Guarded Dreams: A Second-chance, Military Romance by LJ Evans

A soul-tugging, standalone romance between a broody, military man and a spirited, musician who threatens everything he’s built from award-winning author LJ Evans.

Serious, by-the-book Eli Wyatt has life all figured out. He’s got a five-year plan, his future in the Coast Guard, and friends who always have his back.

And then Ava Abrams breezes into his life one summer day and tempts him in ways he can’t shake.

A free spirit, Ava’s on the run, heading in the direction of her dreams. She's set her heart on Juilliard and country music stardom, not a happily ever after with a man she’s just met. Still, there’s something about Eli’s commanding presence that demands her soul take note.

Just as they start to fall, her past forces them into a goodbye that leaves only the memories of a fairytale summer and the bitter taste of what could have been.

Four years later, Eli stumbles into a bar with Ava on stage. And once again, she’s like a siren calling to him.

Will he make the same mistake and let her slip away? Or will he build a new dream with her at its center?

Inspired by Luke Bryan’s “Sunrise, Sunburn Sunset,” comes a slow burn, summer beach read about dreams lost and remade with vibrant characters, beautiful friendships, and families made along the way.

"Just like the moon calls the tides, she has called me home. To her."

Also available in The Anchor Novels: The Military Brothers box set with an exclusive novella.
A complete, interconnected standalone series.
Can be read in any order.