Sandy M’s review of Tempted by Fate (The Guardians of Destiny, Book 3) by Kate Perry
Paranormal Romance published by Forever 1 Dec 10
I really enjoy the concept behind the Guardians in this series, each controlling an element as dictated in ancient Chinese scrolls that have been hidden away for centuries to keep their powers out of the wrong hands. This time it’s the Guardian of the Book of Wood who is the recipient of Ms. Perry’s awesome imagination.
Willow has been after the Bad Man for twenty years, ever since he murdered her mother. They’ve played cat and mouse with each other over the years and Willow is ready to end the game. But the Bad Man is also stepping up his part. Trying to frame Willow for murder is his latest scheme.
Using her powers, she’s also staying a step ahead of Detective Ricardo Ramirez, who’s investigating the murders. Though he’s a practical man, having been raised by his grandmother, who has a few powers of her own, has given Ramirez a different perspective on what he experiences when near Willow. It doesn’t, however, help with the lust that runs through him when he interacts with the woman. He doesn’t need any help, though. Ramirez is all man, as Willow finds out.
It takes a bit for Willow to open up to trust Ramirez. Her mother had warned not to trust anyone, due to her experience with the Bad Man. But Willow reacts to Ramirez in the same he reacts to her. They’re cautious around each other, but when they share a few initial kisses, you can’t help but know the pages will smolder and burn in your hands when these two get around to making love.
This Bad Man is one of those truly evil villains you just love to hate. Cold and calculating, all he wants is power. He’ll do anything to get it, as we see early on in the story, but we hope he might have a modicum of decency when it comes to Willow.
I like the conflict Ramirez has to go through – arrest Willow or trust her. He’s a by-the-book, black-and-white man and Willow is all shades of gray. Willow has to decide what to do with her trust issues too, of course. When they meet in the middle, so to speak, and team up with previous Guardians and their mates, it’s just a matter of time before the Bad Man goes down. Secrets have to be revealed, however, and hearts and minds have to deal with the fallout.
This is turning out to be quite a fascinating series by Ms. Perry. The Guardians know one another just by being near each other, their powers reaching out, identifying who each is. And when the end comes in the series, it’s going to be awesome. All of the Guardians are being herded to San Francisco for a reason. Now we just have to be patient to find out what that reason is.
Grade: A+
Summary:
Willow Tarata is a Guardian who trusts no one. She hunts those who prey on the vulnerable. And she’s driven by a vengeful goal-find the man who murdered her mother. Yet suddenly Willow’s quarry now has her on the run… straight into the sights of San Francisco’s most dangerous detective.
Three bizarre murders have Inspector Rick Ramirez baffled-and determined to uncover the truth. But to catch the real killer, he needs the help of his prime suspect, Willow Tarata, even though this fierce and sexy blonde is challenging his professional cool.
And now, unless they believe in each other and trust their deepest instincts, a relentless evil will end both Willow’s and Rick’s life-and claim this Guardian’s extraordinary powers forever…
Read an excerpt.
Other books in this series:
