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Anchor #1
Guarded Dreams
"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.
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.
463 pages, ebook
Published September 1, 2019
314 people are currently reading
732 people want to read
About the author
L.J. Evans
32 books1,331 followersAward-winning author LJ Evans lives in Northern California with her husband, child, and the three terrors called cats. She's written compulsively since she was a little girl, often getting derailed from what she should be doing by a song lyric that sends her scrambling to jot a scene down.
A former first-grade teacher, she now spends her days deep in the pages of romance and mystery with a bit of the otherworldly thrown in. Her favorite characters are those who live resiliently—stubbornly and triumphantly getting through this wild ride called life with hope, love, and found families guiding the way.
Her novels have won multiple industry awards, including CHARMING AND THE CHERRY BLOSSOM which was Writer’s Digest’s Self-Published E-book Romance of the Year.
Find out more about LJ and her books at www.ljevansbooks.com
A former first-grade teacher, she now spends her days deep in the pages of romance and mystery with a bit of the otherworldly thrown in. Her favorite characters are those who live resiliently—stubbornly and triumphantly getting through this wild ride called life with hope, love, and found families guiding the way.
Her novels have won multiple industry awards, including CHARMING AND THE CHERRY BLOSSOM which was Writer’s Digest’s Self-Published E-book Romance of the Year.
Find out more about LJ and her books at www.ljevansbooks.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
May 30, 2021
*Read as part of The Anchor Novels Box Set*
"The light that had guided us home…it had guided us to each other. We were here. We were our own life-changing phenomenon. We’d taken what we were and filled it with color and brilliance. A magical display. Us."
I sometimes wish I wasn't such an emotionally-driven person, but that's the way it is, and being any other way wouldn't be me. L.J.'s books really touch me, and this one was not an exception.
This is Eli and Ava's story. And they feel real to me, like long-lost friends I couldn't be happier for. Even if I did read book 5 in this series first, and I knew their HEA was coming, I was rooting for them from the start.
"I realized that Eli really listened all the time. To words. To bodies. To life."
I know this is only the first book in this series, but I can already feel Eli's going to be one of my favorites. You know, the grumpy guy, who seems detached but really isn't, who pays attention, who loves with everything he has. The guy who dreams and fights for what he wants. And who doesn't give up. Yes, definitely.
"Just like the moon called the tides, she had called me home. To her."
I can relate to Ava so much I almost can't explain it. Her lack of a relationship with her dad, who always made her feel small and unimportant. Her love for words, for writing, for telling stories - in her case, as songs. For wanting to feel like she's a part of something. Her not knowing how to react when someone hugs her. It felt so real to me.
Maybe I should mention that I once wrote the lyrics to a couple of songs, and a friend took them and wrote the music for them. Damn, I haven't thought about it in years! Maybe this way you can see just how much I connect to Ava.
"We were both caught there for a moment, sea and sand and grains of straw mixing together in our eyes."
Ava and Eli meet when she's 19 and he's 22. She's full of musical dreams, of being up on the stage, and he's full of Coast Guard dreams, to follow his father's footsteps and his love of the sea. When they meet, there's something there. She tears his walls down, and he makes her feel, enough to even write songs about. But life gets in the way. Their dreams get in the way, and they both move on, after having shared only one kiss.
“Eli?”
“Yes?”
“I just wanted you to know that I think I could have loved you.”
This was probably my favorite quote in this book. It says so much, and it so little at the same time. They were only together for about 4 days, and they weren't even alone, because Eli had his friends there. But what happened in those 4 short days was something some people don't get in a lifetime.
But if they had stayed together, and hadn't pursued their dreams, they would regret it later, and resent each other.
"My heart broke for everything we could have been and weren’t. For the once upon a time that hadn’t happened for us."
Four years later, Eli is in the Coast Guard. Ava is at Juilliard. They've both been able to grab a hold of their dreams, and life gives them a second chance. Ava is singing a song she wrote about them at a bar, and Eli is there with his friends. And it all comes rushing back, the want, the feelings, the could-have-beens.
"They weren’t original words. They weren’t unique. People had said them a gazillion times a day for centuries upon centuries. I love you and I love you more. But they were new to us. They were original to this moment in time, and they could never be said for the first time again."
The rest of it, as they say, is history. They need to get to know so much about each other, there was so much that wasn't covered in those brief days years ago. So much has changed. They've changed, but what existed between them hasn't.
"I wanted her to forget everything but the fact that our bodies already knew what our lives had been trying to figure out. That we were one. Not pieces left apart but Scrabble tiles that made up one word."
This is a second-chance story between two people who were each other's one-who-got-away. Two people who needed to pursue their dreams to understand dreams change, too. To understand happiness is not connected to a job, or a place, but to someone. That you can be happy wherever you are, as long as you're with the right person, and that the person may become the dream.
Go ahead, call me a romantic. I can take it.
"The light that had guided us home…it had guided us to each other. We were here. We were our own life-changing phenomenon. We’d taken what we were and filled it with color and brilliance. A magical display. Us."
I sometimes wish I wasn't such an emotionally-driven person, but that's the way it is, and being any other way wouldn't be me. L.J.'s books really touch me, and this one was not an exception.
This is Eli and Ava's story. And they feel real to me, like long-lost friends I couldn't be happier for. Even if I did read book 5 in this series first, and I knew their HEA was coming, I was rooting for them from the start.
"I realized that Eli really listened all the time. To words. To bodies. To life."
I know this is only the first book in this series, but I can already feel Eli's going to be one of my favorites. You know, the grumpy guy, who seems detached but really isn't, who pays attention, who loves with everything he has. The guy who dreams and fights for what he wants. And who doesn't give up. Yes, definitely.
"Just like the moon called the tides, she had called me home. To her."
I can relate to Ava so much I almost can't explain it. Her lack of a relationship with her dad, who always made her feel small and unimportant. Her love for words, for writing, for telling stories - in her case, as songs. For wanting to feel like she's a part of something. Her not knowing how to react when someone hugs her. It felt so real to me.
Maybe I should mention that I once wrote the lyrics to a couple of songs, and a friend took them and wrote the music for them. Damn, I haven't thought about it in years! Maybe this way you can see just how much I connect to Ava.
"We were both caught there for a moment, sea and sand and grains of straw mixing together in our eyes."
Ava and Eli meet when she's 19 and he's 22. She's full of musical dreams, of being up on the stage, and he's full of Coast Guard dreams, to follow his father's footsteps and his love of the sea. When they meet, there's something there. She tears his walls down, and he makes her feel, enough to even write songs about. But life gets in the way. Their dreams get in the way, and they both move on, after having shared only one kiss.
“Eli?”
“Yes?”
“I just wanted you to know that I think I could have loved you.”
This was probably my favorite quote in this book. It says so much, and it so little at the same time. They were only together for about 4 days, and they weren't even alone, because Eli had his friends there. But what happened in those 4 short days was something some people don't get in a lifetime.
But if they had stayed together, and hadn't pursued their dreams, they would regret it later, and resent each other.
"My heart broke for everything we could have been and weren’t. For the once upon a time that hadn’t happened for us."
Four years later, Eli is in the Coast Guard. Ava is at Juilliard. They've both been able to grab a hold of their dreams, and life gives them a second chance. Ava is singing a song she wrote about them at a bar, and Eli is there with his friends. And it all comes rushing back, the want, the feelings, the could-have-beens.
"They weren’t original words. They weren’t unique. People had said them a gazillion times a day for centuries upon centuries. I love you and I love you more. But they were new to us. They were original to this moment in time, and they could never be said for the first time again."
The rest of it, as they say, is history. They need to get to know so much about each other, there was so much that wasn't covered in those brief days years ago. So much has changed. They've changed, but what existed between them hasn't.
"I wanted her to forget everything but the fact that our bodies already knew what our lives had been trying to figure out. That we were one. Not pieces left apart but Scrabble tiles that made up one word."
This is a second-chance story between two people who were each other's one-who-got-away. Two people who needed to pursue their dreams to understand dreams change, too. To understand happiness is not connected to a job, or a place, but to someone. That you can be happy wherever you are, as long as you're with the right person, and that the person may become the dream.
Go ahead, call me a romantic. I can take it.
September 12, 2019
A beautiful love story...
Eli meets Ava on a beautiful beach one day. It was love at first sight. But their dreams pull them apart and move them in different directions. Years later they are reunited, pushed together once more as if the universe was trying to tell them that they were just meant to be together. Will Eli and Ava give in to their love?
This is one of those books where you come to relate to the characters almost immediately. I personally deeply relate to Ava with her father issues. The story of Ava and Eli's love and losing each other only to end up back together again reminds me of my husband and I... We met when I was 12 years old, fell in love, married when I was 18, divorced, and years later weary married again when I was 30. Some things are just meant to be.
This book is very romantic and there is a lot in this book that really hits home for me personally. The push and pull of the main characters is written well enough to make you want to just smack some sense into the main characters and tell them to give up the charade. YOU BELONG TOGETHER! CAN'T YOU SEE THAT YOU NUMBSKULLS!!! LOL 😋.
I laughed, I cried, I listened to music and had a great time with this book. LJ Evans delivers again! Beautiful story, lovely characters, and of course, great tunes! Good job sweetie you did it again!
Highly recommend to all romance lovers!
Eli meets Ava on a beautiful beach one day. It was love at first sight. But their dreams pull them apart and move them in different directions. Years later they are reunited, pushed together once more as if the universe was trying to tell them that they were just meant to be together. Will Eli and Ava give in to their love?
This is one of those books where you come to relate to the characters almost immediately. I personally deeply relate to Ava with her father issues. The story of Ava and Eli's love and losing each other only to end up back together again reminds me of my husband and I... We met when I was 12 years old, fell in love, married when I was 18, divorced, and years later weary married again when I was 30. Some things are just meant to be.
This book is very romantic and there is a lot in this book that really hits home for me personally. The push and pull of the main characters is written well enough to make you want to just smack some sense into the main characters and tell them to give up the charade. YOU BELONG TOGETHER! CAN'T YOU SEE THAT YOU NUMBSKULLS!!! LOL 😋.
I laughed, I cried, I listened to music and had a great time with this book. LJ Evans delivers again! Beautiful story, lovely characters, and of course, great tunes! Good job sweetie you did it again!
Highly recommend to all romance lovers!
May 12, 2019
Two chance encounters. An instant connection. A beautiful second chance romance.
Eli and Ava meet at a time in their lives where each of them are chasing their dreams. There is a bit of an opposittes attract scenario. Eli from his millitary training is disciplined, responsible and more mature. Ava is a bit more of a free spirit and hoping to make it as a rising star singer/musician. The chemistry was magical but the timing wasn't right. They separate for a few years but find their way back to each other again.
I loved seeing these characters grow and mature over the span of this book especially Ava. When they become a couple I loved that their history gave depth to their relationship. The passion and longing was intense as they both get the chance to cliam the one that got away.
This was a complex story that made this more than a romance. This book showed us that time and circumstances can certainly change our dreams. These characters found true happiness even though their lives were not necessarliy what they had planned. A truly inspirational story of opening yourself to dream but also learning to accept things that can't be changed.
A wonderful military, second chance romance that was sexy, emotional and inspirational!
4 Stars
Contemporary Romance
Heat Level: Mild to Moderate
POV: Dual
HEA
Follow me for your next comfort read!
"No longer tame and quiet, you are the brilliance filling my world. I'm the ship. You're the skies. And the only place I'll ever have safe harbor is with you spreading your light on me..."
Eli and Ava meet at a time in their lives where each of them are chasing their dreams. There is a bit of an opposittes attract scenario. Eli from his millitary training is disciplined, responsible and more mature. Ava is a bit more of a free spirit and hoping to make it as a rising star singer/musician. The chemistry was magical but the timing wasn't right. They separate for a few years but find their way back to each other again.
I loved seeing these characters grow and mature over the span of this book especially Ava. When they become a couple I loved that their history gave depth to their relationship. The passion and longing was intense as they both get the chance to cliam the one that got away.
This was a complex story that made this more than a romance. This book showed us that time and circumstances can certainly change our dreams. These characters found true happiness even though their lives were not necessarliy what they had planned. A truly inspirational story of opening yourself to dream but also learning to accept things that can't be changed.
A wonderful military, second chance romance that was sexy, emotional and inspirational!
4 Stars
Contemporary Romance
Heat Level: Mild to Moderate
POV: Dual
HEA
Follow me for your next comfort read!
January 31, 2022
‧͙⁺˚*･༓☾☆ 4 stars ☆☽༓･*˚⁺‧͙
“Anyone who knows you knows you love your quotes. I believe that it was Eleanor Roosevelt that said, ‘The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.’ My only dream now is of a future with you. You’re the beauty in my life.”
this story is about Eli and Ava. their story wasn’t fast, but it was fast heh. I loved knowing them in two different times of their lives and I loved how their story developed. I teared up when I least expected it, which was in that scene in the hotel’s bathroom. I didn’t expect to feel so much along with Eli there.
my favorite part of it all was the message of the story. family. you can lose jobs, careers, dreams and more, but family is constant and they show up. it’s okay to cry the loses, but never to forget what’s really important.
this was such a sweet heartwarming story. it took its time and i just adored the people here. i’m so happy and excited to read the stories of the rest of the family.
I absolutely adore this author’s way of writing. And the way she incorporates the song in each chapter is really good. I always feel so calm, satiated, happy and complete when I finish her books. It fills my soul ❤️
SONG:
The Rest Of Our Lives - Tim McGraw & Faith Hill
“Anyone who knows you knows you love your quotes. I believe that it was Eleanor Roosevelt that said, ‘The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.’ My only dream now is of a future with you. You’re the beauty in my life.”
this story is about Eli and Ava. their story wasn’t fast, but it was fast heh. I loved knowing them in two different times of their lives and I loved how their story developed. I teared up when I least expected it, which was in that scene in the hotel’s bathroom. I didn’t expect to feel so much along with Eli there.
my favorite part of it all was the message of the story. family. you can lose jobs, careers, dreams and more, but family is constant and they show up. it’s okay to cry the loses, but never to forget what’s really important.
this was such a sweet heartwarming story. it took its time and i just adored the people here. i’m so happy and excited to read the stories of the rest of the family.
I absolutely adore this author’s way of writing. And the way she incorporates the song in each chapter is really good. I always feel so calm, satiated, happy and complete when I finish her books. It fills my soul ❤️
SONG:
The Rest Of Our Lives - Tim McGraw & Faith Hill
╭─━━━━━━━━━━━━─╮
•Anchor Series •
Guarded Dreams #1 — 4 stars
Forged By Sacrifice #2 — 3 stars
Avenged By Love #3 — tbr
Damages Desires #4 — tbr
Branded by a Song #5 — tbr
Tripped By Love #6 — tbr
╰─━━━━━━━━━━━━─╯
May 2, 2019
Where in the world have I been for this to be my first time reading LJ Evans! She totally nailed it with this one. She had me from the start with her country music playlists..wow. This book was everything. Ava and Eli are everything you’d want in a couple. The tension, the undeniable connection, and the push/pull in this story..twisted up my insides. I just love a second chance/slow burn romance. It always does it for me. I have laughed, cried and completely fallen in love with Ava and Eli.
May 2, 2019
Sometimes writing a review is easy and sometimes it’s hard....writing this review is hard. I’ve been thinking about what to write since I finished the book last night but none of my words seem adequate. LJ Evans is able to weave words and poetry and music together and give us a book that is full of goodness. It’s a beautiful story of Ava and Eli chasing their dreams and realizing that sometimes what you think you want leads you to something even better. Life is a journey not a destination....enjoy the ride and don’t solely focus on the destination because you may miss something beautiful along the way. This was my first LJ Evans book but I’m already looking forward to reading more of her words.
April 20, 2019
When two people are meant to be together…
Eli, along with his military buddies, Macauley (Mac) and Travis (Truck), are doing some repairs on a house on the shore of Aransas Bay for their professor during a school break. Eli is going after his life-long dream of serving in the Coast Guard.
Oh Captain, my Captain.
Ava Abrams is a 19 year old impassioned musician, running away from her controlling father…who also happens to be their professor. She hasn’t even told her best friend, Jenna where she went, so she wouldn’t have to lie to Ava’s father.
Take care of you.
Whether Eli and Ava’s paths crossed because of fate, or the stars, or what was written in the sand…they will never know, but they do know they were meant to find one another. To stare into one another’s eyes and into their souls. To make music together…only to be torn apart.
We are tied to the ocean. And when we go back to the sea, we are going back from whence we came. So I guess I’m off to join my past with my future.
All of the characters in this book were so remarkable! The main characters, the supportive characters, the extras…sigh. This is a compelling second chance/military love story! I loved the timeline that Author LJ Evans gave this heartfelt dream tale. I cannot describe how deeply touched I was by this incredible book! There was love and loss, crushed goals, friendships, illness, family, heartfelt times. The song quotes at the beginning of the chapters were perfect! The sayings, the quotes…the whole freaking thing! God I just LOVED this book so hard!!! Totally and whole heartedly recommend this one!!!!
Eli, along with his military buddies, Macauley (Mac) and Travis (Truck), are doing some repairs on a house on the shore of Aransas Bay for their professor during a school break. Eli is going after his life-long dream of serving in the Coast Guard.
Oh Captain, my Captain.
Ava Abrams is a 19 year old impassioned musician, running away from her controlling father…who also happens to be their professor. She hasn’t even told her best friend, Jenna where she went, so she wouldn’t have to lie to Ava’s father.
Take care of you.
Whether Eli and Ava’s paths crossed because of fate, or the stars, or what was written in the sand…they will never know, but they do know they were meant to find one another. To stare into one another’s eyes and into their souls. To make music together…only to be torn apart.
We are tied to the ocean. And when we go back to the sea, we are going back from whence we came. So I guess I’m off to join my past with my future.
All of the characters in this book were so remarkable! The main characters, the supportive characters, the extras…sigh. This is a compelling second chance/military love story! I loved the timeline that Author LJ Evans gave this heartfelt dream tale. I cannot describe how deeply touched I was by this incredible book! There was love and loss, crushed goals, friendships, illness, family, heartfelt times. The song quotes at the beginning of the chapters were perfect! The sayings, the quotes…the whole freaking thing! God I just LOVED this book so hard!!! Totally and whole heartedly recommend this one!!!!
September 6, 2019
Have you ever read a book that was so good that you wanted to call every friend and tell them to run and read it? Guarded Dreams is that book! I have seen L.J. Evans books around and was hesitant to pick one up because YA is a tough balancing act. The characters are young yet I wanted them to be mature and sometimes with authors that isn't always the case. In Guarded Dreams these two characters have very old souls and in reading their story it makes complete sense. It begins in a coastal town that three college senior military students will be vacationing in for the week. The agreement is to paint their professor's home and they can stay rent free. Eli, Mac and Truck had the week all planned until their professor's 19 year old free spirited daughter Ava showed up. Ava is leaving Texas behind. She had planned to hang out here for a couple of days then she is headed to Nashville to try to achieve her dream of being a country songwriter and performer. Eli is not pleased with this interruption to his perfectly planned week. He has dreams of his own, graduating and entering the Coast Guard. He may be only 22 but he has had this plan his entire life and a girl, no matter how appealing he may find her, is not going to derail his plans. Life has other plans for both Eli and Ava and in a serendipitous moment 4 years later they reconnect. Ava is now a college senior at Julliard and Eli is a stationed Coast Guard officer in New York. Fate has reconnected them but they have each changed over the years. This is a story about true love and second chances, hopes and dreams, doors closing and new ones opening. I cannot recommend this inspirational love story enough. It is told from dual POV and will make you laugh, cry and your heart beat with love. L.J. Evans wrote a beautiful love story that you definitely need to read.
June 2, 2019
This book is so beautifully written. The words come to life on the page. It’s like poetry in novel form. It’s a second chance, first love, slow burn story. This book will make you feel everything. It shows you that DNA doesn’t always mean family. You can make your own. Just because you’re broken doesn’t mean you can’t be put back together. Dreams change as we change. I was glad to read at the end of the book that there are more in the series yet to come. Not only do I recommend this book, but I recommend looking up her other books to read.
May 2, 2019
After reading previous books by L.J., I knew I was in for a treat. When she was teasing us with the playlist for this book, I knew it was going to be something amazing. I have to start off by saying the way she mixes music with her stories is so beautiful! The songs fit their chapters so well and it doesn't even seem on purpose.
Ava and Eli are characters you come to care for very quickly! Ava seems like a quirky one in the beginning, but as we learn about her story, it's clear she hasn't had it easy. Her father is anything but the loving father every child deserves. The way this author wrote her character made your heart break for Ava. On the other side of this I loved how open she was with her dream and nothing was going to stop her. In many ways she was also a free spirit finding a way to let our all her creativity and love.
Eli is definitely on top of the book boyfriend list at the moment. He meets all the requirements: kind, a hard worker, dedicated, passionate, loving, romantic and in his own ways a family man. Losing his father made him want his dream even more. His friends there have become his family. Even though he knows what he wants, he's also very realistic. He'll fight until he can't fight anymore, but he knows sometimes matters won't change.
Eli and Ava were a couple you wanted to live happily ever after from the start. It was wonderful that Guarded Dreams had a different pace though. They didn't meet and live happily ever after, but lost each other for awhile and maybe fate had a play in it, but they ended up finding their way back to each other. Their journey of finding the other again and falling in love is one I will remember for a very long time. The special moments they had together had me sitting with a major grin on my face while reading. I could just feel how special they were.
On top of that amazing romance, the other characters she included in this book were amazing. So many times I was also laughing out loud when these characters were together. Mac Truck and Brady were definitely my favorites and I need more of them! Also Jersey at the bookstore, a shy girl becoming fanatic about something she loves makes me love a story even more. Then there's Eli's mother who is a book and cat lady and I hope I can be as amazing as she is when I get older!
Guarded Dreams is an amazing journey and an emotional roller coaster ride! I couldn't put it down, but I didn't want it to end either. L.J. Evans really outdid herself with this book and I can't wait to see what she does next. I know this one will be a favorite of 2019 for sure!
Ava and Eli are characters you come to care for very quickly! Ava seems like a quirky one in the beginning, but as we learn about her story, it's clear she hasn't had it easy. Her father is anything but the loving father every child deserves. The way this author wrote her character made your heart break for Ava. On the other side of this I loved how open she was with her dream and nothing was going to stop her. In many ways she was also a free spirit finding a way to let our all her creativity and love.
Eli is definitely on top of the book boyfriend list at the moment. He meets all the requirements: kind, a hard worker, dedicated, passionate, loving, romantic and in his own ways a family man. Losing his father made him want his dream even more. His friends there have become his family. Even though he knows what he wants, he's also very realistic. He'll fight until he can't fight anymore, but he knows sometimes matters won't change.
Eli and Ava were a couple you wanted to live happily ever after from the start. It was wonderful that Guarded Dreams had a different pace though. They didn't meet and live happily ever after, but lost each other for awhile and maybe fate had a play in it, but they ended up finding their way back to each other. Their journey of finding the other again and falling in love is one I will remember for a very long time. The special moments they had together had me sitting with a major grin on my face while reading. I could just feel how special they were.
On top of that amazing romance, the other characters she included in this book were amazing. So many times I was also laughing out loud when these characters were together. Mac Truck and Brady were definitely my favorites and I need more of them! Also Jersey at the bookstore, a shy girl becoming fanatic about something she loves makes me love a story even more. Then there's Eli's mother who is a book and cat lady and I hope I can be as amazing as she is when I get older!
Guarded Dreams is an amazing journey and an emotional roller coaster ride! I couldn't put it down, but I didn't want it to end either. L.J. Evans really outdid herself with this book and I can't wait to see what she does next. I know this one will be a favorite of 2019 for sure!
May 15, 2019
5 "Oh Captain, my Captain" Stars!
"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." - Eleanor Roosevelt
This book just sailed in and swept me up into its story! When she used my favorite quote by Eleanor Roosevelt that I referenced above, I knew that this book was something special. LJ Evans develops characters with depth in not only Eli and Ava, but their friends and family as well. In addition, her description of the scenery was stellar and felt as if it almost took on a life of its own.
Eli and Ava are both very intent on their dreams. They've both experienced losses and hardships in the past and are protective of their goals for the future. When they first meet, they both realize there is an attraction, but neither one of them is willing to relinquish their future to pursue it. Ava is hiding from her father at the family beach house. Eli and his friends (Mack and Truck...long story) stumble across her accidentally when they show up to paint it for her father. When he figures out where she is, Ava leaves quickly and Eli and his friends are left to deal with the brutal aftermath when her father arrives to find her gone.
Flash forward four years, Ava and Eli both seem to have achieved their goals and they run into each other. It is quite evident that they still have feelings for one another. From this point, they have to decide how to move forward with them or if they even can. Are they at a point where they can blend their dreams and goals or are they still too different? Are they willing to fight to be together or will they let each other go again?
I really connected with their story. In my opinion, it was pretty realistic. Things are not always neat and tidy. Dreams and goals don't always end up exactly the way you anticipate they will. What you think you want at age 19 might not be what you want at age 25. Sometimes you have to adapt to what life throws at you.
"We were our own magical display. We were us."
"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." - Eleanor Roosevelt
This book just sailed in and swept me up into its story! When she used my favorite quote by Eleanor Roosevelt that I referenced above, I knew that this book was something special. LJ Evans develops characters with depth in not only Eli and Ava, but their friends and family as well. In addition, her description of the scenery was stellar and felt as if it almost took on a life of its own.
Eli and Ava are both very intent on their dreams. They've both experienced losses and hardships in the past and are protective of their goals for the future. When they first meet, they both realize there is an attraction, but neither one of them is willing to relinquish their future to pursue it. Ava is hiding from her father at the family beach house. Eli and his friends (Mack and Truck...long story) stumble across her accidentally when they show up to paint it for her father. When he figures out where she is, Ava leaves quickly and Eli and his friends are left to deal with the brutal aftermath when her father arrives to find her gone.
Flash forward four years, Ava and Eli both seem to have achieved their goals and they run into each other. It is quite evident that they still have feelings for one another. From this point, they have to decide how to move forward with them or if they even can. Are they at a point where they can blend their dreams and goals or are they still too different? Are they willing to fight to be together or will they let each other go again?
I really connected with their story. In my opinion, it was pretty realistic. Things are not always neat and tidy. Dreams and goals don't always end up exactly the way you anticipate they will. What you think you want at age 19 might not be what you want at age 25. Sometimes you have to adapt to what life throws at you.
"We were our own magical display. We were us."
April 16, 2019
I love a romance that can capture me from the beginning. I want to feel the emotion and get excited about what’s to come. I also love the simple, beautiful build of a relationship. And I sometimes even like the angst that can get my heart racing. I found that with Guarded Dreams.
Ava Abrams is running. She has an independent and confident spirit not many have. She’s full of sass but there’s a hurt she’s trying to hide. And she’s chasing a dream I’m not sure I’d ever be brave enough to follow. She’s a character I can admire, a girl with spunk and a mind of her own.
Eli Wyatt is an old soul with dreams he won’t let anyone stop him from attaining. His self control is commendable. His commitment to his dreams and goals are unwavering. He is a man any parent would be proud of.
Most importantly, they are characters that you can fall in love with and be attracted to without head to toe descriptions. Those features just aren’t necessary because it’s what is inside their hearts that matter. Don’t get me wrong, their descriptions are sexy and fun but they aren’t really needed or what held my interest. And I really like when an author can do that for me.
With an instant connection and deep attraction that filled their young hearts without any unnecessary proclamations of love, the pace of the story is on point. I could feel everything they were feeling including those dreams they wanted to chase long before they met each other and what that meant or could mean to their future.
Smooth cadence, lovely words, times that made my heart hurt and soar, Guarded Dreams took me on a journey filled with chasing dreams, highs and lows, struggle and sacrifice, and a love that fills the soul.
Ava Abrams is running. She has an independent and confident spirit not many have. She’s full of sass but there’s a hurt she’s trying to hide. And she’s chasing a dream I’m not sure I’d ever be brave enough to follow. She’s a character I can admire, a girl with spunk and a mind of her own.
Eli Wyatt is an old soul with dreams he won’t let anyone stop him from attaining. His self control is commendable. His commitment to his dreams and goals are unwavering. He is a man any parent would be proud of.
Most importantly, they are characters that you can fall in love with and be attracted to without head to toe descriptions. Those features just aren’t necessary because it’s what is inside their hearts that matter. Don’t get me wrong, their descriptions are sexy and fun but they aren’t really needed or what held my interest. And I really like when an author can do that for me.
With an instant connection and deep attraction that filled their young hearts without any unnecessary proclamations of love, the pace of the story is on point. I could feel everything they were feeling including those dreams they wanted to chase long before they met each other and what that meant or could mean to their future.
Smooth cadence, lovely words, times that made my heart hurt and soar, Guarded Dreams took me on a journey filled with chasing dreams, highs and lows, struggle and sacrifice, and a love that fills the soul.
April 29, 2019
LJ Evans is a unicorn author. You know the kind - they only come along once in a blue moon, but every word they write is pure magic. Every single one of her books brings all the feels and more, and Guarded Dreams is no exception. This book is absolutely amazing.
I fell so hard for Eli and Ava. They are both such amazing, complex characters. They are incredibly well developed both on their own and as a couple. And the build...oh the sweet build that leads up to this romance is complete perfection. It is one of those books that make you want to ignore everything else, because you have to see it through - see them through to the end.
These are characters that absolutely deserve a happy ending, but they have to work for it. However, once they got there it was everything I hoped for and more. Eli is book boyfriend perfection. He is kind and caring. He knows what he wants and goes after it, but he also has realistic expectations. He put himself out there and made me swoon more than once. Ava is the girl you want to befriend, support, and cheer on. She has had so much to overcome, but she is determined. She puts her heart and soul into her dreams, but she is wise enough to see when those dreams are growing and changing. They are a couple you get behind and long to see through because you are so invested in each of them.
LJ’s writing is pure poetry. She pulled me in from the very beginning, and kept me hooked to the very last word. The descriptions she chooses to include are perfection. I felt every word of this book. When I finished, it was filled with highlights I wanted to immediately reread. This is by far one of the best books of 2019.
I fell so hard for Eli and Ava. They are both such amazing, complex characters. They are incredibly well developed both on their own and as a couple. And the build...oh the sweet build that leads up to this romance is complete perfection. It is one of those books that make you want to ignore everything else, because you have to see it through - see them through to the end.
These are characters that absolutely deserve a happy ending, but they have to work for it. However, once they got there it was everything I hoped for and more. Eli is book boyfriend perfection. He is kind and caring. He knows what he wants and goes after it, but he also has realistic expectations. He put himself out there and made me swoon more than once. Ava is the girl you want to befriend, support, and cheer on. She has had so much to overcome, but she is determined. She puts her heart and soul into her dreams, but she is wise enough to see when those dreams are growing and changing. They are a couple you get behind and long to see through because you are so invested in each of them.
LJ’s writing is pure poetry. She pulled me in from the very beginning, and kept me hooked to the very last word. The descriptions she chooses to include are perfection. I felt every word of this book. When I finished, it was filled with highlights I wanted to immediately reread. This is by far one of the best books of 2019.
April 21, 2019
Ava and Eli are everything. When they meet they are young and full of dreams, but they feel the connection. Neither of them denies the connection, but neither of them wants to give up on their dreams, so they separate after four days each going different directions. Four years later they meet by chance again. Both of them still chasing their dreams, but they both recognize the same pull to the other. What happens when dreams change? Some by your own choosing and some buy circumstances out of your control? Can Ava and Eli amend their dreams and still be together? This is the greatest second chance romance without all the angst. You will laugh, sniffle, swoon and fall in love with all the characters.
I can't wait to read more by L.J. Evans! Highly recommend this book!!!
I can't wait to read more by L.J. Evans! Highly recommend this book!!!
May 1, 2019
There are several swoon-worthy moments to sweep you off your feet, sad moments to make you teary, and quite a few funny ones to make you giggle. LJ has this uncanny way of making her characters so damn real and loveable, her stories flow effortlessly. I love that music is so heavily featured, her characters are unique, stories original and heartfelt.
Ava and Eli’s attraction is instant, their chemistry undeniable, but they are both too headstrong and goal orientated to pursue what was meant to be. While I love their determination to not be deterred by outside interests, to not fall for traps that so many do, I really, really, just wanted them to get it on! So, I was glad they got that chance!
Unfortunately, their path to a happy ending is not smooth. Letting go of your dreams can be hard but ‘sometimes, reality is better than a dream’ .
Four years in the making, Ava and Eli's romance could easily become a movie. Look out Nicholas Sparks, you have a new rival!
Ava and Eli’s attraction is instant, their chemistry undeniable, but they are both too headstrong and goal orientated to pursue what was meant to be. While I love their determination to not be deterred by outside interests, to not fall for traps that so many do, I really, really, just wanted them to get it on! So, I was glad they got that chance!
Unfortunately, their path to a happy ending is not smooth. Letting go of your dreams can be hard but ‘sometimes, reality is better than a dream’ .
Four years in the making, Ava and Eli's romance could easily become a movie. Look out Nicholas Sparks, you have a new rival!
April 28, 2020
LJ Evans knows how to write a story where normally people shouldn't work together but you see them grow while reading and somehow they simply click and work. This was that kinda book.
I loved Ava but was heartbroken when she couldn't stop the voices in her head. When they met for the second time and when they realized that the connection is still there and is as strong as it was when they first met, I was rooting so hard for it to work second time around. The drama and the heartache was making me cry ugly tears. But as always the ending brought lightness and a huge smile on my face and left me feeling like we need more from this couple.
***Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads Blog***
I loved Ava but was heartbroken when she couldn't stop the voices in her head. When they met for the second time and when they realized that the connection is still there and is as strong as it was when they first met, I was rooting so hard for it to work second time around. The drama and the heartache was making me cry ugly tears. But as always the ending brought lightness and a huge smile on my face and left me feeling like we need more from this couple.
***Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads Blog***
May 8, 2019
I've recently read Ms. Evan debut novel and was anxious to read another work from this author. Eli and Ava's story is an amazing read. Their journey hits all the feels for the reader: humor, anger, longing, desire, loyalty, loss, fear, yearning, friendship, and above all love. Not only romantic love but love of family, friends, dreams. Eli and Ava both have dreams, but as those of us of a certain age know: dreams change. Sometimes that change is forced upon us and for others the dream just morphs with maturity and experience.
At nineteen, the three-year age difference between Ava and the twenty-two-year-old, by the book college student painting her father's beach house seems insurmountable. She's a free spirit running from her father to a dream of an artistic future. Her carefree zest for life runs counter to the straitlaced student of her father's. But the spark between them is combustible and when she flees, their short encounter leaves a lasting impact on Eli and his housemates, who are headed to fulfill their military dreams after their final year of college
Fast forward four years and by chance they meet again, and their age difference no longer seems to be an issue. However, their connection is still burning. Fate seems to have it out for the couple, throwing obstacles in their way, almost allowing dreams to come true, and then tearing them away. But dreams and circumstances change, and when both of them decide on the dream of a future, they set to work on how to achieve it.
Ms. Evans use of words and the eloquence of the dialogue her characters use is a beauty all its own. Eli is an old and romantic soul, his descriptions of their relationship are swoon worthy and heartfelt. While Ava's use of quotes and writing of lyrics proves their souls are aligned and have been for eternity. The level of emotion Ms. Evan give her characters and pulls the reader into their heads and their hearts.
Guarded Dreams is a book that pulled me in and spoke to my heart. I loved the characters, the storyline, and more than satisfying HEA. I look forward to more books from LJ Evans, her storytelling prowess is stellar and makes my reader heart happy.
At nineteen, the three-year age difference between Ava and the twenty-two-year-old, by the book college student painting her father's beach house seems insurmountable. She's a free spirit running from her father to a dream of an artistic future. Her carefree zest for life runs counter to the straitlaced student of her father's. But the spark between them is combustible and when she flees, their short encounter leaves a lasting impact on Eli and his housemates, who are headed to fulfill their military dreams after their final year of college
Fast forward four years and by chance they meet again, and their age difference no longer seems to be an issue. However, their connection is still burning. Fate seems to have it out for the couple, throwing obstacles in their way, almost allowing dreams to come true, and then tearing them away. But dreams and circumstances change, and when both of them decide on the dream of a future, they set to work on how to achieve it.
Ms. Evans use of words and the eloquence of the dialogue her characters use is a beauty all its own. Eli is an old and romantic soul, his descriptions of their relationship are swoon worthy and heartfelt. While Ava's use of quotes and writing of lyrics proves their souls are aligned and have been for eternity. The level of emotion Ms. Evan give her characters and pulls the reader into their heads and their hearts.
Guarded Dreams is a book that pulled me in and spoke to my heart. I loved the characters, the storyline, and more than satisfying HEA. I look forward to more books from LJ Evans, her storytelling prowess is stellar and makes my reader heart happy.
September 30, 2019
Guarded Dreams
LJ Evans
“It helped me get my head refocused on how close I was to getting what I wanted and not on a girl with dual-coloured eyes. The Coast Guard was so close to being a reality that I could almost feel the joy of signing the enlistment contract.”
Ava was trying to escape a controlling father when she crashed into the lives of Mac, Truck and Eli. 3 recruits almost through their training with their sights set on enlisting. Eli would do anything to follow his dead father to the Coast Guard.
A few days, barely moments in time changed each one profoundly.
Poetically written like all of the songs woven through the very thread of the story. The images and feelings are all presented in vivid colour.
“I woke with the sun in my face, the muggy air already filling the room from the open French doors like cotton balls stuffed in a jar.”
This story is told in three parts, the first their few summer days barely out of their teens, the second 4 years later, the last is where we hope they get it together and keep it together.
This story is so character driven that you feel like they are friends. It has all the feels! From the poetic quotes to the country songs all add meaning and evoke memories of your own. I found myself singing along and having some of my favourites staying in my head for days.
This is a new author for me, one that I will seek more from. It reads as a stand-alone novel with hea and I think it is the first in a series.
5 stunning stars.
LJ Evans
“It helped me get my head refocused on how close I was to getting what I wanted and not on a girl with dual-coloured eyes. The Coast Guard was so close to being a reality that I could almost feel the joy of signing the enlistment contract.”
Ava was trying to escape a controlling father when she crashed into the lives of Mac, Truck and Eli. 3 recruits almost through their training with their sights set on enlisting. Eli would do anything to follow his dead father to the Coast Guard.
A few days, barely moments in time changed each one profoundly.
Poetically written like all of the songs woven through the very thread of the story. The images and feelings are all presented in vivid colour.
“I woke with the sun in my face, the muggy air already filling the room from the open French doors like cotton balls stuffed in a jar.”
This story is told in three parts, the first their few summer days barely out of their teens, the second 4 years later, the last is where we hope they get it together and keep it together.
This story is so character driven that you feel like they are friends. It has all the feels! From the poetic quotes to the country songs all add meaning and evoke memories of your own. I found myself singing along and having some of my favourites staying in my head for days.
This is a new author for me, one that I will seek more from. It reads as a stand-alone novel with hea and I think it is the first in a series.
5 stunning stars.
May 2, 2019
Stripped down masterpiece in her hands.
LJ Evans, has a unique writing style.
There is a reason why she is an award winning author.
Have you ever listened to your favorite song, that you have been obsessed with for years and then the artist strips the song down, doing an acoustic version, that blows your mind?
It's like hearing the song for the first time, as it's becoming a masterpiece in their hands.
This is how LJ Evans, develops her characters.
It's a beautiful masterpiece in her hands.
This is not your typical romance.
Ava, lost her mom at a young age and doesn't even remember her.
Her dad has emotionally abused her, her whole life.
Putting her and her dreams down when ever he can.
Manipulating her every move and controlling her mercilessly.
She is finally getting out from under his grasp.
She's following her dreams of writing music and singing her songs. 🎸🎶
When she runs to the beach house, she finds she's not alone.
Eli, has worked very hard to become a coast guard. 🛥️⚓
His father was a coast guard, killed in the line of duty.
He only had a little time left to realize his dreams.
Ava's father, their instructor, has tasked him and his two friends two paint the beach house, so when they come back from getting groceries and find her their, they aren't sure what to do.
If he finds out they're their with his daughter, he can make their life miserable possibly ruining their careers.
Their is a connection between Eli and Ava that they have never felt before, but their dreams are pulling them in different directions.
"She was the music, it was her, just like the sea was me and I was the sea." 🎶🌊🎶
Four years later, they find each other again and can't deny the connection they have.
As they navigate through their dreams and life, they find away to have a happy ever after.💑
Relief. Peace. Home.
Love. Hands. Hope.
This is a beautiful story of love and heartache, that will tug at your heart strings and having a book hangover for days, as all of her books do.
The beautiful quotes used will touch your heart ❤️ and inspire you to love.
LJ Evans, has a unique writing style.
There is a reason why she is an award winning author.
Have you ever listened to your favorite song, that you have been obsessed with for years and then the artist strips the song down, doing an acoustic version, that blows your mind?
It's like hearing the song for the first time, as it's becoming a masterpiece in their hands.
This is how LJ Evans, develops her characters.
It's a beautiful masterpiece in her hands.
This is not your typical romance.
Ava, lost her mom at a young age and doesn't even remember her.
Her dad has emotionally abused her, her whole life.
Putting her and her dreams down when ever he can.
Manipulating her every move and controlling her mercilessly.
She is finally getting out from under his grasp.
She's following her dreams of writing music and singing her songs. 🎸🎶
When she runs to the beach house, she finds she's not alone.
Eli, has worked very hard to become a coast guard. 🛥️⚓
His father was a coast guard, killed in the line of duty.
He only had a little time left to realize his dreams.
Ava's father, their instructor, has tasked him and his two friends two paint the beach house, so when they come back from getting groceries and find her their, they aren't sure what to do.
If he finds out they're their with his daughter, he can make their life miserable possibly ruining their careers.
Their is a connection between Eli and Ava that they have never felt before, but their dreams are pulling them in different directions.
"She was the music, it was her, just like the sea was me and I was the sea." 🎶🌊🎶
Four years later, they find each other again and can't deny the connection they have.
As they navigate through their dreams and life, they find away to have a happy ever after.💑
Relief. Peace. Home.
Love. Hands. Hope.
This is a beautiful story of love and heartache, that will tug at your heart strings and having a book hangover for days, as all of her books do.
The beautiful quotes used will touch your heart ❤️ and inspire you to love.
May 2, 2019
Time to gush, ladies!
THIS is your next weekend read, your beach read, whatever you want to call it! Guarded Dreams is another incredible book by an amazing storyteller, LJ Evans.
First of all, the title is perfection. As soon as you start reading it, you’ll see why☺
Ava and Eli are on their set paths, and they are both fiercely protective of their dreams—even when it means they can’t be together. But as with all the best love stories, fate has its own plans, too.
LJ has such an enormous talent for creating the most vivid, endearing characters that make you carve out a special little spot in your heart for each of them to live forever. I instantly fell in love with Ava and Eli and their story. Their sweet, slow burn romance is packed full of ALL. THE. FEELS.
And even though you realize their happy ending will take time, and understanding, and lots of patience, you will root for them wholeheartedly every step of the way.
This book will make you laugh, cry, swoon, and even get angry (her dad = grrr).
LJ has created a beautiful new book family for us to fall in love with. I absolutely adored it!
THIS is your next weekend read, your beach read, whatever you want to call it! Guarded Dreams is another incredible book by an amazing storyteller, LJ Evans.
First of all, the title is perfection. As soon as you start reading it, you’ll see why☺
Ava and Eli are on their set paths, and they are both fiercely protective of their dreams—even when it means they can’t be together. But as with all the best love stories, fate has its own plans, too.
LJ has such an enormous talent for creating the most vivid, endearing characters that make you carve out a special little spot in your heart for each of them to live forever. I instantly fell in love with Ava and Eli and their story. Their sweet, slow burn romance is packed full of ALL. THE. FEELS.
And even though you realize their happy ending will take time, and understanding, and lots of patience, you will root for them wholeheartedly every step of the way.
This book will make you laugh, cry, swoon, and even get angry (her dad = grrr).
LJ has created a beautiful new book family for us to fall in love with. I absolutely adored it!
April 27, 2019
I absolutely loved this book! The author, LJ Evans is a new to me author, and I received this book as an ARC, on the condition that I post an honest review. The story of the slow relationship between Eli and Ava was beautifully written and made the reader feel all the emotions that the H/h experienced. They both met at a young age, Eli was tunneled vision on his goal to become a Coast Guard, and Ava, a free spirit, had her own goal of becoming a singer. Due to complications, mainly caused by Ava’s dad, they had to go their separate ways. Eli achieves his dream but Ava is unable to become the singer that she dreamed, due to her toxic brain washing by her dad. They reunite in New York and the feelings are still there for each other. They learn to accept this feeling and develop a deep relationship. Situations occur that causes them to follow different dreams but always loving each other. In the end, they achieve their bigger dream of getting their HEA. I recommend this book and plan to read more books by Ms Evans
May 2, 2019
This took wings and flew! I just cannot get these characters out of my mind!! I find myself thinking about them and not just about Eli and Ava. Mac and Truck were memorable too and I'm dying to see their stories be written as well. Ava and Eli are both such big dreamers! They have dedicated so much of themselves and time towards achieving those closely guarded dreams. When you've spent so much time just trying to reach your destiny it's hard to stray from that set path, even when you meet that once in a lifetime type of love! The journey that they each take makes them change so very much, and it's beyond beautiful to watch fate bring them together again. My emotions were pulled in every direction and I absolutely cried throughout the entire book! These two were written with such delicate attention and all those intricate pieces make their story poignant and utterly breathtaking! Ms. Evans is one of my favorite authors! I get so excited when I know that she's writing a new story! Her words are powerful... they pack a punch and make an everlasting impact upon your heart 💗
May 15, 2019
I purchased this book from Amazon to read. All opinions are my own. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Guarded Dreams by L J Evans. Guys!!!!!! She has done it again. Evans matches the song with the book chapter and it all just flows so well. Only this time she got me! When I started this book I was taking my 15 year old to the Drivers License office to get his permit and as I sat there for 3 hours I plowed through the first 3/4 of the books with tears welling up in my eyes and trying not to cry in public! Ava just got out of school, Eli dreams of joining the Coast Guard and one magical summer in Galveston their souls connect but they both push harder to obtain their dreams. 4 years later their souls are still pushing for more. This one was heart wrenching heartwarming and full of fun! Ava and Eli aren't a couple I will forget anytime soon! Review also posted on Instagram @borenbooks, Library Thing, Amazon, Goodreads/StacieBoren, Twitter @jason_stacie and my blog at readsbystacie.com
April 29, 2019
(ARC Review)
This is a new author for me. I thought the book was slow and just dragged along. I enjoyed seeing the music that LJ started the chapters with.
This story starts about Ava a 19 yr old who loves music, loves to write and play on her guitar and hopes to be a star someday. Her Father is a professor and an ass and is very controlling. She leaves and goes to their summer house where she finds 3 "military guys"---Eli, Mac (Macauley) and Truck (Travis). They are there doing repairs to the house for her father, their professor for basically a free week at the beach.
The story moves 4 years ahead and Ava and Eli run into each other again. The guys are now in the military. For Eli being in the Coast Guard was his life long dream. She is at Juilliard.
This story is a slow building relationship for Eli and Ava. The highs and lows they go through that can tear them apart or bring them together.
This is a new author for me. I thought the book was slow and just dragged along. I enjoyed seeing the music that LJ started the chapters with.
This story starts about Ava a 19 yr old who loves music, loves to write and play on her guitar and hopes to be a star someday. Her Father is a professor and an ass and is very controlling. She leaves and goes to their summer house where she finds 3 "military guys"---Eli, Mac (Macauley) and Truck (Travis). They are there doing repairs to the house for her father, their professor for basically a free week at the beach.
The story moves 4 years ahead and Ava and Eli run into each other again. The guys are now in the military. For Eli being in the Coast Guard was his life long dream. She is at Juilliard.
This story is a slow building relationship for Eli and Ava. The highs and lows they go through that can tear them apart or bring them together.
May 13, 2019
So worth the read!
This story is about Ava who appears to be a free spirit and who wants to be a country music star and Eli who appears to be very regimented and wants to enlist in the Coast Guard. It starts out with them meeting the summer before they graduate and how their lives change when they meet up again four yrs later.
The emotions, gah, you just can’t help falling for these two and their story. The author knows how to use words to elicit strong emotions. I felt the weight of the thoughts and dreams these two grew through.
I don’t know how to review this. It isn’t my normal read. I shy away from angst and conflict and go for lighter more humorous romances. But dang this was good. The events weren’t contrived to a formula, it was a believable coming of age, growing up and coming together romance.
This author has real talent and I can’t wait to read more.
This story is about Ava who appears to be a free spirit and who wants to be a country music star and Eli who appears to be very regimented and wants to enlist in the Coast Guard. It starts out with them meeting the summer before they graduate and how their lives change when they meet up again four yrs later.
The emotions, gah, you just can’t help falling for these two and their story. The author knows how to use words to elicit strong emotions. I felt the weight of the thoughts and dreams these two grew through.
I don’t know how to review this. It isn’t my normal read. I shy away from angst and conflict and go for lighter more humorous romances. But dang this was good. The events weren’t contrived to a formula, it was a believable coming of age, growing up and coming together romance.
This author has real talent and I can’t wait to read more.
October 12, 2019
Be sure to grab this book!! It's your next book to sit on the couch with, curl up with your favorite drink and a cozy blanket and get lost in the story. Once you start reading you'll fall in love with this second chance romantic story and the characters. Be sure to warn your family that you are completely unavailable while you read this book because you won't want to put it down once you start.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 21, 2019
I loved everything about this book! There is laughter, sorrow, pain, happiness and a slow burn that keeps you hoping. This story was about hope and dreams and knowing when you find the one. From the first paragraph, this story grabbed me and would not let go. This was one of those rare books for me that I thought about even when I wasn't reading and I couldn't wait to get home and read some more! L. J. Evans is a new to me author but I will definitely be reading all of her other books!
April 30, 2019
Ava and Eli were everything and more. So heartwarming, swoon on swoon with all them fuzzy feels. This was my first book by LJ Evans and I’m so happy to say I got my LJ Evans book cherry popped with Guarded Dreams. Loved the story, the playlist, the moments that left me smiling and my heart soaring—beautifully written, LJ Evans, beautiful from beginning to end.
5 oh Captain, my Captain stars!
5 oh Captain, my Captain stars!
May 2, 2019
My mother always said there's a blessing in every lesson. This book, fits that quote.
Eli and Ava , their emotions broke my heart but mended it back. Their experiences with life and love , teaches everyone who reads this story to press on. To also accept that change is good even when it seems bad.
This is my first read of L.J Evans and I can't wait to read more.
May 11, 2019
Dreams come and go and even change over time.
Ava and Eli have their lives planned out and dreams they plan to obtained and will not let anyone get in their way of them. Fate has other plans, they meet each other and they turned their back on what could have been to follow those dreams. Dreams and time change a person. Four years can change a person. This is a must read from quotes, country music lyrics to dreams we doing know we wanted or needed.
Ava and Eli have their lives planned out and dreams they plan to obtained and will not let anyone get in their way of them. Fate has other plans, they meet each other and they turned their back on what could have been to follow those dreams. Dreams and time change a person. Four years can change a person. This is a must read from quotes, country music lyrics to dreams we doing know we wanted or needed.
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