What do you think?
Rate this book
Cursebreakers, Inc. #2
Fool Me Twice
“Be a calm wave in the ocean of chaos.”
Hart, perhaps, took that quote a bit too much to heart. In the midst of drama and the constant restlessness of his family, he chose to present himself as unwavering. Poised. Controlled. Even when inside, he’s anything but. There are layers to him underneath the perfection. Layers he’s desperately craving for someone to peel away.
It’s just his luck that the only person who knows how to do that lives his life in shades of gray. Morally gray.
Cane punches first. Period. What question would he even need to ask?
Only, it seems like his tried-and-true method isn’t working so well for him anymore. With an empire to run in the underbelly of Slatehollow, the last thing he needs is a curse placed on his head and drawing attention to the details of his…business ventures.
But when it starts to do more than just that, he knows there is only one person he can call. Hart. And with Hart, inevitably, comes a realization. Cane wants so much more than cursebreaking from him.
Will Hart let him have it? Or will the curse destroy them both first?
Hart, perhaps, took that quote a bit too much to heart. In the midst of drama and the constant restlessness of his family, he chose to present himself as unwavering. Poised. Controlled. Even when inside, he’s anything but. There are layers to him underneath the perfection. Layers he’s desperately craving for someone to peel away.
It’s just his luck that the only person who knows how to do that lives his life in shades of gray. Morally gray.
Cane punches first. Period. What question would he even need to ask?
Only, it seems like his tried-and-true method isn’t working so well for him anymore. With an empire to run in the underbelly of Slatehollow, the last thing he needs is a curse placed on his head and drawing attention to the details of his…business ventures.
But when it starts to do more than just that, he knows there is only one person he can call. Hart. And with Hart, inevitably, comes a realization. Cane wants so much more than cursebreaking from him.
Will Hart let him have it? Or will the curse destroy them both first?
378 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 10, 2024
About the author
A.M. Rose
24 books213 followersA. M. Rose is a pseudonym that hides two people trying to write books one nervous breakdown at a time. How do you co-write books when you live countries apart, you ask? By sending weird texts at 3 in the morning and giving no context. The stuff dreams are made of. Opposites in every way, the chaotic energy is harnessed for the good of everyone by creating worlds no one asked for. You're welcome.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
March 7, 2025
A rather difficult book for me. I was hesitant to read it at all because I didn't like the main character Hart in the first book. And now a whole book about this strange person ...
And yes, in the beginning, for the first hundred pages, it was not a pleasure.
Hart is very difficult to understand and I had real problems putting myself in his shoes.
And his counterpart isn't exactly a ray of sunshine either.
Cane, gangster boss with a soft core but so angry all the time ...
But I love A.M. Rose's writing style, so giving up was not an option.
The second third of the book finally made me understand and I was able to immerse myself better. I even grew fond of the two MCs. The sexual dynamic of the two was chef's kiss delicious anyway, for me, but definitely not for everyone.
And in the last third, my heart almost flipped out a bit from the tension and kick-ass plot.
All in all, an exhausting book. And I'm glad to be through because the hints for future stories were so super interesting and the other brothers are a thousand times better characters for me and I'm oh so curious.
One important thing, someone who has had problems with smoking in any form should not read this book. The cigarette addiction of the two MCs is fierce and a pretty central element. I think a lot of the scenes, especially the sexual ones, could be very off-putting to some readers.
I had to take a moment. I was a smoker, even a chain smoker for a while, I had to think for a moment whether that triggers me negatively, but fortunately my former addiction doesn't seem to play a role anymore, but I think I'm a rare specimen.
He counted to fifty, then backward to zero, trying to steady himself. He closed his eyes, picturing all the new ties and pocket squares he had ordered to be made, hoping they’d be delivered soon so he could enjoy adding them to his wardrobe.
Happy thoughts.
Positive thoughts.
Calm thoughts. 😵💫😵💫😵💫
This wasn’t about getting off.
He wanted to take Hart apart piece by piece. It was easy to get lost in a moment. To fuck. That wasn’t what Cane wanted. Cane wanted to own Hart. He wanted him to beg for it. To be lost without him—an addiction he couldn’t quit. 🖤😳🖤
✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨
Minor spoilers probably ahead
✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨
Content warnings: second chance, a lot of smoking, smoke sharing during kisses, lots of tattoos and piercings worn by one MC, murder in the past, cage fights, injuries suffered by an MC, attempted murder, self-doubt, neurotic compulsive behavior
Cheating between MCs: No
Other person drama: No
Breakup: No
Kinks: rough sex, semi-public sex, bondage, D/s relationship without precise definition or safety, face-fucking, biting, over-stimulation
And yes, in the beginning, for the first hundred pages, it was not a pleasure.
Hart is very difficult to understand and I had real problems putting myself in his shoes.
And his counterpart isn't exactly a ray of sunshine either.
Cane, gangster boss with a soft core but so angry all the time ...
But I love A.M. Rose's writing style, so giving up was not an option.
The second third of the book finally made me understand and I was able to immerse myself better. I even grew fond of the two MCs. The sexual dynamic of the two was chef's kiss delicious anyway, for me, but definitely not for everyone.
And in the last third, my heart almost flipped out a bit from the tension and kick-ass plot.
All in all, an exhausting book. And I'm glad to be through because the hints for future stories were so super interesting and the other brothers are a thousand times better characters for me and I'm oh so curious.
One important thing, someone who has had problems with smoking in any form should not read this book. The cigarette addiction of the two MCs is fierce and a pretty central element. I think a lot of the scenes, especially the sexual ones, could be very off-putting to some readers.
I had to take a moment. I was a smoker, even a chain smoker for a while, I had to think for a moment whether that triggers me negatively, but fortunately my former addiction doesn't seem to play a role anymore, but I think I'm a rare specimen.
He counted to fifty, then backward to zero, trying to steady himself. He closed his eyes, picturing all the new ties and pocket squares he had ordered to be made, hoping they’d be delivered soon so he could enjoy adding them to his wardrobe.
Happy thoughts.
Positive thoughts.
Calm thoughts. 😵💫😵💫😵💫
This wasn’t about getting off.
He wanted to take Hart apart piece by piece. It was easy to get lost in a moment. To fuck. That wasn’t what Cane wanted. Cane wanted to own Hart. He wanted him to beg for it. To be lost without him—an addiction he couldn’t quit. 🖤😳🖤
✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨
Minor spoilers probably ahead
✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨
Content warnings: second chance, a lot of smoking, smoke sharing during kisses, lots of tattoos and piercings worn by one MC, murder in the past, cage fights, injuries suffered by an MC, attempted murder, self-doubt, neurotic compulsive behavior
Cheating between MCs: No
Other person drama: No
Breakup: No
Kinks: rough sex, semi-public sex, bondage, D/s relationship without precise definition or safety, face-fucking, biting, over-stimulation
June 6, 2024
⭐️ 4 stars ⭐️
The more I find out about these cursebreaking brothers, the more I love all of them. This world of magic and curses was really entertaining.
Hart and Cane’s story was so unexpected, a whirlwind of passion, love that was more of a “I hate that I need you” type of love. It was a burning fire, all consuming.
Don’t get me started on the spice. Candy Cane was yummy everywhere.
Cane let Hart be himself, helped him let go. I loved seeing the bad boy side of Hart, how he was all proper and rule-abiding but fell for the baddest of them all. And Cane was surprisingly sweet, underneath all the tattoos and crime lord mask.
The curse aspect was also intriguing, much like the first installment, and it was fun following along the investigation. There’s also a mysterious over-arching plot developing in the background, and I’m curious to see where A. M. Rose will take it next.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
CW and tropes (spoilers):
- MC w/ tattoos and piercings (including dick piercing)
- Forced proximity
- Brief reference to child abuse (not MCs)
- Crime & violence
- Strict top/bottom
- Light restraints
- Coming untouched
- Face-fucking
- Office sex
• ♥ Cane wants so much more than cursebreaking from him. Will Hart let him have it? Or will the curse destroy them both first? ♥ •
The more I find out about these cursebreaking brothers, the more I love all of them. This world of magic and curses was really entertaining.
“Pretending is pointless.” “Pretending what?” Hart asked, breaking their eye contact and focusing on the fight.
“That you don’t like me.”
Hart and Cane’s story was so unexpected, a whirlwind of passion, love that was more of a “I hate that I need you” type of love. It was a burning fire, all consuming.
Don’t get me started on the spice. Candy Cane was yummy everywhere.
«He looked all too perfect at all times. All too ready to be destroyed by someone. Unraveled.»
Cane let Hart be himself, helped him let go. I loved seeing the bad boy side of Hart, how he was all proper and rule-abiding but fell for the baddest of them all. And Cane was surprisingly sweet, underneath all the tattoos and crime lord mask.
“As if anyone even comes close to you, sweetheart,” Cane said, and with a final thrust, Hart shattered into pieces.
The curse aspect was also intriguing, much like the first installment, and it was fun following along the investigation. There’s also a mysterious over-arching plot developing in the background, and I’m curious to see where A. M. Rose will take it next.
“I was yours from the moment I met you.” “Then I want to be yours too,” Hart said. “For real this time.”
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
CW and tropes (spoilers):
- MC w/ tattoos and piercings (including dick piercing)
- Forced proximity
- Brief reference to child abuse (not MCs)
- Crime & violence
- Strict top/bottom
- Light restraints
- Coming untouched
- Face-fucking
- Office sex
June 20, 2024
Really enjoyed the cursebreaking element of the plot and I didn't have any real suspicions until nearer the resolution.
It was nice getting to see more of the Cursebreaker brothers and getting to know them all a little better - I'm very interested for some of their stories already!
Although I did really like the relationship dynamic between Cane and Hart, what I really didn't like was the constant mentioning of smoking. I get it's a thing between them, but personally smoking really disgusts me! I don't see how the scent of cigarette smoke is nice in any circumstance, to me it smells absolutely revolting, and kissing someone who has been smoking is vile 😂 It just really grossed me out how they kept talking about it and being addicted to the taste and smell. I wanted to vomit when it kept being mentioned, but to each their own I guess!
I'm still struggling to picture the world too - sometimes I really wish all book series came with a map and a visual of the general style of the world!
It was nice getting to see more of the Cursebreaker brothers and getting to know them all a little better - I'm very interested for some of their stories already!
Although I did really like the relationship dynamic between Cane and Hart, what I really didn't like was the constant mentioning of smoking. I get it's a thing between them, but personally smoking really disgusts me! I don't see how the scent of cigarette smoke is nice in any circumstance, to me it smells absolutely revolting, and kissing someone who has been smoking is vile 😂 It just really grossed me out how they kept talking about it and being addicted to the taste and smell. I wanted to vomit when it kept being mentioned, but to each their own I guess!
I'm still struggling to picture the world too - sometimes I really wish all book series came with a map and a visual of the general style of the world!
June 5, 2025
4 ✨
This book got DARK. And felt loooooong. In a lot of ways it felt like a completely different genre compared to the last book, but I’m not toooooo mad about it. I had trouble staying engaged for the first half, but the second half really hooked me. From the beginning, Hart and Cane’s relationship was super aggressive and antagonistic, and the switch to caring and romantic felt like it happened too quickly and without adequate reasoning. A lot of this may come down to the fact that Hart and Cane have a past history that’s alluded to but not explicitly explained for a majority of the book. I feel like I would’ve been much more interested in and understanding of their relationship if I understood where they were coming from before the events of the book. I get that the author was probably trying to be mysterious and engaging, but it kind of did the opposite for me. To be fair, I am not an enemies to lovers girlie, and that is my cross to bear. All of that being said, I felt that the curse was a lot more interesting in this book than in the last book, so I did enjoy that part of things - especially in the second half. Onto the third book now!
This book got DARK. And felt loooooong. In a lot of ways it felt like a completely different genre compared to the last book, but I’m not toooooo mad about it. I had trouble staying engaged for the first half, but the second half really hooked me. From the beginning, Hart and Cane’s relationship was super aggressive and antagonistic, and the switch to caring and romantic felt like it happened too quickly and without adequate reasoning. A lot of this may come down to the fact that Hart and Cane have a past history that’s alluded to but not explicitly explained for a majority of the book. I feel like I would’ve been much more interested in and understanding of their relationship if I understood where they were coming from before the events of the book. I get that the author was probably trying to be mysterious and engaging, but it kind of did the opposite for me. To be fair, I am not an enemies to lovers girlie, and that is my cross to bear. All of that being said, I felt that the curse was a lot more interesting in this book than in the last book, so I did enjoy that part of things - especially in the second half. Onto the third book now!
June 18, 2024
DNF 35% in: really not loving the characters or the story.
April 29, 2026
I really like this author duo's writing and this world is super fun and interesting, but tbh I only read this one because I really want to read book 3 lol. I knew I was taking a chance on this because I'm not sure I've ever read a second chance romance that I didn't feel salty about... and, yep, I did indeed feel super salty about this one, too lol! But I still had a surprisingly good time, and the plot had me on edge for the last like 1/3 - 1/4 of the book.
I loved how the relationship part of the story unfolded. Like, it takes a long time for the reader to get the full backstory on what was going on between the MCs, and I suppose that could annoy some people but I loved it. It felt a little like a mystery. And, while I HATED the reason for why it was second chance in the first place, the untangling of it was truly compelling to me.
I wanted to like Hart so bad because I'm usually kind of into rigid, uptight pricks - especially when they're as ND coded as Hart. And, to be fair, if that's all there'd been to him I would have, but his treatment of Cane really soured him to me. I liked Cane better, but I'm super into possessive alpha men who worship their LI so it wasn't like he was going to miss with me. He mostly said and did all the right things when it came to Hart, but he wasn't super duper likeable outside of that role, either.
I did like how extremely opposite they were. I liked imagining them together - Cane with his shaved head and tattoos and piercings next to Hart with his gelled hair and three piece suit and pocket square. I just love couples who seem like they shouldn't make sense but fit together so well.
The dynamic between these two was fucking fire. I love BDSM and I loved the emphasis on Cane's patience and his assurance that he'd always give Hart what he needed, all he had to do was ask. I normally struggle a bit with AM Rose's spicy scenes (they tend to be shorter and for some reason I don't always connect with what's happening), but I was excited when the tension finally broke in this one because it really felt like this was gonna be the scene that did it for me. And it absolutely would have been, EXCEPT in the middle of the scene Hart chose to ask "how many people did you fuck?" - literally asking Cane how many people he's fucked since they've been apart. And CANE FUCKING ANSWERED. Told him there'd been "so many people after him that he lost count", and that some of them were really hot. Because he always gives Hart what he asks for. I think Hart asked because he needed to hurt in that moment but FUCK YOU DUDE, I'M HERE TOO AND I DON'T NEED TO HURT! To be clear, Cane was not in the wrong here, but I hated everyone at that moment because I don't need that kind of emotional damage. Ugh, this destroyed me and any chance of this scene being the one.
The actual curse part of the plot was decent. The first book felt a bit more dire (since the walls were literally closing in), but after maybe 60% in to this one I honestly couldn't put it down because things really took off and didn't let up. And while that made the plot exciting, I do think it's another reason why the romance suffered. The MCs spent so much time in the beginning dancing around each other because of their past and then the rest of the book in distress, so there wasn't any time for them to just be happy together, and I think I really needed to have some of those moments.
I'm not sure I understand what they're doing with the overarching plot but I'm still interested in this world and the rest of the cursebreakers. And, while I realize the premise of these is that someone is always cursed and in distress, I still hope that the next couple gets to have a few slower romantic moments.
*PSA for former smokers: Smoking is featured HEAVILY in this book. It was definitely triggering to me as someone who has had to quit more than once. I struggle with this in media, so just a heads up if you do too - be prepared to talk yourself out of going to buy a pack.
Pet name: sweetheart (this was SO good here)
*
*
*
*
*
Safety (may contain spoilers)
SA/rape: None
Other person drama: The MCs were separated for about one year before the book starts. It was mentioned that during that time they both hooked up with many other people. There were no others during the course of the book timeline in any way, there were no details, and it was actually only mentioned once or twice - it's just that one of those times happened to be during the worst possible moment for me (the first time they were intimate again after the separation).
I loved how the relationship part of the story unfolded. Like, it takes a long time for the reader to get the full backstory on what was going on between the MCs, and I suppose that could annoy some people but I loved it. It felt a little like a mystery. And, while I HATED the reason for why it was second chance in the first place, the untangling of it was truly compelling to me.
I wanted to like Hart so bad because I'm usually kind of into rigid, uptight pricks - especially when they're as ND coded as Hart. And, to be fair, if that's all there'd been to him I would have, but his treatment of Cane really soured him to me. I liked Cane better, but I'm super into possessive alpha men who worship their LI so it wasn't like he was going to miss with me. He mostly said and did all the right things when it came to Hart, but he wasn't super duper likeable outside of that role, either.
I did like how extremely opposite they were. I liked imagining them together - Cane with his shaved head and tattoos and piercings next to Hart with his gelled hair and three piece suit and pocket square. I just love couples who seem like they shouldn't make sense but fit together so well.
The dynamic between these two was fucking fire. I love BDSM and I loved the emphasis on Cane's patience and his assurance that he'd always give Hart what he needed, all he had to do was ask. I normally struggle a bit with AM Rose's spicy scenes (they tend to be shorter and for some reason I don't always connect with what's happening), but I was excited when the tension finally broke in this one because it really felt like this was gonna be the scene that did it for me. And it absolutely would have been, EXCEPT in the middle of the scene Hart chose to ask "how many people did you fuck?" - literally asking Cane how many people he's fucked since they've been apart. And CANE FUCKING ANSWERED. Told him there'd been "so many people after him that he lost count", and that some of them were really hot. Because he always gives Hart what he asks for. I think Hart asked because he needed to hurt in that moment but FUCK YOU DUDE, I'M HERE TOO AND I DON'T NEED TO HURT! To be clear, Cane was not in the wrong here, but I hated everyone at that moment because I don't need that kind of emotional damage. Ugh, this destroyed me and any chance of this scene being the one.
The actual curse part of the plot was decent. The first book felt a bit more dire (since the walls were literally closing in), but after maybe 60% in to this one I honestly couldn't put it down because things really took off and didn't let up. And while that made the plot exciting, I do think it's another reason why the romance suffered. The MCs spent so much time in the beginning dancing around each other because of their past and then the rest of the book in distress, so there wasn't any time for them to just be happy together, and I think I really needed to have some of those moments.
I'm not sure I understand what they're doing with the overarching plot but I'm still interested in this world and the rest of the cursebreakers. And, while I realize the premise of these is that someone is always cursed and in distress, I still hope that the next couple gets to have a few slower romantic moments.
*PSA for former smokers: Smoking is featured HEAVILY in this book. It was definitely triggering to me as someone who has had to quit more than once. I struggle with this in media, so just a heads up if you do too - be prepared to talk yourself out of going to buy a pack.
Pet name: sweetheart (this was SO good here)
This wasn’t about getting off. He wanted to take Hart apart piece by piece. It was easy to get lost in a moment. To fuck. That wasn’t what Cane wanted. Cane wanted to own Hart. He wanted him to beg for it. To be lost without him—an addiction he couldn’t quit.
All he needed to do was give in and Cane would give him everything. He could tear the world apart and lay it at Hart’s feet if he wanted it. All Cane wanted in return was him. Wholly. Completely. Not the facade he showed the world. He wanted every ragged, imperfect inch of him. The places he’d seen in glimpses. The places Hart tried to guard from him and lock away. Cane wanted it. Cane would have it.
“Stop it,” Hart whispered. “You took enough.” “But I also gave you a lot, didn’t I, sweetheart?”
“I hate you,” Hart breathed, forehead resting against the glass, breath fogging it. “You don’t hate me,” Cane purred, licking along his jaw in one long stripe, like marking territory. It was disgusting. It was everything. “You hate that I know you. Better than your trainers. Better than your brothers. I know you.” “You don’t—” “Every sick craving. Every dark desire,” he growled the words into the side of his face, taking hold of his neck and forcing his head back. Hart whimpered. “You’ve breathed them all into my skin, sweetheart. I’ve taken you apart and I’ve seen every…single…one.”
“Hart,” Cane said in a low growl, “don’t push me.” Hart scowled at him and spat, “You don’t trust me to handle myself.” “You can handle yourself just fine,” Cane growled back, putting them nose to nose. “But I don’t trust anyone else with you.” Hart startled visibly and stopped trying to escape. He looked between Cane’s eyes slowly, like he was trying to figure him out. Cane let out a huff of angry air. Hart still didn’t fucking get it.
Hart knew the power was in his own hands. It always had been. He just had to ask. That was all Cane ever wanted. The iron stipulation that was written into every interaction. Hart had to ask, and he’d get it.
He looked up into Cane’s eyes and found them dark, wild, and uncontrollable. He knew that look. He owned that look. “Cane…” “Just ask,” Cane said. Hart broke. “I need you.”
All that remained was the most basic, primal part of him. The deepest part that just wanted to be naked, bruised, sweaty, covered in Cane’s hands and kisses. Marked with his cum. He wanted to let go and be owned. Wanted to be told what to do. Wanted all control taken away from him, all need to make decisions, all demands placed upon him…mostly by himself. And he knew Cane could give that to him.
“I can take care of myself,” Hart said. Cane believed it. He knew it. But it didn’t mean shit when all Cane’s instincts wanted him close all the time. Hart was his. He protected what was his.
“So you’ll keep me?” he asked, quiet and looking into Cane’s eyes like he was the last thing he’d ever see. “I’ll repeat this however many times you need to hear it,” Cane said. “I was yours from the moment I met you.” “Then I want to be yours too,” Hart said.
“Whatever you say, sweetheart. You know the drill. Just tell me what you need and it’s yours.”
*
*
*
*
*
Safety (may contain spoilers)
SA/rape: None
Other person drama: The MCs were separated for about one year before the book starts. It was mentioned that during that time they both hooked up with many other people. There were no others during the course of the book timeline in any way, there were no details, and it was actually only mentioned once or twice - it's just that one of those times happened to be during the worst possible moment for me (the first time they were intimate again after the separation).
June 5, 2024
I truly enjoyed every character as well as the story, the authors certainly out did themselves when writing 'Fool Me Twice'. Prim and proper Hart is so not who we think he is. As the story progresses he shows himself to be tortured and mixed up, lonely, suffering from both psychological and emotional problems. I just wanted to climb in the book and cuddle him better. Fortunately, Cane, who I certainly wouldn't have chosen for Hart, decided to hug him for me. I do love me a morally corrupt anti- hero, especially one who's a big softy where his love is concerned. Despite the way he lives, and the way Cane treats people, it's obvious that he cares for those he trusts. I love the way he looks out for those in his inner circle, and how he deeply loves, and sees Hart’s true self.
The story telling is fantastic. The authors have taken a bunch of misfits, and made me love them all. They make a wonderful found family I love how they look out for one another, together they're a real force. There's humour present in the story, sadness, violence and loads of action. I honestly couldn't put it down, once I'd started reading. Cane is obviously, 'mad, bad , and dangerous to know,' but Hart has no problem wrapping him round his little finger.
"Cane hummed, the vibration making Hart shiver. “Since I make the rules, I can be the exception.” Hart’s eyes flashed open. He didn’t know when they’d closed. “You make the rules?” “Slip of the tongue,” Cane said, using said tongue to lick at his ear, his piercing catching a whorl and tugging. “My sweetheart makes the rules, of course.” Hart melted into Cane’s chest. “That’s right.” “So we can add it,” Cane said, running his hands over Hart’s hips and down the fronts of his thighs. “I’ll review it.” Cane huffed a laugh behind him, the rumble of it settling Hart’s jitters. Like always. “Whatever you say, sweetheart. You know the drill. Just tell me what you need and it’s yours.”"
Great ending. Can't wait for Fix's story.
The story telling is fantastic. The authors have taken a bunch of misfits, and made me love them all. They make a wonderful found family I love how they look out for one another, together they're a real force. There's humour present in the story, sadness, violence and loads of action. I honestly couldn't put it down, once I'd started reading. Cane is obviously, 'mad, bad , and dangerous to know,' but Hart has no problem wrapping him round his little finger.
"Cane hummed, the vibration making Hart shiver. “Since I make the rules, I can be the exception.” Hart’s eyes flashed open. He didn’t know when they’d closed. “You make the rules?” “Slip of the tongue,” Cane said, using said tongue to lick at his ear, his piercing catching a whorl and tugging. “My sweetheart makes the rules, of course.” Hart melted into Cane’s chest. “That’s right.” “So we can add it,” Cane said, running his hands over Hart’s hips and down the fronts of his thighs. “I’ll review it.” Cane huffed a laugh behind him, the rumble of it settling Hart’s jitters. Like always. “Whatever you say, sweetheart. You know the drill. Just tell me what you need and it’s yours.”"
Great ending. Can't wait for Fix's story.
June 22, 2024
Holy crap. Well it turns out that the cover, which is really lovely, is the only good thing about this book. I deeply loathed both MCs. Cane especially is an evil person without any redeeming qualities. The Hart of this book was not the Hart that was hinted at in book 1. The relationship was toxic AF and borderline abusive at times, and the whole possessiveness aspect was so cringy and unhealthy. This was mostly Cane being a terrible MC and Hart being the perfect LI and never having any issues with Cane because why would he and Cane is the exception to his values and every rule and Cane is perfect for him and Cane is the only one who gets him and Hart is jealous of everyone who ever touched or looked at Cane even before he knew him and murder is only okay if Cane committed it and blah bloody blah.
There were so many times I wanted to dnf this but for some reason I didn’t. I was curious about the curse but it just kept taking a back seat the whole time. I guess what kept me going was how much I enjoyed the first book and knowing that some important info would be revealed about the overarching plot. I had decided pretty early on that I was still gonna give book 3 a chance and if I ended up hating that too then I would give up on the series. I really hope not though because what AM Rose started in book 1 was, despite its faults, intriguing and fun. Anyways, it turned out I could have just read 1 or 2 chapters from the end of Fool Me Twice for the relevant info and skipped the entire long, meandering mess before. Here’s hoping for a better book for Fix and Liam.
ETA: I’ve been thinking. So this whole series so far would be maybe considered a dark romance. I’m not really sure cause that is not a genre I have experience with. I mean Ash and Morgan were morally gray. Cane is way past that imo. I just don’t want to be unfair if I’m not the target audience but then again I really did enjoy Like a House on Fire and was looking forward to this too.
There were so many times I wanted to dnf this but for some reason I didn’t. I was curious about the curse but it just kept taking a back seat the whole time. I guess what kept me going was how much I enjoyed the first book and knowing that some important info would be revealed about the overarching plot. I had decided pretty early on that I was still gonna give book 3 a chance and if I ended up hating that too then I would give up on the series. I really hope not though because what AM Rose started in book 1 was, despite its faults, intriguing and fun. Anyways, it turned out I could have just read 1 or 2 chapters from the end of Fool Me Twice for the relevant info and skipped the entire long, meandering mess before. Here’s hoping for a better book for Fix and Liam.
ETA: I’ve been thinking. So this whole series so far would be maybe considered a dark romance. I’m not really sure cause that is not a genre I have experience with. I mean Ash and Morgan were morally gray. Cane is way past that imo. I just don’t want to be unfair if I’m not the target audience but then again I really did enjoy Like a House on Fire and was looking forward to this too.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 10, 2024
We met the group of cursebreakers in the first book and learned some of the rules of this world. This time, the curse is even darker and scarier. Cane's life skirts the law, but suddenly even the people he trusted find themselves going against their best interests and instincts. Each time, Cane finds his businesses and life in danger, but the cursebreakers can't diagnose the curse. At the same time, he and Hart find themselves getting closer even though Hart finds it disruptive to his rule-filled universe driven by order.
I really enjoy this series - I don't want to put the books down when I open them, and I'm fascinated by the curses and curse breaking. This family that has been created by the Nexus and the significant others that are being drawn into them are all so interesting. I can see that there is a longer story arc for the series, but each book has a satisfying ending and a happily ever after for its main couple. I will be eagerly awaiting the next book in the series when it arrives.
I really enjoy this series - I don't want to put the books down when I open them, and I'm fascinated by the curses and curse breaking. This family that has been created by the Nexus and the significant others that are being drawn into them are all so interesting. I can see that there is a longer story arc for the series, but each book has a satisfying ending and a happily ever after for its main couple. I will be eagerly awaiting the next book in the series when it arrives.
Read
June 8, 2024DNF 30%
This is why I got out of the ARC game. I hate to DNF an advanced copy, but I just don't like it and am actually quite disgusted by the content (in the literal sense of the word). One of the MCs smokes cigarettes like a chimney, has a dirty apartment, and is not portrayed as a personally clean being either. It's really turning my stomach to visualize all that, and I don't want to read about any kind of "romance" involving this person. Additionally, the first book in the series was only okay, with quite weak world-building and a lack of any kind of resolution to the conflict of the plot. I'm just not impressed with the world-building (the lack thereof) in this book either, and I don't see any point in continuing to put myself through this. I don't have the strongest stomach, and just the bit of reading about the character's stained couches and whatever else almost made me lose my breakfast, but then he started blowing smoke in the other MCs face, and that was it for me. Maybe you'll find that sexy, I don't know, but for me I just can't.
This is why I got out of the ARC game. I hate to DNF an advanced copy, but I just don't like it and am actually quite disgusted by the content (in the literal sense of the word). One of the MCs smokes cigarettes like a chimney, has a dirty apartment, and is not portrayed as a personally clean being either. It's really turning my stomach to visualize all that, and I don't want to read about any kind of "romance" involving this person. Additionally, the first book in the series was only okay, with quite weak world-building and a lack of any kind of resolution to the conflict of the plot. I'm just not impressed with the world-building (the lack thereof) in this book either, and I don't see any point in continuing to put myself through this. I don't have the strongest stomach, and just the bit of reading about the character's stained couches and whatever else almost made me lose my breakfast, but then he started blowing smoke in the other MCs face, and that was it for me. Maybe you'll find that sexy, I don't know, but for me I just can't.
August 6, 2024
lol
less good than book 1
less good than book 1
June 26, 2024
I think this is my favorite series they have done.
The characters are complex. The world interesting and it is just a bit dark which is perfect.
Loved it.
Can’t wait for more.
The characters are complex. The world interesting and it is just a bit dark which is perfect.
Loved it.
Can’t wait for more.
August 25, 2025
Quiet disturbing at first but i enjoy it lately.
I know many readers might grow annoyed at the MCs, and i trully don't want to spoil so I'll just say that nearly every disturbing things about them will make sense when you find out about the curse and the culprit that made it, which is about chapter 22. Just believe in what a person they were at the start of this story, someone have the habit of taking care of their brothers and friends, someone don't want to kill even if they find a mole.
The author writing is confusing and tired to keep up with at first, since she wrote like everyone has read the first story of the series, like who is Black, Fix, Wren, Taylor,...? Sorry but where are we at right now? We just jump right in Hart's daily routine and have to figure out information about this group's relationship and their works on our own, by following what Hart does everyday step-by-step. They're just simple sentences describe what he was doing, it's boring and confusing, as a reader whose mothertongue is not English, i had a hard time to concentrate. But everything slowly get better when Hart and Cane's toxic sexual tension formed more clearly. And at the end their relationship became stronger, healthier, and sweeter than ever, with a lot of yearning and cuddling, so yeah i guess i would still give AM Rose 4 star.
The curse did Hart dirty but dude must admit that he was feral for Cane even before the curse.
His phone pinged.
Cane: You’ve been gone a while, sweetheart.
Hart’s traitorous heart raced as he stared blankly at the screen for a moment.
The hungry animal in Hart’s chest slavered and foamed at the mouth, catching a whiff of its favorite meal and begging to be sated after days of starvation.
Finally.
Hart forced it back into the cage he kept it locked in and typed a quick response with shaky fingers.
Hart: I’m working.
It only took a second for Cane to take his shot.
Cane: I want you back here.
The words struck Hart like a bullet, just as Cane intended. He lost all the air in his lungs and his vision went fuzzy around the edges. Damn him. The words replayed in his head, over and over. Whispers from a snake’s tongue. Poison dripping straight into his ear and spreading through his veins to infect every part of him.
He refused to whimper and squirm like his body was begging him to.
Hart: I need to be here now.
He waited for Cane to demand, to force him to come back… and waited.
The texts stopped cold.
Hart wanted to scream.
How dare he…? How could he…? Why wouldn’t he…?
Cane also lost his mind in this relationship as much as Hart. Somewhere in his mind he knew Hart was very likely to caught the fire that was aim at Cane, but his brain couldn't function well with the idea of having to let go of Hart. He told Hart staying near him means staying near danger, he planned to actually leave, but everytime Hart want him close he could never reject for real.
I want to yell Someone call the doctor
Got a case of a love bipolar (Yeah hot n cold mentioned).
Cane grew more and more worried with each passing second, wishing Hart would just tell him he was somewhere safe. Wishing he’d never taken his eyes off him, so he’d know where he was.
Wishing he’d tell him Cane’s presence hadn’t ruined him completely. Because he’d be able to get through everything falling around him. He’d be okay with his kingdom crashing down again, as long as none of the damn rubble touched Hart.
He ran a hand over his face and tried to make himself wish he’d never pulled Hart into his mess in the first place.
There was that feral part of him that knew Hart belonged by his side. He belonged to Cane. From the moment they’d first seen each other in that dingy, dusty bar. From the first wild kiss and the first bruising night they’d spent together.
He’d never stopped being Cane’s.
Both Hart and Cane are so problematic, but trust me they fit together well. Don't ever feel bad for any of them for having to put up with the other. Their obsession for each other is pretty toxic, but the freaky guys clearly love it, even addicted to it. And at the end their relationship and their emotions became much more stable once the curse was no longer there, so if you think Cane and Hart are too unstable and unpredictable to feel their love, it will get better. This is mainly the reason why i gave 4 star even though i only truly enjoy some last chapters: the MCs opened up to each other honestly and sincerely to eliminate any weak hole that might destroy their relationship.
and oh my. the sex scenes are crazy girls, you must see the bonus chapter about their first meeting.
#strict-top-bottom
I know many readers might grow annoyed at the MCs, and i trully don't want to spoil so I'll just say that nearly every disturbing things about them will make sense when you find out about the curse and the culprit that made it, which is about chapter 22. Just believe in what a person they were at the start of this story, someone have the habit of taking care of their brothers and friends, someone don't want to kill even if they find a mole.
The author writing is confusing and tired to keep up with at first, since she wrote like everyone has read the first story of the series, like who is Black, Fix, Wren, Taylor,...? Sorry but where are we at right now? We just jump right in Hart's daily routine and have to figure out information about this group's relationship and their works on our own, by following what Hart does everyday step-by-step. They're just simple sentences describe what he was doing, it's boring and confusing, as a reader whose mothertongue is not English, i had a hard time to concentrate. But everything slowly get better when Hart and Cane's toxic sexual tension formed more clearly. And at the end their relationship became stronger, healthier, and sweeter than ever, with a lot of yearning and cuddling, so yeah i guess i would still give AM Rose 4 star.
The curse did Hart dirty but dude must admit that he was feral for Cane even before the curse.
His phone pinged.
Cane: You’ve been gone a while, sweetheart.
Hart’s traitorous heart raced as he stared blankly at the screen for a moment.
The hungry animal in Hart’s chest slavered and foamed at the mouth, catching a whiff of its favorite meal and begging to be sated after days of starvation.
Finally.
Hart forced it back into the cage he kept it locked in and typed a quick response with shaky fingers.
Hart: I’m working.
It only took a second for Cane to take his shot.
Cane: I want you back here.
The words struck Hart like a bullet, just as Cane intended. He lost all the air in his lungs and his vision went fuzzy around the edges. Damn him. The words replayed in his head, over and over. Whispers from a snake’s tongue. Poison dripping straight into his ear and spreading through his veins to infect every part of him.
He refused to whimper and squirm like his body was begging him to.
Hart: I need to be here now.
He waited for Cane to demand, to force him to come back… and waited.
The texts stopped cold.
Hart wanted to scream.
How dare he…? How could he…? Why wouldn’t he…?
Cane also lost his mind in this relationship as much as Hart. Somewhere in his mind he knew Hart was very likely to caught the fire that was aim at Cane, but his brain couldn't function well with the idea of having to let go of Hart. He told Hart staying near him means staying near danger, he planned to actually leave, but everytime Hart want him close he could never reject for real.
I want to yell Someone call the doctor
Got a case of a love bipolar (Yeah hot n cold mentioned).
Cane grew more and more worried with each passing second, wishing Hart would just tell him he was somewhere safe. Wishing he’d never taken his eyes off him, so he’d know where he was.
Wishing he’d tell him Cane’s presence hadn’t ruined him completely. Because he’d be able to get through everything falling around him. He’d be okay with his kingdom crashing down again, as long as none of the damn rubble touched Hart.
He ran a hand over his face and tried to make himself wish he’d never pulled Hart into his mess in the first place.
There was that feral part of him that knew Hart belonged by his side. He belonged to Cane. From the moment they’d first seen each other in that dingy, dusty bar. From the first wild kiss and the first bruising night they’d spent together.
He’d never stopped being Cane’s.
Both Hart and Cane are so problematic, but trust me they fit together well. Don't ever feel bad for any of them for having to put up with the other. Their obsession for each other is pretty toxic, but the freaky guys clearly love it, even addicted to it. And at the end their relationship and their emotions became much more stable once the curse was no longer there, so if you think Cane and Hart are too unstable and unpredictable to feel their love, it will get better. This is mainly the reason why i gave 4 star even though i only truly enjoy some last chapters: the MCs opened up to each other honestly and sincerely to eliminate any weak hole that might destroy their relationship.
and oh my. the sex scenes are crazy girls, you must see the bonus chapter about their first meeting.
#strict-top-bottom
June 10, 2024
This book made me feel things, kept me awake and forced me to binge-read it to get to the ending. It's definitely darker than the previous book, and this time not because of the creepy surroundings, but because of the MCs. It's less comedic than 'Like House...', the banter between characters is less about 'poking' and more like straight 'twisting the knife'.
The mystery curse was curious and well crafted, but less catching than the titular house from the previous book. For the most part of the story, there was no clear danger from a curse; the only alarming thing was just... Cane. There was no imminent danger, no ominous tick-tock in the background. The fact that curse-breakers didn't know what exactly was happening, and didn't even have any theories made me feel confused. The balance between "we are good at our job" and "we never read a fantasy book in our lives" was off and didn't allow me to feel like the world presented by AM Rose is real.
I have mixed feelings for what I got to see and experience as a reader. For me, this book falls easily into the dark romance category, even though we get some semi-redemption points throughout the story.
Cane, of course, starts as a bad guy, and while by the end of the book we can see how some of it is just a facade, it's still clear how far away from "the good guys" he is. There was no backing up from everything that we saw in his POV until this point, even after final explanations of his motivations and past sins. He was not *just* a crime boss with anger management issues and no morals, but... It is a part of his character and it's impossible to ignore that.
I was really curious about Hart from the moment he appeared on the pages of the first story in the series. He seemed so polished, always having a weird affirmation for every matter, behaving like a robot disconnected from human emotions. He wasn't entirely real, and I wanted to find out what he hid behind the polished exterior.
I like the 'I need him to break me to stop thinking' trope. I like enemies-to-lovers. And I like characters who are so perfectly perfect you find it easy to kinda hate them, kinda love them. Hart is precisely that type of man - I wanted to shake him and scream at him for behaving entirely unreasonably; for following rules that didn't make any sense and contradicted each other. The fact that he fell for Cane, gave him a way to escape all the expectations and lose control in the most basic way. He was definitely real, not a robot, but a wounded man who was always a step before a breakdown.
'Fool Me Twice' wasn't a comfort read. The characters behaved and thought as they should if aiming for realistic portraits. They were far far away from being perfect and didn't exist just for comedic or plot purposes. They were real humans, very broken, very weird, and most of the time - very uncomfortable. The fact that the book managed to make me feel this, and still push to finish it makes me believe it was a good story.
AM Rose are getting better and better at writing complicated characters and finding different tones for their books.
It's definitely not a story for everyone, and it's not perfect, but it does make a person feel and think - and in the end, that's what a good book should do. TWi.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout from the authors and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The mystery curse was curious and well crafted, but less catching than the titular house from the previous book. For the most part of the story, there was no clear danger from a curse; the only alarming thing was just... Cane. There was no imminent danger, no ominous tick-tock in the background. The fact that curse-breakers didn't know what exactly was happening, and didn't even have any theories made me feel confused. The balance between "we are good at our job" and "we never read a fantasy book in our lives" was off and didn't allow me to feel like the world presented by AM Rose is real.
I have mixed feelings for what I got to see and experience as a reader. For me, this book falls easily into the dark romance category, even though we get some semi-redemption points throughout the story.
Cane, of course, starts as a bad guy, and while by the end of the book we can see how some of it is just a facade, it's still clear how far away from "the good guys" he is. There was no backing up from everything that we saw in his POV until this point, even after final explanations of his motivations and past sins. He was not *just* a crime boss with anger management issues and no morals, but... It is a part of his character and it's impossible to ignore that.
I was really curious about Hart from the moment he appeared on the pages of the first story in the series. He seemed so polished, always having a weird affirmation for every matter, behaving like a robot disconnected from human emotions. He wasn't entirely real, and I wanted to find out what he hid behind the polished exterior.
I like the 'I need him to break me to stop thinking' trope. I like enemies-to-lovers. And I like characters who are so perfectly perfect you find it easy to kinda hate them, kinda love them. Hart is precisely that type of man - I wanted to shake him and scream at him for behaving entirely unreasonably; for following rules that didn't make any sense and contradicted each other. The fact that he fell for Cane, gave him a way to escape all the expectations and lose control in the most basic way. He was definitely real, not a robot, but a wounded man who was always a step before a breakdown.
'Fool Me Twice' wasn't a comfort read. The characters behaved and thought as they should if aiming for realistic portraits. They were far far away from being perfect and didn't exist just for comedic or plot purposes. They were real humans, very broken, very weird, and most of the time - very uncomfortable. The fact that the book managed to make me feel this, and still push to finish it makes me believe it was a good story.
AM Rose are getting better and better at writing complicated characters and finding different tones for their books.
It's definitely not a story for everyone, and it's not perfect, but it does make a person feel and think - and in the end, that's what a good book should do. TWi.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout from the authors and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 26, 2024
everything but the romance was terrific. apart the characters were great
Rating: 4.25🌈
If I thought the dark curses of Like a House on Fire were terrifying, Rose takes this story and goes into another magical lane of darkness and curses.
Fool Me Twice by A. M. Rose, the second book in the Cursebreakers, Inc. series, has two main characters we met in book one. Cain, the brutal, anger filled owner of an illegal underground fighting club (where Ash fought in book 1), and Hart, the uber polished, always controlled unofficial head of his family of Cursebreakers.
Of the two main storylines, the relationship aspect between Cain and Hart doesn’t really work (imo) as well as the magical curse plot line.
Aside from a instant heavy D/s element, there’s other parts of this relationship, that as written, makes it harder, imo, to create a connection between them as a couple and a reader. One is the missing history or background between them. It’s implied here but it’s not clear what happened. There’s a short story that a reader can access after finishing the book that fills this in, but it’s lack of details in the narrative leaves a deep gap between the present day emotional complexity and intensity of the actions of the characters to make their interactions believable. For Hart to break down, abandoning his character, there needed to be a foundation laid out for this to be something that could be understood. Especially when Cain is the key.
I don’t think that happened. The characters apart are intriguing. Together, not so sure.
What was incredible about the story is the curse , the mystery and once again, the escalating suspense and horror that surrounds the curse and those affected by it. It’s so well written, the tension and horror so intense as well as the puzzling nature and scrambling for a solution.
That last part of the narrative is a true white knuckle ride. It’s emotional, compelling ,and very dangerous. And the reader is all in.
Aside from the romantic thread, there’s other things that really matter here. The authors bring us more background information about how the Cursebreakers were formed as a unit, we see more of the agency and its members, and get a feel for stories to come.
The various members of the remarkable Cursebreakers are still being fleshed out. The first being Ash with Morgan. Now Hart, still polished house family manager alongside his partner Cain. Next up is the affable Fix, the large Cursebreaker who’s helped hold them together during a formative period/history that’s slowly being revealed.
Wren, an intriguing Cursebreaker who works with cursed creatures, has important clues released here about his past and a new character that was introduced. Can’t wait for their story to be released.
I’m excited for this series and recommending this story. Read them in the order they are written for character development and event content.
Cover designed by BCJ Art & Design
Cursebreakers, Inc.:
- [x] Like a House on Fire # 1
- [x] Fool Me Twice #2
- [ ] A Thousand Cuts #3 - March 12, 2025
Rating: 4.25🌈
If I thought the dark curses of Like a House on Fire were terrifying, Rose takes this story and goes into another magical lane of darkness and curses.
Fool Me Twice by A. M. Rose, the second book in the Cursebreakers, Inc. series, has two main characters we met in book one. Cain, the brutal, anger filled owner of an illegal underground fighting club (where Ash fought in book 1), and Hart, the uber polished, always controlled unofficial head of his family of Cursebreakers.
Of the two main storylines, the relationship aspect between Cain and Hart doesn’t really work (imo) as well as the magical curse plot line.
Aside from a instant heavy D/s element, there’s other parts of this relationship, that as written, makes it harder, imo, to create a connection between them as a couple and a reader. One is the missing history or background between them. It’s implied here but it’s not clear what happened. There’s a short story that a reader can access after finishing the book that fills this in, but it’s lack of details in the narrative leaves a deep gap between the present day emotional complexity and intensity of the actions of the characters to make their interactions believable. For Hart to break down, abandoning his character, there needed to be a foundation laid out for this to be something that could be understood. Especially when Cain is the key.
I don’t think that happened. The characters apart are intriguing. Together, not so sure.
What was incredible about the story is the curse , the mystery and once again, the escalating suspense and horror that surrounds the curse and those affected by it. It’s so well written, the tension and horror so intense as well as the puzzling nature and scrambling for a solution.
That last part of the narrative is a true white knuckle ride. It’s emotional, compelling ,and very dangerous. And the reader is all in.
Aside from the romantic thread, there’s other things that really matter here. The authors bring us more background information about how the Cursebreakers were formed as a unit, we see more of the agency and its members, and get a feel for stories to come.
The various members of the remarkable Cursebreakers are still being fleshed out. The first being Ash with Morgan. Now Hart, still polished house family manager alongside his partner Cain. Next up is the affable Fix, the large Cursebreaker who’s helped hold them together during a formative period/history that’s slowly being revealed.
Wren, an intriguing Cursebreaker who works with cursed creatures, has important clues released here about his past and a new character that was introduced. Can’t wait for their story to be released.
I’m excited for this series and recommending this story. Read them in the order they are written for character development and event content.
Cover designed by BCJ Art & Design
Cursebreakers, Inc.:
- [x] Like a House on Fire # 1
- [x] Fool Me Twice #2
- [ ] A Thousand Cuts #3 - March 12, 2025
Did Not Finish
June 12, 2024DNF’D @5% (NO RATING)
I’m sorry. I really tried to get into this but between Hart being so insufferably bland and perfectly square, and that gratuitous and glorified torture scene that opens up chapter 2 (which I totally did not sign up for—and no, there were no trigger warnings whatsoever to at least have granted me the freedom to choose if I wanted to get triggered or not), forcing myself to continue reading even if I couldn’t find any good reasons to just felt like its own self-inflicted torture. I admit the only reason I picked up an ARC of this on Booksprout was because I adored the first book and wanted to see more of Ash and Morgan, hoping I’d be able to bear Hart’s priggishness long enough to. But then adding Cane to the equation and this just becomes a hundred times more onerous to get through. (Is such brutal gangster-type violence not considered potentially harmfully disturbing to any normally sane person who does not take pleasure in being fed graphic details of inflicting pain on another human being, that it doesn’t warrant a content warning anymore? Especially since the atmosphere of the first book, while not entirely rated GP, was wholesome enough to completely shock anyone who went into this next book expecting the same mood to carry over as well? Or was not including a CW really meant to blindside and terrorise unwitting readers?)
There are readers out there who’re into characters like Hart and Cane and all the unpleasant things that come with them, but I’m not one of them—nor can I force myself to be, no matter how much I love and miss Ash and Morgan. 😢 Sadly. If I had at least been given a choice in the matter I might have been able to prepare myself better – mentally and emotionally to take on this—because I certainly can read dark themes, but I don’t appreciate not being given a choice at all. Unfortunately, that’s what happened here. So while I might still be interested in the next instalment of this series (if the next MCs featured will be less of the robot-esque or psychopathic variety ergo more relatable), for my own mental and emotional well-being, I have no choice but to skip this.
I’m sorry. I really tried to get into this but between Hart being so insufferably bland and perfectly square, and that gratuitous and glorified torture scene that opens up chapter 2 (which I totally did not sign up for—and no, there were no trigger warnings whatsoever to at least have granted me the freedom to choose if I wanted to get triggered or not), forcing myself to continue reading even if I couldn’t find any good reasons to just felt like its own self-inflicted torture. I admit the only reason I picked up an ARC of this on Booksprout was because I adored the first book and wanted to see more of Ash and Morgan, hoping I’d be able to bear Hart’s priggishness long enough to. But then adding Cane to the equation and this just becomes a hundred times more onerous to get through. (Is such brutal gangster-type violence not considered potentially harmfully disturbing to any normally sane person who does not take pleasure in being fed graphic details of inflicting pain on another human being, that it doesn’t warrant a content warning anymore? Especially since the atmosphere of the first book, while not entirely rated GP, was wholesome enough to completely shock anyone who went into this next book expecting the same mood to carry over as well? Or was not including a CW really meant to blindside and terrorise unwitting readers?)
There are readers out there who’re into characters like Hart and Cane and all the unpleasant things that come with them, but I’m not one of them—nor can I force myself to be, no matter how much I love and miss Ash and Morgan. 😢 Sadly. If I had at least been given a choice in the matter I might have been able to prepare myself better – mentally and emotionally to take on this—because I certainly can read dark themes, but I don’t appreciate not being given a choice at all. Unfortunately, that’s what happened here. So while I might still be interested in the next instalment of this series (if the next MCs featured will be less of the robot-esque or psychopathic variety ergo more relatable), for my own mental and emotional well-being, I have no choice but to skip this.
May 29, 2024
"There's a pimp running game like he's moved in and telling me to take my stroke game up with my mother."
First off, Take everything you think you know about Hart from book 1...and toss it out the freakin window! Honestly when AM Rose says the boy has layers, they mean LAYERS. And some of them are completely freaking opposite to one another. It was WILD seeing the two different sides of Hart. I did not expect it from him and I certainly didn't expect him to ever end up with a man like Cane. In fact, when I saw Cane was the other MC I thought to myself "Now there is a pair I'd have never put together in a million years." However, my hats off to the authors because by the time I finished I absolutely saw Hart and Cane as a realistic couple.
"Fuck, sweetheart. There's nobody like you."
Hart may be a controlled, polished, and put together man in his everyday life, but when things get to be too much his needs cause him to seek out something entirely different. And the one man who can deliver what he needs is none other than Cane. Cane, who is a known criminal. A brute. A man who speaks with his fists on the regular. But he's also the man who can take Hart's control from him, allowing Hart's mind to just "be" for once. I could absolutely see the appeal of this for someone like Hart.
"Cane purred, licking along his jaw in one long stripe, like marking his territory. It was disgusting. It was everything."
I really liked how upfront Cane was. He never lied to Hart. He didn't diminish what he thought they were to each other or let Hart do so either. These two have a surprising history, yet it took an absolutely crazy case to finally give them the push they needed to be together. Well, more like the push Hart needed to be fair. Cane was already convinced Hart was his and nobody was going to tell him any different.
First off, Take everything you think you know about Hart from book 1...and toss it out the freakin window! Honestly when AM Rose says the boy has layers, they mean LAYERS. And some of them are completely freaking opposite to one another. It was WILD seeing the two different sides of Hart. I did not expect it from him and I certainly didn't expect him to ever end up with a man like Cane. In fact, when I saw Cane was the other MC I thought to myself "Now there is a pair I'd have never put together in a million years." However, my hats off to the authors because by the time I finished I absolutely saw Hart and Cane as a realistic couple.
"Fuck, sweetheart. There's nobody like you."
Hart may be a controlled, polished, and put together man in his everyday life, but when things get to be too much his needs cause him to seek out something entirely different. And the one man who can deliver what he needs is none other than Cane. Cane, who is a known criminal. A brute. A man who speaks with his fists on the regular. But he's also the man who can take Hart's control from him, allowing Hart's mind to just "be" for once. I could absolutely see the appeal of this for someone like Hart.
"Cane purred, licking along his jaw in one long stripe, like marking his territory. It was disgusting. It was everything."
I really liked how upfront Cane was. He never lied to Hart. He didn't diminish what he thought they were to each other or let Hart do so either. These two have a surprising history, yet it took an absolutely crazy case to finally give them the push they needed to be together. Well, more like the push Hart needed to be fair. Cane was already convinced Hart was his and nobody was going to tell him any different.
June 16, 2024
More to the mystery
This is Hart's book. I really liked the first book and want to read the other books, so I decided to read this book too, even though the description and trigger warnings didn't make it sound good. You might like this book better than I did if you like mafia romances.
Hart is, to me, the least likable and attractive cursebreaker. He's fussy and prissy. His OCD shows he has unresolved issues. He's also fancy, which is not my thing. Cane is his opposite in many ways. He's untidy, rude, tattoed and pierced. He's a professional fighter and a criminal. Turns out too many piercings and running a shady fight club are also turn offs for me.
I didn't like either of these guys, and their relationship felt both unlikely and unhealthy to me. As a result, I skipped all the sex scenes. I also didn't like the lack of clear consent in the beginning. But I was reading the book for the mystery of the list, not the romance between these guys (if you can call it that), so I kept going.
As far as the curse in this book: it's twisty and breaks the known rules of curses in an interesting way. Hart is too distracted by Cane to give it the attention it deserves, and he makes mistakes because of that. Cane is also distracted by Hart and his own anger in a way that makes it hard for the characters to solve their problems. The curse resolution is satisfying, but I didn't find the results at the end as satisfying.
In the last book, there was a mysterious list of names. In this book, one of the people was found. There is more mysterious hacking. While there may have been some clue I missed, I didn't feel like any progress was made in solving the mystery of the house. If you're considering skipping this book, Cane will be a character in future books, but I don't think you'll be missing much.
This is Hart's book. I really liked the first book and want to read the other books, so I decided to read this book too, even though the description and trigger warnings didn't make it sound good. You might like this book better than I did if you like mafia romances.
Hart is, to me, the least likable and attractive cursebreaker. He's fussy and prissy. His OCD shows he has unresolved issues. He's also fancy, which is not my thing. Cane is his opposite in many ways. He's untidy, rude, tattoed and pierced. He's a professional fighter and a criminal. Turns out too many piercings and running a shady fight club are also turn offs for me.
I didn't like either of these guys, and their relationship felt both unlikely and unhealthy to me. As a result, I skipped all the sex scenes. I also didn't like the lack of clear consent in the beginning. But I was reading the book for the mystery of the list, not the romance between these guys (if you can call it that), so I kept going.
As far as the curse in this book: it's twisty and breaks the known rules of curses in an interesting way. Hart is too distracted by Cane to give it the attention it deserves, and he makes mistakes because of that. Cane is also distracted by Hart and his own anger in a way that makes it hard for the characters to solve their problems. The curse resolution is satisfying, but I didn't find the results at the end as satisfying.
In the last book, there was a mysterious list of names. In this book, one of the people was found. There is more mysterious hacking. While there may have been some clue I missed, I didn't feel like any progress was made in solving the mystery of the house. If you're considering skipping this book, Cane will be a character in future books, but I don't think you'll be missing much.
June 10, 2024
I was a little surprised with how dark this story went with Cane's character being someone who basically deals in things on the illegal side of the law, having been in prison some years ago and seems a little bit blood thirsty, especially when it comes to revenge or hurting someone he cares for. Strangely, Hart seems to be that person. On the outside, his complete opposite in every way. However, Hart is hiding things from his Cursebreaker family that only Cane knows about and as the two come into contact again as weird things are happening around Cane causing his business to suffer, Cane isn't shy about trying to tempt Hart back towards him.
Hart's different sides - his proper, suited, daily positive proverb, organised side, and the smoking, needy, submissive side - are very at odds with each other. It's something that really builds and becomes clearer through the story, how you can't survive with them being so separate. In order to live he has to accept them both and Cane is more than willing to help Hart. What Hart can't see is just how much Cane likes all of him, not that Cane is especially emotive and Hart hasn't given them the chance to share much anyway.
When it comes to Cane's case, that's a confusing one as it's obvious that something is happening but there is no proof of it, or any clue as to where to search for it. Tensions mount for everyone involved and when it comes to Cane and Hart both of their lives are at risk.
A darker story with just as much intensity as the first book. I'm really enjoying this series and slightly different turn the authors have taken from their previous books. Looking forward to seeing who gets their story next as there is still a lot to explore and mysteries to solve.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
Hart's different sides - his proper, suited, daily positive proverb, organised side, and the smoking, needy, submissive side - are very at odds with each other. It's something that really builds and becomes clearer through the story, how you can't survive with them being so separate. In order to live he has to accept them both and Cane is more than willing to help Hart. What Hart can't see is just how much Cane likes all of him, not that Cane is especially emotive and Hart hasn't given them the chance to share much anyway.
When it comes to Cane's case, that's a confusing one as it's obvious that something is happening but there is no proof of it, or any clue as to where to search for it. Tensions mount for everyone involved and when it comes to Cane and Hart both of their lives are at risk.
A darker story with just as much intensity as the first book. I'm really enjoying this series and slightly different turn the authors have taken from their previous books. Looking forward to seeing who gets their story next as there is still a lot to explore and mysteries to solve.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
October 7, 2024
Another mystery and a sprinkle of second chance - and yet I loved it!
These characters were co-dependent, possessive and needy af and had a tangible chemistry. They were complex and interesting and managed to be shades of gray. I wasn't sure at first how Hart and his type-A personality would be portrayed and if he'd become a caricature but such was not the case. I can't believe the remaining books aren't out yet :')
Quotes
NSFW infos:
- underworld boss with piercings (septum, eyebrows, lips, chin, stretched ears) and tattoos (tops, dominant)
- cursebreaker MC similar height but less wide (bottoms, likes to submit)
- biting
- Look at you
- face-fucking
- crying from sex
Nickname:
Sweetheart
These characters were co-dependent, possessive and needy af and had a tangible chemistry. They were complex and interesting and managed to be shades of gray. I wasn't sure at first how Hart and his type-A personality would be portrayed and if he'd become a caricature but such was not the case. I can't believe the remaining books aren't out yet :')
Quotes
"[Cane] made sure to fill his lungs completely, dragging as hard as he could and ditching the remains before yanking Hart forward and slamming their mouths together. Hart gasped, and Cane used the opportunity to exhale, pushing that burning cloud of nicotine straight into Hart’s wanting mouth. Hart moaned." p. 107
"Cane wanted to own Hart. He wanted him to beg for it. To be lost without him—an addiction he couldn’t quit." p. 108
"All he needed to do was give in and Cane would give him everything. He could tear the world apart and lay it at Hart’s feet if he wanted it. All Cane wanted in return was him. Wholly. Completely. Not the facade he showed the world. He wanted every ragged, imperfect inch of him. The places he’d seen in glimpses. The places Hart tried to guard from him and lock away." p. 108
NSFW infos:
- underworld boss with piercings (septum, eyebrows, lips, chin, stretched ears) and tattoos (tops, dominant)
- cursebreaker MC similar height but less wide (bottoms, likes to submit)
- biting
- Look at you
- face-fucking
- crying from sex
Nickname:
Sweetheart
June 25, 2024
Needed to be way shorter
I had mixed feelings about the first book in this series, but overall I liked it. This book was a downgrade compared to the first. The biggest issue is that it was waaaay too long. At 50% I nearly DNFd it because progress on everything, from the curse to the relationship, was too slow. I skipped multiple pages and paragraphs at a time because there were so many sections of the characters being in their own heads with absolutely nothing happening. A good 25% of this book needed to be edited out, at least.
Along with that, I expected more world building in this book since readers still have very little information on how this world runs and why things run the way they do, but we get almost no new information that wasn’t already shared in the first book.
And finally, I’m usually all for opposites attract, explosive couples, but I legitimately could not get invested in the relationship between Hart and Cain. Aside from some d/s undertones, the characters had no chemistry. Their history together was never fully explained, and their relationship felt flat despite the supposedly fiery nature of it.
The best part about this book and the reason I still gave it three stars is because the mystery of the curse was actually pretty compelling. Literally the only reason I didn’t DNF this book is because I wanted answers. The curse was more compelling than the relationship.
All that being said, I don’t really recommend this book. It’s a slog to get through.
I had mixed feelings about the first book in this series, but overall I liked it. This book was a downgrade compared to the first. The biggest issue is that it was waaaay too long. At 50% I nearly DNFd it because progress on everything, from the curse to the relationship, was too slow. I skipped multiple pages and paragraphs at a time because there were so many sections of the characters being in their own heads with absolutely nothing happening. A good 25% of this book needed to be edited out, at least.
Along with that, I expected more world building in this book since readers still have very little information on how this world runs and why things run the way they do, but we get almost no new information that wasn’t already shared in the first book.
And finally, I’m usually all for opposites attract, explosive couples, but I legitimately could not get invested in the relationship between Hart and Cain. Aside from some d/s undertones, the characters had no chemistry. Their history together was never fully explained, and their relationship felt flat despite the supposedly fiery nature of it.
The best part about this book and the reason I still gave it three stars is because the mystery of the curse was actually pretty compelling. Literally the only reason I didn’t DNF this book is because I wanted answers. The curse was more compelling than the relationship.
All that being said, I don’t really recommend this book. It’s a slog to get through.
June 10, 2024
The first book in this series Like a House on Fire introduced an unique family of very interesting characters , to put it mildly. They couldn't be more different, but despite it it's a very functional found family. I was hooked from the start. It was a perfect mix of action, urban fantasy, heat and humor. Each character gets their own story, so I was very curious who will be next. Well I couldn't be more surprised. Straight laced Hart was the only one who was occasionally getting on my nerves, because if I met him in real life I would probably roll my eyes so hard that they'd get stuck in the back of my head.
Well, every personality is multilayered so I was also intrigued by him. Talking about secrets and layers - just wow! This book really dug deep into one's psyche. Hart has taken so much upon himself that something's got to give, but he doesn't allow himself to be or show who he really is deep inside or what he really needs and that's give up control.
Cane sees through him from the start and he's relentless, so Hart's walls begin to crumble. This is opposites attract on steroids, because they couldn't be more different in every aspect, but somehow they are like two pieces of the puzzle.
Couldn't put it down and I can't wait to see what comes next!
Well, every personality is multilayered so I was also intrigued by him. Talking about secrets and layers - just wow! This book really dug deep into one's psyche. Hart has taken so much upon himself that something's got to give, but he doesn't allow himself to be or show who he really is deep inside or what he really needs and that's give up control.
Cane sees through him from the start and he's relentless, so Hart's walls begin to crumble. This is opposites attract on steroids, because they couldn't be more different in every aspect, but somehow they are like two pieces of the puzzle.
Couldn't put it down and I can't wait to see what comes next!
June 10, 2024
I have been looking forward to this book since reading Ash's story. I am absolutely hooked on this series and Hart's book did not disappoint. I had no idea going into it who I imagined as a good match for Hart, but Cane was perfect. He is the opposite of Hart in just about every way, and in this story, opposites attract! I loved the second chance aspect to their story and the plot was really interesting. I am usually pretty good at figuring out the twists early, but this one had me stumped. I enjoyed and hated seeing Hart lose control of his buttoned-up self (hated because of the reason it happened). It was important for his brothers to see it happen, though, because it led to greater understanding between all the brothers.
Every character in this series is intriguing and dynamic. The worldbuilding is amazing and the interpersonal relationships are relatable. Taylor is funny as always, Black is adorable, Midas is mysterious, Morgan continues to keep Ash in line, and Fix is just so sweet. But Wren really caught my attention in terms of side characters and I cannot wait for his story! Regardless of whose story comes next, I will be waiting anxiously!
Every character in this series is intriguing and dynamic. The worldbuilding is amazing and the interpersonal relationships are relatable. Taylor is funny as always, Black is adorable, Midas is mysterious, Morgan continues to keep Ash in line, and Fix is just so sweet. But Wren really caught my attention in terms of side characters and I cannot wait for his story! Regardless of whose story comes next, I will be waiting anxiously!
June 9, 2024
An excellent enemies to lovers, opposites attract romance
Hart has a secret. The persona he presents—straightlaced, put-together, always in control—hides his deeper, baser needs. Cane, a man who constantly skirts the law, knows what Hart needs. Hart is ashamed of his desires and tries to hide them from his brother curse breakers. But an unusual curse that infects Cane’s business threatens to out both Hart and Cane in the worst possible way.
I loved this story. At first I had a hard time relating to Hart because he was so uptight. But as his armor started to fall away, I really got to like the vulnerable man beneath it all. Cane is rough and brutal. He has no problem breaking the law to get what he needs. Hart is one of his very few weaknesses. It was intriguing watching these two men grow and change. They had been attracted to each other from the start, but they both resisted the idea of love until they had no choice. It made the HEA at the end that much more satisfying. I highly recommend this book.
Hart has a secret. The persona he presents—straightlaced, put-together, always in control—hides his deeper, baser needs. Cane, a man who constantly skirts the law, knows what Hart needs. Hart is ashamed of his desires and tries to hide them from his brother curse breakers. But an unusual curse that infects Cane’s business threatens to out both Hart and Cane in the worst possible way.
I loved this story. At first I had a hard time relating to Hart because he was so uptight. But as his armor started to fall away, I really got to like the vulnerable man beneath it all. Cane is rough and brutal. He has no problem breaking the law to get what he needs. Hart is one of his very few weaknesses. It was intriguing watching these two men grow and change. They had been attracted to each other from the start, but they both resisted the idea of love until they had no choice. It made the HEA at the end that much more satisfying. I highly recommend this book.
June 9, 2024
WOW!!
I absolutely loved the 1st Cursebreakers, Inc book and couldn't wait to get into this one.
Even though these two books are in the same universe, the same set of characters, this one felt so different to the 1st one, which is what I loved the most about this one, the 1st one had a comedic/fun feel to it, this one doesn't have that vibe, but I am so here for it! the dynamic, angst and hurt the two MCs go through, past and present, is so well written that you are 100% immersed and feel for them, definitely shed some tears with this one, but I think that's what made this one so beautiful as well, you know how hard they both have had it.
Poor Cane is so in love with Hart right from the beginning, but he was so patient knowing he needed to let Hart come to him or let him go, and when Hart does give in, Cane still knows not to push.
We also got more insight into the rest of the Cursebreaker family, which has me intrigued for the next book. Can't wait!
I absolutely loved the 1st Cursebreakers, Inc book and couldn't wait to get into this one.
Even though these two books are in the same universe, the same set of characters, this one felt so different to the 1st one, which is what I loved the most about this one, the 1st one had a comedic/fun feel to it, this one doesn't have that vibe, but I am so here for it! the dynamic, angst and hurt the two MCs go through, past and present, is so well written that you are 100% immersed and feel for them, definitely shed some tears with this one, but I think that's what made this one so beautiful as well, you know how hard they both have had it.
Poor Cane is so in love with Hart right from the beginning, but he was so patient knowing he needed to let Hart come to him or let him go, and when Hart does give in, Cane still knows not to push.
We also got more insight into the rest of the Cursebreaker family, which has me intrigued for the next book. Can't wait!
September 18, 2024
So thrilled to be diving back into A.M. Rose’s Cursebreaker world. The first installment already had me hooked, so I’ve been eagerly awaiting book #2 and it did not disappoint. The continued world-building and ongoing development of the cursebreaking storyline was well-developed and had me thoroughly engaged. I’m very curious to see how the investigation continues to unfold in the future.
Cane and Hart are quite the pair. I can never say no to morally gray character arcs, so I knew I was going to be hooked on their relationship development. They definitely bring out the best and worst in one another, but somehow I think that’s what makes their relationship work. It’s probably not one ai would consider healthy in the real world, but for my fictional fantasy fix, I’m all for it.
A.M. Rose continues to excel at portraying dark, complex, mysterious worlds in a fantastical yet relatable way. I look forward to seeing what comes next in this cursebreaking saga.
Cane and Hart are quite the pair. I can never say no to morally gray character arcs, so I knew I was going to be hooked on their relationship development. They definitely bring out the best and worst in one another, but somehow I think that’s what makes their relationship work. It’s probably not one ai would consider healthy in the real world, but for my fictional fantasy fix, I’m all for it.
A.M. Rose continues to excel at portraying dark, complex, mysterious worlds in a fantastical yet relatable way. I look forward to seeing what comes next in this cursebreaking saga.
June 12, 2024
I really liked this book. More than the first book because Morgan was rude and annoying.
I liked how both characters are far from being perfect and have so many flaws and hangups. Hart tries so hard to be the perfect brother/family/friend that he lost part of himself. Cane is lost and in his constant fight to be on the top of everything he misses what is important. I liked that they do have a story together and we only find what really happened later on and the information is not a given. While I truly hate cigarettes and that smell is the most unsexy thing ever, I understand the choices they made regarding that. It’s a thing they do together and there’s a reason for it.
In this book we find out there’s an overarching plot regarding the list they found in the house in the first book but we still don’t know how it connects and the whys.
I liked how both characters are far from being perfect and have so many flaws and hangups. Hart tries so hard to be the perfect brother/family/friend that he lost part of himself. Cane is lost and in his constant fight to be on the top of everything he misses what is important. I liked that they do have a story together and we only find what really happened later on and the information is not a given. While I truly hate cigarettes and that smell is the most unsexy thing ever, I understand the choices they made regarding that. It’s a thing they do together and there’s a reason for it.
In this book we find out there’s an overarching plot regarding the list they found in the house in the first book but we still don’t know how it connects and the whys.
June 22, 2024
Fool Me Twice- Kiss of Promise
‘He tightened his grip on Hart’s neck, pushing into the soft spot under his jaw to tip his chin up. Hart whimpered. Their lips moved together messily, damp and tasting of smoke, sending tingles of electricity through Cane. All he needed to do was give in and Cane would give him everything. He could tear the world apart and lay it at Hart’s feet if he wanted it. All Cane wanted in return was him.’
A.M. Rose adds another wonderful book to their Cursebreakers, Inc series with Fool Me Twice.
This story is one where the characters already have an established relationship that has gone wrong. So wary of each other, they try to find a way to deal with their continued attraction and longing, while attempting to seek forgiveness for past behaviors.
This author team has such a creative spin on the paranormal that I seek them out to read!
‘He tightened his grip on Hart’s neck, pushing into the soft spot under his jaw to tip his chin up. Hart whimpered. Their lips moved together messily, damp and tasting of smoke, sending tingles of electricity through Cane. All he needed to do was give in and Cane would give him everything. He could tear the world apart and lay it at Hart’s feet if he wanted it. All Cane wanted in return was him.’
A.M. Rose adds another wonderful book to their Cursebreakers, Inc series with Fool Me Twice.
This story is one where the characters already have an established relationship that has gone wrong. So wary of each other, they try to find a way to deal with their continued attraction and longing, while attempting to seek forgiveness for past behaviors.
This author team has such a creative spin on the paranormal that I seek them out to read!
June 5, 2024
"There is no greater glory than love, nor any greater punishment than jealousy.”
Oh my, I didn't think these authors could top book 1, Like a House on Fire, but they did. Maybe not topped but equal in every way. Don't make me pick a favorite, I can't. When I saw this one pop up on Booksprout I grabbed it up as fast as I could, dropping all other books to start this one. It's still a mystery to me how two authors, continents apart, can put a book together like this.
These cursebreaker brothers... I love them all. Each one is so unique and their stories are as well. I can't wait for the next one to devour.
Don't forget to read the bonus scene, of how Hart and Cane met, the link is in the back of the book. You don't want to miss it!
Oh my, I didn't think these authors could top book 1, Like a House on Fire, but they did. Maybe not topped but equal in every way. Don't make me pick a favorite, I can't. When I saw this one pop up on Booksprout I grabbed it up as fast as I could, dropping all other books to start this one. It's still a mystery to me how two authors, continents apart, can put a book together like this.
These cursebreaker brothers... I love them all. Each one is so unique and their stories are as well. I can't wait for the next one to devour.
Don't forget to read the bonus scene, of how Hart and Cane met, the link is in the back of the book. You don't want to miss it!
June 10, 2024
I just finished Fool Me Twice the second book in the series and a spectacular read that draws you in and won’t let you go until the very end. This is an attention grabbing and mesmerizing story of reconnecting with a past love and discovering that you can’t deny what is meant to be. This is also a tale of curses and how the curse breakers have to work fast to figure out who is cursed and who is doing the cursing. This story captures the members of a found curse breaking family supporting one another when one of them becomes cursed. There are some major surprises along the journey and a wonderful ending that will melt your heart. I won’t give out too many details, but I encourage you to grab this book and dive into a beautiful story of happiness and love!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews