Cole

Protecting You, Finding Us #4

by C.E. Johnson

She’s my best friend’s little sister.  And one bed changes everything between us.
I’ve spent the last fifteen years trying to convince myself my heart is a liar.
I don’t love her. Yes, I do. Not like that. Exactly like that.
Getting a front-row seat to her life has been a form of torture I’ve gotten used to.
I watched her date, have a son, and grow into the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen.
I’m her first call and will always show up.
Because I’m one of the few men she trusts.
She tells me everything.
Until now.
I find out Steph is keeping a secret.
But so am I.
And just when everything comes to light, someone tries to take it all away. 
I’ll do anything for her and her son.
Even if that means telling her everything.

When the secrets slip from our lips, will we fall into each other, or will they destroy everything we've worked so hard to protect?

Genres: Friends To Lovers

201 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 25, 2023

About the author

C.E. Johnson writes protective hero romance with a side of suspense!

She wrote her first book in 2017 and hasn't stopped writing since. C.E. is best known for her romantic suspense series, The Elements of the Heart, which features protective heroes, strong heroines in danger, small town feels, and love that will have your heart swelling.

She's a dog lover, iced coffee enthusiast, and dreams of living in a cabin deep in the woods one day like so many of her characters do.

C.E. Johnson currently lives in the Midwest with her husband, two kids, and a bunch of spoiled rotten animals.

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Reviews

[♡︎ Kesa Subban ♡︎ · Rating 5 out of 5]

ꍏꋪꏳ ꋪꏂ꒦ꀤꏂꅐ
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨 - Cole
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐞 - Steph
5 𝒫𝓇𝒾𝓃𝒸ℯ𝓈𝓈 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬
𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐎𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐧

𝐶𝑜𝑙𝑒 𝐵𝑦 𝐶.𝐸 𝐽𝑜ℎ𝑛𝑠𝑜𝑛

Last book in this series, and I can't believe it's over.

Steph, is a single mother who also co-parents with her ex. For the past year everything changed when she received results concerning her health, she is dealing with it alone, as she does not want to burden her loved ones.

Cole, does not have an easy relationship with his parents, as they have expectations of him that they believe he doesn't fulfill. He worked hard to open up his barbershop and he takes great pride in it. His family is friends, and he has been in love with one of his friends "Steph" for years but has not once crossed that line.

Cole and Steph's relationship was just beautiful and his love for for Levi(Steph's son) ♥️...the chemistry was intense add in a one bed trope 🔥...with a flower sending stalker!

𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝓁ℯ𝓉𝓈 𝓃ℴ𝓉 𝒻ℴ𝓇ℊℴ𝓉 𝒻𝓇ℯ𝒹𝒹𝓎!!! 😂

𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬

River, Jaxon and Zayn...loved catching up with them and there partners.

And Garrett??? Yup, can't wait for his book!!!

𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨 ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐞 💋💋💋💋💋
𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥 🥵
𝐏𝐥𝐨𝐭 📚📚📚📚📚
𝐄𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥 💧

[Tracey Vuolo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cole is a slow burn that had me throwing my kindle because I couldn’t wait for them to hit the sheets and admit that they loved each other in no particular order. Cole is my favorite & they are such a special couple! I have always been invested in the push and pull of Cole & Stephanie because they just get each other while they drive each other crazy!

Cole is sexy and protective but the way he loves Steph’s son Levi just gets me all emotional and I want to marry him right after I jump his bones! The way Carrie brought to light an immune disorder & a disability, be it one invisible & one more visible, in a delicate but realistic way made this story even more special to me. I felt for Stephanie in her struggles and understood why she just didn’t blurt everything out. When you get life changing news, everyone handles it in their own way at their own pace. I just wanted to hug her.

The way Steph & Cole are always there for each other no matter what is beautiful to witness and the fact that they were friends first makes their connection even stronger.
I needed and appreciated the hilarious moments in this story too. You need to read this book for the heartfelt & funny moments that had me swooning so hard - the car, the plane, the picture, the haircut & the string!! From the cat and his crazy antics, to the spider & the old and new pjs, I laughed out loud so much! Cole’s aunt & uncle are the best too! I am going to really miss this group of friends! This story had my emotions all over the place with the drama, the secrets, the danger, the amazing friends and so much love woven throughout that I kept turning the pages to eat it all up!!

Tracey, Life Reads With Friends

[Chelsea · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I take a deep breath before I climb in next to the woman who has my whole heart and doesn’t even know it.”

Cole is best friends with Steph’s brother, Jaxon so they have known each other since their childhood. Steph is close with all of her brother’s friends but her and Cole have always had a special bond and connection.

Cole is such a good man that battled a very sad childhood. He survived in part because of the critical role Steph’s family played in helping him.

Steph is a strong independent single mom. She doesn’t like to bother people with her problems which leads her to keep a very big secret from her friends and family, including Cole.

I have loved every book in this series and this book is no exception. Cole’s book did not disappoint. Cole and Steph are magic together! On top of their chemistry you feel such a deep connection between the two. The connection between Cole and Steph’s son, Levi, is also amazing. He is so patient and loving with him.

I’m sad to see this series end, but overjoyed to see what the next series has in store!

Read this book if you love:
- Brother’s Best Friend / Best Friend’s Little Sister
- Secret pining (by both)
- One bed
- Small Town
- A Touch of Suspense

[Jenn the Readaholic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Secrets are revealed, some before the keepers of them are ready for Cole and Steph. But you know what? Sometimes, secrets need to be spilled to drive away the fears of loneliness and lifetimes of misery. Or the long-outdated promise that should have been given an expiration date far before now. Because these two are perfect for each other, and they have been for quite some time. Stubbornness and insecurities are all that stood between them and true happiness, so I’m glad they have it now!

Be ready, though. There’s a lot of emotion and worry packed into these pages. And the fact that one thing is so clearly portrayed that you can feel the exhaustion and the joint pain tells me that this author is unafraid of some vulnerability, for both her men and women. Because while Cole does some saving of Steph, the opposite is just as true. Steph definitely does some saving of Cole along the way, and they both make me want more time with them. Add in the introduction of who’s coming next and I’m just as hooked now as I have been after “the end” of every book by this author up to now. I absolutely just know what’s ahead for a certain guy and big open skies!

[CLEO · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so happy to see Cole gets his HEA with Step! They’re perfect for each other.

Steph is going through a secretly rough patch, hiding away from her brother and his friends about something important that’s going on in her life.

Cole is being Cole. Overly protective of his best friends and always on alert anytime Steph needs him but the longing he has for her just keeps getting stronger and stronger.

Their story is full of suspense and secrets and the twist will keep you turning the pages.

[Joni Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book!! Cole and Steph have an awesome bond.. They both had feelings for each other but never acted on it or even said anything about it. Cole kept his feelings to himself out of respect for Stephs brother, Jaxon.. Steph never acted on her feelings for Cole cuz of everything that she's been dealing with and didn't want her brother to worry.. This one is a love for the ages!!!

[Carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ahhh, finally! Cole & Steph have been friends for as long as they can remember. And they've been in love with each other for ages. Of course, they have hurdles to get through because of Cole's past, his friendship with Jaxon, and neither of them wanting to rock the friend-group dynamic!

I love their closeness & banter, the special things that are just "theirs" outside of the larger group. I love Cole's attention to, understanding of, and sincere friendship with Levi. I love the co-parenting relationship depicted with Isaac & Tori for Levi. And I ADORE the mischievous Freddy!!! 🤣

This was a great finale to the series, and we miiight get a peek into the next connected series. 🧡 There's suspense & steam & humor (Zayn! Lololol) & LOVE!!

😍😍😍😍

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cole is the perfect friend to have . He never leaves you to hang out by yourself. Stephanie is a hardworking single mom. It is hard for Stephanie to put herself out there & losing a person she loves again. Levi will steal your heart. He is such a mature young man with a heart of gold . I enjoyed catching up with the cast . I did find some little nuggets in the book that may turn into more stories .

[Jaimie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew I would love Cole and Steph!
Cole hits on a couple of favorite tropes, single mom and brother's best friend. This book you get the friends to lovers with some suspense.

Cole and Steph have been friends for a long time, and through that friendship, they have become close. Through the series, you can see the closeness that they have.

Steph and Cole have that attraction that burns just under the surface, and I loved seeing them get their HEA!

[tiffany_reads_books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolute perfection !!

CE Johnson is one of my favorite authors and I adore every book she has ever written.

The characters are always amazing, the friend group and bromance just makes me so dang happy.

Stephanie and Cole were amazing. They had such an incredible bond that was truly built on tragedy, but they always supported each other and always had each others backs. Levi was adorable and of course we got lot of laughs from freddy.

Definitely a must read and I am so sad this series is over

[Missy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a new to me author and series and I enjoyed this book.

Cole is best friends with Steph's brother, Jaxon. They have been in each others lives since they were kids. Steph is friends with all of her brother's best friends but she has a very special bond with Cole. Cole is in love with his best friends little sister, but promised his best friend he would never cross that line. Steph is also a single mom, and Cole is an important part of her sons life as much as hers. She is also in love with Cole, but stays firmly in the friend zone. It's not until a party out of town and only one bed that finally gets these two to cross the friendship line, but what happens once they do?

What I like about this book:
*I really liked Steph's character, she is such a strong independent woman. She doesn't want to worry anyone with her problems, which leads to her keeping a very big secret from her brother and Cole.
*Cole is such a good man, he had a rough childhood and really only got through because of Steph and her family. I think that is what speaks to their close bond and also why he spent years loving her but not crossing the line, he didn't want to ruin his friendship with Jaxon.
*The relationship Cole has with Steph's son. They have such a sweet friendship, you can tell Cole really loves him.
*The pining! So much pining between the two of them
*The slow burn! I love a good slow burn and these two dance around each other for most of the book and you really just want to scream at them to hurry up already 😂.
*There is a little suspense in this book too, which is quickly becoming a favorite of mine.

I will say that I would've liked a little more detail added to the suspense story line. I liked the way it ended, but I would've liked a little more added in to the lead up to the conclusion.

Overall, I did enjoy this book. I was able to read it 1 sitting (hello puppy who keeps waking up at 4am). If you love some brothers best friend with some slow burn and added suspense then you should pick this one up!

[Jenny Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cole and Steph

This was different from the other three books in this series. There wasn’t as much suspense, and it was secondary to the plot. Steph and Cole had known, and loved, each other for years so there was no insta love and if you’ve read the previous three books in the series, their relationship has been teased endlessly.

I wasn’t expecting where this book lead. Cole had a lot of baggage underneath his man-child persona. He may love cereal and watching cartoons, but there is so much more to him. Steph was also hiding some major secrets and had her own baggage to get over. There was a lot of push and pull between Steph and Cole and this ended up being more of a slow burn with a good amount of one step forward, two steps back.

Every time I read a brother’s best friend romance I find myself comparing it to Ross, Monica and Chandler from friends. And Jaxon’s reaction to Cole and Steph was very reminiscent of Ross’ reaction to Chandler and Monica. There was definitely some conflict resolution that needed to happen between the three of them, especially after Steph found out the truth behind why Cole had turned her down so many years ago. But I loved how it all worked out. It was definitely a right guy, wrong time situation and it was very evident they needed to go through everything they had in life to be able to be together happily.

After seeing them in the background for three books, I’m glad Cole and Steph finally got their HEA. The only thing I would have added to this book was more Levi. A big part of Steph’s identity was being a single mom to a boy with disabilities, and I feel like that was just overlooked. I loved the relationship Levi and Cole already had and I would have loved to see more of the three of them together.

[ReadonReader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cole and Steph have known each other all their lives and while feelings have always burned in the background neither could forgive themselves if they shot their shot and lost it all and this has left them always in the friend zone no matter how they both ache to be out of there. Steph is a single mother to a beautiful child, Levi, and the way the author made her and her ex these amazing characters that didn’t hate each other and coparented so well was incredible and refreshing. Steph loves Cole as a friend, as someone who knows her better than herself, as a guy that adores her so like he is his own, and mostly as the man she wants in her life forever even if it breaks her heart not to have that love returned. Cole is incredible in so many ways but years of being conditioned that he could never amount to anything has him ignoring his feelings for Steph because he doesn’t feel like he would ever be good enough. With both of them hiding behind their pain and feelings will they be able to always keep them tucked away or will it all come out eventually leading to so much more? The author took so many different situations both were going through and handled them so delicately and perfectly you can’t help how emotional and real they feel. It’s so easy to fall for all these characters and the suspense keeps you glued to edge of your seat wondering what will happen next. I really wished we could have seen Cole stand up to his father and gain that piece of himself back but it all worked out perfectly in the end.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cole is a perfect hero!

Cole is the fourth and final Protecting You, Finding Us book and a perfect finale to a fabulous series. Barber Cole and single mom Stephanie grew up together and because Cole and Jaxon (Stephanie’s brother) were best friends, there could never be anything between them. Cole is a sweet, loving, and protective hero whom I fell in love with. He and Stephanie’s relationship was complex; how they are there for one another, protect each other, and have unrequited feelings for each other. There were moments when my heart wept for Cole and his desire to be more than he was told he could be all his life. Stephanie is a momma bear for her son Levi, and I loved the way she treasured and protected him. Levi is adorable and quite a precocious little man. I melted each time Cole and Levi were together. He treats Levi as if he were his own son and protects him, every bit as much as he protects Stephanie. This series has been wonderful. I want to be friends with them and join in the fun Family nights with them. C. E. Johnson has created characters that have been enjoyable to read and get to know. I’m looking forward to whatever she brings to us next.

[Jacqueline Claxton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so not prepared for the water works to start in Chapter 3. Yes, chapter 3. Steph was an amazing heroine and even though what she went through may be different for others with the same diagnosis, you did it justice Miss C.
If you’ve read other books from this series or this author, you know there is always a twist. It’s going along as a sweet and innocent love story. Then all of a sudden, BAM! Here’s the twist. In this one, it was like watching a scene from a scary movie. I wanted to yell at Steph because you knew something bad was going to happen and being the smart one she is, she should have known better. Cole’s instincts save the day on more than one occasion - thank goodness.
“Cole” is a nice easy read (Yay for short chapters or ones with breaks, LOL), isn’t repetitive, has laugh out loud moments, and a setting that is described in a way you feel like you're there in it with the characters.

[Nina · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet ending to the series

This series ends with a happy sigh. It may be a quick read, but it still felt like the slowest of burns even though much of it occurred well before the book is set. Steph and Cole have the best of friendships, but you still feel the deep longing they have to be more. Cole’s relationship with Steph’s special need son just melts your heart, and you can’t help but laugh at the antics of Freddy the cat, and another special appearance of Saige’s jumping spider. We also get an introduction to a bunch of new characters when Cole travels to Montana for a family function, which looks to be the set-up for a whole new series. The situation between Cole and his dad does feel like a loose thread left dangling, but it doesn’t take away from the happy ending to a truly enjoyable series.

[Chrissy Busick · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those books that leaves you a little lost for words. So forgive me as I stumble through a review for this incredible book. If you have read the other books in this series, you probably already suspected something brewing between Cole and Steph. If you haven't read them, that's completely fine too.

These 2 wonderful characters have been friends for most of their life. Cole is Steph's brother's best friend. He has spent time helping her and going out of his way to help with her son. Steph is a strong, independent woman and single mom. These too have both kept their feelings locked up tight for different reasons. But just wait for the sparks to fly!!!

I loved these characters so much. Levi was so adorably written. I couldn't have imagined a more perfect story for Cole and Steph.

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fourth book in this phenomenal series, and this is Cole and Steph’s story. Steph is a hardworking single mom to her little son Levi, and Cole is her brother’s best friend. These two have know each other since childhood, and Cole is protective, patient, and loving. Cole and Steph have loved each other for some time but have keep their feeling to themselves. This is a beautifully written emotional roller coaster, with family, friendships, trust, a tad danger, secrets, insecurities, survival, humor, witty banter, and love, which leads to an entertaining and steamy small-town romance.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love!

Sometimes letting others in can change everything for the better!
Steph and Cole have known each other since they were kids but she has been off limits because she is the best friends little sister. Cole was always the one she would turn to when she needed anything and the two had become very close. For years neither one was willing to try to go to the next level for very different reasons but all bets are off once they decide to go for it! I loved everything about this book especially seeing the friendship between Cole and Steph change right before my eyes. Love CE Johnson and will read anything she writes!

[Victoria Wyatt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brother’s best friend sister. Cole has always looked out for Steph his best friend’s sister. Although she is close to all her brother’s friends her and Cole are the closest. He has always been the one she calls when she needs help. They also have secretly been in love with each other but neither have told the other. She has also been keeping another secret from him and everyone else. I loved the relationship between Cole and her son Levi. There is also a little suspense not a lot of spice but a good story nonetheless.

[Marley Centrella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cole by CE Johnson is Book 4 in the “Protecting you, Finding us” series. You DO NOT need to read the books in order to read this. Personally, I have only read book 3 and 4 thus far – HOWEVER I DO plan on going back to catch up.
These characters are SO LIKEABLE – each character has their own story and personality – but they are a group of friends so they are entwined in the story.
This book offers secrets, romance, lust, a little “Brother’s best friend” & Single mom….it’s so good – super fast read!

[Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

A -MAZ-ING

Gosh I just love any book she writes but man this one knocks it out of the park. I’ve always known Cole and Steph’s book would be special but this exceeds expectations. I love their deep friendship, their love for Levi, the unwavering support they have for each other, I mean they are just a beautifully written couple. Combine that with all their friends who we’ve come to know in previous books and you’ve got reader heaven. A must read.

[mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cole

Good story. More suspense than romance, which is good. This story can be read as a standalone but it will make more sense if you read the series in order. A few threads are left untied but they might get solved in the next book.
I love how C.E. Johnson handles the difficulties of lupus and a boy who is "on the spectrum" without making a big deal of it. Nicely done!

[Amber Goodwin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great end to the series. I enjoyed Cole and Stephanie 's story. There wasn't as much suspense in this book as there was the others in the series.

Stephanie and Cole have known each other forever. Will they be finally let their feelings show?

This was a good slow burn romance.

#kuread

[Rose Boniello · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cole and Steph

They’ve been in love since high school. Too stubborn and scared to act on their feelings. But as adults they were a bit too shy and hesitant to give things a try. But when they get together they’re explosive.

Great series ending! And great tease to the new series.

[Ronette · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing end to an amazing series! I have been waiting for Cole's story since we were first introduced in River's book. I love that hard topics are brought to life within these books which allow us to connect with these characters on a deeper level.

[Misty’s Corner Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

100% yes!

I sincerely hope C.E. Johnson never stops writing! I absolutely loved this final installment of her series, “Protecting You, Finding Us”! Cole and Steph were a hoot to read; there were many laughs and feels and hot and bothered moments!

[Nanedsmomba · Rating 4 out of 5]

My sweet and dreamy Cole!

Cole had captured my attention early on the series. His funny side was refreshing! The protectiveness of his friends, an endearing quality!
Stephanie was such a strong and independent person that I loved for Cole.
Their bond was unbreakable!
Very sweet and enjoyable story! And dang, the twist was a bitch! So glad that we got their story!
Read to find out what happens to them!

Nanedsmomba- reviewer and blogger for Life Reads With Friends

[Carolyn Glover · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read

A great book in this wonderful series. I recommend this book unreservedly and eagerly await the next book by this talented author

[Charlotte Troquille · Rating 5 out of 5]

awesome read

I liked the whole storyline .A friends to lovers story for the romantic at heart. You can’t go wrong with C E Johnson books .