A Matter of Heart (Fate Series 2)

My Thoughts:

I read A Matter of Fate, back in February, when I got a tour invite, and was interested by the book synopsis. Little did I know, that this book would absolutely blow me away. It became a favorite of mine. So, as you can imagine, when I had the opportunity to review the sequel, A Matter of Heart, I was filled with excitement! Ms. Lyons delivered an amazing sequel! I just can't seem to get enough of this series! I devoured this book (almost 400 pages, ) and before I knew it, I had finished the book. A Matter of Fate had it all; an excellent storytelling, beautiful descriptions, angst, passion filled love, magic, politics, imagination, uniqueness, and authenticity. This series, is without a doubt, one of the best that deals with love triangles. I constantly felt the main character, Chloe's angst, desperation, lust, love, and passionate need for both of her connections (comparable to destined soul mates,) identical twins, Jonah, and Kellan Whitecomb. No wonder this poor girl had a horrible ulcer that she couldn't get rid of throughout the whole story. She was beyond stressed, because no matter what decisions she made, she would hurt one of the two men she loved in the process, and by default hurt herself.

A Matter of Heart was action-packed! There was never a dull moment, as Chloe joined the council, and took on the heavy responsibility of using her magic to head missions dictated to her, and that caused conflict within her. The Elders were still after her, and all of the other magicals, and they were just as powerful, and non-relenting as ever. Jonah became a more active and powerful part of the council, and was sent on a variety of missions. His love for Chloe grew, and tore him apart inside, because he knew that Chloe's heart was divided between him and his brother. Kellan wanted Chloe more than anything, and tried to stay away from Chloe, but to no avail. I did not envy Chloe's position whatsoever. She needed both brothers. Fate had dictated that they would both be her connections, and to be away from one or the other, would cause Chloe great pain. Even though she made her choice in, A Matter of Fate, she struggled with being faithful.

I loved getting to know the secondary characters that I had been introduced to in book #1, a lot more. Astrid Lotus, the twins surrogate mom was such a likable character. She was very nurturing, understanding, and loyal to her makeshift family. I felt so bad for Chloe having to deal with such cold, and horrible parents, especially when she needed them the most. When Chloe needed them, they turned their back on her. Instead Astrid, along with the twins, were the one's standing up for and supporting Chloe. It was interesting, and surprising seeing Chloe develop a friendship with Callie Lotus (Astrid's daughter and Jonah's long-term ex-girlfriend.) The more I got to know Callie, the more I understood her plight, and how difficult it was for her to still be madly in love with Jonah, but unable to have him. Callie really grew on me as a character, and I enjoyed whenever she made an appearance in the story. I was also glad to get to continue to read more of some of my favorite secondary characters in this sequel, such as Karl, Moira, Zthane, Cora, and Raul.

A Matter of Heart was a great bookish escape! I truly got lost, and was carried in to the story. I loved the fast paced, action packed story. It was fun reading about Chloe's missions, the various magicals, and their powers. I loved the idea of being able to hop in a portal, and be whisked away to some exotic location. Chloe got to travel to Hawaii, New York, Australia, Costa Rica, Rome, etc. and, I felt like I got to go with her to all of these beautiful places. The ending left me sad, but I understood why the story ended the way it did. It was the first selfless act on Chloe's part, and I was proud of her. At this point, I can't begin to guess how this series will end, and that makes me happy. I get bored when a book is too predictable. A Matter of Fate was classified as young adult, and A Matter of Heart was classified as new adult. Not only did the characters go from high school to college, as this series continued, but the steam factor went way up!!! The love scenes were explicit, descriptive, and intense. The Fate Series is fast paced, addictive, well written, filled with plot twists, passion, and some very swoon-worthy twins! You will get lost in an adventure with this series!

My Rating:

I give A Matter of Heart, by Heather Lyons 4.5 Conflicted, Guilt-Ridden, Passionate, and Deep Connection Filled Stars! The Fate Series is an amazing, and highly addictive series. Once you begin reading, you will not be able to put it down. It is the best series that I have read that deals with the subject of love triangles. I am excited and already desperate to get my hands on the next book in this series. Ms. Lyons has a unique, and fresh writing style, that is unlike any that I've every had the pleasure of reading. I highly, highly, recommend this series to readers that enjoy the New Adult age group, and the Paranormal genre. I believe fans of Cassandra Clare's Mortal Instrument's Series, and Infernal Devices Series, will love the Fate Series! This series is like a rare treasure that most people don't know about, but when they discover it, everyone will be desperate to get their hand's on it! Take a chance on this series, you won't regret it!

My Favorite Quote:

"What I feel for you-it's... He bites his lower lip and stares up at me, his emotions more naked than his chest. You're my best friend. My favorite person. Someone I know I can go to when I'm happy or sad or anything in between. The only person who makes me lose control, who makes me so hot and fills me with so much want and need I can't even think straight. The person who's lips are addictive, -a thumb grazes my bottom one-who's mind is more beautiful then anything else I've ever seen. You're more than my connection; you know that, right? The first night we met, I became the luckiest guy in all the worlds. I don't think you truly understand what you mean to me. His head turns softly against the pillow. I don't think you ever will." (eARC, pg. 265)

~Jonah

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The first book in this series broke my heart. This one tore it open and ripped it to shreds. This follow up to A Matter of Fate continues the story of Chloe and her challenge to save her kind. And, as if that's not enough, Fate has dealt her a cruel hand...she is connected to two brothers - a physical and emotional bond that can't be broken. My heart gets heavy just thinking about it!

Although there is some adventure in this book, its main focus is on the relationships between Chloe, Jonah and Kellan. Chloe is in a precarious and painful position, one where making a decision is virtually impossible. I, myself, chose a brother quite quickly (I'm good like that...lol) but her connection to both, being unbreakable, puts her in a more difficult situation. The push and pull of these relationships and the feelings attached brought me equal parts joy and sorrow. This was definitely an emotional roller coaster and was very well written. I will admit that I may have screamed at Chloe (mostly in my head, but not always) to just make a decision already...stop procrastinating and get on with it...please stop torturing those boys. But, ultimately, her heartbreak was so great that I could easily see why she couldn't. The author's attempt to put us inside Chloe's head and heart forced me to relate to her situation even when I felt she was being a bit whiny and indecisive.

As for the brothers, they both surprised me. Jonah wore his emotions on his sleeve this time and wasn't nearly as perfect as he appeared in the first book. The stress of the situation took a toll on him and made him more human. Kellan...oh, Kellan...the poor boy broke my heart. His attempts to do the right thing and his misguided efforts to distract himself from the situation were bittersweet. Both their lives are at a standstill...both waiting for Chloe...both taking what they can get...both feeling the guilt and misery along with the fleeting moments of joy. *sigh*

I should also share that I loved the secondary characters in this book. I wish we'd seen more Karl and I fell in love with Callie. Every one of these characters added to the story in their own way. One final thing I should add about this series is that it started out as YA and, because the character have aged, it is now being written as NA. What does that mean? Well, the relationships are more mature and the heat is a bit steamier. It feels like a natural progression and fits the story well.

So, what am I getting at with all of this? It's a great series! Plenty of adventure, an interesting world, characters who grab your heart, and situations that seem too difficult to resolve make it a great read. Oh, and the cliffhanger is a killer...so prepare yourself!

This book was so frustrating, I was getting an ulcer myself just trying to get through it. All of the lies, deception and betrayal painted Chloe as a character without ethics, immature and self absorbed and no longer a likable person. It was tedious to read and I hope the next book is not the same old repetitious stuff.

4.5/5 stars

Wow, this series. I've never been in more emotional turmoil as I have been reading these books. Seriously, it makes my heart absolutely ache. A Matter of Heart picks up a bit after A Matter of Fate. Chloe is living in Annar, working on the Council, and engaged to Jonah. However, as happy as Chloe pretends to be on the outside, she is anything but. Kellan, while out of the picture, is never far from her mind. When she is with Jonah, the heartache isn't quite so bad, but when they are apart, she can't help but dwell on the fact that a part of her is missing. Kellan's return to Annar does not help clear her confusion and Chloe is once again stuck between a rock and a hard place.

I won't lie. Chloe drove me batty in this book. She feels so much guilt and grief over her situation with the twins. I can't blame her and I understand the Connection is strong, but at some point someone is going to have to say enough is enough. How in the world Heather is going to resolve this, I have not the slightest idea. Jonah and Kellan are two amazing men who would do anything for Chloe. They want her happiness and they will even sacrifice their own for her, which both do. Plenty of times over. Neither is unreasonable in their requests of her. Jonah, as her fiancée, realizes that Kellan is a part of her life and will set aside his own feelings so that they can be friends. He makes it clear to Chloe up front what he can handle and what he can't. Kellan, on the other hand, has done everything he can to stay away from Chloe. He loves his brother and does not want to hurt him. But at what point, do you just say the hell with it all? These three are inextricably bound to one another, whether they like it or not. Heather is definitely not afraid to put her characters through the ringer and she does so in every way in this book. Hearts and trust are so very fragile already and we begin to see a very dark deterioration of the characters' emotions in this book.

Callie is back in this book and surprisingly enough, in a good capacity. She also realizes that if she wants the twins in her life she is going to have to get along with Chloe. I like her no-nonsense attitude and you can tell as much as it sucks that her ex-boyfriend is in love with someone else, she is going to step up and be the bigger person so he can be happy. Chloe hasn't been spending a lot of time with Cora, Lizzie, or Meg so Callie becomes the main girlfriend that she has.

Chloe is also having some trouble with the Council and the Guard. She is forced to assume her responsibilities as Creator much sooner than everyone would like, but out of necessity she must comply. After a mission gone wrong, Chloe now faces false accusations from a fellow Guard member who will go to extraordinary lengths to make sure she is crucified.

I ended up giving this one 4.5 stars just because Chloe tore me apart. It is so hard to get on board with her decisions when you know they're wrong. SHE'S wrong in what she does. (And she's not the only at fault.) But- she doesn't have a choice either! So I was at war with myself for most of this book. I understand her feelings, why she is doing what she does, and how she can't help any of it. And the other side of me is all, 'You're not being fair!!!!!' Sigh. My warring brain will be quiet now.

Overall, I thought the second book in the Fate Series did a great job of conveying the happiness, heartbreak, and confusion that Chloe feels over her situation with the twins, the Council, and her family. Your heart will ache at the end, and you will definitely be left wanting Book Three!

I fell in love with the Whitcomb twins and Chloe with Lyon's first book A Matter of Fate. But this book made me feel every emotion so intensely as I read about the weight of the world on Chloe's shoulder. How can a girl of only 18 deal with so much? Well, she does the best she can but she is faced with so many huge decisions that you can't help but feel for her. Many would think that having a connection would be the best, but for Chloe she has two and putting her in an almost impossible situation. Which brother to choose? Who does she make happy and who must she hurt?

While I read this book I was in for a roller coaster of emotions. I squealed like a high school teenager when a certain twin came into the book and I fan girled over all of their stolen moments. There were times where I was so overwhelmed with emotion that I had to walk away and process the awesome and heartbreak and longing and a range of emotions I was feeling. I cherished each moment Chloe had with Kellan. I felt that Chloe and Kellan had this unique yin/yang relationship. They worked well together in times of distress and seemed to really get each other in so many different ways. (Can you tell what Team I am??) That doesn't mean I don't love Jonah kind and patient Jonah. But I wonder if Jonah's love is a pacifier. If his love is guarded in protecting Chloe in a way where she can't live her life.

And then you think that it isn't just Chloe that has to deal with these emotions. Jonah and Kellan and Chloe all are in this sticky situation. You feel for these three as they hurt and love and laugh and cry. How can you not?

While I was reading this I also had this thought. Chloe has had distant love from her parents and while I wouldn't say she lived a life without love I often wonder if she has experience the all consuming love that Jonah and Kellan have for her. If you weren't used to it, it could easily be overwhelming. That love paired with

By the end of the book these were my thoughts Chloe says that she had no control over her life due to fate but I am hoping with the third book and on she says screw you fate and takes charge of her own life. She has to make her own decisions and not what fate says because it could possibly kill her. I still don't know what those brothers though and I can't wait until we see how it works out. Overall, this has been one of my top 3 books this year!!! I encourage you all to read this series, it wont disappoint!!

This series is turning out to be a favorite of mine, A Matter of Heart is the second book in the series and it picks up not too long after the first book ended. Chloe is now on the council but is still pretty much clueless about the world of magicals, she chose Jonas and is not living happily next door to him... and life haws been moving on, sorta...

I think what I like most about this book is that the idea behind the story is pretty original, and the way the author is able to write the story you cant help but feel for each and every character.

I am honestly kinda on the fence about Chloe; she is selfish, whiny, and well a little annoying honestly. Yes she had a crappy upbringing and her parents are idiots but still... she should have realized by now that if she wants to know anything she has to figure it out herself. She is to dependant on everyone around her. I also know that she is in a really hard situation with both Kellan and Jonas, and maybe I am bias (TEAM KELLAN) but she is really not being fair to either one of them... she is stringing them both along.

I was honestly expecting her to take off by herself and leave both guys from like a quarter through the book because that just seemed like what she has to do to not only figure herself out, but also to let them go until she decides who and if she wants them.

Jonas actually REALLY surprised me in this book, I thought he was the level headed brother who could do no wrong... but man oh man does that boy have a temper. He was also not always sucha nice guy which disappointed me a little, because although I will never turn on Kellan, I liked knowing the Jonas was steady, reliable and just plain nice.

*Sigh* Kellan... he broke my heart little by little in this book. He keeps trying to do the right thing, and he literally takes it to the extreme with all of his distractions and `hobbies', but no matter how much he tries he just cant stay away from Chloe. It is always kinda bittersweet when they are together; I personally think they TOTALLY belong to each other.

Oh! Callie! I was so prepared to hate her because well she wasn't very nice in the first book in the brief glimpse we got of her... but boy oh boy she is AWESOME! She is outspoken, fun, spontaneous, and loyal... she is the perfect person for Chloe to be friends with. Regardless of how they met and what stands between them.

My only main issues with this book were that sometimes with Chloe's whining... it was really drawn out and sometimes totally unnecessary, yes she is confused... get over it... yes she loves both brothers... get over it... yes her parents suck... get over it... yes she is the target of the crazy elders... get over it... I hope that she finally grows up a bit for the third book, I am so ready to love Chloe, but she makes it really really card.

That ending... I getting trying to get to the next page, I thought there was something wrong with my copy of the book... because I mean seriously it could NOT end like that! That was mean, I hate cliffhangers to begin with, but that is the biggest cliffhanger I have read in such a long time. I have such high hopes for the third book, and I want it right now!

This is my favorite series for 2013. Heather Lyons is the Queen of the love triangles. The second book has me flip-flopping as to whom Chloe should choose. First I want her to be with Kellan, then I want her to be with Jonah, then Kellan and vice versa. I have never read a book like this where I want the heroine to be with both guys. The two twins are hot, gorgeous, sexy and emotional. Where Kellan is passionate and a thrill seeker, Jonah is solid and calm. Heather wrote this book so well that I could feel the stress and emotion that Chloe is facing.

I like how this book transitions from YA to NA. The make-out scenes are hot and passionate. It kept me in suspense and frustrated. I really want her to finally go all the way with one of the twins. Preferably with Kellan.

Besides romance there is also some action and never a dull moment. I am so looking forward to reading the next book in this series.