Title: Before the Dawn
Author(s): Cynthia Eden
Series: Killer Instinct, #2
Also in this series: The Gathering Dusk , After the Dark , Into the Night
Published by Hqn on July 25, 2017
Pages: 384
Genre(s): Romantic Suspense
Source: Netgalley
Format: arc, ebook
Purchase: Amazon|Audible
Rating:
Heat Level:
The Killer Instinct series from New York Times bestselling author Cynthia Eden continues as an FBI profiler tracks a case that resurrects ghosts from his past
Ex-SEAL Tucker Frost knows that the world is full of evil. He saw it in the face of his own brother, Jason Frost, a cold, methodical, sadistic killer. A killer Tucker put down with his own hands in order to save Jason's final victim--Dawn Alexander, the only girl who got away from the infamous "Iceman."
It's Tucker's up close and personal experience with evil that's made him perfect for Samantha Dark's experimental profiling division in the FBI. And when women start turning up murdered with the same MO used by the Iceman, Tucker is sent back to Louisiana to investigate.
Seven years have passed since the night that Tucker faced down his brother...and since he last saw Dawn, his one-time lover. But as Tucker and Dawn grapple with a desire that never died, they must also face the shared shadow from their pasts. Both have the same question--has Jason Frost come back from the dead to hunt again? And this time, will he succeed in killing the victim who got away?
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
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I had fun with this book. Before the Dawn, the second book in Cynthia Eden’s Killer Instinct series delivered on so many levels. A Second chance romance, suspense, mystery, a strong heroine and a hero who would do anything to protect the woman he loves.
The story started out on an interesting note. Tucker and Dawn, the main characters, shared a friendship which had slowly developed into so much more. However, their love would face the most diabolical test when Tucker’s brother chose Dawn as his next victim. Forced to end his brother’s life to save the woman he loved placed Tucker in a difficult situation. A situation further worsened by Dawn’s inability to face Tucker because he looked like his brother, which led to the end of their relationship. Fast forward seven (7) years later: a killer using the same MO as Tucker’s brother has struck. The question on everyone’s mind was, has the Iceman returned or is this the work of a copycat.
Dawn has grown since that fateful day seven (7) years ago. She now works as a Private Investigator. I admired her refusal to be a victim again, and also her strength and determination. Tucker being a member of the FBI’s serial killer task force and because of the nature of the murders and his connection to a serial killer he was chosen to head up the investigation.
He had a horrible childhood, and seeing how his brother turned out had him doubting himself several times. He, however rose above the stigma of his childhood. I found his refusal to open to Dawn about his past disappointing.
I enjoyed the interaction between Tucker and Dawn. Their reunion may not have been under the best of circumstances, but their love for each other still burned bright as ever. Despite this, they still struggled with the issues which drove them apart all those years ago. Being hunted by a killer didn’t work in their favour either. Despite Dawn being capable of protecting herself, Tucker did not want to leave her unprotected. I loved how she stood her ground and let him know in no uncertain terms that she did not need protection.
I thought I had the identity of the killer figured out, but then the Eden put a wrench in my theory, which threw me off my game for a moment. The killer’s motive proved to be the biggest shock of the story. That I never would have guessed. The journey into his mind proved to be an intense and sometimes scary experience.
Eden delivered an engaging and intense second chance romantic suspense, which r fans of the genre would enjoy.
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In Before the Dawn by Cynthia Eden the hunt for a serial killer and the protection of the woman he loves his Agent Tucker Frost top priority. #suspense #romance Click To Tweet
About Cynthia Eden
Cynthia Eden is a New York Times, USA Today, Digital Book World, and IndieReader best-seller. Cynthia writes sexy tales of contemporary romance, romantic suspense, and paranormal romance. Since she began writing full-time in 2005, Cynthia has written over one hundred novels and novellas. Cynthia is a “hybrid” author. She has published extensively with New York (her New York publishers include Avon, Kensington, Grand Central, and Harlequin), and she has also enjoyed success in her indie writing career. Cynthia lives along the Alabama Gulf Coast. She loves romance novels, horror movies, and chocolate. Her favorite hobbies include hiking in the mountains (searching for waterfalls) and spelunking.
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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- 2021 A to Z Reading Challenge
- 2021 Finishing the Series
- 2021 Netgalley and Edelweiss Challenge
- Coyer 2021
I like the sounds of this one. Great review.
It was a good one.
You know i think I may have read her before I’ll have to check but this sounds right up my alley. Is this a 2 book series? thanks Nadene
They are three books in the series plus a novella. They are as follows:
Gathering Dusk- Novella
After the Dark- 1
Before The Dawn- 2
Into the Night-3
There are two other books that are set in the same world but not apart of the series
Abduction and Hunted
Good to see it kept you guessing. Great review.
Thank you.
Tough situation for them both and that is great how she rose above her experiences. Fun that the conclusion really shocked you.
Yep, I never saw it coming. I love shocking endings.
This sounds like it was really well done. I love it when a book is able to surprise me. Great review!
Thank Carole. That is how suspense stories should be.
Oh this looks good, and I like when you get into the mind of the killer. Great review!
Thanks Kim.
I love when a wrench is thrown in my theory. ? Was expecting more heat from that cover! ?
Covers can be misleading at times. ?
I love Cynthia Eden’s books. I haven’t read this one yet.
Yes, she writes lovely stories. I am sure you would enjoy this series.
I love plot twists… and loved your review too.. This is a new to me author
If you love plot twists then I believe you will enjoy this one.
Great that this book worked for you.
Thanks. I love the author’s work. I have quite a few of her books I need to catch up on.
Dynamite series! And a great review!
Thank you.