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Book 1 of the Academy Series begins with Destiny, a thrilling fantasy story with magical creatures and sizzling romance.
Despondent after a failed career move, Jamie returns to her remote hometown to rekindle old relationships and hopefully rediscover her life’s purpose. While visiting the local coffee shop , she meets the rugged stranger Wren, who works as a park ranger and always seems to be around when she needs him. But he also appears to have a strange connection to the mysterious wolf residing in the forest.
As Jamie grows closer to Wren, she stumbles into a paranormal world of dark magic, shapeshifters, and deep, supernatural connections. At the same time, Jamie discovers the mysterious powers that have lain dormant within her for years.
A paranormal story about shape-shifting wolf, a fantasy about a young woman with special powers, and a sexy romance with a mysterious stranger, Destiny heralds the arrival of a talented new voice in contemporary fantasy and romance.

291 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 10, 2021

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About the author

D.D. Larsen

9 books219 followers
USA Best Selling Author
Coffee addict!
Dog Lover:)
I love writing creative stories that will pull you into a new reality and keep you on the edge of your seat through out.

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 173 reviews
Profile Image for Larry H.
2,591 reviews29.5k followers
April 27, 2021
The first book in D.D. Larsen's Academy series, Destiny , is a sexy, mysterious combination of romance, family secrets, and some magical elements.

At age 18, Jamie fled her small Colorado hometown, feeling stifled and needing to make a fresh start. She cut all ties to her friends, figuring it was easier that way than feeling the pull of home. After college she landed a job with a top biotech company and started to pursue her dreams.

Now, seven years later, her career has fallen apart and her last romantic relationship crashed and burned as well, so she decides it’s time to go home. While it’s good to see her parents, she quickly finds out it’s hard work to rebuild relationships with people you’ve neglected for so long.

Not long after her return home, she meets Wren, a ruggedly handsome park ranger with whom she feels an immediate, intense connection. He always seems to be around when she is in need of help, but otherwise he’s brooding and pushing Jamie away.

Meanwhile, people in her town are reportedly seeing wolves for the first time, and everyone is worried. And in a few cases, some creatures are harming people. Are the wolves to blame? Why does Jamie keep having dreams in which wolves appear, even one where she is a wolf? Is she safe, or is she in danger?

Little by little, Jamie realizes her town—and her family—is full of secrets, secrets of epic and almost magical proportions. She is drawn into a world she had never imagined, one that will change her life and her destiny.

This was a really fascinating read, with a brooding Twilight -esque vibe, although I don’t mean that in a negative way. Destiny had an interesting mix of romance and fantasy and even a little bit of the paranormal, and this was so compulsively readable. Can’t wait for Book 2 of the series!!

Kate Rock Book Tours and D.D. Larsen invited me on the tour for the book and provided me a complimentary advance copy in exchange for an unbiased review. Thanks for making it available!

Destiny publishes 4/20!!

Check out my list of the best books I read in 2020 at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2021/01/the-best-books-i-read-in-2020.html.

Check out my list of the best books of the last decade at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2020/01/my-favorite-books-of-decade.html.

See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.

Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/the.bookishworld.of.yrralh/.
Profile Image for Deborah.
3,529 reviews469 followers
April 30, 2021

If I had to sum this book up in one word it would be...frustrating.

I really struggled with this almost from the beginning. At first I was intrigued. What had gone so wrong that Jamie was leaving her dream job?
But once this was explained I struggled to connect or even like Jamie. She’d left her home town, parents, friends and boyfriend of 5 years without a backwards glance. Ignoring all attempts to contact her. I understand (or I tried to) her wanting a fresh start but to ignore lifelong friends and her boyfriend who had done nothing wrong?

The more I read the less I liked Jamie. She’s selfish and honestly not too bright.

I mean seriously the first time we see her hike

I’m so lost in thought that I trip and face-plant in the dirt. Shit. My hands sting from sliding in the dirt and my knee throbs from impact with a rock.

Okay accidents happen.

Then the next time she hikes

In my haste to get back, I step on a rock wrong and roll my ankle, bad. I let out a cry and fall to the ground.

Only this time it’s getting dark, she’s no signal and didn’t tell anyone where she was going.

There’s no shortage of examples of her stupidity but this is one that stood out.

I pull my phone out of my pocket and check it. Sure enough, his number is there, under W in my contacts. How did he get through my Touch ID?

Seriously how did he get through her Touch ID?
She was passed out drunk.

Anyway Jamie being selfish and stupid weren’t my only issues.
Wren was written as to appear mysterious but it was driving me nuts. One decent conversation between them was all I asked. What happened all those years ago?

The story was far too long for the content and if I hadn’t requested this book I would never have finished it.

It ends on a cliffhanger of sorts I suppose. But I feel like I know exactly how this series is going to go. There’s been no surprises so far and nothing to suggest there will be.

I voluntarily read a review copy kindly provided by NetGalley.
Profile Image for (old.enough.for.fairytales).
540 reviews292 followers
May 1, 2021
“Books and coffee, two of my favorite things.”


First of all let me start by saying I’ve never related to a sentence more than this one. Books and coffee? All I need in life. Anyway, moving on...

4 stars:

Destiny is a fast paced, action packed shapeshifter romance and I absolutely devoured it! I’ve read all of Larsen’s previous works and really enjoyed them, so I was really excited to hear she was venturing into paranormal romance. This book did not disappoint! Jamie, our main character, has just left her dream job in the city to move back to her small town home. Just out of a hard breakup, Jamie retreats to her parents’ home to hopefully take time to figure out what she wants in life and where she sees herself in the future. Reconnecting with old friends, Jamie settles into a comfortable rhythm of working at the local coffee/bookshop, hanging out with her childhood bff, and spending time with her high school sweetheart. Everything seems to be going well, until Wren, a broody and mysterious park ranger, starts consistently showing up wherever Jamie happens to be. After a few abnormal wolf sightings are reported, the small town is struck by multiple unexplained and uncharacteristic tragedies. Feeling strangely drawn to Wren, Jamie finds herself in the middle of a bizarre paranormal society right in on the outskirts of her small town.

I could not put this book down and am sooo anxious for book two! While I saw this book’s cliffhanger coming, I still have a couple of theories I’m hoping to confirm in book two. I think Larsen has at least 3 books planned in this series, so I can’t wait to see where she takes this story! And because I’ve read each of her books in the order of publication, I can confidently say that Larsen has grown as a writer with each new book she publishes. I only expect great things from her and the rest of her books!

Thanks so much to the author for sending me a copy to review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Chiara | wordsbychiara.
510 reviews344 followers
April 16, 2021

I’d forgotten how much I love a good shifter romance, but DESTINY was a wonderful reminder!

The story follows Jamie, a young woman who returns to her home town in Colorado after a failed career move and the end of a relationship. Here, as she rekindles old friendships and tries to find order in her life again, she has a fated encounter with Wren, a mysterious, handsome ranger who always seems to be around at exactly the right time. There is more to Wren than meets the eye, however. He seems to be connected to a wolf residing in the forest and as time passes, Jamie finds it harder and harder to resist her attraction to him, even if something tells her that he may be dangerous. Is Wren dangerous? Is there more behind these strange happenings? Well…you’ll have to read the book to find out!

The small town setting is one I especially enjoy, maybe because I myself come from a small town…that is nothing like the ones I love in the movies. The sense of community, the often rural scenery that is linked to them, the wilderness and mystery they harbor…I just love it, even if I see it in movies more than I do in books. Maybe falling in love with the town of Accalia will change that!

Of course, being this a romance fantasy, I must talk to you about the romance…and I have conflicting feelings about it. On the one side, I loved the way the relationship develops. I know insta-love is a controversial trope, but I find I don’t mind it much when there’s solid ground to base it upon. I felt like this was the case with Wren and Jamie’s story. Feeling instantly attracted to someone is natural, and the added supernatural element enriched the feeling. The reader can easily guess that there is something “other” going on between them, and it made the unfolding of the relationship all the more enticing. Add that their interaction were often sweat-inducing, you definitely have my attention. However, I wasn’t always the biggest fan of Wren’s behavior. The possessive/obsessive, intense alpha attitude didn’t always sit well with me and I often hoped Jamie would just slap him or walk away. He wasn’t always helped by the fact there are other men that could easily veer my attention…like the handsome and normal-but-are-you-really Liam, Jamie’s ex boyfriend. We shall see where D.D. Larsen decides to take me with the next books!

I highly recommend this book to fans of supernatural romance and fantasy. Thank you so much to the author for sending me a copy of the book to review!
Profile Image for Nidhi.
249 reviews24 followers
April 24, 2021
The book " Destiny " by Author DD Larsen is the first book of the series Academy.
The book is around 200 pages long And the story is full of fantasy, thriller, and romance.

This story is about Jamie who grew up in the mountain areas, where she lost his elder brother by the attack of a wild animal wolf, and the absence of her brother she never filled in her life even she grows up. A small town belonging left her city at the age of 18 and gave her career a new direction and now she works at a top Biotech company.

Everything was on track in her life but something happened between Jamie and her boss cum lover that changed Jamie's life, Lost her job and boyfriend with whom she was in a relationship for the last five long years.

Now she was forced to go back to her hometown where she wasn't in contact with anyone for the last seven years now back to the same place she had to restart her life.

Jamie had to face everything she left, her old friend, And then she meets a new guy named Wren and Jamie fell for him. Wren has some of his secrets that you'll find out about while reading the story.

Meanwhile, some mysterious killings attacked by wolves are happening in the city just like Jamie's brother died.

Now what will be the next turn in the story waiting for readers, I'm not spoiling here?

Do all these events have any connection?
Will Jamie's life be back on track with Wren? What are the secrets of Wren and what is their role in the story?

I Loved the book very much. The author took a lot of effort in writing this book.

The author knows very well how to write a perfect page-turner where a reader is not getting bored with these sub-plots or overwhelmed with too many twists and turns.

The language used in the book is simple and easy to understand. The cover stands out very much. It is quite tricky to actually touch the heart of the readers and the author surely did a good attempt in it. You just enjoy reading it out of curiosity and juiciness.
I don't want to send out spoilers since this is a new book and I would let people buy their copy and judge. Grab this book if the blurb excites you.
Profile Image for Thais • tata.lifepages •.
487 reviews845 followers
April 26, 2021
I am a fan of D. D. Larsen's work for a while now, I love the way she writes (I've read her Perfect series last year). I was thrilled when I discovered she was releasing a suspenseful fantasy romance!

Destiny is the first book in the academy series and it tells the story of Jamie, who I connected with easily from the start and couldn't help but adore her. She is an independent woman with a rebel heart, who is determined to be in control of her own life.

In a change of heart, she drops her job and moves back to her hometown after staying 7 years in the big city. Jamie is looking for a fresh start after having her heart broken. She meets the mysterious and seductive Wren, who somehow she kept “accidentally “ bumping into. Wren hides many secrets and Jamie is reluctant to open her heart to him, I loved the chemistry between the two! I found myself rooting for Jamie, a fierce woman who just wants to find herself, like we all are in a moment or two in our lives.

I really enjoyed the worldbuilding of the wolf society created by the author. They are an united pack, protective as a family, training in the academy since a young age and learning from each other how to become Wolf Warriors. The ending left me both anxious and excited for the sequel!

Thank you so much to the author for gifting me a copy for review!
Profile Image for ☕️Hélène⚜️.
252 reviews13 followers
April 27, 2021

✨DESTINY✨

Author @d.d.larsen

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

What a book. I had no idea what to expect but never expected to fall for this story. A mix of fantasy, romance and suspense.
The numerous turns your subjected too is worth it.
Jamie Carter comes back home after leaving a high paying job. Once back! Stuff happens, truth are said and past friendships are back.
I loved the vibe of the story and the ending got me gob smacked. I want to know more I need to know.
The ending came from left field I never imagined that!
I do highly recommend this series.

#destiny #theacademyseries
#katerockbooktours
#bookstagram #ereader
Profile Image for D.D. Larsen.
Author 9 books219 followers
January 8, 2021
I love this idea and I have had a blast writing this book! Who doesn't live wolves and rugged mystery men? You aren't going to want to miss out on this new PNR series. #wolfwarriors
Profile Image for Bookscamilla.
65 reviews4 followers
May 25, 2021
[Rating: 3,5 stars]
Destiny by D. D. Larsen is a story about Jamie who leaves her hometown without any goodbyes for a job in the city at the age of 18. After a failed career move and relationship she returns to her hometown with the hope of rediscovering life’s purpose and reconnecting with old friends. At the local coffee shop she meets the mysterious and rugged park ranger, Wren who is always around when she needs help. Mysterious things are happening in the small town with reports of wolf sightings and attacks.

I was close to a reading slump when I picked up Destiny and this book was exactly what I needed! I very much enjoyed reading this fast paced and paranormal romance. It’s an easy read with a captivating beginning that made me want to read more right away.

I loved the small town setting and I quickly got a feeling of knowing the town and its community. I enjoyed following through Jamie’s journey and experiencing her reconnecting with old friends that she hadn’t seen for years. I liked her character even though I didn’t always agree with her choices and mindset that sometimes made her seem like the typical basic girl and a bit naive. The story is told from Jamie’s perspective (first person) which means that we get to know Wren in the same pace as she does. Who doesn't love the mysterious hot guy? I loved the chemistry between Jamie and Wren but sometimes Wren came across as someone who wasn’t very nice and didn’t care.

This is the first time I read Larsen’s work but it’s definitely not the last time. And I can’t wait to read the rest of this series!
Profile Image for Maria Elena | pagesofmaria.
579 reviews219 followers
April 15, 2021
*insert fanning gif here* Is it hot in here or is it just me?

Destiny is the first book in the paranormal romance series, The Academy. I enjoyed this book so much! Since the first pages, I could picture the setting and events as if I were watching a movie. Indeed, if this were a movie it would be one of those beautiful and addicting romances I could see myself finding on TV and ending up completely obsessed two hours later.

The protagonist is Jamie, who returns to her hometown after running away from a disastrous relationship and a job that was suffocating her. The mountains of Accalia, Colorado, were calling her back, and she heeded their call. Back at home, she finds her old friends, with whom she’d lost touch for the past seven years. While she works in sorting the mess in her life and rebuilding those relationships, she meets Wren, a handsome and mysterious ranger to whom she feels inexplicably attracted to. It’s immediately understandable that something’s up with Wren, and Jamie finds herself drawn to him even though her mind is telling her he’s dangerous.

What I loved most about this book was the small-town atmosphere I breathed in while reading and the mystery surrounding the deaths in the woods. (And of course, the romance element, but I’ll talk more about that later.) Accalia seems like the sort of place I would love to live in—minus the attacks on hikers, obviously. I also enjoyed the characters. Mark and Tollen were my favorites among the secondary characters. I could be friends with people like them. Liam, Jamie’s most recent ex, was also an interesting character because he confuses me. My instinct tells me not to trust him, but he makes it difficult not to like him. Compared to Wren, he feels really normal, but is he? I won’t say too much to avoid spoilers.

Wren, and by extent his relationship with Jamie, deserves his own paragraph. What sparks between Jamie and Wren is far from insta-love, but there’s certainly an instant attraction that drives them closer. It’s evident than it’s not normal human attraction, because there’s this pull that Jamie cannot explain. I really loved the (hot!) chemistry between them, although there were several instances where Wren’s attitude grated on my nerves. There were moments I loved his intensity, but others he was broody almost to the point of being rude, like walking away from her without saying a word. I do feel like this impression will change once we’ll get to know him better in the following books. Jamie has an interesting dynamic with Wren that I’m curious to see, but she’s got a good thing with Liam, though again, I don’t fully trust his intentions. (Personally I’d go more for a Mark, who is kind and caring and really sweet.)

I’m really curious to continue this story in the following books, where we’re definitely going to be finding out more about the magical aspect of this story. The premises were very interesting.

Thank you to the author for sending me a copy!
Profile Image for Ve (ve_xo).
518 reviews112 followers
May 2, 2021
I love a good shapeshifter story! It’s been a while since I enjoyed one this much! I was super excited to read this after learning the story was located in Colorado!

This is the story of a young lady named Jamie returning to the mountains of Colorado after going thru a rough patch. She recently had a breakup and her career just derails. Thinking that she will find her way back and work on building back her life, she makes the decision to go back to her hometown for new beginnings and rekindling with what’s familiar. She soon meets the broody mysterious Wren *insert eyebrow wiggle here*. The romance was on point, Im a sucker for a good romance! While the relationship evolves, Jamie starts realizing there is something strange going on in the town but isn’t quiet sure what. Without spoiling any further, I really enjoyed the development of relationship of the MCs. The side characters were my fav! For some reason I always gravitate to the side characters. Tolled is my fav! I seriously can’t wait to read more about this character.

Supernatural/Paranomal reads have always had a special place in my heart. I forgot how much I love Paranormal romance. The world building was detailed and easy to follow, completely helped me bring the story to life in my mind. The pacing of the book was pretty steady and kept me hooked. I love reads that get me going and out of a slump! This totally did that for me, especially with the supportive characters surrounding the main character. The mysterious edge placed in the plot peaked my interest, I can’t wait to learn more. I have questions! If you’re looking for something quick to read with a great plot and awesome characters definitely give this one a shot!

Thank you so much to the author for sending this my way!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for booksbloggeer.
106 reviews4 followers
April 20, 2021
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

🐺 Destiny, a paranormal romance is the first book in The Academy Series.

The story follows Jamie who returns back at her hometown after a ruined career and a ruined relationship.
She meets Wren a mysterious rugged man and only then she discovers what has been hidden from her all along, her DESTINY!!! 🤯

This is such a fast paced and beautifully written book. I love the “mystery man” thing, it keeps me on edge!!!🙈
The characters are so nice, especially Jamie, I love her development through the book.
I had so much fun while reading this and I cannot wait for second book in the series.
Profile Image for Carol.
460 reviews13 followers
May 17, 2021
Destiny is a fast read with shape shifting wolves, romance and a Prophecy. Jamie has a tough decision. Should she stay with her exboss/boyfriend Liam and have a normal life or should she go with Wren who she has an electric attraction? The book ends with a cliff hanger and I cannot wait to read book 2. I can see this book as a movie.
Profile Image for Tati Alvarez.
Author 6 books162 followers
April 11, 2021
3.5/5

This book is a super quick read, I was able to finish it in one sitting! Definitely a great book to read as a palette cleanser, especially if you want to binge it.

Jamie is a young, twenty-five year old woman. She is a successful business woman who left her small hometown in order to explore the world, but Jamie realizes that the world isn’t everything she had hoped for. So to get back in touch with herself, she decides to head home to find herself again.

Of course when you leave your home on bad terms, things are undoubtedly going to be awkward at first. Like running into your long term boyfriend that you broke up with suddenly, shocking the town, or seeing your former bestie out in public.

Not only is she dealing with the fall out at home, Jamie also is caught between two men. Liam, her former boss who she fell head over heels for but broke her heart, and a new mysterious man named Wren, who she feels drawn too even though she can’t describe why. Jamie has to decide if she wants to have a normal life with Liam, or if she will enter this new shifter life with wren. Oh, and a crazy evil wolf wants get dead.

This book is fast paced and easy to read. It is written in first person so you really get to see the struggles Jamie goes through and get to see the world as she does. I found myself not liking every one of her decisions, but that’s okay because she was trying to process the world the best she could.

If you enjoy love triangles, romance, shifters, and slow burn, then destiny is definitely a book any reader can submerge themselves in. Book 2 will answer (hopefully) many questions I’m sure many people are dying to know!
Profile Image for J.J. Marshall.
Author 5 books35 followers
May 26, 2021
DESTINY by D.D. Larsen throws us into a contemporary world mixed with paranormal romance. This book was so good and definitely had Nicholas Sparks feels to it! I absolutely loved it ❤
Profile Image for Annasbook nook.
754 reviews65 followers
April 20, 2021
I've not read many paranormal stories, but really enjoyed this, Destiney made me want to read more of them.

Jamie go back home after getting dumped by her boyfriend and feeling like a failure in her job. She feels home calling to her.

Once back she meets the gorgeous mysterious Wren who she has a  immediate attraction too.

She has the past to sort out as well as her ex wanting to reconcile too all the while feeling deep strong feelings to the forest where she keeps seeing wolves.

Such a fast paced book which i read in one setting with a mouth dropping cliffhanger, i can't wait for book 2 in the series.
Profile Image for Brittany.
410 reviews39 followers
April 28, 2021
I really loved the overall idea of the story at first but there were parts that felt unnecessary.

There is a ton going on, a ton. To the point that it takes the heroines focus in so many directions I as the reader lost focus.

I’m not a fan of the ex-boyfriend/best friend storyline. My guess is it’s a set up for another book but there was more than I thought was needed.

My biggest hang up is the sort of love-triangle angle. Ugh, it makes me not like the heroine and again I don’t think it was necessary. For me it took completely away from the true storyline and I just lost interest.
Profile Image for Merissa (Archaeolibrarian).
3,749 reviews108 followers
January 3, 2022
DESTINY is the first book in The Academy series, and we start off with Jamie leaving her job and life in the city to return to the town she left so abruptly several years earlier. You find out about her feeling trapped and the circumstances behind that, as well as about the situation with her job and boss. Upon her return to town, she tries to mend fences with her ex-boyfriend and ex-best-friend, and there is also Wren to contend with.

Whilst I enjoyed the story, I can't say as I was enthralled by it. Jamie seems like she runs on something other than logic or feelings. I don't even know what. She makes major, life-changing, decisions without thinking them through, as well as ghosting people because she can't deal. Then she swings like a pendulum from Liam, the ex-boss/boyfriend, to Wren. She sleeps with both and yet says she is taking things slowly.

Apart from Jamie (which admittedly is a big part of the book!) I enjoyed the story. I liked the back story of the Lady in the Woods and the Wolf Spirits. I want to know more about the prophecy, about Wren, even more about Jamie's mum and Edward. But most of all, what I really want, is for Jamie to choose Wren and leave Liam behind. Although he's done 'nothing' wrong, the author has written this to make you have doubts about him. He's simply too good, considering how he was before. I don't like him, so there! LOL

As the first book in a series, I expect to have questions left unanswered, and I am looking forward to continuing with this series to find them out. I really hope Jamie makes her mind up soon. I do recommend this book but will also give a love-triangle warning if that's not your thing.

** same worded review will appear elsewhere **

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
May 8, 2021
Paranormal romance has always been a top fave genre for me, but I rarely connect with stories that focus on wolves. Destiny proved to be a remarkable exception to this! This book gripped me from the first page and I found myself binging it so I could uncover all the mysteries plaguing Jamie her and sleepy hometown.

Larsen’s writing style struck me as extremely compelling. Although the narrator is in the dark about her town’s secrets, the reader can start to puzzle things out from all the clever little clues that are placed throughout. I truly felt involved in the mystery and could not put this book down it I got all the answers!!

And y’all—those spicy scenes! Jamie quickly finds herself caught up with a few old flames—her high school sweetheart, the rekindling of a forbidden love affair, and an unexplainable tumultuous connection with a super sexy enigma of a man. Plus there’s a beautiful reconciled friendship between Jamie and her bestie, as well as strong familial relationships throughout which was fun and sweet and definitely relatable!

Fast-paced, full of surprises and steamy scenes, I thoroughly enjoyed this book in all its suspenseful, mysterious glory! I cannot wait for book 2, Journey, which releases 07.27.21!! I will definitely be reading more from this author!!
Profile Image for CanditheBookworm.
289 reviews1 follower
May 7, 2021
Enjoyable read. The FMC is a little hard to like in the beginning as I’m not one who likes a female lead that is constantly reminding us that she doesn’t like to be told what to do and whines about wanting a “normal” life and “choices.” The MMC is likable, mysterious but also a little weak - Jamie kinda steamrolls him. It is a fast read, and I enjoyed the twists and I’ll continue on with the series because I know this author is capable of bringing the story together.

I’m looking forward to some questions and pieces of the storyline being explained a little better and hoping the likability and maturity of the characters is more evident in the next installment. When you have experienced shifter paranormal romance, you tend to expect a little more each time especially out of the male. They should be territorial and strong yet caring and supportive. I’m not seeing that in Wren quite yet. C’mon, D.D., I love your work and don’t disappoint me :)

I am leaving this review voluntarily from an ARC I received from the author and Booksirens.
Profile Image for L.J. Kerry.
Author 6 books122 followers
May 11, 2021
Any werewolf book that gets me to finish in 2 days gets a five star review. Usually I find werewolf books boring but this had enough mystery and romance that it was one I couldn't put down. It was more romance based and read more like a prequel to Jamie's f*'d up life otherthan a werewolf/shape shifter book so that is probably why I enjoyed it as much as I did. There was spice and it was a very enjoyable read.

Towards the end when it finally started to read like a Fantasy, it did get quite info-dumpy which was a slight let down after being like go, go, go throughout most of the book. And there was a plot twist that needed some work and explanation. I was also lead to believe by the blurb there would be more fantasy elements once we see The Academy, and I didn't find that in this book—not to say it won't happen as the series progresses.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I'm actually excited for book 2 to come out. Highly recommend you check this out.
Profile Image for abdulia ortiz-perez.
634 reviews40 followers
April 27, 2021
I received this free book for honest review.

4.5 stars ⭐ ⭐⭐ ⭐🌠

What a beautiful wonderful amazing read.

When you think you right, well let me just say that you might be wrong. This had me all over the place. My heart beatting so fast! I couldn't believe what I was reading. If had me in shock. Every page, every chapter was a page turner. I couldn't believe my eyes what I was reading. I highly recommend everybody get this book and read it. It will surprise you in every way.

What a great read! This had me hooked from the beginning. The sitting, theme, and the Characters had me pulled in. Everything was well put together and it was just perfect. This novel did just that to me.
Highly recommend everybody get this book and read it. Its so good!
Can't wait for her next book.
Profile Image for Evelyn Dotson.
1,759 reviews9 followers
April 13, 2021
A new series that has wolf shifters…Is this a story of fated mates, or a prophecy that is complicated? Jamie grew up in a small mountain town where her older brother was killed by animals. Although much older she still felt the loss. She was with the same guy for five years, broke up with him and moved away for seven years to the city~ Now, after her boss rejected her, she felt the urgent need to go home, where she had kept in touch with no one~ She sees her ex, her old best friend, and meets a new man, Wren. Things are complicated on most fronts, but she decides to see where things will lead. The Academy is a very mysterious and quiet place that is not known on the internet. She wanted to go there at one time, but it was way too expensive. Just when things might get interesting with the new man, her old boss shows up out of nowhere exclaiming he is different and wants to give it another go…but still things are not what they should be! Then, she discovers the secret about the wolves, the prophecy, and the old legend! Someone is trying to kill her, but who is it? She will have to fight for her life, uncover deeper secrets, and have more surprises come to light…what will happen? This ends in a cliffhanger…I absolutely LOVED this first book in a new series and cannot wait for the next one!
Profile Image for Zeba.
65 reviews
April 23, 2021
I received an ARC of Destiny and it was amazing!

I’ve read the author’s previous books, Perfect and Imperfect, and this book is so much better than those. I did not expect it to be this good! After that cliffhanger, I need to read the next book ASAP!
Profile Image for Ann.
5,410 reviews68 followers
October 7, 2021
This is book 1 in a new fantasy, paranormal series, The Academy. The author has created a good world/setting for the story but I didn't like some of the characters. 25 year old Jamie is returning to her home town after a bad day at work. She hopes to find old friends to connect with. A very fast read. I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Profile Image for Debbie Eyre.
4,792 reviews94 followers
May 30, 2022
Welcome to a paranormal world of dark magic, shapeshifters, and deep, supernatural connections were we find Jamie as she returns to her hometown. It’s a well written, exciting story with some excellent world building and characters who have some fantastic chemistry. There’s intrigue, a little mystery , danger and twists and turns to keep you hooked and I can’t wait to read more.
Profile Image for Shawna Jimenez more.books.forever.
1,771 reviews78 followers
April 19, 2021
I love a good small town shifter story. I also love a good alpha and a mystery man and this story has all the above. The instant off the charts attraction between Jamie and Wren is fire! I thought the story was great and I really cant wait to dive deeper into what is going on. With danger lurking around every corner Jamie doesn’t know which way to go. This is a quick read that has you wanting more. I cant wait for the next book
Profile Image for Min (abookworld___).
93 reviews17 followers
April 29, 2021
Perfect blend of supernatural romance with mystery and action! That ending makes me crave for more, highly recommend to check out D.D Larsen works if you are someone who enjoy reading romance and mystery!
Profile Image for Priscilla .
562 reviews39 followers
April 11, 2021
Had to force myself to finish reading this because I have yet to DNF a ARC.🥴😑 The storyline was so chaotic and dry. We were told many things but i never really felt any connection to anyone or anything. We don't find out anything till about 60% in, the author tried so hard for a love triangle and it was so forced, also the whole fated mates thing also felt forced i never felt any sort of chemistry between the MC's. It was just unfinished/random plot point with no real direction after random plot point with the character constantly being annoying and the hero constantly being "mysterious & vague." 😒😩


Thank you to Grey's Promotion for the ARC, i wish this would have workerd out for me.
Profile Image for Mick C.
1,405 reviews
April 24, 2021
This book just leaves you needing more and more answers. So much story and information to learn. Great characters, can't wait to get more answers.
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