Sandy M’s review of Destined to Last (Providence Series, Book 4) by Alissa Johnson
Historical Romance published by Leisure Books 30 Mar 10

I’m very sad to see this series end. It’s been fun, entertaining, and very romantic. Ms. Johnson has been consistent with her characters and the main plot of the series in which she has paired her heroes and heroines beautifully. If you’re an historical fan and you love series and you like to read the books back to back, here’s your chance.

Lady Kate Cole is a young and beautiful woman who should be the belle of the season, but men stay a good distance from her no matter the circumstance. You see, she’s a mite clumsy. And she admits it. It’s not that she’s got two left or anything of that sort. She loves music and hears it constantly in her head, therefore she’s distracted and, thus, tables, chairs and the like seem to get in her way.

The one man who doesn’t give one whit about such blunders is Andrew Hunter. He knows Kate is the woman for him. He’ll give her anything her heart desires, especially her musical instruments in every room of their home. He will make her happy. He will be loyal and faithful to her. She will be his. She just doesn’t know any of this yet.

Andrew is a self-made man, a former criminal by way of a workhouse, and he’s now a reluctant operative for the War Department. He’s been assigned to investigate a smuggling operation in which an English nobleman may be turning over letters to French spies. Attending a party where this same nobleman is to be present, Andrew finds the man is also a rival for Kate’s hand, thus she may become involved and Andrew is to keep her out of danger.

Little does he know that Kate craves adventure and danger, especially with her white knight who will sweep her off her feet. While she is a very intelligent heroine, knows her limits, and takes only calculated risks at anything in life, she also is a dreamer who reads romance stories and awaits her own special hero, one who will love her forever.

Unfortunately, as she gets to know Andrew through the adventures of his mission, Kate falls head over heels and then learns he doesn’t believe in anything as silly as love. Andrew does his best to assure her their life will be a good one.  It will be based on more than those of the ton usually are, even without his love. But for Kate it’s all or nothing. So she walks away.

First off, Ms. Johnson’s characters are so real. You get pulled into their lives immediately because of that realness. You can’t help but love these two characters for the very traits that draw them to each other. Next, Ms. Johnson’s books are always fun. There’s a hint of danger thrown in, but in and around that there’s just plain old fun. Then there’s the romance. Ms. Johnson’s books are of full of romance. Though Andrew doesn’t change his tune until the very last minute, he doesn’t realize he loves Kate until it’s nearly too late, you know he loves her. You can see it and feel it in everything he does concerning Kate. All of her characters are the same way when it comes to their mates.

This series has been a delight. As sad as I am to see it end, I know Ms. Johnson is working on her next project, and I’m excited even at this early stage to know what it is. But just knowing it’s there is enough. Ms. Johnson will deliver once again. I have faith.

Grade: A+

Summary:

Lady Kate Cole was a young woman of exceptional beauty, extraordinary talent, and notable charm. She was also a woman so remarkably prone to accidents that it was generally considered wise to keep as much distance from her as possible.

Yet Andrew Hunter simply couldn’t stay away. No other woman would do for his wife. He would give her adventure, fidelity, and a fortune so vast she’d need several lifetimes to go through half of it. What woman could ask for more?

All Kate asked for was a true love match. And Mr. Hunter clearly had no room in his heart for such a silly emotion. But then how was it that no matter what adventure he dragged her on, no matter what mishap befell her, the look in his eyes told her they were destined to last.

Read an excerpt.

Other books in this series: