Charlie had it all.Beauty. Brains. And the guy.Until the perfect boyfriend went from heaven to hell.Fearful for her life, and the sting of his hand still lingering on her cheek, she runs.But she knows he won’t let her go so easily.Determined to leave his crime-ridden life behind, Rain retreated deep into the Oregon woods. He has everything he needs. A beautiful home and a life of solitude.But … home and a life of solitude.
But when an injured woman staggers onto his property, he can’t help but think she’s part of an elaborate setup.
His gut says believe her.
His paranoia says trust no one.
His heart, however, is completely screwed.
Will enemies from both of their pasts ruin their chance at a future, or will love find a way?
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3.5 stars
CE Johnson is a new to me author and I absolutely love the synopsis of the story…it captures your attention and wants to drag you in to these characters lives. Her writing style is exquisite, and the story line just flows from one page into the next.
I love Charlie/Charlotte’s courage and determination, and I love Rain’s hardened but good heart. There are some real emotional overload moments. That dance…I think my heart may have exploded!
I did feel the climax of the story may have happened a bit too soon and the author’s need to tie everything up in a nice neat bow may have been a bit extended, making the feel of the story morph into more of a contemporary romance rather than the romantic suspense story I was expecting. That said, new authors grow and learn with every release and I’m expecting only good things in the future.
Rain gave me major Keanu Reaves in John Wick vibes and I loved it!
Rain is a romantic suspense that you won’t put down as the twists keep you on your toes and the love keeps you 100% invested in Rain and Charlie. As these two navigate through their dark pasts, it’s heartbreaking and beautiful and it makes you root for them even harder. These characters will move you in a way that will keep you thinking about them long after the story has finished. Rain is a raw, gut wrenching story of hope, regaining trust and finding your forever love after living through so much pain!
Tracey, Life Reads With Friends
This is a great story with main characters overcoming dark pasts and learning to love, and supporting characters that are so much fun. Luther may be my favorite supporting character from any of the books that I have read lately. Both Rain and Charlie have dark pasts for different reasons, and watching them overcome those pasts and learn to love each other made a story that was difficult to put down. Also, there is just enough suspense in this book to keep you on the edge of your seat. This will not be my last book written by C. E. Johnson!!!
RAIN is my first book to read by C.E. Johnson. I’ve had this book on my TBR list since it came out in April. Since I finished the last page of the book, I don’t know why I waited so long to read it! I’ve already bought another book by the author to read next. I really highly recommend this book.
Charlie (Charlotte) has been in an abusive relationship since her senior year of high school. His name was Austin Greenwood, and when they first met she thought he was the man of her dreams. He only wanted her, and she felt like the luckiest girl in the world. Some people would say they were connected at the hip. They even graduated from the same college. Her relationship with Austin went from living with her dream-man, to her worst nightmare. She believed she had moved from heaven to hell. Fearful for her life, she runs as if the Devil, himself, is chasing after her, and that was close to the truth.
Rain was living a reclusive existence in his home in a wooded forest in Oregon. He is in hiding and feels he has all he needs. His life of solitude, besides his faithful dog, is suddenly interrupted when a girl falls out of his woods and right into his life. The peace and quiet of his woodland home is suddenly invaded by a woman, who desperately needs him. He did not trust her or anyone, but brought her to his house, and cared for her well-being. If his gut feeling is right, not only would he never hurt her, he would protect her to make sure no one else would ever hurt her again.
They learned much about each other. His mother had nicknamed him Rain. She had a hard time getting him to come in out of the rain. When most kids went ducking for cover, he would sit in the middle of the yard, and let it soak into him. He became addicted to the feel of it cooling his body as it fell against his skin. And the tickle as it streams down the fresh little bumps it caused.
He had a rough, tough and protective personality. But he also was genuine. When someone he cared about offered him tea, which he hated: “Do you like tea, Rain?” She asked, holding a cup in my direction. I hate tea. But I can’t tell her that. She went through the trouble of getting it for me, and I don’t want her to think I’m a jerk. He says, “Thank-you!” There, he didn’t say yes, so he hadn’t lied. Taking a drink of the foul liquid makes him wish he had just said “No!”
C.E. Johnson…where have you been all my life?!
First, can we talk cover?!! HOLY WOW!! It really doesn’t get much better than that…
Until you meet the name-sake, the leading man, Rain. There aren’t enough words. Recluse, Paranoid, Protective, Dog-lover, Cautious, Creative, Curious, Caring, Dangerous, Fiery, HOT HOT HOT!!!
Enter Charlie. We first meet her on the run. She’s escaping her nightmare and in her rush to do so…crashes her car into some trees off the highway on her way to ‘she doesn’t know where’! Just so happens that this strong, but broken, fighter finds herself in Rain’s woods.
AAHHH!! So good, people. I love it when two broken souls help to heal one another. I love when a dangerous man learns a thing or two from his beloved 4-legged best friend. And I REALLY love when a strong woman is made even stronger when she finds love and support in some unexpected places!
The climax did seem to happen a bit earlier than I expected…since there was so much story given to us after that point. But I’m here to tell you, I just don’t care about that!!! I LOVED getting all the extra tidbits about the main AND supporting characters.
“Plans ruin perfectly good opportunity.”
Prepare to fall head over heels in love. Rain is an emotional hit you right in the feels read. Brimming with most real, sweet, and raw love story this book is one I devoured. The second I started reading this I was immediately pulled in and didn’t put it down until the last page. This book is FANTASTIC!
Two broken souls both struggling to survive in very different ways. Rain and Charlie are the kind of characters you get addicted to. I couldn’t get enough of them. Rain seems gruff and cold, but that’s hiding one of the most beautiful hearts I’ve ever read. When Rain loves, he loves deeply and he most certainly fell in love with Charlie. Charlie was brave, stronger than she knew, and incredibly sweet.
Both helping each other heal in ways neither of them could have imagined, their story is full of so much emotion. These two are an incredible couple who’s love pours right off the pages!