Another great addition to Clare's bookshelf. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and loved learning what I would assume to be actual facts about the Lakota Nation. It was inspiring to read about their history and sad to read about their current struggles with unemployment and low numbers of those seeking higher education. I did find myself stumbling over trying to pronounce the Lakota language. I would have liked a glossary of terms with the phonetic spelling to help me.

Only thought was to have a final ending to those horrific adoptive parents.

A+!!

4.5 Tempting Fate is the forth book in the Colorado High Country series and what an awesome book it is. Chaska and Naomi’s story is a captivating, well written contemporary romance. I would recommend you add this book and series to your reading list

Chaska and his sister, Winona, are out for a hike near their property with their wolf, Shota. As only a sister can do, Winona is pestering Chaska to date a woman on his search and rescue team. No sooner than he off handedly comments, “I’ll wait until the right woman comes along. Creator can feel free to put her in my path anytime,” Shota rushes ahead, leading them to find an injured, unconscious Naomi lying in the opening of a mine shaft. She managed to get away from two ex cons who found her campsite, only to shot, break her ankle when she fell and suffer from hypothermia overnight.

I’m a huge fan of Pamela Clare’s I-Team series and blazed through that, so I was thrilled to get my hands on an advance copy of a book in another series of hers. Her I-Team series is easily comparable to Maya Banks’ KGI series or Elle Kennedy’s Killer Instincts series, but “Tempting Fate” is in a class all its own! Rich in Native American history and traditions, the characters are multilayered, vivid, captivating and irresistible, and the storyline is compelling and fascinating. The secondary characters are quirky and endearing, and the descriptions are rich, dramatic and picturesque. The town of Scarlett Springs is so warm and welcoming that I would move there in a heartbeat if it actually existed!

Chaska’s character is one that wins the heart immediately with his brilliant mind, warrior’s heart, handsome good looks and compassion, and Naomi is a woman I wanted to applaud, idolize, comfort and keep safe all at once. Their relationship is tender, sweet, beautiful and sexy, complete with sizzling chemistry. And this is the first time I’ve ever read a scene that catapults from smoking hot to gut- busting hilarious in the blink of an eye! Not to spoil it, but I’ll certainly never look at milk the same way again. This captivating book is a feast for the senses, an enchantment for the heart and a true delight to read. Don’t think twice about grabbing this gem. You won’t be sorry!

As usual, Pamela Clare delivers another amazing book. I seriously love this woman and the strong characters she writes. I will admit that I haven't read any of the other books in this series. Contemporaries and myself have been having a difficult time getting along lately. This can be read as a standalone, as I did so with no issue. Lots of characters but I never felt overwhelmed with past characters from previous books from the series. The story was engaging and endearing. The romance was spot on and wonderful to read. I would highly recommend this to any friend who needs a good book to lose themselves in.

Who knew that getting assaulted while camping would bring about changes in Naomi's life, changes that would help Naomi find love, a place to belong and a big family. Even as I was scared for what was happening to Naomi, I loved that right away she thought of ways to thwart the bad guys, that she was going to fight and fight hard she did. Her actions were great, giving her a way to escape.

Chaska's one comment on his walk with his sister, Winona was great, it was like he was daring the big guy to make it happen and happen it did. It was a good thing that Naomi was found by the brother and sister and to be in Scarlet Springs. Chaska had the skills to get help for Naomi and Winona took Chaska's comment to heart and gave Naomi a place to recover.

As Naomi settled into the house with the siblings it was fun to see them all interact, for Naomi to be around other Native people and not be looked down on, for the attraction between her and Chaska to grow, for her to share her painful past. I loved how Naomi's past came into play, loved that she was finally able to learn about where she came from. But the best part of the book was the courtship between Chaska and Naomi. Chaska took things slow, with each move he made it was clear how much he thought about Naomi and wanted her.

The other great part of the book was the town embraced Naomi, how they wanted to help her and let her know she was welcome there.

I liked how this one ended, loved that our couple had a HEA, loved how they blended both cultures, loved that Naomi's dream was realized and the last question to her past was answered.

Chaska is an engineer and a volunteer with the Search and Rescue Team. He is also a member of the Oglala Lakota nation. When he rescues Naomi on the mountain he is immediately attracted by her bravery and beauty. She has overcome a tragic past and has no family. Romance blossoms between the two of them and Naomi discovers who she is in this enjoyable romance.

loved this book

4.5*

Whether she’s writing romantic suspense or contemporary romance, Pamela Clare excels at creating three-dimensional, realistic characters and delivering an emotionally engaging and compelling character arc--including the love story between the hero and heroine. TEMPTING FATE, the fourth book in her new contemporary Colorado High Country series, is no different: whilst it doesn’t evoke quite the same level of feels as its predecessor, FALLING HARD, it both delivers a heartwarming, charming story about finding one’s true self (and love) and honours & educates us about the Native American community (specifically, the Oglala Lakota). At the heart of it, TEMPTING FATE is about two modern members of the Native community finding their place and true love outside of the confines of traditional life on the reservation, but it is a story that rings resonates with everyone, regardless of what community they belong to. Heroine Naomi Archer is searching for her identity and place in the world after being abandoned as a newborn and raised in a repressive religious cult that both disdains her Native heritage and teaches her to be ashamed of her sexuality and her body. Hero Chaska Belcour, the grandson of a hereditary Oglala Lakota Sun Dance chief who left the reservation to pursue engineering, isn’t looking for love but wouldn’t mind if Creator puts the woman of his dreams in his path. Fate brings them together to kickstart a love story that is equal parts sweet and sexy. Watching Chaska help Naomi realise her inner strength, come into her own, and discover sexual freedom and empowerment is incredibly heartwarming. Chaska is seriously the type of man most of us women dream of meeting, and watching him fall for Naomi is just as moving. The chemistry between the two is off the charts from the outset without ever feeling forced or unrealistic. And Ms. Clare wraps it all up with her trademark superb writing style and cadre of outstanding secondary characters (including a cameo by my all-time favourite hero, I-Team’s Zach McBride!). Can’t wait for the next instalment in the series!

**ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

If you haven’t read Pamela Clare, you definitely are missing some stunning stories and Tempting Fate is by far one of her very best works I’ve read of hers.

Book four of her Colorado High Country Series, Tempting Fate is the journey of a young woman trying to find her roots, heritage and finally belonging to a community that would be become a part of her life. Victim of a crime when vacationing in Colorado, Chaska Belcourt, the son of a Sun Dance hereditary chief, saves Naomi. As a genius aerospace engineer and a member of the elite Rocky Mountain Search and Rescue Team, Chaska believes in fate and destiny and he was meant to save her from near death.

Staying with Chaska and his sister Winona, Naomi truly learns the works of life. Having being adopted by a cult family and ruled with an iron control, Naomi has been bound by the walls of the cult. But now recuperating in Chaska’s home, and with his sister Winona lending a helping hand, Naomi truly learns the works of life.

As Naomi heals under the loving care of Chaska, the sparks of attraction consummate the growing love for each other. Tempting Fate is a beautifully written multicultural love story, steeped with support and care, friendship and brotherhood, love and passion, family and heritage. Pamela Clare’s depth of detail and knowledge of the Lakota heritage, and her real life experiences give the story charm and reality, enlightening the readers and a pleasure to read this romance.

And the clarity and characterization of Chaska and Naomi must be read to understand their chemistry, their love and the relationship that gives them the courage and strength to make a future.

Received a copy from Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op via NetGalley for an honest review.

Chaska and Naomi's characters made for some good reading, so too, Winona's. The series as a whole has been outstanding reading and Tempting Fate by Pamela Clare was another great instalment.
Review copy received via Netgalley

Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) provided by the Author and Publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an fair and honest review.

Romance, Pamela Clare Style , is always a unique experience. There are few authors who can paint a story like she can and in "Tempting Fate" she has filled her canvas with the wonders of the Native American community, their traditions and their lore. It is truly a wonderful reading experience when the reader can use it as a learning experience as well as entertainment.

Naomi is on camping in the mountains above Silver Springs, CO when she is attacked and flees for her life. She is found by Chaska Belcourt and his sister, Wionna, who are hiking with their wolf, Shota, when Shota suddenly takes off through the brush and finds Naomi unconscious.

Naomi was abandoned as an newborn and adopted into a very strict, abusive family. She ran away at 16 and made her own way eventually becoming a successful jewelry designer. She has no family and is on her own. After being injured, Chaska and his sister offer her a place to stay to recuperate. The attraction between Chaska and Naomi is evident from the beginning.

Chaska Belcourt grew up on the reservation, but decided to leave that life to become an engineer with an aerospace firm and a member of the elite Rocky Mountain Search & Rescue Team. While he and Wionna were hiking she was encouraging him to date a fellow Team member and Chaska told her he was waiting for fate to bring his half-self to him. Be careful what you wish for.... He can't deny the attraction for and the his deep need to protect Naomi. But Naomi has been alone for so long, she has a hard time trusting Chaska and when he finds the key to unlocking the mystery of her birth, she can't deny that she has deep feelings for Chaska, but can he possibly feel the same.

I was so eager to read the 4th book in the Colorado High Country Series. The main reason: Chaska
I've been so intrigued by this tall dark and handsome hero. All of the Search & Rescue team members are heroes.There's just something I loved about Chaska- even as a minor character in books 1-3.
The setting of course, is Scarlet Springs, CO. Not too far from Boulder. It's July, in the mountains above Scarlet Springs, CO
This is told in 3rd person POV. The heroine, Naomi is new to this series. Chaska and Naomi's meeting is very dramatic.
The beginning of this story really takes off. Naomi is pretty much all alone in the world. She's a talented photographer and nature/wildlife jewelry artist.She's camping while she explores and photographs the scenery and wildlife.
Chaska's sister Winona had just been on Chaska's case to find a special someone. He's been busy with work as an aerospace engineer and volunteering with the S&R Team. Winona runs a wildlife sanctuary. She has a wolf, Shota, who plays a key role in helping save Naomi. No sooner did Winona mention finding someone.... they come upon Naomi. I don't want to give too many specific details. I love how the story unfolds.
Yes, it's dramatic. Naomi is rather mild mannered, timid. She's much stronger than she realizes. Her early life was really tough to read about. It made me angry and sad. Naomi felt like she didn't belong anywhere. She had the look of a Native American, but with blue eyes.
Chaska and Winona didn't press her for details-at first. She gradually reveals her past.
Chaska and Naomi grow closer. Chaska is very gentle and protective of her. He tells her that this is one of the definitions of a warrior. Chaska and Winona are Oglala Lakota. Chaska and Winona aren't in touch with their parents but are close to their grandpa, they call "Old Man". I absolutely love Winona and "Old Man". Winona is my all time favorite book-sibling. Old Man (Grandpa Belcourt) cracked me up. His wisdom and sage advice had me missing having a grandparent around.
The town- people of Scarlet Springs are very kind and welcoming to Naomi while she recovers. They seem too good to be true. I went with it. I'm sure that there are small close-knit communities that regularly help out those who need it.
The suspenseful part is in the first half of the book. That leaves the 2nd half for Chaska and Naomi's relationship to grow. AND of course-- the romance. Whew. Chaska, WOW. He's so wonderful to Naomi, and very patient and romantic.
Naomi (and I) learned a lot about the Lakota ways. Naomi learns more about her own heritage.
There were no slow parts for me. I was really caught up in this wonderful story.
Naomi was NOT weak at all. Chaska & Winona, Old Man and many others recognized her strength in surviving-and beginning to thrive. It wasn't really a coincidence that Naomi & Chaska met. I think that Naomi was drawn to Scarlet Springs. She found her way home, her real home.
I loved the ending. It was so funny and romantic. The epilogue was very good. HEA.
Be sure to read the Author's Note at the end (98%). I sometimes skip those. Ms Clare mentions her personal and journalist experiences with the Native peoples.
I will be re-reading this book many many times. Chaska and Naomi's love story is about finding their one and only. They were in each other's path.

I am currently reading this and accidentally submitted feedback for a different book. Review coming soon.

The distracting manboobs and hair on the cover aside, this was an unexpected treat of deep emotions, family roots, and soul searching. This was trademark Pamela Clare: strong characters with deep family and community roots, outdoors rescue drama, and simmering sexual chemistry. But what made this stand out was the deft and respectful incorporation of Lakota tradition and values into Chaska and Naomi's romance.

At first, I stayed up reading to find out what happened to Naomi on the mountain; the River Wild style tension was beautifully done. Then I had to stay up even longer to find out if she solved the mystery of her parentage - the emotional highs and lows that Chaska and Naomi experienced while opening themselves up to each other and their families was gorgeously done. By the time I hit the hilariously tender horsepower bride price scene, I knew that Naomi and Chaska were destined for a true HEA. Then again, any couple that could get through the equally hilarious "jalapenis" debacle should be guaranteed a HEA :)

5 - You were led to her... Stars!

We return to the Rocky Mountain Search & Rescue team for the further book in Pamela Clare’s outstanding Colorado High Country series.

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Tempting Fate is Chaska Belcourt’s story, and I loved this book from its first paragraph to the last of the epilogue. I’m a relatively new reader of Ms. Clare’s work, this series has basically been my initiation into her awesome writing style, and once again she did not disappoint.

"Don’t think I’ve gotten enough of you because I haven’t."

This book is a little of everything but all built around a great romance. The author took the Native American heritage that Chaska lives his life by and the beliefs he has that stem from it, and weaved it into the story, as well as the romance that built between him and Naomi from the moment of her rescue right to the point where they declared their love for one another.

"What you are… is a survivor. Who you are is entirely up to you."

Both characters aren’t actually looking for love and romance, so it comes as a bit of a surprise when their feelings towards each other change almost immediately. The chemistry between these two was off the charts, but the sexy times weren’t rushed. Naomi and Chaska’s ideas about love, sex and relationships are wholly different due to their upbringings and I just adored the way Chaska went about restoring Naomi’s confidence in herself sexually and as a woman in general.

"May be the Great Mystery behind this world see’s all you’ve endured, knows how brave you’ve been and how alone, and wants you to be happy…"

This was just an all-round enjoyable read. It’s like going back and catching up with friends and family now, I just adore the whole dynamic with the Rocky Mountain Search & Rescue family and each book the author releases that adds to the depth of knowledge I have of the area and the characters, and it just makes each book even better.

"This place, these people… Naomi could come to love this."

This is a series that will hopefully run and run, the author has set up Scarlet Springs, its residents, and the Rocky Mountain Search & Rescue team in such a way that I don’t think she will run out of stories to tell or characters to put in them any time soon.

ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.

This was a book filled with unique perspectives and a fascinating in-depth look at Native American cultures, in particular that of the Oglala Lakota nation. I was intrigued by the set-up in this book, as most books I have read with Native American heroes tend to be historical. To have this take place in modern day, and encompass so much of what it's like to grow up Lakota in a country where ignorance of the culture is common, makes this book one-of-a-kind in my personal library.

Chaska Belcourt is an engineer by day and a volunteer member of the Rocky Mountain Search & Rescue Team by night (and weekends). During a hike with his sister and their wolf, Shota, they discover a battered young woman who is lucid but unable to walk. After rescuing her, and sending the police to chase after her attackers, Chaska and his sister welcome Naomi Archer into their home. Bearing the appearance of a Native American but with stunning blue eyes, it's clear Naomi has secrets, and the attraction between her and Chaska is almost immediate. Wary of getting involved but helpless to resist the pull between them, Naomi and Chaska grow close. Having grown up in an abusive environment with her adoptive parents, Naomi knows she's found something special. But when she discovers the secret in her past, will she be brave enough to finally accept who she is?

Chaska and Naomi had instant chemistry, and it was really exciting to watch their relationship develop! While I balked a bit at how much focus Chaska and his sister seemed to put on what Naomi's ethnicity is (I tend to think that it shouldn't matter), I began to understand why as the book delved deeper into their culture. Chaska was deeply religious and liked to keep the traditions of his heritage alive. As he taught Naomi about the Lakota nation, including their language, it was sweet to see how much trust they put in each other. Her background being what it was, Naomi surprised me in her kindness and understanding of others. She definitely was a unique individual who deserved a happy ending.

I have read books by this author before, and I never leave dissatisfied! This was a great read with a lot of great cultural information about a group of people many in the US know very little about. Not only was this a nice romance, it was also a great educational book for me.

I always enjoy her books, this was the fourth book in the Scarlett Springs series, and we finally got our hottie Chaska. Chaska is out with his sister when his wolf senses that something is wrong, and takes off, and they find a young an unconscious woman, Naomi. Poor Naomi, was assaulted by two escaped convicts, and she was smart and resourceful and was able to get away from them before they were able to do worse thing to her, but they did still shoot her. Chaska immediately contacts team, and they get her out, and if any of you have previously read about the town of Scarlett Springs, you know how loving they are, and how they pull together. We read about the attraction of Chaska and Naomi, and was happy to read that he finally has his love story, and she was worth it, and when you read what that poor girl went thru, it was sad, but she did get her HEA, and I can't to see who is next. Will it be Winona, or Britta?

Chaska rescues Naomi after finding her broken, bruised and bleeding in the forest. When his sister offers her a place to stay to recuperate, he accepts that decision with grace. After all, she is a woman who has no friends, no family, and a long way from her home. This story covers not only the romance between these two characters, but the struggle Naomi has as she tries to discover who and what she is.

This is a sweet, low angst romance filled with lots of interesting information about the Lakota as well as the operations of a search and rescue team. The pacing is solid without getting too bogged down when sharing these details. There were several storylines this book could have taken that would have dialed the excitement up a bit but were either left to dangle or dealt with off page. Even so it was a nice read.

ARC provided through Netgalley

Dual POV
Safe
Potential Triggers

She must have been dirt-poor if it took her five years to take this trip.

Damn, this got ugly fast.

Wow, he's super smart.

Good boy, Shota!

Shoot, this is eerily similar to poor Win's experience.

Small world.

Who knew search-and-rescue could be geeky?

Oh, you don't say "tribe"? Good to know.

Man, she was homeless at one point? Has anything fantastic ever happened to this woman?

I never heard of these occupations. They should teach more about Native history in school.

These agents suck.

Chaska is really good at this tracking thing. He does his ancestors proud.
Now this is a good hospital!

I have no idea what he does for a living, but it sounds important.

There are jerks in every culture.

Does anyone charge for a rescue?

Have a little self-respect, Nicole.

Crap, I'm sorry that happened to your friend, Megs.

What's the point of a shelter if you make restrictions on who can stay? Idiots.

That was so cool! I would be scared to death, but that was interesting.

That is a beautiful way of looking at the human body.

Bastards.

I love Bear.

Ouch! You definitely can't be a wimp and do the Sun Dance.

Yeah, I don't blame him for being mad at his father.

Um, what's the deal with the jalapenos?

Now that's the way to learn a new language!

Damn, our poor vets.

Doug slept with the girl, and called her house. You'd think he'd know her name.

Aw, I want to cry!

This is like Scripture Ping-Pong.

There's people who have "smart" homes, while the original settlers of our country don't have water and electricity?!

It's good that they as a Nation feel a sense of pride and want to get back to their roots.

Even her "new" parents are matchmaking, haha.

Ohh. One bride-price, fulfilled.

You should read the Author's Note, everybody.

I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Okay I had to change my mind, at first I didn't care for the cover of this book. After reading Tempting Fate, I now see that it depicted Chaska very well. Naomi's beginnings are so sad, I'm glad that Chaska was able to help her find out where she came from.
There are a lot of daring rescues and a few sexy scenes that kept me interested right up to the end.