scijessreads

We are introduced to Macie and Dominic in The Soulmate Theory as the friends of Carter and Penelope. Here, in The Fate Philosophy, we get to see them shine on their own. Or in Macies’ case, learn to shine and sparkle again.

Dom’s POV is limited to a brief prologue and epilogue. Macie is who we follow through the story, her struggles with figuring out who she is after leaving Oregon, ending things with Jeremy, and trying to find a place for herself in LA where she is living with Penelope and Carter. Teaching is no longer bringing her joy, but she isn’t sure exactly what to do about it.

Dom has been in love with Macie since he first met her on the dancefloor of the club the last time she was in town. And over the months since she moved, he’s been her verbal sparring partner and all-around irritant. At least, that’s how it seems to Macie. But when they are the only ones left in town after their friends leave for the holidays, their frenemies relationship turns into one with added benefits. One that Macie is determined to limit for fear of Dom deciding he doesn’t want to deal with her “too much” personality like everyone else in her life.

I loved how these two came together, how you could see Dom was all in from the jump, but Macie took time to realize that he wasn’t like Jeremy or anyone else who wanted her to be less. Dom was all for Macie being wild and sparkling and herself. He saw what Macie needed, and was there for her, even as she tried to push him away. He was dealing with his own guilt around the holiday season, and Macie was the one that he could still enjoy spending time with. Even when Macie tried to downplay their attraction and relationship, Dom didn’t give up. He didn’t let Macie run too far from herself, or from him and what he knew they could be.

Seeing Macie realize that those who loved her did not want to see her hide or diminish herself was the best thing. Even if it took a while (and some stubborn communication issues) to get there. The ride was worth it. And the spice… very hot. Macie and Dom definitely have chemistry.

While this is a standalone, I do recommend reading The Soulmate Theory first to see where Macie is coming from when she finally lands in LA. It was also fun to see a bit more of Penelope and Carter here, being solid for their friends even while out of town. Also, who doesn’t love a good Kat Stratford moment? 😉

While I usually prefer a dual POV story, having Macie be the (mostly) only POV here did not detract from the story, and it let us see her struggles and growth in more depth. We still get enough of Dom in his actions and from Macie’s viewpoint to know that he is one of the good ones, and truly is in it with Macie for all the right reasons.

Thanks to the author for the ARC. All opinions are my own.