Returned

by Charlene Johnson

Broderick and Elise were finally rekindling their relationship after being apart for decades when she is taken from the balcony of their family home.  He suspects Elijah, an ancient Mayan vampire is the one who took her. He is the vampire who found her in the forest after her transformation and taught her everything she needed to know about her new vampire life. Finding out any information about Elijah has proven to be problematic.  There is no written record of his existence. A series of shocking revelations brings Broderick and his team closer to finding Elijah and Elise. But Elise is not the only one who has been taken.  Weres from across multiple were communities are also missing. The fate of Elise and the missing weres comes down to the self-sacrifice of a single were-jaguar. Will the love story Broderick and Elise fought so hard for end here?

272 pages, Paperback

Published April 2, 2019

About the author

Charlene is a Waynesburg, Pennsylvania native. Currently lives on a farm outside of Colville, Washington.

Books have always been her passion. She started reading at an early age and progressed to full-length books by age nine. The first supernatural book series she read was Dark Shadows, and it sparked her interest in all things paranormal, with a spicy touch of romance mixed in for good measure. She also started writing poetry in grade school and continues to do so today.

Being an avid reader, the consummate daydreamer, and an incurable romantic with a Cinderella complex, she started creating her own characters and storylines because she realized she had her own stories to tell.

She was married for 39 years. She has a son, Ty; a daughter, Danika; and four beautiful grandchildren, Aries, Victoria, Maya, and Tobias.

Besides reading and writing, she also enjoys photography, travel, music, and great movies.

Reviews

[Liz Burke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow just wow, this one has it all from hot romance to wolf shifters, cat shifters, vampires and magic. This is a great story about Broderick and Elise how she became a vampire and how she escaped. Also tells the story of the vampire shaman and his obsession with her and finally her rescue by her husband and his friends. This is a great story and look forward to more from this author

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[ROBIN · Rating 5 out of 5]

Without a doubt Returned is another gem in the Circle of the Red Scorpion series. This is an absolute must read. This author totally commits to the development of her characters and how they interact with each other. Her attention to detail is exceptional. It is very obvious that she did extensive research for this book. She wrote about the Mayan culture with such authenticity that a reader could easily feel transported back into Mayan history. Her use of symbolism, cultural influences, and traditions of the Mayan culture was very crucial in developing the character of the main antagonist and his interactions with other main characters in this book.
This author really knows how to tug at the heart strings of a reader. She is not afraid to let her readers know that she strongly believes in unconditional deep spiritual love and the sacrifices one is willing to make to protect their loved ones and their love. She takes readers on a rollercoaster of emotions. As each character goes on his/her own personal journey of discovery the readers get to tag along. If a reader has mixed views regarding soulmates and undying love, this writer will convince you that both exist. If a reader is already a believer in true undying love this author will reinforce the concept that love conquers all and transcends time and place.

[marzimarzo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charlene Johnson delivered yet another solid read that kept me glued to my screen from start to finish.
This book takes off after Shattered, Avenged & Dawned so note that it is not a standalone but needs to be read after the other books. Broderick is trying to rescue his abducted mate before the vampire who captured her makes her fully lose her humanity.
The book fills in the gap about what happened to Elise after her 'death' explaining more about the paranormal world created by the author

This series should be on every paranormal suspense romance reader's list. The push and pull is delicious, the angst building into a glorious crescendo. It's most definitely an up-all-night'er.

I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a tumultuous, nail biting, suspense filled finish to the series. This book ties everything together from the first two books in a way that really satisfied my curiosity. There is plenty of action and adventure at every turn. Century old secrets are revealed, scores are settled and all factions unite to fight against the evil trying to take over the world. I can not pick out one character over the other. They were all written so well that each one had my full attention every time they spoke. This is a must read. I highly recommend it. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debbie Caswell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Third book in this wonderful series and it has everything We have vampires shifters and magic

Broderick and Elise are finally starting to have a good life when Elise suddenly disappears from her home now it will be up to Broderick to find her and return her to his life He and his friends will have to take on the evil Mayan Shaman Elijah who has been obsessed with his wife ever since he found her wandering in the jungle as a newly turned vampire. You do need to read these books in order as there is a continuing story line throughout but they are well worth the effort

[Debra (Dragon Nanny) Phiri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely fantastic! Action packed, exciting, keep you on the edge of your seat story!

I wasn’t sure what this book was going to be except for awesome- our wonderful author takes risks with the things she puts her characters through and I love that!

Broderick and Elise needed this story to bring them back to where they began. It’s beautiful and emotional! They are strong and their love is even stronger. They go through so much but because of it they learned even more about themselves and each other.

I also fell more in love with some of the other circle members!

[Caroline Doig · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this series but I had to re- read from book 1 to remember what was going on and the characters and I’m so glad I did and this is the continuation of Broderick’s and Elise’s story. Elise was kidnapped from the balcony of their home and Broderick suspects Elijah but Broderick is shocked when he finds out that lots of werewolves have been taken as well and now Broderick and his team are getting close to finding Elijah and Elise his mate. That’s all I’m going to give you guys this is an amazing story / series and I highly recommend this book it’s definitely well worth the read.

[Jeanne Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 4th book I've read written by Charlene Johnson; she has done a great job at writing a good book; I will definitely be reading more of her books.

The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.

I loved the chemistry between the characters.

I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jacqueline Ellison · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was well written and has wonderful characters that kept me turning the pages. This is the third book in The Circle of the Red Scorpion series and starts off where book two ended. This has action, suspense, secrets and so much more.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

They have been through so much already and now they are together. It will not be so easy as she is taken by the vampire who made her. Now he needs to find her and he he finds out she is not the only one taken. Will he find her? Will they finally have the ending they need and deserve? See if they will

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Elvira · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a hit for me from start to the end. The characters are well developed and engaging with a storyline that flowed smoothly. There is intrigue, suspense and loads of chemistry.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Siyka · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was good to read Charlene Johnson again and be back to her world and her characters.
I liked the story, the mystery, and the challenges.
I recommend it to any fan of that kind of books.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debbie Portnoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn’t stop reading! Amazing storyHAD

HAD to read the entire book after I started it! Didn’t fall asleep until 6 am. Good thing it’s the weekend.