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Curse Keeper, Curse Breaker #3
Of Curses and Hearts
Princess Blythe’s heart is made of glass, and someone’s out to break it—literally.
Prince Murdock’s heart is the prize of the princess tests, and someone’s out to steal it—fatally.
Prince Murdock—Dox—must marry by his twenty-fifth birthday a month away, but with no bride in sight and fake princesses in abundance, his eccentric fairy godparents arrange a series of princess tests to help him find true love with a true princess. Though worried about what tests his godparents will concoct, Dox is much more comfortable scoring a test than risking falling for a pretty face with a black heart. His kingdom depends on his good sense, after all.
Cursed with a heart of glass and a prophecy of doom, Princess Blythe has spent her life terrified of bumps, falls, sudden temperature changes, and falling in love. When a mad scientist intent on studying her one-of-a-kind heart forces her to flee the medical academy where she’s a student, she’s determined to do whatever is necessary to return home. But the coachman who helps her escape isn’t who he seems, and the fae-enchantress who cursed her is looking to break more than a heart—she’s planning to break kingdoms.
Blythe must decide whether to cling to her fears and her cushions and continue home or risk falls, life, and love to save kingdoms—and maybe win a prince’s hand in marriage. Will the prince break her heart, or will she win his?
Of Curses and Hearts is a standalone, humorous retelling of “The Princess and the Pea.” It is part of the Curse Keeper, Curse Breaker series—short, fun fairytale retellings with clean romance and a dash of danger.
Prince Murdock’s heart is the prize of the princess tests, and someone’s out to steal it—fatally.
Prince Murdock—Dox—must marry by his twenty-fifth birthday a month away, but with no bride in sight and fake princesses in abundance, his eccentric fairy godparents arrange a series of princess tests to help him find true love with a true princess. Though worried about what tests his godparents will concoct, Dox is much more comfortable scoring a test than risking falling for a pretty face with a black heart. His kingdom depends on his good sense, after all.
Cursed with a heart of glass and a prophecy of doom, Princess Blythe has spent her life terrified of bumps, falls, sudden temperature changes, and falling in love. When a mad scientist intent on studying her one-of-a-kind heart forces her to flee the medical academy where she’s a student, she’s determined to do whatever is necessary to return home. But the coachman who helps her escape isn’t who he seems, and the fae-enchantress who cursed her is looking to break more than a heart—she’s planning to break kingdoms.
Blythe must decide whether to cling to her fears and her cushions and continue home or risk falls, life, and love to save kingdoms—and maybe win a prince’s hand in marriage. Will the prince break her heart, or will she win his?
Of Curses and Hearts is a standalone, humorous retelling of “The Princess and the Pea.” It is part of the Curse Keeper, Curse Breaker series—short, fun fairytale retellings with clean romance and a dash of danger.
208 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 15, 2024
25 people are currently reading
78 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
February 1, 2024
Kisses only.
This is a princess and the pea adjacent retelling. It had mentions of peas and sleeping on peas but the actual pea-sleep in not relevant to the rest. I was a bit confused by some things in the book like motivation behind the curse, what killing Blythe would accomplish, how Dox was supposed to test 10 princesses in a month when the first test took 2 weeks, stuff like that. It might have been in me for not paying enough attention but not everything made sense.
This is a princess and the pea adjacent retelling. It had mentions of peas and sleeping on peas but the actual pea-sleep in not relevant to the rest. I was a bit confused by some things in the book like motivation behind the curse, what killing Blythe would accomplish, how Dox was supposed to test 10 princesses in a month when the first test took 2 weeks, stuff like that. It might have been in me for not paying enough attention but not everything made sense.
January 16, 2024
I started this book out thinking it was ridiculous (in a good way!). I chuckled aloud so many times, and a couple of those were closer to full on laughs. This took me completely by surprise and you can be certain I will be looking over my highlights again in the future when I want an extra dose of humor.
As the book progressed, I found it still humorous but less ridiculous and more intentional. It was with some surprise that I found myself mentally biting my nails and holding my breath a couple of times. I could not figure out how the plot would resolve. Thankfully, it is a HEA so I didn’t have to have a “broken heart.” ; )
The only hang-up I had with this is a personal preference on wishing the more slang-sounding words like “cuss” were replaced with the more formal versions. Altogether, this delightful story was worth the read and worth its weight in those five gold stars.
Romance: clean! It’s a HEA but there is NOTHING smarmy or too warm.
Violence: nothing terrible on scene. Kidnapping, briefly. There are a few references to blood, surgery, and a head injury but nothing is gory or overdone. I think this is a perfect YA book and would be fine with a child of any age reading it once they were old enough to appreciate books of this length and genre.
As the book progressed, I found it still humorous but less ridiculous and more intentional. It was with some surprise that I found myself mentally biting my nails and holding my breath a couple of times. I could not figure out how the plot would resolve. Thankfully, it is a HEA so I didn’t have to have a “broken heart.” ; )
The only hang-up I had with this is a personal preference on wishing the more slang-sounding words like “cuss” were replaced with the more formal versions. Altogether, this delightful story was worth the read and worth its weight in those five gold stars.
Romance: clean! It’s a HEA but there is NOTHING smarmy or too warm.
Violence: nothing terrible on scene. Kidnapping, briefly. There are a few references to blood, surgery, and a head injury but nothing is gory or overdone. I think this is a perfect YA book and would be fine with a child of any age reading it once they were old enough to appreciate books of this length and genre.
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December 15, 2024A wonderful and cleverly reimagined Princess and the Pea, this book is chock-full of stunning characters, laugh-out magic, and E.J. Kitchens’ signature use of magic.
I couldn't get enough of Blythe and Dox's banter, and I adored their two best friends—such solid supporting characters!
Honestly, though, I couldn't help feeling the resolution of the conflict was a bit abrupt. I can't go into detail without spoilers, but I just felt there was an important scene left out at the end.
Still, it doesn't detract from the overall joy of reading this delightfully captivating romp. I really can't wait to read her next book in this world (and some of her other ones . . . Magic Collectors, anyone?).
In short: if you're looking for a sweet, clean read with a beautifully complex heroine, a really princely prince (* insert swoon here), a lot of magic, and a few action points that don't detract from the light, roadtrippy feel of much of the story then please, read it. Write about it. And most of all, tell everyone you can about it!
I promise you—it will be time well spent.
I couldn't get enough of Blythe and Dox's banter, and I adored their two best friends—such solid supporting characters!
Honestly, though, I couldn't help feeling the resolution of the conflict was a bit abrupt. I can't go into detail without spoilers, but I just felt there was an important scene left out at the end.
Still, it doesn't detract from the overall joy of reading this delightfully captivating romp. I really can't wait to read her next book in this world (and some of her other ones . . . Magic Collectors, anyone?).
In short: if you're looking for a sweet, clean read with a beautifully complex heroine, a really princely prince (* insert swoon here), a lot of magic, and a few action points that don't detract from the light, roadtrippy feel of much of the story then please, read it. Write about it. And most of all, tell everyone you can about it!
I promise you—it will be time well spent.
January 18, 2024
This was a sweet, clean romance with an intriguing premise. The primary plot is Blythe's curse and how to break it without breaking her heart. Dox's need to find a princess to marry set up some hilarious situations. Though the plot twists were not surprising, the characters were entertaining, the dialogue clever, and the story easy to read. I loved the cottage and its personality. That was my favorite part. The rules fairy godparents abide by and how they affected the plot were interesting as well. I liked how Blythe became bolder through her trials. The ending (mild spoiler) allowed her character some growth, but didn't really capitalize on her glass heart as much as I expected as the final threat was one that would threaten anybody. This is a story fans of unusual fairy tale retellings would enjoy. Readable by everyone.
March 17, 2024
Another great book
While this is book 3, it is very easily read as a stand alone. (That said, I highly recommend the first two books). A princess cursed with a glass heart that would kill her, determined to stay safe and never marry, a prince who has to marry before he turns 25 (in one month's time...), some loyal friends, unusual fairy godparents, an evil professor wanting to dissect her to investigate her heart, attempted kidnappings, a magical cottage , evil fae plotting the downfall of kingdoms plus some fae monsters are just some of the elements of this tale. I loved the growth of Blythe's courage and her determination to truly live life, despite the risks and fear rather than being too afraid to do anything.
While this is book 3, it is very easily read as a stand alone. (That said, I highly recommend the first two books). A princess cursed with a glass heart that would kill her, determined to stay safe and never marry, a prince who has to marry before he turns 25 (in one month's time...), some loyal friends, unusual fairy godparents, an evil professor wanting to dissect her to investigate her heart, attempted kidnappings, a magical cottage , evil fae plotting the downfall of kingdoms plus some fae monsters are just some of the elements of this tale. I loved the growth of Blythe's courage and her determination to truly live life, despite the risks and fear rather than being too afraid to do anything.
August 12, 2025
“A broken heart. As hopeless a fix as Humpty Dumpty.” Such was the curse that haunted Princess Blythe. Her brother cheerfully called her to never give up, despite having a heart made of glass, declaring, “No one is immune from dying, sis.” Who needs such help?
As she sought to counter the curses of the fae Prince Dokar, Blythe found herself fighting for her life against weird human enemies as well. The silliness of the tale slides into genuine friendships, heart-felt desires and dark schemes, calling forth a response of reader sympathy. Meanwhile, she must seek a prince in love and marriage to save both their kingdoms from the wicked plans of the fae.
It’s another fun and fast read by E. J. Kitchens.
As she sought to counter the curses of the fae Prince Dokar, Blythe found herself fighting for her life against weird human enemies as well. The silliness of the tale slides into genuine friendships, heart-felt desires and dark schemes, calling forth a response of reader sympathy. Meanwhile, she must seek a prince in love and marriage to save both their kingdoms from the wicked plans of the fae.
It’s another fun and fast read by E. J. Kitchens.
January 18, 2024
Mistaken Identities, laughter and magic
I love this story! E.J. Kitchens is one of my favorite authors and her books are automatically in my to be read list. I had the privilege of being an early reader for this book and have to say I think I laughed more in this book than her others. A clean romance with mistaken identities and as a reader knowing the truth I find their antics humorous and delightful. The characters personalities and choices are realistic. I particularly like how obstacles, fears and anxieties are overcome. This book is appropriate for young and old readers :)
I love this story! E.J. Kitchens is one of my favorite authors and her books are automatically in my to be read list. I had the privilege of being an early reader for this book and have to say I think I laughed more in this book than her others. A clean romance with mistaken identities and as a reader knowing the truth I find their antics humorous and delightful. The characters personalities and choices are realistic. I particularly like how obstacles, fears and anxieties are overcome. This book is appropriate for young and old readers :)
January 1, 2024
I don’t see it marked as such, but it’s really a retelling of a Princess and the Pea. I absolutely LOVED it! The misunderstandings lead to very enjoyable scenes. 😂 Basically everyone thought everyone else were conmen/conwomen. You have danger, curses, tests, humor, it was fantastic! I am so going back and reading the rest of these books!
💕Clean Sweet Romance
💕Danger
💕Humor
💕I love Dox! 😂 He’s funny and sweet and strong and all the great things. 🥰
💕Leaving with fear rather than in fear ❤️
💕Heart of Glass
💕Clean Sweet Romance
💕Danger
💕Humor
💕I love Dox! 😂 He’s funny and sweet and strong and all the great things. 🥰
💕Leaving with fear rather than in fear ❤️
💕Heart of Glass
February 2, 2024
A sweet take on fairytale romance
For lovers of sweet romance, clever fairytale twists, and original characters, I recommend this book. Of Curses and Hearts is a fun and clever adventure where fairygodparents' are just as like to curse a royal as gift them. And poor Blythe gets the short end of the stick!
After reading a couple of dark fantasy novels that left me discouraged and meh, this book was a breath of fresh air with genuine characters and a plot with a good mix of peril and hope.
For lovers of sweet romance, clever fairytale twists, and original characters, I recommend this book. Of Curses and Hearts is a fun and clever adventure where fairygodparents' are just as like to curse a royal as gift them. And poor Blythe gets the short end of the stick!
After reading a couple of dark fantasy novels that left me discouraged and meh, this book was a breath of fresh air with genuine characters and a plot with a good mix of peril and hope.
February 12, 2024
this may be my favorite of the series
Since this book is not tied as tightly to the world and its history, it does not have the complications of keeping track of what time period it’s in, or accidentally confusing characters with similar names.
This was a delightful twist on the Princess and the Pea story that kept to the spirit and idea of the tale while creating a story that isn’t just someone who can’t sleep with a pea under her 20 mattresses and I appreciated the clever way the pea motif was woven into the story.
Since this book is not tied as tightly to the world and its history, it does not have the complications of keeping track of what time period it’s in, or accidentally confusing characters with similar names.
This was a delightful twist on the Princess and the Pea story that kept to the spirit and idea of the tale while creating a story that isn’t just someone who can’t sleep with a pea under her 20 mattresses and I appreciated the clever way the pea motif was woven into the story.
April 7, 2024
Such a refreshing read!
The interactions between the two main characters had so much witty banter and I was absolutely there for it. Think Pride and Prejudice-type misunderstanding and reluctant appreciation of the other’s merits.
The stakes are high and the trials are deceptive in this fairytale-beautiful but fairytale-dangerous world. The main girl literally has a heart made of glass, but she’s also quite strong and independent. It’s so refreshing to see a female character who can be both gracefully soft, and fiercely bold.
The interactions between the two main characters had so much witty banter and I was absolutely there for it. Think Pride and Prejudice-type misunderstanding and reluctant appreciation of the other’s merits.
The stakes are high and the trials are deceptive in this fairytale-beautiful but fairytale-dangerous world. The main girl literally has a heart made of glass, but she’s also quite strong and independent. It’s so refreshing to see a female character who can be both gracefully soft, and fiercely bold.
January 15, 2024
A delightful fairytale romp!
I love that all the characters believe the other characters to be shady conmen/conwomen! It is a delightfully misunderstood start to the relationships. I enjoy the contrast between Blythe and Dox as they figure out how to lean into each other's strengths and trust.
I highly recommend reading this book and the others in this series!
#clean #princessandthepea #mistakenidentity
I love that all the characters believe the other characters to be shady conmen/conwomen! It is a delightfully misunderstood start to the relationships. I enjoy the contrast between Blythe and Dox as they figure out how to lean into each other's strengths and trust.
I highly recommend reading this book and the others in this series!
#clean #princessandthepea #mistakenidentity
January 30, 2024
Following In love and finding ever after is hard enough, let alone when you have a glass heart and someone is on a mission to break it.
“Of Curses and Hearts” is the 3rd installation in the ‘Curse keeper, Curse breaker’ series by @ej_kitchens. If you like short, fun, fairytale retellings and especially #princessandthepearetellings, I would definitely give this tale a read ❤️
#fairytaleretelling #princessandthepea #cleanromanticfantasy #fairytale #cursebreakers
“Of Curses and Hearts” is the 3rd installation in the ‘Curse keeper, Curse breaker’ series by @ej_kitchens. If you like short, fun, fairytale retellings and especially #princessandthepearetellings, I would definitely give this tale a read ❤️
#fairytaleretelling #princessandthepea #cleanromanticfantasy #fairytale #cursebreakers
March 30, 2024
Cute, but Light on Romance
This was a cute and fun read with a unique take on The Princess and the Pea. Dox and Blythe had some fun interactions, and the fairy godparents in the world had interesting roles and rules. However, I would have liked to see more focus on an emotional connection between romantic partners. I just didn't really see them going from being interested in each other to a great love.
This was a cute and fun read with a unique take on The Princess and the Pea. Dox and Blythe had some fun interactions, and the fairy godparents in the world had interesting roles and rules. However, I would have liked to see more focus on an emotional connection between romantic partners. I just didn't really see them going from being interested in each other to a great love.
February 2, 2024
This book was great! The way E.J. Kitchens twisted the story of the Princess and the Pea was incredible. However, I think that the book had so much more potential for mystery and secrecy. It would have been nicer if Princess Blythe's heart was really fragile and even the slightest thing could upset it instead of just guesses on Blythe and Ilona's part.
February 7, 2024
sweet fairy tale
This was a very unique take on the Princess and the Pea tale! I found it a little hard to follow (characters with multiple names, and a LOT of characters, comparatively). But this was sweet! (My favorite part was the Perfect Princess document at the very end. I want to print it and put it up on my wall!)
This was a very unique take on the Princess and the Pea tale! I found it a little hard to follow (characters with multiple names, and a LOT of characters, comparatively). But this was sweet! (My favorite part was the Perfect Princess document at the very end. I want to print it and put it up on my wall!)
April 17, 2024
A fun read!
I Love how the author has God woven through the lives of her characters in this series. It's epic, adventurous and full of humorous moments. This book is not just one thing, but one thing it is, is a good read.
I Love how the author has God woven through the lives of her characters in this series. It's epic, adventurous and full of humorous moments. This book is not just one thing, but one thing it is, is a good read.
April 20, 2024
Good clean book. Loved it!
I love this sweet story, where a princess finds her courage and is willing to sacrifice for others. It surprised me at times and made me laugh. I always appreciate a good clean book.
I love this sweet story, where a princess finds her courage and is willing to sacrifice for others. It surprised me at times and made me laugh. I always appreciate a good clean book.
June 22, 2024
wow!
What an interesting take on the Princess and the pea! There’s a war between the fae and the mortals and the “fairy godparents” are involved… you’ll have to read it to find out more. I loved it!
What an interesting take on the Princess and the pea! There’s a war between the fae and the mortals and the “fairy godparents” are involved… you’ll have to read it to find out more. I loved it!
March 13, 2024
Still on the complicated to follow side when action is on, but better.
April 10, 2025
One of my favorites by E.J. Kitchens! Such a unique twist on an old fairy tale and such creativity in the world the author built here.
February 12, 2025
This was a fun and unique retelling of The Princess and the Pea! The world-building was amazing. It didn't feel information-heavy but really painted a clear picture. I enjoyed getting to know Blythe and Dox as they ran from the crazy professor, dealt with eccentric fairy godparents, and tried to figure out who the evil enchantress was all while participating in/judging the princess tests. I also liked the little side romance between Blythe's maid and Dox's friend. I think my favorite part was how the peas played into the story. I don't want to give too much away, so I will just stick with saying that it was very unique and creative. I definitely recommend you read this one if you like fairytale retellings filled with adventure and romance and sprinkled with a dash of danger.
January 15, 2024
This short and sweet retelling of The Princess and the Pea is exactly what I was looking for to read during this busy, stressful time of year! I enjoy how this author takes elements of well known fairytales and creates a new story.
This book is shorter than Kitchens usually writes, and it is still filled with her classic adventure, banter, world-building, enjoyable characters, and happily-ever-afters. It is book #3 of the Curse Keeper, Curse Breaker series but can also stand alone.
Highly recommend!
(I happily volunteered to read a complimentary advance reader copy and chose to review it. All opinions are my own, and I was not required to leave a review.)
This book is shorter than Kitchens usually writes, and it is still filled with her classic adventure, banter, world-building, enjoyable characters, and happily-ever-afters. It is book #3 of the Curse Keeper, Curse Breaker series but can also stand alone.
Highly recommend!
(I happily volunteered to read a complimentary advance reader copy and chose to review it. All opinions are my own, and I was not required to leave a review.)
April 4, 2024
She has a heart of glass that is cursed to be broken. He has two hearts, and the strength of ten men.
She is seeking a curse breaker or a life of solitude. He is looking for a true princess. And then their lives collide and their fates twine.
This creative retelling of Princess and the Pea is fun and engaging.
The slow building of trust and untangling of assumptions along with the creative twist to reveal the true troublemaker kept me excited to see what happened next.
I loved the emphasis on strength, but showcasing it in all of its vital forms, not just physical endurance, but bravery and continuing to fight through challenges even when you feel like you can’t keep going. Of course, the enchantments and hidden cottage always amuse. A great addition to this series!
She is seeking a curse breaker or a life of solitude. He is looking for a true princess. And then their lives collide and their fates twine.
This creative retelling of Princess and the Pea is fun and engaging.
The slow building of trust and untangling of assumptions along with the creative twist to reveal the true troublemaker kept me excited to see what happened next.
I loved the emphasis on strength, but showcasing it in all of its vital forms, not just physical endurance, but bravery and continuing to fight through challenges even when you feel like you can’t keep going. Of course, the enchantments and hidden cottage always amuse. A great addition to this series!
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews