BLOG TOUR: The Fate Series by Heather Lyons

We are excited to feature the Fate series by Heather Lyons with this Blog Tour! Various blogs will feature excerpts from each of these books. Today, we will share an exciting excerpt from A Matter of Fate, the first book in this YA paranormal romance. So... let's get started! Check it out and grab the Fate series now!

To make this tour even more fun, answer this question in the comments below:

If you had a power like Chloe, tell us what that "power" would be and how you would use it. This is going to be fun! Use the hashtag #MyFATEPower when you share!

Genre:

Young Adult

Paranormal Romance

Series:

Fate, #1

Publish Date:

August 25, 2012

Publisher:

Cerulean Books

Synopsis:

Chloe Lilywhite struggles with all the normal problems of a typical seventeen-year-old high school student. Only, Chloe isn't a normal teenage girl. She's a Magical, part of a secret race of beings who influence the universe. More importantly, she's a Creator, which means Fate mapped out her destiny long ago, from her college choice, to where she will live, to even her job. While her friends and relatives relish their future roles, Chloe resents the lack of say in her life, especially when she learns she's to be guarded against a vengeful group of beings bent on wiping out her kind. Their number one target? Chloe, of course.

That's nothing compared to the boy trouble she's gotten herself into. Because a guy she's literally dreamed of and loved her entire life, one she never knew truly existed, shows up in her math class, and with him comes a twin brother she finds herself inexplicably drawn to.

Chloe's once unyielding path now has a lot more choices than she ever thought possible.

*Excerpt*

chapter 1

I am a chronic daydreamer.

Not so much because school bores me—in fact, a number of my classes are pretty interesting. No, I tend to daydream about escape routes. Places to run to when the inevitable, predetermined outcomes of my rigid life leave me no other choice. If it’s possible, even in the tiniest way, just how would I break away from what Fate and family has set before me?

Florence is currently my favorite spot to imagine disappearing in. It’s a city of impossible beauty and history, one I’ve longed to explore. Maybe I’d become an artist there— not that I’m artistic by any means, but maybe I’d be inspired to be something new. Different.

There’s also the possibility of New England. My parents took me there once when I was little, the only time I’ve ever been outside of California. My father went for work, and while he was busy, my mother drove me to a number of little towns running up and down the coastline. One particular small city in New Hampshire is rooted in my memory, where flowers practically raced in bursts of color straight to the ocean’s edge. It was incredibly charming, the perfect sort of place to go and be someone—anyone, really—who isn’t me.

Are you kidding? snorts a little voice in the back of my mind. C’mon, why pick these places, when there is a much better place for you, and you know it?

Inwardly, I groan at the thought. My conscience has always been far too opinionated.

I move on, wondering what sheer anonymity would be like—to simply be a girl in a nondescript place, serving pancakes and mugs of coffee to weary travelers on long journeys. The land would be flat and golden as far as the eye could see, and driving through it, with the windows down, I’d be able to smell sweet grass in warm air.

And there’s the far north, where the Northern Lights illuminate the sky. I’d be speechless upon seeing them for the first time, standing in snow while gazing upon ribbons of color streaking across the stars. I wouldn’t have to be anyone there, either. I’d be just another person, in another small town, making my own choices.

I don’t bother looking up when the classroom door creaks open, because I’m still imagining those Northern Lights, still wondering how liberating it’d be to feel so small and insignificant for once. For as long as I want.

A voice breaks through, though. One impossible to ignore. “Excuse me,” it says, “I’m new to the class.”

My entire body freezes, all except my heart, which goes berserk. Because I know this voice, and this can’t be real.

He’s not real.

The ground under me shifts. It’s like an earthquake—not the rolling kind, but the jarring sort that comes out of nowhere, hits you hard, and then disappears just as quickly. The kind that leaves you stunned and wondering if it happened at all, it moved so fast. All I can do is reach out and grip the edges of my desk and pray I don’t fall out of my seat.

Because it’s not an earthquake. It’s a shift, and I’m the only one in the room who can feel it. A quick glance once the ground settles confirms this. Everyone is working, talking quietly to one another, or watching the front of the room. There are no signs from anyone that anything had just happened.

But something did.
And he’s standing in front of the classroom next to Mr. Snook.
I blink a few times as I stare at him, trying to determine if I’m

actually awake. Every time I open my eyes, though, he’s still here. Oh my gods. He’s here.

~~~

Genre:

Young Adult

Paranormal Romance

Series:

Fate, #1.5

Publish Date:

October 10, 2013

Publisher:

Cerulean Books

Synopsis:

There are always two sides to every story . . . 

His whole life, Jonah Whitecomb has strove to meet everyone’s expectations of him: the perfect student, dutiful son, loyal twin, accomplished surfer, and powerful Magical. But behind his carefully composed façade hides the truth of how his family has fallen apart, leaving Jonah more often than not feeling adrift. To complicate matters, he fell in love long ago with a girl in his dreams, one he’s never told anyone about, including his twin brother.

Just when life seems its bleakest, Jonah discovers that Chloe is real. Wanting to finally reach out and grab happiness for himself, he embarks on a journey to track down the girl of his dreams, only to find that happy endings aren’t always guaranteed, the best laid out plans can go horribly awry, and sometimes, you have to simply let yourself go along for the ride.

*Beyond Fate is Jonah’s point-of-view of the events of A Matter of Fate, and is a companion novella.

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Genre:

New Adult

Paranormal Romance

Series:

Fate, #2

Publish Date:

June 25, 2013

Publisher:

Cerulean Books

Synopsis:

No longer in high school, Chloe Lilywhite is now living and working in Annar, the Magicals’ city-state plane of existence. Since moving, she’s joined the Council, gone on missions with the Guard, moved into her own apartment, and enrolled at the University of Annar. Plus, she’s happily engaged to be married to Jonah Whitecomb, the literal man from her dreams, not to mention her Connection. While she still struggles with aspects of her craft, Chloe feels like she’s finally coming into her own, especially after a difficult year that had her questioning nearly everything in her life.

After a brutal attack by the Elders, her life is turned upside down once more. Accusations fly throughout the Council and Guard, forcing Chloe to confront her worst fears about what’s she’s capable of as a Creator. And then there’s the matter of Kellan Whitecomb, Jonah’s twin brother and Chloe’s ex, who resurfaces after disappearing months before. Although Chloe chose Jonah, and despite their best efforts, the two find it hard to stay away from one another.

But no matter what Fate throws at her, Chloe is determined to take charge of her life, even as it begins to spiral out of control.

*This is a New Adult title, suitable for readers 18+.*

~~~

Genre:

New Adult

Paranormal Romance

Series:

Fate, #3

Publish Date:

November 5, 2013

Publisher:

Cerulean Books

Synopsis:

Not long ago, Chloe Lilywhite seemingly had it all: a prized spot on the Magicals’ Council as lead Creator, a loving fiancé and Connection, and a wealth of good friends. But the poised young woman she projected was nothing more than a façade. Her parents all but disowned her. Power plays and accusations of murder within the Council rocked her confidence. And most difficult of all, her secret, a secondary Connection to Jonah’s twin brother, Kellan, became painfully impossible to resist. Desperate to gain control over her rapidly unraveling existence, Chloe did the unthinkable: she ran away.

Now living and working in Alaska under an alias, Chloe is slowly discovering who she is and, more importantly, who she wants to be. But the more she tries to leave the Magical world behind, the harder it becomes to stay hidden. The Elders are back with a vengeance, and the stakes have never been higher. Chloe finally has to make a choice: embrace her pre-ordained Fate or pave her own way in the worlds. One thing’s for sure, though—she’s finally up for the challenge.

*This is a New Adult title, suitable for readers 18+.*

~~~

Genre:

Young Adult

Paranormal Romance

Series:

Fate, #4

Publish Date:

May 15, 2014

Publisher:

Cerulean Books

Synopsis:

It all comes down to this . . .

Chloe Lilywhite has struggled for years to find her footing in a series of dangerous and demanding worlds. Creator, first tier Council member, and one of the most powerful Magicals in existence, she was little more than one of Fate’s pawns. But now, Chloe is back home and ready to call the shots. She knows what she wants and who she wants to be.

Except the Elders never got the memo.

Annar and Magical-kind are under attack. The lives of Chloe’s loved ones, and life as they know it, are at stake. Chloe's the key to taking the Elders down, but they won't go quietly into the night.

This time, neither will Chloe.

*This is a New Adult title, suitable for readers 18+.*

The Fate series purchase links:

      

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**About the Author**

Heather Lyons writes epic, heartfelt love stories and has always had a thing for words. In addition to writing, she's also been an archeologist and teacher. She and her husband and children live in sunny Southern California and are currently working their way through every cupcakery she can find.

Stay connected with Heather Lyons

    

Blog Tour Organized by

BLOG TOUR: A Matter of Forever by Heather Lyons

Welcome to the Official Blog Tour for A Matter of Forever, the fourth and final book of the Fate series, by Heather Lyons!

Genre:

New Adult Paranormal Romance

Series:

Fate Series

Publish Date:

May 15, 2014

Publisher:

Cerulean Books

Warning:

Suitable for readers 18+

Synopsis:

It all comes down to this...

Chloe Lilywhite has struggled for years to find her footing in a series of dangerous and demanding worlds. Creator, first tier Council member, and one of the most powerful Magicals in existence, she was little more than one of Fate's pawns. But now, Chloe is back home and ready to call the shots. She knows what she want and who she wants to be.

Except the Elders never got the memo.

Annar and Magical-kind are under attack. The lives of Chloe's loved ones, and life as they know it, are at stake. Chloe's the key to taking the Elders down, but they won't go quietly into the night.

This time, neither will Chloe.

 

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*Heather Lyons' Dream Cast*

Part of what I love about books is that, no matter what the author writes, readers always see characters differently based on how they're experiencing the story. There's one series that has a character that is clearly described as having dark brown hair, but in my mind? He's a total blonde. Haha! That said, I get a lot of requests to post who I see as my characters in the Fate series, so I'm sharing one of the graphics I made to post on my inspiration board while I was writing A Matter of Forever. If you've read the series, I'd love to know whom YOU see as these characters!

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The Fate Series

   

 

 

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***About the Author***

Heather Lyons has always had a thing for words--She's been writing stories since she was a kid. In addition to writing, she's also been an archaeologist and a teacher. Heather is a rabid music fan, as evidenced b her (mostly) music-centric blog, and she's married to an even larger music snob. They are happily raising three kids who are mini music fiends who love to read and be read to.

Stay connected with Heather Lyons

Website

  

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***The Giveaway***

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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COVER REVEAL: Twisting Fate by Charisse Reid

Welcome to the exciting Cover Reveal for Twisting Fate, book 2 of the Fate series, by Charisse Reid!


Genre:
Contemporary Romance
Series:
Fate Series
Publish Date:
July 3, 2014

Synopsis:

Kinzleigh's life came crashing down after that tragic day leaving her in a whirlwind of despair. How do you move on from something when you have a secret no one knows; a constant reminder of something so beautiful that was taken as if it never existed?

Kinzleigh Baker was the golden girl. She never partied or gave her parents an ounce of trouble. She sure as heck didn't venture out with boys. She had hopes and dreams that could only be obtained by keeping a clear head; free from emotions that only hold you back. She had her life planned out like a book, moving forward chapter by chapter. What she didn't expect was for fate to knock her off that pedestal she has been on by throwing at her one unexpected thing after another.

Finally learning we can't always control the life we planned out for ourselves she accepted the destiny she was given and even embraced it, finding a love many people never experience in a lifetime. What happens, though, when fate laughs in your face just to drastically change it all again?

Kinzleigh has realized hopes and dreams are useless. Why even bother trying when everything always gets taken from you? The only way to abstain from hurt is to have no aspirations or expectations. After finally trying to pick up the pieces of her life and live the only way she knows how, fate gets the last move again and throws in a twist no one expected. Will she finally get the ending to her story?



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*Excerpt*

I'm exhausted. I don't even want to get out of bed, but today is Breyson's memorial service. I stand from the bed and look at my small figure in the mirror. I've lost weight from the constant pregnancy sickness and not being able to eat from the depression. I have done nothing but lay in the bed in his oversized tee shirt. My hair is dirty and and I haven't showered since I got home from the hospital.

A knock sounds at my door and opens before I can respond. One look at me and Adalynn allows a tear to fall down her face. I haven't spoken with her or anyone else for that matter. "Why didn't you tell me?" One sentence and I know exactly what she's referring to. "Don't shut me out Kinzleigh. I can help you get through all of this, but only if you let me in."

I feel numb. Everything she says goes in one ear and out the other; nothing sticks. My energy has completely left me. I don't even have the energy to shower which is why I haven't. I feel like someone walked by, reached inside and removed my soul from the confinements of my body; leaving nothing but a shell. Tears have become an expectation on a regular basis. I don't even try to wipe them away anymore.

I just stare at her blankly; no expressions to give. She walks over to me and wraps me in her arms. Her outfit goes with the way I feel; black and dark; the symbolic color for death. "When did you find out?"

I don't want to think about the baby right now. I like pretending it's not there. "After we dropped Breyson off at the airport." I can't even say it without crying all over again. I still can't believe this has become my life. How am I supposed to go back to school or cheerleading? I'll never be happy again.

She tightens her hold around me. "I'll never tell anyone until you're ready. You know I'll help you right? You don't have to go through this alone; any of it. You're my best friend and you're family to me." I know she expects the Kinzleigh she knows and loves to come back at some point, but that girl is long gone; a vapor in the wind. All I can do is recluse inside myself and try to hold on to what little bit of sanity I have left. "Come on and I'll help you get ready. You need a bath."

As embarrassing as it was to have someone help you bathe, I can't seem to find the will to care. I guess times like these are when you discover who your true friends are. I pull on my long black maxi dress and a pair of sunglasses to hide my reddened eyes. I imagine to an outsider I look like I'm on drugs. Since I've been taking my nausea medication I don't get sick as often, but I can't seem to eat either. I'm getting thinner as the days go on and my clothes are getting big, but I can't eat. I'm doing good to get down one bowl of soup a day and that's only for the baby's sake.

We pull up at the cemetery and walk over to the headstone beside Beau's, that is now waiting with his name etched on it. An open casket service wasn't necessary since there is no body. I come to stand in front of the headstone and read the letters etched into the stone.

Breyson Patrick Abercrombie

October 2, 1995-February 3,2014

Forever remembered by the ones you love

The preacher starts his speech; one that he has said a million times I'm sure. It seems too practiced and frankly, not good enough. I just stare at the headstone in front of me picturing my beautiful boy. I close my eyes and allow myself to go to my happy place while the words and sadness flow around me. Come back to me Breyson. Let me feel you. If not in body, then in spirit. I need you to keep me going. I don't have the strength to do it myself. The salty tears run down my face, underneath my shades.

I'm here baby. I'm trying to get to you. Please don't give up on me. I need you to remember our love. I need you to keep going. Wait for me.... My eyes shoot open and I feel like I'm going to pass out. I must be having a mental breakdown because I swear on everything I feel like there is someone near me and I have never been one of those people that believe in ghosts. I'm a realist, but I promise on my life I heard Breyson's beautiful voice in my head. The mind is a cruel thing. It has the ability to play tricks on us and make us hear and see things that aren't there. My subconscious wants him to be here so my mind has got to be trying to ease the pain that consumes me by giving me a little bit of false hope.

As crazy as it is, I can't help but to imagine maybe it were some kind of sign. What if it is? Could it be? I've heard crazy stories before about two souls that were meant to be, having the ability to call out to one another when they're apart; kind of like twins separated at birth but can feel each others pain and emotions subconsciously. What if it's real and I give up on him? What if me believing he's still alive actually keeps him alive? Can I dig deep down inside and find the will to still hope that it could actually happen? It's a long stretch and may make me crazier than I already am. The question I have to ask myself is would I rather live with the false hope that he could actually survive trying to get back to me or let him go just to avoid feeling crazy and go on living emotionally slaughtered?

In one sense, I have to believe that the supernatural is possible to believe in God. When you choose to believe in a higher power, you accept that the things seeming humanly impossible can actually happen if God wills them to. Can his love for me bring him home? Can our baby bring him home? Can Beau bring him home? I know God himself can, but will he? Like an answer to my question, part of a bible verse comes to me, in paraphrase of course. To have faith the size of a mustard seed can move mountains...

I stand here with the war of questions going on in my mind as the memorial service comes and goes. Everyone begins walking back to their cars, but I continue to stand here, staring straight ahead. "You ready to go sweetie," mom says.

"I'll be there in a few minutes, okay?" She nods and leaves me to myself. I push my shades up on top of my head as the cars leave the cemetery behind. Most of those people will never set foot on this place again until they have to be here for the sole purpose of paying their respects; however, for people like me and Macie this becomes like a second home. I remove the plastic protected piece of paper from the pocket of my white denim jacket and walk closer to the headstone. White is not a standard color to be worn at a funeral, but I had to wear it since my black cotton dress is strapless and it's the middle of February.

Kneeling on my knees, I open the small ziplock bag and remove one of the sonogram photos I was given when I found out I was pregnant. I look down at it, remembering that last day with him. "Hey Brey. I didn't want to tell you this way, but you've left me no other option." Uncontrollable tears spill from my eyes as I try to gather my thoughts. "I'm pregnant. I wanted to wait until you got back to tell you so you could enjoy your trip, but I guess you never got there. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to get pregnant. I was going to take full responsibility and give up cheerleading so you could keep your football dream, but I guess that's no longer an option. You would've been a great football player and an even better dad. I know you would've stood by me and that's why I was going to give it all up. I won't leave you here by yourself. I'll come back everyday and visit. I hope you know how much I love you." Sliding the ultrasound photo back into the plastic bag, I seal it shut.

I begin digging my nails in the grass that grows in front of the headstone, making a hole. I can't see in front of me because my eyes are blurred from not wiping my eyes. I don't see the point because they continue to fall. I don't even know where the tears are coming from anymore. "I want you to have this picture Brey. It's our baby." I place the clear plastic bag containing the photo inside the hole before covering it back up. "Why'd you break your promise Brey? I was counting on you to keep it. You were right about one thing; you've ruined me. I love you more than I love myself; more than anything in this world. I don't know why, but I'll try to wait for you. Please don't make me wait long. I'm begging you Brey. I'll beg all you want, but please don't leave me here alone."

I get that feeling again as if I'm not alone. It makes the hairs on the back of my neck and arms stand up. I really need to get a grip and check back in with reality before I end up in one of those padded rooms by myself. What's even stranger is for a moment some of the pain begins to dwindle. It's like someone is protecting me, but I can't see them. I refuse to freak myself out. I believe in the existence of angels and demons because I believe in God, but I just can't believe in ghosts or spirits being left behind when their bodies parish. Maybe I need to go back to bed. Clearly my mind is way out in left field. I'm upset and hurt and and my emotions are all over the place.

I stand for another moment before I can make myself walk away. Have you ever wished you could just pick one moment in your life and press rewind so you can go back and change it? I would go back to the night I bought those tickets and press delete or even change my mind the morning he asked me to go with him. Both ways would bring us to one outcome dead or alive; together. I walk up to the headstone, bend down and kiss the jagged stone. "Bye Brey. Always remember you're my one and only. No one will ever replace you. You have my heart and my soul, leaving the only thing remaining as being my body. Don't miss me too much." I run my fingertips along the top and turn to leave, unsure of where I want to go from here.

*Teaser*

Sequel to:

AMAZON US / AMAZON CA / AMAZON UK / SMASHWORDS / KOBO

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**About the Author**

Charisse Reid lives in the small town of Purvis, Mississippi. She is a mommy to one amazing four year old daughter. She developed a love for reading through iBooks and Kindle app, on her iPad, a year ago she never would have imagined. She loves to escape for a while through the characters of a good romance. Any romance will do; she likes to mix it up.

She has developed a passion for indie authors. They seem to usually develop the best stories in her opinion. She has a love for Rocker Romance right now. Got to love those tattooed bad boys right? She never would have dreamed of writing until a fellow author friend mentioned she should try it through editing a work in progress for her.

At first, she thought it was funny because editing was as close as she thought she would get to the creative side of book writing, but then came up with a storyline and decided to give it a shot. Now she absolutely loves to write and has several books lined up that she cannot wait to share with the world.

Stay connected with Charisse Reid

  

Cover Reveal Organized by: