Happy Friday, everyone! I've got something a little different for you today. I don't think I've recommended a fantasy/paranormal type romance in a LONG time--mainly, because I burned myself out on them when they were THE thing a few years ago.

However, this week I picked up A Promise of Fire by Amanda Bouchet. I got a copy at RWA last year and have been hearing a ton of buzz about it (it made a bunch of Best Of lists). Plus, this book was edited by my new editor at Sourcebooks, so I figured I'd give it a shot. Boy, am I glad I did!

If you've followed me for a long time, you may remember that one of my favorite YA series a few years ago was the Vampire Academy series. I loved, loved that series for three reasons:

Fantastic world-building
A badass, lethal heroine
An epic romance

And guess what. That is EXACTLY what A Promise of Fire delivers but in adult form instead of of YA.

I'm not going to go too deeply into the plot because it's intricate and you have to read to understand the world. But there are gods, royalty, magic, dragons, sexy warriors, sexy times (though it's slow-burning and she makes you work for the payoff, lol), and lots of intrigue. This is a series, so the story will continue in Breath of Fire which released this month, but this first book does wrap up to a satisfying point and isn't a throw-your-book-against-the-wall cliffhanger.

So even if this isn't your typical fare (it's not mine), I think you should give this one a shot. It's fast-moving and full of excitement. Also, the heroine has to save the hero at times (a favorite trope of mine).

Here's the back cover copy:

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.

Buy the book: Amazon | B&N | Indiebound

What are you reading this weekend? And if you missed the recommendations for this month's Read & Watch Challenge, check them out! :)