What do you think?
Swift Rivers #3
The Moments We Chose Love
ANDIE: Nine years ago, I ran for my life.
Since then, I've slowly rebuilt what was taken from me. But it’s risky to let my roots grow too deep. Anyone I let close could pay the price if my past catches up with me.
Then Cooper moves in next door.
The devastatingly handsome sheriff and his teenage son aren’t supposed to become part of my carefully ordered world. Yet between shared meals, stolen glances, and the way they make room for me in their lives, I find myself craving the home and family I swore wasn’t in the cards.
Except, the moment Cooper learns who I really am, he'll have every reason to walk away.
COOPER: Coming home to Swift Rivers was supposed to be about family: helping my father recover and giving my son a chance to start over.
Falling for my neighbor wasn't part of the plan.
Andie is beautiful, guarded, and hiding something. But the more time my son and I spend with her, the more I see the caring woman behind the cautious smiles—the one determined to shoulder her burdens alone. Now all I want is a future that includes her forever at my side.
When the shadows she once escaped creep into Swift Rivers, protecting her becomes the only thing that matters.
As danger closes in and the truth comes to light, we'll have to decide whether our scars and secrets are reasons to walk away—or reasons to finally choose love and stay.
Welcome to Swift Rivers, where heroes fall hard, cowgirls fight back, and love is the bravest rescue of all. An interconnected, standalone series that can be read in any order.
Since then, I've slowly rebuilt what was taken from me. But it’s risky to let my roots grow too deep. Anyone I let close could pay the price if my past catches up with me.
Then Cooper moves in next door.
The devastatingly handsome sheriff and his teenage son aren’t supposed to become part of my carefully ordered world. Yet between shared meals, stolen glances, and the way they make room for me in their lives, I find myself craving the home and family I swore wasn’t in the cards.
Except, the moment Cooper learns who I really am, he'll have every reason to walk away.
COOPER: Coming home to Swift Rivers was supposed to be about family: helping my father recover and giving my son a chance to start over.
Falling for my neighbor wasn't part of the plan.
Andie is beautiful, guarded, and hiding something. But the more time my son and I spend with her, the more I see the caring woman behind the cautious smiles—the one determined to shoulder her burdens alone. Now all I want is a future that includes her forever at my side.
When the shadows she once escaped creep into Swift Rivers, protecting her becomes the only thing that matters.
As danger closes in and the truth comes to light, we'll have to decide whether our scars and secrets are reasons to walk away—or reasons to finally choose love and stay.
Welcome to Swift Rivers, where heroes fall hard, cowgirls fight back, and love is the bravest rescue of all. An interconnected, standalone series that can be read in any order.
458 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 23, 2026
About the author
L.J. Evans
33 books1,363 followersAward-winning author LJ Evans lives in Northern California with her husband, child, and the three terrors called cats. She's written compulsively since she was a little girl, often getting derailed from what she should be doing by a song lyric that sends her scrambling to jot a scene down.
A former first-grade teacher, she now spends her days deep in the pages of romance and mystery with a bit of the otherworldly thrown in. Her favorite characters are those who live resiliently—stubbornly and triumphantly getting through this wild ride called life with hope, love, and found families guiding the way.
Her novels have won multiple industry awards, including CHARMING AND THE CHERRY BLOSSOM which was Writer’s Digest’s Self-Published E-book Romance of the Year.
Find out more about LJ and her books at www.ljevansbooks.com
A former first-grade teacher, she now spends her days deep in the pages of romance and mystery with a bit of the otherworldly thrown in. Her favorite characters are those who live resiliently—stubbornly and triumphantly getting through this wild ride called life with hope, love, and found families guiding the way.
Her novels have won multiple industry awards, including CHARMING AND THE CHERRY BLOSSOM which was Writer’s Digest’s Self-Published E-book Romance of the Year.
Find out more about LJ and her books at www.ljevansbooks.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
Andie and Cooper’s story is intense, emotional and suspenseful. Neither was looking for love, but it found them anyway. Andie is a survivor of smothering control, manipulation and severe physical abuse. Years ago, she had to run for her life and change her identity while trying to elude the authorities and an unseen enemy. Eight years ago, she landed in the small town of Swift Rivers and is now the resort manager at the Harrison Ranch. She recently purchased a fixer-upper craftsman cottage and finds herself with new neighbours. Having the new sheriff and his son move in next-door is disconcerting and prods her to be cautious. She never expected to fall head over heels for both father and son.
Cooper has just moved back to town after nearly two decades. His father‘s heart attack and his rebellious teenage son’s need for a fresh start precipitated the move. Truthfully, he has no time to even think about relationships while trying to acclimate to being the new sheriff and rein in his sullen and angry son. It took him years to finally gain custody of his son, Luca, from the self-involved woman who used him as a prop rather than mother him. Luca meets Andie before his dad, when he breaks her antique glass window. Cooper and Andie’s is tense, awkward after she makes an erroneous assumption. Even after she realizes that her assumption was incorrect, Andie isn’t inclined to communicate with Cooper about the window or anything else. Cooper, however, now realizes that his beautiful, but very guarded neighbour is running from something. Shortly thereafter, he discovers she is being targeted and stalked. His job is to protect the citizens of his hometown, but protecting Andie becomes very personal.
Andie has my respect and admiration. Her strength, courage and resilience are amazing. Cooper is a wonderful, caring and concerned father who is just trying to connect with his resentful son. His ex made him wary of love and of helping damsel in distress, but Andie is unlike any other woman he has met. She doesn’t ask for help even when she needs it, and she tries to push him away to protect him and his son. She puts the safety of his son ahead of her own, unlike his own mother. That’s what finally opens Cooper’s heart to love again. Their chemistry is intense, their banter is riveting and their growing bond is mesmerizing.
I love the rapport between Andy and young Luca. It is Andie who helps father and son to connect. She helps Cooper to see his son for the good kid he really is under all of the tumultuous emotions he is dealing with. Luca comes to realize that his father truly loves him and only wants the best for him, unlike his mother who uses him to prop up her career. Father and son both want to protect and support Andie. I loved Andie’s friends group who offer her unconditional support. They are the family and friends she never had growing up, and mean the world to her. Cooper’s parents are wonderfully accepting of Andie. His mother is definitely a determined matchmaker, wanting to see her son and grandson happy and settled. But more than that, she is also a supportive mother figure to Andie too.
This exceptional book has my unreserved and heartfelt recommendation.
Cooper has just moved back to town after nearly two decades. His father‘s heart attack and his rebellious teenage son’s need for a fresh start precipitated the move. Truthfully, he has no time to even think about relationships while trying to acclimate to being the new sheriff and rein in his sullen and angry son. It took him years to finally gain custody of his son, Luca, from the self-involved woman who used him as a prop rather than mother him. Luca meets Andie before his dad, when he breaks her antique glass window. Cooper and Andie’s is tense, awkward after she makes an erroneous assumption. Even after she realizes that her assumption was incorrect, Andie isn’t inclined to communicate with Cooper about the window or anything else. Cooper, however, now realizes that his beautiful, but very guarded neighbour is running from something. Shortly thereafter, he discovers she is being targeted and stalked. His job is to protect the citizens of his hometown, but protecting Andie becomes very personal.
Andie has my respect and admiration. Her strength, courage and resilience are amazing. Cooper is a wonderful, caring and concerned father who is just trying to connect with his resentful son. His ex made him wary of love and of helping damsel in distress, but Andie is unlike any other woman he has met. She doesn’t ask for help even when she needs it, and she tries to push him away to protect him and his son. She puts the safety of his son ahead of her own, unlike his own mother. That’s what finally opens Cooper’s heart to love again. Their chemistry is intense, their banter is riveting and their growing bond is mesmerizing.
I love the rapport between Andy and young Luca. It is Andie who helps father and son to connect. She helps Cooper to see his son for the good kid he really is under all of the tumultuous emotions he is dealing with. Luca comes to realize that his father truly loves him and only wants the best for him, unlike his mother who uses him to prop up her career. Father and son both want to protect and support Andie. I loved Andie’s friends group who offer her unconditional support. They are the family and friends she never had growing up, and mean the world to her. Cooper’s parents are wonderfully accepting of Andie. His mother is definitely a determined matchmaker, wanting to see her son and grandson happy and settled. But more than that, she is also a supportive mother figure to Andie too.
This exceptional book has my unreserved and heartfelt recommendation.
September 23, 2026
The Moments We Chose Love by LJ Evans
📚Swift Rivers, Book 3
📒Interconnected Standalone
Adult • Romantic Suspense
📖458 Pages
🗓️September 23
🍁single dad
📒sheriff
🍁FMC on the run
📒hidden identity
🍁found family
📒neighbors to lovers
[I received an eARC from @ljevansbooks ]
✏️ “We’re more than our scars, Andie.”
🍁I’m a sucker for the sheriff–FMC‑on‑the‑run dynamic, and this one nails it. That tension between danger and desire amps up the romantic suspense vibe in the best way, making every chapter feel like a “just one more page” moment.
📒LJ Evans has such a gift for crafting stories that are beautiful even when they hurt. Her characters always feel carved from something real... Strong, intuitive, and so attuned to each other that their connection hums off the page. I adored their easy, lighthearted moments, but it’s the vulnerable ones that linger. Those scenes where they open up, unexpectedly yet inevitably, are the ones I’m carrying with me.
🍁I’ve grown so attached to this small town. The sense of community, the instinct to protect its people, the familiar faces popping in like little gifts. It all builds into a world that feels lived‑in and loved.
📚Swift Rivers, Book 3
📒Interconnected Standalone
Adult • Romantic Suspense
📖458 Pages
🗓️September 23
🍁single dad
📒sheriff
🍁FMC on the run
📒hidden identity
🍁found family
📒neighbors to lovers
[I received an eARC from @ljevansbooks ]
✏️ “We’re more than our scars, Andie.”
🍁I’m a sucker for the sheriff–FMC‑on‑the‑run dynamic, and this one nails it. That tension between danger and desire amps up the romantic suspense vibe in the best way, making every chapter feel like a “just one more page” moment.
📒LJ Evans has such a gift for crafting stories that are beautiful even when they hurt. Her characters always feel carved from something real... Strong, intuitive, and so attuned to each other that their connection hums off the page. I adored their easy, lighthearted moments, but it’s the vulnerable ones that linger. Those scenes where they open up, unexpectedly yet inevitably, are the ones I’m carrying with me.
🍁I’ve grown so attached to this small town. The sense of community, the instinct to protect its people, the familiar faces popping in like little gifts. It all builds into a world that feels lived‑in and loved.
September 28, 2026
4.5 stars
I love it when a LJ Evans book lands on my Kindle. I know I am in for a ride. Andie and Cooper take us on a journey of suspense, emotions, and intense moments. Andie has not had an easy life, and because of this I recommend checking the warnings if you need to. She landed in Swift River a few years back, is successful and recently purchased a home. Her neighbors, the new Sheriff and his son, immediately have her on alert due to her past.
Cooper and his son have also recently returned to Swift River, he has his hands full and is not looking for anything to add to his plate.
Although their first meeting is not great Andie and Luca they slowly begin to like each other. Addie helps Cooper see what a good person his son is, and show Luca his father does love him. I also love the part Cooper’s mother plays.
This book is layered, and pulls you in, the found family is wonderful. LJ Evans is one of my favorite authors who can give a meaningful love story and keep you on your toes. If you are a lover of suspense with your romance, pick this one up.
Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review
I love it when a LJ Evans book lands on my Kindle. I know I am in for a ride. Andie and Cooper take us on a journey of suspense, emotions, and intense moments. Andie has not had an easy life, and because of this I recommend checking the warnings if you need to. She landed in Swift River a few years back, is successful and recently purchased a home. Her neighbors, the new Sheriff and his son, immediately have her on alert due to her past.
Cooper and his son have also recently returned to Swift River, he has his hands full and is not looking for anything to add to his plate.
Although their first meeting is not great Andie and Luca they slowly begin to like each other. Addie helps Cooper see what a good person his son is, and show Luca his father does love him. I also love the part Cooper’s mother plays.
This book is layered, and pulls you in, the found family is wonderful. LJ Evans is one of my favorite authors who can give a meaningful love story and keep you on your toes. If you are a lover of suspense with your romance, pick this one up.
Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review
September 9, 2026
Thank you to Must Love Audio for the ALC!
New to me author.
I had the best time listening to this one. Andie and Cooper were both so layered and both grew in their character arcs. Andie has a PAST! It was heartbreaking with what she went through and how she had no one in her corner. Her half brother stepped in and helped her, but with their age gap they weren’t close. Not until her life was on the line. Cooper has issues with his ex, that’s strained his relationship with his teenage son. Which his son is 13 and was definitely teen aging regardless lol. But both have so much going it, but when they meet it’s instant attraction. I adored these two so much.
The PLOT was where it was at for me with this story. We have two plots that end up mingling and it was so good. The suspense was exciting. Now I did figure out The Who/s of the situation pretty early, but it was fun to try and work it all out. For me the romantic relationship could have been developed more. I can’t explain why the pacing with them felt off at times. Maybe the plot just took over and felt like the romance took a back seat sometimes. Idk I can’t explain it, but it definitely felt slow burn with spurts of how did we get here so fast?! But over all I really enjoyed it. I can’t wait to go back and listen to books one and two!
Read: ALC 🎧
MMC: Cooper
FMC: Andie
Spice: 1.5🌶️
Tropes:
Small Town
Suspense
Neighbors to Lovers
Hidden Identity
Single Dad
New to me author.
I had the best time listening to this one. Andie and Cooper were both so layered and both grew in their character arcs. Andie has a PAST! It was heartbreaking with what she went through and how she had no one in her corner. Her half brother stepped in and helped her, but with their age gap they weren’t close. Not until her life was on the line. Cooper has issues with his ex, that’s strained his relationship with his teenage son. Which his son is 13 and was definitely teen aging regardless lol. But both have so much going it, but when they meet it’s instant attraction. I adored these two so much.
The PLOT was where it was at for me with this story. We have two plots that end up mingling and it was so good. The suspense was exciting. Now I did figure out The Who/s of the situation pretty early, but it was fun to try and work it all out. For me the romantic relationship could have been developed more. I can’t explain why the pacing with them felt off at times. Maybe the plot just took over and felt like the romance took a back seat sometimes. Idk I can’t explain it, but it definitely felt slow burn with spurts of how did we get here so fast?! But over all I really enjoyed it. I can’t wait to go back and listen to books one and two!
Read: ALC 🎧
MMC: Cooper
FMC: Andie
Spice: 1.5🌶️
Tropes:
Small Town
Suspense
Neighbors to Lovers
Hidden Identity
Single Dad
Review of advance copy received from Author
Four and a half stars!
L.J. Evans has created a perfect recipe for romantic suspense. Amazing chemistry, flawed and realistic characters, some spicy moments, action scenes, supporting characters that add the final touches to form an incredible story that you don't want to put down. This winning formula has proven true yet again in The Moments We Chose Love.
Years after surviving a horrifically abusive relationship, Andie has recreated herself and is putting down roots in Swift Rivers. She bought a house, has a job she loves, and has made friends - even though she can't tell them about her past. Cooper has moved back to his hometown after winning full custody of his teenage son. He's taken over as sheriff after his father retired and is dealing with a host of drug related crimes, a disgruntled son, and a touchy new neighbor. What transpires between the pages of this novel is a masterpiece of emotional connection, acceptance, healing, and found family. While some of the suspense aspects are predictable, there are so many layers to it that you will be surprised by the twists and turns that get you to the resolution. My favorite supporting character, hands down, is Akela, the perfect couch eating monster! I also love that LJ
tied in characters from one of her Anchor Suspense novels, and reading about them felt like coming home.
The Moments We Chose Love is a standalone novel with a HEA and bonus epilogue that's part of the interconnected Swift Rivers series. If you want to experience the entire world behind this story, go back to the beginning and read LJ's entire catalog of books!
L.J. Evans has created a perfect recipe for romantic suspense. Amazing chemistry, flawed and realistic characters, some spicy moments, action scenes, supporting characters that add the final touches to form an incredible story that you don't want to put down. This winning formula has proven true yet again in The Moments We Chose Love.
Years after surviving a horrifically abusive relationship, Andie has recreated herself and is putting down roots in Swift Rivers. She bought a house, has a job she loves, and has made friends - even though she can't tell them about her past. Cooper has moved back to his hometown after winning full custody of his teenage son. He's taken over as sheriff after his father retired and is dealing with a host of drug related crimes, a disgruntled son, and a touchy new neighbor. What transpires between the pages of this novel is a masterpiece of emotional connection, acceptance, healing, and found family. While some of the suspense aspects are predictable, there are so many layers to it that you will be surprised by the twists and turns that get you to the resolution. My favorite supporting character, hands down, is Akela, the perfect couch eating monster! I also love that LJ
tied in characters from one of her Anchor Suspense novels, and reading about them felt like coming home.
The Moments We Chose Love is a standalone novel with a HEA and bonus epilogue that's part of the interconnected Swift Rivers series. If you want to experience the entire world behind this story, go back to the beginning and read LJ's entire catalog of books!
Read
September 12, 20264 ⭐️ | 2 🌶️ | 🎧
LJ writes emotionally mature romances filled with heavy topics, yet still light and fresh. I was really surprised by how deep the suspense plot of this story went, and while some aspects were a bit predictable, others were not! The characters, found family, and setting are all so wonderful, too.
The book is a duet narration by Emery Erickson and Michael Reed, and it was very well done!
If you are searching for a deep romance in a small town, with great found family, I highly recommend L.J. Evans.
LJ writes emotionally mature romances filled with heavy topics, yet still light and fresh. I was really surprised by how deep the suspense plot of this story went, and while some aspects were a bit predictable, others were not! The characters, found family, and setting are all so wonderful, too.
The book is a duet narration by Emery Erickson and Michael Reed, and it was very well done!
If you are searching for a deep romance in a small town, with great found family, I highly recommend L.J. Evans.
September 10, 2026
Romantic Suspense books are one of my favorite subgenres of romance and this book reminded me why!
Andie and Cooper are an amazing couple and their story was so beautiful! Learning the pieces of Andie’s past and how she’s built her life back together was amazing! I absolutely loved everything about this book!
The audiobook was done beautifully! Emory Erickson and Alex Goodman are incredible voice actors. I never wanted to stop listening.
Thank you to Must Love Audio for the advanced listener copy!
Andie and Cooper are an amazing couple and their story was so beautiful! Learning the pieces of Andie’s past and how she’s built her life back together was amazing! I absolutely loved everything about this book!
The audiobook was done beautifully! Emory Erickson and Alex Goodman are incredible voice actors. I never wanted to stop listening.
Thank you to Must Love Audio for the advanced listener copy!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Another new to me author, but this series will be great for CC lovers. Suspense + swoony romance + protective hero + hurt heroines. I AM HERE FOR THAT! I also didn’t know either narrator but they really delivered, this one was a consuming listen and loved the mystery (I was duped!).
Heroine in Hiding
Small Town
Age Gap (11 years)
Single Dad Sheriff
Neighbors
Dislike to Lovers
Troubled Teenager
Hidden Identity
Toxic Exes
Romantic Suspense
Baddie POVs
Heroine in Hiding
Small Town
Age Gap (11 years)
Single Dad Sheriff
Neighbors
Dislike to Lovers
Troubled Teenager
Hidden Identity
Toxic Exes
Romantic Suspense
Baddie POVs
September 26, 2026
Pull on your nicest cowboy boots and get ready because once again LJ Evans is taking us to CHURCH in the finale of the Swift Rivers series.
And by church I mean the church of love.
Reading this book, and receiving it as an ARC, was very emotional for me. Since I first discovered LJ's books a few years ago, I have been a huge fan of her writing, and an even bigger fan of her as a human being.
Knowing that this book would be her last on the docket so to speak, while she rightly takes care of her beloved husband as they navigate this new stage of health and life for him was so very bittersweet. I look forward to her books like a kid on Christmas morning. I devour the book and then I'm immediately counting down until I can read her next book and get caught back up with the characters she has made me know and love. Andie and Cooper gave me major Rafe and Sadie vibes. (The Last Dance you saved) and I would say now I have to re read their book but let's be real, I'm gonna go all the way back to M&M (The last one you loved) and start the whole Hatley series over again.
So knowing that this book might be it for awhile and how hard that also has to be on her, just made it very emotional for me. I've also had to give up a lot with my poor health over this past year so I get it. I get the pain and the loss. So I was thrilled to finally have my hands on this book and get to read Andie and Cooper's love story, but oh did it make me so emotional.
I realized something as I was reading this book, and as I type this review I'm trying (and failing) to blind back the tears. But one of, if not the thing I love most about LJ's writing is that she writes real life characters. That's what makes you connect so much with her writing because they actually aren't even characters, they are like real life people, with real life problems and feelings and emotions and issues. You fall in love with the people she writes about because they have the same problems you have in your own life. (Ok well most of us might not have crazy stalkers or people trying to off us, but you get what I mean.)
Not only are the characters in her books real, and face things that the rest of us face, but they always choose love. Sometimes it takes them a bit to get it, in Andie and Cooper's case they caught on quickly and I was thankful for that. HA!
But in reality, in all of LJ's books, when the characters fall in love and find their person, they keep choosing them. When it's hard. When it's ugly. When it's painful. When you might want to give up. When it's scary. When you're just not sure if you can do it but you have faith and hope, and you love this person so much that you will fight to love them. You will choose the scary thing, time and time again, if only just to have a life with that person, no matter how short or long it may be. You keep choosing and showing up for your person. Andie and Cooper gave me major Rafe and Sadie vibes. (The Last Dance you saved)
Getting back to what I realized. I realized that in all of the books that LJ has written, she has written about choosing the other person and loving them well even when it's hard and even when it hurts. The thing is, LJ hasn't just written that. The stories she tells and the characters she writes-She has lived that out and continues to live it out with her husband and his health battles this year. It's not just words on a page for LJ, she literally is pouring her heart and soul and the essence of who she is into her books. She's teaching us, taking us to church, showing us how to love someone, and love them well. Just as she does it in real life. I don't quite have words to adequately convey this, (I'm clearly not an Author!) so I hope it comes across, but it is a stunningly beautiful thing to see.
LJ is not just a wonderful writer but she is a incredible human being. I am so glad that I stumbled across her books years ago, and have had the privilege to read (and re read) them and have even gotten to exchange some emails with her. Because again, she is a phenomenal human being.
I know this has turned into less of a book review and more of an I'm the #1 fan of LJ Evans and you should read every single thing she's even written because they are all bangers.
This book was beautiful and romantic and funny, and even had the suspense that I love. I did guess one of the bad people, but not all of them, and I was taken aback at the end, which always delights my little Nancy Drew self.
LJ always has a playlist for her books, and has shared how much music inspires her. As a musician and former music teacher, I love that and also have music on the brain for basically every aspect of my life.
When I got this book the song that came to mind was Boyz II Men "End of the Road"
"Although we've come to the end of the road
Still, I can't let go
It's unnatural, you belong to me, I belong to you
Come to the end of the road
Still, I can't let go
It's unnatural, you belong to me, I belong to you"
While I hope and pray that this isn't the end of the road for her writing, and I also hope that this chorus doesn't throw me into the creepy stalker category. The Swift Rivers Trilogy is over. But I have hope, and prayers that this isn't the end of the stories that LJ has to share with us. After all, isn't that what she has been teaching us all along?
And by church I mean the church of love.
Reading this book, and receiving it as an ARC, was very emotional for me. Since I first discovered LJ's books a few years ago, I have been a huge fan of her writing, and an even bigger fan of her as a human being.
Knowing that this book would be her last on the docket so to speak, while she rightly takes care of her beloved husband as they navigate this new stage of health and life for him was so very bittersweet. I look forward to her books like a kid on Christmas morning. I devour the book and then I'm immediately counting down until I can read her next book and get caught back up with the characters she has made me know and love. Andie and Cooper gave me major Rafe and Sadie vibes. (The Last Dance you saved) and I would say now I have to re read their book but let's be real, I'm gonna go all the way back to M&M (The last one you loved) and start the whole Hatley series over again.
So knowing that this book might be it for awhile and how hard that also has to be on her, just made it very emotional for me. I've also had to give up a lot with my poor health over this past year so I get it. I get the pain and the loss. So I was thrilled to finally have my hands on this book and get to read Andie and Cooper's love story, but oh did it make me so emotional.
I realized something as I was reading this book, and as I type this review I'm trying (and failing) to blind back the tears. But one of, if not the thing I love most about LJ's writing is that she writes real life characters. That's what makes you connect so much with her writing because they actually aren't even characters, they are like real life people, with real life problems and feelings and emotions and issues. You fall in love with the people she writes about because they have the same problems you have in your own life. (Ok well most of us might not have crazy stalkers or people trying to off us, but you get what I mean.)
Not only are the characters in her books real, and face things that the rest of us face, but they always choose love. Sometimes it takes them a bit to get it, in Andie and Cooper's case they caught on quickly and I was thankful for that. HA!
But in reality, in all of LJ's books, when the characters fall in love and find their person, they keep choosing them. When it's hard. When it's ugly. When it's painful. When you might want to give up. When it's scary. When you're just not sure if you can do it but you have faith and hope, and you love this person so much that you will fight to love them. You will choose the scary thing, time and time again, if only just to have a life with that person, no matter how short or long it may be. You keep choosing and showing up for your person. Andie and Cooper gave me major Rafe and Sadie vibes. (The Last Dance you saved)
Getting back to what I realized. I realized that in all of the books that LJ has written, she has written about choosing the other person and loving them well even when it's hard and even when it hurts. The thing is, LJ hasn't just written that. The stories she tells and the characters she writes-She has lived that out and continues to live it out with her husband and his health battles this year. It's not just words on a page for LJ, she literally is pouring her heart and soul and the essence of who she is into her books. She's teaching us, taking us to church, showing us how to love someone, and love them well. Just as she does it in real life. I don't quite have words to adequately convey this, (I'm clearly not an Author!) so I hope it comes across, but it is a stunningly beautiful thing to see.
LJ is not just a wonderful writer but she is a incredible human being. I am so glad that I stumbled across her books years ago, and have had the privilege to read (and re read) them and have even gotten to exchange some emails with her. Because again, she is a phenomenal human being.
I know this has turned into less of a book review and more of an I'm the #1 fan of LJ Evans and you should read every single thing she's even written because they are all bangers.
This book was beautiful and romantic and funny, and even had the suspense that I love. I did guess one of the bad people, but not all of them, and I was taken aback at the end, which always delights my little Nancy Drew self.
LJ always has a playlist for her books, and has shared how much music inspires her. As a musician and former music teacher, I love that and also have music on the brain for basically every aspect of my life.
When I got this book the song that came to mind was Boyz II Men "End of the Road"
"Although we've come to the end of the road
Still, I can't let go
It's unnatural, you belong to me, I belong to you
Come to the end of the road
Still, I can't let go
It's unnatural, you belong to me, I belong to you"
While I hope and pray that this isn't the end of the road for her writing, and I also hope that this chorus doesn't throw me into the creepy stalker category. The Swift Rivers Trilogy is over. But I have hope, and prayers that this isn't the end of the stories that LJ has to share with us. After all, isn't that what she has been teaching us all along?
Review of advance copy received from Author
Rating: ✩✩✩✩ ½
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶
Narration: ✩✩✩✩✩
➛ Duet Narration
➛ Emery Erickson & Alex Goodman
TROPES:
♡ Romantic Suspense
♡ Small Town
♡ Single Dad Sheriff x Cowgirl on the Run
♡ Neighbors to Lovers
♡ Age Gap (31h/42H)
♡ No 3rd Act Breakup
♡ Found Family
NOTE : (ﾉ◕ヮ◕)ﾉ*:･ﾟ✧ Thank you so much to L.J. Evans and her team for the ALC of this audiobook. It was an honor to have received it and I wish you all the luck during your promotion of this amazing story!
It has been a hot minute since I read something that got me cheering the way this story got me rooting for these two. I'll admit, I started off skeptical because the hostility -- and not in the fun way, but in the "I'm going to jump to conclusions about this person I know nothing about and make my own assumptions" from both of the MCs made me wildly frustrated and a little uncomfortable (it's one of my least favorite traits to read about, tbh) but I kept reading and remained optimistic and boy was I rewarded for that. Much like Cooper and Andie, I feel like they both had to unlearn some of the reactionary responses they had because of their past relationships, and in that healing process, these two became even more inspiring to read about. The moment Cooper bravely fought for Andie and their relationship despite it being but a sapling, I legit cheered. AND THEN!! To have Andie also surprise him back when she didn't turn and walk away but went to him to comfort him after they both got a vicious tongue lashing from Cooper's viper of an ex-wife, I cheered again! Trust comes so hard for these two after the horrid past they had to endure, and to see them grow to lean on each other, depend on each other, trust that the other won't hurt them in turn, was a sight to watch unfold. Side note: I really liked Andie's relationship with her half-brother, Dawson! It was so wholesome. These two talking and supporting each other just gave me all the warm fuzzies. OMG, and don't even get me started on Cooper's amazing parents! 🥲💕
The plot of this story was another amazing element. The mystery aspect of it got me hooked from the beginning and I didn't figure out all of the players until the 3rd act so I felt like Evans did a great job leaving those breadcrumbs to make sure readers were able to follow along with who was who and how everything was connected in the end. Juggling all those plotlines whilst also exploring the relationships between Cooper, Andie, Cooper's son, and all of the other supporting cast of characters was certainly a feat. It was great!
Audiobook was surprisingly well done. Shout out to Emery Erickson who delivered a spectacular performance for Andie, Luca, "Revenge", and all the other female characters. Alex Goodman, a new-to-me narrator was also so perfect as the straight-laced, overworked, super stressed single dad, Cooper, who just wanted a fresh start with his beloved son, who was going through a rough patch. His wonderfully empathetic and righteous performance as Cooper was juxtaposed so wonderfully with his reading of Andie's scumbag ex, Eddy, as well as the other male side characters. Amazing job, all around!
Ultimately, if you are a fan of Devney Perry's "Clifton Forge" series or Harlow James's "Blossom Peak" series, I think you would enjoy this. I was so pleasantly surprised by this read. Complex characters with an engaging suspenseful plotline, great pacing, and steamy chemistry between our 2 leads! I am so looking forward to going back and listening to Book 1 & 2 having so thoroughly enjoyed this one!
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶
Narration: ✩✩✩✩✩
➛ Duet Narration
➛ Emery Erickson & Alex Goodman
TROPES:
♡ Romantic Suspense
♡ Small Town
♡ Single Dad Sheriff x Cowgirl on the Run
♡ Neighbors to Lovers
♡ Age Gap (31h/42H)
♡ No 3rd Act Breakup
♡ Found Family
NOTE : (ﾉ◕ヮ◕)ﾉ*:･ﾟ✧ Thank you so much to L.J. Evans and her team for the ALC of this audiobook. It was an honor to have received it and I wish you all the luck during your promotion of this amazing story!
It has been a hot minute since I read something that got me cheering the way this story got me rooting for these two. I'll admit, I started off skeptical because the hostility -- and not in the fun way, but in the "I'm going to jump to conclusions about this person I know nothing about and make my own assumptions" from both of the MCs made me wildly frustrated and a little uncomfortable (it's one of my least favorite traits to read about, tbh) but I kept reading and remained optimistic and boy was I rewarded for that. Much like Cooper and Andie, I feel like they both had to unlearn some of the reactionary responses they had because of their past relationships, and in that healing process, these two became even more inspiring to read about. The moment Cooper bravely fought for Andie and their relationship despite it being but a sapling, I legit cheered. AND THEN!! To have Andie also surprise him back when she didn't turn and walk away but went to him to comfort him after they both got a vicious tongue lashing from Cooper's viper of an ex-wife, I cheered again! Trust comes so hard for these two after the horrid past they had to endure, and to see them grow to lean on each other, depend on each other, trust that the other won't hurt them in turn, was a sight to watch unfold. Side note: I really liked Andie's relationship with her half-brother, Dawson! It was so wholesome. These two talking and supporting each other just gave me all the warm fuzzies. OMG, and don't even get me started on Cooper's amazing parents! 🥲💕
The plot of this story was another amazing element. The mystery aspect of it got me hooked from the beginning and I didn't figure out all of the players until the 3rd act so I felt like Evans did a great job leaving those breadcrumbs to make sure readers were able to follow along with who was who and how everything was connected in the end. Juggling all those plotlines whilst also exploring the relationships between Cooper, Andie, Cooper's son, and all of the other supporting cast of characters was certainly a feat. It was great!
Audiobook was surprisingly well done. Shout out to Emery Erickson who delivered a spectacular performance for Andie, Luca, "Revenge", and all the other female characters. Alex Goodman, a new-to-me narrator was also so perfect as the straight-laced, overworked, super stressed single dad, Cooper, who just wanted a fresh start with his beloved son, who was going through a rough patch. His wonderfully empathetic and righteous performance as Cooper was juxtaposed so wonderfully with his reading of Andie's scumbag ex, Eddy, as well as the other male side characters. Amazing job, all around!
Ultimately, if you are a fan of Devney Perry's "Clifton Forge" series or Harlow James's "Blossom Peak" series, I think you would enjoy this. I was so pleasantly surprised by this read. Complex characters with an engaging suspenseful plotline, great pacing, and steamy chemistry between our 2 leads! I am so looking forward to going back and listening to Book 1 & 2 having so thoroughly enjoyed this one!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Outstanding Story & Listen🎧Compelling & Profound!
The Moments We Chose Love
Swift Rivers, Book 3
By: L.J. Evans
Narrated by: Emery Erickson, Alex Goodman
L.J. Evans never ceases to amaze me with her incredible writing style and ability to create layered and complex stories that grab you like no other and keep you hooked throughout because you need to know what happens next. The characters are equally layered and complex, yet easy to relate to and even root for. I adored the two leads, Andie Nealy and Cooper Wylee, and let’s include Cooper’s son Luca, who has a significant role in their story, as also having my adoration. They have interesting backstories, and I enjoyed learning more about each character, and I also enjoyed meeting the other characters in Swift Rivers. Cooper has roots in Swift Rivers, returning after years away with his almost teenage son, Luca, to get him away from a terrible situation and be closer to his family, though Luca was not happy about the move. With his experience and background in law enforcement, he took over as Sheriff after his dad retired. Andie made poor choices when she was younger, but she fled her dark past and started over, eventually landing and settling in Swift Rivers. She mostly keeps to herself and stays off the grid to avoid being seen or found because she continues to fear her past will catch up to her. A new neighbor disrupts her quiet life, starting with meeting his son, who accidentally broke her window. His behavior triggered something in her, and she got into protective mode and stood up for him against his father, Cooper, the new sheriff. They had a rocky start, and despite misjudging him and the situation, she tried to avoid him afterwards. Except Cooper had other plans, starting with fixing her window, and then there was Luca, who took a liking to her, and the feeling was mutual. It was great watching the building of their relationship and trust. He sensed there was more to her, and when suspicious things happened, she feared her past was catching up to her again. Cooper was the right person to have in her corner, except she did not want to put him or Luca in danger, and reached out to her brother who originally helped her. This is another masterfully crafted, multi-layered story, and I loved how it all played out, with the perfect balance of drama, angst, mystery, thrilling suspense, heartfelt emotions, and a slow-burn but so worth the wait romance. Once again, the writing, plot, and world-building are incredible, as are the character growth and development. L.J. Evans, thank you for another exceptional story and emotional rollercoaster ride, and as always, immersing myself in your novels is escapism at its finest!
🎧📚🎧 Emery Erickson and Alex Goodman did a fantastic job voicing the characters and delivering a perfect portrayal of each. Embodying their characters completely, grasping every facet of their personalities, Erickson nailed it as Andie and Goodman as Cooper, each being a natural in their role and with the dialogue. Both were fantastic performing the roles of the side/secondary characters, Luca included. Their expressive delivery captures every character’s emotions, making you experience each one. The versatility and talent of these two voice artists shine through their engaging performances that entertain and keep you glued to the story and dialogue.
The Moments We Chose Love
Swift Rivers, Book 3
By: L.J. Evans
Narrated by: Emery Erickson, Alex Goodman
L.J. Evans never ceases to amaze me with her incredible writing style and ability to create layered and complex stories that grab you like no other and keep you hooked throughout because you need to know what happens next. The characters are equally layered and complex, yet easy to relate to and even root for. I adored the two leads, Andie Nealy and Cooper Wylee, and let’s include Cooper’s son Luca, who has a significant role in their story, as also having my adoration. They have interesting backstories, and I enjoyed learning more about each character, and I also enjoyed meeting the other characters in Swift Rivers. Cooper has roots in Swift Rivers, returning after years away with his almost teenage son, Luca, to get him away from a terrible situation and be closer to his family, though Luca was not happy about the move. With his experience and background in law enforcement, he took over as Sheriff after his dad retired. Andie made poor choices when she was younger, but she fled her dark past and started over, eventually landing and settling in Swift Rivers. She mostly keeps to herself and stays off the grid to avoid being seen or found because she continues to fear her past will catch up to her. A new neighbor disrupts her quiet life, starting with meeting his son, who accidentally broke her window. His behavior triggered something in her, and she got into protective mode and stood up for him against his father, Cooper, the new sheriff. They had a rocky start, and despite misjudging him and the situation, she tried to avoid him afterwards. Except Cooper had other plans, starting with fixing her window, and then there was Luca, who took a liking to her, and the feeling was mutual. It was great watching the building of their relationship and trust. He sensed there was more to her, and when suspicious things happened, she feared her past was catching up to her again. Cooper was the right person to have in her corner, except she did not want to put him or Luca in danger, and reached out to her brother who originally helped her. This is another masterfully crafted, multi-layered story, and I loved how it all played out, with the perfect balance of drama, angst, mystery, thrilling suspense, heartfelt emotions, and a slow-burn but so worth the wait romance. Once again, the writing, plot, and world-building are incredible, as are the character growth and development. L.J. Evans, thank you for another exceptional story and emotional rollercoaster ride, and as always, immersing myself in your novels is escapism at its finest!
🎧📚🎧 Emery Erickson and Alex Goodman did a fantastic job voicing the characters and delivering a perfect portrayal of each. Embodying their characters completely, grasping every facet of their personalities, Erickson nailed it as Andie and Goodman as Cooper, each being a natural in their role and with the dialogue. Both were fantastic performing the roles of the side/secondary characters, Luca included. Their expressive delivery captures every character’s emotions, making you experience each one. The versatility and talent of these two voice artists shine through their engaging performances that entertain and keep you glued to the story and dialogue.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you, L.J. Evans, for the ARC of The Moments We Chose Love. Release Date: September 23rd, 2026
Thank you to the publisher for an advance copy. My opinions are my own and freely expressed.
Anyone else out there just as moved by the author’s notes at the end as they were by Cooper and Andi’s story? It was lovely and heartwarming knowing how many people she had at her side with all that happened to the author and her family this year.
First of all, if you have not ever read L.J. Evans, I highly recommend starting a bit before jumping into book three of the Swift Rivers series. She creates worlds that you definitely want to spend time exploring (Looking at you, Painted Daisies and Hatley Family)!
I always appreciate when authors provide chapter titles, and Evans does this in the form of a song choice for EVERY CHAPTER!! I can’t imagine the time it takes to add that piece to the time already invested in writing the actual book. Was I quickly adding songs to my bookish playlist as I was reading? Yes, yes, I was.
Then, she gives us the following:
*Amazing opening chapters when Andi and Cooper first meet! One of my favorites
*Single dad…I mean, come on..SINGLE DAD!
*WITH a hero complex
*WITH a protective streak that many romance readers LOVE!
*Finally-A DOG!! A DOG!!!! (Love you Akela!)
Andi has been in survival mode for about a decade and has spent a good amount of that time keeping her distance from others in fear of her past catching up to her. But…that was before Cooper–the new sheriff in town–moves in next door. After a tense first meeting, the two do not deny their attraction for too long. What follows is a lovely reawakening for Andi as he decides to maybe…maybe open herself up to Cooper, and for Cooper to decide to try trusting again after a horribly failed marriage.
Throw in a cast of great small-town characters and Cooper’s loving family, and you have the perfect fall read.
In addition to the romance storyline, I love how Evans gives equal attention to the suspense part of the story as well as integrating characters from previous books. I was secretly hoping for more scenes with those previous characters, but I still appreciated every little morsel there was.
One of the BEST parts of her books is that she lets the reader enjoy the characters AFTER the climax of the story. I always know I can count on getting time to decompress with the couple after all the tension and stress.
Thank you to the publisher for an advance copy. My opinions are my own and freely expressed.
Anyone else out there just as moved by the author’s notes at the end as they were by Cooper and Andi’s story? It was lovely and heartwarming knowing how many people she had at her side with all that happened to the author and her family this year.
First of all, if you have not ever read L.J. Evans, I highly recommend starting a bit before jumping into book three of the Swift Rivers series. She creates worlds that you definitely want to spend time exploring (Looking at you, Painted Daisies and Hatley Family)!
I always appreciate when authors provide chapter titles, and Evans does this in the form of a song choice for EVERY CHAPTER!! I can’t imagine the time it takes to add that piece to the time already invested in writing the actual book. Was I quickly adding songs to my bookish playlist as I was reading? Yes, yes, I was.
Then, she gives us the following:
*Amazing opening chapters when Andi and Cooper first meet! One of my favorites
*Single dad…I mean, come on..SINGLE DAD!
*WITH a hero complex
*WITH a protective streak that many romance readers LOVE!
*Finally-A DOG!! A DOG!!!! (Love you Akela!)
Andi has been in survival mode for about a decade and has spent a good amount of that time keeping her distance from others in fear of her past catching up to her. But…that was before Cooper–the new sheriff in town–moves in next door. After a tense first meeting, the two do not deny their attraction for too long. What follows is a lovely reawakening for Andi as he decides to maybe…maybe open herself up to Cooper, and for Cooper to decide to try trusting again after a horribly failed marriage.
Throw in a cast of great small-town characters and Cooper’s loving family, and you have the perfect fall read.
In addition to the romance storyline, I love how Evans gives equal attention to the suspense part of the story as well as integrating characters from previous books. I was secretly hoping for more scenes with those previous characters, but I still appreciated every little morsel there was.
One of the BEST parts of her books is that she lets the reader enjoy the characters AFTER the climax of the story. I always know I can count on getting time to decompress with the couple after all the tension and stress.
September 25, 2026
The Moments We Chose Love by L.J. Evans delivers a deeply emotional, heartwarming small-town romance where healing, second chances, and romantic suspense blend together effortlessly.
Tropes & Vibe:
• Small Town Romance
• Single Dad x Neighbors to Lovers
• Second Chance at Love
• Found Family
• Romantic Suspense / Mystery
• (Note: Check trigger warnings—there are several heavy themes addressed!)
.
Both Andie and Cooper come into this story carrying deep heartbreak, scars, and shattered trust from their pasts. But Swift Rivers proves to be the ultimate place of refuge and sweet beginnings for both of them.
Andie has fled an abusive, controlling past. While Swift Rivers gives her a safe space to flourish, the lingering trauma keeps her living under a constant cloud of fear that her past will eventually catch up to her.
.
Enter Cooper, the town’s new Sheriff. Cooper has recently gained full custody of his 7-year-old son, Luca, and moved back to take over his father’s role. The catch? Luca’s toxic mother has heavily brainwashed him, leaving the sweet boy rebellious, homesick, and missing his old life and skateboarding. Cooper has his hands full—balancing his demanding new job while trying desperately to repair the fracture in his relationship with his son—yet he can’t stop thinking about his sassy new neighbor.
.
Andie is so brave, but her trauma initial leads to a slight misunderstanding with Cooper. Once she sees how fiercely protective he is and how much he loves Luca, everything changes.
.
Luca and Andie’s connection is the true beating heart of this book. Andie steps in to truly understand Luca, help him through his rebellion, and stop him from making big mistakes. Seeing Andie reach his son is the exact moment Cooper falls completely head over heels for her.
.
Their connection is a slow, steady burn—which feels entirely necessary given what both have survived. Cooper’s fierce, protective nature combined with Andie’s quiet strength creates incredible chemistry. Add in a strong suspense plot and appearances from past Swift Rivers characters, and you get a rich, immersive found-family dynamic.
.
While the story handles heavy emotions, the overall tone remains deeply hopeful. It’s a beautiful reminder that with the right people, healing is always possible even after absolute darkness.
Thank you to the author for providing an early copy; I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Tropes & Vibe:
• Small Town Romance
• Single Dad x Neighbors to Lovers
• Second Chance at Love
• Found Family
• Romantic Suspense / Mystery
• (Note: Check trigger warnings—there are several heavy themes addressed!)
.
Both Andie and Cooper come into this story carrying deep heartbreak, scars, and shattered trust from their pasts. But Swift Rivers proves to be the ultimate place of refuge and sweet beginnings for both of them.
Andie has fled an abusive, controlling past. While Swift Rivers gives her a safe space to flourish, the lingering trauma keeps her living under a constant cloud of fear that her past will eventually catch up to her.
.
Enter Cooper, the town’s new Sheriff. Cooper has recently gained full custody of his 7-year-old son, Luca, and moved back to take over his father’s role. The catch? Luca’s toxic mother has heavily brainwashed him, leaving the sweet boy rebellious, homesick, and missing his old life and skateboarding. Cooper has his hands full—balancing his demanding new job while trying desperately to repair the fracture in his relationship with his son—yet he can’t stop thinking about his sassy new neighbor.
.
Andie is so brave, but her trauma initial leads to a slight misunderstanding with Cooper. Once she sees how fiercely protective he is and how much he loves Luca, everything changes.
.
Luca and Andie’s connection is the true beating heart of this book. Andie steps in to truly understand Luca, help him through his rebellion, and stop him from making big mistakes. Seeing Andie reach his son is the exact moment Cooper falls completely head over heels for her.
.
Their connection is a slow, steady burn—which feels entirely necessary given what both have survived. Cooper’s fierce, protective nature combined with Andie’s quiet strength creates incredible chemistry. Add in a strong suspense plot and appearances from past Swift Rivers characters, and you get a rich, immersive found-family dynamic.
.
While the story handles heavy emotions, the overall tone remains deeply hopeful. It’s a beautiful reminder that with the right people, healing is always possible even after absolute darkness.
Thank you to the author for providing an early copy; I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
4.25 stars - thanks so much to Must Love Audio for the ALC! These are my honest thoughts.
This is my first L.J. Evans book, but it will not be my last! It had romance and suspense, hardships and growth, healing and forgiveness. And in all the little and big ways, a story that led to love and family in ways that neither main character ever imagined for themselves.
Andie's been on the run for nearly a decade. She got caught up with the wrong man, and when his sins came to haunt her, she luckily got out. After moving multiple times, she found herself in Swift Rivers, a small town in California where she finally felt like she could make a home. But her ghosts... they were always waiting to haunt her.
Cooper returned to his hometown to fill in for his dad, the former Sheriff, when his health began to fail him. He brought along his son, Luca, because he ~finally~ got sole custody of him from his ex-wife, a truly horrific person and mother. When Luca accidentally breaks Andie's stained-glass window, a terrible meetcute occurs, and thus, begins the adventure of Andie opening up and Cooper letting his guard down. While neither main character has reasons to trust the other, they feel compelled to, and they see each other in their worst moments. The best part? They're unafraid to admit they were wrong about each other.
READ IF YOU LOVE:
- Sheriff mmc
- FMC on the run/hidden identity
- Misunderstood
- Small town
- Neighbors to lovers
- Single dad
- Age gap
- Romantic suspense
- She falls first... for your kid + his dog
- Found family
THE AUDIOBOOK: Emery Erickson was fantastic in this role. Her voice brought several characters to life in unique ways (no spoilers, but she did a fantastic job!). Alex Goodman was PERFECT as the older sheriff... the right amount of grumpy, gruff, firm, and then so soft when it came to falling in love and trusting again. This book is fantastic on audio and I can't wait to check out other L.J. Evans books via audio in the future!
This is my first L.J. Evans book, but it will not be my last! It had romance and suspense, hardships and growth, healing and forgiveness. And in all the little and big ways, a story that led to love and family in ways that neither main character ever imagined for themselves.
Andie's been on the run for nearly a decade. She got caught up with the wrong man, and when his sins came to haunt her, she luckily got out. After moving multiple times, she found herself in Swift Rivers, a small town in California where she finally felt like she could make a home. But her ghosts... they were always waiting to haunt her.
Cooper returned to his hometown to fill in for his dad, the former Sheriff, when his health began to fail him. He brought along his son, Luca, because he ~finally~ got sole custody of him from his ex-wife, a truly horrific person and mother. When Luca accidentally breaks Andie's stained-glass window, a terrible meetcute occurs, and thus, begins the adventure of Andie opening up and Cooper letting his guard down. While neither main character has reasons to trust the other, they feel compelled to, and they see each other in their worst moments. The best part? They're unafraid to admit they were wrong about each other.
READ IF YOU LOVE:
- Sheriff mmc
- FMC on the run/hidden identity
- Misunderstood
- Small town
- Neighbors to lovers
- Single dad
- Age gap
- Romantic suspense
- She falls first... for your kid + his dog
- Found family
THE AUDIOBOOK: Emery Erickson was fantastic in this role. Her voice brought several characters to life in unique ways (no spoilers, but she did a fantastic job!). Alex Goodman was PERFECT as the older sheriff... the right amount of grumpy, gruff, firm, and then so soft when it came to falling in love and trusting again. This book is fantastic on audio and I can't wait to check out other L.J. Evans books via audio in the future!
October 6, 2026
🌟🌟🌟🌟
🌶🌶
Thank you LJ Evans, Must Love Audio and Lyric Audiobooks for this ALC 🫶🏻
Tropes
🤎 Small Town
🤎 Single Dad
🤎 Cowboy Sheriff
🤎 Neighbors
🤎 Age Gap
🤎 Romantic Suspense
Swift Rivers Book 3
This story had me hooked from the very beginning. It is the perfect blend of romance, suspense, found family, and a small-town community that will do anything to protect its own ❤️🏡✨
Andie has spent years looking over her shoulder, trying to stay hidden after escaping an abusive relationship. Watching her slowly learn to trust again was one of my favorite parts of this story. She is strong, resilient, fiercely protective, and has the biggest heart, especially when it comes to Luca 🥹
Cooper was everything I wanted in a book boyfriend. Protective, dependable, and an amazing father first and foremost. The way he cared for Andie and always knew exactly what she needed had me swooning. "Come home to me" officially melted my heart 😭💖
I also loved Luca and his storyline. From skateboarding mishaps to rescuing Akela, the giant stray dog, he brought so much heart and humor to the story. Akela completely stole every scene he was in 🐶❤️
The romance between Andie and Cooper felt authentic and earned. Their chemistry was undeniable, but I especially loved the trust and emotional connection they built together. Add in the mystery of the drug activity in town, the suspense, and Andie's secrets coming to light, and I could not stop turning the pages.
This book was heartwarming, emotional, suspenseful, and full of characters that felt like family. I laughed, worried, swooned, and rooted for them every step of the way.
🎧 Narrated by Emery Erickson and Alex Goodman, this audiobook was absolutely fantastic. Emery brought so much emotion and strength to Andie's character, while Alex perfectly captured Cooper's warmth, protectiveness, and heart. Their performances flowed seamlessly together and made the emotional moments hit even harder.
This was one of those audiobooks I never wanted to pause. The narration elevated an already wonderful story and made it even more memorable 🎧✨💖📚
🌶🌶
Thank you LJ Evans, Must Love Audio and Lyric Audiobooks for this ALC 🫶🏻
Tropes
🤎 Small Town
🤎 Single Dad
🤎 Cowboy Sheriff
🤎 Neighbors
🤎 Age Gap
🤎 Romantic Suspense
Swift Rivers Book 3
This story had me hooked from the very beginning. It is the perfect blend of romance, suspense, found family, and a small-town community that will do anything to protect its own ❤️🏡✨
Andie has spent years looking over her shoulder, trying to stay hidden after escaping an abusive relationship. Watching her slowly learn to trust again was one of my favorite parts of this story. She is strong, resilient, fiercely protective, and has the biggest heart, especially when it comes to Luca 🥹
Cooper was everything I wanted in a book boyfriend. Protective, dependable, and an amazing father first and foremost. The way he cared for Andie and always knew exactly what she needed had me swooning. "Come home to me" officially melted my heart 😭💖
I also loved Luca and his storyline. From skateboarding mishaps to rescuing Akela, the giant stray dog, he brought so much heart and humor to the story. Akela completely stole every scene he was in 🐶❤️
The romance between Andie and Cooper felt authentic and earned. Their chemistry was undeniable, but I especially loved the trust and emotional connection they built together. Add in the mystery of the drug activity in town, the suspense, and Andie's secrets coming to light, and I could not stop turning the pages.
This book was heartwarming, emotional, suspenseful, and full of characters that felt like family. I laughed, worried, swooned, and rooted for them every step of the way.
🎧 Narrated by Emery Erickson and Alex Goodman, this audiobook was absolutely fantastic. Emery brought so much emotion and strength to Andie's character, while Alex perfectly captured Cooper's warmth, protectiveness, and heart. Their performances flowed seamlessly together and made the emotional moments hit even harder.
This was one of those audiobooks I never wanted to pause. The narration elevated an already wonderful story and made it even more memorable 🎧✨💖📚
Review of advance copy received from Author
“You’ve been pure chaos since the moment you strolled into my life.”
The Moments We Chose Love is an emotional, heart pulling romantic suspense that had me completely wrapped up in Cooper and Andie’s story. The characters are so strongly developed, full of grit and conviction, that I was instantly pulled back into the world of Swift Rivers and everything that makes this series feel so vivid and real.
Andie’s past is absolutely heartbreaking, and I felt for her every step of the way. She’s been through so much, and even though she’s guarded, her strength and resilience shine through in such a quiet, powerful way. Cooper has his own history to carry — the fallout from his marriage, the pressure of building a better life for his son — and he’s just as cautious. But once these two finally let themselves be vulnerable and start lowering those walls, their connection becomes something tender, unexpected, and genuinely healing. It’s the kind of relationship neither of them thought they’d ever get to have again.
The suspense thread adds a sharp edge to the story, especially as pieces of Andie’s past start resurfacing and danger creeps closer. It keeps you on your toes while still letting the romance breathe, and the mix of vulnerability, emotional growth, and tension makes the whole book feel layered and compelling.
The audiobook narration by Emery Erickson and Alex Goodman was gorgeous. Their delivery captured every emotion so clearly that I felt completely pulled into Cooper and Andie’s journey. The way they handled the tension, the softer moments, and the heartbreak made the entire story hit even harder.
The Moments We Chose Love is another beautifully emotional, gripping installment in this series — full of heart, healing, and the kind of love that feels worth fighting for.
The Moments We Chose Love is an emotional, heart pulling romantic suspense that had me completely wrapped up in Cooper and Andie’s story. The characters are so strongly developed, full of grit and conviction, that I was instantly pulled back into the world of Swift Rivers and everything that makes this series feel so vivid and real.
Andie’s past is absolutely heartbreaking, and I felt for her every step of the way. She’s been through so much, and even though she’s guarded, her strength and resilience shine through in such a quiet, powerful way. Cooper has his own history to carry — the fallout from his marriage, the pressure of building a better life for his son — and he’s just as cautious. But once these two finally let themselves be vulnerable and start lowering those walls, their connection becomes something tender, unexpected, and genuinely healing. It’s the kind of relationship neither of them thought they’d ever get to have again.
The suspense thread adds a sharp edge to the story, especially as pieces of Andie’s past start resurfacing and danger creeps closer. It keeps you on your toes while still letting the romance breathe, and the mix of vulnerability, emotional growth, and tension makes the whole book feel layered and compelling.
The audiobook narration by Emery Erickson and Alex Goodman was gorgeous. Their delivery captured every emotion so clearly that I felt completely pulled into Cooper and Andie’s journey. The way they handled the tension, the softer moments, and the heartbreak made the entire story hit even harder.
The Moments We Chose Love is another beautifully emotional, gripping installment in this series — full of heart, healing, and the kind of love that feels worth fighting for.
September 27, 2026
“You’ve already lit me up from the inside out with a kiss, a dance, and a smile.”
This is a heartwarming suspence-romance story of a found family and the love of a community that will protect its own.
Andie Nealy.“ akw Havoc, has been on the run for years.
Her half brother Dawson helped her to escape an abusive relationship.
She's in Swift Rivers working on the Harrington Ranch.
Cooper Wylee, moved to Swift Rivers to take over as sheriff when his father, the current sheriff had a heartattack.
There are drug runners in the community and young teenagers are dying from those drugs.
His son Luca, who he has full custody of due to the fact that his starlet mother left him alone for a week and he broke his arm and his father had to take him to the emergency room, isn't happy about moving to a small-town.
He's rebelling against everything.
He'd rather be skateboarding then being in school, but when he breaks his neighbor Andie's window and begs her not to tell his dad she takes it the wrong way and is worried he may be being abused due to the fact that he has a black eye from skateboarding.
When Luca saves a behemoth of a stray dog, he names Akela, he begs his dad to let him keep it and promises to take care of him, but when Akela eats the couch and Luca is nowhere to be found he tells him to take him to the shelter.
Instead he hides him in an abandoned fishing house and when Andie finds out she agrees to take Akela in and Luca promises to take care of him.
Cooper can tell that Andie was in an abusive relationship and that she's hiding from someone.
She's keeping secrets and because of his trust issues it makes it hard to trust her.
When things in her house shows signs of someone entering when she's not there, and she starts having panic attacks he realizes his desires to protect her is strong but he's not ready for a relationship.
This is a heartwarming suspence-romance story of a found family and the love of a community that will protect its own.
Andie Nealy.“ akw Havoc, has been on the run for years.
Her half brother Dawson helped her to escape an abusive relationship.
She's in Swift Rivers working on the Harrington Ranch.
Cooper Wylee, moved to Swift Rivers to take over as sheriff when his father, the current sheriff had a heartattack.
There are drug runners in the community and young teenagers are dying from those drugs.
His son Luca, who he has full custody of due to the fact that his starlet mother left him alone for a week and he broke his arm and his father had to take him to the emergency room, isn't happy about moving to a small-town.
He's rebelling against everything.
He'd rather be skateboarding then being in school, but when he breaks his neighbor Andie's window and begs her not to tell his dad she takes it the wrong way and is worried he may be being abused due to the fact that he has a black eye from skateboarding.
When Luca saves a behemoth of a stray dog, he names Akela, he begs his dad to let him keep it and promises to take care of him, but when Akela eats the couch and Luca is nowhere to be found he tells him to take him to the shelter.
Instead he hides him in an abandoned fishing house and when Andie finds out she agrees to take Akela in and Luca promises to take care of him.
Cooper can tell that Andie was in an abusive relationship and that she's hiding from someone.
She's keeping secrets and because of his trust issues it makes it hard to trust her.
When things in her house shows signs of someone entering when she's not there, and she starts having panic attacks he realizes his desires to protect her is strong but he's not ready for a relationship.
Review of advance copy
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐖𝐞 𝐂𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞 is the third book in the Swift Rivers series by LJ Evans, featuring an emotional neighbors to lovers romantic suspense story for Andie and Cooper that delivers a delicious slow burn for the cowboy sheriff, single dad and the woman with danger on her tail! There’s just something special about the beautiful prose this author uses to weave a multi-layered plot full of compelling characters, authentic emotions, sparking chemistry, and so much riveting suspense!! Cooper checked all my boxes with his top notch single dad behavior, and his yummy protective streak that he can’t resist, even if it has gotten him hurt in the past. And then there’s Andie… such a survivor! I would be in the corner in the fetal position, but this woman kept fighting for the life she deserved! Her bond with Luca, Cooper’s son was so heart-warming as well. She became a bridge for them, and I couldn’t get enough of all the sweet found family vibes flying around! As if there wasn’t enough to satisfy me, a precocious dog was added, which is totally the key to my dog mom heart! The lighthearted moments were welcome amid such high intensity emotion, drama, and painful subject matter at times! I always feel at home reading an LJ Evans book, because I can depend on the writing style, the nod to song titles or lyrics, and the characters and worlds that keep me coming back for more!
The audio was narrated in duet format by Emery Erickson and Alex Goodman, who honestly slayed their performances, conveying the tough emotions, the slow burn romance, the-edge-of-your-seat suspense, and the irresistible found family theme and small town charm! I loved experiencing this through an immersive read, and I can’t wait to see what comes next for this author!
Thank you to the author for an advanced review copy. My opinions are my own and freely expressed.
5⭐️ 2🌶️ 5🎙️
The audio was narrated in duet format by Emery Erickson and Alex Goodman, who honestly slayed their performances, conveying the tough emotions, the slow burn romance, the-edge-of-your-seat suspense, and the irresistible found family theme and small town charm! I loved experiencing this through an immersive read, and I can’t wait to see what comes next for this author!
Thank you to the author for an advanced review copy. My opinions are my own and freely expressed.
5⭐️ 2🌶️ 5🎙️
Review of advance copy
The Moments We Chose Love
Swift Rivers Series, Book 3
By: LJ Evans
Narrated by: Emery Erickson, Alex Goodman
Thank you LJ Evans. Her books always being me that heartfelt joy after being torn apart. The putting back together is the best part. Swift River because the safe haven for Andie. After fleeing from her life, she finally found a place to call home. But she knew it was only a matter of time before her past came to haunt her. She has a new neighbor, Cooper with a teenage son, Luca, and she is doing her best not get involved with them. There was something about Luca that drew him to her, and misunderstandings and time spent find things are not always as they seem. As she gets to know Cooper, she realizes just what kind of man he is, and how much he loves his son. He's a good man, and may just be the one. But as things start to happen to her, it's evident something is not right. Danger appears to always be around the corner and she knows she can't involve them. Layers and layers of small town gossip, family legacy, poorly made choices, and soulmate passion that kept me captivated, unable to stop listening and enjoying every minute. This is a special story and should not be missed.
What a narration team! Emery Erickson and Alex Goodman bring this alive with all the emotions and all that angsty suspense that I love. Erickson as Andie could not have been better cast. She has an array of feelings that are easily felt, giving me her fear and her passion to show the woman she is and will become. Goodman is Cooper, smitten with lust, a tough loving dad and a protector to the max. I loved these two together and enjoyed their performance.
Swift Rivers Series, Book 3
By: LJ Evans
Narrated by: Emery Erickson, Alex Goodman
Thank you LJ Evans. Her books always being me that heartfelt joy after being torn apart. The putting back together is the best part. Swift River because the safe haven for Andie. After fleeing from her life, she finally found a place to call home. But she knew it was only a matter of time before her past came to haunt her. She has a new neighbor, Cooper with a teenage son, Luca, and she is doing her best not get involved with them. There was something about Luca that drew him to her, and misunderstandings and time spent find things are not always as they seem. As she gets to know Cooper, she realizes just what kind of man he is, and how much he loves his son. He's a good man, and may just be the one. But as things start to happen to her, it's evident something is not right. Danger appears to always be around the corner and she knows she can't involve them. Layers and layers of small town gossip, family legacy, poorly made choices, and soulmate passion that kept me captivated, unable to stop listening and enjoying every minute. This is a special story and should not be missed.
What a narration team! Emery Erickson and Alex Goodman bring this alive with all the emotions and all that angsty suspense that I love. Erickson as Andie could not have been better cast. She has an array of feelings that are easily felt, giving me her fear and her passion to show the woman she is and will become. Goodman is Cooper, smitten with lust, a tough loving dad and a protector to the max. I loved these two together and enjoyed their performance.
September 25, 2026
The Moments We Chose Love (Swift Rivers Series Book 3) by L J Evans is an enthralling love story filled with mystery and suspense that keeps readers on edge, turning pages to discover what happens next. Andie Nealy moved to Swift Rivers eight years earlier, adopting a new identity to escape her abusive past and begin again where no one knew her. She worked as an event planner at Harrington Ranch, leaving little time to socialize or pursue a love life—until the new sheriff, Cooper Wylee, moved in next door with his thirteen-year-old son, Luca. Luca accidentally threw a baseball through the antique stained-glass window in Andie’s front door, an incident that brought the three of them together and forever changed their lives. Cooper and Andie are drawn to each other but emotionally damaged, with trust issues stemming from toxic exes. As Andie’s past begins catching up with her, strange calls and break-ins at her home continue. Meanwhile, Cooper and Luca become part of Andie’s life, with Luca working off the damage to her door. She even adopts the huge dog Luca wanted, but after he destroyed an expensive couch, owning a dog was a no-go. As the attraction heats up and feelings develop, the threats persist, and the romance unfolds through unpredictable twists and turns, culminating in a suspenseful, satisfying ending with a guaranteed HEA. The companion audiobook is narrated in duet by Emery Erikson and Alex Goodman, bringing The Moments We Chose Love (Swift Rivers Series Book 3) by L J Evans to life. The emotional highs and lows are spot on as the romance unfolds through their voices.
September 23, 2026
A beautifully written, suspenseful, emotionally charged love story that will completely enthrall you with its characters and storyline. I loved being back in Swift Rivers and with the Swift River group. With each book in this series, Ms. Evans pulls you in with relatable characters and love stories that have you sitting on the edge of your seat, and The Moments We Chose Love is no exception. From cover to cover, I was invested in Cooper and Andie and their road to their HEA.
Cooper and Andie are the most unlikely couple, yet at the same time, not. He is the sheriff of Swift Rivers, and she is on the run from a checkered, haunting past. She tries to keep to herself and stay out of the spotlight, but when Cooper's son, Luca, gets involved, she becomes the centre of Cooper's attention. Is the attraction mutual? Can she keep the secrets of her past hidden? When strange things start happening, she tries to hide them but Cooper is right there to help and investigate. He also has his plate full with his rebellious teen Luca and the teens in his town overdosing. Andie takes over his mind and heart and when danger arrives at her front door, he is the one who wants to keep her safe.
From the first page to the last, my emotions were all over the place. Reading about Andie's past and how she overcame so many obstacles to become the strong woman we read about broke my heart. When Cooper told her that he saw a survivor in front of him, it had me swooning.
I highly recommend picking up The Moments We Chose Love and get ready for the ride of a lifetime.
Cooper and Andie are the most unlikely couple, yet at the same time, not. He is the sheriff of Swift Rivers, and she is on the run from a checkered, haunting past. She tries to keep to herself and stay out of the spotlight, but when Cooper's son, Luca, gets involved, she becomes the centre of Cooper's attention. Is the attraction mutual? Can she keep the secrets of her past hidden? When strange things start happening, she tries to hide them but Cooper is right there to help and investigate. He also has his plate full with his rebellious teen Luca and the teens in his town overdosing. Andie takes over his mind and heart and when danger arrives at her front door, he is the one who wants to keep her safe.
From the first page to the last, my emotions were all over the place. Reading about Andie's past and how she overcame so many obstacles to become the strong woman we read about broke my heart. When Cooper told her that he saw a survivor in front of him, it had me swooning.
I highly recommend picking up The Moments We Chose Love and get ready for the ride of a lifetime.
September 23, 2026
The Moments We Chose Love is a beautiful blend of romance, suspense and found family. A single-father sheriff and a woman hiding a past that may include killing her abusive husband, find themselves neighbors in the small town of Swift Rivers. Cooper's teenage son, Luca accidentally breaks Andie's window bringing them face to face. Intrigued by Andie, Cooper invites her to a family dinner. For the first time, Andie feels at home. As the two grow closer, a ghost from Andie's past threatens their happiness and their lives. When Andie tells Cooper the truth of her past, will he still want her or will he arrest her for the crimes of the past?
LJ Evans has elevated her storytelling with her romantic suspense series. The chemistry between Cooper and Andie is perfectly balanced with the stalker threat, falling in love and steamy romance. Evans' characters are realistic and genuine. Even the stalker is intriguing.
The chapters of the stalker's POV are both haunting and somehow sad. The way both Andie and the stalker have suffered abusive families are so similar. The difference is the way each of them have become after 8 years. One thrived, found a new life, a found family, a good man who saw beyond the past. The other plots revenge, hurts others and believes they are not at fault for any of the horrible things they have done. That parallel is woven through the story.
Cameos from previous books/series allow glimpses into favorite characters lives now. It is like visiting an old friend or two.
LJ Evans has elevated her storytelling with her romantic suspense series. The chemistry between Cooper and Andie is perfectly balanced with the stalker threat, falling in love and steamy romance. Evans' characters are realistic and genuine. Even the stalker is intriguing.
The chapters of the stalker's POV are both haunting and somehow sad. The way both Andie and the stalker have suffered abusive families are so similar. The difference is the way each of them have become after 8 years. One thrived, found a new life, a found family, a good man who saw beyond the past. The other plots revenge, hurts others and believes they are not at fault for any of the horrible things they have done. That parallel is woven through the story.
Cameos from previous books/series allow glimpses into favorite characters lives now. It is like visiting an old friend or two.
September 28, 2026
This was my first LJ Evans book and I was SO entertained! There was so much suspense throughout the story, and I was constantly trying to figure out who the tormenter was.
Andie has been living with her head down, working as the town’s resort event coordinator. Nine years earlier, she survived a tragic event and has been on the run ever since. We get a little glimpse into what happened early on, but more details are revealed throughout the story.
Cooper moves back to Swift Rivers from LA and is raising his teenage son, Luca, right next door to Andie. He’s also the town sheriff, so he’s constantly being pulled in a million directions.
When Luca skips school and accidentally breaks Andie’s front door window, he begs her to let him work it off without telling his dad. That plan doesn’t last long when Cooper gets an alert that Luca skipped school.
I absolutely loved the relationship Andie and Cooper each built with Luca. Their bond was so special. Andie slowly falls for Cooper, but she’s terrified her past will catch up with her and destroy everything she’s worked so hard to build. Cooper is hesitant to let another woman into his and Luca’s lives because of his past relationship.
There was so much personal growth throughout this story, which I really loved. Add in the suspense, small-town setting, romance, and a little mystery, and I was hooked!
Alex Goodman and Emery Erickson did an amazing job narrating. They brought so much depth to all of the characters and really made the story come alive.
Tropes:
Small town
Suspense
FMC in hiding
Sheriff
Single dad
Andie has been living with her head down, working as the town’s resort event coordinator. Nine years earlier, she survived a tragic event and has been on the run ever since. We get a little glimpse into what happened early on, but more details are revealed throughout the story.
Cooper moves back to Swift Rivers from LA and is raising his teenage son, Luca, right next door to Andie. He’s also the town sheriff, so he’s constantly being pulled in a million directions.
When Luca skips school and accidentally breaks Andie’s front door window, he begs her to let him work it off without telling his dad. That plan doesn’t last long when Cooper gets an alert that Luca skipped school.
I absolutely loved the relationship Andie and Cooper each built with Luca. Their bond was so special. Andie slowly falls for Cooper, but she’s terrified her past will catch up with her and destroy everything she’s worked so hard to build. Cooper is hesitant to let another woman into his and Luca’s lives because of his past relationship.
There was so much personal growth throughout this story, which I really loved. Add in the suspense, small-town setting, romance, and a little mystery, and I was hooked!
Alex Goodman and Emery Erickson did an amazing job narrating. They brought so much depth to all of the characters and really made the story come alive.
Tropes:
Small town
Suspense
FMC in hiding
Sheriff
Single dad
Review of advance copy received from Author
Oh, this book! ❤️ It pulled me in and completely captured my heart.
Andie broke my heart. She’s hiding from her past, alone in the world, and desperately wants to be loved—but she’s afraid to trust. When Dawson, her half brother, enters her life, things begin to change, and slowly the secrets of Andie’s past are revealed.
Then there’s Cooper—the small-town sheriff, single dad, and fiercely protective man who loves his town and his people. I loved watching his relationship with his son, Luca, as he struggled with leaving his old life behind and slowly discovered that this small town might actually become home.
The mystery surrounding Andie’s past kept me turning the pages. Suspenseful, emotional, and beautifully woven into the romance.
But my favorite part? The found family. ❤️ Cooper’s family doesn’t just welcome Andie—they embrace her. They make her feel loved and wanted, and they welcome Dawson and his family, too. Watching Andie finally find a place where she belongs absolutely melted my heart.
This story is about love, trust, healing, and finding the people who become home. I laughed, worried, got emotional, and fell in love with these characters.
I also listened to the audiobook, and both narrators were phenomenal! The duet narration was fantastic and added so much depth and emotion to the story.
A beautiful story about finding love, finding family, and finally finding where you belong.
Andie broke my heart. She’s hiding from her past, alone in the world, and desperately wants to be loved—but she’s afraid to trust. When Dawson, her half brother, enters her life, things begin to change, and slowly the secrets of Andie’s past are revealed.
Then there’s Cooper—the small-town sheriff, single dad, and fiercely protective man who loves his town and his people. I loved watching his relationship with his son, Luca, as he struggled with leaving his old life behind and slowly discovered that this small town might actually become home.
The mystery surrounding Andie’s past kept me turning the pages. Suspenseful, emotional, and beautifully woven into the romance.
But my favorite part? The found family. ❤️ Cooper’s family doesn’t just welcome Andie—they embrace her. They make her feel loved and wanted, and they welcome Dawson and his family, too. Watching Andie finally find a place where she belongs absolutely melted my heart.
This story is about love, trust, healing, and finding the people who become home. I laughed, worried, got emotional, and fell in love with these characters.
I also listened to the audiobook, and both narrators were phenomenal! The duet narration was fantastic and added so much depth and emotion to the story.
A beautiful story about finding love, finding family, and finally finding where you belong.
September 26, 2026
LJ Evans does romantic suspense so well, I get sucked into each and every book and cannot put them down. I’d easily say she is a top 3 romantic suspense author for me, I find her stories to be unique and I don’t see a typical formula like you can see with other romantic suspense authors. This book follows Andie as she is on the run, but thankfully has been well hidden enough to settle down at her current location for 8 years where she has a built a life and is not wanting to run anymore. She’s at the point where she wants to fight to save the life she has built, the people she has come to trust and love, and I loved seeing her fight the urge to save them by running. I found her decision process inspiring and loved that part of her POV.
Cooper and Luca are back home, building a life, with tension between them as Luca wants to be back in LA with his mom. I like how we see Luca grow up, and love this place he hated, and Cooper finding ways to balance protecting and letting them take risks. This book does complicated family dynamics so well, it’s so easy to see different ways people love, react, and learn from all the different family structures in this book.
Cooper and Andie are adorable, I love the trust that came with time and good decisions. They were so cute when they were having fun, in the moments of peace, and I love how they chose to fight for each other. This was a beautiful story.
Cooper and Luca are back home, building a life, with tension between them as Luca wants to be back in LA with his mom. I like how we see Luca grow up, and love this place he hated, and Cooper finding ways to balance protecting and letting them take risks. This book does complicated family dynamics so well, it’s so easy to see different ways people love, react, and learn from all the different family structures in this book.
Cooper and Andie are adorable, I love the trust that came with time and good decisions. They were so cute when they were having fun, in the moments of peace, and I love how they chose to fight for each other. This was a beautiful story.
September 28, 2026
Andie immediately won me over. To the outside world, she looks like she’s moving through life with complete grace, but as women know all too well, "holding it together" is often a full-time job. She’s been in hiding for eight years to protect herself, and the absolute last thing she needs is to catch feelings and watch her world come crumbling down. She is such a strong FMC—not because she’s flawless, but because of her resilience.
Then there’s Cooper Wylee, who just moved back to Swift Rivers with his son following a contentious divorce, stepping up to take over his father's long-held position as sheriff. A dedicated, protective single father trying to build a better life for his kid? Say no more.
The chemistry between Andie and Cooper is instant, but neither is looking for love. Both have been deeply hurt by the people who were supposed to cherish them. Cooper can’t seem to escape the shadow of his ex, while Andie is running from her past. What I loved most was how realistic their hesitation felt. When you’ve been through the wringer, you don't just throw caution to the wind—you protect your heart. Watching them navigate their baggage and slowly build a foundation of trust and forgiveness was so incredibly satisfying.
LJ Evans delivered a fantastic, grounded story about healing and second chances. If you love a romance with real emotional depth and characters who feel like real adults, do not sleep on this one!
Then there’s Cooper Wylee, who just moved back to Swift Rivers with his son following a contentious divorce, stepping up to take over his father's long-held position as sheriff. A dedicated, protective single father trying to build a better life for his kid? Say no more.
The chemistry between Andie and Cooper is instant, but neither is looking for love. Both have been deeply hurt by the people who were supposed to cherish them. Cooper can’t seem to escape the shadow of his ex, while Andie is running from her past. What I loved most was how realistic their hesitation felt. When you’ve been through the wringer, you don't just throw caution to the wind—you protect your heart. Watching them navigate their baggage and slowly build a foundation of trust and forgiveness was so incredibly satisfying.
LJ Evans delivered a fantastic, grounded story about healing and second chances. If you love a romance with real emotional depth and characters who feel like real adults, do not sleep on this one!
Review of advance copy
This was the first time I had read anything by LJ Evans and, wow, will I need to add her backlist to my TBR because this book was awesome. This book is a prime example of why I love romantic suspense.
I really loved our characters. Andie has a past that is heartbreaking. She's resilient and guarded but still kind and open to love. I enjoyed her character a lot and found her super interesting. Cooper is a single dad sheriff who has issues with his ex as well as a strained relationship with his kid. Both of our main characters are going through it but still made time for each other. I liked how their relationship developed. There was instant attraction but the romance built slowly over time. These two really got a chance to connect on a deeper level. These two were swoon worthy y'all!
Also the plot was fantastic. It was suspenseful and exciting. I liked how everything connected too. The pacing is fast so there's never a dull moment either. You're hooked from the start and won't want to stop.
The audio is narrated in duet by Emery Erickson and Alex Goodman. These two deliver phenomenal performances. The way they brought both characters to life? Simply amazing. The emotion and chemistry that they emoted? Yup, I will need more of these narrators work stat. Plus they sounded amazing together.
Fantastic romantic suspense read!
I really loved our characters. Andie has a past that is heartbreaking. She's resilient and guarded but still kind and open to love. I enjoyed her character a lot and found her super interesting. Cooper is a single dad sheriff who has issues with his ex as well as a strained relationship with his kid. Both of our main characters are going through it but still made time for each other. I liked how their relationship developed. There was instant attraction but the romance built slowly over time. These two really got a chance to connect on a deeper level. These two were swoon worthy y'all!
Also the plot was fantastic. It was suspenseful and exciting. I liked how everything connected too. The pacing is fast so there's never a dull moment either. You're hooked from the start and won't want to stop.
The audio is narrated in duet by Emery Erickson and Alex Goodman. These two deliver phenomenal performances. The way they brought both characters to life? Simply amazing. The emotion and chemistry that they emoted? Yup, I will need more of these narrators work stat. Plus they sounded amazing together.
Fantastic romantic suspense read!
Review of advance copy
4.5 STARS
This book is such a great read. I love the way LJ Evans writes her stories with so much depth in the story and characters. It is not just a love story, it is so much more. The neighbors to lover, woman on the run, single dad with a teen and all in a small town. I really enjoyed this town and the people in it.
Andie and Cooper have so much chemistry. Andie is working and trying to not catch anyone's eye. She is hard working and dedicated to what she does. But she is always looking over her shoulder. Cooper is the man that we all love. He is a great dad and a man in uniform. The way he is always putting others first, except his child is always first. I loved that about him.
There love connection was done right and you can feel the love between these two.
But let me add, my heart may have been stolen by Luca in this story. I loved him!
When listening to this audio, I was definitely hooked. Emery Erickson and Alex Goodman narrate this in duet and felt like they had the perfect voices for these characters. Emery has a voice that is easy to listen to and so enjoyable for this story. Alex hit the emotions just right. His smoothness to his voice was amazing and sounded so good.
I liked the way both narrators could flow with this one, they were seemless.
I love anything LJ Evans writes. She gives you all the feels with these stories of hers.
This book is such a great read. I love the way LJ Evans writes her stories with so much depth in the story and characters. It is not just a love story, it is so much more. The neighbors to lover, woman on the run, single dad with a teen and all in a small town. I really enjoyed this town and the people in it.
Andie and Cooper have so much chemistry. Andie is working and trying to not catch anyone's eye. She is hard working and dedicated to what she does. But she is always looking over her shoulder. Cooper is the man that we all love. He is a great dad and a man in uniform. The way he is always putting others first, except his child is always first. I loved that about him.
There love connection was done right and you can feel the love between these two.
But let me add, my heart may have been stolen by Luca in this story. I loved him!
When listening to this audio, I was definitely hooked. Emery Erickson and Alex Goodman narrate this in duet and felt like they had the perfect voices for these characters. Emery has a voice that is easy to listen to and so enjoyable for this story. Alex hit the emotions just right. His smoothness to his voice was amazing and sounded so good.
I liked the way both narrators could flow with this one, they were seemless.
I love anything LJ Evans writes. She gives you all the feels with these stories of hers.
September 21, 2026
5⭐️ 1🌶️ 5🎧
I loved this book so much! I loved the mystery and the suspense was super fun! Andie and Cooper didn't start off on a great front and was definitely a Not-So-Meet-Cute. I loved how fiercely protective Andie was of Luca and had no problem sticking her neck out for him. Cooper was everything Andie needed; someone protective and able to make he feel safe and grounded. He always knew exactly what to say to settle her mind, so many times she wanted to run so those around her were safe and he wasn't having any of that. "Baby, you don't come home to me and all I'm going to do is worry about you, worry about us. Come home to me." SWOOOON-NEEEEE!
Luca, wise beyond his years, broke my heart and had me in tears. His sweet little heart was so hurt. Thank goodness Cooper was such an amazing dad and was there to hold him! His moment standing up for himself had me fist-pumping and celebrating him.
The Revenge chapters? LOVED THEM! They made the mystery so fun and I loved the 3rd POV that gave us insight to Andi's past and clues to help piece everything together. And of course the constant questions of "who is this witch?!"
Emery Erickson and Alex Goodman narrate this book in DUET and did an amazing job bringing these characters to life! I loved this listen
Thank you, Must Love Audio, for the advanced copy!
I loved this book so much! I loved the mystery and the suspense was super fun! Andie and Cooper didn't start off on a great front and was definitely a Not-So-Meet-Cute. I loved how fiercely protective Andie was of Luca and had no problem sticking her neck out for him. Cooper was everything Andie needed; someone protective and able to make he feel safe and grounded. He always knew exactly what to say to settle her mind, so many times she wanted to run so those around her were safe and he wasn't having any of that. "Baby, you don't come home to me and all I'm going to do is worry about you, worry about us. Come home to me." SWOOOON-NEEEEE!
Luca, wise beyond his years, broke my heart and had me in tears. His sweet little heart was so hurt. Thank goodness Cooper was such an amazing dad and was there to hold him! His moment standing up for himself had me fist-pumping and celebrating him.
The Revenge chapters? LOVED THEM! They made the mystery so fun and I loved the 3rd POV that gave us insight to Andi's past and clues to help piece everything together. And of course the constant questions of "who is this witch?!"
Emery Erickson and Alex Goodman narrate this book in DUET and did an amazing job bringing these characters to life! I loved this listen
Thank you, Must Love Audio, for the advanced copy!
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Moments We Chose Love ARC Review:
This was the first book that I have read by L J Evans and it was wonderful!
Andie has been on the run for almost 10 years after her husband almost ended her life but instead, he lost his. She can’t remember if she killed him or not, her brother helps her disappear after she is threatened by an unknown woman. She stated over in Swift Rivers, making friends but never dating. She finally is able to buy herself her first home. That is when she meets Cooper, the town’s new Sherriff. His son Luca quickly becomes friends with Andie. Luca finds a dog and wants to keep him but his dad is not crazy about the idea, soon he talks Andie into keeping the dog and he promises to walk and feed the dog. He keeps his promise and this helps Andie and Cooper to become close.
Soon Andie begins to trust Cooper and tells him about her being on the run. He promises to keep her safe and he does everything in his power to keep that promise. During this time someone begins messing with Andie by breaking into her home. Soon you find out that someone close to Andie was a wolf in sheep’s clothing. Cooper supports her and shows her that she can have the life she has always wanted with him and his family.
This story was so good! I will be checking out more of L J Evan’s work!
This was the first book that I have read by L J Evans and it was wonderful!
Andie has been on the run for almost 10 years after her husband almost ended her life but instead, he lost his. She can’t remember if she killed him or not, her brother helps her disappear after she is threatened by an unknown woman. She stated over in Swift Rivers, making friends but never dating. She finally is able to buy herself her first home. That is when she meets Cooper, the town’s new Sherriff. His son Luca quickly becomes friends with Andie. Luca finds a dog and wants to keep him but his dad is not crazy about the idea, soon he talks Andie into keeping the dog and he promises to walk and feed the dog. He keeps his promise and this helps Andie and Cooper to become close.
Soon Andie begins to trust Cooper and tells him about her being on the run. He promises to keep her safe and he does everything in his power to keep that promise. During this time someone begins messing with Andie by breaking into her home. Soon you find out that someone close to Andie was a wolf in sheep’s clothing. Cooper supports her and shows her that she can have the life she has always wanted with him and his family.
This story was so good! I will be checking out more of L J Evan’s work!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews