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Once Upon Ever After #1
Cursed King
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Expected 26 Dec 25Win a free print copy of this book!
6 days and 15:22:34
3 copies available
U.S. only
A deliciously steamy, suspenseful, and darker contemporary royalty Beauty and the Beast retelling about a grumpy single dad and the woman who brings him to his knees. Welcome to the cursed kingdom of Messalina…
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) fairy tale retelling. It is the beginning of a series of four fairy tale retellings with a heavily interconnected plot and should be read in order. Cursed King ends on a CLIFFHANGER with the resolution in Cursed Queen. The remaining books in the series will be standalone couples. This book was previously published through Yonder as The King's Forbidden Nanny.
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) fairy tale retelling. It is the beginning of a series of four fairy tale retellings with a heavily interconnected plot and should be read in order. Cursed King ends on a CLIFFHANGER with the resolution in Cursed Queen. The remaining books in the series will be standalone couples. This book was previously published through Yonder as The King's Forbidden Nanny.
- GenresRomance
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Expected publication December 26, 2025
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December 5, 2025Releasing December 26th!
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Pre-order the Once Upon Ever After Series today!
Cursed King: http://geni.us/CursedKing
Add to Goodreads!
Cursed King: https://bit.ly/3WN40GY
Review of advance copy received from Author
ALC from valentine PR
he wasn't in love with his queen, but they had an understanding and had friendship in each other after her death. He went through so many nannies, never stayed long . He didn't believe in the curse til that day he lost his queen and his children lost their mother
Bellamy father was forgetting a lot of things and how things work and thought her mother was alive. Still, it was sad he had no memory of it all. She died 8 years ago he had broken down after his wife's death, but it was truly sad for Bellamy to lose her mother.
She put him in the facility, and he seemed happy there. She works long hours and sees him at 21, her life is different from others .
Her father eloped, which means he left without permission. Bellamy he was found the palace where he wasnt suppose be.
She met the children before finding her father.
Bellamy is American but speaks French. The girls take a liking to her .
The moment he saw Bellamy, he wanted her, which frustrated him deeply. Everyone liked her in his palace, but he was hesitant and unsure why he felt this way towards her .
She was given the choice of being his children nanny or her father go to prison .
She could not deny her attraction towards him, but she as well didnt understand it all, yet she couldn't help how she felt, especially towards his children .
Sebastian (the king) still tries to dislike Bellamy, but the way he feels about her is hard for him, especially his lust for her .the things he says is 🔥🔥🌶🌶 that man loves it rough .
his oldest daughter truly loves Bellamy so much the way she loves her back all the children she has grown to love and care about.
The tension between them is chefs kiss cause it has me smiling even when he would act as if there isn't something, but deep down, he knows he feels it as much as she does.
Why is it so sexy when he was worried about her not returning after she was done visiting her father in the facility. The king left the palace to find her, which is a huge thing .
The children never want her leave, especially the girls . Oh, my heart.
This has to be my favorite fairytale retelling of beauty and the beast. The right amount of tension and how Bellamy has fire in her. The way children were drawn to her right away and everyone could see the light in the children . Even Sebastian.
It was truly beautiful yet heartbreaking, showing the grief of everyone he lost Sebastian felt . He was such an amazing father but very protective with the curse. Even though the children didn't understand that. They wanted more freedom .
Samil, i definitely hated his character. I never liked him from the moment he appeared cause he just wanted to hurt Sebastian.
I have been a huge fan of beauty and the beast since the Disney movie so to have retelling of it , the author did it beautifully and exactly perfect written i was not disappointed at all
Chapter 16 was so deliciously good
It was left cliffhanger, which makes me excited for book 2 to find out what happens next
he wasn't in love with his queen, but they had an understanding and had friendship in each other after her death. He went through so many nannies, never stayed long . He didn't believe in the curse til that day he lost his queen and his children lost their mother
Bellamy father was forgetting a lot of things and how things work and thought her mother was alive. Still, it was sad he had no memory of it all. She died 8 years ago he had broken down after his wife's death, but it was truly sad for Bellamy to lose her mother.
She put him in the facility, and he seemed happy there. She works long hours and sees him at 21, her life is different from others .
Her father eloped, which means he left without permission. Bellamy he was found the palace where he wasnt suppose be.
She met the children before finding her father.
Bellamy is American but speaks French. The girls take a liking to her .
The moment he saw Bellamy, he wanted her, which frustrated him deeply. Everyone liked her in his palace, but he was hesitant and unsure why he felt this way towards her .
She was given the choice of being his children nanny or her father go to prison .
She could not deny her attraction towards him, but she as well didnt understand it all, yet she couldn't help how she felt, especially towards his children .
Sebastian (the king) still tries to dislike Bellamy, but the way he feels about her is hard for him, especially his lust for her .the things he says is 🔥🔥🌶🌶 that man loves it rough .
his oldest daughter truly loves Bellamy so much the way she loves her back all the children she has grown to love and care about.
The tension between them is chefs kiss cause it has me smiling even when he would act as if there isn't something, but deep down, he knows he feels it as much as she does.
Why is it so sexy when he was worried about her not returning after she was done visiting her father in the facility. The king left the palace to find her, which is a huge thing .
The children never want her leave, especially the girls . Oh, my heart.
This has to be my favorite fairytale retelling of beauty and the beast. The right amount of tension and how Bellamy has fire in her. The way children were drawn to her right away and everyone could see the light in the children . Even Sebastian.
It was truly beautiful yet heartbreaking, showing the grief of everyone he lost Sebastian felt . He was such an amazing father but very protective with the curse. Even though the children didn't understand that. They wanted more freedom .
Samil, i definitely hated his character. I never liked him from the moment he appeared cause he just wanted to hurt Sebastian.
I have been a huge fan of beauty and the beast since the Disney movie so to have retelling of it , the author did it beautifully and exactly perfect written i was not disappointed at all
Chapter 16 was so deliciously good
It was left cliffhanger, which makes me excited for book 2 to find out what happens next
December 19, 2025
A dark, seductive Beauty and the Beast retelling where curses bite, passion burns, and happily-ever-after is anything but guaranteed.
I love a dark, suspense-filled romance retelling of a classic fairytale—and when you add a tortured, cursed king, three utterly delightful children, a sassy, headstrong nanny, and scorching heat, I am completely hooked. Wrapped around the familiar bones of Beauty and the Beast, Cursed King by Julie Saman delivers a modern, darker fairytale that sinks its claws in from page one and refuses to let go.
Over the past few years, fairytale retellings have exploded, especially those reimagined as darker, more intense romances. Some hit the mark beautifully… others miss entirely. I can say with absolute honesty that Julie Saman’s take is one of the best I’ve read—bold, emotionally rich, and dangerously addictive. Just be warned: this story ends on a jaw-clenching, heart-wrenching, perfectly cruel cliffhanger.
Cursed King, book one in the Once Upon Ever After series, introduces us to King Sebastian—a man burdened by shadows, secrets, and something far more sinister lurking beneath the surface. When Bellamy is hired as nanny to his three children, neither of them could possibly predict what’s about to unfold. Watching Bellamy form an instant, heartfelt bond with the children is pure joy—junk food feasts, cosy movie nights, and the quiet magic she weaves into their lives soften even the hardest edges of this story.
Sebastian may try to keep his distance, but the chemistry between him and Bellamy is undeniable. With every page, the tension tightens and the passion ignites, simmering and sizzling until it’s impossible to ignore. Yet beneath the warmth of found family and growing desire, something darker pulses relentlessly in the background. Is it a curse… or something far more dangerous?
I was completely hooked from start to finish and immediately desperate to dive into the second and final instalment, Cursed Queen. If you love dark fairytale retellings, brooding heroes, fierce heroines, and stories that balance heart, heat, and high-stakes suspense—this one is unmissable.
I love a dark, suspense-filled romance retelling of a classic fairytale—and when you add a tortured, cursed king, three utterly delightful children, a sassy, headstrong nanny, and scorching heat, I am completely hooked. Wrapped around the familiar bones of Beauty and the Beast, Cursed King by Julie Saman delivers a modern, darker fairytale that sinks its claws in from page one and refuses to let go.
Over the past few years, fairytale retellings have exploded, especially those reimagined as darker, more intense romances. Some hit the mark beautifully… others miss entirely. I can say with absolute honesty that Julie Saman’s take is one of the best I’ve read—bold, emotionally rich, and dangerously addictive. Just be warned: this story ends on a jaw-clenching, heart-wrenching, perfectly cruel cliffhanger.
Cursed King, book one in the Once Upon Ever After series, introduces us to King Sebastian—a man burdened by shadows, secrets, and something far more sinister lurking beneath the surface. When Bellamy is hired as nanny to his three children, neither of them could possibly predict what’s about to unfold. Watching Bellamy form an instant, heartfelt bond with the children is pure joy—junk food feasts, cosy movie nights, and the quiet magic she weaves into their lives soften even the hardest edges of this story.
Sebastian may try to keep his distance, but the chemistry between him and Bellamy is undeniable. With every page, the tension tightens and the passion ignites, simmering and sizzling until it’s impossible to ignore. Yet beneath the warmth of found family and growing desire, something darker pulses relentlessly in the background. Is it a curse… or something far more dangerous?
I was completely hooked from start to finish and immediately desperate to dive into the second and final instalment, Cursed Queen. If you love dark fairytale retellings, brooding heroes, fierce heroines, and stories that balance heart, heat, and high-stakes suspense—this one is unmissable.
December 15, 2025
Bellamy is an English teacher in the small kingdom of Messalina, trying to care for her father. When he wanders away from his nursing home, and makes his way into the royal palace, 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. As she immerses herself into palace life, she falls in love with the children, but also realizes that there is more to the King than his brooding stares and standoffish demeanor.
Sebastian became King at a young age, forced into the role by what is known as his family curse. Following the death of his wife in front of him and his children in a tragic helicopter crash, he has secluded himself and his children, for their safety, refusing to leave the palace for three years. After losing yet another nanny, he finds himself trying to find someone different, when a beautiful american teacher wanders into the palace, and he his convinced by others to bring her on in the role. As the weeks turn into months, he realizes that she not only brings life to the palace, but to his children, and reluctantly, to himself as well. Unable to resist his attraction, they collide in fiery passion, embarking in what may become a doomed love affair.
I received an early copy of this audiobook from Valentine PR and absolutely adored it. I loved the modern-day spin on Beauty and the Beast, and the belief that only love may be able to lift an age-old curse. While Bellamy may be inexperienced when it comes to relationship, her heart and passion are quickly able to break down the walls that Sebastian has never let down for anyone before. As we fall in love right along with Bellamy and Sebastian, we learn that there may be more to the story than was initially thought.Warning, this does have a cliffhanger ending, but Cursed Queen is coming out soon so buckle up for this wild ride.
Sebastian became King at a young age, forced into the role by what is known as his family curse. Following the death of his wife in front of him and his children in a tragic helicopter crash, he has secluded himself and his children, for their safety, refusing to leave the palace for three years. After losing yet another nanny, he finds himself trying to find someone different, when a beautiful american teacher wanders into the palace, and he his convinced by others to bring her on in the role. As the weeks turn into months, he realizes that she not only brings life to the palace, but to his children, and reluctantly, to himself as well. Unable to resist his attraction, they collide in fiery passion, embarking in what may become a doomed love affair.
I received an early copy of this audiobook from Valentine PR and absolutely adored it. I loved the modern-day spin on Beauty and the Beast, and the belief that only love may be able to lift an age-old curse. While Bellamy may be inexperienced when it comes to relationship, her heart and passion are quickly able to break down the walls that Sebastian has never let down for anyone before. As we fall in love right along with Bellamy and Sebastian, we learn that there may be more to the story than was initially thought.Warning, this does have a cliffhanger ending, but Cursed Queen is coming out soon so buckle up for this wild ride.
December 15, 2025
This is my first fairytale retelling, and I absolutely loved it.
This book features a single dad and nanny romance, a virgin FMC, close proximity, grumpy sunshine dynamics, royalty, and a Beauty and the Beast retelling.
The story follows Bellamy and Sebastian. Bellamy enters the palace to save her father, who unknowingly wandered onto palace grounds, but ends up becoming the king’s children’s nanny instead.
I loved how the author showed Bellamy slowly wearing Sebastian down and how she loved his children so wholeheartedly. That bond was beautifully written.
I also appreciated how the author explored Sebastian’s grief after losing his wife and his decision to hide his children because of the curse. It really highlighted how deeply protective he is as a father.
I don’t usually dislike characters, but I disliked Samil from the moment he appeared.
Sebastian’s children were absolutely adorable and added so much warmth to the story.
This book ends on a cliffhanger and I can’t wait to read the second part
This is a 5-star read, and I highly recommend it.
Thank you to the author and Valentine PR for this ARC.
This book features a single dad and nanny romance, a virgin FMC, close proximity, grumpy sunshine dynamics, royalty, and a Beauty and the Beast retelling.
The story follows Bellamy and Sebastian. Bellamy enters the palace to save her father, who unknowingly wandered onto palace grounds, but ends up becoming the king’s children’s nanny instead.
I loved how the author showed Bellamy slowly wearing Sebastian down and how she loved his children so wholeheartedly. That bond was beautifully written.
I also appreciated how the author explored Sebastian’s grief after losing his wife and his decision to hide his children because of the curse. It really highlighted how deeply protective he is as a father.
I don’t usually dislike characters, but I disliked Samil from the moment he appeared.
Sebastian’s children were absolutely adorable and added so much warmth to the story.
This book ends on a cliffhanger and I can’t wait to read the second part
This is a 5-star read, and I highly recommend it.
Thank you to the author and Valentine PR for this ARC.
December 19, 2025
What a Phenomenal retelling! The cursed king, broken by the tragedy of losing his queen! This book captures you from chapter one, and it won’t let you go! The nanny is forced to accept the job to protect her dad. Not knowing she will fall in love with the royal family. The cursed? Well, it’s a cursed they can’t get away from and one you must read about. The cliffhanger is perfection, and the spice? Uff, be ready to sweat! Perfect reading during the winter! I’m obsessed this story!
5🎧
5⭐️
4🌶️
Thank you JSaman and Valentine Pr for letting me listen to this amazing story!!! I’m in love and can’t wait for the conclusion of this amazing story!
5🎧
5⭐️
4🌶️
Thank you JSaman and Valentine Pr for letting me listen to this amazing story!!! I’m in love and can’t wait for the conclusion of this amazing story!
December 18, 2025
4 ⭐️.
OH GOD. I NEVER EXPECTED THAT PLOT TWIST AND THAT ENDING. I NEED BOOK 2 ASAP.
It is a captiving dark romance, retellinng of Beauty and the Beast (my favourite classical book I must confess). The suspense and chilling atmosphere made me feel like I'm inside of the book. Also, the chemistry between King Sebastian and Bellamy, the royal nanny is very good. I love the sweet and cute moments between king's offspring and Bellamy. They're so adorable.
The reason why I didn't give it 5 stars is because the fact the King Sebastian felt Insta Lust (and I'm slow-burn girlie) for Bellamy.
OH GOD. I NEVER EXPECTED THAT PLOT TWIST AND THAT ENDING. I NEED BOOK 2 ASAP.
It is a captiving dark romance, retellinng of Beauty and the Beast (my favourite classical book I must confess). The suspense and chilling atmosphere made me feel like I'm inside of the book. Also, the chemistry between King Sebastian and Bellamy, the royal nanny is very good. I love the sweet and cute moments between king's offspring and Bellamy. They're so adorable.
The reason why I didn't give it 5 stars is because the fact the King Sebastian felt Insta Lust (and I'm slow-burn girlie) for Bellamy.
December 13, 2025
Yes, yes, YESSSSS! All the stars. This retelling is amazing and a route I am so excited Julie is taking…
I love an amazing retelling. As an adult I love seeing the beloved stories of my youth taking another shape and this one has everything I love. Yes there’s a bit of a cliffy but it’s worth it because there’s so much more to this world and one book can’t capture it all.
Julie did an amazing job with Bellamy and Sebastian. You see their connection grow and are part of every moment of their journey. I love Bellamy so much and omg the kids…so dang cute. Everything about this book hooked me and kept me long after the final
Word because it’s not the end.
I love an amazing retelling. As an adult I love seeing the beloved stories of my youth taking another shape and this one has everything I love. Yes there’s a bit of a cliffy but it’s worth it because there’s so much more to this world and one book can’t capture it all.
Julie did an amazing job with Bellamy and Sebastian. You see their connection grow and are part of every moment of their journey. I love Bellamy so much and omg the kids…so dang cute. Everything about this book hooked me and kept me long after the final
Word because it’s not the end.
Read
December 17, 2025My review will follow soon. Mijn recensie volgt binnenkort.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)
Spice-meter: 🌶️🌶️☆☆☆ (2/5)
Audiobook: 🎧 Dual
Series: Once Upon Ever After, Book 1 (must be read in order)
Cursed King is a dark, emotionally charged contemporary romance that takes the familiar Beauty and the Beast framework and strips it down to something raw, intense, and deeply human. This was my first book by Julie Saman, and it immediately stood out for how confidently it balances fairy-tale inspiration with modern grit. Beneath the royal setting and whispered curse lies a story rooted in grief, obligation, and the slow, dangerous pull of forbidden desire. The romance unfolds with restraint and tension, driven not by excess spice but by longing, power imbalance, and emotional stakes that feel earned. What truly elevates the story is how thoughtfully loss is handled, both romantic and familial, and how love is portrayed not as a cure, but as a risk. This isn’t a soft fairy tale meant to comfort; it’s a darker retelling that understands pain, control, and vulnerability, and isn’t afraid to let them coexist.
The Story
When Bellamy’s father accidentally trespasses into the off-limits palace of Messalina, she comes face to face with Sebastian, the widowed king feared by his people and bound by an ancient royal curse. Given an impossible ultimatum, Bellamy agrees to become the nanny to his three children to protect her father from imprisonment. Inside the palace walls, she discovers a man shaped by loss, duty, and an unrelenting need for control, yet fiercely devoted to his children. As proximity blurs boundaries and attraction ignites, danger closes in and secrets unravel. Their connection deepens in ways neither can afford, forcing them to confront the curse, the past, and the cost of choosing love when the world insists they shouldn’t.
🎧 Narration
Performed in dual narration by Sean Masters and Desiree Ketchum, and the emotional delivery is spot on. Masters brings Sebastian’s authority, restraint, and underlying torment to life with controlled intensity, while Ketchum captures Bellamy’s strength, vulnerability, and quiet defiance beautifully. Together, they navigate grief, tension, banter, and spice with ease, elevating the audiobook into a fully immersive experience. Their performances add emotional depth to every interaction and make the listening experience one of the strongest elements of the story.
What I Loved
✔️ A dark, modern Beauty and the Beast retelling
✔️ A sassy, resilient heroine carrying real responsibility
✔️ A grumpy, powerful king shaped by grief
✔️ Strong emotional tension over excessive spice
✔️ Thoughtful handling of loss and healing
✔️ A cliffhanger that hits hard and lingers
Tropes & Vibes
✔️ Age Gap
✔️ Alpha Hero
✔️ Beauty and the Beast
✔️ Billionaire Royalty
✔️ Boss / Employee
✔️ Boy Obsessed
✔️ Enemies to Lovers
✔️ Fairy Tale Retelling
✔️ Grumpy / Sunshine
✔️ Nanny
✔️ Forced Proximity
✔️ Tragic Past
✔️ Virgin Heroine
✔️ Single Dad
✔️ Suspense
✔️ Touch Her and D*e Energy
Final Thoughts
Cursed King is a compelling start to the Once Upon Ever After series dark, emotionally grounded, and surprisingly nuanced. Julie Saman delivers a romance that leans into longing, power, and grief without losing its heart. The cliffhanger is sharp and effective, leaving a lasting emotional impact and an immediate need for book two.
Spice-meter: 🌶️🌶️☆☆☆ (2/5)
Audiobook: 🎧 Dual
Series: Once Upon Ever After, Book 1 (must be read in order)
Cursed King is a dark, emotionally charged contemporary romance that takes the familiar Beauty and the Beast framework and strips it down to something raw, intense, and deeply human. This was my first book by Julie Saman, and it immediately stood out for how confidently it balances fairy-tale inspiration with modern grit. Beneath the royal setting and whispered curse lies a story rooted in grief, obligation, and the slow, dangerous pull of forbidden desire. The romance unfolds with restraint and tension, driven not by excess spice but by longing, power imbalance, and emotional stakes that feel earned. What truly elevates the story is how thoughtfully loss is handled, both romantic and familial, and how love is portrayed not as a cure, but as a risk. This isn’t a soft fairy tale meant to comfort; it’s a darker retelling that understands pain, control, and vulnerability, and isn’t afraid to let them coexist.
The Story
When Bellamy’s father accidentally trespasses into the off-limits palace of Messalina, she comes face to face with Sebastian, the widowed king feared by his people and bound by an ancient royal curse. Given an impossible ultimatum, Bellamy agrees to become the nanny to his three children to protect her father from imprisonment. Inside the palace walls, she discovers a man shaped by loss, duty, and an unrelenting need for control, yet fiercely devoted to his children. As proximity blurs boundaries and attraction ignites, danger closes in and secrets unravel. Their connection deepens in ways neither can afford, forcing them to confront the curse, the past, and the cost of choosing love when the world insists they shouldn’t.
🎧 Narration
Performed in dual narration by Sean Masters and Desiree Ketchum, and the emotional delivery is spot on. Masters brings Sebastian’s authority, restraint, and underlying torment to life with controlled intensity, while Ketchum captures Bellamy’s strength, vulnerability, and quiet defiance beautifully. Together, they navigate grief, tension, banter, and spice with ease, elevating the audiobook into a fully immersive experience. Their performances add emotional depth to every interaction and make the listening experience one of the strongest elements of the story.
What I Loved
✔️ A dark, modern Beauty and the Beast retelling
✔️ A sassy, resilient heroine carrying real responsibility
✔️ A grumpy, powerful king shaped by grief
✔️ Strong emotional tension over excessive spice
✔️ Thoughtful handling of loss and healing
✔️ A cliffhanger that hits hard and lingers
Tropes & Vibes
✔️ Age Gap
✔️ Alpha Hero
✔️ Beauty and the Beast
✔️ Billionaire Royalty
✔️ Boss / Employee
✔️ Boy Obsessed
✔️ Enemies to Lovers
✔️ Fairy Tale Retelling
✔️ Grumpy / Sunshine
✔️ Nanny
✔️ Forced Proximity
✔️ Tragic Past
✔️ Virgin Heroine
✔️ Single Dad
✔️ Suspense
✔️ Touch Her and D*e Energy
Final Thoughts
Cursed King is a compelling start to the Once Upon Ever After series dark, emotionally grounded, and surprisingly nuanced. Julie Saman delivers a romance that leans into longing, power, and grief without losing its heart. The cliffhanger is sharp and effective, leaving a lasting emotional impact and an immediate need for book two.
Review of advance copy
*Please note, I was provided with an ARC version of this book by Valentine PR and Literary Management, and am voluntarily leaving an honest review*
If you're looking for something quick and dirty, that somehow manages to give you all the warm fuzzies while at the same time spiking your anxiety levels for fictional characters, this is definitely the book for you. As soon as I saw it was Beauty and the Beast retelling, I knew I had to apply for it, and it definitely doesn't disappoint!
I would say that this book relies quite heavily on the reader having knowledge of the source material to pick up on some of the underlying context, but nonetheless there is certainly enough detail to get you by if you're just looking for a little bit of brain candy. Does this make it a little predictable? Sure, but when I'm picking up a retelling like this, I'm going in to experience the author's own take on the tale. And in this case there are some beautiful additions and tweaks that add a whole 'nother dimension and had me ready to devour the work.
The story is fast paced, but it still manages to tell its own story, flesh out characters that you can't help but invest in and includes moments of high tension, delicious spice and builds just enough of a world that you can ground yourself in that reality. Indeed, my brain decided immediately to have Messalina share a border with Genovia!
My absolute favourite moments of the book were when the kids were involved. They are all cute as buttons, with cheeky vibes and mischievous attitudes that are fit to make anyone broody. Their dynamic with Bellamy is so sweet! I found that the childrens' feelings and grief were a gateway to allow Bellamy to explore her own feelings, and then in turn this allowed her to process Sebastian's behaviour. They're wondeful little characters!
The twists on each character from the fairy tale work really well, and raise some thoughtful explorations of love and loss in its various forms. It's the characters' reactions to those emotions that really make this story; from Bellamy's relentless positivity to Sebastian's overprotective instincts, these become the focal point and their development is really well done. If I have a criticism, it's only that I would have liked more of 'beast mode', but that's the main issue with a B&tB retelling - you already know that he'll turn into a handsome (more than handsome in this case) Prince, so he's just our grumpy hero from the off. Similarly, the 'Gaston' character immediately evokes a reaction, which only serves to heighten your wariness and worry as the book progresses.
As for the 'dirty' part of quick and dirty, oh yes does the spice be spicing here! The fact that Sebastian's tastes run darker is a real draw, and the scenes do just about manage to stay on the right side of the line between integral to the poot and gratuitous smut. I just can't decide whether there was too much detail, or not enough!
This is the first in a duet, so we are left on tenterhooks at the end. It is a cliffhanger, but I don't tend to mind them too much, so I found it a really good ending. And I don't think the next one is too far away, so no painful long waits for a resolution!
I'll definitely be reading Part 2 in due course, and would absolutely recommend this without hesitation!
If you're looking for something quick and dirty, that somehow manages to give you all the warm fuzzies while at the same time spiking your anxiety levels for fictional characters, this is definitely the book for you. As soon as I saw it was Beauty and the Beast retelling, I knew I had to apply for it, and it definitely doesn't disappoint!
I would say that this book relies quite heavily on the reader having knowledge of the source material to pick up on some of the underlying context, but nonetheless there is certainly enough detail to get you by if you're just looking for a little bit of brain candy. Does this make it a little predictable? Sure, but when I'm picking up a retelling like this, I'm going in to experience the author's own take on the tale. And in this case there are some beautiful additions and tweaks that add a whole 'nother dimension and had me ready to devour the work.
The story is fast paced, but it still manages to tell its own story, flesh out characters that you can't help but invest in and includes moments of high tension, delicious spice and builds just enough of a world that you can ground yourself in that reality. Indeed, my brain decided immediately to have Messalina share a border with Genovia!
My absolute favourite moments of the book were when the kids were involved. They are all cute as buttons, with cheeky vibes and mischievous attitudes that are fit to make anyone broody. Their dynamic with Bellamy is so sweet! I found that the childrens' feelings and grief were a gateway to allow Bellamy to explore her own feelings, and then in turn this allowed her to process Sebastian's behaviour. They're wondeful little characters!
The twists on each character from the fairy tale work really well, and raise some thoughtful explorations of love and loss in its various forms. It's the characters' reactions to those emotions that really make this story; from Bellamy's relentless positivity to Sebastian's overprotective instincts, these become the focal point and their development is really well done. If I have a criticism, it's only that I would have liked more of 'beast mode', but that's the main issue with a B&tB retelling - you already know that he'll turn into a handsome (more than handsome in this case) Prince, so he's just our grumpy hero from the off. Similarly, the 'Gaston' character immediately evokes a reaction, which only serves to heighten your wariness and worry as the book progresses.
As for the 'dirty' part of quick and dirty, oh yes does the spice be spicing here! The fact that Sebastian's tastes run darker is a real draw, and the scenes do just about manage to stay on the right side of the line between integral to the poot and gratuitous smut. I just can't decide whether there was too much detail, or not enough!
This is the first in a duet, so we are left on tenterhooks at the end. It is a cliffhanger, but I don't tend to mind them too much, so I found it a really good ending. And I don't think the next one is too far away, so no painful long waits for a resolution!
I'll definitely be reading Part 2 in due course, and would absolutely recommend this without hesitation!
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
⭐️5 ARC review
I have been waiting due the day that Julie enters her darker era and I am HERE for this!! When she announced the plot and tropes for this one I knew I was going to be all over it, and honestly I was! Life is particularly busy right now and thanks to that it took me way longer than usual to read, but every time I found 5mins I could just sit and dive back in I did… and then promptly hated my family for interrupting my time 😂
Bellamy and Sebastian were everything I wanted them to be. I could not have loved them any more!! The tension, the awareness of the other, the sneaked glances and besotted infatuation at the beginning were the most amazing set up for them. I loved the way they fell for each other with every paragraph, every line. And when they finally admit it? SWOON. I giggled and kicked my feet like a schoolgirl and I’m not even ashamed!
The spice in this one… Lord have mercy!! Julie’s spice is always on point but with this darker element of full possession, the beastly advances and nature of Sebastian… wow. Hot doesn’t even come close! Combustion. Soul searing. Search for your partner or stick your hand down your panties kinda hot!!
I loved the plot and how it followed the well lived Beauty and the Beast theme without feeling like it was all about that. The suspense was woven in so delicately at first, and the towards the end? I was on the edge of my seat in those final two chapters!! The ending was of course a cliffhanger setting us up for book two, yes. But did that bother me? Essentially no, but I need more like right NOW!
I loved it. I’m not shocked because Julie and darker suspense goes together like candy canes and hot chocolate… smooth, melty and oh so damn satisfying!
Cannot wait for book two and the rest of this series in our darker Messilina world!
I have been waiting due the day that Julie enters her darker era and I am HERE for this!! When she announced the plot and tropes for this one I knew I was going to be all over it, and honestly I was! Life is particularly busy right now and thanks to that it took me way longer than usual to read, but every time I found 5mins I could just sit and dive back in I did… and then promptly hated my family for interrupting my time 😂
Bellamy and Sebastian were everything I wanted them to be. I could not have loved them any more!! The tension, the awareness of the other, the sneaked glances and besotted infatuation at the beginning were the most amazing set up for them. I loved the way they fell for each other with every paragraph, every line. And when they finally admit it? SWOON. I giggled and kicked my feet like a schoolgirl and I’m not even ashamed!
The spice in this one… Lord have mercy!! Julie’s spice is always on point but with this darker element of full possession, the beastly advances and nature of Sebastian… wow. Hot doesn’t even come close! Combustion. Soul searing. Search for your partner or stick your hand down your panties kinda hot!!
I loved the plot and how it followed the well lived Beauty and the Beast theme without feeling like it was all about that. The suspense was woven in so delicately at first, and the towards the end? I was on the edge of my seat in those final two chapters!! The ending was of course a cliffhanger setting us up for book two, yes. But did that bother me? Essentially no, but I need more like right NOW!
I loved it. I’m not shocked because Julie and darker suspense goes together like candy canes and hot chocolate… smooth, melty and oh so damn satisfying!
Cannot wait for book two and the rest of this series in our darker Messilina world!
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!
Review of advance copy received from Author
With no paranormal or fantasy elements, this fairytale inspired contemporary romance surprised me with a fresh take on retellings and well developed characters.
✍🏻What’s it about?
Taking placed in the cursed kingdom of Messalina, a widowed King keeps himself and his three daughters sequestered away in the palace for safety. When her ill father accidentally wonders into the castle, Bellamy must become the children’s nanny in order to keep her father out of prison. Although the beastly, grumpy king wants nothing to do with her, his eyes follow her every move, and she develops an attraction to him. Bellamy knows this isn’t a fairytale, so nothing good could come from their relationship—not to mention the danger that lurks in the shadows.
💭My Thoughts:
Enemies to Lovers?✅ Banter? ✅ Heated Encounters? ✅ Forbidden Steamy Smex?✅ Forced Proximity?✅ What can I say but this one checked off all the boxes! The king is the consummate alpha hero with a tragic past and a side of grumpy attitude except he has heart and you can’t help but fall for his dominating need for control. The interactions with his children made me melt and gave his character more depth. Bellamy’s character is smart, sassy, and I thoroughly enjoyed her going toe-to-toe with the King over his children’s (and his own) needs. The fiery scenes with the King where he lets loose his deviant bedroom preferences are more than fan 🪭worthy!
Although seemingly predictable, this one comes with a few twists that kept me intrigued and the cliffhanger is a doozy! I look forward to reading the next book, Cursed Queen when it releases in January!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
✍🏻What’s it about?
Taking placed in the cursed kingdom of Messalina, a widowed King keeps himself and his three daughters sequestered away in the palace for safety. When her ill father accidentally wonders into the castle, Bellamy must become the children’s nanny in order to keep her father out of prison. Although the beastly, grumpy king wants nothing to do with her, his eyes follow her every move, and she develops an attraction to him. Bellamy knows this isn’t a fairytale, so nothing good could come from their relationship—not to mention the danger that lurks in the shadows.
