We all have choices in life… paths to take… roads to follow….
It’s on those journeys that Fate finds us and takes us where we need to be… Without a second glance we can be taken away from things we know… people we love and given a new life...
One that can change us… save us…
What would you do if Fate dropped you at a crossroads?
Would you go back?
Or would you run like hell the other way?
Our Reviews...
***ARC Provided by Emersyn Vallis in exchange for an honest review***
Jaymee's Review
5 Stars
Hanging Pawns in the second book in the Fate series by Emerysn Vallis and it is actually a prequel to Adjournment and will help answer many of the questions that you may have had after reading the first book. However it will also raise several new questions, there are so many secrets floating around these families that it makes my head spin! There are some major revelations in this novel, the kind that make you go "What? Seriously? Holy crap!" Emersyn has an amazing talent of hinting at deep dark secrets while still keeping the story flowing smoothly and the reader completely engrossed. There is something very shady going on and while we still don't know exactly what happened we are getting more clues and this series is keeping me on the edge of my seat because I know something huge and crazy is coming! While this is a romance series but it also has mystery and intrigue which I love!
Hanging Pawns gives us the back story of Mea and Josh who were in the first novel but not major characters, however when they went to school they lived with Morgan, Molly and the triplets so their lives are very entwined. We get to find out how things were right after Sidney left and it was heart breaking. Her sisters were so sad and struggling without her even though they knew it was the right thing for her. I also fell even more in love with Simon in this book, his heartbreak was gut wrenching, being away from Sidney was terrible for him but he was trying to do what was best for her. Everyone was suffering while trying to protect Sydney which makes me wonder why exactly they pushed her away? I want to know why this is all happening and I can't wait to find out.
Josh meets Mea on her first day and ends up helping her out and introducing her to the twins. Mea had a rough life which she had to escape from and somehow she ended up embedded in the crazy lives of the Chandlers and the McAllisters which turned out to be a huge blessing. Morgan and Molly and their crazy ways really helped Mea come out of her shell and find herself. I adore Mea, she did something incredibly brave by walking away from a life she didn't want and set out to find herself and her own way in the world. She was sweet, sassy and adorable in her interactions with Josh.
I don't think there are enough words in the world for how I feel about Josh, he is pure perfection. Everything he says and does is so sweet, he has a way of anticipating everything Mea wants or needs and doing exactly the right thing. He never pushes her to talk even though he knows she is keeping secrets, he waits patiently for her to open up. He is so attentive to her and so obviously in love with her. I can't say too much because I don't want to spoil this sweet, heart melting story but let me tell you that his declaration of love had me bawling!! These two are just so freaking perfect I can't even take it!
Emerysn Vallis has an incredible writing style, the story comes out smoothly and flawlessly with perfect attention to detail. Her characters are amazing as well, the interactions between all of them are hilarious and the banter is perfect. I am obsessed with these two crazy families and finding out their deep dark secrets! I can't wait for the next book in the series.
Storyline: Intriguing, Addictive
Female Character: Adorable
Male Character: Swoon Worthy, The Perfect Man!
Author's Writing Style: creative, well developed, smooth
Plot Twists: Jaw Dropping
Laugh Factor: Some
Cry Factor: the end, oh lord!
Steam Factor: not too much
Violence: none
Melissa's Review
Hanging Pawns in the second book in the Fate series by Emerysn Vallis and it is actually a prequel to Adjournment and will help answer many of the questions that you may have had after reading the first book. However it will also raise several new questions, there are so many secrets floating around these families that it makes my head spin! There are some major revelations in this novel, the kind that make you go "What? Seriously? Holy crap!" Emersyn has an amazing talent of hinting at deep dark secrets while still keeping the story flowing smoothly and the reader completely engrossed. There is something very shady going on and while we still don't know exactly what happened we are getting more clues and this series is keeping me on the edge of my seat because I know something huge and crazy is coming! While this is a romance series but it also has mystery and intrigue which I love!
Hanging Pawns gives us the back story of Mea and Josh who were in the first novel but not major characters, however when they went to school they lived with Morgan, Molly and the triplets so their lives are very entwined. We get to find out how things were right after Sidney left and it was heart breaking. Her sisters were so sad and struggling without her even though they knew it was the right thing for her. I also fell even more in love with Simon in this book, his heartbreak was gut wrenching, being away from Sidney was terrible for him but he was trying to do what was best for her. Everyone was suffering while trying to protect Sydney which makes me wonder why exactly they pushed her away? I want to know why this is all happening and I can't wait to find out.
Josh meets Mea on her first day and ends up helping her out and introducing her to the twins. Mea had a rough life which she had to escape from and somehow she ended up embedded in the crazy lives of the Chandlers and the McAllisters which turned out to be a huge blessing. Morgan and Molly and their crazy ways really helped Mea come out of her shell and find herself. I adore Mea, she did something incredibly brave by walking away from a life she didn't want and set out to find herself and her own way in the world. She was sweet, sassy and adorable in her interactions with Josh.
I don't think there are enough words in the world for how I feel about Josh, he is pure perfection. Everything he says and does is so sweet, he has a way of anticipating everything Mea wants or needs and doing exactly the right thing. He never pushes her to talk even though he knows she is keeping secrets, he waits patiently for her to open up. He is so attentive to her and so obviously in love with her. I can't say too much because I don't want to spoil this sweet, heart melting story but let me tell you that his declaration of love had me bawling!! These two are just so freaking perfect I can't even take it!
Emerysn Vallis has an incredible writing style, the story comes out smoothly and flawlessly with perfect attention to detail. Her characters are amazing as well, the interactions between all of them are hilarious and the banter is perfect. I am obsessed with these two crazy families and finding out their deep dark secrets! I can't wait for the next book in the series.
Storyline: Intriguing, Addictive
Female Character: Adorable
Male Character: Swoon Worthy, The Perfect Man!
Author's Writing Style: creative, well developed, smooth
Plot Twists: Jaw Dropping
Laugh Factor: Some
Cry Factor: the end, oh lord!
Steam Factor: not too much
Violence: none
Melissa's Review
5 Stars
Oh, Emersyn... You make my little reader heart so very happy!! After reading Adjournment, I paced the floors waiting for the second book in the Fate Series, Hanging Pawns, to be released. I do believe I even begged for you to hurry up. LOL. Well, they say good things come to those who wait and they weren't lying.
Hanging Pawns is a prequel style book and it gives the readers a lot of insight on what happens between Simon breaking Sydney's heart and her returning to her family. There are so many questions answered but Emersyn eludes to a HUGE secret that they are all still keeping. This book is also centered on Mea and Josh, who we met in the first book but weren't major players. When I realized this book wasn't really based on Syd and Simon, well, I can't lie, I was sort of sad. With that being said, by the end of the book I was not only emotionally attached to both Mea and Josh but I loved them just as much as Syd and Simon.
So... This book is heartbreaking. It still has that Emersyn-esq feel and is filled with the smart-mouthed characters that she writes so well but Mea's story is really a sad one. After leaving her life behind to start over she finds that sometimes just changing the scenery isn't enough to make the hurt go away. Thankfully, she is welcomed by Josh, the Chandler twins and the McAllister brothers and who better to help keep your mind off the sadness? I mean, really, those two families have enough crazy to start their own reality show. I really loved how Josh was in tune with Mea right from the start. And when the secrets of her past started to reveal themselves he didn't judge her but kept right on loving her.
As far as Emersyn Vallis goes well, I said it from the very beginning, this chick is pure talent. To think this is only her second book is mind blowing. Her ability to develop strong characters and deliver amazing plot twists is second to none. I can not wait to see where she is headed with this series and I can not wait for the return of Sydney, especially knowing what I know now. By the way, once you realize what is actually happening in this story, you will be blown away, I promise. I am dying to see how this all plays out!!
Keep it up Emersyn... It won't be long before we see NY Times Best Selling Author on the cover of your books!!
Storyline: Wonderful
Female Character: Awesome
Male Character: sheer perfection
Author's Writing Style: I LOVE!!
Plot Twists: OMG!
Laugh Factor: pure Emersyn fashion
Cry Factor: there will be tears!
Steam Factor: little bit
Violence: none
Female Character: Awesome
Male Character: sheer perfection
Author's Writing Style: I LOVE!!
Plot Twists: OMG!
Laugh Factor: pure Emersyn fashion
Cry Factor: there will be tears!
Steam Factor: little bit
Violence: none
“You’re not leaving… if you leave, I can’t help you. Just stay. We will have a press conference. Explain…” I jump in, cutting my mother off.
“There is nothing to explain… I didn’t do anything wrong.” My brow furrows at what she is trying to insinuate. She shrugs impassively. “Wow, you don’t even believe me.” I shake my head in disbelief.
I look to my father, who is too engrossed in his work to care what we’re discussing.
How can he just sit there ignoring us?
Her brow raises when she looks at him, then she shakes her head as though she’s thinking the same thing I am.
What did I ever do to make you want to pretend as though I don’t exist?
“I can promise you one thing… Princess.” Disdain drips from her lips when she says it.
I sit straight, my shoulders set back, to show I’m not so easily intimidated by her anymore. Although my stomach knots, telling me otherwise. “If you leave this house again, it will be your last time.” Her head tips to the side to study me. “Or… maybe it won’t…” she muses.
It will.
“What incentive do I have to stay?” My lips pucker and curl up with indignation.
There’s nothing she can do once I’m gone this time.
“I would watch your tone.” Her voice drops, making the warning into a threat, before it perks back up. “And don’t make that face, this was your father’s idea.” She nods to him. “Isn’t that right, Dear?” Her teeth clench together as a tight smile forms on her lips.
“Yes, she’s right.” He looks up at me for a split second, a strange but all too familiar look in his eyes, then goes back to working.
The look, if you’re wondering, is what normal people wear when they are guilty of something. But a man who has no care or concern for anyone but himself couldn’t possibly have anything to be guilty of. Unless in some strange twist of events he is deciding to care after years of overlooking me.
That’s highly unlikely though.
Twelve…
I was twelve when he no longer saw me, when he no longer laughed with me, and when I was left to be raised properly… like her… a woman I could never be like.
His wife and my mother…
An Interview with Emersyn Vallis...
What made you decide to write a book?
The idea for a book came to me but I didn’t know the first thing about writing. So after about a month of trying to ignore it, I decided to sit down and write out the thoughts, thinking once they were out I would be done… I was so wrong.
Where did the idea for The Fate Series come from?
Hmm, this one is tough. When I wrote Adjournment, it first, had a different title, and second, was supposed to be a standalone. Like I said I thought once I wrote it out I would be finished. It was actually the addition of Simon and Mea that transformed it into a series. Simon’s a little pushy like that.
How do you juggle family life and writing?
I have this AMAZINGLY supportive family that helps me a lot. As most people know I have three children and they’re still pretty young so I can definitely agree with the “It takes a village to raise a child” quote. Especially if the mother is a writer. Hahaha
What one piece of advice would you give an aspiring writer?
Fill your life with positive things and positive people. Because a lot of negativity is going to slam you at times you least expect it. Whether it’s the look you get from telling people you’re a writer or simply your own self-doubt (and, yes, it happens to every author). You have to push through it, if it was easy, everyone would do it.
What are your top five favorite books? Authors?
A Beautiful Lie by Tara Sivec is the book that made me think I could be a writer. Something about the book spoke to me and lured me into this. Thanks, Tara!~
Collide and Pulse by Gail McHugh. These books pulled so much out of me. When people ask for a recommendation these are always on my list.
Archer’s Voice by Mia Sheridan… ok, so at the time of reading this book I was into really dark romances and getting kind of bored with the genre but I didn’t know what to read. Archer, had sat on my TBR list for a little while and one Sunday I thought ‘OK, I’m going to read this.” Ten hours later I got off the couch. I didn’t just read that book, I was absorbed into it and I found peace in it. Archer’s Voice restored my faith in romances. At a time when I felt I was reading a lot over and over, Mia Sheridan had published this AMAZING story. This is a must read if you haven’t read it yet. Love you, Mia!~
I love the Neighbor from Hell Series by R. L. Mathewson. The books are hysterical and the writing is so well done! I love the Bradford men.
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins is that series that I scoffed at and then finally read and was like, THIS IS YA? I need to read more YA. Me and Grams actually read these together and I finished first so I had to wait. Then one night I was going to pick out a new couch and I asked her if she wanted to come with me. She yelled that she had 20% of Mocking Jay left and I was out of my freaking mind if I thought she was going to put it down to go get a new couch. Then she told me to take a picture... I did.
I know you said five but this one I just love. So I’m going to toss in a bonus.
Raw by Belle Aurora… this one is my favorite because of the ending. I know, crazy, right? Just hear me out. This book ended in SUCH a perfect way that if it was done any other way I would have thrown my Kindle. I love Twitch and I love that while Belle let him grow as a character she never changed him into something he just couldn’t be.
I love when authors accept the way a character is and they let them shine which is why ALL of these are my top books and ALL of these authors are my favorites. I will one click anything they write!
We love your covers.... Did you come up with the concept or did you let your cover designer run wild?
Oh my poor, poor cover designer. Hahaha I love Kari. This was a joint effort. I had found the photos and dropped them in her lap, figuratively speaking of course, and said I love these… do your thing. Somehow our brains fused together and she just nailed exactly what I was looking for without me even knowing. I scream with joy every time I get one.
Are any of your characters based on real people?
Some are, not always in the physical sense but personality wise, yes. Grams is based off my Grams, Morgan and Chase are loosely based around my brother and sister-in-law. I sprinkle a little of myself in Sidney, Mea, and Molly.
Do you have any writing rituals that you must do?
I’m always snacking on goldfish and now I’ve added popcorn to my list of must sit next to me. I’ve recently discovered the bend in my couch and that’s where I like to hide in plain sight. Everyone knows if the earbuds are in - do not disturb, even though the music isn’t always on.
If you could write yourself into ANY book... Which one would it be?
Damn. I think the Hunger Games but I want to live until the end because that last book is just mind blowing.
Would you ever want your books turned into a movie? If so, who would you want to be Sidney? Simon? Grams?
Seriously? Hahaha I don’t know. I would want some sort of control over it because I wouldn’t want the characters to be changed. As far as the actor visuals I used to come up with the characters. Chelsea Kane I used for Sidney, Morgan and Molly. If you look her up with the different hairstyles you’ll see it… maybe. Hahaha. Grams would have to be Betty White hands down. Simon… I don’t have anyone pegged for him but I would be open to suggestions. 
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Emersyn Vallis is a first time author with Adjournment being the first book in the Fated Series. Currently residing on the east coast with her husband and three children she is typically mistaken for being quiet and reserved her friends often describe her as a spastic spider monkey and always the first to be there with her quick wit to pull you back up when you’re feeling down. After reading as a hobby for most of her life it wasn’t until she had discovered R. L. Mathewson’s ‘Neighbor from Hell Series’ and Tara Sivec’s ‘Playing with Fire Series’ that she came up with the idea to fuse comedy and suspense together and her passion for writing was born.
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