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Dark Sins #1
Don't Trust a Killer
To catch a killer…you have to use the perfect bait.
FBI Agent Bree Harlow is working the biggest case of her career. She’s undercover on the hunt for a killer who has murdered three women—and she isn’t going to stop until she brings down her prey. She’s scored a job at Fantasy, the hottest club in New Orleans, and she’s just caught the attention of the club’s owner, the sexy and dangerous Kace Quick. Everyone knows the guy is shady—and probably linked to every criminal activity in the Big Easy. She shouldn’t find him so attractive. Shouldn’t want to do anything but lock the guy away. After all, he is her chief suspect.
Be careful…sometimes, you can’t see the danger coming.
Kace knows there is far more to Bree than meets the eye. He isn’t a fool, and he can spot a Fed from a mile away, though he does admit that Bree is the sexiest FBI agent he’s ever seen. He lets her play her game, though Kace plans to keep his hands very far off his gorgeous new problem. Then the attacks begin. Attacks all focused on Bree. And suddenly, it’s not a game any longer because Kace isn’t about to let his FBI agent get caught in the crossfire.
To hurt a man, you have to destroy what he wants most.
Kace has a powerful enemy working in the darkness—a man who wants to destroy Kace by making him look guilty as hell. Kace is being set up for murders he didn’t commit. And now, the killer has locked onto his next victim—Bree. Despite Kace’s best efforts, he has let Bree get too close. For the first time in years, Kace cares about someone else—a fatal flaw. And the killer in the dark can’t wait to make Kace pay for past sins…The killer thinks he can hurt Bree, and by hurting her, the mighty Kace Quick will fall.
Things aren’t always as they appear…
Bree won’t be anyone’s victim. She’s not the damsel in distress—she’s the woman ready to take down a murderer. She’ll break every rule in the FBI’s precious handbook in order to protect the lover she knows is innocent. Kace is hers, and Bree won’t let anyone hurt him. She’ll catch the real killer, she’ll prove his guilt, and maybe, just maybe, Bree and Kace can stop their world from going down in flames.
Sex, murder, and lies…just another day in the Big Easy…
FBI Agent Bree Harlow is working the biggest case of her career. She’s undercover on the hunt for a killer who has murdered three women—and she isn’t going to stop until she brings down her prey. She’s scored a job at Fantasy, the hottest club in New Orleans, and she’s just caught the attention of the club’s owner, the sexy and dangerous Kace Quick. Everyone knows the guy is shady—and probably linked to every criminal activity in the Big Easy. She shouldn’t find him so attractive. Shouldn’t want to do anything but lock the guy away. After all, he is her chief suspect.
Be careful…sometimes, you can’t see the danger coming.
Kace knows there is far more to Bree than meets the eye. He isn’t a fool, and he can spot a Fed from a mile away, though he does admit that Bree is the sexiest FBI agent he’s ever seen. He lets her play her game, though Kace plans to keep his hands very far off his gorgeous new problem. Then the attacks begin. Attacks all focused on Bree. And suddenly, it’s not a game any longer because Kace isn’t about to let his FBI agent get caught in the crossfire.
To hurt a man, you have to destroy what he wants most.
Kace has a powerful enemy working in the darkness—a man who wants to destroy Kace by making him look guilty as hell. Kace is being set up for murders he didn’t commit. And now, the killer has locked onto his next victim—Bree. Despite Kace’s best efforts, he has let Bree get too close. For the first time in years, Kace cares about someone else—a fatal flaw. And the killer in the dark can’t wait to make Kace pay for past sins…The killer thinks he can hurt Bree, and by hurting her, the mighty Kace Quick will fall.
Things aren’t always as they appear…
Bree won’t be anyone’s victim. She’s not the damsel in distress—she’s the woman ready to take down a murderer. She’ll break every rule in the FBI’s precious handbook in order to protect the lover she knows is innocent. Kace is hers, and Bree won’t let anyone hurt him. She’ll catch the real killer, she’ll prove his guilt, and maybe, just maybe, Bree and Kace can stop their world from going down in flames.
Sex, murder, and lies…just another day in the Big Easy…
402 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 18, 2018
393 people are currently reading
633 people want to read
About the author
Cynthia Eden
310 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 105 reviews
September 24, 2018
4 Stars
"There are lots of stories in this town. Some people say I’m a criminal, some say I’m a savior. It’s really all in who you ask."
Cynthia Eden never disappoint! She is really good at writing romantic suspense novels! I read most of her works and loved them all!!
There is a killer out there who is murdering women, blond and beautiful women! The perp strangled them. The police are suspected Kace, a club owner. Fifteen years ago he had been charged with murdering his girlfriend but then had been found not guilty. Now "The New Orleans Strangler" started to kill again. All the women had connected with Kace somehow. So police send Bree as an undercover agent to gather evidence against Kace. So is he really guilty or he was framed? Can she prove that if he is guilty or not? What if he could charm her and she became the new victim?!?
It was so good and so unpredictable! Actually, it surprised me in every way and I liked that! My only issue was with Bree! I know it was her first case (if I remember correctly) but she still was, I don’t know, maybe a bit naïve! Or maybe I expected her a bit smarter. I couldn’t feel if she was a kickass character! I don’t know, something was missing with her! But on the contrary, I loved Kace, this alpha Kace! LOVED him!
It was well-written, well-paced with a great story-line. It’s full of suspense, unpredictable, an easy read and I love that cover! Told in multiple POV, 3rd person. It’s a standalone novel. Overall, it was an enjoyable read for me and hope you like it as well!
"There are lots of stories in this town. Some people say I’m a criminal, some say I’m a savior. It’s really all in who you ask."
Cynthia Eden never disappoint! She is really good at writing romantic suspense novels! I read most of her works and loved them all!!
There is a killer out there who is murdering women, blond and beautiful women! The perp strangled them. The police are suspected Kace, a club owner. Fifteen years ago he had been charged with murdering his girlfriend but then had been found not guilty. Now "The New Orleans Strangler" started to kill again. All the women had connected with Kace somehow. So police send Bree as an undercover agent to gather evidence against Kace. So is he really guilty or he was framed? Can she prove that if he is guilty or not? What if he could charm her and she became the new victim?!?
It was so good and so unpredictable! Actually, it surprised me in every way and I liked that! My only issue was with Bree! I know it was her first case (if I remember correctly) but she still was, I don’t know, maybe a bit naïve! Or maybe I expected her a bit smarter. I couldn’t feel if she was a kickass character! I don’t know, something was missing with her! But on the contrary, I loved Kace, this alpha Kace! LOVED him!
It was well-written, well-paced with a great story-line. It’s full of suspense, unpredictable, an easy read and I love that cover! Told in multiple POV, 3rd person. It’s a standalone novel. Overall, it was an enjoyable read for me and hope you like it as well!
September 20, 2018
For being a FBI agent I kinda expected the heroine to be some kinda badass chick but for me she failed. It felt like it was missing something. I don’t know I can’t quite figure out why I didn’t enjoy this more.
Hero was the same. Same protective, same possessive just the same.
Also I’m having trouble with how many times this author has her heroines chase after the hero when they pushed them away. Why can’t for once the hero do some groveling?
I hope she read this review and maybe she’ll change that tiny detail. I’m not telling her how to write don’t get me wrong.
Oh and another thing. When the heroine’s belongings were destroyed and her FBI issued gun went missing she called her ex lover/boss she forgot to mention that her gun was missing. Why, I don’t know? if that was in RL she would have been suspended because she left her gun in a drawer without any lock on it.
Safety: Safe. Some OM drama.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 19, 2018
4.5 - "For you... I'd confess." Stars!
Don’t Trust a Killer is another rip roaring, thrill-a-minute pager turner from the imagination of Cynthia Eden.
"You look like trouble to me…"
Romantic Suspense and PNR are where this author excels, and Kace Quick is up there with the best of her Alpha-males. Once again she paired her (anti)Hero with a take-no-prisoners heroine, and gave their story so many plot twists and turns I fear I had whip lash by the end of it.
"When you find something special, you do whatever it takes to hold tight to it…"
This book also offered up a couple of secondary characters as well, that I would love to see get their own books, Kace’s second in command Remi being one of them. All in all another extremely enjoyable book by this author.
"I’d kill for you… I’d do anything to keep you safe."
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.
Don’t Trust a Killer is another rip roaring, thrill-a-minute pager turner from the imagination of Cynthia Eden.
"You look like trouble to me…"
Romantic Suspense and PNR are where this author excels, and Kace Quick is up there with the best of her Alpha-males. Once again she paired her (anti)Hero with a take-no-prisoners heroine, and gave their story so many plot twists and turns I fear I had whip lash by the end of it.
"When you find something special, you do whatever it takes to hold tight to it…"
This book also offered up a couple of secondary characters as well, that I would love to see get their own books, Kace’s second in command Remi being one of them. All in all another extremely enjoyable book by this author.
"I’d kill for you… I’d do anything to keep you safe."
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.
September 16, 2018
Kace Quick, powerful man, business owner and suspected to be the New Orleans Strangler. All signs point to Kace for the recent murders of the women who where thought to be his lovers. FBI agent Grayson Wesley is determined to take Kace down even if he has to step over lines to get the proof.
Bree Harlow, FBI agent and part of Grayson's team. She assigned to infiltrate Kace's night club to get close to him, find the evidence they need to close the New Orleans Strangler case. She didn't know she would have to fight her own desire to get close to Kace and it has nothing to do with the murders.
I've gotta say, the author did a great job of giving motive to a whole lot of people that kept me switching back and forth to who I thought was the real killer. I really like when a storyline is not predictable. The fact that it took me so long to realize who was involved, made this a great read.
This author is pretty good with providing us the heroes who take what they want. While Kace had that in him, he seemed pretty toned down with Bree. I would have liked to have seen more intensity in him. Bree was a tough cookie that still showed her weakness when it came to Kace. I liked her and how she was with him.
This is a standalone that had a bit of a tie in with Jax and Sarah from the book Shattered. I've not read it yet but it was a great teaser that has me off to go buy that book now.
Bree Harlow, FBI agent and part of Grayson's team. She assigned to infiltrate Kace's night club to get close to him, find the evidence they need to close the New Orleans Strangler case. She didn't know she would have to fight her own desire to get close to Kace and it has nothing to do with the murders.
I've gotta say, the author did a great job of giving motive to a whole lot of people that kept me switching back and forth to who I thought was the real killer. I really like when a storyline is not predictable. The fact that it took me so long to realize who was involved, made this a great read.
This author is pretty good with providing us the heroes who take what they want. While Kace had that in him, he seemed pretty toned down with Bree. I would have liked to have seen more intensity in him. Bree was a tough cookie that still showed her weakness when it came to Kace. I liked her and how she was with him.
This is a standalone that had a bit of a tie in with Jax and Sarah from the book Shattered. I've not read it yet but it was a great teaser that has me off to go buy that book now.
September 18, 2018
This is a very solid four from me and if you enjoy romantic suspense then this book will keep you turning the pages. It works extremely well as a standalone although there are a couple of characters here that the author has previously written about.
Set in New Orleans in the run up to Halloween we meet Bree a newly qualified FBI agent who wants to follow a career in profiling but in order to do that her first case sees her going undercover. There's a serial killer in town and everything points to crooked club owner Kace. Kace has a shady history and more to the point he was involved with all the victims. The problem for Bree is Kace seems to be a step ahead of the Bureau all the time and he won't stand for anyone lying to him. Getting close to Kace puts Bree firmly in the killers sights but just who is the next victim ?
This totally worked as a standalone but I note from the authors website that she's hoping to revisit some of these characters when she has time. This story had a lot of red herrings as the reader is led through the mystery of just who the killer really is. I found I had worked out something but the insanity of why totally surprised me. Expect steamy times ahead as the couple act upon their fierce chemistry but for this reader Kace seemed a little too quick to acknowledge his growing feelings but I cannot deny his intensity added to the fun. This author never disappoints and even though I do prefer her paranormal stories I found this very engaging.
This voluntary take is of an advance copy and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair
Set in New Orleans in the run up to Halloween we meet Bree a newly qualified FBI agent who wants to follow a career in profiling but in order to do that her first case sees her going undercover. There's a serial killer in town and everything points to crooked club owner Kace. Kace has a shady history and more to the point he was involved with all the victims. The problem for Bree is Kace seems to be a step ahead of the Bureau all the time and he won't stand for anyone lying to him. Getting close to Kace puts Bree firmly in the killers sights but just who is the next victim ?
This totally worked as a standalone but I note from the authors website that she's hoping to revisit some of these characters when she has time. This story had a lot of red herrings as the reader is led through the mystery of just who the killer really is. I found I had worked out something but the insanity of why totally surprised me. Expect steamy times ahead as the couple act upon their fierce chemistry but for this reader Kace seemed a little too quick to acknowledge his growing feelings but I cannot deny his intensity added to the fun. This author never disappoints and even though I do prefer her paranormal stories I found this very engaging.
This voluntary take is of an advance copy and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair
September 18, 2018
Holy Heck was this one twisted, wild ride!
Bree goes undercover to find evidence against Kace as the serial killer who is strangling women in New Orleans. She’s a green agent but she’s determined, until whatever this thing is between her and Kace makes her start to doubt everything and everyone. Kace pretty much owns this town. He learned to play the game as a young man and he’s only mastered it throughout the years. With all the players lined up he squares off against the one that he might not be able to walk away from.
Dang but Kace was one dark anti-hero. He made me nervous, he kind of scared me and I was totally questioning his motives the entire book. Knowing this author I knew I’d get my happy ever after but I was worried how that was going to come about. Because Kace, he wasn’t like any hero I’d ever read.
Bree was an exceptional heroine who even at her most vulnerable still managed to surprise me with her strength and her mind. She had what it took to do the job but I was constantly watching for what she might uncover, afraid it would be the very thing that would break her heart.
Together, this couple lit up the pages of this book as the story unfolded, gradually revealing one clue and one twist at a time. There were so many freaking suspects, and characters I thought might be suspects, that I couldn’t stop reading. I didn’t want to stop reading.
I enjoy a good romantic suspense but I absolutely LOVED this one! It was equally balanced and I never felt one element was weightier than the other. My mind is still whirling from all that was revealed and how everything played out. I’m actually going to miss this couple and hope like heck that I get to see them again in future books.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book provided by NetGalley and Hocus Pocus. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Multi POV
Safe
Triggers
Bree goes undercover to find evidence against Kace as the serial killer who is strangling women in New Orleans. She’s a green agent but she’s determined, until whatever this thing is between her and Kace makes her start to doubt everything and everyone. Kace pretty much owns this town. He learned to play the game as a young man and he’s only mastered it throughout the years. With all the players lined up he squares off against the one that he might not be able to walk away from.
Dang but Kace was one dark anti-hero. He made me nervous, he kind of scared me and I was totally questioning his motives the entire book. Knowing this author I knew I’d get my happy ever after but I was worried how that was going to come about. Because Kace, he wasn’t like any hero I’d ever read.
Bree was an exceptional heroine who even at her most vulnerable still managed to surprise me with her strength and her mind. She had what it took to do the job but I was constantly watching for what she might uncover, afraid it would be the very thing that would break her heart.
Together, this couple lit up the pages of this book as the story unfolded, gradually revealing one clue and one twist at a time. There were so many freaking suspects, and characters I thought might be suspects, that I couldn’t stop reading. I didn’t want to stop reading.
I enjoy a good romantic suspense but I absolutely LOVED this one! It was equally balanced and I never felt one element was weightier than the other. My mind is still whirling from all that was revealed and how everything played out. I’m actually going to miss this couple and hope like heck that I get to see them again in future books.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book provided by NetGalley and Hocus Pocus. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Multi POV
Safe
Triggers
October 7, 2018
Bree Harlow is undercover for the FBI and gets hired at Fantasy to investigate the club's owner, Kace Quick. He is the main suspect in a series of deaths. But as Bree is getting to know Kace she is less sure that Kace is the killer. Oh, she knows he's not lily white and is guilty of something. Kace has his secrets but killing women wasn't one of them. And when Bree becomes a target he will do anything to protect her.
Not perfect but I enjoyed it. The mystery potion I guessed right on part of it but I was surprised on some of it. Cynthia Eden, I guess, is like a comfort author for me. Her writing works for me. They may not always be 5 star but I usually get what I need from them.
Not perfect but I enjoyed it. The mystery potion I guessed right on part of it but I was surprised on some of it. Cynthia Eden, I guess, is like a comfort author for me. Her writing works for me. They may not always be 5 star but I usually get what I need from them.
September 21, 2018
2.75 stars
Well…it was a disappointing, to say the least. As disappointing as her previous book ‘Secret admirer’, which is sad, because I loved her earlier work so much. Hero is a bad boy who is really a good guy – that’s how we appease all readers simultaneously. But it doesn’t really matter, as a character he was…passable.
The heroine, on the other hand, was surprisingly naïve for what I expected, and she was an FBI agent, for Christ's sake. Some things she did only a dumb person would do. And she wasn’t alone in it. All of the FBI was like a bad, bad, bad TV show drama. If the FBI is really looks like that, then well, they are all screwed. The average criminal would be ten times smarter. They can catch a killer only in the act or through confession. There is no other option. Just a bunch of clowns.
No real profile, no real operative work, no real investigation, no logical conclusions. Only interested in who sleeps with whom. It’s literally the only alibi any suspect could even possibly have, that he or she slept with someone that night. I was so disappointed with the action/thriller part of the book that I couldn’t even care about the romance part. Even the end which was full of interesting tricks and turns wasn’t enough to erase previous 95% of the book. I’m losing my faith here. Yeah, it was safe. But it was so bizarre, implausible and boring that it ruined romance for me. I would’ve preferred great thriller and bad or even unsafe romance than this nonsense.
Well…it was a disappointing, to say the least. As disappointing as her previous book ‘Secret admirer’, which is sad, because I loved her earlier work so much. Hero is a bad boy who is really a good guy – that’s how we appease all readers simultaneously. But it doesn’t really matter, as a character he was…passable.
The heroine, on the other hand, was surprisingly naïve for what I expected, and she was an FBI agent, for Christ's sake. Some things she did only a dumb person would do. And she wasn’t alone in it. All of the FBI was like a bad, bad, bad TV show drama. If the FBI is really looks like that, then well, they are all screwed. The average criminal would be ten times smarter. They can catch a killer only in the act or through confession. There is no other option. Just a bunch of clowns.
No real profile, no real operative work, no real investigation, no logical conclusions. Only interested in who sleeps with whom. It’s literally the only alibi any suspect could even possibly have, that he or she slept with someone that night. I was so disappointed with the action/thriller part of the book that I couldn’t even care about the romance part. Even the end which was full of interesting tricks and turns wasn’t enough to erase previous 95% of the book. I’m losing my faith here. Yeah, it was safe. But it was so bizarre, implausible and boring that it ruined romance for me. I would’ve preferred great thriller and bad or even unsafe romance than this nonsense.
January 20, 2021
FBI agent heroine and a rumored to be criminal... what a pairing!
I liked the mystery and how it was solved.
A very gripping and entertaining read.
Safe and recommended.
I liked the mystery and how it was solved.
A very gripping and entertaining read.
Safe and recommended.
September 21, 2018
ugh. lather rinse repeat. i feel like cynthia has like one outline that she always follows w/ her suspense/romance novels. they all have the same ass plots/characters/narratives and its getting soooo damn frustrating lol. i feel like im reading the same story with different names of characters/places etc. she needs to find some uniqueness to her stories because they all sound exactly the same. once, twice, thrice it was fine but this is probably the 7th or 8th i've read by her that is not only written in a very bland/quick manner, but it has the same type of badass heroine (who is kinda dumb tbh lol) and the anti-hero guy who's a caveman alpha and makes me cringe w/disgust. the chemistry between the duo is also flat as hell and their interactions did nothing for me. the mystery of the story is blah too tbh. like im not into the story. i think shes tried recreating Deadly Fear-esque stories but theyre just not working lol. she needs to adapt a new angle to her plots/characters because its getting very cliche and boring as hell. and its making me disappointed/sad because the woman CAN write- but only when theres effort. didnt seem like that here.
September 22, 2018
I just kept yelling "THAT'S NOT HOW INVESTIGATIONS WORK!" over and over at my Kindle. So this story has some serious issues that the author is usually much better at working around and I'm not really impressed, but I'm not losing faith in her just yet. Can't say I'd recommend it, but I wouldn't slap you for reading it.
December 29, 2018
I always love a good Cynthia Eden romantic suspense and this one was no different. The hero was one of my favorites. Protective of the heroine. Would do anything for her. Anything to keep her safe.
While I enjoy her paranormal romance books best, this one was quite good. I loved the romance in this one and the hero. There was a bit of a twist in this one, like most of her books.
If you like a protective hero and a heroine who can stand on her own, I think you'll like this one.
Quotes & Faves:
♥ “You are finished,” Kace assured him. “Bree might have been yours once, but from here on out, she’s mine.”
♥ “I’ll just hold you, baby. Unless you want something more.”
♥ Not caring about their audience, Kace went right to her and hauled her into his arms. She was warm and soft against him. She smelled like lavender. She was alive. Because when he’d first seen the victim in the silks…
“You thought it was me,” she whispered. He held her tighter. “For a moment, yeah, I did.” A terrible moment he’d never forget.
♥ “No one touches her again. No one gets close to her. As long as she’s in this town, she’s mine.” The words tore from Kace. “Make sure everyone knows. You fuck with her, I destroy you.”
♥ His fingers moved, sliding under her hair and tipping back her head. “Maybe I lost everyone that mattered in my life, and then you appeared. I knew what you were from the word go, but I thought I could play you. I could do what I wanted, take what I wanted, then send you away.” Each word was rougher than the last. “But I can’t. I can’t turn you loose. I can’t let you go. You got to me, slipped right past my guard, and now we’re both lost.”
♥ He turned his head to stare at her. “I think I’m yours. That’s part of the problem. I think you snuck inside, and I think you’re close to owning the last bit of a soul that I have.”
♥ Before she could answer, he pressed another kiss to her lips. “Either way, Bree, I’ll fucking love you until I die.”
♥ He kissed her. Hot and hard and deep, and she could feel his emotions crashing over her. The desperate hunger. The hope. The fear. The love. So much love. Powerful and consuming and complete.
♥ “You are what I want. You are what matters. For you, I’ll be more,” Kace promised her. “You are more. You are everything.” She stared straight into his eyes. “I will fucking love you until I die.” She gave him the same words he’d given to her.
♥ “You are what I want. You are what matters. For you, I’ll be more,” Kace promised her. “You are more. You are everything.” She stared straight into his eyes. “I will fucking love you until I die.” She gave him the same words he’d given to her.
OK - lots of quotes. You can see how much I loved this book and this hero!
While I enjoy her paranormal romance books best, this one was quite good. I loved the romance in this one and the hero. There was a bit of a twist in this one, like most of her books.
If you like a protective hero and a heroine who can stand on her own, I think you'll like this one.
Quotes & Faves:
♥ “You are finished,” Kace assured him. “Bree might have been yours once, but from here on out, she’s mine.”
♥ “I’ll just hold you, baby. Unless you want something more.”
♥ Not caring about their audience, Kace went right to her and hauled her into his arms. She was warm and soft against him. She smelled like lavender. She was alive. Because when he’d first seen the victim in the silks…
“You thought it was me,” she whispered. He held her tighter. “For a moment, yeah, I did.” A terrible moment he’d never forget.
♥ “No one touches her again. No one gets close to her. As long as she’s in this town, she’s mine.” The words tore from Kace. “Make sure everyone knows. You fuck with her, I destroy you.”
♥ His fingers moved, sliding under her hair and tipping back her head. “Maybe I lost everyone that mattered in my life, and then you appeared. I knew what you were from the word go, but I thought I could play you. I could do what I wanted, take what I wanted, then send you away.” Each word was rougher than the last. “But I can’t. I can’t turn you loose. I can’t let you go. You got to me, slipped right past my guard, and now we’re both lost.”
♥ He turned his head to stare at her. “I think I’m yours. That’s part of the problem. I think you snuck inside, and I think you’re close to owning the last bit of a soul that I have.”
♥ Before she could answer, he pressed another kiss to her lips. “Either way, Bree, I’ll fucking love you until I die.”
♥ He kissed her. Hot and hard and deep, and she could feel his emotions crashing over her. The desperate hunger. The hope. The fear. The love. So much love. Powerful and consuming and complete.
♥ “You are what I want. You are what matters. For you, I’ll be more,” Kace promised her. “You are more. You are everything.” She stared straight into his eyes. “I will fucking love you until I die.” She gave him the same words he’d given to her.
♥ “You are what I want. You are what matters. For you, I’ll be more,” Kace promised her. “You are more. You are everything.” She stared straight into his eyes. “I will fucking love you until I die.” She gave him the same words he’d given to her.
OK - lots of quotes. You can see how much I loved this book and this hero!
Want to read
July 14, 2019💞 Don’t Trust a Killer is on sale for $0.99 (regular price is $3.99) on Amazon today (7/14/2019)!💞
November 20, 2022
Review posted on Got Fiction?
When Agent Bree Harlow goes undercover as a server at a very popular nightclub, she knows that being near Kace Quick is dangerous. But getting close to him is her job, so the danger is to be expected. It isn't until he takes a personal interest in her that she starts to get a little nervous. But if it means catching the serial killer stalking New Orleans, she'll do it. And if Kace is the killer, she'll take great pleasure in putting him behind bars.
Kace pegs Bree as a fed the second she walks in his club. But he's all about keeping his enemies close, and he wants to see what she's going to do. He tests her, pushes her, wants to see how far he can go. Bree never does what he expects. She pushes back.
But the killings continue and Bree isn't so sure he's the killer. The agent in charge is set on him and won't even look elsewhere for a suspect. Bree starts to notice little things that don't add up. Maybe Kace isn't completely above-board with his business dealings, but she's not sure he's a killer.
I liked Bree. She was tough and kept her coo,l and I really liked watching her keep Kace on his toes. Every time he thinks he knows what she's about, she surprises him. And I loved that the two of them didn't try to deny the attraction between them. Bree was unapologetic in her desire and I freaking loved it.
This book was intense, sexy, and kept me guessing. There's even a fun little cross-over from her LOST series. I really love things like that. I always recommend Cynthia Eden when someone wants a good Romantic Suspense, and this time around is no different. You want excellent Romantic Suspense? Grab this book.
***ARC courtesy of the publisher via NetGalley
When Agent Bree Harlow goes undercover as a server at a very popular nightclub, she knows that being near Kace Quick is dangerous. But getting close to him is her job, so the danger is to be expected. It isn't until he takes a personal interest in her that she starts to get a little nervous. But if it means catching the serial killer stalking New Orleans, she'll do it. And if Kace is the killer, she'll take great pleasure in putting him behind bars.
Kace pegs Bree as a fed the second she walks in his club. But he's all about keeping his enemies close, and he wants to see what she's going to do. He tests her, pushes her, wants to see how far he can go. Bree never does what he expects. She pushes back.
But the killings continue and Bree isn't so sure he's the killer. The agent in charge is set on him and won't even look elsewhere for a suspect. Bree starts to notice little things that don't add up. Maybe Kace isn't completely above-board with his business dealings, but she's not sure he's a killer.
I liked Bree. She was tough and kept her coo,l and I really liked watching her keep Kace on his toes. Every time he thinks he knows what she's about, she surprises him. And I loved that the two of them didn't try to deny the attraction between them. Bree was unapologetic in her desire and I freaking loved it.
This book was intense, sexy, and kept me guessing. There's even a fun little cross-over from her LOST series. I really love things like that. I always recommend Cynthia Eden when someone wants a good Romantic Suspense, and this time around is no different. You want excellent Romantic Suspense? Grab this book.
***ARC courtesy of the publisher via NetGalley
September 20, 2018
It’s just another day in the Big Easy as Bree goes undercover to catch serial killer and catches the attention of the sexy and dangerous Kace who the FBI believes to be the crime lord behind the murders. Kace and Bree are bold, charismatic characters that easily bring readers into their world and hold them captive with their sizzling chemistry and daring and brave romance. Against all odds, the attractions burns hotter the longer they work together and the relationship has several obstacles that will have to be overcome including some past emotional baggage.
Thrills and intrigue keep readers turning the pages of this fast paced and smooth flowing plot that has a dangerously edgy feel as the hero and heroine face some hair raising events and try to determine who the killer is before they become his next victims all while dealing with law enforcement that has decided Kace is guilty and they are determined to bring him down. Surprising twists keep readers guessing which adds to the intense thrill of the story and once again the author has created a well-developed world that she brings to brilliant life, making it easy for the readers to connect to the characters and to become part of the story and being set in New Orleans spices up the story as it helps set up the atmosphere and adds to the dangerous, edgy crime lord persona of Kace and some of his employees. I was completely caught up in this book from the very beginning and I was especially excited by the astonishing conclusion of Bree’s case.
Thrills and intrigue keep readers turning the pages of this fast paced and smooth flowing plot that has a dangerously edgy feel as the hero and heroine face some hair raising events and try to determine who the killer is before they become his next victims all while dealing with law enforcement that has decided Kace is guilty and they are determined to bring him down. Surprising twists keep readers guessing which adds to the intense thrill of the story and once again the author has created a well-developed world that she brings to brilliant life, making it easy for the readers to connect to the characters and to become part of the story and being set in New Orleans spices up the story as it helps set up the atmosphere and adds to the dangerous, edgy crime lord persona of Kace and some of his employees. I was completely caught up in this book from the very beginning and I was especially excited by the astonishing conclusion of Bree’s case.
November 4, 2018
3.5 stars
It was good but too cliché in a way and while the intrigue was interesting it was all over the place and just not believable. Not what i'm used to from this author ...
It was good but too cliché in a way and while the intrigue was interesting it was all over the place and just not believable. Not what i'm used to from this author ...
February 10, 2020
I like Cynthia Eden's books, but there's honestly a lot of similarity between them. I mix up the various romantic suspense series books, because, well, she's got a formula and she largely sticks with it.
It means she's a safe bet, when this is what I'm in the mood for. But it means that the pet peeves about one book are generally my pet peeves with all her books. Mostly, it's that the big bad alpha male never actually has to do anything to win the badass female - she's generally utterly available to him from the outset, and even when the alpha male is inevitably a dick, the badass female only offers token anger, but otherwise lets it slide.
It undercuts the badass female, honestly. It makes her seem like a bit of a pretend badass.
Still, I enjoyed it. The good thing about Cynthia Eden is that she keeps you guessing as to who the bad guy really is, and there's usually many layers to the story. And the relationships are flaming hot. You just have to ignore the occasional female doormat stuff.
It means she's a safe bet, when this is what I'm in the mood for. But it means that the pet peeves about one book are generally my pet peeves with all her books. Mostly, it's that the big bad alpha male never actually has to do anything to win the badass female - she's generally utterly available to him from the outset, and even when the alpha male is inevitably a dick, the badass female only offers token anger, but otherwise lets it slide.
It undercuts the badass female, honestly. It makes her seem like a bit of a pretend badass.
Still, I enjoyed it. The good thing about Cynthia Eden is that she keeps you guessing as to who the bad guy really is, and there's usually many layers to the story. And the relationships are flaming hot. You just have to ignore the occasional female doormat stuff.
May 29, 2025
Don't Trust a Killer bk 1 [Dark sins]
This book was amazing, awesome characters, the two different mysteries in this book was really good with plot twists.. The ending was awesome (For over 18+ readers because there are steamy bits through this book)
Wow this book was hot with a lot of Action, Steamy, Romance, Dark parts, Awesome Characters, Plot twists, Mystery and more..
This book follows Kace's story and how he finds love.. You learn more about Kace's past in this book as you are reading the story and the dark themes in his past and also you get to learn more about Bree's past as well and you will see how strong her past has made her.. i like that Remy was always looking out for Kace in this book..
Kace is a badass and owns a lot of bars, He can be sweet, kind, caring when he wants to be, looks out for his friends, Dark past, fun character, strong, has a big heart but does not show it until he meets Bree, Falls for Bree
Bree is a FBI Agent, She is sweet, smart, kind, Sassy and can be a badass, Strong Character, Has a dark past, She always looks out for her friends, Falls for Kace
Fav characters are:
⦁ Kace [Club owner of a lot of clubs]
⦁ Bree [FBI Agent]
⦁ Remy [FBI Agent/Freelance, Undercover working for Kace]
⦁ Karin [FBI Agent]
The friendship between Remy and Kace was really good but there are twist plot lines that you will learn how Remy became working for Kace because he was undercover but as time went by he felt more like Kace was a friend and that he would look out for him to make sure he does not get hurt which i thought was sweet..
This book is packed full of:
⦁ Sassy characters
⦁ FBI/Bar owner Romance
⦁ Heroine goes undercover to the hero's Club [Her boss thinks hero is the bad guy hurting people]
⦁ Heroine falls for hero while undercover [Hero knows that she is a FBI but does not say anything because he likes her]
⦁ Hero and Heroine work together to catch the bad guy hurting people
⦁ Workplace [sort of]
⦁ Heroine has scars
⦁ No 3rd act break up [Hero tried to push heroine away but did not work]
⦁ Both hero and heroine have a dark past
⦁ Dark themes
⦁ Hot & Steamy [Open-door around his house & on his desk in his office at his house]
⦁ Content: Hero talks of her parents death, Hero has a dark past, Heroine has nightmares about her past, Hero wants to help the heroine catch the bad guy who is hurting people and also help her find the person who hurt her parents
⦁ Grumpy Hero [Sometimes the heroine can be Grumpy]
⦁ Bad boy Trope
⦁ Romantic Suspense
⦁ Plot Twists
⦁ Hero takes care of heroine when she has nightmares and also when her hotel got messed up
⦁ Touch her and you Die trope
⦁ Forced Proximity
⦁ Protective Hero
⦁ Hero is working on making his clubs on the right side
⦁ Hero owns a Motorbike
⦁ Hero saves the heroine
⦁ Strong characters
⦁ Fast read
⦁ Action packed
⦁ Mystery
⦁ Each book follows different couples
The relationship between Kace and Bree was really good and sweet.. Its nice to see they got a happy ending.. i can't wait to read Remy's own story to see him getting a happy ending..
characters I did not like are:
⦁ Dominic
⦁ Abby
⦁ Franco
⦁ Grayson
This book was amazing, awesome characters, the two different mysteries in this book was really good with plot twists.. The ending was awesome (For over 18+ readers because there are steamy bits through this book)
Wow this book was hot with a lot of Action, Steamy, Romance, Dark parts, Awesome Characters, Plot twists, Mystery and more..
This book follows Kace's story and how he finds love.. You learn more about Kace's past in this book as you are reading the story and the dark themes in his past and also you get to learn more about Bree's past as well and you will see how strong her past has made her.. i like that Remy was always looking out for Kace in this book..
Kace is a badass and owns a lot of bars, He can be sweet, kind, caring when he wants to be, looks out for his friends, Dark past, fun character, strong, has a big heart but does not show it until he meets Bree, Falls for Bree
Bree is a FBI Agent, She is sweet, smart, kind, Sassy and can be a badass, Strong Character, Has a dark past, She always looks out for her friends, Falls for Kace
Fav characters are:
⦁ Kace [Club owner of a lot of clubs]
⦁ Bree [FBI Agent]
⦁ Remy [FBI Agent/Freelance, Undercover working for Kace]
⦁ Karin [FBI Agent]
The friendship between Remy and Kace was really good but there are twist plot lines that you will learn how Remy became working for Kace because he was undercover but as time went by he felt more like Kace was a friend and that he would look out for him to make sure he does not get hurt which i thought was sweet..
This book is packed full of:
⦁ Sassy characters
⦁ FBI/Bar owner Romance
⦁ Heroine goes undercover to the hero's Club [Her boss thinks hero is the bad guy hurting people]
⦁ Heroine falls for hero while undercover [Hero knows that she is a FBI but does not say anything because he likes her]
⦁ Hero and Heroine work together to catch the bad guy hurting people
⦁ Workplace [sort of]
⦁ Heroine has scars
⦁ No 3rd act break up [Hero tried to push heroine away but did not work]
⦁ Both hero and heroine have a dark past
⦁ Dark themes
⦁ Hot & Steamy [Open-door around his house & on his desk in his office at his house]
⦁ Content: Hero talks of her parents death, Hero has a dark past, Heroine has nightmares about her past, Hero wants to help the heroine catch the bad guy who is hurting people and also help her find the person who hurt her parents
⦁ Grumpy Hero [Sometimes the heroine can be Grumpy]
⦁ Bad boy Trope
⦁ Romantic Suspense
⦁ Plot Twists
⦁ Hero takes care of heroine when she has nightmares and also when her hotel got messed up
⦁ Touch her and you Die trope
⦁ Forced Proximity
⦁ Protective Hero
⦁ Hero is working on making his clubs on the right side
⦁ Hero owns a Motorbike
⦁ Hero saves the heroine
⦁ Strong characters
⦁ Fast read
⦁ Action packed
⦁ Mystery
⦁ Each book follows different couples
The relationship between Kace and Bree was really good and sweet.. Its nice to see they got a happy ending.. i can't wait to read Remy's own story to see him getting a happy ending..
characters I did not like are:
⦁ Dominic
⦁ Abby
⦁ Franco
⦁ Grayson
September 28, 2022
3.5 Stars
I enjoyed this much more in this re-read.
The chemistry between the MCs works and their interactions entertain.
The good guys aren't necessarily all that good and the bad not so bad except in the best way.
I enjoyed this much more in this re-read.
The chemistry between the MCs works and their interactions entertain.
The good guys aren't necessarily all that good and the bad not so bad except in the best way.
September 17, 2018
Kace Quick owns multiple businesses and casinos in the New Orleans area. Law enforcement thinks he is crooked. Several women who knew Kace have been found murdered, their bodies staged. The FBI sends in Bree Harlow to try and get evidence against Kace. Bree’s boss, Grayson Wesley, is determined to bring Kace down.
There are a lot of twists and turns in this story! Kace isn’t your typical hero. He is a complicated character. At first it seems Bree might be in over her head but she very quickly shows she can hold her own. The author did a great job of presenting you with multiple suspects. You don’t know which way to turn. Thank you to net galley for an advanced readers copy of this book.
There are a lot of twists and turns in this story! Kace isn’t your typical hero. He is a complicated character. At first it seems Bree might be in over her head but she very quickly shows she can hold her own. The author did a great job of presenting you with multiple suspects. You don’t know which way to turn. Thank you to net galley for an advanced readers copy of this book.
September 25, 2018
I don't know...there was something about this one that made me like it a bit and not a lot. I think a lot of that was due to Kace and Bree. I had a hard time buying into them as a couple, that Bree would be willing to put her career in jeopardy for a man she has been repeatedly told was a criminal. Bree came off as smart, yet there were times she pulled TSTL moves. Kace wasn't much better. He was feared in the city, yet he let law enforcement get close to him. Even at the end you aren't 100% sure he is not out of criminal activities.
I'm kinda meh...on the suspense part, from the serial killer to how Bree's past played into things.
I'm kinda meh...on the suspense part, from the serial killer to how Bree's past played into things.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 13, 2019
Cynthia Eden never disappoint. A few years ago I found out there is such a genre Romance/Suspense and boy does Ms. Eden knows how to eloquently know how to handle this genre. Kace Quick was accuse of murder at 19 years old but was exonerated. Years later while owning one of the best bars in town woman who are connected to him are dying just like the murder he was accused of years ago. Bree the beautiful new FBI agent was recruited to pretend to be a waiter for his club. Immediately the sparks fly right off the page with these two. As with previous Cynthia's book just when you think you know who the killer is you a blown away when its finally revealed. A mind boggling ending.
September 22, 2018
A big thank you to NetGalley and Hocus Pocus Publishing for the ARC. I am voluntarily reviewing this book. I really enjoyed this book. I started it a night before a long road trip and ended up reading til 4am! I rate this a 5 star. It reminded me a little of Eve/Roarke in the JD Robb books. Is Kace a good guy? bad guy? Bree is a newbie FBI agent sent in to do undercover work. What happens is expected but then it gets crazy! I think if you like romantic suspense this one was fun and you will probably like it.
September 23, 2018
Wow, wow and wow. It doesn't get better than this! I was under Bree and Kace's spell from page one and was routing for them all the way. What an extremely well written, enjoyable and addictive story which I highly recommend.
April 4, 2019
DNF at 45%
I'm just not getting into this book. I'm not feeling the connect/chemistry between Bree and Kace. The serial killer aspect isn't holding my attention either. I'm half way thru the book but I'm not feeling invested. And I'm kind of bummed about it.
I'm just not getting into this book. I'm not feeling the connect/chemistry between Bree and Kace. The serial killer aspect isn't holding my attention either. I'm half way thru the book but I'm not feeling invested. And I'm kind of bummed about it.
September 19, 2018
Undercover FBI Agent FTW!
October 24, 2018
This was just really boring and very, very predictable. The hero was not the sexy ruthless badass I was promised either. And he did the age old “I must push you away to protect you” pish. Nah.
November 16, 2018
Fabulous start to this new romantic suspense. Murder, mayhem and a twist Don't Trust a Killer has great characters and an engaging storyline. I will definitely be reading more of this series
February 29, 2020
Потрясающий СЛР с элементами детектива и триллера.
Давно хотелось прочитать чего-то подобного.
Я прямо в восторге!
Давно хотелось прочитать чего-то подобного.
Я прямо в восторге!
October 5, 2018
Agent Bree Harlow is a new FBI agent sent into to work at Kace Quick's nightclub, Fantasy, as a waitress. Her mission is to get close to Kace so she can investigate whether he is the killer strangling women in New Orleans. Kace sees right through her from the start, but wants to seduce her and scare her first, so he gives her the position. He pretty quickly learns that she means more to him than just a quick tumble in bed and he makes it his mission to protect her from all the bad things and bad people he surrounds himself with. And as the real killer gets closer, Kace is determined to push her away to save her. Bree though, isn't going anywhere. She knows that Kace is innocent and that the killer is trying to hurt Kace. She'll do whatever it takes to protect the man she loves.
Maybe I grow weary of these "bad boy" types like this. Kace is a criminal, but he's never done anything truly bad (no drugs, no guns). The only "bad stuff" he's done is primarily of the morally dubious type...for example, he'll engage in some vigilante justice without blinking an eye. Beating people up, also no problem. And of course, as all of Kace's "bad boy" compatriots do, he's turning to the straight and narrow, legalizing his business and making things clean. This of course makes it okay for the innocent heroine to fall in love with our bad boy, because underneath he's really a good person. I'm not sure I actually want to see a truly bad hero, because then I wouldn't like him, but I'm not sure I like this playing-at-bad any better. I just don't know. I'll have to read some truly bad heroes I think before I can appreciate this kind.
The other thing that stands out, which came about around the 80% mark when I exclaimed, "Holy crap, what kind of leader can Kace be if everyone is betraying him?" It seems to me that a crime boss, in order to be in charge, would have to be a damn good judge of character, which is why I couldn't really believe that so many people that were "close" to Kace, were betraying him. I'd think a truly powerful crime boss would have locked that shit down.
Outside of those two issues, I kind of enjoyed this little read. I had no idea who the killers were, so the suspense aspect was pretty good. Bree and Kace investigate together, they come up against hostile FBI agents with agendas and Bree totally goes against orders in this. If want any realism regarding police procedure, this probably isn't for you. Bree would have been off the case in a heartbeat for sleeping with a suspect and Grayson would have been gone for his total breach of protocol as well. These people don't act like real FBI agents. For some reason, this didn't bother me, probably because I was well wrapped up into the investigation by then and wanted to know whodunnit. The romance aspect of this was less enjoyable than the suspense, but still pretty sexy. Kace and Bree have an instalust connection and this really propels their relationship forward, rather than any respect or trust in the other. These things develop quite a bit more gradually and probably could have used even more time to develop given how secretive Kace was.
Although this is a standalone, there appears to be a tie-in to this author's LOST series, so you if you've read that series, you may want to pick this up just for that.
Maybe I grow weary of these "bad boy" types like this. Kace is a criminal, but he's never done anything truly bad (no drugs, no guns). The only "bad stuff" he's done is primarily of the morally dubious type...for example, he'll engage in some vigilante justice without blinking an eye. Beating people up, also no problem. And of course, as all of Kace's "bad boy" compatriots do, he's turning to the straight and narrow, legalizing his business and making things clean. This of course makes it okay for the innocent heroine to fall in love with our bad boy, because underneath he's really a good person. I'm not sure I actually want to see a truly bad hero, because then I wouldn't like him, but I'm not sure I like this playing-at-bad any better. I just don't know. I'll have to read some truly bad heroes I think before I can appreciate this kind.
The other thing that stands out, which came about around the 80% mark when I exclaimed, "Holy crap, what kind of leader can Kace be if everyone is betraying him?" It seems to me that a crime boss, in order to be in charge, would have to be a damn good judge of character, which is why I couldn't really believe that so many people that were "close" to Kace, were betraying him. I'd think a truly powerful crime boss would have locked that shit down.
Outside of those two issues, I kind of enjoyed this little read. I had no idea who the killers were, so the suspense aspect was pretty good. Bree and Kace investigate together, they come up against hostile FBI agents with agendas and Bree totally goes against orders in this. If want any realism regarding police procedure, this probably isn't for you. Bree would have been off the case in a heartbeat for sleeping with a suspect and Grayson would have been gone for his total breach of protocol as well. These people don't act like real FBI agents. For some reason, this didn't bother me, probably because I was well wrapped up into the investigation by then and wanted to know whodunnit. The romance aspect of this was less enjoyable than the suspense, but still pretty sexy. Kace and Bree have an instalust connection and this really propels their relationship forward, rather than any respect or trust in the other. These things develop quite a bit more gradually and probably could have used even more time to develop given how secretive Kace was.
Although this is a standalone, there appears to be a tie-in to this author's LOST series, so you if you've read that series, you may want to pick this up just for that.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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