Worse Fates

Soulmates Suck #1

by Cara Rivers

A vampire bound by fate. A human who won’t be bound at all…

Centuries ago, the vampire Lucero vowed to find his soulmate. Three times he found them, and three times he lost them. Each heartbreak cutting deeper than the last. So when given another chance to reunite with his reincarnated love, Lucero doesn’t hesitate.

However, in an abandoned mansion across the city, the human Golden has other plans. Desperate to hide from his past, he flees when fate finds him—unwilling to live a life he didn’t choose. He’s lived that life once before, and never will again. Especially not for a vampire who’s spent centuries chasing love.

But when Golden’s past finally hunts him down, and tempers and desires ignite, he’s forced to confront the truth; some fates are worse than others, and love might not be the trap he feared.

Lucero, in turn, begins to realise that love isn’t about being the perfect man.

In this story of second, third and fourth chances, two souls must discover that even when bound by destiny, there is still a choice.


A spicy rejected fate mates MM vampire book with guaranteed HEA and no cliffhangers. Contains a possessive vampire and the combat boot-wearing boy full of attitude he's obsessed with. This story contains steamy scenes, violence and bloodshed. Not suitable for readers under 18, and trigger warnings inside

Genres: M M Romance, Vampires

291 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 13, 2025

About the author

Cara River began her paranormal romance reading career hidden in the corner of her local library when she was twelve years old, and hasn't given it up since.

Not a day goes by where she isn't dreaming up more stories to write, or picking up new books to add to her ever-growing TBR.

She lives in England with her very understanding husband. And normally you can find her with a hot drink, a cosy blanket and more books than she knows what to do with.

Reviews

[aidni · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am struggling through this. First off a little annoyed that there is so much diversity rep and yet the cover is of a white man that is literally no where in the books?????


Mainly it’s a pretty standard vampire story. It kind of feels more like an anime than a standard paranormal romance. It kind of both goes nowhere and yet doesn’t really bring anything new.

Currently stuck at 64% and we will see if we finish. There is no really angst there. Golden had a bit of a spark but folds to the “magical special forever one true mate” magic within a chapter. Kai who is a fun character, accepts vampires SO QUICK. Actually everyone seems very chill with all the paranormal stuff. I dunno.

Jace as a villian is pretty weak. I wanted to learn more about them before going straight to fighting him. We know he abused Golden and suspected bc he wanted him as his lover… but it doesn’t make sense … why stop there?

Plus pain is autocorrected to paint about 4% in.

Just in general this feels like a story I’ve read before, but it has enough fun with the characters that I’d consider reading Ramy or Rubix cube ( whatever his name is) as they both seem much more interesting

[Amiee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Could not put this book down, it was a fantastic read from start to finish. The MC’s were endearing and so beautifully written I was hooked from the get go. I hope that more come soon as I know that this will be a go to from me.

[Cassandra Gowan-Richer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adored this book! Golden’s development throughout the story was so well done! The small details were perfectly done! ❤️

[Shawn Cha · Rating 2 out of 5]

meh

I liked The whole aspect of reincarnation and I really tried to like the book but the romance was not doing it for me. I get it Lucero waited for golden reincarnation many times. But throughout those times he was waiting he was still sleeping with many other people. It’s like you’re dating someone and you both take a break and you start sleeping with other people knowing you’re both going to get back together. It’s still cheating as Lucero knew he would one day meet golden again. I mean after you’ve loved your soulmate how do you just end up with other people to pass the time while you’re soulmate reincarnates or grows up to a legal age? It really destroyed the whole romance aspect for me.

[A.D. Skyan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Lucero and Golden! First, I am always behind a possessive main lead, especially of the paranormal variety, but I love how Golden has a backbone. He may be young and seem simple at first, but he has layers, and I found myself rooting for him early, like you just want him to be happy. The banter is funny, especially with their family/friends. I'm such a sucker for a tight group, and I really enjoyed the world and the characters, and I'm super excited for the next book and more couples! And it's hot, really hot lol. I really enjoyed the smutty scenes. Love M/M romance so much and vamps make it ever better ❤️

[Lola · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had been in a reading slump but this is just what I needed! What an addictive book and you’re rooting for the characters all the time! The world and imagery used but the author was fabulous. Cant wait for book 2!

[juli✨ · Rating 3 out of 5]

A solid start to what's sure to be an exciting series. The next two couples set up in this book have me hype.

[Misty · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked it, but I didn't love it. I'm not discounting reading the next book.

[Yaashmi Ravikumar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely worth a read

[Duke Silver's Duchess · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

This was good but not great. I felt like the plot connectors needed more massaging. It was a little clunky.

But! Intrigued enough to finish and take a peak at Book 2.

[marteetaa · Rating 2 out of 5]

did anyone proofread this? 😭 it was full of grammatical errors that i couldn't get past, so many plot holes and inconsistencies omg

[Delbels · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was an action packed story, with a sweet romance, sexy heat and amazing cast of characters.