Review: Tempting Fate by Kerrigan Byrne (ARC)

Like most of Byrne’s books, Tempting Fate bring readers a sweet romance with a hint of mystery. The last unattached Goode Sister, Felicity is the sole heiress of her parent’s estate. After a stranger threatens her in broad daylight she quickly puts out an ad requesting interviewees for a bodyguard. Felicity runs into Gabriel, literally, and hires his looming hulky self to guard her.

Throughout the series, Felicity has been characterized as fragile with a sweet, timid heart. Easily frightened, Felicity essentially in a permanent state of anxiety. With her POV, we see it is more of an anxiety disorder and a tendency to swoon at the sight of blood. Her family’s coddling and over protective antics certainly aren’t helping her. Her panic attacks could be triggering so please read with care. I thoroughly enjoyed her love of gardening and the practical applications of salves for her brother-in-law’s hospital (Titus). A sweet, withdrawn heroine like her paired with a tormented, gruff male is the perfect combo.

Gabriel is a man described as the personification of violence. Tightly controlled violence wrapped up in a scarred, muscular package. Gabriel is brutal, enjoys a bit of violence, but also is a straight up cinnamon roll for Felicity. It was adorable to see him a bit flustered around her. I have been fascinated with Gabriel since Nora’s book and was surprised with the direction his character took when it was his turn to shine. It’s not often that I read about a virgin hero so that was a nice surprise! I wouldn’t label this book as particularly steamy, but it does have some enjoyable chemistry between the characters.

While I enjoyed the characters, this romance fell a little short of the mark for me. Maybe I hyped Felicity’s book up too much before reading it? I found myself wanting more of… something while I was reading it. The pace was very quick and only seemed to speed up with each page. I love a good build up in tension paired with exchanges in the couple that really illustrate who they are; when the tendre develops from a flutter to full on love. We enter the story with Gabriel already head over heels, but Felicity’s admiration was a bit lacking in the swoon department. I wanted to see them interact more and enjoy more of those sweet moments from both sides. I didn’t care for the family suddenly bursting onto the scene. I know we needed to reveal Gabriel’s true name at some point but this particular scene didn’t work for me.

While I have misgivings about the pacing of the romance, I adored the ending and the epilogue, and I did enjoy Gabriel and Felicity together but I wanted more time with them.

Final note that no one asked for: Titus’s position in my heart is secure. Gabriel had potential but I needed more time with him.

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.