He promised himself he’d leave his dark past behind. She swore she’d never love again.But rules are about to be broken—and their hearts will lie in the balance.Single mom, Laura meets a sexy, mysterious man on her trip to Scotland. But what she doesn’t know is that he is running from his past, and it’s about to catch up with him.Can broken hearts be mended? Can a former spy protect the woman he … mended? Can a former spy protect the woman he loves?
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I found this book to be a great read! It was jam packed with intrigue and action and a great love story!
Jack and Laura both have tragic pasts and aren’t necessarily looking for love, but love will have it’s way! It is not an easy road they travel and things get in the way.
Our gifted writer has created a story so intense that you are pulled in from the very beginning. You will indeed be on the edge of your seat and screaming “how could you do this to them?” A few times! Or at least I did!
I could not put the book down, the book is based in Scotland and it sure made me feel like I was there. what a roller coaster of a ride, and such a wonderful way to get to know about other parts of the world from the authors eyes. Island is a great mystery, it’s based around human trafficking and love. This story/series can be a hard read for some people, I know I could not put the book down I did have to take a minute before I moved onto book 2.
This was my first read by S.E. Rose and I have to say I did enjoy her writing and knowledge of different areas of the world sure makes me wish I could travel like she has had the privilege to. I look forward to reading more of her books and learning more about our world.
Absolutely fantastic book that really makes you wonder what is going on.
Island (Portentous Destiny Series, #1) is the first book I have experienced by this particular author and I found it to be an extremely positive endeavour.
A Contemporary romantic suspense; this is one story that is full of twists and turns throughout.
Managing with no problem whatsoever to keep my full attention.
There were only a few teensy issues here for me and that was mainly down to my own personal reading preferences.
So first I really adored both the main characters here; Laura and Jack both have had there fair share of knocks in life and each has rather admirably dusted themselves back off and climbed back on the old merry-go-round that is life.
Their past experiences good and bad have ultimately shaped their future destinies providing them with an almost humble thankfulness for what they now hold dear and close to there hearts.
I warmed to Laura much more initially than Jack, but feel that maybe that was more down to the authors writing style and the fact that we only got to experience events from Lauras POV.
This resulting in me taking much more time to get an almost sense of the what and the why with Jack and where he was ultimately coming from; when I eventually did it was pure magic; totally worth waiting for.
Jack was such a decent guy who had suffered his fair share of knocks; in some ways, because of his own crappy choices in this life, but ultimately this didn’t define him as a person he had re-steered his fortunes towards a superior goal and for that, he deserved commending.
Jack wore his heart on his sleeve and what I liked about him most was his unwillingness to play games; I loved how he was so open with his affections; yes he may have been keeping a lid on his past, but I didn’t get the overall impression that this was due to any inate deceitfulness on his part.
I perceived more of a protective vibe from Jack rather than a dishonest one.
Laura, well I really appreciated her love for her family; they were her world which was so lovely,
After the total redirection of her expected pathway due to events totally outside of her control.
Laura could have wallowed in the unfairness of it all; instead, she had re-evaluated and this course had led her unexpectedly to the doorway of a totally new beginning with Jack.
Maybe the fates were in play for Jack and Lauras Chance at a HEA together; After the shitty knocks in life, these two had experienced I would so like to think this was the actual case.
Another great personality trait of Lauras was her inate loyalty; when she was onboard and invested she was there for the long haul; There was no unnecessary drama when the truth eventually emerged; she was just supportive and committed to understanding the whys and whatnots ; it was such a refreshing attitude to have and was just nice to see her love and care for Jack in his time of need despite the danger this actually placed her in.
So as I mentioned earlier we only get to experience events from Lauras POV; I would have prefered to also have got Jacks take on things too as I feel I would have warmed to him much quicker than I actually did.
“Island” was mostly set in Scotland where Laura as a writer had rented a remote cottage to complete her latest work; this is where Laura first encounters Jack.
There was great chemistry throughout “Island” I felt the actual connection here got more intense the further on I read.
This also had some fantastic secondary characters that were extremely well rounded and after a somewhat slow first half things then started to build in momentum until I felt a bit like I was on a runaway train with no idea of the actual destination.
I also really enjoyed how this one was wrapped up; it was realistic, but still gave me that sense of these two are going to be alright now vibe that I was looking for.
So this was a great read that easily kept my attention; if you like your romantic suspense then this is a good one I look forward to the next in this series; which I believe features Laura’s daughter Lily and is set in South America.
Thank You to the Author for providing me with a review copy of “Island (Portentous Destiny Series, #1)” of which I have reviewed voluntary.
All opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
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I was totally intrigued by the blurb for this book and it didn’t disappoint.
Romance, intrigue, mystery and plenty of twists to keep me guessing had me captivated throughout the book.
This was well written and great characters.
I was given an ARC but voluntarily chose to review
A romantic story about two lost souls who find each other. There are a few twists that were unexpected. This was a good love story between Jack and Laura.
Island was a well written book by S.E. Rose. I’m looking forward to reading the other books in the “Portentous Series”. This book is an easy read and a page turner. It had steamy romance and was a suspenseful & a bit of a crime novel packed into its pages. It sucked me in from the first page. I loved how Laura was going to Scotland to go into seclusion to finish writing her novel. She could never of foresaw the adventure that was waiting for her ahead.
I’m not sure what to say about this book. The description sounded intriguing, and it started out well enough.. My expectations for this book were far different than what it all worked out to be.
Basically Laura, an author, travels to a small town across the world to enjoy the summer writing in peace. She meets a slightly mysterious handsome guy baned Jack, that helps around the cottage she’s renting out. But, their relationship and summer quickly take an overly dramatic unrealistic turn.
It took me far longer than it normally would for me to finish this book. I have read a few too many books recently that take a ridiculous turn into Russian mobsters, drugs, trafficking, FBI/CIA/Interpol… who knows what other abbreviation for the mysterious agency and suspicious agents. It just does not seem all that realistic.
I don’t doubt the horrible problem of human trafficking. And I hope there are mysterious agencies working to stop it.
Some may really like all this drama, but it’s not my kind of story. I doubt I’ll read the rest of the series.
Laura is a writer and a single mum to college aged kids. Unfortunately her husband died a few years before in a car crash. She comes to Scotland to get away from everything and finish writing her book. It’s here she meets Jack, initially she thought he was a groundsman and caretaker for her holiday cottage but as she gets to know Jack more there are a lot of mysteries surrounding him and his past. The 2 develop a relationship but Laura has to head back to the States suddenly when her daughter is in an accident and when she returns to Scotland Jack has gone. An enjoyable story with likeable characters. I did feel some of the plot was a little far fetched though.
This book was so good! There is so much angst, steam, twists and turns that you don’t see coming! it will have you on the edge of your seats in anticipation of what’s coming next!!
Laura, a single mom who’s going on a vacation for 3 months to a secluded little cabin “across the pond” so she can finish writing her novel. When she meets Jack, the gorgeous “caretaker”, she has her world turned upside down, in every way possible, Good, bad, hot, intense and absolutely terrifying.
I don’t want to give this book away, so I’ll leave you with this,,, GET THIS BOOK!!!!
This book has such a romantic feel to it. S.E. Rose has written a story of romance that is easy to get lost in. She creates a visual journey through the countryside of Scotland overlooking the North Sea.
Laura Stevenson is an author who needs to get away from from her every day life. The death of her husband has left her feeling lost. Her children are grown and making lives for themselves. She rents a cottage in Scotland overlooking the North Sea. It’s a peaceful place, which is exactly what she needs. Then she meets Jack Ross, a local who spends his day looking after the gardens of properties surrounding his estate. He is also a man with secrets. Laura hasn’t felt a draw towards anyone in a long time, but something about Jack has awoken something in her. She takes the chance and begins a whirlwind summer romance in a very romantic setting. But not all is as it seems. She unknowingly becomes of a part of Jack and his past that has caught up to him.
It was hard not to try and visualize this story playing out. From the description of the cottage to the little town that to has a romantic feel to it. It makes me want to visit Scotland, find a cottage to rent, and spend days just exploring. Thank you S.E. Rose for bringing us the love story of Jack and Laura. I truly enjoyed it.
I wasn’t expecting this book to get so intense! It was o much of a romance and just that until it wasn’t! A lot of suspense. Hard hitting issues like human trafficking and so forth. It definitely keep me wanting to read after!
Island (Portentous Destiny Series Book 1)
By S.E. Rose
This book was great. The way we start the book off all the way to how it comes back to it at the end. I read this all in one day. It was that good of a book. The book started off with what felt like a mystery and then turned out to be so much more. Her writing style and scene building were wonderful. You could really see what she was showing you. There were some very hot parts. It never got old or rushed feeling. It is a sweet read as well. Sometimes life will give you two loves of your life. It doesn’t happen often but this book can give you a bit of hope that things can always get better. Also, who can say no to a sexy Scot? There are lies that are hidden but do come out in the wash.
I am glad that this is the first book, I do plan on reading the other two in this set.
I give this book a 5 out of 5 stars.
Suspenseful
Island makes you feel like you are standing on the edge of the island all the way through it. Laura and Jack both have history of past relationships. However, throw in love and mystery. It is a great read and leaves you wanting more
Wow!! I have never read a book from this author and boy have I been missing out!! This was so well written that you feel like you are living this story right along with the characters and you won’t want to put it down until you read the entire book. Speaking of the characters, they had amazing chemistry and passion. With this book you also get passion, suspense, twists, turns, love, sadness and mystery. All the makings of a fantastic story!! Get your copy today.
This book was so great!!! What an unexpected journey to find amazing love. Fate brought them together and love will keep them safe. Just when I thought I knew what was going on in this story the author completely blindsided me with a whole different twist…I knew Jack was hiding something from his past but wow didn’t see all that coming!!! That is exactly what I love most about reading…the unexpected twist that leaves you unable to put the book down!!! 10 STAR READ!!! A new author for me and has completely captured me…can’t wait for book 2!!!
A chance meeting that leads to attraction between two people with broken hearts. Laura is just looking to find a peaceful place to write but can’t help but find herself attracted to the mysterious Jack. But jack has a past he is running from and it might just complicate things. A wonderful balance of mystery, romance & intrigue with some well written characters. A book that you will enjoy reading by an author that will make want more.
The first in a series of 5 books.
I really enjoyed this book. I really liked Laura and Jack. It is one thing to fall in love once but to get another chance is amazing.
Laura, a writer needing a change of scenery to finish her latest book, meets Jack a handsome man who takes care of the gardens where she is renting.
As the book goes on we find ourselves in the middle of a romance story but also one of mystery and edge of your seat scenes.
I have already gotten book 2 from KU and I am about to start it. SE Rose is a new author for me and I am hooked!
Island is my first read from this author and I was not disappointed. What a great story. At some points i was so intrigued. There was passion, shock, anger and love. This story has u guess all the way through.
This is a fantastic book! An author goes to Scotland to finish her mystery book and falls for the gardener of the cottage she rents. Only the gardener is more than a gardener and she ends up living out a plot in a book. It’s full of drugs and sex traffickers, special agents, cheeses of the week and hot sexy scenes. I’m loving this series!