Tag Archives: Amanda Bouchet

A Curse of Queens by Amanda Bouchet – a Review

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A Curse of Queens by Amanda Bouchet – a Review

 

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Description:
The queen has been cursed, and no one knows who’s behind the plot to threaten the realm’s fragile peace. Desperate to help, Jocasta hatches a plan to find Circe’s Garden, a fabled island where she hopes to discover an antidote. But she can’t do it alone. She needs the strong arm and unflinching bravery of the warrior she’s loved since childhood—her brother’s right-hand-man and captain of the guard, Flynn of Sinta.

Together they can do the impossible. Yet with treachery brewing on Mount Olympus, one thing is clear: Thalyria and its new royals are still pawns in an epic game of power—one that might end in a War of Gods.

 

 

 

Review:

A Curse of Queens by Amanda Bouchet is the 4th book in her fantastic Kingmaker Chronicles series.  Having loved the original three books in this series, I was thrilled to learn that Amanda was giving us more of the Kingmaker Chronicles; I could not wait to read A Curse of Queens.  Once again, I was in my glory, reading this wonderful fantasy, so very well written by Amanda Bouchet.  A Curse of Queens takes place months after the ending of the third book, and while it reads very well as a standalone, I feel you should read the earlier books, if you have not read them.

Cat & Griffin starred in the previous three books, ending their trilogy; now Cat has been cursed, and no one knows who is behind this plot. Jocasta, our heroine, is Griffin’s sister and a healer.  She studies the curse, and decides she may have a way to save Cat and their unborn child, but she needs to find an antidote.  The antidote is on Circe’s Garden, an unknown mythical island, that no one has ever come back from.

Jocasta says she will need help, and knows Flynn, the man she has loved for many years, will go with her.  Flynn has secretly loved Jocasta, but due to losing so many family members, he refuses to allow himself to show his feelings.   Cat and Griffin assign others to join Jocasta and Flynn on this mission; Carver, Bellanca and Prometheus.

What follows is a non-stop action, intense, suspenseful adventure that had me constantly on the edge of my seat, unable to put the book down. Along the way, they are faced with epic battles, with every member of the Elpis team will find themselves in dangerous situations.  Jocasta was a great heroine, with her smarts, healing ability, knowledge of spells and potions, not to mention she was strong and feisty. I loved her and Flynn together, and in the later part of the book, they finally succumb to their feelings.  I loved the great secondary characters, Carver, Bellanca, Prometheus, as well as the Greek mythology gods they come across.  I also got a kick out of the constant bantering between Carver and Bellanca.

A Curse of Queens was another fantastic addition to the Kingmaker Chronicles, which was also action filled, intense, with amazing battles.  We also got a fabulous sexy romance, great bantering and wonderful secondary characters. If you have not read the Kingmaker Chronicles first three books (Cat & Griffin), you need to go back and read them. It is a must read, and a great addition to follow with A Curse of Queens. Amanda Bouchet is one of my favorite fantasy authors, as I will never miss anything she writes.   

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

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Starbreaker by Amanda Bouchet – a Review

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Starbreaker by Amanda Bouchet – a Review

 

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Description:
THEY NEVER WANTED TO BE HEROES

Captain Tess Bailey and Shade Ganavan are still the galaxy’s Most Wanted, and with revolution in the wind and the universe on the brink of catastrophic war, the situation couldn’t be more desperate. Despite the Dark Watch scouring the known sectors for them, rebel leaders have handed the crew of the Endeavor a delicate and dangerous mission: break into Starbase 12 and free renowned scientist Reena Ahern. She’s the only one who stands a chance of tipping the odds in their favor for the first time in decades.

BUT PULLING OFF THE IMPOSSIBLE IS WHAT THEY DO BEST

The clock is ticking. But as their attraction builds and secrets are revealed, Tess and Shade must decide if they trust each other enough to execute this impossible prison break. They could change the course of history, but they’ll be risking everything… They’ll just have to tackle one crisis at a time.

 

 

 

Review:

Starbreaker by Amanda Bouchet is the 2nd book in her wonderful sci-fi Endeavor series. I loved the first book in this series, Nightchaser, and happy to say that I equally loved Starbreaker.  As I have said previously, Amanda Bouchet keeps rising up as one of my favorite authors.

In Starbreaker, Tess Bailey (our captain of Endeaver), continues to fight the evil Overseer and the Dark Watch, and steal food and medicines for the areas in this space world that are in need.  Tess has now become romantically involved with the hunky Shade Ganavan, who has become part of Tess’s team.  I have to say I love them both together, as their chemistry is off the wall.  We get to see the POV’s of both of them.  Very well done by Bouchet.

What follows is an exciting, edge of your seat non-stop action-packed suspenseful adventure, pulling on all of our emotions.  The last half of the book so exciting, I was unable to put the book down.  Tess and crew find themselves in so many dangerous situations, we held our breaths each and every time, as we worried if they would survive.   Amanda Bouchet has a knack of giving us fantastic characters, besides Tess and Shade.  I love her team, Jax, Fiona, Merrick, Bonk and the new addition, Sanaa.  It was great to see friends from other ships, who always help each other. 

The surprise twist is her uncle, who will help her along the way to try and save her old friend (Shiori ) and another captive (an important scientist), who are captives on Starbase-12. Sanaa, is a main part of her uncle’s team, is told to work with Tess.  She is equal to any powerful man that is the perfect soldier; at first the team doesn’t trust Sanaa, but as time goes on, she becomes very valuable to them. After so many escapes from various attempts by the Dark Watch, we have no time at all to catch our breaths, when the team goes to Starbase-12 to rescue their compatriots in what could be a suicide mission.  To tell too much more would be spoilers, and you need to read this to enjoy the action throughout. 

As the leader of the rebel forces, Tess puts herself in danger often.  She is an awesome kick-ass heroine; strong, independent, loyal to her friends and those in need. She is the star of this series, and you can’t help love her. Tess is always looking out to help others, not caring about her own life.  Shade was also great, a sexy, handsome, strong hero, and I loved that they were now together.  I also totally love Bonk, Tess’s space cat.   Starbreaker was another fantastic heart-pounding, suspenseful, thrilling ride, filled with suspense, excitement, action, romance, in a wonderfully imaginative world building.  If you have not read Amanda Bouchet, you should start now with Nightchaser or if you have not read her debut series, start with The Kingmaker Chronicles, then move to this series. 

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

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Nightchaser by Amanda Bouchet – Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

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Nightchaser by Amanda Bouchet – Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

 

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Description:
Captain Tess Bailey and her crew of Robin Hood-like thieves are desperate and on the run. Pursued by a vicious military general who wants them dead or alive, Tess has to decide if she can trust Shade Ganavan, a tall, dark and arrogant stranger with ambiguous motivations.

Shade Ganavan had oodles of arrogance, oodles of charm, and oodles of something that made me want to kick him in the nuts.

What Tess and Shade don’t know about each other might get them killed…unless they can set aside their differences and learn to trust each other—while ignoring their off-the-charts chemistry.

 

 

Review:

Nightchaser by Amanda Bouchet is the first book in her new Endeavor series.  Having read and loved Bouchet debut series, I looked forward to reading this one.  The premise of this series is more sci-fi/paranormal, but OMG I loved every moment of this story.    Amanda Bouchet keeps on rising up as one of my favorite authors, and in Nightchaser she proves once again what a wonderful author she is. 

We meet our heroine, Tess Bailey, who is a Robin Hood space pirate, always stealing goods from the government  (such as food or medicines) to help the poor/children.  She is the captain of her ship, Endeavor, with crew (friends) that have been together for awhile and loyal to each other.  Tess has a secret that very few know, she is the daughter of the overseer (evil leader) of the government, and she is supposedly dead.

From the start, they are in deep trouble, as they narrowly escape from a death defying situation with the evil Dark Watch; an exciting beginning.  Tess is desperate to find a place to land and fix their damaged ship. When they finally find a place to land the ship, Tess will set out to find whatever is needed to repair the ship.  Enter Shade Ganavan, our hero, who does a bit of everything, including repairs.  Shade, who is a hunk, finds Tess interesting, and wants to know more.  He offers to help fix her ship, and also is determined to find out more about her.   When he discovers she has a major bounty on her head, he finds himself in a quarry, as he becoming attracted to her , but knows he needs the money desperately.  Will Shade turn Tess in for the money?

What follows is an edge of your seat suspenseful adventure, pulling on all of our emotions.  The last half of the book so exciting, I was unable to put the book down.  Tess and crew find themselves in so many dangerous situations, we held our breaths if they would survive.  Shade by then becomes part of the crew to help them survive, with the Dark Watch breathing down their necks.  Bouchet catches us with some surprises that was unexpected, and it was very emotional.  This turned into a fantastic read.

Tess was an awesome kick-ass heroine; so strong, independent, loyal to her friends and I loved her from the start.  Her goal was always to help others, not caring about her own life.  Shade was also great, a sexy, handsome, strong hero, who also had his own secrets; but he turned out to be so good for Tess, especially when he realized that he was falling hard for her. They made a great couple, which in future books will become even better, as I recognize this from the previous series’ awesome couple (Cat & Griffin).  I also totally fell in love with Bonk, a little kitty Tess adopts. I loved most the of the secondary characters, such as Jax, Fiona, Miko, Surreal, and even the evil characters like Overseer Novalight and Bridgebane were very well written.

Nightchaser was a fantastic ride, filled with suspense, excitement, pulse pounding action, romance, in a wonderfully imaginative world building.  Once again Amanda Bouchet brings us into another world, very different than the Kingmaker Chronicles series, but oh so good.  I cannot wait for the next book.  I seriously suggest, if you have not read anything by Amanda Bouchet, it time for you do so.  Bravo Amanda for totally pulling me into another fantastic series.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

WATCH TRAILER ON NIGHTCHASTER

 


