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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
580 people are currently reading
421 people want to read
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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.🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
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.
December 18, 2025
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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 4, 2026
As a lover of all things Beauty and the Beast, I really enjoyed this. Admittedly, I was a bit skeptical at first because I thought it followed the standard idea of Beauty and the Beast but it doesn’t. I love the contemporary setting and I love Bellamy and Sebastian’s interactions with one another. Yes, it’s quite a bit more on the spicy side of things but I had fun. Thank you so much to Valentine PR for this gifted copy!
March 30, 2026
Oh my goodness, this book is so beautiful. I love it!
March 31, 2026
I tried, but it's too painful to read. 34% with a lot of effort. and it's bad. I'm ok with them being 15 years a part, that she is the nanny. but the writing it's to much.
March 7, 2026
Secrets, suspense, explosive moments, and chemistry that practically crackles off the page—what more could you want? This story captivated me from the very beginning, and I wasn’t even close to ready for it to end… and then surprise—it didn’t! I absolutely wasn’t prepared for that twist. Brilliantly crafted and beautifully written, this one delivers on every level. Bellamy is the calm to Sebastian’s grumpy, and together they make the perfect storm of tension, heart, and heat.
March 8, 2026
took me a while to get through tbh, shocked that it ended in a cliff but i can get down with a series
March 9, 2026
4.25⭐️
March 7, 2026
Best book by this author that I've read so far! Loved it!
January 1, 2026
If this is how my year begins, I already know it’s going to be good.
Cursed King is my first “start-the-year” read of 2026, and honestly? I couldn’t have picked a better book. This was everything I wanted and more—dark, emotional, swoony, and completely addictive.
Julie Saman delivers a modern Beauty and the Beast retelling that feels fresh, seductive, and layered with real emotional weight. With tropes like single dad/nanny romance, forced proximity, grumpy x sunshine, virgin FMC, royalty, and a brooding cursed king, this story hooked me from the very first chapter and never let go.
The story follows Bellamy, a devoted daughter caring for her father who suffers from dementia. When he unknowingly wanders onto palace grounds, Bellamy is forced into an impossible position—one that lands her inside the palace as nanny to the king’s three children. Enter Sebastian, the widowed King of Messalina: cold, guarded, grief-stricken, and fiercely protective of the children he has hidden away from the world.
What truly made this book shine was the emotional depth. Bellamy isn’t just “sunshine”—she’s strong, selfless, and endlessly kind. Watching her form such a beautiful, genuine bond with Sebastian’s children absolutely melted my heart. The way she loves them, protects them, and brings warmth back into their lives was written so tenderly and felt incredibly real.
Sebastian, on the other hand, is the perfect tortured king. His grief over his wife, his fear surrounding the curse, and his desperate need to protect his children make him a deeply compelling MMC. Beneath his gruff exterior is a man unraveling—and Bellamy slowly, patiently wears him down in the most satisfying way. Seeing him soften for her, while still remaining dominant and intense, was chef’s kiss.
And the chemistry? Unreal. The slow burn was deliciously agonizing, full of banter, teasing, and restrained desire. When they finally give in, the spice is intense, passionate, and unapologetically hot. Sebastian is dominant, Bellamy meets him beat for beat, and their dynamic is powerful, sensual, and emotionally charged. Julie Saman never misses when it comes to writing spice.
I also have to mention—Sebastian’s children were absolutely adorable and added so much heart and warmth to the story. They made the found-family element truly special. On the flip side, I knew I didn’t trust Samil the moment he appeared… and let’s just say that instinct paid off.
The ending? I gasped. This book ends on a brutal, perfectly executed cliffhanger that left me staring at the wall, completely wrecked and desperate for book two. Thankfully, the wait won’t be long—but wow, that twist hit hard.
If you love:
• Dark fairytale retellings
• Single dad + nanny romance
• Grumpy beast x sunshine heroine
• Royal drama, curses, and secrets
• High heat with emotional depth
…then Cursed King is an absolute must-read. Julie Saman has crafted one of the best modern fairytale retellings I’ve read—bold, seductive, emotionally rich, and dangerously addictive.
Five stars without hesitation. I cannot wait for Cursed Queen. 👑🔥
Cursed King is my first “start-the-year” read of 2026, and honestly? I couldn’t have picked a better book. This was everything I wanted and more—dark, emotional, swoony, and completely addictive.
Julie Saman delivers a modern Beauty and the Beast retelling that feels fresh, seductive, and layered with real emotional weight. With tropes like single dad/nanny romance, forced proximity, grumpy x sunshine, virgin FMC, royalty, and a brooding cursed king, this story hooked me from the very first chapter and never let go.
The story follows Bellamy, a devoted daughter caring for her father who suffers from dementia. When he unknowingly wanders onto palace grounds, Bellamy is forced into an impossible position—one that lands her inside the palace as nanny to the king’s three children. Enter Sebastian, the widowed King of Messalina: cold, guarded, grief-stricken, and fiercely protective of the children he has hidden away from the world.
What truly made this book shine was the emotional depth. Bellamy isn’t just “sunshine”—she’s strong, selfless, and endlessly kind. Watching her form such a beautiful, genuine bond with Sebastian’s children absolutely melted my heart. The way she loves them, protects them, and brings warmth back into their lives was written so tenderly and felt incredibly real.
Sebastian, on the other hand, is the perfect tortured king. His grief over his wife, his fear surrounding the curse, and his desperate need to protect his children make him a deeply compelling MMC. Beneath his gruff exterior is a man unraveling—and Bellamy slowly, patiently wears him down in the most satisfying way. Seeing him soften for her, while still remaining dominant and intense, was chef’s kiss.
And the chemistry? Unreal. The slow burn was deliciously agonizing, full of banter, teasing, and restrained desire. When they finally give in, the spice is intense, passionate, and unapologetically hot. Sebastian is dominant, Bellamy meets him beat for beat, and their dynamic is powerful, sensual, and emotionally charged. Julie Saman never misses when it comes to writing spice.
I also have to mention—Sebastian’s children were absolutely adorable and added so much heart and warmth to the story. They made the found-family element truly special. On the flip side, I knew I didn’t trust Samil the moment he appeared… and let’s just say that instinct paid off.
The ending? I gasped. This book ends on a brutal, perfectly executed cliffhanger that left me staring at the wall, completely wrecked and desperate for book two. Thankfully, the wait won’t be long—but wow, that twist hit hard.
If you love:
• Dark fairytale retellings
• Single dad + nanny romance
• Grumpy beast x sunshine heroine
• Royal drama, curses, and secrets
• High heat with emotional depth
…then Cursed King is an absolute must-read. Julie Saman has crafted one of the best modern fairytale retellings I’ve read—bold, seductive, emotionally rich, and dangerously addictive.
Five stars without hesitation. I cannot wait for Cursed Queen. 👑🔥
February 27, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - 5 Stars
🌶🌶 - Spice Level
Book 1 pulls you into the story with a beastly king who needed a nanny and Book 2 begins after he's protected her from a threat and made her his, even knocked up. This was such a great read with Spice.
I absolutely enjoyed the primal aspect of Sebastian and how he's able to go back to gentle and loving for Bellamy. This retelling of Beauty and the Beast keeps many of the original elements, however it's adult facing. The beast king gets a new lease on life and loosens the Reins so to speak even with a "curse".
And J Saman really went for it with these darker titles and darker Spice writing and it shows off perfectly. I am glad the villians are vanquished for each book 1 and 2. I'm now patiently waiting for the rest of this interconnected stand-alone series to continue with more royals.
I immediately told my book bestie to put these two on her TBR.
🌶🌶 - Spice Level
Book 1 pulls you into the story with a beastly king who needed a nanny and Book 2 begins after he's protected her from a threat and made her his, even knocked up. This was such a great read with Spice.
I absolutely enjoyed the primal aspect of Sebastian and how he's able to go back to gentle and loving for Bellamy. This retelling of Beauty and the Beast keeps many of the original elements, however it's adult facing. The beast king gets a new lease on life and loosens the Reins so to speak even with a "curse".
And J Saman really went for it with these darker titles and darker Spice writing and it shows off perfectly. I am glad the villians are vanquished for each book 1 and 2. I'm now patiently waiting for the rest of this interconnected stand-alone series to continue with more royals.
I immediately told my book bestie to put these two on her TBR.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Fantastic Story & Narration🎧 Gripping & Emotional!
Cursed King
Once Upon Ever After, Book 1
By: Julie Saman
Narrated by: Desireé Ketchum, Sean Masters
Julie Saman puts her own unique spin on the classic “Beauty and the Beast” fairy tale, a modern-day retelling with a royal twist, a steamy romance that grabs your attention and captivates it the entire time. Saman welcomes you to the cursed Kingdom of Messalina with an eye-opening and tragic start. King Sebastian took his three children to a safer location, and they have been living in seclusion. Bellamy, a US citizen living in Messalina, is concerned about her father, who is in special care for his dementia, but he escapes the facility with intentions to bring his invention to the King, except the palace is off limits to the public. She rushes to the palace, hoping he is not in too much trouble, and in the end she is the one who finds herself in trouble. And after a whirlwind meeting with the grumpy king and his closest staff, she is the new nanny to the royal children, but the good news is the children are precious, they really hit it off, and her father is safe and sent back to his residence. She quickly learns how hardheaded the King is and how set he is in his ways, and the King learns she is not like any woman he has met before, and she challenges him. This is an amazing start to the series, the first book of a duet, and an ending that leaves you wanting more. Saman’s multi-layered story has the perfect balance of drama, angst, some heartwarming moments with the children, some twists and turns, thrilling and suspenseful moments, heartfelt emotions and steamy romance. As always, her writing, plot and world building are fantastic, as are the complexity of the characters, their growth and development, too. Julie Saman, thank you for this amazing story and emotional rollercoaster ride. A fairy tale retelling superbly done, and I am looking forward to what it to come in this incredible world you created.
🎧📚🎧 Desireé Ketchum and Sean Masters did a fantastic job voicing the characters and bringing them to life with their personalities and emotions. I loved how they took each role and made it their own, sounding believable and just as imagined the characters to sound. Both embodied their roles completely, with Masters nailing it as the grumpy and protective King Sebastian, accent and all. Ketchum was just as fabulous as Bellamy, and with the children’s voices too. They were also great at performing the roles of the side/secondary characters too. You could hear how much heart they put into their expressive performance, conveying all the characters’ emotions, making you feel every single one. These entertaining storytellers are a pleasure to listen to, and their captivating performance keeps you glued to the story.
Cursed King
Once Upon Ever After, Book 1
By: Julie Saman
Narrated by: Desireé Ketchum, Sean Masters
Julie Saman puts her own unique spin on the classic “Beauty and the Beast” fairy tale, a modern-day retelling with a royal twist, a steamy romance that grabs your attention and captivates it the entire time. Saman welcomes you to the cursed Kingdom of Messalina with an eye-opening and tragic start. King Sebastian took his three children to a safer location, and they have been living in seclusion. Bellamy, a US citizen living in Messalina, is concerned about her father, who is in special care for his dementia, but he escapes the facility with intentions to bring his invention to the King, except the palace is off limits to the public. She rushes to the palace, hoping he is not in too much trouble, and in the end she is the one who finds herself in trouble. And after a whirlwind meeting with the grumpy king and his closest staff, she is the new nanny to the royal children, but the good news is the children are precious, they really hit it off, and her father is safe and sent back to his residence. She quickly learns how hardheaded the King is and how set he is in his ways, and the King learns she is not like any woman he has met before, and she challenges him. This is an amazing start to the series, the first book of a duet, and an ending that leaves you wanting more. Saman’s multi-layered story has the perfect balance of drama, angst, some heartwarming moments with the children, some twists and turns, thrilling and suspenseful moments, heartfelt emotions and steamy romance. As always, her writing, plot and world building are fantastic, as are the complexity of the characters, their growth and development, too. Julie Saman, thank you for this amazing story and emotional rollercoaster ride. A fairy tale retelling superbly done, and I am looking forward to what it to come in this incredible world you created.
🎧📚🎧 Desireé Ketchum and Sean Masters did a fantastic job voicing the characters and bringing them to life with their personalities and emotions. I loved how they took each role and made it their own, sounding believable and just as imagined the characters to sound. Both embodied their roles completely, with Masters nailing it as the grumpy and protective King Sebastian, accent and all. Ketchum was just as fabulous as Bellamy, and with the children’s voices too. They were also great at performing the roles of the side/secondary characters too. You could hear how much heart they put into their expressive performance, conveying all the characters’ emotions, making you feel every single one. These entertaining storytellers are a pleasure to listen to, and their captivating performance keeps you glued to the story.
Review of advance copy received from Author
4 ⭐️ | 2.5 🌶️ | 4.5 🎧
What to Expect:
- Dark Beauty and the Beast Retelling
- Grumpy + Sunshine
- Enemies to Lovers
- Single Dad King + Nanny
- Virgin Heroine
- Forced Proximity
- Royal Secrets
- Man Obsessed
- Opposites Attract
- Age Gap (15 years)
- Suspense
- Touch Her and D!e
- Dual 1st Person POV
- Dual Narration
My Thoughts:
Beauty and the Beast is one of my all-time favorite fairy tales, so I was excited for this book. This is a modern, darker, more intense, and a bit more dangerous version of this classic. We get grumpy + sunshine energy, a single dad + nanny romance, and all the delicious tension that comes with it. I absolutely loved the dynamic between Bellamy (the beauty) and King Sebastian (the beast). Sebastian is instantly drawn to Bellamy, but with a royal curse hanging over him, he tries hard to fight his feelings. The push + pull and will they + won't they tension was so good. While everyone else was terrified of Sebastian, I loved that Bellamy never hesitated to call him out.
I loved witnessing the flirting, stolen glances, accidental touches, and slow burn buildup finally turn into something deeper. Bellamy slowly breaks down the walls around Sebastian's heart, showing him he’s worthy of true love, while Sebastian becomes her fierce protector. Just like in the classic tale, there’s obsession, vulnerability, and a power imbalance that made this book hard to put down. Sebastian’s children were absolutely adorable, and I loved how naturally Bellamy connected with them. She brought hope into their lives in a way that felt really genuine.
This story is captivating, steamy, has great characters (and even a few you might want to throat punch), and ends with a cliffhanger that made me gasp and sit in silence for a moment. I’m excited to see how everything unfolds in part two, Cursed Queen.
Narration:
Desiree Ketchum and Sean Masters perform this audiobook in dual-style narration. They brought the banter, emotion, suspense, and chemistry to life and made the characters feel real. Desiree perfectly captured all of Bellamy's strength, sass, and vulnerability. Sean brought Sebastian’s power and intensity, and was the perfect grumpy, broody king. I could really feel his internal struggles as he navigated his feelings for Bellamy and how the family curse impacted his decision making. There were some inconsistencies with the characters' accents, however, I was still able to stay rooted in the world Julie created. Desiree and Sean's performances elevated the story and made this an enjoyable immersive reading experience.
Thanks to Julie Saman and Lyric Audiobooks for the review opportunity. Opinions expressed are my own.
What to Expect:
- Dark Beauty and the Beast Retelling
- Grumpy + Sunshine
- Enemies to Lovers
- Single Dad King + Nanny
- Virgin Heroine
- Forced Proximity
- Royal Secrets
- Man Obsessed
- Opposites Attract
- Age Gap (15 years)
- Suspense
- Touch Her and D!e
- Dual 1st Person POV
- Dual Narration
My Thoughts:
Beauty and the Beast is one of my all-time favorite fairy tales, so I was excited for this book. This is a modern, darker, more intense, and a bit more dangerous version of this classic. We get grumpy + sunshine energy, a single dad + nanny romance, and all the delicious tension that comes with it. I absolutely loved the dynamic between Bellamy (the beauty) and King Sebastian (the beast). Sebastian is instantly drawn to Bellamy, but with a royal curse hanging over him, he tries hard to fight his feelings. The push + pull and will they + won't they tension was so good. While everyone else was terrified of Sebastian, I loved that Bellamy never hesitated to call him out.
I loved witnessing the flirting, stolen glances, accidental touches, and slow burn buildup finally turn into something deeper. Bellamy slowly breaks down the walls around Sebastian's heart, showing him he’s worthy of true love, while Sebastian becomes her fierce protector. Just like in the classic tale, there’s obsession, vulnerability, and a power imbalance that made this book hard to put down. Sebastian’s children were absolutely adorable, and I loved how naturally Bellamy connected with them. She brought hope into their lives in a way that felt really genuine.
This story is captivating, steamy, has great characters (and even a few you might want to throat punch), and ends with a cliffhanger that made me gasp and sit in silence for a moment. I’m excited to see how everything unfolds in part two, Cursed Queen.
Narration:
Desiree Ketchum and Sean Masters perform this audiobook in dual-style narration. They brought the banter, emotion, suspense, and chemistry to life and made the characters feel real. Desiree perfectly captured all of Bellamy's strength, sass, and vulnerability. Sean brought Sebastian’s power and intensity, and was the perfect grumpy, broody king. I could really feel his internal struggles as he navigated his feelings for Bellamy and how the family curse impacted his decision making. There were some inconsistencies with the characters' accents, however, I was still able to stay rooted in the world Julie created. Desiree and Sean's performances elevated the story and made this an enjoyable immersive reading experience.
Thanks to Julie Saman and Lyric Audiobooks for the review opportunity. Opinions expressed are my own.
January 9, 2026
Cursed King is a dark, addictive, and surprisingly emotional Beauty and the Beast retelling that completely pulled me under. I went in unsure of what to expect since this story steps outside J. Saman’s usual lane, but I always love her contemporary romances, and from the first page I was hooked. The pacing is fast, the emotions run high, and the story unfolds like a thrilling ride you cannot slow down even if you wanted to. Every chapter drew me deeper into a world filled with secrets, longing, danger, and forbidden desire.
King Sebastian and Bellamy come from entirely different worlds, yet they feel deeply real and relatable. Sebastian is a widower carrying the crushing weight of loss, responsibility, and a curse he truly believes threatens his family. His love for his three children is fierce and protective, even when it borders on suffocating. Bellamy, on the other hand, is fighting her own quiet battles while caring for a father slipping away from her. When a debt brings them together and Bellamy steps into the role of nanny, neither of them is prepared for how profoundly their lives will change. Their connection builds through sharp banter, slow-burning tension, and an emotional intimacy that feels earned. Having dual points of view makes their relationship even richer, especially getting inside Sebastian’s guarded, conflicted mind.
One of the most touching parts of the story is Bellamy’s bond with the children. She brings warmth, playfulness, and light into a household that has been ruled by fear for far too long. That same light challenges Sebastian in ways no one else ever has. Their romance is intense, sensual, and deeply emotional, balanced beautifully between heat and heart. Beneath it all runs a current of suspense, intrigue, and darkness that keeps you guessing whether the danger is supernatural, human, or something in between.
Cursed King delivers passion, pain, found family, and a love that feels powerful enough to challenge fate itself. It ends on a sharp cliffhanger that left me desperate for more, and I cannot wait to continue Sebastian and Bellamy’s journey in Cursed Queen. If you love darker fairytale retellings with brooding heroes, strong heroines, emotional depth, and scorching chemistry, this story absolutely should be grabbed right up.
Also the audio is so good. I LIVE for Sean Masters and he was so great in this. And Desiree Ketchum always bring so much emotional dynamics to every performance, and she was fantastic here. Can't wait for book 2!
King Sebastian and Bellamy come from entirely different worlds, yet they feel deeply real and relatable. Sebastian is a widower carrying the crushing weight of loss, responsibility, and a curse he truly believes threatens his family. His love for his three children is fierce and protective, even when it borders on suffocating. Bellamy, on the other hand, is fighting her own quiet battles while caring for a father slipping away from her. When a debt brings them together and Bellamy steps into the role of nanny, neither of them is prepared for how profoundly their lives will change. Their connection builds through sharp banter, slow-burning tension, and an emotional intimacy that feels earned. Having dual points of view makes their relationship even richer, especially getting inside Sebastian’s guarded, conflicted mind.
One of the most touching parts of the story is Bellamy’s bond with the children. She brings warmth, playfulness, and light into a household that has been ruled by fear for far too long. That same light challenges Sebastian in ways no one else ever has. Their romance is intense, sensual, and deeply emotional, balanced beautifully between heat and heart. Beneath it all runs a current of suspense, intrigue, and darkness that keeps you guessing whether the danger is supernatural, human, or something in between.
Cursed King delivers passion, pain, found family, and a love that feels powerful enough to challenge fate itself. It ends on a sharp cliffhanger that left me desperate for more, and I cannot wait to continue Sebastian and Bellamy’s journey in Cursed Queen. If you love darker fairytale retellings with brooding heroes, strong heroines, emotional depth, and scorching chemistry, this story absolutely should be grabbed right up.
Also the audio is so good. I LIVE for Sean Masters and he was so great in this. And Desiree Ketchum always bring so much emotional dynamics to every performance, and she was fantastic here. Can't wait for book 2!
February 26, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/6.
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5.
This one has a very interesting beginning!
I loved the children right away and I also loved the back and forward between Sebastian, the King, and Bellamy, the new nanny.
All in all, I loved how it all started and how it went however as I was approaching the end I started getting some concerns regarding book 2 but because their love seemed solid, I was intrigued even though this curse was still hovering over their heads.
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5.
This one has a very interesting beginning!
I loved the children right away and I also loved the back and forward between Sebastian, the King, and Bellamy, the new nanny.
All in all, I loved how it all started and how it went however as I was approaching the end I started getting some concerns regarding book 2 but because their love seemed solid, I was intrigued even though this curse was still hovering over their heads.
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