The Warden

by M.C. Cerny

Convicted.
Imprisoned.
At only nineteen.

Just when I thought it couldn’t get any worse...

I met him.
Cohen Shephard.
The Warden.
With his sexy eyes, controlling demeanor, and badass attitude,
I was his for the taking.
And he wants me...
To help him.
In return, he’ll clear my name.
After all, I’m Benedicta Cruz.
And I’m innocent.
To an extent.

But I want more.
So much more.

*The Warden is a standalone novella, approximately 104 pages.
*The Warden was previously published in the Forbidden anthology.

Genres: Romance

104 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 21, 2017

About the author

M.C. Cerny is a USA Today Bestselling author of fresh sexy books. She experienced her first real ugly cry reading, Where The Red Fern Grows, and never looked back. She lives with a menagerie of human and feline fur-babies in rural NJ. When M.C. is not writing, you’ll find her lurking in Starbucks, running stupid marathons, and eating all the tacos while plotting her next book.

Reviews

[Tai Nelson-Barnes · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first M.C. Cerny book and I have to say it was an interesting read. A story built into a jail where the warden isn't off limits for a certain prisoner. Yes, this might sound like a porno but trust me it is not. This is a great little novella.
I voluntary read an advance readers copy for my honest review..

[Brandy Roberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed M.C Cernys The Warden it was a unique Taboo twist kind of story . Cohen and Nene share such an intense attraction they know what they are doing is wrong but it's oh so hard to resist "pun intended " . I devoured this to were there was no way I'd be putting my kindle down , you don't want to miss out on the steamy short book .
copy provided for honest review 
****************************************
hero= 9 heroine=9 Chemistry= 10 steam= 8
romance= 4 humor= 3 darkness level= 5 action= 3 mystery= 4
enjoyment= 9 angst=4 story line= 9 Story ending=9
character development=10 pacing= 10
cover= 10 stars= 4 author= 8
would I recommend this book=yes
would I re read this book= yes
would I read future books by this author= yes

[Pelusa Rivera · Rating 3 out of 5]

Received an ARC at no cost to author on behalf of Enticement Journey Book Promotions..Wow, this was a short steamy read.  It is a taboo relationship, between Nene and Cohen(the warden). He will help Nene clear her name in exchange for her..What happens? Does she clear her name? Well my friends you need to read..

[Kathleen Bradbury (Bulfon) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just loved this book. It was so well-written that it captured my mind and I was dragged along for the ride. Once I started reading I could not put it down until I read the last page.

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first time I have read any of this authors’ work, and my goodness, it will not be the last. This is a steamy, taboo storyline, and the chemistry between Cohen and Nene is explosive. Cohen is the warden, and in exchange for having Nene, he will help her clear her name. No spoilers; this is a must read, you will not be disappointed!
This is a fast paced and entertaining story, which had me hooked from the very beginning. I look forward to reading more of this authors’ work in the future.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book!

[Grrr 4 Romance · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Quick read was fun but not a great book, just a book what I call an in betweener when I need a break from a series I always look for a quick read.

[Jackie Went · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was exciting and heart felt loved it. My first time reading this author.

[Tammy Cole]

This was a steamy and taboo read that had me reading quickly to see what happened. Cohen and Nene chemistry was hot and their love affair was forbidden. I really enjoyed this novella.

[Kristie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Warden
By: M.C. Cerny


⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 Review by Kristie K

A scintillating taboo treat, The Warden definitely holds the key…

M.C. Cerny delivers a quick and taboo novella centered within the twisted and dangerous prison underground. Nineteen year old Benedicta Cruz was convicted of a murder she didn’t commit, and sentenced to years in prison. Though life wasn’t always easy, Benedicta was forging her way in life…trying to make something of herself…until one stupid decision lands her in prison for manslaughter. A gentle soul, she keeps to herself, but she’s caught the eye of several people within the prison’s walls…one with sinful desire, the others with dangerous intent. Broken and determined to fly below the radar until her time is served, Benedicta avoids interaction and keeps her distance. Unfortunately, no one else gets the message and trouble follows her every move. When the warden pulls her into his office for a new inmate meeting, his interest in her goes from purely physical to so much more. Convinced that Benedicta has been wrongfully imprisoned, Warden Cohen Sheppard is determined to find out the truth behind her story. When he discovers that she may also be the key to information on the inside, they come to an agreement. She’ll get him information, and he will do everything he can to get her case reopened. The deeper they dig, the deeper they fall for one another, and the more dangerous her life behind bars becomes.

I am new to M.C. Cerny’s work, and was very intrigued by the unique storyline The Warden offered. The execution of this unique storyline was well done, but may have been better served in a full length novel rather than a novella. As much as I enjoyed the story, so much of it seemed rushed, unfinished, or unresolved. I think that the storyline itself deserved more than the short length allowed. That said, I also think that it was well done for the length it is. The main characters were likable, and easily relatable. I just wish I got to know them more. The writing was excellent. Ms. Cerny is a talented storyteller, and I will definitely be checking out her other bodies of work. All in all, for a quick and dirty novella, The Warden was worth the read. Full of danger, mystery, and heart…The Warden is a nice way to spend an afternoon.

Kristie K

[lf · Rating 3 out of 5]

Forbidden in so many ways yet who cares about all the rules and bars

The Warden by M.C. Cerny is a steamy little book about two people who are not what they seem.

Nene is a 19yo woman who has no family as both her parents have died and is convicted of manslaughter for the death of a guy she dated. She was wrongly convicted, on circumstantial evidence, but does not have anyone to fight for her as her public defender is more than useless unless he is trying to do some time with her in a back room. So she is going to the big girls house for 5 - 10 years, less the 4 months she has already served.

Cohen is an undercover officer working as the prison warden that Nene has been assigned. He is trying to gather evidence to build a case against a gang and it's leaders and is working with a female partner who is also undercover as an inmate. He takes an immediate interest in Nene. Like who wouldn't with the way she looks and the innocence she has. Cohen tries like heck to not get into anything but he just can't fight the feelings he has for her. So he starts to review her case and tries to help her to prove she is innocent.

The story is good in that it is something a bit different. It has several different genres of romance novels to it but they are scattered in it which gives it a pretty good read. I will say that for story which was published back in 2017 she should have taken another proofread through to correct a number of stupid but irritating mistakes. But it was still a good fun read and I enjoyed it.

I received a free ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. My opinions are all my own.

[LMR · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Warden By: M.C. Cerny
Can "The Warden" Convince Her To Be HIS!!
Falsely Accused, Tried, Convicted, & Ultimately IMPRISONED for a Crime She didn't Commit...
Now... She's subject to "The WARDEN!"
And He wants SomeThing from HER...
IS it gonna BE Deets about Her Case, inside info, HER Body...
or Maybe It'll END Up being ALL THREE!!
One thing IS Clear, "The Warden" has an Agenda...
Although, Since seeing HER,
"The Warden's" work'n His Case from & Two Different, Distinct Angles!
I was granted, via B00|{$P®0UT, an ARC of M.C. Cerny's"The Warden." I recommend this book to others based upon its own recommendations. All opinions expressed within this review are uniquely my own & freely given!
Until next time... Happy Reading!

[Rose Bassett · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story was okay. The story line is good, but it was too short to get more into the character's background. When I read a story, I like to be able to visualize the characters. Tall, short, blonde, brunette, redhead, curvy, sleak, muscle bound, you get the idea.

All I know is that Nene is Latino. Her family moved to the US when she was three. Her parents didn't allow Spanish to be spoken at home and they are now passed away. She is on her own and struggling. She works at a bar at night and doesn't date much. The last guy she can't get rid of. Until he is found dead with her crowbar as the weapon with her fingerprints on it. She had a public defender who was more interested in getting in her pants instead of defending her, so get gets 5 years in jail. She tries to keep her head down, not getting into any gangs and not causing any trouble.

Cohen is undercover as the warden at this women's jail. His partner is in there too as an inmate to get info about a gang that is inside and outside the prison. When he sees Nene, he thinks that she is too innocent to be in jail with all these harden criminals. He tries to keep an eye out for her. He sends little things like toiletries and such that she would need but doesn't have the funds to buy. He looks into her case. It didn't make sense. It was all circumstantial evidence. The hardest thing that he has going on undercover is keeping his hands and mind off Nene.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[J. Ockenhouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the twist of the heroine being the "bad girl", being sent to prison for a crime she didn't commit. Nene is going to get in way over her head and will need someone on her side.

Cohen is the warden in this prison but he's also a bit more (no spoils) who needs information about a man that Nene knows about. Their secret meetings get steamy but run the risk of not only being exposed but all the secrets going on inside them walls as well.

Will Nene deal with the threats and fear to not only get her case open again but a chance to be more than an informant to Cohen?

Great quick read that packs a punch. I received an ARC for an honest and voluntarily review.

[SBee Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

★ Quick & satisfying fantasy read ★

—>>> Benedicta “Nene” Cruz was wrongfully put in jail for a crime she did not commit, sentenced to serving five years. Something about her and her case file did not sit right with the warden, Cohen Shephard, and he becomes a knight setting out above and beyond duty to make changes in this women’s system, investigating Nene’s incarceration himself. Staying away from her, however, is more than this undercover cop and take, and soon he is having to take careful measures to stay above suspicion especially around her.

Previously published in the Forbidden anthology, this made for a quick and satisfying fantasy read.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is short, fast paced and action packed. I read this book in one sitting and was satisfied throughout. I liked NeNe and Cohen. I liked them as a couple. I did see some chemistry between them but as the story was short and action packed, I wanted a little more. I liked that NeNe tried to help Cohen and I liked Cohen’s determination to prove NeNe’s innocence. If he didn’t have that determination, she would have been locked up four years longer than she was.
The storyline for this book is easy to follow and an enjoyable read.

[Tonya Sims harper-dixie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, it was different from what I normally read. The words just flowed off the page and kept me intrigue to find out what would happen in the end.
I feared for her, she was so young, to be sent away for a crime she did not comment and to have to face all the danger and harm that she knew was coming her way.

*Spoiler* The Warden is an undercover agent, and one look at this young girl has him thinking dirty thoughts.....

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[CS · Rating 4 out of 5]

3 1/2 Stars

Cohen was instantly attracted to Nene and to his credit, tried to keep away from her. It didn’t help that he was working undercover as the Warden of the prison and she was a newbie inmate wrongly accused of manslaughter.
Not too much character development, but Cohen’s POV showed sincerity in his feelings toward Nene.
Story had a well deserved HEA for this couple but seemed a bit rushed and abrupt. I would have like a bit more detail on how the villains in the story were punished.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lisa H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unusual premise.

I like people who take risks. And I liked this premise and setting.
Cohen is under cover as a warden, working a sting.
Benedicta “Nene” is in for man slaughter.
He recruits her for intel and more physical naughty stolen moments in lock up.
Btw, she’s only nineteen and he’s obviously way older.
4.5 stars



I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[MaLoBe · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,5* of good romance with a lot of hotness

This is a short, well written story. The plot has a lot of potential to build around and bring it to full length novel. Full of hotness, suspense and delightfully forbidden romance.
Even if short it was very well paced except maybe rushed ending. I wish I could read more about other events that was introduced in the story line but all in all I really enjoyed it.

[Jeanne Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read several books written by M.C. Cerny; she has done a great job at writing a good book; she is becoming one of my favorite authors. I can’t wait to read more of books her books.

The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.

I loved the chemistry between the characters.

I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.

[Claire RC · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although a short and quick read, this book held my attention. Nene has been convicted of Manslaughter and is sent to prison. Cohen is appointed the Warden - he’s undercover with his partner (who’s is portraying an inmate) with orders to get information about a gang. An interesting read with a HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Riley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was steamy, nailbiting, scary, thrilling, and full of injustices that are surely only too real for a great many women incarcerated today. It was well written, had a terrific plot, and the characters all seemed real. It also had a good ending, phew.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an interesting short story that takes just over 90 minutes or so to read. It’s well written, with likable main characters. Some parts are quite realistic and other parts are completely fantasy which makes for an enjoyable read. There is a HEA to this story and the ending seems a tad rushed.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Elvira · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book to be intense. The young girl is thrown in prison for a crime she did not commit The characters are well developed and engaging and the storyline flowed smoothly with it’s twist and turns plus the chemistry between the couple is intense.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ashleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Are you looking for a HOT and OTT read? You will not go wrong with this book!

An intense emotional and SEXY storyline that grabs you right from the start keeping you engrossed and turning page after page throughout the whole book!

I received a free copy of this book. This review was posted voluntarily.

[Vinessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Benedicta was innocent but no one believed her, even the gorgeous warden who offered his help to clear her mame but with a price. She was willing to pay anything to keep him even her freedom. Read how this older man breaks the rules for his little convict.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick and fast read. Nothing to over the top. Wrongly convicted and having to do time due to incompetence. Happy ending since all turns out right.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Gladys · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought that this was a really good read. An interesting and original plot is combined with likable characters, lots of steaminesss, drama action, and suspense to create a book that quickly captures your attention and keeps you very enterained. I am voluntarily posting a truthful review.

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this booI voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book

What a book. A must read. Not going to spoil the story like most but you wont be disappointed

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Catherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

The plot was good, and have a good beginning middle and an end. The writing, or maybe the editing, didn't flow. Causing many instances of trying to figure out what the writer was saying. This was the reasoning of my rating. Other than that, the book was good.