Reviews

Watch Me Burn by C.E. Johnson

read_on_reader's review against another edition

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5.0

This book was utterly amazing! When we first meet Natalie, she isn’t having the best day ever and she is down on her luck, but a quick snap decision has her ending up on Owen’s doorstep. They don’t get off on the best foot, Owen comes off as angry and Natalie comes off as being a tad too pretentious, and I even had my doubts about her at first. Even though she came across that way she grew on me and showed me there was so much more to her character especially when she gave Owen the chance to redeem his moody ways. Owen had my heart hurting with everything he had endured in his life and the injustice he suffered through. I was enraged for him and wanted to stand by his side, encourage him, and just give him a huge hug, the author wrote an amazing story with characters that you absolutely love and some you absolutely want to smack, with a story of twists and emotionally charged love story. Natalie showed Owen he deserved so much and even if his family treated him horribly, he was loved by so many and so much. Whack is a character that I loved and can’t wait for his story I just know it will be just as amazing and emotional as Owen’s was.

sarqjaph3t's review against another edition

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3.0

Sweet story and entertaining characters. Light romance some mystery. Story would be better with minor edits, last few chapters, point of view was questionable.

tammy_m_nc's review against another edition

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4.0

Sexy exciting swoony good

I really enjoyed Owen and Natalie’s sweet, swoony , exciting, but slightly dangerous story. Owen runs a retreat with private cabins. Due to his history he’s a bit of a recluse. Natalie is used to the better things in life but when her life implodes she impulsively decides to come to Owen’s retreat. She arrives in a tiny sports car wearing high heels and clothes inappropriate for the wilderness. Owen is already stressed because his sister is marrying one of the men that got him put in prison so their initial meeting does not go well. Nevertheless, fate pulls them together and begins the exciting, roller coaster ride of their HEA. This book has a little bit of everything you’d expect from romantic suspense - sweet moments, fan your face steam, dangerous action, strong friendships, dysfunctional families, painful pasts, mystery, plot twists, uber protective men, real life issues, imperfect characters, and even a few chuckles. The story was well written, the characters had depth and growth, and the storyline was engaging. I will definitely be reading more of this series because I want to know Whack’s story.

what_lauras_reading's review against another edition

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4.0

I am struggling to put my thoughts together. I will say Owen and Natalie are wonderful together, and their story had my complete attention.

The romance was wonderful. I loved seeing these two connect, and build that trust. Natalie made a big impact on Owen. I think it's safe to say he made one on her as well. Not to mention Natalie's parents stepping up. Loved that.

You know what really kept my attention though? It was the suspense. It all goes back to a situation that happened when Owen was a teenager. Here we are years later, and there are still people trying to bring him down. Oofta. How everything played out. So good. I was so invested, and definitely found myself holding my breathe toward the end.

read_on_reader's review

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5.0

This book was utterly amazing! When we first meet Natalie, she isn’t having the best day ever and she is down on her luck, but a quick snap decision has her ending up on Owen’s doorstep. They don’t get off on the best foot, Owen comes off as angry and Natalie comes off as being a tad too pretentious, and I even had my doubts about her at first. Even though she came across that way she grew on me and showed me there was so much more to her character especially when she gave Owen the chance to redeem his moody ways. Owen had my heart hurting with everything he had endured in his life and the injustice he suffered through. I was enraged for him and wanted to stand by his side, encourage him, and just give him a huge hug, the author wrote an amazing story with characters that you absolutely love and some you absolutely want to smack, with a story of twists and emotionally charged love story. Natalie showed Owen he deserved so much and even if his family treated him horribly, he was loved by so many and so much. Whack is a character that I loved and can’t wait for his story I just know it will be just as amazing and emotional as Owen’s was.

reidsreads's review

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emotional sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.75

chrissycracksabook's review against another edition

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5.0

Talk about an amazing, plot driven romance. I am loving this series of standalones from CE Johnson. These characters are absolutely incredible. Each one is unique and so well developed. I loved following along as Owen (Gill) and Natalie found each other, and new family.

Everest, Gill and Whack are men that will steal your heart. Talk about broken, broody men. I am loving how these men are getting a new start at the life they deserve. I can't wait for Whack's book.

vera_allbookedup's review against another edition

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5.0

Amazing story full of drama and angst and a little mystery, but also has the elements of romance. All this combined made one powerful story to showcase the true grit of Owen and Natalie. I ran through many emotions while reading this book. From anger at Natalie’s ex and Owen’s father to relief at Whack and Everest dropping everything to help. From happiness that Natalie and Owen deserved to the feeling of peace between Owen and his sister Melody. The support Natalie’s parents not only gave her but also Owen and Mel, The author wove a tale so powerful that it’s left me bereft at the end of the book. What a phenomenal storyteller! I can’t wait to see what’s in store for Whack.

I received an advance copy of this book at my request and voluntarily left this review.

_booksanddogs_'s review against another edition

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5.0

I've been burned my entire life. Nothing hurts me anymore.

Before I start gushing about how amazing this book is I just want to say a big thank you to @authorcejohnson for giving me the chance to read the ARC. It felt like I'd be waiting forever but we are finally here and it was sooo worth the wait.

C.E. Johnson does this incredible thing were she balances romance and suspense together to take you on a heck of a ride and Watch Me Burn was exactly that. I couldn't put it down and was constantly making excuses to leave the housework just a little longer.

Owen is just everything. I loved how protective and loyal he was and how he had a little bit of edge that made you want to understand what he's been through.
Natalie was so relatable and I feel like her journey was so inspiring and had motivated me to help myself heal through some of the similar circumstances she's also been through. I loved how much they developed and grew in themselves but also with each other.

Watch Me Burn was such an amazing story. Everyone go check out this incredible book and C.E.'s first story Watch Me Drown you won't regret it!!