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Anchor #3
Avenged by Love
“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.”
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.”
403 pages, ebook
First published April 29, 2020
121 people are currently reading
1961 people want to read
About the author
L.J. Evans
32 books1,330 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 99 reviews
July 17, 2021
**Read as part of the Anchor Novels box set**
"From the moment I’d walked into Leena’s place and found her standing in the kitchen, I’d felt a shift, a change in my world. I hadn’t recognized it for what it was. Souls calling to souls."
I started reading this series in the wrong order, so I was already familiar with the characters in this book. Believe me when I say that did nothing to stop the emotions running through me. LJ Evans really has a way of reeling you in with her words.
"It made his smile widen, eyes stretching and crinkling in a way that would leave laugh lines later in life. In a way that made me want to touch the corner of his lip. In a way that made me want to keep laughing so he’d keep smiling."
For some reason, I didn't feel connected to Truck until this book. Maybe because he really is the moody, Coast Guard guy with a sort of a superhero complex. The thing is that he doesn't really want to be a superhero. It's something life, and a weird upbringing, have forced upon him. He's such a wonderful, sweet, and gentle guy underneath his rock solid exterior that I really wanted to hug him.
"But concentrating on her was all kinds of hard because she looked beautiful. I wish I could have found a different word, a word that stood for more than beautiful, because, really, that was her."
Connecting to Jersey was easy from the get-go. The girl who carries the world on her shoulders, who tries to do what's best for her little sister, and always puts herself last. The girl people have shunned and ignored, who is not used to being cared for, even with it comes to the health condition she has. All her walls are up, and they've been that way for a very long time.
"Travis and I were like that. Oxymorons. Contradictory terms being brought together by situations we had no control over."
These two were perfect for each other. You'd think they wouldn't be, because their lives are dominated by guilt from something that happened in their pasts. And because both of them are focused on helping their siblings, whatever the cost, disregarding their own lives and, especially, their feelings.
I love that Jersey is an artist. I love superheroes, so I wish I could see her drawings. I love her tells, like the way she plays with her ring. I love how Truck listens, even when you're not sure he is listening, and he picks up on the smallest things.
"'The first thing I didn’t tell you, when I had the chance, was that I love you. I think I’ve loved you from the first moment you argued Hulk and Wonder Woman with me.'"
When Jersey needs help to handle a health issue, and doesn't have health insurance, Truck jumps in and marries her. It's a marriage of convenience, and it's meant to help her, but it's also awkward because they both feel this pull towards each other.
This means he gets closer to her, and the girl who has a force field around her starts to open up, and starts allowing herself to be touched, and felt, and loved. And the marriage of convenience ends up helping both of them, in so many different ways.
"'Sometimes, love isn’t enough.' She was shaking her head vigorously in the negative.
'You’re wrong, Jers. Love is the only thing that really matters.'"
Once both of them allow themselves to feel, and to really understand what's been there for a while, it's clear as day that all the barriers keeping them apart are not really there. Sometimes you need to let go of the guilt to let happiness in. And loving someone doesn't have to mean ignoring everyone else in your life. It means bringing them into the fold, and creating your own family around you.
"'You’ve been fighting for so long alone. Please, let me be the one who fights at your side.'"
Avenged by Love is a really beautiful story about two unique people who needed to be shown they can love, and be loved back. That not all people have an agenda, and that there really are people out there who care. That they're worthy of happiness, and that love is worth fighting for.
"From the moment I’d walked into Leena’s place and found her standing in the kitchen, I’d felt a shift, a change in my world. I hadn’t recognized it for what it was. Souls calling to souls."
I started reading this series in the wrong order, so I was already familiar with the characters in this book. Believe me when I say that did nothing to stop the emotions running through me. LJ Evans really has a way of reeling you in with her words.
"It made his smile widen, eyes stretching and crinkling in a way that would leave laugh lines later in life. In a way that made me want to touch the corner of his lip. In a way that made me want to keep laughing so he’d keep smiling."
For some reason, I didn't feel connected to Truck until this book. Maybe because he really is the moody, Coast Guard guy with a sort of a superhero complex. The thing is that he doesn't really want to be a superhero. It's something life, and a weird upbringing, have forced upon him. He's such a wonderful, sweet, and gentle guy underneath his rock solid exterior that I really wanted to hug him.
"But concentrating on her was all kinds of hard because she looked beautiful. I wish I could have found a different word, a word that stood for more than beautiful, because, really, that was her."
Connecting to Jersey was easy from the get-go. The girl who carries the world on her shoulders, who tries to do what's best for her little sister, and always puts herself last. The girl people have shunned and ignored, who is not used to being cared for, even with it comes to the health condition she has. All her walls are up, and they've been that way for a very long time.
"Travis and I were like that. Oxymorons. Contradictory terms being brought together by situations we had no control over."
These two were perfect for each other. You'd think they wouldn't be, because their lives are dominated by guilt from something that happened in their pasts. And because both of them are focused on helping their siblings, whatever the cost, disregarding their own lives and, especially, their feelings.
I love that Jersey is an artist. I love superheroes, so I wish I could see her drawings. I love her tells, like the way she plays with her ring. I love how Truck listens, even when you're not sure he is listening, and he picks up on the smallest things.
"'The first thing I didn’t tell you, when I had the chance, was that I love you. I think I’ve loved you from the first moment you argued Hulk and Wonder Woman with me.'"
When Jersey needs help to handle a health issue, and doesn't have health insurance, Truck jumps in and marries her. It's a marriage of convenience, and it's meant to help her, but it's also awkward because they both feel this pull towards each other.
This means he gets closer to her, and the girl who has a force field around her starts to open up, and starts allowing herself to be touched, and felt, and loved. And the marriage of convenience ends up helping both of them, in so many different ways.
"'Sometimes, love isn’t enough.' She was shaking her head vigorously in the negative.
'You’re wrong, Jers. Love is the only thing that really matters.'"
Once both of them allow themselves to feel, and to really understand what's been there for a while, it's clear as day that all the barriers keeping them apart are not really there. Sometimes you need to let go of the guilt to let happiness in. And loving someone doesn't have to mean ignoring everyone else in your life. It means bringing them into the fold, and creating your own family around you.
"'You’ve been fighting for so long alone. Please, let me be the one who fights at your side.'"
Avenged by Love is a really beautiful story about two unique people who needed to be shown they can love, and be loved back. That not all people have an agenda, and that there really are people out there who care. That they're worthy of happiness, and that love is worth fighting for.
May 21, 2020
4.5 stars! (Due to the fact of my headspace at the time of reading.)
I loved Jersey & Truck’s story so much! I love the uniqueness of it. I love marriage of convenience stories, but this one had a twist...that also twisted up my heart. I was a goner for Truck when I saw how he cared for Jersey at her worst, and quite frankly that embarrassing time of the month. The tenderness, and concern that he displayed moved me beyond words.
My heart went out to Jersey, with all the things that she bore on her shoulders. Not only did she have some female physical issues to worry with, but also the health of her teenage sister, making ends meet, and the fact that she hides from her abusive father. Can’t she catch a break? Thank goodness for Truck, her knight in shining armor.
I don’t want to spoil a thing about this story, but I urge you to read this amazing book.
I loved Jersey & Truck’s story so much! I love the uniqueness of it. I love marriage of convenience stories, but this one had a twist...that also twisted up my heart. I was a goner for Truck when I saw how he cared for Jersey at her worst, and quite frankly that embarrassing time of the month. The tenderness, and concern that he displayed moved me beyond words.
My heart went out to Jersey, with all the things that she bore on her shoulders. Not only did she have some female physical issues to worry with, but also the health of her teenage sister, making ends meet, and the fact that she hides from her abusive father. Can’t she catch a break? Thank goodness for Truck, her knight in shining armor.
I don’t want to spoil a thing about this story, but I urge you to read this amazing book.
February 3, 2022
‧͙⁺˚*･༓☾☆ 3.25 stars ☆☽༓･*˚⁺‧͙
“Love is the only real superpower.”
I liked this one. I thought it was going to be instalove, but it wasn’t, not really.
✨forced proximity
✨marriage of convenience
✨kinda slow burn
✨small town
✨friends-to-lovers
✨found family
Jersey really grew out of her shell and Truck was pretty sweet, too. I’m honestly not super inspired to write a review BUT, I really enjoyed this one.
Violet and Dawson were perfect side characters and I can’t wait to read about them. I wish we could’ve seen more of Truck’s job though.
But yeah, Jersey’s birthday?? I was… bye. that was super sweet. I gotta say, the whole drawing thing Jers did, was unexpected lmao. We were like 60% in, and suddenly she is amazing at drawing and it’s her passion… 💀
Something was lacking though… i’m not sure what it was, but I felt like I needed more romantic moments. Cause most of them were always clouded with worries and stuff.
The conflict made sense and actually hurt my heart. I really like LJ’s writing😭🤍
【SONGS:】
Can’t Fight This Feeling — REO Speedwagon
“Love is the only real superpower.”
I liked this one. I thought it was going to be instalove, but it wasn’t, not really.
✨forced proximity
✨marriage of convenience
✨kinda slow burn
✨small town
✨friends-to-lovers
✨found family
Jersey really grew out of her shell and Truck was pretty sweet, too. I’m honestly not super inspired to write a review BUT, I really enjoyed this one.
Violet and Dawson were perfect side characters and I can’t wait to read about them. I wish we could’ve seen more of Truck’s job though.
But yeah, Jersey’s birthday?? I was… bye. that was super sweet. I gotta say, the whole drawing thing Jers did, was unexpected lmao. We were like 60% in, and suddenly she is amazing at drawing and it’s her passion… 💀
Something was lacking though… i’m not sure what it was, but I felt like I needed more romantic moments. Cause most of them were always clouded with worries and stuff.
The conflict made sense and actually hurt my heart. I really like LJ’s writing😭🤍
【SONGS:】
Can’t Fight This Feeling — REO Speedwagon
╭─━━━━━━━━━━━━─╮
•Anchor Series •
Guarded Dreams #1 — 4 stars
Forged By Sacrifice #2 — 3 stars
Avenged By Love #3 — 3.25 stars
Damages Desires #4 — tbr
Branded by a Song #5 — tbr
Tripped By Love #6 — tbr
╰─━━━━━━━━━━━━─╯
August 6, 2020
LJ Evans writes a great HEA story. This is a standalone but does have characters from the previous books. A wonderfully written slow burn, nerdy girl meets, protective Coast Guard, fake relationship read that brings all the feels.
April 18, 2020
Jersey and Trucks story is my favorite thus far. Once again I was swept away with the flowing words and music that brings it together nicely. There are moments that make your heart smile and will have you cheering them on as they realize love is worth the risk. This is another refreshing happily ever after that will stick with you. I received an ARC of this and volunteered to review it.
April 18, 2020
Yet another exceptional book by LJ Evans! I don’t know if she knows how to write anything that doesn’t hit the heart and make you live in the book with the characters! I can’t wait for the next book in the series!
April 26, 2020
The latest book from LJ Evans grabbed me from the beginning and never let go!
Jersey has spent her life hiding: from an abusive father, from a town that judges her by the misdeeds of her father and from her own guilt. She also feels a responsibility for her younger sister, since their mother died at a young age. At the same time, she’s dealing with some health issues that are becoming increasingly severe yet has no insurance or money to effectively deal with them.
Truck has finally achieved some stability in his life with his career in the Coast Guard. But he’s also dealing with a sibling - a younger brother from a different father (and an indifferent mother) who has made some poor decisions in his life. Truck feels like it’s his responsibility to help his brother chose a better path in life.
