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Myths of Airren #1
A Cursed Kiss
Living on an island plagued by magic and mythical monsters isn’t a fairy tale... it’s a nightmare.
After Keelynn witnesses her sister's murder at the hands of the legendary Gancanagh, an immortal creature who seduces women and kills them with a cursed kiss, she realizes there’s nothing she wouldn't do to get her back. With the help of a vengeful witch, she’s given everything she needs to resurrect the person she loves most.
But first, she must slay the Gancanagh.
Tadhg, a devilishly handsome half-fae who has no patience for high society—or propriety—would rather spend his time in the company of loose women and dark creatures than help a human kill one of his own.
That is until Keelynn makes him an offer he can’t refuse.
Together, they embark on a cross-country curse-breaking mission that promises life but ends in death.
Perfect for fans of Holly Black's Folk of the Air series and The Falconer, A Cursed Kiss is the first book in a series of interconnected novels and novellas set on the mythical island of Airren.
(This book rates a 6 on the Romantic Content Rating System (RCRS))
After Keelynn witnesses her sister's murder at the hands of the legendary Gancanagh, an immortal creature who seduces women and kills them with a cursed kiss, she realizes there’s nothing she wouldn't do to get her back. With the help of a vengeful witch, she’s given everything she needs to resurrect the person she loves most.
But first, she must slay the Gancanagh.
Tadhg, a devilishly handsome half-fae who has no patience for high society—or propriety—would rather spend his time in the company of loose women and dark creatures than help a human kill one of his own.
That is until Keelynn makes him an offer he can’t refuse.
Together, they embark on a cross-country curse-breaking mission that promises life but ends in death.
Perfect for fans of Holly Black's Folk of the Air series and The Falconer, A Cursed Kiss is the first book in a series of interconnected novels and novellas set on the mythical island of Airren.
(This book rates a 6 on the Romantic Content Rating System (RCRS))
384 pages, Hardcover
First published November 24, 2021
850 people are currently reading
33972 people want to read
About the author
Jenny Hickman
29 books771 followersJenny grew up in Oakland, Maryland and currently lives in County Tipperary, Ireland with her husband and two children. Her love of reading blossomed the summer after graduating high school, when she borrowed a paperback romance from her mother during the annual family beach vacation.
From that sunny day forward, she has been a lover of stories with Happily-Ever-Afters.
Member: The Authors Guild & ALLI
From that sunny day forward, she has been a lover of stories with Happily-Ever-Afters.
Member: The Authors Guild & ALLI
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,063 reviews
September 28, 2021
Okay, first all, Are you kidding me TADHG?! I would burn the world for him, I would, no regrets there. I thought I’d struggle to find another male (half fae at that) who could rival my affections for Rhysand.. but here he is ladies and gentlemen, here he bloody well is.
Anyways, I love this book and I need the next book in the series RIGHT NOW. The world building was phenomenal, the storyline was beautifully paced, and the character growth was incredible. I fell for half fae, half witch Tadhg instantly and I never looked back, and I have nothing but love and admiration for Keelynn. She’s loyal, determined and anyone would be lucky to have a friend like her. Sure she makes mistakes, we all do, but it’s how she learns from them and moves on that really sticks with you throughout the book.
So what’s this book about I hear you ask? Keelynn witnesses her sister’s murder at the hands of Gancanagh, an immortal creature who seduces women and kills them with a cursed kiss, and she realises there’s nothing she wouldn’t do to get her back. Tadhg, a devilishly handsome half fae who has no patience for high society would rather spend his time in the company of loose women and dark creatures than help a human kill one of his own. That is until Keelynn makes him an offer he can’t refuse. Together, they embark on a cross country curse breaking mission that promises life but ends in death.
I love Jenny’s writing style and she always manages to keep me hooked in the books she puts out, but not only does she keep you hooked, she makes you feel every emotion possible throughout the course of the book.
Irish Myths? Check.
Magic? Check.
Curses? Check.
Monsters? Check.
Gorgeous witty half fae? Check.
Twists and turns like you’re on a damn rollercoaster? Check.
This is honestly a perfect romantasy series and I can’t wait to see what Jenny does with book two, which I can have now? Please?
Thank you so so much to Jenny for providing me with an e-copy of this stunner in exchange for my honest review.
November 15, 2022
2.5 ⭐
It was okay.
I'm glad I didn't dnf it bcs I was v close to doing so. Idk everything seemed so rushed but at the same time it felt so slow like literally nothing was really happening and then they had to go and add an unnecessary love triangle. 🙄
There was no chemistry between the main characters. Ffs the fmc was literally thinking of marrying some other dude around 75%. I don't have to repeat but I'll still do BCS I HATE LOVE TRIANGLES.
Keelynn was so annoying and she only got worse as the book progressed. Tadhg was a saving grace but he was also so bland at times I could not- 😭 Add that to the fact that I still don't know how to pronounce his name and yea no.
The concept was nice. It just didn't deliver much.
It was okay.
I'm glad I didn't dnf it bcs I was v close to doing so. Idk everything seemed so rushed but at the same time it felt so slow like literally nothing was really happening and then they had to go and add an unnecessary love triangle. 🙄
There was no chemistry between the main characters. Ffs the fmc was literally thinking of marrying some other dude around 75%. I don't have to repeat but I'll still do BCS I HATE LOVE TRIANGLES.
Keelynn was so annoying and she only got worse as the book progressed. Tadhg was a saving grace but he was also so bland at times I could not- 😭 Add that to the fact that I still don't know how to pronounce his name and yea no.
The concept was nice. It just didn't deliver much.
March 8, 2022
Welcome to your newest romantasy obsession.
I loved Jenny’s PAN series but I feel like she took all of my favorite tropes/character personalities and put them in this book. Obsessed doesn’t begin to cover it. I’ve fallen for Tadgh and would do just about anything for this flirty morally grey half fae.
Read if you like:
- enemies to lovers/forbidden romance/only one bed trope
- Irish mythology
- a sexy, sarcastic, morally grey love interest who could literally flirt the pants off of you
- witty banter that feels more like foreplay 🔥
- NA fantasy
- an adventure filled with all sorts of magical beings (fae, witches, etc)
- a strong female MC you can’t help but root for even when you want to shake some sense into her
- an unputdownable book that you accidentally read in one sitting
My only complaint is that I don’t already have an entire book from Tadgh’s POV, but a little birdy might have told me it’s coming. 😘
I loved Jenny’s PAN series but I feel like she took all of my favorite tropes/character personalities and put them in this book. Obsessed doesn’t begin to cover it. I’ve fallen for Tadgh and would do just about anything for this flirty morally grey half fae.
Read if you like:
- enemies to lovers/forbidden romance/only one bed trope
- Irish mythology
- a sexy, sarcastic, morally grey love interest who could literally flirt the pants off of you
- witty banter that feels more like foreplay 🔥
- NA fantasy
- an adventure filled with all sorts of magical beings (fae, witches, etc)
- a strong female MC you can’t help but root for even when you want to shake some sense into her
- an unputdownable book that you accidentally read in one sitting
My only complaint is that I don’t already have an entire book from Tadgh’s POV, but a little birdy might have told me it’s coming. 😘
December 4, 2021
1.5 i need to start loving myself more
September 11, 2022
“Do you require additional assistance? I'm remarkably good at unlacing stays.”
Downloading books from Kindle Unlimited is like spinning the wheel of fortune at a funfair.
It's either hit or miss. There's simply no in-between.
Fortunately, A Cursed Kiss falls under the first category! I loved all the characters and their unpronounceable names (Tadhg, Gancanagh, and so on), and the writing was surprisingly fluid and easy to read, which is also one of the reasons why I finished this book in one day.
The ending felt a bit rushed, in my opinion, but I still want to give this the four stars it deserves.
May 7, 2023
This book was filled with witty banter between the 2 MC’s! They’re constantly interacting and I loved it! It made total sense for them to fall in love and Tadgh is dreamy
This is a historical fantasy romance so there’s proper society, ladies and gowns (think Bridgeton) but the Fae live in fear of the humans because using magic is illegal.
Keelynn witnesses her sister being killed by the Gancanagh but a witch tells her she can resurrect her sister if she kills the Gancanagh and takes his life force. So she goes to a mercenaries pub looking to hire someone to help her get to the fae lands. This is where she meets Tadgh and the journey starts there.
I loved this story and there was never a dull moment, its filled with twists and curses, faeries and magic!
The reason it got 4⭐️ instead of 5⭐️ is because the ending felt slightly rushed to me but it didn’t completely ruin the book, also didn’t love that Keelynn denied her feelings for Tadgh for sooo long basically til the last page, I fell in love with him before she did haha
Also I would have LOVED if this was dual POV but instead the author has written a second book “Prince of Seduction” for Tadgh’s POV, I’m gonna read it but I really hope its more than just the same story from his POV…
This is a historical fantasy romance so there’s proper society, ladies and gowns (think Bridgeton) but the Fae live in fear of the humans because using magic is illegal.
Keelynn witnesses her sister being killed by the Gancanagh but a witch tells her she can resurrect her sister if she kills the Gancanagh and takes his life force. So she goes to a mercenaries pub looking to hire someone to help her get to the fae lands. This is where she meets Tadgh and the journey starts there.
I loved this story and there was never a dull moment, its filled with twists and curses, faeries and magic!
The reason it got 4⭐️ instead of 5⭐️ is because the ending felt slightly rushed to me but it didn’t completely ruin the book, also didn’t love that Keelynn denied her feelings for Tadgh for sooo long basically til the last page, I fell in love with him before she did haha
Also I would have LOVED if this was dual POV but instead the author has written a second book “Prince of Seduction” for Tadgh’s POV, I’m gonna read it but I really hope its more than just the same story from his POV…
Read
May 9, 2023I really liked the mix of faery lore with Irish mythology and the best character was hands down, my favourite faery boy Tadhg! All in all, it was a fun, fast read and like A Deal with the Elf King, I’m loving how so many more fantasy standalones are being released!
December 24, 2021
3 - ⭐️⭐️⭐️
“But most of all,” he said, placing a final kiss over my pulse, “I like the way you hate me.”
A Cursed Kiss is a NA fantasy romance standalone sprinkled with Irish mythology and in particular the tale of the Gacanagh—the infamous male fairy known to seduce women and men.
This book includes:
• Enemies-to-lovers trope
• Faeries
• One-bed trope
• Lots of banter
• Mystery intrigue
• Fiesty heroine
• Mischevious hero
The world-building was well-done and the story was promising, however I struggled to connect with the characters.
There were some moments that I found to be enjoyable in the book and the banter between Keelyn and Tadhg was so entertaining. But there are also moments where I felt like I was annoyed by both of them. Their relationship felt rushed and some plot-twists felt anticlimactic.
I also felt that the book read as YA more than NA, although there were a few spicy scenes that are not really explicit.
I had high hopes for this book and while it wasn't a read that I did not enjoy reading parts of it, I just hoped the premise delivered what it promised to me.
“But most of all,” he said, placing a final kiss over my pulse, “I like the way you hate me.”
A Cursed Kiss is a NA fantasy romance standalone sprinkled with Irish mythology and in particular the tale of the Gacanagh—the infamous male fairy known to seduce women and men.
This book includes:
• Enemies-to-lovers trope
• Faeries
• One-bed trope
• Lots of banter
• Mystery intrigue
• Fiesty heroine
• Mischevious hero
The world-building was well-done and the story was promising, however I struggled to connect with the characters.
There were some moments that I found to be enjoyable in the book and the banter between Keelyn and Tadhg was so entertaining. But there are also moments where I felt like I was annoyed by both of them. Their relationship felt rushed and some plot-twists felt anticlimactic.
I also felt that the book read as YA more than NA, although there were a few spicy scenes that are not really explicit.
I had high hopes for this book and while it wasn't a read that I did not enjoy reading parts of it, I just hoped the premise delivered what it promised to me.
December 8, 2021
HAS SPOILERS!!!!
The premise of the story was pretty intriguing and I enjoyed the beginning part of the novel. The novel starts out with the main character at her sister's engagement ball, upset because her sister is marrying the love of her life. So she's off somewhere dealing with her feelings (drinking excess champagne and making out with strangers) when her dad finds her in a risque situation with said stranger. She immediately runs to her sister for help when she sees her sister kiss a Gancanagh and then promptly fall dead. And then gets married to the stranger, who then dies four months later. So overall things are not going well for her. At the funeral, she overhears her maid talking about a witch who can supposedly bring people back to life so she heads over there and the witch tells her she must kill the creature to bring her sister back. At that point, she's angry over the death of her sister so that's not a major concern for her. And so begins the story.
I thought the beginning was good because there was just enough mystery and suspense that made me want to continue reading. But somewhere along the middle, things just kind of fell apart. I thought the romance between Tadhg and Keeyln was too rushed. They hated each other for like 2 chapters and then all of the sudden she was like "wow maybe he's different than what I thought he was." From the beginning, he doesn't want to help her but for some reason he is. When we find out the reason, it was somewhat anti-climatic. Actually, all of the moments where a mystery was unveiled were anti-climatic. There were elements of beauty and the beast where he scorned a woman and she cursed him to feel the pain that she felt. But Tadhag's reason for being cursed and his curse felt really frat boy-esque. I guess since I was expecting a morally-grey villain (because some of the other reviews mentioned that), I expected more than "well I was a fuck-boy in the past so now I'm cursed."
And then I don't know why Keeyln spent so much time with Robert after Tadhag when clearly she said two chapters ago that she thought she loved him and was willing to sacrifice her sister for him. Yes, Tadhag betrayed her, but she got over that really quickly so why was Robert an option? There was a lot of back and forth with her that I didn't understand because why?
And the ending was just all over the place. There were some plot holes with Rian and how he masqueraded as her husband. Like she thought he was cheating on her with the maid and we come to find out that he was engaged to her sister. So was he cheating on her sister? And she askes this same question but never confronts him on it or further questions that whole thing. I mean I feel like I would have a lot of questions.
So overall, it wasn't a bad read. I enjoyed the beginning half but it was just the ending that kind of fell apart for me.
The premise of the story was pretty intriguing and I enjoyed the beginning part of the novel. The novel starts out with the main character at her sister's engagement ball, upset because her sister is marrying the love of her life. So she's off somewhere dealing with her feelings (drinking excess champagne and making out with strangers) when her dad finds her in a risque situation with said stranger. She immediately runs to her sister for help when she sees her sister kiss a Gancanagh and then promptly fall dead. And then gets married to the stranger, who then dies four months later. So overall things are not going well for her. At the funeral, she overhears her maid talking about a witch who can supposedly bring people back to life so she heads over there and the witch tells her she must kill the creature to bring her sister back. At that point, she's angry over the death of her sister so that's not a major concern for her. And so begins the story.
I thought the beginning was good because there was just enough mystery and suspense that made me want to continue reading. But somewhere along the middle, things just kind of fell apart. I thought the romance between Tadhg and Keeyln was too rushed. They hated each other for like 2 chapters and then all of the sudden she was like "wow maybe he's different than what I thought he was." From the beginning, he doesn't want to help her but for some reason he is. When we find out the reason, it was somewhat anti-climatic. Actually, all of the moments where a mystery was unveiled were anti-climatic. There were elements of beauty and the beast where he scorned a woman and she cursed him to feel the pain that she felt. But Tadhag's reason for being cursed and his curse felt really frat boy-esque. I guess since I was expecting a morally-grey villain (because some of the other reviews mentioned that), I expected more than "well I was a fuck-boy in the past so now I'm cursed."
And then I don't know why Keeyln spent so much time with Robert after Tadhag when clearly she said two chapters ago that she thought she loved him and was willing to sacrifice her sister for him. Yes, Tadhag betrayed her, but she got over that really quickly so why was Robert an option? There was a lot of back and forth with her that I didn't understand because why?
And the ending was just all over the place. There were some plot holes with Rian and how he masqueraded as her husband. Like she thought he was cheating on her with the maid and we come to find out that he was engaged to her sister. So was he cheating on her sister? And she askes this same question but never confronts him on it or further questions that whole thing. I mean I feel like I would have a lot of questions.
So overall, it wasn't a bad read. I enjoyed the beginning half but it was just the ending that kind of fell apart for me.
August 25, 2023
This audiobook was simply amazing. 100 stars!! Not only was the dual narration magical, but the storyline, the banter, Taghd… uh, so so so SO good. Bravo, Jenny!!
July 11, 2022
1.5 spice
One horse trope. One bed trope. Arranged marriage. Grumpy/sunshine.
Absolutely loved this. It was pretty obvious soon into the book that this was going to be a character driven romance book. And I ate it up. I didnt even mind that the plot was so basic. In this story, our FMC is the grumpy one and it was awesome. Shes stubborn and sassy, but she really grows in this story and I love her journey.
The romance was everything I wanted. Our MMC falls so hard for her, and I am obsessed with him!
One horse trope. One bed trope. Arranged marriage. Grumpy/sunshine.
Absolutely loved this. It was pretty obvious soon into the book that this was going to be a character driven romance book. And I ate it up. I didnt even mind that the plot was so basic. In this story, our FMC is the grumpy one and it was awesome. Shes stubborn and sassy, but she really grows in this story and I love her journey.
The romance was everything I wanted. Our MMC falls so hard for her, and I am obsessed with him!
May 6, 2022
I came for the Irish mythology, I stayed for everything else. The banter. The chemistry. The lore. The adventure. If I could give more stars, I would.
I can’t say enough good things about this book. Everything about it was superb. It had me laughing so hard and my heart racing and my fists wanting to punch certain characters. I loved it so much. Jenny does classy steam so well. More action than “clean” readers might be comfortable with, but all about the emotion of the scenes. 🥰
I can’t say enough good things about this book. Everything about it was superb. It had me laughing so hard and my heart racing and my fists wanting to punch certain characters. I loved it so much. Jenny does classy steam so well. More action than “clean” readers might be comfortable with, but all about the emotion of the scenes. 🥰
April 30, 2022
Irish mythology under the veil of dark romance, with twists and turns that will keep your heart pumping. A Cursed Kiss is perfect for fans of Holly Black's Folk of the Air Series and The Falconer.
ACK is the first in a series of interconnected stand alone novels and novellas set on the mythical island of Airren. This book rates a 6 on the RCRS scale (Multiple on-page sex scenes with tame descriptions) and is recommended for 18+.
(Content Warning: Sexual assault, grief, loss of a sibling, violence, and sexual content.)
ACK is the first in a series of interconnected stand alone novels and novellas set on the mythical island of Airren. This book rates a 6 on the RCRS scale (Multiple on-page sex scenes with tame descriptions) and is recommended for 18+.
(Content Warning: Sexual assault, grief, loss of a sibling, violence, and sexual content.)
October 10, 2024
--Angry Review--
The heroine is an airhead who thinks being an independent woman means ignoring people's -mostly men- cautionary warnings about dangerous creatures/places. She dives head first into these situations and gets herself rescued by the hero...not so independent anymore lol
She has such stupid monologues.. just yikes. Or her inner thoughts, she literally just internally repeats the last sentence she just heard or parrots the opinion of someone else.
I really like well-written shitty characters, especially the spoiled rich brats, but this one wasn't well developed by the author. Like just choose another background for your heroine if you can't make her interesting or give her good character development please. Anything but this torture.
The author could've used the love triangle for character development but no.. the heroine was only convinced he was terrible after she caught him cheating. I'm sorry but there were about a hundred red flags before this one.
Oh there was also 50 too many "Sleeping arrangements" in the story. It was supposed to be a dangerous journey with lots of cool obstacles but no, all we got was a frigging carriage ride throughout the whole "adventure" and lots of stops at inns.
The only interesting character was Tadgh but I kinda judge him for liking a pumpkin head like her.
The heroine is an airhead who thinks being an independent woman means ignoring people's -mostly men- cautionary warnings about dangerous creatures/places. She dives head first into these situations and gets herself rescued by the hero...not so independent anymore lol
She has such stupid monologues.. just yikes. Or her inner thoughts, she literally just internally repeats the last sentence she just heard or parrots the opinion of someone else.
I really like well-written shitty characters, especially the spoiled rich brats, but this one wasn't well developed by the author. Like just choose another background for your heroine if you can't make her interesting or give her good character development please. Anything but this torture.
The author could've used the love triangle for character development but no.. the heroine was only convinced he was terrible after she caught him cheating. I'm sorry but there were about a hundred red flags before this one.
Oh there was also 50 too many "Sleeping arrangements" in the story. It was supposed to be a dangerous journey with lots of cool obstacles but no, all we got was a frigging carriage ride throughout the whole "adventure" and lots of stops at inns.
The only interesting character was Tadgh but I kinda judge him for liking a pumpkin head like her.
Read
January 17, 2022DNF
I really wanted to like this book but I just couldn't. It's been a while since I've read a good fantasy romance and I really wished this would change that but alas that's not what had happened.
I just don't care. This book doesn't make me care about anything that's happening. The first chapter was intriguing, I'm not gonna lie, but everything since then was just boring and bad. There's no chemistry between our main leads, at least I don't feel any, and both of the main characters are insufferable. The main female character is so bland and boring I can't think of anything that's intesting about her. She alone wouldn't turn me of from the book, however. What made me stop reading for real was the main hero - TidePod as I came to call him. The author's attempts at making him charming didn't work. He's annoying, he acts irrational, he's a drunk and I just couldn't stand him. And the heroines' unreasonable attraction to him was also annoying.
Maybe it gets better, but I don't what to spend my time reading books that annoy me.
I really wanted to like this book but I just couldn't. It's been a while since I've read a good fantasy romance and I really wished this would change that but alas that's not what had happened.
I just don't care. This book doesn't make me care about anything that's happening. The first chapter was intriguing, I'm not gonna lie, but everything since then was just boring and bad. There's no chemistry between our main leads, at least I don't feel any, and both of the main characters are insufferable. The main female character is so bland and boring I can't think of anything that's intesting about her. She alone wouldn't turn me of from the book, however. What made me stop reading for real was the main hero - TidePod as I came to call him. The author's attempts at making him charming didn't work. He's annoying, he acts irrational, he's a drunk and I just couldn't stand him. And the heroines' unreasonable attraction to him was also annoying.
Maybe it gets better, but I don't what to spend my time reading books that annoy me.
October 17, 2021
"True love was sacrifice, putting someone else's needs above your own. True love endured every trial, every curse."
Whew! Jenny Hickman! I am wrecked by this story. In the best ways! I was thoroughly entertained. "A woman desperate to resurrect her sister. A man desperate to break his curse. Embark on a journey that promises life...but ends in death."
Tadhg (tie-g)= seduction & sarcasm. A nightmare disguised as a dream. Stomach flutters! I love him. Keelynn = Maiden Death. Strong female lead. Jenny writes the best banter between her OTPs! Teasing and wildly inappropriate comments. Keelynn+ Tadhg. The twists and chapter cliff hangers left me looking like Joey from Friends. You know...
I loved Jenny's YA series and her growth as an author is evident in this story. FANTASTIC. Congrats, Jenny! Proud to know you! I cannot wait to read more from the Myths of Airren! A Cursed Kiss is perfect for fans of Elise Kova and Holly Black. A stand alone new adult fantasy romance that romantasy lovers need! Reader, pick up this book!
✨READ IF YOU LIKE✨:
-Irish mythology
-morally gray hero
-snow white hydrangeas
-enemies to lovers
-forbidden love
-i'll kill you but I love you
-there's only one bed
-secrets, bargains, & lies
-#IsThisAKissingBook: 18+. cold, cursed kisses, true love's kiss, nose boops, tender kisses to the hair.
Thank you Jenny Hickman for an advanced copy and for writing kissing books and happily ever afters!
🎶 Song: Love The Way You Lie by J Rice 🎶
Whew! Jenny Hickman! I am wrecked by this story. In the best ways! I was thoroughly entertained. "A woman desperate to resurrect her sister. A man desperate to break his curse. Embark on a journey that promises life...but ends in death."
Tadhg (tie-g)= seduction & sarcasm. A nightmare disguised as a dream. Stomach flutters! I love him. Keelynn = Maiden Death. Strong female lead. Jenny writes the best banter between her OTPs! Teasing and wildly inappropriate comments. Keelynn+ Tadhg. The twists and chapter cliff hangers left me looking like Joey from Friends. You know...
I loved Jenny's YA series and her growth as an author is evident in this story. FANTASTIC. Congrats, Jenny! Proud to know you! I cannot wait to read more from the Myths of Airren! A Cursed Kiss is perfect for fans of Elise Kova and Holly Black. A stand alone new adult fantasy romance that romantasy lovers need! Reader, pick up this book!
✨READ IF YOU LIKE✨:
-Irish mythology
-morally gray hero
-snow white hydrangeas
-enemies to lovers
-forbidden love
-i'll kill you but I love you
-there's only one bed
-secrets, bargains, & lies
-#IsThisAKissingBook: 18+. cold, cursed kisses, true love's kiss, nose boops, tender kisses to the hair.
Thank you Jenny Hickman for an advanced copy and for writing kissing books and happily ever afters!
🎶 Song: Love The Way You Lie by J Rice 🎶
August 28, 2023
“But most of all, I like the way you hate me.”
“I don’t hate you,”
“Loathe? Or detest? Ohhh, despise. That’s a good one. You despise me.”
“And you think that’s a good thing?”
A nod. “If you didn’t hate me so much, I would’ve seduced you that very first night and never gotten the chance to know you.”
October 5, 2022
I LOVED THIS
This was such a cool light fantasy. Not really a lot of world building, but it wasn't necessary.
The way this book puts racism against faeries and other magical creatures truly hit me because it's the exact same way the real world racism works. When I was reading certain situations I found myself realizing "this is the exact same thing that has happened" and Idk it's just crazy. Really good portrayal in my opinion.
On another note, this book gave me A LOT of Caraval vibes and I think it was bc of the cursed guy that killed with his kisses but still it was original and good.
The second book is about her sister and the other prince and I cannot wait to read it
This was such a cool light fantasy. Not really a lot of world building, but it wasn't necessary.
The way this book puts racism against faeries and other magical creatures truly hit me because it's the exact same way the real world racism works. When I was reading certain situations I found myself realizing "this is the exact same thing that has happened" and Idk it's just crazy. Really good portrayal in my opinion.
On another note, this book gave me A LOT of Caraval vibes and I think it was bc of the cursed guy that killed with his kisses but still it was original and good.
The second book is about her sister and the other prince and I cannot wait to read it
Want to read
August 23, 2022I only saw one post of this series on social media and that became enough of a reason for me to become obsessed with this, even though I know not much of it.
May 15, 2022
4⭐️ - audio duet narration was top notch!
❤️🔥 (sex on page, more than one scene, mild to moderately explicit)
Read this as part audio, part physical copy. And I LOVE a true duet narration, it just brings the story to life. Major love to Zura and Zachary for their performances 😍
I will say that the first half was a bit slower for me to get into. I adored Tadgh from the get go, but our Maiden Death took a bit more for me to like. I get that her character was supposed to be naive, I do, but… still. Her naïveté seemed plot specific at some points. So while it was supposed to be a character trait and/or flaw, it seemed to be more of a device to get to a certain conclusion, and less organic. But as she got her shit together and that device wasn’t needed as much, I liked her quite a bit more! She fought back, stood up for herself and others - just grew up! And it was enjoyable to read that arc.
I loved the side characters and can’t wait for their stories! Ruairi was an absolute hoot and I hope he gets a book or novella. I of course loved all of the Irish folklore, slang, and overall nods to Ireland!
So, to that, I’d say my only main gripe was the pacing. I’m all for a traveling adventure, but the first third was a little too slow for me. The middle was great, but the end too quick! I would’ve loved just one more chapter to wrap it with a bow.
Overall it was enjoyable and would definitely recommend if you’re looking for a NA romantasy that isn’t TOO spicy (this does not fall into NA smut territory) and has adventure and is journey-specific. Think road trip via carriage ride and horseback. (Or is that a pooka? 😉)
❤️🔥 (sex on page, more than one scene, mild to moderately explicit)
Read this as part audio, part physical copy. And I LOVE a true duet narration, it just brings the story to life. Major love to Zura and Zachary for their performances 😍
I will say that the first half was a bit slower for me to get into. I adored Tadgh from the get go, but our Maiden Death took a bit more for me to like. I get that her character was supposed to be naive, I do, but… still. Her naïveté seemed plot specific at some points. So while it was supposed to be a character trait and/or flaw, it seemed to be more of a device to get to a certain conclusion, and less organic. But as she got her shit together and that device wasn’t needed as much, I liked her quite a bit more! She fought back, stood up for herself and others - just grew up! And it was enjoyable to read that arc.
I loved the side characters and can’t wait for their stories! Ruairi was an absolute hoot and I hope he gets a book or novella. I of course loved all of the Irish folklore, slang, and overall nods to Ireland!
So, to that, I’d say my only main gripe was the pacing. I’m all for a traveling adventure, but the first third was a little too slow for me. The middle was great, but the end too quick! I would’ve loved just one more chapter to wrap it with a bow.
Overall it was enjoyable and would definitely recommend if you’re looking for a NA romantasy that isn’t TOO spicy (this does not fall into NA smut territory) and has adventure and is journey-specific. Think road trip via carriage ride and horseback. (Or is that a pooka? 😉)
February 12, 2023
4.5 ⭐️
Spice : 🌶: 2.5/5
I loved this book !!
It has
✅️ The plot twists from From Blood and Ash
✅️ The faerie tales and curses from Once Upon a Broken Heart ( plus Tadgh has Jacks vibes 😍)
✅️ the witty humour and regency style from Pride & Prejudice
I was looking for a traditional fantasy romance read, and I had high hopes with this book .
Isn't it wonderful when a book meets your expectations? 😍
A cursed kiss was this and more !!
Despite this book being a standalone ( im more of aseries reader), I got curious because the book has a companion novel that consists of the story told from the Love Interest POV.
And with that, I got instantly hooked !!
Tadhg was like reading an NA version of Jacks ( Once Upon a Broken Heart) plus Casteel (FBAA) . I LOVED HIM . The author described him beautifully, and the interactions with Keelynn were full of banter, witty humor, and sexual tension .
Keelynn was funny and just a simple girl who wanted to be loved. Period. No, " im not like the others girls " trope ( yeah!l )
The spice :
The spice was the exact same level as Acotar . Enough sex scenes but with no explicit description ( no fade to black )plus a LOT of sexual tension, kissing, etc..
Overall, I strongly recommend this book to YA and NA readers who are looking for something cute with spice .
I loved it 💕 and I'm quite happy to have discovered a new favourite author!!
Spice : 🌶: 2.5/5
I loved this book !!
It has
✅️ The plot twists from From Blood and Ash
✅️ The faerie tales and curses from Once Upon a Broken Heart ( plus Tadgh has Jacks vibes 😍)
✅️ the witty humour and regency style from Pride & Prejudice
I was looking for a traditional fantasy romance read, and I had high hopes with this book .
Isn't it wonderful when a book meets your expectations? 😍
A cursed kiss was this and more !!
Despite this book being a standalone ( im more of aseries reader), I got curious because the book has a companion novel that consists of the story told from the Love Interest POV.
And with that, I got instantly hooked !!
Tadhg was like reading an NA version of Jacks ( Once Upon a Broken Heart) plus Casteel (FBAA) . I LOVED HIM . The author described him beautifully, and the interactions with Keelynn were full of banter, witty humor, and sexual tension .
Keelynn was funny and just a simple girl who wanted to be loved. Period. No, " im not like the others girls " trope ( yeah!l )
The spice :
The spice was the exact same level as Acotar . Enough sex scenes but with no explicit description ( no fade to black )plus a LOT of sexual tension, kissing, etc..
Overall, I strongly recommend this book to YA and NA readers who are looking for something cute with spice .
I loved it 💕 and I'm quite happy to have discovered a new favourite author!!
Want to read
May 21, 2024I neve trust fantasy booktokers.
Now... Fantasy Booktubers? Yes, please. It took me two seconds to add it.
Now... Fantasy Booktubers? Yes, please. It took me two seconds to add it.
January 5, 2022
3.5.
This a tricky one to review because I was torn on a lot of issues.
The writing is decent enough and there's a lot to love about Tadhg, but Keelyn was pretty obnoxious throughout. I have no idea why he liked her. I get that she was on some sort of self awareness journey, but that wasn't conveyed effectively for me, and I just disliked her really!
I also wasn't 100% sold on the chemistry between them, but that probably was more to do with my dislike for Keelyn.
It also had a YA vibe, I guess this is labelled as NA, which is a vague term that can sometimes be more adult, or sometimes just an older teenager with some vaguely described sex, the matter of which applies to this. I have little enjoyment of YA vibes in a book, so this put me off a bit as well.
However, if you like romantic fantasy involving the Fae, then I would recommend this, as I think my issues wet emore personal ones than there being anything particularly wrong with the book.
This a tricky one to review because I was torn on a lot of issues.
The writing is decent enough and there's a lot to love about Tadhg, but Keelyn was pretty obnoxious throughout. I have no idea why he liked her. I get that she was on some sort of self awareness journey, but that wasn't conveyed effectively for me, and I just disliked her really!
I also wasn't 100% sold on the chemistry between them, but that probably was more to do with my dislike for Keelyn.
It also had a YA vibe, I guess this is labelled as NA, which is a vague term that can sometimes be more adult, or sometimes just an older teenager with some vaguely described sex, the matter of which applies to this. I have little enjoyment of YA vibes in a book, so this put me off a bit as well.
However, if you like romantic fantasy involving the Fae, then I would recommend this, as I think my issues wet emore personal ones than there being anything particularly wrong with the book.
November 6, 2021
“But most of all,” he said, placing a final kiss over my pulse, “I like the way you hate me.”
*SWOOON!* This was an absolute TREAT! I just loved the cute, flirty banter and enemies to lovers vibes! The 2nd half was my favorite and I couldn't put it down! Dare I say, I think I loved this more than the Pan books but those are so good too! I absolutely LOVED that this was NA and had some heat! 🙌 Definitely hopefully she keeps writing more that like!
The adventure, magic and romance was just so wonderful! It was an exciting ride that kept me on my toes! Plus the conflict was handled so well! I loved Tadgh!!! He was the perfect mix of flirty but morally gray!! If you want an exciting, swoony, enemies to lovers fantasy with spice, definitely check this out! I loved it!
*Thank you to Jenny for the arc.*
*SWOOON!* This was an absolute TREAT! I just loved the cute, flirty banter and enemies to lovers vibes! The 2nd half was my favorite and I couldn't put it down! Dare I say, I think I loved this more than the Pan books but those are so good too! I absolutely LOVED that this was NA and had some heat! 🙌 Definitely hopefully she keeps writing more that like!
The adventure, magic and romance was just so wonderful! It was an exciting ride that kept me on my toes! Plus the conflict was handled so well! I loved Tadgh!!! He was the perfect mix of flirty but morally gray!! If you want an exciting, swoony, enemies to lovers fantasy with spice, definitely check this out! I loved it!
*Thank you to Jenny for the arc.*
April 20, 2024
Curses and lies
It seems there are more ways to keep the truth from someone, especially oneself other than lying.
I was pleasantly surprised by the direction of this book and the emotional journey it would take me on. The story was action packed- I had thought I had a clear grasp on the plot and thought it to be somewhat predictable until … well until I wasn’t.
The twists and turns were unexpected, the banter fun and light and the characters a delight.
I really enjoyed the romance, unlike a traditional slow burn where you have to wait until seventy percent before they even touch this romance was a very well thought out push and pull between presumption and passion - they say the between love and hate is a thin one, that certainly seemed to be the case with our main characters.
The issues of species eradication and divide was cleverly interwoven into this fantastical setting. The world building was easy to follow, the creatures intriguing and being immersed in the wider problems of the world made for a very interesting read while the focus could still remain on the main characters. I ended up devouring this book and absolutely loving it!!!
It seems there are more ways to keep the truth from someone, especially oneself other than lying.
I was pleasantly surprised by the direction of this book and the emotional journey it would take me on. The story was action packed- I had thought I had a clear grasp on the plot and thought it to be somewhat predictable until … well until I wasn’t.
The twists and turns were unexpected, the banter fun and light and the characters a delight.
I really enjoyed the romance, unlike a traditional slow burn where you have to wait until seventy percent before they even touch this romance was a very well thought out push and pull between presumption and passion - they say the between love and hate is a thin one, that certainly seemed to be the case with our main characters.
The issues of species eradication and divide was cleverly interwoven into this fantastical setting. The world building was easy to follow, the creatures intriguing and being immersed in the wider problems of the world made for a very interesting read while the focus could still remain on the main characters. I ended up devouring this book and absolutely loving it!!!
March 15, 2024
Tenía ganas de fantasía y el empezarlo fue un flechazo. Un mundo muy rolero, histórico pero fantástico, con maldiciones, aventuras, faes, la misión de matar a un ser inmortal, giros curiosos y unos personajes que despiertan la curiosidad.
Me encantó nada más empezar. Keelynn quiere matar al ser que mató a su hermana y así devolverle la vida y para ello va en su busca con la ayuda de un medio fae que 💜
Tadhg me ha encantado. Primero por su misterio y como se desenvuelve con la prota. Tiene picardía, magia y después un lado cuco que 🫶🏻
Me gusta mucho que enseña el racismo que hay con los seres mágicos y la evolución que la prota tiene. Te introduce el mundo poco a poco, con una ambientación que me dio vibes a El príncipe cruel y a OUABH con las maldiciones y todo es genial, aunque estuvieran la mitad del tiempo borrachos pero eso daban los mejores momentos y LIVING. Hasta que... Se lía.
No entiendo como pasó de la aventura, pequeña acción y descubrimiento de la relación del par a reencuentros innecesarios con un triangulo amoroso que odié y una continua pelea y reconciliación de los protas que WHY?
Para después al final ser más rápido y tener una conclusión que si bien es lo esperado, me ha dejado super meh. En serio, ha sido muy "rápido" y no me convence.
Empieza genial pero siento que los protas no tienen química y las escenas spicy se me han hecho innecesarias. Unos líos de friendzone que me ha dejado 😐
Me ha gustado el mundo y el rollo de las maldiciones así como la primera mitad, pero siento que se apresura mucho en algunos giros, para el final como que es demasiado y siento que no se ha aprovechado bien la historia. No me ha convencido como ha llevado todo ese concepto de amor con la prota.
Me encantó nada más empezar. Keelynn quiere matar al ser que mató a su hermana y así devolverle la vida y para ello va en su busca con la ayuda de un medio fae que 💜
Tadhg me ha encantado. Primero por su misterio y como se desenvuelve con la prota. Tiene picardía, magia y después un lado cuco que 🫶🏻
Me gusta mucho que enseña el racismo que hay con los seres mágicos y la evolución que la prota tiene. Te introduce el mundo poco a poco, con una ambientación que me dio vibes a El príncipe cruel y a OUABH con las maldiciones y todo es genial, aunque estuvieran la mitad del tiempo borrachos pero eso daban los mejores momentos y LIVING. Hasta que... Se lía.
No entiendo como pasó de la aventura, pequeña acción y descubrimiento de la relación del par a reencuentros innecesarios con un triangulo amoroso que odié y una continua pelea y reconciliación de los protas que WHY?
Para después al final ser más rápido y tener una conclusión que si bien es lo esperado, me ha dejado super meh. En serio, ha sido muy "rápido" y no me convence.
Empieza genial pero siento que los protas no tienen química y las escenas spicy se me han hecho innecesarias. Unos líos de friendzone que me ha dejado 😐
Me ha gustado el mundo y el rollo de las maldiciones así como la primera mitad, pero siento que se apresura mucho en algunos giros, para el final como que es demasiado y siento que no se ha aprovechado bien la historia. No me ha convencido como ha llevado todo ese concepto de amor con la prota.
August 1, 2021
Wow, wow wow!! I have the biggest book hangover ever!!
I can't even begin to describe how much I loved this book. I had all the feelings, I genuinely mean that. I cried, I laughed and I smiled while reading this book. At one stage my husband asked me what was wrong because I gasped and put my hand over my heart, the next he asked me if I wanted to put the book in the freezer (friends reference). This book moved me and even now while writing this review, I can't wait to pick it up again and reread some of my favourite scenes!
Keelynn is determined to resurrect her sister after she witnessed the Gancanagh kill her with a cursed kiss. With the help of a vengeful witch and half-fae, Tadhg, Keelynn must kill the Gancanagh. However, everything isn't what it may seem.
Wow! SO first off, Keelynn - She has been through so much and yes, she has made some mistakes but she takes everything in her stride and has grown so much throughout. She took on this task with so much loyalty and determination, it was admirable.
Tadhg, OOOHHH Tadhg, I don't know where to start with him. Being half-fae, in a world that doesn't accept his kind, was heartbreaking. Yet, his wit and sense of humour were hilarious! Even in the darkest of situations, his one-liners had me laughing out loud. I loved him and the more I learnt about him, I loved him even more!!
What I loved most about this book was I couldn't predict it. I actually had to reread parts because I was so shocked, I had to make sure I read it right! It kept me on my toes the entire way through! I was completely captivated by this story. Not only by the characters but by the environment and world Jenny Hickman created. I will admit, I don't read a lot of fantasy books, because I feel I can't "park" the real world and slip into a fantasy one, however with this book I did. I was there. I could visualise everything and I felt every emotion these characters felt. There were so many layers, twists and turns, it was entertaining from start to finish!
I highly highly, HIGHLY recommend this fantasy romance book.
Thank you to Jenny Hickman for a copy of this e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
I can't even begin to describe how much I loved this book. I had all the feelings, I genuinely mean that. I cried, I laughed and I smiled while reading this book. At one stage my husband asked me what was wrong because I gasped and put my hand over my heart, the next he asked me if I wanted to put the book in the freezer (friends reference). This book moved me and even now while writing this review, I can't wait to pick it up again and reread some of my favourite scenes!
Keelynn is determined to resurrect her sister after she witnessed the Gancanagh kill her with a cursed kiss. With the help of a vengeful witch and half-fae, Tadhg, Keelynn must kill the Gancanagh. However, everything isn't what it may seem.
Wow! SO first off, Keelynn - She has been through so much and yes, she has made some mistakes but she takes everything in her stride and has grown so much throughout. She took on this task with so much loyalty and determination, it was admirable.
Tadhg, OOOHHH Tadhg, I don't know where to start with him. Being half-fae, in a world that doesn't accept his kind, was heartbreaking. Yet, his wit and sense of humour were hilarious! Even in the darkest of situations, his one-liners had me laughing out loud. I loved him and the more I learnt about him, I loved him even more!!
What I loved most about this book was I couldn't predict it. I actually had to reread parts because I was so shocked, I had to make sure I read it right! It kept me on my toes the entire way through! I was completely captivated by this story. Not only by the characters but by the environment and world Jenny Hickman created. I will admit, I don't read a lot of fantasy books, because I feel I can't "park" the real world and slip into a fantasy one, however with this book I did. I was there. I could visualise everything and I felt every emotion these characters felt. There were so many layers, twists and turns, it was entertaining from start to finish!
I highly highly, HIGHLY recommend this fantasy romance book.
Thank you to Jenny Hickman for a copy of this e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
July 3, 2024
I loved this story! The world building was well done and I found the pacing to be ideal. The romance was a sweet enemies to lovers (tropes: forced proximity, marriage of convenience, one bed, one horse). While I found Keelynn trying at times, it didn't ruin the story for me, and Tadhg was fun enough to make up for it. The writing is good enough, but I wished at times it was a bit stronger. Would still definitely recommend as a strong romantasy!
July 1, 2022
Let’s start with the obvious: Tadgh. Can we please have a round of applause for this man… I also need a round of applause for Saoirse Ronan for helping Stephen Colbert as well as myself on how to pronounce his name. Was there as page with how to pronounce the names? Yes, yes there was howeverrrrr I kept forgetting how to pronounce things and was reading on my Kindle. That’s besides the point. If you’ve read Heartless and have encountered Jest, Tadgh very much gives me those vibes. I just ✨🤌🏻✨ ugh! He’s great!
Thank you indie authors for filling the void that ACOTAR has left in my heart because THIS BOOK! 📣 THIS BOOK 📣 just brought me to life! I fucking ate it upppp!
We also need a moment of silence for our man Padraig, he was just the cutest little father figure that I didn’t know I needed. Padraig, you deserve a big hug!
Now, let’s get to the nitty gritty. Was there spice? I’d say it was like 1 full 🌶 outta 5. It’s an NA but I’d say falls into older YA category. There was a fade to black scene that I just… 💔🥹
Anyways, read this book if you like all the usual romantasy tropes. TBH there were some things that I was like “ugh, of course” and then I would get Uno Reversed and be like, wait… WHAT?!? so I mean, it doesn’t happen often in books anymore pour moi but this book, this book got me a few times.
All this to say, I will be buying this in hard copy format. I mean, HAVE YOU SEEN WHAT THE HARD COVER LOOKS LIKE?!?!?
Thank you indie authors for filling the void that ACOTAR has left in my heart because THIS BOOK! 📣 THIS BOOK 📣 just brought me to life! I fucking ate it upppp!
We also need a moment of silence for our man Padraig, he was just the cutest little father figure that I didn’t know I needed. Padraig, you deserve a big hug!
Now, let’s get to the nitty gritty. Was there spice? I’d say it was like 1 full 🌶 outta 5. It’s an NA but I’d say falls into older YA category. There was a fade to black scene that I just… 💔🥹
Anyways, read this book if you like all the usual romantasy tropes. TBH there were some things that I was like “ugh, of course” and then I would get Uno Reversed and be like, wait… WHAT?!? so I mean, it doesn’t happen often in books anymore pour moi but this book, this book got me a few times.
All this to say, I will be buying this in hard copy format. I mean, HAVE YOU SEEN WHAT THE HARD COVER LOOKS LIKE?!?!?
March 30, 2022
Indie authors be feeding us so well.
The settings and plot reminded me a lot of kingdom of the wicked which was a pleasant surprise. Best way to describe A Cursed Kiss is that it has all the tropes your heart desires and then some.
Enemies to lovers ✔️
Marriage of convenience ✔️
Knife to the throat ✔️
Forced proximity ✔️
Angst ✔️
Tortured MC ✔️
Witty banter ✔️
Definitely continuing on with the series, you should too! 💜
The settings and plot reminded me a lot of kingdom of the wicked which was a pleasant surprise. Best way to describe A Cursed Kiss is that it has all the tropes your heart desires and then some.
Enemies to lovers ✔️
Marriage of convenience ✔️
Knife to the throat ✔️
Forced proximity ✔️
Angst ✔️
Tortured MC ✔️
Witty banter ✔️
Definitely continuing on with the series, you should too! 💜
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