“You don’t have to fight the world alone. You’ve got me.”
Travis Dayton, a.k.a. Truck, is focused on two things: settling into 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 heart strings in funny ways, he isn’t going to act on those emotions. Not when he’ll eventually be … 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 that 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 that 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 Antebellum’s “Ocean” about resilience and love. You don’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.”
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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!
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.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I love truck and jersey. They are perfect for each other. I cant think of two characters more worthy of a happily ever after. Lj is an incredible writer. I absolutely love all her work
Apparently my first review didn’t get saved. 🙁 Well, this was a really great book. I loved the interaction between Travis and Jersey. It’s been wonderful following Truck from the beginning of this series. There was so much to build on and everything came to a point in this book. We just met Jersey and her sister but we get to know them really well in this book and it was amazing to see what they came through and everything that happens in this book. I can’t wait for more.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Avenged by Love by LJ Evans is a contemporary, slow burn, friends to lovers, marriage of convenience romance told in first person, dual POV. It is the third book in the Anchor series, a series of interconnected standalones. Although it’s not necessary to read Guarded Dreams or Forged by Sacrifice first, doing so will enhance the experience when previous characters appear.
Truck and Jersey are acquaintances who don’t know each other very well despite a mutual attraction. They both have a lot in common, including each being caretakers for a younger sibling. Jersey is dealing with some serious health issues, but she can’t afford the necessary medical care. When Truck finds out, he offers marriage for the purpose of getting her medical needs met through his military health care plan. They draw up a contract outlining the rules for this platonic arrangement. What will happen when feelings get in the way? Read the book to find out.
I loved Jersey and Truck’s story. As characters, they were both complex, well-developed, likeable, and relatable. These two were perfect for each other! I really enjoyed how they brought out the best in each other to grow, conquer obstacles, and overcome issues from the past that held them back. The story was sweet, romantic, emotional, and heart-warming. I’m looking forward to the rest of the upcoming books in the Anchor series.
*** I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC. ***
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!
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.
I have been waiting for this story since reading the books prior to this one. I felt so many emotions while reading it. Travis has been so busy between trying to keep his brother out of trouble plus he’s working for the coast guard. He has been drawn to Jersey for a while but with all of his responsibilities he has never acted on his feelings for her. I loved how he jumped into action though when she needed a lot of help. Both Travis & Jersey have been through a lot and I was so happy they got their HEA.
Avenged by Love is fake marriage story about Trucker and Jersey. We met both of them in previous books in the Anchor series. Trucker has been drawn to Jersey since they met, but while she feels the pull, too, she has always closed herself off from him. When he proposes that they get married so she can have health insurance, they both view it as a business arrangement, but how will they handle their developing feelings?
Trucker and Jersey were both a lot alike. Both are broken souls that think of others before themselves. They put their siblings’ happiness above their own happiness and feel guilty if their siblings are not happy. I loved watching them learn that sometimes putting your own happiness first will make those you love happy. Trucker and Jersey’s story is painful, devastating, wonderful, loving, heartbreaking and uplifting. This book takes you on a beautiful journey that you won’t want to miss.
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***
Avenged by Love is a fake marriage, slow-burn military romance in the Anchor world by LJ Evans which is written in the first-person point of view.
Avenged by Love is an emotional story about letting love heal. Travis, a.k.a Truck is settling into his new life in a small town after being transferred from Hawaii to work at the Coast Guard Academy. He takes a liking to Jersey but knows that his time there is only temporary so there is no point in acting on it. Jersey is struggling to keep her family afloat as well as deal with medical issues. Jersey’s pain becomes too much to handle and ends up at the hospital. When Travis realizes that she can not afford her medical expenses he marries her to help her. I loved the relationship growth between Truck and Jersey and the ability Truck has to peel away the layers Jersey has put in place to hide her true personality. LJ Evans is a new-to-me author who I will be reading more of her novels. I love her connection between the music and the stories.
*ARC was generously provided in exchange for my honest review*
This is not your typical fake marriage story !!!!!! After reading the blurb, I was nervous about reading another book about a fake marriage. It’s something about those stories that don’t allow them to stand out, sometimes the all feel the same. Thankfully author L.J. EVANS brought originality and depth with Avenged by Love. It was beautiful , the kind of story that will linger with you once you’ve finish.
Overall I really enjoyed Truck and Jersey’s story. Its a different pace from the previous books in this series, but a good different. It was a slow build, had those great teasing moments, you know boy and girl crushing on each other from afar. It was informative but still enjoyable. Reading about some pretty life changing issues that affect many in the world could have been boring but not in this book, there is nothing boring at all!!!! It was sweet, entertaining and lovable.
As long as Truck has know Jersey, she’s always kept to herself, she prefers to not be seen by others. So we get the shy girl and the out going guy. I think the way these two got to know each other, well the real versions of themselves was pretty special. Nothing felt rush, There were actual interactions with the characters that touch me.
One the most important takeaways from this book, was the importance of family. With Truck and Jersey, you got to see that having family be it good or bad can be something that makes or breaks a person. Sometimes, family isn’t blood, but it’s the relationships created throughout life’s journey that make you family. Those people who show up even if you don’t think you deserve them.
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!
LJ Evans Absolutely knows how to go straight to the heart and feels with this book it was absolutely fantastic and such an emotional roller coaster ride that I didn’t want to end. Jersey Banner is guardian of her 16 yr old sister and with the help of two mother hens she and her sister stay with them , but Travis Aka Truck and his brother move into a house Jersey helps them move but when sparks fly can Jersey let herself feel again? Jersey has a medical issue and needs health insurance and Travis offers to marry her for his insurance, but when things go very very wrong can they stay together or will Rip them apart? This book will have you hooked from the beginning until the end and still you will want more. I absolutely loved it.
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.
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!!!
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!
You will just love Truck & Jersey I did they are good real likable characters that you just cannot help but love. Both of them ave way more responsibility than they should at their ages. This was such a good well-written book these two are just so sweet together. This is my favorite so far from this author.
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.
Truck lives with his younger brother, taking care of him as best as one can take care of a 22-year-old. His brother was a bit of a wild child, and Truck blames the trouble he got into on himself. He carries around a lot of weight on his shoulders. Jersey too carries around a lot of weight, but for very different reasons. The social outcast of the town for reasons beyond her control, she’s taking care of her little sister in their father’s absence. Truck was hooked on Jersey from the first glance. But something is holding her back. If only the two of them could explore the feelings bubbling beneath the surface.
I want to commend Evans on covering so many real-world issues in this one. She discusses Endometriosis and the problems with the health care system in a completely relatable way. I loved the connection between Truck and Jersey, and I loved Truck’s inner monologue when he was thinking about Jersey, which was totally swoon-worthy. Even though they both have their own battles to get through, they are so good for each other.
I adored watching Truck help Jersey open up, to have some fun, and let go of the stress she carries around. I think Jersey is probably one of my most favorite characters in this series so far because she’s so relatable. This was such a fun storyline. Truck and Jersey will stay with me for a long time. A fantastic read!