Queen B’s Decree: 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.
Book: Watch Me Drown by C.E. Johnson
Series: Elements of the Heart #1
Genre: Contemporary
Hotness: medium salsa
Plot Devices/Tropes: instalove, suspense