Elements of the Heart Series by C.E. Johnson

They just stood there. Watching me drown. Not one hand reached out to save me. So I quit looking for someone to grab onto and let the water take me. I thought this part of my life was over. Even though the restraining order against my father expired years ago, I wasn’t expecting him to show up in my life again. I had no idea the mysterious man that stands at the river’s edge would be the one to defend me. After one night in Everest’s protection, the idea was for us to go our separate ways... moreThey just stood there. Watching me drown. Not one hand reached out to save me. So I quit looking for someone to grab onto and let the water take me. I thought this part of my life was over. Even though the restraining order against my father expired years ago, I wasn’t expecting him to show up in my life again. I had no idea the mysterious man that stands at the river’s edge would be the one to defend me. After one night in Everest’s protection, the idea was for us to go our separate ways. Instead, my life gets turned upside down and now I want more than just his safety. I want his scarred heart, too.*Don’t make other people’s problems your own. I learned long ago to keep my head down and my eyes pointed at the road ahead. But trying to ignore the beautiful woman at the park isn’t just difficult. It’s impossible. When I find out she’s in danger, not only do I make her problem mine, keeping her safe becomes my priority. Falling for Danielle wasn’t part of the plan. And now, it could take me down faster than any undertow. less

I was jumped. But nobody believed me.They would have killed me if I didn’t fight back.Only once I started, I couldn’t stop myself.The cops arrested me.The town raged against me.The judge made an example out of me.Everyone abandoned me except my little sister.Ten years later, she’s set to marry one of the men that destroyed my life.And all she wants is her big brother at her side... moreI was jumped. But nobody believed me.They would have killed me if I didn’t fight back.Only once I started, I couldn’t stop myself.The cops arrested me.The town raged against me.The judge made an example out of me.Everyone abandoned me except my little sister.Ten years later, she’s set to marry one of the men that destroyed my life.And all she wants is her big brother at her side.I didn’t think things could get much worse until Natalie Bell steps out of her fancy car with designer high heels to check in at my Lodge.A city girl doesn’t quite fit into my life out here in the wilderness. But when she’s ready to stand up for me against my biggest enemies, she happens to fit quite nicely at my side.This fire inside of me used to be fueled by hate. Now, I only burn for her.They can try to force me back up on that stake and light every match in their books.But I’m a different man now.You see, once you learn how to live in the flames, they can no longer hurt you. less

She’s a widow. And I’m not what I would consider a good role model for her young child. It’s been a long road for me. I’ve been plagued with bad decisions and grief. You could say life sucker punched the wind right out of me.Just like it did to the woman in the car that spun into the ditch right before my eyes. I helped calm her down until the ambulance came, and assumed I’d never see her again... moreShe’s a widow. And I’m not what I would consider a good role model for her young child. It’s been a long road for me. I’ve been plagued with bad decisions and grief. You could say life sucker punched the wind right out of me.Just like it did to the woman in the car that spun into the ditch right before my eyes. I helped calm her down until the ambulance came, and assumed I’d never see her again. Judging by her wide eyes and the soda that poured into my lap when Montana Hutchinson delivered the drinks to my table at the town diner, I would guess she believed the same thing.I thought we could be friends. After all, we have more in common than even she realizes. But it seems Tana happens to be a magnet for trouble. And I happen to be the kind of guy that can’t sit back and watch the danger unfold around her. I’ll do anything to protect her and her daughter. But every day I spend with her gets harder to push down the feelings growing inside of me. Being with Tana not only proves I’m capable of love again. I can breathe again.Happiness isn’t something that everyone gets the privilege to have. And there’s no way I’m about to let anyone take it away from me again. less

It’s impossible to avoid Andrea Taylor in this small town. Especially since her best friend is married to mine. After having my heart destroyed, I’m not a relationship kind of guy anymore.And she deserves better. But she’s hard to resist and the fact that she wants me too, only intensifies the pull between us.I manage to keep my hands to myself, but she doesn’t and the second I get a taste of Andi, I can’t get enough... moreIt’s impossible to avoid Andrea Taylor in this small town. Especially since her best friend is married to mine. After having my heart destroyed, I’m not a relationship kind of guy anymore.And she deserves better. But she’s hard to resist and the fact that she wants me too, only intensifies the pull between us.I manage to keep my hands to myself, but she doesn’t and the second I get a taste of Andi, I can’t get enough. We both agree it wouldn’t go further than a few hot nights with no strings attached.Then strange things start to happen to Andi, and I become a little more than a protective friend. I never thought I’d risk my freedom again for someone else. But Andi has a hold of my soul, and I’ll do anything to keep her safe. My life was ripped out from under me years ago and I’ve been floating through the motions ever since.Now that my feet have finally landed back on the ground next to Andi, God help whoever is trying to hurt her. less