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.

4.5⭐ Before Ben was a fantastic read. That had the perfect mix of mystery, suspense and romance; and it really kept me guessing. Plus, I found it extremely hard to put down and very engaging, which is why I would happily recommend it to others.

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.