way to the end. Full of action , suspense ,mystery and secrets. The main characters in this story were very likeable, a sweet kind and loving heroine and very protective hero. I loved both Ava and Mark and also the Mcguire brothers who also added spicy in this series. So definitely I would read the other series to know more about Mcguire brothers and the most secrets who killed Ava's parents.
Great book!
Highly recommend!!!
Great book!
Highly recommend!!!
July 8, 2020
Typical romantic suspense. Relationship happens fast with little substance. Lots of action and drama. I haven't read the other books in the series and did feel slightly lost as to who everyone was. Not entirely predictable - I didn't pick the guilty party. Some of their relationship developed oddly - Ava refers to Mark as her best friend but she went away and didn't actually contact him or speak to him in that time? Bit of an oversight in the plot. Ava seemed an alright character, I liked that she actually thought about things before putting herself in danger. Anyway, fast easy read.
November 25, 2022
Great series.
I’ve loved each book in this series. Loved how Ava loves her neighbor Mark and has always felt safe with him. But she’s got a stalker. Had some tears at one point. Loved the suspense level and how they are still trying to figure out who killed Ava’s parents. So happy they got a happy ever after and I highly recommend this book.
I’ve loved each book in this series. Loved how Ava loves her neighbor Mark and has always felt safe with him. But she’s got a stalker. Had some tears at one point. Loved the suspense level and how they are still trying to figure out who killed Ava’s parents. So happy they got a happy ever after and I highly recommend this book.
July 4, 2023
3,5 stars
I enjoyed this one despite my reading slump. The villain was predictable but the book still intrigue me. The romance was pretty nice as well, the ending was okay at best but most romantic suspense have bad ending anyway (no marriage, baby, nor definite HEA).
I enjoyed this one despite my reading slump. The villain was predictable but the book still intrigue me. The romance was pretty nice as well, the ending was okay at best but most romantic suspense have bad ending anyway (no marriage, baby, nor definite HEA).
June 15, 2018
3.5 stars.
May 23, 2016
Contemporary Romantic Suspense
Austin, Texas
Mark Montgomery still remembers the night Ava McGuire galloped onto his ranch terrified out of her mind nor will he ever forget. The hardest part after saving his best friend’s sister from harm was letting her go. Ava is now back looking for a safe haven again. The desire that is rekindled between them is about to engulf them both.
Ava is uncovering the truth about that long-ago night but it also plunges her into a world where she can trust no one. Except maybe Mark who she has been in love with for years. Mark has secrets. Now the question is will those secrets be their downfall as the passion they share draws them closer together even as a vengeful killer stalks them.
This book proves to be just as great as the other books in the series. This is proving to be series that stays with readers long after they finish each book. It will also have readers wanting the next book in the series now to find out what will happen next. This is proving to be a very addictive series that grabs readers by the throat and doesn’t let go until the last page and then only until the next book comes out. For readers that enjoy romantic suspense books this is definitely a must read. It will also have readers wanting more from this author.
Austin, Texas
Mark Montgomery still remembers the night Ava McGuire galloped onto his ranch terrified out of her mind nor will he ever forget. The hardest part after saving his best friend’s sister from harm was letting her go. Ava is now back looking for a safe haven again. The desire that is rekindled between them is about to engulf them both.
Ava is uncovering the truth about that long-ago night but it also plunges her into a world where she can trust no one. Except maybe Mark who she has been in love with for years. Mark has secrets. Now the question is will those secrets be their downfall as the passion they share draws them closer together even as a vengeful killer stalks them.
This book proves to be just as great as the other books in the series. This is proving to be series that stays with readers long after they finish each book. It will also have readers wanting the next book in the series now to find out what will happen next. This is proving to be a very addictive series that grabs readers by the throat and doesn’t let go until the last page and then only until the next book comes out. For readers that enjoy romantic suspense books this is definitely a must read. It will also have readers wanting more from this author.
December 1, 2018
hit all my fav tropes
December 1, 2022
Love this series and love all things Cynthia Eden. Having said that...how in the heck do any of these people have house insurance or car insurance.....houses are always on fire or in a car accidents. Then it seems like this town attracts evvery single crazy stalker ever...I mean ever. I would not want to be a female from this town, moving back to this town, moving to this town or even visitig this town....just sayin. At least between the 5 brothers & Mark they have most of the military branches covered...Army - check, Navy (Seals) - check, Delta Force - check, Marines - check....but even with all that...still not going there...don't care how hot they are either...not happening.
With that said I really liked this couple, a long time crush (on both sides). They were just really sweet with each other and they did not waste anymore time. A lot of suspense of course and some shocking twist that I liked. Very good serious....I just felt the need to address the crazy dangerous stalkers in this town...seriously, I think it's time for one of the boys to have a stalker...you know shake the town up a bit...lol.
With that said I really liked this couple, a long time crush (on both sides). They were just really sweet with each other and they did not waste anymore time. A lot of suspense of course and some shocking twist that I liked. Very good serious....I just felt the need to address the crazy dangerous stalkers in this town...seriously, I think it's time for one of the boys to have a stalker...you know shake the town up a bit...lol.
March 12, 2016
Suspicions, the third installment, in The Battling McGuire Boys series, features Ava McGuire and the boy next door Mark Montgomery. Ava has a stalker, and when he follows her from Houston to her hometown of Austin, it is up to Mark to protect her. Cynthia Eden mixes obsession, romance and suspense for a must-read. It isn't predictable like most suspense stories these days; it remained exciting due to continuous transitioning reader's suspicion of the stalker. Cannot wait to read Reckonings.
Disclosure: This book was provided to me free of charge for the sole purpose of an honest review. All thoughts, comments, and ratings are my own.
Disclosure: This book was provided to me free of charge for the sole purpose of an honest review. All thoughts, comments, and ratings are my own.
June 2, 2016
This book is all about the McGuire boys baby sister Ava..She saw her parents getting killed years ago and has been living with that for years...She is scared and now someone is stalking her.she moves back home from Houston to her families place. She knows she will be safe there..But she runs to Mark the neighbor she has loved all her life. She stays with him at his place but her brothers are not friends with Mark at the moment...Everyone has always shielded and protected Ava all her life..the stalking escalates til he some how gets through her families tough security. When you find out who the killer is you will be suprised..I had thought it was this one person but than no it can't be..I actually had two suspects..the one that turns out to be the killer will through you for a loop. Page turning awesome book!
November 2, 2015
Gotta love Mark!
I was completely ready for Mark and Ava to get together after realizing how much he wanted her at the end of the last book. He was completely willing to do whatever it took, even go head to head with Ava's brothers, to keep Ava in his life once she sought him out at his ranch for help. Someone has been stalking Ava. She doesn't know if he intends to hurt her or just harass her, but she is scared. She knows her brothers can protect her, but believes Mark will protect her without treating her like a child. She has been in love with Mark for years, and if he wants her too, she is ready to give him everything...unless the stalker kills one of them first.
I love this series and won't stop until I've read them all!
I was completely ready for Mark and Ava to get together after realizing how much he wanted her at the end of the last book. He was completely willing to do whatever it took, even go head to head with Ava's brothers, to keep Ava in his life once she sought him out at his ranch for help. Someone has been stalking Ava. She doesn't know if he intends to hurt her or just harass her, but she is scared. She knows her brothers can protect her, but believes Mark will protect her without treating her like a child. She has been in love with Mark for years, and if he wants her too, she is ready to give him everything...unless the stalker kills one of them first.
I love this series and won't stop until I've read them all!
September 20, 2015
If you follow me on any of my social medias or ever been to my blog, you might have noticed that I’m a big fan of everything written by Cynthia Eden. All her books are pretty entertaining. It wasn’t any different with Suspicions. I liked the story and the characters, also the fact that you can read this as a stand-alone, though it’s the third book in the Battling McGuire Boys. The only thing bothering me was that I didn’t even had to try finding out of the perp was. It was that obvious. Seriously. Way. Too. Obvious.
Still I liked it and I will definitely read the next one.
Still I liked it and I will definitely read the next one.
March 30, 2017
Truly enjoyed this story - was great to see two friends who truly only loved the other and not realizing the other loved them back...tho she was being stalked by the one person they all didn't expect!! Surprising twists and even kept me slightly on the edge of edge of my seat and couldn't put it down! For some reason this love story spoke to me more than the first book (still waiting to read Secrets #2)!!
July 19, 2016
I am loving this series although I am starting to feel that the books are starting to become all the same. Creeper dude tries to attack but never does, girl gets taken with 80% of book left, creeper reveals a secret about the main plot , creeper dead and we all live happily ever after! I feel like the books are lacking heart and meaty bits.
This is nasty but I want the females to get caught up to endure some sort of danger it seems the men are the only ones ever hurt!
This is nasty but I want the females to get caught up to endure some sort of danger it seems the men are the only ones ever hurt!
October 18, 2015
I've met Cynthia Eden and I think she's a wonderful person. She's positive, friendly and bubbly, and encourages aspiring writers.
That said, I think she's missing the mark on this series. The books seem rushed, shallow, and repetitive. SUSPICIONS is no exception.
Although I want to know who killed the McGuires' parents, I don't know if I'm going to keep reading.
Sorry, Cynthia.
That said, I think she's missing the mark on this series. The books seem rushed, shallow, and repetitive. SUSPICIONS is no exception.
Although I want to know who killed the McGuires' parents, I don't know if I'm going to keep reading.
Sorry, Cynthia.
August 15, 2015
I found Ava to be annoying. She kept saying that she was strong, but she whined like a child! Mark was an alright character, but so many of Cynthia Eden's characters are the same. The progression in the story was nice, and I'm looking forward to the next installment.
August 2, 2015
Omg, just love this series. It's so good. Pulls you in and keeps you hooked all the way to the .....cliffhanger for the next one. Full of action and suspense...I was sure I knew who did it and then ....bam....not what I thought. Love those kind of books. Can't wait for the next one.
August 7, 2015
I liked the story of Mark and Ava. Cynthia Eden really loves her dark, possessive men and there's just something about them that draws you in and has you loving them too. Also loved that Ava didn't just roll over and play victim and let her brothers and Mark take over.
August 12, 2015
Ava saw her parents killed when she was sixteen. Now someone is stalking her and she runs to Mark, the neighbor and man she has loved forever. Mark will protect her with his life while trying to figure out who is stalking Ava. Plenty of suspense, action, and edge of your seat thrills.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews