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Cursed Coven
Octavia's magical lineage promised power and family, yet she can claim none of it. As a girl, her coven was attacked by a clan of witch hunters, and she lost almost everything. Eighteen years later, she's isolated herself from the few remaining members of her coven as she desperately searches for a way to reclaim her magic.
Raised in a family of witch hunters, Leif thinks he knows his enemy well. When fate places a coven directly in his path, he and his siblings devise a scheme to eliminate them. But when a devastating truth about his family comes to light, the plan goes awry, and everything he thought he knew turns to dust.
As witches and hunters begrudgingly join forces, they struggle to navigate their drastically opposing views of witchcraft. To avoid mutual destruction, they must search for the common ground that will allow them to work together to overcome a new enemy. But no amount of strategizing can predict just how wrong things will go when a deeper secret is revealed, and a dark, deadly power is roused from its slumber.
Without losing themselves in the process, Octavia and Leif must test the boundaries of magic and fight to overcome the traumas of their past. Together, they'll learn that light and dark do not always translate perfectly into good and evil.
Raised in a family of witch hunters, Leif thinks he knows his enemy well. When fate places a coven directly in his path, he and his siblings devise a scheme to eliminate them. But when a devastating truth about his family comes to light, the plan goes awry, and everything he thought he knew turns to dust.
As witches and hunters begrudgingly join forces, they struggle to navigate their drastically opposing views of witchcraft. To avoid mutual destruction, they must search for the common ground that will allow them to work together to overcome a new enemy. But no amount of strategizing can predict just how wrong things will go when a deeper secret is revealed, and a dark, deadly power is roused from its slumber.
Without losing themselves in the process, Octavia and Leif must test the boundaries of magic and fight to overcome the traumas of their past. Together, they'll learn that light and dark do not always translate perfectly into good and evil.
392 pages, Paperback
Published July 1, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
August 28, 2023
“Somehow, deep inside, she knew that light, love, and happiness were the only weapons she had against the darkness within. For her family, she would rise.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Currently writing this with tear stained cheeks. I’m not sure I’ll be able to put into words how much I loved this book, but I will try. This was such a fantastically written and strong debut novel, I would never guess that this was Kara’s first published book! Her characters are all so unique, diverse, and distinguishable- you can’t help but love each and every one of them. The main character, Octavia, is so well-rounded and there is so much more depth to her beyond the words on the pages, I loved her so much. I connected with and felt for her instantly. Same is to be said about the male lead, Leif. He is also incredibly well written and relatable. The dynamic between Octavia and Leif together was one of my favorite parts of this book: two misunderstood and broken souls finding one another against all odds. I loved it 🖤
The magic system and how magic works in this book is explained very well, and it created such a fun and unique reading experience. The plot sucked me in from the first page and the pacing was perfect. There is so much more behind the villain and what they are hiding in this story than I think was uncovered in this book, and I can’t wait to see more twists unfold as the series continues. I equally cannot wait to be reunited with these characters.
This was such a fun, emotional, romantic, cozy, and magical read- and I would highly, highly recommend it 🖤
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Currently writing this with tear stained cheeks. I’m not sure I’ll be able to put into words how much I loved this book, but I will try. This was such a fantastically written and strong debut novel, I would never guess that this was Kara’s first published book! Her characters are all so unique, diverse, and distinguishable- you can’t help but love each and every one of them. The main character, Octavia, is so well-rounded and there is so much more depth to her beyond the words on the pages, I loved her so much. I connected with and felt for her instantly. Same is to be said about the male lead, Leif. He is also incredibly well written and relatable. The dynamic between Octavia and Leif together was one of my favorite parts of this book: two misunderstood and broken souls finding one another against all odds. I loved it 🖤
The magic system and how magic works in this book is explained very well, and it created such a fun and unique reading experience. The plot sucked me in from the first page and the pacing was perfect. There is so much more behind the villain and what they are hiding in this story than I think was uncovered in this book, and I can’t wait to see more twists unfold as the series continues. I equally cannot wait to be reunited with these characters.
This was such a fun, emotional, romantic, cozy, and magical read- and I would highly, highly recommend it 🖤
September 23, 2023
Modern-day witch / witch hunter romance and found family? Yes please.
September 26, 2023
Got this book as an EARC before it came out.
I was not disappointed in the plot, and it was a very cozy read.
There were a few things that I didn't care for, most of them revolving around the way the characters interacted and how some of the plot line felt forced rather than progressing smoothly. Otherwise it was a good book and I will be awaiting the next installment. I cannot wait to see what happens now with Octavia.
I was not disappointed in the plot, and it was a very cozy read.
There were a few things that I didn't care for, most of them revolving around the way the characters interacted and how some of the plot line felt forced rather than progressing smoothly. Otherwise it was a good book and I will be awaiting the next installment. I cannot wait to see what happens now with Octavia.
January 1, 2024
Wow. Just, wow. I didn't really expect to like this. I got it for free and then completely forgot about it. Only ended picking it up because it seemed like an easy read to end the year. I was bored at first but things escalated so quickly and in such a good way. I was giggling and kicking my feet in the air the whole time. Very rarely do I come across books that make me have to set it down so I can scream about what just happened.
I really like how all of the characters were written and how loveable they all become. Instant new favorite (book and author).
Hands down one of the best enemies to lovers I've read. It's so well executed!!!!!
I really like how all of the characters were written and how loveable they all become. Instant new favorite (book and author).
Hands down one of the best enemies to lovers I've read. It's so well executed!!!!!
August 17, 2023
I was lucky to get an ARC copy of Cursed Coven.
I really enjoyed this book. I didn't want to put it down. It was interesting from the start and there were some great twists. The characters are likeable and you just feel connected as you learn more about each of them. I also loved the found family aspect and how those relationships formed through the book. I look forward to reading the next one!
I really enjoyed this book. I didn't want to put it down. It was interesting from the start and there were some great twists. The characters are likeable and you just feel connected as you learn more about each of them. I also loved the found family aspect and how those relationships formed through the book. I look forward to reading the next one!
August 28, 2023
ARC REVIEW:
I think my biggest problem with this book was the amount of stuff in the middle that could've been cut out. If some of it was taken out and we got to the plot twists earlier it would've been a solid book. I thought some of the dialogue shared between characters was annoying and cringe at times, but did like all of the main players regardless. I will be reading the second book solely because of the twists at the end to see what happens to the characters. Overall not a terrible book just one that was a little tough to get through at times.
I think my biggest problem with this book was the amount of stuff in the middle that could've been cut out. If some of it was taken out and we got to the plot twists earlier it would've been a solid book. I thought some of the dialogue shared between characters was annoying and cringe at times, but did like all of the main players regardless. I will be reading the second book solely because of the twists at the end to see what happens to the characters. Overall not a terrible book just one that was a little tough to get through at times.
October 12, 2023
Ooooh baby let’s talk about this. If you’re looking for the perfect October/Halloween read, this is IT.
We’re talking enemies to lovers - witch/witch hunter, found family, hidden powers. Is there a small hint of a love triangle with the best friend? Maybe. THERES JUST SO MUCH HAPPENING.
I love the duo point of view because as much as I love Octavia, I loved LOVED having Leif’s POV. The only reason it took me so long to finish this book is because I didn’t want to finish. I loved living in this fun little witch tale 💞
If you love witches and all the lore surrounding them and want a fun new inclusive book, look no further.
Overall:
4/5⭐️
Spice 2/5🌶️
We’re talking enemies to lovers - witch/witch hunter, found family, hidden powers. Is there a small hint of a love triangle with the best friend? Maybe. THERES JUST SO MUCH HAPPENING.
I love the duo point of view because as much as I love Octavia, I loved LOVED having Leif’s POV. The only reason it took me so long to finish this book is because I didn’t want to finish. I loved living in this fun little witch tale 💞
If you love witches and all the lore surrounding them and want a fun new inclusive book, look no further.
Overall:
4/5⭐️
Spice 2/5🌶️
September 16, 2023
A witch and witch hunter romance but make it modern day AND with the best friend groups? Sign me up.
This book has a bit of everything - enemies to lovers, trauma, found family, beautiful love story, epic magic. It’s such a beautiful debut. You’ll want this one for your spooky season TBR.
This book has a bit of everything - enemies to lovers, trauma, found family, beautiful love story, epic magic. It’s such a beautiful debut. You’ll want this one for your spooky season TBR.
September 30, 2023
Great read! Love that the book was set in present day time. Good character build and story plot. Can’t wait for the second book to learn more about the coven and what waits for Octavia.
October 23, 2023
I never want to read the word “deeply” ever again. For me, the story just could not overcome the cringe writing.
October 17, 2023
Haters gonna hate but I loved the story!
July 27, 2023
A refreshingly adult take on the magical dark academia genre, Cursed Coven grips its readers from the first page and doesn’t let go. I'm officially attached to all of these characters and love the found family vibes. I need the sequel now, please!
September 18, 2023
Cursed Coven has the most fun, witchy, cozy vibes and is the perfect Autumn read.
I love the found family element so much and Kara did an amazing job of building a really strong and believable magic system. I would love a prequel featuring the characters in CC’s parents because their coven sounds so interesting.
Octavia is such a strong MC and she and Leif have great chemistry. I adored all the side characters (Jiro is 100% my fave) and can’t wait to see what they all get up to in book two.
The action/training scenes were really fun and cinematic, and I was on the edge of my seat during the buildup to the big showdown.
This is a great debut and I can’t wait to have it on my shelves and read more from Kara.
ARC provided by the author. All opinions are my own.
I love the found family element so much and Kara did an amazing job of building a really strong and believable magic system. I would love a prequel featuring the characters in CC’s parents because their coven sounds so interesting.
Octavia is such a strong MC and she and Leif have great chemistry. I adored all the side characters (Jiro is 100% my fave) and can’t wait to see what they all get up to in book two.
The action/training scenes were really fun and cinematic, and I was on the edge of my seat during the buildup to the big showdown.
This is a great debut and I can’t wait to have it on my shelves and read more from Kara.
ARC provided by the author. All opinions are my own.
September 19, 2023
I was gifted an ARC copy by Kara but this review is completely free from biases.
Wow… first of all, why the heck did it have to end in a cliffhanger! I went into this book believing that it was a stand-alone and now I need more! I need to know what happens once they get to their new home!
Okay, the fact that Leif and Octavia were one of the most perfect enemies to lovers in a twisted sort of way was done perfectly. Well, I guess they weren’t originally enemies until he met the other three… But the story behind Leif and Octavia was done so beautifully and I just loved them together! I also want to see a romance happen between Tripp and June! So when I got to the point where Leif and his family were planning things out, I kind of had an inkling that they might have been the four children that went missing and boy was I right! I also loved that how they found out was due to Octavia asking Leif to come with her to Salem!
I really loved how slowly (but not so slowly) all eight of them became friends and a family again and it just made me smile seeing all of them fight to protect one another! When the the original coven members found out what Leif had planned to kill them, I’m glad that it didn’t go too crazy with everyone going murderous! And the confrontation with Garren on me on the edge of my seat, especially when I thought Leif was going to die. And I don’t know about anyone else, but I’m pretty sure what caused the hex to lift was Leif telling Octavia that he loved her. I believe this because Garren stopped him from saying it earlier.
Final thoughts; this book is perfect for the spooky season!
Wow… first of all, why the heck did it have to end in a cliffhanger! I went into this book believing that it was a stand-alone and now I need more! I need to know what happens once they get to their new home!
Okay, the fact that Leif and Octavia were one of the most perfect enemies to lovers in a twisted sort of way was done perfectly. Well, I guess they weren’t originally enemies until he met the other three… But the story behind Leif and Octavia was done so beautifully and I just loved them together! I also want to see a romance happen between Tripp and June! So when I got to the point where Leif and his family were planning things out, I kind of had an inkling that they might have been the four children that went missing and boy was I right! I also loved that how they found out was due to Octavia asking Leif to come with her to Salem!
I really loved how slowly (but not so slowly) all eight of them became friends and a family again and it just made me smile seeing all of them fight to protect one another! When the the original coven members found out what Leif had planned to kill them, I’m glad that it didn’t go too crazy with everyone going murderous! And the confrontation with Garren on me on the edge of my seat, especially when I thought Leif was going to die. And I don’t know about anyone else, but I’m pretty sure what caused the hex to lift was Leif telling Octavia that he loved her. I believe this because Garren stopped him from saying it earlier.
Final thoughts; this book is perfect for the spooky season!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 13, 2024
Wow wow wow, I loved this book so much.
A witchy romantasy, found family, enemies to lovers, all the goods. The characters all have their moments to shine. We love a background character that still gets character depth and development.
The dual POV between Octavia and Leif really contributes to the extensive plot of this story and how the plot bridges the gap between these two main characters as the story progresses.
I breezed through this book, and really the ONLY reason I’m giving it 4/5 ⭐️ is because of the pacing. 95% of the time is was perfect, but at times it did feel a little rushed. I really didn’t mind that much, especially if you’re looking for a book you do not want to put down — this is the one for you. But, if your thing is a slow burn character/plot development, this is going to feel very fast for you. Otherwise, for a debut author/novel, this was phenomenal.
(I was super on the fence for giving it ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️, which is why I settled on the four instead of the five)
It does lean a little more to the YA side of fantasy in my opinion, but I think that could change in the next book installment based on the characters and plot development 👀🤞🏼 (hoping for some spice here)
Another small note that I loved here - the implementation of pronouns for the variety of characters. I love that when these characters are being introduced to one another, they are introducing themselves with their pronouns in a not weird way. We love character diversity 🫶🏼
I can’t believe the lack of reviews there are for this book and truly it is one I will be recommending to anyone and everyone because I enjoyed it so much.
A witchy romantasy, found family, enemies to lovers, all the goods. The characters all have their moments to shine. We love a background character that still gets character depth and development.
The dual POV between Octavia and Leif really contributes to the extensive plot of this story and how the plot bridges the gap between these two main characters as the story progresses.
I breezed through this book, and really the ONLY reason I’m giving it 4/5 ⭐️ is because of the pacing. 95% of the time is was perfect, but at times it did feel a little rushed. I really didn’t mind that much, especially if you’re looking for a book you do not want to put down — this is the one for you. But, if your thing is a slow burn character/plot development, this is going to feel very fast for you. Otherwise, for a debut author/novel, this was phenomenal.
(I was super on the fence for giving it ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️, which is why I settled on the four instead of the five)
It does lean a little more to the YA side of fantasy in my opinion, but I think that could change in the next book installment based on the characters and plot development 👀🤞🏼 (hoping for some spice here)
Another small note that I loved here - the implementation of pronouns for the variety of characters. I love that when these characters are being introduced to one another, they are introducing themselves with their pronouns in a not weird way. We love character diversity 🫶🏼
I can’t believe the lack of reviews there are for this book and truly it is one I will be recommending to anyone and everyone because I enjoyed it so much.
August 16, 2023
I had such a good time reading this book! It’s a little different than the books I usually gravitate to (this is a witchy fantasy set in modern times, I usually read more historical fantasy with multiple types of magical creatures), but it didn’t take me long to fall in love with the story and characters. I really enjoyed that each member of the coven had their own special version of magic that made them unique. It definitely helped diversify the story and keep things interesting! I’m definitely looking forward to seeing where the author takes these characters moving forward. They talk a good bit about history throughout the book which I loved, but I would love to see more origin stories/past generations type things in future books. Maybe even a prequel down the road 🤔 I also loved the dynamic between the main characters Octavia and Leif! Watching how they navigate the multiple plot twists in this story (together and individually) made me love them even more! I will say if you are looking for spice this isn’t really at the forefront of the story. (Fade to black bedroom scene, but really great tension and emotion connection between characters) Long story short if you like witchy fantasy, enemies to lovers romance, found family, and a wonderful beginning to a series, give this a try!
August 20, 2023
Cursed Coven needs to be at the top of your TBR for the Fall 2023 releases.
This story will haunt me in the months to come and I’m here for the haunting because WOW.
The found family in Cursed Coven is unparalleled. We all know that enemies-to-lovers is one of the most beloved tropes right now, but can we give a standing ovation for enemies-to-found-family?
You know that satisfying moment in the Twilight saga when the vamps & wolves set aside their prejudices as they join forces against the shared enemy? But then by the end of the Twilight series the wolves are cuddling up next to our favorite sparkly immortals?
That’s the closest thing I can think of that compares to the story arc we get to experience with the two friend groups in Cursed Coven (but even that is an awful comparison, my apologies).
Other delicious elements in CC that I gobbled up like the turkey that I am:
💜 Witches “hiding” in plain sight in the real world
🖤 The lust>loathe>love arc of the two MCs
💜 Diverse and lovable side characters
🖤 The perspective of a witch without magic
Although I am so thankful to have received the eARC of Cursed Coven, I’ve also preordered a physical copy because I am 100% going to be re-reading this.
This story will haunt me in the months to come and I’m here for the haunting because WOW.
The found family in Cursed Coven is unparalleled. We all know that enemies-to-lovers is one of the most beloved tropes right now, but can we give a standing ovation for enemies-to-found-family?
You know that satisfying moment in the Twilight saga when the vamps & wolves set aside their prejudices as they join forces against the shared enemy? But then by the end of the Twilight series the wolves are cuddling up next to our favorite sparkly immortals?
That’s the closest thing I can think of that compares to the story arc we get to experience with the two friend groups in Cursed Coven (but even that is an awful comparison, my apologies).
Other delicious elements in CC that I gobbled up like the turkey that I am:
💜 Witches “hiding” in plain sight in the real world
🖤 The lust>loathe>love arc of the two MCs
💜 Diverse and lovable side characters
🖤 The perspective of a witch without magic
Although I am so thankful to have received the eARC of Cursed Coven, I’ve also preordered a physical copy because I am 100% going to be re-reading this.
September 14, 2023
I received an ARC of this and was super excited to get started - I love any kind of found family story, but was especially intrigued to read one revolving a coven of witches and their various powers.
I devoured the first 50% of this book pretty quickly, and then got distracted by real life for a bit and had to put it down. Luckily, picking it back up I was able to quickly get immersed back into the story, and didn't have to reread too much to catch up.
The pacing of this story for the first half was great - I felt myself getting sucked in very quickly, and would be breezing through chapters trying to get to the next reveal. However about halfway through, we lost a little steam, and some of the scenes just felt a little dragged out. I agree with another reviewer that some of the dialogue was a bit predictable at points, but overall I loved the differing POVs of Octavia and Leif, and the build up of the tension between the two groups coming together as one.
The last quarter of the book picks back up with the pacing, and gives us some final twists before leaving us waiting for more. I will definitely be picking up the next installment when it comes out!
I devoured the first 50% of this book pretty quickly, and then got distracted by real life for a bit and had to put it down. Luckily, picking it back up I was able to quickly get immersed back into the story, and didn't have to reread too much to catch up.
The pacing of this story for the first half was great - I felt myself getting sucked in very quickly, and would be breezing through chapters trying to get to the next reveal. However about halfway through, we lost a little steam, and some of the scenes just felt a little dragged out. I agree with another reviewer that some of the dialogue was a bit predictable at points, but overall I loved the differing POVs of Octavia and Leif, and the build up of the tension between the two groups coming together as one.
The last quarter of the book picks back up with the pacing, and gives us some final twists before leaving us waiting for more. I will definitely be picking up the next installment when it comes out!
September 10, 2023
𝑯𝒊𝒔 𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒔 𝒔𝒉𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝒏𝒆𝒓𝒗𝒐𝒖𝒔𝒍𝒚 𝒊𝒏 𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒑𝒐𝒄𝒌𝒆𝒕𝒔 𝒂𝒔 𝒔𝒉𝒆 𝒍𝒊𝒇𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒐𝒙 𝒕𝒐𝒑 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒑𝒆𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒅 𝒊𝒏𝒔𝒊𝒅𝒆. 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒈𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝒎𝒆𝒕𝒂𝒍 𝒇𝒍𝒂𝒔𝒉𝒆𝒅 𝒃𝒆𝒏𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒉 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒊𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒚 𝒐𝒑𝒆𝒏𝒆𝒅 𝒍𝒊𝒅. 𝑶𝒄𝒕𝒂𝒗𝒊𝒂 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒅, 𝒈𝒂𝒛𝒆 𝒔𝒏𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒐 𝑳𝒆𝒊𝒇, 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒔𝒎𝒊𝒓𝒌 𝒓𝒆𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈. “𝑨 𝒘𝒆𝒂𝒑𝒐𝒏?” 𝑺𝒉𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒄𝒌𝒆𝒅 𝒂𝒏 𝒆𝒚𝒆𝒃𝒓𝒐𝒘. “𝑨𝒓𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒇𝒍𝒊𝒓𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒎𝒆?”
I really loved this book! The witchy, dark academia vibes are perfect for fall, and I could not get enough of Octavia and Leif!
My absolute favorite thing about this story was the growth most of the characters have to go through. A lot do them are forced to re-examine their world view when faced with the truth; others have to find their purpose and self-worth. I also loved the diverse cast and how individually talented and unique everyone was, and how well they worked together. As Leif told June, “even if one of us was to fail at our jobs, we’d have backup.”
The twists are turns were done so well, and even though the story isn’t over, Kara doesn’t leave you on a cliffhanger, which I always appreciate. Add this book to your spooky fall TBR!
I really loved this book! The witchy, dark academia vibes are perfect for fall, and I could not get enough of Octavia and Leif!
My absolute favorite thing about this story was the growth most of the characters have to go through. A lot do them are forced to re-examine their world view when faced with the truth; others have to find their purpose and self-worth. I also loved the diverse cast and how individually talented and unique everyone was, and how well they worked together. As Leif told June, “even if one of us was to fail at our jobs, we’d have backup.”
The twists are turns were done so well, and even though the story isn’t over, Kara doesn’t leave you on a cliffhanger, which I always appreciate. Add this book to your spooky fall TBR!
August 5, 2023
3.75 ⭐️
This book was such an interesting adventure! It’s the first witchy book I’ve read (I think), and I was just wanting more of the background of the coven and how their magic works. I enjoyed the two major twists that came during this fun journey! Learning more and Leif and his friends, as well as Octavia and her coven. The pull these two felt with each other had me curious for the better part of this read. One thing I could’ve done without was the overly respective thought of Octavia’s view of herself within the coven without her magic. To me it just seemed like it was thrown in there a few too many times. On the flip side, Octavia, magic or no, is such a badass in her own way. She found a way to combat being hexed and I loved that part of her story! Delta needed to check her attitude but her feelings were 100% validated once she had enough whiskey to share them! My sweet Quinten, I just want to give you a big hug! I cannot wait to see what’s next in the coven’s journey!
This book was such an interesting adventure! It’s the first witchy book I’ve read (I think), and I was just wanting more of the background of the coven and how their magic works. I enjoyed the two major twists that came during this fun journey! Learning more and Leif and his friends, as well as Octavia and her coven. The pull these two felt with each other had me curious for the better part of this read. One thing I could’ve done without was the overly respective thought of Octavia’s view of herself within the coven without her magic. To me it just seemed like it was thrown in there a few too many times. On the flip side, Octavia, magic or no, is such a badass in her own way. She found a way to combat being hexed and I loved that part of her story! Delta needed to check her attitude but her feelings were 100% validated once she had enough whiskey to share them! My sweet Quinten, I just want to give you a big hug! I cannot wait to see what’s next in the coven’s journey!
August 7, 2023
This story is set to release on September 26th, 2023. Mark your calendars!!
This is an intriguing romantasy about fate and love. The story starts with an enemies to lovers embrace before the truth is revealed. The main couple is the obvious star of the story but the supporting characters are not shoved to the back of the book. You learn more and more of each of their specialties and talents as the tale progresses and watch them grow to see themselves as they should. The plot can be cheesy at times but who doesn't like the charm in that? I don't want to spoil the end so you'll have to read for yourself, but the build up to the last few chapters had me on the edge of my seat. My partner even told me he'd never seen me so invested in finishing a book so far. I'm already ripping hairs out waiting to see what the next book will bring for this underestimated coven of POWERFUL witches.
#cursedcoven #romantasy #witches #spicy
This is an intriguing romantasy about fate and love. The story starts with an enemies to lovers embrace before the truth is revealed. The main couple is the obvious star of the story but the supporting characters are not shoved to the back of the book. You learn more and more of each of their specialties and talents as the tale progresses and watch them grow to see themselves as they should. The plot can be cheesy at times but who doesn't like the charm in that? I don't want to spoil the end so you'll have to read for yourself, but the build up to the last few chapters had me on the edge of my seat. My partner even told me he'd never seen me so invested in finishing a book so far. I'm already ripping hairs out waiting to see what the next book will bring for this underestimated coven of POWERFUL witches.
#cursedcoven #romantasy #witches #spicy
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 24, 2023
There’s something about mortal enemies accidentally falling in love that gets the blood pumping! So is the case in Cursed Coven when a witch and witch hunter begrudgingly team up to uncover the truth about a shared tragedy.
Author Kara Badalamenti pens a contemporary romantasy filled with pining, found family, and intricate sorcery. The coven of Salem-descended witches at the heart of the story exhibited the loyal, protective bond that I crave in the chosen family trope. Each member was individualized in their magical contributions and their supernatural specialities gave way to rousing spell work.
This books sets up an exciting sequel that will hopefully answer some deeper questions we’re left contemplating and I’m interested to see what new undertakings the author has in store for our rag tag team!
Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Author Kara Badalamenti pens a contemporary romantasy filled with pining, found family, and intricate sorcery. The coven of Salem-descended witches at the heart of the story exhibited the loyal, protective bond that I crave in the chosen family trope. Each member was individualized in their magical contributions and their supernatural specialities gave way to rousing spell work.
This books sets up an exciting sequel that will hopefully answer some deeper questions we’re left contemplating and I’m interested to see what new undertakings the author has in store for our rag tag team!
Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
August 13, 2023
*ARC REVIEW* 4.5/5
I loved this book from start to finish and all the twist and turns it took. I could not put it down!
It has a witchy coven/found family- I loved watching this play out and seeing all the character dynamics grow throughout the story. I loved the witches vs witch hunter story line and all the action that came with this.
I loved the emotional journey both Octavia and Leif take as they try to figure out who they are with/without magic. They are both really strong characters from the start. And there’s also a sprinkle of romance (enemies to lovers vibes) which is always amazing. I can’t wait to see how they grow and manage their relationship/feelings with the *storyline conflict taking place* (don’t want any spoilers)
I need the next book NOWWW. Would definitely recommend if you are looking for a witchy book.
Set to release September 26, 2023
I loved this book from start to finish and all the twist and turns it took. I could not put it down!
It has a witchy coven/found family- I loved watching this play out and seeing all the character dynamics grow throughout the story. I loved the witches vs witch hunter story line and all the action that came with this.
I loved the emotional journey both Octavia and Leif take as they try to figure out who they are with/without magic. They are both really strong characters from the start. And there’s also a sprinkle of romance (enemies to lovers vibes) which is always amazing. I can’t wait to see how they grow and manage their relationship/feelings with the *storyline conflict taking place* (don’t want any spoilers)
I need the next book NOWWW. Would definitely recommend if you are looking for a witchy book.
Set to release September 26, 2023
September 29, 2023
Octavia lost everything when she was 6, her parents and her magic. Now 18 years later she is still trying to cope being the only magic-less witch in her dwindling coven when she goes out to a bar and meet Michael (Leif). She decides to put more effort into seeing if they could be something more than just a one night thing when she invites him to go on a research hunt at Salem library. She doesn’t know however that he is a witch hunter and wants to kill her roommates. During their trip to Salem they both learn a lot about each other and themselves that they had no idea about. Now they may have to work together in a mutually beneficial relationship but they might not be able to get past their differences.
This book was super interesting! I kind of was hoping it went this way. I was thinking it had like two options to go from the beginning and I was super excited about how it turned out. I love the dynamic between these two. Especially when they were trying to stay away from each other when just couldn’t! This was such a good start of fall book and my first witch book!!
This book was super interesting! I kind of was hoping it went this way. I was thinking it had like two options to go from the beginning and I was super excited about how it turned out. I love the dynamic between these two. Especially when they were trying to stay away from each other when just couldn’t! This was such a good start of fall book and my first witch book!!
August 6, 2023
Absolutely loved this book! Had amazing action scenes and plottwists. All I can say is be ready for a Rollercoaster of twist and turns you may or may not suspect. My favorite part is this book is based out of New England where I grew up! Being able to picture the areas made this book even more desirable to read. Loved the concept of witchs vs witch hunters and the romance budding between the two main characters was magnetic.
I could not put the book down and I read it in one day. I can't wait for a sequel! There is a couple triggers in the book so please read the trigger warnings. I don't have any triggers so this book was right up my alley.
August 8, 2023
I really enjoyed this book! This is the first strictly witchy book I’ve read in years and years but I was captivated after only a few chapters! The first half of the book moves FAST because of multiple big reveals. Although there are 2 main characters, the author provided enough details that all the characters in the book felt dynamic. I even felt the emotion and personality of the villain of the story, despite our experience with him being very brief. The second half of the book moved a little slower but I still felt my mind reaching to read it throughout the day. The remaining mystery and thirst for vengeance has me dying to read the next book!
August 12, 2023
An amazing world of magic, family and personal trials. I fell in love with all the amazing characters and could not put the book down. Heavy on the coven magic storyline with fate and romance intwined, the dark academia magic novel is now one of my favourites. With a strong but personable main female character, Octavia, it brings women's strengths, inner thoughts and resilience to the surface. The main male character, Leif, has a great character growth and I loved taking that journey with him. I need the next book and cannot wait for their stories to continue. An absolutely amazing witchy read, highly recommend!
October 1, 2023
Cursed Coven was such a fun book to read. I found myself staying up late and getting up early to finish this quick paced fantasy.
Octavia is a witch who is unable to do magic. Leif is a witch hunter. Enter slow burn, delicious enemies to lovers romance. Octavia and Leif are surrounded by supporting characters full of personality and charm. The emotional depth of all the characters is refreshing. I want to hang out with them all! I found myself rooting and aching for Octavia and her internal battle with self worth. The ending sets itself up perfectly for a sequel. I cannot wait to read more about the Cursed Coven!
October 10, 2023
Such a great spooky season read! I'm new to the fantasy romance genre but Cursed Coven contained modern-day witches and witch hunters with extremely relatable characters that made it so hard to put this book down. Badalamenti's writing style was easy to follow and offered funny inner monologues that alternated between serious and light-hearted. The book was written from the perspectives of two main characters which helped understand the different perspectives of the coven and witch hunters. This story had a bit of everything for everyone, action, romance, fantasy, and humor - don't miss out on this one. I can't wait for the next two in the series!
March 23, 2026
Octavia had her life flipped around 18 years prior when her coven was attacked by witch hunters and she was hexed. Now shes been searching for a way to fix her magic and find the other children that had disappeared that night.
After a one night stand with Michael she finds out he is a witch hunter under a false name and records show he and the others are witches. The group of hunters find the suppression on their magic and unlock it but they have been brain washed that witches are despicable and its their mission to kill them all.
After a one night stand with Michael she finds out he is a witch hunter under a false name and records show he and the others are witches. The group of hunters find the suppression on their magic and unlock it but they have been brain washed that witches are despicable and its their mission to kill them all.
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