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Broken Trust #1
Alone With You
Book One of The Broken Trust Series.
Elijah and Harlow's extended story after being in the Anyone But You boxset.
Blurb -
HARLOW
Escape was the only thought in my head.
I had to get myself away from my brother Johnny and his best friend, Elijah Ingram.
A chance to stand on my own two feet away from the crowd. Away from the jerk who loved to mess with my head.
That is until my world shattered all around me and I had no choice but to return home back to my brother.
Back to the man I called my nemesis...
ELIJAH
Best friends have two important rules that should never be broken; bros always help each other out and little sisters are off limits.
I lived by those rules, especially when it came to my best friend, Johnny.
When his parents died unexpectedly, I knew what I had to do... I wouldn’t let him down.
Time changes people, so when I laid eyes on Harlow, his little sister, I knew I was in deep trouble.
I did everything in my power to keep her at arm's length, even if it meant she hated me.
I’m not supposed to crave her, but rules are meant to be broken.
How am I supposed to keep my hands off her when she’s everything I could ever need?
Elijah and Harlow's extended story after being in the Anyone But You boxset.
Blurb -
HARLOW
Escape was the only thought in my head.
I had to get myself away from my brother Johnny and his best friend, Elijah Ingram.
A chance to stand on my own two feet away from the crowd. Away from the jerk who loved to mess with my head.
That is until my world shattered all around me and I had no choice but to return home back to my brother.
Back to the man I called my nemesis...
ELIJAH
Best friends have two important rules that should never be broken; bros always help each other out and little sisters are off limits.
I lived by those rules, especially when it came to my best friend, Johnny.
When his parents died unexpectedly, I knew what I had to do... I wouldn’t let him down.
Time changes people, so when I laid eyes on Harlow, his little sister, I knew I was in deep trouble.
I did everything in my power to keep her at arm's length, even if it meant she hated me.
I’m not supposed to crave her, but rules are meant to be broken.
How am I supposed to keep my hands off her when she’s everything I could ever need?
316 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 15, 2021
About the author
C.N. Marie
28 books1,208 followersC.N. Marie is a USA Today bestselling author who writes MF and MM steamy, contemporary romance with a twist. She was born in Blackpool, Lancashire but has spent her adult life in her city of Sheffield, South Yorkshire. Married with three children she has focused her previous years on looking after her children’s wellbeing.
Time management is a huge part of her life alongside her love for romance reading, the natural step next of becoming a blogger meant she could give back to the author community raising awareness of the wide range of availability in the indie romance sector.
When the voices wouldn’t leave her mind, she finally put pen to paper deciding to attempt to enter the world of writing, with guidance and support, the aim to publish became a reality. Writing in various genres you never know what you may expect from C.N. Marie.
Other favourite hobbies include crafting and baking, as well as listening to a wide range of music from various eras. You never know what mood may take her, from 80s rock chick to 90s pop the sound will be blasting out the house.
She believes that close friendships are important and without that network of support, struggles will be apparent. Just to be wise with the choices you make.
Time management is a huge part of her life alongside her love for romance reading, the natural step next of becoming a blogger meant she could give back to the author community raising awareness of the wide range of availability in the indie romance sector.
When the voices wouldn’t leave her mind, she finally put pen to paper deciding to attempt to enter the world of writing, with guidance and support, the aim to publish became a reality. Writing in various genres you never know what you may expect from C.N. Marie.
Other favourite hobbies include crafting and baking, as well as listening to a wide range of music from various eras. You never know what mood may take her, from 80s rock chick to 90s pop the sound will be blasting out the house.
She believes that close friendships are important and without that network of support, struggles will be apparent. Just to be wise with the choices you make.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
September 5, 2021
I love a book like this one! Just sucks you in and throws your emotions all over the place! It’s a series I’ll definitely be continuing! Read, you won’t be disappointed!!
August 23, 2021
I received a copy for an honest review.
I am not sure where to start. This book was just ok. I felt like I kept reading one long run on sentence after another. I liked the story line, but at times it was hard to follow. And even near the end when you get a Johnny ( Harlow's brother) it didn't stay in his POV. It kept switching between him and Elijah which was confusing to me. And I felt like some things were very rushed. And I felt like there were issue that never got addressed as they should have. ( For example, the grief and some mental health issues.)
On another note, there were good things in this book as well! It wasn't all negative. I liked how independent she was. I admired her for her decision to leave and make her own way. I also liked how she wasn't ashamed to come home. And I liked how Elijah committed to Harlow and didn't care what people thought. It was also nice that they were going to talk with Johnny and not hide the relationship. I guess I just wanted a little more from this book, and that is on me.
I am not sure where to start. This book was just ok. I felt like I kept reading one long run on sentence after another. I liked the story line, but at times it was hard to follow. And even near the end when you get a Johnny ( Harlow's brother) it didn't stay in his POV. It kept switching between him and Elijah which was confusing to me. And I felt like some things were very rushed. And I felt like there were issue that never got addressed as they should have. ( For example, the grief and some mental health issues.)
On another note, there were good things in this book as well! It wasn't all negative. I liked how independent she was. I admired her for her decision to leave and make her own way. I also liked how she wasn't ashamed to come home. And I liked how Elijah committed to Harlow and didn't care what people thought. It was also nice that they were going to talk with Johnny and not hide the relationship. I guess I just wanted a little more from this book, and that is on me.
July 16, 2021
What a brilliant first book from C.N Marie. This story of Harlow and Elijah is so encompassing you can't put it down with enemies to lovers, forbidden romance and brothers best friend tropes all ticked off its perfectly packaged to give you a great reading experience.
I loved the back story to Harlow and Elijah and where the hate for each other came from its very visceral with Harlow and her feelings toward Elijah at the beginning.
She is so very broken from the tragic event that sent her life into a tail spin and sets the tone for her journey, it also ruined her relationship with her brother Johnny and Elijah. She ran from the pain and over powering over protectedness from both of them buy in reality She was suffocated by her grief.
I love how her relationship with Elijah developed and evolved upon her return. The added input of their inner monologues through the multi pov chapters really pulled at your heart strings. Especially when they begin to navigate their new feelings for one another.
My heart got shattered when everything came to a head and the emotional pain and turmoil felt by all 3 of them really packed a punch and they each broke in their own way but ironically without the agony that brought the ending that they deserved.
Their love is timeless they just never realised, the barrier between love and hate is so fine, sometimes you miss which side you're on. I'm just glad they worked it out before anyone's heart got irrecoverable broken.
I loved the back story to Harlow and Elijah and where the hate for each other came from its very visceral with Harlow and her feelings toward Elijah at the beginning.
She is so very broken from the tragic event that sent her life into a tail spin and sets the tone for her journey, it also ruined her relationship with her brother Johnny and Elijah. She ran from the pain and over powering over protectedness from both of them buy in reality She was suffocated by her grief.
I love how her relationship with Elijah developed and evolved upon her return. The added input of their inner monologues through the multi pov chapters really pulled at your heart strings. Especially when they begin to navigate their new feelings for one another.
My heart got shattered when everything came to a head and the emotional pain and turmoil felt by all 3 of them really packed a punch and they each broke in their own way but ironically without the agony that brought the ending that they deserved.
Their love is timeless they just never realised, the barrier between love and hate is so fine, sometimes you miss which side you're on. I'm just glad they worked it out before anyone's heart got irrecoverable broken.
July 18, 2021
I really enjoyed reading this story. This was a pretty emotional story about Harlow and Elijah. Harlow hated Elijah in the beginning of the story because he was her brother's best friend and her older brother Johnny and Elijah both always were trying to look out for her and protect her after her parents had died. She moved away as soon as she could but when she was forced to return she noticed she was a lot more attracted to Elijah then she used to be. Elijah noticed that she was almost exactly his type when she returned and when Johnny had to go out of town Elijah stayed in their house to keep a watch on Harlow. Things got steamy between them and they had to deal with what would happen when Johnny found out. I really enjoyed this read and liked all the characters. I wish there was a little more drama to the story than just Johnny's reaction to their relationship. I can't wait to read the next story about Johnny though. I would definitely recommend this book. I received a review copy of this story and am leaving a voluntary honest review.
July 15, 2021
Emotional Roller Coaster
CN Marie brings a really encompassing feeling to her novel. With the variety of different approaches I've read to enemies to lovers and best friend's sister tropes you don't see this softer and more raw and vulnerable side too frequently.
Harlow is strong and has worked too hard to fail. When she finds herself in a spot where she needs help, she exhausts all her other options before going home to her brother and his best friend Elijah.
Well, Elijah is a bit of a sore spot for me. Our introductions to Elijah are a bit rough. He redeems himself in the end but… I had a hard time accepting he was going to be the leading male.
This slow burn piece checks all the boxes. It is STEAMY. CN Marie's writing style gives you a very vivid feel for what's being served up hot. Keep the glass of water close by you might get parched.
CN Marie brings a really encompassing feeling to her novel. With the variety of different approaches I've read to enemies to lovers and best friend's sister tropes you don't see this softer and more raw and vulnerable side too frequently.
Harlow is strong and has worked too hard to fail. When she finds herself in a spot where she needs help, she exhausts all her other options before going home to her brother and his best friend Elijah.
Well, Elijah is a bit of a sore spot for me. Our introductions to Elijah are a bit rough. He redeems himself in the end but… I had a hard time accepting he was going to be the leading male.
This slow burn piece checks all the boxes. It is STEAMY. CN Marie's writing style gives you a very vivid feel for what's being served up hot. Keep the glass of water close by you might get parched.
August 28, 2021
This is a dark, emotionally twisted read. It pulls you into the story and keeps revealing new things over and over again.
The depth of these relationships is deep. The story is full of tragedy and hate and love and healing. It's a crazy ride to get to the end and it will shatter your heart before it's pieced back together.
Harlow and Elijah really get put through the ringer with each other. They have to much they have to work through in order to find their happy place. The relationships in this book are in such disarray when it begins that the author really had to put us through their turmoil in order to find themselves.
This is a good book if you are looking for something heavier that you can be emotionally invested in, this is the book for you.
The depth of these relationships is deep. The story is full of tragedy and hate and love and healing. It's a crazy ride to get to the end and it will shatter your heart before it's pieced back together.
Harlow and Elijah really get put through the ringer with each other. They have to much they have to work through in order to find their happy place. The relationships in this book are in such disarray when it begins that the author really had to put us through their turmoil in order to find themselves.
This is a good book if you are looking for something heavier that you can be emotionally invested in, this is the book for you.
July 11, 2021
Alone With You was a nice contemporary brothers best friend romance. Harlow and Johnny lose their parents early on leaving Johnny to raise Harlow and his best friend, Elijah to help. Harlow and Elijah are like oil and vinegar initially but find as they’ve gotten older that there’s an attraction there. But what that means for them and for Elijah’s friendship with Johnny is the real question. I enjoyed the storyline and characters but I did struggle with the formatting of the book. Events moved forward in time without a break so it could be confusing to follow. All in all a sweet book regardless.
July 15, 2021
Congratulations on an amazing debut! I know this was a labour of love that the author has put her heart and soul into. This story is a brother best friend romance and has that will they won’t they, what will the consequences be plot with the added twist of association to a life altering event. Can she put the past behind her and learn to love, trust and find happiness? Can they ever expect to have a future together or will their bonds of friendship and family stand in their way?
This is a heart aching yet sweet romance with characters you want to reach out to and comfort and shake at times! Definitely one for all those readers that enjoy a heart warming escape. One click today!
This is a heart aching yet sweet romance with characters you want to reach out to and comfort and shake at times! Definitely one for all those readers that enjoy a heart warming escape. One click today!
August 13, 2021
This is my first book by C.N Marie and I was hooked in the first chapter.
Harlow is this strong willed female that you just want to be. She had to endure a tragic event at such a young age.
Elijah is such a caring, strong male that you can't help but love. He was there when Harlow and her brother (best friend) needed the support.
Harlow ran away from all the pain but had to return home. She hated Elijah but soon enough the feelings started to run.
If you love enemies to lovers, forbidden romance and brothers best friend this book is for you.
Harlow is this strong willed female that you just want to be. She had to endure a tragic event at such a young age.
Elijah is such a caring, strong male that you can't help but love. He was there when Harlow and her brother (best friend) needed the support.
Harlow ran away from all the pain but had to return home. She hated Elijah but soon enough the feelings started to run.
If you love enemies to lovers, forbidden romance and brothers best friend this book is for you.
August 3, 2021
Harlow and Elijah are truly unique. I often wanted to jump into the book and shake Elijah. I understand the connection with Johnny but when you know that your soul mate is hurt by your behavior you can't stay on the sidelines. But he redeemeded himself so I forgave him. Harlow is simply fantastic but deep down she knows that Eliajah will be hers, or at least she hopes so. Well written, very detailed and above all HOT.
August 19, 2021
Must read!!
A push and pull relationship from the get go. Almost one step forward then three steps back. Elijah & Harlow have hated each other for years, but all the built up hatred eventually turns to feelings and nothing can tear them apart. You can feel the emotions from each of them and are rooting for them from the start! Such a great read and a must read for those enemies to lovers fans!!
A push and pull relationship from the get go. Almost one step forward then three steps back. Elijah & Harlow have hated each other for years, but all the built up hatred eventually turns to feelings and nothing can tear them apart. You can feel the emotions from each of them and are rooting for them from the start! Such a great read and a must read for those enemies to lovers fans!!
September 1, 2021
Alone with you by C.N. Marie.
Broken trust #1.
Johnny has to go away to sort out his distillery and he asks Elijah to stay with Harlow while he is away. What could possibly happen while he's away?
A really good read. Harlow is Johnnys sister. Elijah is Johnny's friend these were my favourite characters. Cooper and Gemma were likeable too. Read in one sitting I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Loved the story and characters. Can't wait for next book. 5*.
Broken trust #1.
Johnny has to go away to sort out his distillery and he asks Elijah to stay with Harlow while he is away. What could possibly happen while he's away?
A really good read. Harlow is Johnnys sister. Elijah is Johnny's friend these were my favourite characters. Cooper and Gemma were likeable too. Read in one sitting I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Loved the story and characters. Can't wait for next book. 5*.
September 4, 2021
I have just finished Alone with you by C.N.Marie.This is the debut novel by this author and I must say it was a lovely read.This is the story of best friends with a younger sister. There's something to be said for instant gratification as this was no slow burn and I really liked that.The story of Harlow and Elijah was a joy to read with big brother Johnny in book two.I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and am waiting for book two x
July 15, 2021
Johnny and Harlow lose their parents early, and cope together with Johnny's best friend Elijah's help. Harlow moves away to get a fresh start, but when returns things between her and Elijah. But this is her brother's best friend. How can that work?
This was a stereotypical Brothers best friend romance. While the story was well written, the plot was a little boring, and the characters fell flat.
This was a stereotypical Brothers best friend romance. While the story was well written, the plot was a little boring, and the characters fell flat.
August 16, 2021
Alone With You is the first book in the Broken Trust series and Harlow and Elijah’s story. Harlow and her brother, Johnny, lost their parents leaving her brother to raise her with help from his best friend, Elijah. I loved Harlow and Elijah and the push and pull between them. A terrific brothers best friend romance and one I enjoyed immensely. Highly recommend.
July 17, 2021
What an amazing debut novel! I loved this sweet, steamy tale of Harlow and Elijah! Second chance and brothers best friend romances are a favorite of mine! I'm off to read more of their story in the Anyone but You boxset! And I can't wait to read about Johnny and Ria next!
August 3, 2021
This book had my emotions going crazy!
I loved the story between Harlow and Elijah was great. Loved the enemies to lovers romance going on. The fact Elijah was the one to tell her about her parents and was there for her after just shows they were made for each other
Bring on Johnny's story
I loved the story between Harlow and Elijah was great. Loved the enemies to lovers romance going on. The fact Elijah was the one to tell her about her parents and was there for her after just shows they were made for each other
Bring on Johnny's story
August 7, 2021
Such a good debut novel. Loved Harlow and Elijah's story. There were a few times I really wanted to bang his and Johnny's heads together, and a few times I just wanted to hug Harlow. I can't wait to see what happens with Johnny in the next book!
December 31, 2021
I loved this story of Elijah and Harlow. Brothers best friend book that pulled me in from the beginning. This book was well written and I loved the characters. First book from this author and I loved it.
May 2, 2022
OH MY GOSH!!!!!
This was my first C.N. Maire book and WOW!!!
I can NOT read her other work fast enough!!
Can we just talk about the cover as well. Just as sexy as the book!!
Swoon worthy!!
LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS BOOK!
This was my first C.N. Maire book and WOW!!!
I can NOT read her other work fast enough!!
Can we just talk about the cover as well. Just as sexy as the book!!
Swoon worthy!!
LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS BOOK!
July 15, 2021
In love with the authors writing style and how she just pulls you into the book! Absolutely amazing story and she really just brought me into the story where I could see it playing in my head!!
July 15, 2021
I really loved getting to read Harlow and Elijah’s story. “Enemies” to lovers and it’s just a perfect coming together. I can’t wait to read ria and Johnny’s story!!
July 11, 2021
Fantastic! I absolutely adored them!
The push and pull these two have from the beginning was so good! I was instantly hooked! They try to fight their feelings for each other, Harlow associates Elijah with one of toughest times in her life after he was the one that had to tell her that her parents had died. But no matter what Elijah will always be there for her.
I loved them! What a fantastic first standalone from this author and I am excited to read Johnny's story next!
A massive 5 stars from me!
The push and pull these two have from the beginning was so good! I was instantly hooked! They try to fight their feelings for each other, Harlow associates Elijah with one of toughest times in her life after he was the one that had to tell her that her parents had died. But no matter what Elijah will always be there for her.
I loved them! What a fantastic first standalone from this author and I am excited to read Johnny's story next!
A massive 5 stars from me!
May 2, 2022
Such a good read. Harlow and Elijah completely had my heart in this!!!
I needed a sweet romance to heal my heart and honestly Elijah is an amazing book boyfriend!!
I don’t want to write too much to ruin it but honestly a definitely Recommend!!!
I needed a sweet romance to heal my heart and honestly Elijah is an amazing book boyfriend!!
I don’t want to write too much to ruin it but honestly a definitely Recommend!!!
January 10, 2022
DNF 63%. Was quite enjoying the story but it just didn’t flow. Felt as though author trying to be too clever and wordy but ended up putting unnecessary words into each sentence which was off putting and a bit annoying.
April 7, 2023
DNF at 27%. The pacing of this book was weird and hard to follow. The “enemies” relationship between the FMC and MMC wasn’t fully described in the beginning and it was hard to invest any interest in either of them.
April 11, 2023
Felt like this was a really dragged on story, but somehow the MC’s got together super quick. There was hardly any monologue and felt like it was just sentence after sentence. I couldn’t get into this book.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews