I have tried at least 3x to read this author and for some reason I just can't get enthused about her writing or finishing a book by her. I know other people who love her, so perhaps it's just me - I have purchased her titles before and will continue to do so as long as she garners interest but just not for me.

This was good, but not at great as the first one in the series. I liked the non-stop action, but the smut started to get to me after a while. Griffin's controlling personality irked on my nerves a bit, but the writing was great and I really liked some of the side characters.

I LOVE THIS BOOK. It blew me away and I thought that everything about this book was amazing. It was new and something I hadn't read before. I've recommended it to everyone I know.

While I was upset and overwrought about the first couple of chapters of this book, character motivations became clear and I easily slipped into the fantastical escape of this series. I often can become frustrated by Alpha male characters when they hold a strong woman back from the fight. This book fights against that typical character flaw, leaving a couple who fully support one another and the obstacles they face -- not to say there isn't some tension -- there wouldn't be a good story without it!

Love this series and the world that Amanda Bouchet built!

A solid sequel! Absolutely love the characters and the mythology! The magic and worldbuilding is what really has me invested in the storyline, I can't wait to see how it all wraps up in the final book of the series! Lots of action with intense fight scenes happening one after another after another, and romance peppered in. The pacing was a little off in the beginning but by the end I was totally enthralled and completely sucked into the book! I started the third book immediately and literally forgot to eat dinner because the opening scene was so freaking awesome. Hunger pains are the only reason I put it down :)

**Just want to throw out a trigger warning to anyone who has ever been in an abusive relationship - I found the first few chapters to be uncomfortable, and because of that it took me a while to sink into the story.

**Also, I got this on Netgalley for an honest review.

This. Book.

This is where I wish I was good with gifs, because it would be an almost exclusive gif review of shock and awe and happiness. : )

Now, why only the 4 stars and not the full five you ask? Well, while it actually made sense to the plot, there was a LOT of sex. Also a lot of politics. Not what I was looking for in this book. I wanted Action, Adventure, Magic and Deus Ex Machina! (Usually I HATE DEM, but in this book, it actually COMPLETELY made sense. I KNOW, RIGHT?!?)

This author, holy cow, but she can WRITE. The stuff I didn't like and things I normally don't like (see DEM mention above), she actually makes WORK. The world is built in such a way that those things are NORMAL and NECESSARY for the plot, but not in an eye-rolling way.

I seriously don't know how she does it and I want MORE!!

Good thing I have the next one to read!! But I can't until Lent is over, (sad-face), so I will just have to wait.

Ordinarily, this would be a 3.5, rounded down to three star book, but she is so awesome and everything just fits so well, and the first book ROCKED, that this is rounded up to 4 stars.

Recommended if you are into sex in your fantasy books and like action scenes where the good guys get beat up, but you know they have to win. Right? No more "Game of Thrones", I beg you!

My thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for an eARC copy of this book to read and review.

Breath of Fire was even better than A Promise of Fire! Cat and Griffin are such an amazing couple and they shine in the second book of the series.

This book is action packed, our favorite host of characters (and many new ones) go from one quest to another. There are a whole lot of mythical creatures, gods and of course, myths that make an appearance and I found that fascinating. I found some portions of the plot somewhat unnecessary (I don’t want to include spoilers), but the overall feel of the book is of excitement, love, power and forward movement.

Cat is such as strong character. She was made that way by her mother and siblings that were all abusive and honestly, just plain crazy. I think she grows stronger still because she learns to love, she understand the meaning of family, she finally understands her importance and how carefully the gods have played in her life. Cat is straightforward, tries to be honest, ironic, and though. Griffin is also strong, but he’s not afraid to show his feelings to anyone. He loves Cat beyond reason and he’s ready to always protect her and be his number one fan. I just love them together, they were made for each other.

Griffin’s Beta team, and his family as a great cast of characters, I loved all most of them and a few more get added as Sinta gets more powerful. An awesome addition to the series!

I enjoyed this book and will read the third in the series, but I didn't like it nearly so well as the first one. It seemed like the protagonist "happened" to do everything right as she was more a catalyst for what needed to happen rather than an active participant. A nice twist at the end, however, has me looking forward to the next installment.

A PROMISE OF FIRE was a deeply flawed book, but I saw Bouchet's potential, so I decided to give BREATH OF FIRE another shot . . . Unfortunately, I DNFed after the convoluted opening sequence. Too much angst for this girl.

Three and a half stars: A solid sequel with amazing characters, fantastic battle scenes and lots of mythology, but it falters because of the ridiculous amount of sex.

Cat is convinced that Griffin is done with her now that he knows who she truly is. How can he want to be with someone who is fated to destroy the world? After all, Cat’s fate is the to be the harbinger of doom. Luckily, she underestimates Griffin and his trio of faithful comrades. Soon, Cat, Griffin and Beta Team are on a fantastic quest ordained by the gods. They will face horrific mythological beasts, encounter a few gods, battle wits with a Centaur, and finally enter into a gladiator type battle in order to conquer a kingdom. Can Cat and Alpha save the world instead of destroy it?
What I Liked:
*A Promise of Fire was one of my favorite reads of 2016, but I held off reading Breath of Fire. This was a solid sequel, and I shouldn’t have hesitated. Yes it had some problems, but it proved to be an exciting book with lots of action, death defying quests with mythological gods and monsters, culminating with an epic gladiator battle and a strong focus and family friends and a hot romance. If you enjoy Greek mythology, this is definitely a series to check out.
*I continue to love the characters. Cat is growing and evolving into a fierce fighter because she is now embracing who she is and learning to wield her powers. I like this new fierce and feisty Cat, and I am excited to watch her master her skills. Griffin continues to be a supportive partner who always has Cat’s back.I love his bravery and his loyalty to his friends and family. The Beta Team consisting of Flynn, Kato and Carver are outstanding. I love this brave trio of men who put their lives on the line time and time again for Cat and Griffin. Kato especially endures some hardship in this one. All in all, this is a well rounded, exciting and entertaining cast of characters.
*I enjoy Greek mythology, and this series has heaps of Greek gods and monsters. I thought the quests were thrilling, and I liked all the different types of mythological creatures in this one. This series is a must for Greek mythology fans.
*If you want action, this book has it. It is packed full of dangerous battle scenes with all kinds of monsters. The ending doesn’t disappoint either as it is an epic gladiator type battle with mages, monsters and more.
*The ending culminates with a stunning finale. There were also a couple of exciting reveals that I will be anxious to follow up on in the next book. I was pleased that there was not a cliffhanger either.
And The Not So Much:
*I had read other reviews going in so I knew this one was loaded with sex scenes. The other reviewers were right… there is too much sex. I loved the first book because it was all about the chemistry and attraction and desire. This one was sex…sex…sex. If you like sex scenes this one is for you, but it got old. It starts with a big ridiculous fight, that taints the romance a bit, and then there is an entire chapter of makeup sex. Then the rest of the book plays out like this… big battle, almost dying sex…rinse and repeat. I found myself skimming the sex scenes because there were several that were entire chapters. Sometimes when it comes to sex less is more. We get that these two love and lust after each other and they want to get on, but we don’t need to read every encounter.
*The opening scene puts a bad taste in your mouth. I won’t go into details, but it is ridiculous.
*I did enjoy the battles, but Cat putting herself in danger time and time again and almost dying gets old. I hate when the heroine gets bitch slapped around too much.
*I love Kato, Flynn and Carver, but I wish that we could get to know them better. What was the deal with Carver’s love life? Why doesn’t Kato have a girlfriend, and by god when will Flynn get it right with his romance?
*Griffin at times is too overbearing. Cat can take care of herself. Having him lose his head constantly was a bit much.

Breath of Fire was a good sequel. I liked the plot development, the evolution of the characters, the action and the Greek mythology. There aren’t too many dull moments in this one. The biggest problem with this book is there are far too many lengthy and lustful sex scenes. It found myself skimming way too much. Still, I am eager to see how the final book plays out.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for this review.
Posted@Rainy Day Ramblings.

I LOVE THIS SERIES. I can't wait for the resolution of all the various plot threads. The protagonists are well drawn and engaging, the world building is excellent, and the romance is a sigh worthy, swoony treat. Am enjoying this so much - but let's get to book 3 sometime soon! Please!

Cat and the crew are back! More magic, more adventure, more hot sex scenes with Cat and Griffin. This will leave readers on edge until Book 3 comes out (pub date 1/18)

I really enjoyed reading this book. The first was such a fortunate find, that I was so excited when I got a copy to read this, and it blew me away. Great character, story line was so easy and smooth to follow, I just ate it all up, finished it so quickly I had to re-read, just in case in my hastre I missed anything (I really didn't).

It was so easy to get back into this world. Stepping back into the Beta Team’s lives felt like coming home. I found myself trying to slow down so that the ending didn’t come too soon but I failed. This second book in the trilogy follows through and is a page turner.

The focus in Breath of Fire is a quest to the Ice Plains to find the Chaos Wizard for advice in getting the Ipotane on board to control the borders – much needed so that the Beta Team’s plan can be put into action at the Agon Games. And what a quest it is! with only Cat and Kato allowed into the glacial cave, the team are split. Both of them have to prove themselves in different ways although Cat does get a helping hand from the Gods. More conflict comes from the Hydra guarding the Pthtian Gap (fabulous scene on the Plain of Asphodel) and once through, another challenge is set by the Ipotane Alpha, Lycheron who wants Cat for his own (Cat’s sarcastic wit is still very much in evidence throughout the story 🙂 ). Plenty of action and entertainment!

The Agon Games … my hands have never been as cold and clammy as that while reading a book! The fights were so visual for me and of course I’m so invested emotionally in the Beta Team I wanted to protect them myself. Mythical creatures and beasts, magic and mayhem. Fabulous scenes.

Talking of scenes, it’s the first time we see what Cat’s mother is capable of doing with a battle that I didn’t think the Beta team could win. Heart-pounding and I could taste the fear! The finale in the Tarvan Castle gave me some surprises and finally Cat learns why her mum was so determined to get her home. It’s not all edge of death stuff. One scene in particular is full of love and belonging. Beautiful. Griffin was inspired with the symbols of the three realms 🙂 The sex scenes are powerful in more ways than just the physical.

The Kingmaker Trilogy is a fantasy/magical story where not only the world building, mythology, quest and magic is outstanding but the romance is soul punching too. Highly recommended!

Breath of Fire is a sequel to A Promise of Fire and it picks off right where it's predecessor left off. It had been so long since I read Promise, that I was a little lost at first trying to remember who side character were and such. Once I reacquainted with the story and characters though, it flowed pretty well. Because of this initial confusion however, I would say it would be best to read A Promise of Fire before trying this one out. The author didn't seem to do a very good job of catching a new reader up to date.

Honestly, the first few chapters were random in my opinion. They do not progress the plot in any fashion. It was mostly just an argument and then serious make up sex. I don't mind too much sex in my stories, but this out did my level of comfort so I skimmed quite a bit of it. I know though, that there are a lot of readers out there who would have loved it, so I just pressed on afterwards.

After the first four chapters, the story actually begins in my opinion. The royals determine their next move to unite the three kingdoms, and go about getting started. I did start to enjoy the book at this point. I got a little drawn back the same as the last book with the characters' language. It just sounded to modern for an ancient Greek setting.

Sadly, though, I came across a near rape scene. It was not done badly in any way, I want to make sure that's put out there. But for me, I can't take it. I've stopped many books because of this. I'm sure they might have all been great books, too, but I just can't get past it. I tried to read another chapter, but I just kept remembering my fear for Cat, and I would get nauseous all over again.

This book might be great for the right reader. I stopped at chapter 10, about 25%. I wish I was better at handling that type of scene. Again, I felt the author handled that situation tastefully, and it wasn't too much. I just personally couldn't stomach. it.

I loved the first book in this series because it was so damn fun to read. Unfortunately, this second entry went in the opposite direction and is completely devoid of any and all fun. A by-the-numbers-quest, a borderline abusive hero, and rape used as a plot device sink this sequel.

This story picks up just a few days after A Promise of Fire left off with Cat recuperating in bed from a near-fatal stabbing and contemplating telling Griffin all of her insane secrets. Alas, coming up with a plan won’t be necessary because Griffin’s discovered her secrets from another party and is royally pissed off. This, only a page into the book, is where the story lost me.

I’m generally a fan of the over-bearing alpha hero who learns to relax the reins a bit, and I thought that was done well in the first book. Emotional abuse, however, is a hard line for me and I feel like Griffin crosses it here. He also grossly overreacts, considering he already knew she had major secrets. They had just made vows to each other, and she had told him she was almost ready to confide in him. So he discovers everything off screen, bursts into their room to scream at her, and then destroys the room with her in it? That’s not hero material to me. That’s abusive shithead material. I mean, she has to leap out of the bed (while still recovering from a stab wound!) because he draws his sword and then smashes it in two. I find this whole thing very triggering and no amount of apologies or declarations of love could fix it.

From this lovely opening volley, Cat and Griffin proceed to make up, gather Beta Team, and formulate a plan. They decide to go on the offensive and attack the most vulnerable of the other two realms. To do so, they first need to go on a quest to get magical creatures to help guard their border. This quest takes up the bulk of the book. Unfortunately, it’s also very prescribed and regimented. Basically, Cat and company go to the gods for help, are given all of the tools they’ll need, told exactly where to go and what to do, and then they go and do it. This doesn’t make for a super exciting adventure, I’m afraid.

This is also where the most problematic aspect of the story rears its head. One of the prescribed quest points involves a member of the team being raped by a goddess’ handmaiden in order to move the quest along. There’s no choice in the matter. He can either submit or the quest fails. There’s no grey area, here. There’s just rape. As a reader, this made me see red. I don’t like when women’s rapes are used to motivate heroes and move the plot along. Rape as a plot device is not okay.

I flat out hated this book and was so angry by the time I finished it. I can’t remember the last time a series soured so hard for me so fast. I feel like Bouchet took a promising story and made one bad decision after another with it. I will not be continuing with this series.

I was bowled over by the first in Amanda Bouchet’s Kingmaker series, I just wasn’t expecting to love the book as much as I did. Which means, unfortunately for Breath of Fire my expectations were sky high. Fortunately however, cos I know Amanda Bouchet was worried about it, I really loved this book as well. Perhaps not as the first one, then again the first one didn’t have my expectations to contend with.

In Breath of Fire Bouchet ups the ante on everything, there’s more action, adventure, magic, magical creatures and romance, all combined to create an exciting read. We read as Cat and Griffin’s relationships grows and deepens as they face not only physical and magical danger but as Cat gets accustomed to trusting people, or at least certain people.

Then there’s the adventure. So much happens in this book we bounce from a labyrinth to a more blood thirsty version of the Olympics, all the while political turmoil is rife. This makes Breath of Fire a real page turner, if you aren’t interested in the hot and heavy romance going on, then maybe it’s the defeating a cyclops that keeps you reading, then again, I know that I couldn’t wait to read more about a secondary romance brewing between Griffin’s sister and one of his friends. This book has something for everyone.

The only issue I have with this book, is that I can find Cat’s POV…trying. Although I like her character, I don’t enjoy reading from her POV, she’s funny at first, but sometimes her self-pity and ‘pithy’ thoughts extremely irritating. Not only that, but I can be jarring when in a scene; I think I would much prefer this book from third person POV.

However, I will be eagerly anticipating the next book in this series, if you want to try a fantasy heavy on the romance, yet still with an intriguing new world than I highly recommend giving the first book a try.

Breath of Fire by Amanda Bouchet is the 2nd book in her fantastic 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.

Another winner in the bag! Just as enjoyable as A Promise of Fire, Breath of Fire was a fun mythological fantasy roller-coaster of a ride with many revelations and secrets being revealed. I love that Cat is still snarky, that Griffin is still alpha and Beta team (Carver, Finn and Kato) is still freak’n awesome.

The story opens up were we left on in the last book. It was a bit of an odd beginning, but from there on out, with a Beta team road-trip-esque quest to find the Ipotane and a Gladiator-esque battle-to-the-death tournament, I was kept on the edge of seat. I seriously loved the crazy adventure. There was finding the Chaos Wizard, fighting a hydra, getting lost in a maze, and battling some Goddesses! There was definitely no half-assing anything in this book.

“There’s no way we’re getting past that. At least it stays in the lake.”
I eye the enormous creature. “If it didn’t, we’d be dead. More dead. I mean, really dead. For real.”

The Agon Games, while not even a quarter of the book, was deadly, intense and action-packed. I love that we got to see a little more of Griffin’s sister Jocasta. The amount of times I thought people were going to dead definitely kept my stress level up!

About the romance. So steamy! If you thought there wasn’t enough smoochy time in A Promise of Fire, well it definitely got amped up in Breath of Fire, now with Cat and Griffin (most Cat) not denying their love for each other. I very much still love them together. They’re quite the power couple. And also ridiculously cute!

“There once was an Alpha named Griffin.” I stop, at a loss. “Son of a Cyclops! Nothing rhymes with Griffin.”
He chuckles. “You’d have more luck with ‘An Origin named Cat.”
“Easy. She’s as crazy as a bat, and kind of a brat.”
Smiling, Griffin drops his hands to my waist and pulls me in close. His lips trace a scorching path across my cheek to my ear. “And I love her just like that.”

Beta team. I love them to bits. We definitely got to see more of them, their history and their personalities in this. I’m still waiting with bated breath for the Finn/ Jocasta romance to be a thing. I loved getting to see more of adorably charming Kato! And oh Carver, I need to know more! I don’t really know who I love more. I hope to the high Olympian heavens that they get their stories!

Overall, this was a fantastic adventure read, with some big developments that have me crying in the corner because we have to wait a year for book three. If you enjoyed A Promise of Fire, you’ll fly right through this was it’s amped up greek mythology, action and romance. I need more!

And on a slight random note. I love that Cat and Griffin’s horses (Panotii and Brown Horse) have personalities. Just the best.

The second novel is just as enjoyable as the first. The story picks up right where book one ends, no time lapses. This time the gods are making the favor known more and more. The action is pretty much nonstop and leaves you wondering if everyone is ever going to get a break. Unfortunately, I now have to wait a year to find out the next part of Cat and Griffin's journey.