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The Guardians of Destiny #2
Chosen by Desire
Carrie Woods just can't resist temptation. To solve an ancient mystery, she "borrows" a precious, legend-cursed scroll from a Chinese monastery. But with the scroll comes bizarre powers, life-threatening accidents, and, most frightening of all, one sexy Guardian's icy-hot gaze.
Maximillian Prescott is all too happy to strip this innocent-eyed thief of her secrets and the scroll, yet he's determined to fight the undeniable attraction pulling them together. But Max isn't Carrie's only pursuer, and there's just one way to keep the scroll safe. This adventurous blonde and brooding Guardian must dare to join forces and bare their souls to each other . . . before their enemies take not only the scroll but Carrie's life.
Maximillian Prescott is all too happy to strip this innocent-eyed thief of her secrets and the scroll, yet he's determined to fight the undeniable attraction pulling them together. But Max isn't Carrie's only pursuer, and there's just one way to keep the scroll safe. This adventurous blonde and brooding Guardian must dare to join forces and bare their souls to each other . . . before their enemies take not only the scroll but Carrie's life.
352 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Published October 1, 2009
About the author
Kate Perry
64 books1,547 followersWith over 6 million books sold (and counting), Kathia’s novels have been #1 bestsellers around the world. They’ve received starred reviews from Booklist, have consistently earned Editor’s Picks for Best Romance, and have been featured by O, The Oprah Magazine and Entertainment Weekly.
Kate (aka Kathia) has written over 50 romcom and paranormal books so far, as well as a couple romantasy screenplays and various poems (her ode to the color orange is particularly moving). Full of hope and bonds of found family and friendship, her stories feature sassy, independent women who just want love and earthy men full of heart who are more than able to rise to the occasion.
Kate (aka Kathia) has written over 50 romcom and paranormal books so far, as well as a couple romantasy screenplays and various poems (her ode to the color orange is particularly moving). Full of hope and bonds of found family and friendship, her stories feature sassy, independent women who just want love and earthy men full of heart who are more than able to rise to the occasion.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
September 23, 2010
Carrie Woods wants nothing more than to prove the existence of the scrolls of destiny. She gets a tip on where they may be located and fly’s to china to search a Chinese monastery for Wei lins journal about the scrolls. Unable to view them without being caught she shoved the book and some other scrolls in her bag. Feeling guilty she felt like everyone was watching her. But the gaze of a very handsome monk worried her the most, as if he was seeing straight into her soul. Chalking the feeling up to nerves she left back to San Francisco will the book and scrolls. Soon she finds herself at the handsome monks’ home commissioned to translate some of his fa.ily texts. Finding out that this man is not a monk did not comfort her, instead she felt he must know what she did and is toying with her. Despite the feeling she couldn't keep her thoughts off him. She fantasized about him all night and only to be distracted by him during the day but unwilling to give into urges. She desperately did not want to be her mother who fell in love and had to give up her dreams for a man who left them after carries fifth birthday. Then to add to her problems she keeps getting harassing calls threatening her, saying they know what she stole and the will take it from her. Carrie knows her life may be in danger but what scares her most is her heart may be the one in the most danger, from max.
Maximillian Prescott is mesmerized by this beautiful woman who just stole a scroll from the monastery, not just any scroll but the scroll of destiny. He knows he must go after her but he didn't want to. For fear he will repeat past mistakes he made with a beautiful face.
Once max gets her in his home he is not sure if he can keep his distance from her. But every time he remembered she had stolen a scroll it was a painful reminder of his past betrayal. Then to make matters worse she admitted to knowing Rhys. He must be in on this to send a beautiful woman yet again and get her to steal from him and then betray him once again. No he couldn't let her get to close, but every time he tries to stay away he finds himself drawn in by her again. She is in his every thought. Can he trust her? Can he trust himself?
I loved this book it was just as good as the other one I just enjoyed Carrie so much more than Gabe. Max has a moment when Rhys and Gabe are there with him and Carrie and Gabe is mouthing off as usual and max thinks to himself how dose Rhys put up with her without duck tapeing her mouth. Then he thinks I must have some in my tool box some ware. It was hilarious I couldn't help myself but laugh. Carrie is so innocent and sweet and her mother is a hoot, when she tells Carrie that she’ll send her some sex toys. Carrie is a bit embarrassed by her mother’s openness but I thought it was very funny. Max is very hot and overbearing in that alpha male type of way. I thought he was just yummy. Rhys still has my heart but I just loved max too. I can't wait to read the third book in this series. If u haven't checked this series out you should add this one to the ever growing TBR list!
**Athenna**
Maximillian Prescott is mesmerized by this beautiful woman who just stole a scroll from the monastery, not just any scroll but the scroll of destiny. He knows he must go after her but he didn't want to. For fear he will repeat past mistakes he made with a beautiful face.
Once max gets her in his home he is not sure if he can keep his distance from her. But every time he remembered she had stolen a scroll it was a painful reminder of his past betrayal. Then to make matters worse she admitted to knowing Rhys. He must be in on this to send a beautiful woman yet again and get her to steal from him and then betray him once again. No he couldn't let her get to close, but every time he tries to stay away he finds himself drawn in by her again. She is in his every thought. Can he trust her? Can he trust himself?
I loved this book it was just as good as the other one I just enjoyed Carrie so much more than Gabe. Max has a moment when Rhys and Gabe are there with him and Carrie and Gabe is mouthing off as usual and max thinks to himself how dose Rhys put up with her without duck tapeing her mouth. Then he thinks I must have some in my tool box some ware. It was hilarious I couldn't help myself but laugh. Carrie is so innocent and sweet and her mother is a hoot, when she tells Carrie that she’ll send her some sex toys. Carrie is a bit embarrassed by her mother’s openness but I thought it was very funny. Max is very hot and overbearing in that alpha male type of way. I thought he was just yummy. Rhys still has my heart but I just loved max too. I can't wait to read the third book in this series. If u haven't checked this series out you should add this one to the ever growing TBR list!
**Athenna**
October 5, 2009
Gabe and Rhys (Marked by Passion) are on the sidelines and Gabe's pal Carrie takes the spotlight when she travels to China in search of evidence proving existence of the mythical Scrolls of Destiny in order to pump up her thesis and win her dream teaching job. Carrie doesn't mean to, but somehow she manages to steal a journal with proof of she needs and, unknown to her at first, one of the scrolls themselves - the Scroll of Water. Carrie's theft doesn't go unwitnessed, though living like a monk Max, the Guardian of the Scroll of Metal, senses that the scroll is in Carrie's possesion as she makes her get away. Max is sent to recover the scroll and is told to use any means necessary to make sure that the knowledge of its existence is contained.
Chosen by Desire had an old style romance feel – You'll recognize the plot line ... the leading man thinks that the leading lady is trying to 'play' him and is really in cahoots with an old foe. So the leading man is sure that her sweet innocent nature is all an act and he doesn't trust her but lusts for her. In this case the old foe is Rhys, the man Max loved like a brother, until Rhys 'betrayed' him, stealing Max's love and getting her to try and steal Max's scroll. This 'Big Misunderstanding'- because Carrie is just what she seems, sweet and not scheming - is not one of my favorite plot devices - but it does serve it's purpose here to build the tension between the pair and when Max inevitably gives into the irresistable attraction the steam factor, fortunately is anything but old school though :)
One other thing that bothered me about Chosen by Desire, was that it seemed like the Book of Water, which was rejected by its herditary guardian, had chosen Carrie - it sort of jumped into her bag and Carrie started manifesting powers of water. But in the end nothing is made of this or explained and I found that a bit disappointing.
Chosen by Desire, the second book in Kate Perry's The Guardians of Destiny, was okay but not as good as the first book Marked By Passion, on the whole it felt a little forced and the reason may be that the author originally planned to follow Gabe and Rhys through the series and the publisher wanted the next book to be about Carrie. And it is pretty obvious that the series will continue in this vein because, Perry sets up the next leading lady for the next Guardians of Destiny book TEMPTED BY FATE.
Chosen by Desire had an old style romance feel – You'll recognize the plot line ... the leading man thinks that the leading lady is trying to 'play' him and is really in cahoots with an old foe. So the leading man is sure that her sweet innocent nature is all an act and he doesn't trust her but lusts for her. In this case the old foe is Rhys, the man Max loved like a brother, until Rhys 'betrayed' him, stealing Max's love and getting her to try and steal Max's scroll. This 'Big Misunderstanding'- because Carrie is just what she seems, sweet and not scheming - is not one of my favorite plot devices - but it does serve it's purpose here to build the tension between the pair and when Max inevitably gives into the irresistable attraction the steam factor, fortunately is anything but old school though :)
One other thing that bothered me about Chosen by Desire, was that it seemed like the Book of Water, which was rejected by its herditary guardian, had chosen Carrie - it sort of jumped into her bag and Carrie started manifesting powers of water. But in the end nothing is made of this or explained and I found that a bit disappointing.
Chosen by Desire, the second book in Kate Perry's The Guardians of Destiny, was okay but not as good as the first book Marked By Passion, on the whole it felt a little forced and the reason may be that the author originally planned to follow Gabe and Rhys through the series and the publisher wanted the next book to be about Carrie. And it is pretty obvious that the series will continue in this vein because, Perry sets up the next leading lady for the next Guardians of Destiny book TEMPTED BY FATE.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 2, 2017
This book was better than the first one, but I still had trouble caring about the characters and the events of the story.
July 25, 2009
This review was originally posted on my review blog : Falling Off The Shelf.
Carrie has never stolen anything in her life, until now. Her career is at stake, and the only thing she needs to do is find proof of the Guardians of Destiny is to find Wei Lin's Journal. Unfortunetly, it's hidden away in a monastary in China, but that won't stop Carrie. She takes the tour through the monastary multiple times before she is confident enough to sneak into their archives room. Just a few snapshots and she'll have what she needs, until she's just about caught! She stuffs the journal along with a few scrolls into her bag before she's noticed.
Max notices the blonde woman stealing from the archives room of the monastary. How can such a sweet, innocent looking woman go as far as to steal from a monastary? It doesn't surprise Max when he finds out that Carrie is friends with his rival and lost brother, Rhys Llewellyn. He knows that the two of them are up to something, and he's not going to let them get away with it.
After reading and reviewing the first book in this series, Marked by Passion, I was really interested to read more about Gabe's best friend Carrie Woods. Luckily, this second installment is focused around her. I liked Carrie' character far more than Gabe, although she does have her own problems as well. Carrie seems like someone I could actually befriend, because she is smart, funny, and not afraid to stand up for what she believes in. She does have some commitment issues though, due to some problems in the past.
I'm not sure I can say whether I liked Max's character or not. He is very arrogant, and with being used to getting what he wants, he is a bit pushy with others to get just that. It didn't surprise me to know that him and Rhys butt heads in their past, as they are both the same type of character. Despite his flaws, he is a very caring character. At times it causes him to be over-protective, but it's only because he truly doesn't want harm to come to the people he loves.
This installment was pretty much paced just like the last installment, although I enjoyed this story even more. There was plenty of romance, when I needed it most, as well as some action. I was a little sad that there wasn't nearly as much paranormal focus as I would have liked, and I noticed this in the first installment as well. I would definitely recommend this book if you like a good action packed romance though.
I really liked the twist at the end of this installment. I was expecting it like I was expecting the end of the first installment. I literally had to stop and say, "Your kidding me!?" Although I should have seen it coming because it was sitting right in front of my nose the whole time. It just wasn't dangling like a piece of meat. I'm really excited to read the third installment now, and hoping it will focus on another featured character from this book. I can't honestly tell you who though, because it will give away some bits to the story.
I'd like to thank Anna Balasi of Hatchette books for sending me an ARC of this book. It was a great second to a very good series.
Carrie has never stolen anything in her life, until now. Her career is at stake, and the only thing she needs to do is find proof of the Guardians of Destiny is to find Wei Lin's Journal. Unfortunetly, it's hidden away in a monastary in China, but that won't stop Carrie. She takes the tour through the monastary multiple times before she is confident enough to sneak into their archives room. Just a few snapshots and she'll have what she needs, until she's just about caught! She stuffs the journal along with a few scrolls into her bag before she's noticed.
Max notices the blonde woman stealing from the archives room of the monastary. How can such a sweet, innocent looking woman go as far as to steal from a monastary? It doesn't surprise Max when he finds out that Carrie is friends with his rival and lost brother, Rhys Llewellyn. He knows that the two of them are up to something, and he's not going to let them get away with it.
After reading and reviewing the first book in this series, Marked by Passion, I was really interested to read more about Gabe's best friend Carrie Woods. Luckily, this second installment is focused around her. I liked Carrie' character far more than Gabe, although she does have her own problems as well. Carrie seems like someone I could actually befriend, because she is smart, funny, and not afraid to stand up for what she believes in. She does have some commitment issues though, due to some problems in the past.
I'm not sure I can say whether I liked Max's character or not. He is very arrogant, and with being used to getting what he wants, he is a bit pushy with others to get just that. It didn't surprise me to know that him and Rhys butt heads in their past, as they are both the same type of character. Despite his flaws, he is a very caring character. At times it causes him to be over-protective, but it's only because he truly doesn't want harm to come to the people he loves.
This installment was pretty much paced just like the last installment, although I enjoyed this story even more. There was plenty of romance, when I needed it most, as well as some action. I was a little sad that there wasn't nearly as much paranormal focus as I would have liked, and I noticed this in the first installment as well. I would definitely recommend this book if you like a good action packed romance though.
I really liked the twist at the end of this installment. I was expecting it like I was expecting the end of the first installment. I literally had to stop and say, "Your kidding me!?" Although I should have seen it coming because it was sitting right in front of my nose the whole time. It just wasn't dangling like a piece of meat. I'm really excited to read the third installment now, and hoping it will focus on another featured character from this book. I can't honestly tell you who though, because it will give away some bits to the story.
I'd like to thank Anna Balasi of Hatchette books for sending me an ARC of this book. It was a great second to a very good series.
January 9, 2010
I was asked by the publisher, Hatchette Book Group, to read and review Kate Perry's Chosen By Desire. If you're into romance novels, you'll definitely enjoy this! It's got a unique supernatural twist to it that creates an intense storyline.
The main character is Carrie, a young PhD student trying to come up with something groundbreaking- something that will help her stand out so she can get a professorial position at UC Berkley. Her research is on a Chinese emperor who was said to possess the power of the five elements. The myth said he divided the powers into scrolls which were then given to "Guardians". The sole purpose of the Guardians was to keep the scrolls (and hence, the power) from falling into the wrong hands.
As luck would have it, Carrie discovers the location of the journal of this famed emperor. After traveling all the way to China and finding the journal, Carrie is faced with no choice but to "borrow" the document. Unfortunately for her, Max witnessed her act of theft. Max realizes Carrie has made off with more than just the journal, and is forced to go after her and get the stolen goods back. Max employs Carrie with the intent to discover her motives, but didn't count on falling for her in the process. Meanwhile, Carrie realizes she is in way over her head when she starts receiving threatening phone calls about the things she stole. After a mess of murder attempts, false accusations, and snooping around, Carrie manages to discover who has been threatening her as well as figure out her feelings for Max.
I'm more of a historical romance reader, but I decided to have a go with this book and was pleasantly surprised! The story line was very engaging, and moved along at a pace that didn't allow me to become bored. It was definitely a fast read, taking me only two days to get through. The plot itself was a unique spin on romance novels with its use of ancient Chinese magic. As with most romance novels, this one is not lacking in "Rated R" content. Unlike many books that get a little too hung up on including as many sexy scenes as possible (thus making the book seem like nothing more than cleverly concealed porn), this book was very tastefully written.
Something that struck me early on while reading is that this is a surprisingly funny book! I related well to the character of Carrie in her mannerisms and way of speaking. I found myself smiling and laughing quite a lot throughout this book, which is unusual for me. The author develops every character well, even the minor ones like the police inspector, Rick.
I love that the author included a prologue! It's always so frustrating when you read a good love story and you never find out how everything turns out! The prologue was a "6 months later" piece, which helped to tie up a few loose ends. I was actually enjoying the reading so much that I continued and read the author's note (which, for the record, was also incredibly funny).
If you are a romance reader, give this book a read! I will definitely be checking out the rest of the Guardians of Destiny Series!
The main character is Carrie, a young PhD student trying to come up with something groundbreaking- something that will help her stand out so she can get a professorial position at UC Berkley. Her research is on a Chinese emperor who was said to possess the power of the five elements. The myth said he divided the powers into scrolls which were then given to "Guardians". The sole purpose of the Guardians was to keep the scrolls (and hence, the power) from falling into the wrong hands.
As luck would have it, Carrie discovers the location of the journal of this famed emperor. After traveling all the way to China and finding the journal, Carrie is faced with no choice but to "borrow" the document. Unfortunately for her, Max witnessed her act of theft. Max realizes Carrie has made off with more than just the journal, and is forced to go after her and get the stolen goods back. Max employs Carrie with the intent to discover her motives, but didn't count on falling for her in the process. Meanwhile, Carrie realizes she is in way over her head when she starts receiving threatening phone calls about the things she stole. After a mess of murder attempts, false accusations, and snooping around, Carrie manages to discover who has been threatening her as well as figure out her feelings for Max.
I'm more of a historical romance reader, but I decided to have a go with this book and was pleasantly surprised! The story line was very engaging, and moved along at a pace that didn't allow me to become bored. It was definitely a fast read, taking me only two days to get through. The plot itself was a unique spin on romance novels with its use of ancient Chinese magic. As with most romance novels, this one is not lacking in "Rated R" content. Unlike many books that get a little too hung up on including as many sexy scenes as possible (thus making the book seem like nothing more than cleverly concealed porn), this book was very tastefully written.
Something that struck me early on while reading is that this is a surprisingly funny book! I related well to the character of Carrie in her mannerisms and way of speaking. I found myself smiling and laughing quite a lot throughout this book, which is unusual for me. The author develops every character well, even the minor ones like the police inspector, Rick.
I love that the author included a prologue! It's always so frustrating when you read a good love story and you never find out how everything turns out! The prologue was a "6 months later" piece, which helped to tie up a few loose ends. I was actually enjoying the reading so much that I continued and read the author's note (which, for the record, was also incredibly funny).
If you are a romance reader, give this book a read! I will definitely be checking out the rest of the Guardians of Destiny Series!
July 25, 2011
This book has it all. Mysteries from the ancient past, a brooding, sexy, alpha hero, an intelligent and independent heroine, betrayal, danger, sizzling love scenes, and a lot more. I’m very glad I’ve discovered Kate Perry and her Guardians of Destiny series.
Besides all of that, this hero and heroine actually talk to one another, get their issues out in the open and deal with them. That’s so very refreshing.
Carrie is working on her thesis, and when she learns of information about the Scrolls of Destiny, she heads to China and the monastery where they’re housed. She means to only get a look at the scrolls to authenticate her paper that will give her tenure at UC Berkeley, but her plans go awry and she ends up leaving the monastery and the country with the scrolls. She vows to return them once her work is done, despite the monk who seems to know what she’s done though he doesn’t pursue her.
At least that’s what she thinks until she receives a job offer of translating another ancient text belonging to millionaire Maximillian Prescott. He’s the monk who watched her so intently in China. He’s also a Guardian, a man of few words, a man betrayed, and the handsomest and sexiest man she’s ever seen. Their attraction is immediate and neither of them can deny their need for the other.
Max is sent to Carrie to retrieve the scrolls and make sure she doesn’t make any of their sacred information public. He doesn’t expect to want her as fiercely as he does, especially considering how he’s been betrayed before by a woman and his best friend, his brother. After spending so many years in seclusion at the monastery, controlling his desire for this woman is very difficult, and once he touches her he knows he’ll never let her go.
I, of course, love Max. He’s as alpha as can be, has shut his heart away and definitely needs someone like Carrie to bring him to life again. Carrie is the typical woman who thinks she’s not beautiful, she’s chunky, she’s bookish, so no man like Max could want her, but she learns very quickly that isn’t true. I also enjoyed the mystery of the scrolls and the ensuing danger to Carrie once it’s known she has the ancient tomes. The culprit is a surprise and is revealed very late in the book, so you’re kept guessing quite a long time.
Liking this book so much, I’m determined to track down a copy of the first book in the series, whose characters are featured in CbD quite a bit and I like them a lot. I’m hoping this series goes on for a while. There is a third book coming, but couldn’t find any information beyond that on the author’s web site. Keeping my fingers crossed, though.
See my complete review at http://www.goodbadandunread.com
Besides all of that, this hero and heroine actually talk to one another, get their issues out in the open and deal with them. That’s so very refreshing.
Carrie is working on her thesis, and when she learns of information about the Scrolls of Destiny, she heads to China and the monastery where they’re housed. She means to only get a look at the scrolls to authenticate her paper that will give her tenure at UC Berkeley, but her plans go awry and she ends up leaving the monastery and the country with the scrolls. She vows to return them once her work is done, despite the monk who seems to know what she’s done though he doesn’t pursue her.
At least that’s what she thinks until she receives a job offer of translating another ancient text belonging to millionaire Maximillian Prescott. He’s the monk who watched her so intently in China. He’s also a Guardian, a man of few words, a man betrayed, and the handsomest and sexiest man she’s ever seen. Their attraction is immediate and neither of them can deny their need for the other.
Max is sent to Carrie to retrieve the scrolls and make sure she doesn’t make any of their sacred information public. He doesn’t expect to want her as fiercely as he does, especially considering how he’s been betrayed before by a woman and his best friend, his brother. After spending so many years in seclusion at the monastery, controlling his desire for this woman is very difficult, and once he touches her he knows he’ll never let her go.
I, of course, love Max. He’s as alpha as can be, has shut his heart away and definitely needs someone like Carrie to bring him to life again. Carrie is the typical woman who thinks she’s not beautiful, she’s chunky, she’s bookish, so no man like Max could want her, but she learns very quickly that isn’t true. I also enjoyed the mystery of the scrolls and the ensuing danger to Carrie once it’s known she has the ancient tomes. The culprit is a surprise and is revealed very late in the book, so you’re kept guessing quite a long time.
Liking this book so much, I’m determined to track down a copy of the first book in the series, whose characters are featured in CbD quite a bit and I like them a lot. I’m hoping this series goes on for a while. There is a third book coming, but couldn’t find any information beyond that on the author’s web site. Keeping my fingers crossed, though.
See my complete review at http://www.goodbadandunread.com
April 12, 2022
Carrie knows that what she did was wrong regardless of her best intentions. Yet despite being a good person overall, she is a thief. She inadvertently stole an ancient book and a few scrolls from a monastery in China and now she’s back in America thinking just how awful a person she is. She didn’t mean to steal them but now that she has them, they could be the push she needed to be accepted by her school. She promises herself, she will return them all as soon as she can translate them and find out if the scrolls of Destiny are really real. Unfortunately, unbeknownst to her, her crime was witnessed.
Max knows the beautiful woman has the stolen artifacts because he is their guardian. He can feel them as if they are a part of his own soul. So, when he follows her to the States and then finds her in the presence of another Guardian and his sworn enemy, he knows he needs the scrolls back as soon as possible. He employees her at his estate translating Chinese artifacts, hoping to take the stolen property back without her knowing that was his intention all along. He never stopped to consider how his feelings for her may come into play.
Someone else knows Carrie has the scroll and it seems like they are willing to kill to get the priceless thing back. After many attempts on her life, Max finally realizes how deeply he’s come to care for his guest and what he’ll do to protect her.
This book was a sold 3 star. Some things I enjoyed, others not so much. We’ll start with the positive. I liked how scatterbrained Carrie was and how aloof Max was. I really enjoy Francisca as a character -even more so when the author didn’t succumb to the easy routine and just make her the villain. I enjoyed the mother and her brutal honestly and complete lack of filter as well as the deep trauma slowly revealed to the read about Carrie’s father.
What I didn’t like, the sex scenes. In a book that’s only 340 pages, there were just so many of them and I guess that may appeal to other readers, I was enjoying the characters more then just what they did in bed. I also (while not a typical WOKE individual) couldn’t help myself but wonder, was this whole book culture appropriation? Carrie, a white woman who loves the Chinese culture and can speak ‘Chinese’ (not Mandarin or another real language) and an equally white Max who is known as Bai Hu and is a Chinese monk. I just had an off feeling about the whole thing.
Max knows the beautiful woman has the stolen artifacts because he is their guardian. He can feel them as if they are a part of his own soul. So, when he follows her to the States and then finds her in the presence of another Guardian and his sworn enemy, he knows he needs the scrolls back as soon as possible. He employees her at his estate translating Chinese artifacts, hoping to take the stolen property back without her knowing that was his intention all along. He never stopped to consider how his feelings for her may come into play.
Someone else knows Carrie has the scroll and it seems like they are willing to kill to get the priceless thing back. After many attempts on her life, Max finally realizes how deeply he’s come to care for his guest and what he’ll do to protect her.
This book was a sold 3 star. Some things I enjoyed, others not so much. We’ll start with the positive. I liked how scatterbrained Carrie was and how aloof Max was. I really enjoy Francisca as a character -even more so when the author didn’t succumb to the easy routine and just make her the villain. I enjoyed the mother and her brutal honestly and complete lack of filter as well as the deep trauma slowly revealed to the read about Carrie’s father.
What I didn’t like, the sex scenes. In a book that’s only 340 pages, there were just so many of them and I guess that may appeal to other readers, I was enjoying the characters more then just what they did in bed. I also (while not a typical WOKE individual) couldn’t help myself but wonder, was this whole book culture appropriation? Carrie, a white woman who loves the Chinese culture and can speak ‘Chinese’ (not Mandarin or another real language) and an equally white Max who is known as Bai Hu and is a Chinese monk. I just had an off feeling about the whole thing.
September 9, 2009
Author Kate Perry’s book, Chosen by Desire, is listed as part of The Guardians of Destiny Series, with Marked by Passion released first. She has other titles in contemporary romance; Project Date and Project Daddy. Kate Perry is a 7th degree black belt Kung Foo San Soo and collects swords. She resides in San Francisco, California with her love, Nate.
In order to secure a teaching position at UC Berkeley, Carrie Woods needs to write the doctoral thesis of a lifetime. Her plan? To break into a Chinese monastery and search for proof that the mythical Scrolls of Destiny are real. Except when her plan goes all wrong and she has to “borrow” the scrolls, Carrie finds herself the target of someone who wants the power they can provide. As some of those powers from The Book of Water are unknowingly being passed to her, Carrie accepts a position translating ancient Chinese texts with a man who is not who he appears to be. Max Prescott is all too happy to strip Carrie of her stolen scroll and replace it where it belongs. Being one of the Guardians, it’s his job, after all. But his unrelenting attraction for her was not planned, and he’s finding difficult to do his job with the innocent-eyed blonde under his roof. Worse, he finds himself having to protect not only the scroll, but Carrie as well. And the enemy is closer than they think.
I reviewed the first book in this series, Marked by Passion, and loved it. But I found this second book, Chosen by Desire, to be much more powerful and engaging. The first book was told in first-person, and this one was in third-person. The hero and heroine were relatable, the heat between them scorching. This is listed as a paranormal romance, but also fits the lines of urban fantasy. The plot was very fast-paced and action-packed, leaving the reader to get hooked from page one. I like that she brought back Rhys, Gabe, and Rick from the first book, as they made excellent secondary characters and added to the story-line nicely. It was also nice to see the quirky humor in this one that was present in the first book, cleverly breaking up the tension. The setting was perfect, as well.
Chosen by Desire is another winner by Kate Perry, and one not to be missed by paranormal romance fans!
Kelly Moran,
Author and Reviewer
In order to secure a teaching position at UC Berkeley, Carrie Woods needs to write the doctoral thesis of a lifetime. Her plan? To break into a Chinese monastery and search for proof that the mythical Scrolls of Destiny are real. Except when her plan goes all wrong and she has to “borrow” the scrolls, Carrie finds herself the target of someone who wants the power they can provide. As some of those powers from The Book of Water are unknowingly being passed to her, Carrie accepts a position translating ancient Chinese texts with a man who is not who he appears to be. Max Prescott is all too happy to strip Carrie of her stolen scroll and replace it where it belongs. Being one of the Guardians, it’s his job, after all. But his unrelenting attraction for her was not planned, and he’s finding difficult to do his job with the innocent-eyed blonde under his roof. Worse, he finds himself having to protect not only the scroll, but Carrie as well. And the enemy is closer than they think.
I reviewed the first book in this series, Marked by Passion, and loved it. But I found this second book, Chosen by Desire, to be much more powerful and engaging. The first book was told in first-person, and this one was in third-person. The hero and heroine were relatable, the heat between them scorching. This is listed as a paranormal romance, but also fits the lines of urban fantasy. The plot was very fast-paced and action-packed, leaving the reader to get hooked from page one. I like that she brought back Rhys, Gabe, and Rick from the first book, as they made excellent secondary characters and added to the story-line nicely. It was also nice to see the quirky humor in this one that was present in the first book, cleverly breaking up the tension. The setting was perfect, as well.
Chosen by Desire is another winner by Kate Perry, and one not to be missed by paranormal romance fans!
Kelly Moran,
Author and Reviewer
August 8, 2009
Chosen by Desire,
Book 2 in The Guardians of Destiny Series
Written by: Kate Perry
Published by: Forever
Date: October 1st, 2009
Pages: 368
Format: Mass Market Paperback
ISBN: 978-0446541015
(Available NOW!)
Bookish and devoted to her work, Carrie Woods is the last person who you could imagine as a thief; yet here she is, stealing ancient texts and scrolls from a Chinese monastery for her research project. Terrified by her criminal behavior, Carrie is doubly shocked when a monk seems catches her attention. With steely determination, Carrie clutches her bag of stolen goodies even closer to her and carries on her way. Maximillian Prescott knew by her nervous movements that the blond woman had something that didn’t belong to her. In his monk robe he felt that it should be someone elses job to find out what she had taken; unfortunately, Max’s master had other plans. As Max re-joins the outside world he lures the unsuspecting Carrie into a trap; needing to know exactly what she has stolen from the monastery, Max becomes her employer, which puts Carrie in his home, right where he wants her.
I have enjoyed both books in this fantastic series and if anything, book 2 is even better! I loved this story and I adored all the piping-hot sensuality and sexual tension that surrounds Max and Carrie, when they are together. Max is gorgeous, gruff, domineering and guarded while Carrie is open, honest (except for the latest misstep) and generous to a fault; they compliment each other well and I fell in love with their story. There is sizzling...
* Please follow the link to read the full review:
http://bookreviewsbybobbie.wordpress....
Book 2 in The Guardians of Destiny Series
Written by: Kate Perry
Published by: Forever
Date: October 1st, 2009
Pages: 368
Format: Mass Market Paperback
ISBN: 978-0446541015
(Available NOW!)
Bookish and devoted to her work, Carrie Woods is the last person who you could imagine as a thief; yet here she is, stealing ancient texts and scrolls from a Chinese monastery for her research project. Terrified by her criminal behavior, Carrie is doubly shocked when a monk seems catches her attention. With steely determination, Carrie clutches her bag of stolen goodies even closer to her and carries on her way. Maximillian Prescott knew by her nervous movements that the blond woman had something that didn’t belong to her. In his monk robe he felt that it should be someone elses job to find out what she had taken; unfortunately, Max’s master had other plans. As Max re-joins the outside world he lures the unsuspecting Carrie into a trap; needing to know exactly what she has stolen from the monastery, Max becomes her employer, which puts Carrie in his home, right where he wants her.
I have enjoyed both books in this fantastic series and if anything, book 2 is even better! I loved this story and I adored all the piping-hot sensuality and sexual tension that surrounds Max and Carrie, when they are together. Max is gorgeous, gruff, domineering and guarded while Carrie is open, honest (except for the latest misstep) and generous to a fault; they compliment each other well and I fell in love with their story. There is sizzling...
* Please follow the link to read the full review:
http://bookreviewsbybobbie.wordpress....
November 12, 2009
I’m a sucker for a fun hot romance, especially one with a touch of the paranormal, so this was right up my alley. I loved it. By the way, this is the second of the Guardians of Destiny, after Marked by Passion, but I didn’t feel like I missed much by not reading the first.
In a typical romance set-up, Max has been betrayed before and doesn’t at first believe that Carrie is as innocent as she seems. He is still drawn to her, though, and can’t resist. Carrie, of course, has her own issues. They’re a good couple. He’s brooding, bossy and over-protective. She’s her own person, not willing to just go along with whatever he says, but of course they both need each other. There’s a lot of action along the way, with others looking for the scroll and threatening Carrie’s life.
The paranormal is really a side light to the story. Max has some powers, but they only come in to play occasionally, which I like. I was glad the the romance was the center of the story. And of course, it has a happy ending, a necessity for me.
In a typical romance set-up, Max has been betrayed before and doesn’t at first believe that Carrie is as innocent as she seems. He is still drawn to her, though, and can’t resist. Carrie, of course, has her own issues. They’re a good couple. He’s brooding, bossy and over-protective. She’s her own person, not willing to just go along with whatever he says, but of course they both need each other. There’s a lot of action along the way, with others looking for the scroll and threatening Carrie’s life.
The paranormal is really a side light to the story. Max has some powers, but they only come in to play occasionally, which I like. I was glad the the romance was the center of the story. And of course, it has a happy ending, a necessity for me.
November 29, 2012
If you are interested in anything elemental or sweet smart girl putting hot guy in his place. You really should read this book.
Perry is such a wonderful writer. She gets the emotional connections and knows how to express them. And the paranormal aspect is fantastic. Seeing Chinese mythology through the eyes of American grad student and an American Monk is refreshing and fascinating.
Her polished writing, memorable characters, and a creative plot of Chinese mythology, dangerous stalker and passionate romance results in another Keeper on shelf. I read this series out of order. But I had no problem following the story line. It just made me want to read the first one and the other element Guardians of Destiny.
The Guardians of Destiny:
Marked by Passion, Book 1: Guardian of Earth & Guardian of Fire
Tempted by Fate, Book 3: Guardian of Metal
Perry is such a wonderful writer. She gets the emotional connections and knows how to express them. And the paranormal aspect is fantastic. Seeing Chinese mythology through the eyes of American grad student and an American Monk is refreshing and fascinating.
Her polished writing, memorable characters, and a creative plot of Chinese mythology, dangerous stalker and passionate romance results in another Keeper on shelf. I read this series out of order. But I had no problem following the story line. It just made me want to read the first one and the other element Guardians of Destiny.
The Guardians of Destiny:
Marked by Passion, Book 1: Guardian of Earth & Guardian of Fire
Tempted by Fate, Book 3: Guardian of Metal
March 16, 2010
It’s quite unique I have to say. Although I have read many paranormal romances and many were alike in many senses this one had the least in common with the others. Or it’s possible that I haven’t read all the types of paranormal romance. But from what I read of this book it’s really good. I love Carrie. She thinks with her head which is exactly like me. I love that max not only loves her for not only herself but because she has her quirks. Although it maybe totally based on fiction, the characters felt real for me and I could believe they are out there some where fighting their battles. I say u should read this one!!!!
January 10, 2014
I really enjoyed this one. It was a new author for me and I just couldn't let go of the idea of an academic breaking the law for the sake of research. That aspect just really drew me in. Carrie is an academic willing to do what she has to to defend her thesis and get a tenure track position at the university. As she's stealing the ancient scroll she is almost caught by Max. What makes this story insane is that everyone is keeping secrets and noone trusts anyone which can make for some hilarious as well as ridiculous situations and misunderstandings. I read this series out of order so my goal is to read the first book soonish.
November 9, 2009
I really enjoyed this book. I've never read Kate Perry's books, but will get more! I didn't realize this was a #2 of series, but really it didn't hurt to miss the first one.
February 24, 2010
3.75 out of 5
April 1, 2011
2nd in ser
September 3, 2011
It was a ok read. I just wasn't into the characters that much. At times the story had more cons then pros.
January 30, 2012
Definitely one of my fav books by far!
March 15, 2014
Read full review at www.moonlightreads.com
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February 5, 2014i want to read the next one!
March 29, 2017
I'm giving this 5 STARS because this book is so ROMANTIC. The author put an intense romance and love story between the two main characters, however, I supposed she should have inserted a flashback or a backstory of what had happened to the METAL's GUARDIAN curator, Amanda, and Rhys. Also, she should have inserted an action stuff where we can see how each Guardian fights using their powers.
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