Cursed at Moonlight

The Incandescent Kingdoms #4

by Leialoha Humpherys

She’s never going to fall in love again. He wants to do a million good things. When their fake dating begins to turn into something more, can they break her curse before they fall in love? Princess Morrigan has been burned once by love and if that wasn’t bad enough, the whole kingdom of Moonlight knows about it. So when the son of a wealthy landowner offers his hand to draw her out of the spotlight, Morrigan can’t resist, even if it’s just a ruse to escape her situation. But Morrigan is cursed, and when her curse brings out the truth about her fake fiance, will she give love a second chance? All Leland wants is to do good in the world by helping run the hospice for old folks. His only problem? Funding. Fake dating and marrying Princess Morrigan is the perfect he’s promised a handsome dowry, his parents will give him their businesses and land, and she gets away from the unwanted attention. But Princess Morrigan is cursed, and every night Leland must lock her away so that nobody can get in, and she can’t get out. What seemed like a brilliant plan begins to turn into something more. But Leland has never wanted to fall in love. Can he protect the princess from people seeking to exploit her curse, while protecting his heart? “Cursed at Moonlight” is a retelling of “Rapunzel” and is the fourth book in the Incandescent Kingdoms series. Each book can be read in order or as a standalone. This novel–complete with tropes like grumpy/sunshine, fake dating, and a marriage of convenience–is a clean and swoony romance, perfect for young adult and adult readers!

Genres: Retellings, Fairy Tale Retellings, Fairy Tales

248 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 28, 2023

Reviews

[Courtney Ranger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read my full review: https://penspagesandpulses.wordpress....

Cursed at Moonlight is a sweet Rapunzel retelling about choosing to trust and loving people in spite of their unique trials.

Morrigan's recent experiences with love have led her to believe she can't find it as long as she's cursed. She hates being a danger to others but understands her obligations to the kingdom. She loves helping her people however she can and would do anything to protect them. I love seeing Morrigan's love of music and how she chooses to spend her time helping those around her. Her sweet nature was so lovable! I could really relate to her feelings of jealousy and heartbreak after her trust was broken by someone she thought loved her. Morrigan's character was just written so well, and I think it would be unfathomable that anyone could possibly resist loving her!

Leland is just a bundle of sweetness! I love seeing how his actions reflect his convictions!!! He always goes out of his way to help those less fortunate than he is, including his father's employees and those in the retirement home. He accepts Morrigan, in spite of her curse and always tries to make her happy.

We got to see some of my FAVORITE characters from the previous books in the series. Jax and Heilani (from Married at Sunrise) are back !!! And Sachi and Ryoku (from Hidden at Starshine)! And I also loved getting to meet Zane, who gets his chance to shine in the next book of the series, Enchanted at Fireblaze. The scenes where Morrigan and Leland interact with the other characters were my ABSOLUTE FAVORITES!!!!!!!!!

But my absolute favorite scene in the book has got to be when Jax and Heilani get into a bit of an... argument. It's AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And now I can't decide if I'd rather watch a movie made from this book or Married at Sunrise.

Leialoha wrote another INCREDIBLE retelling!!! I loved getting to meet Morrigan and Leland and reconnecting with my favorite characters from the previous books in the series!

I received an ARC of this book from the author. My opinions are my own a positive review was not required.

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

I discovered this author through the Autumn Fairy Tales and after reading her book in that series I really wanted to read more. So, when I got the chance to sign up for her future arcs I didn't hesitate. I was quite surprised we got one this soon already though! Although I've not read the first three books in this series I thought that it probably was possible to enjoy this book anyway. I therefore grabbed my review copy and today it was time to dive in.

I absolutely loved the way the author chose to retell this popular tale. While all the well known elements were present, the magical hair, the tower, the locking up, the prince climbing in to break the princess out, the author really gave the tale a completely original feel. Firstly because the well known elements were used a little differently and secondly because the author added a lot of background, mythology and characters of her own.

The romance in this book was also quite cute. Us readers figure out soon that the feelings of friendship have quite quickly morphed into more, but I like how the characters really need to spend time together and get to know each other before they notice those feelings. I also felt like this truly was unconditional love. No matter the danger, no matter their imperfections and mistakes, no matter the hurtful words they sometimes used, they always knew that the other wouldn't leave them.

Since I didn't read the previous books in the series I couldn't enjoy the cameos to the fullest, but I think that those who did read the first books will be overjoyed to see a lot of their favorite characters back. However, also without having met these characters and reading their stories it was fun to meet all those other royals and to see them interacting with each other. I never felt lost or like I couldn't follow, I just got very curious about their tales. I might check them out in the future!

[Boeken Fee · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

I really loved this Rapunzel retelling! It has all the familiar elements from the original story, but told in a totally different way.

This story has a lot of great tropes like:
- Grumpy vs Sunshine
- Fake dating
- Marriage of convenience
- Friends to more

I have to say that Morrigan had to grow on me. At first, I didn't really like her that much. She has been hurt and is cursed, but it looked like she was a bit swallowing in self-pity.
But when you get to know her more, it's clear she's just insecure and gone through a lot. She also does really care about others!

Leland is such a cinnamon roll! He also struggles with his self-worth, like Morrigan, but has a different coping system. He goes out of his way to help everybody and to keep them pleased. He is really cheerful and caring.

They both learn to deal better with their insecurities and complete each other nicely!

The romance was cute and definitely no insta love. The love grew gradually. But they are sweet together.

I also really liked it that the couples from the other books in the series had a cameo at the end!! And a new introduction 👌🏻

Last but not least, Chunk the cat is definitely a favorite character 😆

For me, this was a story about healing, acceptance, and finding your self-worth. Combined with magic, action, humor, and sweet romance!

This is part of a series. I would recommend reading the other books first, but it is definitely possible to read this book as a standalone.

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I received an e-arc!! This has not influenced my review, which is only based on my personal opinion.

[Lorin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved reading this wonderful book! I loved the characters and the plot! I had a hard time putting this really wonderful book down! I absolutely loved this retelling of Rapunzel! I am really looking forward to reading the next book in this really wonderful series!

[Sierra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reader’s Notes:

– this is part of a series, but can be read as a stand-alone

– this is told from Morrigan & Leland’s points of view

– Leland’s parents are divorced (occurred almost two years ago) due to father’s infidelity; father now married to the woman he cheated on his mother with & has a child with the woman – Leland’s father & new stepmother are manipulative

– Morrigan was jilted by her fiancé at the altar (past recent event)

– Morrigan was/is kidnapped (past & present events)

– a character lost their sibling in the Pirate Wars (died)

Review:

I adored this Rapunzel retelling! It was awesome to see the changes Leialoha Humpherys made to the tale in order to make it new. I especially found it interesting that Morrigan was only put in the tower at night instead of trapped all the time. I loved that Leialoha had Morrigan & Leland enter into a fake relationship that turned into a marriage of convenience in addition to retelling Rapunzel! I loved the grumpy/sunshine dynamic between them as well and how it played out as they got to know each other better. Leland was so kid and caring over the people in his charge as well as those he happened upon. Morrigan was nursing a broken heart and I loved that Leland wanted to be there for her and to make her smile. I also enjoyed how much Chunk the kitty managed to show up throughout the story, even though he didn’t seem to like most people. He was fun to read about, especially when he was smug.

Summary:

Morrigan was left at the altar and now everyone in Moonlight kingdom not only knows about it, but they are also aware of her curse. It makes her feel exposed and uncomfortable. She just wants to leave the limelight placed on her and live a quiet life without her curse. But in all her research, living without her nightmare of a curse is seeming impossible because she can’t find a cure. Morrigan will just have to resign herself to living her life leaving events early so she can be safely locked away in her tower ’til the next morning. So when Leland, the son of a wealthy business owner, offers to do what he can to make her dreams come true – even trying to help her get rid of her curse – Morrigan finds herself accepting. Even when their agreed upon fake relationship needs to be upgraded to a marriage of convenience…

Leland cares about the people who work for his family’s business so much that he even works among them. He also spends his time helping the local hospice center and moving things for his old neighbors rather than attending court functions. He always thought that he would get the family’s silk business signed over to him, but now his parents are requiring that he settle down in an effort to curb his spending money on things for the hospice center. Leland isn’t interested in a love match after how his parents’ marriage fell apart but needs to make his parents think that he’s courting someone in order to do everything he always hoped to do. So when he discovers that Princes Morrigan could benefit from a ruse of a relationship just as much as himself, Leland suggests it to her. But as they spend more and more time growing their friendship and pretending to be courting, Leland finds himself fighting off more than just his parents and those wanting to express their unwanted opinions…

[Millie Breakspeare · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a beautiful twist on the classic Rapunzel tale.

It was great to see Moonlight after getting a few hints about it and the royal family in previous books. The focus on farming and labourers was a fascinating distinction from some of the other kingdoms.

I loved how elements from Rapunzel were taken and were woven into the story to create a very original plot.

Morrigan was a very interesting heroine. She had so many problems that stemmed from her curse, it was hard for her to see passed it to the problems of others and the good things she did have in her life. But because she doesn't see worth in herself, she is able to see the goodness of others and works to ensure that they see it in themselves which is something Leland really needs. Throughout this story she learns how to live again and starts to work on finding small pockets of happiness whilst living with her curse.

Leland is a completely different hero to the ones in previous books. He can't fight, royalty intimidates him, and he works hard alongside the labourers of his family's business. He cares so much about the problems of others, going out of his way to help them. But this also acts as an excuse to stop him from getting close to people, always saying he's too busy to truly spend time with others and form true, deep relationships as he's scared of getting hurt. He also feels like he has to keep his mask on of always being happy and funny, which can be quite draining at times. He's lucky to have Morrigan who sees that he's wearing a mask and wants to make him truly happy.

My favourite part of this book was meeting Zayne and getting to learn more about Topaz Dusk. He clearly has his own problems weighing on him but he doesn't hesitate to listen to others and do what he can to help. Also the idea of a desert kingdom so interesting and different from all the kingdoms we've seen so far. I can't wait to see Zayne's story in Enchanted at Fireblaze.'

[Ami Jacobs · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing, intense, and relatable clean romance! There was a lot of action and mystery as the characters tried to undo the curse, and sometimes I wanted to tell them to please communicate, but that’s part of what created the tension in the book. I love how this book is connected in subtle ways to the other books in the series, but can just as well be read as a stand-alone!

[Teddy G · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great retelling in this series!
I loved Leland from the beginning. He wasn’t your typical hero but I loved how much he cared for his community. That’s what made him a hero!
Morrigan also was quite different wrestling with a lot of things from her past, the curse…etc.
Both of them added such a unique and interesting twist to the Rampunzel tale!
I loved it!

[Becca · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun retelling of Rapunzel with a main character who is cursed to live in her nightmares and a fake dating scheme. I felt like the characters were hard to like at first, but towards the end, they got better.

[Tammy Villiers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it!

[DJWman · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Cursed at Moonlight: A Rapunzel Retelling" skillfully blends familiar elements with originality, presenting a clever twist on the classic Rapunzel tale. Princess Morrigan and Leland bring out the best in each other, tackling self-worth issues and navigating their contrasting struggles. Morrigan's perfectionist tendencies and grumpy demeanor contrast with Leland's cheerful exterior hiding his feelings of inadequacy. Leialoha Humphreys delicately explores the theme of self-worth, illustrating how each character helps the other discover their true value.

The pacing of the story is a notable aspect, with a slower start that gains momentum towards the end. While the ending moves swiftly, it doesn't detract from the overall engagement of the narrative. The characters' journey towards humility and understanding forms a crucial message about recognising the worth of every individual.

The setting in Moonlight Kingdom offers a fascinating perspective, focusing on farming and laborers, creating a distinction from other kingdoms. The incorporation of Rapunzel elements, such as the magical hair, the tower, and the princess locked away, is skillfully woven into the story, providing a fresh and original plot.

Morrigan's curse and her struggles to find a cure add layers to her character, and the approach of locking her away at night instead of constant entrapment adds an intriguing twist to the Rapunzel narrative. Leland's commitment to helping others, especially the laborers and the hospice center, showcases his compassionate nature, despite his struggles with personal relationships and are interesting aspects to find within a fairytale.

The fake dating turned marriage of convenience adds depth to the plot, and the grumpy/sunshine dynamic between Morrigan and Leland enhances their growing connection. Chunk the cat's recurring presence adds a fun touch to the story, contributing to the overall charm.

While the idea of divorce in a fairy tale setting may seem jarring, it serves a crucial purpose in character development, particularly for Leland. The unconditional love depicted between the characters, despite challenges and imperfections, resonates throughout the narrative.

The take on Rapunzel's situation that leads to her imprisonment in the tower is one of the most interesting twists in the tale I've read. The ending, though fast-paced, doesn't diminish the charm of this sweet romance. "Cursed at Moonlight" stands out as one of the sweetest romances in The Incandescent Kingdoms series, offering a charming and heartfelt retelling that explores love, self-discovery, and the transformative power of genuine connections.

[Isabelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I will preface this review by saying that I love the fairy tale of Rapunzel. I thought this one gave it just enough of a twist to feel fresh without feeling like it was completely unrelated.

Morrigan and Leland brought out the best in one another. They both struggled with self-worth, but they responded to that struggle differently. In Morrigan that struggle brought out perfectionist tendencies and self-pity. She was grumpy.Whereas Leland thought he wasn't good enough, and so worked as hard as he could to make up for something he felt he lacked. He was almost always cheerful to please others. Self-worth issues can be dangerous in a relationship, to believe your worth comes from how the other person sees you. Instead, Humpherys handles this marvelously and each MC helps the other discover their worth, not by empty words and phrases, but by their actions and willingness help the other. They both helped each other reach true humility. Some people think humility is self-deprecating and trying to be less than who you are, but this story beautifully illustrates the reality that humility is acknowledging that every person is worthy, but not better than another. This is a important message in books today.

My only issue with this book was the pacing. It was slower in the beginning and quite fast at the end. I wasn't ever bored, but I thought the ending moved too quickly. Additionally, this book was similar to the last book: some of the character interactions were a bit awkward in the beginning.

Overall I really enjoyed the newest addition to the Incandescent Tales and can't wait to read what Leialoha Humpherys writes next!

I voluntarily accepted an Advance Reader Copy for my honest review.

[A Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leialoha has done it again, she has made this fairy tale her own and wove a beautiful story of discovering self worth in a marriage of convenience.
Morrigain and Leland are both expected to meet requirements set by their parents and it the relationship with each other that helps them do just that.
This was such a cute and fun read. I enjoyed reading how they both grew, changed, and influenced the other.
Favorite side character for me is Chunk. I am a cat person so I love seeing a cat in story especially when you don't expect it.
I was given an ARC by the author all opinions are mine. Thank Leialoha for allowing me the opportunity to read this wonderful story in an ARC.