Title: InvictusAuthor: Heather Frost
Series: Esperance #2
Publication Date: Dec. 18, 2025
Genres: Fiction / Romance / Fantasy / Romantasy
Synopsis:
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.
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Wow! What a brilliant read. I feel like I say this every time I read a new book by Heather Frost, but it’s so worth repeating – She is a master storyteller, and I will read anything she writes.
The story picks up right where Esperance left off, and the world continues to expand as the remaining couples from Esperance travel to the capital to stay at the palace. There, Amryn and Carver face court and political intrigue, the mystery behind the bloodstone, enigmatic prophecies, assassination attempts, mysterious journals, and people who want people like Amryn dead. The story is full of action, danger, and betrayals, and Amryn’s secret puts her in constant jeopardy.
The major standout for me throughout the story was the romance between Amryn and Carver. I am officially in love with Carver and have moved him up on my favorite book boyfriends list. My word, that man is in love! I adore MMCs who will burn the world down for the FMC, and I fully believe Carver is that kind of man. The way he feels about Amryn is so swoon-worthy, and some of the things he says and does in this book were incredibly lovely and romantic. And the softer, quieter moments between them were so precious. It made me love them both even more. There’s also a budding romance that I’m 100 percent rooting for!
I also adored Carver’s family. They are loud and loving and the way they welcome Amryn into their family is so wonderful. They’re different from what I expected, which was a delightful surprise. Carver’s sisters and little brother are fabulous, his mother and father are exceptional, and his other brother is complicated. His relationship with Amryn is a step toward his healing, I think, and I have a feeling he is going to have a major role in the next book.
Invictus is an explosive follow-up to Esperance! The story delves into topics like the bonds of family and friendship, the desire for power, and the dangers of intolerance, ignorance, and blindly following the dictates of society. It’s a gripping and layered read that had me in a chokehold from start to finish and left me with my jaw hanging open at the end. There are so many twists and several shocking revelations, and I know I’ll be thinking of them and how everything is going to unfold until the next book comes out.
Thanks to Heather Frost for providing me with a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.
- Only one bed
- Opposites attract
- Political intrigue
“I already know too well that a man can only betray you if you first chose to trust him.”
“Some men prefer to stay in the darkness they believe they deserve.”
“For family we stand. With honor we live. Unconquered we remain.’”
“With this hand, I take thee freely. With this grasp, I cling to thee alone. With this vow, I wed thee. And with this kiss, I claim thee mine.”
Heather Frost is a #1 Amazon Bestselling YA author who loves epic stories with breath-stealing romance. She is the author of the Seers trilogy and the Fate of Eyrinthia series. Her books have been Whitney Award Finalists and Swoony Award Finalists. She has a BS in Creative Writing and a minor in Folklore, which means she got to read fairy tales and call it homework. When she’s not writing, Heather likes to read, travel, and re-watch Lord of the Rings. She lives in a beautiful valley surrounded by towering mountains in northern Utah. To learn more about Heather and her books, visit her website: www.HeatherFrost.com
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