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Among the Cursed Gods
He’s stealing artifacts. She’s stealing his heart.
Together will they fall prey to the cursed gods?
An archaeologist for the Smithsonian, Victoria Reynolds is settled into her life of authenticating pieces of history. Recovering from loss, she clings to a comfortable lifestyle no longer taking risks like she had before.
But when a mysterious family friend offers a trip to Peru for an Incan artifact boasting of resurrection powers, Victoria takes the bait.
Skeptical of supernatural claims, she is motivated to claim this treasure for her employer. However, with rising stakes brings a new partner—Marcus Santiago, a brooding bodyguard with a complicated past.
For Grady Williams, hunting down priceless treasures for the highest bidder is a means to an end. With pressure to eradicate debts, he’s determined for nothing to get in his way. A one-night stand with a gorgeous archaeologist from D.C. seems harmless at first until he discovers she is after the same artifact.
It’s a race between rivals with growing feelings on the line.
Deception forces them to become reluctant allies. For if this treasure falls into the wrong hands, it will awaken a far more dangerous threat.
Together will they fall prey to the cursed gods?
An archaeologist for the Smithsonian, Victoria Reynolds is settled into her life of authenticating pieces of history. Recovering from loss, she clings to a comfortable lifestyle no longer taking risks like she had before.
But when a mysterious family friend offers a trip to Peru for an Incan artifact boasting of resurrection powers, Victoria takes the bait.
Skeptical of supernatural claims, she is motivated to claim this treasure for her employer. However, with rising stakes brings a new partner—Marcus Santiago, a brooding bodyguard with a complicated past.
For Grady Williams, hunting down priceless treasures for the highest bidder is a means to an end. With pressure to eradicate debts, he’s determined for nothing to get in his way. A one-night stand with a gorgeous archaeologist from D.C. seems harmless at first until he discovers she is after the same artifact.
It’s a race between rivals with growing feelings on the line.
Deception forces them to become reluctant allies. For if this treasure falls into the wrong hands, it will awaken a far more dangerous threat.
344 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 15, 2025
5 people are currently reading
130 people want to read
About the author
T.J. Lundin
5 books29 followersT.J. Lundin is a piano teacher by day and slays paranormal creatures at night. Her love for all things fantasy, thriller, and paranormal began at a young age with LotR. You can find her unhinged narratives and thoughts at @Tjlundinbooks on instagram.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
June 25, 2025
I got the chance to read this Arc books. I loved it. It is the perfect amount of story line, trill, twist, and spice.
it really had me hooked from the first few pages of this book and kept me engaged throughout.
it has some cute illustrations throughout the book as well.
highly recommend reading
it really had me hooked from the first few pages of this book and kept me engaged throughout.
it has some cute illustrations throughout the book as well.
highly recommend reading
September 8, 2025
I really wanted to enjoy this book. I love a good Indiana Jones-esque adventure with cursed treasure and mysteries, throw in a romance subplot and I’m sold. The premise has a lot of potential but unfortunately the writing and execution of the plot severely lacked for me.
A down-on-her-luck archeologist turned museum historian receives the opportunity of a lifetime to get back in the field and hunt down the infamous Cup of Life. She travels to Peru with a tech savvy assistant and brooding bodyguard and a spark of hope to move on in her life after the death of her husband which occurred several years prior. Victoria decides to get a night out on the town before diving into her work and ends up in a one night stand with a handsome stranger who happens to also be looking for the same treasure she is. Like in most treasure hunts, plans go awry and Victoria and co. must overcome curses, betrayal, and growing feelings if they want to get out alive.
First and foremost, the plot and characterization is extremely superficial. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, even with superficial writing a book can still be enjoyable but this along with an abundance of inconsistencies and dialogue that sounded robotic and stilted made this very difficult to get through. I got whiplash from how quickly the scenes and the mood of the characters would change and often had to pause and look back to see how we even got here. There were instances where something horrifying or life-threatening would happen and the characters are reacting to it, then in the next paragraph they are joking around laughing or suddenly extremely horny for each other. I swear Grady had an erection in almost every scene he was in. Which was a lot. But anyway, they wouldn’t discuss the crazy thing that just happened that seems really important to the mystery they are trying to solve, and then it was never brought up again. The mystery and treasure clues themselves were also confusing and honestly didn’t really make sense or seem to tie to each other.
The writing itself also could have used major improvement. Throughout the book there were actions that happened and then consequences of the action happened, then the narrator would explain what happened and why. It was redundant and made the experience of reading the story less enjoyable. Most of the time, the reader can infer with context clues and there was no need to overexplain everything that happens. The dialogue did not sound natural and random things would happen that didn’t add anything to the plot or the characters.
There were also lots of unresolved plot lines. There was a love triangle and Victoria ends up with one of the men but it’s never really addressed why she chose him or if she had any closure with the other guy, they kind of just are suddenly not in a love triangle anymore. Also the conclusion of the treasure hunt, I did enjoy what happened to the bad guy and his schemes but also, one would think that unleashing an ancient god who hungers for blood would take more than 5 minutes to resolve. The whole thing ended very abruptly for all the trouble they went through to get to that point. I honestly cannot list the amount of things that did not make sense.
Overall, the premise itself is intriguing but execution needs a lot of improvement. This reads like a rough draft and could have been fleshed out a lot more.
A down-on-her-luck archeologist turned museum historian receives the opportunity of a lifetime to get back in the field and hunt down the infamous Cup of Life. She travels to Peru with a tech savvy assistant and brooding bodyguard and a spark of hope to move on in her life after the death of her husband which occurred several years prior. Victoria decides to get a night out on the town before diving into her work and ends up in a one night stand with a handsome stranger who happens to also be looking for the same treasure she is. Like in most treasure hunts, plans go awry and Victoria and co. must overcome curses, betrayal, and growing feelings if they want to get out alive.
First and foremost, the plot and characterization is extremely superficial. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, even with superficial writing a book can still be enjoyable but this along with an abundance of inconsistencies and dialogue that sounded robotic and stilted made this very difficult to get through. I got whiplash from how quickly the scenes and the mood of the characters would change and often had to pause and look back to see how we even got here. There were instances where something horrifying or life-threatening would happen and the characters are reacting to it, then in the next paragraph they are joking around laughing or suddenly extremely horny for each other. I swear Grady had an erection in almost every scene he was in. Which was a lot. But anyway, they wouldn’t discuss the crazy thing that just happened that seems really important to the mystery they are trying to solve, and then it was never brought up again. The mystery and treasure clues themselves were also confusing and honestly didn’t really make sense or seem to tie to each other.
The writing itself also could have used major improvement. Throughout the book there were actions that happened and then consequences of the action happened, then the narrator would explain what happened and why. It was redundant and made the experience of reading the story less enjoyable. Most of the time, the reader can infer with context clues and there was no need to overexplain everything that happens. The dialogue did not sound natural and random things would happen that didn’t add anything to the plot or the characters.
There were also lots of unresolved plot lines. There was a love triangle and Victoria ends up with one of the men but it’s never really addressed why she chose him or if she had any closure with the other guy, they kind of just are suddenly not in a love triangle anymore. Also the conclusion of the treasure hunt, I did enjoy what happened to the bad guy and his schemes but also, one would think that unleashing an ancient god who hungers for blood would take more than 5 minutes to resolve. The whole thing ended very abruptly for all the trouble they went through to get to that point. I honestly cannot list the amount of things that did not make sense.
Overall, the premise itself is intriguing but execution needs a lot of improvement. This reads like a rough draft and could have been fleshed out a lot more.
September 6, 2025
4.5/5⭐️
~~~
first, thank you so much T.J. Lundin for sending me an early copy of your book! it was such an honor to receive this ARC, especially a physical copy🫶🏻
this book was so much fun! it was fast paced, action packed, spicy, and very adventurous! it’s not like the usual books i read, which made it stand out to me that much more. i think Victoria was a fun main character because she was feisty and sassy, but also flawed and impulsive at times, sometimes to her own detriment. but throughout this book she discovers more of who she wants to be and where she wants her life to go, and i think it was beautiful. Grady was also wonderful! he has a traumatic military past, but he still manages to let himself get closer to Vic, and i love how he took care of her when she needed him.
i will say the fantasy/curse elements were light during this treasure hunt until the end, but i think it worked really well for the modern setting of the story. this book gave off the best National Treasure/Uncharted/Indiana Jones vibes, and i’m very curious to see what the next book will be like
now, i will say that the only reason i gave this book 4.5⭐️ is because the romance itself was a bit hard for me to get into. i didn’t like Marcus as a potential love interest at all, even if he and Vic did have sexual chemistry. i thought Grady was the better choice from the start!! but maybe that’s because i’m never unbiased in love triangles😆 i also thought Victoria mentally brought up Derek at weird times. maybe it’s because i’ve never had a husband that’s been murdered before, but i found it odd that Vic would be thinking about Derek in sexual settings with Grady or Marcus🫣 i also couldn’t tell if Vic loved and missed Derek, or if she was happy to be free of him since she frequently described him as controlling and it seemed as if he stifled Victoria’s true self while they had been married. but again, my life experiences have been different than Victoria’s, so maybe that’s why those few parts of the story didn’t work for me
but please know that this is a positive review! i think this is the best thing T.J. has ever written, and her writing has grown sooo much since her first book😍 if you’re looking for a spicy treasure hunting adventure, Among the Cursed Gods is the book for you!!
~~~
~~~
first, thank you so much T.J. Lundin for sending me an early copy of your book! it was such an honor to receive this ARC, especially a physical copy🫶🏻
this book was so much fun! it was fast paced, action packed, spicy, and very adventurous! it’s not like the usual books i read, which made it stand out to me that much more. i think Victoria was a fun main character because she was feisty and sassy, but also flawed and impulsive at times, sometimes to her own detriment. but throughout this book she discovers more of who she wants to be and where she wants her life to go, and i think it was beautiful. Grady was also wonderful! he has a traumatic military past, but he still manages to let himself get closer to Vic, and i love how he took care of her when she needed him.
i will say the fantasy/curse elements were light during this treasure hunt until the end, but i think it worked really well for the modern setting of the story. this book gave off the best National Treasure/Uncharted/Indiana Jones vibes, and i’m very curious to see what the next book will be like
now, i will say that the only reason i gave this book 4.5⭐️ is because the romance itself was a bit hard for me to get into. i didn’t like Marcus as a potential love interest at all, even if he and Vic did have sexual chemistry. i thought Grady was the better choice from the start!! but maybe that’s because i’m never unbiased in love triangles😆 i also thought Victoria mentally brought up Derek at weird times. maybe it’s because i’ve never had a husband that’s been murdered before, but i found it odd that Vic would be thinking about Derek in sexual settings with Grady or Marcus🫣 i also couldn’t tell if Vic loved and missed Derek, or if she was happy to be free of him since she frequently described him as controlling and it seemed as if he stifled Victoria’s true self while they had been married. but again, my life experiences have been different than Victoria’s, so maybe that’s why those few parts of the story didn’t work for me
but please know that this is a positive review! i think this is the best thing T.J. has ever written, and her writing has grown sooo much since her first book😍 if you’re looking for a spicy treasure hunting adventure, Among the Cursed Gods is the book for you!!
~~~
June 27, 2025
⚔️🔥 4 STARS — Fast, fun, and surprisingly spicy 💥💋
First of all thank you to NetGalley, Piper Press & Co and T.J. Lundin for the e-arc!
This book grabbed me from page one and didn’t let go. No slow build here — it dives straight into the action, which I actually really liked. The pacing is super quick, and the mix of danger, sass, and way more romance and spice than I expected made it such a fun ride.
💥 What I loved:
- Fast-paced plot that never drags
- Banter and action from the start
- Romance? Yep. Spice? Also yep. Unexpected but welcome 😏
This was a bit outside my usual genre comfort zone, but I had a really great time with it. It’s one of those books you can fly through in a day and be like, “Okay… where’s the next one??”
Would definitely recommend for readers who love:
✅ Lovers turned Rivals AND Broody Bodyguards
✅ Characters who flirt while fighting
✅ Action-packed plots with a heavy dose of heat
First of all thank you to NetGalley, Piper Press & Co and T.J. Lundin for the e-arc!
This book grabbed me from page one and didn’t let go. No slow build here — it dives straight into the action, which I actually really liked. The pacing is super quick, and the mix of danger, sass, and way more romance and spice than I expected made it such a fun ride.
💥 What I loved:
- Fast-paced plot that never drags
- Banter and action from the start
- Romance? Yep. Spice? Also yep. Unexpected but welcome 😏
This was a bit outside my usual genre comfort zone, but I had a really great time with it. It’s one of those books you can fly through in a day and be like, “Okay… where’s the next one??”
Would definitely recommend for readers who love:
✅ Lovers turned Rivals AND Broody Bodyguards
✅ Characters who flirt while fighting
✅ Action-packed plots with a heavy dose of heat
July 6, 2025
Among the Cursed Gods - ARC Review
This was a super fun and fast-paced story following Victoria, an archeologist who has settled into a quiet routine over the last 3 years working at the Smithsonian. When she’s approached with a job offer to travel to Peru and uncover an artifact, an ancient Cup with claims of being able to bring people back from the dead, she recognizes it as an opportunity to get herself out of her comfort zone and begin reclaiming the life and sense of adventure she’s lost. Landing in Peru, she meets a handsome, and somewhat mysterious, stranger who she has a one night stand with, only to find out later that they’re both hunting the same piece of treasure. A race to find the Cup ensues, and Vic finds herself questioning the mission, her beliefs, and her loyalties, culminating in a very Uncharted-esque hunt through ancient ruins that will keep you on your toes.
The Good:
Where this book shines is with the treasure hunt. As an avid Romantasy reader, I don’t encounter many high-stakes treasure hunts in this kind of setting, making it such a fun read. I also really enjoyed the themes of grief and rediscovering yourself after loss. I think the author did a good job navigating this.
The Less Good:
Where I think the book struggles is primarily with the dialogue, especially between the love interests. I found a lot of the conversations to be a bit cringey and lacking in maturity for what are supposed to be characters in their late 20’s. Additionally, Victoria is described as being very smart and educated, but her lack of confidence and some of the choices she makes doesn’t align with where she should be at this point in her career and her intelligence level.
Overall, I had fun with this book and would recommend it for someone looking for a fun and fast-paced adventure!
Thank you to NetGalley, T.J. Lundin, and Piper Press & Co. for the e-arc in exchange for my honest review.
This was a super fun and fast-paced story following Victoria, an archeologist who has settled into a quiet routine over the last 3 years working at the Smithsonian. When she’s approached with a job offer to travel to Peru and uncover an artifact, an ancient Cup with claims of being able to bring people back from the dead, she recognizes it as an opportunity to get herself out of her comfort zone and begin reclaiming the life and sense of adventure she’s lost. Landing in Peru, she meets a handsome, and somewhat mysterious, stranger who she has a one night stand with, only to find out later that they’re both hunting the same piece of treasure. A race to find the Cup ensues, and Vic finds herself questioning the mission, her beliefs, and her loyalties, culminating in a very Uncharted-esque hunt through ancient ruins that will keep you on your toes.
The Good:
Where this book shines is with the treasure hunt. As an avid Romantasy reader, I don’t encounter many high-stakes treasure hunts in this kind of setting, making it such a fun read. I also really enjoyed the themes of grief and rediscovering yourself after loss. I think the author did a good job navigating this.
The Less Good:
Where I think the book struggles is primarily with the dialogue, especially between the love interests. I found a lot of the conversations to be a bit cringey and lacking in maturity for what are supposed to be characters in their late 20’s. Additionally, Victoria is described as being very smart and educated, but her lack of confidence and some of the choices she makes doesn’t align with where she should be at this point in her career and her intelligence level.
Overall, I had fun with this book and would recommend it for someone looking for a fun and fast-paced adventure!
Thank you to NetGalley, T.J. Lundin, and Piper Press & Co. for the e-arc in exchange for my honest review.
July 7, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Among the Cursed Gods was such a fun, fast-paced read. It gave me big Uncharted and The Mummy vibes — ancient curses, artifact hunting, and non-stop adventure. I didn’t expect to get pulled in so quickly, but it starts with action and just keeps going.
Victoria’s dealing with the loss of her husband and ends up on this wild trip to Peru, trying to find herself again while being thrown into danger, mystery, and a bit of a love triangle. I liked that she felt real — strong, but still working through things. Her character growth really stood out to me.
There’s a good mix of tension, banter, and mythology, and it kept me guessing the whole way. It’s definitely a bit outside my usual genre, but I had a great time with it.
Thanks so much to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!
Among the Cursed Gods was such a fun, fast-paced read. It gave me big Uncharted and The Mummy vibes — ancient curses, artifact hunting, and non-stop adventure. I didn’t expect to get pulled in so quickly, but it starts with action and just keeps going.
Victoria’s dealing with the loss of her husband and ends up on this wild trip to Peru, trying to find herself again while being thrown into danger, mystery, and a bit of a love triangle. I liked that she felt real — strong, but still working through things. Her character growth really stood out to me.
There’s a good mix of tension, banter, and mythology, and it kept me guessing the whole way. It’s definitely a bit outside my usual genre, but I had a great time with it.
Thanks so much to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!
June 24, 2025
3.75/5 Stars
Among the Cursed Gods is like watching an adventure movie. Action packed with just the right amount of spicy. Think The Mummy meets National Treasure with a mythological twist.
I liked the quick pace. The banter was great. And The lovers-turned-rivals angle was super entertaining. I thought the romance and adventure was pretty well balanced.
Things that didn’t hit the mark for me. some of the emotional beats felt a little rushed, especially Grady’s character development. The mythology angle is cool, but sometimes the stakes felt more told than shown. Still, I the story kept me entertained the whole time.
If you're in the mood for an action-packed adventure with a bit of romance, some quirky mythology, and a good dose of tension between the leads, this one hits the spot. It’s not perfect, but it’s definitely entertaining. Perfect for when you want a fast-paced, feel-good read that’ll keep you hooked until the last page.
Thank you to NetGalley, Piper Press & Co., and T.J. Lundin for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
Among the Cursed Gods is like watching an adventure movie. Action packed with just the right amount of spicy. Think The Mummy meets National Treasure with a mythological twist.
I liked the quick pace. The banter was great. And The lovers-turned-rivals angle was super entertaining. I thought the romance and adventure was pretty well balanced.
Things that didn’t hit the mark for me. some of the emotional beats felt a little rushed, especially Grady’s character development. The mythology angle is cool, but sometimes the stakes felt more told than shown. Still, I the story kept me entertained the whole time.
If you're in the mood for an action-packed adventure with a bit of romance, some quirky mythology, and a good dose of tension between the leads, this one hits the spot. It’s not perfect, but it’s definitely entertaining. Perfect for when you want a fast-paced, feel-good read that’ll keep you hooked until the last page.
Thank you to NetGalley, Piper Press & Co., and T.J. Lundin for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
July 11, 2025
This started off really promising but, it kind of fell off after 20%. I was still interested enough to read because the premise of a treasure hunt was so much fun. I feel like the storyline with Marcus was unnecessary and it didn’t really do much to drive the story forward. As for Grady, I feel like it was instalove and that’s not something I usually enjoy reading. I wish there was more focus on the treasure hunt, artifacts, and the actual story. While the relationships are import to an extent, this was very relationship driven and not plot driven. I feel like the last 15% was rushed.
Thanks to Net Galley for the ARC!
Thanks to Net Galley for the ARC!
June 19, 2025
I loooved the treasure hunting but the romance just didn’t work for me. Overall an entertaining read!
August 25, 2025
⭐⭐⭐
𝐓𝐑𝐎𝐏𝐄𝐒
🪙Enemies to Lovers
🪙Love Triangle
🪙Strong FMC
🪙Inca Mythology
🪙Romantic Suspense
🪙Action-Romance
-- 💟💟--
I've always been a huge fan of adventure romance. When I first watched THE LOST CITY with Sandra Bullock and Channing Tatum, I knew I had to find more books like the movie. The adventure mixed with romance has always been an appealing trope to me, so when I met T.J. Lundin and discovered that she was looking for ARC readers for her upcoming novel, Among the Cursed Gods I knew this was an opportunity I couldn't pass up!
The story follows Victoria Reynolds, an archeologist who works at the Smithsonian and is particularly invested in studying old relics. She's hired by an old friend of her father's to research a mythological relic in Peru, where she gets wrapped up in ancient lore, love triangle drama, and dangers far beyond her pay grade.
I think Victoria is an interesting character, but sometimes, she didn't make much sense to me. Her development fell flat, because she didn't quite develop. I though the mention of her backstory with Derek would have some involvement in the plot, but it didn't add much except to pop up at random moments or to prolong her relationship with Grady. I loved how fierce she was. Victoria took crap from nobody and knew her worth. She was surefire, independent, intelligent, and dedicated to her work, which I can respect (because we STAN a strong, independent woman) but I don't think her character remained consistent. We're told several times that she's intelligent, which is proven through her ability to decipher the complex codes, but when it comes to her interactions with others, her intelligence falls flat. She's impulsive, which would have been a great point of character development, but somehow, Victoria always comes out victorious when even Grady, who is military trained, can't fight back. I was a little confused in that aspect, because nowhere does it mention that Victoria has any martial arts training. Did she just magically become good at fighting? I would have loved to see more of her vulnerabilities, maybe have Grady teach her and help her grow into a stronger individual! Victoria had so much potential and I loved her character, but when she was compared to being "better" than other girls, I felt like this didn't make a lot of sense.
When it comes to her chemistry with her love interests, I was rooting for Grady and Victoria! They had more chemistry than Victoria and Marcus, and I think that Grady perfectly balanced out Victoria, and Victoria knew how to keep Grady's ego in check. However, I felt like their situation was more of an insta-lust, and Grady had Victoria on a pedestal, often claiming that he did one-nights strands only, but suddenly after a night with Victoria he only wants her? It felt a little sudden, knowing Grady's character from what we as a reader are told. Despite this, this man has some SWOON-WORTHY lines!! I mean:
Like, come on! 😍How can you not fall for this grumpy, smug, brooding hunk of a man?? Grady had the backstory, the goals, the looks and charisma that made him undeniably attractive and damn it if I didn't want to be Victoria 😂He was not only a great charmer, but when she needed him, Grady was there for Victoria. He helped her through her panic attacks and protected her with his body and heart. He's honestly become one of my favorite book boyfriends!
As for Marcus...I'm still not entirely sure what his inclusion in the story added. He was Victoria's bodyguard, but also Lopez's nephew? So...was he a traitor or was he not? I felt like that potential oscillated, especially toward the end, when the climax hits, and I'm not sure how Victoria, who constantly berates and distrusts Grady, can trust Marcus so easily in that moment when Grady has proven himself more than Marcus. Of course, I have to give credit where credit is due - Marcus is also extremely attractive 😂He gave off so many mixed signals that fizzled into confusion on my part, but he was caring, protective, and just another guy who had the potential to be an amazing book boyfriend if his goals and motivations were clearer. He had the backstory, but it wasn't fleshed out enough for me to understand what the entire point was. I have to hand it to him, though, this quote:
I feel like the confusion over why Marcus was in the story ties with SJ too, Victoria's colleague turned friend. She reminded me of that hacker friend everyone has in spy movies - staying inside a room and monitoring events through an earphone - but much like Marcus, I didn't understand why she was in the story. However, I will say that toward the end, her role as a plot point came into clutch, but I kind of think Damaris would have been a better option, considering her ties to the cup and its history.
I LOVED the plot, though. The inclusion of Inca mythology showed that the author did incredible amounts of research for this novel, and I have to applaud her for it. She seamlessly wove their tales into the conversations between characters, and I found myself re-reading paragraphs of these stories to understand the full depth of their meaning.
However, I do feel like the entire "adventure" portion of this story wasn't there. For the first, maybe twenty chapters of the story, I can't say that there's the action I was expecting. I thought we'd see more of them braving the jungles or old ruins, but it takes place in a touristy area, and many chapters have more intimacy scenes than actual adventure. While this develops Victoria's relationship with Grady and Marcus, I felt like in terms of adventure, there wasn't much. And when there was adventure, the pace was very brisk and at times, too sudden, so I didn't understand what was happening, where they were, and why they were doing what they were doing.
I want to add, the beginning started off with a BANG and I loved it! It immediately threw me into the plot and I wanted to know more...but then we go back to before the BANG happens and I felt like it was very dragging up until the point when the action hits. I'm saying this again, but I think there needs to be more. Of course, there was action, especially when Grady came and revealed his goals when they were in the Chapel, but the action compared to what happened in the beginning felt too whiplash-y, if that makes sense?
This is the moment I bet y'all want to hear about...THE SPICE WAS SPICING like holy moly I was reading the pages over and over again and memorizing everything Grady and Marcus said and did because MY GOD they're just...*chef's kiss*. And Victoria? Oh, we love a girl who knows her worth and knows how to get her man on his knees! I really, REALLY wished Lundin gave us that fantasy with Grady and Marcus because 🥵🥵🥵That would have been soooo hot, and really an adventure on it's own!
Towards the end, though, Lundin gives us the adventure we need and I loved it! Victoria, Grady, SJ and Marcus are all included in this fast-paced race to find the objects that Lopez needs to complete his evil plan (I'm exaggerating, but can you blame me for imagining Lopez as Bowser 😂) I loved seeing Grady and Victoria finally work together in an adventurous setting, and seeing Victoria's Incan knowledge come into play was exciting, because she explained her reasons without being patronizing like I've seen a lot of FMCs do. She was patient and didn't castrate anyone for not knowing the stories.
One thing that still sticks in my head, though,
Oh, and the ENDING?? I'm still not sure how to feel about it 😅It was so exciting, dramatic, fast-paced and full of rapid dynamics but...HOW?? Like, when did we go from contemporary adventure to fantasy?? I felt like it all happened too quickly - Lopez, Esme, then I have so many questions, but I liked the hardcore action that Lundin gave us at the end, even though it felt too rushed and I wanted it to slow down to learn more about how everything is happening, where it all came from, and can they come back again? Also, what happened to the relics? Were they destroyed in the event?
Overall, I enjoyed this story! It has so much potential, and I can't wait to see what Lundin writes next! Hoping for another adventure with Victoria, Grady, and even Marcus, because I would love to see more of this trio work together and evolve (I can't forget about my girl SJ!...NGL I kind of ship her with Marcus XD). If we're taking a trip with them to the deserts of Saudi Arabia to find a Djinn...your girl here is ready for the ride! 😁
Looking for more of my reviews? Want to contact me? Check out my blog! Shreya Reads, Reviews, and Writes
𝐓𝐑𝐎𝐏𝐄𝐒
🪙Enemies to Lovers
🪙Love Triangle
🪙Strong FMC
🪙Inca Mythology
🪙Romantic Suspense
🪙Action-Romance
-- 💟💟--
I've always been a huge fan of adventure romance. When I first watched THE LOST CITY with Sandra Bullock and Channing Tatum, I knew I had to find more books like the movie. The adventure mixed with romance has always been an appealing trope to me, so when I met T.J. Lundin and discovered that she was looking for ARC readers for her upcoming novel, Among the Cursed Gods I knew this was an opportunity I couldn't pass up!
The story follows Victoria Reynolds, an archeologist who works at the Smithsonian and is particularly invested in studying old relics. She's hired by an old friend of her father's to research a mythological relic in Peru, where she gets wrapped up in ancient lore, love triangle drama, and dangers far beyond her pay grade.
I think Victoria is an interesting character, but sometimes, she didn't make much sense to me. Her development fell flat, because she didn't quite develop. I though the mention of her backstory with Derek would have some involvement in the plot, but it didn't add much except to pop up at random moments or to prolong her relationship with Grady. I loved how fierce she was. Victoria took crap from nobody and knew her worth. She was surefire, independent, intelligent, and dedicated to her work, which I can respect (because we STAN a strong, independent woman) but I don't think her character remained consistent. We're told several times that she's intelligent, which is proven through her ability to decipher the complex codes, but when it comes to her interactions with others, her intelligence falls flat. She's impulsive, which would have been a great point of character development, but somehow, Victoria always comes out victorious when even Grady, who is military trained, can't fight back. I was a little confused in that aspect, because nowhere does it mention that Victoria has any martial arts training. Did she just magically become good at fighting? I would have loved to see more of her vulnerabilities, maybe have Grady teach her and help her grow into a stronger individual! Victoria had so much potential and I loved her character, but when she was compared to being "better" than other girls, I felt like this didn't make a lot of sense.
When it comes to her chemistry with her love interests, I was rooting for Grady and Victoria! They had more chemistry than Victoria and Marcus, and I think that Grady perfectly balanced out Victoria, and Victoria knew how to keep Grady's ego in check. However, I felt like their situation was more of an insta-lust, and Grady had Victoria on a pedestal, often claiming that he did one-nights strands only, but suddenly after a night with Victoria he only wants her? It felt a little sudden, knowing Grady's character from what we as a reader are told. Despite this, this man has some SWOON-WORTHY lines!! I mean:
You are like forbidden treasure, Victoria— the most precious gemstone in all the land. I know if I were to take you here and now, it would be my undoing.
Like, come on! 😍How can you not fall for this grumpy, smug, brooding hunk of a man?? Grady had the backstory, the goals, the looks and charisma that made him undeniably attractive and damn it if I didn't want to be Victoria 😂He was not only a great charmer, but when she needed him, Grady was there for Victoria. He helped her through her panic attacks and protected her with his body and heart. He's honestly become one of my favorite book boyfriends!
As for Marcus...I'm still not entirely sure what his inclusion in the story added. He was Victoria's bodyguard, but also Lopez's nephew? So...was he a traitor or was he not? I felt like that potential oscillated, especially toward the end, when the climax hits, and I'm not sure how Victoria, who constantly berates and distrusts Grady, can trust Marcus so easily in that moment when Grady has proven himself more than Marcus. Of course, I have to give credit where credit is due - Marcus is also extremely attractive 😂He gave off so many mixed signals that fizzled into confusion on my part, but he was caring, protective, and just another guy who had the potential to be an amazing book boyfriend if his goals and motivations were clearer. He had the backstory, but it wasn't fleshed out enough for me to understand what the entire point was. I have to hand it to him, though, this quote:
Don’t get used to seeing me on my knees for you, Princesa.had my heart POUNDING 😍Marcus, like Grady, knows his way with words.
I feel like the confusion over why Marcus was in the story ties with SJ too, Victoria's colleague turned friend. She reminded me of that hacker friend everyone has in spy movies - staying inside a room and monitoring events through an earphone - but much like Marcus, I didn't understand why she was in the story. However, I will say that toward the end, her role as a plot point came into clutch, but I kind of think Damaris would have been a better option, considering her ties to the cup and its history.
I LOVED the plot, though. The inclusion of Inca mythology showed that the author did incredible amounts of research for this novel, and I have to applaud her for it. She seamlessly wove their tales into the conversations between characters, and I found myself re-reading paragraphs of these stories to understand the full depth of their meaning.
However, I do feel like the entire "adventure" portion of this story wasn't there. For the first, maybe twenty chapters of the story, I can't say that there's the action I was expecting. I thought we'd see more of them braving the jungles or old ruins, but it takes place in a touristy area, and many chapters have more intimacy scenes than actual adventure. While this develops Victoria's relationship with Grady and Marcus, I felt like in terms of adventure, there wasn't much. And when there was adventure, the pace was very brisk and at times, too sudden, so I didn't understand what was happening, where they were, and why they were doing what they were doing.
I want to add, the beginning started off with a BANG and I loved it! It immediately threw me into the plot and I wanted to know more...but then we go back to before the BANG happens and I felt like it was very dragging up until the point when the action hits. I'm saying this again, but I think there needs to be more. Of course, there was action, especially when Grady came and revealed his goals when they were in the Chapel, but the action compared to what happened in the beginning felt too whiplash-y, if that makes sense?
This is the moment I bet y'all want to hear about...THE SPICE WAS SPICING like holy moly I was reading the pages over and over again and memorizing everything Grady and Marcus said and did because MY GOD they're just...*chef's kiss*. And Victoria? Oh, we love a girl who knows her worth and knows how to get her man on his knees! I really, REALLY wished Lundin gave us that fantasy with Grady and Marcus because 🥵🥵🥵That would have been soooo hot, and really an adventure on it's own!
Towards the end, though, Lundin gives us the adventure we need and I loved it! Victoria, Grady, SJ and Marcus are all included in this fast-paced race to find the objects that Lopez needs to complete his evil plan (I'm exaggerating, but can you blame me for imagining Lopez as Bowser 😂) I loved seeing Grady and Victoria finally work together in an adventurous setting, and seeing Victoria's Incan knowledge come into play was exciting, because she explained her reasons without being patronizing like I've seen a lot of FMCs do. She was patient and didn't castrate anyone for not knowing the stories.
One thing that still sticks in my head, though,
Oh, and the ENDING?? I'm still not sure how to feel about it 😅It was so exciting, dramatic, fast-paced and full of rapid dynamics but...HOW?? Like, when did we go from contemporary adventure to fantasy?? I felt like it all happened too quickly - Lopez, Esme, then I have so many questions, but I liked the hardcore action that Lundin gave us at the end, even though it felt too rushed and I wanted it to slow down to learn more about how everything is happening, where it all came from, and can they come back again? Also, what happened to the relics? Were they destroyed in the event?
Overall, I enjoyed this story! It has so much potential, and I can't wait to see what Lundin writes next! Hoping for another adventure with Victoria, Grady, and even Marcus, because I would love to see more of this trio work together and evolve (I can't forget about my girl SJ!...NGL I kind of ship her with Marcus XD). If we're taking a trip with them to the deserts of Saudi Arabia to find a Djinn...your girl here is ready for the ride! 😁
Looking for more of my reviews? Want to contact me? Check out my blog! Shreya Reads, Reviews, and Writes
July 19, 2025
Among the Cursed Gods takes us on an archeological journey with Victoria, an employee of the Smithsonian, as she attempts to locate a mysterious artifact.
The story was a great length and an easy read, but I had a difficult time enjoying it because of how one dimensional it felt. I understand that it plays off as an adventurous, romantic comedy, but that doesn’t mean that there can’t be depth. I felt the story was on autopilot—it never attempted to go beyond surface level settings, character development or plot. There was no unique voice to differ this from other books that have similar themes, and there was nothing to draw me to the characters themselves—I was never invested in their journey, their reasonings, or their growth.
Grady, Marcus and SJ are a bit flat but palatable. The biggest problem I had was with Victoria because the whole story relies on her. She’s our main character. I was not convinced that she was an archeologist or had ever worked in a museum. The story is set up that she has a personal interest in Mayan and Incan culture, but that doesn’t match with her mannerisms or knowledge, and it does a disservice to her character:
1. She doesn’t know much about the Sun God Festival that goes on while they’re in Peru other than the date and the god it’s honoring. That seems like something an employee of the Smithsonian, studying Incan and Peruvian culture, would be aware of.
2. She makes basic remarks about general information which shows me that the author’s research on archeology and Incan Civilizations was minimal. I don’t need a dry, Non-Fiction History lesson, but it’s an enjoyment to learn while reading, and I want to feel drawn into the world. Good examples of historical books that also incorporate supernatural elements, adventure, and romance are A Discovery of Witches and Outlander.
3. Her mannerisms don’t match someone who loves archeology or works with archeological finds: she doesn’t have specific tools for looking at ancient, delicate artifacts, there are no real procedures or protocols for anything (even if there’s a reason those can’t happen, eg: being held at gunpoint, there could have been opportunity for showing more of her personality and habits to make her more natural). Finally, she’s okay with Grady utilizing dynamite inside an Incan monument which seems crazy to me. *There was no attempt at preservation, yet Victoria was willing to potentially risk her life to interview a goddess*
When the true purpose of the artifact is finally revealed there are supernatural experiences that feel random. I think if the ending had been placed in the middle, and it became another conflict that needed to be resolved then it would have worked better, similar to The Mummy. A story point that big that only lasts for a few chapters, at the very end, hinders the climax and resolution of the story.
There was one chapter that takes place in a room that fills with sand. That was my favorite part of the book. That chapter gives off Indiana Jones and Tomb Raider vibes, and I wish the rest of the book had fit that tone. I wanted more adventure and more Peru. The uncomfortable romances that happen overshadow the thrilling adventure story this had the potential to be.
Lastly, my one structural criticism is that the chapter titles need POV markers. I could never tell when there was a shift between Victoria and Grady, and I would often have to go back and reread when I realized whose POV it was.
An e-ARC was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions remain my own.
The story was a great length and an easy read, but I had a difficult time enjoying it because of how one dimensional it felt. I understand that it plays off as an adventurous, romantic comedy, but that doesn’t mean that there can’t be depth. I felt the story was on autopilot—it never attempted to go beyond surface level settings, character development or plot. There was no unique voice to differ this from other books that have similar themes, and there was nothing to draw me to the characters themselves—I was never invested in their journey, their reasonings, or their growth.
Grady, Marcus and SJ are a bit flat but palatable. The biggest problem I had was with Victoria because the whole story relies on her. She’s our main character. I was not convinced that she was an archeologist or had ever worked in a museum. The story is set up that she has a personal interest in Mayan and Incan culture, but that doesn’t match with her mannerisms or knowledge, and it does a disservice to her character:
1. She doesn’t know much about the Sun God Festival that goes on while they’re in Peru other than the date and the god it’s honoring. That seems like something an employee of the Smithsonian, studying Incan and Peruvian culture, would be aware of.
2. She makes basic remarks about general information which shows me that the author’s research on archeology and Incan Civilizations was minimal. I don’t need a dry, Non-Fiction History lesson, but it’s an enjoyment to learn while reading, and I want to feel drawn into the world. Good examples of historical books that also incorporate supernatural elements, adventure, and romance are A Discovery of Witches and Outlander.
3. Her mannerisms don’t match someone who loves archeology or works with archeological finds: she doesn’t have specific tools for looking at ancient, delicate artifacts, there are no real procedures or protocols for anything (even if there’s a reason those can’t happen, eg: being held at gunpoint, there could have been opportunity for showing more of her personality and habits to make her more natural). Finally, she’s okay with Grady utilizing dynamite inside an Incan monument which seems crazy to me. *There was no attempt at preservation, yet Victoria was willing to potentially risk her life to interview a goddess*
When the true purpose of the artifact is finally revealed there are supernatural experiences that feel random. I think if the ending had been placed in the middle, and it became another conflict that needed to be resolved then it would have worked better, similar to The Mummy. A story point that big that only lasts for a few chapters, at the very end, hinders the climax and resolution of the story.
There was one chapter that takes place in a room that fills with sand. That was my favorite part of the book. That chapter gives off Indiana Jones and Tomb Raider vibes, and I wish the rest of the book had fit that tone. I wanted more adventure and more Peru. The uncomfortable romances that happen overshadow the thrilling adventure story this had the potential to be.
Lastly, my one structural criticism is that the chapter titles need POV markers. I could never tell when there was a shift between Victoria and Grady, and I would often have to go back and reread when I realized whose POV it was.
An e-ARC was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions remain my own.
July 22, 2025
You ever read something that feels like a popcorn movie in book form? That’s this.
Picture this:
An archaeologist, burned out and stuck in neutral, is offered a job too wild to turn down, travel to Peru and find a legendary Cup said to bring people back from the dead. She says yes. Because why wouldn’t you want to swap out dusty museum halls for cryptic ruins and ancient power? Her name is Victoria. She’s sharp, grieving, and tired of feeling like a shadow of herself. And right when she finally shakes off the dust and lands in the jungle, she meets him. A charming stranger. One night. No names. No strings.
Oops. Turns out Mr. Tall, Dark, and Elusive is also after the same artifact.
Now it’s a race. Through tombs. Through betrayal. Through tangled loyalties and a whole lot of what even is happening right now? It’s high stakes, full of puzzles and danger, and not without some very steamy detours, including one unforgettable barn scene I did not see coming
The adventure. This isn’t just romantic tension layered on top of ruins, it’s genuinely exciting. Think The Mummy meets National Treasure, but make it more intimate and emotionally raw. The themes of loss and rediscovery. Vic isn’t just chasing a Cup, she’s chasing pieces of herself. The way the story handles grief and finding purpose again was subtle but sincere. Peru isn’t just a backdrop here; it breathes. The atmosphere was vivid and immersive, damp caves, ancient traps, and all the history whispering from the walls. Things that I thought needed work were, I wanted to root for them more, but some of the dialogue was a little off-key for two adults in their late 20s. Chemistry existed, but the conversations often leaned into immature or awkward territory. Vic’s characterization, she’s introduced as a top-tier academic working at the Smithsonian… yet sometimes her choices didn’t quite match that résumé. Smart, yes, but also surprisingly unsure of herself in ways that felt inconsistent. This was pure escapism. It wasn’t perfect, but it was fun. A little spicy, a little messy, and packed with that old-school action-romance flair we don’t get enough of anymore. If you like your adventure stories with cursed artifacts, unresolved trauma, morally gray hot guys, and an accidental jungle rivalry, you’ll want to add this one to your TBR. Coming October 15th.
You’ve got time to prep your field notes and emotional support machete.
Picture this:
An archaeologist, burned out and stuck in neutral, is offered a job too wild to turn down, travel to Peru and find a legendary Cup said to bring people back from the dead. She says yes. Because why wouldn’t you want to swap out dusty museum halls for cryptic ruins and ancient power? Her name is Victoria. She’s sharp, grieving, and tired of feeling like a shadow of herself. And right when she finally shakes off the dust and lands in the jungle, she meets him. A charming stranger. One night. No names. No strings.
Oops. Turns out Mr. Tall, Dark, and Elusive is also after the same artifact.
Now it’s a race. Through tombs. Through betrayal. Through tangled loyalties and a whole lot of what even is happening right now? It’s high stakes, full of puzzles and danger, and not without some very steamy detours, including one unforgettable barn scene I did not see coming
The adventure. This isn’t just romantic tension layered on top of ruins, it’s genuinely exciting. Think The Mummy meets National Treasure, but make it more intimate and emotionally raw. The themes of loss and rediscovery. Vic isn’t just chasing a Cup, she’s chasing pieces of herself. The way the story handles grief and finding purpose again was subtle but sincere. Peru isn’t just a backdrop here; it breathes. The atmosphere was vivid and immersive, damp caves, ancient traps, and all the history whispering from the walls. Things that I thought needed work were, I wanted to root for them more, but some of the dialogue was a little off-key for two adults in their late 20s. Chemistry existed, but the conversations often leaned into immature or awkward territory. Vic’s characterization, she’s introduced as a top-tier academic working at the Smithsonian… yet sometimes her choices didn’t quite match that résumé. Smart, yes, but also surprisingly unsure of herself in ways that felt inconsistent. This was pure escapism. It wasn’t perfect, but it was fun. A little spicy, a little messy, and packed with that old-school action-romance flair we don’t get enough of anymore. If you like your adventure stories with cursed artifacts, unresolved trauma, morally gray hot guys, and an accidental jungle rivalry, you’ll want to add this one to your TBR. Coming October 15th.
You’ve got time to prep your field notes and emotional support machete.
August 25, 2025
I received an eARC from the author, thank you. I am leaving a voluntary review.
**
3,75 stars, rounded up to 4.
The story follows Victoria, who is hired by a mysterious family friend to retrieve a lost Incan artifact which is supposed to resurrect people. She takes the chance and flies to Peru, where she meets her contact Dr Lopez. But she also meets Grady, who at first glance seems like a innocent one night stand but is actually more involved in everything and has his own agenda regarding the artifact. It's a race to the finish line to see which one gets the Cup first.
The story feels like a movie. It's definitely not a bad thing and works for this type of action novel really well. I could clearly see how the scenes would work on the silver screen and how it would translate easily to that. The Tomb Raider, Mummy, Treasure Hunter vibes were on point and I was definitely enjoying myself while reading the book. The cast worked well together and separate and I enjoyed not knowing who to trust. I do want to point out that some of the betrayals were very clear and I could see them before they happened but it didn't hinder anything. I will say that despite me guessing some of the plot twists beforehand I was surprised by the Big Twist and it was very fun to see!
I wasn't the biggest fan of the love triangle (it's not a favorite thing of mine in books) but I do like how the author hinted towards a why choose situation and I would definitely love to read about that because I think those dynamics between all three of the main characters would work well together. Maybe an extended epilogue? ;)
**
3,75 stars, rounded up to 4.
The story follows Victoria, who is hired by a mysterious family friend to retrieve a lost Incan artifact which is supposed to resurrect people. She takes the chance and flies to Peru, where she meets her contact Dr Lopez. But she also meets Grady, who at first glance seems like a innocent one night stand but is actually more involved in everything and has his own agenda regarding the artifact. It's a race to the finish line to see which one gets the Cup first.
The story feels like a movie. It's definitely not a bad thing and works for this type of action novel really well. I could clearly see how the scenes would work on the silver screen and how it would translate easily to that. The Tomb Raider, Mummy, Treasure Hunter vibes were on point and I was definitely enjoying myself while reading the book. The cast worked well together and separate and I enjoyed not knowing who to trust. I do want to point out that some of the betrayals were very clear and I could see them before they happened but it didn't hinder anything. I will say that despite me guessing some of the plot twists beforehand I was surprised by the Big Twist and it was very fun to see!
I wasn't the biggest fan of the love triangle (it's not a favorite thing of mine in books) but I do like how the author hinted towards a why choose situation and I would definitely love to read about that because I think those dynamics between all three of the main characters would work well together. Maybe an extended epilogue? ;)
September 5, 2025
2 ⭐️
I really wanted to like this one, im a huge fan of movies like tomb raider and the mummy, but this just didn't work for me.
The first 20-30% was fine. It's the classic introduction to someone who, for some reason, is doing office work but is ready to get back into the field. The initial encounter between Vic and the love interest was spicy and made sense for the upcoming story.
The last 20% is where most of the action is. Once we actually get to the treasure hunting portion, it really picked up speed, and you really feel the stakes. The premise was good.
The issue for me was what came in between. Everything was very easy. The plot of finding the artefact felt pushed aside for the spice, and we get scenes of them doing acts but somehow not finding medallions that are being kept in the places they're supposedly touching. Even in the last part, they're in peril and still h*rny as hell.
As for the romance, i didn't feel a connection with either guy that wasn't lust based. There weren't enough emotional moments for it to feel like anything other than a hookup. I was also really disappointed that we didn't get to see bonding moments for her and her tech support SJ. SJ is essentially locked in a room and forgotten about unless she's needed for help or to be a bargaining chip.
For me, the supernatural side effects of the curse kicked in way too late. It felt a little random and was over so quickly that it was almost just a convenient plot device to do away with some of the bad guys henchmen.
I received an advance review copy of this book, and this review represents my honest opinion. Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read this book.
I really wanted to like this one, im a huge fan of movies like tomb raider and the mummy, but this just didn't work for me.
The first 20-30% was fine. It's the classic introduction to someone who, for some reason, is doing office work but is ready to get back into the field. The initial encounter between Vic and the love interest was spicy and made sense for the upcoming story.
The last 20% is where most of the action is. Once we actually get to the treasure hunting portion, it really picked up speed, and you really feel the stakes. The premise was good.
The issue for me was what came in between. Everything was very easy. The plot of finding the artefact felt pushed aside for the spice, and we get scenes of them doing acts but somehow not finding medallions that are being kept in the places they're supposedly touching. Even in the last part, they're in peril and still h*rny as hell.
As for the romance, i didn't feel a connection with either guy that wasn't lust based. There weren't enough emotional moments for it to feel like anything other than a hookup. I was also really disappointed that we didn't get to see bonding moments for her and her tech support SJ. SJ is essentially locked in a room and forgotten about unless she's needed for help or to be a bargaining chip.
For me, the supernatural side effects of the curse kicked in way too late. It felt a little random and was over so quickly that it was almost just a convenient plot device to do away with some of the bad guys henchmen.
I received an advance review copy of this book, and this review represents my honest opinion. Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read this book.
July 10, 2025
Skeptical of supernatural claims, Victoria is motivated to claim this powerful Incan artifact for her employer. Wanting to embrace her refound sense of self, she partakes in a one-night stand, which seems harmless at first until she discovers he is after the same artifact. It’s a race between rivals with growing feelings on the line until deception forces them to become reluctant allies. For if this treasure falls into the wrong hands, it will awaken a far more dangerous threat.
He’s stealing artifacts. She’s stealing his heart.
Together, will they fall prey to the cursed gods?
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
This book is like Uncharted meets The Mummy meets National Treasure 2 (yes, specifically the second one) and I am so here for it. The quest for the treasure and all the clue hunting was so much fun. I love books that have puzzle plot lines like this. The twist on Incan mythology (for someone who knows little to nothing about Incan culture) was super interesting. The book starts off quickly with the one night stand turned competition, but I love how he rebuilt their trust as they began to work as allies. And that ending?! I absolutely want to go on the next treasure hunt. When's book 2?
He’s stealing artifacts. She’s stealing his heart.
Together, will they fall prey to the cursed gods?
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
This book is like Uncharted meets The Mummy meets National Treasure 2 (yes, specifically the second one) and I am so here for it. The quest for the treasure and all the clue hunting was so much fun. I love books that have puzzle plot lines like this. The twist on Incan mythology (for someone who knows little to nothing about Incan culture) was super interesting. The book starts off quickly with the one night stand turned competition, but I love how he rebuilt their trust as they began to work as allies. And that ending?! I absolutely want to go on the next treasure hunt. When's book 2?
June 2, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
“Sleeping in a barn beside fuzzy, loud alpacas and a new man while on a work trip in Peru was not on my bingo card.”
Victoria wanted to get back out there after the tragic death of her husband. As an archaeologist, the sense of adventure was always something she carried within her, but she needed something to help her take that first step. Running around Peru dodging bullets, navigating two swoon-worthy men, & facing more questions than answers was probably also not on her bingo card, but it was the adventure she needed. Victoria embraced this newfound freedom & became a badass who decided to put her needs first.
This adventure was such a fun ride. Between the mystery behind the artifact & the banter with the characters, I was hooked from the start. The pacing was great, & the spicy scenes were an added bonus. The story kept me on my toes & had me questioning who we were actually supposed to trust. Victoria’s development & focus on her own growth were grounding & refreshing. This is definitely an adventure you should take this summer & one you will not soon forget.
“Sleeping in a barn beside fuzzy, loud alpacas and a new man while on a work trip in Peru was not on my bingo card.”
Victoria wanted to get back out there after the tragic death of her husband. As an archaeologist, the sense of adventure was always something she carried within her, but she needed something to help her take that first step. Running around Peru dodging bullets, navigating two swoon-worthy men, & facing more questions than answers was probably also not on her bingo card, but it was the adventure she needed. Victoria embraced this newfound freedom & became a badass who decided to put her needs first.
This adventure was such a fun ride. Between the mystery behind the artifact & the banter with the characters, I was hooked from the start. The pacing was great, & the spicy scenes were an added bonus. The story kept me on my toes & had me questioning who we were actually supposed to trust. Victoria’s development & focus on her own growth were grounding & refreshing. This is definitely an adventure you should take this summer & one you will not soon forget.
September 9, 2025
If I could give this book 10 stars I would.
I love a fun adventure story, as National Treasure was one of my all time favorite movies growing up. Now as an adult who loves a good spicy novel, Among the Cursed Gods combined several of my favorite things.
The story was captivating from the very beginning, and the characters were fun, and certainly sassy.
Vic, the absolutely badass she is, was always a joy to read. Her take charge attitude, and inability to give up on her mission was incredible. She truly is such a fabulous character.
Grady, our Roughrider. I knew from the moment I met him on page I was going to be in love with him. I just didn’t expect to hate him 5 seconds later, only to love him again. Hello, emotional whiplash?
Marcus, oh sweet boy. I had a feeling he was going to be a tricky one, and now after finishing I’m so happy at where he stands.
However, I will say SJ is my spirit animal. She’s quirky and fun, and introverted but also outgoing? Love her!
Overall, an absolutely amazing and fun read. 10/10 recommend!
I love a fun adventure story, as National Treasure was one of my all time favorite movies growing up. Now as an adult who loves a good spicy novel, Among the Cursed Gods combined several of my favorite things.
The story was captivating from the very beginning, and the characters were fun, and certainly sassy.
Vic, the absolutely badass she is, was always a joy to read. Her take charge attitude, and inability to give up on her mission was incredible. She truly is such a fabulous character.
Grady, our Roughrider. I knew from the moment I met him on page I was going to be in love with him. I just didn’t expect to hate him 5 seconds later, only to love him again. Hello, emotional whiplash?
Marcus, oh sweet boy. I had a feeling he was going to be a tricky one, and now after finishing I’m so happy at where he stands.
However, I will say SJ is my spirit animal. She’s quirky and fun, and introverted but also outgoing? Love her!
Overall, an absolutely amazing and fun read. 10/10 recommend!
September 15, 2025
An action adventure with shades of Indiana Jones and a romance subplot this had lots to live up to and it was so close to delivering!
There was plenty of action and adventure and the smexy times were well placed. The storyline had a great premise and I loved the subplot of Victoria healing emotionally and s*xually from the death of her husband. However, I felt that the added romance with Marcus and the MFM scenes weren't really necessary to the story and would have worked just as well without it.
Victoria is intelligent, compassionate, flirty but also vulnerable and a bit naïve. Grady was great as the love interest, he had plenty of flaws but was also loyal to family. He was definitely conflicted in his actions with Victoria.
I would have liked a bit more on the fantasy/mythology strand of the story but it was a shorter length book so I understand that not everything could be covered as in depth.
I must admit that I still don't quite know if Victoria missed her husband or felt a sense of relief that he'd died. He just came over as so controlling and unsupportive of Victoria that I wondered why she was with him in the first place!
I'd certainly give other books in this series a go.
There was plenty of action and adventure and the smexy times were well placed. The storyline had a great premise and I loved the subplot of Victoria healing emotionally and s*xually from the death of her husband. However, I felt that the added romance with Marcus and the MFM scenes weren't really necessary to the story and would have worked just as well without it.
Victoria is intelligent, compassionate, flirty but also vulnerable and a bit naïve. Grady was great as the love interest, he had plenty of flaws but was also loyal to family. He was definitely conflicted in his actions with Victoria.
I would have liked a bit more on the fantasy/mythology strand of the story but it was a shorter length book so I understand that not everything could be covered as in depth.
I must admit that I still don't quite know if Victoria missed her husband or felt a sense of relief that he'd died. He just came over as so controlling and unsupportive of Victoria that I wondered why she was with him in the first place!
I'd certainly give other books in this series a go.
September 15, 2025
3.5 stars
First, Uncharted is one of my all-time favorite video game series and reading this book gave me those exact same fast-paced, fun adventure vibes that I get when playing the game and I loved that. The characters were quirky and sarcastic, SJ being my fav because was just the ultimate nerd girl let loose in the wild and I live for that. The villain was kind of that quintessential, over-the-top "evil" kind of character that you look for in a story like this, and I overall just think the characters were crafted pretty well for the type of story this was presented as.
One thing that threw me off a little and took me out of the flow of the adventure portions of the story were a handful of spicy scenes that seemed a little bit on the extravagant side. I did like the connections and chemistry sparking between the characters in those scenes, it just felt a bit too much too fast in comparison to the main story and moving that plot along.
I appreciate being able to have read a copy of this book via Booksprout, and thank you to the author for putting this story out there!
First, Uncharted is one of my all-time favorite video game series and reading this book gave me those exact same fast-paced, fun adventure vibes that I get when playing the game and I loved that. The characters were quirky and sarcastic, SJ being my fav because was just the ultimate nerd girl let loose in the wild and I live for that. The villain was kind of that quintessential, over-the-top "evil" kind of character that you look for in a story like this, and I overall just think the characters were crafted pretty well for the type of story this was presented as.
One thing that threw me off a little and took me out of the flow of the adventure portions of the story were a handful of spicy scenes that seemed a little bit on the extravagant side. I did like the connections and chemistry sparking between the characters in those scenes, it just felt a bit too much too fast in comparison to the main story and moving that plot along.
I appreciate being able to have read a copy of this book via Booksprout, and thank you to the author for putting this story out there!
September 21, 2025
Among the Cursed Gods delivers a gripping, action-packed journey that gave me all the Uncharted and Indiana Jones vibes I could hope for. From ancient ruins to cursed artifacts, the world-building was immersive, and the pacing kept me turning pages late into the night.
The female main character was a definite standout—smart, capable, and easy to root for. She held the story together with her wit and determination, and her narrative voice made the adventure even more engaging.
However, the romance element didn’t quite land for me. It felt a bit awkwardly placed—almost like it was slotted in because it had to be there, rather than unfolding naturally. The “random encounter to enemy to lover” progression, mixed with the bodyguard trope, felt a little forced and not as seamlessly integrated into the plot as it could have been. At times, it pulled me out of the story instead of deepening it.
That said, the core adventure more than made up for it. If you’re into high-stakes quests with a dash of magic and danger, this book is absolutely worth the read—just go in knowing the romance might feel a little offbeat.
The female main character was a definite standout—smart, capable, and easy to root for. She held the story together with her wit and determination, and her narrative voice made the adventure even more engaging.
However, the romance element didn’t quite land for me. It felt a bit awkwardly placed—almost like it was slotted in because it had to be there, rather than unfolding naturally. The “random encounter to enemy to lover” progression, mixed with the bodyguard trope, felt a little forced and not as seamlessly integrated into the plot as it could have been. At times, it pulled me out of the story instead of deepening it.
That said, the core adventure more than made up for it. If you’re into high-stakes quests with a dash of magic and danger, this book is absolutely worth the read—just go in knowing the romance might feel a little offbeat.
June 30, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley, Piper Press & Co and T.J. Lundin for the opportunity to read and review this title
This book is giving The Mummy with a mix of Indiana Jones and treasure hunting! What I really liked about this was the strong FMC - Vic was a really compelling character to read from. I found the archaeology element so cool and interesting - as well as the FMC's excitement and passion in it!
This was such an interesting premise - and we are immediately thrown into the plot (and the romance), there is definitely no slow burn here. The plot was super interesting with a treasure hunt atmosphere that introduces drama and also a one barn scene - eek! I wasn't expecting it to be spicy as well as romantic, that's what we got! At times I do think the romance lacked a little bit due to how fast it developed and the plot felt a little bit weird at times, but I did have a great time reading!
Check out this book when it comes out October 15th!
This book is giving The Mummy with a mix of Indiana Jones and treasure hunting! What I really liked about this was the strong FMC - Vic was a really compelling character to read from. I found the archaeology element so cool and interesting - as well as the FMC's excitement and passion in it!
This was such an interesting premise - and we are immediately thrown into the plot (and the romance), there is definitely no slow burn here. The plot was super interesting with a treasure hunt atmosphere that introduces drama and also a one barn scene - eek! I wasn't expecting it to be spicy as well as romantic, that's what we got! At times I do think the romance lacked a little bit due to how fast it developed and the plot felt a little bit weird at times, but I did have a great time reading!
Check out this book when it comes out October 15th!
August 5, 2025
I got to read this as an ARC for free & I’m so happy I did! It definitely reminds me of the movie The Mummy! It’s fast paced & had me hooked from the very beginning. We start off seeing Victoria working as an archeologist when she is presented with an offer to go look for an artifact that can supposedly bring back the dead, and is said to be cursed. Needless to say, it’s very action packed & adventurous. Some of the danger along the way happens to be in the form of hot men😅 I wasn’t expecting this to be spicy at all but, I’d give it 3 chili peppers!🌶️🌶️🌶️ The ending truly threw me for a loop, I don’t think anyone could have predicted that🫣 I liked that the ending felt closed enough that it wasn’t a huge cliffhanger but, there is potential for a second book about a new adventure. My only critique would be that the writing could be better. The way things & events were described weren’t always in detail enough for me to picture it in my head. But the plot & characters make it worth it!
August 16, 2025
✨ ARC review ✨
I was really intrigued by the plot of this book — a treasure hunt with a spicy romance? Sign me up! But unfortunately, this just didn’t come together into a story I enjoyed.
I think this book suffered from a lack of focus and it tried to be too many things. The idea for the treasure hunt was interesting; the romantic elements hooked me early on and stayed spicy throughout; and there was even inklings of a trauma healing story taking place. But because there were so many things happening, all of the different elements felt incomplete and failed to blend together. The treasure hunt was a huge letdown and made little to no sense at times. The romance became all about the spice. The character development was very surface level and was told (rather than shown) because there wasn’t time for it to evolve organically.
I think the writing style just wasn’t something I enjoyed, and combined with a plot that felt so lacking, this book wasn’t a hit for me.
I was really intrigued by the plot of this book — a treasure hunt with a spicy romance? Sign me up! But unfortunately, this just didn’t come together into a story I enjoyed.
I think this book suffered from a lack of focus and it tried to be too many things. The idea for the treasure hunt was interesting; the romantic elements hooked me early on and stayed spicy throughout; and there was even inklings of a trauma healing story taking place. But because there were so many things happening, all of the different elements felt incomplete and failed to blend together. The treasure hunt was a huge letdown and made little to no sense at times. The romance became all about the spice. The character development was very surface level and was told (rather than shown) because there wasn’t time for it to evolve organically.
I think the writing style just wasn’t something I enjoyed, and combined with a plot that felt so lacking, this book wasn’t a hit for me.
September 17, 2025
3.25⭐️
The premise of this book hooked me in when I first read it as it's not a concept you see too often in mainstream books. I enjoyed this book for the most part. I really enjoyed the setting and the world. It felt very new and different compared to most of the books I have read lately. I, unfortunately, felt like the the plot was choppy at times and it really pulled me out of the story at times and I had to go back to previous pages that I had read to try to understand what was currently happening. This totally could have just been a "me" problem. I also would have liked some parts of the story to be explored more in depth but as it is a shorter book, the author may have left those avenues more surface level on purpose. It was a fun, vibey read if you are looking for a romance and not as focused on other aspects of the story.
Thank you to NetGalley and Piper Press & Co for this advanced digital copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own!
The premise of this book hooked me in when I first read it as it's not a concept you see too often in mainstream books. I enjoyed this book for the most part. I really enjoyed the setting and the world. It felt very new and different compared to most of the books I have read lately. I, unfortunately, felt like the the plot was choppy at times and it really pulled me out of the story at times and I had to go back to previous pages that I had read to try to understand what was currently happening. This totally could have just been a "me" problem. I also would have liked some parts of the story to be explored more in depth but as it is a shorter book, the author may have left those avenues more surface level on purpose. It was a fun, vibey read if you are looking for a romance and not as focused on other aspects of the story.
Thank you to NetGalley and Piper Press & Co for this advanced digital copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own!
August 3, 2025
This story was like Romancing the Stone with a supernatural edge. Grady’s and Victoria’s first encounter. Let’s just say it’s one night stand turned oh no we’re after the same treasure chaos.
As the dangers close in and alliances shift, it’s impossible not to root for them even while they try (and fail) to outsmart each other.
The pacing is snappy, the banter fun, and I loved how the setting (Peru and its ruins!) feels like a character in its own right. There are stakes here, both emotional and literal, that kept me turning the pages.
If you’re in the mood for a fun, high stakes adventure with ancient curses, rival treasure hunters, and a romance that sneaks up on you (and them), Among the Cursed Gods delivers exactly that.
For fans of enemies to allies treasure hunts, mythology with teeth, and a dash of forbidden chemistry, this is an entertaining escape.
September 9, 2025
3.5 stars for this adventurous and lightly magical adventure that’s giving Mr. And Mrs. Smith meets The Mummy and Indiana Jones! Was this the best written book? Absolutely not BUT THE VIBES were there!! The melodrama and the lightheartedness in the action were so fun to read!
I’ll take any kind of action romcom - even one with a surprise love triangle that’s maybe too easily resolved (in that it just kind of … ends) - especially if it’s got cultural ties to lost civilizations, a treasure/knowledge hunt, and a little dose of fantastical elements! I was rooting for Vic to solve it, and wow was she clever (maybe too clever by a half) it was no surprise that Grady kept being drawn to her. I’ll be interested to see if we get more of their adventures in dc!
Thanks so much to TJ Lundin and NetGalley for a chance to read this in exchange for an honest review.
I’ll take any kind of action romcom - even one with a surprise love triangle that’s maybe too easily resolved (in that it just kind of … ends) - especially if it’s got cultural ties to lost civilizations, a treasure/knowledge hunt, and a little dose of fantastical elements! I was rooting for Vic to solve it, and wow was she clever (maybe too clever by a half) it was no surprise that Grady kept being drawn to her. I’ll be interested to see if we get more of their adventures in dc!
Thanks so much to TJ Lundin and NetGalley for a chance to read this in exchange for an honest review.
June 22, 2025
THIS. BOOK. Literally screaming and kicking my feet! I absolutely loved this wild (and steamy) adventure! Vic is such a badass, and Grady and Marcus are HOT! The vibes are definitely vibing with this one! T.J. did an amazing job with detailed imagery that made me feel like I was right there in Cusco with them! It was obvious she did her research surrounding the mythology of the Inca civilization and gods. I love getting to read about these topics, as I find them so fascinating! I also loved the banter, the treasure hunting, and the action packed storyline - I absolutely devoured it! The pacing kept me interested, and the ending has me ready to follow these characters on their next adventure. Definitely add this to your TBR when it releases September 15, you won’t be disappointed!
August 24, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️ - liked it
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ explicit open door
I received a free eARC from the publisher through NetGalley. My review is my own honest opinion about the book.
Book Review: Among the Cursed Gods by T.J. Lundin
Release Date: 9/15/25
(These opinions are mine, if you don't agree, talk about that on your page)
*Spoilers Ahead*
What I loved:
The relationship between Victoria and SJ. They were fun friends.
The first 30% really pulled me in. The treasure hunt was intriguing.
What I did not love:
The romantic relationships felt incredibly forced. Like it was just there to check the romance box.
After about 70% the book feels like copy and paste of a whole lot of other books and movies and I found it predictable and cheesy.
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ explicit open door
I received a free eARC from the publisher through NetGalley. My review is my own honest opinion about the book.
Book Review: Among the Cursed Gods by T.J. Lundin
Release Date: 9/15/25
(These opinions are mine, if you don't agree, talk about that on your page)
*Spoilers Ahead*
What I loved:
The relationship between Victoria and SJ. They were fun friends.
The first 30% really pulled me in. The treasure hunt was intriguing.
What I did not love:
The romantic relationships felt incredibly forced. Like it was just there to check the romance box.
After about 70% the book feels like copy and paste of a whole lot of other books and movies and I found it predictable and cheesy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 29, 2025
Thank you to Netgalley and the author the an opportunity to review Among the Cursed God's.
I really liked the idea behind this book as it gave me The Mummy vibes. This was a feeling that continued while reading the book as an underlying theme and kept me going to the end.
The romance element was sweet and helped build the characters, although at times felt a bit forced.
Overall, I did struggle a little with getting into this book and at times did have to take a break before continuing. To be fair to the book, I think this is more due to a clash between myself and the theme of the book as it was my first treasure hunt style story I have read.
For those who do like Indiana Jones and the like, this would be recommended.
I really liked the idea behind this book as it gave me The Mummy vibes. This was a feeling that continued while reading the book as an underlying theme and kept me going to the end.
The romance element was sweet and helped build the characters, although at times felt a bit forced.
Overall, I did struggle a little with getting into this book and at times did have to take a break before continuing. To be fair to the book, I think this is more due to a clash between myself and the theme of the book as it was my first treasure hunt style story I have read.
For those who do like Indiana Jones and the like, this would be recommended.
September 20, 2025
Okay, so let me start out by saying, I did enjoy this book less overall because the Kindle version for the ARC I received had this weird grayish background with gray/whitish lettering, making it really hard to read for me personally.
That being said, this book is in dual POV; we follow Victoria, our FMC, and Grady. While I get that the book starts off with a one-night stand, it also hones in continuously on the lust between both main characters. For example, around 30-40% into the book, Victoria is looking for clues towards the artifact; apart from meeting the MMC once more outside of the one-night stand, they didn't really have a real connection. Yet somehow she almost ends up giving him a blowjob in the closet of a church that draws a lot of tourists on the daily... It just didn't sit well with me that almost halfway through the book their connection is still mostly about lust.
What did I like about this book? I am a big believer in giving props where those are earned, and I do believe the author put a lot of research and effort into the background of this book and into the setting, and that does shine through for me. The pacing also felt very good to me, and I did finish it rather quickly despite it being hard to read for me due to the Kindle format it came in.
If you're in the mood for something spicy with some intrigue, this book might be for you!
Thanks to NetGalley, Piper Press & Co., and T.J. Lundin for the ARC.
That being said, this book is in dual POV; we follow Victoria, our FMC, and Grady. While I get that the book starts off with a one-night stand, it also hones in continuously on the lust between both main characters. For example, around 30-40% into the book, Victoria is looking for clues towards the artifact; apart from meeting the MMC once more outside of the one-night stand, they didn't really have a real connection. Yet somehow she almost ends up giving him a blowjob in the closet of a church that draws a lot of tourists on the daily... It just didn't sit well with me that almost halfway through the book their connection is still mostly about lust.
What did I like about this book? I am a big believer in giving props where those are earned, and I do believe the author put a lot of research and effort into the background of this book and into the setting, and that does shine through for me. The pacing also felt very good to me, and I did finish it rather quickly despite it being hard to read for me due to the Kindle format it came in.
If you're in the mood for something spicy with some intrigue, this book might be for you!
Thanks to NetGalley, Piper Press & Co., and T.J. Lundin for the ARC.
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