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Wilde Ways #1
Protecting Piper
She was off limits.
Eric Wilde has always known that Piper Lane isn’t for him. She is his younger brother’s best friend…and probably more. But that hasn’t stopped Eric from wanting her. For longing for the one woman that he can’t have. Sure, he’s rich, successful—he’s built a security empire, and he’s got the world at his feet. Only he doesn’t have her.
He is the one man she needs the most.
Free-spirited Piper Lane has always considered Eric to be the enemy. He’s seemed to resent her, and the guy just flat-out makes her nervous. Every time she’s around him, she winds up doing something horribly embarrassing. But, this time…everything has changed. This time, he’s the one man she needs the most.
Something is stalking Piper.
A stranger has broken into Piper’s home twice, and she feels like someone is following her. Watching her every move. She needs a professional to help her—so enter Eric Wilde. He promises her protection, he promises to put his best investigators on her case, and he even moves her into his house. Suddenly, the guy who has always been the villain in her life…he’s now playing the role of hero.
Everything will change as the danger mounts.
And maybe Eric isn’t so bad, after all. The more time that Piper spends with him, the more she realizes that her feelings for Eric are far more complicated that she ever imagined. Desire explodes between them even as the danger deepens around her. Someone in the dark is targeting Piper, and he is determined that if he can’t possess her…then he will destroy her.
PROTECTING PIPER…a sizzling new romantic suspense from New York Times and USA Today best-selling author Cynthia Eden.
Eric Wilde has always known that Piper Lane isn’t for him. She is his younger brother’s best friend…and probably more. But that hasn’t stopped Eric from wanting her. For longing for the one woman that he can’t have. Sure, he’s rich, successful—he’s built a security empire, and he’s got the world at his feet. Only he doesn’t have her.
He is the one man she needs the most.
Free-spirited Piper Lane has always considered Eric to be the enemy. He’s seemed to resent her, and the guy just flat-out makes her nervous. Every time she’s around him, she winds up doing something horribly embarrassing. But, this time…everything has changed. This time, he’s the one man she needs the most.
Something is stalking Piper.
A stranger has broken into Piper’s home twice, and she feels like someone is following her. Watching her every move. She needs a professional to help her—so enter Eric Wilde. He promises her protection, he promises to put his best investigators on her case, and he even moves her into his house. Suddenly, the guy who has always been the villain in her life…he’s now playing the role of hero.
Everything will change as the danger mounts.
And maybe Eric isn’t so bad, after all. The more time that Piper spends with him, the more she realizes that her feelings for Eric are far more complicated that she ever imagined. Desire explodes between them even as the danger deepens around her. Someone in the dark is targeting Piper, and he is determined that if he can’t possess her…then he will destroy her.
PROTECTING PIPER…a sizzling new romantic suspense from New York Times and USA Today best-selling author Cynthia Eden.
308 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 29, 2019
1910 people are currently reading
2918 people want to read
About the author
Cynthia Eden
309 books6,808 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 492 reviews
January 26, 2019
3.5 to 4 stars!
Protecting Piper is an intense, romantic suspense involving two main characters that have secretly loved one another for years but misunderstandings have stood in their way.
Eric is the intense part to this story. That man was so wound up and lost in Piper. He just really sucked at communication. He has believed for many years that his brother was in love with her so he stepped aside.
When Eric finds out Piper has a dangerous stalker, he's done stepping aside for his brother. He just has to convince Piper they belong together while he keeps her safe from her stalker.
Piper thinks Eric hates her. He's pushed her away for so long she doesn't even consider that he could have feelings for her. She is nothing but confused when he refuses to leave her side once he finds out about her stalker
The majority of this book is Eric and Piper dancing around their mutual but secretive love for each other. It's the only reason I didn't love this book more. I wanted to see them reveal their true feelings sooner, but the stalker storyline kept things very interesting.
The key things about this book is that you will get a jealous/protective alpha, a strong heroine that still has a sweet side, a love story that starts out as enemies to lovers, and a plot that will have you trying to figure out who the stalker is.
Protecting Piper is an intense, romantic suspense involving two main characters that have secretly loved one another for years but misunderstandings have stood in their way.
Eric is the intense part to this story. That man was so wound up and lost in Piper. He just really sucked at communication. He has believed for many years that his brother was in love with her so he stepped aside.
When Eric finds out Piper has a dangerous stalker, he's done stepping aside for his brother. He just has to convince Piper they belong together while he keeps her safe from her stalker.
Piper thinks Eric hates her. He's pushed her away for so long she doesn't even consider that he could have feelings for her. She is nothing but confused when he refuses to leave her side once he finds out about her stalker
The majority of this book is Eric and Piper dancing around their mutual but secretive love for each other. It's the only reason I didn't love this book more. I wanted to see them reveal their true feelings sooner, but the stalker storyline kept things very interesting.
The key things about this book is that you will get a jealous/protective alpha, a strong heroine that still has a sweet side, a love story that starts out as enemies to lovers, and a plot that will have you trying to figure out who the stalker is.
no-way-jose
January 30, 2019Bummer, my biggest Januar reading-disappointment!
Manwhore, who disliked heroine's exes, but at the same time f*cked around.
Seriously?!….
Disir's review
Leonor's review
******************************************
I respect this author and enjoyed many of her books, but since when does Cynthia Eden write little sister of best friend trope plus her doing smth embarrassing?
Sounds like a cliche CR.
I hope I just misunderstood the blurb! 🤞
Manwhore, who disliked heroine's exes, but at the same time f*cked around.
Seriously?!….
Disir's review
Leonor's review
******************************************
I respect this author and enjoyed many of her books, but since when does Cynthia Eden write little sister of best friend trope plus her doing smth embarrassing?
Sounds like a cliche CR.
I hope I just misunderstood the blurb! 🤞
January 29, 2019
‘Protecting Piper’ was one I was eager to read, seeing how it was not tied to any of the long-running Cynthia Eden series at all and that it does have the best friend’s brother’s trope (and the sort of liking each other from afar) in it.
Apart from the very quick suspense setup that Piper Lane had a stalker, the first half however, was off-putting.
And that was mostly in part due to Eric Wilde who acted the epitome of the bully who couldn’t use his words to pursue the girl, who bulldozed and snarled his way through every man who came near to Piper when he didn’t throughout all the years he’d known her.
That Eden played up the double standard here—having Eric question the number of lovers Piper had while he screwed around with tons of others—was rather infuriating, along with the juvenile behaviour Eric displayed of tormenting her because he supposed loved her from afar, while not manning up to do anything about it until she was in danger. Having Piper going inexplicably from teenage crush to dislike to all-in love made the inconsistencies in the characters' emotional development even starker.
Eden’s rather simple whodunnit novella would have been more enjoyable I think, had there not been her trademark overuse of ex-lovers always circling the pond and muddying the waters between the protagonists. ‘Protecting Piper’ became a less-than-stellar read as a result, where the romance was reduced to sudden realisations that they’d been idiots all along while ex-lovers rigorously defended as meaningless flings.
Apart from the very quick suspense setup that Piper Lane had a stalker, the first half however, was off-putting.
And that was mostly in part due to Eric Wilde who acted the epitome of the bully who couldn’t use his words to pursue the girl, who bulldozed and snarled his way through every man who came near to Piper when he didn’t throughout all the years he’d known her.
That Eden played up the double standard here—having Eric question the number of lovers Piper had while he screwed around with tons of others—was rather infuriating, along with the juvenile behaviour Eric displayed of tormenting her because he supposed loved her from afar, while not manning up to do anything about it until she was in danger. Having Piper going inexplicably from teenage crush to dislike to all-in love made the inconsistencies in the characters' emotional development even starker.
Eden’s rather simple whodunnit novella would have been more enjoyable I think, had there not been her trademark overuse of ex-lovers always circling the pond and muddying the waters between the protagonists. ‘Protecting Piper’ became a less-than-stellar read as a result, where the romance was reduced to sudden realisations that they’d been idiots all along while ex-lovers rigorously defended as meaningless flings.
January 29, 2019
4.5 - "I’ve got you…" Stars!
It’s been a while since I have read a good old fashioned romantic suspense by Cynthia Eden, her writing in this genre is as good as her paranormal offerings, and I forgot just how much she keeps her readers on their toes with the amount of twists and turns she manages to factor into one story. Protecting Piper epitomized everything I love about her writing in this regard.
"It’s so weird when you’re nice…"
And we get a mix of a lot of my favourite tropes with this one, in that we have best friends older brother trope, lots of banter between said brothers, Piper was easy to get along with, and Eric Wilde was the perfect balance of Growly/Alpha especially when it came to convincing Piper that it was definitely not dislike that he was feeling for her.
He could make her happy. If she would just give him the chance…
The story hits the ground running, with Piper returning from a business trip to find her home has been trashed, Ben Wilde her best friend calls his brother and Security expert Eric straight away, and after asking a few questions it turns out that this may not be just a random home invasion. Especially when shortly after her artwork is completely trashed at her gallery as well.
"I’d break all of the rules… if it meant keeping you safe."
I kind of had an idea who the stalker was as the book progressed, but as usual Eden kept the big reveal right to the end, with literally everyone Piper comes into contact with prior to that being a possible suspect. As always there are a lot of secondary characters that the author introduces who could also be potential leads for future books, and I am pleased to see that one of them; Simon Forrest, Eric’s VP is up next on Guarding Gwen, I am hoping that Ben Wildes has a story to be told at some point too though, because he was the one who intrigued me the most after Eric and Piper.
"You make me feel safe…"
"…You make me feel complete."
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.
It’s been a while since I have read a good old fashioned romantic suspense by Cynthia Eden, her writing in this genre is as good as her paranormal offerings, and I forgot just how much she keeps her readers on their toes with the amount of twists and turns she manages to factor into one story. Protecting Piper epitomized everything I love about her writing in this regard.
"It’s so weird when you’re nice…"
And we get a mix of a lot of my favourite tropes with this one, in that we have best friends older brother trope, lots of banter between said brothers, Piper was easy to get along with, and Eric Wilde was the perfect balance of Growly/Alpha especially when it came to convincing Piper that it was definitely not dislike that he was feeling for her.
He could make her happy. If she would just give him the chance…
The story hits the ground running, with Piper returning from a business trip to find her home has been trashed, Ben Wilde her best friend calls his brother and Security expert Eric straight away, and after asking a few questions it turns out that this may not be just a random home invasion. Especially when shortly after her artwork is completely trashed at her gallery as well.
"I’d break all of the rules… if it meant keeping you safe."
I kind of had an idea who the stalker was as the book progressed, but as usual Eden kept the big reveal right to the end, with literally everyone Piper comes into contact with prior to that being a possible suspect. As always there are a lot of secondary characters that the author introduces who could also be potential leads for future books, and I am pleased to see that one of them; Simon Forrest, Eric’s VP is up next on Guarding Gwen, I am hoping that Ben Wildes has a story to be told at some point too though, because he was the one who intrigued me the most after Eric and Piper.
"You make me feel safe…"
"…You make me feel complete."
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.
January 30, 2019
CE, I have only one question for you.
And...
I never thought I’d ever see the day that I’d be disappointed in you..
And...
I never thought I’d ever see the day that I’d be disappointed in you..
January 30, 2019
So... I knew I wasn't gonna like it, but my dumbass was rooting for it anyways.
The summary pretty much explains it all: Piper has known these two brothers for forever, the eldest stayed away from her cause he thought his brother and her were screwing and would eventually get married, which they were not at all. That didn't stop him from screwing other girls while he was in love with the h, thank god the h was experienced at least, she was not a virgin. Random guy appears in the picture and is stalking the h/killing everyone close to her, ya know, same old shit. H meets almost every h's ex lover, h ends up meeting one of the H's ex lovers, who he is still friends with and actually helps with the investigation, we don't get any details apart from the ow saying "we had sex". Almost at the end they found the guy and the h killed them. The h ends up being friends with the ow, now, I'm not a stuck up, but I dont think I would like to hug or stare at the face/body of a woman my boyfriend used to screw, just no.
So let's recap: H and h kissed when they were on their teens, the H stayed away from the h because he heard his brother saying "the h was his first" (which wasn't true but I guess if you love someone so much you just say "fuck it cause i ain't got a chance" and start screwing other women without questioning anything), the h thought the H hated her, she "moves on" and dates and had sex with two guys cause the H didnt like her. Anyways, H has some secret company or whatever, I dont even know tbh I didnt care it was like a security company idk. h has stalker, the H gets involved, blah, blah, blah, they have sex, and blah blah blah, h meets H's ex lover, blah blah blah, kills the stalker, h and H are still friends with the ex (ow), blah, HEA (they getting married), and blah.
The summary pretty much explains it all: Piper has known these two brothers for forever, the eldest stayed away from her cause he thought his brother and her were screwing and would eventually get married, which they were not at all. That didn't stop him from screwing other girls while he was in love with the h, thank god the h was experienced at least, she was not a virgin. Random guy appears in the picture and is stalking the h/killing everyone close to her, ya know, same old shit. H meets almost every h's ex lover, h ends up meeting one of the H's ex lovers, who he is still friends with and actually helps with the investigation, we don't get any details apart from the ow saying "we had sex". Almost at the end they found the guy and the h killed them. The h ends up being friends with the ow, now, I'm not a stuck up, but I dont think I would like to hug or stare at the face/body of a woman my boyfriend used to screw, just no.
So let's recap: H and h kissed when they were on their teens, the H stayed away from the h because he heard his brother saying "the h was his first" (which wasn't true but I guess if you love someone so much you just say "fuck it cause i ain't got a chance" and start screwing other women without questioning anything), the h thought the H hated her, she "moves on" and dates and had sex with two guys cause the H didnt like her. Anyways, H has some secret company or whatever, I dont even know tbh I didnt care it was like a security company idk. h has stalker, the H gets involved, blah, blah, blah, they have sex, and blah blah blah, h meets H's ex lover, blah blah blah, kills the stalker, h and H are still friends with the ex (ow), blah, HEA (they getting married), and blah.
February 1, 2019
This was a little bit of everything, a best friend’s brother, teenage crush, second chance, and enemies to lovers trope that included a hero who had actually loved the heroine for years but stayed to the side because of his brother. But when the opportunity and the right time finally arrived, Eric made his move and he wasn’t stepping back again.
I absolutely loved Eric and the way he protected Piper. It’s no surprise that I love a jealous, possessive hero and this story had plenty of opportunities to highlight those characteristics in Eric. When trouble is stalking Piper he rushes in to help and takes every advantage of the situation that he can. Of course, Piper isn’t really complaining too much. She had a thing for him when she was young but throughout the years their relationship became strained to the point of him being a real a-hole to her and her responding negatively to his presence.
Yes, there is some push and pull here (shout out to my Goodreads friend!) but it didn’t really bother me this time around as it usually would. They both had their reasons and I felt that they were valid. I was also in a place where I needed a great read and I always get that from this author. She did not disappoint.
This is a fast paced story with a mystery that actually left me unsure as to who the villain was up until almost the very end. The chemistry between Eric and Piper was authentic and despite the years they had each individually fought against it, once they opened the door to a physical relationship the steam level shot into the nuclear stage. I enjoyed the heck out of this book and can’t wait for the next one!
Dual POV with some from the Villain
Safe
Triggers
I absolutely loved Eric and the way he protected Piper. It’s no surprise that I love a jealous, possessive hero and this story had plenty of opportunities to highlight those characteristics in Eric. When trouble is stalking Piper he rushes in to help and takes every advantage of the situation that he can. Of course, Piper isn’t really complaining too much. She had a thing for him when she was young but throughout the years their relationship became strained to the point of him being a real a-hole to her and her responding negatively to his presence.
Yes, there is some push and pull here (shout out to my Goodreads friend!) but it didn’t really bother me this time around as it usually would. They both had their reasons and I felt that they were valid. I was also in a place where I needed a great read and I always get that from this author. She did not disappoint.
This is a fast paced story with a mystery that actually left me unsure as to who the villain was up until almost the very end. The chemistry between Eric and Piper was authentic and despite the years they had each individually fought against it, once they opened the door to a physical relationship the steam level shot into the nuclear stage. I enjoyed the heck out of this book and can’t wait for the next one!
Dual POV with some from the Villain
Safe
Triggers
February 1, 2019
Four and a half
It would seem that this author can do no wrong and I honestly don't think it's possible for her to write a bad book. Whether it's hot paranormal or romance with a strong edge of suspense she constantly comes up with new ideas and unexpected plot twists. There are numerous tropes available to an author and this falls somewhere in between friends to lovers and enemies to lovers ! Piper and Eric surely do have a complicated history . As Piper and Eric's younger brother Ben are inseparable its easy to understand how drawbridges have been pulled up emotionally but events change everything as Piper becomes a target of what could be a killer !
This story quite literally starts at the first page with intense events and no shortage of testosterone. I had great empathy for Eric as he believes the thing he's always dreaded is finally at hand but poor Piper has simply no idea what she's up against. There's a good amount of suspense here although admittedly I didn't really get as absorbed by possible suspects and red herrings as sometimes. The ending and resolution when it came made sense but it did feel just a tad rushed to my mind. However I forgive everything because we meet supporting characters along the way who I'm really keen for the author to flesh out more. If an Alpha male strutting his stuff around a self aware and confident woman appeals to you then this book is certainly worth checking out.
This voluntary take is of an advance copy and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair
It would seem that this author can do no wrong and I honestly don't think it's possible for her to write a bad book. Whether it's hot paranormal or romance with a strong edge of suspense she constantly comes up with new ideas and unexpected plot twists. There are numerous tropes available to an author and this falls somewhere in between friends to lovers and enemies to lovers ! Piper and Eric surely do have a complicated history . As Piper and Eric's younger brother Ben are inseparable its easy to understand how drawbridges have been pulled up emotionally but events change everything as Piper becomes a target of what could be a killer !
This story quite literally starts at the first page with intense events and no shortage of testosterone. I had great empathy for Eric as he believes the thing he's always dreaded is finally at hand but poor Piper has simply no idea what she's up against. There's a good amount of suspense here although admittedly I didn't really get as absorbed by possible suspects and red herrings as sometimes. The ending and resolution when it came made sense but it did feel just a tad rushed to my mind. However I forgive everything because we meet supporting characters along the way who I'm really keen for the author to flesh out more. If an Alpha male strutting his stuff around a self aware and confident woman appeals to you then this book is certainly worth checking out.
This voluntary take is of an advance copy and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair
February 4, 2019
3.5-4 Stars
May 19, 2022
Oh I just loved this book! A different kind of hero. Suave and sexy and a totally awkward cutie when he’s around the heroine.
Review posted on Got Fiction? book blog
I read the first chapter of this book, and I was so hooked. I was so so excited when it popped up on Netgalley.
Piper’s best friend Ben is worried about her. She’s had her house broken into twice in the past couple of months. She’s called the police, but he calls in the big guns; his brother Eric.
Eric runs a security firm. He’s the best. And Piper has been his brother’s best friend since they were in Pre-K together. She’s family at this point. Not only is he going to keep her safe, he’s not letting her out of his sight, because after years of wanting her, but knowing she’s off-limits as his brother’s bff, he’s decided that he’s making his move.
Piper is pissed that Ben called his brother. Eric has always hated her, and he makes her nervous. Added to that, she’s been lusting after him since she was a teen, and she wants him nowhere near her house. Even if he is the best in the business.
What I loved about this book was Eric. He was so cute. He’s this big badass and yet every time he gets around Piper, he’s awkward and says the wrong thing. His brother says at one point that Piper’s part of the family, and Eric says, No, she’s definitely not family. This of course hurts Piper’s feelings, but in Eric’s mind, it’s because he wants her, and doesn’t look upon her like a sister, but that’s not how it comes out. He’s doing things like that through the whole book.
I don’t think I’ve loved a hero this much in a long time. And Piper was so funny!
But Piper’s life is at stake, and when the stalker escalates to killing, Piper and Eric get closer. But for Eric, while he’s known she’s the One since they were teens, how can he convince Piper that he’s never hated her, in fact it’s quite the opposite?
Protecting Piper is one of Cynthia Eden’s best books yet, and I can’t get over how much I loved the characters. Read this book, you won’t be disappointed.
I refused to read the teaser for the next book, because if it’s anything like reading the teaser for Protecting Piper, it’ll just make me want that book, and I’m so impatient! Luckily for me, Cynthia Eden is a fast writer.
***ARC courtesy of the publisher via Netgalley
Review posted on Got Fiction? book blog
I read the first chapter of this book, and I was so hooked. I was so so excited when it popped up on Netgalley.
Piper’s best friend Ben is worried about her. She’s had her house broken into twice in the past couple of months. She’s called the police, but he calls in the big guns; his brother Eric.
Eric runs a security firm. He’s the best. And Piper has been his brother’s best friend since they were in Pre-K together. She’s family at this point. Not only is he going to keep her safe, he’s not letting her out of his sight, because after years of wanting her, but knowing she’s off-limits as his brother’s bff, he’s decided that he’s making his move.
Piper is pissed that Ben called his brother. Eric has always hated her, and he makes her nervous. Added to that, she’s been lusting after him since she was a teen, and she wants him nowhere near her house. Even if he is the best in the business.
What I loved about this book was Eric. He was so cute. He’s this big badass and yet every time he gets around Piper, he’s awkward and says the wrong thing. His brother says at one point that Piper’s part of the family, and Eric says, No, she’s definitely not family. This of course hurts Piper’s feelings, but in Eric’s mind, it’s because he wants her, and doesn’t look upon her like a sister, but that’s not how it comes out. He’s doing things like that through the whole book.
I don’t think I’ve loved a hero this much in a long time. And Piper was so funny!
But Piper’s life is at stake, and when the stalker escalates to killing, Piper and Eric get closer. But for Eric, while he’s known she’s the One since they were teens, how can he convince Piper that he’s never hated her, in fact it’s quite the opposite?
Protecting Piper is one of Cynthia Eden’s best books yet, and I can’t get over how much I loved the characters. Read this book, you won’t be disappointed.
I refused to read the teaser for the next book, because if it’s anything like reading the teaser for Protecting Piper, it’ll just make me want that book, and I’m so impatient! Luckily for me, Cynthia Eden is a fast writer.
***ARC courtesy of the publisher via Netgalley
February 25, 2020
So I’m trying to write reviews on every single read this year. Sigh. This one is a struggle. It was a simple read. Dialogue wasn’t great. Characters were stupid. Mystery was the last thing the author paid attention to. That’s pretty much all I’ve got.
no-way-jose
January 31, 2019After everything that is said in the reviews and comments bellow, I also need to recognize heroine as making the wall of PATHETIC OF THE MONTH for becoming a friend with one of the hero’s ex lovers. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 Talk about a person who gives the word acceptance another meaning. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
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April 28, 2022
A Easy 3.5 STARS
Protecting Piper is a romantic suspense book that gives us two main characters with strong chemistry. Eric and Piper have spent years secretly in love and intensely attracted to one another, but misunderstandings have kept Eric away, and Piper assuming that he just about tolerates her, on a good day, as his brother's best friend.
Eric a growly alpha male, sucks when it comes to communication, hence Piper assuming he doesn't really like her, but it quickly becomes clear that he craves Piper and cares greatly for her. When Eric finds out Piper has a stalker, he decides he is done waiting on the side-lines, he'll keep Piper safe and convince her she's meant to be with him.
Piper is more than a little perplexed by Eric's need to keep her safe/close and a lot of the book is about the two dancing around one another, as Eric tries to find out who the stalker is, I wish there had been a little less of the dancing around and they’d acknowledged things sooner, but still an enjoyable read.
Protecting Piper is a romantic suspense book that gives us two main characters with strong chemistry. Eric and Piper have spent years secretly in love and intensely attracted to one another, but misunderstandings have kept Eric away, and Piper assuming that he just about tolerates her, on a good day, as his brother's best friend.
Eric a growly alpha male, sucks when it comes to communication, hence Piper assuming he doesn't really like her, but it quickly becomes clear that he craves Piper and cares greatly for her. When Eric finds out Piper has a stalker, he decides he is done waiting on the side-lines, he'll keep Piper safe and convince her she's meant to be with him.
Piper is more than a little perplexed by Eric's need to keep her safe/close and a lot of the book is about the two dancing around one another, as Eric tries to find out who the stalker is, I wish there had been a little less of the dancing around and they’d acknowledged things sooner, but still an enjoyable read.
Want to read
August 25, 2025🎁 FREE on Amazon & on iBooks today (2/8/2020)! 🎁
December 4, 2021
3.75 stars ⭐️.
Recommended.
Recommended.
January 29, 2019
Well I started off excited, he was so protective of her and then she went to his house for protection. He told her there was a robe she could wear in the guest room. From one of his flings that he couldn't remember who. Ugh. Things move along, he reveals to Piper that he wants her, really wants her and for more than sex. He didn't think about past sex partners but he does call a detective ex fling when he needs help. Who is then brought in to the story, ugh again. Later the detective takes Piper aside, vocalizes that she slept with Eric, I was really hoping the playboy past wasn't going to go like this. To me it ruined what they are trying to build. This would have been an awesome read if the detective thing wasn't included.
Added: some safety groups would consider this not safe. They were with other after meeting. In this case with others after being each other first kiss. Eric overheard something and didn't confront his brother, pushed the h away and slept with lots of people. She slept with two.
Added: some safety groups would consider this not safe. They were with other after meeting. In this case with others after being each other first kiss. Eric overheard something and didn't confront his brother, pushed the h away and slept with lots of people. She slept with two.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 8, 2019
Another good one from one of my fave authors. This was a good romantic suspense that kept me on my toes. I had no idea of the killer's identity and was actually surprised.
Enjoyable romantic suspense and worth a read.
Enjoyable romantic suspense and worth a read.
February 10, 2019
Piper Lane has a stalker that appears to be escalating. Her home was broken into and her property destroyed. She calls her best friend Ben Wilde. Ben and Piper have been friends since they were kids. Ben calls his big brother, Eric, in hopes he can provide protection since he is in the business of providing security.
Eric has been in love with Piper for years but he has always thought that his brother and Piper had a thing and he was waiting for the day that Ben and Piper announced their engagement. But surprise! Piper and Ben really are just friends.
This had a slightly different tone to it than many of Ms. Eden's works but I really liked it. There was more focus on the romance than the suspense but neither suffered.
Eric has been in love with Piper for years but he has always thought that his brother and Piper had a thing and he was waiting for the day that Ben and Piper announced their engagement. But surprise! Piper and Ben really are just friends.
This had a slightly different tone to it than many of Ms. Eden's works but I really liked it. There was more focus on the romance than the suspense but neither suffered.
January 26, 2019
Marie's Tempting Reads ARC Review:
A sizzling HOT, addicting, heart-thumping romantic suspense that had me loving every second of this amazing new story from Cynthia Eden!
Protecting Piper is perfection in word form! It was exciting, dangerous, and romantic with plenty of delicious, tempting heat and a perfectly thrilling plot! The cover is the first big thing that pops for me. It shows a couple who have some seriously sizzling chemistry and just BEGS the reader to dive in. The moment I started reading this I was HOOKED on Eric and Piper's romance. The danger that follows Piper kept me guessing and on edge and added a thrill to the romance that was both dangerous and sinful. I can't for the life of me, get enough of Cynthia Eden's romantic suspense stories. They are WAY TO GOOD to pass up!
Protecting Piper gets a SIZZLING HOT FIVE SHOOTING STARS!
A sizzling HOT, addicting, heart-thumping romantic suspense that had me loving every second of this amazing new story from Cynthia Eden!
Protecting Piper is perfection in word form! It was exciting, dangerous, and romantic with plenty of delicious, tempting heat and a perfectly thrilling plot! The cover is the first big thing that pops for me. It shows a couple who have some seriously sizzling chemistry and just BEGS the reader to dive in. The moment I started reading this I was HOOKED on Eric and Piper's romance. The danger that follows Piper kept me guessing and on edge and added a thrill to the romance that was both dangerous and sinful. I can't for the life of me, get enough of Cynthia Eden's romantic suspense stories. They are WAY TO GOOD to pass up!
Protecting Piper gets a SIZZLING HOT FIVE SHOOTING STARS!
January 31, 2019
I was really disappointed to have to DNF this one, but I made it halfway with no relief from annoyance and decided to cut my loses.
Both mains are awful. Every conversation is 2 layers. What each are saying and how the other is completely misinterpreting it. I wouldn’t call someone ignoring you enemies, but whatever. Eric makes multiple references to being interested and every time Piper is dense with the ‘what are you saying’? Eric was overly aggressive and possessive to me for such a wispy washy couple.
I have no idea why everyone was so in love with Piper. She doesn’t have anything revealed that showed her inner qualities.
Both mains are awful. Every conversation is 2 layers. What each are saying and how the other is completely misinterpreting it. I wouldn’t call someone ignoring you enemies, but whatever. Eric makes multiple references to being interested and every time Piper is dense with the ‘what are you saying’? Eric was overly aggressive and possessive to me for such a wispy washy couple.
I have no idea why everyone was so in love with Piper. She doesn’t have anything revealed that showed her inner qualities.
December 26, 2022
DNF @ 68%
That's it. I'm tapping out. I tried to finish but I'm done. I skimmed to the end to solve the stalker mystery and that's that.
The heroine seemed to be allergic to commitment because her father left her mother for a younger woman, divorced her and moved on while her mother drowned herself in alcohol and eventually died by drinking and driving. So, naturally Piper believes no relationship can last forever. Therefore out of all the 6, 7, or 8 dudes she named as last relationships she eventually broke it off when they wanted a commitment but only managed two lovers in her life because she's picky with her lovers the way she's picky about her food. Eh, ok. Yet doesn't bat an eye when her and the hero have sex unprotected the first (and everytime) time...😶
And then how her ex Mark Rogue (I kid you not! These names are so ridiculous 🥴) he was seemingly still in love with her despite not having a intimate relationship to my knowledge...plus she still has the crazy stalker.
I mean, why would all these dumbasses be in love with sweet little ole Piper with her fear of commitment?? What, because she's nice? She's pretty? She caressss so much about people? Seriously! Explain to me why there's always a handful of guys pining for these chicks. I don't get it... especially because all her bestie Ben kept telling us and anyone who'd listen was how "good" Piper was, how she always saw the best in people, how she saved puppies in her free time and fed the homeless by hand an— Okay...I embellished some but lord have mercy apparently to him she was a saint who was nauseatingly sweet and innocent. It was way too over the top for me. I didn't buy it
And then the whole miscommunication between the MCs and the sheer laziness where "she thinks he sleeps around and isn't interested in anything serious" all because of things her bestie (the hero's brother) told her about him. Which, of course, she took as complete gospel so she is utterly shocked when he's angry about these assumptions and that he'd want something real with her. I mean, how could all that be true when her bestie Ben told her! 🤦🏻♀️
Tbh it all felt a little too immature and juvenile to me. The whole history and overall tone set between the MCs felt that way from the very beginning with all the misunderstandings and lack of communication. I genuinely could not understand why no one, especially the hero Eric, never once confronted his brother Ben to confirm or deny these "facts" he overheard him say in freaking highschool which led to him avoiding the heroine Piper and thinking she was off limits! Grow up y'all. 🙄
And the heroine...I didn't dislike her but I didn't like her either. I thought her a bit cowardly by not confronting how her mother's drinking and death and her parents divorce effected her. She was quite literally running from her past and it was a bad look on her. Especially since it was a big part of her personality and her relationship with the hero here.
Did I judge her too harshly? Probably but honestly she was an adult and she should've handled her shit rather than running from it. I had no sympathy for her in that area.
And then her realizing she was in love with Eric and apparently had been since she was fifteen? 🤣 Stop. ✋ Just stop. 🛑
I call bullshit! We are literally told and given actual examples of just how little she knows the man Eric is today and what he does and has done in his line of work. The man has his share of secrets apparently but oh my gosh little Piper obviously is in love with him! The man he is today? Not likely. She's barely spent any time with him since they both hit adulthood. The man actively avoided her for his sanity since he thought she was off limits and destined to be with his brother. And she thought he hated her! So no. I do not buy that crap. You can't love that man based off your little teenager hormone driven feels from over ten years ago, homegirl. Back that up and try it again.
Sigh. I probably could continue complaining but I'm going to show a little restraint. I don't know what's changed for me because I've always been a huge fan of Cynthia's work and am always excited to read something new from her. But for some unknown reason this year everytime I read a book by her I'm left feeling alot less entertained and more frustrated. When the urge to purge my thoughts ends with a review and it feels ranty? Then, yeah. Speaks for itself.
I will definitely keep reading her stuff, because I do love her books but I'm gonna try to suspend belief when I do. Some of these names, characters and actions in her books really make that difficult 😂 it's definitely become a "me" problem for whatever reason I now am finding much of her books silly, ridiculous and repetitive. 🤷🏻♀️
That's it. I'm tapping out. I tried to finish but I'm done. I skimmed to the end to solve the stalker mystery and that's that.
The heroine seemed to be allergic to commitment because her father left her mother for a younger woman, divorced her and moved on while her mother drowned herself in alcohol and eventually died by drinking and driving. So, naturally Piper believes no relationship can last forever. Therefore out of all the 6, 7, or 8 dudes she named as last relationships she eventually broke it off when they wanted a commitment but only managed two lovers in her life because she's picky with her lovers the way she's picky about her food. Eh, ok. Yet doesn't bat an eye when her and the hero have sex unprotected the first (and everytime) time...😶
And then how her ex Mark Rogue (I kid you not! These names are so ridiculous 🥴) he was seemingly still in love with her despite not having a intimate relationship to my knowledge...plus she still has the crazy stalker.
I mean, why would all these dumbasses be in love with sweet little ole Piper with her fear of commitment?? What, because she's nice? She's pretty? She caressss so much about people? Seriously! Explain to me why there's always a handful of guys pining for these chicks. I don't get it... especially because all her bestie Ben kept telling us and anyone who'd listen was how "good" Piper was, how she always saw the best in people, how she saved puppies in her free time and fed the homeless by hand an— Okay...I embellished some but lord have mercy apparently to him she was a saint who was nauseatingly sweet and innocent. It was way too over the top for me. I didn't buy it
And then the whole miscommunication between the MCs and the sheer laziness where "she thinks he sleeps around and isn't interested in anything serious" all because of things her bestie (the hero's brother) told her about him. Which, of course, she took as complete gospel so she is utterly shocked when he's angry about these assumptions and that he'd want something real with her. I mean, how could all that be true when her bestie Ben told her! 🤦🏻♀️
Tbh it all felt a little too immature and juvenile to me. The whole history and overall tone set between the MCs felt that way from the very beginning with all the misunderstandings and lack of communication. I genuinely could not understand why no one, especially the hero Eric, never once confronted his brother Ben to confirm or deny these "facts" he overheard him say in freaking highschool which led to him avoiding the heroine Piper and thinking she was off limits! Grow up y'all. 🙄
And the heroine...I didn't dislike her but I didn't like her either. I thought her a bit cowardly by not confronting how her mother's drinking and death and her parents divorce effected her. She was quite literally running from her past and it was a bad look on her. Especially since it was a big part of her personality and her relationship with the hero here.
Did I judge her too harshly? Probably but honestly she was an adult and she should've handled her shit rather than running from it. I had no sympathy for her in that area.
And then her realizing she was in love with Eric and apparently had been since she was fifteen? 🤣 Stop. ✋ Just stop. 🛑
I call bullshit! We are literally told and given actual examples of just how little she knows the man Eric is today and what he does and has done in his line of work. The man has his share of secrets apparently but oh my gosh little Piper obviously is in love with him! The man he is today? Not likely. She's barely spent any time with him since they both hit adulthood. The man actively avoided her for his sanity since he thought she was off limits and destined to be with his brother. And she thought he hated her! So no. I do not buy that crap. You can't love that man based off your little teenager hormone driven feels from over ten years ago, homegirl. Back that up and try it again.
Sigh. I probably could continue complaining but I'm going to show a little restraint. I don't know what's changed for me because I've always been a huge fan of Cynthia's work and am always excited to read something new from her. But for some unknown reason this year everytime I read a book by her I'm left feeling alot less entertained and more frustrated. When the urge to purge my thoughts ends with a review and it feels ranty? Then, yeah. Speaks for itself.
I will definitely keep reading her stuff, because I do love her books but I'm gonna try to suspend belief when I do. Some of these names, characters and actions in her books really make that difficult 😂 it's definitely become a "me" problem for whatever reason I now am finding much of her books silly, ridiculous and repetitive. 🤷🏻♀️
January 26, 2019
I was not surprised that my first five-star read of 2019 was a book written by Cynthia Eden. Enemies-to-lovers is a hot trope, and Ms. Eden delivered a sizzling romance blended with just enough danger to keep me reading through the night.
The chemistry between Eric and Piper burned hotter than an arsonists fire. I also loved the easy way between Ben and Piper -
The chemistry between Eric and Piper burned hotter than an arsonists fire. I also loved the easy way between Ben and Piper -
"Everyone always loves Piper. Yeah, they sure as hell did."
did-not-finish
June 17, 2020DNF 30%
I love this author. She writes some of my favorite romantic suspense books. This book, however, didn't feel like her typical writing style. First, it had a new adult vibe (which didn't quite fit the mystery aspect of the story). Second, the prose felt stilted and a bit juvenile. I finally gave up. Definitely not my favorite of Ms. Eden. That said, many may enjoy this one so give it a try.
I love this author. She writes some of my favorite romantic suspense books. This book, however, didn't feel like her typical writing style. First, it had a new adult vibe (which didn't quite fit the mystery aspect of the story). Second, the prose felt stilted and a bit juvenile. I finally gave up. Definitely not my favorite of Ms. Eden. That said, many may enjoy this one so give it a try.
February 1, 2019
Where to start?
I’m still trying to come to grips with the fact that I paid $4 for this book. 🤦🏻♀️
First and foremost I liked the plot of the book, and for the most part liked the characters. They each had their own quirks that made them relatable. However, I didn’t really feel the connection between Eric and Piper, because the progression of their relationship seemed off. It was almost as if the author couldn’t decide to take their relationship slow or make it more of an insta-love situation. Not to mention, it was kind of frustrating retreading the same issues over and over. How many times did the heroine need to hear the hero say he’s had a thing for her forever? And still be shocked EVERY TIME he repeated himself?!? Basically every private conversation the H and h had in the book was the same.
All of that though I could forgive. All of that I could over look and still give this book a decent rating. What killed the book for me, as crazy as it sounds, is the authors casual use of the words “fellow” and “lover”. I don’t know which word she used the most but every time I ran into either of those words it pulled me out of the story. Honestly, the over the top stalker/suspense/unrequited love plot to me is way more realistic than the constant use of fellow and lover. I mean she could have at least used “guy” or “man” a couple of times to break up the fellow usage. Or tossed out “ex” or “that guy I slept with” some. 🤷🏻♀️
I will say, though, that I have read worse. So not a total fail. If the author got rid of all the fellows and lovers BS I could see giving it ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️. However, because I had to mentally write out both of those terms every time I came across them I’m giving the book two stars.
I’m still trying to come to grips with the fact that I paid $4 for this book. 🤦🏻♀️
First and foremost I liked the plot of the book, and for the most part liked the characters. They each had their own quirks that made them relatable. However, I didn’t really feel the connection between Eric and Piper, because the progression of their relationship seemed off. It was almost as if the author couldn’t decide to take their relationship slow or make it more of an insta-love situation. Not to mention, it was kind of frustrating retreading the same issues over and over. How many times did the heroine need to hear the hero say he’s had a thing for her forever? And still be shocked EVERY TIME he repeated himself?!? Basically every private conversation the H and h had in the book was the same.
All of that though I could forgive. All of that I could over look and still give this book a decent rating. What killed the book for me, as crazy as it sounds, is the authors casual use of the words “fellow” and “lover”. I don’t know which word she used the most but every time I ran into either of those words it pulled me out of the story. Honestly, the over the top stalker/suspense/unrequited love plot to me is way more realistic than the constant use of fellow and lover. I mean she could have at least used “guy” or “man” a couple of times to break up the fellow usage. Or tossed out “ex” or “that guy I slept with” some. 🤷🏻♀️
I will say, though, that I have read worse. So not a total fail. If the author got rid of all the fellows and lovers BS I could see giving it ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️. However, because I had to mentally write out both of those terms every time I came across them I’m giving the book two stars.
November 23, 2019
Enemies to Lovers
A suspenseful page tuner awaits you from the first page. I love an enemy’s to lovers read, throw in the best friend who also happens to be the brother of the ‘enemy’ and I was hooked.
Eric has loved Piper from afar ever since they were kids but he stepped back when he thought Piper and his brother Ben were a thing.
It couldn’t have been further from the truth. Ben and Piper have a friendship that a lot of us would kill for the bond these two have.
But when Piper’s life is in serious danger, Ben calls his brother Eric who is a security expert in he knows that he’s the one that can protect her.
But what happens when these two are forced to be together alone? The chemistry absolutely bursts between these two, the sexual tension sizzles and when these two finally let down their guards it’s explosive.
But some one is not happy. And they will do whatever it takes to get to Piper even hurt the people she loves.
A suspenseful page tuner awaits you from the first page. I love an enemy’s to lovers read, throw in the best friend who also happens to be the brother of the ‘enemy’ and I was hooked.
Eric has loved Piper from afar ever since they were kids but he stepped back when he thought Piper and his brother Ben were a thing.
It couldn’t have been further from the truth. Ben and Piper have a friendship that a lot of us would kill for the bond these two have.
But when Piper’s life is in serious danger, Ben calls his brother Eric who is a security expert in he knows that he’s the one that can protect her.
But what happens when these two are forced to be together alone? The chemistry absolutely bursts between these two, the sexual tension sizzles and when these two finally let down their guards it’s explosive.
But some one is not happy. And they will do whatever it takes to get to Piper even hurt the people she loves.
July 23, 2024
4 stars - English Ebook
January 2, 2025
The inability of these characters to communicate was infuriating at times but not an awful way to spend three hours on a plane.
February 8, 2019
3 stars
Euuuh are we sure Cynthia Eden wrote this ??? because i didn't recognize her voice in this book.
the love story was bad : miscommunication of 3 years old, OTT A.R.R type of male ... the only saving grace is that the suspense is good as usual (but i've seen much better from her).
I'm a bit disappointed but i guess tha author tried to branch out ? I can understand ...
I'll probably read the next book now that i was teased but i really hope the "tone" of the book will be more interesting for me than this one.
Euuuh are we sure Cynthia Eden wrote this ??? because i didn't recognize her voice in this book.
the love story was bad : miscommunication of 3 years old, OTT A.R.R type of male ... the only saving grace is that the suspense is good as usual (but i've seen much better from her).
I'm a bit disappointed but i guess tha author tried to branch out ? I can understand ...
I'll probably read the next book now that i was teased but i really hope the "tone" of the book will be more interesting for me than this one.
October 4, 2020
3.5 stars rounded up to 4 stars
An alpha protective hero who has silently loved and supported the heroine basically their entire life. While I know some reviewers had issues with Eric being a bit of a manwhore while they weren't together, I was fine with it because Eric thought Piper was destined to be with his brother Ben. I viewed it more as he was coping with this forbidden love for his brother's "girlfriend". I do think he is terrible at communicating his emotions which is more so my issue with him. Some of the things he says can be very rough around the edges especially to someone like Piper who is dealing with a very traumatic event. But I will begrudgingly admit it is consistent with his character so I can see why he can be off-putting to some readers.
Overall it was a fine read. Nothing too memorable but a good start to the series.
An alpha protective hero who has silently loved and supported the heroine basically their entire life. While I know some reviewers had issues with Eric being a bit of a manwhore while they weren't together, I was fine with it because Eric thought Piper was destined to be with his brother Ben. I viewed it more as he was coping with this forbidden love for his brother's "girlfriend". I do think he is terrible at communicating his emotions which is more so my issue with him. Some of the things he says can be very rough around the edges especially to someone like Piper who is dealing with a very traumatic event. But I will begrudgingly admit it is consistent with his character so I can see why he can be off-putting to some readers.
Overall it was a fine read. Nothing too memorable but a good start to the series.
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