Done by C.E. Johnson: Review

Posted August 15, 2017 in review Tags: 3 stars, hard knock life

Done by C.E. Johnson
Pages: 307

Series: In the Dark
Genres: Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense
Source: ARC

Sophie Kohler knows all about the misfortunes of life. She learned young, people are dangerous creatures that will shove a dagger straight through your skin and into your soul. So when a man in a fancy car starts asking her if she wants a ride, she has no intentions of interacting with him.

Benson Knoxx is known for being cold and detached from the world. After losing his family and an ex that tore his world apart, Benson buried himself in his work. He vowed never to let anyone in again. The long dark days bled into the lonely nights. That was until she came along. When her eyes met his, the world started to get lighter. He knew from the beginning, she wasn’t going to make this easy. But when Benson Knoxx wants something, it’s done.

Will Benson and Sophie find their way into each other’s heart before the lunatic that’s after her takes away their chance?

Done by CE Johnson is the story of two broken souls finding a way to heal each other. Sophie has had a tough life: no family, only 1 friend, and barely enough money to eek out an existence. Benson has more money than he knows what to do with, but he is cold and callous. Benson notices Sophie walking home alone late at night and begins to follow her, offer her a ride, and then when she still refuses, walking with her. One night, Sophie is attacked in the alley. Benson finds her, but she has received quite the beating.

Sophie is leery of everyone in the world. It is understandable because Benson comes on really strong. Honestly, it was kind of creepy at times. He would end every conversation with “Its done”. He said it dozens of times before I was even 1/2 way through the book. For me, Benson was bordering on the creepy side. He nagged Sophie for information about her life, but he never told her anything about him. What does he do for a living? Does he have a family? Is Paul his only friend? That doesn’t stop her from sleeping with him though. Help her? No way will she accept that. Sex without a condom? Sure, she is all for it. Sophie tried to lie to get him to back off a bit, but that only worked for a few days. Then he finds out she is living in a homeless shelter. So, he swoops in, forces her to leave with him, and then offers her a job and a townhouse. Of course, that conversation ends with “Its done, Sophie”.

Sophie’s reluctance to accept help is understandable to a point. I get it: it is hard to imagine that someone wants to help you out without expecting something in return. But, Sophie seems to have ensured she doesn’t have any friends. She keeps everyone blocked out of her life entirely. She is so afraid of pity from others, she won’t accept anything. While admirable to a point, after awhile, it becomes stubborn. Benson doesn’t give up though, which kind of grew on me. Overbearing and sometimes creepy? Sure. But, Sophie was so flipping stubborn short of knocking her unconscious with a club, I am not sure anything would sway her except Benson’s dogged persistence and refusal to accept her refusals.

Despite my issues with the characters, the story is well written. Johnson’s words are well written and emotive. Her style flows easily and had me turning pages quickly as the story progressed. So, Sophie and Benson weren’t a home run for me, but I think Johnson has talent and I will probably continue to read books from her in the future.