Review: Fateful by Claudia Gray

Eighteen-year-old maid Tess Davies is determined to escape the wealthy, troubled family she serves. It’s 1912, and Tess has been trapped in the employ of the Lisles for years, amid painful memories and twisted secrets. But now the Lisle family is headed to America, with Tess in tow. Once the ship they’re sailing on—the RMS Titanic—reaches its destination, Tess plans to strike out and create a new life for herself.

Her single-minded focus shatters when she meets Alec, a handsome first-class passenger who captivates her instantly. But Alec has secrets of his own. He’s in a hurry to leave Europe, and whispers aboard the ship say it’s because of the tragic end of his last affair with the French actress who died so gruesomely and so mysteriously. . . .

Soon Tess will learn just how dark Alec’s past truly is. The danger they face is no ordinary enemy: werewolves exist and are stalking him—and now her, too. Her growing love for Alec will put Tess in mortal peril, and fate will do the same before their journey on the Titanic is over.

Wow, this book just propels you forward constantly.  It's full of excitement and danger and romantic tension.  So well written.  Here is my very brief review.  (Unfortunately I read faster than I write reviews.  Go figure.  And with a sick child, I'm reading more with far less time to write.  It is what it is though...)

Here's what I liked:

The setting.  Seriously?  Werewolves on the Titanic?  Sweet.  The Titanic is one of those stories I think we will be drawn to forever.  So tragic.

The characters.  Tess, Alec, Mikhail, Irene... they all were very real, believable characters.  The evil just emanated from Mikhail.  I could feel it.  Tess is strong and courageous.  She is a girl with a plan.  I loved the characters, all. 

The cover.  Yup, it is awesome.  I love it.

The Author's notes at the end of the book.  I don't know why.  Maybe it's the inside guide to her thinking and research?  I just really liked reading them. 

FYI on content:  This book is full of mild language and profanity.  There are sexual scenes and implied sex without description.  (which I didn't love)