💭My Thoughts:
Enemies to Lovers?✅ Banter? ✅ Heated Encounters? ✅ Forbidden Steamy Smex?✅ Forced Proximity?✅ What can I say but this one checked off all the boxes! The king is the consummate alpha hero with a tragic past and a side of grumpy attitude except he has heart and you can’t help but fall for his dominating need for control. The interactions with his children made me melt and gave his character more depth. Bellamy’s character is smart, sassy, and I thoroughly enjoyed her going toe-to-toe with the King over his children’s (and his own) needs. The fiery scenes with the King where he lets loose his deviant bedroom preferences are more than fan 🪭worthy!
Although seemingly predictable, this one comes with a few twists that kept me intrigued and the cliffhanger is a doozy! I look forward to reading the next book, Cursed Queen when it releases in January!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Review of advance copy received from Author
Cursed King by Julie Saman is a addictive Beauty and the Beast retelling filled with obsession, passion, and a haunting family curse that makes it impossible to look away. 👑🔥
Bellamy never imagined her new job as a nanny would trap her inside the cold, golden cage of Messalina’s royal palace. Sebastian, the king - a widower, a father of three, and a man cursed by his bloodline is as dangerous as he is magnetic. He’s built walls around his heart, convinced that love and his curse only ever destroys. But when Bellamy steps into his world, those walls begin to crumble.
She’s young, struggling to care for her father with dementia, and suddenly blackmailed into working for a man she should fear, yet she can’t stay away. Their chemistry is pure tension: forbidden glances, sharp words, and explosive passion. When he growls “You called me a beast, Bellamy, and that is precisely what I am,” it’s game over. The slow burn gives way to raw, possessive obsession - “You’re mine, Bellamy. I’ll never be able to let you go.”
Between palace secrets, political enemies, and a curse that promises brutal deaths and one-sided love, their connection feels both dangerous and fated. Bellamy might be the only one who can break it, if love doesn’t destroy them first.
Sebastian is ruthless, royal, and impossibly tender with her and rough when she wants it. From diamond declarations to whispered “Your Majesty” in the dark, this book is pure sinful fairytale energy.
The ending? A massive cliffhanger that left me screaming for Cursed Queen. This duet is going to ruin me in the best way.
Bellamy never imagined her new job as a nanny would trap her inside the cold, golden cage of Messalina’s royal palace. Sebastian, the king - a widower, a father of three, and a man cursed by his bloodline is as dangerous as he is magnetic. He’s built walls around his heart, convinced that love and his curse only ever destroys. But when Bellamy steps into his world, those walls begin to crumble.
She’s young, struggling to care for her father with dementia, and suddenly blackmailed into working for a man she should fear, yet she can’t stay away. Their chemistry is pure tension: forbidden glances, sharp words, and explosive passion. When he growls “You called me a beast, Bellamy, and that is precisely what I am,” it’s game over. The slow burn gives way to raw, possessive obsession - “You’re mine, Bellamy. I’ll never be able to let you go.”
Between palace secrets, political enemies, and a curse that promises brutal deaths and one-sided love, their connection feels both dangerous and fated. Bellamy might be the only one who can break it, if love doesn’t destroy them first.
Sebastian is ruthless, royal, and impossibly tender with her and rough when she wants it. From diamond declarations to whispered “Your Majesty” in the dark, this book is pure sinful fairytale energy.
The ending? A massive cliffhanger that left me screaming for Cursed Queen. This duet is going to ruin me in the best way.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was a book I couldn’t even try to put down. I was lucky enough to be given an ARC/ALC of this book and I was blown away. The immersive read was such an added bonus.
This books gives you all the Beauty and the Beast vibes with a modern day feel. Sebastian is a believed to be cursed King, who struggles to find a nanny for his children. Bellamy bursts into their lives when her father breaks into the palace. The King’s daughters were immediately taken with her and beg their father to let her stay and be their nanny.
Bellamy is a free spirit, who loves life and breathes a new sense of fun into the palace. She is witty, smart and loves to flirt with the King to get under his skin. Sebastian and Bellamy have undeniable chemistry and I absolutely adored their banter.
Bellamy brings out a new side to Sebastian and he can’t help but fall in love with her. He had a softness about him with her but also a dominating nature which he brought out in the bedroom. These two couldn’t stay away from each other.
This book is full of secrets from the past that come to light and shock you! You will be on the edge of your seat wanting to find out how everything plays out! This books does end on a cliffhanger and I can’t wait for the next book and the conclusion.
✨ What you’ll love:
🥀 Beauty & the Beast retelling
😡 Enemies to lovers
🫣 Age gap
🌞 Grumpy / Sunshine
👨👧👧 Single dad / nanny
👑 Contemporary royalty (NOT romantasy or paranormal)
💥 Suspense & dark themes
☠️ Touch her and die vibes
🤭 Strong virgin heroine
🏫 Forced proximity
🔥 High steam with plenty of k!nk
This books gives you all the Beauty and the Beast vibes with a modern day feel. Sebastian is a believed to be cursed King, who struggles to find a nanny for his children. Bellamy bursts into their lives when her father breaks into the palace. The King’s daughters were immediately taken with her and beg their father to let her stay and be their nanny.
Bellamy is a free spirit, who loves life and breathes a new sense of fun into the palace. She is witty, smart and loves to flirt with the King to get under his skin. Sebastian and Bellamy have undeniable chemistry and I absolutely adored their banter.
Bellamy brings out a new side to Sebastian and he can’t help but fall in love with her. He had a softness about him with her but also a dominating nature which he brought out in the bedroom. These two couldn’t stay away from each other.
This book is full of secrets from the past that come to light and shock you! You will be on the edge of your seat wanting to find out how everything plays out! This books does end on a cliffhanger and I can’t wait for the next book and the conclusion.
✨ What you’ll love:
🥀 Beauty & the Beast retelling
😡 Enemies to lovers
🫣 Age gap
🌞 Grumpy / Sunshine
👨👧👧 Single dad / nanny
👑 Contemporary royalty (NOT romantasy or paranormal)
💥 Suspense & dark themes
☠️ Touch her and die vibes
🤭 Strong virgin heroine
🏫 Forced proximity
🔥 High steam with plenty of k!nk
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Cursed King is a dark, emotionally grounded contemporary romance that reimagines Beauty and the Beast in a way that feels raw, modern, and deeply human. From the first chapter, the story pulls you into the cursed kingdom of Messalina, where grief, duty, and forbidden desire shape every interaction.
Sebastian, the widowed king, is cold, controlled, and ruled by loss, yet utterly devoted to his three children—his one undeniable weakness. Bellamy is a capable, resilient heroine forced into an impossible situation, and her strength lies not in defiance alone, but in responsibility, compassion, and restraint. Their romance builds slowly through proximity and tension, driven by longing and power imbalance rather than excess spice, making every moment feel earned.
What truly sets this book apart is its handling of grief and love. Love isn’t portrayed as a cure, but as a risk—one that demands vulnerability and threatens carefully built walls. The fairy-tale inspiration is clear, yet the story never softens the darker themes of control, loss, and danger lurking beneath the palace walls.
The suspense runs steadily alongside the romance, and the cliffhanger lands hard, leaving a lasting emotional impact and an immediate need for the next book.
Cursed King is a compelling start to the Once Upon Ever After series—dark, nuanced, and emotionally charged. This was my first book by J. Saman, and it definitely won’t be my last.
Thank you Julie & Valentine PR for the Arc this is my honest review. Enjoy!
Cursed King is a dark, emotionally grounded contemporary romance that reimagines Beauty and the Beast in a way that feels raw, modern, and deeply human. From the first chapter, the story pulls you into the cursed kingdom of Messalina, where grief, duty, and forbidden desire shape every interaction.
Sebastian, the widowed king, is cold, controlled, and ruled by loss, yet utterly devoted to his three children—his one undeniable weakness. Bellamy is a capable, resilient heroine forced into an impossible situation, and her strength lies not in defiance alone, but in responsibility, compassion, and restraint. Their romance builds slowly through proximity and tension, driven by longing and power imbalance rather than excess spice, making every moment feel earned.
What truly sets this book apart is its handling of grief and love. Love isn’t portrayed as a cure, but as a risk—one that demands vulnerability and threatens carefully built walls. The fairy-tale inspiration is clear, yet the story never softens the darker themes of control, loss, and danger lurking beneath the palace walls.
The suspense runs steadily alongside the romance, and the cliffhanger lands hard, leaving a lasting emotional impact and an immediate need for the next book.
Cursed King is a compelling start to the Once Upon Ever After series—dark, nuanced, and emotionally charged. This was my first book by J. Saman, and it definitely won’t be my last.
Thank you Julie & Valentine PR for the Arc this is my honest review. Enjoy!
Review of advance copy received from Author
OMG! I cannot believe I have to wait u til the second half of this story comes out to find out what happens! This is why I have a love hate relationship with cliffhangers! It will be worth it, but I want to know now. Cursed King will reel you in from the start and you’ll be hooked on Sebastian and Bellamy’s story. The moment these two meet the attraction is off the charts, but that’s the last thing either is thinking about. Bellamy is just trying to survive and take care of her dad and when things take a turn, now she’s a nanny for the royal family. Sebastian is king and he has had a way with how his family live since the tragedy and those rules start to be pushed by Bellamy. Bellamy and Sebastian constantly push one another and their boundaries that you’re just waiting for the moment they finally just give in. I devoured this book and had to know how their twisted journey would go and oh boy, there is drama, painful pasts, dark and cursed family that will have you on the edge of your seat. Then add in the adorable children of Sebastian and they will just melt your heart and steal the show. Cursed King takes us on an intense, emotional, dark and tragic tale that will take you on an emotional rollercoaster and counting down the days until Cursed Queen is here! I can’t wait as well as for the rest of the books in this new series by Julie Saman! If you love a dark, retelling of a fairytale, you’ll love Cursed King!
Review of advance copy received from Author
** Audio Review **
Yes, my sweets! Cursed King by Julie Saman was an alluring and addictive royal romance that had me consumed in all the best ways. I couldn’t get enough of Bellamy and Sebastian’s insta love chemistry along with all the modern day beauty and the beast vibes. This is book one of a duet, so prepare your heart for a cliffy ending!
Desiree Ketchum and Sean Masters perform this audiobook in dual narration. This pairing was perfect to perform Bellamy and Sebastian’s fairy tale love story. Desiree’s melodic tone captured Bellamy’s sass and strength as she protected her father, and gave into her own desires for the tempting king. Sean adopted a slightly French accent for Sebastian that encompassed his grumpy, touch her and die vibes perfectly making me melt. Both narrators created a sense of desperation and an undeniable passion between Bellamy and Sebastian making their connection spicy and hot!
Overall, I loved this book. If you are a fan of an enemies to lovers romance with a hot broody beast of a king, a feisty book-loving nanny, two princesses and a prince, forced proximity, a tragic past, a man obsessed, new job opportunities, a flirty prime minister, movie nights, he takes care of her, library visits, explosive steamy times, dangerous threats, winter ball proposals, love declarations, secrets about the past, and a cliffhanger ending that will leave you breathless, then you will love the beginning of Bellamy and Sebastian’s story. I need more now!
Yes, my sweets! Cursed King by Julie Saman was an alluring and addictive royal romance that had me consumed in all the best ways. I couldn’t get enough of Bellamy and Sebastian’s insta love chemistry along with all the modern day beauty and the beast vibes. This is book one of a duet, so prepare your heart for a cliffy ending!
Desiree Ketchum and Sean Masters perform this audiobook in dual narration. This pairing was perfect to perform Bellamy and Sebastian’s fairy tale love story. Desiree’s melodic tone captured Bellamy’s sass and strength as she protected her father, and gave into her own desires for the tempting king. Sean adopted a slightly French accent for Sebastian that encompassed his grumpy, touch her and die vibes perfectly making me melt. Both narrators created a sense of desperation and an undeniable passion between Bellamy and Sebastian making their connection spicy and hot!
Overall, I loved this book. If you are a fan of an enemies to lovers romance with a hot broody beast of a king, a feisty book-loving nanny, two princesses and a prince, forced proximity, a tragic past, a man obsessed, new job opportunities, a flirty prime minister, movie nights, he takes care of her, library visits, explosive steamy times, dangerous threats, winter ball proposals, love declarations, secrets about the past, and a cliffhanger ending that will leave you breathless, then you will love the beginning of Bellamy and Sebastian’s story. I need more now!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Welcome to Messalina, Indeed!!
Cursed King isn’t your mother’s fairy tale. This modern day retelling of Beauty and the Beast is darker, sexier, steamier, and more suspenseful than the childhood story you remember so well.
Yes, King Sebastian is definitely a beast. He’s broody, grumpy, and stubborn. He’s also devastatingly handsome. You know, the guy you can’t stand but secretly crush on at the same time. His Majesty can be downright infuriating, and he’s built a fortress around the iceberg that is his heart.
Along comes Bellamy Wright, and she’s beautiful as she is beguiling. Bellamy’s innocence, her sarcasm, and her refusal to let him intimidate her unnerve Sebastian, but he reluctantly hires her to nanny his children anyway. She’s the sunlight to Sebastian’s darkness, and she believes anything is possible.
Being surrounded by all of that beautiful light not only starts to thaw his heart, it also erodes the foundation of his mighty fortress. When this Beastly King awakens, it’s nothing short of sinful. He’s demanding, possessive, and commanding. Sebastian’s dirty talk is next-level, and his mouth is filthy in all the best ways. He's the Beast you'll never want to tame!!
Julie Saman promised us something darker, more suspenseful, and she more than delivered on that promise. Cursed King ends on a cliffhanger, and I can’t wait to continue my descent into the darkness!
Cursed King isn’t your mother’s fairy tale. This modern day retelling of Beauty and the Beast is darker, sexier, steamier, and more suspenseful than the childhood story you remember so well.
Yes, King Sebastian is definitely a beast. He’s broody, grumpy, and stubborn. He’s also devastatingly handsome. You know, the guy you can’t stand but secretly crush on at the same time. His Majesty can be downright infuriating, and he’s built a fortress around the iceberg that is his heart.
Along comes Bellamy Wright, and she’s beautiful as she is beguiling. Bellamy’s innocence, her sarcasm, and her refusal to let him intimidate her unnerve Sebastian, but he reluctantly hires her to nanny his children anyway. She’s the sunlight to Sebastian’s darkness, and she believes anything is possible.
Being surrounded by all of that beautiful light not only starts to thaw his heart, it also erodes the foundation of his mighty fortress. When this Beastly King awakens, it’s nothing short of sinful. He’s demanding, possessive, and commanding. Sebastian’s dirty talk is next-level, and his mouth is filthy in all the best ways. He's the Beast you'll never want to tame!!
Julie Saman promised us something darker, more suspenseful, and she more than delivered on that promise. Cursed King ends on a cliffhanger, and I can’t wait to continue my descent into the darkness!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This dark and steamy retelling of Beauty and the Beast with hints of Sound of Music because of Grumpy Dad and Sweet and Innocent Nanny will knock your socks right off! King Sebastian, the ill-tempered monarch who has sequestered his family away in a remote palace after the death of his wife, has kept them away from everyone and not allowed them outside the palace walls. He fears The Curse that has been rumored to have been cast on his family decades earlier after several tragedies.
When Bellamy, a beautiful and sweet innocent, 15 years his junior, is literally dropped at his feet, he is coerced by his daughters and Aunts to hire her as nanny for his children. They were enraptured by her within minutes of meeting her. Sebastian is immediately attracted to her and for that reason is cruel to her and continuously pushes her away. It is a fight he cannot win.
All the feels in this book! I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN! It was magical witnessing the love grow between Sebastian and Bellamy, as well as Bellamy with the children! But I was also on the edge of my seat, worried about that dang curse and if and when it was going to lift it's nasty little head! Samil gave me the creeps and I cringed whenever he came around. I already knew it ended on a cliffy, so I was worried about that as I neared the end of the book, and I should have been! Julie, I NEED THE SECOND BOOK NOW! If I could give this book more than 5 STARS I would! It is FANTASTIC!
When Bellamy, a beautiful and sweet innocent, 15 years his junior, is literally dropped at his feet, he is coerced by his daughters and Aunts to hire her as nanny for his children. They were enraptured by her within minutes of meeting her. Sebastian is immediately attracted to her and for that reason is cruel to her and continuously pushes her away. It is a fight he cannot win.
All the feels in this book! I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN! It was magical witnessing the love grow between Sebastian and Bellamy, as well as Bellamy with the children! But I was also on the edge of my seat, worried about that dang curse and if and when it was going to lift it's nasty little head! Samil gave me the creeps and I cringed whenever he came around. I already knew it ended on a cliffy, so I was worried about that as I neared the end of the book, and I should have been! Julie, I NEED THE SECOND BOOK NOW! If I could give this book more than 5 STARS I would! It is FANTASTIC!
December 19, 2025
***ARC & ALC REVIEW***
Just WOW! What did I just read??? This is not the usual writing style I'm used to from Julie. She knocked it out of the park with Cursed King. It is a darker Beauty and the Beast retelling, and I was here for every minute of it! This was a dark, suspenseful, action-packed romance about a family curse that seems to plague the royal kingdom of Messalina. It is packed with danger, thrilling twists and turns I didn't see coming, and an undeniable passion that burns bright. I don't think you're ready for the grumpy king, Sebastian, who falls for the young, mesmerizing foreign commoner, Bellamy, turned nanny. They both had their own crosses to bear, and it seemed as if their souls called to each other.
I devoured this book from beginning to end! It was engaging, entertaining, raw, gritty, and thrilling. The plot was perfectly paced and so well-written. The characters showed strength and growth throughout the story. The children were adorable. If you love a dark fairy tale retelling with gripping action, angst, and sizzling hot passion, this is the book for you! It ends on a cliffhanger and I am anxiously awaiting book #2, Cursed Queen!
I can't say enough how great a job Sean Masters and Desiree Ketchum did, bringing this story and its characters to life. Their inflections and emotions they poured into their voices made me feel as if I was living the story alongside these characters. I could listen to this story over and over!
Just WOW! What did I just read??? This is not the usual writing style I'm used to from Julie. She knocked it out of the park with Cursed King. It is a darker Beauty and the Beast retelling, and I was here for every minute of it! This was a dark, suspenseful, action-packed romance about a family curse that seems to plague the royal kingdom of Messalina. It is packed with danger, thrilling twists and turns I didn't see coming, and an undeniable passion that burns bright. I don't think you're ready for the grumpy king, Sebastian, who falls for the young, mesmerizing foreign commoner, Bellamy, turned nanny. They both had their own crosses to bear, and it seemed as if their souls called to each other.
I devoured this book from beginning to end! It was engaging, entertaining, raw, gritty, and thrilling. The plot was perfectly paced and so well-written. The characters showed strength and growth throughout the story. The children were adorable. If you love a dark fairy tale retelling with gripping action, angst, and sizzling hot passion, this is the book for you! It ends on a cliffhanger and I am anxiously awaiting book #2, Cursed Queen!
I can't say enough how great a job Sean Masters and Desiree Ketchum did, bringing this story and its characters to life. Their inflections and emotions they poured into their voices made me feel as if I was living the story alongside these characters. I could listen to this story over and over!
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Review of Cursed King by J. Saman
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶����🌶/5
I absolutely loved that this was a modern-day retelling of Beauty and the Beast. The familiar elements blended so beautifully with a fresh, contemporary twist, and I was completely hooked. Sebastian and Bellamy were pure perfection together.
While I loved the story as a whole, the true heart-stealers for me were the children - Phaedra, Sabrina, and Zayer. Their relationship with Bellamy was incredibly heartwarming and added so much depth and emotion to the story.
There was a strong thread of suspense woven throughout, especially surrounding the cursed king and his family, which kept me guessing until the very end. And that cliffhanger…wow!!! I genuinely don’t think I’ve recovered yet. It was not at all how I expected the story to end as it unfolded, and it left me absolutely reeling.
I cannot wait to see how everything plays out in Cursed Queen. As excited as I am for the conclusion, I’m especially looking forward to Uncle Rowan’s story in Midnight Prince. There’s something dark, dangerous, and irresistibly intriguing about him and I already know I’m going to be obsessed. 🖤🔥
What To Expect:
🥀Beauty and the Beast retelling
😡Enemies to Lovers
🫣Age Gap
🌞Grumpy/Sunshine
👨👧👧Single Dad/Nanny
👑Royalty
💥Suspense and dark themes
☠️Touch her and... you know
🤭Virgin Strong Heroine
🏫Forced Proximity
#JSaman #CursedKing
#CursedQueen #OnceUponEverAfter #ARCReview #ARCTeam #BeautyAndTheBeastRetelling
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶����🌶/5
I absolutely loved that this was a modern-day retelling of Beauty and the Beast. The familiar elements blended so beautifully with a fresh, contemporary twist, and I was completely hooked. Sebastian and Bellamy were pure perfection together.
While I loved the story as a whole, the true heart-stealers for me were the children - Phaedra, Sabrina, and Zayer. Their relationship with Bellamy was incredibly heartwarming and added so much depth and emotion to the story.
There was a strong thread of suspense woven throughout, especially surrounding the cursed king and his family, which kept me guessing until the very end. And that cliffhanger…wow!!! I genuinely don’t think I’ve recovered yet. It was not at all how I expected the story to end as it unfolded, and it left me absolutely reeling.
I cannot wait to see how everything plays out in Cursed Queen. As excited as I am for the conclusion, I’m especially looking forward to Uncle Rowan’s story in Midnight Prince. There’s something dark, dangerous, and irresistibly intriguing about him and I already know I’m going to be obsessed. 🖤🔥
What To Expect:
🥀Beauty and the Beast retelling
😡Enemies to Lovers
🫣Age Gap
🌞Grumpy/Sunshine
👨👧👧Single Dad/Nanny
👑Royalty
💥Suspense and dark themes
☠️Touch her and... you know
🤭Virgin Strong Heroine
🏫Forced Proximity
#JSaman #CursedKing
#CursedQueen #OnceUponEverAfter #ARCReview #ARCTeam #BeautyAndTheBeastRetelling
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wow! What an absolutely brilliant story! A definite 10 plus stars from me! This is not your typical Beauty and the Beast, it’s dark and delicious and totally enthralling. Sebastian is the King of Messalina who feels his family is cursed due to a tragedy in his past. He is widowed with three delightful children who need a nanny. In walks Bellamy, unexpectedly becoming a huge part of their family. The attraction between them is so palpable that I could feel the heat coming off the pages. But how could a King and a much younger Nanny ever work out? I rooted for them throughout as I just knew in my heart that they belonged together. Sebastian deserves love in his life and Bellamy is the perfect person for him. She is beautiful, witty and devoted to his children. Their journey isn’t without trouble and when an outside force threatens Bellamy, Sebastian will stop at nothing to protect her. I could feel the lust and love coming off the pages, deep in my heart and soul. Plus their chemistry is so sizzling hot, I had to keep a fire extinguisher next to my Kindle in case it caught on fire! Yes, I highly recommend this story! And yes, I can’t wait for Cursed Queen so I can find out what happens next! Absolutely heart wrenching and breathtaking! I am in complete awe of this author!
December 16, 2025
✨ARC Review✨
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
WOW. I am completely blown away by the start of this duet. This dark Beauty and the Beast retelling pulled me in from the very first page and refused to let go. The writing is stunning, immersive, and addictive—I genuinely didn’t want to stop reading.
Julie Saman has done it again, somehow managing to surprise me in the best possible way. The banter is sharp, the chemistry is intense, and the plot is perfectly paced. Every element works—the main characters, the side characters, and the emotional depth woven throughout the story.
Watching their relationship slowly develop was everything. The tension, the push and pull, and the moment they finally give in to their attraction? Pure fire. 🔥 The spicy scenes are chef’s kiss 🥵 and perfectly earned.
I’m so grateful I won’t have to wait too long for book two because this one ends on a brutal cliffhanger. Huge thank you to Valentine PR and author Julie Saman for the opportunity to read this in advance ❤️
Tropes:
🥀 Dark Beauty and the Beast retelling
👑 Royalty
🔥 Age gap
💼 Boss / employee
🍼 Single dad / nanny
🐺 Alpha hero
🌸 Virgin FMC
⚔️❤️ Enemies to lovers
🏠 Forced proximity
💔 Tragic past
💰 Billionaire
☠️ Touch-her-and-die vibes
😱 Ends on a cliffhanger
If you love dark romance with intense chemistry, emotional depth, and unforgettable characters, this one is a must-read.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
WOW. I am completely blown away by the start of this duet. This dark Beauty and the Beast retelling pulled me in from the very first page and refused to let go. The writing is stunning, immersive, and addictive—I genuinely didn’t want to stop reading.
Julie Saman has done it again, somehow managing to surprise me in the best possible way. The banter is sharp, the chemistry is intense, and the plot is perfectly paced. Every element works—the main characters, the side characters, and the emotional depth woven throughout the story.
Watching their relationship slowly develop was everything. The tension, the push and pull, and the moment they finally give in to their attraction? Pure fire. 🔥 The spicy scenes are chef’s kiss 🥵 and perfectly earned.
I’m so grateful I won’t have to wait too long for book two because this one ends on a brutal cliffhanger. Huge thank you to Valentine PR and author Julie Saman for the opportunity to read this in advance ❤️
Tropes:
🥀 Dark Beauty and the Beast retelling
👑 Royalty
🔥 Age gap
💼 Boss / employee
🍼 Single dad / nanny
🐺 Alpha hero
🌸 Virgin FMC
⚔️❤️ Enemies to lovers
🏠 Forced proximity
💔 Tragic past
💰 Billionaire
☠️ Touch-her-and-die vibes
😱 Ends on a cliffhanger
If you love dark romance with intense chemistry, emotional depth, and unforgettable characters, this one is a must-read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
“The heart is built to love, and the mind is built to hurt. They’re rarely balanced and aren’t always fair. Choose your heart and follow its passion and eventually your mind will have no choice but to follow.” 👑🏰
CURSED KING by J. Saman was a romantic story woven with dark themes and lots of spice. It builds up slowly before reaching it's climax and ends on a cliffhanger. Luckily the conclusion to this duet is out next month.
My favourite thing about Bellamy was how her connection to the kids developed and I can imagine how her background as a teacher helped with that. I loved also how the beauty and the beast retelling was brought to life in a non fantasy way with this story.
"I’m not sure what to do. Because I know, no matter what, there will be consequences for this. And they’ll be violent."
I read this book as an audiobook that was narrated as a duet by both narrators. The accent of the male narrator was something I had to get used to in the beginnen, but it fit perfectly with the setting of the story.
👑 single dad & nanny
🏰 dark themes & spice
👑 contemporary royalty
🏰 age gap
✨️ 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 | ★★★★ | 4/5
𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘳 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘨𝘪𝘧𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘦 𝘢 𝘤𝘰𝘱𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬. 𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘴 𝘢 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘣𝘫𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸, 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘰𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘰𝘸𝘯.
FIND ME HERE • @justmyfantasyworld
CURSED KING by J. Saman was a romantic story woven with dark themes and lots of spice. It builds up slowly before reaching it's climax and ends on a cliffhanger. Luckily the conclusion to this duet is out next month.
My favourite thing about Bellamy was how her connection to the kids developed and I can imagine how her background as a teacher helped with that. I loved also how the beauty and the beast retelling was brought to life in a non fantasy way with this story.
"I’m not sure what to do. Because I know, no matter what, there will be consequences for this. And they’ll be violent."
I read this book as an audiobook that was narrated as a duet by both narrators. The accent of the male narrator was something I had to get used to in the beginnen, but it fit perfectly with the setting of the story.
👑 single dad & nanny
🏰 dark themes & spice
👑 contemporary royalty
🏰 age gap
✨️ 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 | ★★★★ | 4/5
𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘳 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘨𝘪𝘧𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘦 𝘢 𝘤𝘰𝘱𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬. 𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘴 𝘢 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘣𝘫𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸, 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘰𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘰𝘸𝘯.
FIND ME HERE • @justmyfantasyworld
December 17, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
Bellamy thought she’d have a quiet, peaceful day to read, but sadly no. Her father, who suffers from dementia, walked out of the healthcare facility he’s living in and goes to the King of Messalina’s palace. Bellamy goes after him and ends up being the King’s children’s nanny.
I was slightly confused in the first chapter; it went from the accident to it being three years later without a break in the chapter. Other than that, I couldn’t get enough of this book!
I loved the heat and the flirting between Sebastian and Bellamy before anything intimate happened between them, but when they finally were together, SPARKS WERE FLYING!!
I absolutely loved how instantly enamored Sebastian’s daughters, Phaedra and Sabrina, were towards Bellamy when they first met, and the same goes for when his son, Zayer, met Bellamy and the relationship they continuously build throughout the book.
I liked how with Bellamy’s help, Sebastian finally saw how keeping his children locked in the palace was slowly harming them, and slowly but surely, he was able to take the kids out on activities outside the palace, while still ensuring they’re all protected.
There’s fun, flirty banter, exceptional spice, some suspense with some dark themes!
I loved this book and will read anything by this author; she is one of my absolute favorites.
Bellamy thought she’d have a quiet, peaceful day to read, but sadly no. Her father, who suffers from dementia, walked out of the healthcare facility he’s living in and goes to the King of Messalina’s palace. Bellamy goes after him and ends up being the King’s children’s nanny.
I was slightly confused in the first chapter; it went from the accident to it being three years later without a break in the chapter. Other than that, I couldn’t get enough of this book!
I loved the heat and the flirting between Sebastian and Bellamy before anything intimate happened between them, but when they finally were together, SPARKS WERE FLYING!!
I absolutely loved how instantly enamored Sebastian’s daughters, Phaedra and Sabrina, were towards Bellamy when they first met, and the same goes for when his son, Zayer, met Bellamy and the relationship they continuously build throughout the book.
I liked how with Bellamy’s help, Sebastian finally saw how keeping his children locked in the palace was slowly harming them, and slowly but surely, he was able to take the kids out on activities outside the palace, while still ensuring they’re all protected.
There’s fun, flirty banter, exceptional spice, some suspense with some dark themes!
I loved this book and will read anything by this author; she is one of my absolute favorites.
December 17, 2025
This book had me hooked from the start, the simple fact of the trope of beauty and the beast vibes had me sucked in! Add in these amazing narrators: Sean Masters and Desiree Ketchum. Chefs kiss perfection!!
King Sebastian believes his family is cursed and because of this fear he has kept him and his family tucked away from the world to keep the safe and away from all who can cause a threat. Being a king from his lonely castle, a beast unlike any other who dare to challenge or change his decisions. Little does he know what’s in store for him. Miss Bellamy Wright is the storm bringer he NEVER could have seen coming.
Following this royal family and their story, was living a fairytale in today’s world. Falling into this bubble had me raptured and begging for more. Knowing this book was going to leave me on a cliffhanger just added to the pan of how this book ended. I need to know the rest of this story. I can’t be left with this pain of unknown for long.
If you love beauty and the beast but not looking for a romantacy book than this is the series for you! Fall into Julie’s world of modern fairy tales and see if you can piece together a story as old as time and fall in love with the cursed beast king who really is just looking for that connection and love he has always been to scared to reach for.
King Sebastian believes his family is cursed and because of this fear he has kept him and his family tucked away from the world to keep the safe and away from all who can cause a threat. Being a king from his lonely castle, a beast unlike any other who dare to challenge or change his decisions. Little does he know what’s in store for him. Miss Bellamy Wright is the storm bringer he NEVER could have seen coming.
Following this royal family and their story, was living a fairytale in today’s world. Falling into this bubble had me raptured and begging for more. Knowing this book was going to leave me on a cliffhanger just added to the pan of how this book ended. I need to know the rest of this story. I can’t be left with this pain of unknown for long.
If you love beauty and the beast but not looking for a romantacy book than this is the series for you! Fall into Julie’s world of modern fairy tales and see if you can piece together a story as old as time and fall in love with the cursed beast king who really is just looking for that connection and love he has always been to scared to reach for.
Review of advance copy
Cursed King by J. Saman is a dark, steamy contemporary royal romance and a very strong 4-star start to the Once Upon Ever After series. It takes the bones of a Beauty and the Beast–style fairy tale and spins them into a modern, suspense-tinged story about a reclusive widowed king, a desperate heroine, and a palace full of secrets and grief. The dynamic between the grumpy single dad king and the nanny he essentially strong-arms into caring for his children is intense, emotional, and packed with forbidden longing. The kids are a real highlight, adding warmth and heart to balance the darker, more possessive edges of the romance. The chemistry is sizzling, the tension is constant, and the “cursed kingdom” atmosphere gives everything a deliciously claustrophobic, gothic feel.It is very much on the steamy, melodramatic side, with a cliffhanger that sets up the next book, Cursed Queen, so readers should go in expecting high heat and high drama rather than a neatly wrapped standalone. Overall, it’s a gripping, addictive read for those who love obsessive kings, forced proximity, and twisted fairy-tale vibes. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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