Cursed Son

Cursed Hearts #4

by Rhys Lawless

We made a baby out of magic. We didn't expect what would happen next...

I still can't believe it but all of a sudden we have a son. And our daughter couldn't be happier to meet him.
To top it all of, Wade finally proposed to me.

Too bad we can't celebrate just yet because a group of phoenices show up to put our three-year-old daughter on trial for murder.
Even though we stand our ground, we know by the time the sun rises there's no escaping judgement day for either of our children.

Cursed Son is a companion novella set in the world of the Cursed Hearts series, and is better enjoyed if read after the Cursed Night companion novella (check reading order below).
Inside this book you'll find your favorite magic couple, Caleb and Wade, a baby with way too much power, magical shenanigans, and a big gay wedding that's way overdue.

Please note this book features no mpreg.

Cursed Hearts: Reading order:
Cursed Mate (free on my website)
Killer Heart
Demon Heart
Cursed Dance
Vampire Heart
Cursed Night
Cursed Son

136 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 23, 2024

About the author

Rhys Everly-Lawless is a hopeless romantic who loves happily-ever-afters.
Which would explain why he loves writing them.

When he's not passionately typing out his next book, you can find him cuddling his dog, feeding his husband, or taking long walks letting those plot bunnies breed ferociously in his head.

He writes contemporary gay romances as Rhys Everly and LGBTQ+ urban fantasy and paranormal romances as Rhys Lawless.

You can find him and all his latest projects on rhyswritesromance.com

Reviews

[Beaumont · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

This one was harder to follow than the previous novella and felt rushed. I think the author said he initially had a few ideas and then changed his mind. I could feel that in the story. It definitely needed more editing.

However, the ideas were great, and you just can’t beat a magical baby plot line honestly. It’s too bad this is so rare. And I’m happy the guys have the kids they wanted and the overall family they wanted.

Contains:
—oops, surprise baby (no mpreg, not possible for cis guys in this universe)
—established couple
—parenting
—babies and then marriage
—Phoenix toddler put on trial
—the phoenix toddler is actually a BFF of Caleb and Annabel’s but she died and came back as a baby so they’ve been raising her and then Wade stepped in as a third parent once he moved in and loves her too
—reference to past rape (it’s implied Nora was sexually assaulted the last time she was an adult and she killed the guy in self-defense)
—proposal
—wedding
—general chaos

Other:
—first person dual POV
—cheating: no
—romantic rival: no
—break up: no
—kids: yes. Annabel, Caleb, and Wade are parents of Nora, a sort of adopted (it’s a long story) 3 year old Phoenix (Annabel is not in a romantic relationship with either Caleb or Wade). Caleb and Wade also have a new baby son who is biologically related to them both.
—sex: no sex in this novella.
—HEA: yes


I turned to my boyfriend, my beautiful, gorgeous man and swallowed a knot in my throat. Yeah. I had no idea how on earth [Caleb] was mine. Especially after tonight. I didn’t deserve him. But I’d be damned if I ever let him go.

“Well, we weren’t exactly planning this. It—he just happened.”
Hew pinched his nose too and rolled his eyes. “Bitch, if you’re trying to pass off your son as an oops pregnancy you’re an idiot.”
“Well, maybe not an oops pregnancy, but definitely an oops baby.”

[Alias11 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an intriguing and tumultuous addition to the Cursed Hearts series. After the chaotic events of Cursed Night, Caleb and Wade (witch and former witch-hunter) find themselves with a new baby son, made by magic. They love him and are looking forward to living a happy life with their new son, West, and reincarnated Phoenix daughter, Nora. Sounds like a fairytale...until things start going wrong. Council of Phoenix members arrive to put Nora on trial for breaking the Phoenix code during her previous life, then the cat disappears, and during an argument, Wade's brother Winston also disappears. The children begin to age rapidly and sporadically, then memories and powers change. What is going on? The author has an incredible talent for compounding mystery, magic, and misery until you think there is no way they can possibly make it through, but surprisingly the conclusion didn't feel forced or unrealistic (if that makes sense for a fantasy story.) It actually felt very 'right.'

I received a free copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.

[Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novella cannot be read as a stand alone, the previous books in the Cursed Heart series must be read.
These poor guys cannot get a break. Just when they think life has smiled upon them and blessed them with another child to love, chaos re-enters their life. Things and people are not what they seem or where they should be, a dilemma they don't need while trying to protect their daughter. But all these tribulations just brought the family closer to each other. Understanding, patience, and love triumphs over chaos.
It was a short novella but it did not feel rushed or lacking, it was well paced and full of surprises, action, and emotions.

[Karen Millett · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good book. Suddenly Caleb and Wade have a son. Their daughter is put under a spell to age her so she can stand trial. It gets out of hand when things start happening that they have no idea what is causing them. There plot flows smooth up until the end then it seems like there is a bit of a rush to get it all solved and smoothed out. But it doesn't take away from the story line and that the problem does get solved and they have their happy ending. I would definitely recommend to friends.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great addition to the series!

I loved Cursed Son by Rhys Lawless. It's the fifth book in the Cursed Hearts series. I loved Wade and Caleb's son, West! He was just trying to protect his family, but he took my emotions on a roller coaster ride. I'm glad that Wade was finally able to figure out what was happening, and West was able to undo all that he had done. I also loved Caleb and Wade's wedding. It was beautiful, and I loved their vows.

I read this using the Kindle Unlimited app.

[Cynthia M Brow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cursed Hearts series, and is better enjoyed if read after the Cursed Night companion novella. The books are best read in order. We're back with Caleb and Wade as they face new issues. With two children and more chaos the family must stick together and overcome. I love the characters in this series. I enjoy the way Rhys Lawless writes and tells a story. This is a great addition to the Cursed Hearts series. I would definitely recommend this book and series.

[Catherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this addition to the Cursed Hearts world and touching base with Wade and Caleb again. This time magic and the events that transpired in Cursed Night gave them a wondrous gift, a son. Despite not understanding how it happened the love was instant. Now their little family was complete with them, their son and their 3 year old Phoenix daughter. Or so they thought. When the Order of Phoenices show up at their house out of the blue and accuse their daughter of murder weird things start to happen. Like wishes becoming real and rapid growth spurts that shouldn’t be possible. All Wade and Caleb want is to raise their family and get married. But for that to happen they need to figure out a way to save their daughter, their son and the whole universe.

[K-Me · Rating 5 out of 5]

I actually enjoyed this novella even better than the earlier novels!! Given the title what actually happens in this novella was unpredictable and I was so happy about that. I am not got going to talk at all about the plot because it is better enjoyed as a surprise treat. Just know that Wade and Caleb just want to be happy family men and they will do whatever they need to for their children. They really are a magical family.

[allemuor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every wish has a price.

I am slow in grasping at what's happening, to whom, the how and why. It is scary indeed to forget someone or something. To feel the hollowness it left behind and the uncertainty of it all. Despite it all, they never blamed him. In fact, they defended him until the end. This is what unconditional love is. A family of magic and love.
I received an advanced readers copy and am giving my honest review.

[Jacquie Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cursed Son was just so imaginative! It is a companion novella so please don't read it without reading the rest, especially the novella before this where the baby is made.
West is an adorable, if tricky, addition to the family!
I loved this little slice of family life with a bit of drama thrown in.
Lovely conclusion. Thanks Rhys for the epilogue!

[Elaine Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Caleb and Wade are taken aback when they find out they have a son, while their daughter is mysteriously aged to face trial, resulting in unexpected repercussions that they struggle to comprehend. The story is captivating, with the primary conflict eventually resolved, leading to a gratifying conclusion and the characters' attainment of a happy ending.

[Demetra Roussakis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. This novella is part of the Cursed Heart series and continues after Cursed Night after their magic created a baby. With their friends and family confused how West came to be. As the days go by, The Phoenix council come about to try to take Nora. As strange things start to happen with West getting older, Caleb and Wade try to figure out was is going on. Love this and cannot wait to read more.

[T.A · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW

Caleb and Wade have another fight on their hands and this time it’s their kids they fight for. Nora is being accused of a crime in her former life (adult self) and their new son West has an unusual power they they figure out in the end. Caleb and Wade finally tie the knot. I really loved this story.

[She Who Shall Remain Nameless · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome!

For such a short novella (60 minutes), this story sure packs a punch! This was such a great addition to this series and brought a big smile to my face that will hopefully last the rest of the day. Two enthusiastic thumbs up!

[Katie Townsend · Rating 5 out of 5]

cursed son was absolutely wonderful I was so hooked and so excited for every word

the story definitely had me addictive I didn't want it to end

magic action chemistry and love

I loved every word

[Julie Bedwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this continuing story of Caleb and Wade. It is definitely not a standalone read but definitely a must read for fans of this series. In typical Caleb and Wade fashion their life is anything but normal (even by their standards). It's fun seeing them continue on, though.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing addition to this world. I just can't get enough of Wade and Caleb! I absolutely love this novella and I couldn't be happier when I was reading this. I just love the chaos and I love seeing what is going on this these characters.

[Kassandra Knight · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was great seeing everyone again and diving back into this AU. It almost makes me want to do a re-read of all the books but I don’t have the time…

Highly recommend. Probably best read in order.

I received a free copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[AL · Rating 5 out of 5]

I swear there is no getting enough of Wade and Caleb and their antics! Every new adventure is a pure treat!

[DLB2572 · Rating 4 out of 5]

New Troubles to Tackle

This family just keeps having trouble thrown at them but together they work through it. It isn't easy but they make work in the good novella. I enjoyed reading it.

I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion

[Molly Otto · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great novella as part of the Cursed Hearts series (this can not be read as a standalone). We pick up from where Cursed Night left us, and oh boy, this family is about to go through more chaos. All the events show to me what it takes to be a true family, mistakes are made, but they move forward and become stronger each time like a true family should. Family love conquers all, and this family shows that in spades among all the chaos.
Well composed and thought out, so glad to have visited this family again and hope we visit them in future stories.