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Destined

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This is a standalone BWWM love story

Tessa DeCarlo is a career woman, and a devoted wife. Her work life is good-fulfilling, even. However, she can't say the same about her marriage. But Tessa loves her husband, and she is determined to make their union work. She overlooks their lackluster sex life, as well as his disinterest in doing 'couple stuff'. It's what she signed on for, after all. For better or worse, right? But, when Tessa is hit with the ultimate betrayal just days before her class reunion, maintaining loyalty inside of a failing marriage is the last thing on her mind.

Despite what she has gone through, and rather than wallow in self-pity, Tessa decides to attend the event. She has no idea what to expect from the evening, its sole purpose is meant to serve as a getaway. But, when she encounters August, a former college classmate, sparks fly. But not for long . . . There will be twists, turns, and added cast members to bring this story to life. Will Tessa return to her marriage and try to make it work? Will she decide on a road untraveled? Or, will she choose to be alone?

196 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 26, 2015

37 people are currently reading
122 people want to read

About the author

Perri Forrest

42 books176 followers
I had up my previous bio for years! It was nice and all, and gave details of my life. But it was so structured! And I’m kinda not. Because of that, I’ve decided to change it to something that really gives you a glimpse into who I am. Is that cool? K, good. So, here goes:

I’m a Bay Area girl. Cali is in my blood! I moved to Vegas in 2017 (No, I wasn’t following the Raiders!) to see how another way of life would be, after my only kid . . . the love of my life . . . decided he was joining the Marines. Can you believe that?! Sigh. Wait, deep sigh! I know some parents await the day for their kids to leave, not this Mama. That was my ace, my bestie in male form. I had to hit the reset button. But here I am. He’s thriving. I’m ‘trying’ to thrive. Lol! No, but really. This relocation was good because I’ve never lived away from home. So, I needed to grow, cultivate a little. It’s working for now.

I consider myself a novelist. And that’s because a novelist doesn’t just write in one genre. For the most part, I write #InterracialRomance, with a primary focus on #BWWM, as my leads. However, I have written a few novels that fell comfortably in the #AfricanAmericanFiction realm, showcasing some #BlackLove. In short, I love building stories. I like to say that I “spin #Sexy and #Suspense into a single web.” The two dynamics have to co-exist in my stories, or I’m bored. And you know if the author is bored with their own work, there’s a problem! Trust me, I’ve done plenty of rewrites when that’s happened.

On my literary journey, I just hope to always write the stories that women find relatable. Characters who are strong, but vulnerable when they need to be. Family-focused, and intelligent. Basically, mirror images of myself. Ironically, writing these characters, have helped me discover things about myself along the way. I think that’s why I write as often as I do. It’s almost like peeling back layers of me as I go. And to stop that process, kind of hits the pause button on me . . . my life . . . my existence. I have to be a moving machine at all times. Does that get stressful? Absolutely. But is it rewarding and are there many teachable moments? Absolutely!

Ever need me, reach out. Ever got questions, I’m never too busy to respond.

Peace & Blessings!
Perri

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5 stars
96 (42%)
4 stars
70 (30%)
3 stars
44 (19%)
2 stars
14 (6%)
1 star
2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
Profile Image for Mspraise50.
1,597 reviews66 followers
April 1, 2015
My introduction to Perri Forrest was through her story called Captivated. Through Perri and that story I was introduced to a genre called Women’s Fiction which I had never read before. That was a great introduction to reading about women’s lives and how they handled various circumstances they found themselves in.

Destined is about Tessa DeCarlo she is a career woman, and a devoted wife. Tessa is a strong woman and I love how the author wrote her character. Tessa experiences betrayal in her life and the way she handles that betrayal, is my favourite scene in the book.

The way Tessa deals with this duplicity is exactly how I would handle it, especially as it happens on her home turf!! I want to give full marks to the author for being brave enough to write a story of a woman who fights back and puts herself first, instead of beating herself up and falling apart. Tessa realises her own worth and goes after what she wants!

I really enjoyed Tessa’s story and I would highly recommend this book!
Profile Image for Jessi .
177 reviews58 followers
May 19, 2015
This was my first time reading this author. I enjoyed her book. I got hooked on the story line right away and it kept me hooked for the rest of the book. Her style of writing is different from other authors that I have read, but I really enjoyed it.

Tessa's character was easy to relate to and to sympathize with. Her jerk of an ex really need more that he got. What a piece of work. The love story aspect was nice and sweet, and while rushed just a tad bit to fit into the story, was not rushed to the point where it was not believable.

I would highly recommend this book to everyone! :)

ARC received in exchange for an honest review
Profile Image for Musings of A Romance Junkie.
311 reviews92 followers
March 27, 2015
I find myself gravitating more and more toward romantic narratives that involve women empowering themselves to be less dependent on a man for their happiness and instead putting themselves first. Finding a good man is simply the icing on the cake. Perri Forrest has given us this kind of story. While the heart of the Destined is a “romance”, the root of the story is sistas are doing it for themselves.

Tessa is educated, successful, and beautiful-inside and out. Her only weakness is her unconditional loyalty to her sorry sack of a husband Charles, who like many partners in a marriage, just don’t need to be married. She ignores all the warning signs, but is determined to make the marriage work for good or bad. I was like girl bye, you need to let that fool go…

All the while dealing with dickheads at work as well as the dickhead at home, Tessa is helping to plan her college reunion. All of this could easily wear down the average woman, but Tessa is too blessed to be stressed, and sees this as an opportunity to reconnect with her husband. We soon discover that even the strongest woman has her breaking point then ALL HELL BREAKS LOOSE! What immediately follows is one of the most heart-breaking, yet most hilarious scenes in the entire book.

Undeterred by disappointment and heartbreak, Tessa pushes forward with her reunion plans which lead to some very surprising and unexpected results. She runs into a former classmate named August, and let’s just say, things started off quickly and promising until her loose ends conspire to make her life difficult.

I truly enjoyed this story because Tessa did not depend on a man to shape who she is or define her happiness. He was simply a bonus. Destined is the perfect blend of romance, drama, hilarity, and self-discovery written in such a way that you're not just reading, you feel as if you're actually there in the moment watching it all go down. One-click today!

***Read via Kindle Unlimited***
Profile Image for Crystal Moody.
269 reviews5 followers
Read
March 31, 2015
What I like about Perri Forrest is her ability to combine steamy romance with comedy. Tessa, the heroine, was such a comedian. She reminded me of a friend you'd like to have. She reminded me of me a little. August, our hero, was such a great guy. He's the alpha you'd like to come home to. Supporting, sexy, suave and fine (Tessa's words). This story is a good story and if you need something funny and hot, Desired is for you. I'm so happy to have read it and enjoyed it.
Profile Image for Akia.
120 reviews
March 31, 2015
One man's trash is another man's treasure

I've been on a romance kick lately when it comes to the books I've been reading lately, and I'm glad I added this one to the list. This was a good read. The characters were fully developed, the plot was intriguing, and brought you into the story. I loved Tessa's character and was very proud of the way she handled herself and tough situations throughout the book, and was very much rooting for her. Of course I loved August, he had a very irresistible charm, that you couldn't help but love about his character. He was also genuine and honest, which I also loved. Hated Charles, he was arrogant and no good. All in all this is a story that I think others will enjoy as much as I did. Good job!
Profile Image for Layeshia.
379 reviews
August 4, 2015
Love always wins

I'm going to start off with saying this book is highly recommended. Tessa and August's love journey. I have to admit this dang story had me talking to myself and shaking my head. Tessa's husband Charles is a SOB of the highest order. However August Summers he's a standup man in every way. He missed his opportunity to get together with Tessa 10 years ago when they were in college but he did not make that mistake again once they got together for their 10 year class reunion. He was a man on a mission mission to get his Teesa once and for all. This was a lovely story. 5 stars for sure!
Profile Image for --karen Green-berry.
558 reviews14 followers
April 23, 2015
Sizzling- BRAB ONLINE BOOK CLUB

I really enjoyed this story. Tessa DeCarlo was devastated when she came home early and found her husband cheating on her. She took matters into her own hands and showed she was not to be trifled with.

At her high school reunion she met a former classmate August Summers who rocked her world. I love the romance between her and August( it was beautiful), and I loved how she stood up for herself when she was cheated on. A very enjoyable read.
Profile Image for S.E. Felida.
Author 8 books221 followers
April 4, 2015
Loved Tessa! She did what most women could only dream of doing while finding themselves in such a situation, and the best part of it was that she got away with it ;) I won’t tell you what it was though, you have to read that for yourself ‘cause I don’t want to give away any spoilers…Charles on the other hand, ulgh! I’ve never detested a fictional man as much as I despised him! I mean what kind of guy would act the way he did, knowing fully well that he himself was a total son of a gun? Ms. Forrest you had me wanting to jump into my kindle and strangle him to death, one more than one occasion. Luckily August was nothing like him, the way that that man handled Tessa, and let her continue to be herself without expecting her to change her ways for him goes to show that he is one of the good ones! He was such a sweetheart, you could tell by the way he handled Bella that he was a good man. Too bad her mother was such a flaker, but Tessa will make up for that, and then some…Great read!

Profile Image for Erin Tanner.
Author 11 books171 followers
April 12, 2015
I really enjoyed reading this novel. Tessa is a strong, independent woman who takes no mess and refuses to let a trifling man hold her down. The author did an excellent job fleshing out Tessa's world and giving the readers a glimpse into the life of a woman I'm sure many of us know in real life. August is the kind of guy that every good woman needs. I loved his sweetness, the way he didn't judge Tessa for her situation and the wholeheartedness with which he went out of his way to earn her love. The way the relationship built between the two of them was reminiscent of a true fairytale romance. 5 Stars.
Profile Image for Nadyne.
38 reviews7 followers
March 31, 2015
What a sweet ride to HEA

You out did yourself Ms. Forrest with this well written book. Tessa and August's story was truly a beautiful thing to behold. Tessa was a warm sweet accomplished heroine and August was just simply awesome!

Go ahead and purchase this book you will not be disappointed!
781 reviews7 followers
April 19, 2015
Touching Story

This was a great read. I loved Tessa and August. Wish there had been more mention of Bella. My favorite part was when Tessa pushed Charles down the stairs and left him lying on the floor! I applauded! Thanks, Ms. Forrest, looking forward to more of your works!
Profile Image for Flip.
209 reviews
July 14, 2015
Awesome book I love Perri Forrest and Tessa was such a kick ass chick and August was amazing. I'm a little jealous because I feel like every lady should have an August in their lives.
94 reviews
April 4, 2015
Quick read

Predictable. Hmm. I have to type at least 20 words. I have read other Petri Forrest and they are quick reads as well
Profile Image for Nancy  L Thompson.
2,158 reviews15 followers
April 7, 2015
Loved It!!!

I loved this story. It had everything I loved the characters and was rooting for the underdog all along. I'm a fan Ms Perri. Keep up the great stories
Profile Image for Cherryl.
2,153 reviews1 follower
September 25, 2018
The dirt you do always comes back on you!

Charles DeCarlo found out the hard way. He was married to a hard working faithful wife but that did not matter to his selfish narcissistic ways. He absolutely broke his wife's heart by what he did to her.

Tessa Campbell DeCarlo was a no nonsense senior estimator at the construction company where she worked. She was disillusioned with men and marriage after her husband's betrayal. It was not until her collegge reunion that she re-met August Summers, the successful real estate developer, who always had a thing for Tessa but just did not have the courage to approach her in college. Maturing with age and with the confidence that a successful business brings, he was not going to pass up the opportunity to see where their relationship could go. They had an unbelievable connection for each other. Tessa never had a man to care for her the way that August did, both in and out of the bedroom.

Perri wrote a very interesting heart wrenching story about a young women surviving the aftermath of a philandering husband and realizing that their marriage was all a farce to her husband and the marriage was over. It was also a story about a successful entrepreneur having the courage to approach the woman he had a crush on for years and finding out she really was his forever love for himself and his daughter. It was also a golden rule story of sorts. Charles was so low down and dirty with his actions and behavior, he alienated those he may have had in his corner. The very people he used ended up being Tessa's support. He ended up losing everything he fought so hard to keep. In it all, both Tessa and August got just what they both deserved, a forever kind of HEA love.
Profile Image for Sonya Williams.
921 reviews3 followers
October 5, 2022
Needs a little more

This was a great plot and enjoyable read. However, I feel like some pieces are missing. What was the end result with Charles? What's with the tension between Tessa and Rachel? I think a little more detail about them would have made it a 5 star read.
Profile Image for T.M. Pigatt.
Author 35 books83 followers
July 16, 2017
Good read

Charles was a snake and he got what he deserves. I loved the way August loved Tessa. She needed and deserved it.
Profile Image for DeOndra.
91 reviews
February 18, 2016
Women Scorned!

*****Spoilers*****
"Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned." In this book we have 3 scorned women, but only 2 of them were willing to go that extra mile for "revenge." I started reading this book at 5:30 a.m, & at 6 a.m. I was hooping and hollering. Tessa had kicked Charles down the stairs. I felt liberated. That was single best thing a woman can do to a man (her husband) after she'd caught him screwing another woman, and doing things to that woman he wouldn't do to his wife.... well besides a bullet in the anus. I am happy Tessa had the strength to walk away from Charles. I am also happy she realized she deserve better than what he was offering. I wish she could have kicked Amanda assets down those same stairs, but it's okay because Amanda got her revenge on Charles assets by testifying against him in divorce court. He f'ed with Amanda's heart, and she f'ed with his money. I don't understand how she figured Charles was going to get with her after she'd help him destroy his marriage. Come on now, surely she could have gotten the hint when he married Tessa on her assets. She's a whore in his eyes, and what she did with him, she'd do with someone else if he got with her would be his conclusion of her. Oh well, I wish her husband had caught them so she could have went flying down a flight stairs. Scorned woman number 3, Josie, I feel bad for her. She has a dirty cheating husband also. I just hate she doesn't have the strength to walk away. Although, I understand why she is doing what she is doing, however two wrongs don't make a right. I believe walking away would be better, and less stressful, and not to many people would get hurt.

The court scene, I loved it, but I needed a tad bit more. I wish the judge told Charles "say one more word and 'The Bitch Git It All.'" (yep, that's a shout out to Marvin Sease) I wanted a detailed description of Charles' reaction to Amanda and Cassius' testimony. It would have been nice if they had duck taped Charles assets to that chair and forced him to listen to those testimonies. I wish there could have been some type of charges or fines Charles and his lawyer could have faced for telling the judge all those lies. I wish Ms. Forrest had included Charles and his lawyer's after court interaction. That would have made my day.

And what's up with Veronica????? Where is she? Probably somewhere with Lonnie or Jonathan.
65 reviews
April 6, 2015
Read it on review recommendation...

While I thought the reviews were hood, when I read the book, I totally liked it, the review I thought was a little embellished, there are some great writers out there, this one has great ideas, I just didn't agree with the reviews. But I fund think it was a good read...Errors yes there was quite a fee, I would probably like the books better if god reviewers would point that out! I would still buy the book knowing they acknowledge the errors, and I am not perfect, and writers are very skilled, I can tell by some of this writers ideas, very original with the private detective, the nosy neighbor, how she hot her home, so many hood points, so yes there are errors, but it is a good book, so I recommend thus book.
Profile Image for Auhmanduh.
447 reviews
April 15, 2015
3.5 stars

First let me say I'm glad that Tessa was vindicated and got her HEA... my only issue with this book (2 actually) was that they kept harping on the friend even after she apologized... profusely. In the words of frozen LET IT GO or don't be friends.

The second was that you have this woman who is basically a triple threat but her verbiage was that of a high schooler... she doesn't need the vernacular of a Harvard PhD it was just hard keeping her character as a strong woman when she is saying "I'm going to chillax" and sucking her teeth etc. lol JMO.
Profile Image for Sophia.
283 reviews7 followers
March 28, 2016
What's done in the dark.......

I like the fact that Tessa was a strong woman and she quickly got out of a one sided situation. Her husband was a dirty SOB!! Did he really think he was going to get away with those lies. I was so glad that Tessa lawyer did her research to take that bastard down!! And how does a mother up and change her number like really BIH!! Really that was the only part that was enjoyable for me! Other than that the book was alright for me.
Profile Image for Felisa Harris-mitchell.
23 reviews
April 21, 2015
Wonderful

This was a wonderful reading experience. I love the story line. I would have liked to see the story line of the ex wife and her actual drama.
I wanted Charles to get more of a beat down. I would have loved to see how is life was affected after the divorce. I would love to see if the partner found out and the consequences there of.
This was a very enjoyable book. I will look forward to reading more from this talented author.

Profile Image for V. Rena.
1,659 reviews16 followers
November 5, 2015
So Awesome

This was a great love story. Despite the heartache and pain, love still found a way to win over. I love the chemistry and love between Tessa and August and Bella. They gave each other what was missing in their lives. Tessa and August both found their priceless treasure. I absolutely love reading this book. It filled me with hope that I one day will experience this type of love in real life.
Profile Image for M.J..
373 reviews23 followers
April 17, 2015
Love Tessa!

I really liked this book.Tessa and August were great! I love that Tessa was a strong woman and did not need a man to define her. In other books the woman are always weak and crying over what they lost,Oh Tessa cried, but she quickly pulled herself up and got her life back and August was just so sweet and sexy .Great read.
192 reviews1 follower
April 25, 2015
A nice quick read

This is a good book. My only issue is that it wrapped up pretty quickly towards the end. I expected the crazy ex husband to retaliate in some way. They had a lot of tasteful sex but for some reason I just didn't feel there chemistry. A good book that could have been better.
Profile Image for reneeNaDaCherry.
2,433 reviews1 follower
July 4, 2017
Destined (a BWWM love story)

This book was an ok read...zzzz. I have enjoyed several books in this genre which were "fiction" but still had a level of love & romance, a lil' suspense, some drama and an entertaining storyline. This did not. I skipped through a lot of the pages, but could not finish this one. I gave it 2**.
244 reviews4 followers
January 27, 2016
Surprisingly Good

This author's got potential! I was just about to rate this one as another hurriedly thrown together sex novel. However, it turned out to have some essence. Some of it moved too quickly to be believable, but the fight with the mistress was too real. That's just the way a sister would have done it!
No Sweat
Profile Image for DivasoftheSerengeti_Lioness.
569 reviews
April 8, 2015
Destined is a great read that proves that if it's meant to be, it will be. The plot was good, character interaction was fantastic and the flow was great. I look forward to reading more from this author. I recommend adding this book to your collection.
185 reviews1 follower
April 29, 2015
Realistic and Romantic

You just fall in love with love in this story. August is a real, self confident man. Begging a strong but gentle lover is tantalizing. He shows how a man is to love a woman but let hee be herself as well.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews

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