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The Cure of Us
A sapphic urban paranormal romance that will pull at your heartstrings…
In Eastbourne Hills, where power and secrets collide, Sage Washington must navigate a delicate balance of loyalty, love, and destiny. Tasked with proving herself to her father, a formidable cartel kingpin, Sage accepts a tumultuous mission that brings her into the orbit of Portia Denzel —the reckless daughter of the Vampire Society’s Chief Elder. Bound by a fragile alliance between their families, Sage and Portia are thrust into a world where trust is scarce and danger lurks at every corner.
In a city where vampires and humans teeter on the brink of conflict, their forbidden connection threatens to unravel the fragile truce between their worlds. Can Sage and Portia heal from their pasts and defy the forces pulling them apart, or will their bond be the ultimate risk?
The Cure of Us is a gripping tale of forbidden love, where humanity and immortality collide, and the power to heal lies in the courage to trust and forgive. Monique Goode’s debut novel launches the Blood Money series an electrifying saga of crime, supernatural intrigue, and passion that defies the odds.
In Eastbourne Hills, where power and secrets collide, Sage Washington must navigate a delicate balance of loyalty, love, and destiny. Tasked with proving herself to her father, a formidable cartel kingpin, Sage accepts a tumultuous mission that brings her into the orbit of Portia Denzel —the reckless daughter of the Vampire Society’s Chief Elder. Bound by a fragile alliance between their families, Sage and Portia are thrust into a world where trust is scarce and danger lurks at every corner.
In a city where vampires and humans teeter on the brink of conflict, their forbidden connection threatens to unravel the fragile truce between their worlds. Can Sage and Portia heal from their pasts and defy the forces pulling them apart, or will their bond be the ultimate risk?
The Cure of Us is a gripping tale of forbidden love, where humanity and immortality collide, and the power to heal lies in the courage to trust and forgive. Monique Goode’s debut novel launches the Blood Money series an electrifying saga of crime, supernatural intrigue, and passion that defies the odds.
180 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 31, 2025
44 people are currently reading
78 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
July 9, 2025
2,5
I had different expectations for this book...
I had different expectations for this book...
August 1, 2025
enjoyed
Storyline/plot: unique sapphic (vampire/human) urban romance with a lot of queer representation overall.
Chemistry: It was unique in the fact that it wasn’t immediate. Nor was there an “exact moment” you felt it. It was cultivated. Definitely something you felt grow increasingly overtime until it suddenly became powerful.
Spice: the spicy scenes were indeed spicy.
Pacing: steady Drama: it was a lot going on but everything played well into the storyline for both the book and as a series starter.
I am definitely ready to read more about Salem because him as a side character piqued my interest.
———
Now, let’s code switch the review tone:
Putting on my glasses for a more professional approach 🤓🤓🤓
⬇️
I really enjoyed this well written series starter. The world building and the character development was done really well.
———
“pen game 🔏✅” moment:
- I love the cliffhanger the author chose to use.
Often times, books end with you “needing to know” what happens next. I do enjoy those moments.
However, I also appreciate the moments when an author leaves you with intrigue for the next installment rather than the need for one.
————
Thoroughly enjoyed and would definitely recommend this book.
Please keep in mind that this is Book 1. I don’t know when the next book will be released…
Storyline/plot: unique sapphic (vampire/human) urban romance with a lot of queer representation overall.
Chemistry: It was unique in the fact that it wasn’t immediate. Nor was there an “exact moment” you felt it. It was cultivated. Definitely something you felt grow increasingly overtime until it suddenly became powerful.
Spice: the spicy scenes were indeed spicy.
Pacing: steady Drama: it was a lot going on but everything played well into the storyline for both the book and as a series starter.
I am definitely ready to read more about Salem because him as a side character piqued my interest.
———
Now, let’s code switch the review tone:
Putting on my glasses for a more professional approach 🤓🤓🤓
⬇️
I really enjoyed this well written series starter. The world building and the character development was done really well.
———
“pen game 🔏✅” moment:
- I love the cliffhanger the author chose to use.
Often times, books end with you “needing to know” what happens next. I do enjoy those moments.
However, I also appreciate the moments when an author leaves you with intrigue for the next installment rather than the need for one.
————
Thoroughly enjoyed and would definitely recommend this book.
Please keep in mind that this is Book 1. I don’t know when the next book will be released…
November 9, 2025
This book was good, but it had so much potential to be great.
We learn early on that the vampires are going without blood because there’s a virus infecting the humans, which is fatal and life-threatening to the vamps. Because of this, the vampires make a deal with the mafia who has their own blood supply organization.
Time moves forward and a romance sparks amongst a vampire and member of the mafia; however, there is no real risk. There is no beef between the families. There’s no one against it. It doesn’t read as forbidden.
The paranormal aspect is not touched on enough. The virus is not touched on enough. Throughout the book, risk is not present, so it turns primarily into a romance story.
The LGBTQ+ representation happens in the middle of the book, making it a slow build up.
The good aspects:
Healthy family relationships.
Domestic violence, grief, and alcoholism were integrated in an educating way. The families were hands on in finding ways to support those battling issues.
Mental health and healing were delivered well.
The instalove & close proximity worked for me.
LGBTQ+ representation.
We learn early on that the vampires are going without blood because there’s a virus infecting the humans, which is fatal and life-threatening to the vamps. Because of this, the vampires make a deal with the mafia who has their own blood supply organization.
Time moves forward and a romance sparks amongst a vampire and member of the mafia; however, there is no real risk. There is no beef between the families. There’s no one against it. It doesn’t read as forbidden.
The paranormal aspect is not touched on enough. The virus is not touched on enough. Throughout the book, risk is not present, so it turns primarily into a romance story.
The LGBTQ+ representation happens in the middle of the book, making it a slow build up.
The good aspects:
Healthy family relationships.
Domestic violence, grief, and alcoholism were integrated in an educating way. The families were hands on in finding ways to support those battling issues.
Mental health and healing were delivered well.
The instalove & close proximity worked for me.
LGBTQ+ representation.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 7, 2025
Portia and Sage spend time doing tug of war in this story. That line is cute, but mannnn if I didn't want them to go ahead and forget about the side that's saying no, let's go with y'all saying yes. Portia does end up in Sage's bed though so tug of war winner has been declared 😛
Vampires, a widespread disease (that reminds me of COVID), and crime organization. Whew.
Monique Goode, you have arrived at your publication month and I thank you for the ARC!
Vampires, a widespread disease (that reminds me of COVID), and crime organization. Whew.
Monique Goode, you have arrived at your publication month and I thank you for the ARC!
November 9, 2025
Black.
Sapphic.
Vampires.
Blood desires.
Spice.
Mafia vibes.
& Violence.
I knew this novella was going to be good!
I enjoyed the grief representation & the journey with alcoholism and sobriety. The family dynamics were interesting.
Overall, the story was underwhelming.
It moved at a slow pace, which is off putting for a novella. The tropes missed the mark for me too. The forbidden love and paranormal moments were barely referenced. It also took awhile for the book to get sapphic. The book centers a virus which is the layout for the storyline but it became about something else entirely.
Unfortunately, I will not be continuing with this series.
Sapphic.
Vampires.
Blood desires.
Spice.
Mafia vibes.
& Violence.
I knew this novella was going to be good!
I enjoyed the grief representation & the journey with alcoholism and sobriety. The family dynamics were interesting.
Overall, the story was underwhelming.
It moved at a slow pace, which is off putting for a novella. The tropes missed the mark for me too. The forbidden love and paranormal moments were barely referenced. It also took awhile for the book to get sapphic. The book centers a virus which is the layout for the storyline but it became about something else entirely.
Unfortunately, I will not be continuing with this series.
April 3, 2025
Black sapphic vampires…yes, please!
I’ve been excited to read this book since I first heard about it a few months ago. Back in December, I read my first Black paranormal romance and I’ve been hooked ever since so to see there was one that was sapphic? Yeah, I was SAT!
I enjoyed the chemistry between Sage and Portia, and they had me squealing with how cute they were. I need me a Sage fr 😌 She did NOT play. Also, Salem is funny af, love him down lol
If you’re looking for an entertaining, sapphic forbidden romance w/ so good spice and cute moments, this one is for you!
I’ve been excited to read this book since I first heard about it a few months ago. Back in December, I read my first Black paranormal romance and I’ve been hooked ever since so to see there was one that was sapphic? Yeah, I was SAT!
I enjoyed the chemistry between Sage and Portia, and they had me squealing with how cute they were. I need me a Sage fr 😌 She did NOT play. Also, Salem is funny af, love him down lol
If you’re looking for an entertaining, sapphic forbidden romance w/ so good spice and cute moments, this one is for you!
November 8, 2025
A disease that affects humans is also killing off vampires from feeding on infected people.
🩸Vampires
🩸Cartel
🩸Sapphic
🩸Black FMCs
This was an enjoyable short read.
I enjoyed seeing Portia start to believe in herself and realize that she deserved more than what her ex was doing to her. The only annoyance was how often Sage essentially said the same thing over and over.
🩸Vampires
🩸Cartel
🩸Sapphic
🩸Black FMCs
This was an enjoyable short read.
I enjoyed seeing Portia start to believe in herself and realize that she deserved more than what her ex was doing to her. The only annoyance was how often Sage essentially said the same thing over and over.
December 26, 2025
Sage and Portia were a super cute couple, and I enjoyed all the scenes with them together. But I was incredibly underwhelmed in terms of the paranormal aspects of this book.
I also wasn't a huge fan of Black women in this book being referred to as "bitch" or "bitches." I would expect that from a cis male author, not a Black woman. It took me out of the narrative every single time.
All in all though I enjoyed it for what it was, and will tune in for book two when it comes out.
I also wasn't a huge fan of Black women in this book being referred to as "bitch" or "bitches." I would expect that from a cis male author, not a Black woman. It took me out of the narrative every single time.
All in all though I enjoyed it for what it was, and will tune in for book two when it comes out.
March 12, 2026
This was a good time okay? I’m not usually a cartel love story kinda gal, but Black queer indie woman authors will always get my time. I got to meet the author in February and she’s a gem of a human. The book is a quick read and so relatable. It’s not often I see urban fantasy written by openly queer authors and it was a fun ride. Can’t wait to read the next book. Monique Goode has a fan in me!
February 27, 2025
This was my first vampire romance novel. I did enjoy this overall. The love story between Sage and Portia pulled on my heart strings a bit. The beginning did stall out a bit but it picked up and got really good. I’m ready to see what happens next because I have questions lol
March 14, 2025
Arc Review.
I really loved the concept (you had me at vampires) but the writing sometimes was a little off for me personally. I also wanted more from the story at times, but I enjoyed the story and characters.
I really loved the concept (you had me at vampires) but the writing sometimes was a little off for me personally. I also wanted more from the story at times, but I enjoyed the story and characters.
June 14, 2025
Black Lesbian Vampire x mafia sign me up
The playlist had me hooked first and the story also and I want to see more of Salem story and maybe even the other brother kj too.
Easy quick read about two woman falling in love with complicated backgrounds and made it work
The playlist had me hooked first and the story also and I want to see more of Salem story and maybe even the other brother kj too.
Easy quick read about two woman falling in love with complicated backgrounds and made it work
July 29, 2025
Stud x femme, mafia romance, vampire x human, good depiction of self-care and coping (e.g., meditation, deep breathing), forbidden romance.
Whew, I need me a Sage 🥵
Whew, I need me a Sage 🥵
March 11, 2026
I went into this book blind and was pleasantly surprised. An urban Black sapphic vampire romance is my type of book! I’m excited to read book 2. I love Sage’s character.
March 16, 2025
I had the chance to read an ARC copy of this book. I REALLY wanted to like this book more than I did. For such a short book I wish there would have been more action or things that happened. At time you forget that you’re reading a book about vampires and could have definitely leaned in to that factor more. There are some spicy scenes but you don’t get them until over halfway through the book overall i just found myself wanting more from the plot and characters of this book. I am intrigued by the ending to see where things will go next and plan to pick up the next book in the series once released.
April 2, 2025
ARC REVIEW
Overall I enjoyed this story but it left me wanting more! The storyline and character development was done well but I noticed throughout the book I kept wanting more out of certain scenes. I really enjoyed the connection between Portia and Sage, it was definitely a nice touch. There were moments I was kicking my feet & giggling. The story ends on a cliffhanger, I am definitely excited to see what happens next. I recommend checking this out if you are looking for a lgbtq vampire-mafia romance it was a good time!
Thank you Monique Goode for allowing me to ARC read this I can’t wait to read more by you in the future.
Overall I enjoyed this story but it left me wanting more! The storyline and character development was done well but I noticed throughout the book I kept wanting more out of certain scenes. I really enjoyed the connection between Portia and Sage, it was definitely a nice touch. There were moments I was kicking my feet & giggling. The story ends on a cliffhanger, I am definitely excited to see what happens next. I recommend checking this out if you are looking for a lgbtq vampire-mafia romance it was a good time!
Thank you Monique Goode for allowing me to ARC read this I can’t wait to read more by you in the future.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews