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Providence #4
Destined to Last
Lady Kate Cole was a young woman of exceptional beauty, extraordinary talent, and notable charm. She was also a woman so remarkably prone to accidents that it was generally considered wise to keep as much distance from her as possible.
Yet Andrew Hunter simply couldn't stay away. No other woman would do for his wife. He would give her adventure, fidelity, and a fortune so vast she'd need several lifetimes to go through half of it. What woman could ask for more?
All Kate asked for was a true love match. And Mr. Hunter clearly had no room in his heart for such a silly emotion. But then how was it that no matter what adventure he dragged her on, no matter what mishap befell her, the look in his eyes told her they were...DESTINED TO LAST.
Yet Andrew Hunter simply couldn't stay away. No other woman would do for his wife. He would give her adventure, fidelity, and a fortune so vast she'd need several lifetimes to go through half of it. What woman could ask for more?
All Kate asked for was a true love match. And Mr. Hunter clearly had no room in his heart for such a silly emotion. But then how was it that no matter what adventure he dragged her on, no matter what mishap befell her, the look in his eyes told her they were...DESTINED TO LAST.
309 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published March 30, 2010
259 people are currently reading
570 people want to read
About the author
Alissa Johnson
19 books368 followersAlissa Johnson lives in the rolling hills of the Ozarks, where she is hard at work on her next romance.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
April 19, 2011
3 1/2 stars
I loved the 1st 3 books in this series, so I ass umed that I would love this last installment too. Well, I liked it - but I didn't love it. It was nowhere near the previous books, but it was still a better than average read to me.
Lady Kate Cole is, "by most accounts, a young woman of exceptional beauty, extraordinary talent, and notable charm. She was also, by all accounts, a woman so remarkably prone to accidents that it was generally considered wise to back away if she happened to be standing next to a steep hill, a large body of water, an open window, or any sort of material that might cut, discolor, burn, spill, break... It was probably best if one simply kept a bit of distance from the girl whenever possible." Kate's mother, the dowager Countess of Thurston, dreams of seeing her happily married, but Kate's dreams are mainly focused on seeing her music published and hearing it played in a public venue.
Andrew Hunter is an agent from the War Department whose past is shady at best. He grew up on the streets of London, resorting to thievery and smuggling as he worked himself up to becoming one of the wealthiest men of England. He's decided to have Kate for a wife since he met her, but he's never done anything to catch her attention - except to loom, that is. Now that he's assigned to protect her at a house party at Lord Brentworth’s state, where the War Department believes a smuggling operation is based, Hunter seizes the opportunity to finally capture Kate.
Hunter's courtship begins with a few funny mishaps and a tentative friendship that eventually turns into something more meaningful and deeper. However, Hunter isn't interested in a love match with Kate. She's only supposed to be the symbol of his rise from pauper to prince, not the woman whose life is more important than his own, the keeper of his heart, the love of his life... He doesn't want a woman who loves him, does he? Hmmm...
I really liked Hunter and Kate, individually and as a couple. They were charming, funny and playful, making their banter fun to read. The chemistry between them was nice and strong, but the sexual tension was subdued. Don't get me wrong, the love scene - yes, singular - was hot, but it wasn't the highest point of their relationship.
As for the story, I had a big problem with its pacing. As much as I enjoyed Hunter's planned courtship and single-minded pursuit of Kate, I thought it moved too slow and it was bit repetitive. Thankfully, things got better and more exciting halfway through the book, when the smuggling business was brought up front and "forced" Hunter and Kate out of their musings about each other.
The secondary(?) storyline that started in the Prologue, when Kate was 5-years-old, was very predictable. It was nice because I was happy to see a beloved secondary character get her (sort of) HEA, but it was distracting: while I was reading the book, I found myself thinking when the "big secret" would be revealed when I should have been concentrating on Hunter and Kate.
Overall, this was a cute story. It was light (but not fluffy), with likable characters and an enjoyable (if unevenly paced) romance. If you've read and liked the previous books in the series, chances are you'll enjoy this one too - maybe not as much, but still... If you're new to this author, this isn't the place to start. Get her previous books, which were all winners to me.
I loved the 1st 3 books in this series, so I ass umed that I would love this last installment too. Well, I liked it - but I didn't love it. It was nowhere near the previous books, but it was still a better than average read to me.
Lady Kate Cole is, "by most accounts, a young woman of exceptional beauty, extraordinary talent, and notable charm. She was also, by all accounts, a woman so remarkably prone to accidents that it was generally considered wise to back away if she happened to be standing next to a steep hill, a large body of water, an open window, or any sort of material that might cut, discolor, burn, spill, break... It was probably best if one simply kept a bit of distance from the girl whenever possible." Kate's mother, the dowager Countess of Thurston, dreams of seeing her happily married, but Kate's dreams are mainly focused on seeing her music published and hearing it played in a public venue.