Two people on the avenue at the bottom of the Squirrel Tree both directed me to the same place: Ganavan’s Products and Parts. It wasn’t too far—still in the docking district and within easy walking distance—so I figured it was a good place to start.
I found the shop at the base of a towering, warehouse-type structure. It was recessed into the ground a few feet, requiring me to take a short flight of stairs down to access it from street level. A bell tinkled over the door when I swung it open, surprising me with the light, merry chiming. I couldn’t help appreciating the quaint touch in the otherwise industrial setting of the city’s sprawling, somewhat dingy docks.
Inside, the shop was bigger than I’d expected and crowded with metallic shelving packed with more stuff than any space rat could ever possibly want. It was almost overwhelming—and half of it was covered in dust. Motes twirled in the air, floating in the sunbeams streaming in through the high-up windows that let in most of the shop’s light.
I didn’t see anyone behind the register to query about repairs, so I walked the aisles, looking for anything that might be of use. I picked up forty rounds of LW-9 bullets in a sleek metal case for our Grayhawk handguns, but I didn’t really need things like the rest of this—gadgets and doodads and crap. I needed reinforced metal panels and someone who could weld them onto my ship.
I scanned the shelves for fuses and wiring, too, but didn’t see anything. The Endeavor’s electrical components weren’t in great shape, even with Big Guy’s brief help, and my console was currently dead. I’d have to see, but I hoped Jaxon would end up being enough of an electrician to fix it. When it came to a ship’s central power grid, I had some skills myself.
“Can I help you?” a man asked.
I turned and watched the speaker walk toward me from what looked like a back office, his steps silent and almost prowling. Despite his height and imposing physique, I might not have heard him coming if he hadn’t made his presence known.
Was this Ganavan? He was tall, with at least a few inches on me. He was wide, too, but mainly in the shoulders. His body looked healthy and trim. Like me, I thought his origins could probably be traced back to pre-exodus Caucasian. Unlike me, he had a healthy tan.
The fact that he was tall, dark, and hot didn’t stop my usual default mode from kicking in—to assess any stranger I met and determine how I would try to bring that person down in a fight.
I came up with a defensive scenario before he got too close. A ducking spin as he came at me, his own weight hopefully throwing him off-balance as I slid out of the way. A quick, hard kick to the back of a knee to get him lower than me. A sleeper hold from behind with my arm in a tight V around his neck, cutting off the blood flow through his arteries. With any luck, I could knock him out without ever touching his windpipe.
Unfortunately, looking at him, I estimated my chances of success with any of that at about eight percent, which made me glad there was no reason to think he was unfriendly.
He watched me, too, his brown eyes like lasers. I’d rarely been subjected to such a steady stare, especially from a gaze that held definite hints of interest and appreciation. My body started to heat from more than just the sunlight filtering down from the high windows. The light hit him at an angle, turning his eyes a tawny amber, like those of a jungle predator.
No. A jungle animal would scare me, and this man didn’t, despite his obvious physical advantage. His eyes were more the color of dark honey, appealing, all warm and tempting in the sun.
My taste buds seemed to burst to life with the memory of sweetness on my tongue. Starway 8 was one of the few places left in the galaxy with an actual apiary, and the liquid gold the director sold to the wealthy elite in Sector 12 was the main source of revenue for the orphanage. This man’s eyes looked just like honey number seven—my favorite. Almost the darkest. The darker honeys had more flavor.
He stopped a few feet from me, and those honey-brown eyes dipped, taking me in from my head to my toes. My clothing was skintight, and I felt a blush flare under his slow inspection.
Finally, he looked up. “Just checking for weapons.”
I snorted. “Really? Weapons? I haven’t heard that one before.”
He winked at me like the scoundrel I highly suspected he was. “We’re inventive out here in 2. Where’re you from?”
“What makes you think I’m not from here?”
“You’re a 12-er. I can hear it in your posh voice.”
Time seemed to slow down as my mind processed his words one by one, even though it only took a second. I hardly spoke to anyone besides my crew, and they didn’t care what I sounded like. Blurring my trail outside of the Endeavor meant it was time to work on a new accent, though. It was too bad. The precise, cut-glass diction was one of the only things I liked about Sector 12.

 


 

Amanda Bouchet grew up in New England where she spent much of her time tromping around in the woods and making up grand adventures in her head. It was inevitable that one day she would start writing them down. Drawing on her Greek heritage for the setting and on her love of all things daring and romantic for the rest, her debut trilogy, The Kingmaker Chronicles, took form. She writes what she loves to read: epic exploits, steamy romance, and characters that make you laugh and cry.

Her first novel, A Promise of Fire, won several Romance Writers of America chapter contests, including the Orange Rose Contest and the paranormal category of the prestigious Golden Pen.

A French master’s graduate and former English teacher, Amanda lives in Paris, France. She met her husband while studying abroad, and the family now includes two bilingual children who will soon be correcting her French.

You can follow Amanda at the following links:
Website:  Facebook:    Twitter:   Goodreads

 

 

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Seasons of Sorcery Fantasy Anthology with Jennifer Estep, Grace Draven, Jeffe Kennedy and Amanda Bouchet-dual reviews

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SEASONS OF SORCERY: A Fantasy Anthology by Jennifer Estep, Grace Draven, Jeffe Kennedy and Amanda Bouchet- Dual Reviews

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About the book: Release Date November 13, 2018

Description:
WINTER’S WEB BY JENNIFER ESTEP
An assassin at a renaissance faire. What could possibly go wrong? Everything, if you’re Gin Blanco. This Spider is trapped in someone else’s icy web—and it seems like they don’t want her to leave the faire alive . . .

A CURSE FOR SPRING BY AMANDA BOUCHET
A malevolent spell strangles the kingdom of Leathen in catastrophic drought. Prince Daric must break the curse before his people starve. A once-mighty goddess trapped in a human body might be the key—but saving his kingdom could mean losing all that he loves.

THE DRAGONS OF SUMMER BY JEFFE KENNEDY
As unofficial consort to the High Queen, former mercenary Harlan Konyngrr faces a challenge worse than looming war and fearsome dragons. His long-held secrets threaten what he loves most—and he must make a choice between vows to two women.

A WILDERNESS OF GLASS BY GRACE DRAVEN
The stretch of sea known as The Gray rules the lives of those in the village of Ancilar, including widow Brida Gazi. In the aftermath of an autumn storm, Brida discovers one of the sea’s secrets cast onto the shore—a discovery that will change her world, mend her soul, and put her in the greatest danger she’s ever faced.

 

SANDY’s Review:

SEASONS OF SORCERY is a multi-authored fantasy anthology by Jennifer Estep, Grace Draven, Jeffe Kennedy and Amanda Bouchet. A great mix of writing styles, the anthology is a fantastic and entertaining peek at the other.

_______

WINTER’S WEB by Jennifer Estep
 WINTER’S WEB by Jennifer Estep is instalment 17.5 in the author’s contemporary, adult ELEMENTAL ASSASSIN paranormal/ urban fantasy series focusing on Gin Blanco aka The Spider aka The Assassin –the reigning Queen of the paranormal Underworld of Ashland. WINTER’S WEB can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Winter’s Web takes place after Venom in the Vein.

Told from first person point of view (Gin Blanco) WINTER’S WEB follows Gin and the gang as they are ‘coerced’ into participating at Ashland’s annual Winter’s Web Renaissance Faire. Surprising himself and everyone he loved, Gin’s lover Owen Grayson won tickets to the local fair but things don’t go according to plans when Gin finds herself stalked by a group of giants, and the man that she loves, goes missing. As Gin battles to save her life, Owen faces a familiar face in a battle between money, his life, and power.

WINTER’S WEB is a quick read; a fast paced, action packed story of power and greed, elemental magic, and love. A heart pounding tale with familiar faces, energetic fight scenes, and a captivating couple WINTER’S WEB is the perfect addition to Estep’s Elemental Assassin series.

___________

A CURSE FOR SPRING by Amanda Bouchet
 A CURSE FOR SPRING by Amanda Bouchet is an adult, stand alone, fantasy story line focusing on Prince Daric and the woman he loves as they journey in the hopes of ending decades of drought for the kingdom of Leathen.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Daric and Rain) A CURSE FOR SPRING focuses on the kingdom of Leathen, and the decades old drought. Daric has loved Rain for most of his life since the day he pulled her from the magical mist, but the ongoing drought is threatening the people of Leathen. Promised to another woman in exchange for water, Daris refuses to accept his father’s demands, hoping he and Rain will be able to find what is necessary to restore the land, and continue together towards a happily ever after. But Rain knows that her time with Daric has an expiry date, an expiry date that is tied to the Leathen drought, and the curse that surrounds the man that she loves.

Amanda Bouchet draws the reader into a love story; a cross-country adventure wherein our couple will profess their love as they search for a way to break the curse. A CURSE FOR SPRING is an intriguing and passionate tale of ill-fated lovers.

_____________

THE DRAGONS OF SUMMER by Jeffe Kennedy
 THE DRAGONS OF SUMMER is a novella set in the author’s Uncharted Realms fantasy series, and takes place after The Arrows of the Heart.

NOTE: THE DRAGONS OF SUMMER is an adult fantasy story line with recalled spousal violence that may not be suitable for all readers.

Told from first person perspective (Harlan) THE DRAGONS OF SUMMER is a story of magic, dragons, war, secrets and struggle. Harlan is head of security for Castle Ordnung, and the people are preparing for a two-pronged attack. Tensions have been high between Harlan and the woman he loves, High Queen Ursula of the Thirteen Kingdoms, but betrayal from within, Harlan’s sacred vows to his family back home, and loyalties to the Queen, threaten the peace between our leading couple. Secrets from the past, dividing family and friends, once again threatens the relationship between Harlan and Ursula.

THE DRAGONS OF SUMMER is a revealing story line of family, betrayal, loss and love. A mesmorizing and intriguing story, THE DRAGONS OF SUMMER is a magical, sexy and spirited tale.

_____________

A WILDERNESS OF GLASS BY Grace Draven
A WILDERNESS OF GLASS is a novella set in Grace Draven’s fantasy World of the Wraith Kings.

Told from third person point of view A WILDERNESS OF GLASS follows Ancilar’s magical flute player and widow Brida Gazi and friends as they have accepted an invitation to perform for Lord Andras Frantisek at Castle Banat. Intrigued by her music, a stranger would embark on a journey in an effort to regain what was once lost. A sudden storm brought a bountiful harvest to the small village but a bounty rich with fantastical beasts and promises of more.

A WILDERNESS OF GLASS is an engaging and entertaining, forbidden love story; of family, friendship, betrayal and loss; a journey into the fantastic between a woman and the creature she has grown to love.

 


BARB’s Reviews:
Seasons of Sorcery Anthology are novellas written by Jennifer Estep, Amanda Bouchet, Jeffe Kennedy and Grace Draven.   I looked forward to reading this anthology, as some of my favorite authors have stories that I must always read.   I will write a short review of each arc to give you my thoughts on each book.

Winter’s Web by Jennifer Estep
This is a novella that takes place in Estep’s wonderful world of her Elemental Assassin series. Anything even short, is a must read for me, because we get more time to spend with Gin Blanco, our spider assassin heroine. 

In Winter’s Web, Gin and the gang (Owen, Bria, Finn, Sophie) all attend in costume the renaissance faire.  Gin isn’t thrilled to be in costume, but she is determined to have fun. Of course, anywhere Gin goes there is bound to be problems.  At the faire, she watches a woman that marvels the crowd with her sword expertise, and before the day is out, Gin is face to face with a dangerous enemy, who is out to kill someone she loves.  We have come to know that Gin will go through hell and back to save those she loves.  This was an exciting, action- packed short story that I savored from start to finish.  I will not tell too much more, as it would be spoilers.  If you are an Elemental Assassin fan, you need to read this and enjoy the fun.

A Curse for Spring by Amanda Bouchet
I looked forward to reading this short story, since I had read and loved Bouchet’s last series. Prince Daric is desperate to save his land, the Kingdom of Leathen.  They have been in a catastrophic drought for many years, and now they face losing their land to another kingdom.  Rain, our heroine, has lived with Daric and his family for many years, since they pulled her out of a magic weather mist; she was a goddess of Spring, and is now human. With the threat of having to merge Leathen with the enemy kingdom, as well as marry the enemy’s Queen’s daughter, Daric desperately needs to find a way to break the water curse, and save his family.  He and Rain, who have come to fall in love with each other over the years, go on a journey that will change their lives and destiny.  I loved Rain and Daric together, and this was a heartwarming quick fun story, that had moments of sadness. 

The Dragons of Summer by Jeffe Kennedy
This story revolves around our hero, Harlan, who is the consort of the High Queen, Ursula. With war on the horizon, Harlan, who is also head of security, is extra cautious protecting his Queen.  We learn quickly that Harlan and Ursula are lovers, but she also knows he is keeping secrets of his past, that threaten their relationship.  When members of the Queen’s team arrive to help plan on stopping the attack, Harlan loses his cool with some of the members of his family and must decide to reveal to Ursula his secrets of his past or lose her for good. What follows is a wonderful story where Harlan’s family betrayed him and his sister years before, and when he explains the terrible truth about his sister, Ursula is fully by his side.   As the group put differences aside, Harlan will come to terms with his brother and together they will all prepare to fight for survival in this war.  It is a wonderful story of family, love, loyalty, betrayal, with excellent characters, sexy romance and dragons.

A Wilderness of Glass by Grace Draven
Brida Gazi, our heroine, is a flute player with elements of magic.  When Brida plays her flute with others from her town at a Lord’s party, a stranger accosts her.  The stranger wants to know where she got the flute, which was created by her brother, using a bone found by the ocean.   When she walks during the evening by the ocean she comes across two strange species badly injured.  Brida will try to save them, and use her flute to communicate with sea creatures. What follows is a sweet and impelling story of Brida learning the secrets of the sea and her flute, and changing her life along the way with an unlikely romance, and the danger when evil rears its ugly head.  This was a different and well written story.

Copy supplied for review

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Heart On Fire by Amanda Bouchet – Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

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Heart On Fire by Amanda Bouchet – Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

 

Heart on Fire
The Kingmaker Chronicles series – Book #3
by Amanda Bouchet
Release Date: January 2, 2018

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Heart on Fire graphic 1

Description:
Who is Catalia Fisa?
With the help of pivotal figures from her past, Cat begins to understand the root of her exceptional magic, her fated union with Griffin Sinta, and Griffin’s role in shaping her destiny.

Only Cat holds the key to unlocking her own power, and that means finally accepting herself, her past, and her future in order to protect her loved ones, confront her murderous mother, and taking a final, terrifying step–reuniting all three realms and taking her place as the Queen of Thalyria.

What doesn’t kill her will only make her stronger…we hope.

 

Review:

Heart on Fire by Amanda Bouchet is the 3rd and final book in her wonderful The Kingmaker Chronicles series.  Having loved the first two books in this series, I could not wait to read Heart on Fire. After only a few minutes in, I found myself wrapped in Amanda Bouchet’s fantastic writing.  I was in my glory, reading once again about my two heroes, Cat and Griffin, and I finished this book in one day.  I loved Heart on Fire and the conclusion of this wonderful series.   Now to my review 🙂

When we last left off in Breath of Fire, Cat was now the Queen of Thalyria, and together with Griffin (her King), and her fantastic Beta Team, they headed to Fisa, to stop her evil mother and bring the world to peace.  Cat has grown since we met her in Promise of Fire, but she still fights herself in her overall confidence, not to mention how better to use her powers.   She and Griffin are now married and Cat is pregnant with a girl who will inherit some of Cat’s magic abilities.

Having lost some important people in her life, Cat must fight on in the upcoming fierce battles she and Griffin will face, including a betrayal by Griffin’s brother Piers.  Cat will come face to face with Ares and Persephone, who will show their true faces to shock her and us, as she goes down memory lane and those who took care of her as a child (with an evil mother).  I really loved this fun and intense part.

Back home, Cat and Griffin prepare for the battle that will either kill them or they will win and bring all the kingdoms (Tarva, Sinta, Fisa) together as one in peace.  But first they need their team together as well as some help from other Olympian gods.   Cat must also learn to believe in herself, and embrace her powers to have a chance to win.  Griffin’s strong love and support for Cat, was beautiful to watch, even if frustrating at times.  As Queen, everyone looked to her to be Elpis (hope), and defeat the enemy.

 What follows is non-stop action in an intense, suspenseful adventure that had me constantly on the edge of my seat, unable to put the book down. At each epic battle, every member of the team will find themselves in death terrifying situations as they face the evil and ultra powerful witch and Queen of Fisa (Cat’s Mother).  In fantasy, we have come to expect some of our favorites along the way  won’t survive, and this is no different in Heart of Fire.

Cat and Griffin were such an awesome couple, with such hot chemistry and everything about them just poured through the pages filled with LOVE. It was so heartwarming how much they loved each other, and their loyalty to their family and friends.  I loved the great secondary characters, especially the Beta team, Griffin’s family, new & old friends. Though she needed to have more faith in herself, Cat was amazing in her strength, loyalty, love, courage in facing every ordeal

Thank you, Amanda Bouchet for another fantastic story that left me sad to see this all end.  We can never have enough of Cat & Griffin.  If you have not started this series, and you enjoy fantasy, non-stop action, suspense, great characters, and a super wonderful couple; then you should be reading this series, starting with A Promise of Fire, then Breath of Fire, then to Heart on Fire  Once again, Amanda Bouchet keeps rising up on my list of favorite authors to read.   I for one will not miss anything she writes.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

excerpt 1

 

Griffin’s hand tightens on my arm.
I roll my eyes. “I’m not going to fall in, you know. The cliff is all the way over there.”
He loosens his hold. Sort of.
I glance up at him, trying to tame my sudden smile. Domineering and overprotective doesn’t even begin to describe my husband. There’s also deliciously jealous, but that’s another subject all together. The black stubble framing his mouth makes his full lips look impossibly kissable. It’s been hours since they were last on mine. And I love to kiss the hawkish curve of his nose. So strong and masculine. I adore that nose. And the rest of him. His powerful body. Muscle. Sinew. Bone.
I gaze up at him, nearly sighing. “I love you.”
Griffin stops dead in his tracks and glares down at me. “That’s it. We’re leaving.”
I blink. “What? Why?”
“You think something terrible is going to happen.”
“No, I don’t.” I frown. “I don’t think so.”
His eyes narrow, wariness hardening his expression. “You do.”
“What are you talking about?”
He scowls at me.
“Well, something terrible could happen,” I concede. “But that’s always true, no matter where or when. Tomorrow, I could trip over my own feet and break my neck for all I know.”
Judging by the look on Griffin’s face, I don’t think that helped.
“You only say you love me or you’re sorry when you’re scared or almost dead. You’re not almost dead, so what’s scaring you?” he demands.
“I say I love you all the time!”
“When we’re in bed. When I’m so deep inside you that you can’t feel anything but me. Not when we’re about to knock on a stranger’s door. What’s scaring you?” he demands again.
I huff. “At the moment? The way your jaw is popping like it’s alive.”
Griffin crosses his arms. “I want honesty. Right now.”
“Right now, Your Imperialness?”
His nostrils flare. His hard look is spectacular.
I’m not intimidated. It makes me hot. Then again, so does just about everything at the moment, but not in the same way.
“If you must know, the magic around here is a little intense and…disturbing, but it’s not scaring me. Not really. It’s probably just something coming from whatever is down there in that God Pit,” I say, waving toward the cliff. “I’m a shade nervous. That’s all.”
His eyes stay flinty and unconvinced. “That’s all? That’s not generally cause for a heartfelt declaration, at least not from you.”
I toss my hands in the air. “Fine. I take it back. I looked at you, found you incredibly desirable, and my body got all hot and tingly. I blame pregnancy for an excess of sentimentality and…and…urges!”
Griffin stares at me. Then his mouth splits into a grin that makes me all kinds of angry. He reaches for me again, his grasp lighter this time.
“Incredibly desirable?” Looking smug, he threads his fingers through mine.
Scowling, I poke him in the chest with my free hand. “Well, you do have that whole overbearing warlord thing going on. Plus, plenty of muscles in all the right places, some good ideas, and, you know, a really big sword.”
A laugh cracks out of Griffin, and my heart swoops like an off-balance bird. He’s rarely free with humor these days, or maybe there’s just not enough of it in our lives anymore. The happy flutter that wings through my chest takes any lingering irritation away with it.
Gah! Talk about mood changes!
Griffin captures my other hand and then pulls me in to him until I’m standing between his legs. “I love you, too, Cat.”
He kisses me, his mouth pressing softly against mine. Warmth rolls straight from his lips to my toes, which curl in my boots.
“Tell me again,” he coaxes.
I shake my head, our noses brushing.
“Say it,” he demands against my mouth.
“I don’t think so.”
“Last chance,” he warns, gently nipping at my lower lip.
“Big sword.”
Chuckling, Griffin swats my bottom. “There’s more where that came from.”
I look up at him through my lashes. “I sure hope so.”
He grins. “I think you just managed coy.”
“Good Gods! Has the Underworld frozen over?”
“Next, Centaurs will fly.” He brushes his lips over mine again, not lingering, and when he lifts his head, his black hair ruffling on the faintly sulfurous wind, the teasing gleam is already absent from his eyes. “You’re sure there’s nothing else?”
“Nothing besides our baby wreaking havoc on my moods?” I shake my head. “But I wanted you before. I want you always.”
He lifts his hand and brushes his thumb across my lips. Then his fingers fall away, trailing lightly down my arm until I shiver.
“You’re the air I breathe,” he says without a trace of humor in his voice.
My whole chest clenches hard, squeezing a tight, almost painful beat from my heart. “I admire you,” I reply. “I need you. I love you with all my heart.”
Griffin offers me a different kind of smile this time, small, lopsided, gentle, and so entirely genuine. It fades almost immediately, though, and he straightens to his full, imposing height, abruptly pinning me with his warlord stare. “If you feel anything off here, we leave, with or without the potion we came for. You’ve got great instincts, Cat. Trust your gut.”
I nod. I will. I always do.

 

 

About the author

Bouchet
USA Today bestselling author AMANDA BOUCHET grew up in New England and studied French at the undergraduate and graduate levels, first at Bowdoin College and then at Bowling Green State University. She moved to Paris, France, in 2001 and has been there ever since. She met her husband while studying abroad, and the family now includes two bilingual children, who will soon be correcting her French. Connect with her at www.amandabouchet.com.

Find Amanda Online:

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Breath of Fire by Amanda Bouchet – Review, Spotlight Tour & Giveaway

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Breath of Fire by Amanda Bouchet – Review, Tour & Giveaway

 

Breath of Fire
The Kingmaker Chronicles – Book #2
by Amanda Bouchet
Release date: January 3. 2017

Breath of FireAmazon / B&N / BAM / Book Depository

Description:
SHE’S DESTINED TO DESTROY THE WORLD…
“Cat” Catalia Fisa has been running from her destiny since she could crawl. But now, her newfound loved ones are caught between the shadow of Cat’s tortured past and the threat of her world-shattering future. So what’s a girl to do when she knows it’s her fate to be the harbinger of doom? Everything in her power.

BUT NOT IF SHE CAN HELP IT
Griffin knows Cat is destined to change the world-for the better. As the realms are descending into all-out war, Cat and Griffin must embrace their fate together. Gods willing, they will emerge side-by-side in the heart of their future kingdom…or not at all.

 

Review:

Breath of Fire by Amanda Bouchet is the 2nd book in her fantastic The Kingmaker Chronicles series.  After I had read the first book of this series, I had said that I was adding Amanda Bouchet to my list of authors I must read.  Well after finishing, Breath of Fire, nothing has changed.  This was another fantastic addition to this series, and I love Bouchet’s writing.

In Breath of Fire, we pick up shortly after the last book ended. Cat, our marvelous heroine, has kept many secrets from Griffin, our hero.  But their love for each other is very strong, and Griffin will come accept that Cat is more than a Kingmaker, as she is the infamous lost princess, who has more powers that she herself doesn’t know about.  Griffin is determined to take over other realms to create land of peace.  As they prepare to leave with his Beta team (his wonderful hunks, Carver, Kato and Flynn), they learn quickly that there is more secrets from Cat, who is called the harbinger, something she has been afraid to tell Griffin.  But he convinces Cat that this does not mean bad; it just means she will help him end the bad realms and bring forward a new peaceful realm with her as the Queen.

Before anything can be done, they must retrieve items that are needed for them to enter Tarva and take that evil throne.  Of course, the gods do not make it easy, as each step of the way is dangerous and death defying tasks.

What follows is non-stop action in an intense, suspenseful mythical adventure,  that will have us constantly on the edge of our seats, praying that they survive each task.  At each stop along the way, every member of the team will find themselves in death terrifying situations, which will include the final step; winning the arena game of death, which was almost hopeless.  Such an amazing adventure, including the wild exciting finale.

Most of all, the romance between Cat and Griffin becomes so much more, as their love for each other and their sexual chemistry glows throughout the entire book.  I loved them together, as now they have become one in every faction of their lives.  It is Griffin who helps Cat get beyond her fears of her future, and makes her become what she is destined to be……a powerful Queen.  But they still need to get past the biggest obstacle, the evil Queen Andromeda (Cat’s mother), which will lead us to the next book, Heart of Fire. Thank you, Amanda Bouchet for another fantastic story that left me breathless.  If you have not started this series, and you enjoy fantasy, non-stop action, suspense, great characters, and a super wonderful couple; then you should be reading A Promise of Fire, then Breath of Fire.  Do yourself a favor, and add Amanda Bouchet to your list of authors to read.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

Kingmaker Chronicles_ Beta Team Hunks

 

excerpt

 

 

We assemble in the Athena courtyard after breakfast on the fourth day. Griffin and I are already mounted, but the rest of Beta Team—Kato, Flynn, and Carver—are still finishing their good-byes, strapping on the last of their gear, and readying their horses. If I’m not mistaken, Flynn is moving slowly because he keeps shooting discreet glances toward Jocasta from under lowered auburn brows. Carver, his long, leggy gait slower than usual, only just left his family under the shaded arcades that band the castle’s ground floor like an ornate, marble ribbon. And Kato, all blond hair, blue eyes, and corded muscle, moves with casual purpose and lionesque indolence—unhurried in his stride but powerful and inherently ready for action. Despite the stakes of the journey, none of them seems to feel any real urgency to leave.

I don’t like lingering over farewells, and their lagging makes me feel like I have ants in my pants. It’s all I can do not to start hopping in the saddle. Panotii is champing at the bit, and so am I. He prances sideways and bumps into Brown Horse. Brown Horse doesn’t move an inch and regards us with calm, intelligent eyes. He’s so much like his rider that I almost laugh.

Unable to hold back a smile, I drink in Griffin with my eyes. Actually, I look at Griffin all the time. I think about him even more, and every time I do, it’s like a wild kick of adrenaline straight to the heart. It’s distracting. He’s distracting.

A tingling warmth spreads beneath my skin. “I can’t wait to gallop.” I haven’t been outside the city walls since Ios. Panotii and I need to stretch our legs, see for miles, and feel the wind in our faces. It’s good for a horse. For a person who’s been confined to a cage, it’s cathartic. Castle Sinta and its grounds may be big, beautiful, and full of Griffin, but in some ways, it’s still a cage. Real freedom is answering to only yourself, and being responsible for no one. Since that’s a moral vacuum, none but the truly wicked are ever truly free.

That must be how Mother feels—free.

Panotii keeps dancing, and I stroke his sleek, chestnut neck, trying to soothe him. “Panotii wants to run, too.”

“You’ll burn yourselves out.” Griffin’s silver-hued eyes hold a hint of warning. “And you’ll burn us out chasing you. We have a long way to go.”

I make a sour face. “Did I ever tell you I detest the voice of reason?”
“Did I ever tell you you’re adorable when you’re riled up?”

I scowl. “I’m never adorable.”

“You’re right,” he says mock-seriously. “You’re very scary. Especially with that curl bouncing over your cheek.”

I shove the stupid curl behind my ear. My wavy hair is turning even more unruly with the approach of the rainy season. It’s overcast for the first time in weeks, and I can smell the moisture in the air, somehow both sultry and refreshing, as if a cloud were about to burst over the scorched land, but the Gods aren’t quite ready to stick a dagger in it yet. My hair doesn’t know the difference. Anything too short to stay firmly in my braid is now springing out with gusto and frizzing all around my head.

Out of habit, I check my knives. My old set hangs from multiple belt loops. My new set is secured to flat, leather straps circling my thighs. My sword is on my back in a sling Griffin had fashioned for me along with the thick boar’s hide armor that hugs my upper body from shoulders to waist in a sleeveless, close-fitting shell. A direct hit will pierce the leather, but it’ll provide protection from slices or glancing blows, as will the new vambraces on my forearms.

I told Griffin I’d be too hot and confined, which I am, but he insisted in that steady, intractable voice of his that if I want to ride with warriors, I’d better have the equipment.

He knows I’ve been fighting without any of this since before I could walk, but I humored him because I love him. Apparently, that’s how couples work. Compromise. Gah! Now there’s so much metal and leather weighing me down that I almost couldn’t get on my horse.

 

theauthor

Bouchet

Award-winning author Amanda Bouchet grew up in New England and studied French at the undergraduate and graduate levels, first at Bowdoin College and then at Bowling Green State University. She moved to Paris, France in 2001 and has been there ever since. She met her husband while studying abroad, and the family now includes two bilingual children, who will soon be correcting her French.

 Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads

 

Letter From Amanda Bouchet

A note to readers of The Kingmaker Chronicles

Breath of Fire comes out on January 3rd and I couldn’t be more excited about it! I hope that readers who met Cat and Griffin and followed their exploits in A Promise of Fire will be looking forward to this second installment in The Kingmaker Chronicles, and I hope that new readers will be interested in giving this fantasy romance trilogy a try. The story picks up right where A Promise of Fire left off and with a shocking moment of truth: Cat’s secrets are finally revealed to all. But with the cat out of the bag (pun definitely intended!), important plans can now form to move Thalyria toward unification under Cat and Griffin’s joint rule—plans that will certainly keep Beta Team on their toes. But while Cat’s violent past and lingering self-doubt still haunt her on a deep level, Griffin won’t let her back down from the fate she’d love to avoid. As Griffin propels her toward her inevitable destiny and Cat tries to come to terms with the prophecy that’s haunted her for eight years, readers can expect plenty of adventure and danger, more of Cat’s smart-mouthed humor, exciting Beta Team moments, and a romance that heats up to positively scorching levels. Friendships solidify into unshakable bonds, and perilous quests lead the members of Beta Team into uncharted territory where monsters, magic, and mayhem abound. With Breath of Fire, I hope that readers get swept away and caught up in the emotion and adventure as Cat and Griffin try to navigate their developing and intensely passionate relationship while also taking on the daunting and dangerous task of conquering the world. But most of all, I hope you simply enjoy the book!

 

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A Promise of Fire by Amanda Bouchet – a Review

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A Promise of Fire by Amanda Bouchet – a Review

 

A Promise of FireAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / BAM / The Book Depository

Description:
Catalia “Cat” Fisa is a powerful clairvoyant known as the Kingmaker. This smart-mouthed soothsayer has no interest in her powers and would much rather fly under the radar, far from the clutches of her homicidal mother. But when an ambitious warlord captures her, she may not have a choice…

Griffin is intent on bringing peace to his newly conquered realm in the magic-deprived south. When he discovers Cat is the Kingmaker, he abducts her. But Cat will do everything in her power to avoid her dangerous destiny and battle her captor at every turn. Although up for the battle, Griffin would prefer for Cat to help his people willingly, and he’s ready to do whatever it takes to coax her…even if that means falling in love with her.

 

 

Review:

A Promise of Fire by Amanda Bouchet is the 1st book in her new Kingmaker Chronicles series.  When I decided to read this book, I thought it sounded promising.  I have to say, this was the real thing.  I loved this book…it was Fantastic!  Amanda Bouchet, welcome to my world of authors I must read.

In A Promise of Fire, we meet our heroine, Cat Visa, immediately.  She is working at a circus as a soothsayer. Cat has made friends with many of the performers, but no one knows that she has a secret…she is a powerful clairvoyant, who is in hiding.  Cat has magical powers that allow her to tell if someone is lying; become invisible; steal magic from others, spit fire, as well as many things she will also learn along the way. 

While at the circus, she notices someone staring at her, and in a short time, she is kidnapped.  Griffin, the Beta Sinta, is our hero and a warlord.  He has just taken over a realm, and wants Cat to help him build his land, and bring peace to those surrounding them.  But Cat wants no part of this, and is desperate to escape, but is tied to Griffin by an enchanted rope, as they take the long trek home. Griffin’s team of 3 handsome hunks, who make this adventure so much fun.  Carver, Kato and Flynn were in awe of Cat, and over time they become her friends.  The camaraderie between them was at times hysterical.  Cat and Griffin were great together in a hate love relationship that had not only great chemistry, but the banter between them as they fought was so much fun.  I so enjoyed reading a book with great characters, exciting, fun story and making me laugh so many times.  Well done, Amanda Bouchet.

Cat was a great heroine, who was very powerful, independent, strong and fierce at times.  She had to learn to allow herself to believe that she can love someone without losing them. The villain in this story is very powerful, and we learn from Cat’s terrible ordeal as a child how bad this villain is.  It is this reason why Cat fights to not open heart,  so not to get hurt again.  The romance between Griffin and Cat was very well done, and I adored them together.  Griffin was also a wonderful hero, who was a typical Alpha, strong, independent and bossy.   He falls quickly for Cat, and is determined to win her over.  Despite his promises to Cat that he will help her fight the enemy and protect her, she fears for his life, as she has lost many people that she loved by this villain.

Bouchet does a wonderful job giving us some great secondary characters, especially the Beta team and Griffin’s family, who were open and accepting of Cat.  A Promise of Fire is a wonderful new fantasy world building, with magic, fantastic characters, wonderful romance, exciting, action filled and so much fun.  I cannot wait for the next book in this series, as this wonderful adventure continues.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

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