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Wilde Ways #12

The One Who Got Away

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He has to get her back.

Antony Kyle can’t believe what’s happening to him. First, Ella Webb—the head of security at his gaming company—quits on him. Then…she kisses him as if she’s never wanted anyone more. They spend one incredible night together—a night that brands him to his core—and he wakes to find her gone. Gone.

No, not happening. Antony is not about to lose her now. Not when he’s been obsessed with her for years. He can’t have a taste and then lose…everything.

She’s done with his lies.

Ella has been in love with her gorgeous, genius boss for far too long. And she’s put up with his lies and secrets…for far too long! She’d fallen for his helpless act, thought that the man needed her, but now she has learned the truth. Antony Kyle is a secret spy, more than capable of looking after himself and taking out a whole army of bad guys. So, she gives in to the need that she’s always felt for him, she allows herself one, unforgettable night with him, then she walks away.

But he follows her.

Antony can’t lose Ella—not when he’s finally had the woman he’s wanted so desperately. But she’s got a new job at Wilde—an elite protection and security firm—and he has to figure out a way to woo her back. So, he hires Wilde. Says that he needs protection. He pulls some strings (because the owner of Wilde happens to owe him about a dozen favors), and Antony gets Ella assigned as his bodyguard. He thinks his plan is brilliant. He’ll have Ella in close proximity again, and Antony is sure that he’ll able to convince her that they belong together. Though some groveling—and a whole lot of seduction—may just be involved in his master plan.

Except…the danger turns out to be real.

Someone is gunning for Antony, and he doesn’t know if his enemy is from the spy world or the business world. He just knows that a big target is on his back. Now he and Ella have to unmask the threat that they never saw coming, before it’s too late. As they fight to track the bad guy, Antony has to prove to Ella that he can be honest with her, and, if she gives him a shot…he just might be a man she can love. Because if he loses her again, Antony knows there will be no second chances.

Author’s Note: Their sexual tension can’t be held in check. When Ella and Antony are close, they ignite. But with so many secrets and lies, can they find a happy ending? It will take a master spy—and one very savvy new Wilde agent—to bring down the bad guy in this case. Wilde times are ahead again. Let’s see where these two lovers lead as they fight for each other.

233 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 23, 2021

147 people are currently reading
584 people want to read

About the author

Cynthia Eden

309 books6,808 followers
Award-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.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
Profile Image for ⭐Toonasa⭐ •Romance Book Lovers' Haven•.
1,592 reviews299 followers
May 5, 2021
This was One Hell of a Fun Ride! A Suspenseful Captivating Action-packed 2nd Chance Romance with Heat & Love, Secrets found, Lies & Truths, Our Beloved Team, A New Danger, Lots of Surprises & a Fun Gorgeous HEA.
After reading Roman Will Fall, I soon started The One Who Got Away. I've been so excited for Antony's book since I read about him 1st in Never Gonna Happen! & I KNEW his heroine will the smart & Take-no-shits Ella, I was right! DEVOURED this in around 5hrs.

Antony; Cute, Nerdy, Dangerously skilled; is a Tech Genius & owns Shark Gaming company with his Best-friend/Brother-in-Law Sebastian. He's also a CIA Spy & works for Dex. From Seb's book "Never Gonna Happen" & subsequent Wilde Way series books, he's been constantly present.
Ella; Smart, Badass, Caring; was Shark Gaming company's Security head before she found about Antony's "Double Life". She'd then gone to work at Wilde Security, as Antony's been lying to her for Years.

Antony & Ella had fallen for eachother throughout the years, but "Office Love is normally Forbidden" & thinking "the other doesn't feel it" stopped them from showing it to eachother. Now she'd figured out Antony's truth & She's done. Saying quit is satisfying but then a kiss surfaces their years of Passion, leading to one intense night.

She's everything he wanted. She can't give him a taste of paradise & leave. He'll fight for her, do everything to win her back. So he forms a plan...But then dangers against him become real.
~Quit, One Hot Night, The Plan, Attack, 24/7 together, True Skills, Spying, Truths, Work & Threat, Sexy times, No Secrets...

This is his 2nd chance & he won't screw up. No Lies. Antony+Ella make a good team! As Dangers escalate; Desire explodes, Feelings so real, Every moment together feels like foreplay. She's his "Bodyguard" but he'd never wanted her b/w him & danger, so what now? Let's take the fucker DOWN ASAP! But is it from his spy life OR business?
~Jacob Help, Bar fight, the Clue, Showdown, No control, I love yous, Real Villain, Bullets fly & Good people win, Proposal & HEA...

The Cameos & new side characters were fun, the twists whoa, Both Showdowns Action-packed, & that Ending was damn satisfying. I'm so happy they resolve their problems & plan future😍. These two deserve happiness & them running away to get married at vegas was such a fun HEA!

P.s. We didn't get an epilogue which would've shown whose book will be next, but I hope we get more books in this series, I love it soo much!
--With every Cynthia eden book, I fall even more for her books! Another Wilde Ride😉.
Profile Image for Mindy Lou's Book Review.
3,011 reviews800 followers
February 23, 2021
The One Who Got Away is Antony and Ella's story. This series has a common theme of a protective, possessive hero paired with a heroine who can kick some serious butts. Antony and Ella did not disappoint!

To describe Antony, I would say he is a good mix of nerdy and dominance. He's the brains behind his gaming company and can hack like no other. He's also a strong male who clandestine's as a CIA agent. When he falls for Ella, he turns into a very protective and possessive hero.

Ella is in private security and proves that a woman can do well in a predominantly male job. She has a clear head and thinks quick on the fly which helps her keep the man she has fallen for safe. While Antony can handle any tough situation, Ella proves that we still need someone covering our backs.

Antony and Ella's relationship is like a cat and mouse chase. There is many obstacles in there way but it's very clear these two have fallen fast and hard for each other. Their relationship is just as fascinating to watch as the suspenseful drama unfolding around Antony.

This was another hit in the Wilde Ways series!
Profile Image for Carvanz.
2,384 reviews898 followers
February 18, 2021
I absolutely love a nerdy hot guy! Make him jealous, possessive and above all protective, and I’m in hero heaven! I love the contrast between brainiac and alpha goodness and Antony was a prime example of this unique type of hero!


Vince McMahon's limousine exploded on Monday Night Raw 12 years ago today | GiveMeSport


I’ve been waiting on this book, curious to see what Antony was made of. I couldn’t be more happy to learn he is not only brilliant, he is intense! When he finally had the freedom to take a chance with Ella, it was hot. But when he reached the end of himself and allowed himself to let it all go, holy heck. It was explosive! There was so much more to him than what is on the surface and Ella was more than capable of handling all of the sides of his personality.


Image result for hooded man with knife


Ella was one tough heroine, more than capable of taking care of herself and Antony at the same time. Watching her in action was exciting as she kicked tail and moved on to the next problem. Despite her tough girl ways, she wasn’t hardened. Some heroines that are tough as nails tend to be tough in every area, and I don’t connect with them well. Not so Ella. She was real, genuine, and it was easy to see what attracted Antony to her.





This has a fast pace, filled with action, drama, and sprinkled with suspense. The plot was engaging and had me quickly turning pages as it wove it’s way from one place to another. I never guessed how it was going to end. Loved it! And of course, everything between Antony and Ella was steeped in a chemistry that was almost palpable. I swear, the heat between these two is hot to the nth degree!

Definitely recommending to anyone who loves a nerdy alpha hero.

Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
Profile Image for Marta Cox.
2,860 reviews210 followers
February 23, 2021
Three and a half
I get pulled into these books as they are such fun to read. This particular series concentrates on giving us alpha males that are quite often partnered up with women who know how to look after themselves. Here we get Ella who has been in charge of security of a popular gaming company for two years but finding out her boss Antony has been hiding something from her brings her feelings to a head. Antony has wanted Ella since first meeting her but she's his employee so it's a line he's never crossed. When Ella gives him an ultimatum it's one he cannot resist but he never really thought she would actually leave ! He isn't giving up and follows her to Wilde Securities claiming he needs a bodyguard but little does he realise he actually does !
Ok I like the basic story but having first encountered Antony in Never Going To Happen he just felt like a totally different character. He works undercover for the CIA and for me personally the best parts of this book are the scenes with Dex his charming, insidious and frequently hilarious boss ! There is a mystery to solve of who is targeting Antony and why and I will say I spotted the red herring but did enjoy working it out. I just didn't particularly fall for Antony which is a shame as Ella deserved better . If you follow this series then I'm sure you will enjoy this story although sadly not my favourite.
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair
Profile Image for sophua.
104 reviews9 followers
October 22, 2021
3.5 stars (but just bc it took me so long to read it)

another episode of CSI miami but make it romantic, i love her stories they’re just very comforting to me, even tho there’s lots of suspense blood and minor violence lol

this guy was so obsessed and i think i’ve mentioned this before but she’s the only author i trust on making second chance romance. i also really like her female characters they’re just so well written 😭😭😭😭😭

*i know some people don’t like books written in third person, but this one didn’t bother me at all

back to the story, he was so obsessed with her, he had bought a ring and kept it without even doing anything physical or having romantic interactions with her. when she leaves him at the beginning he lost his shit that was fun, i love seeing men struggle.

i’m giving it a fairly low rating bc it took me so long to read it and i wish there was a big fight at the end, like there is a big fight at the beginning, but if at that time he almost went mad i’d like to see him losing her one more time just to see some drama and i wish i could see more of them living a happy life by the epilogue

also there’s no ow/om drama at all they haven’t been with anyone since they met (the mental cleanse i needed)

i totally recommend this one!!!!!!



Profile Image for Sandy.
1,214 reviews4 followers
February 24, 2021
Antony is not who he seems. I feel like it took Ella a bit too long to realize this. Ella is the head of his security. Ella is pretty steaming mad and quits. The chase begins and Antony is a bit sneaky in his pursuit. A few twist and turns and familiar faces along the way to their HEA.
Profile Image for Laura.
Author 15 books613 followers
April 18, 2021
Review posted on Got Fiction? Book Blog

Two things: 1) Spoilers for Never Gonna Happen and Roman Will Fall

2) Some backstory necessary for my review, however NOT necessary for the book.

In standalone book Never Gonna Happen (read my review here), a book lightly related to the Wilde Ways series, we met Antony and Ella. Antony is the big brother to the heroine, and Ella is his head of security at a very successful gaming company. They pop up over a few books here and there, but in the last book, Roman Will Fall ( read my review here ), Ella found something big out and quit.

*Spoiler for the previous books starts here*

Antony is a spy. Ella has spent the past two years believing she was protecting Clark Kent, but here he is freaking Superman. She feels lied to and betrayed. Antony never needed her, I mean, does Superman really need a head of security? She feels like a fool. She quits and accepts a job at Wilde Security, but she wants one kiss before she leaves. She wants to know what it could have been like, because she’s wanted Antony since she met him. The thing that she doesn’t know, is that Antony has wanted her since day one, and one kiss will never be enough.

He follows her to Wilde Security and claims he’s had a break in and needs a bodyguard. But both Erik Wilde and Ella can see right through that…until he’s nearly kidnapped in front of her. She takes his case and from that point on, she tells him she wants in. She wants to know everything. He finds that he wants to tell her, and wanting her was one thing, but letting her in? He’s floored.

But the botched kidnapping has repercussions they never saw coming. They need to figure out if it’s related to Shark Gaming, or if it’s related to his side gig (you know, the whole being a spy thing). They call in backup, but not before Ella is nearly killed and something changes for Antony. Even though she was a cop, even though she was training in the FBI before she went into security, even though Antony knows she’s capable of holding her own, he can’t see her in danger. Everything changes in that moment.

I figured out something I love about Cynthia Eden books. I love how her heroes in books that aren’t their own are funny, light, and kind of easy-going. But when they meet their heroine, their ONE, that changes. They are growly, possessive, and protective. It’s not a personality change, it’s more of they meet their ONE and they can’t act normally anymore. They are in uber protective mode. It’s something I’ve noticed before but wasn’t really able to put into words. But this quote is what really clarified it for me,

“You have my heart. Right here, baby. I know you’re tough. You’re smart, you’re beautiful, you’re brilliant. You handle security like a freaking boss, but I’m not quite sane where you’re concerned.”

