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Against all my rules, there’s a woman sleeping in my house. I had no choice. It’s the only way I can keep her safe.
For years, I’ve stayed beneath the surface, avoiding everyone who isn’t part of my small circle.
But I couldn’t ignore what I saw at the park. And once she uses the words my father and restraining order in the same sentence, I can’t walk away even if I want to.

The more time I spend with Danielle, the more I realize I wasn’t just treading through life.
I was drowning.
Falling for her was not part of the plan. Every touch of her skin and kiss to her lips destroys the wall I built inside of me.

And now I have to save her like she has saved me before we both get dragged back under the water.

254 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 18, 2020

215 people are currently reading
497 people want to read

About the author

C.E. Johnson

16 books321 followers
C.E. Johnson writes protective hero romance with a side of suspense!

She wrote her first book in 2017 and hasn't stopped writing since. C.E. is best known for her romantic suspense series, The Elements of the Heart, which features protective heroes, strong heroines in danger, small town feels, and love that will have your heart swelling.

She's a dog lover, iced coffee enthusiast, and dreams of living in a cabin deep in the woods one day like so many of her characters do.

C.E. Johnson currently lives in the Midwest with her husband, two kids, and a bunch of spoiled rotten animals.

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5 stars
324 (56%)
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154 (27%)
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74 (13%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
Profile Image for Dora Koutsoukou .
2,288 reviews738 followers
January 31, 2023
2,5 💘🤔⭐️s

It was a nice suspenseful romance read… until it wasn’t.
Apart from the insta lust, the relationship between Danielle and Everest developed too fast. Depth and development were insufficient.
Towards the end, there were two twists totally unexpected. I would have been fine with one, but two seemed excessive.
Profile Image for Spicy_Little_Italian_Reads.
111 reviews6 followers
October 12, 2020
You know a book makes an impact in your life and experience from reading when you can relate to the situations in the story and it keeps you in a constant state of memory. That’s what this book did with me, it brought back memories for me in my life and made me relate to the characters on a more personal level than any other book ever has.
CE Johnson you have drowned me in your words and I don’t know that I want to be saved. 💙🌊

Watch Me Drown is hands down the best written work from all of her books combined! When I tell you this book is a MUST READ I mean it. It’s a book that will twist you, flip you, keep you on your toes, and give you all the feels while reaching for the happy ever after that is on the horizon but far from reach. It has the strongest emotion in all of CE’s books and delivers the BIGGEST mic drop of a twist that left me reeling!!!!! You have to read this story, it’s everything a damaged hero story should be and pulls you under until you eventually do drown in your feelings
Profile Image for Valeen Robertson (Live Thru Books Blog).
5,928 reviews212 followers
October 19, 2020




Dani's new to town, hasn't made any friends, in a boring HR job, with only her not so energetic Great Dane puppy for company. It's while walking him that she meets Everest (Ever). He's mysterious and quite broody looking, and ends up watching as she changes her tire. But it's later when he saves her that things pick up and start with them.



Ever knows better than to take on someone else's problems while he's in town. But he can't just leave Dani alone. Something calls him to her and soon the both of them are falling. But revelations, twists and turns, will take their toll on this couple. Do they have what it takes to surmount those obstacles?



What an intense read filled with twists, with two great leads. I loved Dani - she's tough and strong, and I loved Ever too - he's broody and protective and not a tiny bit damaged. Reading as these two fell hard was emotional and tugged on my heart more than a little. I will definitely be on the lookout for more from this author.



ARC via Give Me Books for an honest review.

Review / Release Blitz: Live Through Books Blog.

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Profile Image for Tami.
259 reviews7 followers
October 20, 2020
This is my first book by C.E. Johnson and it won't be my last! A friend told me about this book and I jumped at the chance to read it!
This book has all the feels and just the right about of suspense and tension to keep you turning the page.
Profile Image for Thuy Taylor.
1,408 reviews19 followers
October 20, 2020
I love a story where it just completely takes you by surprise, this one definitely did that! Danielle aka Dani has grown up very sheltered and scared of her father coming back to kidnap her. So, its mostly been her and her mother for most of her life but she's wants to live her life and now she's moved out on her own. Cautious and aware of her surroundings, she lives on her own with her dog. Dani sees a guy over near the water, there is just something about him, she can't stop watching him and is so intrigued by him. He comes into her life at the perfect time. There is a threat in her life, and Everest has become uber protective of her.

I can't say too much because I think it will spoil the story but I couldn't put this book down. The suspense creeps up slowly. Someone is messing with Dani, and the whole plot thickens and takes a turn I didn't even think would turn to!!!
This was not my first CEJ book, I've enjoyed her other books very much and this was really good. You get Everest and Dani's POV, I loved being in Everest's mind. This story will definitely stay in my mind for a while. Looking forward to more from this author.
Profile Image for Candice.
80 reviews
October 19, 2020
CE Johnson did it again! From long held secrets that change everything to love that withstands it all, I just couldn’t put it down. When Dani and Everest meet, they could never have imagined the way their paths would connect. Life throwing them twists and turns that I didn’t even see coming. It’s pleasantly well written. Definitely one of my new favs, and I’m pretty sure Ever is my new book boyfriend ❤️ I can not wait for Gills story next!
Profile Image for Chrissy Busick.
816 reviews48 followers
October 30, 2020
Sometimes after I read a book the hardest thing to do is figure out how to begin my review of that book. This is one of those times. This is a book I want to SHOUT about, tell you everything about this book. Yet, I don't want this review to be filled with spoilers. So, where do I begin?

"Women are delicate. Every one of them has a piece of her that's more fragile than the finest crystal. Even the ones who threaten you with a lug wrench and can conquer the world all on their own."- Everest, Watch Me Drown by C.E. Johnson

This book has absolutely amazing characters. There's Dani, who is determined to make it on her own away from her over-protective/over-bearing mother. She is strong, caring, and passionate, but not necessarily good at meeting people and making friends. Then there's Everest. He is this damaged, broody, moody, bad boy, alpha male who is determined that he will never fall in love. Then fate brings them together and just keeps pushing them towards each other.

Then the supporting characters are just as amazing. I have to mention George, the dalmatian, I am not sure I have ever loved a pet character in a book as much as I loved George. He was a lazy, yet protective dog.

"I always trust a dog when they bark at someone; they're smarter than more of the humans I know. They have special asshole sensors and can spot them a mile away. They also have angel senses and tend to flock to those who are worthy of their love."- Everest, Watch Me Drown by C.E. Johnson

If you want a book filled with smut, this isn't for you. If you want a clean romance, also, this is not the book for you. If you are looking for an unexpected romance, with a bit of suspense, and just enough sexy scenes you will love this book.

The last thing I want to make sure I say about this book, is just wait for the unexpected twist. It will knock your socks off!!!!
Profile Image for Catheryn.
1,386 reviews28 followers
November 5, 2022
Its not a bad story. Is a book that I will remember and want to re-read? No. It did have some interesting plot twists towards the end. But overall it was ok.
Profile Image for Queen B.
1,718 reviews34 followers
October 18, 2020
3.5 stars.

This was my first read by C.E. Johnson and I had no idea what to expect from it. The blurb sounded a little suspenseful and exciting and different from what I had been recently reading.

Dani is living in a new town, working at a boring HR job, and hasn’t been able to make any friends. So in her free time she takes her adorable dog and takes him for a “walk” down by the river…where instead of walking they both just sit and enjoy the water and being outside. She keeps running into this weird guy who looks like he would punch the river in the face, but doesn’t interact with him until upon leaving one day she finds a flat tire. Dani changes her own tire (because she doesn’t need a man to do that for her!) while Everest watches to make sure she’s okay, but it’s not until they next meet that their relationship truly begins.

Someone from Dani’s past accosts her at the river and Ever steps in to protect her. From there they both start spiraling into that little thing called love. Everest was obsessive and protective, but also a bit angsty and tortured. His intense “I love black walls, and I’m no good for you, and love equals death” persona was a bit grating at times, but he did seem to overcome it and by the end he was a worthwhile hero.

Dani was a great character. She was strong and independent, but she was able to show vulnerability and lean on Ever. Their relationship felt like it progressed quickly, but it was clear to see their attraction was instantaneous.

The suspense and the twist at the end was a great addition and I was kept guessing. An enjoying read from C.E. Johnson and I hope to read more.
Profile Image for World Of Books 65.
3,308 reviews61 followers
October 17, 2020
C E Johnson has produced a romance story with a touch of suspense an ending that I didn't see coming!
"If anyone bruises my perfect peach again, I'll make them bet for death'.

The love story between Dannielle and Everest is pretty much sorted out from a couple of chapters in. Which for me was a delight. Dannielle has moved to a new town and every night when she takes her dog for a walk which over looks the river she see's the same man, he places violets by the rocks and just stares, they never talk until one night she has flat tyre and from they Everest becomes her protector and she becomes his 'PEACH'!

The storyline then whilst keeping the romance bubbling nicely moves onto the suspense. One is Dannielle's father who she has a restraining order on and hasn't seen in years suddenly desperate to find her? Who keeps leaving her messages at her home even when Everest has installed a state of the art of security system? Things are going to get a lot more dangerous before the truth is revealed can Everest keep his Peach safe or will he be to late!
Profile Image for Samantha.
13 reviews
October 20, 2020
“They just stood there. Watching. Not one fucking hand reached out to save me. So I quit looking for someone to grab onto and let the water take me.”

Ever and Dani’s story was absolutely amazing. I thought I knew which way the story was going to go but nope! Johnson completely threw me and that twist, I did not see coming.

The story starts with getting introduced to Dani who has not long just moved to town to get some independence and peace of mind from her Mother, and as she’s sitting in a park with her Dalmatian George, she notices a man who is standing on the small rocks that make a cliff over the water, and this turns out to be Ever. Dani is very curious about Ever and why he stands looking at the water. After the first encounter between them, their friendship and chemistry just keep growing until they both give in to their feelings, even though Ever has some rules to live by and one of them is not falling in love, but there’s no way to avoid that when sparks fly between them.

This book has loss, heartbreak, friendship, romance, a hot guy who is also very vulnerable and a strong independent woman, and also the biggest twist!
Profile Image for Sofie.
400 reviews16 followers
October 28, 2020
They just stood there. Watching. Not one fucking hand reached out to save me. So I quit looking for someone to grab onto and let the water take me

Oh my goodness 😭😭
Watch Me Drown has me feeling soo many emotions I don't know how to pull myself together.

Thank you so much CE Johnson for giving me an ARC I am so grateful and cannot put into words how much I enjoyed this incredible book I'm definitely going to pick up some of your others

There are certain books that you come across that just pull you in, drain all your emotions and then spit you out at the end like life could ever go back to how it was before you read it...this is one of those books. It was so hard hitting and raw one moment but then had me laughing out loud in the next and I adored every single second.

"Who were you dreaming about?"
"Peter" she whispers
"Who the fuck is Peter?"
"You say fuck alot"

The banter between Dani and Everest was amazing and I loved reading about their relationship, how it started and how it flourished throughout the book. I could just read about them doing boring things together and I'd be so happy. I hope they feature in Gills book (please)

I really enjoyed Watch Me Drown it had some very sad parts but was so worth reading definitely worth picking it up everyone!
Profile Image for Vera Blaz.
1,589 reviews7 followers
October 21, 2020
When I was approached on instagram about reading and reviewing this book, I hesistated a bit but then decided that I could somehow work it into my schedule. And I'm so glad I said YES!

I usually gravitate to romance books with a little bit of conflict and a whole of lot feel good moments. But this book, my first ever CE Johnson, hooked me from the very beginning! The suspense and mystery. Why did these two virtual strangers feel so drawn to each other? It's like there was a magnetic force that kept drawing Dani and Ever to each other. Ever was always there when she needed him, and at first I thought the worst of him. But as I kept reading I realized he had altruistic intentions and tried so so hard not to fall in love. But something about Dani made his the walls he built around his heart come crumbling down. The drowning feeling he had was slowly ebbing because of her. And then... OH MY PLOT TWIST! I didn't see that coming!

I received an advance copy of this book at my request and voluntarily left this review.
Profile Image for Misty’s Corner Reviews.
263 reviews11 followers
October 19, 2020
Misty's Corner Review :

I absolutely, 100% loved "Watch Me Drown" by C.E. Johnson! This was a new to me author with an inviting blurb and an utterly gorgeous cover that I just couldn't pass up!

"Watch Me Drown" was an intensely dark and romantic book, wet and dripping with suspense at every twist and turn. I am here to tell you that I am damn glad I took a chance on C.E. Johnson's writing!

Everest was the perfect book boyfriend and exactly what Danielle needed. Both were strong-willed and capable of handling themselves, but together they were unstoppable - that is, once they let their guards down and each other inside. The way Dani broke through Ever's seemingly hard exterior straight through to his center was heartwarming, to say the least. Just as Ever gave Dani the latitude she needed to take care of certain things for herself, right alongside his undying support and growing love. There's so much I could say about this book, so much I loved. I laughed, I cried. I oohed, and I ahhed. All. Of. The. Feels!

Ever's and Dani's unconventional start and juicy middle led them to a perfectly crafted happily ever after. This was precisely the type of HEA read I needed! The romance was delightfully spaced out, drawing the reader in a piece by juicy piece alongside the suspense of the growing threats to Dani. I found myself a special place in my heart for their story, their fiercely loyal group of friends, and that sweetly satisfying ending.

Many thanks to the author and Give Me Books PR for my complimentary copy of Watch Me Drown by C.E. Johnson. Another big thank you to Tracey Wilson-Vuolo for introducing me to C.E. Johnson's wonderfully delicious writing! I would recommend this to contemporary romance fans with an affinity towards a loveable alpha! A new favorite author, right up there with Audrey Carlan! I have honestly and voluntarily reviewed this title.

P.S. Can I please read "Watch Me Burn," book two, soon?! ;)

Thanks for reading!
Misty M. @MistysCornerReviews
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Profile Image for Cassie Ashford.
1,073 reviews10 followers
October 19, 2020
My mind was blown away by the end of this book! There were so many twists and turns I couldn’t put it down!

Dani and Ever are the most unlikely of couples. They however have found themselves drawn to each other like magnets without explanation. Sure Ever explains it away as him trying to protect her...a complete stranger but that is so out of character for him he knows it makes no sense.

The author was dropping little crumbs that was leaving me hooked and I found myself with a nagging feeling in the back of my mind and as the book progressed I was trying to figure out of what I thought was true how it could be. Well the it was true but I never thought for one second the author would go down the path she did and I was just dumbfounded. Shocked. I couldn’t imagine how Dani and Ever were feeling.

This book has suspense by the dozens so be sure you are ready to sit down for the long haul with this book once you get started.
Profile Image for Jennifer Pierson.
11.7k reviews186 followers
October 19, 2020
Dani just moved to a new town, and has a boring HR job which she doesn't make friends at.  Instead she spends her time with George the pooch, and I loved that dog. She comes across a mysterious stranger named Ever, who she's drawn to, and little did she know what the impact would be as he became a part of her life.  Of course, there's more to Ever than meets the eye, so when they start getting to know each other, man it was very sweet, but then the heat kicked in. This story isn't all about romance, beautiful as it was, it also has some serious suspense woven in which provided so many twists that I should have my mouth washed out with soap because of all the f-bombs dropping. It definitely kept me on the edge of my seat with my heart in my throat as I tried to figure out where the story would go next.  And that's all that I'm going to say about that because y'all HAVE to hit your one click buttons IMMEDIATELY! I promise you won't be sorry as I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND TO ALL!  
Profile Image for Gab Mce.
367 reviews
October 29, 2020
Watch Me Drown is such an awesome read!

Okay, this is my first C.E. Johnson book and I devoured it. The mysterious-ness of the guy by the lake and Dani immediately captured my attention. The dark and brooding type is sexy as all get out and the fact that he is a protector as well, upped the sexiness tenfold.

Dani is strong, but there is so much in her past that you just want to know it al at once. I am so glad it wasn’t revealed right away because it gave so much more to the story. To be able to see Ever and Dani become enraptured in each other when there is this underlying dangers was fantastic.

I finished it in one day. That should tell you how much I enjoyed this read. And it definitely peaked my interest for more. Gill’s book is going to be crazy good, but I have to wait until next March. Guess I will be taking a gander into C.E.’s backlog of books and getting acquainted with her strong and vivacious females and sexy, dark and daring men.
Profile Image for Laura Holland.
175 reviews21 followers
October 18, 2020
Watch Me Drown was the first book I have ever read of C.E. Johnson and what a total privilege that was! Oh my goodness what a magnificent story!

Everest and Dani's story is such a beautiful one, one that makes you smile wide at the end (you know the ones I mean) but before you get to that you watch as they grow together and blossom individually as past demons are finally confronted. These two made me swoon so hard but amongst all the beauty always lays some darkness otherwise it wouldn't make a very good romantic suspense haha! And suspense it gives you, not to mention angst, twists you don't see coming at all and of course some super steamy goodness. Its one phenomenal package that shapes up to be a riveting, utterly gripping, and a stunningly mesmerizing book.

I will definitely be keeping my eyes out for more of C.E. Johnson's books


Profile Image for Rachel.
2 reviews8 followers
October 16, 2020
This book absolutely pulled at my heart strings! The characters are so beautifully written and you get to know their stories and pasts in a way that makes you feel so invested in their futures! The struggles they’ve each had to overcome, the relationships with other characters in the book, the twists and turns in the storyline throughout and the ending all come together to make such an amazing read! I laughed, I cried, and was left guessing in between. I cannot say enough wonderful things about this book! I am genuinely looking forward to reading Watch Me Burn. Another home run for CE Johnson!
Profile Image for Dorothy Bircher.
311 reviews5 followers
October 21, 2020
For Ever

This book was amazing!! So many twists & turns that I was not expecting. I love the relationship between Dani & Ever because it started as a friendship & ended up falling in love. Ever's protective instincts for Dani is truly beautiful. The family that Ever introduced to Dani was wonderful because she doesn't have that. He gave a lonely girl who didn't know how to make friends love. They gave each other something to live for & that is truly amazing. This book just shows that love can help heal wounds & show you that there is more out there for you even though you aren't looking. I absolutely loved this book!!
Profile Image for The Book Fairy Reviews.
2,504 reviews47 followers
October 25, 2020
Get ready to make an emotional connection with Ever and Dani. This is a true story of fate bringing two people together. They are brought together under stressful circumstances but together fate placed them and that where Ever planned on keeping them.
Although this is a tear jerker this story packs so many twists and turns that you feel the excitement of the unknown. Just when you think you are falling into the heart of this romance the authors throws you for a loop and into a different kind of story line. A story line that will bring you to your knees and then build you up until the next plot twist. Perfect. A five star read that will put hearts in your eye for Everest and his Peach.
Profile Image for CLEO.
651 reviews37 followers
June 23, 2021
This story was wow! I did not expect it at all! The suspense, instant chemistry between Ever & Dani and the Twist! I could not put it down.

Dani has moved 2hrs away into the city, in need of a change. finding a new job she starts her routine she eventually has an incident and meets the handsome, persistent Everest. She doesn’t know what to think in the beginning but eventually gives in.

Everest aka: Ever has had a troubled life, he has come back to his childhood neighborhood to restore his aunt home, in turn, to sell it and move on until he runs into Dani who needs help but she’s a fiery one and not easy to convince.

This story is full of suspense and the story just flows into a more intense plot, Ever needs to protect Dani but is he protecting her from the right person?

Looking forward to more from this author!
description
Profile Image for KDRBCK.
7,512 reviews70 followers
October 13, 2020
WMD by C.E. Johnson is book one in the Elements of Hearts series.
Danielle is a dog owning, in HR working single woman who dosn't know that her whole life is a big lie. She meets a stranger and both hit it off.
Everest is back in town, but he doesn't want to stay. But he's drawn to Danielle for reasons I will not dicover here. Only so much, the storyline is full of twists and unexpected turns, I never had expected this hea-ish. A great read, 4 stars.
Profile Image for Andrea Thompson.
752 reviews11 followers
October 19, 2020
This was my introduction to this author and I'm ready to dive deep into this backlist! I have not been so entranced by a book in quite some time. From the first chapter I was sold and couldn't consume this world fast enough.

Everest and Dani were one of those couples that you just can't help but want to work out, and the twists? Oh man, I didn't see quite a few of them coming! Can't recommend this romantic suspense highly enough!
Profile Image for The Dragon Den Book Blog.
2,990 reviews67 followers
October 22, 2020
Loved reading this through a stormy night with some chocolate milk and music playing. It all mellowed me out, in a way, but the book was totally thrilling.
The inevitable love was there, but the plot was still filled with a huge surprising twist that you would not expect. Pasts that haunt these characters, presents that are still challenging, but the future they are making makes all the pain and struggle worth it.
Profile Image for Emily Katherine.
30 reviews2 followers
November 18, 2020
this is the first book I have read from this author. I really enjoyed reading it. I really loved the beginning and the suspense throughout the book. I thought the heroine was a strong character and the hero was amazing. I did think it was very Insta love but I did enjoy reading about the progression of their relationship too. I loved the plot twist towards the end and I had no idea it was coming. However it was wrapped up very quickly and the ending was kind of abrupt. But they did get their HEA. I will most likely read the rest of this authors books
Profile Image for Tracey Vuolo.
739 reviews18 followers
September 23, 2020
Watch Me Drown is a breathtaking romantic suspense that will have you catching so many feelings, you will be floating on high as you fall in love with this couple. CE Johnson proves why she will be around for years to come in the romance industry with this story. Everest is broody and protective and so much more than meets the eye. Plus, he is gorgeous and has this soft and vulnerable side that will tug on your heart strings so hard! But he is tormented by a past he can’t change as he tries not to drown from circumstances out of his control. Dani is a breath of fresh air with a heart of gold who brings light to his dark world. Two people that have this magnetic intensity that they don’t understand, but absolutely can’t ignore. You need to read this book for the purple flowers, George, the cup, the torn paper and the twists you won’t see coming. Ever has this amazing group of friends you won’t want to miss either. Watch Me Drown will pull you under while the drama unfolds, but will leave you gasping in awe as you catch your breath. I would love to be Ever’s “Peach” for life!

Tracey, Life Reads With Friends Blog
Profile Image for Emma Johnston.
935 reviews29 followers
October 15, 2020
Wow wow wow!

This stunning story is my first by C.E. Johnson. It was a beautiful book that had me hooked throughout.

I fell in love with Ever & Dani, they had me swooning. But I was also on the edge of my seat. I haven't read a book like it and I doubt I ever will again.

I'm definitely adding this author to my list to check more of her work out.
Profile Image for Kim Gauger.
3,357 reviews6 followers
October 2, 2020
Simply amazing! The twists and turns this book takes are simply breathtaking. I cried, I laughed and I hoped. Has suspense, heat, love and more. A true five star read and I can wait to read more of these guys!! Loved it
Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews

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