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Anchor #5
Branded by a Song
He’s a country rock legend searching for inspiration. She’s a Navy SEAL’s widow determined to honor his memory. Neither believes the attraction tugging at them can lead to more until her grandmother’s will twines their futures.
Struggling for inspiration and hoping to rediscover the soul of my music, I retreat to my childhood home in upstate New York. When I show up at my beloved mentor’s shop seeking advice, I find a woman trapped in the past instead. Tristan Morgan has taken over her grandmother’s music store, but she’s barely existing. Suddenly, I long for more than just new lyrics. I long to show her a path back to living.
Losing my grandmother not long after losing my Navy SEAL husband feels like yet another blow the world has dealt me. Keeping Gram’s treasured store and my daughter afloat is all I can handle. So when Brady O’Neil walks in with a rock-star smile and charming promises, I know he’s a distraction I can’t afford.
Finding out he holds the solution to all my financial troubles doesn’t change anything. I’ll let him into the business, but I won’t give him access to my heart.
I may have come home for me, but I’m staying for her. I’m determined to prove to Tristan that hearts can sing more than one love song.
“We would be art. We would be paint and chords blended together.”
Inspired by Chris Janson's "Done,” comes a heartfelt, small-town romance about the lyrical, healing power of love with vibrant characters that might leave a permanent mark on your soul.
Complete, interconnected, standalone series.
Can be read in any order.
Struggling for inspiration and hoping to rediscover the soul of my music, I retreat to my childhood home in upstate New York. When I show up at my beloved mentor’s shop seeking advice, I find a woman trapped in the past instead. Tristan Morgan has taken over her grandmother’s music store, but she’s barely existing. Suddenly, I long for more than just new lyrics. I long to show her a path back to living.
Losing my grandmother not long after losing my Navy SEAL husband feels like yet another blow the world has dealt me. Keeping Gram’s treasured store and my daughter afloat is all I can handle. So when Brady O’Neil walks in with a rock-star smile and charming promises, I know he’s a distraction I can’t afford.
Finding out he holds the solution to all my financial troubles doesn’t change anything. I’ll let him into the business, but I won’t give him access to my heart.
I may have come home for me, but I’m staying for her. I’m determined to prove to Tristan that hearts can sing more than one love song.
“We would be art. We would be paint and chords blended together.”
Inspired by Chris Janson's "Done,” comes a heartfelt, small-town romance about the lyrical, healing power of love with vibrant characters that might leave a permanent mark on your soul.
Complete, interconnected, standalone series.
Can be read in any order.
Unknown Binding
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About the author
L.J. Evans
32 books1,321 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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January 22, 2021
Branded by a Song is a stand alone romance by L.J. Evans. This is only my second book by L.J. and I am blown away by her poetic words. The way she blends together lyrics with her story is breathtaking.
Brady O’Neil is twenty nine years old and is a world famous country rock star. After releasing three albums, the critics are starting to say his music is becoming repetitious. Even though those closest to him tell him not to listen, he knows they are right. He’s just finished a tour and is going home to Grand Orchard both for a rest, and to help his sister, who has a muscle disorder. Brady knows how lucky he is. Some would say that he is living the dream, that he has everything. But something is missing from his life. And hopefully his time at home will help him to figure out what that something is.
Tristan Morgan is thirty four years old and is a single parent to her four and a half year old daughter, Hannah. Shortly after the birth of Hannah, Tristan lost her Navy Seal husband while on a mission. She still grieves him. She and Hannah live with her beloved grandmother but now she has lost her as well. Tristan is trying to hold it together for her daughter while also trying to save her grandmother’s music store. A box her grandmother left to a favorite student from years ago brings Brady into her life. A man who would forever change their lives.
“You’re doing something for me. You’re filling in all these gaps in my soul I could never see before but always felt. Emptiness. When I’m with you, all the holes go away, and all I feel is complete.”
Tristan and Brady are both artists. One expresses himself through music, one through the strokes of a paint brush. Both share a love for Elana, Tristan’s grandmother. Brady has also fallen in love with little Hannah, a four year old with the soul of a thirty year old, who is also a musical prodigy. These three people are connected in a way none of them can fully comprehend. But can Tristan let go of the past and grab ahold of a future with Brady? She already loved one man who left her alone for long periods of time. Now she finds herself falling for another man who’s career would take him away from her. And is Brady ready to go all in? A man with a reputation for being a flirt, a player. A man who could have anyone in the world he wants. Tristan and Hannah’s life is in Grand Orchard. Can they really be enough for him?
What a beautiful story this was. Tristan was such a strong woman, trying so hard to hold it all together for her daughter. And Brady’s relationship with his mother broke my heart. He tried so hard to be what was expected of him. But it was never enough. I absolutely loved the way these two inspired each other through both of their artistic talents. While one saw notes, the other saw color. It truly was beautiful. This is one of those books where the characters will linger in my heart for long after I read the final words. Little Hannah was a scene stealer. L.J. Evans truly is an author whose words move me and I look forward to seeing what she plans to do next.
“I want to give you both all the stars.”
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
Brady O’Neil is twenty nine years old and is a world famous country rock star. After releasing three albums, the critics are starting to say his music is becoming repetitious. Even though those closest to him tell him not to listen, he knows they are right. He’s just finished a tour and is going home to Grand Orchard both for a rest, and to help his sister, who has a muscle disorder. Brady knows how lucky he is. Some would say that he is living the dream, that he has everything. But something is missing from his life. And hopefully his time at home will help him to figure out what that something is.
Tristan Morgan is thirty four years old and is a single parent to her four and a half year old daughter, Hannah. Shortly after the birth of Hannah, Tristan lost her Navy Seal husband while on a mission. She still grieves him. She and Hannah live with her beloved grandmother but now she has lost her as well. Tristan is trying to hold it together for her daughter while also trying to save her grandmother’s music store. A box her grandmother left to a favorite student from years ago brings Brady into her life. A man who would forever change their lives.
“You’re doing something for me. You’re filling in all these gaps in my soul I could never see before but always felt. Emptiness. When I’m with you, all the holes go away, and all I feel is complete.”
Tristan and Brady are both artists. One expresses himself through music, one through the strokes of a paint brush. Both share a love for Elana, Tristan’s grandmother. Brady has also fallen in love with little Hannah, a four year old with the soul of a thirty year old, who is also a musical prodigy. These three people are connected in a way none of them can fully comprehend. But can Tristan let go of the past and grab ahold of a future with Brady? She already loved one man who left her alone for long periods of time. Now she finds herself falling for another man who’s career would take him away from her. And is Brady ready to go all in? A man with a reputation for being a flirt, a player. A man who could have anyone in the world he wants. Tristan and Hannah’s life is in Grand Orchard. Can they really be enough for him?
What a beautiful story this was. Tristan was such a strong woman, trying so hard to hold it all together for her daughter. And Brady’s relationship with his mother broke my heart. He tried so hard to be what was expected of him. But it was never enough. I absolutely loved the way these two inspired each other through both of their artistic talents. While one saw notes, the other saw color. It truly was beautiful. This is one of those books where the characters will linger in my heart for long after I read the final words. Little Hannah was a scene stealer. L.J. Evans truly is an author whose words move me and I look forward to seeing what she plans to do next.
“I want to give you both all the stars.”
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
August 27, 2021
"Please love. Find someone who needs you as much as you need them. Someone who can be the center of your whole world. Someone who will be your inspiration and motivation. The reason you make notes."
I usually don't write my reviews right after I've finished a book because I feel like I may be writing too much, or not enough. And then I edit, again and again. But it didn't feel right to me to go to bed without writing this.
This book got to me for several reasons. It is beautifully written, and an emotional, sweet love story. The music connection was inspiring and so right.
The only thing that would make it even better would be to have a Springsteen song starting one of the chapters. Can I leave this as a suggestion for one of your next books, L.J.? :)
"I wanted to hate it. I wanted to hate him for making me feel things I’d sworn I’d never feel again."
Brady O'Neal, the country superstar, goes back home after a very successful tour. Going back means being with his family, but it also means seeing his hometown and a special person who helped shape who he is: Elana, the owner of the local music store, and his mentor, from when he was Cormac, the thin kid she taught how to play.
"'She’s the thing that’s been missing my entire life."
Tristan is Elana's granddaughter, an artist, who has lost her husband four and a half years before, and who is raising their daughter Hannah while staying with her grandmother. It's a nice family dynamic between the three of them, but there's something deeply sad there, and something clearly missing in their lives.
When Elana dies, leaving Tristan her music store, and a closed trunk to give to someone called Cormac, Tristan did not imagine Cormac was really Brady O'Neal. And Brady had no idea of what would happen when he set foot inside the store again and met Tristan for the first time.
You know what they call a life-changing moment? Yep, this is it. For both of them.
"'I’d like to be brave,” she said. “Like the waitress who left you her name on the cocktail napkin.'"
I could not help but love Tristan. She's amazing. She's this strong person, while at the same being so vulnerable. She doesn't see herself as a desirable woman. It's hard for her to let go of her dead husband without feeling guilty. It's difficult for her to see that life goes on and that she shouldn't be living in the past, but embracing a future.
And Brady... Brady is dreamy. He's persistent and flirty, without being overbearing, and he's respectful. He knows what he wants, but he's not pushing it. Sometimes you have to wait for the best things in life, and fight for them. Which he does.
"Until I could prove to her that the way we filled the gaps and holes and missing parts of each other was meant to be."
Elana is the missing link in all of this. It's amazing to see that Brady and Tristan gravitated around each other, knew and were friends with the same people, without ever meeting. Like something was keeping them from each other until the time was right. And it feels like Elana is pulling the strings and guiding them, wherever she is.
"There was a reason she’d kept Cormac from me. She’d known I didn’t need him back then. She’d saved him for the right moment when Hannah and I both needed him the most. When he needed us as well. And we’d collided together into the perfect rainbow of hope and futures."
This is a story about overcoming. Overcoming the death of people we love, while at the same time not forgetting about them, and celebrating them. Overcoming our worst times, when we feel helpless, alone, and unwanted, and celebrating the people who make us feel we're anything but. Overcoming the fear of what may happen and exchanging that for believing what will happen will be nothing short of amazing.
I'm crying here. I cannot recommend this enough.
I usually don't write my reviews right after I've finished a book because I feel like I may be writing too much, or not enough. And then I edit, again and again. But it didn't feel right to me to go to bed without writing this.
This book got to me for several reasons. It is beautifully written, and an emotional, sweet love story. The music connection was inspiring and so right.
The only thing that would make it even better would be to have a Springsteen song starting one of the chapters. Can I leave this as a suggestion for one of your next books, L.J.? :)
"I wanted to hate it. I wanted to hate him for making me feel things I’d sworn I’d never feel again."
Brady O'Neal, the country superstar, goes back home after a very successful tour. Going back means being with his family, but it also means seeing his hometown and a special person who helped shape who he is: Elana, the owner of the local music store, and his mentor, from when he was Cormac, the thin kid she taught how to play.
"'She’s the thing that’s been missing my entire life."
Tristan is Elana's granddaughter, an artist, who has lost her husband four and a half years before, and who is raising their daughter Hannah while staying with her grandmother. It's a nice family dynamic between the three of them, but there's something deeply sad there, and something clearly missing in their lives.
When Elana dies, leaving Tristan her music store, and a closed trunk to give to someone called Cormac, Tristan did not imagine Cormac was really Brady O'Neal. And Brady had no idea of what would happen when he set foot inside the store again and met Tristan for the first time.
You know what they call a life-changing moment? Yep, this is it. For both of them.
"'I’d like to be brave,” she said. “Like the waitress who left you her name on the cocktail napkin.'"
I could not help but love Tristan. She's amazing. She's this strong person, while at the same being so vulnerable. She doesn't see herself as a desirable woman. It's hard for her to let go of her dead husband without feeling guilty. It's difficult for her to see that life goes on and that she shouldn't be living in the past, but embracing a future.
And Brady... Brady is dreamy. He's persistent and flirty, without being overbearing, and he's respectful. He knows what he wants, but he's not pushing it. Sometimes you have to wait for the best things in life, and fight for them. Which he does.
"Until I could prove to her that the way we filled the gaps and holes and missing parts of each other was meant to be."
Elana is the missing link in all of this. It's amazing to see that Brady and Tristan gravitated around each other, knew and were friends with the same people, without ever meeting. Like something was keeping them from each other until the time was right. And it feels like Elana is pulling the strings and guiding them, wherever she is.
"There was a reason she’d kept Cormac from me. She’d known I didn’t need him back then. She’d saved him for the right moment when Hannah and I both needed him the most. When he needed us as well. And we’d collided together into the perfect rainbow of hope and futures."
This is a story about overcoming. Overcoming the death of people we love, while at the same time not forgetting about them, and celebrating them. Overcoming our worst times, when we feel helpless, alone, and unwanted, and celebrating the people who make us feel we're anything but. Overcoming the fear of what may happen and exchanging that for believing what will happen will be nothing short of amazing.
I'm crying here. I cannot recommend this enough.
February 5, 2021
3,5 ❤️❤️❤️ 🌟s❣️
This was a beautifully written small town - rock star romance read.
I loved that each chapter was titled by lyrics from a wonderful playlist of songs!
Tristan was struggling with the loss of her husband and was raising her amazing daughter with her grandmother.
Brady was a famous rock star singer who had returned to stay with his family for a while.
When they met, the attraction to each other was palpable and their journey began.
It was an emotional story, filled with loss, healing, hope, strength, love and music.
I really thought I would love this story, but various characters from the author’s previous books appeared in the story and I had no idea about them, and I couldn’t connect with the main couple as much as I expected or wanted to.
It’s really me and not the book...
This was a beautifully written small town - rock star romance read.
I loved that each chapter was titled by lyrics from a wonderful playlist of songs!
Tristan was struggling with the loss of her husband and was raising her amazing daughter with her grandmother.
Brady was a famous rock star singer who had returned to stay with his family for a while.
When they met, the attraction to each other was palpable and their journey began.
It was an emotional story, filled with loss, healing, hope, strength, love and music.
I really thought I would love this story, but various characters from the author’s previous books appeared in the story and I had no idea about them, and I couldn’t connect with the main couple as much as I expected or wanted to.
It’s really me and not the book...
February 15, 2021
"I want this to work, Tristan. I want us. I want to give you both all the stars.”
“We don’t need the stars, but I kind of think we might need you.”
A Heartwarming Emotion-Provoking Thoughtful Story With Slowburn Romance, Fresh Starts, Hurt & Healing, Cuteness, Swoons & HEA.
Brady, Tristan & her Sweet daughter Hannah were Lovable! I was excited about This book, knowing full well what Our MCs have gone through, it's also fun to see Previous Characters!
Brady "Cormac"; Charming, Patient, Caring; is a Renowned Country Music Rockstar WHILE Tristan "Cari"; Kind, Sweet, Thinker; is a Widow with a 4yr old Musical Prodigy Kid - Hannah. Both T+B are artists; His on Keys, Her on Canvas.