Her heroes work for me. They’re so intense and laser-focused on protecting their heroine, and that really works for me. This book definitely ticks all the boxes for me. If you read it, you don’t need to have read the whole series, but I’d recommend the two books Never Gonna Happen and Roman Will Fall (links are to Amazon) just to see the progression of their romance, and because the books are really good 😉 And book 1 is free right now Protecting Piper

***I bought this book
Profile Image for Somia.
2,070 reviews170 followers
December 22, 2021
Super light and entertaining just what my sleep-deprived brain needed.
Profile Image for Noe.
490 reviews25 followers
February 24, 2021
Action-packed & emotionally driven, this book had the classic Cynthia Eden formula. This author writes some of the best romantic suspense books.

However, 3 stars for me because this just didn’t hit as hard as the others in this series. I was looking forward to this one because we saw a lot of Antony in the other books, but for some reason I thought Antony & Dex were better friends? Idk, but Dex is probably still my favorite character in all of this. Antony’s story didn’t really fit him. He kept saying that he was dangerous & dark, but didn’t really do anything that backed that up. It fell a little flat compared to Roman who had similar “I’m dangerous” sentiments and was an actual double agent mob boss in the previous book. Otherwise, I did enjoy that Antony was a computer wiz & was in love with his head of security for ever.

Ella was competent and cool in any situation. She has a pretty level-head, which I appreciated. She’s been in love with her boss for a while and when she decides to leave the company, she does so with a bang. Anyways, fun book, but not my favorite.
Profile Image for Elizabeth Neal.
1,801 reviews148 followers
Read
July 25, 2023
He took dates to events that mandated he not be there alone? But sometimes he said screw it and went alone anyway? Umm...first, what events have that kind of requirement and how could they? Also, he could've just taken Ella. You know, his flipping head of security. Problem solved. Second, if he didn't always do it then why ever do it? I definitely think all of that could've been done better because it made no sense.
Profile Image for ˚₊‧꒰ა vruxreads ໒꒱ ‧₊˚.
560 reviews74 followers
March 4, 2024
I don’t like how Antony keeps begging Ella for a second chance and she keeps throwing in his face that he lied. Well he’s a freaking spy, he has to keep secrets. She should be smart enough to understand that and move forward!!

Overall okish book. Nothing extraordinary.

‼️safety‼️
~ no cheating, no ow drama, he was celibate since he saw her for the first time (ie 2 years)
Profile Image for Hart's Reader Group.
899 reviews41 followers
March 3, 2021
I wish I hadn't paid money for this. I lost interest too quickly and it never came back. DNF.
Profile Image for Grace.
1,387 reviews46 followers
March 20, 2021
This worked a lot better than some of the recent ones I've read in this series. I don't have a lot to say on it, but while the plot was on the weak side, I enjoyed Antony and Ella quite a bit. I think their relationship worked better since they'd known each other for so long.
2,554 reviews23 followers
February 24, 2021
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of "THE ONE WHO GOT AWAY
Antony Kyle created Shark Gaming & Design with BF Sebastian Ridgeway he can't believe he's losing his head of Security Ella Webb who he's been obsessed with for 2yrs but never crossed the line.
Ella Webb quits her job with Antony because after 2yrs of dealing with his lies, secrets, pretending he's helpless well he's not he's a Spy for Uncle Sam his boss CIA Dex she met once when she at FBI Academy he tried to recruit her.
Antony is so shocked that Ella quit he follows her to her car she turns & kisses him something she's wanted to do for 2yrs she been in love with him so one night she'll never forget they cross that line.
Antony wakes to find Ella gone oh no not happening he'll do a thing to get her back plan in motion he heads up Wilde
an Elite Protection & Security Firm Eric Wilde owned he told him he needed a bodyguard because his place was broken into.
Eric tells Antony it had to be Ella's choice to be his bodyguard she refuses but as both of them leave the Wilde building she behind Antony whose on his phone doesn't see the guy with hoodie headed right for him.
Ella agrees to work as Anthony's body guard after the attack they work together to find out if its someone from the Spy business or his Gaming business.
Dex CIA Boss to Antony get his fingers in everything he was great in this story I really liked the crazy guy you didn't know who & what side he was really everyone that worked for him said don't trust him there was more to this man than meets the eye.
I definitely recommend to get this extremely well written story I absolutely loved Anthony's character Ella was a perfect match for him their chemistry was explosive all consuming I loved their journey.
I hope there's a story with Layla Lopez she was interesting & more of Dex making more appearances such a mysterious great character he was Awsome in this book.
Profile Image for Ann Lorz.
1,708 reviews22 followers
February 23, 2021
Reviewed for Romancing the Readers Blog: http://www.romancingthereaders.com/20...

I'm so worried that I'm not going to do this review justices. I so loved Antony and his book. Yes, I know it's a romance and that means we also have a heroine in the book but...Antony! Now I'm not saying that I don't like Ella because I do and I also feel that she's perfect for Antony. I just have a thing for sexy geeks that kick-ass. It started with Jayne Ann Krentz's Sam Stark in Trust Me.

Love me a sexy, kick-ass geek!

One of the things that Eden does best besides writes great stories she is great at creating hero's that you want in your life.

One of those heroes is Antony. You met him in a prior book and get to know him slightly more from each of the books he's in until his own. This is one of the reasons I always say to read series books in order. Getting those glimpses of him just builds up the need for his book.

I guess I should talk about the book not other than Antony. Let's move on to Ella. I really liked her and right away you know much she cares about Yes, she's focused on his "lies" but really, did she think he'd come out and say, 'hey, guess what I do when I'm not running a company, I'm a spy'. You learn more about why she feels this way as the book progresses.

The One Who Got Away is a wonderful story that will suck you in and keep you there till the end. I almost wished it didn't end but I know that whatever we get next will be just as wonderful. A plus in this one is that Dex is in it. Love that crazy guy.

If you haven't yet you really need to get this whole series and start reading. All of the books are so good and you really need to read them.

I totally loved being with both Antony and Ella and the ending of this story is funny and sweet at the same time. Loved it.

ARC received for an honest review
936 reviews
March 9, 2021
This is another fantastic book in Cynthia Eden’s “The Wilde Way Series. It is an action-packed page-turner filled with strong independent characters, and a very complex plot.

Ella used to be the head of Antony Kyle’s security for his tech company. Antony is an extremely smart tech specialist. In Roman Will Fall, the book before this one, Ella discovered that Antony is a spy and has lied to her from the first time they met. Since she considers lying to be the worst thing that anyone can do, she quit her job.

However, before she leaves, she decides she must see how it feels to kiss Antony. It seems that both Ella and Antony have been extremely attracted to each other. Their chemistry is so hot, that they cannot stop at just a kiss. Afterwards, Ella disappears.

Antony finds Ella and tricks her into becoming his personal bodyguard. As soon as she agrees, Antony trick turns into reality; somebody actually tries to kill him. Cynthia Eden creates a complex plot where Antony and Ella have to run for their life. They work hard to search for the villain who actually want s to kill Antony or Ella, and why.

Antony is a very gruff and wild man. Yet, I have never read a book where the hero loves his heroine as much as Antony loves Ella. His need for her love is so strong that his life is meaningless without her. He will do anything to keep her with him. It is wonderful to see this strong, but damaged man, do anything, and promise anything, win over a woman.

Meanwhile, the chemistry between them consumes them. This story is filled with steamy sex scenes and lots of action and intrigue.

I enjoyed reading this book about two people with completely different backgrounds and personalities who fall completely and deeply in love with each other!
Profile Image for Limecello.
2,534 reviews46 followers
March 27, 2022
>.> So I'm not entirely sure what day I finished this book but I'm already on my third Wilde Ways book. (I've read some in the past but just haven't been reading so many new books.)
Accordingly though I've missed a lot of the others stories.
[ALSO I REALLY WANNA READ SEBASTIAN'S BOOK NOW.]

Anyway.
I will say I kinda think the title is a bit misleading? I dunno, can it really be "the one who got away" - when it's just two weeks?

I did like that Antony and Ella knew each other for two years - AND MORE IMPORTANTLY there was never any sort of romantic relationship [or flirting or anything "untoward" while they had a professional relationship. Both were locked down tight.
... Especially Antony considering his different hats.]

Ella - SO MANY things thrown at her. I can't even imagine.


Antony is kinda like Superman. O_o [cute tie in I suppose considering Ella's crush on Clark Kent.

I read Tess and James's book next, but I'm actually reading Dex's right now.

i'd say this book was a solid C or C+?
Profile Image for Angie.
252 reviews3 followers
February 27, 2021
I'll be damned. Anthony Kyle is not the computer geek I took him for.

Sure, yes, he's a genius in front of a screen. Give him a keyboard and he'll play the whole world to its knees before him. But his story shows a side of him I never would've expected. Darkness, passion, sexiness.

And hell, he's not too rough for me either, Ella! Their relationship is as complicated as a maze which is telling something considering they've worked together for two years without breaching the professional barriers. Their thoughts and fantasies, though, were free to flyyyyy.

I loved the story. The question of whether there's actually any danger or just a manipulative genius at work? Who else is secretly working for Dex and have I met him/her in previous Wilde Ways books? Is there another classified organization of badass people in existence that we don't know about?

I'd read the book again - and I probably will because Cynthia Eden doesn't write books you can only read once and put them away, no - but Chloe Hastings is waiting for me to help her catch a serial killer and watch sparks fly between her and a certain doctor.

Just to finish, I am so happy to have found this series and this author. There are never enough books for me to read and enough time but for great stories, I'll create a time vehicle or a reality where all you do is read. That would be awesome as is "The One Who Got Away".
6,535 reviews27 followers
February 24, 2021
When you talk about series that just get better and better with each book then Wilde Ways has to be at the top of your list and believe me as a huge reader that isn't so common a lot of series just whimper off where this particular series just seems to go from strength to strength If you have been reading this series then you have met Antony and like me you have probable been waiting for him to get his own book well here it is and it is probably the best book in this entire series

Ella Webb is the head of security at Antony Kyle's gaming business and she has totally bought his geek image so she feels betrayed when she discovers that he is far more than the geek he portrays he is in fact a spy with skills of his own devastated she decides she has to leave even though she is crushing on him big time. She leaves him with a kiss and a night she will never forget Antony has his own crush going on and after that kiss and night there is no way he is allowing her to walk away from him When he finds out she has started work at Wilde he works the system to get her on his protection detail after he makes it appear like he needs protection but soon pretend becomes real and he is in need of real protection but is it from his business dealings or his spying As the two work together can he convince her she needs to be in his life and that he is meant for her
Profile Image for Victoria.
781 reviews1 follower
March 10, 2021
Another wonderful read from Cynthia.

Ella has figured out that Antony is a spy and has been lying to her for years. She is so pissed she quits her job as head of security at Shark Gaming, owned by Antony and Sebastian and goes to work for Wilde. As she leaves after quitting she kisses Antony and they end up exploring one another. She leaves before he wakes.

Realizing he wants her so bad it hurts he fakes a break in to his house, tracks her to Wilde where he hires them aka her to be his bodyguard. She thinks he's lying and says no and walks. As he's leaving and plotting, Ella sees a person attempt to attack Antony with a knife. Antony is totally unaware. Ella really cares for him and will not let him be hurt so agrees to take the case.

Back at his house, Antony tracks the would be attacker and the two of them go off to "interview" him. As they approach the attacker is gunned down. Antony does not leave, risking exposing who he is, but stays when the police show. After questioning, Layla (homicide detective) lets it be known that Dex (Antony's CIA boss) knows what has happened. They are released and sent out to a limo containing Dex.

No one really thinks the attack has anything to do with spy stuff but can't take the chance. So Dex has put people in place.

The story is good with lots of action. And never forget a twist at the end.

Enjoy!
3,128 reviews
February 16, 2021
Ella has worked as the head of security for Shark Gaming and Design for two years. She is attracted to her nerdy, genius boss but she finds out he has been lying to her, she quits. Ella kisses him one time just to see how he tastes but that leads to a night of incredible passion. She is gone the next morning before he awakes. Antony is a billionaire and has a secret life. He’s a spy! He can’t believe she has left him and has a plan to get her back. Ella started working for Wilde Security and Antony follows her and wants to hire them to protect him. He tells them someone broke into his house and he needs Ella as his bodyguard. But his lie becomes truth when he is almost kidnapped out in front of the Wilde building. While Ella is protecting Antony, Antony is plotting to keep her in his life. Can they find out who is after Antony before it’s too late?

Secrets. Lies. Action. Sex. Excellent story with just enough suspense to keep you turning the pages. Antony is a sexy nerd who never thought Ella would be interested in him. Ella is gorgeous and dangerous and has been crushing on Antony since she started working for him.

* Voluntarily read and reviewed this for the author through Bookfunnel *
Profile Image for Lea Bookjoy.
1,793 reviews89 followers
June 11, 2023
French & English reviews

Une romance "presque" de la seconde chance xD

Après avoir aperçu Anthony le hacker dans les précédents tomes, j'étais curieuse de savoir ce que ça allait donner ... Et si j'ai un peu moins aimé ce tome (notamment parce que je me suis moins attachée à Ella (son départ précipité après avoir couché avec Anthony ... Bof et un peu hypocrite !) et je n'ai pas autant accroché à l'intrigue (un peu trop simple et facile ...)), j'ai quand même passé un bon moment (et puis j'adore Dex <3)

Bref, une romance qui se lit en un rien de temps, parfaite pour un début de vacances !


*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*


An "almost" second chance romance xD

After having seen Anthony the hacker in the previous books, I was curious to know how he was going to be in his own book ... And if I liked this book a little less (in particular because I was less attached to Ella (her departure rushed after the night with Anthony ... Too bad and a bit hypocritical !) and the plot was less entertaining (a bit too simple and easy ...)), I still had a good time (and well there was Dex <3)

In short, a romance that can be read in no time, perfect for the start of your vacation !
2,748 reviews128 followers
February 17, 2021
Four and a half stars

The One Who Got Away is the twelfth in Cynthia Eden's oh-so-delicious Wilde Ways series, and is the long-awaited story of Antony Kyle, tech genius and secret spy, and Ella Webb, his longsuffering head of security. Make that former head of security. Ella's been intrigued by the Clark-Kent-ish Antony for years, but when she finds out he's been perpetrating a lie for years? She's OUT.

Antony's hidden his longstanding attraction to Ella since the start. Too many people count on him to protect his secrets to keep all the pieces in play and everyone safe. But it's always been Ella for him. Only Ella. So when she takes off, it's never a question of whether or not he'll follow. It's simply a matter of how quickly.

The One Who Got Away is full of Cynthia Eden's hallmarks--entertaining banter, amped up tension (both in the bedroom and out of it), superhero-esque feats of daring, friends and co-workers who have your back even as they're giving you grief for everything under the sun... Antony and Ella's exploits keep the pages turning, and I can't help but smile and laugh and finish, still eager for more!
4,140 reviews21 followers
February 23, 2021
Ella Webb is a new employee at Wilde Security in The One Who Got Away (Wilde Ways #12) by Cynthia Eden. However, it is an old employer that has her all heated up. Spies, gaming and real bad guys make this an intriguing as well as steamy story in the field of security and protection.

Antony Kyle is determined not to let Ella be the one who got away and he doesn’t mean as his head of security. I appreciated that Ella held the line while she worked for Antony but was delighted to see her go after what she wanted when she quit. Why she is so angry about him using his skills for his country that I was not so sure about, I mean who would be better to do that than Antony.

Then real danger comes closer than expected. A vague character who it is difficult to determine which side he is on until it is almost too late. If the steamy romance adds to the heart stopping suspense in this latest Wilde story. I am not sure if the question is rather Antony gets his true love or if it is rather or not Ella stays with Wilde Security.

An ARC of the book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
2,519 reviews42 followers
February 20, 2021
Every time I read a new book in this series, I think it can’t be better than the previous one…and once again, I am wrong. Ms. Eden has such a lively way with dialog and human interaction that makes you want to actually live in the “Wilde” world. Antony Kyle has a complicated character. He plays the tech nerd well, but anger him and you had better run…and run fast. When his head of security, Ella Webb abruptly quits, Antony is floored. She can’t quit, he won’t let her. Antony will use her need to protect him to keep her near while he shows her how much she means to him, how much he needs her in his life. The humor between the two is laugh out loud at times, but Ella is more than a match for him. When the danger he faked turns all too real, who will be the protector? For those of you who love mystery, suspense and sensual romance, this is a must-read series for you! I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (by paytonpuppy)
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1,298 reviews30 followers
February 25, 2021
Antony and Ella's story, was in my opinion the best book in the series. Antony looks like a tech genius on paper but in reality he is so much more. He is able to keep his secret until Ella figures it out. The thing is they both have their secrets.

Ella was his head of security until she quit one day after seeing him at the scene of a car bomb on social media. She knew then that he lied to her. The catch was, over the last two years they had fallen in love with each other.

Watching Ella be a bodyguard, Antony's true self cone out was like protectiveness met hot tech nerd. They were always there watching each others backs no matter the truths that came out. Having met Jacob now, i really hope that we get to learn more about him next and Ella and Antony will be there as well.

Received ARC in exchange for voluntary honest review.
772 reviews7 followers
March 23, 2021
This was isn’t bad. I liked Roman’s book a bit more. I remembered Dex and his band of spies from all these Wilde books but completely forgot about the stand-alone with Antony’s business partner and sister (Never Gonna Happen) so I spent too long thinking something was nagging me.

Ella is good, it her security skills were greatly minimized and that disappointed me. She was hired by an elite business like Wilde but didn’t really get to show what she can do. And even Antony seemed to doubt her physical capabilities. And of course Antony is an amazing super spy. In the other books he came off a bit panicky and flustered over Dex’s demands. This time he’s pretty self confidence and pushing back more.

Another new man and woman introduced. This series seems to be moving less Wilde security and more Dex and Eric play matchmakers.
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1,463 reviews57 followers
November 30, 2022
I REALLY liked this one. I like how much Antony wanted her. I liked that their romance was so much more believable. I liked watching him trying to navigate a relationship because that’s not something he did a lot and going from smooth, chameleon spy dude to the guy who constantly was sticking his foot in his mouth was great.

I also like that he wasn’t hiding his feelings from her. He knew what he wanted and he went all in from almost second one.

I like that Ella was strong and capable and she was the one who really initiated their romance. I like that she didn’t put up with his crap. I like that she made him earn her trust back.

I always say that the books where I get a feel for the characters are my favorite and this was no different. Even though Ella was new, we’d seen Antony for three books now.

Definitely my second fave of this series.
849 reviews14 followers
February 23, 2021
I don't know how Ms. Eden does it, but she continually impresses me and surprises me with her ingenuity in creating these interesting, multi-dimensional characters that I absolutely adore! I knew I was going to love Antony as soon as he was introduced in the previous books but I had no idea he would be such a hot, alpha nerd. And I love that this author writes the heroines as strong, brave and intelligent women and Ella is no exception -- I loved her! It was Antony's great big heart though that really got to me. Everything I love about romantic suspense was included in this read and I absolutely can't wait for the next book from Ms. Eden because I know it'll be another winner! 5 stars all the way every day.
1,577 reviews54 followers
February 27, 2021
Okay I feel like I say this a lot but man I LOVE DEX!!! I just want to read about him and what he's getting up to because it's hilarious. He's such a busybody meddler. He's made the last five books.

Anyway, the rest of the book. I enjoyed it. I liked Antony and Ella. The romance between them was swoonworthy. I enjoyed how clueless Antony was at times. Like no wonder Ella just wanted to beat him over the head. I loved his plotting and scheming. Highly amusing. Ella was alright. I didn't like that she wasn't as badass as say, Lacey. I like a badass heroine. Still, she wasn't helpless - she just preferred to not have the situation blow up in her face. The plot was fast moving and action packed. Overall enjoyable read. 4 stars.
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