When Truck learns of Jersey’s health issues, he comes up with a plan to marry her so she can receive health benefits. But what starts as a marriage of convenience soon becomes a little more complicated. Truck and Jersey need to learn how to balance their own needs and desires with the responsibility they feel towards their respective siblings.
I feel like this is one of LJ Evans’ best books yet! And that’s not to detract from any of the other wonderful books! A compelling story that tugs at the heart strings!
Jersey has spent her life hiding: from an abusive father, from a town that judges her by the misdeeds of her father and from her own guilt. She also feels a responsibility for her younger sister, since their mother died at a young age. At the same time, she’s dealing with some health issues that are becoming increasingly severe yet has no insurance or money to effectively deal with them.
Truck has finally achieved some stability in his life with his career in the Coast Guard. But he’s also dealing with a sibling - a younger brother from a different father (and an indifferent mother) who has made some poor decisions in his life. Truck feels like it’s his responsibility to help his brother chose a better path in life.
When Truck learns of Jersey’s health issues, he comes up with a plan to marry her so she can receive health benefits. But what starts as a marriage of convenience soon becomes a little more complicated. Truck and Jersey need to learn how to balance their own needs and desires with the responsibility they feel towards their respective siblings.
I feel like this is one of LJ Evans’ best books yet! And that’s not to detract from any of the other wonderful books! A compelling story that tugs at the heart strings!
April 30, 2020
I can’t ever find enough words, or even the right words to describe how well written this author’s books are. I was really curious about Jersey’s backstory. There was so much mystery surrounding her when we met her in previous books. Completely unexpected plot there. Truck and Jersey find themselves in really similar situations in life. They both have to step up to the plate to keep an eye on their sibling. Putting others first is second nature. Both of them made me mad at times during the book, but they finally found a way to make a life for themselves and not living for others. Oh my goodness, The Jake C Phillips Foundation! My heart!
April 28, 2020
Avenged by Love by A.K. Evans was fantastic. A perfect blend of heart-aching and beautifully sweet romance. From the very start Jersey and Truck’s story grabbed me and didn’t let go until the very end. I loved them together and individually. They’re both such great people and siblings. Always putting their younger siblings first even at their own detriment. It was great to see them find each other and at the same time find solace, support, and love.
A.K. Evans made my heart squeeze, ache, and finally soar with happiness. I’m excited for more from this author and this is definitely a book I’ll be recommending often.
A.K. Evans made my heart squeeze, ache, and finally soar with happiness. I’m excited for more from this author and this is definitely a book I’ll be recommending often.
May 11, 2020
Fun, sweet, and crazy read!
I love the family relationships in this book, I feel like I don't read enough stories about siblings caring for each other. Jersey cared so much for Violet and it was adorable seeing them surprise the other with fun things. Jersey needed to care about her own health and do what was best for her and she did baby Violet too much, but Vi was great about it and gently pushed her big sister toward happiness.
Truck is a great guy and my favorite kind of leading male, he's strong and capable, but also let Jersey do her own thing and was just there in case she needed him. He tried so hard to take care of Dawson and even when he screwed up, he apologized and kept trying. Truck and Jersey make a fantastic couple and their family is pretty perfect.
The story was a little slow paced and I had hoped the romance would be steamier, but I enjoyed seeing Jersey open up to Truck and realize that she can rely on others sometimes. Definitely an enjoyable read.
I love the family relationships in this book, I feel like I don't read enough stories about siblings caring for each other. Jersey cared so much for Violet and it was adorable seeing them surprise the other with fun things. Jersey needed to care about her own health and do what was best for her and she did baby Violet too much, but Vi was great about it and gently pushed her big sister toward happiness.
Truck is a great guy and my favorite kind of leading male, he's strong and capable, but also let Jersey do her own thing and was just there in case she needed him. He tried so hard to take care of Dawson and even when he screwed up, he apologized and kept trying. Truck and Jersey make a fantastic couple and their family is pretty perfect.
The story was a little slow paced and I had hoped the romance would be steamier, but I enjoyed seeing Jersey open up to Truck and realize that she can rely on others sometimes. Definitely an enjoyable read.
April 28, 2020
I was so excited to start reading this book ever since we fist met Travis. He and Jersey have a lot in common and it was only natural for them to bond and find comfort in each other.
As the story develops I wasn't so sure they were meant to find the HEA. But as always loves is a powerful source that finds a way to correct the wrongs and lets them find the HEA they both deserved.
I'm getting addicted to LJ Evans and her writing, I really am. Once again she wrote a story that will stay with me for a long time.
***Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads Blog***
As the story develops I wasn't so sure they were meant to find the HEA. But as always loves is a powerful source that finds a way to correct the wrongs and lets them find the HEA they both deserved.
I'm getting addicted to LJ Evans and her writing, I really am. Once again she wrote a story that will stay with me for a long time.
***Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads Blog***
April 19, 2020
Avenged by Love, Truck & Jersey’s story, was everything I wanted, and kinda expected. Not to say it’s predictable because it certainly isn’t. But when we first met Truck, he had been hit hard by the behavior of someone else, and we know he feels responsible for his younger brother. Jersey is barley a glimpse in previous stories...because that’s who she is - a ghost slipping in and out of rooms trying to be invisible. She also feels responsible for a younger sibling. With all they have in common, they actually respond near the same. They each feel a deep seeded need to choose their siblings over themselves, and even love. I feared for their hearts when obligations (even contrived) win over love. And I was frustrated with Jersey for that... I hurt for Truck being a second choice...right up until not was abundantly clear Jersey made a choice for herself.
“Sometimes, when you surrender, when you finally let go, you find the most beautiful things.”
I highly recommend reading Book 1, Guarded Love, and Book 2, Forged in Love, to get the full story of all the characters.
“Sometimes, when you surrender, when you finally let go, you find the most beautiful things.”
I highly recommend reading Book 1, Guarded Love, and Book 2, Forged in Love, to get the full story of all the characters.
April 23, 2020
LJ Evan's, is one of my favorite authors.
I love how she strips down her characters and puts them back together whole and even more complete.
This story and series is one of my favorites.
Jersey Banner, has been taking care of her younger sister.
They don't talk about their past.
Where Jersey, is as quite as a mouse, her sister Violet, has extremely the opposite personality.
She feels responsible for the life they now have and forgoing her own happiness, she only wants to make sure that Violet, gets everything that she ever wanted.
Travis (Truck) Dayton, went off to the Navy and is now in the Coast Guard. He feels guilty for leaving his younger brother behind and when their mom is at her wits end, she asks him to help try and straighten him out.
Dawson, is 22 years old and doesn't appreciate the help.
Jersey,Truck, and their siblings, find themselves living under the same roof with two women who would like to some day run a bed and breakfast.
When, Violet and Dawson, seem as if they are getting friendly, Jersey, is all to happy to see Truck, and his brother find a new place to live.
When Jersey, develops a medical condition, that needs treatment and she doesn't have the money or insurance to pay for it, Dawson and Truck come up with a plan.
I loved how these two both desire to take care of their siblings but, find it hard to recognize the need to take care of themselves because, they will always put their siblings first.
This is a story that will tear at your heart strings and make you smile with the happy ever after these two find for themselves.
I love how she strips down her characters and puts them back together whole and even more complete.
This story and series is one of my favorites.
Jersey Banner, has been taking care of her younger sister.
They don't talk about their past.
Where Jersey, is as quite as a mouse, her sister Violet, has extremely the opposite personality.
She feels responsible for the life they now have and forgoing her own happiness, she only wants to make sure that Violet, gets everything that she ever wanted.
Travis (Truck) Dayton, went off to the Navy and is now in the Coast Guard. He feels guilty for leaving his younger brother behind and when their mom is at her wits end, she asks him to help try and straighten him out.
Dawson, is 22 years old and doesn't appreciate the help.
Jersey,Truck, and their siblings, find themselves living under the same roof with two women who would like to some day run a bed and breakfast.
When, Violet and Dawson, seem as if they are getting friendly, Jersey, is all to happy to see Truck, and his brother find a new place to live.
When Jersey, develops a medical condition, that needs treatment and she doesn't have the money or insurance to pay for it, Dawson and Truck come up with a plan.
I loved how these two both desire to take care of their siblings but, find it hard to recognize the need to take care of themselves because, they will always put their siblings first.
This is a story that will tear at your heart strings and make you smile with the happy ever after these two find for themselves.
April 19, 2020
Every time I read one of LJ Evans's books, it becomes my favorite. This one was no different, except it happened faster! From the very first chapter, I was totally invested in Truck and Jersey's story. They both were carrying so much responsibility for such young people. Jersey also had some physical issues happening that were very relate able. Truck is a caretaker through and through. My heart broke for them, until they found each other. I am already looking forward to more in this series!
"Love is the only real superpower." From Avenged by love by LJ Evans
"Love is the only real superpower." From Avenged by love by LJ Evans
April 29, 2020
Avenged by Love is the third book in this series by LJ Evans, and dang…every book in the series becomes my favorite! This one “can” be read as a stand-alone, but I would certainly recommend reading this series in order, so you can understand the supporting characters and where they come into this story. This slow burn romance between Truck (Travis) and Jersey is incredible! They are both struggling with what they feel is their obligation to protect the ones they love and what they feel is their responsibility. They both have a deep backstory that the author has written so well, that you can just feel their loss and their mentally challenging dilemmas. The storyline, the characters (all of them, especially including the supporting characters and siblings), and the flow are all so absolutely enjoyable! This is a sexy, noble Coast Guard hero and a nerdy heroine romance, involving a fake marriage, heartbreak, slow burn/resisting romance, that will have you swooning, tearing up, and feeling wonderful. 5 stars!
April 12, 2020
After meeting Truck in the first 2 books I have been anxiously awaiting his story and LJ Evans nailed it! Truck is the most selfless, caring, humble, giving, loving and protective hero....he would truly give you the shirt off of his back to help someone else...we need more Truck's in the world! Jersey's story is more that just a story.....it is a journey that probably mirrors the author's in some way. Jersey's health issues may resonate with some readers and provide some comfort both in knowing they are not alone and that there is some help available (I won't go into what Jersey's issue is...I'll let you read the book). LJ Evans is a master at creating imagery with her writing, you can see the scenes play out in your head as you read. Her characters will pull you in and tug on your heart strings as they navigate through life and find their HEA. Truck and Jersey's story kept me up reading until the wee hours of the morning but it was worth it! All the stars for this one!
May 17, 2024
The Heart Knows
Avenged by Love is an emotional, slow-burn, friends-to-lovers romance. The characters were flawed and unique. Jersey and Travis (aka Truck) have both experienced tragedies and disappointments in life, however they both forged ahead. Jersey for her younger sister and Truck for his career. Their loyalty to their siblings was a common bond, but there was something...more. Their souls called out to one another. Just like the sexual tension their friendship builds slowly and steadily. I loved watching Jersey and Truck grow and trust one another. This love story has ups and downs just like life itself. It will inspire you to reach for hope and love and your own HEA.
Avenged by Love is an emotional, slow-burn, friends-to-lovers romance. The characters were flawed and unique. Jersey and Travis (aka Truck) have both experienced tragedies and disappointments in life, however they both forged ahead. Jersey for her younger sister and Truck for his career. Their loyalty to their siblings was a common bond, but there was something...more. Their souls called out to one another. Just like the sexual tension their friendship builds slowly and steadily. I loved watching Jersey and Truck grow and trust one another. This love story has ups and downs just like life itself. It will inspire you to reach for hope and love and your own HEA.
May 30, 2021
military romance with lots of heart and soul. The characters are compelling and well evolved. Jersey Banner and Travis, a.ka. Truck Dayton will strike a chord with you as they sail through their journey to get a hea. Looking forward to reading what's next in this series.
April 29, 2020
So, some books you read and the review is just right there waiting at your fingertips. This book? I've been trying to review for a week now. Each time I feel like it just doesn't quite do it justice. Before I picked up this book, I was in such a reading slump. Nothing would hold my attention, and I just couldn't get engaged. This is completely out of the norm for me, so it was driving me crazy! However, I picked up Avenged, and I couldn't put it down. I couldn't possibly love this couple more!
I have been dying for Truck's story since we first met him in Guarded Dreams. He pulled at my heart so much! I hated that his life had been so derailed, and I wanted his HEA so bad. I fell even harder for him in Forged by Sacrifice! He is just such an amazing character, and I wanted him to have all the happiness he deserved. I kind of had expectations for how his story would go, and I have to admit this wasn't exactly the story I was expecting, but it was so much better! I loved seeing Truck's strong, protective side. He has a heart of gold even if it sometimes gets him in trouble.
And Jersey is fantastic. She has fought so hard for everything she has, and I loved watching her open up to Truck! She is so strong and independent, so it was great to watch her vulnerability come through as she let Truck in. However, even though she let her guard down, she didn't lose her fierceness.
While these characters have both had a lot to overcome, together they were magic. They really clicked together like missing puzzle pieces. Their personalities were so complimentary, but they also challenged one another and pushed each other to be even better. Their chemistry was off the charts, and the slow burn was killer!! I wanted to shout at them to just kiss already!! But when they did, SWOON!! It was completely worth the wait!
In true LJ Evans fashion, this book has just the right amount of angst with an extremely satisfying happily-ever-after!! She is one of the few authors I can trust with my heart when it comes to angst, because I know she will get me there in the end. Not only did she get me there, she left we waiting with bated breath for Dawson and Violet's story!! I can't wait for the rest of this series to come out, but not to worry, they are all standalones!
I have been dying for Truck's story since we first met him in Guarded Dreams. He pulled at my heart so much! I hated that his life had been so derailed, and I wanted his HEA so bad. I fell even harder for him in Forged by Sacrifice! He is just such an amazing character, and I wanted him to have all the happiness he deserved. I kind of had expectations for how his story would go, and I have to admit this wasn't exactly the story I was expecting, but it was so much better! I loved seeing Truck's strong, protective side. He has a heart of gold even if it sometimes gets him in trouble.
And Jersey is fantastic. She has fought so hard for everything she has, and I loved watching her open up to Truck! She is so strong and independent, so it was great to watch her vulnerability come through as she let Truck in. However, even though she let her guard down, she didn't lose her fierceness.
While these characters have both had a lot to overcome, together they were magic. They really clicked together like missing puzzle pieces. Their personalities were so complimentary, but they also challenged one another and pushed each other to be even better. Their chemistry was off the charts, and the slow burn was killer!! I wanted to shout at them to just kiss already!! But when they did, SWOON!! It was completely worth the wait!
In true LJ Evans fashion, this book has just the right amount of angst with an extremely satisfying happily-ever-after!! She is one of the few authors I can trust with my heart when it comes to angst, because I know she will get me there in the end. Not only did she get me there, she left we waiting with bated breath for Dawson and Violet's story!! I can't wait for the rest of this series to come out, but not to worry, they are all standalones!
May 23, 2020
I really liked this book and the growing friendship and love between Truck and Jersey.
This is a military romance set in the coast guard.
Truck(Travis) is stationed in the town of New London where he moves into a small cottage with his 22 year old brother Dawson. They have both had a very though childhood with a distant mother and absent fathers. Dawson spiraled out of control and now Truck feels responsible for him and feels like he has to help straiten him out.
Jersey is a young woman who lives with her 16 year old sister in an old villa owned by the mother of a character from another book (Eli). The two has had a very troubled childhood which now have left them to fend for themselves. And the only thing Jersey thinks about is to make sure her sister gets everything she needs and to make sure she is safe and happy. Her own happiness doesn’t matter since she feels a big guilt about what happened in their past.
Many things both good and bad happens to push these two troubled young people together and help them open up to each other and allow themselves but also their siblings to accept their faults and to seek forgiveness for earlier troubles.
Jersey is a very strong and stubborn young woman who suffers from anxiety and (I think ptsd). In the beginning you can really feel that she is young and a little too stubborn but she definitely grew on me. When she starts to open up she becomes more open and free and happy.
Truck is such a big carebear who will help and care for his friends and sacrifice his own happiness to save another persons life and happiness. I loved him.
My problems was that I didn’t get much of Truck’s coast guard experiences and how it is to have a career in the military.
I also think that the book dragged in many places because L.J. Evans tries to fill in so many informations in this book. When I thought that I had read many % of the book I had only read 5% so it took me a long time to read it.
I loved that L.J. Evans draw from her own experiences with a disease that is a huge part of the storyline and that she also deals with the discussion of the American Health benefits and the problems people who doesn’t have it have to go through to get help from the health care system.
I can definitely recommend this book.
I got this book from the author through Goodreads.
This is a military romance set in the coast guard.
Truck(Travis) is stationed in the town of New London where he moves into a small cottage with his 22 year old brother Dawson. They have both had a very though childhood with a distant mother and absent fathers. Dawson spiraled out of control and now Truck feels responsible for him and feels like he has to help straiten him out.
Jersey is a young woman who lives with her 16 year old sister in an old villa owned by the mother of a character from another book (Eli). The two has had a very troubled childhood which now have left them to fend for themselves. And the only thing Jersey thinks about is to make sure her sister gets everything she needs and to make sure she is safe and happy. Her own happiness doesn’t matter since she feels a big guilt about what happened in their past.
Many things both good and bad happens to push these two troubled young people together and help them open up to each other and allow themselves but also their siblings to accept their faults and to seek forgiveness for earlier troubles.
Jersey is a very strong and stubborn young woman who suffers from anxiety and (I think ptsd). In the beginning you can really feel that she is young and a little too stubborn but she definitely grew on me. When she starts to open up she becomes more open and free and happy.
Truck is such a big carebear who will help and care for his friends and sacrifice his own happiness to save another persons life and happiness. I loved him.
My problems was that I didn’t get much of Truck’s coast guard experiences and how it is to have a career in the military.
I also think that the book dragged in many places because L.J. Evans tries to fill in so many informations in this book. When I thought that I had read many % of the book I had only read 5% so it took me a long time to read it.
I loved that L.J. Evans draw from her own experiences with a disease that is a huge part of the storyline and that she also deals with the discussion of the American Health benefits and the problems people who doesn’t have it have to go through to get help from the health care system.
I can definitely recommend this book.
I got this book from the author through Goodreads.
April 28, 2020
I have loved every book I have read by LJ Evans. Her books are thought provoking, honest, and heartfelt. Her books hit the reader in the emotions, allowing her characters grab on to the reader's heartstrings and hold on for the usually bumpy ride to the HEA. The course of true love never runs smooth, and Truck and Jersey's story certainly illustrates that saying.
As different as the Coastie and the bookstore clerk are, they are equally alike. Both carry a burden and guilt that is not theirs to shoulder. Both put their sibling's needs over their own, feeling if only things had been different said sibling wouldn't be in the predicament they are. Jersey and Violet have been on their own for a very long time, ostracized by the town that should have embraced the young orphans instead of blaming them. Rooming in the same house with Truck and his brother ignites something neither of the older siblings want to admit, and the younger sibling attraction can't be acted upon because of Violet and Dawson's age difference.
While Violet is wise beyond her years and a genius, Dawson seems to be the resident bad boy, though looks can be deceiving. The irony of the situation is while Jersey worries about constantly about her sister's health, she ignores her own, until she can't. Enter Truck to the rescue and a rather unusual solution to Jersey's healthcare dilemma: a marriage of convenience.
What follows is a journey of overcoming adversity, guilt, and self-doubt and discovering that love truly is the only real superpower. I love the glimpses of past couples and updates on their lives. Know when going in there are amazingly sweet and swoony scenes and heart-breaking tearful situations for the couple and their siblings. But in the end love conquers all, as it should.
I wholeheartedly recommend Avenged by Love if you enjoy strong, swoon-worthy men, smart, sassy women and the triumph of love over adversity.
As different as the Coastie and the bookstore clerk are, they are equally alike. Both carry a burden and guilt that is not theirs to shoulder. Both put their sibling's needs over their own, feeling if only things had been different said sibling wouldn't be in the predicament they are. Jersey and Violet have been on their own for a very long time, ostracized by the town that should have embraced the young orphans instead of blaming them. Rooming in the same house with Truck and his brother ignites something neither of the older siblings want to admit, and the younger sibling attraction can't be acted upon because of Violet and Dawson's age difference.
While Violet is wise beyond her years and a genius, Dawson seems to be the resident bad boy, though looks can be deceiving. The irony of the situation is while Jersey worries about constantly about her sister's health, she ignores her own, until she can't. Enter Truck to the rescue and a rather unusual solution to Jersey's healthcare dilemma: a marriage of convenience.
What follows is a journey of overcoming adversity, guilt, and self-doubt and discovering that love truly is the only real superpower. I love the glimpses of past couples and updates on their lives. Know when going in there are amazingly sweet and swoony scenes and heart-breaking tearful situations for the couple and their siblings. But in the end love conquers all, as it should.
I wholeheartedly recommend Avenged by Love if you enjoy strong, swoon-worthy men, smart, sassy women and the triumph of love over adversity.
April 29, 2020
LJ Evan's is not your typical romance author and that's what makes all of her books so special.
LJ Evan's, is one of my favorite authors.
I love how she strips down her characters and puts them back together whole and even more complete.
This story and series is one of my favorites.
Jersey Banner, has been taking care of her younger sister.
They don't talk about their past.
Where Jersey, is as quite as a mouse, her sister Violet, has extremely the opposite personality.
She feels responsible for the life they now have and forgoing her own happiness, she only wants to make sure that Violet, gets everything that she ever wanted.
Travis (Truck) Dayton, went off to the Navy and is now in the Coast Guard. He feels guilty for leaving his younger brother behind and when their mom is at her wits end, she asks him to help try and straighten him out.
Dawson, is 22 years old and doesn't appreciate the help.
Jersey,Truck, and their siblings, find themselves living under the same roof with two women who would like to some day run a bed and breakfast.
When, Violet and Dawson, seem as if they are getting friendly, Jersey, is all to happy to see Truck, and his brother find a new place to live.
When Jersey, develops a medical condition, that needs treatment and she doesn't have the money or insurance to pay for it, Dawson and Truck come up with a plan.
I loved how these two both desire to take care of their siblings but, find it hard to recognize the need to take care of themselves because, they will always put their siblings first.
This is a story that will tear at your heart strings and make you smile with the happy ever after these two find for themselves.
LJ Evan's, is one of my favorite authors.
I love how she strips down her characters and puts them back together whole and even more complete.
This story and series is one of my favorites.
Jersey Banner, has been taking care of her younger sister.
They don't talk about their past.
Where Jersey, is as quite as a mouse, her sister Violet, has extremely the opposite personality.
She feels responsible for the life they now have and forgoing her own happiness, she only wants to make sure that Violet, gets everything that she ever wanted.
Travis (Truck) Dayton, went off to the Navy and is now in the Coast Guard. He feels guilty for leaving his younger brother behind and when their mom is at her wits end, she asks him to help try and straighten him out.
Dawson, is 22 years old and doesn't appreciate the help.
Jersey,Truck, and their siblings, find themselves living under the same roof with two women who would like to some day run a bed and breakfast.
When, Violet and Dawson, seem as if they are getting friendly, Jersey, is all to happy to see Truck, and his brother find a new place to live.
When Jersey, develops a medical condition, that needs treatment and she doesn't have the money or insurance to pay for it, Dawson and Truck come up with a plan.
I loved how these two both desire to take care of their siblings but, find it hard to recognize the need to take care of themselves because, they will always put their siblings first.
This is a story that will tear at your heart strings and make you smile with the happy ever after these two find for themselves.
April 29, 2020
L.J. Evans writing is so intense and powerful, it’s makes me feel like she’s writing from direct experience. Her characters and storylines feel so very real! This book is just as good as the others, and deserves more than 5 stars!
I’ve been waiting for Truck’s (aka Travis) story!! I have loved Truck since I first met him.. he’s solid and steadfast. He will do anything for his family. He takes care of his brother Dawson. He is working at the Coast Guard Academy. He’s attracted to Jersey.
Jersey has lost everything in life, except her little sister Violet. She lives where Truck and Dawson lived until they moved at the beginning of the book. She has medical problems that need further investigation and no health insurance. Her mother died of cancer, and her father chose to drive drunk, with Violet in the car. Violet lost her spleen due to the accident, and requires meds all the time to prevent infection.
Dawson comes up with a plan for Truck to help Jersey.... but it’s unorthodox... could it work? Truck thinks about it and proposes the plan to Jersey.... what happens, you ask? I’m not telling!
I will tell you that this is an awesome book, and you will live every minute of it! LJ Evans has brought us this fantastic addition to these stories, and it does not disappoint. You will want to read quickly to find out how it ends.... but you won’t want itTO end. I am so enamored with these characters, that I want to know what’s next, and to me that is what makes LJ a one-click, read every word she’s written author. I want everyone to read this!
I’ve been waiting for Truck’s (aka Travis) story!! I have loved Truck since I first met him.. he’s solid and steadfast. He will do anything for his family. He takes care of his brother Dawson. He is working at the Coast Guard Academy. He’s attracted to Jersey.
Jersey has lost everything in life, except her little sister Violet. She lives where Truck and Dawson lived until they moved at the beginning of the book. She has medical problems that need further investigation and no health insurance. Her mother died of cancer, and her father chose to drive drunk, with Violet in the car. Violet lost her spleen due to the accident, and requires meds all the time to prevent infection.
Dawson comes up with a plan for Truck to help Jersey.... but it’s unorthodox... could it work? Truck thinks about it and proposes the plan to Jersey.... what happens, you ask? I’m not telling!
I will tell you that this is an awesome book, and you will live every minute of it! LJ Evans has brought us this fantastic addition to these stories, and it does not disappoint. You will want to read quickly to find out how it ends.... but you won’t want itTO end. I am so enamored with these characters, that I want to know what’s next, and to me that is what makes LJ a one-click, read every word she’s written author. I want everyone to read this!
April 29, 2020
Avenged by Love is the third book in this series by LJ Evans, and dang…every book in the series becomes my favorite! This one “can” be read as a stand-alone, but I would certainly recommend reading this series in order, so you can understand the supporting characters and where they come into this story. This slow burn romance between Truck (Travis) and Jersey is incredible! They are both struggling with what they feel is their obligation to protect the ones they love and what they feel is their responsibility. They both have a deep backstory that the author has written so well, that you can just feel their loss and their mentally challenging dilemmas. The storyline, the characters (all of them, especially including the supporting characters and siblings), and the flow are all so absolutely enjoyable! This is a sexy, noble Coast Guard hero and a nerdy heroine romance, involving a fake marriage, heartbreak, slow burn/resisting romance, that will have you swooning, tearing up, and feeling wonderful. 5 stars!
May 1, 2020
4.5 stars
Truck has been a favorite character from book 1 so I was excited to read this story. And the more I got to know him, the harder I fell. Jersey was intriguing from the beginning as well. They both find themselves in a similar situation, feeling responsible for younger siblings with no parents around, and selflessly putting that sibling first before anything else. The mutual attraction is there but they try to stay away from each other because neither want to take focus away from family. A crazy idea from his brother and Truck’s enormous heart led him to offer an arranged marriage to Jersey to allow her access to health insurance she desperately needs but can’t afford on her own. But then they find themselves living together and their slow burn attraction intensifies to smoldering. Just when they both start to make some room in their hearts, they are challenged in different ways. And this new love is tested. I won’t say more about the storyline but I did love the ending, especially the lottery ticket and then the epilogue. Perfect.
Truck has been a favorite character from book 1 so I was excited to read this story. And the more I got to know him, the harder I fell. Jersey was intriguing from the beginning as well. They both find themselves in a similar situation, feeling responsible for younger siblings with no parents around, and selflessly putting that sibling first before anything else. The mutual attraction is there but they try to stay away from each other because neither want to take focus away from family. A crazy idea from his brother and Truck’s enormous heart led him to offer an arranged marriage to Jersey to allow her access to health insurance she desperately needs but can’t afford on her own. But then they find themselves living together and their slow burn attraction intensifies to smoldering. Just when they both start to make some room in their hearts, they are challenged in different ways. And this new love is tested. I won’t say more about the storyline but I did love the ending, especially the lottery ticket and then the epilogue. Perfect.
April 30, 2020
Jersey soon realized that the only people that she and her sister can depend on is each other. Rather than the community supporting them in their time of need they instead found themselves blamed for things that weren’t their fault. She always puts her sister first with no consideration of the cost to herself until Truck comes into her life.
Truck loves his career in the Coast Guard, but he is also trying to ensure that his brother stays focused on his future. Although he is attracted to her he had no intention of taking it further until they decide on an unconventional solution to her medical dilemma.
The strength and resilience of Jersey shines through and the way that Truck supports and protects her will touch your heart. Their journey wasn’t without its obstacles but that only made the ending that much more fulfilling.
Truck loves his career in the Coast Guard, but he is also trying to ensure that his brother stays focused on his future. Although he is attracted to her he had no intention of taking it further until they decide on an unconventional solution to her medical dilemma.
The strength and resilience of Jersey shines through and the way that Truck supports and protects her will touch your heart. Their journey wasn’t without its obstacles but that only made the ending that much more fulfilling.
April 26, 2020
What can i say about Jersey and Truck's story... Honestly words aren't enough to describe how beautifully written this story was..
This story is so fulled with emotion. It breaks your heart in so many ways.. At one point i believe that this was a story of 'better to have loved and lost, than never loved at all' but then in LJ Evans fashion she patched every hole in your heart and dried the tears in your eyes.
This story is so beautiful. Jersey is such a georgous heroine.. She carries the weight of the world on her small shoulders. Until truck startes taking the bricks and sharing the load.
Now Travis, or Truck, what can I say but wow.. He is every girls dream of the kind, down-to-earth-man. He has a superhero complex but seriously who wouldn't, eventually, swoon at that. He has come so far from the man he was when we first see him in Ava and Eli's story.
LJ Evans can craft such amazing stories. Intwining words and music so intricately. Each song adds something special to the story. Making the story feel complete with the flow of music through it.. Each story so unique and beautifully written. This one though, is my favorite thus far.
This story is so fulled with emotion. It breaks your heart in so many ways.. At one point i believe that this was a story of 'better to have loved and lost, than never loved at all' but then in LJ Evans fashion she patched every hole in your heart and dried the tears in your eyes.
This story is so beautiful. Jersey is such a georgous heroine.. She carries the weight of the world on her small shoulders. Until truck startes taking the bricks and sharing the load.
Now Travis, or Truck, what can I say but wow.. He is every girls dream of the kind, down-to-earth-man. He has a superhero complex but seriously who wouldn't, eventually, swoon at that. He has come so far from the man he was when we first see him in Ava and Eli's story.
LJ Evans can craft such amazing stories. Intwining words and music so intricately. Each song adds something special to the story. Making the story feel complete with the flow of music through it.. Each story so unique and beautifully written. This one though, is my favorite thus far.
April 29, 2020
This story was right up my ally. I loved how even though two people can be very differnt they can have some simlar traits. This story will take you on a ride around the small town, and how people can overcome how a small town might feel about them.
This story will give you all the feels. The happy the sad, even the fustratred and wanting to yell at characters to do what you think as a reader they should do.
Trust the author to know where the story is going to take you. It will be a bumpy and sometimes sweaty ride but it will not dissappoint you.
This story will give you all the feels. The happy the sad, even the fustratred and wanting to yell at characters to do what you think as a reader they should do.
Trust the author to know where the story is going to take you. It will be a bumpy and sometimes sweaty ride but it will not dissappoint you.
April 23, 2020
Ms. Evans has done it again!! She's created unforgettable characters that pull your heart a part in a million different ways!! This book has wings of its own that will take you on one of the greatest love story adventures you'll ever take! How could you not fall for Jersey and Truck!? They are each these tragic beings that you just want to wrap up in gigantic hugs!! I loved Violet and Dawson as well (I cannot wait to finally see them be together!! *Insert fangirling screams*)! We all carry our scars with us learning that you don't have to hide them away is the greatest gift you can bestow upon yourself. Watching these characters evolve and let their burdens be shared was mesmerizing!! Witnessing Jersey and even Truck fall in love before they even realized it had happen, had all my weepy emotions applauding. I loved the tender moments just as much as the passion filled ones. The journey to the happily ever after was just so sweet! I loved this unputdownable tale that reaffirms that true love is worth all the mess, fuss and occasional splinters. Well done Ms. Evans!!!
April 22, 2020
Be Prepared to be Swept Away by Truck and Jersey's Love Story!
I received an ARC of this book and am thrilled to be writing this review for another L.J. Evans masterpiece with "Avenged by Love".
This book follows the story of Travis "Truck" Dayton, a character those who have read the first two books of this series are familiar with and (like me) have probably been waiting anxiously to read his story.
Truck and Jersey's journey starts off quickly with a mutual attraction, a medical emergency and a surprise proposal of marriage. Despite a mutual attraction, the two embark on a marriage of convenience. What develops is a journey where the two of them learn that the best way to be the heroes to those they love in their lives is to let those loved ones in to help carry the burdens they face.
I won't go into great details, because you'll want to dive in and experience this journey for yourself. I guarantee you'll fall head over heels in love with Truck by the end of this book!
Purchase this, dive in and get ready for a book that will have you thinking days after you're done and wishing for more!
I received an ARC of this book and am thrilled to be writing this review for another L.J. Evans masterpiece with "Avenged by Love".
This book follows the story of Travis "Truck" Dayton, a character those who have read the first two books of this series are familiar with and (like me) have probably been waiting anxiously to read his story.
Truck and Jersey's journey starts off quickly with a mutual attraction, a medical emergency and a surprise proposal of marriage. Despite a mutual attraction, the two embark on a marriage of convenience. What develops is a journey where the two of them learn that the best way to be the heroes to those they love in their lives is to let those loved ones in to help carry the burdens they face.
I won't go into great details, because you'll want to dive in and experience this journey for yourself. I guarantee you'll fall head over heels in love with Truck by the end of this book!
Purchase this, dive in and get ready for a book that will have you thinking days after you're done and wishing for more!
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