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Rain

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Charlie had it all. Beauty. Brains. And the guy. Until the perfect boyfriend went from heaven to hell. Fearful for her life, and the sting of his hand still lingering on her cheek, she runs. But she knows he won't let her go so easily. Determined to leave his crime-ridden life behind, Rain retreated deep into the Oregon woods. He has everything he needs. A beautiful home and a life of solitude. But when an injured woman staggers onto his property, he can't help but think she's part of an elaborate setup. His gut says believe her. His paranoia says trust no one. His heart, however, is completely screwed. Will enemies from both of their pasts ruin their chance at a future, or will love find a way?

238 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 17, 2018

85 people are currently reading
376 people want to read

About the author

C.E. Johnson

16 books322 followers
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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5 stars
169 (48%)
4 stars
116 (33%)
3 stars
49 (14%)
2 stars
10 (2%)
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5 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
Profile Image for Jennifer Pierson.
11.7k reviews188 followers
April 16, 2018
Rain is the first book that I've read by C.E. Johnson, and WOW! I LOVED every exciting & suspenseful minute of it! As I devoured it cover to cover in one sitting, I found her writing style to be both brilliant, and original. It all starts when Charlie gets into a car wreck while on the run from an abusive boyfriend, when Rain finds her in his part of the woods. He's a paranoid man who lives by himself in the middle of nowhere, not letting anyone near him, and not going anywhere where people may recognize him, so any stranger could be sent to harm him he believes. And while he's willing to help Charlie, he doesn't trust her one bit. What he doesn't count on is the fact that he feels an attraction to her, and in their close quarters, he can't fight that attraction for very long, so sexy times explode quickly which light the sheets up. And Charlie isn't used to having a man who is nice to her, so feelings don't take long to develop in those close quarters either. Add to the mix, a canine secondary that brings peace to her soul, and Rain's sister who has no filter, brings humor to this story which had me laughing hard in the midst of the angst. Plus since this book has a suspense edge to it, and Rain & Charlie have secrets equaling twists that come from left field, my f-bombs drop like crazy by the end! I definitely CANNOT WAIT to read more of this awesome author in the future, and HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND TO ALL!
Profile Image for Britt Chaotic Creatives.
1,414 reviews94 followers
April 3, 2018
Prepare to fall head over heels in love. Rain is an emotional hit you right in the feels read. Brimming with most real, sweet, and raw love story this book is one I devoured. The second I started reading this I was immediately pulled in and didn’t put it down until the last page. This book is FANTASTIC!

Two broken souls both struggling to survive in very different ways. Rain and Charlie are the kind of characters you get addicted to. I couldn’t get enough of them. Rain seems gruff and cold, but that’s hiding one of the most beautiful hearts I’ve ever read. When Rain loves, he loves deeply and he most certainly fell in love with Charlie. Charlie was brave, stronger than she knew, and incredibly sweet.

Both helping each other heal in ways neither of them could have imagined, their story is full of so much emotion. These two are an incredible couple who’s love pours right off the pages!
Profile Image for Tia Louise.
Author 74 books7,233 followers
April 19, 2018
Thrilling, sexy, and totally addictive! I absolutely LOVED this story from CE Johnson.

If you love damaged heroes and ladies on the run, this will be right up your alley. The chemistry between Rain and Charlie was perfect, and I loved watching this story unfold. It had everything I love in a great romance, excitement, surprises, tingly reunions...

Don't miss this 5-Star romantic suspense read--it has ALL the feels!
Profile Image for The Color of Ink.
330 reviews24 followers
April 18, 2018
Fortunately, I’ve had the pleasure of reading all three of C.E. Johnson’s books back to back. The best thing about doing so is being able to see her story telling and writing style literally blossom before my eyes. I’m sad that it took so long to be introduced to her, but I’m so happy that I’m in the loop now.

This is her third book, and I’m just going to say it’s a great one. Rain is all alpha male, but once you break through that rough exterior you find a sweetness that just washes away the rest. The connection between Rain and Charlie comes quick, but in this story it fits because they are sharing the same space. They each have their pasts they are trying to escape which adds all the suspense you need in this story. You had a protective dog that immediately takes to her with all that romance and suspense, and you’re done for. You are going to love this story.

I definitely recommend this story to any lover of the romance genre. I cannot wait to see what this author has in store for her readers next. Enjoy!
Profile Image for Picky_Book_B1tch.
625 reviews57 followers
May 26, 2018
This is my first by this author and let me give her her due…..girl has skills. The writing was easy to read, smooth and flowed well from scene to scene. I really enjoyed reading this authors style and it seemed to have some of the grit and edginess I crave in a book…dark histories, uncomfortable truths and emotions steeped in murky water.

Charlie was strong and resilient when she could have easily been weak and needy and man, I love agirl that is willing to fight in spite of horrible circumstances. Rain was a reclusive man running from a dark past and determined to keep everyone at bay. When these two people crashed into each other, I knew things were going to get interesting and they did, for a while anyway. But…….you knew there was a but coming didn’t you....then it felt like the author pulled her punches when she should have followed through or never thrown any at all. This story felt very much like a dark romance at some points and then it would switch to sweet contemporary, leaving me feeling a bit whip-lashed.

My opinion is that this story should have ended at 75%. The last quarter of the book read like an extended epilogue. One that took away most of what I liked about the book. I am not a reader that needs all the details worked out and handed to me in a pretty bow. I love a few rough edges left to make me wonder.

Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews128 followers
Want to read
April 18, 2020
🎁 FREE on Amazon today (4/18/2020)! 🎁
May 17, 2018


“Rain” is my first book by C.E. Johnson and I certainly like her way of serving a story. Her author profile promises the reader that she “She prefers stories that rip your heart out completely, then kindly place it back into your chest with a HEA” but will she be able to serve that with this novel ?

While the beginning of the story felt a little bumpy to me as I had the feeling of being thrown into the plot – the story flow after the first chapter was smooth and at just the right pace.
The characters were well developed and even the secondary characters were well likeable (as far as they were supposed to – well and the others were also just what they were supposed to)

The plot is a good mix of suspense and romance – spiced with a good portion of tortured hero and a tiny portion of mystery. So just the way I like it.
The characters are broken and/or at least bend, either by their own decisions or at the hand of others. Their dialogues as they get to know each other and their banter are off the charts.
Still a guy that comes the deepest darkest parts of the crime world and the girl that is reduced to a shell of her former self – covering in the shadows … what common ground could they ever find. ?

He would not even trust his family and she flinches with every loud noise – Is she the setup he always feared? Will he hurt her like he thinks he will?
Some things are better left in the shadows
Some words are better left unspoken
But I will leave you to wonder if this unlikely pair even has a chance at all or if it is either their past that will catch them or their own issues
Will this new to me author deliver the HEA she promises?
Read and find out

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Profile Image for Angie Klug.
292 reviews5 followers
July 31, 2018
C.E. Johnson...where have you been all my life?!

First, can we talk cover?!! HOLY WOW!! It really doesn't get much better than that...

Until you meet the name-sake, the leading man, Rain. There aren't enough words. Recluse, Paranoid, Protective, Dog-lover, Cautious, Creative, Curious, Caring, Dangerous, Fiery, HOT HOT HOT!!!

Enter Charlie. We first meet her on the run. She's escaping her nightmare and in her rush to do so...crashes her car into some trees off the highway on her way to 'she doesn't know where'! Just so happens that this strong, but broken, fighter finds herself in Rain's woods.

AAHHH!! So good, people. I love it when two broken souls help to heal one another. I love when a dangerous man learns a thing or two from his beloved 4-legged best friend. And I REALLY love when a strong woman is made even stronger when she finds love and support in some unexpected places!

The climax did seem to happen a bit earlier than I expected...since there was so much story given to us after that point. But I'm here to tell you, I just don't care about that!!! I LOVED getting all the extra tidbits about the main AND supporting characters.

"Plans ruin perfectly good opportunity."
Profile Image for Fran.
479 reviews4 followers
April 9, 2020
This is a suspense romance that I fully enjoyed. The story was compelling and the characters were lovable, something I've been missing lately. As a reader I still haven't figured out how some authors are able to make me care about their characters, and others miss the mark. It seems to be an X factor that not every author can consistently master, but however it's done, it really worked for me in this book.

Charlie is a particularly endearing character— brave, resilient, and determined to escape her abusive relationship. Her backstory was revealed at the start and enhanced as the story continued through her actions and journal entries. I was pulling for her from the very first page. Years of abuse can really weaken a person, and although I would have liked to see Charlie show more evidence of the emotional and behavioral effects of her abuse, I could work with what I was given.

As Charlie attempts to escape from her abusive partner, she wanders onto Rain's property, wrecks her car and takes off into the woods. Rain is reclusive, distancing himself both physically and emotionally from his violent past. Despite his paranoia something about Charlie causes him to trust her just a little bit and he's inclined to give her shelter, but he doesn't let down his guard. There's the possibility that her story is true and if it is, she needs protection. On the other hand if she's sent by Rain's enemies it won't end well. I felt like Rain began to trust Charlie a little too quickly and the sexual tension was a bit rushed. Also there's a few things that Rain did that didn't ring true for someone who could be at risk at any time, but again, I could work with it.

Charlie and Rain become involved, and then eventually the inevitable confrontation with their enemies ensues. It's violent and deadly. I found this portion really believable and well written. Rain and Charlie's reunion is sweet, but the chapters that followed prolonged the ending and slowed the pacing of the story. Although I did want the parental scenes to be included I wish they had been condensed or included in the epilogue.

So while some parts of this story I would have done differently, these are the author's choices and I respect her art. It's a compelling story with action, suspense and romance that held my interest throughout. I can recommend it wholeheartedly. Also that cover is... Wow.
Profile Image for Novel Grounds.
1,519 reviews79 followers
July 18, 2019

This is one of those emotional reads that just literally lived up to the saying "All The Feels". I loved it cover to cover. This was my first read from this author and it set off the binge read of the rest of her books.


I got completely hooked on Rain and Charlie. I became obsessed with them as I was reading. They both had their struggles but you become compelled to see them through.

This is a story of two souls who help each other bloom and heal little by little. I loved how they both broke from their shells and by the end I as all for them. I was completely hooked, like I said, and this had just the right amount fo drama to keep me hooked.

A broken man and a woman running from something. That is always the start to a great story.
25 reviews
July 29, 2019
Awesome

This is not steamy romance. It is addictive. In the way the characters play out and the story unfolds. I laughed, l cried, I cheered. You MUST read this book. Loved it.
Profile Image for Sarah Armstrong.
653 reviews19 followers
April 21, 2018
Loved

Fantastic story. Love rain & Charlie together. They are perfect. Story flowed nice, with wonderful secondary characters. Fantastic epilogue. 5 stars.
Profile Image for Kim.
882 reviews26 followers
April 23, 2018
3.5 stars. Makes me think that some reviewers are not honest or have other influences 🧐
Profile Image for ANB kc.
171 reviews4 followers
April 14, 2018
Rain gave me major Keanu Reaves in John Wick vibes and I loved it!
Profile Image for Nancy Reads.
921 reviews17 followers
August 8, 2018
RAIN is my first book to read by C.E. Johnson. I've had this book on my TBR list since it came out in April. Since I finished the last page of the book, I don't know why I waited so long to read it! I've already bought another book by the author to read next. I really highly recommend this book.

Charlie (Charlotte) has been in an abusive relationship since her senior year of high school. His name was Austin Greenwood, and when they first met she thought he was the man of her dreams. He only wanted her, and she felt like the luckiest girl in the world. Some people would say they were connected at the hip. They even graduated from the same college. Her relationship with Austin went from living with her dream-man, to her worst nightmare. She believed she had moved from heaven to hell. Fearful for her life, she runs as if the Devil, himself, is chasing after her, and that was close to the truth.

Rain was living a reclusive existence in his home in a wooded forest in Oregon. He is in hiding and feels he has all he needs. His life of solitude, besides his faithful dog, is suddenly interrupted when a girl falls out of his woods and right into his life. The peace and quiet of his woodland home is suddenly invaded by a woman, who desperately needs him. He did not trust her or anyone, but brought her to his house, and cared for her well-being. If his gut feeling is right, not only would he never hurt her, he would protect her to make sure no one else would ever hurt her again.

They learned much about each other. His mother had nicknamed him Rain. She had a hard time getting him to come in out of the rain. When most kids went ducking for cover, he would sit in the middle of the yard, and let it soak into him. He became addicted to the feel of it cooling his body as it fell against his skin. And the tickle as it streams down the fresh little bumps it caused.

He had a rough, tough and protective personality. But he also was genuine. When someone he cared about offered him tea, which he hated: “Do you like tea, Rain?” She asked, holding a cup in my direction. I hate tea. But I can't tell her that. She went through the trouble of getting it for me, and I don't want her to think I'm a jerk. He says, “Thank-you!” There, he didn't say yes, so he hadn't lied. Taking a drink of the foul liquid makes him wish he had just said “No!”
Profile Image for LoveMyAuthors.
800 reviews14 followers
May 24, 2018
3.5 stars

CE Johnson is a new to me author and I absolutely love the synopsis of the story...it captures your attention and wants to drag you in to these characters lives. Her writing style is exquisite, and the story line just flows from one page into the next.

I love Charlie/Charlotte's courage and determination, and I love Rain's hardened but good heart. There are some real emotional overload moments. That dance...I think my heart may have exploded!

I did feel the climax of the story may have happened a bit too soon and the author's need to tie everything up in a nice neat bow may have been a bit extended, making the feel of the story morph into more of a contemporary romance rather than the romantic suspense story I was expecting. That said, new authors grow and learn with every release and I'm expecting only good things in the future.
Profile Image for Michelle Sullivan.
Author 6 books15 followers
April 3, 2018
I am so in love with this book. It was suspenseful, beautiful and sexy... add some humor and you have one amazing story! I could go on all night about how incredible it is but instead I will just recommend this to everyone. Charlie and Rain’s story is one you don’t want to miss!! Amazing work C.E Johnson!!!!
Profile Image for Brittany.
18 reviews3 followers
April 9, 2018
Loved the book! It kept me interested and there were a few twists and turns that had me wanting more. The banter between Rain and Nicole kept things light and I loved Luther! Great read!
Profile Image for Amy Popewiny.
102 reviews4 followers
May 18, 2018
I was fortunate enough to get this book by the author for a honest review. Let me just say I am IN LOVE with it!

This is a story about Charlie in the worst relationship with the biggest scumbag. When she finally get the courage to flee unfortunate events lead her straight into Rain.

Rain lives on his own in a secluded cabin. He is hiding from his past so having Charlie around wasn't part of plans. There is an immediate connection between them, but neither fully trusts the other.

Events make both Rain and Charlie realize that their bond is strong that they are willing to throw out their ideas of the future. Will their chemistry be stronger then their pasts?

I highly suggest this book to anyone who loves an amazing romance novel. I have my fingers crossed that the author writes more books for this series!
Profile Image for Yazmin Martinez.
83 reviews2 followers
April 24, 2018
Loved it!

The story starts out with Charlie being in an abusive relationship. She decides to get away for the 2nd time after being caught the first time, and that didn't go so well for her when Austen caught her. She decides to escape in the middle of the night and upon getting away successfully it starts to rain and because she is so paranoid she finds herself driving onto a dirt road and crashing her car when there is a car behind her. Here comes Rain (swoons) because while he has his own issues and paranoid his past will find him he is just pure alphaness. They soon find themselves catching each others eyes and you something good is going to happen....Lol. I loved this book it had it's lol moments, action, love & Luther! Lol Great Book!
Profile Image for Carrie.
3,663 reviews36 followers
March 27, 2022
Charlie & Rain

This story is darker & a bit more intense than the Watch series. I wasn't expecting that, but I'm not mad about it. The writing & story vibe, character development, supporting characters, etc., have all the same feels as those I fell in love with in that series!

Charlie is such a bright light with a huge heart! Her strength is admirable after everything she's had to endure. Rain is reclusive & scary, on guard for any kind of betrayal. And yet, Charlie's light touches his heart & begins to open it up.

I love Rain's relationship with his sister! She is a RIOT! And Luther brings the laughs, as well. Sweet, protective doggo!!

This is an intense & deep story, and I quite enjoyed Charlie & Rain's HEA journey!

🥰🥰🥰
Profile Image for Gwen Shafer.
2,227 reviews42 followers
April 18, 2018
This is the first one that I have read by this writer. I loved it. Charlie is trying to start over after she runs from her abuser. She ends up getting into an accident that will forever change her life. She meets Rain when he finds her near his home in the woods. He takes her in and things change for both of them. I absolutely love Rain.He is yummy from the beginning with a mystery side to him. But you have to love that mystery side of him. This was an intense story line with both of them having a past that they were trying to get away from. But these two have some very strong chemistry and i absolutely loved reading their story. Highly recommend reading this one.
Profile Image for Lover of Books.
6 reviews
July 24, 2018
This is my first read by author CE Johnson, and I have to tell you, I was not disappointed! The story follows two characters who end up in each other’s lives by absolute chance and as you get to know them and their backgrounds, you grow to love them more and more. I found this to be an easy read (in a great way!) It’s the type of book you can take to the beach and get so absorbed in, you can finish it in a day! I found myself smiling like an idiot, crying and flipping the pages with anxiousness throughout. It’s well written and fun! Great read for anyone looking for a romance with a happy ending and perfect closure!
Profile Image for LeeAnn Chiz.
3 reviews
March 25, 2018
The characters in this book are captivating and so well written!!! I couldn't put this down. The twists and turn throughout will keep you guessing and make you continue to read to discover the whole storyline. It's mystery mixed with a love story and realistic situations you can relate to that makes you adore the braveness of Charlie and the struggles of Rain who learned to open up his heart again after a troubling past. If you want a great love story that you can lose yourself in, this is the book to read!
Profile Image for Wendy Livingstone.
20.1k reviews256 followers
April 16, 2018
This is the first time I have read any of this authors’ work, and goodness, it will certainly not be the last. Charlie and Rain are both broken souls, who struggle in their own ways to survive. No spoilers though; this is a must read, you will not be disappointed. This is a well written and beautiful story which is filled with humour, suspense, emotion, sweetness, rawness, and is a sexy and powerful story. I will certainly be adding this author to my favourites and 1-click lists, and cannot wait to read more from her.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book!
Profile Image for Jean Bachen.
75 reviews1 follower
February 27, 2019
This is a great story with main characters overcoming dark pasts and learning to love, and supporting characters that are so much fun. Luther may be my favorite supporting character from any of the books that I have read lately. Both Rain and Charlie have dark pasts for different reasons, and watching them overcome those pasts and learn to love each other made a story that was difficult to put down. Also, there is just enough suspense in this book to keep you on the edge of your seat. This will not be my last book written by C. E. Johnson!!!
Profile Image for Tracey Vuolo.
735 reviews18 followers
August 8, 2020
Rain is a romantic suspense that you won’t put down as the twists keep you on your toes and the love keeps you 100% invested in Rain and Charlie. As these two navigate through their dark pasts, it’s heartbreaking and beautiful and it makes you root for them even harder. These characters will move you in a way that will keep you thinking about them long after the story has finished. Rain is a raw, gut wrenching story of hope, regaining trust and finding your forever love after living through so much pain!

Tracey, Life Reads With Friends
Profile Image for M L.
525 reviews16 followers
March 30, 2018
I absolutely loved, loved, loved this story!!! This is the story of Rain and Charlie.....and what a thrilling and salacious story it is! This is the story of two shattered souls given a second chance at life - a story of hope, redemption and trust. It is a one of finding love in the most unexpected places and learning to let go of the hurts of the past. This is definitely one of my favorites this year! ❤️❤️
Profile Image for Billy J Stratton.
1,879 reviews12 followers
May 2, 2018
Little gem I found on facebook.

This book showed up on my Facebook page the other day so I clicked to get the synopsis of the story. It sounded really good and it was on kindle unlimited so I grabbed it. This was a really good story. I was pulled right into the middle of Charlie and Rain. They both have a past they want to escape from. Grab this story and you will not be disappointed.
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