Quickie Review: Defying Destiny by Olivia Downing

Defying Destiny
by Olivia Downing 
Paperback, 390 pages
Published September 28th 2011 by CreateSpace

On an Earth-like fantasy world, Maralee is a slayer of man-eating, immortal Wolves. For over 500 years, the Wolves' weakness to silver has been her family's guarded secret. When the beasts massacred her family fifteen years ago, they thought their secret had died with the last of the Wolf Hunters. Maralee survived the attack, and she knows how to slay these pestilent Wolves. With her departed father's silver sword, she kills for vengeance and duty, chasing her destiny as The Wolf Huntress. Nash is a Wolf Guardian, the only of his shape-shifting kind who can break their 500 year-old curse. Protected by his crescent-shaped birthmark and a troubling secret, Nash is impervious to the full moon's effects. When a frenzied, blood lust consumes his brethren every moon cycle, he uses his power of persuasion to soothe the Wolves and protect their human prey. One night, beneath the full moon, Maralee meets Nash, and her perceptions start to change. She only killed a single Wolf on this hunt. This mysterious man who stopped her from slaying the rest of the pack intrigues her. A Guardian? Nash has failed to protect his own brother from the Huntress, but in Maralee, he sees possibility, not malice. Certain he can prevent her from slaying his people by showing her their humanity, Nash invites the Huntress into his life -- and falls for her. He hides his Wolf form, knowing he is everything she hates. A monster. How can she ever love a monster? How can she not? Destiny decreed she kill him... Her heart had other ideas...

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My Quick Thoughts:


Defying Destiny is a very different novel than what I've come to expect from Olivia Cunning, aka Olivia Downing, but still a great read! Very much a wolf focused shifter book, so if you like a more organic feel in this genre than you will love Defying Destiny. I was amazed how the author wove the romance to be innocent yet sexy all at the same time. The plot is emotional, sensual, and moves at a steady pace throughout with inner turmoil, warring families, forbidden love and a romance that blooms against all odds. The character development was superbly written and the main characters of Maralee and Nash were a perfect fit. 


If you are already a fan of Olivia Cunning and enjoy paranormal romance, or if you are just a lover of paranormal romance and furry heroes than I recommend you picking up Defying Destiny!

Rating: 4 Wine Glasses

Sexual Content: Recommended for adult readers, graphic sexual content but nicely played out.