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.

The Good
* This book is engaging from the first page and was hard to put down. The opening makes it clear that this is going to be a grim, dark and bumpy ride and it stayed that way until the end.
* This is about a serial killer and it is clear that Cynthia Eden has done her research. I am obsessed with true crime, especially serial killers. They have always fascinated me. I thought Eden made this book as realistic as it could be in terms of psychology and investigation.
* This book was cinematic. It reminded me so much of the slasher movies from the 90s. Flicks like Scream and Halloween.
* Cynthia Eden did a great job at throwing in a few red herrings. (Although the killer turned out to be who I thought it was.)
* It touched on some serious subjects like trauma, PTSD, Abuse and the fall out from it and ideas such as nature vs nurture and profiling.

The Not So Bad
* I HATE POV from the killer and these books always have them. They are cheesy and over done. The monsters are always scarier when you can't see them. An example of this is when Dawn goes into her bedroom to find a bunch or roses from the killer on her pillow. Pretty freaky, or it would have been if there had not been a POV from the killer spelling out why he is doing this and how. It takes so much tension away from the book. Readers are smart, they don't need to be spoon fed.
* There is nothing but angst in the characters. I get that this is a dark and grim novel but people have layers and personalities. I would have liked to have seen some of that especially in Tucker.

The Ugly
* There are times when Dawn is unbearable. Yes, she survived a serial killer. Yes, she is a PI but that doesn't mean that she has the right to joint investigate the case with the FBI. Especially considering the killer is after her. She seems to think she doesn't need anyone or anything. So goes rushing of into things putting herself and others in danger.
* I didn't connect with the romance at all. I just didn't care for it.

One thing that always amazes me about this author is how she’s always able to surprise me. Her villains are well-rounded and different each time.

Dawn and Tucker were dating until one day Tucker’s brother took Dawn up to their father’s cabin and tortured her. He was the Iceman, a serial killer who had been killing in that area. But more than that, he told her that Tucker was coming to join them.

Tucker was in the Navy and on leave when his brother told him he had a surprise for him. That surprise was a bleeding Dawn. Tucker saved Dawn, but he and his brother look so much alike that she could only see Jason.

Seven years later there’s a serial killer targeting New Orleans, and it’s a perfect copycat of the Jason Frost kills. Tucker is out of the SEALs but in the FBI now, and the detective who recognized the kill style immediately called in the feds. Tucker’s team is known for taking down serial killers, so he’s sent down.

Dawn is a PI and she’s really good at her job. She’s brought into the police station and feds are telling her there’s a copycat of the killer who almost killed her? She wants in. She’s nobody’s victim, and she wants to hunt down this sadistic killer. She also needs to prove that it’s not Jason Frost. Tucker shot him, but the body was never found. Maybe catching this copycat will force her brain to realize Jason is dead.

Tucker is doing his best to give Dawn space because he knows his face is the last one she wants to see. But he refuses to leave Dawn alone since she’s got a big target on her back. Dawn doesn’t want Tucker to leave her alone. She’s missed him so much. But she’s no longer a broken 21 year old girl. She’s changed and she wants him still.

But the case isn’t quite what it seemed, and it’s impossible for Jason Frost to be the killer, right?

Dawn and Tucker never stopped loving each other, but can they move past their shared nightmare?

I love how Cynthia Eden has a way of making the villain a surprise without it feeling like he’s coming out of left field. She’s so good at intricate plot lines and villains who feel creepily real. I can’t wait for the next book.!

***ARC courtesy of Harlequin via Netgalley

Seven years ago, Dawn was kidnapped, tortured and almost killed. She was only saved by the brother of her attacker. Now, a murder has occurred just like the murders from seven years ago. ARC from NetGalley.

The suspense was palpable in the romance about a serial killer, his brother and the girl the brother loved. The book was dark, but had strong characters which is Eden’s hallmark. Very good read and highly recommend, this book and the series.

Before the Dawn is the second book in the Killer Instinct series. I recently reviewed the first book, After the Dark. This is Tucker's story. He appeared in the first book. Having recently joined a new unit in the FBI, he is called to New Orleans to investigate the recent "Iceman" killings. The only problem is the Iceman is dead. Tucker killed him. The "Iceman" also happened to be his brother.

This one was really good. The story starts with a tension filled scene and doesn't stop. I definitely didn't know who the killer was throughout the book. Every time I thought I knew, I was totally wrong. I'm not going to give spoilers, so you'll have to read to find out for yourself, As for the romance, this is also a second chance story. Seven years before, Tucker and Dawn where an item when his brother tried to make Dawn his latest victim. The trauma tore them apart and now they have a chance to make things right. I loved them together. Dawn was a great character. I loved how she fought her way back from terror to make herself stronger and not afraid to fight back.

This is a great series so far. The next book Into the Night comes out later this month. Make sure to come back on January 8 for my stop on the TLCBook Tour. I'm looking forward to reading it!

This is both the second novel in the author's Killer Instinct series and the second of her novels that I've read, and in this case, she totally knocked it out of the park! If I could give it more than 5 stars, I would, and if this isn't one of the best romantic suspense thrillers I've ever read, it's the next thing to it!

First a warning, if you have a problem with scenes of graphic violence, physical abuse and torture, and if books akin to Silence of the Lambs and Red Dragon are not to your taste, then this isn't the book for you. If, like me, in addition to romantic suspense novels, you also read thrillers, horror and true crime novels about serial killers, and tend to like darkness in the books you read, even the romances, then you're going to be blown away by how incredibly deft and skilled Ms. Eden is when she writes and plots her novels and how well-drawn her characters are--there is only one word that comes to mind after reading this novel and that word is "brilliant!"

Tucker Frost, our hero (?), is a former Navy SEAL and is now a profiler for a special new division of the FBI--one dedicated to finding and stopping serial killers. Since his older brother, Jason, was a serial killer, one who Tucker barely stopped before Jason, dubbed "The Iceman", managed to murder Dawn, the girl Tucker loved, he's uniquely qualified for the assignment when years later, there seems to be a copycat Iceman killer on the loose in New Orleans, where Dawn has managed to pick up the pieces of her life, learn how to protect herself and become a private investigator. Since Jason's body fell into the Mississippi River after Tucker shot him, and was never found, Dawn isn't fully convinced that he's really dead. Her relationship with Tucker ended after Jason's supposed death because the two brothers looked so much alike, that poor, traumatized Dawn, freaked out when Tucker came near her, seeing only Jason. But although Tucker left her, he never stopped loving or wanting her.

Since Dawn now lives and works in New Orleans, Tucker is convinced that Dawn, the only one to survive an encounter with the sick and twisted, Jason, is once again the target of a serial killer. Samantha Dark, Tucker's FBI superior, who was featured in the first Killer Instinct novel, worries that although Tucker is the right man for the job because of his relationship to both Jason and Dawn, his feelings for Dawn may cloud his judgement. Additionally, the New Orleans Police Department and the other FBI agents on the team in addition to providing protection for Dawn, also provide the reader with quite a long list of possible suspects, and, as the bodies start to pile up, and each and every one of them falls under suspicion, Ms. Eden keeps racheting up the tension and the possibilities. Is Jason back? Did he somehow manage to survive? Is this a copycat, and, if so, how does he know so much?

Tucker is, indeed, obsessed with Dawn--she's the only woman he's ever loved, but his brother was obsessed with her too, and we're shown early on how that went. I absolutely loved the manner in which Ms. Eden fleshed out Tucker's character, alternating between convincing us of his deep love for and need to protect Dawn, and the possibility that his having suffered the same parental abuse that turned his brother into a depraved torture-killer, might have led him down the same path.

I generally tend to avoid reading mystery novels for the simple reason that I can usually guess whodunit rather quickly, but what sets Ms. Eden apart from those writers for me is that she skillfully manages to cast enough doubt on so many other secondary characters that she managed keep me guessing until nearly the very end. I was utterly hooked on this novel from the very first sentence to the very end, and I think you will be too.

I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this novel. The opinions expressed are my own.

3 1/2 Stars

Really enjoyed this one. Once again, Eden delivers the suspenseful, gritty thriller with a decent romance and some pretty hot chemistry.

I didn't start to suspect who the killer was until 80% and even then I was still unsure until they found out in the book, too. So there's that.

The ending was rushed, I felt like the story could have been a bit tighter overall, and I wanted more of their romance on page -- both showing their romance pre-fucked-up-black-moment-of-torture-and-near-death and their second chance romance during the course of the book.

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I will be talking about the book on my next Whatcha Reading? podcast, which is now up on TBQ's Book Palace (10/21).

I can honestly say as of right now I have yet to not enjoy a book by Cynthia Eden. I'm just a huge fan of hers. She has a way of writing hero's that will make your heart sigh! I just don't know what it is about them that makes me feel that way.

Of course I do, they are always tough, warm caring and loving men that will go to the ends of the earth for you. Who wouldn't love that? They also know when to step back and let you handle your own life.

The whole package!

Before the Dawn is a complicated story that will keep you on your toes. You just don't know who to trust or who is on who's side. Sure, the author tell's you who's good or who's bad but do we believe her?

You could, but I wouldn't.

You'll just shudder at what Dawn has gone through. One second she was happy and living a comfortable life and the next she's about to die because of a serial killer. If that's not enough another killer is after her! This woman has shit luck! If I were you I'd stay very far away from her.

Dawn isn't the only one affected by the serial killer so was Tucker. He had to do what no brother should have had to, kill his own brother. Can you see how intense this book is going to be? Oh you are just going to love it. I know I did.

You'll love both Dawn and Tucker and pray that all will be well with them throughout the story as you try to figure out who's good and who's bad! I'm really loving this series. So far this ones my favorite but that could change with Bowen's story! Oh Bowen!!!

4.5 Stars

Ms. Eden has a method to her writing and darn, it works every time! She combines thrilling suspense with intense emotions and sizzling chemistry into stories that a reader cannot put down or walk away from after the last word. I should know because I just spent this past weekend reading every single book in this series, five in total. BEFORE THE DAWN is dark and twisted but also very engrossing and you can't help but become invested in the characters and the possibility of a second chance at love for them, something to make up for all the pain and loss.

Tucker Frost is a decorated ex-SEAL and an FBI agent selected for a new profiling division, but it's his past and his connection to an infamous serial killer that makes him a perfect fit for the experimental unit. With a killer on the loose with striking similarities to a supposedly dead monster, Tucker has to face the possibility that he let a killer walk and that the only woman he's ever loved may be in danger again, but he is determined to not fail her this time.

Dawn Alexander is the only survivor of the infamous Iceman but her survival cost her the only man she loved. It's been seven years since that horrific time and she's more confident and stronger. But the past has come back to haunt her with the investigation of a killer whose methods match those of her attacker and he may be trying to finish what he started seven years ago. Dawn knows that she needs the FBI, but will seeing Tucker again remind her of her attacker, whose face he shares? Or will the love they once shared overcome the bad memories?

Tucker was a bit (and by a bit I mean a lot) obsessed with Dawn, his feelings for her were overwhelming and for the first time, something about this author's writing that has been at the back of my mind for some time now came into full view: no matter how good we think we are, anyone can become a killer in the 'right' circumstances. He killed for her before and was willing to do it again, if he needed to. Dawn used her past to make herself stronger and she was not willing to giving this new terror an inch or let it rob her of another chance at happiness.

Tucker and Dawn's past will definitely have you rooting for them to find happiness this time around. The bond between them was so powerful that all it took was being together to snap back into place.

The villain was quite obvious from the beginning, but there was room for doubt and the twist at the end was definitely unexpected but all in all, this was a solid addition to the series. I do wonder what the toll is on authors as they dive deep into this cesspool to research crime and killers for their stories.

Cynthia Eden knows how to write suspense, romance and non stop action and she has a way of making the reader feel like they are right there. I enjoyed this story filled with intrigue, twist and turns and lots of sexy and emotional scenes. The characters are genuine and engaging and both have their own vulnerabilities.

When FBI agent Tucker Frost travels to New Orleans to work on a case, he is surprised to see his former girlfriend, Dawn Alexander. Dawn is now a private investigator and is interested in working on the case. Tucker and Dawn broke up seven years ago after she was savagely attacked. They are trying to catch a serial killer who is brutally killing woman. Dawn and Tucker are working as fast as they can to try to catch the killer before he takes any more lives. While they are working on the case they fall in love again.

Tucker is protective and wants to keep Dawn safe and as far a away from the killer as possible but Dawn doesn't agree. She wants to help on the case. Dawn has become a strong woman since becoming a victim. She has learned how to defend herself and she knows she can take care of herself.

Tucker is a good guy but still carrying a lot of guilt. He has demons and secrets that he afraid to share with anyone. Someone is after Dawn and this time Tucker will do anything to keep her safe. But first, he has to have her trust. Tucker and Dawn care about each other but circumstances keep them apart.

Cynthia Eden’s Killer Instinct series focuses on FBI Agents that have had up-close and personal relationships with killers. Their dark pasts provide a unique perspective into the minds of killers, making them better at catching them. Or so they hope.

FBI agent Tucker Frost found out his brother, Jason Frost, was the infamous serial killer “The Iceman”, seven years ago, and killed him the same night to save his girlfriend, Dawn. Dawn and Tucker couldn’t get past the tragedy, and parted ways. Tucker wasn’t surprised, how could she look at his face, a face that closely resembled her torturer and not be scared? But Tucker has never got over Dawn.

Tucker left his heart and Louisiana soon after, but returns for a case when a woman is found murdered in the same way Iceman killed. Is this the work of a copycat, or did Jason survive those bullets? Either way, Tucker must confront his past, because the victim turned up in the exact city where Dawn now lives. Coincidence or sinister plan?

Dawn is the Iceman’s only survivor, but she no longer considers herself a helpless victim. I admired the strength it took to cope and move on. She’s worked hard to establish herself as a private investigator, earning a solid reputation for solving cases. Dawn’s street smart, and trained to defend herself, but finding out about a possible copycat rattles her, because Jason’s body was never found. Even so, there’s no way she’ll stay on the sidelines of the investigation, even if Tucker wants her to keep safe.

Before the Dawn combines two of my favorite kind of stories: second chance romance and romantic suspense. I know when I pick up a Cynthia Eden novel I’m guaranteed a sizzling romance and thrilling ride! Even though I figured out the killer’s identity pretty early on it was still an exciting read; fast-paced, and full of action. This killer gets personal mighty quick, and it forces Tucker and Dawn to stick close, and overcome the past. I love it when two people who should’ve been together get a second chance to make it right and get their HEA. There are forces that try and separate and plant doubt between them, but I was pleased with this couple’s united front. This romance doesn’t disappoint!

Cynthia Eden sets the stage for the next book in the series, Into the Night. I know that Macey was a victim/survivor of a serial killer, but I’m not sure Bowen’s past. I’m looking forward to finding out!

OMG, this book. The very first page grabbed me and just wouldn't let go--I can't tell you how many times I gasped out loud and/or winced while reading! The last 20% it was virtually nonstop...good thing Mini Moe #1 has become used to my gasps that come seemingly out of nowhere while he's driving...

Before the Dawn is a romantic thriller/second chance romance story with the twist that the hero was the brother of the guy who tortured and nearly killed the heroine several years earlier. Tucker had to choose between his brother (dubbed "The Iceman") and the woman he loved back then, and has been haunted by the words of his brother, "Blood comes first," ever since. Their father had been a horrible person, his brother was even worse--would Tucker truly be able to avoid their legacy? Could Dawn ever look at him and not see the man who literally made her life a living hell? Add in the fact that it looks like there's an Iceman copycat killer running around in the city which Dawn has moved to and Tucker's FBI team is on the case, and yeah. Pretty freaking intense.

Before the Dawn is the second book in the series, but worked pretty well as a standalone. Based on this one, though, I'm definitely going to back up and read the prequel and book one ( The Gathering Dusk and After the Dark ) to get ready for book three ( Into the Night ) when it comes out, because I. Must. Read.

Rating: 4 stars / A-

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

A dark, riveting, mind boggling story that will stay with you, it might even come to your dreams, the characters and their destinies hunt your mind, and you lose the sense of your surroundings as you immerse yourself into the menacing world of the serial killers, and the bravery and courage of those who have faced them yet are willing to go and hunt them to make the world a safer place for the rest of us.
Cynthia Eden does it again. Her talented, at times creepy, words and scenes managed to give me the chills as I sat on the hot beach reading the story. But despite all the horror the serial killer creates, what stayed with me after reading the story, was the overpowering, beautiful, lasting, passionate love between ex-SEAL Tucker Frost and Dawn Alexander.
The history between Tucker and Dawn is heartbreaking and horrifying. The circumstances make it so that they have no insurance whom they can trust, who is on their side, who truly has their back, how the evidence can be interpreted, and once again, testing their trust on each other. The doubts and uncertainty create tension in an already intense situation, and kept me on the edge through the tale, from the very start all the way to the end.
The unwavering, steadfast connection between Tucker and Dawn is an amazing thing to witness. As more evidence comes to the light, the way they have always been mentally connected, always accepted their feelings towards each other - despite everything that has happened in the past and how they had moved on - is beautiful. The passion between them is scorching, the emotions deep and profound. Yes, there are several moments of doubts and questions, physical desires that override the sensibilities, and moments of truth that hurt but the constant love is still there, the feelings that will not fade.
They are both nothing but professional, smart, capable, and able. They are willing to risk themselves to save each the other, the bravery and maturity in them had me admiring them even more. The constant turns in the plot, the distrustful atmosphere surrounding them, the new evidence, the circle of suspects getting tighter, kept me guessing and wondering to the end. There are signs yet they point to couple different directions just to play with your mind.
Another cleverly crafted thriller by Cynthia Eden.
An enthralling, gripping, and grim tale that makes an impression, both with its alluring romance and its perilous suspense.
~ Four Spoons with a teaspoon on the side

Before the Dawn is a fast-paced read from start to finish. It's filled with mystery, suspense and romance. Cynthia Eden does a great job at writing romantic suspense novels.

I really REALLY wanted to love this.

The overall storyline/premise is good.
I really did like all of the characters in this.

The two main characters are Tucker and Dawn. They were once a couple and it went bad after his brother tried to kill Dawn.
Seven years later these characters meet again and for me THIS is where it turned for the worse for me.
In less than 24 hours back together, these characters fell back into bed with each other.
Don't get me wrong here, the writing was well done and you can definitely feel the chemistry between them. It just seemed really unrealistic that these characters would jump straight back into it, with nothing resolved between them etc.
Normally when love scenes happen quite fast, it just feels more natural and for me personally this just felt rushed.

The other thing that bothered me was I can not tell you how many days this story was over. I feel like it was 3 days max! It was just TOO fast paced for my liking. From solving the crime to declaring their love for each other again.

I have marked as three stars purely because of the other characters in the end.
The special FBI team that Samantha Dark put together was really interesting, especially knowing the links between them all and other killers.

I look forward to the next one in the series because these characters are interesting and the overall premise I want to read more about.

The writing was good, but for me this was just rushed and the story itself should have been padded out a little more.

I haven't read the first one either and will say you don't need to have read it to understand anything that happens in this.

BEFORE THE DAWN is just as riveting as the first book in the series, After the Dark. We first see Tucker Frost in the first book and when I saw that he has his own book here, I just had to pick it up. The Killer Instinct series is about agents who are up close and personal with the villains, in this case, it's Tucker's brother who's the villain--well, someone who's using his MO anyway. This raises the stakes for our MC's and ups the suspense factor for us readers, too. And I like that its concept is a bit different from other suspense books, thus freshening up a tired genre.

I love Tucker, especially the way he took care of Dawn (it just dawned [pun intended] on me regarding the title) and loved her. It just...hit me where it counted. Dawn for me is a strong heroine who's a good match for Tucker. Their romantic development was believable and angsty (love it!) and their chemistry sizzling.

The plot has lots of twists and turns, making for a compelling read. I love it when authors make me go "oh!" and my mind blanks out for a moment at the revelation of the twist. The pace was just right, as is the mix of romance and suspense.

Rating: 5 stars

A page turner from beginning to end!

I enjoy almost all of Cynthia Eden's work, and this did not disappoint me, but I ws shocked it was the second in a series! However did she sneak a book past me!? . So, I did not read the first book, and this still flowed and read well, so if you're like me and start here, that should be fine...

Before The Dawn is a classic FBI/serial killer suspenseful romance, about Tucker, the brother of a horrific serial killer, and Dawn, the Iceman's only surviving victim. And while the killer and plot seemed similar to Dexters ice killer story, I still loved it! There's intrigue and romance, good characters and exciting turns, if you're a fan of suspenseful romance, I definitely recommend this book.

You want a dark and exciting romantic suspense read, then Cynthia Eden is the go-to author. And it’s just not plain horrific evil; her villains are super smart, twisted and pros at mind games, making her books one of the best thrillers to read.

Latest in her Killer Instinct Series, “Before The Dawn”, brings Tucker Frost to his one and only woman he had ever loved and lost, Dawn Alexander. Surviving victim of the evil Frost sibling, Dawn had endured unimaginable torture by Jason Frost, before she can escape him when Tucker kills his brother to save his love. Ten years later and with a serial killer on the loose, imitating Jason Frost, Dawn needs some immense courage and strength to face the threat to her life.

Betrayal separated Tucker and Dawn, and now death brings them together and a serial killer is playing hide and seek as he freezes his victims alive. Emotions run high, lust permeates deep and the love and trust between Tucker and Dawn is the saving grace and may very well protect them from death.

I love when thrillers are just not gory and violent, but have a scintillating mind game in play. Cynthia Eden is exemplary in that field and I just love her characters. She gives equal depth and layers to the good as well as the bad, to make her stories so very brilliant. The suspense keeps us captivated, the adrenaline is high to keep us on the edge of the seats and Tucker and Dawn are partner to cheat death to have a future.

“Before The Dawn” should be read to enjoy the brilliance of the plot, the characters that will become one of our favorites and the narration that is tight and it is always a pleasure to have Samantha Beck visit.

Received an ARC from Harlequin via Netgalley for an honest review.