Destiny Lingers

by Rolonda Watts

As an investigative news reporter in New York City, Destiny uncovers breaking stories every day, but she has yet to uncover the truth of her own life—until the morning she discovers a strand of red hair on her husband's pillow. Unfortunately, the only person Destiny knows with red hair is her best friend, Eve.

Amid two personal tragedies and a shocking story of deceit, Destiny is sent plunging into a nightmarish depression that prompts her to flee back to her roots on Topsail Island, North Carolina—first with her husband and then by herself with the hope of healing her heart and piecing her life back together after their marriage unravels. But when fate keeps leading her back to the island's handsome police chief, Chase McKenzie, Destiny soon realizes that her racially-charged past has risen up to meet a more progressive present and opened the door for a second chance at first love. Now only one question remains: is this the right time for both of them?

In this contemporary romance, a heartbroken journalist embarks on a journey of self-discovery where she must overcome her personal pain and find tranquility before she can realize true love.

266 pages, Hardcover

Published March 15, 2016

About the author

Rolonda Watts is an Emmy and Cable Ace award–nominated journalist, television and radio talk show host, executive producer, actor, voice artist, speaker, humanitarian, and author. She can currently be seen on Dr. Drew on HLN. She can also be heard as Professor Wiseman on “Curious George,” as the announcer for “Divorce Court,” and as warrior priestess Illoai, in the latest League of Legends video game. In 2016 she will have a recurring role on the Bounce TV series “In the Cut.” She holds degrees from Spelman College, a master's degree from Columbia University, and an honorary doctorate from Winston-Salem State University. Rolonda lives in Los Angeles, California. Destiny Lingers is her first novel. For more, visit Rolonda.com.

Reviews

[Sandra Beck · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loving Goodreads as I do I won Destiny Lingers..Great read and I want more. I recommend that you delve into this one...

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book grabbed my attention fairly early. Red hair in your marital bed and your hair is not that color. I wanted Destiny to have a successful personal and professional life. I loved her friends. You need friends to support you even in foolishness. I enjoyed the notion that you can get a second chance at love. The book seemed a little unrealistic and left out a lot at times. Because I am a romantic, I forgive the author. I would and have recommended this book. I look forward to reading Rolanda Watts' future works.
This read is "EyeCU Approved"

[Courtney · Rating 3 out of 5]

As an interracial woman, I was excited to dive into this story of the challenge of interracial dating in the south, even in this day and age. The furthest south I have lived is the middle of Virginia, and I can only imagine what tradition and narrow-mindedness exists further south. As readers, I feel that we get a glimpse of such in Destiny Lingers.

I was quite angry with the main character, Destiny, as she continued to quash the feelings that her husband was having an affair. However, if I were in that same situation, I'd find it hard to believe what the evidence was telling me too. This definitely speaks to the strong personification of her character that Watts has laid out for us. More rough, raw, and emotionally charged than I expected, I can see a likeness to stories by Nicholas Sparks - forbidden childhood love, returning back to your roots, a second chance at love, a natural disaster bringing two people closer together. Nothing wrong with that whatsoever, as we take on a different approach of an interracial couple and the challenges that come with it.

The overall message of destiny and fate was evident and an appropriate theme - a constant reminder from Destiny's beloved Aunt Joy. It's such a beautiful thing to experience even with the life-altering moments that have led to it. Sometimes we must endure the hard stuff to get to what is meant for us - having faith in that process is not easy.

"Yes, time moves on, but destiny lingers"

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

After being thrown into a volatile situation covering a breaking news story where a man is brutally shot right before her, she feels her life begin to unravel. Adding insult to injury, Destiny is heartbroken and angry when she learns she had been deceived by not only her husband, but also her best friend when she finds out about their affair.

Reeling from her husband's infidelity, she returns to Topsail Island, NC to her families beach house, Tranquility. Returning to the safety and serenity of her beloved island, she hopes to get some peace back in her life. This is where she is introduced, 0r reintroduced as it turns out, to the rugged and handsome Chase. Chase is the current police chief, but also her childhood crush.

Though times have changes and years have passed, can Destiny and Chase pursue the love in the hearts? Or will their families stop them at every turn?

Destiny Lingers is so much more than a tale of long-lost first loves. It's a story of hurt, deceit, and betrayal. A story of racism and classism. A story of friendship. A story of enduring and overcoming. It is a story of hope and faith. Rolonda Watts did a fantastic job of weaving together all of these dynamics and making an enjoyable story. I am looking so forward to seeing what happens between Chase and Destiny in the sequel.

[Shone · Rating 4 out of 5]

What happens to your psyche when you find long strands of red hair in odd places in your home but your hair is a smooth chestnut brown. The switch comes on in your head, you only know one person in your circle with long red hair. Destiny can't handle, so she returns to her small home town to try and get a grip on her life. Dealing with class, races, and prejudiced she has to decided whats best for her. When you think of whats going on in the world today his story hits home in more ways than one. it also should make you stop and ask yourself do I act or treat people a certain way because of the color of their skin.

[Get Red PR Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just love that this veteran journalist is now a novelist! Timeless contemporary romance novel about lost love and the unforeseeable forces that bring two people meant to be back together again. To make it even better, the love story takes place in a beautiful seaside community. I'm a total sucker for a beachy romance! Pack it in your suitcase...put it in your beach bag...pour yourself a glass of wine and read it on a Friday night in your favorite cozy chair...

[Dawn Tabon Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book kept me intrigued from beginning to end! I love the way Rolanda put her foot in this book (smile)! Nothing like an honest love story that shows the real struggles we, as women, have in trying to make the final decision to move forward and love ourselves! I look forward to reading more from her!

[Ebony Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first read by Rolonda Watts and I must say...I enjoyed the heartfelt journey of love lost and found through infidelity, betrayal, friendships, family drama and prejudices. With a well developed storyline, relatable characters and a vivid portrayal of the simple yet satisfying life in Topsail..."Destiny Lingers" is an easy breezy, summer read.

EyeCU Reading Approved

[Daniella Cracknell · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Destiny Lingers is a delicious read that goes well with a hot bubble bath and is destined to be the next Stella Got Her Groove Back."

[Shell Roush · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute beach read! I received an ARC. This romance is set near where I live, which is always fun.

[Phyllis Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good page turner

[TruAvidReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first time reading a romance novel. The book started slow, somewhere in the middle the book lost something for a short time but overall it was a good book. I would recommend this book

[Brenda]

I truly enjoyed Destiny Lingers. I hope there will be another book, soon.

[Shannan Harper · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story. Rolanda was the featured author at the National Book Club Conference in Atlanta GA this past summer. Destiny is a news reporter that ends up finding a red strand of hair that is not her's nor her husband's on the bed one day. And the only person she knows with red hair, is her friend Evie. She ends up interviewing a man holding his child hostage and get's caught up in a police shot out. Dealing with all this stress, her job makes her take some personal time off, and she ends up escaping to her childhood home on Topsail Island, North Carolina. She ends up connecting with her child hood friend, Chase McKenzie. The two of them were best friends until their parents find out. Destiny is African American and comes from a well to do family, and Chase is Caucasian and comes from a poor family. In this town the two don't mix. It was a very interesting read, and I can't wait for the next book

[Douglas Wickard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review to come...

[Audrey Lee]

I loved this...moved slow at first but a good read

[Mark Rottenstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating book by future Pulitzer Prize winner Ms Watts. Strongly recommended!

[Denise Billings · Rating 5 out of 5]

I must issue a disclaimer: Rolonda is a friend of mine. But I don't think I'm being biased when I say you will like this story. Rolonda as, Maya Angelou, says is a good writer and good story teller. She pays great attention to very fine details of life. Her description of the perfect martini is mouthwatering. Or like a woman wiping excess lipstick off the corners of her mouth after application. The nuances of night club public women's restrooms.

Character development is fantastic. The cheating husband was getting on my motherfuckin' nerves. Not just because he was unfaithful to Destiny, but because he's a rude asshole. I'm wondering why she liked him in the first place.

This is a juicy story. That bitch Eve got the choking and hair-snatching she so richly deserved.

I like how Rolonda refers to the sun and the sea as "she". The ocean is "frisky", but "nowhere near the pouty little girl she was last night. Or "Mother Ocean."

This is a good drama, it has everything. Racism, kidnapping ,hostages, shooting, island life, hurricanes, infidelity, taboo love. I was caught up in the story right away.

It's a good thing Destiny has her good friends, Kat, I love Kat's cursing, and Hope to keep her grounded. I had to keep reminding myself, though, that the story is set in a time before cell phones.

I haven't read a romance novel in a long time. I would probably read them more often if they had characters like Kat, who say things like, "Girl, you better getcho happy ass off that island!"
See what I mean?

[Sarah Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

You know it's a good book, when you slow down the pages because you don't want the story to end. Hence, what happens when you read Destiny Lingers. This romantic tale transports the reader into Destiny's transformation, from her life as a married NYC journalist to her deep familial and spiritual roots set in Topsail Island as she fights for true love. I appreciated the depth of this story which illustrates the true and unfortunate racial divide continuing to separate our nation, and ultimately love and life. I recently visited the coast of the Carolinas and thought of Destiny and the message of this book as I walked the beach.

I had the serendipitous opportunity to meet the Ms. Rolonda Watts last summer while visiting New York and was captivated by her soul, overflowing with kindness, life, and passion, shining forever bright. I can't wait for the movie and the coming of a new book, Rolonda!

[Ally · Rating 5 out of 5]

Destiny is...meant to be!

I loved it! It's amazing how we allow others to dictate our lives. Destiny hit the nail on the head when it came to her relationship with her mother. That's the relationship that drove her to marry Garret and almost turn a blind eye to his infidelity. That fool had the nerve to think she'd want his cheating behind back, boy bye! But if you think about it he'd did her a favor because his cheating led her to her soul mate Chase! I don't think Chase would've married Missy even if he hadn't caught her cheating. It just sealed the deal for him to go with his heart and get his Destiny!
I look forward to more from Chase and Destiny and the folks on Topsoil Island, NC!

[Elizabeth Betrand · Rating 4 out of 5]

I grew up watching Rolonda Watts on WABC-TV News because I loved her reporting style and personality. Now, fast forward, she blessed us with her writing talent in Destiny Lingers. There was not one dull page in this entire book. She’s a talented storyteller who captures your attention from the beginning and to the end, by making the storyline so suspenseful. This book is a love story with historical context of African American History, located in North Carolina, Topsail Island. It dives into how interracial relationships were prohibited, which made it arduous for romantic love to manifest amongst the opposite race. Until one day, a second chance presented itself due to the change in ideologies and laws over time. This story restores one’s faith in love and destiny. ❤️ A must read!

[Brenda Holder · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Very Good and Exciting Romance

Destiny Lingers is s very exciting romance novel that earned a rating of five stars. Destiny catches her husband and one of her best friends together in the Ritz hotel. While going through the depressive situation of divorce her favorite aunt dies throwing deeper in depression. She goes home on the island, where she was raised in North Carolina and her first love Chase. To find the love that was meant to be they had to overcome a lot of obstacles to find their happy ever after. I enjoyed reading this book and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys reading very good romance novels with a sense of humor.

[Marc Medley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great “Get Away From It All” Read

I truly enjoyed Ms. Watts’ novel. It was a great read to get away from work related or non-fiction reading. The plot was interesting and dealt with issues that existed from the beginning of time and are still current today. I remember Ms. Watts when she was in NY on ABC News, Channel 7. We have also been together on several Clubhouse meetings. Again, nice job with Destiny Lingers.

[Roberta · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found DESTINY LINGERS to be a very Interesting read. I thourou

Loved the story line, would make good movie. It is a page Turner. Author should write a sequel...truly submitted by Rojo

[Cheryl Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perfect Storm

I took a chance on this and I have no regrets. I like the support destiny had from her loyal girlfriends. Eve is a down right mess.
The year is 1985 but it could be any modern time period.
I truly enjoyed reading this!

[Charlie L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Only the content of a man's character matters!

Great storyline with real historical occurrences that are relatable for people of color that grew up in the south.
A love story the truly stood the test of time and the cruelties of life to survive it all is a story worth reading.

[Will2pear95 · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book was okay but I couldn't fully connect with Destiny. For a woman who was supposed to be smart she made some TSTL moves.

I won a copy of this book from Goodreads Giveaway.

[Tamar · Rating 2 out of 5]

The sexual descriptions were a bit much in my adult opinion. I feel like it could be borderline erotica.

[Colleen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Overall, I thought it was a good story, but I wish we saw more of Destiny and Chase's relationship. It felt like there was more focus on Destiny then Destiny and Chase, which made the cover misleading. I was more unsure about the setting.

I picked up this book, because I have been to Topsail Island. I wanted to know what places she would mentioned and would I recognize them. Until I did some research, I was confuse. The book felt like its setting was earlier than the 2000s, especially when the characters talk as if desegregation happen in recent memory. This confused me, because the only major history I knew about the island was its military history. I was unaware of any racial tension and a place called Ocean City. When I knew Topsail Island, I only knew about Surf City. As a vacationer, I would known about the restaurants, which meant I was confused when the author mentioned Mainsail. At the time I went to Topsail there was no Mainsail in the mid-2000s.

That is when I did some research. There was a historical, upper class, African-American community known as Ocean City in North Topsail with street signs as one of the most visible signs of its presence. When my family vacationed at Topsail, we only drove through North Topsail, which means we would not have known much about this area. I also looked up Mainsail and found out that I know it as Big Daddy Mac's.

It would have been helpful if the publisher or author put something in there about how names and places may not be the same or a notes page about the setting and historical content. There was a blurb about links, but I did not see that many websites mentioned in the book.

[WriteVibeMagazine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Destiny Lingers is a great example of what a romance novel reads like. Author Rolanda Watts does an excellent job of bringing all of the key points of storytelling to life. From initial butterflies to the reality of interracial dating and dealing with that in the South and everything else going on. I found the storyline very realistic and emotionally accurate from start to finish and as a reader that is VERY important to me. I enjoy a true love story and just like watching the movie The Notebook this story does the same thing and sweeps me away. Great job Ms. Watts and I definitely will be reading more from her and I am glad that the late Maya Angelou was able to give you the push of motivation to get this story out, she is looking down very proud!

Reviewed By: Kisha Green
Format: Paperback
Review Copy supplied By Author