ARC Review: “Flirting With Fate” by J.C. Cervantes

“Flirting With Fate” by J.C. Cervantes

Publishing Date: April 19, 2022

Genre: YA, Contemporary Romance, Fiction

Page Length: 384 pages (electronic review edition)

Synopsis:

Ava Granados will never forgive herself for being late to her beloved nana’s deathbed. But due to a flash flood that left Ava in a fender bender with a mysterious boy, she missed her grandmother’s mystical blessing–one that has been passed between the women of her family upon death for generations.

Then Nana’s ghost appears with a challenge from beyond the grave. As it turns out, Nana did give Ava a blessing, but it missed its target, landing with the boy from the night of the storm instead. Was it fate? Ava refuses to believe so. With the help of her sisters and Nana’s rather bumbling spiritual guide, she’s determined to reclaim her share of the family magic and set Nana free.

For guarded Ava, befriending some random boy is the last thing she wants to do. She’s gotten along just fine protecting her heart–keeping people at a distance is a great way to ensure no one ever hurts you. But as Ava embarks on her mission to retrieve the lost blessing, she starts to wonder if getting close to thunderstorm boy is worth the risk.

Review:

Flirting With Fate follows the story of Ava and her sisters reeling after their grandmother’s death. Blessings have been passed down their family line for generations, except Ava is the only sibling to miss her chance at getting a gift. Soon she is visited by a ghostly version of her grandmother and Medardus (a saint) who is there to guide her on her journey. Will she be able to find the person who got her blessing before it’s too late?

While Ava tries to navigate through her quest to get her family’s blessing back she struggles with catching feelings for Rion (he somehow gets her blessing). When her emotions get tangled up in the situation it becomes increasingly harder for her to keep up the lie up. But this situation gives her time to connect with her grandma once again. Besides grief this novel tackles themes of fate and destiny. So many of us work hard to fulfill our dreams, but what if something else comes along the way that truly reignites our passion? Ava is set on journalism but deep into her internship, she realizes she doesn’t really enjoy it as much as she used to. The novel makes us question when certain unexpected things pop into our lives making us wonder if fate truly does exist:

“That is absolutely not the case,” Meda asserted. “I know what you’re thinking. That your heart is going to be some fragile flower, waiting to be stomped on. That it will be weak. But do you know how many humans go through life examining their hearts and minds and souls? Always unsure of who they are? What their passions are?” He smiled.“ Consider this a short- cut to a memorable, meaningful life.”

Another thing that struck me about reading this book is the strong familial ties. We see a heavy focus on her bond with her sisters. They often bicker with each other but care strongly and try to look out for each sibling. Though Ava is presented with a second chance to be with her grandmother there are mixed feelings of joy, regret, and grief that intertwine. Watching Ava’s journey of self-discovery was gratifying as she becomes a more open person and really decodes to make decisions on what makes her happy and not others.

This was such a fun read from beginning to end. I love the characters especially the bond between ava and her two sisters and how they try to grow on this journey. I thought the aspect of spirit guides was interesting as it ties into the overarching theme of fate. This book reminds us that some things do happen for a reason. The romantic development between Ava and Rion was so sweet. Filled with humor, young love, a self-discovery journey this is a book you should read!

Final Verdict: