Jasper Creek is home. I’ve lived here my entire life. So I couldn’t have been more excited when we bought the fixer upper on Libby Lane. That was until “we” became “I”. After I cried out every ounce of my heartbreak with a hammer in my hand, I learned how to be happy alone. Now, all I need is a porch swing, the warm country breeze and a glass of sweet tea. But when I run into Wyatt, the new cop that just moved into town, my time in solitude begins to fade. I just hope trusting him won’t be one of the biggest mistakes I make.
This is not the type of place I would have pictured myself living. Jasper Creek is a far cry from the city streets I grew up on. But this town does have one advantage. Cora. Every minute I spend with her on that porch swing, breaks down a little piece of the wall I built inside of me. So when someone targets her and my instincts point to things getting dangerous, you may as well have taken a sledgehammer to that wall. Now my fear of leaving someone behind is replaced by an even greater fear. Losing her.
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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This first in her Jasper Creek series is about Cora, who has spent her life in the small town of Jasper Creek, and it's newest resident and police officer, Wyatt. Cora has been content on her own, working in her mother's flower shop, spending time with her best friend Blake, and getting over heartbreak from years earlier. But when she meets the new cop in town and he starts stopping by to swing on her porch, sometimes talking and sometimes just being content, she starts to feel things that she hasn't in a long time. But when strange things start happening and Cora and Wyatt realize that she may be in danger, they each realize how strong their feelings for one another have become.
Libby Lane is a sweet romance that's mixed with some hot and steamy moments, as well as, suspense. To be honest, I figured out who the bad guy was fairly early on in the novel, but it still kept me guessing from time to time with some unexpected twists. I felt the balance between romance and suspense was perfect, making this a well-rounded read despite your preferred genre.
Both Cora and Wyatt were well-developed characters that I immediately liked. It didn't take long for me to root for them and hope they could find their HEA. However, something about Cora wasn't completely believable to me. I'm not exactly sure how to describe it, but it's almost as if she was too innocent and too naive for someone her age. I didn't feel this way the entire time I was reading, but for the majority of the novel, I felt like we were talking about a high school girl rather than someone in their twenties.
I recommend this one to anyone that enjoys contemporary romance with some suspenseful twists. Especially lovers of small-town life, diners, and all things sweet tea! This was my first time reading this author but I look forward to reading more from her in the future.
*Thanks to GMB and the author for providing this ARC in exchange for my honest review!
This was a sweet small-town romance that made me feel like I was there on Libby Lane in Jasper Creek hanging out with some friends and family. Cora was a sweet but tough country girl who loved her friends hard, loved her sweet tea, and strong willed. She meets the gruff Wyatt one day while running and gets herself injured and they quickly learn that they are neighbors. She soon realizes that there is more to him than meets the eye, that he is caring, loyal, hardworking, and she has a strong attraction to him. Wyatt is a cop and after his best friend dies he realizes he never wants to be settled down and end up dying on duty and leaving a family to mourn him behind, but that all changes when he can’t fight his attraction to Cora any longer. There is twists and turns you don’t see coming, along with people aren’t who you think they are and makes for a great mystery. I loved these two together they were perfect for one another and I’m glad that they found each other.
Cora has grown up in the small town of Jasper Creek and Wyatt is the new cop in town that no one knows much about. Paths cross regularly and feelings are fought valiantly but in the end the chemistry between this couple is undeniable. Full of snark, sarcasm, friendship and a heavy dose of attraction, this couple is on a road to a happily ever after. The route is not smooth and they will come against some major obstacles but in the end you will love every moment of unraveling this mystery as their relationship evolves into something sexy and sweet!
Libby Lane is a country cute contemporary romance with a hint of southern drama and suspense that blends so well like the sweet tea they serve in the novel!! CE Johnson is a genius with this story based on the characters she’s written alone. The characters in this book are everything!!! Especially Mae, She is my older spirit animal!!! I loved this book so much and think you all will love it too!!!!
This is the first book in a new series, and what a fantastic introduction this story is! This is Wyatt and Cora’s story, which is beautifully written, with undeniable chemistry, intrigue, mystery, suspense, heartbreak, betrayal, unexpected twists, which all lead to a humorous and sweet read. I was totally captivated throughout this addictive page turner, and I cannot wait to read more from this talented author, whose work I highly recommend for all.
Literally where can I start?! Five stars doesn't feel like enough to be honest.
Cora lives in a super tiny southern town Jasper Creek. Now this is the type of town that everyone knows everyone and everyone knows your business before you even do it! A new cop moved to town named Wyatt but no one has met him yet. That is until Cora finds herself in a tangle with a snake out in the woods. Wyatt saves the day but has an arrogance about him that makes Cora instantly consider him a jerk. After Wyatt basically forces Cora to accept a ride home they find out they literally live right by each other.
From that day on Wyatt and Cora become great friends. Everyday Cora sits on her porch on her swing and Wyatt just has to go over to spend time with her.
Along the way Wyatt has to accept her best friend Blake who has been by her side during the lowest points in her life. Wyatt also has to tolerate Cora's problems with her brother Nate. But nothing will deter this man from Cora.
Will Cora and Wyatt be able to overcome everything thrown their way? Will Wyatt trust Cora enough to tell her the exact reason for moving from Atlanta to the sleepy town of Jasper Creek?
On a side note: One of the best characters in this story is Mae! She is that noisy neighbor who just wants the best for you. Mae is basically what we all need in this life!
I highly recommend this this book for anyone who loves a fantastic romance that has a plot twist you don't see coming!
Fallin love with the small town if Jasper Creek .love a great small town book , I love to read about small towns & get to know the people of the community. Libby lane makes for a feel good read. I recommend one clicking this afternoon read , you won't be disappointed.
Geez! I feel like the super underdog here. I found this book to be a snoozer. I guess because it was too predictable and there seemed to be lacking a deeper element of chemistry between the two MC's.
I love small town, down home books. The lack of what felt like a town in this story. other than the dinner and the few houses they lived in, left me bereft of imaginings.
Hot dang!! This is a sweet and intriguing book. Wyatt, the new police officer in town, and Cora were both trying to start over without looking for a relationship. They met in a very unusual way. He quickly became the “rude cop” to her, until they start spending some time in her front porch at night. You get so sucked into this romantic story of a small town where everyone knows everything. You can’t stop reading it. You will fall in love with the characters as they feel so real. Romance, love, laughter, suspense and heartbreaks are all mixed in this fabulous book. CE, thank you for this book as it brought me lots of joy. To read about the pure sense of family/friends and protection for those you love is refreshing and heartwarming! Libby Lane is my ideal place to live❤️❤️❤️ Nanedsmomba- reviewer and blogger for Life Reads With Friends
What a great start to this charming new series! The story of Cora and Wyatt will melt your heart and you will fall in love with these characters. Cora is a young woman who is trying to put her life back together. She lives in the small Southern town of Jasper Creek where everyone knows you and your business, so secrets can't usually be kept. When she meets Wyatt, a new detective, she feels that maybe he is her way to getting back on her feet. Wyatt has his reasons for moving to Jasper Creek and he isn't looking for a relationship, but when he meets Cora, she just completely enthralls him! These two have such great chemistry, and not just in the "lust" kind of way. They are both moody, charming, funny and both will fiercely protect those that they love. Can Wyatt and Cora make a relationship work? When things start to happen to Cora, will these outside forces succeed in keeping them apart? This story is full of mystery, family, intrigue, lust and even possibly love! I truly enjoyed this story and look forward to reading more books in this series! I highly recommend it!
CE Johnson is making a name for herself with Libby Lane. This book has something for everyone and I couldn’t put it down. Wyatt and Cora met in an unlikely way and I knew they were going to give each other a run for their money in more ways then one. Their sass and fire combined with their love and devotion will make you smile. You need to read this book for the flowers, the box, sweet tea and porch swings alone. Just when you think you have everything figured out, there are a some surprising twists. This book has a healthy dose of suspense, humor, heartbreak, and betrayal combined with sweet and savory love. Libby Lane is intriguing and stole my heart!
I love Cora’s spunk! She doesn’t pull any punches with Wyatt. That is exactly what he needs. They are two magnets drawn together and they struggle with that at first.
Once they come to terms with where they are going their lives become so much more than they could have imagined alone.
Man oh man this book was freaking amazing! The perfect mix of suspense, love, and healing. Totally a true five star read and one you really don’t want to miss. Standalone with HEA and a twist you don’t see coming. Loved it!! I’m kinda in love with Wyatt too :) perfect book boyfriend material!!
This was small town perfection. Loved every word. The fact that there was a hot cop was icing on the cake for me. I loved Wyatt and Cora and their porch swing. I can't wait for more in this series and I'm dying to know who's next.
