★★★★★ 4
Fate. She is powerful.
Format: Paperback
“She loves me. And I broke her heart.” (p.246)
Fate. She is powerful. She comes from deep historical roots with points of view that range from philosophy (a diverse range of POVs), Psychology and Religion. Here, fate is frequently portrayed as an inescapable, cosmic force that binds Sienna and Jasmine. An inevitable rather than accidental “destined mates” scenario, believed by one, “she just goes with the flow. Wherever fate takes her,” (p.323) and discredited by the other. And yet free will insists on entering the room. Why? Because choices still happened. Some careful. Some reckless. Fate may have guided the path, but Sienna and eventually Jasmine took control. The turbulence mattered. The risk mattered. “Find Sienna. Be with her. Win at life again.” (p.263) And still, despite everything, the plane landed.
Jasmine, was shaped early by trauma, a mother’s shame cutting deep as she punished her daughter for refusing the narrow role of a dutiful woman and never letting her forget the cost of that refusal. As a result, Jasmine believed she was lacking, selfish, too egotistical, abandoned heritage, family, and God. Nor would she ever find true happiness in the arms of a woman. Stripped of her creative & artistic soul. Once magnanimous, Jasmine went colorless. Alas, the tormented, detached, aloof CEO Ice Queen. Putting duty, image, and reputation first. Sad. Broken. Lost. Caged. Winter presents the struggle well, a trademark and also draws from other Ice Queen characteristics in previous novels.
Sienna the artist, lived for freedom. “A playful fearless spirit, gentle and free, who existed only to roam and learn and embrace new experiences. Someone with an enthusiasm for life and love,” (p.255) reflected sprinkles of Eden (The Villian Series), planted herself within the head and heart of one Jasmine Gemayel. Admired and enamored during her youth, Sienna, as an adult, was fated to melt the Ice.
The story that links these two (past to present) is heartfelt and heartbroken. An accidental opportunity, a meeting of artistic minds, a cage, a bird, a sweet memorable dog, a hurtful twist, an awakening, a second chance, and a happily ever after. A recipe for emotional satisfaction.
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Reviewed in the United States on February 13, 2026
