What do you think?
Rate this book
The Walker Five #1
Conflict of Interest
A hard-working man....
When Dillon swaggers into Elle's office, she fully understands the appeal of a small-town farmer. He’s handsome, charming, helps run his family’s successful farm and ranch, and he’s definitely interested in her. But she is more than gun-shy of someone like Dillon, the kind of guy who coasts along, convincing everyone that it's all good.
Dillon's life is on track. If only he could convince his family not to worry. When someone starts tampering with his farm, his livelihood, he can deal. If only he could convince Elle not to worry.
As Elle falls for him, her past taunts her with all the reasons why a future with Dillon won’t work. If he can’t face his demons, not even she’ll be able to help him - and she won’t stick around to watch.
A Midwest spin on the cowboy romance!
When Dillon swaggers into Elle's office, she fully understands the appeal of a small-town farmer. He’s handsome, charming, helps run his family’s successful farm and ranch, and he’s definitely interested in her. But she is more than gun-shy of someone like Dillon, the kind of guy who coasts along, convincing everyone that it's all good.
Dillon's life is on track. If only he could convince his family not to worry. When someone starts tampering with his farm, his livelihood, he can deal. If only he could convince Elle not to worry.
As Elle falls for him, her past taunts her with all the reasons why a future with Dillon won’t work. If he can’t face his demons, not even she’ll be able to help him - and she won’t stick around to watch.
A Midwest spin on the cowboy romance!
7 pages, Audible Audio
First published October 1, 2017
716 people are currently reading
1102 people want to read
About the author
Marie Johnston
100 books1,060 followersMarie Johnston is an award-winning, best-selling paranormal and contemporary romance writer. She grew up in the upper Midwest and planned to go to college for English. Didn't happen. She started college in accounting and was awful! Grabbing her inner science geek by the pocket protector, she changed to microbiology and medical technology where her only writing involved scientific articles and procedures.
Eventually, she left full-time work for full-time baby raising but kept thinking, "one day, I'd like to write a book." Finally, before any more time passed, Marie decided to buckle down and write. She loves it!
Eventually, she left full-time work for full-time baby raising but kept thinking, "one day, I'd like to write a book." Finally, before any more time passed, Marie decided to buckle down and write. She loves it!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
July 8, 2019
DNF
I think this is the case I got fooled by the blurp. I mean addiction issue usually guarantee a decent/ very good read. But not for this book. What turns my off is the chemistry between the Hero and the heroine. Even the insta lust feel forced. Also some writing style, wording, sentence structure lacks depth. It feels really flat.
I try to finish the book. But I only can manage to read until 60% and then I have to drop it. Nothing clicks with me.
2 stars
I think this is the case I got fooled by the blurp. I mean addiction issue usually guarantee a decent/ very good read. But not for this book. What turns my off is the chemistry between the Hero and the heroine. Even the insta lust feel forced. Also some writing style, wording, sentence structure lacks depth. It feels really flat.
I try to finish the book. But I only can manage to read until 60% and then I have to drop it. Nothing clicks with me.
2 stars
did-not-finish
December 3, 2023DNF at 1%. The premise of an alcoholic not seeing that he's an alcoholic coming to an addiction counselor and immediately hitting on her isn't working for me. Especially since her dads a recovering alcoholic. Too much for me.
March 13, 2018
Maybe it's my Minnesota roots, or maybe it's just this is a well written romance with a side of mystery, or maybe it's the fact that the characters come to life and I could relate to then on so many levels. Whatever it is, I really liked this book! Clean editing, nice dose of suspense, with passion and realism that's hard to come by. I'm putting Johnston at the top of my author's to read list.
July 14, 2018
I was rooting for them!
Loved Dillon and Elle. I was rooting for them the whole time. Glad he was able to realize his problem before it was too late! Would recommend this book. I couldn’t put it down.
Loved Dillon and Elle. I was rooting for them the whole time. Glad he was able to realize his problem before it was too late! Would recommend this book. I couldn’t put it down.
October 25, 2017
This book is listed as Book 1 in the series and is a stand-alone novel.
Dillon and Elle’s story – they meet at her work place where she’s a counsellor and have an instant spark. Their emotions feel real as they try to overcome the issues holding them back.
I really enjoyed this book it is well written, and I liked the pace; the author knows how to weave a good tale and does so brilliantly.
If you love romance, mild sexy scenes and a little intrigue then go for it. I’m off to read the next one in the series, Mustang Summer.
***I was offered this book in exchange for an honest review. These are my thoughts on the story***
Dillon and Elle’s story – they meet at her work place where she’s a counsellor and have an instant spark. Their emotions feel real as they try to overcome the issues holding them back.
I really enjoyed this book it is well written, and I liked the pace; the author knows how to weave a good tale and does so brilliantly.
If you love romance, mild sexy scenes and a little intrigue then go for it. I’m off to read the next one in the series, Mustang Summer.
***I was offered this book in exchange for an honest review. These are my thoughts on the story***
July 8, 2019
Dillion Walker goes to see an addiction counselor, Elle Brady, because he promised his Dad he would. He doesn't think he has a problem. Elle sees right away that he does. He's attracted to her and she returns the feeling so she tries to get him to see another counselor but he gives up. They end up dating but she breaks it off after she sees him after a few beers. Elle has hang ups about addiction due to how she grew up. After an incident the night Elle breaks up with him, Dillion gets serious about addressing the problem. This was a very real story. I was glad they were able to work things out.
March 24, 2018
I am definitely a Marie Johnston fan. And this book is a great example of why. A perfect mix of romance, mystery and intrigue, a small dose of dealing with serious everyday issues and quite the healthy helping of steam. The characters are lovable and the plot will keep you glued to you device. Definitely one click worthy.
I received an ARC of the book and this is my honest review.
I received an ARC of the book and this is my honest review.
October 28, 2022
Enjoyed reading this story. 4☆
August 24, 2021
This was the first Marie Johnston book I've read. I came across it on Hoopla and decided to give it a listen. It wasn't terrible, but the dull narration certainly didn't help with this dual-POV book to make it more exciting. I found myself zoning out quite often. Of course, it could also be because both characters frustrated me and I wasn't really invested in their expected HEA outcome.
Dillon is an alcoholic, but he doesn't think he is. His family knows he has a problem and wants him to get help. So Dillon shows up at Elle's office since she's a therapist/counselor. To be fair though, he doesn't drink every single day, so he manages to function normally quite often. And that's the excuse he keeps telling himself for why he doesn't need help. But when he does go on a bender, things inevitably end poorly for him and the farm. His family farm suffers because someone keeps doing things to hurt their business and Dillon's property.
Elle grew up with an alcoholic father, so naturally, when Dillon makes advances towards her, she shies away because she doesn't want to go through what she went through growing up yet again. She's been there, done that, not interested in doing it again. But Dillon eventually wears her down and they begin dating.
Elle annoyed me at times because she always had one foot out of the relationship. I understood her reasoning for being cautious and agreed that Dillon really had an issue he needed to address before they could get too serious. But at times she just didn't want to give him a chance at all when he at least deserved one. So their reconciliation in the end came way after I would have expected. But I do commend Dillon for taking that step on his own to seek help from AA and get his life turned around. He wasn't a bad guy and deserved happiness. At least he figured it all out before things got too out of hand.
I wish we had gotten more of Elle/Dillon after they got back together. We get a glimpse of their life months later, but it's brief and leaves a lot to be desired. I wanted to see them out in public and their interactions with family, etc. I'm not sure if I'll continue the series, but am glad I at least gave this 'new to me' author a chance.
Dillon is an alcoholic, but he doesn't think he is. His family knows he has a problem and wants him to get help. So Dillon shows up at Elle's office since she's a therapist/counselor. To be fair though, he doesn't drink every single day, so he manages to function normally quite often. And that's the excuse he keeps telling himself for why he doesn't need help. But when he does go on a bender, things inevitably end poorly for him and the farm. His family farm suffers because someone keeps doing things to hurt their business and Dillon's property.
Elle grew up with an alcoholic father, so naturally, when Dillon makes advances towards her, she shies away because she doesn't want to go through what she went through growing up yet again. She's been there, done that, not interested in doing it again. But Dillon eventually wears her down and they begin dating.
Elle annoyed me at times because she always had one foot out of the relationship. I understood her reasoning for being cautious and agreed that Dillon really had an issue he needed to address before they could get too serious. But at times she just didn't want to give him a chance at all when he at least deserved one. So their reconciliation in the end came way after I would have expected. But I do commend Dillon for taking that step on his own to seek help from AA and get his life turned around. He wasn't a bad guy and deserved happiness. At least he figured it all out before things got too out of hand.
I wish we had gotten more of Elle/Dillon after they got back together. We get a glimpse of their life months later, but it's brief and leaves a lot to be desired. I wanted to see them out in public and their interactions with family, etc. I'm not sure if I'll continue the series, but am glad I at least gave this 'new to me' author a chance.
January 30, 2022
This delicious page turner is an awesome gift from The Billionaire Book Boyfriend Group. Thanks Ladies!
Addiction Therapist, Elle, is caught between a rock and a hard place. Her life is miserable because of her father's addiction to alcohol as well as other health issues. So the last thing she needs to do is get involved with Dillon, her new patient, who is also addicted to alcohol. Mainly because it could cost her her job, her heart, and the income she needs to support her dad.
However, the secrets Dillon carries from his time in the military, has caused him to lose hope that he will ever escape the nightmares that plague his mental health. So how can he give up the only thing that helps him sleep?
Addiction Therapist, Elle, is caught between a rock and a hard place. Her life is miserable because of her father's addiction to alcohol as well as other health issues. So the last thing she needs to do is get involved with Dillon, her new patient, who is also addicted to alcohol. Mainly because it could cost her her job, her heart, and the income she needs to support her dad.
However, the secrets Dillon carries from his time in the military, has caused him to lose hope that he will ever escape the nightmares that plague his mental health. So how can he give up the only thing that helps him sleep?
October 27, 2017
First in a Series.
Dillon doesn’t think he has a problem but to honour his father’s dying wish he commits to seeing a counsellor but only one who is new to town and doesn’t know him personally. The only trouble is that the moment he sees Elle he is interested in her as a woman. It would be unprofessional for Elle to get involved with Dillon and hazardous to her heart to fall for a man intent on denying his alcohol problem. An interesting love story, mixed with strong family ties plus the mystery of an individual trying to destroy Dillon’s life. HFN ending.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not compensated for my review, and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion expressed here is my own.
Dillon doesn’t think he has a problem but to honour his father’s dying wish he commits to seeing a counsellor but only one who is new to town and doesn’t know him personally. The only trouble is that the moment he sees Elle he is interested in her as a woman. It would be unprofessional for Elle to get involved with Dillon and hazardous to her heart to fall for a man intent on denying his alcohol problem. An interesting love story, mixed with strong family ties plus the mystery of an individual trying to destroy Dillon’s life. HFN ending.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not compensated for my review, and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion expressed here is my own.
August 21, 2018
Conflict Of Interest is my first book by Marie Johnston, and honestly, I wouldn't mind reading more. Ms. Johnston has delivered a well-written book. The characters are fresh and lovable, totally awesome. Dillon returns home from the Army and takes on running the family business with his cousins. Elle is an addiction counselor. Elle and Dillon's story is loaded with drama, humor, action, sizzle and suspense. I enjoyed reading Conflict Of Interest and look forward to reading more from Marie Johnston in the future. Conflict Of Interest is book 1 of The Walker Five Series but can easily be read as a standalone. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.
July 9, 2021
I would have given this book 5 stars except for the sloppy proofreading. Just little things like transposing the order of words. There were also a lot of dangling participles, which probably wouldn't bother a lot of people, but as a former English teacher, I take note of such things.
The characterization was excellent, and the author did an excellent job of tackling the topics of substance abuse and PTSD. Dillon and Elle came across as very real people, flaws and all. The hurdles they had to overcome in order to have a lasting relationship were realistic, not just silly misunderstandings, such as are found in some romances. This is a great start to what I'm sure is a fantastic series.
The characterization was excellent, and the author did an excellent job of tackling the topics of substance abuse and PTSD. Dillon and Elle came across as very real people, flaws and all. The hurdles they had to overcome in order to have a lasting relationship were realistic, not just silly misunderstandings, such as are found in some romances. This is a great start to what I'm sure is a fantastic series.
October 10, 2017
I volunteered to read this book as an ARC and truly enjoyed it!
Dillion and Ellie don't seem like a good match, right from the start, based on how they meet. But when it comes to the heart, the heart doesn't really listen to logic.
The heat between these two is steaming hot and the emotional connection is forged at their first meeting. There is also a really good element of suspense woven throughout the story that makes it so much more enjoyable. And the families of the two are really entertaining too.
Dillion and Ellie don't seem like a good match, right from the start, based on how they meet. But when it comes to the heart, the heart doesn't really listen to logic.
The heat between these two is steaming hot and the emotional connection is forged at their first meeting. There is also a really good element of suspense woven throughout the story that makes it so much more enjoyable. And the families of the two are really entertaining too.
January 19, 2018
This book about a woman, Elle, with a father who's been an alcoholic meets a great guy, Dillon. His family says he has an alcohol problem, but he doesn't agree with them.
Meanwhile someone is trying to scare Dillon of his property.
They feel attracted to each other, but they have to find out if they both can live with their past and make a future together.
Meanwhile someone is trying to scare Dillon of his property.
They feel attracted to each other, but they have to find out if they both can live with their past and make a future together.
August 14, 2018
A conflict in Elle's mind
Good story. Touches on addiction, primarily alcohol. The drama happening on the ranch built up nicely but seemed bland in the end. The ending felt like there should be more. It's more like a promise of a happy ending. Overall quality of writing was good, proofreading had a few glitches. No cheating or cliffhanger. Enjoy
Good story. Touches on addiction, primarily alcohol. The drama happening on the ranch built up nicely but seemed bland in the end. The ending felt like there should be more. It's more like a promise of a happy ending. Overall quality of writing was good, proofreading had a few glitches. No cheating or cliffhanger. Enjoy
August 18, 2018
Enjoyable
Dillon denying that he has PTSD or a drinking problem. He was sets up with coinciding before he died. Now he's going only because of Elle not growing up in the small town. He's attracted to her and she to him but they can't act on it as long as he is a client. But she takes care of her dad who has had a lifelong problem with alcohol. Can they make it work.
Dillon denying that he has PTSD or a drinking problem. He was sets up with coinciding before he died. Now he's going only because of Elle not growing up in the small town. He's attracted to her and she to him but they can't act on it as long as he is a client. But she takes care of her dad who has had a lifelong problem with alcohol. Can they make it work.
January 19, 2018
Romance novel with a mystery
This book is a romance novel with a mystery twist. Elle is caring for her ailing father, moved to a new town and started a new job. That is where she meets Dillon. He is a dream to look at but everything she has been avoiding in a man or is he?
This book is a romance novel with a mystery twist. Elle is caring for her ailing father, moved to a new town and started a new job. That is where she meets Dillon. He is a dream to look at but everything she has been avoiding in a man or is he?
Want to read
March 28, 2020💝 FREE on Amazon today (3/11/2018)!💝
August 8, 2022
An interesting plot and the author's excellent knowledge on farming and addictions maintained my interest. Elle was an addictions counselor, having just moved to a small town for the job, with her father who had medical and past addictions issues. Right away, she meets Dillon, a handsome farmer, who was recently discharged from the army after two tours in Iraq. Unfortunately, the 'conflict of interest' occurs when he comes in for counseling persuaded by family and there is an attraction. Not ready to admit to a problem, he chooses not to con't counseling, however, meets up with Elle at a nursing home where both parents are residents. The attraction heats up (steamy, explicit ongoing sex - not for everybody), along with a sideline mystery of someone attempting to sabotage Dillon's farm. With the other unsolved issues, they separate for several months since her boss has noticed and she's put on further probation. Good writing, research, story line, added mystery, however, surprisingly towards the end of the book are several typos to include words reversed, left out, or repeated that should be rectified.
February 23, 2021
Dillon goes to see Elle because his family believes he is an alcoholic. He does not believe he is. When they meet each other both are instantly attracted but Elle knows nothing can come of it because she is his counselor. Dillon won't let her go and keeps trying to change their relationship. Things happen that force Dillon to face the truth and Elle has to face her past.
I enjoyed these characters. Dillon and Elle are made for each other. The world building is good for the series as many of the characters are introduced here and pasts and presents are given. The story was good. I started reading and could not put it down. I look forward to the rest of the stories.
I enjoyed these characters. Dillon and Elle are made for each other. The world building is good for the series as many of the characters are introduced here and pasts and presents are given. The story was good. I started reading and could not put it down. I look forward to the rest of the stories.
September 26, 2023
Dillon and Elle
Elle grew up with an alcoholic father and is now an addiction counselor. Dillon goes to her for counseling and there is an immediate attraction. She struggles with dating him even after he is no longer her patient. I thought the business of her job being threatened was unnecessary since she had done nothing wrong. It felt like a manufactured problem and made me like her less. Dillon's drinking was about numbing his problems and not an addiction to alcohol, which she should have recognized. That part of the story was not well done, but the rest of the story was good. 3.5 stars
Elle grew up with an alcoholic father and is now an addiction counselor. Dillon goes to her for counseling and there is an immediate attraction. She struggles with dating him even after he is no longer her patient. I thought the business of her job being threatened was unnecessary since she had done nothing wrong. It felt like a manufactured problem and made me like her less. Dillon's drinking was about numbing his problems and not an addiction to alcohol, which she should have recognized. That part of the story was not well done, but the rest of the story was good. 3.5 stars
May 18, 2022
Elle isn't looking for love but finds it
Elle's a psychiatrist who just moved into the tiny town of Moore from a big city. Dillon is a farmer who's lived in Moore since birth except for the 8 years in the Army. He's seeing Elle because his family thinks he's an alcoholic. One look at each other & their smitten. Elle, worried about her job & alcoholic father, doesn't want to go through it with him. Dillon has someone stalking & causing problems for him. How will they come together, handle the stalker & have a HEA? The book tells all.
Elle's a psychiatrist who just moved into the tiny town of Moore from a big city. Dillon is a farmer who's lived in Moore since birth except for the 8 years in the Army. He's seeing Elle because his family thinks he's an alcoholic. One look at each other & their smitten. Elle, worried about her job & alcoholic father, doesn't want to go through it with him. Dillon has someone stalking & causing problems for him. How will they come together, handle the stalker & have a HEA? The book tells all.
October 27, 2022
Dillon Walker is a rancher and recovering alcoholic who sees Elle Brady an addiction counselor as he promised his Dad’s dying wish. Dillon and Elle are attracted to each other and Elle advises Dillon to seek treatment with another counselor due to conflict of interest. They start dating but Elle breaks up with Dillon when he starts drinking again. Dillon’s truck is stolen and needs Elle’s help for recovery. She helps him but advises him that their relationship won’t work out. I really enjoyed this western romance novel.
March 8, 2020
Great book to kick off the series
I truly loved this book. The storyline was sweet, sincere, and honest. The H and h were not perfect. They were not billionaires. They weren't people to sleep with a different person every night. The H immediately knew that he wanted to date the h. He was honest about his feelings. There was minor drama but ended with a HEA. Definitely read this book.
I truly loved this book. The storyline was sweet, sincere, and honest. The H and h were not perfect. They were not billionaires. They weren't people to sleep with a different person every night. The H immediately knew that he wanted to date the h. He was honest about his feelings. There was minor drama but ended with a HEA. Definitely read this book.
March 12, 2020
A great read. Following all the up and downs of this couple had me hook from the beginning. She had a hard life and he was from a loving family but life is hard for them both now. She has a father that she has to take care of and he has a drinking problem he will not admit to having. The same thing her father struggle with most of her life.And who is trying to destroy his family farm and why. You will be hook.
January 6, 2022
Dillion Walker & Elle Brady
This didn't do it for me, and I thought an addiction counselor who grew up with an addict falling for a patient was going to be explosive.
The insta lust/love, the mystery of who was trying to sabbotage Dillion, nor the issues they faced with the addiction (he was in denial) were enough to make this story POP.
It just wasn't for me. Maybe my audiobook was missing something.
This didn't do it for me, and I thought an addiction counselor who grew up with an addict falling for a patient was going to be explosive.
The insta lust/love, the mystery of who was trying to sabbotage Dillion, nor the issues they faced with the addiction (he was in denial) were enough to make this story POP.
It just wasn't for me. Maybe my audiobook was missing something.
January 22, 2023
I received a copy of this book for free
The story was good, well written and well edited. The main characters are likeable, and the problems that pop up are actually dealt with not skipped over. The woman is a strong character who does what she has to and the male character grows and develops through the book. It doesnt waft or go too slow, it deals with each story line in its time and even the minor characters get some development throughout the book.
Will read more by this author
The story was good, well written and well edited. The main characters are likeable, and the problems that pop up are actually dealt with not skipped over. The woman is a strong character who does what she has to and the male character grows and develops through the book. It doesnt waft or go too slow, it deals with each story line in its time and even the minor characters get some development throughout the book.
Will read more by this author
April 20, 2020
Conflict of Interest(the Walker Five book one)
This is a really good book that keeps your interest throughout the whole book.There is mystery,romance and a family feud.You aren’t sure who is the bad guy until almost the end,and isn’t who you were sure it was.At least the one I thought it was.If you’re like me,you’ll have a hard time putting it down.
This is a really good book that keeps your interest throughout the whole book.There is mystery,romance and a family feud.You aren’t sure who is the bad guy until almost the end,and isn’t who you were sure it was.At least the one I thought it was.If you’re like me,you’ll have a hard time putting it down.
July 29, 2021
Great story!
It is so sad that PTSD is a thing that most people don’t realize that they have it. He tried to deny his troubles and Elle was plying it hard to except someone with an addiction. Her friend, Betsy told her about her and her husband and I think it hit home, people need second chances.
It is so sad that PTSD is a thing that most people don’t realize that they have it. He tried to deny his troubles and Elle was plying it hard to except someone with an addiction. Her friend, Betsy told her about her and her husband and I think it hit home, people need second chances.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews