After being psychically controlled like a puppet for most of her adulthood, Melissande’s finally gaining control over her life. But now her youngest daughter, Emmie, is in trouble. She’s picking fights at school and using her rare psychic ability against orders.
Mikael Smythe’s life has not gone according to plan. The Night Captain of the City Guard, he’s a single dad with a son prone to imagining other people’s emotions. Now his son is on the verge of a mental breakdown, and Mikael has no idea what to do to help.
Through a chance meeting, Melissande and Mikael are brought together. But can Mel learn to trust in time to help both Mikael, and his son?
Author's note/trigger warning: this book has themes regarding emotional abuse.
Series in progress: Graced Captive Survivor Bitten Ashes Freedom Chosen (release date TBC)
Amanda Pillar is addicted to writing. Not in the fun kind of way, more in the has-to-get-her-fix kind of way. But that's a good thing, right? It means she's busy working on her next book and has plans for many more to come, all with lots of snark. Because snark.
Amanda has had almost a dozen books published, alongside a variety of short stories, as well as solo and co-editing over half a dozen anthologies. People say it's because she's an 'over-achiever' but, in reality, Amanda doesn't understand the concept of 'relaxation'. (Please feel free to explain it to her. Use small words.) Compounding this issue, Amanda has commenced work on a PhD. Because she's crazy.
Oh, and in her day job, she's an archaeologist. (And no, she doesn't get chased around site by rogue boulders, thank the flying spaghetti monster. She doesn't even want to imagine the OH&S paperwork THAT would cause).
Finally freed after years of emotional, mental and physical abuse at the hands of her mother, Melissande is now learning to cope with life, with freedom and with motherhood. Her strength will be tested by her daughters, especially her youngest, whose psychic abilities are wreaking havoc.
Enter Mikael, a single dad and captain of the City Guard, a formidable man, floundering as a father to a sensitive boy who seems to connect with everyone’s emotions. He needs help, but never expected to find it in Melissande and her young daughter. He also never expected to fall for the woman who was as fierce as she was afraid.
FREEDOM by Amanda Pillar is a tale of abuse, recovery and learning to trust in a world where people are not created equal and there are definitely things that go bump in the night. As part of a series, if one has not read all five previous books, I feel there is some special element missing, a “connect the magical dots” kind of thing. I have read two books in the series and that background connection was not there for me. That said, as a fan of Amanda Pillar’s writing talents, I still was entertained and enjoyed the escape into another world.
I received a complimentary copy from Amanda PIllar! This is my honest and voluntary review.
Series: Graced - Book 6 Publisher: Maatkare Books (January 16, 2020) Publication Date: January 16, 2020 Genre: Paranormal Fantasy Print Length: 200 pages Available from: Amazon For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com
ONE PAGE FLIPPING MASTERPIECE!!! Fantastic! Amanda knocked the block off this bad boy, marking off contenders and setting up the next round, kicking this gem into the eye of the storm, breaking it down, blowing it into a tailspin with a shocking culmination. Bumbling through the trials and tribulations, along with a slew of startling twists and sharp turns, blasting this little fella to life spectacularly. Toss in drama, distress, turmoil, unnerving vibes and unexpected situations along with a boatload of confusion, you have one mind-blowing experience. Illustrating incredible, well rounded scenario's that punch dead center, ramping up the exuberance and gusto with such intensity and precision, testing our characters in ways they could have never anticipated. The characters are authentic and original with qualities and traits that transforms into amazing personalities. The scenes are strikingly sharp with abundant details and descriptions, as to give you a full understanding and realism that flows smoothly. Remarkable job Amanda, thanks for sharing this little guy with us.
This was a captivating story. I love the Graced series and this story was fantastic to read, Elle's mother finally gets her story. Mel is strong and to see her grow in strength was great. The rest of the characters were enjoyable and it was great to see previous main characters return and play apart in Mel's happy ever after, interactions between Mel and Mikael were entertaining and interesting. Eagerly awaiting the next book in the series.
Mel is a single mum who is recently recovered/recovering from her “addiction” and trying to balance the role of mother with her two daughters after years of mine control. Mikael is a single dad with a lowlife ex who doesn’t love their son but wants to manipulate him and Mikael for her own gain. They have instant undeniable chemistry and the ability to sooth & understand each other like no other. Together they may be able to work through each of their family struggles & come out whole.
Freedom: A Graced Story (The Graced Series Book 6) by Amanda Pillar I loved reading this story very much. This is book number six in this amazing series that I can not get enough of. I highly recommend this story to all and I can not wait to read what comes next.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book
Once started this book is difficult to put down. This a wonderful series and highly addictive. The Graced world is full of suspense and drama and has a whole raft of characters that you will fall in love with. I loved this story centred round Mel, Mikael, Emmie and Sammy. I'd love to see more of this new family in the rest of the series.
Such a great continuation of the Graced series. We get a chance to see Mel’s story and how things turned out after her mother got what she deserved. So many details in this book that gives you a clear picture as to what is happening. Can’t wait to read the next installment
This book, is entertaining, action packed, filled with intrigue, and thoroughly enjoyable. The chemistry between the characters is wonderful. I can't wait for more from this author. I received this book as a FREE ARC copy to read and I voluntarily leave this review.
This is such a great read. The whole atmosphere to the book and the wonderful characters make it a pleasure to lose yourself in. Fantastic world building. Can't recommend it enough.
Another great story in this Graced series. This one we watch as Mel gets to finally have her happy ever after, even though it takes action and adventure to get there.