Chosen by Fate (Para-Ops, #2)

Feb 23, 2012 Paranormal Haven rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: reviewed-read-by-stephanie, reviewed-read-by-athenna

The Para Ops team has been assigned to infiltrate the feline shifter community to find the person or persons responsible for the sudden surge of rapes of female felines.
With her history with felines Wraith didn't like this assignment as it is, but the fact that she can no longer deny the feelings she has for Caleb is what sent her fleeing the team.
Caleb has his own bad history with the felines he has to deal with but first he must retrieve Wraith and convince her he loves her and doesn't not wa...more The Para Ops team has been assigned to infiltrate the feline shifter community to find the person or persons responsible for the sudden surge of rapes of female felines.
With her history with felines Wraith didn't like this assignment as it is, but the fact that she can no longer deny the feelings she has for Caleb is what sent her fleeing the team.
Caleb has his own bad history with the felines he has to deal with but first he must retrieve Wraith and convince her he loves her and doesn't not want to cause her any more pain even if that means he can't touch her.
As with all wraiths, if they try and kill themselves to end their immortality then they come back wrong and they come back sensitive to touch, all types of touch from another causes them pain. This pain is something that Wraith use to thrive on. She allowed this type of treatment to happen to herself because she didn't care about herself must less anyone else, but that changed with Caleb O' Flare. She couldn't let herself take him down too, she knew her turning was happening and that her death was emanate. Like all wraiths, she is predetermined to die after her tenth year. So somehow she’d have to leave this sexy man alone so she didn't hurt him too. But that may be easier said than done.
This was an excellent addition to this series. I loved the first one with Knox and Felicia but I think this one was equally good. Wraith was a little rough around the edges but she kind of grows on you and Caleb’s love for her is amazing. You can’t help but feel all he feels for her, the love, heat and even his frustration.
It's entertaining from start to finish, you still have the underlining adjective of saving world and proving its worth saving to a god who thinks it’s a waste and they should wipe the slate and start over. Then the new conflict arises with the felines. I love the twist at end it was great..
I cannot wait for the next book. There was a little cliff hanger at the end with a small enuendo, so I can’t wait to see how it all plays out.
**Athenna**(less)

3 likes · like · see review

Sep 24, 2011 Lea rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011-favorites, read-in-2011

In Virna DePaul’s Para-Ops world wraiths are an enigma. They are the walking dead with no memory of who they were before transitioning into a wraith. The author fully develops these beings giving significant insight into their etiology, and in particular the tragic past of Wraith, the novel’s angry, emotionally volatile heroine who named herself for her race. Even among Otherworld races wraiths are unusual, they have a blue tinged hue to their skin, white hair and their eyes are opaque. They hav...more In Virna DePaul’s Para-Ops world wraiths are an enigma. They are the walking dead with no memory of who they were before transitioning into a wraith. The author fully develops these beings giving significant insight into their etiology, and in particular the tragic past of Wraith, the novel’s angry, emotionally volatile heroine who named herself for her race. Even among Otherworld races wraiths are unusual, they have a blue tinged hue to their skin, white hair and their eyes are opaque. They have no vital signs, they regenerate when injured, and in their tenth year they begin to revert to human, then die. Wraith has reached her tenth year and is fully aware her days are numbered. Wraith has the same need to belong and be loved as any human being but physical touch causes these beings pain. I would certainly describe Wraith as a kick ass, tough as nails heroine but her self loathing is palpable, believing herself to be a freak. Wraith has endured significant suffering and betrayal since her transition.

This novel has a Prologue that takes readers back weeks prior the inception of the Para-Ops team. We find psychic shaman Caleb O’Flare living on a Sheyote Reservation where he is approached by Mahone, the FBI head of Para-Ops with a goal of recruiting the experienced and gifted ex-Army medic. I think Caleb is a stellar, well developed hero. At times, he ‘trances out’ as a vision overtakes him that is a garbled foretelling. Caleb is able to walk in the Otherworld and commune with spirits. He has healing powers and using mental power he can force an individual to be truthful. Caleb is a complex multifaceted character who carries a heavy burden of guilt surrounding the brutal torture and murder of his best friend, the feline Prince Elijah during the war. He has an innate sensual aura that swirls up from the pages and wraps around you. And, he wants the prickly Wraith who using caustic, sarcastic wit needles Caleb attempting to force him away every time he tries to get close to her. I have to say, Caleb gives as good as he gets. It makes for great sport.

I found Chosen By Fate to be far more relationship driven then it’s predecessor Chosen By Blood. To say Caleb and Wraith’s romance is a complex would be an understatement. There is conflict aplenty, as Caleb is a healer who is committed to easing suffering, Wraith suffers when touched. He is one patient man and through persistence and compassion, he gradually “tames the shrew”, breaking down the thick wall Wraith has erected around herself one brick at a time. While she craves the passion Caleb offers, she is also frightened of her heart being broken. Ms. DePaul writes extremely sensual love scenes adapting the intimacy to suit Wraith and Caleb's unusual needs.

Chosen By Fate has a suspense subplot involving a string of heinous club rapes in the feline community. Tensions are simmering to the boiling point and if the perpetrator isn’t found and stopped it is feared violence will erupt bringing a tenuous Otherkind / human peace to an end. Mahone mobilizes the Para Ops team sending Wraith, Caleb, Dex and Lucy into the club scene undercover to track down and bring in the bad guy. One surprise after the other greets the team leading to startling revelations concerning the felines and a member of their royalty.

Meanwhile, intrigue continues at the Vamp Dome where an evil plot involving the clandestine group, the Quorum is revealed. There are unexpected confessions concerning one of the characters who I thought was a particularly nasty antagonist when introduced in the first novel of the series. All is not what it seems and the depth of conspiracy and who is involved rocks Knox to the very core of his being.

Then there is the mysterious deity the Goddess Essenia who is she? What part does she play in the fate of the world’s population, human and Otherborn alike? Ms. DePaul further develops the perplexing werebeast Dex, whose story I can’t wait to read. Dex and Lucy play an important pivotal role in the plot of this story and there are surprises in store regarding their relationship. An intriguing female vampire is also introduced and I'm hoping to see more of her in future novels.

Virna DePaul keeps up the fast pace, intrigue and passion in the second novel of her Para-Ops series. I can only say this read was an emotional, page turning rush. Wraith's story, her complexities and turbulent relationship with Caleb tugged at my heartstrings. The dramatic climax of this novel includes a paradox that I thought was absolutely brilliant. If you are interested in reading Chosen By Fate I would strongly suggest you read Chosen By Blood first because there is a story arc and Ms. DePaul continues to build the Para Ops world introduced in the first book.

I love Virna DePaul’s voice and am so looking forward to reading Book III, Chosen By Sin. I understand fans won’t have long to wait. :D (less)

3 likes · like · see review

Jun 15, 2012 Alivia Moonstone rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: urban-fantasy, vampires, favorites, ebooks-to-share

I spent this whole book going OMG! OMG! OMG! Every page, every storyline...one twist after another! I love a book that keeps you guessing! 4.5 stars! So glad I have #3!

1 like · like · see review

Jan 28, 2012 Melindeeloo rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: paranormal-romance

I like this one alot but for some reason am having a really hard time reviewing it...

Great tension building between the leads and it is lucky for Wraith that Caleb is persistent and perceptive both, I thought that DePaul pulled the promising world building together and that the romance worked much better than the one in the first book, also her ensemble is really 'gel'ing.

The next book? Chosen by Sin will be Dex's book, yay!

There's a free Wraith prequel eshort which can be downloaded from DePaul...more

1 like · like · see review

Jan 04, 2012 Robin Priddy rated it 4 of 5 stars

Wraith has no idea who she is or where she comes from. Her life begain the moment she woke up in a dumpster in an alley. As a wraith she can't be touched by anyone without being in pain. What Wraith wants more than anything is to find out who she is and where she comes from. When she agrees to work for the new parp-ops team the FBI is putting together, they promise to help her find out the answers she needs. For some reason wraiths only live for ten years after they are reborn and Wraiths time...more

like · see review

Jan 02, 2012 Felicia rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2011-read, kindlepurchase2011

Read for Fun!
Overall Rating 4.25
Character Rating 4.25
Story Rating 4.25
Why did you leave me hanging like that rating: I need Dex's book now :)
Buy Your Own Copy:
Amazon

NOTE: I am sure you will notice that my reviews have gotten a lot more light-hearted since entering the "read what I want zone". Hopefully they are still helpful but overall they are a lot more fun!

What I Loved: Caleb is one hot man and Wraith is one lucky gal. Well, Wraith is lucky in some ways but learning her story was heart-wrenc...more

like · see review

Oct 26, 2011 Mahalia Levey rated it 5 of 5 stars

Blurb: Although he keeps company with a vampire and a were, human Shaman Caleb O'Flare can definitely hold his own. But neither his psychic ability nor his healing powers can help his sexy-as-hell teammate, Wraith-a ghost with no memory of her human existence, who cannot experience touch without pain. No wraith has managed to exist past its tenth year, so her time is about to run out. She wants only two things before accepting her fate: to learn her human identity, and experience one night with...more

like · see review

Oct 21, 2011 Christi Snow rated it 5 of 5 stars

My Review:
This book was much more romance based than the first book. While I loved that in the aspect that this is a gorgeous romance, I really missed the full team aspect of the first book. In fact, Knox & Felicia hardly even make an appearance in this book and the overall feel of the book suffered because of that, in my opinion.

What did work for this book, though, was the incredible romance between Wraith & Caleb...wow, it was sizzling!!

As a wraith, Wraith cannot be touched without p...more My Review:
This book was much more romance based than the first book. While I loved that in the aspect that this is a gorgeous romance, I really missed the full team aspect of the first book. In fact, Knox & Felicia hardly even make an appearance in this book and the overall feel of the book suffered because of that, in my opinion.

What did work for this book, though, was the incredible romance between Wraith & Caleb...wow, it was sizzling!!

As a wraith, Wraith cannot be touched without pain, which makes a relationship really difficult, if not impossible. Add to that, Caleb is a healer. His whole goal in life is to help, NOT hurt. He mentally cannot handle the anguish of knowing that any touch he shares with Wraith hurts her, even if there is some pleasure too. Oh, and yes, there is the added difficulty that wraiths never live to see their 11th year, which means that Wraith is really dying. She is seeing all the signs that this is happening sooner rather than later so she is looking at her last chance to enjoy some time with Caleb.

Wraith is not an easy person. She has built up these walls around her over the last 10 years of her life that are incredibly hard to penetrate, but Caleb is just the guy for the job. He is so persistent and caring with her. It's really gorgeous the way that he handles her, both physically and mentally. He is such an amazing guy. I definitely fell in love with his character!! It's a beautiful, emotional love story and I really truly enjoyed it!

In this book, the team is dealing with a threat towards the felines where the females are being drugged and raped. Because Knox & Felicia just got married, they are not participating in this mission. That leaves the other four: Wraith, Caleb, Dex, & Lucy to carry out the mission. The nature of the mission means that they aren't really working as a group much. As a reader, what you see instead is a lot of alone time between Wraith & Caleb and then to a lesser degree, Dex & Lucy. I enjoyed those moments, but missed the team dynamic in this book. There is a really interesting side story between Dex & Lucy and it will be interesting to see how much that story comes into play in the next book which is about Dex.

While I missed some of the aspects that were so good about the first novel, this is still an amazing read. I thoroughly enjoyed it!! It absolutely would have scored a solid "A" for me (instead of the A- that I gave it) until the final 10 pages of the book, when the conclusion just seemed a little lacking or too easy and there was a clue that this team is dissolving even further...such a disappointment to me.(less)

1 like · like · see review

Oct 08, 2011 Bookaholics rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Chosen by Fate by Virna DePaul
Paranormal Romance – Oct. 4th, 2011
5 stars

This author has made a new fan! Not only does she create a vivid landscape of several paranormal beings to fascinate the most jaded reader, but she had developed fully fleshed characters. Normally I find secondary characters dilute the story, but this book I enjoyed them all so much I can’t wait for their stories.

Caleb is a healer that was recruited to work on the special FBI, Para-Ops teams. He and his teammates are assigne...more Chosen by Fate by Virna DePaul
Paranormal Romance – Oct. 4th, 2011
5 stars

This author has made a new fan! Not only does she create a vivid landscape of several paranormal beings to fascinate the most jaded reader, but she had developed fully fleshed characters. Normally I find secondary characters dilute the story, but this book I enjoyed them all so much I can’t wait for their stories.

Caleb is a healer that was recruited to work on the special FBI, Para-Ops teams. He and his teammates are assigned deadly paranormal missions. The latest almost killed him and one of his teammates named Wraith. Wraith and him have been playing a game of cat and mouse. He cares for Wraith but as a ghost, any human touch is painful to her. But Caleb is determined to find a way to create a relationship with her. But Caleb needs to work fast, because there is something he doesn’t know.

Wraith can’t remember her past, and she is approaching her tenth year. Although the rest of the paranormals and humans believe that ghosts are immortal, she and her fellow ghosts know the truth: around ten years old, they ‘die’ and none of them knows why. Wraith wants to discover her real past and why she died, but to do so she must strike out on her own and quit the team. However, she finds herself dragged back when a string of feline rapes needs her particular connections and when she discovers that Caleb has the mark. Wraith loves Caleb but being near him is both a joy and a pain. But when she notices he carries the mark of death that only her kind can see, she resolves to prevent his death which must be related to their latest mission. But in doing so will she ever find out her past before it is too late?

This series has serious bite and is my newest addiction. The Para-Ops team is like a group of super heroes with real feeling and troubles. Wraith is a complex heroine whose guts and sacrifices make her very noble and endearing. I felt emotionally connected to her because she is doomed to die yet still puts the hero she loves first. Their romance is very charged and I found myself teary-eyed because Caleb does not realize Wraith is dying. The tension between them as Caleb is determined to care for Wraith and make her see they can have a relationship were bitter sweet. As a result, this story carried me to various highs and lows as I wondered how the author would resolve their star crossed dilemma so they could be finally be together. Curiously, the only thing that was a bit of disappointment was the ending which felt a bit anti-climatic.

Those who love JR Ward's vampire series should give this series a try. Tense, high octane and emotional, I loved these fully developed characters and can’t wait to read more!

Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
(less)

1 like · like · see review

Aug 16, 2011 Vanessa theJeepDiva rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011, request, paranormal-romance

I loved the tension that Wraith and Caleb brought to Chosen by Blood. Readers could easily see the chemistry and connection between these two characters. I was very eager to see how their book would flesh out. Needless to say I was not disappointed. Wraith’s character is heartbreaking on so many levels. She’s dead, she has no memory of who she was when she was living, touch pains her, but all of her other sensations are severely lacking. Then the icing on that cake ALL wraiths die again between...more I loved the tension that Wraith and Caleb brought to Chosen by Blood. Readers could easily see the chemistry and connection between these two characters. I was very eager to see how their book would flesh out. Needless to say I was not disappointed. Wraith’s character is heartbreaking on so many levels. She’s dead, she has no memory of who she was when she was living, touch pains her, but all of her other sensations are severely lacking. Then the icing on that cake ALL wraiths die again between their tenth and eleventh year. So of course the moment Wraith finds herself with a job she feels passionately about, team members that she cares about and a team that cares about her in return, her days are now numbered. I think anyone can understand her general negativity with all of that piled up on her. To top it all off she wants something that she knows she can’t have, Caleb O’Flare her sexy Shaman healer teammate.

Caleb wants Wraith. He knows that to give into those wants is to cause her excruciating pain through touch. How can you cause harm to someone you care about? Caleb can’t. He is on the other hand willing to do almost anything to give her pleasure. I loved this double edged sword that was their relationship. Touch her and cause her pain, don’t touch her and cause pain to ones self. Just when Caleb gives in to his desires for Wraith someone from his past reenters his life claiming to need his and the Para-Ops teams help. Wraith does not want another mission, she wants to find out all the details of her pre-wraith past. It was part of her agreement to join the Para-Ops team.

Chosen by Fate is a page turner. There is a ton of action between the current mission, the tension between Caleb and Wraith and the ultimatums that the Goddess Essenia keeps issuing. The team is so new that they are still having some trust issues. Everyone has their secrets. I would not attempt to read the Para-Ops series out of order. The reader would miss so much of the tension that makes up Caleb and Wraith’s story. I was also pleased with the fact that Knox and Felicia got page time in Chosen by Fate. I was left with some questions about them and I’m glad that some light was shed on those. The readers also learn more about exactly what is going on with Zeph, Knnox’s brother. The problems that the Quorum is causing Otherborn’s is still causing major amounts of trouble for the Para-Ops team and the world in general.
(less)

1 like · like · see review

Feb 09, 2012 Erin rated it 4 of 5 stars

This was the book that I'd hoped that the first book would be (which it wasn't and massively failed for me). So I think that reading this right after that one, made me like this book so much more.

I really enjoyed Wraith and Caleb's relationship and felt that they were on equal grounds. While both were recovering from bad pasts, they were able to find a future together, which for Wraith meant a ticking clock. Their back and forth, hot and cold, made sense to me as Wraith had had such a traumatic...more

like · see review

Jan 02, 2012 Suzanne the Mighty ~Satin Seductress~ rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: action-adventure, mad-bad-and-dangerous-to-know, mages-witches-magic-users, mythology-gods-and-goddesses, paranormal-creature-menagerie, pdf-kindle, romantic-suspense, smexy-shifters-and-werewolves, urban-fantasy, va-va-voom-vampires, zombies

Wraith was woke up 10 years ago, dead. With no memories of her life before she woke up and every touch causing her pain she joins the Para Ops team in exchange for help searching for her past. But her time is running out, all wraiths die in their 11th year and she still has no idea who she is. She doesn't want Caleb O'Flare to get too close, he reaches past the ever present pain and offers her pleasure making her long for something other then the peace of finally being able to die.

I was looking...more

like · see review

Aug 26, 2011 WildAboutBones rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: read4bbpr-review

This second in DePaul's Para-Ops series features Otherborns - weres, vamps, dharmires, felines, shapeshifters, mages and wraiths; a shaman; a special FBI mixed species team; a prophecy; a Quorum of humans who want to "strip [the Otherborn] of their civil rights"; a goddess who wants to wipe all species from the earth to start over again and a very unlikely romance. She adds some inventive differences to the mythos for several of her paranormal characters.

This was a new author and new series for...more

1 like · like · see review

Oct 17, 2011 Jess rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: paranormal

Review posted: Happily Ever After - Reads

Wraith is a ghost. She’s been “alive” for 10 years, and by the time she reaches year 11, she’ll be dead. At the start of the book she has no reason to really care about anything anymore, she has nothing to stay in existence for, she pushes people away who try to get close and she’s tried to kill herself many times – but deep down I think she’s scared. No wraith before her has made it past their 11th year, and while she’s scared of being in her last year,...more Review posted: Happily Ever After - Reads

Wraith is a ghost. She’s been “alive” for 10 years, and by the time she reaches year 11, she’ll be dead. At the start of the book she has no reason to really care about anything anymore, she has nothing to stay in existence for, she pushes people away who try to get close and she’s tried to kill herself many times – but deep down I think she’s scared. No wraith before her has made it past their 11th year, and while she’s scared of being in her last year, she doesn’t let herself expect to make it past that point. Having no memory of her human life, she’s driven to find out who she was before she became a wraith, and that was her reason for joining the Para-Ops team. She was promised help in trying to find information about her past so she can put the pieces together before her existence is over for good.

Caleb, another member of the Para-Ops team, is a healer and he uses his power and that of his ancestors to help heal people through his touch. He and Wraith have a hate/like/hate relationship. Caleb is drawn to her, but Wraith is just full of hate, mostly of herself and angst. I love angst as much as the next reader, but Wraith almost had too much of it. For every small moment of happiness she’d let herself have, she’d follow it up by saying something bitchy or snarky to people who were trying to be her friends. Of course it was her way of coping with knowing that she would be gone in a short amount of time, and by keeping this information to herself, none of her friends knew what she was going through.

Wraith can’t experience any touch without pain, so actually being with someone, or accepting something as simple as a hug from a friend causes her so much pain, she’s at the point where she thinks that all she deserves. Caleb sets out to prove her wrong, to show her that she is worthy of pleasure and ultimately worthy of so much more. As Wraith’s time gets closer to running out, her appearance is changing as well. As a wraith, she has white hair, blue tinted skin and can’t see colors. She slowly becomes more human, but this is a blessing and a curse. It just means she’s that much closer to being gone forever. But as she becomes more human, being touched doesn’t cause her much, if any, pain and for the first time in her existence as a wraith, she’s able to be with Caleb and know what true pleasure feels like.

“…You’re not crazy. You’ve dealt with more than anyone should have to, and you’ve done the best you can. And if you can’t catch it yourself, that’s admiration you hear in my voice, Wraith, not pity. I’m sorry you were betrayed, but you have the team now. You have me. I know that doesn’t mean much to you, but-“

Before he could finish his thought, she reached out and pulled him down on top of her again. “It means more than you can know,” she said.

As part of the Para-Ops team, they’re on an assignment to figure out who is drugging and raping female felines. Threads from Caleb’s past become a part of this mission and people he thought he could trust, at least initially, turn out to be right in the middle of the case. While the mission takes place throughout the entire book, it feels like it wraps up rather quickly and very neat at the end. I’m more interested in finding out who the Quorum members are (a very Anti-Otherborn, Pro–Human group). By books end, we know the supposed identity of a couple members, and seeing how this storyline plays out over the course of the series, will be interesting especially learning how different people within and connected to the Para-Ops team are also connected to others within the Quorum; it’ll make for great reveals once that happens.

While the suspense and build-up of the Quorum storyline is ongoing, the relationships make this story for me. I loved Caleb and Wraith together. There were times I wanted to strangle Wraith, but when she would finally let herself be a little vulnerable and open up not only with Caleb but with other members of the team, Dex and Lucy, the second the “moment” was over, she’d say or do something really hurtful trying to keep that shell around herself. Caleb eventually broke through it, but it took Wraith putting the pieces of her past together herself and dealing with that before she finally realized that she can and does feel love. It’s a long journey for her, but Caleb stays by her side and doesn’t let go.

There are few other supporting storylines going on throughout the book. I can’t wait to learn more about Dex and Lucy and who their HEAs will be, since it appears they won’t be that for each other. I’m also really interested in Zeph, Knox’s brother – who’s story we got in book 1, Chosen by Blood. Zeph is a double agent, and I really hope he gets his own book at some point. He straddles the line between good and bad, and he’s putting himself in a pretty dangerous situation, playing both sides.

I really enjoyed the latest edition to the Para-Ops series. It reads pretty light with the paranormal aspect, we have ghosts, healers, mages, weres, vamps…you name it in this story, but they really act as human as they possibly can. Their abilities come out and into play when they need them to, but this is really a series about people with “extra” powers trying to live their lives the best they can. I’m looking forward to Dex’s story next, the were who initially came off as a standoffish guy, but we get to see him soften a bit towards Lucy in this story and I want to know what secrets he’s keeping, and who ends up stealing his heart!(less)

3 likes · like · see review

Feb 05, 2012 Nawnee rated it 4 of 5 stars

I picked up this book not realizing it was the second in this series, I was planning on getting the first book and reading them in order but I ran out of books to read and this one sounded interesting. I'm not quite sure how much of the first book got ruined by not reading them in order but I'm not sure I care. I loved the characters and the story line, this isn't the most original plot but the characters are. The story and what involves Wraith I think is pretty original but the rest of the supe...more

1 like · like · see review

Oct 01, 2011 Kt from A Book Obsession.. rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: received-for-review, hardcopy

Caleb may be one of the human members of the Para-Ops teams, but that doesn't mean he isn't without his own set of powerful skills. His psychic and healing powers are unparalleled, but none of that can help him where it matters most to his heart. He'd give anything to help Wraith, a "living" ghost who only experiences pain with touch. No wraith has lived past ten years, and her time is quickly coming up. Once this would have been a blessing to finally have relief from the constant pain, even if...more Caleb may be one of the human members of the Para-Ops teams, but that doesn't mean he isn't without his own set of powerful skills. His psychic and healing powers are unparalleled, but none of that can help him where it matters most to his heart. He'd give anything to help Wraith, a "living" ghost who only experiences pain with touch. No wraith has lived past ten years, and her time is quickly coming up. Once this would have been a blessing to finally have relief from the constant pain, even if it did mean a final death. But now, Caleb has given her something to live for, and now she will hold onto her "unlife" as hard as she can.

I'll be honest that I was a little skeptical about how meaningful the relationship between Wraith and Caleb could really be. In the previous book Wraith came across as a bitter, waspish, harpy that was extremely quick to temper. To be honest, I don't blame her for acting like that, considering the constant pain she is in, but it still wouldn't really be conducive to a lasting relationship. However, in Chosen by Fate we see that this harsh exterior is just a facade to protect herself. She's made herself so hard in order to keep everyone out so she doesn't get hurt any worse than countless times she has in the past. Not only does she have the isolation and pain of being an untouchable wraith, but she also has an extremely scarred past from several betrayals. So, when Caleb starts breaking down those walls, you see just how right the two of them are together. Of course now that Wraith finally seems to have a reason to want to live, she doesn't have much time left. This makes every moment seem so much more precious and important, and really made me feel for her.

Caleb has his own scars, and honestly seems like a glutton for punishment. I mean what man chooses a woman who is as likely to shoot him as kiss him? Yet, this also shows a perseverance most wouldn't have in that despite how impossible it seemed, he still fought tooth and nail for Wraith to prove to her that she did care for him, as well as deserved to be save. That right there sums Caleb up in a nutshell. He wanted to be her white knight, and what drove him the most was his own guilt for his own actions in the past. Both Caleb and Wraith went through a whole lot of character growth in this book, which I felt was handled quite well.

I'm really enjoying the romances in this series, but the continuing development of the overall plot is what really makes this series stand out. While most of the focus is on the current couple, the Para-Ops team still gets plenty of focus as well as the other side plots that cause the serious tensions between the races. I really cannot wait until the next installment to see where the latest development at the end of Chosen by Fate will lead. So, if you enjoy paranormal romances that aren't only focused on the romance, but on a well planned out plot as well, then you will definitely enjoy this series. I enjoyed Chosen by Fate even more than the previous installment, and I cannot wait to see what's in store next!(less)

like · see review

Oct 09, 2011 Jessie Potts rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: paranormal

Holy crap!

This author is brave, her heroine is a dead, hateful ghost who can't remember who she was and only has a small amount of time left on Earth.

Then we have lovely Caleb who isn't as messed up as Wraith, but still needs her with such an intensity.

This book was a lot harder to read than the first one, DePaul got harder, more violent, and Wraith's past? Made me cry. The thing is though that Wraith was more real than Felicia because of how deep DePaul went into her character. The plot was mos...more

like · see review

Nov 28, 2011 Ellie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites

Chosen by Fate, Para-ops #2, by Virna DePaul
Grade: B+

“He made her want things. Silly things. Things that could never be hers. A little house with a vegetable garden in the back. Nights cuddled up close to a fire drinking wine and playing strip poker.”

We are introduced to Wraith and Caleb O’Flare in Chosen by Blood, the first book in Virna DePaul’s Para-ops series, and like most people I immediately fell in love with them both and couldn’t wait for this book to come out. Wraith has been dead for...more Chosen by Fate, Para-ops #2, by Virna DePaul
Grade: B+

“He made her want things. Silly things. Things that could never be hers. A little house with a vegetable garden in the back. Nights cuddled up close to a fire drinking wine and playing strip poker.”

We are introduced to Wraith and Caleb O’Flare in Chosen by Blood, the first book in Virna DePaul’s Para-ops series, and like most people I immediately fell in love with them both and couldn’t wait for this book to come out. Wraith has been dead for ten years now and as a wraith she has no memory of her past, is immortal and feels pain when touched. Now that she has past her tenth dead year like all wraiths she is slowly gaining back her humanity and this is causing her to slowly die. With her impending death looming over her and no chance of finding out who she was before she died Wraith starts to take chances and one of those chances is acting on the red hot sexual chemistry she has with Caleb.

Caleb is determined finally act on his feelings with Wraith but he fears causing her any pain. As the two work on a case together regarding feline females and sex clubs they find themselves opening up and truly discovering who the other person is both inside and out. As they become closer Caleb finds his obsession with Wraith turning into so much more and her refuses to let her die now that they have finally acted on their feelings. Caleb must now convience Wraith to not only fight for her own future but also the future they might have together.

Wraith is one of the most heartbreaking characters that I have ever read. She has so much pain and loneliness surrounding her that I just found myself becoming obsessed with her getting a happy ending. I mostly wanted her to find some peace because she tried so hard to be a good person but was so broken that when she tried it never worked out. Wraith is by far one of my all time favorite female characters because she has been through so much and she so afraid of being hurt but she still manages to let people in and care for her.

The only problem that I had with this book was the first one hundred and fifty pages are Wraith and Caleb going back and forth about acting on their attraction or not. They constantly are fighting and getting so close and then one of them opens their mouth and pisses off the other. After a while it’s gets annoying especially because they have been doing this for two books now. When they finally do act on their feelings and get to their mission over half the book is gone. I think this part could have been sped up and not dragged out for so long.

When we finally get around to the very important mission the group is working on the book gets even better. I found that I couldn’t put the book down for the last one hundred pages because it go so good. If the whole book had been like this it would have been amazing and I’m hoping the next book focuses more on the mission aspect and not so much on the romance. I’m not sure who’s book is next but the lead up possibilities are endless. I really want to get Lucy’s story next after reading about her and seeing more of her personality.

Chosen by Fate was better for me personally then Chosen by Blood and both were really good. I would read Chosen by Blood before this book or else you will be very confused and miss key pieces to Wraith and Caleb’s relationship. I think this is going to be an excellent must read
series and I can’t wait to see what Mrs. DePaul has in store for us next. (less)

like · see review

Jan 16, 2012 Tracey rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: xx-2012-reads, xx-newly-published-in-2011

This book was quite different in pacing to the first in the series and it focuses a lot more on the romance.

Considering that all she can feel is pain when someone touches her, Wraith relationship with Caleb was fraught with issues from the start. Wraith is also struggling with the fact that she has reached her 10 years as a wraith which brings along its own worries. Still the romance/relationship develops nicely and does not always go smoothly.

I was surprised at how the background stories were...more

like · see review

Jan 09, 2013 Demelza rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: paranormal-romance

I really wanted to like this book, and am a big fan of PNR, but it just fell flat for me. In all fairness to the author, I didn't read the first book in this series, although my issues with this one (#2) didn't stem from confusion about the plot or world-building; I was just bored for most of the book. Serum antidote, some crimes going on, people blowing up...yadda yadda.
Also, I couldn't figure out why Caleb had such a thing for Wraith. She was nothing but nasty to him most of the time. I kept w...more

like · see review

Apr 04, 2012 Megan Riverina Romantics/Meggerfly~TS rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: paperback, paranormal-romance, ghosts, magic

Wraith has a secret. She was about to die. It was a closely guarded secret that no wraith had ever lived until it's 11th birthday and her 10th had already passed. Her time was running out. There was only a few things that she wanted before she died. She wanted to know who she was and Caleb O'Flare.

Caleb O'Flare had joined the Para-Op's team in order to clear his name. It was thought that he was responsible for killing his friend and he was bound and determined to find out who was really behind i...more Wraith has a secret. She was about to die. It was a closely guarded secret that no wraith had ever lived until it's 11th birthday and her 10th had already passed. Her time was running out. There was only a few things that she wanted before she died. She wanted to know who she was and Caleb O'Flare.

Caleb O'Flare had joined the Para-Op's team in order to clear his name. It was thought that he was responsible for killing his friend and he was bound and determined to find out who was really behind it. When the Felines - he's friend's race - started being attacked he knew that solving the issue would lead to some of the answers that he was looking for.

In Chosen by Fate the relationship between Caleb and Wraith heats up. Because Virna Depaul is a great author, she had laid the groundwork for their relationship in Chosen by Blood and I was anxious to see how she was going to work it out. I mean, how were they supposed to get together if the simplest of touches caused Wraith pain? Not to worry though because Virna found a way around it by throwing us a few of her trademark curve balls to keep us on our toes.

Caleb and Wrath gave off some mega sparks but those sparks never really created a fire for me. I consider that both a good thing and a... less than good thing. It was good because DePaul stuck to her guns about touch causing Wraith pain. That lead us down a BDSM path which was an idea that I really liked. It was based in "reality" and worked amazingly well within both the world that she created as well as the storyline. It was less good because I wanted more sex LOL! Virna can write one hell of a love scene when she sets her mind to it!

I'm not too happy with who the Biggest Bad is. I like the Quorum as the villains. The Quorum are impersonal. They're just a bunch of bigots. This new puppet master however has the ability to devastate one of the team members. All that I can say (without spoilers) is that Virna has created a villain that I already HATE WITH A PASSION. I love it when an author evokes such a response from me.

All in All this was a great addition to the series. I was happy to see Caleb and Wraith get closure to their issues as well as their HEA. I hope to see more of them in future books.

On a different note...

Dex!!!!!! OMG the scenes that had Dex in they have me sooooo wanting more of him. I can't wait to read his book!

HOT DAMN! This book ended with a real cliffhanger!(less)

like · see review

Feb 10, 2012 Regina rated it 5 of 5 stars

Wow....Wraith's story really surprised me.

Wraith is just that - a supernatural species - always female - with no knowledge of who they were, or how they came to be. She is the oldest known wraith, and her number is coming up. Caleb is full-human Native-American/Irish shaman. They are both part of the Para-Ops team that was drafted to (literally) save the world. They have the hots for each other, but Wraith is determined lot to form any attachments due to a limitation specific to wraiths.

The task...more

like · see review

Oct 05, 2011 Among The Muses rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011, action, favorite-author, ghosts, paranormal-romance, review-request, series, themed, urban-fantasy, very-well-written, magic

Rated 4.5 on the blog.

Virna DePaul delivers another fabulous story complete with intricate plot line, unique and dynamic characters, and action with an air of suspense that keeps you highly engaged!

The Para-Ops team is composed of six primary team members -- and one director, pulled together for their talents. In book one, the spotlight fell on a human hostage negotiator and a dharmire, half-human, half-vampire clan leader. In book two, the spotlight shifts to concentrate on the relationship bet...more

like · see review

Oct 21, 2011 Catherine rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: bdsm, contemporary, fantasy-paranormal-sci-fi, fiction-vixen-reviews, first-reads-arcs-won-a-copy, magic-mystical-ability, read-2011, romance, series, sucked, vampire, were-shifter, wraith

This had been coming for a long time now, but especially since they'd returned from North Korea. Their mission had affected all of them, of course, but Wraith had come back different. Still prickly, but less mouthy. Less willing to react or to interact. Less....well, less Wraith. It was as if part of her died on that mission. As if the regeneration of her body looked complete but really wasn't.

Lately, everyone has noticed a change in Wraith. She’s always been moody and withdrawn, but now she’s s...more

2 likes · like · see review

Oct 04, 2011 Bells rated it 4 of 5 stars

After reading book 1 in the Para-Ops series Chosen By Blood, I wanted to pull at the hair on my head. Why you ask? It's because I wanted to read book 2 Chosen By Fate right away and I knew it was going to be a long and agonizing wait for me. The main characters Wraith and Caleb O'Flare have this AMAZING tension in the 1st book and when I saw that book 2 was their story I couldn't wait to read more about them.

Virna DePaul does not disappoint with the continuation of this series as we get the opp...more After reading book 1 in the Para-Ops series Chosen By Blood, I wanted to pull at the hair on my head. Why you ask? It's because I wanted to read book 2 Chosen By Fate right away and I knew it was going to be a long and agonizing wait for me. The main characters Wraith and Caleb O'Flare have this AMAZING tension in the 1st book and when I saw that book 2 was their story I couldn't wait to read more about them.

Virna DePaul does not disappoint with the continuation of this series as we get the opportunity to get to know these characters better. Wraith is one very complex character because she is dead and can't remember her previous life or what caused her death. If she does not figure out the reason of her new existence as a wraith, then she ceases to exist. What she does know is that she only has a short time before this will happen and she wants to give in to her attraction to Caleb and be with him. I love how these 2 characters pretend to not be attracted to one another when everyone around them can tell that they want each other bad. Like rip your clothes off bad! They are one smoldering couple and their scenes together are hot. Whether they are threatening to kill each other or ripping off each others clothes, it's all good and I was one happy woman while reading this book. They would do anything for one another even if that means pushing the other away to keep that person from getting heartbroken. We all know that love is worth fighting for, and these two do a lot of fighting to get what they want.

There are several backstories going on at the same that include the other members of the team. Since they are all investigating what is going on with the Feline community, we get to see what else is going on with Knox and Felicia and Dex and Lucy. The one thing that I like most about this group of characters is that they have each others back and that is what being a team is all about. They may not always agree with one another, but will support each other to the end. I like the direction this series is taking and can't wait for book 3 to learn more about Dex and his past. Until then, I'll probably re-read the 1st 2 books. They are that good people!(less)

like · see review

Oct 22, 2011 Margaret rated it 4 of 5 stars

I loved this book better then the first. However i did miss when the whole team is together. I do understand why it was done. I just didnt like it.
I did love how Caleb made Wraith realize a lot of things. Apparently, all we need is love to save us. No matterhow much wr fight it, it is always thetewhen it is needed and when it is least expected.

like · see review

Dec 19, 2011 Danielle rated it 3 of 5 stars

This book was so frustrating. Wraith and Caleb are constantly changing their minds, feeling sorry for themselves, and generally just being boring. They didn't get around to doing their urgent mission until the end. All of the secrets/spoilers were just miraculously realized in 25 pages in the end. And Wraith's big reveal of her human life? The solution? Weird as heck. It felt really forced and I was a little sick to my stomach...

However, Virna is a great writer and I liked all of the parts with...more

like · see review

Jan 16, 2012 Heidi rated it 5 of 5 stars

Another good one..wraith is not altogether likable which only makes you like her more..the writers approach to romance is spot on love is raw and messy thats why i like these books her charachters are paranormal and yet you still connect with them

1 like · like · see review

Aug 30, 2012 Amy rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: action-adventure, contemporary, paranormal, paranormal-romance, urban-fantasy, vampires, werewolves

**Four and a half stars**

Really good follow up to Chosen By Blood. This series just keeps getting better and better.

like · see review

Mar 14, 2011 Susan Hatler rated it 5 of 5 stars

The heroine was tough, but so vulnerable on the inside. Rooted for her the entire book. A very fast read!

like · see review

title link	preview: Chosen by Fate
avg rating	preview: Chosen by Fate Goodreads rating: 3.91 (236 ratings)
small image	preview: click here [close]
med image	preview: click here [close]
BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10629328-chosen-by-fate?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1299223510l/10629328.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10629328-chosen-by-fate?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]Chosen by Fate by Virna DePaul[/url]

Chosen by Fate (Para-Ops #2)

Friend Reviews

Lists with This Book

Community Reviews

new topic
Discuss This Book

combine
Other Editions (2)

Genres

Readers also enjoyed similar books

About Virna DePaul

Books by Virna DePaul

Share This Book

Share This Book on Your Website

Trivia About Chosen by Fate