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Once Upon Ever After #1
Cursed King
A steamy and suspenseful royalty, enemies to lovers, single dad/nanny, age gap, Beauty and the Beast retelling.
When my sick father wanders into the off-limits palace where the widowed king of Messalina lives with his three children, I know we're in trouble.
Locked away since the tragic death of his wife, the whispers of an ancient royal curse are more alive than ever.
And when my father is taken prisoner and I accidentally break a priceless statue, I learn first hand that the rumors of the callous beast king with his gorgeous face and frosty disposition are true.
Especially when he gives me an ultimatum: become the nanny for his children or my father goes to prison.
It isn't until I move into the palace that I see there's life in the walls, passion lurking beneath smoldering glances and forbidden moments, and endless love for three beautiful children--the king's one soft spot.
The longer I stay, the more in love I fall with the children and the man who does all he can to keep his distance. Until one night he shatters my innocence and shows me exactly what it means to be owned by the king.
But this is no fairy tale, and no matter how we feel, we can never be together.
On top of that, there's a darkness we can't escape. A danger lurking, waiting to kill again.
And when it comes for us, there will be no stopping it until it succeeds.
CURSED KING is a STEAMY contemporary (NOT romantasy or paranormal) fairytale retelling with darker themes and suspense. This is the COMPLETE duet of Cursed King and Cursed Queen with NO cliffhanger.
When my sick father wanders into the off-limits palace where the widowed king of Messalina lives with his three children, I know we're in trouble.
Locked away since the tragic death of his wife, the whispers of an ancient royal curse are more alive than ever.
And when my father is taken prisoner and I accidentally break a priceless statue, I learn first hand that the rumors of the callous beast king with his gorgeous face and frosty disposition are true.
Especially when he gives me an ultimatum: become the nanny for his children or my father goes to prison.
It isn't until I move into the palace that I see there's life in the walls, passion lurking beneath smoldering glances and forbidden moments, and endless love for three beautiful children--the king's one soft spot.
The longer I stay, the more in love I fall with the children and the man who does all he can to keep his distance. Until one night he shatters my innocence and shows me exactly what it means to be owned by the king.
But this is no fairy tale, and no matter how we feel, we can never be together.
On top of that, there's a darkness we can't escape. A danger lurking, waiting to kill again.
And when it comes for us, there will be no stopping it until it succeeds.
CURSED KING is a STEAMY contemporary (NOT romantasy or paranormal) fairytale retelling with darker themes and suspense. This is the COMPLETE duet of Cursed King and Cursed Queen with NO cliffhanger.
616 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 26, 2025
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April 3, 2026Available now!
Download today or read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited
Amazon: http://geni.us/CursedKing
Narrated by: Sean Masters & Desiree Ketchum
Listen today!
Audible: https://bit.ly/4sfCosx
Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3WN40GY
Preorder book 2 in the Once Upon Ever After Series today!
http://geni.us/CursedQueen
Download today or read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited
Amazon: http://geni.us/CursedKing
Narrated by: Sean Masters & Desiree Ketchum
Listen today!
Audible: https://bit.ly/4sfCosx
Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3WN40GY
Preorder book 2 in the Once Upon Ever After Series today!
http://geni.us/CursedQueen
January 27, 2026
A spicy, gripping retelling of Beauty and the Beast. I hate a cliffhanger, but this one’s conclusion has, thankfully, already been published. Bellamy stumbles her way into being the nanny to the three royal children of Messalina— which brings her into the unrelenting presence of King Sebastian. Despite all the reasons they shouldn’t, they, of course, fall in love. Cursed King also has a touch of The Sound of Music; Bellamy brightens the whole palace with her infectious personality, and she falls as hard for the adorable children as she does their father. Nice characterization of both children and adults; nothing feels gratuitous. Well edited. Grumpy/Sunshine, age gap, virgin FMC, mild kink.🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
July 16, 2026
This was a disappointment. I have enjoyed many of Julie Saman’s other works and was very excited by the premise of this one. Unfortunately, it fell flat in many ways.
Firstly, while this is subjective, I would not consider it a dark romance. Is it darker than the author’s previous works? Absolutely. But there is nothing in it that screams dark romance.
Secondly, the unbelievability. When I read fantasy romance or romantasy, I usually allow some leeway to suspend disbelief, but when I am reading a contemporary romance, it needs to be grounded in reality. Too often, I was reading, and things did not make sense or did not fit with the characters portrayed.
Thirdly, the characters. This falls a bit within the realm of unbelievability, but also within the development. Yes, we had a backstory of the MMC and FMC, but I still felt like I knew nothing about them. I knew their past, but not their thoughts, their emotions, and what makes them unique. It felt stale, making it difficult to connect with or even appreciate them.
Fourthly, the emotions. Feelings were not in the room with us. There was a lot of telling and not a lot of showing. This was something I noticed immediately. We were rarely even told what they felt, let alone shown it. It’s impossible to enjoy a romance book, especially one where both characters have depressing backstories, yet there is no angst, no sadness. And then, all of a sudden, it's an insta-lust that turns too quickly into love. Yet I couldn't feel the love in these characters.
Overall, a disappointing read. That being said, I plan to read book 2 as I have heard it is much better.
May 14, 2026
Okay so we have:
– a widowed king
– a cursed royal family
– a remote castle in the mountains
– a grumpy single father with trauma
– and a nanny named Bellamy.
This is basically Beauty and the Beast with extra paperwork and emotional repression.
And honestly? It started off STRONG.
I was seated. I had snacks. I believed in the vision.
Then somewhere along the way this book turned into a royal soap opera written during a caffeine overdose.
📚 Plot + Vibe Dump (aka controlled chaos summary)
Meet King Sebastian of Messalina—a fictional European kingdom where apparently everybody believes this family is cursed.
Sebastian’s wife died in a tragic helicopter accident, and after that he packed up his three children and moved them to a remote castle near the northern border because grief and paranoia apparently make excellent interior decorators.
Now to his credit:
– he respected his wife
– never cheated on her
– acknowledges they weren’t in love
And honestly? I appreciated the emotional honesty there.
Then enters Bellamy.
She’s 21, American, broke, caring for her father whose memory is deteriorating after an accident, and trying to survive abroad while finishing university.
One day her father escapes his care facility and somehow ends up INSIDE the king’s heavily guarded castle because apparently security in Messalina is optional.
Bellamy follows him there, knocks over a priceless bust within minutes (queen of first impressions), and immediately charms the royal children.
Naturally the king’s aunt decides:
“You know what this traumatized isolated family needs? A random American nanny.”
And Sebastian agrees to hire her in exchange for helping her father.
Which honestly???
Cute setup. No notes.
💀 Character Crimes Section
Sebastian (MMC):
Listen… I liked him more than I expected.
– Intense
– Protective
– Slightly emotionally constipated
– Grinch-coded but trying
This man is so afraid of the “curse” that he basically keeps his entire family emotionally bubble-wrapped.
But little by little Bellamy helps him loosen up:
– he lets the kids experience joy
– leaves the castle for her (SCANDALOUS)
– allows a bounce house on royal grounds
And honestly? Those quieter moments worked best for me.
Bellamy (FMC):
sigh
This is where we started losing the plot.
– Immature
– Jealous for absolutely no reason
– Constantly emotionally reacting instead of thinking
And it’s frustrating because there WAS potential here.
Her background is interesting. Her relationship with her father is emotional. The setup had substance.
But instead of developing that depth, the story keeps throwing random chaos at us until Bellamy just becomes exhausting.
🔥 Spice Rating (13Pages Scale)
🌶️🌶️🌶️ = Okay… I See What You Were Doing
There is A LOT of spice.
Unfortunately the story kept getting interrupted by it.
Optional tag: “plot disappeared during this scene”
📊 Book Rating (13Pages Scale)
⭐⭐ = Why did I do this to myself
🧨 Final Verdict (signature sass paragraph)
This book had WAY too many storylines fighting for dominance.
We have:
– the dead wife
– the missing mother
– the missing sister
– the suspicious helicopter crash
– creepy Prime Minister Handsy McGee
– family curse drama
– royal politics
– and Prince Rowan casually wandering in being the only normal person in the kingdom.
It’s giving telephone switchboard.
And because the story never slows down long enough to develop the emotional core, the romance doesn’t fully land.
I never believed Sebastian and Bellamy fell in love. Lust? Absolutely. Attraction? Sure.
But LOVE???
Where???
And then this thing ends on a cliffhanger like I’m supposed to emotionally invest in ANOTHER book after all this chaos.
Respectfully:
No ❤️
💬 Signature Outro Line
I have questions and none of them will be answered.
– a widowed king
– a cursed royal family
– a remote castle in the mountains
– a grumpy single father with trauma
– and a nanny named Bellamy.
This is basically Beauty and the Beast with extra paperwork and emotional repression.
And honestly? It started off STRONG.
I was seated. I had snacks. I believed in the vision.
Then somewhere along the way this book turned into a royal soap opera written during a caffeine overdose.
📚 Plot + Vibe Dump (aka controlled chaos summary)
Meet King Sebastian of Messalina—a fictional European kingdom where apparently everybody believes this family is cursed.
Sebastian’s wife died in a tragic helicopter accident, and after that he packed up his three children and moved them to a remote castle near the northern border because grief and paranoia apparently make excellent interior decorators.
Now to his credit:
– he respected his wife
– never cheated on her
– acknowledges they weren’t in love
And honestly? I appreciated the emotional honesty there.
Then enters Bellamy.
She’s 21, American, broke, caring for her father whose memory is deteriorating after an accident, and trying to survive abroad while finishing university.
One day her father escapes his care facility and somehow ends up INSIDE the king’s heavily guarded castle because apparently security in Messalina is optional.
Bellamy follows him there, knocks over a priceless bust within minutes (queen of first impressions), and immediately charms the royal children.
Naturally the king’s aunt decides:
“You know what this traumatized isolated family needs? A random American nanny.”
And Sebastian agrees to hire her in exchange for helping her father.
Which honestly???
Cute setup. No notes.
💀 Character Crimes Section
Sebastian (MMC):
Listen… I liked him more than I expected.
– Intense
– Protective
– Slightly emotionally constipated
– Grinch-coded but trying
This man is so afraid of the “curse” that he basically keeps his entire family emotionally bubble-wrapped.
But little by little Bellamy helps him loosen up:
– he lets the kids experience joy
– leaves the castle for her (SCANDALOUS)
– allows a bounce house on royal grounds
And honestly? Those quieter moments worked best for me.
Bellamy (FMC):
sigh
This is where we started losing the plot.
– Immature
– Jealous for absolutely no reason
– Constantly emotionally reacting instead of thinking
And it’s frustrating because there WAS potential here.
Her background is interesting. Her relationship with her father is emotional. The setup had substance.
But instead of developing that depth, the story keeps throwing random chaos at us until Bellamy just becomes exhausting.
🔥 Spice Rating (13Pages Scale)
🌶️🌶️🌶️ = Okay… I See What You Were Doing
There is A LOT of spice.
Unfortunately the story kept getting interrupted by it.
Optional tag: “plot disappeared during this scene”
📊 Book Rating (13Pages Scale)
⭐⭐ = Why did I do this to myself
🧨 Final Verdict (signature sass paragraph)
This book had WAY too many storylines fighting for dominance.
We have:
– the dead wife
– the missing mother
– the missing sister
– the suspicious helicopter crash
– creepy Prime Minister Handsy McGee
– family curse drama
– royal politics
– and Prince Rowan casually wandering in being the only normal person in the kingdom.
It’s giving telephone switchboard.
And because the story never slows down long enough to develop the emotional core, the romance doesn’t fully land.
I never believed Sebastian and Bellamy fell in love. Lust? Absolutely. Attraction? Sure.
But LOVE???
Where???
And then this thing ends on a cliffhanger like I’m supposed to emotionally invest in ANOTHER book after all this chaos.
Respectfully:
No ❤️
💬 Signature Outro Line
I have questions and none of them will be answered.
January 11, 2026
I really wanted to love Cursed King. A Beauty and the Beast retelling? Sign me up immediately. And honestly, the beginning gave me hope - the atmosphere, the setup, the tension… it pulled me in fast.
Let me start with what worked for me, because there were things I genuinely enjoyed.
The spicy scenes? Yeah. Those were good. Dark, a little rough, BDSM — and that part absolutely delivered. Those moments were probably the strongest part of the book for me, and I won’t pretend otherwise.
But once the story moved past the initial setup, something just… flattened out.
The biggest issue for me was this constant feeling of déjà vu. Not in a comforting “fairytale retelling” way, but in a “I’ve read this exact dynamic, this exact arc, this exact conflict somewhere before” way. Nothing felt fresh or surprising after a while.
The characters didn’t help with that feeling either. I never really connected to them - not the main characters, not the side characters. They felt underdeveloped, a bit flat, like I was watching them from a distance instead of growing attached to them. I wanted more depth, more emotion, more reasons to care.
And the plot twist… honestly, I saw it coming very early. Around the first 50 pages, I already knew who the real villain was going to be and what the core problem would be. So instead of tension, I spent most of the book waiting for the story to catch up to what felt obvious.
The ending was probably what confused me the most. I fully expected a cliffhanger - something that would make me desperate to grab Cursed Queen immediately. But instead, it felt… finished. Too finished. Like I already got the full story. And that left me genuinely wondering: what exactly is the second book going to be about?
So overall - this wasn’t a bad read. It wasn’t boring. It had its moments (especially the spicy ones), and I don’t regret reading it. But it didn’t emotionally hook me, didn’t surprise me, and didn’t leave me craving more.
A solid 3 stars for me.
Enjoyable in parts, but not unforgettable.
Let me start with what worked for me, because there were things I genuinely enjoyed.
The spicy scenes? Yeah. Those were good. Dark, a little rough, BDSM — and that part absolutely delivered. Those moments were probably the strongest part of the book for me, and I won’t pretend otherwise.
But once the story moved past the initial setup, something just… flattened out.
The biggest issue for me was this constant feeling of déjà vu. Not in a comforting “fairytale retelling” way, but in a “I’ve read this exact dynamic, this exact arc, this exact conflict somewhere before” way. Nothing felt fresh or surprising after a while.
The characters didn’t help with that feeling either. I never really connected to them - not the main characters, not the side characters. They felt underdeveloped, a bit flat, like I was watching them from a distance instead of growing attached to them. I wanted more depth, more emotion, more reasons to care.
And the plot twist… honestly, I saw it coming very early. Around the first 50 pages, I already knew who the real villain was going to be and what the core problem would be. So instead of tension, I spent most of the book waiting for the story to catch up to what felt obvious.
The ending was probably what confused me the most. I fully expected a cliffhanger - something that would make me desperate to grab Cursed Queen immediately. But instead, it felt… finished. Too finished. Like I already got the full story. And that left me genuinely wondering: what exactly is the second book going to be about?
So overall - this wasn’t a bad read. It wasn’t boring. It had its moments (especially the spicy ones), and I don’t regret reading it. But it didn’t emotionally hook me, didn’t surprise me, and didn’t leave me craving more.
A solid 3 stars for me.
Enjoyable in parts, but not unforgettable.
January 30, 2026
okay full review is pending until i read the 2nd book
i will say i LOVE the retelling vibe and how its been adpated in such a fun way to have Seb and Bellamy together (the beast is my big fat hear me out)
UPDATE
i’ve dropped a star, sorry but the insta love just kinda ruined it, i wish there was more tension and the smut is kinda cringe
i will say i LOVE the retelling vibe and how its been adpated in such a fun way to have Seb and Bellamy together (the beast is my big fat hear me out)
UPDATE
i’ve dropped a star, sorry but the insta love just kinda ruined it, i wish there was more tension and the smut is kinda cringe
January 15, 2026
5 stars!
I loved this book! A contemporary, non-fantasy or paranormal retelling of Beauty and the Beast, this is a dramatic, fun, sexy, swoony, suspenseful and intense story with the most beautiful romance. With fantastic tropes of royalty, enemies-to-lovers, single parent, boss/nanny, grumpy/sunshine, forced proximity and a 15-year age gap, there’s so much to enjoy about this book, and it’s such a great read!
King Sebastian of Messalina (a fictional European country) is a 36-year old widowed father of three who lives an isolated life, locked away with his young children and his staff. His family is long-rumoured to be living under a curse, and after the tragic deaths of a number of family members, and his late wife (even if it was only an arranged marriage), he is determined to keep his children safe and has removed them and himself from public life to do just that.
Bellamy is a 21 year old American woman who has been living abroad with her father since she was a young teenager. When he gets into trouble, she winds up at the royal palace where the staff recognise her as the breath of fresh air needed to take on the role of the children’s nanny. Both Sebastian and Bellamy require convincing, and there may be a bit of coercion to get her to take the job, but she is immediately taken with the children, who adore her in return, and she quickly comes to love her new role.
The big problem with Bellamy moving into the palace is the raging attraction between her and the king. She knows he is wildly out of her league, and given the curse on his family, Sebastian is determined to never get involved with anybody ever again. But from the first moment they meet they are lusting wildly after each other, living together, becoming a part of the children’s lives, and she is snarking back at the king and inappropriately flirting to keep him on his toes, and they are powerless to resist what is building between them.
It's a fast-moving story, and it doesn’t seem too long before Sebastian and Bellamy are giving into their wild passion for each other and Oh. Holy. Wow. Sebastian is dark and dirty, controlling in the bedroom, he’s a dirty talker and he likes things rough and kinda dirty. The sexy time is intense and wildly hot, and it’s a reflection of the mad passion that these two have for each other.
They can’t keep away from each other, and wild sex soon turns into so much more as they find themselves falling hopelessly, and I God, I loved watching them come together! I was effortlessly swept up in all that they feel for each other. It’s sexy and hot with so many sweet moments with the children, and seeing Bellamy break through Sebastians walls and get him to smile again is so heartwarming.
Their love for each other is all-consuming and the swoon is glorious as Sebastian holds nothing back, coming out with grand declarations and filthy talk, and I loved these characters and their deepening relationship so much.
There are obstacles that they need to overcome, but they’re a functional couple. They are open and honest with each other, and I loved seeing them work through their challenges together. But the curse still terrifies Sebastian, and when danger comes for the only woman he has ever truly loved, he is prepared to put everything on the line to protect her.
I felt a whole rollercoaster of emotion with this book. I laughed, I teared up, I fanned myself and I swooned, I felt the suspense, and those final few chapters had my heart pounding. The book does end on a cliffhanger, but J. Saman has been so kind to us and the next book is only a few weeks away.
This is the first book in a duet, and the start of a longer series, Once Upon Ever After which will branch out with more fairytale retellings for other characters, and I cannot wait to continue on with this series.
Such a great read, I loved this one!
5 stars.
I listened to this as an audiobook, narrated by Sean Masters and Desireé Ketchum, and I loved this audio! They do a great job with the story, bringing so much heart and heat, and I definitely recommend this one.
I loved this book! A contemporary, non-fantasy or paranormal retelling of Beauty and the Beast, this is a dramatic, fun, sexy, swoony, suspenseful and intense story with the most beautiful romance. With fantastic tropes of royalty, enemies-to-lovers, single parent, boss/nanny, grumpy/sunshine, forced proximity and a 15-year age gap, there’s so much to enjoy about this book, and it’s such a great read!
King Sebastian of Messalina (a fictional European country) is a 36-year old widowed father of three who lives an isolated life, locked away with his young children and his staff. His family is long-rumoured to be living under a curse, and after the tragic deaths of a number of family members, and his late wife (even if it was only an arranged marriage), he is determined to keep his children safe and has removed them and himself from public life to do just that.
Bellamy is a 21 year old American woman who has been living abroad with her father since she was a young teenager. When he gets into trouble, she winds up at the royal palace where the staff recognise her as the breath of fresh air needed to take on the role of the children’s nanny. Both Sebastian and Bellamy require convincing, and there may be a bit of coercion to get her to take the job, but she is immediately taken with the children, who adore her in return, and she quickly comes to love her new role.
The big problem with Bellamy moving into the palace is the raging attraction between her and the king. She knows he is wildly out of her league, and given the curse on his family, Sebastian is determined to never get involved with anybody ever again. But from the first moment they meet they are lusting wildly after each other, living together, becoming a part of the children’s lives, and she is snarking back at the king and inappropriately flirting to keep him on his toes, and they are powerless to resist what is building between them.
“I’d like very much to stay. I adore your children, and despite the odd circumstances around me being their nanny, I’ve had an incredible first week with them.”
I believe her. And that’s what’s fucking me up.
“I need to hate you.” I confess.
A soft grin. “So I’ve gathered. How is that working out for you?”
“Depends on the moment.”
It's a fast-moving story, and it doesn’t seem too long before Sebastian and Bellamy are giving into their wild passion for each other and Oh. Holy. Wow. Sebastian is dark and dirty, controlling in the bedroom, he’s a dirty talker and he likes things rough and kinda dirty. The sexy time is intense and wildly hot, and it’s a reflection of the mad passion that these two have for each other.
“It's a good thing you didn't ask me to tell you all the dirty thoughts I have about you. Because not only would I have told you, I would have shown you."
They can’t keep away from each other, and wild sex soon turns into so much more as they find themselves falling hopelessly, and I God, I loved watching them come together! I was effortlessly swept up in all that they feel for each other. It’s sexy and hot with so many sweet moments with the children, and seeing Bellamy break through Sebastians walls and get him to smile again is so heartwarming.
He takes my hand and places it on his chest over his pounding heart.
“It hasn’t beat like this in years. I’m not sure it ever has. What you’re doing to me, Bellamy. Cannot be undone.”
Their love for each other is all-consuming and the swoon is glorious as Sebastian holds nothing back, coming out with grand declarations and filthy talk, and I loved these characters and their deepening relationship so much.
“Everything I am is going to become yours. My mind, my body, my heart. All yours.”
There are obstacles that they need to overcome, but they’re a functional couple. They are open and honest with each other, and I loved seeing them work through their challenges together. But the curse still terrifies Sebastian, and when danger comes for the only woman he has ever truly loved, he is prepared to put everything on the line to protect her.
I felt a whole rollercoaster of emotion with this book. I laughed, I teared up, I fanned myself and I swooned, I felt the suspense, and those final few chapters had my heart pounding. The book does end on a cliffhanger, but J. Saman has been so kind to us and the next book is only a few weeks away.
This is the first book in a duet, and the start of a longer series, Once Upon Ever After which will branch out with more fairytale retellings for other characters, and I cannot wait to continue on with this series.
Such a great read, I loved this one!
5 stars.
I listened to this as an audiobook, narrated by Sean Masters and Desireé Ketchum, and I loved this audio! They do a great job with the story, bringing so much heart and heat, and I definitely recommend this one.
February 14, 2026
Book Title: Cursed King (Once Upon Ever After #1)
Author: Julie Saman
Genre: Dark Contemporary Romance
Publication Date: 12/26/2025
Format Reviewed: Kindle ARC
Overall Rating:
★★★★★
Spice Level:
(Rate 1–5 peppers, where 1 = Mild/No Spice and 5 = Extremely Spicy)
Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Summary (No Spoilers):
This is a dark, spicy fairytale retelling of Beauty and the Beast. It is set in modern time in Mediterranean Europe. The books follows a predictable storyline if you are familiar with Beauty and the Beast but this book is still entertaining nevertheless! It is an easy read, the characters are interesting. There is no magic or fantasy elements in this story, it's contemporary dark romance with open door spice. The spice isn't overpowering in the story but is actually appropriate to the plot. There is age gap, bdsm themes, consent = sexy, independent, virgin fmc, dominant mmc and very much grumpy/sunshine! I love all the tropes and found this book a good read! It does end on a cliffhanger so you will absolutely want to immediately read book #2 after!
What I Loved:
- fairytale retelling
- open door spice
- grumpy/sunshine
What Could Be Improved:
- I need to know more about Bellamy's dad!
Spice Breakdown:
Check the trigger warnings in this one. Open door spice. BDSM. Virgin FMC. Age gap. Consent=sexy.
Who Should Read This Book:
If you are a sucker for fairytale retellings, and also dark contemporary romance, you will love this book!
Final Thoughts:
Read this as an ARC and really loved it! I plan on reading the next book in the series soon!
Would I Read More by This Author? Absolutely!
Author: Julie Saman
Genre: Dark Contemporary Romance
Publication Date: 12/26/2025
Format Reviewed: Kindle ARC
Overall Rating:
★★★★★
Spice Level:
(Rate 1–5 peppers, where 1 = Mild/No Spice and 5 = Extremely Spicy)
Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Summary (No Spoilers):
This is a dark, spicy fairytale retelling of Beauty and the Beast. It is set in modern time in Mediterranean Europe. The books follows a predictable storyline if you are familiar with Beauty and the Beast but this book is still entertaining nevertheless! It is an easy read, the characters are interesting. There is no magic or fantasy elements in this story, it's contemporary dark romance with open door spice. The spice isn't overpowering in the story but is actually appropriate to the plot. There is age gap, bdsm themes, consent = sexy, independent, virgin fmc, dominant mmc and very much grumpy/sunshine! I love all the tropes and found this book a good read! It does end on a cliffhanger so you will absolutely want to immediately read book #2 after!
What I Loved:
- fairytale retelling
- open door spice
- grumpy/sunshine
What Could Be Improved:
- I need to know more about Bellamy's dad!
Spice Breakdown:
Check the trigger warnings in this one. Open door spice. BDSM. Virgin FMC. Age gap. Consent=sexy.
Who Should Read This Book:
If you are a sucker for fairytale retellings, and also dark contemporary romance, you will love this book!
Final Thoughts:
Read this as an ARC and really loved it! I plan on reading the next book in the series soon!
Would I Read More by This Author? Absolutely!
March 24, 2026
I was very curious from the blurb of cursed king as it basically radiated Beauty and the Beast energy. Sebastian, who is the King locks himself away in a castle with his children after losing his Queen in a tragic circumstance. He believes his family curse is the one to blame here and he does this as a form of protection for him and his children
Years later Bellamy finds herself at the castle doors after her father who has early onset dementia decides to spontaneously leave his facility and winds up in the palace. Now once the King becomes aware of the trespasser he becomes furious and while Bellamy pleads her case he gives her an ultimatum, and this is reluctant done so. The only reason for this is the Kings daughters took quite well to Bellamy and want her to become their nanny. So this leaves Sebastian with proposing to Bellamy that she either becomes their nanny or her father faces prison time. With not much of an option she decides to become the children’s nanny.
From the beginning we could see that these characters were a bit standoffish towards one another, and yeah I get it they both disrupted one another’s lives but as we dive deeper into this book we start to see something further develop. Sebastian becomes quite possessive of Bellamy and even goes to the extend where he leaves the place, which he hasn’t done so in many years, because he was worried about her safety.
I really enjoyed the family element of this book. It’s quite clear that Bellamy cares for Phaedra, Sabrina and Zayer. These kids lost their mother quite young and while Bellamy never wanted to replace their mother she offered them every bit of guidance and care.
This book has quite a few twists and turns which kept me on the edge of my seat. It is book one of a duet so Sebastian and Bellamy’s story continues in Cursed Queen.
Years later Bellamy finds herself at the castle doors after her father who has early onset dementia decides to spontaneously leave his facility and winds up in the palace. Now once the King becomes aware of the trespasser he becomes furious and while Bellamy pleads her case he gives her an ultimatum, and this is reluctant done so. The only reason for this is the Kings daughters took quite well to Bellamy and want her to become their nanny. So this leaves Sebastian with proposing to Bellamy that she either becomes their nanny or her father faces prison time. With not much of an option she decides to become the children’s nanny.
From the beginning we could see that these characters were a bit standoffish towards one another, and yeah I get it they both disrupted one another’s lives but as we dive deeper into this book we start to see something further develop. Sebastian becomes quite possessive of Bellamy and even goes to the extend where he leaves the place, which he hasn’t done so in many years, because he was worried about her safety.
I really enjoyed the family element of this book. It’s quite clear that Bellamy cares for Phaedra, Sabrina and Zayer. These kids lost their mother quite young and while Bellamy never wanted to replace their mother she offered them every bit of guidance and care.
This book has quite a few twists and turns which kept me on the edge of my seat. It is book one of a duet so Sebastian and Bellamy’s story continues in Cursed Queen.
April 20, 2026
ARC provided by Valentines PR
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️
Sebastian and Bellamy’s story is a Beauty and the Beast retelling with a slight twist revealed at the end!
Bellamy is an English teacher in the small kingdom of Messalina, all she wants in the world is to care for her father who lives in a home for his Dementia.
When he wanders away from his nursing home, and makes his way into the royal palace thinking that he is presenting a new invention at MIT, she heads over there to try to negotiate his release.
There, she is given two choices, become the nanny for the King's three children, or she and her father can face imprisonment for trespassing.
Sebastian became King of Messalina at a very young age, being forced into the role by what is known as his family curse.
Following the death of his wife in a tragic helicopter crash in front of his children and himself, he decided to remain in the palace, secluded for 3 years, for their safety.
It was a fresh modern retelling that had me guessing what would happen the whole time! Right when you think you know what’s going to happen because you know how the classic story goes Saman makes a little flip.
I constantly compared this story to the song Evermore from the live action Beauty and the Beast film. Sebastian’s POVs were so tender and the way he saw and spoke about Bellamy from the very beginning you could see the pain of “I want to love her but I also fear what may happen if I do.”
This was such a quick and easy read and will be a reread sometime in 2026!
Thank you Julie Saman and Valentines PR for choosing myself for this opportunity! I am very excited for the continuation in Cursed Queen!
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️
Sebastian and Bellamy’s story is a Beauty and the Beast retelling with a slight twist revealed at the end!
Bellamy is an English teacher in the small kingdom of Messalina, all she wants in the world is to care for her father who lives in a home for his Dementia.
When he wanders away from his nursing home, and makes his way into the royal palace thinking that he is presenting a new invention at MIT, she heads over there to try to negotiate his release.
There, she is given two choices, become the nanny for the King's three children, or she and her father can face imprisonment for trespassing.
Sebastian became King of Messalina at a very young age, being forced into the role by what is known as his family curse.
Following the death of his wife in a tragic helicopter crash in front of his children and himself, he decided to remain in the palace, secluded for 3 years, for their safety.
It was a fresh modern retelling that had me guessing what would happen the whole time! Right when you think you know what’s going to happen because you know how the classic story goes Saman makes a little flip.
I constantly compared this story to the song Evermore from the live action Beauty and the Beast film. Sebastian’s POVs were so tender and the way he saw and spoke about Bellamy from the very beginning you could see the pain of “I want to love her but I also fear what may happen if I do.”
This was such a quick and easy read and will be a reread sometime in 2026!
Thank you Julie Saman and Valentines PR for choosing myself for this opportunity! I am very excited for the continuation in Cursed Queen!
January 5, 2026
Contemporary romance
Rating: 4 stars story / 5 stars performance
Format: Audiobook - Dual narration by Sean Masters and Desiree Ketchum
Series / Standalone: Book one of a duet (Once Upon Ever After Book 1)
Tropes: Age Gap, Beauty & The Beast Retelling, Darker Contemporary Romance, Steamy & Suspenseful, Nanny & Single Dad
I was so pleased with how this author took on a darker romance and really ran with it. The Beauty and the Beast vibes were strong and so entertaining. The premise was unique with Sebastian being King of a smaller province in or near France and his rival being the prime minister. The mystery surrounding the supposed curse on the family created a healthy dose of angst. Add that to the budding romance between this single dad and his nanny and the emotions were pulled to the front. Thank goodness the next audio is coming soon because that was one heck of a cliffhanger.
Sean Masters and Desiree Ketchum were perfectly cast for these roles. The broodiness of Sebastian’s character was portrayed perfectly. Desiree Ketchum, likewise, did a great job with Bellamy and was able to adjust for a multitude of emotions as they came up in the storyline. I need this next audio like right now!!
Rating: 4 stars story / 5 stars performance
Format: Audiobook - Dual narration by Sean Masters and Desiree Ketchum
Series / Standalone: Book one of a duet (Once Upon Ever After Book 1)
Tropes: Age Gap, Beauty & The Beast Retelling, Darker Contemporary Romance, Steamy & Suspenseful, Nanny & Single Dad
I was so pleased with how this author took on a darker romance and really ran with it. The Beauty and the Beast vibes were strong and so entertaining. The premise was unique with Sebastian being King of a smaller province in or near France and his rival being the prime minister. The mystery surrounding the supposed curse on the family created a healthy dose of angst. Add that to the budding romance between this single dad and his nanny and the emotions were pulled to the front. Thank goodness the next audio is coming soon because that was one heck of a cliffhanger.
Sean Masters and Desiree Ketchum were perfectly cast for these roles. The broodiness of Sebastian’s character was portrayed perfectly. Desiree Ketchum, likewise, did a great job with Bellamy and was able to adjust for a multitude of emotions as they came up in the storyline. I need this next audio like right now!!
January 14, 2026
Cursed King blends elements of romance and fantasy with a character‑driven exploration of power, destiny, and personal transformation. The story’s central relationship unfolds against a backdrop of magic and intrigue, but what gives it depth is the way it grapples with trust, loyalty, and self‑discovery.
Julie Saman’s prose is engaging and paced for readability, making the book an accessible entry into speculative fiction for those who enjoy emotional stakes as much as plot. Though rooted in genre conventions, the novel raises questions about how individuals navigate expectation and agency within the roles they are given, whether by society, heritage, or personal belief.
This is a story best enjoyed by readers who appreciate imaginative settings and character growth, and who don’t mind a blend of fantasy with emotional resonance.
Julie Saman’s prose is engaging and paced for readability, making the book an accessible entry into speculative fiction for those who enjoy emotional stakes as much as plot. Though rooted in genre conventions, the novel raises questions about how individuals navigate expectation and agency within the roles they are given, whether by society, heritage, or personal belief.
This is a story best enjoyed by readers who appreciate imaginative settings and character growth, and who don’t mind a blend of fantasy with emotional resonance.
May 30, 2026
To be fair I like the characters, and it gives beauty and the beast vibes. There’s also some good life advice and spice. My issue was procedural, nobody who has locked themselves away after what happened is going to have a random man wander in and the security staff would never leave a random woman alone in vicinity of the protected family unattended. All that aside, you will have to suspend ALL disbelief to enjoy it. It does end one a cliffhanger but that book is available now. I’m a fan of this authors other works.
January 12, 2026
*3.25
this one confused me a bit. It’s supposed to be darker than this author’s other work, but it really wasn’t dark?
The banter was great, as always with this author. While not a whole lot happened it simultaneously felt a bit rushed to me. They went from lust to love in 2.5 seconds. This is also part one of a duet, but felt like it was finished. I don’t know, I’m confused.
Will read book two, which isn’t a long wait at all thankfully!!
this one confused me a bit. It’s supposed to be darker than this author’s other work, but it really wasn’t dark?
The banter was great, as always with this author. While not a whole lot happened it simultaneously felt a bit rushed to me. They went from lust to love in 2.5 seconds. This is also part one of a duet, but felt like it was finished. I don’t know, I’m confused.
Will read book two, which isn’t a long wait at all thankfully!!
May 15, 2026
I’ve put off reading this book long enough. At first I wasn’t sure if I wanted to step into the realm of dark romance, and to me, it’s what held me back. I knew it wasn’t going to be darker than the Legacy of Gods series because I think they have more bullying and bloodshed with no emotions. After reading this book, I now know that’s the case and I still don’t know what made it dark. The sex? Because it definitely wasn’t warm and fuzzy sex, passionate sure, intense? Definitely. Did I think there would be pain involved? Definitely not. Did I expect Bellamy to like it? Absolutely not, but it was emotional, raw and real. Murder and cursed aspect? Probably. There was definitely that in this book that just hovers and you can’t get rid of it, no matter how many times you cheat and beat it. It’s always there, waiting for the next strike and Bellamy is naive for thinking it doesn’t exist. I experienced it while reading this and one thing after another happening ever since Bellamy and Sebastian get together. I knew something was going to happen as soon as they pronounce their undying live for each other only 35% in the story. Everything was working out too perfectly in the meantime until then. From the moment Bellamy and Sebastian decide they are the real deal and in it for the long haul, it was one bad thing after another, especially after they get married and she becomes queen. What kept me interested and invested in this story was not only Bellamy and Sebastian’s relationship, but the drama and darkness that was lurking everywhere. The book had the type of negative energy you can feel and it felt like this big unbreakable mass that wouldn’t dissipate no matter how many times Bellamy and Sebastian came out on the other side. I guess this would be the dark romance aspect. It felt like things were deliberately trying to keep them from relaxing and settling down, having a fulfilling relationship. They would tackle one thing and then another would show up, not always expected. With all that was going on, it’s hard not accepting the family is cursed and it doesn’t sound like it will let up anytime soon. From page to page, this kept me on my toes, anxious and dying to find out what happens next. There was so much that went on in this book, it was hard to not be bored with it. It was a constant page turner with something always happening and yet, in between all that, you get these steamy, hot and passionate sex between Bellamy and Sebastian. They were always trying to keep the sparks alive and they stayed that way. At the same time, both Bellamy and Sebastian knew when the other needed space or to heal. In the end, communication was a big issue with them. They would decide to be open with each other, honest and talk it out if anyone found themselves slipping into darkness or fear. Then something would happen and either Bellamy or Sebastian would hold their feelings in to try and be strong for the other and not talk it out. It was a very lengthy, complex thing that sticks with them. Instead of a break up, the book decides to go in the direction of stewing. They don’t leave one another, but they do a lot of thinking by themselves but never leaving the palace unless someone gets kidnapped and it almost always ends up being Bellamy. Even with kidnaps, near death experiences and fear, the book manages to outweigh the good with the bad, and I’m talking about situations, not how I feel about it which is no bad emotions whatsoever, just feeling bad for a family who has been through so much heartache, death and scandal. Before I decided to read this series, I had this other idea of a dark romance I didn’t want to step into. It wasn’t until the next book in this series was announced and why I decided to go for it. I wanted to read Midnight Prince more than this one but when it tells me that I need to read this one first, then it made me hesitate more. To be fair, when this book was initially split into two parts and two books with Cursed King being part one and Cursed Queen being part two, it felt daunting. I didn’t want to read another cliff hanging book and wait for the next installment. It felt like bad news to me and not a happy ending so I held off because I also didn’t want to read something dark and sad. Now I feel like the series should have kept Cursed King and Cursed Queen separate from each other because tackling all this in one book was a lot. It took me too long to finish, 5 days! I rarely finish in five days but it was too much stimulation and complexities that my head was spinning. It was a good stimulation but still. I would have welcomed the break in between books. Now it’s going to continue with Midnight Prince, but hopefully it won’t be as long or time consuming as this one took. Overall, much deserved 5 stars! There was never a dull moment in this book and I can only hope the next one will be the same.
May 20, 2026
I read Midnight Prince before reading The Cursed King. Midnight Prince was so Good. It raised the bar for forced proximity, forbidden and angsty love story with a good amount of smut. So I decided to read this book, thinking it would be just as good as The Midnight Prince. Unfortunately, no. The first ick was the Insta lust trope, as soon as they see each they just wanna fuck. This was a huge turnoff for me. There was no intrigue or curiosity to get to know the other person like in midnight prince. There were just two thoughts going on in their minds, for the king, it was she's the nanny so I can't fuck her and I gotta keep my distance. For Bellamy, it was, he's a jerk but still wanna fuck him. And I found Bellamy to be pick me. Like lady back the fuck off, and Sebastian was a huge hypocrite. He didn't like it when other nannies tried to get into his pants but he doesn't care all that much when Bellamy is making the moves just because she is pretty.
In the Midnight Prince, it's confirmed that Nora and Samil were in love, although from my understanding it was a toxic and twisted love, nevertheless still in love. What I don't understand is if Sebastian knew his friend liked Nora, why the fuck did he marry her? What happened to the bro code? Of course, Samil would fuck with you cause you married the love of his life. I don't condone what Samil has done blinded by madness but he deserved justice. Sebastian does feel remorseful about it in the second book, but when I was reading the first book, the guy dared to think his wife was in love with him. Like get over yourself.
The only good thing about this book were the kids. Other than that if was the two of them wanting to fuck one another but trying to keep their distance. I can't wait for the next book in the series. Obviously it's a reimagination of Tangled, and I'm here for it. I found rowan to be a smooth talker and I can't wait for how ferrin will be portrayed.
I hope the author writes a prequel book for Nora and Samil, there's a story there that needs to be written.
In the Midnight Prince, it's confirmed that Nora and Samil were in love, although from my understanding it was a toxic and twisted love, nevertheless still in love. What I don't understand is if Sebastian knew his friend liked Nora, why the fuck did he marry her? What happened to the bro code? Of course, Samil would fuck with you cause you married the love of his life. I don't condone what Samil has done blinded by madness but he deserved justice. Sebastian does feel remorseful about it in the second book, but when I was reading the first book, the guy dared to think his wife was in love with him. Like get over yourself.
The only good thing about this book were the kids. Other than that if was the two of them wanting to fuck one another but trying to keep their distance. I can't wait for the next book in the series. Obviously it's a reimagination of Tangled, and I'm here for it. I found rowan to be a smooth talker and I can't wait for how ferrin will be portrayed.
I hope the author writes a prequel book for Nora and Samil, there's a story there that needs to be written.
March 27, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I went into Cursed King by Julie Saman expecting a darker, steamy twist on Beauty and the Beast, but wow… this completely swept me away in a way I did not see coming.
From the very first chapter, I was hooked on the tension, the atmosphere, and that haunting, almost suffocating sense of mystery surrounding the palace and the so called curse. The writing pulls you right into Messalina and makes you feel every bit of the heroine’s fear, curiosity, and growing attachment.
And let’s talk about the king… because he is everything. Cold, guarded, and carrying so much grief, but underneath all of that is a man who loves his children fiercely and feels everything so deeply even when he tries to bury it. Watching his walls slowly crack was honestly one of my favorite parts of the entire book. The grumpy single dad trope was done so well here and made him impossible not to fall for.
The heroine was just as compelling. She is strong in a quiet, resilient way, and the way she bonds with the children melted my heart. Those kids brought such warmth and life into an otherwise heavy and intense story, and their presence made the emotional stakes feel even higher.
The chemistry between the main characters is intense and addictive. Every look, every moment of closeness felt charged. When things finally escalate, it is passionate, consuming, and full of emotion rather than just heat. It felt earned and it hit hard.
What really stood out to me though was the suspense. There is a constant undercurrent of danger and unease that keeps you turning pages, wondering what is really going on behind the scenes. It is not just a romance, it is layered with mystery and tension that builds beautifully.
And that ending… I am not okay. The cliffhanger left me desperate for the next book and emotionally wrecked in the best way.
If you love dark contemporary romance with a brooding hero, emotional depth, strong found family vibes, and a touch of danger, this one is absolutely a must read.
Julie Saman delivered something addictive, emotional, and unforgettable here, and I am already counting down until I can get my hands on the next book.
I went into Cursed King by Julie Saman expecting a darker, steamy twist on Beauty and the Beast, but wow… this completely swept me away in a way I did not see coming.
From the very first chapter, I was hooked on the tension, the atmosphere, and that haunting, almost suffocating sense of mystery surrounding the palace and the so called curse. The writing pulls you right into Messalina and makes you feel every bit of the heroine’s fear, curiosity, and growing attachment.
And let’s talk about the king… because he is everything. Cold, guarded, and carrying so much grief, but underneath all of that is a man who loves his children fiercely and feels everything so deeply even when he tries to bury it. Watching his walls slowly crack was honestly one of my favorite parts of the entire book. The grumpy single dad trope was done so well here and made him impossible not to fall for.
The heroine was just as compelling. She is strong in a quiet, resilient way, and the way she bonds with the children melted my heart. Those kids brought such warmth and life into an otherwise heavy and intense story, and their presence made the emotional stakes feel even higher.
The chemistry between the main characters is intense and addictive. Every look, every moment of closeness felt charged. When things finally escalate, it is passionate, consuming, and full of emotion rather than just heat. It felt earned and it hit hard.
What really stood out to me though was the suspense. There is a constant undercurrent of danger and unease that keeps you turning pages, wondering what is really going on behind the scenes. It is not just a romance, it is layered with mystery and tension that builds beautifully.
And that ending… I am not okay. The cliffhanger left me desperate for the next book and emotionally wrecked in the best way.
If you love dark contemporary romance with a brooding hero, emotional depth, strong found family vibes, and a touch of danger, this one is absolutely a must read.
Julie Saman delivered something addictive, emotional, and unforgettable here, and I am already counting down until I can get my hands on the next book.
June 22, 2026
a spicy fairytale
4.78⭐️ 4.2🌶️ 4.6🎧
This book was a breath of fresh air. I absolutely loved it. The fact that this was a version of beauty and the beast with a twist I loved it. I have never laughed so hard, never loved so hard and never smile as much as I smile for this book, I will say to the audio was good with Shane Masters,and and honestly, I wish this was a duet for the audio because it would’ve been furthermore into the story. But again I did enjoy it. I did love it just the audio. I wish it was a duet. The story was good plus this book had book 2 on it and I absolutely went feral for it. I was not ready for the story to end and I was glad that I picked up right after finish book one this was an absolutely treasure and I’m so happy that I did a find and this book came up. This was absolutely worth the read. Just what I needed and I loved it.
Cursed Queen
This was a big book. I will tell you that this took me almost 5 days to finish and I was here for it, but it was such a long story, but it was a good story. It did leave off from part one to part two where I’m at and finishing it this story was absolutely perfect. You can tell how the story in the writing came to life and it felt like I was reading and watching beauty and the beast. The spice on this book was good. The characters were amazing. I actually had a time of my life getting to read and listen to this book why read the next book hopefully until then this book was good. I definitely enjoyed it. I’m glad that I got to read it and love on it and the way that made me feel a good and again, this was a breath of fresh air and it was a heartfelt book and I did really needed a pallet cleanser from all the dark romance books. I’ve been reading overall. This book was good. I’m gonna keep saying it because it was to be it was.
4.78⭐️ 4.2🌶️ 4.6🎧
This book was a breath of fresh air. I absolutely loved it. The fact that this was a version of beauty and the beast with a twist I loved it. I have never laughed so hard, never loved so hard and never smile as much as I smile for this book, I will say to the audio was good with Shane Masters,and and honestly, I wish this was a duet for the audio because it would’ve been furthermore into the story. But again I did enjoy it. I did love it just the audio. I wish it was a duet. The story was good plus this book had book 2 on it and I absolutely went feral for it. I was not ready for the story to end and I was glad that I picked up right after finish book one this was an absolutely treasure and I’m so happy that I did a find and this book came up. This was absolutely worth the read. Just what I needed and I loved it.
Cursed Queen
This was a big book. I will tell you that this took me almost 5 days to finish and I was here for it, but it was such a long story, but it was a good story. It did leave off from part one to part two where I’m at and finishing it this story was absolutely perfect. You can tell how the story in the writing came to life and it felt like I was reading and watching beauty and the beast. The spice on this book was good. The characters were amazing. I actually had a time of my life getting to read and listen to this book why read the next book hopefully until then this book was good. I definitely enjoyed it. I’m glad that I got to read it and love on it and the way that made me feel a good and again, this was a breath of fresh air and it was a heartfelt book and I did really needed a pallet cleanser from all the dark romance books. I’ve been reading overall. This book was good. I’m gonna keep saying it because it was to be it was.
June 25, 2026
Cursed King
Once Upon Ever After, Book 1
By: Julie Saman
Narrated by: Desireé Ketchum, Sean Masters
Beauty and the Beast meets the King and I, and I am all in. What a story! King Sebastian has become overly protective after the death of his wife. Keeping his children on the royal grounds is a must, and now it's been next to impossible to find someone to watch them. He carries a lot of baggage and now things are about to come to a head. Bellamy goes to their home to bring home her father. He has dementia and has wandered to the castle and after some negotiations, she now is the new nanny and her father is back at the nursing home. She is not shy, and does not do well with a bully, so her interactions with Sebastian are volatile. The kids love her and she is finding her time to be just what she was looking for. But the slow burning attraction between the two is smoldering with each interaction. As time goes on, and the prime minister visits, the animosity between the King and the PM is definitely not friendly. But why? Even the slightest reference to Bellamy's beauty causes a rift. Now the questions are do the King and Bellamy finally get together? And what is the deal between the political leaders? It's suspenseful, spicy and a book that you will not be able to put down. The cliffhanger has me wanting the next book now! I cannot wait to see what happens next!
Sean Masters and Desiree Ketchum are so good that I could not stop listening to this one. Masters is the alpha protective dad and the sensual king. Every scene full of some kind of passion whether it's his love for his kids or his growing feelings for Bellamy. Ketchum is spot on with her voices for Bellamy. Her spunky personality easily battles with the king, and her growing heart is evident in every scene. Loved this casting, it is perfect!
Once Upon Ever After, Book 1
By: Julie Saman
Narrated by: Desireé Ketchum, Sean Masters
Beauty and the Beast meets the King and I, and I am all in. What a story! King Sebastian has become overly protective after the death of his wife. Keeping his children on the royal grounds is a must, and now it's been next to impossible to find someone to watch them. He carries a lot of baggage and now things are about to come to a head. Bellamy goes to their home to bring home her father. He has dementia and has wandered to the castle and after some negotiations, she now is the new nanny and her father is back at the nursing home. She is not shy, and does not do well with a bully, so her interactions with Sebastian are volatile. The kids love her and she is finding her time to be just what she was looking for. But the slow burning attraction between the two is smoldering with each interaction. As time goes on, and the prime minister visits, the animosity between the King and the PM is definitely not friendly. But why? Even the slightest reference to Bellamy's beauty causes a rift. Now the questions are do the King and Bellamy finally get together? And what is the deal between the political leaders? It's suspenseful, spicy and a book that you will not be able to put down. The cliffhanger has me wanting the next book now! I cannot wait to see what happens next!
Sean Masters and Desiree Ketchum are so good that I could not stop listening to this one. Masters is the alpha protective dad and the sensual king. Every scene full of some kind of passion whether it's his love for his kids or his growing feelings for Bellamy. Ketchum is spot on with her voices for Bellamy. Her spunky personality easily battles with the king, and her growing heart is evident in every scene. Loved this casting, it is perfect!
June 18, 2026
4⭐️ I wasn’t quite sure what to expect going into Cursed King, as fairy tale retellings aren’t usually my go-to, but Julie Saman completely pulled me into the world of Messalina and kept me hooked from beginning to end.
This modern-day Beauty and the Beast retelling follows widowed King Sebastian and Bellamy, a young English teacher who finds herself living in the palace as nanny to his three children after her father accidentally wanders into the King’s forbidden world. What starts as a tense and reluctant arrangement quickly turns into something far more complicated.
One of my favourite things about this book was Bellamy. She isn’t intimidated by Sebastian’s grumpy, brooding nature and isn’t afraid to challenge him, which created some fantastic banter and chemistry. Their connection was intense from the start, and I loved watching Sebastian’s walls slowly come down as Bellamy formed a beautiful relationship with his children. The family dynamic added so much heart to the story.
The palace setting was atmospheric, the suspense surrounding the curse and the dangers lurking around the royal family kept me invested, and the romance delivered plenty of tension, longing, and steamy moments. While I felt the romance moved a little faster than I personally prefer and I would have loved a bit more angst, I was still completely invested in their story.
The ending definitely leaves readers needing the next book immediately, and while cliffhangers usually drive me mad, this one has me excited to see how Sebastian and Bellamy’s story concludes in Cursed Queen.
Overall, Cursed King is an engaging, emotional, and addictive royal romance with a wonderful mix of fairy tale elements, suspense, family dynamics, and sizzling chemistry. If you enjoy grumpy kings, forbidden romance, single-parent tropes, and modern fairy tale retellings, this is definitely worth picking up.
This modern-day Beauty and the Beast retelling follows widowed King Sebastian and Bellamy, a young English teacher who finds herself living in the palace as nanny to his three children after her father accidentally wanders into the King’s forbidden world. What starts as a tense and reluctant arrangement quickly turns into something far more complicated.
One of my favourite things about this book was Bellamy. She isn’t intimidated by Sebastian’s grumpy, brooding nature and isn’t afraid to challenge him, which created some fantastic banter and chemistry. Their connection was intense from the start, and I loved watching Sebastian’s walls slowly come down as Bellamy formed a beautiful relationship with his children. The family dynamic added so much heart to the story.
The palace setting was atmospheric, the suspense surrounding the curse and the dangers lurking around the royal family kept me invested, and the romance delivered plenty of tension, longing, and steamy moments. While I felt the romance moved a little faster than I personally prefer and I would have loved a bit more angst, I was still completely invested in their story.
The ending definitely leaves readers needing the next book immediately, and while cliffhangers usually drive me mad, this one has me excited to see how Sebastian and Bellamy’s story concludes in Cursed Queen.
Overall, Cursed King is an engaging, emotional, and addictive royal romance with a wonderful mix of fairy tale elements, suspense, family dynamics, and sizzling chemistry. If you enjoy grumpy kings, forbidden romance, single-parent tropes, and modern fairy tale retellings, this is definitely worth picking up.
April 3, 2026
I chose this book based on the blurb… and it completely pulled me in from the very first chapter with its dark, atmospheric take on a Beauty and the Beast retelling. The grumpy, grief-stricken, reclusive king is cold and distant on the surface, yet deeply devoted to his children, overprotective, even over the top at times; while the heroine brings light, warmth, and a sense of ease that slowly draws him out of his isolation and back into the world. Her gentleness and innocence shine, especially in her bond with the kids, adding a beautiful found-family dynamic. I loved how protective he became of her, as if he had been waiting for her all his life, yet at the same time, he blames himself for bringing her into his life under the shadow of the curse. The tension between them is intense, slow-burning, and electric, like sparks flying in every glance and moment... the flirting since the first moment they met. When it finally breaks, it’s passionate, steamy, and just on the edge of darker, spicier territory... hot, hot, hot! The suspense with that constant sense of danger and mystery surrounding the palace and the so-called curse they thought was broken, kept me completely hooked and worried!! Oh my God! In some instances, I felt like my heart would stop. I could feel their fear and urgency. Overall, it’s a gripping, emotional, and deliciously dark romance that blends angst, heat, and heart so well, and I can’t wait to see what happens next. This edition includes both books (Cursed King and Cursed Queen), so no cliffhanger, no interruption.
June 28, 2026
I love Beauty and the Beast, so this book was so perfect for me!
Bellamy stumbled into the cursed king’s palace looking for her father and walked out with a job to be the new nanny for his three children. King Sebastian doesn’t trust anyone and only accepts Bellamy as the nanny because his daughters like her and she proves to be very good at her job. But there’s a sexual tension between the two of them that boils over into something more. But the prime minister wants Bellamy too and doesn’t take kindly to her turning him down. And once married, it seems like the universe wants to make things more complicated for the two with a surprise pregnancy and news of a decades old mystery. So when Bellamy and Sebastian need more help and hire a new nanny, how will this affect the household?
Sebastian and Bellamy get their happy ending in this standalone book in a series.
This is technically two books put together as one, which really helped with what would have been a cliff at the end of book one. I loved how much Bellamy challenged Sebastian and continued to do that after they married too. And the children! They went through so much for being so young and I love how much life Bellamy brought back to them. I can’t wait to follow the mystery of the sister and see how much more the mother may have been involved!
Bellamy stumbled into the cursed king’s palace looking for her father and walked out with a job to be the new nanny for his three children. King Sebastian doesn’t trust anyone and only accepts Bellamy as the nanny because his daughters like her and she proves to be very good at her job. But there’s a sexual tension between the two of them that boils over into something more. But the prime minister wants Bellamy too and doesn’t take kindly to her turning him down. And once married, it seems like the universe wants to make things more complicated for the two with a surprise pregnancy and news of a decades old mystery. So when Bellamy and Sebastian need more help and hire a new nanny, how will this affect the household?
Sebastian and Bellamy get their happy ending in this standalone book in a series.
This is technically two books put together as one, which really helped with what would have been a cliff at the end of book one. I loved how much Bellamy challenged Sebastian and continued to do that after they married too. And the children! They went through so much for being so young and I love how much life Bellamy brought back to them. I can’t wait to follow the mystery of the sister and see how much more the mother may have been involved!
March 25, 2026
Cursed King
(Cursed King and Cursed Queen Combined)
By Julie Saman
He helps set the laws. That should be a law. The king shall not turn his nanny on. Or melt like a popsicle when he sees his kids, because that does wild and wacky things to my ovaries every damn time.
She’s magic. It’s as if she was brought to us. That my daughters were meant to find her.
I want him to break me and then I want to crawl to him for more.
I am blown away!!! This story is a perfect take on retelling Beauty and The Beast! I am absolutely obsessed with Bellamy and Sebastian! I was sucked in the entire time and couldn’t get enough. Their story has twists, turns, suspense, a curse and so Bellamy and Sebastian are so freaking hot! I am speechless! Maybe my favorite read this year so far! Please read it now! You will love it!
Tropes:
Romantic Suspense
Widowed King
Enemies to Lovers
Single Dad x Nanny
Beautiful and the Beast Retelling
Spice Starts at: 24%
Spice: 4/4
Stars: 5/5 ♾️
Available on Kindle Unlimited
(Cursed King and Cursed Queen Combined)
By Julie Saman
He helps set the laws. That should be a law. The king shall not turn his nanny on. Or melt like a popsicle when he sees his kids, because that does wild and wacky things to my ovaries every damn time.
She’s magic. It’s as if she was brought to us. That my daughters were meant to find her.
I want him to break me and then I want to crawl to him for more.
I am blown away!!! This story is a perfect take on retelling Beauty and The Beast! I am absolutely obsessed with Bellamy and Sebastian! I was sucked in the entire time and couldn’t get enough. Their story has twists, turns, suspense, a curse and so Bellamy and Sebastian are so freaking hot! I am speechless! Maybe my favorite read this year so far! Please read it now! You will love it!
Tropes:
Romantic Suspense
Widowed King
Enemies to Lovers
Single Dad x Nanny
Beautiful and the Beast Retelling
Spice Starts at: 24%
Spice: 4/4
Stars: 5/5 ♾️
Available on Kindle Unlimited
April 8, 2026
A Great Contemporary Retelling of this Classic!
A charming, spicy, entertaining new retelling of the beauty and the beast that will have your heart pounding, as these two enemies combust from all their pent-up feelings for each other.
After being forced to be the nanny of the King’s three children after her father breaks into the royal palace, Bellamy accepts the consequences so her father doesn’t get in any trouble. But soon her sass and beauty have the King seeing her in a new light and she is forced to see another side of him. And they both like what they see in each other.
So sit back and get ready for a scintillating story that is full of banter with sizzle and scenes that are full of steam! As well as intrigue and suspense that will have you on the edge of your seat. But the HEA is still to come since this story ends in a cliffhanger!
A charming, spicy, entertaining new retelling of the beauty and the beast that will have your heart pounding, as these two enemies combust from all their pent-up feelings for each other.
After being forced to be the nanny of the King’s three children after her father breaks into the royal palace, Bellamy accepts the consequences so her father doesn’t get in any trouble. But soon her sass and beauty have the King seeing her in a new light and she is forced to see another side of him. And they both like what they see in each other.
So sit back and get ready for a scintillating story that is full of banter with sizzle and scenes that are full of steam! As well as intrigue and suspense that will have you on the edge of your seat. But the HEA is still to come since this story ends in a cliffhanger!
March 30, 2026
Ok this book surprised me to be honest I devoured it and stayed up late.
Cursed King is your typical beauty and the beast retelling filled with royalty.
King Sebastian is a fiercely protective father who shut himself and his children away from the world after tragedy strikes. When Bellamy arrives at the palace searching for her ailing father she never expected to become the king’s new nanny or one to disturb his guarded life.
Bellamy was my favorite. Her bond with Sebastian’s children was incredible and very heart warming. You can definitely tell Sebastian’s grief controls him and how deeply he loves his children.
The romance and chemistry builds alongside the darker elements which lead to some characters in the story that had a bad vibe but that just adds to the tension.
The cliffhanger tho..
it should come with a warning next time but I loved it and it kept me on the edge of my seat.
Cursed King is your typical beauty and the beast retelling filled with royalty.
King Sebastian is a fiercely protective father who shut himself and his children away from the world after tragedy strikes. When Bellamy arrives at the palace searching for her ailing father she never expected to become the king’s new nanny or one to disturb his guarded life.
Bellamy was my favorite. Her bond with Sebastian’s children was incredible and very heart warming. You can definitely tell Sebastian’s grief controls him and how deeply he loves his children.
The romance and chemistry builds alongside the darker elements which lead to some characters in the story that had a bad vibe but that just adds to the tension.
The cliffhanger tho..
it should come with a warning next time but I loved it and it kept me on the edge of my seat.
March 25, 2026
A cursed kingdom, a woman desperate to protect her father & some insane sexual tension & banter.
Bellamy’s sass had me laughing out loud often! I love her sarcasm & lack of filter. Sebastian is such a grump who is a secret softie for his children - and eventually Bellamy!
I wouldn’t call this a slow burn, since there was instalust on both sides - but they do take their time to finally break the tension!
I really enjoyed the pacing of this book & the cliff hanger has me immediately needing to start book 2!
What to expect:
💕Age Gap
👑Cursed Kingdom
🖤Spicy
☀️Grumpy x Sunshine
Bellamy’s sass had me laughing out loud often! I love her sarcasm & lack of filter. Sebastian is such a grump who is a secret softie for his children - and eventually Bellamy!
I wouldn’t call this a slow burn, since there was instalust on both sides - but they do take their time to finally break the tension!
I really enjoyed the pacing of this book & the cliff hanger has me immediately needing to start book 2!
What to expect:
💕Age Gap
👑Cursed Kingdom
🖤Spicy
☀️Grumpy x Sunshine
April 1, 2026
Once
Just my two cents, but curses are totally a thing if you let them be.
Sebastian grew up believing this stuff. People were mysteriously dying left and right. Bellamy was born in the US, and her dad dragged her all over the globe until he got too sick to travel. She ended up as a nanny after accidentally breaking into the palace with her dad. The king seemed like a decent dad and ruler, but kind of a jerk to everyone else - until Bellamy showed up.
The story moves at a snail's pace, just saying.
Just my two cents, but curses are totally a thing if you let them be.
Sebastian grew up believing this stuff. People were mysteriously dying left and right. Bellamy was born in the US, and her dad dragged her all over the globe until he got too sick to travel. She ended up as a nanny after accidentally breaking into the palace with her dad. The king seemed like a decent dad and ruler, but kind of a jerk to everyone else - until Bellamy showed up.
The story moves at a snail's pace, just saying.
April 3, 2026
Such a great retelling of beauty and the beast but with a lot of spice 🔥 Bellamy becomes Sebastian’s nanny after an encounter they have in his palace. Yes you heard that right he’s a king too. There is a curse he thinks he has so he takes a while to let Bellamy in. We get two books in one so just hang on for the ride! We get a lot of spice, some cute moments with the kids, some action, some suspense and swoony moments! It ends with a cliffhanger from the main plot of the story but their story ends!
March 23, 2026
𝕒 𝕦 𝕕 𝕚 𝕠 𝕣 𝕖 𝕔 & 𝕣 𝕖 𝕧 𝕚 𝕖 𝕨
This review is for the duet as a whole. 🫶🏼
🌟:5 🌶️:3.5 🎧:5
Incredible beauty and the beast retelling by one of my favorite contemporary romance authors!!
It’s beautifully written and narrated to perfection by Desiree Ketchum and Sean Masters, who did amazing narrating the audios for both books in dual. This is packed full with tension, pining, yearning, undeniable chemistry, emotional moments, swoony moments, sexy as hell intense spice scenes (honestly, I think this is the spiciest from Julie Saman so far!). Plus sweet and adorable family moments, and a very protective and possessive mmc! 😍
I have zero notes. This was perfection from the beginning of book one to the end of book two. I was totally captivated and I ended up devoured both books within 48 hours. You absolutely need to pick this up on audio! ♥️♥️
This review is for the duet as a whole. 🫶🏼
🌟:5 🌶️:3.5 🎧:5
Incredible beauty and the beast retelling by one of my favorite contemporary romance authors!!
It’s beautifully written and narrated to perfection by Desiree Ketchum and Sean Masters, who did amazing narrating the audios for both books in dual. This is packed full with tension, pining, yearning, undeniable chemistry, emotional moments, swoony moments, sexy as hell intense spice scenes (honestly, I think this is the spiciest from Julie Saman so far!). Plus sweet and adorable family moments, and a very protective and possessive mmc! 😍
I have zero notes. This was perfection from the beginning of book one to the end of book two. I was totally captivated and I ended up devoured both books within 48 hours. You absolutely need to pick this up on audio! ♥️♥️
April 7, 2026
Finally completed this book in between all the work.
The plot, story and characters were good. The ending of this book was good too even though I saw it coming.
But something was missing. I don't know but I didn't feel anything while reading this book.
I guess what didn't work for me was how fast Sebastian and Bellamy fell in love and the speed at which their relationship formed. I am more of a slow burn girlie. A sucker for slow burn to be honest.
The plot, story and characters were good. The ending of this book was good too even though I saw it coming.
But something was missing. I don't know but I didn't feel anything while reading this book.
I guess what didn't work for me was how fast Sebastian and Bellamy fell in love and the speed at which their relationship formed. I am more of a slow burn girlie. A sucker for slow burn to be honest.
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