Margins
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Anchor
Series · 6 books · 2019-2022

Books in series

Guarded Dreams book cover
#1

Guarded Dreams

2019

"Just like the moon called the tides, she had called me home. To her." Serious, by-the-book Eli Wyatt has life all figured out. He’s got a five-year plan, his future in the Coast Guard, and friends who always have his back. And then Ava Abrams breezes into his life, tempting him in ways he can’t shake A free spirit, Ava’s on the run, heading in the direction of her dreams. She's set her heart on Juilliard and country music stardom, not a happily ever after with a man she’s just met. Still, there’s something about gorgeous and enigmatic Eli that tugs at her soul. Just as they start to fall, they’re forced into a goodbye that leaves only the memories of a fairytale summer. Four years later, Eli stumbles into a bar with Ava on stage. And once again, she’s like a siren calling to him. Will he make the same mistake and let her slip away? Or will he build a new dream with her at its center? From award-winning author, LJ Evans, comes a story of dreams lost and remade inspired by Luke Bryan’s “Sunrise, Sunburn Sunset.” If you like vibrant characters and poetic prose, you won’t want to miss this slow burn, summer beach read.
Forged by Sacrifice book cover
#2

Forged by Sacrifice

2019

“My heart enlarged at a thought I’d never had for another woman... I wanted to keep her.” Leaving his Navy career behind, Mac Whittaker is ready to join his family on Capitol Hill and pursue the political dream he’s had since childhood. He has the entire American fairy tale at his fingertips, and all he needs to complete it is a woman he adores at his side. When he finds the mesmerizing Georgie Astrella vacationing at his best friend’s beach house, he’s sure the pulsing in his veins means she’s the one. Problem is, Georgie isn’t looking for a man or love. She’s just getting back on track after putting her goals aside for way too long. With the contract on her Grandma’s salon expiring, she can finally return to graduate school and bury herself in the law that’s always called to her. She certainly can’t afford for the intoxicating kiss she shares with the oh, so charming Mac-Macauley to turn into anything requiring her heart. Fate has other ideas, throwing them together until neither of them can walk away from the attraction thundering across their souls. But her family’s past would make his future an impossibility, and they’ll have to decide just what they’re willing to sacrifice for love. From award-winning author, LJ Evans, comes a story of family and sacrifice inspired by Lewis Capaldi’s “Bruises.” If you like vibrant characters and emotional journeys, you won’t want to miss this friends-to-lovers, military romance.
Avenged by Love book cover
#3

Avenged by Love

2020

“You don’t have to fight the world alone. You’ve got me.” Travis Dayton, a.k.a. Truck, is focused on two things: his position at the Coast Guard Academy and helping his younger brother stay out of trouble. So even though the beautiful, comic loving Jersey Banner is tugging at his heartstrings in funny ways, he isn’t going to act on those emotions. Not when he’ll eventually be moving on, and she’ll be staying behind. Jersey has been struggling to keep her family afloat ever since their dad went to jail. The pain she feels on a regular basis? It isn’t anything she can stop to think about. At least not, until she ends up at the emergency room in the protective arms of the one man who makes her pulse beat faster than the superheroes she worships. When Jersey finds herself in desperate need of medical care she can’t afford, Truck does the only thing he can to help… he marries her. When chaos invades their lives, their temporary deal starts to crumble. Hearts and souls are twined together, so there’s little chance of escape without permanent damage unless they just surrender to it all and let love heal them both. From award-winning author, LJ Evans, comes a novel inspired by Lady A’s “Ocean” about resilience and love. If you like vibrant characters and emotional journeys, you won’t want to miss this small town, military romance. Author’s Note: Protective, noble Coast Guard. Nerdy, comic loving heroine. Heart tugging words and slow, simmering attraction. Fake marriage, broken promises, and happiness you’ll feel in your bones. “Love is the only real superpower.”
Damaged Desires book cover
#4

Damaged Desires

2020

“Challenge accepted!” were the last words she expected him to utter, and now it’s a race to see who will back down first. Dani Whittaker has turned in her Washington D.C. insider badge, leaving behind the backstabbing ways and seedy politicians. When a friendly favor ends with the one man she can’t have making her body sing in ways she hates to adore, D.C. isn’t the only thing she needs to escape. Navy SEAL, Nash Wellesley, is all about honoring a promise to his dead brother, so accepting a dare from the long-legged force of nature tempting him isn’t in the cards. Not if he wants to keep his only remaining friend and stick to the code he grew up on. But retreat is impossible after Dani’s new job puts her in the headlights of a fanatic, and Nash is called upon to protect her. When the chase ends, will they be left shattered or will they emerge from the ashes together? Author’s Note: This broody, honor-bound SEAL and confident, daring heroine just might make you laugh, tear your heart out, and slowly combust. Are you ready for it? From award-winning author, LJ Evans, comes a standalone, frenemy, military romance about the triumphant healing power of love inspired by Green Day’s “Boulevard of Broken Dreams.” \*Contains nongraphic assault flashbacks not involving the hero. Don’t miss out on GUARDED DREAMS, FORGED BY SACRIFICE, and AVENGED BY LOVE the first three standalone Anchor novels.
Branded by a Song book cover
#5

Branded by a Song

2021

From award-winning author LJ Evans comes an achingly tender, standalone romance between a country-rock legend searching for more and a solemn, single-mom determined to honor her lost husband… “We would be art. We would be paint and chords blended together.” Brady O’Neil tells the world he’s returning to upstate New York to help his sister. While it’s the truth, he’s also hoping to rediscover the soul of his music. When he goes to his mentor for help, he finds a woman trapped in the past instead. A woman who makes him want to stay like never before. Losing her grandmother feels like yet another blow the world has dealt Tristan. Keeping the music store and her daughter afloat is all she can focus on, and Grams’ beloved student sauntering in doesn’t change anything. He’s just another adventure she can’t afford. When Tristan has to concede that Brady holds the solution to her troubles, she’s determined it won’t mean giving him access to her heart. After all, she buried that bruised organ alongside her husband years ago. Can Brady convince her that hearts aren’t limited to just one love song? Inspired by Chris Janson's "Done,” comes a standalone, single-parent romance about the lyrical, healing power of love with vibrant characters that might just leave a permanent mark on your soul.
Tripped by Love book cover
#6

Tripped by Love

2022

He’s a broody bodyguard with secrets he can’t share. She’s a busy single mom with a restaurant to run. They’re just friends until a little white lie changes everything. Marco Hernandez is the somber trainer here only to bend my body into shape, but when the perfectly sculpted man holds my son in his arms and smiles, I’m a goner. Weak legs. Pounding veins. Too bad as my brother’s bodyguard, he’ll never look at me the way I crave. Too bad I don’t have the time between the café and my baby boy to persuade him otherwise. Cassidy O’Neil has looked like an angel from the moment I met her…an angel I can’t touch. Not only because she’s my boss’s sister but because I’m still trying to redeem myself for the sins of my past. The tantalizing mirage of “family” she represents will remain just that―a dream-like apparition. Until her ex returns trying to claim the son he never wanted, and I’m the one who shows him the door. The lie that falls from my lips while trying to protect her threatens the tenacious balance we’ve established. Once it’s Cassidy’s heart on the line, how will I defend her? Especially if I’m the one putting it at risk. Inspired by Ingrid Andress’s “We’re Not Friends,” this achingly tender, slow-burn, ex-military romance from award-winning author LJ Evans has loveable characters, deep emotions, and a windy path to creating a family. Get it now and see why readers say LJ creates unforgettable characters.

Author

L.J. Evans
L.J. Evans
Author · 28 books

Award winning author, LJ Evans, lives in Northern California with her husband, child, and the three terrors called cats. She's been writing, almost as a compulsion, since she was a little girl and will often pull the car over to write when a song lyric strikes her. A former first-grade teacher, she now spends her days reading and writing, as well as binge-watching original shows like Ted Lasso, Wednesday, Veronica Mars and Stranger Things. If you ask her the one thing she won’t do, it’s pretty much anything that involves dirt—sports, gardening, or otherwise. But she loves to write about all of those things, and her first published heroine was pretty much involved with dirt on a daily basis. Which is exactly what LJ loves about fiction novels—the characters can be everything you’re not and still make their way into your heart. Find out more about LJ and her books at www.ljevansbooks.com

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