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Wilde Ways: Gone Rogue #2

How to Heal a Heartbreak

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He’s never run from a fight, and he’s not about to start now.

Holden Blackwell, former MMA fighter and current all-around problem solver for the rich and famous, never expects for his ex to appear in his office, asking for his help. Sure, Claudia Fairmont haunts his dreams—and his waking hours—but she hates him, with good reason. Once upon a time, she swore that he’d be the last man she ever needed.

Unfortunately, he’s the only one who can help her now.

The fighter with the tats and muscles for days broke her heart. Crushed it in his powerful fist. She’d vowed never to go back to him, but, now she has no choice. Danger is stalking her. And if there is one thing that Holden can handle? It’s danger. After all, he was the one person who always made her feel safe. She could very much use some safety in the madness of her life. But safety comes with a heavy price.

Temptation. Secrets. And a second chance?

To unmask the threat, Holden has to slip into Claudia’s life and stay intimately close. Luckily, he has the perfect plan already in mind. They’ll pretend to be reunited lovers. He’ll act as if he wants her desperately. That he can’t live without her any longer…A situation that is not far from reality. Because while he’s more than ready to eliminate any and every threat to her, Holden also has plans of his own. An agenda that is long, long overdue.

Step one: Get close to Claudia.
Step two: Prove that he can be the man she needs.
Step three: Eliminate every threat.
Step four: Heal the heart he broke.

This is the biggest and most important battle of his life. It doesn’t matter how many rounds he has to fight, he will go to the mat again and again for Claudia. There is no one who matters more to him, and he will prove himself to her. So ring the bell and let the match begin…

Danger. Romance. Steam. Fun. Another Wilde adventure is waiting for you as this hero goes rogue in order to reclaim the love that he lost. Fight dirty? Get bloody? Bring it. Holden is more than ready to show just how bad he can be for the good girl he lost. No cliffhangers. HEA guaranteed.

321 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 27, 2023

135 people are currently reading
392 people want to read

About the author

Cynthia Eden

309 books6,807 followers
Award-winning author Cynthia Eden writes sexy tales of contemporary romance, romantic suspense, and paranormal romance. She is a New York Times, USA Today, Digital Book World, and IndieReader best-seller. Since she began writing full-time in 2005, Cynthia has written over one hundred novels and novellas.


Cynthia lives along the Alabama Gulf Coast. She loves romance novels, horror movies, and chocolate. Her favorite hobbies including hiking in the mountains (searching for waterfalls) and spelunking.

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5 stars
372 (50%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
Profile Image for Carrie Dozier.
259 reviews66 followers
January 13, 2024
4.5⭐️I love a celibate hero!❤️
Holden doesn’t show up to his own wedding and it crushes the h, Claudia😔
Now there was definitely a good reason for him to not be there….
5 year separation and YES they are both celibate!!
I love when they reconnect years later Holden waste no time trying to get Claudia back! He may be using the situation to his advantage but he will do whatever he has to do!
Holden never stopped loving Claudia, he kept a watch over her for all those years, waiting for things to clear so he could get his girl🥰 I just wish there wasn’t such a long separation…
Loved how protective he was! No one was going to get his girl!
No OW drama🙌🏻
Profile Image for Miki’s⚠️ Safety Reviews & Rants⚠️.
736 reviews953 followers
March 5, 2024
🌟Brief Summary:

5stars ❤️FOR A CELIBATE HERO❤️

Claudia was left at the alter by the love of her life. 5 years later she needs his help to find out who is stalking her and trying to kill her.

Holden is surprised to see the love of his life in his office asking for his help since she has stayed away from him and hates him.

5 years ago he was forced to leave her and he has been waiting for the day it would be safe to win her back. But he knows it won’t be easy so he decides he must be her fake boyfriend and be with her 24/7 in order to keep her safe and 🤔 just maybe win her heart again.

❣️Things I Liked/Loved❣️
❤️ Not gonna lie I was so mad at Holden for the first 15% of this book but it becomes clear he never left her at the alter OF HIS OWN FREE WILL. AND YES HE HAD A VERY GOOD REASON. So I was ok after that and actually very sad for both of them loosing so much time.

❤️Holden was amazing! HE CELIBATE FOR 5 YEARS!!! He was definitely a OTT JP worthy hero. And before everyone is mad that 5 yrs went by w them apart and he let her live without him (cause normally I would DNF that shit) there was good reason AND HE ALWAYS PLANNED TO GET HER BACK INFACT HE WAS ALREADY WORKING ON A PLAN😍 he just had to wait for certain things to happen first.

❤️Lots of MINE MINE MINE m

❤️Loved all the steps to winning her back lol so cute

❤️I liked how there were lots of secrets, twists and turns in true CE style so you don’t ever get bored and she keeps you on your toes.

Things I Did 💔 Not Like
‼️Not much really I found this read very enjoyable and as great palette cleanse.

🥀 Hero:
Holden - Ex MMA fighter
Now a partner in a security/bodyguard firm
Supper OTT JP possesive, mild stalker and head over heels in love with the h.

🦋 Heroine:
Claudia- heiress to a winery
She had the appropriate amount of mad but also a good amount of reason when the truth came out.

💭 POV:
Third person multiple POV

🔥 Burn Rate:
Medium

😡/😍 Angst level:
Medium

❤️‍🔥 Sexy times & Descriptive sex:
Yes we get a few very passionate and steamy sexy times

🌓 Push/Pull:
Some push away from h to H esp in the beginning

☠️ OW/OM Drama:
Some OMD mostly from her stalker

OMD the H thinks the h had a bf or hookup during their separation but she didn’t. He was very jealous

🤮 OW/OM Sex / Fluid or DNA Exchange:
Nope

🤬 Cheating:
Nope

👰🏼‍♀️ Virgins:
Neither are V we don’t get their history before they met

❤️BOTH CELIBATE during the 5 yr separation…
CAN WE PLEASE GET MORE OF THIS IN ROMANCE… I just can’t w unfaithful Heros during separations💯

⛈️Separation/ 3rd Act Breakup:
5 year separation
No 3rd act

Safety⚠️Triggers🗡️:
Stalking
Murder
Secrets
Attempted murder
Condoms for their first time none after
She’s the only one he was without condoms with ever.

🌈Epilogue:
Yes 4 weeks later so sweet they finally have their wedding ❤️

🥂HEA:
Yes
I will def be checking out more from this series

My opinion is just that… MY OPINION.
I know we all get passionate about our favorite reads and characters but we should respect each opinions a thoughts. ~Thank you
Profile Image for Carvanz.
2,385 reviews898 followers
April 25, 2023
The “How To” manual just got real!


https://scontent-dfw5-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/343316188_224817510149220_5917325022280679622_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=730e14&_nc_ohc=D_9vY1NVoI8AX8vUNCw&_nc_ht=scontent-dfw5-1.xx&oh=00_AfBB2qWLZIVSXesumFwyTuP9ag3RAnMenufm7cxKynd_0w&oe=644C9EFB


I couldn’t imagine what could ever drag Holden away from Claudia five years ago. I knew it was all going to work out because, well it’s a Cynthia Eden book and she always gives me the best in heroes and happy endings. However, the journey to that moment was intense as bit by bit things were revealed. My heart ached for what was lost.


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The “How To” format is a total winner for me. I love how it not only gives me a little insight into what I might find in each chapter, it gives me a heck of an insight into what is going on in the hero’s mind, heart and soul. And oh lord, Holden was deliciously fun to watch as his how to plans slowly unraveled.


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This story was hot, twisted and impossible to put down! The chemistry between Holden and Claudia was blistering and the mystery kept me guessing to the very end.

https://i.pinimg.com/564x/0c/e9/f5/0ce9f5a0f0ef143f74e382cc905d91a1.jpg

Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
Steam
Profile Image for AvidReader.
1,476 reviews331 followers
May 1, 2023
— second chance romance.
—forced proximity.
—obsessed hero.
— strong but sweet heroine.
— dangerous stalker.
— humour, suspense. Mystery.
— celibate protagonist during separation.

I enjoyed it thoroughly. Loved Holden the most. He was such a sweet but dangerous hero.

Absolutely recommended.
Profile Image for Twinkle {semi-hiatus}.
97 reviews69 followers
December 24, 2024
4 actual stars, 5 for personal reasons

How to Heal a Heartbreak was an amazing book, especially when it came to the relationship between Holden and Claudia. It's a second chance romance, which I despise with a passion because usually it's about the FMC having cobwebs down there while the man is out fucking everything that breathes either to forget the woman he "loves" or he's too broken for something real. Cry me a fucking river🙄

However, that was not the case here. Claudia being celibate during their 5 year separation isn't surprising, but HOLDEN BEING CELIBATE FOR FIVE FUCKING YEARS???? Colour me surprised😵😍
Especially coming from Cynthia Eden, since she loves writing about random exes popping up in most of her books. The fact she could write her man not only obsessed with his woman, but actually live upto that claim by not thinking about other women let alone sleep with them, has me impressed.

Yes, the bar is in hell🙂

I loved how obsessed Holden was about Claudia. How he'd vowed nothing would ever hurt her till he died. Not like he didn't say it/think it on every page. Don't get me wrong, I love JP, protective heroes more than anything. But that shit got repetitive. I had no doubt Holden and Claudia were madly in love and made for each other. But I wanted to know why? How'd they meet? How'd they end up getting engaged?
I had also guessed one of the bad guys but the twists did keep me entertained.

One more thing that was fucking weird: Cooper. That man was way too invested in the sex of life of his sister. He'd talk about her fucking Holden, her panties, advise her to fuck it out of her system... It was just gross. It had me convinced he was the one behind her attacks and this was going the incest way🤮 It didn't...which surprised me more than anything.

I have to appreciate Claudia not being TSTL. She didn't go on some solo mission in order to save Holden. She knew he was a Wilde agent, had the expertise she didn't, was more capable to save them both. So she took his help! Wow.

Yes, the bar is truly in hell😂

So, objectively, I'd give this book 4 stars, but the extra star is for Cynthia Eden to create a hero who was celibate for 5 fucking years and lived up to the JP hero trope👏🏻 I never thought I'd see the day 🥹

~ Jealous Possessive hero
~ Will burn the world for her
~ Touch her and die
~ Second chance romance
~ CELIBATE MMC AND FMC🥺
Profile Image for Whatishreads.
171 reviews2 followers
January 18, 2024
[For safety details, check below]

SECOND CHANCE ROMANCE WHERE BOTH ARE CELIBATE? YES! I only love second chance when both are absolutely celibate otherwise I avoid them at all cost.

Holden and Claudia were perfect for each other. He was so obsessed with her and she was perfect mix of strong and sweet.

Also loved the banter between Cooper and Holden lol.




SAFETY DETAILS:

Cheating: no
Sharing: no
OM drama: he thought she has a bf when they were separated but she didn't. That created some jealousy.
OW drama: none
Sex scene with OM or OW: none
Virgin/manwhore: no virgins or manwhore
Separation: yes, five years
Celibate during separation: yes
Condoms: used at first, then not
Safe sex: yes they were both clean and she was on pills. Also H mentioned that he's never gone bare with anyone except heroine
book info:
-Second chance
-Possessive and obsessed hero
-Mild stalking by hero
-Forced proximity
-Fake dating
-Mystery
-No condom
HEA: yes! Happily married
SAFE?: for me, yes!
March 8, 2024
Cynthia Eden does it every time! I love her romantic suspense books! They are the perfect mix of super protective alpha, likeable, strong heroines, sweet romance, scorching spice, twists and turns and plenty of suspense.
I normally don’t like second chance romance, but the reason these two split turned out to be necessary and the H never stopped trying to get h back. Both never stopped loving each other andddd both were celibate!! (For 5 years!).
I haven’t read any other books in this series and this can be read as a total standalone.
Great read!

Safety:
No OW
OM: villain is obsessed with h. He gets dealt with 😏
No cheating
5 year separation, both celibate!
Profile Image for The Romance Book Disciple (Samantha).
2,120 reviews363 followers
June 5, 2023

How to Heal a Heartbreak was adorable! The chapter headings have steps for the hero and they were cute! If you like second chance romances, this is a perfect pick!

Claudia and Holden were suppose to get married 5 years ago, but Holden never made it to the wedding. Claudia was heartbroken. Now, 5 years later, Claudia is in danger and Holden, now a security specialist with Wilde, is her only hope. He agrees to be her fake boyfriend and bodyguard, but he has no intentions of keeping things "fake". These two have a lot of explaining to do about their past. Add in Claudia's idiot brother trying to get rid of Holden and the person trying to hurt/kill Claudia and there is just a lot to unpack. But, I adored Holden's determination! So hot!

I figured out the suspect pretty much the moment they were introduced, so there wasn't really a mystery to me, but the plot was good overall. I enjoyed the danger and mystery as much as the second chance romance. Fans of bodyguard romances, "fake relationship" tropes, and second chance love stories will enjoy How to Heal a Heartbreak!

 

  POV: 3rd
  Tears: no
  Trope: bodyguard, fake relationship, second chance romance
  Triggers:
  Series/Standalone: standalone 
  Cliffhanger:
  HEA:




authors like Kaylea Cross, Katie Reus, Rebecca Zanetti...then you will probably like How to Heal a Heartbreak!




How to Heal a Heartbreak
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Profile Image for Gracy.
127 reviews
March 4, 2025
" Sweetheart, you have just got yourself a bodyguard."
"It's because the moments with you are fucking mine."Savage, Raw. Not Professional at all."Because I didn't share you then. I won't share you now."
"You're mine, I'll do whatever it takes to protect you."
"I'm yours."
"Baby, it's not bad luck. It's some sonofabitch targeting you. And I promise, I'm stopping him"
"It's you," "You've haunted me. You've obsessed me. You've driven me crazy...and I had to keep you close. I had to see your picture because sometimes, the sight of your smile was what got me through the day."
"I have never got over you."
"I missed you,baby."
Before she could think of something -anything - to say, his mouth claimed hers.
" Wanting you is as natural as breathing for me."
"I intended for you to be mine, forever."
" And either way my enemies or yours ----I will keep you safe. I won't screw up again." You'll not be hurt in my watch. That's a promise. I will not ever break a promise to you again."
"No? Then what is she?."
" Everything."
" Fuck with me, keep getting in my way , and I will take away everything you value in this world."
" Sure, she is . She's been mine from the first moment I saw her. You want to know why I'm back in her world ? It's simple . Because no one hurts what's mine."
"I'd want to kill anyone who hurt you."
" Because believe me when I say, I WOULD KILL TO KEEP YOU SAFE."
"“Like she’s the most important thing in my world? Don’t worry. I think I got that covered.” He held Cooper’s gaze. “I protect what’s mine.” This message needed to be fully understood. “And I will do anything necessary to eliminate the threats out there. What can I say? I’m savage like that. Sometimes, savage is exactly what you need.”
Savage?
He would fucking burn the world down on her enemies.
“You won’t ever be safe from me, not unless you talk,” Holden warned him. “Because you came after something of mine. Your boss had a gun to her head, and I won’t ever forget that. Now I’m dealing with a whole lot of rage right now. I can either take that rage out on you…or on the prick in the mask. So tell me who hired you and I won’t break every single bone that you—”
😂😂😂🤣🤣🤣 I'm having so much fun!!!reading this!!!!
“He fucked me up, man,” one of the guys on the ground groaned. “I lost a tooth.” Blood was, indeed, pouring from his mouth. Claudia quickly looked away from him and tried to breathe evenly. Do not pass out right here. Get your shit together, woman. EMTs hurried forward. Holden stepped to Claudia’s side. His arm brushed against her as he pointed at the man who’d lost his tooth. “You don’t cooperate fully with the cops, you’ll be losing a whole lot more than just a tooth.” Gains winced. “You’re not supposed to threaten people like that. Especially not with cops present.” “Yeah, these bastards were not supposed to jump me like they did, either. Guess we’re all learning new shit today, huh?”
LMAOOO 🤌🏻😂😂🤣🤣🤣🤣😭❤️Holden is funny at the most serious times!!! I can't with him!!
“He could have shot me dead.
Instead, he wanted those goons to beat the hell out of me.” “Only you beat the hell out of them instead.”
Holden rolled his shoulders
. “Had to defend myself.”
This book is soo funny!!!and entertaining!!!
“I love you,” he told her again. Making very, very sure to tell her. “And I can’t have you at risk. Don’t rush into danger. Stay with me. Fuck, stay behind me. That way, if bullets fly, they have to go through me before they can get to you.”
Absolutely. “Never stopped,” he rasped. “Never will. I will love you until I die.”
Her hands slammed into his chest. “Do not say that!” His heart ached. “Why? Because you don’t want to hear that I love—” “Because I don’t want to think about you dying! Not now. Not ever!” Claudia sent him a glare hot enough to burn. “Don’t you get that? You matter. You always have. Stop being a human shield. Stop risking yourself. Dammit! You know what? You’re fired.” She spun away, rushed forward, and grabbed for the door handle.
Cooper gestured to his open office door. “Let’s talk inside.” Holden had the feeling that what he really meant was…Let’s beat the crap out of this bastard inside. And, normally, Holden would be game-on for some ass kicking. As it was, his world felt ready to implode.😂😂🤣🤣🤣😭I CAN'T LAUGH AT MIDNIGHT WHEN EVERYONE'S SLEEPING!!!!
The scene stole her breath. And, a little while later, when Claudia was told that she and Holden could kiss…
Joy seemed to pour through her body.
They kissed and laughed, and as Holden swept her into his arms and spun her around, Claudia wildly threw her bouquet into the air.
She didn’t bother to see where it landed.
She was too busy holding tight to Holden with both hands.
This was love.
This was joy. This was the kind of life worth fighting for.
He kissed her again.
No fear. Justhope.
I loved this book soo much!!!!
Tropes:
• Second chance romance
• Muder Mystery
• Heiress x Body guard vibes

Second chance romance is done very well
And I loved the way where both the MMC & THE FMC were down bad for each other..
The book was filled with the right amount of spice, humor, suspense and everything in between..
It kinda felt boring at some point but it was worth it..
When you thought everything was figured the author flips the tables off for you..
And the pacing of the book too was good
Can't wait for Seth and Harley's book!!!!👀👀👀🤭❤️‍🔥
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Read All About It.
2,041 reviews23 followers
April 27, 2023
Never a dull moment with this outstanding author. Suspense , laughter , snarky interaction , and alpha sexy make for a winning combination every time.

He lost her once and Holden Blackwell is not gonna let that happen again.

There was a reason his nickname had been “No Holding Back” Holden when he battled. He gave one hundred and twenty percent. And never, ever stopped.

“Claudia.” Has a stalker and she knows the only person that can keep her safe is Holden.

Absolutely. “Never stopped,” he rasped. “Never will. I will love you until I die.”

Angsty second chance that had me guessing until the explosive reveal.

Harley has to be next in this series cause she sure has me intrigued.
Profile Image for ♡BINARI♡.
41 reviews10 followers
June 22, 2024
Safe
No cheatings/ ow drama
Both experienced
Second Chance romance
Both celibate for 5 yrs
Happy ending
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Janet Welling.
868 reviews3 followers
August 6, 2023
Mediocre an all levels.

Books by Cynthia Eden are usually well written, taut thrillers with multifaceted characters and a captivating plot. Unfortunately, this is not one of those books. The plot is shallow and convoluted, the characters lack any depth and the dialogue is tolerable at best. The story never merges the thriller and the romance genres successfully; instead the romance portion drags the mystery down considerably. For a guy running a successful security firm, Holden makes too many rookie mistakes while looking after Claudia. The plot just gets more and more convoluted as it progresses to an extremely rushed ending. The author can do so much better than this. Please save your money.
Profile Image for ˚₊‧꒰ა vruxreads ໒꒱ ‧₊˚.
561 reviews74 followers
February 10, 2024
(4.5⭐)

This book has everything - kidnapping, stalking, action, second chance romance with murder mystery.

When Claudia's life is threatened when she realises someone is stalking her, the only person she trusts to keep her safe is her ex-lover Holden who left her at the altar five years ago.

Holden loved Claudia, he had his reasons to live her, now being rich and elite agent he would do anything to protect and have her back.

So many twist and turns which I never saw coming. It was overall a fantastic book. This was truly a roller coaster of love, mystery and suspense.

‼️No cheating, no OW drama, both celibate during separation‼️
Profile Image for SheLove2Read.
3,109 reviews204 followers
April 13, 2024
This was so OTT that I'm embarrassed to say I paid money to read it.
Profile Image for Marta Cox.
2,860 reviews210 followers
May 3, 2023
A second chance romance with a hero to cheer for ! Claudia never forgot the man who left her at the altar and she has no intention of looking for him but when her life is threatened and it looks like Holden is involved somehow it��s definitely time to seek him out, no matter how painful it is !
This works extremely well as a stand-alone story although obviously connects to the authors Wilde series. Claudia is an expert of playing it cool and keeping her feelings under wraps but Holden is a man on a mission and that’s getting back in her good graces and definitely into Claudias bed ! I have to confess the little snippets from Holdens point and f view that prefaced the chapters were definitely my favourite part of the book. It’s sexy with the odd red herring thrown in and just generally a fun read. I particularly look forward to Hex getting some romance in her life but suspect that the next book will feature one of the red herring from this story but my lips are sealed.
This voluntary take is of an advanced copy and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair
978 reviews6 followers
June 13, 2023
AMAZING ride! Gripping, emotional, edge of your seat suspense, danger galore, twist and turns flying at you at every turn, and plenty of action as Holden and Claudia dive headfirst into a potentially deadly inferno of lies and betrayal. Holden...sigh...I knew under that broody exterior was a heart of gold and deep emotions, and it all comes out as Claudia and him go through the emotional ringer to get their second chance as devastating secrets are revealed. My heart broke for them, but of course Cynthia put it back together as she weaved a genuinely amazing story I didn't want to put down. And that set up for the next! CAN. NOT. WAIT!!
Profile Image for Colorado.
825 reviews17 followers
May 16, 2024
Very fast paced romantic suspense

This is a page turner, with non-stop action and many plot twists. There's a very brief prologue to introduce the characters and to set up their separation for the second chance romance that follows. While Holden and Claudia have lots of chemistry and each chapter begins with Holden's rules for winning her back, the emphasis is really on the conspiracy threatening the couple. There are a lot of near miss escapes and potential villains. There isn't a lot of character development; you don't learn how Claudia and Holden met or the experiences that contributed to their bond.
Profile Image for Soph.
632 reviews63 followers
July 26, 2024
★★★★★. I felt for both the fmc and mmc. I liked how the author wrote this as she never hated him, but that trust that was there is completely gone. They both were celibate and to me that’s a win. He was so obsessed and in love. The little steps to get her back in the beginning of every chapter was the best. Him doing everything and anything to keep her safe and alive was perfect. She was a strong fmc and I liked how she held her own but also knew when to ask for help.
Profile Image for Sandy S.
8,280 reviews207 followers
April 27, 2023
HOW TO HEAL A HEARTBREAK is the second instalment in Cynthia Eden’s contemporary, adult WILDE WAYS: GONE ROGUE erotic, romantic suspense series-a spin off from the author’s WILDE WAYS series. This is former MMA fighter turned Wilde Ways agent Holden Blackwell, and vineyard owner Claudia Fairmont’s story line. HOW TO HEAL A HEARTBREAK can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary. You do not have to have read the previous series to follows.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Holden and Claudia) HOW TO HEAL A HEARTBREAK follows the second chance romance and relationship between former MMA fighter Holden Blackwell, and winery owner Claudia Fairmont. Five years earlier Claudia Fairmont was jilted by her fiancé Holden Blackwell on the day of their wedding. Heartbroken and devastated, Claudia moved on with her life. Fast forward to present day, Claudia suspects she has a stalker, someone who is setting up our heroine to die, and the only man she can trust is the man who broke her heart. Six months earlier, small things in her life started to go wrong, but the attacks are becoming personal, dangerous and deadly. Holden Blackwell has never stopped loving our story line heroine, and he is about to become guardian and protector of the woman who still owns his heart. What ensues is the rebuilding romance and relationship between Holden and Claudia, and the potential fall-out as the a predator gets too close for comfort.

Claudia Fairmont has no idea who would want to destroy her life. Her brother and vineyard partner Cooper doesn’t believe Claudia has a stalker but someone has targeted our story line heroine. From the outset, Holden begins to suspect everyone in Claudia’s life, everyone including her brother, a friends and the people from their past but Holden has secrets of his own, and it may be his past that has targeted our story line couple.

The relationship between Claudia and Holden is one of second chances; a relationship destroyed by power and secrets, power that forced Holden to walk away from the woman he loved. As Claudia and Holden’s begin to rekindle what was, someone else is desperate to stop the relationship going forward. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

We are introduced to Claudia’s brother Cooper: family friend Seth Wellington; vineyard overseer Reese Rawlins; Officer Zachary Gains, and Holden’s business partner Harley Adaire.

HOW TO HEAL A HEARTBREAK is a story of secrets and lies, power and control, family and friendships, forgiveness and love. The fast paced premise is intriguing and entertaining; the romance is seductive and captivating; the characters are desperate yet determined.

www.thereadingcafe.com
Profile Image for Ann Lorz.
1,708 reviews22 followers
May 1, 2023

As you know I just love Cynthia Eden's books. Her characters are some of my favorites. With this new series we are getting a bunch of wonderful stories.

I can't tell you enough about how much I enjoyed this story. From the beginning you can see that these two people want the same thing but don't know how to get it. Sadly, like most people talking about it never dawned on them.

When Claudia is in danger, she goes to the one person that she can count on (at least to protect her body) her heart is another thing all together. Being her ex makes it a little hard to be around him but she doesn't have much of a choice.

At times I wondered why she went to him. She kind of didn't believe her life was in danger or at least kept doubting it. You'll want to shake her. Now Holden believed from the beginning that she was in danger and would do anything to protect her, even from herself.

As a couple these two works together. They might not see it right away, but you do. Many times throughout the story I wanted to yell and say enough! You both love each other!!! But you know how it is they had to find out for themselves.

As wonderful as the story is I missed the humor that's usually in her stories. Yes, there are times between Holden and Cooper that you get a chuckle but as a whole this one had less. Still a great story and one that you'll want to read. You don't have to read the series that's connected to this one to enjoy it but I would go back to the prior one if you want to read some good stories.

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ARC received for an honest review
Profile Image for Lea Bookjoy.
1,793 reviews89 followers
June 7, 2023
French & English reviews

Une romance à dévorer sans modération !

Après avoir relu tous les Rebecca Zanetti (parce que je suis une accro =D), je suis tombée dans un vide livresque avec un terrible besoin de distraction ! Alors j'ai décidé de tester une nouvelle auteure, Cynthia Eden, dont j'avais entendu beaucoup de bien ... Et j'ai adoré =D

Une romance de la seconde chance bien écrite ? OUI (OMG quand elle se fait abandonner devant l'autel ><)
Une romance sexy avec du angst ? OUI
Un mystérieux stalker flippant ? OUI
Un héros sexy et protecteur ? OUI
Une héroïne adorable et attachante ? OUI

Je ne pouvais que aimer =)

Bref, une romance sexy à dévorer sans modération, parfaite pour se distraire !


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A romance to devour without moderation !

After rereading all the Rebecca Zanetti books (because I'm an addict =D), I fell into a bookish vacuum with a terrible need for distraction ! So I decided to test a new author, Cynthia Eden, about whom I had heard a lot of good things ... And I loved it =D

A well-written second chance romance ? YES (OMG when she gets dumped in front of the altar ><)
A sexy romance with angst ? YES
A mysterious creepy stalker ? YES
A sexy and protective hero ? YES
An adorable and endearing heroine ? YES

I could only love it =)

In short, a sexy romance to devour without moderation, perfect for having fun !
1,237 reviews14 followers
May 8, 2024
DNF. I just couldn’t get into it. The plot sounded really good, but it didn’t make sense.

I started reading this late at night when I couldn’t sleep. Big mistake as I felt like throwing my kindle! None of it made any sense.

The prologue starts when Holden leaves Claudia at the alter. There’s no excuses or reasons why, though it hints that he was forced to. Then it fast forwards five years and Claudia needs help as a man has tried to kill her several times, and stalked for SIX MONTHS! So for six months she’s terrified for her life but doesn’t do anything about it? Doesn’t tell the police? So she goes to her ex who destroyed her, for help as he runs a security company. Hmm okay I decided to keep reading even though it was ludicrous.

Holden who has been stalking Claudia for five years, (Yes she really has got two stalkers.) is so good at his investigative skills that he doesn’t see anyone? 😂 He tells Claudia that he’ll have to move in with her, and they’ll pretend to be in love again, while he’s investigating her stalker. Erm why? How are people going to believe that they’re in love, when she’s told everyone how much she hates him?

None of it made sense, I didn’t finish it but it’s obvious straight away who her stalker is, and I hated Holden. Not only for what he did, but he’s already decided that he’s going to win her back. So when Claudia goes to him for help, does he comfort her, and tell her he loves her? NO HE’S COLD TO HER! For some bizarre reason that I can’t figure out.

It’s bad.
Profile Image for Nina.
1,720 reviews42 followers
February 11, 2025
Pięć lat temu na ślub Claudii Fairmont z Holdenem Blackwellem czekało w kościele dwustu zaproszonych gości. Ale pan młody się nie pojawił, zatelefonował że przeprasza. Był wtedy znanym z sukcesów zawodnikiem MMA. Teraz zyskał rozgłos w mediach jako agent Wilde Ways wspomagający bodyguarda Księżniczki w aferze opisanej w poprzednim tomie. Dlatego nikt w Wilde nie jest specjalnie zdziwiony, gdy nowa klientka agencji, Claudia, prosi, aby właśnie on, Holden, zajął się jej sprawą czyli coraz częstszymi przejawami nękania jej przez nieznanego stalkera, które - według niej - zagrażają jej życiu.

Opowieść o nigdy nie wygasłym pożądaniu przedstawiona jest przede wszystkim z perspektywy Holdena, bo to on winien jest byłej narzeczonej wyjaśnienie sytuacji sprzed lat. Przeczuwa, być może słusznie, że złamane serce Claudii da się zaleczyć, jeśli uda mu się zapewnić jej bezpieczeństwo. A jest co wyjaśniać: jest to historia z jednej strony zahaczająca o konflikt między dwoma rodzinami, Fairmontów i Blackwellów, a z drugiej dotycząca walki ze zorganizowaną przestępczością działającą w Karolinie Północnej i zaangażowania w niej służb wszelakich, w tym agentów pod przykrywką. Kluczowa staje się oczywiście kwestia zaufania! Wydarzenia bieżące udowadniają, że niebezpieczeństwo nadal na parę Claudia-Holden czyha.

Jest to - inaczej niż poprzednia część serii - całkiem zgrabny i przekonująco przedstawiony sensacyjny thriller. Może z wyjątkiem niezwykle efekciarskiej rozgrywki finałowej, co należy zapewne traktować jako warunek konieczny doprowadzenia do happy endu romansu.
2,555 reviews23 followers
April 28, 2023
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of "HOW TO HEAL A HEARTBREAK" Its always a pleasure to read Cynthia Eden's books she never disappoints ever, it's full of suspense, secrets, lies, steam, angst, betrayal, heartbreak, twist that has you on the edge of your seat a page turner for sure.
Holden Blackwell former MMA fighter now working for a security investigating company as a problem solver for rich & famous never expected to see his ex Claudia Fairmont again she hates him for what he did to her 5yrs earlier.
Claudia desperately needs Holdens help shes been put in danger someone is now blackmailing her with photos of her & Holden when they were together their intimate pictures, as much as she didn't want to see him he always made her feel safe.
I definitely recommend to get this riviting story Holden trys to figure out who's threatening Claudia by saying they have to pretend to be back together do he can be with her he's hoping his plan will work for him as well wanting her back he's always love her.
Will Claudia give Holden a second chance while he's trying to find the threat against her he'll do whatever it takes to protect her & make her see how much he wants her it's a must read up see what happens.
AWESOME INTENSE HEARTFELT ROMANCE 🖤 🖤
936 reviews
June 5, 2023
This is a second chance romance where, years ago, due to extenuating circumstances and a lot of misinformation, her fiancé Holden leaves Claudia at the altar on the day of their wedding. They do not see each other for years.

Holden is a former MMA fighter who was savage and brutal when he was fighting. He is ruggedly handsome man with a powerful chest man and ripped biceps. He is rough around the edges and is to get along with everyone except Claudia.

Five years later, Claudia is experiencing some scary, dangerous “incidents” that police are disregarding as either meaningless accidents or unlucky “incidents.” Claudia seeks out help from Holden, who now works as a bodyguard for Wilde, an elite security and protection agency. He becomes her bodyguard while he searches for whoever is attacking Claudia.

Cynthia Eden definitely knows how to write an enthralling romantic suspense. She has created two sexy characters that have so much chemistry that the readers can almost feel the heat. And their steamy lovemaking is so hot that it actually burns up the pages of the book.

This author also has created a riveting suspense with a complex plot. With its non-stop action and many twists and turns, this book will keep reader s on the edge of their seats.
312 reviews15 followers
April 26, 2023
How to Heal a Heartbreak begins with Claudia being left at the altar by the love of her life. Holden a MMA fighter turns up at her place that evening with no real explanation as to why he left her devastated in the church, heartbroken she throws back the engagement ring and tells him never to contact her again.
Fast forward five years and Holden now an working for a security and investigation company has the shock of his life when Claudia arrives at his office needing his help. He has never stopped loving her and is determined to win her back. She has had a number of near miss accidents that were obviously planned to hurt her and is now being blackmailed with intimate photos from when she and Holden were together. Holden decides that he will need to stay with her and guard her at the same time taking steps to ensure they get back together, he still desperately loves her.
There is much action in the story with a good cast of characters, you’re kept guessing as to who is responsible for all the attacks on them both.
With a good conclusion I enjoyed this book very much.
My thanks to net galley and publisher for the opportunity to review this book honestly.
1,066 reviews11 followers
April 23, 2023
Wow!! What an incredible romantic suspense. This novel weaves together an amazing tale of heartbreaking loss, danger, and the lengths a man will go to protect the woman he loves.

When Claudia shows up at Wilde Elite Security & Protection Agency afraid and wanting to hire Holden as a bodyguard his every nerve is on edge hearing about all the frightening events that have been happening that no one else will take seriously. He doesn't for a hot minute believe they were just accidents. He disappeared from her life to keep her safe once but this time he will protect her at any cost.

Claudia is freaking out after several incidents where she was nearly seriously injured. Holden left her at the alter five years ago and probably isn't the best choice for a bodyguard but he is the one person she trusts with her life. When the freak accidents continue, the bodies and suspects piling up, will Holden be able to protect Claudia from an unseen evil hiding in plain sight?

I received an ARC and voluntarily offer this review.
2,521 reviews42 followers
April 27, 2023
She was crushed. He said he was sorry. He wouldn’t be at their wedding. Claudia needs protection and uses her ex-fiancé’s name to gain an appointment at Wilde Security. She didn’t expect to see former MMA fighter and her ex, Holden Blackwell who she hasn’t seen since their wedding, that wasn’t, five years ago. Holden is stunned to see Claudia in his office. Her world must really be on fire as that is the only reason that she would contact him. When she tells him of the “accidents” she has had, he realizes that someone is trying to kill her and is determined to protect her. Calling on Wilde resources, he slowly learns of the danger surrounding her. Moving back into her world as her reunited lover, there are people in whom she placed her trust, who may have been working their own agenda. Will Holden find out who before it is too late? Another thrilling romantic suspense by one of the best with a strong heroine who won’t stand idly by as her world is torn apart. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (paytonpuppy)
Profile Image for Misty.
1,299 reviews30 followers
May 11, 2023
I loved Holden and Claudia's story. Holden left Claudia at the alter five years ago with an "i'm sorry" and this disappeared. Now, she is going to him for help because someone is stalking her and her brother thinks that it is just her bad luck. He never forgot her and when she shows up asking for help he vows to do whatever he can to not only win her trust again but to keep her safe.

Claudia was heartbroken when Holden left her, but as he reveals what really happened and what he was involved in, she opens up and begins to trust him again. Once they start unraveling the mystery secrets are revealed that are tied to five years ago. It takes everyone working together to survive the bad guy coming for them.

Cynthia Eden always delivers heroes and heroines you cannot help but love. Holden and Claudia are no different and I loved their chemistry. I did not expect the bad guy to be who it was which just keeps you on the edge of your seat. I highly recommend this book and I hope you enjoy!

Received ARC in exchange for voluntary honest review
849 reviews14 followers
April 27, 2023
How to Heal a Heartbreak is the 2nd book in the Wilde Ways: Gone Rogue series which is a spin-off of the Wilde Ways Series by this incredible author. It's amazing to me that she can create different and unique story lines each and every time she releases a new book! Holden and Claudia's journey is absolutely heartbreaking and inspiring and I loved every minute of it. Be prepared to spend some time with this couple because you won't want to stop reading once you start their story. Suspense, family dynamics, mystery, intrigue, steamy chemistry, twists and turns -- it's all here and what we've come to expect from Ms. Eden. It's romantic suspense personified. I'm always sad when I finish reading one of her books, but on the other hand, I'm always excited to find out what she has in store for us next. Can't wait! I'm grateful to have been given the opportunity to read and review an advance copy of this book through NetGalley.
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