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Broken Trust

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After five years of hell with an abusive husband, Natasha Hartford vows never to trust another man. Then she stumbles onto a murder scene and meets sexy, stubborn Homicide Detective Chase Brandon, a take-no-prisoners tough guy who’ll settle for nothing less than the truth. Sparks fly, but Chase’s suspicions and Natasha’s innate distrust block the way to happiness.

The detective struggles with his own troubled past and is determined to find the truth behind the shadows dimming Natasha's eyes. As more murders occur and a possible connection to her ex-husband appears, Chase fears her life is in danger.

Natasha and Chase race to find the killer before he strikes again. Their survival depends on their willingness to overcome their mistrust of one another. Will they overcome their fears and find love again?

350 pages, Paperback

Published March 5, 2018

21 people want to read

About the author

C.B. Clark

8 books105 followers
Award-winning author, C.B. Clark has written nine romantic suspense novels published by The Wild Rose Press. C.B. has always loved reading, especially romances, but it wasn’t until she lost her voice for a year that she considered writing her own romantic suspense stories. She grew up in Canada’s Northwest Territories and Yukon. Graduating with a degree in Anthropology and Archaeology, she has worked as an archaeologist and an educator. She enjoys hiking, canoeing, and snowshoeing with her husband and dog near her home in the wilderness of central British Columbia.

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
Profile Image for A.S.
194 reviews8 followers
April 24, 2018
3.75 Stars

I honestly love reading romantic suspense and although this was certainly not the best, I liked it.
I liked that it was fast paced and it kept my attention because I could hardly put it down.

But there was so many things I didn’t like, (mostly at the start) but I did grow to like it more as I read. Kinda.
I found parts of the book to be quiet cheesy and I did roll my eyes a good few times too.
I also thought there was a few cliches and I wasn’t really a fan of any of the characters, they all seemed to lack something. And that’s the main reason I didn’t rate it higher.
Profile Image for Liza O'Connor.
Author 58 books92 followers
March 7, 2018
Fabulous from start to ending.
I was captivated from the very first. Couldn’t put the book down.
Natasha is trying to regroup her life after an abusive marriage. Unfortunately, her Ex doesn’t believe in divorces nor in restraining orders. He stops by her house and demands she hides a briefcase which he’ll retrieve when the heat dies down. Worse yet, the cop in charge of a murder has already snagged her as a person of interest.
There is a very tangled web of secrets and secret relationships in this story. And while it took a long while to reach and unravel the complete truth, I found every event along the way most intriguing. And I even guessed one of the main surprises, so I am very proud of myself.
Superbly written and well-paced.
I have received this book as an ARC for a fair and impartial review. I have no personal connection to the author.
Profile Image for Sharon :).
379 reviews31 followers
August 7, 2019
Enjoyed this romance/drama/mystery. I always enjoy the audiobook narration of Bill Nevitt he makes any book engaging.
Profile Image for Crystal.
500 reviews1 follower
April 7, 2018
Are you looking for a romantic suspense story that is going to have you clinging to the edge of your seat wondering what could possibly happen next? Well, I have the perfect book for you, Broken Trust by C.B. Clark is one of those incredible suspense-filled books. I love all of C.B. Clark's books and I swear each one is my favorite.


Natasha Hartford has lived a life of fear, dread, and abuse. I felt an instant connection to Natasha and really just wanted to reach out and give her a hug. She sure didn't expect to walk in on a crime scene when she arrived for her job interview.


Detective Chase Brandon is surprised to find a lady in the office of his homicide victim. Needless to say, he is full of questions and he wants answers. Natasha is nervous and doesn't understand why this guy is being so tough on her. She just wants to go home where it's safe.


This poor lady has been through too much and is now smack dab in the middle of a murder investigation that may or may not involve her jerk of an ex-husband. Never the less he has something up his sleeve and doesn't mind dragging her into whatever it is he is up to.


Chase is determined he is going to protect Natasha and keep her safe. Natasha is still at times unsure of Chase. She doesn't trust easily after everything she has been through. There is an attraction that has been there from the beginning and they do their best to ignore. All the friction only adds to that spark of attraction between them though. When they finally give in to that attraction things warm up quickly. There is a lot these two will have to overcome if they are going to stay safe and also find their way to a happily ever after.


Ms. Clark has done a fantastic job with yet another spellbinding story. She has added twists around corners that I never saw coming. She had me on the edge of my seat and flipping pages like a mad woman to see what could possibly happen next. The characters are fabulous and easy to connect with. Overall this is just one incredible story that I could not put down. I highly recommend Broken Trust to all romantic suspense fans. If you enjoy a suspenseful romance you are going to enjoy this book. If you are not already a fan of Ms. Clark's you will be after you read this one.


I was given the opportunity to read this fantabulous story and it has been my great pleasure to share my thoughts with you.

Profile Image for Amber Daulton.
Author 40 books548 followers
March 24, 2020
Natasha Hartford shows up for a job interview at a successful publisher’s office, hoping to be hired as an illustrator for a children’s book series, but finds herself face-to-face with a hard-broiled cop. Even though he grills her repeatedly, thinking she’s a suspect, Natasha manages to stand up to him despite her fear of authoritative men.
Detective Chase Brandon knows the woman is hiding something—his gut is telling him she’s somehow involved—but he doesn’t think she killed the publisher. As the body count rises, clues in his investigation lead to Natasha and her abusive ex-husband. He thinks she could be the killer’s next target, so he sticks close to her, determined to not let the fragile, secretive woman under his skin.
Natasha and Chase had great chemistry. They’re both attracted to one another, but lies and distrust are constantly pulling them apart. Despite being horribly abused, both mentally and psychically, by her ex, Darien, she helped him and kept his secrets from the police, which definitely made her look guilty. Because of her compliance, I found it difficult to connect with her, and I completely understand why Chase had a hard time trusting her. Luckily for Natasha, he had dealt with own share of abuse, and he understood the way victims sometimes acted and thought.
I really enjoyed the who-dun-it mystery. There were a few twists, multiple bad guys, police investigations gone awry, art theft, and romance. All that makes for a great romantic-suspense.
This is a really fun read.
5 Stars

Disclaimer – I volunteered to read and review this book. Thank you, CB Clark, for sending me an ebook copy. I am not paid or compensated in any way, shape, or form for this review. I will not change or alter this review for any reason unless at my discretion.
Profile Image for Sandra Dailey.
Author 6 books36 followers
March 5, 2018
C.B. Clark delivers again with chilling suspense and characters you’ll never forget.
Chase Brandon is a hard-as-nails Homicide Detective on a puzzling case. He runs headlong into Natasha Hartford at his crime scene. She claims to be there for a job interview, he’s not buying it.
The first thing the two have in common is a physical attraction - the second is a history that causes both to be distrustful of everyone. However, to protect themselves and each other they have to work together to find a killer. It’s hard to build trust when lies have to be told and promises have to be broken.
These characters will touch every emotion you have. At the same time, the suspense keeps your adrenaline pumping.
When you think you have things figured out – brace yourself for the next plot twist.
1,856 reviews9 followers
March 12, 2018
Broken Trust: WOW! was fantastic and amazing. Characters were very strong throughout the book. Loved the whole concept of the story! C.B. Clark did another fantastic job of writing. Loved everything about the book.
I was provided with a review copy of this book and my opinion was of my own.
870 reviews25 followers
August 5, 2019
C. B. Clark certainly knows her market and I have no doubt that if chick-lit and romance is your genre of choice this would garner 5 stars. As it's not my preferred category it hasn't been awarded so many stars but from me, it's actually quite generous! Why did I bother listening then? Well, I am very happy to spend 10+ hours listening to Bill Nevitt's narration. It's like going to the cinema to see your favourite actor in a film that you wouldn't normally choose. Mr Nevitt is a highly skilled voice performer and I adore his voice acting, which I think is a hugely complex, vastly underrated and under appreciated talent. The story was easy to listen to and didn't require any input from me. The pleasure I got from hearing Mr Nevitt's vocal capabilities was unbridled!
Profile Image for Rebecca Austin.
3,150 reviews3 followers
February 3, 2022
Natasha Hartford creates illustrations for greeting cards and finally thinks she has her big break when she is given an opportunity to present her work to Jonas Waverley, a publisher. When Natasha shows up for her interview she discovers that Jonas has been murdered and now she has put herself on the suspect list. Then her ex-husband Darien McCabe shows up and asks her to hide his briefcase, although Natasha has a restraining order against him for him physically abusing her.

Detective Chase Brandon has his work cut out for him investigating the death of Jonas Waverley. When he meets Natasha he is initially suspicious of her but when he learns who her ex-husband is things start to fall into place and he realizes that she herself is in danger.

How far will Chase go to keep Natasha safe and when Natasha puts herself at risk will he be able to protect her? Can Chase figure everything out before it's too late?

This was such a great book full of so many twists and turns from the beginning to the end!

Natasha was a great character as she was strong enough to leave here abusive relationship yet at the same time she was still weak when it came to Darien and the power he had over her. Every time I thought Natasha would listen to reason she proved me wrong and got herself in so many bad situations.

Chase was great and did he ever have his work cut out for him trying to protect Natasha. She definitely kept him busy and I was so mad at how secretive she was when it was obvious how much Chase cared.

I loved all the twists and turns and so many things surprised the heck out of me!! The ending blew me away as I was not expecting what happened at all!

Such a great book and I look forward to more from the author!

Profile Image for Stanalei.
Author 10 books57 followers
March 9, 2018
Trust is hard to build.
Readers of crime mysteries and romantic suspense alike will enjoy the twists and turns Ms. Clark offers in her latest novel, Broken Trust. Although not my favorite of Ms. Clark’s books, the tension and suspense of trying to find the murderer kept me turning pages to find who the bad guy was and the author didn’t disappoint, offering a great twist at the end. And romance between the detective and heroine had sparks from the first page. Ms. Clark delivers on her promise of a romantic suspense page turner.
Profile Image for Book Him Danno.
2,399 reviews78 followers
April 3, 2018
C.B. Clark has the ability to write a story that you will never forget long after you put the story down. The characters are passionate, they are driven and they make readers want to be them. The story has everything you want from a good romantic suspense. Romance, mystery and action.

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for a copy of C. B. Clark Broken Trust
Profile Image for Stephen King.
Author 32 books73 followers
October 22, 2018
Great Read - a nail biter

I enjoyed this book very much (I think it would make a great movie) The characters are real, and deep, with both protagonists dysfunctional enough to be interesting. The pace is good, and the bad guys bad indeed. In reading of the abused wife, I was reminded of a book which moved me very much, Rose Madder by the (other) Stephen King. As a man who abhors violence against women, this book again made me realise that some men are scum. This book made we root for a happy ending, and keep reading until I got there. Well done, I recommend this book wholeheartedly.
Profile Image for Madelon Smid.
Author 14 books10 followers
April 3, 2018
Broken Trust
Coming out of an abusive marriage, Natasha Hartford, illustrator, has little reason to trust anyone, especially Detective Chase Brandon, who considers her a suspect in a murder. Caught up in a situation caused by her ex-husband, Natasha works with Chase as the body count rises. While he insists on guarding her, and she insists on helping him, the feelings between them grow. Clark does a good job of showing me the building attraction, despite the distrust that continues between the two protagonists. The author inscribes detailed scenes that impress like hieroglyphics—no doubt because of her work as an archeologist. She has a gift for getting inside her protagonists heads. The continual fast pace of the plot satisfied my need for action and intrigue. A stimulating read.
Profile Image for Rabid Reader.
959 reviews16 followers
November 19, 2018
If you listen to this book as purely a romance with a little hint of steam then you will probably really like it and the narration in the audiobook was very good. He brought out the yearning, insecurity and romance well. Despite the good narration, the thriller aspect of the story was a fail for me. The female protagonist often appeared stupid, putting herself and others in unnecessary danger and acting inconsistently. Also the detective (male protagonist) acted totally unprofessional and even if he was very attracted to her, he would not have acted on it or have put her at risk by including her in the investigation. It is the unrealisticness of the thriller plot that spoiled this story for me.
1 review1 follower
March 21, 2018
Detective Romance novel or Romance Detective novel, either way this is a winner!!!

Great detective mystery, great romance, great characters in a great setting. Yes I loved this novel!!

When I was finished, I was ready to read another instalment in the Natasha and Chase love story to see what they are up to next. Instead I will have to await the next standalone novel from C.B. Clark
Profile Image for Beverly Laude.
2,259 reviews45 followers
April 15, 2019
I love good mysteries and thrillers and was expecting to love this one. Unfortunately, it just fell short for me.

Natasha Hartford is in the wrong place at the wrong time and quickly becomes a suspect in a murder. Chase Brandon is the homicide detective assigned to the case and the sparks between the two are immediate and steamy. Natasha is understandably slow to trust a man after finally getting out of an abusive marriage. And, Chase has his own demons in his past with his abusive father.

The plot of the story is pretty interesting, but the problems with the book detracted from my enjoyment. Brandon breaks every rule in the book because of his intense attraction for Natasha. And, Natasha is just continually annoying in her constant desire to leave safe places while she is being stalked by a murderer.

As the book (and most other police stories) say, "I don't believe in coincidences". And, Natasha just keeps turning up at crime scenes and yet seems clueless as to what is going on. My believability was stretched many, many times by this book. How many times does a seasoned Detective break the rules because he can't fight his sexual desire? How many times does a timid woman, driven down by years of abuse, leave the safety of his protection because she wants to prove something? And, does a Homicide Detective really only have one case and devote 24/7 to it? Nope, not buying it!

I was expecting more mystery/thriller and not so much steamy sex and references to Natasha's desirability. If this had been a "real" book instead of an audiobook, I would have been skimming through a whole lot of the book. As it was, I just tried to speed through it as much as possible.

Bill Nevitt does his usual wonderful job with his narration and that is mostly what kept my interest. I will admit that by the end of the book, I just didn't care what happened. I never really got emotionally involved with the characters and just wanted to reach the end.

I was given the opportunity to listen to this audiobook by the narrator/author/publisher and chose to review it
Profile Image for Reggie.
2,887 reviews
November 20, 2018
Natasha Hartford has not had an easy life. She is finally recovering from an abusive relationship and getting her career back on track. Currently an illustrator for greeting cards, Natasha dreams of illustrating children's books and she is excited when she scores and interview with a renowned publisher. Except when she shows up for the interview, Natasha finds the man dead...murdered...and the police on scene believes that she knows something. Things do not get better when she arrives home and her ex-husband defies the restraining order and shows up threatening her and demanding that she hide a briefcase. Detective Chase Brandon is good at his job and always trusts his instincts...and right now his instinct is telling him that Natasha Hartford knows more than she's sharing. Chase plans on keeping a close eye on her...especially when he discovers the identity of her ex-husband, who's involved in the mob. But when attempts are made on Natasha's life, and bodies start piling up, Chase has to admit that she may be an innocent after all. Can he, and Natasha, solve the murders before it's too late? Will the budding attraction between them amount to anything? Good romantic suspense with lots of action and will keep you guessing 'whodunnit'! Narration is on point.
I voluntarily accepted a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.
Profile Image for RaesBooksAndRecipes.
21 reviews1 follower
July 18, 2022
Natasha Hartford an artist was at an interview for her dream job.  Only she made a grave mistake by going into the office without permission, she never thought she would get caught, and she never thought she would be accused of murder.  Natasha would find herself being questioned by hunky detective Chase Brandon.  Natasha has been burned before and even though he was the police she couldn't bring herself to trust him.  When her ex-husband shows up she realizes she needs to trust her self and get out of harms way.  But her Ex had other plans and Natasha knew she was in danger.

I am really enjoying the romantic suspense genre and have read a book or two from this author.  I love the characters and emotions you feel from reading these books.  And the suspense, you really are kept guessing throughout he book.  These are stand alones I believe and you are left with a feeling of fulfillment after reading this book.  All of the questions are answered and your not left with a cliff hanger.  Although I would love to hear more from about these characters if it were made into a series.  A great read,  I highly recommend.
Profile Image for Rellim.
1,676 reviews43 followers
February 16, 2020
Audible.

This is my first book by C. B. Clark and I found her while searching for new-to-me Romantic Suspense authors. I enjoyed the first part of this book and was drawn in by Clark’s compassionate depiction of a domestic violence victim trying to move on with her life and survive on her own. It opens with Chase & Natasha meeting at a crime scene; Natasha distrustful of men and Chase viewing everyone as a suspect. I struggled with the fact that Natasha repeatedly went off on her own with the thinnest justifications and that Chase didn’t act professional at all. It was OK, but didn’t wow me. I think it’s best enjoyed by those more interested in romance than mystery/suspense.

Bill Nevitt’s narration was great. I didn’t always connect with his voice for Natasha. It was gratingly whiny at times, yet that seemed apropros for her personality so not sure he should be faulted for it.

I received a free copy of this audiobook and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Rosemary Hughes.
4,192 reviews23 followers
October 5, 2018
I wonder sometimes at the stupidity of characters in novels, and yet, the news is full of people doing foolhardy things.
This is a novel of a women who has been broken by an abusive husband, who is trying to make herself a new life. However, the break she has received in the form of an job interview, turns into a nightmarish situation, where she appears implicated in a murder.
The hero, in the guise of Detective Chase, is also a love struck fool, which causes him to do some stupid things.
Complicated much... you have no idea, unless you listen to or read the book.
I listened to the audio rendition, which I enjoyed so much, I listened into the wee hours of the morning. The narrator is particularly talented in voice characterisation for each individual within the story, giving a further interest level to an intriguing plot.
Profile Image for Colleen Driscoll.
Author 16 books5 followers
July 4, 2018
C.B. Clark’s romantic suspense thriller, Broken Trust, is a fast-paced story that captivates the reader. Beautifully written, Clark expertly portrays the physical aspect and emotional repercussions of domestic violence. Her main character Natasha Hartford suffers psychologically from her ex-husband’s abuse, and she transforms from a meek victim into a strong-willed, oftentimes defiant, woman. Chase Brandon, the detective investigating the murders around her ex-husband, combats his own childhood demons as he falls in love with Natasha. The heated romance between the couple feels natural and the mystery they unravel has you on edge until the end. Broken Trust is a book definitely worth reading.
44 reviews1 follower
August 8, 2019
I enjoyed listening to this audiobook but then the narrator is Bill Nevitt who I always love listening to. He makes books fun to listen to and is a real treat for the ears!

The story is fast paced and has an equal mixture of romance and suspense. I haven't read romance novels since I was a teenager so some of the language in this book seemed kind of cheesy to me. I'm more Stephen King than Danielle Steel these days!

I suspect that the author had her tongue firmly in her cheek when writing some of these lines especially the descriptions of Chase Brandon, the cop. C.B.Clark is a self-avowed fan of romance stories and it shows in her writing. Overall I liked it as a holiday listen and think it would make a good film.
Profile Image for Anne Rightler.
1,971 reviews35 followers
August 10, 2019
Broken Trust is a romantic suspense story by C.B. Clark. Never having read anything by this author, I did not know what to expect and I did enjoy the story. Fast-paced action, several wow I didn't see that coming twists to the plot and of course, a romance kept the interest high. Some things were a bit unrealistic but then that is what fiction is all about, right? I like police drama stories and this one was worth the read. I listened to a complimentary copy of the audiobook and was not required to write a review. The opinions are my own. Bill Nevitt did a great job narrating the story which made for an entertaining listening experience. Since many of my reviews are for books in the Christian genre, be forwarned there is adult language and content in this book.
Profile Image for Linda Lassman.
72 reviews
August 28, 2019
Broken Trust covered a lot of firsts for me: The first I have read (heard) a book by CB Clarke, and my first experience of the Wild Rose Press Inc; a newish genre: a mixture of crime, suspense and romance; my first time listening to narrator, Bill Nevitt, (I had heard very good things about his voice); and the first time I have sat, at home, with a coffee, listening to the last 30 minutes because it was filled with suspense and I couldn’t wait until I got back in the car. (I normally only listen to books whilst driving)!

Some of Broken Trust I found predictable but there were lots of twists and turns and I looked forward to finishing it so I could put all the pieces together. I am so pleased that I listened to it – Broken Trust was a lot of fun!

Profile Image for Toula.
2,504 reviews
October 18, 2018
Audio review
This is my first from the author . This story had you glued listing to the story . It’s full of mystery suspense. What’s next and who done it .

Heroine is Natasha

Natasha has learned to live within a marriage that is t real. . Her husband has abused her . He husband wants to involve Natasha in hiding a b if case that will get her more involved.
How does Natasha clear her name . How is the culprit .

Bill did an amazing work on this narration. . Voice was clear , deep and many emotions .
Profile Image for Deborah Gebhardt.
892 reviews5 followers
November 19, 2018
Natasha shows up for what she hopes is a productive interview leading to a job offer. Instead it's a murder scene and she's now a suspect. She finds that her abuse ex, Darian is somehow involved and he's threatening her and the cop who found her at the scene, continues to distrust her (the fact that she's Darian's ex, doesn't help). And things go downhill from there, her life is threatened, her house is broken into (twice) and she's attracted to the cop, Chase. Can thongs get any worse?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
44 reviews1 follower
August 12, 2019

This really was a nonstop story. A clever thriller peppered with the growing attraction of the two main characters. I loved the touches of humour in the clever asides that quoted the late, great John Wayne’s films. If you like your “ who dun it “ blended with escalating sexual tension, strong dark heroes, beautiful heroines, gangsters, murder and mayhem, you’ll Love Broken Trust by C.B. Clark.
I received this book for free, but if you have to buy it, you won’t be disappointed!
Profile Image for Lindsay.
1,355 reviews30 followers
August 3, 2019
AUDIOBOOK
I loved this audiobook. It was fun and exciting and full of twists and turns and a great host of characters. I was not disappointed by this book and the two main leads were really strong characters who I routed for from the start. The amazing Bill Nevitt narrating the story just added to the fun.
Profile Image for Jan Miller.
732 reviews7 followers
August 8, 2019
I was immediately pulled into this book by C.B. Clark. I loved the twists and turns the story took. The author had a great plot and well developed characters. This book has mystery and second chance at love, both of which I love. Bill Nevitt performed the book flawlessly. He adds the right emotions to the scenes, and gives the characters distinguishable voices. Its a great listen with steam!
Profile Image for Mindy Hartwell.
68 reviews
August 29, 2019
Is Natasha a murder suspect or the victim of an abusive ex husband? Detective Chase Brandon sure has his hands full in this homicide. Twists and turns keep the reader engaged and narrator Bill Nevitt gives life to each character. He keeps the story moving smoothly along. I enjoyed the last book I “read” by this author but this one made a new fan.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews

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