Do fairies exist? This is the question Lainey asks herself after her sister’s brutal murder in Central Park. Armed with her sister’s diary and the mysterious entries within, Lainey’s quest for answers leads her to Phoenix, a surly but handsome fae. The answer to Lainey’s question reveals a truth that will change everything she thought she knew about herself and the world she lives in. A sacrifice must be made to break a curse that locked the gate between the human and faerie realms. Leaving the only world she has known, Lainey finds herself surrounded by evil queens, curses, and magical creatures. Together, Lainey and Phoenix must find a way to break the curse that doesn’t result in Lainey’s death—like her sister’s. Do fairies exist? The answer will change Lainey’s life in ways she never imagined.
This was such a fun and fantastic book to read! I really loved the worldbuilding, Whitney really took the time to put everything really nice on the page, so it felt like you where there with the characters. As for the characters, i liked how the characters where developing troughout the book. And I feel for Lainey, she has lost so much in her life. The tension between Lainey and Phoenix was feelable and so fun to read about. And Ash, omg i really liked him, he made me laugh so many times! I really enjoyed this book! And can't wait for book two!
This held my attention the whole time which was a little surprising because fantasy isn’t my favorite. It was a good average fae story, the mc is put through the ringer though lol. I felt bad for her.
I loved this book, and I’m excited that the next book on the series is coming this fall. Whitney’s writing style is smooth, it flows really well, the characters are well developed, and it makes the story so easy to read.
I liked the dynamic between the MCs, they share similar rough upbringings, and Ash is the ultimate BFF. I also enjoyed the sexual tension that spans most of the book, Whitney created some very delicious fae males.
If you like fae fantasy, this is a book you should be ordering or adding to your TBR. There are a few types of fae with different kinds of magic, two worlds, fated mates, a quest, and a dash of spice. Such a fun read!
Spradling makes you believe in magic through Lainey and Pheonix's story.
For someone who grew up on 10th Kingdom (a Hallmark miniseries from the early 2000's) Of Flames and Curses was nostalgic in all the right ways. From a faerie gate in Central Park, to the idea that all fortune tellers are elves, I loved all the little details. They added up to paint a vivid picture of a world where magic lives alongside us, if we just look hard enough.
I can't wait to see what else is in story for Lainey and Phoenix as their journey continues!
I loved this book right from page 1! Lainey has lost so much in her life and her pain is palpable. I love how her and Phoenix connected, and the twists that is more than your typical Fae story. Ash is now one of my favorite best friend characters and I wish I had an Ash in real life! The writing is immersive and descriptive. I loved the storyline and cannot wait to continue reading in this series. I don't want to give any spoilers so don't want to say a lot more. Go and get your copy right now!!
Read if you like: ✨Fae and magic stories ✨urban fantasy ✨fated mates ✨forced proximity ✨spice 🔥
Thank you to the author and Equality Book Tours for sending me a copy of this fantasy novel with intriguing characters set in an inventive world.
After her sister’s brutal murder in Central Park, Lainey has to ask herself a question: “ Do fairies exist?” Armed with her sister’s diary and the mysterious entries within, Lainey’s quest for answers leads her to Phoenix, a surly but handsome fae.
The answer to Lainey’s question reveals a truth that will change everything she thought she knew about herself and the world she lives in. A sacrifice must be made to break a curse that locked the gate between the human and faerie realms.
Leaving the only world she has known, Lainey finds herself surrounded by evil queens, curses, and magical creatures. Together, Lainey and Phoenix must find a way to break the curse that doesn’t result in Lainey’s death—like her sister’s.
A fun and intriguing story set in an exciting world the author had taken time to develop! Watching the characters interact with each other and develop was incredible to read. The writing style was seamless and the pace was comfortable to immerse into this exciting world.
Of Flames And Curses is the first book in the Cursed Realms trilogy. This fantasy features Lainey and Phoenix.
Lainey keeps losing the people she loves. Her father left them when she was just a year old. Her mother was admitted to a psych ward when she was ten, and killed herself 5 years later. And now, the only family she had left, her older sister Emma, was murdered. She had no one.
While Lainey was still processing her loss, she felt like she might starting to be losing her mind. She found Emma's diary and read that her boyfriend, Beck, told her he was a faerie, an earth elemental and a member of the Seelie Court. He said that since she was part faerie, he needed her help to break the curse that kept the fae locked out of the faerie realm. Could she believe it? Were faeries real? If Emma was part fae did that mean she was too?
Hoping to find answers, Lainey went to the library where she was approached by a stranger who told her she would not find the answers she seeks there. He told her to meet him at a café, and while she wasn't sure that was the best decision, she needed to know more.
When she met him, he introduced himself as Phoenix, a fire elemental who can control fire and heat. She had sensed him previously and asked why he was following her.
"I'm actually not sure why. For some reason, I'm drawn to you. Something about you calls to me."
Phoenix informed her that his half-brother, Beck, was responsible for Emma's death. He sacrificed her to try an break the curse. Before Lainey could learn more, he sensed danger and dragged her out of the café, down alleys, to a parking garage. He explained that Beck was nearby and he was trying to keep her from becoming the next sacrifice. They then jumped on his motorcycle and he sped away.
When they finally stopped, in another parking garage, Phoenix brought her upstairs into his luxurious apartment. There she met his best friend, Ash, an earth elemental. While she's not sure about trusting these two, for some reason she feels safe with them.
Lainey learns that 25 years prior, a curse was put in place that prevented the fae from moving back and forth between the human and faerie realms. It happened suddenly and resulted in many families being split apart, unable to reunite. She also received confirmation that she is half fae, and air elemental.
Lainey, Phoenix and Ash now need to work together to understand why Beck is after her, and figure out another way to break the curse so Lainey's safety won't be compromised. Lainey has a lot to learn about a realm she never knew existed, and with any luck, she can awaken her dormant fae side.
This was a fantastic book. It quickly sucked me in and would not let go. While it doesn't end with a cliffhanger, it definitely alludes to there being more to come. This book had plenty of action, which kept the story moving forward at a brisk pace. It was fun to learn about Faerie and discover this world Spradling constructed. I feel like there is a lot more to come as we further delve into this world.
The energy between Phoenix and Lainey was intriguing. There was this push/pull dynamic between them. I loved how he seemed to get jealous every time he saw Lainey and Ash together but still kept her at arms length. Ash seems like a cuddly (albeit dangerous) teddy bear who I'd love to hug! He is funny and quirky and sweet. He is a really good friend to have.
I'm excited to be able to jump right into the second book: Of Smoke And Betrayal
My #NewToMeWord is loamy. It means a fertile soil of clay, sand and silt.
"You are my queen. The ruler of everything I am. And that crown looks sexy as hell on you."
This was my first read by Whitney L. Spradling, and I gotta say . . . I reeeeally loved it!! This book gave me the tummy flips SO many times! It's the perfect blend of a fantasy plot with ample steam that's still mild enough to meet a range of reader comfort levels.
I loved Lainey as a character. I usually have a harder time connecting with the protagonists in third-person narration, and that wasn't the case here at all. There was voice, humor, and vulnerability in the writing that I totally resonated with. Lainey was a relatable character, and I liked that she quickly became one of the group instead of just a damsel that needed protection. She was a proactive member of the heists and missions related to the larger quest, and I love a FMC that can stand on her own while still allowing herself those moments of softness.
Meanwhile, Phoenix is capital H-O-T hotty hot hot, and I LOVED their fated mates/forced proximity/reluctant attraction romance because I am ALL about all three of those tropes. (Was this book written FOR me??? *tilts head*) There were so many scenes flush with sexual tension. That blood bond? 🥵 Yeah, here for all of that and a MMC with sex power. Also loved that the author took time to build his backstory and create some common threads between him and Lainey so that it wasn't just a lust fest. Great balance of physical and emotional pull!
Ash is another extremely lovable character, and once you find out his secret, my heart melted for him. Love the best friend/big brother vibes, and it's so refreshing to see a MMC that isn't trying to bang the FMC while still having great physical connection and banter with the FMC. Can't wait to see more of him in the series ahead.
The storyline itself was fun, magical, intriguing, and really fast-paced—one of those books that makes you continually think about it whenever you step away. Great fantasy worldbuilding elements and so much potential for the future of this series. Sometimes, I'm a little reluctant to read books where fae are involved because there are just so many out there, and you worry they'll be a regurgitation. Not this one. This one stands on its own and has so many unique elements. (And a few 🥵 scenes that'll make you stop for a savory reread or two.) Will definitely be reading more from this author, and can't wait for Book 2!!
"Phoenix gave her a hard stare. "You'll train with me because I said so." Again, Lainey had to fight back the urge to smack him. "No need to be so bossy, Tinker Bell." Ash choked on his coffee, the black liquid spraying out of his mouth as he coughed and spluttered."
3.5 stars
Whitney has a way with words! Her writing is beautiful! The world building felt lush and I love all the fantasy elements. There's fae, elves, elemental magic, and a portal in a tree in Central Park! It was all so magical and fun! I really love Lainey, Phoenix and Ash! I have to say Ash is my favorite! The good looking fae with the hysterical one liners.
For me, it just fell a little flat. The pacing was off. We'd get a fast paced action scene then nothing. Some things were lacking or glossed over that I felt could've been fleshed out more. It was a weird mix of insta-love and slow burn. Lainey is immediately attracted to Phoenix and trusts him with her life 2 min after meeting him. I'm fine with the insta-attraction. I just wish it had continued - there's a lot of maybe I like him maybe I don't back and forth. But it's that trust aspect I struggled with most. I just feel like her following him after believing him to be a stalker was a little unrealistic. Like a smart New Yorker doing that?! Then there's all this build up about powerful queens and curses and I felt the "big battle" was minuscule and short. I just needed it more drawn out - more drama and hardship instead of 2 min of fighting.
I did love going to Fairie and the fae they met there. I wish those characters were more fleshed out. All you get is a name no description. Since they felt like important characters I'd have liked a little backstory and emotion. The adventures in getting to Fairie and once they got there was fun! I loved the psychic elven sisters! And the banter is funny! I just finished wishing there was more action, more character development, more romance, and more relationship building....
Lainey is lost after her sister’s murder and has a hard time figuring out what she’s going to do next. Her sister was murdered, her mother died when she was young, and her father had left them when she was only a year old. She finds her sister’s journal to see if there any leads to who might be her murderer or why she was acting so strange leading up to it. As she is reading, she doesn’t know whether to believe it. Was her sister going crazy like their mother or could fae really exist? Lainey feels like she is being watched, living in NYC, it’s a common feeling but something feels off. The stare feels intense with heat coming off it. Phoenix, the man stalking her, approaches her to talk about who killed her sister and her own safety.
Lainey and Phoenix constantly butt head, but they are forced to find a way to break the curse keeping them away from Faerie. I love how their dynamics and loved Phoenix’s best friend, Ash, even more. He’s the ultimate golden retriever wingman and best friend.
This was my first time reading a book by Whitney L. Spradling. Her writing was smooth and enjoyable to read. It had a nice twist to fae’s with elemental magic. There was a lot of action included that had me at the edge of my seat and no way of knowing who was going to survive each scene. It gave Vampire Diaries (Elena/Damon) and Wonderland vibes. I don’t want to give away the specifics but after you read it, let me know if you felt the same. Can’t wait for the second book to come out later this year!
Thank you to Whitney Spradling for the eARC copy. As with all my reviews, these are my honest opinions.
I was so hyped to read Of Flames and Curses, the synopsis had me hooked. I really liked Lainey, as a character she took everything thrown at her in her stride. She was developed really well and was a strong lead character. Ash, for me wasn't just the side character, I think I actually liked him more than Phoenix. He was witty and had the perfect banter, I liked how he interacted with Lainey and Phoenix.
The storyline was intriguing and I really enjoyed the direction it went, I wasn't expecting most of what happened at all. I must admit though, I am not a fan of insta love, so did find myself rolling my eyes a little with the whole "got to stay away - getting it on" back and forth.
Saying that, it didn't take away from the enjoyment of the novel and I must say the last 6 chapters for me flew by. I was eating up the events in anticipation of what comes next.
The world created by Whitney Spradling was so magical and whimsy, I loved the creativity and richness of it all. The characters again brought to life the story that unravelled.
The ending of the novel was great and so unexpected, it leaves it open to a world of possibilities and I can't wait to go back to the faerie realm and see what happens next.
Wow this was so so good!! As a fantasy lover, this was a refreshing and fun tale on faeries. The story will have you sucked in so quickly you won’t even realize how fast the ending comes! I love a good book that holds my attention and this definitely did!
Lainey is this perfect mix of tough but soft making her relatable and a great character to read. After her sister’s murder, we see her struggle in her grief as she is thrust into the Fae world. As she tries to learn her way with Phoenix and Ash we see her attack her challenges head on but also experience her fear and confusion of this new world.
Phoenix was easy to love as a broody fae with the dark past. Y’all he rides a motorcycle and controls fire, I rest my case. I loved the incorporation of his past to the story line and how it would change the course of his actions moving forward.
We were blessed with characters like Ash who not only provide us with silly banter but serve as a great reminder that friendship is a powerful weapon.
The writing of this was a fantastic blend of taking the modern world to fantasy while making the world building a seamless aspect of the story. Phoenix and Lainey give us some insane tension and chemistry!! This is a slow burn that will have near combustion by the time the spice arrives!
Overall this is an excellent read and I look forward to seeing more as the series continues!!
Lainey has grown up where every person she loves leaves her. Her father left her family when she was 1, her mother killed herself when she was 15, and now at 26 her sister has been murdered. After reviewing her sister’s diary Lainey finds out Emma was keeping a secret that resulted in her murder. Lainey learns that she and her sister are half-fae and half-human which makes her question if her mother was really crazy after all. Looking for answers Lainey meets Phoenix a Fire Elemental and Ash an Earth Elemental. Together they explain to Lainey why her sister was murdered and by who, how Faerie is a real place, and that since she is half-fae she has powers herself. Lainey must decide if she wants to work with these two Fae and help save Faerie while trying to outrun her destiny or stay in the human world. Ultimately, she decides to work with Phoenix and Ash resulting in a blood-bond being created, a prophecy being explained, families reunited, friendships, and a world being saved.
Overall, the story was interesting but it earned a 3/5 ⭐️ rating with a level 1 🌶️ rating. I had a hard time getting through the book for how short of a read it was. I also wasn’t always a fan of the author’s writing style. I do plan to read the second book when it comes out in November and see how the story continues.
I didn't expect to love this book as much as I did! It kept my attention the whole way through and I had to keep reading to know what was going to happen next! This book is such a super slow burn and I'm LIVING for it. It has so many tropes and qualities that I love in a book such as fated mates, spice, royalty, Fae and MAGIC! Phoenix is just super super hot and I love him! But I also love Ash! I thought this might have been a RH kinda book when we met Ash and Phoenix but Lainey definitely belongs with Nix with Ash as a best friend. This is Urban Fantasy at its finest and the best I've read yet! Please be aware there is talk of su1cide and m*rder in this book so check trigger warnings first.
I'm so so excited to read the next book- This is such an incredible read and I can't believe I almost passed on this book! So glad I didn't now! Go pre order on amazon now as this releases 1st of March!! ❤️
Thank you to @midnight_booktours @midnighttidepublishing and @whitney_spradling_author ♥
This is SUCH a fun take on Fae urban fantasy!! It’s got major Shadowhunter books & The 10th Kingdom vibes, so yes, sign me up! (Anyone else love that miniseries back in the olden days? My sister and I were ✨obsessed✨ and I was in love with Wolf 🥹. And I may or may not still say “nicey nice” all the time 🤣)
In OFAC, we meet Lainey as she’s dealing with the grief of losing her sister and only remaining family member. She finds her sister’s diary and uncovers an incredible secret world existing right under her nose. In come Phoenix and Ash, elemental Fae who are here to help guide Lainey as she navigates this new reality. Soon she’s mixed up in curses, magical portals, Fae royal politics, and can we talk about the *ahem* TENSION between her and Phoenix??! Like hello!!! This was the best slowburn spicy romance 🙌🏻🥵🔥
I can’t recommend this enough to all my romantasy friends out there. This is such a quick and easy read, too! It does deal with some heavy themes, specifically grief and loss of a family member, so please take care of yourselves and check for TW.
I will be anxiously awaiting news on the next book, and daydreaming of a certain elemental Fae in the meantime. 😏
Review: Of Flames and Curses by ✨ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Possible spoilers ahead…. • • I absolutely adored this fantasy book! It is the first in a series and I can’t wait for more. The book starts with Lainey, the FMC, mourning the loss of her sister. She is trying to uncover the truth behind her sisters death which leads her to Phoenix. Our steamy MMC, and he is drool worthy. He is fae with some unique powers, I won’t spoil it for you. I loved their budding romance. It was a unique take on bonding. Now it was a very slow burn so if you want heavy steam, like me, this book might not be for you. However when you get there…boy is it worth the wait. My favorite character is Ash, Phoenix’s best friend. I loved his snark and his relationship with Lainey. He’s the mother hen of the group for sure but also the ride or die best friend. I can’t wait to see more of him. It didn’t end on a massive cliffhanger either. If you love seelie and unseelie courts, and portal romance then you might enjoy this series. • Tropes: golden retriever boy but grumpy Stuck together Bonded romance Dark secret Emotional scars Spice level: 🌶️🌶️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
A fantasy romance. Can be read as a stand-alone, but is the first book in a series that follows a group of Fae who are trying to break a curse. Single POV. HEA.
This book follows Lainey, a mid-twenties woman whose sister has just died, and Phoenix a Mixed breed Fae who is trying to break a curse that has closed all of the doors to Faerie.
Lainey is a spunky, sassy, fighter who doesn't give up easily.
Phoenix is a Fae who is half fire fae and half something else.
Lainey finds her sisters diary and is looking for more information on whether or not Fae are real, when Phoenix finds her and is naturally drawn to her. I loved the chemistry between Lainey and Phoenix. Their banter and attraction to each other just gets hotter and more intense throughout the book.
The world that Spradling created is fascinating and I definitely wouldn't mind living in the version of Faerie
I loved the surprises that came out and the revelations that were made.
I only wish the ending had been a little more dragged out because the last few chapters felt very rushed for me. Otherwise, it was a great book and fast read.
Thank you to Bound By Mischief Author Services for the opportunity to read and review Of Flames and Curses in exchange for an honest review. The thoughts above are all my own.
I literally could not put this book down. I read it in (almost) one sitting! #momlife
Lainey has had a really tough life, she was abandoned by her father physically, her mother mentally and raised by her sister who became tired of being the mother figure to her. She has always been "othered" by the people around her. But now it is time for her to stand up in her own power. No more does she have family, and she finds herself surrounded by friends who are also "othered" in New York City.
This is a fast paced, slow burn fantasy and I could not get enough of it. Thankfully, there will be a second book so I can get more of this incredible world. The world building is amazing, the magic system is easy to follow and we get to learn along with Lainey about the magic that has been surrounding her, her entire life.
Absolutely loved this book. I can't wait to get back to Lainey, Phoenix, Ash and all the others.
Lainey has lost everyone close to her. With her sisters mysterious death and a diary entry she found, Lainey questions everything she thought she knew about the world and her life.
Leaving the world she knows, Lainey discovers a whole new world in grave danger. The fate of this new world may rest in her hands. Can she come to terms with her fate?
I love this book and can’t wait for more. There is a little bit of spice.
The characters are well developed and I found myself invested in them and what would happen. The is so much action you don’t know what will happen next. More twists and turns than a roller coaster. I love that even when I thought I knew what was going to happen I was wrong.
It didn’t end with a huge cliffhanger, but enough of one that you want to read the next book.
If you love fantasy with a little romance/steam you will love this book!
I dove in to this book as being given the opportunity to read it in advance. From the beginning this book drew me right in. My heart just bled for the female lead. I wanted to wrap her in my arms and give her the BIGGEST hug. Anyone who has gone through an earth shaking loss will understand why. I love that the book starts off with a bit of mystery and intrigue. Why did Emma die? Are faeries real? Lainey gets thrust into a whole new world without much choice. I love that the author keeps such genuine and relatable characters. Lainey struggles a lot in this book, but she also has moments where her courage and protective instincts shine through. This is very much a slow burn romance. That or I read WAY too much smut 😅 Regardless, there is a healthy dose of angst and tension between the two main characters which does end quite satisfyingly at the end! This was definitely a book I hard trouble putting down and will read again prior to the next book in the series.
I really enjoyed this book! It was a fast paced read for me! Each chapter had me wanting the next to see where this adventure would go; would these characters get through it?! Are they all going to survive?! Definitely broke my heart a few times but then put it back together. The tension is an all time high in this.
Gosh Lainey is tough, she goes through so many emotions. So much loss and grief. I love getting to know her and was cheering for her the whole time! She also tends to put herself in situations that are horrible lol
All the characters have so much sass and I love it! Pheonix is a brooding man but when he has a a glimpse of softness for Lainey I melt.
Ash of course is a loyal best friend, charming and caring. The best trio in my opinion!! The process to figure out if they can break this curse and finally see the Faerie realm is one hell of a quest! I am veryyyy interested in what book 2 holds!
Firstly thank you to Whitney Spradling for the E-ARC.
This is my first novel by Whitney and oh gosh, where has she been my whole life? I enjoyed everything about this novel. It kept me hooked from the first page and I was eager to find out what is going to happen.
I adored the writing style and the way everything is described is just perfect, it felt like I was there with the characters. The subjects Whitney writes about loss, suicide(not in detail) is done beautifully and thoughtfully.
Ash, Phoenix and Lainey are the perfect trio. Lainey is relatable, Ash and Phoenix..I don't know which one I like the most, I want them as my friends.
There's so much more I want to say but I can't because I don't want to spoil it.
Just make sure you definitely read this one. It's definitely one of my favourite reads of 2023
When Lainey’s older sister is murdered in Central Park, she finds her sister’s journal and is confronted by one question: Do fairies exist?
Lainey’s sister’s blood was thought to be the key to removing the curse on the fairies – and now, the threat of being sacrificed looms over Lainey as they realised that she is the key to breaking the curse.
This is an urban romantic fantasy, featuring faeries, elves as fortune tellers and a quest to break a curse. This story is full of tension – so. much. sexual. tension – and fun banter between the two main characters! Even Ash, a secondary character, has some good quips. If you like fae romantic fantasies that are quick paced, and a quick read, then this is definitely for you!
Thank you to Whitney Spradling and boundbymischief for organising this tour and for an advanced copy of this book! All opinions are my own.
Her sister had been hiding something, and it had cost her her life. •• Of Flames and Curses is the first book in the Cursed Realms series and what a ride it was.! The fast-pacing, situations being thrown around, confusion and curiosity mixed into an adventure filled plot.! •• Although I really wish, being the first book that things could’ve been more detailed.!! Instead things kept happening and situations kept changing a lot suddenly which made the story feel a bit too rushed more often than not.! Especially the bond between the main leads felt too fast.!! Insta-love/attraction is not a trope that I dislike but I felt that it could’ve gone better.!!! I hope the second book answers the trail of questions that this book left.!! •• If you’re looking for an urban fantasy with faeries, elemental magic, royalty, fated mates, forced proximity.. then this book might just be it.!!
A free copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review.
I can honestly say I loved this book. Of Flames and Curses is book one of the Cursed Realms and is an Adult urban/portal fantasy romance. It drew me in right from the beginning. There is something nostalgic about this book and I don’t know what it is but that made me love it even more. I loved the characters and their dynamic. I especially enjoyed Ash's character and the comic relief he brought to the story. The tension and slow burn romance added a little bit of heat to the book without being too much. You’ve got fated mates, frenemies to lovers, portals, royalty, and a golden retriever best friend. I will be keeping an eye for when book 2 comes out because I need to know what will happen next in the story!
I loved Whitney’s concept of elemental fae. I thought that was a really cool twist and one I haven’t heard before.
Lainey- the hand she was dealt was a rough one. And although she had a super rough life- the limited knowledge that she had learned over the course of the book, she took extremely well. Obviously, some situations that happened weren’t her fault because she was never given that information to begin with.
Phoenix- new book boyfriend alert! He was grumpy, broody, mysterious and had a broken past. I wish I was Lainey that I could just stare into his eyes.
Ash- what an amazing friend! He was cocky and so hilarious (perfect comic relief).
This book was so darn cute and such fun fast paced page turner. The minute you start the book the drama and tension continue to the very end without a second to waste. You will find that this is a book you can devour in a single day and not want to put it down until you are finished.
The slow burn between the two main characters is every bit as torturous as you can imagine and I loved it. This Romance fantasy has all the things we love to have in a book, Magic, curses to break, Fae, Sexy MMC, Sexual tension, found family, evil protagonist and everything in between.
This urban portal fantasy kicks off with the gruesome murder of Lainey’s sister. Through her grief she finds her sisters diary and she is shocked to find out what her sister is writing about. She soon finds out that this world is not the only world and that she is key to a cute that connects her to a fairytale. Her entire world is flipped upside down and thrown into a journey she will never forget and one that will alter her life forever.
Of Flames and Curses is a quick read. I was instantly hooked when Lainey started to feel the heat from Phoenix when he was following her. I knew from that moment they were connected and was left waiting for more information to flourish.
Loved the dynamic between Lainey and Ash. He grounded her when she needed grounding throughout the book as their friendship was solidified.
I really loved how Phoenix and Lainey had similar stories about both losing a parent and them having that connection kind of helped Lainey’s reservations about him lessen.
I can’t wait to read more on their story in the future and the future of Faerie!
Spice was sprinkled throughout the book, but for the most part kept minimal.
This book really surprised me in a good way! It's about a girl losing her sister after she has already lost her mother. Trying to find out more about this she finds out something she never expected would be real.. Fae. While learning more about fae and what happened she has to quickly learn to trust 2 new fae she just met. Together they have to find out a way to keep her safe from the person that killed her sister. They go on a lot of adventures and there is a lot of different plot twists and action. I also loved that it didn't end on a mayor cliffhanger and we got kind of a good nice ending, but I still really want to read whatever comes next!
“Of Flames and Curses” was a really interesting take on the fae, particularly the Seelie and Unseelie Courts. Lainey Holloway has spent her whole life believing she’s a normal human, but after her sister is brutally murdered, she discovers that she is actually half fae. With the help of Phoenix and Ash, also fae, Lainey begins to explore more about this newfound world. I thought this book was amazing, I loved the action scenes and the banter between Lainey, Phoenix, and Ash was so freaking hilarious!!! I thought Lainey was a likable heroine, and that Phoenix was mysterious whereas Ash was charismatic. I can’t wait to see what happens next in this world!!!