Review: No Amazon, 4 Stars means that I REALLY liked it ... and I did!
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 04 12, 2014
Soul Mates. We are destined for one soul mate, that one person who loves us and knows us better than anyone else. The one person that is meant for us and us for them and there will never be another...AND WTH!!! That was pretty much my reaction as the characters talked about soul mates. Do not mistake me. I definitely believe in soul mates, I met mine 12 years ago and spent 9 wonderful years with him until he succumbed to cancer. However, I do NOT believe that I am never meant to find another soul on this earth who touches me as deeply. Despite my issue with this point of view, I thoroughly enjoyed Defining Destiny.Lucy is a singer and song writer who has the misfortune of being in a band with her soul mate. Why the misfortune? Because we find out rather quickly that Cadan is a self-centered, egotistical, arrogant, manipulative ass and he proves this assessment correct all throughout the book. I can honestly say that just when I thought he could get no lower, he did. The only plus Cadan has is that he wasn't physically abusive – and I say physically because his manipulation definitely led to emotional abuse. Thankfully, Lucy extricates herself from the situation rather decisively. While Lucy is forced to consider whether or not she will return to Cadan and the band, the author avoided falling into the wishy-washy heroine trap that the situation practically begged for and I am grateful for that.Seth’s is a tragic story. He too met his soul mate early in his life, but he was fortunate to be able to produce beautiful works of art with her. So when his soul mate was killed in a car accident, he of course blamed himself, stopped painting, and embarked upon a string of alcohol-filled one-night-stands.It is through a mutual friend’s birthday party that Seth and Lucy meet and begin their relationship – which they both have difficulty defining throughout the book. And it’s an eventful journey, made more difficult by the people in their lives: Cadan who keeps trying to convince Lucy to return to the band; Lucy’s mom (all I can say about her is “what a piece of work”); and even Jax, their mutual friend. Deanna Chase manages to take this relatable cast of characters and the obstacles thrown in their way while avoiding obvious writing traps and combine them into a well written and truly enjoyable read. I am looking forward to the sequel.I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Angela at Crystal's Many Reviewers!