I I’m in love with this book. I couldn’t put it down once I started reading it. It made me feel like I was right there in Jasper Creek. Another fantastic book from C.E. Johnson!
4 Stars for Libby Lane! This was a great read for a cold rainy day. I absolutely adored Cora and Wyatt, they were the best heroine and hero. I can't wait to see who up next in Jasper Creek series.
This was a book that had me on the edge of my seat dying to know what was going to happen next! I really loved these characters and once I started reading I couldn't put the book down.
There was some serious chemistry, hot steamy moments and some drama that kept me guessing until the very end.
This read has small town charm, romance, and an unexpected twist. It’s a perfect content combination that will keep you turning the pages. You’re going to really enjoy this one, so what are you waiting for.
Completely in love with this book!! The story kept me entranced and was full of so many unexpected events!! I couldn’t put it down!! It’s full of twists and turns and a whole lot of hotness🔥🔥!! I loved Wyatt and Cora’s story! Can’t wait for the next book in this series!!
Wyatt and Cora have a connection right from the first contact... an excellent banter that they both feed off of. Their characters are both broken from things from their pasts and they truly don’t realize how much they need each and fight it every step of the way. Wyatt being a cop and Cora the mouthy neighbor with hidden secrets that give her sad eyes he sees from the first moment. Wyatt is the definition of a perfect hero. A cute story that making you keep coming back for more.
Libby Lane was such a fun read! I didn’t realize when I started it there was an element of suspense. These have been my favorite types of books these days. I loved Wyatt and Cora. They are such a fun couple. Wyatt was so standoffish in the beginning but as he began falling for Cora, the reader realizes how sweet and romantic he really is. I love books like these-the gruff, alpha male falling for his woman and showing his sweet side. I am new to this author but will definitely be reading more!
This was a good, entertaining read but the twists were a little predictable for me. I liked that there was a little more humor in this book than the Elements of the Heart series. There was plenty of suspense and just the right amount of romance.
Wyatt and Cora’s meet cute was absolutely hilarious. Cora gives as good as she gets and neither can get enough of each other. From their porch swing evenings to his need to protect Cora, Wyatt finds himself falling hard for Cora when he promised himself he would never fall in love. Cora falls equally as hard for the new, hot cop who always seems to be there when she needs him.
I loved Cora and Wyatt and the small town atmosphere. I loved how everything worked out in the end, I thought everything was wrapped up so well. I hope there are more stories from Jasper Creek in the future!
I loved everything about this book! CE Johnson wrote such an amazing group of characters that you feel like you’re living right there in Jasper Creek with them. I love the build up of events, how each chapter has you learning a little more about their pasts while looking forward to what’s to come and I enjoyed the unexpected twists and turns! It’s a well-rounded, endearing book with the perfect amount of romance, drama, suspense and humor to keep you wanting more! Excellent summer read for me! Highly recommended to read on a porch swing with some sweet tea!!
I love Cora & Wyatt! The way they meet is kinda hilarious, & the way they're drawn to each other is fun to read. Banter & steam, healing, friendships, family dynamics... their story is full of all the things. Plus, the SUSPENSE! Twists & turns that made me go 😮!!
And the ending is like a bushel of warm fuzzies! Looking forward to more in the series!
I love the setting of this as much as I love the characters. I really felt like I was right there with Cora and Wyatt the way every detail is described. It's the perfect amount of suspense & twists and turns mixed with their love story. Another amazing job, CE Johnson! I can't wait for more stories from Jasper Creek!
My first book by the author & I loved it!! It was sweet & suspenseful. The sassiness of Cora & the grit in Wyatt was entertaining to read. They met in a very unconventional way & I loved how a silent friendship led to a loving relationship. It's a story with enough sadness, heartbreak, betrayal & love to balance it all out perfectly.
So I just finished this book and I still have all the feeling flooding thru me. It’s hands down awesome. I wish I had read it sooner. Cora and Wyatt are couple goals. Now to wait for book 2.... I’m hoping it’s Nate’s story!
These books just keep getting better and better! Wyatt and Cora are so fun together and I loved watching them get their happy ending. They truly show sometimes the bad things that happen can lead us to where we are meant to be ❤️
I was browsing this book. It looked interesting, but when I dropped down to the reviews, some chick told who the bad guy was! Way to go, party pooper! Goodreads: do a better job reading what you allow people to post on your site!