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Serendipity #2
Serendipity
You've read Alyssa's side of the story in The Tie That Binds. Now it's Daniel's turn.
I thought I could stay away from her. I thought wrong.
What was I supposed to do when I found out that Charles Moriani's last wish was for me to marry his only daughter?
I owed the man everything - he taught me all I know and took on the role my late father was unable to fulfil, never asking for anything in return.
Until now.
The choice was easy to make. Too easy, perhaps. I tried to make myself believe I married her for honourable reasons, but nothing could be further from the truth.
Alyssa was never meant to find out how I feel about her. She was never meant to end up in my bed. And she was definitely never meant to love me back.
Author's note: Serendipity is based on my debut novel, The Tie That Binds, and largely follows the same events, but it's written from Daniel's point of view. While it is technically a standalone, I highly recommend reading The Tie That Binds first. It'll be a more enjoyable read that way, as Serendipity was mostly written for my beloved readers that requested Daniel's side of the story.
I thought I could stay away from her. I thought wrong.
What was I supposed to do when I found out that Charles Moriani's last wish was for me to marry his only daughter?
I owed the man everything - he taught me all I know and took on the role my late father was unable to fulfil, never asking for anything in return.
Until now.
The choice was easy to make. Too easy, perhaps. I tried to make myself believe I married her for honourable reasons, but nothing could be further from the truth.
Alyssa was never meant to find out how I feel about her. She was never meant to end up in my bed. And she was definitely never meant to love me back.
Author's note: Serendipity is based on my debut novel, The Tie That Binds, and largely follows the same events, but it's written from Daniel's point of view. While it is technically a standalone, I highly recommend reading The Tie That Binds first. It'll be a more enjoyable read that way, as Serendipity was mostly written for my beloved readers that requested Daniel's side of the story.
346 pages, Paperback
First published August 31, 2020
895 people are currently reading
1942 people want to read
About the author
Catharina Maura
36 books16.7k followersCatharina Maura is a USA Today and Amazon #1 bestselling author. She writes angsty, fast-paced contemporary romance novels that break your heart before they lead you to a hard-won happily ever after.
Cat lives in Hong Kong with her husband and a dozen houseplants that all have names. When she isn't daydreaming about future characters, she's exploring the world and seeking out new adventures.
You can find Cat's socials and latest updates here: https://hi.catharinamaura.com/bio
Cat lives in Hong Kong with her husband and a dozen houseplants that all have names. When she isn't daydreaming about future characters, she's exploring the world and seeking out new adventures.
You can find Cat's socials and latest updates here: https://hi.catharinamaura.com/bio
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 132 reviews
September 30, 2020
Did not finish -spoilers ahead
I truly hate to give such a low rating because I know it’s the inner thoughts of an author who decided to put pen to paper and share those thoughts with the world, but I couldn’t even finish the book. Halfway through is as far as I got because I kept hoping things would get better.
We have a modern day marriage of convenience where there is no communication between the husband and wife regarding their hidden feelings toward each other, and the insensitive actions of everyone involved are constantly hurting someone’s feelings.
Alyssa loves Dominic, Daniel’s younger brother, but he spurns her. She has to marry Daniel so she doesn’t lose shares in the company, but she still holds a torch for Dominic.
Although Daniel has his own apartment, the “happy” couple moves in with Daniel’s mom and Dominic, who also has his girlfriend Lucy living with him. The wedding night consists of Daniel and Alyssa hearing Dominic getting it on through the thin walls of the bedrooms. Lucy also comes on to Daniel (including trying to give him a blowjob while he was sleeping, though this happened before Daniel and Alyssa were married).
Though Dominic has a girlfriend and Alyssa is married (granted, it’s a secret marriage), she’s always thinking of Dominic and wanting to be around him, yet getting jealous when Daniel has women flirting with him. And when Dominic breaks up with Lucy and goes to Daniel’s apartment (they finally moved out of his mother’s house), Alyssa immediately disregards Daniel (and the kiss that Dominic interrupted) and winds up laying in bed with Dominic until he falls asleep. She goes to Daniel’s bed smelling of Dominic’s “perfume” (the author’s word) but that doesn’t stop Daniel from making out with her.
And Daniel’s mother...goes into his room (when they decide to spend more nights at his mother’s house) to tell him breakfast is ready. Alyssa is hidden under the covers. The mother proceeds to have a heart-to-heart and tells Daniel he should ignore his marriage because Alyssa and Dominic had disappeared into Dominic’s room for hours beforehand, it’s only a paper marriage, and she invited a young lady to dinner for Daniel to get to know.
At that point, I had to stop. I realize this is fiction, but the characters were so immature and callous. The way they treated each other was terrible. Where is the basic common courtesy and self-respect? (And common sense...)
It saddens me to leave a poor review, but I honestly can’t recommend to anyone. I know the author has other stories, but I have not read them as this one is advertised to be a standalone. Hopefully, the other books are a step above.
I truly hate to give such a low rating because I know it’s the inner thoughts of an author who decided to put pen to paper and share those thoughts with the world, but I couldn’t even finish the book. Halfway through is as far as I got because I kept hoping things would get better.
We have a modern day marriage of convenience where there is no communication between the husband and wife regarding their hidden feelings toward each other, and the insensitive actions of everyone involved are constantly hurting someone’s feelings.
Alyssa loves Dominic, Daniel’s younger brother, but he spurns her. She has to marry Daniel so she doesn’t lose shares in the company, but she still holds a torch for Dominic.
Although Daniel has his own apartment, the “happy” couple moves in with Daniel’s mom and Dominic, who also has his girlfriend Lucy living with him. The wedding night consists of Daniel and Alyssa hearing Dominic getting it on through the thin walls of the bedrooms. Lucy also comes on to Daniel (including trying to give him a blowjob while he was sleeping, though this happened before Daniel and Alyssa were married).
Though Dominic has a girlfriend and Alyssa is married (granted, it’s a secret marriage), she’s always thinking of Dominic and wanting to be around him, yet getting jealous when Daniel has women flirting with him. And when Dominic breaks up with Lucy and goes to Daniel’s apartment (they finally moved out of his mother’s house), Alyssa immediately disregards Daniel (and the kiss that Dominic interrupted) and winds up laying in bed with Dominic until he falls asleep. She goes to Daniel’s bed smelling of Dominic’s “perfume” (the author’s word) but that doesn’t stop Daniel from making out with her.
And Daniel’s mother...goes into his room (when they decide to spend more nights at his mother’s house) to tell him breakfast is ready. Alyssa is hidden under the covers. The mother proceeds to have a heart-to-heart and tells Daniel he should ignore his marriage because Alyssa and Dominic had disappeared into Dominic’s room for hours beforehand, it’s only a paper marriage, and she invited a young lady to dinner for Daniel to get to know.
At that point, I had to stop. I realize this is fiction, but the characters were so immature and callous. The way they treated each other was terrible. Where is the basic common courtesy and self-respect? (And common sense...)
It saddens me to leave a poor review, but I honestly can’t recommend to anyone. I know the author has other stories, but I have not read them as this one is advertised to be a standalone. Hopefully, the other books are a step above.
February 24, 2024
Rip off of The Ties that Bind Us
Self-plagiarized “Companion novel” to The Ties that Bind Us.
The beginning chapters were nice because we saw Daniel fall in love with Alyssa. But after it catches up to the start of The Ties that Bind Us, it’s literally just copied and pasted scenes from the original novel with names and pronouns changed (often incorrectly) to be from Daniel’s point of view. It even accidentally says Daniel instead of Dominic a handful of times when talking about his brother.
There was almost no new content after that, and there were a ton of grammatical errors. After the first couple of chapters, this honestly just isn’t worth reading because it’s almost word-for-word self-plagiarism of The Ties that Bind Us and is extremely disappointing. It just reveals how stupid and needlessly cruel Daniel is because he knew he was hurting Alyssa out of his own insecurities instead of just telling her how he feels. He could have saved both of them a lot of heartache if he just kept his promise of honest communication.
The few insights of Daniel’s point of view could have just been included in the original novel, or this could have been a novella.
Self-plagiarized “Companion novel” to The Ties that Bind Us.
The beginning chapters were nice because we saw Daniel fall in love with Alyssa. But after it catches up to the start of The Ties that Bind Us, it’s literally just copied and pasted scenes from the original novel with names and pronouns changed (often incorrectly) to be from Daniel’s point of view. It even accidentally says Daniel instead of Dominic a handful of times when talking about his brother.
There was almost no new content after that, and there were a ton of grammatical errors. After the first couple of chapters, this honestly just isn’t worth reading because it’s almost word-for-word self-plagiarism of The Ties that Bind Us and is extremely disappointing. It just reveals how stupid and needlessly cruel Daniel is because he knew he was hurting Alyssa out of his own insecurities instead of just telling her how he feels. He could have saved both of them a lot of heartache if he just kept his promise of honest communication.
The few insights of Daniel’s point of view could have just been included in the original novel, or this could have been a novella.
May 14, 2023
You wanna read something toxic ? Than this book would be a good choice. Otherwise DON’T read this.
December 28, 2022
Sorry, no. Hell, no.
I don't care how insecure, desperate, and in love Dan is. His treatment of someone he should put above everyone and everything else is vile.
I don't want you to be stuck in a marriage with me, so I will viciouslu hurt you and divorce you. I will give you space. Oh, so now you're not with me like I want? Well, I will screw you then insult you. Oh, well, now that I think I want you, I will corner you into a business deal by using blackmail, pressure, guilt, and obligation. But wait, just merge months ago, I wanted to give you freedom to choose me; but now that I viciously stab you in the chest and twist the knife. Seeing you angry and jealous is fun. I love always having you off balance, insecure, and so confused that you don't know what is up or down between us.
I'm so much older than you and I feel ancient, yet I want to control your decisions and force your hand to choose me and what I want. Because what I want is best for you. But I don't really want control because you need to choose me but I am won't give you any other choice but me.
I love you. I hate you. I lust for you. You're not that good in bed. I want to touch you. No, don't touch me.
Jesus Macaroni and Cheese!! How is this romance?! I adore romance, but if I was Alyssa; I would just shut it all down.
Not worth my entire self-worth, mental health to have this d*ckhead jerk me around for years instead of just having enough godd*am balls to just be open and honest and ask if he could have a loving relationship.
If this is what people think is epic love or whatever, I don't know what is wrong with them.
Anyone who deliberately hurts me to "do the right thing" because they don't have enough spine to lay their heart out isn't worthy of my love.
This entire effing book is a mind f*ck of one completely clueless virgin girl who doesn't know any better and an emotionally constipated adult man.
Sorry, but if you're entire romance premise is a monumental failure of basic communication skills, than you aren't a good author. You just build tension through frustration. Dan is a f*cking idiot who can use his words and Alyssa is an orphan girl who doesn't understand that she is being abused.
I don't care how insecure, desperate, and in love Dan is. His treatment of someone he should put above everyone and everything else is vile.
I don't want you to be stuck in a marriage with me, so I will viciouslu hurt you and divorce you. I will give you space. Oh, so now you're not with me like I want? Well, I will screw you then insult you. Oh, well, now that I think I want you, I will corner you into a business deal by using blackmail, pressure, guilt, and obligation. But wait, just merge months ago, I wanted to give you freedom to choose me; but now that I viciously stab you in the chest and twist the knife. Seeing you angry and jealous is fun. I love always having you off balance, insecure, and so confused that you don't know what is up or down between us.
I'm so much older than you and I feel ancient, yet I want to control your decisions and force your hand to choose me and what I want. Because what I want is best for you. But I don't really want control because you need to choose me but I am won't give you any other choice but me.
I love you. I hate you. I lust for you. You're not that good in bed. I want to touch you. No, don't touch me.
Jesus Macaroni and Cheese!! How is this romance?! I adore romance, but if I was Alyssa; I would just shut it all down.
Not worth my entire self-worth, mental health to have this d*ckhead jerk me around for years instead of just having enough godd*am balls to just be open and honest and ask if he could have a loving relationship.
If this is what people think is epic love or whatever, I don't know what is wrong with them.
Anyone who deliberately hurts me to "do the right thing" because they don't have enough spine to lay their heart out isn't worthy of my love.
This entire effing book is a mind f*ck of one completely clueless virgin girl who doesn't know any better and an emotionally constipated adult man.
Sorry, but if you're entire romance premise is a monumental failure of basic communication skills, than you aren't a good author. You just build tension through frustration. Dan is a f*cking idiot who can use his words and Alyssa is an orphan girl who doesn't understand that she is being abused.
February 26, 2025
3.5 stars. It’s the self loathing for me. I cannot stand lack of communication. And he knows he’s sucking at it. Which makes it so much worse.
June 24, 2022
OMG - this book is great !!! Truly amazing and a must-read AFTER reading The Tie that Binds! I literally could not put it down, it is one of my top reads for 2020 so far.
I waited patiently till the release date after reading The Tie that Binds, having absolutely loved that one. I think the true effect of this book is only reached after reading The Tie that Binds. I know it's advertised as a standalone but really it makes SO MUCH sense to be read after The Tie that Binds, I don't think reading this book first or only reading this one does it justice. Ideally, both points of view should have appeared in the first book but the author explained that it would have made the book so much longer, and The Tie that Binds was Catharina's Maura first published book. I think she did a great job nonetheless plus she's free to write what and how she wants, I am a fan of hers regardless. In general, I think novels with dual points of view are so much interesting, much richer, deeper and pleasant to read but I didn't mind at all buying and reading both books. I really really really enjoyed the story, this was definitely the icing on the cake after reading The Tie that Binds.
I looooooooove the character of Daniel so it was a great pleasure understanding the things he did by reading his point of view in this book. It made me adore him even more. To me, this is a great story. Two people who have known each other since childhood, are brought together by the heroine's father after him passing away. The hero, Daniel, has loved her, Alyssa, for years but kept it to himself, Alyssa thinks she's in love with Daniel's brother but not really. Daniel's an amazing person- and sexy as hell- and love inevitably blooms in her heart after getting married, and she falls HARD, but it's a slow burn. OMG I love it!!! This is the story told from Daniel's point of view and I alternated reading this book and re-reading some fragments of The Tie that Binds to fully understand what was going on in each scene. This book is not an exact copy of the events described in The Tie that Binds, it doesn't really even start at the same point in time but for the most part, it follows the same meaningful events. It was such a privilege to read Daniel's point of view.
I would heartily recommend the box set "The Tie that Bind" and "Serendipity" to anyone who likes a great romance!
I waited patiently till the release date after reading The Tie that Binds, having absolutely loved that one. I think the true effect of this book is only reached after reading The Tie that Binds. I know it's advertised as a standalone but really it makes SO MUCH sense to be read after The Tie that Binds, I don't think reading this book first or only reading this one does it justice. Ideally, both points of view should have appeared in the first book but the author explained that it would have made the book so much longer, and The Tie that Binds was Catharina's Maura first published book. I think she did a great job nonetheless plus she's free to write what and how she wants, I am a fan of hers regardless. In general, I think novels with dual points of view are so much interesting, much richer, deeper and pleasant to read but I didn't mind at all buying and reading both books. I really really really enjoyed the story, this was definitely the icing on the cake after reading The Tie that Binds.
I looooooooove the character of Daniel so it was a great pleasure understanding the things he did by reading his point of view in this book. It made me adore him even more. To me, this is a great story. Two people who have known each other since childhood, are brought together by the heroine's father after him passing away. The hero, Daniel, has loved her, Alyssa, for years but kept it to himself, Alyssa thinks she's in love with Daniel's brother but not really. Daniel's an amazing person- and sexy as hell- and love inevitably blooms in her heart after getting married, and she falls HARD, but it's a slow burn. OMG I love it!!! This is the story told from Daniel's point of view and I alternated reading this book and re-reading some fragments of The Tie that Binds to fully understand what was going on in each scene. This book is not an exact copy of the events described in The Tie that Binds, it doesn't really even start at the same point in time but for the most part, it follows the same meaningful events. It was such a privilege to read Daniel's point of view.
