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!”