A romantic fantasy according to my heart: well plotted, gripping, featuring an interesting romance and a fascinating world building.
I enjoyed it and it kept me hooked till the end.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

The romance in this book between Flynn and Jocasta was spellbinding, with an interesting plot that kept me captivated till the end. There was just enough action and adventure to keep readers on their toes, and detailed world-building to make readers loose themselves into the story and characters.

The queen has been cursed and it's no ordinary curse.
It's the type of curse where you can't pinpoint who did it.
Thus here starts the Quest for finding an answer.

I Loved Jocasta so much! she actually had the nerve to go after what she wanted no matter the end result.
i know i'm missing a lot of puzzle pieces because i haven't read the previous books but we shall remedy that soon!
Mister Flynn, you would think his heart is cold as hell but no, when i saw his pov after the kiss, THIS man is down so harddd!!! ugh i'm in love with him
* Adds to the ever growing book boyfriend list*
Also Tell me why I'm so obsessed with Carver! The silent broody way he'd stick up for a certain someone. Cat and Griffin, my heart.

“You’ve been cursed.” There. She’d said it. She looked at Cat. Queen Catalia Thalyria now - and the closest thing Persephone had to a human daughter. “There’s powerful magic all over you. Not yours.”

I thoroughly enjoyed the series Kingmaker Chronicles (reviews HERE) and had hoped that Amanda would in time, venture back into this amazing world she created. She has! If you are a lover of fantasy and magic, romance and Greek mythology - then this is the series for you. Amanda has created an amazing world with super strong characters and action aplenty.

This book excitingly focuses on Jocasta and Flynn. There is next to no time with the original Cat and Griffin from the original trilogy, but I was also thrilled to have a whole book dedicated to Jo and Flynn’s story. The cutest couple. The romance (and sex) was off the charts (as expected); the plot with its mythological elements was so good; the friendships and action scenes were strong and impactful. If you enjoyed the first books from the original trilogy, you are sure to love this one for sure.

“The woman who stepped in to save the day, despite the danger to herself. The woman who called everyone together and proposed a solution to a problem that could tear a kingdom and a family apart. The woman who made a plan when not even the gods had one.” Her sharp inhalation shuddered in her throat. She wiped a tear from her eye. “Let’s just hope my plan works.” “I’m done hoping.” Carver’s flat tone made her look up at him, hurt. “I believe instead.”

This has all the feels of the beginning of the continuation of Kingmaker Chronicles (thus this being #4) as there were some things unresolved. This book veered more towards being character driven with the plot taking second place. As I love Jo and Flynn I had no issue with this. I did love the inclusion of Circe’s Garden, the magic certainly was palpable.

I eagerly await the next book as I have strong suspicions it will be about a couple that will definitely burn up the pages! A Curse of Queens was the perfect addition to the Kingmaker Chronicles.

“That sounds like the right ending to this quest.” Flynn kissed her back, his brown eyes hopeful and warm. “And the perfect beginning to so much more.”








This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.

I enjoyed this book and I was so excited to read it but I was slightly bored through the middle part. The last part was great and back to the quality reminiscent of the amazing stories written in the previous books of this series. Things actually happen! The romance is strong, the action is high and the resolution is happy.

#PubDayParty:⁣
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Thank you @sourcebookscasa for the gifted copies!⁣
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Listen up, if you haven’t read The Kingmaker Chronicles, what are you doing? When I say I now understand what they mean when they say “romantasy” it’s because of this series. I now understand I am team “one horse trope” because.. of this series.⁣
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I was a bit weary of going into A Curse of Queens because I heard it was more of Jocasta’s telling. Not because I didn’t like Jocasta.. I just LOVED Cat. (queue Zombies 2 soundtrack “she’s a cheerleader, not an alpha”) I should have never doubted Amanda Bouchet, because I fell even more in love with Jocasta and Flynn. I enjoyed their little quips and bit of tension in the last 3 books, but it was obviously overshadowed by Cat and Griffin’s.. hotness. So it was nice to have them front and center, and yes, the tension is tensioning. ⁣
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Highly recommend reading the first 3 in the series to get a basis and knowledge of all that encompasses Thalyria. I’m also fully invested in these characters and think you should be too. Also, grab the novella because I still need to read it and am so happy I bought it for myself) thank you again @sourcebookscasa for the gifted copy!⁣
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A Curse of Queens is out today. ❤️❤️

Ever since finishing the last book in this series a few years ago, I have been looking forward to getting my hands on a copy of A Curse of Queens! Cat and Griffin are one of my favourite fictional couples because of how they were written and a could not wait to see how Bouchet expanded her writing to other couples whom I had begun to adore in other books like Flynn and Jocasta. The brother's best friend trope is a favourite of mine that is played out beautifully in this novel as this wanting has been going on for years. What I appreciated was that it wasn't shallow but the background was built up and there was tension between Flynn and Jo for years. Their romance was sweet and respectful. They cared about one another on a level that many other stories lack.
While the romance was there A Curse of Queens has so much more to offer than the romance. In the previous three books, readers get to see both Flynn and Jo as characters and have who they are laid out, however, in this book, their characters are expanded and much more about them is offered regarding their hearts and background. I especially fell in love with Jocasta and her heart for others. It is shown in her interactions with her family along with the people who come to her for healing. Learning about Flynn's family and backstory made him more of a whole character than readers had previously seen. The other characters explored in this book also made their way into my heart. While Team Beta/Alpha will always be number one, Team Elpis brought something special to the table and their journey was incredible.
What made this book especially amazing was the many, many connections to greek mythology which has made this series a favourite of mine. Bouchet uses these mythological creatures perhaps even more than before. The use of the Oddesy made me squeal every time a new connection was revealed.
In summary, if you have enjoyed the previous books then read this one. While it hurt my heart in some areas (Carver and Kato), It was a beautiful continuation of the story. If you have not read the previous books then do so first. They are a great read if you want a romance-filled spin on greek mythology and magic.

Going into A Curse of Queens, I didn’t realize that it was part of a series. Surprisingly though, it was fairly simple to jump right into.

As the title suggests, the queen is now cursed and the kingdom’s newfound peace is on the line. The king’s sister will embark on a journey to a fabled city in hopes of finding a cure for the queen.

While this book was entertaining, it just wasn’t for me. The plot has been done before, over and over again. I didn’t like the smut at all. The writing was choppy. Again, it just wasn’t for me. The author does have a strong following though so I am certain this series works for many people.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: fiction; fantasy; Greek mythology; romantasy

In this fourth book in the Kingmaker Chronicles series, the path to peace has been set, however, the gods are unreliable and someone is out to sabotage the pregnancy of the new Queen, Cat by putting her in stasis where her pregnancy can’t progress so she can’t give birth to her and Griffin’s daughter whom the entire realm is waiting for. Jocasta, Griffin’s younger sister and healer, uncovers a solution and offers to help set out to find Circe’s mythical garden to collect an antidote to save Cat. A team is formed to travel and retrieve the antidote. The team includes the farmer/warrior Flynn, Jocasta’s forever crush. This task will test their strength and limits, and their devotion to each other.

If you want action, adventure and romance, you’ve got it here! Add volatile Greek gods and creatures and you’ll have a smashing good time. I only have a passing knowledge of Greek mythology but I never felt out of my depth because Bouchet always provides context. The romance between Jocasta and Flynn, two virgin heroes, is so tender. But don’t be fooled as things do get spicy between them. The side characters on this adventure are entertaining and awesome, too.

I love this series and I had an amazing time reading this. It only gets better towards the end and I held my breath waiting for the team to ultimately triumph!

Thank you to @netgalley & @sourcebookscasa for my ARC. This is my honest review.

A Curse Of Queens features Jocasta - a talented healer and princess, who's determined to find a cure for the curse that threatens Cat(who's the queen and her sister-in-law) and Flynn - captain of the guard and one of her brother's best friends! These two have known each other since childhood and there's so much pining on both ends, but for a variety of reasons they've maintained an uncomfortable distance from each other. But, don't worry that doesn't last long 😂⁣
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So, Jo along with Flynn, Carver, Bellanca and Prometheus set off on a journey to find a solution for Cat's curse and they have to face a lot of challenges and trials on the way. Technically this can be read as a standalone but it'd be even more enjoyable if you read the previous books(featuring Cat and Griffin's story)! I love Amanda Bouchet's writing and I was glad to be back in this world that features Greek mythology and many other unique elements!⁣
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I think my favorite part about this book was seeing the sides of Jo and Flynn that I hadn't seen before! Their inner struggles and feelings made them so real and they grow so much through the course of their journey! Jo is different from Cat as she might not have magic and ass-kicking skills, but she had a special kind of strength and confidence! Flynn was just as complex but so sweet at the same time. And these two together - oof! So much longing and pining lol😆 Totally loved the romance!⁣
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Just like the other books in the series this one also has an amazing mix of adventure, magic, romance and friendship! Carver and Bellanca were always pulling each other's pigtails and constantly bickering! I hope they get a book of their own!⁣
I'll just stop gushing about this one here, but please do pick this or the whole series up if you're in the mood for some amazing fantasy! You'll definitely love it!✨

The Kingmaker Chronicles series is a top fave of mine in fantasy romance so you can imagine how excited I was when I heard that we'd be getting a new spin-off book!!! 😆⁣
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A Curse Of Queens features Jocasta - a talented healer and princess, who's determined to find a cure for the curse that threatens Cat(who's the queen and her sister-in-law) and Flynn - captain of the guard and one of her brother's best friends! These two have known each other since childhood and there's so much pining on both ends, but for a variety of reasons they've maintained an uncomfortable distance from each other. But, don't worry that doesn't last long 😂⁣
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So, Jo along with Flynn, Carver, Bellanca and Prometheus set off on a journey to find a solution for Cat's curse and they have to face a lot of challenges and trials on the way. Technically this can be read as a standalone but it'd be even more enjoyable if you read the previous books(featuring Cat and Griffin's story)! I love Amanda Bouchet's writing and I was glad to be back in this world that features Greek mythology and many other unique elements!⁣
⁣
I think my favorite part about this book was seeing the sides of Jo and Flynn that I hadn't seen before! Their inner struggles and feelings made them so real and they grow so much through the course of their journey! Jo is different from Cat as she might not have magic and ass-kicking skills, but she had a special kind of strength and confidence! Flynn was just as complex but so sweet at the same time. And these two together - oof! So much longing and pining lol😆 Totally loved the romance!⁣
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Just like the other books in the series this one also has an amazing mix of adventure, magic, romance and friendship! Carver and Bellanca were always pulling each other's pigtails and constantly bickering! I hope they get a book of their own!⁣
I'll just stop gushing about this one here, but please do pick this or the whole series up if you're in the mood for some amazing fantasy! You'll definitely love it!✨

This is quite a mythological saga series! It's a quest type story. A wonderful story of family and being there for each other. Princess Jocasta finally finds her place in the newly royal family as an equal and the love of her heart in Flynn. She has to prove to him love can make you stronger than walling up your heart. I have always loved mythology and this breaths life into the gods of Olympus.

The Queen Catalia has been slipped an elixir of Eternal Life that puts her in stasis while 8-1/2 months pregnant with the heir that will unify the realm. She's been caught in a power struggle between the Olympus gods. Jocasta, the non-magical healer of the family is determined to find a cure and searches the ancient wisdom of the kingdom. She finally stumbles on the story of the imprisoned witch Circe who is the Titan goddess of plants. Jo quickly realizes Circe can grow a plant in her garden that will be the antidote to the powerful Olympic gift of eternal life.

The first part of this book moves a bit slowly building relationships and finding answers setting up the quest. The remainder of the book is loaded with action, bravery and danger for Team Elpis which means hope: Jocasta, Flynn, Bellanca (former Magoi warrior-princess), Carver (J0's resurrected brother) and the god Prometheus who's still recovering from his torture. These five use their wits and skills to be victorious over the five trials they must face to reach Circe's hidden prison island. Along the way they are forever changed and their relationships between each other. Each realize they are but pawns in a war stirring within Mt. Olympus for ultimate power.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Griffin and Cat have united Thalyria as promised, and Cat is soon to bear a child who will be the true symbol of all the bloodlines in the kingdom. However, the Gods are not quite done with Cat yet and she is cursed to remain exactly in that moment of time, 8+ months pregnant. Jocasta, Griffin's sister and gifted healer has one final remedy to try but it will mean an epic adventure away from the safety and security of the palace. Jocasta needs to locate the garden of Circe and convince Circe to grow the antidote to the poison that was used on Cat.
Obviously finding the legendary Garden of Circe is not going to be a cakewalk. They will need to travel to the ends of the earth and then they will need to cross the water keeping themselves safe from Scylla and Charybdis and make landfall on the island where Circe has been imprisoned. A small group of five sets out on this dangerous quest. 
Jocasta has been in love with Flynn from childhood but now keeps a safe distance from him since he spurned her adolescent advances. Flynn is convinced that he does not deserve love, so he keeps his distance from Jocasta despite his deep love and adoration for her. The is no way that he is going to let her set off without his protection on her dangerous quest, however. Accompanied by Jocasta's brother, Cat's sister and Promethus the party of five sets off along the king's road. 
Events cause the party to split up leaving Flynn and Jocasta as one unit giving them an opportunity to come closer together. In a story that reads like a tale from Greek mythology or the Odyssey, the team faces challenges that make it clear that while the God's might appear to not be paying attention to them, something epic is going on and they are still a pawn in the God's battles. 
It's clear that there's more in store in this world and I can't wait to see where the author takes us next.

Before I get into this review, you should know a few things. First, reading the previous books in this series is a must, don’t go into this fourth book in the series and then complain that you are lost. There is an ongoing plot arc and references to previous events leading up to Jo and Flynn going on this epic quest. Secondly, if you are curious about what happened to Piers, there is a novella, Of Fate and Fire, released in July which will give you closure to his character arc. I recommend reading it too.

Now for A Curse of Queens, this book picks up after Cat and Griffin have taken the throne and are working out all the kinks of ruling over a kingdom that has known much division and strife for so long. There is a prologue that finally sheds some light on what happened between Flynn and Jocasta, and why there is a distance between them now. And why the two are positively PINING for each other, yet staying away.

The big conflict arises early on, Cat has been cursed with anti-aging Olympian magic which means that she will never change or grow old. This also means that her pregnancy will never progress and her baby will never be born. Jo searches desperately for a cure and comes up with a daring plan to extract the cure from the garden of a Titan goddess exiled to a mythical island. So she, Flynn, Carver, Bellanca, and Prometheus set out to find this island and bring the cure back to the royal family. Along the way, the team will battle various mythological creatures out to usurp Zeus and the ruling gods on Olympus and undergo several dangerous trials.

I was actually surprised when the release date was announced for this addition to The Kingmaker Chronicles. I had no idea that the author was continuing on with the series. But as soon as I learned Flynn and Jocasta were finally getting their HEA and that there would be more adventures in this world I was all in. While I do think this book starts out a bit slow, once the Elpis Team gets on the road and begins their journey the action starts and only lets up at the end.

Jo and Flynn are that couple where you, the reader, are desperate for them to finally just give in and get together. Flynn fights it especially hard FOR REASONS, Both Jo and I were more than ready for him to stop making excuses. I do think the back-and-forth POV helped me understand both their love and admiration for each other, but also their fears about officially becoming a couple. Flynn especially.

As with all of the books in this series, it’s the well-rounded cast of characters that makes this book shine. Carver and Bellanca’s sniping and playful banter, but working as a team during a battle. Prometheus’s protectiveness and fighting ability. Flynn caring for his team in small ways. Jo’s intelligence and determination to help Cat and baby Eleni. It took all of them working together to finish this quest and save the day.

I won’t give any spoilers away, but there are events that happen toward the end and a meeting with a character believed to be lost, that has me excited for at least two more books in this series. If that’s the case, sign me up. I’m ready.

Jocasta and Flynn’s love story was just as wonderful as I expected!

Jo’s signature determination, resilience and devotion to her family shine through and Flynn’s courage and loyalty are a perfect match for her.

The feelings that began in their youth haven’t been buried, they’ve only been held in abeyance. When Cat and Griffin’s happiness and the security of the kingdom are threatened, Jo’s study of ancient texts and tendency to think outside the box may be the best hope of salvation.

The Beta team is still reeling from Kati’s death, but comes together in a dangerous quest to find a hidden isle and a miraculous solution. They’ll face monsters and obstacles along the way that make it imperative they rely on each other.

The forced proximity makes Flynn question why he’s denied himself the chance to be with Jo, and she commits herself to convincing him they have a future together.

Full review to come on my blog, ihyperomance.com

A huge thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the opportunity to read an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Amanda Bouchet continues the Kingmaker Chronicles with A Curse of Queens. Thalyria is united under Griffin and Cat as king and queen. Surely the gods are pleased. Then Cat is cursed with unchanging immortality while pregnant and unable to give birth. Whodunit and how can it be reversed. Princess Jocasta, the king's sister and a healer suggests a quest to the island of Circe who should be able to brew a cure from her garden. Flynn, Jocasta's beloved and leader of the army, sets off with her and talented crew on this quest hindered by supernaturals and gods along the way. Is there a war of the Gods on the way?

This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart


Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

I read the trilogy which started the Kingmaker Chronicles series. Cat and Griffin were the main characters there. Now we are getting stories from the rest of Team Alpha. I enjoyed the mythology, gods and creatures. I wanted to see what happened with the characters. In the novella, Of Fate & Fire, we learn about what happens with Piers. Now in A Curse of Queens, we get the story of Jocasta and Flynn.

The underlying problem here is the gods messing with Cat & Griffin for their own purposes. The problem solver is Jocasta. She is a healer and while she has no magic, she does have skills. She is smart and brave. I liked her a lot. We get both her point of view and Flynn's, in alternating chapters. Jocasta has lived the life of a princess of one of the three kingdoms and now overall with Cat & Griffin. She cares deeply about people and helping them. She has wanted a life with Flynn as long as she can remember.

Flynn is an olive farmer who lived near the royal family in Sinta, and has suffered much loss until he is the only one left in his family. He became part of Team Alpha and has been a soldier ever since with Griffin, heading the army. He is enamoured of Jocasta and protective of her, but refuses to love anyone since he might lose them. But he champions Jocasta and this quest she has to solve Cat's problem.

They need to contact another God, Circe, who is a master gardener. Jocasta has studied the scrolls to determine all the trials necessary to get what she needs. The team headed out on the adventure is Jocasta, Flynn, Carver, Bel and Prometheus. Each has their strengths and they are devoted to the cause. It is a wild and dangerous adventure but their intelligence, courage and skill helps them. They also have some help from the gods.

The romance is along with the adventure and I was rooting for them. Flynn and Jocasta are well suited and it was lovely to see them navigate a life together.

I wonder if there will be more in the series. I think Kira is the only family member still unmatched into a relationship. She is the youngest sister. It was fascinating to learn in the novella that this world is connected to that of the Endeavor series, which is set in space.

3.5-3.75 stars. This is a pretty good book and long-awaited continuation of this series. A Curse of Queens is a new couple's story- Jocasta (the younger sister of Griffin) and Flynn (one of his best friends). Jo is a healer without magic. She longs for the simple life when her family lived in the village. Everything changed now that her brother Griffin is king and her family is royalty. When she lived in the village she fell in love with her brother's friend, Flynn, but when she told him her feelings, he pushed her away. Flynn had a life of loss with his family members dying over the years. He doesn't want to take the risk of loving anyone else and losing them too. Now it is several years later and there is danger on the horizon for the royal family, with Cat and Griffin's unborn baby's life at risk. Jo and Flynn must go on a quest to find the cure to save the baby. Together, they must face their unresolved feelings and save the world as they know it along the way.

This was a good read. The last book in the series came out 4 years ago, so it took me a minute to reacquaint myself to this world. I really liked both Flynn and Jo, but I felt the story was a little slow for them to get together. I really liked them once they did. But I also felt the book was a little slow overall. The story picked up in last third of the book, which was my favorite part. Still, I enjoyed the book and I'm still enjoying this series. I look forward to more from Ms. Bouchet and I hope I don't have to wait four more years for more from this fun series!

This is Flynn and Jocasta's story, it's the fourth book in the Kingmaker Chronicles series. I love all the mythological elements, the plot is good paced and entertaining, I really liked all the action and adventure the story takes you, the world-building is intriguing and quite fun. The characters are likable, the chemistry is a bit off for my liking, I would've love more interactions. If you like Greek Mythology and a lot of adventures consider reading this series.

I loved the first three book sin this series, so naturally I was expecting this to knock it out of the park! Sadly, that is not what happened...at all. I was, to put it plainly, bored. I didn't feel the chemistry I was expecting, the plot moved at a snail's pace, and I kept wanting to swap it out for another book. I did try to read another book and come back to it, but each time I tried, I wanted to pick it back up less and less.

The heroine on her own was well written, I loved Jo, she was so strong and relatable. The hero on his own...meh. He was ridiculously into Jo, to the point where I didn't understand how they had been so close for years but never hashed out the miscommunication that had occurred when Jo turned 18. Makes no sense! I loved him in the first three book as a side character, but he somehow lost all his spark once he got his own.

Also, the couple for the next book is introduced in this book...and I'm already not interested.

I think this is a case of the author staying too long in a series. Some authors can keep going and going and going with one series, but it's rare. I look forward to reading other series by this author, but this one is done for me.