Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Unraveling Fate : A mystery romance.

Rate this book
She’s chasing a killer. He’s protecting more than just secrets. And falling for him could cost her everything.

Eight years ago, she walked away from the FBI—leaving behind a world of surveillance, secrets, and a devastating case that still haunts her. Trading classified files for bylines, she chose journalism as a safer way to chase the truth—one where she could control the story instead of becoming part of it.

But control is an illusion.

Her latest assignment threatens everything she’s built. Her credibility is under fire, the shadows of her past are closing in, and the truth she’s chasing is far more personal than she ever imagined.

At the center of it all is Jameson—always there, watching, waiting. He knows more about her than he should. He asks the right questions, touches all the wrong nerves, and stirs up a connection that never really faded.

Their chemistry is volatile. Ruth doesn’t trust him, not fully, but she also can’t stay away.

Even her family doesn’t realize how deeply she’s falling.
Back into secrets.
Back into danger.
Back into the kind of feelings that nearly destroyed her once before.

Now, Ruth must choose between finding the truth, guarding her heart, and surviving a game she swore she’d never play again. Because some stories aren’t just meant to be told—They’re meant to unravel everything.

-Unraveling Fate is a slow-burn, high-stakes mystery romance packed with twists, forbidden longing, dark secrets, and a love story that just might survive the danger.

Perfect for fans of romantic suspense, protective billionaires, and fearless heroines who won't quit.

Paperback

Published August 11, 2025

5 people are currently reading
15 people want to read

About the author

Jessica Milford

3 books5 followers

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
13 (48%)
4 stars
9 (33%)
3 stars
5 (18%)
2 stars
0 (0%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
Profile Image for Jade_Reads2019.
228 reviews9 followers
August 21, 2025
OMG OMG !!! I sobbed like a baby after reading this. You have totally ruined me. I couldn’t stop reading. This has been on my mind day and night. I was so invested I even took to talking to my mum about it! This is a must for anyone who loves Slow burn office romance, a brilliant mouth dropping shocker of a thriller I couldn’t stop reading. I was hooked and I was so invested I’ve never had a 5 star read quite like this! You won’t want to miss out on this!

also if the author is reading this, then I want to say tour characters are brilliant, I want to go live in Jameson’s house its perfect. I could visualise it to no end it was perfect. I loved the setting. The storyline and at times there were topics that were hard hitting but I couldn’t stop! Best thriller I’ve read in a very long time. Thank you.
5 reviews
July 19, 2025
I had the opportunity to read this book as an ARC reader, and I *loved* every second of it. We follow a tough, no-nonsense FMC, a former FBI agent turned investigative reporter, who’s smart, sharp, and totally compelling. Add in two equally swoon-worthy MMCs: a hunky FBI agent and a dangerously charming editor-in-chief (who also happens to be her boss), and you’ve got instant tension and chemistry.

The plot centers around a chilling serial killer case that hits much closer to home than expected, and the twists? Absolutely jaw-dropping. I pride myself on guessing the villain early, but this one *completely* got me. The suspense is gripping, the spice is deliciously well-written (and definitely spicy!), and the pacing never lets up.

I was stunned to learn this is the author’s debut novel, her writing is confident, atmospheric, and addictive. If this is her starting point, I can’t wait to see what’s next. Highly recommend for fans of romantic thrillers with strong female leads, sizzling chemistry, and unpredictable mysteries!
Profile Image for Scotliteboost.
185 reviews13 followers
September 2, 2025
Unraveling Fate is an addictive mix of mystery, suspense, and romance that kept me hooked from the very first page. Jessica Milford has created a gripping story full of danger, secrets, and emotional depth that lingers long after reading. Ruth is such a compelling heroine strong, determined, yet carrying the weight of her past. Her inner conflict between chasing the truth and protecting her heart felt so raw and real. And Jameson… the chemistry between them is electric, perfectly capturing that slow-burn tension readers of romantic suspense love. Their connection is volatile, passionate, and impossible to look away from.
What I enjoyed most was how seamlessly the twists and suspense were woven into the romance. The plot is fast-paced with plenty of surprises, but at the same time, the emotional stakes feel just as high as the danger. It’s the kind of book that keeps you guessing while also pulling at your heart. If you enjoy high-stakes mystery romance with secrets, forbidden longing, and a fearless heroine you can root for, this is a must-read. Jessica Milford has delivered a story that’s both thrilling and deeply satisfying.
Profile Image for Abby.
16 reviews
August 1, 2025
I had the opportunity to read this as an ARC and found this to be a very fun, engaging read. I love a mystery that has continuous turns and reveals, and this book delivered on that. The mystery/thriller aspect was beautifully executed and had me eagerly reading on.

Personally, I wasn’t locked in on the romance aspect. I didn’t know or understand enough of the MMC to have any strong feelings toward him and I found myself skimming over some of the romance scenes to get back to the mystery.

The story starts in the thick of it. It may have been easier to become attached to the characters if the first chapter spent more time with Ruth preparing to return to work. I would have loved to have seen her stewing on the murders since she assumed she’d have to write about them at work, the trauma the murders brought up for her, dwelling on the encounter she’d have with her boss both professionally and personally.

Overall, I had a lot of fun reading this book and would recommend it to mystery lovers :)
Profile Image for mrnuina.
153 reviews9 followers
August 29, 2025
Holy S what a book!! This book is one of those wich comes to your dreams if you have to read it in more than one day! I actually had a dream about this book because i couldn’t read it at one sitting(adult stuff got in the way)
This is really really good! Such a thriller! I mean there is more too, spice and hurt and all that other stuffs but that plot twist! I mean c’moon! I all most lost my panths with that! Such a thriller! It was like watching a true crime show! SO GOOD!
And Jameson, oh you hot thing! Hot possessive thing, yummy!
This book is so for you if you wan’t a mystery with plot twist, tension, sadness and that kind of spice that you really need your water. But don’t hold anything in your hands and don’t read late, because you will be ghasping out loud and yelling
I honestly can’t wait what jessica will write next!
Profile Image for Molly.
55 reviews2 followers
August 10, 2025
Unraveling Fate is a pulse-pounding, edge-of-your-seat thriller that grabs you from the first page and refuses to let go. The pacing is relentless, each chapter ending with just enough intrigue to make you say “just one more,” until you realize you’ve read half the book in one sitting.

At the heart of the story is a former FBI agent turned journalist, tasked with covering a chilling series of murders in her own town. Her sharp instincts and investigative eye quickly uncover details others have overlooked, drawing her deeper into a dangerous pursuit for the truth. Alongside the tension and danger, there’s a subtle yet compelling thread of romance that adds depth and emotional resonance to the unfolding mystery.

With vivid writing, well-placed twists, and a constant undercurrent of danger, this book keeps you hooked from start to finish.

I was grateful to receive an advanced copy of this book; all opinions are my own and are shared voluntarily.

111 reviews
August 13, 2025
Unraveling Fate is nicely paced mystery that’s tension filled with some interesting twists and turns. Ruth is the ex detective turned journalist who finds her haunting past closing in on her when assigned to cover a serial killer in the area. Jameson is a broody billionaire who’s secretly been yearning and is so down bad for Ruth, he will do anything for her…but also her boss. As Ruth gets closer to uncovering the truth and faces her resurfacing past in the process, things take a turn when the killer’s victims bear a striking resemblance to Ruth. Soon the lines begin to blur with Jameson as they give into the blazing tension between them. Truths come to light and shocking revelations are made that changes everything for everyone as they know it.

Thank you Jessica Milford for the ARC 🫶🏻
Profile Image for Shannon.
7 reviews
August 2, 2025
The characters are well written and the story is captivating! I finished half the book in one evening and was on the edge of my seat for most of it!. There are more than a few inconsistencies throughout scenes (for example the scent of a candle she lit 2 pages before and then calling it a wax melt) and unclarified actions (I didn't realize she had been giving him oral until she refused to swallow bc there was no unzipping of the pants or further description) that are slightly bothersome, but nothing too bad to detract from the main plot. The spicy scenes are just spicy enough to keep things interesting but not enough to take away from the plot, which I've really enjoyed!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Tracy McDonell.
200 reviews4 followers
August 5, 2025


Well… 4.5 Stars!!! Unraveling Fate was definitely a good mystery/thriller!! Thank you, Jessica Milford for the opportunity to read your book as an ARC.

Unraveling Fate had everything that a “who did it” should have. There were twists and turns, solid character development, and a good plot that kept the pages turning.

Was there spice? Yes, not a lot, but it was in line with the character and story.

If this is your type of book… a cozy who killed who… You will enjoy Unraveling Fate, it is a solid mystery/thriller.
Profile Image for Trish Wrathall.
54 reviews8 followers
August 6, 2025
MUST READ

This book is so well written and kept me guessing, I dismissed who I thought the killer was. I raged, I cried, I gasped, I swooned. I felt everything as if I was the one living the story. The descriptions are vivid, the flow is beautiful and the plot is without holes.
I haven't read a mystery romance in a long time but this book makes me think about diving back down that rabbit hole. A must read for any romance reader, regardless of preferred sub genre.
If I could rate higher than 5 stars, I would!
Profile Image for Rea Alexandris.
Author 15 books12 followers
July 22, 2025
BOY OH BOY, WHAT A DEBUT!!!!
Incredible mystery suspense dark romance, one of the best I've ever read! The characters? The arcs? The plot? The twists? The pacing? The romance? THE SPICE?!? Everything was delivered perfectly by Jessica Milford in this gripping novel, one that kept me on the edge of my seat. I LOVED EVERY SECOND OF READING THIS BOOK and I will re-read it!
I can't wait to read everything else Jessica will throw our way! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Profile Image for Kimberley_Reads_Books.
136 reviews4 followers
July 26, 2025
From start to finish, this story is perfect. This story is beautifully written, the plot is incredible and the twists and turns just kept me on my toes. I genuinely thought I knew who the baddy was and I was ridiculously wrong!
I loved every second of this story and I can’t wait for it to be released so everyone can read it.
Profile Image for Martina.
54 reviews
July 24, 2025
Arc reader
Unraveling fate is fast paced, I couldn’t out the book down.
I’m kind of mad at myself bc I figured out the ending 35% in and was extra anxious up until the last page. I adoooooored Ruth’s character and how her trauma was portrayed. A very good book for all who love thrillers and romance
Profile Image for Myranda Herald.
36 reviews3 followers
September 21, 2025
This book is amazing it definitely keeps you on your toes and it being a romance on top of a mystery is amazing if you have a chance to read this book take it for sure you won’t be disappointed!!
Profile Image for Helena regan.
41 reviews5 followers
October 15, 2025
From the very first page, Unraveling Fate drew me into a world of secrets, danger, and forbidden attraction that I couldn’t put down. Jessica Milford masterfully blends high-stakes mystery with a simmering romance that feels real, urgent, and utterly compelling. Ruth is an unforgettable heroine resilient, smart, and flawed in the most human way. Her journey from leaving the FBI to chasing dangerous truths as a journalist is gripping, and I found myself rooting for her every step of the way.

Jameson is the kind of character that lingers in your mind long after the book is closed mysterious, protective, and intensely magnetic. The tension between him and Ruth is electric, full of moments that made my heart race and pages that I read with bated breath. The slow-burn romance feels authentic and layered, never rushed, yet impossible to resist.

What I loved most is how Milford doesn’t just tell a story of danger and desire she makes you feel the stakes. Every twist, every shadow from Ruth’s past, and every secret revealed is crafted to keep you on edge, and the emotional depth of their connection made the suspense even more gripping.

Unraveling Fate is not just a mystery or a romance it’s a journey of trust, risk, and the powerful pull of love that refuses to be ignored. I finished this book feeling exhilarated, satisfied, and already craving more from Jessica Milford’s storytelling. For anyone who loves romantic suspense with heart, danger, and unforgettable characters, this is an absolute must-read.
Profile Image for Hannah.
863 reviews7 followers
August 10, 2025
A murder mystery combined with a slow-burn workplace romance wrapped up into one very promising debut - that’s Unraveling Fate.

Former FBI agent turned journalist Ruth’s town has been hit by a serial killer and she is determined to get to the bottom of it. Her boss/crush assigns her the story which leaves her working alongside the FBI. As the case unravels, Ruth begins to realise her life is more intimately connected than she first realised.

It’s a slow burn, open door book with a number of themes that are potentially triggering - infidelity (not the main couple), kidnapping, and emotionally absent parenting.

This story is honestly captivating. I’m not going to lie and say the writing is perfect - there’s definitely room for improvement. BUT the storyline was so compelling that I needed to know how this story ended. For a debut novel, that is impressive. I can’t wait to see how Ms Milford’s writing progresses in the future.

I really would encourage people to give this book a shot. I have a suspicion she is going to be one of those authors you’re going to want to say you’re an OG fan of.
Profile Image for Sophia Bazar.
Author 1 book8 followers
July 27, 2025
WOW
Jessica Milford absolutely nailed it with this intense, twisty, and addictive romantic thriller. From the razor-sharp heroine to the two swoon-worthy love interests (yes, two!), every character was compelling and unforgettable. The mystery had me second-guessing everything, and when the twist hit, I audibly gasped.

. This book had me fully in its grip from the first chapter to the very last line. I’m already counting down the days until her next release. If you’re a fan of strong women, dangerous secrets, and sizzling chemistry, this one’s an absolute must-read.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (and I’d give more if I could!)
Profile Image for Erin.
72 reviews3 followers
August 30, 2025
This is must read if you're a fan of romance and mystery. Ruth is a Former FBI agent turned journalist who is tasked with investigating a series of murders for a story. The characters were solid, the story and the mood were dark. This was fast paced, with a slow burn romance and the spice was done perfectly for our MCs. This has mystery, suspense, romance, tension, all of the good stuff. Overall I really enjoyed this.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.