All 3 are old souls, Mature beyond their Ages Having gone through a lot. T+B have Mutual Friends (Dani & Nash, Loved seeing'em here!) & Mutual love for Tristan's Grandma Elana, who Taught Brady everything about Music, Who was there for him when his own Parents couldn't understand him. But even still, T+B Haven't exactly Met yet.
The Story starts & Shows us Tristan & Brady's Individual Home Environment at Winter Holidays. Then Fast Forward to NOW, a Few weeks later, It's Brady's Off time. He's here in town to take Care of his Sis - Cass who needs him (or not..?) & Maybe find his muse, the Soul of his music again. There, he gets the unfortunate news that Elana died..no one had told him (He was rightfully Angry & Sad!)..& She'd left him a box.
At Elana's music shop, Cormac meets Cari, their Hometown Aliases (With Disguises😏). But it wasn't until later (In hospital!) that they found they Sort of knew eachother. Talk about Awkward!
The Town's Music festival + Elana's Shop is in Danger...& he wants to help.
Tristan & Brady had a lot of Good memories with the shop + The Festival & when it's threatened, Of course they'll do something. She was hesitant taking his help but he shows that he cares & is there for them. Their Sparks Bright from the start become Harder to ignore as they spend time together. He's so Adorable with Hannah too!
But Tristan's late husband was a Navy SEAL, gone for months..If she Opens her heart to Brady, wouldn't the outcome be same, Alone? It won't be. He takes it Slow BUT is all in; His Playboy Exterior was a Facade, inside is a heart who loves fully & Deeply.
~Karaoke Fun, Town meeting, Dance, Kiss, Cake Meet, Prodigy, Fam Prob, Elana's Letter, Cass' Dream, No Fling, Sweet moments, Media & Security, Friend talks, Orgasms, ABBA Live, PR..
Brady & Tristan's inevitable Relationship Starts! *Swoon*. But Then a Dark question by Media To Tristan Brings forth Past Hurt...Cue Their Break up *Oh shit*. But the Time away made Made them realise the extent of their feelings.
~Awkward Hannah B-Day, Love Realisations, Contest Won, Troubles & Talk, Sexy times, Pouring Hearts out, Future Planning, Brady's B-Day, Love Confessions, Family making Amends *Yay!!*, Music Festival, Surprised & Proposal *Swoon*...
One thing I liked here, that The Guy didn't fuck up. It was Her. & When she realised it, She talks to him ASAP. And the Later Scenes were so Lovely! Cue HEA.
I'm so happy that T+B were able to Save the Shop & the festival! The Friends & Little Hannah is a delight, Even Elana is A Sweetheart though we didn't get much of her, she's awesome! Tristan, Hannah, Brady deserves their Happiness & I'm so glad it worked out well! Their Relation with their Families are good too. I hope Cass gets a book!
The Bonus Epilogue was fun, So excited to see what'll happen next in this series!
**ARC Received for a Honest Review.**
FB Page | Instagram | Bookbub | FB group
“We don’t need the stars, but I kind of think we might need you.”
A Heartwarming Emotion-Provoking Thoughtful Story With Slowburn Romance, Fresh Starts, Hurt & Healing, Cuteness, Swoons & HEA.
Brady, Tristan & her Sweet daughter Hannah were Lovable! I was excited about This book, knowing full well what Our MCs have gone through, it's also fun to see Previous Characters!
Brady "Cormac"; Charming, Patient, Caring; is a Renowned Country Music Rockstar WHILE Tristan "Cari"; Kind, Sweet, Thinker; is a Widow with a 4yr old Musical Prodigy Kid - Hannah. Both T+B are artists; His on Keys, Her on Canvas.
All 3 are old souls, Mature beyond their Ages Having gone through a lot. T+B have Mutual Friends (Dani & Nash, Loved seeing'em here!) & Mutual love for Tristan's Grandma Elana, who Taught Brady everything about Music, Who was there for him when his own Parents couldn't understand him. But even still, T+B Haven't exactly Met yet.
The Story starts & Shows us Tristan & Brady's Individual Home Environment at Winter Holidays. Then Fast Forward to NOW, a Few weeks later, It's Brady's Off time. He's here in town to take Care of his Sis - Cass who needs him (or not..?) & Maybe find his muse, the Soul of his music again. There, he gets the unfortunate news that Elana died..no one had told him (He was rightfully Angry & Sad!)..& She'd left him a box.
At Elana's music shop, Cormac meets Cari, their Hometown Aliases (With Disguises😏). But it wasn't until later (In hospital!) that they found they Sort of knew eachother. Talk about Awkward!
The Town's Music festival + Elana's Shop is in Danger...& he wants to help.
Tristan & Brady had a lot of Good memories with the shop + The Festival & when it's threatened, Of course they'll do something. She was hesitant taking his help but he shows that he cares & is there for them. Their Sparks Bright from the start become Harder to ignore as they spend time together. He's so Adorable with Hannah too!
But Tristan's late husband was a Navy SEAL, gone for months..If she Opens her heart to Brady, wouldn't the outcome be same, Alone? It won't be. He takes it Slow BUT is all in; His Playboy Exterior was a Facade, inside is a heart who loves fully & Deeply.
~Karaoke Fun, Town meeting, Dance, Kiss, Cake Meet, Prodigy, Fam Prob, Elana's Letter, Cass' Dream, No Fling, Sweet moments, Media & Security, Friend talks, Orgasms, ABBA Live, PR..
Brady & Tristan's inevitable Relationship Starts! *Swoon*. But Then a Dark question by Media To Tristan Brings forth Past Hurt...Cue Their Break up *Oh shit*. But the Time away made Made them realise the extent of their feelings.
~Awkward Hannah B-Day, Love Realisations, Contest Won, Troubles & Talk, Sexy times, Pouring Hearts out, Future Planning, Brady's B-Day, Love Confessions, Family making Amends *Yay!!*, Music Festival, Surprised & Proposal *Swoon*...
One thing I liked here, that The Guy didn't fuck up. It was Her. & When she realised it, She talks to him ASAP. And the Later Scenes were so Lovely! Cue HEA.
I'm so happy that T+B were able to Save the Shop & the festival! The Friends & Little Hannah is a delight, Even Elana is A Sweetheart though we didn't get much of her, she's awesome! Tristan, Hannah, Brady deserves their Happiness & I'm so glad it worked out well! Their Relation with their Families are good too. I hope Cass gets a book!
The Bonus Epilogue was fun, So excited to see what'll happen next in this series!
**ARC Received for a Honest Review.**
FB Page | Instagram | Bookbub | FB group
February 5, 2021
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January 30, 2021
Leave it to LJ Evans to surprise the hell out of me while tugging my heartstrings all over again Branded By A Song!
This book is one that I was looking forward to on Brady's end for months because he's been woven throughout all of LJ'S books since the beginning of the Anchor series, and really who COULDN'T fall in love with this man?
Brash, bold, sexy, sweet, and super friendly, Brady has turned the world upside down since Guarded Dreams and yet, he was STILL alone. It was apparent in both Forged By Sacrifice and Damaged Dreams, that Brady was lonely, tired of being alone, and hurting.
What I could never have prepared for was Cari and her daughter! I wasn't ready to meet up with her again with her in the first pages of this book, but OMG, am I so glad she's here!! I was so happy to see her slowly come out of her shell and find the sunlight, and rainbows again. Cari is one of the best, yet most damaged, characters LJ Evans has ever written. She definitely needed the love Brady was so ready to give her, and that spark in their first meeting was absolutely beautiful!!
LJ Evans writes about every day people finding love (yes, Brady is every day people and you'll see that in the very first pages of this beautiful book!) even when they have to go through some pretty hardcore, heartwrenching, tragedies to get there, and I am HERE for ALL OF IT!
Of course this is is a five star recommendation from me, and if you haven't cracked open one of LJ Evans books yet, what the hell are you waiting for? Her beautiful words, and even more beautiful characters and music are right there waiting for you, and you are missing out if you haven't started yet! Grab Branded By A Song NOW, Brady and Cari are waiting to bring you into their world of sunlight and rainbows, with only a few tears this time, and it's worth every single emotion it brings out!!
This book is one that I was looking forward to on Brady's end for months because he's been woven throughout all of LJ'S books since the beginning of the Anchor series, and really who COULDN'T fall in love with this man?
Brash, bold, sexy, sweet, and super friendly, Brady has turned the world upside down since Guarded Dreams and yet, he was STILL alone. It was apparent in both Forged By Sacrifice and Damaged Dreams, that Brady was lonely, tired of being alone, and hurting.
What I could never have prepared for was Cari and her daughter! I wasn't ready to meet up with her again with her in the first pages of this book, but OMG, am I so glad she's here!! I was so happy to see her slowly come out of her shell and find the sunlight, and rainbows again. Cari is one of the best, yet most damaged, characters LJ Evans has ever written. She definitely needed the love Brady was so ready to give her, and that spark in their first meeting was absolutely beautiful!!
LJ Evans writes about every day people finding love (yes, Brady is every day people and you'll see that in the very first pages of this beautiful book!) even when they have to go through some pretty hardcore, heartwrenching, tragedies to get there, and I am HERE for ALL OF IT!
Of course this is is a five star recommendation from me, and if you haven't cracked open one of LJ Evans books yet, what the hell are you waiting for? Her beautiful words, and even more beautiful characters and music are right there waiting for you, and you are missing out if you haven't started yet! Grab Branded By A Song NOW, Brady and Cari are waiting to bring you into their world of sunlight and rainbows, with only a few tears this time, and it's worth every single emotion it brings out!!
February 5, 2021
“You’re doing something for me. You’re filling in all these gaps in my soul I could never see before but always felt. Emptiness. When I’m with you, all the holes go away, and all I feel is complete.”
Branded by a Song is an emotionally gripping story that will hold onto you from page one.
Brady is returning home to try and get back to his roots. Cari has been trying to hold it together for her daughter after the loss of her husband. Brady and Cari have never met but always hear about each other and once they finally met they make each other feel alive which makes walking away impossible.
LJ Evans has a way of weaving together music and words to create a magically emotionally gripping story that stays with you and this story was no different. Once I started reading I was unable to put the book down and found tears in my eyes on multiple occasions. Brady and Cari keep you involved and the supporting characters keep you intrigued. Hannah is just the sweetest little girl. I highly recommend all of LJ Evans's books as they always make you feel like you are part of the story.
*Review copy requested and honestly reviewed on behalf of Canadian Girl Book Blog*
February 4, 2021
WOW LJ Evans has done it again for me.
I waited so long for Brady’s book and when I finally got my hands on it I understood why.
Brady throughout the Anchor novels comes across as a happy go lucky/wild child type of personality and I loved that about him.
Then we get to his book. Sigh
This book had me in tears from beginning to end.
A shock of course finding out who his lady love was. Let’s just say it’s not someone we don’t know - wink wink.
So Brady shares his life with us. And we get to know his Cari and we learn of her hardships too.
It seems quite fitting that they’d find each other this way. Fate definitely kept them apart long enough to need each other.
And don’t talk about the little miss “Stevie Nicks”. Gosh was she cute as a button and tugged at my heart.
This story creeps into your heart. Especially if you’ve experienced loss in your life. Loss of loved ones. Feelings of inadequacy. Never living up to the person you’re supposed to be. Feelings of loneliness. Feelings of putting your child first over and above your happiness.
I had a personal connection with “Cari”. I felt everything she went through. All of her fears. All of her joys. All of the what ifs.
LJ Evans you rocked with this book!!!! I may never recover from this story.
Brady and his “Cari” gets a whopping ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️
I received an ARC at my request.
I waited so long for Brady’s book and when I finally got my hands on it I understood why.
Brady throughout the Anchor novels comes across as a happy go lucky/wild child type of personality and I loved that about him.
Then we get to his book. Sigh
This book had me in tears from beginning to end.
A shock of course finding out who his lady love was. Let’s just say it’s not someone we don’t know - wink wink.
So Brady shares his life with us. And we get to know his Cari and we learn of her hardships too.
It seems quite fitting that they’d find each other this way. Fate definitely kept them apart long enough to need each other.
And don’t talk about the little miss “Stevie Nicks”. Gosh was she cute as a button and tugged at my heart.
This story creeps into your heart. Especially if you’ve experienced loss in your life. Loss of loved ones. Feelings of inadequacy. Never living up to the person you’re supposed to be. Feelings of loneliness. Feelings of putting your child first over and above your happiness.
I had a personal connection with “Cari”. I felt everything she went through. All of her fears. All of her joys. All of the what ifs.
LJ Evans you rocked with this book!!!! I may never recover from this story.
Brady and his “Cari” gets a whopping ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️
I received an ARC at my request.
February 16, 2021
Poetic, emotional, and beautiful story. I love how LJ Evans weaves her stories with music. 5 stars for this amazing book.
February 6, 2021
4.25 Stars
This was such a lovely story of overcoming death and finding a hero and love. Tristan and Brady were so beautiful together and the slow burn romance was perfect. The only thing that aggregated me was how much Brady was appreciated for the man he really was. The ending was perfect and brought tears to my eyes!
This was such a lovely story of overcoming death and finding a hero and love. Tristan and Brady were so beautiful together and the slow burn romance was perfect. The only thing that aggregated me was how much Brady was appreciated for the man he really was. The ending was perfect and brought tears to my eyes!
January 22, 2021
I’ve waited a long time for this heroine’s HEA (since her identity is a secret I won’t spoil it). What a beautiful story of love, loss and another chance at a lifetime of happiness. Just as LJ Evans uses music to shape her stories, her stories could give shape to songs. Her words are like poetry and I can envision lyrics being written using her words as inspiration. I’m a sucker for a single parent book but this book is so much more than that. Brady’s book is everything I’d hoped it would be. I fell in love with the heroine long before Brady but I can honestly at I love him just as much as her. I shed a few happy tears, I laughed and I cheered and now I need more....I need Cass to find her HEA!
February 5, 2021
Lj Evans is an author who always draws out all the emotions. Branded by a Song brands your heart. Not only with Tristan and Brady, but with all the supporting characters. I got lost in Tristan and Brady’s story, could not put the book down. “The simplest things are often the most beautiful,”
Blurb:
𝘽𝙧𝙖𝙙𝙮 𝙊'𝙉𝙚𝙞𝙡 tells the world he’s temporarily returning to upstate New York to help his sister. While it’s the truth, he’s also searching for the soul his music has lost. Certain his childhood mentor can help, he seeks her out and finds a woman trapped in the past instead. A woman who makes him want to stay like he never has before.
Losing her grandmother feels like yet another blow the world has dealt 𝘾𝙖𝙧𝙞. Keeping the music store and her daughter afloat is all she can focus on, and Grams’ beloved student sauntering in doesn’t change anything. He’s just another adventure she can’t afford.
Conceding that Brady holds the solution to her troubles doesn’t mean he can have her heart. After all, she buried that bruised organ alongside her husband years ago.
Can Brady convince her that hearts aren’t limited to just one love song?
-𝘈𝘶𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘳’𝘴 𝘕𝘰𝘵𝘦: 𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘧𝘭𝘪𝘳𝘵𝘺 𝘳𝘰𝘤𝘬 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳, 𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘦, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘥𝘰𝘳𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘥𝘪𝘨𝘺 𝘮𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘢 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘬 𝘰𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘢𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘭𝘺 𝘴𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘵 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘺.
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Blurb:
𝘽𝙧𝙖𝙙𝙮 𝙊'𝙉𝙚𝙞𝙡 tells the world he’s temporarily returning to upstate New York to help his sister. While it’s the truth, he’s also searching for the soul his music has lost. Certain his childhood mentor can help, he seeks her out and finds a woman trapped in the past instead. A woman who makes him want to stay like he never has before.
Losing her grandmother feels like yet another blow the world has dealt 𝘾𝙖𝙧𝙞. Keeping the music store and her daughter afloat is all she can focus on, and Grams’ beloved student sauntering in doesn’t change anything. He’s just another adventure she can’t afford.
Conceding that Brady holds the solution to her troubles doesn’t mean he can have her heart. After all, she buried that bruised organ alongside her husband years ago.
Can Brady convince her that hearts aren’t limited to just one love song?
-𝘈𝘶𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘳’𝘴 𝘕𝘰𝘵𝘦: 𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘧𝘭𝘪𝘳𝘵𝘺 𝘳𝘰𝘤𝘬 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳, 𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘦, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘥𝘰𝘳𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘥𝘪𝘨𝘺 𝘮𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘢 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘬 𝘰𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘢𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘭𝘺 𝘴𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘵 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘺.
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February 4, 2021
When I pick up a LJ Evans book I am always secure in the fact that her story will squeeze my heart and send my emotions into overdrive but leave me with a sense of joy and happiness at the end. Branded by a Song was another beautiful, emotional story to add to all of the others. Brady O'Neil is at the top of the country music charts. Everyone wants to meet him, be with him or be the next version of him. We first met Brady in Ms. Evans book Guarded Dreams. It isn't necessary to read that book however to get the most out of his story and the journey of our characters, I always recommend going back to the beginning whenever possible. Brady is back in Grand Orchard NY to connect with his family during a break in his schedule and to remind himself where he came from. Here he's Cormac the local boy with the love for music and the music shop where he began his journey. There he meets his mentor Elana's beloved granddaughter "Cari". He had heard about her throughout his youth and had no idea what to expect but he didn't expect her to capture his heart at first sight yet she does, as does her daughter Hannah. For the reader there is a bit of a mystery involving "Cari" but it is quickly revealed. She and her almost 5 year old daughter have been through so much in such a short time but her goals are now simple. She wants them both laughing and singing and finding joy. And this is how their journey begins. Branded by a Song is a wonderfully emotional story about loss, love and second chances. It is perfect in its simplicity and I cannot recommend it enough.
February 1, 2021
YAY!!! We finally get Brady’s story!!!! The wonderful country star who has been traveling the world, but has roots in his hometown. Author LJ Evans has been leading up to Brady’s story throughout this whole series…and this romance is swoon-worthy! Mix Brady with Cari and you have 2 struggling souls trying to heal. All of the characters, the situations, the heart-breaking history…blend together to create an absolutely amazing love story. All of the characters (the H/h, the kids, the supporting characters) in this were so wonderful!
This Anchor series has been on my top reads since book 1, and although you can read each book as a standalone, I absolutely don’t recommend it…read the whole series! Characters from other series pop up in this one, and it is nice to know how they fit into the dynamic, plus…top read series!!!
I enjoyed Branded by a Song and adore the author and her writing. This is a great addition to the music world romances! 4.5 stars.
This Anchor series has been on my top reads since book 1, and although you can read each book as a standalone, I absolutely don’t recommend it…read the whole series! Characters from other series pop up in this one, and it is nice to know how they fit into the dynamic, plus…top read series!!!
I enjoyed Branded by a Song and adore the author and her writing. This is a great addition to the music world romances! 4.5 stars.
February 3, 2021
Brady success as musician have exceeded his wildest dreams and although he is grateful he wonders if this is all he is destined for. He is growing weary of the stress and scrutiny that he faces on an ongoing basis and needs a break so what could be better than spending time with his sister.
Tristan was devastated when her husband passed away but with the help of her grandmother she picked up the pieces and is a single mother to daughter Hannah and manages her grandmother’s music store. Although she may feel alone her grandmother may have had a bigger plan when her death brings Brady into her life. They are both looking for more in their life and if they open their hearts they might just find it in each other.
Brady and Tristan take us on an emotional journey as although they live very different lifestyles the way they support each other through everything life has and continues to throw at them is what makes their relationship so special.
Tristan was devastated when her husband passed away but with the help of her grandmother she picked up the pieces and is a single mother to daughter Hannah and manages her grandmother’s music store. Although she may feel alone her grandmother may have had a bigger plan when her death brings Brady into her life. They are both looking for more in their life and if they open their hearts they might just find it in each other.
Brady and Tristan take us on an emotional journey as although they live very different lifestyles the way they support each other through everything life has and continues to throw at them is what makes their relationship so special.
February 3, 2021
I cannot even wait for y’all to feel all these feels! I knew Brady’s story was going to be special, and it is absolutely extraordinary!
Brady has been such an amazing and intriguing—and swoony—character since the beginning of this series, and I couldn’t wait to dive into his world.
The healing and strength that Brady and Cari provide for each other made my soul awaken…not to mention Cari’s daughter, who is absolutely one of a kind! She will make your heart burst with love! I think LJ’s former life as a teacher makes her write the most incredible kids!
I don’t want to pick a favorite in this series because they are all so memorable, but this one will definitely stay with my heart forever.
Brady has been such an amazing and intriguing—and swoony—character since the beginning of this series, and I couldn’t wait to dive into his world.
The healing and strength that Brady and Cari provide for each other made my soul awaken…not to mention Cari’s daughter, who is absolutely one of a kind! She will make your heart burst with love! I think LJ’s former life as a teacher makes her write the most incredible kids!
I don’t want to pick a favorite in this series because they are all so memorable, but this one will definitely stay with my heart forever.
January 24, 2021
“When I’m with you, all the holes go away, and all I feel is complete.”
I had an inkling how rough things were with Tristan in the previous books where we met her. But I didn’t know how bad things really were. When pain consumes you, swallowing you whole, leaving you no room to expand your lungs and breathe, somehow she woke up, and forged through another day. Her sadness and hurt brought me to tears. Her daughter Hannah is amazing, and I can see her doing wonderful things in her life. I hope we get to see more of her.
Brady was just phenomenal, though I couldn’t stand his mother. I know well how parents can have favorites, but Brady’s mother took the cake. It was Cass’s love for Brady and his unfair treatment that she spoke up to their mother on his behalf. I wish it was Brady that had stood up to her instead. With how well Brady is with words, watching him speak up would have been glorious to see. I adored Cass as well. I read another reviewer wants to see Cassidy and Marco get a book, and I am completely behind that pairing.
This is an amazing book from start to finish. You’re going to fall in love with Tristan, Brady, and Hannah. You’re going to cry, and then LJ will put you back together. A truly emotional and beautiful read.
I had an inkling how rough things were with Tristan in the previous books where we met her. But I didn’t know how bad things really were. When pain consumes you, swallowing you whole, leaving you no room to expand your lungs and breathe, somehow she woke up, and forged through another day. Her sadness and hurt brought me to tears. Her daughter Hannah is amazing, and I can see her doing wonderful things in her life. I hope we get to see more of her.
Brady was just phenomenal, though I couldn’t stand his mother. I know well how parents can have favorites, but Brady’s mother took the cake. It was Cass’s love for Brady and his unfair treatment that she spoke up to their mother on his behalf. I wish it was Brady that had stood up to her instead. With how well Brady is with words, watching him speak up would have been glorious to see. I adored Cass as well. I read another reviewer wants to see Cassidy and Marco get a book, and I am completely behind that pairing.
This is an amazing book from start to finish. You’re going to fall in love with Tristan, Brady, and Hannah. You’re going to cry, and then LJ will put you back together. A truly emotional and beautiful read.
February 5, 2021
I loved the characters. It slogged a bit in middle while Tristan (I always thought of boys name) made up her mind. So a star off for dithering for forever. Brady was so cool. Hannah was fun.
There were loads of unnecessary details and characters that did not help story move along. All my opinion and I gave it a big 4 stars. I did love Brady.
There were loads of unnecessary details and characters that did not help story move along. All my opinion and I gave it a big 4 stars. I did love Brady.
March 9, 2021
Such a cute and heart warming story! I loved the way songs were weaved into the chapters from all genres, setting the mood for what's to come. Add in the love of my girl, Stevie Nicks, and this was definitely my kind of read. Highly recommend!
February 3, 2021
Ms. Evans knocks it out of the park again!
Cari is a widow. She’s been struggling with the loss for of her husband for four years, raising her daughter on her own, with the help of her beloved grandmother. Her world once again crumbled when her grandmother passed in her sleep and she is left struggling to keep her grandmother’s beloved music store alive.
Brady has become an international star since we first met him in Guarded Dreams. Although he’s adored by fans around the world, there’s still a hole in his life. He discovers that his childhood mentor and inspiration has passed away. When he goes to the music store to retrieve a chest she’d left for him, he meets Cari for the first time.
This is an emotional and uplifting story of a broken woman who learns to love again with the help of a country rock star who always puts others ahead of himself. And there’s some great cameos from some famous rock stars along the way!
Cari is a widow. She’s been struggling with the loss for of her husband for four years, raising her daughter on her own, with the help of her beloved grandmother. Her world once again crumbled when her grandmother passed in her sleep and she is left struggling to keep her grandmother’s beloved music store alive.
Brady has become an international star since we first met him in Guarded Dreams. Although he’s adored by fans around the world, there’s still a hole in his life. He discovers that his childhood mentor and inspiration has passed away. When he goes to the music store to retrieve a chest she’d left for him, he meets Cari for the first time.
This is an emotional and uplifting story of a broken woman who learns to love again with the help of a country rock star who always puts others ahead of himself. And there’s some great cameos from some famous rock stars along the way!
Read
January 23, 2021RTC
February 4, 2021
4.5 Stars
OMG Brady!!!! I don’t know how LJ keeps writing all these amazing heros. With every book of hers I read I fall more in love. (But don’t worry Seth, you’re still my favorite) The connection with him and Cari is instantaneous and it sucked me in. I devoured this book in pretty much a day. I love the single mom subgenre too. She deserved to find her second chance at happiness. Brady was just what she didn’t know she needed. And she was the perfect compliment for him as well. Add in the ridiculously cute, almost five yr old piano prodigy and their story was perfection.
OMG Brady!!!! I don’t know how LJ keeps writing all these amazing heros. With every book of hers I read I fall more in love. (But don’t worry Seth, you’re still my favorite) The connection with him and Cari is instantaneous and it sucked me in. I devoured this book in pretty much a day. I love the single mom subgenre too. She deserved to find her second chance at happiness. Brady was just what she didn’t know she needed. And she was the perfect compliment for him as well. Add in the ridiculously cute, almost five yr old piano prodigy and their story was perfection.
February 3, 2021
The Anchor Series is full of characters that have seen their fair share of difficult times. None more than Tristan. So it’s a bit surprising to me that this story brought more tears than any of the previous. Why? Because I’m a HAPPY crier.
Brady has been a beloved character in the Anchor series since book 1. Experiencing the pain we’ve seen behind his smiles was tough, but witnessing him find himself and his true heart was beautiful.
And Hannah. Sweet, magical Hannah. The duct tape that connects a square peg and round hole just perfectly. I have high hopes that LJ Evans will work HER magic sometime and let us experience more of her!
Brady has been a beloved character in the Anchor series since book 1. Experiencing the pain we’ve seen behind his smiles was tough, but witnessing him find himself and his true heart was beautiful.
And Hannah. Sweet, magical Hannah. The duct tape that connects a square peg and round hole just perfectly. I have high hopes that LJ Evans will work HER magic sometime and let us experience more of her!
February 1, 2021
I want to start by elaborating on the fact that I obtained this book via an ARC I specifically requested. As a huge fan of LJ Evans’, I am part of her ARC Team and have a deep appreciation for her stories and how she weaves loss and sorrow into something intimately powerful to the reader.
Before I dig into this review, I also want to point out that she’s one of very few authors that I know of who puts a big emphasis on a playlist that accompanies each and every one of her books. It truly is amazing to read her books while having the playlist going in the background. I’ve always felt that it brings me closer not only to the character she brings to life, but to her as well. The way she felt or was motivated by different scenes and emotions bleeding through the pages.
Branded By a Song was an incredibly emotional romance story that had me tearing up pretty regularly throughout the entire novel. If you’re familiar with LJ Evans, than you know this is part of an entire series of books that make up her Anchor Series. Therefore, I had met both of these main characters in the previous novel Damaged Desires. The main female character, Tristan, moved my heart when I met her before and I already knew I was going to be emotional with this being her centrally focused story. Her backstory is that she lost her husband four and a half years ago. He was a Navy SEAL and lost his life in battle. Tristan has never been the same, but she has done her best to raise her daughter and care for themselves on their own while battling the loss and grief.
But now we get to learn more about Tristan, her daughter, the grandmother Elana and how Brady O’Neil – Country Music Super Star – is tied to them all in the amazing small town of Orchard Grove.
As I previously mentioned, this was an intense read. Tristan is processing an incredible amount of grief over losing her husband and has kind of resigned herself to being alone the rest of her life and living in this in-between grey area where she’s never really fully happy but never quite falling apart either.
Brady is returning home to his little sister and family to stay for the holidays, and get back in touch with his musical muse, when a big announcement from his little sister has him making plans to stay around a bit more often.
The common thread between Brady and Tristan finally draws them together, after living their lives always hearing about the other but never actually meeting in person. UNTIL NOW. One of the things I think I loved the most about this story is that both characters feel so deeply and neither one really tries to lead the other one on. Their is a lot of frankness between the characters, but also understanding of each others circumstances. But it’s impossible to walk away from someone that has made you feel more alive than you ever have in your life. This goes for both characters. Plus Tristan’s daughter, Hannah, is about the sweetest and most endearing supporting character you’re going to find.
Bringing together the small town romance feel while also encapsulating a VAST range of emotion and characters, LJ Evans took my heart on another ride that left me feeling spent, drained, relieved and sated at the end. Brady and Tristan get everything they both deserved in life and I was weeping at the end of the story. Overcome with more emotion than I knew what to do with – causing my husband to reach over and ask me what in the world I was reading.
I will never be able to say enough about her writing style, but she weaves a story in a way that you’re watching artwork; whether fine art, lyrical or dimensional. it takes you on a visionary experience like no other and always leaves me feeling like I just reunited with an old friend after a lifetime of being apart.
Before I dig into this review, I also want to point out that she’s one of very few authors that I know of who puts a big emphasis on a playlist that accompanies each and every one of her books. It truly is amazing to read her books while having the playlist going in the background. I’ve always felt that it brings me closer not only to the character she brings to life, but to her as well. The way she felt or was motivated by different scenes and emotions bleeding through the pages.
Branded By a Song was an incredibly emotional romance story that had me tearing up pretty regularly throughout the entire novel. If you’re familiar with LJ Evans, than you know this is part of an entire series of books that make up her Anchor Series. Therefore, I had met both of these main characters in the previous novel Damaged Desires. The main female character, Tristan, moved my heart when I met her before and I already knew I was going to be emotional with this being her centrally focused story. Her backstory is that she lost her husband four and a half years ago. He was a Navy SEAL and lost his life in battle. Tristan has never been the same, but she has done her best to raise her daughter and care for themselves on their own while battling the loss and grief.
But now we get to learn more about Tristan, her daughter, the grandmother Elana and how Brady O’Neil – Country Music Super Star – is tied to them all in the amazing small town of Orchard Grove.
As I previously mentioned, this was an intense read. Tristan is processing an incredible amount of grief over losing her husband and has kind of resigned herself to being alone the rest of her life and living in this in-between grey area where she’s never really fully happy but never quite falling apart either.
Brady is returning home to his little sister and family to stay for the holidays, and get back in touch with his musical muse, when a big announcement from his little sister has him making plans to stay around a bit more often.
The common thread between Brady and Tristan finally draws them together, after living their lives always hearing about the other but never actually meeting in person. UNTIL NOW. One of the things I think I loved the most about this story is that both characters feel so deeply and neither one really tries to lead the other one on. Their is a lot of frankness between the characters, but also understanding of each others circumstances. But it’s impossible to walk away from someone that has made you feel more alive than you ever have in your life. This goes for both characters. Plus Tristan’s daughter, Hannah, is about the sweetest and most endearing supporting character you’re going to find.
Bringing together the small town romance feel while also encapsulating a VAST range of emotion and characters, LJ Evans took my heart on another ride that left me feeling spent, drained, relieved and sated at the end. Brady and Tristan get everything they both deserved in life and I was weeping at the end of the story. Overcome with more emotion than I knew what to do with – causing my husband to reach over and ask me what in the world I was reading.
I will never be able to say enough about her writing style, but she weaves a story in a way that you’re watching artwork; whether fine art, lyrical or dimensional. it takes you on a visionary experience like no other and always leaves me feeling like I just reunited with an old friend after a lifetime of being apart.
February 1, 2021
Where do I begin? Let me preface this by saying I read a lot and have since I could string together the letters that made words pop out on a page. I've always gravitated towards the romance genre because let's face it, who doesn't love a happily ever after? I haven't yet met a book by LJ that I didn't love and this one makes the list of books that give me a complete book hangover. So if this review does not make any sense at all, well...I'm still gutted from LJ's gift of storytelling.
What I love about the Anchor novels is that while each book can be read as a standalone, the characters are woven into each story with each book shining the spotlight on one particular couple. Brady and Tristan are not strangers to me because of this so it was like sitting down with old friends to watch their story unfold.
There is less than six degrees of separation with Brady and Cari (not her real name) but they did not meet until this point. They have friends in common who are the anchors (see what I did there, LJ?), but the common denominator for them was the formidable woman known as Elana. She was a pillar of strength for each of them when they needed it most. The wisdom she imparted on each of them through the years built the strongest foundation for the beginning of their relationship. All the answers they needed to life's questions were right there inside them just waiting to be drawn out. And then there was Hannah. The little spitfire of personality. The one who lived life in color and was an old soul at the tender age of four. The one who was drawn to Brady not because he was a famous country music star but because of their mutual love of music. Together these three and their love for Elana found a way to let Elana's legacy live on in away that was meaningful to them. I loved how the dynamics of music signified feelings and emotions throughout the book. Reading words like legato, crescendo, coda..I felt those musical dynamics in the emotions this story elicited from me. Excuse me while I shed a few more tears for this story...
I received an advance copy of this book at my request and voluntarily left this review.
What I love about the Anchor novels is that while each book can be read as a standalone, the characters are woven into each story with each book shining the spotlight on one particular couple. Brady and Tristan are not strangers to me because of this so it was like sitting down with old friends to watch their story unfold.
There is less than six degrees of separation with Brady and Cari (not her real name) but they did not meet until this point. They have friends in common who are the anchors (see what I did there, LJ?), but the common denominator for them was the formidable woman known as Elana. She was a pillar of strength for each of them when they needed it most. The wisdom she imparted on each of them through the years built the strongest foundation for the beginning of their relationship. All the answers they needed to life's questions were right there inside them just waiting to be drawn out. And then there was Hannah. The little spitfire of personality. The one who lived life in color and was an old soul at the tender age of four. The one who was drawn to Brady not because he was a famous country music star but because of their mutual love of music. Together these three and their love for Elana found a way to let Elana's legacy live on in away that was meaningful to them. I loved how the dynamics of music signified feelings and emotions throughout the book. Reading words like legato, crescendo, coda..I felt those musical dynamics in the emotions this story elicited from me. Excuse me while I shed a few more tears for this story...
I received an advance copy of this book at my request and voluntarily left this review.
February 5, 2021
Branded By a Song by LJ Evans, is the fifth book in the Anchor Series
Brady O’Neil is a bestselling country artist, who feels like he’s lost his mojo. Tristan Morgan is a grieving widow with a 4 year old daughter. She lost her husband, a Navy, SEAL when her little girl, Hannah was just a few months old. Tristan came to Grand Orchard to help her grandmother, Elena, when she broke her hip, and ended up staying and helping her with her music store. Elena was a music teacher and insisted on calling him Cormac, which is Brady’s given name), was her star student when he was growing up. Cormac and Cari, (Elena’s pet name for Tristan), never met because when Cari would come for summer vacation, that was when Cormac (Brady) would be gone to music camp!
Brady and Tristan meet when Brady comes home to be with his sister Cassidy, who is pregnant and is a bit fragile, while their parents are teaching in Ireland.
As Brady is going through the instructions left by his mother, to help care for his sister, he finds a note telling him that Elena has passed away and left him a box. He is devastated!
He meets Cari when he goes to pick up the box. When he is home, he tries to disguise himself to keep from constantly being hounded by his fans. So he introduces himself as Cormac and asks for Cari. Tristan is surprised because only her Grandmother called her Cari. Brady is immediately interested in Cari, but she is still grieving, and denies the unfamiliar spark she feels.
Branded by a Song has it all, tragedy, grief, two people who complete each other, and a darling 4 year old musical genius that Brady also can’t resist. Family issues they are both trying to deal with. Cari has to decide if she’s brave enough to open her heart again.
You will absolutely love this book! L J Evans is a masterful storyteller
Brady O’Neil is a bestselling country artist, who feels like he’s lost his mojo. Tristan Morgan is a grieving widow with a 4 year old daughter. She lost her husband, a Navy, SEAL when her little girl, Hannah was just a few months old. Tristan came to Grand Orchard to help her grandmother, Elena, when she broke her hip, and ended up staying and helping her with her music store. Elena was a music teacher and insisted on calling him Cormac, which is Brady’s given name), was her star student when he was growing up. Cormac and Cari, (Elena’s pet name for Tristan), never met because when Cari would come for summer vacation, that was when Cormac (Brady) would be gone to music camp!
Brady and Tristan meet when Brady comes home to be with his sister Cassidy, who is pregnant and is a bit fragile, while their parents are teaching in Ireland.
As Brady is going through the instructions left by his mother, to help care for his sister, he finds a note telling him that Elena has passed away and left him a box. He is devastated!
He meets Cari when he goes to pick up the box. When he is home, he tries to disguise himself to keep from constantly being hounded by his fans. So he introduces himself as Cormac and asks for Cari. Tristan is surprised because only her Grandmother called her Cari. Brady is immediately interested in Cari, but she is still grieving, and denies the unfamiliar spark she feels.
Branded by a Song has it all, tragedy, grief, two people who complete each other, and a darling 4 year old musical genius that Brady also can’t resist. Family issues they are both trying to deal with. Cari has to decide if she’s brave enough to open her heart again.
You will absolutely love this book! L J Evans is a masterful storyteller
February 3, 2021
"The only thing I cared about was following Cari into that black void and hoping I never came back."
This book is absolutely everything. LJ Evans never fails to capture real emotions with her characters, but she took it to a whole new level with this book. I couldn't adore Brady, Cari, and the little prodigy more. And who doesn't want to watch the rockstar chase after the girl and really have to work for it?
The character development in this book is simply incredible. Watching Brady go from the eternal flirt to someone who questions his priorities and place in the world, to someone ready to take on the world for those he loves was just incredible. I loved watching his journey and felt every single emotion he went through. And Cari had such a tough journey. My heart broke for her, but I couldn't help cheer her on every step of the way as she discovered herself yet again. I also loved that she didn't make it easy for Brady. Watching him chase her was fantastic! And the prodigy stole my heart from the very beginning. I don't always think kids are well done in books, but I loved her so, so much! She was sweet and quirky, and I don't know how anyone could not fall in love with her.
And the chemistry between these two?!?! So. perfect. I loved the common connection they had, the friendship they built, and the undeniable attraction and chemistry. Even more than that, I believed with all of my heart that they were truly meant for each other. I loved the quiet ways they looked out for one another, and the way they all three fit together like puzzle pieces.
If you want a book where the characters pop right off the pages and into your heart, this is the book for you. Be careful, because you won't be able to put it down once you start, but it will be worth every second of your time.
This book is absolutely everything. LJ Evans never fails to capture real emotions with her characters, but she took it to a whole new level with this book. I couldn't adore Brady, Cari, and the little prodigy more. And who doesn't want to watch the rockstar chase after the girl and really have to work for it?
The character development in this book is simply incredible. Watching Brady go from the eternal flirt to someone who questions his priorities and place in the world, to someone ready to take on the world for those he loves was just incredible. I loved watching his journey and felt every single emotion he went through. And Cari had such a tough journey. My heart broke for her, but I couldn't help cheer her on every step of the way as she discovered herself yet again. I also loved that she didn't make it easy for Brady. Watching him chase her was fantastic! And the prodigy stole my heart from the very beginning. I don't always think kids are well done in books, but I loved her so, so much! She was sweet and quirky, and I don't know how anyone could not fall in love with her.
And the chemistry between these two?!?! So. perfect. I loved the common connection they had, the friendship they built, and the undeniable attraction and chemistry. Even more than that, I believed with all of my heart that they were truly meant for each other. I loved the quiet ways they looked out for one another, and the way they all three fit together like puzzle pieces.
If you want a book where the characters pop right off the pages and into your heart, this is the book for you. Be careful, because you won't be able to put it down once you start, but it will be worth every second of your time.
February 4, 2021
When Brady comes to his home in Grand Orchard, he doesn’t have to hide. He doesn’t worry that he will be mobbed or followed, or hounded... because here, he’d just Cormac, the boy who grew up there. He can kickback and move freely. This time, he’s home for a while, his parents are working in Ireland, and he’s here to help his sister, Cassidy, with her new baby. When he looks through the messages his mother sent him, he finds one regarding a lawyer and something his mentor and friend, Elena, left for him... no one had let him know that Elena had died.
Tristan is Elenas granddaughter and has lived with her for several years. Shortly after her husband dies, she and her daughter Hannah had moved to Grand Orchard. She has lost so much in her life. She was married to a military man who left her for months on end frequently. It’s been four and a half years... and she still mourns him. Her grandmother left Tristan her home and the misidentified store she loved. The same music store where Cormac/Brady worked in and too lessons from Elena in when he was a boy.
When Brady goes to the music store and sees Tristan for the first time, he is struck dumb. His reaction to her is that she fills parts of him that he wants filled, and he wants her. Tristan feels something,but feels like it’s cheating on her dead husband, so she keeps her distance. Can they find each other with her still in mourning? Will her guilt keep her alone for the rest of her life? This book is a ride you’ll want to ride to the end! The story is so touching and full of heart and feelings!! I love Brady, have loved him since we met him at Julliard. And Tristan, who we learned more about in Damaged Desires, deserves to be happy! I truly fell in love with these characters,and was enamored by this book!
Tristan is Elenas granddaughter and has lived with her for several years. Shortly after her husband dies, she and her daughter Hannah had moved to Grand Orchard. She has lost so much in her life. She was married to a military man who left her for months on end frequently. It’s been four and a half years... and she still mourns him. Her grandmother left Tristan her home and the misidentified store she loved. The same music store where Cormac/Brady worked in and too lessons from Elena in when he was a boy.
When Brady goes to the music store and sees Tristan for the first time, he is struck dumb. His reaction to her is that she fills parts of him that he wants filled, and he wants her. Tristan feels something,but feels like it’s cheating on her dead husband, so she keeps her distance. Can they find each other with her still in mourning? Will her guilt keep her alone for the rest of her life? This book is a ride you’ll want to ride to the end! The story is so touching and full of heart and feelings!! I love Brady, have loved him since we met him at Julliard. And Tristan, who we learned more about in Damaged Desires, deserves to be happy! I truly fell in love with these characters,and was enamored by this book!
February 4, 2021
Brady, the country star, was missing something in his life and he didn't know what it was until he went home to Grand Orchard. Tristan, the single mother, had lost everything four and a half years ago when her husband died. Their story is a rock-star, slow-burn romance that almost doesn't happen because Tristan feels like she is betraying her dead husband. The loss of Tristan's grandmother is what brings them together to begin with but what holds them together is the love that starts growing between them. Brady is ready to prove to everyone including his own family that he is ready for more than just a fling when it comes to being with Tristan. Tristan just wants to feel again and boy does she when Brady comes into her and her daughters life. Brady brings the music and joy back to Hannah, Tristan's almost 5 year old daughter, after she looses her great-grandmother who taught her to love all music. Brady and Tristan are the couple to aspire to be with the slow romance and utmost devotion to each other and Hannah. LJ wrote this story with the main mission to break your heart but also put it back together by making it stronger with the love and devotion that these two characters show to everything and everyone in their lives.
February 3, 2021
I was fortunate to receive an ARC of this book and am reviewing it honestly. To be honest, I knew I would love it before I even opened it, because I was finally going to get Brady’s story! If you aren’t familiar with Brady, he’s the singer/songwriter we first met as Ava’s songwriting partner and best friend in Guarded Dreams, the first novel in the Anchor series. This book can be read as a stand alone, but I’d recommend reading the rest of series too, because it’s that good!
What we don’t expect is who Brady’s lady love is, because we’ve met her before as well. No spoilers, but you’re going to squeal when you realize who it is. “Cari” has experienced the loss of her husband and is now raising her young daughter alone. She’s moved to upstate New York to live and help her grandmother run her music store.
A series of events brings the two together, and to say magic happens would be an understatement. Add in Cari’s young daughter, who just happens to be a musical prodigy, and you have a story that will capture your heart and make you believe in true love and second chances.
Be sure to grab this book and read it. You won’t be sorry!
What we don’t expect is who Brady’s lady love is, because we’ve met her before as well. No spoilers, but you’re going to squeal when you realize who it is. “Cari” has experienced the loss of her husband and is now raising her young daughter alone. She’s moved to upstate New York to live and help her grandmother run her music store.
A series of events brings the two together, and to say magic happens would be an understatement. Add in Cari’s young daughter, who just happens to be a musical prodigy, and you have a story that will capture your heart and make you believe in true love and second chances.
Be sure to grab this book and read it. You won’t be sorry!
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