Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

True Destiny #1

Very Much Alive

Rate this book
Her destiny rests in their hands...

Kiran Tate and Logan Saeter have been on the run from Oliver Grimm for so long they've forgotten what it's like to be free. Ending Grimm's power games won't be easy, but this time they have an ace in the hole. PI Jordan Grey, Guardian Investigation's resident hot shot--and Grimm's step-granddaughter.

Jordan Grey has her doubts when Logan and Kir show up in her office with a tall tale of how her step-grandfather has framed them for murder. And to top it all off, they're claiming that they're really the ancient Norse gods Loki and Baldur, and that Grimm is Odin!

When the two lovers see the sexy detective for the first time, stopping Grimm suddenly takes a back seat to seducing her into their arms. But Grimm never rests, and when his anger spills over onto Jordan, it sets them all on a collision course with a destiny that will rock their world...

This book contains explicit sex, graphic language, some violence, and hot male/male/female action. In fact, it could be considered a religious experience.

223 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 17, 2009

70 people are currently reading
1036 people want to read

About the author

Dana Marie Bell

56 books1,936 followers
Dana Marie Bell wrote her first short story when she was thirteen years old. She attended the High School for Creative and Performing Arts for creative writing, where freedom of expression was the order of the day. When her parents moved out of the city and placed her in a Catholic high school for her senior year she tried desperately to get away, but the nuns held fast, and she graduated with honors despite herself.

Dana has lived primarily in the Northeast (Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware, to be precise), with a brief stint on the US Virgin Island of St. Croix. She lives with her soul-mate and husband Dusty, their two maniacal children, an evil ice-cream stealing cat and a bull terrier that thinks it’s a Pekinese.

You can learn more about Dana at:

http://www.danamariebell.com
http://danamariebell.blogspot.com

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
479 (37%)
4 stars
449 (34%)
3 stars
269 (20%)
2 stars
72 (5%)
1 star
24 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
Profile Image for Kris H..
154 reviews13 followers
July 3, 2009
This was an interesting concept and a pretty fun read with pretty hot sex scenes, although it was difficult to follow some of the Norse mythology. I prefer Bell's Halle Puma series, but there was enough to this that I'll likely read the next book in this series.
Profile Image for Heather.
2,819 reviews19 followers
January 13, 2020
Her destiny rests in their hands

True Destiny, Book 1

Kiran Tate and Logan Saeter have been on the run from Oliver Grimm for so long they ve forgotten what it s like to be free. Ending Grimm s power games won t be easy, but this time they have an ace in the hole. PI Jordan Grey, Guardian Investigation s resident hot shot and Grimm s step-granddaughter.
Jordan Grey has her doubts when Logan and Kir show up in her office with a tall tale of how her step-grandfather has framed them for murder. And to top it all off, they re claiming that they re really the ancient Norse gods Loki and Baldur, and that Grimm is Odin!
When the two lovers see the sexy detective for the first time, stopping Grimm suddenly takes a back seat to seducing her into their arms. But Grimm never rests, and when his anger spills over onto Jordan, it sets them all on a collision course with a destiny that will rock their world "

Heather's Notes
This story was hot and sexy. It also had a plot that worked without getting bogged down. The romance went quickly, but then the book was short. I liked all the characters, and will definitely continue the series. My only real complaint was I had trouble remembering who was who.
Profile Image for Shiran.
358 reviews42 followers
January 30, 2012
Logan and Kir have been running from Oliver Grimm for many many years but they are done running and with the help of Jordan Grey (Grimm's step-granddaughter) they hope to put the facts straight and be free of Grimm. Jordan doesn't have a clue who or what her family is but when two hunks walk into her office and show her, she is throw into a war she always thought was just a myth.

This book had a very unique storyline, I have read many a book that revolves around Greek and Roman mythology but this is the first one that is all about Norse mythology. I thought it was brilliant and well thought out. Having said that at times the mythology was a bit confusing and the names get you all muddled up. Bulder is Kir and Logan is Loki, every Norse God has been given new names and at first I had trouble following which one was which.

I LOVED the relationship between Kir, Logan and Jordan. Once you got passed the incestuous nature of it, you can't get enough of it! They made me want to have two men so badly, though I did blush more than usual in these sex scenes :P

Kir is hysterical and I loved his unflinching love for Logan and Jordan. Being a fertility God made the relationship exciting and passionate. Logan was a man full of energy and a quick wit that kept me waiting to see what he would say next... "blond-headed sandwich!" classic. I loved Jordan, she is the perfect heroin. She kicks ass when needed and can make any man whimper like a baby with one look.

All in all another great book from Bell. I loved the characters, the story and the passion. I will definitely be reading all the books in this series.
Profile Image for Angie.
2,849 reviews15 followers
December 21, 2011
Synopsis: "Kiran Tate and Logan Saeter have been on the run from Oliver Grimm for so long they've forgotten what it's like to be free. Ending Grimm's power games won't be easy, but this time they have an ace in the hole. PI Jordan Grey, Guardian Investigation's resident hot shot--and Grimm's step-granddaughter. Jordan Grey has her doubts when Logan and Kir show up in her office with a tall tale of how her step-grandfather has framed them for murder. And to top it all off, they're claiming that they're really the ancient Norse gods Loki and Baldur, and that Grimm is Odin! When the two lovers see the sexy detective for the first time, stopping Grimm suddenly takes a back seat to seducing her into their arms. But Grimm never rests, and when his anger spills over onto Jordan, it sets them all on a collision course with a destiny that will rock their world."

My Review: The was a fun twist on bringing mythology into current times and changing it up a little. I loved that it was based on Norse Mythology instead of the usual greek and roman. It was a little confusing at first trying to figure out who everyone was since I am only familiar with the most popular myths. The interactions between Jordan, Kir & Logan made me giggle some times and made me go awe at other times, it was a great balance. It would be next to impossible not to read the next one.


Adult Warning - M/M/F situations and scenes
8 reviews
July 4, 2012
I have read many books involving some sort of mythology, but this is the first time I’ve run across Norse Mythology. I have to say I love it! The interaction between these characters is amazing, especially between the 3 main characters Jordan, Kir and Logan. Logan and Kir have so much strength, but they also have hearts of gold and a soft spot for each other as well as Jordan. From what little I do know, or have seen about Norse Mythology, Odin has never been a bad guy, so making him the antagonist in this story is ingenious. I’m excited to see what happens with some of the other characters in the book, such as Travis and Val.

Dana Marie Bell has a fantastic imagination and a gift for writing steamy romance novels. This story is full of humor and passion; the characters are unique and loveable. The sex scenes are descriptive and tastefully written.
Profile Image for Jess.
2,354 reviews79 followers
July 20, 2010
Fun reframing of Norse mythology, with Loki as the hero and Odin as the bad guy, set in modern-day society.

Centuries ago, Loki/Logan was framed by Odin for the (unsuccessful) murder of Baldur/Kiran. Now Logan and Kiran have finally found the person who can clear Logan/Loki's name and let them regain their place in society: Odin's human granddaughter, Jordan. Once they convince her that they're not crazy -- oh, and that she's the perfect woman for both of them, that is.

I can't quite pinpoint what I liked so much about this, but it was probably the humor. I hope Bell writes another in this series.
Profile Image for Mel.
1,214 reviews45 followers
April 19, 2011
I love me some Norse mythology and this book didn't disappoint. Though the book felt a bit rushed in the beginning, I found myself wanting to read faster just so I'd know what happened next. Dana Marie Bell is a fantastic story teller and I've yet to find a single thing written by her that I didn't thoroughly enjoy. Very Much Alive tells the story of Baldur, the God of Spring, his mate and Trickster God, Loki and Jordan, the half-human woman that will clear Loki's name and capture their hearts.
3 reviews
September 6, 2013
I liked the book and am totally willing to read the others.

It was about the Norse Gods and the legend that Loki killed Baldur. Instead, Loki saved Baldur and became his lover. Now they must prove that Odin framed Loki and the story tells how they did this.

All I can say about this is that it was an easy read.
Profile Image for LaCath.
212 reviews2 followers
February 20, 2018
It was a good read, all in all.
The mythological background was well thought, there actually was a plot, the characters were likeable and the sex scenes hot hot hot. I'm normally not one for threesome, but it kinda worked.
There were, however, two things that I really didn't like.
The insta-love that both Baldur/Kir and Loki/Logan felt for Jordan right after meeting her wasn't at all convincing. Both guys have been faithful to ech other, never straying, never even looking at another for what... thousands of years ? And there enters this human girl that is pretty and witty and endearing but would it be enough for them to consider admitting another in their intimity after so long ? I really felt it should take a tiny bit more than that. Like, I don't know... time. And getting to know each other ?
Anyway, I put a SUIS (Shut Up It's Love) stamp on it and move one.
The other thing that disturbs me, and a lot more this time, is the behavior of both men during the sex scenes. Basically, they treat Jordan like a sex doll. A sex doll they swear to love and they call baby, but a sex doll nevertheless. They tell her what to do, in wich position to be, in which order they are going to have sex with her, not even bothering to check FIRST if she's okay with that (she is. But that's not the point).
This was even more obvious in a scene where they undressed her, at the middle of the book. She had to tell them no at least eight times before they registered she actually was not ready to mingle with them.
Big tamper here.
I still gave the book 3 stars because I liked the background and the other characters (I really hope Val gets his book) and can not wait to read the next one, with Travis/Tyr and Jordan's little sister Jamie.
In fact... I didn't.
Profile Image for Tina.
2,698 reviews15 followers
December 26, 2017
Jordan lives in a world surrounded by Gods, only she doesn’t know it. That is until she meets Kir and Logan. Logan and Kir think the time has finally come to clear their names but will it cost even more than they have already lost?
Very Much Alive by Dana Marie Bell is first in her True Destiny series. I thoroughly enjoyed this re-release. Jordan is such a great character. Her world is turned upside down and inside out but she still does the right thing. All while fighting her attraction to not one but two men. I love Kir and Logan, together and separately. They love each other and were not even looking for a third. But neither could deny their attraction to Jordan. I loved that Ms. Bell allowed Jordan to add to Kir and Logan’s relationship, but did not lose focus of the fact the men were a couple first. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and can’t wait to see what happens next.
Profile Image for Jamoz23.
5,380 reviews46 followers
January 30, 2019
Very confusing re all the name crossover but a great story.
The author does a great job at blending the gods into this story
Great to have Loki being one of the good guys and I found Jordon extremely likeable. Kiran was also interesting and totally hot.
As much as I loved the characters and how this story played out, I hated all the violence committed by family members and being left feeling confused as to who was whom at the end.
No clear resolution so obviously Grimm will be in book two.
Gods and mythology are not my favourite reading genre even though I do love mythology itself.
Read and reviewed years ago but review missing. Will push on and read book two.
Profile Image for Paula.
44 reviews13 followers
April 13, 2020
Great with mythology, mediocre otherwise

The author definitely knows her Norse mythology. However, though the plot is good and some of the prose is decent, a lot of the writing— especially the dialogue— is juvenile in a style reminiscent of bad tween-age fanficton. All in all, sometimes cringy, but mostly okay.
1,289 reviews
August 16, 2017
Okay writing; couldn't get into story about Norse mythology.
Profile Image for valeria.
673 reviews22 followers
February 13, 2021
a little slow, a little action at the end, continue in the next book because the bad guy escaped,
Profile Image for Robin.
426 reviews20 followers
June 15, 2015
Rating - 4.5* (Series Overall - 5*)
One Word Rec.: Buy
Bell, Dana Marie; VERY MUCH ALIVE [True Destiny, #1]

Ebook; genre:{paranormal romance}, shelves: |author: Dana Marie Bell |
|Rating: 5* - Favorite, will re-read all the time = FANGIRLING HAS COMMENCED|
|paranormal, gods/myths: Norse|
|romance, f/m/m|

Personally, I don't enjoy giving "SPOILERS" as a rule, so I believe the general synopsis above or on the book flap if it's a hard copy should give you all the pertinent information you need. I do include the basics under synopsis though. If you'd like to know my overall thoughts & feelings regarding the book or author, please check the "Personal Opinion" section. Also, if this is a book in a series, under "Characters," you'll most likely find a fu-bo list. While reading, authors tend to introduce us to numerous characters and I find I wonder if they will get their own book, so I decided to include this with my review to be helpful. If the character has a fu-bo already out, it will be listed. I will try not to include "SPOILERS" if there are any. And now to my review:

General Synopsis:
WARNING: This, is my first review for Dana Marie Bell. In writing this review, I have read not only all the books in this series, but also ALL the books she has written to date. Before you read it, I need to admit, I am biased, because I enjoy ALL of her series and books. Other than a few series, all of her books are completely different, immersing the reader into a variety of worlds. I started with the [ True Destiny ] series, because it's one of my favorites and trust me, it is extremely difficult to choose which of DMB's series are my top favorites. If you haven't read them yet, you'll know what I mean after you read one or two.

The first book in DMB's [ True Destiny ] series, revolves around the Norse myths and legends, and focusing on the mènage relationship between Kiran Tait (aka Baldur), Logan Saeter (aka Loki), who are already a couple, and Jordan Gray, a private investigator they hire to prove it was Odin, and not Loki who "killed" Baldur all those years ago. I know, it's an amazing concept and you'll easily become hooked!

Characters/Fu-bo:
Jamie - Eye of the Beholder
Jeff - Howl for Me: True Destiny
Val
Travis - Eye of the Beholder
Magnus - Not Broken
Morgan - Morgan's Fate

Personal Opinion:
Little personal info here, when I was younger and we were learning about the Greek & Roman gods, I was bored and decided to look into Norse Mythology instead. So, finding a series of books that not only focuses on the Norse gods, but also turns those myths on their head. Yeah, it was almost like finding the Holy Grail. (oooo I wonder if DMB might. . .)

Each of DMB's series as mentioned above, is a little different. If you continue to check out DMB & see my reviews, I'll try listing them to share with you, but try not to ruin the book for you. In the [ True Destiny ] series, the book starts with a prologue, providing the reader with a sneak peek into the past of the Norse Gods and ending with the epilogue in the POV from characters from the next book, in the case of VERY MUCH ALIVE, we see Tyr.
Profile Image for Sarah-Jayne Briggs.
Author 1 book48 followers
November 25, 2013
(This review may contain spoilers).

So... I do have a particular fondness for paranormal romance. And, of course, Norse mythology. So a combination of the two was really good.

I really liked Logan and Kir's relationship. Right from their first scene, I was pulled into the book. I absolutely adored the banter between them and there were quite a few instances I found myself smiling and amused by some of the comments.

I really did like the sex scenes, though I found the language a bit crude at times. I don't think it's necessary to use the f-word in the narrative. Dialogue is one thing. The narrative just doesn't sit right with me.

I felt that there was just enough action to keep me reading, rather than there being sex, sex and more sex. I have to say, I wasn't expecting much of a plot, so I was pleasantly surprised by how the story moved. Of course, it did have the love at first sight cliche - that I really have grown to hate - but by the time the characters actually said, 'I love you,' to each other, I could believe in their relationship.

The use of the other gods was quite good as well, as was what Odin did to keep the others under his control. I was a bit disappointed with the way Frigga acted, but I liked the use of the other gods - such as Tyr. I thought this book did a good job of setting up the whole series. I downloaded the next three books even before I started this one and I will definitely be reading those in the near future.
Profile Image for Chalice.
293 reviews1 follower
January 21, 2015
Very good book, Norse Mythology, Action/Adventure kind of plot with some very hot scenes included. Lots of humor and an engaging storyline. Characters you can care about and a few twists. It's m-m-f, so if that's not your cup of tea, consider yourself forewarned. Looking forward to reading more in the series. If I had one quibble it would be that it takes far too long for the characters to actually (euphemism alert)get horizontal! The first 66% of the book is a whole lot of UST and that's way too much for this reader.
Profile Image for Kayla.
134 reviews
April 18, 2025
What a fund idea that the God's have come and now live and interact with humans. Plus I feel like in most modern stories Loki always gets such a bap rap so its nice to actually see him as the good guy! I love how Dana Marie Bell is so knowledgeable about the Norse God culture and really shows it in this book and it is what makes this read even better! Plus the dynamic between Kieran, Logan and Jordan is sizzling hot! This is definitely a must read series!



I gave it 5 out of 5 stars!!!
For more reviews and book ideas check out my blog http://whenireadilive.blogspot.com/
Profile Image for Roxy.
573 reviews40 followers
March 17, 2016
I didn't fall in love with this book as quickly as her others that i have read. Perhaps more to do with the subject being gods instead of shapeshifters, the latter being my preference. Although as the story progressed i did become more captivated by the tale. The story ended a little early, but i am sure the sequel will further develop the characters and this will no doubt become another addictive series.
Profile Image for Vee.
342 reviews
October 27, 2016
Adore this book. No matter how many times I read it it's still one of the best books I've read. This series has the potential to be amazing! I love how protective Kir is over Logan and Jordan. I love Logan's protectiveness and his willingness to sacrifice himself to help/save others. Jordan is the perfect balance for both of them. This story line is great and I love Dana's take on the Norse myths. Great read, highly recommended!
Profile Image for Lyn Taylor.
207 reviews
December 16, 2015
I found this really had to follow. There just seemed to be too many characters in the storyline and I couldn't keep them all straight in my head, which pulled me out of the story on more than one occasion. Not to mention that every time I read Kir or Logan's name I had to stop and wonder 'which one was he again?? Loki or Baldur'. Still, I'm intrigued and I do enjoy the Dana Marie Bell's books, so I'll give the next in the series a go.
47 reviews
January 28, 2016
I loved it

I have seen some of the reviews that have been posted about this book and I don't agree. Mrs Bell has written a funny and witty story.
While I was reading I couldn't help bursting out with laughter at some of the comments from the characters. That's one of the main reasons why I go for her books.
I like stories that tell about the gods and her take on the Norse gods is one I like. Bringing them into today's world but with a feeling of yesteryear was inventive.
Profile Image for Dannielle.
429 reviews24 followers
December 5, 2015
A really great book. Most of the Norse mythology is explained, at least for the main players. A few times I was a bit confused, but not on major stuff.

I thought that sex would happen sooner, at least between Kir and Logan. So the wait was a bit of a let down. But once it started it didn't stop. Great scenes!!

Looking forward to continuing the series!
Profile Image for SANDRA.
337 reviews30 followers
April 20, 2012
3.75 Stars. Hot dog, damity dog she did it again. Antoher wonderful story from Dana Marie Bell. I really like the Norse mythology that she made this story from.. The characters were HOT strong and yummyliscious!! But as I read more of her books seems to be she has the same themes going. I would like to see her do something different in her stories to surprise me and enjoy them more.. :)
Profile Image for Tamara.
Author 16 books364 followers
May 1, 2013
I was right! Starting at the beginning made all the character names easier to follow. I love this series, and this one in particular cracked me up! I loved the banter between Logan(Loki), Kirian(Baldur) and Jordan. The double entendres alone are worth reading Very Much Alive.
Action, suspense, humor, heat and heart.
481 reviews1 follower
September 5, 2016
Disjointed but interesting story.

It was quite difficult to keep abreast of the storyline in this book. I found it very disjointed and to be missing some key aspects of her story. Also the romance wasn't very developed. On the good side I enjoyed the plot once I figured out what the author was saying. I also enjoyed the romance. I do t think I would recommend this one.
Profile Image for Elaine Kirby.
972 reviews2 followers
March 3, 2022
Very Good!

If you want a twist on Norse Gods then this 1 is for you; especially if you like Loki as being a good guy.

Baldur aka Logan & Loki aka Kir or Kiran have hired Jordan to come out of the closet so to speak to prove that Kir didn’t kill Logan a long time ago. But, they all fall in love too.

Oliver Grimm aka Odin is the bad guy in this series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.