Destined for Power

Women of Power #4

by Kathleen Brooks

Mallory Westin was born into power. But when her family’s quest for more power caused her a broken heart, she turned her back on the only life she ever knew. Now a successful owner of a security firm, she’s determined to forge her own path. But sometimes one’s past isn’t so easy to leave behind. Mallory has to take control of the power she was destined for after discovering her politician father is involved in an assassination plot. Things only get worse as the one man she's always loved becomes a target as well.

Reid Simpson had loved Mallory since they were teenagers. Then one night changed everything as she suddenly broke his heart. For years, he escaped the pain as he built his resort and casino empire. He pushed her from his mind, if not his heart. As Reid encounters increasing danger, he finds that Mallory is the one by his side trying to protect him.

Can Reid and Mallory work together to uncover the assassination plot while avoiding the pain of the past? Or will they discover that love has a way of conquering all?

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Romantic Suspense, Suspense, Contemporary Romance, Chick Lit

272 pages, Paperback

First published March 31, 2015

About the author

Kathleen Brooks is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author. Kathleen's stories are romantic suspense featuring strong female heroines, humor, and happily-ever-afters. Her Bluegrass, Bluegrass Brothers®, Forever Bluegrass®, and Shadows Landing Series feature small-town charm with quirky characters while her Women of Power Series shows that behind every sexy billionaire is a man strong enough to love her! Then hang onto your seat for the wild and mysterious ride in the thrilling Web of Lies Series and a little magic in the Moonshine Hollow Series.

Kathleen is from Kentucky, where she graduated from Centre College and then later received her J.D. from the University of Kentucky College of Law. Kathleen still resides in Kentucky with her family and houseful of animals.


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Book Order:
(Bluegrass Series-complete series)
Bluegrass State of Mind
Risky Shot
Dead Heat

(Bluegrass Brothers Series®-complete series)
Bluegrass Undercover
Rising Storm
Secret Santa, A Bluegrass Series Novella
Acquiring Trouble
Relentless Pursuit
Secrets Collide
Final Vow
All Hung Up, Novella
Bluegrass Dawn, Novella
The Perfect Gift, Novella
The Keeneston Roses

(Forever Bluegrass Series®-complete series)
Forever Entangled
Forever Hidden
Forever Betrayed
Forever Driven
Forever Secret
Forever Surprised, Novella
Forever Concealed
Forever Devoted
Forever Hunted
Forever Guarded
Forever Notorious
Forever Ventured
Forever Freed
Forever Saved
Forever Bold
Forever Thrown
Forever Lies
Forever Protected
Forever Paired
Forever Connected
Forever Covert
Forever Burning
Forever Lasting
Forever Country
Forever Remembered

(Bluegrass Fire Series-ongoing)
Spark

(Shadows Landing-complete series)
Saving Shadows
Sunken Shadows
Lasting Shadows
Fierce Shadows
Broken Shadows
Framed Shadows
Endless Shadows
Fading Shadows
Damaged Shadows
Escaping Shadows

(Shadows Landing: The Townsends- ongoing series)
Face-Off
Targeted
Rescued
Heated
Escaped
Fractured
Claimed

(Paige Turner Bookworm Series- complete)
Adventures of a Bookworm
Misadventures of a Bookworm
The Adventurous Bookworm

(Moonshine Hollow- complete series)
Moonshine and Murder
Moonshine and Malice
Moonshine and Mayhem
Moonshine and Mischief
Moonshine and Menace
Moonshine and Masquarades

(Web of Lies- complete)
Whispered Lies
Rogue Lies
Shattered Lies

(Women of Powe-complete)
Chosen for Power
Built for Power
Fashioned for Power
Destined for Power

Reviews

[Tracy T. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Series! Great Story! Great Narration! (audible whispersync review)

I really enjoyed this entire series. Book one started out a bit iffy but I am glad I kept with it because every story got better and better. I loved Mallory, I always liked her in every book and just knew hers would be so good. And it was. Mallory was beautiful, smart, strong, and a bad a$$! Loved her. And Reid, was great too. Handsome, strong, smart, rich and so in love with Mallory. They had some great chemistry together and a couple of hot and steamy nicely written sex scenes.

Loved the story line and plot. Assassination attempts, undercover CIA and romance. What's not to love!. The story flowed so well and was easy to follow along. There is a lot of dialogue through out the entire book. It was great.

This last book really was a great ending to a great series. it wrapped up the series perfectly. Well done Kathleen Brooks!

As for the narration. Amy McFadden gets better and better. The men sound like men, everyone gets their own distinct voice, she has a great reading voice and she reads with emotion as called for, whispering, yelling etc..

I totally recommend this series.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars

This was a fantastic ending to this series I loved the tie in with the Bluegrass series. This was Mallory and Reid's story (I have been waiting for this story since I read Chosen for Power) and I wasn't disappointed, I loved that some mystery was left about his contempt for her that had been made clear in the first 3 books of the series because when you find out what happened you'll realise it wasn't contempt but a broken heart. I also loved the change in roles when the woman was protecting the man and i really liked that through this series as noted in the series name that it is about women with power not all about the alpha male that is so popular today. While I like the alpha male most authors put them with a "strong" female (don't get me wrong I love those books too) but this series has alpha males with strong females that do stand up for themselves and their strength shines through. So while I am sad to see this series end I am really looking forward to the new Bluegrass Legacy series which will apparently be released towards the end of the year, yay!! On to recommendations I would definitely recommend this book as it was fabulous with strong characters and some very funny moments (keep you eye out for Shirley) I would suggest that you start at the beginning of this series and read the books in order if you haven't read them before because you will miss out on a lot of background to this story and if you don't you will be missing out on 3 fantastic books. Also you may want to read the 2 Bluegrass series's she wrote before this series because in this book you see a tie in with that series.

[Janet Faes · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book more but it could be that it isn’t Insta-love or it could be Ahmed. The mystery was good. Mallory survived a lot in this book, I feel bad for her.

[Trish R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great ending to a wonderful series..

WOW! This 4th book was exciting from the very beginning: spying, murder, attempted murder, a plane crash, plots for an assassination, a car chase, without any brakes, the FBI and the CIA, a lot of love and a little bit of sex. What more could you ask for?

I knew I’d like Mallory and Reid’s story the best, but I really did enjoy ever book in this series.

I didn’t like Mallory’s father or Ambrose or Liam or Black and Jonak. They were all great bad guys, vicious, evil killers or just plain old jerks.

I enjoyed this series. Everyone got their own HEA, including Shirley, who was my favorite character, and Reid’s mother, Margaret.

As usual, no sexual tension but nice sex scenes.

Ms. McFadden did an awesome job narrating.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really love this series. So wonderfully written. Such beautiful stories reflecting the strength and compassion of women.

[Addison · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - I LOVE THIS AUTHOR!!
Destined for Power is a second-chance romance wrapped in political intrigue and heart-pounding danger. Mallory Westin has spent years carving her own path, far from the power-hungry world she was raised in. But when she uncovers an assassination plot linked to her politician father, she’s forced back into a world she wanted to leave behind. Even more complicated? The man she never stopped loving, Reid Simpson, is now a target.
Mallory is a fierce heroine with a sharp mind and a protective streak a mile wide. Reid, a casino mogul with a broken heart, has never truly moved on from her. Their reunion is filled with tension, longing, and sizzling chemistry, making every interaction pulse with emotion.
The political conspiracy is well-woven into the romance, keeping the stakes sky-high. Brooks does a fantastic job balancing the emotional weight of Mallory and Reid’s past with the life-or-death urgency of the present. Some of the political maneuvering gets a bit complex, but the romance keeps everything grounded.
Fast-paced, passionate, and full of twists, Destined for Power is a gripping read that delivers both heart and suspense in equal measure.

[Meghan · Rating 4 out of 5]

So many questions and details answered! Mallory and Reid have had tension and chemistry the whole series and now we know why they don’t get along and what secrets Mallory had with Ahmed and others. The danger is multi faceted with several countries and characters. Family dynamics were at play and Shirley took the cake! Margaret also got a surprise HEA and we got to see the two escort/doctors again in a serious but very entertaining way. Mallory and Reid are great together and it was great seeing how they came to know the new versions of themselves and how they stood up for them as a couple to both families. Shirley and Margaret going off on Mallory’s parent was classic and quite fitting for this story and series.

[Victoria Sturlini · Rating 5 out of 5]

ŚOOOO GOOOD!!!!😊

I absolutely loved this book! It was so good! Reid and Mallory's story was perfect. I thoroughly enjoyed every word. And... Shirley... what a loveable character she is!!! I am thrilled at the way everything came together for her and Margaret and all of the families. The action and suspense was riveting! The romance between Reid and Mallory was so beautiful and swoony! This was a thoroughly wonderfully written book! I learned to love every character as if they were real people throughout the four book series and will miss them but I am so glad that Kathleen gave them such a lovely, heartwarming, and touching ending!!!!!!!!!

[Amanda Gilmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overall Amanda score: A
Mallory was raised to be the proper little rich girl from day one. Her Father saw fit to try and force her into a marriage to help their financial gain as well as more power. But she has always been in love with her best friends older brother. They finally sneak away and have a summer romance before he leaves for college, and as luck would have it her father finds them in a very compromised situation. Her father then threatens not only Reid, but his entire family. Apparently he has the means and audacity to try. So Mallory leaves and escapes her family. Goes to work for the government and trains with Ahmed!! I love that he found his place in another Kathleen book! Ahmed has been my favorite character for a while now.
Reid has nothing but hatred for Mallory because he has no clue why she left that day and ran away. He saw it as "Mallory could have stood up to her Father." But working on a mission together they finally come to terms with the past, catch a few bad people, find out the guy daddy picked was actually the mastermind trying to kill her father.... etc. Her father and mother come to except Reid as their daughters choice... This book was full of flowers (with thorns) and rainbows. I truly enjoyed this series.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerful

Mallory and Reid's story certainly answered all of the questions threaded through the other stories. I loved it. I laughed out loud and even cried. Rarely does a book get that type of reaction from me! Great book!

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exalant

What a read I was gripped from the beginning in glad Mallory and Reid finally got together they sure waited long enough, it's filled with lots of action and a treat for that naughty Shirley she's soo funny

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

My new favorite author

I read this in one sitting. Amazing story, amazing characters, amazing twists and turns. Family drama, political intrigue, back stabbing, loyalty problems. Just an amazing story and excellent read.

[JoAnn Schaltenbrand · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great reading

Great reading about Reid and Mallory. Her father tore them apart and threatened his family. Mallory then started working for the CIA and Reid went on to own hotels and casinos. They then find them working together to find out about an assination.

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 - 3.5 Stars

Destined for Power is the fourth book in the Women of Power Series by Kathleen Brooks which combines strong, independent women with romance and a dash of adventure…
Happy reading! 📚✨

[Becky Kleibrink · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book

I just can’t get enough of these wonderful stories. The characters are the best. So much humor in addition to the great action.

[Ronald Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good reading

This is the fourth book I've read of hers as the others, it's lots of fun to read. I like the way she explain the characters.

[Melissa’s Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect story for Reid and Mallory, perfect ending to a great series and Shirley is a hoot!

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kathleen writes in a way that you lose yourself in the book. I loved how this book comes full circle with pieces of Bluegrass.....but it can be read on its own....but who would do that?

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love!!

Love reading all of these books! Love this series and all of her others as well!!!!! I would give it more stars if I could!

[Glenda Bettin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Waited for their story and it was worth it

[Virginia · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Between My BookEndz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read all of Kathleen Brooks’ books, so I am definitely a fan. I dove into her "Women of Power" series and have inhaled every book at least twice. The finale for this series, Destined for Power, is a fitting finale for the series! We had been teased long enough regarding Reid and Mallory’s past relationship with one another; it was obvious the two had deep feelings for one another previously. What could have happened? Well, Ms. Brooks rewards us the answer in an intense, well-written conclusion to the series which may be my favorite of the series!

Mallory was depicted in the prior 3 books as a combination Wonder Women/Terminator-in-pearls. We knew she was from old society, but her family scars appeared fresh. Reid was from the "wrong side of the tracks, but this charismatic brother of the Simpson girls became a successful hotelier whose smiles and supermodel girlfriends hide deep currents of sadness and loneliness. The author brings all of those secrets, and the emotions involved with them, to the surface so we finally learn about the split between Mallory and Reid and how it involved Mallory’s family. Add in some villains and international intrigue and you get a deeply satisfying read.

Another reason to love this book *spoiler alert* - Shirley gets her groove on! Let me tell you, the old gal "ain’t just talk." Go Shirley! I was so happy for her I did not even mind the visual....LOL! And Margaret Simpson also gets her HEA! I just loved this series, and cannot await Ms. Brooks’ next book.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

In her great style, Kathleen Brooks has ended this series with a grand slam. I give this a book 5+ stars.
She gave us the romance and high drama with her Handsome and hunky Reid Simpson and Sexy siren Mallory Westin, who can kick ass and take names when the dust settles. A story that has been told through the first three books. We get the full story of their animosity and the power of lust and love that pulled them together and pulled them apart, when ever they were in the same room. We find out what just why Mallory and Reid will come together in the highest drama of them all.. A book not to be missed.

In this book we also get more of the Simpson family and the ever present Shirley, who is the sexy senior citizen, who terrorizes all the young sexy men with her wit and wisecracks, who pinches their butts and makes them nervous when ever she is in the room. But at the heart she is the protector of the family along with Margaret, the Matriarch of the Simpson family. We also visit with many of friends from Keenston, KY in the form of the Royals and Ahmed.

I will miss these characters, but I know she will bring us back to the Woman of Power series, just as she brought us back to her Bluegrass series.. Well done Ms Brooks, well done.

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

it's a small world, Mallory is the colleague of Ahmed, or let's say Ahmed is the mentor of Mallory when she worked for CIA.

LOL, this is the last book also my favor, maybe it is related to bluegrass series characters. Mo and Dani, let me rethink about Cy, also the CIA.

it is a lovely one, Reid and Mallory was in love since she was 16, of course, i wil think if there were together in that moment, they may apart now. After 16 years, both of them became more mature, good mind to deal with everything.

Mallory is CIA, wow, it is unexpected lead. Reid, be the man of Simpson, he did well to protect her family that's he not around in US, to let Mallory be with his family.

Shirley, she is protective when things happened related to family of Simpson, she is nice, make the story in live. If we have the best supporting role in the story, i will nominate Shirley in this series.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh Yeah....WOW!!! This book grabbed you from the beginning and never let go. You knew from the other books in the series that there was chemistry between Reid and Mallory but you never knew the back story until now. My heart ached for them with what her father did to them. But it leaped for joy when they were able to overcome it. I absolutely LOVE Shirley and Margaret. You never know what is going to come out of her mouth but when Margaret stood up to Mallory's parents and told them what it is I was cheering out loud. I am so sorry to see this series end but I am hoping we get something down the road with babies for Margaret especially since you cannot leave us hanging with her and Troy getting married. I have never read a book of Kathleen's that I have been disappointed in. I am anxiously waiting for the next new series.

[Donna Porter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the fourth book in the Women of Power series. Mallory Westin loved Reid Simpson from the time she was sixteen. Her best friend, Reid's sister didn't even know. On her eighteenth birthday her and Reed got together in bed. While there her father walked in and told him to get out and leave Mallory alone. She wanted to go with Reid but her father whispered to her he would destroy him and his family if she did. For sixteen years she has worked for the government in security and had become one of their top agents. Reid had built a series of casino/hotels around the world. It was at one of these while on a mission they met again. This was a great book as all Kathleen's are and this one will not leave you disappointed. It has a lot of suspense in it and it will hold your interest throughout. A very good read

[Neena Christianson Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Last of the Simpson's

I loved and hated this book all at the same time. I adore every book about the women of the Simpson family, but hate that this was the last one. Mallory Westin, grew up as part of the Simpson family, but had to turn her back on some of them because of her controlling father. Now, almost 17 years later, she is thrust back into the life and arms of the only man she ever loved, Reid Simpson. Her past as a party girl was all a cover, and she has to hope that the people she holds dearest will accept her, all while trying to stop an assassination attempt on her own father. This book has more twists and turns than a rollercoaster, and is a very good book. Two thumbs up again for Kathleen Brooks!

[Brenda Pickens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Love This Series

This book has it all...Romance, Suspense and Comedy. Kathleen Brooks knows how to tell a story. We have followed Reid and Mallory through The Women of Power series. We never knew what the love hate relationship was all about until they got their own book. We also find out what happened to her relationship with her own father and mother. But more importantly the love that Reid's family had for Mallory and how deep the love for the Simpson family was for Mallory. How much Mallory gave up and sacrificed for her love of all the Simpsons.

We can't forget our Senior Cougar, Shirley who has you laughing throughout the book. This definitely a must read book.

[Helen Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally finding happiness

Reid and Mallory have kept a distance between them for eighteen years without ever giving a reason why.

Finally when Reid's life is in jeopardy all the secrets come out. Mallory is finally able to let everything go and tell Reid what happened all those years before. Once Reid learns the truth there is no question as to whether he still loves Mallory.

Shirley is up to her usual antics along with a surprise. Margaret surprises her children with news of her own.

Characters from the Bluegrass Series also make appearances. If you haven't read the Bluegrass Series give it a read. Terrific stories and very entertaining!

[Carmen Alicea · Rating 5 out of 5]

True love

Reid didn't deserve to be treated poorly by Mallory's family. They crushed his love and made him believe that she didn't want him.

Mallory did everything she could to protect the people she loves. She will do anything to keep them safe. She's sacrificed everything she loves.

She's beautiful and a badass. She's a hero and she's does it all undercover. I love are devotion to help those in need. She's a wonderful lady.

They are perfect for each other and this story teaches us how much you are willing to do for the people you love. This is a beautiful love story and a wonderful series.