heather frost – GoodeyReads

Rating: ★★★★
Audience: Fantasy Romance
Length: 685 pages
Author: Heather Frost
Publisher: Self Published
Release Date: December 18th, 2025
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

She chose to trust him.

He swore to protect her.

But surviving Esperance was only the beginning . . .

Amryn never intended to betray the rebels she swore to help—or fall for the husband she was forced to marry. But when everything at Esperance fell apart, Carver became the one person she could trust. Now, she must rely on him more than ever—especially since the knights who hunt empaths know one was at Esperance. If they find her, they will kill her. Yet the threat Amryn doesn’t see coming may prove deadlier, because even though she turned her back on the rebels, the Rising isn’t done with her.

Carver has already lost too much at Esperance. He won’t lose anyone else—especially Amryn. He’ll fight to protect his wife from every threat, including the mysterious bloodstone that nearly killed her. He knows the dangerous relic must be destroyed, but first he has to get the surviving Chosen to the capital—a mission that soon turns deadly, making it clear there is still someone out there who never planned for the Chosen to leave Esperance alive.

But safety isn’t guaranteed in the emperor’s palace. Here, every action is scrutinized and politics twist every word. Surrounded by hidden enemies, ruthless assassins, and deadly conspiracies, Amryn and Carver must navigate a web of danger that could cost them everything—including their lives.

Invictus is book two in a swoony, closed-door fantasy romance series by Amazon bestselling author Heather Frost. If you love slow-burn romance, surprising twists, and an action-packed story you can’t put down, you’ll love Invictus. Just be sure to read Esperance first!

GIMME BOOK THREE.

This is one of the few gems in the [adult closed door fantasy romance] spaces. I have struggled to find ones I can easily recommend and so far so good through book two.

My one small issue was the length. At 670 pages it’s a beast and I started to feel it after awhile. And I did pick out the plot and reveals pretty early on.

Now, the romance?? GIVE ME MORE KISSES. I absolutely loved the building relationship between Carver and Amryn. It’s creating a genuine bond that feels deep and secure and I’m obsessed with the ways the both take care of each other. I truly like this whole cast and seeing some of the side romances blossom too.

This was left with a brutal cliffhanger so I’m excited to read book three when it drops!!

Overall audience notes:

Fantasy romance
Language: none
Romance: closed door
Violence: mild-moderate
Content warnings: kidnapping, attempted murder, murder, weapons/physical violence

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Rating: ★★★★
Audience: Fantasy Romance
Length: 512 pages
Author: Heather Frost
Publisher: Self Published
Release Date: November 18th, 2022
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

Twelve strangers. Six marriages. One year in Esperance.

Amryn has many reasons to hate the empire. Her latest is her forced marriage to General Carver Vincetti, better known as the Butcher. If he learns even one of her secrets, he will kill her. And Amryn has many secrets. Not only is she an empath with forbidden magic, she’s also a newly recruited rebel intent on destroying the empire—starting at Esperance.

Carver knows the rebels have infiltrated the remote temple of Esperance. His job is to hunt them down before they can wreck the emperor’s new peace. Despite the demons that haunt him, Carver is intent on his mission—but he’s not prepared for Amryn. From her fiery red hair to her surprising wit, his new wife has captured his attention. The attraction that flares between them is undeniable. Now he just has to determine if she’s the enemy.

When the newly married couples become targets in a violent game, Esperance becomes more dangerous than anyone anticipated. Carver and Amryn are about to discover that no one is exactly who they appear to be—especially each other.

INVESTED.

This book and I had a journey.

We started off super strong. I loved the premise for the plot and I am ALWAYS here for a arraigned marriage situation. There was good action to get the blood pumping and many mysteries afoot.

Then in the middle we lost me for a bit. The magic system and world building still needs some help. I think the confinement in one location caused a lack of understanding for the outside world and why there’s magic in the first place. I’m hopeful this is further explained in the next book since there’s going to be many new locations. I did struggle with the romance too, there was a bit more tell vs. show. Buuut I will say, once I got pass the 60% mark things progressively picked up.

And the ending. The whole last quarter was a wild ride. I loved having reveal after reveal after reveal. Some twists I saw coming, others, totally surprised by. And even better? NO THIRD ACT CONFLICT between the main couple. There’s plenty of other things happening around them and the fact they actually decide to TRUST one another was amazing. I love that kind of hope and communication.

I official consider myself invested in continuing this trilogy. I’m excited and hopeful about the next book!

Overall audience notes:

Fantasy Romance
Language: very little
Romance: kisses; mentions of closed-door between other couples
Violence: high
Trigger/Content Warnings: murder, kidnapping, loss of loved ones, weapons violence, poisoning