What do you think?
Rate this book
The Fate Philosophy
Following the long overdue break-up from her insufferable ex-boyfriend, Macie Cunningham was ready for a fresh start.
She thought she’d find that new beginning when she impulsively moved to Los Angeles with her best friend, but after six months here, all she’s discovered is that her life is strenuously the same. The same career—one she’s not so sure she still loves. The same hobbies—or lack thereof. And romance? Painfully non-existent. That’s actually the only new experience she’s had since she decided to start over. She’s tried dating, but can’t seem to find that spark she’s looking for. Save for one exception.
Dominic Evans.
Her roommate’s best friend and the biggest pain in her ass. Macie and Dom’s constant head-butting is more infuriating than desirable, but somehow it always feels like foreplay? With her mind on the cusp of pure lust and pure vexation every time she’s around him, Macie decides it’s best to just stay away from Dom entirely.
Until Macie’s roommates head out of town for the holidays, and she finds herself alone in her apartment with hazardous Christmas trees, head injuries, and a barren kitchen. Annoyingly, Dom can’t seem to stop coming to Macie’s rescue, and she isn’t quite sure why, or how long she can continue holding back her desires.
As their attraction becomes explosive, Macie realizes there may be more to Dominic Evans than that arrogant cunning, that smart-ass mouth, and that obnoxiously charming smile.
Not that it matters, anyway. Once the holidays pass and their friends return home, Macie and Dom’s intense chemistry will fizzle out. They’ll go back to the same old frenemies they always were… right?
She thought she’d find that new beginning when she impulsively moved to Los Angeles with her best friend, but after six months here, all she’s discovered is that her life is strenuously the same. The same career—one she’s not so sure she still loves. The same hobbies—or lack thereof. And romance? Painfully non-existent. That’s actually the only new experience she’s had since she decided to start over. She’s tried dating, but can’t seem to find that spark she’s looking for. Save for one exception.
Dominic Evans.
Her roommate’s best friend and the biggest pain in her ass. Macie and Dom’s constant head-butting is more infuriating than desirable, but somehow it always feels like foreplay? With her mind on the cusp of pure lust and pure vexation every time she’s around him, Macie decides it’s best to just stay away from Dom entirely.
Until Macie’s roommates head out of town for the holidays, and she finds herself alone in her apartment with hazardous Christmas trees, head injuries, and a barren kitchen. Annoyingly, Dom can’t seem to stop coming to Macie’s rescue, and she isn’t quite sure why, or how long she can continue holding back her desires.
As their attraction becomes explosive, Macie realizes there may be more to Dominic Evans than that arrogant cunning, that smart-ass mouth, and that obnoxiously charming smile.
Not that it matters, anyway. Once the holidays pass and their friends return home, Macie and Dom’s intense chemistry will fizzle out. They’ll go back to the same old frenemies they always were… right?
288 pages, Paperback
Published December 9, 2025
73 people are currently reading
9687 people want to read
About the author
Sarah A. Bailey
21 books772 followersSarah fell in love with reading as a child, starting with the Magic Treehouse Series. She quickly learned that books can take her to all the places she always dreamed of going, and allow her to live endless lifetimes in the one that we are given.
Sarah believes that a good, fluffy romance novel can make even the darkest days a little bit brighter. She believes in love stories readers can root for, the kind that will make even the skeptics believe in all that cheesy stuff like soulmates. She longs to produce stories that readers can pick up, and regardless of what’s weighing them down in life, feel a little lighter when they finish.
Sarah was born in California and raised in Southern Oregon, and still considers herself a Pacific Northwest gal at heart; right down to being a coffee snob, collecting hydro flasks, adamantly believing in Sasquatch, and feeling like rain-drenched forests are a form of therapy. Sarah now resides in North Carolina with her husband, Mike, and their dog-baby, Rue. When she’s not writing, she’s likely reading, and if she’s not reading, odds are she’s out searching for a decent cup of coffee, or a rainy pine forest.
Sarah believes that a good, fluffy romance novel can make even the darkest days a little bit brighter. She believes in love stories readers can root for, the kind that will make even the skeptics believe in all that cheesy stuff like soulmates. She longs to produce stories that readers can pick up, and regardless of what’s weighing them down in life, feel a little lighter when they finish.
Sarah was born in California and raised in Southern Oregon, and still considers herself a Pacific Northwest gal at heart; right down to being a coffee snob, collecting hydro flasks, adamantly believing in Sasquatch, and feeling like rain-drenched forests are a form of therapy. Sarah now resides in North Carolina with her husband, Mike, and their dog-baby, Rue. When she’s not writing, she’s likely reading, and if she’s not reading, odds are she’s out searching for a decent cup of coffee, or a rainy pine forest.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews
December 12, 2025
The Fate Philosophy by Sarah A. Bailey is a holiday‑flavored, enemies‑to‑lovers contemporary romance about Macie Cunningham, a woman who thought she’d start fresh in Los Angeles after a painful breakup, only to find her life still feels stuck, her confidence shaken and her love life painfully unremarkable, except for one constant irritation: Dominic Evans, her roommate’s best friend, whose annoying presence is somehow as electrifying as it is infuriating. When their friends leave town for the holidays and Macie ends up in a series of misadventures. From Christmas tree chaos to minor head injuries, Dom keeps showing up to help, and their simmering chemistry becomes impossible to ignore.
From the very first pages I felt pulled into the messy warmth of Macie’s holiday season, where frustration and desire twine so closely you can feel every eye‑roll turn into a spark. Macie is vibrant, loud, joyful even when she’s uncertain about herself, and her journey of rediscovering her worth and embracing her own “sparkle” made me both laugh and feel genuinely seen. Dom, with his dry wit and unexpected tenderness, brings out sides of her that others have tried to mute and watching him admire her for exactly who she is felt like reading a love letter to self‑acceptance. Readers praise their chemistry, the holiday setting and the way the story balances light‑hearted rom‑com energy with deeper emotional growth.
I liked the core of the story: it isn’t just about two people falling into bed together, it’s about them learning to see each other, and themselves without apology. Macie’s voice carries both confidence and vulnerability, and the way she learns to let people in (especially Dom) felt tender and honest. The romance includes steam and heat that many readers have highlighted, but it’s rooted in mutual respect and real‑world feelings of insecurity and hope.
I give The Fate Philosophy 4 out of 5 stars. It made me feel warm, hopeful and genuinely invested in Macie and Dom’s ups and downs, laughed with them and felt that quiet satisfaction when two flawed, funny people finally find what they didn’t expect but truly needed. If you love holiday romance with sparkling banter, heartfelt growth and swoony chemistry, this is a cozy, feel‑good read worth curling up with.
From the very first pages I felt pulled into the messy warmth of Macie’s holiday season, where frustration and desire twine so closely you can feel every eye‑roll turn into a spark. Macie is vibrant, loud, joyful even when she’s uncertain about herself, and her journey of rediscovering her worth and embracing her own “sparkle” made me both laugh and feel genuinely seen. Dom, with his dry wit and unexpected tenderness, brings out sides of her that others have tried to mute and watching him admire her for exactly who she is felt like reading a love letter to self‑acceptance. Readers praise their chemistry, the holiday setting and the way the story balances light‑hearted rom‑com energy with deeper emotional growth.
I liked the core of the story: it isn’t just about two people falling into bed together, it’s about them learning to see each other, and themselves without apology. Macie’s voice carries both confidence and vulnerability, and the way she learns to let people in (especially Dom) felt tender and honest. The romance includes steam and heat that many readers have highlighted, but it’s rooted in mutual respect and real‑world feelings of insecurity and hope.
I give The Fate Philosophy 4 out of 5 stars. It made me feel warm, hopeful and genuinely invested in Macie and Dom’s ups and downs, laughed with them and felt that quiet satisfaction when two flawed, funny people finally find what they didn’t expect but truly needed. If you love holiday romance with sparkling banter, heartfelt growth and swoony chemistry, this is a cozy, feel‑good read worth curling up with.
November 1, 2023
Macie y Dom no se llevan muy bien, aunque están obligados a verse porque sus mejores amigos son novios.
Justo en Navidad se quedan los dos solos en LA mientras sus amigos están en Hawaii, así que son su única compañía.
He AMADO este libro. Yo creía que no podría superar The soulmate theory, pero es MUCHÍSIMO mejor.
Me he sentido muy identificada con Macie, además de que ella es Bejeweled, The Archer y Mirrorball😭😭😭
Dom es monísimo y, aunque le seguía el rollo a Mace, en realidad ella no le caía mal (🤐). Le presta atención (bare minimum!!), le trae oreos porque cuando se conocieron ella le dijo que eran sus galletas favoritas, le enseña a hacerse el método curly (¿? AJAJJSJS) y, MUY IMPORTANTE, "he doesn't but her in a basement, he let's her be bejeweled".
Me lo he pasado demasiado bien leyéndolo, es que me da igual si ""objetivamente"" a lo mejor no es un 5 estrellas, para mí lo es😭
Justo en Navidad se quedan los dos solos en LA mientras sus amigos están en Hawaii, así que son su única compañía.
He AMADO este libro. Yo creía que no podría superar The soulmate theory, pero es MUCHÍSIMO mejor.
Me he sentido muy identificada con Macie, además de que ella es Bejeweled, The Archer y Mirrorball😭😭😭
Dom es monísimo y, aunque le seguía el rollo a Mace, en realidad ella no le caía mal (🤐). Le presta atención (bare minimum!!), le trae oreos porque cuando se conocieron ella le dijo que eran sus galletas favoritas, le enseña a hacerse el método curly (¿? AJAJJSJS) y, MUY IMPORTANTE, "he doesn't but her in a basement, he let's her be bejeweled".
Me lo he pasado demasiado bien leyéndolo, es que me da igual si ""objetivamente"" a lo mejor no es un 5 estrellas, para mí lo es😭
November 1, 2024
I started reading Fate Philosophy a couple months ago but then learned it was a holiday romance so I decided to hold off until I was ready to get into the holiday cheer, which if you haven’t realized was definitely the last two weeks 🤭
Once again, Sarah Bailey did NOT disappoint✨❤️ Macie and Dom were EVERYTHING and I will probably never stop talking about them. Macie is a very relatable character for people who have ever been told they’re too loud or to “quiet down.” You know the feeling when someone says that to you?? Sarah wrote it down for you to experience through Macie, but this time we get someone who says you’re loud enough them for them and they’ll never dull your sparkle.
Dom deserved all the love and yes I found myself sobbing through multiple chapters because all I wanted was to crawl through the pages and go hug him myself. He is such a caring person and his love for Macie knows no bounds. 😭❤️
Also, if you’re someone who is looking for a holiday romance where the holiday part doesn’t necessarily take over the whole book, this is for you!!! A sprinkle of Hanukkah, a sprinkle of Christmas, and a sprinkle of New Year’s.
You’ll like this if you like
✨ Banter
✨ Holiday romance
✨ Friends with benefits
✨ Boy obsessed
✨ Secret pining
✨ “Baby girl” nickname 🥰
5⭐️ | 3🌶️
P.S. I’d like to take a silent moment for the spicy scenes in this book. 💃🏻 phew okay bye
Once again, Sarah Bailey did NOT disappoint✨❤️ Macie and Dom were EVERYTHING and I will probably never stop talking about them. Macie is a very relatable character for people who have ever been told they’re too loud or to “quiet down.” You know the feeling when someone says that to you?? Sarah wrote it down for you to experience through Macie, but this time we get someone who says you’re loud enough them for them and they’ll never dull your sparkle.
Dom deserved all the love and yes I found myself sobbing through multiple chapters because all I wanted was to crawl through the pages and go hug him myself. He is such a caring person and his love for Macie knows no bounds. 😭❤️
Also, if you’re someone who is looking for a holiday romance where the holiday part doesn’t necessarily take over the whole book, this is for you!!! A sprinkle of Hanukkah, a sprinkle of Christmas, and a sprinkle of New Year’s.
You’ll like this if you like
✨ Banter
✨ Holiday romance
✨ Friends with benefits
✨ Boy obsessed
✨ Secret pining
✨ “Baby girl” nickname 🥰
5⭐️ | 3🌶️
P.S. I’d like to take a silent moment for the spicy scenes in this book. 💃🏻 phew okay bye
January 4, 2026
Lowkey pissed. Like don’t get me wrong I loved Dom and Macie together, but after reading the first book (which I loved by the way) I was let down. Being that this was an enemies to lovers’s book, I was expecting more yearning, but the fact that they like ripped each other‘s clothes off in the first 50 pages of the book pissed me off. What the actual heck how can you write a first book like that and it be literally jaw-dropping and the words written so beautifully to something like that. That was just a book full of spice and I did not appreciate it. I was expecting more yearning and I was completely let down. I was more excited to read this book than I was the soulmate theory so you can see how I would be pissed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 30, 2025
3.5 - I get it, she sparkles and lights up every room, move on ✨
January 10, 2026
3.5 ⭐️
There were so really cute parts, but I also found myself bored at times.
There were so really cute parts, but I also found myself bored at times.
October 13, 2024
4-4.5! I loved this, macie and dom are 🥹🥹
September 22, 2023
4.5 💫
I knew I was going to fall in love with Macie and Dom’s story when we first met them in The Soulmate Theory, and to say I’m now obsessed is an understatement!
This is sexy, fun, heartwarming, and entertaining, I was hooked from the beginning and could not put it down!
Macie’s story is beautiful and full emotion, she is such a loveable character. Outgoing, adventurous, thoughtful, funny, you can’t help but fall in love with her. She is such a strong confident woman and I found her to be so admirable and inspiring. Although I personally found myself relating more to Penelope, I still enjoyed Macies journey of self exploration and discovery, and found it tugging at my heartstrings.
There were so many times where I was giggling like a little girl and that was mostly due to the perfection that is Dominic Evans. This man!?!?!? I don’t even know where to begin but he had me drooling, blushing, and screaming at the pages. His story is great, I loved the depth to his character and how there is more than what meets the eye. He is confident and sexy but such a sweetheart and every time he called Macie baby girl I was a puddle.
The 2 of them were like magnets constantly drawn to the other. I loved how similar they are while also having their differences that balanced them so perfectly. Their chemistry and banter was amazing and the way they challenged each other; they truly brought out the best in eachother. They had such a deep connection, both emotionally and physically - cause yes the spice in this is impeccable. I will be thinking about Dom for the foreseeable future, thank you for your service Sarah🫡
The Fate Philosophy is available on KU, Amazon, and B&N on November 1st and I definitely recommend picking it up (and The Soulmate Theory if you haven’t already). It is the perfect steamy, fun, and addicting rom-com for the holidays that you will be sure to enjoy✨
Thank you again Sarah for the arc and another beautiful intoxicating love story! Can’t wait to see what’s next from you🩵🩵🩵
I knew I was going to fall in love with Macie and Dom’s story when we first met them in The Soulmate Theory, and to say I’m now obsessed is an understatement!
This is sexy, fun, heartwarming, and entertaining, I was hooked from the beginning and could not put it down!
Macie’s story is beautiful and full emotion, she is such a loveable character. Outgoing, adventurous, thoughtful, funny, you can’t help but fall in love with her. She is such a strong confident woman and I found her to be so admirable and inspiring. Although I personally found myself relating more to Penelope, I still enjoyed Macies journey of self exploration and discovery, and found it tugging at my heartstrings.
There were so many times where I was giggling like a little girl and that was mostly due to the perfection that is Dominic Evans. This man!?!?!? I don’t even know where to begin but he had me drooling, blushing, and screaming at the pages. His story is great, I loved the depth to his character and how there is more than what meets the eye. He is confident and sexy but such a sweetheart and every time he called Macie baby girl I was a puddle.
The 2 of them were like magnets constantly drawn to the other. I loved how similar they are while also having their differences that balanced them so perfectly. Their chemistry and banter was amazing and the way they challenged each other; they truly brought out the best in eachother. They had such a deep connection, both emotionally and physically - cause yes the spice in this is impeccable. I will be thinking about Dom for the foreseeable future, thank you for your service Sarah🫡
The Fate Philosophy is available on KU, Amazon, and B&N on November 1st and I definitely recommend picking it up (and The Soulmate Theory if you haven’t already). It is the perfect steamy, fun, and addicting rom-com for the holidays that you will be sure to enjoy✨
Thank you again Sarah for the arc and another beautiful intoxicating love story! Can’t wait to see what’s next from you🩵🩵🩵
September 23, 2023
Dedication:
🩵"For the ones who've been told they sparkle too loudly.
Shine so bright you blind 'em, baby girl."🩵
.
Sarah, you did it again. 👏🏻🫶🏻
I absolutely loved The Soulmate Theory, but I must admit that this one takes the top. I absolutely love Macie. I felt so connected to her in so many ways.
Though she's confident majority of the time, Macie finds herself feeling like she needs to change herself, to fit in w/everyone else. So someone will love her finally. After a break up, she tries to focus on herself & what she wants to do, but she also wants what we all want. Love. Unconditional and real, love.
Except she has no idea that she's loved the way she is. Not just by her best friend Penelope, but by the one man who gets under her skin. Dominic.
Damn, Dominic, you sir are something. 🥵
I absolutely love that he pushes Mace to embrace who she is. Brings back her sparkle that others have dimmed.
He's so sweet and caring, but in the room, he takes control. Just like Macie loves it.
He even gets her to eat eggs. 😅 which she usually doesn't like. Gotta get that protein in though in between activities. 🤣
These two are just perfect for each other, in many ways. Both struggling with past hurt. And then they both help each other come back to life. Even if it almost results into getting banned from Disneyland. Oh fun times. Fun times.
This was a fast paced book that I couldn't put down and couldn't get enough.
I laughed, I teared up, I blushed. Just all the feels.
That ending, the epilogue, oh my gosh. 🥰
My heart is complete and happy. We even get a little bit more update on Penelope and Carter and their future.
These characters from both books will stay w/me forever. 💜
Find the person who let's you sparkle w/no judgement and instead encourages you to shine brighter. Find the person who is your home. Your safe place.
🩵"For the ones who've been told they sparkle too loudly.
Shine so bright you blind 'em, baby girl."🩵
.
Sarah, you did it again. 👏🏻🫶🏻
I absolutely loved The Soulmate Theory, but I must admit that this one takes the top. I absolutely love Macie. I felt so connected to her in so many ways.
Though she's confident majority of the time, Macie finds herself feeling like she needs to change herself, to fit in w/everyone else. So someone will love her finally. After a break up, she tries to focus on herself & what she wants to do, but she also wants what we all want. Love. Unconditional and real, love.
Except she has no idea that she's loved the way she is. Not just by her best friend Penelope, but by the one man who gets under her skin. Dominic.
Damn, Dominic, you sir are something. 🥵
I absolutely love that he pushes Mace to embrace who she is. Brings back her sparkle that others have dimmed.
He's so sweet and caring, but in the room, he takes control. Just like Macie loves it.
He even gets her to eat eggs. 😅 which she usually doesn't like. Gotta get that protein in though in between activities. 🤣
These two are just perfect for each other, in many ways. Both struggling with past hurt. And then they both help each other come back to life. Even if it almost results into getting banned from Disneyland. Oh fun times. Fun times.
This was a fast paced book that I couldn't put down and couldn't get enough.
I laughed, I teared up, I blushed. Just all the feels.
That ending, the epilogue, oh my gosh. 🥰
My heart is complete and happy. We even get a little bit more update on Penelope and Carter and their future.
These characters from both books will stay w/me forever. 💜
Find the person who let's you sparkle w/no judgement and instead encourages you to shine brighter. Find the person who is your home. Your safe place.
November 3, 2023
The Soulmate Theory had some of my favorite tropes, so I wasn’t sure if The Fate Philosophy would top it, but of course I was wrong. I’m OBSESSED with Macie and Dom. I wasn’t expecting it to be only Macie’s POV tbh, but honestly I was not disappointed. I loved seeing the relationship through her eyes while knowing Dom was absolutely pining over her the whole time.
Sarah’s author note explained how important it was for her to handle grief in the book carefully, and how she was nervous about doing it justice. I genuinely think she handled it beautifully. Macie got Dom to not only learn to live again after a devastating loss, but made him 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 to. She helped him heal, while he helped her learn to accept herself just the way she is. Because she deserves to shine without feeling bad about herself. And he shines right along side her.
Sarah’s author note explained how important it was for her to handle grief in the book carefully, and how she was nervous about doing it justice. I genuinely think she handled it beautifully. Macie got Dom to not only learn to live again after a devastating loss, but made him 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 to. She helped him heal, while he helped her learn to accept herself just the way she is. Because she deserves to shine without feeling bad about herself. And he shines right along side her.
December 5, 2024
Macie and Dom 🥹🥹🥹
Man what a freaking book. I loved both of them from the start. The most perfect match. Dom was perfect for Macie and vice versa. The way that Sarah writes the characters is truly incredible. Macie was like me in a way or two, and it was nice to see her receive the love and support that she needed. My girl just needed a man that had only an eye for her and truly OBSESSED. In comes Dom, the most perfect, pure man.
They were brought together during a short amount of time while their friends are out of town. They find themselves spending time together and bantering like no other. They form a friends with benefits arrangement, however, Dom already has plans to woo the hell out of her.
Perfect for a light holiday read. And yes ofc we get the SAB spice we all crave 🙂↔️
What to expect:
🎄 Holiday romance (Hanukkah and Christmas)
✨ Frienemies to benefits
🎄 Secret pining
✨ Boy obsessed
Man what a freaking book. I loved both of them from the start. The most perfect match. Dom was perfect for Macie and vice versa. The way that Sarah writes the characters is truly incredible. Macie was like me in a way or two, and it was nice to see her receive the love and support that she needed. My girl just needed a man that had only an eye for her and truly OBSESSED. In comes Dom, the most perfect, pure man.
They were brought together during a short amount of time while their friends are out of town. They find themselves spending time together and bantering like no other. They form a friends with benefits arrangement, however, Dom already has plans to woo the hell out of her.
Perfect for a light holiday read. And yes ofc we get the SAB spice we all crave 🙂↔️
What to expect:
🎄 Holiday romance (Hanukkah and Christmas)
✨ Frienemies to benefits
🎄 Secret pining
✨ Boy obsessed
November 2, 2023
I’ve wanted to read a book by sarah bailey for awhile! I was beyond excited when I received this arc! 🫶🏼 I grew up in california so reading this book felt like home. & don’t even get me started on the day spent at disneyland! it is 100% my happy place & I loved getting to read about it! I loved dominic & macie & watching their love grow. the tension & spice between them was unmatched 🤌🏼 a romance that has the right amount of spice without taking away from the actual story line is an instant favorite for me. did I mention this book takes place around christmas time? if that doesn’t persuade you to read it, I don’t know what will! overall, I completely ate up this book & can’t wait to read more from sarah bailey! add this book to your tbr because it’s the perfect holiday romance 🫶🏼🎄
read if you like:
-he falls first
-loathe to love
-wild child fmc
-close proximity
-holiday rom-com
-no strings attached
-golden retriever mmc
read if you like:
-he falls first
-loathe to love
-wild child fmc
-close proximity
-holiday rom-com
-no strings attached
-golden retriever mmc
December 31, 2023
this book was beyond PERFECT 🥹😭🦋
i loved every second of it
oh- and if you think the whole book was a masterpiece itself you should read the bonus epilogue 😫
sarah a. bailey really outshined herself (the girls that get it get it) with this book once again 🥹✨
and whats with dominic fucking evans??? how can someone be that perfect in SO MANY WAYS? this man really got me blushing a little bit too often 🤭
watch me go crazy over a fictional man everytime he opens his damn mouth.... -or his pants OOP 🫣🤪
for obvious reasons a 5/5 😮💨🌟
i loved every second of it
oh- and if you think the whole book was a masterpiece itself you should read the bonus epilogue 😫
sarah a. bailey really outshined herself (the girls that get it get it) with this book once again 🥹✨
and whats with dominic fucking evans??? how can someone be that perfect in SO MANY WAYS? this man really got me blushing a little bit too often 🤭
watch me go crazy over a fictional man everytime he opens his damn mouth.... -or his pants OOP 🫣🤪
for obvious reasons a 5/5 😮💨🌟
October 5, 2024
Sarah Bailey writes the best love stories. Hands down. Just when I thought I couldn’t love a book boyfriend more than Leo from Heathen & Honeysuckle, here comes Dom.
This book is fun, emotional, and such a sweet story. I was tearing up at multiple parts.
The FMC finds her confidence & her place in the world. Just the right amount of spice. The perfect banter. So cute and a must read!
My only critique is I wish it was dual POV, but it was first person which I appreciate.
This book is fun, emotional, and such a sweet story. I was tearing up at multiple parts.
The FMC finds her confidence & her place in the world. Just the right amount of spice. The perfect banter. So cute and a must read!
My only critique is I wish it was dual POV, but it was first person which I appreciate.
December 10, 2024
This was absolute PERFECTION. Perfection.
The plot was so sweet and so so touching. I have no words currently. I’ll come back to this with more of a review once I process it haha.
But go read this.
The plot was so sweet and so so touching. I have no words currently. I’ll come back to this with more of a review once I process it haha.
But go read this.
January 1, 2025
Wooooooooow, I genuinely think this is the hottest book I've ever read! Dom and Mace are on fiiiiiiiire! Their banter, their chemistry, their fun moments, their spicy ones, and their sweet ones...everything about their love story is top notch. Wow, I'll be thinking about these two for a long time.
January 2, 2024
First book finished of the year and I couldn’t love it more. Falling in love with the characters for this one is easy.
January 15, 2024
really enjoyed this book, dom and macie are so cute and i love how he loved her for exactly who she is!!!!!
January 28, 2024
I just loved Macie and her heart and uncertainty and boldness and yeah. She’s great
January 31, 2024
Stunning. Show stopping.🤩 I’m obsessed with these characters! I was hooked from beginning to end, as always with Sarah’s books!
paused-dnf
March 8, 2025PAUSED @ 10%
This is not a DNF, I got part way into this book and realized I should read The Soulmate Theory first because I needed the context.
This is not a DNF, I got part way into this book and realized I should read The Soulmate Theory first because I needed the context.
December 27, 2025
3.5/5
October 25, 2023
First and foremost, a massive thank-you to Sarah for yet again letting me be an ARC reader 🫶🏼 I always feel so privileged when I get sent these and even better when the book is sttellllaarrr!
So this read follows on the story of Dom & Macie, two side characters from The Soulmate Theory 💫
I absolutely loveeeddd the dynamic between these two characters, their bickering, tension and overall love for one another was palpable. If you could give it a trope it’s almost like a combo or friends/enemies to lovers type of vibe, and it has been done so so well 🤝🏼
Funnily enough, some of Dom’s sayings and explanations of Macie reminded me a lot of my own boyfriend which made me giggle! I loved the whole concept of never letting someone take away your shine or sparkle - to find people not just a significant other who just sees you for you is so important 🤍 The way they take care of one other, have surprises over the holiday period made me actually shed a tear 🥲 it was all just so beautifully done and you couldn’t help but get emotional!
I feel like this wrapped me up in a big bow of love and wholesomeness honestly!
Love, love, loved this - put it on your TBR stat!
5 stars
So this read follows on the story of Dom & Macie, two side characters from The Soulmate Theory 💫
I absolutely loveeeddd the dynamic between these two characters, their bickering, tension and overall love for one another was palpable. If you could give it a trope it’s almost like a combo or friends/enemies to lovers type of vibe, and it has been done so so well 🤝🏼
Funnily enough, some of Dom’s sayings and explanations of Macie reminded me a lot of my own boyfriend which made me giggle! I loved the whole concept of never letting someone take away your shine or sparkle - to find people not just a significant other who just sees you for you is so important 🤍 The way they take care of one other, have surprises over the holiday period made me actually shed a tear 🥲 it was all just so beautifully done and you couldn’t help but get emotional!
I feel like this wrapped me up in a big bow of love and wholesomeness honestly!
Love, love, loved this - put it on your TBR stat!
5 stars
November 13, 2023
What can I say, this book was steamy, heartfelt, and I wanted another 500 pages of it. I love Macie and Dom’s relationship and how it grows through the story.
January 31, 2024
i honestly don’t even know where to begin!
i loved this book so much!! 😭 it just felt so special to me, it felt like the author gave a little piece of herself to us (read the authors note and you’ll get what i mean 🥹) i also just really adored these characters. when i read the soulmate theory, i knew that i was going to love macie, but i really felt SO seen and understood by her character. i found myself crying sometimes because of how connected i felt. this story was serving romcom and had SUCH FUN spice but it also had beautiful heartwarming moments. dom gets her in such a genuine way it made my heart so happy just reading their interactions and watching them fall in love. they’re so hot as well, literally i was panting!!! 😮💨
i just adored them and this story. i highly recommend!! can’t wait to see what else sarah does because this one was incredible 🤍
i loved this book so much!! 😭 it just felt so special to me, it felt like the author gave a little piece of herself to us (read the authors note and you’ll get what i mean 🥹) i also just really adored these characters. when i read the soulmate theory, i knew that i was going to love macie, but i really felt SO seen and understood by her character. i found myself crying sometimes because of how connected i felt. this story was serving romcom and had SUCH FUN spice but it also had beautiful heartwarming moments. dom gets her in such a genuine way it made my heart so happy just reading their interactions and watching them fall in love. they’re so hot as well, literally i was panting!!! 😮💨
i just adored them and this story. i highly recommend!! can’t wait to see what else sarah does because this one was incredible 🤍
November 21, 2023
The prequel to this book was a cute romcom (with a little spice!) but this book feels less like a romcom and more like many chapters of spicy hook-up sex...
May 23, 2025
Conflict? Idk what the plot was cause there was so much spice..
January 17, 2026
I thought this was a great quick story. I read The Soulmate Theory before this, and I wasn't totally impressed with it. I didn't think it was bad but I had a few hangups with it and I did essentially find it a bit boring. I don't know if I thought this one was more interesting because it was shorter, or if it was just a better story in my opinion. I think I'm leaning towards it being just a better story in general. I was significantly more interested in these characters rather than the characters in The Soulmate Theory. I feel like the entire time I was reading that book I kept waiting until I could read Dom and Macie's story. I thought the story was overall just written better and I just found out a lot more entertaining. It was fast paced but I never felt like we were skipping parts of the story. I usually tend to like my books a bit longer, but this was surprisingly really good for how short it is. I had so much fun reading these characters story and I felt like the connection they had was so strong. I feel like we got plenty of details within the entire book even though it wasn't very long. Sarah's writing has always made me feel a lot of things. I am a huge fan of her Pacific Shores series and I'm just now getting around to reading her backlist. I do think that there is a big difference in the writing between this series and the Pacific Shores series. I even think that there is a giant difference in quality of writing between this book and The Soulmate Theory. I thought this one had significantly better pacing and it really felt like there was a lot more to this story even though it was shorter. I think I feel that way because The Soulmate Theory had very minimal dialogue in my opinion and was way too much inner monologue. I'm really glad that I felt like this one had been done better because I really loved these characters so much. I'm glad that they got the justice I felt like they deserved.
Macie was truly the brightest shining star. I absolutely loved how outgoing and confident she was. It really did almost hurt me in a way seeing her put herself down because of her personality. It's clear that people in her life had done quite a number on her. I really felt like she is the type of person you either want to be, or be best friends with. I loved how she moved through life impulsively and unapologetically herself. I thought she was so much fun and I really loved getting to know her more. The chemistry she had with Dom was off the charts. You could just tell that they were meant to be together for sure.
Dom was absolutely perfect not only for this story, but for Macie as well. I love how he yearned for Macie so much. It felt like he had this magnetic pull that would always bring him back to her. I loved how he was able to help her build her confidence back up and prove to her that she is perfect and shouldn't have to apologize to anyone for being herself. He was so supportive of her even when he was battling his own hurt. I really felt like both of these characters had really good character development and they helped each other with that so much. There was so much chemistry between these two and I love how it just felt like they perfectly clicked together.
The spice in this book was even better than I expected to be. I knew Macie and Dom we're going to be electric together. I loved that it wasn't just your average, boring, vanilla, and sappy spice. Sarah did so much with this and I'm so glad that she made these characters not boring especially in the spicy scenes. I mean so many of these scenes were so hot. Dom gave Macie everything she wanted and more. They were so hot together. I really think both of them being fairly confident characters really pushed this over the edge to make it insanely good. Perfect for their story😏.
The main problem that I had with this book was the fact that it was really only told in single POV. I was under the impression that this would be told in a dual POV like all of Sarah's other books. You only got to see Dom's POV in the prologue, half of the epilogue, and the bonus epilogue. I really wish I got to see more from Dom's perspective and into his mind more. I don't think it ruined the story because overall it was still very good considering it was single POV. I really don't like to read single POV books because I feel like I'm only getting half of the story. Luckily it didn't ruin my experience too much, I just wish for a little bit more of being inside Dom's head.
I'm really glad that this impressed me more than the previous book. I'm excited to finish the rest of Sarah's backlist with The Forever Experiment!
Macie was truly the brightest shining star. I absolutely loved how outgoing and confident she was. It really did almost hurt me in a way seeing her put herself down because of her personality. It's clear that people in her life had done quite a number on her. I really felt like she is the type of person you either want to be, or be best friends with. I loved how she moved through life impulsively and unapologetically herself. I thought she was so much fun and I really loved getting to know her more. The chemistry she had with Dom was off the charts. You could just tell that they were meant to be together for sure.
Dom was absolutely perfect not only for this story, but for Macie as well. I love how he yearned for Macie so much. It felt like he had this magnetic pull that would always bring him back to her. I loved how he was able to help her build her confidence back up and prove to her that she is perfect and shouldn't have to apologize to anyone for being herself. He was so supportive of her even when he was battling his own hurt. I really felt like both of these characters had really good character development and they helped each other with that so much. There was so much chemistry between these two and I love how it just felt like they perfectly clicked together.
The spice in this book was even better than I expected to be. I knew Macie and Dom we're going to be electric together. I loved that it wasn't just your average, boring, vanilla, and sappy spice. Sarah did so much with this and I'm so glad that she made these characters not boring especially in the spicy scenes. I mean so many of these scenes were so hot. Dom gave Macie everything she wanted and more. They were so hot together. I really think both of them being fairly confident characters really pushed this over the edge to make it insanely good. Perfect for their story😏.
The main problem that I had with this book was the fact that it was really only told in single POV. I was under the impression that this would be told in a dual POV like all of Sarah's other books. You only got to see Dom's POV in the prologue, half of the epilogue, and the bonus epilogue. I really wish I got to see more from Dom's perspective and into his mind more. I don't think it ruined the story because overall it was still very good considering it was single POV. I really don't like to read single POV books because I feel like I'm only getting half of the story. Luckily it didn't ruin my experience too much, I just wish for a little bit more of being inside Dom's head.
I'm really glad that this impressed me more than the previous book. I'm excited to finish the rest of Sarah's backlist with The Forever Experiment!
November 1, 2023
I'm absolutely thrilled to share my thoughts on The Fate Philosophy by the incredibly talented Sarah A. Bailey. Thanks to receiving an ARC, I had the privilege of diving into this heartwarming book early, and let me tell you, it's a gem that should be at the top of your holiday reads list.
Now, if you're familiar with Sarah's previous work, The Soulmate Theory, you'd know she's an amazing writer and knows how to craft a beautiful love story. I knew this book would be good but I didn't expect it to be even better than TST, she takes her storytelling in TFP to a whole new level.
This book was a quick read that brought so many emotions and I couldn't put it down! The reason? The magnetic connection between Macie and Dominic, our starring couple in the story.
Dominic, or Dom for short, is not just a character, he's an absolute dream. I'm talking top-of-my-book-boyfriend-list material. He's sweet, he's sexy, and he's a genuinely good guy. But what really had me melting like s snowflake in December was the way he calls Macie "Baby Girl." I mean, seriously, who wouldn't swoon at that? Macie is one lucky gal.
And speaking of Macie, she's an outgoing and beautiful soul. She's got a fantastic sense of humor, making her the perfect match for Dom. What I love most about her character is that she doesn't need to change herself for anyone. Dom's unwavering support and encouragement for Macie to be herself is the kind of love we all dream of.
The Fate Philosophy is not just about romance; it's about embracing who you are and celebrating love in its purest form. Sarah creates a story that's not only heartwarming but also soul-stirring.
What's even better is that this book has been officially released today! You can find it on Amazon, Kindle Unlimited, and Barnes & Noble, so there's no reason not to grab it right away. And if you haven't met Macie and Dom in The Soulmate Theory, I suggest you grab that one too. It's the perfect starting point for this beautiful story.
As the holiday season approaches, make sure to add The Fate Philosophy to your must-read list. Trust me; it's a book that'll warm your heart and leave you with all the feels.
Now, if you're familiar with Sarah's previous work, The Soulmate Theory, you'd know she's an amazing writer and knows how to craft a beautiful love story. I knew this book would be good but I didn't expect it to be even better than TST, she takes her storytelling in TFP to a whole new level.
This book was a quick read that brought so many emotions and I couldn't put it down! The reason? The magnetic connection between Macie and Dominic, our starring couple in the story.
Dominic, or Dom for short, is not just a character, he's an absolute dream. I'm talking top-of-my-book-boyfriend-list material. He's sweet, he's sexy, and he's a genuinely good guy. But what really had me melting like s snowflake in December was the way he calls Macie "Baby Girl." I mean, seriously, who wouldn't swoon at that? Macie is one lucky gal.
And speaking of Macie, she's an outgoing and beautiful soul. She's got a fantastic sense of humor, making her the perfect match for Dom. What I love most about her character is that she doesn't need to change herself for anyone. Dom's unwavering support and encouragement for Macie to be herself is the kind of love we all dream of.
The Fate Philosophy is not just about romance; it's about embracing who you are and celebrating love in its purest form. Sarah creates a story that's not only heartwarming but also soul-stirring.
What's even better is that this book has been officially released today! You can find it on Amazon, Kindle Unlimited, and Barnes & Noble, so there's no reason not to grab it right away. And if you haven't met Macie and Dom in The Soulmate Theory, I suggest you grab that one too. It's the perfect starting point for this beautiful story.
As the holiday season approaches, make sure to add The Fate Philosophy to your must-read list. Trust me; it's a book that'll warm your heart and leave you with all the feels.
October 24, 2023
“For the ones who have been told they sparkle too loudly. Shine so bright you blind ‘em, baby girl.”
The first thing I read while having the privilege of reading TFP early was this dang dedication that hit me straight in the heart. I knew I was in trouble (the very best kind) once my eyes landed on these words.
We first meet our MCs, Macie and Dom, in The Soulmate Theory so they’re definitely no strangers. I love when best friend characters get their own story🥹
I was hooked on Dom within the first page and I’m not even mad about it… Macie. Sigh, what can I even say about Macie, without giving anything away?
She is a phenomenal and unapologetically beautiful FMC. She is bubbly, kind, absolutely off-her-rocker hilarious. You name it, that’s Mace! You couldn’t not love her, so don’t even try.
Dom is the epitome of perfect book boyfriend material. This man… this man. He is thoughtful, confident and damn, did he make me drool and daydream 😜
But don’t think that means his character doesn’t have depth. There is more to Dominic than what meets the eye, and that takes some time getting to. In the meantime though, you have plenty of witty and can’t catch your breath banter between Dom & Mace to keep you occupied 🤣 I kid you not, there were several moments that I had to take a minute to breathe. And then I’d read that section again, only to be met with even more hysterical laughter. They just could not quit!
I absolutely adored every moment with these two and I’m so happy they got their time to shine. Their story needed to be told🫶🏼
Also, who can make eggs an aphrodisiac?!
… Sarah!!! 🤣 okay I’m done now, love you 😬
The Fate Philosophy will be available on KU starting November 1st. You also have plenty of time to read The Soulmate Theory to get caught up to speed before then🥳💗
The first thing I read while having the privilege of reading TFP early was this dang dedication that hit me straight in the heart. I knew I was in trouble (the very best kind) once my eyes landed on these words.
We first meet our MCs, Macie and Dom, in The Soulmate Theory so they’re definitely no strangers. I love when best friend characters get their own story🥹
I was hooked on Dom within the first page and I’m not even mad about it… Macie. Sigh, what can I even say about Macie, without giving anything away?
She is a phenomenal and unapologetically beautiful FMC. She is bubbly, kind, absolutely off-her-rocker hilarious. You name it, that’s Mace! You couldn’t not love her, so don’t even try.
Dom is the epitome of perfect book boyfriend material. This man… this man. He is thoughtful, confident and damn, did he make me drool and daydream 😜
But don’t think that means his character doesn’t have depth. There is more to Dominic than what meets the eye, and that takes some time getting to. In the meantime though, you have plenty of witty and can’t catch your breath banter between Dom & Mace to keep you occupied 🤣 I kid you not, there were several moments that I had to take a minute to breathe. And then I’d read that section again, only to be met with even more hysterical laughter. They just could not quit!
I absolutely adored every moment with these two and I’m so happy they got their time to shine. Their story needed to be told🫶🏼
Also, who can make eggs an aphrodisiac?!
… Sarah!!! 🤣 okay I’m done now, love you 😬
The Fate Philosophy will be available on KU starting November 1st. You also have plenty of time to read The Soulmate Theory to get caught up to speed before then🥳💗
Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews