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Forbidden Lake #1
Forbidden Lessons
She's about to break her university's rules and date a student... Come to the dark side, where the romance is still sweet.
Cassandra Caldwell wants one thing: to keep her twin brothers safe. After her mother's death, she took them in and relocated to Forbidden Lake, where she's done whatever she could to keep them off the radar of their convict father. She's working two jobs, including as a culinary instructor at the local college, when she finds out he's out on parole. As if she isn't stressed enough, when a man enrolls in her special needs course and refuses to transfer out, Cassie wonders if she should just take her brothers and leave town. Again.
But she's tired of running, and Jonathan Addler is drop-dead gorgeous—and good in the kitchen. But the college has had a recent student-teacher scandal and a relationship with him is strictly forbidden…at least if Cassie wants to keep her job. She does, but she also wants Jon, badly.
Jon originally signed up for the introductory cooking class to impress another woman and get one step closer to graduating to impress his father. But the moment he lays eyes on Cassie, he's smitten. Any risk is worth being with her, and they agree to keep their budding romance on the down-low.
The way down-low, especially once Cassie gets notified that she's up for a promotion at the college that would allow her to give up her second job. As she and Jon carry on their relationship behind closed doors, he falls harder and harder for her. But she can't really commit to a relationship when she has emergency escape bags packed and in the trunk of her car.
Can Jon convince her Forbidden Lake is safe and to stay with him? Or will she run again, shattering her heart—and his—in the process?
Cassandra Caldwell wants one thing: to keep her twin brothers safe. After her mother's death, she took them in and relocated to Forbidden Lake, where she's done whatever she could to keep them off the radar of their convict father. She's working two jobs, including as a culinary instructor at the local college, when she finds out he's out on parole. As if she isn't stressed enough, when a man enrolls in her special needs course and refuses to transfer out, Cassie wonders if she should just take her brothers and leave town. Again.
But she's tired of running, and Jonathan Addler is drop-dead gorgeous—and good in the kitchen. But the college has had a recent student-teacher scandal and a relationship with him is strictly forbidden…at least if Cassie wants to keep her job. She does, but she also wants Jon, badly.
Jon originally signed up for the introductory cooking class to impress another woman and get one step closer to graduating to impress his father. But the moment he lays eyes on Cassie, he's smitten. Any risk is worth being with her, and they agree to keep their budding romance on the down-low.
The way down-low, especially once Cassie gets notified that she's up for a promotion at the college that would allow her to give up her second job. As she and Jon carry on their relationship behind closed doors, he falls harder and harder for her. But she can't really commit to a relationship when she has emergency escape bags packed and in the trunk of her car.
Can Jon convince her Forbidden Lake is safe and to stay with him? Or will she run again, shattering her heart—and his—in the process?
137 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 25, 2019
811 people are currently reading
529 people want to read
About the author
Elana Johnson
178 books2,085 followers3-time USA Today bestselling author Elana Johnson writes adult contemporary beach romance. She is the author of over 130 books across two names, and there's nothing better than sun, sand, and swoon-worthy kisses! Unless it's a sweet-and-sexy cowboy - read those under her pen name of Liz Isaacson. Or an emotional, heartfelt women's fiction novel - read those under her pen name of Jessie Newton.
Learn more at:
www.elanajohnson.com
www.lizisaacson.com
www.authorjessienewton.com
Learn more at:
www.elanajohnson.com
www.lizisaacson.com
www.authorjessienewton.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews
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June 12, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (6/12/2019)! 🎁
July 7, 2019
ARC for honest review with no compensation
The Professor's Secret Crush is book 1 in the new series Forbidden Lake by Elana Johnson and also a new writing style for her too...
Cassie and her twin brothers are in hiding from the boys convict father who at any time could be released from jail. She teaches culinary classes at the local college in Forbidden Lake but also teaches a special needs class. When Jonathan Addler signs up for her special needs class she tries to get him to drop out since he doesn't have any special needs other than to learn to cook for another woman.
Major attraction between student and teacher which is against college rules, convict father looking for his boys, twists, turns, romantic suspense will keep you on the edge and turning pages....
The Professor's Secret Crush is book 1 in the new series Forbidden Lake by Elana Johnson and also a new writing style for her too...
Cassie and her twin brothers are in hiding from the boys convict father who at any time could be released from jail. She teaches culinary classes at the local college in Forbidden Lake but also teaches a special needs class. When Jonathan Addler signs up for her special needs class she tries to get him to drop out since he doesn't have any special needs other than to learn to cook for another woman.
Major attraction between student and teacher which is against college rules, convict father looking for his boys, twists, turns, romantic suspense will keep you on the edge and turning pages....
March 7, 2023
This is a clean romance novel, though I wasn't sure about that at first as the two main characters thought lustfully of each other almost from the start. I was surprised that Cassie would start out seeing Jon, which was forbidden as he is her student, since she really wanted a promotion and their relationship could lead to her not only missing out on that but would be fired if word got out about it. She did break up with him after her interview. Jon wasn't happy about it and tried a bunch of times to get in touch with her afterwards, but she wouldn't respond to his calls and texts.
Cassie is the permanent legal guardian for her twin brothers, whose father was abusive to their mother and is in prison after a robbery. She is careful to cover their tracks by erasing every text or e-mail to her friends who are keeping her up on the status of the boy's father. The father eventually finds them after being released from prison. What I can't figure out is how he knew what town they were in and which house was theirs. Unfortunately, Cassie isn't home when the father shows up and the boys get in touch with her. It turns out it was a good thing that she had gotten involved with Jon and told him that they were hiding from the man, since Jon was able to alert the police to what was going on. Pretty scary for awhile there, especially when the father wants all the legal paperwork and Cassie lies and says it is at the university and they all go there. Great ending all around.
Cassie is the permanent legal guardian for her twin brothers, whose father was abusive to their mother and is in prison after a robbery. She is careful to cover their tracks by erasing every text or e-mail to her friends who are keeping her up on the status of the boy's father. The father eventually finds them after being released from prison. What I can't figure out is how he knew what town they were in and which house was theirs. Unfortunately, Cassie isn't home when the father shows up and the boys get in touch with her. It turns out it was a good thing that she had gotten involved with Jon and told him that they were hiding from the man, since Jon was able to alert the police to what was going on. Pretty scary for awhile there, especially when the father wants all the legal paperwork and Cassie lies and says it is at the university and they all go there. Great ending all around.
May 14, 2019
A sweet secret romance with danger.
Cassie is a professor at a college hoping to get a full time position. So she can quit her morning bakery job and spend more time with her twin brothers. Who she has custody of. (I love she teaches a class of disabled students - having an autistic son).
The twins father is in jail for robbery with a gun and was abusive to their Mom.
Cassie has plans if he ever finds them and people who will let her know if he leaves the city that is far away from where they are now.
Jon is a construction worker and needs 4 credits to graduate. He takes cooking for beginners to get date from a girl. But is for disabled students.
Cassie immediately finds him attractive but tries to get him dropped out of the class.
They fall for each other quickly. Jon figures out quickly she is nevous about something besides dating a student. They keep the relationship a secret so she does not lose her job. And he gets her cabin she and boys can use as a escape plan from the boys father.
She breaks up with Jon because she does not want to lose her job. Good for her and he should be able to wait if she means so much to him.
Then danger strikes. The boys father find them when she is not there. She calls Jonand a friend to call 911.
The father takes them and she leaves clues to where there are.
Will she survive?
And what happened to their dog?
Cassie is a professor at a college hoping to get a full time position. So she can quit her morning bakery job and spend more time with her twin brothers. Who she has custody of. (I love she teaches a class of disabled students - having an autistic son).
The twins father is in jail for robbery with a gun and was abusive to their Mom.
Cassie has plans if he ever finds them and people who will let her know if he leaves the city that is far away from where they are now.
Jon is a construction worker and needs 4 credits to graduate. He takes cooking for beginners to get date from a girl. But is for disabled students.
Cassie immediately finds him attractive but tries to get him dropped out of the class.
They fall for each other quickly. Jon figures out quickly she is nevous about something besides dating a student. They keep the relationship a secret so she does not lose her job. And he gets her cabin she and boys can use as a escape plan from the boys father.
She breaks up with Jon because she does not want to lose her job. Good for her and he should be able to wait if she means so much to him.
Then danger strikes. The boys father find them when she is not there. She calls Jonand a friend to call 911.
The father takes them and she leaves clues to where there are.
Will she survive?
And what happened to their dog?
May 14, 2019
This is the first book in this series but the fourth I have read. I had started on book two and am getting ready for book 5. It was interesting reading them out of order as they are all stand alone but have the same family of characters. It was a bit fun since book two has an overlapping timeline. There are some things going on with Phoenix, Jon’s brother that you don’t know if you haven’t already read book two. This story is about Jon and Cassie. Cassie has recently moved to the area and is working two jobs to help support her 15 year old twin brothers. They have moved around a lot because she doesn’t want her step dad (the twin’s Dad) to know where they are. He is a dangerous abusive man and he is up for parole. Jon is a carpenter but wants to finish his business degree to get his fathers approval. He only has a couple classes left. He is interested in Cassie immediately when he enrolls in her class. He also figured out that she has fears and wants to protect her. They have to find a way to be together when the rules of the school don’t allow it. This book is clean, has some adventure, and is a quick read.
March 25, 2019
This is a new romantic suspense series from Elana Johnson. Cassie is running from her step-brothers' father who for now is in prison for abusive behavior. She's working in a bakery and then as an interim culinary professor. She has a class for special needs and somehow Jon enrolls even though he isn't handicapped. They have a spark but can't act on it in public since he's her student and she wants a permanent position. They start a secret relationship. Eventually, Jon finds out that Cassie needs a safer place to stay so he offers her one of his family cabins. The step-father ends up getting out of prison and does come looking for her and his sons. Will Jon be able to save her in time and still not get her fired? I like the new series which is a little different from the previous writing that Elana Johnson has done. I received an advanced copy but have since purchased my own book. I am leaving my honest review.
March 24, 2019
Romantic suspense has got to be one of my favorite kinds of books. Part psychological thriller and part romance, this was an excellent example of the style. The chemistry between Cassie and Jon is immediately evident. It’s lust at first sight and the author does a beautiful job of deepening that initial attraction and showing us the couple as they fall deeper in love. I’m sure it comes from being an only child with very little close extended family, but I adore reading about close-knit families. This is an author who writes them skillfully. The familial bonds between Cassie and her brothers and Jon and his siblings paint a picture of families who will do anything for one another. I can’t wait to read more about the Addlers and Forbidden Lake.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book from the author.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book from the author.
March 25, 2019
Cassie is raising her two twin half brothers since the death of her mother and the boys father is in prison for his violent behavior. She leaves their town and heads to Forbidden Lake where she works in a bakery and also as a culinary instructor hoping for a full time position. She gets a new student in her class for disabled student and he is anything but disabled. Jon is one handsome man looking to learn how to cook so he can impress another woman so she will date him but one look at Cassie and he forgets the other woman. Things are going well until her violent step father gets releases from prison and she knows he is coming for his sons. Can Jon and Cassie protect the boys from the danger headed their way?
Received from the author and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
Received from the author and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
March 27, 2019
This book is about a teacher/student romance but they are both the same age. Even though it is forbidden Cassie and Jon start a relationship but keep it secret from everyone. Cassie is also sort of hiding her twin half brothers that she has legal custody of from dad especially now that he is out of prison. Even though they love each other Cassie breaks up with Jon when she is gets the full time position at the college that she wanted. What will happen when the twin's father finds them? Will Jon answer when Cassie calls or will he ignore her like she did him all those weeks? Does Larry hurt Cassie and the twins before help gets to them? This is another great book by Elana Johnson.
I received an advanced copy and am voluntarily leaving a review
I received an advanced copy and am voluntarily leaving a review
March 25, 2019
Cassie is on the run and hiding from her step-brothers’ father. She has legal custody of the boys. The abusive stepfather is in prison, but he’s getting out soon. Cassie has found work as a part time professor and she works in a bakery. The rest of the time, she protects the boys. Then she has a handsome student and they are wildly attracted to each other. Another dilemma. She can’t be dating a student. They struggle with their relationship while she lives in terror.
This is an interesting book, written by an author I enjoy reading. Including suspense in the story is a new aspect for Elana Johnson and she has done a great job. I enjoyed the book.
This is an interesting book, written by an author I enjoy reading. Including suspense in the story is a new aspect for Elana Johnson and she has done a great job. I enjoyed the book.
April 9, 2019
Cassandra, a baker at the local bakery and a culinary arts teacher at the local college, finds her class of special needs students with one student who does not have special needs. Student/teacher relationships are forbidden on campus – even if they are consenting adults. The struggles that Cassie and Jon face are real. The determination to do what is right, is real. However, when it comes down to it, what will win out? Love or doing the right thing?
Different kind of series for Elana Johnson. This one is packed with adventure and fear. Nicely done.
Different kind of series for Elana Johnson. This one is packed with adventure and fear. Nicely done.
April 13, 2019
Running
As a culinary instructor at the local college, Cassie has her hands full with her special needs class. What she doesn't need is the hot man who signed up for her class and who refuses to leave. She's trying to provide for her teenage twin brothers since their mother's death.
Jon can't believe his good fortune of having such an incredible woman for his teacher. He wants to know everything about her. He has no idea Cassie and the boys are running from a dangerous man.
Can she trust him with her secret or will it be the reason they run again ~
As a culinary instructor at the local college, Cassie has her hands full with her special needs class. What she doesn't need is the hot man who signed up for her class and who refuses to leave. She's trying to provide for her teenage twin brothers since their mother's death.
Jon can't believe his good fortune of having such an incredible woman for his teacher. He wants to know everything about her. He has no idea Cassie and the boys are running from a dangerous man.
Can she trust him with her secret or will it be the reason they run again ~
April 24, 2019
The Professor's Secret Crush
Cassie taught a class of handicapped adults at the college she worked at and met a man who was not handicapped. Jon needed to learn to cook so he could get a date with a woman he thought he had fallen for.Cassie had to work to care for her twin half brothers as their abusive father was in jail and the judge had awarded her permanent custody of the boys. This book of love and intrigue was a fun read. This was a free advanced copy and a joy to read. This is my review and mine alone. Norma Gorrill
Cassie taught a class of handicapped adults at the college she worked at and met a man who was not handicapped. Jon needed to learn to cook so he could get a date with a woman he thought he had fallen for.Cassie had to work to care for her twin half brothers as their abusive father was in jail and the judge had awarded her permanent custody of the boys. This book of love and intrigue was a fun read. This was a free advanced copy and a joy to read. This is my review and mine alone. Norma Gorrill
March 25, 2019
The story line was interesting & it kept my interest throughout the book. A clean read about a relationship they had to hide. The secrets we keep just seem to come to light at the worst of times. There were a lot of twists & turns which left me wishing the story was longer so I could watch how everything unfolded. There is no cliff hanger at the end but just wished for it to be longer. I guess that says a lot about the book.
March 25, 2019
Cassie has just started teaching her class when Jon arrives late. She feels an immediate attraction but due to the fact he's a student they shouldn't take it any further, as she's hoping to get a permanent fulltime job at the college and can't jeopardize that as she has her twin teenage brothers to look after.
A great romantic thriller.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Another great read from Elana.
A great romantic thriller.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Another great read from Elana.
March 27, 2019
Romance, suspense, love, and danger
Romance, suspense, love, and danger, the perfect combination! The pacing of this book is spot on. The characters are believable and have great chemistry. The language made me feel as if I were part of the story. She felt a swell of joy as large as a tsunami. Perfect! He felt like he’d been dancing on clouds. Wow! I couldn’t help but fall in love with Jon, but I’ll leave him to Cassie!
Romance, suspense, love, and danger, the perfect combination! The pacing of this book is spot on. The characters are believable and have great chemistry. The language made me feel as if I were part of the story. She felt a swell of joy as large as a tsunami. Perfect! He felt like he’d been dancing on clouds. Wow! I couldn’t help but fall in love with Jon, but I’ll leave him to Cassie!
June 13, 2019
Though this was a clean romance novel, I found it annoying that the H and h seemingly had constant lustful thoughts about each other from almost the start. Otherwise, the storyline was good, and once I got further into the story, the suspense kept me turning the pages to the end, not wanting to put the book down. I have not read any other books in this series, but I was a bit disappointed in this book as I have read and enjoyed many other books written by the author.
January 25, 2020
A sweet, clean romance!
This was my first Elana Johnson novel and I enjoyed the story and the characters! It captivated me from the first chapter... I read it in one afternoon. 🙊
I loved Jon the moment he stepped into Cassie's classroom. Bow-chicka-wow-wow. 😍 Although I couldn't personally relate to Cassie's struggles and fears, I really felt for her situation with her family. What a horrible situation to be in. 😣
I'm looking forward to reading more books by this author!
This was my first Elana Johnson novel and I enjoyed the story and the characters! It captivated me from the first chapter... I read it in one afternoon. 🙊
I loved Jon the moment he stepped into Cassie's classroom. Bow-chicka-wow-wow. 😍 Although I couldn't personally relate to Cassie's struggles and fears, I really felt for her situation with her family. What a horrible situation to be in. 😣
I'm looking forward to reading more books by this author!
March 18, 2021
I love this author and also read her inspirational romance pen name. Which means, when I encounter a book with a story line (professor and student) that I would absolutely never pick up, I grab it, because I trust her and know it’s going to be written in such a way that any fears and reluctance I have are washed away. I have to admit to being on edge a bit, but it all turned out, as predicted. A romance that has all the feels and a bit of suspense.
February 4, 2022
Hidden in Plain Sight is Simply Wonderful
I really enjoyed reading this story. The characters seemed to come to life. You can feel the tension of the characters. The description of the University, the classes, the beautiful Michigan snow are breathtaking. One can almost picture the seasons of winter, spring with rain and Cherry blossoms then finally the cherries and a beach. Read on to find out the mysteries and feel the drama.
I really enjoyed reading this story. The characters seemed to come to life. You can feel the tension of the characters. The description of the University, the classes, the beautiful Michigan snow are breathtaking. One can almost picture the seasons of winter, spring with rain and Cherry blossoms then finally the cherries and a beach. Read on to find out the mysteries and feel the drama.
February 27, 2019
Really enjoyed reading this book! She is a college professor and he is one of her students. They are very attracted to each other. After a lot of misgivings about their relationship, she breaks it off and then when she needs help, she calls him! This book kept my interest and I recommend it to everyone!!
March 23, 2019
Jonathan should not be in the class Cassandra is teaching, but he needs the credit and some cooking skills to impress a woman. I don't know why Jonathan would say he's not really a student there when he is enrolled and almost has his degree. There were some unanswered questions at the end. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
March 25, 2019
Jon is Cassie's student so they shouldn't date should they? They are near the same age so I was fine with them together. This is a romance but also a has an element of suspense. Their relationship evolved - and there was angst but..... A great start to this series. Looking forward to book 2. I received a copy and this my honest review.
March 26, 2019
I didn't want this story to end! The Professor's Secret Crush definitely surpassed all my expectations and more. Cassie and Jon's story grabs your attention from the start and only ramps up when danger enters Cassie's life and threatens the lives of those she holds most dear. A wonderful start to the Forbidden Lake Romance series and I'm definitely looking forward to the next one.
March 26, 2019
This is a different style than Elana Johnson has written before, but it certainly doesn't disappoint. I love books that are in the romantic suspense category and Ms. Johnson did a great job in this area. Cassie and Jon are a cute couple. There is just enough suspense to keep you turning the pages. I had to read the book in one sitting. It's a clean romance with no cliffhanger.
March 29, 2019
A great new series by Elana Johnson! Dating a student is not an option for professors. Cassie has the responsibility for providing for her brothers and protecting them from a criminal father. But Jon is not the usual student and wants a relationship with Cassie. Don’t miss this sweet, suspenseful love story.
April 7, 2019
A NEW FUTURE AND ROMANCE
As a reader, I am not a heavy romance fan, but this series did grab my attention. This first book did prove this series has all the potential for some very entertaining and fun reading. There is enough background mystery and intrigue to add a little suspense to the storyline.
As a reader, I am not a heavy romance fan, but this series did grab my attention. This first book did prove this series has all the potential for some very entertaining and fun reading. There is enough background mystery and intrigue to add a little suspense to the storyline.
June 12, 2019
Jon & Cassie
They went from professor and student to secretly dating to secretly breaking up. However trouble brought them back together again. I enjoyed the story, drama, and suspense. But I must say I hated Cassie losing her job but great to see her dream coming through in the end.
They went from professor and student to secretly dating to secretly breaking up. However trouble brought them back together again. I enjoyed the story, drama, and suspense. But I must say I hated Cassie losing her job but great to see her dream coming through in the end.
June 17, 2019
Loved It
Cassie moved to Forbidden Lake to get her half brothers to safety and hide from their dad while he was in jail, he's up for parole. She teaches culinary arts at the college and works part time at the bakery. Jon signs up for class, it is designed to teach special needs students to cook. But her step father gets parole, she falls for Jon, and a whole lot more happens.
Cassie moved to Forbidden Lake to get her half brothers to safety and hide from their dad while he was in jail, he's up for parole. She teaches culinary arts at the college and works part time at the bakery. Jon signs up for class, it is designed to teach special needs students to cook. But her step father gets parole, she falls for Jon, and a whole lot more happens.
July 8, 2019
The Professor's Secret Crush
A great story. Jpn enrolled in Cassie's cooking class fpr handicaped, even though he,clearly wasn't handicaped. Cassie was raising her twin teenage half brorhers and keeping rhem from rheir abusive father. Unexpected developements kept it an interesting story. I gave.it 5 stars
A great story. Jpn enrolled in Cassie's cooking class fpr handicaped, even though he,clearly wasn't handicaped. Cassie was raising her twin teenage half brorhers and keeping rhem from rheir abusive father. Unexpected developements kept it an interesting story. I gave.it 5 stars
Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews