Professional Book Reviews

Fated to Love You tells the story of two star-crossed lovers who meet in high school and find each other while studying abroad in Colombia. Nineteen-year-old Cassie is serious about her studies and after her boyfriend, Raylan cheats on her and leaves for the military, she is ready to leave the states for a program in Colombia. There, she reconnects with a high school classmate of hers, a Chinese international student who also shares a love of science, Zhang Xuan. They both find that they enjoy one another's company and have a lot in common. As the story unfolds, it is clear they are smitten with each other. These two overachievers are the perfect match. Then on a fateful day, Cassie's last day in Colombia, Cassie is sent with two of the teacher's helpers to deliver supplies to the schools. There is a massive mudslide on the way and many lives are lost, including the teacher's two friends. Cassie is pinned in her vehicle and with the water rising, she feels her end is near. She can hear her military father's voice giving her strength but no matter how hard she tries she cannot free herself. Xuan seems to magically appear and saves Cassie's life.

Fated to Love You starts with the exciting, nail-biting scenes of Cassie's accident and rescue. I couldn't read fast enough as I was waiting to see what would happen to her and if she and Xuan would make it out alive.

The story fast forwards three years and Cassie and Xuan are a couple. And although Cassie's father does not believe in an interracial marriage, Cassie knows that she and Xuan were meant for each other. Then tragedy strikes. The diagnosis is grim. Xuan has stage three terminal cancer. The rest of the book is dedicated to spending time with Cassie and Xuan, their friends, and their family.

I really enjoyed this book for so many reasons. The plot was wonderful as were the characters. Each character showed such intricate feelings and emotions. I also liked the story of an Asian American and a Caucasian American because there don't seem to be that many books with that relationship dynamic. Being an Asian American married to a Caucasian American, I felt I was fated to read this book! It was clear that Author Kayla Cunningham did a stunning amount of research on all of the topics she addressed in this book. From Asian culture and customs to cancer protocol and the procedures doctors and hospitals take to the scenery of her settings in Colombia and the San Francisco Bay Area, Kayla's attention to detail is outstanding. More than just a romance, Fated to Love You brings to life the struggles of two very realistic characters. I am looking forward to the second book in this series.

Reviewed by Kristi Elizabeth

https://portlandbookreview.com/product/fated-to-love-you/

OUR STAR RATING SYSTEM

1 star: Reviewer wouldn’t recommend this book at all.

2 stars: Reviewer wouldn’t read it again. Needs work.

3 stars: Reviewer enjoyed the book.

4 stars: Reviewer liked and would recommend the book to friends/family.

5 stars: Reviewer considers the book to be something that everyone should read. Reviewer would definitely read it again.

OnlineBookClub.org review of "Fated to Love You" by Kayla Cunningham:
After Cassie gets heartbroken by her former lover, she decides to focus more on her studies to get over her disappointment. Subsequently, she develops a soft spot for Xuan Zhang, a fellow student who surpasses her intelligence. Her love for him increases even more when he rescues her from a disastrous predicament and risks his life to save hers. The world seemed to be against their love because they were of different ethnicities. To worsen matters, the love of her life, Xuan, gets diagnosed with a deadly disease, and his day of expiration seems to draw nearer as the world goes by. Friends, including the one nearest to her, try to discourage her from accomplishing her set purposes with Xuan. But will their love thrive in a society that seems all too suffocated for their love to ripen and blossom? Read this fascinating story to find out.

The book Fated to Love You by Kayla Cunningham keeps readers in suspense as the book approaches its climax. It depicts the struggle between two lovebirds whose worlds and unseen forces are bent on separating. I'm moved to pity to see the catastrophes endured and the stigmas they overlook so their happiness can reach its peak. Temptations and discouragement have battled their way into the couple's undying affection for each other, but the hate they've received is just stepping stones to their accomplishment. The book discloses the fundamental mystery of where the very core of love germinated from and the elements that keep it prevailing, despite the odds. The book shows that there is always room and hope for frantic affection to sprout undisturbed.

The portrayal of Xuan and Cassie's determination to navigate their love through stormy seas is what I find the most endearing. They were so attached that even what fate had in store for them could not deter their love for each other. Xuan saw the catastrophe that lay in store for him, yet he didn't let his body's susceptibilities obstruct his provision of sufficient love for the one dearest to his mind. Cassie stood her ground for Xuan and retorted unflinchingly at those mocking Xuan's situation. He had been diagnosed with a terminal disease and had asked Cassie to go and find happiness with someone else. I was afraid that she was going to leave him and return to her previous sweetheart, but I was glad about the way things ended for her and Xuan; she was able to make one of his biggest dreams come true, and she received the surprise of her life from him even though he was bedridden.

There is nothing I disliked about the book; I marveled at the way Xuan and Cassie's love thrived in a society full of racial discrimination. Though Xuan had felt the racism, Cassie didn't let the prejudice get to him and reassured him of her interminable love. I was on the edge of my seat when I learned her ex, Rayan, was trying to coax his way back into her life, but I was pleased to see how she handled it maturely. This made me admire and respect her.

The book is exceptionally well edited; I completely enjoyed this wonderful novel, and so I'll rate it five out of five stars. Also, the author's creativity in exploring strong themes in this engrossing tale made it possible to award the book a perfect rating. I recommend this book to lovers of romance fiction and also to persons whose relationships may be going through certain upheavals.  

OnlineBookClub.org

Fated to Love You starts off with one of the closest things to a literal bang I can think of. Cassie Steel is trapped in her car during a landslide. The next chapters show the hours leading up to the potentially fatal occurrence, and the blossoming of the romance the rest of the book will follow. Zhang Xuan is a fellow grad student, and when he saves Cassie’s life, their unspoken attraction soon turns into a romance deep enough that Cassie feels it must have been fated.

But, as Cassie might remind us William Shakespeare once wrote, “the course of true love never did run smooth”. Establishing their relationship early on in the book doesn’t mean things will go well for them for the following two hundred pages. Far from it; both of them have trials to face.

Overall, I enjoyed the book. This is Cunningham’s first novel, and I think it makes for an excellent debut. She has created a love story that feels deep and powerful for both characters, and it’s clear she loves them as much as they love each other. It’s also clear she did her research. The chapters in Colombia feel vibrant, and there are several references to Chinese culture, both large and small. I was very glad both of those aspects felt like more than set dressing to provide a little color for the book.

On the whole, this is an excellent debut that I think will appeal to people looking for epic love stories. It doesn’t quite follow the format of a traditional romance novel, but it’s certainly a romantic tale. I hope I get a chance to read what she writes next.

Reviewed by Jo Niederhoff

 @seattlebookreview 

https://seattlebookreview.com/product/fated-to-love-you/

Fated to Love You is a romantic, but also real story of two kids who must learn to navigate their strong feelings toward each other, along with the daily negative happenings thrown at them by the universe. Fated to Love You could be in the romance genre based on the descriptions provided in the story pertaining to their physical feelings toward each other, but knowledge and education of various "hot" topics in our current society give the story a slightly different feel. The author shares her interest and passion in educating individuals however possible, this is evident in her story writing when she goes above and beyond to teach the reader, through the character interactions, about the Chinese and Spanish language, culture, customs, and religion as well as proper and positive ways of overcoming differences while in a relationship. Cassie and Xuan's relationship is one worth mimicking, as it shows the devotion and love they hold for each other, while not letting anything or anyone get in the way. The story is solid in its plot yet the author pulls at the heartstrings; if this story were to be a movie, it would be exhausting, but leave the audience satisfied and ready for the second book in the Chasing the Comet series!

Reviewed by Rachel Dehning

https://sanfranciscobookreview.com/kayla-cunningham-interview/

In Fated to Love You, Kayla Cunningham delivers a poignant and heart-wrenching romance novel that will take readers on a journey of love, loss, and overcoming obstacles. The story follows Cassandra Steel, a science enthusiast studying abroad in Colombia, who unexpectedly falls in love with Zhang Xuan, a fellow science student. Despite their obvious connection, their relationship is tested by numerous challenges, including racism, anonymous online trolls, and Cassandra’s father, a military man with dated views.

The author does an excellent job of crafting relatable characters that readers will become deeply invested in. Cassandra and Xuan are multi-dimensional protagonists with understandable motivations and actions, making it easy to empathize with them. As the author skillfully develops their romantic journey, readers are taken on an emotional rollercoaster ride that leaves them rooting for the couple.

The issue of racism is a pervasive theme throughout Fated to Love You." The author boldly confronts this sensitive topic, delving into the challenges that arise in interracial relationships. Through Cassandra and Xuan's experiences, readers are shown the various ways in which prejudice and societal biases can impact a relationship. The novel sheds light on the challenges of navigating these biases, from the racism that Cassandra's military father displays towards Xuan, to the anonymous online trolls that attack their relationship.

Despite the obstacles that the couple faces, Cunningham emphasizes the strength and resilience required to overcome them. Through Cassandra and Xuan's struggles, the novel provides insights into the difficulties of overcoming societal biases and the importance of standing up for what is right. Cunningham's skillful prose also shows the power love has in overcoming these obstacles, demonstrating that while navigating interracial relationships can be challenging, inseparable bonds withstand any test.

As readers delve deeper into Fated to Love You, they may begin to believe that the coincidences that bring Cassandra and Xuan together are not mere happenstance, but rather part of a grander plan that includes their career paths, friendships, and romantic relationships. The novel invites readers to ponder the idea that perhaps nothing in life occurs by accident and that everything happens for a reason.

In conclusion, Fated to Love You is a well-written and engaging novel that is sure to tug at readers' heartstrings. The novel is a must-read for fans of romantic dramas and those interested in exploring the complexities of love and relationships. With relatable characters, a compelling plot, and thought-provoking themes, Fated to Love You is a book that will stay with readers long after they have turned the last page.

Reviewed by Rayne Renz

Manhattan Book Review

@Manhattan-Book-Review 

https://manhattanbookreview.com/product/fated-to-love-you/