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Amaretto Flame

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When Olivia Landry screams, people die. No wonder she's been shunned by humans her whole life. When Olivia makes a huge mistake, she's banished for a summer to a human town; forced to live as one of them. She's out for revenge when she discovers the humans are different than she imagined, especially the rugged, sexy guitarist, Jackson Vance.

Pretending to be human isn't as hard as she thought it would be...until the witch hunters attack. Now Olivia must somehow protect herself, her family, and her new human friends. There's a problem with that. When you go around screaming, people are bound to learn your secret. Can love really conquer anything?

208 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 24, 2011

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Sammie Spencer

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
Profile Image for Kayleigh {K-Books}.
1,187 reviews19 followers
April 19, 2011
Oh. My. God
Those are the words that come to mind when i think of this book. I cannot praise it enough it was just amazing. If i could give this book more than 5 stars i would. I would give it 100 stars because it was just incredible and i loved every moment of it.
The story follows Olivia, a good witch whose coven is in the middle of a war with the bad witches, Venator. Olivia finds herself outcast from the rest of her coven as she is forced to live among humans. While doing this she meets Jackson, a musician with eyes the colour of amaretto. There is a clear spark between them instantly and Olivia doesn't understand why.

I loved this book. At the start of it i thought this was a good book with a good story and then one event happened which made me go its not a good book, its an amazing book. I was hooked and it completely took over my life, i didn't want to do anything until i had finished the book. The narrative technique used was amazing as i felt every emotion that Olivia was feeling right the way through the book and by the end of the book I was in tears as how amazing it all turned out.
I was so excited when i found out that there will be more books coming and I cannot wait to find out what will happen next with these characters. I fell for the characters so much, I lived through Olivia, and felt the hostility between her and her coven members when she got cast out. I wanted to jump into the book and scream at them. I instantly fell in love with Jackson and as Olivia spent more and more time with him I fell for him more. I loved every moment of this book and I could read it again and again. I am already so attached to these characters and i don't usually become attached to characters in series this much. I am so excited to see where the story goes from here.

An amazing debut novel and Sammie is definitely an author to watch out for.
Profile Image for Cyle.
967 reviews143 followers
April 13, 2011
GENRE: YA Paranormal Romance
THEME: Witches/ Magic
RECEIVED: Copy from Author
BLOG: http://seeingnight.blogspot.com/
DATE POSTED ON BLOG: April 13th

REVIEW:
You know when you finish a book and your smiling and just feel that sensation of awe; well that’s what happened to me when I finished reading Amaretto Flame by Sammie Spencer.
Olivia Landry is a 19-year-old girl who lives a certain life that is hidden from humans. She is apart of a coven that protects others who have magic abilities like herself from the harm of Venators. Olivia’s gift is unique; she holds a great power that can destroy the Venators easily with just one scream. After an incident while she and her brother Everett seek out a young boy, with a gift of controlling fire, doesn’t go as planned, she is sent a town far from her Coven.
Olivia has never experience being around people who aren’t like her; she is saddened and feels betrayed by her Coven Priestess who sent her away. But after meeting two human girls who needed some self-defense advice and accepting a job at a bar in her new town, she starts to accept her new home away from home. At her new job she meets the very intriguing and attractive Jackson, whose Amaretto color eyes put her in a trance.
With the danger of Venators coming after her family back at home and also threatening her new friends, Olivia will use her gift to fight back no matter the cost. I do wish there was a bit more information on the Venators, so I’m hoping for a sequel.
The characters were so well written, I love when you can feel the emotions through the writing and Sammie really did a fantastic job. Olivia is the one character who changes a lot through out the book having to life apart from her coven. I love her relationship with the friends she meets in her new town, Erika and Jenny, it gives her a new perspective on humans.
The magic in this book was brilliant, I loved how each person’s powers characterized who they are and brought so much to the plot and moved the story along nicely.
Now for the romance, I’m a softy for some great romance. Jackson was my favorite character because his personality was so much fun and mysterious. His relationship with Olivia was the center of the whole book and brought to life such wonderful chemistry.
This is a must read, for anyone who enjoys Paranormal Romance. There were a bit of spelling errors that I caught, but it’s just something that I noticed. Otherwise if you’re looking for something that doesn’t have the same old vampires and werewolves story and want to spice up your reading, then read Amaretto Flame!

RECOMMENDATION:
This is an Adult novel, but can really be for anyone. Recommended to fans of Michelle Rowen and P.C. Cast.



Profile Image for Faye.
116 reviews142 followers
May 31, 2011
Amaretto Flame is WICKED!! “a read-in-one-sitting-I-can’t-look-away-oh-crap-it’s-1am-I-need- to-sleep-but-can’t-yet-it’s-too-good novel." Seriously it was awesome.

I haven’t read a good witchy book in a while (since Harry Potter).

I loved the characters for one, Olivia Landry (the protag) a hero with a heart of gold. She is so selfless, she would do anything for her coven and new friends; if their lives were at stake she wouldn’t think twice about cutting off her legs and arms for them if it came right down to it. Not only that, but if you knew what she could do, you would not want to get on her bad side. She’s pretty kick ass. I wish I could mention all of the characters because they are so unbelievably well written and I love them. So I’ll talk about Everett who is kind and charming, a little on the quiet side, he leaves things left unsaid when it comes to his true feeling for Olivia. I hope maybe it will blossom. But even if it doesn’t Livvy has a good guy on her hands and that is Jackson. The amaretto colored eyes, guitar playing hottie. I have to mention this line he said to Livvy:”I know you love pancakes. I know King Arthur stories are your favorite, and that you think James Dean was the most gorgeous man to ever live.” Seriously swoon-worthy, I wish I had a guy who pays attention to the little things.

The plot and setting was so epic, there’s a war going on between Venator and the Wise ones. It’s kind of sad to say but I think trouble follows Livvy wherever she goes. I really enjoyed getting lost in the world Spencer created. There just wasn't enough! I could breathe, eat, and sleep this novel. There’s steamy romance in this one, maybe a potential love triangle. Both guys have their awesome qualities that make them a good match for Livvy. It’s was hard to decide who I prefer but we’ll see.

Amaretto Flame is a breathtaking story, filled with magnificent characters and a charming romance!! I can’t wait to read more about Livvy and her adventures and watch her face the “big evil” alongside her coven and of course I’d like to see a little bit more Jackson! YAY for Amaretto Flame (Shadow Wishes)!
Profile Image for Dennis Sharpe.
Author 23 books149 followers
May 25, 2011
Where do I even begin? Have you ever finished a book and been really pleased with the story, but wanting to immediately read more of those characters and that world? Yeah. It’s like that.

Olivia, the main character of this book, is part of a coven that defends against the evil Venators. Sounds a little cheesy, right? I honestly laughed at this when I read the book description. I’m not ashamed to admit when I’m wrong. I was very, very wrong.

Olivia is sharp, cunning, and deeply emotional. Her life is a wild one, and has left her a little worse for wear, but her soul shows through in so many ways. Not only does she have this massive power within her, she is also delicately feminine.From the second paragraph of this book I was drawn into her as a character. Her voice in this story has a beautiful truth to it even if the story is one of fantasy.

Due to circumstances in her life, Olivia is (like most great characters in fiction) at a kind of crossroads in her life. She’s chosen to go in a direction that is away from what has been her “norm”. She goes to live with regular people, something she knows nothing about.

There is romance of course, in the form of bad-boy Jackson, but I really don’t want to get into that. Girl finds bad-boy, sparks fly, we’ve seen that before. Let’s just say that it’s there, and it’s real. (There’s another guy too, but not really, ya know?) There’s also plenty of fights and action, and truly interesting “bad guys” in this story, and they were handled well. But spoilers are not my thing.

Spencer's writing is both level and almost poetic at times. You can actually feel the scenes as much as you can see them. Well written, is an understatement. I don’t normally do Paranormal Romance. I usually stick to darker stories of the paranormal. This was worth it. There were things about it that I think would be made better by the editing staff of a major publishing house, but Sammie Spencer definitely has the raw talent and brings the goods to the table in this offering.

I recommend Amaretto Flame to anyone who’d looking for a good paranormal story, and a romance that’s not just like everything else in the marketplace.
Profile Image for Trisha Wolfe.
Author 43 books4,444 followers
April 2, 2011
I honestly don’t know if I’m going to do this story any justice. It’s rare when I read something that touches me on such a deep level, but I’m going to try. Olivia is my kinda girl. She’s tough, stubborn, strong, guarded, yet at the same time, extremely vulnerable. I connected to her right away. There’s no spoilers in my reviews, so I’ll only tell you that’s she’s not had the easiest life, and she's crazy powerful. And now, finally secure in her world around her, she feels betrayed as the woman who she thinks of as a mother/sister has banished her from the only home she's ever known. Oh a whim, Olivia decides to take a job severing at a bar in her new town. Never truly allowing herself to open up to humans, Olivia finds herself curious about them, and at the same time, befriending a couple of coworkers. I love the personalities of the two girls, especially Jenny. She was a fun character, but at the same time showed real depth. I just loved her. When she meets Jackson, sparks fly. The chemistry between them is downright hot. But it’s deeper than just a physical attraction, there’s something about him… Something that balances Olivia. (And I just can't help myself when it comes to those bad boys ;) As the story progresses, the Venator become a major threat and Olivia has to figure out what they are after, or who, and how to stop them. There was some fantastic fight scenes in this book. I love action-packed scenes, and Spencer did an amazing job. I have to admit, I was torn for a while when I saw a love triangle developing later on in the story. And I felt bad for one of the characters, Everette. I thought he truly would have made a great match for Olivia, but I’m sticking to my first choice. I’m Team Jackson! Spencer's writing is clear, descriptive, and beautiful. She balances both drama and comic, light-hearted relief, with passion and fire. I couldn’t tear myself away! I recommend Amaretto Flame to lovers of Paranormal Romance and anyone who just wants something refreshing in the YA market!
Profile Image for Lindsay Paige.
Author 65 books598 followers
Read
June 9, 2011
Interest: Synopsis
Title Thoughts: I love it. It's unique and fitting.
Cover Thoughts: I love this cover.
WARNINGS: There are a few cuss words here and there.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I was captured within it's pages very easily and stayed there through out the book. At one point, I had to stop reading to drive and pick up my nephew. I keep thinking, "I wish I could read and drive." It was like I was obsessed...or better yet, addicted. Even now, I keep thinking about the book and the characters and everything.

I most definitely have to read more by Spencer. Reading this book was like doing something that you were really scared to do (like riding a scary roller coaster) and finally doing it. That feeling of exhilaration you feel when you learned it was a piece of cake and you feel the adrenaline rolling off of you in waves. That wonderful feeling is how I felt when I finished this book.

Addict's Last Words: Amaretto Flame is sure to give you a piece of everything. Magic, a little romance, danger, and family.

To Buy or To Borrow: This is a buy for me. Plus I would buy it just for the cover, so I could admire it on my shelf.
Disclosure: I participate in tours with The Teen Book Scene and a copy was provided to me by the author, publisher/publicist, or another third party.. No payment was received by me in exchange for this review. There was not any obligation to write a positive review. All opinions expressed here are entirely mine and may not necessarily agree with those of the author, the book's publisher and publicist, or the readers of this review. This disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255, Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
Profile Image for Amy.
99 reviews19 followers
July 2, 2011
Olivia Landry always knew she was different. And she most certainly is... Rescued from her heartbreaking childhood, Olivia is taken in and raised by the Eagleton Coven; A coven that houses and protects others that possess magical powers/abilities from the evil witch hunters that want to eliminate her kind; The Venators. Being the strong, independent yet rebellious 19 year old that she is, makes a mistake and finds herself banished from the safety of her family and is forced to survive in a sort of exile amongst the human world for the summer. She's been deemed unwanted by her human family and shunned by countless others so being made to act as if she's one of them proves to be the absolute worst case scenario for her. And then.... in walks Jackson, the gorgeous, mysterious musician that changes her perceptions of humans and throws her hormones into overdrive...

When the Venators strike, threatening her and her family, Olivia must somehow use her powers to protect those that she loves, including her new found human friends.

The chemistry between ALL the characters paired with the constant pivots in the plot will entrap you throughout the entire journey of the book. Ms. Spencer has captured a fresh new twist on traditional witch stories and manages to create a perfect balance between drama and action, comic, light-hearted relief and intense passion. I just loved this book. For those of you that love YA paranormal romance, this one's for you! Highly recommend.




Profile Image for Jessica Bierschied.
129 reviews
June 20, 2011
AMARETTO FLAME, by Sammie Spencer, is full of wonderful magic, heart-pounding romance and an intense battle between good and evil. This book is definitely a top pick if you are looking for an up and coming YA Paranormal Romance!

I have to say, right off the bat I loved Sammie Spencer's writing style. It really had it's own flavor and I felt like it spoke directly to me which gave me a connection with the book right away and made me not want to put it down.

From page one I was immersed in the story. The book started on an intense note and you instantly learn about the main character, Olivia, and what she can do. I loved the originality with the witches in this. They all had different powers and their personalities seemed to fit perfectly with the role they played as a witch. It really drew me in.

Jackson made my heart melt a little. A musician with beautiful Amaretto eyes who teaches her all new things. I wanted to just gush about them. Just from reading Jackson I think he would lure me right in too with his air of mystery, like theres more going on behind the curtain and his light personality.

This really was a great read and I hope there is more to come! This story was fast-paced and compelling to read. Once I started I didn't want to put it down. You like Paranormal Romance? You MUST read this.
Profile Image for Brandi.
329 reviews817 followers
November 23, 2011
The title of this book should be changed. I was so incredibly tired of the amaretto references, and the fact that it makes it sounds like this will be a book about some trashy romance, instead of witches fighting evil to save humans. In fact, the amaretto is introduced via Olivia having the drink at a bar, and then the references switch over to Jackson's eyes. It was really annoying to me.

The story has a good premise, but I don't think it was done very well. There was little to no depth in the characters or the world they lived in. There is a brief backstory about how the bad guys became bad, but it was never really explored, and in the same vein Olivia refers to people as "humans", but the Wise Ones are not shown to be any different other than having magic. I wanted more explanation about that because each time Olivia referenced "humans" it threw me off, and made me wonder how they were not human.

The backstory for the main characters could be good, but it was not given any depth either, and I never felt connected to anyone throughout the entire book. Basically, this story was just okay given the way it is presented, but I think it could be much better than it was. I would recommend it to someone who needed to kill some time and wanted a fast story that wouldn't invest too much of themselves in.
Profile Image for H.M. Ward.
Author 140 books6,539 followers
May 23, 2011
BEST INDIE BOOK I'VE READ ALL YEAR! Dude, it's one of the best books I've read all year period, Indie or otherwise. Just had to say that too. I got sucked in during the 1st chapter. A chick witch that can kill with her scream was too interesting to put down. The beginning of the story was a slower pace, but once I hit the middle, I couldn't put it down. It had the perfect combo of action and romance. Jackson was awesome. Little twists here and there kept me reading and enhanced the story. btw - if you are a Kim Harrison or PC Cast fan, this is your book. It's like smooshing the Dead Witch Walking books with House of Night. Overall - super fab. Totally read it and support your independent artist/ writers!
Profile Image for Erin Danzer.
Author 19 books44 followers
July 6, 2011
Sammie Spencer makes me want to work in a bar... though only if I can have my own Jackson Vance. Wow. The imagery, the words, the action; it all flows seamlessly until you lose hours of time but gain so much more by reading this book. The characters are instant friends, so believable they might as well walk off the page. Jenny made me laugh, Erika reminded me of myself, Jackson was knock-your-socks-off charming and delicious. Mmm, I'll never think of Amaretto the same again. :)

Beautifully written and completely unforgettable. I will be thinking about the Eagleton Coven long after I close the book.
Profile Image for Juliann Whicker.
Author 73 books219 followers
May 7, 2011
This was a fun read, quick, fun characters, fast action, and a hunky hero who has good manners. The protagonist Olivia was strong without being annoying, and overall, the plot was clear and satisfying. The ending was a tear jerker, their relationship was definitely the highlight of this book.
Profile Image for Melissa.
238 reviews36 followers
June 17, 2011
I absolutely loved this! I really fell in love with Olivia and Jackson, Everett and the rest of the cast of characters and I thought the ending was beautiful!!

Great stuff! I even shed a tear ;)

Profile Image for Morgan.
521 reviews268 followers
October 18, 2011
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS AT READING, EATING AND DREAMING I WAS BLAIR WALDORF

I read Amaretto Flame, the first book in the Eagleton Coven series, by Sammie Spencer because one of my goodreads friends has this book highly rated, and we tend to have a lot of the same taste in books (Thanks, Dana!). Available for only $0.99 on Amazon Kindle, I decided to give this book a go. I mean, why not? As it turns out, I am very happy with my decision to read this book. It’s a keeper.

Amaretto Flame is an exciting new paranormal romance series about witches, their unique powers, and the ultimate battle between good and evil. After reading this book, I really want to be a good witch with super powers! The witches’ special gifts are really cool, and I am officially jealous of fictional characters.

The romance is this novel was perfect. Too many paranormal romance novels have that on the spot-the second the characters meet-I don’t know your name yet but I’d kill for you-I’ll love you until the end of time and I’ll die if you leave me-type of romances, but not in this book. The relationship between Jackson and Olivia develops at a steady pace. Of course they have that instant spark (that is crucial), but their feelings develop over time. They become friends, they flirt with each other, they begin to trust one another, and then it turns into more. That is how I like my romance.

Olivia is a strong and independent protagonist. After she breaks one of the coven’s rules she has to move out of her family home and into one of their safe houses for a couple months as punishment. Surrounded by humans for the first time in a long time, Olivia is scared and alone until she gets a job waitressing. Everything is new, unfamiliar and really hard for her. Olivia doesn’t like to let people in, and once you get into the story it is easy to understand why she is so guarded. She, like many witches, hasn’t had an easy past. On top of that, Olivia has a deadly power. When she is scared or feels threatened she screams and kills everything in front of her.

Jackson. Gorgeous. Plays guitar. Super sweet. Do I even need to say anything else?

The only thing that really frustrated me in this novel was the big showdown. I don’t want to go into detail because it will ruin things, but let me say this: I think Spencer took the easy way out and the big battle was a little disappointing.

However, I still recommend this novel. Amaretto Flame sets up this series wonderfully. It keeps you interested, but it left a lot of room for growth.

I gave Amaretto Flame by Sammie Spencer 4 STARS (3.5 STARS). I strongly recommend this novel to young adults who enjoy paranormal romance.

-XOXO

READING, EATING AND DREAMING
Profile Image for CorLostForWords.
181 reviews31 followers
June 12, 2011
Source: Received from author courtesy of the Teen Book Scene blog tour for Amaretto Flame. Many thanks goes to Sammie Spencer and Teen Book Scene for sending me a copy of this book for review. I received this book free of charge in exchange for an honest review.

My rating: 4.5/5

Olivia has a rare power unlike the powers those in her family or coven have been gifted with. Her scream kills, literally. She makes a mistake and, as punishment, she is sent to live in a safe house in a human town. She needs to acclimate to those around her, and in the process makes new friends, and gains a job. When the danger that is ever present threatens to destroy the life she has made for herself in her new town, she is haunted. Her newfound friends and the ever luscious Jackson will be in harms way, and she will have to keep them safe without letting them know just what she can do.
Olivia is ridiculously awesome. She's tough, caring, looks out for her family and her newfound friends. She is going to make a strong high priestess if she's allowed to go back to Eagleton. She is such a well-drawn character, and her emotions jump out at you, instantly forming a connection with the reader, making the reader sympathetic to her cause. It's been a while since I've read such a promising book, one with fully engaging characters, and a well-established plot; and one that easily draws the reader in from page one and keeps them hooked the entire time. Olivia is an excellent protagonist, and is so strong.
Jackson plays the elusive and mysterious guitarist at the bar where Olivia ends up working. The attraction is instant, both between Jackson and Olivia, and Jackson and the reader. He has this drive, and sexy, smoky personality that will have readers swooning. I loved how he and Olivia interacted, and how things evolved between them.
The world of magic and witches comes together easily in this book, and Amaretto Flame is such a refreshing read. I inhaled it, and finished it in a few short hours. My only complaint is that I want more, and I want it now. There is definitely more to be explored, and I hope that Spencer continues creating stories within this world. It's honestly one of the most refreshing reads that I have read in a long time, and I absolutely loved it.
All in all, a fantastic and imaginative read. One that couples magic and romance with the ever present danger lurking from the Venators. I'd definitely recommend this one to fans looking for a good, witchy read. Spencer has a new fan here, and I'll be waiting with bated breath for her next book. I can only hope we'll see Olivia and Jackson again.
Profile Image for Rhiannon Ryder.
298 reviews22 followers
May 10, 2011
It's been ages since I've read a good witch book. Sounds weird right? But what's the last witch book you can think of, other than Harry Potter or Anne Rice's Mayfair Witches series? (Don't get me wrong, Anne Rice's Mayfair witch books are not up there in my league of good witch books, only one of the few books I can think of about witches.)


Sammie Spencer has corrected the situation, she's gifted YA readers with her Eagleton Coven, Amaretto Flame ebook.

Synopsis from Goodreads:
Olivia has spent her life learning about her enemies, the deadly Venator - including how to kill them. What she knows nothing about is whiskey, playing poker, or rugged, copper-haired musicians. As punishment for a small 'crime,' Olivia is sent to a safe house in a human town and forced to live as one of them for a summer. There, she meets the charming Jackson Vance, and her real education begins. She soon discovers that she's being hunted, and figuring out why means she uncovers a secret that threatens to end everything she's ever fought for.


I have to say I agree with Rick Riordan, the realm of ebooks have brought on a tidal wave of books badly in need of an editor. In fact, after reading several of them in the past couple of years I think I have come to appreciate the job editors do far more than I ever would have without being an author myself. Without a doubt I had almost given up, until Amaretto Flame landed in my lap.


Fast paced, full of intriguing mysteries and equally intriguing characters, Sammie Spencer had me flipping through pages at an alarming rate. I loved her Venator twist to the witch genre, and especially when she begins to delve into who they are and how they developed. And not a typo, nonsensical paragraph or mysterious plot hole to be found! But more than anything I loved Olivia.


Very powerful, but very screwed up, Olivia is sort of like the female Edward. In fact Amaretto Flame had a lot of similarities to Twilight (more so Midnight Sun if it was finished). Small town, oddly matched love story, big trouble looming and best of all an unpretentious main character. At 2.99$ for the Kindle upload you cannot go wrong. A great read that I've already talked other friends into reading, all I can do now is cross my fingers and hope Sammie Spencer has more on the way!
Profile Image for Cyna.
219 reviews262 followers
July 5, 2011
This book surprised me. By the end of my first reading session, I was prepped for a brain-at-gunpoint read-through. As seems to be the case with most of the indie books we've read so far, the first impressions Amaretto Flame made were bad ones: grammatical errors, awkward phrasing, melodrama, weird pacing, and that goddamned telling reared their ugly heads before I made it to the end of chapter one. But as the story progressed, little by little, the makings of an interesting world began to show through the rough exterior.

Amaretto Flame ended up being interesting despite itself. There are flaws, consistent flaws, most of which would probably be deal-breakers for a lot of readers. The writing is undoubtedly the biggest one - it's often off-putting, a strange patchwork of awkward similes, cliches, bad dialogue ("If you're anything like me, then I hate you almost as much as I hate myself" - who says something like that?), clunky wording (sometimes the thesaurus just over-complicates things), and random moments of fourth-wall breaking. Can I just say that I really dislike that? I find it incredibly cheesy when a character just randomly interrupts their narration to address the audience, and Olivia does it more than once. Distracting.

It doesn't help that we run into crapton of blatant exposition every few paragraphs in the first half of the book, and while I understand the need to fill the reader in on the world and characters, it really needs to be done more naturally here. Olivia's frequent info-drops have a huge hand in making the narration stilted and awkward. Unfortunately, the first chapter, the part that should be getting us hooked, is like 60% stilted exposition, and for me, at least, it was a huge turn-off.

The other...let's say 35% of the first chapter (these numbers are SCIENTIFIC AND FACTUAL) was made up of telling, which was my other huge problem with the book. It literally begins with the words "I was angry." People. LISTEN TO THE ROBOT DEVIL...

Read more at You're Killing.Us
Profile Image for Lisa  K.
131 reviews63 followers
June 15, 2011
This is an excellent example of how to build your characters in a YA novel. While I loved the concept and the setting, the characters really made this novel shine for me. We have a wonderful protagonist who really comes off of the page and is so amazingly bad ass, all while exploring the ‘normal’ teenage world that she is normally excluded and protected from. I loved Jackson, him of the amaretto eyes. It was nice to have an older protagonist and love interest than is commonly seen in YA (19 and 24) and made me relate to them that oomph more that really made them real to me. I also appreciated that even with some mild insta-bond, we still got to see the relationship build between Jackson and Olivia and be tested in more ways than one.

I loved the cast of human friends Olivia picks up, especially Jenny, whose enthusiasm and love gave dimension to potentially flat moony-eyed scenes. And I really, really loved the community and family that were the backbone of the story. Each of these characters really deserves their own book!

Of course, characters couldn’t be this fabulous without some pretty kick ass writing behind them. Everything pulled together perfectly. I loved how there were actually two stories going on which kept overlapping: Olivia’s own personal story and the all encompassing story of her family/coven. I also loved the surprise we got with Jackson, which made perfect sense actually (go read it so we can talk). I liked that Sammie gave everyone a unique power that complimented their personality and I think that Olivia’s was especially… scary? Awesome? I don’t know, but I loved how they all worked together to bring us to a crazy scene that had me holding my breath.

This is one book that I am more than happy to recommend to anyone who takes a little paranormal with their YA. While very relatable for teens, I would say that it wasn’t too teen drama-y for those who usual read adult only. Give it a shot, you won’t be sorry.
Profile Image for Rachel.
Author 16 books1,335 followers
June 8, 2011
The name grabbed me first. Then the blazing cover. But when I actually started reading AMARETTO FLAME, it was the three-dimensional, superbly-written characters like Olivia, Everett, and Jenny that kept me turning the pages. And when Jackson Vance walked onto the page, it was all over.

AMARETTO FLAME is Sammie Spencer’s debut novel and thank goodness it is part of the Eagleton Coven series. I honestly did not want this story to end. The fast-paced plot, action scenes, and hot romance kept me turning pages, and I literally sat in my parked car for an hour to finish the story because I simply could not tear myself away from reading.

The protagonist, Olivia Landry, is my kind of girl. She is strong and powerful—heck, she’s a freaking witch—but her very nature also leaves her vulnerable. And that is where Ms. Spencer reeled me in. Olivia’s hurt-filled past and her self-perception as an outsider is endearing. She is an amazing leader who also shows the softer, caretaker side with so many characters, including Everett who I really hope gets his own love story (or perhaps becomes a true triangle for Olivia and Jackson) in the sequel. She is fiercely loyal, kick-butt passionate, and loves James Dean. That’s a heroine I can root for.

Jackson Vance is hotness personified, a sexy musician who literally electrifies Olivia’s veins. This is a love story you can lose yourself in.

But Ms. Spencer doesn’t let you.

Right when things get steamy, she throws fantastic fight scenes at you, along with pain and confusion, and the entire range of human emotion. She manages a careful balance of romance, humor, anger and action, and crafts authentic relationships and subplots that add just enough spice to keep the reader constantly engaged.
Profile Image for Marie.
21 reviews1 follower
March 14, 2012
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AMARETTO FLAME was a pleasant surprise. One of my favorite author’s loved it, so I thought I’d give it a try and I am so glad I did!

This novel doesn’t fit squarely into the YA genre, because the heroine is older–nearly 20 years old. But she still has some of the lingering situations of childhood, such as, she is in ‘school.’ Olivia gets tossed out of school (her coven) and starts working at a bar. Since this novel straddles the YA/ Adult line, I think it will appeal to both groups.

The premise of the story is about a witch who can kill with a scream. There’s a lot more to it, but that alone was something I found interesting. The story unfolds at a great pace (slower in the beginning and speeding until the climax), and the story is beautifully told. The pacing was perfect. I thought it was a great paranormal novel.

And the romance was just right. Jackson was an awesome character, and I found myself wanting to read more to see who he really was. Ms. Spencer doesn’t disappoint. Witches isn’t a paranormal fav, but this book made it onto my fav’s list. AMARETTO FLAME was the kind of rewarding read that makes you grin. And getting a grin out of me, while reading, isn’t easy.

Don’t let the cheap price fool you. AMARETTO FLAME is on sale for only $0.99, but it’s easily as good, if not better than many of the best sellers currently out there for $10. Recommended for paranormal romance readers, YA readers, readers wanting something different, or something a little dark with a great guy.
Profile Image for BookHookup.
1,403 reviews108 followers
July 21, 2011
Olivia Landry always knew she was different. And she most certainly is… Rescued from her heartbreaking childhood, Olivia is taken in and raised by the Eagleton Coven; A coven that houses and protects others that possess magical powers/abilities from the evil witch hunters that want to eliminate her kind; The Venators. Being the strong, independent yet rebellious 19 year old that she is, makes a mistake and finds herself banished from the safety of her family and is forced to survive in a sort of exile amongst the human world for the summer. She’s been deemed unwanted by her human family and shunned by countless others so being made to act as if she’s one of them proves to be the absolute worst case scenario for her. And then…. in walks Jackson, the gorgeous, mysterious musician that changes her perceptions of humans and throws her hormones into overdrive…

When the Venators strike, threatening her and her family, Olivia must somehow use her powers to protect those that she loves, including her new found human friends.

The chemistry between ALL the characters paired with the constant pivots in the plot will entrap you throughout the entire journey of the book. Ms. Spencer has captured a fresh new twist on traditional witch stories and manages to create a perfect balance between drama and action, comic, light-hearted relief and intense passion. I just loved this book. For those of you that love YA paranormal romance, this one’s for you! Highly recommend.
Profile Image for A Book Vacation.
1,485 reviews730 followers
June 5, 2011
What I like the most about this novel is that it sits apart from traditional witch stories. All the witches have special powers—they don’t chant and read out of books to cast spells, but rather have different individual powers, a high priestess, and are in constant battle with the evil group of Venators, who are set on destroying all covens. I really enjoyed the different special powers the witches possess. For instance, Olivia can terminate anything living by directing a scream at it/them, which makes her a wonderful fighter against the Venators. Other characters have equally cool powers, such as excessive strength, healing, and the ability to foretell the future. I really enjoyed this individuality of the characters as it sets them apart and, while still dealing with magic, is similar to the old TV show heroes, which I loved! I do wish there was more information about the Venators, as I’m still curious about them, but as Amaretto Flame is the first in the series, I am sure that more light will be shed in the sequels.

To read my full review (7/13):

http://bookvacations.wordpress.com/20...
Profile Image for Just a person .
994 reviews288 followers
Read
April 26, 2011
A good friend recommended this one to me, and our reading and writing preferences match up a lot of the time, and boy was she ever right. Amaretto Flame has a cast of awesome and vivid characters, and a story that drew me in from the start.
The main character Olivia is awesome, she's strong and independent but she still manages that vulnerability around the people that she trusts. I'm able to connect and relate with her on a deep level, and I'm wholly invested in her story and what happened to her.
Her friends, from Everett to Jenny are well developed and all play a part in telling Olivia's story. The secondary character of Jackson is well written, he's got looks, intrigue and a guitar. A winner in my book. I love how their relationship develops and how they learn each other's secrets.
I'd recommend this to YA, and paranormal lovers alike.
Profile Image for WereVamps.
175 reviews17 followers
May 2, 2011
This was an awesome read. From the beginning it draws you in with the “Omg what is going on!” Need to find out feeling. It draws you completely into this story. I love her writing style. You can really tell that Sammie did an astounding job when writing this book. There was nothing I did not like. The Characters, world/setting, The originality, the storyline, everything is well formed and vivid. The emotional dimension that Sammie built was breathtakingly well done. You can feel every little thing, especially with Olivia. The pace flowed great. The ending will leave you amazed. I will be recommending this book to Everyone. I also will be adding the following book (if there will be one) to my TRB list.

Giveaway, Book Review, & Author Interview with Sammie Spencer at:
http://werevampsromance.blogspot.com/...
Profile Image for Tiffany.
36 reviews5 followers
September 23, 2011
This was a great book with an interesting plot and twist on the paranormal genre. The main character Olivia has the ability to kill people with her scream. So she is very powerful in her coven and is always used for protection. Until, she gets in trouble and her punishment is to live among the humans. Olivia goes through tons of adventures with the humans and realizes she has been missing out on some important things in life. Also she has to figure out how to keep the coven safe while she is living on the outside. This book has a variety of action,humor, romance, villains and endearing characters. ; )
Profile Image for Mia.
264 reviews4 followers
August 27, 2012
When I first saw the summary of this book I was intrigued. Sigh, I really wanted to like this book. I kept reading to the end but reading this book has left me feeling like an empty shell. The writing technique was lacking and the plot development was not done well. The writing style was all over the place. I just feel like that author could have done a better job developing the story. Too many times I was like "What?!", "Really though?!", & "This does not make any kind of sense." That's not a good look. The characters were weak, I didn't really understand the setting... I'm sorry Sammie. I can only give this 2 1/2 stars.
Profile Image for allie burke.
Author 14 books205 followers
September 2, 2016
This debut was really good. Jackson Vance, our Amaretto Flame book boyfriend, is extremely fallinlovable. There really weren't any characters in this book that were unlikable unless they were meant to be, and very well developed. The protagonist, Olivia, is absolutely wonderful; she has some depths that made me wish I knew her in real life. Strong, independent, and protected those she loved. She made mistakes, but learned from them quickly so she didn't annoy me. She really could bounce back from situations very quickly.

The premise of Amaretto Flame is pretty unique and sort of breathtaking sometimes, yet not in a rushed way. Enjoyable, for sure.
Profile Image for Mireille Chester.
Author 46 books110 followers
June 13, 2011
This book was great and I have the sunburn to prove it. I couldn't put it down and couldn't bring myself to leave the park until I had finished it. Sammie's idea of magick and the talents that come about because of it are fantastic. The characters drew me in, the story was exciting, and the whole concept was amazing. I can't wait to read the next novel in this series. The possibilities for stories within the Eagleton Coven are endless. It's a must read.
Profile Image for Emily Miller.
147 reviews9 followers
August 28, 2011
I came across this read while looking for something to read on Amazon.com. After reading the description of the book, I decided to try it out. What a wonderful surprise it was! It was an easy read and I couldn't put it down. I was able to complete the book in a day. I truly hope that there will be more books to come staring the Eagleton Coven!! I need more of Oliva and Jackson....not to mention Everett and Max!
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