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Tangled Destinies
Passion and danger collide in a breathtaking story from New York Times bestselling author Diana Palmer
Saved from an abduction and unthinkable harm, Gabrielle Bennett owed her life to her rescuer. Marc Stephano, a stranger from the sketchy shadows of town, could've asked for money. Instead, he introduced her to desire and claimed her completely—then he broke her heart.
Older, wiser and now a top New York model, Gabrielle is prepared for anything—except Marc's reemergence into her life. It's a merciless trick of fate. A successful, self-made millionaire, he's as powerful as ever. And he wants her. Forgive and forget don't apply when heartbreak is at stake. Yet the attraction between them refuses to back down.
The choice is hers: hurt Marc in the name of revenge, or give in to love.
Saved from an abduction and unthinkable harm, Gabrielle Bennett owed her life to her rescuer. Marc Stephano, a stranger from the sketchy shadows of town, could've asked for money. Instead, he introduced her to desire and claimed her completely—then he broke her heart.
Older, wiser and now a top New York model, Gabrielle is prepared for anything—except Marc's reemergence into her life. It's a merciless trick of fate. A successful, self-made millionaire, he's as powerful as ever. And he wants her. Forgive and forget don't apply when heartbreak is at stake. Yet the attraction between them refuses to back down.
The choice is hers: hurt Marc in the name of revenge, or give in to love.
276 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 17, 2017
511 people are currently reading
321 people want to read
About the author
Diana Blayne
12 books51 followersDiana Blayne is a pseudonym for author Susan Kyle. Susan Kyle also writes under the pseudonyms Katy Currie and Diana Palmer.
Susan Eloise Spaeth was born on 11 December 1946 in Cuthbert, Georgia, USA. She was the eldest daughter of Maggie Eloise Cliatt, a nurse and also journalist, and William Olin Spaeth, a college professor. Her mother was part of the women's liberation movement many years before it became fashionable. Her best friends are her mother and her sister, Dannis Spaeth (Cole), who now has two daughters, Amanda Belle Hofstetter and Maggie and lives in Utah. Susan grew up reading Zane Grey and fell in love with cowboys. Susan is a former newspaper reporter, with sixteen years experience on both daily and weekly newspapers. Since 1972, she has been married to James Kyle and have since settled down in Cornelia, Georgia, where she started to write romance novels. Susan and her husband have one son, Blayne Edward, born in 1980.
She began selling romances in 1979 as Diana Palmer. She also used the pseudonyms Diana Blayne and Katy Currie, and her married name: Susan Kyle. Now, she has over 40 million copies of her books in print, which have been translated and published around the world. She is listed in numerous publications, including Contemporary Authors by Gale Research, Inc., Twentieth Century Romance and Historical Writers by St. James Press, The Writers Directory by St. James Press, the International Who's Who of Authors and Writers by Meirose Press, Ltd., and Love's Leading Ladies by Kathryn Falk. Her awards include seven Waldenbooks national sales awards, four B. Dalton national sales awards, two Bookrak national sales awards, a Lifetime Achievement Award for series storytelling from Romantic Times, several Affaire de Coeur awards, and two regional RWA awards.
Inspired by her husband, who quit a blue-collar manufacturing job to return to school and get his diploma in computer programming, Susan herself went back to college as a day student at the age of 45. In 1995, she graduated summa cum laude from Piedmont College, Demorest, GA, with a major in history and a double minor in archaeology and Spanish. She was named to two honor societies (the Torch Club and Alpha Chi), and was named to the National Dean's List. In addition to her writing projects, she is currently working on her master's degree in history at California State University. She hopes to specialize in Native American studies. She is a member of the Native American Rights Fund, the American Museum of Natural History, the National Cattlemen's Association, the Archaeological Institute of Amenca, the Planetary Society, The Georgia Conservancy, the Georgia Sheriff's Association, and numerous conservation and charitable organizations. Her hobbies include gardening, archaeology, anthropology, iguanas, astronomy and music.
In 1998, her husband retired from his own computer business and now pursues skeet shooting medals in local, state, national and international competition. They love riding around and looking at the countryside, watching sci-fi on TV and at the movies, just talking and eating out.
Susan Eloise Spaeth was born on 11 December 1946 in Cuthbert, Georgia, USA. She was the eldest daughter of Maggie Eloise Cliatt, a nurse and also journalist, and William Olin Spaeth, a college professor. Her mother was part of the women's liberation movement many years before it became fashionable. Her best friends are her mother and her sister, Dannis Spaeth (Cole), who now has two daughters, Amanda Belle Hofstetter and Maggie and lives in Utah. Susan grew up reading Zane Grey and fell in love with cowboys. Susan is a former newspaper reporter, with sixteen years experience on both daily and weekly newspapers. Since 1972, she has been married to James Kyle and have since settled down in Cornelia, Georgia, where she started to write romance novels. Susan and her husband have one son, Blayne Edward, born in 1980.
She began selling romances in 1979 as Diana Palmer. She also used the pseudonyms Diana Blayne and Katy Currie, and her married name: Susan Kyle. Now, she has over 40 million copies of her books in print, which have been translated and published around the world. She is listed in numerous publications, including Contemporary Authors by Gale Research, Inc., Twentieth Century Romance and Historical Writers by St. James Press, The Writers Directory by St. James Press, the International Who's Who of Authors and Writers by Meirose Press, Ltd., and Love's Leading Ladies by Kathryn Falk. Her awards include seven Waldenbooks national sales awards, four B. Dalton national sales awards, two Bookrak national sales awards, a Lifetime Achievement Award for series storytelling from Romantic Times, several Affaire de Coeur awards, and two regional RWA awards.
Inspired by her husband, who quit a blue-collar manufacturing job to return to school and get his diploma in computer programming, Susan herself went back to college as a day student at the age of 45. In 1995, she graduated summa cum laude from Piedmont College, Demorest, GA, with a major in history and a double minor in archaeology and Spanish. She was named to two honor societies (the Torch Club and Alpha Chi), and was named to the National Dean's List. In addition to her writing projects, she is currently working on her master's degree in history at California State University. She hopes to specialize in Native American studies. She is a member of the Native American Rights Fund, the American Museum of Natural History, the National Cattlemen's Association, the Archaeological Institute of Amenca, the Planetary Society, The Georgia Conservancy, the Georgia Sheriff's Association, and numerous conservation and charitable organizations. Her hobbies include gardening, archaeology, anthropology, iguanas, astronomy and music.
In 1998, her husband retired from his own computer business and now pursues skeet shooting medals in local, state, national and international competition. They love riding around and looking at the countryside, watching sci-fi on TV and at the movies, just talking and eating out.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
August 31, 2017
Reading this book I remember why I don't like Diana Palmer's books!
June 7, 2020
"You used to love touching my chest,” he whispered. His lips parted against her forehead, and she could hear his ragged breathing as both big hands drew her gently against him. “Do you remember? Every time we were alone you’d unbutton my shirt and lie against me, and your hands would play like crazy in the hair....”
"Tangled Destinies" is the story of Gabrielle and Marc.
Well, phew.
Soooo. This book has a very young rich heroine who falls insanely in love with the much poorer mechanic hero. He then takes her parents money, dumps her and moves on.
Years later, she is a super successful model and he is a rich businessman owning a massive corporation. She gets hired to model for his cars, meets his brother, and soon the hero.
Ofcourse she is zero percent over him- yet decides to be "friends" with his brother, who shows erratic behavior- occasional possessiveness mixed with nonchalance. They go to the hero's home, where there's a nice OW with the hero, and loads of drama ensues. Soon there is espionage, followed by a death, blame game, murder attempt, rescue, confession, pent up lovemaking, more shootings and HEA.
I do like these old school romances- BUT- th excuse that the hero couldn't keep it in his pants because he is a "man"- hence cannot be celibate- is a shitty excuse to sleep around. Eh.
Unsafe
2.5/5
"Tangled Destinies" is the story of Gabrielle and Marc.
Well, phew.
Soooo. This book has a very young rich heroine who falls insanely in love with the much poorer mechanic hero. He then takes her parents money, dumps her and moves on.
Years later, she is a super successful model and he is a rich businessman owning a massive corporation. She gets hired to model for his cars, meets his brother, and soon the hero.
Ofcourse she is zero percent over him- yet decides to be "friends" with his brother, who shows erratic behavior- occasional possessiveness mixed with nonchalance. They go to the hero's home, where there's a nice OW with the hero, and loads of drama ensues. Soon there is espionage, followed by a death, blame game, murder attempt, rescue, confession, pent up lovemaking, more shootings and HEA.
I do like these old school romances- BUT- th excuse that the hero couldn't keep it in his pants because he is a "man"- hence cannot be celibate- is a shitty excuse to sleep around. Eh.
Unsafe
2.5/5
Read
July 19, 2017DNF, zero character connection at 40+% in. The main characters were childish and/or unlikable, I just didn't care about the characters plight. I left and came back 2 more times and just couldn't find what I needed to go on.
Clearly this book was not for me.
I received this ARC copy of Tangled Destinies from Harlequin - HQN Books. This is my honest and voluntary review. This book is set for publication August 29, 2017.
Clearly this book was not for me.
I received this ARC copy of Tangled Destinies from Harlequin - HQN Books. This is my honest and voluntary review. This book is set for publication August 29, 2017.
January 18, 2016
Yes he did take her fathers money to get out of her life and he almost slept with her anyways. However he didn't and she was so sweet to him that he as a total asshole. She is a model who's looks are her life yet I think she put herself down too much and should've valued herself more. He only does the right thing after he has proof that she is truly in danger. Jerk! They end up together but his brother he was so messed up. He could not save him because he did not want to eat saved. He just blamed her for nothing and she really should have ran away from him at the point. I guess that was the good (her) the bad (him) and the ugly ( his mind)
January 19, 2016
Sweet love story with some suspense.
dnf
June 4, 2017**ARC provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review**
DNF @ 40%
When I read the blurb, I was really excited because it sounded really good. I love second-chance romances and Tangled Destinies sounded like a story full of passion and heartbreak. However, I just wasn't feeling it from the start. The book starts with how Marc rescues Gaby, however it wasn't executed well, and it fell flat to me. After that we are in present time (nine years later), so as a reader you don't really know the intensity of their past relationship and how it developed. This was a huge issue for me because it made it difficult for me to really connect with the characters, and feel the connection between them. Their love for each other didn't feel real to me. Both acted in a way that didn't work for me. Gaby's behavior sometimes felt very immature, and it bothered me. Marc's personality wasn't that much better. It was very High Schoolish. I think flashbacks would've really helped in me understanding their behavior. I tried to continue reading to see if the story would appeal more later on, but it didn't. So I decided to DNF this book, because it just wasn't for me.
DNF @ 40%
When I read the blurb, I was really excited because it sounded really good. I love second-chance romances and Tangled Destinies sounded like a story full of passion and heartbreak. However, I just wasn't feeling it from the start. The book starts with how Marc rescues Gaby, however it wasn't executed well, and it fell flat to me. After that we are in present time (nine years later), so as a reader you don't really know the intensity of their past relationship and how it developed. This was a huge issue for me because it made it difficult for me to really connect with the characters, and feel the connection between them. Their love for each other didn't feel real to me. Both acted in a way that didn't work for me. Gaby's behavior sometimes felt very immature, and it bothered me. Marc's personality wasn't that much better. It was very High Schoolish. I think flashbacks would've really helped in me understanding their behavior. I tried to continue reading to see if the story would appeal more later on, but it didn't. So I decided to DNF this book, because it just wasn't for me.
September 1, 2017
With every Diana Palmer book I read, I lose a little more respect for her as an author. Even when they have legitimate reasons for feeling angry and hurt, her female heroines come across as petulant brats. Her male characters are chauvenistic, arrogant, and emotionally abusive. The women in her novels are a blow against female empowerment.
No matter how badly the men treat them, they always come back for more because they are "in love". Most of Palmer's writing follows this plot development: woman/teenage girl falls in love with older man, something happens to separate them (usually a false assumption that the man makes about her), they meet again years later, he finds out the truth, a tearful reconciliation ensues, and then the curtains fall on a happily ever after.
This does not allow for the reality of toxic relationships or the fact that some actions or words can destroy all chance of a future with someone. Palmer's heroines are terrible role models, especially because they freeze up like deer in the headlights of an oncoming car as their abusive ex-boyfriends stroll back into their lives.
No matter how badly the men treat them, they always come back for more because they are "in love". Most of Palmer's writing follows this plot development: woman/teenage girl falls in love with older man, something happens to separate them (usually a false assumption that the man makes about her), they meet again years later, he finds out the truth, a tearful reconciliation ensues, and then the curtains fall on a happily ever after.
This does not allow for the reality of toxic relationships or the fact that some actions or words can destroy all chance of a future with someone. Palmer's heroines are terrible role models, especially because they freeze up like deer in the headlights of an oncoming car as their abusive ex-boyfriends stroll back into their lives.
October 16, 2017
3 stars, good but... Not as kickin' as I wan it to be.
This book also a reprint of old version and I quite enjoyed it. Though the chemistry between the Hero and the heroine isn't quite what I want, but overall I enjopyed this book so much. Definitely a cold water for my Diana Palmer thirst. Look forward to read more!
This book also a reprint of old version and I quite enjoyed it. Though the chemistry between the Hero and the heroine isn't quite what I want, but overall I enjopyed this book so much. Definitely a cold water for my Diana Palmer thirst. Look forward to read more!
November 29, 2017
I've been a die-hard fan of Diana Palmer's novels since a friend turned me onto her books in the mid-1980's, and when I voluntarily agreed and to read and review an advanced reader copy of this book, I was happy to get it, but once I started reading it, it seemed oddly familiar, but I nevertheless stayed up almost until dawn to read it in one sitting, still wondering why it seemed like a novel I'd previously read, and while I thoroughly enjoyed it, Gaby and Marc's compelling and tangled love story, although certainly engrossing, kept me wondering until morning, when I went to my bookcase (I have all of Ms. Palmer's novels, even the ones she wrote in the early 1980's under pseudonyms) and there it was, published in 1986, by Diana Blayne. I've read thousands of novels since 1986, and was certainly happy to read this one again, but I do wish that the publisher had made it clear to reviewers and readers that this novel is a reprint.
If you already Diana Palmer's novels, or are new to her books, and haven't read this one, it's a darn good read, but please be advised that it is indeed a reprint.
If you already Diana Palmer's novels, or are new to her books, and haven't read this one, it's a darn good read, but please be advised that it is indeed a reprint.
September 15, 2017
4.5 stars
This book was classic Diana Palmer and I loved that. I know I've said this before but books like this one was the reason that I fell in love with Diana Palmer and romance in general. This had everything that I wanted and expect from a romance. It was angsty. It was emotional. It was filled with complicated and complex emotions that added so much drama and intensity in the relationship between Gaby and Marc. And just lots of misunderstandings that lead to this complex romance. Plus they had a history that just added another layer to the story.
What I liked a lot though was there was a side story/plot featuring Marc's brother that added a another dimension that really fit well with the romantic plot without taking anything away from it. Instead it just made it more complicated and it fit into The scheme of things. In fact Gaby's relationship with his brother kind of shaped and formed their relationship and caused problems along the way. In fact Gaby's relationship with his brother ignited their own reunion. There were a lots of emotions going on when they did reunite. But again this part fit the story so well and pushed Gaby and Marc in their own relationship. It just made everything so much more complicated because of a bit of deception and misunderstandings that it lead to.
I loved that they had a relationship before hand. Nine years to be exact when Gabby was practically a baby or more accurately barely 18 but they engaged in this intense love affair that was both romantic and physical even despite her young age. There was deep love there. But because of certain things put into motion that they were separated and both hurt by the fact that they were even though the other didn't know it at the time especially Gaby. I loved that there were a few flashbacks thrown in just to show their connection and the intensity of the relationship and it made me understand where they both were coming from on emotional level in the present time. Things kept them apart and cause that dragging her butt in her instance she thought he would trade her for money so she always had that in the back of her mind when they met again. But she still had these intense emotions going on for him. I love that they had this background together because that just added another layer to the story. It made it intense and all consuming. Plus it created Great conflict between them.
Misunderstandings misunderstandings misunderstandings. That was the theme of this book and not on one level either. There were multiple misunderstandings between the pair which created all this lovely tension and angst that I really enjoy in a romance. Just makes everything more complex and complicated and not an easy road to get to the happily ever after part of the story. They had to work through those misconceptions and that took time. It was a journey. And there may have been a little groveling going on too. It was really emotional.
Once things came to a head, there was a moment where Gaby kissed the phone saying goodbye to Marc that had me tearing up and streaks of tears ran down my face. That was how meaningful and poignant that scene was for me. That made hurt and ache for poor Gaby especially after all the nasty words he said to her. I was just right there with her in that moment. I felt what she felt. And it was heartbreaking. It was such a sad scene that was the turning point in their story. That scene just really got to me.
Another thing I really enjoyed about this book was that layer of suspense in danger thrown into the mix. Unlike some of Diana's more recent novels that have this element where that plot point took over the story while the romance took a back seat, this story did the complete opposite of that. It was always about the romance first and the suspense second. This point kind of relates to the point above where I talk about his brother and it's kind of really did but I just wanted to add this to the mix as well. The danger really added to the plot and pushed their relationship forward more to. I can't be on the edge of my seat and kept me really interested in the plot plus it added even more emotional intensity to the story that was already complicated enough with everything going around. But the coming age the entire time and made me wonder what was gonna happen next and whether they would get the happily ever after after all. Plus the danger brought them closer together and they created that special bond that they had all those years ago before hand before things got ripped apart. It was good to see them come together and become closer.
Something that really surprise me about this book was the amount of passionate scenes that were here in the story. Not that Diana doesn't do passionate scenes and her romances because she does and she doesn't very well but for whatever reason The scenes in this book just seemed doubly so because there were so many scenes where they either almost made love or made love. And I absolutely love that. I wasn't complaining that there were so many scenes with them in passionate embraces. It was a surprise but it's all a good surprise. And they had some passive movements going on. It was hot. It was sexy. It was sensual. It was emotional and very intense especially after all these years of build up between them. And finally their passions exploded for one another and hopped on the page and right into my little imagination to fill in the blanks . And it was so good. I loved that part of the story. And they were my favorite moments. In fact I marked up a lot of my book with my favorite moments.
Despite the fact that a lot of things went really right in this book, there were some things I didn't like. For one I understood why Gabi wanted to hurt Marc from what she thought he did in the past to her, but I didn't like the fact that she basically wanted to get revenge on Marc by pretending to be involved with his brother. It just set a sour taste in my mouth when she said that. I would have preferred if she used her friendship with the brother as a shield against Marc so he wouldn't realize that she still had feelings for him. That would have been more palpable than revenge. It just made her feel cruel and heartless and as sexist as this sounds I can take it from my hero but not heroine. And speaking of cruel, he was beyond so with some of his harsh words that just struck me in the heart like it did Gaby. And it was harsh and undeserved. It broke my heart for her. But despite those cruel words that wasn't what bothered me, it was the fact that I didn't think he groveled enough because he said some nasty things. Now he did grovel just not as much as I expected. I know he said he didn't mean some of the words he said, but I wished for every untruth he said that he cleared it up and said what truly felt. Reassure her more for each statement he said not just offered a blanket apology for them. Though I will say, he did show her that he loved and cared about her without the words, but I would have liked the words.
But overall I really did enjoy and love this book. It was classic Diana Palmer filled with angst, drama, complications, misunderstandings, deep emotions, passion , and intensity. It took me on roller coaster ride filled with depth and complexity that it made me engaged in the story and really invested in the characters. It was consuming. It was engrossing and to something you couldn't walk away from without wanting immediately to go back to it. I couldn't put this book down. It was just so good and so amazing that again it reminded me why I fell in love with this author in the first place. I love these types of stories from her and wish her current stories would follow this formula because they're just so so good. Don't mess with perfection. I will definitely read this book again and again and not get tired of it. I will cry again. I will feel again I'm reading this. This book just gave me all the feels that I'm looking for in a romance and that was what was great about it.
Highly recommend this book for anyone who likes angsty romances and likes Diana Palmer books. This book was definitely one of Diana's winners.
This book was classic Diana Palmer and I loved that. I know I've said this before but books like this one was the reason that I fell in love with Diana Palmer and romance in general. This had everything that I wanted and expect from a romance. It was angsty. It was emotional. It was filled with complicated and complex emotions that added so much drama and intensity in the relationship between Gaby and Marc. And just lots of misunderstandings that lead to this complex romance. Plus they had a history that just added another layer to the story.
What I liked a lot though was there was a side story/plot featuring Marc's brother that added a another dimension that really fit well with the romantic plot without taking anything away from it. Instead it just made it more complicated and it fit into The scheme of things. In fact Gaby's relationship with his brother kind of shaped and formed their relationship and caused problems along the way. In fact Gaby's relationship with his brother ignited their own reunion. There were a lots of emotions going on when they did reunite. But again this part fit the story so well and pushed Gaby and Marc in their own relationship. It just made everything so much more complicated because of a bit of deception and misunderstandings that it lead to.
I loved that they had a relationship before hand. Nine years to be exact when Gabby was practically a baby or more accurately barely 18 but they engaged in this intense love affair that was both romantic and physical even despite her young age. There was deep love there. But because of certain things put into motion that they were separated and both hurt by the fact that they were even though the other didn't know it at the time especially Gaby. I loved that there were a few flashbacks thrown in just to show their connection and the intensity of the relationship and it made me understand where they both were coming from on emotional level in the present time. Things kept them apart and cause that dragging her butt in her instance she thought he would trade her for money so she always had that in the back of her mind when they met again. But she still had these intense emotions going on for him. I love that they had this background together because that just added another layer to the story. It made it intense and all consuming. Plus it created Great conflict between them.
Misunderstandings misunderstandings misunderstandings. That was the theme of this book and not on one level either. There were multiple misunderstandings between the pair which created all this lovely tension and angst that I really enjoy in a romance. Just makes everything more complex and complicated and not an easy road to get to the happily ever after part of the story. They had to work through those misconceptions and that took time. It was a journey. And there may have been a little groveling going on too. It was really emotional.
Once things came to a head, there was a moment where Gaby kissed the phone saying goodbye to Marc that had me tearing up and streaks of tears ran down my face. That was how meaningful and poignant that scene was for me. That made hurt and ache for poor Gaby especially after all the nasty words he said to her. I was just right there with her in that moment. I felt what she felt. And it was heartbreaking. It was such a sad scene that was the turning point in their story. That scene just really got to me.
Another thing I really enjoyed about this book was that layer of suspense in danger thrown into the mix. Unlike some of Diana's more recent novels that have this element where that plot point took over the story while the romance took a back seat, this story did the complete opposite of that. It was always about the romance first and the suspense second. This point kind of relates to the point above where I talk about his brother and it's kind of really did but I just wanted to add this to the mix as well. The danger really added to the plot and pushed their relationship forward more to. I can't be on the edge of my seat and kept me really interested in the plot plus it added even more emotional intensity to the story that was already complicated enough with everything going around. But the coming age the entire time and made me wonder what was gonna happen next and whether they would get the happily ever after after all. Plus the danger brought them closer together and they created that special bond that they had all those years ago before hand before things got ripped apart. It was good to see them come together and become closer.
Something that really surprise me about this book was the amount of passionate scenes that were here in the story. Not that Diana doesn't do passionate scenes and her romances because she does and she doesn't very well but for whatever reason The scenes in this book just seemed doubly so because there were so many scenes where they either almost made love or made love. And I absolutely love that. I wasn't complaining that there were so many scenes with them in passionate embraces. It was a surprise but it's all a good surprise. And they had some passive movements going on. It was hot. It was sexy. It was sensual. It was emotional and very intense especially after all these years of build up between them. And finally their passions exploded for one another and hopped on the page and right into my little imagination to fill in the blanks . And it was so good. I loved that part of the story. And they were my favorite moments. In fact I marked up a lot of my book with my favorite moments.
Despite the fact that a lot of things went really right in this book, there were some things I didn't like. For one I understood why Gabi wanted to hurt Marc from what she thought he did in the past to her, but I didn't like the fact that she basically wanted to get revenge on Marc by pretending to be involved with his brother. It just set a sour taste in my mouth when she said that. I would have preferred if she used her friendship with the brother as a shield against Marc so he wouldn't realize that she still had feelings for him. That would have been more palpable than revenge. It just made her feel cruel and heartless and as sexist as this sounds I can take it from my hero but not heroine. And speaking of cruel, he was beyond so with some of his harsh words that just struck me in the heart like it did Gaby. And it was harsh and undeserved. It broke my heart for her. But despite those cruel words that wasn't what bothered me, it was the fact that I didn't think he groveled enough because he said some nasty things. Now he did grovel just not as much as I expected. I know he said he didn't mean some of the words he said, but I wished for every untruth he said that he cleared it up and said what truly felt. Reassure her more for each statement he said not just offered a blanket apology for them. Though I will say, he did show her that he loved and cared about her without the words, but I would have liked the words.
But overall I really did enjoy and love this book. It was classic Diana Palmer filled with angst, drama, complications, misunderstandings, deep emotions, passion , and intensity. It took me on roller coaster ride filled with depth and complexity that it made me engaged in the story and really invested in the characters. It was consuming. It was engrossing and to something you couldn't walk away from without wanting immediately to go back to it. I couldn't put this book down. It was just so good and so amazing that again it reminded me why I fell in love with this author in the first place. I love these types of stories from her and wish her current stories would follow this formula because they're just so so good. Don't mess with perfection. I will definitely read this book again and again and not get tired of it. I will cry again. I will feel again I'm reading this. This book just gave me all the feels that I'm looking for in a romance and that was what was great about it.
Highly recommend this book for anyone who likes angsty romances and likes Diana Palmer books. This book was definitely one of Diana's winners.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 11, 2021
I don’t think Diana Palmer liked women very much. Most of her heroines are unattractive pitiful and hopelessly besotted with dark and handsome Hero, who is usually so phenomenally handsome that he breaks hearts just by walking down the street. In this book,however, heroine was given more agency; she comes from affluent family, she is well educated, beautiful and a model. But even with all these advantages Diana Palmer manages to turn her into insecure mess the minute poor girl catches the sight of Marc’s hairy chest. Hopeless…
June 24, 2023
This book should never be labeled as romance.
Gaby is in love with Marc, even though she’s a teenager and has to sneak out to see him. Gary’s parents bribe Marc to walk away and never look back.
Nine years later, Gaby is model with a new contract for an auto parts company. During a shoot, Marc’s younger brother Joe shows up. She quickly discovers that her ex Marc owns the company she’s modeling for. Gaby and Joe are immediately friends and although she repeatedly tells him they’re just friends, he continues to take her out nightly for dinner, drinks, and dancing.
Gaby is still filled with both love and anger with her ex, Marc. She can’t decide if she wants to hate him or kiss him.
————————————————————————————
So here’s my issues with the book, if you don’t want spoilers, stop now.
The attempt of character development is a disaster at best. The original book cover shows a man with either tanned or darker skin. Fine. I read the large print edition. Bro definitely looks African American. I don’t care what race he is, just pick one. Covers can be deceiving, right? Sure. So the author never gives anything concrete for height/weight/race/eye color. Whatever. About midway through the book, a single time, Gaby refers to Marc being Hispanic. Okay. Then he’s described with olive skin. Alright. Then for the last third of the book, he’s Italian. Huh?
As far as a “romance” book, it sucked. Gaby spends the first half of the book basically dating Joe, but is adamant that they’re just friends. Then once Marc and Gaby have something going towards the end, the writing becomes so bad that you’re clawing your eyes out.
“Gaby then said something she would never say. Marc laughed. His dark eyes looking down at her.”
Seriously? Vomit. Any attempt at sex scenes were so glanced over without any detail and incredibly unrealistic. I’m sorry, but no 27 year old Virgin model is that naive or clueless and then can suddenly have sex for a few hours and is magically a master.
And don’t try to romanticize sex on a beach or in a bathtub. Sand gets in places where there should never be sand. And a tub full of bubbles? That’s a guaranteed bad time. Both during and after.
The only reason I gave it two stars was because I did finish the book. Not because it was good, but being I was hoping she got killed off. Sadly, she did not.
Gaby is in love with Marc, even though she’s a teenager and has to sneak out to see him. Gary’s parents bribe Marc to walk away and never look back.
Nine years later, Gaby is model with a new contract for an auto parts company. During a shoot, Marc’s younger brother Joe shows up. She quickly discovers that her ex Marc owns the company she’s modeling for. Gaby and Joe are immediately friends and although she repeatedly tells him they’re just friends, he continues to take her out nightly for dinner, drinks, and dancing.
Gaby is still filled with both love and anger with her ex, Marc. She can’t decide if she wants to hate him or kiss him.
————————————————————————————
So here’s my issues with the book, if you don’t want spoilers, stop now.
The attempt of character development is a disaster at best. The original book cover shows a man with either tanned or darker skin. Fine. I read the large print edition. Bro definitely looks African American. I don’t care what race he is, just pick one. Covers can be deceiving, right? Sure. So the author never gives anything concrete for height/weight/race/eye color. Whatever. About midway through the book, a single time, Gaby refers to Marc being Hispanic. Okay. Then he’s described with olive skin. Alright. Then for the last third of the book, he’s Italian. Huh?
As far as a “romance” book, it sucked. Gaby spends the first half of the book basically dating Joe, but is adamant that they’re just friends. Then once Marc and Gaby have something going towards the end, the writing becomes so bad that you’re clawing your eyes out.
“Gaby then said something she would never say. Marc laughed. His dark eyes looking down at her.”
Seriously? Vomit. Any attempt at sex scenes were so glanced over without any detail and incredibly unrealistic. I’m sorry, but no 27 year old Virgin model is that naive or clueless and then can suddenly have sex for a few hours and is magically a master.
And don’t try to romanticize sex on a beach or in a bathtub. Sand gets in places where there should never be sand. And a tub full of bubbles? That’s a guaranteed bad time. Both during and after.
The only reason I gave it two stars was because I did finish the book. Not because it was good, but being I was hoping she got killed off. Sadly, she did not.
November 17, 2017
Just like all of her books, I loved this one. I like a little danger mixed in with my romance sometimes. It was a great read.
January 13, 2024
Very cliché and melodramatic, but I did read it till the end so there’s that… a very very very light beach read.
September 18, 2024
This reads so powerfully like was written in the 1980s and not in a way that I would recommend.
(Edit: evidently it’s a reprint of something originally released in 1986. YOU CAN TELL.)
(Edit: evidently it’s a reprint of something originally released in 1986. YOU CAN TELL.)
June 28, 2017
I really enjoyed this book.... This is the story of Gaby and Marc, they were have a shared past. The book starts off with allot of action....
They dated after he saved her life.... Something happened, to end it and Gabby hated Marc. 9 years later she is a model and the feelings never left her she still loves him....
During this time, she hangs out with his brother Joe and they still know there is a spark between them. There is also an action plot going on during this time.. This book is full of action and suspense and true love.... Once again, Marc saves Gabby from DEATH, he is very protective of her when it matters most..... He still loves her.....
I am trying not to say to much to ruin the story, but this was a great read. This is was different, then Ms. Palmers books. It was full of suspense and it hooked you from the first page to the last....
The Ending was SO SO GOOD!!!! That alone was 5 plus stars.... Get it today!!!
**** I received a copy, of this book but I voluntary reviewed this*****
They dated after he saved her life.... Something happened, to end it and Gabby hated Marc. 9 years later she is a model and the feelings never left her she still loves him....
During this time, she hangs out with his brother Joe and they still know there is a spark between them. There is also an action plot going on during this time.. This book is full of action and suspense and true love.... Once again, Marc saves Gabby from DEATH, he is very protective of her when it matters most..... He still loves her.....
I am trying not to say to much to ruin the story, but this was a great read. This is was different, then Ms. Palmers books. It was full of suspense and it hooked you from the first page to the last....
The Ending was SO SO GOOD!!!! That alone was 5 plus stars.... Get it today!!!
**** I received a copy, of this book but I voluntary reviewed this*****
avoid
April 17, 2023Avoid.
"This book has a very young rich heroine who falls insanely in love with the much poorer mechanic hero. He then takes her parents money, dumps her and moves on."
She is of course still in love, but he has moved on.
She's celibate, he isnt of course, because men has needs and women are dumb robots.
I avoid Diana Palmer (same author wrote this) books,
because she only writes about unattractive/homey, doormat heroines who's in love with a H, when hes obsessed with the ow.
The OW is always the bitch because she's strong, feisty and beautiful.
Author seriously must have a degradation kink.
"This book has a very young rich heroine who falls insanely in love with the much poorer mechanic hero. He then takes her parents money, dumps her and moves on."
She is of course still in love, but he has moved on.
She's celibate, he isnt of course, because men has needs and women are dumb robots.
I avoid Diana Palmer (same author wrote this) books,
because she only writes about unattractive/homey, doormat heroines who's in love with a H, when hes obsessed with the ow.
The OW is always the bitch because she's strong, feisty and beautiful.
Author seriously must have a degradation kink.
September 15, 2017
Couldn't remember if I had this book in my collection of Diana Palmer books, but oh well. If I do, I've got another copy. This book is obviously republished, but it was still a nice read to pass the time.
February 13, 2021
Tangled Destinies is longer (almost 400 pages) than DP’s usual, but I didn’t really feel it until the last half. I’m a sucker for a second-chance romance, and I’m working my way through my goal of reading every DP my library has…. I have issues… so I jumped in. It hooked me fairly early, and the first half was quite angsty with Gaby’s heartbreak over Marc’s betrayal. (He dumped her for a 5000 payout…or so she believes…. he did, but there’s more to it)
Marc is the head of an auto parts conglomerate, but back in the day he was a poor twenty-six-year-old mechanic trying to support himself and his brother when he met seventeen-year-old Gaby. The two had an intense love affair (no sex) until Marc broke up, breaking her poor little heart into smithereens. Their paths cross again nine years later when the brother hires Gaby to model for Marc’s company.
Bottom Line- Good start, but it started to fizzle after they "made up" then it veered into her usual killer/crime mystery. There’s a chunk that DRAGS in the middle, but then it speeds up towards the end. There’s some nice soapy angst from Gaby (only get her thoughts) after the reconnection especially with Marc having a GF. This is DP so you should expect some givens…H is hairy and experienced. h is a virgin still dealing with her heartbreak. They “make love” by snogging and chest play. He’ll make ASSumptions; she’ll act immature. He acts like an ass, and she acts stupid. After some unrealistic events, everything is tied up nice and tight by the end. We get a peek at the couple a year later.
Marc is the head of an auto parts conglomerate, but back in the day he was a poor twenty-six-year-old mechanic trying to support himself and his brother when he met seventeen-year-old Gaby. The two had an intense love affair (no sex) until Marc broke up, breaking her poor little heart into smithereens. Their paths cross again nine years later when the brother hires Gaby to model for Marc’s company.
Bottom Line- Good start, but it started to fizzle after they "made up" then it veered into her usual killer/crime mystery. There’s a chunk that DRAGS in the middle, but then it speeds up towards the end. There’s some nice soapy angst from Gaby (only get her thoughts) after the reconnection especially with Marc having a GF. This is DP so you should expect some givens…H is hairy and experienced. h is a virgin still dealing with her heartbreak. They “make love” by snogging and chest play. He’ll make ASSumptions; she’ll act immature. He acts like an ass, and she acts stupid. After some unrealistic events, everything is tied up nice and tight by the end. We get a peek at the couple a year later.
November 28, 2017
Just a comment before I do my review. I don't do a lot of author research but this book through me for a loop. One author with three writing names - amazing. Just trying to find this book to review was an adventure. Now for me review: It took me awhile to get really interested in this story but once the story stayed in the present it was very interesting. The beginning is a bit boring as I think the premise of the story about a 'bad' boy falling for a 'good' girl but gives her up because he loves her too much is too long and drawn out. Once the girl, now a young woman, gets drawn in to a relationship with the wrong guy and finds out about her new job and boss things heat up and then there's a tragic accident and things heat up with finding out what really happened both in the past and now in the present is what really gets the reader's juices up and finishes up with a satisfactory conclusion.
August 6, 2024
3 1/2 stars As a 17 year old, the h was saved from two street thugs by 26 year old H who was working in a local garage. They started a relationship that was discovered by her parents.They offered him $ 5 000 to end it. The H needed the money to bail his younger brother out of trouble. Nine years later, the h is a successful model and the H's brother chooses her for an ad campaign for their successful auto parts company. The H's brother asks the h out and she accepts. She sees him as a shy friend. Inevitably the h crosses paths with the H. Despite her hurt at the way he left her, and despite his one year relationship with another woman, they are drawn to each other. The h overhears conversations about the brother stealing from the company. When the brother dies in a car crash, the H blames the h and the h suspects foul play. The h becomes a target. Reminiscent of HR in which the H has to protect and save the h before he acknowledges his feelings.
July 24, 2017
I've read pretty much anything Diana Palmer writes and most of her books subjects involved Wyoming region or individuals with connections to cattlemen. I was a little worried with the change of location and the type of characters in the book but after a few pages I realized that I should never doubt Diana Palmers' skill. Gabrielle was just another rich girl from New York who by a series of unfortunate events meets Marcus at a young age. She falls in love with Marcus even though he doesn't come from the right side of the town. There love is pulled apart by outside forces but they both never stop feeling for each other. Years pass and fate brings them together again they just need to fight to get back together. Get ready for another amazing roller coaster ride brought to you by the amazing Diana Palmer trust me you don't want to miss it.
August 25, 2017
Gabrielle Bennett is a top model. She should be happy, but the man who saved her when she was a teen also dumped her, paid off by her parents not to see her again.
That man is now wealthy and no longer dirtying his hands working on cars, but Gaby can't let it go, how she felt when money meant more to him than she did. Or so she thinks.
When Gaby starts going with Marc Stephano's brother--mostly to get back at Marc--she begins to realize that hatred is not all she feels for Marc, even nine years later. Then she stumbles on a crime that gets Marc's brother, Joe, killed. She decides she has to untangle the mystery that now is threatening her. If she is successful, will it mean her death, too?
How Marc protects her is a surprise no one will expect.
That man is now wealthy and no longer dirtying his hands working on cars, but Gaby can't let it go, how she felt when money meant more to him than she did. Or so she thinks.
When Gaby starts going with Marc Stephano's brother--mostly to get back at Marc--she begins to realize that hatred is not all she feels for Marc, even nine years later. Then she stumbles on a crime that gets Marc's brother, Joe, killed. She decides she has to untangle the mystery that now is threatening her. If she is successful, will it mean her death, too?
How Marc protects her is a surprise no one will expect.
Read
August 10, 2020This one was about a shy young girl who met a young man when he saved he from a robbery and assault while walking home. He was a mechanic, she was a sheltered rich girl. They break up, then meet again 9 years later, after she becomes a famous model working for the company she thinks he built with money from her parents. She starts seeing his younger brother, only to find out way too much. Things get tangled up from there. I don't want to give away any more, I want you to read it yourself! It was a lot of fun.
March 25, 2023
Tangled Destinies
Diana Palmer is one of my favorite modern romance writers, she uses tension, emotion and and a well written story to keep you hooked till the end. In Tangled Destinies uncaring parents put social status in front of their daughters welfare when they pay off the love of her life. It takes 9 years before they can right this wrong, but they must work through a lot of hurt on both sides first as well as well as all the extras that make Diana Palmer so great. please pick up this book and read it!
Diana Palmer is one of my favorite modern romance writers, she uses tension, emotion and and a well written story to keep you hooked till the end. In Tangled Destinies uncaring parents put social status in front of their daughters welfare when they pay off the love of her life. It takes 9 years before they can right this wrong, but they must work through a lot of hurt on both sides first as well as well as all the extras that make Diana Palmer so great. please pick up this book and read it!
October 3, 2024
The good: a couple hot sex scenes.
The bad: everything else
This H&h couldn’t be more unlikeable! He’s awful to her taking a 5k bribe from her parents to go away. He says awful things to her then and when they meet again 9 years later. No way do we as readers believe that he’s wanted to make a fortune to win her back when he’s had the fortune and never looked her way!!!
She reeks of desperation! She chases him in a passive/aggressive way through dating his brother!
They deserve each other! Thank God this is fiction!
The bad: everything else
This H&h couldn’t be more unlikeable! He’s awful to her taking a 5k bribe from her parents to go away. He says awful things to her then and when they meet again 9 years later. No way do we as readers believe that he’s wanted to make a fortune to win her back when he’s had the fortune and never looked her way!!!
She reeks of desperation! She chases him in a passive/aggressive way through dating his brother!
They deserve each other! Thank God this is fiction!
June 2, 2017
Diana Palmer is the queen of intricate stories. She surpasses all genres with her tales of depth and courage. Tangled Destinies is a prime example of that skill. Marc and Gaby's journey from young lovers to emotionally scarred enemies is a tale of heartache, lies and suspense that seduces even as it lays the groundwork for some shocking reveals. Not many second chance stories leave readers breathlessly entertained and that's exactly how I felt after reading this amazing story.
August 2, 2017
Having read quite a few books by Diana Palmer I was not expecting to like this one either but I was pleasantly surprised. The H is not your typical jerk (for lack of a better word) then any of the previous books of hers but I felt that this was an old dated book as there are references here and there of things that makes me think this one was written in the 80's or early 90's. I loved the HEA! That was the best part!
special-unread-plot
December 3, 2019I really liked the h but hated the H. He took money from h's parents, said very bad things to her and left. She was young and innocent, just how could he so cruelly break her heart?! Later it turned out that he gave back the money. But if he really loved her why didn't the H contact her again after he gave back the money ? When the H became rich he just went on living without her and had affairs. When they met again the H behaved like a jerk and it had not anything to do with jealousy.
May 7, 2025
A Little Boring
The characters in this book were a bit unbelievable. I do not think someone could be as naïve as Gaby. How could she not know that Joe would have strong feelings for her when they were together all the time. Some of her actions and reactions were almost unrealistic to me. The book was a little boring in places so I did skip some small sections in different parts.
The characters in this book were a bit unbelievable. I do not think someone could be as naïve as Gaby. How could she not know that Joe would have strong feelings for her when they were together all the time. Some of her actions and reactions were almost unrealistic to me. The book was a little boring in places so I did skip some small sections in different parts.
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