Andrew Hunter is an agent from the War Department whose past is shady at best. He grew up on the streets of London, resorting to thievery and smuggling as he worked himself up to becoming one of the wealthiest men of England. He's decided to have Kate for a wife since he met her, but he's never done anything to catch her attention - except to loom, that is. Now that he's assigned to protect her at a house party at Lord Brentworth’s state, where the War Department believes a smuggling operation is based, Hunter seizes the opportunity to finally capture Kate.
Hunter's courtship begins with a few funny mishaps and a tentative friendship that eventually turns into something more meaningful and deeper. However, Hunter isn't interested in a love match with Kate. She's only supposed to be the symbol of his rise from pauper to prince, not the woman whose life is more important than his own, the keeper of his heart, the love of his life... He doesn't want a woman who loves him, does he? Hmmm...
I really liked Hunter and Kate, individually and as a couple. They were charming, funny and playful, making their banter fun to read. The chemistry between them was nice and strong, but the sexual tension was subdued. Don't get me wrong, the love scene - yes, singular - was hot, but it wasn't the highest point of their relationship.
As for the story, I had a big problem with its pacing. As much as I enjoyed Hunter's planned courtship and single-minded pursuit of Kate, I thought it moved too slow and it was bit repetitive. Thankfully, things got better and more exciting halfway through the book, when the smuggling business was brought up front and "forced" Hunter and Kate out of their musings about each other.
The secondary(?) storyline that started in the Prologue, when Kate was 5-years-old, was very predictable. It was nice because I was happy to see a beloved secondary character get her (sort of) HEA, but it was distracting: while I was reading the book, I found myself thinking when the "big secret" would be revealed when I should have been concentrating on Hunter and Kate.
Overall, this was a cute story. It was light (but not fluffy), with likable characters and an enjoyable (if unevenly paced) romance. If you've read and liked the previous books in the series, chances are you'll enjoy this one too - maybe not as much, but still... If you're new to this author, this isn't the place to start. Get her previous books, which were all winners to me.
September 28, 2018
***4.0 Adorably Clumsy Stars***
Lady Kate Cole
She finally composes her symphony!!
Lady Kate Cole
She finally composes her symphony!!
March 15, 2018
3.5/5. Alissa Johnson writes some marvellous dialogue and I have loved most of her books, but this book is just a bit too slow-moving for me. Kate almost has it all - sister to an earl, she does not lack for money and is blessed with musical talent and beauty to boot. So what if things have a way of breaking aorund her, wine tends to find their way onto her dress and she somehow finds her way into any water hole or mud puddle? Her accident-prone person is certainly not lacking suitors. Hunter, her brother's friend and co-agent in the War Department, has had his eyes on Kate for a while. He started from very humble beginnings, building his current wealth up from thieving and smuggling and other illegal activities. Even though he has since been forced into respectable work for his country, Hunter ultimately works for himself. Ever cunning and calculating, he has concluded that Kate is the best there is, and so it is only fitting that she has to be his.
The banter is good I like both main characters.
You surprised me," she concluded lamely.
He angled his head to the side. "A welcome surprise, I hope?"
She considered that and decided there was no point in answering dishonestly. "I'm not certain."
"An improvement over the outright no I would have received a week ago." He straightened again, his dark eyes twinkling with humor. "Was it my waltzing abilities that softened you, or my charm?"
"Apparently, it was your absence," she drawled. "It allowed the memory of your arrogance to dim."
"Ah."
"Quite sharp in my mind now, though," she informed him.
..."I beg your pardon. I was . . . distracted."
"By thoughts of me?"
Yes. "Certainly not. I was thinking . . ." She lifted a hand to fiddle with the blue ribbons of her bonnet. "I was thinking . . . about the scenery. I like the sea best this time of day."
His lips curved up, and he took a small step toward her. "Your back is to the sea."
"I needn't look at something to ponder it," she replied, dropping her hand, and involuntarily taking a small step back. "Some of us are capable of abstract thought."
His smile turned just a little wicked, and his next step was just a little bigger. "That would explain how you managed to think of me in my absence."
Kate is a romantic, but she is not completely naive and she challenges him with her head-strong attitude and her intellect.
Kate rose from her chair with a sigh. "I trust I'll see you at breakfast?"
He'd be seeing her all day. "You will."
Lady Thurston ran her eyes over the chessboard. "You might as well finish the game, dear."
Kate glanced at the board. "Oh, yes."
Finish the game? "I thought you were—" He broke off as she leaned over to push her queen halfway across the board.
"Checkmate. Good night, Hunter."
It had been a very long time since Hunter had gaped at a woman as she left a room. About as long as it had been since he'd lost himself in an erotic daydream in public, and just as long since he'd been put into checkmate within eight moves. Or had it been nine? He hoped it had been nine.
Hunter can be autocratic when it comes to ensuring Kate's safety. However, he appreciates all of Kate, her gifted musical talents, her wit, even her imperfections.
I find your lack of coordination to be one of the most charming things about you."
She looked up and laughed. "Oh, you do not."
"I do, in fact." "I . . ."
Good heavens, he was serious. She couldn't fathom why he should be. Gentlemen often liked her despite her clumsiness, not because of it. She shook her head at him, baffled. "Why?"
"Because you've been gifted with extraordinary beauty, wealth, position, and talent. If it weren't for your ungainliness, you'd be insufferable." He smiled at her. "Everyone should have at least one flaw."
This was a particularly sigh-worthy moment, after he rescued her from near death:
"It's over, sweetheart. It's done. I have you."
He did have her—wrapped warm and safe in his arms. She relaxed in his hold as his voice floated over her, pushing aside the memory of the wind whipping in her ears and the sound of hoofs pounding on the ground. She breathed in his familiar scent, letting it erase the smell of Whistler's sweat. Hunter had her now. She was safe.
His arms tightened around her. "Stop shaking, sweetheart."
She let out a shuddering sigh against his chest. "I have," she whispered."That's you."
Cognitively, it took Hunter a while to catch up to his heart and body in terms of his feelings for Kate, beyond the cool pragmatic deductions that she would make him a good wife.
"Why?" She shook her head. "Why did you court me at all?"
"I've told you why. I'm fond of you. I desire you. I can offer—"
"You could feel those things for any woman," she cut in, the first hints of anger tinting her voice.
"I want you."
"And I you. But apparently, neither of us wants in the manner the other needs."
Even though the author's writing remains top notch, the story did not reel me in because the focus of the plot was more on solving a smuggling mystery and catching the baddies. Oddly, the resolution of the mystery was quite anti-climactic in that after they did most of the work, other people ended up stepping in to finish the job for them and the whole episode was casually and disproportionately dismissed in just a few lines despite the build-up.
The banter is good I like both main characters.
You surprised me," she concluded lamely.
He angled his head to the side. "A welcome surprise, I hope?"
She considered that and decided there was no point in answering dishonestly. "I'm not certain."
"An improvement over the outright no I would have received a week ago." He straightened again, his dark eyes twinkling with humor. "Was it my waltzing abilities that softened you, or my charm?"
"Apparently, it was your absence," she drawled. "It allowed the memory of your arrogance to dim."
"Ah."
"Quite sharp in my mind now, though," she informed him.
..."I beg your pardon. I was . . . distracted."
"By thoughts of me?"
Yes. "Certainly not. I was thinking . . ." She lifted a hand to fiddle with the blue ribbons of her bonnet. "I was thinking . . . about the scenery. I like the sea best this time of day."
His lips curved up, and he took a small step toward her. "Your back is to the sea."
"I needn't look at something to ponder it," she replied, dropping her hand, and involuntarily taking a small step back. "Some of us are capable of abstract thought."
His smile turned just a little wicked, and his next step was just a little bigger. "That would explain how you managed to think of me in my absence."
Kate is a romantic, but she is not completely naive and she challenges him with her head-strong attitude and her intellect.
Kate rose from her chair with a sigh. "I trust I'll see you at breakfast?"
He'd be seeing her all day. "You will."
Lady Thurston ran her eyes over the chessboard. "You might as well finish the game, dear."
Kate glanced at the board. "Oh, yes."
Finish the game? "I thought you were—" He broke off as she leaned over to push her queen halfway across the board.
"Checkmate. Good night, Hunter."
It had been a very long time since Hunter had gaped at a woman as she left a room. About as long as it had been since he'd lost himself in an erotic daydream in public, and just as long since he'd been put into checkmate within eight moves. Or had it been nine? He hoped it had been nine.
Hunter can be autocratic when it comes to ensuring Kate's safety. However, he appreciates all of Kate, her gifted musical talents, her wit, even her imperfections.
I find your lack of coordination to be one of the most charming things about you."
She looked up and laughed. "Oh, you do not."
"I do, in fact." "I . . ."
Good heavens, he was serious. She couldn't fathom why he should be. Gentlemen often liked her despite her clumsiness, not because of it. She shook her head at him, baffled. "Why?"
"Because you've been gifted with extraordinary beauty, wealth, position, and talent. If it weren't for your ungainliness, you'd be insufferable." He smiled at her. "Everyone should have at least one flaw."
This was a particularly sigh-worthy moment, after he rescued her from near death:
"It's over, sweetheart. It's done. I have you."
He did have her—wrapped warm and safe in his arms. She relaxed in his hold as his voice floated over her, pushing aside the memory of the wind whipping in her ears and the sound of hoofs pounding on the ground. She breathed in his familiar scent, letting it erase the smell of Whistler's sweat. Hunter had her now. She was safe.
His arms tightened around her. "Stop shaking, sweetheart."
She let out a shuddering sigh against his chest. "I have," she whispered."That's you."
Cognitively, it took Hunter a while to catch up to his heart and body in terms of his feelings for Kate, beyond the cool pragmatic deductions that she would make him a good wife.
"Why?" She shook her head. "Why did you court me at all?"
"I've told you why. I'm fond of you. I desire you. I can offer—"
"You could feel those things for any woman," she cut in, the first hints of anger tinting her voice.
"I want you."
"And I you. But apparently, neither of us wants in the manner the other needs."
Even though the author's writing remains top notch, the story did not reel me in because the focus of the plot was more on solving a smuggling mystery and catching the baddies. Oddly, the resolution of the mystery was quite anti-climactic in that after they did most of the work, other people ended up stepping in to finish the job for them and the whole episode was casually and disproportionately dismissed in just a few lines despite the build-up.
September 8, 2010
This was a 4.5 read for me. A couple unfortunate blips, but all-in-all a really enjoyable read.
We first really got to know Mr. Hunter in McAlistair's Fortune where he was the pragmatic protector among the several bodyguards Evie ended up with. He suggested using her as bait, for instance.
Kate is Whit's younger sister who tends to run into things, smear ink all over herself and find unidentifiable stains on the hems of her gowns. A perfect beauty with an entourage of suitors who avoid her like the plague when she stands anywhere near food.
Hunter (as he's called by those friendly with him) has intended to marry Kate Cole for a long time. She represents the pinnacle of his success. A rags to riches hero, he measures everything in life by their material worth. However, not to be too harsh on the guy, one main reason he chose Kate was because he likes and respects her. He enjoys her company.
Kate doesn't trust him and tries to put him off. He looms. His persistence pays off, however, and soon they become friends. The attraction between them is unmistakable and I enjoyed every scene where they were together.
The problems came near the end. Hunter has ancient history with another character. Very important (to his development) and poignant history. We barely see any scenes with them together. When they finally talk to each other we don't even get to see it. That conversation was crucial to the story and its absence is noticeable.
The next problem I had was with the culmination of Kate's dream. Again, it was somewhat skipped. We get a hint and then, buh-bye. Not good enough. We've been aware of this since the second book of the series, so we need to see more than just "it's about to happen!" followed by "and they lived happily ever after."
And the next problem is the inclusion of Whit and Mirabelle but the exclusion of any scenes of them together. I think they were in the same room together once. I love that couple! That was very disappointing.
But the chemistry and banter between the hero and heroine was excellent. I adored their love story. I loved Hunter's inner thoughts, how he tried to keep control of the situation and it kept spinning away from him.
And big kudos to Johnson for tackling the misuse of the term "begs the question". Since that's a pet peeve of mine, I actually said "yes!" out loud.
Alissa Johnson is a really enjoyable writer. I can't wait to see what she comes up with next.
We first really got to know Mr. Hunter in McAlistair's Fortune where he was the pragmatic protector among the several bodyguards Evie ended up with. He suggested using her as bait, for instance.
Kate is Whit's younger sister who tends to run into things, smear ink all over herself and find unidentifiable stains on the hems of her gowns. A perfect beauty with an entourage of suitors who avoid her like the plague when she stands anywhere near food.
Hunter (as he's called by those friendly with him) has intended to marry Kate Cole for a long time. She represents the pinnacle of his success. A rags to riches hero, he measures everything in life by their material worth. However, not to be too harsh on the guy, one main reason he chose Kate was because he likes and respects her. He enjoys her company.
Kate doesn't trust him and tries to put him off. He looms. His persistence pays off, however, and soon they become friends. The attraction between them is unmistakable and I enjoyed every scene where they were together.
The problems came near the end. Hunter has ancient history with another character. Very important (to his development) and poignant history. We barely see any scenes with them together. When they finally talk to each other we don't even get to see it. That conversation was crucial to the story and its absence is noticeable.
The next problem I had was with the culmination of Kate's dream. Again, it was somewhat skipped. We get a hint and then, buh-bye. Not good enough. We've been aware of this since the second book of the series, so we need to see more than just "it's about to happen!" followed by "and they lived happily ever after."
And the next problem is the inclusion of Whit and Mirabelle but the exclusion of any scenes of them together. I think they were in the same room together once. I love that couple! That was very disappointing.
But the chemistry and banter between the hero and heroine was excellent. I adored their love story. I loved Hunter's inner thoughts, how he tried to keep control of the situation and it kept spinning away from him.
And big kudos to Johnson for tackling the misuse of the term "begs the question". Since that's a pet peeve of mine, I actually said "yes!" out loud.
Alissa Johnson is a really enjoyable writer. I can't wait to see what she comes up with next.
September 7, 2019
3.25 stars
I enjoyed this entire series but for me her previous series was slightly more better. I think since they are the author's later works they are more polished. I have always liked all her h/H and secondary characters. I think with the heroines being in their 20s they come across as more mature and smart.
I enjoyed this entire series but for me her previous series was slightly more better. I think since they are the author's later works they are more polished. I have always liked all her h/H and secondary characters. I think with the heroines being in their 20s they come across as more mature and smart.
February 2, 2023
Cute story😊 I love how Hunter’s manoeuvring ultimately led him to discover his heart and love for Lady Kate❤️
January 11, 2013
This was a nice ending to this series and I really enjoyed the story of Kate and Hunter. Kate was a perfect character and I really adored her clumsiness. Hunter was at the beginning so far removed from his feelings, that it was hard not to find him a little bit unpleasant. but I really laughed a lot about his many plans and in the end I really liked him a lot as hero. He grew on you during the story and his inability to see that he fell in love with Kate was sweet.
the adventure story was in this book - as in the two previous books - real, although it doesn't seem to matter so much for the main characters
the absolute positive point in this book was that it was really funny and the story was very well paced.
the minus point in this story was that for me the secondary characters were not really well written: we know them from so many stories already and then they act so differently than in their own stories. If you use the same setting as an author you should try to write them like they were in their books. I was so disappointed in Whit and Mirabelle - the first time we heared in this book about their child was in the last then 10 pages and there was not one real interaction between these two. it seemed a little bit liked a forced marriage or a marriage of convenience.
Overall: I really loved this series and it was fun to read about these characters. I loved each character in his/her book and will try to read more of this author.
the adventure story was in this book - as in the two previous books - real, although it doesn't seem to matter so much for the main characters
the absolute positive point in this book was that it was really funny and the story was very well paced.
the minus point in this story was that for me the secondary characters were not really well written: we know them from so many stories already and then they act so differently than in their own stories. If you use the same setting as an author you should try to write them like they were in their books. I was so disappointed in Whit and Mirabelle - the first time we heared in this book about their child was in the last then 10 pages and there was not one real interaction between these two. it seemed a little bit liked a forced marriage or a marriage of convenience.
Overall: I really loved this series and it was fun to read about these characters. I loved each character in his/her book and will try to read more of this author.
August 18, 2016
1.5 stars rounded to 2.
I enjoyed this the least out of the four books in the series. I'm not quite sure why, but I had a hard time connecting to either of the MCs. The writing itself was engaging as always, but the story didn't grab me.
Putting it simply, the h is a romantic and a klutz who's trying to make a breakthrough on behalf of all women in the world of music composition. I'm glad she's not a boo hoo-er who feels bad for herself, since her life is pretty enchanted. She comes from a wealthy family who adores her. She's beautiful and talented. I had a hard time empathizing with her accident prone nature and unmarried status which seemed to be the worse things about her life.
Then there the H who is, in short, an idiot. I understand his reasoning, but he's not really a nice person. He pursues the h knowing that she's a romantic and a dreamer, but that he'll never allow himself love her. If that's not the definition of a horribly selfish person, I don't know what is. Yes, I know he turns it around in the end, but I just couldn't help thinking that he was ass who didn't deserve the soft and vulnerable h. Overall, I wish I would have skipped this book. Dang my OCD reading habits that demand I finish an otherwise diverting series.
I enjoyed this the least out of the four books in the series. I'm not quite sure why, but I had a hard time connecting to either of the MCs. The writing itself was engaging as always, but the story didn't grab me.
Putting it simply, the h is a romantic and a klutz who's trying to make a breakthrough on behalf of all women in the world of music composition. I'm glad she's not a boo hoo-er who feels bad for herself, since her life is pretty enchanted. She comes from a wealthy family who adores her. She's beautiful and talented. I had a hard time empathizing with her accident prone nature and unmarried status which seemed to be the worse things about her life.
Then there the H who is, in short, an idiot. I understand his reasoning, but he's not really a nice person. He pursues the h knowing that she's a romantic and a dreamer, but that he'll never allow himself love her. If that's not the definition of a horribly selfish person, I don't know what is. Yes, I know he turns it around in the end, but I just couldn't help thinking that he was ass who didn't deserve the soft and vulnerable h. Overall, I wish I would have skipped this book. Dang my OCD reading habits that demand I finish an otherwise diverting series.
April 28, 2021
3.5 stars. Not a terrible ending to the series, but it was still lacking the wit of the first two books.
There’s a lot that happens in this book that seemed a bit over the top to me, and yet, it all somehow worked out well. My biggest complaint is that I didn’t really love the way that the hero pursued the heroine. He was a little too sure of himself and a little too arrogant for my taste. The ending did redeem him nicely though.
Safe; heroine virgin and hero was a man whore. There’s some light OM & OW drama but it’s not really anything too angsty.
There’s a lot that happens in this book that seemed a bit over the top to me, and yet, it all somehow worked out well. My biggest complaint is that I didn’t really love the way that the hero pursued the heroine. He was a little too sure of himself and a little too arrogant for my taste. The ending did redeem him nicely though.
Safe; heroine virgin and hero was a man whore. There’s some light OM & OW drama but it’s not really anything too angsty.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 6, 2016
The fourth book in the Providence series by Alissa Johnson. Ms. Johnson is on my auto-buy list. It is my opinion that her work compares favorably to other historical romance authors of her genre.
March 5, 2018
What does the phrase "sparkling conversation" even mean? Well, read this book and you shall find out! The witty banter was the best thing about this book. Second, the leads of this story shined. I loved Kate most of all. We have something very much in common; sadly, it was not beauty. It's clumsiness. (Ask me about tripping outside the post office and breaking my face!). It made her more endearing. People were terrified to be anyone near her if she was wielding a creme pastry. Hunter was a strong hero with a troubled past. Put them together and the conversation was, well, sparkling. I laughed throughout most of the story. Of course, there were also tears.
This was the fourth and last book of the Providence series...I read it first. Argh! But nothing was confusing by missing the first three. It just made me want to read them even more.
This was the fourth and last book of the Providence series...I read it first. Argh! But nothing was confusing by missing the first three. It just made me want to read them even more.
June 3, 2023
Romance tropes: spies, orphan
This was kinda weird in that the H was already super into the h, but he was like “oh I cannot love because Reasons.” And then a big misunderstanding ensued along with a smugglers plot and rival woman—just a bunch of stuff. I thought Kate was nice, I guess?
This was kinda weird in that the H was already super into the h, but he was like “oh I cannot love because Reasons.” And then a big misunderstanding ensued along with a smugglers plot and rival woman—just a bunch of stuff. I thought Kate was nice, I guess?
September 23, 2020
4.5 stars. Kate and Andrew (aka Hunter) A musically talented, but clumsy heroine versus Mr. Hunter looking for a trophy wife. This is book 4 of The Providence Series. I really enjoyed this one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 29, 2023
DNF. My copy of the book had a different (not suggestive) cover to begin with, but it was well-written and funny, with an interesting plot and delightful characters. Unfortunately, it lost me when it started in with the steamy scenes. I don't like steamy romances for many reasons, one being that I am a stickler for historical accuracy. The Regency was a morally strict time, and I cannot stand historical fiction books that blatantly ignore that. I’m sorry, but no gently-bred young lady with any sense of virtue would allow a man (not her husband) to suddenly pull her into an intimate embrace, much less kiss her passionately, without making a serious outcry, no matter how much she liked him. That sort of action was an almost unforgivable affront to the virtue of the lady and had all sorts of negative social implications. Only a girl like Lydia Bennet, without virtue or sense, would welcome such flagrantly improper behavior, but even she would expect an immediate commitment to come from it. There was a clear line between virtuous behavior and improper behavior and severe social penalties for the latter (just look at the trouble Lydia and Wickham got into). This book, like so many so-called Regency romances, completely ignored that just to provide titillation. I also hate it when all the guy can think about is throwing down his lady love. I mean, how is that romantic? So I couldn’t finish it.
October 10, 2016
I stumbled across this novel by chance not having read the previous books of the series but I quite enjoyed the story of Hunter and Kate. I like that Kate is not really the typical heroine. She is pretty but not stunning and she definitely has flaws. Hunter seems to be a bit unpleasant but it is obvious that he is a good guy underneath all the arrogance. He definitely grows on you when he falls for Kate and the ending is pretty predictable. Nevertheless it's a good read taking you away from reality for a few nice hours of easy reading.
December 24, 2016
I like the pace of this story. I didn't feel like I was racing to the goal but still; it was not sleep inducing.
I love that Kate, although sheltered, was a brave woman. She longed for an adventure (Thanks to her big bro, she lived a boring life) and Hunter gave her that. He fed her curiosity. Without giving much spoiler, I'd conclude that Kate and Hunter are well matched. They're perfect together.
I love that Kate, although sheltered, was a brave woman. She longed for an adventure (Thanks to her big bro, she lived a boring life) and Hunter gave her that. He fed her curiosity. Without giving much spoiler, I'd conclude that Kate and Hunter are well matched. They're perfect together.
February 2, 2016
Boring ..could barely finish after skipping pages..just went on and on without anything really happening
January 10, 2021
Light and fun romance
5 stars
Lady Kate Cole is exceptionally talented, exceptionally beautiful and the darling of the ton. The only problem is that she is also exceptionally clumsy and so prone to accidents that many find it wise to stay as far away from her as possible.
But that doesn't include Andrew Hunter. The strong, rugged man is barely a gentleman but he can't help but be charmed by the delightful Kate. When he decides that she'd make the perfect wife his mind is made up. Only Kate won't settle for anything less than a love match and Hunter doesn't believe in love. Who will win in their battle of wills?
This is actually the fourth and last book in the Providence Series (after As Luck Would Have It, Tempting Fate and McAlistair's Fortune) a fact I hadn't realised when I started to read this book. Characters from the previous books featured and while it whet my appetite to read the previous books in the series, there's no need to have read them in order to understand and enjoy this story.
And I really did enjoy it. Kate was a likeable character - pretty and sweet with enough oomph to make her someone we could really root for. As for Hunter - he's my favourite type of hero - a rugged, sexy man who is barely a gentleman and in need of the love of a good woman. Together the pair were funny, sweet and had great chemistry.
The plot was fairly calm, focusing more on the relationship between Kate and Hunter than anything more adventurous. There was a sub plot concerning smugglers and Hunter's line of work but that really was only a very minor secondary story.
I was surprised by how much I really enjoyed this story and the writing style of Alissa Johnson. I'm really looking forward to reading the other books in this series and would recommend this book for people looking for a light, enjoyable romance. 5 stars.
August 18, 2022
I was beyond excited to read this one after reading the prior books in this series. I liked Kate and her knockout looks combined with clumsiness, and in this book you find out more about her musical ability which I found to be a really interesting and well-developed facet of her character. Unfortunately, Andrew Hunter just was not as sexy and appealing as McAlistair or Whit even though he was supposed to be the most alluring of the bunch.
As with all Alissa Johnson books (love this about her), the dialogue is excellent. The lack here was how slow the story moved. The two characters had no hindrances of being together and had feelings for each other, but were just incredibly slow to realize how deep the feelings went. While I'm okay with stories with low conflict, for some reason, this one bugged me with what felt like artificial conflict. There was never any real barrier to these two being together, but tons of page time was spent with their "problems".
Honestly, I just liked this one for views of Evie and Mirabelle and Whit and McAlistair. Sophie and her duke made some appearances too and I actually liked them here even though their book was the only one I could not finish of the series.
I liked some of the family scenes in this one and I enjoyed the musical element, but it was not enough to carry the lack of chemistry I felt between the characters.
As with all Alissa Johnson books (love this about her), the dialogue is excellent. The lack here was how slow the story moved. The two characters had no hindrances of being together and had feelings for each other, but were just incredibly slow to realize how deep the feelings went. While I'm okay with stories with low conflict, for some reason, this one bugged me with what felt like artificial conflict. There was never any real barrier to these two being together, but tons of page time was spent with their "problems".
Honestly, I just liked this one for views of Evie and Mirabelle and Whit and McAlistair. Sophie and her duke made some appearances too and I actually liked them here even though their book was the only one I could not finish of the series.
I liked some of the family scenes in this one and I enjoyed the musical element, but it was not enough to carry the lack of chemistry I felt between the characters.
Read
August 1, 2020This story had an interesting backstory that they sort of frittered away. I suppose in some respects that was ok, it would have detracted from a more full present day story. But I felt like more character development with the hero back story would have only improved it. We've spent the previous three books getting to know the heroine already, so they could have scaled back some of the repetition there and given him more time.
Anyway, it was inoffensive and I enjoyed it, luckily it didn't fall flat as the final book. The resolution was a big wavering since they threw up a roadblock and then tore it down almost immediately. It felt within character, but unnecessarily formulaic. It would have been better just to not do that and instead work it out together. More meaningful and less predictable. Tension and conflict doesn't always improve a story that's had tension and conflict the whole time. Working together toward a resolution that's a shared burden is a better story. That said, I still liked it.
Anyway, it was inoffensive and I enjoyed it, luckily it didn't fall flat as the final book. The resolution was a big wavering since they threw up a roadblock and then tore it down almost immediately. It felt within character, but unnecessarily formulaic. It would have been better just to not do that and instead work it out together. More meaningful and less predictable. Tension and conflict doesn't always improve a story that's had tension and conflict the whole time. Working together toward a resolution that's a shared burden is a better story. That said, I still liked it.
September 17, 2020
Although this wasn't my favourite in this series (I preferred both Evie and Mirabelle's stories) I did still really enjoy this one. I have liked this whole series. The matchmaking angle was quite ridiculous, but the stories were entertaining and the characters interesting. Kate faded into the background a little in previous stories (which was fair enough since they weren't her stories) but I liked her character here. I quite liked Hunter, but perhaps not as much as the previous heroes.
One problem I had with this book was the constant random italics. We're talking random sentences that did not need stressed. Sometimes half a sentence. Sometimes several sentences. It was incredibly jarring! Not to mention the complete failure to spell "Edinburgh" correctly. A quick online search would have given the correct answer.
Overall, this was a pleasant read and I'm sorry this series is finished.
One problem I had with this book was the constant random italics. We're talking random sentences that did not need stressed. Sometimes half a sentence. Sometimes several sentences. It was incredibly jarring! Not to mention the complete failure to spell "Edinburgh" correctly. A quick online search would have given the correct answer.
Overall, this was a pleasant read and I'm sorry this series is finished.
June 27, 2017
Destined to Last by Alissa Johnson is a sexy yet scandalous romance. A young woman turns down suitors all for the search of true love. Yet one man bids his time. Trying to learn what she likes and wants from a suitor. Thinking he may have her yet, he makes a bold reach. It was entertaining to watch Andrew Hunter try to lure Lady Kate to him. Men think they understand women until the breaking moment comes. Hilarious, charming, and well-told. Destined to Last is indeed a fascinating adventure. Overall, I highly recommend this historical to all.
February 18, 2018
Too Very Much
Oh it was too very much of quite a few things...worst being italics . And for best of too very much, there were emotions ,feelings ,adventures , adorable matchmakers and lovable recurring characters. This series is such a delight . I have read it all except the first installment and I have adored it all . I think this one was least best of all and yet it was such a complete package ,i can't complain. Alissa has become one of my must-read-books authors and quite fast.
Oh it was too very much of quite a few things...worst being italics . And for best of too very much, there were emotions ,feelings ,adventures , adorable matchmakers and lovable recurring characters. This series is such a delight . I have read it all except the first installment and I have adored it all . I think this one was least best of all and yet it was such a complete package ,i can't complain. Alissa has become one of my must-read-books authors and quite fast.
November 1, 2021
I need to start by saying I rated this as 4stars because you really need to read the rest of the books to have this book make sense. The main characters already know each other and there are lots of characters with no introduction. It's not the biggest deal, but big enough that I wish I had known it was a part of a series (I should have Goodreads it.)
The story was great. Hunter was protective, but not the douchy kind of protective and Kate was innocent but not annoyingly so. I really enjoyed it.
The story was great. Hunter was protective, but not the douchy kind of protective and Kate was innocent but not annoyingly so. I really enjoyed it.
February 16, 2023
Good love story with sime porn
I loved the story. Kate & Hunter fit so well together. I loved how he helped her keep the music out of her mind briefly, or rather, keep time to its beat. The smuggling story had a few fun twists which I thoroughly enjoyed. As a former amateur pianist who also has tunes running through my head all day long, I could sympathize with Kate. I admired Hunter for overcoming his past. Didn't like his pornographic thoughts or the too detailed sexual encounter. The story would have been perfect without the porn.
I loved the story. Kate & Hunter fit so well together. I loved how he helped her keep the music out of her mind briefly, or rather, keep time to its beat. The smuggling story had a few fun twists which I thoroughly enjoyed. As a former amateur pianist who also has tunes running through my head all day long, I could sympathize with Kate. I admired Hunter for overcoming his past. Didn't like his pornographic thoughts or the too detailed sexual encounter. The story would have been perfect without the porn.
July 28, 2022
Loved the Series!
Ms. Johnson has a way of pulling the reader into her stories, as if the reader is there. Her characters have depth and are realistic with a sense of humor! It is refreshing with so many books out there that appear to be written in a day and thrown out to the public, to have well thought plots, etc. Wonderful stories with characters that are different from book to book. Loved them!
Ms. Johnson has a way of pulling the reader into her stories, as if the reader is there. Her characters have depth and are realistic with a sense of humor! It is refreshing with so many books out there that appear to be written in a day and thrown out to the public, to have well thought plots, etc. Wonderful stories with characters that are different from book to book. Loved them!
December 11, 2017
Totally delightful
The comebacks between Kate and Hunter, the main characters, as their relationship changes is absolutely remarkable and an totally a joy to read. The characters are fun to get to know as is the plot to follow. There is nothing negative to say about this book and I highly recommend it.
The comebacks between Kate and Hunter, the main characters, as their relationship changes is absolutely remarkable and an totally a joy to read. The characters are fun to get to know as is the plot to follow. There is nothing negative to say about this book and I highly recommend it.
July 12, 2019
Sweet story.
Such a sweet and heartwarming story! I loved Kate in all her clumsy, absent minded glory. I also loved how she always has music in her head, I'm the same way. Hunter is the perfect kind of hero, a bit flawed and arrogant, but loveable just the same. I really enjoyed this whole series and I'm kinda sad it's over.
Such a sweet and heartwarming story! I loved Kate in all her clumsy, absent minded glory. I also loved how she always has music in her head, I'm the same way. Hunter is the perfect kind of hero, a bit flawed and arrogant, but loveable just the same. I really enjoyed this whole series and I'm kinda sad it's over.
January 25, 2020
Read all 4 books in a matter of days. They would be called guilty pleasures. The young women are feisty, smart, capable of taking care of themselves and passionate. The series is what happens when a deathbed promise is made to find happiness for 5 individuals. And if it can't go smoothly - why should it? These were fun to read.
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