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Skirting Fate #1
Skirting Fate
I made a mistake and I’ve learned from it.
After being humiliated during a one-night stand by a handsome wolf shifter, I swear off all men. Especially one in particular.
But then I make another mistake.
I step in front of a bullet meant for the state prosecutor and now I’ve made myself a target.
I’m not safe and the only place I have left to turn is into the arms of Christopher Rogue, the wolf shifter who I swore I never wanted to see again, and Darion Nightshade; the sexy incubus I saved.
Both men vow to keep me safe, and I believe them. The thing is, now that I’m stuck under the same roof as my mate and an incubus whose devilish smile can melt snow, I’m finding it hard to resist the attraction I feel to both men.
Add in a foul-mouth ex-marine and a real storm begins to brew.
Not only is my life in danger but so is my heart. I should be worried about the target on my back but instead, I’m consumed by the passion these three men ignite in me.
This is a standalone reverse harem novel with multiple POV. It includes mature content such as: foul language, graphic sexual encounters, and some violent scenes. This book is for those +17 and older.
After being humiliated during a one-night stand by a handsome wolf shifter, I swear off all men. Especially one in particular.
But then I make another mistake.
I step in front of a bullet meant for the state prosecutor and now I’ve made myself a target.
I’m not safe and the only place I have left to turn is into the arms of Christopher Rogue, the wolf shifter who I swore I never wanted to see again, and Darion Nightshade; the sexy incubus I saved.
Both men vow to keep me safe, and I believe them. The thing is, now that I’m stuck under the same roof as my mate and an incubus whose devilish smile can melt snow, I’m finding it hard to resist the attraction I feel to both men.
Add in a foul-mouth ex-marine and a real storm begins to brew.
Not only is my life in danger but so is my heart. I should be worried about the target on my back but instead, I’m consumed by the passion these three men ignite in me.
This is a standalone reverse harem novel with multiple POV. It includes mature content such as: foul language, graphic sexual encounters, and some violent scenes. This book is for those +17 and older.
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 9, 2021
75 people are currently reading
214 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
November 25, 2021
Okay, so I am a little late with my review. But here it comes!
It's a nice enough story and it's great so many different mythological creatures are included. However, it was kind of on the nose that she will have three mates, and even more so by the third one. The plot is a bit stale, and could use more excitement (even with people trying to kill her, it just wasn't enough, maybe it should have gone to another direction of excitement).
I liked the sex scenes. They were well written and not monotonous or boring. I hate when a writer is repetitive in their sex scenes. I would say overall spiciness level is probably a 3 out of 5.
Also, this entire book needs a good editor. The writing is good, but it is missing a lot. The dialogues are dry and incomplete, there should be more descriptions and more fluff scenes.
All in all, great potential but the execution fell a bit flat.
It's a nice enough story and it's great so many different mythological creatures are included. However, it was kind of on the nose that she will have three mates, and even more so by the third one. The plot is a bit stale, and could use more excitement (even with people trying to kill her, it just wasn't enough, maybe it should have gone to another direction of excitement).
I liked the sex scenes. They were well written and not monotonous or boring. I hate when a writer is repetitive in their sex scenes. I would say overall spiciness level is probably a 3 out of 5.
Also, this entire book needs a good editor. The writing is good, but it is missing a lot. The dialogues are dry and incomplete, there should be more descriptions and more fluff scenes.
All in all, great potential but the execution fell a bit flat.
September 14, 2021
1. Darion says he owns his own law firm, "one of the best law firms in the business", and is "Boston's finest prosecutor". Prosecutors work for the state and don't head their own firms. He should be the district attorney. I don't even live in the US and I know that!
2. Christopher bit Gemma and mated her without telling her what was happening. She didn't even know he had mated her. Taking away her right to consent... that's despicable. (And also, as it turns out, illegal. I wish she had pressed charges and let the police arrest him.)
3. As soon as he realised that his wolf had bitten her while they were having sex, he immediately kicked her out of his bed, making her feel humiliated and rejected. Like two seconds after he comes in her, he's pulling away and yelling at her to get out of the room. Oh, he's a prize, all right. Then he stays away for three weeks. WEEKS!
4. Christopher had been enjoying playing the field (why must they always be manwhores?) and had not wanted to tie himself down to one woman. Worse, he not only didn't want a mate, he didn't want a human. Granted that he has reasons for his prejudice, but when he finally caves and goes to Gemma because his wolf went crazy when he found out she was injured, he still hasn't resolved these issues, so he is a dick to her. He was accompanying her in the form of his wolf as she slept, and shifts when she wakes up, so he's naked. She naturally looks at his body and he mockingly offers, "What? Want to go for another round?" Remember, he kicked her out of his bed before, so this was in really poor taste.
5. When she gets angry and says she never wants to see his face again, he replies, "Only my face? What, want to see my dick regularly? I can make that happen." Real mature, man. This was in chapter six and I nearly DNF at this point.
6. The mate bond seems to make Gemma hornier than usual but have no other side effects (thus she never realised that Christopher had mated her). She's temporarily staying with him and Darion due to the dangerous situation, and although she says she doesn't want to have sex with Christopher again, she caves because HORMONES. I really hate this. Like, literally one moment she's saying, "I'm not doing this again!" and then two seconds later she grabs hold of Christopher and starts kissing him. Zero respect for her at this point.
7. Darion knows they did the nasty because as an incubus, he can sense sexual activity and sexual energy, but not only that, he was watching and jacking off to their show. And he taunts Gemma the next day, "Can't say no and mean it, can you? You naughty thing," at which point I nearly DNF again. Because hell no, we do not perpetuate the "say no but mean yes" misogynistic stereotype of women! That is not something to joke about or to even hint at! This was in chapter 8.
8. After a second attack on Gemma, it is decided that Gemma will stay with Darion and Christopher for awhile. Gemma's mom calls to check on her because she has seen news reports about what happened. Halfway through the conversation, Christopher yanks the phone out of her hand to speak to her mom. Mind you, this is before they have settled their relationship. That is Not Cool. I would maim a guy for doing that to me.
