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In the Dark #1
Done
Sophie Kohler knows all about the misfortunes of life. She learned young, people are dangerous creatures that will shove a dagger straight through your skin and into your soul. So when a man in a fancy car starts asking her if she wants a ride, she has no intentions of interacting with him. Benson Knoxx is known for being cold and detached from the world. After losing his family and an ex that tore his world apart, Benson buried himself in his work. He vowed never to let anyone in again. The long dark days bled into the even darker nights. That was until she came along. When her eyes met his, the world started to get lighter. He knew from the beginning, she wasn’t going to make this easy. But when Benson Knoxx wants something, it’s done. Will Benson and Sophie find their way into each other’s heart before the lunatic that’s after her takes away their chance?
246 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 9, 2017
124 people are currently reading
738 people want to read
About the author
C.E. Johnson
16 books322 followersC.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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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.
Want to stay up to date on all the latest news, sales, giveaways, and releases?
Sign up for my newsletter! https://goo.gl/4yo6Rg
Follow me on Facebook! https://goo.gl/84dZJN
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
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September 25, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (2/27/2019)! 🎁
Blurb:
Sophie Kohler knows all about the misfortunes of life. She learned young, people are dangerous creatures that will shove a dagger straight through your skin and into your soul. So when a man in a fancy car starts asking her if she wants a ride, she has no intentions of interacting with him.
Benson Knoxx is known for being cold and detached from the world. After losing his family and an ex that tore his world apart, Benson buried himself in his work. He vowed never to let anyone in again. The long dark days bled into the lonely nights. That was until she came along. When her eyes met his, the world started to get lighter. He knew from the beginning, she wasn’t going to make this easy. But when Benson Knoxx wants something, it’s done.
Will Benson and Sophie find their way into each other’s heart before the lunatic that’s after her takes away their chance?
Blurb:
Sophie Kohler knows all about the misfortunes of life. She learned young, people are dangerous creatures that will shove a dagger straight through your skin and into your soul. So when a man in a fancy car starts asking her if she wants a ride, she has no intentions of interacting with him.
Benson Knoxx is known for being cold and detached from the world. After losing his family and an ex that tore his world apart, Benson buried himself in his work. He vowed never to let anyone in again. The long dark days bled into the lonely nights. That was until she came along. When her eyes met his, the world started to get lighter. He knew from the beginning, she wasn’t going to make this easy. But when Benson Knoxx wants something, it’s done.
Will Benson and Sophie find their way into each other’s heart before the lunatic that’s after her takes away their chance?
August 15, 2017
Done by CE Johnson is the story of two broken souls finding a way to heal each other. Sophie has had a tough life: no family, only 1 friend, and barely enough money to eek out an existence. Benson has more money than he knows what to do with, but he is cold and callous. Benson notices Sophie walking home alone late at night and begins to follow her, offer her a ride, and then when she still refuses, walking with her. One night, Sophie is attacked in the alley. Benson finds her, but she has received quite the beating.
Sophie is leery of everyone in the world. It is understandable because Benson comes on really strong. Honestly, it was kind of creepy at times. He would end every conversation with "Its done". He said it dozens of times before I was even 1/2 way through the book. For me, Benson was bordering on the creepy side. He nagged Sophie for information about her life, but he never told her anything about him. What does he do for a living? Does he have a family? Is Paul his only friend? That doesn't stop her from sleeping with him though. Help her? No way will she accept that. Sex without a condom? Sure, she is all for it. Sophie tried to lie to get him to back off a bit, but that only worked for a few days. Then he finds out she is living in a homeless shelter. So, he swoops in, forces her to leave with him, and then offers her a job and a townhouse. Of course, that conversation ends with "Its done, Sophie".
Sophie's reluctance to accept help is understandable to a point. I get it: it is hard to imagine that someone wants to help you out without expecting something in return. But, Sophie seems to have ensured she doesn't have any friends. She keeps everyone blocked out of her life entirely. She is so afraid of pity from others, she won't accept anything. While admirable to a point, after awhile, it becomes stubborn. Benson doesn't give up though, which kind of grew on me. Overbearing and sometimes creepy? Sure. But, Sophie was so flipping stubborn short of knocking her unconscious with a club, I am not sure anything would sway her except Benson's dogged persistence and refusal to accept her refusals.
Despite my issues with the characters, the story is well written. Johnson's words are well written and emotive. Her style flows easily and had me turning pages quickly as the story progressed. So, Sophie and Benson weren't a home run for me, but I think Johnson has talent and I will probably continue to read books from her in the future.
POV: 1st
Tears: no
Trope: hard knock life
Triggers:
Series/Standalone: stand alone
Cliffhanger:
HEA:
Deeper by Robin York, The Billionaire's Private Scandal by Jenna Bayley-Burke, Wired by Julie Garwood...then you will probably like Done!
Done
March 18, 2020
Intended for a mature audience 18+
This is my first book by Ms. Johnson and I loved Benson and Sophie! This was a well written story that I literally didn’t put down until I was “done”.
Totally loved the chemistry and the dynamics between Benson and Sophie. These two broken souls are wanting and looking to be loved and cared for, and they found that in each other.
The whole story flowed, the characters are not perfect (and I loved their flaws), there are some laughs, a little mystery, combined with the spicy sex scenes will have you flipping those pages!
So glad I took a chance on this book and author! On to book two I go!
This is my first book by Ms. Johnson and I loved Benson and Sophie! This was a well written story that I literally didn’t put down until I was “done”.
Totally loved the chemistry and the dynamics between Benson and Sophie. These two broken souls are wanting and looking to be loved and cared for, and they found that in each other.
The whole story flowed, the characters are not perfect (and I loved their flaws), there are some laughs, a little mystery, combined with the spicy sex scenes will have you flipping those pages!
So glad I took a chance on this book and author! On to book two I go!
March 11, 2019
This is my second read by C.E. Johnson. I read Buried Hearts first which is the third book in this series. And I loved it and Johnson's writing and immediately had to read books 1 and 2.
I really enjoyed Benson and Sophie's story. I thought it was very well written for an authors first book. It kept my attention from the beginning to the very end. The chemistry between the characters was good. And I loved the dynamic between all the other characters in the book. I am looking forward to reading more from this author. I can't wait to watch her grow.
I really enjoyed Benson and Sophie's story. I thought it was very well written for an authors first book. It kept my attention from the beginning to the very end. The chemistry between the characters was good. And I loved the dynamic between all the other characters in the book. I am looking forward to reading more from this author. I can't wait to watch her grow.
January 2, 2020
Sophie is a strong willed woman who doesn’t trust very many people. She works for everything she’s has and isn’t about to stop reaching for her dreams. When one night she is walking home from work and she is attacked by a stranger and is left for dead when another stranger finds her and offers to take her to the hospital which she refused so he ok her to his house tp make sure she was going to be alright. Benson is a stay to himself kinda man and just goes to work and goes home everything he loves has been ripped from his life. Until he sees Sophie walking home and he refuses to leave her alone without knowing she is safe he doesn’t know what’s going on but he as this strange pul too her and the need to keep her safe. Do these strangers become more then that? Wow this book was amazing it ripped at my heart and had so many sweet moments, laughing at the way Bossy Benson and Sophie joke with each other and has you on your toes trying to jump ahead to get the mystery figured out. There are s many twist and turns that you wont see coming and will keep you wanting more.
June 13, 2017
Intriguing, mysterious and sexy, ‘Done’ will keep you glued to it’s pages until the very end.
Johnson’s characters, both main and secondary, are well developed and likable. Sophie has had a hard life, but she is strong, smart, and independent. When she first meets Benson, she has no desire to interact with him, but for some reason he makes her feel safe and slowly her high walls begin to crack.
Benson had closed himself off from love and lived a life solely focused on work. But then he sees Sophie, and there is just something that draws him to the girl in the dark, like a moth to a flame. As he begins walking beside her daily on her way home from work, the urge to know her more only grows. He saves Sophie one night from a vicious attack, and from that day forward their relationship begins to flourish.
