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Destiny #2

Destiny's Choice

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No one evades Fate. Especially when the escape route is cracked and full of holes.


As a naïve young woman, Marité Muro nearly drowned in a maelstrom of confusing emotions stirred by two very different men. One whose tortured soul tugged at her heart, another whose scorching touch made her innocent body want…more.


Four years in a Spanish prep school gave her time to gain perspective, and now she’s come home to Florida knowing what she wants. The one man she’s never been able to forget, and she’s ready to prove their age difference is no obstacle.


Viet Nam left scars on Brian MacKay, some visible, some invisible—and infinitely more dangerous. His war buddy’s sister-in-law has ripened into a tempting, irresistible woman, but she is forbidden fruit. Yet she challenges his resolve until, in a moment of weakness, his demons slip free.


Marité isn’t sure why the man who held her closer than skin is suddenly holding her at arm’s length, but she isn’t afraid to fight for him. Even when someone returns from the past who could destroy everything. Her home. Her family. And Brian’s love.

251 pages, Paperback

Published August 1, 2016

11 people are currently reading
226 people want to read

About the author

Victoria Saccenti

28 books561 followers
Bestselling and multiple award-winning author Victoria Saccenti writes what she loves to read: contemporary steamy/dark romance, PNR and Fantasy romance, MC Daddies and 20th century military. She can’t resist exploring the twists and turns of human interaction and the ways of love. Her characters are flawed, angsty, and seeking redemption. The good news is she’s an avowed optimist, so expect to read happy endings.
A native of Cuba, she speaks English and Spanish fluently, loves to dance salsa and drink single malt whisky. After thirty years of traveling the world for an international company, she’s settled in Central Florida, where she splits her busy schedule between family and her active muse at Essence Publishing. However, if she could convince her husband to sell their home, she would pack up her computer and move to Scotland, a land she adores.


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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
Profile Image for Simply Love Book Reviews.
7,046 reviews872 followers
August 1, 2016
Amanda's review posted at Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews

Destiny’s Choice is a coming of age story for Marite Muro, the younger sister of Raquel from the first story, Destiny’s Plan. It picks up where the first story left off at the baptism for the three babies in the large family. Marite may be 15 but she has matured in the last few years with all that went on with her mother and sister. Sensing the impending heartache and trouble her granddaughter is going to deal with, Marite’s grandmother announces that Marite is going to return with her to Spain and attend school there. Four years have gone by and she has become a young woman and is returning to the US to find answers to her heart’s desires.

Marite has grown up but in some ways she is still young, naïve and sheltered, and has a hard time understanding her own feelings. Her cousin Michael is more like a brother to her and he has been distant and troubled and she doesn’t know how to help him. She loves him but doesn’t understand why he is hurting. I had very little sympathy for Michael when I found out why he behaves badly and wondered where this was going to take him. Unfortunately it is leading him down a dark path. Brian is 7 years older and she can feel an attraction between them but doesn’t know how to approach it. What she doesn’t realize is that Brian, a returning Vietnam vet, is dealing with PTSD flashbacks and a horrific ending to a recent relationship. She wants to be there for him and struggles to not act childish and be supportive. Michael doesn’t make it easy for her and when she reaches out, he lashes out at her. Then things get blown out of proportion when his actions are brought to daylight. Brian thinks the worse of her and doesn’t give her a chance to explain.

Unfortunately things are left hanging in the balance and we’re going to have to wait for the story to continue with the sequel, Destiny’s Way.

Destiny’s Choice has a darker tone and there is trouble brewing for Marite, Michael and Brian. A lighter moment is when Brian and Marite act on their attraction and make love for the very first time. Somehow the fates have brought these three together and it is a wonder how things will turn out for each of them. It isn’t going to be an easy fix considering Michael is using drugs and alcohol as a crutch to deal with his pain and frustration. Brian and Marite have both run in different directions, and one or both may be too stubborn to make the first move. I was at first disappointed that the main characters story wasn’t concluded in this book but I figured there was more to be told and needed a sequel to finish it properly. I liked her debut novel and this book as well because the feelings are raw and real. I can only wait and hope that the ending will be just as good as the first book and that love will find a way to bring Marite and Brian together again.

Review copy provided for an honest review.
Profile Image for April (TwilightTINK).
31 reviews
August 29, 2016
This is the second novel from this amazing author. If you read Destiny's Plan, you will know some of the characters but you won't know this story. This novel focuses on Marite and her complex relationships with her brother in laws' best friend Brian and her cousin Michael,

Marite's story is one of young adulthood and choices and trying to find love. It is beautifully written, very compelling and an adult story. Parts are sexy but not over the top. It is not just a coming of age story but a finding yourself story. Young love is masterfully woven into a beautiful story about finding womanhood.

You won't be able to help but root for her and hope she follows her heart no matter where it leads.

This story can be read as a stand alone but I think it's better read after the first book so you will understand the references to her past.

The author has grown into the story and her characters and though I really liked the first book, I love this one! Keep in mind this is the first half of two. You won't get full resolution in this book. But you will want to see how it resolves.
Profile Image for Melissa Schaub.
1,589 reviews
May 28, 2017
5 Stars *****

Destiny’s Choice is the second book in Victoria Saccenti’s Destiny series and I couldn’t be happier that we got to have Marite’s story. We know from reading the first book that things were not always easy in her life but I loved how she refused to let it bring her down. She is now set on a course to make the one man she has always carried feelings for make her realize that she is no longer a child.
Brian has been through the Vietnam war and has the scars inside and outside to prove it. Through it all he has been very careful of the feelings that he carries for his best friends sister in law but now that she is all grown up, it is getting harder. Will she be able to make him realize what is right in front of him before it is to late?
This book definitely made you have crazy feeling while reading it, I wanted so bad for them to work out and there were parts where I wasn’t sure it was going to go my way. I also really loved that we got an update on characters from the previous book. I am really glad that I found this author and I plan to keep reading her books as long as she is putting them out!
Profile Image for Teresita.
21 reviews
May 7, 2017
Exquisite story of a young woman's destined journey in love. The writing in this novel is superb. Images and feelings are beautifully expressed with words flowing like poetry. Characters are well developed. As a reader, I couldn't help but form an attachment to favorites and empathy for those characters who are hurting.

Marite was an innocent young teen when she the stirrings of her heart began to intensify. Her brother-in-law's best friend Brian, a cowboy at heart and Vietnam vet is 7 years her senior. But her undeniable pull to Brian, although he is miles away, has Marite beginning a deep feeling of need. But she also experiences confusing feelings towards her troubled first cousins, Michael. To help her navigate her young feelings and develop herself, Marite's grandmother, (Abuela), takes her to Spain to complete her high school education. Marie's Abuela also provides her with guidance and assists her to understand of her own heart.

Brian experiences in Vietnam left him injured both physically and mentally. Occasionally, the reminder of his injured leg manifests in a limp as well as flashes of PTSD. In a desperate attempt to forget about Marite, Brian tries to have a relationship with another woman, Amanda. Because of his heart's need, Brian is unable to 100% give himself to her and the relationship has a tragic end that fills him with guilt.

A few years older than his cousin, Michael watched Marite grow from a little girl to a young woman. At her arrival at the family ranch in Florida, Michael became Marite's self-appointed protector. He is angered, frustrated and in agony of his mind and heart's choice of Marite as his own. He dives into alcohol and drugs to help him forget.

Once completing her studies and fortified with her Abuela's guidance, Marite returns to the United States to confront all of her feelings for Brian and Michael. With the three brought together to attend a family baptism, destiny will not be denied it's will. Brian and Michael appreciate Marite's physical maturity, but neither credit her for the maturity of her heart. Her Abuela's words of wisdom help Marite understand her feelings for Michael. She wants to help him but her heart belongs to Brian. She feels bliss that she and Brian have professed their love by in words and body.

The story ends when Michael's abject self-hate has him acting out his need of Marite in front of the whole family. Without allowing her to explain what occurred, Brian's guilt over his own past and his self-labeling as too damaged for Marite, he takes off back to his home in Texas. Marite takes her broken heart back to Spain into the care of her Abuela.

I would highly recommend reading the first book of this series, Destiny's Plan to gain a good understanding of all the characters and story plots. I would also highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys terrific writing, detailed character development and fabulous story plots.

Book 3 of this trilogy is due out in August, 2017.
Profile Image for Pearls.
291 reviews22 followers
August 1, 2016

A sweeping love story across time and land. The social customs of courtship from traditional Spain and Cuba are played out against the free love of 1970's Florida as women are pursued by the men who love them. The focus of the story is Marite', who is loved by two very different men. Both are fighting their own destructive demons. Confused as she awakens the sexual woman inside herself, Marite' must chose between two non-traditional choices. Meanwhile, her cousin Lorrie lives with her boyfriend and her cousin's friend Rafe engages in a traditional courtship for the love of his life. The novel takes the reader on a journey of emotions as love and grief hold their sway. Set during a child's christening, a time celebrating new beginnings, the story also shows how the past impacts the present and the future, raising the question of starting over with a clean slate and of paying penance for absolution. And while Marite' may have made her choice, is it Destiny's choice?




19 reviews5 followers
August 19, 2016
This is a truly amazing book by an amazing author!!!! All the twists and turns kept me reading. Who will win? The bad guy or the good guy??? I had to find out!!! This book is a must read!!!
Profile Image for Amber Proud.
87 reviews4 followers
September 14, 2017
**This oil was provided by the author to Nerd Girl in exchange for an honest review**

After reading the first installment of the series, I was blown away! So I was super excited when the author asked me to read the rest of the series. I felt like a kid in a candy store with a 100$ bill.

From the moment I got my hands on this book, I couldn't put it down. From the first page to the last. I never took a break. It was that AMAZING!

This installment picks up right where book one left off at the baptism. This story centers around Marite. Raquel from the first installments little sister. We follow her journey. After being abroad for 4 years, she returns to the states. Matured, older and ready to go after her hearts desire. Cue Brian and Michael! I mean what girl can't relate to that right? With excitement, danger, desperation, passion and anguish... I can't imagine this story being any better.

I was extremely impressed with the dynamic of this story. There were some scenarios even lines I was hoping the author would cross and she did!! The amazing twists and turns in this installment captivated and kept my attention. With beautifully rendered characters and an insightfully alluring plot line, this book raced its way to one of my top 5 favorite. With characters you will fall in love with, fight for and feel the need to protect as if they are your own blood. (Cough Brian cough) If you haven't added this to your "MUST READ" list then I suggest you hop to it!

This author never disappoints and with tears in my eyes as I read the last few pages, my heart stopped. I can NOT wait to read the next installment. It just gets better and better as you go! I tip my hat to you.. 5 STARS across the board!!
Profile Image for Jaime Fertal.
334 reviews9 followers
September 28, 2018
Marite is a young woman who has always been in love with a close friend of the family named Brian but her family always seen it as a crush and Brian always seen it but would never act on anything. Years later Marite comes back and Brian notices that she is a young woman now, not a child and he has some feelings that he doesnt want to show or act on because he feels she deserves better than him. Marite is kinda in the middle of two guys love and affection but one of them guys is her first cousin.

What I enjoyed most about Destiny's Choice was watching how two people who have always had some sort of feelings for each other finally give it a chance to see what it can be, as at this point its not just crushes its love. Seeing how Marite has all this family on her side that wants to see her happy and believes that Brian and her would be the perfect match, if only Brian allows himself this happyness after so much has gone wrong in his life.

This book takes some to get into but I am so glad I stuck it out and I cant wait to read the next book in the series to find out what happens between Marite and Brian. This book has Brian a war vet who is best friends with Marite's brother in law, who knows all about Brians demons and what holds him back from letting himself be happy. Marite a young woman who has always know that Brian is it for her, but not seeing it ever happen with how distant he can be, one night can change everything, a love story. If you like stories like this, then Destiny's Choice is a must!
Profile Image for Liz.
2,372 reviews46 followers
October 9, 2017
Destiny's Choice is the second book in a series, I hadn't read the first book and I spent the first few chapters working out who was who and what was going on. What I realised pretty quickly was that the story was full of different layers. All of the family members had branches of story but this book focused on Mariete, an innocent young girl, who returns from studies abroad and finds herself torn between two men. The story is addictive, even when I had no clue what was going on, I needed to find out what was going to happen. Beautifully descriptive and atmospheric, this book was a good read. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
Profile Image for Karen Ingalls.
Author 10 books79 followers
November 1, 2017
An uncomfortable love triangle between Michael, his first cousin Marite, and Brian. It is well written and there were only a couple of editorial mistakes. I had to give it 4 stars because I found myself having difficulty with Michael and Marite's relationship and the too descriptive and long sex scenes. It was a fast read and overall enjoyable.
It was enjoyable to read a story that takes place in Florida where I currently live. To have Ocala, Tampa, Gainesville in the story added some interest for me.
Profile Image for Jeanette.
540 reviews3 followers
December 13, 2017
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

I was confused through about the first half of this book. I know it's the second in the series, but I was led to believe that it could be read as a stand alone. Maybe it's just me, but I couldn't figure out what was going on with all the characters, and not in a good "mystery" way, but in more of an annoying "what the heck" way.... I kept reading though, because I wanted to see what would happen with Mari..... I'm still on the fence if I would read the others in the series. Maybe.
Profile Image for Karl Morgan.
Author 24 books36 followers
December 12, 2017
I thought this story was very engaging and continually drove me to the next page. I love a book that I find hard to put down. It is the coming of age story of Marite, a Latina who is caught between her desire for two men.

I am not much of one for romances, but the writing style kept me going. Since it's part 2 of a 3 part series, the ending isn't really an ending, but the ride is definitely worth it. There is significant adult content, just so you know.
Profile Image for Mary.
2,753 reviews23 followers
August 28, 2018
This is a dramatic and interesting story. Brian, Michael and Marite are strong characters with different stories, but bonds that tie them together. The storyline is intense, the writing is good and the ending is satisfying.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Reading Deals. This is my honest and voluntary opinion of it.
Profile Image for Sherry Westendorf.
4,603 reviews22 followers
February 5, 2019
I missed the first book in the series but loved this one any way. It is a story of life's many ups an downs. Even though you know what you want and work hard for it the road is full of twists and turns. Love paves the way and emotions and so much more are passed along the way. I was given a review copy by reading deals and review it.
Profile Image for Kim F.
2,873 reviews2 followers
November 24, 2017
Absolutely loved this story. Very interesting sexy read. Wonderfully written with strong characters. I want to read more from this author. I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Profile Image for The Endless Unread.
3,429 reviews63 followers
August 9, 2017
Wow I am loving this series. Amazingly suspenseful. Cannot wait for the next one
Profile Image for Ester.
37 reviews
December 13, 2018
Loved it. The characters where amazing, and the setting just wonderful.
Profile Image for Michelle Ferrari-Johnson.
1,559 reviews39 followers
August 22, 2016
I love how Victoria Saccenti makes you feel right at home while you are reading this! The social customs of Spain and Cuba are accurately portrayed. I remember from my childhood friends celebrating and the food being to die for. Being Italian myself, we use any reason for a party ourselves. It's like peering into my own family.

You will absolutely love Marite` and her spirit. The ways and beliefs of old entwined with current day truths are abundant in this story. Being loved by two men and loving them back is confusing enough. Add in the fact that one is your cousin?, let's just say it makes for incredible inner turmoil.

I can't wait to get my hands on the next book to see exactly what transpires for Marite` and her heart~
Profile Image for Jalpa Williby.
Author 14 books172 followers
October 25, 2016
This is the second book of the series. I had already become familiar with the characters and the family dynamics from the first book, so I was curious where the story was going to go. Destiny's Choice is Mari's story (Raquel's little sister who was introduced to us as a little girl in the first book).

I have to admit, I was not expecting some of the events in the story, and the surprises made it intriguing. I absolutely fell is love with one of the main characters, Brian, and found myself being protective of him during the entire story.

This is a well written and well edited story. It ends in a cliffhanger, so I will definitely be waiting anxiously for the third book! #TeamBrian
Profile Image for Donna Porter.
1,034 reviews9 followers
October 21, 2016
This story is about Lita's sister, Marite and her turbulent romance with Brian McKay. He is a vietnam vet with a lot of his own problems. Marite is so innocent as she battles unforbidden feelings for her cousin, Michael and a deep feeling for Brian. She is so confused. This story was so good but now I have to wait for book three. I cried at the end of this one
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews

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