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A Curse For Spring
A kingdom abandoned by a season. A drought strangling the land. A prince determined to save his people.
When Daric braves the terrifying source of all elements to beg Spring to return to Leathen, she sees him - and comes. But his plea has unintended consequences, leaving Spring trapped in a human body and called by a new name - Rain. He's changed her existence forever, and Daric's plight is no different than before, except...now they have each other.
Rain can't control the weather as she once could, but exile in human form has given her something that eternity as a goddess lacked completely - a companion. Now, years later, the dire drought continues. Both Rain and Daric face unwanted marriages for the good of the kingdom. But life without her prince? Unthinkable. They must break the curse on Leathen.
A race against time and devastating obligations begins for Rain and Daric - and love is a powerful incentive.
A Curse For Spring is a 29,000 word, standalone novella. This story first appeared in the Seasons of Sorcery anthology and has no additional content.
When Daric braves the terrifying source of all elements to beg Spring to return to Leathen, she sees him - and comes. But his plea has unintended consequences, leaving Spring trapped in a human body and called by a new name - Rain. He's changed her existence forever, and Daric's plight is no different than before, except...now they have each other.
Rain can't control the weather as she once could, but exile in human form has given her something that eternity as a goddess lacked completely - a companion. Now, years later, the dire drought continues. Both Rain and Daric face unwanted marriages for the good of the kingdom. But life without her prince? Unthinkable. They must break the curse on Leathen.
A race against time and devastating obligations begins for Rain and Daric - and love is a powerful incentive.
A Curse For Spring is a 29,000 word, standalone novella. This story first appeared in the Seasons of Sorcery anthology and has no additional content.
110 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 2, 2020
85 people are currently reading
831 people want to read
About the author
Amanda Bouchet
22 books3,817 followersAmanda Bouchet grew up in New England where she spent much of her time tromping around in the woods and making up grand adventures in her head. It was inevitable that one day she would start writing them down. She writes what she loves to read: epic exploits, steamy romance, and characters that make you laugh and cry.
Amanda is a USA Today bestselling author of fantasy romance and space opera romance. She was a Goodreads Choice Awards top 10 finalist for Best Debut in 2016 with her first novel, A Promise of Fire.
For more about Amanda's books with equal parts adventure and kissing, connect with her online: www.amandabouchet.com
Instagram: @amandabouchetauthor
Facebook: www.facebook.com/AmandaBouchetAuthor
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Amanda is a USA Today bestselling author of fantasy romance and space opera romance. She was a Goodreads Choice Awards top 10 finalist for Best Debut in 2016 with her first novel, A Promise of Fire.
For more about Amanda's books with equal parts adventure and kissing, connect with her online: www.amandabouchet.com
Instagram: @amandabouchetauthor
Facebook: www.facebook.com/AmandaBouchetAuthor
Facebook reader group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/14490...
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amandabouchet...
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@amandabouche...
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/amandabouche...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
January 27, 2021
This is a novella that's a fun read. A mix of fantasy and romance and doing what must be done for your country. Well written, too. If you like Amanda's Kingmaker Chronicles, you'll enjoy this short read as well!
February 5, 2020
This warm fantasy type romance sees a kingdom under a curse and literally having to sell everything they own in order to survive. Daric is the Prince being bartered away and forced into what would be a truly diabolical marriage. Yet Spring might not be that far away as Rain who was once a powerful Goddess will sacrifice anything to help the people she has learnt to love.
I first had the pleasure of reading this in the anthology Seasons of Sorcery and remember these characters fondly so it was a pleasure to revisit them. A magical, uplifting story that made me smile and as I've come to expect from this author simply a joy to read.
I first had the pleasure of reading this in the anthology Seasons of Sorcery and remember these characters fondly so it was a pleasure to revisit them. A magical, uplifting story that made me smile and as I've come to expect from this author simply a joy to read.
May 4, 2020
3,5 Sterne - Eine tolle Geschichte mit einer interessanten Prämisse, einer wirklich schönen und durch Zeitsprünge auch nachvollziehbaren Liebesgeschichte und einer überraschenden emotionalen Tiefe am Schluss. Trotzdem fehlt dem Worldbuilding und auch den Figuren natürlich einiges an Textur und Wiedererkennungswert, den man auf 110 Seiten einfach nicht vermitteln kann. Für eine Novelle war die Geschichte gut gemacht, sie hat mich emotional berührt, unterhalten und aus dem Alltag entführt - ich habe sie in einem Rutsch weggelesen. Welt und Plot hätten auch einen längeren Text getragen, wenn man sie ausgebaut hätte, dann wäre ich sicher noch begeisterter gewesen.
February 3, 2020
In this enchanting tale of a land where magic can do great good or evil, Prince Daric and his family have been under a curse that has withheld Spring rains from their land every year no matter how much prayer and supplication they make to the goddess, Braylian. Out of desperation, Daric as a young boy standing in front of Braylian’s Cauldron, calls her daughter, Spring, bringing her into his world.
Grown up and the best of friends, perhaps even more, Daric and Rain, the once goddess and now a magical human, are being forced into an untenable situation caused by the decidedly evil Queen of a nearby kingdom. Daric and Rain would give anything, make any sacrifice, to avoid this heartbreaking fate. Ms. Bouchet, as always, weaves a well told tale with a good balance of action, adventure, and romance. This captivating story will leave readers well pleased and wanting more from this compelling couple.
Grown up and the best of friends, perhaps even more, Daric and Rain, the once goddess and now a magical human, are being forced into an untenable situation caused by the decidedly evil Queen of a nearby kingdom. Daric and Rain would give anything, make any sacrifice, to avoid this heartbreaking fate. Ms. Bouchet, as always, weaves a well told tale with a good balance of action, adventure, and romance. This captivating story will leave readers well pleased and wanting more from this compelling couple.
June 30, 2021
This was great. It was a super quick read and even with the short length it felt like a full story. It was a nice little fantasy type fairy tale and I loved Rain and Daric. This was super sweet and I really enjoyed it.
March 15, 2020
I love Ms Bouchet's Kingmaker Chronicles, so when I saw this advertised it was an automatic kindle buy without even thinking twice.
This is a short-story which was initially published (I think) as part of a Seasons anthology and has just been released as a stand-alone. It is set in a fantasy world where Rain (or Spring) becomes trapped in a human body and then has to fight alongside the Prince of the Realm to make the kingdom flourish again.
It was okay - but I always struggle with short stories because you never get that character development/story depth and the dialogue just seems forced /rushed. I confess I didn't realise this was a short story when I purchased it, so the fault in this rating is 100% mine.
However, I am beyond excited this week to hear that a fourth book is being written in the Kingmaker Chronicles....now that will also be an automatic purchase and that doesn't happen much these days anymore :-)
This is a short-story which was initially published (I think) as part of a Seasons anthology and has just been released as a stand-alone. It is set in a fantasy world where Rain (or Spring) becomes trapped in a human body and then has to fight alongside the Prince of the Realm to make the kingdom flourish again.
It was okay - but I always struggle with short stories because you never get that character development/story depth and the dialogue just seems forced /rushed. I confess I didn't realise this was a short story when I purchased it, so the fault in this rating is 100% mine.
However, I am beyond excited this week to hear that a fourth book is being written in the Kingmaker Chronicles....now that will also be an automatic purchase and that doesn't happen much these days anymore :-)
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February 26, 2020Meet Rain and Daric! A CURSE FOR SPRING is live and available on multiple platforms. I hope you enjoy this stand-alone fantasy romance novella. Happy reading!
February 22, 2020
3.5 stars
I quite liked it -- a Kingdom that is cursed for Spring (no spring rain, it's drought pretty much during Spring-Summer then followed by Autumn and the harsh of Winter), true love that is built since childhood, and an attempt to break the curse (and at the same time, to discover what/who caused it).
The idea was nice to read, lovely fantasy for sure. But characters wise, neither Rain nor Daric really stood out for me. In overall, I'll remember the story in the future, and that's a good thing.
I quite liked it -- a Kingdom that is cursed for Spring (no spring rain, it's drought pretty much during Spring-Summer then followed by Autumn and the harsh of Winter), true love that is built since childhood, and an attempt to break the curse (and at the same time, to discover what/who caused it).
The idea was nice to read, lovely fantasy for sure. But characters wise, neither Rain nor Daric really stood out for me. In overall, I'll remember the story in the future, and that's a good thing.
March 13, 2020
I beautifully written piece of love and magic. My only regret was finishing it too quickly. Amanda's writing pulls you in makes you feel every word.
April 20, 2020
Wow
This novella was amazing. I cried when the curse was broken, it was so sad. There was so much action and emotion packed into this novella.
This novella was amazing. I cried when the curse was broken, it was so sad. There was so much action and emotion packed into this novella.
September 19, 2021
This novella is a quick and fun read. At approximately 100 pages, it’s impressive how much you learn about the kingdom and characters, and how drawn in to the story you become. Enjoyed it!
March 31, 2021
For being a shorter novel, this book was sooo well rounded! It was a light, quick read filled with a fun, short adventure. I loved the romance and the world this was set in. I'm giving this five fun stars!
December 5, 2021
Heart Happy
Ms. Boucher is an exceptional authoress...as a short story, this tell engaged this reader from the first line to the last. Well written and I am smiling!
Ms. Boucher is an exceptional authoress...as a short story, this tell engaged this reader from the first line to the last. Well written and I am smiling!
January 20, 2022
This was a sweet friends to lovers novella. I liked the concept and the characters quite a bit! A fun, quick read on Hoopla if your library has it!
March 2, 2020
This was a fun short story but not my favorite work by Ms. Bouchet.
This is a great short story set in a different world from any of her other books. In this world there is a goddess who is the mother of the seasons. One of the countries is suffering from a decade long drought and her young prince is determined to find the solution as to why the goddess is ignoring them. This leads to an encounter with Spring that changes both their lives forever.
I found the story to be interesting and well written. I enjoyed the world building and the characters, especially considering it is a short story and words are limited. The thing that bugged me was the prince admitting that he would break a promise/commitment. Yes, it would have been for what seemed like a great reason but that didn't sit well with me at all. We can all justify breaking a promise if we try hard enough and are determined enough. I was hoping for a hero who was also trustworthy and I just didn't find it here. Still a good story and a fun read.
This is a great short story set in a different world from any of her other books. In this world there is a goddess who is the mother of the seasons. One of the countries is suffering from a decade long drought and her young prince is determined to find the solution as to why the goddess is ignoring them. This leads to an encounter with Spring that changes both their lives forever.
I found the story to be interesting and well written. I enjoyed the world building and the characters, especially considering it is a short story and words are limited. The thing that bugged me was the prince admitting that he would break a promise/commitment. Yes, it would have been for what seemed like a great reason but that didn't sit well with me at all. We can all justify breaking a promise if we try hard enough and are determined enough. I was hoping for a hero who was also trustworthy and I just didn't find it here. Still a good story and a fun read.
February 14, 2020
4 stars. Quickie review: This was a fun little novella and something a little different from Ms. Bouchet. It reminded me a bit of Lexi Blake's fantasy romances. The couple was super sweet and definitely soul mates, who met as children and grew up falling in love. The story was safe and a very good story. I liked Rain and Daric a lot. I really enjoyed this book and I hope this becomes a series!
February 4, 2020
Bouchet's world-building is, as usual, stellar in this book. The characters are interesting, the story ripe with conflict, and the premise is absolutely enchanting. Another great book from a master! I glommed this one in a single sitting!
February 11, 2020
Great and original storyline
What’s not to like? A great and original storyline. Fun banter and loads of emotion. Love this author and all her books.
What’s not to like? A great and original storyline. Fun banter and loads of emotion. Love this author and all her books.
November 1, 2021
For something so short and sweet, it packed a wallop of good feelings. Bravo.
August 16, 2021
"You're my one and only obsession."
"Then kiss me. For I'm just as obsessed."
I'm in awe. A Curse For Spring was the first story written by Amanda Bouchet that I ever read, and it won't be the last. I adored it. This story was a beautifully unexpected and I was truly impressed with Amanda Bouchet's great writing style--I don't think I've ever loved a novella more than this one. But she built one breathtaking and heartbreaking adventure with a couple that loved each other so much that it was almost physically painful to read.
Daric and Rain's story was raw with emotion. And it was enchanting, like a fairy tale. I loved every second of their journey but I have to admit that the ending was my favorite.
"You're the ache and the cure."
March 5, 2020
Loved it!
I wasn’t sure I would like this book since I’m not a big fan of novellas. I always feel like they’re too short to really get to know the characters and to justify the events/feelings that take place in the story.
However, this book was an exception! I felt the connection between Rain and Daric within the first few chapters. I loved their adventures to break the curse and even the angst of their hopeless futures (which I’m also not a fan of) was excellently done! I’ve read full length novels that made me feel less than this novella.
Absolutely loved it! 5 stars
I wasn’t sure I would like this book since I’m not a big fan of novellas. I always feel like they’re too short to really get to know the characters and to justify the events/feelings that take place in the story.
However, this book was an exception! I felt the connection between Rain and Daric within the first few chapters. I loved their adventures to break the curse and even the angst of their hopeless futures (which I’m also not a fan of) was excellently done! I’ve read full length novels that made me feel less than this novella.
Absolutely loved it! 5 stars
February 14, 2020
Will never enjoy a Spring shower without thinking of this delightful story.
Thoroughly enjoyable from start to finish. The author has the ability to bring the characters and setting to life. Well done.
Thoroughly enjoyable from start to finish. The author has the ability to bring the characters and setting to life. Well done.
February 8, 2020
Amanda Bouchet has a magnificent way of universe building and this was no exception! Rain & Daric’s story caught me in first few pages and didn’t let go. So much emotion packed into this novella.
November 12, 2023
Has a great idea in the setting but sadly does not reach my expectations or fit my preferences
February 18, 2024
4 stars
1 spice pepper
1 spice pepper
December 22, 2020
The worldbuilding in this novella is spectacular! Rain and Daric's plight is super sympathetic, and it's easy to root for them immediately. Adding to that Rain's strange powers as a stunted goddess on earth and ooh boy, what a fun ride!
December 23, 2022
This short story felt like a full novel’s worth of world building and story. Loved the premise and Rain was a fantastic strong female lead. The last 10% was particularly good.
I think the fantasy element and plot were so strong that I was kind of wishing they had gotten through the end result of all that sexual tension earlier in the story because I felt like the delicate balance between the great story and the sexual tension was tipped slightly towards their magnetic attraction with the very frequent references to the building desire and heavy stares and almost kisses.
But this didn’t really detract from the story and I loved it overall.
4 stars
I think the fantasy element and plot were so strong that I was kind of wishing they had gotten through the end result of all that sexual tension earlier in the story because I felt like the delicate balance between the great story and the sexual tension was tipped slightly towards their magnetic attraction with the very frequent references to the building desire and heavy stares and almost kisses.
But this didn’t really detract from the story and I loved it overall.
4 stars
December 23, 2021
Minor spoilers.
I liked this one. It was cute and the storyline compelling. It was nice to see Amanda go back to fantasy after her not-so-great foray into space opera romance. While it didn’t have the complexity of The Kingmaker Chronicles, it was a good novella, and it didn’t leave me feeling unsatisfied which is often the case with shorter stories. The world and characters felt pretty rich for something that was only 100 pages or so.
My only complaint, if you can call it that, was the vaguely incestuous vibe I got from the romance.
Daric’s parents pretty much adopted Rain as their own, and they grew up together as basically siblings since the age of ten. Had she been raised as a distant relative or servant, it wouldn’t have been so weird, but I can see some readers feeling a bit icky at their interactions. (Especially since some of Daric’s earlier actions and comments felt pretty brotherly to me).
It’s a minor quip and it didn’t bother me too much, but I felt the need to mention it nonetheless.
I liked this one. It was cute and the storyline compelling. It was nice to see Amanda go back to fantasy after her not-so-great foray into space opera romance. While it didn’t have the complexity of The Kingmaker Chronicles, it was a good novella, and it didn’t leave me feeling unsatisfied which is often the case with shorter stories. The world and characters felt pretty rich for something that was only 100 pages or so.
My only complaint, if you can call it that, was the vaguely incestuous vibe I got from the romance.
Daric’s parents pretty much adopted Rain as their own, and they grew up together as basically siblings since the age of ten. Had she been raised as a distant relative or servant, it wouldn’t have been so weird, but I can see some readers feeling a bit icky at their interactions. (Especially since some of Daric’s earlier actions and comments felt pretty brotherly to me).
It’s a minor quip and it didn’t bother me too much, but I felt the need to mention it nonetheless.
December 11, 2023
This was the first book free in this year's FaRo Advent, thanks for FaRoFeb and the author for the free copy of the book!
I thought this story was well developed with quite a lot of depth for such a short read! Rain and Daric were adorable and I thought their story was compelling and it kept me reading.
The pace was quite slow and measured, so I found my reading pace was slower as I took in the story and explored their little pocket of fantasy! It was one of those novella's that I actually didn't read in one go because it read like a full novel. The world building was good for a short story, I could imagine Leathen really well and found myself enjoying their quest to break the curse whilst realising their feelings for each other.
I found the season storyline really unique to me, it's not something I had read before and encouraged me to look into the author's other work.
I thought this story was well developed with quite a lot of depth for such a short read! Rain and Daric were adorable and I thought their story was compelling and it kept me reading.
The pace was quite slow and measured, so I found my reading pace was slower as I took in the story and explored their little pocket of fantasy! It was one of those novella's that I actually didn't read in one go because it read like a full novel. The world building was good for a short story, I could imagine Leathen really well and found myself enjoying their quest to break the curse whilst realising their feelings for each other.
I found the season storyline really unique to me, it's not something I had read before and encouraged me to look into the author's other work.
January 1, 2024
It would be remiss of me to not admit that I read this 96 page gem purely to sneak in one more book for 2023, but it was a really pleasant surprise. I was a bit disappointed when I realised it was childhood friends-to-lovers, as it's not my favourite trope, but turns out if the childhood friend goes apeshit, growly and possessive when his lady love is engaged to a crusty old king, I am here for it. The love story was a great mix of sweet and fiery, the mystery of how to solve the curse was compelling and the ending was particularly devastating before the hard-fought HEA was reached. Given how short this was, I'm even more impressed, Amanda Bouchet achieves a lot in a short space of time. All in all, a perfect finish to my reading year.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews