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Swift Rivers #2
The Moments We Made Ours
A small-town firefighter faking forever…
Beckett: Maisey’s always been more than my best friend. She’s the only woman who tempts me to burn down the walls I built around my heart. So when I’m called to a fire and watch her world go up in flames, I can’t stop myself from stepping in. A fake engagement is the only way to give her and her dad safety, a home, a chance to breathe again.
I swear I can keep my distance—until one kiss, one dare, and one taste undo me completely. Until our charade draws a stalker’s attention.
Now, I’ll risk my job, my future, and my life to keep her safe.
Maisey: I’ve loved Beckett forever—before my scars, before I believed I wasn’t the kind of girl men keep. His proposal promises security, not love. But every stolen kiss makes this engagement feel dangerously real. I almost let myself believe I could finally be enough…
But Beckett doesn’t believe in forever, and as the threats surrounding us turn violent, I suddenly realize the biggest risk isn’t losing my heart.
A Swift Rivers standalone in The Hatley Family spin-off series.
Beckett: Maisey’s always been more than my best friend. She’s the only woman who tempts me to burn down the walls I built around my heart. So when I’m called to a fire and watch her world go up in flames, I can’t stop myself from stepping in. A fake engagement is the only way to give her and her dad safety, a home, a chance to breathe again.
I swear I can keep my distance—until one kiss, one dare, and one taste undo me completely. Until our charade draws a stalker’s attention.
Now, I’ll risk my job, my future, and my life to keep her safe.
Maisey: I’ve loved Beckett forever—before my scars, before I believed I wasn’t the kind of girl men keep. His proposal promises security, not love. But every stolen kiss makes this engagement feel dangerously real. I almost let myself believe I could finally be enough…
But Beckett doesn’t believe in forever, and as the threats surrounding us turn violent, I suddenly realize the biggest risk isn’t losing my heart.
A Swift Rivers standalone in The Hatley Family spin-off series.
432 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 22, 2026
About the author
L.J. Evans
34 books1,354 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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
April 27, 2026
This second book was not as good as the first one but I loved it all the same. I was so intrigued about Beckett's story in Book 1 but to be honest the reason for his perpetual bachelorhood is not convincing as I thought it would be. And for me it was Maisey who won my heart. Her childhood, her history, her relationship with her sister, with the bloody a**holes who have made her worse for the wear, it was all too much for one person to handle but handle it she did like the Queen she is.
That said, I've always thought that more than second chance trope, it's actually friends to lovers that can make or break a book. If done wrong, it would be all for nothing. I love childhood friends to lovers but it is seldom done right. In this case, these two have been friends for 20 years. She has always had a crush on him but her non existent self esteem made it impossible for her to actually think she's worth it. Beck on the other hand, has major love trust issues, thanks to yours truly, Mother and his dad's ex-fiance. Beck cherishes Maisey's friendship more than anything because she's more than a friend, more than family even, she's his safe haven.
But the transition, 20 years later, from she's my safety net to having inexplicable lusty feelings all of a sudden, was very hasty and did not make sense. It was not a gradual transition but a sudden when-did-that-happen one.
I find it a bit lame everytime an author uses the ugly duckling trope when the MFCs sibling(s) are stunning. And more so, when she thinks of herself as the anti-princess, a plain Jane, an ugly duck when everybody else literally say she's stunning, beautiful and a ray of sunshine.
Make it make sense when her experiences with men during college were those of "you're good enough for a little while but not for forever", meanwhile and in the present time, in one outing she was hit on by 4 different men who were besotted!
I do not appreciate inconsistency.
I love the little mystery we have going on in this series and I did have a suspicion or two who the perpetrator was but I was still surprised.
Also, I am definitely not a fan of that conversation Beckett was having with Delilah while Maisey went missing. 😠😠
No, no and just NO!
Still, it was a very enjoyable book and I am so glad that I've stumbled upon LJ Evans. Her writing is very engaging and intriguing.
P.S: I hate Maisey's sister so much! Like I really absolutely unequivocally hate her with passion!!! What a sl*t!!
That said, I've always thought that more than second chance trope, it's actually friends to lovers that can make or break a book. If done wrong, it would be all for nothing. I love childhood friends to lovers but it is seldom done right. In this case, these two have been friends for 20 years. She has always had a crush on him but her non existent self esteem made it impossible for her to actually think she's worth it. Beck on the other hand, has major love trust issues, thanks to yours truly, Mother and his dad's ex-fiance. Beck cherishes Maisey's friendship more than anything because she's more than a friend, more than family even, she's his safe haven.
But the transition, 20 years later, from she's my safety net to having inexplicable lusty feelings all of a sudden, was very hasty and did not make sense. It was not a gradual transition but a sudden when-did-that-happen one.
I find it a bit lame everytime an author uses the ugly duckling trope when the MFCs sibling(s) are stunning. And more so, when she thinks of herself as the anti-princess, a plain Jane, an ugly duck when everybody else literally say she's stunning, beautiful and a ray of sunshine.
Make it make sense when her experiences with men during college were those of "you're good enough for a little while but not for forever", meanwhile and in the present time, in one outing she was hit on by 4 different men who were besotted!
I do not appreciate inconsistency.
I love the little mystery we have going on in this series and I did have a suspicion or two who the perpetrator was but I was still surprised.
Also, I am definitely not a fan of that conversation Beckett was having with Delilah while Maisey went missing. 😠😠
No, no and just NO!
Still, it was a very enjoyable book and I am so glad that I've stumbled upon LJ Evans. Her writing is very engaging and intriguing.
P.S: I hate Maisey's sister so much! Like I really absolutely unequivocally hate her with passion!!! What a sl*t!!
March 1, 2026
Friends to lovers is so hit or miss for me, and sadly I can never know what I am getting into until I read the story, as I absolutely love some friends to lovers, and then the others aren’t the greatest. I don’t like the ones that contain best friends where one basically is like we can never be together and yet prevents the other character from actually finding love. Beckett is like this in this book, so I struggled to like him, especially as we find out how he has been interfering with her dating and threatening men who are interested, but never showed an interest in Maisey until she became front and center of his life.
Maisey has a rough go of it, I felt so bad for her, but I loved seeing her progress from feeling like she needs to not accept help from her terrible sister, from understanding how much she does for her friends and they want to do it for her too, I loved seeing her accept help. I loved her growth in this book, and I did love her with Beckett once they actually got together. He so sweet and so protective of her, and I loved how much he made sure the whole town knows how much he loves her. The second half of this book definitely redeemed this story but I couldn’t rate it above 3 stars due to the friends to lovers thing I hate.
Maisey has a rough go of it, I felt so bad for her, but I loved seeing her progress from feeling like she needs to not accept help from her terrible sister, from understanding how much she does for her friends and they want to do it for her too, I loved seeing her accept help. I loved her growth in this book, and I did love her with Beckett once they actually got together. He so sweet and so protective of her, and I loved how much he made sure the whole town knows how much he loves her. The second half of this book definitely redeemed this story but I couldn’t rate it above 3 stars due to the friends to lovers thing I hate.
February 25, 2026
The Moments We Made Ours by LJ Evans
📚Swift Rivers, Book 2
📖Interconnected Standalone
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Adult • Romantic Suspense
📚432 Pages
🗓️Out Today!
💙friends to lovers
💚fake engagement
💙close proximity
💚firefighter/nurse
💙unrequited love
💚no 3rd act breakup
📖 “And I knew the truth. I could never let her go.”
📖 “We were fated soulmates, but we were also so much more.”
Maisey! My sweet, strong, fabulous Maisey. If there’s a character that embodies “loving with her whole heart” it’s our FMC. My heart shattered so many times for her. She deserved the world and she didn’t even realize.
And part of that world she totally deserved? Beckett. I had fears. I did. But boy, this man caught up pretty quickly and led the way that I was so happy to follow. I think I literally swooned at times because ahhhhh, he showed up! No, you guys don’t understand. He SHOWED UP! 👏🏼
The suspense was so good too! I was equal parts wanting all the romance and all the suspense. I was just that invested in knowing what the hell was going on. I will never trust a message again in my life 🫣
The book I needed right now 🫶🏼
📚Swift Rivers, Book 2
📖Interconnected Standalone
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Adult • Romantic Suspense
📚432 Pages
🗓️Out Today!
💙friends to lovers
💚fake engagement
💙close proximity
💚firefighter/nurse
💙unrequited love
💚no 3rd act breakup
📖 “And I knew the truth. I could never let her go.”
📖 “We were fated soulmates, but we were also so much more.”
Maisey! My sweet, strong, fabulous Maisey. If there’s a character that embodies “loving with her whole heart” it’s our FMC. My heart shattered so many times for her. She deserved the world and she didn’t even realize.
And part of that world she totally deserved? Beckett. I had fears. I did. But boy, this man caught up pretty quickly and led the way that I was so happy to follow. I think I literally swooned at times because ahhhhh, he showed up! No, you guys don’t understand. He SHOWED UP! 👏🏼
The suspense was so good too! I was equal parts wanting all the romance and all the suspense. I was just that invested in knowing what the hell was going on. I will never trust a message again in my life 🫣
The book I needed right now 🫶🏼
February 23, 2026
4.5 ⭐️
I think this Swift River series might be turning out to be my absolute favourite of LJ Evans! Maisey and Becketts story was so beautiful and I loved their slow burn friends to lovers! The suspense in this one was also fantastic!
I think this Swift River series might be turning out to be my absolute favourite of LJ Evans! Maisey and Becketts story was so beautiful and I loved their slow burn friends to lovers! The suspense in this one was also fantastic!
Review of advance copy received from Author
“Love makes us stronger. It made me stronger.”
The Moments We Made Ours delivered every single thing I crave in a romance—fake relationship, slow burn angst, heart tugging emotion, characters who make you feel everything, and a thread of suspense that keeps you guessing. This book truly has it all.
“Not once, since our very first kiss, have I ever found someone who could light me up the way you do.”
Maisey and Beckett have been best friends for years, but they’ve never been on the same page emotionally. Maisey has been quietly, hopelessly in love with him forever, while Beckett has sworn off love entirely. But when his career is suddenly at risk and Maisey’s safety is threatened, he does the one thing he never expected—moves her into his home and announces to the world that they’re engaged. What starts as a convenient lie quickly unravels into something dangerously real, all while a stalker lurks in the shadows, determined to destroy their chance at happiness.
“You helped me see my own worth. Everything I have and am now is because you saw the real me and allowed me to see it too.”
I adored these two. Maisey is such a sweetheart—soft, selfless, and so unaware of her own beauty and worth. She’s spent her whole life feeling like the ugly duckling, but Beckett has always seen her clearly. His steady encouragement, his care, and the way he shows up for her help her finally recognize her own strength.
“I may have denied it for twenty years, but she’d always been the center of my world. The grounding force.”
And Beckett? His journey wrecked me in the best way. He’s a man shaped by heartbreak, convinced that love isn’t real for him, yet Maisey cracks him open in ways he can’t ignore. His protectiveness, his devotion, and the moment he stops fighting his feelings and simply chooses her—absolutely swoonworthy.
“Next to Maisey was where I always felt settled. At peace.”
The suspense element adds the perfect edge. The stalker storyline kept me tense and fully invested, raising the stakes without overshadowing the romance. I was glued to the pages, completely swept up in the emotional highs, the fear, the longing, and the beautifully earned payoff.
“The truth is, I’ve never been single. Not from the moment you held out your hand all those years ago.”
The Moments We Made Ours is gripping, emotional, and heartbreakingly beautiful. It hits every beat—romance, tension, vulnerability, healing—and I’m utterly in love with these characters. The next book in this series cannot get here fast enough.
The Moments We Made Ours delivered every single thing I crave in a romance—fake relationship, slow burn angst, heart tugging emotion, characters who make you feel everything, and a thread of suspense that keeps you guessing. This book truly has it all.
“Not once, since our very first kiss, have I ever found someone who could light me up the way you do.”
Maisey and Beckett have been best friends for years, but they’ve never been on the same page emotionally. Maisey has been quietly, hopelessly in love with him forever, while Beckett has sworn off love entirely. But when his career is suddenly at risk and Maisey’s safety is threatened, he does the one thing he never expected—moves her into his home and announces to the world that they’re engaged. What starts as a convenient lie quickly unravels into something dangerously real, all while a stalker lurks in the shadows, determined to destroy their chance at happiness.
“You helped me see my own worth. Everything I have and am now is because you saw the real me and allowed me to see it too.”
I adored these two. Maisey is such a sweetheart—soft, selfless, and so unaware of her own beauty and worth. She’s spent her whole life feeling like the ugly duckling, but Beckett has always seen her clearly. His steady encouragement, his care, and the way he shows up for her help her finally recognize her own strength.
“I may have denied it for twenty years, but she’d always been the center of my world. The grounding force.”
And Beckett? His journey wrecked me in the best way. He’s a man shaped by heartbreak, convinced that love isn’t real for him, yet Maisey cracks him open in ways he can’t ignore. His protectiveness, his devotion, and the moment he stops fighting his feelings and simply chooses her—absolutely swoonworthy.
“Next to Maisey was where I always felt settled. At peace.”
The suspense element adds the perfect edge. The stalker storyline kept me tense and fully invested, raising the stakes without overshadowing the romance. I was glued to the pages, completely swept up in the emotional highs, the fear, the longing, and the beautifully earned payoff.
“The truth is, I’ve never been single. Not from the moment you held out your hand all those years ago.”
The Moments We Made Ours is gripping, emotional, and heartbreakingly beautiful. It hits every beat—romance, tension, vulnerability, healing—and I’m utterly in love with these characters. The next book in this series cannot get here fast enough.
February 25, 2026
Bennett and Maisie have stolen my heart. These two are absolutely perfect for each other, though it took them far too long to realize it. Both have endured extreme trauma in their lives, trauma that still haunts them and has kept them from acknowledging their true feelings for each other. Maisie firmly believes that she is unworthy of love, certainly of Bennett’s love. She sees herself as ugly, selfish and too pitiful thanks to her sister’s taunts and manipulation. In reality, she is a dedicated nurse who is beautiful inside of out, always thinking of others before herself and doesn’t possess a single mean gene. She treats everyone with respect, kindness and compassion, and refuses to believe that her sister is anything other than her protector. To her, Bennett is a prince among men who deserves a princess, not an ugly duckling like her
Bennett’s abandonment issues and guilt over something beyond his control makes him believe that love is not for him. That is why he has placed Maisie in the friend zone, never acknowledging the depth of his feelings. His relationship with Maisie has been and remains his top priority. They are constantly in touch and everyone knows if she needs him, he will be there, no questions asked. Like her, he is dedicated to his job as a firefighter and relishes his role in helping his community. He avoids all serious romantic relationships. When Maisie is threatened, all of his protective instincts go on full alert. Nothing is more important than keeping her safe. That is why he comes up with the fake engagement plan and moves Maisie and her suddenly vulnerable father into his house. Yes, the fake engagement might help him win the job of fire chief, but most importantly it gives Bennett the means to protect Maisie.
I love the intense and multifaceted connection between Maisie and Bennett. Their banter and easy rapport is enviable. The slow build up of awareness and heat that leads to a combustion is fabulous. The man is a master of dirty talk and giving his lady pleasure. His efforts to show Maisie her true beauty and worth finally payoff. Most importantly, Bennett is there to support her when she realizes the full scope of the evil plan to eliminate her. I also love that Maisie and Bennett both have a great group of friends, a found family really, that rally to support and protect them. I definitely cheered and smiled at the conclusion of their story and after reading the bonus epilogue. True love wins out again.
This fabulous and beautiful book has my heartfelt recommendation.
Bennett’s abandonment issues and guilt over something beyond his control makes him believe that love is not for him. That is why he has placed Maisie in the friend zone, never acknowledging the depth of his feelings. His relationship with Maisie has been and remains his top priority. They are constantly in touch and everyone knows if she needs him, he will be there, no questions asked. Like her, he is dedicated to his job as a firefighter and relishes his role in helping his community. He avoids all serious romantic relationships. When Maisie is threatened, all of his protective instincts go on full alert. Nothing is more important than keeping her safe. That is why he comes up with the fake engagement plan and moves Maisie and her suddenly vulnerable father into his house. Yes, the fake engagement might help him win the job of fire chief, but most importantly it gives Bennett the means to protect Maisie.
I love the intense and multifaceted connection between Maisie and Bennett. Their banter and easy rapport is enviable. The slow build up of awareness and heat that leads to a combustion is fabulous. The man is a master of dirty talk and giving his lady pleasure. His efforts to show Maisie her true beauty and worth finally payoff. Most importantly, Bennett is there to support her when she realizes the full scope of the evil plan to eliminate her. I also love that Maisie and Bennett both have a great group of friends, a found family really, that rally to support and protect them. I definitely cheered and smiled at the conclusion of their story and after reading the bonus epilogue. True love wins out again.
This fabulous and beautiful book has my heartfelt recommendation.
Review of advance copy
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐖𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝐎𝐮𝐫𝐬 is the second book in the Swift Rivers series by LJ Evans, featuring an unforgettable childhood friends to adult lovers romantic suspense tale for Maisey and Beckett that is guaranteed to touch your heart and have you on the edge of your seat! Beckett is the attractive firefighter/cowboy with abandonment issues whose best friend, nurse Maisey’s long-held insecurities stem from facial deformities and surgeries that left her bullied as a child. When a personal tragedy happens for Maisey and a fake engagement arises as a way to help them both, Beckett jumps at the opportunity to help his Maisey Girl. But with mounting threats and her heart on the line, will Beckett realize what he has in front of him before it’s too late?
Holy heart palpitations!! To say I could relate to Maisey is the understatement of the century! I didn’t have the same condition at all, but the situation of multiple surgeries and a disability that people can see, including corrective braces was my experience. People can be so cruel. The way LJ Evans writes the human experience is so authentic, visceral, and respectful at the same time. Her characters are so easy to connect to, as they bring you along on their journey! My heart also broke for Beckett, who had his own wounds! What romance reader doesn’t love a broken MMC?! You know you picture yourself as the one to heal him, ladies!🤪 I loved every moment of them together, whether it was flashbacks of friendship, or the priceless angsty chemistry that tortured him as he realized he wanted his best friend!😍 Maisey was such an amazing caretaker, and yet Beckett was all compassionate and loving 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘩𝘦𝘳! I just loved them! They definitely brought the passion, when they finally gave in, too!🔥 The suspense, though, was an adventure all its own!! I was beyond riveted as I tried to figure out who the culprit was going back and forth, feeling like I needed to set up a board of clues! So twisted and good!! I’m loving this world, and I’m looking forward to more!!
Thank you to the author for an advanced review copy. My opinions are my own and freely expressed.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Holy heart palpitations!! To say I could relate to Maisey is the understatement of the century! I didn’t have the same condition at all, but the situation of multiple surgeries and a disability that people can see, including corrective braces was my experience. People can be so cruel. The way LJ Evans writes the human experience is so authentic, visceral, and respectful at the same time. Her characters are so easy to connect to, as they bring you along on their journey! My heart also broke for Beckett, who had his own wounds! What romance reader doesn’t love a broken MMC?! You know you picture yourself as the one to heal him, ladies!🤪 I loved every moment of them together, whether it was flashbacks of friendship, or the priceless angsty chemistry that tortured him as he realized he wanted his best friend!😍 Maisey was such an amazing caretaker, and yet Beckett was all compassionate and loving 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘩𝘦𝘳! I just loved them! They definitely brought the passion, when they finally gave in, too!🔥 The suspense, though, was an adventure all its own!! I was beyond riveted as I tried to figure out who the culprit was going back and forth, feeling like I needed to set up a board of clues! So twisted and good!! I’m loving this world, and I’m looking forward to more!!
Thank you to the author for an advanced review copy. My opinions are my own and freely expressed.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
February 27, 2026
The Moments We Made Ours (Swift Rivers #2) by L.J. Evans is a small-town contemporary friends-to-lovers fake-relationship romantic suspense told in first person dual POV. Although it's the second book in the Swift Rivers series, it can be read as a standalone. However, those who have read book one,
The Moments You Were Mine,
will have the richest experience as familiar characters from that story reappear in this one.
The Moments We Made Ours follows the relationship between nurse Maisey Campbell and her childhood best friend, firefighter Beckett Romero, as they enter a mutually beneficial fake engagement. The problem? Maisey’s been secretly in love with Beckett for practically her whole life, but he doesn’t believe in love, and not only that—he’s sworn it off forever. Can Maisey’s heart survive the proximity? Will Beckett ever have a change of heart? There’s a dangerous threat coming after Maisey, getting closer and more treacherous every day. Who wants to hurt her? Will Beckett and Maisey figure it out before it’s too late?
I loved Maisey and Beckett’s story! As characters, they were well-developed, relatable, likable, and complex. I really felt for Maisey and everything she went through growing up with low self-esteem and a cruel sister who gaslit her and played into those issues. And despite some initial concerns about Beckett, I was rooting for them pretty early on. It paid off, because when he finally pulled his head out of his ass and came around, he fell hard.
I love the shared history of childhood best friends trope and the unrequited yearning and pining of the friends to lovers trope. Combining them is even better. It makes everything that much sweeter when the characters finally fall in love, and this story did not disappoint! Beckett and Maisey were perfect together. The Moments We Made Ours is full of angst, drama, mystery, suspense, and romance. Highly Recommended!
*** I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC. ***
The Moments We Made Ours follows the relationship between nurse Maisey Campbell and her childhood best friend, firefighter Beckett Romero, as they enter a mutually beneficial fake engagement. The problem? Maisey’s been secretly in love with Beckett for practically her whole life, but he doesn’t believe in love, and not only that—he’s sworn it off forever. Can Maisey’s heart survive the proximity? Will Beckett ever have a change of heart? There’s a dangerous threat coming after Maisey, getting closer and more treacherous every day. Who wants to hurt her? Will Beckett and Maisey figure it out before it’s too late?
I loved Maisey and Beckett’s story! As characters, they were well-developed, relatable, likable, and complex. I really felt for Maisey and everything she went through growing up with low self-esteem and a cruel sister who gaslit her and played into those issues. And despite some initial concerns about Beckett, I was rooting for them pretty early on. It paid off, because when he finally pulled his head out of his ass and came around, he fell hard.
I love the shared history of childhood best friends trope and the unrequited yearning and pining of the friends to lovers trope. Combining them is even better. It makes everything that much sweeter when the characters finally fall in love, and this story did not disappoint! Beckett and Maisey were perfect together. The Moments We Made Ours is full of angst, drama, mystery, suspense, and romance. Highly Recommended!
*** I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC. ***
February 27, 2026
The Moments, We Made Ours (Swift Rivers Series Book 2) by LJ Evans is a romance about two former neighbors, Maisey Cambell and Beckett Romaro, who have been best friends since childhood. Maisy is now a float nurse and firefighter, and Captain Beckett, both carrying trauma scars from their childhood that influence all their relationships, whether they have or lack them. Beckett is vying for the Fire Chief position but overhears that the town council prefers a settled or married man for the role, so he decides to propose a mutual agreement with Maisey to pose as his fiancée. With a fiancée, Beckett has a better chance to become fire chief, and he plans to help her fix her dad’s ranch house, which was damaged by a fire that destroyed part of the home. Since the house is now uninhabitable, Maisey and her dad agree to stay with Beckett at his house. Spending time together brings their attraction closer to the surface. Then several incidents occur, targeting Maisey with damage to her family home and her truck, with notes telling her she needs to leave. The threat to Maisey prompts Beckett’s protection to be deployed in full force. As a slow burn, there is a spark that arcs between Beckett and Maisey, leading to steam and both of them needing to sort out their feelings about what is real and what is just a fake relationship. LJ Evans in The Moments, We Made Ours (Swift Rivers Series Book 2) combines a guaranteed HEA with romance, steamy scenes, action, and suspense that keep the reader turning pages quickly, while also making them wish the story wouldn’t end. The book ends, leaving the reader with hints like cookie crumbles of the next book in the series, when I can’t wait to devour the whole cookie (new book) upon release.
March 1, 2026
great book
Another hit from the extreme talented LJ Evans. If you love small town romance, friends to lovers and/or romantic suspense you will definitely want to read this one.
Maisey has always been self conscious about herself, it doesn’t help that her older sister always told her everyone pitied her because she has to have orthodontic work when she was younger. The boy next door, Beckett - one of her best friends, always saw the true, beautiful inside and out, Maisey.
Beckett wants to be the town’s next fire chief, but the town council doesn’t think he’s has a stable enough life to commit to the job. He’s always sworn he will never marry after parent’s marriage failed in spectacular fashion, and then his father’s long term girlfriend leaves to pursue her career, and has been considered a playboy - here for a good time, not a long time kind of guy.
After an accident at Maisey’s father’s home and some health problems for her dad, she moved home to take care of him and save money to make the repairs. Beckett needs to show the town council he’s reliable, responsible and can make a commitment, so he proposes a deal to Maisey, get engaged so the town awards him the fire chief job and he’ll help with the repairs to her dad’s house for free. However, before Maisey even agrees to the fake engagement, Maisey finds a threatening note on her truck, and Beckett’s front door is vandalized with another threatening message. Is it the current fire chief’s daughter who Beckett dated in high school that never got over their breakup? Is it the other firefighter who wants the chief position?
While Maisey has always known she loves Beckett as more than a friend, will Beckett realize he loves Maisey as more than his best friend?
Another hit from the extreme talented LJ Evans. If you love small town romance, friends to lovers and/or romantic suspense you will definitely want to read this one.
Maisey has always been self conscious about herself, it doesn’t help that her older sister always told her everyone pitied her because she has to have orthodontic work when she was younger. The boy next door, Beckett - one of her best friends, always saw the true, beautiful inside and out, Maisey.
Beckett wants to be the town’s next fire chief, but the town council doesn’t think he’s has a stable enough life to commit to the job. He’s always sworn he will never marry after parent’s marriage failed in spectacular fashion, and then his father’s long term girlfriend leaves to pursue her career, and has been considered a playboy - here for a good time, not a long time kind of guy.
After an accident at Maisey’s father’s home and some health problems for her dad, she moved home to take care of him and save money to make the repairs. Beckett needs to show the town council he’s reliable, responsible and can make a commitment, so he proposes a deal to Maisey, get engaged so the town awards him the fire chief job and he’ll help with the repairs to her dad’s house for free. However, before Maisey even agrees to the fake engagement, Maisey finds a threatening note on her truck, and Beckett’s front door is vandalized with another threatening message. Is it the current fire chief’s daughter who Beckett dated in high school that never got over their breakup? Is it the other firefighter who wants the chief position?
While Maisey has always known she loves Beckett as more than a friend, will Beckett realize he loves Maisey as more than his best friend?
Review of advance copy received from Author
L.J. Evans has done it again. This book was an absolute page-turner from start to finish — I couldn’t put it down.
Beckett, the fire captain who has completely sealed off his heart, is determined to keep love at arm’s length. Maisy, on the other hand, is a nurse, a hopeless romantic, and fully believes in her happily ever after. They’ve been best friends since she was eight years old, which makes every look, every touch, and every unspoken word between them ten times more intense.
When Maisy moves back to Swift Rivers to be near the only family she’s ever truly known, it puts her right back in Beckett’s daily life. The chemistry? Off the charts. The sexual tension between these two can absolutely be cut with a knife. Years of friendship mixed with buried feelings makes for some seriously swoony and angsty moments.
Then comes the fake engagement. For Beckett’s career, he needs to present himself as a settled family man — so why not fake it with the one person who’s always been by his side? What could possibly go wrong? Except feelings aren’t so easy to fake when they’ve been simmering for years.
And just when you think this is “just” a friends-to-lovers romance, Evans adds a layer of suspense. Not everyone is happy with Maisy being the sweet, dependable good girl. When her life is suddenly in danger, Beckett is forced to confront what his future would look like without her — and it’s the wake-up call he never saw coming.
This story had heart, heat, and just enough danger to keep me on edge. Emotional, romantic, and packed with tension — another five-star read from L.J. Evans.
Beckett, the fire captain who has completely sealed off his heart, is determined to keep love at arm’s length. Maisy, on the other hand, is a nurse, a hopeless romantic, and fully believes in her happily ever after. They’ve been best friends since she was eight years old, which makes every look, every touch, and every unspoken word between them ten times more intense.
When Maisy moves back to Swift Rivers to be near the only family she’s ever truly known, it puts her right back in Beckett’s daily life. The chemistry? Off the charts. The sexual tension between these two can absolutely be cut with a knife. Years of friendship mixed with buried feelings makes for some seriously swoony and angsty moments.
Then comes the fake engagement. For Beckett’s career, he needs to present himself as a settled family man — so why not fake it with the one person who’s always been by his side? What could possibly go wrong? Except feelings aren’t so easy to fake when they’ve been simmering for years.
And just when you think this is “just” a friends-to-lovers romance, Evans adds a layer of suspense. Not everyone is happy with Maisy being the sweet, dependable good girl. When her life is suddenly in danger, Beckett is forced to confront what his future would look like without her — and it’s the wake-up call he never saw coming.
This story had heart, heat, and just enough danger to keep me on edge. Emotional, romantic, and packed with tension — another five-star read from L.J. Evans.
February 26, 2026
This is an amazing story of friendship, family, love, betrayal and so much more. The characters are beautifully flawed, with emotional baggage that shape their thoughts and ideas and Maisey and Beckett navigate this friends to lovers book with precision. Maisey has loved Beckett since he fell into her back yard twenty years ago, but he has always said that he will never fall in love because everyone leaves eventually. But when Beckett overhears the fire chief saying that the next chief should be married and settled, and Maisey's life explodes, Beckett asks her to be his fake fiancee. Could this be the catalyst that changes their lives? Someone is not happy though, and as Maisey's life is put in danger, the race is on to find out who wants to hurt her. Beckett is everything you want in a book boyfriend, loyal, hot and devoted to Maisey. Maisey is a caregiver, always looking out for everyone else before herself.
The writing in this book is seamless. It draws you in from the very first page and keeps you turning the pages until the very end. The characters are broken and rely on their love and friendship to get them through the tough times in their lives. When Beckett and Maisey finally give into their desires, the heat between them brings enough passion to ignite the sheets. Although part of an interconnected series, this book can be read as a standalone; even though some of the characters from the first book in this series do appear in this book. My recommendation is lock the door, grab a cup of tea, curl up in a comfy chair and shut out the world while you devour this book.
The writing in this book is seamless. It draws you in from the very first page and keeps you turning the pages until the very end. The characters are broken and rely on their love and friendship to get them through the tough times in their lives. When Beckett and Maisey finally give into their desires, the heat between them brings enough passion to ignite the sheets. Although part of an interconnected series, this book can be read as a standalone; even though some of the characters from the first book in this series do appear in this book. My recommendation is lock the door, grab a cup of tea, curl up in a comfy chair and shut out the world while you devour this book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
LJ Evans delivered an epic friends to lovers romance in The Moments We Made Ours. The sweet burn of Maisy and Beckett's love story made my heart ache so beautifully. My heart is overflowing with swoonny and angsty and complex feels. The author gave it an edge of romantic suspense with the challenges faced by them made their connection stronger. The tension of will they or won't they was wrecking me. Someone so pure and adorable and brilliant like Maisy deserves someone strong and protective and possessive like Beckett.
Maisy has returned to Swift Rivers and took the job of the nurse at community hospital and she is still picking the pieces of her shattered family. Beckett has been there for her since they were kids and they do have a special friendship that helped her push through some incredibly difficult times. She always wanted but never crossed that Invisible line in fear of losing him until...he proposes a fake engagement that will help him getting the soon to be vacated chief's job at fire station. Well, he realises he is playing with fire. But what will happen when Maisy starts getting threatening notes and getting attacked warning them to split?
Beckett is top tier book boyfriend. He is loyal and honorable and sexy and gorgeous and alpha...I will be running out of adjectives. And yes, he has unsolved abandonment issues making him afraid of love and commitment. But his devotion to Maisy was unquestionable. The fake engagement was more about helping Maisy with her family trouble than his job. Maisy has been bruised and battered by her life circumstances but she is so brave and resilient to become strong enough to fight her demons. But she still has vulnerabilities. They both kept their confusing feelings under wraps because they couldn't imagine any misstep ruining their precious friendship. But the forced proximity opened the dam. Oh I was enjoying the tension so much. The subplot of someone trying to harm them added to the complexity of the story. But the friends to lovers heatache was the most beautiful part of the story. Swift Rivers has its own charm and incredible people to entice me.
I reviewed an early copy voluntarily
Maisy has returned to Swift Rivers and took the job of the nurse at community hospital and she is still picking the pieces of her shattered family. Beckett has been there for her since they were kids and they do have a special friendship that helped her push through some incredibly difficult times. She always wanted but never crossed that Invisible line in fear of losing him until...he proposes a fake engagement that will help him getting the soon to be vacated chief's job at fire station. Well, he realises he is playing with fire. But what will happen when Maisy starts getting threatening notes and getting attacked warning them to split?
Beckett is top tier book boyfriend. He is loyal and honorable and sexy and gorgeous and alpha...I will be running out of adjectives. And yes, he has unsolved abandonment issues making him afraid of love and commitment. But his devotion to Maisy was unquestionable. The fake engagement was more about helping Maisy with her family trouble than his job. Maisy has been bruised and battered by her life circumstances but she is so brave and resilient to become strong enough to fight her demons. But she still has vulnerabilities. They both kept their confusing feelings under wraps because they couldn't imagine any misstep ruining their precious friendship. But the forced proximity opened the dam. Oh I was enjoying the tension so much. The subplot of someone trying to harm them added to the complexity of the story. But the friends to lovers heatache was the most beautiful part of the story. Swift Rivers has its own charm and incredible people to entice me.
I reviewed an early copy voluntarily
March 7, 2026
- small town
- childhood best friends to lovers
- nurse FMC, firefighter MMC
- fake engagement
- forced proximity
- romantic suspense
- no third-act breakup
- 🌶️.5/5
- dual pov
This is a solid second instalment in the Swift Rivers series. Beckett is a firefighter who claims he doesn’t believe in happily ever afters. But when he overhears that he’s not being considered for the next fire chief position because he’s single, he blurts out that he’s engaged to Maisey, his childhood best friend.
They strike a deal to keep up the fake relationship, and cue all the pining and yearning! Beckett starts out convinced Maisey deserves better than him, but that mindset doesn’t last long. Soon enough, he’s getting a little possessive and very protective, realising he doesn’t want anyone else getting their HEA with Maisey but him.
Maisey is such a strong yet self-conscious FMC that I think many readers will relate to. At her core, she’s incredibly selfless, with a genuinely big heart, and it’s easy to root for her happiness. These two really do belong together.
There’s also a suspense subplot running through the story that keeps the pace moving and the stakes high. It amps up Beckett’s protective instincts and, thankfully, means there’s no third-act breakup because this man is not letting her go.
Add in a dash of spice, two adorable furry friends, MCs that both read romance books (!!), and a great cast of supporting characters, and it makes for a really enjoyable read. Book three already sounds just as intriguing.
- childhood best friends to lovers
- nurse FMC, firefighter MMC
- fake engagement
- forced proximity
- romantic suspense
- no third-act breakup
- 🌶️.5/5
- dual pov
This is a solid second instalment in the Swift Rivers series. Beckett is a firefighter who claims he doesn’t believe in happily ever afters. But when he overhears that he’s not being considered for the next fire chief position because he’s single, he blurts out that he’s engaged to Maisey, his childhood best friend.
They strike a deal to keep up the fake relationship, and cue all the pining and yearning! Beckett starts out convinced Maisey deserves better than him, but that mindset doesn’t last long. Soon enough, he’s getting a little possessive and very protective, realising he doesn’t want anyone else getting their HEA with Maisey but him.
Maisey is such a strong yet self-conscious FMC that I think many readers will relate to. At her core, she’s incredibly selfless, with a genuinely big heart, and it’s easy to root for her happiness. These two really do belong together.
There’s also a suspense subplot running through the story that keeps the pace moving and the stakes high. It amps up Beckett’s protective instincts and, thankfully, means there’s no third-act breakup because this man is not letting her go.
Add in a dash of spice, two adorable furry friends, MCs that both read romance books (!!), and a great cast of supporting characters, and it makes for a really enjoyable read. Book three already sounds just as intriguing.
March 12, 2026
I know, I know. When will I learn my lesson? I didn’t like the first book, and somehow I still picked up the second one. And guess what? It’s even worse.
At first I thought maybe Maisey and Beckett wouldn’t have a completely messed-up backstory. Maybe this one would be fine.
Nope. Wrong.
And the ending? Yeah… pretty disappointing.
Overall, this one just didn’t work for me.
At first I thought maybe Maisey and Beckett wouldn’t have a completely messed-up backstory. Maybe this one would be fine.
Nope. Wrong.
And the ending? Yeah… pretty disappointing.
Overall, this one just didn’t work for me.
February 25, 2026
LJ Evans is becoming a master of romance suspense.
LJ Evans is becoming a master of romance suspense.
Beckett Romero
Beckett had scars from his childhood that made him determined to remain single for the rest of his life.
“Maisey Campbell, has scars from her childhood that kept her from believing that anyone could ever see her beauty let alone ever give her the happy-ever-after like she read about in her romance books.
When the chief of the fire department decides he wants to retire, it's obvious that Beckett is the best man for the job.
He has all the educational skills and has put in a much time as he possibly could on the job.
There's just one hiccup.
The chief feels that the person to step into that roll should be married and Beckett has sworn off love and marriage because of what his father went through.
Maisie is his best friend.
They have been friends since the first time he fell out of a tree on her property line that boarded with his.
He was eight and she was six and when she helped him to his feet
It was the beginning of
their friendship.
Now to get a job he says he's engaged to her.
When Maisie's father's house catches fire she realizes she needs to once again step in and take care of her father.
When her mother died she was left to shoulder the responsibilities in the home at sixteen, because her older sister refused to and was constantly treating her bad because of the sibling jealousy she had towards her.
Now she needs a place for her and her father to stay while they fix the house, so she agrees to the fake engagement.
There's just one more issue, someone is threatening her.
Someone who is extremely mad that she is in the way and they want her gone.
He was her first kiss and now he intends to be her last.
Chief Fireball Romero and
Nurse Maisey finally find their happy-ever-after once they finally break free from the bonds that were holding them back.
This is a romantic suspense thriller that will have you trying to put all the pieces together to figure out the suspects.
I can't wait for the third book in this series.
LJ Evans is becoming a master of romance suspense.
Beckett Romero
Beckett had scars from his childhood that made him determined to remain single for the rest of his life.
“Maisey Campbell, has scars from her childhood that kept her from believing that anyone could ever see her beauty let alone ever give her the happy-ever-after like she read about in her romance books.
When the chief of the fire department decides he wants to retire, it's obvious that Beckett is the best man for the job.
He has all the educational skills and has put in a much time as he possibly could on the job.
There's just one hiccup.
The chief feels that the person to step into that roll should be married and Beckett has sworn off love and marriage because of what his father went through.
Maisie is his best friend.
They have been friends since the first time he fell out of a tree on her property line that boarded with his.
He was eight and she was six and when she helped him to his feet
It was the beginning of
their friendship.
Now to get a job he says he's engaged to her.
When Maisie's father's house catches fire she realizes she needs to once again step in and take care of her father.
When her mother died she was left to shoulder the responsibilities in the home at sixteen, because her older sister refused to and was constantly treating her bad because of the sibling jealousy she had towards her.
Now she needs a place for her and her father to stay while they fix the house, so she agrees to the fake engagement.
There's just one more issue, someone is threatening her.
Someone who is extremely mad that she is in the way and they want her gone.
He was her first kiss and now he intends to be her last.
Chief Fireball Romero and
Nurse Maisey finally find their happy-ever-after once they finally break free from the bonds that were holding them back.
This is a romantic suspense thriller that will have you trying to put all the pieces together to figure out the suspects.
I can't wait for the third book in this series.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Moments We Made Ours
Swift Rivers Series
A Hatley Family Spin-off
LJ Evans
Best friends to lovers, sloooooow burn, forced proximity, fake engagement, small town firefighter suspense romance with the most beautiful characters Maisey and Beckett.
Beckett was in denial most of his life due to his belief that no romantic relationship can work out ever, he doesn’t believe in love even though he really has been in love with Maisey pretty much his whole life. Maisey just wants her fragile heart to survive, she locked away her heart, she knows her love for Beckett is real and could destroy her. Most of the time Beckett needs a head slap to give him a reality check.
I adore Swift Rivers, I enjoy Fallon and other side characters popping back in but most of all I really enjoyed Maisey and Beckett as flawed, deep, very real humans. Ms Evans writes such well developed characters that drive the suspense plot perfectly.
When I start an LJ Evans book I always know I will get swoony romance with a hea, I somehow always forget how masterful she is at twisty intrigue. It delivers every single time! I was guessing and second guessing who was after Maisey all the way. I just love this book. It is part of a series but can totally be read as a standalone novel with hea.
I received an arc of this book.
5 stars.
Swift Rivers Series
A Hatley Family Spin-off
LJ Evans
Best friends to lovers, sloooooow burn, forced proximity, fake engagement, small town firefighter suspense romance with the most beautiful characters Maisey and Beckett.
Beckett was in denial most of his life due to his belief that no romantic relationship can work out ever, he doesn’t believe in love even though he really has been in love with Maisey pretty much his whole life. Maisey just wants her fragile heart to survive, she locked away her heart, she knows her love for Beckett is real and could destroy her. Most of the time Beckett needs a head slap to give him a reality check.
I adore Swift Rivers, I enjoy Fallon and other side characters popping back in but most of all I really enjoyed Maisey and Beckett as flawed, deep, very real humans. Ms Evans writes such well developed characters that drive the suspense plot perfectly.
When I start an LJ Evans book I always know I will get swoony romance with a hea, I somehow always forget how masterful she is at twisty intrigue. It delivers every single time! I was guessing and second guessing who was after Maisey all the way. I just love this book. It is part of a series but can totally be read as a standalone novel with hea.
I received an arc of this book.
5 stars.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A superbly paced romantic suspense that weaves emotion and unconditional love which will keep you enthralled until the end.
LJ Evans creates characters that are easy to fall in love with and you can easily see parts of yourself in them.
Maisey's character arc is wonderful and heartbreaking. There is a strength to her that she doesn't realise. She has endured so much in her life and she's still there, still cheerful, still giving her love to people, including some of her family who may not deserve it. I loved seeing her recognise her strength, harness it, create boundaries and take hold of the love she deserved.
Beckett has alot of scars from his childhood; I loved that it didn't stop him loving and supporting Maisey, even if he thought that it was in friendship. His character arc is heartwarming, realising that he has wounds he hadn't healed and needed to work on so that he could give Maisey the love she needed.
Vader is the best minor main character! LJ Evans wrote him so perfectly. A protector at heart, with both fierceness and a gentle loving nature. I absolutely adored him.
LJ Evans is a master of romantic suspense. She strategically drops clues that keep you guessing and wondering through the book.
This is a book that you want to devour.
LJ Evans creates characters that are easy to fall in love with and you can easily see parts of yourself in them.
Maisey's character arc is wonderful and heartbreaking. There is a strength to her that she doesn't realise. She has endured so much in her life and she's still there, still cheerful, still giving her love to people, including some of her family who may not deserve it. I loved seeing her recognise her strength, harness it, create boundaries and take hold of the love she deserved.
Beckett has alot of scars from his childhood; I loved that it didn't stop him loving and supporting Maisey, even if he thought that it was in friendship. His character arc is heartwarming, realising that he has wounds he hadn't healed and needed to work on so that he could give Maisey the love she needed.
Vader is the best minor main character! LJ Evans wrote him so perfectly. A protector at heart, with both fierceness and a gentle loving nature. I absolutely adored him.
LJ Evans is a master of romantic suspense. She strategically drops clues that keep you guessing and wondering through the book.
This is a book that you want to devour.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I have been a huge fan of Ms. Evans since the first book I read of hers. Her attention to detail, her characters are easy to relate to and are ones you want to be a part of your circle. Now her storylines are addictive and entertaining, ones that will have you sitting on the edge of your seat, with your heart beating faster and your mind racing.
The Moments We Made Ours is no different. Here she weaves a story of suspense, friendships, family and a love that is meant to be. Maisey and Beckett have been friends forever but never crossed the line to be lovers. Her life read like the book "The Ugly Duckling", and she never felt that love was ever going to happen for her. Beckett has sworn off love because of his past. Now life sees them helping one another, and that line they never crossed blurs very quickly.
I can count on Ms. Evans to always keep her readers on their toes with the twists and turns and the suspense she writes into her books. Maisey has a stalker and just when I thought I had an idea of who it might be, she throws me off the trail.
This romance thriller will surely have you unable to put it down because you need to know who is behind everything that has been happening.
The Moments We Made Ours is no different. Here she weaves a story of suspense, friendships, family and a love that is meant to be. Maisey and Beckett have been friends forever but never crossed the line to be lovers. Her life read like the book "The Ugly Duckling", and she never felt that love was ever going to happen for her. Beckett has sworn off love because of his past. Now life sees them helping one another, and that line they never crossed blurs very quickly.
I can count on Ms. Evans to always keep her readers on their toes with the twists and turns and the suspense she writes into her books. Maisey has a stalker and just when I thought I had an idea of who it might be, she throws me off the trail.
This romance thriller will surely have you unable to put it down because you need to know who is behind everything that has been happening.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wow! What an absolute wild ride of emotions and epic suspense. When I tell you that I couldn't stop reading, I mean this book consumed all my thoughts. LJ is seriously a master of her craft and I can't recommend her enough!
Maisy has never felt beautiful or wanted. Beckett has never seen a love that didn't hurt. My heart broke for these two and the traumas they lived through. I loved that their friendship started so young and had continued into adulthood. These two were the definition of real soulmates. Watching them fight their feelings was so worth the heartache. Once Beckett realized that true love didn't equal pain, he was all in and it was everything! He was protective, attentive, and sweet. Maisy realized her feelings a long time ago but never thought they were reciprocated. I could totally understand her hesitation when Beckett wanted to give their relationship a real shot. She was such a caretaker with the best heart. She took care of everyone around her and brought so much light to everyone.
The suspense element was top tier perfection. The storyline was fast paced and so compelling. Beckett and Maisy get the HEA they so deserved. I loved everything about this book.
ARC review.
Maisy has never felt beautiful or wanted. Beckett has never seen a love that didn't hurt. My heart broke for these two and the traumas they lived through. I loved that their friendship started so young and had continued into adulthood. These two were the definition of real soulmates. Watching them fight their feelings was so worth the heartache. Once Beckett realized that true love didn't equal pain, he was all in and it was everything! He was protective, attentive, and sweet. Maisy realized her feelings a long time ago but never thought they were reciprocated. I could totally understand her hesitation when Beckett wanted to give their relationship a real shot. She was such a caretaker with the best heart. She took care of everyone around her and brought so much light to everyone.
The suspense element was top tier perfection. The storyline was fast paced and so compelling. Beckett and Maisy get the HEA they so deserved. I loved everything about this book.
ARC review.
February 26, 2026
Sometimes I just need to read something that I know will hit my heart in all the right places, and picking up a book by LJ always does just that.
My favorites:
-firefighter who reads romance, AND he helped her read when they were kids
-Maisey ❤️ just Maisey
-The texts conversations, like a story within the story
-Vader the kitten saving pup, my heart nearly melted for him, just as the author intended
-the soul mate level friendship between Maisey and Beckett
-the PINING, a whole other level of slow burn perfection!
-his "I don't believe in love" vs. her "-it's always been you....*sigh*
-the bets that aren't bets 😉
-ugly ducking getting THAT moment
-the way LJ writes a kissing scene, EPIC!
You can FEEL the emotions lining the pages just as much as the amount of heart the author poured into the story. Light and lovely, but also heavy and heartfelt. It was raw, it was real, and it was absolutely beautiful! The author has flawlessly woven romance with suspense while digging into some real, raw drama, yet still blessed us with a boat load of charm and wit. I would be remiss if I didn't mention her signature poetic prose and vivid imagery, stunning as always!
Thank you for this one, it hurt so good!!
My favorites:
-firefighter who reads romance, AND he helped her read when they were kids
-Maisey ❤️ just Maisey
-The texts conversations, like a story within the story
-Vader the kitten saving pup, my heart nearly melted for him, just as the author intended
-the soul mate level friendship between Maisey and Beckett
-the PINING, a whole other level of slow burn perfection!
-his "I don't believe in love" vs. her "-it's always been you....*sigh*
-the bets that aren't bets 😉
-ugly ducking getting THAT moment
-the way LJ writes a kissing scene, EPIC!
You can FEEL the emotions lining the pages just as much as the amount of heart the author poured into the story. Light and lovely, but also heavy and heartfelt. It was raw, it was real, and it was absolutely beautiful! The author has flawlessly woven romance with suspense while digging into some real, raw drama, yet still blessed us with a boat load of charm and wit. I would be remiss if I didn't mention her signature poetic prose and vivid imagery, stunning as always!
Thank you for this one, it hurt so good!!
February 27, 2026
“You deserve a love so all-consuming you can’t think of anything but ending your day and getting back to that person.”
Maisey and Beckett have been best friends forever and would do anything for each other. So when Maisey needed help Beckett didn’t hesitate to step in. Not only are they now living together, they’re also “engaged”. But it seems someone out there doesn’t like this and they found themselves a stalker. And as they try to figure out who this stalker is they’re also fighting feelings they both tried to bury.
Maisey knows Beckett doesn’t believe in love and forever but her heart doesn’t want to listen. She has the biggest heart and some people around her don’t appreciate that enough. There were so many times I wanted to hug her! This girl has been through so much and deserves all the love in the world.
So glad Beckett finally saw what’s in front of him before it’s too late! And boy did this man went all in! Swoon for days!
So much yearning and pining, and of course some delicious slow burn that’s oh so worth the wait!
Best friends to lovers, with swoon, spice and suspense!
So glad to be back in Swift River! And so nice to see some of our favorites.
Maisey and Beckett have been best friends forever and would do anything for each other. So when Maisey needed help Beckett didn’t hesitate to step in. Not only are they now living together, they’re also “engaged”. But it seems someone out there doesn’t like this and they found themselves a stalker. And as they try to figure out who this stalker is they’re also fighting feelings they both tried to bury.
Maisey knows Beckett doesn’t believe in love and forever but her heart doesn’t want to listen. She has the biggest heart and some people around her don’t appreciate that enough. There were so many times I wanted to hug her! This girl has been through so much and deserves all the love in the world.
So glad Beckett finally saw what’s in front of him before it’s too late! And boy did this man went all in! Swoon for days!
So much yearning and pining, and of course some delicious slow burn that’s oh so worth the wait!
Best friends to lovers, with swoon, spice and suspense!
So glad to be back in Swift River! And so nice to see some of our favorites.
March 2, 2026
Maisey has been best friends with Beckett since they were children, and he has always been there for her and saw beyond what she viewed as her imperfections to the woman who was beautiful both inside and out. When a fire temporarily leaves her homeless he offers her and her father the perfect solution, but it also means continuing to deny how deep her feelings for him truly are when they find themselves living together.
The relationship that Beckett has with Maisey is one of the most important relationships that he has. There is nothing he wouldn’t do for Maisey but due to his past he isn’t willing to open his heart to the hurt that love can bring. Pretending they are in a relationship will help them both but finding out that she is in danger changes everything!
Even though Maisey is a person that anyone would be lucky to have in their life she has been made to feel less worthy, but Beckett sees her and has always seen her for the special person that she is. This is an emotional story about healing, growth and a love that was always meant to be and is finally acknowledged.
The relationship that Beckett has with Maisey is one of the most important relationships that he has. There is nothing he wouldn’t do for Maisey but due to his past he isn’t willing to open his heart to the hurt that love can bring. Pretending they are in a relationship will help them both but finding out that she is in danger changes everything!
Even though Maisey is a person that anyone would be lucky to have in their life she has been made to feel less worthy, but Beckett sees her and has always seen her for the special person that she is. This is an emotional story about healing, growth and a love that was always meant to be and is finally acknowledged.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Review
The Moments We Made Ours by LJ Evans
5/5 stars
Another book, another FANTASTIC installment into the Swift Rivers series. I really like the seamless way that LJ Evans is able to blend relationships, romance, and suspense. I feel like I am always transported into the world of her books and I could not get enough of and could not put this book or any others down.
BECKETT. I love how his trauma and past experiences were handled in this book and the readers get a glimpse of how his trauma shaped him. He has to override and GROW to protect Maisey and how he lets go of the past to finally live in that love.
MAISEY. I loved her character in the foil of Beckett. It is a reminder that softness isn’t a weakness, but a strength as well. She has stuff to work through as well, but Beckett's care and strength also helps her grow into the woman she always was but in a way that centered her.
If anyone needs me, I will be here until further notice. Catch this amazing book on Feb.25th.
Thank you to @ljevansbooks and her team for an eARC for review.
The Moments We Made Ours by LJ Evans
5/5 stars
Another book, another FANTASTIC installment into the Swift Rivers series. I really like the seamless way that LJ Evans is able to blend relationships, romance, and suspense. I feel like I am always transported into the world of her books and I could not get enough of and could not put this book or any others down.
BECKETT. I love how his trauma and past experiences were handled in this book and the readers get a glimpse of how his trauma shaped him. He has to override and GROW to protect Maisey and how he lets go of the past to finally live in that love.
MAISEY. I loved her character in the foil of Beckett. It is a reminder that softness isn’t a weakness, but a strength as well. She has stuff to work through as well, but Beckett's care and strength also helps her grow into the woman she always was but in a way that centered her.
If anyone needs me, I will be here until further notice. Catch this amazing book on Feb.25th.
Thank you to @ljevansbooks and her team for an eARC for review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Oh my goodness! Childhood friends to lovers, fake engagement done right! Maisey and Beckett became fast friends as children. They were the epitome of best friends. No matter the circumstance, Maisey and Beckett could count on each other. When Maisey's childhood home is damaged in a fire, Beckett doesn't hesitate to lend a hand. He hates that Maisey is making sacrifices, but he's willing to step in and make things easier for her. So when a potential promotion involves a being settled and married, Beckett doesn't hesitate to say he's engaged. To Maisey. Believe me, I know what it's like to fear ending a friendship when you feel something more. In Maisey's case, it's more the voices, namely her sister Chelsea, that get in her head that she's not pretty enough or good enough for Beckett. The bond between Beckett and Maisey only becomes stronger and more resilient as they give in to the feelings that they have tamped down for a long time. Beckett's jaded thoughts about marriage and forever start to change because of Maisey. The suspense of finding out who is behind the vandalism adds to the building feelings and emotions between the two. I was all kinds of angry, but not surprised about who the culprit was. All I will say that jealously is an evil monster. Maisey and Beckett deserved every bit of their HEA.
I received an advance copy of this book at my request and voluntarily left this review.
I received an advance copy of this book at my request and voluntarily left this review.
February 23, 2026
You have to love that moment when Beckett realizes he absolutely hates anyone touching what’s his—you’re clapping and yelling, “Finally!” Maisey’s quiet pining tugs painfully at your heart, especially knowing the weight of everything she’s been carrying alone. There are moments that will have you fuming when certain characters step in and wreak havoc, but that tension only deepens the emotional payoff.
The blend of love, sharp banter, and edge-of-your-seat suspense keeps you completely invested in Beckett and Maisey. Watching Beckett fall hard—and fight even harder—makes you swoon, especially when he turns up the heat every chance he gets. When danger creeps too close and briefly gains the upper hand, the frustration and fear feel real, keeping you breathless.
Those lingering, hard-fought moments make their happily-ever-after not just satisfying—but earned. Powerful, emotional, and unforgettable.
The blend of love, sharp banter, and edge-of-your-seat suspense keeps you completely invested in Beckett and Maisey. Watching Beckett fall hard—and fight even harder—makes you swoon, especially when he turns up the heat every chance he gets. When danger creeps too close and briefly gains the upper hand, the frustration and fear feel real, keeping you breathless.
Those lingering, hard-fought moments make their happily-ever-after not just satisfying—but earned. Powerful, emotional, and unforgettable.
February 25, 2026
Sometimes you pick up a book and it resonates with you so much that you can't stop thinking about it. This book was that for me. Maisey made me feel so seen. There were so many moments that made me think that LJ Evans had been reading my diaries. The friendship that Becket and Maisey share was so incredibly beautiful. They each loved the other for exactly who they were. Both had so much emotional trauma in their lives, trauma caused by the people who should have loved them most. Neither of them tried to change the other, they just met each other right where they were. When their friendship turned into more, it was perfect.
This was one of my favorite lines from the book. “You helped me see my own worth. Everything I have and am now is because you saw the real me and allowed me to see it too.” Everyone should have that person in their lives.
Thank you to the publisher for an advanced review copy. My opinions are my own and freely expressed.
This was one of my favorite lines from the book. “You helped me see my own worth. Everything I have and am now is because you saw the real me and allowed me to see it too.” Everyone should have that person in their lives.
Thank you to the publisher for an advanced review copy. My opinions are my own and freely expressed.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Moments We Made Ours might just be my very favorite book by LJ Evans. It’s a beautifully written lifetime-best-friends-to-lovers story with the most glorious slow burn and the added bonus of danger and suspense. That both Maisey and Beckett have past trauma to heal and leave behind is just icing on the cake for me.
Beckett and Maisey have been best friends since he fell into her yard when he was eight and she was six years old. They know each other inside and out, knowing the traumas each one has faced, but also the triumphs and problems they’ve overcome. They’ve gotten through so many of life’s challenges together, so when Beckett needs Maisey to be his fake fiancé to get the promotion he’s worked so hard for, what could possibly go wrong?
I absolutely adore Beckett. He’s a dedicated firefighter, a team player, a wonderful friend, and a good son. He’s sees the best in Maisey, and he never fails to remind her of how amazing and beautiful she is. Maisey is such a sweetheart. As a nurse, she’s a natural caregiver, not only with her patients, but with everyone she loves.
Vader and Dorothy need to be mentioned, because they were so well-written. I LOVE pets in the books I read, and I enjoyed these two sweet animals and what they added to this story. I wish I could adopt both of them!
The danger and suspense of this book was thrilling and kept me turning pages as fast as I possibly could, but between that and the gorgeous, emotional love story, I didn’t want this book to end. I can’t wait for the next Swift Rivers story so I can catch up with all of these characters again. They feel like family, and I’m going to miss them.
I give this Five Fabulous Stars!!!!! I would give it more if I could.
Beckett and Maisey have been best friends since he fell into her yard when he was eight and she was six years old. They know each other inside and out, knowing the traumas each one has faced, but also the triumphs and problems they’ve overcome. They’ve gotten through so many of life’s challenges together, so when Beckett needs Maisey to be his fake fiancé to get the promotion he’s worked so hard for, what could possibly go wrong?
I absolutely adore Beckett. He’s a dedicated firefighter, a team player, a wonderful friend, and a good son. He’s sees the best in Maisey, and he never fails to remind her of how amazing and beautiful she is. Maisey is such a sweetheart. As a nurse, she’s a natural caregiver, not only with her patients, but with everyone she loves.
Vader and Dorothy need to be mentioned, because they were so well-written. I LOVE pets in the books I read, and I enjoyed these two sweet animals and what they added to this story. I wish I could adopt both of them!
The danger and suspense of this book was thrilling and kept me turning pages as fast as I possibly could, but between that and the gorgeous, emotional love story, I didn’t want this book to end. I can’t wait for the next Swift Rivers story so I can catch up with all of these characters again. They feel like family, and I’m going to miss them.
I give this Five Fabulous Stars!!!!! I would give it more if I could.
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