Island

Deceitful Destiny #1

by S.E. Rose

Laura Stevenson needs to get away. She is looking for isolation. She is looking for tranquility. Instead, she finds Jack.
Laura thinks she has found the perfect place to spend a summer working on her book, a small cottage on the North Sea in Scotland. There will be no kids, no memories of the perfect life she once had, and no distractions.
A chance meeting with the mysterious Jack Ross changes everything. No matter how hard she tries to fight her desires for the sexy gardener with green eyes and a chiseled body, she just can’t stay away from him.
But what Laura doesn’t know, is that Jack is running from his past and it’s about to catch up with him. Laura is about to enter a world she could not even dream of writing. Can Jack and Laura mend each other’s broken hearts, or will it all crumble apart as they try to bring down the one man that could destroy them both?

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Amazon, Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense, Mystery, Own

Unknown Binding

First published March 24, 2018

About the author

USA Today & International Bestselling romance author, S.E. Rose lives near Washington D.C. with her family. When she's not wrangling her cats or keeping up with her kids, she's plotting her next story.

She loves all things wine, coffee, and cats. In her non-existent free time, she enjoys traveling, going to concerts, binging on her favorite shows, and reading, especially if it's a good mystery or comedy.

Reviews

[Bex (Beckie Bookworm) · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️STARS
REVIEW COPY
Release Date-24/3/18

Island (Portentous Destiny Series, #1) is the first book I have experienced by this particular author and I found it to be an extremely positive endeavour.
A Contemporary romantic suspense; this is one story that is full of twists and turns throughout.
Managing with no problem whatsoever to keep my full attention.
There were only a few teensy issues here for me and that was mainly down to my own personal reading preferences.
So first I really adored both the main characters here; Laura and Jack both have had there fair share of knocks in life and each has rather admirably dusted themselves back off and climbed back on the old merry-go-round that is life.
Their past experiences good and bad have ultimately shaped their future destinies providing them with an almost humble thankfulness for what they now hold dear and close to there hearts.
I warmed to Laura much more initially than Jack, but feel that maybe that was more down to the authors writing style and the fact that we only got to experience events from Lauras POV.
This resulting in me taking much more time to get an almost sense of the what and the why with Jack and where he was ultimately coming from; when I eventually did it was pure magic; totally worth waiting for.
Jack was such a decent guy who had suffered his fair share of knocks; in some ways, because of his own crappy choices in this life, but ultimately this didn't define him as a person he had re-steered his fortunes towards a superior goal and for that, he deserved commending.
Jack wore his heart on his sleeve and what I liked about him most was his unwillingness to play games; I loved how he was so open with his affections; yes he may have been keeping a lid on his past, but I didn't get the overall impression that this was due to any inate deceitfulness on his part.
I perceived more of a protective vibe from Jack rather than a dishonest one.
Laura, well I really appreciated her love for her family; they were her world which was so lovely,
After the total redirection of her expected pathway due to events totally outside of her control.
Laura could have wallowed in the unfairness of it all; instead, she had re-evaluated and this course had led her unexpectedly to the doorway of a totally new beginning with Jack.
Maybe the fates were in play for Jack and Lauras Chance at a HEA together; After the shitty knocks in life, these two had experienced I would so like to think this was the actual case.
Another great personality trait of Lauras was her inate loyalty; when she was onboard and invested she was there for the long haul; There was no unnecessary drama when the truth eventually emerged; she was just supportive and committed to understanding the whys and whatnots ; it was such a refreshing attitude to have and was just nice to see her love and care for Jack in his time of need despite the danger this actually placed her in.
So as I mentioned earlier we only get to experience events from Lauras POV; I would have prefered to also have got Jacks take on things too as I feel I would have warmed to him much quicker than I actually did.
"Island" was mostly set in Scotland where Laura as a writer had rented a remote cottage to complete her latest work; this is where Laura first encounters Jack.
There was great chemistry throughout "Island" I felt the actual connection here got more intense the further on I read.
This also had some fantastic secondary characters that were extremely well rounded and after a somewhat slow first half things then started to build in momentum until I felt a bit like I was on a runaway train with no idea of the actual destination.
I also really enjoyed how this one was wrapped up; it was realistic, but still gave me that sense of these two are going to be alright now vibe that I was looking for.
So this was a great read that easily kept my attention; if you like your romantic suspense then this is a good one I look forward to the next in this series; which I believe features Laura's daughter Lily and is set in South America.
Thank You to the Author for providing me with a review copy of "Island (Portentous Destiny Series, #1)" of which I have reviewed voluntary.
All opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com

[Coco.V]

💝FREE on Amazon today (9/15/18)!💝

[Dana · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a roller coaster ride!!! When I read the synopsis for Island, I was intrigued.....Ms. Rose did not disappoint!!

There was romance, intrigue, mystery and so much more!!! Laura is a single mom (not by choice) who takes a holiday where she meets Jack; let the ride begin!!!

This was my first book by this author and I look forward to reading more.

[Jennifer Pierson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Island is the first book that I've read by S.E. Rose, and I find myself very intrigued by her talented writing style that was displayed throughout this story. Basically, Laura is a single mom who takes a quiet vacation to get her head straight, and this is where she meets Jack. And that's all that I'm going to give away, because I decided that everyone needs to read it blind, to really enjoy the experience of this emotional ride! Besides the romance, which I loved, there is mystery & suspense, which made for f-bomb dropping worthy twists to make my heart pound, as I was on the edge of my seat throughout. Plus, Laura & Jack both have pasts that make for serious angst when said pasts are revealed. So, yeah, this story had all the elements for a great story that I want more of! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

[Becky Wise · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Island is full of love and suspense that will sure to keep you on your toes as well as turning those pages for more. It's such a beautiful story. I love Laura and Jack so much. All Laura wanted is a quiet place to work on her book and what she got is something she least expected, Jack. Jack is full of secrets at first but as his love for Laura grows and you learn more about him, you can't help but be pulled into this world. With danger around the bends and love on the horizon Laura and Jack make a great team to take down those that are part of Jacks past. This is such a wonderful read and if you love books that take you for a ride and don't let go until the very end then you really need to one click this one. I'm so looking forward to more to come from this series.

[Debra Johnson]

Purchase Amazon July 24, 2019

[Krista Sandor · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great read! I loved the characters and the story kept me on the edge of my seat!

[A.BookNerd.Bookseller&Bibliophile.Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a roller coaster ride!!! When I read the synopsis for Island, I was intrigued.....Ms. Widman did not disappoint!!

There was romance, intrigue, mystery and so much more!!! Laura is a single mom (not by choice) who takes a holiday where she meets Jack; let the ride begin!!!

This was my first book by this author and I look forward to reading more.

Reviewed by: Dana D.

[Janise ~ Raven Wolf Indie Book Blog ~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I could not put the book down, the book is based in Scotland and it sure made me feel like I was there. what a roller coaster of a ride, and such a wonderful way to get to know about other parts of the world from the authors eyes. Island is a great mystery, it's based around human trafficking and love. This story/series can be a hard read for some people, I know I could not put the book down I did have to take a minute before I moved onto book 2.
This was my first read by S.E. Rose and I have to say I did enjoy her writing and knowledge of different areas of the world sure makes me wish I could travel like she has had the privilege to. I look forward to reading more of her books and learning more about our world.

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the plot, the character, the setting, and the story-but it was a bit lengthy. It was intriguing and I just had to know what happened next, which is why I stuck with it even though it felt long. And I never thought I’d ever say this: but the two MCs were constantly having sex. All the time. So much of it that I was tired on their behalf. There was a good bit that I think could have been cut out to make the story more cohesive or flow a bit better, though the inclusion of so much steamy material may be what another reader is looking for! Give it a try-I’m glad I did.

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Must Read

This is a fantastic book! An author goes to Scotland to finish her mystery book and falls for the gardener of the cottage she rents. Only the gardener is more than a gardener and she ends up living out a plot in a book. It’s full of drugs and sex traffickers, special agents, cheeses of the week and hot sexy scenes. I’m loving this series!

[The Endless Unread · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely fantastic book that really makes you wonder what is going on.

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Undecided

Can't decide if I enjoyed this book, or if I was intrigued to see what was going to happen next. Laura is an author who has flown across the Atlantic to Scotland for some peace and quiet to finish her latest book. Having lost her husband in an accident a few years earlier, and her 2 kids at college, she is able to take this trip without worrying about those at home. Skype and FaceTime allow her to contact her kids to check in anytime. She arrives at her remote hideaway and meets Jack, the gardener. A relationship develops quite quickly. As much as I love a good sex scene, this seemed almost like overkill. These 2 were at it like rabbits, and I admit I pondered on where one might encounter a man with such stamina.Does he actually exist? I was getting quite bored with the sex scenes about halfway through. Suddenly, mid book Laura's daughter has an accident and she flies back to the states. After a few days when all is well she returns to Scotland, money is no object it seems. But Jack has disappeared. Jack it seems is not just a gardener, but Baron, hereditary title, who gave up his "title" to his brother. He has a merky past involving drugs, drug dealers, international drug rings, but on top of that he's an undercover agent for a secret government agency. Hello, did I just land in the twilight zone. They all end up involved in a human trafficking ring where Laura's daughter and Jack niece get kidnapped to be sold as sex slaves. Secret agents, double agents, International king pin all appear. I can't help but wonder if this should have been 2 books, an angsty love story, and a mystery novel. Still can't decide. I didn't like the ending, but there is a book 2, not sure I'll be rushing for it, but if I come across it, I just might read it.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was more of a 3.5 star for me, but I rounded up. So I must confess I read Book 2 (Secrets) first, so I already knew some of the outcomes. Did it ruin the book? No; however, it didn’t necessarily have the “a-ha” moments I was expecting.
What I really loved about this book was Jack and Laura’s love story. They are established adults who have faced some emotional hardships and find each other when they aren’t looking for anything. The newlywed attitude in their intimacy proved to show some serious chemistry. The secondary characters were also great. They all played important roles in the story. Also there wasn’t any over the top unnecessary drama or angst, when put in hard positions the characters stayed level headed
There are a few moments once the mystery portion of the story really starts to shine, where I asked myself how is that going to work or how is that possible. Justification was provided shortly down the road, sometimes I found it to be a little rocky.
The one thing I didn’t like was how blasé Laura and her kids were about dangerous situations. I plan to ask the author about this. Since I read Book 2 first, I can tell you that this attitude doesn’t really continue in the series. I think this story scared some common sense into the characters.

[Avigail · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 ⭐️

Island by S.E. Rose had the potential to deliver a gripping mix of suspense and romance, especially with a subject as serious as human trafficking woven into the plot. The banter between Laura and Jack was fun at first, and their chemistry promised a compelling love story. Unfortunately, the execution leaned too heavily on open-door intimacy, to the point where it overwhelmed the suspense. While I enjoy a spicy romance, here the balance was off—every scene seemed to turn into sex, leaving little room for the danger and intrigue surrounding the characters.

Other readers echoed similar frustrations, feeling the story tried to merge two different genres—an emotional romance and a dark crime thriller—without giving either side enough depth. The romance escalated too quickly, and the repetitiveness of the intimate scenes made them feel copy-and-pasted rather than unique. For me, it reached the point where I dreaded the next encounter instead of looking forward to the suspenseful twists.

I actually preferred the thriller aspects of the plot, but the uneven tone made the story less believable and less engaging. Ultimately, while the premise was intriguing, this book was a 2.5-star read for me, and I won’t be continuing the series.

[Jacqui Norris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has such a romantic feel to it. S.E. Rose has written a story of romance that is easy to get lost in. She creates a visual journey through the countryside of Scotland overlooking the North Sea.
Laura Stevenson is an author who needs to get away from from her every day life. The death of her husband has left her feeling lost. Her children are grown and making lives for themselves. She rents a cottage in Scotland overlooking the North Sea. It's a peaceful place, which is exactly what she needs. Then she meets Jack Ross, a local who spends his day looking after the gardens of properties surrounding his estate. He is also a man with secrets. Laura hasn't felt a draw towards anyone in a long time, but something about Jack has awoken something in her. She takes the chance and begins a whirlwind summer romance in a very romantic setting. But not all is as it seems. She unknowingly becomes of a part of Jack and his past that has caught up to him.
It was hard not to try and visualize this story playing out. From the description of the cottage to the little town that to has a romantic feel to it. It makes me want to visit Scotland, find a cottage to rent, and spend days just exploring. Thank you S.E. Rose for bringing us the love story of Jack and Laura. I truly enjoyed it.

[Shiney · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm not sure what to say about this book. The description sounded intriguing, and it started out well enough.. My expectations for this book were far different than what it all worked out to be.

Basically Laura, an author, travels to a small town across the world to enjoy the summer writing in peace. She meets a slightly mysterious handsome guy baned Jack, that helps around the cottage she's renting out. But, their relationship and summer quickly take an overly dramatic unrealistic turn.

It took me far longer than it normally would for me to finish this book. I have read a few too many books recently that take a ridiculous turn into Russian mobsters, drugs, trafficking, FBI/CIA/Interpol... who knows what other abbreviation for the mysterious agency and suspicious agents. It just does not seem all that realistic.

I don't doubt the horrible problem of human trafficking. And I hope there are mysterious agencies working to stop it.

Some may really like this kind of story, but I don't think I'll be reading the others in this series.

[Debra (Dragon Nanny) Phiri · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a story to start off an author with! SE Rose is an amazing talent with a great future! This book was full of action, heart, heartbreak and the amazing tale of two people who weren’t looking for love but found it anyway!

Now I know this was a work of fiction but so many things in it could indeed be real. I love how flawed the characters were and yet they were able to be whole and perfect with each other or maybe that’s for each other!

The story takes place in Scotland! My dream country and I felt like I could truly imagine myself seeing what they saw and experienced! Jack and Laura have a few missteps with each other but come through them and work out life together. I was on the edge of my seat with it in parts due to the plot and was panicking in other parts! Only excellent writing does that to you!

My to be read list has now grown even more with me having read this my first book by SE Rose!

[Cori Nichols · Rating 5 out of 5]

Island (Portentous Destiny Series Book 1)

By S.E. Rose

This book was great. The way we start the book off all the way to how it comes back to it at the end. I read this all in one day. It was that good of a book. The book started off with what felt like a mystery and then turned out to be so much more. Her writing style and scene building were wonderful. You could really see what she was showing you. There were some very hot parts. It never got old or rushed feeling. It is a sweet read as well. Sometimes life will give you two loves of your life. It doesn’t happen often but this book can give you a bit of hope that things can always get better. Also, who can say no to a sexy Scot? There are lies that are hidden but do come out in the wash.

I am glad that this is the first book, I do plan on reading the other two in this set.

I give this book a 5 out of 5 stars.

[Frances Shelton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lot of twist and turns

The Island is full of love and suspense that will sure to keep you on your toes as well as turning those pages for more. It's such a beautiful story. I love Laura and Jack so much. All Laura wanted is a quiet place to work on her book and what she got is something she least expected, Jack. Jack is full of secrets at first but as his love for Laura grows and you learn more about him, you can't help but be pulled into this world. With danger around the bends and love on the horizon Laura and Jack make a great team to take down those that are part of Jacks past. This is such a wonderful read and if you love books that take you for a ride and don't let go until the very end then you really need to one click this one. I'm so looking forward to more to come from this series.

[Heather Navarre · Rating 4 out of 5]

Romance, mystery and suspense all wrapped in one book

The first in a series of 5 books.

I really enjoyed this book. I really liked Laura and Jack. It is one thing to fall in love once but to get another chance is amazing.

Laura, a writer needing a change of scenery to finish her latest book, meets Jack a handsome man who takes care of the gardens where she is renting.

As the book goes on we find ourselves in the middle of a romance story but also one of mystery and edge of your seat scenes.

I have already gotten book 2 from KU and I am about to start it. SE Rose is a new author for me and I am hooked!

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

Laura is a writer and a single mum to college aged kids. Unfortunately her husband died a few years before in a car crash. She comes to Scotland to get away from everything and finish writing her book. It’s here she meets Jack, initially she thought he was a groundsman and caretaker for her holiday cottage but as she gets to know Jack more there are a lot of mysteries surrounding him and his past. The 2 develop a relationship but Laura has to head back to the States suddenly when her daughter is in an accident and when she returns to Scotland Jack has gone. An enjoyable story with likeable characters. I did feel some of the plot was a little far fetched though.

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in a new series from this talented author, and is Laura and Jack’s story. Laura has been left heartbroken, and just wants to lead a quiet life. Jack is a sexy gardener, who has many secrets and is hiding from his past. The chemistry between these two is intense, and they have to work together to overcome obstacles in their path. This is a well written story which is filled with angst, secrets, twists, suspense, danger, and love, which all had me on tenterhooks. I was totally captivated throughout this thrilling story, and cannot wait to read more in this series.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so great!!! What an unexpected journey to find amazing love. Fate brought them together and love will keep them safe. Just when I thought I knew what was going on in this story the author completely blindsided me with a whole different twist...I knew Jack was hiding something from his past but wow didn't see all that coming!!! That is exactly what I love most about reading...the unexpected twist that leaves you unable to put the book down!!! 10 STAR READ!!! A new author for me and has completely captured me...can't wait for book 2!!!

[Natalie Casey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so good! There is so much angst, steam, twists and turns that you don't see coming! it will have you on the edge of your seats in anticipation of what's coming next!!
Laura, a single mom who's going on a vacation for 3 months to a secluded little cabin "across the pond" so she can finish writing her novel. When she meets Jack, the gorgeous "caretaker", she has her world turned upside down, in every way possible, Good, bad, hot, intense and absolutely terrifying.
I don't want to give this book away, so I'll leave you with this,,, GET THIS BOOK!!!!

[Bookish · Rating 4 out of 5]

A chance meeting that leads to attraction between two people with broken hearts. Laura is just looking to find a peaceful place to write but can't help but find herself attracted to the mysterious Jack. But jack has a past he is running from and it might just complicate things. A wonderful balance of mystery, romance & intrigue with some well written characters. A book that you will enjoy reading by an author that will make want more.

[Alison Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!! I have never read a book from this author and boy have I been missing out!! This was so well written that you feel like you are living this story right along with the characters and you won't want to put it down until you read the entire book. Speaking of the characters, they had amazing chemistry and passion. With this book you also get passion, suspense, twists, turns, love, sadness and mystery. All the makings of a fantastic story!! Get your copy today.

[Andrzejewski Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Island was a well written book by S.E. Rose. I'm looking forward to reading the other books in the "Portentous Series". This book is an easy read and a page turner. It had steamy romance and was a suspenseful & a bit of a crime novel packed into its pages. It sucked me in from the first page. I loved how Laura was going to Scotland to go into seclusion to finish writing her novel. She could never of foresaw the adventure that was waiting for her ahead.

[Lois · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great Intrigue but Definitely X-Rated

First this should be rated for the many detailed sex "scenes," so it's not sold to underage readers. Would be nice to have a version without these scenes - just a hint would be enough. Aside from this, the intrigue and twists in this human trafficking adventure are done very well. Also enjoyed the love-can-be-rekindled theme on the part of both Laura and Mal.

[R Rais · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like it

The idea of suspence romance is promising but feel flat for the execution for me.

This book feel more like small town romance with a touch of crime.

Love the steamy scenes but they feel generic after the second time. I wish the author would just let the charachters do the dialogue instead just telling us what their saying, including in their steamy scenes.