Forgiving Fate

by J. Laine

Allie
Forgiveness is a tricky word. It means setting something free that caused you an immense amount of pain.
It takes a strong person to be able to climb that insurmountable feat. And some days I don’t know if I have the strength to do it on my own.
But I know I can forgive fate. Fate led me down a path that almost killed me. But it also led me to the man who is the other half of my damaged soul.
And I will fight whatever gets in my way to keep the storms at bay for not only myself but him. Because he is my anchor in this raging war we call life and I refuse to let him drift away.

Landon
No one sees the struggles because I am an expert at hiding them. No one sees the pain that I feel every day, every time I let one slip through my fingers.
And no matter how hard I try, the storm keeps raging; threatening to consume me and swallow me whole.
I will fight every ounce of poison that courses through my veins because I refuse to let the darkness win. I can’t. Because if I do, I will never see her finally be free.
Because she is my bluebird soaring high above the waves, and I desperately want to weather the storm and fly free with her.

Genres: Dark Romance

523 pages, Paperback

Published December 8, 2024

About the author

Writer that breaks your heart but heals it in the best way.
Debut Novel Accepting Fate on Zon and KU!

Reviews

[Chloé · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much for the ARC of this book. I have been waiting very patiently for this book and was so excited to read this when it dropped on my Kindle. This review is my own and honest opinion.

I thought that I loved Lo's and Grayson's book, BUT this book takes the cherry on top for me. I love how different the feel of the story is and how well written it is. You 100% feel the emotions and feelings that the main characters are experiencing during the book, I cannot get over it! There were so many twists and turns, I was on the tip of my toes throughout the whole book.

Safe to say that I am a Landon girl through and through. I cannot stop thinking about him. I loved reading Landon's and Allie's story. Even though I am not a huge friends to lovers reader, it was so well written and I loved everything about them so much.

Please check the trigger warnings in this book, this book is quite heavy when it comes to the themes, but it is so worth the read if you do not have any.

Looks like I will be tattooing "Wave by wave. Day by day." soon!!


5/5⭐️
2/5🌶️

[Heather Angeli · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all, please know that your mental health matters! Read the triggers.

I can’t even imagine the depths of writing J. Laine goes thru when writing first Logan’s story and now Allie’s.
Silence has never been more true between 2 people but for Landon and Allie, it’s what helps to ground them. I love seeing all the character growth between all these interconnected lives, I don’t like that we have to wait 9 months for the next story!
10/10 highly recommend. Not super spicy but full of so much content and those twists? Man I never saw it coming!

Find your light.
Overleve

Next tattoo???

[Marissa Pekurny · Rating 5 out of 5]

wow. i truly do not know how to put into words how much i loved this book. it was a whirlwind of emotions from the beginning and i could not put it down. allie and landon are the sweetest souls and they did not deserve the hand they were both dealt. these two beautifully broken people met at their darkest moments and saw the light at the end of the tunnel and made it out on top. this book was such an amazing read and i could not have asked for a better story for these two. allie is such a baddie and she surprises me so many times throughout the story with how strong she truly is. landon is so strong as well and i absolutely loved him so much. i will forever recommend this series, you will have your heart broken but the pieces will be put back together at the end.

[Zoë · Rating 5 out of 5]

Long over due ARC Review.... so sorry it's late J. I know we spoke already but I really appreciate your understanding.

Anyway... guys you need to get this, and if you haven't yet you got to read book one Accepting Fate. I was a Grayson girly before, but now, now I'm a Landon girly. Holy Moly, do I want that man more than ever after this book. Finally getting to read Landon and Allie's story, was really a treat. Love J's writing style and just seeing these two main characters grow together was everything. The way they met each other in the darkest of times and really used the meaning "Find Your Light" from book one, when they met each other through all that darkness around. I can't wait to see what will happen next for these two or for Noah or Wes down the line. I'm starting to get really attached to these characters so crying is no stranger to me when it comes to the Hayes boys.

Please, please, please, check the TWs before reading both books as they deal with some heavy topics that some readers may not enjoy.

[rissys.bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

~ Emotional/Dark
~ Forced Proximity
~ Slowburn

✨ My Thoughts ✨
What a beautiful journey of grief and healing. This story is definitely an emotional read. Both MCs have their own journey of grief and healing. J truly wrote their story so perfectly. I loved the found family in this book too. You can see how much J writing has grown. I truly felt like I was in this book and felt the emotions of each character. The Slowburn of this book was perfect. I didn't see the plot twists at all. I can't recommend this book and this series enough. This is an emotional read so please keep that in mind when reading. I truly think it is worth it. And worth all the tissues.

Forgiving Fate is book two in the Fated to You series. This book is recommended for 18+. As always please check TW before reading. This book is available now and is on KU.

✨ I want to thank J for this earc of this book. These are my own true thoughts. ✨

[Meghan Bowman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was so excited to be chosen to receive an ARC for this! This is not a standalone and I strongly feel you should read the first book, 'Accepting Fate', first to fully grasp the emotions of this book. The author did an amazing job putting me in Allie's shoes and I felt the despair and grief so strongly. I thought I loved the Hayes brothers in the first book but this one cemented it. I do feel the author was a bit repetitive at times and some aspects could have been shortened at times without sacrificing emotion or storyline. The ending shook me and I never saw the twist coming. The entire time reading both the first book and this one I felt as though it was a true story but the ending of the second book made me go hmmmm.

[Stormy Shadows · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars.
I did enjoy this mostly but some parts of the story had me so confused and I couldn’t really focus on what was happening although I did like the characters but the banter wasn’t the best until around the 60% mark. I just found some stuff to be repetitive but I really loved the focus on Allie and Landon and the growth in both of them as the story progresses. Sadly I just couldn’t get into it like the first one. Very well written in terms of grief and the dealing with trauma. The story is deep, please check your trigger warnings. Very slow burn but if that’s your thing I suggest.

[Bella Powers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book delivers a captivating and emotionally complex story through Allie and Landon’s journey. It beautifully explores themes of resilience, personal growth, and the courage to face life’s hardest battles. The raw, heartfelt storytelling takes readers through both the lowest points and the triumphs that come from self-discovery and healing. That said, be mindful of the trigger warnings, as the story does delve into sensitive topics with depth and honesty. Overall, an incredible read, and I can’t wait to dive into Wes and Harper’s story next!


5⭐️
1🌶

[Haley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Day By Day, Wave By Wave

I found J. Laine's work after a "stuff your kindle day" and I never looked back. I have been looking forward to this book since the second that I finished the first one.

I will start off by saying, please read the trigger warnings before going into this series. It can be a lot, it can be painful, and triggering, so please put your mental health first. Take breaks if you need to, that's what I did.

Allie and Landon are truly two of the most remarkable characters i've ever read about. Landon was such a mystery from the beginning and getting to see into his thought process and find out what made him the way that he is, truly hit me so deeply and it deepened my love for him. The way that J. Laine shined a light on mens mental health and the way that they feel they can't show emotion and ask for help is such an important message to put out there, and I'm so glad she did.

Allie, my warrior, my girl, I love you, so much. From everything we knew about her from the past book, I just knew I was going to love her, but I had no idea that I would be as protective of her as I turned out to be. I saw a lot of myself in her, with her battles with panic disorder and depression, to her minds inner thoughts that feel like drowning.

Apart from the characters of this masterpiece, THE FREAKING PLOT. I absolutely can't say enough about how much I love what these brothers do. Are they morally grey? Yes. Is grey my favorite color? Also yes. The twists and turns in the last 75% of this book had me literally gasping for air, and even though I told myself I needed to take a break, I couldn't put my kindle down and HAD to finish it.

Instant 5 stars for me, and most likely for anything that J. Laine puts out in the future.

[Kayla · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book took me forever to get through. It's not that it was badly written or anything. It was just emotionally taxing. About 70% of it is doom and gloom, and then when you think things are finally looking up, the ish hits the fan again, and this story somehow becomes even darker.

I did like the slow burn romance and that these characters took the time to work on themselves rather than expecting someone else to fix them. But man, their inner monologs dragged on and on. They was so much woe is me in this book that it was not great for my own mental health, so know that fully when you go into it.

[Brita Mackay · Rating 5 out of 5]

YOUR MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS!!!! Know your triggers. This book includes the following; the FMC is a nurse, the MMC rescues women and children that are kidnapped, trafficked, in DV situations etc., use of profanity, mention of suicide, suicide of attempt by main character, alcoholism, self-harm, graphic violence, domestic violence mentions (not actively happening), brainwashing, mentions of child and women abuse, sexual assault mentions (not actively happening), fighting/acts of violence, depression (FMC/MMC), anxiety (FMC/MMC), PTSD (FMC/MMC), loss of a parent, grieving and healing from trauma related to a parent, alcohol abuse, mention of verbal, physical, sexual and mental abuse from side character (past tense), stalking, mentions of kidnapping and children and adults, mentions of trafficking of women and children, blood (no gore, can skip over the word and not be confused), death, Savior MMC, possessive MMC, possessive FMC, forced drug use (to FMC) killing with the use of a weapon, knife usage in the acts of harming someone.

Tropes: emotional/dark, forced proximity, slow burn, small town, strangers to friends to lovers, friends with benefits, suspense, grief/healing.

First, I have to say that you have to have read Accepting Fate to really understand this book. Yes, they are standalone books, but as they are interconnected, they make more sense when read in sequence. And let me say, I thought that Accepting Fate blew me out of the water, but when I read Accepting Fate, I had no idea what was coming in Forgiving Fate. J. Laine just blew me away with this book.

Let's start with our FMC. Allie, her parents, taught her what real true love looks like without words. They showed her through their marriage what a healthy relationship looks like and what real true love is. It was what she wanted for herself. And while she never had any siblings of her own by blood, her best friend turned into her sister by choice. Sadly, it was that “sister” who got her into a deep dark place with Landon again that neither should ever have been in. And yet, though out this, we still feel and know that we are still safe in our own nests.

This book has a thick plot and is a delicious slow burn. Even as the darkness continues to creep and crawl along through the pages and can even feel like it is crawling along your skin as you read. I could see and hear the demons as they would come out to play. This book is a roller-coaster ride full of twists and turns and will leave you gasping. But, at the same time, you will laugh at all the right moments, too. And don't forget to have your tissues close at hand. You will need them when it comes to this book.

You need to read this series. I highly recommend it. The character development is on par for a new author, and the arcs that those characters have are just wow. The plots and sub-plots are just plotted out perfectly, and nothing is left out. There are no plot holes left open at the end. The storyline is just perfect. There is so much depth and so many underlying meanings and takeaways from this book. Go and get these books or just this book if you have already read Accepting Fate. Both are available in KU now or go buy them. What are you waiting for

Day by day. Wave by wave. Overleve & Tigli.

[Confessions of a Bookaholic · Rating 5 out of 5]

"She is the friend I didn't know I needed. She is the person I can go to and know will not judge me for my mood swings and times where I just need silence."

I knew Allie and Landon were going to take me on an emotional reading journey but I did not expect to get my heart ripped out of my chest repeatedly by these two. Both of them have demons they must battle to survive and they seek comfort in each other's presence to give them the much craved silence.

Landon is drawn to Allie from the get go. Her battle is from recent trauma and is expected. Landon suffers in silence and nobody knows but Allie starts to suspect. Allie is a much better coping mechanism for him than what he is used to but he still succumbs to it no matter how hard he tries not to. It nearly costs him everything.

The bond they form is unlike any I have ever read before. Their stories hurt my heart so much because in normal circumstances they are these wonderful people but they are drowning in darkness. Taking their friendship to the next level for the wrong reasons they prove there is more to their connection than just friendship. Then the inevitable happens and they are both faced with some very tough decisions to make.

Ms. Laine had to have poured her heart and soul into these two. The subject matter of Forgiving Fate is dark and emotional. Please take the authors warning to heart before reading this. I do not believe I have EVER wanted and HEA for a fictional couple as much as I did for Landon and Allie. When I say J. makes the readers work for it, I am not kidding. Your heart will most likely be ripped to shreds at multiple points in their story, it will pound with so much anxiety because you cannot believe the plot twists the author throws in. YOU WILL CRY....get those tissues now! Most importantly though, you will finish this book with a smile on your face and the utmost respect for the author and how she tells this story. Landon and Allie truly get a wonderful HEA.

[Mallory · Rating 5 out of 5]

I genuinely thought that after reading Accepting Fate that there was no way J could top the story....but I stand corrected. She came back with a bang and her writing style (while amazing with her debut novel) has improved even more with this second book! I remember reading the first few chapters going "oh...my...gosh." And it never stopped from there. I was thrown into their story...not even their love story at first, but each character's mind and the way they operated through the world--and why. Everything in this story was so well thought out and written so beautifully, I can't really put into words how meaningful this story is to read. It's an emotional journey for sure. If you're like me, you'll need to keep the tissues handy...but just as many tears that are shed, there were laughs to be had as well. There cannot be complete darkness without moments of light and J does this line dance between the two, keeping the reader engaged and wanting to willingly break their heart just to find out what may happen on the next page. This story walks authentically through the experience of grief, working through awful traumas and finding true closure and forgiveness that make the characters grow as people...strengthening their bond along the way.

Check the triggers...it can get dark. BUT---with that being said...it's an authentic portrayal of the struggles these characters face. Seriously one of my favorite books I've read this year.

Day by day. Wave by wave. Overleve & Tigil.

"Two strangers sit in complete silence. Fighting two completely different invisible wars that are unknown to each other. But in this moment, even through the pain and headache, we are experiencing the same sense of peace."

[Rebecca Cockrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

J Laine did such a phenomenal job writing this book. Before venturing in, I would highly recommend reading the trigger warnings as this book does have dark aspects to it. The story of Allie and Landon is one of many highs and lows. Both characters going through hard aspects of their lives individually and able to come together to find peace within each other’s dark places. J Laine does a great job of writing the internal struggles that take place inside the characters mindset. She wrote the book with a good pace, where it didn’t feel rushed, but instead you read about each struggle, breaking point, and healing that these characters have. You get to see the work that these characters put themselves through to be a better version of themselves, and I love that she didn’t shy away from writing the good and the bad. I love that she writes the hard, heartbreaking thoughts, and she writes them in such a way that touches you and makes you feel empathy towards these characters. I also love that she didn’t write the characters to instantly be with each other after healing, but instead shows them having patience within themselves and with each other, and to show boundaries in the healing process.

Sometimes when reading books with darker aspects, and having traumatic events take place, it’s hard to find one with a balance of the hard, dark times, mixed with a good balance of healing and happiness. J Laine has truthfully written this book so well to show the mountains and valleys, the tears and laughter, the pain and healing.

[Melina Yahnahghee · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Together, two strangers sit in complete silence. Fighting two completely different invisible wars that are unknown to each other. But in this moment, even through the pain and heartache, we are experiencing the same sense of peace.”

There are too many favorites from this book. When I tell you that I will be in Allie and Landon recovery mode for a “minute,” I am not exaggerating.

After having read Accepting Fate, I wasn’t quite sure the direction Forgiving Fate would go. What would need forgiveness? How would it all play out? So many questions and so many directions! But J. Laine nailed this one.

Allie has had the vision of what true love looks like from her parents. She has the best friend who turned into a sister. She is then put into an inexplicable situation that leaves her in the darkest of places that no one, unless in her situation, can imagine. And yet J. captivates it. She guides you into that dark place with Allie and again with Landon. All the while, you still feel you’re within your own safe space.

The plot is thick. The slow burn is there. The darkness creeps along. The demons come out to play, a few times. There are twists and gasps, but then there are laughs and awe moments. Don’t forget your box of tissues when you pick up your copy of Forgiving Fate.

Day by day. Wave by wave. Overleve & Tigli.

PS - there will be a tattoo that encompasses this book as it may have just become my new Roman Empire.

[Shelby · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an honor it was to read this book!

.5🌶️

I absolutely LOVED the first book…but this one might have it beat.

Okay, let’s start out like normal. Third act break, or no? Not necessarily! Our main characters definitely have a break, and time apart but for no other reason than to better themselves and to get help. They didn’t actually break up, nor were they technically official when this happened. So I was truly happy that once they were officially together they were together for the long haul!

