Indie-Credible Author Event: Heather Lyons {Round Table Discussion, Exclusive Excerpt, + Giveaway!}
GUYS! I am so so excited to have been paired up with the amazing Heather Lyons! She is the author of one of my all time favorite series, The Fate Series!
Today I plan on spotlighting the books in the series, we have a fun round table character discussion, a never before seen excerpt from her upcoming A Matter of Truth, AND a giveaway! WHEW!
See my review HERE.
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.
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.
Beyond Fate (Fate #1.5)
To be released: Oct. 10, 2013
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.*
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.*
**Warning: The following blurbs do contain slight spoilers. If you do not wish to read them, please continue below to the Round Table Discussion. ***
See my review and a character interview with Jonah HERE.
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+.
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+.
A Matter of Truth (Fate #3)To be released: Nov. 5, 2013
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+.
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+.
~Round Table Discussion~
Today I am so excited to do a big round table discussion with some of the Fate series minor characters! We have Karl, Giules, Callie, Cora, Lizzie, Alex, and Meg with us!
Hi guys! I'm glad everyone could make it here today! I am really excited to sit and chat with all of you! (And get all the latest dirt of course!)
Meg: Hi Jessica!!! Oh my gosh, we're excited to be here, right Alex? (pokes Alex)
Alex: (looks up from book) Oh. Right. Hi?
Lizzie: Hello!
Callie and Cora: (an uncomfortable glance between them)
Giules: Ciao!
Karl: (crosses arms) Hey.
Ok! For starters, can each of you tell us a bit about yourselves and what your relationship to either Chloe, Jonah, or Kellan is?
Cora: Well, me, Lizzie, Meg, and Alex grew up with Chloe. We consider each other family.
Meg and Lizzie: (nod vigorously)
Karl: I grew up with J and Kel; they're some of my best friends. I was assigned to watch over Chloe, so I'm pretty tight with her nowadays, too. I mean, she's my daughter's godmother, so...
Giules: You should have brought Emily, Karl! I would have loved to hold that dolce bambina.
Karl: Focus on the question, Giules. There's time enough for babies later.
Giules: I work on the Guard with Kellan, but I have known him and Jonah for many years now.
Callie: Kellan Whitecomb is my best friend.
Everyone: (stares at her)
Callie: (sighs) Fine. I'm also... Jonah's ex-girlfriend.
(And awkward silence....) Ok! Um, what is the most difficult thing about being a Magical?
Karl: Well, I think I can speak for all of us-
Callie: Not me, Karl. (bitterly) I'm a non, remember?
Karl: (clears throat) Most of us, I mean, when I say that it'd have to be any time our craft does something less than positive to the worlds we're working in.
Giules: Esattamente. None of us take pleasure in hurting others.
Alex: Logically, every craft has a downside. (turns toward Meg) Even a Joy's.
Meg: Luckily I'm rarely upset!
Alex: But when you are, you depress the hell out of everybody.
Meg: (smiles brightly, like this could never be a worry)
What is your favorite thing about your particular craft?
Giules: I love a gorgeous rainstorm! Cosí bella! So many good things come from a good rainstorm.
Lizzie: I love inspiring art, any kind. Art makes the worlds more beautiful.
Meg: Making people happy makes me happy.
Cora, Chloe is your best friend. How would you describe her in 5 words? How would she describe you?
Cora: She'd describe me as awesome. (Meg giggles; Karl rolls his eyes) As for her... hmm. I'd say she's: emotional, smart, conflicted, loyal, and good-hearted.
Lizzie: She's got a wonderful heart.
Callie, you have been with Jonah and Kellan a long time. How would you describe them? What is your favorite memory of being with them?
Callie: Honestly, outside of my mother, they're the people I love most in the worlds. I grew up with them, you know? As for memories, they used to cave in and have tea parties with me. (Karl snorts; Callie glares at him) Enough of that, Graystone. You don't want me telling everyone that you used to have tea with us, too, do you? (It's Karl's turn to glare) In all seriousness, I remember one time they made all the sandwiches for a tea party I wanted to have on my ninth birthday and even cut off the crusts, just like I liked. And they even held out their pinkies because I told them it was the best way to have tea. I like that memory, because it's so sweet and so like them to do something like that for somebody they love. As quiet as J is, as impulsive as Kel is, they really are the best guys I know.
(Jessica sighs.) That's really sweet Callie. They really are great guys. Ok. Karl and Giules- you both have spent a great deal of time with Chloe and the twins. You've seen them at their lowest and at their strongest. How difficult was it for you both to watch Chloe and Jonah in particular struggle with being apart when they knew they should be together?
Karl: Honestly, it was both frustrating and familiar, considering I went through a similar situation with Moira when we first found each other outside of our dreams.
Giules: (clears throat meaningfully; taps finger against chair arm)
Karl: (uncomfortable) Granted, neither of us had to deal with a twin, so...
Giules: But there was Kiah. Let us not forget il nostro amico.
Karl: (sighs) Obviously, I have not forgotten about her. We're talking about J and Chloe, though.
Giules: It hurt to watch those two suffer, because Chloe and Jonah, they were not remembering amare non è solo guardarsi l'un l'altro, ma guardare insieme nella stessa direzione.
Karl: I don't think Jessica speaks Italian, Giules.
Oh, um, actually. I majored in it in college. But I doubt a lot of my readers do...
Giules: (laughs) It means: love is not just looking at each other, it's looking in the same direction.
Meg: Oh, I love that!
Karl: Is that a quote from somebody?
Giules: Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, caro.
I know Karl is the only on here with a Connection, but if the rest of you had one person you were destined to be with and there was some reason as to why you couldn't be with them- how would you handle that?
Meg: That would be awful... Just... (lower lip trembles)
Alex: Hon, it's a hypothetical question. (holds her hand)
Meg: (leans over and kisses Alex)
Cora: (rolls eyes) I'd move on. That's the best thing you can do. Move on.
Karl, after seeing all the heartbreak with Chloe, Jonah, and Kellan, and knowing firsthand what it's like to have a Connection- what is the one piece of advice you would offer your daughter about love?
Karl: I will always encourage her to follow her heart. (thinks about this) Unless the person she falls in love with is a total asshole. She won't be following her heart toward that, you get me?
Callie: He's serious, you know. I pity Emily when it comes to dating.
Cora: (snorts) Can you imagine? That poor girl. I bet he has a shotgun waiting.
Karl: You two can kiss my ass.
How do you guys feel about Chloe's situation with Jonah and Kellan?
Alex: It's none of our business.
Callie: (stays moodily silent)
Meg: They're both hot, you know? I can see why- (Cora kicks her chair)
Lizzie: It's really up to them on how they deal with whatever is going on. Which is nothing, right? RIGHT? Because last I heard, Kellan has moved on.
Cora: (stays silent)
Jessica bites her lip. (thinking to herself: Crap. Me and my big mouth...)
Uh, well! You guys probably know I'm huge into music and I love discovering new artists. How about a little music fun?
Cora: (perks up) Go for it. I love music!
Ok, Alex, Lizzie, and Meg- what song makes you think of Chloe?
Alex: Um, yeah. I've never really thought of Chloe while listening to music?
Lizzie: Love Story by Taylor Swift. Oh my gods, we used to sing that song all the time and dance around our rooms.
Meg: We've Got The Beat by the Go-Gos! We used to cheer to it all the time!
Cora: (pretends to gag)
Cora, what song are we most likely to catch you singing to when you're not around other people?
Cora: You mean, like a guilty pleasure song?
Yes!
Cora: (mutters) Shoot me now. (louder) Party in the USA by Miley Cyrus.
Everyone: (cackles)
Jessica: (nudges Karl) Hey, as long as she doesn't go around twerking, it's whatever.
Cora: SHUT UP! Did I say I loved talking about music? Because, clearly I was mistaken.
Callie, what song describes you perfectly?
Callie: .....
Cora: Oh, just tell them already. I mean, gods. I admitted Party in the USA, didn't I?
Callie: FINE. (sighs) Heartbeat by JJAMZ.
What song do you guys think encompasses the series as a whole so far? (If there is one)
Meg: Ohmigods, I heard this song the other day called In Sleep by Lissie and I was like "OHMIGOD, Alex, is this not Chloe and Jonah?!"
Alex: As much as I hate to admit it, now that we know about the Connection between Chloe and Jonah, Meg's totally right about the song.
Ok guys. We're running low on time, so let's dish. We all know this love triangle between Chloe, Jonah, and Kellan is pretty epic. Who do you guys think Chloe will end up with?
Lizzie: Again, wasn't this... am I crazy here? (looks at Cora) She's with Jonah, right?
Cora: (refuses to look at Lizzie; picks nails instead)
Meg: I thought they were planning a wedding? (is stricken) Alex! What if they don't get married?!
Alex: Calm down, hon. They're all adults.
Callie and Karl: (exchange uneasy glances)
Jessica: (can feel the awkward, uneasy tension rising in the room) Let's do a few fun crazy questions before we go, eh?
Alex, Lizzie, and Meg: You guys are stuck on a deserted island and can only eat one type of food for the rest of your lives. What would it be and why?
Meg: Lollipops! The Tootsie-roll kind. I love those. Yum!
Alex: Obviously fish. I mean, we'd be on an island. Let's be practical here.
Lizzie: (screws face up) I hate fish. Can't we have salads?
Alex: It's an island, Lizzie. Do you really think you're going to find candied walnuts there?
Meg: Definitely lollipops. They make everyone happy!
Callie, you are stuck on the same deserted island. What is the one possession you would need with you?
Callie: My phone, with a never-ending battery.
Giules, you are from Italy. What is the absolute one thing people need to do while they're there?
Giules: Eat. You have never really eaten unless you've dined in Rome. La cucina di un popolo è la sola esatta testimonianza della sua civilta.
Lizzie: What does that mean?
Giules: A country's food is the marker of civilization, bella.
Karl: Italy does have pretty damn good food.
Rapid Fire Round:
Favorite TV Show:
Callie: Project Runway.
Favorite Pastime:
Karl: Cooking competitions with my wife.
Favorite Superhero:
Alex: Sunfire from Big Hero 6.
Guilty Pleasure:
Cora: Cheetos.
Favorite Destination to get away:
Giules: Tuscany!
Ok guys! That's all the time we have today! I loved having you guys here to chat with me!
Meg: Ohmigod, Jessica, thanks so much for talking to us! This was so much fun!
Ok guys! Are you ready for an exclusive excerpt from Heather's third novel in the Fate series A Matter of Truth?!?!
I lift my hand up, shading my eyes as I peer at the loud and heavy surf crashing onto the pristine white shoreline. Overhead, gulls scream in a painfully bright blue sky, but even they are nearly drowned out by the ocean’s anger. “You can’t be serious about going out there today.”
An inscrutable smile spreads across Jonah’s lips as he pulls up the rest of his dark wetsuit. He reaches for the zipper, but I step around him so I can slowly tug the tab upward. “I think a storm is coming in,” I tell him, trailing my other hand up the metal path.
When his head tilts back to survey the cloudless sky, black hair brushes against my fingers; a delicious shiver shakes my spine. I lean forward, my arms going around his chest, so I can press my face against his neck. His arms crisscross to wrap around mine, and we stand like this, watching the waves continue their furious pounding of the shore for long minutes of hushed unease. All too soon, he pulls away so he can pick up his surfboard.
Anxiety spreads throughout my belly; I reach out and trace the length of his arm, aching to chase my fears away. “Promise me you’ll be careful?”
His cerulean eyes are so sad when he studies me, a mute accusation that asks me why I don’t trust him enough.
I do, though. Probably more than I trust any other person in the entire universe.
His free hand cups the back of my head, drawing me in close. I savor how my heart slams around in my chest when our lips meet, how my world tilts when his tongue touches mine. I let myself drown in this kiss, and in him.
I love this man, I think to myself. It’s over too soon; he’s off into those wild, terrifying waters. I trail him to the exact line where water fades to sand, holding my breath as he duck dives under the blackening foam of a monstrous wave. I count in my head to ten, then twenty . . . I get to fifty, one hundred, but Jonah has yet to surface. I scan the horizon for his profile, but no one else is out amongst these waves today. And then I scream his name until it becomes a second heartbeat, yet my voice is alone on this beach.In desperation, I tear away the waves until all that lies before me is a dripping, sloped shelf riddled with gasping sea life. Jonah is nowhere to be seen.
I race into the dying coastline, bare feet shredding against sunken rocks and broken shells, but I can’t find him anywhere. Hours are spent searching, but there’s nothing, no one. Just a silent, dead former ocean I’ve created in my panic.
I’ve lost him.
In my agony, I let the world around me explode.
An inscrutable smile spreads across Jonah’s lips as he pulls up the rest of his dark wetsuit. He reaches for the zipper, but I step around him so I can slowly tug the tab upward. “I think a storm is coming in,” I tell him, trailing my other hand up the metal path.
When his head tilts back to survey the cloudless sky, black hair brushes against my fingers; a delicious shiver shakes my spine. I lean forward, my arms going around his chest, so I can press my face against his neck. His arms crisscross to wrap around mine, and we stand like this, watching the waves continue their furious pounding of the shore for long minutes of hushed unease. All too soon, he pulls away so he can pick up his surfboard.
Anxiety spreads throughout my belly; I reach out and trace the length of his arm, aching to chase my fears away. “Promise me you’ll be careful?”
His cerulean eyes are so sad when he studies me, a mute accusation that asks me why I don’t trust him enough.
I do, though. Probably more than I trust any other person in the entire universe.
His free hand cups the back of my head, drawing me in close. I savor how my heart slams around in my chest when our lips meet, how my world tilts when his tongue touches mine. I let myself drown in this kiss, and in him.
I love this man, I think to myself. It’s over too soon; he’s off into those wild, terrifying waters. I trail him to the exact line where water fades to sand, holding my breath as he duck dives under the blackening foam of a monstrous wave. I count in my head to ten, then twenty . . . I get to fifty, one hundred, but Jonah has yet to surface. I scan the horizon for his profile, but no one else is out amongst these waves today. And then I scream his name until it becomes a second heartbeat, yet my voice is alone on this beach.In desperation, I tear away the waves until all that lies before me is a dripping, sloped shelf riddled with gasping sea life. Jonah is nowhere to be seen.
I race into the dying coastline, bare feet shredding against sunken rocks and broken shells, but I can’t find him anywhere. Hours are spent searching, but there’s nothing, no one. Just a silent, dead former ocean I’ve created in my panic.
I’ve lost him.
In my agony, I let the world around me explode.
About Heather Lyons:
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.
Thank you guys so much for visiting us today on the Indie-Credible Tour! To view the other stops click HERE.
16 comments
Great interview! So ready for AMOT :-)
ReplyDeleteMe too Rebecca! This series seriously has me tied up in knots!
DeleteOh that round table discussion was awesome! Gahh I cant wait to continue with this series! Awesome awesome post!
ReplyDeleteThanks Teresa! I had a lot of fun making questions for it! I can't wait for you to read AMOH!
DeleteI LOVED this round table discussion and post. So fun and unique! Oh my, that excerpt. I really think Heather is trying to torture me :-) Freaking fabulous post girl!
ReplyDeleteThanks Chelsea! I agree! I feel like I'm going to die during AMOT!
DeleteWOW! I loved this! That round table discussion was awesome, and fun!! I think I need to check this series out!!! :)
ReplyDeleteYay! You SO do Magen! It's one of my absolute favorites!!!
DeleteXD Ohmigosh. reading that interview I was DYING XD
ReplyDeleteHappy reading
Jackie
:D Jackie- you definitely need to check these out!
DeleteWhat a cool round table discussion!! I have the first 2 books -- I'm excited to check them out esp after you and Chelsea have both loved them!
ReplyDeleteYay! I didn't know you bought them! This makes me SO happy!!! I hope you love them too!
DeleteYou keep gushing about this series! I must read it soon :)
ReplyDeleteThis series has sucked me in to the point of I had trouble concentrating after reading. I couldn't focus, couldn't think about anything other than the books!
DeleteI've seen this series on your TTT lists a couple of times and...I actually bought the first book in the series the other day!! You have convinced me to read another love triangle...so I will blame you when my heart is breaking lol! Loved the interview, this whole Indie-credible tour has been great to find new authors & books!!! :)
ReplyDeleteYAY! Girl! This makes me so happy!!!! I can't wait for you to read these! And I will be your shoulder to cry on when your heart is shattered seven ways to Sunday! And I loved this Indie-Credible tour! Such a good idea!
DeleteLeave me some comment love! And I will get around to commenting back!
My blog is an award-free blog, however, as I just do not have the time to follow-up.