Enemies make the best lovers.It was a one night stand with her worst enemy. Ben Wilde was cocky, charming, and sexy as the best sin. He was also Courtney McKenna’s weakness. Every single inch of his muscled perfection was trouble and temptation. They’d sparred in the courtroom more times than she could count, and the tension between them had always been red-hot. One night should have been all she … night should have been all she needed to get the guy out of her head and her dreams. Only…it wasn’t.
Because before Ben, life was easy. Life after Ben? Hot. Dark. And dangerous.
Courtney tries to fight her scorching desire for Ben even as they plan to face-off in court once again. Even as they fight for power. But once you cross some lines, there is no going back. And Ben doesn’t plan to let her go anywhere.
He’s had a taste, but Ben wants a whole lot more.
Ben Wilde has never believed that opposites attract, but there is something about button-downed, prim and proper Courtney that has always driven him wild. And when he gets her in his bed, the attraction he feels for her changes into a sensual obsession. Sure, they can be enemies in the courtroom, but in the bedroom, they are meant to be something else entirely.
Be careful what you want…
Someone out there doesn’t want Ben to have Courtney. Someone who will do anything to stop their attraction. But that predator in the dark is messing with the wrong man. When it comes to Courtney’s safety, Ben will break every rule in the book. He will stop pretending to be nice and show the world just how wicked and dangerous he can truly be. Because Courtney is his, and Ben will play dirty, he’ll play rough, and he will destroy anyone who threatens her.
Author’s Note: BEFORE BEN is a complete, stand-alone novel (no cliffhangers). It features one cocky but charming hero who will be brought to his knees, one heroine who will fight fiercely for exactly what she wants, and plenty of dark danger and twists thrown in for fun. Like a sexy story with chills and thrills? This is for you.
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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.
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.
Courtney is an attorney in Atlanta. Ben is also an attorney but they have always been on opposite sides. Courtney is at a bar waiting on a blind date when Ben comes up and hits on her. But Courtney believes he’s a arrogant playboy. When she is attacked in a parking garage, Ben saves her. Then other things start happening and Ben takes her to his brother who’s a security expert. Courtney is afraid to form attachments but Ben is not giving up on her. She’s taken and Ben will move heaven and earth to save her. I absolutely loved this story. It has suspense, sex, and action. I couldn’t put it down, I had to know what was going to happen next. Secrets and shockers. I think this is my favorite of this series so far. * Voluntarily read and reviewed this for the author *
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.
S
Review I love this series! Ben and Courtney were great to watch. This book had lots of twists and turns. It kept me guessing right until the end. It was pretty complex. Ben and Courtney’s love story was so fun to watch evolve and get their HEA. I loved the epilogue
Before Ben is the 3rd book in the Wilde Ways series, it’s a romantic suspense with an emphasis on enemies to lovers troupe. This book is action packed with tons of suspense, has great characters, a wonderful plot and a HEA. The first line in this book is awesome!
Ben Wilde and Courtney McKenna went to law school together and are opposing divorce attorneys. Ben is a loveable playboy and Courtney is a loner with trust issues and he has always had a crush on her and asks her out frequently and she turns him down each and every time because she thinks he’s not serious. One night Ben intercepts an attack on her and she takes him home for a “One and Done”. The attacks keep coming and Ben decides he will do everything in his power to keep her safe and with him. When the danger escalates and Ben also becomes a target they both will fight to the end to change that “One and Done” to forever.
I need a few more books like this one. Just enough suspense blended in with the romance to make me actually think about the plot. “Before Ben” by Cynthia Eden puts together two upcoming attorneys, Ben and Courtney who enjoy sparring in the courtroom. After a chance meeting at a bar, things change for the pair. Courtney gets attacked and Ben comes to the rescue. But wait, who is the perv and who is behind the harassment? Ben puts security on the case and turns up a lot of past history for Courtney. I’m ready for the next read.
Awesome read. Couldn’t put it down.
