Providence

By Brianna Hawthorne

Emperor Augustus of Lumina lies dead, and yet as his final political act, he named Shi’ahn, still despised by most, as the Guardian of Croi’solas, the Emperor’s crystal of power. Will she be banished, or yet again imprisoned, before she can prove her worth and loyalty?

The Emperor had also hidden away all the old prophesies, leaving the current generation with no hint of the coming darkness. Before the new Emperor sits an entire day upon the throne, Lumina is attacked by a far more dangerous enemy than anyone has ever encountered before.

Cailliach had been preparing for this invasion since the very beginning of her realm, and begins awakening ancient family members long since placed in stasis. William joins in the protection of the Spire, a traditional Nebulaean duty, and Shi’ahn’s powers prove uniquely successful in combating the new enemies.

Can this disharmonious family put aside their differences, as well as their daggers, long enough to defeat this mysterious new enemy?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Brianna Hawthorne
• Release date: Aug 18, 2011
• ISBN: 9781465761484

Brianna Hawthorne

Many of us seek a purpose for our lives beyond our own well being, and mine is the preservation of forested lands. When I was four years old, my father bought 97 acres of land that was being used by its owner as a junk yard. Dad cleared out all the junk he could, and started planting 500 to 1,000 trees a year on it. He named it Ganderhawk Forest, and I worked on the land with him until I went to college. During our summers, we cared for my grandmother in a primitive summer camp on Lake Huron that our family has owned since 1908. It is also heavily forested. All my happy memories from my childhood occurred while living or working in forests. My intention is to use the bulk of the proceeds from selling my books to maintain the forested lands that I inherited from my father. He told me I would only be able to maintain one of them, but I wish to protect both from development. If possible, I hope to protect more forested lands in the future, either through donations or outright ownership. My life goal, beyond my family, is to be a guardian of the land.

Book preview

Prologue

Things fall apart; the center cannot hold;

Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world,

The blood-dimmed tide is loosed,

And everywhere the ceremony of innocence is drowned;

The best lack all conviction,

While the worst are full of passionate intensity.

Yeats, an excerpt from The Second Coming

Tho’ much is taken, much abides; and tho’

We are not now that strength which in old days

Moved earth and heaven, that which we are, we are;

One equal temper of heroic hearts,

Made weak by time and fate, but strong in will.

To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.

Tennyson, an excerpt from Ulysses

1

Debriefing

Thumping, thudding. What is that incessant banging? Don’t they know people are trying to sleep? Wait, that’s the sound of something hitting wood. Knocking? It’s been going on for a while .

Enter. A servant I don’t recognize steps in.

Lady Shi’ahn, there is to be a meeting in the Command Chamber in, he pauses a moment, seventeen minutes now – attendance is required.

Such short notice seems odd, I force myself fully awake and rush through my morning routine, then eat what I can from Lucian’s damnable, ever present server. William joins me - we have only moments to talk. I should mention the strange dream, but I’d rather have some fun.

So, it’s Aeolian, is it?

He scowls, My name is William.

But you have to admit, Aeolian is a very musical name.

I don’t want a musical name. My name is William – in my memory, it always has been, and it always will be.

We don’t have time to discuss it further, it takes far less time to reach destinations now that we can take full advantage of the staircase system.

Llywelyn addresses us, I wish to thank everyone for your cooperation in the battle yesterday; we were far more successful than I had anticipated. For those who have not heard, we pushed the enemy completely out of all nearby systems, regaining hundreds of worlds. It was a long battle, and spanned a great deal of space; I’m sure many of you would appreciate some details of what happened. I know I would.

He looks my way before continuing. Uh-oh…

Does anyone have any specific questions they would like answered?

Gwenllian speaks up immediately. I do! What the hell was going on with the Chaosian ships? I wish I could disappear…

Lucian responds, They were being disabled by Croi’Solas.

They what? Since when can it affect things out in space?

Since Shi’ahn had the good sense to wield it thus.

Shi’ahn!?

Emperor Augustus made her the Guardian, if you will remember.

Vespasian joins the discussion, A point which I wish to contest. Father hated her! It makes absolutely no sense that he suddenly made her the Guardian. That Old Hag has gone too far in her meddling - something should be done about her.

Lucian laughs. And exactly what would you propose we do? She created this realm! She maintains the Spire and the specifics of our reality. Without her, this realm would fall.

Certainly someone else could step in and take over her duties.

Really? Well, I suppose there is Novanus, who still mourns his son, Coronus. Or Aurora, who recently lost her only child. What say the two of you? Would you be willing to step in right now and take over the Cailliach’s duties?

They reply together, Absolutely not.

Any other takers?

Silence. Finally, Vespasian responds, Fine, then. I still do not believe it is proper for Shi’ahn to be in control of Croi’Solas!

Finally, something I don’t mind addressing, I am not in control of her. I merely made requests that she agreed with.

Nonsense. And must you insist on personifying a rock? It is a tool, controlled by those attuned to it.

You are wrong; she is not a rock and I am not attuned to her. The Emperor merely had me touch her with him, and told me to make changes in the landscape. I asked her to please make them, and she did. It was always like that. I made requests and she granted them. I could not command her to do something she did not wish to do.

This is ridiculous! The rock does what it is told, nothing more.

Llywelyn responds, That is not entirely true. Father and I discussed it long ago, when he had difficulty in bending the crystal to his will. It did not always seem to ‘agree’ with him. I would almost hazard to say that it sometimes seemed to dislike him.

Lucian adds, I feel quite confident in stating that Croi’Solas does appear to ‘like’ Shi’ahn. You did see what she did with it, after all.

Gwenllian seizes control of the conversation, About that, what the hell were you doing, Shi’ahn? Granted it was helpful that the enemy ships were unable to attack us, but I was also not able to attack them!

Why did you attack them when they could not attack you?

Because they were the enemy! The only good enemy is a dead enemy.

And after the war is over, what are they then?

Chaosians are always the enemy - that’s something you do not appear to understand.

Those who always see enemies surrounding themselves will never know peace.

Aurora comes to my rescue, You might as well give it up, Shi’ahn. Augustus’ line has not valued peace for a very long time.

Llywelyn scowls, I see no value in continuing this line of discussion. Suffice it to say that Shi’ahn’s actions - though somewhat questionable - did indeed turn the tide of the battle. We are now in a far better position than we were before the second battle. Not only did we win back all nearby systems, but the Chaosians are continuing to pull back. It would appear that the knowledge that we can so easily incapacitate their forces is acting as a deterrent to further hostilities. We may actually be able to regain nearly all of our losses.

Several do not seem to appreciate Llywelyn’s intervention, but no one disputes him.

He continues, Now Hector, what do you have to report?

Not much of import. Many Chaosians were killed here in the second battle, but no more Dominars. Spica’s body was apparently destroyed, judging by the burned area where he had lain. Dominara Lagash escaped, but not without injuries. We lost no one in Lumina during the second battle, and no living Chaosians remain here. The battle scene has already been cleaned up and the people have been returned to the city. All is well.

Christoff, what news from the sea?

Little. The battle did not involve my forces. The Chaosians fled as directly as they were able and none returned to attack, while the bulk of our forces were in space.

Any news from Varuna?

Ah… no. I’ve never conversed with him.

I see. Has anyone heard news from the Great Forest?

William answers, They fare well. There were no further incursions after the first battle.

Maximus, what have you to report?

Fighting on the planets was quite harsh at first. It appears that the ground forces were in contact with their ships though. As the disablements spread, those that were able used whatever means they had at hand to leave. No commanders were captured. Some Households have sent troop carriers to retrieve their forces, but most have abandoned their troops. Some have been executed, while most have been pressed into service in repairing the damage they caused.

Llywelyn looks pleased. That is very practical of them. Are there any other issues that should be brought to light? No? Good. Then it appears that there is only one more issue that must be addressed now.

He pauses, looking around the room, capturing each of us in turn with a gaze that radiates unquestionable authority.

We are still weakened by the fact that we do not have an Emperor on the throne. That cannot be allowed to continue.

Vespasian begins to speak, but Llywelyn’s strong voice carries over his.

As you all know, I am Augustus’ firstborn son – his rightful heir. I have also proven myself a superior leader. If Vespasian had been left in charge, Chaosians would still hold land in Lumina herself! Vespasian said not to fight, to continue negotiations as they were. I said fight, and we were extremely successful. One simply cannot argue that his was a poor decision. Furthermore, in the first battle Vespasian fled the field to avoid facing a single, though focused adversary. Would a worthy Emperor flee from a Chaosian? I say no, and so I ask you – who do you want as your Emperor, Me? His voice drops disapprovingly, "Or him."

Immediately Gwenllian and Maximus move to stand at his side, as does Lucian! Everyone pauses in shock. Lucian is sworn to serve the rightful heir, who has been considered to be Vespasian for over nineteen hundred years. The Emperor had not made known any change in status… what does this mean?

No one moves. I, however, am not surprised by Lucian’s choice, I use the time to listen. I’ve always liked Llywelyn’s harmonies and disliked Vespasian’s, but now is not the time to judge based on personal preference. I listen to each of them again, this time envisioning each as Emperor. Vespasian sounds absolutely terrible – a jaggedness overtakes the harmonies, screaming in my mind. Llywelyn sounds… like destiny. I hear strength, wisdom, and hope. Cailli groomed him for this; we need him to lead us. And of course, there is that strange prophecy-like dream I had, and he is indeed the firstborn. He truly appears to be the right one. I walk toward Llywelyn.

Llywelyn looks to me almost with shock; there is such distrust in his gaze I find I must explain.

"I cannot deny what I hear; you are the Emperor we need. Vespasian on the throne would ring of disaster."

Without hesitation William joins me, immediately followed by Casanova. Novanus - looking irritated - follows as well, though his reason isn’t clear. Gwenllian? William? The rest hesitantly move to join Vespasian. It seems as though they don’t really want to, but are compelled by their duty to the ‘rightful’ heir.

Lucian’s voice springs to triumphant life and everyone stops to listen. Let me share with you all something I recently found in the private Royal library. I quote to you, ‘I, Emperor Augustus, do solemnly swear that upon the return of my eldest son, Llywelyn, I will fully accept him as my rightful heir, no matter how much time will have passed from his future disappearance at the hand of the Cailliach. Signed this 79th day of the year Anno-Augustus 397.’ That, my family, was the day that Llywelyn was born. Our father swore a sacred oath to always accept Llywelyn as his rightful heir, and we are therefore honor bound to fulfill that oath! He turns the document to face those who had been moving toward Vespasian, and I hear many different forms of validation take place.

It is interesting to see the light of understanding strike so many people at once – so that is why Lucian supports Llywelyn! A collective weight seems to be lifted from them, and they all turn to join Llywelyn; the decision is unanimous, aside from Vespasian himself.

Llywelyn states, As Augustus’ firstborn and fully acknowledged heir, I rightfully claim the throne of Lumina. Do you wish to contest this, Vespasian?

Now would not be the time to divide amongst ourselves, what with an unresolved war, and all.  He looks though, as if the issue is far from concluded in his mind.

A wise decision. Llywelyn turns to the rest of us, As I said earlier, this is an inopportune time to be without an Emperor; therefore I wish coronation to take place in two days’ time. Christoff, please coordinate with the people of the City; I want as many of the nobles and their families as possible to attend. Silvanus, assure those of the land that they are invited as well. Hector, make sure the highest houses of the near outer worlds know – they may each send representatives. Also provide appropriate personnel to assist in their rebuilding efforts. And move in what reinforcements you can find to bolster our defenses at the boundaries of the lands we have retaken. I don’t want the Chaosians to think of this occasion as a good time to re-assert their attack. Helen, arrange the aesthetic aspects of the ceremony. You may draw upon whatever resources you need; we will speak later. Chaosian household representatives are to arrive soon and peace negotiations may continue, but all agreements are to come to me for review and final approval. He pauses and looks around the room, before inclining his head to all watching, That is all, everyone, there is much to do.

Vespasian’s voice rings out, You are forgetting my father! There has not yet been a proper funeral, let alone an appropriate mourning period.

Vespasian looks as though he expects to continue for quite some time, but Llywelyn interrupts him. "Our father, Vespasian. All of that would be appropriate during a time of peace, but this is not such a time. We must have an Emperor. Now. But you do raise a worthy point - Augustus must be laid to rest. Make the arrangements, Vespasian, and coordinate all specifics with Gwenllian’s staff. Hold it outdoors, near where he fell, so that the people may easily attend. Tomorrow." He does not bother dismissing us again, it is clear that the meeting is finished.

As we disburse, I hear him quietly say, Maximus, Gwenllian… and Lucian, with me.

2

Negotiations Take Two

William and I have nothing to do but see what we may accomplish through negotiations. Ishme does not return to Lumina though, and the representative that does come from Akkad quickly informs us that he does not have the authority to conduct negotiations regarding Shiral. We return to William’s rooms and take the time to talk more about recent changes .

So, William, just how long have you known you are not my brother?

For certain? I learned of it after returning from Shiral. Novanus was very concerned about it, and after a while he confessed.

Did he tell you anything about why he hates me so much? You’d think, even if he doesn’t know exactly who my parents are, he would think of me as at least distant family.

Actually, he wouldn’t discuss you at all. When I persisted, he threatened to quit speaking to me altogether. I don’t know what his problem is, but it runs deep. I suggest you do your best to forget about him.

OK then, what about you? How are you adjusting to all this?

I’m not sure. I’d suspected for quite some time that we at least had different mothers, but learning that I came from such tragedy is really quite a blow.

Is that why you don’t want to use your true name?

In other words, does it remind me of my murdered parents? I suppose so, the sound of it makes me sad, but that isn’t the real reason. I like the name William; it’s a part of me, a very happy part. William rides dragons and plays with light. William goes on adventures with his daring sister, doing things no one else would even dream of attempting. William ascended the Spiral Staircase. I am William - that’s all there is to it.

I sigh, I understand.

What is it that you like so much about that other name?

It’s just so musical. Do you know that in ancient times, religious songs were often sung in whole tone scales, one of them being named Aeolian? That there are Aeolian Harps, which are played solely by the wind? Or that, when solar winds sing a harmonious song they are called Aeolian Winds?

OK, that last one sounds cool. But it doesn’t matter, because that isn’t really my name. Maybe you could name a child Aeolian someday?

Before I have the chance to remind him that at my current pace, I will never have even the slightest chance of having a child, there is a knock on his door.

Lord William? The servant looks concerned. One of the Chaosians, Cas Abet Dion a Temenus, requests a meeting with you, in the tropical gardens. He glances nervously toward me.

You go on, William, I think you had better be our primary negotiator. Besides, I’d enjoy some nice, restful time in my rooms. Perhaps a bath.

A good idea. I’ll let you know how it goes.

I am indeed enjoying a nice relaxing bath when there is a knock on my outer door. What now? I don’t feel like hurrying to the door, so I project my voice, A moment, please. I take several to dry myself and dress. Out of slight annoyance, I don a dress that, while not particularly noteworthy on its own, somehow catches the nature of my new condition and, through subtle color coordination, almost cries out, ‘Behold the Avatar!’ Yes, what is it?

It’s the same servant that summoned William earlier. His eyes widen noticeably as I open the door, and if possible he now looks even more nervous than he did earlier. "Lord William has asked that you join him in his meeting… with the Chaosian. My lady, I’m not sure you should go."

What? Since when do servants show such concern over me? It is touching though and I smile warmly. I’m sure William would not summon me into danger, but if you are worried, you are welcome to accompany me.

Another voice answers, We intended to, my Lady. A man stands to the side of the door, he is of much more sturdy build than the first servant, and appears far more self-assured. I recognize him, though he seems to have grown somehow since the last time we met.

You gave William and I a tour of Lumina and the ocean-side. You’re Joanna’s brother, Johan. He smiles, seeming pleased that I remember him. I’m sure this is all unnecessary. Surely this Dion can’t be as dangerous as Dominar Akkad.

"Cas Abet Dion, my lady. We will stay nearby."

William looks surprised when we arrive, but then, so do I. By the Stars, what is

Reviews for Providence

[itsbookishme · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Loved Beautiful Disaster and thought I would give Providence a try, wasn't disappointed. For me, Providence reads more like a Contemporary Romance novel with just a smidgen of Paranormal. The story starts out with Nina mourning the loss of her father. A father who she hero worships and thinks of as a god. Nina was able to find some solace from losing her father when she was having a breakdown and Jared approached her. She was instantly intrigued by him and he became a good distraction to her sadness. Almost half of the book focused on Nina and Jared's blossoming friendship and eventual relationship.

Nina's a student at Brown University from an affluent family. She was a total daddy's girl and would eventually have to come to accept her father wasn't the man she thought he was. Nina's character was a contradiction to how I saw her earlier on in the story. I really didn't expect some of the things she did. She definitely likes to have fun, getting drunk with a hangover kind of fun. Nina was always running into Jared and he was always there when she finds herself in a dangerous situation. She also didn't seem to have any fear at first, she didn't take Jared's warnings seriously on the situation her father left behind.

Jared, oh yeah, yum. Super model gorgeous and badass protector of Nina. Jared was Nina's savior many times over, he was always there when she needs him most. Most of the time he seemed laid back but there was that protective side to him that was ready to take action. There is so much more to Jared but I would be giving away too much if I keep going.

And Ryan who was totally in love with Nina who seem to make bad decisions when it comes to his well being. It was very sweet of him to want to defend Nina when trouble finds her but was he serious, did he really think he could take on four huge guys alone? And he was also eager to make Jared jealous flirting with Nina it was clear that Jared was holding himself back from hurting him. Doesn't he have any kind of self-preservation? I thought Nina wasn't fair to Ryan sometimes, she knew how he felt about her and she unwittingly lead him on at times by expecting too much from their friendship.

Claire, Jared's sister was a pretty interesting character, as badass as her brother but a lot more of a risk taker. She and Nina didn't have a great start to their relationship. I like Claire, but she's scary, she was the only one Nina was afraid of.

The supernatural plot of the story was about Angels and Demons and I almost forgot I was reading a Paranormal Romance but was not bothered by it one bit. There wasn't any mention of anything supernatural for sometime. The story took a paranormal turn when Nina finds out that her father made his money through criminal activities, and there was more, he stole from a demon who wants his property back and wants to set an example or solidify his reputation by using Nina herself. The supernatural aspect of the story when it did come up was subtle at first before the major action started. I really like how Jamie writes romance and this book was definitely about a romance above all else. Loved hearing Jared's journal entries about when he fell in love with Nina. So sweet.

[readerscandyb · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Another 5 out of 5 for Jamie McGuire

The book starts with Nina's father dying and her meeting Jared Ryel at the bus stop... Little does she know he has been watching her for years and planned the meeting. When Jared starts showing up in places of danger she realizes that he knows more about her then she thought. As she searches for the truth behind her fathers death she finds the one thing her fathers associates are looking for. Secrets are revealed and their relationship goes through ups and downs. Will someone come between them? Read to find out!

[talaskat · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This book was not as good as Beautiful Disaster but when you made it to the end it got a lot better. I want to shake and scream at her characters sometimes. I'm am totally happy that I found this author.

[onionprincess · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Instead of Twilight with a vampire, it's Providence with a guardian angel....kind of cheesy, over the top with his dying love for her, but an interesting story.

[gigisiriereads · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Loved Beautiful Disaster and thought I would give Providence a try, wasn't disappointed. For me, Providence reads more like a Contemporary Romance novel with just a smidgen of Paranormal. The story starts out with Nina mourning the loss of her father. A father who she hero worships and thinks of as a god. Nina was able to find some solace from losing her father when she was having a breakdown and Jared approached her. She was instantly intrigued by him and he became a good distraction to her sadness. Almost half of the book focused on Nina and Jared's blossoming friendship and eventual relationship.

Nina's a student at Brown University from an affluent family. She was a total daddy's girl and would eventually have to come to accept her father wasn't the man she thought he was. Nina's character was a contradiction to how I saw her earlier on in the story. I really didn't expect some of the things she did. She definitely likes to have fun, getting drunk with a hangover kind of fun. Nina was always running into Jared and he was always there when she finds herself in a dangerous situation. She also didn't seem to have any fear at first, she didn't take Jared's warnings seriously on the situation her father left behind.

Jared, oh yeah, yum. Super model gorgeous and badass protector of Nina. Jared was Nina's savior many times over, he was always there when she needs him most. Most of the time he seemed laid back but there was that protective side to him that was ready to take action. There is so much more to Jared but I would be giving away too much if I keep going.

And Ryan who was totally in love with Nina who seem to make bad decisions when it comes to his well being. It was very sweet of him to want to defend Nina when trouble finds her but was he serious, did he really think he could take on four huge guys alone? And he was also eager to make Jared jealous flirting with Nina it was clear that Jared was holding himself back from hurting him. Doesn't he have any kind of self-preservation? I thought Nina wasn't fair to Ryan sometimes, she knew how he felt about her and she unwittingly lead him on at times by expecting too much from their friendship.

Claire, Jared's sister was a pretty interesting character, as badass as her brother but a lot more of a risk taker. She and Nina didn't have a great start to their relationship. I like Claire, but she's scary, she was the only one Nina was afraid of.

The supernatural plot of the story was about Angels and Demons and I almost forgot I was reading a Paranormal Romance but was not bothered by it one bit. There wasn't any mention of anything supernatural for sometime. The story took a paranormal turn when Nina finds out that her father made his money through criminal activities, and there was more, he stole from a demon who wants his property back and wants to set an example or solidify his reputation by using Nina herself. The supernatural aspect of the story when it did come up was subtle at first before the major action started. I really like how Jamie writes romance and this book was definitely about a romance above all else. Loved hearing Jared's journal entries about when he fell in love with Nina. So sweet.

[bookwhisperer · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Providence was yet another brilliant display of Jamie McGuires raw talent. My first introduce to her works was with the title Beautiful Disaster, and it was a amazing and thrilling story that I have revisited since. McGuire is a amazing author with the ability to combine sweet and simple characters with remarkable story lines. Everytime I have the opportunity to read works by this author I am astounded and awestruck with her ability to create breath taking romances. These are the stories that readers will remember long after the last line, and revisit just so that they can feel the emotions of loving the characters all over again. Providence was unique from McGuire's other stories, because of her paranormal twist. This was incredibly benefical to the story at esclating the emotion level even further. As with Beautiful Disaster McGuire is genuinely talented in writing deeply emotional love stories, but when Providence opens the door more a magically connection it seemed to highten the romance even further. (As if I thought that was even possible!) I love feeling as though I am part of the story, and Jamie's ability to absorb readers is clearly evident from this story. The action and suspense promises late night and missed bedtimes. I can't wait to see what the next book will offer. Jamie McGuire is the a amazing author, and something you should not miss! BOOKWHISPERER RECOMMEND!! 

[woodtop255 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Although I consider myself a new adult author, something McGuire is also known for being, I couldn’t get into her popular Beautiful Disaster novel. I found Travis way too unlikable and couldn’t get past his extreme assholeness. This made me a little skeptical over whether I’d enjoy Providence. I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. I get the readers who make the Twilight comparisons, but I think there was much more suspense in this book. The college-age characters were realistically drawn and McGuire didn’t get logged down in complicated mythology about the angels and demons. Jared was a little too tortured for my taste, but I think that’s because I always prefer the underdog love interest who doesn’t have a chance in hell of getting the girl (poor Ryan). I give the book four out of five stars.

[mariananhi · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

I was head over heel with Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire. It was an amazing read! So I made my way to her other works with high expectation. Providence caught my eyes then, but in the end, it disappointed me…quite deeply.If you have read some of my other reviews, you would probably realize I have little tolerance when it comes to different books with similar storyline, or rip-off version (I dislike that word, because no matter how “similar” the plots are, both works are the authors’ heart and mind.) Unfortunately, Providence falls in this category. It was a rewritten Twilight Saga. Don’t get me wrong here, I love Twilight (my first romance books – great impact), I love Jamie McGuire’s writing, and I would be lying if I said this is an awful book. Not at all. However, the reason above ticked me off. When I first pick up the book, I had a great time of thinking about how good this book is going to be. Hence, I even imagine a super positive review for this book. Guess you don’t get what you wish for all the time.The book starts off very good. Nina’s father-the most important person in Nina’s life-got in an accident. She was devastated. After his funeral, she met a boy named Jared, a very nice one, and he offered her to share a cab with him. Their story started there.Completely fall in love with the book at that moment. The writing is indescribably beautiful.Then it changed from there.No matter how hard I lie to myself that this book is completely unique, it’s not happening. After riding that late night cab, strange things starting to happen around Nina. The weird part is, the mystery Jared always seemed to show up whenever she’s in danger, and he really knows how to move his fists. Fate seems to keep bringing them together, times after times. He’s gorgeous and full of mysteries, but his sudden move of pushing her way makes Nina confused than ever. “Accidents” happened, and Nina is in danger. Jared decided to tell her his true identity, even if it may push her away from him.Okay, you may think. What are you talking about? This plot is max awesomeness! Hate to break it for you guys. Nah uh! This is totally mini-Twilight 4 in 1. I love you but it’s not safe for you to love me so I left? If you left me then I will hurt myself? Hot super-being boyfriend? A sister who is basically a mix between Alice and Rosalie Cullen (this actually turns out hilarious)? A lot of check-marks for similarities between these guys here.Jared can be considered your better version of Edward (I’m a Team Edward, don’t get me wrong, but Jared here is totally a sweetheart). He’s kind and full of humor. And even though he seems to be perfect beyond humanly possible, and sometimes quite…stalkery? (he’s a supernatural being, what am I talking about?) There was a very mundane side of him, which makes his characteristic feel more realistic. I like him a lot.Nina is, well, she is the protagonist of this story, and my feeling for her seems to reflect on what I feel about the book. I really like her at first. She’s not the super-brave-and-independent type of person, but not those I-couldn’t-choose-what-to-where-without-my-boyfriend one either (keep in mind that I said “at first”). You can clearly make it out that her family is rich, but she doesn’t acknowledge that fact (in the good way) or feel overly proud and arrogant over it either. She was a very nice girl. She still in the end of the book though, but after a while, the “Bella’s effect” started to rub on her. She clings to Jared. Her mind is 24/7 full of negatively thoughts. She even desperately attempted to hurt herself just to Jared would appear an speak to her. Boy, I really want to tell her to stop crying and get over with it!Jamie McGuire is fantastic when it comes to romance book, and I won’t deny it. But she disappointed me this time. Providence resembling Twilight too much, that it lost some of its own unique taste. You may question me why there are so many Twilight references in this review. That is the same feeling I have for this book. I wouldn’t recommend it for anyone who has that same annoyance like me when it comes to alike storylines.