Benson is protective and loyal and it is sweet how he takes care of Sophie. But besides all the sweet, you get a healthy dose of sexy. The chemistry between the two characters and the sex is sizzling!
A fine debut by author C.E. Johnson! I look forward to reading Finn and Daphne’s story next!
Johnson’s characters, both main and secondary, are well developed and likable. Sophie has had a hard life, but she is strong, smart, and independent. When she first meets Benson, she has no desire to interact with him, but for some reason he makes her feel safe and slowly her high walls begin to crack.
Benson had closed himself off from love and lived a life solely focused on work. But then he sees Sophie, and there is just something that draws him to the girl in the dark, like a moth to a flame. As he begins walking beside her daily on her way home from work, the urge to know her more only grows. He saves Sophie one night from a vicious attack, and from that day forward their relationship begins to flourish.
Benson is protective and loyal and it is sweet how he takes care of Sophie. But besides all the sweet, you get a healthy dose of sexy. The chemistry between the two characters and the sex is sizzling!
A fine debut by author C.E. Johnson! I look forward to reading Finn and Daphne’s story next!
April 20, 2018
2 stars
At the surface, technically, this is a not too bad insta-love romance with an over-the-top rich alpha and a sweet, lonely heroine.
Except, it's just that. If you told me to summarize the plot, I don't think I could. Nothing really happens and it stays really surface. The MCs were not developed other than sticking to their obvious tropes.
I think this author potential, but for me, this just required so much more depth.
At the surface, technically, this is a not too bad insta-love romance with an over-the-top rich alpha and a sweet, lonely heroine.
Except, it's just that. If you told me to summarize the plot, I don't think I could. Nothing really happens and it stays really surface. The MCs were not developed other than sticking to their obvious tropes.
I think this author potential, but for me, this just required so much more depth.
July 16, 2019
I got this beautiful copy from the author and overall enjoyed it. This was a quick read that can definitely grow as the series continues.
This is a standalone series and I'm excited to read the other books in the series, Benson was definitely the winner in this read for me!
A great romance with a solid storyline that kept you in love with the cast of characters page after page. Overall a great read to lose a few hours on for me!
October 5, 2019
It’s Done! and it’s so darn good!
OMG, what a book! I’m so in love with CE’s writing style. This book had my emotions all over the place in a very good way. When you think you will be taken into a happy path for the rest of the book, you are surprised with a few intriguing twists that get you more interested in what happens next. You feel like you are present with bossy Benson and Firecracker Sophie at all times. Love, family, romance and struggles are all present in this phenomenal book. I’m looking forward to reading the next 2 book in the series! Hope Finn and Paul have their own HEA’s as well. For sure CE will be a one click author for me!
Nanedsmomba- Life Reads With Friends
OMG, what a book! I’m so in love with CE’s writing style. This book had my emotions all over the place in a very good way. When you think you will be taken into a happy path for the rest of the book, you are surprised with a few intriguing twists that get you more interested in what happens next. You feel like you are present with bossy Benson and Firecracker Sophie at all times. Love, family, romance and struggles are all present in this phenomenal book. I’m looking forward to reading the next 2 book in the series! Hope Finn and Paul have their own HEA’s as well. For sure CE will be a one click author for me!
Nanedsmomba- Life Reads With Friends
April 20, 2017
I was lucky enough to receive an arc copy of Done by C.E. Johnson
I have to say, this is a great debut novel by this author.
She honestly surprised with a wonderful story, fun characters, and strong supporting characters. I was able to visualize each scene and was reminded of how much I love a good alpha male.
Benson was amazing and he certainly found his match.
Looking forward to the next book in the Dark Series.
I have to say, this is a great debut novel by this author.
She honestly surprised with a wonderful story, fun characters, and strong supporting characters. I was able to visualize each scene and was reminded of how much I love a good alpha male.
Benson was amazing and he certainly found his match.
Looking forward to the next book in the Dark Series.
August 2, 2018
C.E. Johnson has done it again! This book was fantastic. Not only did it have the amazing romance, but this book actually made me tear up more than once! Hands down a must read!
Sophie has been hurt so much that's she has become a recluse. She is just going through the motions of life until Benson!
Benson is a man who throws himself into his career as a way to avoid other people. Every night Benson drives past a woman who shakes him to his core! For years Benson has not felt what Sophie makes him feel! After she denies him a ride home, he decides he will not accept anything less then having this woman in his life.
After a frightening event happens Benson steps up to show Sophie not all people are bad. Let me just say SPARKS FLY!
These characters were seriously made for each other. Sophie and Benson couldn't be more different in ways, yet so similar in others. Benson is HOT! He takes what he wants with no regrets. Loved that Sophie's whole life she just wanted everything that Benson is.
I can not say enough wonderful things about this book! C.E. Johnson writes these books that transport you right into them! You will not regret reading this book. I guarantee you will immediately love Benson and his bossy ways.
Also this is the first book of this amazing series! Once you've finished Done you won't have to go through book withdrawal!
Sophie has been hurt so much that's she has become a recluse. She is just going through the motions of life until Benson!
Benson is a man who throws himself into his career as a way to avoid other people. Every night Benson drives past a woman who shakes him to his core! For years Benson has not felt what Sophie makes him feel! After she denies him a ride home, he decides he will not accept anything less then having this woman in his life.
After a frightening event happens Benson steps up to show Sophie not all people are bad. Let me just say SPARKS FLY!
These characters were seriously made for each other. Sophie and Benson couldn't be more different in ways, yet so similar in others. Benson is HOT! He takes what he wants with no regrets. Loved that Sophie's whole life she just wanted everything that Benson is.
I can not say enough wonderful things about this book! C.E. Johnson writes these books that transport you right into them! You will not regret reading this book. I guarantee you will immediately love Benson and his bossy ways.
Also this is the first book of this amazing series! Once you've finished Done you won't have to go through book withdrawal!
April 18, 2018
I’m not going to lie. I’m totally kicking myself in the butt right now for not doing my review for this story right after I read it instead of jumping right into her second book. It’s going to be hard for me because I have had the pleasure of reading all three of her books back to back, watching her writing style and storytelling blossom right before my eyes. I mean this story is good, but with each book it just gets better and better.
This was, in fact, a solid debut read. You can definitely tell the story was well thought out and these characters have heart. I liked this couple. I just didn’t fall in love with them. Regardless of this, Sophie and Benson’s story kept my attention and had me reaching for the next book immediately. I mean, come on, the next book is about Finn.
I enjoyed the read and I’m totally recommending that anyone who starts reading C.E. Johnson’s books to start here. If the reason of reading them in sequence isn’t good enough for you, then at least do it to experience this author bloom into her place in the writing world. Enjoy!
This was, in fact, a solid debut read. You can definitely tell the story was well thought out and these characters have heart. I liked this couple. I just didn’t fall in love with them. Regardless of this, Sophie and Benson’s story kept my attention and had me reaching for the next book immediately. I mean, come on, the next book is about Finn.
I enjoyed the read and I’m totally recommending that anyone who starts reading C.E. Johnson’s books to start here. If the reason of reading them in sequence isn’t good enough for you, then at least do it to experience this author bloom into her place in the writing world. Enjoy!
June 28, 2018
I cried
Okay so I’m guessing this is a first release by the author? In all honesty I almost stopped reading before I finished the first chapter. It’s in third person and I didn’t like the way it flowed. Kept going tho. Felt the story was a little choppy at first and didn’t like Benson right away and the way he spoke to Sophie. These two have horrid communication in the beginning but given what we learn of their pasts it makes sense and made me more endeared to them. As he grew in his feelings for her so did mine towards him. Felt myself growing more fond of the supporting characters as well as the main characters. I could envision their mountains and Bensons anxiety over losing Sophie made me melt for him. Some action and suspense but not too much. The end just made me cry and laugh and I will absolutely be reading the next book. I read hundreds of books a year and if this is a new author - well its an author to watch out for. The writing was good once the story got going and I imagine future books will just get better.
Okay so I’m guessing this is a first release by the author? In all honesty I almost stopped reading before I finished the first chapter. It’s in third person and I didn’t like the way it flowed. Kept going tho. Felt the story was a little choppy at first and didn’t like Benson right away and the way he spoke to Sophie. These two have horrid communication in the beginning but given what we learn of their pasts it makes sense and made me more endeared to them. As he grew in his feelings for her so did mine towards him. Felt myself growing more fond of the supporting characters as well as the main characters. I could envision their mountains and Bensons anxiety over losing Sophie made me melt for him. Some action and suspense but not too much. The end just made me cry and laugh and I will absolutely be reading the next book. I read hundreds of books a year and if this is a new author - well its an author to watch out for. The writing was good once the story got going and I imagine future books will just get better.
November 26, 2018
I can't even begin to describe how much I love this book, but I will try. From the very beginning I was drawn into the story. Benson and Sophie are very relatable characters. Both of them are facing their own struggles in life and are just trying to get by. When they meet, they have an instant connection that is more powerful then they realize. The ups and downs they faced, brought them closer together and their bond was unbreakable. I wasn't just invested in Benson and Sophie's story. I loved all of the secondary characters in the book as well. Each of them played a specific role in the story and I can't wait to read their individual stories. If you are looking for a story that will captivate you from start to finish, then you need to read this book. I finished it a few days ago and I still can't stop thinking about this book!
February 12, 2019
Done is one of those stories that grips you from the beginning with its raw grittiness and strong female heroine who can most definitely take care of herself. I was pleasantly surprised with Sophie’s character and how much I really felt like she was struggling with her own inner feelings on her and Bensons relationship. She so wants to be her own woman but heavily relies on Benson and his strong support for her safety and love. Done really got to me on a level that has that raw emotion and gritty beginning when Sophie is beaten and nearly raped in a dark alley and Benson saves her. It’s at that point that Bensons character really starts to show that yes he’s a little controlling but he loves her in all ways inside and out. I really enjoyed this book and I gave it 5 stars based on the emotion in it from start to finish, it is a powerful read with a happy ending in the result of a family.
May 26, 2017
What a beautiful story!! This is a story of someone with everything and someone with nothing yet they both have one thing in common - a cold and broken heart. One has loved and lost it all. One never had it to lose. Benson knew love but lost it all to death and betrayal. Sophie never knew love because the one that was supposed to love her unconditionally left her alone. But when Benson feels drawn to the lady that walks in darkness he has no idea that he has placed her in the sights of a killer. One fateful night changes everything and sets them on a journey of a lifetime. This is a story of persistence in the face of adversity, never ending hope and two people finding true love! Loved it!!❤️❤️
May 31, 2017
What a great book love a man when his mind is set it doesn't break when he says it's done i got chills Sophie never saw this kinda love coming Benson was what she needed and she fought him every step of the way but it was worth it..amazing read you develop a love for all the characters in the book and you want them just as happy family is always blood but sometimes the people who need you the most and are always there do the trick...great 5 star read with a amazing plot and ending ...cant wait for more.
February 23, 2023
Fantastic read
## Wow. I had a hard time putting this one down. Forget chores for the day...pffft...must finish this book. Benson starts off a tad stalker-ISH, but I really liked him. He just wants the heroine safe. I liked that this heroine wasn't the typical doormat that authors seem to write these days. She let it be known when she wasn't being treated properly or if something was on her mind. These two had terrific chemistry and plenty of good times along with the drama. I will definitely read again.
## Wow. I had a hard time putting this one down. Forget chores for the day...pffft...must finish this book. Benson starts off a tad stalker-ISH, but I really liked him. He just wants the heroine safe. I liked that this heroine wasn't the typical doormat that authors seem to write these days. She let it be known when she wasn't being treated properly or if something was on her mind. These two had terrific chemistry and plenty of good times along with the drama. I will definitely read again.
January 13, 2019
I adored this book and its characters! I love the story that grows between Sophie and Benson (not to mention the other characters!) and how you get to know each of their backgrounds at just the right pace. There was the perfect mix of romance, drama, and even a little suspense! This book gave me all the emotions! I am not ashamed to say I teared up quite a bit several times and I can’t wait to move onto the next book and see what C.E. Johnson has in store for Finn! Amazing read!
November 7, 2017
This book was a edge of my seat , page Turner for me. Benson was such dominate take no nonsense guy. Sophie was a women who new what she wanted out of life , but had suffered a few setbacks.Both had lost the glimmer in there eye for happiness til the meet one another. I can't wait to read Finn book.
January 31, 2019
So DONE
This book was phenomenal! It's done is the phrase used throughout the book leaving. I arguments when it's said. This book gives you the suspense, heat, passion and love. It also gets you so into the story you forget a certain important part that will change the entire story. Loved this book! Extremely well written.. Loved it
This book was phenomenal! It's done is the phrase used throughout the book leaving. I arguments when it's said. This book gives you the suspense, heat, passion and love. It also gets you so into the story you forget a certain important part that will change the entire story. Loved this book! Extremely well written.. Loved it
February 25, 2019
Amazing Read
This is my first read by this author. What an introduction!! This was an amazing story of two broken souls coming together to make one perfect relationship...at least, perfect for them. I adored Sophie and Benson. They were passionate and cute. The story, characters, dialogue, and flow all worked together seamlessly. A great introduction to what this author can do.
This is my first read by this author. What an introduction!! This was an amazing story of two broken souls coming together to make one perfect relationship...at least, perfect for them. I adored Sophie and Benson. They were passionate and cute. The story, characters, dialogue, and flow all worked together seamlessly. A great introduction to what this author can do.
February 23, 2020
This is the first book I’ve read by this author. This book was about two broken people who find each other. Both of their backstory was so tragic. While reading this book I felt every emotion that went through these characters. This book was well written and I look forward to reading more from this author.
May 10, 2019
Wow, I can't believe this is the first book she has ever written. The story line pull you in from the beginning. The characters relationship could have a little more "time" to develop as it felt a bit rushed at times, but otherwise it was great. Can't wait for the second book!
August 10, 2017
Loved
Great story from start to finish. Loved benson & Sophie together. Their story was amazing, even if she didn't make it easier for him at times. But it was great to see their connection & love grow. Loved the writing. Looking forward to Finn next!!!!
Great story from start to finish. Loved benson & Sophie together. Their story was amazing, even if she didn't make it easier for him at times. But it was great to see their connection & love grow. Loved the writing. Looking forward to Finn next!!!!
Read
August 5, 2018It's Done!
This is a new author to me. I love this story. This story takes two broken souls and has date intervene. It shows you that love will always find a way. The characters are beautifully written and the story flows well. C.E. Johnson you've made a life long fan of me.
This is a new author to me. I love this story. This story takes two broken souls and has date intervene. It shows you that love will always find a way. The characters are beautifully written and the story flows well. C.E. Johnson you've made a life long fan of me.
July 8, 2024
Wow
So many emotions felt reading this story. Such intensity and drama. I could not get enough. I highly recommend this story to others and can't wait to see what happens next in this series.
So many emotions felt reading this story. Such intensity and drama. I could not get enough. I highly recommend this story to others and can't wait to see what happens next in this series.
July 24, 2017
Great book! I couldn't put it down and actually ended up staying awake half the night so I could finish it. I am really looking forward to the next book! Great job!!!
November 5, 2017
Loved this book! definitely got me emotional which is not that easy to do. can't wait to read the next one ;)
April 7, 2019
Done
I don't want it to be done. It was such a good story, I just got drawn in and couldn't wait to continue reading.
I don't want it to be done. It was such a good story, I just got drawn in and couldn't wait to continue reading.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews