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Darkest Destiny Trilogy #3
Forsaken Fate
The third and final book in the Darkest Destiny Trilogy by New York Times Bestseller, Pepper Winters.
Rook never had any goals apart from staying alive.
But now she has a few…
Find a way to bring Lucien back.
Figure out a way to survive the ascension.
And somehow become the first bonded pair to become immortal.
Lucien only has one goal.
Wage war on fate and win…
Tropes:
Fated Mates
Elemental Magic
High Stakes
Soul Bonds
Otherworldly powers
Powers too strong for them
Ascension
Immortality
Animal sidekick
Rook never had any goals apart from staying alive.
But now she has a few…
Find a way to bring Lucien back.
Figure out a way to survive the ascension.
And somehow become the first bonded pair to become immortal.
Lucien only has one goal.
Wage war on fate and win…
Tropes:
Fated Mates
Elemental Magic
High Stakes
Soul Bonds
Otherworldly powers
Powers too strong for them
Ascension
Immortality
Animal sidekick
317 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 29, 2026
About the author
Pepper Winters
97 books17.3k followersPepper Winters is a multiple New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today International Bestseller.
She currently has thirty books released in nine languages. She’s hit best-seller lists (USA Today, New York Times, and Wall Street Journal) thirty-three times. She dabbles in multiple genres, ranging from Dark Romance to Coming of Age.
After chasing her dreams to become a full-time writer, Pepper has earned recognition with awards for best Dark Romance, best BDSM Series, and best Hero. She’s an multiple #1 iBooks bestseller, along with #1 in Erotic Romance, Romantic Suspense, Contemporary, and Erotica Thriller. With 20 books currently published, she has hit the bestseller charts twenty-nine times in three years.
Pepper is a Hybrid Author of both Traditional and Self-published work. Her Pure Corruption Series was released by Grand Central, Hachette.
Her books have garnered foreign interest and are currently being translated into numerous languages, including already released titles in Italian, French, Hebrew, German, and Turkish.
NEWSLETTER: http://www.subscribepage.com/www.pepp...
Or follow her on her website
www.pepperwinters.com
She loves mail of any kind: pepperwinters@gmail.com
You can stalk her here:
Pinterest/Pepperwinters
Facebook Pepper Winters
Twitter @pepperwinters
Blog pepperwinters.wordpress.com
She currently has thirty books released in nine languages. She’s hit best-seller lists (USA Today, New York Times, and Wall Street Journal) thirty-three times. She dabbles in multiple genres, ranging from Dark Romance to Coming of Age.
After chasing her dreams to become a full-time writer, Pepper has earned recognition with awards for best Dark Romance, best BDSM Series, and best Hero. She’s an multiple #1 iBooks bestseller, along with #1 in Erotic Romance, Romantic Suspense, Contemporary, and Erotica Thriller. With 20 books currently published, she has hit the bestseller charts twenty-nine times in three years.
Pepper is a Hybrid Author of both Traditional and Self-published work. Her Pure Corruption Series was released by Grand Central, Hachette.
Her books have garnered foreign interest and are currently being translated into numerous languages, including already released titles in Italian, French, Hebrew, German, and Turkish.
NEWSLETTER: http://www.subscribepage.com/www.pepp...
Or follow her on her website
www.pepperwinters.com
She loves mail of any kind: pepperwinters@gmail.com
You can stalk her here:
Pinterest/Pepperwinters
Facebook Pepper Winters
Twitter @pepperwinters
Blog pepperwinters.wordpress.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
June 23, 2026
Wow! 🤯 Honestly, Pepper blew me away with the final installment of this trilogy. It was surprisingly emotional (although should I really be surprised since she also wrote the Ribbon duet?), and I didn’t expect the ending. Don’t go in expecting Ribbon-level devastation—this is a romance after all! But Pepper really packed a punch with this one. Loved it. 😍
June 29, 2026
Pepper never fails to deliver an unforgettable experience. This trilogy is no exception.
We learn how Lucien and Rook came to be, their journey is an all encompassing tale, beginning with pain and mystery, touching reality then breaching the realm of fantasy. Their love deeper than any obstacle, fated souls reaching unfathomable depths.
The lyrical writing depicts action and suspense while Lucien and Rook fight for their freedom but also with the unknown destiny and the making of their core. As they learn about their past they also learn how their bodies change and become something that goes beyond human understanding.
The story is told in dual POV and we also get Dillon perspective, I enjoyed how the author implements his character and gives him a spot in this story.
We learn how Lucien and Rook came to be, their journey is an all encompassing tale, beginning with pain and mystery, touching reality then breaching the realm of fantasy. Their love deeper than any obstacle, fated souls reaching unfathomable depths.
The lyrical writing depicts action and suspense while Lucien and Rook fight for their freedom but also with the unknown destiny and the making of their core. As they learn about their past they also learn how their bodies change and become something that goes beyond human understanding.
The story is told in dual POV and we also get Dillon perspective, I enjoyed how the author implements his character and gives him a spot in this story.
June 25, 2026
Get ready—Forsaken Fate releases on June 29, and it is absolutely worth the wait!
I have been completely swept away by this series, and the third and final book did not disappoint. It took me on an emotional ride from beginning to end, and the ending completely caught me off guard.
Forsaken Fate is the exciting conclusion to Pepper Winters’ Darkest Destiny Trilogy. It brings Rook and Lucien’s story to a powerful finish as they fight to stay together in a world filled with magic, destiny, and dangerous enemies. With their bond tested like never before, Rook is willing to risk everything to save Lucien, defy fate, and fight for the future they deserve.
If you love dark fantasy, unforgettable romance, and nonstop action, this is a finale you won’t want to miss.
I have been completely swept away by this series, and the third and final book did not disappoint. It took me on an emotional ride from beginning to end, and the ending completely caught me off guard.
Forsaken Fate is the exciting conclusion to Pepper Winters’ Darkest Destiny Trilogy. It brings Rook and Lucien’s story to a powerful finish as they fight to stay together in a world filled with magic, destiny, and dangerous enemies. With their bond tested like never before, Rook is willing to risk everything to save Lucien, defy fate, and fight for the future they deserve.
If you love dark fantasy, unforgettable romance, and nonstop action, this is a finale you won’t want to miss.
July 17, 2026
Forsaken Fate is the third book in the Darkest Destiny by Pepper Winters and a stunning ending to a captivating series. This story concludes the dark fantasy fusion romance between Lucien and Rook. Fated mates who souls have bonded and given them otherworldly powers. Their romance has been intense and magical with so many twists and turns right from the start. The previous book had a shocking and frightening cliffhanger that left readers desperate to find out what would happen next. They are complete opposites, Fire and Ice, but have realised that by being together they can stay stable and alive but the stakes are high as time is running out.
"They say the greatest force on Earth is love. It can heal and destroy. Create and annihilate.
It can also turn mortal into immortal because love never dies. But what if you’re no longer human? What if the power you were never meant to wield breaks apart the very bones you were born with?"
The author takes you on an epic journey which will keep you on the edge of your seat. Be prepared to keep an open mind as the story moves from romance to fantasy and ends up out of this world with immortality and reincarnation. She takes us from Ashfall Cliff to the Brimstone Industries HQ in England and onto the Snowflake Corp in Iceland. She will put you through a rollercoaster of emotions as they fight and risk everything to stay together.
Rook refuses to let Lucien die and sacrifices herself for him but love is stronger and somehow they bring their powers under control. They awake on the mountain after dying and disintegrating during their ascension but when they celebrated being alive with a kiss, something strange happens. They
entered a dreamscape which heals them and allows their powers to build back up. They have totally destroyed the mountain and everything that lived there so will Whisper return to them.
Can their love defy death when their powers are changing and evolving. Are the magical powers keeping them alive or trying to kill them. Will they survive now their powers have grown too strong for them. I loved their telepathic conversations and the love they have for each other. There is so much fear and denial on both sides as they realise they might both be dying and can’t exist without the other. Each time they return to their dreamscape it reverses the damage and gives them more time because intimacy stabilises them so will their visits save them. What is the Requiem power within them and who can they trust to tell the truth and help them. Will science or fate have the answers for them.
While we follow them as they work out what to do next, attempt to escape from Brimstone and
get revenge on the board. I had my fingers crossed they would find a cure at her company and liked how Frank was determined to help them. Dillon was great and I loved how he got embarrassed with their desire for each other. It was fascinating finding out the history between two of them and what their parents actually did Even though their companies were the largest energy suppliers, it turns out they actually knew each other. Lucien finds out the truth about his childhood and Rook gets some shocking revelations about her parents, their obsession with mortality and how they had sacrificed lives just like Marcus. We learn what Marcus actually did that led to the two decades of pain and torture for Lucien.
There are so many secrets and lies to unravel. They have to face betrayal and corruption. The desperation, love, fear, pain, grief, regret and guilt they go through was heart breaking. The thought they may end back at Cinderkeep was frightening. They have been tormented by their powers all their lives will they finally get a reprieve. It got a bit confusing and otherworldly at the end for me but for true fantasy fans they will love it. An astonishing ending to an amazing series.
"They say the greatest force on Earth is love. It can heal and destroy. Create and annihilate.
It can also turn mortal into immortal because love never dies. But what if you’re no longer human? What if the power you were never meant to wield breaks apart the very bones you were born with?"
The author takes you on an epic journey which will keep you on the edge of your seat. Be prepared to keep an open mind as the story moves from romance to fantasy and ends up out of this world with immortality and reincarnation. She takes us from Ashfall Cliff to the Brimstone Industries HQ in England and onto the Snowflake Corp in Iceland. She will put you through a rollercoaster of emotions as they fight and risk everything to stay together.
Rook refuses to let Lucien die and sacrifices herself for him but love is stronger and somehow they bring their powers under control. They awake on the mountain after dying and disintegrating during their ascension but when they celebrated being alive with a kiss, something strange happens. They
entered a dreamscape which heals them and allows their powers to build back up. They have totally destroyed the mountain and everything that lived there so will Whisper return to them.
Can their love defy death when their powers are changing and evolving. Are the magical powers keeping them alive or trying to kill them. Will they survive now their powers have grown too strong for them. I loved their telepathic conversations and the love they have for each other. There is so much fear and denial on both sides as they realise they might both be dying and can’t exist without the other. Each time they return to their dreamscape it reverses the damage and gives them more time because intimacy stabilises them so will their visits save them. What is the Requiem power within them and who can they trust to tell the truth and help them. Will science or fate have the answers for them.
While we follow them as they work out what to do next, attempt to escape from Brimstone and
get revenge on the board. I had my fingers crossed they would find a cure at her company and liked how Frank was determined to help them. Dillon was great and I loved how he got embarrassed with their desire for each other. It was fascinating finding out the history between two of them and what their parents actually did Even though their companies were the largest energy suppliers, it turns out they actually knew each other. Lucien finds out the truth about his childhood and Rook gets some shocking revelations about her parents, their obsession with mortality and how they had sacrificed lives just like Marcus. We learn what Marcus actually did that led to the two decades of pain and torture for Lucien.
There are so many secrets and lies to unravel. They have to face betrayal and corruption. The desperation, love, fear, pain, grief, regret and guilt they go through was heart breaking. The thought they may end back at Cinderkeep was frightening. They have been tormented by their powers all their lives will they finally get a reprieve. It got a bit confusing and otherworldly at the end for me but for true fantasy fans they will love it. An astonishing ending to an amazing series.
June 30, 2026
Fate never stood a chance.
What a way to end a trilogy.
Pepper Winters has a gift for writing stories that are equal parts brutal and beautiful, and this finale delivered everything I'd been hoping for. The stakes couldn't have been higher, and every page felt like it mattered.
Rook's journey from simply trying to survive to fighting for something far greater was incredibly satisfying to watch. And Lucien? His determination to wage war against fate itself was everything I'd come to expect from him.
The bond between these two has always been the heart of this series, but in this final installment it becomes something even more powerful. Every sacrifice, every impossible choice, every victory felt earned.
The world continued to expand with elemental magic, soul bonds, ascension, and immortality woven seamlessly into the story, but it never lost sight of what mattered most—the relationship at its center.
And can we take a moment to appreciate the animal sidekick? Because every epic fantasy deserves one.
Closing a trilogy is never easy, but Pepper Winters delivered an ending that felt worthy of the journey. Equal parts thrilling, emotional, and unforgettable.
This series reminded me why Pepper Winters continues to be one of my automatic-buy authors.
What a way to end a trilogy.
Pepper Winters has a gift for writing stories that are equal parts brutal and beautiful, and this finale delivered everything I'd been hoping for. The stakes couldn't have been higher, and every page felt like it mattered.
Rook's journey from simply trying to survive to fighting for something far greater was incredibly satisfying to watch. And Lucien? His determination to wage war against fate itself was everything I'd come to expect from him.
The bond between these two has always been the heart of this series, but in this final installment it becomes something even more powerful. Every sacrifice, every impossible choice, every victory felt earned.
The world continued to expand with elemental magic, soul bonds, ascension, and immortality woven seamlessly into the story, but it never lost sight of what mattered most—the relationship at its center.
And can we take a moment to appreciate the animal sidekick? Because every epic fantasy deserves one.
Closing a trilogy is never easy, but Pepper Winters delivered an ending that felt worthy of the journey. Equal parts thrilling, emotional, and unforgettable.
This series reminded me why Pepper Winters continues to be one of my automatic-buy authors.
June 29, 2026
If you need an incentive to read this book - or this trilogy if this is the first ime you stumble upon it, read this: I found myself, at 1am on a work night, bawling my eyes out.
There. Simple as that.
Mind you, it didn't matter how much I'd prepared myself, Pepper still hit me with so many feels I was physically and emotionally drained by the end of it.
Before the arc was in my hands, I'd gone through so many scenarios trying to guess how it all ended. Knowing Pepper, it could be anything, and it'd be emotional.
Lucien and Rook’s story is incredible, the connection Pepper somehow managed to put into words is truly otherworldly.
As per, there is a lot I can't say, so much I can't gush on without risking a spoiler.
You'll get answers and, in a way, you'll get even more questions, but you'll ultimately get closure, and so much more.
It's a story for the ages, written so beautifully you think you're reading about a myth, and I guess that's what a love like that feels like: a myth, a legend, something unachievable and intangible, soul-consuming and, ultimately, eternal.
Absolute honourable mention for Dillon and Whisper, for being the very best sidekicks. I love them more than words can express.
There. Simple as that.
Mind you, it didn't matter how much I'd prepared myself, Pepper still hit me with so many feels I was physically and emotionally drained by the end of it.
Before the arc was in my hands, I'd gone through so many scenarios trying to guess how it all ended. Knowing Pepper, it could be anything, and it'd be emotional.
Lucien and Rook’s story is incredible, the connection Pepper somehow managed to put into words is truly otherworldly.
As per, there is a lot I can't say, so much I can't gush on without risking a spoiler.
You'll get answers and, in a way, you'll get even more questions, but you'll ultimately get closure, and so much more.
It's a story for the ages, written so beautifully you think you're reading about a myth, and I guess that's what a love like that feels like: a myth, a legend, something unachievable and intangible, soul-consuming and, ultimately, eternal.
Absolute honourable mention for Dillon and Whisper, for being the very best sidekicks. I love them more than words can express.
June 29, 2026
A fitting finale to this brilliantly written fantasy romance trilogy. This third and final book picks up where we left book 2, so be prepared to be unprepared. Pepper has produced yet another emotionally charged romance with the added flare of fantasy.
Rook and Lucien are prepared to do whatever it takes to stay together, even at their own downfall. The continuing battle against Brimstone, their own failing health, build a consuming and at times harrowing story that I found all consuming. I have to do a big shout out to Dillon, who really stole my heart in this last book as he went above and beyond for these two (bring tissues).
This is a truly brilliant trilogy unlike any other, I cannot recommend it enough. Thank you Pepper for sharing these characters with us.
Rook and Lucien are prepared to do whatever it takes to stay together, even at their own downfall. The continuing battle against Brimstone, their own failing health, build a consuming and at times harrowing story that I found all consuming. I have to do a big shout out to Dillon, who really stole my heart in this last book as he went above and beyond for these two (bring tissues).
This is a truly brilliant trilogy unlike any other, I cannot recommend it enough. Thank you Pepper for sharing these characters with us.
June 29, 2026
Another amazing and completely addictive story from Pepper Winters!!
Where do I start ?? Everything and I mean everything about this book is incredible. What an addictive, magical, unforgettable and captivating series. Every time I say that about a Pepper Winters novel , she bypasses any and all expectations.
I’m so in love with Lucian, Rook, Whisper and even Dillion.
After being on an emotional roller coaster, my heart is at peace with the fate they received.
Overall, this series will leave you breathless and elated and completely happy!! I’m so glad I got to experience this trilogy and I guarantee you will feel the same way at the conclusion.
Where do I start ?? Everything and I mean everything about this book is incredible. What an addictive, magical, unforgettable and captivating series. Every time I say that about a Pepper Winters novel , she bypasses any and all expectations.
I’m so in love with Lucian, Rook, Whisper and even Dillion.
After being on an emotional roller coaster, my heart is at peace with the fate they received.
Overall, this series will leave you breathless and elated and completely happy!! I’m so glad I got to experience this trilogy and I guarantee you will feel the same way at the conclusion.
July 4, 2026
Once again, Pepper Winters proves why she is a master of high stakes, deeply emotional storytelling.
Forsaken Fate is a wild, utterly insane journey that completely defies logic, science, and time itself. At its heart is Rook and Lucien whose love story spans time and space, challenging the very fabric of fate. Their connection is so profound, so unwavering, that the only word that truly does it justice is magical.
Winters gives us a book that is equal parts mystical, heartbreaking, hopeful, and joyful. Just when you think you understand the boundaries of their world, she smashes them to pieces.
Tropes:
✨Fated Mates
✨Powerful Connections
✨High Stakes, Elemental Magic
✨The Burn is REAL
✨Intense Journey
A Fair Warning to Readers: Go into this one with a box of tissues nearby. The final 20% of this book completely, absolutely ruined me. I was bawling my eyes out, totally wrecked by the tidal wave of emotions. Honestly, I should have known better…I’ve read far too many books by this author to be surprised by her ability to emotionally devastate her readers right at the finish line, but she still caught me completely off guard.
An absolute must-read!
Forsaken Fate is a wild, utterly insane journey that completely defies logic, science, and time itself. At its heart is Rook and Lucien whose love story spans time and space, challenging the very fabric of fate. Their connection is so profound, so unwavering, that the only word that truly does it justice is magical.
Winters gives us a book that is equal parts mystical, heartbreaking, hopeful, and joyful. Just when you think you understand the boundaries of their world, she smashes them to pieces.
Tropes:
✨Fated Mates
✨Powerful Connections
✨High Stakes, Elemental Magic
✨The Burn is REAL
✨Intense Journey
A Fair Warning to Readers: Go into this one with a box of tissues nearby. The final 20% of this book completely, absolutely ruined me. I was bawling my eyes out, totally wrecked by the tidal wave of emotions. Honestly, I should have known better…I’ve read far too many books by this author to be surprised by her ability to emotionally devastate her readers right at the finish line, but she still caught me completely off guard.
An absolute must-read!
June 29, 2026
Where do I start? So much heartache in this instalment, but very reminiscent of love never dies. Answers all the questions you have been asking along the way. But it's not smooth sailing. I spent a lot of time thinking, no you can't, don't you dare. Really grabs you and sucks you in. What a lovely and tender ending starting from Whisper and Dillon. Perfectly wonderful. Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 29, 2026
Pepper Winters is masterful. This trilogy is some of the best writing out there. Fantasy wasn’t my thing, but this author has had me caught up this story. Rook & Lucien are my favorite characters this year. I was in tears after reading the second book… this one I sobbed. I am telling you read this trilogy. You are missing out if you haven’t read her books!
June 25, 2026
I may have had to put this book down so I didn’t cry in front of my male employees during break. This finale was amazing and I honestly couldn’t put it down. The emotional rollercoaster finally came to a stop at the end and I’m so glad that I was a part of the journey from the beginning. I don’t want to give away spoilers so I’ll just say my tears were of grief but they did turn into happy waterworks eventually. I love how the story concluded and yes it does finally have a happy ending for Rook and Lucien.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 29, 2026
This is the last story in this trilogy and what a great ending it was. This was a fabulous story.
June 30, 2026
Outstanding Conclusion
Wow what an emotional roller coaster of a ride the 3rd and final book was. Well done Pepper once again mind blown, love love love your books.
Wow what an emotional roller coaster of a ride the 3rd and final book was. Well done Pepper once again mind blown, love love love your books.
June 29, 2026
This whole series kept me captive from the start!
June 30, 2026
There’s no amount of stars to rate this series. It’s beyond fantastic! This whole series will have you on such a roller coaster ride you won’t know what hit you. This is the final book in the trilogy and wow! Just wow! This story will invoke every emotion in you. Pepper Winters is truly a master of her career. Her imagination and unique stories are some of the best I’ve ever read. You will never be disappointed in any of her books.
June 30, 2026
This is the last book and the grand finale of an unforgettable story.
Emotional, intense and action packed this installment surpassed all my expectations.
This author never disappoints with her unique highly inventive stories and this was no exception. Non stop adrenaline rush with a remarkable romance. The ending was not what I was expecting at all. Wow!
Emotional, intense and action packed this installment surpassed all my expectations.
This author never disappoints with her unique highly inventive stories and this was no exception. Non stop adrenaline rush with a remarkable romance. The ending was not what I was expecting at all. Wow!
June 30, 2026
This was an amazing series. I laughed. I cried. I felt like I was there , shout out to the author.. I am a huge fan and absolutely love your books. This one did not disappoint.
July 14, 2026
I genuinely don’t know how to put into words what this trilogy did to me. I’m honestly just shocked. Going into it, I thought this was going to be a little dark romance- nothing too special, just something entertaining to pass the time. My god, was I wrong.
This trilogy was everything. It was dark and completely fucked up. It was shocking, unpredictable, and full of twists I never saw coming. It was heartbreaking, hopeful, beautiful, and somehow unbelievably wholesome all at once. Every single book pulled me in deeper until I was completely consumed by this world and I never wanted it to end but gods did I ever want their happy ending
Lucien and Rook stole my entire heart. Their journey, everything they endured, everything they overcame…I don’t think I’ll ever forget them. And Whisper? Don’t even get me started. That panther had me wrapped around his paw from the very beginning. I fell in love with every part of this story- with the characters, the world, the relationships, and everything Pepper Winters created.
I can’t say much more without spoiling it, and trust me, this is one of those stories that deserves to be experienced completely blind. The emotional roller coaster this trilogy put me through was honestly insane. I was angry, heartbroken, hopeful, terrified, relieved, and completely overwhelmed. The ending absolutely broke me…and then somehow stitched me back together again. I was sobbing one minute and smiling through my tears the next.
If I could erase this trilogy from my memory just so I could experience it all over again for the first time, I would do it without hesitation.
What amazes me the most is the premise. I went into this expecting a story about a man trapped in a prison where women are sent to either kill him or become pregnant by him. I thought it would be dark, entertaining, and maybe a little addictive. I never expected it to become a story about love, survival, sacrifice, healing, family, and hope. It became so much more than I ever imagined.
If I could recommend one completed dark romance trilogy, it would be this one without a second thought. It completely exceeded every expectation I had, and I already know Lucien, Rook, and Whisper are characters I’ll be thinking about for a very long time. I wish I saw people talk more about this, it truly was amazing and I loved every second of it, it’s just one of those books I never wanted to end
This trilogy was everything. It was dark and completely fucked up. It was shocking, unpredictable, and full of twists I never saw coming. It was heartbreaking, hopeful, beautiful, and somehow unbelievably wholesome all at once. Every single book pulled me in deeper until I was completely consumed by this world and I never wanted it to end but gods did I ever want their happy ending
Lucien and Rook stole my entire heart. Their journey, everything they endured, everything they overcame…I don’t think I’ll ever forget them. And Whisper? Don’t even get me started. That panther had me wrapped around his paw from the very beginning. I fell in love with every part of this story- with the characters, the world, the relationships, and everything Pepper Winters created.
I can’t say much more without spoiling it, and trust me, this is one of those stories that deserves to be experienced completely blind. The emotional roller coaster this trilogy put me through was honestly insane. I was angry, heartbroken, hopeful, terrified, relieved, and completely overwhelmed. The ending absolutely broke me…and then somehow stitched me back together again. I was sobbing one minute and smiling through my tears the next.
If I could erase this trilogy from my memory just so I could experience it all over again for the first time, I would do it without hesitation.
What amazes me the most is the premise. I went into this expecting a story about a man trapped in a prison where women are sent to either kill him or become pregnant by him. I thought it would be dark, entertaining, and maybe a little addictive. I never expected it to become a story about love, survival, sacrifice, healing, family, and hope. It became so much more than I ever imagined.
If I could recommend one completed dark romance trilogy, it would be this one without a second thought. It completely exceeded every expectation I had, and I already know Lucien, Rook, and Whisper are characters I’ll be thinking about for a very long time. I wish I saw people talk more about this, it truly was amazing and I loved every second of it, it’s just one of those books I never wanted to end
July 2, 2026
So book 3 leaves off right where book 2 ends.
Now, since there is a book 3, we obviously know that the main characters had to have survived what happened in book 2. So we are still following the two main characters, Rook and Lucien.
And yet something happened with their powers. These two are fated mates. Connected that is in no way something that is mortal.
And they still have the biggest enemy of all to defeat, which is Lucien’s old handlers, the nightmare of Cinderkeep.
Reading this was like touch and go because I feel like at least one character was trying to die on us all the time. And I wasn’t sure what this author was going to do because she is known for bringing out some serious angst and tears out of readers.
“No matter what happened from here, I was free. I would never be hunted again. Never be trapped. Rook was mine and I was hers. And even death couldn’t break us apart.”
The ending was.. so emotionally perfect. It was everything I hoped for for these characters. It was a big hug. A welcome home.
I’ll go to bed tonight with happy tears in my eyes.
Now, since there is a book 3, we obviously know that the main characters had to have survived what happened in book 2. So we are still following the two main characters, Rook and Lucien.
And yet something happened with their powers. These two are fated mates. Connected that is in no way something that is mortal.
And they still have the biggest enemy of all to defeat, which is Lucien’s old handlers, the nightmare of Cinderkeep.
Reading this was like touch and go because I feel like at least one character was trying to die on us all the time. And I wasn’t sure what this author was going to do because she is known for bringing out some serious angst and tears out of readers.
“No matter what happened from here, I was free. I would never be hunted again. Never be trapped. Rook was mine and I was hers. And even death couldn’t break us apart.”
The ending was.. so emotionally perfect. It was everything I hoped for for these characters. It was a big hug. A welcome home.
I’ll go to bed tonight with happy tears in my eyes.
July 6, 2026
Thank You to The Next Step PR for having sent me a ARC copy of Forsaken Fate by Pepper Winters. I have loved this series since the beginning so I was super thrilled to get a copy of this! I was happy that I got to continue on with the story with Rook and Lucien and have a great ending to it as well. It definitely did not disappoint one bit! I highly recommend you all to read the Darkest Destiny Trilogy!
August 2, 2026
This took me a while to come to terms with. Definitely a me problem and I knew going in that I might wrestle with the fact that fantasy is not always my jam. I do think it took quite a different turn in this book from the set up in the first two books that seemed pretty consistent. I was here for the first two and immensely enjoyed them. This one wasn’t my favorite, though it was definitely thought provoking and I enjoyed the journey anyways. Forever a Whisper fan.
July 12, 2026
Wow what an ending. I wasn't ok through most of this, Pepper had my feelings everywhere. This series has so many exciting, sad, funny , and sexy times . It was so good!! I can't say it enough... read this series!! Pepper as always you're amazing!!
July 21, 2026
This is a wonderful conclusion to the trilogy. I love the magical world the author has created for Lucian and Rook. Their story is unique and kept me guessing. It’s very entertaining and not predictable at all. I loved these characters so much and was so happy for what happened in the ending.
July 23, 2026
Aw man this trilogy was so fun!! This book give me serious whiplash but what a beautiful book
July 7, 2026
Genuinely this is complete garbage but I did read the entire trilogy so jokes on me ✨
July 7, 2026
Lucien and Rook's have a journey to an emotional, action-packed finale filled with fate, sacrifice, soul bonds, and powerful magic. The fated-mates connection that simmered throughout the series takes center stage, making their relationship feel both epic and deeply personal.
What sets this trilogy apart is its originality. By the final book, the story has evolved far beyond dark romance into a rich fantasy world that blends science, mythology, and Chinese-inspired traditions in a truly unique way. With me being from Southeast Asia and a scientist myself, this made my world. The world-building is ambitious, immersive, and unlike anything else I've read. Here we find out their origins and who we can trust.
While Darkest Destiny was a slow burn and Burning Blood brought the steam and emotion, Forsaken Fate delivers a satisfying payoff to both the romance and the larger fantasy storyline. My only frustration was that there were a few moments when Lucien and Rook were severely injured, weakened, and completely exhausted, yet despite how brilliant both characters are, they seemed slow to realize how much intimacy and connection could help them recover and strengthen their bond. It occasionally felt like the plot delayed what the characters should have figured out much sooner.
That said, I knew this book would be emotional, but what truly brought tears to my eyes was Dillon and Whisper. Their storyline added an unexpected layer of heartbreak and tenderness that stayed with me long after I finished the book. In many ways, their journey affected me just as much as Lucien and Rook's.
Despite a few frustrating moments, Forsaken Fate is emotional, imaginative, and a powerful ending to one of the most unique romantasy trilogies I've read.
What sets this trilogy apart is its originality. By the final book, the story has evolved far beyond dark romance into a rich fantasy world that blends science, mythology, and Chinese-inspired traditions in a truly unique way. With me being from Southeast Asia and a scientist myself, this made my world. The world-building is ambitious, immersive, and unlike anything else I've read. Here we find out their origins and who we can trust.
While Darkest Destiny was a slow burn and Burning Blood brought the steam and emotion, Forsaken Fate delivers a satisfying payoff to both the romance and the larger fantasy storyline. My only frustration was that there were a few moments when Lucien and Rook were severely injured, weakened, and completely exhausted, yet despite how brilliant both characters are, they seemed slow to realize how much intimacy and connection could help them recover and strengthen their bond. It occasionally felt like the plot delayed what the characters should have figured out much sooner.
That said, I knew this book would be emotional, but what truly brought tears to my eyes was Dillon and Whisper. Their storyline added an unexpected layer of heartbreak and tenderness that stayed with me long after I finished the book. In many ways, their journey affected me just as much as Lucien and Rook's.
Despite a few frustrating moments, Forsaken Fate is emotional, imaginative, and a powerful ending to one of the most unique romantasy trilogies I've read.
June 29, 2026
Forsaken Fate is the third and final book in the Darkest Destiny trilogy, and once again, I'm convinced this series deserves a big-screen adaptation. Not only is the storyline absolutely incredible, but the vivid imagery it creates is impossible to ignore. The scenes played out so clearly in my mind while reading that I could easily imagine them brought to life on screen. The visual effects alone would be breathtaking. I would definitely have my tissues at the ready because there is no doubt I would need them all over again.
I have loved every moment of the mystery and suspense woven throughout this trilogy. Lucien and Rook's journey exceeded all of my expectations. The constant anticipation of what might happen next was exciting, and predicting the direction of the story felt impossible. Once again, Pepper Winters has crafted a clever, captivating narrative filled with unexpected twists and turns that kept me completely hooked from beginning to end. This is undoubtedly another five-star read and one of my top favourites of 2026.
The character development across the trilogy has been exceptional. Watching Rook and Lucien discover who they are as individuals, as well as what they mean to each other, made this story impossible to put down. Their connection was unlike anything I could have imagined before starting Darkest Destiny. The supporting cast was equally well-developed, adding depth and richness to an already remarkable story.
Without hesitation, I highly recommend this trilogy. I'm confident that once you experience Rook and Lucien's journey for yourself, it will become one of your favourite series too.
5 stars
I have loved every moment of the mystery and suspense woven throughout this trilogy. Lucien and Rook's journey exceeded all of my expectations. The constant anticipation of what might happen next was exciting, and predicting the direction of the story felt impossible. Once again, Pepper Winters has crafted a clever, captivating narrative filled with unexpected twists and turns that kept me completely hooked from beginning to end. This is undoubtedly another five-star read and one of my top favourites of 2026.
The character development across the trilogy has been exceptional. Watching Rook and Lucien discover who they are as individuals, as well as what they mean to each other, made this story impossible to put down. Their connection was unlike anything I could have imagined before starting Darkest Destiny. The supporting cast was equally well-developed, adding depth and richness to an already remarkable story.
Without hesitation, I highly recommend this trilogy. I'm confident that once you experience Rook and Lucien's journey for yourself, it will become one of your favourite series too.
5 stars
July 13, 2026
Without a doubt, everything inside me just got rewritten. I'm not the same woman, reader, person as I was before I started the final part in Rook & Lucien's cosmic love story, because "cosmic" is the only apt word to describe them.
The story repeats itself, so many years later. Once again, Pepper made me cry my fucking eyes out and break out in hysterics while reading the final 30%. I still can warp my brain, as well as my entire existence, around what I experienced. I can only think of it as an existential crisis and a complete format of myself.
Really, there are not many words that I can use and many things that I can say, without both breaking down in tears (both happy & sad) again and dropping some heavy spoilers. Pepper honestly outdid herself with this trilogy. I have no idea how she came up with everything, but I will forever be grateful to her for writing it, since I firmly believe that she's the only one who could. Every little detail, every character, every dialogue broke me in the best way. Whisper, Dillon, Rook, Lucien, and so many others will forever live inside my soul. This is not a story and a trilogy that you forget easily - if ever.
The way this woman's brain works and the stories she writes will always blow my own brain. Every single one of them, beyond the masterpieces that they are, is life-changing, making you re-think everything and discover parts of yourself you never knew you had. Time and time again, her stories have changed me on an elemental level, and that's why she is and will remain my top favorite author.
The story repeats itself, so many years later. Once again, Pepper made me cry my fucking eyes out and break out in hysterics while reading the final 30%. I still can warp my brain, as well as my entire existence, around what I experienced. I can only think of it as an existential crisis and a complete format of myself.
Really, there are not many words that I can use and many things that I can say, without both breaking down in tears (both happy & sad) again and dropping some heavy spoilers. Pepper honestly outdid herself with this trilogy. I have no idea how she came up with everything, but I will forever be grateful to her for writing it, since I firmly believe that she's the only one who could. Every little detail, every character, every dialogue broke me in the best way. Whisper, Dillon, Rook, Lucien, and so many others will forever live inside my soul. This is not a story and a trilogy that you forget easily - if ever.
The way this woman's brain works and the stories she writes will always blow my own brain. Every single one of them, beyond the masterpieces that they are, is life-changing, making you re-think everything and discover parts of yourself you never knew you had. Time and time again, her stories have changed me on an elemental level, and that's why she is and will remain my top favorite author.
July 18, 2026
I really wanted to like this series so badly, I'm a big fan of Pepper Winters, but I just could not. I stuck to the very end to give it a try, hoping it might convince me to somehow give it a higher rating but alas that did not happen.
I just could not buy into this fantasy world building, the characters didn't have much depth and their chemistry did not convince me. There was a fixation of having sex to be able to heal themselves, which just led them to be hyper sexual. As much as yin and yang they were, I don't know why the characters fell in love without me just assuming it was science that brought them to be together.
The initial plot of the first book gave me hope into thinking this book was going to be as dark as her previous series (I was imagining some dark the Bachelor-esque kind of trope) and while I did like some things she did it did not meet the bar she herself has set for me.
Not much happened in this last installment either, with Lucien and Rook just discovering that they gain and gather energy from each other by having sex, but their power is also killing their bodies. They then try to find a way not to die.
I just could not buy into this fantasy world building, the characters didn't have much depth and their chemistry did not convince me. There was a fixation of having sex to be able to heal themselves, which just led them to be hyper sexual. As much as yin and yang they were, I don't know why the characters fell in love without me just assuming it was science that brought them to be together.
The initial plot of the first book gave me hope into thinking this book was going to be as dark as her previous series (I was imagining some dark the Bachelor-esque kind of trope) and while I did like some things she did it did not meet the bar she herself has set for me.
Not much happened in this last installment either, with Lucien and Rook just discovering that they gain and gather energy from each other by having sex, but their power is also killing their bodies. They then try to find a way not to die.
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