Samantha, a witch from the wrong side of the tracks, would do anything to save her younger sister from the Underworld Games, even join the supernatural gladiator-style event. Her hope lies in the only good demon in the realm, Geo.
Even with those wicked horns, Geo is as hot as the hell she's stuck in. But fighting nasty beasts to the death is nothing compared to falling in love with a man who has no future to offer.
Fantastically written! Destiny Bewitched is the fourth book in the "Shadows of Destiny" series by Leia Shaw, and I hadn't read any of the other books. I was worried that I wouldn't be able to keep up with the story, and would be missing key elements, but I wasn't. I was able to jump into the book head first and keep up with everything that was going on. It's part of a series, but stand-alone enough that you can pick it up and read it without reading any of the others first and not be lost.
Destiny Bewitched is written from two points of view: Geo's and Samantha's, and the switches between the two are incredibly easy to see and pick up on. Sometimes, switching between narratives can be confusing for the reader if it's not done well, but Leia did a fantastic job of showing the switches and making them easy to follow.
With just the right mix of romance, violence, and head strong characters, Destiny Bewitched is a wonderful read, and hard to put down.
Leia has done it again. Another great book in an amazing series. I received an arc copy of this book and did a happy dance when it came. I knew the chances were good that it would be great and it so was. One of the many things I like about Leia's series is that each female character is very different from the others. She does not use a cookie cutter when she writes the characters and it makes each book a joy.
Here are some of the many things I liked about this book:
*Samantha is a strong woman. She does not let the odds deter her when it comes to doing what needs to be done. She is not the "damsel in distress" even when she needs help.
*I loved exploring more of the darkness of the underworld and its inhabitants as they went on their quest to find her sister. Unlike the past novels, this book almost exclusively takes place in the underworld and we get to see the many facets of this world.
*Leia blended some Greek mythology into this story and that is something I always enjoy.
*The backdrop of the games was very intriguing to me. I loved how it let us see some of the creatures and their skills. It also showed how, even though Sage was in charge, the underworld did not become all sunshine and roses.
*Past characters were in this book enough that you would not forget them, but not so much that the book ended up with way too many characters and consequently no room for character development.
*This book is a page turner. I read it until my eyes could not stay open and opened it again upon waking hoping to get those last couple chapters done before the kiddos woke up.
*Aedan was a secondary character in this book who I think is going to become a primary character in the future. Why do I think this? I think this because I soooooo want to read more about him!!! He is going to be a ton of fun and is so very different from the other males we have seen so far.
*Both of the primary characters were just good people (ok people may not be completely accurate) doing the best they could with what the hand they were dealt. I love reading about the bad boy/girl redeeming themselves as much as the next person, but this was refreshing. Were they all goody goody? No, but deep down they were just doing the best they could. Love it!!!
I could go on and on, but if this gets too long, no one is going to read it;). I loved this story. I think it flowed beautifully and while some of it was predictable, I want that in a para-romance novel. I want my HEA (sorry if I spoiled it). You can easily read this book if you have not read the others, but I highly recommend you read them all. I do not recommend these for younger readers as they contain some pretty hot scenes of an adult nature and some violence (non is graphic)
This is one of those surprises I occasionally get when I read a book that I expected to be mundane or boring and find it to be enthralling and addictive. Destiny Bewitched by Leia Shaw was a thrill ride almost form page one, it starts with a bang and then becomes a struggle to free Samantha’s sister with the help of a less than enthusiastic support of a “demon” (a term he denies many times) named Geo. This book brings many similarities to one of my all time favorite books by a young Patricia Briggs called The Hob's Bargain so I may be a bit biased since I still have fond memories of that book long before I became addicted to PNR/UF. As many fantasy novels this one has an epic struggle and the unlikely pair become inseparable and about 50% through the book it starts getting a bit more erotic and steamy. Make no mistake, this is a romance with an action novel background and follows a theme I see a lot these days of “What would I sacrifice for the one I love” and the answer is always “anything’. Instead of me droning on with teasers and tidbits of the story, let me just say if you like impossible odds, red hot passion, a heartfelt romance and an ending you will remember, this is a great book. My only complaint now is that I already had dozens of books (well more like hundreds) to read and now I have to go get the other books in this series (Shadows of Destiny) since I need to read at least one of the preceding books and the sequel to this one is already setup at the end of this one. This is 4+ Star reading and one that will leave you feeling good at the end. Highly recommended …. could have easily rounded it up to 5 Stars
I've had the pleasure of receiving all of Leia Shaw's novels for review. I totally LOVE the Shadows of Destiny Series! For me personally I feel that each book is better than the last... and Destiny Bewitched is by far the friggin' best of all the other books in the series!!
Leia has grown as an author and this novel proves it. :) Destiny Bewitched is sexier racier (if that's even a word?) than the rest (besides for For the Love of Harmony, where Leia introduces a light 'throw me on the bed and tie me up' style of writing) of the series!
Love love love the main characters in this book... oh my soul - Can I have Geo?! Talk about smoking hot, drool-worthy, hunk of a man demon! *fans self* Geo wants to take charge of every situation, whether it's during a battle or behind closed doors *winks* catch my drift *nudge* :) - total Dom!!
Sam is wickedly awesome! She is sarcastic, witty and a kick-ass chick! Love her quick comebacks :) She comes from a shitty background - horrible family. Sam is very loyal to her younger sister and always tries to protect and shield her from dangerous or bad situations, which involves getting beaten up by her older brothers - barbarians! I'd like to give them a 'what-for' slap! pffft
Together Sam and Geo goes on an amazing journey... they grow to accept themselves and each other as well as see old friends and meet new peeps. They have a super hot, burn your socks off, romance :) The ending is sooo AH-MAZING! Didn't expect that at all - totally blown away!
All in all... so happy to find out how Sage, Marcello and the gang are doing :), also the teaser about Nicky at the end... wowee, when is the next installment coming out??! I want it... like yesterday already ;)
Oh my this book was beyond amazing. Witch romance at its best. This book was downright magical. Lots of action, smoking hot romance, thrilling danger and a snappy dialogue that keeps you turning the pages in excitement. Leia Shaw writes unforgettable secondary characters that help make the story pop. I love how the other characters in the series always make an appearance. Sam and Geo were perfect for eachtother. Sam is a witch coming into her own. Shes witty, loyal and passionate. Shes able to meet Geo's every need and want. Geo is a demon/demigod. Enough said! He is truly amazing. He holds is own in everyway and he isnt afraid to go after what he wants. He protects and stands by Sam through the whole book. Towards the end of the book I starting crying from the emotion I felt. This book had me laughing, crying and sighing. The ending was so special. I couldnt get enough of this wonderful unique world Leia Shaw has created. This is a must read!
I was anxiously awaiting this latest Destiny book and I wasn't disappointed. Leia Shaw is such a talented writer and each book gets better and better. This is one of my favorites because the main character, Sam, is so funny and witty that I laughed out loud throughout. This story started out dark from the beginning and the focused attitude of Sam and the commitment that Geo made to her made for a storyline that I couldn't put down.
Sam is a witch that is still learning her craft and with her little sister's life on the line, she has to make her way through the Underworld to rescue her. She is completely out of her element with minimal powers so when she is almost attacked, Geo "not-a-demon", decides to help her find her sister in exchange for a favor.
I loved Destiny Bewitched and definitely recommend to anyone that enjoys strong characters with attitude!
Destiny Bewitched sucked me in from the first chapter.
Samantha's character was a great mix of tough yet vulnerable. Her ability to kick butt with a sword but still be emotionally vulnerable was awesome. Geo, too, was a joy to read. He's the total package. Strong, smart, and loyal. Always great qualities in a hero ;)
Overall it was a great romance with huge doses of action,love,sex,heartbreak and ultimatley an absolutely wonderful happily ever after that I'm always looking for. I look forward to seeing what comes next from the mind of Leia Shaw
Complete review to come.... to give a snippet of what I thought, I would have to say that this was a very good paranormal romance story. Leia adds a blend of humor and deep emotion that make the romance addicting.
I have fallen in love with Ms. Shaw’s Shadows of Destiny series. I cannot get enough of the world she has created. Destiny Bewitched (Book 4) by Leia Shaw definitely has her magic touch and does not disappoint. There’s action, there’s suspense, there’s sex and there’s love. What more could you ask for?
Samantha (Sam) is a witch who is still learning her powers. Geo is a demon living out his sentence in the Underworld. They both are a means to an end for the other. Their journey is filled with many obstacles that serve as tests to show who Geo and Sam really are.
Destiny Bewitched is a great story! I loved the concept the whole way through. I’m big on plot and watching everything unfold, no matter how small. I enjoyed being in their world (as a spectator, mind you, as I don’t have any supernatural powers that I’m aware of). I felt as though I was transported into the story and had front row seats.
I did struggle a few times when Sam spoke to herself. I had to really concentrate to figure out some of the words. This did not take me out of the story too much, but eventually I knew when I came to those parts it would take me a tish longer to continue on. By no means, did this diminish anything about this wonderful story, it was all me.
Part of what I love so much about this series is how different each book is. Ms. Shaw brings so much diversity that you can never get bored with the plot. I adore seeing previous characters and some of them check in every time. Not only are the books different, but the characters are unlike each other as well. They all have different strengths and weaknesses. You never feel as though you’ve already read something before.
I started this series out of order (which I rarely do) with book 3, Destiny Unchained and loved it. But I wanted more, so I started over from the very beginning. I am so glad I did, as I am now getting a richer experience. The plot for this series is really that great! There are currently 4 full length novels and 1 free novella. I definitely recommend each book.
Sam is a witch. Her family has been beating, abusing and neglecting her for years. Nikki her younger sister, who Sam has protected and loved where her family has failed. Nikki has been kidnapped. She knows her fathers debt to a secret underworld fighting ring, is why she was taken and so Sam heads into the underworld. Geo, a half demon demigod, stumbles across a girl being attached by 3 werewolves. She is holding her own but knows she can not win against the 3. He says to himself keep your head down, it is none of your business. He is drawn to her but doesn't want to get involved. Until he hears her cry out and sees she is a witch. Geo was banished to the underworld as a punishment. Maybe, if the witch talks to Gaia(mother earth) and she says how much he has helped the girl, Gaia can get him out of the underworld and back home. So after rescuing the red head beautiful women named Sam, they make a deal. Geo will get Sam to the games, so she can get her sister. Sam will contact Gaia and tell her how much he has helped her. Too bad he plans to leave her there when he goes back home, and she knows she can't contact Gaia because her family is cursed. So the two travel together. Dangers all around them and both having lies of their own. Will the truth come out? If Geo finds out will he forgive Sam and will Geo be able to walk away from the women he is growing to love?
This was the first book I have read by Leia Shaw. If you like action, romance, and more action, you will LOVE this book. I couldn't put the book down and it made me cry. Both signs of a really good book. The love story between Geo and Sam is sweet, endearing and very funny at times. You watch their love blossom and grow, as they fight through the underworld. Sam is forever wanting to get to her sister and will do anything to get to her. Even it means lying to a man who is helping her. The story is fast and filled with action, from the fighting in the area and under the sheets. You are rooting for the two to the very end. I also liked the set up for the next book. Wonderful story..thanks for the great read! Will be watching for the next one.
Do you know what the formula for grabbing my attention is? A sexy demon (that is not really a demon) with cute, strockable horns *grins* that is also very alpha + a witch with a lot of heart and strong even though her powers are not at her best levels and all with good sense of humor.
I've enjoyed every story I've read in this series, but this is probably my favorite so far. Samantha goes into the Underworld to rescue her sister Nikki. Coming from a family of witches, and having her dad owe a debt to the organizer of the sort of Underworld Games. But Nikki doesn't have any powers and Samantha now did the unthinkable and went into the Underworld by herself to save her.
Good thing for her she runs into Geo. He's been paying a sentence for almost 200 years as a demon, but he is really from the God Realm. He tries to stay out of everyone's way in the Underworld but now he decides to help Samantha get to the Games if she puts in a good word with Gaia so maybe he can finally be free.
They have to go through some crazy adventures to get there and then once they are there they still have to go through more adventures to rescue her sister. But they also have to deal with their attraction. And Geo is one sexy ass demon (not demon)
This 4th book of the Destiny series is so good that I was annoyed when I had to put down my Kindle to go back into the "real world". I was so entranced in the lives of Geo and Sam and everything they went through. Two words come to mind immediately when I think of this book: very intense - The characters, the plot, of course the sex, and even the ending- very intense… and in a very good way. I loved the characters and, although I read a lot of erotica, I was happy that Geo and Sam didn’t fall right into bed and have raunchy sex… The story developed at a rate that kept you rooting for the “good guys” – while not being really sure that the ending was going to be a HEA… Leia has done it yet again!!! She has once more sucked me right into her “Destiny” world. Now I am looking forward to the next book in the series and to find out what will happen next in the world she has created. I would recommend this series of books to anyone who loves the paranormal and a good adventure/romance book.. Thank you Leia, and please continue to expand our imaginations and to show us that anything can be possible, if only in our minds..
Book #4 of the "Shadows of Destiny" series. Samantha, a witch, travels to the Underworld to save her sister Nikki and is attacked by werewolves. She's saved by demon/non-demon Geo who agrees to help her find her sister in exchange for a favor. They travel across forests, deserts, and mountains until finding where Nikki is being held. Problem is they'll have to win Nikki's freedom in a marathon fighting club contest against some dirty fighting paranormal creatures. Where the losers usually end up dead.
Another good installment in the series. Loved the world this author created and loved the chemistry, tension, and snarky dialogue between the central characters. I was totally drawn into the pages of this book with it's demons, vampires, shadow people, and one 'so ugly he's cute' demon dog Erubus. Lots of suspense, action, surprises, and 'icky' creatures to go around in this book. And the hot m/f action was yummy too though I would have liked a little more heat between Geo and Sam. Overall this author "Put a Spell on Me" in delivering one terrific read.
This is short and it's the fourth of Destiny series. I've read all of them. Nothing original but this is basic PNR + HEA formula. That is faint praise, but look, it's not trying to fool you into thinking this is something MORE it's a good little story and series.
Geo looks as if he is a demon with his horns but in fact he's an exiled member from the God Realm. He has been banished to the Underworld realm (akin to Purgatory I guess) for punishment. He sees a beautiful red headed fiery witch battling three gigantic Werewolves in the Underworld and decides to interfere because he needs this witch to enter a plea for him to the Goddess Gaia (the patron Goddess of Witches). Samantha is vulnerable but fierce, searching for her baby sister in the Underworld.
This is a nice series if you want to get another PNR that has definite HEA's, and fun characters. It's a bit short and the love develops over the course of a week or more. I have enjoyed all of the characters thus far and will continue to read any upcoming ones.
I was excited to read this book when Leia gave it to me. I couldn't put it down and had to read it all at once. I even dreamt about Samantha and Geo! Who doesn't love a story with witches, werewolves, demons, and much much more of the underworld characters. Samantha is very funny and she MAKES you really get into this story! I always had a smile on my face! And Geo *sigh* he is such a smartass but its the bantering between the two makes you fall in love with them. After going to the under world games to fight for Nikki the hot lust that happens with Samantha and Geo makes your heart race and makes you almost skip ahead to read about just them, but I was a good girl and it didn't take long to read more hot and sexiness. My heart was broken toward the end of the book and I can't tell you why.... This is how I hook you to read it yourself to see if my heart was repaired or remains broken.... I'll neeevvveerrrr tell and you MUST read this to find you!!!!!!!!!!!
Sam decides to save her sister by fighting in the Demon Games, but first she has to survive long enough to get there. Strangely she meets a demon named Geo who wants to help her. Long story short, they fall in love because he doesn’t want to be a demon and she is a witch. Of course there is a lot more to it than that, but you’ll have to read for yourself.
This is such a romantic book. I loved that Geo was willing to give up everything for her. The idea that love can conquer all isn’t a new one, but in Destiny Bewitched the author creates a charming, unique story that shows a different angle to the story. I loved it. It was well written with characters that brimmed with life, humor, angst and love.
I give this story 4 out of 5 clouds.
This product or book may have been distributed for review; this in no way affects my opinions or reviews.
I started this series with book 3 (didn't know it was a series). Then move on to this book 4. I didn't think it can get any better than book 3, but it's just as great, if not better!!
It has All my favorites.. Possessive, Protective Alpha Hero Kick-ass Heroine Explosive Action And during all that, there's heart-wenching tender moments (I cried).
It does Not have any of my Pet Peeves.. TSTL Heroine Too much Drama Dragged out Angst due to lack of communication (hate this) Dull moments to increase page counts
IMO: This series (at least book 3 & 4) is THE most perfect as a perfect book can be!!!
Who knew the Underworld could be romantic? It's just what Samantha and Geo need to get the spark started. Samantha is a headstrong and determined leading lady. And when you match her up with a dominating and stubborn leading man, things just keep getting more and more interesting. In Samantha's quest to rescue her sister, she finds Geo to be so much more than she expected. She is a breath of fresh air to Geo, and who couldn't use one of those after living in the Underworld. Things really heat up about half way through when the skin tight leather gets taken out, and it only gets better. A fantastic read - one of my favorites this summer.
Love this series but this was not my fav. The book seemed too short, not enough of the snappy banter Ms. Shaw does so well, and the hero and heroine were too 'cute'. On the plus, this is not a series killer at all. It felt like I was reading one of those short stories that are part of a collection of themed love stories pulled from a bigger plot. I don't see the characters from this book doing anything in the future other than being a few more bodies for the good guys. They don't have any skills that will help in the war that seems to be coming. The heroine's sister has some potential and I look forward to her story when it comes.
This book is totally not something I would pick up to read. However I am so glad I signed up for the tour and a read/review. As I have stated before I like to read books that are outside of my comfort box. Well this one did not let me down.
I love how the author intertwined the plot with humans and demons. The tension between Sam and Geo is wonderful. They want each other but then they don’t want each other.
I apologize to the author, readers and tour company. I am stuck in a rut on writing my reviews.
I enjoyed this book. Thanks for letting me read this.
I really liked this book. Leia's character, "Sam" was someone I could really relate to. Her dialogue was so today, full of sharp sarcasm and spunky attitude. Loved her. And then there is Geo ... He's totally HOT ... what more can I say. This book is full of adventure and smoldering love scenes that keep you turning those pages.
How frustrating it must be to a self-published author to put your heart and soul into a book and get entirely 4/5 star ratings and then have some nob comes along and rate it 3 stars. I can hear the screams now "Don't you know how important a high rating is to get the book out there. WTF are you doing to me!!".
However, I am not giving it 3 stars to be mean or to cause issues because let's face it, I love Leia's writing. I love her humor. I love the world she has created. I love the passion she has for writing. I have BOUGHT (not been given) every book in this series and will continue to buy every book Leia writes. I have even bought every book in this series for 2 of my friends as gifts. So in all, I would say I am one of Leia's biggest customers - I have bought all her books THREE times. That is devotion :-P. That is how much I believe in Leia's talent. I just have to rate what I think (and five star ratings are reserved for my fave books of all time and four stars must be something pretty darn special).
So why 3 stars? I just didn't connect with this book as much as I did with Book 2 and Book 3 and thus the 3 star rating. There could be a number of factors attributing to this: (a) I had just come off reading Discovery of Witches, so the mere mention of the "W" word had me feeling tense (Yes I should have delayed reading this book for a while, but I really wanted to read it. (b) I never really felt invested in Sam's story. With book 2 and 3, Leia introduced the characters for the next book quite early in the story to hook readers and it worked! In book 3, Sam got a little mention but it didn't hook me. So never opened book 4 feeling like I knew her or was even interested in her. (c) Leia is known for her witty dialogue...yet this book did not have me laughing out loud or bookmarking pages like I normally would have. It was good....just not great (which I have come to expect from her).
However, I loved the addition of Erebus (brilliant!). I loved how easy the book was to read. I just flew through this book. I loved the introduction of Aedan and with such a wonderful lead in to his story and considerable story time in this book, I assumed that he must be the alpha male of the next book. I have to admit that I was a little confused readng the chapter exert for the next book and see an unknown couple featured. Aedan was sold so well in this book and I am invested in him. I would buy Aedan's story the day of release. Not sure why Leia would sell Aedan's story so well and then not have him as the next lead...but I trust she has a grand plan :-).
Overall, if you are looking for a light paranormal romance book, then this is your series. They are so easy to read. Guaranteed HEA. I love the series so much I am actually going back to read book 2 and 3 again. These books are worth every cent (actually they are worth a lot more, but don't tell Leia as this is working just fine for my budget for now) :-).
An alpha demigod and a stubborn, sassy, and sexy witch who doesn't have complete control over her powers. What could possibly go wrong?
Samantha heads into the Underworld to save her younger sister Nikki, who's been captured and Samantha will do anything to get her back. Literally anything. Geo saves her from a pack of werewolves and offers to accompany Samantha, hoping to get in Gaia's good graces and can return top side.
On their way to the Underworld Games, the sexual tension grows as they face all sorts of challenges. But the real challenges start when they have to enter themselves into the games to even get in the door. All the stakes are higher and things change between Geo and Samantha.
The closer I got to the end, the faster I had to read because I had to find out what was going to happen. It's such a bumpy path for these two and you can't help but to root for these two and hope that they get the happily ever after they deserve. I can't wait to jump into the next book of this series!
The Underworld was filled with all sorts of dangerous and evil creatures. So much so that my mind would get a bit bogged down with them. But I always focused on Geo and Samantha and their goals and they kept my mind clear. They were fun to watch as they sparred verbally back and forth. Sam was a tease and she constantly tried to dig at Geo's ego. As they traveled their journey together, he found himself getting closer emotionally as he protected and cared for her. This story was extremely action packed and you had to stay on your toes to keep up. It was fun, fast-paced, and filled with humor. The love story was amazing and at times even brought tears to my eyes. The sex was hot and very satisfying. Geo is all alpha. I highly recommend this book.