Fate Fixed

Erris Coven #1

by Bonnie Erina Wheeler

Fate An Erris Coven Novel is young adult paranormal romance. When Lexie Anderson’s mother suddenly announces she is marrying a Romanian immigrant, Lexie willingly leaves behind her busy life in Connecticut for her penance in “The Moose Capital of the World.” Small town living is strange enough, now Lexie must cope with her overbearing stepfamily monitoring her every move. They disappear into the woods at night and keep a strange secret locked in their shed. Her once calm mother is now having violent outbursts and Lexie’s little sister is hearing sinister sounds coming from the forest behind their new home. Lexie’s biggest surprise comes when she discovers the boy she has been dreaming about since her accident is living in Maine. Despite Torin’s questionable reputation, Lexie cannot resist the physical and emotional attraction pulsating between them. Animals and people in town are turning up dead and Lexie learns the strange new world she lives in has real life monsters. Just when she decides she wants to be with Torin forever, she must fight to protect her mother and sister from being harmed a formidable evil.

Genres: Vampires, Paranormal, Young Adult, Romance, Werewolves, Paranormal Romance, Fantasy

288 pages, Paperback

First published July 21, 2011

About the author

Bonnie is a contemporary young adult author. She lives in Litchfield County, Connecticut with her husband and children.

Her first novel Fate Fixed is available through Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Sony, and Smashwords.

The second novel in the series, Blood Twist, is available through Amazon.

Reviews

[Shawna LeAnn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay people, when you read a book within a day I think it is safe to say that is was pretty dang good. Not only to new twist on the paranormal wolves and vampires [which was MUCH needed and it worked flawlessly] but the HUGE mystery you have to solve. Oh, and lets not forget a romance that is budding. From page to page Bonnie Wheeler kept me hooked.

This book opens up with Lexie dreaming of a heart stopping blue eyed man. After her father died in a car wreak that Lexie was the driver of, she has had this dream. Now, after her mother re-married and she has 3 new step brothers [who are some odd balls...and seem to have a little infatuation with Lexie...weird right?] they are moving to a small town in Main. Leaving her best friend Liz behind and the only town she has ever known is upsetting but all Lexie wants to do is make her mother happy.

After moving Lexie starts to really notice the oddness that her step brothers bring to the table, especially one in particular. And the thing is, it isn't only her NEW family that is starting to act up, but her own mother and sister as well. But after getting to meet some new people from town with one of the nicer step brothers she thinks everything might not be too bad after all. Then in steps Torin. Oh Torin! The brooding male who keeps to himself. Swoon. And since Torin as also been dreaming about a girl with amazing green eyes, you know things are about to get hot, and complicated.

You never know what is going to happen next in this book. One second you think you have it all figured out, and then the next chapter totally blows your mind. And since Bonnie Wheeler has wrote this book to not only be from our lead Lexie's point of view, but also from Torin's and a wolf. Which I LOVE. It helped us see how Torin and Lexie's feelings were toward each other and that also helped their fast coming relationship completely and totally work. It never seemed forced and I knew I would have done the same thing as Lexie.

Once the shockers hit and my mind what like "WHAT JUST HAPPENED HERE?!" I was even more in love with this book. I guess I should have really seen it coming, but Bonnie Wheeler did a great job of hiding the obvious from me! And I have to admit, after hating one character for the whole book and once seeing what happens to him in the end, I was so unbelievable sad! Which is odd, if I hate a character there is usually no redemption for them...

From the twists and turns, to the romance, and the incredible action this book is a MUST read for any YA paranormal book reader. It gives you everything you could ever ask for and then some. You will love the new take on the overdone vampire world and it will seriously hook you. Bonnie, I can not wait to read book number two. You are one of my new favorite authors.

Happy Reading All
[:

[Greta is Erikasbuddy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fate Fixed is a most awesome book! I freaking lover dovered the plot and the mystery everything about it... but one little thing.

The way stuff was worded was more narrative than from someone's pov... which is fine... but it didn't flow, right. I think with a little jazz hands and magic sprinkles this book could go from pretty good to SUPERSTAR with little effort.

With that being said... I still gave this book 4 stars because I couldn't wait to find out what would happen next.

Lexie is your typical 17 year old high school senior. She has a bestie and a little sister who loves Bratz Dolls (a 12 year old? Uhhhh.... k... LOLZ!) and a Mom who totally loves her... But they are getting ready to have the move of their life. Ever since Daddy Dearest died, Mom hooked up with a hot Romanian, and they are now moving to Maine, with Step-Papa and his three sons.

Lexie, of course doesn't want to go, but what can she do? She packs up and goes with her new fam, paints her room, takes a bath, hangs up her Vampire Diaries posters (ok... I thought that stuff could be tweaked a bit. If you say Vampire Diaries today then it's going to be Zombie Blogs tomorrow... It should say something pretty vague so it doesn't matter if the fad changes... you'll be good), and when she goes to sleep she still dreams of... him.....

His name is TORIN and he's not like you and me. He's a hunkamonk with a broodtastic attitude who likes to drink Monster and ride his dirt bike. Oh yeah... and low and behold... he lives in Maine!!

What are the odds? Is it Fate?

You betcha!

Fate Fixed is a marvelous read full of supernatural nomminess that made me squee for more. I'm very interested in reading the next book and have high hopes that the author will amaze us even more. Even though the writing wasn't the best, I totally think it can be improved. She's already got a story... now it just needs some glitter. It can totally be made into something brilliant!!

I say, Go read it!! You might eye roll a bit but you will still want to know what's going to happen next. I know I did!

Questions from a Greta

What did you think of the cover?
Sure, the cover is pretty, but I thought it was going to be a historic novel. The girl on the cover just looks like she's from the 1700s or something. I think it's the top that makes me think that.

What would you compare this book to?
You know those happy ending highlander books that I like? This is pretty similar but without the highlanders. Sure, everything was solved and kind of easy but sometimes those books are fun.

From a Parent's Pov?
Okey dokey, Mom and Dad!! There is one scene that will have you screaming "Fade to black!! Fade to black!!" It's kind of adult but it's not EROTIC..... I know Sue and Billy know what's going on but it was a bit much for YA in my opinion. If it was me I would have toned it down. But... I think a 14 year old would be fine reading this... and maybe that naughtiness will make her want to read more.

Gore Factor?
There is some graphic violence but it was pretty cool in my opinion. Not anything that would scar you.

The Love Story?
There is a love story. Like uber duhs! Look at the cover. I guess it's kind of rushed but they've been dreaming of each other for a year or so, So maybe a long drawn out dating blahs wasn't really necessary.

Paranormal Creepies?
There are paranormal creepies in this book. THe odd thing is they are words that I'm not familiar with and if Darkfallen had not looked them up for us (they are Romanian words) then I would have been clueless. I think a page at the front or the back explaining these creatures would have been nice. It's not necessary but it would make things a bit easier.

Boy or Girl?
This is definitely a girl book. I don't think a boy would really enjoy it. Girls yes... boys no.

Jared Letto?
Am I the only girl who isn't into this guy? Lexie is totally head over heals for him but when I was that age (or a bit younger) I was ga ga over DAVID from Roseanne. Does that make me an oddball? LOLZ!

Overall?
While this book was never slow, the words did sometimes not flow right, but I had a great time with it. I think with a bit of editing this book would be perfect. I can't wait to read the next one. And I think this author really does have talent and a great imagination. Go read it!

[Tee loves Kyle Jacobson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Warning: This book makes you want to move to Erris! This book is Vampristic!

My Rating: 10 of 10!

My Cover Thoughts: I love this cover so much! Lexie is holding onto Torin! I bet you did not know that, neither did I but Bonnie told me that is who it was. Lexie looks so happy holding on to Torin.

My Thoughts/Review: I have read a lot of books but this book had me wanting more. It starts out with Lexie and how one thing changed the dynamics of her family. She was lost and slowly getting over things when she was thrust into a very uncomfortable situation. Decision made she stuck it out.
The one true happiest Lexie has is her dreams. Every time she closes her eyes to dream she is greeted by a familiar face. She wants to stay sleeping so she can enjoy her sandman. When she wakes she is reminded of the reality she is living. That is till she moves to a small town in the middle of nowhere.

When she arrives in this town with her family she is surprised by the way people greet her and her family. She soon makes friends and goes to a bonfire where she sees this guy that looks so familiar but it can’t be can it? Mr Sandman is there in real life.

What happens next is a complete journey that you will not want to miss. Lexie has her ups and downs and in the process she must learn to trust her instincts and go with her feelings. She will find out who she can trust and who she can’t but most of all will she find her true love in all this mess and will she be able to love him unconditionally.

Take a ride on this roller coaster as we see what happens to Lexie in her new town with new friends!

Memorable Quotes: Page 108 Courtney ambled over to their table and stared down “well if it isn’t Erris’s model-minority and his new bestie,” her sarcasm was so thick it dripped. She turned her glare on Lexie, “I see only your brothers have social skills. Oh, that’s right they aren’t really your brothers, are they? Yeah, they were quick to point that out.”
Lexie wished she had Liz’s comeback skills. Before she could respond, Theo retorted, “Ignore her Lexie, she bleeds from her mouth every twenty eight days.”

Advice: This is a MUST MUST MUST READ!

[Miranda Wheeler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lexie Anderson is coping. Her father was in a fatal accident, her mother is moving on, her little sister can't let go, and her new step-family of freaky and demanding man-children are chronically loud, obnoxious, and have absolutely no respect for her reasonable boundaries. And as the broken girl who was behind the wheel...

It's all her fault.

As her loving nature folds into her overwhelming grief and guilt, she remains silent as the shaking hands of little sister Ella and erratic mother Ruby point to her as the cause of their pain.

Since the heartbreaking tragedy that shattered her small family, she's had very little respite from the hole her father left. She's leaned on her quirky BFF Liz, and found moments of sanctuary in a nightmare. The dream has reoccurred nightly since the accident, and in spite of the terror it brings - she can't help but eagerly await it. It begins with a run into loving arms, encompassed by the perfection of the nameless boy, only to abruptly end with a horrific death he can't save her from.

What Lexie believes to be her biggest fears rupture Ruby suddenly and suspiciously brightens, she quickly announces that she's found the "love of her life": not Ella and Lexie's father, but an intense Romanian immigrant she met online after a prompting from her girlfriends. Ruby declares that she and her new lover Dragos are eloping in Vegas, and mixing their families with an immediate upheaval to Erris, Maine.

Lexie, grieving the loss of her hometown and friends, is terrified of something she's afraid to voice: the possibility that leaving Connecticut and Liz behind means the boy will stay behind too. After a year - could the dreams really stop? Would she have to let him go, too?

But Ruby is smiling. She seems actually, genuinely happy with this man. And Ella is getting attached to the youngest brother, Nicolai. Unable to fathom ruining the happiness that she took away, she becomes a sacrificial lamb -- and in the memory of her father and the hope for a better life for her mother and sister, she willingly agrees to abandon everything. Even her best friend - possibly even him.

Much to Lexie's shock, she didn't leave him. The boy is real, he's living in Maine, his name is Torrin, he's sexier than Lexie's beloved celeb-crush Jared Leto, and he crossed an obnoxious crowd of boisterous teenagers at a late-night rave just to be near her.

Suddenly, there is a few too many things Lexie's unable to deny. Torrin captivates her in ways nothing else ever has -- but his dark reputation and seclusion amongst his equally handsome cousins can be as frightening as the way his face changes when they're alone.

She also can't deny the disturbing and uncharacteristic behaviors of her ill mother, the "night watch" runs of her step family, her stepbrothers peculiar fondness of sniffing her, or the fact that there are people in her room when they shouldn't be -- and worse, people and animals that are missing when they shouldn't be. Lexie has to decide whether Torrin's the monster she knows is coming -- or if he's been sent by fate to protect her from something far worse than he could ever be.

Between the frightening obsession and domination of her animalistic new siblings, her mother's sudden mental illness, her sister's infatuation with Nicolai, and unfounded groundings that prevent her from contacting voice-of-reason Liz, there is absolutely no one she can trust. With one brother is completely off her radar and completely on Ella's, Lexie can't decide whether befriending the seemingly "normal" brother Alec or fearing the obsessive and controlling brother Maxim is the right decision to make. With fierce game-changers, blind-sighting good intentions, and no one being what they appear - especially human, deciding who's side she's on could be a fatal mistake.

With scenes like Ella sleeping before a flickering television in the middle of the night awaiting the return from unexplained patrol night runs, Ruby clawing chunks of hair from her head in mascara-laden tears while singing a gentle love song from Taylor Swift, Wolf ready to service and feed, Torrin leading Lexie on a decript roof to steal a kiss that nearly kills her, and the ethereal BF's mother Endellion twirling a classic Irish tale derived from a terror-stricken nightmare, it's incredibly easy to say that Fate Fixed is my favorite book.

While the writing is simplistic and beautiful, the plot itself is complex and perfectly woven. It manages to leave the reader gnawing at the inside of their cheek. Girls will fall completely and irrevocably in love with the edgy passion of Torrin, and guys will love the heart-pounding action. The author pulls off the raw darkness of death, a passionate love story, an all-encompassing mystery, the action-paced fight scenes, the ferocity of love and war, and a unique and individual perception of vampires and werewolves that answers the questions we've been dying to know. Wrapping Viking, Romanian, and Irish lore and fascinating religious outtakes into an incredible story that spends more time fighting, writhing, and living than it does berating the reader with unnecessary fluff. The reader will starve from the nameless villain's hunger, yearn from Torrin's eyes, and fight through Lexie's drive. Flying between the strong but troubled artist's heart of Torrin, the broken heart of Lexie, and the heartless, monstrous beast known only as Wolf, it's impossible to put down. The plot surges through the book, and between aftershocks and falling from their seat, ends with an explosive war that leaves readers begging for more from the cold ground.

A gorgeous cover, a perfect love story, a terrifying villain, and an enthralling mystery will leave readers insatiable. Well-written, beautifully crafted, and a subject prepared to answer the yearning heart-calls for empty but adoring fans. Fate Fixed redefines the classic war of vampires and werewolves. In a market that was fading fast, Fate Fixed invigorates and livens the need and desire for more of its kind. It's fierce, it's edgy, and it's brilliant. It's Twilight's and Underworld's unstoppable young-adult lovechild - and it's foaming at the mouth.

I recommend this for lovers of Raised by Wolves by Jennifer Lynn Barnes, Wicked Lovely by Marissa Marr, Strange Angels by Lili St. Crow, and If I Stay by Gayle Forman, specifically. I feel that all lovers of the YA paranormal romance genre will love, adore, and crave this.

Highly recommended!

View original review here: http://ricochetreviews.blogspot.com/2...

[Sarah Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Wow! Wow! This book is Amazing!

Lexie is 18, and for months she has been having a recurring dream about a dark haired boy. Unfortunately though, the dream always ends the same way - with death coming for her.

Lexie was in a car crash a year ago which caused the death of her father, and she still blames herself as she was driving. Because of this she's doing her best to put her mum and sister's happiness above her own, and at the moment that is her new step-father Dragos and his three sons Maxim, Alik, and Nicoli.

Her mother seems to have never been happier, and while that rubs because she thought that her mother was happy with her father, Lexie is trying her best to learn to live with her new family. Unfortunately that involves moving with them to Maine, where Dragos has just bought a large house for them all to live in together.

Whilst exploring her new hometown and making friends, Lexie comes across Torin, and she instantly recognises him as the boy from her dream. She can't believe it, and neither can he, and it really is love at first sight, even though it shocks them.

But things aren't right. Animals are being killed and mutilated in the woods surrounding Lexie's property, and then pets, and even people start going missing. Problem is that Lexie doesn't know who she can and should trust, because while she knows that there is something strange about Maxim, she knows that there's something strange about Torin too and that breaks her heart.

Now poor Lexie has to work out whether Torin is really someone that she can trust, which is difficult to take as she has fallen in love with him, try to work out why her step-brother's are behaving so oddly, and try to help her mom who is ill and seemingly getting weaker by the day.


I don't say this often, but this book is amazing. The prose is lovely - easy to read and understand, whilst not being too simple. Lexie is such a lovely character, and the romance between Lexie and Torin is beautiful.

The book is well-paced, and the story is full of intrigue, constantly leaving you guessing as to who/what Torin is and who/what Lexie's step-brothers are, as well as what is wrong with Lexie's mother, and who/what is mutilating animals and killing people.

I have to say that I really enjoyed this book, and I can't wait for the sequel and hopefully many more books! Thank you so much Bonnie! I'm begging you to write faster! ☺

(This book was given to me for free by the author on a read-to -review basis)
(Book length: 2354 Kindle locations)

[Katy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't like this book as much as I thought I would. This plot had potential, but the story ended up being REALLY rushed, too predictable, too cliche and a bit cheesy.

It was a rather short book, and everything happened really fast, starting with the beginning with a brief over Lexie's father dying and her mother remarrying without really knowing him or his sons and moving the family to Maine.

I also felt the relationship with Lexie and Torin was also progressed WAY too quickly. I understand that they began dreaming of each other long ago and that they are meant to be together, but I was disappointed that Wheeler hadn't spent more time developing their relationship. They meet and kiss after barely exchanging a few words and bonded after just a few days and a few conversations. Even if Wheeler didn't spend the time to write out the conversations, she could have written something like they spent a few days really together and getting to know each other.

And the whole deal with the brothers was weird to me. So okay, they're Lexie's stepbrothers, but I got a weird vibe from them from the beginning - especially with Max and Alik. I know Wheeler set it up purposely like that, but it just left me with an icky feeling from the beginning, from Max's overprotectiveness and holding up Lexie's panties to Alik's hug and odd attachment to Lexie. Just gave me the creepy willies.

As far as it being predictable... I kind of guessed about Max and Alik from the beginning. I think it was because Wheeler wrote Max to be too much of the obvious villan, and when she named the third POV just "Wolf," I had a feeling that the villan was NOT Max, otherwise. And something about Alik was just off - maybe it was the hug that tipped me off - but I just didn't trust him. And the rumor with Courtney just confirmed it. She may not be a totally innocent victim, but she had no reason to lie. I guess if Lexie or Alik had made her mad, I would have been more doubtful.

Still, it's not a bad book, and it was quick read. I can't say I didn't like it, because I actually did. At the same time, I just wish that Wheeler had spent more time in the story development.

[Jerbear84 · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, its as if twilight was written by an actual writer, and a talented one at that, rather than a junior high student with a thing for sparkly sex offenders.

Don't get me wrong, this book isn't a rip off of twilight, its unique in many ways, but it has a LOT of the same vibe, but instead of a useless female lead, it has a strong intelligent female lead, instead of a creepy male pedo/stalker and an obsessive/possessive jerk for the male leads, it has a slightly complex, but very sweet and considerate male protagonist, plus quite a few other interesting characters.

Where it falls for me, Is that although it is very well written compared to most of its peers out there, and the plot is interesting, it failed to really draw me into the story, the characters where fairly real, but I could not identify with any of them, they needed to be fleshed out just a bit more for me to really be able to connect to them, still, I enjoyed the book, and I am glad I had the opportunity to read it.

[Lynnea · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Bonnie's First Novel and I think that this was a great debut! Lexie's father died in an automobile accident about a year ago and she can't get over the torture that it was her fault. Ever since the accident she has been having a reoccurring dream where she runs through the woods toward a boy and just when she gets to him, she dies. The way she dies is always different but the way she feels as she runs toward the boy stays the same, she wants to get to him and she wants to stay with him.

When Lexie's mom gets re-married she and her sister gain a new father and three brothers. Plus she has been informed that they are moving into the middle of no where Maine without her best friend and confidant. She keeps telling herself that she only has one year until she is eighteen and can move out and go to college. Two of her new brothers are her age, Alik and Maxim. That first week they are in their new home (also the week before school starts) she and Alik meet some of the local kids and are instantly friended. They are even invited to a party to kick off the new school year. At the party she is having fun and meeting a lot of people when she meets the boy in her dream... there is an instant connection and just as she is getting to know him better her brother Maxim comes to the party furious and making a scene. Embarrassed she leaves with her brothers and is sure that no one will want to be around them now. When school starts she is surprised that she still has friends and no body cares about the scene made earlier. Torin, the guy she likes from her dreams, doesn't attend school with them but her new friend is dating his cousin so she finds ways of getting together with him.

Strange things start happening around town... specifically peoples pets are disappearing. The local government thinks that maybe a new predator has moved into the surrounding forests and are encouraging people to not go out. Eventually a towns person is found dead and the story gets really interesting.

This story is told from multiple points of view..... mostly we get to hear from Lexie and Torin, but we do get a few chapters from a character named Wolf. I really like seeing the multiple points of view. Both of them have some major issues in their lives and it was nice to see what each person thought about what was going on. Lexie is a girl that seemed to have a head on her shoulders. She was still carrying a lot of guilt about the car accident that killed her father so she was more willing to put others lives and happiness before her own. She was having a hard time with living in the house with her new brothers and some of the rules and way of living that were drastically changed when they moved to Maine but she didn't fight as much as a typical teenage girl would. She was also very vulnerable and she really really wanted people to like her and she really wanted friends. She was constantly wondering if the things that she or her brothers did would make the other kids not like her any longer.... I liked that she wasn't perfect and it made me feel for her more.

Torin had issues all his own.... he was going through some pretty big changes in his life and was worried about things that might happen in the future. He was very selfless at the beginning, ready to step out of his families life if there was a way to make things easier for everyone..... then he met Lexie. I am a complete romantic and so I loved that once he met her he realized that he could never leave her, no matter what. I also liked that he was kind to everyone. I don't mind a jerk for a hero every once in a while but I really REALLY like the nice guys. He and his cousins had a great relationship and acted more like brothers and I think that family relationships like that a great to read.

Alik and Maxim's family kept me guessing for most of the book. I couldn't really decide who I liked or what I disliked. I could see good things and bad things about everyone and it helped make excitement in the story a lot better.

This was definitely a great read and I can't wait for her second book to come out.

[Jody · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fate Fixed opens as Lexie is moving to a small town in Maine with her new blended family. Lexie's real father died about a year ago in a car crash where she was driving. Since then, she has been drowning in guilt and trying to break through her little sister's anger. Her Mom, Ruby has remarried after falling in love with a Romanian immigrant through eHarmony. Dragos has 3 sons: Maxim, Alix, and Nikolai. The move is a big change and Lexie is trying to get used to her new brothers. Lexie's family is at best creepy and unusual. The mystery around her family continues to build until the action explodes. Ms. Wheeler does an excellent job at building the mystery and creepiness of Maxim. Alix is social and friendly building a comradere with Lexie. Both brothers seem to be at times too posessive and attracted to Lexie. Shortly after the move, Lexie's Mom begins to change and has mood swings that are unlike herself. She turns off Lexie's phone and internet which further creates a isolated strangeness about her new family.

Torin is a mystery that I don't want to give too much away about because that is part of the fun. There are four fine cousins with Torin being one, Teagan, Cian, and Braden rounding out the group. Braden has completed the change and is the "older brother" personality of the bunch. Teagan is the ladies man, Cian the devoted boyfriend and Torin the brooding and tortured soul over what he will become. When Lexie the girl of his dreams, turns up in Erris, he immediately knows she is his other half. But before Lexie and Torin can get too comfortable, there are animals being slain and gruesome finds in the woods surrounding the town. The cousins are trying to piece together the mysterious slayings before they get exposed or someone gets hurt. Torin and Lexie must fight to put together the mystery before it rips them apart or kills those they love most. This isn't your usual teen paranormal romance where everyone is "good" deep down. In this world, monsters do exsist.


Reading the summary for Fate Fixed intriqued me so much that I downloaded it from smashwords for my Nook and began reading it almost immediately. The story is told from different points of view- Mostly Lexie and Torin but also a mysterious wolf. The story starts slow and really takes some time to build. This is the first in a series so much of the first half is world and character building. I'll admit that I am a romantic sucker for the whole fated love thing which is why I wanted to read this in the first place. But Torin and Lexie seem to connect instantly but it didn't feel forced to me. The connection and romance is beautifully written on a soul level. It was like a beautiful symphony coloring the air. What really makes this book unique is the action that starts about two-thirds and doesn't stop. Secrets are exposed with some unique twists that I think will take most readers by surprise. I wouldn't recommend this book for younger teens as there are some mature graphic killings. I fully enjoyed this and read it in about a day. I love indie authors some of the best reads I have read lately have been indie. The next book is coming out in Fall 2011 so hopefully it won't be a long wait!

[Darkfallen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Before I start my official review I have to say one thing...I could sit there and stare at this book for hours. The cover absolutely mesmerizes me! I highly recommend buying the paper back version just so you can hold this beautiful book in your hands. Seriously it is sitting on my coffee table right now...the color, her eyes, everything just calls to you, and you can't help but find yourself lost in it. Which leads me to Who did this cover art? and I totally want them to do some work for me;) lol

Ok but let's get back to the book shall we...well the inside of the book.

Lexie's life has been pretty much in shambles for the last year. Watching her sister and mother slowly drown in misery...a misery she caused...

It's been almost a year since she killed he dad...
Since she left her younger sister without a father...
Since she left her mother without a husband...

So when her mother meets Dragos, a man who lost his wife, and she seems to be happy again, Lexie couldn't be happier. That is until her mother marries Dragos and his 3 noisy boys move in. But Lexie doesn't say anything. She just wants her mom happy so she bites her tongue. Even when Dragos decides to relocate the whole family from Connecticut to Maine the beginning of Lexie's senior, ripping Lexie away from the only life she has ever known and her best friends Liz. But who is Lexie to complain considering this is all her fault. If she wouldn't have...and her dad was still...

Then there is the dreams. Ever since her father died the only comfort she has found has been with her dreams. Dreams of a boy that make her feel things so real she has a hard time believing it's a dream. Who is this boy? Why does it feel so real when she knows she has never met him before? And more importantly why does this dream always turn into a nightmare? So imagine her surprise when after moving to small town nowhere Maine and he's there. It's him. And the way he makes her feel inside is exactly the same as the dream, but is the dream is the same then what about the nightmare ending?

Overall I say this book will draw you in. I do think that it needs a little help with some editing. Nothing that a good beta couldn't polish right up. The writing is just a little choppy at times. What I mean by that is it didn't flow quite right all the time. Again this was just a matter of maybe changing out some words here and there, sewing it up in spots. But the story and folk lore will grab you and I loved reading about this take on Maori lore. Even with the choppiness I was still compelled to read it. Needing to know what happened next. Lexie and Torin's relationship was beautiful and I would have loved to see even more there. To spend a few more chapters lost in their fated love. However I think I know where book 2 is going and I can't wait read it. And I'm thinking that the flowy issues will prolly be better in book two seeing how this was the authors first novel and practice makes perfect and all than right?!

If you enjoy vampire & werewolf YA I say pick this up. The twists on old lore will make you eager to read more.

[Inga · Rating 5 out of 5]

My review:

Fate Fixed is genuinely good young adult book! I got the book for blog tour and since I did not know much about the author Bonnie Erina Wheeler, I did not know what to expect. It was a good surprise, like many other indie books I have read lately.

Fate fixed is a young adult paranormal romance and it stood out from many similar paranormal romances. It had a very fresh take on vampires and werewolves and that made it an enjoyable read. It was well written and easy to read. I read it in one sitting because I wanted to know what happens and where the story will take me. There were interesting twists and turns in the story and it was captivating.

Regarding the plot:

The opening took me to the dream where the main character, 17 years old Lexie, was dreaming about young man. It caught my attention right away with the descriptive writing. The story starts with Lexie packing her things to move together with her family to Maine. Lexie’s father died and her mother just married a Romanian guy and they have decided to bring the two families together and have a new and fresh start in Maine.

Lexie is not very happy about the move and about her “new family” and three step-brothers. There is something strange and weird about them, but Lexie tries to please her mother and sister and give them a chance. After the move to Maine, to little town called Erris. Lexie makes new friends quite easily and settles well in her new school and home. What still bothers her is her step-brother Maxim’s behavior.

As the story goes on, Lexie meets Torin – a guy she has been dreaming about over a year. Lexie and Torin feel immediate and mysterious bond between each other, but unfortunately not everybody approves that, especially Lexie’s brothers.

There are several story lines in Fate Fixed and the author has done a very good job mixing the romance with the paranormal aspect. The attraction and romance between Lexie and Torin was so sweet and intensely described, it seemed so right from the moment they met each other. I had several surprises about how the story turned out and I loved how the vampires and their history was described. I also enjoyed different point of views from Lexie, Torin and the wolf.

Regarding the characters:

Lexie was a sweet girl, who really cares about her mother and sister. She blames herself for her father’s death and tries to please her mother and sister. She grows with the story and finds out what is who she wants and makes a clear decision after meeting Torin’s parents. Her main concern was to be strong to save her mom and sister. Torin was adorable. He was so considerate and caring and yet strong.

I also enjoyed the pack characters. I was surprised by Maxim’s and Alik’s actions and yet there were parts of them which made them likable through the story. I felt sorry for Maxim and was taken by the deviousness of Alik.

Generally:

Fate Fixed was a very good start to the series! It was an interesting book with a good plot and captivating characters! I highly recommend it to lovers of young adult paranormal romance books!

5 stars.

[Amy · Rating 1 out of 5]

If there is something in life I hate the most its things that waste my time. Sadly, I have to say that this book fell under the ‘wasted time’ category.

The story is told both from Lexie’s and Torin’s perspective, and then a third perspective called Wolf, which we won’t get to know who it really is until the very end. I think that was the only mystery that took me by surprise, though I should’ve seen it coming. After all, the friendliest face is often the most vicious. The beginning was a classic mistake of starting a book by explaining the background, making it drag a bit. I also felt like there were too many characters being introduced and most of them were really fodder, as in no deeper purpose whatsoever than to be bodies lounging around Lexie’s world. What few interactions Lexie had with her mom only served for me to hate her.

For all of Lexie complaining about her new family’s rule over her, she never actually defies them. She just goes along and quietly cries in her bedroom. Lexie says she does this to not cause trouble for her mother and make their new life easier, but really. Wouldn’t you rebel after having your stepbrothers a step away from molesting you?! Her stepbrothers are ubber creeps, especially Maxim and on occasion Alik. They’re always smelling her, and acting really possessive with her. What really freaked me out was when Maxim confessed to having spied upon her at night, watching as she slept and had arousing dream. If that wasn’t a cue to stop reading this, I don’t know what it was. My mistake was not stopping then.

The supernaturals in this book were the usual. The dhamphyrs are half draugar/vampire, half human. They’re born that way and have to deal with the change and the choice when they turn eighteen. They have all the usual powers, super healing, strength, speed, etc. I imagined them as the vampires from Buffy the Vampire Slayer, which made me laugh, because when their emotions run high their face changes and they sprout fangs and change eye color. The pricolici or lycans or werewolves, whatever you want to call them, also have super powers but seem to rely heavily on their animal instincts making them pretty dangerous if a bit unhinged. When they shift they smell like sulfur. Not sure why…

Lexie and Torin’s relationship felt very fake to me. I guess it was the entire “fated” thing, which apparently is code for “I’ll throw myself at the boy that has been appearing in my dreams, even though there’s something really weird about him and I don’t know ANYTHING about him”. I guess I thought Lexie would be smart enough to at least interrogate him before she gave him a tonsil checkup.

Lastly, I usually don’t comment on grammatical errors because it’s very rare when I find one. And I don’t know if it was my copy (I won the PDF version in a giveaway), but it was errors galore! I feel I should point a few of them out: tail not tale, eventually not eventully, dose not does, except not accept, open not opened, altar not alter.

[Shari · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finished this tonight and I will soon be adding my glowing review to the other mostly glowing reviews! Really this was a fantastic book! Can't wait for the next book!

Updated Review:
Fate Fixed was one of those books that grabbed me right from the beginning. The plot and characters are different enough to stand out from the oodles of YA paranormal romance novels that I've read. That's really important to me because honestly, some of them are so similar they start to run together and I forget which one is which.

Lexie's character really made my heart ache. She is such a sweet girl that has had an incredibly rough year, and even though she carries a lot of guilt, she really tries to make her family happy. Let me tell you, making her unique family happy is not an easy task by anyone's standards, especially with her creepy stepbrothers hovering around, and her mother's bizarre behavior.

Speaking of her mother's behavior... the only problem I really had with this story was the way Lexie dealt with her. The problem being she didn't. She recognized that something was wrong, but she never really tried very hard to find out what it was. I got that she was trying not to rock the boat. However, your mom is literally pulling her hair out, and you just gloss over it telling your self she is "just adjusting". Dig a little deeper girl, this is your mother!

Torin's character is definitely likable. He is honorable, strong, and of course dreamy to read about. My favorite thing about Torin is how wonderful he is with Lexie. The connection between these two is so pure and complete. The kind of love worth dreaming about. Torin has one of the best families I have ever read about. His cousins are his best friends, and the banter between them was light, and fun spirited. You could really feel how much Torin's parents loved each other and their son. As weird and creepy as Lexie's family were, Torin's family was loving and respectful, there was never any doubt with them that they had your back, always.

My only wish for this book would be that I wanted more of Lexie's best friend Liz. She was an awesome character that didn't get a lot of face time in this novel because of the move and Lexie's mother. She is an awesome character and I'm happy that my wish will be granted in book 2.

I enjoyed the way that the author kept you guessing about the secrets that Torin and Lexie's families were keeping. The plot was twisting and turning so much that I stayed up late into the night to find out what would happen. I kept thinking that I knew what was going on only to be thrown for another loop. I loved how the author revealed the back stories of each family. Needless to say, I'm very excited to read Blood Twist (An Erris Coven Novel, #2) coming in 2012 (which is way to far away for my liking).

[Vanya D. · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received this book to review from the R2R event organized by Kayleigh on the Paranormal and Urban Fantasy Club. It was a quick light read with a nice twist at the end (that I should say I didn't see coming). But, it was too much Twilight, and that kind of buried it for me from the beginning.

It was obvious that the author put some time writing and editing this novel, but it still needs to be improved. The writing was immature with lots of unnecessary repetitions of proper nouns and expressions. There were a ton of grammar mistakes that I won't be pointing out. At some places the tenses were mixed up incorrectly - past when it should've been present and vice versa.

There were also a couple of inconsistencies with the story. I was annoyed by the simple sentence constructions, which felt like a plague for this book. It could've been written in a much much better way, with intricate constructions of the descriptions and narration. As it were, most paragraphs felt like I was reading the script of an Animal Planet film, aka in a monotonous boring drone.

The literary side of the writing was missing, which was a huge minus to me. I can't say I didn't enjoy it, I did, but it had nothing to do with my feelings toward a brilliant book that would stir the very cells of my body. This one just read to pass time. In other words - nothing special about it.

I did get annoyed by the quick development of Lexie and Torin's romantic relationship. Firstly, the characters themselves felt shallow and underdeveloped, and secondly - they were kissing just after exchanging a couple of words. If that's not rushed, I don't know what is. Perhaps the fact that they didn't know each other almost at all before they were bonded? Even if the two were fated to be together, this relationship should've been given the time to develop before either of them could trust the other fully. I do believe in love at first sight, but this wasn't it. This was a foolish way to put the characters together.

I can't say that Torin was swoon worthy, because I didn't get to know him well enough to make such a conclusion. Nor can I point out Lexie as a fighter, because she didn't really hold her ground.

With all that said, I think that the story has potential to become much better if the author decided to put some time revising.

[Suzanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so much better than the blurb would lead you to believe. Vampires and werewolves, I still haven't got tired of them yet.

For the past year, since the death of her dad, Lexie has been dreaming about the same guy. She returns towards him feeling so happy to see him but when she reaches him, the dream ends in death.

Lexie's mom has a new boyfriend and the relationship moves really quick. Before she knows it, her mom is selling their condo and moving Lexie and her sister to Maine along with her boyfriend Dragos and his three sons.

While Lexie is out exploring the new town she meets some kids her age who invite her to a party. And who does she meet at the party but Torin, the boy from her dreams.

But weird things are happening in the woods around the town and animals are ending up dead.

This was different take on the vampire and werewolf mythology. There are two different types of vampire, the damphyr, who only feeds on animals and keeps their human side and the draugr, a bloodthirsty violent full vampire monster who feeds on humans. We don't learn as much about the werewolves as they don't come to light until the end of the book even though the reader is aware of them throughout the story. Hopefully, we will learn more about them in the next instalment in the series.

This book is written from the point of view of Lexie, Torin and every few chapters we get a viewpoint of the wolf. We are left to make up our own minds as to which of the four wolves this is.

Lexie and Torin are both likeable characters with more serious personalities. There is a good few secondary characters who are all well written and identifiable and add the sarcasm and humour to the book.

This book is well written except for the odd sentence which needs a bit more editing.

If you like vampires and werewolves, then be sure to pick up this book. Its a thoroughly enjoyable read. I liked the idea of "fate-partners" rather than imprinting and the "fangerection".

I really liked this cover too.

[Tishia (Paperback Opinion) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fate Fixed is the first book in Bonnie Wheeler's Erris Coven series. It's a YA paranormal romance about a teen girl named Lexie. Lexie's mother suddenly marries a guy that has three sons, and her life spins out of control. Lexie's mom isn't the same person anymore, she has to move to a new state, 2 of her new step brothers are infatuated with her, and she discovers that not everyone she knows is human.

The one good thing that has come out of all of this is Torin – the boy she has been dreaming about for months. Imagine Lexie's surprise when she first sees him in her new town. Torin has been dreaming about Lexie as well and has been waiting for the moment that she comes into his life. When they first meet, it's instant attraction. It's more than that really, it's like love at first sight. Things get pretty intense between them very quickly. Unfortunately, she has a step-brother or two trying to interfere...

I enjoyed this book very much! It actually kind of reminded me of Twilight – and that's ok with me because I'm a big fan. It's edgier than Twilight though. There is a love-making scene, but it was nicely done. It felt right, even though the characters are fairly young – and it wasn't detailed. There is also some mystery, suspense and gore. The author keeps you on your toes wondering what will happen next.

I had a hard time putting this book down. I was captivated from the very beginning. Lexie is very likeable, and is somebody that readers can connect with. I really liked Torin and his tortured soul. I was even interested in reading about the secondary characters – and that doesn't happen to me very often. I am looking forward to book #2 very much!

[Cindy Rawlings · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book via Read to Review. I really liked this book. It kept me interested all the way through. A note,though...at the beginning of the story, it says that Lexie and Liz have been BFFs since fifth grade and then a couple of chapters later it says they met in seventh. A small detail but one that jumped out at me.

I felt so sorry for Lexie. The poor thing with her father's death at her hands by accident...dealing with that as a teen and then feeling like she had to make it up to her mother and sister. In striving to make their lives better, she does not see the signs of trouble until the whole family was in over their heads. Her dreams of her fate partner before she met him was neat and their instant connection.

Torin...I really liked his character and again the guilt he felt over the death of a friend was sad. Loved it when he and Lexie soul bounded. That was super sweet.

Lexie's step family was pretty scary. I cannot say I was surprised by Alik's hand in everything, but Max's actions in the end were shocking. Could his sour disposition have been because of Alik the whole time? It seems all of his actions were out of love. Hmmmm...

I enjoyed the spin on the vampires. How they fully mature at 18 and can pick darkness or light. Thought that was a neat spin on a subject that has been used many times.

Overall, I really liked this book and was pretty caught up in all the story. I would read the next book in the series. Adding it to my TBR list now!!

[Naomi · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘Fate Fixed’ is the first book in ‘The Erris Coven’ series by Bonnie Wheeler.

My love for this book and its characters was instantaneous. Lexie and Torin’s backgrounds are so very different yet very similar: they are a match made in heaven. Cian, Theo, Liz, Braden and Teagan all played their part in this book and I loved how it all came together. Theo and Teagan made me laugh quite a bit with their quick thinking wit.

I loved how Torin’s family history was explained in such depths. It made me realise that the other characters subtle comments earlier in the book were just teasing me and building me up for the full explanation into Torin’s history.

I felt so sorry for Lexie. Her history isn’t as gruesome as Torin’s but still as tragic. She has had to carry some major guilt with her and I’m surprised that she hasn’t sunk into a major depression but it just shows that she is made of strong stuff. I did feel really bad for her when her mother was taking her step-family’s side in everything.

Overall, thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and I hope there is more to come. If there is, then you will probably find me huddled up in a corner getting my fix.

Disclaimer: I was sent this book for review as part of a blog tour via The Bookish Snob Promotions. I have not been paid to write this review and everything I have said is of my own honest opinion.

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t think I was a fan of paranormal romance until I read this book. Lexie Anderson kicks ass! As the other women in her family waste away into unrecognizable shades of themselves under the abusive, misogynistic influence of her new stepfather and stepbrothers, Lexie doesn’t waste any time on self-doubt. She knows something is wrong, and she follows her instincts. Unlike so many other victimized heroines of paranormal stories, Lexie is a fighter. She takes control of her own destiny and her own sexuality, and she shows true courage in her relationships with her family and her new-found love for Torin. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough to see how Lexie would deal with each new mystery and challenge, and of course to find out if her true love would be fated or doomed. I was cheering her on the whole way! Lexie Anderson is the kind of heroine we want our daughters to emulate and our sons to admire. Normally, I don’t have the patience to follow a series, but I’m already anxiously awaiting the next installment.

[Janel · Rating 5 out of 5]

i really liked this story i stayed up way to late reading it and finished it this morning. i can not wait for the next one.

[Kellie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fate Fixed, by Bonnie E. Wheeler is a YA Paranormal Romance novel. Lexie is the main protagonist in Fate Fixed. She is an 18 year old young lady, just beginning her senior year of high school. From the first page it is evident that Lexie is in an unenviable situation. She has been having a recurring dream, almost on a nightly basis. At first the dreams are idyllic, but they always end in a nightmarish manner. Though the dreams are haunting, Lexie seems to mostly be fixated on one particular element-the young man in her dreams. She does not know who he is, but she feels this inexplicable connection with him. Adding to Lexie’s nightmares is the nightmare which she must live, while awake. Lexie lost her father in the past year in a horrific accident which she caused. Now her family situation is a bit complicated. Her mother has remarried and her new husband has three teenage boys. If that is not bad enough, they are moving to Maine, leaving behind the only place Lexie has ever called home.

Lexie is hesitant about the move, but she goes along with it due to her mother’s happiness. Her mother seems happy with her new husband, Dragos, but as always in the supernatural world of books, things are never quite like they seem. Her new family begins to exhibit odd behavior. Well of course they were already a bit peculiar, considering the fact that they have this unusual tendency to sniff people, especially Lexie. Now, however, her stepbrothers seem overly protective, even territorial of her. Maxim in particular seems to rub her the wrong way, with his cruel ways. Alik, on the other hand, though he is a bit touchy, seems to connect with Lexie. She even trusts him in a way. Despite her new situation, Lexie makes the most of the situation and even meets a few new friends. But nothing could compare her for whom she meets next.

Torin is an 18 year old young man and recent high school graduate. He has lived in Maine his entire life and is somewhat of a loner. You see, Torin has a secret. In fact, his entire family has a secret. They are different, and if the “normal” population in Erris, Maine ever discovered just how unique they are, Torin’s fears as well as his families would turn into a complicated reality. The reader soon finds that Torin is linked to Lexie, just as she is linked to him. He has also been dreaming of a girl, while Lexie fails to know what the dream means. He does, and it will greatly impact her life, as well as his.

Though Fate Fixed focuses on the connection between the two protagonists, there is also an evil spreading throughout Erris. Animal carcasses are beginning to add up and humans are soon after added to the count as well. Is It simply a coincidence that all of these events begin to happen in town when Lexie and her new family move in?

Fate Fixed was an enjoyable read. Although I saw similarities between Fate Fixed and another YA Paranormal Romance novel, that did not trouble me. In fact, I much prefer Fate Fixed. Wheeler managed to effortlessly bring a new element to the genre. Also, her characters were three dimensional, which was a welcomed change. The layers, the characters in Fate Fixed have, allowed me as a reader to connect with each one, rather in a good or bad way. I wanted to know more about them and continue to explore their world. Nothing is perfect, so I did have two concerns with the book. Lexie and Torin’s relationship seemed rushed. For example within the first minute of meeting each other they kiss. Now I know that sometimes people experience immediate attractions, but that scene was a bit unrealistic. My other concern is that Fate Fixed is a YA novel, which means that younger teens and even tweens will be drawn to the book (series). There is a scene in which Lexie is sexually intimate with Torin and it is pretty intense, therefore this book is not suitable for all YA readers. Other than that, Fate Fixed is a much needed addition to the genre.

http://www.book-bound.net/2012/02/rev...

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fate Fixed is an edgy, exciting and extremely creative take on the supernatural world. In it Wheeler takes some of our favorite paranormal entities and turns them on their heads by giving them unique qualities and histories, making Fate Fixed both an incredibly fast paced and engaging read as well as unexpectedly mysterious.

One thing that I absolutely loved about Wheeler’s debut novel is that she was able to write a YA novel without the whining. I cannot tell you how many recent YA novels I have read recently and found it impossible connect with the characters because of their constant need to complain and whine. I was so happy to see in Lexie a character that was strong but still vulnerable and didn’t play the martyr card. She tried to keep a brave face through all the changes her family was experiencing (the death of her father, the addition of a stepfather and 3 stepbrothers to her family, and a major move during her senior year) but wasn’t emotionally cold or distant and that chink in her armor made her feel realistic.

I love, love, loved how Wheeler created this world and told the Erris Coven’s history. She kept you in the dark enough to hold your interest and force you to fly through the pages and then revealed the whole story at just the right time which kept the pace going and the reader engaged. Hers was such a different take on Vampires and I was thoroughly impressed by not only the unique characteristics she gave them, but also her ingenious explanation of how damphyrs (half-vampires) came to be. I loved this history lesson as much as I loved the rest of the book and think the way it was told was the perfect complement to the rest of the story.

Fate Fixed was a light romance and at first I wasn’t sure how I felt about the idea of the damphyr’s fate-partners. My initial reaction was that the notion of dreaming of the one you were fated to be with forever was an easy way to pair her characters together with little thought. Boy was I wrong. Wheeler’s lead up to Lexie meeting her fate-partner was fantastic and she described their unbreakable connection in a way that made me feel it viscerally. I cannot wait to watch this romance grow in the next installment of the series.

If I could wish for one thing it would be further explanation or exploration of what was happening with Ruby, Lexie’s mom. Something crazy was going on and there was a slight explanation towards the end of the novel, but I felt like if it was important enough to talk about in the first place than more time should have been spent on it. There could have been some really interesting elements added to the story there. And who knows maybe these details are being saved for book 2!

If you are a fan of paranormal YA fiction and have not picked up Fate Fixed I have to ask what are you waiting for? Wheeler breathes life into an area of paranormal fiction that is growing stale and gives her readers and mysterious and exhilarating ride through Erris County. Fate Fixed is a little darker than many books in the genre making it perfect for older teens and adults who are looking for more than broody but innocent vampires.

I received an e-copy of Fate Fixed from the Bookish Snob Promotions (thank you!!!) in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Review Originally Posted at: http://www.handsandhome.ca/2011/11/fa...

[Proserpine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this ebook (Thanks to Bonnie Wheeler BTW) and I didn't even know what was that about. The cover is suprisingly attractive, the eyes of the main character (Lexie) are pretty alluring. I was captivated by the cover but also by the blurb. In the mean time I had a e-reader (Kobo) and I transfert every ecopy I had on it. After reading a few PNR book I decided to try an YA and Stumble on Fate Fixed. What I shame that I didn't read it sooner! It was delightful and unpredictable! I star this book and couldn't stay away for more than a hour!

This story is fulfilled with actions, suspences, mystery, lovely characters, a good plot and a great ending! Wow. After reading the two first chapters, where both main characters (as Lexie and Torin) were dreaming about each other, I was curious and wanted to know more. But what really ring a bell was Maxim's actions (stepbrother of Lexie). A mysterious figure, dark but attractive at the same time and just as creepy but that really makes me want to read more and more.


All the mystery that hang around Lexie's stepfamily was really intriguing and captivating. Lexie (the main charcter) is a normal teenage girl who's living a hard time after her Dad's death. Her Mom's get remarried and now the whole new family are moving into a new home in a new city. Lexie did not only gained a new father, she also did gain three brothers already in addition to her little sister. The stepfamily is acting very strangely and even her mother's start to behaving oddly. But all these new changes aren't the least Lexie's have to worry about. Because the new family, home or town aren't the most dangerous change she will have to face.

Lexie will finaly met Torin (in the new town), the guy she always dream about and they relationship will grow.
I think Lexie is a great character, most of teenage girls can identified to her. She's not bitchy or lame. She's the kind of girl that everybody love. She doesn't back down, but still, she a very attaching girl.

Torin's a handsome guy who's stuck with a big secret. He's very protective of his family, his friends and he really cares about them. The kind of guy I would like to have meet at 17 years old.... hummm! :D

The development of the story is well described. It focuses quickly on the main characters and their actions. Several mysterious and unresolved event will occur and that will bring Lexie to suspect the arrival of a strange creature in the woods surrounding his home and the rest of the city. I adore this plot and I was eager to know what would happens to Lexie her family, friends and others! I really like how the story was writen: Each chapters titles is showing who's speaking and I find this really helpfull. I really enjoy that kind of writing.

I like all the myths and legends surrounding the creatures in this books. I really enjoy the little historical part who decribed very well what happened in the past and why they remain.

I recommend this book: if you liked Twilight but had enough of the same kind of story and still love vampire/werewolf creatures you'll have to try Fate Fixed. This was a great read, surprising and marvelous story you wont believe how this will end!
I'm eager to read the next from this series.

[Jilleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book in return for an honest review through read to review.

When I first started this book I thought, oh great, another teen vampire/werewolf book, and I braced myself to endure all the way through it. However, I was pleasantly surprised. It caught my interest early on with a really interesting plot line and a twist on the tired vampire/werewolf genre.

Just so you know there may be spoilers past here so read if you dare...

I really loved the new explanation about vampires. Torin and his family are damphyrs or half vampires. As long as they don't drink human blood they can live in the sun and be part of society. If they succumb they become dark and evil and unable to be in the sunlight. I loved the explanation of how their two hearts work. As long as they are good, two hearts beat, if they are bad, only their vampire heart will beat. I also loved the idea of the fate-partner.

Lexie's step-family was very subtly wicked. At first, they seemed perfect, her mom was finally happy after a devastating loss then everything started unraveling. It started with some odd controlling behavior and escalated until Lexie wasn't allowed to use her phone, get on the internet, or go anywhere. That felt real and was similar to any abusive relationship. I liked not knowing who the bad guy really was and having to guess why her mom and sister started acting weird. That kept the suspense building and the sense of unfairness that Lexie felt when they weren't backing her up on seriously weird stuff like her brothers coming into her room and watching her.

Now for the things I didn't like that well. First, some editing needs to be done. Wolves have tails not tales. That was just one small error I found, there are several; they are not terribly distracting, but please edit! Next, Lexie was a little wimpy. She stands up when she needs too, but she needed a little empowering. She took a lot of psychological abuse and even though she'd start to stand up, like when she put the locks on her doors, she gave up to easily (she didn't even complain when she realized they'd been removed!) Next, when she finally meets Torin, they drift together and start to kiss before they even talk. Sure, I get that they've been dreaming about each other and this is a step past love at first sight, but there should still be some awkwardness and some type of interaction before bam! we are kissing!

I didn't like her having sex with Torin in a YA book. I work at a high school, I know the kids are doing it (a lot more than people think), but this book will be read by kids younger then the kids in the book, and they shouldn't be led to think its a normal everyday occurrence that all high school kids have sex. They don't. Plus, they need no encouragement. Just for my daily preach session: Young adults who want to have sex should at least be in college or have received some type of job training and have a job. At least then they may have some emotional maturity and some financial support to deal with the consequences (frankly, I think you should be married, but the minimums are above...).

Overall, I found the book an easy read, the story was original for its type, and it was good enough that I want to read the sequel.

[Lauren Cote · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given this book to review from R2R and loved it!

Fate fixed is a young adult paranormal romance and it stood out from many similar paranormal romances. It had a very fresh take on vampires and werewolves and that made it an enjoyable read. It was well written and easy to read. I read it in one sitting because I wanted to know what happens and where the story will take me. There were interesting twists and turns in the story and it was captivating. The love was a little fast but worked well with the story line..

Plot :

The opening took me to the dream where the main character, 17 years old Lexie, was dreaming about . The story starts with Lexie packing her things to move together with her family to Maine. It felt sad knowing she had to leave everything behind...Lexie's father died and her mother just married a Romanian guy along with three sons. No mention of thier mom though... and they have decided to bring the two families together and have a new and fresh start in Maine.

Lexie is not very happy,but realizes she needs to be there for her family after the tragedy she felt was her fault. She doesn't like her "new family"... There is something strange and weird about them, but Lexie tries to please her mother and sister and give them a chance. After they move to Maine, to little town called Erris( I'm from Maine). Lexie makes new friends quickly and settles right in her new school and home. But her older brother odd behavior towards her bothers her more and more.

Finally, Lexie meets Torin - a guy she has been dreaming about over a year. Lexie and Torin feel immediate and mysterious bond between each other, but unfortunately Lexies brothers are getting in the way.

There are several story lines in Fate Fixed and the author has done a very good job mixing the romance with the paranormal aspect. I had several surprises about how the story turned. I also enjoyed different point of views from Lexie, Torin and the wolf.

Characters
Lexie was a nice innocent girl, who really cares about her mom and sister. She blames herself for her father's death and tries to please them. She grows with the story and finds out what is who she wants and makes a clear decision after meeting Torin and his family . Torin was strong and protective from the moment he met Lexie. He was so considerate and caring.

Even though we didn't get much time with the father and youngest brother, the two older brothers, Alik and Maxim were different in acting towards Lexie. Maxim was all pushy and brooding, while Alik she bonded to quickly and she liked their easy relationship.

I was surprised by the ending, but that is a true sign of a great author(: Thank you for a mystical and fun read.

I would definitely recommend this book to young adults who want a good love story and paranormal aspect woven in.
Cannot wait for the sequel this fall!

Fate Fixed

[Amy :o) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recieved Fate Fixed as a read2review book. Being the paranormal junkie that I am, I was totally intrigued by the synopsis of this book. I will say, because this genre has exploded in terms of what is out there, I am now more guarded as to what I read. It seems like everyone is writing this type of book and so many of these books are just not that well written. With Fate Fixed, that was not the case.

From the start, the story grabbed me. Lexie and her mom Ruby and sister Ella had been through a terrible ordeal. Her mom then met Dragos and had a whirlwind relationship with the culmination of her getting married and moving the family along with Dragos and his three sons, Max, Alik, and Nicolai to a small little town in Maine called Erris. Lexie knows there is something strange about the family her mom married in to. For a while she chalks it up to not being used to living with boys and adjusting to her new life.

Throughout that whole ordeal, Lexie was having dreams about a boy who she actually ends up meeting named Torin. This is where the plot thickens. I won't go into detail, but Torin and his cousins also have secrets. Lexie is inexplicably drawn to Torin, but her new overprotective half brothers do not like that.

Within days of Lexie moving to Erris, Maine, killings of animals start happening...soon the animal killings turn to human killings. Just what is going on?! Well, you'll need to read the book to find out the rest.

I really liked this book. Yes, it has the markings of many other paranormal romantic books out there right now. Yes, it is also a bit predictable. Of course, I was not going into reading this book with the expectations of it being an epic romantic story or paranormal story. This is just a fun YA book. It was a quick read where the plot moved along at a pretty fast pace. I liked that. There were no drawn out scenes or chapters that made you wish the author would just get to the point. This book did not need that. There was still enough suspense to make you want to keep reading, but no enough that made you want to jump to the end of the chapter.

I will admit that I did not like the way the chapters jumped from one point of view to another (Lexie and then Torin). That is a personal thing though. The author did a good job of making those jumps pretty seamless. I also wished there was more background on Dragos and his sons...although if there are sequels, I can see some of those questions being answered.

Overall, I liked this book a lot. I would give it a 4 stars. I would definitely like to read the next book in the series.

[Romancing the Book · Rating 4 out of 5]

If I were a teenage girl I would definitely want to move to Erris. I know that you have to get the background information down but this left me wanting more. You just get started on a romance between Lexie and Torrin then bam the story is over.

Lexie moves to a small town at the request of her mother’s new husband. Off they go to live in a small town in the middle of nowhere.

Lexie has been having dreams for the last year about this hunk. He consumes her with a longing she doesn’t quite understand. She enjoys going to sleep because then she has the opportunity to dream about her fantasy love.

But when she goes to a party with some of the local kids she meets at a diner, her dream guy is there face to face with her. The instant attention is strong. They leave to get to know one another only to have it end with the arrival of her step brother.

Torn she feels she needs to go home with her brothers.

Along the way her mom and sister seem to have adapted or have they? She finds her mother crying at times but is brushed off when she asks what is wrong.

Unable to contact her best friend Liz, she loses her cell phone privileges among other things, so much happens and Lexie just needs a friend and really wants to move back to her old life. Lexie soon learns that she needs to trust her instincts. Trusting her instincts will help her find out who she can trust, at first she feels a connection with the middle brother but, will soon learn that nothing seems as it appears and her world will be ripped apart.

You see her new family isn’t what they appear to be. And her hunky dream date is something different also.

She soon learns after the town experiences some brutal killings, first with animals and then with townspeople.

With the help of Torrin’s parents she learns the story behind how they came into existence. This helps her to understand that Torrin isn’t a monster. But, deep down I think she knew it all along.

As Lexie discovers the truth as to what Torrin is and her brothers she has decisions to make. Will she end up making the right ones? She needs to be strong in order to survive what is ahead for her.

Ms. Wheeler takes us into the ongoing battle between werewolves and vampires. She leaves us wanting more. This is a nice first book and I look forward to reading the rest of the series to see what happens to the rest of the characters.

[Maghon Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would like to thank R2R and the author for letting me read this book for a review!! In a nutshell, this girl is uprooted by her mother when she spontaneously remarries and moves her & her sister, and her weird new step-brothers to back-of-nowhere Maine LOL Lexie has a lot of guilt, for the way her father died, and she is trying to make everyone happy & be the peace-keeper between both sides of the family. Now, I must say, it's very well written as I read it in just a few hours, and no, it's not a novella, or even a short novel. But it had me glued trying to figure out who was who, and what was going on, & WTH is wrong with some of these people hahahaha You have to read to figure out exactly what "kind" everyone is, and it's that mystery building that made it so good to me. Now, normally, I am not one to chose the bad guy, but for some reason, I had this nagging thought in my mind & I WAS RIGHT hahahahaha except, not at all in the concept in which I thought it was going to be, so I was STILL surprised :) I assumed it was going to be werewolves... and maybe there is a few in here, then I thought they were all vamps, and maybe there are a few in here, THEN I thought maybe it was fae instead... Let me tell you, YOU DON'T KNOW UNTIL YOU READ. Nope, no hints from me, or it might ruin some of the good stuff...

Lexie is so sweet, that I wanna hug her and put her in my pocket... However, I would like for her to yell, scream, let it out, especially with some of the crap her mother pulled... Let me say this, if my mom did some of these things, I woulda slapped her, but my mom is more like Lexie and she is a people-pleaser so she would NEVER :) I LOVE MY MOM hahahaha I like the way she thinks though & I really hope she has some more role time in the up-coming books...

I would love to talk about all the other characters, but that may be spoilery :) so I am only chosing to say... TORIN *swoons & loses breath* yeah he's hot & I kinda love him... that's all you get... oh, oh, oh & he's got the cool parents :)

Overall, really good book, with some fresh new ideas in the paranormal process :) Loved it... 4 big PAWS from me :) now, hurry and gimme number 2 :)

[Icy-Cobwebs-Crossing-SpaceTime · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating and delightful, this story moves so fast I was through almost before realizing it. By the end of the first page I had been caught up in the story and in Lexie’s life, and it seemed I was watching her life from inside her mind rather than simply turning pages and reading about the happenings. I empathized immediately with Lexie, who is trying her very best to make lemonade from the several bad hands life has dealt: death of her father, intense sibling rivalry with her sister Ella, her own grief, her mother’s grief; and now her mother’s new marriage, bringing a stepdad and three new (and sometimes surly stepbrothers), plus a sudden move from the small Connecticut city where she has spent her whole life, to a large, isolated, Victorian home in Erris, Maine. What?! By this point about all she has of stability is her recurrent dreams of a handsome young man she finds in the forest-right before death stalks her. Not a very prepossessing beginning to her senior year of high school-alone without friends at a new school, new state. Of course, change doesn’t always mean changing for the better, and very quickly Lexie discovers that moving to Maine brings her both the desires of her heart-and extreme danger.

I’m really impressed with this book. I know it’s become difficult to write anything original in Paranormal, but I believe Bonnie Wheeler has managed it very well. Her spin on the creatures of the night is different and captivating. The story contains quite a few surprises, so no reader can say “I’ve read it all before.” “Fate Fixed” is fresh, original, and captivating. Don’t miss it.

"Fate Fixed" is the first entry in Ms. Wheeler's "Erris Coven" series.

[Tricia Schneider · Rating 3 out of 5]

If GoodReads had a 3 ½ star rating, I’d choose that for this story. I really liked this book, but there were a few things that held me back from giving it a higher rating. Now, of course, this is my opinion and others may feel differently.

One of the things that bothered me was the info dump at the beginning. Lexie reflects what has happened in the past year of her life to get readers up to speed on the storyline. It felt a little slow and forced there, but then went warp speed when Lexie and Torin kiss within moments of meeting each other. Their relationship was beautiful (I love the fated destiny) but at that moment, she doesn’t know about his world or anything at all about him, and it seemed a little unbelievable for her to act in such a way.

Other than that, the story line was excellent. The plot was interesting and compelling. And I enjoyed meeting the characters and learning about their families, life and friends. Torin’s anguish over the future and Lexie’s worry over her mother and sister really pulled at my heart. And the mystery surrounding Lexie’s new step-family kept me turning the pages. I really wanted to know how Lexie would deal with them, their secrets, and their extremely odd behaviors.

Despite the very few drawbacks, this novel was entertaining. It is filled with mystery, horror and romance, as well as some great action scenes, an intoxicating blend for this paranormal romance reader. The synopsis pulled me in with its mysterious description of the story and the cover art is beautiful. I would like to read more of this author’s work, especially the future books of this series.