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The Curse of Indy Moore
A woman who wants nothing
A man who wants everything
And a curse they must break
In a world of demons and magic, Indy Moore is a simple farm girl until she is cursed by a demon to become a mindless beast at night. Afraid for her family’s safety, she accepts help from the handsome, enigmatic, and greedy artificer, Mr. Rooke Hawthorne, in his sentient Ivory House full of peculiar oddities like talking cats and flying teapots.
To save her soul, Indy must face the pain of her past and, perhaps, the truth of her heart that finds itself drawn to the most dramatic man imaginable. But with a demon whispering in her ear and the cohabitants of Ivory House having secrets of their own, Indy is running out of time in more ways than she could ever imagine.
Set in a queer normative world of whimsy and magic, The Curse of Indy Moore is the first part of a cozy romantasy duology full of banter, formal address, and a slow burn romance perfect for fans of Howl’s Moving Castle and Half a Soul.
A man who wants everything
And a curse they must break
In a world of demons and magic, Indy Moore is a simple farm girl until she is cursed by a demon to become a mindless beast at night. Afraid for her family’s safety, she accepts help from the handsome, enigmatic, and greedy artificer, Mr. Rooke Hawthorne, in his sentient Ivory House full of peculiar oddities like talking cats and flying teapots.
To save her soul, Indy must face the pain of her past and, perhaps, the truth of her heart that finds itself drawn to the most dramatic man imaginable. But with a demon whispering in her ear and the cohabitants of Ivory House having secrets of their own, Indy is running out of time in more ways than she could ever imagine.
Set in a queer normative world of whimsy and magic, The Curse of Indy Moore is the first part of a cozy romantasy duology full of banter, formal address, and a slow burn romance perfect for fans of Howl’s Moving Castle and Half a Soul.
325 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 29, 2025
10 people are currently reading
139 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Barlowe
1 book7 followersSarah Barlowe is an ace and agender author of romance stories featuring complex character dynamics, swoon worthy love interests, whimsical settings, and enchanting tales.
After graduating from California University of PA with a bachelor's degree in graphics and multimedia, they took time in the off hours to work on their true passion, writing. They have done novel and comic work for companies like Tapas and Netmarble for nearly a decade. For the last few years, they have been working full time as an indie author on books, comics, and even mobile games, primarily under their other pen name, Twoony.
After graduating from California University of PA with a bachelor's degree in graphics and multimedia, they took time in the off hours to work on their true passion, writing. They have done novel and comic work for companies like Tapas and Netmarble for nearly a decade. For the last few years, they have been working full time as an indie author on books, comics, and even mobile games, primarily under their other pen name, Twoony.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
August 27, 2025
ARC Read: Oh My GOODNESS. I don’t even know what to say. This book was truly and experience and one that i so so loved. the MMC is to Howl from Howls Moving Castle and also a blend of my favorite characters from a game. the FMC was so relatable and i’m sure i’m not the only one who saw themselves in her. i never would have guessed or expected the twist at the end and i swear my jaw was on the floor. I already wish i could read this for the first time again. I can’t want for the second book of the beautiful duology!
August 20, 2025
ARC review
This book.. WOW
My flabbers have been GHASTED!
This is the first book I’ve read of Sarah’s and truthfully, it took me a little to get into it but once I did, I absolutely could not put it down!
Indy’s character is so relatable for me, she doesn’t believe she deserves the finer things in life and it is so heart achingly beautiful to go along with her as she’s learning to love herself as she is. With Rooke’s help, she realises she’s deserving of all her wants and desires but WARNING this ends on a cliffhanger that will have you absolutely DANGLING with no way out but to plummet. Literally into the depths of despair, there is no other way to describe the plot twist. Amazing world and story building, can’t wait for the second part of this duet🥲
This book.. WOW
My flabbers have been GHASTED!
This is the first book I’ve read of Sarah’s and truthfully, it took me a little to get into it but once I did, I absolutely could not put it down!
Indy’s character is so relatable for me, she doesn’t believe she deserves the finer things in life and it is so heart achingly beautiful to go along with her as she’s learning to love herself as she is. With Rooke’s help, she realises she’s deserving of all her wants and desires but WARNING this ends on a cliffhanger that will have you absolutely DANGLING with no way out but to plummet. Literally into the depths of despair, there is no other way to describe the plot twist. Amazing world and story building, can’t wait for the second part of this duet🥲
September 4, 2025
Thank you Sarah Barlowe for this ARC
I truly enjoyed this book! I must admit it took me a little get into it but that’s mostly because it was the end of the summer holidays and I had so much going on 🙈
Once I got into the plot I couldn’t put it down!!
This is the story of a young woman on the precipice of her life.
She has been dealt a hard hand and lacks the sense of self that comes with maturity and knowing yourself.
Set in a countryside village of Westshire a young woman, Indy Moore, is struck by a curse. She doesn’t have the money to instruct an artificer so when one offers to help her for free she reluctantly agrees.
Through the story there are themes of rejection, questioning self-worth, close proximity, second chances, death, curses and the hope of a new beginning to name a few.
This book will take you on a journey with an ending you didn’t see coming, it left me dumbstruck!
Definitely recommend this for a cosy fantasy read 🧡
I truly enjoyed this book! I must admit it took me a little get into it but that’s mostly because it was the end of the summer holidays and I had so much going on 🙈
Once I got into the plot I couldn’t put it down!!
This is the story of a young woman on the precipice of her life.
She has been dealt a hard hand and lacks the sense of self that comes with maturity and knowing yourself.
Set in a countryside village of Westshire a young woman, Indy Moore, is struck by a curse. She doesn’t have the money to instruct an artificer so when one offers to help her for free she reluctantly agrees.
Through the story there are themes of rejection, questioning self-worth, close proximity, second chances, death, curses and the hope of a new beginning to name a few.
This book will take you on a journey with an ending you didn’t see coming, it left me dumbstruck!
Definitely recommend this for a cosy fantasy read 🧡
September 30, 2025
If you like books like Howl's Moving Castle or Emily Wilde, then you NEED to read this. I am not one who gets giddy for romance ships very often, but I adored Indy and Mr. Hawthorne/Rooke. They were so utterly adorable. His eccentric self paired with her reserved nature was just *chef's kiss*. And the writing! Utterly charming and a joy to read. It just worked in a way that tied the vibes together perfectly.
And then the side characters 😭 I loved them all just as much. Otis is so grandfatherly to both Indy and Rooke, then you have the wonderful sassy Miss Beamy who loves her boy so much. I even really liked the demon and the hints of depth we got to see.
I want to say so much more, but I can't think of ways that don't include spoilers to some extent. Just know this is a wonderful read and I cannot wait for the sequel 😭Go read this book if you like the ones I mentioned before, guys!!!
And then the side characters 😭 I loved them all just as much. Otis is so grandfatherly to both Indy and Rooke, then you have the wonderful sassy Miss Beamy who loves her boy so much. I even really liked the demon and the hints of depth we got to see.
I want to say so much more, but I can't think of ways that don't include spoilers to some extent. Just know this is a wonderful read and I cannot wait for the sequel 😭Go read this book if you like the ones I mentioned before, guys!!!
September 29, 2025
This book was really good! If you are a fan of Howl's Moving Castle, especially Howl, you will enjoy this one too. Rooke Hawthorne is such a drama queen and I loved it! Indy was also very relatable in the way she always tried to take care of others but never herself. The ending was a surprise and I am looking forward to the second book in the series!
Thank you to the author for the ARC!
Thank you to the author for the ARC!
August 23, 2025
ARC review! This was a fun read on a long travel day, a good choice for passing the time on the train through the Irish countryside. It was a little slow to start for me with how the FMC came into her curse, but I really enjoyed once she got to the semi-sentient castle and the world was built out from there.
Lots of inspiration from Howl’s Moving Castle in this story (one of my favorites) and I’m looking forward to reading the second of the duology.
Lots of inspiration from Howl’s Moving Castle in this story (one of my favorites) and I’m looking forward to reading the second of the duology.
September 25, 2025
Title: The Curse Of Indy Moore
Author: Sarah Barlowe
Synopsis: A woman who wants nothing
A man who wants everything
And a curse they must break
In a world of demons and magic, Indy Moore is a simple farm girl until she is cursed by a demon to become a mindless beast at night. Afraid for her family’s safety, she accepts help from the handsome, enigmatic, and greedy artificer, Mr. Rooke Hawthorne, in his sentient Ivory House full of peculiar oddities like talking cats and flying teapots.
To save her soul, Indy must face the pain of her past and, perhaps, the truth of her heart that finds itself drawn to the most dramatic man imaginable. But with a demon whispering in her ear and the cohabitants of Ivory House having secrets of their own, Indy is running out of time in more ways than she could ever imagine.
Set in a queer normative world of whimsy and magic, The Curse of Indy Moore is the first part of a cozy romantasy duology full of banter, formal address, and a slow burn romance perfect for fans of Howl’s Moving Castle and Half a Soul.
Review: I remember discovering this author on Book Tok and she said she was in the process of writing a book similar to Howl’s Moving Castle! I was sold and I was eagerly awaiting for this book! I cried tears of joy when arcs were available and jumped at the chance! I knew from the very first page of reading this book that it would be a new favorite! I wa absolutely right! The writing is so whimsical and cozy! The characters were so lovable! I didn’t want to put this book down! Rooks is officially my new favorite book boyfriend! He was absolutely perfect and I loved his interactions and chemistry with Indy! After finishing it I need book two this instant! I am not ok and I must know what happens next! I can’t wait to buy a physical copy of this book to add to my bookshelf! This is one of the best books I have read all year! If you love Howl’s Moving Castle pick up this book!
I can’t thank the author enough for giving me an arc of this book to read in advance!
Author: Sarah Barlowe
Synopsis: A woman who wants nothing
A man who wants everything
And a curse they must break
In a world of demons and magic, Indy Moore is a simple farm girl until she is cursed by a demon to become a mindless beast at night. Afraid for her family’s safety, she accepts help from the handsome, enigmatic, and greedy artificer, Mr. Rooke Hawthorne, in his sentient Ivory House full of peculiar oddities like talking cats and flying teapots.
To save her soul, Indy must face the pain of her past and, perhaps, the truth of her heart that finds itself drawn to the most dramatic man imaginable. But with a demon whispering in her ear and the cohabitants of Ivory House having secrets of their own, Indy is running out of time in more ways than she could ever imagine.
Set in a queer normative world of whimsy and magic, The Curse of Indy Moore is the first part of a cozy romantasy duology full of banter, formal address, and a slow burn romance perfect for fans of Howl’s Moving Castle and Half a Soul.
Review: I remember discovering this author on Book Tok and she said she was in the process of writing a book similar to Howl’s Moving Castle! I was sold and I was eagerly awaiting for this book! I cried tears of joy when arcs were available and jumped at the chance! I knew from the very first page of reading this book that it would be a new favorite! I wa absolutely right! The writing is so whimsical and cozy! The characters were so lovable! I didn’t want to put this book down! Rooks is officially my new favorite book boyfriend! He was absolutely perfect and I loved his interactions and chemistry with Indy! After finishing it I need book two this instant! I am not ok and I must know what happens next! I can’t wait to buy a physical copy of this book to add to my bookshelf! This is one of the best books I have read all year! If you love Howl’s Moving Castle pick up this book!
I can’t thank the author enough for giving me an arc of this book to read in advance!
September 18, 2025
Thank you to the author for the ARC!
What an absolute blinder of a book! I have to admit I was sceptical, but this book absolutely lived up to every single thing that Sarah advertised.
I enjoyed the premise - Indy is cursed by a demon after going into the woods after dark, and is rescued by the Ivory House, where she meets artificers Otis Thatcher and Rooke Hawthorne, who agree to try and help remove the curse, which has left her with wolf ears and a nightly transformation. And of course, there is the AMAZING Miss Beamy, the talking cat, who is easily the best character in the whole book (but I’m a sucker for a sassy animal companion).
The slow burn between Indy and Rooke was beautifully done, with the perfect amount of teasing and tension. Don’t expect an enemies to lovers arc - while there is snarkiness at the beginning, there is no antagonism, more a kind of mocking, sarcastic friendship which blossoms as they get to know each other. Also don’t go expecting spice, because there is none and this is a true slow burn - the characters barely touch each other until the last 50 pages or so. But it is still tingly and satisfying and you are rooting for them throughout.
Now. The ending. THE ENDING. I don’t want to spoil the book but HOLY SHIT the ending. It was a full-throttle punch in the gut that comes completely out of left field and left me in absolute shock.
Sarah, you have done a fantastic job and I cannot wait to read the second book!
What an absolute blinder of a book! I have to admit I was sceptical, but this book absolutely lived up to every single thing that Sarah advertised.
I enjoyed the premise - Indy is cursed by a demon after going into the woods after dark, and is rescued by the Ivory House, where she meets artificers Otis Thatcher and Rooke Hawthorne, who agree to try and help remove the curse, which has left her with wolf ears and a nightly transformation. And of course, there is the AMAZING Miss Beamy, the talking cat, who is easily the best character in the whole book (but I’m a sucker for a sassy animal companion).
The slow burn between Indy and Rooke was beautifully done, with the perfect amount of teasing and tension. Don’t expect an enemies to lovers arc - while there is snarkiness at the beginning, there is no antagonism, more a kind of mocking, sarcastic friendship which blossoms as they get to know each other. Also don’t go expecting spice, because there is none and this is a true slow burn - the characters barely touch each other until the last 50 pages or so. But it is still tingly and satisfying and you are rooting for them throughout.
Now. The ending. THE ENDING. I don’t want to spoil the book but HOLY SHIT the ending. It was a full-throttle punch in the gut that comes completely out of left field and left me in absolute shock.
Sarah, you have done a fantastic job and I cannot wait to read the second book!
October 13, 2025
This book. THIS BOOK!!!
The writing pulls you in from the first page and refuses to let go. It is addictive and magical and perfect. The formal address had me giggling on more occasions than appropriate, and the moment they finally use each other's first names????? I'm pretty sure all birds in a 10-mile radius flew away in fear after that scream.
The characters are my precious babies, and I will hear no criticism of them whatsoever. I found this book through the author's tiktoks comparing it to Howl's Moving Castle (one of my fav movies of all time) and that inspiration definitely shined through while still feeling fresh and new. I was really impressed with the balance.
Indy has the best character development of all time. I loved watching her work through her past trauma and realize that she is deserving of good things and taking a chance on love. She found her own family, and I could cry just thinking about it.
All this to say, you absolutely need to read this book, and the author needs to publish book two yesterday. Thank you for coming to my TEDTalk.
And thank you to the author for my copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The writing pulls you in from the first page and refuses to let go. It is addictive and magical and perfect. The formal address had me giggling on more occasions than appropriate, and the moment they finally use each other's first names????? I'm pretty sure all birds in a 10-mile radius flew away in fear after that scream.
The characters are my precious babies, and I will hear no criticism of them whatsoever. I found this book through the author's tiktoks comparing it to Howl's Moving Castle (one of my fav movies of all time) and that inspiration definitely shined through while still feeling fresh and new. I was really impressed with the balance.
Indy has the best character development of all time. I loved watching her work through her past trauma and realize that she is deserving of good things and taking a chance on love. She found her own family, and I could cry just thinking about it.
All this to say, you absolutely need to read this book, and the author needs to publish book two yesterday. Thank you for coming to my TEDTalk.
And thank you to the author for my copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 14, 2025
The Curse of Indy Moore
Sarah Barlowe
This book was so whimsical and atmospheric, set in a countryside village where we meet Indy, a girl who has had a difficult life and to make matters worse she’s cursed by a demon. The story goes on and she meets Rooke a artificer who agrees to help her for free but only if he’s able to study her for his own advantage. This story is inspired by Howl’s Moving Castle, if you loved that book then this will be an instant favorite as well. Rooke is giving Howel Pendragon vibes! I really enjoyed this book, my favorite characters being Indy and Miss Beamy, a talking sassy cat. I loved Indy’s character progression, she goes from a girl who thinks she doesn’t deserve anything to having so much confidence and courage in the end. The ending was shocking and we’re left with a cliffhanger so I can’t wait for the second book to be able to immerse myself back to this magical world.
Thank you Sarah Barlowe for this arc, I truly loved reading this book and can’t wait for the second one!
Sarah Barlowe
This book was so whimsical and atmospheric, set in a countryside village where we meet Indy, a girl who has had a difficult life and to make matters worse she’s cursed by a demon. The story goes on and she meets Rooke a artificer who agrees to help her for free but only if he’s able to study her for his own advantage. This story is inspired by Howl’s Moving Castle, if you loved that book then this will be an instant favorite as well. Rooke is giving Howel Pendragon vibes! I really enjoyed this book, my favorite characters being Indy and Miss Beamy, a talking sassy cat. I loved Indy’s character progression, she goes from a girl who thinks she doesn’t deserve anything to having so much confidence and courage in the end. The ending was shocking and we’re left with a cliffhanger so I can’t wait for the second book to be able to immerse myself back to this magical world.
Thank you Sarah Barlowe for this arc, I truly loved reading this book and can’t wait for the second one!
September 1, 2025
AHHHH SCREAMING CRYING THROWING UP.
Look, I finished this book like an hour ago and I really don't know how to cope. That ending was a MASSIVE twist that I never expected in a million years. What the HECK.
If you read Howl's Moving Castle and enjoyed it, you will love this book. Rooke reminds me SO MUCH of Howl but I almost think we got to know him better than Howl.
And Indy... Oh man, she made my soul hurt in the best way. I love her and want to just hug her. She's a total sweetheart but doesn't take anyone's crap. Her journey was incredible and really foundational for part two of the duet.
I'm so excited for everyone to read this!! I'm so excited for book two!! I'm just LOVING the vibes!!!
Thank you to Sarah Barlowe for the opportunity to read a digital ARC of this story. All opinions are my own!
Look, I finished this book like an hour ago and I really don't know how to cope. That ending was a MASSIVE twist that I never expected in a million years. What the HECK.
If you read Howl's Moving Castle and enjoyed it, you will love this book. Rooke reminds me SO MUCH of Howl but I almost think we got to know him better than Howl.
And Indy... Oh man, she made my soul hurt in the best way. I love her and want to just hug her. She's a total sweetheart but doesn't take anyone's crap. Her journey was incredible and really foundational for part two of the duet.
I'm so excited for everyone to read this!! I'm so excited for book two!! I'm just LOVING the vibes!!!
Thank you to Sarah Barlowe for the opportunity to read a digital ARC of this story. All opinions are my own!
October 1, 2025
Talking animals and floating houses? Yes please! This book was a great read and perfect fall/spooky season. A cursed woman who doesn’t think she deserves to have the things that she truly desires and an arrogant yet thoughtful man who wields magic and is trying to help her solve her curse. I found every character really enjoyable and the twist at the end really got me. I thought the banter between the two main characters was very cute. This book was a refreshing romantasy break from the enemies to lovers that is so popular right now. I’d definitely would recommend this book and am excited to see what’s to come for Indy and Rooke. If you’re looking for a cozy and endearing story with some self reflection and empowerment then pick this book up.
Thank you to the author for sending me an arc copy of this!
Thank you to the author for sending me an arc copy of this!
September 17, 2025
“I will write your name in the stars, if you ask it of me.” 😮💨
This book was a wild adventure. I’ve never read Howl’s Moving Castle but basing it off the movie, I think Sarah did an amazing job at describing the moving castle in the sky and this journey with Indy and Rooke.
The sloooowest of burns, banter, a super dramatic MMC who needs his jug of coffee and skincare routine before he starts his day 🤭 I thought these characters were such a delight even though Indy was really frustrating at times, I wanted to shake her and hug her so hard!!
Ngl I was at the edge of my seat the entire time — this cute Romantasy has a bit of suspense and the plot twist at the end is wild. I can’t wait for book 2!!
💌 Thank you so much Sarah Barlowe for the eARC! Releasing Sept 29 ♡
This book was a wild adventure. I’ve never read Howl’s Moving Castle but basing it off the movie, I think Sarah did an amazing job at describing the moving castle in the sky and this journey with Indy and Rooke.
The sloooowest of burns, banter, a super dramatic MMC who needs his jug of coffee and skincare routine before he starts his day 🤭 I thought these characters were such a delight even though Indy was really frustrating at times, I wanted to shake her and hug her so hard!!
Ngl I was at the edge of my seat the entire time — this cute Romantasy has a bit of suspense and the plot twist at the end is wild. I can’t wait for book 2!!
💌 Thank you so much Sarah Barlowe for the eARC! Releasing Sept 29 ♡
October 10, 2025
If you’ve finished Howl’s and are desperate to fill the void it left behind, this is the book for you.
Set in a world full of quirky magic users, a woman finds herself unfortunately cursed… and honestly, I couldn’t be happier about it.
I loved every bit of her journey from start to finish, and that ending? Absolutely floored me. What really stood out, though, was the “lesson.” For once, it wasn’t about self-sacrifice or humility, it was about taking care of yourself, even if that means being a little materialistic. And I adored that.
I’m already counting down the days for the sequel, because wow, I have so many questions.
Set in a world full of quirky magic users, a woman finds herself unfortunately cursed… and honestly, I couldn’t be happier about it.
I loved every bit of her journey from start to finish, and that ending? Absolutely floored me. What really stood out, though, was the “lesson.” For once, it wasn’t about self-sacrifice or humility, it was about taking care of yourself, even if that means being a little materialistic. And I adored that.
I’m already counting down the days for the sequel, because wow, I have so many questions.
October 8, 2025
I have not watched or read the Howl's Moving Castle but I enjoyed this storyline. Honestly, this book is perfect for a spooky magical read and I was entertained, it was a tad bit slow at the start but overall a great experience. All the characters were adorable and I always looked forward to their wholesome interactions, cute and witty banters, and smart casual discussions.
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That ending though... what a cliffhanger! Aaahhh, thank you to the author for giving me an eARC and I am excited for the next book to come! Recommended! ✨️
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That ending though... what a cliffhanger! Aaahhh, thank you to the author for giving me an eARC and I am excited for the next book to come! Recommended! ✨️
September 4, 2025
I had the opportunity to do an ARC read for The Curse of Indy Moore. For fans of Howl's Moving Castle, Sarah Barlowe has crafted a story that takes you through a rollercoaster of emotions. The ups and downs that Indy goes through will have you kicking your feet and squealing, and will also have you gasping out loud. Make sure to get your hands on this book once it releases!
October 4, 2025
This was one of the best books I've read in 2025!! The main character was relatable and the love interest was dreamy. I finished the book in 5 hours from not wanting to put the book down. And I absolutely cannot wait till the sequel releases. If you love howls moving castle or even uprooted by Naomi novik this book is for you!
September 3, 2025
Oh man, I wish I could go back in time and read this again for the first time. It's giving cozy Howl's Moving Castle vibes in the best way with a fleshed-out magic system and a sloooooow burn romance. I can't wait to dive back into Indy's world for book two!
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August 22, 2025If you've been looking for a male lead to fill the shoes of Howl Pendragon, then look no further.
August 29, 2025
I know every book is not for everyone. I ran into that situation while reading this book. I read 10 chapters but still couldn't get into it. seems to be a book I like just not for me
September 28, 2025
I was so lucky to get an ARC copy!!! This book is wonderful! I couldn't put it down. It's so well written and I can't wait for the sequel!
December 29, 2025
This book offered whimsical and amazing characters like I have never read before. This book had me laughing, crying, and smiling like an idiot.I loved every minute of reading this. It ends with a cliffhanger but was the best one I have ever read. I honestly can’t wait to see where the journey goes next!
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews