What do you think?
Rate this book
Wickedborn Magic #2
Wicked Fae, Cursed Magic
When your magic breaks and the only one who can fix it is a powerful, terrifying, sexy-as-hell Fae warlord?
Life gets dangerous. And very, very hot. June Cooper is top of her class at the Institute for Modern Sorcery. She’s smart, structured, and a spell-crafting prodigy with the panic attacks to prove it. Her future depends on passing her Certification Exam and keeping her record spotless.
But there’s a problem.
In secret, her power is failing. The Institute is watching. And one magical mistake is all it would take for her life to unravel.
June desperately needs answers—and makes the worst kind of deal to get them.
Rhain Valien is a former Fae warlord with sin in his voice and ruin in his gaze. His reputation is scandalous. His methods are brazen. But he has a rare he can see magic in its raw, true form.
Exposed within his power, nothing stays hidden—not even the things she’s been too afraid to name.
But nothing prepares her for the moment he Take off your clothes. Get on your knees. Unleash your magic.
For fans of Carissa Broadbent, Scarlett St. Clair, and Jennifer Armentrout, Wicked Fae, Cursed Magic delivers enemies-to-lovers heat, forbidden power plays, a morally gray Fae warlord, and magical academia with spice.
One magical meltdown. One depraved agreement. One wicked Fae she should never have asked for help.
Grab your copy today.
Book 2 in the Wickedborn Magic series. This begins June’s multi-book arc and can be read as a standalone.
Life gets dangerous. And very, very hot. June Cooper is top of her class at the Institute for Modern Sorcery. She’s smart, structured, and a spell-crafting prodigy with the panic attacks to prove it. Her future depends on passing her Certification Exam and keeping her record spotless.
But there’s a problem.
In secret, her power is failing. The Institute is watching. And one magical mistake is all it would take for her life to unravel.
June desperately needs answers—and makes the worst kind of deal to get them.
Rhain Valien is a former Fae warlord with sin in his voice and ruin in his gaze. His reputation is scandalous. His methods are brazen. But he has a rare he can see magic in its raw, true form.
Exposed within his power, nothing stays hidden—not even the things she’s been too afraid to name.
But nothing prepares her for the moment he Take off your clothes. Get on your knees. Unleash your magic.
For fans of Carissa Broadbent, Scarlett St. Clair, and Jennifer Armentrout, Wicked Fae, Cursed Magic delivers enemies-to-lovers heat, forbidden power plays, a morally gray Fae warlord, and magical academia with spice.
One magical meltdown. One depraved agreement. One wicked Fae she should never have asked for help.
Grab your copy today.
Book 2 in the Wickedborn Magic series. This begins June’s multi-book arc and can be read as a standalone.
273 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 15, 2025
14 people are currently reading
1691 people want to read
About the author
Olivia Savage
8 books67 followersOlivia Savage: the literary lovechild of caffeine and chaos.
Most days, you’ll find her hunched over her keyboard, crafting steamy tales in her ‘business casual’—which is code for PJs that have seen better days and a hairstyle that screams ‘creative genius’ or ‘recently electrocuted,’ depending on who you ask.
Most days, you’ll find her hunched over her keyboard, crafting steamy tales in her ‘business casual’—which is code for PJs that have seen better days and a hairstyle that screams ‘creative genius’ or ‘recently electrocuted,’ depending on who you ask.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
June 20, 2025
Pull up my good witches and let me convince you to read this gorgeous little story of empowerment and kicka$$ women holding it down for each other, as well as an eye candy providing werewolf, and a big bad fae warrior who’ll defy an ancient order to elevate his glorious girl.
If you read a Kiss of Frost and Fang, you may recall June’s ill fated yet memorable disaster attempting to be a barista under Alara’s watch.
When we catch up with June at the outset of this book, she’s visiting an elective art class with her bestie at their sorcery institute, and in addition to being wound tighter than a drum over her exams, she’s experiencing more frequently occurring glitches in her matrix. Nothing however readies her for the self-discoveries of the intrinsic and steamy kind that are coming her way when she clashes with a powerful, seriously studly fae prince who is all sorts of down for June.
Plagued by self doubt and second guessing large swaths of her certainty of the order of all the things, clever but leery June is going to go through a sea change in her worldview as she determines her own destiny.
While there is a romance at the heart of this story, it’s about so much more. Olivia Savage has created a very compelling take on sorcery and supernatural beings, and I can’t wait to read book two, and June’s journey to Paris and her fae king.
I was fortunate to have received an advance reader copy from the author, and I’m pleased to share my honest review.
If you read a Kiss of Frost and Fang, you may recall June’s ill fated yet memorable disaster attempting to be a barista under Alara’s watch.
When we catch up with June at the outset of this book, she’s visiting an elective art class with her bestie at their sorcery institute, and in addition to being wound tighter than a drum over her exams, she’s experiencing more frequently occurring glitches in her matrix. Nothing however readies her for the self-discoveries of the intrinsic and steamy kind that are coming her way when she clashes with a powerful, seriously studly fae prince who is all sorts of down for June.
Plagued by self doubt and second guessing large swaths of her certainty of the order of all the things, clever but leery June is going to go through a sea change in her worldview as she determines her own destiny.
While there is a romance at the heart of this story, it’s about so much more. Olivia Savage has created a very compelling take on sorcery and supernatural beings, and I can’t wait to read book two, and June’s journey to Paris and her fae king.
I was fortunate to have received an advance reader copy from the author, and I’m pleased to share my honest review.
August 13, 2025
“But ready or not, I had a few weeks. A few weeks to stabilize my magic, prepare to take on a dangerous spell, and try to watch out for a suspicious Fae warlord. With the whole damn Institute watching me. God, I needed a cupcake.”
Written into the pages itself, is the best opening line for a review- straight from the FMC June Cooper herself. And what an amazing, realistic, and relatable character she is. I loved her, maybe because I too am a color coded list girly. And as an overachieving burnout victim of my own creations, this was such an accurate description of the insecurity anxious experience. I felt for June, I felt with June, and I don’t know if I have ever loved a character’s development more.
However, in a world of bookboyfriends, I have found my bookbestie in Briar. Truly, THIS is the type of friendship that should be strived for; where the love is genuine, the support is unwavering, but the feedback is honest and sometimes tough. I would have also loved to have delved more into the relationship between June and Josie, and hopeful that there will be more in the following books.
While I plan on reading the rest of the series, what I want is a companion recipe book for all of June’s baked goods. Let me bite into those brownies instead of my nails as I read along.
Written into the pages itself, is the best opening line for a review- straight from the FMC June Cooper herself. And what an amazing, realistic, and relatable character she is. I loved her, maybe because I too am a color coded list girly. And as an overachieving burnout victim of my own creations, this was such an accurate description of the insecurity anxious experience. I felt for June, I felt with June, and I don’t know if I have ever loved a character’s development more.
However, in a world of bookboyfriends, I have found my bookbestie in Briar. Truly, THIS is the type of friendship that should be strived for; where the love is genuine, the support is unwavering, but the feedback is honest and sometimes tough. I would have also loved to have delved more into the relationship between June and Josie, and hopeful that there will be more in the following books.
While I plan on reading the rest of the series, what I want is a companion recipe book for all of June’s baked goods. Let me bite into those brownies instead of my nails as I read along.
August 3, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
I found myself giggling and kicking my feet for most of this book. Everyone needs a wolf-friend like Briar. She brings out the best in June by pushing her in all the best ways. I also wouldn’t protest having a dark, mysterious, broody, fae warlord in my life either.
I did find there were times the book was too heavy on June’s internal monologue, where she’s repeating a lot of the same doubts and there could have been more relationship development between June and Rhain. However, in the end I still appreciated their strong connection to each other (imo).
This is book two in a series. It said it wasn’t necessary to read book one before reading this one. This is fact. However, this is NOT the end of June and Rhain’s story. So…. now I have to know what book one is about. Do books one and two come together in book three? I’m definitely reading book one. Mainly because I need another dose of this fun banter that made me laugh out loud.
This was a cute book with great banter, a dash of spice, twists and a healthy dose of betrayal. Definitely worth a read!!
🌶️🌶️🌶️
I found myself giggling and kicking my feet for most of this book. Everyone needs a wolf-friend like Briar. She brings out the best in June by pushing her in all the best ways. I also wouldn’t protest having a dark, mysterious, broody, fae warlord in my life either.
I did find there were times the book was too heavy on June’s internal monologue, where she’s repeating a lot of the same doubts and there could have been more relationship development between June and Rhain. However, in the end I still appreciated their strong connection to each other (imo).
This is book two in a series. It said it wasn’t necessary to read book one before reading this one. This is fact. However, this is NOT the end of June and Rhain’s story. So…. now I have to know what book one is about. Do books one and two come together in book three? I’m definitely reading book one. Mainly because I need another dose of this fun banter that made me laugh out loud.
This was a cute book with great banter, a dash of spice, twists and a healthy dose of betrayal. Definitely worth a read!!
Read
June 29, 2025⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5 📚ARC REVIEW📚
Wicked Fae, Cursed Magic is a dark academia romantasy fever dream that asks:
What if magic was science, fae professors were dangerously hot, and witches were a little too good at pretending not to exist?
June?
She’s just trying to study, keep her magic from exploding like a poorly sealed Tupperware, and not attract the attention of anyone who might report her for accidental arson. So of course she catches the eye of a fae warlord turned art teacher with more power, secrets, and emotionally repressed growls than one mortal woman should reasonably have to handle.
Briar?
Shes the emotional support werewolf we all deserve. She’s ride or die, chaos adjacent, and somehow manages to balance snark, loyalty, and the energy of someone who would absolutely help you bury a body without it being as cliche as you normally see in books with a “quirky best friend”. Every time June’s magic spirals, Briar is there with a bad idea, a backup plan, or a trip to a nightclub that definitely ends with someone exploding something.
I don’t want to say too much about Rhain so I don’t spoil anything but I’ll just say.. Ten out of ten would ignore every red flag and let him ruin me in a dimly lit studio.
The magic system is SO unique, spellwork and scientific method but just enough chaos to keep you nervous every time someone makes a mistake. You think you understand the rules of this world? You don’t.
This isn’t just a story about discovering power. It’s about quiet strength and uncovering the sacred secrets women have buried in kitchens, classrooms, and stories for generations.
If you love:
*Dark fae with good cheekbones and worse intentions
*Witches reclaiming their history
*Enemies to lovers so intense it becomes enemies to “let me bind your soul while you sob in my studio”
Then I highly recommend.
Wicked Fae, Cursed Magic is a dark academia romantasy fever dream that asks:
What if magic was science, fae professors were dangerously hot, and witches were a little too good at pretending not to exist?
June?
She’s just trying to study, keep her magic from exploding like a poorly sealed Tupperware, and not attract the attention of anyone who might report her for accidental arson. So of course she catches the eye of a fae warlord turned art teacher with more power, secrets, and emotionally repressed growls than one mortal woman should reasonably have to handle.
Briar?
Shes the emotional support werewolf we all deserve. She’s ride or die, chaos adjacent, and somehow manages to balance snark, loyalty, and the energy of someone who would absolutely help you bury a body without it being as cliche as you normally see in books with a “quirky best friend”. Every time June’s magic spirals, Briar is there with a bad idea, a backup plan, or a trip to a nightclub that definitely ends with someone exploding something.
I don’t want to say too much about Rhain so I don’t spoil anything but I’ll just say.. Ten out of ten would ignore every red flag and let him ruin me in a dimly lit studio.
The magic system is SO unique, spellwork and scientific method but just enough chaos to keep you nervous every time someone makes a mistake. You think you understand the rules of this world? You don’t.
This isn’t just a story about discovering power. It’s about quiet strength and uncovering the sacred secrets women have buried in kitchens, classrooms, and stories for generations.
If you love:
*Dark fae with good cheekbones and worse intentions
*Witches reclaiming their history
*Enemies to lovers so intense it becomes enemies to “let me bind your soul while you sob in my studio”
Then I highly recommend.
August 12, 2025
Laugh out loud witty, sometimes steamy, unique and maybe inspired by Wicked? LOVE
Wicked lovers rejoice,I have found the paranormal world for you. I have no idea if the inspiration being from the musical Wicked is what the author was going for but as a big Wicked fan I found some of the beats of the story felt like a nod to Wicked while still being very unique and fun. I really enjoyed this magical world that Olivia created, the magic system, and the magic itself and am so excited to dive more deeply into it in Book 3.
June felt so real to me, her anxieties and mannerisms so rooted in the realities of anxiety and perfectionism. They didn't just go away magically or all at once. There were false starts, almosts, fear, and difficulty in managing them as there should be. As much as I would love it steamy restraint time doesn't actually solve all our problems (does help of course).
Rhain...brooding, fae, warlord, artist... many contradictions wrapped together and I can't wait for June to start to unravel them in the next part of her story.
The next chapter can't come soon enough
I knew I was going to like it when it opened with Don't stare at the hot naked werewolf, don't stare at the hot naked werewolf and made me snort out loud
Thank you to BookSirens and Olivia Savage for allowing me to read an advanced copy, my review is my own and voluntary
Wicked lovers rejoice,I have found the paranormal world for you. I have no idea if the inspiration being from the musical Wicked is what the author was going for but as a big Wicked fan I found some of the beats of the story felt like a nod to Wicked while still being very unique and fun. I really enjoyed this magical world that Olivia created, the magic system, and the magic itself and am so excited to dive more deeply into it in Book 3.
June felt so real to me, her anxieties and mannerisms so rooted in the realities of anxiety and perfectionism. They didn't just go away magically or all at once. There were false starts, almosts, fear, and difficulty in managing them as there should be. As much as I would love it steamy restraint time doesn't actually solve all our problems (does help of course).
Rhain...brooding, fae, warlord, artist... many contradictions wrapped together and I can't wait for June to start to unravel them in the next part of her story.
The next chapter can't come soon enough
I knew I was going to like it when it opened with Don't stare at the hot naked werewolf, don't stare at the hot naked werewolf and made me snort out loud
Thank you to BookSirens and Olivia Savage for allowing me to read an advanced copy, my review is my own and voluntary
August 15, 2025
I won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway for my honest opinion. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It held my interest and left me wanting more. I loved the plot, the characters and the unique imagination and writing style of this book. The book was very well written and the story told beautifully. I can't wait to read more from this author.
The main character June Cooper is human but has an affinity for magic. She's been accepted to a magical institute and hopes to become a sorcerer one day. But from everything she's been told about how to handle magic, she feels like hers has gotten out of control, and June can't stand being out of control. She enlists the help of a strong magical Fae warlord to help her find out what's wrong with her magic. What she doesn't know is everything she's been told and taught about magic is a lie. June is in for the fight if her life, will she win her battles or will her magic be abused by the leaders of the Fae? Read and find out what is in June's future. This book has everything you could ever want in a book. Mystery, action, magic and romance. I highly recommend this book.
The main character June Cooper is human but has an affinity for magic. She's been accepted to a magical institute and hopes to become a sorcerer one day. But from everything she's been told about how to handle magic, she feels like hers has gotten out of control, and June can't stand being out of control. She enlists the help of a strong magical Fae warlord to help her find out what's wrong with her magic. What she doesn't know is everything she's been told and taught about magic is a lie. June is in for the fight if her life, will she win her battles or will her magic be abused by the leaders of the Fae? Read and find out what is in June's future. This book has everything you could ever want in a book. Mystery, action, magic and romance. I highly recommend this book.
September 2, 2025
Overall Rating: 4.5/5
Spice: 4/5
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Fae, Witch, Werewolves, Magic, Academia
Content Warnings: Violence, Teacher/Student romance, Psychological manipulation, Dom/Sub
ARC Source: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Thoughts: I don’t typically read academia, teacher/student romances but this somehow worked and didn’t feel weird/creepy/inappropriate to me like most of these types of books do; it just worked. Please make sure to read the content warnings, this book is not for everyone.
The FMC, June is an overachieving perfectionist who is trying to get into the sorcerers program at her school. However, when her magic starts to fail, she reaches out to her art teacher, Rhain the MMC, to help her figure out what’s wrong with her magic. The sparks fly and tension builds but the only thing June can focus on is her out of control magic. The more chaos that surrounds her, the more she tries to control things.
The character arc for June is great as she learns to be more confident in who she is and what she wants. There is more tension between the main characters than actual spice but when there is any spice it is pretty spicy. I hope to see more of the friendship between June and Briar in the next book, it felt like a missed opportunity to me. There is a lot going on in the book but it was easy to follow along. Secrets are uncovered, trust is broken, relationships are tested and difficult decisions have to be made. The pace of the book is great, I would recommend it and I can’t wait until the next one.
Spice: 4/5
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Fae, Witch, Werewolves, Magic, Academia
Content Warnings: Violence, Teacher/Student romance, Psychological manipulation, Dom/Sub
ARC Source: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Thoughts: I don’t typically read academia, teacher/student romances but this somehow worked and didn’t feel weird/creepy/inappropriate to me like most of these types of books do; it just worked. Please make sure to read the content warnings, this book is not for everyone.
The FMC, June is an overachieving perfectionist who is trying to get into the sorcerers program at her school. However, when her magic starts to fail, she reaches out to her art teacher, Rhain the MMC, to help her figure out what’s wrong with her magic. The sparks fly and tension builds but the only thing June can focus on is her out of control magic. The more chaos that surrounds her, the more she tries to control things.
The character arc for June is great as she learns to be more confident in who she is and what she wants. There is more tension between the main characters than actual spice but when there is any spice it is pretty spicy. I hope to see more of the friendship between June and Briar in the next book, it felt like a missed opportunity to me. There is a lot going on in the book but it was easy to follow along. Secrets are uncovered, trust is broken, relationships are tested and difficult decisions have to be made. The pace of the book is great, I would recommend it and I can’t wait until the next one.
July 16, 2025
When I started reading this book, I had a hard time getting into this world, the pacing, the headspace of our MFC June Cooper. It dragged. It was too slow. I didn't know what or where the story was trying to go. It didn't hold my attention. It got convulted in its heaviness of exploring the spinning mind and existence that was June. I remember how she was in Book 1, but this story here, cracked open all of June's thoughts, anxiousness, overthinking, insecurities, hyperventilating existence, and her endless questioning; it felt overly played and got annoying for me as a reader. People said she was strong, but I didn't get that impression of her. Imo she judged people too much.
We all have anxiety and second guessing moments but June was drowning in serious quick sand 99.9% of this book. Certain paths were opened, then it didn't go anywhere. For example: June's Dad, and the priest coming for a visit before June accepting her invitation to the Institute for Modern Sorcery. Her Dad was against it. She seeks his approval. Was her Mom still there? That was confusing. Certain things were obvious, her heritage, but we didn't touch base on that till the very end. For June being intelligent, she still couldn't figure that out for herself. Why be rude to Mo-Mo? Girl. Shush. He's trying to help you. Stop the questioning.🙄 Too nerve-wracking for me. Chill out. Sheesh.😂😂
And why was June hanging out with her art instructor at his home? Yes, magic painting and... flirting. Even at a club. Twice. The instructor would be the former warlord, Fae Venator Rhain Valien. I guess he got hired by you know who? I know it's a magical world of humans, fairies, witches, werewolves, obviously vampires from Book 1, dark and light, good or bad, magic spells, but nobody's talking about that weird aspect of a student and instructor. M'kay. Just me.😄 Let me be June for a second more here, why did she need a hunter of all things witchy, a Fae, a man, to give her answers to 'fix her' issues? Nobody else could do that. Nobody. In this magical place? Something was glitching. All June seem to care about was being a sorcerer.🤷🏼♀️ There's more to life than that and rules. The love attraction of June and Rhain, tbh I didn't see their connection nor felt their chemistry. There wasn't enough attraction or pull. Maybe b/c it was only told in June's POV.
It ends on a cliffy. There were certain things that I found cool, the tattoos, the mystical cookie box. I liked Briar (she was funny!) Dax, obviously Mo-Mo (more of him please), even Mrs Gladstone from Book 1. The last 10 chapters were not bad. But it took too long to build up to that. Maybe the next book will be better. Paris, was it? If you want to read it, by all means, you should. It might work for you. I was expecting something else. Happy reading.*•>§<•*💙🖤💙🖤
✨🔮Thank you to Ms Savage and Bookfunnel. These are my honest thoughts on the book I read.🔮✨
We all have anxiety and second guessing moments but June was drowning in serious quick sand 99.9% of this book. Certain paths were opened, then it didn't go anywhere. For example: June's Dad, and the priest coming for a visit before June accepting her invitation to the Institute for Modern Sorcery. Her Dad was against it. She seeks his approval. Was her Mom still there? That was confusing. Certain things were obvious, her heritage, but we didn't touch base on that till the very end. For June being intelligent, she still couldn't figure that out for herself. Why be rude to Mo-Mo? Girl. Shush. He's trying to help you. Stop the questioning.🙄 Too nerve-wracking for me. Chill out. Sheesh.😂😂
And why was June hanging out with her art instructor at his home? Yes, magic painting and... flirting. Even at a club. Twice. The instructor would be the former warlord, Fae Venator Rhain Valien. I guess he got hired by you know who? I know it's a magical world of humans, fairies, witches, werewolves, obviously vampires from Book 1, dark and light, good or bad, magic spells, but nobody's talking about that weird aspect of a student and instructor. M'kay. Just me.😄 Let me be June for a second more here, why did she need a hunter of all things witchy, a Fae, a man, to give her answers to 'fix her' issues? Nobody else could do that. Nobody. In this magical place? Something was glitching. All June seem to care about was being a sorcerer.🤷🏼♀️ There's more to life than that and rules. The love attraction of June and Rhain, tbh I didn't see their connection nor felt their chemistry. There wasn't enough attraction or pull. Maybe b/c it was only told in June's POV.
It ends on a cliffy. There were certain things that I found cool, the tattoos, the mystical cookie box. I liked Briar (she was funny!) Dax, obviously Mo-Mo (more of him please), even Mrs Gladstone from Book 1. The last 10 chapters were not bad. But it took too long to build up to that. Maybe the next book will be better. Paris, was it? If you want to read it, by all means, you should. It might work for you. I was expecting something else. Happy reading.*•>§<•*💙🖤💙🖤
✨🔮Thank you to Ms Savage and Bookfunnel. These are my honest thoughts on the book I read.🔮✨
July 19, 2025
This book had me in a chokehold! Wicked Fae, Cursed Magic is a spicy, dark academia fantasy full of fae magic, forbidden romance, and just the right amount of sass and chaos. I could not put it down - literally finished in one day.
What I Loved:
That Professor/Student Tension: Rhain, the hot, brooding Fae art professor? Obsessed. He’s morally gray with a tortured past, and the tension between him and June was absolutely on fire.
Relatable Main Character Energy: June is high anxiety, high stress, and trying to hold it all together. She’s smart, determined, and just a little chaotic. I found myself relating to a lot of her inner turmoil and mini spirals!
Briar Deserves Her Own Spin-Off: June’s werewolf bestie Briar stole every scene with her sarcastic one-liners and fierce loyalty. I genuinely laughed out loud multiple times.
The Setting… Eventually Grew on Me: At first, I was like “a magic school in Phoenix, Arizona??” I was expecting East Coast gothic vibes, but once I adjusted my mental image from ivy-covered towers to desert-modern academia, I was into it.
Thematic Depth: Beyond the spice and magic, this book tackles control in all its forms - internal, relational, systemic. Whether it’s rewriting history or manipulating power dynamics, it gave the story more emotional weight.
The Final Twist + Cliffhanger: The last few chapters delivered. I didn’t see some of those reveals coming, and the ending definitely has me counting down to book two.
Tropes You’ll Find:
Dark academia
Fae + magic
Werewolves
Professor/student
Hidden powers
Possessive, morally gray MMC
Forbidden romance
“Touch her and die” energy
Final Thoughts:
Wicked Fae, Cursed Magic is equal parts tension, magic, and emotional chaos… with a splash of sass and a solid hit of steam. If you love magical universities, forbidden attraction, and ride-or-die best friends, this one belongs on your shelf. I cannot wait to see what happens next in June and Rhain's story!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
What I Loved:
That Professor/Student Tension: Rhain, the hot, brooding Fae art professor? Obsessed. He’s morally gray with a tortured past, and the tension between him and June was absolutely on fire.
Relatable Main Character Energy: June is high anxiety, high stress, and trying to hold it all together. She’s smart, determined, and just a little chaotic. I found myself relating to a lot of her inner turmoil and mini spirals!
Briar Deserves Her Own Spin-Off: June’s werewolf bestie Briar stole every scene with her sarcastic one-liners and fierce loyalty. I genuinely laughed out loud multiple times.
The Setting… Eventually Grew on Me: At first, I was like “a magic school in Phoenix, Arizona??” I was expecting East Coast gothic vibes, but once I adjusted my mental image from ivy-covered towers to desert-modern academia, I was into it.
Thematic Depth: Beyond the spice and magic, this book tackles control in all its forms - internal, relational, systemic. Whether it’s rewriting history or manipulating power dynamics, it gave the story more emotional weight.
The Final Twist + Cliffhanger: The last few chapters delivered. I didn’t see some of those reveals coming, and the ending definitely has me counting down to book two.
Tropes You’ll Find:
Dark academia
Fae + magic
Werewolves
Professor/student
Hidden powers
Possessive, morally gray MMC
Forbidden romance
“Touch her and die” energy
Final Thoughts:
Wicked Fae, Cursed Magic is equal parts tension, magic, and emotional chaos… with a splash of sass and a solid hit of steam. If you love magical universities, forbidden attraction, and ride-or-die best friends, this one belongs on your shelf. I cannot wait to see what happens next in June and Rhain's story!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 21, 2025
4 💎
1.5 🌶️
ARC Reader ‼️🩵
📙Started off a bit slow and I was unsure if it was going to captured me, and then it just started to roll and I couldn’t read fast enough
📙Rhain is that all powerful fae but with the tragic past with a heap of secrets that you only get a glimpse of
📙When Rhain takes control is the hottest thing, had me melting
📙June was very unsure of herself and I think considering how intelligent she is, it is kind of off putting at the start. By the last half of the book I kind of started to understand why June was and the fight to be more.
📙I was unsure if they did like each other. The desire seemed to be on his side but not so much on hers, which seemed a bit awkward. The end scenes luckily ramped up the desire and wow was it great.
📙Really looking forward to the next book in this series, can’t wait to see what happens next ….
🍷“No shit. What gave it away? The body built for world domination, the ‘I could kill you in six languages’ vibe, or the actual pointy ears?”
🍷“Relax. I don’t bite.” A beat. “Not without permission.”
🍷“Then do it.” He looked positively delighted. “Burn the whole studio down. Just don’t pretend
🍷You’re here for control when every inch of you is begging to unravel.”
🍷“Oh, little sorcerer, I think we both know gentleness isn’t really your style.”
🍷“You will not move. You will not squirm. You will stay precisely as you are and take all that I have to give.”
🍪age gap
🍪fae & witches
🍪good and bad magic
🍪he falls first
🍪warrior MMC
🍪hidden power
🍪magic bonds
🍪touch her and ☠️
1.5 🌶️
ARC Reader ‼️🩵
📙Started off a bit slow and I was unsure if it was going to captured me, and then it just started to roll and I couldn’t read fast enough
📙Rhain is that all powerful fae but with the tragic past with a heap of secrets that you only get a glimpse of
📙When Rhain takes control is the hottest thing, had me melting
📙June was very unsure of herself and I think considering how intelligent she is, it is kind of off putting at the start. By the last half of the book I kind of started to understand why June was and the fight to be more.
📙I was unsure if they did like each other. The desire seemed to be on his side but not so much on hers, which seemed a bit awkward. The end scenes luckily ramped up the desire and wow was it great.
📙Really looking forward to the next book in this series, can’t wait to see what happens next ….
🍷“No shit. What gave it away? The body built for world domination, the ‘I could kill you in six languages’ vibe, or the actual pointy ears?”
🍷“Relax. I don’t bite.” A beat. “Not without permission.”
🍷“Then do it.” He looked positively delighted. “Burn the whole studio down. Just don’t pretend
🍷You’re here for control when every inch of you is begging to unravel.”
🍷“Oh, little sorcerer, I think we both know gentleness isn’t really your style.”
🍷“You will not move. You will not squirm. You will stay precisely as you are and take all that I have to give.”
🍪age gap
🍪fae & witches
🍪good and bad magic
🍪he falls first
🍪warrior MMC
🍪hidden power
🍪magic bonds
🍪touch her and ☠️
July 25, 2025
Ok, let me start with the good points here. This book was very well written. I didn’t feel like it was self-published and didn’t find many mistakes.
The FMC was overall likable. I liked that she wasn’t perfect and questioned herself a lot. It was relatable.
The best friend, also very likable. She brought humor into the story and I looked forward to seeing their friendship shine on the page.
Had some interesting plot points and while some twists were easily guessed, others were done pretty well.
The downsides: the MMC. It kills me when I don’t particularly care for an MMC and that was the case here. It may be because you don’t learn a whole lot about him. He’s just kinda there one day. It may be because I just didn’t connect with him. I don’t know, just didn’t like him.
The romance. I was not a fan of the romance. It felt way too rushed and was supposed to be a slow burn. Definitely was not enemies-to-lovers which was how it was branded and why I picked it up in the first place….I’m a sucker for that trope. As this is a Romantasy, it was disappointing to not really like the romance which is like half the equation there.
It ends on a cliffhanger. Will I read the next one? Maybe. If I remember when it comes out. I wouldn’t say this was a waste of time, it wasn’t. I was entertained. At the same time though, it’s not one where I would be marking my calendar for the next book to drop.
2.5-3 stars. Not bad just not necessarily for me.
The FMC was overall likable. I liked that she wasn’t perfect and questioned herself a lot. It was relatable.
The best friend, also very likable. She brought humor into the story and I looked forward to seeing their friendship shine on the page.
Had some interesting plot points and while some twists were easily guessed, others were done pretty well.
The downsides: the MMC. It kills me when I don’t particularly care for an MMC and that was the case here. It may be because you don’t learn a whole lot about him. He’s just kinda there one day. It may be because I just didn’t connect with him. I don’t know, just didn’t like him.
The romance. I was not a fan of the romance. It felt way too rushed and was supposed to be a slow burn. Definitely was not enemies-to-lovers which was how it was branded and why I picked it up in the first place….I’m a sucker for that trope. As this is a Romantasy, it was disappointing to not really like the romance which is like half the equation there.
It ends on a cliffhanger. Will I read the next one? Maybe. If I remember when it comes out. I wouldn’t say this was a waste of time, it wasn’t. I was entertained. At the same time though, it’s not one where I would be marking my calendar for the next book to drop.
2.5-3 stars. Not bad just not necessarily for me.
July 26, 2025
I couldn't get my nose out of this book! I rated it 4.5 stars!
I read the first book that is a interconnected standalone to this series and this book was by far my favorite.
I think the writing in the book flowed so smooth and I need the next book immediately. We get literal enemies to lovers, witches, werewolves, wicked fae, urban dark academia and a slow burning tension between the MMC and FMC.
I loved every single character and the personality that came with them. I loved the broody and soft comments the MMC Rhain made toward the FMC June. the way the author portrayed their characters was outstanding and made me feel every single emotion. I personally think the character arc for the FMC was better than the MMC as you could see more of the personal growth.
The world building was good, it definitely could have used some further explanation of how everything worked and came to be. We do get a little insight as to how the world came to be in the first book as well as the second but it could've used more detail.
I will definitely be recommending this book to other reads and friends.
Thank you BookSirens for the free ARC. I am leaving an honest review voluntarily.
I read the first book that is a interconnected standalone to this series and this book was by far my favorite.
I think the writing in the book flowed so smooth and I need the next book immediately. We get literal enemies to lovers, witches, werewolves, wicked fae, urban dark academia and a slow burning tension between the MMC and FMC.
I loved every single character and the personality that came with them. I loved the broody and soft comments the MMC Rhain made toward the FMC June. the way the author portrayed their characters was outstanding and made me feel every single emotion. I personally think the character arc for the FMC was better than the MMC as you could see more of the personal growth.
The world building was good, it definitely could have used some further explanation of how everything worked and came to be. We do get a little insight as to how the world came to be in the first book as well as the second but it could've used more detail.
I will definitely be recommending this book to other reads and friends.
Thank you BookSirens for the free ARC. I am leaving an honest review voluntarily.
November 22, 2025
Where do I even BEGIN? Actually, no, this book didn’t give me the option to begin anything. It yeeted itself into my orbit like a Fae warlord with a superiority complex and said, “You’re mine now.” and like the catastrophically weak mortal I am, I just nodded and handed over the last two functioning brain cells I owned.
I’m officially declaring this book its own genre: ArcanaRuin, only because every page felt like forbidden magic slapping me across the face and whispering, “You like that, don’t you?”
Yes.
Yes, I do.
June Cooper?
My queen.
My disaster twin flame.
My emotional support meltdown-in-progress.
Her banter? Sharp enough to slice through a spell.
Her anxiety? Olympic-level.
Her awkwardness? ART.
Her glasses sliding off her face like they’re trying to flee the scene of emotional crime? I SOBBED.
She is the exact flavor of unhinged genius I strive to be: brilliant, spiraling, and aggressively not coping.
And then…. Rhain Valien.
Sir.
SIR.
SIR.
This man walked on page with the kind of energy that could ruin a deity. Pure, “I could fix your magic but you’ll never walk normally again” vibes. He has the magic of temptation, the gaze of apocalypse, and the moral compass of a man who melted walls.
When he told her to take off her clothes and unleash her magic?
I had to pause.
Not to compose myself.... NO.... to make sure I wasn’t about to spontaneously combust through my ceiling.
The plot twists?
Oh, they didn’t twist, sweetheart, they BODY-SLAMMED me.
They came out of nowhere like:
“Hey bestie, prepare to suffer”
The silk ropes??
Olivia.… ma’am….
The tension was so feral I swear at one point the book growled at me. I don’t even know if that was metaphorical anymore. I fear this book has spiritually bitten me.
June + Rhain together?
Pure combustible chemistry.
They should come with a warning label:
Do not combine near open flame or fragile emotions.
By the time I finished, I wasn’t even reading, I was ascending, leaving my mortal form, drifting into the Fae realm on a cloud of my own ruin.
Olivia Savage, what you did to me should be illegal.
This book didn’t just own me but it took my soul, my dignity, my expectations of men, AND my sleep schedule.
Now, if anyone needs me, I’ll be lying face-down on the floor whispering “Rhain” into the void and hoping the next book destroys me even worse.
I’m officially declaring this book its own genre: ArcanaRuin, only because every page felt like forbidden magic slapping me across the face and whispering, “You like that, don’t you?”
Yes.
Yes, I do.
June Cooper?
My queen.
My disaster twin flame.
My emotional support meltdown-in-progress.
Her banter? Sharp enough to slice through a spell.
Her anxiety? Olympic-level.
Her awkwardness? ART.
Her glasses sliding off her face like they’re trying to flee the scene of emotional crime? I SOBBED.
She is the exact flavor of unhinged genius I strive to be: brilliant, spiraling, and aggressively not coping.
And then…. Rhain Valien.
Sir.
SIR.
SIR.
This man walked on page with the kind of energy that could ruin a deity. Pure, “I could fix your magic but you’ll never walk normally again” vibes. He has the magic of temptation, the gaze of apocalypse, and the moral compass of a man who melted walls.
When he told her to take off her clothes and unleash her magic?
I had to pause.
Not to compose myself.... NO.... to make sure I wasn’t about to spontaneously combust through my ceiling.
The plot twists?
Oh, they didn’t twist, sweetheart, they BODY-SLAMMED me.
They came out of nowhere like:
“Hey bestie, prepare to suffer”
The silk ropes??
Olivia.… ma’am….
The tension was so feral I swear at one point the book growled at me. I don’t even know if that was metaphorical anymore. I fear this book has spiritually bitten me.
June + Rhain together?
Pure combustible chemistry.
They should come with a warning label:
Do not combine near open flame or fragile emotions.
By the time I finished, I wasn’t even reading, I was ascending, leaving my mortal form, drifting into the Fae realm on a cloud of my own ruin.
Olivia Savage, what you did to me should be illegal.
This book didn’t just own me but it took my soul, my dignity, my expectations of men, AND my sleep schedule.
Now, if anyone needs me, I’ll be lying face-down on the floor whispering “Rhain” into the void and hoping the next book destroys me even worse.
Read
August 15, 2025This book was utterly engaging. While it had a mostly typical magic system, the emphasis was put on humans strictly regulating their magic, or risking the binding of their magic, imprisonment, or death. June is working on getting her sorcerery license, but has been having magic flare-ups where her magic doesn't work right. She seeks help from a new instructor for the art department, Rhain.
This is where the main relationship comes in. They seemingly hate each other at first, but when it becomes more clear that Rhain has a romantic interest in June, she doesn't know how to handle it. Her best friend, Briar is more than encouraging of the relationship between June and Rhain. Throughout the book, Briar is clearly shown as someone who supports June and just wants what's best for her. Briar is probably the biggest side character, but even then, she doesn't overshadow June.
June is relatable to me in a lot of ways. Not quite to the organization aspect, but much like June, I have a tendancy to get really into my head, suffer from low self-esteem, and second guess every decision. Her relationship with Rhain is very much a case of "opposites attract", as Rhain is very free with his magic, as opposed to the way June tries to tightly control hers. Rhain comes across as a "go with the flow" person, while June needs to look at every angle, make lists and notes, and consider every possibility before coming to a decision. Still, they make sense together, and the relationship doesn't feel forced in any way.
Surprisingly, there wasn't a lot of predictability to the moments of major conflict, at least for me. I expected this to be formularic and generic, because of the magic system, but was pleasantly surprised to find that wasn't the case.
I will say this book isn't super spicy, it's mostly romantic tension, but the little bit of spice there is fits well and makes sense. If you're just looking for something super spicy, I'd say you probably want to pass on this book.
The story is well written, characters are believable and not unreasonably powerful for the situation. If you like stories with tension, elves, magic, and unpredictability, I highly recommend this book!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is where the main relationship comes in. They seemingly hate each other at first, but when it becomes more clear that Rhain has a romantic interest in June, she doesn't know how to handle it. Her best friend, Briar is more than encouraging of the relationship between June and Rhain. Throughout the book, Briar is clearly shown as someone who supports June and just wants what's best for her. Briar is probably the biggest side character, but even then, she doesn't overshadow June.
June is relatable to me in a lot of ways. Not quite to the organization aspect, but much like June, I have a tendancy to get really into my head, suffer from low self-esteem, and second guess every decision. Her relationship with Rhain is very much a case of "opposites attract", as Rhain is very free with his magic, as opposed to the way June tries to tightly control hers. Rhain comes across as a "go with the flow" person, while June needs to look at every angle, make lists and notes, and consider every possibility before coming to a decision. Still, they make sense together, and the relationship doesn't feel forced in any way.
Surprisingly, there wasn't a lot of predictability to the moments of major conflict, at least for me. I expected this to be formularic and generic, because of the magic system, but was pleasantly surprised to find that wasn't the case.
I will say this book isn't super spicy, it's mostly romantic tension, but the little bit of spice there is fits well and makes sense. If you're just looking for something super spicy, I'd say you probably want to pass on this book.
The story is well written, characters are believable and not unreasonably powerful for the situation. If you like stories with tension, elves, magic, and unpredictability, I highly recommend this book!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 2, 2025
If you like romantacy dark academia with fae, witches, and sexy werewolves that is woven into an intricate magic system then this is the story for you! From the first few pages I was hooked by the witty banter between June and her best friend Briar sitting in an art class with the backdrop of a naked werewolf they are supposed to be painting. June is a top sorcery student who is experiencing an existential crisis with her magic not working exactly as expected. She thrives from schedules and having things catalogued into color coded perfection. The class Briar talked June into is taught by Rhain, a hot fae warlord. Sparks fly from the start culminating in him being the one who can help her find out what is going wrong with her magic. The characters were written with such chemistry that it makes you want to see them succeed together as a couple.
June is a fun FMC. She has a sense of humor, loves chocolate and is unapologetically fierce. Rhain, the MMC is broody, mysterious and hot as all get out. Needless to say his use of aerial silks to paint June is delicious. I would deem this more reluctant lovers rather than enemies to lovers with a heavy dose of slow burn. However, its well worth the wait. All of the characters are written to be strong in their own right. An artist friend of Rhain's (MoMo) was a sassy diva that accentuated the story that I wished was in it more. He definitely should be included in the next book.
Even though the book ends to be continued, but Olivia answered a lot of the questions that built throughout the story. But more questions were created with the ending. I plan to read the first book in the series, which apparently has June in it (but its another characters story so not necessary to read in order) and will definitely read the next book to find out how June and Rhain's story plays out.
I received an ARC and have left this review voluntarily.
June is a fun FMC. She has a sense of humor, loves chocolate and is unapologetically fierce. Rhain, the MMC is broody, mysterious and hot as all get out. Needless to say his use of aerial silks to paint June is delicious. I would deem this more reluctant lovers rather than enemies to lovers with a heavy dose of slow burn. However, its well worth the wait. All of the characters are written to be strong in their own right. An artist friend of Rhain's (MoMo) was a sassy diva that accentuated the story that I wished was in it more. He definitely should be included in the next book.
Even though the book ends to be continued, but Olivia answered a lot of the questions that built throughout the story. But more questions were created with the ending. I plan to read the first book in the series, which apparently has June in it (but its another characters story so not necessary to read in order) and will definitely read the next book to find out how June and Rhain's story plays out.
I received an ARC and have left this review voluntarily.
June 30, 2025
June Cooper is a driven, capable magic student on the fast tract to becoming a sorcerer, the hardest designation a human can obtain. But her magic is on the fritz, prone to uncontrollable outbursts that could result in her not just being expelled but contained by the powers that be. Determined to achieve her dreams, June turns to the infuriating fae, Rhain Valien, hoping his ability to see magic will give her the insight she needs to fix her magic for good. But Rhain's methods reveal even more than expected, and June has to confront the lies she has believed about herself her entire life.
I haven't empathized this much with a main character in a long time. During my own schooling, I essentially was June: a high achiever with high-functioning anxiety barely holding on to my sanity. I even have a religious background that deeply impacted my world view (though I didn't have the oppressive parenting June does). Savage does an excellent job describing the spiraling panic and continued oppressive internal pressure of just having the absolute need to be perfect to obtain your goals. While June has external pressures that increase the stakes of the story, the largest source of stress is her own expectations. I hope as the series continues, June learns how to love herself, regardless of results.
There is a little bit of a skeevy aspect to June's relationship with Rhain. Thankfully June recognizes the pitfalls and problems within the relationship, which helps mitigate the typical "ick" factor I find in romances between teachers and students.
Overall, Wicked Fae, Cursed Magic is an extremely well written story about the pressures of perfection within academia within a world with tricky fae and dangerous magic. A fantastic read that I can't wait to continue in the next book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I haven't empathized this much with a main character in a long time. During my own schooling, I essentially was June: a high achiever with high-functioning anxiety barely holding on to my sanity. I even have a religious background that deeply impacted my world view (though I didn't have the oppressive parenting June does). Savage does an excellent job describing the spiraling panic and continued oppressive internal pressure of just having the absolute need to be perfect to obtain your goals. While June has external pressures that increase the stakes of the story, the largest source of stress is her own expectations. I hope as the series continues, June learns how to love herself, regardless of results.
There is a little bit of a skeevy aspect to June's relationship with Rhain. Thankfully June recognizes the pitfalls and problems within the relationship, which helps mitigate the typical "ick" factor I find in romances between teachers and students.
Overall, Wicked Fae, Cursed Magic is an extremely well written story about the pressures of perfection within academia within a world with tricky fae and dangerous magic. A fantastic read that I can't wait to continue in the next book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 24, 2025
Welcome to Damaris University, where spellcraft is studied like physics, secrets are buried in the library basement, and the fae faculty are as dangerous as they are beautiful.
June just wants to survive the semester. Her goals are simple: keep her head down, keep her magic contained, and definitely avoid setting anything on fire—again. But fate has other plans, and they come in the form of a brooding, battle-scarred fae who teaches art like it’s a war and looks at her like she’s already lost.
He’s ancient, unreadable, and probably cursed. She’s a barely-functioning witch trying not to combust in class. It’s not exactly the meet-cute she imagined, but it’s definitely unforgettable.
Then there’s Briar—part-time werewolf, full-time menace, and the kind of friend who shows up with a shovel, a smirk, and a five-step plan for hiding the body. She’s chaos incarnate with a loyalty streak a mile wide, and the only person keeping June tethered when her magic—and her heart—start to spiral.
And Rhain? We don’t talk about Rhain. Not unless we’re ready to unmake our lives with a kiss and a whispered lie.
The world of Wicked Fae, Cursed Magic is equal parts gothic academia and feral fairy tale. The spell system? Think alchemy meets entropy. The romance? Slow-burn, soul-binding, emotionally devastating. And the vibe? Like if Sylvia Plath went to grad school with a cursed prince and a werewolf who knows how to pick locks.
This story is for readers who crave:
• Dangerous fae with unreadable eyes and knives hidden in their sleeves
• Witches rewriting the rules that once tried to erase them
• Searing tension that turns enemies into something far more unholy
Come for the cursed professors. Stay for the emotional carnage. And maybe bring a fire extinguisher.
June just wants to survive the semester. Her goals are simple: keep her head down, keep her magic contained, and definitely avoid setting anything on fire—again. But fate has other plans, and they come in the form of a brooding, battle-scarred fae who teaches art like it’s a war and looks at her like she’s already lost.
He’s ancient, unreadable, and probably cursed. She’s a barely-functioning witch trying not to combust in class. It’s not exactly the meet-cute she imagined, but it’s definitely unforgettable.
Then there’s Briar—part-time werewolf, full-time menace, and the kind of friend who shows up with a shovel, a smirk, and a five-step plan for hiding the body. She’s chaos incarnate with a loyalty streak a mile wide, and the only person keeping June tethered when her magic—and her heart—start to spiral.
And Rhain? We don’t talk about Rhain. Not unless we’re ready to unmake our lives with a kiss and a whispered lie.
The world of Wicked Fae, Cursed Magic is equal parts gothic academia and feral fairy tale. The spell system? Think alchemy meets entropy. The romance? Slow-burn, soul-binding, emotionally devastating. And the vibe? Like if Sylvia Plath went to grad school with a cursed prince and a werewolf who knows how to pick locks.
This story is for readers who crave:
• Dangerous fae with unreadable eyes and knives hidden in their sleeves
• Witches rewriting the rules that once tried to erase them
• Searing tension that turns enemies into something far more unholy
Come for the cursed professors. Stay for the emotional carnage. And maybe bring a fire extinguisher.
July 7, 2025
Received as an ARC and leaving my honest review voluntarily. Book 2 in the series but each book is a standalone, focusing on one couple so you don't have to read the books in order, although it would make better sense of the timeline. Book 1- Kiss of Frost and Fang (which was superb and shouldn't be missed) was the first time we meet June who was one of the side characters and I was already intrigued with her story, and Wicked Fae, Cursed Magic completely exceeded my expectations.
Right from the start, I was pulled in to the story and wished I was part of this amazing magical mystical world! The banter between June and her best friend Briar was sassy and cheeky and so relatable- I could just imagine having such a conversation with my bff! And the chemistry and connection between June and Rhain was a slow burn but with definite sparks which exploded splendidly (with a side of kink?)
Although the story is set in a made-up world, the issues June faced were real-life, relatable ones- the pressure to be perfect and not fail, striving for your parent's approval and love, conforming to rules and society's expectations, 'the ones in power' determining the fate of others, etc. It also brought forth the message that a lot of times, we don't realise or forget we are a lot stronger and smarter than we give ourselves credit for, and we oftentimes forget to give ourselves grace.
The book is written in June's POV only and whilst I would have preferred dual POV, it didn't take away my enjoyment of the story. My only 'grouse' is that it ends on a cliffhanger and I already want to dive into the next book so I'm hoping it won't be too long a wait!
Right from the start, I was pulled in to the story and wished I was part of this amazing magical mystical world! The banter between June and her best friend Briar was sassy and cheeky and so relatable- I could just imagine having such a conversation with my bff! And the chemistry and connection between June and Rhain was a slow burn but with definite sparks which exploded splendidly (with a side of kink?)
Although the story is set in a made-up world, the issues June faced were real-life, relatable ones- the pressure to be perfect and not fail, striving for your parent's approval and love, conforming to rules and society's expectations, 'the ones in power' determining the fate of others, etc. It also brought forth the message that a lot of times, we don't realise or forget we are a lot stronger and smarter than we give ourselves credit for, and we oftentimes forget to give ourselves grace.
The book is written in June's POV only and whilst I would have preferred dual POV, it didn't take away my enjoyment of the story. My only 'grouse' is that it ends on a cliffhanger and I already want to dive into the next book so I'm hoping it won't be too long a wait!
July 2, 2025
June Cooper had been accepted to a magical school where she has worked her tail (metaphorically) off. However, her control has been acting wonky and her roommate, Briar, is a werewolf, who talked her into taking an art class, where they have a naked model, also a werewolf, named Dax. Holy hotness! Then, we meet the teacher, Rhain. Mind melting hotness ensues. lol. June needs help and Rhain’s a fae, once a Venator and scary as well. I needed my AC ON BLAST. lol. Rhain looks at magic very differently than anyone else in the school. June asks him for help and his reply had me gaping in both awe, and fear and a bunch of other emotions. The book is a roller coaster ride of emotion and it gets hot and steamy, and there is mega kink in it as well. June freaks out a lot during the book and I understand her because I do about certain things like tests and important events as well. We learn more about the history than the previous book and I thought that one was hot and steamy! EGADS! lol. I love June’s mother. I dislike her father as well as some of the staff at the school. I found myself getting goosebumps a lot and muttering curses under my breath and punching the bed while reading. We learn about June’s family too and it was interesting. June meets another fae, and he is scary as well, Ilyas… well I can’t describe it, you had better just read it. lol. I can’t wait to see what happens next. There are loads of questions that are answered and a bunch that spring up by the end of the book.
I received an advance reading copy for free and am voluntarily leaving this review.
I received an advance reading copy for free and am voluntarily leaving this review.
July 5, 2025
I devoured this book. The world? Addictive. The characters? Unforgettable. The tension? Whew.
Reading Wicked Fae, Cursed Magic as an ARC was such a wild ride. From page one, I was hooked by the voice—clever, sharp, and totally immersive. It’s the kind of fantasy romance that feels both fresh and familiar, with a heroine I rooted for instantly and a fae love interest who had no business being that intriguing.
This story strikes a perfect balance between humor, heat, and heart. It gave me all the best “what is going on and why am I obsessed?” feelings. I laughed, I blushed, I may have yelled “OH NO” more than once. And the way it blends modern life with a layered magical world made it so easy to fall into—and hard to come back out.
I’m usually picky about single POV fantasy romances, but this one hit every mark. The magic system was clear and compelling, the pacing was tight, and the emotional moments landed. Also, if you love a bit of chaos, a bit of forbidden attraction, and a touch of magical mystery? You’re in for a treat.
🖤 Thank you to Olivia Savage for the opportunity to read this ARC—I’m completely enchanted!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Reading Wicked Fae, Cursed Magic as an ARC was such a wild ride. From page one, I was hooked by the voice—clever, sharp, and totally immersive. It’s the kind of fantasy romance that feels both fresh and familiar, with a heroine I rooted for instantly and a fae love interest who had no business being that intriguing.
This story strikes a perfect balance between humor, heat, and heart. It gave me all the best “what is going on and why am I obsessed?” feelings. I laughed, I blushed, I may have yelled “OH NO” more than once. And the way it blends modern life with a layered magical world made it so easy to fall into—and hard to come back out.
I’m usually picky about single POV fantasy romances, but this one hit every mark. The magic system was clear and compelling, the pacing was tight, and the emotional moments landed. Also, if you love a bit of chaos, a bit of forbidden attraction, and a touch of magical mystery? You’re in for a treat.
🖤 Thank you to Olivia Savage for the opportunity to read this ARC—I’m completely enchanted!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 13, 2025
Thank you to Book Sirens and the Author for providing me with a free review copy so that I may voluntarily provide an honest review of my experience. Please note that there may be small spoilers in my review.
June Cooper, our FMC, is hiding a veeeeeery big secret that may rock her entire world. Her magic is malfunctioning. And people whose magic malfunctioning end up dead really quickly. What isn't helping is that the only person who can maybe help her, is also the person who would be tasked to kill her if her magic malfunctioned. And then there is the fact that she finds him... irritating.
Emotionally this book wraps you around its little finger, like it was born to do it. You feel Junes terror and her lust.. and her fear. We follow June on her journey into knowing herself deeply by submitting. But will she be able to submit? Then enters Rhain (fmc), a self assured, scandalous, sexy man whose voice is laced with carnal lust and sin. A man who demands submission in order to strip ones masks away and lay the persons magic bare.
I loved every second of this book, the pushing, the pulling, the tug of war of do I? don't I? can I really do this? I would highly recommend this book.
June Cooper, our FMC, is hiding a veeeeeery big secret that may rock her entire world. Her magic is malfunctioning. And people whose magic malfunctioning end up dead really quickly. What isn't helping is that the only person who can maybe help her, is also the person who would be tasked to kill her if her magic malfunctioned. And then there is the fact that she finds him... irritating.
Emotionally this book wraps you around its little finger, like it was born to do it. You feel Junes terror and her lust.. and her fear. We follow June on her journey into knowing herself deeply by submitting. But will she be able to submit? Then enters Rhain (fmc), a self assured, scandalous, sexy man whose voice is laced with carnal lust and sin. A man who demands submission in order to strip ones masks away and lay the persons magic bare.
I loved every second of this book, the pushing, the pulling, the tug of war of do I? don't I? can I really do this? I would highly recommend this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 30, 2025
✨️✨️ARC Review✨️✨️
Wicked Fea, Cursed Magic is an absolute gem set in a stunningly magical world! The story follows June, an ambitious and goal-oriented student whose meticulously planned life gets turned upside down when her once manageable magic spirals out of control. Just when her dreams of becoming a sorcerer ..and possibly her life.. seem to hang in the balance, her vibrant and wildly chaotic best friend Briar, a pink-haired artsy werewolf, convinces her to seek help from the dangerously alluring Rhain, a fea Warlord and Art Professor.
What starts as a reluctant plea for assistance quickly evolves into an incredible journey of self-discovery for June. She uncovers hidden strengths, experiences mind-blowing revelations, and embarks on a rollercoaster ride of determination… complete with some sizzling enemies-to-lovers moments! This enchanting novel is packed with adventure, unwavering friendship, romance, and personal growth. I’m so excited to dive into whatever challenges and triumphs await June next! I received an advanced copy for free. I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you, Book Sirens
Wicked Fea, Cursed Magic is an absolute gem set in a stunningly magical world! The story follows June, an ambitious and goal-oriented student whose meticulously planned life gets turned upside down when her once manageable magic spirals out of control. Just when her dreams of becoming a sorcerer ..and possibly her life.. seem to hang in the balance, her vibrant and wildly chaotic best friend Briar, a pink-haired artsy werewolf, convinces her to seek help from the dangerously alluring Rhain, a fea Warlord and Art Professor.
What starts as a reluctant plea for assistance quickly evolves into an incredible journey of self-discovery for June. She uncovers hidden strengths, experiences mind-blowing revelations, and embarks on a rollercoaster ride of determination… complete with some sizzling enemies-to-lovers moments! This enchanting novel is packed with adventure, unwavering friendship, romance, and personal growth. I’m so excited to dive into whatever challenges and triumphs await June next! I received an advanced copy for free. I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you, Book Sirens
August 17, 2025
When I started this book, I thought I was really going to enjoy the setup—magic, professors, power, all the good stuff. But wow… I found myself getting frustrated pretty quickly. The FMC clearly had power, but she spent the majority of the book questioning it, second-guessing herself, and spiraling in circles instead of actually using it. That constant back-and-forth pulled me out of the story more than once.
Also, did she really break into her professor’s home just because he didn’t answer the door after she knocked twice? That was the moment I literally had to set my Kindle down and say, girl, what are you doing? Instead of coming across as strong or independent, it leaned more toward reckless and privileged, which made it hard to root for her.
The bones of a good story were there, and I loved a couple of the side characters, but overall it left me more annoyed than invested.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ read with some fun elements, but weighed down by an FMC who made it really hard for me to stay on her side.
Thank you for the advance review copy for free through BookSirens. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Also, did she really break into her professor’s home just because he didn’t answer the door after she knocked twice? That was the moment I literally had to set my Kindle down and say, girl, what are you doing? Instead of coming across as strong or independent, it leaned more toward reckless and privileged, which made it hard to root for her.
The bones of a good story were there, and I loved a couple of the side characters, but overall it left me more annoyed than invested.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ read with some fun elements, but weighed down by an FMC who made it really hard for me to stay on her side.
Thank you for the advance review copy for free through BookSirens. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 24, 2025
Wow! Amazing! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️+++
OMG I devoured every word of this book, not able to read it fast enough and not wanting to put it down.
June’s attending the Institute for Modern Sorcery to fulfil her dream of becoming a sorcerer.
She’s perfectly imperfect and always trying her best to excel, toe the line and be everything her parents expect.
Her path is planned and she is on track to achieve it until her magic breaks and she must enlist the help of a frustratingly sexy fae warlord that constantly pushes her boundaries.
What happens when June finds out that everything she believes in is not as it seems?
Will she be brave enough to make the right decision?
A story that was -
- full of mystery
- magic
- fun
- banter
- featuring a sexy fae warlord and a human girl with untapped powers
- with an undeniable attraction between them
- some spicy scenes
- broken magic
- magical artefacts.
Brilliant storytelling at it’s finest.
I was totally impressed with this detailed magical world that Olivia brought to life and can’t wait to read more.
Loved it ♥️
OMG I devoured every word of this book, not able to read it fast enough and not wanting to put it down.
June’s attending the Institute for Modern Sorcery to fulfil her dream of becoming a sorcerer.
She’s perfectly imperfect and always trying her best to excel, toe the line and be everything her parents expect.
Her path is planned and she is on track to achieve it until her magic breaks and she must enlist the help of a frustratingly sexy fae warlord that constantly pushes her boundaries.
What happens when June finds out that everything she believes in is not as it seems?
Will she be brave enough to make the right decision?
A story that was -
- full of mystery
- magic
- fun
- banter
- featuring a sexy fae warlord and a human girl with untapped powers
- with an undeniable attraction between them
- some spicy scenes
- broken magic
- magical artefacts.
Brilliant storytelling at it’s finest.
I was totally impressed with this detailed magical world that Olivia brought to life and can’t wait to read more.
Loved it ♥️
July 15, 2025
If you are looking for a light hearted, quick and easy read, then this is not for you.
However, if you are looking for the type of book that enthrals you from the very start, this is definitely the one.
June is on track to become a Sorcerer, but there’s a problem with her magic which could derail her ambitions should the Institute for Modern Sorcery find out. Then there’s Rhain Valien, Art Professor, Fae, artist, ex-Venator and hot as sin. The interactions between June and Rhain, are scorching, entangling and will keep you reading until the end, and leave you wanting more. In the meantime, it is becoming obvious that behind the public facade of the Institute, there is much that is wrong and a danger to the magical community overall and both June and Rhain are being caught up in what is happening.
This is a story which needs re-reading – so many nuances, so much to absorb, so much happening. Exciting, suspenseful and absorbing.
Really looking forward to the next instalment in this addictive series.
However, if you are looking for the type of book that enthrals you from the very start, this is definitely the one.
June is on track to become a Sorcerer, but there’s a problem with her magic which could derail her ambitions should the Institute for Modern Sorcery find out. Then there’s Rhain Valien, Art Professor, Fae, artist, ex-Venator and hot as sin. The interactions between June and Rhain, are scorching, entangling and will keep you reading until the end, and leave you wanting more. In the meantime, it is becoming obvious that behind the public facade of the Institute, there is much that is wrong and a danger to the magical community overall and both June and Rhain are being caught up in what is happening.
This is a story which needs re-reading – so many nuances, so much to absorb, so much happening. Exciting, suspenseful and absorbing.
Really looking forward to the next instalment in this addictive series.
July 15, 2025
Wow! This book is intense. We briefly met June in the previous book, A Kiss of Frost & Fang. Remember she had a little accident with her magic at the coffee shop? June is studying to be a sorcerer at the Institute of Modern Sorcery and she is still having trouble with her magic. June’s roommate, Briar, a werewolf, convinces June to go to Rhain, a powerful Fae painter, formerly a Venator, for help. However, Rhain’s methods were a little extreme for June the first time she went but she went back when she realized she really needed help, plus, she was attracted to Rhain and couldn’t resist him. June soon finds out that nothing is quite what it seems at the Institute. This book is insanely complicated and involved. The text is dense. So many surprises. I would love to see inside the mind of Olivia Savage. She is one complicated woman. The worst part of Wicked Fae is that at the end, she wrote To Be Continued…..How lo ng until I am put out of my misery and I get to read the continuation? Talk about a cliff hanger!
July 16, 2025
𝙱𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚁𝚎𝚟𝚒𝚎𝚠 📖
“That which you cling to will be your downfall”
Holy balls. This book was good.
I literally picked this book as a palette cleanser. I thought it was just going to be a fun little read to give me a break from the series I am reading but I couldn’t have been more wrong.
This book and the characters within completely consumed me I actually could not put it down and now I’m devastated because I have no clue how long I have to wait for the next one.
Please do not sleep on this book when it is released it has everything you could want in a paranormal romance academia, spice, witches, wolves, fae warlords and an imperfect heroine that just wants to be left alone to do her school work.
I’ve got to add though the bestie friend in this book is one of my favourite side characters of all time she had me laughing out loud at several points and I hope to god she shows up in the next book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“That which you cling to will be your downfall”
Holy balls. This book was good.
I literally picked this book as a palette cleanser. I thought it was just going to be a fun little read to give me a break from the series I am reading but I couldn’t have been more wrong.
This book and the characters within completely consumed me I actually could not put it down and now I’m devastated because I have no clue how long I have to wait for the next one.
Please do not sleep on this book when it is released it has everything you could want in a paranormal romance academia, spice, witches, wolves, fae warlords and an imperfect heroine that just wants to be left alone to do her school work.
I’ve got to add though the bestie friend in this book is one of my favourite side characters of all time she had me laughing out loud at several points and I hope to god she shows up in the next book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
September 8, 2025
I had sworn off reading dark academia for awhile, but I decided to give this one a shot since it had fae characters.
I still have an issue with dark academia- nobody is ever in class, on campus, doing anything, except having angst and inner monologue.
However! I did slog through this. The beginning was OK. A human MC who has magic, attending a special Hogwarts-type college, and excels as a spell maker. Mom is supporting, Dad sides with religion and does not support magic. Inner turmoil and "I will be the #1 student, I'm good enough!" mantra leads MC through her schooling.
MC magic seemingly has hiccups, appeals to hot fae art instructor (with his own secrets) for assistance. Add in a werewolf roommate, a secret plot, a cheesy ending. It's both too much and too little, combined into one.
Yes, I enjoyed parts of this. Maybe I'm not the best audience but I felt this was just an OK read. I kept feeling like I was reading a HP x Twilight x cozy witch fanfic mashup.
I received an ARC and am leaving this review voluntarily.
I still have an issue with dark academia- nobody is ever in class, on campus, doing anything, except having angst and inner monologue.
However! I did slog through this. The beginning was OK. A human MC who has magic, attending a special Hogwarts-type college, and excels as a spell maker. Mom is supporting, Dad sides with religion and does not support magic. Inner turmoil and "I will be the #1 student, I'm good enough!" mantra leads MC through her schooling.
MC magic seemingly has hiccups, appeals to hot fae art instructor (with his own secrets) for assistance. Add in a werewolf roommate, a secret plot, a cheesy ending. It's both too much and too little, combined into one.
Yes, I enjoyed parts of this. Maybe I'm not the best audience but I felt this was just an OK read. I kept feeling like I was reading a HP x Twilight x cozy witch fanfic mashup.
I received an ARC and am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 14, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️ — A Decent Start to a Fae Series
Wicked Fae Cursed Magic offers an intriguing premise with dark fae elements and a magical world that holds potential. While the story has its engaging moments, it was slowed down by repetitive descriptions and pacing issues in several parts, making it a bit of a slog to get through at times.
That said, the world-building shows promise, and there's enough foundation here for the series to grow into something stronger. It's a good entry point for readers new to fae romantasy, especially those who enjoy lighter, more accessible fantasy with a touch of mystery and magic.
Overall, a decent read that may appeal more to newer fans of the genre, though seasoned readers may find it lacking in depth and speed.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Thank you to the author, publisher, NetGalley, and BookSirens for the opportunity to read this.
Wicked Fae Cursed Magic offers an intriguing premise with dark fae elements and a magical world that holds potential. While the story has its engaging moments, it was slowed down by repetitive descriptions and pacing issues in several parts, making it a bit of a slog to get through at times.
That said, the world-building shows promise, and there's enough foundation here for the series to grow into something stronger. It's a good entry point for readers new to fae romantasy, especially those who enjoy lighter, more accessible fantasy with a touch of mystery and magic.
Overall, a decent read that may appeal more to newer fans of the genre, though seasoned readers may find it lacking in depth and speed.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Thank you to the author, publisher, NetGalley, and BookSirens for the opportunity to read this.
June 23, 2025
I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSirens and is leaving this review voluntarily!
I absolutely loved this book! It’s written in a style that perfectly aligns with my preferences for fae fantasy literature. The romance is sizzling, infused with mystery and just the right amount of spice. I truly enjoyed the plot and the way it was crafted. Additionally, I am a big fan of first-person point of view narratives, which added to my experience.
June is an incredibly lovable character, and I can’t wait to read more about her and Rhain. I didn't realize this was the second book in a series, but I will certainly go back to read the first one. From what I understand, the first book is a standalone within the series, so it’s not essential to read it before diving into this one. I’m also looking forward to exploring the subsequent books about June.
I absolutely loved this book! It’s written in a style that perfectly aligns with my preferences for fae fantasy literature. The romance is sizzling, infused with mystery and just the right amount of spice. I truly enjoyed the plot and the way it was crafted. Additionally, I am a big fan of first-person point of view narratives, which added to my experience.
June is an incredibly lovable character, and I can’t wait to read more about her and Rhain. I didn't realize this was the second book in a series, but I will certainly go back to read the first one. From what I understand, the first book is a standalone within the series, so it’s not essential to read it before diving into this one. I’m also looking forward to exploring the subsequent books about June.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews