Over the River

The Cursed Duet #1

by Taylor Hornig

Fate might be written in the stars, but do we hold the pen?

Amelie Bloch always dreamed her escape would bea crown, not a curse. But when she's banished to the Whispering Forest—known as a place haunted by Lost Souls and dark, sinister magic—she finds herself drawn into a world far more dangerous than the one she left behind.

Guided by the glowing winds and shadowed magic of the Forest, Amelie stumbles upon a spirited cottage and a waiting Witch. As Amelie’s dormant power awakens, so too does the truth behind her lineage and an ancient fate.

While some destinies are written in the stars.

Others are forged in the fire.

Genres: Fantasy, Fantasy Romance

398 pages, ebook

Published August 1, 2025

About the author

Taylor Hornig is a wife, mom to a crazy baby boy, Jaiden and dog mom to a sweet black lab, Hazie. Her love for stories began with Amelia Bedelia and Judy Moody, eventually evolving into fantasy and romance novels. When she’s not writing or reading with a coffee in hand, Taylor enjoys music, golfing, and (almost always) winning at Overcooked! against her husband. Summers are spent lakeside with family—the people who inspire everything she does and mean the world to her.

Reviews

[Emily Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

[Eva ♡︎ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t usually cry while reading, but Over the River really got me. It’s such a beautiful and emotional story. I loved every page! Taylor Hornig did an amazing job. The bond between Amelie and Kiaran was so strong and genuine. I didn’t know I’d get this attached... now I’m just waiting for the second book!

[Taylor Hornig · Rating 5 out of 5]

With pub day happening this week. It's time for me to step out of the reviews and let the readers have this space all to themselves. <3

Please be cautious going into this book and read the trigger warnings!

Thank you for reading my story.

[K.S. Elliott · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to have the pleasure of editing Over the River and honestly?! One of the best books I’ve read to date.

The fact that this is a debut novel is absolutely crazy. The way that Taylor writes healing from trauma is phenomenal and pure emotion. I cried, I laughed, I fell in love.

If you’re looking for your next fantasy fairytale read (with some spice) this is the one for you.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had me crying, laughing, and, by the end, SCREAMING for book #2! Fated mates, spice, magic… what else could a girl ask for?

[Karly · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75⭐️
I received this as an ARC and this book was so fun! Very whimsical, magical vibes. It felt like a fairytale book for my adult self. I enjoyed the plot and the mysterious components of this house and our MMC who lives in it. It felt a little slow at times in the middle, but the end really picks up when everything starts to unfold!

(Readers definitely need to check the trigger warnings before going in to this)

[Haley Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Taylor wrote a beautiful love story with just enough twists and turns to keep you wanting more. I couldn't put this down and I definitely can't wait to see what's next!

[Rachel Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the PRIVILEGE of beta reading this book and was blown away with the world that taylor has created! This book was such a breath of fresh air.

Over The River is best described as a spicy fairytale. It’s like if Goldilocks stumbled upon a cottage being haunted by a handsome, broody witch. He is grumpy and she is his sunshine.

There are some heavy concepts in this book but they are handled with such care and written so beautifully. Amelie is a character who has lived through so much but she is a genuine, stubborn, ray of sunshine with a child-like imagination that makes her a beacon of hope for pretty much every character in this story. Her optimism is contagious.

And don’t. Even. Get. Me. Started. On. The FMC….

Taylor has managed to write a broody, sarcastic, “touch her and you die” MMC with FEELINGS. He is sensitive in the most humanistic way which is something that I feel is underrepresented in books these days especially in male characters. The way that these two characters heal each other while also navigating an INSANE plot line…. It’s beautifully chaotic and magical and everything this genre needs.

[Alaina Dick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was super excited when I received this ARC. I was even more excited to read it because it is from a local author!! I would have totally devoured this story faster, most likely in a day, if only my boys would have just let me read 😂 Seriously though!

Okay, wow! This is from a debut author!?! She could have fooled me and I read a TON of fantasy so that says something! I even told my husband that I haven't read anything like this in a fantasy book before. 🤯

Amelie is one of my new favorite FMCs and I need book two like yesterday! Kiaran was a very interesting MMC. I also adored Amelie's two youngest brothers, Hanzel and Taldin. Wren is understandably the moody oldest of the three brothers, who has "the man of the house" weight on his shoulders. The Forest inhabitants were super interesting characters and the cottage was awesome!

Amelie is a peasant girl who is struggling to get by and provide for her brothers while her mom is bed ridden. Having lost her father before her youngest sibling was born she had to learn how to do the best she could with what she had, which isn't that much. The village she lives in is not a nice place, the Lord is greedy and corrupt and so are most of his guards. Oh, and don't forget that there is a magic forest that people are warned to stay out of.

This story is about many things.
-A survivor who learns how to take back her power, her life, and her future. -Dreaming and learning to find and have faith.
-Learning to trust in who you are and so so much more.

To be honest I could go on and on but really you just need to read it. There are some touchy scenes that can be tough to read but Amelie's story is so much more than those tough sections. She is a fighter and grows into one amazing character!

I cannot wait to get my hands on a physical copy come August so I can share it with those who I know will love this story as much as I do!

Truly, wonderfully done Taylor! I cannot wait to read more from you!

[Katie Deleza · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was a beta reader for this book and it exceeded my expectations! The story is intricate but easy to follow and you quickly get to know and love the characters. The magic in this world is familiar but different to other romantasies I’ve read, which kept me hooked. At no point was I able to figure out what would happen in this story and each chapter was a new surprise. I absolutely adore this story and I can’t wait to reread it once it’s finally published. Also the cliffhanger at the end leaves me so eager for the next book. I can’t wait to see where this story goes and read future novels from Taylor Hornig!

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was a beta reader for this book and wow. Just… wow. "Over the River" completely swept me off my feet. This book was an absolute joy to read, and I found myself completely unable to put it down.

From the captivating plot to the incredibly well-developed characters, everything about "Over the River" just worked. The romance was undeniably steamy and had me rooting for the protagonists with every turn of the page. It's the kind of love story that makes you feel deeply invested and leaves you with a warm glow long after you've finished reading. I cant wait for book #2!

[Alexis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished Over the River and I’m not okay. This debut absolutely delivered, from the emotionally gripping love story to the way the MFC takes her life back with so much raw strength.

Every character’s fate felt like it was crashing into the next, in the best way. The way everything was intertwined had me hooked, and that CLIFFHANGER?? I need book two yesterday.

If you’re into dark, mystical, fate-driven fantasy with deep emotional payoff and a strong female lead reclaiming her power, you need this book.

So grateful I got to be an ARC reader for this one. Official release is August 1 so get ready to dive in. You won’t want to come back up.

[Cara Barnhart · Rating 5 out of 5]

WHOAAAA - the chokehold this book had on me! 😱 The fact that this book is Taylor’s debut novel is wild! It had me laughing, crying, just all of the emotions. And that cliffhanger at the end - I need book 2 like now!

I absolutely loved the FMC, Amelie. She is pure Sunshine. She is funny, loving, so stubborn 😉, but most importantly - she is a survivor. She has so much courage and strength. I was rooting for her from page 1.

And don’t get me started on Kiaran 🥵 He is the definition of your broody, “touch her and you die” MMC - But he is also so sensitive. The way he and Amelie heal each other and with each other 🥹.

If you’re looking for your next spicy fairytale fantasy read, check out Over the River! You won’t be disappointed

[Sommer deaves · Rating 5 out of 5]

I do not even know where to start with this story, it was so unique and the magic system drew you in wanting to know more!

I love the character development of both the FMC and the MMC! it is nice to see emotion depth to a MMC and see him be vulnerable but also he would burn the world down with her!

Now can we talk about that Cliff hanger - I am not ok - nor will I ever be

My heart was taken out, grated and thrown on a sorrow Pizza!

I am broken

Can not wait until book 2 comes out!!

[Abbie Sharp · Rating 5 out of 5]

First let me start by saying I truly can't believe that this is Taylor's first book!! Truly astounding!

This story is so well written. The imagery allowed me to see the entire story so clearly without even trying and I absolutely love that in a book!

She also did a really good job of getting the reader to want to be an ally to the FMC, Amelie, from the very first chapter

"Then I'd wake up and do it all over again.
Wake up, suffer. Dream, conquer.
Someday, I will find sanctuary."

Amelie's background and history are divulged in a way that satisfies perfectly. I just wanted to wrap her in a big hug from the very beginning and protect her with everything in me.

The MMC, Kiaran, well...
"No one will ever touch you like that again, I promise!"
Enough said 😍

I read this book in one sitting, I could not put it down! The story grabbed my heart and never let go! The ending left off in such a way that will have me aching for the next book so I can jump back into the Forrest with my friends!

Very, very well done!!!

[Book Girl · Rating 1 out of 5]

I do not know what to say about this book, except that it definitely deserves the one star rating.

I will admit, the premise was very interesting, hence why I picked it up; I mean, the reviews I saw on booktok and the blurb told the story of a badass FMC who, despite all that has happened to her, still believes in fairytales, some of which even come true.
So yeah, reFrEShiNg.

Except, about one eighth of the way in, the cons overtook the pros:

1) The horrible grammar

If I had to guess, this is a self published book with absolutely no editing and retakes done on it and/or picked up from Wattpad with no actual English applicability. Honestly I would've tolerated this if the story still made sense despite it, but God did it not. Sometimes the grammar failed so spectacularly I had to read the same line thrice and fill in the blanks myself to make sure it was still following the plot, and not a random addition of words found in the thesaurus.

2) The writing style

At first (like I said, the first one eighth of the book ONLY), the writing style was awesome. Taylor made me despise the town (Holleberg) and empathise with Amelie enough to show the potential of a good author. But then things went south.

Right in the middle of Kiaran's first POV, the clarity of thought seemed to dissolve. I had absolutely no clue what she was doing with the story (and not in the good, OH MY GOD way, more in the bad, UGH WTF way).

The beginning showed great promise, with a direction-although unpredictable-you could see it going in. Then it went a hundred ways to hell, because, and this is just one of the most splendid examples, one moment the High Priestess is another woman entirely and then it's suddenly the MMC's mother?

I feel like she couldn't even do the reveals properly; it was so messy. I didn't even realise what she was pointing straight at (or so she thought) until she had to spell it out for us poor confused readers (again, not in the good way).

Also, throughout the book there were these great secrets unraveled about the FMC's lineage and powers and whatnot that were either, a) never revealed and left in enough unnecessary mystery that my interest evaporated, or, b) revealed in such a roundabout and pointless way that it felt like a joke someone tells you that only they find funny and you don't really know what to do with.

Basically, I still have no clue what Amelie can do, and how the hell she trained herself to do it in such a short time.

All of it really had me pulling my hair out and just hoping Taylor didn't waste the hugely creative idea she had brought into existence, but alas, my hopes were crushed.

3) The characters?!?

Ok so look, I get the need to humanise a character and give them real growth and character arcs throughout the story; makes it more relatable and realistic, because no one's perfect right?

But I feel like this book tried so hard to do just that, that it forgot what the characters were actually supposed to be in the first place.

For example, let's start with out "awesome, badass FMC" Amelie.

I get that the abuse and SA was background to give her the right trauma and make her grow (highly disagree with the thought that a woman must prove herself capable of surviving shit like that to be a worthy FMC but whatever, you do you).

But that would make anyone highly traumatised and untrusting right? WRONG.

This girl seemed to have the emotional memory of a pea and immediately forgot that she had lived her whole life never trusting anyone, the moment she set foot into her little cottage in the middle of the woods. I feel like the author had to keep reiterating the fact that she was reserved after her experiences, because her actions completely negated this entire idea.

One moment she's a broody, hardened character and the next she supposedly reverts back to her usual sunshine personality (but still stays untrusting because obviously, telling is better than showing), that, by the way, should never have existed given that she lived in a bleak world since literally the moment she was born?

Which brings me to the next point, because if she truly was raised in a dull, hopeless, traumatic village where women are forced into such submissiveness that even her own mother doesn't object to her being raped, how the hell did she develop a stubborn, hardy personality?

Because the way she behaves right up until the moment her knight in shining armor rescued her---ahem, ahem, hello uncle---she was absolutely uninterested in helping either herself or her family? Which reminds me that this supposedly super responsible and caring individual completely forgot about her family for four freaking months. WOW.

Anyways, her character was so flawed that I could keep going forever, so before that happens, let's move on to our supposed fairytale Prince with a capital P (for emphasis of course, and I'm not even kidding that every single time this word is used in this book it's in capital...like why? Just, why?).

Like what was going on with this dude? One moment he's all broody and dark and mysterious, and the next he's literally baking 72 muffins for a dinner, being clingy and caring out of nowhere?
Unbelievable.

4) The romance

I felt like the "love" came out of nowhere. Like I get the concept of fated mates and all, but in my opinion it just does not happen that fast even if they are mates. Letting it happen on its own time is also a skill, and one that was sorely missing here.

Then there's the spice. I felt like this ruined the whole vibe of the book. Not that I'm against spice mind you, but the moment it was brought up, it felt like the entire book redirected towards it, leaving the romance and fantasy aspect out of it completely. It made it seem like the whole point of the book was for the FMC to get over her SA trauma by using the MMC, which she did, and at weird times, like when a huge secret plan was due to be revealed, what are the main characters doing instead? Why, each other, of course. Ugh.

Anyway these are just my thoughts and I would like to make it clear that this book COULD HAVE BEEN GREAT. *Sighs in aggressively disappointed bookworm*

[Mags · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free arc in exchange for me to give an honest review.

I think I read this book in one day. Where do I start with this book? First off: based on the epilogue of this book, this book had better have a book two! Kiaran’s heartbreak at the end of the book had me fighting back tears. Also, I hate his whole family. Why did his mom force him to forget her!!! It’s not fair and my emotions were not prepared.

Now let’s talk about my girl, Amelie. From the very beginning of the book, I liked her. She had such an amazing amount of courage and strength, and that doesn’t even have anything to do with her faith in her alchemy abilities later on in the book. The pain she went through (and all because of the high priestess) was awful to read about in the best way.

The one quote I made sure to highlight because of my thought that followed:
“My blood heated at the sight of her in pain at the hands of someone else.” This is what Kiaran thought when he first saw her bruises. On of the reasons this made me laugh is because my first thought was “But you’d be fine if she was in pain at your hands?” I don’t know, it just made me laugh a lot.

I will say, I didn’t fully understand some of this book, but I’m hoping it’s just because she’s leaving some things to be revealed in book two.

[Carly K · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25⭐️
Dark fairytale fantasy vibes, and a touch of whimsical in the form of a magical sentient cottage in the forest and other magical beings (dwarves, small fairies, etc).

Heavy topics to start the book (check the TW page before), but then you go on a healing journey with Amelie (FMC) and watch her bloom back to life after everything she has endured and come into her power. I loved her relationship with Fern (the sentient cottage) and the happiness their interactions brought her. I loved Amelie reclaiming her body autonomy, and Kiaran (MMC) was so respectful, kind, and gentle with her as well (we love that in a man👏🏼). Kiaran also had to endure a lot, and I appreciated having his POV to understand his character better. Oof, but that poor man at the end. :(

I’m not the biggest nickname fan when it’s repetitive (and I’m picky with nicknames in general which knocked this down on my rating scale), but I know some people love that so to each their own! There were some other aspects of this story that didn’t work for me, but I appear to be in the unpopular camp since majority of reviews really loved it.

Thank you to the author for gifting this as an ARC in exchange for my honest review! 💕

[sharsbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

I got to beta read this debut and it blew me away!

It’s giving serious Hansel and Gretel energy, but make it moodier and way more magical.

The house? Basically a character.
The MMC? Broody, morally gray, and impossible not to love.
The FMC? Strong and badass.
The vibe? Whimsical with just the right amount of eerie.
And the emotional depth? So well done without ever feeling heavy.

I was completely invested in these characters. I rooted for them through every twist and turn and loved watching them grow. Their chemistry felt so natural and compelling. I genuinely enjoyed every moment of their relationship unfolding.

I still can’t believe this is Taylor Hornig’s first book! The world building, the emotion, the characters… all so good. If you’re into cozy fantasy with a dark twist, this one’s a must read!

Already obsessed. Counting the days until book two!

[Celeste Summers · Rating 5 out of 5]

literally had to make a goodreads just to give this book 5 stars

I am an AVID romantasy reader. I own a romance bookstore and I have seen everything you could think of pass through our inventory. Very rarely do I find a book that feels like it isn’t trying to fit the mould of every other top selling romantasy title out there and see an author take a concept that is very clearly important to them and keep it at the focal point of their story telling. Don’t get me wrong.. there’s romance, there’s magic, there’s plot, there’s spice. But what this book did was somehow take a magical spin on so many tragic fantasy stories and make it feel real and relevant. This book was so tastefully written and not only will we be selling it in our store, I’ll be recommending it to literally all of my friends! I can’t wait for book 2!!

[Amanda Uttech · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 rounded up to 5 stars!

Chilling beginning of the FMC trying to provide for her younger brothers and survive the guards who are known to abuse and rape women in her village. There are trigger warnings in the beginning because this is a story about healing. An unfortunate event forces the FMC to get sent away to a magical cottage in an enchanted forest where she meets a beautiful 300 year old male witch who is spellbound to the cottage. She starts practicing alchemy, and that’s when the story starts to unravel with a big twist at the end.

I can’t believe this is Taylor’s debut novel because she did such a phenomenal job explaining the magic system and the character’s lineage. I loved her writing style too and can’t wait for book 2!!

* Forced proximity
* Sunshine & grumpy
* Fated mates
* Witches, fairies
* Dual POV
* Semi cozy fantasy

Thank you for this arc <3

[Noémi Russell · Rating 5 out of 5]

You want a story full of MAGIC & LOVE?!
Taylor's got you covered!
Wow... this story is one for the times, it's filled with emotion, passion, unique characters and an adventure you would have NEVER seen! It's so gripping, and the way this author writes is absolutely beautiful!!
I'm so honored to have beta read this story AND ARC read the finalize version. The way this author works with her story and characters, you can clearly see her passion and effort. You'll be thanking her personally after you've read Over the River because it's life changing.
Kiaran is... FREAKING GORGEOUS. He's like a possessive alpha male mixed with golden retriever vibes?! He's sweet and dominating and I cannot handle it-I'm here for it.
Please, please, do yourself a favor and grab a copy of it TODAY.

[Reilly Deegan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy.crap.
This is easily the best book I’ve read this month. This book got me so emotionally attached to the characters. The beginning was hard to read, but still so intriguing. It was so amazing to go along this fantastic journey with the characters. You get so attached to the characters that their adventures now feel like your adventures. This book was so well written, and had outstanding word choice. From the way that she drew you in, to the ending of the book, I was so in love with all of it. The ending has you screaming, crying, throwing up, all of it. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who wants a good fairytale romance!

[S.J. Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a book!
Make sure to check your trigger warnings as some of the themes is this book are quite heavy. That being said those themes are handled with such grace, and written about so beautifully that you can’t help but sob.
Taylor had me sobbing quite regularly during this book, the descriptions, the emotions felt during some of the most heart wrenching scenes.
But one thing I will say is… TAYLOR WHAT IS THAT ENDING???
Loved it- highly recommend to a friend, instantly has become one of my automatic buy authors.
♾️ ⭐️

[Alex Preedy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured this book in a single day—I simply couldn’t put it down. Taylor has crafted a refreshingly original and captivating Fantasy Romance that stands apart from anything I’ve read before. I’m already counting down the days for book two.

This story leans into insta-love, which I personally loved (give me all the swoon!), though I know it’s not everyone’s cup of tea. Still, the chemistry was undeniable and beautifully written.

Amelie is such a unique FMC—part scrappy and worn, part gentle and sweet. She felt real, layered, and deeply human. And then there’s Kiaran…who might give off major “shadow daddy” vibes at first, but underneath that broody exterior is the softest cinnamon roll of a man.

But my favorite part? The house. The dynamic between Amelie, Kiaran, and the house itself is enchanting and unexpectedly tender. The bond between Amelie and Kiaran isn’t conventional, but it’s genuine, emotional, and honestly pretty healing. Their connection runs deep—almost like a trauma bond—but it’s handled with nuance and care.

That said, please check the trigger warnings before diving in. This book explores some heavy emotional territory, but if you’re ready for a fantasy romance that’s raw, sweet, and totally immersive, this one’s a must-read

Thank you Taylor for allowing me to read this book.
Review from an ARC reader.

[Sydney Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the absolute privilege of being a beta reader for this book. I’m not a huge fantasy reader, but love my share of romance so I said I would give it a try. It blew away my expectations and honestly I am dying to read book #2. The twists and turns and how everything is so connected still blows my mind. Taylor is going to go far so keep your eyes on any of her upcoming books. Obsessed.

[Morgan Tote · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I didn't go into this book knowing it was by a debut author, I 1000% would've never believed it was written by one. This book was written so beautifully, and I immediately fell in love with the world, the characters, all of it. And don't even get me started on the ending!!! I fear I need book two ASAP! Amelie and Kiaran have my heart, and I can't wait to continue reading their story!

[Maia · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book had me absolutely gripped. it’s one of the best books i’ve read in a long time (and I read over 150 fantasy/ romantasy books last year).

I loved the world building, the hidden powers trope, and the FMC and MMC’s relationship. you can just feel their love through the pages!

HIGHLY recommend

[sarah Janssen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, I am still trying to digest what happened in the epilogue.
Great mix of magic, romance, and a girl finding out who she is, and coming back from devastation.
Please tell me there is a book 2! For a debut novel she is going to write some amazing books.

[lexi stevenson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book. You are talented Taylor! I already want the next one yesterday! This is a book that makes you not want to read another one until the next one comes out. Truly one of the best books I have read!