What do you think?
Rate this book
Until Death
When everyone wears a mask, who can you trust? And who can you love?
When Ivy DuLane witnesses a murder during the madness of Mardi Gras, she enters a deadly cat and mouse game with the killer. The city has gone wild with the annual celebration, and Ivy has to rely on sexy homicide detective—and her ex-lover—Bennett Morgan for help. But with every moment that passes, the killer grows bolder, and the body count starts to rise. It soon becomes very hard to tell the innocent from the guilty…especially since Bennett is keeping dark secrets of his own.
Author’s Note: Get ready for the dangerous times to roll…UNTIL DEATH is a hot romantic suspense with a fierce hero, a heroine who will jump from a Mardi Gras float any day of the week, and a dark killer who just will not stop.
When Ivy DuLane witnesses a murder during the madness of Mardi Gras, she enters a deadly cat and mouse game with the killer. The city has gone wild with the annual celebration, and Ivy has to rely on sexy homicide detective—and her ex-lover—Bennett Morgan for help. But with every moment that passes, the killer grows bolder, and the body count starts to rise. It soon becomes very hard to tell the innocent from the guilty…especially since Bennett is keeping dark secrets of his own.
Author’s Note: Get ready for the dangerous times to roll…UNTIL DEATH is a hot romantic suspense with a fierce hero, a heroine who will jump from a Mardi Gras float any day of the week, and a dark killer who just will not stop.
259 pages, ebook
First published August 24, 2015
78 people are currently reading
443 people want to read
About the author
Cynthia Eden
309 books6,804 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
January 3, 2018
******Some Spoilers******
This author knows how to write suspense and keep you interested until the very end.
I liked this one, although there wasn't much romance as I would have like to but the suspense makes up for it.
The MCs know each since they were 18 years old. They weren't celibate during separation, there was mention of only one lover for her.. hero had lovers. None were her. Where have I ever heard that.?🙄
I liked the heroine, she was bada$$. She was also strong for some things but she was also weak for the hero.
The hero? I can't say I liked him. He left her... He didn't grovel at all. I expected some grovel but there wasn't any. I found him weak not like the usual heroes from this author. He left, he moved on. He said that he loved her but honestly I didn't feel his love for her.
No OW drama.
So I'm clicking 4 stars for the suspense and for the heroine.
This author knows how to write suspense and keep you interested until the very end.
I liked this one, although there wasn't much romance as I would have like to but the suspense makes up for it.
The MCs know each since they were 18 years old. They weren't celibate during separation, there was mention of only one lover for her.. hero had lovers. None were her. Where have I ever heard that.?🙄
I liked the heroine, she was bada$$. She was also strong for some things but she was also weak for the hero.
The hero? I can't say I liked him. He left her... He didn't grovel at all. I expected some grovel but there wasn't any. I found him weak not like the usual heroes from this author. He left, he moved on. He said that he loved her but honestly I didn't feel his love for her.
No OW drama.
So I'm clicking 4 stars for the suspense and for the heroine.
September 8, 2015
3.5 - "I'm not the man you knew before." Stars!
Another sexily suspenseful story from the imagination of Cynthia Eden, Until Death takes place around the fun parades and masked balls of Mardi-gras. With a murderer on the loose and time of the essence, it is left to P.I Ivy DuLane and Detective Bennett Morgan to try and solve the case.
But Ivy and Bennett have history, and having returned to town after years working elsewhere Bennett has more than a potential serial killer on his mind. He is back for Ivy, the woman he didn’t put up a fight for before.
”You matter. You always have. You always will.”
Problem is, the killer has Ivy in his sights as well… So Bennett finds himself in a race to save Ivy, as well as trying to solve the case before the body count increases. As usual expect the unexpected, Cynthia Eden takes the reader on another whirlwind adventure.
”I don’t need saving.”
A quick, enjoyable read, with more twists and turns than an F1 race-track.
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.
Another sexily suspenseful story from the imagination of Cynthia Eden, Until Death takes place around the fun parades and masked balls of Mardi-gras. With a murderer on the loose and time of the essence, it is left to P.I Ivy DuLane and Detective Bennett Morgan to try and solve the case.
But Ivy and Bennett have history, and having returned to town after years working elsewhere Bennett has more than a potential serial killer on his mind. He is back for Ivy, the woman he didn’t put up a fight for before.
”You matter. You always have. You always will.”
Problem is, the killer has Ivy in his sights as well… So Bennett finds himself in a race to save Ivy, as well as trying to solve the case before the body count increases. As usual expect the unexpected, Cynthia Eden takes the reader on another whirlwind adventure.
”I don’t need saving.”
A quick, enjoyable read, with more twists and turns than an F1 race-track.
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.
September 30, 2015
I love Cynthia Eden she writes the best romantic suspense and Until Death did not disappoint.
Until Death is set around Mardi Gras when P.I. Ivy DeLane witnesses a murder during the parade and tries to help the victim this is a mistake as now the killer has his sight set on Ivy.
Enter Detective Bennett Morgan who just happens to be Ivy’s ex lover they have a complicated past.
The body count is getting higher, the killer is getting bolder and much to close to Ivy and her friends. Bennett will do anything to protect Ivy even trying to lock her up for her own safety.
Can they catch the “Masked killer” before he gets Ivy???
This was full of suspense for once I had no clue who the killer was and I loved all the twists, also loved the relationship between Bennett and Ivy they were strong and sexy.
Until Death is set around Mardi Gras when P.I. Ivy DeLane witnesses a murder during the parade and tries to help the victim this is a mistake as now the killer has his sight set on Ivy.
Enter Detective Bennett Morgan who just happens to be Ivy’s ex lover they have a complicated past.
The body count is getting higher, the killer is getting bolder and much to close to Ivy and her friends. Bennett will do anything to protect Ivy even trying to lock her up for her own safety.
Can they catch the “Masked killer” before he gets Ivy???
This was full of suspense for once I had no clue who the killer was and I loved all the twists, also loved the relationship between Bennett and Ivy they were strong and sexy.
September 9, 2015
ARC received for review
3.5 stars
I love Cynthia Eden's book, but there was just something missing. I don't know what it is either. There was a great second chance romance with Ivy and Bennett who were very hot together. There was a seriously disturbed killer who I had no clue who he/she was, and a whole lot of blood and killing.
3.5 stars
I love Cynthia Eden's book, but there was just something missing. I don't know what it is either. There was a great second chance romance with Ivy and Bennett who were very hot together. There was a seriously disturbed killer who I had no clue who he/she was, and a whole lot of blood and killing.
February 13, 2022
3.75 stars ⭐️.
A good romantic suspense book. I just wish there was more romance. Loved the heroine.
Recommended.
Safety: Both of them were not celibate during separation.
A good romantic suspense book. I just wish there was more romance. Loved the heroine.
Recommended.
Safety: Both of them were not celibate during separation.
September 22, 2015
While riding on a Mardi Gras float, Ivy DuLane witnesses what at first looks like two lovers in an embrace in the crowd. That is until she sees the man with a knife as he begins to stab the woman. Jumping from her float Ivy tries to get to them to help the woman but they have disappeared into the crowd. A police officer comes by the frantic Ivy and immediately assumes she's been drinking since there is no evidence of a crime.
Detective Bennett Morgan shows up just as the police officer is arresting Ivy and has the officer let her go. Bennett is Ivy's ex who has just returned to town after a break up years before that neither have healed from or gotten over. Bennett believes Ivy and the two return to the scene to find the body of a young woman who looks remarkably like Ivy.
Once I picked up this book I had a hard time putting it down to do anything else. A wonderful romantic suspense read that kept me guessing all the way to the end. At one point I wanted to just yell at Bennett that he was looking at the wrong guy and with bringing out that much emotion and being caught up in the story I can't find one thing to complain about with this book.
Great characters in Ivy and Bennett. Took a while to get their back story but it seemed like they should obviously be together. Ivy was a strong female lead. She has her PI license and wants to help find the killer even though she's become his next intended victim. Also, loved getting the point of view of the killer without knowing who he was, made for a great ending.
Great combination of romance and thriller. Would recommend this to any fan of a good suspenseful read.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
Detective Bennett Morgan shows up just as the police officer is arresting Ivy and has the officer let her go. Bennett is Ivy's ex who has just returned to town after a break up years before that neither have healed from or gotten over. Bennett believes Ivy and the two return to the scene to find the body of a young woman who looks remarkably like Ivy.
Once I picked up this book I had a hard time putting it down to do anything else. A wonderful romantic suspense read that kept me guessing all the way to the end. At one point I wanted to just yell at Bennett that he was looking at the wrong guy and with bringing out that much emotion and being caught up in the story I can't find one thing to complain about with this book.
Great characters in Ivy and Bennett. Took a while to get their back story but it seemed like they should obviously be together. Ivy was a strong female lead. She has her PI license and wants to help find the killer even though she's become his next intended victim. Also, loved getting the point of view of the killer without knowing who he was, made for a great ending.
Great combination of romance and thriller. Would recommend this to any fan of a good suspenseful read.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
June 16, 2017
**** 3.5 Stars ****
This was a good quick read. Even though there was blood and murder involved, it wasn't gruesome or intense. The romance was a second chance romance. The love connect between Ivy and Bennett was there, but I wouldn't say it gave me butterflies.
This was a good quick read. Even though there was blood and murder involved, it wasn't gruesome or intense. The romance was a second chance romance. The love connect between Ivy and Bennett was there, but I wouldn't say it gave me butterflies.
February 15, 2022
I wanted to DNF it at 24% because as a romance it was already a big fail. I did keep reading but it’s tough for me when you only see the cliché, the scaffolding, and realise she’s damn writing the same book over and over again.
There was no development of the romance, of course, god knows how many years after they still love each other (which screams psyco to me, but hell it’s me). Plus of course there’s a madman after her so, all the normal “rules” (like timing) are out of the windows.
So, not particularly fun, but as she’s talented enough, it doesn’t stink.
I can’t really say much more.
As a suspense I think it’s a fail too, but again keep in mind that’s my standard opinion with RS, above all when they stuck to the serial killer uber cliche.
There was no development of the romance, of course, god knows how many years after they still love each other (which screams psyco to me, but hell it’s me). Plus of course there’s a madman after her so, all the normal “rules” (like timing) are out of the windows.
So, not particularly fun, but as she’s talented enough, it doesn’t stink.
I can’t really say much more.
As a suspense I think it’s a fail too, but again keep in mind that’s my standard opinion with RS, above all when they stuck to the serial killer uber cliche.
October 15, 2015
*I received a free ARC of Until Death from Netgalley in exchange of an honest and unbiased review*
A mystery set during Mardi Gras, where the killer wears a mask - that is how Until Death started, and it was a spicy mystery with quite a bit of romance as well.
This and all my other reviews are originally posted on my blog (un)Conventional Bookviews
A mystery set during Mardi Gras, where the killer wears a mask - that is how Until Death started, and it was a spicy mystery with quite a bit of romance as well.
This and all my other reviews are originally posted on my blog (un)Conventional Bookviews
September 2, 2015
3.5 RATING- I'm a long standing Cynthia Eden fan and was happy to see that Until Death could be borrowed from Amazon. Overall, I enjoyed the read. I can't put my finger on it, but it just felt like maybe a little something was missing. It may have just been that I was in a bit of a funk and not in the mood for a suspense/thriller type read.
One very small gripe that kind of bugged me was the revelation that the hero made a certain decision when he was much younger that resulted in the separation of him and and the heroine. I wasn't a fan of the decision or that he let the separation ride so long. That is absolutely me being picky but I thought about that decision even after I finished the book and wish he would have chosen different.
For Cynthia Eden fans, I don't think this novella will disappoint. Solid writing, a good balance of steam and suspense, and a creepy bad guy...everything readers have come to expect from this author!
Note: At the time this review was posted, this book was available to borrow through Amazon's Kindle Unlimited program.
To see other books available to borrow through Kindle Unlimited or SCRIBD, check out the Subscription Addiction group
https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
March 14, 2019
Predictably but traditional cynthia eden.
June 4, 2017
3.5 Stars. This was a good, suspenseful read that could have been 'more' had it been just a little longer; and set the scene better. Fleshing out the backstory between Bennet and Ivy would have helped the flow of the story immensely. Oh, and the twist at the rushed ending didn't quite ring true. The romance was good; but typical of many a short story, it is as made a second chance tale so that the relationship could be moved along quickly to fit the constraints of the word count.
I know it sounds like I didn't enjoy it, but I did. This is a solid short story effort from Eden; but one that could have been even better had the plotline been lengthened with more substance. It was still a suspenseful, slightly dark and gory effort from an author who is very good at this kind of story. This would have fit in nicely with Eden's "Lost" series.
I know it sounds like I didn't enjoy it, but I did. This is a solid short story effort from Eden; but one that could have been even better had the plotline been lengthened with more substance. It was still a suspenseful, slightly dark and gory effort from an author who is very good at this kind of story. This would have fit in nicely with Eden's "Lost" series.
June 29, 2022
3.5 Stars
I enjoy the author's paranormal and urban fantasy, but this contemporary/suspense didn't have the same intensity. I had a hard time really caring about the characters and I'm not a fan of the dramatic tension coming from 'what is the secret in their past?'.
I enjoy the author's paranormal and urban fantasy, but this contemporary/suspense didn't have the same intensity. I had a hard time really caring about the characters and I'm not a fan of the dramatic tension coming from 'what is the secret in their past?'.
July 6, 2021
Meh. Not very interesting.
Want to read
February 5, 2022🎁 FREE on Amazon & on Apple iBooks today (2/5/2022)! 🎁
January 11, 2017
3,5 / 5
September 8, 2015
Let me first start off and say that Cynthia Eden is a great story teller. She has a lot of books that I have been head over heels for, but Until Death fell short. The story line seemed rushed and some times disjointed and I found myself re-reading certain areas again. The meat and potatoes of the story were there but I would change several things if I got the chance. First off Ivy was too wishy washy, the second thing is there was not the usual all consuming heat and need I have read in other Cynthia Eden books. Bennett was also lacking in the same areas, he was not as strong as a lead as I have come to know and love. The story has a great feel to it with the second guessing and suspense but when it finally comes to a head the closure is lacking, it seemed to abrupt. The secondary stories taking place also didn't connect as smoothly as I would have liked (i.e. Ivy's father). In all, I liked it but I did not love it, would I give the author another read- OH YES, she has great stories out there that I have re-read several times and would do so again. Thanks to Cynthia Eden, her publisher, and Net Galley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
September 24, 2015
I am primarily a fan of paranormal stories. So, given the first paragraph of this novella, my little dark heart almost went into overdrive thinking Cynthia had written some tentacle smut. But, alas, no such luck.
What she did deliver was an extremely hard to put down romantic thriller. This isn't quite as skinamax as some of her other works although it does get a little steamy from time to time.
Loved that the store takes place in Mobile as I have several friends that live there.
I'll definitely be picking up more of her non-paranormal offerings in the future.
*Digital review copy provided by NetGalley & the publisher.
What she did deliver was an extremely hard to put down romantic thriller. This isn't quite as skinamax as some of her other works although it does get a little steamy from time to time.
Loved that the store takes place in Mobile as I have several friends that live there.
I'll definitely be picking up more of her non-paranormal offerings in the future.
*Digital review copy provided by NetGalley & the publisher.
September 5, 2015
*3.5* Good suspense. Wish there was a bit more romance and steamy scenes.
September 6, 2015
3.5 stars
December 23, 2015
3 stars
very twisted story and the suspens is gripping ! not conviced on the romance though
very twisted story and the suspens is gripping ! not conviced on the romance though
February 25, 2016
Ivy = TSTL
January 29, 2017
Plot: 3/5
Characterisation: 4/5
Prose: 3.5/5
How much I enjoyed it: 3/5
Characterisation: 4/5
Prose: 3.5/5
How much I enjoyed it: 3/5
February 6, 2022
Mystery, serial killers at Mardi Gras
A very intriguing mystery, second chance romance set in and around Mardi Gras. I enjoyed this short romantic suspense. It was heavy on the suspense with mild romance, but it didn't really bother me because the story held my attention and kept me guessing who the freaking killer was. Imo if I haven't figured out who is the bad guy is, then that's a good story. And also the secrets that are revealed throughout this book just kept right on coming and kept you guessing again who the serial killer was.
I would recommend reading this book if you like murder mysteries, second chance romance ( not the main story here, well its complicated read the book you'll understand), serial killers surrounding New Orleans area. Free book at the time I purchased 2/6/21.
A very intriguing mystery, second chance romance set in and around Mardi Gras. I enjoyed this short romantic suspense. It was heavy on the suspense with mild romance, but it didn't really bother me because the story held my attention and kept me guessing who the freaking killer was. Imo if I haven't figured out who is the bad guy is, then that's a good story. And also the secrets that are revealed throughout this book just kept right on coming and kept you guessing again who the serial killer was.
I would recommend reading this book if you like murder mysteries, second chance romance ( not the main story here, well its complicated read the book you'll understand), serial killers surrounding New Orleans area. Free book at the time I purchased 2/6/21.
February 10, 2022
Until Death (Kindle Edition) by Cynthia Eden
WOW! If you like romantic suspense you will love this book. I want to give it more than 5* just because I hated to put it down. I am so tired I only stopped reading last night because I finally fell asleep - I didn't want to stop but I couldn't keep my eyes open. PI Ivy DuLane witnessed a murder - and the murder saw her. Homicide detective Bennett Morgan —and her ex-lover— comes to her aid.
This book has monsters, evil, murders, gore, angst, many twists and turns, tears, second chance love and add in some steam to get us to a HEA.
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Happily Ever After Tragic Twisted Unpredictable Romantic Steamy Wonderful characters Page-turner Haunting Entertaining Action-packed Scary
WOW! If you like romantic suspense you will love this book. I want to give it more than 5* just because I hated to put it down. I am so tired I only stopped reading last night because I finally fell asleep - I didn't want to stop but I couldn't keep my eyes open. PI Ivy DuLane witnessed a murder - and the murder saw her. Homicide detective Bennett Morgan —and her ex-lover— comes to her aid.
This book has monsters, evil, murders, gore, angst, many twists and turns, tears, second chance love and add in some steam to get us to a HEA.
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Happily Ever After Tragic Twisted Unpredictable Romantic Steamy Wonderful characters Page-turner Haunting Entertaining Action-packed Scary
February 9, 2022
Until Death, WOW!
Action from start two finish! The book was hard to put down. From the minute Ivy witnesses
the murder of a young woman who strangely looks like her and coming face to face with her former lover, Bennett , this book was a page turner that was hard to put down, until the last period. Loved this book!
Action from start two finish! The book was hard to put down. From the minute Ivy witnesses
the murder of a young woman who strangely looks like her and coming face to face with her former lover, Bennett , this book was a page turner that was hard to put down, until the last period. Loved this book!
August 10, 2022
I didn't particularly like either of the main characters - they both seemed a little stupid far too frequently. They are so in love but they don't seem to know each other at all and haven't seen each other in years. This is a shorter book - though not a novella - and there was very little development of the romance which I find disappointing. Not one of her best.
June 10, 2025
An older book by Cynthia Eden that I recently found among my unread stash. Highly suspense-filled with gruesome murders & mayhem during Mardi Gras reunites Ivy and Bennett for a second chance romance.
The whodunit will keep you guessing -- just how I prefer! As always, bloody well-done by CE!
July 7, 2018
I love Cynthia Eden’s books and Until Death was no exception. I can usually figure out who the killer is or at least narrow it down to a couple of suspects but I had no idea who was doing what until it was revealed. Very good story and great ending.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews