Cursed

by Lynn Ricci

When Sarah Carter moves to Boston to escape her past she realizes there's more than meets the eye with the landlord and her mysterious new best friend. What happened to the owner of this brownstone and what secrets lie within its walls and continue to torment? Witchcraft, curses and timeless love are not what Sarah expected to find, but as she learns more, she wonders is she actually running back to her past instead of from it?

Genres: Paranormal, Witches, Mystery, Horror, Fiction, Paranormal Romance, Romance

260 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 18, 2012

About the author

Lynn Ricci is a hopeless romantic at heart, so it's no surprise that she writes romance novels about love, friendship, and happily ever afters. Lynn lives in Massachusetts, and when she is not writing for business or pleasure, she can be found painting or reading on the closest beach.

Lynn Ricci's newest novel, Matchless, is due out in Fall 2025. She is the author of Chasing Yesterday, a contemporary romance with a touch of fantasy or mystical elements, released in 2025. Her other novels are The Dating Intervention, a contemporary romance, followed by Cursed, a paranormal romance.

Reviews

[Dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cursed is kind of sweet, in a Beauty and the Beast kind of way. Lynn C. Ricci has created a modern day fairy tale that started with the curse of a witch a century and a half before. Determined to make a fresh start after a heart-breaking break up, Sarah is drawn to the perfect rental, a charming Brownstone in Boston, but the landlord is a distant, disfigured man who keeps to himself and the shadows. What draws Sarah to Mason and causes him to open up, slowly to her? Is there something magical about their relationship, something more powerful than an angry witch’s black curse? Can the Beast become a handsome prince in the eyes of love?

Lynn Ricci has set a beautiful stage for her dark romantic tale. From the historical home to the isolation of a fierce winter storm at Christmas, two people connect and one is finally able to share the burden he has carried for decades. The feeling is pure magic, the flawless slide from the stories of the past to the present day retelling is, in and of itself haunting and romantic. The curse of a black witch is no match for the magic in the power of love. Ms. Ricci’s style includes rich detail and strong character development as we are invited to feel each word on each page. Cursed is a delightfully dark paranormal romance with that timeless romantic feel. Well written, intriguing and spellbinding, a trip back in time, then back again.

I received a copy from the author as part of the CURSED Review Tour at Tome Tender December 9 -15, 2013 in exchange for my honest review!

Published December 18, 2012 by Lynn C. Ricci
Genre: Adult Paranormal Romance
Number of pages: 258
Available from: Amazon

[Katie O'Sullivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay, so from the Goodreads description, I'm not sure I'd have picked this up to read. But I'm glad that I read this dark but sweet romantic tale, and truly enjoyed it.

This is a thoroughly modernized retelling of the classic Beauty and the Beast fairy tale, something along the lines of the YA movie BEASTLY, starring Alex Pettifore. Does that give too much away or does that entice you to read more? Personally, I love the idea of fairy tales retold with modern, urban twists, and have read several lately.

Sarah Carter gets a new job in Boston after an embarrassingly failed office romance back in NYC. She lands an apartment in a lovely brownstone with a mysterious landlord (affordable one bedroom for a young single working girl being part of the urban fantasy, I'm sure, lol.) She makes new friends at work, and is befriended by an exotic woman whom none of her other friends likes. Sarah is sweet, totally like a Belle character, who sees the best in everyone, even her grumpy landlord.

Mason is the mysterious landlord who also resides in the brownstone, disfigured in some accident and reclusively hiding in the shadows. He is drawn out of his self-imposed exile by Sarah's sweetness, drawn to her in an almost magical way. When winter storms and sickness force the two of them to spend time together, he knows he must tell her his story. The tales he weaves of old Boston are the most fascinating parts of the novel.

Ms. Ricci does an excellent job in using Boston as her setting, with wonderful descriptions of the city back in its earlier days, during Mason's youth. She also does a wonderful job of weaving gothic elements throughout the tale, and uses witchcraft in surprising ways to bring the story to life. There was a bit of head hopping in the points of view, but all in all a fast paced read that keeps your attention. CURSED will have you flipping pages quickly until you reach the climax and ultimately the happily-ever-after. Because after all, what good is a fairy tale - even a dark one - without the HEA?

[Martha · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick read with a mixed Gothic and fairy tale bent.
Sarah has moved to Boston after a romance gone bad. She has gotten a good job offer and found an apartment in a lovely old brownstone. Her new landlord is apparently disfigured and very reclusive but he is very gentlemanly and helpful.

Sarah settles in at the office with other staff and occasionally joins some of the ladies for lunch. One morning getting bagels an attractive woman, Zoe, befriends her and becomes quite chummy. Zoe encourages Sarah to go out but Zoe is the one who attracts all the men wherever she goes and she isn’t particularly kind to Sarah’s other friends.

Strange things begin to occur at her apartment and Sarah starts to have more contact with her landlord, seeing Mason as a man beyond his disfigurements. As black cats hiss at windows and other spooky things happen Mason finally discloses his story and his suspicions to Sarah. It is a remarkable tale of witchcraft, jealousy and curses.

The story is interesting and engaging although a bit different. There is quite a bit of ‘telling’ instead of showing as the past history unfolds as Mason shares it with Sarah. It works okay as it is like a storyteller in front of a campfire or in a dark room and you want to know what happened! I liked Sarah as a down to earth and kind heroine. The villain is a fabulously wicked character - and you really do suspect it fairly early. It is interesting that the story has a bit of fairy tale leanings such as The Beauty and The Beast and Sleeping Beauty.

The story reads easily and quickly and there is excitement as the secrets are revealed and danger must be met. If you enjoy Gothic romance with a hint of fairy tale curses you should enjoy this story.

I received the eBook for an honest review to post as part of Bewitching Blog Tour.

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my favorite books I’ve read in quite a while. First off, I was simply captivated by the cover. I think the colors are perfect and the artistry conveys the gothic feel that is prevalent throughout the entire story. This “Beauty and the Beast” themed novel flows smoothly like a well-told campfire tale. The main characters are robustly portrayed. Mason, the tortured, tormented landlord who slowly thaws his frozen emotions under the quiet, soothing ministrations of lonely Sarah is definitely my favorite. He is a good man who has suffered unjustly for an exceedingly long time yet still retains kindness in his heart and poetry in his soul, even though his body is like an unwelcome, unyielding anchor to that honorable spirit.

I loved, also, the sense of time and place. The tale takes place in an old, lovingly renovated old brownstone in Boston in winter. The cold weather, snow, and icy wind were integral to the overall mood, and, in my opinion, described with succinct precision to increase my shivers as I read about the mystery and secrets long buried in the recesses of the house and in the memories of the characters. This modern gothic is one you should not miss!

The book was given to me by the author in return for my honest opinion.

Reviewed by Laurie-J

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved, loved, loved this book! I was immediately immersed in Lynn Ricci's world of Boston and the old brownstones. From the moment I looked at the cover I could tell that this book would be one that I would have to read. And I was not disappointed. Sarah the main character was strong but you could tell after the break up with her ex she was ready for something new and moving to Boston to work at a new company and meeting new friends was just what she needed. But some of the new friends she met were not "new" as she first thought.

Mason, the landlord of the brownstone, was a lonely disfigured old man. He usually did he's grounds work at night and only spoke to the residents from the shadows. The moment he saw Sarah he questioned whether or not he should have let her come. Lynn did a great job of world building from the past and the present. I could picture the story so vividly in my head as she told the story. Also by the end of the story I felt like I knew Sarah, Mason, and the others in this story personally.

This was an awesome retelling of "Beauty and the Beast". But it wasn't your typical telling of the story. I totally recommend this to any one wanting to read a great paranormal romance. There were such twist in this story from times gone by coming to a head in this story. Mason finally gets his revenge and the girl.

I give Cursed and Lynn 5 stars!!

[Andrea Guy · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is so much to like about this book. First there is the cover. It is hauntingly beautiful and the Brownstone depicts the home Sarah lived in so well, with just a touch of spooky to make things interesting.

I absolutely adored this modern day retelling of Beauty and the Beast, with a touch of The Phantom of The Opera. (Or in this case The Phantom Of The Brownstone) It is a sweet story, rather than a frightening one and it drew me in from the very first page. I loved Sarah and her sweetness and Mason's mystery. Then there was Zoe. You knew she had to play a huge role in this story, but what?

I really loved how Sarah and Mason's relationship grew through him telling her his history. Mason really is the character you are most intrigued by. You want to know how he became disfigured and you want to learn more about him and his life.

Sarah is just the epitome of sweetness. She's smart, she's nice and she's just the perfect girl next door. As I read, I could really see her as Belle.

There are a lot of secrets to be revealed and I excited turned every page to learn each and every one, especially how Zoe/Selena played out in the course of the novel. I won't give away any spoilers, but let's say she is truly evil, and she sucks the life out of the men!

This was a fairly quick read, but one you shouldn't pass up if you like the old gothic style love story.

[Sapphyria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing! Simply Amazing!

"Cursed" is an excellent novel about two lonely people who are united under the roof of an old, remodeled home. The landlord, Mason, is a highly disfigured person and spends most of his time in the shadows. Sarah is a lonely woman coming off of a break up from a man she discovered had a girlfriend. What plays out between Mason and Sarah is very much a Beatuy and the Beast-type romance. But that's not all there is to this exceptional novel.

The tale that Lynn Ricci weaves is gothic in nature. The mysteries surrounding the old house, the landlord, and even Sarah keep you completely engaged in the story. Ms. Ricci's writing style is clear, smooth, and easy to follow. Her ability to manifest the emotions, feelings, and thoughts of each character so clearly allows the reader to be pulled into her world. The character development leaves nothing out and you really feel like you know Mason, Sarah, and the secondary characters.

Everything about this novel pulls you in ~ starting with the beautiful, vibrant, and completely appropriate cover. I enjoyed "Cursed" very much and am glad I had the opportunity to read it.

Review copy courtesy of the author, Lynn Ricci, via the tour promotion company, in exchange for an honest review.

[Rae · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will start by saying I have read both The Dating Intervention and Cursed by Lynn Ricci, and both are well worth the time! Although both weigh heavily on matters of the heart, Cursed was a darker tale that really let your imagination go. I wasn't quite certain where the story was heading and it kept me wanting more. The author provides a very vivid picture of the characters bringing you deeper into the book and feeling their pain, anguish, fears and joy. I hope for more stories like this from Lynn Ricci. It really showed another side to her ability. I loved it!

[Andrea Dillon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book.The set up was good and the description of each place and person was great but I think the ending was rushed and a little choppy. It was good overall though.

[Jacqui · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cursed by Lynn Ricci - I loved this book, it was a great mix of romance and mystery. I like the small tid bits of Boston history throughout the book and learning some facts about Boston. The surprise ending was not what I expected and well done. The author did a good job of captivating me as a reader, I didn't want to put the book down.

[Selene · Rating 3 out of 5]

I know I gave this book three stars which in all honesty may be a little less than it deserves. When I picked up this book I was hoping for an urban fantasy, action / adventure, comedic, quick read book. It is fairly short at under 300 pages and it is set in a city and there is a real life witch. But it's more of a tender beauty and the beast type love story than a Christopher Moore's Bloodsucking Fiends or a Kim Harrison's Dead Witch Walking. This book was much more in line with A Discovery of Witchesby Deborah Harkness or Betweenby Cyndi Tefft.
Parts of the storyline, to me at least, did seem a bit predictable and I think there would have been a "creepier" feeling to many of the scenes if the supporting characters didn't use that particular word to describe everyone and everything that diverted even slightly from the "norm". But again I think the big pull of this story was the love story, which I'm not really into mushy love stories very much as it is and it wasn't what I was looking for when I grabbed this book. One last thing - when I say love story I mean just that. This seems to me to be a love story not a "romance" which in many cases just seems like another term for erotica. It's a very PG-13 or even PG book. I would view it as a heart warming book under the right circumstances... but mostly I was just bored waiting for someone to pop out with an oozie or something.

[books are love · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a interesting way to write a version of beauty and the beast. I like how the reasoning for the curse is being rejected. That is one vindictive witch for sure. What I don’t get though is watching him like that. So he didn’t like you get over it but to do what you do seriously get over yourself. Becoming friends with Sarah and acting all possessive is creepy witch.

Sarah moves to Boston for all the wrong reasons but a fresh start is always nice. She at first is wary of her landlord and I think a little afraid. But over time sees he isn’t all that he appears to be. She meets some nice people but doesn’t get cozy for she is a old soul and her new friends are more outgoing. Her work keeps her busy and so does the nosy witch she meets. But the landlord keeps her curious.

Than a snowstorm hits and Sarah and her landlord are thrown together in the house. They get to know each other and he tells the tale. And what a tale it is. The intricate details ms ricci has in this tale of beauty, tragedy, woe and love is amazing. Such a heartbreaker but one that is surprising for Sarah to hear. As the story is told, the witch is enraged and goes into her cat self to figure things out, changes begin to take place for the landlord. What changes and do they end up together well that you need to read the book to find out about.

The curse is a fun interesting read on the take of beauty and the beast but set in the beautiful town of Boston. Some history of that city is seen in this writing as well and we see a tale that is entwined with love,jealousy and adventure.

[Peter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sarah Carter is leaving New York to take a new job in Boston. Sarah finds the perfect apartment that she can not turn down. The landlord of the brownstone is named Mason. He is a disfigured man and keeps to himself. Not wanting the tenants to see what he really looks like. Mason is a loner by choice. Sarah is new in town and looking to make friends. Sarah becomes friends with a women name Zoe. There is something strange about Zoe but Sarah can't put her finger on it. Sarah is encourage to go to different clubs and restaurants with her. Sarah soon finds out that everything is about Zoe. Strange things start to happen at Sarah brownstone apartment. There is a strange black cat that is clawing and hissing and trying to get in. This black cat shows up on numerous occasions. There is a big snow storm heading for the town of Boston. Everybody is trying to get out for the Christmas holiday. Sarah becomes ill and can not leave the brownstone. The next day all transportation has been cancelled because of the storm. Sarah will never make it home for Christmas. This makes her sad. Sarah and Mason are the only ones left in the brownstone. Mason has a story that he must tell Sarah about his past. This a story about good versus evil. This was a quick enjoyable read.

[Parker · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book! It's an updated twist on the story of Beauty and the Beast, with dashings of historical fact and a contemporary American setting. It was very easy to read, and had a great pace, and even though some points of the story were a little predictable, it was still gripping, and I was eager to read on and see how events unfolded. The characters were sympathetic, and I liked that the main romance was downplayed--you could see it happening, but it wasn't an in-your-face insta-love romance.

The prose did slip a bit in places; it was sometimes difficult to distinguish between characters, and although the fast pace made it exciting, it also told against it as I felt that some events moved too quickly. I could have become much more invested in certain characters if the pace had been slower and I'd got to know them better. Some stories are 'told' more than 'shown', and Cursed was definitely a 'told' story. That's not necessarily a bad thing; I think it's more a matter of taste than anything definite, and although I usually prefer 'shown' stories, I did enjoy Cursed. It wasn't a story to change my life, but it was a good idea well spun, and I'd recommend it for a good entertaining read.

I received an e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Nancy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was kind of disappointed with this book. It sounded interesting, and I really like retelling of the Beauty and the Beast story. This one had an interesting twist to it. Sarah (Beauty) is a reincarnation of the girl Aiden/Mason was in love with before he got cursed by a demon/witch. Sounds interesting, right?
While reading the book all I could think was "hurry up and get to the good stuff" There was a lot of descriptions, and details of the past that were not pertinent to the story. Plus all the hints and foreshadowing were not very subtle. I did not really like how Aiden/Mason returned to normal, all that was needed was for him to tell Sarah the story of how he was cursed. It almost felt as though all he had to do was be friends with someone and it would have broken the spell.
This book almost feels as if it should be in the juvenile section, there is no kissing, and almost no romance at all. The characters don't even tell each other how they feel. I am glad I bought it, I really wanted to read it and could not get a copy at the library, but I will probably not read it again. Maybe my little girl will like it

[Sara Palacios · Rating 5 out of 5]

For a lack of better words, this is the first time that I am going to call a book cool. I had a really fun time when I was reading this book and for some bizarre reason, it felt like it was a story that would have everyone gathered around a campfire. There are a lot of spooky things going on but the book isn’t scary at all, which I liked because I am a huge wuss! I really enjoyed Sarah and thought that her interactions with the tortured landlord were oddly hilarious and although he gives off a very odd vibe, I found him to be sweet and noble and he definitely turned out to be my favorite character. This book is an odd combination of spooky folklore and an oddball fairy tale, but together they make the perfect combination. This is the second book by Lynn that I have read and I must admit that I liked it better than the first because it was so unique and original. I would highly recommend it.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was a great reimagining of 'Beauty and The Beast'.Lynn Ricci writes well (her style puts me in mind of Barbara Michaels) and she knows how to keep her story interesting. My only complaint, in the end, concerns the typographical errors and/or editorial errors. It could have used alittle more proofreading to catch them all. Sounds like I'm being picky, but all those mistakes interupt the flow or 'spell' a good story weaves for the reader and this story definitely weaves a spell. Please read it.You'll love it!

[Jay Batson]

Historic fictional fun

Disclosure: I know the author, so may be biased. But I'll try not to be ;-)

This is just pure fun. A combination of old Boston history, brownstone charm, and a mystical mystery that provides the plot, tension, & interesting characters. I live in the area the story takes place, so I especially enjoyed the narrative of the place.

It was definitely an evening destination page turner for me. I have no hesitation to recommend it to those who enjoy the genre.

Konos, Lynn.

[Karen Grabowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited to see another new book from this author. I loved her other two novels and was looking forward to another one. Low and behold, another great story.I loved it! Every time I put the book down, it left me dying to read more so I could see what happened next. I highly recommend this book. Loved the cover of this book too. It fits the story perfectly. Now I can't wait for another novel from her.
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[Cindy · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book just sucked. It was a disapointment because I love Boston and the fabulous brownstone houses there so that in itself should be the foundation for a good spook book. But this author failed.

[Abbi Saxby · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick, easy read with likeable characters. I wish it had been more detailed though. Perhaps there will be a sequel?