A Curse of Blood and Bone

The Ozero Curse

by Nicolette Elzie

"A Curse of Blood and Bone" is the heart-pounding second installment in the Ozero Curse series that will leave readers breathless. Nicolette Elzie weaves together themes of female empowerment, love, lust, and grief with masterful precision, creating a story that will grip readers from the very first page.

As Kiki's journey takes her deeper into the cursed Ozero Kingdom, the clock is ticking, and the cursed princes are slipping further and further away from their humanity. But Kiki is not alone in her fight; she battles demons, both real and inner, all while navigating a treacherous terrain filled with danger at every turn.

But the most precarious danger may be her own heart, as Kiki must confront her growing feelings for one of the cursed princes. As she uncovers shocking truths about the kingdom and its rulers, Kiki realizes that the fate of the entire kingdom rests on her shoulders, and the stakes have never been higher.

Will Kiki be able to break the curse in time, or will the Ozero princes be lost forever, consumed by the darkness that threatens to swallow them whole? Fans of dark fantasy romance will be swept away by this thrilling adventure. Don't miss out on this must-read book that will leave you begging for more.

Please note that this book ends on a cliffhanger and is the second book in the series. For a detailed trigger warning list, visit

Get to know Nicolette Elzie, the author of Babydoll and a master of grimdark poetry. Follow her on TikTok @authornicoletteelzie and immerse yourself in her love for folklore and dark fantasy.

For special bonus content, sign up for Nicolette's www.nicoletteelzie.com/newsletter

Genres: Romantasy

303 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 16, 2023

About the author

Nicolette is an international-selling author known for her grimdark poetry book Babydoll. Her stories range from folklore to dark fantasy, but the root of all her novels is fierce love. When she’s not writing, you can find her curled up with a good book, spending time with her family, or exploring the National Capital.

Reviews

[thewoollygeek (tea, cake, crochet & books) · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Curse of Blood and Bone by Nicolette Elzie is the second book in the series following on from A Curse of Tooth and Claw. I was so excited to rejoin my new favourite leading characters, Kiki my amazing badass woman and Erasmo, he has my heart but I’m not saying too much without spoiling anything. I have another firm book boyfriend to add to the collection.

I’m glad to say that my fears of second book curse weren’t realised, because I loved the first so much it’s always a bit nervy at the second, but I can confirm this book is fantastic, I think I may have enjoyed it even more than the first, but I find it hard to choose between them they’re both so good. The writing is wonderful, I loved the character progression and watching the characters connect and relationships form (again no spoilers from me you have to read to see for yourself).

The plot, I was just blown away, it’s so good , it’s addictive reading and I finished it far sooner than I like, because it ends on a cliffhanger and I need the next book and I don’t have to it !!! Please do check your triggers before reading. This book jumps straight in from A Curse of Tooth and Claw and I was so ecstatic to be back in this world and these characters, I loved the mating processes involved, the focus of each characters story, background and world, rather than just intense detail on one character, it’s really refreshing.

I can’t recommend this book enough, if you love fantasy, romance, mythology, great stories and wonderful characters with depth, this series is for you. I just need the third book as soon as possible, please 🙏🏻

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Megan Yerg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was nervous for the second book of this series because sometimes it's hard to live up to the first book. Not with ACOBAB.

The first book was a perfect world builder. In ACOBAB we really watch as the characters evolve. The character progression is absolutely amazing! Their banter back and forth is so great!

Everyone is getting mated in ACOBAB. But each couple's story and mating process is completely different. I love it so much!

Again, there is a cliffy. It's an unfinished series so that should be expected.

Guys, what in the world is going on with Turi?!

[Missbookwormwrites (Cynthia) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I gotta say, I absolutely loved the 1st book, but this one just hit different in the best way possible. We continue the journey with Kiki and Erasmo 🥵 along with other characters both old and new. In this book we also get the multiple POVs and the spice ramps up as well, not just for Kiki and Erasmo but for others as well *wink wink*.
I tip my hat to Nicolette because her writing is simply *chef's kiss*, not to mention that this book really brings us beautifully crafted character development, in both their personal aspect and their relationships with others. Not to mention that the plot was so well thought out that it had me on edge the entire time. I was flying through the pages needing to know what happened next and before I knew it, there were no pages left and I got a book hangover from that cliffhanger.
I've said it before and I'll say it again. If you are looking to diversify your shelves, and want a book that has all the tropes we love to love from Fated Mates, to badass FMCs, to witty banter and possessive MMCs. Then this series is for you!

The only disappointment you will feel about these books is that they aren't longer. Because this world is one you'll never want to leave.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Curse of Blood and Bone by Nicolette Elzie is book two in The Ozero Curse Series. After reading the first book, A Curse of Tooth and Claw I knew I had to read the next book. I’m so glad I did because as much as I enjoyed the first one this one blew my expectations out of the water! It was so freaking good! The book is written fantastic and the storyline is Phenomenal!!! I could not put my Kindle down and before I knew it I was finished with the book. I will also mention checking your trigger warnings just to be safe. Also this book does end on a cliffhanger. (So be prepared!)

A Curse of Blood and Bone picks up directly after A Curse of Tooth and Claw. So needless to say you must read the books in order. I really enjoyed reading the growth that each character went through in this book. I loved how each couple has a unique mating process that keeps everything fresh and new. This series is very impressive and I’m so invested in this world and the lives of each and every character. I can’t wait to see how it all ends. I absolutely need book three in my life. Needless to say, I highly recommend this series!

Final review:
5 out of 5 stars

[Alonna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is progressing amazingly. The characters are all unique and grab at your heart. The culture and lore are both well writing. I am scared for this series to find an ending and also really thrilled to finally know how all of it will turn out. If you are looking for a fantasy with spice, this book did it so well. I love the fated mates aspect and how each couple seem to react to it and how they choose to make it their own. We are now in the heat of the trouble and I can only hope things will go well. Can not wait for book 3.

[Leslie Fisher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here we go again. I picked up this book, #2 in the series, and started reading. As with book one, I couldn't put it down.
It picked up right where book #1 left off and I really can't stress enough that this is not a book that can be read as a stand-alone.
I really enjoyed how we got to see the fated mate aspect of the story. Throw in some spice and maybe some epic love and well the words keep flowing and the pages keep turning. Right up to that cliffhanger at the end!
I received an advance review copy and I am so glad that I did, even if we have to wait for book 3 lol.

[Mikayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book picks right back up from the first book and the story is progressing so amazing that it makes you want to just keep going. I felt this book was better then the first and I couldn’t get enough! So many things are happening with the everyone trying to break the curse before it’s to late that it has you on edge just waiting for the next book to arrive! I loved this as much as I loved the first book! It keep me interested and wanting to know more after every page! This series does not disappoint! The spice is everything and the story is unique. I can’t wait for the third book.

[Ashley Alatorre · Rating 5 out of 5]

10/10 highly recommend (this is book two make sure you start with book one A Curse of Tooth and Bone)
Spice rating:🌶️
⚠️Check your trigger warnings⚠️

Multiple POVs

Where to begin!? This book is amazing! This book picks up right where book one left off (major cliffhanger). We find out a bunch of info that we were only given minor details about in book one. We get to watch several relationships flourish and boy are their some twists and turns. Agree are left on a major cliffhanger but I cannot wait to see what book three has in store.

[Allison Ford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Here everything really starts to come together. I'm now confident this is a perfect series to binge read with the way the books are laid out and just continue right where the previous left off. We get to know the characters better, and they get to know one another better as they have to come together to fight this curse and save their friends. This book just builds on everything that was introduced in book one in really fun (and sometimes heartwrenching) ways. I immediately downloaded and cracked into book three after finishing this. It's just necessary.

[Keli · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Don’t know what you want to read this summer? Look no further than the Ozero curse series. A curse of blood and bone is the second book of the series and is just as entrancing as the first book. Seeing the development of the characters and their own special POV throughout the book keeps you captivated and hungry for the next book. Highly recommended!

[Serena · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series is absolutely addicting. I’m obsessed with the world this author has created as well as the journey. I’m not a fan of how many POV’s there are personally, but I love that even with a lot of characters each one feels different and as if they’re their own person. It’s fresh, fun, sexy. I like it a lot.

Part of me feels there’s too much going on. These books could’ve been longer or there could’ve been separate books to encompass all that’s going on. The first book was very plot driven and this book focused more on the sexual relationships and felt a little more rushed.

Overall I definitely suggest to read and I can’t wait for the third one.

[Kelly Castillo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 2 of The Ozero Curse series. It was just as amazing, if not better, than book 1. I love that we get all of the characters together in each book instead of each couple having their own. They are all trying to navigate so many different things while also trying to break the curse before it is too late. I need the next book now! You can't leave me with a cliffhanger!

[Cee_reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review:

This book picks right back up from the first book and the story is progressing so amazing that it makes you want to just keep going. I felt this book was better then the first and I couldn’t get enough! So many things are happening with the everyone trying to break the curse before it’s to late that it has you on wedge just waiting for the next book to arrive!

[MildrenReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

STILL OBSESSED!!!

The couples were getting REAL CLOSE 😏 this one had more smvt of course and the 180 that a character did 😳 I had my suspicions but woahhhh pls read TW! I had a theory that I wanted to be real but unfortunately wasn’t the case, I’m not upset about it tho! I love guessing 😂 can’t wait for book 3!!!

[Lisa Diamond-Weaver · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 2nd book in the series and it was soooo good!!! We dove deeper into the chatecters and get more of the back stories to some. I instantly dove right into book 3 afterwards!! I really didn't expect the dark turns this book took and it made me so angry. I hate Arlando that is all lol I can't wait to see how this all wraps up!!

[Kellie Nylund · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the story and the multiple povs that we get. It’s unique that we get to see each couple handle being near their fated mates. I can’t wait for book three!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Holly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I bought this book after I read the first as ARC.

I still enjoyed this book but I found myself getting frustrated with Yari because the signs were so obvious. I would’ve preferred the signs to be a bit more subtle, perhaps not to us but definitely to Yari. I still enjoyed the writing and it’s a nice escape read. I’ll still read the next one when it comes out.

[Michelle Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

First let me say the spice level in this book substantially increased from the last book. This book brought so many of my favorite things together. Fates mates, lost family, love, even some betrayal. I love the evolving magic system and the characters. Can’t wait for book 3.

[Lyndsay Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This second installment reeled me in further! I love the multiple POVs and fated mates! This storyline keeps getting better and better the deeper Nicolette goes. My heart couldn’t catch a break towards the end of this book. Must read series!!

[Laura Grover · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED LOVED LOVED thus book! 5/5 for for me. The story line was so well written and it keeps you engaged wanting more!

[Ashley Hare D'Appolonia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am thoroughly enjoying this series. Storyline is so good, enjoying the character development. Cannot wait for book 3.

[Lisa Faulkner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book!!! Amazing story for any fantasy lover. A lil darker, with all the yummy tropes. Fated Mates, Multi PoV, Forced Proximity. Highly recommend.

[Danielle · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really do love the plot of this series. I think that it's an interesting take on The Bear Prince story and I like Kiki & Erasmo.

The excessive number of POVs in this series really kill it for me. I think Book 1 had 4 POVs (Kiki, Solana, Yari, and Erasmo). Book 2 adds Luna's POV to the mix. I'll be honest, I don't find anything Solana or Luna have to contribute to the storyline helpful at all. There are too many side stories and I found myself dreading reading every time their chapters came up. Yari's chapters are helpful, but they are so long and her personality is very damsel in distress. I understand that she was training to be a slayer in Book 1 and failed, but she was still training to be a slayer. She had some training. She should not have been as helpless or naive as she acted. These books are marketed as Kiki's story. In my opinion, the only 2 POVs needed were Kiki's & Erasmo's. The others easily could have been novellas.

It's nitpicky, but I wish the name of this book were something different. There is another book with a similar name (___ of Blood & Bone) by a different author. There's no real problem with the title other than the closeness to the other one.

Much like book 1 there are many inconsistencies in these books. Mauri continues to be misspelled as Marui sometimes. Some of the writing in these books feels very prim & proper, while some feel a little juvenile. It's distracting.

I was also really turned off by the fact that Kiki, Solana, Yari, and Luna all magically find their mates in this hidden village and all but one of them happen to be with princes (the last is the prince's cousin). Naturally, they all accept their mates, basically right away, and consummate the relationship.

While Book 1 of this series felt fast-paced and moved along, Book 2 really dragged for me. It took me 2 weeks to read 300 pages because I had to literally force myself to read it and I found myself wanting to skip large chunks of passages because I was so bored with some of the side stories.

Another thing that I found difficult in this book vs book 1. This is inspired by a Mexican fairytale, which is great, but sometimes Spanish words were used and no context was given as to what it means. Example, one of the characters is referred to as "chiqui" several times, but at no point in time was this defined. Some of these are also slang words so there is no formal translation in kindle's translation dictionary. I'm all for using multiple languages, but I don't want to stop and have to google words to understand what they mean every time.

I wanted to love these books. I'd still love to know how the story ends, but I don't think I could force myself to read Book 3 if it continues to have 5+ POVs.

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.

[Victoria Zeehandelaar · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was better than the first in many ways! The writing improved and kept my attention much more than the first book. The different POV from chapter to chapter really helps to move the story line and it increases the world building and context for the reader.

This book includes more suspense and has the reader screaming at Luna to see what is really happening with Arlando and for her to run!

[Sherri Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was worried that with all the hype I've seen for this series that it would not live up to it or characters, story, and world building would get lost. However it proved me wrong slapping me in face and asking how I could doubt Nicolette Elzie would offer anything but AMAZING!! The story was such a smooth continuation and the first book was a great builder to this story. I couldn't put it down and may have pouted that I don't already have the next book. Easily a MUST READ for everyone and one I will easily keep going back to and promoting!!! Get this book now if you haven't already.....What are you waiting on?

[thewoollygeek (tea, cake, crochet & books) · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Curse of Blood and Bone by Nicolette Elzie is the second book in the series following on from A Curse of Tooth and Claw. I was so excited to rejoin my new favourite leading characters, Kiki my amazing badass woman and Erasmo, he has my heart but I’m not saying too much without spoiling anything. I have another firm book boyfriend to add to the collection.

I’m glad to say that my fears of second book curse weren’t realised, because I loved the first so much it’s always a bit nervy at the second, but I can confirm this book is fantastic, I think I may have enjoyed it even more than the first, but I find it hard to choose between them they’re both so good. The writing is wonderful, I loved the character progression and watching the characters connect and relationships form (again no spoilers from me you have to read to see for yourself).

The plot, I was just blown away, it’s so good , it’s addictive reading and I finished it far sooner than I like, because it ends on a cliffhanger and I need the next book and I don’t have to it !!! Please do check your triggers before reading. This book jumps straight in from A Curse of Tooth and Claw and I was so ecstatic to be back in this world and these characters, I loved the mating processes involved, the focus of each characters story, background and world, rather than just intense detail on one character, it’s really refreshing.

I can’t recommend this book enough, if you love fantasy, romance, mythology, great stories and wonderful characters with depth, this series is for you. I just need the third book as soon as possible, please 🙏🏻

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Curse of Blood and Bone by Nicolette Elzie is book two in The Ozero Curse Series. After reading the first book, A Curse of Tooth and Claw I knew I had to read the next book. I’m so glad I did because as much as I enjoyed the first one this one blew my expectations out of the water! It was so freaking good! The book is written fantastic and the storyline is Phenomenal!!! I could not put my Kindle down and before I knew it I was finished with the book. I will also mention checking your trigger warnings just to be safe. Also this book does end on a cliffhanger. (So be prepared!)

A Curse of Blood and Bone picks up directly after A Curse of Tooth and Claw. So needless to say you must read the books in order. I really enjoyed reading the growth that each character went through in this book. I loved how each couple has a unique mating process that keeps everything fresh and new. This series is very impressive and I’m so invested in this world and the lives of each and every character. I can’t wait to see how it all ends. I absolutely need book three in my life. Needless to say, I highly recommend this series!

Final review:
5 out of 5 stars

[Luz Fairbank · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think those books are past the first book. I think the multiple povs from the different characters in the book really amplified my understanding, and my ability to really grasp the storyline as a whole. It also connected a lot of dots that I was trying to figure out from the first book.

Overall with the added smut scenes, I can easily say this book, had my heart rate all the way up 😂

If you like fated mates, bad ass, main characters, smut, and a mystery/adventure hybrid… I believe this book will be for you.

Well done, Nicolette! I cannot wait to read book 3 😭😭😭

[Michelle Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

First let me say the spice level in this book substantially increased from the last book. This book brought so many of my favorite things together. Fates mates, lost family, love, even some betrayal. I love the evolving magic system and the characters. Can’t wait for book 3.

[Veronica Hernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite dark fantasy romance series to read this year! The spice is amazing and I love the strong FMC that are demon slayers that are in the book. I can’t wait for the third book!