Fated Mates meets Clash of the Titans! 2016 & 2017 Reviewers Choice Best Fantasy & Mythological Romance Series - Paranormal Romance Guild
She's his destiny, his mate, his muse...
Mason Knowles is a carpenter with a secret. He's a Lycan, cursed by Zeus to shift into a wolf. With each transformation, the curse becomes stronger, threatening the man to succumb to the animal forever.
Clio Clarke is the human vessel for the Muse of History, devoting her life to studying the past. But when destiny brings Mason into her present, Clio realizes she still has plenty to learn about love and trust.
Mason discovers he's Clio's Guardian, gifted with inhuman strength, however, it will take more than might to stop an immortal from hurting her. He'll sacrifice anything, even his own humanity, to keep her safe, but this shift could be his last.
The Prophecy - "Every generation the nine daughters of Zeus are reborn, and with their rebirth are also nine Guardians. They will be marked by the gods, and given gifts to protect his treasure. Their abilities will only be unlocked when they find their muse."
Lisa Kessler is a Best Selling author of passionate, page-turning paranormal fiction. She's a two-time San Diego Book Award winner for Best Published Fantasy-Sci-fi-Horror and Best Published Romance. Her books have also won the PRISM award, the Award of Excellence, the National Excellence in Romantic Fiction Award, the Award of Merit from the Holt Medallion, and an International Digital Award for Best Paranormal.
Her short stories have been published in print anthologies and magazines, and her vampire story, Immortal Beloved, was a finalist for a Bram Stoker award.
She also publishes horror and thriller novels under the pseudonym, L.A. Kessler.
When she's not writing, Lisa is a professional vocalist and tarot card reader. Her first tarot deck, Practical Tarot, is being release by Beyond Words Publishing with a companion book, Practical Tarot: Learn to read tarot cards intuitively in 2025.
Devoted to Destiny by Lisa Kessler Muse Chronicles series #5. Paranormal romance. Mythology. Can be read as a standalone but better as part of the series. The Prophecy says that every generation the nine daughters of Zeus are reborn. With each Muse, there is a guardian who will only come into his power or gift after meeting his destined muse. Clio Clarke is the Muse of History. She’s disappointed when the carpenter, Mason Knowles, doesn’t show a special mark after working at the theater. Little does she know, Mason has a secret. He’s a cursed Lycan who will eventually be unable to take human form again. Knowing he’s Clio’s guardian has him worried. More than anything, he wants to protect her. Even if that means eventually becoming a wolf permanently.
I loved the support from prior characters as this story progressed. They are a team together. There is a threat and everyone plays a part. Dynamic, passionate, and made family.
“He had the body of a god and a Southern drawl that made her toes curl.”
Devoted to Destiny by Lisa Kessler is a wonderful sweet and hot paranormal urban fantasy romance. It’s the fifth installment in Lisa’s planned seven-book series chronicling the latest rebirth of Zeus’ nine muses and their guardians. When I was a youngster, I remember my quest to read every book on Greek mythology in our local library. LOL! The librarians all knew me and would put aside any new books on mythology that would come in. The subject fascinated me then and it still does now. This is the story of sexy carpenter Mason Knowles and the Muse of History, Clio Clarke.
Not thwarted by, and in defiance of the continuing danger posed by the Order of Kronos, Clio and her sister muses are back to focusing on getting their theatre renovated and open for business. Clio wouldn’t be alive today if it weren’t for the heroic efforts of the theatre’s talented carpenter, Mason. He miraculously saved Clio’s life in the fire set by the Order. To her dismay, Clio finds that she’s strongly attracted to Mason, but she won’t allow herself to give in to their chemistry as she’s holding herself back for her guardian. Her sister muses who have found their guardians, have all fallen in love with them. Clio doesn’t want to ruin what she could have with her guardian by falling for Mason. Of course, if Mason knew that she actually has the Muse of History inside her, he’d probably think she were crazy and run.
Mason holds secrets of his own. While he’s good at what he does and is extremely reliable, his top priority is tracking his cousin’s murderer. He’s been doing so for years and feels that he’s finally close to making her pay for her crime. He’s also strongly attracted to Clio, but his mission to make his cousin’s murderer pay must come first and he can’t allow himself to be sidetracked. Besides he harbors another dark skeleton in his closet – one that would mean that an HEA for him and Clio cannot be in the cards.
I loved both primary characters, enjoyed catching up with the other muses and their guardians and welcomed an influx of a few interesting new and/or turned characters too! Not surprisingly, our villain wasn’t likeable in the least. There are a multitude of secrets held dear in this tale. Will Clio and Mason get the message that they are stronger together before it’s too late?
Following please find a few of my favorite quotes from Devoted to Destiny:
“I can’t control the rest of the world, but give me a stack of wood and some tools, and I can shelter you in a storm.” --- “She reached up to caress his cheek, breathing him in. “I don’t want to disappoint you.”
He shook his head, pressing a kiss to her palm. “Impossible.” He carefully removed her glasses and then folded them and set them on the nightstand. “You know that even if we fumble through this, fall off the bed, and pull a muscle, it won’t matter. I’ll still want you as much as I do right now. Probably even more because I’ll want to be sure we try again until we get it right.” --- “You're a strong guy." He shot her a crooked grin. "You inspire me.” --- “Tell me what you want." Before her brain could engage, she kissed him again and whispered, "You. You're what I want.”
Devoted to Destiny can work well as a stand alone read if that is your preference. That said, I recommend that you read the series in order because while each book has its own fully contained HEA and danger element, all the books are linked by the main plot which has been building with each new release.
Lisa Kessler is one of my favorite authors. Seriously, I have inhaled everything she has published and I continue to eagerly look forward to each new book! Devoted to Destiny is a well-written, engrossing and emotional love story with exciting character development, surprising twists and a danger plot that will keep readers on the edge of their seats! Fans can only hope that the muses and their guardians are able to stay ahead of the perils ahead. I’m holding my breath waiting for the next book in the series which will be Tera’s story. She is the Muse of Dance and, her book, Dance of the Heart, will release June 2018! I can’t wait!
WOW - this series just keeps on getting better and the unanticipated revelations in this story have me desperate to discover what happens next! Lisa Kessler is a queen of paranormal writing, creating action packed page turners that keep the reader enthralled, intrigued and surprised as her story and the series progresses - I’ve loved everything that I’ve read by her and always await the next in series with eager anticipation. Whilst this may work as a standalone, I believe it will be better appreciated if the previous stories in the series are read first as they portray events in chronological order so it will help readers relate more to events in this story if they already know what has happened previously.
This is the story of the Muse of History, Clio Clarke, and her Guardian, Mason Knowles. I started it as soon as I’d downloaded it and just couldn’t put it down. I'm avoiding going into any details about events as I don't want to accidentally reveal any spoilers! It is another action packed, suspense filled story with great characters and even some godly interference! There are so many surprises in this story that will impinge on what happens next and I can’t wait to read more in this superb series! Fairly obviously, I loved escaping into this story and have absolutely no hesitation whatsoever in highly recommending it to anyone who enjoys paranormal romantic suspense.
I requested and received a copy of this novel. This is my honest review after choosing to read it.
Mason, a carpenter, follows the work he can find, as it's leading to the one person he wants revenge against. That mission has led him to Clio, and the Muses.
Clio, the Muse of History, loves studying the past and all it entails, but it's actually the present that's holding her attention right now, specifically a certain man.
Mason and Clio have forged a bond since he literally saved her life, and the connection between them has only grown stronger, as hasd their connection.
While Clio wishes he was her Guardian, it hasn't seemed like it's mean to be, but she doesn't care because of how he makes her feel. As for Mason, he knows exactly how special Clio is to him, and why. However, he has a secret of his own to share, and it's one that could eventually kill him. But first, he'll do everything he can to ensure his Muse's safety, because he is her Guardian and he has a primal instinct to protect her.
Can Mason keep Clio safe? How is Mason's past connected to Clio's present? Why do the have a common enemy, and what exactly is the person? Can Mason beat the tragedy that befell his dad? Can he and Clio have a love story for the ages?
One-click now and follow along as two people, drawn together by fate, fight all obstacles in their way.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.**
I’m a huge fan of Lisa Kessler’s Muse Chronicles series. Unlike the two previous books that required you to read them in order, Devoted to Destiny can be a standalone read. However, you will get information from the previous books that could be considered as spoilers.
Devoted to Destiny shows the power of characters. It’s been stated by Lisa that Clio Clarke, the Muse of History, wasn’t supposed to survive one of the previous books. But she and her hero perservered. That strength and determination is on full display in this story. I found Devoted to Destiny to be so different from the previous books in this series. For starters, Mason Knowles is aware that muses are real and that immortals walk amongst us. Secondly, Mason has been bestowed the ability to shift into a werewolf. While Clio tends to use her books as shields to protect herself from the rest of the world, she carries the spirit of a lion inside of her. Together, these two are fun, playful, and passionate. They have a huge need to protect and stand by each other.
I’ve stated in the past that Breath of Passion and Light of the Spirit were game changers for this series. I don’t truly think the same can be said for Devoted to Destiny, but that doesn’t mean that what happens within the pages of this book doesn’t contribute to the overall story arc of this series. In fact, I believe the events from this book will have a huge impact on the rest of the series. I just have no idea what that impact truly is. I just know the Gods and muses are in near proximity to each other and a war of epic proportions is brewing.
**Received a copy of the book from the author and reviewed voluntarily.**
Clio Clarke has the spirit of the Muse of History inside her. She and her sister muses have been trying to get their theater renovated and open. If it hadn't been for the contractor doing the work, a big fire, caused by the Order of Kronos would have killed her. Mason Knowles is more than just a building contractor. He has been tracking a murderer for years. The woman killed his cousin years ago and is now after the Muses. If he stays close to them, he will get a chance to end her. Our hero is a little distracted by one of the sisters, but can't allow himself to get sidetracked because he knows it will never last. Our heroine has watched several of her sisters find their guardians and true love. She must wait for her guardian, not get involved with the sexy contractor who saved her life. This is part of a series that must be read in order. Once you read the first you will be unable to resist the rest. Each book does have it's own beginning and end, but is linked by the main storyline. They are all very exciting stories with great characters and surprising twists. I'm totally addicted to thus series and refuse to miss one.
This is the fifth book in the Muse Chronicles. One of the things I really enjoy about this series is how well Ms. Kessler writes. Her characters, plot, and just the sheer emotions are fabulous, and this book just elicits so many emotions, you feel like a wreck at the end. Not a bad wreck but a good one, and as with all the books in the series, this one made me cry in a good way. The love and tenderness Clio and Marsh had for each other really shines through. I’m not even a very sappy person, and this book just got to me. For less emotional things, we also learn new items about the gods and goddesses which change the way the sisters will have to deal with obstacles and brought up new problems they will have to deal with in future stories. I really enjoyed the twist of one of the characters being a werewolf, throwing in a whole new dimension to the world. I am so excited to see what’s going to happen next and see the next couple become an item. The author is just great with words, and I wish more people read her. If you are already a fan, you will love this one. If you love romances/adventure, you really need to try this author and series! Highly recommend! Thanks to the author for the e-copy which I voluntarily reviewed.
Man I loved these two and yes their devotion to each other is what the story is all about. He continues to rescue her and while they are interested both are focused on the craziness going on around them. While they share their secrets with each other those secrets may be the death of them. That is until they realize that they are stronger together.
There are plenty of secrets and references to the other books in the series but nothing you can’t catch up on in this standalone read with carryover characters and action. Yes the story is carried over from the previous books but even though I have read them out of order I still was able to catch up. Now I get to start the series right and go from the first book. I love the characters and the whole plot is awesome and this author makes you work for it in the best of ways. Great stuff I can’t wait for more.
Clio and Mason are a cute couple and I have enjoyed their story! The devotion you see between them is remarkable and the trials they are put through hold you mesmerized till the end.
I also loved finding out if my assumption were right about a few characters I had suspicions over. I look forward to reading the next ones!
This is a mystical story intertwining Greek mythology with humans of today. The muses and their guardians are fighting against Kronos who is out to end the world. The author did a wonderful job explaining the muses and the Olympian gods and it was easy to follow. I received a complimentary copy and I am voluntarily reviewing.
Devoted to Destiny is a fantastic addition to this series. This fast paced story is filled with excitement, energy and love. We get answers and new questions. Mason and Clio are a terrific couple. I recommend having read the previous books before reading this one but it can be read standalone.
I'm a huge Lisa Kessler fan and was so excited to read the new Muse Chronicles book! While this could be a stand alone I recommend reading them all in order so you have the complete backstory.
Devoted to Destiny focuses on Clio, the Muse of History, and Mason, the carpenter for the theater. Mason is not just a guardian though, he has been tracking the woman who murdered his cousin years ago, and knows about the Muses being reborn, but not who they are. Clio is drawn to Mason just as he is drawn to her. Their affection and love really stands out in this book.
As with all of Lisa's novels you will not want to set this aside until you finish it, and you will find yourself invested in each of the characters and wish you were friends with them! I can not wait to see what the rest of this series has in store for us, but I'm not sure I can stand to wait! =)
Lisa gives us another great story. If you don't know much about Greek Mythology, she introduces you to some interesting characters and inspires you to think maybe there really are God's still among us.
Mason saved Clio and helped the Muses escape their burning theatre. He and his wolf are surprised to find, she is their mate. No one knows Mason has a guardians mark or that he hails from the Lycoan dynasty.
Clio is attracted to Mason, not only because he saved her life, but he is built like a Good and he is the only contractor who would help them rebuild their theater. He is strong, handsome and she can't decide if she should be interested in him or wait for her Guardian to show up. The other muses guardians turned out to be their life partners and she has been alone for so long.
While the muses continue to strengthen their bonds, the Order is still plotting to stop them. The leaders of the Order add a little twist to the story, I don't want to give it away, but wow was I surprised.
Mason and Clio's story grabs you til the end, you will be drawn in and mesmerized by Lisa and her muses.
Lisa Kessler has written yet another one of a kind book. I absolutely love Mason and Clio. The shyness Clio has around Mason was so endearing and Mason trying to get her to notice him without seeming obvious was just the best. Watching them come together to fight evil and protect the Muses showed Clio an inner strength she didn’t know she possessed.
This is a fantastic book that fed my love of Greek Mythology. I recommend this to anyone who loves a book with strong women and sexy men fighting evil.
This is the next addition to The Muse Chronicles and it as intriguing as the previous books. Clio and Mason are perfect for each other. It is through and with the help of their love that they are able to rescue each other. They are true soulmates.
This author is an expert at character development. I truly care about her characters and can't wait until the next book comes out.
I love this series and easily breezed through Mason and Clio's story - twice! While the format is similar as previous stories in a muse finding her guardian, it was the other storylines that had taken me by surprise. I don't want to reveal too much, but things (and people) are definitely not what they seem to be on the surface. The author has left me pondering how things will go down in her next book(s) and how specific people will fit together (that statement will make more sense after you read this book). Cannot wait to get my hands on the next in the series!
Clio the muse of History always has her nose in a book, that is until Mason comes along. He's the sexy carpenter and the only one who's willing to help rebuild the theater. Clio has a strong attraction to Mason she really wants him to be the one. With the secrets she must keep and knowing there's a guardian out there for her she knows she should stay away.
I am absolutely in love with this series! These muses are strong women who conquer whatever is put in their paths.This book is about Clio, the muse of history, and Mason, their contractor. As you know, if you have read the previous books, Pamela is Kronos's immortal mistress from Greek history. She is after revenge for the death of her and Kronos's son, by killing all of the daughters of Zues. The daughters are the muses reincarnated every generation.Clio is Pamela's target this time. Mason has a secret, he is descended from King Lycaon. He is cursed. He can turn into a Lycan but after too many changes he will become a wolf permanently. He risked turning to save Clio and everyone from the fire in the theatre. But he knows that if he turns once more, it will be his last. He also knows that he is the only one who can kill Pamela because her paralyzing magic can't hurt him when he is wolf. Oh, and he is Clio's guardian. They had feelings for each other but Clio was waiting for her guardian. Now she gives herself permission to fall in love. There is plenty of revelations about Kronos and Belkin Oil happening in this book. Also a sort of redemption of Ted and further knowledge of Mikolas. I very much recommend you start with the first book because each book will drag you deeper into the characters and their lives. Impatiently waiting for more stories!
In the previous book — Light of Spirit — I noticed a trend where the Order of the Titans was included more, and their focus seemed to be shifting. In this book, it feels like it’s about 30-40% of the book. Which means the series is becoming less about the romance, and more about the action.
I’m not against this trend, but it wasn’t expected so I’m still trying to figure out if that was planned or not. It doesn’t feel like the romance is suffering because of it, so maybe it was planned.
A few pieces are also starting to fall into place that tells me why certain decisions were made by some characters in previous books. Although (thanks to me being sneaky) I know who the final guardian is, I’ve got NO IDEA who the next one will be even though we’ve been introduced to them in previous books for the last 3.
Maybe we’ve met the next guardian, but we just don’t know it yet? Which is kind of driving me crazy wanting to read the next book, but I need to wait coz I have a few other books I need to read first.
When I think about the feeling I want to be left with when I finish a book in a series, the feeling I want is an obsession to read the next book NOW! To me that says the books was great, I’m still hooked, and there’s a clear intent for the story that I want to know about.
Fingers crossed I can hold out on reading the next book so I don’t fall behind on the reviews I’ve agreed to between now and the next book!
Love this series! Love the whole premise about the Greek muses, and other Greek mythology. Love the suspense and action. Love the characters and love the direction the story is going in. I'm beyond super excited to read the next books! I'm already loving the direction that the next muses stories are going. I'd recommend reading the books in this series from the beginning because there is a continued storyline throughout the whole series. In this one, Clio the muse of history, has a major crush on sexy handyman, Mason. The muses each have a guardian that is supposed to protect them from the evil forces that are trying to kill them. Clio wants Mason, but she wants what her other muse sisters have with their guardians; love, so she keeps denying her feelings for Mason. Mason is more in the know than Clio thinks though, and these two can't resist the pull of chemistry between the two of them. I loved Clio and Mason's connection! They are adorable together! Their story is really sweet! I also loved the direction Mason's story went in. These two have some dangerous situations to deal with, and it's wonderful to see the whole group working together. Really great series, and I'm really excited to read the next book! Love when there's a bit of the enemy to lovers thing going on! Excited!!!
Lisa Kessler takes you into the world of Greek Mythology with a modern twist! If you've never encountered the Muses, now is the time to get inspired. Clio faces many obstacles in her current position as the Muse of History. As she delves further into the mission and purpose of the Muses, she uncovers a tale of Guardians that will step forward and assume the protection of their individual Muse, each of them gaining a special power you aide them. While none of the girls know who their Guardian is until they are faced with individual danger, they've taken a "sister's before sex" pact. While some of the mighty have fallen, Clio is determined that she has to save herself for her guardian, even though she is quickly getting hot and bothered by the contractor they hired to repair the theater. With a sexy southern drawl, tight abs, and a chiseled ... oh wait, I got side tracked. Mason is quickly attracted to the sexy bookish Clio, but he's on a mission of his own. Somehow his inner Lycan has decided Clio is theirs, and he'll do anything to protect her. His fear of losing himself is seconded by losing Clio.
In this 5th book of the series, we get to follow Clio. When Clio goes to the theater, what is she there for? What do we learn about Mason and Sadie? We learn more about Pamela Costas. What is it? When Clio wanders down to the pier one night before she moves, what happened was very unexpected! What Mikolas said to Ted really changed my outlook on Mikalos. Also, watching Ted struggle with how some of the things he thought were one way were not really that way. Watching him come to terms with a 'new reality' for himself was interesting. My feelings about Ted started to change a little with this book. I realize I do not care for Zack very much. Especially after his run in with Clio at the hospital. Who is Kevin? Why do I feel leery when Kevin, Zak, and the poker group all seem to go quiet? Read and see what happens!
RECEIVED THIS BOOK AS A GIFT FOR A FAIR/HONEST REVIEW and REVIEWER FOR Bloggin' With M. Brennan.
Clio is the human vessel for the Muse of History. She keeps her head in her books and is the one that found the prophecy about the Guardians. Mason is the only contractor willing to work on the women’s theater. He has been hunting Pamela, Kronos mistress, and nothing will stop him from taking her down. Clio isn’t the only one keeping secrets. Mason was descended from lycans. Zeus cursed the men of his family with turning into wolves. Mason is Clio’s guardian and he has inhuman strength when it involves Clio. But Mason knows that he is one shift away from staying a wolf forever, will he be able to find his way back? This was awesome! I loved Clio and Mason. Hot sex, intrigue, and a story I couldn’t put down.
Being a person that enjoys history this one was one I was excited to read. This author also did not disappoint either with the characters that carried me away into their story. Mason and Clio will give pictures that are about trust and love that will be illustrated to the point that our emotions are joined with theirs. The drama will test them but also bring them together to work on things. Mason really helps us get caught up in this one thanks to his quest. You are pulled also to the edge in seeing if they can come together before it is too late. All in all you go in and are consumed then come out satisfied.
This series is such a fun read. It has exciting bits, passion, entertaining characters, a fascinating conflict, and the series plot is getting better and better. I want more and can’t wait for the next two to arrive at my house so I can read the last two in the series. Mason’s character has an interesting plot twist that I didn’t see coming, which made it fresh and added more to the overall story. The bookworm, Clio, was great because I could so relate to her and her shyness. I loved them as a couple and I’m glad she was able to figure out how to help him in the end. Not telling any secrets, you just have to read it. :-)
While the stakes were increased we spent even less time with the leading couple than we did in the other books without gaining more time with the rest of the Muses, most of the book felt like we were hanging out with Ted. It also felt like they fell in love at first orgasm. I just felt so withdrawn from the characters in this book, like I didn't really know any of them so it was difficult for me to feel anything for their plight. Not really an impressive addition for me.
Another 5 star hit by prolific writer Lisa Kessler. I always enjoy the quality workmanship in her books. This is book 5 of the Muse series where each Muse is matched with a Guardian. I personally would love to have hunky Mason, carpenter extraordinaire as my Guardian. Clio his muse is a perfect match and they are able to bring out the best in each other. I enjoyed the suspense, the good strong plot and the Hot, Hot romance!
Clio is so shy, Mason is not shy but a man of few words. He knows about the muses and the gods because he is a lycan. He is not sure if Clio knows what she is so is hesitant to say anything. The action starts early and keeps going throughout the story. More pieces of the puzzle start to fall into place and they find an enemy in Pamela who is a goddess who walks the earth as a mortal. The narrator did an awesome job brining the story to life I really enjoyed the whole performance.