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Cursebreakers, Inc. #1
Like a House on Fire
Right, so … let’s see how he got himself in this mess.
An estranged family member left him a house. Which is great. The house looks like it’s a soft breeze away from crumbling. Less great. The house is cursed and now Morgan is trapped inside it. Anything BUT great.
Cursebreaker, please! And make him hot. Morgan’s been through a lot.
Herbs? Check. Fire? Check. Being the best at his job and knowing it? Double effing check.
Ash had everything he needed to get his client out of a cursed house. So how in the world did he get himself trapped inside with him? Why is the house so against them leaving? And why is his client the hottest thing since wildfire?
Time for a new plan.
One that involves breaking the curse, and breaking the bed. Not necessarily in that order.
An estranged family member left him a house. Which is great. The house looks like it’s a soft breeze away from crumbling. Less great. The house is cursed and now Morgan is trapped inside it. Anything BUT great.
Cursebreaker, please! And make him hot. Morgan’s been through a lot.
Herbs? Check. Fire? Check. Being the best at his job and knowing it? Double effing check.
Ash had everything he needed to get his client out of a cursed house. So how in the world did he get himself trapped inside with him? Why is the house so against them leaving? And why is his client the hottest thing since wildfire?
Time for a new plan.
One that involves breaking the curse, and breaking the bed. Not necessarily in that order.
340 pages, Paperback
First published March 8, 2024
About the author
A.M. Rose
24 books216 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 143 reviews
October 31, 2024
My goodness that was superb but also kind of creepy. That surprised me a bit. There is a trigger warning for claustrophobia. I'm not claustrophobic, I just don't like our way too small elevator. Anyway, this really isn't a joke. I had shrugged it off, but that was really intense.
I hadn't read this book with the intention that it was Halloween week. In other words, I'm really not into horror and would never read something like this voluntarily, so just to clarify for the hardcore among you, this is not a horror story. But for those who are slightly creeped out and maybe like it quite tame, this could be a nice thing for Halloween.
This fucking cursed house definitely quickened my pulse.
“Hi, pipsqueak. You’re doing so well.”
“Yeah,” Morgan said, biting his lips bloody. “I think I might move to live in the woods after this. Like, somewhere out in the open. With no walls. Fuck walls.”
“We’ll get that on a T-shirt for you.” 🖤😬🖤
So, alongside a plot filled with this stupid house, that Ash and Morgan are trapped in, behaving completely out of character, there's an interesting dynamic that develops between these two.
I actually enjoy the fact that Morgan says what he wants straight away and there's no eternal talking around it. There's a lot of sex, yummy ... and it somehow fits perfectly with everything.
Ash stilled for a second, just to take a breath, but Morgan would have none of it. He used the leverage he had to push back, fucking himself on Ash’s cock wildly. He was so free, so uninhibited with everything, taking exactly what he wanted, making Ash do what he needed to be pleased, and Ash was drunk with it. 🤤🔥🤤
I love the banter they have going on.
“Split up?” Morgan said. “You want us to split up? That is literally how every stupid white boy dies in every horror I’ve ever watched. I am staying glued to your dumb ass.”
“See, I knew you liked my ass.” Ash winked before shaking his head. 🤭💞🤭
And I also really liked Ash's brothers, so many interesting storylines they are promising ...
My only criticism is that there's a bit of a lack of romance towards the end. The epilogue is very nice, but I would have liked a tiny bit more perspective on life outside this stupid house. I also miss the development of this world, but hopefully that will come in the next book.
I hadn't read this book with the intention that it was Halloween week. In other words, I'm really not into horror and would never read something like this voluntarily, so just to clarify for the hardcore among you, this is not a horror story. But for those who are slightly creeped out and maybe like it quite tame, this could be a nice thing for Halloween.
This fucking cursed house definitely quickened my pulse.
“Hi, pipsqueak. You’re doing so well.”
“Yeah,” Morgan said, biting his lips bloody. “I think I might move to live in the woods after this. Like, somewhere out in the open. With no walls. Fuck walls.”
“We’ll get that on a T-shirt for you.” 🖤😬🖤
So, alongside a plot filled with this stupid house, that Ash and Morgan are trapped in, behaving completely out of character, there's an interesting dynamic that develops between these two.
I actually enjoy the fact that Morgan says what he wants straight away and there's no eternal talking around it. There's a lot of sex, yummy ... and it somehow fits perfectly with everything.
Ash stilled for a second, just to take a breath, but Morgan would have none of it. He used the leverage he had to push back, fucking himself on Ash’s cock wildly. He was so free, so uninhibited with everything, taking exactly what he wanted, making Ash do what he needed to be pleased, and Ash was drunk with it. 🤤🔥🤤
I love the banter they have going on.
“Split up?” Morgan said. “You want us to split up? That is literally how every stupid white boy dies in every horror I’ve ever watched. I am staying glued to your dumb ass.”
“See, I knew you liked my ass.” Ash winked before shaking his head. 🤭💞🤭
And I also really liked Ash's brothers, so many interesting storylines they are promising ...
My only criticism is that there's a bit of a lack of romance towards the end. The epilogue is very nice, but I would have liked a tiny bit more perspective on life outside this stupid house. I also miss the development of this world, but hopefully that will come in the next book.
February 20, 2024
⭐️ 4.5 stars ⭐️
Like a House on Fire had so many of my favorite things, it’s like A.M. Rose went digging around in my brain and discovered what makes me tick.
Snarky and sarcastic banter, an emo/gothic character, a sizzling romance, puzzles and mystery AND a creepy cursed house??
Hell yes.
The author really has a specialty in creating different worlds and realities, first with Why Did the Alien Cross the Galaxy? and now with this new piece.
Their humorous writing style has such a fun and lighthearted vibe and I’m here for it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
CW and tropes (spoilers):
- Urban fantasy
- Magic
- Forced proximity
- Height difference
- Claustrophobia
- Strict top/bottom
“A victim of a curse falling for the hot cursebreaker who saved their life?” he said. “I might be a lot of things, but I refuse to be a cliché.”
Like a House on Fire had so many of my favorite things, it’s like A.M. Rose went digging around in my brain and discovered what makes me tick.
Snarky and sarcastic banter, an emo/gothic character, a sizzling romance, puzzles and mystery AND a creepy cursed house??
Hell yes.
“It didn’t work…” Ash whispered, and Morgan stared at him for a long moment, trying to compose himself. “Zero stars,” Morgan said. “Worst service ever.”
The author really has a specialty in creating different worlds and realities, first with Why Did the Alien Cross the Galaxy? and now with this new piece.
Their humorous writing style has such a fun and lighthearted vibe and I’m here for it.
«He was like fire, Ash realized. And Ash was happy to burn.»
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
CW and tropes (spoilers):
- Urban fantasy
- Magic
- Forced proximity
- Height difference
- Claustrophobia
- Strict top/bottom
April 13, 2024
Enjoyed the first book of this new series for AM Rose.
The whole cursebreakers concept is really intriguing to me and I liked the world building and the introduction to the cast of cursebreakers.
The way the curse ends up being broken was entertaining and I couldn't stop reading because I needed to know the outcome.
I'm very intrigued by this series and looking forward to seeing which cursebreaker is next.
The whole cursebreakers concept is really intriguing to me and I liked the world building and the introduction to the cast of cursebreakers.
The way the curse ends up being broken was entertaining and I couldn't stop reading because I needed to know the outcome.
I'm very intrigued by this series and looking forward to seeing which cursebreaker is next.
May 30, 2024
DNF @ 15%/ 4 chapters
The characters are sooooo annoying. It is an interesting premise and interesting world (seriously just a little comment on how only some professions are allowed cars???? I want to know more!), but Morgan's attitude and bitchiness and Ash's lack of ability to take anything serious, just grate. The banter can be funny, but mostly I was getting annoyed.
The characters are sooooo annoying. It is an interesting premise and interesting world (seriously just a little comment on how only some professions are allowed cars???? I want to know more!), but Morgan's attitude and bitchiness and Ash's lack of ability to take anything serious, just grate. The banter can be funny, but mostly I was getting annoyed.
March 2, 2024
"He didn't have a death wish, per se, he just liked...pushing things that shouldn't be pushed. It was a character trait. A feature, not a bug, in his opinion."
OMG this cursebreakers crew is totally wack! And I loved every single one of those crazies! This book was so fun. It was chock full of hilarious snark and banter, which I greatly appreciated when things started getting more dire in the Cursed House hostage situation. It helped to keep the book more lighthearted, even when the events occuring were anything but.
Ash is just as nuts as his Cursebreaker bros. I mean, the man whips out a blow torch to cook his eggs. He may have a tiny bit of a pyro obsession. Okay, more than a tiny bit. I loved his interactions with Morgan. Morgan might be a tiny little emo goth, but he has a big personality. He's also not afraid to speak his mind and call Ash out on his BS. And their steamy moments were just UGH so hot!
I'd consider the ending of this book a HFN. The characters are together and have decided to give it a go. It appears the plotline that began in this book is going to continue in the future if the soft cliffhanger ending is to be believed. I don't even know if I can call it a cliffhanger, more of a glimpse of what is to come maybe. If I had to choose whose book I want next I don't know if I could. I'm leaning towards Hart for two reasons. One: Because it definitely surpised me that he partook in a certain "gift basket" offering at the end. And two: Because I would love to see him with someone who tilts his organized world on its head!
OMG this cursebreakers crew is totally wack! And I loved every single one of those crazies! This book was so fun. It was chock full of hilarious snark and banter, which I greatly appreciated when things started getting more dire in the Cursed House hostage situation. It helped to keep the book more lighthearted, even when the events occuring were anything but.
Ash is just as nuts as his Cursebreaker bros. I mean, the man whips out a blow torch to cook his eggs. He may have a tiny bit of a pyro obsession. Okay, more than a tiny bit. I loved his interactions with Morgan. Morgan might be a tiny little emo goth, but he has a big personality. He's also not afraid to speak his mind and call Ash out on his BS. And their steamy moments were just UGH so hot!
I'd consider the ending of this book a HFN. The characters are together and have decided to give it a go. It appears the plotline that began in this book is going to continue in the future if the soft cliffhanger ending is to be believed. I don't even know if I can call it a cliffhanger, more of a glimpse of what is to come maybe. If I had to choose whose book I want next I don't know if I could. I'm leaning towards Hart for two reasons. One: Because it definitely surpised me that he partook in a certain "gift basket" offering at the end. And two: Because I would love to see him with someone who tilts his organized world on its head!
May 14, 2024
DNF@ 20%
I was hopeful for this book because I love mysteries!
Even when the romance sucks, a good mystery plot can keep me invested in finishing a book.
Unfortunately, by chapter 6 Morgan had grated on my nerves. The “snarky banter” was just Morgan being a rude asshole. I couldn’t put myself through reading another one liner.
The Cursebreakers agency does appear to be an interesting concept so I may pick up another book in the series to see if the new characters and plot improve.
I was hopeful for this book because I love mysteries!
Even when the romance sucks, a good mystery plot can keep me invested in finishing a book.
Unfortunately, by chapter 6 Morgan had grated on my nerves. The “snarky banter” was just Morgan being a rude asshole. I couldn’t put myself through reading another one liner.
The Cursebreakers agency does appear to be an interesting concept so I may pick up another book in the series to see if the new characters and plot improve.
March 9, 2025
God I love AM Rose. I have completely devoured everything they have written, and I don’t see that changing anytime soon. This book was fantastic and so unique! I will be recommending this to everyone all the time now, be prepared for this series to become my entire personality now.
May 8, 2026
I'm not someone with claustrophobia but this book had me scared and nervous. I mean, I really liked it. I totally enjoyed the writing style and the story was funny overall. Some moments though had me biting my nails. Don't read it, if you are claustrophobic.
It's weird, I hated and liked the mcs in equal measures. Nothing wrong with them but Morgan was super prickly and Ash way too cocky. But it worked for them? I wouldn't want to spend time with people like them irl but I enjoyed these two anyways. It's confusing.
This story was basically about a big escape room but the stakes were high. Like fight for your life, survival high.
It's forced proximity but without the overused 'only one bed' trope. I can't stand only one bed but having the options to sleep separately but deciding against it? Yes please.
Their sexual tension was off the charts. They clicked instantly in the bedroom. Their romance was more tentative. I'm not blown away by it, not even impressed but they seem like they are on the way to a great love story. No love declaration in the book though, argh.
The world building, as little as we got so far, was interesting. I definitely would read the next books in this series.
It's weird, I hated and liked the mcs in equal measures. Nothing wrong with them but Morgan was super prickly and Ash way too cocky. But it worked for them? I wouldn't want to spend time with people like them irl but I enjoyed these two anyways. It's confusing.
This story was basically about a big escape room but the stakes were high. Like fight for your life, survival high.
It's forced proximity but without the overused 'only one bed' trope. I can't stand only one bed but having the options to sleep separately but deciding against it? Yes please.
Their sexual tension was off the charts. They clicked instantly in the bedroom. Their romance was more tentative. I'm not blown away by it, not even impressed but they seem like they are on the way to a great love story. No love declaration in the book though, argh.
The world building, as little as we got so far, was interesting. I definitely would read the next books in this series.
Did Not Finish
December 7, 2024DNF @ 13%
I'm sad that LIKE A HOUSE ON FIRE didn't work for me because I've loved everything else I've read by this author. The idea of cursebreakers was cool and I was looking forward to learning more about them but the characters were way too juvenile and not particularly likable. I can already tell that not just the main characters, but also the rest of Ash's brothers would just get on my nerves.
I'm sad that LIKE A HOUSE ON FIRE didn't work for me because I've loved everything else I've read by this author. The idea of cursebreakers was cool and I was looking forward to learning more about them but the characters were way too juvenile and not particularly likable. I can already tell that not just the main characters, but also the rest of Ash's brothers would just get on my nerves.
June 19, 2024
What an intriguing book!! This was really interesting and I LOVED the characters, all of them. Vibrant, affectionate, funny - I literally cared about each person. Ash and Morgan are funny and delightful.
Want to Read
January 10, 2026This book is free on Amazon (Canada) today (01/10/2026). 🙂
March 6, 2026
Well, this was a lot of fun but also creepy as hell. Take the claustrophobia warning seriously, is all I'm saying.
June 6, 2026
3+⭐
So, I got off on the wrong with this book, and never really connected with it properly. I still liked parts of it, and wished I could have liked it more.
It is not a crime to start a series of books by establishing the series in the most obvious way, but it just really rubbed me the wrong way. The first chapter was an introduction to a colourful band of brothers, all of them getting their own books. If not, I will eat my hat. (No I won't really, because I don't have many hats, it's really hard to find good ones. And I can already see there are sequels with the other brothers so I don't need to bet anything.)
After this we stumble onto the scene of the curse. Which improved the story. I liked Morgan, and I liked how hot Ash was for him, as I would've been. Tiny little sexy goth thing, I wanna squeeze him until he pops.
But then they needed to do another pet peeve of mine. "Oh, I never wanted anything serious with anyone. Uh. Wow, now that I see THIS PERSON, I suddenly dream of something more." Eugh!
Now, I need to admit that this story actually does give us some understandable glimpses of why past relationships have not worked. Especially with Ash, being a weird curse-breaker pyromaniac. But it still felt like I am mostly pushing my own wishes as interpretation here, because both of these guys were being quite adamant that people just didn't really hold their interest.
I am kind of bummed that these niggles threw me out, because I actually liked this couple otherwise: size difference, sexual chemistry, and a subtle unhingedness to both of them. I can totally see others loving this with full blaze, as long as they don't develop the same hangups as me.
The paranormal plot was... a bit of a mixed bag too, to be honest. It was pretty interesting and creepy idea but there was no proper hook. I read several other books while I had this waiting around. This is a series, so I'm not horribly disappointed that we didn't really get anything more about the information gathered from all the puzzle-solving. I'm sure it will come up later. Still... a bit of something would have been nice. I did enjoy making the title .
This is a humorous book, with a lot of ribbing between characters (and quite a lot talk about dildos). I did find it pretty entertaining on the humour department, but not enough that I would just embrace the humour and overlook the faults. I could read the sequels though - I'm not rushing in to buy them, but I could give at least another book a chance.
Content warning: tight spaces. And not the good kind.
I have a very mild case of claustrophobia myself. Meaning I will get anxious if I feel like I am stuck or can't stand up/spread my hands etc., might panic some if I actually cannot move (the weird mirror contraption during MRI that shows you the room at your legspace was a lifesaver!). This might have affected my enjoyment of the book, though I don't think it was horribly anxiety-inducing in this front. I'm just thinking that it certainly did not help.
So, I got off on the wrong with this book, and never really connected with it properly. I still liked parts of it, and wished I could have liked it more.
It is not a crime to start a series of books by establishing the series in the most obvious way, but it just really rubbed me the wrong way. The first chapter was an introduction to a colourful band of brothers, all of them getting their own books. If not, I will eat my hat. (No I won't really, because I don't have many hats, it's really hard to find good ones. And I can already see there are sequels with the other brothers so I don't need to bet anything.)
After this we stumble onto the scene of the curse. Which improved the story. I liked Morgan, and I liked how hot Ash was for him, as I would've been. Tiny little sexy goth thing, I wanna squeeze him until he pops.
But then they needed to do another pet peeve of mine. "Oh, I never wanted anything serious with anyone. Uh. Wow, now that I see THIS PERSON, I suddenly dream of something more." Eugh!
Now, I need to admit that this story actually does give us some understandable glimpses of why past relationships have not worked. Especially with Ash, being a weird curse-breaker pyromaniac. But it still felt like I am mostly pushing my own wishes as interpretation here, because both of these guys were being quite adamant that people just didn't really hold their interest.
I am kind of bummed that these niggles threw me out, because I actually liked this couple otherwise: size difference, sexual chemistry, and a subtle unhingedness to both of them. I can totally see others loving this with full blaze, as long as they don't develop the same hangups as me.
The paranormal plot was... a bit of a mixed bag too, to be honest. It was pretty interesting and creepy idea but there was no proper hook. I read several other books while I had this waiting around. This is a series, so I'm not horribly disappointed that we didn't really get anything more about the information gathered from all the puzzle-solving. I'm sure it will come up later. Still... a bit of something would have been nice. I did enjoy making the title .
This is a humorous book, with a lot of ribbing between characters (and quite a lot talk about dildos). I did find it pretty entertaining on the humour department, but not enough that I would just embrace the humour and overlook the faults. I could read the sequels though - I'm not rushing in to buy them, but I could give at least another book a chance.
Content warning: tight spaces. And not the good kind.
I have a very mild case of claustrophobia myself. Meaning I will get anxious if I feel like I am stuck or can't stand up/spread my hands etc., might panic some if I actually cannot move (the weird mirror contraption during MRI that shows you the room at your legspace was a lifesaver!). This might have affected my enjoyment of the book, though I don't think it was horribly anxiety-inducing in this front. I'm just thinking that it certainly did not help.
May 7, 2024
That was fun. Loved the characters. Loved the world. This could have used a better edit; twice we're presented with one number of things but it changes a page later. Tsk. And, if everything is dusty, why aren't the beds? Also, I did not follow the puzzle solving very well, and I don't think that was all me. But I loved the characters so much that I'll ignore that. This was fun. Tense, but fun.
August 31, 2025
Not sure where I land on this rating. It's probably a 3.5 star book but I'm rounding up because I did have a good time which is really all I'm here for. This was my first book from this author. I liked the world created here and the cursebreaking is a pretty cool setup. I very much enjoyed the entire cursebreaker team. I'm assuming the rest of them each get a book and I will most likely give them a try.
The world is very straightforward, there was basically no lore but it was simple enough that you really didn't need it. I was so excited for this setup - a cursed house that basically turns into an escape room? It's not something I've read before and I loved the idea. The execution was good but not great. It was disappointing because I was really interested in the concept. The puzzles didn't really come into play until after the halfway mark and they simply weren't good enough. There weren't that many and the author made the solutions either too obvious or too obscure. I've done escape rooms and I know that a lot of them are like that but, I don't know, I just really badly wanted that element of this to be so cool and it wasn't. There's also a mystery surrounding the curse and by the end it was absolutely not resolved. I don't know if the author thought we wouldn't care anymore, if they couldn't think of a good explanation, or if that's an overarching plot that will continue to show up in the other books (that's my hope, otherwise this was wild work to leave it like that).
While the plot didn't quite hit all the right notes for me, the characters were pretty solid. This was a good combo of a sassy little emo boy black cat and a big himbo-ish golden retriever. Morgan was overdramatic, sarcastic, and spiky toward Ash but some of that could be attributed to the fact that he was scared shitless and trapped inside a cursed house. A lot of it was just him though. He leans a bit too far into being unpleasant and selfish but for the most part it worked. Ash was flirty, easy going, and he LIKED Morgan's sharpness. Ash was pretty immediately taken with Morgan and I was kind of into that. Also, a million points to Ash for being supportive during anxiety attacks. This is the kind of situation where the characters are in the closest of forced proximity with extremely high stakes so it's easy to bond and for feelings to develop quickly. Sometimes it's not believable but here I kind of got how working together to escape showed how they fit together. High emotions made it so that they were honest with each other about how relationships haven't worked for them in the past and they learned enough about each other to want to give things a try afterward. I did appreciate being shown how they work together outside of the house but I wish we could have seen a bit further into their future (there's an epilogue but it's literally just a couple weeks later).
Taking time for sex during an emergency may seem crazy but I kind of got it. Plus we're suspending belief and the shower still worked so whatever. The sex could have been hot - the chemistry was right, there was a needy bottom (which I love), but somehow these scenes felt super rushed and unsatisfying. I feel like if we were gonna do the thing where we stop and have sex during a really inappropriate time then it should at least be good.
So, cool idea but wobbly execution, good characters but unsatisfying spicy scenes, and a mystery that was unresolved. I did like the cursebreakers and their individual specialties though and I did have fun so I probably will continue at some point.
Nicknames: babe, pipsqueak (when I first saw that I was like absolutely not but somehow my brain got used to it and then I... liked it? Idk I might be broken)
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Safety (may contain spoilers)
SA/rape: none
Other person drama: none
The world is very straightforward, there was basically no lore but it was simple enough that you really didn't need it. I was so excited for this setup - a cursed house that basically turns into an escape room? It's not something I've read before and I loved the idea. The execution was good but not great. It was disappointing because I was really interested in the concept. The puzzles didn't really come into play until after the halfway mark and they simply weren't good enough. There weren't that many and the author made the solutions either too obvious or too obscure. I've done escape rooms and I know that a lot of them are like that but, I don't know, I just really badly wanted that element of this to be so cool and it wasn't. There's also a mystery surrounding the curse and by the end it was absolutely not resolved. I don't know if the author thought we wouldn't care anymore, if they couldn't think of a good explanation, or if that's an overarching plot that will continue to show up in the other books (that's my hope, otherwise this was wild work to leave it like that).
While the plot didn't quite hit all the right notes for me, the characters were pretty solid. This was a good combo of a sassy little emo boy black cat and a big himbo-ish golden retriever. Morgan was overdramatic, sarcastic, and spiky toward Ash but some of that could be attributed to the fact that he was scared shitless and trapped inside a cursed house. A lot of it was just him though. He leans a bit too far into being unpleasant and selfish but for the most part it worked. Ash was flirty, easy going, and he LIKED Morgan's sharpness. Ash was pretty immediately taken with Morgan and I was kind of into that. Also, a million points to Ash for being supportive during anxiety attacks. This is the kind of situation where the characters are in the closest of forced proximity with extremely high stakes so it's easy to bond and for feelings to develop quickly. Sometimes it's not believable but here I kind of got how working together to escape showed how they fit together. High emotions made it so that they were honest with each other about how relationships haven't worked for them in the past and they learned enough about each other to want to give things a try afterward. I did appreciate being shown how they work together outside of the house but I wish we could have seen a bit further into their future (there's an epilogue but it's literally just a couple weeks later).
Taking time for sex during an emergency may seem crazy but I kind of got it. Plus we're suspending belief and the shower still worked so whatever. The sex could have been hot - the chemistry was right, there was a needy bottom (which I love), but somehow these scenes felt super rushed and unsatisfying. I feel like if we were gonna do the thing where we stop and have sex during a really inappropriate time then it should at least be good.
So, cool idea but wobbly execution, good characters but unsatisfying spicy scenes, and a mystery that was unresolved. I did like the cursebreakers and their individual specialties though and I did have fun so I probably will continue at some point.
Nicknames: babe, pipsqueak (when I first saw that I was like absolutely not but somehow my brain got used to it and then I... liked it? Idk I might be broken)
And look at it this way. You’re trapped in a house with a pretty hot dude.” “You’re not as hot as you think you are.” Morgan huffed, pushing away from him like that proved his point. Ash laughed at the ridiculous notion that he was anything less than ten thousand percent fuckable. “I totally am.”
“You do have a choice.” “Please.” Ash rolled his eyes. “One look from you and I lost all choice to do anything but what you tell me to.”
“I’ve been told I’m extremely annoying when I want to be.” “By whom?” Ash asked. “Everyone I’ve ever met.
Morgan wasn’t going to question his sanity at this point. He’d question his Stockholm syndrome or whatever the hell this was after they escaped.
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Safety (may contain spoilers)
SA/rape: none
Other person drama: none
September 30, 2025
I was surprised I liked this one as much as I did, since I don't really much urban fantasy. Sure will do that more in the future! Wished I could see the relationship between Ash and Morgan grow more.
February 24, 2026
2.5 ⭐
The blurb says it all. This was just ok. Somewhat derivative with the'found family's cliches abounding and the 'quirky' personalities of them all.
Felt alot like Morgan only wanted Ash to . This made me sad. He was whiny and not particularly likeable.
I liked Ash; he had much potential as a MC but we didn't get to know him very well.
Superficial (read almost no) character development.
As I said, just ok. Had potential that was unrealised in this book anyway
The blurb says it all. This was just ok. Somewhat derivative with the'found family's cliches abounding and the 'quirky' personalities of them all.
Felt alot like Morgan only wanted Ash to . This made me sad. He was whiny and not particularly likeable.
I liked Ash; he had much potential as a MC but we didn't get to know him very well.
Superficial (read almost no) character development.
As I said, just ok. Had potential that was unrealised in this book anyway
March 31, 2024
had high hopes
I had high hopes for this as the premise sounded amazing but Morgan was so damn annoying I had to DNF at chapter 6. The fact that he was so unlikable so quickly is honestly wild and 100% ruined my desire to continue the story at all.
I had high hopes for this as the premise sounded amazing but Morgan was so damn annoying I had to DNF at chapter 6. The fact that he was so unlikable so quickly is honestly wild and 100% ruined my desire to continue the story at all.
March 14, 2024
Like a House on Fire is the escape-room/MM romance mash-up you didn’t know you needed.
When Morgan inherits a creepy old house from a distant relative, he doesn’t know what to do with it, besides stay the hell away. But when his bestie dares him to go inside, he gets trapped. Luckily, a cursebreaker is available to take the case, and Ash knows what he’s doing. But when the house reacts mysteriously to his work, Ash gets trapped inside, too. What happens when the sassy and slightly claustrophobic Morgan meets with the smirky yet smoking-hot cursebreaker makes for a fantastic romance wrapped up in the mystery of the cursed house, what it’s protecting, and how the hell these two are going to get out.
I loved Morgan and Ash: great banter, serious chemistry, and some real tenderness and emotion. Plus, A.M. Rose introduces us to the Cursebreakers, Inc., series with some wonderful world-building and character introductions that don’t overwhelm the main storyline of how these two fall for each other under extreme circumstances. I loved this world, and I cannot wait for the next book! Definitely recommend this if you’re in the mood for great snark, sexy times, and action with a dash of magic.
When Morgan inherits a creepy old house from a distant relative, he doesn’t know what to do with it, besides stay the hell away. But when his bestie dares him to go inside, he gets trapped. Luckily, a cursebreaker is available to take the case, and Ash knows what he’s doing. But when the house reacts mysteriously to his work, Ash gets trapped inside, too. What happens when the sassy and slightly claustrophobic Morgan meets with the smirky yet smoking-hot cursebreaker makes for a fantastic romance wrapped up in the mystery of the cursed house, what it’s protecting, and how the hell these two are going to get out.
I loved Morgan and Ash: great banter, serious chemistry, and some real tenderness and emotion. Plus, A.M. Rose introduces us to the Cursebreakers, Inc., series with some wonderful world-building and character introductions that don’t overwhelm the main storyline of how these two fall for each other under extreme circumstances. I loved this world, and I cannot wait for the next book! Definitely recommend this if you’re in the mood for great snark, sexy times, and action with a dash of magic.
May 16, 2024
The plot of this book wasn't quite enough to make a full-length novel, even though it was a full length novel. Some parts were quite boring as a result. I also didn't really feel the chemistry and didn't quite believe that these two characters were in love by the time they said they were. The resolution of the story was not really a resolution and nothing really quite made much sense. So it was okay but not the best. I probably will read the next one.
June 5, 2024
Fun Fantasy with a Cursed House
When Morgan inherits his great-aunt's house, he also gets a curse - trapped inside, unable to leave. The cursebreaker sent to help him, Ash, has a penchant for fire and one night stands. Together, they face shrinking walls, crazy puzzles, and desire.
The way the magic in this world works is really intriguing and the way they romance each other is very fun.
When Morgan inherits his great-aunt's house, he also gets a curse - trapped inside, unable to leave. The cursebreaker sent to help him, Ash, has a penchant for fire and one night stands. Together, they face shrinking walls, crazy puzzles, and desire.
The way the magic in this world works is really intriguing and the way they romance each other is very fun.
April 13, 2025
This was a little slow to grab my attention, but once it got going it was a lot of fun! I really enjoyed the dynamic and chemistry between the characters, and the subplot of the mystery. Lots of fun and reminiscent of the Necessary Evils series by Onley James, but with a family of magical curse-breakers instead of psychopaths!
November 24, 2025
i'm a bit confused as to what, why, how, who etc.
i loved ash's character and honestly i even liked midas, even though we didn't see much of him.
i liked morgan and ash in the house, but outside? eh, it was kind of awkward? maybe because we didn't see much of them.
i loved ash's character and honestly i even liked midas, even though we didn't see much of him.
i liked morgan and ash in the house, but outside? eh, it was kind of awkward? maybe because we didn't see much of them.
July 13, 2024
The fast paced action had me on the edge of my seat for most of this book. Many times I can sense how a book is going to resolve into a happy ending and I did not see this one coming.
September 17, 2025
A story about a very evil, cursed house and a cursebreaker
May 14, 2026
3.75 ⭐
February 22, 2024
"It was a character trait. A feature, not a bug, in his opinion."
OMG what a great story, I couldn't put it down. When I saw this pop up on Booksprout I knew I had to read and review it. The last story I read by this writing duo called A. M. Rose was a 5 star read and I couldn't put it down either. What an interesting story line and how two authors can work so seamlessly together, when they live countries apart, blows my mind.
I cannot wait for the next book in the series, I hope it comes soon!!!
I hope you take a chance on this because I can't imagine anyone reading it and not loving it as much as I do! Don't forget to pick up the bonus scene listed at the end of the book, it was great!
A cursed house, a hot brawny cursebreaker, brings the excitement, the nail biting, and the heat (literally and figuratively)
OMG what a great story, I couldn't put it down. When I saw this pop up on Booksprout I knew I had to read and review it. The last story I read by this writing duo called A. M. Rose was a 5 star read and I couldn't put it down either. What an interesting story line and how two authors can work so seamlessly together, when they live countries apart, blows my mind.
I cannot wait for the next book in the series, I hope it comes soon!!!
I hope you take a chance on this because I can't imagine anyone reading it and not loving it as much as I do! Don't forget to pick up the bonus scene listed at the end of the book, it was great!
A cursed house, a hot brawny cursebreaker, brings the excitement, the nail biting, and the heat (literally and figuratively)
June 15, 2024
Love. Love. Love this magic world and I have only read one book. I can’t wait to read the others in the series
September 9, 2025
Idea for book and MCs: 5 stars (honestly the idea is so cool I’ll probably try the next book despite myself)
Execution: 2.5 stars
Enjoyment: 2 stars
Authors, this is not a review of a positive reading experience, I would not continue to read. It’s nothing horrible but there’s no reason for you ladies to read it. Or do read it if you want, I guess? I’m assuming you’re both adults and make your own decisions. Just a heads up it’s a wishful neutral bordering on negative.
I can’t believe with the book setup and MC descriptions I’m not rating this a 5 - this whole thing sounds like my dream book! But it’s not. I waffled between 2-3 stars, but I went with 3 because I like the sex positivity and the concept.
This book’s concept is genius and and I LOVE the concept! A fight club Cursebreaker, a goth porn editor, both of them very sassy and sex positive and they’re trapped in a cursed house? That sounds like a 5 star read!
However… The execution was just OK, and these ladies did an OK enough job writing it, but it wasn’t quite what I was expecting and I had a lot of issues with a few things. I’m deeply disappointed about that because I’ve basically been hoarding this series until it’s vaguely close to Autumn/Halloween, and I couldn’t wait any longer. I kind of wish I had. I think so many of the awesome ideas and elements were played for laughs that none of it was actually awesome anymore.
The world this book takes place in is fantasy. They live in a city with wards shaped like rings, with the fancier stuff inward and farms and stuff on the outside there’s magic and curses in this world.
Ash is a cis white implied to be gay man of unknown age (likely thirties or late 20s). He’s muscular and big but not enormous, he has stubble, short buzzed light brown hair, and brown eyes. He’s one of six non-blood-related brothers who are Cursebreakers. He’s not NOT a pyromaniac. He likes to do ring fights for fun and money and is scrappy enough he almost always wins (he says most people are rubbed the wrong way by him so they bet on his opponent but people who are only in it to win money always bet on Ash). He’s dramatic, outgoing, flirty with anyone with a pulse, almost childish at times, likes “pushing things that shouldn’t be pushed,” and likes lollipops.
Morgan is a cis white implied to be gay man of unknown age (likely 20s-30s). He’s short, slender, has black hair, brown eyes, and styled goth. He works from home and edits pornography for a living. He’s also a sex toy aficionado. His best friend is Brea, a queer woman whose family more or less took him in when his own was very strained from his parents’ fighting. He’s also very sassy and dramatic, like Ash. He has inherited a very old house from his great-great aunt that turns out to be haunted/cursed.
I can’t really comment on either MC’s specific personality because neither truly feels like they have one. They’re not awful, just unmemorable, which is NOT something I should be saying about a pyro-underground-fighter-Cursebreaker and a tiny-goth-porn-editor. But here we are.
I never thought I’d say this, but there’s too much sarcasm, sass and too many attempts at banter in this book. There was zero balance. It was EVERYONE ALL THE TIME CONSTANTLY, to the point that often I couldn’t tell a lot of the characters apart, especially the two MCs. They have most of their personality traits in common so it was almost like having the same character twice. Almost every single character seemed to be sassy, immature, likes sparkles and/or bright colors, and is extremely extroverted and dramatic. This made it feel like the same person was talking through the whole book. Everything was a one-liner and it got to be exhausting. I mean, the authors use 175 exclamation points in dialogue, the word “screech” or it’s derivatives 18 times, used “?!” 8 times, and it really feels like it. It wasn’t until like page 80 that anyone had even half a conversation that wasn’t wall to wall jokes (and I do mean only half of one).
“His animal brain had already accepted Ash as a protector.” ……the fuck????
The use of “booo” and also “boo”, and not in a ghost way. Used by Morgan more than once, which is infinitely too many times.
I did however love the frank and upfront way the MCs handled sex. I also liked that both MC usually preferred casual sex and were never punished for that. When Morgan wanted sex, and was attracted to Ash, he just asked. I mean they were a bit weird about it because they’re both weird, but I always adore when sex isn’t treated like some grand goal, or something completely taboo. I also really liked that they were very open about what they did and did not want to do, and didn’t do things they weren’t interested in just to be less “trouble” or be more vulnerable with each other.
“Okay,” Morgan said. “Number one, I always bottom. I’m not interested in topping anyone.” Very honest and no one talked themselves into having sex in a way that made them “vulnerable” to prove their feelings (yuck).
I also enjoyed that we got to see a glimpse of the MCs after the main plot. Probably my favorite scene of the book.
Contains:
—gay mc x gay mc
—taxidermies animals
—furniture with eyes carved into them
—haunted/cursed house
—illegal street fighting by Ash
—there’s an upsetting amount of squealing and giggling from both the ADULT MCs and side characters, and I think the two ladies who wrote this overdid it
—size difference
—instalust
—marking
—moderate manhandling in bed
—Deaf side character (Midas)
—panic attack on page
—“pipsqueak” as an endearment
—“I’m scared and horny” MC
—very small and tight spaces experienced several times by claustrophobic MC
—semi public sex (in a conference room at an office with other people in the building but not in the room)
Other:
—third person dual POV
—cheating: no.
—romantic rival: no (unless you count the huge crush Morgan has on Midas, which no one seems to)
—breakup: kind of? There’s a very brief part near the end where neither knows if the other wants to date outside the haunted house situation, but it’s not technically a breakup.
—kids: no.
—sex: a couple explicit sex scenes. Strict roles. Morgan bottoms and Ash tops. It’s kind of implied Ash is vers, but Morgan says outright he has no interest in topping and if that’s a probably they don’t need to have sex. Ash has no problem with it.
—HEA: yes.
“You’re not making me feel any better,” Morgan said through gritted teeth. “I do not want to be barbecue.”
“There’s hardly any meat on you, sweetness.” Ash winked. “Now, stand away from the strips and the walls, and let me do my job.”
“Yeah,” Morgan said, toying with the material under his hand. “I’m realistic when it comes to sex. I’m a skinny, melodramatic little goth who talks too much. That’s not exactly everyone’s type. If it’s something you’re into, then you should know I’m really attracted to you and we can have sex.”
Midas was looking off into the distance like a painting and Morgan was staring at him dreamily. Ash frowned, feeling a tickle of an annoyance he’d never experienced before at the base of his neck. Something red hot and hungry for attention. The desire to grab Morgan’s chin and turn it was a hard one to ignore. He was pretty too! Midas wasn’t that special.
Execution: 2.5 stars
Enjoyment: 2 stars
Authors, this is not a review of a positive reading experience, I would not continue to read. It’s nothing horrible but there’s no reason for you ladies to read it. Or do read it if you want, I guess? I’m assuming you’re both adults and make your own decisions. Just a heads up it’s a wishful neutral bordering on negative.
I can’t believe with the book setup and MC descriptions I’m not rating this a 5 - this whole thing sounds like my dream book! But it’s not. I waffled between 2-3 stars, but I went with 3 because I like the sex positivity and the concept.
This book’s concept is genius and and I LOVE the concept! A fight club Cursebreaker, a goth porn editor, both of them very sassy and sex positive and they’re trapped in a cursed house? That sounds like a 5 star read!
However… The execution was just OK, and these ladies did an OK enough job writing it, but it wasn’t quite what I was expecting and I had a lot of issues with a few things. I’m deeply disappointed about that because I’ve basically been hoarding this series until it’s vaguely close to Autumn/Halloween, and I couldn’t wait any longer. I kind of wish I had. I think so many of the awesome ideas and elements were played for laughs that none of it was actually awesome anymore.
The world this book takes place in is fantasy. They live in a city with wards shaped like rings, with the fancier stuff inward and farms and stuff on the outside there’s magic and curses in this world.
Ash is a cis white implied to be gay man of unknown age (likely thirties or late 20s). He’s muscular and big but not enormous, he has stubble, short buzzed light brown hair, and brown eyes. He’s one of six non-blood-related brothers who are Cursebreakers. He’s not NOT a pyromaniac. He likes to do ring fights for fun and money and is scrappy enough he almost always wins (he says most people are rubbed the wrong way by him so they bet on his opponent but people who are only in it to win money always bet on Ash). He’s dramatic, outgoing, flirty with anyone with a pulse, almost childish at times, likes “pushing things that shouldn’t be pushed,” and likes lollipops.
Morgan is a cis white implied to be gay man of unknown age (likely 20s-30s). He’s short, slender, has black hair, brown eyes, and styled goth. He works from home and edits pornography for a living. He’s also a sex toy aficionado. His best friend is Brea, a queer woman whose family more or less took him in when his own was very strained from his parents’ fighting. He’s also very sassy and dramatic, like Ash. He has inherited a very old house from his great-great aunt that turns out to be haunted/cursed.
I can’t really comment on either MC’s specific personality because neither truly feels like they have one. They’re not awful, just unmemorable, which is NOT something I should be saying about a pyro-underground-fighter-Cursebreaker and a tiny-goth-porn-editor. But here we are.
I never thought I’d say this, but there’s too much sarcasm, sass and too many attempts at banter in this book. There was zero balance. It was EVERYONE ALL THE TIME CONSTANTLY, to the point that often I couldn’t tell a lot of the characters apart, especially the two MCs. They have most of their personality traits in common so it was almost like having the same character twice. Almost every single character seemed to be sassy, immature, likes sparkles and/or bright colors, and is extremely extroverted and dramatic. This made it feel like the same person was talking through the whole book. Everything was a one-liner and it got to be exhausting. I mean, the authors use 175 exclamation points in dialogue, the word “screech” or it’s derivatives 18 times, used “?!” 8 times, and it really feels like it. It wasn’t until like page 80 that anyone had even half a conversation that wasn’t wall to wall jokes (and I do mean only half of one).
“His animal brain had already accepted Ash as a protector.” ……the fuck????
The use of “booo” and also “boo”, and not in a ghost way. Used by Morgan more than once, which is infinitely too many times.
I did however love the frank and upfront way the MCs handled sex. I also liked that both MC usually preferred casual sex and were never punished for that. When Morgan wanted sex, and was attracted to Ash, he just asked. I mean they were a bit weird about it because they’re both weird, but I always adore when sex isn’t treated like some grand goal, or something completely taboo. I also really liked that they were very open about what they did and did not want to do, and didn’t do things they weren’t interested in just to be less “trouble” or be more vulnerable with each other.
“Okay,” Morgan said. “Number one, I always bottom. I’m not interested in topping anyone.” Very honest and no one talked themselves into having sex in a way that made them “vulnerable” to prove their feelings (yuck).
I also enjoyed that we got to see a glimpse of the MCs after the main plot. Probably my favorite scene of the book.
Contains:
—gay mc x gay mc
—taxidermies animals
—furniture with eyes carved into them
—haunted/cursed house
—illegal street fighting by Ash
—there’s an upsetting amount of squealing and giggling from both the ADULT MCs and side characters, and I think the two ladies who wrote this overdid it
—size difference
—instalust
—marking
—moderate manhandling in bed
—Deaf side character (Midas)
—panic attack on page
—“pipsqueak” as an endearment
—“I’m scared and horny” MC
—very small and tight spaces experienced several times by claustrophobic MC
—semi public sex (in a conference room at an office with other people in the building but not in the room)
Other:
—third person dual POV
—cheating: no.
—romantic rival: no (unless you count the huge crush Morgan has on Midas, which no one seems to)
—breakup: kind of? There’s a very brief part near the end where neither knows if the other wants to date outside the haunted house situation, but it’s not technically a breakup.
—kids: no.
—sex: a couple explicit sex scenes. Strict roles. Morgan bottoms and Ash tops. It’s kind of implied Ash is vers, but Morgan says outright he has no interest in topping and if that’s a probably they don’t need to have sex. Ash has no problem with it.
—HEA: yes.
“You’re not making me feel any better,” Morgan said through gritted teeth. “I do not want to be barbecue.”
“There’s hardly any meat on you, sweetness.” Ash winked. “Now, stand away from the strips and the walls, and let me do my job.”
“Yeah,” Morgan said, toying with the material under his hand. “I’m realistic when it comes to sex. I’m a skinny, melodramatic little goth who talks too much. That’s not exactly everyone’s type. If it’s something you’re into, then you should know I’m really attracted to you and we can have sex.”
Midas was looking off into the distance like a painting and Morgan was staring at him dreamily. Ash frowned, feeling a tickle of an annoyance he’d never experienced before at the base of his neck. Something red hot and hungry for attention. The desire to grab Morgan’s chin and turn it was a hard one to ignore. He was pretty too! Midas wasn’t that special.
March 4, 2024
4.5 ⭐️
The intricate story telling gives the book a real ‘keep you guessing vibe’. This is more sexual than previous A.M books, in my opinion it's not really necessary. I love the brothers bond. Hart is just fantastic with his unique personality. I can’t wait to see more of him, Wren and Fix especially. The main characters of this book are both snarky brats and well suited. There are lighthearted and edge of your seat moments. Word of warning, listen to the TW at the beginning of the book. Claustrophobia is rife!
The intricate story telling gives the book a real ‘keep you guessing vibe’. This is more sexual than previous A.M books, in my opinion it's not really necessary. I love the brothers bond. Hart is just fantastic with his unique personality. I can’t wait to see more of him, Wren and Fix especially. The main characters of this book are both snarky brats and well suited. There are lighthearted and edge of your seat moments. Word of warning, listen to the TW at the beginning of the book. Claustrophobia is rife!
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