Deadly Fear

If you like mysteries, this book is pretty good. However, the sexy scenes were definitely predominant! Do not get this book if you don't like to read about sex! It's certainly the main story, to the point where I felt the mystery part really suffered.

Cynthia Eden writes excellent crime stories, proving now that she's as good at it in romantic suspense as she was in paranormal romance. There are plenty of twists and turns in this book, complemented by an engrossing romance.

Monica is an FBI agent with quite a past. She walked away from fellow agent Luke - who she trained with - before their relationship could get too serious and too many secrets got out. Now they are working together to see if they have a serial killer on their hands and then to see if they can catch him, and there's no way Monica's past can stay secret.

Yes, this story has been done before, and yes many of the devices have been used before. But Eden's easy, engaging writing style and her captivating relationships mean this book is better than so many others in the genre. This was a complex story with lots of people involved, lots of different motivations. The author did a fantastic job of making all the minor characters into real people without letting them get in the way of the main story.

One thing I find original about Cynthia Eden's writing - and that I quite like - is that the relationships take off pretty much from the start of the books. There are plenty of problems along the way, but we're not waiting until the very end to see if the couple will get together.

And thank God for a blonde hero! I'm so sick of the double-standard of heroines being able to be any look, size or shape, but the heroes always having to appear as though they've stepped out of `The Billionaire Greek/Italian/Spanish Sheik's Timid Virgin Chamber Maid'. I loved Luke, and though I usually don't like those `cold as ice' heroines, Monica's reasons were believable and she was an interesting character.

This is the first book in a trilogy of loosely-related stories - unfortunately it's a long wait for the next two books.

Deadly Fear is pure sexual tension and simply riveting. Most Cynthia Eden fans are into her paranormal romances- don't skip out on this just because it skips the paranormal! SUCH a great book. This brilliant romantic suspense sucked me into the story instantly.

The plot begins as the FBI sets out on a desperate mission to find and stop a serial killer that is wreaking havoc on a small town. Although most serial killers are unique in their own murderous ways, this particular one has a dark and eerie obsession with using his victims own fears to torture them to death. Agent Monica Davenport, a former victim herself, is suddenly forced to confront not only her terrifying past but break down her protective walls to let Agent Luke Dante, former lover and new member of her team, in to help her to capture the killer. But can she overcome her greatest fears to help prevent more innocent people from succumbing to torturous death?

This book is bristling with suspense and sexual tension. The characters are complex, completely amazing and the plot will get you playing detective- following through the wild turn of events filled with betrayal and wild discoveries. As I find most suspense novels highly predictable, this one was anything but... and I can't wait to read the next two in this trilogy! I highly recommend this novel, so get ready for Eden to keep you guessing and on your toes right up until the very end and enjoy!!

What becomes of a person when we have been through the worst of times and pushed further than you ever could have anticipated while still a child? In the case of Monica Davenport you become a Special Agent with the FBI and show all the doubters that you truly do know how to profile and help capture serial killers and she had a gift for closing the case. The downside of Monica's expertise is that she has walls built up so high and thick around her heart that it has turned her to ice. But leave it to Luke Dante, one handsome; alpha male to knock those walls down and step right over them showing that he is as determined to be with Monica and she is to keep him out. Game On!

Luke is a Special Agent with the FBI as well who already knows how amazing Monica is from when they met during their academy days. He has experienced her on an intimate level and now they are reunited to work on with an elite team of agents who do nothing but hunt down serial killers until the murderer is caught. Being back together with her Luke has both his head and body screaming for him to use any means available to get her back in his life on a personal level as much as a professional one.

Their first assignment together is horrific and has all the signs of an out of control serial killer who is torturing and brutalizing young women. Both Luke and Monica have to fight off their demons that still lurk in the night to scare them and for Monica déjà vu sets in as this case mirrors another that she was personally involved in and may interfere with her ability to keep her head clear. Luke knows that he can work with Monica and hopes that he is finally able to break down her barriers and warm her heart and help her turn the lights off when the night has come.

Luke is also determined to protect Monica regardless of her protesting when the killer marks her as a target and preys on her fear. All bets are off on what Luke will do to find this maniac and make sure one way or another the perp is gone forever.

The discovery of love not just lust and passion between Luke and Monica is a hard traveled road but one worth the ride as they realize that together they are a formidable team in and out of bed. But there is so much past that each of them has lived through and both are working out the demons and making sure that what scares them they are able to conquer and ensure that it does not kill them.

The most pleasurable yet difficult journey a reader takes is one where you actually feel the emotions and pain the characters are experiencing along with her fear. It is great authors that can have the reader feel as if they are literally walking in the character's footsteps and taste the same terror as the character. Ms. Eden has done just that with this book and knows that the scary parts are offset with the tenderness and emotion from Luke and Monica. Great book and this series is off to an amazing start.

Mary Gramlich is The Reading Reviewer at [...]

My first Cynthia Eden book and glad to have found another author to feed my craving for romantic suspense novels.

I enjoyed the plot line for this, and Eden was able to keep the antagonist hidden for me until the end. I was not disappointed with the climax on this one, often the final showdown can be anti-climatic but it was good in this book. Great story, very easy read, liked the insight to character thoughts through simple but very meaningful expressions. Sizzling chemistry between characters. Monica comes out very strong but with definitive cracks to her "Ice" image from the very beginning. I was rather disappointed that Eden didn't develop Luke's character that well in terms of his speciality with victims. His expertise in dealing with victims was mentioned repetitively but was never demonstrated unlike Monica's profiling expertise. I also didn't feel that he was a very experienced agent, quite the opposite from his thought processes with the case and lack of "sixth sense" when it came to danger.

There seemed to be several contradictions throughout the book, two examples: (a) the timing of Monica and Luke's earlier relationship, an early in the book Monica noted that she couldn't resist him when she was 22 while later Luke notes that their relationship broke while she was 25, the relationship was presumably short lived as it occurred while they were training in Quantico; and (b) early in the book Sam Kennedy is noted to be tall and thin, but later Sam notes herself to be short. I just hate it when things don't tie up.

All in all, good book.

Deadly Fear pulls you right in from the opening prologue offering a glimpse of the chilling story of suspense to come.

Imagine your worst fears. Now imagine a deranged madman mercilessly torturing you and using your own fears against you. Scared yet? I know I was. Being scared of spiders, bees and lightning myself, just imagining being tortured to death by any one of these things had me shuddering.

Monica Davenport's a Special Agent for the FBI in the SSD (Serial Services Division). Her ability to get inside the head of the killers she investigates makes her an invaluable member of this special team. But she's also the survivor of a horrific nightmare she experienced as a teenager and now that past may be coming back to taunt her.

Luke Dante is your typical alpha male and the newest member of the SSD team. Although new to the team, he`s definitely a familiar face to Special Agent Davenport. In fact they are intimately acquainted after an unforgettable one night stand during their days together at the FBI training academy. Monica is coolly detached at first when dealing with Luke, but given her past, it's totally understandable. She's reluctant to let anyone, let alone Luke into her heart, but their feelings for one another can't be denied and when they do hook-up...whoa - the sex is hawt.

The FBI investigation and suspense plot of Deadly Fear doesn't leave a lot of time to devote to romance for this duo. Together Monica and Luke must hunt down and find a sadistic killer dubbed The Watchman, who is torturing and killing people using their own fears against them. But this killer has a personal interest and his own agenda for Agent Davenport as he draws her into his deadly cat and mouse game.

Monica is by far the star of this show. She is one smart, savvy, take charge, kick-ass chick. She doesn't need anyone to look after her and Luke is the perfect partner. He`s patient, strong, understanding and totally supportive when Monica needs it most, plus she knows he's always got her back.

The suspense in Deadly Fear was riveting and heart-pounding. Some of the scenes had me holding my breath and turning the pages as fast as I could read them. If I was a nail-biter, they would have been bitten to the quick. Eden writes an evil villain guaranteed to scare the bejeesus out of you.

Next up in this series is Deadly Heat and the excerpt provided promises to deliver another "barn burner" and I can't wait for it's release early in 2011.

FBI Special Agent Luke Dante is excited about joining the Serial Services Division (SSD) a new unit of the agency dedicated to tracking serial killers, rapists and arsonists. He's surprised to learn on his first day that the woman he's never forgotten, Monica Davenport, is part of the unit and is assigned as the leader of his first case. He's all about picking up where they left off; she's staying true to her nickname...Ice.

The case they're assigned is in Jasper, Mississippi where two women have been murdered, appearing to be the work of the same killer. All signs are leading them to believe the killer subjects the victims to confronting their worst fears before dying. There also seems to be a connection to an incarcerated killer nicknamed Romeo.

This a page-turning psychological thriller that will keep your brows knit as you try to keep track of and interpret the clues. There are many twists and turns as Monica and Luke race against time to anticipate the killler's next moves. Monica also has a past that seems to connect with the case, unbeknownst to Luke. In the end, I went against instinct and selected the wrong person as the culprit.

Cynthia Eden has an unusual writing style that makes it difficult at times to follow the dialogue but not enough to affect the overall rythym of the story. It has multiple subplots and the romantic tension between Luke and Monica adds to the suspense. I fully intend to continue with this series.

Deadly Fear by Cynthia Eden
Paranormal Romance - July 27th, 2010
5 Stars

Books like 'Deadly Fear' are why Cynthia Eden is one of my favorite authors. Her writing style always feels new and special. I feel her books are a treat because she has unbelievable skills at storytelling. Deadly Fear is a fast-paced thrill ride, and this reader could not help herself from finishing it late into the night (On a work night!).

I loved Monica Davenport, the main heroine in this story. Her personal tragedy and endurance made my heart really feel for her. She was kidnapped and tortured, and lost her family. But somehow she finds the strength to survive, and fight back as a FBI special agent. It was thrilling to read about how she focuses on her job and believes in her work. I was so happy when she finally falls in love with Luke. Luke is another special agent and the perfect match for her. He's the opposite of her in so many ways. He puts the victims at ease, but understands the perspective of the killers. It is no wonder that he is the one to finally heal Monica's wounded heart. Their partnership is an absorbing part of the story and I loved reading them fight their attraction which was actually amusing and fun.

I normally am not a fan of thrillers because the thought of an unhappy ending is too much for me. However, I liked how Cynthia Eden really made the main characters fight to achieve their happy ending. The many twists and turns were absolutely violent and sickening to read about for me but I think that suspense and crime readers will enjoy the mystery. What kept me spell bound was the fact that I knew Luke and Monica had nothing to fear as long as they were together.

This was a suspenseful read that fans of mystery and romance will certainly thrill to read.

Reviewed by Sophia from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club

Deadly Fear
I chose this book because I am really starting to read more paranormal romance and have found that I do like most of them. I started reading paranormal more often about 2 years ago and after reading this one I think I have found a new favorite author. This is the first time I have read anything from this author and I can't believe I didn't pick something up of hers before now. I liked the way that Cynthia Eden writes with the great detail of the characters and even the way the steamy (well written) romance scenes came along. I found it very hard to put this book down. The characters go well together and the story flows well from chapter to chapter and I found myself lost in this book. If you want a great paranormal suspense/romance with an ending that you won't have fiqured out in the first couple chapters with good twists and turns then you will enjoy this one. This is the first in the Deadly Series the next is "Deadly Heat" due to come out in Feb of 2011 and then "Deadly Lies" coming March 2011. I will be waiting to read the rest in this series.

What makes "Deadly Fear" especially worthy of attention is the suspense/ murder/ mystery part of the story that kept me hooked until the end. On the other side the setting or premise of the plot leaves little room for romance and the "love story" between Monica and Luke leaks from all sides. The two main characters never had a real conversation or interaction together until suddenly they have sex and still during their intimate moments everything felt so wrong and impersonal. Monica and Luke had an affaire 6 years ago, Monica is victim of a tragic past and the fact that she is alive at all is remarkable; in my opinion she is a twisted character but the author missed the depth of this personage and she felt to me just plain and one-dimensional. Nevertheless, the sporadic and cold sex encounters between the two main characters don't make up the lack of feelings and emotions and their relationship comes across as just not believable. I have to admit that at the end I just overlooked the inconsistent romantic part and just went along with the resolution of the crime novel. If you are looking for a story that inspire you and evoke your romantic emotions, this book is definitely not for you, if you rather looking for an exciting roller coaster mystery crime, then you can't go wrong.

Cynthia has built a large fan base with her paranormal work (of which I've read a few) but think she's taking a big step forward with this romantic suspense stuff. She's always had an element of suspense/thrill in her stories but I have to say, this is the best I've seen of her work. I think the whole series will be worth a read.

This book has it all. A good, strong plot about a serial killer, a hot FBI agent hero and most important, a heroine with a spine of steel as well as a vulnerability. This is a great read and even if you aren't a die hard fan of romance, the story itself is strong enough to carry the book without the romantic element. Read this one if you like thrillers, police procedurals, or romance. It's all in there.

Cynthia Eden definitely created a novel full of suspense, mystery, lust, and intensity. She also did a solid job of weaving a mystery of the present with horrors of the past; horrors close to the lead character, Monica's, heart. Deadly Fear is a good beach read or after a bad day at work when you need to erase your thoughts and enter into an all-consuming thriller. Good plot, some interesting characters, solid climax, but there was one thing that I just could not get past! I get that this, in part, is an erotic thriller, but the cheese was overwhelming. Luke flexing his muscles and calling Monica baby constantly...wanting to save her. Even the last sentence of the novel made me cringe: baby. But, it was overall a good story line and perfect for someone wanting a thriller with a slightly cliched romance attached.

The story was interesting. There's clear attraction between Luke and Monica. Could do without the graphic sex scenes... Would have given it a 5 stars except the FBI agents just seems to leave themselves out there vulnerable to be taken. Luke supposed to be watching Monica's back but he can't even keep himself safe.

If you like to read anything from Karen Rose, you'll enjoy reading this book from Cynthia Eden. It's a page turner. Luckily I'm retired and as I got closer to the end of the book I couldn't put down and was up until wee hours finishing it.

I enjoyed reading this book. I was a little disappointed when I finished it. I wanted it to keep going. The story has good pace and well written. I enjoy books with kick-a&& heroine.

I did not guess who the villain was until the author revealed it.

I loved the story line behind the serial killer who killed people by their fear and it was really suspenseful. Don't get me wrong I love a good steamy love scene but some of those scenes were just stupid. I would have given 5 stars for less love scenes.

I enjoyed reading this book. I was a little disappointed when I finished it. I wanted it to keep going. The story has good pace and well written. I enjoy books with kick-a&& heroine.

I did not guess who the villain was until the author revealed it.

I loved the story line behind the serial killer who killed people by their fear and it was really suspenseful. Don't get me wrong I love a good steamy love scene but some of those scenes were just stupid. I would have given 5 stars for less love scenes.