Destined: A Forbidden Standalone Romance

by Susana Mohel

Blurb to come

Genres: Friends To Lovers, Romance, Contemporary, Forbidden Love

303 pages, Paperback

Published November 13, 2021

About the author

Susana Mohel is a USA Today best-selling author whose stories sizzle like the sunshine in her Southern California mountains.
Her fast-paced, angsty contemporary romance novels transport readers to a world of spunky heroines and hunky heroes who find their way to a happily ever after… with plenty of spiced-up moments along the way.
When she’s not writing, Susana can be found wandering the trails along with her husband or creating chaos in her garden.

Reviews

[Crystal (Crystalreads2) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beta Read. Destined is a standalone in single person POV with Martin and Destinee POV. Martin is every women’s dream and swoon-worthy.

Destinee is Martin’s sister's best friend and has known each other since they were kids. From afar, Martin has always loved Destinee. Unfortunately, she never knew since she was dating Martin’s brother. After years of heartbreak and unforgivable acts, she breaks it off for good with the brother and moves to a different town. One night at a bar, the stars seem aligned, and fate takes over where Destinee bumps into Martin.

Martin decides it's his time, and Detinee is trying to find herself. It's far from easy for both of them. Destinee is trying to heal from old wounds. Okay, now here me out. Martin is a patient man; let's add hot and sexy. He is determined to show Destinee they’re made for each other. A few times, my heart broke for him. Is he the best brother? Probably not, It's not so black and white. I was rooting for him during the whole book. The chemistry between the two is steamy; they flowed effortlessly off the pages.

Can I say I love Destinee's therapist? Just saying. You will love these two and the whole family, minus one brother. Which I am sure he will redeem himself in the future. I love this novel, and it is one of Susana Mohel's best-written books.

[Caitlin · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Fate played with us, tearing our paths apart, but what is written in the stars sooner or later finds its way to be-we're destined"

Destined is a ex-boyfriends brother romance with amazing tension and romance that had me hooked from the start.

This book follows Destinee who has moved to a new city to start over but there she bumps into Martin, her ex-boyfriends brother. Martin has always felt something for Destinee and this is his opportunity.

The development of their relationship was so effortless and so natural. The truly are destined. Martin was the perfect book boy. He was so in love with Destinee and it melted my heart. The relationship between Destinee and Martin's family was so heartwarming to read too.

*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review*

[Amy [Book Addict Reviews] · Rating 5 out of 5]

Destinee and Martin have known each other since they were young. Destinee is his sisters best friend and his younger brothers ex girlfriend. She is deeply connected to his entire family and extremely forbidden to Martin.

I loved Destinee. I loved her growth throughout this story. She had been hurt when it came to her past relationship, she had walls up and her self esteem was shattered. Yet, she took the chance to move away and finally do what is best for her and take her life into her hands. I loved Martin, too. I loved that he never once pushed Destinee. He proved that he is patient and that he is willing to wait a lifetime for her. Especially when he didn’t think he would ever get this chance.

Their chemistry is off the charts. There is a connection between them, even when they were younger there was something there. They have a lot of obstacles they have to overcome over the course of their relationship, but if anyone can do it, it is Martin and Destinee. I absolutely loved their journey. It was emotional and absolutely beautiful.

If you’re looking for a forbidden, friends to lovers romance this is one to read!

[Mandy Reads Indie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn’t wait to get my hands on this book. From the moment Mohel mentioned this book was in the works, I knew I would get it and devour every single word of it. And you best believe I did. I was eager to know all about Martin and Destinee and their past that played into their present.

I will start with what I know best: the romance. I love a well told, well written romance. Mohel delivered on it all. Their journey is not all butterflies and hearts. There is lots of pain from past hurts and trust issues that need to be dealt with. But it is one journey I wouldn’t miss for the world. To see i come from where it did, all the way to end. Absolutely beautiful!! Heart wrenching but beautiful.

I honestly thought Martin was going to be a grade A alpha-hole. But Mohel surprised me with giving us a wonderful, genuine guy that knew what he wanted and who he wanted. And that was Destinee. Everyone else that may have an issue with their happiness be darned. And it was refreshing after all the angsty books I have been reading lately.

This story was even better than I hoped for and let me tell you, I had high hopes. It was an absolute beautiful tale. I still need some closure and hopefully a redemption story for David. But guys, get this book. You will adore it. 5 Stars!!

[Reading In the Red Room · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was sweet, emotional and gut wrenching all rolled up into a amazing story. Destinee is a nurse practitioner who has moved and started a new job to start a new chapter in her life. She is recovering from a rough break up and wants to see what else is out there for herself. Martian is a smart businessman who is in love with his brothers ex girlfriend. When Martian sees Destinee at a bar he can believe his eyes. As these two form a friendship you see not only amazing chemistry but a deep connection. I found Destinee to be a bit immature, but she definitely had a lot of emotional baggage to unpack before she could have a healthy relationship. I really enjoyed this book, I had a few laugh out loud moments with the brothers banter, I felt the pain in Destinees background story and felt the love they shared. I loved the authors writing style and look forward to reading more books by this author.

[Kylee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Destined is a story of having your heart broken by one brother and having fate and destiny bringing you to the door of his older brother. Martin had loved Destinee from afar for so many years and when his brother makes a huge mistake that costs him the girl, Martin won’t make the same error. This is a story of heartbreak, pain and learning to love again. A story of embracing those butterflies and a connection that has always been there. Moving past the guilt and turmoil that your past brings to the surface. Martin and Destinee’s story is one of second chances and true love. There is drama, angst, secrets and revelations. Their story will have you riding an emotional roller coaster as Destinee must learn to not only love herself but to trust her heart. A steamy, flirty and beautiful romance.

[Victoria Wyatt · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars. Destinee has been spending time with Martin her ex boyfriend's brother and although they were friends since they were younger it has now developed into more. I loved their chemistry and I know her feelings and hurt from her relationship with David made her conflicted her constant pulling away from Martin annoyed me. He was a good man though he was patient and understanding while she went back and forth on wanting him and then pushing him away. I did gain respect when decided to open up more in therapy and get to the root her issue. David the ex was an idiot. All in all I did love the book and it was well written.

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this one😍😍

[Bibliophile Chloe]

Another stellar story from the beautiful mind of Susana Mohel.

Destined is a story of missed opportunities, finding faith in yourself and creating a new a beautiful future.

This is the story of Martin and Destinee. Two people that have grown up together, but with enough of an age gap that it's more like siblings, but is it really?

Destinee has moved to a new city to start a new chapter in her life. She has beaten herself up with a going-nowhere relationship for a decade and a devastating event causes her to flee all that she knows. I could feel her self-doubt and insecurities; I applauded her bravery in going forward to better herself and to learn to love herself as she should have.

Martin has held affection and love for Destinee since growing up with her on his family's orchard. But fate and time have separated them, but his passion for Destinee has never wavered and he has the patience of a saint. Then when he sees his opportunity to make things right in his world and future, he stops at nothing to make it a reality.

The Hispanic influences abound in this story, but it doesn't overwhelm you, it gives you a lovely look into the strength of familia.  I was enamored with the whole Posada family and I know you will too!

[Kristi - ReetzyTheBookNerd · Rating 4 out of 5]

(4.5)

"Fate played with us, tearing our paths apart, but what is written in the stars sooner or later finds its way to be-we're destined"

Martin and Destinee have had a connection since they were teens but there was one problem; Destinee was began dating Martin's brother. Now years later, she is single and has internal struggles. When they run into each other again, Martin is determined that she will be his, his brother and her being off-limits be damned. Can they set as the problems at hand aside, let fate play its part, and bring them together as they are destined to be?

I love this book. It sucked me from the very first page and I just couldn't put it down. Susana Mohel really delivered with this off-limits, brother's ex romance. It was forbidden, heart-wrenching, and oh so spicy! I cannot not wait for Mohel's next romance.

[lowkeyreader · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a pretty decent read. Though I'm not sure about Destinee, I don't really relate to her character at all. I know she has trust issues, but I swear she has one foot out of the door and is so wishy-washy. That one time she was disappointed that Martin wanted to wait to tell his family and that he's keeping their relationship a secret when it's her who wants to keep it in the DL. That definitely annoyed me. IMO, Martin is a really great guy who waited on the sidelines for so long, to really love her and show her what a true relationship looks like. He is definitely a sweet, patient and caring man. I loved his family too, except for David.

[Shia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every time I find a new #OTP of Susana’s couples, the reigning couple gets dethroned by her newest romance. I. LOVE. Martin + Destinee!!!! They are the epitome of second chance romances and how true love sacrifices your needs before your partner’s. Susana never fails to write heart wrenching love stories based on the harsh realities of life and both the good and bad that comes with growing up and becoming your own person. This is one of the reasons why I love her stories - it’s not just fluff. It’s raw and emotional. Be prepared to be destroyed but I will promise you there is a very satisfying HEA with lots of steam!!

[it.sgottabethebooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading Destined. I went into the story blind and I was a pleasantly surprised with the characters journey. I enjoyed the low-angst and the characters, Martin and Destinee were very likeable. Each new book the author releases has been topping the previous. I was hooked from start to finish. I can’t wait to see what fab read Susana Mohel has in store for us in the near future.

[Mari (Mystics & Metaphysics Book Blog) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Martin and Destinee were fire together. While the story has the forbidden aspect to it and will have you on the edge of your seat with the angst, I loved their relationship. While they had obstacles, their connection and relationship seemed easy and truly destined to be.

[Laura Fabian · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC provided in exchange for an honest review

I didn't know what to expect from Destined when I started reading it, but I fell in love with the book from its very first pages, and at this point I can safely say that Susana Mohel is becoming a of my favorite authors! And it's that Destinee & Martin were totally beautiful, sensual, and with a love story much deeper than it seemed at the beginning, reading them was very special, fun and they will definitely going to stay in my heart for a long time.

Destinee was my favorite! She is a VERY REAL character, a charming, determined woman with a huge heart, and who is on the way to a new life after ending her relationship with David, with whom she was for many years, but that never gave her the treatment, love and importance that she deserved. But it isn't so easy to escape from her past, as she is very close to thePosadas: Elena, David's sister, is her best friend, she knows the rest of the siblings throughout her life, so she's one more member of the family, but that's not all, when Destinee moves to a new city and starts a new job as a nurse she is reunited with Martin: the second oldest of the Posada brothers, and someone with whom she always shared a special connection, a connection that evolves into a different feeling after spending more and more time together.

From the encounter with Martin, Destinee's life is turned upside down: she's in constant conflict over her feelings for him, not because of what she feels, but because of who Martin is (her ex's brother), also, she is struggling to overcome her insecurities, fears and trying to get her life back, something that was very sad to read, but that makes this character so special to me because Susana shows the reality of what it is to fight against your own demons, how certain situations are not simple at all and also that the best way to achieve permanent change is by seeking the right help, even if the process is long and painful. But what I loved the most was that despite the things that Destinee has to overcome, deep down she never loses her playful, loving personality, and that when the moment comes, she confronts hers with so much courage.

Martin has been in love with Destinee for several years, but he stepped aside when she started dating David, however, his feelings never changed, and when he sees her again after a long time, he finally decides to make what could be the best decision of his life. He's a nerd, a very intelligent, sensual and a bit cocky mathematician, is kind, loving and very proud of his roots, traditions & Mexican family. Martin is perfect, I fell in love with him right away, with his personality, big heart and especially with his love for Destinee, I loved that he was always willing to give her what she needed, even when was not what he wanted, for him to be his greatest support and for Susana to constantly show how important his family is to him, even David with his bad behavior, and his relationship with Gabriel was very nice to read, It made me very happy that Martin had someone to trust and to share his situation with Dee.

If there is something I LOVE about Susana's books is that the encounters between the main characters don't take long to happen, but the one between Destinee & Martin is one of my favorites: their chemistry is evident, as well as the attraction between them, and although there is a comparison between Martin & Davida on her part, I think it is something inevitable and totally normal.

I loved that things between them happened gradually and in the right time, Martin is always respectful of the process that Dee is going through and supports her unconditionally, shows her his feelings , what he expects from their relationship, and although she isn't ready to admit it, he gives her the security she always wanted from a relationship and the love she needs to have her life back. Obviously,Dee & Martin's path is not easy: there are situations to overcome, secrets to tell and people to face, but both are surrounded by loving families and have each other.

Reading them together was beautiful, painful and moving, but it was worth it, they have a love story of second chances that I loved and supporting characters that I need to know more about because they are charming and they also stole my heart.

🇪🇸
ARC proporcionada a cambio de una reseña honesta

No sabía que esperar de Destined cuando comencé a leerlo, pero el libro me enamoró desde sus primeras páginas, y a este punto puedo decir con toda seguridad que Susana Mohel se está convirtiendo en una de mis autoras favoritas! Y es que Destinee & Martin fueron totalmente hermosos, sensuales, y con una historia de amor mucho más profunda de lo que parecía al inicio, leerlos fue muy especial, divertido y definitivamente se quedaran en mi corazón por un largo tiempo.

Destinee fue mi favorita! Es un personaje MUY REAL, una mujer encantadora, decidida y de enorme corazón que se encuentra en el camino hacia una nueva vida después de terminar definitivamente su relación con David, junto a quien estuvo por muchos años, pero que nunca le dio el trato, amor e importancia que elle merecía. Pero para Destinee no es tan sencillo escapar del pasado, pues esta muy unida a Los Posada: Elena, la hermana de David, es también su mejor amiga, y a conocido al resto de los hermanos durante toda su vida, por lo que es un miembro más de la familia, pero eso no es todo, cuando Destinee se muda a una nueva ciudad y empieza un nuevo empleo como enfermera se reencuentra con Martin: el segundo más grande de los hermanos posada, y alguien con quien siempre compartió una conexión especial, conexión que evoluciona en un sentimiento diferente después de pasar más y más tiempo juntos.

A partir del encuentro con Martin, la vida de Destinee se pone de cabeza: está en un conflicto constante por sus sentimientos por él, no por lo que siente en sí, sino por quién es Martin (el hermano de su ex), además ella está luchando para superar sus inseguridades, miedos y tratando de recuperar su vida, algo que fue muy triste de leer, pero que a hace a este personaje uno tan especial para mi, pues Susana muestra la realidad de lo que es lucha contra tus propios demonios, cómo ciertas situaciones no son nada sencillas y también que la mejor manera de lograr un cambio permanente es buscando la ayuda adecuada, aunque el proceso sea largo y doloroso. Pero lo que más amé fue que, a pesar de las cosas que Destinee tiene que superar, en el fondo nunca pierde su personalidad juguetona, amorosa, y que cuando el momento llega, se enfrenta a el con mucha valentía.

Martin ha estado enamorado de Destinee desde hace varios años, pero se hizo a un lado cuando ella comenzó a salir con David, sine embargo, sus sentimientos nunca cambiaron, y cuando vuelve a verla después de mucho tiempo por fin decide tomar la que podría ser la mejor decisión de su vida. Él es un nerd, un matemático muy inteligente, sensual y un poco engreído, es amable, amoroso y está muy orgulloso de sus raíces, tradiciones & familia mexicana. Martin es perfecto, me enamoré de él enseguida, de su forma de ser, gran corazón y especialmente de sus amor por Destinee, me encantó que siempre estuviera dispuesto a darle lo que ella necesitaba, aún cuando no era lo que él quería, que fuera su mayor apoyo y que Susana mostrara constantemente lo importante que su familia es para él, incluso David con su mal comportamiento, y su relación con Gabriel fue muy bonita de leer, me hizo muy feliz que Martin tuviera alguien en quien confiar y con quien compartir su situación con Dee.

Sí hay algo que AMO de los libros de Susana es que los encuentros entre los personajes principales no tardan mucho en suceder, pero el de Destinee & Martin es uno de mis favoritos: su química se percibe de inmediato, así como la atracción entre ambos, y aunque existe una comparación entre Martin & Davida de parte de ella, creo que es algo inevitable y totalmente normal.

Me encantó que las cosas entre ellos se dieran de manera gradual y en el tiempo indicado, creo que Martin es siempre respetuoso del proceso por el que Dee está pasando y la apoya de manera incondicional, le muestra sus sentimientos, lo que espera de su relación, y aunque ella no esté preparada para reconocerlo, le da la seguridad que siempre quiso de una relación y el amor que ella necesita para tener su vida de vuelta. Obviamente, el camino para Dee & Martin no es sencillo: hay situaciones por superar, secretos que contar y personas que enfrentar, pero ambos están rodeados de familias amorosas y se tienen el uno al otro.

Leerlos juntos fue hermoso, doloroso y conmovedor, pero valió la pena, tienen una historia de amor y segundas oportunidades que me encantó conocer y personajes secundarios de los que necesito saber más porque son encantadores y también se robaron mi corazón.

[Ashli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Destined is a ex-boyfriends brother romance with crazy tension and romance that had me from the beginning of the book.

This book follows Destinee who has moved to a new city to start over. However, she ends up bumping into her ex-boyfriend's brother, Martin.

Martin has always had feelings for Destinee and this is his shot.

The development of their relationship was so effortless and so natural. The truly are destined. Martin was the perfect book boyfriend we all dream about. He is so in love with Destinee and it hooks you!

*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review*

[Jeanette Dehoyos · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was obsessed from the beginning!! I loved me some Martin!! Destinee was great too!! The whole back and forth and she wasn’t sure if he felt the same was written so perfect!! Then end was beautiful also!! I thought it had the right amount of spice was in this book!! I think this one had to be my favorite so far in The series

[Jennifer Militti · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a forbidden friends to lovers. Destinee is Elena’s best friend. She was dating Elena’s brother David for a while. She moved away to start over and runs into David’s brother, Martin, at a bar one night…….. the rest is about the hot and steamy relationship they have.

My favorite quote: The secret to change is to focus all your energy not on fighting the old but on building the new.

[Lindsey Trobridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love ❤️

Wow! I was so into this book I could not put it down! The hidden love that Martin and Destinee secretly shared for each other! There were some moments that I was not expecting. But I’m the end a Happily Ever After!

[Taylor Pierce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Destinee is one of my favorite characters in this series and reading the entirety of her story made me love her more. Martin is a true gentleman and a well written character. Happily ever after with a bit of spice.

[Clair Lange · Rating 1 out of 5]

*Sue Sylvester voice* I just can’t even-excuse me I’m going to go k*ll myself.

[Ana Rita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you know that feeling, when you were a kid, of having a new toy to play with, but you can't touch it yet?
Well, that was me when this book entered my kindle.
I really wanted to start reading it right away but I had other commitments first so I was obligated to put it aside for a few days...
But guys... When I had the chance to read it... Oh boy...
Susana Mohel is the one to blame. Just one book from her made me want more and more, and you will feel this way too, once you give her a chance.
Her writing is sweet and beautiful, intense, and super engaging.
Destined is her latest release and explores the lives of Destinee and Martin.
Destinee fed up with her boyfriend, ends things with him and moves to a new city to start over.
One night at a bar she re-encounters Martin.
Martin is a billionaire and a hunk of a man.
One night at a bar he re-encounters Destinee and the sparks that he thought were dead, come to life.
Here's the thing, she's his brother's ex and supposedly a no-go but...
OMG, what a book.
I'm so in love with the characters that I didn't want it to end.
They spoke to me in a way that made my heart warm.
Amazing plot, well written, super engaging, and intense.
It's amazing what fear can make you do. It's amazing what a bad experience can take from you.
You need to fight for what you believe and let your insecurities behind.
How can you be truly happy when fear is the only thing you see?
These characters worked perfectly with each other and you can feel the love they shared.
Guys, the hot stuff was there as well. Oh yeah... Hot, hot.
I loved all the secondary characters, and I wish I could have a book from each one.
Let's hope, this amazing author has that idea as well. Lol
A girl can dream, right?
Susana, you did it again. You got my attention again and I need more books from you.  

Merged review:

Do you know that feeling, when you were a kid, of having a new toy to play with, but you can't touch it yet?
Well, that was me when this book entered my kindle.
I really wanted to start reading it right away but I had other commitments first so I was obligated to put it aside for a few days...
But guys... When I had the chance to read it... Oh boy...
Susana Mohel is the one to blame. Just one book from her made me want more and more, and you will feel this way too, once you give her a chance.
Her writing is sweet and beautiful, intense, and super engaging.
Destined is her latest release and explores the lives of Destinee and Martin.
Destinee fed up with her boyfriend, ends things with him and moves to a new city to start over.
One night at a bar she re-encounters Martin.
Martin is a billionaire and a hunk of a man.
One night at a bar he re-encounters Destinee and the sparks that he thought were dead, come to life.
Here's the thing, she's his brother's ex and supposedly a no-go but...
OMG, what a book.
I'm so in love with the characters that I didn't want it to end.
They spoke to me in a way that made my heart warm.
Amazing plot, well written, super engaging, and intense.
It's amazing what fear can make you do. It's amazing what a bad experience can take from you.
You need to fight for what you believe and let your insecurities behind.
How can you be truly happy when fear is the only thing you see?
These characters worked perfectly with each other and you can feel the love they shared.
Guys, the hot stuff was there as well. Oh yeah... Hot, hot.
I loved all the secondary characters, and I wish I could have a book from each one.
Let's hope, this amazing author has that idea as well. Lol
A girl can dream, right?
Susana, you did it again. You got my attention again and I need more books from you.  

[literaliaddicted - Ali · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this book and was excited to read it, but it just didn't do it for me. I really enjoyed the Posada family dynamic - they really helped add to the main characters and I loved seeing therapy represented in this book, but for the most part it fell flat.

The book begins with Destinee after an 11 year on/off again relationship and beginning her career as a nurse practitioner. She is taking charge of her life when we meet Martin...the brother of ex boyfriend. Martin has pined over Destinee for over a decade and is finally ready to do something about it...but is Destinee ready to truly move on? What else does she need to do to fully feel confident in her own skin?

I felt like I was largely in the mind of a 15 year old instead of a 28 year old woman. This is largely because not enough page time was given to fully explore her character growth as she went through therapy and experienced her relationship with Martin. If she was truly just getting out of an emotionally abusive relationship with a narcissist, it would take more than a couple of sessions to work through it. I totally understand wanting to use this as character growth, but if gaslighting is mentioned it really needs to be more than just a blip on the page. It's a word that is misunderstood and chronically misused these days, which can make it hard for those that actually suffer that level of abuse to identify it. I think this story could've shown what it is as Destinee worked through it both inside and outside therapy and how it's addressed in a new relationship.

I DID enjoy Destinee's attitude towards therapy and her personal growth - I'm all for figuring out what you want and asking for it, but she often sounded incredibly immature. If she didn't sound as immature, I think the indecision on her relationship with Martin would've made more sense!

I loved her chemistry and banter with Martin - I just wanted to see more of it on the page! I was excited for high steam like the synopsis said but there was only one small scene until about 65% into the book and then it was rushed! I was ready for some explosive page burning scenes and it just wasn't there. I love a good slow burn, but this was a bit all over the place - I often was confused on whether it was instalove or slow burn. In my opinion this story deserves a full slow burn because of her needed personal growth.

This was my first by the author, which is really unfortunate. I would still give her another chance because she wrote excellent dialogue between the secondary characters and the main. She created a family I wanted to know more about and brought some good things to light. They just weren't touched on in depth and really needed some more research.

I give this 2.5 stars!

[Jerrica (Mrsmar10Reads) Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

First off let me say that these characters, Destinee and the entire Posada family can be seen in Fated by Susana as part of the Everyday Hero’s World Series. Now, that I’ve gotten that out of the way…Susana NEVER disappoints with anything I have ever read by her and this book is no different. If a review was me retelling the entire book, I would literally sit her and do it. You have Destinee, Lena Posada’s best friend since like kindergarten. Lena has 4 brothers: Gabriel, Martin, Reuben, and David who are all specimens of high caliber!😉 Destinee was always a part of the Posada family and would spend more time there with them than her own family, helping in the mango orchard or fishing with Martin when Lena wasn’t available. Lena was her bestie, but Martin- he was her person, but the year he turned 18 he ghosted her. This gave way to a very toxic relationship with the younger Posada David. He treated Destinee horrible. Cheated on her, made it seem like her wanting better for herself by getting an education was getting in their way, and abandoned her when she needed him most. That was the last straw. She packed her belongings and headed for a new job and a new life in the Silicon Valley area. Within literally no time she was thriving as a nurse practitioner and creating the safest of spaces for all of her patients. However, the first week in town the last person she expected to see was a Posada - especially Martin, and after the alcohol her inner bad kitty was screaming, “damn did milk do his body good, what would he feel like on top of me.” While Martin basically did the same thing in his mind, they both came to the conclusion that David would be devastated even though he didn’t deserve their sympathy. They did what they always did, hung out and clowned around like friends, family. However, slow and easy wins the race right? Destinee deserves happiness after David, Martin finally deserves a chance to show and tell her how much and how long he’s loved her from a distance, but first Destinee has to find out who she is and come to terms with her issues before she can do anything crazy like jump from one brother to another of her best friend. She should know that when she leaps, Martin will be there to catch her.

Susana, this book was done perfect. The best friends brother/ brother’s ex was tastefully done because David the “douche canoe” didn’t deserve Destinee in the first place. While I understand his reasoning for ghosting her, she didn’t and it hurt. Her decision to make time for her health mentally and physically regardless of anyone else was the right thing for her to do.

[Lissete · Rating 5 out of 5]

Caramba, what to say? Martin Posada is the man! He’s been pining on his little brother’s girlfriend since forever (I know it sounds bad BUT hold your horses!). Destinee has been part of his family since she was 5, she’s Elena (their youngest sister) best friend. Growing up Martin and Destinee used to spend lots of time together but since he’s older, once he became a man it didn’t bode well for them to spend time together anymore and life happened… fast forward to the present AND oh my goodness!!!! Get ready for an amazing ride!

Martin is a geek (millionaire might I add) and Destinee is trying to find herself after deciding she’s strong enough to move away from her family and start a new life away from the person that broke her heart.
These two are amazing together and the “going from friends to lovers” part is chef’s kiss *perfection*. Martin won’t stop at anything to show Destinee how perfect they are for each other. Swoon for days!

I love Martin’s family as well, the way he loves his dad 😍😍😍 How close they all are! Love it! Reminds me of my family (Hispanic families are crazy but love hard).

This forbidden, friends to lovers romance is epic!!! Now we just need a redemption story for David… you’ll see 😉

Merged review:

Caramba, what to say? Martin Posada is the man! He’s been pining on his little brother’s girlfriend since forever (I know it sounds bad BUT hold your horses!). Destinee has been part of his family since she was 5, she’s Elena (their youngest sister) best friend. Growing up Martin and Destinee used to spend lots of time together but since he’s older, once he became a man it didn’t bode well for them to spend time together anymore and life happened… fast forward to the present AND oh my goodness!!!! Get ready for an amazing ride!

Martin is a geek (millionaire might I add) and Destinee is trying to find herself after deciding she’s strong enough to move away from her family and start a new life away from the person that broke her heart.
These two are amazing together and the “going from friends to lovers” part is chefs kiss *perfection*. Martin won’t stop at anything to show Destinee how perfect they are for each other. Swoon for days!

I love Martin’s family as well, the way he loves his dad 😍😍😍 How close they all are! Love it! Reminds me of my family (Hispanic families are crazy but love hard).

This forbidden, friends to lovers romance is epic!!! Now we just need a redemption story for David (Martin’s younger brother)… you’ll see 😉

[Jessica Rampersad · Rating 5 out of 5]

[Received an ARC]

Rating 5/5
Plot 5/5
Spice 3/5
Character Development 5/5

“Destined” by Susana Mohel follows a forbidden romance story between Martin and Destinee through Destinee’s POV. Martin and Destinee were best friends and grew up together because Destinee dated Martin’s brother, however, they grow apart after Destinee’s relationship ends. When Destinee moves to a new city to start a new chapter it also happens to be the same city that Martin is living in. They meet again and although she is Martin’s brother’s ex-girlfriend, he has always had feelings for Destinee and does whatever it takes to not let her go.

This book has such an emotional journey and I loved the character and plot development between Martin and Destinee. The story was beautiful and hits you right in the feels.

Merged review:

TWO RATINGS

1. Destined
[Received an ARC]

Rating 5/5
Plot 5/5
Spice 3/5
Character Development 5/5

“Destined” by Susana Mohel follows a forbidden romance story between Martin and Destinee through Destinee’s POV. Martin and Destinee were best friends and grew up together because Destinee dated Martin’s brother, however, they grow apart after Destinee’s relationship ends. When Destinee moves to a new city to start a new chapter it also happens to be the same city that Martin is living in. They meet again and although she is Martin’s brother’s ex-girlfriend, he has always had feelings for Destinee and does whatever it takes to not let her go.

This book has such an emotional journey and I loved the character and plot development between Martin and Destinee. The story was beautiful and hits you right in the feels.

----

2. Destined (Extended Epilogue/ Prequel) - *potential spoilers for Destined*
[Received a copy from BookFunnel]

Rating 5/5
Plot 5/5 - by reading the first chapter, I just know it's going to be a good one!
Character Development TBA

In this extended epilogue, David attends Martin and Destinee's wedding and he is not happy. He envies his brother for marrying Destinee because she was David's first. David mopes during the entire ceremony and leaves early because he can't stand watching the woman who was his be with his brother. We end off with David going to a bar and that night his life changes. Could he have met someone? We're left on a cliff-hanger and his book, "Wrecked" is coming soon.

The writing in this extended epilogue was perfect and I'm looking forward to David's story. I want to hear him wallow and sulk and mope some more LOL but I also really want to see him grow and become a better person.

[Sharon Thérèse · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

There is no disputing that Mohel has given her readers food for thought regarding forbidden romance. And the title! Not only does it scream hope, but the author’s choice of the heroine’s name fits the story perfectly.

I liked how she’d driven home respect when it comes down to the feelings of others. Not overstepping the mark, being benevolent and helping the one you love deal with issues past and present tactfully is, in my opinion, blooming marvellous.

I’m talking about Martin who is far from your usual book boyfriend. Firstly, his heart is bigger than his geeky tech business savvy, and that’s saying something. But more importantly, he has all the time in the world to convince Destinee that she’s the one. The question is if it’s wrong to start a relationship with your brother’s ex. Being in brother-hate mode isn’t going to help matters either but adds a helluva lot of angst to the story.

“They always say forbidden fruit is sweet and tempting. I feel a bit like Eve, enticed by Lucifer.”

One thing is for sure, Martin and Destinee’s attraction sizzles off the pages. But will she be able to crush her self-doubts and take the next step towards happiness? I was sold by how Mohel emphasised this fact and family—the warmth I felt while observing the Posada’s get-togethers, how they treat Destinee as one of their own felt so close to home. Yes, there’s history going way back, although it wasn’t always a bed of roses for her.

“The thing is, I always ran away from my issues.”

What held me back with that extra star was a couple of Destinee’s comebacks. Granted, she showed me how awkward she felt in certain situations and quite rightly so. But seeing her concern for the well-being of others didn’t help me grasp her stance regarding hers and Martin’s future together. It all boils down to trust and esteem and not just in others. Merely oneself.

“...you are only able to transform your destiny if you transform yourself first.”

Spot on character development and a relatable premise, Destined is for lovers of touching love stories! Don’t hesitate to one-click to find out if Martin and Destinee have their happy ever after!

ARC received in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Read, Read, No Sleep, Repeat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Susana Mohel is an author that I discovered last year, and I’m sooo glad I did! She writes the kind of books that suck me in from page one, grab me by the throat (and heart) and keep me reading way past my bedtime. Destined is no different. It’s a glorious example of the perfect romance book, crammed full of angst, sizzling chemistry and family drama with a hotter than hell hero and a strong independent, loveable heroine.

So what’s it about?
Destinee Carr is sworn off men, after ending a toxic relationship with her ex boyfriend and moving across state for a fresh start. That is until she bumps into Martin, the caring and devastatingly handsome older brother of her ex, who makes it clear that he wants a future with her …

I loved these characters and they 100% deserved their happily ever after. Martin is EVERYTHING and I will confess to giving my husband the side eye while reading this. He’s a smokin’ hot hottie with a heart of gold, who empowers Dee to win her own wars whilst having her back every step of the way. Martin could give even the most attentive boyfriend some tips, and just look at that cover photo … Susana did a brilliant job of creating a modern, rugged alpha hero who is still caring and thoughtful.

Destinee is an equally refreshing character: uninhibited, successful, fun loving, and straight talking and I admired her bravery to seek counselling to address her insecurities and become comfortable in her own skin.

Martin and Destinee’s slow burn chemistry was tangible and had my heart racing, and when they get together, it’s soooo worth the wait. This pair are explosive!

There are loads of great secondary characters in this book in the form of Martin’s family and their partners. I loved the strong familial bond they shared and their banter was really believable. Next on my TBR is Fated, the story of Martin’s sister (and Dee’s bestie) Elena and her love interest Cardan, as I can’t wait to know more about their backstory.

I can’t recommend this book enough, but you’re probably best to start it during daylight hours as I promise you won’t want to put it down!

[Philippa - (The British Bibliophile) · Rating 4 out of 5]

'A delightfully quick read, with an equally quick coming together and second chance between two soulmates' -TheBritishBibilophile

Thank you to Grey's Promotions for sending me an ebook Advanced Readers Copy for me to read and leave an honest review of.

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Destined was a delightfully quick read where what is inside is quite literally what you're getting on the outside, namely the title. Destined. Destiny. That said, despite the promise of the two characters destined to be together, I sat reading page by page hoping that there would in fact be the sweet, sweet happily ever after to confirm that.

Though you'll have to read Destined to find out if I was given that Happily Ever After or not, -wink wink-

Susana managed with this read, to capture the Hallmark-esque will-they-won't they romance between Martin and the aptly named Destinee, giving us all the feels of a classic romance of two characters, pun intended, to be together. The fire was lit for something more smouldering, but that is as far as it went. It would be a stretch to call this an overall steamy read, but the romance we were given was wholesome and was a pleasure to read.

A read that despite its shorter than usual length for books I usually read, I found myself keen to keep reading. To not put down for want of love nor money.

This was my first ever introduction and read to Susana, and I'm overall thoroughly impressed with the quality of her work and how it reads from a first-timer standpoint. Her writing and capturing Martin & Destinee's story was captivating, engaging and delectable to read. I would have happily devoured more of her pages of their story if there was more up for grabs.

Perhaps the steam factor could be turned up for her next write that I look forward to reading, then I can give her my first five star rating with gusto!

4/5 stars!

[Carla Hoenshel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Destined is a book that evoked much confusion for me as the reader. I found it to be unoriginal and so unrealistic that it was impossible to relate to.
For starter's, Destinee and Martin have known each other since early childhood. Destinee's best friend is Martin's sister and her ex-boyfriend is Martin's younger brother. Martin has harbored a crush for over 15 years for Destinee. Seriously?? I've never known a man to wait over a decade for a woman, much less his brother's girlfriend!
I found Destinee, aka Dee, to be whiny, clingy, and needy while Martin appeared to me as an Alpha with a very weak side. Dee was cheated on in her earlier relationship and needed intense therapy to get the F*%^ over it??? I mean... REALLY??? Martin never entered into a serious relationship due to his harbored feelings for Dee. It's just not something decent people do... harbor feelings for their sibling's significant other and lay in wait for it to fall apart so they can swoop in and take the sibling's place.
The build up was excruciatingly slow, with very few lukewarm scenes along the way. It took me getting to chapter 24, 90% of the book, to finally get some clarity to fully understand the plotline. That's way too far in for me! If this was not an ARC in exchange for my honest review, I likely would have moved on around chapter 8.
Additionally, Dee has battled Endometriosis most of her adult life which has left her uterine tissue very thin. This I can relate to as a sufferer myself. However, she is able to eventually carry not one, but two children and deliver them via caesarian??? Again... Unrealistic.
I wanted to love this book like I have so many others by Susana Mohel. I just couldn't even get to "like" much less "love".
Thank you to Grey's Promotions and Susana Mohel for the opportunity to read the ARC of Destined in exchange for my honest review. I'm sure the next one will be better.