Cursed

Voodoo Nights #1

by Lizzy Ford

The Red Man is coming ...

Five years after her sister disappeared, seventeen-year-old Adrienne finds the strength to return to her father’s home in New Orleans. But soon after she arrives, the mark of a curse appears on her, leaving her worried. Will she be the next victim of a four-hundred-year old family curse ... the next to be claimed by a serial killer roaming the back alleys of the city?

The day before his senior year begins, Jayden is given a skeleton key passed down through his family for generations -- a gruesome reminder of how his ancestors betrayed their own people and sold them into slavery. He doesn’t believe in the curse the key allegedly bears and puts it away with the intention of forgetting about its message. Until he meets Adrienne, a girl he’s compelled to for more reasons than her beauty. 

He’s not the only one who notices her. A man in a skeleton mask and a voodoo gang member are also drawn to Adrienne. One is determined to protect her. The other intends to mislead her. Haunted by the mythical Red Man, all are connected to the ancient curse.

Can they overcome their misgivings about one another and prevent the dark prophecy looming over them? Or will they be lured away from each other by evil’s siren song?

Genres: Young Adult, Paranormal, Fantasy, Magic, Romance, Supernatural, Ghosts

232 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 4, 2014

About the author

I breathe stories. I dream them. If it were possible, I'd eat them, too. (I'm pretty sure they'd taste like cotton candy.) I can't escape them - they're everywhere! Which is why I write! I was born to bring the crazy worlds and people in my mind to life, and I love sharing them with as many people as I can.

I'm also the bestselling, award winning, internationally acclaimed author of over sixty titles and counting. I write speculative fiction in multiple subgenres of romance and fantasy, contemporary fiction, books for both teens and adults, and just about anything else I feel like writing. If I can imagine it, I can write it!

I live in the desert of southern Arizona with a pack of spoiled dogs and Tubbs, the Godfather cat who rules them all.


Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/LizzyFordBooks
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/LizzyFord2010
Email: LizzyFord2010@gmail.com
Radish: LizzyFord
Wattpad: LizzyFord

Lizzy’s books include:

Lost Vegas – young adult post-apocalyptic
Aveline
Tiana
Arthur
Black Wolf

Spell Realm Series (coming summer 2017) – young adult fantasy
Water Spell (2017)
Dragon Spell (2018)
Moon Spell (2018)
Sword Spell (2019)

History Interrupted – time travel romance
West
East
North (2017)
South (2018)

Omega Beginnings Series
Alessandra
Mismatch
Phoibe
Lantos
Theodocia
Niko
Cleon
Herakles

Omega Series
Omega
Theta
Alpha (2017)

Theta Beginnings Miniseries (novelettes)
Silent Queen
Mercenary
Shadow Titan
People’s Champion

Non-Series – 2014 - 2017
Black Moon Draw (about a reader sucked into her book)
White Tree Sound (2017)
Highlander Enchanted
The Door
The Fall of Esme (2017)
Sons of War – contemporary military romance
Semper Mine
Soldier Mine
SEAL Mine (2017)

Super Villainess
It’s Not Easy Being Evil
It’s Not Easy Being Good

Starwalkers Serials (with Julia Crane) – new adult science fiction serial
Severed
Trapped
Exiled
Revealed
Escaped
Ascended
Starwalkers – complete (#1-6)

Heart of Fire – sexy dragon shifter
Charred Heart
Charred Tears
Charred Hope

Incubatti – Buffy meets 50 Shades
Zoey Rogue
Zoey Avenger

Rhyn Trilogy – new adult paranormal with demons
Katie’s Hellion
Katie’s Hope
Rhyn’s Redemption

Rhyn Eternal – Death finds love
Gabriel’s Hope
Deidre’s Death
Darkyn’s Mate
The Underworld
Twisted Fate
Twisted Karma (2017)

War of Gods – paranormal with gods, guardians and exceptional humans
Damian’s Oracle
Damian’s Assassin
Damian’s Immortal
The Grey God

Damian Eternal
Xander’s Chance
The Black God

Hidden Evil – paranormal with angels and four horsemen
Hear No
See No (TBD)
Speak No (TBD)

Unnamed Series
Unnatural (TBD)
Unmade (TBD)

Omega
Omega
Theta
Alpha (2017)

Anshan Saga – new adult science fiction romance
Kiera’s Moon
Kiera’s Sun

Santa’s Ninja Elves (short stories)
Natasha & Hunter

Non-series titles – 2011 - 2013
Star Kissed
A Demon’s Desire
The Warlord’s Secret
Maddy’s Oasis
Rebel Heart

Witchlings – young adult paranormal
Dark Summer
Autumn Storm
Winter Fire
Spring Rain

Broken Beauty Novellas – new adult dramatic fiction
Broken Beauty
Broken World

Voodoo Nights - young adult paranormal
Cursed

As SE Reign, erotica writer
101 Nights Box Set (Serials 1-7)

Reviews

[Stacia (the 2010 club) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Third time's the charm...or a curse?

2.5 stars Apparently, I've encountered a string of interesting stories with ridiculous characters in them. What gives?

Adrienne turned to him, unwilling to be trapped in the attic with a zombie and a black magic wielding gang leader.

I had to sit and think about how to rate/review Cursed because my feelings were mixed. I honestly liked the story itself. The mystery, danger, and intrigue surrounding Jax, Therese, Jayden, Adrienne, and the Red Man was very good. There were moments which surprised me and moments which gave me the creeps, which was honestly more than I'd been expecting. When the story was on, it was ON, and I was reminded of how much the movie The Skeleton Key was spooky and entertaining. Sometimes, the story was even funny.

She landed with a grunt beneath the weight of the woman on top of her, soon aware of something else : the flash of a pair of poultry shears heading towards her head.
"White zombie!" Jayden's grandmother hissed at her. "You will not take him!"

The second half of the book, especially, had me glued to the pages because I was completely engrossed with Adrienne's search to find out the truth about her sister. I finished the last page and wished right away that I had my copy of book 2 to read.

Jax closed the door to his bedroom approached the bed, raising his knife.

I am not a killer.

Unfortunately, the characters themselves didn't match up to the strength of the story or setting. Here's why :

1. Adrienne - she was allowing herself to be pushed around by bullies one moment, then was diving into danger headfirst the next. I never got a feel for who she was as a person. When she wasn't out playing girl detective, she was ping-ponging her feelings for two boys, one of whom was obviously never going to get a chance (which is too bad, because I preferred Rene to Jayden). Do we really need another female who has her klutzy moments and is second-guessing herself every step of the way?

Was it possible to be attracted to two guys? Sweet, dreamy Jayden and Rene, her reluctant thug of a guardian?

(anyone else feel awkard while reading that, or is it just me?)

2. Jayden - while I appreciated there being a chance for a multi-cultural relationship between him and Adrienne, and I liked the portrayal of his male lead as nice, smart and athletic, this character came across as very cardboard and one-dimensional. I wouldn't have wanted him to go the stereotypical route of super-cocky male lead, but found myself wishing on more than one occasion that he'd grow a pair because he didn't do enough to stand up for himself and Adrienne. And when he barely knew Adrienne and started calling her his angel, it was sort of ridiculous.

3. The character voices - several of the characters would mix their speech, going from heavy slang to polite speech and back again. It was sort of confusing. Rene was a character who probably appealed to me the most, but I felt like I was reading two different characters at times when it came to him.

4. The culture clashes didn't always make sense to me - I found it odd that there was such a huge emphasis put on Adrienne not having money. I attended a private school when I was younger which was full of rich kids. My family was on the lower end of the economic scale, so I got teased a little for not having nice clothes, but it never flat-out prevented me from making friends. Maybe things are different in Adrienne's part of the country though and I just didnt understand it. I won't comment on any sort of race/class lines or gang territories in the story because I don't know enough about New Orleans to know what is/isn't accurate. The message of attraction crossing boundaries is a good thing, but there was a random "sounds like we're gay" comment (after being asked what someone thought of two football teammates being a dynamic duo) that seemed out of place in that message. As well, I don't appreciate someone using a sentence such as "I just got raped by a gang" as a way to see if their brother is paying attention. I don't think there was any intent of malice in either of those statements, but both of them made me uncomfortable.

However...

The creepy atmosphere (I love when a city becomes a big part of what gives a story life) and character entanglements were enough to make me want to read on. Between Jax's shocking actions and a mysterious red cloaked figure who kept hanging around, I had to know what was going to happen.

The characters might still need some tweaking, but I was entertained, and I am definitely curious to see what's up next.

This book provided from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

You can also find my review on Booklikes

[Td · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this book. I felt that the dialogue exchanges between the characters was very realistic for today. Adrienne is a blend of the good girl who tries to do the right thing because she was raised to, and the self-esteem challenged girl that always feels lacking in looks and intelligence. She often doubts herself and her instincts like many 17 year old girls do, which often leads to getting her into some sort of trouble. She also has an inner strength that is just waiting to burst out as she matures and has more guidance for her gifts.

Jayden is part typical spoiled and irresistible jock, part really good guy willing to make sacrifices for his family even when that puts their needs before his own. His ancestral ties to the curse had never really been explained to him so that he could fully understand that his role is one he can’t walk away from or avoid.

Rene is a really street-smart, street-tough guy that isn’t afraid to get his hands dirty to do what he thinks is morally right and protect innocent people, but with a blind spot for his brother out of loyalty to him. He is going to have to choose between doing what the spirits are guiding him to do, and standing by his brother even when he can see it is absolutely the wrong choice.

As these three are pulled into a tight circle with a interesting dynamic, they each start to grow and see the reality of how their ancestry has bound them together and cursed them to fight to save each other, their families and community using their ties to Voodoo to help them win this battle.

I am looking forward to reading the rest of this story and seeing how these characters grow even more as they are really just beginning this battle against evil.

[Prami{reader and dreamer} · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sooooooooo...Voodoo Nights..A name begging for attention and the blurb that has you reaching for the book. Does the book meet the expectations? Or is it just another of those magic-filled-yet-boring books?

I have never read anything from the author and since the cover, blurb and title were so intriguing I thought Why not? Let's try how this goes.

Adrienne is the main character of the book. She is seventeen years old, comes from a poor family, gets scholarship in a rich school and moves to New Orleans to live with her father. And yes, she comes from one of the original four Houses that practiced Voodoo. She is brave and dedicated but lacks any semblance of self-esteem. (Mind you, she's been referred to as 'angel' by other leads even though she feels she's lacking in good looks and charm)

Enter Jayden, the school jock who is sweet, rich, popular, smart, handsome...and just PERFECT. He's a flat character. (Perfect people are so annoying *eye-roll*)

Then there's Rene, a gang member sworn to protect the voodoo priest and priestess. Not in any way perfect but that's just makes him swoonworthy.

“So, what? I’m your girlfriend, and he’s your boyfriend? I get to know your secrets and he gets what? A fake you?”




“I wasn’t the one who hit her!” Rene, the young man with blue-green eyes, retorted. “This stupid girl walked into our territory like she owned that shit. Besides, police won’t touch me.”


Now you can see how the story goes. The protagonist meets both men and guess what?? Oh you got it. She falls for the perfect sonovabitch. Jayden. *snort* And poor Rene gets Friendzoned.

Let's try and forget about that path before it annoys me even further.

The mystery that surrounded the plot was so very intriguing. Hundreds of years old curse, a prophecy, voodoo magic, gang members, teenage angst, etc etc makes for a spicy recipe. But the first half of the book was so very slow going. Whereas the second half really livened up the story. The story ended on a cliffhanger, well built up for the second book. While the pace was patchy, the premise and the story and plot being woven was strong.

There was something lacking with the character development. They just don't click with you like they should. So a 2.5 stars as I'm still struggling if I should brave the second book or not.

[Deanie Nelder · Rating 3 out of 5]

In Cursed, psychic voodoo follower Adrienne St. Croix comes home to New Orleans to live with her father, five years after her sister's (supposed) death. She ends up in the middle of a mess which includes an age-old family curse, feuds with the other founding families of voodoo in New Orleans, and a love triangle with classmate Jayden and gang member Rene.

So, this book has a lot of potential, and in some ways it lives up to it. There's a lot of action, and interesting characters, though most of the supporting characters are fairly one dimensional. However, the book ends suddenly, and the ending is somewhere between "exciting cliffhanger" and "not a complete book." Maybe with the sequel things will get better.

[BookLoversLife · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adrienne gets a scholarship to a prestigious school for her singing and moves in with her dad. While there she hopes to find out what happened to her sister who has been missing for a few years. Her sister was marked with a curse so Adrienne needs to find out what happened to her. She knows about her families curse but it was supposed to have stopped with her sister, but now Adrienne sees the mark of her curse on her.

Jayden is told by his father of their family secret. A secret so devastating that it sparked a family curse. A curse that had taken 99 other members of their family. He doesn't believe the curse nor does he believe in Voodoo, even though his grandmother is a Voodoo priestess.

When the two first meet they are drawn to each other. Is it meant to be or are other forces driving them??

This just about blew me away. I loved it!!! This is my first book featuring Voodoo so heavily.
Its told from a few different POVs. Usually this can be annoying but Lizzy Ford did it effortlessly. The story flows from one to another and at no stage is it confusing. I loved that we got to see in to the minds of the others involved and not just Jayden and Adriennes.

Jayden, even though he is a rich jock, is such an awesome character. When he didn't stand up for Addy at the pep rally I was a bit annoyed with him but he did make it up a bit. He really likes her and does his best at times. He is dealing with things that he either doesn't understand or doesn't believe in but still sticks with Addy.

Addy was my favourite, She has the gift of communicating with the spirits and does Tarot for a living. She knows there's something about Jayden that is drawing her in and even though the cards tell her to beware she still falls for him. She is desperate to find out what happened to her sister, which leads her to getting involved with the local Voodoo gang. Jax, the leader had a relationship with Addys sister but is he all he seems?

Then there's Rene, Jaxs brother. He is strong, mysterious, sullen and argumentative but he will protect Addy no matter what. He knows his brother is doing something bad but can he do anything to stop him!! Will he do what he must when the time comes?

I loved the Voodoo aspect of Cursed. Its not a subject that I read about too much but is very intriguing. I loved reading about Jaydens grandmother , who is a very powerful priestess and has seen some of whats to come (Im hoping she might feature more in the other books). I loved how important their families and their ancestors are to them and how they can communicate with them. They keep their beliefs alive and pass down everything through each generation. The story is rich with history and the author did an amazing job of bringing Voodoo to life. I loved everything about Cursed. The story is very complex and played out really fast once it got going. There's plenty of mystery and suspense and with every secret revealed in the book a whole lot more came up. Lizzy Ford weaves a story that is unraveling slowly but keeps us hooked and wanting more. Cursed is dark and spooky and while reading it I had shivers in parts. I really don't know what else to say other than READ THIS BOOK NOW!! I so cant wait for book 2.

[Alexia Purdy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was definitely different than any I’ve read lately. Voodoo is not written about too often and I’m definitely intrigued by the awesome facts and lessons on Voodoo in this book.

This follows a girl named Adrienne as she prepares to go to an elite school on a scholarship for singing. She’s super poor and works on weekends to pay for stuff she needs, even though she’s living with her mechanic father in New Orleans. The thing is, her sister Therese was here five years ago and disappeared. Adrienne wants to discover what happened to her while she’s here. Doing so digs up old secrets, lies and attracts some unsavory characters.

Lizzy unfolded this story slowly, like opening a well-dressed package. I enjoyed Adrienne’s and Jayden’s interactions and their love was sweet and genuine. The amount of dark secrets surrounding these two was amazing and the further they dug, the more confusing things got for them. It almost reminds me a little of a tragic Romeo and Juliet retelling but with lots of dark magic thrown in.

There were many colorful characters who grew on me as the story progressed. Tara, Jayden’s stepsister turned out to be a nicer person than I initially thought. Mickey, Jayden’s friend was fun and I wish we’d seen more of him. Emma was mysterious and I enjoyed her friendship with Adrienne but we didn’t get to see too much of her either. Candace, a mambos, was definitely one of my favorites and the magic she weaves is just touched upon on this one. Jax scared me and he definitely made Adrienne’s senses go on alert, it made me wonder what he had to do with the freaky man in red following Adrienne around. Jax’s brother Rene was vastly different from him, seemed like a really sweet guy under his tough gangster exterior and I can’t wait to hear more about him for sure.

Overall, a seriously creepy and dark tale about voodoo curses and the consequences of messing with black magic. I can’t wait for the next book, since we’re left hanging on Adrienne’s fate. I really want to see what happens to these characters next and resolve some issues plaguing the cast.

I received an eARC of this story from the author for an honest review.

[Heather andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this is one of the first books of Lizzy's that I seriously despised the ending, and I mean not just didn't like but despised it. Jayden I loved that boy, "mama, please!" he said quickly. "I'm seventeen. I don't want to get married! I just want to be a normal teenager. Do normal things, play football, worry about what college I want to go to." He meets Addy and personally I think they're perfect for each other, "no, but since I ruined your lunch, I'll buy you a new one," he replied. "My treat." I know this Kimmie girl I disliked she needs to die or get hit by a bus like Regina George did in 'Mean Girls', "it's about Kimmie putting curses on people," Tara said bluntly. "She did it to Adrienne and she's done it to you." Addy she's just so cute and I loved her to pieces, "And... maybe you can take me to that arts and crafts fair," she said then quickly added, "If you want."

[Mandy ♥ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cursed is the first book in Lizzy Ford's newest Series, Voodoo Nights
It's  Dark, Bittersweet & utterly Intoxicating! 

As soon as I picked it up, The world just seemed to melt away leaving me in Voodoo practicing New Orleans...

And I gotta say i revelled in every god damn minute of it..

It was fast paced & completely unlike anything I've ever read

There were moments I just had to scream out loud & moments where i couldn't help but cry...

i wasn't able to tear my eyes from the pages incase I missed something, It just kept me guessing the whole time...it was so god damn good 

But then..............

it ended 

With a classic Lizzy Ford Cliffhanger!...of course

& to top it off there's no release date for the next book!!!!!

I'm going to go crazy waiting!  

*i received this book in exchanged for an honest review*

[a_tiffyfit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I received an ARC to read. This review was not required and it's my honest opinion. This book releases November 17th, which is approximately a thousand years from now. Good luck in waiting for it! :D

Warning: Lizzy Ford writes books that suck you into a vortex of "stfu I am reading" and when it spits you out at the end, you're basically on your knees begging for more or just shell-shocked at the cliffhanger. Actually, you're probably both. Just so you know.
Warning No 2: CLIFFHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAANGER zomg

Review: I can't even...I don't know where to start. I do my best not to give away ANYTHING in the book when writing my reviews and I've written and re-written this review a couple of times before walking away and coming back again. I really want to rant, I really want to praise, I really just want to stalk amazon and poke at Lizzy's assistants, publishers, amazon, and anyone that could possibly sneak me more on this story in any way possible.

Obviously, this book revolves around voodoo, the culture, the traditions, the legends. An urban gang named Loa Ogoun, after the god, formed after Hurricane Katrina to help protect and preserve the families of voodoo. There are four original families, three of whom still reside in New Orleans: Dubois, Touissant, and Igbos. The return of the fourth family is prophesied and with that return can come great evil.

Adrienne St Croix has won a scholarship to a prestigious school in New Orleans. She moves from Atlanta, Georgia to New Orleans to live with her father so she may attend this school. Jayden Washington is the hot quarterback, son of the rich “black Steve Jobs.” As Jayden starts school, his father reveals a secret family history to him. A burden, really.

Of COURSE you know that Adrienne and Jayden are bound to cross paths. She’s petite, pretty, and gifted with a marvelous voice and Jayden is the jock of the school, revered and desired.
I am fascinated by magical tales, voodoo, paranormal, etc. This was no different. Voodoo is especially fascinating for as much as is revealed and reported, there is so much more that is swept under the rug, hidden behind locked doors, and only passed down from family to family.

Even when you have multiple families working to preserve their ways, they withhold information from one another as you see Marie Touissant do from Candace Igbos. I am probably going to be the only one to say this, but…

I DID NOT LIKE JAYDEN WASHINGTON. There are characters in this book that I just couldn’t stand. I don’t know if it’s because I come from a more privileged (although not like Jayden’s) background than Adrienne does, but her father was REVOLTING. (And by privileged, I mean I have 2 parents who love me and when I was a kid, I was not given adult responsibilities like help me pay the rent!) I don’t see how any parent treats their kid that way! She’s not even an adult and she’s paying her own way?! I understand chipping in because times are hard and you want to ease the burden on your parents. I do. But then he turns around and chastises her with thoughtless, jerk statements like “that fancy puffed cereal you like ain’t free.”
Okay, so that’s her dad. But I didn’t like Jayden for the SAME reasons. Firstly, while his Uncle Tommy’s comments are messed up, Jayden has no love or respect for his grandmother. He dismisses her as crazy with her “voodoo” crap. You know, my grandmother was very superstitious as well and I never dismissed it. You, kid, are a rude, insufferable jackass. Then, he is thinking about how attracted he is to Adrienne, but since she’s poor and his daddy is rich, “can’t be anything serious between us but I wanna have a little fun and won’t be told I can’t by anyone!” You typical jerk male. UGH! *slaps him*

I also didn’t like him for lying to Adrienne, not warning her of the malicious intent from Kimmie (that selfish, vicious COW) that he KNEW about well ahead of time (he could have WARNED Adrienne!!!!), and then he is dismissive towards her as well, after asking for a tarot reading and dismissing it TO HER FACE as “a card trick.” ARE YOU KIDDING ME? And she is STILL fawning over him? No. Just no.

No amount of money makes this kid worthwhile. Besides, he’s 17. It’s not his money anyway. It’s his father’s! Just because the dad is rich doesn’t mean this kid will be. The dad could leave it all to charity or his sisters. Not that Adrienne really thinks about his money; she’s bowled over by his handsome looks. She does think about it, but not in a money-grubbing, gold-digging way. Still, I’d rather she choose Rene, who is very what-you-see-is-what-you-get. I want Adrienne to be with Rene. Rene is rough on the outside, but gooey on the inside. He has this strict street code he sticks to that I find honorable and admirable. Jayden better be doing a whole lot of self-sacrificing, heroic, white knight on a fiery steed kind of crap in the upcoming books if she is going to choose him. (Are you listening to me, Adrienne? So far the one who is looking out for you and cares if you end up in a ditch isn’t Jayden; it’s Rene!)

Adrienne has to face some hard truths about the sister whose disappearance she is looking into. She already knew that Therese had crossed the line into black magic (blood magic) and its evil ways, but she didn’t know just HOW much. And oh look…another betrayal from someone that is supposed to be on her side. How is she ever going to learn to trust the right person? While I pitied her, I was also frustrated with her on this point.

The story is twists and twines and reaches faaaaaaaaar back into the past and messes with the present. And you just KNOW that the resolution should lie with the Chosen, the Devil, and the Warrior. And you THINK you know who is who, but then…you’re wrong. Or are you?!
So as I’m getting all revved up, CLIFFHAAAAAAAAANGER. Major things happen and then no matter how hard I was tapping on my kindle, it stubbornly remained at 100%. I can’t…I can’t even.
Hi, my name is Tiffany and I’m officially a LizzyFord-addict. There is no cure.

[Patrí · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cursed is good. I enjoyed everything about it. Well, maybe I got annoyed a little but that's just me. I get annoyed a lot. I don't know much about voodoo, aside from what I've seen in movies and tv shows. So I don't know if the Voodoo part of this book is accurate or almost.


The main plot is so freaking exciting!
The first chapter is really confusing. Though, once you get to the next and the next chapters, the excitement builds up. The chapters are from different characters point of view. And while I love that I know what's happening there and here, I wish the author could've divided the long chapters.

If you take out the Voodoo part of Cursed, we'll end up with a story similar to Korean Dramas. I just can't help but compare the non-Voodoo elements of the book to The Heirs and Boys Over Flowers, both are Korean Teen Dramas.

We have the very handsome and very rich Mr. Popular, main love interest of the poor girl. Check. The poor girl who gets a scholarship to the most prestigious school in the area. Check. Someone who is in the bottom of the high school chain befriends the poor girl. Check. A very determined ex-girlfriend, and will make sure the poor girl's life is miserable. Check. Mr Popular has a sister who likes the poor girl. Check. And lastly, the second male lead. The guy who will do everything for the poor girl. But she will end up friendzoning him. Check! Check! Check! That's all in the book folks.

But there's more to Cursed than it's cliche high school drama. Adrienne wants to be a famous singer. If a school full of rich kids can help her, then she would go there even when they treat her indifferently. She also went back to find out more about her sister's disappearance. She started getting notes from unknown sources. When she bumped into Jax, a mysterious man who knows about her sister, she knows that she needs to dig deep for the truth. And she found about a curse...not just one, but three curses, for three wrongdoings, for the three families involve.


Characters are great...when they're dynamic .
I don't like how confusing and inconsistent the characters are. Like one minute they're strong and tough, the next they're okay with people dragging them down or bring their walls down.

"She even looked like an angel: A petite blonde with porcelain skin and eyes so green, he saw the color clearly from across the room. Her features were delicate and defined, her skin tanned from the summer."

Adrienne, the Chosen. I find her likeable enough. I wish she was stronger though. Aside from wanting to be a famous singer, so she can provided for her family, Adrienne also wants to know the truth about her sister Therese's disappearance five years ago. She is stupid most of the time. Girl, do you even know common sense? But when she picks up her cards and do readings, she seems like a different person. Towards the end she makes rash decisions that really turned the story exciting.

“I wasn’t the one who hit her!” Rene, the young man with blue-green eyes, retorted. “This stupid girl walked into our territory like she owned that shit. Besides, police won’t touch me.”

Rene, the Warrior. Rene is so freaking *swoon* awesome! I like guys WHO MAKE AN EFFORT. Not just who say they will. Rene is a gang member who always ends protecting Adrienne. He's no sweet. He ain't a jerk though. He has duties and he makes sure he does them. Fortunately, it includes protecting Adrienne. He helps her with her Voodoo transaction. And does favors for her. Adrienne is so freaking lucky. *rolls eyes*

And oh bad boys know humour too.

“So, what? I’m your girlfriend, and he’s your boyfriend? I get to know your secrets and he gets what? A fake you?”

"His skin was the color of milk chocolate, his eyes warm brown. He reminded her of a magazine cover model with chiseled features, large eyes, and an athletic frame pressed against hers that was muscular and warm. Even before he flashed a huge smile, his charisma was apparent in his confident, sparkling gaze."

Jayden, the Devil. Devil as in trapped. Not evil. Or maybe not? Jayden is so effing 2D! He likes Adrienne but doesn't even do anything to prove it. What effs me off is Adrienne has fallen in love with him. Already! He's sweet, rich, popular, smart, handsome...OMFG HE IS PERFECT. And it's not good. He's a flat character.




No book is without little romance.
I'm glad this is not freaking HIS EYES OH HIS EYES, THAT LIPS OH THAT PUCKERED LIPS, I WANNA KISS EM. Although there were... like that. But it wasn't all over the book. And romance plays a role in the plot. I'm glad that hormones didn't possess every character.

I already know which characters I want to end up together. Rene and Adrienne. Though there's a 78% chance they won't end up together. So I'm crossing my fingers and praying to the Voodoo gods to align the freaking stars, and let my ship sail.


Great, great, great, awesome!
I like the Voodoo elements in this book, and the turns of events. It's slow in the beginning but when the plot started picking up it got fast. Secrets were pouring out of everyone's lives.





Highly recommended to everyone who likes paranormal.

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5*s
Cursed is the first book in the new ‘Voodoo Nights’ series and as all voodoo related books should be…is set in New Orleans. The synopsis is very accurate and describes the book perfectly as we join Atlanta native Adrienne, who having gained a scholarship to a prestigious school for rich kids is going to live with her father in a run down area. Being there brings more curiosity out about her sister who went missing five years ago and is presumed dead, strange things start happening to Addy, she receives messages in her room, her sister’s journal appears from nowhere and she is marked. Over the richer part of town, Jordan has the world at his feet and is seemingly destined for big things, with a foot in both the elite & poor societies he rejects everything supernatural, feeling it was his mother’s downfall and that his maternal family are ‘backwards’ but he’s about to get a shock when Addy shows up and he is forced to re-evaluate his beliefs particularly when his father lays a heavy burden upon him. Jordan isn’t the only one interested in Addy though & whilst some will protect her, some need her for more sinister reasons – will Addy learn who to trust? They don’t know it yet but all of their lives are entwined by decisions their ancestors have made and a curse forged in the worst kind of magic hangs over all of their heads…. Will they be the ones to break it?
I really liked Cursed, I don’t read a lot of books steeped in the voodoo religion so I’m always interested in reading new things and I thought that it added a mystical & spooky element to the book. The beginning of the book was quite slow for me as we are introduced to the characters and their way of life, explanations of the magic & rituals, how they spoke to spirits etc. and whilst I normally like a faster pacing, it was never boring… it intrigued me & totally piqued my curiosity which in turn kept me reading. As I got involved with the characters & their world I was absorbed into the story, wanting answers, needing to know what was going on, feeling the ever present threat of ‘the Red Man’. For this being YA it was a pretty dark read, the only lightness to it was when they were at school and usual teenage behaviour was at play – bitchy cheerleaders, jocks, cliques, snottiness, jealousy – but that didn’t take over the book & didn’t define it. The culture was the defining factor, the Voodoo, the history, the curse and a prophecy which isn’t really touched upon but we know from the start that it revolves around our lead characters and they can be the ones to change it. It was dark, mysterious, spooky & slightly scary, one character in particular comes to mind as being a bit sinister and it’s hard to know who to trust but I like that, I liked all off it and you could really feel the atmosphere of the story too which is rare for me. My only grumble is that I was surprised at the amount of bigotry between some of the characters…. Addy’s father told her not to date anyone darker than her! Jordan’s Grandmother told him to stay away from the ‘white zombie’, Jordan’s father disapproves of him dating anyone ‘beneath him’, Jordan’s uncle doesn’t think he’s dark enough !…. Seriously?? Does this sh*t still happen? How about letting your kids be happy regardless? (sore point with me, I hate people being judged on race or circumstances) they weren’t even ashamed to show it either grrr. Never the less, this was a great read and left us with a big cliffhanger but definitely looking forward to more.

[Samantha (ColdTeaAndCrumbs) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cursed was the perfect story as I’m interested and intrigued in everything New Orleans at the moment after reading other amazing books set there as well as my two favourite tv shows – The Originals and American Horror Story: Coven. I was really looking forward to reading this story after the compelling synopsis and I was in awe - I loved this book!

The story of Cursed is told from multiple character point of views (POVs):

1. Adrienne – The new girl in town.
Adrienne has come to New Orleans to live with her Dad after receiving a scholarship at a local school due to her gifted singing voice. Adrienne’s not only in town to study though as 5 years ago her sister disappeared and her body was never found. Set on investigating what really happened to her sister, Adrienne starts to ask around but when a creepy man wearing red keeps popping up and gives off a voodoo aura, Adrienne is scared of what she may uncover and starts to discover her sister wasn't the good girl that everyone thought she was.

2. Jayden – Star quarterback with a Voodoo family he wish he could avoid.
Jayden is oldest child of his divorced family and is stuck in the middle playing messenger between his alcoholic, drug-addict mother and his Bill Gates wannabe Dad. Jayden just wants a ‘normal’ life and likes to avoid his mother’s voodoo magic family at all costs. When his dad presents him with a skeleton key from his Dad’s family’s past though, Jayden realises that he can’t outrun his voodoo heritage and must confront the destiny the cards have set. When Adrienne turns up at school, Jayden is instantly attracted to her and her magical voice – much to the annoyance of his ex-girlfriend Kimmie – and Adrienne’s reluctance to date Jayden just intrigues him more. However, the pair have more than attraction aiding the their pull towards each other.

3. Jax – Head voodoo gang member.
Jax and his gang are responsible for keeping the areas of New Orleans, which the cops wouldn't dare venture into, under control. Sometimes this means embracing the dark magic from his family’s history, other times it’s just simply causing physical harm to someone. Jax has a burden though as he was the lover to Adrienne’s sister, Theresa. For the last 5 years, Jax has worn a skeleton face to mourn her and he too is sure she isn't dead!

4. Marie Toussiant – POV in a couple of chapters only – Marie Toussiant is a descendant of one of the renowned voodoo families in New Orleans - she’s always Jayden’s grandmother. Marie’s ability has led her to ‘see’ what’s about to happen to her grandson and she wants to do anything she can to stop it. Marie knows the true story behind Jayden’s skeleton key and the link between the four New Orleans voodoo families but she’s not going to be sharing it anytime soon.

This book was just incredible. I loved the magical element to each character as well as the overall setting of New Orleans – I feel compelled to visit even more now! The story was complex and had me constantly guessing who the ‘Red Man’ character could be, what had happened to Adrienne’s sister as well as so many other elements to this continuously unraveling story. The twist near the end was also fantastic and as much as I hated the ending because of its abruptness (I didn't’t want it to end!), I also felt that it was the perfect ending and has drenched my appetite to read the next book in the series.

One of the best books I have read during 2013!

[✨Sarah✨ · Rating 2 out of 5]

So I give this hardly 2 Stars !

I had this on my TBR for a really long time, I guess for over 2 years (?)
The story sounded really good. Since I never read a book about some voodoo stuff.

Now to my dislikes :

1.) I don't like characters who can't decide a single thing on their own.
Addy always questioned every decision she was about to make.

2.) She's torn between two guys and she doesn't know who she likes more.
- So this is an "O.K." point. But starting to cry and be all whiny when a boy is suddenly with another girl (because of a curse, but still) then I don't understand why she acts like that. YOU DON'T EVEN DATE THAT DUDE GOOD MORNING !!!!

3.) I've found some mistakes throughout the book, it was a little confusing, because I had to look it up if it's a mistake or not. But yes, it was. Addy is originally from Atlanta and she moved to her Dad to New Orleans. But then, I guess it happend 3 or 4 times, the Author told us that Addy is going back home to NEW ORLEANS while she's in NEW ORLEANS.... uhm what?? I guess you mean Atlanta sweetheart ;) Sorry but, such a mistake - several times - throughout the book is just embarassing....

4.) The story is about Addy's sister Therese who "died", but in this book you don't exactly get to know why she died, how she died... no, this book is actually just a story about some girl who enters a Highschool for rich kids and she's the "swamp girl". It's like a typical teenage movie nowadays.
I'm still searching for the orginal meaning/story of this book. Cause what the synopsis said isn't in this book at all.

5.) TOO MANY QUESTIONS !! Every second sentence is a question.
A lot of people think that questiones make the story more exciting, but too much of them make the story just boring and annoying.

Overall this Story took way too long to get to its point. It's damn slow written and in my opinion this should be the last book of this Author, cause not everyone can write a book. It's better for us all....
So if you like a book about whiny Characters, mistakes in the story & writing, rich kids in Highschools... then this is for you!

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A spine tingling mystery that is just beginning....


Adrienne is finally coming home to New Orleans while preaparing to go to an elite school. However, when she returns to the place her sister disappeared from five years ago things get way out of hand. Not long after she arrives the mark of the curse appears on her and she fears she will fall victim to the same fate as her sister. This is a story full of mystery and magic a that will keep you on your toes and have you eager for more! I loved learning about the different types of voodoo and discovering all of the mysteries of the curse.


Adrienne is a strong and a courageous young girl, but even all of her courage might not be enough to save her from the curse. She meets Jayden and a mysterious man in a voodoo mask. Uncertain who she can trust she must work together with Jayden in order to prevent the dark prophecy from coming true. Her interactions with Jayden are interesting and funny at times. I really like these two together and felt that the really helped each other to grow.


Jayden doesn't believe in magic, but after meeting Adrienne he's not so sure. He was an interesting character that I had a great time getting to know. I can't wait to see more of him and Adrienne in future books.


For an exciting new series filled with magic and mystery check out "Cursed"!

[Corey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC Copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

I read this book not really knowing what it was about. Well I have to say it was definitely worth the surprise. It was fun reading a book that I knew nothing about. This book was filled with fun, suspense, action and a bit of romance. It was nice to read something though that was not a sex fest. This book was definitely a young adult paranormal book in my opinion. The only thing I did not like about this book, well 2 things really, was the main girl character. She is a bit wimpy in my opinion. I like a good strong lead female character and while this girl was strong in some ways, she was weak in many others. It did not take away from the book though. It just made you want to learn more about the others. The other thing I did not like was that it ended. I truly wish there was more to the book. I was definitely not ready for it to end and can't wait for the next in the series. Lizzy Ford has definitely done it again with yet another great series!

[Theresea Wasson · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/12 stars! I received this book free from the author in exchange for an honest review. Adrienne St. Croix, a young woman who's sister was murdered. Jayden Washington, a young man who's family harbors a dark secret past. Rene and Jax, brothers who run a gang that helps keep the projects safe. All linked together by the terrible curse of the Red Man that encompasses 4 families, and a prophecy concerning the "White Zombie" who's appearance mirrors Adrienne's.

Voodoo, dark magic, curses, a dark prophecy of "The White Zombie", romance. This book has it all! Lizzy Ford weaves a spell with this book that reaches right out and grabs you from the very beginning and by the end you are so engrossed in the story that the cliffhanger ending hits you right between the eyes. I am so waiting for the sequel to this book, and I hope that the author does not make her fans wait too long.

[Lex · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good. Though Addy is a bit frustrating. Why can't she put it all together? She just mentioned about Jay's dog tags but didn't piece it together that maybe it's because of that? *le sigh*

I was a bit skeptical about reading this one.. But after I read it, I liked it. The voodoo thingies in here are good. IT was well thought. The story even it's a bit confusing at first, is really good, in my opinion. The only thing I don't like is that heroine is a damsel-in-distress. LOL. But oh well, I liked it and I am so looking forward to the next one. Because it is just not right to end it like that. :P

Thumbs up for this one! :)

[Holly Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got to read this book for a reviewed :).
First off this book was amazing like all of lizzy fords books. Addy moved from atl to New Orleans to her fathers house because she got a scholarship to a school because she was an amazing singer. Addy read cards and believed voodoo . She spent the time trying to learn more about her sisters disappearance and about trying to break a curse. She started falling for a boy who's dad had money and he didn't believe in voodoo. The book took me a few chapters to get into but then I did not want to put it down. Hope u all enjoy

[GothicMom'S Reviewers · Rating 5 out of 5]

It can't possibly be easy for an author to write books involving pantheons or magical groups that are based upon religion. For the simple fact that without giving readers with no prior knowledge of certain aspects enough information where they can truly feel as though they know what is going on; too much where they begin to feel as though the story has turned into a history lesson, or too little where the story becomes lost in translation. Ford has taken that problem and mastered it!

Cursed takes placed in the Hoodoo Voodoo world that is New Orleans. Where four families are linked by a terrible curse placed upon their families due to their ancestors love, greed and disregard for the payment that is inevitable when dealing with black magic. Forgetting that the payment may not only be rendered only upon you, but on your loved ones for generations to come. The curse that has already claimed the lives of so many also leads to a dark prophecy. One that can only be prevented by four young people who will deny their destiny; one who denies that magic even exists, and rejects a huge part of his family for even believing in it, not realizing what power he may hold within himself. One, a member of a Voodoo gang, destined to be a Voodoo Warrior, trying so hard to remain tough and hardcore, doesn't even realize himself slipping into the role he was born for day by day. One with the voice of an angel, a connection with the spirits, that even though she has an incredible ear for music, doesn't quite listen to those spirits as well as she should.

Ford draws readers in with the compelling way of her writing. Keeping readers guessing what will happen from one page to the next and the motives behind each action; just when they think they have things figured out... And the end will leave readers clamoring to know when the next book will be coming out.

[Alisha · Rating 2 out of 5]

Seventeen year old Adrienne returns to New Orleans to live with her father, 5 years after her sister disappeared, and has been presumed dead ever since. Not long after her arrival, a strange mark appears on her.....the mark of the curse. The mark leaves her worried...there's a 400 year old curse on her family, one she should have been safe from if not for her sister trying to save herself, but the mark appears to disagree. Not to mention the serial killer stalking the streets....or the added danger of starting at the exclusive academy as a scholarship student.

Jayden is just about to start his senior year of school when he's given a family heirloom, passed from generation to generation, a skeleton key. The skeleton key is a gruesome reminder of how his ancestors betrayed their own people...selling them in to slavery and an often early death. Jayden doesn't buy in to the whole Voodoo thing that everyone seems to be obsessed with, including his ex-girlfriend who's trying every love spell she can get her hands on. Unbeknownst to Jayden the dog tags his grandma gave him are protecting him. Understandably, Jayden doesn't believe in the curse associated with the key and shoves it to the back of his drawer and mind. That is...until he meets Adrienne and is drawn to her for more than just her beauty.

Jayden isn't the only one who's noticed her. A man in a skeleton mask, who was involved romantically with her older sister before she went missing, is interested in her and her missing sisters diary. He's also up to something very sinister in order to get Adrienne's sister back. Voodoo gang member Rene is also drawn to Adrienne, and is determined to protect her. Adrienne is haunted by the Red Man, connected to the curse, and potentially a murderer?

Can they prevent the prophecy from coming true?

Cursed had a very interesting story and mystery with lots of intriguing threads, with the curse, the prophecy and the Red Man. There was so much intrigue which is one of the only things that kept me reading, and there was tonnes of danger surrounding the main characters and their relationships with each other which added a certain spice to the story.

I was surprised by all the twists and turns that managed to surprise me, and then the incredibly creepy parts as well. The story was told from Adrienne and Jayden's point of view with the occasional part being from Jax's which kept the story interesting and allowed you to see parts from different perspectives.

Things only really livened up by the second part of the book, which was when I found myself paying more attention before and wanting to carry on reading instead of feeling obligated to. The story ended on a cliffhanger, well built up for the second book. While the pace was patchy, the premise and the story and plot being woven was strong.

My issue is with the characters, as I'm well aware others have the same issue. I didn't connect with any of the characters, which makes reading quite difficult and takes the pleasure out of the story. Things kept happening to her, and when they weren't she was doing incredibly stupid things for no reason at all.

Then we have the dreaded Love Triangle. Well...it doesn't really warrant the dreaded part in cursed. Ford tried to create a love triangle, but it lacks any of the hallmarks of a truly great love triangle, not to mention that i'm scoffing while reading certain parts, like when she says "is it possible to be attracted to two guys?" because anyone can read this book and work out pretty quickly that Rene doesn't have a chance, even though he's the nicer of the two guys. It's the worst excuse for a love triangle I've ever read.

Jayden. Oh dear. Just oh dear. He's got the blandest personality there has ever been. He had no depth to him whatsoever, a cardboard cut out has more depth than this character did. He never managed to actually man up and do anything, he was such a pushover, and failed to defend Adrienne his supposed girlfriend. Not to mention the insta love vibe going on, I mean..he barely knows her and he's behaving like a prat.

Some of the wording and lines used I found incredibly ridiculous if not flat out rude. Some of the characters speech didn't match how they where the rest of the time, which was distracting and confusing. I felt like the cheerleaders being nasty to Adrienne where just in there out of obligation and stereotype, there was no real or decent reason for the pranking, it came across to me as added drama, that was really overdone and had no impact whatsoever on the reader other than an eyeroll.

I thought the gay comment didn't belong in the story, and just added to the jumbled vibe I got off of some of the dialogue and story, as well as the characters. It was so far away from the apparent message of the book and was quite unnecessary. I was however, openly disgusted when the author choose to have Jayden's sister use the line "I just got raped" as a way to get his attention. It came across like Ford was trying to be funny, but missed the mark horrendously. I felt uncomfortable more than once reading the book due to the authors choice of words, or attempt to be funny.

I don't think i'll be reading the second book, if it's on par with this one.

[Marsha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cursed by Lizzy Ford is a deep, dark look into the voodoo underworld. At its heart, it is a love story. A love story spanning, and cursing, many generations. But it is also about murder, mystery, and fear. A terrific way to begin a new series. I just love this stuff!

[Kaitlynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

So I thought this book was pretty interesting! I liked the voodoo aspect, and I thought it was fascinating. Though I was reading this at night, and I started to get a little creeped out lol. I just need to know when the next book comes out, because I'm totally invested in their well-being now

[Amanda G. (Nellie and Co. · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I decided to download Cursed off NetGalley, I thought I might have another 'great aspect, deflated story', as I did with the last pretty cover download I had, but boy was I wrong. Cursed was about so much more than Voodoo, destiny and fate drawing people together, and granted, while the first 100-120 pages was a physical struggle, the end result was absolutely fabulous, and I was was really really impressed. There were some parts I was disappointed on, ranging from characters to plot to the world, and yes, these things did great on me and they did frustrate me to the point of wanting to put this book down forever, but I stuck this book out, and believe me when I say, you get past the first third, it's definitely a good book.

I would first like to quickly mentioned how insanely gorgeous that cover is. I absolutely adore the various tones of blacks, greys and reds against the pale blonde lady, and I just find the design beautiful. It is really well relatable to the story and our characters, so top marks to the cover designers at Voodoo Nights HQ. Now, to the inside.

As I have already mentioned earlier, the first 100 pages were quite a drag, and I can only say that I was happy Ford had decided to write in the third person, or this book would have been left alone to rot. I really struggled to get past how, well, genuinely whiney and stroppy our main protagonist was and it got to a point where I was only managing 40-50 pages a night instead of 100, just because it was so difficult to not want to climb into the story, shake her and tell her to grow a backbone. Yet, once we'd gotten past those pages, all of the characters really started to improve, and which a great plot and storyline, I would only expect them too. I really enjoyed reading about how all of our characters were intertwined and related to one another, and I especially liked the contrast between 'houses', as it reminded a lot of another book series I really enjoyed, and overall, I was impressed. However, unlike my other reading endeavours I haven't got a preference for one of our MANY male characters, and so if Ford introducing a love triangle, or a much more obvious love triangle, I may not be impressed.

I believe that there is a fine line between giving a reader enough history of a religion or a belief, such as voodoo, and bombarding them with a short brief history lesson rather than a story, I think Ford reached a balance between the two very well. I felt like I was learning enough about these beliefs while it complemented the plot, and it never felt like it was heavy reading when I was being educated. Ford also had a knack for plot twists, and you wouldn't think you could fit that many into 246 pages but think again, because every time I thought I had something figured out, or saw something coming, I was wowed once more. There were so many twists and turns in this book, I wondered if I'd ever have an answers by the end, and if not, whether I would even want to continue with the series, but that my friends, is another story. I was hugely impressed with the storyline and how all the characters connected with one another, but that wasn't what took this book from good to great.

This book had much more than just voodoo priestess's and 'seeing the future', it covered a whole manner of subjects that most other books just don't cover, for example, the racism in this book. Now hear me out, I'm not saying this book is racist, as it most definitely isn't, but it covers the aspect so well, from both sides of the colour spectrum, and not once was I repulsed by the wording, nor offended and that's because Ford managed to wrap it up within the story so well, alongside that of a poorer families too. I was glad to find that she covered this too, as it helped reiterate the fact that some teenagers can't avoid to improve on their education because of their financial background, and it showed me, as a reader, that racism is still something that is out there, behind doors and in peoples beliefs, and I couldn't help but be impressed by these features.

Cursed was a fantastic read. The world was really good, if not maybe a little too described, the love aspect throughout, the voodoo education and the general ambiance of mystery and murder woven within was great. I was actually that enticed when reading the last 50 pages, I forgot to drink my tea, and it takes a good book to make me forget a cup of tea. I really really hope that they bring this wonderful book out in paperback so I can add it to my collection, and maybe even continue with the series, but even if this book doesn't come out, I would urge everyone to get themselves onto NetGalley and get yourself a Read Now download of Cursed. It's gripping, enticing, and you won't trust anyone easily ever again.

[Katarina Silva · Rating 5 out of 5]

For more Reviews visit: I dare you to!

How cool is this cover? It has the bad ass "I am going to jinx you" vibe all over it! And the snake? Hell yeah... I love those sneaky creatures! Cursed is all about the New Orleans mysticism and if you were curious about that mysterious town before, you are going to go crazy with this book by Lizzy Ford... Did I mentioned Lizzy Ford is a genius? Well, she is. She created a very spooky tale with some serious action and sweet romance.




I am speechless. I don't think I can express how much I liked this story with words... This is so awesome because it combines skeptics, black and white magic, charms and some serious undead sister. Hello! IF you haven't read this book go do it now! It's amazing, the way this story will consume you, it's like the book has a "like me" spell on it.

Jayden is the football golden boy, with a rich "white" daddy and a "black" mother who doesn't care enough about him. You can see where this is going... He's a dick, I can´t even described how much I disliked him. He was a skeptic and he was kind of good to the story and one of the main characters, but he was so naïve. I mean, if someone kept putting love spells on me I would have seriously freaked out, not ignored it. Everything that happened to him he had it coming, he practically begged for it. Not to mention he and Adrienne is just a "no way in hell" relationship because he doesn't deserve her! I loved the fact that he had a curse on him of the white zombie, it added some spookiness to his story and made him a bit more interesting.

That someone as strong and handsome as he might be interested in her. At least until he realized she was cursed.




Adrienne is so sweet. She's the scholarship student at a very private school. You can see where this is going as well... She's is lovely, seriously I could read about her all day because she's not naïve and actually is willing to die to save someone she cares about. She's loyal and did I mention the fact that she reads cards? That's totally Badass! She's constantly reading her cards during the book so it gives us a feeling to when something bad is happening and also gives us the connection for Jayden's and Adrienne's stories.

Rene is the second leader of the gang he was thrown in since he was a kid. He's the best character in here by far. He's mysterious yet without knowing and playing tough he will be the one to protect Adrienne and help her! I am strongly voting for him to have a very strong presence in the next book.

"What would you have done?"

"Messed up anyone who hurt you. Not let you run out into the city on your own. You a good girl. You need someone who sees that and treats you right. Obviously, he don't"�

Excuse me... All the freaking witches gave me Goosebumps. They were so well written and their spells so awesomely executed that It seriously spooked me. How often do you get that in a book?

This story is captivating and alluring. You will not be able to put it down. Lizzy Ford created a world of magic with loads of action that will captivate the skeptics in a heartbeat!

[Simone Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I received an Arc copy of this book for a honest review.

I must firstly say I am totally addicted to Lizzy Fords books, she has a magical style of writing that pulls you in from the first page, and leaves you shouting at your kindle for more by the last. I knew this first book in the Voodoo Nights series would be no different!! If you have never read a book from Lizzy before you will not know the feeling you get when you start that first page. Your mind slips away from your surroundings to transporting you to a new world that she has created, its like watching a movie inside your head, as the characters and setting start to take form!! I must also mention that Lizzy is the queen of amazing covers for her books, and this cover is absolutely stunning, makes me want to read it on that alone. I so want to delve into that awesome head of Lizzy Ford and stay there forever.

This story is a lot more darker than other books I have read from Lizzy and also was a little slower paced, but loved the introduction to each character, while the story started to take on its eerie form.

The Red Man is coming ...

This first book in this series takes us into the world revolved around voodoo, their culture, the traditions, and legends. An urban gang named Loa Ogoun, after the god, formed after Hurricane Katrina to help protect and preserve the families of voodoo. There are four original families, three of whom still reside in New Orleans: Dubois, Touissant, and Igbos. This is now where the story starts, the return of the fourth family is prophesied and with that return can come great evil and destruction.

This is when we are introduced to Adrienne who bares the mark of the curse shortly after arrives back to New Orleans. Even though I did find her a bit whiney at times I found her toughening up as the story carried on wanting to protect her family and friends, while trying to find a way to stop the curse. Adrienne embraces her family's voodoo beliefs and also reads peoples card as a side line as she has a gift to ask old spirits to help read people's futures. Jayden is the complete opposite, he has no interest in his mum's side of the family, he distances himself from them and their voodoo beliefs. He want to concentrate on school while having fun at the same time. This is until he hears a voice of an angel with a face to match, this is when he is drawn into a world he wants no part off, but is pulled into by his desire to get to know Adrienne.

Jayden is not the only one who fixes his sights on Adrienne, Rene is a gang member who finds out he is Adrienne's protector. While Jayden is very sweet, good looking and thoughtful, Rene is mean, mad and moody and damn sexy! To be honest Rene appealed to me more, as he was ready to fight and protect Adrienne and seemed mentally and physically strong!! (my kinda man). I love that every character in this story has a part to play, so like all of Lizzy Ford books make sure you pay attention to each character, or you could find yourself getting confused and lost, as Lizzy's stories always have unexpected twists and turns this one is no exception.

Cursed sets firm foundations to this series, which I would expect nothing less from Lizzy Ford!! I soooo want this book in paperback as I have fallen in love with the cover. Oh and one more thing this book ends on a major CLIFFHANGER!!! Typical Lizzy style!!!! So as always I'm left hanging with so many unanswered questions and wanting to know more about the story and characters. Hurry up Lizzy don't leave me hanging to long!!

[Miranda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book immediately intrigued me when I saw the cover, and I knew I had to read this book. Voodoo is a part of the paranormal genre that I do not read a lot, but this book made me think I should try and read more stories about voodoo! From the first page of the book, I was hooked to this story. The elements of voodoo and mystery were enough to keep me up all night long because I needed to know what would happen next. This book also had some romance, which made me very happy. The romance in this book was sweet; definitely a tame YA romance. I liked the sweetest of the romance in this book; it was refreshing.

I really liked the main character of this book, Adrienne. She was a sweet and caring girl. I felt like her character was believable and easy to relate to. She was never selfish or dumb, which I appreciated a lot! Some people might think she is weak, but I think differently. I think she is just an average girl, like most of us, who gets dragged into a world full of curses and black magic. Adrienne does not go out and kick butt, however, I do not think that means she is weak. She stands up for what she thinks is right, and does whatever she can to protect the people she cares about. What is so weak about that?

Now, I get to talk about Rene. Rene is a gang member who is always cleaning up after his brother, Jax. Rene is so sweet and caring that I could not help but fall in love with him. He has his moments when he was a jerk, but he had reasoning for acting that way. I always forgave him. Rene was always going out of his way to protect Adrienne, and helped her whenever he could. Rene and Adrienne do not end up together, but I sense there might be a love triangle in the future between them and Jayden. I am not sure how I feel about a love triangle, but I guess we will have to wait and see how the next book plays out!

Oh, Jayden. I love Jayden. He seemed like the ideal perfect guy. He was charming, athletic, gorgeous, smart, caring, and rich. Jayden sounds like he has no flaws. That kind of bugged me a little, he almost seemed too perfect at times, if that makes sense. However, I still love his character, and his relationship with Adrienne. The romance between Adrienne and Jayden was sweet and well paced. I liked that the romance added to the storyline of the book, but it was not the entire theme of the book. I really cannot wait to see the relationship with Adrienne and Jayden to blossom in the next book.

"He held her gaze, and a new kind of warmth bloomed within her, one that started at the base of her belly and spread throughout her body, making her feel fevered. Jayden lowered his head to hers, hesitated, and then planted his lips lightly on hers. "

One thing that bugged me in the book was that all the characters used double negatives when they spoke. It drove me insane! I guess that might be common in the area of New Orleans that this book takes place, but it still made me angry. Other than that, I really did enjoy this book. The plot was interesting, and I liked all the characters in the book. The book ended on a cliffhanger that kept making me click my e-reader in hopes that there were more pages to the book. Now I am anxiously awaiting the sequel to this book because I cannot wait to see what happens to Adrienne and her friends.

Cliffhanger: Yes

4 / 5 Fangs

MrsDaemon

MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It
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[Tracy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book for free as an eARC in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

My Review~

I can’t wait until this book is released, I really hope you all like it as much as I did. I almost didn’t want to finish this because it seemed like a slow start but the weather is bad and I did just finish a really fast paced book, so I pressed on. I wanted to read the whole book and give it a chance, hoping it was outside factors that made me feel this way and I’m glad I finished the book. I actually finished it in about a day and a half I got so into it. It probably helps that it takes places in New Orleans and has talk of Voodoo throughout it which I’ve always found both intriguing.

The story starts out with Adrienne, she won a scholarship to attend a highly esteemed school thanks to her angelic singing voice. She heads to New Orleans to move in with father, who still hasn’t quite recovered from the loss of her sister. Shortly after arriving New Orleans a mark appears on her. She’s confused and worried as the tale of a 400 year old family curse becomes the center of her life along with finding out what happened to her sister.

On Adrienne’s first day of school she bumps into Jayden, school quarterback and hottest boy on campus. Jayden is struck by Adrienne but can’t figure out why. Jayden also learned of a family curse on his side the night before that involves a skeleton key and a history his father wants kept hidden.

Both Adrienne and Jayden are from divorced families with their mother’s family rooted firmly in the beliefs of Voodoo while they’re father’s, not so much. Adrienne is a believer and works as a psychic to help her father out while Jayden thinks Voodoo is pure nonsense. Little do they know they are both part of the original four families of Voodoo. Was it fate their paths crossed?

Adrienne keeps getting messages from someone or something in regards to her sister and someone even delivers her sisters journal to her as well. She tries to piece together the info contained in the diary to no avail as it isn’t in any language to her knowledge. She is almost haunted by the consistent drawings of the Red Man in the diary. Who is? What does it mean?

At one point she thinks she’s found the Red Man or someone who might know her sister, he’s a gang member named Rene. Rene warns her repeatedly not to walk around alone in this part of town and doesn’t tell her much about her sister. They keep running into each other over and over and Rene keeps walking her home safely. Rene is told by others he is destined for great things but doesn’t see it. Is he to play a part in all that is going on with the story being weaved regarding the original four families of Voodoo?

The end is not your typical ending, I’ll warn you now. It’s like some sort of cliffhanger from hell and you have to wait for book two find out what happens. The last part of the last chapter moves really fast and will leave you wondering what the hell just happened. I would definitely recommend this book if you are into this genre and Voodoo mixed in doesn’t bother you. I have already purchased another book by Lizzy Ford which I’ll review next month.

[Jenea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Voodoo and all the traditions are something that I can’t help but to be curious about, and given the chance to read about it too, how could I not pick this one up. Cursed is the first installment in the Voodoo Night series. It is about Adrienne, who has been given a scholarship to attend a school in the south, which she takes because this will give her the chance to find out what really happened to her sister, the problem is, it brings heartache and family secrets to light.

The two main characters, Adrienne and Jayden both come from families that practice voodoo. Adrienne has accepted and embraces her heritage, and I liked Adrienne from the start. She has a determination about her that I found to be admirable and her strength along the way to find the truth about her sister’s disappearance is what me like her even more. She doesn’t fit all that well, but she makes the best of it. Jayden on the other hand, was the popular football player, but seemed to be a down to earth kinda guy, and wishes the whole Voodoo thing would all go away and he never had to hear about it again. That’s not going to happen though. There is a connection between him and Adrienne even they are so different from each other, it was nice to have, but I’m glad that it didn’t take over the story as a whole. Now there are so many other characters that played such big part in all of this, and enjoyed them all.

The plot centers around the voodoo culture, the traditions and the curses that sometimes happen to those who practice and their families. And even if you don’t know much about Voodoo, Ford give enough information given you won’t be lost at all. And, I love the setting being New Orleans, it is such a fascinating place and just perfect for the story. On to the curse, it is not just a curse that has followed Adrienne’s family for centuries but Jayden’s and a couple other ones as well, and was interesting to see how they intertwined in someway or another. These families keep secrets that they pass down from one generation to the next, and they hold them closely. Add in the haunting and mysterious Red Man, who has been killing for years and you have a eerie mystery, but who the Red Man could possibly be was the most intriguing part of this. I will warn you, that this ends on a killer cliffhanger and pretty much left me yelling at the book, but it was so good too. I can’t wait for the next book, Chosen, which will sometime in May.

Cursed takes you on a thrilling ride through voodoo traditions and curses with a mystery that keeps you turning the pages, and was a fantastic beginning to a new series.

For more review, check out For more of reviews, visit Book Live Forever

[Merisha28 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cursed by Lizzy Ford
ebook, 246 pages
Expected publication: November 17th 2013 by Evatopia Press
ISBN13-5269875691291
Voodoo Nights #1

I received this ARC in Exchange for a honest unbiased review~

My Review~~

OH MY!!! What a read! WOW! I'm completely ignorant in the world of New Orleans religion of Hoodoo and Voodoo. This book is amazing. You get enough info where you understand the story and what an amazing story it is! I'm giddy with happiness at finding another amazing book!! The book has undercurrents of New Orleans religion, curses, love, betrayal, murder, suspense, action, and humor. All my favorite elements wrapped up in one dynamic book. This is one of my favorite books by this author and I can't wait to see what she has in store for Addy, Jayden, and Rene! I'm going to be in agony while I await the next book in this series. The plot, twists, storyline, and cliffhanger of an ending is killer! I had to re-read it again and again because I could not believe that is where it stops until the next book. By time you finish this book you will be doubting the things that you know about alot of the characters because you see sides that where hidden. I love the mystery behind it all! I absolutely adore the characters in Jayden, Tara, Addy, and Renee. I have to say I love Jayden and Renee. They are like two sides of a coin. One is a good guy and the other is a bad boy persona. I love the banter between the characters and I love the descriptive background and scenes. What will happen next? Will more innocent get hurt? Will Jax come to his senses? Will Grandmama Toussaint's vision come true? Will the Red Man claim Adrienne?




Goodreads Book Description~
The Red Man is coming ...

Five years after her sister disappeared, seventeen-year-old Adrienne finds the strength to return to her father’s home in New Orleans. But soon after she arrives, the mark of a curse appears on her, leaving her worried. Will she be the next victim of a four-hundred-year old family curse ... the next to be claimed by a serial killer roaming the back alleys of the city?

The day before his senior year begins, Jayden is given a skeleton key passed down through his family for generations -- a gruesome reminder of how his ancestors betrayed their own people and sold them into slavery. He doesn’t believe in the curse the key allegedly bears and puts it away with the intention of forgetting about its message. Until he meets Adrienne, a girl he’s compelled to for more reasons than her beauty.

He’s not the only one who notices her. A man in a skeleton mask and a voodoo gang member are also drawn to Adrienne. One is determined to protect her. The other intends to mislead her. Haunted by the mythical Red Man, all are connected to the ancient curse.

Can they overcome their misgivings about one another and prevent the dark prophecy looming over them? Or will they be lured away from each other by evil’s siren song?

[Nicole Rogers · Rating 4 out of 5]

As you all can probably tell I am a huge Lizzy Ford fan/addict, I will read each every and all of her books. My favorite thing about reading her books is you never know where she is going to take you and she did not disappoint with this book. The cover alone is enough to make you want to read this book.

I went with 4 stars for one main reason and then a few small reasons. The main issue I had was unlike any of Lizzy's other books it took me until about Chapter 5 before I felt invested in the story. What made this difficult was there are a lot of characters and many different secrets and beliefs and at first you are not prepared for them. Once you grip the storyline you will fall in love with the characters and become super intrigued by the whole "voodoo" belief.

The story surrounds a curse from many generations past and it is all coming down to Addy and Jayden in making things right. Unfortunately there are people trying to keep this from happening, mainly it’s the southern lifestyles and stereotypes that are harming these two characters from figuring out what is going on. Addy is from the wrong side of the tracks who has moved to New Orleans to live with her father so she can attend a private school and receive coaching of her singing. Jayden is a young man who was born with a silver spoon in his mouth but at the same time his mother came from the wrong side of the tracks.

Addy's has a firm belief and respect for the "voodoo religion", while Jayden is driven to distractions and embarrassment by his mother's families belief in "voodoo". Addy and Jayden are drawn together even though her father has forbidden the relationship as well as Jayden is keeping Addy a secret from his father. Then you have Jayden's crazy ex-Kimmie who I promise you will want to punch before the end of the book and quite possibly want to strangle by the last page.

You get to met Jax who is scary as all heck, but once you start to learn more about his story you see that he is a man that has lost something/someone that means everything to him. Jax's character is very confused and I am looking forward to seeing where the story is going to take him. Then there is Rene who is Jax's younger brother and I would call him the reluctant warrior. Rene is also going to be another character I can't wait to see what happens as the story continues to unroll.

There really is a lot that happens in this book, I promise by the time you finish you are going to be dying to know what is going to happen to all of these characters. Lizzy did a wonderful job in exploring this new topic. If you like a little bit of dark mystery with a side of who will save who and who will end up with who this is definitely a book for you.