I seriously could not put this book down and read it in just one sitting!!!
This book is full of strong, raw, emotional elements built up with deep character entanglements and shocking plot twists that kept this reader on the edge of her seat!!!
I have had the privilege of now reading all four books in The Fated Book Series. I have loved every single one, each for a different reason, but they all have been exemplary and satisfying reads!!
This book follows the new generation of Trappers’ Cove. This book focuses on the children of the main characters that were featured in the previous books as they are now the adults living, working, and dating in Trappers’ Cove.
OMG!!! I loved that this story centered on Tala and I couldn’t believe how grown up she was!!! I love her working for the National Park Service and studying the wolves to bring a better understanding about their pack structure, family dynamic, endangerment status and ultimately have it lead to greater respect and protection for their species. It was just so fitting, so her. And of course, Sawyer too!!! I love that he decides to move back to Trappers’ Cove permanently and buy Benickie’s Veterinary Clinic. I am a huge animal lover so having both main characters working in jobs devoted to helping animals just totally won me over regardless lol!!
I loved Tala and Sawyer together!! There was an obvious attraction that even though they grew up together and have known each other for years it felt natural, not awkward to see them as more than just best friends. I really appreciated that the author took her time developing this romance and didn’t rush it, especially since Tala already had a boyfriend, Derrick.
When this book starts out Tala is dating Derrick and right from the start you can feel the awkward stiffness on the page as she’s drifting off not paying attention to him while they are eating at the diner. It isn’t long before she hears Sawyer’s motorcycle roaring into the parking lot and without a word she runs out of the diner and into Sawyer’s arms. Yeah, awkward!!! There’s also another scene with Tala and Derrick where he basically compares getting over a death in the family to getting over a cold and even admits to finding Tala’s big research grant that means everything to her as something that doesn’t interest him and doesn’t want to hear about it. Wow!!! Red flags are going up… Maybe it’s just me, but I instantly got a bad hit off of Derrick and he sooooo would have out of here!!!
There is a domestic violence scene in this book, and although it is thoroughly described, it is still respectful, honest, realistic, and considerate to both parties. I usually throw some red flags up if the author doesn’t issue a warning label on their book blurb, because triggers are real, and a reader can instantly have a reaction when things like that jump out at them. However, as a dv survivor and in my opinion, having read the said passage, I felt it wasn’t to a heinous level of affliction or grievance and can be read without distress. But again, that’s just my opinion, others may find it more disturbing.
So, like with the other books in this series, there is a paranormal element in the story line. Tala has a special talent that allows her to communicate with wolves. When I first started reading this series and saw there was a small paranormal twist in each book, I was a bit skeptical. However, Flade found a way to creatively integrate these unique abilities in a fun and clever fashion that only added depth to the character’s profile.
I loved that most of the Trappers’ Cove folks came back and at least made an appearance throughout the book! I tend to get invested in my characters – especially in a book series, so I was glad to see everyone come back and pick right up where we left off from the last book.
I think one of my favorite things in this book and this book series are the characters as this book is truly character driven!! These characters are relatable, likable, and genuine!! Characters you could actually see yourself being friends with - going on a hike with, grabbing a delicious milkshake with a bit of nostaglia at Cove Diner or grabbing a drink with the guys at the Red Rooster and catching up on some good ol' local gossip through the Cove grapevine!!
That’s another thing I have really enjoyed from this book series. The author has followed through on her story lines and character’s backgrounds. She remembers to address any unanswered questions that were left out of the previous book and neatly ties them up with a bow in the following book. For me, it’s really the little things that I feel often get left out or forgotten to carry over in a book series. That is so not the case here.
I love the friends-to-lovers and second chance themes that are portrayed in this book. These are two of my favorite themes as they are so realistic and logical. We often think about the one that got away and the “if only,” or “I wish,” moments. That’s why this book totally works, seeing Sawyer come back and try to win Tala over for their second chance at their HEA is something many of us secretly hope will happen to us. That the one that got away will show up, sweep us off our feet, and give us our fairytale ending that we truly deserve. See - totally easy to relate and connect with!!
I loved the adorable Minnesota setting. My mom’s family is from there and I grew up with all those silly small-town stories about walking to school in the snow five miles, etc. lol!!! So, I loved all the author bringing in the sweet hometown vibes with all the neighborly fixin’s. It definitely brought an enjoyable element to the story line.
I also loved the author’s writing style as she was superior on detail and the way she immerses you into her storytelling. Her writing draws you in and keeps you fully engaged as the story unfolds!!
Unfortunately, there is a heavy amount of heartbreak that takes place over the course of this book. We are informed of many losses – mostly pet related – that have passed on. There were a few sad, teary moments thinking about a certain family dog that was very missed!!
There are some predictable scenes. However, there are still a few very unexpected twists and turns that you won’t see coming!
This book is Book Four of The Fated Series. This book can be read as a standalone, however, there are significant character and story line overlap from the previous book. Even with the overlaps, this book wouldn’t be confusing to new series readers, but I personally would think it would make more sense and have a stronger impact on the understanding of this book series, if you started with book one first.
Sadly, this is supposedly the last book in the series. And it is very hard to say goodbye to the folks of Trappers’ Cove that I have enjoyed getting to know over the past year over the course of four incredible books. I would never tell an author what to write – I hear that’s like one of the worst things you can say to an author – telling them your idea for their next story… So, Becky, please don’t hate me, but I would love if this series continued on with the new generation of Trappers’ Cove. There’s already an opening for an HEA for Liz or Finn, etc. However, this series did end on a very enjoyable and satisfying note, and I more than appreciate an author making sure to not leave any loose ends or leave a reader on a cliffhanger. Regardless, I know Flade will be an author that I will continue to follow and look forward to whatever she comes up with next!!
All in all, I really enjoyed reading this book and would absolutely recommend it! I think all romantic, suspense readers will like this book too – and this book series! So, add it to your TBR List and get to reading - you won't be disappointed!
**Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book and have voluntarily provided an honest, and unbiased review in accordance with FTC regulations.**Did you find this review helpful?
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Becky ~ Good morning! Welcome back! It is always a pleasure to have you here! Congrats on your new book and good luck on the book tour! I really enjoyed reading and reviewing your book, thanks for providing the copy! :)
ReplyDeleteAlly ~ Thank you for reading and reviewing. I can't tell you how happy I am you enjoyed it. I'll admit I've flirted with some ideas for more Cove stories but I feel like Fated Always was the perfect ending to the series
DeleteBecky ~ Absolutely, thank you!! Yeah, I totally understand... It was a good ending and well constructed... But sometimes you just so caught up with series and the characters... I do the same thing with TV Show Series... I hate endings lol... I was just thinking #FatedForever lol... Looking forward to your next adventure 😀
Delete#FatedForever Damn you Ally I like that
DeleteThank you for hosting!
ReplyDeleteMy pleasure 🙂
DeleteGood Morning! Your book sounds great and I'm glad I got to learn about it. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteJames ~ Good morning!! Yes, Becky's book is truly amazing!! Definitely a book to add to your TBR List!! Thanks for stopping by and good luck in the giveaway 😀
DeleteGreat review!
ReplyDeleteGood morning Victoria! Thank you soooo much 💖💖 Glad you stopped by and good luck in the giveaway 💖💖
DeleteI like the excerpt, sounds good.
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed the excerpt and the excellent review! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDelete