Defining Destiny: New Adult Romance

By: Deanna Chase

Narrated by: Andi Arndt, Jeffrey Kafer

Length: 8 hrs and 13 mins

Publisher's summary

When destiny fails...

Singer-songwriter Lucy Moore thought her life was perfect. At just 21, she's already met her soul mate and together they've landed a recording contract. But when her father dies and the love of her life betrays her in more ways than one she returns home to pick up the pieces. On the shores of Mendocino, California, Lucy has some decisions to make. Should she start a solo career? Or should she leave it all behind for some semblance of normalcy in the quiet town she grew up in? And what about Seth, the tortured artist who always seems to be there when she needs him?

Seth Keenan has demons of his own. Eighteen months ago, he was involved in a horrific accident that he never talks about. His career as an accomplished oil-paint artist has been abandoned, replaced by the buzz of his tattoo gun. And women - well, he never sticks around for longer than a few hours of pleasure...until he meets Lucy. After one evening of listening to her seductive voice, he's pulled under. But what about the vow he made to never get close to anyone again?

In a world where everyone has one true soul mate, can these two find love in the arms of each other?

©2014 Deanna Chase (P)2014 Deanna Chase

choice of the heart

In this story, being someone's soulmate, means when together, the magic happens. The creative bond is always there. Does it mean that you're destined to be their forever? What if one betrays that trust? Lucy realized, even though a person may be a soulmate, being with someone, is a choice of the heart not bound by fate.
I enjoyed listening to this story. Deanna Chase develops Lucy from a young woman that doesn't have control over her life and career, to a strong, confident woman who finally takes charge and makes decisions on what's best for her.
Andi Arndt and Jeffrey Kafer are outstanding narrators. Their performance is fantastic. They gave each character their own voice and personality. I was gifted this audio and offered my honest review.

Eye Rolling

Narrators saved this mediocre story. Without a mystical or technological basis for the whole soul mate premise for this world, the storyline falls apart. In paranormal romances with a similar theme, the connection due to finding your bond mate or what have you overrides all other considerations and you therefore don’t have cheating because your mystical connection wouldn’t allow you to feel temptation. In this story, the premise feels weak and makes the characters appear weak. I want to slap the heroine right now. Her cheating ex needs to be kicked to the curb. Ugh! Weak heroines are a pet peeve of mine. Since he had no compunction towards cheating multiple times, how strong could this connection truly be?

Unique romance that will have you hooked

This story was so good! And it was a unique love story. This story is set in a modern world but there are soul mates. It's not just an idea, it's a fact. Each person has their one true soul mate. But this story isn't about finding that soul mate. It's about finding that soul mate and choosing to find love on your own. Lucy is betrayed by her soul mate. Seth lost his in a tragedy. They meet while both of them are hurting. Their one night stand turns into so much more. More than either of them were looking for. But you can't stop love, no matter how hard you try. Both are confused and when Lucy's soul mate comes back into the picture looking like a change man, it makes everything complicated. This was also a story about letting go of the past and finding who you really are. It's a beautiful romance. And these narrators voices give this story a sort of magic. I felt like I was watching a movie. Plus Andi Arndy is one of my favorite narrators and she didn't disappoint as Lucy. Jeffrey Kafer was a perfect Seth too! I was hooked from the start to the finish. I just loved the whole aspect of the whole story! The story had me stumped at times. I didn't know which way the characters would go. I am so excited to learn that there is a book two with Lucy's best friend Jax, who I loved. Another great thing about this story was the supporting characters. I could see this being a series with more books and I am sure I'd be hooked on each one. I can't suggest this book enough to romance fans. It is a story to be experienced.

Nicely done

This is a struggle of a story. I liked it but there is the whole soul mate issue. Should you always end up with your soul mate? It’s a tough question tackled in this story. I really liked the whole idea that mates share the same magical talent. What a cool idea! I haven’t read that one before. The characters are lively. Lucy is a sexy singer with a soulful voice. She and her bestie get into quite a few situations. Seth is a tattoo artist and has a shop with his friend. He Has a sexy smile that woos all the women. Lucy is running from her past and Seth is trying to forget his.

My only wish was that there was some explanation for the whole mate thing. I just thought this was a regular book then they started talking about mates and soulmates as well as Magic for each person. I was floundering about figuring it out.

I listened to this on audio. Andi Arndt and Jeffrey Kafer did a wonderful job narrating.

Soul mates not always good

I asked to receive this free review Audible book and wrote this unbiased review. I did like this story but I had trouble with parts of it. When I read this book I was really annoyed by the constant use of soul mate. After finishing the book, I was looking at the reviews. Apparently the audio copy left out a very important explanation that is at the beginning of the written edition. The book takes place in an Alternate Reality where everyone has "one true soul mate." That made a little more sense. However, these soul mates are unlike any other soul mates that I have read about before. Many lie, cheat on their mate, make moves on their step daughter, steal, and are generally scum of the earth. Both Seth and Lucy are having trouble moving on from past soul mates. Lucy has low self esteem and is constantly drawn back to Caden who is scum. I really wanted to shake some sense into her. Seth is not her soul mate but he is everything that Caden is not. I thought that the narrators did a great job of portraying the emotions and personalities of these characters.

this isn't the definition of soulmates

After the first chapter I wanted to beat the crap out if Caden and later I wanted him in jail or dead. What a worthless human vessel. Caden was an absolute dick with a capital D. This was far from soulmate material that I'm used to. A soulmate is a forever love that wants the best for you- not to ruin you!!! If Jax were my bff, I'd pass and have none. That's not my idea of a friend at all!! There's no way I could force myself to listen to the next book staring Jax! Eewww! Lucy's mom was a rude mercenary viper, and should be cut out of her life. I voluntarily listened to a free copy of this and am giving an honest review. The duet narration was great.

Love this storyline

This is a great book and I enjoyed listening to this book. Will listen to more by this author. Narration was good also.

Worth a credit

I ultimately enjoyed this book but in the beginning I really didn't care for the dialog. I also didn't realize being soul mates (as not in the vampire; shape shifter, or anyother way) in the manner we commonly use it was a paranormal activity. I also didn't think the book was served by using the two narrators, both of them are wonderful but I think the book would have been better served with one voice. I have listened to Jeffrey Kafer many times and really love his narration. The story became better as it moved along.

Interesting read

I really enjoyed the book, but took me a bit to get into it. I thought the plot was good but felt I was missing several pieces at the beginning. Once I could get past that I found I really enjoyed it.

Lucy who?

Male narrator was not my favorite. I completely lost it with Lucy. I wanted to shake some sense into her.