Creating Fate

Role of Fate #3

by Tamra Lassiter

We can’t create our own fate.

Justin Simms joined the Army to distance himself from his family and the painful secret he’s hiding from them. When he has to travel home for his brother’s wedding, he worries they’ll find out he’s not as happy as he pretends to be.

Justin notices Annie immediately. She’s smart, beautiful, and recently out of a relationship—all the traits he looks for in a woman. She’s also wholesome and openly looking for Mr. Right—two things that scare the crap out of him. Yet, spending time with Annie makes him happy. He doesn’t have to pretend.

Annie’s a strong, intelligent woman who is successful in every way except for one. Her first sexual encounter with her teenage boyfriend was a disaster and has haunted her ever since. Annie just knows that if she finds true love, her insecurities will fade away. She isn’t ashamed to admit she’s looking for love. Her parents have had a happy marriage, so why should she settle for anything less? When Annie meets Justin, she thinks he might be the one she’s looking for. Will Justin realize that meeting Annie really was fate and deal with his past before it’s too late?

242 pages, Paperback

First published December 2, 2015

About the author

Tamra Lassiter lives in Northern Virginia with her supportive husband, two lovely daughters, elegant Great Dane and not-so-elegant, but very sweet, English Bulldog. She loves to travel. Some of her favorite destinations are Canandaigua, NY, Edinburgh, Scotland and St. Augustine, FL. She enjoys spending time with her family, reading and of course, writing. To learn more about Tamra and sign up for her newsletter, which features exclusive giveaways and content, visit her website at www.tamralassiter.com.

Reviews

[Lustful Literature · Rating 4 out of 5]

JOSIE'S REVIEW 4.5 STARS

My review is a combination of all 3 books in the series but with a greater focus on this recent installment.

Every book in the Fate series can be read as a stand-alone. There are no cliff hangers and each follows the fate of a different couple. Before I get into this review I want to make it known, I enjoyed each book but the last book in this series Creating Fate, stole my heart. The author has done an amazing job with each of the books in this series. The main characters in the stories are very well developed as is their stories. I loved how I was able to get lost in the individual stories and not once did I feel like anything was repetitive. Every journey our couples go through in each book are different story yet the premise of FATE was consistent throughout each story.


Deciding Fate (The Role of Fate #1) is Hunter and Kate’ story, Blinding Fate (The Role of Fate #2) is Tyler and Meg’s story and Creating Fate (the Role of Fate #3) is Justin and Amy’s story and each book is filled with plenty of emotion, angst, suspense, secrets and love stories so powerful it brought a smile to my face. We get the pleasure of seeing each of these characters meet and fall in love. There is no denying the connection and chemistry they share because it is masterfully felt throughout the pages. Not only do we get love stories but we also get suspense and some tantalizing cop action!


Hunter and Kate have known each other since they were kids, but one mistake by Hunter cost him the love of his live. Years later, Kate is back home and in danger and now Hunter has a chance to right the wrong he did years ago. Tyler and Meg have just met but just from a handshake these two have a connection that not even a dark secret will keep them apart. While Tyler and Meg get to know one another, Tyler will risk everything to make sure Meg can be free.


Justin and Amy were my absolute favorite couple. Justin has a troubled past, a past that he keeps hidden from everyone. But when fate puts Amy in his path, he begins to want things he has never wanted before. Amy’s boyfriend has broken up with her, however she is mostly upset over the fact that she wasted months of her life with a man she really did not see a future with. Amy and Justin are completely opposites. Justin is worldly and has had his fair share of women. Amy is young, inexperienced and a bit naïve. The more Justin and Amy spend together, the more Justin does not want to let Amy go. There is a huge secret he is hiding, one that makes him not want anything to do with marriage, children or love. Amy on the other hand wants to find her Mr. Right. Amy has such a huge effect on Justin. As much as he tries to push fate away, fate just pulls Justin closer and closer together. When threats are made, Justin will do whatever it takes to protect the woman he’s fallen in love with.


I really enjoyed how the author handled the complexity within these couples and I loved the hint of danger that was added in. The added suspense added more a lot more intensity and intrigue to the story. The dual POV was an added bonus, getting to know each characters thoughts and feelings made me feel connected to the characters and their stories. This series is definitely a page turner. Although these books can be read as stand alones I’d recommend reading in order. I really loved how we got insight of past characters and how they were all intertwined into each story.


The men in these stories are total alpha males. They are dominant, sexy and not afraid to claim their women. It was nice to see these big men fall for these beautiful and strong women. The women are also strong, despite facing some danger. They were not afraid to deal with things head on. There is instant love, but things are not perfect, each couple has to work on their feelings, their pasts and lives. Normally I’m not a huge fan of insta love but in these cases it really worked. There are things each couple face before they find the peace that will lead them to their happily ever after. What I loved the most about these books were the way they handled their issues, they relied on one another and faced things together. Their pasts are not pretty, it will test their bonds, their love and their wills but once fate steps in there no one is willing to walk away. I am really looking forward to Guiding Fate book 4 in this series.

[Jeannie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been enjoying this series and this book is not exception. I liked that Justin and Annie started off as strangers turned friends first even though they went into a pretend relationship for Justin's sake. I really enjoyed their connection and how Justin opened himself up little by little.

As in her previous books, there was a little suspense and even though I had expected it, it did come off as a surprise.

I also loved that the title tied in with the storyline. Makes it a more impactful read in my opinion.

"I promise to love, honor and protect you always. We created our own fate."

ARC provided by Indiesage PR in exchange for a honest review.

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.

Creating Fate is about a school teacher/children's book writer Annie, and a soldier named Justin. They meet in a bar, when Justin comes to the rescue of a drunk Annie fending off unwanted attention. After taking Annie back to his house, the next morning they seem to have an instant connection and Justin invites Annie to his hometown for his brother's wedding. What follows is a sweet, insta-love, slightly suspenseful novel about finding the love of your life when you least expect it and coming to terms with your past. I really liked reading this book. It was quick, and cute without a lot of unnecessary drama. Tamra Lassiter has a way of writing insta-love stories that do not seem so hokey or unbelievable and Creating Fate is a great example. This is book 3 of The Role of Fate series, but you do not need to read the previous books to follow this story, but I would suggest reading them just because they were fun. If you want to read a book that is a feel-good romance, then please give this book a try.

[Sheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy in exchange for my honest review…

I just couldn’t put this one down!! I have completely fallen in love with the characters in this series! Granny is one great lady, and funny as heck! Kate’s parents are the loving Mom and Dad that everyone wishes they had! Okay, enough gushing…

Creating Fate is the third book in the Role of Fate series, and if there’s ever a love at first sight story that grabs on and doesn’t let go, it’s this one. Annie and Justin’s story happens pretty quickly, but as you read along, it suits them completely. They are both what the other needs… it’s innocent and loving, shy and passionate… and it is a great story to read.

I can’t wait for Tamra to give us more of this series! Xo

[Aubrie Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Creating Fate. I was given this book in exchange for an honest review and I'm glad I was chosen for this. Creating Fate is a story of fate taking charge, love being displayed and life worth living after a traumatic loss.

Justin and Annie. These two were so cute, loving and full of passion. I loved every moment they spent together. How they started off as strangers, turned into friends and became more. So much more. They found the love they both had always hoped for. And that was a very rewarding moment.

Beautiful job:) This was a classic story based on finding the love you've always wanted and realising that fate has so many plans stored for everyone.

[Debbie Rice · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so loving the Role of Fate series this is the third book in the series thet are just such good books I lovecTamras writing she delivers well rounded characters.This book is Justin and Annie's story,the meet at a bar and Justin comes to her rescue after some unwanted attention she was getting,He takes her to his house to let her sleep,they have a connection she feels she can trust him,Justin asks her to go to his brothers wedding with him,and the romance takes off Justin's grandma is funny love his brother and sister and Annie's family is awesome I was given an Arc for my honest review so pick it up now!!

[Nancy Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gifted copy for honest review.

I loved reading Creating Fate. This is the story about Justin and Annie. The story and characters are great. Justin meets Annie after getting drunk due to her boyfriend breaking up with her. He helps her from being taken advantage of. He takes care of her and asks her to go to his brother's wedding with him to take the pressure off of him. They are falling for each other, however, Justin doesn't believe he is good enough for someone like Annie. I have to say I really enjoyed this series so far and hope there is more to come.

[Tabitha Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.

A new couple!!! At first I was disappointed that it was a new storyline, but then I kept reading and I got excited. This book picks up where Blinding Fate leaves off. It might skip a head just a tad but you don't miss out on anything!

I couldn't put it down once I got started!! I need book 4!!!!

[Cassie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love how Tamra weaves suspense into her romance novels, this one was no exception. I loved being able to visit with our Davidson friends again and glad to see Granny has not changed. The family relationships in this book were amazing and I was happy yo see Hunter get his brother back! Now we just need to get Kennedy her fairy tale. Can't wait to see what Tamra has planned for 2016.

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 3 out of 5]

The vibrant countryside of Virginia is the setting for this quaint tale. Justin had a tough life and while he’s worked hard to overcome his upbringing, he is still unhappy with his military life.

Read full review in the 2016 March issue of InD'tale Magazine.

[Peggy Clayton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book ! It was a situation meeting someone and they take care of you then ask you to go on a trip right away. Many things happen it is such a great story. This is really a good book for teens and adults it is a home run in many ways.

[Mommaleena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yikes

What a twist!! Fate works in mysterious ways... when you’re LEAST expecting or DEF NOT looking! This story has lots of emotion.... I can’t wait to read what’s next... or should I say who’s story is next!!

[Myra Espino · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is Annie and Justin's story. Justin is Hunter's brother who doesn't want to go home to his hometown. But with Hunter's upcoming wedding, he was forced to come back. He somewhat met Annie in a bar and as the morning comes, they clicked. With Justin's travel plan, he invited Annie to come with him, to make the trip bearable. As the story goes, Annie will learn something about Justin but with danger lurking, things will get more interesting between them. I also love this book! One of my favorite in the series. I'm excited what's next and who's story would it be!

[Josie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars out of 5 stars