I Choose You, Lochlan Drake

by Cori Zahara

Lourdez...
The weatherman warned against traveling today, but I didn’t listen and decided to take my beat-up old car across the state of Oregon.
It didn’t make it, and I ended up saved by someone I never would have expected.
Something else I never would have expected, the rescue vehicle to break down on the same journey.
But there are worse things than being broken down on the side of the road, freezing and starving with a cute guy, right?
Except there isn’t, because it’s snowing, almost a blizzard.
And his brother and my best friend is dying, and we’re both so worried we won’t get there in time.
And along with all that pain and fear trapped in this car with us, is also so much animosity, because this cute guy, he spent three years in prison once for a lie I told.

50 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 6, 2025

About the author

Just a weirdo, who has imaginary people talking to her...who she then writes books on, starting with the end of their story. Yes, I told you...weird.

Reviews

[Evy S · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5 ⭐️
“Some people are desperate to live. On the dark days, I’ll live for him.”

For a short story, this was so damn captivating. Just wow. Never have I ever read such a short story that made my heart ache this much.

[Darkbookghoul · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have just finished I Choose You, Lochlan Drake by Cori Zahara and WOW! She still manages to pack a punch in a short story.

Lourdez is travelling to see her best friend, who is currently ill in hospital and is dying, but the weather is very bad and her old car breaks down in the blizzard. While stranded she gets picked up by a hot guy, who happens to be her best friend’s brother but not only that the guy that she sent to prison for sexually assaulting her, but did he do it?
Even in this short book there are so many emotions and I was totally gripped!!!! How can you feel so many things in such a short time?! Please Cori, we need more of Lourdez and Lochlan!! Although not as dark as Cori’s other books, there are still some things that readers may not like, so please check your triggers!

What to expect:

❄️ Forced proximity
❄️ Sexual assault
❄️ Domestic abuse (parent)
❄️ Death of loved ones
❄️ Second chance love
❄️ Wrongful imprisonment
❄️ Stranded in a snow storm

[Megan Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again amazed yet not surprised at how fast Cori will make you love her characters. Holy cow 50 pages and I’m OBSESSED. 😭 Lourdez is tortured over a lie she was forced to tell about a boy she was truthfully in love with who SAVED her but she sent to prison , Lochlan is just idk how to even put it … he’s a Cori MMC and that’s all I should have to say. 😂 Fresh out of prison - he was sent over a lie from his brothers best friend .. and now his brother is about to pass away and he’s going through a blizzard to get to him when none other than LOURDEZ is broke down on the side of the road. On her way to see his brother and say goodbye. Forced Prox , second chance (in my opinion) , ugh just I hope there’s more one day 😭

[Sarah Seelbaugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a brief and charming tale about the most adorable couple imaginable. Lourdez and Lochlan have faced numerous challenges together. However, Cori demonstrates that even during difficult times, the support of a friend can make all the difference. However, i want more of this couple! Cori is a great author.

[Rachel · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a short quick easy novella only 50 pages.
I probably won’t remember this book but i had a good time reading it and sometimes as a big reader i just need a short read and this was exactly that.
⭐️2.5
🌶️0

“The past shouldn't stop you from having a future.
The people who don't get to stay here as long as the rest of us wouldn't want that, and they live on in other ways with.”

[MsAprilreadswhat · Rating 5 out of 5]

More

As always Cori knows how to write stories that leave you wanting more. So cori if you read this we want more of this couple!!

[Taylor Moon · Rating 5 out of 5]

❄️🚘

Ahhhh! Another masterpiece by Cori Zahara. I loved this short story, in only around 50 pages I was completely captivated from start to finish. 🖤❄️

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

🌶️

I loved this short story! It really tugged on my heartstrings! If you’re looking for a short read to get you all up in your feelings, I highly recommend!