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Of Curses and Courtship
A half-fae is said to be the bringer of curses. What will become of Ophelia, the half-fae Prince Emyr can’t resist?
Ophelia Fellowes has always been told to hide her magic and keep her head down. No one can know what she is. When a forbidden night at the prince’s ball ends with his attention fixed on her, she’s in more danger than ever.
Prince Emyr of the Sun Court must marry for love to break the curse consuming his lands. When the mysterious woman from the ball vanishes, another assumes her identity. When he meets Ophelia again, she’s nothing more than a servant in his palace, and he is unable to recognize her.
In this Cinderella story, there is no glass slipper. How will they break the curse?
Of Curses and Courtship is a regency-inspired romantasy Cinderella retelling with forbidden love, sizzling chemistry, and twists at every corner.
Read now to break the curse with Ophelia and Emyr.
Inside, you can A cozy, slow-burning spice romantasy with fae, magical folk, and more!A unique magic system.Ballroom tension.A prince falling madly in love with a maid.Arranged marriage gone wrong.Secrets, prophecies, twists, and turns.
Ophelia Fellowes has always been told to hide her magic and keep her head down. No one can know what she is. When a forbidden night at the prince’s ball ends with his attention fixed on her, she’s in more danger than ever.
Prince Emyr of the Sun Court must marry for love to break the curse consuming his lands. When the mysterious woman from the ball vanishes, another assumes her identity. When he meets Ophelia again, she’s nothing more than a servant in his palace, and he is unable to recognize her.
In this Cinderella story, there is no glass slipper. How will they break the curse?
Of Curses and Courtship is a regency-inspired romantasy Cinderella retelling with forbidden love, sizzling chemistry, and twists at every corner.
Read now to break the curse with Ophelia and Emyr.
Inside, you can A cozy, slow-burning spice romantasy with fae, magical folk, and more!A unique magic system.Ballroom tension.A prince falling madly in love with a maid.Arranged marriage gone wrong.Secrets, prophecies, twists, and turns.
388 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 2, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Autorin bzw. Autor
This copy was received as an ARC.
3.5 Stars.
I enjoyed this cinderella retelling. It is a great light cozy read. A lot of the things were predictable, but they were well executed and I did not see coming how the final showdown would go down.
Aditionally, the FMCs friend is my favorite character. Their friendship is great.
Sadly, some things seemed a bit rushed / underdeveloped and I would have enjoyed a lot being extended and shown in the scenes. Sometimes the conclusions the characters jump to also felt rushed and I could not follow why they thought that way.
In conclusion: I would recommend this to anyone searching for a cosy read, who wants to escape into a familar fairytale but with a new world with enchanted magic, curses and heartwarming characters.
3.5 Stars.
I enjoyed this cinderella retelling. It is a great light cozy read. A lot of the things were predictable, but they were well executed and I did not see coming how the final showdown would go down.
Aditionally, the FMCs friend is my favorite character. Their friendship is great.
Sadly, some things seemed a bit rushed / underdeveloped and I would have enjoyed a lot being extended and shown in the scenes. Sometimes the conclusions the characters jump to also felt rushed and I could not follow why they thought that way.
In conclusion: I would recommend this to anyone searching for a cosy read, who wants to escape into a familar fairytale but with a new world with enchanted magic, curses and heartwarming characters.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Review of the advance reading copy received from the author
Of Curses and Courtship is a Cinderella retelling with fae, steamy scenes, and magic! And I am a sucker for fairytale retelling, so I was really excited to read this one. Fortunately, I really enjoyed this book, and it was cosy and an easy read. Perfect for my first book of 2026!
The story is a dual pov that follows both Ophelia (FMC) and Emyr (MMC), and this worked really well. I really liked both POVs, although Ophelia sometimes felt a bit out of character when read through Emyr's pov, and this sometimes left me curious as to why she said or did certain things in his scenes. Their banter is really great, as well as the other dialogue in this book. There is spice in this book, although it starts slowly (with a lot of teasing), and the steamy scenes are done really well.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book, and it has left me curious to learn more about this fae world, its courts, and the magic.
Of Curses and Courtship is a Cinderella retelling with fae, steamy scenes, and magic! And I am a sucker for fairytale retelling, so I was really excited to read this one. Fortunately, I really enjoyed this book, and it was cosy and an easy read. Perfect for my first book of 2026!
The story is a dual pov that follows both Ophelia (FMC) and Emyr (MMC), and this worked really well. I really liked both POVs, although Ophelia sometimes felt a bit out of character when read through Emyr's pov, and this sometimes left me curious as to why she said or did certain things in his scenes. Their banter is really great, as well as the other dialogue in this book. There is spice in this book, although it starts slowly (with a lot of teasing), and the steamy scenes are done really well.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book, and it has left me curious to learn more about this fae world, its courts, and the magic.
January 10, 2026
A Cinderella re-telling with fae and spice 🌶️. She is a halfling raised to mistrust her own kind, he is a fae prince on a mission to find his true love to save his court which has been slowly turn in to a dying rot.
This was enjoyable read to cuddle up with a hot drink, under a blanket to escape the January blues.
This was enjoyable read to cuddle up with a hot drink, under a blanket to escape the January blues.
January 21, 2026
Standard disclosure: I did receive an ARC of this book.
I love a good take on a classic folk/fairy tale and this story is definitely a good take on the Cinderella stories that have been told since Ancient Greece.
Elle Lavendelle’s take is enjoyable because it blends in elements of other folk tales with fun romantasy tropes and doesn’t, as many contemporary versions of Cinderella stories do, act as a sort of morality play trying to teach that being beautiful doesn’t matter if you are also an asshole.
In this telling, our female main character’s drive to go to the royal ball has less to do with it being a royal ball and more to do with finding the person who gave her a taste of her own power after she has spent years rendered powerless in both a literal and figurative sense.
The elements of the prince and the curse and the godmother and the misunderstandings we expect from a Cinderella tale are all there. But we also have quests for knowledge, true friendship/found family, and misplaced altruism.
I liked the idea that intuition can be a person’s strongest attribute and magical power. I liked that our fairy godmother mentors in addition to granting wishes. I liked that our prince is lowkey kind of a nerd.
Like the conventional fairy tales we’re used to, this tale does end with a happily ever after for a M/F couple. However, this is not a world of compulsory heterosexuality, with both of our romantic leads seemingly being bi/pan. As a queer woman in a straight-passing marriage, I especially love to see that.
I was left with a few questions at the end and a desire for more info. I am both sort of nosy and a bit of a greedy reader who always wants more at the end, so I am not faulting the book/author for any of this, BUT:
Lady Ashbridge definitely murdered Ophelia’s father as part of her machinations, right? How? That’s all kind of glossed over during her villain’s speech of exposition.
Isa was besties with Ophelia’s mother, a character who is frequently present throughout the story via her absence. She promises Ophelia stories, but we don’t even get her mother’s name. I would probably be willing to pay actual money for newsletters that are just Isa dishing up hot fae goss and giving Ophelia genealogy lessons.
The difference in lifespans between high fae and witches is the conflict that sets this all into motion. Ophelia is only half fae. Does that have any influence on her lifespan or does any significant amount of fae ancestry mean a fae lifespan?
I love a good take on a classic folk/fairy tale and this story is definitely a good take on the Cinderella stories that have been told since Ancient Greece.
Elle Lavendelle’s take is enjoyable because it blends in elements of other folk tales with fun romantasy tropes and doesn’t, as many contemporary versions of Cinderella stories do, act as a sort of morality play trying to teach that being beautiful doesn’t matter if you are also an asshole.
In this telling, our female main character’s drive to go to the royal ball has less to do with it being a royal ball and more to do with finding the person who gave her a taste of her own power after she has spent years rendered powerless in both a literal and figurative sense.
The elements of the prince and the curse and the godmother and the misunderstandings we expect from a Cinderella tale are all there. But we also have quests for knowledge, true friendship/found family, and misplaced altruism.
I liked the idea that intuition can be a person’s strongest attribute and magical power. I liked that our fairy godmother mentors in addition to granting wishes. I liked that our prince is lowkey kind of a nerd.
Like the conventional fairy tales we’re used to, this tale does end with a happily ever after for a M/F couple. However, this is not a world of compulsory heterosexuality, with both of our romantic leads seemingly being bi/pan. As a queer woman in a straight-passing marriage, I especially love to see that.
I was left with a few questions at the end and a desire for more info. I am both sort of nosy and a bit of a greedy reader who always wants more at the end, so I am not faulting the book/author for any of this, BUT:
Lady Ashbridge definitely murdered Ophelia’s father as part of her machinations, right? How? That’s all kind of glossed over during her villain’s speech of exposition.
Isa was besties with Ophelia’s mother, a character who is frequently present throughout the story via her absence. She promises Ophelia stories, but we don’t even get her mother’s name. I would probably be willing to pay actual money for newsletters that are just Isa dishing up hot fae goss and giving Ophelia genealogy lessons.
The difference in lifespans between high fae and witches is the conflict that sets this all into motion. Ophelia is only half fae. Does that have any influence on her lifespan or does any significant amount of fae ancestry mean a fae lifespan?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 18, 2026
First of all, thank you to Elle Lavendelle for choosing me to read her novel in advance! One of my favorite tropes has always been fairy retellings and the moment I read the blurb that it is a Cinderella retelling, which I haven’t seen/read much, I knew I had to read this one. I have previously read “What Happened on Roslyn Street” and became such a huge fan of her work and her creative mind!
This is the story of Ophelia, who is half fae, half human, and is constantly hiding her fae form from the humans. If anyone found out what she really was, everyone would turn their backs towards her because they all grew up with the belief that the Fae are evil people. That they trick people and steal babies/children to eat them, which genuinely made the citizens fear of these creatures. However, Ophelia is nothing like that, and all she wants to do is leave her step-mother’s house and start a new life. But circumstances force her to stay behind and work at her step-mother’s house. One night, she is by the woodsy part of the property and wishes that she can attend the ball. Out of nowhere, a Moon Fae shows up and becomes her Fairy Godmother for the night. In the most beautiful and dazzling dress, Ophelia feels like she belongs in society. Until she captures the eye of the Fae Prince, one her step-mother told her to avoid due to “scary” stories about the Fae.
Prince Emyr has been trying his best to find his bride to be. After his family has been cursed until he finds the love of his life, he has been going town to town, looking for anyone (and he means anyone) to fall in love with. I absolutely love that he said that he doesn’t discriminate and love is love ❤️. On a random day, walking in town, he notices this beautiful woman who captures his interest but doesn’t pursue anything more with her. Just casually talked to her at the local pub and called it a night. On the night of his ball, he is meeting potential suitors when he sees the most beautiful woman on Earth. The way he describes her is how one will see in a romantic movie where the guy realizes that he has met the love of his life.
Little does he know that the woman he has met is using glamour to disguise her human self and show her Fae self. Without spoiling too much, I absolutely loved reading this retelling so much! Especially from a paranormal point of view, which is my first time reading something like this! I truly cannot wait to see what the next book in the series is gonna be 🤭!
Rating: 5/5
Steamy scenes: 🔥🔥🔥
This is the story of Ophelia, who is half fae, half human, and is constantly hiding her fae form from the humans. If anyone found out what she really was, everyone would turn their backs towards her because they all grew up with the belief that the Fae are evil people. That they trick people and steal babies/children to eat them, which genuinely made the citizens fear of these creatures. However, Ophelia is nothing like that, and all she wants to do is leave her step-mother’s house and start a new life. But circumstances force her to stay behind and work at her step-mother’s house. One night, she is by the woodsy part of the property and wishes that she can attend the ball. Out of nowhere, a Moon Fae shows up and becomes her Fairy Godmother for the night. In the most beautiful and dazzling dress, Ophelia feels like she belongs in society. Until she captures the eye of the Fae Prince, one her step-mother told her to avoid due to “scary” stories about the Fae.
Prince Emyr has been trying his best to find his bride to be. After his family has been cursed until he finds the love of his life, he has been going town to town, looking for anyone (and he means anyone) to fall in love with. I absolutely love that he said that he doesn’t discriminate and love is love ❤️. On a random day, walking in town, he notices this beautiful woman who captures his interest but doesn’t pursue anything more with her. Just casually talked to her at the local pub and called it a night. On the night of his ball, he is meeting potential suitors when he sees the most beautiful woman on Earth. The way he describes her is how one will see in a romantic movie where the guy realizes that he has met the love of his life.
Little does he know that the woman he has met is using glamour to disguise her human self and show her Fae self. Without spoiling too much, I absolutely loved reading this retelling so much! Especially from a paranormal point of view, which is my first time reading something like this! I truly cannot wait to see what the next book in the series is gonna be 🤭!
Rating: 5/5
Steamy scenes: 🔥🔥🔥
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Book Review
Pub. Date: March 2, 2026
3.5⭐
This Cinderella retelling is exactly what you need if you are looking for a nice cozy read, with flirty banter, and a guaranteed HEA.
Ophelia, our MFC, has been forced out of her family home by her abusive stepmother. With nowhere else to go Ophelia finds herself as a maid at the Sun Palace, where she runs into the Sun Prince, a man she anonymously danced with all night at a ball. Emyr, our MMC, is the heir to the Sun kingdom and the only one that can break the curse plaguing his kingdom. He only needs to marry his true love. After arranging to marry the person he thought he danced with at the ball, Emyr finds himself drawn to the maid instead of his betrothed princess. Can he put aside his desires to save his kingdom?
What I loved: the new take on Cinderella. I adore fairytale retellings, and this was perfect. Just enough callbacks to the fairytale but still making it an original story. I loved the side characters - Helena, Tibalt, Spark - and how they were more than just comic relief. I also liked the mystery of the curse and the sorceress.
What I didn't love: wish there was more character development and hints about the curse and who the sorceress was. Some things were a bit rushed, especially at the end, and a little underdeveloped. However, even with that, it was still an enjoyable read.
🪽 Cinderella retelling
🪽 Found family
🪽 Curse breaker
🪽 Prophecies
🪽 Arranged marriage
🪽 Mistaken identity
🪽 Forbidden love
🪽 Sexy self projections
🪽 Spicy slow burn
🪽 Fae romantasy
Pub. Date: March 2, 2026
3.5⭐
This Cinderella retelling is exactly what you need if you are looking for a nice cozy read, with flirty banter, and a guaranteed HEA.
Ophelia, our MFC, has been forced out of her family home by her abusive stepmother. With nowhere else to go Ophelia finds herself as a maid at the Sun Palace, where she runs into the Sun Prince, a man she anonymously danced with all night at a ball. Emyr, our MMC, is the heir to the Sun kingdom and the only one that can break the curse plaguing his kingdom. He only needs to marry his true love. After arranging to marry the person he thought he danced with at the ball, Emyr finds himself drawn to the maid instead of his betrothed princess. Can he put aside his desires to save his kingdom?
What I loved: the new take on Cinderella. I adore fairytale retellings, and this was perfect. Just enough callbacks to the fairytale but still making it an original story. I loved the side characters - Helena, Tibalt, Spark - and how they were more than just comic relief. I also liked the mystery of the curse and the sorceress.
What I didn't love: wish there was more character development and hints about the curse and who the sorceress was. Some things were a bit rushed, especially at the end, and a little underdeveloped. However, even with that, it was still an enjoyable read.
🪽 Cinderella retelling
🪽 Found family
🪽 Curse breaker
🪽 Prophecies
🪽 Arranged marriage
🪽 Mistaken identity
🪽 Forbidden love
🪽 Sexy self projections
🪽 Spicy slow burn
🪽 Fae romantasy
December 25, 2025
If you’ve ever wanted Cinderella with fae and some steamy spice, this one is absolutely for you. I’m not usually a fan of fairytale retellings, but I genuinely loved this. My previous read was a heavy, world dense fantasy, and I was craving something cozy, cute, and standalone. This ended up being exactly what I needed.
Emyr is adorable. He has such a soft, tender side, and he actually cries. A lot. I wish more romantasy had MMCs who aren’t afraid to show their emotions because it makes them feel so much more real and human. I also loved watching Ophelia’s journey as she finds herself and grows into her own skin. She doesn’t sit around waiting for a prince to fix everything. She steps up and saves herself, which felt like such a refreshing and empowering twist on the fairytales I grew up with.
My absolute favorite part though was the found family. This is my favorite trope, and it was done so well here. Tibalt is the fiercely loyal best friend to Emyr (well not if Spark has something to say about it), and Helena is the same for Ophelia. They separately follow Emyr and Ophelia into every ridiculous plan without hesitation, while also making sure to point out just how ridiculous those plans actually are. Their dynamic added so much warmth and humor to the story.
There were a few twists that genuinely surprised me, but it wraps up pretty nicely at the end. Overall, this was such a cozy read and exactly what I was hoping for when I picked it up.
Emyr is adorable. He has such a soft, tender side, and he actually cries. A lot. I wish more romantasy had MMCs who aren’t afraid to show their emotions because it makes them feel so much more real and human. I also loved watching Ophelia’s journey as she finds herself and grows into her own skin. She doesn’t sit around waiting for a prince to fix everything. She steps up and saves herself, which felt like such a refreshing and empowering twist on the fairytales I grew up with.
My absolute favorite part though was the found family. This is my favorite trope, and it was done so well here. Tibalt is the fiercely loyal best friend to Emyr (well not if Spark has something to say about it), and Helena is the same for Ophelia. They separately follow Emyr and Ophelia into every ridiculous plan without hesitation, while also making sure to point out just how ridiculous those plans actually are. Their dynamic added so much warmth and humor to the story.
There were a few twists that genuinely surprised me, but it wraps up pretty nicely at the end. Overall, this was such a cozy read and exactly what I was hoping for when I picked it up.
March 5, 2026
Cinderella meets fae meets Bridgerton
What happens when you take a Cinderella retelling, add some fae and season it with Bridgerton? You get Of Curses and Courtship!
Ophelia is a slave in her own home thanks to her stepmother, Lady Ashbridge, who knows her secret - she is half human, half fae. A halfling. Believing she cannot do much magic, she sticks to maintaining a glamour to hide her heritage.
Enter fae prince Emyr. He is desperately searching the kingdoms for a bride - to end the curse on his kingdom, he must marry his true love.
As all good Cinderella stories go, there’s a ball, a (literal) fairy godmother, a disguise and a hasty escape. One case of mistaken identity later and the prince is betrothed…to someone else. But only marriage to his true love will break the spell - and it’s looking less and less like that will be his betrothed.
This was a lot of fun to read. The combination of the different elements made for some very entertaining scenarios, and it definitely gave me Ever After vibes. There’s some great trope reversals - Emyr is a scholar, not a soldier, and doesn’t handle confrontation well. He needs to face his fears and cowardice as part of his growth.
The story is a medium burn open door romance. Both main characters are bi and the world is queernormative. There are a number of triggers in this book, including abuse by a parental figure, other woman drama, betrayal, and racism/classism. There is a lesser fae creature that is like a pet who is very close to death at one point.
If you want some pure fantastical escapism with a Regency twist, I absolutely recommend Of Curses and Courtship.
What happens when you take a Cinderella retelling, add some fae and season it with Bridgerton? You get Of Curses and Courtship!
Ophelia is a slave in her own home thanks to her stepmother, Lady Ashbridge, who knows her secret - she is half human, half fae. A halfling. Believing she cannot do much magic, she sticks to maintaining a glamour to hide her heritage.
Enter fae prince Emyr. He is desperately searching the kingdoms for a bride - to end the curse on his kingdom, he must marry his true love.
As all good Cinderella stories go, there’s a ball, a (literal) fairy godmother, a disguise and a hasty escape. One case of mistaken identity later and the prince is betrothed…to someone else. But only marriage to his true love will break the spell - and it’s looking less and less like that will be his betrothed.
This was a lot of fun to read. The combination of the different elements made for some very entertaining scenarios, and it definitely gave me Ever After vibes. There’s some great trope reversals - Emyr is a scholar, not a soldier, and doesn’t handle confrontation well. He needs to face his fears and cowardice as part of his growth.
The story is a medium burn open door romance. Both main characters are bi and the world is queernormative. There are a number of triggers in this book, including abuse by a parental figure, other woman drama, betrayal, and racism/classism. There is a lesser fae creature that is like a pet who is very close to death at one point.
If you want some pure fantastical escapism with a Regency twist, I absolutely recommend Of Curses and Courtship.
Review of advance copy received from Author
5 ⭐️ 🌶️🌶️🌶️
WOW! I loved this book! I’m still dipping my toes into fantasy and this was the perfect way to get a little deeper. The curse of the sun kingdom and trying to find true love and the mystery that goes along with it is so fun and keeps you as a reader interested
The FMC Ophelia was perfect! Stuck living with her step mother and forced to clean the house and not have any sense of self. Her journey to discovering her strength and value is honestly so beautiful. She goes through a lot of things that I think a lot of people relate to (just in a fantasy world). It’s a very spot on Cinderella retelling but makes it spicy and fantasy.
The MMC emyr was actually refreshing to me, we see a lot of mmc who are balls to the wall brave and have no fear, but emyr is not like that. He has fears and even runs away at some point. He discovers his strength for Ophelia and chooses himself and love even causing a little ruckus in there.
Overall, I loved the amount of spice and loved the plot. Their wasn’t to much spice that it overtook the story the breaks of spice were in the perfect spots in my opinion. Love love love and can’t wait hopefully continue 🥲
WOW! I loved this book! I’m still dipping my toes into fantasy and this was the perfect way to get a little deeper. The curse of the sun kingdom and trying to find true love and the mystery that goes along with it is so fun and keeps you as a reader interested
The FMC Ophelia was perfect! Stuck living with her step mother and forced to clean the house and not have any sense of self. Her journey to discovering her strength and value is honestly so beautiful. She goes through a lot of things that I think a lot of people relate to (just in a fantasy world). It’s a very spot on Cinderella retelling but makes it spicy and fantasy.
The MMC emyr was actually refreshing to me, we see a lot of mmc who are balls to the wall brave and have no fear, but emyr is not like that. He has fears and even runs away at some point. He discovers his strength for Ophelia and chooses himself and love even causing a little ruckus in there.
Overall, I loved the amount of spice and loved the plot. Their wasn’t to much spice that it overtook the story the breaks of spice were in the perfect spots in my opinion. Love love love and can’t wait hopefully continue 🥲
March 8, 2026
“There’s more to me than books.”
When I first heard about Of Curses and Courtship by Elle Lavendelle and saw the reels promoting it, I honestly thought: this has to be a perfectly planned marketing strategy. Bridgerton vibes, fae, and a Cinderella-inspired romance releasing right when the new season of Bridgerton was around the corner? It sounded almost too perfect to be real.
And yet… it absolutely delivered!
This book carried me through the long wait between the first and second part of Bridgerton season four, and it was exactly the kind of story I needed.
I had so much fun reading this book that I had to actively stop myself from finishing it in two days because I didn’t want it to end.
If I had to point out one small thing, it would be that the ending felt a little rushed, and I would have happily read a few more pages to stay in this world a bit longer.
The MMC deserves special recognition because he is the greenest flag of all green flag MMCs I’ve had the pleasure of reading.
Overall, this is the definition of a comfy read, it feels like the first warm rays of sunshine in early spring.
For every Bridgerton fan: this one is a must!
When I first heard about Of Curses and Courtship by Elle Lavendelle and saw the reels promoting it, I honestly thought: this has to be a perfectly planned marketing strategy. Bridgerton vibes, fae, and a Cinderella-inspired romance releasing right when the new season of Bridgerton was around the corner? It sounded almost too perfect to be real.
And yet… it absolutely delivered!
This book carried me through the long wait between the first and second part of Bridgerton season four, and it was exactly the kind of story I needed.
I had so much fun reading this book that I had to actively stop myself from finishing it in two days because I didn’t want it to end.
If I had to point out one small thing, it would be that the ending felt a little rushed, and I would have happily read a few more pages to stay in this world a bit longer.
The MMC deserves special recognition because he is the greenest flag of all green flag MMCs I’ve had the pleasure of reading.
Overall, this is the definition of a comfy read, it feels like the first warm rays of sunshine in early spring.
For every Bridgerton fan: this one is a must!
Review of advance copy
✨ ARC Review✨
I am happy that I received this book as an ARC from the author. Of Curses and Courtship was a unique retelling of Cinderella. The FMC grows throughout the book and begins to learn more and more about her magic while being guided by the MMC. The prophecy says they should not be together... but can love conquer all? You have to read it to find out!
This book is a magical retelling of Cinderella that adds an intriguing romantasy twist.
The FMC experiences personal growth throughout the story as she begins to better understand her magic, guided along the way by the MMC. Their dynamic was engaging and different from other fairy tale stories. And what is a good romantasy without a looming prophecy hanging over their heads? But can love overcome fate? You’ll have to read to find out.
Overall, this was an enjoyable and unique take on a classic fairytale, and I’m glad I had the opportunity to read it early. Thank you to the author for providing an ARC.
I am happy that I received this book as an ARC from the author. Of Curses and Courtship was a unique retelling of Cinderella. The FMC grows throughout the book and begins to learn more and more about her magic while being guided by the MMC. The prophecy says they should not be together... but can love conquer all? You have to read it to find out!
This book is a magical retelling of Cinderella that adds an intriguing romantasy twist.
The FMC experiences personal growth throughout the story as she begins to better understand her magic, guided along the way by the MMC. Their dynamic was engaging and different from other fairy tale stories. And what is a good romantasy without a looming prophecy hanging over their heads? But can love overcome fate? You’ll have to read to find out.
Overall, this was an enjoyable and unique take on a classic fairytale, and I’m glad I had the opportunity to read it early. Thank you to the author for providing an ARC.
February 20, 2026
Of Curses and Courtship was exactly the cozy, spicy romantasy I needed after a streak of heavy hitters and brutal cliffhangers. It felt like a warm, magical reset.
This Cinderella retelling completely stole my Disney-loving heart. The vibes were whimsical and romantic with just the right touch of heat. ✨👑
Ophelia, our FMC, was the perfect blend of sass and sweetness. Her banter? Absolutely priceless. I was grinning through so many of her scenes. And when she accidentally gets locked in a room with the prince? I was cackling. That moment alone deserves an award.
Emyr may not be a shadow daddy, but oh my goodness is he swoon-worthy. The passion. The devotion. The tension. He is simply that man.
Overall, this was such a fun, cozy romantasy that I’d happily recommend adding to your TBR.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5 stars
On to my next read! 📖✨
This Cinderella retelling completely stole my Disney-loving heart. The vibes were whimsical and romantic with just the right touch of heat. ✨👑
Ophelia, our FMC, was the perfect blend of sass and sweetness. Her banter? Absolutely priceless. I was grinning through so many of her scenes. And when she accidentally gets locked in a room with the prince? I was cackling. That moment alone deserves an award.
Emyr may not be a shadow daddy, but oh my goodness is he swoon-worthy. The passion. The devotion. The tension. He is simply that man.
Overall, this was such a fun, cozy romantasy that I’d happily recommend adding to your TBR.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5 stars
On to my next read! 📖✨
March 6, 2026
Of Curses and Courtship is a delightful retelling of Cinderella, but set in a queer normative world populated with humans, fae, witches and sorcerers/sorceresses.
Ophelia is a half fae who has had to spend her life hiding what she is due to prejudice against fae from the humans around her. Prince Emyr is the crown prince of the sun court of the Fae and he is looking for a bride to help him break the curse that is on his kingdom. He reminds me a bit of Howl from Howl's Moving Castle: he's a bit vain, a little cowardly (until he finds his reason to be courageous), but also very passionate and loyal to those he loves. Ophelia and Emyr are immediately drawn to each other but they have a lot to work through to break the curse and find their HEA.
One thing I really liked about the story is Ophelia's awful stepmother getting what's coming to her. No sanitized, Disneyfied ending for her. Other than the stepmother, the other side characters were wonderful: a mysterious fairy godmother and snarky but loyal friends who are more than happy to tell Emyr and Ophelia when they're on the wrong track.
Thank you Elle Lavendelle for the opportunity to advance read. 💜
Ophelia is a half fae who has had to spend her life hiding what she is due to prejudice against fae from the humans around her. Prince Emyr is the crown prince of the sun court of the Fae and he is looking for a bride to help him break the curse that is on his kingdom. He reminds me a bit of Howl from Howl's Moving Castle: he's a bit vain, a little cowardly (until he finds his reason to be courageous), but also very passionate and loyal to those he loves. Ophelia and Emyr are immediately drawn to each other but they have a lot to work through to break the curse and find their HEA.
One thing I really liked about the story is Ophelia's awful stepmother getting what's coming to her. No sanitized, Disneyfied ending for her. Other than the stepmother, the other side characters were wonderful: a mysterious fairy godmother and snarky but loyal friends who are more than happy to tell Emyr and Ophelia when they're on the wrong track.
Thank you Elle Lavendelle for the opportunity to advance read. 💜
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received a copy as an ARC reader, and Of Curses and Courtship is a true faerie tale. 🧚🏼♀️Imagine if Cinderella took a deep into the fairy godmothers magical world.
Ophelia and Emyrs tale was classic yet still kept the reader entertained and felt fun and fresh with magical elements and dual POV.
A slow burn romance with yearning that certainly turned intense 🌶️
The author captured a true connection with the amazing banter! An easy read and the perfect pallete cleanser!
I was so intrigued by Ophelias character development. She was sheltered yet not naive and strived for knowledge. I wanted to just hug her!
Even with the classic elements of a Cinderella story, the author kept you roped in with new twists and mysteries.
Ophelia and Emyrs tale was classic yet still kept the reader entertained and felt fun and fresh with magical elements and dual POV.
A slow burn romance with yearning that certainly turned intense 🌶️
The author captured a true connection with the amazing banter! An easy read and the perfect pallete cleanser!
I was so intrigued by Ophelias character development. She was sheltered yet not naive and strived for knowledge. I wanted to just hug her!
Even with the classic elements of a Cinderella story, the author kept you roped in with new twists and mysteries.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Of Curses and Courtship by Elle Lavendelle releasing March 2nd, 2026!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
From the VERY START. He was like "I want her".
... Okay there was build up to the actual point they ended up together. I don't usually read fantasy books like these, but this one was actually so good. I love fairytale retellings and this one had the plot twist I didn't see coming. Like I genuinely thought I predicted things and I was completely off on most of them (e]
This book had a good amount of spice with a mixed amount of plot and a whole lot of worldbuilding that just worked. This is a Cinderella retelling with yearning, angst and spice and also he can make a magical double of himself so like... use your imagination 🫣😮💨
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
From the VERY START. He was like "I want her".
... Okay there was build up to the actual point they ended up together. I don't usually read fantasy books like these, but this one was actually so good. I love fairytale retellings and this one had the plot twist I didn't see coming. Like I genuinely thought I predicted things and I was completely off on most of them (e]
This book had a good amount of spice with a mixed amount of plot and a whole lot of worldbuilding that just worked. This is a Cinderella retelling with yearning, angst and spice and also he can make a magical double of himself so like... use your imagination 🫣😮💨
Review of advance copy received from Author
☕I received an ARC from the author so the thoughts are my own ☕
Dearest gentle reader,
It is this author’s most ardent belief that Of Curses and Courtship by Elle Lavendelle is nothing short of perfect for admirers of Bridgerton—particularly as we all languish in anticipation of the forthcoming fourth season. Indeed, one could scarcely select a more fitting diversion while waiting so impatiently for society’s next grand affair.
The characters? Utterly captivating. The fae world? Positively enchanting. And as for the wing hugs—yes, dear reader, the wing hugs—they are enough to send even the most composed heart into a flutter.
One would be remiss (and frankly foolish) to overlook Of Curses and Courtship. Do not sleep on it… for the ton is already whispering. 💅✨
Dearest gentle reader,
It is this author’s most ardent belief that Of Curses and Courtship by Elle Lavendelle is nothing short of perfect for admirers of Bridgerton—particularly as we all languish in anticipation of the forthcoming fourth season. Indeed, one could scarcely select a more fitting diversion while waiting so impatiently for society’s next grand affair.
The characters? Utterly captivating. The fae world? Positively enchanting. And as for the wing hugs—yes, dear reader, the wing hugs—they are enough to send even the most composed heart into a flutter.
One would be remiss (and frankly foolish) to overlook Of Curses and Courtship. Do not sleep on it… for the ton is already whispering. 💅✨
Review of advance copy received from Author
Of Curses and Courtships was a fast-paced, low-stakes standalone romantasy!
This was a pretty classic story, with lots of trope-iness and references to classic fairytales that I enjoyed! The plot was pretty predictable which meant it got a bit boring towards the end, but I did really like the cast of characters. The relationship between Ophelia and Emyr was super sweet and I really did enjoy their friendship.
As someone who loves to read romantasy, but hates long series, I was so excited to see a new compelling standalone coming out. That said, standalones are so hit or miss because it can be super difficult to build an entire fantasy world in just one book. I think the magic system could have been better fleshed out, but it didn’t take too much from my enjoyment of the book.
Thank you to Elle Lavendelle for this ARC!
This was a pretty classic story, with lots of trope-iness and references to classic fairytales that I enjoyed! The plot was pretty predictable which meant it got a bit boring towards the end, but I did really like the cast of characters. The relationship between Ophelia and Emyr was super sweet and I really did enjoy their friendship.
As someone who loves to read romantasy, but hates long series, I was so excited to see a new compelling standalone coming out. That said, standalones are so hit or miss because it can be super difficult to build an entire fantasy world in just one book. I think the magic system could have been better fleshed out, but it didn’t take too much from my enjoyment of the book.
Thank you to Elle Lavendelle for this ARC!
March 4, 2026
Of Curses and Courtship is a lighthearted Cinderella-esque romance, but make it fae. I loved the yearning and forbidden courtship in the first half of the book; it reminded me of Anthony and Kate from the Bridgerton series. I loved Emyr and Ophelia’s best friends (Tibalt and Helena) perhaps even more than the mcs themselves, as they offered a lovely foil and brought lots of snark and humor. I felt that the curse plotline was a bit underdeveloped, and the choices Ophelia made in the final act were inane. Actually both E and O seemed a bit immature in their decisions.
This is a fluffy retelling, a sweet romance, a comfy read for a cold winter’s day, with a HEA. 3.5 stars.
Thank you to Elle Lavendelle for the advanced reader copy!
This is a fluffy retelling, a sweet romance, a comfy read for a cold winter’s day, with a HEA. 3.5 stars.
Thank you to Elle Lavendelle for the advanced reader copy!
Review of advance copy received from Author
😃 I had the honor of reading this ARC and I can tell you: this needs to be on your bookshelf! 📚
A cursed prince and a courageous girl. Her resilience gets her through a lot. This is a book full of strong women. If you like spicy 🌶️ books, then this will fulfill ALL your needs. 😉 He will definitely get that "book boyfriend" trophy 🏆 and have people talking about him for a long time. The writer brings something new to the table that creates so much potential. 🥵 I can usually see where the story is going, but this one suprised me many times. I really loved it and could hardly put it down: I read it in 2 days.
A cursed prince and a courageous girl. Her resilience gets her through a lot. This is a book full of strong women. If you like spicy 🌶️ books, then this will fulfill ALL your needs. 😉 He will definitely get that "book boyfriend" trophy 🏆 and have people talking about him for a long time. The writer brings something new to the table that creates so much potential. 🥵 I can usually see where the story is going, but this one suprised me many times. I really loved it and could hardly put it down: I read it in 2 days.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Y'all this book was SO good. I told myself I was just going to read a couple chapters before bed to get started and I stayed up until 5am because I absolutely couldn't put it down. I'm not usually one for fairytale retellings but I think this one is pretty impressive with keeping with the idea of Cinderella's story in the background but making it cozy, spicy, and full of twists and turns. The main characters are so lovely and I really felt connected with them throughout the entire story and of course love their individual best friends almost as much as the main characters themselves haha I would 100% recommend you read this when it releases, you won't regret it.
March 2, 2026
This is a book that is a regency and Cinderella inspired retelling with slow burn romance.
This is exactly the read you need for a cute and cosy standalone with a little mystery.
Ophelia the FMC learns more about herself and magic throughout the book. She finds her strength and drive to do things herself.
Ophelia has a little sass to her character that as well as her truth makes the banter between the main characters both entertaining and real.
The MMC Emyr shows his passion and devotion for both Ophelia and his kingdom.
We get his charm and banter but also those vulnerable glimpses of his self doubt and fear.
This is exactly the read you need for a cute and cosy standalone with a little mystery.
Ophelia the FMC learns more about herself and magic throughout the book. She finds her strength and drive to do things herself.
Ophelia has a little sass to her character that as well as her truth makes the banter between the main characters both entertaining and real.
The MMC Emyr shows his passion and devotion for both Ophelia and his kingdom.
We get his charm and banter but also those vulnerable glimpses of his self doubt and fear.
March 3, 2026
Arc Reader Review
Firstly, I wanted to thank Elle for allowing me an early Arc copy of her book.
If you have enjoyed or are enjoying the new season (season 4) of Bridgerton then you will 100% enjoy this book. This Cinderella-esque retelling adds beautiful fae to the mix, especially the Moon Fae who are incredibly ethereal.
The main characters have their own struggles but they find solace in each other which is nice to read. There is longing and spice galore with the undertone of a magical curse.
If you want an easy to read romantasy with a male main character who is more brain than brawn, then you should read this book.
Firstly, I wanted to thank Elle for allowing me an early Arc copy of her book.
If you have enjoyed or are enjoying the new season (season 4) of Bridgerton then you will 100% enjoy this book. This Cinderella-esque retelling adds beautiful fae to the mix, especially the Moon Fae who are incredibly ethereal.
The main characters have their own struggles but they find solace in each other which is nice to read. There is longing and spice galore with the undertone of a magical curse.
If you want an easy to read romantasy with a male main character who is more brain than brawn, then you should read this book.
March 4, 2026
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, which truly lives up to the “Cinderella meets Bridgerton” pitch. Ophelia was a great FMC and I found her to be as charming and alluring as our MMC Emryn does. The setting was fun and felt vivid, though I would kill to know more about the other fae kingdoms!
The romance was sickeningly sweet while the intimacy was hot and spicy, a blend I’m particularly fond of, but the plot itself was also engaging and fun to follow. There were times when it toed the line of being predictable or a bit drawn out, but I was having such a good time reading that I didn’t even care. I’ll definitely be recommending this one!
The romance was sickeningly sweet while the intimacy was hot and spicy, a blend I’m particularly fond of, but the plot itself was also engaging and fun to follow. There were times when it toed the line of being predictable or a bit drawn out, but I was having such a good time reading that I didn’t even care. I’ll definitely be recommending this one!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I really enjoyed this book! The story was fun and the characters were easy to like. It was definitely Cinderella meets Bridgerton in a way. The book had a good amount of drama, I do wish there was a little more about the King's relationship with the Sorceress as well as more about Ophelia's parents. There was a reasonable amount of smut that didnt take away from the story. The banter between the two leads was great and you could feel the chemistry between them. Overall, it was a really fun read!
I received an eARC copy of this book from the author!
I received an eARC copy of this book from the author!
February 27, 2026
This is a cute Cinderella re-telling with fae, fun and unique magic, an evil sorceress, and a curse.
Overall, this book is a fun read. The yearning and will they/won’t they are done well. The storyline keeps moving along and you don’t get hung up anywhere wishing to move on.
The ending was the only part that went a little iffy for me. But overall, it’s a good, low stakes cozy fairytale retelling.
Ophelia randomly deciding to leave for no good reason was mind boggling to me. I just didn’t understand it, there was no real motivation for it.
Overall, this book is a fun read. The yearning and will they/won’t they are done well. The storyline keeps moving along and you don’t get hung up anywhere wishing to move on.
The ending was the only part that went a little iffy for me. But overall, it’s a good, low stakes cozy fairytale retelling.
Ophelia randomly deciding to leave for no good reason was mind boggling to me. I just didn’t understand it, there was no real motivation for it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 14, 2026
I’ve been in my bridgerton Era this month, and this book has kept me fed.
Of Curses and Courtship has everything a good, retelling-esque, book needs. It honors the Cinderella story trope while creating a story all its own.
From the well written world and magic systems, to the slow burn complicated relationship between the main characters, the author does an incredible job of emerging us in this world and making us root for Ophelia.
If you love elemental magic, complex fae courts, curses, and love finding a way…you’ll love this book.
Of Curses and Courtship has everything a good, retelling-esque, book needs. It honors the Cinderella story trope while creating a story all its own.
From the well written world and magic systems, to the slow burn complicated relationship between the main characters, the author does an incredible job of emerging us in this world and making us root for Ophelia.
If you love elemental magic, complex fae courts, curses, and love finding a way…you’ll love this book.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
4.5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
if you love a Cinderella retelling and bridgerton then this is the book for you! I ate this book up it was such a joy to to read this book Ophelia and Emyr were very cute and sweet to each other
I really liked Ophelia's personality it worked well
I'm not the biggest fan the miscommunication trope but overall this book was amazing and Elle lavendelle always comes out with an amazing story thank you for being able to get an arc for an honest review 🙏✨
if you love a Cinderella retelling and bridgerton then this is the book for you! I ate this book up it was such a joy to to read this book Ophelia and Emyr were very cute and sweet to each other
I really liked Ophelia's personality it worked well
I'm not the biggest fan the miscommunication trope but overall this book was amazing and Elle lavendelle always comes out with an amazing story thank you for being able to get an arc for an honest review 🙏✨
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was very fortunate to have received this as an ARC read and I read it in one sitting! I thought I was a very refreshing and unique take on the Cinderella theme. I loved the settings, the characters, and the overall story. My only negative, which isn’t really a negative, is that some of the spicy scenes felt a little out of place. Overall a great read and I can’t wait to read more of Elle’s stories!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was a fun and cozy Cinderella retelling with spice, curses, fae and mistaken identities. I really enjoyed this book. Ophelia is sassy and I loved seeing her find her strength. Emyr is definitely not a typical MMC but I did like him. I loved the yearning. I also liked their connection and overall banter. The book also has a good amount of worldbuilding for a standalone. Excited to read more from this author.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Fun read. I enjoyed the banter between Emyr (MMC) and Ophelia (FMC), it was such a fun flirtation. Also, Helena and Tibalt were such fun best friend/sidekick. There were some parts where it went a little overdramatic with emotions, I am all for MMCs in tocu with their emotions but ones that are sobbing, nah. I just pictured snot bubbles. Anyways the cast of characters were interesting and it is a fun spicy read.
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