Before Ben

BEFORE BEN is the third instalment in Cynthia Eden’s contemporary, adult WILDE WAYS romantic, suspense series focusing on the men and women who own and work for Wilde Securities. This is divorce attorneys Ben Wilde, and Courtney McKenna’s story line. BEFORE BEN can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous instalments is revealed where necessary. Told from several third person perspectives including Ben and Courtney BEFORE BEN follows then frenemies to lovers relationship between former law school classmates, and divorce attorneys Ben Wilde, and Courtney McKenna. Ben has never stopped lusting after our story line heroine but when a series of break-ins and threats force Courtney to look for help Ben immediately add protector and guardian to his list of things for Courtney McKenna. Hiring his brother’s firm Wilde Security means keeping a closer eye on the woman he has always loved, a woman whose life is in danger from an unknown source. What ensues is the building relationship, friendship and love between Courtney and Ben, and the potential fall-out as more than one person is desperate to reach our story line heroine. Courtney McKenna grew up in the foster care system having always had to look after herself but Ben’s years of persistence finally push our heroine over the edge as she relents to a one-time only fling that turns into something more when Ben insists on twenty four hour protection, in his bed and by his side. Ben Wilde has tried to years to seduce Courtney McKenna but Courtney only saw a desperate man trying to get into her pants. When her life is threatened on more than one occasion, Courtney struggles behind head and heart knowing Ben’s life is on the line when the fall-out aims in his direction. The relationship between Ben and Courtney is a frenemies to lovers. Ben has never stopped loving Courtney from the moment he saw her at law school, but Courtney’s attraction is just as strong, although she refuses to admit to her longing and need. Staying with Ben brings Courtney face to face with her future, a future that is threatened by more than one unknown. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text. There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and spirited secondary and supporting characters including Eric and Piper (Protecting Piper #1), Simon and Gwen (Guarding Gwen #2), Wilde Securities VP and ex-SEAL Simon Forrest; security specialists Julia Slate and Rick Williams; defense attorney Kendrick Shaw, Eric’s assistant Dennis; Courtney’s neighbour Cole Trevor; divorce applicants Hayden and Kadi Laslow; mob boss Julian Rossi; and legal secretary Sharon Long. The requisite evil has many faces. BEFORE BEN is a story of intrigue, revenge, secrets and lies, family and love. The premise is engaging and captivating; the characters are intelligent, lively and dynamic; the romance is seductive and edgy. BEFORE BEN is an energetic, inviting and thrilling addition to Cynthia Eden’s WILDE WAYS.

Oh my gawd! This author is totally killing it with this series! And holy geez! This one is just as good if not better than the previous books! After all, when they’re all freaking amazing, it’s hard to determine which is the best. Ben and Courtney have known each other since their first year of law school. And from pretty much the first moment, their relationship has been that of enemies. As fierce competitors, they waged battle in the classroom and now they continue to do so in the courtroom. Even so, Ben has been relentless in his pursuit of her. Courtney, despite her attraction to him, has had no issue of turning him down each of the numerous times he’s propositioned her. Until a “swipe right” turns into a no show and Ben is in the right place at the right time. Ben has been watching Courtney for years. He can recall every single thing about the first moment he saw her. Her fierce determination to be the best only called forth his own need to be the best man he could be. She isn’t aware that their arguments and banter only makes him want her more. And he can’t count how many times he’s asked her out only to be shot down. But he will never stop trying. When he finally gets an in, he’s taking it and he’s not letting go. ”A rough, possessive edge had entered his voice. Her gaze flew to him just as he bent down and picked up – yep, her panties. His fingers curled around them. “I get that you think I’m a playboy.” “Um, aren’t you?” His head tilted back. “Let’s be very clear. I am not playing with you.” The heartbeat that had just calmed down suddenly sped right back up. “Then what are you doing?” “Wanting you more than I’ve ever wanted another woman.” This book was freaking amazing! I absolutely LOVED the way Ben was one hundred percent determined to keep Courtney and when the need arose, to protect her. He might not be the intense brother, as he has always been laid back, fun and playful, but when he learns someone is stalking her, his protective instincts rise up and he’s more than capable and willing to do what is necessary to keep her safe. ”Like the rest of the world, he saw what Ben wanted him to see. The image he presented to the world. Good guy, my a$$. He could fight dirty. He could play hard. He could be the sonofab!tch you never wanted to face in the dark.” I’m usually all about the hero, but with this series, I’ve found that the prefect heroine has become an expectation and Courtney more than met mine. She’s feisty and independent, fierce but sweet and caring, and more than capable of kicking tail but never harsh with a tough exterior. I can’t gush enough about how much I loved this couple as both individuals and as a couple. Their past was rife with the enemies vibe, but beneath it was an attraction that when given a chance flamed into a consuming fire. The danger and conflict they face served to highlight their own strengths and weaknesses and gives the reader the opportunity to see more of what makes each of them click alone and together. And oh my gosh…the twists are everywhere and you will NEVER guess as to how this all plays out. I can’t recommend this book or this series enough! I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book provided by NetGalley and Hocus Pocus Publishing. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Ben Wilde is Courtney McKenna’s weakness, but surely a one night would get him out of her head and her dreams. There is something about Courtney that drives Ben wild and after he finally gets her in his bed, the attraction he feels for changes into a sensual obsession. They might may fight for power but there is no going back and Ben doesn’t plan on letting her go anywhere. Before Ben is romance that is well worth waiting for. Ben and Courtney have some sizzling chemistry and fiery romance that has sparks flying in every direction with the passion burning hotter and hotter with every clash of wills as Courtney fights their attraction with everything she has while dueling with him in court. Lots of emotions flow from the pages as readers get to know these strong characters that are full of dynamite and passion as is their relationship. This fiery romance and simmering plot is fast paced and keeps suspense and excitement building throughout as an unknown foe stalks Courtney and Ben will have to use resource available to him to keep her safe. The characters are easily connected to and make it easy for readers to become completely caught up in what’s happening while unexpected twists keeps readers glued to the pages while at least on of those twists has readers shouting WHAT?! in amazement during this exhilarating and passionate read.