I would heartily recommend the box set "The Tie that Bind" and "Serendipity" to anyone who likes a great romance!
November 25, 2023
4 1/2 Serendipity STARS ⭐️
Ah the heart wants what the heart wants.
I’m so glad I got to read Daniel’s POV and I’ll be honest, it’s just as annoyingly heartbreaking as the first.
Every thing that’s happened, I see where and why Daniel is the way he is with Alyssa. First off was their age and being 10yrs older than Alyssa, I felt that she was more mature yet a little insecure and naive. This is where I feel that although Daniel tried to be this playboy persona, when he really wasn’t is why I felt like these mind games he was doing was not helping, but sometimes when your heart knows it knows, and his insecurities also played a big part due to his brother Dominic who is real close in age with Alyssa and her attraction to him, something that Dominic never reciprocated, but he was an @$$ as I see it, and this is why Daniel fought his attraction towards her.
I wish I could go on and if you haven’t read this 2part book series, I recommend and I also am adding this to my ‘books to reread’ list.
Ah the heart wants what the heart wants.
I’m so glad I got to read Daniel’s POV and I’ll be honest, it’s just as annoyingly heartbreaking as the first.
Every thing that’s happened, I see where and why Daniel is the way he is with Alyssa. First off was their age and being 10yrs older than Alyssa, I felt that she was more mature yet a little insecure and naive. This is where I feel that although Daniel tried to be this playboy persona, when he really wasn’t is why I felt like these mind games he was doing was not helping, but sometimes when your heart knows it knows, and his insecurities also played a big part due to his brother Dominic who is real close in age with Alyssa and her attraction to him, something that Dominic never reciprocated, but he was an @$$ as I see it, and this is why Daniel fought his attraction towards her.
I wish I could go on and if you haven’t read this 2part book series, I recommend and I also am adding this to my ‘books to reread’ list.
April 6, 2023
*3.5 stars*
Again, Daniel gave me whiplash. Either he was burning hot or saying 'Fuck y'all, I'm done'. Also, his plan in the end to make sure Alyssa really wanted him was just bullshit. If I was her I would be the one shouting 'Fuck y'all, I'm done'. Lastly, I didn't like very much how Daniel's thoughts were a carbon copy of Alyssa's. I mean, that would make sense for the dialogue, but not the inner thoughts and feelings. I get this is essentially The Tie that Binds in his pov, but still, some originality is needed.
Read
April 4, 2024Ok, read first 4 chapters and DNF, I got bored and was missing Catharina Maura's typically good writing (again, I love seeing how much she's grown and improved as a writer--THAT part is fun to witness and in a strange way is a big life lesson!). If you read the first book, this is SO not needed. Dual POV in one book would have been better. But ultimately, his POV isn't needed. We all knew what he was thinking in the first book even without his POV.
September 7, 2023
I really suffered to finish this one (I never leave any book half way) and honestly I have read this, just to see if it's slightly better than the main book (not really).
Looks like both are just as agonizing. I am still debating which one is worse. It's the same book but with a different title and sometimes different sentences. I have so comments that I will keep to myself, I just wrote this because I needed to share my misery (I usually don't write reviews and if I didn't have something nice to say, I'd rather keep my mouth shut but in this case I tried and I couldn't.)
I have never regretted reading a book as much as I did reading this and I have indeed read so many books.
Read this book under one condition, if you want to inflict self torture.
Enjoy!
Looks like both are just as agonizing. I am still debating which one is worse. It's the same book but with a different title and sometimes different sentences. I have so comments that I will keep to myself, I just wrote this because I needed to share my misery (I usually don't write reviews and if I didn't have something nice to say, I'd rather keep my mouth shut but in this case I tried and I couldn't.)
I have never regretted reading a book as much as I did reading this and I have indeed read so many books.
Read this book under one condition, if you want to inflict self torture.
Enjoy!
August 29, 2024
i feel like i deserve a medal for finishing this
miscommunication
pinning husband
fake marriage
mmc pov
grumpy mmc/ virgin fmc
"good girl"
miscommunication
pinning husband
fake marriage
mmc pov
grumpy mmc/ virgin fmc
"good girl"
September 2, 2025
This was so hard to get through. When I tell you my eyes scanned the pages and skipped entire paragraphs … I’m usually ALL IN for a mmc pov like I eat these things up but Daniel pissed ne off in Alyssa’s pov and just as much (maybe a teensy little less) in his own. Next pls.
November 15, 2021
Have to say this and Alyssa’s pov book has to be the weirdest books I’ve read this year. Not because weird shit goes down or that but in that the books started off good and gradually got worse as they went along. I don’t think I’ve ever read a book like it.
I honestly feel like the author got bored part way through and changed the characters personalities and narration.
Ties that bind:
Daniel was irritating from 50% onwards the insecurities he had with Alyssa I got the first bit but by the 2nd part errghhh it was annoying. And the whole ‘baby’ thing honestly the word grates on me and is so overused.
Alyssa again like her to start then she just kept making stupid judgment calls with his brother and not communicating her feelings. Then she started saying ‘baby’ and I just cringed some more.
Serendipity:
Daniels pov book was also the same started off well then got shitter as it went along. And the author literally picked exactly the same writing in areas like she couldn’t be bothered to give Daniel his own view or perception on something so copied word for word.
Dunno this book was just odd but had the potential to be good. Prob wouldn’t recommend it if I’m honest.
I honestly feel like the author got bored part way through and changed the characters personalities and narration.
Ties that bind:
Daniel was irritating from 50% onwards the insecurities he had with Alyssa I got the first bit but by the 2nd part errghhh it was annoying. And the whole ‘baby’ thing honestly the word grates on me and is so overused.
Alyssa again like her to start then she just kept making stupid judgment calls with his brother and not communicating her feelings. Then she started saying ‘baby’ and I just cringed some more.
Serendipity:
Daniels pov book was also the same started off well then got shitter as it went along. And the author literally picked exactly the same writing in areas like she couldn’t be bothered to give Daniel his own view or perception on something so copied word for word.
Dunno this book was just odd but had the potential to be good. Prob wouldn’t recommend it if I’m honest.
September 25, 2020
Whew. This book is one emotional roller coaster. You will love Daniel one minute and want to strangle him the next. Daniel and Alyssa sizzle and will keep you reading page after page to see how their story will end. I read "The Ties That Bind" and anxiously waited for this book to see the story told from Daniel's POV. I loved both books as well as all her other works and can't wait to read more from this author.
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.
June 21, 2022
I am a person who enjoys the arranged marriage trope a lot, and to be honest this pov was not necessary. I mean reading this kinda dampened the flavour of the first book. Nonetheless, I couldn't put it down, my anxiety needed to know the answers that my subconscious mind already knew .
December 16, 2020
Amazing book.
September 14, 2021
Truly Memorable Story! Beautiful! Gripping! ❤
Serendipity -
I started reading this book immediately after i finished reading the book 'The Tie That Binds' by Catharina Maura. 'Serendipity' by Catharina Maura tells the story of Alyssa and Daniel and it has been written from Daniel's point of view.
Alyssa is a kind, affectionate and smart girl but she is also vulnerable. She is hard working and gorgeous but she is also sometimes naive. She has always been in love with her best friend Dominic (Daniel's brother), but Dominic rejects her, but she still maintains good relations with him. When her father passes away, she is forced to get into a marriage of convenience with Dominic's brother Daniel, who is 10 years older than her, to save her company from the clutches of her gold digging grandmother.
Daniel is hardworking, handsome and brilliant but he is ruthless and a hard task master when it comes to business. He is very loving and caring towards his family. Alyssa's father was his true mentor and the father figure in his life, so when his mentor passes away, he decides to fulfill his last wish and marry Alyssa to save the company which he and Alyssa's father had worked so hard and built from scratch.
This book tells the story of how Daniel and Alyssa get into a marriage of convenience. How Daniel always takes care of Alyssa, how he uses this oppurtunity to make Alyssa realize what she truly means to him, how Daniel's biggest secret from the past comes to light when he confesses his true feelings of love for Alyssa. They both overcome all the obstacles and misunderstandings to finally come together forever 🥰
This book was absolutely awesome. It was a very beautiful and memorable story for me. I absolutely fell for Daniel's charachter. He is totally swoon worthy. The scenes between Daniel and Alyssa were scintillating and hot. This book had me totally engrossed in it, and kudos to the author Catharina Maura, for bringing out the various emotions of love, friendship, guilt, jealousy, respect and family values so perfectly. Not once did I feel like putting this book down, the story was so engrossing. This is the second book I read from the author and she has definitely become one of my firm favourites now ❤
I highly recommend this book to all romance lovers. Also i strongly recommend reading 'The Tie That Binds' by Catharina Maura first before reading this book. The book 'The Tie That Binds' has the same story but its written from Alyssa's point of view. And it was an absolutely beautiful read for me 😍
Serendipity -
I started reading this book immediately after i finished reading the book 'The Tie That Binds' by Catharina Maura. 'Serendipity' by Catharina Maura tells the story of Alyssa and Daniel and it has been written from Daniel's point of view.
Alyssa is a kind, affectionate and smart girl but she is also vulnerable. She is hard working and gorgeous but she is also sometimes naive. She has always been in love with her best friend Dominic (Daniel's brother), but Dominic rejects her, but she still maintains good relations with him. When her father passes away, she is forced to get into a marriage of convenience with Dominic's brother Daniel, who is 10 years older than her, to save her company from the clutches of her gold digging grandmother.
Daniel is hardworking, handsome and brilliant but he is ruthless and a hard task master when it comes to business. He is very loving and caring towards his family. Alyssa's father was his true mentor and the father figure in his life, so when his mentor passes away, he decides to fulfill his last wish and marry Alyssa to save the company which he and Alyssa's father had worked so hard and built from scratch.
This book tells the story of how Daniel and Alyssa get into a marriage of convenience. How Daniel always takes care of Alyssa, how he uses this oppurtunity to make Alyssa realize what she truly means to him, how Daniel's biggest secret from the past comes to light when he confesses his true feelings of love for Alyssa. They both overcome all the obstacles and misunderstandings to finally come together forever 🥰
This book was absolutely awesome. It was a very beautiful and memorable story for me. I absolutely fell for Daniel's charachter. He is totally swoon worthy. The scenes between Daniel and Alyssa were scintillating and hot. This book had me totally engrossed in it, and kudos to the author Catharina Maura, for bringing out the various emotions of love, friendship, guilt, jealousy, respect and family values so perfectly. Not once did I feel like putting this book down, the story was so engrossing. This is the second book I read from the author and she has definitely become one of my firm favourites now ❤
I highly recommend this book to all romance lovers. Also i strongly recommend reading 'The Tie That Binds' by Catharina Maura first before reading this book. The book 'The Tie That Binds' has the same story but its written from Alyssa's point of view. And it was an absolutely beautiful read for me 😍
October 9, 2020
1. I do not do spoilers unless warned.
2. Read the summary above; it will tell you what the book is about. I will not reiterate.
3. Characters are well developed. Both characters grow by the end of the story and you do care about these characters long before the story ends.
4. Story is well developed and flows easily and naturally.
5. No errors that I caught as far as editing.
6. I first read The Tie that Binds, which is told from the heroine's point of view. This is the same story told from our Hero's point of view. It is very difficult to write a book well from one specific point of view and Ms. Maura has accomplished that very well. I feel that Ms. Maura was able to delve much deeper into each character having told their story this way but did choose to tell the story separately due to the length of the book, if it were told as one book. I am a very fast reader, especially if the book draws me in immediately (which these did) so the length of these books did not hinder me; now would it have hindered me if it were longer. I do personally think these could have been combined into one EPIC romance with alternating point of views.
Because I read one before the other, I knew what was going to happen as far as actions and the ending before reading Serendipity. I do feel that many will be turned off by this. I read Serendipity because I wanted to get inside our Hero's head for the 'other' side of the story. That said, both books tell a wonderful love story which two friends did not expect.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
2. Read the summary above; it will tell you what the book is about. I will not reiterate.
3. Characters are well developed. Both characters grow by the end of the story and you do care about these characters long before the story ends.
4. Story is well developed and flows easily and naturally.
5. No errors that I caught as far as editing.
6. I first read The Tie that Binds, which is told from the heroine's point of view. This is the same story told from our Hero's point of view. It is very difficult to write a book well from one specific point of view and Ms. Maura has accomplished that very well. I feel that Ms. Maura was able to delve much deeper into each character having told their story this way but did choose to tell the story separately due to the length of the book, if it were told as one book. I am a very fast reader, especially if the book draws me in immediately (which these did) so the length of these books did not hinder me; now would it have hindered me if it were longer. I do personally think these could have been combined into one EPIC romance with alternating point of views.
Because I read one before the other, I knew what was going to happen as far as actions and the ending before reading Serendipity. I do feel that many will be turned off by this. I read Serendipity because I wanted to get inside our Hero's head for the 'other' side of the story. That said, both books tell a wonderful love story which two friends did not expect.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 26, 2024
This book got a lot of hate for being an extra copy of the first book and is that kinda true ? absolutely. Does that make it any less good absolutely not.
This book may have been similar if not the exact same with some extra stuff here and there but it was still good nonetheless.
I loved this book just as much if not more than the first one. I loved the additional POV we got and I loved seeing why the MMC did the things he did and his thought process throughout the book. This whole books main trope is miscommunication and reading the FMCs POV is obviously only told from her POV and how she felt about it so reading the MMCs just added something extra to the book and made it easier to understand why he did the thing he did and why she did the things she did.
My review stays the same as the first since as I said the books are very similar if not the extract same but this book really made me dislike the FMC, as I mentioned in my first one the MMC does alot of back and forth and distancing himself from the FMC whenever he’s scared of hurting the FMC or he feels like he’s forcing her to do something she doesn’t want to do. Which I can get KINDA get but I can still only imagine how exhausting it must have been BUT i don’t think that even compares to what the FMC put the MMC through with her need to constantly put the MMCS BROTHER before the MMC. I don’t understand how she thought her behavior was even remotely okay but that’s just me.
Overall I simply enjoy the extra POV this book offered and how we got to see how truly in love with the FMC he was long before they got married
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 2, 2021
Sensational❤️❤️
Wow.. this book deserves more than a five star. If I loved The Tie That Binds, I was awestruck after reading Serendipity.
Initially, I was a little spectacle about reading this book as it is the same love story but still started the read as I was way more curious to know Daniel's POV, what he feels, what he goes through, why he did a lot of things that he did.
Once I started the book it felt I am reading a completely different story.
This is one of the books which had me in tears more than 60% of the read and you would still enjoy it.
My heart broke for Daniel and although, I liked his character in the previous book I had a new level of respect for his character and absolutely fell in love. He is like one of my favourite book hero's and his character made me feel so many emotions during the read. I laughed, I cried, I was heartbroken.
The way Catharina has written the story and the characters they reach you and get stuck with you. She has mesmerized with the book.
Hands down this is one of my favourite books. Would re-read anytime.😁
Would suggest the readers to keep a tissue box ready before starting the read.🤪😊
Wow.. this book deserves more than a five star. If I loved The Tie That Binds, I was awestruck after reading Serendipity.
Initially, I was a little spectacle about reading this book as it is the same love story but still started the read as I was way more curious to know Daniel's POV, what he feels, what he goes through, why he did a lot of things that he did.
Once I started the book it felt I am reading a completely different story.
This is one of the books which had me in tears more than 60% of the read and you would still enjoy it.
My heart broke for Daniel and although, I liked his character in the previous book I had a new level of respect for his character and absolutely fell in love. He is like one of my favourite book hero's and his character made me feel so many emotions during the read. I laughed, I cried, I was heartbroken.
The way Catharina has written the story and the characters they reach you and get stuck with you. She has mesmerized with the book.
Hands down this is one of my favourite books. Would re-read anytime.😁
Would suggest the readers to keep a tissue box ready before starting the read.🤪😊
July 28, 2025
Daniel and Alyssa's story was told from her point of view in The tie that Binds, and you need to read that first before this one.
Serendipity is the same story but from Daniel's view point.
We get an insight into how Daniel came to work for Charles (Alyssa's father) company DM Consultants. How he helped to train Alyssa whilst her father was alive and how his feelings for her developed despite their 10 year age gap.
We especially get knowledge of his heartbreak at her loving his younger brother Dominic and his need to let her go so that if she comes back to him, it's for him and not an obligation.
These two characters go through so much but are definitely stronger together.
Like the original, this book tugs on your heartstrings, and be prepared to shed a few tears. It is difficult to put down even though I knew what came next, but was still just as invested in what was happening as reading from Daniel's POV was even more heartbreaking and devastating.
The pair have to overcome so much to get their HEA, but the history between them and the drama they provoke makes for a thoroughly compelling read.
Highly recommended.
Serendipity is the same story but from Daniel's view point.
We get an insight into how Daniel came to work for Charles (Alyssa's father) company DM Consultants. How he helped to train Alyssa whilst her father was alive and how his feelings for her developed despite their 10 year age gap.
We especially get knowledge of his heartbreak at her loving his younger brother Dominic and his need to let her go so that if she comes back to him, it's for him and not an obligation.
These two characters go through so much but are definitely stronger together.
Like the original, this book tugs on your heartstrings, and be prepared to shed a few tears. It is difficult to put down even though I knew what came next, but was still just as invested in what was happening as reading from Daniel's POV was even more heartbreaking and devastating.
The pair have to overcome so much to get their HEA, but the history between them and the drama they provoke makes for a thoroughly compelling read.
Highly recommended.
October 24, 2022
This book had a lot of replication from The Ties That Bind, which was a given being it is from Daniel's viewpoint. It cleared up a lot of wishy washy of his actions towards Alyssa. Catharina did well showing growing pains are hard no matter the age you are when it comes to love, those are to be cherished. Communication is the key to any relationship which was very lacking with these two. I feel for Daniel because he loves Alyssa enough to let her go. Could his words not have been so hurtful? Sure but life isn't always a bed of roses, especially if you have doubts your doing right by the person you love. I respect that he needs her (and himself) to realize they are truly in love and each others first choice, not just being forced to a committed marriage by her Father's will. The age gap really had him torn up along with her relationship with his brother. All in all I enjoyed the book and would encourage anyone to read it to see two sides to Daniel and Alyssa's love story. Thanks Catharina🤗
September 16, 2025
4.5 stars
So this book is all from Daniel’s POV, and it really takes you through how much he’s loved Alyssa over the years—his emotions, insecurities, and that constant hope that maybe one day she’ll love him back. Honestly, I didn’t even realize at first that it was just his POV. By the time I hit chapter 15 or 20, I was like, “Wait… this is only his side? That’s pretty rare.” Then I found out this was actually the second book, which explains a lot. Somehow, I completely missed the first one, lol.
But honestly? I really enjoyed getting everything through his perspective. It made my heart ache for him, because I know what it’s like to want to understand what someone else is thinking in those moments. Yeah, he acted a little indifferent sometimes, but he also showed Alyssa so much affection in his own way. Their biggest problem was miscommunication—if they’d just been more open with each other, things could’ve gone so differently. But at the same time, insecurities and doubt have a way of twisting how we act, whether it’s out of love or fear.
Overall, I really loved this book.
So this book is all from Daniel’s POV, and it really takes you through how much he’s loved Alyssa over the years—his emotions, insecurities, and that constant hope that maybe one day she’ll love him back. Honestly, I didn’t even realize at first that it was just his POV. By the time I hit chapter 15 or 20, I was like, “Wait… this is only his side? That’s pretty rare.” Then I found out this was actually the second book, which explains a lot. Somehow, I completely missed the first one, lol.
But honestly? I really enjoyed getting everything through his perspective. It made my heart ache for him, because I know what it’s like to want to understand what someone else is thinking in those moments. Yeah, he acted a little indifferent sometimes, but he also showed Alyssa so much affection in his own way. Their biggest problem was miscommunication—if they’d just been more open with each other, things could’ve gone so differently. But at the same time, insecurities and doubt have a way of twisting how we act, whether it’s out of love or fear.
Overall, I really loved this book.
June 18, 2022
DNF !
I read this book upto Chapter 46.
Daniel loves Alyssa.
Alyssa loves Dominic. (Daniel's brother)
Dominic loves Alyssa as a friend.
Alyssa's father dies and puts up a clause in his will that Alyssa and Daniel must marry each other so that the company shares dont go to Alyssa's grandmother.
So they get married !
The lack of common sense and communication between Daniel and Alyssa gets to a point where it becomes irritating.
- One day Alyssa is all flustered and hot for Daniel but then the next day she acts as Dominic's girlfirend.
- Daniel on the other hand is always like "Thats it She doesnt feel for me or care for me or love me" but every time she smiles at him he forgets about it.
- Dominic (Daniels brother) is another immature character in this mix. He has feelings for Alyssa but is not sure about it.
Its like the characters have no serious regards for each others feelings.
I was hoping that it might get better further in the book but it didnt.
I read this book upto Chapter 46.
Daniel loves Alyssa.
Alyssa loves Dominic. (Daniel's brother)
Dominic loves Alyssa as a friend.
Alyssa's father dies and puts up a clause in his will that Alyssa and Daniel must marry each other so that the company shares dont go to Alyssa's grandmother.
So they get married !
The lack of common sense and communication between Daniel and Alyssa gets to a point where it becomes irritating.
- One day Alyssa is all flustered and hot for Daniel but then the next day she acts as Dominic's girlfirend.
- Daniel on the other hand is always like "Thats it She doesnt feel for me or care for me or love me" but every time she smiles at him he forgets about it.
- Dominic (Daniels brother) is another immature character in this mix. He has feelings for Alyssa but is not sure about it.
Its like the characters have no serious regards for each others feelings.
I was hoping that it might get better further in the book but it didnt.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 15, 2024
I will give this book a 5 🌟 because I love it, I love arranged marriage book plots and when they have unrequited love troph they are my favourite.
Let me tell you how much I loved the male lead. They way he loved the female lead and the way he kept being gentle after knowing that her heart would never be his. I felt like I wanted to cry every time he saw her and didn't have the courage to tell her that 😔. My heart melted and broke when he set her free because his brother wanted her finally. 💔 He thought she would be happy and didn't care about his feelings for such a long time.
They had chemistry and they had all stages, they were friends, business partner, love partner, "enemies" (not really), family.
I loved them and specially his povs, I felt like it wasn't enough and I wanted more. 🥺
Let me tell you how much I loved the male lead. They way he loved the female lead and the way he kept being gentle after knowing that her heart would never be his. I felt like I wanted to cry every time he saw her and didn't have the courage to tell her that 😔. My heart melted and broke when he set her free because his brother wanted her finally. 💔 He thought she would be happy and didn't care about his feelings for such a long time.
They had chemistry and they had all stages, they were friends, business partner, love partner, "enemies" (not really), family.
I loved them and specially his povs, I felt like it wasn't enough and I wanted more. 🥺
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 19, 2023
This book kind of made me want to light myself on fire. Most of it was copied and pasted from Ties That Bind, and not new information to their story. I skipped over most of the dialog in most areas because it was word for word as the other book. The descriptor "murmurs" was used nearly every time someone spoke and made me want to scream. I now have "murmurs" seared into my brain. There were a lot of errors, both grammatical and with name mix ups, which I did actually notice in the previous book, but there were less in that book. Overall, I wish I had chosen to skip this, it kind of ruined their story for me because it didn't reveal much of anything we couldn't have read between the lines of the previous book.
September 26, 2024
I really wanted this book to right some of the wrongs that happened in book 1 imo but unfortunately it did not. I had a real issue while reading this duology with the constant mis-communication that was going on. Like these 2 spent more time communicating to themselves in their heads than actually talking to eachother. The spice was so good though but it still doesn't make up for all the bad. Daniel just did not seem like a 32 your old man. He had the maturity if a high school boy pining over a girl he can't have. Like the dude is married to her and he is still tripping over himself to get close to her. I really love this author and hate to give her a rating below a 4 star but this one just wasn't for me. Onward to something better!
March 26, 2024
Serendipity : A Modern Marriage Of Convenience
This is Daniels version of their affair. Alyssa as dad writes his well out, no one knows what is happening. He keeps it to himself. After her dad dies of a heart attack suddenly, his daughter is heart broken from losing her father. In her dad will, when it was read, stated that Alyssa and Daniel to be married for 5 years or until her 25 birthday. Daniel has always been in love with her, so they are married and that's when the fun begins. This story was simply amazing to read and I enjoyed reading this authors book. One of my favorite author's! ENJOY
This is Daniels version of their affair. Alyssa as dad writes his well out, no one knows what is happening. He keeps it to himself. After her dad dies of a heart attack suddenly, his daughter is heart broken from losing her father. In her dad will, when it was read, stated that Alyssa and Daniel to be married for 5 years or until her 25 birthday. Daniel has always been in love with her, so they are married and that's when the fun begins. This story was simply amazing to read and I enjoyed reading this authors book. One of my favorite author's! ENJOY
February 1, 2025
Desde el primer libro se entiende y comprende algunas desiciones que toma Daniel PERO la forma tan arrogante y lastimosa de su comportamiento no justifica.
Daño profundamente a Lyss humilló repetidas ocasiones y sobre todo no le dio crédito….. no lo hubiera perdonado y la escena del restaurante con velas y flores sería un dejavú donde al día siguiente la deja . Se justificó pero cuando ella le pidió , rogó que hablaran y que no la deje en lugar de escucharla la humilló , le dijo palabra ofensivas , dejo creer que estaba con otras y que las prefería … pésima actitud de Daniel y lo perdonaron muy pronto
Daño profundamente a Lyss humilló repetidas ocasiones y sobre todo no le dio crédito….. no lo hubiera perdonado y la escena del restaurante con velas y flores sería un dejavú donde al día siguiente la deja . Se justificó pero cuando ella le pidió , rogó que hablaran y que no la deje en lugar de escucharla la humilló , le dijo palabra ofensivas , dejo creer que estaba con otras y que las prefería … pésima actitud de Daniel y lo perdonaron muy pronto
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 5, 2020
I loved ho this book is from Daniel’s point of views, and how it tells of story of him falling in love with Alyssa. This story was so emotional and very well written. The way that Catharina Maura wrote this story, made me feel a twinge in my heart whenever Daniel’s heart felt broken or sad. Serendipity is a must-read, even if you have already read The Ties That Bind as this really tells you what is going on in Daniel’s mind, and actions, and really makes this story so well-rounded!
I received a free advanced copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a fair and honest review.
I received a free advanced copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a fair and honest review.
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