Justice Cooper abandoned his professional hockey career to put family first. Now divorced with a young son, he has no time to indulge the chemistry sparking with a brainy and beautiful academic. Especially with a vicious stalker wreaking havoc on his campus.
Professor Charlotte Girardet is focused on one thing—earning tenure at a prestigious university. She’ll do anything to keep her career on track, which includes ignoring her unwanted attraction to the rough and rugged security guard who insists on protecting her.
Struggling to balance her ambitions and a growing passion, Charlotte trusts Justice with her deepest secret, and discovers she’s not the only one haunted by the past. But their uncertain future becomes even more precarious when the assailant strikes much too close to home.
Brenda Margriet writes savvy, slow burn, contemporary romances with ordinarily amazing characters. In her own ordinarily amazing life, she had a successful career in radio and television production before deciding to pilfer from her retirement plan to support her writing compulsion.
Readers have called her stories “poignant,” “explicit and steamy,” “interesting, intriguing and entertaining,” and “unlike any romance you’ve read before” (she assumes the latter was meant in a good way).
Subscribe to Brenda’s newsletter and you’ll immediately receive a free read. You’ll also tag along with her dog-walking adventures, find out what she’s reading when she should be working, and other randomness…along with all her writing news, of course!
I loved this book, I haven't had much time to read this week and have been desperate to continue this book, it's a gentle but passionate romance with added suspense that pulled me in.
Charlotte works at the university teaching English and specialises in poetry, its only a stop gap, she has big plans for her career. She is a quiet woman, keeps to herself and works very hard.
Justice, I loved him, I want to grab him and take him away with me - sorry hubby! He's a large man, he isn't the perfect looking man, he has some scars but as a person his as perfect as he could be - strong, cuddly, caring, doting dad, sexy, has a beard, takes care of himself, he has a personality that really comes across well - I feel like I really know him! He works as a security guard at the university and takes advantage of this by sitting in on courses that interest him.
When Justice first see's Charlotte he doesn't think I want her straight away, he befriends her and they grow closer, very close and that's when we start to see more of Charlotte, see shows her sexy side and slowly opens up. I enjoyed seeing her warm up, she has been career minded for so long its hard for her to see off the path she has planned, Justice has a subtle but forward way of making her see there's more to life than work.
Max is Justices son and his a cute kid, there's also Chaucer, his a big dog and a large part of Justices life and features all through the book.
Its a gentle romance to start with, but it's certainly not a slow read it has lots going on and the author drops in here and there revelations that make you go 'what, 'didn't see that coming' - I really enjoyed the authors style of writing, she describes things well and the book flowed perfectly for me.
I'm sure it's safe to say there is a happy ending, I had a few tears in my eyes at the end of the book, Happy tears.
I'll definitely be reading more of this authors books and can happily recommend this book to others.
Five star
*I was gifted a copy of the book from the author for an honest unbiased review
When Time Falls Still tells the story of a lonely woman who has her career at the top of her list and feels like she does not have time for relationships. When the reader is introduced to Professor Charlotte Girardet in the beginning of the story, she came off as cold as the weather in British Columbia, where we find the majority of the story taking place. She seemed really high maintenance and her interactions between Justice were strained. It was hard to imagine that anything romantic would come out of it.
In the background, the suspense of an anonymous attacker on the campus who focuses on female students, is constantly brought to our attention and Charlotte becomes involved in the drama of it all. But somehow, I think that the threat to Charlotte breaks down her walls and she finds herself drawn to the safety of Justice’s arms. With every high strung female, there is a good backstory and Charlotte’s, once revealed, was heartbreaking. I loved finding out what made her decisions career driven and it somehow struck a chord with me.
As Charlotte and Justice spend more time together, their sexual relationship becomes the focal point. Her initial dislike for him turns into a major attraction and the sex is always there. I wished there was more suspense, but I guess the sexual relationship brought out key points to their future together. It made her grow as a character and her distrust in men was questioned.
It was a slow and steady read, one that encompasses both characters’ personalities and faults. It also stretches out the suspense to a satisfying climax that really was the most fun part in the whole book.
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
I loved this romantic suspense with gentle, flowing romance that doesn't overpower you from the get-go, but lets you get to know each character as the story goes along rather than as just a couple. Charlotte is a professor in British Columbia and teaches English. She's lonely but has big plans for her career and the teaching gig is just a step to bigger things. She works hard, and is an excellent professor, at least according to Justice.
Justice was...big. He was big in both body, mind, and emotion. He was the kind of guy that was real. He had scars and fears, but he was strong, caring, a loving dad, and a sexy as hell bearded dynamo. The way Brenda wrote him made me feel like I knew him and we were friends. Justice works as a security guard at the university but also happens to be taking an English class by one particular professor.
This was a flowing romance in that it wasn't 'instalove' but rather friends to lovers. It takes Charlotte time to open up to him and give up her work time for pleasure time. That's never been her personality before Justice, and frankly, it scares her. I loved that he was the one to teach her about the things she was missing in life.
Justice is a single dad to Max and he likes Charlotte. He also likes that since Charlotte became part of their lives that his dad is happier. While you think the book will be predictable, it's not. There are so many twists and turns that leave you turning the next page, even though you've told yourself you'll quit after just one more! Don't miss out on When Time Falls Still, or you'll miss an exciting, romantic, and touching romance about learning to trust yourself and the person you're meant to be with.
A bit of a slow burn mixed with suspense in just the right setting for a good read!
This book was a one sit read for me, it kept me interested, was well written and had a good plot. Both lead characters, Justice and Charlotte, have strong personalities and I liked that both were believable and had good character development. I loved that Charlotte is an academic who is a bit complicated and driven to reach her goals, I imagine her as the type of woman who has resting bitch face (right after my own heart). There was just enough suspense that it kept me engaged and I always love a smart man in uniform.
Favorite Quote: “His cock was going to be disappointed this morning. It thought it was going to get sex.”
Professor Charlotte Girardet is currently teaching at a small university in British Columbia while working on her book in an effort to secure a position at a larger more prestigious university. She has no time for relationships until a sexy, rugged security guard invades her class and her life.
Justice Cooper leads a relatively quiet life. A former hockey player, he now works security at the university, occasionally auditing classes that strike his fancy, and spends his days off with his son. Charlotte appeals to him on a sexual and an intellectual level. He recognizes the loneliness inside of her and he pushes for them to spend more personal time together.
Charlotte struggles to balance her professional obligations with her deepening relationship with Justice. She was badly betrayed by a previous lover and is wary of allowing someone the chance to hurt her again. Justice also struggles with trust issues. His ex-wife divorced him out of the blue and is now pushing for a reconciliation. Their attempts to heal their wounds together and move forward is interrupted when a series of attacks on campus places Charlotte in danger
When Time Falls Still was a pleasant surprise. A woman set on path to which there is no deviation from finds herself questioning her life goals when an enigma of a man enters her life with every intention of becoming a permanent resident. Margriet’s voice produces a smooth flowing narrative, intriguing sexual tension, and a well-plotted romance that takes it’s time developing as Margriet sets out to address and resolve the internal issues of the protagonists while flirting with a light suspense filled subplot.
There is a quietness to the story that contrasts perfectly with the emerging emotional undertones and intense passion that envelops the protagonists. Charlotte and Justice are well matched, likable characters whose still waters run deep. Both are intelligent, loyal people who have been hurt in life by love. It was interesting to see how similar they choose to live their lives yet with such different results. Charlotte chose to leave her family and put all her energies towards her goals while Justice gave up his goals and choose to adapt his life around his family who need him.
Charlotte has a life plan that ends with her achieving tenure at a prestigious university. All her work and education have been stepping stones towards this goal. When she first meets Justice, she is both annoyed and confused. He is not part of her plan and is a distraction she doesn’t want or need but his attention flatters her and his intelligence calls to her. Still reeling from a broken relationship where her trust was used against her, she finds herself unable to accept Justice’s motives as completely pure. So she offers him a friends with benefits affair that is to end when she leaves the university in a year.
“I thought English professors were suppose to be romantic.”
Romance. Love. That’s what hurt you. Sex, on the other hand, was just sex. “Not all of us, “Charlotte said.
Justice agrees to her proposal though he is looking for much more than that with her. He too has been hurt in the past though he is more than willing to take a chance with Charlotte. His reaction to her is deafening and he wants to further explore the feelings she invokes in him. Though some may think him unambitious, Justice knows exactly what he wants and what he doesn’t. His hockey career was more of his father’s dream then his and he doesn’t need a degree to define his intelligence. His divorce sent him into a tailspin and the only thing that matters to him now is being there for his son. He is a proverbial rock in a storm; dependable and stalwart and that suits him just fine.
As they begin their delicate dance, the sexual tension between them is a tangible force that demands frequent indulgence as they seek to learn more about each other outside of the bedroom. A friendship develops between them, almost reluctantly. Old fears begin to rear their ugly heads, leaving our lovers wondering if this relationship stands a chance at all. Margriet defines these fears, allowing readers to hear Charlotte and Justice’s internal thoughts, so that we can understand the reasons behind some of their actions. Both fear the strength of their attraction-each wondering if they can afford to become this attached to someone after what has happened to them in the past. I liked that communication was at a premium for this couple. Misunderstandings were cleared up in an adult manner.
The suspense plot line was interesting though it becomes evident early on it is merely a plot device to help push Justice and Charlotte together. Margriet spoils the story herself in the blurb so we know what will happen to Charlotte. I wish she would have left us in the dark on that aspect to build up the suspense and mystery.
The ending wraps up the storyline in a pleasurable climatic manner, leaving readers secure that this couple has all the necessary ingredients for a long lasting relationship. Though this is my first time reading Margriet, it won’t be my last. I enjoyed her voice and the blending of the sensual romance with the realistic issues facing a new relationship.
This is currently available in paperback. The ebook version releases April 4, 2016.
Charlotte Girardet has goals of only working on her career at the university and doesn’t have time for romance until she meets Justice Cooper. Justice is divorced with a young son and doesn’t have any time for romance until he meets Charlotte. At first Charlotte and Justice agree to a friends with benefits relationship but soon their relationship blossoms into romance. I really enjoyed reading this fascinating romance novel by Brenda Margriet. I received this free e-book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was a romance novel I could not put down. I really enjoyed the relationship between Charlotte and Justice. The friends to romance relationship. And a little suspense added near the end was an added bonus.
If you're looking for steam, this book has it. Not at the top of the measurement scale, but enough to keep the reader's attention. And this is what I wanted in a February romance.
This ARC was gifted to me by the author and I put it away on my TBR shelf. I left it there for way too long. I wish I had read it sooner. Go get this book!
What a fabulous read. I loved the main characters Justice and Charlotte, they were so different in terms of education and yet so similar in their shared love of learning. They each had personal and very emotional issues to deal with. Charlotte thought hers were insurmountable until she saw the love Justice had for his son and realized that family cannot be defined by blood alone. I thoroughly enjoy the way Brenda Margriet writes and look forward to reading more of her work. Recommended.
This book was refreshing and enjoyable. It had a large element of mystery and suspense involved, something I don’t usually go for but found myself enjoying. The characters are the backbone of this story strong and determined passionate and loyal from totally different worlds but they fit perfectly together, they draw you into their story. The big minus for me is that the author gave away part of the story in her synopsis so I already knew what was going to happen with Charlotte. I would of preferred to find that out by reading for myself revealing it takes away the plot line and spoiled it somewhat for me. Charlotte has her life planned out,everything she's been working toward is within her grasp she's teaching at a university but is hoping to move to a much bigger and important one.She is committed to her work, she's driven by it until Justice..Justice Cooper an ex hockey player is the security guard at the university he's happy with his life spending time with his son whenever he can.When they meet they are drawn to each other Charlotte is attracted to him but tries to fight any thoughts of things heating up between them.Both of them have trust issues,both out of damaging relationships. When Charlotte can no longer fight against her feelings she comes up with a proposal for Justice.Can they build a relationship together when she knows eventually she will be leaving?While they explore the possibilities of a relationship together danger is lurking around the campus that could threaten their relationship before it even starts. All in all an enjoyable read only spoiled for me by revealing the plot line, hence 4 stars.
Charlotte Girardet is a professor of medieval poetry at a university in northern British Columbia. She’s there on a yearlong appointment, trying to heal from her fiancé calling off the wedding. Justice Cooper is a former hockey player who now works for the university as a security guard. They meet on a snowy night when he helps her free her car from the snow. It turns out Justice has been auditing one of Charlotte’s classes. They have a lot of things in common, including a love of great literature. They really start to hit it off, but there are some hurdles they must overcome. Justice’s ex-wife wants him back. Charlotte is unable to have children. Lurking in the background is a mysterious figure who is attacking women who go to the university. Is Charlotte safe? Can Justice catch the attacker? Justice is a great hero, rough around the edges but a true protector. Besides, you have to love a guy who names his huge dog Chaucer. Charlotte is thoroughly root-worthy as she struggles to overcome her demons, even if sometimes it feels like she gets bogged down by them. I love the academic setting and getting to known northern British Columbia. Brenda Margriet has crafted a heart-warming and heart-stopping tale of romance. I received a free copy of this book in return for an honest review.
I had been trying to read this wonderful book for some time. I am a "hockey" fan and a friend had recommended this book for me. Charlotte & Justice had both experienced life changing losses in their teens. Decisions were made that seemed right at the time but now their lives were taking a turn in a different direction - straight for each other. Charlotte's eye had always been on a career in a large university. The prize was within her grasp. When she meets Justice, her eyes are swayed towards him. Would a life with him be a worthy trade for the goals she had striven for most of her life?
Hockey player – English teacher. YEP. I truly loved this combo from Brenda Margriet. Her voice shines through these characters and I cannot even put into words how much I adored Justice Cooper. This guy. *swoons again* Both Justice and Charlotte have pasts that put them into some heart type turmoil - but watching them try to NOT fall for each other was so much fun, I have to admit. Frustrating, but fun. LOL – I was rooting for Justice the entire time. Not a moment passed that I didn’t absolutely love this guy. And the way he interacts with his son. *died*. When they FINALLY get it, and they give this thing called love a whirl . . . it’s AWESOME. Plus! How often do you get to say your favorite side character was a DOG! Seriously. I feel like I could give this book another read. And I’m jealous of anyone who gets to watch these two fall in love for the first time. This was a very satisfying story about how when you meet the right person, your scars fade and your heart heals. LOVED IT SO MUCH. I’m so looking forward to diving into Chef d’Amour now. And everything else Ms. Margriet has written.
This is the first book from Brenda Margreit that I have read, but it certainly won't be the last. When Times Falls Still was an amazing book with heartfelt emotions, yet was also a light read. Charlotte Girardet is a college professor focusing on writing her book that will get her tenure at a large university. Justice Cooper is a security guard at the small town college where Charlotte is currently teaching. Justice wants Charlotte, and Charlotte wants tenure..... but at what cost? This is a story about having priorities, and watching them change as each person changes, yet supporting the dreams of the person you love. Oh, and don't forget a little mystery goes along way. This is a standalone novel with a HEA, but I'm hoping we haven't seen the last of these characters.
Justice is a security guard and Charlotte is a professor at the same small university. Their mutual attraction isn't the problem, but add in Justice's ex, his son, a campus attacker, a few secrets, and Charlotte's priority to get ahead with her career, and you have enough complications to make a relationship interesting!
Loved that it took place in Canada, where the author is from. Her description of the winter conditions was so amazing, I felt like I was there! She throws in a bit of hockey, a lot of suspense, and some very hot sex, and wow, that made for a great story. Justice is one incredible BBF!! ❤️
Justice is a security guard and Charlotte is a professor at the same small university. Their mutual attraction isn't the problem, but add in Justice's ex, his son, a campus attacker, a few secrets, and Charlotte's priority to get ahead with her career, and you have enough complications to make a relationship interesting!
Loved that it took place in Canada, in an area not terribly far from me and with a climate not unlike where I live, so the author's description of the winter conditions felt like home. Throw in some hockey, a lot of suspense, and hot sex and I'm a happy girl!
A slow build up, with complex but intriguing characters that take a while to warm up to but seem all the more realistic once the reader gets to know them, with plenty of mystery and passion, this is an excellent, sizzling read!
This was an enjoyable romance. It follows the standard formula of two people who do not seem right for each other: A physically imposing campus security guard (who also happens to like poetry) and a career-focused professor who has no time for love as she seeks to finish her book and obtain tenure at a prestigious university, leaving the small college that she only agreed to teach at because it would allow her to do her research and writing without distraction. The characters have incidents in their pasts that deeply affect their current lives and could, when revealed, wreck the relationship. What I liked was that the author dealt compassionately and realistically with the character's "issues", in particular the issue of infertility.
I received a copy of the ebook from Reading Alley in exchange for a review.