Excerpt – Fate Series by Heather Lyons

Today the BFF’s  are thrilled to bring you a special excerpt from one of our most favorite authors and one of BFF K’s most favorite series ever! Check out the Fate Series by Heather Lyons!

If you could have any magical power, what would it be? I love the gifts that the characters in this world. If I had to pick one, I think I’d be a creator like Chloe Lilywhite! #MyFATEPower

 

A MATTER OF FATE (Fate, #1)


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.

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Excerpt from A Matter of Fate

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.

 

Then you’ll be hooked for the rest of the Fate Series!

✿ BEYOND FATE (Fate #1.5)

 

 

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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✿ A MATTER OF HEART (Fate, #2)

 

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+.

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✿ A MATTER OF TRUTH (Fate, #3)

 

 

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+.

 

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✿ A MATTER OF FOREVER (Fate, #4)

 

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+.

 

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About the Author

Heather Lyons is known for writing epic, heartfelt love stories often with a fantastical twist. From Young Adult to New Adult to Adult novels—one commonality in all her books is the touching, and sometimes heart-wrenching, romance. In addition to writing, she’s also been an archaeologist and a teacher. She and her husband and children live in sunny Southern California and are currently working their way through every cupcakery she can find.

 

 

 

 

 

Connect with Heather

Website: http://www.heatherlyons.net

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/heathe rlyonsbooks

Twitter: https://twitter.com/_heatherly ons

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heat herlyonsbooks/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/auth or/show/6552446.Heather_Lyons

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/hymh eather/

Amazon: http://amzn.to/29oQIt2

Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/2Lkij

Giveaway – Royal Marriage Market by Heather Lyons

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Today we are sharing a giveaway for Heather Lyons based on her standalone novel ROYAL MARRIAGE MARKET. You can enter to win a signed copy of the book, tea, and a mug by using the hashtag #MyRoyalMarriage and filling out the rafflecopter below.

 

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Heather Lyons is having a fantastic giveaway! Use the hashtag #MyRoyalMarriage and tell us which Royal you’d marry. You can share a photo, their name, or whatever you’d like for your Royal pick. Be creative! The winner will receive a signed copy of ROYAL MARRIAGE MARKET, some tea, and a mug. Once you have shared your pick, be sure to fill out the rafflecopter below to officially enter.

 

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Giveaway

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway
 

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ROYAL MARRIAGE MARKET is available now for purchase!

Every decade, the world’s monarchs and their heirs secretly convene to discuss global politics and social issues—and arrange marriages between kingdoms.

Elsa may be the Hereditary Princess of Vattenguldia, but she finds the entire situation archaic and unsavory. While she wants what’s best for her country, she isn’t about to jump into an unwanted relationship—let alone a marriage—with a virtual stranger. Of course, her feelings matter little to her parents, whose wheeling and dealings over trade pacts and alliances achieved at her expense begin the moment they set foot in California for the Summit. So when a blindingly handsome royal runs into her, she doesn’t hesitate to tell him there’s no way she’s marrying him.

Christian is all too happy to agree: no marriage. As the Hereditary Grand Duke of Aiboland, his main goal is to get through the summit without a bride being foisted on him. Which is why he suggests they help each other field potential intendeds. As Christian slowly gets to know Elsa, though, he realizes they have a lot more in common than just their feelings about the Royal Marriage Market. Only he can’t fall for her, because royal or not, they’re not meant for each other.

Elsa and Christian will have to evaluate matters of the heart verses those of state and crown, and decide whether or not tradition trumps love.

Read BFF K’s 5-Rated Review of Royal Marriage Market

Buy Links

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 Read a Preview of Royal Marriage Market

About the Author

heather_front_headshot
Heather Lyons is known for writing epic, heartfelt love stories often with a fantastical twist. From Young Adult to New Adult to Adult novels—one commonality in all her books is the touching, and sometimes heart-wrenching, romance. In addition to writing, she’s also been an archaeologist and a teacher. She and her husband and children live in sunny Southern California and are currently working their way through every cupcakery she can find.

AUTHOR LINKS:

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Pinterest | Amazon | Newsletter

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Paperback Release – Beyond Fate by Heather Lyons

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The BFF’s are so excited to bring you the Release Day Launch for the paperback edition of Heather Lyons’ BEYOND FATE! BEYOND FATE is a Fate Series novella and is written in Jonah’s point of view. It is his side of the story from A MATTER OF FATE. Grab your copy of this amazing novella today!

And that’s not all, BEYOND FATE has gotten a cover makeover! This amazing new cover was created by Carly Stevens. I will be buying this very soon to complete my entire Heather Lyons collection!

 

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BEYOND FATE (Fate Series #1.5)

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 for the YA/NA crossover urban fantasy/romance Fate series.

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When I read the following excerpt while preparing this post yesterday, I was verklempt! I had forgotten how much I adore this series! Everything Heather writes is brilliant, but this series is what introduced me to her genius and still makes me have all the feels! If you haven’t read The Fate Series, please add it to the top of your TBR!

Read BFF K’s Review of the Fate Series

Read BFF K’s Review of the finale of the Fate Series, A Matter of Forever

Excerpt

I remember Joey telling me once that, of all the big waves he’s ever ridden in his life, the one that got his blood pumping most was Mavericks. “It’s sick,” he said as we waxed our boards at one of his favorite breaks near his house in Australia. “Cold as all hell. Gotta be careful of the Boneyard nearby. There’s a reason they call it that, you know. The reef below loves nothing more than to welcome you to stay forever. But,” his easy grin slid out, “when conditions are right, and you can take off in the hollow and traverse the long wall before finishing in white water, your life flashes before your eyes. You’re flying through hell like a slingshot, only to come out in paradise.”

Obviously, it made me want to surf Mavericks so bad I could taste it.

When Kel and I first got to California, we’d wanted to come here together. Ride these waves in Joey’s honor. But that never happened.

He’s with Chloe right now, after yet another attack during which she walled both him and me inside a building and took off toward San Francisco in an effort to lead what we now know as Elders away. I know why she did it. I felt it the moment her resolutions within hardened—she believed she was protecting the people she loved. In a weird way, I was incredibly proud of her for it, even as I tore my hair out, trying to get the hell out of the tomb she sealed us in so I could get out there and protect her myself. Karl and I searched for her for hours . . .

And then she decided to gut me once more by calling my brother to go and get her.

So here I am, in the back of a boat, tugging the hood of my wetsuit over my head in the pursuit of some kind of nirvana high amidst the hell I’ve found myself in lately. Raul Mesaverde’s questioning my sanity for wanting to go out into the monster waves we’re heading toward, but I do my best to ignore my temporarily assigned Guard. We’re accompanied by one of Joey’s Wave colleagues, who’s come along upon Astrid’s insistence. I tried to assure her I knew what I was doing, but considering she pretty much had an anxiety attack after researching Mavericks and learning people have died here, I figured this was the lesser of two evils.

“You’re loco,” Raul yells at me over the boat’s engine.

I laugh. This? Coming from a Cyclone? Especially one who agreed to chauffeur Chloe on her crazy attempt to lure the Elders away?

The Wave we’re with turns away from the wheel and smiles. He’s crazy, too—because he’s got that same look in his eyes that Joey always had. Like the ocean is his temple. “Nah, bra,” he tells Raul. “Maverick’s all about enlightenment.”

Raul white knuckles the side of the boat. I completely tune him out and let myself slide into that place Joey taught me about so long ago.

“When you let yourself go,” he’d told me as we’d sat out beyond the breaks, “when you put yourself out there and really just let yourself go, knowing any second you could be swallowed whole by the ocean, you’ll realize that all of that shit you worry so much about—girls, school, parents, grades, work, responsibilities—they’re meaningless. Because it’s just you and the waves. They don’t give a rat’s ass what kind of day you’re having. They don’t care if you’ve just bagged the hottest girl in the worlds or if your dad thinks you’ve failed him. They’re gonna rise up and fall no matter what. Let yourself go along that ride, J. There’s worry enough for later.”

This is what I’m thinking as I’m waiting for my set to come.

When it does, I paddle hard. Anticipation and fear is just as strong on my tongue as the salt water surrounding me. I let my worries go.
This one’s for you, Joey.

I gladly fling myself into oblivion.

 

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And don’t miss the first books in the Fate Series!

A Amtter of Fate

A MATTER OF FATE (Fate Series #1)

 

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BEYOND FATE (Fate Series #1.5)

 

A Matter of Heart

A MATTER OF HEART (Fate Series #2)

 

A MAtter of Truth

A MATTER OF TRUTH (Fate Series #3)

 

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A MATTER OF FOREVER (Fate Series #4)

 

Author PhotoAbout Heather Lyons:

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

 

 

 

 

 

Website ** Author Goodreads ** BEYOND FATE Goodreads ** Twitter ** Facebook ** Pinterest

 

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REVIEW – A Matter of Forever by Heather Lyons

Chloe LilAMOFowrap-2ywhite 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.

 

BFF K’s Review

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I picked up the Matter of Fate series on a whim and I never imagined that I would become so obsessed that I would dream about these characters and their world. The series is beautifully written. The characters are unique and clever, but relatable at the same time.

I have spent way too many hours trying to think of all the ways that Heather Lyons could end this series. But, I never expected this. OMG. I’m gutted. This book about did me in. I couldn’t stop crying. (Some people in this world are beautiful criers, I am not one of them.) I had to sit up in bed because I couldn’t breathe through the crying snot. I haven’t been this distraught about a book since Bellatrix Lestrange killed Sirius Black in the Harry Potter series. All that being said, the book is fantastic. Don’t let the threat of tears stop you, this book/series is worth every drop!

I also can’t remember bring so invested in the characters in a book. Wow. I didn’t want it to end. I’m satisfied with the ending. Though it wasn’t what I had anticipated, I’m at peace with the conclusion and think all my BFF’s need to read this series! 

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A Matter of Fate Series by Heather Lyons

AMoF Series Banner3-2The series starts with A Matter of Fate. This is the book where I lost my child. Granted, it was only for about 15 minutes and he was found 3 houses down on the neighbor’s trampoline. But, still, I was so engrossed in the book, I lost my 5 year old. The Matter of Fate Series is one of my favorite book series ever, and that’s saying something! I love everything about it! The series is like a combination of Twilight/Harry Potter/Hunger Games/Beautiful Creatures – all the best parts of each of those. There’s magic and a love triangle and the characters grow and change throughout the series. Each book is better than the one before!!!

Series Reading Order:

A Matter of Fate

A Matter of Heart

A Matter of Truth

A Matter of Forever

*Beyond Fate (Jonah’s Novella, I recommend reading it between A Matter of Heart and A Matter of Truth)

rating_5_80This is BFF K’s overall rating for the entire series. They’re all that good!

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 More 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 by her (mostly) music-centric blog, and she’s married to an even larger music snob. They’re happily raising three kids who are mini music fiends who love to read and be read to.