Allie! Oh my gosh, my heart! I love me a sad girl. The PTSD, mental health, anxiety, depression? I ate it all up. The author did an amazing job capturing ALL of it, and showing it in a light that is so respectful, but also super realistic.

Landon, my heart! The representation he had was truly amazing, and I feel like we hardly see in books. His battle was heartbreaking but he fought like hell. He’s such a great person for Allie and I love how they both grew together, and separate.

This book was truly amazing, and I couldn’t rate it high enough! I can not wait to see the next book in the series!

-Dual first person pov
-mental health rep
-healing
-forced proximity for some of the book
-found family
-low spice
-Alcoholic MMC
-Traumatized FMC

[Calla · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a trip this was to read! Continuing the aftermath of the ending from Accepting Fate, you get the story about Allie and Landon with their struggles. They both have been through so much and continue to try and fight their demons separately and together. Landon quickly becomes protective of Allie as he brings her across the country to Washington, which isn't typically in his nature. They slowly let their masks fall with each other which helps them bond some. But it's not without caution trying to protect themselves as well. The development between their relationship is just amazing as it grows. When they finally let each other in to help the other just by being there you know they're seriously getting feelings. I absolutely loved the meaning between them linking pinkies through the book. But that twist ending was not what I was expecting at all! I was shouting "what?!" at my kindle both times because it was just "what is happening?!" type moment. But they prove they'll always be there for each other to fight the demons together.

There were some heavy dark moments during this so definitely check out any TW's

[Brandi Sylvester · Rating 5 out of 5]

I seriously wish I didn't have so much going on right now or had to work, because I would have loved to sit down and read this in one sitting. There are a lot if triggers but so many heart felt moments between so many of the characters. I know this is Allie and London's story but so many of the other characters play such a big part in their stories that it's touching and inspiring. The author has such a talent for a heart wrenching but loving and meaningful story throughout the entire book. If you don't like go cry, too bad because you will. Allie has survived her captor and now has to work through everything she was told. Allie is going to WA to be near Logan after losing everything, but her heart is telling her one thing while her brain says blames her for it all. Landon goes to pick up Allie and bring her back to WA, while he's fighting his own demons, he's supposed to keep her safe. They soon realize that they can help each other, just by being there, but will it be enough to save one or both of them?

The story is absolutely AMAZING and I can't wait to read the rest of the series.

[Kimberly Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story. The structure of it had so many elements that made it gut-wrenching and believable and sad but at times also happy and full of love and healing. I felt a full spectrum of emotions. It was exactly what I wanted from the second Fated to You novel.

J. Laine doesn’t take her foot off Allie and Landon’s necks the entire time, yet seeing them go through these moments of despair and then seeing them come out on the other side was such a beautiful experience.

The plot twist took me by surprise and I think it was executed well. There was just enough shock that it didn’t seem unbelievable.

The overarching message of this book is so special. Landon learns to not internalize his failures and ask for help. And Allie learns that it’s okay to let the pain in because you can survive it (overleve) and learn to forgive (tilgi). They both learn when you find your light, it’s okay to cling to them on hard days. We all are going to be okay. Wave by wave. Day by day.

Check TW before reading as it’s quite heavy.

[Brit W · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨ᴀʀᴄ ʀᴇᴠɪᴇᴡ - ғᴏʀɢɪᴠɪɴɢ ғᴀᴛᴇ✨

“𝑴𝒚 𝒃𝒆𝒂𝒖𝒕𝒊𝒇𝒖𝒍 𝑩𝒍𝒖𝒆𝒃𝒊𝒓𝒅, 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒎𝒊𝒔𝒆 𝒎𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒏𝒐 𝒎𝒂𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒉𝒐𝒘 𝒅𝒂𝒓𝒌 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒅𝒂𝒚𝒔 𝒂𝒓𝒆, 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒔𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒘𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒇𝒍𝒚, 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒏 𝒊𝒇 𝒊𝒕’𝒔 𝒋𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒂 𝒇𝒆𝒘 𝒇𝒆𝒆𝒕. “ - 𝑳𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒐𝒏

Let me start off with, go grab tissues, because you’re going to need them.

Allie and Landon both have emotional turmoil they are trying to work through, and unexpectedly find comfort within each other’s silence. But as the past continues to creep around the corners, will they be able to weather the storm and find the strength to move forward and be each other’s beacon of light?

Forgiving Fate is the second book in the series that follows Allie and Landon’s journey. Throughout this book you are taken on an emotional rollercoaster that will have you crying, laughing, pissed off, and wanting to throw things. You will be pulled into this gripping story and feel every single emotion deep within your soul.

J. Laine’s writing is absolutely compelling, and this series is one that will stick with you for a long time.

I loved Grayson and Logan in the first book, but my heart belongs with Allie and Landon now. ♥️

Thank you @authorjlaine for the opportunity to be apart of this journey!

5 ⭐️ without a doubt

*This book does cover some heavy topics, so please check the trigger warnings as your mental health is important! 🫶

[Alanys Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

🩵🥹🩵🥹OMG🩵🥹🩵🥹🩵
First off, TRIGGER WARNING ‼️
Please please read the TW before diving into this heartbreaking but healing story of Landon and Allie 🥹🩵

💚💚Forgiving Fate is a beautifully written journey of grief and healing, and it definitely hits you right in the heart and soul.🩵🩵

💚🩵Both main characters have their own emotional paths to navigate, and the author, does such an outstanding job capturing their growth.

💚🩵Truthfully the author outdid herself!💚🩵
When she warned us about the TW oh man I did not expect the tears. 😭😭😭😭😭

This found family element in this story really added to the emotional depth, and you can see how much J’s writing has evolved from her first book 🥹💚🩵
The slow burn 🔥 was spot-on, and the unexpected plot twists kept me hooked 🪝👀the whole time.

🥹💚🩵It felt like I was living their story with them.🥹💚🩵
Felt their pain, their love and support of one another. 🥹💚🩵
If you're looking for a heartfelt read, this one is absolutely worth it, though be prepared to have tissues on hand! 🤧🤧🤧

[aj · Rating 5 out of 5]

it’s truly hard to put into words that way i feel about this book. these characters, the story itself, the Cliff Haven universe, just all of it is so heart wrenching, beautiful & comforting even during the hardest moments and topics that arise within it.
this book had me crying & it’s been YEARS since i’ve cried when reading, that’s a good thing! i feel such a connection to both of the main characters & can relate to them on different levels. it’s crazy bc they feel so real, like they’re actually here with us. i have so many thoughts & emotions after reading this and im just left speechless bc i feel like nothing i say will live up to how i feel about it. this is absolutely one of my favorite books EVER. i truly can’t recommend it enough and you absolutely have to read it to understand the soul crushing & soul fixing that’s involved with it. i’d give it more than 5 stars if i could! there’s also a super cool character in there you may wanna meet LOL, GO READ IT!

[Kaitlynne Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

I hope you have your popcorn ready because we're gonna dive right in.

As always please check your TW's because your mental health matters!

This book follows the storyline of Allison Evans and Landon Hayes which are both characters that we are introduced to in the first book in the Fated to you series.

Within this book you get to witness some extreme lows of the MMC and the FMC but you also get to watch them grow as not only individuals but as friends as well. Both of the MC's have dark and daunting past trauma that haunt them and threatens to throw them over the edge but through their unexpected connection they are able to keep one another from drowning.

I was crying like a baby and may have also thrown my kindle across the room when I got to the plot twist ... thanks J.

This book tore at me emotionally but glued me back together as the pages turned and I wouldn't have it any other way.

[Brittany A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second book in the Fate to You series!
*Definitely TW*

I am so in love with this series! Landon and Allie are definitely soulmates, with emotional roller coasters every which way as they are experiencing themselves in entirely new perspectives. Finding comfort in each other’s silence as the past takes its course on both their lives. Will Allie and Landon make it out of their separate storms to begin the journey of a lifetime?

The way I had to get up and walk away from this book while in tears towards the end! The twisted feeling of heartache and the emotions between both sides and their stories. Even with a moderate amount of spice, every event gives you that burst of adrenaline and anticipation. I can say I was very unprepared and this book was very unpredictable!

Favorite quote: “Pain may linger, words may cease to exist, but a true friend can make the difference of your world being total darkness or having a tiny beacon of light in the sea of total blackness.”

[LeeAnn Hynden · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot even begin to put into words how much I absolutely loved this book!

First of all, mental health matters! Never discount what you’re going through because you think someone else has it worse. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness, it is a sign of strength!

Now for the book, J. Laine knows how to make me feel every emotion within a single book. Allie is such a strong character. She has gone through the unthinkable and has fought more demons than one ever should, but she still gets up and fights for herself and women like her. Landon… ugh the way he tugs on my heart strings. Seeing Landon fight his demons and overcoming so much was my favorite part of the whole book. And that plot twist at the end?! OMG I couldn’t believe it!!

I cannot recommend this book enough! I love it so much and can’t wait for what is next!!

[Nadia Hinojosa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Fated to You series. This is also the second time I’ve read a book by J. Laine. If you thought the first book “Accepting Fate” was a powerful read just wait until you read this book. This book is so much more intense.
We meet Allie in this story and Landon when we know from the first book. We will meet some new people and see quite a few faces from the first book. From the beginning we see what Allie is struggling with and we slowly start to understand the demons that stalk Landon. Can they put their demons to rest before they lose themselves and each other? The twists in the book were completely unexpected and just blew my mind!
Thank you, J. Laine! This book had me in tears. Please read the trigger warnings before reading. I need the next book in this series ASAP! I need to find out what is next for the Hayes family.

[Amber Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Allie, the FMC, is a nurse, who hasn't had the easiest go at life. She works with her best friend. Landon, the MMC, rescues vulnerable women and children with his 'brothers'. He struggles quietly and alone. Even in the first book, you could tell there was something going on with him, but now we have his story.

The darkness and turmoil we're take through is a roller coaster. Things aren't easy-going, but they still fight to survive. They will survive, and they will love. This story is heavy, full of emotion, and plenty of tension.

I loved Accepting Fate, and this is right there with it.
While this is a standalone, I do recommend reading Accepting Fate first; a lot of characters and places in this book are introduced in the first book, giving you more background on people in this one.

[Lunawolfwy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a roller coaster of emotions. There is so many emotions wrapped up in the story. It's evident how much J. Laine put into this book, I can imagine there were a lot of emotions while writing.

Landon & Allie meet in a time when both of their minds are not in good place. They are drawn to each other by means of tragedies they have both seen or experienced.

I don't want to give too much away here, but I do need to say be ready to laugh, be angry, and cry. I felt so deep with the characters, the trauma and personal battles against themselves but I also laughed and at times, yes, got angry for the circumstances they were put into.

I loved both of the books in this series but Forgiving Fate is my favorite. I can't wait for the next book and to see who's story we get to read about next!

[Renee Vaughn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this book! Must read the first Accepting Fate with Logan and Grayson (swoon), too!
⚠️PLEASE CHECK TRIGGER WARNINGS ⚠️ HEAVY TOPICS
MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS

FORGIVING FATE
I could not put this down!! It has a plot, a great storyline, and great characters. A little twist in there, too!
Follow 2 best friends (Logan "Accepting Fate" and Allison "ForgivingFate") through their harrowing story of rescue, survival, faith, finding family, new friends, and so much love.

Ride the wave with Allison and Landon (another swoon) on their journey of survival, healing, recovery, and so much more.
I have more to say, but no spoilers here, lol
FORGIVING FATE RELEASES 12-8-24
RUN DONT WALK TO GET YOURS ON KU AND AMAZON!!

[Kenzie (checked.out.bookss) · Rating 4 out of 5]

First let me just say check triggers before reading. If you are struggling with mental health this might not be the book for you and that’s okay.

This isn’t a dark romance book in the traditional sense. This is a very mentally taxing book. Each of these characters goes through a very hard journey to find the light at the end of the tunnel.

It is beautiful to see their journey and growth individually. The main focus to me was their independent journeys and then after 75% they got to complete it together.

The plot twist at the end had me almost throwing my kindle bc I for sure thought that character would have gotten their own books…. Not that character twist 😅

I’m excited for the next books which will be enemies to lovers!!