Just Us: Investigating LOVE Series

by Evie Sterling

Some love stories start with a spark. Ours started with a stakeout.

Cassie
I’ve spent years chasing answers and pretending I didn’t already know where my heart was headed.
The cases keep coming, the nights keep getting longer, and Lincoln Suco keeps showing up—calm, infuriating, and impossible to forget.
We’ve survived danger, distance, and a thousand reasons to walk away. But this time, it’s not a client on the line—it’s us.
Love’s always been the mystery I could never solve. Maybe this is the one time I actually get to.

Lincoln
They say every investigator has a weakness. Mine is Cassie Love.
She’s the reason I stayed when I should’ve run, the reason I believe in second chances, and the only chaos I never want to escape.
The agency will go on—there will always be clients—but for me, this story ends right where it should.
Because after everything we’ve faced, it’s always been Just Us.

"Just Us" is the fourth and final book in the Investigating LOVE Series, blending small-town suspense, heartfelt emotion, and the lasting bond between two partners who finally realize that the greatest mystery has always been love.

302 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 16, 2025

About the author

Through her fiction works, Evie Sterling seeks to provide readers with an escape into a world of genuine emotions and heartfelt experiences. Evie hopes to connect with readers who share her passion of clean romance and those who seek to be moved by stories that touch heart and soul.

Reviews

[Chapters & Chives · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute and fun mystery novel with romance mixed in! If you enjoy cozy mystery novels, then you'll love this one!

[Joanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars for me.

Cassie and Lincoln helping Quinn find her sister.She's gone missing and Quinn seem to be hidding something.Going to Quinn hometown it's only a beginning of trouble for Cassie and Lincoln,they also need to deal with their own private relationship.

Will they find Qunn's sister in time?
Will they resolve issues between them?

It was a quick and enjoyable read,I liked the suspense part,the tension and danger keep me on my toes,I was not sure who will go out of it unscratched.The romance was lacking something for me,I had a feeling they were more suitable as friends then potential lovers.Still I liked the ending and hope to read Quinn and Tommy story if there will be one.

If you like a suspense and danger I would recommend this book.

Thank you publisher for arc,my review is honest and my own.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have enjoyed the Love Investigates series so much! I don't know if it was because I was reading this while laying in the bed and in the dark, but when Ben found the team in the warehouse I felt kinda scared. I enjoyed the growth between everyone. I also must say that I was wrong when it came to Tommy. I was sure that he was guilty one way or another with something. I just never trusted him fully, and for that I am sorry Tommy. I really hope this isn't the end of Cassie and Lincoln because I really want to know how their relationship plays out in the long run!

[Lindsey Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️️⭐️/ ️🌶️

I have been waiting for this book and am so happy it is here! Evie Sterling has kept her readers intrigued with her Investigating Love series and the final book is finally completed! A total of 4 books this series has followed our MCs for some time and watched as their relationship has grown over that time. While the feelings these two shared was evident, our MCs always found a reason to not act on them or why they couldn’t. Evie has put so much heart into this series and I have loved reading every word.

Over the past 3 books Cassie and Lincoln have tried to focus more on their PI business together rather than the obvious feelings they share for each other. Each book brings them closer and closer to finally giving in, but something always stops them. Evie has written the storyline between these two so well. It draws you in, has you clamoring to find out when they will finally be completely honest with each other, and has you coming back for more with each book. Both their backstories become clearer with each book, which makes it more understandable why they hesitate with their feelings.

This book definitely gives readers everything they have wanted between Lincoln and Cassie. Even more so, we get new characters, a storyline that dives more into Quinn’s life, and the feel good endings that we have to come to love from Evie. The suspense added to the storyline, but never overshadowed the romance. I will say to fully understand the romance between Lincoln and Cassie, you need to read all 4 books, in order. But trust me, they are worth the time and effort.

It was so good to be back in the writing world of Evie. She had to take a step back for some time, which was much needed, and I really missed her writing and storytelling abilities. I am glad she took time for herself, but won’t like and will admit how excited I am to know there are new stories coming and that she is better. Her closed door romances are some of my favorites read and this book solidified that!

As always, review any author notes before reading.

What to Expect:
🔎Workplace Romance
💕Dad’s Best Friend
🔎Age Gap
💕Second Chance Romance
🔎Small Town Romance
💕Closed Door Romance

[Chad Barrus · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC copy of this book from the author and even though I wasn’t required to post a review, I wanted to offer my honest, voluntary impression of it.

This is the final book in the series and it starts out with Quinn having to divulge a secret she has kept for 6 years when her little sister is kidnapped. As they investigate the disappearance things start to get personal with all of them starting with Cassie and then Lincoln. Of course Quinn was invested first and has to tell her them why Maya was taken.

It’s a action filled book with a determined ex con who wants Quinn to pay for what she did six years ago and both Cassie and Lincoln are pulled into it to rescue Maya and then later to re rescue her, Quinn and Tommy who’ve all been taken!

Along the way a touchy subject surfaces which may end the relationship between Lincoln and Cassie but
then Lincoln and Quinn are captured by the kidnapper forcing Cassie to decide if her relationship with Lincoln is worth it anymore while still determined
to save both of them!

I really enjoyed this thriller that forces these two to come to grips with deciding if what they feel is worth fighting for after Lincoln’s revelation and the subsequent silence afterwords.

I heartily recommend this book as a cozy mystery thriller that you can really enjoy as you easily can identify with the characters in this book and the turmoil behind the decisions as a result.

I believe you’ll enjoy this book as much as I did!

[Nicole Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an Advanced Reader Copy and am voluntarily reviewing it. We are back with our favorite PI team with a few adjustments and we have a case to solve. This one is personal. Quinn's sister, Maya, is missing. The crew races to Stonehill to start searching for clues. Quinn and her boyfriend, Tommy, are all in the mix on this one. Quinn is hiding something that could be vital to the case. Will everything fall apart when her secret is revealed. Once this book gets going, it is non-stop. Our beloved crew is ducking and dodging things left and right. When they find out why this all happened, things change. The crew has to pivot and try to be a step ahead.

I loved the addition of Tommy on this case. He is a calming force and the voice of reason. If you have read the series, you know Cassie is going to run in every time without thinking. Cassie is very much in save mode at all times. This case hits to crew hard because one of them is involved. Let's not forget about the elephant in the room. What readers have been waiting for happened in book 3. Lincoln and Cassie kinda made it official. They are still navigating those waters. New relationship, new case, higher stakes. I'm here for all of it. Loving this series.

[Elise · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute read that I had to start once I finished. There were some twists that I saw coming, but also some that I didn’t. I also anticipated twists that didn’t happen, so needless to say, I was invested in the “who done it” part of the storyline.

The whole relationship angle between Lincoln and Cassie frustrated me a bit. Really it was Lincoln that frustrated me, but as his backstory unfolded it made some sense why he is the way he is. It never seemed as if he was the older one in their relationship when it came to their actual relationship. At times I wondered if they were both trying too hard to make the relationship something it wasn’t.

While this book could be read as a standalone, I felt that I was missing information that would have been helpful to understanding the overall dynamic between Lincoln and Cassie and how everything came together for them. I would recommend reading the other books in the series before this one.

Overall, I thought it was a book that was easy to read and the actual case they were working on kept me invested from start to finish.

[Mrs Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 4 in the Investigating LOVE Series. It is beneficial if you read the previous three books, however; you can follow along if you did not.

In this story, we not only follow along with Lincoln and Cassie's love journey, but also find Quinn's sister, Maya, who was kidnapped. They are able to solve the mystery and save Quinn, but realize that the love Lincoln and Cassie share May not be able to hold true through all the coupley things that May come up in life. Lincoln had a hard childhood but Cassie's dad always made her feel the love. Can they find their way together when they're holding their hearts back?

I liked the resolve between Lincoln and Cassie. The story was a good place to follow along with the investigation. I liked that this was a bit above the regular sweet kisses books, but there was no hanky-panky. I will recommend this series to all who like romantic mystery/suspense with low spice.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Janine · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5* - Rounded up to 5...

Lincoln and Cassie face their toughest case yet as things get personal for the whole PI team! Quinn is hiding quite a large secret, and this secret comes to bite the whole team when her past comes back to haunt her. And while dealing with this intense case, Linc and Cassie realise they have largely different ideas of the future, and this puts their new relationship through the ringer. As they navigate the case, it pushes both Linc and Cassie to assess their emotions and feelings, and find themselves stretched to evaluate balancing dreams and love, and being happy.

Evie Sterling does a fabulous job balancing the mystery and the romance in this final installment of the Investigating LOVE series, and while I'm sad to say goodbye to these characters, I'm happy with how their story was closed out.

I received a free copy of this book through Hayling Bookstorm Ltd and Evie Sterling and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Brandi Augustine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so happy that Cassie and Lincoln are back! This is the final book in this series and even though I am sad it has ended, thi book is perfect.

We start with Quinn and telling Cassie and Lincoln about her missing sister. They decide to go with Quinn to her family to help find her sister. But Quinn is hiding something and they can tell that she is. When Quinn reveals her secret, so many things happen and they all are doing everything they can to find her sister.

While investigating, Cassie and Lincoln are getting closer and their relationship is definitely changing. But with them getting closer, it seems they may want different things for the future and one may be hiding something. Will rhey be able to make it together once secrets are found out? Read this to find out and took also find out the mysteries going on!

This sweet romance is so good and love the mystery too! So much happens and a must read!

[Bibliophile Foodie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn’t put this book down. As the final installment in the series, it delivered everything I was hoping for, intense suspense, emotional twists, and plenty of action. The story kicks off with Quinn’s sister going missing, and from that moment the pace never slows. The case quickly becomes personal for the whole PI team, and the stakes feel higher than ever.

What I loved most was how the mystery and the relationships were woven together. Cassie and Lincoln are still figuring out their new relationship, and this case really tests them. Their bond grows stronger, but at the same time they’re forced to face some tough truths about what they want for the future.

Quinn���s secret added another layer of drama, and when it finally came out, it changed everything.

It was thrilling, emotional, and a perfect way to close out the series. I’m sad to say goodbye to these characters, but I’m glad their journey ended on such a strong note.

[ReadIntoWonderland · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unfortunately, the end of this series did not hit for me. I felt like as the narrative went one I genuinely started liking the characters less and less. They never seem to trust each other and how am I supposed to root for that? The whole team felt highly dysfunctional. They keep saying they trust one another than keep massive relevant secrets over and over which is the only thing propelling the plot.

The one part of this book that did work for me was the pacing. I felt that it was pretty consistent throughout.

I want to make it clear in this review that I am still a fan of Evie. I love her sweet romances and how she can warm your heart. I just feel like the mystery end of things did not lend itself to her writing style. I am happy this series has come to a close in hopes I will be able to vibe more with her writing again.

Thank you to Hayling Bookstorm LTD. for the ARC. My review is honest and voluntary.

[Tracy Lynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars
This book is part of the Investigating Love series, and although can be read as a standalone, it could be helpful to read the previous books at there are references made. This book was a great young adult mystery, but I would not classify it as a romance. There was a lack of chemistry between the main characters, and all the characters seemed a little immature. It was easy to read, and it did keep you guessing throughout the storyline – the perfect scenario for a who-done-it, but there just seemed to be something lacking. I’m personally not sure if I would read other books in the series due to my feelings on this book, but I think I will be picking up this author again in the future.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review honestly and voluntarily.

[Sarah Putrow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Apparently this is a series and I wish I knew that as there were so many references to previous books and people I felt a bit lost a lot of the time. I just found it was harder to get into the book and wish I would have been able to read the previous books first so I definitely don't recommend it as a standalone personally.

It was a quick read with suspense and mystery that kept me reading on.

The story was about a ex con who wants Quinn to pay for what she did six years ago and Lincoln and Cassie are both pulled into to the investigation when they are looking for missing person Maya, Quinn's sister.

I don't know the relationship between Lincoln and Cassie just didn't hit the mark for me. It lacked a lot of romance and felt more friendship than anything. I was just hoping for more I guess.

Overall cute suspense book and definitely recommend reading whole series.

[Janet Shearouse · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't realize this was a series when I got this book, and I definitely felt like I was missing some of the backstory, but I didn't feel confused. I am really wondering what happened with Phineas now! It seemed a little odd that they didn't want to spend Phineas's money because they thought he might have gotten it in questionable ways, but thought it would be fine for someone else to.
The villain was something else! He blames Quinn for his stint in jail, so he kidnaps her sister to force her to give him what he wants, but then he becomes rather unhinged and does things that don't really benefit him just to hurt Quinn and her friends.
I would have enjoyed it more if I had read the other books in the series, but it wasn't bad standing alone.

I received an ARC of this book, but all opinions are my own.

[Jackie Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just Us is Lincoln and Cassie’s workmates to lovers story and it’s the last book in the Investigating Love Series. This author is fairly new to me and I’m wondering why I haven’t come across her before now.
Linc and Cassie have a new case which involves the whole PI team as they head to Quinn’s home town to track her missing sister down. While dealing with this personal and intense case their relationship shifts as they realise they both have feelings for each other. But do they want the same things for the future……..
This is a well written, entertaining read that I quickly became invested in. The case was mysterious and the tension builds but it was the characters that took this sweet read t another level.

[Soft and Sinister · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cassie and Lincoln help Quinn search for her missing sister, but it soon becomes clear Quinn is hiding a long-kept secret. When Maya is kidnapped, a dangerous investigation begins, pulling everyone into an action-filled race against time. As tensions rise, Cassie and Lincoln must also confront serious issues in their relationship.

This was a quick, enjoyable read with strong suspense. The constant danger kept me on edge, and I wasn’t sure who would come out unscathed. While I enjoyed the thriller elements, the romance felt lacking, and I thought Cassie and Lincoln worked better as friends.

I liked the ending and would read Quinn and Tommy’s story if there is one. If you enjoy suspense and danger, I recommend this book.

[Craig S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Evie Sterling’s new book, “JUST US” is a must read. This is the last book of a series which wraps up all the loose ends of a dynamic build up of a happy ever after for all the main characters. Will Cassie and Lincoln be able to work out their relationship and future plans for a happy ever after? Well, not before they solve a mystery kidnapping and the man who is responsible for the kidnapping tries to burn down the office. Can Lincoln save their office from going up in flames? Maybe, maybe not? Will Cassie and Lincoln solve their personal problems and form a never ending bond of love and devotion?

Take a break from all the candy and cookies from the holidays and grab a copy of JUST US and have a relaxing break! Edna McCampbell Homar
12/30/25

[Jane litherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

L&S Investigators have a case a little close to home for one of them as Quinn’s little sister has gone missing and Tommy her mister and the rest of the crew are there to support her when she has to go home to mum n dad see what clues there are to be had post haste .Cassie and Lincoln join the fray and they get to know each other more along the way . They have their issues so find some tissues and hope they’ll continue more than friends and that they find Quinn’s sister in the end. A splendid story by Evie Sterling that’s top tier and of this series I always cheer . I loved it dear and so to shed a tear or two because this is the last in the series too.

[Heather Kelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a digital ARC of this book. This is the 4th and final book in the series. They should be read in order because each book starts where the previous book left off. Just when you think Cassie and Lincoln have things figured out, Evie takes them on a roller coaster ride. Throw in secrets from their PI partner Quinn come out and now everyone is in danger. This book has suspense and romance. I’m honestly bummed this is the last book in the series. Maybe Evie will decide to add more, or do a spin off with Quinn and her boyfriend Tommy. Surely there are more cases their PI firm could solve.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yay, I'm so excited Lincoln and Cassie are back! They have a new case to help Quinn track down her missing sister. The case is mysterious and has way too many questions. The tension between Lincoln and Cassie is building with their relationship changing while having some major obstacles to overcome. The perfect balance of high stakes suspense, a little drama, and sweet and tender moments. I'm so sad this series is ending but this book gave me everything I have been craving!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jasmin · Rating 4 out of 5]

**ARC REVIEW**

Just Us by Evie Sterling is a cozy mystery that kept me hooked from start to finish. The suspense kept me on edge. The writing is smooth and engaging, the plot well-paced, and the characters distinct and well-developed. I especially loved the twists and turns—I definitely didn’t see them coming! Watching Cassie and Lincoln’s relationship unfold amid the danger and intrigue was a highlight of the book.

A delightful cozy mystery with heart, humor, and suspense—highly recommended!

Thank you to Evie Sterling and Hayling Bookstorm for providing the ARC.

[Jenny x Carolena · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a suspense and thriller girlie, this finale really hit the right spot with its danger and high tension! It was a super enjoyable and action-packed read, though I have to be honest - if you are looking for a warm, feel-good romcom with strong chemistry, this probably isn't the one. The romance felt a bit lacking compared to the mystery elements, but I still had fun reading it. Definitely pick this one up for the suspense and the thrill of the chase!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Bernadette Cinkoske · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Just Us the entire PI team is involved when Quinn's sister Maya is kidnapped. Quinn has been hiding a secret. To force Quinn's hand, the villain takes Maya. The investigation is complicated by Quinn's secret and Lincoln and Cassie's relationship. The many plot points are balanced nicely by Ms. Sterling in this well plotted, romantic suspense novel. It kept me awake reading into the wee hours because I did not see how she could resolve everything. My lack of sleep was well rewarded by this extremely satisfying conclusion to the series!

[Jade Cooke · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 4 of the series. I have not read any of the other books and this one read just fine. You may find it beneficial to read the others first.

This book was a great YA mystery. I would say that the connection between the MC’s was lacking, so personally I wouldn’t class this as a romance book. I loved the plot of this story, it kept you guessing all the way through. I loved the fact that Cassie was carrying on with her dad’s business.

Would I read the others in the series? Yes, more than likely. I enjoyed this and it was a super easy fun read.

[Amber Novak · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the fourth and final book in the Investigating LOVE series and follows Lincoln and Cassie as they navigate the feelings that have steadily grown between them as they've worked together. I enjoyed the backstory and learning why Lincoln is the way he is. Thrown in some twists and turns, some predictable and some not, and this is a fun story. A mystery to solve, a little love, great characters and a satisfying conclusion make this a great final entry in the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am really enjoying this series. Cassie and Lincoln have finally admitted their feelings for each other and are beginning to build a real relationship. When trouble from Quinn’s past resurfaces, the team must work together to save Quinn’s sister. As tensions rise, Lincoln starts to question whether staying with Cassie is the right choice. Near-death experiences, FBI connections, and second chances make this fourth installment a gripping and engaging read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a sweet romance with no spice or hint of smut. It seems it can be read as a stand alone but there is a lot of references to things from the previous books so I would recommend reading them in order. I liked the story line but felt the FMC/MMC were more friendly than romantically involved. Overall it was good but unferstand going in the romance is an innocent sweet romance :)

I received this as an ARC and am leaving my honest review voluntarily.

[Karla · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting PI mystery read. Quinn, Lincoln and Cassie are the main characters. They've solved several cases together, some easy and some not so easy. Quinn's not very forth coming about her background which adds to the puzzle. Her younger sister is missing and her parents have asked for the group to help find her as the police say she's a run away and aren't concerned. It's intriguing although a little confusing at times.

[Lilian · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5⭐️
This is the last book in the Investigating Love Series and also my favorite in the series. The relationship between Cassie and Lincoln is progressing well but challenges still lie ahead as they need to muddle through some differences in values in their new relationship.

Similar to the earlier books, the case ensured that there were no boring moments. Meanwhile, the romance plot was solid and I loved how it was built up slowly but surely throughout the series.