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Anchor Suspense #1
Unmasked Dreams
He’s a covert agent disguised as a reckless racer. She’s a brilliant scientist trying to forget their past. When danger drags her into his world again, protecting her may be his greatest gamble yet.
The first time Violet entered Dawson’s life, she was a teen prodigy, and he was a guilt-ridden screw-up fighting temptation. Five years later, she’s hidden her heart and built a world in her garage lab, while he juggles three separate lives—FBI operative, adrenaline junkie, and sinner seeking redemption.
When Violet stumbles into his mission, one brush of a hand proves the fire between them never died. As enemies circle and his secrets unravel, Dawson must decide if claiming Violet is worth the storm that could drag her down with him.
She’s always been his greatest weakness… and this time, resisting her might be the one battle he doesn’t survive.
In a world built on lies, their love may be the most dangerous truth.
The Anchor Suspense Novels are interconnected standalones best read in order.>
The first time Violet entered Dawson’s life, she was a teen prodigy, and he was a guilt-ridden screw-up fighting temptation. Five years later, she’s hidden her heart and built a world in her garage lab, while he juggles three separate lives—FBI operative, adrenaline junkie, and sinner seeking redemption.
When Violet stumbles into his mission, one brush of a hand proves the fire between them never died. As enemies circle and his secrets unravel, Dawson must decide if claiming Violet is worth the storm that could drag her down with him.
She’s always been his greatest weakness… and this time, resisting her might be the one battle he doesn’t survive.
In a world built on lies, their love may be the most dangerous truth.
The Anchor Suspense Novels are interconnected standalones best read in order.>
406 pages, Paperback
Published October 27, 2025
288 people are currently reading
480 people want to read
About the author
L.J. Evans
32 books1,325 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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March 27, 2021
Unmasked Dreams is a stand alone romantic suspense by L.J. Evans. Violet and Dawson were introduced in L.J.’s previous book, Avenged By Love which was Violet’s sister Jersey and Dawson’s brother, Truck’s story. This book takes place five years later. I have not read the previous book. Plenty of details are given to help you put together the details of any previous history.
Violet Banner is twenty one years old now and is working on her doctoral degree in chemistry but she’s not happy. She’s been casually dating a man who wants more than she’s willing to give. At school she’s just going through the motions. When her father dies and Violet goes home to New London and the Books and Beds by the Sea Bed and Breakfast, she feels a peace she hasn’t felt in a long time. It’s time to come home and follow her dreams. Only she soon realizes that someone else from her past is also calling the B & B home, the man she’s had a huge crush on since she was a teenager and the man she’s never fully been able to get out of her heart, Dawson.
Dawson Langely is twenty seven years old and races boats with his business partner, Dax. Dawson is also back in New London. Dawson and Violet have never kissed, have never voiced their feelings for each other. But it’s always been there between them, that thing binding them together. They’re not kids anymore. Violet definitely isn’t! She’s all grown up and more beautiful than ever. But now more than ever, Dawson knows he has to stay away from her. Because there’s one thing Dawson has plenty of, and that’s secrets.
“The boy I couldn’t have had turned into a man who was even more off-limits.”
The longer Dawson and Violet are near each other, the stronger the pull becomes between them. Dawson knows it’s not safe for Violet. But there is a limit to how strong he can be, for how long he can deny himself what has always been his. As all of Dawson’s secrets fight for dominance, Violet can’t help but to be drawn in to a world she doesn’t completely understand. One thing is for certain, though. When the people she cares about are in danger, she will do whatever is needed to protect them. Regardless of how much danger it might put her in.
This is a slow burn romance. The author has constructed a complex world of good vs evil, of the right side trying to overtake the wrong side. The last twenty five percent was crazy intense. It’s a story of true love being strong enough to wait for the two in it’s clutches to be ready for each other. This is my third book by this author and once again, her beautiful words have swept me away. As I said, it’s definitely not required but if you do plan on reading this and have the time, it would probably deepen your enjoyment if you read Avenged By Love first.
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...
Violet Banner is twenty one years old now and is working on her doctoral degree in chemistry but she’s not happy. She’s been casually dating a man who wants more than she’s willing to give. At school she’s just going through the motions. When her father dies and Violet goes home to New London and the Books and Beds by the Sea Bed and Breakfast, she feels a peace she hasn’t felt in a long time. It’s time to come home and follow her dreams. Only she soon realizes that someone else from her past is also calling the B & B home, the man she’s had a huge crush on since she was a teenager and the man she’s never fully been able to get out of her heart, Dawson.
Dawson Langely is twenty seven years old and races boats with his business partner, Dax. Dawson is also back in New London. Dawson and Violet have never kissed, have never voiced their feelings for each other. But it’s always been there between them, that thing binding them together. They’re not kids anymore. Violet definitely isn’t! She’s all grown up and more beautiful than ever. But now more than ever, Dawson knows he has to stay away from her. Because there’s one thing Dawson has plenty of, and that’s secrets.
“The boy I couldn’t have had turned into a man who was even more off-limits.”
The longer Dawson and Violet are near each other, the stronger the pull becomes between them. Dawson knows it’s not safe for Violet. But there is a limit to how strong he can be, for how long he can deny himself what has always been his. As all of Dawson’s secrets fight for dominance, Violet can’t help but to be drawn in to a world she doesn’t completely understand. One thing is for certain, though. When the people she cares about are in danger, she will do whatever is needed to protect them. Regardless of how much danger it might put her in.
This is a slow burn romance. The author has constructed a complex world of good vs evil, of the right side trying to overtake the wrong side. The last twenty five percent was crazy intense. It’s a story of true love being strong enough to wait for the two in it’s clutches to be ready for each other. This is my third book by this author and once again, her beautiful words have swept me away. As I said, it’s definitely not required but if you do plan on reading this and have the time, it would probably deepen your enjoyment if you read Avenged By Love first.
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 19, 2021
"We were pieces of the same puzzle. Pieces that had gotten lost for a while, but then come crashing back together."
When I read the inspiration behind this book was Daughtry's song "What About Now", I knew I had to read it. That song was part of every playlist I ever had, and I love the band. Knowing L.J. always makes a connection between chapters and music, I knew this would be right up my alley. And I wasn't wrong.
"There are certain chemical reactions that, once they’ve occurred, you can never get back the base elements. I don’t ever want to be Violet without Dawson again."
Violet and Dawson first met when she was 16 and he was 22. There was an instant attraction, but she was obviously off-limits, not only because of her age, but also for family reasons I don't want to get into so I don't spoil anything for anyone. Suffice to say that this attraction hasn't gone away with time – if anything, it just became stronger.
"I hadn’t walked away. I’d actually run. But it wasn’t because I didn’t want her. It was because I wanted her too much."
I love Dawson. I love my heroes to be protective, grumpy, and rough around the edges. I love that we get to peel away layers of Dawson while we're reading and we get to know him more and more, bit by bit, until we know exactly the kind of man he is. And we fall a tiny bit in love with him too.
"I refused to be the lovesick puppy dancing around him, purposefully tempting him like I’d once done."
I wish I were Violet. I love how intelligent she is, I love her sass, I love that she's her own independent woman. I really like that she is establishing differences between the 16-year-old self she was when she feel in love with Dawson and who she is now. She's not only grown, she's matured. She knows what she wants, and she is fighting for her dreams.
I also loved that we got glimpses of their past selves. The romantic in me loves to see the small moments where everything starts.
"These moments with him were always like this. Bigger than life. Bigger than dreams. Bigger than science."
They are now 21 and 27. Violet is getting her doctorate in Chemistry and she wants the chance to save the world somehow through the chemical formulas she has swimming around in her head all the time. Dawson races boats for a living, and is away most of the time. They don't see each other that much, they have never meaningfully touched or kissed, or even expressed their feelings out loud.
But that is only making it worse, and it's like magnet and metal, because the pull is inescapable. Or Vanadium and Bromine merging, if you want to talk chemistry like Violet, because it was meant to be.
Amid their love story, there's a lot going on – a lot of action and suspense that only adds to the story and sucks you in deeper. I didn't want to put this down. I needed to know how it ended. And let me tell you: the bonus epilogue is all sorts of sweet, while also leaving some breadcrumbs to the next story.
"What if our love never went away?
What if it's lost behind words we could never find?" (Daughtry, "What About Now")
The thing with these two is that the existing angst doesn't come from them, because they're perfect for each other. It comes from the outside world and all the things they could never say to each other, and all the secrets Dawson is keeping. And once they're able to leave everything behind and focus on who they are now, separate and together, it all makes perfect sense.
Once the words finally come out, and they let go, it's like coming home.
Fantastic book.
When I read the inspiration behind this book was Daughtry's song "What About Now", I knew I had to read it. That song was part of every playlist I ever had, and I love the band. Knowing L.J. always makes a connection between chapters and music, I knew this would be right up my alley. And I wasn't wrong.
"There are certain chemical reactions that, once they’ve occurred, you can never get back the base elements. I don’t ever want to be Violet without Dawson again."
Violet and Dawson first met when she was 16 and he was 22. There was an instant attraction, but she was obviously off-limits, not only because of her age, but also for family reasons I don't want to get into so I don't spoil anything for anyone. Suffice to say that this attraction hasn't gone away with time – if anything, it just became stronger.
"I hadn’t walked away. I’d actually run. But it wasn’t because I didn’t want her. It was because I wanted her too much."
I love Dawson. I love my heroes to be protective, grumpy, and rough around the edges. I love that we get to peel away layers of Dawson while we're reading and we get to know him more and more, bit by bit, until we know exactly the kind of man he is. And we fall a tiny bit in love with him too.
"I refused to be the lovesick puppy dancing around him, purposefully tempting him like I’d once done."
I wish I were Violet. I love how intelligent she is, I love her sass, I love that she's her own independent woman. I really like that she is establishing differences between the 16-year-old self she was when she feel in love with Dawson and who she is now. She's not only grown, she's matured. She knows what she wants, and she is fighting for her dreams.
I also loved that we got glimpses of their past selves. The romantic in me loves to see the small moments where everything starts.
"These moments with him were always like this. Bigger than life. Bigger than dreams. Bigger than science."
They are now 21 and 27. Violet is getting her doctorate in Chemistry and she wants the chance to save the world somehow through the chemical formulas she has swimming around in her head all the time. Dawson races boats for a living, and is away most of the time. They don't see each other that much, they have never meaningfully touched or kissed, or even expressed their feelings out loud.
But that is only making it worse, and it's like magnet and metal, because the pull is inescapable. Or Vanadium and Bromine merging, if you want to talk chemistry like Violet, because it was meant to be.
Amid their love story, there's a lot going on – a lot of action and suspense that only adds to the story and sucks you in deeper. I didn't want to put this down. I needed to know how it ended. And let me tell you: the bonus epilogue is all sorts of sweet, while also leaving some breadcrumbs to the next story.
"What if our love never went away?
What if it's lost behind words we could never find?" (Daughtry, "What About Now")
The thing with these two is that the existing angst doesn't come from them, because they're perfect for each other. It comes from the outside world and all the things they could never say to each other, and all the secrets Dawson is keeping. And once they're able to leave everything behind and focus on who they are now, separate and together, it all makes perfect sense.
Once the words finally come out, and they let go, it's like coming home.
Fantastic book.
March 30, 2021
4.5 STARS
Please check out the full review (shorter) on my BLOG -> CLICK HERE
April 6, 2021
We met Dawson and Violet in Avenged by Love and since reading that I've been wanting their story. LJ Evans definitely gave me what I was asking for, because wow, this story was amazing! Not only did we get some amazing characters, but this story really kept me on the edge of my seat. I read this book in one day!
Unmasked Dreams is the kind of book for me that I enjoyed so much that it's kind of hard to put into words what I loved so much. It's clear from when we met them in Avenged by Love that Violet and Dawson had a special connection, but the timing just wasn't right. That's still the case so many years later.
Violet is definitely a favorite of mine. She's quirky and geeky, but doesn't let anyone stop her from believing in what she does and following her dreams. Violet is crazy smart and independent and I loved how she didn't let her family's past stop her from living.
Dawson got into some trouble when he was younger and had times where he didn't feel like he could do anything right. This brought his life to a place where he's trying to prove he can be responsible and good. Even if he's risking his life doing this. I loved that we didn't get the full story from the start, but it got built up with bits and pieces. Dawson has a heart of gold and wants to protect everyone he loves. He just needs to learn that he's worthy of that love and protection as well.
Unmasked Dreams is not only a romance that slowly builds up (and believe me the tension jumps off of the page), but filled with suspense as well. I was so afraid things were going to go wrong and just when I thought everything was settled LJ hit us with a twist! What a ride! And yet again, she mixed this book with music and I loved all of the choices. Listening to the playlist while reading definitely adds to the whole experience.
Unmasked Dreams is the kind of book for me that I enjoyed so much that it's kind of hard to put into words what I loved so much. It's clear from when we met them in Avenged by Love that Violet and Dawson had a special connection, but the timing just wasn't right. That's still the case so many years later.
Violet is definitely a favorite of mine. She's quirky and geeky, but doesn't let anyone stop her from believing in what she does and following her dreams. Violet is crazy smart and independent and I loved how she didn't let her family's past stop her from living.
Dawson got into some trouble when he was younger and had times where he didn't feel like he could do anything right. This brought his life to a place where he's trying to prove he can be responsible and good. Even if he's risking his life doing this. I loved that we didn't get the full story from the start, but it got built up with bits and pieces. Dawson has a heart of gold and wants to protect everyone he loves. He just needs to learn that he's worthy of that love and protection as well.
Unmasked Dreams is not only a romance that slowly builds up (and believe me the tension jumps off of the page), but filled with suspense as well. I was so afraid things were going to go wrong and just when I thought everything was settled LJ hit us with a twist! What a ride! And yet again, she mixed this book with music and I loved all of the choices. Listening to the playlist while reading definitely adds to the whole experience.
April 5, 2021
Wow just wow!!! What a ride!! LJ Evans is a fantastic story teller and this book highlights her talents! There’s romance, mystery and danger.....this is one of those book that could definitely be a movie! I couldn’t put it down once I started it and at 70% the suspense really notched up so I did what anyone else would do.....I decided to forgo sleep and finish the book! I was invested in this story from page 1 and I couldn’t love Dawson and Violet more. The one thing I took away from this book is that the past doesn’t define you or your future. Seriously a fantastic book.....now I’m waiting patiently (or maybe not so patiently LOL) for Jada and Dex’s story!
April 26, 2021
"Our lives had blended together, shifted apart, and found their way back to each other. But int the end, my original theorem at sixteen had proven true. We hadn't been water and cesium then. We weren't Dawson or Violet now. We were Vanadium and Bromine merging. We were solely and completely one unit. A water based solution that was always meant to be."
Violet, an aspiring scientist who is pursing her doctor degree along side her science boyfriend. Once she receives a phone call from her sister notifying her of their fathers death she returns home to help out with arrangements. While home she realizes that she doesn't want to be a quote on quote scientist who finds the cure for cancer, she doesn't want to pursue her doctorate degree and she definitely doesn't want this science boyfriend while though she feels bad for him shes never loved. So she makes the decision to stay home and make her own lab in the garage to come up with a formula to put in skincare products to prevent cancer from ever occurring in those products.
Dawson, a man of many jobs. He builds and races boats, smuggles drugs and cash from different countries and drives an amazing Aston Martin. Did I mention that hes also Dawson gets into being an FBI agent because he feels like he has something to prove. "No good to the core" the words of Dawson's father repeating through his head over and over again. Its hard for him to want to get involved in certain situations because he feels as though he will mess it up or that hes not good enough for it. But that is all until he reconnects with Violet after about 5 years.
Water+Cesium - The reaction is very exothermic. The reaction is so fast that if the reaction is carried out in a glass vessel, the glass container will shatter.
Looking at the chemical reaction of the combination of water and cesium it greatly describes the relationship of Dawson and Violet in the beginning chapters of the book. They were very hesitant about being together. Violet not wanting to be that young vulnerable teenage girl she was back in the day and Dawson believe that hes not good enough to love someone and that he'll ruin their lives. They were hesitant to even look at each other too long let alone hug or shake hands. They didn't want to pursue anything further because of their individual fears. That is until a mutual friend of theirs, someone who is very close to each of them ends up in danger and needing help. Helping save her is a hard task at hand. Including escaping, violence, running from someone who is trying to murder you and ending up in the hospital it all works out in the end. Not only with their friend being saved but the strength of Violet and Dawson's relationship.
Violet, an aspiring scientist who is pursing her doctor degree along side her science boyfriend. Once she receives a phone call from her sister notifying her of their fathers death she returns home to help out with arrangements. While home she realizes that she doesn't want to be a quote on quote scientist who finds the cure for cancer, she doesn't want to pursue her doctorate degree and she definitely doesn't want this science boyfriend while though she feels bad for him shes never loved. So she makes the decision to stay home and make her own lab in the garage to come up with a formula to put in skincare products to prevent cancer from ever occurring in those products.
Dawson, a man of many jobs. He builds and races boats, smuggles drugs and cash from different countries and drives an amazing Aston Martin. Did I mention that hes also Dawson gets into being an FBI agent because he feels like he has something to prove. "No good to the core" the words of Dawson's father repeating through his head over and over again. Its hard for him to want to get involved in certain situations because he feels as though he will mess it up or that hes not good enough for it. But that is all until he reconnects with Violet after about 5 years.
Water+Cesium - The reaction is very exothermic. The reaction is so fast that if the reaction is carried out in a glass vessel, the glass container will shatter.
Looking at the chemical reaction of the combination of water and cesium it greatly describes the relationship of Dawson and Violet in the beginning chapters of the book. They were very hesitant about being together. Violet not wanting to be that young vulnerable teenage girl she was back in the day and Dawson believe that hes not good enough to love someone and that he'll ruin their lives. They were hesitant to even look at each other too long let alone hug or shake hands. They didn't want to pursue anything further because of their individual fears. That is until a mutual friend of theirs, someone who is very close to each of them ends up in danger and needing help. Helping save her is a hard task at hand. Including escaping, violence, running from someone who is trying to murder you and ending up in the hospital it all works out in the end. Not only with their friend being saved but the strength of Violet and Dawson's relationship.
April 5, 2021
The inner peace I only ever felt on the water coursed through me. It wasn't a blur of sky and ocean causing it, but a blur of light and lilac. Home.
Unmasked Dreams is a fast-paced, suspenseful, slow-burn that grabs your attention and keeps you guessing.
Dawson and Violet have been connected since they met, only she was off-limits so they had to go their separate ways. Five years later, they are back under the same roof and their connection is stronger than ever. Violet is trying to figure out what to do with her life while helping with the B&B and tinkering in the lab she built in the garage. Dawson's activities connected to his boat racing grab a hold of Violet which has her wondering if he is the villain.
Another amazing story that had me gripped from the very beginning and kept me invested. I am not a big fan of slow-burn romances but this story was so well written, flowed and was suspenseful that the slow burn did not bother me and made it completely worth the wait. The tension between Dawson and Violet has been felt from Avenged by Love and continued into Unmasked Dreams. I hope that we get more from Jada and Dax in the future. A must-read and part of my top 2021 reads. I was also extremely surprised to see my blog mentioned in the acknowledgements. Thank you LJ Evans for the mention and for continuing to write beautiful stories that people can get lost in.
*advanced copy requested and honestly reviewed on behalf of Canadian Girl Book Blog*
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March 29, 2021
LJ Evans Unmasked Dreams is a thrilling ride from the United States to Spain and back with two of my favourite characters this year!
Violet is the girl who cannot see the forest for the trees for a while, until she is given the option to change locations, and then everything changes for her. I love her spirit, the bubbly excitement, her unrequited love for Dawson, and her intelligence knows no bounds. Her beauty is off the charts, but what I love most is the beauty of her brain. The way she sees formulas, and her original formula that makes up Violet + Dawson made me giggle for her.
Dawson is the boy who cannot see the man he's grown into. He has spent the last 5 years grasping for that adult straw, not understanding he already reached the goal post and blew past it. I hurt for him, for all the decisions he's made, for putting himself in harms way trying to make the big catch.
The side characters in this book are a dream, Dax and Jada are amazing, and the terror of Jada's forced fiance is so believable, all of this contributing so well to the overall suspense in the book - I found myself speeding through Unmasked Dreams wanting to watch Dawson catch all the bad guys! People I totally did not expect to see again like Malik Leskin made me wonder if LJ can see a redeemable future for him, or if he's destined to remain a bad guy forever.
The depth and breadth of the locations from Tarifa, Spain, New York, and the Gatsby-esque party in New London, Connecticut are beyond gorgeous! The dresses, the Ada Mae (did Dawson know the names for the boat,or was he just grasping at more straws?) The beauty of the 20s style tuxedos, all of it so beautifully imagined through the the lyrical words LJ Evans is best known for, even Jada and Violet doing The Charleston at the party, all of it seems so real, it is perfection!!
5 stars for LJ Evans exquisite new book! I can't wait to read whatever she dreams up next!!
Violet is the girl who cannot see the forest for the trees for a while, until she is given the option to change locations, and then everything changes for her. I love her spirit, the bubbly excitement, her unrequited love for Dawson, and her intelligence knows no bounds. Her beauty is off the charts, but what I love most is the beauty of her brain. The way she sees formulas, and her original formula that makes up Violet + Dawson made me giggle for her.
Dawson is the boy who cannot see the man he's grown into. He has spent the last 5 years grasping for that adult straw, not understanding he already reached the goal post and blew past it. I hurt for him, for all the decisions he's made, for putting himself in harms way trying to make the big catch.
The side characters in this book are a dream, Dax and Jada are amazing, and the terror of Jada's forced fiance is so believable, all of this contributing so well to the overall suspense in the book - I found myself speeding through Unmasked Dreams wanting to watch Dawson catch all the bad guys! People I totally did not expect to see again like Malik Leskin made me wonder if LJ can see a redeemable future for him, or if he's destined to remain a bad guy forever.
The depth and breadth of the locations from Tarifa, Spain, New York, and the Gatsby-esque party in New London, Connecticut are beyond gorgeous! The dresses, the Ada Mae (did Dawson know the names for the boat,or was he just grasping at more straws?) The beauty of the 20s style tuxedos, all of it so beautifully imagined through the the lyrical words LJ Evans is best known for, even Jada and Violet doing The Charleston at the party, all of it seems so real, it is perfection!!
5 stars for LJ Evans exquisite new book! I can't wait to read whatever she dreams up next!!
April 5, 2021
Finally, we have Violet and Dawson's story! I’ve been eagerly anticipating it since these two first met. While the stories in this series have been amazing, touching and heart-rending, this romance also has a riveting suspense added to it.
The stars have never aligned for Dawson Langley and Violet Banner. When they first met, she was too young and he was too messed up. Violet goes off to school to study chemistry, and Dawson makes a name for himself in racing boats for the rich and famous. Now they’re both back home in New London, but everything is not as it appears at first glance.
Dawson wants nothing more than to protect Violet, yet she somehow gets embroiled in Dawson's work dealing with international mafia. What follows is a high-octane, nail-biting, gripping, life-or-death series of events that kept me on the edge of my seat, devouring words at a rate guaranteed to cause heartburn, so I could find out what happened next.
Violet is one of those confident, brilliant, fearless heroines we all love. She's logical, has a lot of common sense, and finds a way to use anything at her disposal to get out of a sticky situation and protect those she loves.
Dawson is a bit of a “bless his heart" hero, because he still struggles with being worthy. His protective instinct and the way he loves Violet, however, make him more than worthy, and you’ll want to wrap your arms around him and not let go.
Even if you’re not a romantic suspense fan, get your hands on this exhilarating read, grab hold of the you-know-what handle, dive right in, and forget about getting anything else accomplished. This one will pull you in from first page and will be one of your very best romantic suspense reads this year. Make sure you don’t miss it!
The stars have never aligned for Dawson Langley and Violet Banner. When they first met, she was too young and he was too messed up. Violet goes off to school to study chemistry, and Dawson makes a name for himself in racing boats for the rich and famous. Now they’re both back home in New London, but everything is not as it appears at first glance.
Dawson wants nothing more than to protect Violet, yet she somehow gets embroiled in Dawson's work dealing with international mafia. What follows is a high-octane, nail-biting, gripping, life-or-death series of events that kept me on the edge of my seat, devouring words at a rate guaranteed to cause heartburn, so I could find out what happened next.
Violet is one of those confident, brilliant, fearless heroines we all love. She's logical, has a lot of common sense, and finds a way to use anything at her disposal to get out of a sticky situation and protect those she loves.
Dawson is a bit of a “bless his heart" hero, because he still struggles with being worthy. His protective instinct and the way he loves Violet, however, make him more than worthy, and you’ll want to wrap your arms around him and not let go.
Even if you’re not a romantic suspense fan, get your hands on this exhilarating read, grab hold of the you-know-what handle, dive right in, and forget about getting anything else accomplished. This one will pull you in from first page and will be one of your very best romantic suspense reads this year. Make sure you don’t miss it!
March 27, 2021
Magnetic. Electrifying. Two opposites with an undeniable attraction that you won't be able to set aside. This is the story that I've been wishing and waiting for. Ms. Evans brings us espionage and science like nothing we've seen before. There are daring rescues, pulse pounding chases and some very super charged scenes.
Vi and Dawson were always meant to be. It was absolutely inevitable. They were instantly drawn to each other. We had to wait for them to grow up and into their skins before we could witness their magic. That fact kind of ate at my heart because I knew they'd be unstoppable once the stars finally aligned for them. And what a combustible force they finally were! Vison is one of my favorite ships. Watching them finally find their happily ever after has been one of my favorite things.
I'm absolutely giddy after just finishing this beautiful book! It was so much more than I imagined and the emotional depth was spectacular. The storytelling is some of the best I've ever had the pleasure to experience. These unforgettable characters will linger in your mind as they dance across your heart. Don't let this excitingly addictive standalone pass you by!
Vi and Dawson were always meant to be. It was absolutely inevitable. They were instantly drawn to each other. We had to wait for them to grow up and into their skins before we could witness their magic. That fact kind of ate at my heart because I knew they'd be unstoppable once the stars finally aligned for them. And what a combustible force they finally were! Vison is one of my favorite ships. Watching them finally find their happily ever after has been one of my favorite things.
I'm absolutely giddy after just finishing this beautiful book! It was so much more than I imagined and the emotional depth was spectacular. The storytelling is some of the best I've ever had the pleasure to experience. These unforgettable characters will linger in your mind as they dance across your heart. Don't let this excitingly addictive standalone pass you by!
April 3, 2021
From the first chapter to the last…you will not want to put this book down! It is a perfect blend of romantic suspense, sibling’s friend, and FBI. Author LJ Evans “killed” it with this one!
Dawson Langley and scientist Violet Banner met in her sister’s book (Avenged by Love). Violet was too young for Dawson at the time, so...fast forward 5 years later…and you have Unmasked Dreams…when Violet may finally have her dreams come true…and maybe even Dawson’s, too.
There’d been a time in her life when she’d looked at me with wide, adoring eyes. Eyes begging me to see her in a way that had forced me to run from every room we’d ever shared. Now, there was no lingering trace of that adoration.
This is a (literally) fast paced read that will have you up reading through the night! I love the songs at the beginning of the chapters, which the author has done throughout this series. I love the friendships all through this beautifully written romance! The storyline is intense, hot, romance filled, dangerous, and full of secrets! I was so drawn in to this! Author LJ Evans does an INCREDIBLE job keeping the storyline flowing and the reader engaged. This entire series is on my top reads list…and this one just “sped” up to the top as well! 5 dreamy stars!
*This can be read as a standalone, but characters from previous books in the series show up in this one.
*This is told in a 2 person POV.
Dawson Langley and scientist Violet Banner met in her sister’s book (Avenged by Love). Violet was too young for Dawson at the time, so...fast forward 5 years later…and you have Unmasked Dreams…when Violet may finally have her dreams come true…and maybe even Dawson’s, too.
There’d been a time in her life when she’d looked at me with wide, adoring eyes. Eyes begging me to see her in a way that had forced me to run from every room we’d ever shared. Now, there was no lingering trace of that adoration.
This is a (literally) fast paced read that will have you up reading through the night! I love the songs at the beginning of the chapters, which the author has done throughout this series. I love the friendships all through this beautifully written romance! The storyline is intense, hot, romance filled, dangerous, and full of secrets! I was so drawn in to this! Author LJ Evans does an INCREDIBLE job keeping the storyline flowing and the reader engaged. This entire series is on my top reads list…and this one just “sped” up to the top as well! 5 dreamy stars!
*This can be read as a standalone, but characters from previous books in the series show up in this one.
*This is told in a 2 person POV.
April 5, 2021
Note: An ARC was provided by the author.
Experience has taught me that LJ Evans knows how to write romance, and not just any ordinary romance. She knows how to tug at your heartstrings without overdoing it, all while giving readers thoughtful and enticing stories with main characters that you can't help but fall in love with. Her newest release, Unmasked Dreams, though, has an added element to it--suspense--and I do love me my romantic suspense reads! Now, the main characters here were supporting characters in Avenged by Love, but just like that book and all the rest in the Anchor series, this new book does well as a standalone quite nicely.
There's this wonderful mix of subtlety and intensity in this book, which is a testament to how gifted of an author LJ Evans is. She had me falling in love with Violet and Dawson, and their story held me captive from start to finish. I love it when an author keeps me on my toes, especially given that I tend to come up with theories as to what's really going on and what may happen next. Evans has waded into the romantic suspense genre with Unmasked Dreams, and the writing is oh-so-fine, so fingers crossed for more. Five stars.
Experience has taught me that LJ Evans knows how to write romance, and not just any ordinary romance. She knows how to tug at your heartstrings without overdoing it, all while giving readers thoughtful and enticing stories with main characters that you can't help but fall in love with. Her newest release, Unmasked Dreams, though, has an added element to it--suspense--and I do love me my romantic suspense reads! Now, the main characters here were supporting characters in Avenged by Love, but just like that book and all the rest in the Anchor series, this new book does well as a standalone quite nicely.
There's this wonderful mix of subtlety and intensity in this book, which is a testament to how gifted of an author LJ Evans is. She had me falling in love with Violet and Dawson, and their story held me captive from start to finish. I love it when an author keeps me on my toes, especially given that I tend to come up with theories as to what's really going on and what may happen next. Evans has waded into the romantic suspense genre with Unmasked Dreams, and the writing is oh-so-fine, so fingers crossed for more. Five stars.
April 4, 2021
Violet finds herself at a crossroads in her life both when it comes to her education and love. The passing of her father is the impetus she needs to return to her hometown and steer her life in the direction she wants. She didn’t expect it to bring the man she loved as a teenager back in her life or that her feelings for this mysterious man hadn’t diminished over time.
It’s been five years since Dawson was part of Violet’s life however he cared for her enough to give her the time and space she needed to discover the woman she was destined to be. He is a man of mystery and his primary concern is the wellbeing of Violet and that means keeping his distance so she doesn’t get caught in the crossfire but that is easier said than done.
This story and these captivating characters take us on an experience we never want to end.
It’s been five years since Dawson was part of Violet’s life however he cared for her enough to give her the time and space she needed to discover the woman she was destined to be. He is a man of mystery and his primary concern is the wellbeing of Violet and that means keeping his distance so she doesn’t get caught in the crossfire but that is easier said than done.
This story and these captivating characters take us on an experience we never want to end.
March 24, 2021
Are you ready for a swoon-worthy love story that will take you on an unforgettable adventure? This thrilling read immediately captivated me and had me on the edge of my seat through ups and downs, suspense, family drama, humorous moments and more that had me turning the pages as fast as I could to see what was going to happen! Violet & Dawson’s pull was so magnetic & electrifying! Truly a roller coaster ride if emotions with twists & turns that are sure to leave you gasping, breathless, angry, sighing in frustration, happy and even ready to scream (and throw a few punches.) Sit down, get comfy, grab a fan, a few tissues, and prepare to swoon because Unmasked Dreams is an un-put-down-able MUST read. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
One more thing...I am sooooooo there for Jada & Dax’s story as well as SA Cruz Malone to have his own book and/or series chasing the Leskovs. Raisa too!! 😉
One more thing...I am sooooooo there for Jada & Dax’s story as well as SA Cruz Malone to have his own book and/or series chasing the Leskovs. Raisa too!! 😉
April 4, 2021
This is a fantastic book from beginning to end! Action packed with tons of suspense and intrigue. It kept me on the edge of my seat, waiting to see what was going to happen next! I definitely want more romantic suspense from LJ Evans.
It’s also the beautiful love story of Violet and Dawson, who we first met in Avenged by Love. Ms. Evans always does such an amazing job of character building and these two are no exception. Violet was only 16 when she fell for Dawson and has been in love with him all of these years. Catching up on where they have been and seeing the direction their lives have taken was such a wonderful surprise! I loved the slow burn of this romantic suspense; as the mystery unfolded and the suspense kept building, so did the unforgettable sparks and romance between these two lovable characters.
This was such a fantastic book. I highly recommend it and am eagerly awaiting Dax and Jada’s story!
*I received an ARC at my request.
It’s also the beautiful love story of Violet and Dawson, who we first met in Avenged by Love. Ms. Evans always does such an amazing job of character building and these two are no exception. Violet was only 16 when she fell for Dawson and has been in love with him all of these years. Catching up on where they have been and seeing the direction their lives have taken was such a wonderful surprise! I loved the slow burn of this romantic suspense; as the mystery unfolded and the suspense kept building, so did the unforgettable sparks and romance between these two lovable characters.
This was such a fantastic book. I highly recommend it and am eagerly awaiting Dax and Jada’s story!
*I received an ARC at my request.
March 22, 2021
Violet has loved Dawson since the day she met him at 16. Dawson has been drawn to Violet since that day but he knows he can't have her for so many reasons. The main one being he's not the knight in shining armor she sees him as. He has 3 lives and she is only part of 1. He will do anything to protect her. Can Dawson keep her safe and stay away from her when she suddenly is entangled in the others? Is Dawson the superhero Violet sees him as or the villian everyone says?
This is a definite must read that will keep you guessing. LJ brings her stories to life with music. The music sets the mood for each chapter so well. You will feel every emotion right along with the characters.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC**
This is a definite must read that will keep you guessing. LJ brings her stories to life with music. The music sets the mood for each chapter so well. You will feel every emotion right along with the characters.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC**
April 4, 2021
Another gut crunching, soul breaking story about two people who are still trying to find that place to call home and someone to call "mine".
The chemistry between our MCs is just as strong as it was when they first met. Due to age differences they were unable to act on it but time has passed and now finally they can give in. But giving in comes with some obstacles that threaten to tear them apart. And after having shed some tears I was finally able to have a huge smile on my face as they found the HEA.
* * * Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads Blog * * *
The chemistry between our MCs is just as strong as it was when they first met. Due to age differences they were unable to act on it but time has passed and now finally they can give in. But giving in comes with some obstacles that threaten to tear them apart. And after having shed some tears I was finally able to have a huge smile on my face as they found the HEA.
* * * Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads Blog * * *
March 22, 2021
Sometimes as you read a book, secondary characters seem to cry out that they have a story to tell. Violet and Dawson are those characters. You saw a spark, but there was an age gap that was just too much at the time we met them. Jump to the present and boy did we get a story. We were thrown into not just their story, but a story of international intrigue that had me on the edge of my seat. You do not want to miss this exciting installment of the Anchor Series.
April 12, 2021
Remember Violet and Dawson? Well, Violet has grown up!
This book is a roller coaster ride from beginning to end. Violet and Dawson have to work together to help Jada. Both of them have "known" that they are meant to be together for the past five years. Can they have a relationship and still keep their family together? The push and pull between these two is agonizingly delicious.
Romantic suspense is not my go to right now but... I HIGHLY recommend this book. I would give it ten stars if I could.
This book is a roller coaster ride from beginning to end. Violet and Dawson have to work together to help Jada. Both of them have "known" that they are meant to be together for the past five years. Can they have a relationship and still keep their family together? The push and pull between these two is agonizingly delicious.
Romantic suspense is not my go to right now but... I HIGHLY recommend this book. I would give it ten stars if I could.
April 20, 2022
Unmasked Dreams by LJ Evans is a slow burn, new adult, unrequited romantic suspense told in first person, dual POV. It's the first book in the Anchor Suspense Novels series, a series of interconnected standalones and spin-off series of the Anchor Novels series. Although it's not necessary to read the Anchor Novels first, doing so will enhance the experience when previous characters appear.
When we first met Violet and Dawson in Avenged by Love, she was 16 and he was 22. There was an undeniable pull between them, but the age gap was too great and neither of them was in a place in their lives where they could actually be together. Unmasked Dreams picks up five years later. Violet isn't a teenager anymore. She's 21 and all grown up - a science genius pursuing her Ph.D. When a death in the family brings her back to New London, she and Dawson are pulled back into each other's orbits. But Dawson's life is full of secrets, and potential danger, and the last thing he wants is to put Violet in harm's way. When everything comes to a head, will Dawson be able to keep Violet safe? And after all this time, can they finally figure out how to be together? Or is it just too great a risk to take?
I enjoyed Violet and Dawson's story. It was great to revisit them as characters, now that age was no longer an obstacle in their relationship. My geeky side loved all the science that was incorporated into the story as Violet worked on creating her antimicrobial. The story was sexy and fun, full of mystery, intrigue, and adventure.
*** I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC. ***
When we first met Violet and Dawson in Avenged by Love, she was 16 and he was 22. There was an undeniable pull between them, but the age gap was too great and neither of them was in a place in their lives where they could actually be together. Unmasked Dreams picks up five years later. Violet isn't a teenager anymore. She's 21 and all grown up - a science genius pursuing her Ph.D. When a death in the family brings her back to New London, she and Dawson are pulled back into each other's orbits. But Dawson's life is full of secrets, and potential danger, and the last thing he wants is to put Violet in harm's way. When everything comes to a head, will Dawson be able to keep Violet safe? And after all this time, can they finally figure out how to be together? Or is it just too great a risk to take?
I enjoyed Violet and Dawson's story. It was great to revisit them as characters, now that age was no longer an obstacle in their relationship. My geeky side loved all the science that was incorporated into the story as Violet worked on creating her antimicrobial. The story was sexy and fun, full of mystery, intrigue, and adventure.
*** I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC. ***
June 4, 2021
I had no idea what was happening for like the first 30% of the book, too much term dropping without any explanations, so damn redundant as well, no one wants to read about bacteria or ship building in that way. I skimmed the last 30%, waste of time tbh. There was barely any romance, it was overpowered by all the other drama, okay it’s a suspense novel but it was all just lame and not build properly, quite disappointing tbh
April 7, 2021
GAH! This book!! I've always enjoyed reading LJ Evans but throw in some mystery with my romance and I'm hooked.
April 5, 2021
As usual LJ Evans does not disappoint in her Latest book in her Anchored world . Unmasked Dreams is a second chance love story. Violet and Dawson met when She was 16 and he was 22. Violet was too young, and had a rough upbringing. Dawson was also wrestling with some demons . They could not be together because of the age difference, but that didn’t stop them from falling for each other. Violet is brilliant , and goes away to school to study chemistry. Dawson, with his partner Dax, has a very successful business designing and racing boats. Violet is working towards her PhD. but her offering is not accepted. She is also involved in a relationship with Silas, who she met while in college. When Violet receives a call from her sister that their Dad has died, She takes the opportunity to break it off with Silas . He wants more form her than she’s willing to give. When she goes home, to the B&B she called home until she left for school, Silas follows her determined to change her mind . But Violet has decided not to go back. She set up a lab and starts to work on her microbiology project. Her problem is Silas doesn’t take her seriously, and refuses to leave, trying to persuade her to come back with him. She finally makes him realize she is serious, and leaves.
Dawson, after coming off an amazing win also returns to the B&B, not knowing that Violet is there! Sparks fly between them right away, but Dawson has secrets, and is more than just a boat builder. What else he’s involved in is dangerous and he must make sure that it in no way touches Violet and puts her in danger. His feeling have not changed. In fact they are stronger than ever. She’s now 21 , and all grown up.
Dawson and Violet became friend over the similar problems they experienced while growing up. That bond was not broken it was just interrupted. Dawson is living a double life that he doesn’t want Violet near. We meet familiar characters who we love, as we watch Dawson and Violet’s story unfold. Do not miss this wonderful book!
Dawson, after coming off an amazing win also returns to the B&B, not knowing that Violet is there! Sparks fly between them right away, but Dawson has secrets, and is more than just a boat builder. What else he’s involved in is dangerous and he must make sure that it in no way touches Violet and puts her in danger. His feeling have not changed. In fact they are stronger than ever. She’s now 21 , and all grown up.
Dawson and Violet became friend over the similar problems they experienced while growing up. That bond was not broken it was just interrupted. Dawson is living a double life that he doesn’t want Violet near. We meet familiar characters who we love, as we watch Dawson and Violet’s story unfold. Do not miss this wonderful book!
April 6, 2021
LJ Evans is a great storyteller and after reading almost all of her books Unmasked Dreams completely blew me away! We first met Violet Banner and Dawson Langley five years ago in Avenged by Love. Violet was a brilliant 16 year old high school student who had a huge crush on her sister's husband's 21 year old troubled younger brother. As with all things in life, timing is everything and Violet and Dawson were not meant to be. Now Violet is a brilliant PHD candidate living in California but unfulfilled by her work. She heads back to New London with her sister and her family to bury her late father. She makes a decision to stay in New London and move her research in a completely different direction. What she doesn't expect is for Dawson to enter back into her life. Sure she has seen him over the years for holidays but now they are living in the same residence and Dawson has a lot of secrets that perk Violet's interest. Violet has always been Dawson's personal kryptonite and now that they are under the same roof he doesn't know how he is going to be able to keep his distance to keep her safe. Keeping Violet safe has always been the most important thing to Dawson and now between his job of racing and designing high end yachts and his secret job of working for the FBI, he doesn't want her anywhere near his mess but Violet being Violet will not let her questions go unanswered. I would love to discuss in detail every element of this book but that would ruin the suspense element for other readers. I will say that I was glued to every page and I hope that Ms. Evans continues to write more romantic suspense because this was a great first venture into it! Unmasked Dreams was told from dual POV and it had all the feels and then some. I know that there were a few characters left that I am hoping to read about in future stories (hint hint...Dax and Jada!) I fully recommend this tale of young unrequited love that eventually comes to fruition!
March 27, 2021
I was so drawn to these two characters from the story, Avenged By Love.
I didn't want to wait for 16 year old Violet Banner to grow up. The wait was definitely worth it.
When Violet met, Dawson Langley, he was twenty-two and ‘shadowed’ with regret due to some bad decisions he had made. He has a bad boy reputation to those who didn't really know him and was told constantly by his father he was no good.
Now five years later, Violet Banner, is a genus who has formulas and calculations swimming around in her head. She goes to Standford, but when her thesis is rejected again it means she can't get the lab time to prove her formulas.
She decides to branch out on her own and it brings her back to New London Connecticut.
When Dawson returns to New London, he is met with a grown up version of a beauty that has haunted his dreams for five years.
They are drawn together like a mouth to a flame, but they both know it can never happen, because there are so many reasons why they shouldn't be together. One that includes the fact that Dawson is living three lives, one of which involves taking down a crime syndicate.
This story will have you guessing from one chapter to the next what is going to happen.
This story felt like so many sparks were flying that it felt like I was reading about the biggest explosions of a fireworks show I could ever see up close and personal.
I could actualy feel the heat coming off the pages of this book. 🎆🔥🧨
It's a fast paced, continent jumping, boat racing, crime syndicates and lavish parties story, that will keep your head spinning long after you finish the story, all put to lyrics of songs so perfect that it was like they were actually written for this story.
Daughtry will never be the same.
I can't wait for the next book in this series to find out what is going to happen next. 💕
I didn't want to wait for 16 year old Violet Banner to grow up. The wait was definitely worth it.
When Violet met, Dawson Langley, he was twenty-two and ‘shadowed’ with regret due to some bad decisions he had made. He has a bad boy reputation to those who didn't really know him and was told constantly by his father he was no good.
Now five years later, Violet Banner, is a genus who has formulas and calculations swimming around in her head. She goes to Standford, but when her thesis is rejected again it means she can't get the lab time to prove her formulas.
She decides to branch out on her own and it brings her back to New London Connecticut.
When Dawson returns to New London, he is met with a grown up version of a beauty that has haunted his dreams for five years.
They are drawn together like a mouth to a flame, but they both know it can never happen, because there are so many reasons why they shouldn't be together. One that includes the fact that Dawson is living three lives, one of which involves taking down a crime syndicate.
This story will have you guessing from one chapter to the next what is going to happen.
This story felt like so many sparks were flying that it felt like I was reading about the biggest explosions of a fireworks show I could ever see up close and personal.
I could actualy feel the heat coming off the pages of this book. 🎆🔥🧨
It's a fast paced, continent jumping, boat racing, crime syndicates and lavish parties story, that will keep your head spinning long after you finish the story, all put to lyrics of songs so perfect that it was like they were actually written for this story.
Daughtry will never be the same.
I can't wait for the next book in this series to find out what is going to happen next. 💕
April 6, 2021
The twists and turns just kept getting better and better with each page. A slow burn that had so much chemistry coming off the page that you didn’t even realize that it was not a slow burn. Ms. Evans took you on a journey that brings laughter, tears, broken hearts, mystery and suspense. Such a refreshing read that just leaves you breathless. A definite must read for 2021.
“Vi, there is no man in their right mind who would ever choose to walk away from you.”
Blurb:
Violet Banner was under-aged and off-limits when she and Dawson Langley first met. It didn’t stop him from leaving a brand on her heart that followed her to college. Five years later, she’s come home to find him living under the same roof, and it feels like nothing has changed. Except for the science lab she’s built in the garage and the secrets he’s keeping.
After years of fighting off the tantalizing connection between them, Dawson isn’t sure he’ll be able to restrain himself once grownup Violet lands back in his world. Even the nearly deadly mistakes of their past and the three separate lives he’s leading might not be enough to prevent him from touching her.
When the clandestine activity surrounding his international boat race tangles Violet in its grasp, she can’t help wondering if Dawson is the villain of the story. -
Only one thing is certain: there’s nothing he won’t do to keep her safe…even if it means making her his.
Inspired by Daughtry’s “What About Now,” comes a determined scientist and a broody bad-boy-turned-hero who just might leave their mark on you in this adventurous, standalone, slow burn from award-winning author, LJ Evans.
Don’t miss Violet and Dawson as the star-crossed, younger siblings in the interconnected standalone, AVENGED BY LOVE.
♬ “Where music & stories collide” ♬
“Vi, there is no man in their right mind who would ever choose to walk away from you.”
Blurb:
Violet Banner was under-aged and off-limits when she and Dawson Langley first met. It didn’t stop him from leaving a brand on her heart that followed her to college. Five years later, she’s come home to find him living under the same roof, and it feels like nothing has changed. Except for the science lab she’s built in the garage and the secrets he’s keeping.
After years of fighting off the tantalizing connection between them, Dawson isn’t sure he’ll be able to restrain himself once grownup Violet lands back in his world. Even the nearly deadly mistakes of their past and the three separate lives he’s leading might not be enough to prevent him from touching her.
When the clandestine activity surrounding his international boat race tangles Violet in its grasp, she can’t help wondering if Dawson is the villain of the story. -
Only one thing is certain: there’s nothing he won’t do to keep her safe…even if it means making her his.
Inspired by Daughtry’s “What About Now,” comes a determined scientist and a broody bad-boy-turned-hero who just might leave their mark on you in this adventurous, standalone, slow burn from award-winning author, LJ Evans.
Don’t miss Violet and Dawson as the star-crossed, younger siblings in the interconnected standalone, AVENGED BY LOVE.
♬ “Where music & stories collide” ♬
April 6, 2021
Another fantastic book by LJ Evan’s! She’s an fantastic story teller who creates characters and books that take the reader on an incredible journey. LJ’s details of the characters and the events within the story helps the reader “see” what is going on within the book.
Loved me some Dawson and Violet. They have a past, hidden feelings and when their paths cross again they can’t stay apart.
Dawson is living a secret life that he’s been hiding from friends and family. His intentions are in the right place but he’s dealing with a dangerous family. His plan gets very complicated, goes a bit sideways, and he’s forced to involve people that he cares about.
Violet had a recent break-up, dropped out of school and is looking for a fresh start. She has a brilliant mind and is determine to make sustainable skincare products.
Her feelings for Dawson are off the charts but she is scared to admit this to him....little does she know he feels the same way. As they spend time together and Violet gets pulled into his secret life, they decide to give into their feelings.
Danger comes their way but they are not afraid to fight to protect each other, their family and their friends. This is a great story about love, friendship, trust and determination.
I requested an arc and I’m providing my honest review.
Loved me some Dawson and Violet. They have a past, hidden feelings and when their paths cross again they can’t stay apart.
Dawson is living a secret life that he’s been hiding from friends and family. His intentions are in the right place but he’s dealing with a dangerous family. His plan gets very complicated, goes a bit sideways, and he’s forced to involve people that he cares about.
Violet had a recent break-up, dropped out of school and is looking for a fresh start. She has a brilliant mind and is determine to make sustainable skincare products.
Her feelings for Dawson are off the charts but she is scared to admit this to him....little does she know he feels the same way. As they spend time together and Violet gets pulled into his secret life, they decide to give into their feelings.
Danger comes their way but they are not afraid to fight to protect each other, their family and their friends. This is a great story about love, friendship, trust and determination.
I requested an arc and I’m providing my honest review.
March 28, 2021
Unmasked Dreams
LJ Evans
“It wasn’t just painful memories of a dad who hadn’t loved us that held me back. It was also the memory of a dark-haired boy with a chip on his shoulder and eyes that glowed like amber lights.”
Dawson and Violet are undeniable like a slow sensual dance, like balls of light drawn to each other. This book is hard to put down, it draws you in to the characters worlds of boat racing and science. It overwhelms your senses in the best way, the characters are so well crafted. It is lovely to see cameos from much loved characters from previous novels as well as the development of new ones.
Secrets and complicated truths.
This book has all the feels! Intelligent leads, strong unbreakable females, suspense and of course love. I didn’t want it to end, a book you will want to savour.
This is part of a series however can totally be read as a stand-alone novel with hea. I received an arc of this book.
5 opulent stars
LJ Evans
“It wasn’t just painful memories of a dad who hadn’t loved us that held me back. It was also the memory of a dark-haired boy with a chip on his shoulder and eyes that glowed like amber lights.”
Dawson and Violet are undeniable like a slow sensual dance, like balls of light drawn to each other. This book is hard to put down, it draws you in to the characters worlds of boat racing and science. It overwhelms your senses in the best way, the characters are so well crafted. It is lovely to see cameos from much loved characters from previous novels as well as the development of new ones.
Secrets and complicated truths.
This book has all the feels! Intelligent leads, strong unbreakable females, suspense and of course love. I didn’t want it to end, a book you will want to savour.
This is part of a series however can totally be read as a stand-alone novel with hea. I received an arc of this book.
5 opulent stars
April 5, 2021
Dawson is all grown up! I know technically it’s Violet who has gone from a young adult to an adult since Avenged By Love but Dawson needed to do the most growing up. This book is about Jersey’s sister, Violet, and Truck’s brother, Dawson. Jersey and Truck were the couple in Avenged by Love and we knew Dawson and Violet had a little interest in each in that book but Violet was only 16. But now 5 years have passed and things sure have changed. Dawson isn’t quite moody Dawson anymore. He has secrets that he keeps from his family and friends that will soon all be out in the open. And Violet is still the geeky, sweet (now) woman that she has always been. That’s what I love about these characters! The women are strong and smart and not afraid to show it! This was a great book! The plot was surprising and it kept me turning the pages until the end! Another great read by LJ Evans!
~Alexis💜
~Alexis💜
April 5, 2021
Book 6 in the Anchor Series focuses on Violet and Dawson, who first met when Violet was 16. Dawson was 22, and she was too young, no matter the chemistry. Five years later,
Violet is all grown up, a PhD student, when she returns to New London for a funeral.
Violet is bold, strong and confident. She’s everything Dawson wants.
Dawson has made a name for himself racing boats for the wealthy, but his life is one of secrets and danger.
Their connection is no less compelling now that they are both back in town, but a Dawson wants Violet safe. Yet, somehow she becomes involved.
This book is another excellent example of LJ Evans skill with characters and story creation. If you love stories that pull you in and make you feel like you are part of the characters lives, you’ll love LJ Evans. This is a five star book for sure!
Favorite quote... “I’ve always been there, I’ve always been yours.”
Violet is all grown up, a PhD student, when she returns to New London for a funeral.
Violet is bold, strong and confident. She’s everything Dawson wants.
Dawson has made a name for himself racing boats for the wealthy, but his life is one of secrets and danger.
Their connection is no less compelling now that they are both back in town, but a Dawson wants Violet safe. Yet, somehow she becomes involved.
This book is another excellent example of LJ Evans skill with characters and story creation. If you love stories that pull you in and make you feel like you are part of the characters lives, you’ll love LJ Evans. This is a five star book for sure!
Favorite quote... “I’ve always been there, I’ve always been yours.”
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