The characters come across as physically vision of what every women wants
I read everything Cynthia Eden writes, so I was excited to learn she has a new book out. BEFORE BEN is a fast paced story with suspense and romance. The two main characters, Ben and Courtney are both successful attorneys and easy to relate to and connect with. They had very different childhoods. Ben was lucky and grew up with wealth and privilege. On the other hand, Courtney grew up in foster care and has never had a anyone to depend on, except herself. Ben and Courtney starting debating with each other in law school and now they continue to spar whenever they meet in court as attorneys.
Everything changes when Ben discovers someone is after Courtney. Now that Ben has a chance to help Courtney, he grabs it. Ben has always admired Courtney and as they spend more time together, his feelings deepen and he will do whatever it takes to keep her safe. However, Ben isn’t sure how to show Courtney that she can let down her guard and trust him with her feelings. Courtney is scared and has no idea why someone is targeting her. She is thankful Ben is there to help her. This is another intriguing story in the Wilde Ways series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Before Ben caught my attention immediately from the first page. After I read the first sentence, I knew this book was going to be provocative and exciting! From that moment until the last chapter, I found it difficult to put this book down.
Ben Wilde and Courtney McKenna are attorneys who are hostile adversaries in the courtroom. However, their animosity is actually covering a lot of red-hot chemistry. Because this chemistry is so strong, Ben and Courtney, unenthusiastically, “give in.” They become “friends with benefits” even though they fight that attraction and their need for each other.
Unfortunately, we find out that Ben and Courtney are not the only ones who want to end their relationship. Courtney has a stalker who is willing to do anything, even murder, in order to separate this couple. Ben enlists his brother, who is the owner of a security business, to help him keep Courtney safe and to catch the stalker.
Cynthia Eden has created a thrilling romantic intrigue that made it difficult for me to easily put this book down. It is a lot of fun to watch Ben and Courtney attempt to extinguish the sparks that continuously erupt every time they are together. Also, there are so many twists and turns that Ms. Eden makes it almost impossible to uncover the clues as readers try to discover who is stalking Courtney’s.
Oh my goodness such a good book. I could not put this book down. I really enjoyed the continuous action, suspense and steam that were seamlessly twined together to create a fantastic story. I absolutely adore this series.
Absolutely Spectacular .
I volunteered to read and review an advanced readers copy thru Netgallery of Before Ben . I really enjoyed reading this story . It’s fantastic . Not only is this a hot and steamy romance . It’s also an action packed Suspense . Courtney McKenna and Ben Wilde are both attorneys sparks fly between them all the time between them and during their court cases . Ben has always wanted Courtney since way back in law school . Courtney always thought he was a flirt and a ladies man . She never took his flirting with her serious . When Courtney runs into danger Been comes to her rescue . Danger keeps coming her way and Ben and Courtney’s passion for each other brings them closer . With the help of Wilde Securities Ben’s brothers Security business . They search for answers who is after Courtney and why . While the story unfolds it’s one rollercoaster of a ride . It’s packed with suspense , love , lust secrets , danger and revenge the whole nine yards .
The characters are wonderful . The story is well written and you’ll find yourself pulled in from the beginning . I highly recommend reading . A definite 5 star read .
I have a serious obsession with this series, and I am not ashamed to admit it. This is the perfect stay up late at night binge reading until the perfectly swoon-worthy ending that leaves a big smile on your face afterward cause it is just so good in all the possible ways series…
The books in the series are stand-alone stories, that gets wrapped up within the covers yet the characters do walkthroughs in the other books, and you get to know them even better or just visit with them for a minute. Ben has been in the stories since the book one, so his cocky, sure-of-himself ways and attitude was well known before I immersed myself into the book. The beauty of the writing is that while Ben is at times over the top alpha – with his protective mind and overly defensive attitude towards his loved ones – he never crosses the line from alpha to ass jerk, he has a heart of gold, he truly cares, and he is an honest, loving, affectionate, and lovable guy. I loved him in Protecting Piper, and that feeling was just validated in Before Ben.
And Courtney McKenna is the one – and the only – woman that can match Ben, and bring him to his knees. One of my favorite things about this series is the strong, successful, capable, female leads and secondary characters that are presented in the stories. I admire them, I love them, I cheer for the success they accomplish, and I want just all the best for them because they have worked hard to get where they are and they deserve all the happiness in the world.
The suspense is dark, it is deadly, it is dangerous, twisted, and personal. The case was so well presented that it managed to surprise me with some turns of events.
That dark, chilling danger is well balanced with quick, smart banter, humor in unexpected moments that had me cackling, and the ardent romance that burned so hot, so fierce, and so earnest, it floored me.
~ Five Spoons
Before Ben by Cynthia Eden is book Three in the Wilde Ways Series. This is the story of Ben Wilde and Courtney McKenna. I have read the previous books (and Loved them!) but feel you can make this a standalone book if you wish to do so.
Ben and Courtney have know each other since law school and always seem to be on the opposite sides fighting in the courtroom. Courtney has always been attracted to Ben but has put him in the enemies category and shoots him down each time he tries to make things more personal. Ben has always been attracted to Courtney and I thought really wanted more but he can’t move past her attitude of boxing him in the enemy category. But when they give in to their hot emotions it makes Ben just want more. Courtney thought ‘one and done’ would get him out of her system but it has just added to her want. But someone is out for Courtney putting her in danger making Ben step up to take charge.
Such a fan of Ms. Eden’s writing, you always he a hot exciting pager turner story I feel.
There is just something about these Wilde men, Lol. Ben Wilde is so intense in this book with his heroine, Courtney, They have known each other through college and law school and have been adversaries in court. However, the sizzling attraction that has been simmering all these years, finally comes to a boil and Courtney decides to do something about it, even with her reservations. She believes him to be a playboy and he believes that she hates him. Lol. Once Ben finally has a taste of Courtney, he is not letting her go. In the midst of their in-depth attraction, Courtney’s life is threatened and that’s when Ben becomes enraged with protecting and standing between whoever wants to hurt his Court (his nickname for her). Filled with action, suspense, alpha-maleness, hot sex and a fierce heroine is a recipe for another HEA within Ms. Eden’s world. I truly enjoyed this one and am very happy Ben got his story. He totally rocked it!
Kudos for the the little extra snippet at the end of Piper and Eric with a special surprise! 4.5 stars
****I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book provided by NetGalley.******
3 1/2 stars
Before Ben was not my favorite Cynthia Eden book. It was good, it just didn’t hold my attention like some of her other work.
Ben and Courtney are both attorneys and rivals in the courtroom. Enemies to lovers is my favorite trope, and together they make a good couple. I am excited for the next book in the series.
Amazing Series.
This is the third book in this amazing series.I was so excited to read Ben’s story. Ben and Courtney go from battling in the courtroom to explosive heat in the bedroom. The suspenseful storyline will keep you on the edge of your seat. It has chills, thrills, twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the end. I can’t wait to read the next book. I would definitely recommend this book and this series.
OH GOOD GAWD Y’ALL! BEFORE BEN WAS DELIRIOUSLY AMAAAAAZING! This romantic suspense was and is everything I had been craving for and more. Crackling with sizzling passion and brimming with intense suspense, danger and heart pounding action to go with the romance. I was on the edge throughout the story and LOVED IT!
Cynthia Eden is one of my FAVORITE authors when it comes to romantic suspense. They are always satisfying and leaves me wanting more and anxious to get my hands on whats next. And Before Ben wasn’t any different. I fell in love with Ben from Protecting Piper and knew I couldn’t wait to read his story and see who would make him fall to his charming knees. Courtney was perfection too! Sweet, soft, kind and fierce she was Ben’s perfect match in and out of the courtroom. What a read!
Before Ben gets a SATISFYING FIVE SHOOTING STARS!