Review: Breath of Fire

Author Amanda Bouchet

Format e-ARC

Print Length 448 pages

Publisher Sourcebooks Casalanca

Published Jan. 3, 2017

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.

My Opinion

Thank you to Sourcebooks Casablanca and Netgalley for allowing me to review this novel. This in no way influenced my review.

Two fantasy series captured my attention and imagination this year. Kingmaker Chronicles being one of them. After A Promise of Fire, I was dying to get my hands on a Breath of Fire. Doubts entered my mind, it is the second book in the series. It is the sophomore book for the author, will it beat the curse? Why oh why is it going to take a year to get my hands on this book? I finally get to open before release date only during the holidays (oh no, I have to put it down). Even when I was emerged in the festivities my mind would wonder to what Griffin and Cat were up to. Several times I had sneak in a chapter or two- this was way difficult as the Hubby’s side of the family is 27 people deep (yes that is only his siblings, their children and his parents). I can say without a doubt that Cat and Griffin slayed the sophomore curse.

In A Promise of Fire, Cat and Griffin’s love was a simmering fire, slowly working its way to a steady burn. In Breath of Fire, it is a roaring fire that at times got out of control. Griffin has trouble controlling his emotions where Cat is concerned. Cat has trouble trusting in fate, the gods and love. Who can blame her, especially with how she grew up. Cat is still as fierce as ever in this book, it is Griffin that shows restraint. Not only for when Cat is in danger but also with Jocasta- his little sister. He understands that both woman need the freedom to decide the best course of action for them. He also gets that both woman have to protect the people they love. This made him ten times hotter in my book.

The tasks that they are about to embark on due to the Power Bid in play put them and all they love in danger. The journey through the Ice Plains, the Chaos Wizzard, what Kato has to do, even the Ipotane (think Centaurs on steroids), and the Agon Games will capture your imagination. The book is written with such detail that it is as if a movie plays as you frantically read the words on the page. This is one that is difficult to put down as each chapter is a new adrenaline rush.

There is more story for the other members of the Beta Team all of which have become part of Cat’s family. Kato is always the first to deliver, and the first to understand where Cat is coming from. Will he ever find love, or will he always just be a pretty face. Carver’s story in particular is heartbreaking and yet Jocasta his little sister stated something that made me think that there is even more there. What is it though? Speaking of Jocasta, her and Flynn need to figure things out and sooner rather than later. 

After finishing this epic read, I of course looked online for when the next one releases. Heart on Fire is set to release in the fall of 2017, which is way too far away. I don’t know who I am more excited to read about Cat and Griffin’s journey to reunite the kingdom or the Beta’s team response to love. Regardless it is nice to see Greek mythology sprinkled through the series. The best part being that the gods/goddess are not jerks as of yet. Breath of Fire is an epic tale of love, power, and doing what is right for all of humankind.

My Rating 5 out of 5 stars

Favorite Quote “Unexpected mercy, romance, mystery….They appeal to even the most fickle and violent of hearts.”

Other People

Kato- member of Griffin’s team

Flynn- member of Griffin’s team

Carver- Griffin’s brother, part of his team

Jocasta- Griffin’s sister

Swoon Thursday (52) Breath of Fire

The fabulous girls over at The fabulous girls over at YA Bound created this super HOT meme. Here's how it works.

From the book you’re currently reading, or one you just finished, tell us what made you SWOON.

What got your heart pounding, your skin tingling, and your stomach fluttering. 

Shout it out on Twitter with the hashtag #YABound, post it here in the comments, or grab the adorable button above and share it on your blog! I want to know & so do the gals at YABound.A Bound created this super HOT meme.

It's Flynn who moves first. He takes a downy white feather from the pouch at his belt, holds it between two fingers, and then drops it at Jocasta's feet. 

Her face drains of color. My heart lurches when I recognize the feather he took from her hair that day in my room. 

Breath of Fire Kindle Location 3052

Her terrified gaze rises to find Flynn. "What if you were right?" She asks so quietly I baerely hear her.

"Right or wrong doesn't matter anymore." He looks at her hard. "I'll protect you. You know that."

Breath of Fire Kindle Location 3667

I love all things Flynn, especially when it has to do with protecting Jocasta. Dang...boy has it bad for her and doesn't know what to do.

Waiting on Wednesday (52) Carve the Mark

 Hey y'all, thanks so much for stopping by my WoW!

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly meme, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine which spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

On a planet where violence and vengeance rule, in a galaxy where some are favored by fate, everyone develops a currentgift, a unique power meant to shape the future. While most benefit from their currentgifts, Akos and Cyra do not — their gifts make them vulnerable to others’ control. Can they reclaim their gifts, their fates, and their lives, and reset the balance of power in this world?

Cyra is the sister of the brutal tyrant who rules the Shotet people. Cyra’s currentgift gives her pain and power — something her brother exploits, using her to torture his enemies. But Cyra is much more than just a blade in her brother’s hand: she is resilient, quick on her feet, and smarter than he knows.

Akos is from the peace-loving nation of Thuve, and his loyalty to his family is limitless. Though protected by his unusual currentgift, once Akos and his brother are captured by enemy Shotet soldiers, Akos is desperate to get his brother out alive — no matter what the cost. When Akos is thrust into Cyra’s world, the enmity between their countries and families seems insurmountable. They must decide to help each other to survive — or to destroy one another.

Why I am Waiting?

I want to know that their gifts are. I want to know if they escape her brother’s rule. Most of all I want to know how their gifts interact with each other.

Teaser Tuesday (52) Breath of Fire

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read

• Open to a random page

• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page

• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)

• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

"Wait." I'm confused. "My snakes?"

"It's always about you, Harbinger. Everyone keeps telling you that, and yet you refuse to believe."

The blood crashes from my head, leaving my face numb. "No. No, you're wrong."

Breath of Fire Kindle location 3092

Only Cat would smart-off to a goddess, at least Artemis has a sense of humor. This book is so good, it is painful to put it down. I find myself trying to sneak in a chapter here and there. Sometimes life gets in the way of reading....

Book Trailer Saturday (52) Endgame: Rule of the Game

Some people believe you can fall in love at first sight. When it comes to books I believe those people. Book trailers are an excellent way to fall in love at first sight. I hope to feature a book trailer here every Saturday to help you fall in love at first sight...

The revolutionary Endgame trilogy concludes in this explosive finale to the series. One key remains—can the Players find it before the end of the world?

The strongest are left.

One final key remains.

The fate of the world is in their hands.

The world of Endgame is populated by twelve ancient bloodlines. In each line, a Player trains for a catastrophic event that has not yet happened—until the Calling. Once they were called, the Players set off on a journey in search of three ancient keys that will save not just their line, but the world. Two keys have now been found, and the remaining Players must find the final key—before Endgame brings about the ultimate destruction.

Each book in the trilogy features an interactive “super puzzle” comprised of clues and riddles layered into the story.

Happy Holidays!

Merry Christmas! 

Holiday Break is upon us and the house is full of laughter. We spent all day yesterday holiday baking, relatives are pouring in, gingerbread houses are scheduled for today. Celebrating the most wonderful time of the year is exhausting. 

Saturday's post is already scheduled. I will be gone until Tuesday after that~entertaining and hanging out with people I haven't seen in a while. Eating amazing food and playing with some really cool toys...Belle's singing cart is the one I am most excited about...yeah, it was bought for the youngest.  Still it has Mrs. Potts and Chip on it, which makes it hip.

Hope you have a fabulous holiday filled with food, family and laughter.  If you do presents, I hope you get all that you wished for.  May you find time to read during all the fun.  Even if it is only a chapter or two.

Swoon Thursday (51) Breath of Fire

The fabulous girls over at The fabulous girls over at YA Bound created this super HOT meme. Here's how it works.

From the book you’re currently reading, or one you just finished, tell us what made you SWOON.

What got your heart pounding, your skin tingling, and your stomach fluttering. 

Shout it out on Twitter with the hashtag #YABound, post it here in the comments, or grab the adorable button above and share it on your blog! I want to know & so do the gals at YABound.A Bound created this super HOT meme.

"I knew it the day I laid eyes on you and couldn't take them off again. Didn't want to." He gives me a gentle shake, his eyes burning into mine. "Every single one of us would fall if it kept you standing. You are not expendable."

Breath of Fire Kindle Location 1646 

There are just too many swoons to choose from in this book. Griffin has turned on his romantic side and it is not going away.

Midwinter's Eve Giveaway Hop

The holiday season is upon us.  Winter is here and it is the perfect time to curl up in your favorite seat with a blanket, something warm to drink and of course a good book.  There are a lot of new releases that I am excited about coming up.  Here a just a few...

a Rafflecopter giveaway

There are a lot more giveaways below get to hopping!!!!

Waiting on Wednesday (51) Wayfarer

Hey y'all, thanks so much for stopping by my WoW!

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly meme, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine which spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

All Etta Spencer wanted was to make her violin debut when she was thrust into a treacherous world where the struggle for power could alter history. After losing the one thing that would have allowed her to protect the Timeline, and the one person worth fighting for, Etta awakens alone in an unknown place and time, exposed to the threat of the two groups who would rather see her dead than succeed. When help arrives, it comes from the last person Etta ever expected—Julian Ironwood, the Grand Master’s heir who has long been presumed dead, and whose dangerous alliance with a man from Etta’s past could put them both at risk.

Meanwhile, Nicholas and Sophia are racing through time in order to locate Etta and the missing astrolabe with Ironwood travelers hot on their trail. They cross paths with a mercenary-for-hire, a cheeky girl named Li Min who quickly develops a flirtation with Sophia. But as the three of them attempt to evade their pursuers, Nicholas soon realizes that one of his companions may have ulterior motives.

As Etta and Nicholas fight to make their way back to one another, from Imperial Russia to the Vatican catacombs, time is rapidly shifting and changing into something unrecognizable… and might just run out on both of them.

Why I am Waiting?

I have to know if Etta and Nicholas find each other. How does Julian play in to the mix? Who will betray Nicholas?

Teaser Tuesday (51) Midnight Magic

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read

• Open to a random page

• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page

• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)

• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

"It is the way of the Dragon Born, to save others. It's in your nature, woven into the very fabric of your magic. You are protectors." Nelly stepped closer, her eyes narrowing.

"Yeah, dragons are all cuddly and protective," Alex commented.

Midnight Magic Kindle Location 4683

Sera's twin sister has a dry sense of humor. I kinda like it.

Review: Fire In You

Author Jennifer L. Armentrout

Format e-book

Print Length 360 pages

Publisher Self

Published Nov. 28, 2016

From the # 1 New York Times and International bestselling author, Jennifer L. Armentrout writing as J.Lynn, comes a richly moving story about heartbreak and guilt, second chances and hope. Full of familiar, fan-favorite characters and no two people more deserving of a happy ending, Fire In You will burn bright beyond the last page…

Jillian Lima’s whole world was destroyed in a span of a few hours. The same night her childhood love, Brock ‘the Beast’ Mitchell, broke her heart, her life was irrevocably altered by the hand of a stranger with a gun. It takes six years to slowly glue together the shattered pieces of her life, but Jillian is finally ready to stop existing in a past full of pain and regret. She takes a job at her father’s martial arts Academy and she’s going out on her first date since a failed relationship that was more yuck than yum. Jillian is determined to start living.

She just never expected Brock to be a part of her life again. But he’s firmly back in her life before she knows it, and not only is he older, he’s impossibly more handsome, more teasing and more everything. And when he sees Jillian, he’s no longer capable of thinking of her as the little girl who was his shadow growing up or the daughter of the man who gave him a second chance at life. He sees the woman who’d always been there for him, the one person who believed in him no matter what.

Brock knows she’s the one he should’ve made his, and what begins as a tentative friendship quickly turns to red-hot chemistry that sparks a flame that burns brighter than lust. Falling for Brock again risks more than her heart, because when the past sorrow-filled and guilt-ridden past resurfaces, and a web of lies threatens to rip them apart, the fallout could lay waste to everything they’ve fought to build together, and destroy the dreams of those they care most about.

My Opinion

Fire in You is the sixth book in the Wait for You series. You can read it by itself but I recommend you reading it in order. The other couples and how everyone is interconnected make more sense when read together. Both of these characters are introduced to us in previous books as secondary characters. Their moment to shine is this book, and man are both of them bright.

Jillian comes from a family who’s business is MMA fighting. Her daddy is a famous trainer, he has produced a bunch of MMA stars. One such star is Brock, who her daddy has been training since he was a young teen. Jillian use to be his shadow, loving him since almost the being. Brock did not allow his feelings for Jillian to develop into more than a brotherly love when they were younger mainly out of respect for her father. They have been separated for six years, and in that separation Jillian has grown into an amazing woman. A separation brought on by a tragic accident that wedge a Grand Canyon size gap between the two.

The event that occurred six years ago changed Jillian both physically and mentally. While the physical scars are visible, the mental ones are harder to overcome. The fact that Jillian does, shows how strong she is. She realizes that she needs to move on, that she needs to live more than merely existing. She is just beginning to take those steps when Brock comes back into her life. 

Brock knows he has made mistakes when it comes to Jillian. He thought he was protecting her, and respecting her father. The reality is he was hurting her more than any other. He tries to move on to someone else. He realizes that she is not the one, the one that gets him. There is only one that ever has- Jillian. He keeps an eye on her from afar, trying to give her the space that she demands. It is hard, it feels like a piece of himself is taken. Then he realizes that a piece has, the best piece. How to prove that he is worthy? 

Fire In You shows the strength of a woman, and the amazing love of a man. It shows how the past can remain the past and how new beginning can occur. It brings all the feels and will make you want more. This is the last book in the series, and so the ending is bittersweet.

My Rating 5 out of 5 stars

Favorite Quote “You don’t need to apologize when you haven’t done anything wrong.”

Other People

Grady- Cam’s friend, interested in Jillian

Avery- one of Jillian’s bffs

Book Trailer Saturday (51) Carve the Mark

Some people believe you can fall in love at first sight. When it comes to books I believe those people. Book trailers are an excellent way to fall in love at first sight. I hope to feature a book trailer here every Saturday to help you fall in love at first sight...

Fans of Star Wars and Divergent will revel in internationally bestselling author Veronica Roth’s stunning new science-fiction fantasy series.

On a planet where violence and vengeance rule, in a galaxy where some are favored by fate, everyone develops a currentgift, a unique power meant to shape the future. While most benefit from their currentgifts, Akos and Cyra do not—their gifts make them vulnerable to others’ control. Can they reclaim their gifts, their fates, and their lives, and reset the balance of power in this world?

Cyra is the sister of the brutal tyrant who rules the Shotet people. Cyra’s current

gift gives her pain and power—something her brother exploits, using her to torture his enemies. But Cyra is much more than just a blade in her brother’s hand: she is resilient, quick on her feet, and smarter than he knows.

Akos is from the peace-loving nation of Thuvhe, and his loyalty to his family is limitless. Though protected by his unusual currentgift, once Akos and his brother are captured by enemy Shotet soldiers, Akos is desperate to get his brother out alive—no matter what the cost. When Akos is thrust into Cyra’s world, the enmity between their countries and families seems insurmountable. They must decide to help each other to survive—or to destroy one another.