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The Callahans #4
Choosing Us
Everyone admired her brilliance—but he fell for her heart.
Dr. Harlow Lane has spent her entire life being exceptional. As a child prodigy turned Clinical Forensic Psychiatrist and Behavioral Analyst for the FBI, she’s built her career on logic, discipline, and the ability to outsmart even the darkest minds. People see what she can do—but very few see who she is.
Until she meets Ryan Callahan.
From the beginning, Ryan sees past the accolades and reputation to the woman who carries more than she should and asks for nothing in return. He shows up. He notices. He handles whatever comes his way—without being asked.
Long before he says those three words, he proves them.
But when the serial killer Harlow and her team are tracking escalates, the lines between professional and personal begin to blur. The more she tries to anticipate the killer’s next move, the more undeniable it becomes that this predator isn’t finished—and he’s far more dangerous than anyone realized.
And this time, her brilliance may not be enough.
Dr. Harlow Lane has spent her entire life being exceptional. As a child prodigy turned Clinical Forensic Psychiatrist and Behavioral Analyst for the FBI, she’s built her career on logic, discipline, and the ability to outsmart even the darkest minds. People see what she can do—but very few see who she is.
Until she meets Ryan Callahan.
From the beginning, Ryan sees past the accolades and reputation to the woman who carries more than she should and asks for nothing in return. He shows up. He notices. He handles whatever comes his way—without being asked.
Long before he says those three words, he proves them.
But when the serial killer Harlow and her team are tracking escalates, the lines between professional and personal begin to blur. The more she tries to anticipate the killer’s next move, the more undeniable it becomes that this predator isn’t finished—and he’s far more dangerous than anyone realized.
And this time, her brilliance may not be enough.
450 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 10, 2026
About the author
Liz Colbert
9 books83 followersLiz Colbert loves her coffee strong and iced, getting lost in a good book, and believes in the Oxford comma. She always dreamed of writing a novel one day and decided to intentionally pursue that dream in 2024. Her stories include heartfelt characters, maybe an unexpected twist or two, but will always end with a happily ever after.
Liz lives in the Midwest with her husband and children. She is particular about pens that write smoothly, is an avid reader of romance novels, and when not busy with all of the above, she enjoys meeting friends for coffee.
Her debut romantic suspense novel was published on April 21, 2025.
Liz lives in the Midwest with her husband and children. She is particular about pens that write smoothly, is an avid reader of romance novels, and when not busy with all of the above, she enjoys meeting friends for coffee.
Her debut romantic suspense novel was published on April 21, 2025.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 144 reviews
August 17, 2026
4🌟 | 1.5🌶️
This was such a fun romantic suspense read!
I really enjoyed the mix of the FBI investigation and romance, especially the way Harlow and Ryan balanced each other. Harlow is brilliant, fiercely independent, and used to handling everything herself, while Ryan is the sweetest kind of protective. He never tries to dim her strengths and simply makes sure she knows she has someone in her corner.
I also loved getting more of the Callahan family. Their loyalty, closeness, and instinct to show up for each other added so much warmth, and the found-family dynamic was easily one of my favourite parts. The suspense kept me invested, although I did feel the pacing dragged in places and the final reveal was a little cheesy for me. I also think the timeline could have been a bit clearer.
Overall, I really enjoyed Harlow and Ryan’s story. Their relationship had a lovely slow-burn quality, with plenty of care, healthy boundaries, and emotional connection without needing a ton of spice.
I’d recommend reading the series in order for the full Callahan experience, but this was still an enjoyable and easy-to-get-into romantic suspense.
~~~~
A huge thank you to Liz Colbert and Love Notes PR for the ARC! 😍 All my bookish thoughts are completely my own. ✨
This was such a fun romantic suspense read!
I really enjoyed the mix of the FBI investigation and romance, especially the way Harlow and Ryan balanced each other. Harlow is brilliant, fiercely independent, and used to handling everything herself, while Ryan is the sweetest kind of protective. He never tries to dim her strengths and simply makes sure she knows she has someone in her corner.
I also loved getting more of the Callahan family. Their loyalty, closeness, and instinct to show up for each other added so much warmth, and the found-family dynamic was easily one of my favourite parts. The suspense kept me invested, although I did feel the pacing dragged in places and the final reveal was a little cheesy for me. I also think the timeline could have been a bit clearer.
Overall, I really enjoyed Harlow and Ryan’s story. Their relationship had a lovely slow-burn quality, with plenty of care, healthy boundaries, and emotional connection without needing a ton of spice.
I’d recommend reading the series in order for the full Callahan experience, but this was still an enjoyable and easy-to-get-into romantic suspense.
~~~~
A huge thank you to Liz Colbert and Love Notes PR for the ARC! 😍 All my bookish thoughts are completely my own. ✨
August 17, 2026
✨This was such a fun read! I really liked the combination of romance and the FBI/serial killer storyline. It gave the book enough suspense to keep me interested while still giving us plenty of Harlow and Ryan.🫶🏽
Harlow was such an interesting character.💕She’s incredibly smart and basically always has everything figured out, but when it comes to her personal life, she has a harder time letting people in. I really enjoyed seeing her walls come down little by little.🥹
And Ryan was SO easy to love. 🫠He was patient, supportive, protective, and just genuinely cared about Harlow. I loved that he didn’t try to change her or compete with her intelligence. He just wanted to be there for her.❤️🩹
The suspense definitely kept me turning the pages, especially as things started getting more dangerous.🤭 While there was some moments the pace wasn’t my favorite it didn’t take away from the intriguing plot.🤌🏽
⭐️I would recommend this book for all the tension you get from this book. I really enjoyed Harlow and Ryan’s story.🙌🏽
Thank you to the Author Liz Colbert and LoveNotesPR for the opportunity to read this ARC!🩵
Harlow was such an interesting character.💕She’s incredibly smart and basically always has everything figured out, but when it comes to her personal life, she has a harder time letting people in. I really enjoyed seeing her walls come down little by little.🥹
And Ryan was SO easy to love. 🫠He was patient, supportive, protective, and just genuinely cared about Harlow. I loved that he didn’t try to change her or compete with her intelligence. He just wanted to be there for her.❤️🩹
The suspense definitely kept me turning the pages, especially as things started getting more dangerous.🤭 While there was some moments the pace wasn’t my favorite it didn’t take away from the intriguing plot.🤌🏽
⭐️I would recommend this book for all the tension you get from this book. I really enjoyed Harlow and Ryan’s story.🙌🏽
Thank you to the Author Liz Colbert and LoveNotesPR for the opportunity to read this ARC!🩵
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Callahans are back, and I seriously love this family so much!They always have each other's backs, and seeing the family continue to grow in more ways than one just made my heart so happy.
This one definitely gave me Criminal Minds vibes, which was such a fun surprise! Since this is book four, it felt a little different from the previous books because we get a lot more of Harlow's POV as she works to solve a case. I loved getting to see how smart, capable, and independent she is. Ryan is the absolute sweetest and I loved all the little ways he showed up for Harlow throughout the book.
There were a couple of moments where I got a little confused, mostly because of the timeline but it wasn't enough to take away from the story. Overall, I enjoyed this one, and I'm excited to see what's next for the Calvary!
Tropes
•hunting a serial killer
•protective hero
•brilliant FBI heroine
•romantic suspense
•slow burn
•no 3rd act breakup
Spice: 1🌶️
Rating: 3.5⭐️
This one definitely gave me Criminal Minds vibes, which was such a fun surprise! Since this is book four, it felt a little different from the previous books because we get a lot more of Harlow's POV as she works to solve a case. I loved getting to see how smart, capable, and independent she is. Ryan is the absolute sweetest and I loved all the little ways he showed up for Harlow throughout the book.
There were a couple of moments where I got a little confused, mostly because of the timeline but it wasn't enough to take away from the story. Overall, I enjoyed this one, and I'm excited to see what's next for the Calvary!
Tropes
•hunting a serial killer
•protective hero
•brilliant FBI heroine
•romantic suspense
•slow burn
•no 3rd act breakup
Spice: 1🌶️
Rating: 3.5⭐️
August 20, 2026
“𝙎𝙝𝙚 𝙣𝙚𝙚𝙙𝙨 𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙮, 𝙘𝙖𝙡𝙢, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙥𝙚𝙖𝙘𝙚. 𝙄 𝙘𝙖𝙣 𝙗𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙨𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙨 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙝𝙚𝙧.”
RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5
SPICE: 🌶️ 1/5
Okay, before anyone starts thinking I’ve completely lost the plot because there are no mafia men, secret societies, stalkers or morally black psychopaths anywhere in sight…
I DO HAVE RANGE, PEOPLE. 😭😂
I am not ALWAYS reading books that were seemingly spawned from the deepest pits of hell.
Sometimes I stray from the norm.
Sometimes I dip my toes into something a little healthier.
A little sweeter.
A little less “he murdered someone because they looked at her for 3.7 seconds.”
VARIETY, PEOPLE. SPICE OF LIFE. 💅🏻😂
And Choosing Us by Liz Colbert was a really enjoyable change of pace.
This is book four in the Callahans series, and while you could probably pick this one up and understand what’s happening…
I’m going to be THAT person.
Read them in order.
You get so much more out of the Callahan family dynamics when you already know these people, and honestly, the family is one of my favorite parts of this entire story. 🥹
But let’s talk about…
DR. HARLOW LANE.
Clinical Forensic Psychiatrist.
Behavioral Analyst for the FBI.
Child prodigy.
Brilliant.
Independent.
Hunting a serial k!ller.
👀
HELLO MA’AM.
I LOVE a highly intelligent FMC, but what I loved even more about Harlow is that Liz didn’t make her intelligence her entire personality.
Everyone sees what Harlow can do.
Ryan sees who she is.
😭
And apparently we’re being soft today because THAT got me.
Harlow has spent basically her entire life being exceptional.
She’s used to being the smartest person in the room.
She’s used to carrying everything.
She’s used to solving problems herself.
She’s built a career around understanding some of the darkest and most dangerous minds imaginable.
Which means obviously the universe needed to throw one mystery at her that she couldn’t solve logically:
A MAN WHO ACTUALLY COMMUNICATES AND TREATS HER WELL.
😂😂😂
Enter…
RYAN CALLAHAN.
And listen.
This man is GREEN.
Like…
🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳
A whole f*cking FOREST.
Normally I’m over here collecting fictional men whose red flags could be seen from space, so imagine my confusion when Ryan walked onto the page being emotionally available and supportive and I was like…
👁️👄👁️
Wait. Why do I like this?!
😂
Ryan doesn’t need Harlow to be less brilliant so he can feel more masculine.
THANK YOU.
He doesn’t try to save her from her own career.
He doesn’t compete with her intelligence.
He doesn’t make her accomplishments about his ego.
He simply sees this fiercely independent woman who’s spent her entire life handling everything herself and thinks…
Okay. But who takes care of YOU?
😭😭😭
SIR.
RUDE.
Because Ryan is an acts-of-service man through and through.
He notices.
He shows up.
He handles things.
He doesn’t wait for Harlow to beg for help.
And most importantly, he doesn’t treat caring for her like some transaction that means she owes him something afterward.
He just…
LOVES HER.
Long before he actually says it.
And apparently I’m softer than I thought because watching a man consistently prove “I love you” before ever saying the words had me melting. 🥹🖤
Don’t worry.
I’ll return to my regularly scheduled morally bankrupt psychopaths shortly.
😂
But this isn’t JUST romance.
Because while Harlow is slowly realizing she doesn’t have to carry the entire world alone…
THERE’S A SERIAL K!LLER.
🔪👀
Ahhhh.
There we go.
I knew we couldn’t be completely wholesome.
😂
The romantic suspense aspect was probably one of my favorite parts because we actually get to see Harlow DO HER JOB.
She’s not just given this impressive FBI title so the author can remind us she’s brilliant every fifty pages.
We actually get the investigation.
We get the profiling.
We get the team trying to anticipate what this person is going to do next.
And as things escalate, that line between Harlow’s professional life and personal safety starts getting increasingly uncomfortable.
YESSSSS.
Give me something to WORRY ABOUT. 😂👏🏻
Because you guys know I need at least a LITTLE stress with my romance.
And having Ryan be protective without becoming the kind of MMC who suddenly decides his highly trained FBI girlfriend needs to sit at home wrapped in bubble wrap???
PERFECT.
Protective does not have to mean controlling.
Ryan understands Harlow is incredibly capable.
He just also makes it very clear that if something happens…
she isn’t dealing with it alone.
That’s the difference.
And I loved it. 🥹
The relationship itself is a slow burn, but it’s a very different kind of slow burn than the “we hate each other and might either fck or commit homicide”* version I usually inhale.
😂
This one is built through care.
Trust.
Consistency.
Healthy boundaries.
Emotional intimacy.
Those little moments where someone quietly becomes part of your life before you realize how much space they’ve taken up.
And surprisingly…
I ate it up.
There’s also not a massive amount of spice here, and I didn’t really miss it.
I KNOW.
WHO AM I?!
Someone check on me. 😭😂
But Harlow and Ryan’s emotional connection was strong enough that the relationship didn’t NEED constant spice to convince me they wanted each other.
Sometimes the intimacy is in someone simply knowing you.
And these two had that.
Then we have the CALLAHANS.
🥹🖤
I love a family that basically operates under the rule:
Your problem? OUR problem.
😂
The loyalty.
The closeness.
Everyone showing up for everyone.
The found-family elements.
I absolutely loved being back in this world and getting more time with everybody.
This is also why I really recommend reading the series in order.
Could you technically understand Harlow and Ryan without all the previous context?
Probably.
But you’re missing part of the experience.
And I want the FULL EXPERIENCE.
Now, this wasn’t perfect for me.
The pacing dragged a little in places, especially because you’re balancing both the romance AND the investigation.
There were also moments where the timeline could have been clearer.
And the final reveal?
😬
It leaned a little cheesy for me.
Not enough to ruin everything that came before it, obviously, but I definitely had a tiny…
Oh. That’s where we’re going with this?
…moment. 😂
But overall?
I really enjoyed this.
Harlow is exactly the kind of FMC I love reading about.
Brilliant.
Successful.
Independent.
In a career where SHE is the expert.
And Ryan never needs to make her smaller so he can feel bigger beside her.
THAT’S HOT.
👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
And then you add a serial k!ller investigation, suspense, a protective hero, found family and NO THIRD-ACT BREAKUP?!
BLESS. 🙌🏻😂
Because apparently Liz decided these two could encounter problems without suddenly forgetting every communication skill they’ve developed for the entire book.
WHAT A CONCEPT.
If you love romantic suspense, brilliant FBI heroines, serial k!ller investigations, protective-but-not-controlling MMCs, slow burns, acts of service, found family, healthy relationships and NO third-act breakup, definitely pick this one up.
But start at book one if you want the full Callahan experience. 🖤
Apparently I don’t ALWAYS require a man to be morally questionable, tattooed, pierced, in the mafia or carrying enough red flags to cover a small country.
Sometimes he can just…
show up, communicate and love his woman correctly.
Who knew?! 😭😂
Don’t get too comfortable though.
I’m sure I’ll be back in the depths of hell by my next review. 🧎🏻♀️🔪🖤
RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5
SPICE: 🌶️ 1/5
Okay, before anyone starts thinking I’ve completely lost the plot because there are no mafia men, secret societies, stalkers or morally black psychopaths anywhere in sight…
I DO HAVE RANGE, PEOPLE. 😭😂
I am not ALWAYS reading books that were seemingly spawned from the deepest pits of hell.
Sometimes I stray from the norm.
Sometimes I dip my toes into something a little healthier.
A little sweeter.
A little less “he murdered someone because they looked at her for 3.7 seconds.”
VARIETY, PEOPLE. SPICE OF LIFE. 💅🏻😂
And Choosing Us by Liz Colbert was a really enjoyable change of pace.
This is book four in the Callahans series, and while you could probably pick this one up and understand what’s happening…
I’m going to be THAT person.
Read them in order.
You get so much more out of the Callahan family dynamics when you already know these people, and honestly, the family is one of my favorite parts of this entire story. 🥹
But let’s talk about…
DR. HARLOW LANE.
Clinical Forensic Psychiatrist.
Behavioral Analyst for the FBI.
Child prodigy.
Brilliant.
Independent.
Hunting a serial k!ller.
👀
HELLO MA’AM.
I LOVE a highly intelligent FMC, but what I loved even more about Harlow is that Liz didn’t make her intelligence her entire personality.
Everyone sees what Harlow can do.
Ryan sees who she is.
😭
And apparently we’re being soft today because THAT got me.
Harlow has spent basically her entire life being exceptional.
She’s used to being the smartest person in the room.
She’s used to carrying everything.
She’s used to solving problems herself.
She’s built a career around understanding some of the darkest and most dangerous minds imaginable.
Which means obviously the universe needed to throw one mystery at her that she couldn’t solve logically:
A MAN WHO ACTUALLY COMMUNICATES AND TREATS HER WELL.
😂😂😂
Enter…
RYAN CALLAHAN.
And listen.
This man is GREEN.
Like…
🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳
A whole f*cking FOREST.
Normally I’m over here collecting fictional men whose red flags could be seen from space, so imagine my confusion when Ryan walked onto the page being emotionally available and supportive and I was like…
👁️👄👁️
Wait. Why do I like this?!
😂
Ryan doesn’t need Harlow to be less brilliant so he can feel more masculine.
THANK YOU.
He doesn’t try to save her from her own career.
He doesn’t compete with her intelligence.
He doesn’t make her accomplishments about his ego.
He simply sees this fiercely independent woman who’s spent her entire life handling everything herself and thinks…
Okay. But who takes care of YOU?
😭😭😭
SIR.
RUDE.
Because Ryan is an acts-of-service man through and through.
He notices.
He shows up.
He handles things.
He doesn’t wait for Harlow to beg for help.
And most importantly, he doesn’t treat caring for her like some transaction that means she owes him something afterward.
He just…
LOVES HER.
Long before he actually says it.
And apparently I’m softer than I thought because watching a man consistently prove “I love you” before ever saying the words had me melting. 🥹🖤
Don’t worry.
I’ll return to my regularly scheduled morally bankrupt psychopaths shortly.
😂
But this isn’t JUST romance.
Because while Harlow is slowly realizing she doesn’t have to carry the entire world alone…
THERE’S A SERIAL K!LLER.
🔪👀
Ahhhh.
There we go.
I knew we couldn’t be completely wholesome.
😂
The romantic suspense aspect was probably one of my favorite parts because we actually get to see Harlow DO HER JOB.
She’s not just given this impressive FBI title so the author can remind us she’s brilliant every fifty pages.
We actually get the investigation.
We get the profiling.
We get the team trying to anticipate what this person is going to do next.
And as things escalate, that line between Harlow’s professional life and personal safety starts getting increasingly uncomfortable.
YESSSSS.
Give me something to WORRY ABOUT. 😂👏🏻
Because you guys know I need at least a LITTLE stress with my romance.
And having Ryan be protective without becoming the kind of MMC who suddenly decides his highly trained FBI girlfriend needs to sit at home wrapped in bubble wrap???
PERFECT.
Protective does not have to mean controlling.
Ryan understands Harlow is incredibly capable.
He just also makes it very clear that if something happens…
she isn’t dealing with it alone.
That’s the difference.
And I loved it. 🥹
The relationship itself is a slow burn, but it’s a very different kind of slow burn than the “we hate each other and might either fck or commit homicide”* version I usually inhale.
😂
This one is built through care.
Trust.
Consistency.
Healthy boundaries.
Emotional intimacy.
Those little moments where someone quietly becomes part of your life before you realize how much space they’ve taken up.
And surprisingly…
I ate it up.
There’s also not a massive amount of spice here, and I didn’t really miss it.
I KNOW.
WHO AM I?!
Someone check on me. 😭😂
But Harlow and Ryan’s emotional connection was strong enough that the relationship didn’t NEED constant spice to convince me they wanted each other.
Sometimes the intimacy is in someone simply knowing you.
And these two had that.
Then we have the CALLAHANS.
🥹🖤
I love a family that basically operates under the rule:
Your problem? OUR problem.
😂
The loyalty.
The closeness.
Everyone showing up for everyone.
The found-family elements.
I absolutely loved being back in this world and getting more time with everybody.
This is also why I really recommend reading the series in order.
Could you technically understand Harlow and Ryan without all the previous context?
Probably.
But you’re missing part of the experience.
And I want the FULL EXPERIENCE.
Now, this wasn’t perfect for me.
The pacing dragged a little in places, especially because you’re balancing both the romance AND the investigation.
There were also moments where the timeline could have been clearer.
And the final reveal?
😬
It leaned a little cheesy for me.
Not enough to ruin everything that came before it, obviously, but I definitely had a tiny…
Oh. That’s where we’re going with this?
…moment. 😂
But overall?
I really enjoyed this.
Harlow is exactly the kind of FMC I love reading about.
Brilliant.
Successful.
Independent.
In a career where SHE is the expert.
And Ryan never needs to make her smaller so he can feel bigger beside her.
THAT’S HOT.
👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
And then you add a serial k!ller investigation, suspense, a protective hero, found family and NO THIRD-ACT BREAKUP?!
BLESS. 🙌🏻😂
Because apparently Liz decided these two could encounter problems without suddenly forgetting every communication skill they’ve developed for the entire book.
WHAT A CONCEPT.
If you love romantic suspense, brilliant FBI heroines, serial k!ller investigations, protective-but-not-controlling MMCs, slow burns, acts of service, found family, healthy relationships and NO third-act breakup, definitely pick this one up.
But start at book one if you want the full Callahan experience. 🖤
Apparently I don’t ALWAYS require a man to be morally questionable, tattooed, pierced, in the mafia or carrying enough red flags to cover a small country.
Sometimes he can just…
show up, communicate and love his woman correctly.
Who knew?! 😭😂
Don’t get too comfortable though.
I’m sure I’ll be back in the depths of hell by my next review. 🧎🏻♀️🔪🖤
August 16, 2026
This is the story of Ryan and Harlow, a romantic suspense novel that emphasizes safe and secure love, healthy boundaries as well as found family. I love that the story highlights finding people in your life who see your worth based on who you are, not what you do or what you represent in society. While most of these characters had high-profile careers, the author is very intentional about outlining the significance of being loved for who you are, not what you do. My favorite part of the story was the Callahan family and the closeness and support that they provide to each other and the people in their lives.
While I enjoyed the story and appreciated a lot of the intention that seemed to go into the character creation, I did find it fell a little flat for me. I thought that there was way too much packed into the timeline of the story in terms of the relationships built and the milestones the characters go through in both their relationships and lives. In terms of the suspense aspect of this novel, it felt like the story had a very light sprinkling of this part of the plot for the first 2/3 of the book and then when the climax occurred, I got a vibe that was a combination of Law and Order and Scooby-Doo, so it felt a bit cheesy, especially when capturing the villain’s reactions and personality.
I did think that including the storyline about Harlow‘s parents was effective and added important character development and depth to the plot.
I have not read the first three books in the series so I don’t have much to compare this novel to. I think that this book would appeal to many people who want more of a lighthearted, casual read. Personally for me, I prefer much more depth in the books that I choose to read and love so I don’t think this would be a series I would explore further.
Thank you so much to Liz Colbert, the Author, for creating a wonderful story for me to read and enjoy and to Love Notes PR for giving me the opportunity to read this Advanced Readers Copy in exchange for an honest review.
Choosing Us and the first 3 books in The Callahan series is available on Amazon via KindleUnlimited and also in paperback.
While I enjoyed the story and appreciated a lot of the intention that seemed to go into the character creation, I did find it fell a little flat for me. I thought that there was way too much packed into the timeline of the story in terms of the relationships built and the milestones the characters go through in both their relationships and lives. In terms of the suspense aspect of this novel, it felt like the story had a very light sprinkling of this part of the plot for the first 2/3 of the book and then when the climax occurred, I got a vibe that was a combination of Law and Order and Scooby-Doo, so it felt a bit cheesy, especially when capturing the villain’s reactions and personality.
I did think that including the storyline about Harlow‘s parents was effective and added important character development and depth to the plot.
I have not read the first three books in the series so I don’t have much to compare this novel to. I think that this book would appeal to many people who want more of a lighthearted, casual read. Personally for me, I prefer much more depth in the books that I choose to read and love so I don’t think this would be a series I would explore further.
Thank you so much to Liz Colbert, the Author, for creating a wonderful story for me to read and enjoy and to Love Notes PR for giving me the opportunity to read this Advanced Readers Copy in exchange for an honest review.
Choosing Us and the first 3 books in The Callahan series is available on Amazon via KindleUnlimited and also in paperback.
August 17, 2026
📚 ARC reader 📚
This is my first read of the Callaghan cavalry stories. I will definitely go back to read the first three books after reading Ryan and Harlow’s story 🥹
Although this is a standalone I do think I would have had a better grip of the earlier plot if I had read the books in order but that’s on me!
This really is a slow burn which worked so well for the characters. There is minimal spice which also flowed well with the story and fit into the dynamic ❤️
I haven’t ever read a book like this before and I loved the suspenseful elements with Harlows work in the FBI. Such a different lense for a romance book and merged my two favourite types of story!
The characters-
Harlow- such a unique FMC, in a great way. Smart but reserved without being a meek little woman. I really loved her character progression in learning to trust and accept support 🥹. The perfect pairing to Ryan’s acts of service love.
Ryan- Golden retriever with a deep bark 😂. Who doesn’t love a doting, thoughtful, kind man who would also burn the world to keep you safe 😍
Overall:
I’m going to revisit this review once iv read books 1-3 but as it stands, I would recommend if you like romance and crime/suspense. It’s a great mix which is really unique to find!
I did have to stop and think a couple of times to keep my grip on what was happening. That’s my only bug bear with this one. Il update if it’s a different case after reading the earlier books 🙂
This is my first read of the Callaghan cavalry stories. I will definitely go back to read the first three books after reading Ryan and Harlow’s story 🥹
Although this is a standalone I do think I would have had a better grip of the earlier plot if I had read the books in order but that’s on me!
This really is a slow burn which worked so well for the characters. There is minimal spice which also flowed well with the story and fit into the dynamic ❤️
I haven’t ever read a book like this before and I loved the suspenseful elements with Harlows work in the FBI. Such a different lense for a romance book and merged my two favourite types of story!
The characters-
Harlow- such a unique FMC, in a great way. Smart but reserved without being a meek little woman. I really loved her character progression in learning to trust and accept support 🥹. The perfect pairing to Ryan’s acts of service love.
Ryan- Golden retriever with a deep bark 😂. Who doesn’t love a doting, thoughtful, kind man who would also burn the world to keep you safe 😍
Overall:
I’m going to revisit this review once iv read books 1-3 but as it stands, I would recommend if you like romance and crime/suspense. It’s a great mix which is really unique to find!
I did have to stop and think a couple of times to keep my grip on what was happening. That’s my only bug bear with this one. Il update if it’s a different case after reading the earlier books 🙂
August 10, 2026
📖 Plot:
I really enjoyed this one! I loved the FBI/serial killer aspect mixed with the romance, although there were definitely a few moments where the story felt a little slow for me. Overall though, I stayed invested and wanted to see how everything played out.
🖤 Characters:
Harlow is SMART. Like, ridiculously smart. She is completely badass at what she does, but I loved getting to see the softer side of her too. And Ryan? THIS MAN. 🥹 He was everything I needed him to be, noticed everything, showed up for her, and basically just took care of things without being asked. Protective without being overbearing, and I absolutely loved watching him fall for Harlow.
🌶️ Spice:
Definitely on the lighter side, but honestly, it worked for this story. The slow burn and chemistry between Harlow and Ryan carried the romance, and I never felt like the story needed more spice just for the sake of having it.
✨ Ending:
I loved that we got a HEA and NO THIRD-ACT BREAKUP. 🙌 Thank you, Liz! 😂 The ending wrapped everything up nicely, and I really enjoyed Harlow and Ryan's story. This is technically a standalone, but I definitely think reading the other Callahans books would make the overlapping characters and timeline even more fun.
I really enjoyed this one! I loved the FBI/serial killer aspect mixed with the romance, although there were definitely a few moments where the story felt a little slow for me. Overall though, I stayed invested and wanted to see how everything played out.
🖤 Characters:
Harlow is SMART. Like, ridiculously smart. She is completely badass at what she does, but I loved getting to see the softer side of her too. And Ryan? THIS MAN. 🥹 He was everything I needed him to be, noticed everything, showed up for her, and basically just took care of things without being asked. Protective without being overbearing, and I absolutely loved watching him fall for Harlow.
🌶️ Spice:
Definitely on the lighter side, but honestly, it worked for this story. The slow burn and chemistry between Harlow and Ryan carried the romance, and I never felt like the story needed more spice just for the sake of having it.
✨ Ending:
I loved that we got a HEA and NO THIRD-ACT BREAKUP. 🙌 Thank you, Liz! 😂 The ending wrapped everything up nicely, and I really enjoyed Harlow and Ryan's story. This is technically a standalone, but I definitely think reading the other Callahans books would make the overlapping characters and timeline even more fun.
August 17, 2026
This book is the fourth one in The Callahans series. I really like series with interconnected characters because we see them in the previous books and I like to read their story.
This book follows the story of Ryan Callahan, working in finance at the local hospital and Dr. Harlow Lane, Clinical Forensic Psychiatrist and Behavioral Analyst for the FBI.
Harlow was already navigating in Ryan’s life since she’s friends with his sisters and she’s a member of their book club.
Harlow was a child genius and people only recognized her for that. But she’s more than that and Ryan saw that.
I couldn’t put the book down. I love that this wasn’t only a love story. And since I’m a big fan of true crimes, I like how the author adds it to the book. Harlow is working a case about a serial killer. Her team and her try to best to catch him but they didn’t know that this will hit closer to home than they think.
I really love the character’s development and how Ryan and Harlow fell for each other. And of course, The Calvary and The Brigade are always there (if you know you know).
The romance was good, the plot was good, everything was so good. And of course this book has an HEA. I highly recommend it and I highly recommend the first three books.
This book follows the story of Ryan Callahan, working in finance at the local hospital and Dr. Harlow Lane, Clinical Forensic Psychiatrist and Behavioral Analyst for the FBI.
Harlow was already navigating in Ryan’s life since she’s friends with his sisters and she’s a member of their book club.
Harlow was a child genius and people only recognized her for that. But she’s more than that and Ryan saw that.
I couldn’t put the book down. I love that this wasn’t only a love story. And since I’m a big fan of true crimes, I like how the author adds it to the book. Harlow is working a case about a serial killer. Her team and her try to best to catch him but they didn’t know that this will hit closer to home than they think.
I really love the character’s development and how Ryan and Harlow fell for each other. And of course, The Calvary and The Brigade are always there (if you know you know).
The romance was good, the plot was good, everything was so good. And of course this book has an HEA. I highly recommend it and I highly recommend the first three books.
August 17, 2026
ryan and harlow really gave me the kind of romance i love — a capable woman who has spent her whole life taking care of herself finally getting someone who wants to take care of HER. 🥹
harlow is incredibly smart, independent, and used to doing everything on her own, while ryan is the ultimate caretaker. watching him show up for her while respecting her independence was easily one of my favourite parts.
i also loved the found family aspect, especially the callahans. their closeness and the way they support each other added so much warmth to the story. 🤍
the suspense kept things interesting, although i did wish it had been woven more consistently throughout the book. the final reveal felt a little cheesy for me, but i still enjoyed the twists and turns along the way.
i also appreciated that i could jump into this as someone who hadn’t read the previous books and never felt completely lost.
overall, this was a fun interconnected romantic suspense with plenty of spice, found family, and a swoony caretaker mmc. 😮💨
✨ romantic suspense
🖤 caretaker mmc
🧠 genius fmc
🫶 found family
🔎 serial killer mystery
🔥 spice
🤍 healthy love & boundaries
harlow is incredibly smart, independent, and used to doing everything on her own, while ryan is the ultimate caretaker. watching him show up for her while respecting her independence was easily one of my favourite parts.
i also loved the found family aspect, especially the callahans. their closeness and the way they support each other added so much warmth to the story. 🤍
the suspense kept things interesting, although i did wish it had been woven more consistently throughout the book. the final reveal felt a little cheesy for me, but i still enjoyed the twists and turns along the way.
i also appreciated that i could jump into this as someone who hadn’t read the previous books and never felt completely lost.
overall, this was a fun interconnected romantic suspense with plenty of spice, found family, and a swoony caretaker mmc. 😮💨
✨ romantic suspense
🖤 caretaker mmc
🧠 genius fmc
🫶 found family
🔎 serial killer mystery
🔥 spice
🤍 healthy love & boundaries
August 8, 2026
Harlow & Ryan
This is the fourth book in The Callahan's book series and with this one we've been given a lot of extra context (due to the fact it can be a standalone) and since I've read the other three books I felt it was unnecessary but someone who hasn't read the other books may like the additional context.
& while the additional context didn't add anything to the story for me I did enjoy the romantic suspense element of the novel. Our FMC, Harlow, is a brilliant FBI child prodigy who longs to be appreciated for who she is rather than her intelligence. Ryan, the MMC, is a supportive “green flag” who falls first and helps Harlow see her own worth beyond her accomplishments.
Their relationship is sweet, emotionally connected, and has chemistry, with a strong found-family theme. I just wish there was MORE of the showing. Especially with the closed-door aspect you have to show connection more because the element of on page intimacy is not there. Not to mention some elements that I felt were glossed over could have been explained a bit better. Colbert as always has a strong writing ability, and an engaging plot make this an enjoyable read.
Overall, this is a good read but I highly recommend reading the other books first so you have a full picture of this family.
I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily reviewing.
This is the fourth book in The Callahan's book series and with this one we've been given a lot of extra context (due to the fact it can be a standalone) and since I've read the other three books I felt it was unnecessary but someone who hasn't read the other books may like the additional context.
& while the additional context didn't add anything to the story for me I did enjoy the romantic suspense element of the novel. Our FMC, Harlow, is a brilliant FBI child prodigy who longs to be appreciated for who she is rather than her intelligence. Ryan, the MMC, is a supportive “green flag” who falls first and helps Harlow see her own worth beyond her accomplishments.
Their relationship is sweet, emotionally connected, and has chemistry, with a strong found-family theme. I just wish there was MORE of the showing. Especially with the closed-door aspect you have to show connection more because the element of on page intimacy is not there. Not to mention some elements that I felt were glossed over could have been explained a bit better. Colbert as always has a strong writing ability, and an engaging plot make this an enjoyable read.
Overall, this is a good read but I highly recommend reading the other books first so you have a full picture of this family.
I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily reviewing.
July 30, 2026
3.5 stars
Unfortunately this book wasn’t my cup of tea. We’re four books into this series and I wish we didn’t get a recap of who’s who and how they got together. There’s a lot of characters and information that I feel like it just took me out of the story from time to time.
The chemistry between the Harlow and Ryan isn’t really seen or felt. The romance was little lackluster but the suspense/thriller part of this book was enjoyable!
While this book wasn’t my favorite I’m excited to read more! I love the sibling dynamics.
Thank you to love notes pr for the ARC.
Unfortunately this book wasn’t my cup of tea. We’re four books into this series and I wish we didn’t get a recap of who’s who and how they got together. There’s a lot of characters and information that I feel like it just took me out of the story from time to time.
The chemistry between the Harlow and Ryan isn’t really seen or felt. The romance was little lackluster but the suspense/thriller part of this book was enjoyable!
While this book wasn’t my favorite I’m excited to read more! I love the sibling dynamics.
Thank you to love notes pr for the ARC.
August 18, 2026
This was such a great romance. Filled with suspense at the same time. Harlow and Ryan were great characters in this. I loved the way they worked together but were also building a connection at the same time. All while truly to get one step ahead of a murderer. This was intense and sweet and I really loved reading this one.
August 12, 2026
5⭐️
I could not love this book more!! The suspense! The couple! Ryan is now my favorite Callahan!! This book was just so good! Please go read it!
I could not love this book more!! The suspense! The couple! Ryan is now my favorite Callahan!! This book was just so good! Please go read it!
August 10, 2026
I have had the opportunity to read every book in this series as an ARC and how very grateful I am.
Harlow and Ryan deserved so much love and honestly just happiness. Being the backbone for families that overshadow you sometimes without meaning to,can be overwhelming and frustrating. But not these two. These books have made me feel like the Callahans are part of my family and I love that.
Harlow and Ryan deserved so much love and honestly just happiness. Being the backbone for families that overshadow you sometimes without meaning to,can be overwhelming and frustrating. But not these two. These books have made me feel like the Callahans are part of my family and I love that.
August 13, 2026
Everyone admired her brilliance—but he fell for her heart.
Dr. Harlow Lane has spent her entire life being exceptional. As a child prodigy turned Clinical Forensic Psychiatrist and Behavioral Analyst for the FBI, she’s built her career on logic, discipline, and the ability to outsmart even the darkest minds. People see what she can do—but very few see who she is.
Until she meets Ryan Callahan.
From the beginning, Ryan sees past the accolades and reputation to the woman who carries more than she should and asks for nothing in return. He shows up. He notices. He handles whatever comes his way—without being asked.
Long before he says those three words, he proves them.
But when the serial killer Harlow and her team are tracking escalates, the lines between professional and personal begin to blur. The more she tries to anticipate the killer’s next move, the more undeniable it becomes that this predator isn’t finished—and he’s far more dangerous than anyone realized.
And this time, her brilliance may not be enough.
YOUR MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS!!! Please read and pay close attention to the trigger warnings at the beginning of this book. Some content and scenes in this book may not be suitable for all readers and could be triggering for others. Always remember that your mental health comes first. Reader discretion is advised.
Tropes: Hunting A Serial Killer, Protective MMC, Brilliant FBI FMC, Romantic Suspense, Slow-Burn, No 3rd Act Breakup, He Falls First, Acts of Service, He Sees the Real Her, Brilliant/Prodigy Heroine, Competent Heroine, Strong Woman Who Carries Everything Alone, Protective, Dependable Hero, Emotional Caretaking, FBI Romantic Suspense, Serial Killer Investigation, Profiler vs. Killer, Cat-and-Mouse Suspense, Work Becomes Personal, Heroine in Peril, Found Family/Callahan Family
Choosing Us is the 4th book in The Callahans Series by Liz Colbert.
In Choosing Us, the fourth book in Liz Colbert’s Callahans series, romance is just on the surface; below it, shadows wind around, and secrets glow at the edges of each page. The narrative alternates between tenderness and tension, drawing you into rooms where the air is heavy with unsaid longing and the possibility of something darker lurking just beyond the lamplight. Indeed, love and danger are woven together so closely that you can almost sense the pulse of both under your fingertips.
Harlow is placed right at the centre, as sharp as a fragment of glass and just as prone to cause bleeding if not handled with care. She moves about her world in a manner that shows great self-reliance, but from time to time the armour fails, a shake in her voice, a look that stays too long on an empty chair. Although the years have taught her to believe only in the sound of her own footsteps, there is still a tenderness beneath her confident exterior which she protects as if it were a secret. She is not the type of heroine who waits to be saved; rather, she is the woman who has learned how to save herself, even though she longs for someone to see through the walls she has constructed.
Ryan shows his affection through the small, everyday routines, by leaving a mug of coffee steaming on the counter and by placing a hand on Harlow's when she doesn't realise it’s shaking. He never declares his devotion; instead, he lives it out, looking at her not only as the woman who never flinches but also as the one who at times forgets how to breathe. When he is around, the atmosphere changes, and there is a sort of hum in the space between them suggesting the possibility of being truly known. Their relationship is not based on dramatic moments but rather on the steady, continuous warmth of a fire that won't go out.
Danger creeps in at the edges, something spoken of in the dark, a pattern of violence that stains the town's history much like old wine on a tablecloth. The investigation is thorough, and the FBI's presence is always there, beneath the surface, but the greatest danger is more subtle and more dangerous. It finds its way into the gaps between Harlow and Ryan, hovering over their times when they are close, with the awareness that safety is always just out of sight. The threat is not just the presence of a figure in the night, but also the way in which fear distorts trust and the way old wounds hurt when touched.
The central truth of Choosing Us is found in those quiet instances when burdens are carried together without needing to say anything, when a look across a messy kitchen conveys more than any admission could. In this kind of relationship, love isn't about making a big show of it but rather about staying there, paying attention, and providing a space in which another person can experience their pain. The story remains with you in these silences, in the sense of being seen and in the relief that comes after. This romance does not develop because of plot turns, but because of the gradual and patient process of learning to trust the hands that reach out to you in the dark.
Choosing Us will remain with you long after you've finished reading it, much like the smell of rain on hot pavement. It is a book suited to people who yearn for the pain of complex hearts and the gradual build of suspense which refuses to fade.
Liz's novel is both gentle and keen, a rich blend of longing and danger that takes root in your bones. Anyone who is attracted to love that is developed in the midst of fear and hope will find this book to be a feast, one that you'll want to enjoy, bit by bit.
Dr. Harlow Lane has spent her entire life being exceptional. As a child prodigy turned Clinical Forensic Psychiatrist and Behavioral Analyst for the FBI, she’s built her career on logic, discipline, and the ability to outsmart even the darkest minds. People see what she can do—but very few see who she is.
Until she meets Ryan Callahan.
From the beginning, Ryan sees past the accolades and reputation to the woman who carries more than she should and asks for nothing in return. He shows up. He notices. He handles whatever comes his way—without being asked.
Long before he says those three words, he proves them.
But when the serial killer Harlow and her team are tracking escalates, the lines between professional and personal begin to blur. The more she tries to anticipate the killer’s next move, the more undeniable it becomes that this predator isn’t finished—and he’s far more dangerous than anyone realized.
And this time, her brilliance may not be enough.
YOUR MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS!!! Please read and pay close attention to the trigger warnings at the beginning of this book. Some content and scenes in this book may not be suitable for all readers and could be triggering for others. Always remember that your mental health comes first. Reader discretion is advised.
Tropes: Hunting A Serial Killer, Protective MMC, Brilliant FBI FMC, Romantic Suspense, Slow-Burn, No 3rd Act Breakup, He Falls First, Acts of Service, He Sees the Real Her, Brilliant/Prodigy Heroine, Competent Heroine, Strong Woman Who Carries Everything Alone, Protective, Dependable Hero, Emotional Caretaking, FBI Romantic Suspense, Serial Killer Investigation, Profiler vs. Killer, Cat-and-Mouse Suspense, Work Becomes Personal, Heroine in Peril, Found Family/Callahan Family
Choosing Us is the 4th book in The Callahans Series by Liz Colbert.
In Choosing Us, the fourth book in Liz Colbert’s Callahans series, romance is just on the surface; below it, shadows wind around, and secrets glow at the edges of each page. The narrative alternates between tenderness and tension, drawing you into rooms where the air is heavy with unsaid longing and the possibility of something darker lurking just beyond the lamplight. Indeed, love and danger are woven together so closely that you can almost sense the pulse of both under your fingertips.
Harlow is placed right at the centre, as sharp as a fragment of glass and just as prone to cause bleeding if not handled with care. She moves about her world in a manner that shows great self-reliance, but from time to time the armour fails, a shake in her voice, a look that stays too long on an empty chair. Although the years have taught her to believe only in the sound of her own footsteps, there is still a tenderness beneath her confident exterior which she protects as if it were a secret. She is not the type of heroine who waits to be saved; rather, she is the woman who has learned how to save herself, even though she longs for someone to see through the walls she has constructed.
Ryan shows his affection through the small, everyday routines, by leaving a mug of coffee steaming on the counter and by placing a hand on Harlow's when she doesn't realise it’s shaking. He never declares his devotion; instead, he lives it out, looking at her not only as the woman who never flinches but also as the one who at times forgets how to breathe. When he is around, the atmosphere changes, and there is a sort of hum in the space between them suggesting the possibility of being truly known. Their relationship is not based on dramatic moments but rather on the steady, continuous warmth of a fire that won't go out.
Danger creeps in at the edges, something spoken of in the dark, a pattern of violence that stains the town's history much like old wine on a tablecloth. The investigation is thorough, and the FBI's presence is always there, beneath the surface, but the greatest danger is more subtle and more dangerous. It finds its way into the gaps between Harlow and Ryan, hovering over their times when they are close, with the awareness that safety is always just out of sight. The threat is not just the presence of a figure in the night, but also the way in which fear distorts trust and the way old wounds hurt when touched.
The central truth of Choosing Us is found in those quiet instances when burdens are carried together without needing to say anything, when a look across a messy kitchen conveys more than any admission could. In this kind of relationship, love isn't about making a big show of it but rather about staying there, paying attention, and providing a space in which another person can experience their pain. The story remains with you in these silences, in the sense of being seen and in the relief that comes after. This romance does not develop because of plot turns, but because of the gradual and patient process of learning to trust the hands that reach out to you in the dark.
Choosing Us will remain with you long after you've finished reading it, much like the smell of rain on hot pavement. It is a book suited to people who yearn for the pain of complex hearts and the gradual build of suspense which refuses to fade.
Liz's novel is both gentle and keen, a rich blend of longing and danger that takes root in your bones. Anyone who is attracted to love that is developed in the midst of fear and hope will find this book to be a feast, one that you'll want to enjoy, bit by bit.
August 17, 2026
🧠🤍 Finally Seen for More Than Her Brilliance 🤍🧠
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 Stars | 🌶️ 1 Chili Pepper
There is something about a fiercely capable woman who has spent her entire life taking care of herself finally meeting someone who says, you don't have to do everything alone anymore, that gets me every single time. 🥹 Harlow and Ryan gave me exactly that kind of romance in Choosing Us.
Dr. Harlow Lane is brilliant. As a child prodigy turned Clinical Forensic Psychiatrist and Behavioral Analyst for the FBI, she's accustomed to being the smartest person in the room. She's independent, accomplished, and completely capable of handling herself. But so many people see what Harlow can do before they ever bother to see the woman underneath all of those accomplishments.
Ryan Callahan sees her. ❤️
And oh, how I loved the way this man cared for her. Ryan is the ultimate caretaker MMC and such a walking green flag. He notices what Harlow needs without making her ask. He shows up. He takes things off her plate. He's patient, protective, dependable, and never once makes her feel as though accepting his help somehow makes her less capable. Most importantly, he doesn't try to change Harlow or compete with her intelligence. He admires the brilliant woman she is while also recognizing that even the strongest person deserves someone who wants to take care of them sometimes.
That balance was probably my favorite part of their relationship. Harlow has spent so long carrying everything herself that allowing someone else into that space requires vulnerability. Watching her slowly realize that Ryan isn't trying to take away her independence, he's simply offering her a safe place to set some of that weight down, was incredibly sweet.
I also really enjoyed the Callahan family. 🤍 Their closeness, loyalty, and willingness to show up for one another brought so much warmth to the story. Harlow isn't just finding romantic love with Ryan. She's being welcomed into this wonderful circle of people who genuinely care about one another, and the found family aspect was such a nice contrast to the darker investigation happening around them.
Because alongside the romance, we have Harlow using that incredible brain of hers to help track a serial killer. I enjoyed seeing her professional side and watching the investigation become increasingly dangerous as the case progressed. The suspense gave the story another layer and definitely had me curious about where everything was heading.
I do wish that part of the story had been woven a little more consistently throughout the book. There were moments when the suspense faded into the background more than I expected, and while I enjoyed the twists along the way, the final reveal didn't completely land for me. I would have loved a little more tension building throughout to make that final portion hit even harder.
This is book four in The Callahans Series, and I went into it without having read the previous books. There are plenty of established relationships and family connections, but I was still able to enjoy Harlow and Ryan's story without feeling completely lost. If anything, meeting the Callahans just made me curious about the couples whose stories I've missed.
Choosing Us was a sweet romantic suspense with a brilliant heroine, a swoony caretaker hero, a wonderfully supportive family, and enough danger and mystery to keep me turning the pages. But Ryan was definitely a highlight for me. There is just something special about a man who looks at a woman everyone admires for her strength and brilliance and quietly decides she deserves to have someone show up for her, too. 🥹❤️
Thank you to Liz Colbert and Love Notes PR for the gifted advanced copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 Stars | 🌶️ 1 Chili Pepper
There is something about a fiercely capable woman who has spent her entire life taking care of herself finally meeting someone who says, you don't have to do everything alone anymore, that gets me every single time. 🥹 Harlow and Ryan gave me exactly that kind of romance in Choosing Us.
Dr. Harlow Lane is brilliant. As a child prodigy turned Clinical Forensic Psychiatrist and Behavioral Analyst for the FBI, she's accustomed to being the smartest person in the room. She's independent, accomplished, and completely capable of handling herself. But so many people see what Harlow can do before they ever bother to see the woman underneath all of those accomplishments.
Ryan Callahan sees her. ❤️
And oh, how I loved the way this man cared for her. Ryan is the ultimate caretaker MMC and such a walking green flag. He notices what Harlow needs without making her ask. He shows up. He takes things off her plate. He's patient, protective, dependable, and never once makes her feel as though accepting his help somehow makes her less capable. Most importantly, he doesn't try to change Harlow or compete with her intelligence. He admires the brilliant woman she is while also recognizing that even the strongest person deserves someone who wants to take care of them sometimes.
That balance was probably my favorite part of their relationship. Harlow has spent so long carrying everything herself that allowing someone else into that space requires vulnerability. Watching her slowly realize that Ryan isn't trying to take away her independence, he's simply offering her a safe place to set some of that weight down, was incredibly sweet.
I also really enjoyed the Callahan family. 🤍 Their closeness, loyalty, and willingness to show up for one another brought so much warmth to the story. Harlow isn't just finding romantic love with Ryan. She's being welcomed into this wonderful circle of people who genuinely care about one another, and the found family aspect was such a nice contrast to the darker investigation happening around them.
Because alongside the romance, we have Harlow using that incredible brain of hers to help track a serial killer. I enjoyed seeing her professional side and watching the investigation become increasingly dangerous as the case progressed. The suspense gave the story another layer and definitely had me curious about where everything was heading.
I do wish that part of the story had been woven a little more consistently throughout the book. There were moments when the suspense faded into the background more than I expected, and while I enjoyed the twists along the way, the final reveal didn't completely land for me. I would have loved a little more tension building throughout to make that final portion hit even harder.
This is book four in The Callahans Series, and I went into it without having read the previous books. There are plenty of established relationships and family connections, but I was still able to enjoy Harlow and Ryan's story without feeling completely lost. If anything, meeting the Callahans just made me curious about the couples whose stories I've missed.
Choosing Us was a sweet romantic suspense with a brilliant heroine, a swoony caretaker hero, a wonderfully supportive family, and enough danger and mystery to keep me turning the pages. But Ryan was definitely a highlight for me. There is just something special about a man who looks at a woman everyone admires for her strength and brilliance and quietly decides she deserves to have someone show up for her, too. 🥹❤️
Thank you to Liz Colbert and Love Notes PR for the gifted advanced copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 17, 2026
Choosing Us is the fourth installment in the Callahan’s Series written by Liz Colbert. The series is interconnected but can be read as a standalone. You don’t have to read them in order. To enjoy the whole story, I would recommend that you start at the beginning with the first book. I am in love with this series and I cannot get enough of these siblings. Liz Colbert did it again with this suspense romance! The storyline has a little bit of everything that will keep you wanting more. Thank you to Love Notes PR for the offer to read this ARC. Whatever she writes I will read it.
This book immediately made me think of the show Criminal Minds. If you are a fan of shows or books like that, then this book in the series will take you there. Harlow and Ryan’s journey was action packed and had a few twists and turns to keep the reader guessing what was going to happen next with the case. The author keeps setting the bar higher and higher. Ryan and Harlow have crazy schedules and a serial killer on the loose but still find time for each other. There is a calming element to their domesticity. The connection was easily described as emotional rather than just the physical attraction. There is a closed-door component to the relationship. The story leans into the plot and not so much all of the physical. It is the perfect balance of everything I love that is written by Liz Colbert.
I was already in love with the Callahan’s prior to cracking this book open. The siblings have a “whenever and whatever you need” motto. That extends to the people they love as well. The Calvary and the Brigade are an incredible group of people, and it just gets better with each new addition to the family. Harlow’s parents are terrible, but Ryan’s entire family more than makes up for it. Every time I revisit Forest Falls I fall in love all over again. I close a book in this series and I immediately start missing the characters. I will be sad when this series ends, but it is not over yet! I have high hopes and expectations for the next Callahan installment. I have many questions and suspicions about the remaining Callahan brothers. I am also hoping that Cami gets her time to shine at some point. Regardless, I know that the author will completely deliver, and I will be waiting to go back to Forest Falls.
This book immediately made me think of the show Criminal Minds. If you are a fan of shows or books like that, then this book in the series will take you there. Harlow and Ryan’s journey was action packed and had a few twists and turns to keep the reader guessing what was going to happen next with the case. The author keeps setting the bar higher and higher. Ryan and Harlow have crazy schedules and a serial killer on the loose but still find time for each other. There is a calming element to their domesticity. The connection was easily described as emotional rather than just the physical attraction. There is a closed-door component to the relationship. The story leans into the plot and not so much all of the physical. It is the perfect balance of everything I love that is written by Liz Colbert.
I was already in love with the Callahan’s prior to cracking this book open. The siblings have a “whenever and whatever you need” motto. That extends to the people they love as well. The Calvary and the Brigade are an incredible group of people, and it just gets better with each new addition to the family. Harlow’s parents are terrible, but Ryan’s entire family more than makes up for it. Every time I revisit Forest Falls I fall in love all over again. I close a book in this series and I immediately start missing the characters. I will be sad when this series ends, but it is not over yet! I have high hopes and expectations for the next Callahan installment. I have many questions and suspicions about the remaining Callahan brothers. I am also hoping that Cami gets her time to shine at some point. Regardless, I know that the author will completely deliver, and I will be waiting to go back to Forest Falls.
August 12, 2026
Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read this ARC.
Although this book can be read as a standalone, it is part of a series, and if I’m being honest, I think I would have enjoyed and followed the story more easily if I had read the previous books first. There are some events in this book that feel quite significant, but they are brushed over fairly quickly, which I assume is because they are explored more fully in the other books in the series.
I really enjoyed the writing and the overall plot. There were a few parts where the story felt a little slow, but again, I think this may have been because I hadn’t read the previous books and was missing some of the background and context.
Harlow, the FMC, is a child prodigy who works for the FBI, and despite being incredibly intelligent and accomplished, she desperately wants to be seen for who she is rather than what she can achieve. I really enjoyed this aspect of her character and the way the story explores her desire to be valued for more than her amazing brain.
And then there’s Ryan, the MMC, who is an absolute walking green flag! He falls first and is completely determined to make Harlow realise just how amazing she is—not because of her intelligence or accomplishments, but because of the person she is. Their relationship was sweet and loving, and they had plenty of chemistry. I particularly loved the emotional connection between them and the way he supports her.
This is a closed-door romance, so there are no spicy scenes, but the story focuses heavily on the emotional connection between the characters, as well as the found-family theme that the FMC so desperately deserves.
The suspense element also adds another layer to the story. Harlow’s role with the FBI becomes even more complicated when they begin hunting a serial killer, and the plot kept me intrigued. The plot twist at the end was fantastic and completely caught me off guard—I definitely didn’t see it coming!
Overall, I enjoyed this book and would recommend reading the series in order for the best experience. I’ll definitely be going back to the beginning and starting the series properly myself!
Although this book can be read as a standalone, it is part of a series, and if I’m being honest, I think I would have enjoyed and followed the story more easily if I had read the previous books first. There are some events in this book that feel quite significant, but they are brushed over fairly quickly, which I assume is because they are explored more fully in the other books in the series.
I really enjoyed the writing and the overall plot. There were a few parts where the story felt a little slow, but again, I think this may have been because I hadn’t read the previous books and was missing some of the background and context.
Harlow, the FMC, is a child prodigy who works for the FBI, and despite being incredibly intelligent and accomplished, she desperately wants to be seen for who she is rather than what she can achieve. I really enjoyed this aspect of her character and the way the story explores her desire to be valued for more than her amazing brain.
And then there’s Ryan, the MMC, who is an absolute walking green flag! He falls first and is completely determined to make Harlow realise just how amazing she is—not because of her intelligence or accomplishments, but because of the person she is. Their relationship was sweet and loving, and they had plenty of chemistry. I particularly loved the emotional connection between them and the way he supports her.
This is a closed-door romance, so there are no spicy scenes, but the story focuses heavily on the emotional connection between the characters, as well as the found-family theme that the FMC so desperately deserves.
The suspense element also adds another layer to the story. Harlow’s role with the FBI becomes even more complicated when they begin hunting a serial killer, and the plot kept me intrigued. The plot twist at the end was fantastic and completely caught me off guard—I definitely didn’t see it coming!
Overall, I enjoyed this book and would recommend reading the series in order for the best experience. I’ll definitely be going back to the beginning and starting the series properly myself!
August 17, 2026
4/5
This was a good romantic thriller, it had a good premise, interesting characters, and deep, emotional bonds between them. I have to say, I expected a more dark romance-y aspect to this book, but it did not feel like it. It had a perfect mix between suspense and romance.
Harlow and Ryan balanced each other. Harlow was the independent, brilliant badass we all love in a thriller-y book, and Ryan is the kind of protective that reminds you of a golden retriever sweetness. It was like, I will protect her at all costs, but I know for a fact that she will kick your ass, so I will sit back and watch her do it. That pretty much sums up Ryan's character. And it was such a nice change from the 'touch her and die' MMCs.
The suspense, the thriller part of the book, kept the plot moving, so I appreciated that more than the romance itself. After all, deep down, I will always be a thriller junkie, more than the other genres that I read. But at times, it felt like the pacing dragged, I felt like it had to move just a little faster so it can keep the reader turn the page. Because that's what a good thriller should do. And this novel seemed to lack that. And the reveal? Weeeelll, that could be worked on as well. But that's just me who is picky about thrillers, I guess, so don't take my word for it.
But, I did enjoy the romance. Their romance and chemistry was a big green flag, with healthy boundaries and emotional connection that many books lack. That is to say, the smut wasn't something that really stood out to me. It could have been better, but I think it would have overshadow the emotional aspect of their relationship.
And to be honest, I haven't read all the other books, so I felt like I jumped in the middle of a movie, so I need to go back and read the first three books to have the bigger picture and then judge the series overall.
I do recommend this book, it was a nice, comforting read, so I give a huge thank you to Love Notes PR and the author for this eARC.
This was a good romantic thriller, it had a good premise, interesting characters, and deep, emotional bonds between them. I have to say, I expected a more dark romance-y aspect to this book, but it did not feel like it. It had a perfect mix between suspense and romance.
Harlow and Ryan balanced each other. Harlow was the independent, brilliant badass we all love in a thriller-y book, and Ryan is the kind of protective that reminds you of a golden retriever sweetness. It was like, I will protect her at all costs, but I know for a fact that she will kick your ass, so I will sit back and watch her do it. That pretty much sums up Ryan's character. And it was such a nice change from the 'touch her and die' MMCs.
The suspense, the thriller part of the book, kept the plot moving, so I appreciated that more than the romance itself. After all, deep down, I will always be a thriller junkie, more than the other genres that I read. But at times, it felt like the pacing dragged, I felt like it had to move just a little faster so it can keep the reader turn the page. Because that's what a good thriller should do. And this novel seemed to lack that. And the reveal? Weeeelll, that could be worked on as well. But that's just me who is picky about thrillers, I guess, so don't take my word for it.
But, I did enjoy the romance. Their romance and chemistry was a big green flag, with healthy boundaries and emotional connection that many books lack. That is to say, the smut wasn't something that really stood out to me. It could have been better, but I think it would have overshadow the emotional aspect of their relationship.
And to be honest, I haven't read all the other books, so I felt like I jumped in the middle of a movie, so I need to go back and read the first three books to have the bigger picture and then judge the series overall.
I do recommend this book, it was a nice, comforting read, so I give a huge thank you to Love Notes PR and the author for this eARC.
August 16, 2026
4★
The twist?! What kind of obsession does that man possess? For a second, I thought he was going to say that Harlow got pregnant with his baby or something. That’s how crazy that man is!
And Harlow’s parents? I thought at least they would change after hearing about the baby. Nah… We can’t change some shitty people. If I were in the story and met her parents, I would definitely tell them, “You can’t take money, reputation, appreciation, a luxurious life, or any of that with you when you die.”
The friendship, brotherhood, sisterhood, and found-family concepts were covered so beautifully throughout the entire story. Of course, one of my favorite scenes was when everyone, including Ryan, offered to escort her down the aisle. Their closeness and support for each other were such a lovely thing to see.
Harlow is such a magnificent woman. She’s an FBI agent and clinical forensic psychiatrist who built her career on logic and discipline without caring about her parents’ shitty words or insults. She’s such a strong and brilliant woman, and I appreciate how she lives her own life in her own way. The way she connected the pieces of the Carnation Killer puzzle gave me movie vibes. And Aisha’s eyebrow moments told me that Harlow had been stalked.
Ryan is totally a protective hero who gives his girl whatever she wants, and yeah, I definitely didn’t picture him as being in his 30s. He’s like a teenager experiencing his first affair. I love that Ryan and his family adore Harlow because of the beauty of her heart, not because of her social status or what she does.
Since I hadn’t read the previous books in the series, I literally thought Savannah’s kidnapper was going to be the Carnation Killer. Overall, the plot was amazing, with the perfect combination of romantic suspense and serial-killer vibes.
The twist?! What kind of obsession does that man possess? For a second, I thought he was going to say that Harlow got pregnant with his baby or something. That’s how crazy that man is!
And Harlow’s parents? I thought at least they would change after hearing about the baby. Nah… We can’t change some shitty people. If I were in the story and met her parents, I would definitely tell them, “You can’t take money, reputation, appreciation, a luxurious life, or any of that with you when you die.”
The friendship, brotherhood, sisterhood, and found-family concepts were covered so beautifully throughout the entire story. Of course, one of my favorite scenes was when everyone, including Ryan, offered to escort her down the aisle. Their closeness and support for each other were such a lovely thing to see.
Harlow is such a magnificent woman. She’s an FBI agent and clinical forensic psychiatrist who built her career on logic and discipline without caring about her parents’ shitty words or insults. She’s such a strong and brilliant woman, and I appreciate how she lives her own life in her own way. The way she connected the pieces of the Carnation Killer puzzle gave me movie vibes. And Aisha’s eyebrow moments told me that Harlow had been stalked.
Ryan is totally a protective hero who gives his girl whatever she wants, and yeah, I definitely didn’t picture him as being in his 30s. He’s like a teenager experiencing his first affair. I love that Ryan and his family adore Harlow because of the beauty of her heart, not because of her social status or what she does.
Since I hadn’t read the previous books in the series, I literally thought Savannah’s kidnapper was going to be the Carnation Killer. Overall, the plot was amazing, with the perfect combination of romantic suspense and serial-killer vibes.
July 30, 2026
4⭐️
This was so sweet!! I know, how a romance book with a plot about the heroine is chasing a serial k!ller with her FBI team could be sweet? Trust me, it can and this book was sweet but also so intense and good!!
Also this was one of my most waited books of the year since the moment I finished Tinsley and Jack’s book🙂↕️🙈 I knew I was going to fall in love with Ryan Callahan since the moment I read that little preview about him and Harlow and he’s contending with Jack to be first place in my heart 😩❤️ that man was so in love with Harlow! And how could he not be, she’s fierce, and smart, and kind and beautiful and funny and she’s just perfect! And she’s also everything he needed without knowing! But Ryan was also everything Harlow needed and wished for 🥹❤️ he’s so protective of her, he’ll do anything and everything just to make sure she’s happy and safe, and he knows her value, he doesn’t see her as a genius or the child prodigy like her parents and their friends do, he sees her as the most perfect woman he’s ever known and the perfect woman for him 🥹❤️
I just loved this book! All the plot with the serial k!ller was soooo good! I mean, I had my theories, but my 18 seasons of Criminal Minds never stood a chance against Liz Colbert’s brain because all my theories were wrong!! So of course I was screaming when I realized who the villain was and I was shocked!! I never saw that coming and I loved it because I was literally surprised by that plot twist 🙊
This series is becoming one of my favorites of all times and I can’t wait to read Finn’s book because that little detail about Sophia and the heroine of next book is going to be so good!! 😩✨
This was so sweet!! I know, how a romance book with a plot about the heroine is chasing a serial k!ller with her FBI team could be sweet? Trust me, it can and this book was sweet but also so intense and good!!
Also this was one of my most waited books of the year since the moment I finished Tinsley and Jack’s book🙂↕️🙈 I knew I was going to fall in love with Ryan Callahan since the moment I read that little preview about him and Harlow and he’s contending with Jack to be first place in my heart 😩❤️ that man was so in love with Harlow! And how could he not be, she’s fierce, and smart, and kind and beautiful and funny and she’s just perfect! And she’s also everything he needed without knowing! But Ryan was also everything Harlow needed and wished for 🥹❤️ he’s so protective of her, he’ll do anything and everything just to make sure she’s happy and safe, and he knows her value, he doesn’t see her as a genius or the child prodigy like her parents and their friends do, he sees her as the most perfect woman he’s ever known and the perfect woman for him 🥹❤️
I just loved this book! All the plot with the serial k!ller was soooo good! I mean, I had my theories, but my 18 seasons of Criminal Minds never stood a chance against Liz Colbert’s brain because all my theories were wrong!! So of course I was screaming when I realized who the villain was and I was shocked!! I never saw that coming and I loved it because I was literally surprised by that plot twist 🙊
This series is becoming one of my favorites of all times and I can’t wait to read Finn’s book because that little detail about Sophia and the heroine of next book is going to be so good!! 😩✨
August 10, 2026
ARC
Choosing Us Book 4, The Callahans Book 4)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Author Liz Colbert
Publication Date August 10, 2026
Love Notes PR
First off, thank you to Liz Colbert and the Love Notes PR team for the opportunity to read this book before publication!
I really enjoyed this one. The mix of romance and suspense made for a compelling read. It started a little slow for me, but once the story picked up, I was completely hooked and didn't want to put it down.
Dr. Harlow Lane is a fascinating main character. As a child prodigy turned FBI Clinical Forensic Psychiatrist and Behavioral Analyst, she's brilliant, driven, and dedicated to her work. While everyone around her admires her intelligence, very few people take the time to see the woman behind the accomplishments.
Enter Ryan Callahan. From the moment they meet, Ryan sees Harlow for who she truly is. He supports her, notices the little things, and consistently shows her she can rely on him. I loved that he proved his feelings through his actions long before he ever said, "I love you."
The suspense kept building as Harlow and her team hunted a serial killer whose crimes became increasingly dangerous and personal. The twists kept me engaged, and I enjoyed watching the investigation unfold alongside the developing romance.
Overall, this was an enjoyable romantic thriller with engaging characters, a compelling investigation, and a romance that felt genuine. If you enjoy stories that blend suspense with a heartfelt love story, I'd definitely recommend adding this one to your reading list.
Choosing Us Book 4, The Callahans Book 4)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Author Liz Colbert
Publication Date August 10, 2026
Love Notes PR
First off, thank you to Liz Colbert and the Love Notes PR team for the opportunity to read this book before publication!
I really enjoyed this one. The mix of romance and suspense made for a compelling read. It started a little slow for me, but once the story picked up, I was completely hooked and didn't want to put it down.
Dr. Harlow Lane is a fascinating main character. As a child prodigy turned FBI Clinical Forensic Psychiatrist and Behavioral Analyst, she's brilliant, driven, and dedicated to her work. While everyone around her admires her intelligence, very few people take the time to see the woman behind the accomplishments.
Enter Ryan Callahan. From the moment they meet, Ryan sees Harlow for who she truly is. He supports her, notices the little things, and consistently shows her she can rely on him. I loved that he proved his feelings through his actions long before he ever said, "I love you."
The suspense kept building as Harlow and her team hunted a serial killer whose crimes became increasingly dangerous and personal. The twists kept me engaged, and I enjoyed watching the investigation unfold alongside the developing romance.
Overall, this was an enjoyable romantic thriller with engaging characters, a compelling investigation, and a romance that felt genuine. If you enjoy stories that blend suspense with a heartfelt love story, I'd definitely recommend adding this one to your reading list.
August 11, 2026
💫💫💫💫💫 and 🌶️: keep in mind the star review is based off of MY interests!
I just absolutely love this series. The romantic suspense is so fun to read and captivates me.
I am all for the way the interconnected series works in Forrest Falls. This is a standalone but I promise you 1, you want to read the first three books at some point and 2, some little things will make more sense.
Ryan and Harlow have taken the lead for favorite couples in the Callahan family series. I envy Harlow. Her motivation, tenacity and job are something to strive for. Ryan is the new book boyfriend that everyone is going to want! I mean the sweet things he does for Harlow 🥰💙 literally swooning in public.
Harlow brings aspects of criminal minds and profiling to life with her job. I think Liz very accurately portray what that type of job can do to a family: their emotions, the heartache and the physically and mentally taxing the job can entail.
I just can’t get enough of Forrest falls! Bring on Dashing Deceit and book 5! Very impatiently waiting 🫣😊
You’ll love this book if you like strong family ties, family above all else, elements of the FBI, romantic suspense and a continued interconnected story that accurately continues a timeline through multiple books!
⚠️: discussions of kidnapping
I am voluntarily leaving this review and all thoughts are my own! Liz all I can say is you’ve done it again! Constantly blowing me away💨 in the best ways possible. I’m not sure I’m going to be able to part with Harlow and Ryan as my number ones!
I just absolutely love this series. The romantic suspense is so fun to read and captivates me.
I am all for the way the interconnected series works in Forrest Falls. This is a standalone but I promise you 1, you want to read the first three books at some point and 2, some little things will make more sense.
Ryan and Harlow have taken the lead for favorite couples in the Callahan family series. I envy Harlow. Her motivation, tenacity and job are something to strive for. Ryan is the new book boyfriend that everyone is going to want! I mean the sweet things he does for Harlow 🥰💙 literally swooning in public.
Harlow brings aspects of criminal minds and profiling to life with her job. I think Liz very accurately portray what that type of job can do to a family: their emotions, the heartache and the physically and mentally taxing the job can entail.
I just can’t get enough of Forrest falls! Bring on Dashing Deceit and book 5! Very impatiently waiting 🫣😊
You’ll love this book if you like strong family ties, family above all else, elements of the FBI, romantic suspense and a continued interconnected story that accurately continues a timeline through multiple books!
⚠️: discussions of kidnapping
I am voluntarily leaving this review and all thoughts are my own! Liz all I can say is you’ve done it again! Constantly blowing me away💨 in the best ways possible. I’m not sure I’m going to be able to part with Harlow and Ryan as my number ones!
Review of advance copy received from Author
So glad that I got introduced to Liz Colbert's writing last year and I'm on that great adventure that is The Callahans series. Because by book four I'm considering moving to a fictional small town and being adopted by a fictional family without all this questioning my connection with reality and some other things. Because Forrest Falls is quite the sunshiny picturesque small town and I'm in love with all the places and people there. But generally I'm in love with a fictional family. And they aren't perfect and they're fictional but I loved their family dynamics, the banter and the pranks and how they got each other and always come as one in times of need. Vivian and Savannah and Cami are quite the strong female characters. And the brothers are so up at the top of my fictional boyfriends list. And Ryan Callahan just managed to get at the top of that list. Because that man is so selfless and thoughtful, caring and loving, evolved and educated that he was perfect for Harlow. I loved it for her that she was first friends with Liam, then worked with Walker and was adopted by the Callahan sisters. Harlow had a separate and very different relationship with each of them that showed a different side if her personality. But with Ryan she was truly seen and understood and appreciated for herself. And Harlow being that genius profiler and for me she was the female version of Spenser Reid. And that gave me major Criminal Minds vibes and I loved it. Loved how Ryan and Harlow's relationship was so tightly connected with the case she was working on and gave the story that suspense edge. And in this one the girl doesn't need saving. They both grow in their relationship, saved each other just in different ways and were perfect partners to each other. We're talking couple goals here. The last few chapters were the perfect ending to their story for now and I can't wait to see more from them in the next book. And I can't wait for Finn's story after that quick preview and those hints. And since it's impossible to be adopted by a fictional family I'm going for a reread.
Thanks to the author for the opportunity to read and review an early copy of this book.
Thanks to the author for the opportunity to read and review an early copy of this book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.25 ⭐️ - Choosing Us gave me such a good balance of romance and suspense. I really enjoyed Harlow as a heroine. She's incredibly intelligent and accomplished, but there are also these quieter, more vulnerable parts of her that made her feel like an actual person rather than just the brilliant FBI profiler everyone sees.
Ryan was probably my favorite part, though. I love a man who falls first, but even more than that, I loved that his feelings were shown through his actions. He pays attention, shows up for Harlow, and sees the woman underneath all of her accomplishments. Their relationship is definitely a slow burn, but I appreciated watching that trust and connection develop without unnecessary relationship drama.
The serial killer investigation added a darker edge and kept me invested outside of the romance. There were moments where I wanted the suspense to feel a little more intense, especially considering Harlow's profession and the danger surrounding the case, but I still enjoyed trying to piece everything together.
Overall, this was a really solid romantic suspense with a capable heroine, a genuinely supportive and protective hero, family dynamics, danger, and a romance that actually feels built on friendship and emotional intimacy. And no third-act breakup? We love to see it.
Definitely one I'd recommend if you like slow burns, he falls first, FBI/serial killer investigations, protective heroes, and romances where the couple actually feels like a team.
Ryan was probably my favorite part, though. I love a man who falls first, but even more than that, I loved that his feelings were shown through his actions. He pays attention, shows up for Harlow, and sees the woman underneath all of her accomplishments. Their relationship is definitely a slow burn, but I appreciated watching that trust and connection develop without unnecessary relationship drama.
The serial killer investigation added a darker edge and kept me invested outside of the romance. There were moments where I wanted the suspense to feel a little more intense, especially considering Harlow's profession and the danger surrounding the case, but I still enjoyed trying to piece everything together.
Overall, this was a really solid romantic suspense with a capable heroine, a genuinely supportive and protective hero, family dynamics, danger, and a romance that actually feels built on friendship and emotional intimacy. And no third-act breakup? We love to see it.
Definitely one I'd recommend if you like slow burns, he falls first, FBI/serial killer investigations, protective heroes, and romances where the couple actually feels like a team.
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Choosing Us completely pulled me in. It had the perfect mix of romance, suspense, emotion, and danger, and I could not stop reading once I started.
Harlow is the kind of heroine I instantly admire. She is brilliant, accomplished, and incredibly strong, but underneath all of that is a woman who has spent so much of her life carrying everything on her own. I loved seeing the softer and more vulnerable parts of her slowly come through.
Ryan absolutely stole my heart. He does not just tell Harlow that he loves her. He shows her through every thoughtful gesture, every moment he notices what she needs, and every time he stands beside her without being asked. He sees the woman behind the impressive career and reputation, and that made their relationship feel so genuine and meaningful.
The serial killer storyline added the perfect amount of tension and kept me completely invested. I loved the psychological elements, the FBI investigation, and the growing sense of danger as the case became increasingly personal. The suspense kept me turning the pages, while the romance gave the story so much heart.
Choosing Us is about being truly seen, allowing someone to share the weight you carry, and finding a love that is proven through actions long before the words are ever spoken. Liz Colbert gave me a couple I could genuinely root for and a story that had me feeling everything. This was emotional, intense, romantic, and impossible to put down. An easy five stars for me!
Choosing Us completely pulled me in. It had the perfect mix of romance, suspense, emotion, and danger, and I could not stop reading once I started.
Harlow is the kind of heroine I instantly admire. She is brilliant, accomplished, and incredibly strong, but underneath all of that is a woman who has spent so much of her life carrying everything on her own. I loved seeing the softer and more vulnerable parts of her slowly come through.
Ryan absolutely stole my heart. He does not just tell Harlow that he loves her. He shows her through every thoughtful gesture, every moment he notices what she needs, and every time he stands beside her without being asked. He sees the woman behind the impressive career and reputation, and that made their relationship feel so genuine and meaningful.
The serial killer storyline added the perfect amount of tension and kept me completely invested. I loved the psychological elements, the FBI investigation, and the growing sense of danger as the case became increasingly personal. The suspense kept me turning the pages, while the romance gave the story so much heart.
Choosing Us is about being truly seen, allowing someone to share the weight you carry, and finding a love that is proven through actions long before the words are ever spoken. Liz Colbert gave me a couple I could genuinely root for and a story that had me feeling everything. This was emotional, intense, romantic, and impossible to put down. An easy five stars for me!
August 17, 2026
Liz, you did it again, this was such a fun romantic suspense read!
I could not wait for Ryan and Harlow’s story after you teased this relationship in the last book and Liz, you did not disappoint with this story. I intentionally slowed my reading because I just wanted to savor this book. Liz has created such an amazing universe in Forrest Falls that I just wanted the book to last forever.
Ryan and Harlow were so perfect for each other and completely balanced each other. Harlow is brilliant, fiercely independent and used to not being able to count on anyone making her fiercely independent. While Ryan is so sweet and protective, all he wants to do is make sure she is cared for. He doesn’t want to dim her strengths but also makes it known that she is more than just her brilliant brain.
Then there is the amazing Callahan family. Their loyalty, closeness and instinct to show up for each other adds so much to this series. I wish I could just join their family; you can feel the unwavering support they all have for each other through the pages.
Then as always, the suspense kept me invested and as hard as I tried to figure it out before the reveal, I was unfortunately wrong and was shocked.
As always Liz teased the next book in this series and I CAN’T wait! (although I think Liams book will ultimately be my favorite!)
Thank you, Liz Colbert, for the ARC of this book.
I could not wait for Ryan and Harlow’s story after you teased this relationship in the last book and Liz, you did not disappoint with this story. I intentionally slowed my reading because I just wanted to savor this book. Liz has created such an amazing universe in Forrest Falls that I just wanted the book to last forever.
Ryan and Harlow were so perfect for each other and completely balanced each other. Harlow is brilliant, fiercely independent and used to not being able to count on anyone making her fiercely independent. While Ryan is so sweet and protective, all he wants to do is make sure she is cared for. He doesn’t want to dim her strengths but also makes it known that she is more than just her brilliant brain.
Then there is the amazing Callahan family. Their loyalty, closeness and instinct to show up for each other adds so much to this series. I wish I could just join their family; you can feel the unwavering support they all have for each other through the pages.
Then as always, the suspense kept me invested and as hard as I tried to figure it out before the reveal, I was unfortunately wrong and was shocked.
As always Liz teased the next book in this series and I CAN’T wait! (although I think Liams book will ultimately be my favorite!)
Thank you, Liz Colbert, for the ARC of this book.
Read
August 22, 2026ARC REVIEW
Every time I pick up one of these books, I know I’m in for a story I’m going to absolutely devour, and this one was no exception!
Dr. Harlow Lane is the kind of character I can’t help but admire. She’s brilliant, driven and incredibly good at what she does as a Clinical Forensic Psychiatrist and FBI Behavioral Analyst. She can get inside the minds of some of the darkest people imaginable, but when it comes to herself and the things she carries, she’s not nearly as good at letting people in.
Enter Ryan Callahan. 🥹❤️
I absolutely loved the way Ryan sees Harlow for who she really is, rather than just the brilliant woman everyone else sees. He notices the little things, shows up when she needs him, and proves how he feels through his actions long before he ever says the words.
Their relationship was such a lovely part of this story, especially alongside the darker, more intense serial-killer investigation. And let me tell you… things get seriously tense as Harlow and her team realize they may be dealing with someone far more dangerous than they originally thought. 👀
I was completely hooked and couldn’t put this one down. This series is just so easy to devour — the combination of suspense, fascinating characters, romance and a killer you desperately want them to catch makes these books incredibly addictive.
If you haven’t started this series yet, consider this your sign! 🖤
Every time I pick up one of these books, I know I’m in for a story I’m going to absolutely devour, and this one was no exception!
Dr. Harlow Lane is the kind of character I can’t help but admire. She’s brilliant, driven and incredibly good at what she does as a Clinical Forensic Psychiatrist and FBI Behavioral Analyst. She can get inside the minds of some of the darkest people imaginable, but when it comes to herself and the things she carries, she’s not nearly as good at letting people in.
Enter Ryan Callahan. 🥹❤️
I absolutely loved the way Ryan sees Harlow for who she really is, rather than just the brilliant woman everyone else sees. He notices the little things, shows up when she needs him, and proves how he feels through his actions long before he ever says the words.
Their relationship was such a lovely part of this story, especially alongside the darker, more intense serial-killer investigation. And let me tell you… things get seriously tense as Harlow and her team realize they may be dealing with someone far more dangerous than they originally thought. 👀
I was completely hooked and couldn’t put this one down. This series is just so easy to devour — the combination of suspense, fascinating characters, romance and a killer you desperately want them to catch makes these books incredibly addictive.
If you haven’t started this series yet, consider this your sign! 🖤
August 3, 2026
From the first page you are drawn into a mystery. Ryan is pranked spectacularly by his older brother!
Harlow is literally a child prodigy and so young for all of her accomplishments. When Liam was the brother that was the first one to befriend her I was a little thrown then it all clicked.
I liked how the book built on each character individually and led up to them meeting and when they did things just flowed. Friendship bloomed and Ryan showed he cared, listened, and saw Harlow for who she was and not for what she brought to the table.
Harlow didn’t know how to trust that with how she was raised. Her parents are the definition of toxic narcissist parents. I loved how Ryan stepped in front of her to shield her from them.
There was a complete mystery. The suspect lost force was incredibly difficult to figure out. They didn’t name anyone so it was hard to figure out. I didn’t even have a list for this book. I was completely shocked by who it was.
You do have to read books 1-3 to have a basic understanding of what goes on with the siblings there is huge crossovers and they take up several chapters and focus in this book. It leaves you with questions but doesn’t take away from this incredible love story of acceptance and finding your person.
Thank you Liz Colbert and Love Notes PR for letting me read this book early for my free and honest review.
Harlow is literally a child prodigy and so young for all of her accomplishments. When Liam was the brother that was the first one to befriend her I was a little thrown then it all clicked.
I liked how the book built on each character individually and led up to them meeting and when they did things just flowed. Friendship bloomed and Ryan showed he cared, listened, and saw Harlow for who she was and not for what she brought to the table.
Harlow didn’t know how to trust that with how she was raised. Her parents are the definition of toxic narcissist parents. I loved how Ryan stepped in front of her to shield her from them.
There was a complete mystery. The suspect lost force was incredibly difficult to figure out. They didn’t name anyone so it was hard to figure out. I didn’t even have a list for this book. I was completely shocked by who it was.
You do have to read books 1-3 to have a basic understanding of what goes on with the siblings there is huge crossovers and they take up several chapters and focus in this book. It leaves you with questions but doesn’t take away from this incredible love story of acceptance and finding your person.
Thank you Liz Colbert and Love Notes PR for letting me read this book early for my free and honest review.
August 11, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️/5
Harlow: FBI agent with Walker; Whiz Kid to Liam; falling in love and dating Ryan
Ryan: CFO for a local hospital; Liam’s younger brother; falling in love and dating Harlow
OK so…. I already loved this series but this book! It’s my favorite book in the series. And it could possibly be because it had vibes of criminal minds and that is one of my favorite shows. So I absolutely loved this book!
Now onto the book! The romance and evolution of Harlow and Ryan’s relationship is so sweet. The writing felt like a first love sweet innocent vibe. Ryan wanted love and knew from the moment he saw Harlow, she was meant to be someone in his life. Harlow wanted love as well but she found someone who made her feel like enough. She was more than a child prodigy but a beautiful loving caring woman. Ryan gave Harlow the love that she always wanted and deserved.
The romance between the MCs was so good and loved how the danger and plot twist was lingering the background. It was there but it wasn’t heavily involved in the plot of the book. I enjoyed that aspect of the book. All the background characters were also great! From the Callahan siblings and spouses to the FBI agent coworkers and harlow’s friends. It made the book feel so well rounded. It made the journey of their relationship so wholesome.
10/10 would most definitely recommend!
🌶️/5
Harlow: FBI agent with Walker; Whiz Kid to Liam; falling in love and dating Ryan
Ryan: CFO for a local hospital; Liam’s younger brother; falling in love and dating Harlow
OK so…. I already loved this series but this book! It’s my favorite book in the series. And it could possibly be because it had vibes of criminal minds and that is one of my favorite shows. So I absolutely loved this book!
Now onto the book! The romance and evolution of Harlow and Ryan’s relationship is so sweet. The writing felt like a first love sweet innocent vibe. Ryan wanted love and knew from the moment he saw Harlow, she was meant to be someone in his life. Harlow wanted love as well but she found someone who made her feel like enough. She was more than a child prodigy but a beautiful loving caring woman. Ryan gave Harlow the love that she always wanted and deserved.
The romance between the MCs was so good and loved how the danger and plot twist was lingering the background. It was there but it wasn’t heavily involved in the plot of the book. I enjoyed that aspect of the book. All the background characters were also great! From the Callahan siblings and spouses to the FBI agent coworkers and harlow’s friends. It made the book feel so well rounded. It made the journey of their relationship so wholesome.
10/10 would most definitely recommend!
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