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Tests of Fate
Mallory learned at a young age not to rely on other people. People leave. People move on. People get forgotten. The one time she broke that rule, she nearly lost herself. Now that she has finally dug herself out of the dark hole, she is determined to live her life for herself and without complications. Until she meets Christian. Something about him has her willing to toe the line between fun and complicated, even as she comes face to face with a past she has worked so hard to forget.
Chris is fun. People have always enjoyed being around him. Women enjoy dating him even though one night is all he’s willing to offer. Relationships are nothing but a recipe for pain and disappointment. Until he meets Mallory. There’s something about her, and suddenly those thoughts move to the farthest point in his mind. When his life comes crashing down and secrets come to light, he must quickly decide just how willing he is to disregard every rule he’s made.
Chris is fun. People have always enjoyed being around him. Women enjoy dating him even though one night is all he’s willing to offer. Relationships are nothing but a recipe for pain and disappointment. Until he meets Mallory. There’s something about her, and suddenly those thoughts move to the farthest point in his mind. When his life comes crashing down and secrets come to light, he must quickly decide just how willing he is to disregard every rule he’s made.
294 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 16, 2024
4 people are currently reading
39 people want to read
About the author
Ashley Willow
19 books103 followersI'm a bookworm. My family teases me because I'll even read a book while I watch TV. Watching the game? Yup, I'm reading during the commercials.
Writing started off as a hobby. I would write what I wanted to read. When I was younger, I thought it was fun to write better versions of my favorite books... it all went well until the epic smut I wrote was discovered and I got grounded for two weeks.
Now I can't get grounded anymore :)
Writing started off as a hobby. I would write what I wanted to read. When I was younger, I thought it was fun to write better versions of my favorite books... it all went well until the epic smut I wrote was discovered and I got grounded for two weeks.
Now I can't get grounded anymore :)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
February 4, 2024
4.75 stars!! I loved this book. The story, the spice, the emotions! Everything about it was top-tier. I highly recommend this to anyone, but especially my romance besties! It is well written and dare I say a top 3 romance of 2024 and I read it in January, so do with that what you will! I can't wait to read more from Ashley Willow :)
December 17, 2023
Ahhhh!!! This book! Definitely different from what I usually read but this book was so sweet and cute I love it! It’s a nice blend of spice and sweet all in one!! I am so glad I read this book!!
Mallory learned at a young age not to rely on other people. People leave. People move on. People get forgotten. The one time she broke that rule, she nearly lost herself. Now that she has finally dug herself out of the dark hole, she is determined to live her life for herself and without complications. Until she meets Christian. Something about him has her willing to toe the line between fun and complicated, even as she comes face to face with a past she has worked so hard to forget.
Chris is fun. People have always enjoyed being around him. Women enjoy dating him even though one night is all he’s willing to offer. Relationships are nothing but a recipe for pain and disappointment. Until he meets Mallory. There’s something about her, and suddenly those thoughts move to the farthest point in his mind. When his life comes crashing down and secrets come to light, he must quickly decide just how willing he is to disregard every rule he’s made.
Mallory learned at a young age not to rely on other people. People leave. People move on. People get forgotten. The one time she broke that rule, she nearly lost herself. Now that she has finally dug herself out of the dark hole, she is determined to live her life for herself and without complications. Until she meets Christian. Something about him has her willing to toe the line between fun and complicated, even as she comes face to face with a past she has worked so hard to forget.
Chris is fun. People have always enjoyed being around him. Women enjoy dating him even though one night is all he’s willing to offer. Relationships are nothing but a recipe for pain and disappointment. Until he meets Mallory. There’s something about her, and suddenly those thoughts move to the farthest point in his mind. When his life comes crashing down and secrets come to light, he must quickly decide just how willing he is to disregard every rule he’s made.
February 18, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. The story was great and, as with the first book, all the medical things are accurate. Which to me is important because I have a medical background. When things are done incorrectly, I focus on that. But this author does a fantastic job of explaining things and works through them beautifully.
Now why did I give it 4 and not 5? The answer is simply that I did not care for Mallory, our FMC. NOW, in saying that, let me also say this, I have read books where I had no feelings towards the characters. This author, while it may not have been her intention, wrote a character that while it was dislike, I felt something towards. So regardless of them being negative, I was still able to feel, meaning the book is very well written.
Overall I loved the story line. And I'm not sure it could have gone the way that it did without the FMC being the character/person that she was. Now the MMC, Christian, yes please! Sign. Me. Up. The plot development needed the Mallory's insecurities and past to lead us to the HEA. A few twist in here that are hidden well. I did not see one specifically coming at all. And yet, it became such a huge part of this story. Our favorites from Stars of Life show up and we see a little more into their happily ever after. We also meet a few more along the way. Lots of banter that adds to the story. Like when there is a mention of a KED that I personally have not thought of or used in the better part of ten years. The way the characters responded was very genuine.
Go read this book. It's worth it. I'm going to sit back and patiently wait for James' book. Which I hope she writes, because I need it. I want to know!
Happy Reading Ya'll
Now why did I give it 4 and not 5? The answer is simply that I did not care for Mallory, our FMC. NOW, in saying that, let me also say this, I have read books where I had no feelings towards the characters. This author, while it may not have been her intention, wrote a character that while it was dislike, I felt something towards. So regardless of them being negative, I was still able to feel, meaning the book is very well written.
Overall I loved the story line. And I'm not sure it could have gone the way that it did without the FMC being the character/person that she was. Now the MMC, Christian, yes please! Sign. Me. Up. The plot development needed the Mallory's insecurities and past to lead us to the HEA. A few twist in here that are hidden well. I did not see one specifically coming at all. And yet, it became such a huge part of this story. Our favorites from Stars of Life show up and we see a little more into their happily ever after. We also meet a few more along the way. Lots of banter that adds to the story. Like when there is a mention of a KED that I personally have not thought of or used in the better part of ten years. The way the characters responded was very genuine.
Go read this book. It's worth it. I'm going to sit back and patiently wait for James' book. Which I hope she writes, because I need it. I want to know!
Happy Reading Ya'll
January 4, 2024
- Mallory and Christian are serious Couple Goals!!!
I cannot in words explain how much I love this book. It is such a warm and cozy story and I just kept going back for more.
Firstly… I loved how they both worked in the medical field. It was such an amazing vibe. I fell in love with the characters as soon as they were introduced. Especially Mallory, Christian and Dan.
I loved the relationship and bonds between all the characters and how they were all linked by their professions and family.
I truly can’t describe how good the love story between Mallory and Christian is. They are so sweet and perfect for each other yet they are both a bit broken and still they make it work. I loved how they had issues but managed to figure it out. The anticipation during the time they weren’t together had my stomach in knots. It was soooo good!!
This story had some serious spice. Delicious spice!
THE RESTAURANT… I was there for it!!
The book was extremely well paced.
It was extremely well written.
Amazing character development.
The storyline was exciting, emotional and just plain brilliant.
Epilogue - oh my goodness… I was in tears over Samantha Rae. If you know, you know.
This is a story of life bringing two unexpected people together and they help each other to figure out all the other stuff that’s messed up in their lives, together!!
It’s a story of reconciliation, trials, forgiveness, hope and love!
I loved every second and I am so sad that it’s done.
HIGHLY RECOMMEND
I cannot in words explain how much I love this book. It is such a warm and cozy story and I just kept going back for more.
Firstly… I loved how they both worked in the medical field. It was such an amazing vibe. I fell in love with the characters as soon as they were introduced. Especially Mallory, Christian and Dan.
I loved the relationship and bonds between all the characters and how they were all linked by their professions and family.
I truly can’t describe how good the love story between Mallory and Christian is. They are so sweet and perfect for each other yet they are both a bit broken and still they make it work. I loved how they had issues but managed to figure it out. The anticipation during the time they weren’t together had my stomach in knots. It was soooo good!!
This story had some serious spice. Delicious spice!
THE RESTAURANT… I was there for it!!
The book was extremely well paced.
It was extremely well written.
Amazing character development.
The storyline was exciting, emotional and just plain brilliant.
Epilogue - oh my goodness… I was in tears over Samantha Rae. If you know, you know.
This is a story of life bringing two unexpected people together and they help each other to figure out all the other stuff that’s messed up in their lives, together!!
It’s a story of reconciliation, trials, forgiveness, hope and love!
I loved every second and I am so sad that it’s done.
HIGHLY RECOMMEND
January 15, 2024
I really enjoyed Mallory and Christian's story! I was hooked from the very beginning.
I was able to really relate to Mallory and the past that she had that carved her into who she was today. It is crazy how something that happened in the past effects your present and future. Mallory had major walls up but over time was able to take those walls down. I was happy to read her fixing her relationship with Michael.
It melted my heart at the relationship Mallory developed with Lily.
Mallory and Christian are like the perfect couple and made for each other. (It is almost like the author wrote it that way...😉) Oh and the SPICE was on point!!!!!
I just love their story and love the pace of the book and story.
This book made me feel MANY different emotions. I was happy one min, sad and crying the next. This book told a wonderful story of true love, forgiveness, life changes and so much hope.
I highly recommend this book!
I was able to really relate to Mallory and the past that she had that carved her into who she was today. It is crazy how something that happened in the past effects your present and future. Mallory had major walls up but over time was able to take those walls down. I was happy to read her fixing her relationship with Michael.
It melted my heart at the relationship Mallory developed with Lily.
Mallory and Christian are like the perfect couple and made for each other. (It is almost like the author wrote it that way...😉) Oh and the SPICE was on point!!!!!
I just love their story and love the pace of the book and story.
This book made me feel MANY different emotions. I was happy one min, sad and crying the next. This book told a wonderful story of true love, forgiveness, life changes and so much hope.
I highly recommend this book!
January 16, 2024
Slow read but good
I enjoyed this story to a degree. I liked the well developed characters and the unique storyline. We all know our favorite romances can be repetitive. So this one definitely has a different spin. The Single Dad trope gets me every time. This one is again different from most others with the same trope. There is a lot going on in this book. Most of it is good and helps connect you with the characters, although I sometimes felt like "why is this part of the story"? As for us spice lovers, I know you're wondering... The spice was on a medium level. The scenes were hot, and their passion for each other was intense.
Overall, it was a good book. I liked Mallory & Christian. And of course their hea.
I enjoyed this story to a degree. I liked the well developed characters and the unique storyline. We all know our favorite romances can be repetitive. So this one definitely has a different spin. The Single Dad trope gets me every time. This one is again different from most others with the same trope. There is a lot going on in this book. Most of it is good and helps connect you with the characters, although I sometimes felt like "why is this part of the story"? As for us spice lovers, I know you're wondering... The spice was on a medium level. The scenes were hot, and their passion for each other was intense.
Overall, it was a good book. I liked Mallory & Christian. And of course their hea.
January 11, 2024
This book seemed like it started as a YA romance, and the author tried to throw spice in, but it felt like it didn't really fit. Here are some things that didn't work for me: the story felt as if there wasn't really a plot other than the FMC's insecurities about relationships; there was a disconnect between who the MMC was in most of the story and then who he was during the spicy scenes; the writing felt clunky, almost as if the author hadn't had a beta reader review it before publishing; and, finally, the FMC mentioned this past abusive relationship so much that I expected that guy to pop up at some point & cause a complication. I'm not sure I'd read another book by this author again.
January 17, 2024
Ashley has written a great follow up to Written in the stars. The characters come to life and you feel what they are feeling.
Mallory is estranged from her family. She believed one thing, until she finds out what she thought was completely not the case.
Chris is an EMT and he was Alyssa's partner from Written in the stars. This book is an amazing read. Please read Written in the stars first, then it will make complete sense. I highly recommend reading these books. I hope there will be another on to continue following this entire family and how Lili settles in and their future. I can't get enough of this family.
Mallory is estranged from her family. She believed one thing, until she finds out what she thought was completely not the case.
Chris is an EMT and he was Alyssa's partner from Written in the stars. This book is an amazing read. Please read Written in the stars first, then it will make complete sense. I highly recommend reading these books. I hope there will be another on to continue following this entire family and how Lili settles in and their future. I can't get enough of this family.
January 20, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/🌶️🌶️🌶️
Ohhh this book was seriously something. It was the cutest, swooniest love story between Mallory and Christian and can I say couple goals!!!
I binged this book in a day, I loved all the characters (main and side), I loved the romantic and friendship character progression and development. We all need a friend like Dan, he is friend goals!
There is elements of spice throughout the book and when it hits it is seriously spicy 🌶️.
The story seemed to flow beautifully there was emotion, you felt the characters heartache, anticipation when the characters were having issues but also just beautifully paced and well written.
I highly recommend this book! ✨😍
Ohhh this book was seriously something. It was the cutest, swooniest love story between Mallory and Christian and can I say couple goals!!!
I binged this book in a day, I loved all the characters (main and side), I loved the romantic and friendship character progression and development. We all need a friend like Dan, he is friend goals!
There is elements of spice throughout the book and when it hits it is seriously spicy 🌶️.
The story seemed to flow beautifully there was emotion, you felt the characters heartache, anticipation when the characters were having issues but also just beautifully paced and well written.
I highly recommend this book! ✨😍
December 4, 2023
If you love any of the following, you're going to love this book:
*EMS/First Responder Romance
*Genuine friendships outside of the romance
*Tension with spicy payoff
*Books that pull you in and hold you close
Christian will definitely be your next book boyfriend, even if I spent half the time yelling at him. Mallory and he are perfect for each other. They are both flawed but not without hope. They teach each other to trust again.
I loved it, and will be going back to read book 1 while I wait impatiently for book 3.
*EMS/First Responder Romance
*Genuine friendships outside of the romance
*Tension with spicy payoff
*Books that pull you in and hold you close
Christian will definitely be your next book boyfriend, even if I spent half the time yelling at him. Mallory and he are perfect for each other. They are both flawed but not without hope. They teach each other to trust again.
I loved it, and will be going back to read book 1 while I wait impatiently for book 3.
January 8, 2024
Very well written and with the perfect amount of spice. I loved the relationships between all the characters. I loved the relationship between Mallory and Christian. Definite couple goals. I also loved that Mallory was able to repair her relationship with her dad and brother. I could see this being a movie on the hallmark channel. Excited to see what happens next for Mallory and Christian.
I received an advanced copy of this book for free through book funnel and this is my honest review.
I received an advanced copy of this book for free through book funnel and this is my honest review.
March 7, 2024
Mallory and Christian ❤️🔥"I couldn't have done any of this without you "
I absolutely loved this love story between Mallory and Christian. They completed each other completely and wholeheartedly. Let the words in this book take you on a wonderful ride full of love, passion, steam 🥵 growth, family, all the feels.
You get to experience walls coming down when these two finally let the other break it down. They learn how to heal together.
I absolutely loved this love story between Mallory and Christian. They completed each other completely and wholeheartedly. Let the words in this book take you on a wonderful ride full of love, passion, steam 🥵 growth, family, all the feels.
You get to experience walls coming down when these two finally let the other break it down. They learn how to heal together.
January 8, 2024
Ashley did it again!
Mallory & Christian are a power couple! They are the perfect match for one another. She calls him out on his behavior, he calms her anxiety. The spice between the two is hot!!!
Add in the other characters - Dan, Lily, Michael, Alyssa, the parents… that’s the village everyone wants!
Mallory & Christian are a power couple! They are the perfect match for one another. She calls him out on his behavior, he calms her anxiety. The spice between the two is hot!!!
Add in the other characters - Dan, Lily, Michael, Alyssa, the parents… that’s the village everyone wants!
January 10, 2024
I am feeling so many emotions with this book. I laughed, I got mad, I cried, I blushed….A LOT! This book took me through a ringer with my emotions. One of my favorite things is that I could relate to characters in books and Ms. Ashley delivered it. I still wanna cry because this book ended the way it did. MS. ASHLEY I NEED A PART 2!
January 15, 2024
This book was amazing! I totally fell in love with the main characters Mallory and Christian immediately! The spice in this book was perfect! This book had me laughing, emotional at times, blushing and kicking my feet! It was just a joy to read this book as an arc! Thank you for sharing their story! I look forward to more from Ashley Willow! Could not put this one down!
January 17, 2024
Absolutely fell in love with this book from the beginning! I loved following Christian and Mallory’s stories. Seeing them both overcome things from their past and work through all these obstacles was perfect! And the bond that Mallory and Lily had from the beginning and the love they showed her through her own times. Ughhh, I did not want it to end! Absolutely amazing book!
November 19, 2023
I absolutely loved this book. If you’re a fan of EMS/medical dramas/romance. Give this a go!
Christian and Mallory were exactly what each other needed to move on from their pasts and move forward in life! And spicy time with Christian *chefs kiss*! I need more!
Christian and Mallory were exactly what each other needed to move on from their pasts and move forward in life! And spicy time with Christian *chefs kiss*! I need more!
November 21, 2023
The spice in this book was perfect! Very sub/dom/praise kink! Christian won my heart completely!!! If your into ems/medical romance this is the book for you! I enjoyed it very much!
Spice:
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Some elements that may be triggering for some people:
Family death
Depression
Family drama
Spice:
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Some elements that may be triggering for some people:
Family death
Depression
Family drama
December 18, 2023
I loved this.
Christian is your charming boy next door with swag. Mallory is your headstrong “I’ve got this” kind of girl. Put them in a room together and heaven help them both.
The chemistry is superb. The spice is hot and this love story is another one for the books.
Christian is your charming boy next door with swag. Mallory is your headstrong “I’ve got this” kind of girl. Put them in a room together and heaven help them both.
The chemistry is superb. The spice is hot and this love story is another one for the books.
January 5, 2024
This book was so good! It's the second book to Stars of Life. It's a single dad, sworn off love, reformed playboy, found family, reclaimed family, and praise tropes! It's also a medical romance! If this is your vibe go check out this series! Spice rating is: 3.5🌶️.
January 6, 2024
Absolutely loved this book! It’s the second in Ashleys medical drama series. If you love Greys anatomy, and that sort of vibe it’s perfect for you. It does have a bit of spice, so if that’s your vibe definitely give it a read. Highly recommend.
January 17, 2024
I really enjoyed Mallory and Christian’s story, this book was very well written. This book was highly addictive and quickly sucked me in. I didn’t want it to end, can’t wait to read more from this wonderful author.
January 17, 2024
This is the second book I read by this Author. I loved it just as much as the first one. She writes these character’s so well, that you can’t help but fall in love with them. Would definitely recommend and can’t wait to see what she writes next.
January 17, 2024
I loved the dynamic between Mallory and Christian in this romance. It had a wonderfully done amount of spice. I have to admit, this is a Hallmark worthy piece of material - given they don't show spice lol. Absolutely well done!! The chemistry was on point.
February 4, 2024
Ashley has done it again!! This book had my emotions all over the place! From the meet cute, the spice, the family dynamic and to the medical aspect, it was all chefs kiss! This book had it all and leaves you wanting more!!
January 8, 2024
Absolutely Amazing! Ashley Willow did it again. Such a warm, cute and wonderful story.
Highly recommend. ARC Reader.
Highly recommend. ARC Reader.
January 16, 2024
Was a good book enjoyed reading it
January 18, 2024
I am in love with with this book. This book is such a cute romance story. Enough spice ;), Good character development and mallory and Christian, it’s a perfect couple. Im in love with this book sometimes a bit too much spice but I love the drama and it made me feel safe and it was an easy read❤️
January 21, 2024
Very good book. I really enjoyed reading it.
February 1, 2024
This is the second book I've read by Ashley. It's well written and I loved Mallory and Christian. The story drew me in a I couldn't put it down. I'm looking forward to her next book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews