An ex she can’t forget. A rival she can’t resist.

Dr. Margo Monroe had December all planned: twinkle lights, hot cocoa, and zero emotional complications. Then her famous ex storms back into town—and her ER—with his smoldering smile and infuriating charm. She vowed never to risk her heart again, but after one kiss, she might be losing that battle.

Dr. Drake Maguire was dumped by his first love the day before medical school. Devastated, he did what any proud, sensible man would do—became wildly successful and rich. So when his work sends him to the same hospital as Margo, he’s determined to play it cool. Teasing and tempting her is fun. Resisting her is impossible.

When a holiday fling starts to feel like fate, the lines blur—and they have everything to lose.

Previously published as Merry Little Heartbreak

Titles in the Legacy of the Maguires series include:  Last First Kiss ~ Battle of Hearts ~ Strictly Off-Limits ~ Love and Order ~ Tempted by Fate ~ My Favorite Mistake ~

This story may contain language, violence, and/or sexual situations intended for an adult 18+ audience.

Title: Tempted by Fate
Series:  Legacy of the Maguires #5
Author:  Stella Holt
Published:  March 24, 2026
Publisher:  Tule Publishing
My Rating:  4.5 stars

Tempted by Fate is the fifth title in the Legacy of the Maguires series, this time featuring Margo and Drake, who at one time were a dedicated couple through high school and the hope of college, with the dedication to medical school right ahead of them.  But reality set in for Margo when she simply could not afford to continue her education alongside Drake, far across the country.  She made a choice, one she regrets, yes, deep inside she does, but it was the only possible choice at the time, and it cost her everything, including the man she loved.

Drake may have had his heart broken as a young man, but he wouldn’t let that stop his drive to become the best doctor he could be.  Now, years later, he’s at the top of his field and is attending a conference at the hospital where his first love works.  They’re both about to get a second chance to get their love right, but first, there are some misconceptions to clear up, a few mistakes to acknowledge, and perhaps the spark they still feel between them can grow into something more permanent this time.  But they have to be willing to take a few risks in trusting each other again, while avoiding the mistakes of their past.

I had fun with Margo and Drake’s romance, but I have to say, this is one stubborn couple, to the point of almost losing everything once again.  Their story is well-written, emotional, passionate, and believable.  If you love a second-chance romance with more than a few misunderstandings to clear up, then you’d love Tempted by Fate.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the author or the author’s team via Booksprout, and I sincerely thank them for their trust. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

This title is available at Amazon