9. Gemma and Tate are in a car accident and drive off a bridge. Gemma spies Tate's knife floating in the water. Knives don't float!
10. The enemy's men can't even shoot straight. Bullets rain down all around Gemma but none of them actually hit her. In a comedic moment, the leader of the enemy team yells, "Quit shooting! Your aim is terrible. You're just wasting bullets!" I'm supposed to take this threat seriously?
11. I don't even know why Gemma fell for Christopher. He was an ass to her. He never really did anything nice for her except to tell her to stay in his house because it was safe. Darion was the one who brought her clothes, and it was also Darion who actually arranged the security detail. Christopher did get less assholish once he had accepted the inevitability of the mating bond, but he still never went out of his way to do anything nice for her or help her in any specific manner. They didn't seem to connect in over any shared interests, never had intimate conversations or went on dates. She didn't show him her graphic design work and he didn't share with her his experiences in construction. All they did was have sex. It felt like "magical penis syndrome". I disliked him from the start and the author never managed to make him redeemable to me. I wanted him to GROVEL to his mate for treating her like dirt and rejecting her at the beginning, but although he apologised and explained, there was zero grovelling.
12. I liked Darion and Tate way more than Christopher. Tate is a late addition as he wasn't introduced until chapter 14 (this book has 34 chapters). He's a much more fleshed-out character than Christopher and also a much more sympathetic character, although he too was an ass to Gemma in the beginning. He comes around really quickly and we get to see a lot more interaction between him and Gemma than we ever see of Christopher and Gemma, because they don't have sex until right at the end. So I can see why he and Gemma would fall for each other.
13. I wish we got to see all the mates together with Gemma and her friend Aaron and Aaron's partner, Philip, at the end. Aaron and Philip appear at the beginning of the story because Aaron is Gemma's closest friend, but then he fades out of the story and is never mentioned again. I wanted to see Gemma introducing her guys to him properly. He's so protective and involved in her life that there ought to be a scene like that... maybe he should have been present for that last scene with her men, or there should have been an epilogue.
2. Christopher bit Gemma and mated her without telling her what was happening. She didn't even know he had mated her. Taking away her right to consent... that's despicable. (And also, as it turns out, illegal. I wish she had pressed charges and let the police arrest him.)
3. As soon as he realised that his wolf had bitten her while they were having sex, he immediately kicked her out of his bed, making her feel humiliated and rejected. Like two seconds after he comes in her, he's pulling away and yelling at her to get out of the room. Oh, he's a prize, all right. Then he stays away for three weeks. WEEKS!
4. Christopher had been enjoying playing the field (why must they always be manwhores?) and had not wanted to tie himself down to one woman. Worse, he not only didn't want a mate, he didn't want a human. Granted that he has reasons for his prejudice, but when he finally caves and goes to Gemma because his wolf went crazy when he found out she was injured, he still hasn't resolved these issues, so he is a dick to her. He was accompanying her in the form of his wolf as she slept, and shifts when she wakes up, so he's naked. She naturally looks at his body and he mockingly offers, "What? Want to go for another round?" Remember, he kicked her out of his bed before, so this was in really poor taste.
5. When she gets angry and says she never wants to see his face again, he replies, "Only my face? What, want to see my dick regularly? I can make that happen." Real mature, man. This was in chapter six and I nearly DNF at this point.
6. The mate bond seems to make Gemma hornier than usual but have no other side effects (thus she never realised that Christopher had mated her). She's temporarily staying with him and Darion due to the dangerous situation, and although she says she doesn't want to have sex with Christopher again, she caves because HORMONES. I really hate this. Like, literally one moment she's saying, "I'm not doing this again!" and then two seconds later she grabs hold of Christopher and starts kissing him. Zero respect for her at this point.
7. Darion knows they did the nasty because as an incubus, he can sense sexual activity and sexual energy, but not only that, he was watching and jacking off to their show. And he taunts Gemma the next day, "Can't say no and mean it, can you? You naughty thing," at which point I nearly DNF again. Because hell no, we do not perpetuate the "say no but mean yes" misogynistic stereotype of women! That is not something to joke about or to even hint at! This was in chapter 8.
8. After a second attack on Gemma, it is decided that Gemma will stay with Darion and Christopher for awhile. Gemma's mom calls to check on her because she has seen news reports about what happened. Halfway through the conversation, Christopher yanks the phone out of her hand to speak to her mom. Mind you, this is before they have settled their relationship. That is Not Cool. I would maim a guy for doing that to me.
9. Gemma and Tate are in a car accident and drive off a bridge. Gemma spies Tate's knife floating in the water. Knives don't float!
10. The enemy's men can't even shoot straight. Bullets rain down all around Gemma but none of them actually hit her. In a comedic moment, the leader of the enemy team yells, "Quit shooting! Your aim is terrible. You're just wasting bullets!" I'm supposed to take this threat seriously?
11. I don't even know why Gemma fell for Christopher. He was an ass to her. He never really did anything nice for her except to tell her to stay in his house because it was safe. Darion was the one who brought her clothes, and it was also Darion who actually arranged the security detail. Christopher did get less assholish once he had accepted the inevitability of the mating bond, but he still never went out of his way to do anything nice for her or help her in any specific manner. They didn't seem to connect in over any shared interests, never had intimate conversations or went on dates. She didn't show him her graphic design work and he didn't share with her his experiences in construction. All they did was have sex. It felt like "magical penis syndrome". I disliked him from the start and the author never managed to make him redeemable to me. I wanted him to GROVEL to his mate for treating her like dirt and rejecting her at the beginning, but although he apologised and explained, there was zero grovelling.
12. I liked Darion and Tate way more than Christopher. Tate is a late addition as he wasn't introduced until chapter 14 (this book has 34 chapters). He's a much more fleshed-out character than Christopher and also a much more sympathetic character, although he too was an ass to Gemma in the beginning. He comes around really quickly and we get to see a lot more interaction between him and Gemma than we ever see of Christopher and Gemma, because they don't have sex until right at the end. So I can see why he and Gemma would fall for each other.
13. I wish we got to see all the mates together with Gemma and her friend Aaron and Aaron's partner, Philip, at the end. Aaron and Philip appear at the beginning of the story because Aaron is Gemma's closest friend, but then he fades out of the story and is never mentioned again. I wanted to see Gemma introducing her guys to him properly. He's so protective and involved in her life that there ought to be a scene like that... maybe he should have been present for that last scene with her men, or there should have been an epilogue.
July 11, 2021
3.5 stars
I enjoyed this debut paranormal RH novel! I especially liked that it's a standalone with well-developed characters. Skirting Fate packs a lot in to the book - action (including life/death situations), humor, steam (lots of steam), and feels.
The FMC is likable and relatable. She's also capable on her own and despite being human, holds her own in some precarious situations. The 3 main male characters were distinctly individuals and each connected in their own way with the FMC. Once we got to know more about their characters, I liked each guy. They're also a solid friend group who live together and support each other, which is a trope I love. One of the guys does fight his connection initially and the third guy was introduced a bit later, so his connection was a bit slower to make, plus he had a bit more baggage to sort through. I would have liked to have seen a bit more of the FMC with all three of the guys in their relationship, esp. more one-on-one romantic time with the last guy to commit to the group AFTER he committed to the relationship. There was great one-on-one time with him pre-relationship as their friendship and feelings were growing though.
There's no other woman drama (the guys slept around pre-FMC and their history is mentioned multiple times, which I could have had a bit less info on, just my personal taste, but one of them is an incubus so...). There's also no MM and the guys are focused solely on the FMC.
I will absolutely check out future books by Ms. Cross.
I enjoyed this debut paranormal RH novel! I especially liked that it's a standalone with well-developed characters. Skirting Fate packs a lot in to the book - action (including life/death situations), humor, steam (lots of steam), and feels.
The FMC is likable and relatable. She's also capable on her own and despite being human, holds her own in some precarious situations. The 3 main male characters were distinctly individuals and each connected in their own way with the FMC. Once we got to know more about their characters, I liked each guy. They're also a solid friend group who live together and support each other, which is a trope I love. One of the guys does fight his connection initially and the third guy was introduced a bit later, so his connection was a bit slower to make, plus he had a bit more baggage to sort through. I would have liked to have seen a bit more of the FMC with all three of the guys in their relationship, esp. more one-on-one romantic time with the last guy to commit to the group AFTER he committed to the relationship. There was great one-on-one time with him pre-relationship as their friendship and feelings were growing though.
There's no other woman drama (the guys slept around pre-FMC and their history is mentioned multiple times, which I could have had a bit less info on, just my personal taste, but one of them is an incubus so...). There's also no MM and the guys are focused solely on the FMC.
I will absolutely check out future books by Ms. Cross.
June 2, 2022
I tried I really did but this book had weird pacing and a constant constant push from every single character. It felt like no one liked each other and they were thrown together and they all hated it I ended up disliking every character because of how much they just didn’t care about each other enough to pull off the push/pull feeling.
I don’t know it ended up being more frustrating than fun to read and at that point there is no point. 🤷🏻♀️
I don’t know it ended up being more frustrating than fun to read and at that point there is no point. 🤷🏻♀️
September 5, 2021
3.9 stars.
This was a really cool concept.
And I loved the characters in it.
They all have their own powers, and personalities, and their preferences, and they each grow in their own way after meeting Gemma.
The sex was hot. The tension was sexy.
The plot was cool.
But.
It was also a bit chaotic.
And the entire book, the author seemed to be hinting that Gemma wasn’t entirely a normal human.
And then nothing ever came of that. It was mentioned.
Then the big climax of the book happens and it’s completely discarded and forgotten.
Also. The big climax. It was uh, smaller than we were led on to think it would be.
I mean the danger was definitely there. But the story line just sort of collapsed in on itself after all the trouble they went through.
Then there’s the pacing.
It was a bit off.
I think maybe, either some things should’ve been cut, or this book should’ve been twice as long.
We don’t get hardly any time with Tate actually with Gemma. Plus the other relationships felt really rushed and just sort of accepted instead of genuinely wanted. Nothing was fully flushed out. We never got to see them fully embracing the roles they each fill in the other’s lives.
I don’t know.
I really enjoyed reading it.
I just think there was potential for so much better.
It was pretty disappointing when I got to the end and there was just nothing else there.
There seemed to be quite a bit left unsaid, or undone.
This was a really cool concept.
And I loved the characters in it.
They all have their own powers, and personalities, and their preferences, and they each grow in their own way after meeting Gemma.
The sex was hot. The tension was sexy.
The plot was cool.
But.
It was also a bit chaotic.
And the entire book, the author seemed to be hinting that Gemma wasn’t entirely a normal human.
And then nothing ever came of that. It was mentioned.
Then the big climax of the book happens and it’s completely discarded and forgotten.
Also. The big climax. It was uh, smaller than we were led on to think it would be.
I mean the danger was definitely there. But the story line just sort of collapsed in on itself after all the trouble they went through.
Then there’s the pacing.
It was a bit off.
I think maybe, either some things should’ve been cut, or this book should’ve been twice as long.
We don’t get hardly any time with Tate actually with Gemma. Plus the other relationships felt really rushed and just sort of accepted instead of genuinely wanted. Nothing was fully flushed out. We never got to see them fully embracing the roles they each fill in the other’s lives.
I don’t know.
I really enjoyed reading it.
I just think there was potential for so much better.
It was pretty disappointing when I got to the end and there was just nothing else there.
There seemed to be quite a bit left unsaid, or undone.
November 8, 2021
This is the first book I have read by Salem Cross and I did enjoy it. The characters were well written and it was easy to get a feel for their personalities. The storyline flowed well and was entertaining and intriguing. If you like paranormal romance and reverse harem I think you'll enjoy this one too.
Gemma is a human and in a world where the paranormal exists there is nothing special about her, except her inability to stick with anything for too long. She likes to come and reach her goal and then move on. After her last obstacle course where she placed 2nd, she meets a shifter who entices her to be a little reckless. When the night ends rather abruptly she intends to move on and forget about the humiliating night.
Christopher can't believe what his wolf has done and no matter what he can't forget about Gemma. It is becoming apparent no matter how hard he tries he isn't going to be able to stay away from her.
Darion is intrigued by the women in his colleague's office and when he realizes that this is Christopher's Gemma he wants to know more. He's known Christopher for a long time and for his wolf to behave how it did this woman must be something special. When she saves Darion from an assassination attempt he becomes more enamored by her.
To keep her safe Christopher and Darion become overprotective and while Christopher tries to get her to accept his apology for their first night and win her over, Darion tries to not want the women who belongs to his best friend.
When their other housemate returns home he is not happy with the woman messing with his friends and since he has a secret that needs to stay hidden he can't see how the new arrangement will work and he won't give up his best friends for this woman.
Tasked with protecting her Tate soon starts to soften to Gemma and learns that she somehow can keep him stable when nothing else ever has. Soon he finds himself falling under her charms too.
But she is not safe, will the 3 men who want her to be theirs be able to save her before it's too late?
Happy Reading.
Gemma is a human and in a world where the paranormal exists there is nothing special about her, except her inability to stick with anything for too long. She likes to come and reach her goal and then move on. After her last obstacle course where she placed 2nd, she meets a shifter who entices her to be a little reckless. When the night ends rather abruptly she intends to move on and forget about the humiliating night.
Christopher can't believe what his wolf has done and no matter what he can't forget about Gemma. It is becoming apparent no matter how hard he tries he isn't going to be able to stay away from her.
Darion is intrigued by the women in his colleague's office and when he realizes that this is Christopher's Gemma he wants to know more. He's known Christopher for a long time and for his wolf to behave how it did this woman must be something special. When she saves Darion from an assassination attempt he becomes more enamored by her.
To keep her safe Christopher and Darion become overprotective and while Christopher tries to get her to accept his apology for their first night and win her over, Darion tries to not want the women who belongs to his best friend.
When their other housemate returns home he is not happy with the woman messing with his friends and since he has a secret that needs to stay hidden he can't see how the new arrangement will work and he won't give up his best friends for this woman.
Tasked with protecting her Tate soon starts to soften to Gemma and learns that she somehow can keep him stable when nothing else ever has. Soon he finds himself falling under her charms too.
But she is not safe, will the 3 men who want her to be theirs be able to save her before it's too late?
Happy Reading.
July 11, 2021
***4 and half stars***
Skirting Fate is the first book ive read by Ms Cross and i actually really like it. I felt like this was a different take on the Paranormal RH romance book. Gemma (FMC) has one steamy night with Christopher that doesnt end well for her. Only to have fate bring her back into Christopher's life as well as his housemates - Darion and Tate lives too. I loved Darion from the beginning. The way he just instantly got on with Gemma was endearing and under all that confidence was a guy with insecurities buy genuine to go with it. On the other hand Christopher was just plain arrogant to begin with and i literally wanted to slap both him and Tate silly for how they treated Gemma. Still Gemma was sweet but not a total walk over. She had some backbone to her and a strength of character which she needed in this book. I liked the dynamic between them and the sexy times were seriously hot!! It was a great read and i really enjoyed reading it
Skirting Fate is the first book ive read by Ms Cross and i actually really like it. I felt like this was a different take on the Paranormal RH romance book. Gemma (FMC) has one steamy night with Christopher that doesnt end well for her. Only to have fate bring her back into Christopher's life as well as his housemates - Darion and Tate lives too. I loved Darion from the beginning. The way he just instantly got on with Gemma was endearing and under all that confidence was a guy with insecurities buy genuine to go with it. On the other hand Christopher was just plain arrogant to begin with and i literally wanted to slap both him and Tate silly for how they treated Gemma. Still Gemma was sweet but not a total walk over. She had some backbone to her and a strength of character which she needed in this book. I liked the dynamic between them and the sexy times were seriously hot!! It was a great read and i really enjoyed reading it
August 31, 2021
Nice!
This is my 1st book my this author and it won't be my last. I really liked this book. I normally don't like paranormal shifter books, they just aren't for me, but I loved this. The relationship dynamic was out the r but, it worked.
This is my 1st book my this author and it won't be my last. I really liked this book. I normally don't like paranormal shifter books, they just aren't for me, but I loved this. The relationship dynamic was out the r but, it worked.
August 5, 2021
Ordinary Girl Meets Extraordinary Men
I’d probably give this book 4.5 ⭐️ if I could.
This is a standalone book, though I kind of wish it was the start of a duet at least as I think there was plenty left unanswered in this book, even though we reached a HEA.
This is a paranormal reverse harem novel with a human at the centre of the harem. Gemma is a strong and independent woman who has mercurial attitudes towards careers and hobbies. She is constantly looking for the next thing to interest her and she’s happy with that way of life. She has recently moved to Boston to be close to her best friend Aaron and his partner Phillip and has opened her new graphic design business. She is currently running semi-professionally in obstacle course races. At one she meets Christopher, a shifter.
When they meet they are incredibly attracted to each other and despite her usual reluctance towards one night stands Gemma goes to Christopher’s room. When his wolf bites her and claims her as his mate, he is so shocked and scared he throws her out of his room and stays away for weeks.
Phillip works as a lawyer and one of the partners in his firm is Dorian, an incubus. When Gemma goes to visit Phillip to drag him away from work to go and eat, Dorian ends up going instead. She doesn’t know that Dorian is Christopher’s best friend until after she wakes up in hospital after stepping in front of a bullet meant for Dorian.
To round of the trio of men who share a house is Tate, who used to be human until the government experimented on him. He’s positive that Gemma is trouble, but has to give her a chance because of Christopher. Gemma has been pulled fully into their world and she doesn’t quite know which way is up yet.
This is the first time I’ve read a book by this author and I really enjoyed it. It was well constructed and the plot was interesting. The characters were strong and fairly well developed. I feel that this book had the scope to be at least a duet because I wanted more information about the characters and the world they lived in. There are so many threads this author could yank on to create follow up material should they wish to do so.
Because there was so much concentration on the plot and the relationship I felt like there was a lot unsaid regarding their characters. There was only a small amount of information about their backstories and there wasn’t a huge amount about the world in which they all lived, where the supernatural came out 100 years ago. I also really want to know about the time the three men were involved in the military.
This book had the potential to be excellent but it turned out more of a very good. I’ll be interested to see if the author follows up this novel with something even more exciting.
I’d probably give this book 4.5 ⭐️ if I could.
This is a standalone book, though I kind of wish it was the start of a duet at least as I think there was plenty left unanswered in this book, even though we reached a HEA.
This is a paranormal reverse harem novel with a human at the centre of the harem. Gemma is a strong and independent woman who has mercurial attitudes towards careers and hobbies. She is constantly looking for the next thing to interest her and she’s happy with that way of life. She has recently moved to Boston to be close to her best friend Aaron and his partner Phillip and has opened her new graphic design business. She is currently running semi-professionally in obstacle course races. At one she meets Christopher, a shifter.
When they meet they are incredibly attracted to each other and despite her usual reluctance towards one night stands Gemma goes to Christopher’s room. When his wolf bites her and claims her as his mate, he is so shocked and scared he throws her out of his room and stays away for weeks.
Phillip works as a lawyer and one of the partners in his firm is Dorian, an incubus. When Gemma goes to visit Phillip to drag him away from work to go and eat, Dorian ends up going instead. She doesn’t know that Dorian is Christopher’s best friend until after she wakes up in hospital after stepping in front of a bullet meant for Dorian.
To round of the trio of men who share a house is Tate, who used to be human until the government experimented on him. He’s positive that Gemma is trouble, but has to give her a chance because of Christopher. Gemma has been pulled fully into their world and she doesn’t quite know which way is up yet.
This is the first time I’ve read a book by this author and I really enjoyed it. It was well constructed and the plot was interesting. The characters were strong and fairly well developed. I feel that this book had the scope to be at least a duet because I wanted more information about the characters and the world they lived in. There are so many threads this author could yank on to create follow up material should they wish to do so.
Because there was so much concentration on the plot and the relationship I felt like there was a lot unsaid regarding their characters. There was only a small amount of information about their backstories and there wasn’t a huge amount about the world in which they all lived, where the supernatural came out 100 years ago. I also really want to know about the time the three men were involved in the military.
This book had the potential to be excellent but it turned out more of a very good. I’ll be interested to see if the author follows up this novel with something even more exciting.
July 7, 2021
Skirting Fate was my first reverse harem book…. and I absolutely loved it!!!
Gemma has never been the type of person who can settle on one thing for very long. It’s not in her nature. She’s fiesty, smart, beautiful and brave. She knows what she wants and she does her best to achieve her goals. She ends up meeting Christopher and after their night together, she ends up feeling very humiliated. She sets a rule for herself: no more hookups. But she underestimates fate and the plans it has in store for her.
Christoper is a wolf shifter. He, like Gemma, can never settle doing the same things for too long. He is strong, sexy and a little cocky in the beginning. After his night with Gemma, he realizes something very important and he reacts badly to it and ends up humiliating her in the process. After they part ways, he ends up realizing that you can’t escape fate.
Darion is an incubus, who Gemma ends up saving. He’s taken aback by this beautiful woman, who selflessly stepped in front of him to take the bullet. He goes with her to the hospital and his roommate shows up…. someone Gemma had no idea knew Darion. Darion is handsome, sexy and has the power to manipulate the sensual energy around him and has in the past when needed and to feed and have fun with some familiar people. Will he be able to help save Gemma and what happens when he realized who exactly it is he’s attracted to?
Tate is a human… sort of. You find out what happened to him and about the special abilities he has. He isn’t a fan of Gemma at first because of how the situation with her looks and how it affects people he cares about. In time, he learns just how kind, caring and thoughtful she is and that something happens to him but only when she’s around….. What happens as the time passes and people are still after Gemma? What happens as he bonds with her and wants to be a part of her life too?
Salem did an incredible job with Skirting Fate. It’s beautifully written and her characters all have their own personalities that you learn more about as you read. I love how Gemma’s relationships with each man are written and how you see them develop. I have never really been interested in reading reverse harem but after reading the blurb for this book, I stepped out of my reading zone and I’m so happy that I did. I also absolutely love that this book is paranormal. I highly recommend Skirting Fate!
Gemma has never been the type of person who can settle on one thing for very long. It’s not in her nature. She’s fiesty, smart, beautiful and brave. She knows what she wants and she does her best to achieve her goals. She ends up meeting Christopher and after their night together, she ends up feeling very humiliated. She sets a rule for herself: no more hookups. But she underestimates fate and the plans it has in store for her.
Christoper is a wolf shifter. He, like Gemma, can never settle doing the same things for too long. He is strong, sexy and a little cocky in the beginning. After his night with Gemma, he realizes something very important and he reacts badly to it and ends up humiliating her in the process. After they part ways, he ends up realizing that you can’t escape fate.
Darion is an incubus, who Gemma ends up saving. He’s taken aback by this beautiful woman, who selflessly stepped in front of him to take the bullet. He goes with her to the hospital and his roommate shows up…. someone Gemma had no idea knew Darion. Darion is handsome, sexy and has the power to manipulate the sensual energy around him and has in the past when needed and to feed and have fun with some familiar people. Will he be able to help save Gemma and what happens when he realized who exactly it is he’s attracted to?
Tate is a human… sort of. You find out what happened to him and about the special abilities he has. He isn’t a fan of Gemma at first because of how the situation with her looks and how it affects people he cares about. In time, he learns just how kind, caring and thoughtful she is and that something happens to him but only when she’s around….. What happens as the time passes and people are still after Gemma? What happens as he bonds with her and wants to be a part of her life too?
Salem did an incredible job with Skirting Fate. It’s beautifully written and her characters all have their own personalities that you learn more about as you read. I love how Gemma’s relationships with each man are written and how you see them develop. I have never really been interested in reading reverse harem but after reading the blurb for this book, I stepped out of my reading zone and I’m so happy that I did. I also absolutely love that this book is paranormal. I highly recommend Skirting Fate!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 6, 2021
Hm, it's difficult to rate this book properly. I enjoyed it. That's sure. But the story has its issues and leaves me with some questions.
The characters were likeable. Some more, than others. And each one of them has their own personalities, likings and abilities. The concept of the world was interesting, too. But it stays hazy. So, I wished there were more details.
To the characters again: I do like Christopher, but... from an objective view I don't see him doing much for her. They have bonding moments. Like when he tells her about his experiences with humans. But they don't have dates, and he wasn't the one to make sure she is safe.
That was Darion. And Tate later, too. Those two were the most deep characters for me. And the most understandable ones. Especially Tate. He was the one, that comes late into the story. And he was a real ass in the beginning. But he comes around. And they have dates and a real connection with each other. Without sex. The only sex scene for the both of them is on the end.
And to mention that: Gemma has a lot of that. With mostly Darion and Christopher. There was tension. And the sex scenes were really steamy and hot.
Other things, which I find kind of confusing: It's mentioned that Gemma is somewhat different. She herself mentioned, at the beginning, that she was kind of attracted to the non-human world. But it seems that this world is, too, drawn to her. Like Christopher. Instantly, without real thought. Then the fact, that his wolf didn't have problems with Darion and Tate. Darion, as an incubus, is drawn to her, too. She sees him. And he ends up being hers. But he mentioned, that she tastes different. And then Tate. He has difficulties to hold his form, but with Gemma he has none. It's never explained what's the cause of these differences.
Furthermore, the ending wasn't that satisfying. I wished there were more about her family and her friends. Especially, I'm disappointed, that there wasn't a meet-up with her family. I wanted to know how they would have reacted to her being with three men.
But okay. Overall it was a solid plot, with minor mistakes I would say (like a floating knife), but good. And I enjoyed it. That's what matters.
The characters were likeable. Some more, than others. And each one of them has their own personalities, likings and abilities. The concept of the world was interesting, too. But it stays hazy. So, I wished there were more details.
To the characters again: I do like Christopher, but... from an objective view I don't see him doing much for her. They have bonding moments. Like when he tells her about his experiences with humans. But they don't have dates, and he wasn't the one to make sure she is safe.
That was Darion. And Tate later, too. Those two were the most deep characters for me. And the most understandable ones. Especially Tate. He was the one, that comes late into the story. And he was a real ass in the beginning. But he comes around. And they have dates and a real connection with each other. Without sex. The only sex scene for the both of them is on the end.
And to mention that: Gemma has a lot of that. With mostly Darion and Christopher. There was tension. And the sex scenes were really steamy and hot.
Other things, which I find kind of confusing: It's mentioned that Gemma is somewhat different. She herself mentioned, at the beginning, that she was kind of attracted to the non-human world. But it seems that this world is, too, drawn to her. Like Christopher. Instantly, without real thought. Then the fact, that his wolf didn't have problems with Darion and Tate. Darion, as an incubus, is drawn to her, too. She sees him. And he ends up being hers. But he mentioned, that she tastes different. And then Tate. He has difficulties to hold his form, but with Gemma he has none. It's never explained what's the cause of these differences.
Furthermore, the ending wasn't that satisfying. I wished there were more about her family and her friends. Especially, I'm disappointed, that there wasn't a meet-up with her family. I wanted to know how they would have reacted to her being with three men.
But okay. Overall it was a solid plot, with minor mistakes I would say (like a floating knife), but good. And I enjoyed it. That's what matters.
September 8, 2023
2.75/5
This is a popular book on BookTok and I can see why. The book has a lot of spicy scenes and the characters can get you invested. It's also a pretty quick read. Although popular, the book isn't perfect by any means. One of the most glaring problems with the book is it's pacing. Throughout the journey over 34 chapters, the sense of time doesn't feel consistent or properly conveyed. By the end of the book, I feel like too much has happened for the few months that has passed. But at the same time, I feel like there isn't enough action or actual plot that has occurred. This might be because Skirting Fate seems to be smut with a hint of plot rather than a balanced story. There are a few plot points that are left unaddressed which is unsatisfying since they seem to be major points. The book could have been better if an editor was used. They would have caught simple mistakes like prosecutors working for the state and NOT running their own firm.
Additionally, I have issue with the characters - mainly the FMC. She complains things are going too fast, but within less than a few months time, she ends up in a reverse harem especially with the one MMC that is hostile to her from the start. Even her decision by the last chapter of the book regarding the ex-marine and their relationship just seems rushed. Also, there are a few side characters that could have been utilized more in the story given that they are supposed to be key figures in FMC's life, but they appear in 2 or 3 chapters for the briefest moment before they are not mentioned again.
Despite finishing this book quickly, I wouldn't give this more than 3 stars. I'd say it's a 2.75 at best.
This is a popular book on BookTok and I can see why. The book has a lot of spicy scenes and the characters can get you invested. It's also a pretty quick read. Although popular, the book isn't perfect by any means. One of the most glaring problems with the book is it's pacing. Throughout the journey over 34 chapters, the sense of time doesn't feel consistent or properly conveyed. By the end of the book, I feel like too much has happened for the few months that has passed. But at the same time, I feel like there isn't enough action or actual plot that has occurred. This might be because Skirting Fate seems to be smut with a hint of plot rather than a balanced story. There are a few plot points that are left unaddressed which is unsatisfying since they seem to be major points. The book could have been better if an editor was used. They would have caught simple mistakes like prosecutors working for the state and NOT running their own firm.
Additionally, I have issue with the characters - mainly the FMC. She complains things are going too fast, but within less than a few months time, she ends up in a reverse harem especially with the one MMC that is hostile to her from the start. Even her decision by the last chapter of the book regarding the ex-marine and their relationship just seems rushed. Also, there are a few side characters that could have been utilized more in the story given that they are supposed to be key figures in FMC's life, but they appear in 2 or 3 chapters for the briefest moment before they are not mentioned again.
Despite finishing this book quickly, I wouldn't give this more than 3 stars. I'd say it's a 2.75 at best.
July 11, 2021
Gathering Her Guys . . .
The female character has a separate kind of experience with each character which ultimately brings them together until she has gathered all three. It was fascinated how the author handled that. And she did make them work for their place in her heart.
Gemma’s group is made up of Christopher Rogue, the wolf shifter she had a one-night-stand with and swore she never wanted to see again when he humiliated her; Darion Nightshade, an incubus she saved by stepping in front of a bullet; and Tate, a foul-mouth ex-marine who finds that Gemma is so much more than he ever thought. Can these diverse characters come together into a group of guys who get along and will put Gemma first? Grab your copy and see how she manages this feat! Her life may be in danger, but these guys will do everything in their power to keep her safe.
The female character has a separate kind of experience with each character which ultimately brings them together until she has gathered all three. It was fascinated how the author handled that. And she did make them work for their place in her heart.
Gemma’s group is made up of Christopher Rogue, the wolf shifter she had a one-night-stand with and swore she never wanted to see again when he humiliated her; Darion Nightshade, an incubus she saved by stepping in front of a bullet; and Tate, a foul-mouth ex-marine who finds that Gemma is so much more than he ever thought. Can these diverse characters come together into a group of guys who get along and will put Gemma first? Grab your copy and see how she manages this feat! Her life may be in danger, but these guys will do everything in their power to keep her safe.
July 8, 2021
This is the first book I have read by Salem Cross, so I was not sure what to expect. I really enjoyed Skirting Fate. I think the way Gemma becomes attached to Darion, Christopher and Tate is very clever. I really like how the paranormal elements mixed into the real world. The characters were great and the overall world that was created was intriguing. I loved that it wasn't insta-love for any of the men and Gemma. Yes, there was immediate lust, which is how Gemma ended up being tied to Christopher, but after what happened she did not immediately fawn over them, she made each of the guys earn her love. Overall, this book had so many awesome elements- if you are into paranormal, reverse harem, HEA's then this book is for you.
September 26, 2021
Sweet RH
Most RH's have some type of darkness to them but this one was perfectly suspenseful and sweet! I felt all the feels in this one, when Gem and Chris first book up I felt so humiliated for Gem. Then when Darion come into the mix I was so intrigued on how this relationship would work and on boy did it work! The spice that came off the pages really set my fingers on fire! Now when Tate came into the picture I had never been so annoyed at a character so bad but as you came to know him you came to love him just as much as the others! Such a well written story. I absolutely loved it and would recommend to all my RH fiends and those who would like to start to reading RH!
Most RH's have some type of darkness to them but this one was perfectly suspenseful and sweet! I felt all the feels in this one, when Gem and Chris first book up I felt so humiliated for Gem. Then when Darion come into the mix I was so intrigued on how this relationship would work and on boy did it work! The spice that came off the pages really set my fingers on fire! Now when Tate came into the picture I had never been so annoyed at a character so bad but as you came to know him you came to love him just as much as the others! Such a well written story. I absolutely loved it and would recommend to all my RH fiends and those who would like to start to reading RH!
July 11, 2021
I really liked Gemma and while I think Chris should have apologized a bit more, I did like Chris, Dorian, and Tate. Someone is out to kill Gemma after she saves a Dorians life, and while there are some scenes where this comes up, the story was more relationship focuses vs action focused. I liked that the guys talked things through - for the most part. I did feel that we didn’t get as much relationship time with Tate and was a little disappointed that we didn’t get to see more of a certain room. But I was invested in the story and couldn’t put it down. This is the first book I have read by this author, but I will definitely be checking out more
July 9, 2021
I love this book so much. I got an ARC and have already read it twice.
It’s one of those books I can read again and again.
If you’re a fan of paranormal, RH and HEA you’ll probably love it too.
Three alpha males and a woman with a backbone.
This book has all the feelings, and the bedroom scenes (not contained to the bedroom) are hot.
I really liked that it wasn’t insta love (insta lust, yes). The character developments are great and she managed the balance between the paranormal and “real” world really well.
Buy it now. You won’t regret it!
It’s one of those books I can read again and again.
If you’re a fan of paranormal, RH and HEA you’ll probably love it too.
Three alpha males and a woman with a backbone.
This book has all the feelings, and the bedroom scenes (not contained to the bedroom) are hot.
I really liked that it wasn’t insta love (insta lust, yes). The character developments are great and she managed the balance between the paranormal and “real” world really well.
Buy it now. You won’t regret it!
July 18, 2022
This is my first time reading a book by Salem Cross. I can't believe I haven't read any before this! There is no part in this book that drags at all. I love all 3 of Gemma's men! They have now been added to my book boyfriend RH. The plot is just as great as the spice, but the spice. Dear gods. As soon as I saw incubus, I was sold! The way the different relationships unfold and how different each of them is is very well done. I hope there's going to be more to this RH story because this is hot and cute and I need more.
July 7, 2021
When I rate most books, they are "meet expectations" five stars. This one I would give a billion stars. I loved this book so much. I stayed up reading it last night. It made me excited to read more and it was easily to read. There are so many steamy scenes!!! Definitely hea. Loved this one so much. It is so so gooooood
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 9, 2021
Thrilling and Steamy
Gemma’s story is jam packed with action, spicy scenes and no one, not two but three special someones. I really like how Christopher, Darion and Tate had such unique relationships with Gemma, and how harmonious the four-way relationship was ( at the end - wink wink). This story was fast paced and exciting from page one, and a thrill to read - I’ll definitely be looking for more books by Salem Cross to read and enjoy!
Gemma’s story is jam packed with action, spicy scenes and no one, not two but three special someones. I really like how Christopher, Darion and Tate had such unique relationships with Gemma, and how harmonious the four-way relationship was ( at the end - wink wink). This story was fast paced and exciting from page one, and a thrill to read - I’ll definitely be looking for more books by Salem Cross to read and enjoy!
July 9, 2021
I enjoyed this read greatly. I found the plot to be fantastic. The plot had twists and turns, stubborn characters and great sarcasm. I enjoyed the characters also, they were each different but worked together in a way that made the story great. I enjoyed the work and am looking forward to reading more by this author.
Five out of Five stars
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Five out of Five stars
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 12, 2021
I Loved this book!!
This story is jammed packed with action, steam, 1 amazing heroine, and 3 super hot alpha males. I loved the relationship between Gemma, Christopher, Darion and Tate. The story line is exciting and the character development is great. This story is fast-paced with plenty of drama, danger and suspense to keep you guessing until the end. I loved this book and can't wait to see what Salem Cross writes in the future!!
This story is jammed packed with action, steam, 1 amazing heroine, and 3 super hot alpha males. I loved the relationship between Gemma, Christopher, Darion and Tate. The story line is exciting and the character development is great. This story is fast-paced with plenty of drama, danger and suspense to keep you guessing until the end. I loved this book and can't wait to see what Salem Cross writes in the future!!
August 24, 2021
Speechless.
The only thing I was slightly disappointed about was not seeing the locked room in the basement used! I was HOPING AND PRAYING that we would get a glimpse of it! This book was absolutely perfect. I fell in love with Darion and Tate the minute I met them. It took me a bit to like Christopher, but once the relationship was established, brilliance. Probably one of my favorite reverse harem novels that I’ve read!
The only thing I was slightly disappointed about was not seeing the locked room in the basement used! I was HOPING AND PRAYING that we would get a glimpse of it! This book was absolutely perfect. I fell in love with Darion and Tate the minute I met them. It took me a bit to like Christopher, but once the relationship was established, brilliance. Probably one of my favorite reverse harem novels that I’ve read!
August 27, 2021
Goddes/athlete/badass
I absolutely adored this book. This beautiful brutal athlete that is intelligent and artistic, seriously the whole package. Add in the fact she is also supwr open minded.
The story& plot are full of moments that pull you in and make it impossible to put down.
The characters are full of energy and vibrant. The perfect amount of details.
The spicy bit does not disappoint.
All around solid recommendation from booktok.
I absolutely adored this book. This beautiful brutal athlete that is intelligent and artistic, seriously the whole package. Add in the fact she is also supwr open minded.
The story& plot are full of moments that pull you in and make it impossible to put down.
The characters are full of energy and vibrant. The perfect amount of details.
The spicy bit does not disappoint.
All around solid recommendation from booktok.
September 10, 2021
I like this book.
It was a different take on shifters thate many authors don't take when writing a story like this, you still show the human side that makes one apply it to today events happening in the world right now an have one questing what we believe is how the world work. I truly like this story Gemma was the glue that brought every man together an made them reach for their best. I want more this can be a series that i would buy to read.
It was a different take on shifters thate many authors don't take when writing a story like this, you still show the human side that makes one apply it to today events happening in the world right now an have one questing what we believe is how the world work. I truly like this story Gemma was the glue that brought every man together an made them reach for their best. I want more this can be a series that i would buy to read.
September 19, 2021
so tired…cause I was up all night reading
Oh emm Gee! I didn’t know how make I needed a RH where the guys were so sweet and obsessed with their girl. This was such a really good story and I just couldn’t put it down once I started! I loved just about everything about this. The only thing I would have like was maybe an explanation about Gem and Tate, energetically but otherwise this was perfect!
Oh emm Gee! I didn’t know how make I needed a RH where the guys were so sweet and obsessed with their girl. This was such a really good story and I just couldn’t put it down once I started! I loved just about everything about this. The only thing I would have like was maybe an explanation about Gem and Tate, energetically but otherwise this was perfect!
November 14, 2021
Skirting Fate by Salem Cross is a fantastic story that I have loved reading. I can not get enough of this story I have read it two times already and can not wait to see what this author will write about next. I highly recommend this story to everyone who loves reading reverse harem, fantasy and paranormal romance.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 14, 2023
3.5 stars. I love Salems writing and wanted to read her first book. Having read all I could get my hands on by this author I can clearly se the evolution in her stories and characters. Although this book is not in the same league as her later writing it was still a good read and fun to see the small hits of the styles that make her books so special.
If you’re looking for a good RH read this is definitely a okay book to choose, but you should definitely check out her later work also ☺️
If you’re looking for a good RH read this is definitely a okay book to choose, but you should definitely check out her later work also ☺️
July 9, 2021
I enjoyed reading this. It had good storylines and background knowledge. Plenty of variety, a few villains, danger and suspense made for a pleasant read. Some unusual super solider ideas. Not knowing what was going to happen to the various characters with plots changing throughout kept you reading till the end.
July 11, 2021
Skirting Fate was one interesting tale.
Gemma is one interesting lady and after meeting and is ghosted by her fated mate she faces some life altering challenges.
The angst I felt when Chris left her and the action roll coaster that Gemma faced had me captivated and enthralled.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Gemma is one interesting lady and after meeting and is ghosted by her fated mate she faces some life altering challenges.
The angst I felt when Chris left her and the action roll coaster that Gemma faced had me captivated and enthralled.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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