A Little Fate

by Nora Roberts

#1 New York Times bestselling author Nora Roberts presents three of her favorite tales of love and magic—together in one volume for the first time.THE WITCHING HOURA kingdom is plagued by tragedy until a wizard-god’s spell brings forth a courageous and beautiful young woman who must follow her heart in love and follow her destiny in battle...WINTER ROSEA young queen heals a wounded soldier on a remote island cursed with eternal winter—and warms her heart with the joys of true love...A WORLD APARTA ravishing medieval Demon Slayer arrives in 20th century New York to brave a strange new world—and a man who will be her destiny..."The Witching Hour" previously appeared in Once Upon a Midnight"Winter Rose" previously appeared in Once Upon a Rose"A World Apart" previously appeared in Once Upon a Kiss 

Genres: Romance, Fantasy, Fiction, Paranormal, Paranormal Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary

333 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 25, 2004

About the author

Nora Roberts is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of more than 200 novels, including Hideaway, Under Currents, Come Sundown, The Awakening, Legacy, and coming in November 2021 -- The Becoming -- the second book in The Dragon Heart Legacy. She is also the author of the futuristic suspense In Death series written under the pen name J.D. Robb. There are more than 500 million copies of her books in print.

Reviews

[Carina Carvalho · Rating 5 out of 5]

Três contos cheios de romance e magia.
Pequenos contos que nos transportam a um mundo de fantasia e magia, onde as histórias são rápidas e vividas de forma intensa 😍
Realmente Nora Roberts tem a capacidade de nos levar por mundos de uma imaginação sem limites

[Vanessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

3 fun magic stories from Nora Roberts in One book. All are about 100 pages long, and are loosely based fairy tales, told in her own unique Nora Roberts way. It was easy to read in one day. The 1st, "The Witching Hour," was the noble story about the chosen one taking back the kingdom from the evil usurper who stolen it from her father years ago. She is a witch, a queen, the true one, and the light - you know, fantasy stuff.

The 2nd is the most beautiful of the two, bearing a similarity to "Beauty and the Beast," although our male hero is far from beastly looking. The ugliness of the beast is formed here in other ways.

The third is more humorous story of a young demon slayer, sent to protect New York City from the evil Bok King. It's quite amusing as the female slayer is assulted by the uniqueness that is New York. This is a premise that has been used before and since, and yet this short tale is charming, and nice in it's simplicity. Those looking for a longer tale with this kind of theme might find enjoy Nora's "Circle Trilogy," which contains vampires, demons, witches, a slayer, and others.

[aeris is reading · Rating 4 out of 5]

j'ai pas lu ce livre, moi j'ai lu un autre livre qui s'appelle "enchantements" mais il y est pas sur goodreads alors a la place j'ai mis lui ptdrrrr
génial le bouquin sinon

[Iraida · Rating 5 out of 5]

I came to the conclusion that J.K. Rowling should have taken some lessons from Nora Robert about how to write a story about magic.

There’s no one who could write about magic and love like she does. These three stories are some of the best one-shots I have read. She still on top of her game, she still the queen.

[Maria Fernanda Gonzalez · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well, what can I say of A Little Fate? It's classical Nora Roberts - two people met, fell hopelessly in love with each other at first sight. In this case, three times, since this book has three different stories. All the three of them revolves around the idea that a couple is fated to each other, and met during trying times. I liked all the stories, because they had everything to be unrealistic, but somehow they are believable.

My only trouble was with the first story, The Witching Hour. The story is great, but it seemed to me that it takes too long before action really begins, and when it does, it all seems rushed - you wait for the epic battle since the first page of the book, but when this battle actually begins, it's done in a mere couple of pages, by the very end of the story.

I liked the second story, A World Apart a little better, because it's funnier and somehow lighter than the other two. In this story, Nora Roberts goes in to science fiction territory, and does it very well, because you actually buy the story and the crazy elements presented in it.

Another story I wished it was longer was the third one, Winter Rose. Again I liked the way it began and how it started to unfold, but the end seemed very rushed to me - I had the clear impression that more things should happen before it ended, but because of length restrains, Nora kind of ended it the way it does just because it was quicker.

But, as I said, this book is a classical Nora Roberts, which means all the three stories are reasonably well written (specially if you compare with other books of the same genre), believable and entertaining. If you looking for a light book that keeps you hooked for a while, go for this one.

[Omaira · Rating 3 out of 5]

Como son 3 historias, voy a dar una pequeña valoración de cada una y luego una conclusión final:

1. La hora encantada.

Valoración de la historia: 8,5/10 "Magia, un romance tierno e inusual y acción son los principales elementos de esta historia que merecería ser ampliada y que se profundizara más en ciertos aspectos".

2. Rosa de invierno.

Valoración de la historia: 8/10 "Con una trama pausada pero apasionada, esta historia consigue que te vayas encariñando con los personajes a medida que avanzas, aunque al final sientas que falta algo más".

3. Un mundo aparte.

Valoración de la historia: 3/10 "Con una química nula, los protagonistas de esta historia intentan convencer al lector de que forman un buen equipo y que son capaces de cazar a unos demonios que no transmiten temor y que no destacan por su inteligencia".

Valoración final del libro: 6,5/10 "Tres historias que no tienen nada que ver entre sí componen este libro. Para mí, dos de ellas mezclan bien acción y romance, pero la última es un despropósito. A pesar de esto, la narración es fluida y es fácil avanzar por estos pequeños relatos en los que la pasión y la lucha son dos elementos fundamentales"

Reseña completa: http://entrelalecturayelcine.blogspot...

Si pudiera, le daría un 3,5/5, no le doy el 4 porque le última historia me pareció pésima y me causó una decepción muy grande

[Kathy Crouch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful Stories

These are older books rolled into one. I enjoyed reading each one. Each one had lessons and choices for the couple involved.

[Maddy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I mean, it's Nora Roberts escapism. It's OK.

[Lyndi W. · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Witching Hour - 3 stars
I enjoyed this one, but the climax was a non-event. I mean, the final battle was like 3 sentences long and I'm not even sure how the bad guy was beaten. It was just suddenly over.

Winter Rose - 2 stars
Kinda so-so. Deidre got on my nerves with her fatalistic attitude and "duty, duty, duty" mindset. But the curse, the frozen kingdom, the return of summer... that was really interesting. The story would have been better served with a heroine that wasn't so determined to suffer for the sins of others, though.

A World Apart - 5 stars
I loved this one. Kadra is a medieval demon-slayer from an alternate dimension who goes to modern-day New York City to hunt the demon king. And she is hilariously literal. Her reaction to a television had me rolling with laughter. I also liked how Harper rolled with the punches. I would have really enjoyed this story as a full-length novel.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

In The Witching Hour (Once Upon A Midnight - 2003), a kingdom is plagued by tragedy until a wizard-god's spell brings forth a courageous and beautiful young woman who must follow her heart in love--and follow her destiny in battle.
On a remote island cursed with eternal winter, a young queen heals a wounded soldier--and warms her heart with the joys of true love in Winter Rose (Once Upon A Rose - 2001).
In A World Apart (Once Upon A Kiss - 2002), a ravishing medieval Demon Slayer arrives in 20th-century New York to brave a strange new world--and a man who is her destiny.
Regardless what Goodreads said I have previously read all these stories before. They were good, but short. I will admit I skimmed some this time around.

[Dragon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nora Roberts give us three fantastic stories in this book.

My favorite is Winter Rose; I cried throughout the last third of the story. It was exquisite the way Ms. Roberts weaved the sacrifice and fairy tale ending so beautifully. From my humble opinion, a retake on the Beauty and Beast tale... Where a queen is trapped in a winter kingdom until a curse can be broken. A Knight stumbles in and falls for the queen, romance, sparks and love. *sigh*

The other stories are just as fantastic: The witching hour & A world Apart.

Definately place this book on your to be read list; you won't be sorry.

[Gretchen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love the first two stories! The third story is a sweet story but a little strange.

First story is a story of a woman coming to grips with her fate. She is a strong character with a equally strong partner.

The second story is tender and makes you really take for granted the simple things, such as sunshine and grass.I love the way the main character learns about love.

2022 Read: I read Winter Rose first because we had some beautiful snow and felt like I was living in this icy cold world.

[Barbara Collins · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Witching Hour book one: 2 stars
Was great story hated that it ened to soon.
Winter Rose book two: 3 stars The story is just like beauty and the beast. I am in love with this story. Will the Rose bloom again. Will the Beauty love the Beast.
A World Apart book three: 1 star This story has to do with Demons and a woman fighting them. Well she was adopted and has now met her real mother. Well she travels through a dimension and through time to earth to fight the demons. Not sure if I could finish this story. Not my kind of book.

[ErinsAlterEgo · Rating 2 out of 5]

I realize I've read this one before, but they're fun, so why not read them again? They are short, so the 2 main characters don't spend forever fighting their feelings for each other, like in most Roberts books. They see their destiny, and even though they don't fully understand it, accept it and go for it. Not her best stories, but still a fun read.

[Precious · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Little Fate was Delightful!

Have you ever a read a book and was excited to see the end? A Little Fate was that for me; usually when I read a book, I skipped to the end to see what happens. But, not with A Little Fate, I wanted to be surprised and pleased with the end. Nora does it again. Pick up this book for a delightful and adventurous read!

[Lobna Jlidi · Rating 2 out of 5]

At the beginning i was sooo interested in it.. but then i was like " why is she like this? "
the three stories were so nice but she focused more on the love stuff then the story itself.. 4-5 pages about how the main characters loved each other and then an entire battle in couple of lines...
I just expected something better

[Shea · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book actually contains three short stories (all about 100 pages) that are fantasy based. Alternate worlds, princes, queens, evil spells and dragon slayers, complete with demons to hunt, are all included. It was a fun light read.

[Devie · Rating 4 out of 5]

nora roberts really know how to weave a story full of magic. She makes you feel like a child again who believes in fairies, knight in shining armor, and everything that you consider a fantasy..

this is my prize from one of my treasure-hunting trips in Booksale. :)

[Paula Reis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutamente delicioso..... especialmente 'Uma Terra Distante'.
Amor, magia, cumplicidade, dois mundos, duas vidas, juntos num objetivo comum. Uma história de Bem e Mal mas ainda assim muito divertida! Recomendo

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved all three stories... "Winter Rose" was my favorite... this would be 5 stars if they had all been a little bit longer...

[Laina SpareTime]

Cross-posted from my blog where there's more information on where I got my copy and links and everything.

This was weird. I’ve read a lot of Nora Roberts books over the years, but honestly I think this is the first thing I’ve read from her with such a fantasy setting. Like whole different worlds and such. And it might just be what I’ve encountered, but I don’t think that’s particularly the most common subgenre of romance novel either? I could be wrong, obviously, it’s been a few years since I used to read it regularly.

Anyways, I was not a particularly big fan of any of these. They didn’t feel like Nora Roberts stories, and there was so, so much cissexism and heteronormativity. Like I expect some in romance, but this was kind of obnoxious. And things were a lot rapier than most Nora Roberts books I’ve read. Consent didn’t seem to super important to the heroes of these stories, none of whom I was particularly fond of.

Also the last story is really random compared to the other two. You have a fantasy kingdom at war, a fairy tale-type story in a fantasy kingdom… and then a demon hunting story set in modern-day New York. Yes, the heroine comes from a fantasy world… but it’s an odd mix.

Just not a fan of this at all. Much better Nora Roberts books out there.

Representation: Nada

Content notes: Mild violence. There’s a lot of like fighting monsters/war stuff but it’s all very glossed over. A character is threatened with sexual assault at one point.

[Monica Mil-Homens · Rating 4 out of 5]

https://bibliotecamil.wordpress.com/2...
Opinião (Português)

Esta opinião vai ser mais curtinha porque não quero entrar em spoilers desnecessários. “Destinos de Paixão” consiste em três histórias distintas, todas elas passadas em cenários diferentes, mas “mágicos”. Ou seja, Nora Roberts no reino da Fantasia (exceto a última história, mas leiam) São sem dúvida três histórias de amor, de superação, de três mulheres guerreiras cujo poder é nada mais que a força do amor puro e eu diria que com um erotismo sensual e adequado ao tipo de narrativa que nos é apresentado. É uma leitura que dá vontade de devorar logo as três histórias de seguida, fluída e rápida. Eu adorei mesmo e recomendo vivamente, dei por mim ainda a dar umas valentes gargalhadas e a pensar que a Nora é mesmo, mas mesmo uma grande escritora que não há maneira de nos cansarmos de nada do que ela escreve.

Review (English)

This review will be shorter because I don’t want to get into unnecessary spoilers. “A Little Fate” consists in three different stories, all of them set in different but “magical” scenarios. Nora Roberts in the realm of Fantasy (except the last story, but go read!). There are undoubtedly three stories of love, of overcoming, of three warrior women whose power is nothing more than the strength of pure love and I would say that with a sensual eroticism suited to the type of narrative presented to us. It’s a read that makes you want to devour the three stories in a row, fluid and fast. I really loved it and highly recommend it, I found myself still having a few hearty laughs and thinking that Nora really is, but even a great writer that there is no way to get tired of anything she writes.

[Sharon A Shovan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Three in one—The Witching Hour-Aurora is the TRUE ONE. It was known even before she was born. Her mother and father fought the battle. Now it is her turn. Even though she is young she knows her duty. Through her visions she has seen the past. She also has seen partly her future. It seems like a fantasy but not. Thane is in the City where the Fake Evil King Lorcan rules. He keeps a low profile to protect his family. But he has dreams that seem real but could be fantasy. This is the story of the True One who comes to take her rightful place as Queen and bring back peace to her kingdom. Can she do it? —The Winter Rose-Kylar of Mrydon, Prince and warrior, coming home after a battle by horseback gets lost in the winter snow. He is exhausted and injured. Deirdre sees the injured warrior and helps him. She takes him to the Rose Castle on the Isle of Winter in the Sea of Ice. It is an Island. And she is the Queen. Unfortunately it is always winter at the Castle. Deirdre tells Kylar that their Island has been cursed. Is there no way to break it? How long has it been like this? Kylar is determined to find a way. Will he succeed? —A World Apart—Kadra is a hunter. She is hunting the terror demons BOK. she is told by a wise woman claiming to be her mother that she must go to another world called New York to find the enemy. Along with that she will also meet a man named Harper Doyle to help. Kadra does not want to believe. But she is told that this is her path and by not following through both worlds could be lost. WOW! Isn’t that a kick in the teeth!

[anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Witching Hour 2/5

this could’ve been a great fantasy book but it was cut short into this strange novella. it felt more like a summary than a whole book.

yes fmc was trained in every known craft from the young age but i still thought that it was shitty to tell her about her fate only years later. like “surprise, you’re actually the queen and the true one and have to save the world. good luck”.

men🥰🥰

“If he were to choose her, and his mind was nearly made up, he expected her to be available at his whim. It was best she learned that now.”

Winter Rose 4/5

it was sad.

“not all men” argument 🙄🙄

“Why do men lie when women love?”
The question took him aback. “My lady . . . not all men are deceivers.”

A World Apart 5/5

i loved it. when i read a book like this one i remember why i love nora roberts. it was the best one in the series.

“The doors opened on three, and a woman and small boy got on.
“The elevator,” Kadra said politely. “Goes up and goes down.”
The woman slid an arm around the boy and drew him close to her side.”

“You must pay for water? Does it have magical properties?” She took it, drank. “Nothing but water,” she said with some amazement. “The merchant is a robber. I will go back and speak to him.”

[Carina Braga · Rating 2 out of 5]

Um livro que compila três contos de high fantasy da autora Nora Roberts.

Conto 1: Hora do Feitiço - 1.5⭐
Foi péssimo, super superficial com personagens nada cativantes. Parecia mais um outline da estória e não o produto final. Enredo típico de alguém que nascerá para salvar o mundo de um feiticeiro tirano e precisa de encontrar a sua cara metade para tal.

Conto 2: Rosa de Inverno - 2.75⭐
O melhor dos três. O enredo e personagens fez mais sentido e foram melhor explorados. Um reino amaldiçoado a estar congelado e um príncipe ferido que encontra o caminho até lá por acaso.

Conto 3: Uma Terra Distante - 1.75⭐
Já tinha lido este anteriormente. É o único que colide um homem de Nova Iorque com uma exterminadora de demónios de outra dimensão. Foi giro ver ela encantada com o nosso mundo, mas a linguagem foi demasiado curriqueira para o meu gosto e estavam demasiado horny (e ainda assim foram os únicos que não fizeram um bebé imediatamente).

Normalmente não sou fã de contos por serem enredos muito compactos e este foi exatamente isso. Não tenho intenção de ler mais coletâneas da autora.

[Kasey Riley · Rating 3 out of 5]

So-so....

Three different 90+- page novels. The first just wasn't my style. Too much drama, too many misunderstandings between the main characters for the story to carry the reader through the story. The Winter Rose was better with more story and it dragged a lot less. The characters in this tale were well developed and more likable. The final tale had much more action, well imagined characters and a great ending. The head-hopping throughout the stories was a bit less than professional and below the standards expected from a writer of Nora Robert's experience. Sad, I expect more from her.

[Christina · Rating 3 out of 5]

2 stories that could've been fleshed out to just about full length books with one little snippet of another.
Winter rose and the Witching Hour were more midevil than I've come to expect from Ms. Roberts, and World Apart more sci-fi than I'd ever expected. The books were all quick to get to the love scenes, and quick for the women to realize they've found their one true love.
Honestly it left me feeling like there could've been so much more to the stories after the happy ending but she was in a time crunch and just rushing on....even taking days in between to read the next still felt....rushed...😕

[Itziar Diaz- · Rating 3 out of 5]

He leído mucho a Nora Roberts y me ha sorprendido gratamente este libro. Quizás ha sido por mi antigua afición adolescente a la fantasía. Cualquiera que sepa como escribe Nora Roberts y le guste, le va a sorprender este libro. Me hubiera gustado un poco más de continuidad en las historias y que no de tanta la sensación de experimento con este libro. Al final, la falta de continuidad te da la sensación de que falta algo, de que son tres ideas fantásticas distintas y las mete en un libro. Me hubiera encantado que me hubiera terminado de llegar al terminar el libro, lamentablemente no ha sido así. Cada una de las historias que cuenta, creo que dan para un libro.

[Ali Molenaar · Rating 3 out of 5]

Drie verhalen van Nora Roberts die amusant waren.
The Witching Hour vond ik eigenlijk nog wel het leukste. De toekomstige koningin Aurora wist wel van wanten en had niet echt een vent nodig.

A World Apart: demon slayer Kadra deed me heel erg denken aan vampire slayer Kendra uit Buffy the vampire slayer (serie) met al haar naïviteit. Het einde was ronduit teleurstellend en deed me praktisch in slaap vallen.

Winter Rose: lief, schattig, de romance wat slaapverwekkend, de man enigszins te mannelijk. Wel aardig.

[Amy Ingalls · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first story in this book, The Witching Hour, was my least favorite. It was OK, but a little underdeveloped. The second story, Winter Rose, I really enjoyed. It was like an old-fashioned fairy tale and I could believe the love between the two main character. The third story, A World Apart, was something I didn't think I would like. A time-traveling demon hunter just didn't sound like my cup of tea. However, I thought it was pretty funny. I liked Kadra's reactions to New York and her literal take on things. She made me chuckle.