Scream For Me

Well, I do love a serial killer story. This one is also set in the south which is a big plus. The main characters, FBI agents Cadence and Kyle, are a little too randy for my taste. In these books it seems impossible for men and women to have a professional relationship. OK, I know. Most folks want the sexy action but honestly, I think the story would have been just as good without the groping and heaving. But as I said the story is good and there was not so much sex that it was terribly distracting. I do wish Eden would quit having her men call the women, Baby. That is really annoying. Anyway, it will not stop me from reading more Eden. I love her stories.

In Scream For Me, readers are introduced to Cynthia Eden’s latest sadistic killer, the Night Hunter. The pace is exhilarating with only brief moments of reprieve. The author takes readers on a sinister journey to catch a killer. It all began fifteen years ago in Paradox, Alabama with the disappearance of Kyle’s younger sister, Maria.

Kyle McKenzie is determined to learn what happened that dark night on an abandoned highway in Paradox fifteen years ago. Even after all these years without a single clue his hope has never waivered. When he receives a call from Captain James Anniston requesting assistance in locating a missing woman, Lily Adams, whose disappearance is strangely similar to Maria’s he is unable to refuse. With the help show more of his partner, Dr. Cadence Hollow, he believes this is his one chance to discover the truth.

Cadence knows that Kyle is haunted by his sister’s disappearance. She does not agree that they should assist on a case that is obviously so personal to him but, she will support his decision. Her ability to gain insight into the minds of criminals has earned her lots of recognition; she has helped capture many notable killers.

There are many instants within the story that I felt the characters emotions, especially the fear that the Night Hunter inspired. The Night Hunter is not your typical anti-hero – he is featured prominently within the story…his intelligence and ability to mislead the investigation is admired by the protagonists.

Well-developed characters, vivid imagery, and a fluid writing style made this an incredible escapade. I will say that while the romance fell into the background for most of the book – the author ensures that the reader is constantly aware of the simmering desire between Kyle and Cadence.

Highly recommended for suspense readers. show less

Scream for Me
4 Stars

FBI Agent Kyle McKenzie has sworn to find his sister, Maria, who disappeared fifteen years ago near the small town of Paradox, Alabama. Now another young woman has vanished in the quiet and unassuming town and Kyle and his partner, Cadence Holloway, are called in to investigate. As Kyle and Cadence close in on a disturbed killer, they also given in to the attraction simmering between them - a situation that may have deadly consequences for one or for both.

A satisfying ending to the series. Kyle and Cadence's romance is intense and the extent of the love and trust they have in each other is incredible. The mystery is action packed and Eden managed to keep me guessing almost to the end.

A woman with a traumatic past, show more Cadence has developed a cool, professional veneer as a coping mechanism and finds it difficult to allow others to get close to her. Akin to the other heroes in this series, Kyle is borderline obsessive about Cadence and refuses to take no for an answer, which leads to some intense and explosive scenes between the two.

The serial killer plot is well developed with several solid suspects to keep you turning the pages. At one point, it is possible to guess the villain’s identity by process of elimination, but as this is toward the end, it does not detract from the climax and resolution.

Cynthia Eden is one of my absolute favorite romantic suspense authors and this book is an excellent addition to her repertoire. There is also room for another story about Ben and Dani, which will hopefully be forthcoming. show less

I received Scream for Me on its release day to review. Unfortunately, due to school and exams it got pushed back until eventually it was forgotten. I decided at the start of the year to read a few of the forgotten books from my review list and Scream for Me made the cut. I read the first two books (Kill for Me and Fear for Me) in the series years ago. I remembered enjoying them both so I had high expectations for the final book and Ms. Eden did not disappoint.

Dr. Cadence Hollow and Kyle McKenzie, FBI agents are the main stars in this romantic suspense. They are partners who have made every attempt to maintain a professional relationship but their attraction to each other made this difficult.

Kyle lost his sister 15 years ago, who show more vanished without a trace. He received a call regarding an abduction, which mirrored his sister’s disappearance. He and Cadence returned to his hometown to conduct an investigation into the abduction and in the process gather information regarding his sister‘s disappearance. The investigation took a toll on him as he blames himself for her disappearance.

Kyle’s turmoil in solving the case leapt off the pages. His sister is a victim and not knowing if she is alive after fifteen years took its toll. I felt every moment of his stress, which was further intensified when Cadence placed herself in harm’s way to try to trap the villain. I felt for him, it could not be easy not knowing what happened to his sister. This feeling of helplessness proved overwhelming.

Cadence and Kyle worked well together and were perfect for each other. She helped keep him calm; However, I didn’t like how she dug into his past without his knowledge but was not willing to share her secrets. She had her share of nightmare, stemming from past trauma.
The prologue intrigued me and had me curious about the rest of the story. The villain is one sick creep. For him it is all about control, which was clear with his latest victim. He thought himself superior, which was evident from the way he chose his victims, who were docile and easy to control. He is always one-step ahead of the FBI; will Kyle and Cadence find her in time?


The story started out slow, but built up as it progressed. The romance took a back seat, but I had no issues with this as the suspense had me on the edge of my seat. Figuring out the killer’s identity proved a difficult task, but one thing was clear it was someone Kyle knew. The perp’s obsession with Kyle bordered on manic. I do not want to go into much detail regarding the perp, but one thing I can say is, he is smart and had everyone fooled.

Twists and turns within the story made for some interesting moments. Just when they thought they got a break in the case the investigators are led down another road.

Conclusion/Recommendation
I enjoyed this final installment in the Fear Me series. Exciting and suspenseful, it had me flipping the pages as I had to know who is responsible for the disappearance of these women and if Kyle would get closure. I am glad I finally got the chance to read this installment.

I would recommend this series to fans of romantic suspense. Although this can be read as a standalone, I would suggest the series be read in order. show less

Contemporary, Romantic Suspense, Alabama

Kyle McKenzie is an FBI agent that has been fantasizing about his partner, Cadence Hollow, since the first moment he met her. While working the darkest case so far in their careers, their desire for each other comes to the surface. Once they are together they are determined that nothing will part them except maybe death. A cunning stalker named The Night Hunter has been at work for fifteen years abducing women over a four state area though it first started in Paradox, Alabama with Kyle’s sister. Now The Night Hunter is hunting the hunter and he will be more than happy to separate the lovers by death.

Kyle is going to have to face a painful past that he has managed to hide so far from Cadence. show more He is determined to end the Hunter’s reign of terror either by putting him behind bars or in the ground. The Hunter has the perfect weapon to use to lure Kyle into his murderous trap and that is Kyle’s love for Cadence which is even stronger than his obsession to know his sister’s grim fate.

This is one story that will take the reader on a ride that is sure to have them up late at night just to see what happens in the book but also because this is one thriller that will have readers jumping at the bumps in the night. The story pulls the reader in and takes so many twists and turns that the reader will soon be wondering which way is up. Just as the reader thinks they have it figured out the story takes another twist that will have them second guessing themselves. This is one book that while it is dark it is so very engrossing the reader will not want to stop reading for anything even sleep. For readers that love romantic suspense this is one book not to miss. The plot stays with the reader long after they put the book down. This is another great story from an author that is proving to have ability to both thrill and chill readers. show less

After reading all three books in the series to date - I think that the "Romantic" part of the descriptions, should be removed. Although there is a romantic connection between the male and female leads in the books - there is no romance, the romance is more obsessive on the male character's part - uber alpha, need to protect the female, but lacks warmth, tender moments, slight touches, sexy glances etc, something that speaks more to a romantic element.

The overall suspense part of the stories is good, twist and turns, moves the suspicion between secondary characters, keeps the reader guessing. The books are long and drawn out - they probably could be shortened, or use more page time to make it a true "Romantic Suspense", and less time on show more the egotistical bad guy who wants to be the most famous serial killer around. show less

One word describes this book - Intense. The serial killer and what he does is intense. The relationship between FBI agents Kyle McKenzie and Cadence Hollow – intense.

Kyle has never gotten over his sisters disappearance 15 years ago. The guilt has left him dead inside along with a lot of rage. That rage has been driving him for years as a FBI agent to put away serial killers. But now it seems the one who took his sister is back hunting again in the same town his sister disappeared in. Cadence is his partner and also is obsession. He craves her but yet is afraid to show her the darkness that lies within him. Cadence knows what’s inside Kyle and doesn’t fear it.

There were so many intense scenes in this book. I am always amazed at show more how this author comes up with her killers and the things they do to their victims. Cadence was a very strong heroine with great instincts and the ability to always stay in control which is something that Kyle had a problem doing and it balanced them out as partners and lovers. show less