Lights. Camera. Action.Gwenevere Solomon is the current “It” girl in Hollywood. The star of a dozen films, she seemingly has the world at her feet. Gwen’s problem? She also has one very dangerous stalker at her door. His attacks are getting bolder, and Gwen is becoming more and more afraid. Because this stalker… he knows secrets that she’s fought hard to keep buried. The kind of secrets that … secrets that can destroy a woman’s life.
A ghost from her past can save her.
Gwen needs protection, and she needs that protection now. So enter her new leading her man… Simon Forrest. Tall, dark, and ever-so deadly, Simon is the lover she left behind. Or rather, the lover who left her behind. He went off and became a SEAL, saving the world and riding one adrenaline high after the other. But he’s back now, and as part of Wilde Securities, he’s supposed to offer the best, most discreet protection service in the business. He’ll pretend to be her lover so the press won’t realize her life is going to hell, and Simon will stop her stalker.
He can keep his hands off her… and keep her shielded at the same time.
Simon never got over Gwen, and the fact that she’s been filling the big screen with her gorgeous self? Yeah, it’s just made her even more tempting… and put her even further out of his reach. Simon was never good enough for Gwen, and he knew it. But this time, he can help her. He can catch the stalker, unmask the jerk, and keep Gwen shining in her spotlight. Easy as pie. Or, it should be.
Except… Simon might not be able to stop himself from falling for her all over again.
Because when the cameras stop watching, that’s when the real action begins…
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The spotlights are shining brightly on this thrilling second chance romance as Simon and Gwen struggle with their past while trying to unmask Gwen’s stalker. The hero and the heroine of this story are strong, vibrant and easily steal the show as readers become enthralled by their rocky relationship that burns hot enough to singe readers. Simon and Gwen have an undeniable chemistry but due to some past events this romance is in no way a sure thing which keeps emotions high throughout and readers experience the whole gauntlet from heated passion, to hurt filled rage to tentative hope and of course they also experience the terror of not knowing who to trust.
This fast paced plot keeps readers on the edge with some hair raising suspense and adrenaline pumping action. The suspense builds throughout the story as the stalker grows more bold and unstable and surprising twists ensure that have no clue who the culprit is until the very end. The story is also packed full of entertaining events that stem from Gwen and Simon’s relationship and a couple of explosions, betrayals, secrets and revelations ramp up the excitement even more throughout this page turning romantic suspense.
Simon and Gwen were young and in love. Living in a small town, they both wanted out. As much as Simon loved Gwen, he felt he had nothing to offer her. He wanted to be able to protect her, to provide for her, and be all she could ever want. So… he joined the Navy. What he couldn’t understand was that all Gwen wanted was him. He leaves, both of their hearts were broken, and they never could let go. Fast forward some odd years and Gwen is in trouble. Now a famous Hollywood actress, she’s got a stalker who’s preying on her about her past. She turns to the one man she could always trust to take care of her… Simon. Will these two find their way back to each other for good while getting rid of the bad guy?
I adored Simon! He was unapologetic when it came to how he felt and what he wanted. He came off as rude and abrasive, yet this growling beast of a man was so tender with Gwen. And while I wasn’t her biggest fan, I could appreciate the hurt Gwen lived with when Simon walked away. I don’t like when characters play games, so she definitely lost some points with me. However, the way that Simon loved her, the ways in which he opened up his heart to her, and the unwasted opportunities he grabbed to show the depth of his feelings for her made this story a must-read for me. I’m a sucker for second chances and I believe that Simon more than deserved his.
Second chance romances are iffy for me anymore, but this one was really quite good. Both parties had moved on to be with other people. It was low angst. No OW or OM drama. A great cast of secondary characters. Two likable main characters. The mystery aspect was great as well and kept me guessing until the end. Last, it was wrapped up in an OK happy for now ending.
Guarding Gwen is a second chance romance with a really intense alpha hero. Simon and Gwen fell in love when they were kids but Simon refused to hold Gwen back and let her go, thinking she was off to college while he joined the Navy.
I’m not the biggest fan of when a character lets another character go because they think they are better off without them. Simon does redeem himself when it didn’t take him long to try to reclaim Gwen back. Unfortunately, she had already moved on. Or so he thought.
Jump forward a few more years and fate finally reconnects this couple. The past has come back to haunt Gwen and she knows there is only one man who can help her even though she is still hurt by him letting her go.
I’m pleased that while the couple was separated, the heroine was not left a virgin pining away for the hero. I always think it’s unfair when the guy can move on to other women even when he’s still in love with the heroine and the heroine undoubtably saves herself for the hero. Besides, he left her so he should have to suffer the consequences of that.
I like that Simon didn’t pretend to be over Gwen when she shows back up in his life. He loves her just as intensely as he did when he walked away from her and he isn’t afraid to show it. Simon is a very intense alpha who is forceful when it comes to Gwen. She is his and he will let everyone know it. He’ll guard her with his life and make sure no one hurts one hair on her head.
I truly love Cynthia Eden’s heroes. The fierce intensity that she can bring into their characters gets me every time! I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.
The intensity and strong emotions, danger and fear, the potent, deadly action, and the second chance with your one and only soul mate who slipped from your life years ago, the ardent love affair in the middle of the risk and peril… I have such a serious case of book hangover right now, I can’t wait for the end of the month and the next installment in the series, Ben’s story!
After reading Eric and Piper’s story, I knew Simon’s book would be tense and fierce. But this tale exceeded my expectations with the action and suspense, with the powerful secrets, and vigorous investigation to the case of Gwen’s stalker.
And the passion between Gwen and Simon just fed the flames that the suspense started.
To tell the truth and trust him with all her heart was the only option Gwen had when after all the years she was face to face with Simon again. The fact that they both still trust each other, have this raw honesty when it came to the other, and that they did not fight for more than a short moment to surrender for the fervent passion still flaming as a tangible force between them — it was just beautiful.
The connection was real, the feelings bubbling back to the surface were unavoidable, the chemistry was palpable and strong, Simon and Gwen were adorably amazing together, with the kind of energy that takes your breath away.
I loved seeing the whole gang working together, getting to the bottom of the case. Seeing the connection Simon had with Ben and Eric, the brotherhood that excited without bloodlines told about the bond of a friendship they had formed.
This book was tough to put down after I first started it, the tempo of the unraveling tale is fast and I wanted to hang on to each word that took me for the wild ride. A vastly entertaining tale with a fabulous cast and crew, highspeed action, explosive suspense, and a ravishing, mindblowing love story of tragic soul mates whose destiny once drew apart… Yep, pretty amazing tale, indeed!
~ Five Spoons
Guarding Gwen by Cynthia Eden is the story of Gwenevere ‘Gwen’ Solomon and Simon Forrest.
Gwen and Simon were once together but her dream of stardom and his desire to be a Seal ended up pulling them apart. Now Gwen is on the big screen but has a stalker where security it called in. Simon is back working for Wilde Securities when he takes him back to Gwen to protect her. This is their second chance at love. Great hot second chance at love.
GUARDING GWEN is the second instalment in Cynthia Eden’s contemporary, adult, erotic, romantic suspense series focusing on the men and women who work for Wilde Securities. This is Wilde Securities Vice President and former Navy SEAL Simon Forrest, and Hollywood movie star Gwenevere ‘Gwen’ Solomon’s story line. GUARDING GWEN can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary.
Told from dual third person perspectives (Gwen and Simon) GUARDING GWEN is a second chance romance between Wilde Securities Vice President and former Navy SEAL Simon Forrest, and Hollywood movie star Gwenevere ‘Gwen’ Solomon. Years earlier, high school sweethearts Simon and Gwen planned for a future: Gwen was going to college, and Simon had enlisted into the Navy but Simon believed he had nothing to offer the woman he loved, so he walked away without looking back. Fast forward to present wherein Gwen Solomon, now an award winning Hollywood actress was in need of personal protection, and Simon Forrest was her only hope. What ensues is the rekindling romance and relationship between Simone and Gwen, and the potential fall-out as Gwen’s life continues to spiral out of control.
Gwen Solomon has a stalker who knows her secrets. Very few people know what happened including the man she hasn’t stopped loving, a man whose need to protect Gwen supersedes all rational distance and time. Simon Forrest no longer works in the field but seeing the fear in the woman he loves, Simon becomes both personal protector and lover for our story line heroine. From threatening texts and phone calls, to car bombs and murder, Gwen Solomon’s life is no longer her own.
The relationship between Gwen and Simon is a rekindling but acrimonious romance; a second chance for two people destroyed by one man’s self-doubt, and a whole whack of a lack of communication. Gwen struggles with issues of trust as Simon battles for her heart. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
The large ensemble cast of colorful secondary and supporting characters include defense attorney Kendrick Shaw; Gwen’s PA Van, her agent Evie, stunt double Raven Charles, and fellow actor Austin Quest. We are reintroduced to Eric Wilde and Piper Lane (Protecting Piper #1), as well as Eric’s brother, divorce attorney Ben Wilde, security specialist Julia Slate, and Eric’s assistant Dennis. Ben’s story is next in Before Ben.
GUARDING GWEN is a story of second chances, betrayal, jealousy and revenge. The premise is intriguing and engaging; the romance is hot and heavy; the characters are energetic and captivating. GUARDING GWEN is a passionate and suspense filled story.
Simon and Gwen were inseparable, and she always had him at her back, until he went away. I admired Gwen for her strength and moxie, for overcoming a past that threatened her very being. Simon was such a strong male character, determined to earn Gwen’s trust back, and maybe her love. The suspense and mystery surrounding Gwen’s stalker was well done – it was hard to figure out who was her friend and who was her foe. Simon and Gwen’s second chance romance was thrilling and entertaining!
I love this series.
This is a great romantic suspense. It has has a fast-paced, suspenseful storyline and wonderful characters. The chemistry between Gwen and Simon was off the charts. They are both strong and endearing characters. I can’t wait to read Ben’s story.
I loved this story. The suspense and romance was terrific. Simon is one of my favorite H’s….he is awesome. The twists and turns kept me guessing until the end. I have to say that’s hard to do these days. Gwen kept so much inside for so long, it was great to see her and Simon get their HEA.
Gwen and Simon have a past, a past that has finally brought them back together again. Gwenevere Solomon is now a famous actress, but years ago she was in love with Simon before he left to join the military. Now she reaches out to him at Wilde Securities where is he is the Vice President. She has a stalker and believes that Simon may be the only person who can keep her safe. Simon Forrest is shocked to see Gwen after so many years…he has never forgotten her and vows to keep her safe. Gwen finally shares, with Simon, an event from her past that may have come back to haunt her. As the stalker ramps up the danger, Simon along with his team from Wilde Securities will investigate everyone associated with Gwen for that one clue that may lead them to the stalker. Ms. Eden’s writing is such that you can feel the intensity between Gwen and Simon as they confront their feelings for each other and try to stay alive. A thrilling suspense and action filled story that will keep you turning the pages until the exciting end. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (by paytonpuppy)
I have never read Cynthia Eden before so I had no idea what to expect, which is always exciting. Finding new authors and stories to enjoy is always a treat.
And I really enjoyed it. It was well written and the characters grabbed your attention and took you along with them. The storyline was interesting and full of action and the steamy romance and tension between them made it a home run! A five star read that I recommend to anyone who enjoys romance with a touch of action and suspense to add that little something extra. This is a story set in a world with another story before it, but I honestly did not feel like you have to read it first, or at all. Though I am going to read it as well as the next one.
Holy heck! This was one INTENSE read! Man oh man! Serious book hangover alert!
Simon left Gwen to join the SEALs, to make something of himself. It ripped his heart apart and when he came back, she had moved away, and moved on. Now, she’s suddenly shown up and is need of his help and if there is anything in this world he was made for it is to guard Gwen, to protect her, to love her.
Gwen was destroyed when Simon left but even more so when tragedy strikes. She thought her past was left behind as she rose in the ranks of Hollywood’s actresses but now someone is stalking her. Living in fear, she knows there is only one man that can help her. Even if that man did walk away from her and never looked back.
”That’s the thing about you. Always wanting to be the hero. The protector. No one in my life wanted to protect me, not until you. And you’re still doing it, aren’t you? The first time I have trouble, I came running to you.”
Talk about your protective alpha heroes! Simon has surged to the top of my favorite all time hero. While both he and Gwen were with other during their time apart, there is never a doubt that she has held his heart throughout the years. Every reason for their not being together was acceptable and believable without feeling contrived. He was so freaking protective of her with a wonderful dash of jealousy that made me giggle, but more importantly, his heart was so full of Gwen that I ached at the years they had been separated.
”I’m the guy that you come to when you need sh!t taken care of. You want a body hidden? I’ll bury it. You want me to take down the bastard hurting you? I’ll destroy him. Ride of f@cking die, that’s what I am to you. I will never choose anyone over you. And I won’t make the same mistakes again this time. You can count on it.”
While Gwen was vulnerable and scared, she knew what she wanted and she wanted Simon. She set him straight on quite a few occasions just how things were going to go in their relationship. With each deadly turn even while her fear escalated, she learned that Simon wasn’t going to turn his back on her. She needed that assurance and I loved that he did it flawlessly.
This book had such an incredible fast pace and so much action that before I knew it I had read the whole thing in one sitting. The fact that I was completely consumed by these characters helped to hold my attention. Add in that I never had a freaking clue who the bad guy was or where the next evil incident would pop up and there was no way I was closing my Kindle. I’m seriously giddy from the adrenaline of this read and heady with the pure joy this book delivered, so yeah…I’m totally recommending this to everyone!
A EXTREMELY tempting, suspenseful, engaging romance that pushed all the right buttons for me! I can’t help but to LOVE every single thing Cynthia Eden has written. And reading her newest romantic suspense just helps to understand why I can’t get enough of her books. Guarding Gwen was a slow burn second chance romance that had heart pounding action and lovable characters. The hero, Simon made me whimper and sigh and the heroine, Gwen had me wishing she could be my best friend because she is talented and caring.
Guarding Gwen made my heart swoon and soar! The story flowed flawlessly and the plot thickens right where it counts. I was constantly kept on my toes and the romance and raw lust made me crave another taste! One of the most highly anticipated books of the month for me! Won me over right from the blurb!
Guarding Gwen gets a TEMPTING AND SUSPENSEFUL FIVE GLORIOUS STARS!
Nobody does romantic suspense like Cynthia Eden. Guarding Gwen if full of twists and turns and thrilling suspense, and one alpha hero to die for! Simon was dark, brooding, sexy and protective, who doesn’t love that? Another fabulous story by an amazing author. You won’t be able to put it down.
I received an ARC for my honest opinion
Gwen and Simon were sweethearts in their teens. Simon left and joined the Navy. Gwen goes off and gets discovered and becomes a movie star. Years later, Gwen has a stalker who is sending threatening messages. She goes to Wilde Security because that’s where Simon works now. She wants Simon to protect her and find out who is stalking her. Simon has regretted leaving Gwen but knew he was no good for her at that age. Simon will do anything to keep Gwen safe and to get her back into his life.
Great story with suspense, sex, and second chance at love. This story will have you on the edge of your seat and you’ll never know who the bad guy or guys are. Mrs. Eden has never let me down on any of her books, they are always awesome.
* Voluntarily read and reviewed this for Bookfunnel *
A very explosive action and suspense story .
I volunteered to read and review an advanced readers copy thru Netgallery of Guarding Gwen . This is a fantastic story . It’s action packed and intense , full of suspense and hot sexy times .
Gwen and Simon have a past relationship till he joined the Navy and life separated them . Gwen a famous actress has a dangerous stalker so she turns to Simon Wilde Securities Vice President ,The only one she can count on to protect her and stop the stalker . The Stalker escalates . This story has twists and turns that keeps you turning the pages . Gwen and Simon get a second chance at Love . I really enjoyed reading this story . I highly recommend reading. Outstanding !
I received a free complimentary book and voluntarily reviewed
Guarding Gwen is a thriller with non-stop action. The suspense is so enthralling that I found it difficult to put down.
This is a story that shows how one bad decision, made for seemingly good reasons, can adversely affect two lives. Gwen and Simon are in love. Gwen, at18, has a scholarship for college. Simon, 19, sees no good future for himself unless he does something to make himself worthy of Grace. Therefore, Simon chooses, on his own, to enlist in the Navy and to leave Gwen alone for now. Eventually he becomes a SEAL.
Gwen, on the other hand, is livid that Simon would make this major decision without her input. She feels he has abandoned her. Since he never called or wrote her, I can easily understand her point of view.
Unfortunately, Gwen immediately runs into trouble which she handles badly on her own. Because of this, she never makes it to college. On the other hand, due to a stroke of good luck, Gwen meets an agent who turns her into an actor.
Meanwhile Simon is still unable to call Gwen even though he has left the Navy. He has since become a bodyguard and Vice President for Wilde Security which is owned by his best friend. However, due to his low self-esteem, he never contacts Gwen who is now a rich and famous movie star.
When Gwen realizes that she has a dangerous stalker following her, she decides to get a bodyguard. She chooses Wilde Security and insists that Simon be her bodyguard even though he is the Vice President… He is the only person she trusts. Simon, who still cares very much about Gwen and her safety, takes the assignment.
Cynthia Eden has created two intriguing characters with Simon and Gwen. Both of them have their faults, but due to this author’s skillful writing, they are still loveable. Ms. Eden allows the reader to watch as these characters grow, and work to overcome their faults.
Simon loves Gwen, but he always allows his lack of confidence to override his feelings. This causes pain for both of them. However, he does redeem himself by blindly believing and trusting in her. Plus, Simon does a wonderful job of groveling.
Gwen has to quickly grow up after Simon leaves her as she is forced to handle everything in her life alone. She becomes very independent and stronger than she ever was at 18.
There are many twists and turns, and a lot of dangerous situations, in this book. Ms. Eden leaves so many red herrings that I had a very hard time figuring out who the actual villain was until the very end.
Great book I’d recommend. It’s an action packed romantic suspense with the heat of a second chance romance!
Gwenevere Solomon is a Hollywood celebrity and has starred in a dozen films. She also has a dangerous stalker blackmailing her. The attacks are getting bolder, and Gwen is becoming very afraid. Because he knows her secret and if that secret gets out she could lose everything that she’s worked hard for.
Gwen needs protection, and she seeks out the only person that can help her. Her ex, Simon Forrest. Simon is your typical tall, dark and handsome man but he is also deadly. Simon was her boyfriend in Florida at 18 and he left her to go join the Navy to become a SEAL but never came back. But he’s living in Georgia and is VP of Wilde Securities. A company that offers the best, most discreet protection service in the business.
Simon never got over Gwen and knew he had nothing to offer her. And since she is a big star now, he figured that put her even further out of his reach. But this time, he can help her by catching the stalker, put the jerk in jail and she can remain in the spotlight. It should be an easy job…if he could keep his hands off her and keep from falling in love with her all over again.