Sandy M’s review of Guarding Gwen (Wilde Ways, Book 2) by Cynthia Eden
Contemporary Romance published by Hocus Pocus Publishing 26 Mar 19

I’ve been enjoying Cynthia Eden’s books for the last year or so, and this one is no exception. Not quite as good as her Lazarus Rising series, but still a good read and I’m sure the others in series will be just as good when I get to them – despite the fact I began with Book 2.

Gwen and Simon have a past. They knew one another when they were teens, in love and wanting to spend forever together. But Simon felt he had nothing to offer Gwen, so headed to the military, breaking both their hearts. Now years later Gwen has walked into his life again out of the blue, asking for his protection. She’s America’s sweetheart of film and someone is blackmailing her about events from her past. She wants only Simon to help, even though his partner believes he’s too close to the case.

Simon digs in, however, and takes the case himself, determined not to let anything happen to Gwen. Of course, along the way he realizes this time he won’t ever let her go, even though she’s not of the same mind to renew their friendship that deeply. My one nitpick about Gwen is she takes this tidbit a bit too far, feeling she’ll only bring more trouble to Simon’s door – actually to anyone’s door. Which is all well and good to be concerned about others, but she uses that as an excuse to keep Simon at bay much too long, especially when we know her feelings are spilling over after spending time with him. So I have to say that I like Simon much more than Gwen, due to the fact he’s more honest and straightforward about his feelings for Gwen, despite the fact she doesn’t return them, as far as he can tell.

I do like the twists and turns when it comes to discovering the identity of Gwen’s blackmailer. Ms. Eden does a good job of deflection, letting you know at the last minute that particular suspect is not who they’re looking for. This book read just fine as a standalone, though I do want to read the first book in the series, since Simon would throw at Eric he never stepped away when Piper was in trouble in Protecting Piper. The third book in the series, Before Ben, just released, so there’s a bit of catching up to do!

Grade: B

Summary:

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 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…

Read an excerpt.

Other books in this series: