Lincoln has spent his entire life in the media’s spotlight. Trying to find a shred of peace, he moves to a small town, hoping to remain anonymous. But when burning attraction draws him to the woman next door, his fame could threaten the safe haven she’s created in witness protection.
Having escaped tragedy once, I've made finding joy my focus until a chilling confrontation brings a growly protector to my door.
With a mere brush of hands, Lincoln ignites a flame I can’t deny and a craving I ache to explore. Even knowing he’s completely off-limits, doesn’t seem to stem the tide. As one of the most famous people in the country, he’s hounded by the media, and the only thing keeping me safe is not being seen. One chance photograph of us together could destroy the new life I’ve built.
So when Lincoln insists on walking me to work, I should decline the secret thrill of his company, but I don’t. After all, who could possibly see us in the dead of the night?
Only someone does...
As danger threatens me once more, Lincoln vows to protect me, but his fierce determination may not be enough. This time, I’m afraid evil might just take him with me.
Award-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.
Lost in the Moonlight is a stand alone romantic suspense by L.J. Evans. Once again, L.J. has woven a story of both deep love and crazy, nail biting suspense. She kept me guessing throughout the story. All the while, falling so in love with these two wonderful characters.
Willow Earhart is twenty three years old. She has lived in Cherry Bay, Virginia for six years. Willow is a very talented baker, working in the kitchen of a local coffee shop. But she is also an artist, constantly dreaming of what she can create with her food. Willow and her mom live in a little cottage and lead a quiet life. Which is what they have to do, because they are in witness protection. No one except their handler knows. But, on one early morning visit to the cemetery before she heads in to work to start the day’s baking, she is threatened. And it is her new neighbor from across the street that comes to her rescue and changes her life forever.
Lincoln Matherton is twenty nine years old. He is an artist and also owns a gallery in Washington DC. Lincoln wants to live in Cherry Bay without anyone knowing who he is, just for a while. He has a past he wants to leave behind, to start fresh. He also has a sleeping disorder that has him up at all hours, which is how he saw the beautiful angel in the cemetery, and also how he saw what was happening to her. He didn’t hesitate for even an instant, going to save her, to protect her. One touch was all it took, and he was already hers.
“He couldn’t be my fairy tale.”
Of all the people for her to be attracted to, to have this overwhelming feeling of connection to, it had to be the President’s son. There was no way this could ever happen. She had to remain anonymous. She couldn’t allow herself to be seen with him. What if someone took a photo?! But when he insists that he walk her to work to keep her safe in the dark of night, she can’t say no. She wants these few moments with him before she has to walk away.
“It was the only possible ending to this story, where once upon a time a lowly baker met the prince of the kingdom.”
I’ll just leave you there. As their story unfolds, the danger becomes stronger and Lincoln is determined to do whatever is needed to keep Willow safe while at the same time, convincing her to give them a chance. He will find a way for them to be together and to be safe. I felt the love between these two all the way to my toes. This story was so beautifully written, their love just poured off the pages while also keeping us on the edge of our seats. The ending was beautiful, the epilogues perfect. Lincoln and Willow’s story was one I won’t soon forget. Now I can’t wait to see what is next for L.J. Evans.
“I’d come to Cherry Bay to find myself and found us instead.”
Beautifully written words, characters I grew to love immediately, a gorgeous story. Those are three very good reasons why I loved this book so much. If I would’ve had the time, I would’ve devoured this book in one sitting - I so wanted to. It was that good!
If you’ve ever read any of my reviews for LJ’s other books, then it’s no secret I’m a big fan of hers.
The way she’s able to create so much love, how she can bring out so many emotions in me, her ability to make me swoon and smile and feel anxious and happy and tingly, the way she can pull me into the pages so dang easily that I never want to leave…all of this WOWs me in all the best ways.
The mystery part of this story was quite a nail-biter. I knew something was going to happen, but wasn’t sure where, when, or with who. It was the perfect amount of suspense. Ms. Evans did a wonderful job at keeping me on my toes!
The passion between Lincoln and Willow was undeniable, it was strong, and it was delicious. I loved how he just knew. Lincoln knew he needed her, he wanted her, he couldn’t stay away from her, and he wouldn’t let anything get in the way of them being together. I loved how much he cared for her, how he’d do anything for her, how he did everything to keep her safe. I felt his love - it was big.
This story had its intense moments, but it also had so many heart-warming and feel-good moments. I loved every single word from the first page to the last. Quality, poetic writing, hugely lovable characters, and an unputdownable story that I wanted to devour. I can’t recommend this book enough.
Goodness LJ Evans’ ability to create a magical town thru her words left me in awe. Her words are pure poetry and the image that she is able to paint is so vivid in my mind that I have to keep reminding myself that this is a fictional town. The danger and shadows lurking about create such a vibe in the book that made it hard to put this book down….I just had to know how this story was going to unfold! Willow and Lincoln were so perfect together…..he was protective and tortured and she was independent yet hiding in shadows…but they understood each other and completed each other. This book is a blend between reality and mythical creating a lifelike fairytale! Loved it!
I fell into the beauty of the language just as much as the beauty of the story itself. LJ Evans’s words and lines are as lyrical as a song, as rich as one of Willow's desserts, and as artistic as one of Lincoln's paintings.
I’ve been waiting for Lincoln’s story since he first wound up on my radar in LJ’s Painted Daisies series, and she gave him the absolutely perfect HEA!
What I love about it:
Stunning language and imagery
Broody, introspective, fiercely protective hero
Creative heroine in hiding with incredible inner strength and resilience
Instant powerful connections
Strong family bonds
Well-woven lines of suspense leading to a brilliant twist
A touch of the supernatural
Favorite quote: “I’d come to Cherry Bay to find myself and found us instead.”
Lincoln Matherton is part of a privileged family of high standing. After a tragedy he chose to move away and try to start anew away from the spotlight and security. Baker Willow Earhart meets her new neighbor, Lincoln, after he helps her out of a situation. They have a connection instantly but both are trying to move on from the past. She is so familiar to him yet is a stranger at the same time. Can their love of the arts bond them as friends and start to heal each other? Can he keep her safe from the past she is hiding from? A sweet small town romance filled with touching moments and mystery. There is also a touch of pnr. Told in first person and dual POV.
Just when I think where we are headed next, the author pivots. Lost in the Moonlight follows Willow and Lincoln. While the chemistry is there, their pasts are still present, making acting upon the chemistry hard to resist.
Lincoln is the son of a powerful father, but that life is not for him. He prefers to be alone with his art. Willow finds joy in life, and others finding their happiness. But a little ironic how she has not really been happy herself.
I devoured this book. A couple plot twists I did not expect, but the suspense I did. My heart did get a workout, but by the end of the rollercoaster it was mended. I loved the complexity of the characters, a little flawed, but very relatable.
Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
Willow and Lincoln have both survived tragedy. Each has responded to survival differently. Willow has tried to live as fully as possible, trying to find joy in her family, friends and work. Lincoln is still haunted by grief, remorse and the actual spirit of his first love. Danger has followed both to the small town of Cherry Bay - without sharing spoilers, threats from the past continue to stalk them. The story is lightened by the romance blooming between Willow and Lincoln. He's a protector and makes Willow feel safe. She adds light to his life and sparks his creativity as an artist. There's also a plot twist that makes the relationship more challenging; Lincoln is the President's son and a target for the media, while Willow is in witness protection and needs to stay hidden. It's believable even if it's a little over the top.
Lost in the Moonlight is a romantic suspense that will keep you guessing and eager to get to the next page. The story was well written. Lincoln and Willow have both been through traumatic experiences. They have an instant connection. Their story is sweet and tragic. I really enjoyed their story and can’t wait for Katerina’s story.
Lincoln and Willow's story is everything I love about an LJ Evans book. Intoxicating romance, a protective and tortured hero, and a seemingly quiet heroine who is tough as nails underneath. The suspense had me on the edge of my seat, and as usual all my theories were wrong. Loved this book and hope we get Katerina's story soon!
A perfect blend of romance and suspense! This book was such a rollercoaster and while the paranormal trope is something I’m not normally a fan of, Evans created a story that I could not put down!! I think this might be my favourite book by LJ Evans! Emotional and unputdownable!
L.J. Evans never disappoints with her creative way of being a story together, of bringing the most unlikely of people together in the most that would never happen, but it could possibly happen kind of way. Lincoln is a character you may remember if you read the Painted Daisy's stories or mentions here or there since his Dad is POTUS. Lincoln has had a rough couple of years and he desperately needs to get himself back to living life. Cherry Bay is the first place he's felt connected to any sense of peace and this is where he's determined to start over. Willow has also had a rough go of things but she's a little ahead of Lincoln she's settling into her niche with her baking and artful displays. The only thing missing is affection which she didn't even realize till her new neighbor saves her from the town creep. But will Lincoln's ghost from the past stand in their way, or will Willow finally be discovered by the people who destroyed her family years ago? With action, suspense, lots of fun banter, plenty of chemistry, new friendships, and a surprising hero, you'll definitely want to read this entertaining story. I have voluntarily left this review.
Genre & Tropes : Small town romance x stalkerish plot x sad / dark pasts x protective hero
Une romance qui ne m'a pas totalement convaincue
J'étais prête à beaucoup aimer cette romance (le fils du président qui tombe amoureux d'une témoin sous protection ?? J'adore l'idée !!)
SAUF QUE
Si j'ai beaucoup aimé Lincoln (avec son côté artistique, son passé et ses difficultés) et si j'ai bien aimé l'intrigue avec les menaces, l'héroïne Willow m'a rapidement donnée envie d'arrêter la lecture >< C'est exactement le genre d'héroïne que je n'aime pas : elle hésite / elle se plaint, elle a tout le temps peur MAIS elle prend que des décisions idiotes et après elle est surprise quand ça tourne mal !
Le fait qu'elle soit plus effrayée de tomber amoureuse de Lincoln que DU MEC QUI LA MENACE OUVERTEMENT ?!!
Le fait qu'elle ait peur qu'on la reconnaisse avec Lincoln mais JAMAIS elle ne met des lunettes de soleil ou une casquette pour être plus discrète ??!!
Le fait qu'elle ne prévient jamais la police quand elle est menacée ??!!
Bref, une romance à l'intrigue intéressante mais qui ne m'a pas convaincue ... Peut-être que je tenterais le prochain tome avec la sœur de Lincoln vu que le problème pour moi c'était Willow ><
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A romance that didn't totally convince me
I was ready to really like this romance (the president's son who falls in love with a witness under protection ?? I love the idea !!)
EXCEPT THAT
While I really liked Lincoln (with his artistic side, his past and his difficulties) and if I liked the plot with the threats, the heroine Willow quickly made me want to stop reading >< She's exactly the kind of heroine I don't like : she hesitates / she complains, she's always scared BUT she only makes stupid decisions and then she's surprised when it goes wrong !
The fact that she's more scared of falling in love with Lincoln than of THE GUY WHO OPENLY THREATENS HER ?!!
The fact that she's afraid of being recognized with Lincoln but she NEVER wears sunglasses or a cap to be more discreet ??!!
The fact that she never calls the police when she's threatened ??!!
In short, a romance with an interesting plot but which didn't convince me ... Maybe I'll try the next book with Lincoln's sister since the problem for me was Willow ><
“I’d come to Cherry Bay to find myself and found us instead.”
Lost In The Moonlight was a beautifully emotional and suspenseful story with a hint of the supernatural. The connection between Lincoln and Willow from their very first encounter is strong and as the danger and suspense builds so does the unbreakable bond that they forge. These two had me all up in my feelings.
“I’d known the man mere days, and yet he felt like…safety. Like home.”
Willow was such a beautiful soul. Even with everything she’s been through, she still sees the good in people and tries to see the beauty in life. When she meets Lincoln, there is an instant connection, but a relationship between them seems impossible. She doesn’t count on Lincoln’s determination and persistence to keep her out of harm’s way and to ensure that she has a bright future.
“Willow was the light guiding me home. She’d be the beam that ensured I was never lost in the dark again.”
I had been waiting for Lincoln to find his HEA. After the heartbreak of his past, he’s trying to hide away from the world, but when he rescues Willow, their souls instantly align. He will stop at nothing to protect her from both his past and her past.
“Whatever this was between us was real and rare.”
The emotion and beautiful words in this story absolutely touched my heart. Lincoln and Willow have both survived their share of pain but yearn to find a love that will complete them. The banter and chemistry they share is full of passion and deeply heartfelt. Add in the supernatural element and the gripping, suspense aspect of the story and Lost In The Moonlight was a captivating read that will have you turning the pages as fast as you can.
This was an absolutely beautiful, love story, full of twists and turns. Willow and Lincoln were two absolutely beautifully crafted, but equally flawed and slightly damaged characters watching them meet and fall in love was a sight to see. Willow is a light in the dark. She is so creative, a beautiful soul on the inside and on the out. She had such horrible things happened in her past that keeps her so guarded and hesitant to let people in to her life. Lincoln is this tall, brooding artist, gorgeous, and he’s got more baggage than you can imagine even more because of his parents. You have two people that have such trauma in their history being brought together and watching this friendship bloom, and lead to more is a sight to see. Lincoln is forever the protector especially of the women he comes across in as soon as he sees Willow all bets are off. She gets under his skin and that’s it. I love watching Willow and Lincoln interact watching them try to feel each other out it’s just so interesting and intense. You can tell that they have so much baggage And they want to be happy but they don’t know how they can’t trust their instincts because they’ve been burned in the past. Once they give into the inevitable, it is so beautiful. they become so playful between the two of them. Their banter is fantastic I love it you get to see a completely different side of them when they’re together. They make each other better when they’re together it’s like peeling back an onion. They’re not with the other challenges. They’ve got to work through a lot of garbage before they get through their happily ever after. But they make it through the other side, stronger and more in love than they were before. They got their happy ending.
𝐋𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐨𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 is a riveting romantic suspense standalone by L.J. Evans, featuring a tortured artist in hiding and a sunshiny baker with secrets of her own. Lincoln is in Cherry Bay to escape the public scrutiny of his high profile life. He didn’t expect his whole life to change, when he saved his new neighbor from an unsafe situation. Willow must stay anonymous, but the instant connection and chemistry she felt with Lincoln may just put everyone she cares about in danger. Can they find a way to be together despite the risks, or will the lurking dangers overtake them?
Be ready for another masterpiece from L.J. Evans!! The amazing storytelling was accentuated by the beautiful imagery, the song lyric inspirations, compelling characters, mind-boggling plot twists, and a side of paranormal added to the suspense! I couldn’t get enough of Lincoln and Willow’s stories. The originality oozed from the story, and the emotions were so authentic! Lincoln and Willow’s chemistry was the perfect blend of spicy and sweet. Watching these two wounded souls come together under such chaotic circumstances was a wild ride that I loved every second of!! The suspense was top notch and kept me guessing until the very end!! The bonus epilogues were the cherry on top of one of Willow’s sweetest desserts!🥰 I can’t wait to see what comes next!
I received an ARC for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 🌶️🌶️.5
•romantic suspense •celebrity romance •hidden identity •FMC on the run •neighbors to lovers •touch of PNR
📌“Nothing wrong with flirting, Willow. It’s a delightful little dance, and I thoroughly enjoy dancing.”
📌 “Art isn’t supposed to be perfect.”
📌 “Our life is supposed to have different chapters with different arcs and different people in them. It gives us the experience we need to realize when we’ve found the ending we want to keep.”
I’m obsessed with the Mathertons. All of them. But not in a Felicia-stalky way. In a respectful-need-all-their-books-immediately desperate way. 😭
But first things first. This book was a powerful little thing. And by little I mean it’s book size and “fits inside” a kindle. Because, honestly, it might be quite larger than life. The emotional range it put me through. Goodness. Give me all of it, all over again.
My heart broke so many times. And yet it was nursed back to life just as many. Even more. Nursed to be better, stronger. Like Lincoln and Willow. Stronger together. Better together.
But if the love story was unforgettable, the suspense might be the real MVP here. It was flawless. It kept me guessing until the very last moment. Masterful thriller vibes that had me begging for more.
Knowing who the next book is about right at the end has made me a mad woman. I need. NEED. His story. Please and thank you.
Thank you so much LJ Evans for this beautiful ARC.
Lost In The Moonlight is a wonderful book about heartbreak and love, Mystery and suspense, and how we come back from the heartbreak that threatens to drown us.
Lincoln is amazing as the grumpy son of a world leader who has lost so much that he has hidden himself away from the world. He doesn't want anyone making assumptions about him anymore, he just wants to make his art, and finally get some sleep. His emotions run so deep, and his paintings are fascinatingly gorgeous!! I love how he cares for his family (even when he's not answering his phone, lol!) and how thoroughly and quickly he falls for Willow.
Willow is one of the sweetest FMC's I've read this year! Her strength, and overriding joy even after all she's been through in in just a few short years definitely makes her so likeable it's easy to see why Lincoln would fall for her so quickly. I love how protective she is of everyone around her, trying to make sure that everyone else finds their happiness, while she ignores the fact that she hasn't truly been happy for a long while and that there is a huge difference between contentment and happiness.
"Remember that being lost in the moonlight isn’t so bad. It’s never pitch black. The moon and the stars both give off a bit of light."
LJ Evans has written a story that makes my heart turn over several time throughout the book, and the suspense had me on the edge of my seat. I think anyone that likes a little Spooky with their Romantic Suspense will love this one, I know I did! The Epilogue was absolute perfection, and I cannot WAIT to see what is coming up for Katerina!!
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review*
Lost in the Moonlight by L.J. Evans is a small-town contemporary grumpy/sunshine romantic suspense told in first person dual POV. The story follows the relationship between the president’s son, Lincoln Matherton, and his neighbor, Willow Earhart, a baker in the witness protection program.
Lincoln has just moved to the small town of Cherry Bay seeking privacy and peace. He meets Willow in a cemetery late at night when he rescues her from a dangerous man who grabs her and won’t let go. Since Lincoln blames himself for loss and trauma in his past, he takes it upon himself to become Willow’s protector, determined to keep her safe at all costs.
This is highly inconvenient for Willow, despite their seemingly mutual attraction. As somebody in WITSEC, she needs to stay hidden to stay alive. The last thing Willow needs is a high-profile friend who’s regularly featured in the media and stalked by paparazzi. But as her self-appointed bodyguard, Lincoln won’t leave her alone until he’s convinced of her safety.
I loved Willow and Lincoln’s story! As characters, they were both complex, well-developed, likable, and believably flawed. Both have pasts marked by trauma, pain, and grief, and in a way, they’re both in hiding. Neither Lincoln nor Willow are looking for love, despite a deep desire to find it, but the electricity they feel in each other’s company is undeniable. Their chemistry and connection are too strong to resist. Lost in the Moonlight is full of mystery, intrigue, romance, angst, suspense, and surprises. Highly Recommended!
Whenever I get the opportunity to read this author’s books, I always go in and expect something special and she never disappoints!
When I read about Lincoln Matherton in one of her previous books I knew that when he had his own story he would be a beguiling character but he was so much more and I can’t wait for everyone to meet him. He is so unapologetically protective over those that he loves and when he meets Willow that protectiveness is so much stronger. We know why, as she is his special person.
Willow herself is just as strong and fierce in who she is because of what she has had to overcome and is still dealing with in many ways. So this couple take on the World when having to face the challenges that they do and it is so joyous to see how quick their relationship blossoms and these bonds that make them stronger.
I’ve got to be honest I am a sucker for a main male lead for being a romantic, because quite often they are alpha (while that is hot!) I also like the man to be kind in his words, mannerisms and gestures. Lincoln gives us this in abundance and it makes so happy to read these kind of words
Oh, be still my beating heart!! This man is a romantic and it made the story. Along with such a good plot, you can always rely on LJ for suspense and action intertwined within the love story.
I could go on and on but it’s best if you just read it ☺️
Lost in the Moonlight is a romantic suspense novel with some paranormal undertones. Lincoln is the son of the President of the United States and a well known artist. He's been in the spotlight his whole life, but has recently relocated to the small town of Cherry Bay to be incognito and eventually open a new art gallery. He is haunted by the ghost of his past and determined not to let another female he cares about get hurt. Willow is a culinary artist, working at a local bakery, and trying to set her mom up with her boss. She is also in hiding. After a chance encounter in the early hours of the morning at the local cemetery, Willow becomes Lincoln's newest artistic muse and he obsesses about how to keep her safe from the local thug who cornered her. Willow can't get involved with such a public figure, as that puts her life and the lives of those she loves at risk, but she just can't help fall for Lincoln. Throw in a well-meaning ghost, mysterious vehicles, a stalker, and a gang leader and you have the recipe for the perfect mystery romance.
I love how LJ Evans weaves together such an incredible story. She quickly draws you in and makes the characters come alive. The slow burn build up is incredible and the feelings Lincoln and Willow are fighting make them feel so real. I really enjoyed the touch of paranormal and the small town camaraderie. I am hopeful that we will have more stories like this with many of the secondary characters!
When I read the blurb for Lost in the Moonlight, I knew this book was going to pull me in, have my head spinning and fall in love with the MCs. Lost in the Moonlight is a suspense-filled, captivating, and emotionally charged romance that will have you holding your breath with the turn of every page. We are told the story of two people who have had so much tragedy in their lives that they are haunted by what happened as well as always looking over their shoulders. Lincoln is a troubled soul who has had his life turned upside down too many times to count. He also happens to be the President's son and is trying to get away from it all and heal. Willow is a sweet woman who has also been dealt an earth-shattering hand in life. With her mother, they have had to start over and, at times, feels like they are living on eggshells. One night in the moonlight, Willow and Lincoln's life changes forever. There is an attraction but she knows that nothing can happen and fights the pull. Lincoln wants more but sees there is something Willow is hiding. Danger is around every corner but who are they after? Who's determined to ruin their lives? With all the connections that Lincoln has, will he be able to keep them safe? As I read their story, I was holding my breath and sitting on the edge of my seat. However, at the same time, I had tears in my eyes and my throat felt like something was stuck and it hurt. I'm not going to put any spoilers in this review but the letters had me so emotional that even as I write this review, I can feel the tears starting.
L.J. Evans has written another beautifully suspenseful tale. This story about two people who have experienced more than their fair share of heartache is deliciously sweet yet full of grit and touched by the supernatural world. I could not pull myself away from this story, falling asleep in the early morning hours and waking only to rush back between the pages.
Lincoln, who was introduced in the Painted Daisies Series, has his own story. He is so much more complex than I could ever have imagined. The man that he becomes because of the trials life has brought his way is truly awe-inspiring. His privileged life has not made him soft or complacent.
Willow is a heroine who immediately captivates. She is so positive and full of life. Her spirit is unquenchable. Her passion and creativity are inspirational. The love she has for her family, both blooded and chosen, is one of her most admirable qualities. I was instantly drawn to her and wanted her happy ending above all else.
L.J. Evans took the time to develop this gorgeous story with such exquisite detail. The pacing never felt rushed, nor out of synch. The way she wove the supernatural elements into this realistic and intense plot was masterful and believable.
I loved revisiting Cherry Bay with its small town appeal and beautiful ambiance. I s also loved the intrigue and dark elements that are sure to make for very interesting plot points in the future books of this series. I am anticipating the next book just so I can walk among the cherry blossoms with the characters.
L.J. Evans delivers a heartfelt and deeply moving narrative in Lost in the Moonlight, a small-town romance that intertwines suspense, tragedy, and the healing power of love. The story of Willow and Lincoln is a poignant reminder that while the past cannot be changed, it is possible to steer oneself toward a brighter, hope-filled future.
Willow, burdened by a dark and painful history, finds solace and unexpected light in Lincoln, a man who carries his own scars from a tragic past. Together, they navigate the shadows of their lives, discovering that when they are together, the weight of their pain lessens, replaced by a profound connection. The chemistry between them is palpable, and their journey is as much about love as it is about resilience and redemption.
Evans’ writing is beautifully evocative, balancing the darker themes of loss and grief with moments of tender vulnerability and hope. The small-town setting adds a layer of charm and intimacy, making the story feel deeply personal and immersive. The suspense elements are skillfully woven, keeping readers engaged while also serving as a backdrop for the emotional growth of the characters.
Lost in the Moonlight is a story of love’s transformative power—a testament to the idea that even in the face of overwhelming pain, it’s possible to find light and build a future worth dreaming of. Fans of emotionally charged romances with a touch of suspense will find this book impossible to put down.
“I’d never truly escape the dark shadows that had chased me long before gossip, trauma, and ghosts.”
We first met Lincoln in the Painted Daisies series with Leya. I loved his soft heart and the art. I had a smidgen of hope that we’d get to circle around to him in the future, and here we are!
This is a steamy romance that has a swirl of the paranormal through it. Our ghost appeared immediately upon starting and I was taken back a bit, but within a few pages I was settled and my ruffled feathers smoothed.
I highlighted sooo much in this book. So much swoon. So much heart. Pain. Adoration. Protection. Our tortured hero is a celebrity, the son of the President and he escapes to a small town filled with Cherry blossoms. Our baker heroine has secrets and pains as she hides in a small town. Incognito, our MCs hit it off, in the dead of night, and start a spiral of events in this romantic suspense.
Evans’ books are always poetry on the page. This book has a fantasy fairy tale woven in and it was well done. You could feel and smell those jerry blossoms, the ethereal mist, the translucent shadows, and more. This was a wonderful start to the Matherton’s series and I’m excited to check in on them all again soon.
I received an ARC of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
LJ Evans has given us another beautifully written romantic suspense story that captured my attention and heart from the beginning.
We first met Lincoln in Evans’s Painted Daisies series and I’ve been eager to read his story. He’s moved to Cherry Bay to start fresh without the world waiting for his next mistake, leaving his security detail behind so he could move quietly around the small town. He wants to open a second art gallery but he’s struggling to find his passion for painting again.
Willow has lived in Cherry Bay with her mother for 6 years. She’s a baker for the local coffee shop and has dreams of creating art from her pastry creations. But she and her mom are only there because they are in witness protection, and no one can know that. But one late night she was attacked in the cemetery she was visiting and Lincoln sees her and races to save her.
I’m going to leave you with that, so I don’t give any spoilers, but I loved the soul-searing story that LJ drew me into. She gave us such complicated, yet beautiful characters and I felt part of their family by the end. There is mystery, danger, and twists I didn’t expect but fit the story perfectly. The ending is everything I wanted, and the epilogue and bonus epilogue are not to be missed! I can’t wait to read what LJ Evans brings us next!
Lost in the Moonlight by L.J.Evans was an exotic mix of angst, swoon and suspense. The supernatural twist was very unique. Willow and Lincoln had an emotional rollercoaster where dangers and demons of their past haunted them and hunted them. They both had scars and damage but together ,they were perfectly imperfect.
Lincoln moved to Cherry Bay for a fresh start. From the long standing guilt about losing the woman he loved and lost. From the media glare and mess. From the pressure of his father's re election campaign as president of USA. From the demotivated state that hurts as an artist. Here his path crosses with Willow who has just settled in the small town after running constantly with her mother for the WITSEC programme. She is slowly getting her dream of becoming a great baker. But the threats from past seem to be back. Lincoln and Willow are both vulnerable and lost but they instantly find a connection. But there are long battles ahead.
Lincoln isn't your typical alpha hero. He has this dreamy brooding tortured artist presence on page and that's real swoon material. But he is also fiercely protective and Willow ignited a fire inside his dead heart. He thought this small town and his new gallery is an escape from the past and the chaos but his sleepless nights were not going anywhere. But Willow gave him calm and peace in middle of chaos. She didn't want to run again because her culinary art and her mother's heart both have put down deep roots here. But she was also afraid to hurt anyone for her selfish needs. She didn't want to drag Lincoln in the danger but this man refused to step back. That was pretty uncharacteristic of an emotionally closed off man. But Willow made him feel way too much. Terrifying feels those made him break the walls of his guilt and sadness. It was so brave of Willow to face so much adversity and trauma yet help Lincoln heal. You may meet an awesome ghost here but that's a surprise. The suspense and action was brilliantly executed. The small town won my heart with the charming quirky vibes.
Per usual I was lost to the world while reading L.J. Evans. Her words have a way of making me forget everything and simply enjoy the beautifully written stories she provides every single time. This time around it was Lincoln and Willows turn to escape their past and find happiness that seemed to be escaping them at every turn.
Willow's past should leave her vary and close off, but she's still has hope that there are good people in the world. Lincoln's past seems to still haunt him every turn he makes. Unlike Willow, he's closed off and not letting anyone in. When their paths cross, something inside him cracks open and he wants to help and keep her safe. Connection like theirs comes once in a lifetime and when past comes to claim her, they need to stand together to come out as winners on the other side.
This story was filled with raw emotions, that helped our MCs find peace in each other. I loved the added element of PNR and the suspense kept me rooted to my seat until I was sure nothing would ever come between them again. If it's not clear I absolutely recommend this book (and the series).
“Life is too damn short to turn away from something that makes you feel alive.”
This quote perfectly sums up the characters and their storyline. Willow knows what it’s like to hide in the shadows, to keep herself out of the limelight, to blend in to the background. She tries not to attract anyone’s attention. So her job as a baker is perfect since she doesn’t have to interact with customers. But Lincoln couldn’t help but notice her. Her uncanny resemblance to his deceased high school girlfriend makes him think he’s seeing things.
Their first encounter was by chance. But their continued presence in each other’s lives was fate. And their eventual HEA was the pinnacle of love. The slight paranormal happenings added to the romantic vibe of this book. Add in the suspense and I was deeply entrenched in this book. Neither one expected to find love but nor did they think they could break out of the ruts they were in.
“You’re everything I need. Everything I want. The light forcing back the shadows. I have to believe, no matter what fate hands us, that spending this time, any amount of time, in light with you is worth it.”
I received an advance copy of this book at my request and voluntarily left this review.
OMG… this book! I love Lincoln, and love the ties to the Daisies books!! When the book started, I was completely enthralled with the fact that when he saw Willow and the fact that he saw her and thought of someone he truly cared about from his past. I won’t give anything away, but I will say that LJ Evans.. truly knows how to weave a story that makes you just want to read as fast, yet as slow as you can. Fast.. because I wanna know more… but slow so I can savor it more and longer.
I love LJ Evans.. have since the very first time I read one of her books… and I continue to read all of her books. She is a story teller that I appreciate. She has such a way of weaving life into story she writes. She catches my attention and keeps it to the end of the story… every.. single.. time. I am a big fan… but I bet you can tell.
Lincoln and Willow.. I absolutely love this story and everything single thing about it. LJ… you are so good at bringing characters from your other books, and making us love them and their lives. I love your heart.. it is so prevalent in every book.
Read this book. Period. And if you’ve never read LJ Evans.. you can start here.. but there’s SO much more. You won’t regret it.
Lost in the Moonlight was a lovely blend of contemporary romance twined with a bit of paranormal and suspense. Willow Earhart has lived a tragic life for such a young woman yet she still looks at the world with a positive attitude. She loves her job baking at a local shop in Cherry Bay and she has small dreams for her future that she hopes will happen. Lincoln Matherton may look like he has the perfect life from the outside, but in reality he is struggling. He fell in love with the quiet town of Cherry Bay and has decided to open up his latest gallery here and enjoy the solitude. When he notices a young woman being assaulted in a cemetery nearby, he comes to her rescue. Lincoln doesn't want to be drawn to Willow, yet fate has other ideas for the two of them. I don't want to give away too many of the details of their story because that will ruin your reading experience. I will say that theirs is an emotional journey into the unknown. They both have a lot of ghosts in their closets that they need to work through together if they want a future. Lost in the Moonlight was told from dual POV and stands alone but you will see characters from LJ Evans previous books mentioned. It was sweet, emotional and has some slow burn heat too!