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Fates Demise

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A thrilling romantic suspense brimming with undeniable chemistry, heartfelt connections, and moments of healing that will leave you breathless.

Nate
Surviving as a captive for nearly eight years was hard. Recovering from those years was harder. I couldn’t trust my thoughts, my memories, or my dreams. Detective Scarlett Guerrero, the only assigned security detail I hadn’t tried to escape from, had become my only reprieve from my mind. She offered safety, warmth, and light in my dimly lit reality.
Scarlett was all I wanted.

Getting involved with me put her at risk. The people who had taken me were still out there. The people who had harassed and attacked my family for years had never been captured.

Would I have to choose between keeping her safe and keeping her?

Scarlett
Being assigned as Nate James' security detail was the start of a slippery slope. I was supposed to keep him safe from the people who held him captive for nearly eight years. I needed to find the people responsible for hurting him and his family. I wasn’t supposed to get lost in his icy blue eyes, I wasn’t supposed to spend every night with him as he battled his nightmares, I wasn’t supposed to fall head over heels for him. If my captain were to find out about our relationship, my career would be over.

Being with Nate James risked everything I had worked for.

Was he worth the risk?

366 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 20, 2025

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About the author

H.J. Cartwright

6 books55 followers
Did you know anyone can write a book? Well, they can because H.J. Cartwright did. Born and raised in small town Utah, H.J. Cartwright has been a reader her entire life and fell in love with the world of writing. She loves all things romance, 80's themed, music, and suspense. Writing a book was never something she imagined, but something she had always dreamt of.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
Profile Image for Lisa Conant.
648 reviews41 followers
February 1, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ out of 5
🌶🌶 1/2 out of 5

❤️‍🔥Slow Burn
😱Suspense/Mystery
🫦Small Age Gap (25, 33)
❤️‍🩹Tr@uma and Healing
🤓He has genius IQ
🔗MMC Captive for 7.5 yr
💝She's assigned to protect him

⚡️Review:
Sublime! I was swept away and completely immersed by this absolutely thrilling, intense and riveting suspense romance! It strikes the perfect balance of a propelling plot and a simmering love in the background. Nothing detracts, everything clicks and pushes the narrative forward. Not overly spicy, its just right. It's slow burn perfection, it's bloomingly beautiful, not over the top pillow talk.

Nate has been captive for almost 8 years and is rescued, rehabilitated for about 7 months and is able to come back to life thanks to his incredibly loving siblings and a Detective that comes into his orbit, Scarlett. The mystery plot is so deftly calculated, it keeps you thinking, it places you along with them as they juggle the pieces to his capture and his sibling's similar capture a few years previous. A dangerous cult is at the center of the evil plaguing them.

Highly inventive, the crux of this cult is hellbent on using Nate and his family as different pieces in their sick apocalyptic game, with each sibling's punishment being attributed to that of one of the Four Horseman of the Apolcalypse!

Nate - omg, what this man went through, the father beating him, his capture and torture for 7.5 years and what he had to go through emotionally and physically, it's astounding that he's alive. His spirit is that of a diamond, shining and refusing to be shattered (even though he may have deep cracks of pain). What I loved seeing was that at times he would break, he would have triggers and panic attacks, he'd get quiet and internal and in his head. But the man he truly is was never snuffed out. The psychological effects to him were raw and real. I am besotted with this kind, sweet, funny, tender, smart, s3xy and effervescent man.

Scarlett is strong and capable, understanding and puts her heart into everything, including Nate. All the siblings are such a such prescence and have roles to play.

I could not put this down! My heartstrings were strung so taught for darling Nate, the tension packed a punch as much as the drama and I was barreling through this with my pulsepounding at the end! I am so anxious to hear Kai's story next!

Note: I actually hadn't read the 2 previous books but she did a wonderful job referencing to them and having things makes sense! This can be a standalone but I definitely want to read the first 2 now! One will get even more pleasure out of it if you read in order. But don't let that stop you from read8ng this one now!
Profile Image for DaniReads12.
122 reviews4 followers
February 3, 2025
Fates Demise
By H.J. Cartwright
5⭐️

Breathe in... one.. two..
Be careful what you wish for.
I wanted to read a book that will emotionally break me... Not only did I accomplish that goal the first 2days of February.. I have met my new favorite author. H.J. Cartwright, a standing ovation! This book was not only a 5⭐ read for me, but the playlist, every chapter getting its own song, also gets 5⭐ from me. Her writing..like they say nowadays ATE and left NO CRUMBS! The way she crafted this story is truly captivating. Her words take ahold of your attention, emotions and heart. Pulling your feelings to the surface, giving you just enough to feel your eyes water.

Imagine living a life that you don't know what a hug was, if it wasn't from your siblings. If your dad broke 12 of your bones by the age 16! If you had a mother who would of killed you. Imagine being in a car accident that led to you being kidnapped and drugged for 7 years.. This is Nate James' story.

This story holds not only trauma, but healing as well.
This was beautifully crafted. The pain, the tears, the healing, the laughter.. along side a beautiful love story.

Nate, not only did he have his siblings and his therapist, and his friend Fai but also Scarlett. The detective assigned to his case and his personal security detail. ((Which I should mention, a cult was involved with Nate's kidnapping, and they're still on the loose))

The James’ parents when pregnant with Theo, joined a cult. The Cult Of Creatio. They were told their kids were chosen to be their Advocates. Other known as The Horsemen Of The Apocalypse.

This story is well paced. The plot has its unforeseen TWIST and TURNS, slowly feeding you little bits of info… gluing pieces of the puzzle together… to finally reveal the truth that leaves your jaw on the floor.

Favorite Quote
“Because you make it all easier, Scarlett. The demons I battle everyday are easier to beat when you’re with me.”
Profile Image for Ethereal  Sky Bookfly.
19 reviews
February 6, 2025
ARC Review
This book truly took me by surprise with its unique plot and unexpected twists. It had me thinking long after I turned the last page, and I absolutely loved every moment of it. The story is filled with deep, unbreakable bonds, especially between the siblings, who share a love so fierce it’s both heartbreaking and beautiful. Their loyalty and sacrifices for one another hit hard, making every moment feel so raw and real.

Nate and Scarlett? They are suchhh an adorable couple 😍! Their connection is effortless, full of warmth and understanding, the kind that makes love feel real. Every interaction between them made my heart melt, and the way they support each other through everything is just so special.

H.J. Cartwright's writing feels deeply personal, like they poured their heart into every word. The emotions, the intricate details, and the intensity of the themes make it more than just a story—it’s an experience. The way she captured the weight of love, pain, and healing was so unfiltered and real, almost like they truly understand what it means to fight for the people you love. This book doesn’t just entertain—it leaves a mark on your heart.
Profile Image for Luna ꪆৎ.
285 reviews4 followers
February 20, 2025
4 ⭐

Before I begin I want to thank the author, H. J. Cartwright, for giving me this ARC.

I want to start by saying that I have not read the first two books mainly because I forgot. I also forgot about the release date, so I thought, "I can't ask the author this close to the release date for the rundown; I'll just do it!" It went pretty well. I could follow along, and yes, I didn't get the whole backstory about the sisters, but it didn't bother me that much.

I really liked this; it felt so refreshing to read something like this. I loved the mystery plot so much and was actively making theories to figure it all out. I did like the romance, and yes, they were really cute, but the mystery was truly the star of the book.

Overall I really liked it and I can't wait to read the next book in this serie and I really should read the previous books.
Profile Image for cheyanne  jae.
228 reviews6 followers
February 16, 2025
Book 3 in The Advocates series and GEEZ the intensity does not stop. This book is a perfect continuation of where book 2 left off. To me, this story had the most emotional turmoil because damn... he's been through so much!!! The love story is absolutely adorable and I loved it. But the overall story of the Advocates and the cult of creatio is what really has me consistently HOOKED to this series. So much intensity, so many twists and turns and plot twists and SHOCKS!! I absolutely cab. It wait for the next, final, book to see how this all comes together and ends up
Profile Image for Alisha (Bemybookhangover).
152 reviews1 follower
December 15, 2025
I was so excited for Nate's story!
So far, this book is written with the most emotional depth. It showed how unbreakable their sibling bond is and how dedicated their found family is to protecting eachother. Nate went through so much and his bond with Scarlett was heartwarming.

We got much more information on the Cult of Creatio and I appreciated feeling like the book ended with answers and a plan in place for the future.
Profile Image for Heather Lewis.
183 reviews2 followers
February 12, 2025
I think this is my favorite book of the series so far. I love the relationship between these siblings. The cult is absolutely insane and the mystery around them has me hooked. Along with the romance between Nate and Scarlett. I love the idea of having alone time with your loved one nearby. I can’t wait for the next one!
Profile Image for Ann Onimaus .
110 reviews9 followers
July 11, 2025
H.J. Cartwright’s The Advocates series is a captivating blend of romance, suspense, and supernatural intrigue, anchored by the James siblings and their entanglement in a centuries-old cult that traces back to the Salem Witch Trials. Across the four-book series, each sibling steps into the spotlight, bringing with them unique emotional arcs, romantic journeys, and pieces of a dark familial legacy that slowly comes into focus.
Overall Impressions
The series opens strong, with the first book establishing an eerie, romantic atmosphere and a compelling mystery. Cartwright’s writing is immersive and descriptive, especially in the early installments, weaving an addictive narrative that balances emotional vulnerability, romantic tension, and creeping suspense. The cult storyline initially grips the reader with shadowy hints, historical echoes, and supernatural threads, elements that tease but rarely overwhelm.
However, as the series progresses, cracks begin to show. While the mystery remains intriguing, the cult's presence shifts from central narrative force to romantic catalyst. Inconsistencies begin to emerge: some supernatural elements (like the ominous shadows in photographs or unexplained phone calls) fade without resolution, and important revelations are often sidestepped with convenient distractions, emotional hesitation, forgetfulness, or misdirection.
Themes of destiny and familial bonds remain the backbone of the series. Each sibling appears fated not only to a role within the cult but also to a soulmate, a narrative choice reinforced by the dual POV format that deepens emotional stakes. Cartwright excels in portraying nuanced family dynamics and drawing emotional parallels between the James siblings and their partners, especially through mirrored parental relationships. These moments of reflection foster character growth and elevate the emotional resonance of each romance.
Yet, the plot leans heavily on coincidence. Key discoveries often feel orchestrated rather than earned, and secondary characters occasionally serve as plot tools rather than fully fleshed-out individuals. Despite these flaws, Cartwright’s ability to craft tender, vulnerable moments, often paired with well-executed spicy scenes, keeps the story grounded and emotionally engaging.
Book 3 – Nate & Scarlett
This installment leans heavily into a love-at-first-sight dynamic with time jumps and fast-paced development. Scarlett’s connection to law enforcement adds a layer of conflict as Nate’s involvement with the cult complicates their relationship.
Here, the emotional trauma and mental scars of the characters come to the forefront. Nate’s arc is particularly compelling, though the cult’s relevance continues as background to push the romance narrative forward. The “small world” trope becomes more noticeable and overused, making the interconnectedness feel less natural and more contrived.
Profile Image for Tiffani Jo.
421 reviews3 followers
December 30, 2025
Fate’s Demise is the kind of book that makes you hold your breath one moment and let it out in a sigh the next — a romantic suspense that doesn’t just tease danger, it lives in it. From the first page, the stakes are high and the tension hums beneath every heartbeat. But what makes this story truly gripping isn’t just the threat outside — it’s the vulnerability inside. Cartwright expertly balances pulse-pounding suspense with a connection that builds in those quiet moments, where fear and trust intersect and hearts finally stop running.
Nate and Scarlett’s journey here is beautifully wrought. They aren’t perfect; they carry past scars and heavy memories that don’t magically disappear. Yet what stands out is how their connection becomes strength — a shared anchor in a world that keeps pulling them toward fear, uncertainty, and real threats. Their chemistry is steady, but it deepens in the spaces between danger and calm, between confessions whispered in the dark and small acts of courage that say “I choose you” without needing a grand gesture.
Cartwright isn’t afraid to push her characters into uncomfortable territory — emotionally and physically. The tension isn’t just external; it’s internal, and that makes every emotional breakthrough feel earned. As pieces of their pasts resurface and threats tighten their grip, you feel the weight of every choice they make — for each other, for trust, and for the fragile hope that love offers even when the world feels unstable.
If you crave romantic suspense that doesn’t just give you danger and chemistry, but also emotional honesty and real growth — where the intensity of the plot never overshadows the depth of the connection — Fate’s Demise delivers. It’s thrilling, tender, raw, and beautifully layered in all the ways that make a story unforgettable.
Tropes:
romantic suspense • slow burn • emotional intensity • trust under pressure • found family • danger & devotion • deep vulnerability • earned connection
Profile Image for Laura.
398 reviews14 followers
February 21, 2025
🌟Romantic Suspense
🌟Mental Health Rep
🌟Tortured Past MMC
🌟Healing FMC
🌟Forced Proximity
🌟He Falls First
🌟No Third Act Breakup
🌟Dual POV
🌟Slow Burn
🌟🌶️🌶️🌶️

The Advocates series has been nothing short of phenomenal, each book unraveling the story of one of the James siblings. But Fates Demise, Nate’s story, is on another level—utterly riveting and emotionally gripping.

Of all the siblings, Nate’s journey hit me the hardest. His past is brutal, his trauma gut-wrenching, and yet, through it all, he is a survivor in every sense of the word. None of the James siblings have had it easy, but Nate’s pain cuts deep. His story is heartbreaking, but it’s also one of resilience, hope, and healing.

And then there’s Scarlett. She is everything Nate needs and more—a grounding presence who truly sees him. She doesn’t try to fix him or diminish his pain; she simply stands beside him, unwavering and full of compassion. She believes in him, in all of them, and that alone makes her remarkable. Their connection is beautifully raw—no games, no pretense, just pure, undeniable chemistry. The way they fall for each other is soul-deep, and it’s impossible not to root for them.

With every book in the series, more pieces of the puzzle fall into place, shedding light on the sinister cult responsible for the horrors the James siblings have endured—and continue to face. The tension is palpable, the stakes higher than ever, and the danger far from over. The cult is still out there, lurking in the shadows, waiting to strike.

And through it all, the bond between Nate, Kai, Theo, and Jackie remains unshakable. Their love and protectiveness for one another is the heart of this series, a force stronger than anything thrown their way. They’ve survived so much, but what lies ahead is still unknown, and I can only imagine what’s coming next.

If you love stories packed with deep emotional connections, suspense, mystery, heartfelt tenderness, witty banter, and scorching chemistry, Fates Demise—and the entire Advocates series—is an absolute must-read.

Special thanks to the author for the gifted copy 💕
163 reviews2 followers
February 21, 2025
I was so excited for this book and it was so worth it! I have been most excited for Nate's story and HJ did not disappoint!

Nate. Man, I loved him. His story is so hauntingly beautiful. The trauma this thing has gone through since a child is crazy. Then being kidnapped for eights year. Most people would not ever recover from that but he did, well mostly, with lots of therapy and support from his family. Despite it all, Nate is still brave, stubborn, intelligent, strong, determined, caring, sweet, full of love, has hope and protective. I just loved Nate so much.

Scarlett. I loved Scarlett so much. I have been excited to get her story since she started helping the James' siblings. She is dedicated and loves her job. She truly just wants to help people. For being twenty-five she has a steady head on her shoulders and is very grounded. She is determined, hard working, funny, caring, loving, so sweet and she loves her people.

Nate and Scarlett. They were honestly perfect for each other. He needed her to help ground him and to make him feel safe. They balanced each other out. Where one could only see bad, the other would see the good and it went back and forth through this book. Read their journey was honestly just pure magic in a story full of trauma and harrowing heartbreak.

I loved how in this book HJ seemed to put more emphasis on how Nate needed Scarlett. Normally we see the woman going through something traumatizing and needing/wanting the man but this way was flipped and I loved it. I loved see Scarlett be the strong one who Nate could lean on and get help from. This book was just so good.

I cannot wait for Kai and Rose's story now. He is the sibling that has kept the most secrets and I can't wait for it all to unravel and to see how the James' sibling story ends.

Also, I got my Sarah fix in this book and that made me happy. I love her so much.
Profile Image for lizleigh_reads.
26 reviews3 followers
February 14, 2025
“Fates Demise" is an intriguing story that interlaces romance with heart-pounding suspense. H.J. Cartwright masterfully crafts a tale centered around the James family, whose tight-knit bond (and stubborn nature) becomes both their strength and their vulnerability as they face a relentless, and elusive, cult that has haunted them for their entire lives.
From the very beginning, Cartwright captured my attention with a gripping, mysterious atmosphere. At one point my dog barked and I let out a scream because I was so into the book! The protagonist, Nate James, is not only a beacon of resilience but also a character whose emotions and inner turmoil are so vividly portrayed that you can't help but become invested in his journey. Cartwright’s ability to make you FEEL Nate’s struggle is INCREDIBLE.
The romance in the story is beautifully curated, adding layers of complexity and tenderness amidst the chaos and fear. Nate's love interest, Scarlett, brings a sense of hope and unwavering love, their relationship blossoming even as the stakes grow higher with each turn of a page. Their chemistry is palpable, providing moments of respite from the relentless tension, yet always accompanied with the looming threat of the cult's reach.
Cartwright’s ability to maintain a high level of suspense throughout is truly astonishing. Just when you think you've figured out the cult's next move, she throws in a twist that leaves you on the edge of your seat, questioning everything. The plot was PLOTTING!!! The twists were TWISTING. I am genuinely so shook right now.
I cannot wait for the next book in the series. For fans of romantic suspense, this is a must read that promises not just a thrilling ride but also an emotional, heartwarming, experience.
31 reviews
February 8, 2025
Phenomenal! Loved this book!
5/5 starts
* slow burn
* small age gap (25, 33)
* 2/5 peppers (in the sense of spice)
* trigger warning: trauma, healing, MMC held captaive (7.5 years)
*FMC assigned to protect him

This book is the 3rd in a 4 book series and if I am being honest, I didn't get a chance to read the first two books before I received a copy of this book, and my curiosity got the best of me... I COULD NOT PUT THIS BOOK DOWN! H.J. Cartwright did a great job of weaving the main plot points of the first two books into the beginning of this book, I was not confused or lost in any way, in fact it left me wanting to make sure I go read the other books, and waiting not so patiently for the 4th installment.

Nate and Scarlett are the cutest couple, with him being nervous, lost (emotionally, physically.. well in every sense of the imagination... including literally for 7.5 years), and unsure of everything and her being driven outgoing and ready to stand her ground for what she believes in. I love that she already is so connected to his family even before his connection with her is apparent and that he acts on his hearts desire, knowing with her actions what she is feeling. The idea of cozy while also having quiet and intense moments is breathtaking. H.J.Cartwright does an amazing job of describing minute details that brings the whole story together, there is romance but it does not overtake the story unraveling and unfolding.

The way this books weaves spice with suspense and mystery is magic, it checks all of the boxes and leaves me coming back for more! I cannot wait for Malachi and Rose's book!
Profile Image for Whit.
82 reviews3 followers
February 16, 2025
✨ARC REVIEW✨

Fates Demise by H.J. Cartwright is book 3 of the Advocate Series.

This is the story I’ve been waiting for since Jackie was taken in book 1. I have been intrigued by Nate from the beginning and craved more. I needed his background and this book delivered.

Nate James, childhood genius with a tortured past, has a lot of healing to do after being held captive for 8 years. Hearing about the James siblings escape from an abusive home from Nate’s perspective really hit different. This book had me in a chokehold from page 1.

I was so frustrated with how his siblings handled his return. Secrets, half truths, and fear hung like a storm cloud over the family and Nate didn’t deserve that. He is a man who finds comfort in knowledge, he deserved to know. 🥺

H.J.Cartwright did an excellent job slowly unveiling tiny details throughout the book. I felt like I was solving the ongoing mystery about the Cult of Creatio right along with the James siblings.

Something I love about H.J. Cartwright’s writing is she ties up the ending in such a satisfying way but leaves you dying for the next story at the same time.

I cannot wait to learn more about Kai in the next book!
Profile Image for Vonn Jess.
758 reviews7 followers
February 20, 2025
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️

This is book three in this series. I have not read the first two books, but I was fine figuring out who was who and what happened to Theo and Jackie.

Nathaniel “Nate”, is found after being thought to have died 8 years ago in a car accident. The only law enforcement person he trusts to watch him is Detective Scarlett Guerrero.

This story skips months and weeks a few times and so we get the investigative thriller mostly with the sisters (and brother) plus husbands, but the romance part is partly off page and it’s hard for me to figure out when the feelings between Scarlett and Nate happened. Right after they get together for the first time, we skip ahead and all is peachy in the household.

Some things that happened were not really brought to the attention of the investigators and family until it was too late or quickly mentioned, and then something else was talked about. The end dragged a bit and more drama was added.

All in all a good book and can be read as a standalone.
Profile Image for Meg.Just.Meg.Reads.
33 reviews
March 1, 2025
Fate’s Demise is the kind of book that pulls you in from the very first page and refuses to let go. The emotional depth, the tension, and the undeniable chemistry between Nate and Scarlett made this an unforgettable read.

Nate’s struggle to reclaim his life after nearly eight years of captivity was raw and heartbreaking, and I loved how Scarlett became his anchor amidst the chaos. Their relationship was beautifully complicated—filled with unspoken longing, stolen moments, and the ever-present risk of discovery.

Beyond the romance, the suspense in this book kept me on edge. The lingering danger, the search for those responsible, and the constant feeling that something—or someone—was lurking in the shadows added a gripping layer to the story.

By the time I finished, I knew I needed to go back and read the first two books in the series. Fate’s Demise is a perfect mix of romance, suspense, and emotional intensity, and I’d highly recommend it to anyone who loves a story that makes you feel everything.
Profile Image for Brandy Huckaby.
306 reviews9 followers
February 13, 2025
Another 4.5⭐️ book in this series! This one I got to ARC read & I am so honored.
I absolutely loooved Nate & Scarlett’s story!! Wow. So many emotions with this one. So many revelations and things these characters are dealing with. A lot of highs and lows, but I ADORE the James siblings and their wonderful partners. I love the protectiveness they just instinctually possess for one another, and their fierce love & loyalty, as well as the forgiveness they give. It’s beautiful. The Cult story development continues to grow and intrigue me. I’m continually surprised and super excited to see how it all comes together in the big finale. I honestly have no idea what’s coming next. Also super excited for Kai to find his person (again). He deserves it. Highly recommend this series y’all. So good!
Profile Image for Joy Park.
49 reviews17 followers
February 20, 2025
✨ ARC Review ✨


Oh my goshhhhhh. Nate’s story was freaking heartbreaking. The whole family in general has been through the wringer.

Despite everything Nate has been through, his strength still shone through. He’s sweet, caring, protective, gentle, and still as cheeky as can be🤭

Scarlett was a sweet and compassionate FMC. Her love was infectious not only to the other characters, but to readers (me) as well! Reading about her adversity whilst being on the force was a nice personal touch that just added to her story!

The mystery aspect really kept me on my toes! This book definitely made my “it’s 2am already?” list😂 Overall, everything was great! The character growth was through the roof, the plot was engaging, and as heart-rending as this was, the amount of love that was shown not only between the MCs, but the family as well, made for a tender and passionate read.
219 reviews3 followers
February 24, 2025
I haven’t read a book quite like this before. It just sucked me right in after I opened the book. I have these moments, while reading, thinking “this should bore me already”, but it never did! I cannot find any dull moment in this book. I cannot help but turn one page after another like I was hypnotized by each word!
The story is suspenseful and riveting! Masterfully written with a superb timeline that created a web of life changing events that leads closer to unraveling the truth! Every encounter, every character in this book got something to offer may it be at the moment or at the latter part of the story. This book will keep you guessing at every turn!
This is the 3rd book of The Advocates series! An incredible 5 star read built on suspense, action and survival of the strongest, may it be body, mind or soul!
Profile Image for Ali Lam.
210 reviews1 follower
March 8, 2025
Assigned to be Nate’s security detail, Scarlett
never expected to find herself drawn to him in
ways that went beyond protection. He’s haunted by the past, struggling with everything he’s been through, but there’s something about her that offers him a light in the darkness. What starts as a professional relationship quickly becomes something much more dangerous—and much more necessary for both of them.

The tension? Insane, and the connection? Definitely unstoppable. Buckle up—it’s time to deep dive into the Cult of Creatio, because things go much deeper than we imagined. It’s not just Nate’s past they’re uncovering—it’s a whole community’s involvement, and that’s terrifying.

Suspense? Check. Forbidden romance? Check. The past catching up with you in the worst way possible? Oh, absolutely. Fates Demise pulls you in, and when you’re done, you’ll be desperate for more.
Profile Image for Melina Yahnahghee.
111 reviews1 follower
February 5, 2025
Nate. Swooooon. Scarlett. Dios mio.

Age gap
Romance
Suspense
Cult
Trauma
Lost family
He falls first … IMO

Fates Demise is part three of a four part series; however, all can be read as stand alone.

Nate is found after being held captive for eight years. He’s found by Scarlett who is then assigned as his security detail by the local police department in Eugene, OR.

It’s a swoon worthy love story that takes you through her investigative plans and his life after captivity…romance and suspense tied into 350ish pages of trying to piece the story together with the characters, never knowing what the cult will do next. I’m still piecing things together for the next one.

I can’t wait for Kai and Rose’s story, but will forever hold a piece of my heart for Nate and Scarlett.
Profile Image for Stephanie.
316 reviews2 followers
February 15, 2025
✨Review✨
Fates Demise by H.J. Cartwright


Quick Look-
Genre: suspense
Rating: 4.75 ⭐️
Spice level: 2.5 🌶️
Recommend: yes, after the other books!!



Full review-
This book was sooo good!!! I thought I knew some of the plot twists, but I was wrong about one of them. I really never thought I would be this into cult novels, but man I love these books. Your heart can’t help but feel for Nate and his recovery from lifelong traumas. His story makes me sooooo sad, even though it gets better 🥹. I absolutely adore Scarlett and her fight to keep the whole James Family safe from the cult. I love that we get to keep seeing the characters from the other two books frequently. I don’t want to ruin the first two books for you, but I love this series!!

Profile Image for Chelsie (Epic Reads & Everyday Mom Chaos) .
85 reviews1 follower
February 20, 2025
I wish I could rate this book 10/5!!! H.J. Cartwright deserves a standing ovation and this is now my favorite book to date! I will be running not walking to go read book 1 & 2! I couldn’t put this book down and it emotionally broke me! I’ve never had a book hit so deeply. It was full of suspense, love and spice! It was thrilling from the start and there were so many twists that I wasn’t expecting! I really loved that each chapter had its own song and the whole book was a playlist. Nate and Scarlett’s relationship left me in awe with how much love and understanding they had. This story was beautifully written and H.J. Cartwright sure has a knack for writing!

Tropes:
Romantic Suspense
Slow Burn
Forced Proximity
Tortured Past MMC
Healing Heroine
Found Family
Profile Image for Kanati Adebayo.
60 reviews2 followers
July 21, 2025
I honestly didn’t think I could be more surprised after the first two books and H.J. Cartwright did it AGAIN.

I absolutely loved how in depth the author was with Nate’s thoughts and how much he struggled with his emotions after everything he went through. You could feel what he felt. The way his and Scarlett’s relationship blossomed was beautiful. The love each of the siblings shares with their spouses is so beautifully written. Also the dedication and love the siblings have for each other makes the reader want it in real life.

The writing was phenomenal. The character development was top tier. The story plot was extremely impressive. Each book had parts that tied into the next. I was surprised at multiple parts.
Profile Image for Nicke M..
156 reviews2 followers
February 16, 2025
EARC - thank you to the author for the opportunity to review this book!

I really enjoyed this one. It was plot heavy and the 3rd book in the series. In retrospect I wish I would have read the other 2 first BUT that is because I liked this one so much I feel like reading the others would have helped build an even deeper connection to the characters. But even not having read the others it was still easy to follow.

Found family is one of my favorite tropes but family family that actually shows up for each other … also love that a LOT… and this book has plenty of that. Scar & Nate are special together and I loved seeing their story unfold. Excited to read Kai’s story when it comes out!
Profile Image for Haley Stoner.
24 reviews1 follower
February 28, 2025
This one might steal my February book of the month spot! I couldn’t put it down. I did know this was part of a series when I got the ARC but never had a chance to read those, BUT I think it read just fine as a standalone. In fact, I think it kept me guessing what was going to happen and made it more thrilling for me. I absolutely cannot wait for the next book and will be going back to eat up the first two books.
Profile Image for Stephanie Dileo.
30 reviews
February 21, 2025
Talk about an emotional roller coaster, Fates Demise broke my heart the most so far as book 3 in the Advocates series. Reading and reliving all of the trauma through Nate’s eyes and getting a glimpse of Kai’s cracks your heart wide open. As the cult evolves, new challenges arise and new enemies surface. Through it all the slow burn between Nate and Scarlett was perfect with just the right amount of spice. Not only did this book have romance and trauma but also suspense, thrill and most importantly family above all else. As I got closer to the end I just wanted more
Profile Image for Mandie DeVito.
130 reviews4 followers
February 24, 2025
Fates Demise is a well paced action packed suspense romance novel you don't want to miss! Watching Nate and Scarlett come together after Nate escapes a kidnapping and terrible past to be protected by Scarlett was just beautiful. The trauma being healed with laughter, pain, and tears with mystery that keeps you guessing I couldn't put it down!
Profile Image for Mariah.
398 reviews7 followers
May 30, 2025
NATE!

Holy cannoli! This entire series has been clenching every muscle at every turn! But this one did me in! He’s back. Like really back and I’m here for it! This siblings are such a bonded group with their partners I couldn’t love them more! Scarlett was the perfect addition and her and Nate’s love was beautiful to watch unfold!
Profile Image for vy.
194 reviews1 follower
February 18, 2025
#ARCReview

Truly didn’t expect this story to go the way it did but I was so hooked on the plot. I read this as a stand alone but I think I’ll have to go back and read 1 & 2. Amazing thriller piece which a touch of romance and suspense. Can’t wait to read Malachi’s book.
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