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Mythmatched World #18
Cursed is the Worst: A Mythmatched M/M romance
An awkward swan shifter walks into a barre…
…after he’s already walked into the door, two people on the street, and a rack full of tiny pink tutus. While bumping into the handsome dance instructor—multiple times—is no hardship, it’ll take a miracle to overcome Kiran’s clumsiness curse and get him dance-floor ready in time to partner his ballerina sister at her wedding without knocking her on her ass.
Miracles? Hardly ex-minion demon Taj Sekani’s scene. But with Kiran in his arms, the perfect pas de deux might finally be within his grasp.
But then Taj’s old master demands a favor. And Kiran takes a decidedly sketchy shortcut to terpsichorean competency. Without that unlikely miracle, their first dance could very well be their last.
…after he’s already walked into the door, two people on the street, and a rack full of tiny pink tutus. While bumping into the handsome dance instructor—multiple times—is no hardship, it’ll take a miracle to overcome Kiran’s clumsiness curse and get him dance-floor ready in time to partner his ballerina sister at her wedding without knocking her on her ass.
Miracles? Hardly ex-minion demon Taj Sekani’s scene. But with Kiran in his arms, the perfect pas de deux might finally be within his grasp.
But then Taj’s old master demands a favor. And Kiran takes a decidedly sketchy shortcut to terpsichorean competency. Without that unlikely miracle, their first dance could very well be their last.
Audible Audio
First published January 1, 2022
About the author
E.J. Russell
54 books450 followersE.J. Russell –grace, mother of three, recovering actor–writes romance in a rainbow of flavors. Count on high snark, low angst and happy endings.
Reality? Eh, not so much.
Reality? Eh, not so much.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
January 12, 2022
3.75 stars rounded up
The parents are the worst here (seriously, I need good parents stories now) and I end up fuming with these people.
BUT, Kiran and Taj are lovely. Kiran is such a sweetheart and I love that he has no regrets at all about the curse. Taj is also wonderful and wanting to pave his own way out of just being a minion. I think they're wonderful together and I wish them all the best as a couple.
The parents are the worst here (seriously, I need good parents stories now) and I end up fuming with these people.
BUT, Kiran and Taj are lovely. Kiran is such a sweetheart and I love that he has no regrets at all about the curse. Taj is also wonderful and wanting to pave his own way out of just being a minion. I think they're wonderful together and I wish them all the best as a couple.
February 5, 2023
Like omg yall..
This short story was a part of last years ybbb and I wish I had read it sooner. This might have been the best story in the myth world so far. Which, by the way, you honestly do not need to read the others to enjoy this one.
Slight spoilers ahead
So in here we have Kiran, a very clumsy cursed swan shifter. He finds a coupon for dancing lessons and finds himself in Taj the demon minion dance studio. Poor Taj just wants to live free, but his former owner has been hurting him financially and blackmail him into finishing putting the curse on the correct person.
Of course love wins out when you are fated mates.
This one was low steam, just a couple of kisses, but you could feel the connection between them.
I would love a longer story with these two.
This short story was a part of last years ybbb and I wish I had read it sooner. This might have been the best story in the myth world so far. Which, by the way, you honestly do not need to read the others to enjoy this one.
Slight spoilers ahead
So in here we have Kiran, a very clumsy cursed swan shifter. He finds a coupon for dancing lessons and finds himself in Taj the demon minion dance studio. Poor Taj just wants to live free, but his former owner has been hurting him financially and blackmail him into finishing putting the curse on the correct person.
Of course love wins out when you are fated mates.
This one was low steam, just a couple of kisses, but you could feel the connection between them.
I would love a longer story with these two.
March 11, 2022
That was the sweetest thing ever (okay, not ever, ever) and totally charming.
I loved swan shifter Kiran and former demon minion Taj, who danced their way into love via a misplaced curse and scheming former clientele
Kiran's sister Anna was also wonderful too, how she supported her brother no matter what, was a lovely thing to read.
I loved swan shifter Kiran and former demon minion Taj, who danced their way into love via a misplaced curse and scheming former clientele
Kiran's sister Anna was also wonderful too, how she supported her brother no matter what, was a lovely thing to read.
January 6, 2022
The guys were sweet but there was a lot of doom and gloom, with Nab popping up all the time. Didn't like the father. Nice to see the matchmaker lot again. Demon and Swan shifter.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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February 25, 2023A Joyfully Jay review.
4.5 stars
Cursed is the Worst is another installment in E.J. Russell’s Mythmatched universe. While it is a standalone story and the author does a good job explaining everything, I think there’s something to be said for having read the other stories in the universe. While the MCs don’t appear anywhere else, many secondary characters do and it’s nice to have their background. I also felt it fleshed out the world a bit more. So again, it’s not strictly necessary to have read them, but as I’m a fan of this world Russell created, I have no qualms about suggesting you pick them up.
One of the things I really enjoy about Russell’s books is the way she makes me care about her characters. Kiran is an absolute sweetheart, and when I learned just what happened to him as a child, it made my admiration for him grow even more. I was also impressed at how comfortable he is with his curse, and the ways he’s learned to deal with it. On the other hand, my heart just broke for Taj and I was so angry on his behalf when his old master comes calling. I wanted nothing more than for his life to work out and for his master to be caught.
Read Kris’ review in its entirety here.
4.5 stars
Cursed is the Worst is another installment in E.J. Russell’s Mythmatched universe. While it is a standalone story and the author does a good job explaining everything, I think there’s something to be said for having read the other stories in the universe. While the MCs don’t appear anywhere else, many secondary characters do and it’s nice to have their background. I also felt it fleshed out the world a bit more. So again, it’s not strictly necessary to have read them, but as I’m a fan of this world Russell created, I have no qualms about suggesting you pick them up.
One of the things I really enjoy about Russell’s books is the way she makes me care about her characters. Kiran is an absolute sweetheart, and when I learned just what happened to him as a child, it made my admiration for him grow even more. I was also impressed at how comfortable he is with his curse, and the ways he’s learned to deal with it. On the other hand, my heart just broke for Taj and I was so angry on his behalf when his old master comes calling. I wanted nothing more than for his life to work out and for his master to be caught.
Read Kris’ review in its entirety here.
September 6, 2026
3.75 stars
February 20, 2022
This was sweet and funny. I really liked the characters and their connection. It was nice to see others from previous books in this world.
April 8, 2023
Really short, but surprisingly complete. I do wish we'd had an epilogue, it was missing a bit extra of "Taj and Killian together after the fact" for it to be fully satisfying
February 8, 2023
Cursed is the Worst is so cute! Kiran is a swan shifter and a very clumsy one at that. He attempts to learn to dance for his sisters wedding. His attempt leads him to Taj, a demon. This was light and so freakin fun to read, left me laughing and smiling. Well written with fast pacing, I couldn’t put it down!
March 10, 2023
Sweet
September 29, 2025
2.5 stars rounded up
May 28, 2026
Short and sweet, good characters, fun story.
February 13, 2022
This was bad im sorry but it just was
December 31, 2025
A very solid 4.5 Stars!!!
E.J. Russell is a new to me author, and Cursed is the Worst was a lovely introduction to her writing style and the Mythmatched World.
Cursed is the Worst was a cute story about a swan shifter, Kiran, cursed with the ultimate form of clumsiness and his attempt to learn to dance for his sister's wedding. His determination to not show up his ballerina sister leads him to a demon dance teacher, Taj, and when that fails, to an act of desperation that has hilarious consequences.
This story was just really, really lovely. It was light, funny, and romantic. It was a great escapist read, and it was just what I needed during a really heavy work week. The heat level was low with just a couple of intimate scenes (clothes on). The focus was on the romance and the events of the story. Although I generally like a bit of heat and steam in my stories, I didn't miss it here. The story was so engaging and refreshing that I was carried away with the troubles of Kiran and Taj and just needed to know how it would all work out.
Cursed is the Worst technically sits at book 2 in the Mythmatched series and #8.5 in the Mythmatched World series, but it can be read as a standalone. I had no previous knowledge of the previous series and had no problem following the story. Undoubtedly, if you have read earlier books in the series, you will likely recognise names and know backstories, but it wasn't necessary to enjoy Cursed is the Worst.
This novella is an absolute delight to read. If you are looking for a light but engaging read, you really can't go wrong with E.J. Russell's Cursed is the Worst.
E.J. Russell is a new to me author, and Cursed is the Worst was a lovely introduction to her writing style and the Mythmatched World.
Cursed is the Worst was a cute story about a swan shifter, Kiran, cursed with the ultimate form of clumsiness and his attempt to learn to dance for his sister's wedding. His determination to not show up his ballerina sister leads him to a demon dance teacher, Taj, and when that fails, to an act of desperation that has hilarious consequences.
This story was just really, really lovely. It was light, funny, and romantic. It was a great escapist read, and it was just what I needed during a really heavy work week. The heat level was low with just a couple of intimate scenes (clothes on). The focus was on the romance and the events of the story. Although I generally like a bit of heat and steam in my stories, I didn't miss it here. The story was so engaging and refreshing that I was carried away with the troubles of Kiran and Taj and just needed to know how it would all work out.
Cursed is the Worst technically sits at book 2 in the Mythmatched series and #8.5 in the Mythmatched World series, but it can be read as a standalone. I had no previous knowledge of the previous series and had no problem following the story. Undoubtedly, if you have read earlier books in the series, you will likely recognise names and know backstories, but it wasn't necessary to enjoy Cursed is the Worst.
This novella is an absolute delight to read. If you are looking for a light but engaging read, you really can't go wrong with E.J. Russell's Cursed is the Worst.
February 5, 2023
Short, sweet and funny M/M paranormal romance
Kiran Bakker has been cursed, self-invoked to save his younger sister Annemiek whom he dearly loves. Since he was 10yo, twenty years ago, he has been clumsy, very, very clumsy so much so that he tries to stay away from people and things as much as possible. He works for himself at home making an exceptional salary. Because his beloved sister has asked HIM to be her dance partner at her wedding, not their father, he has decided to take dance lessons so as not to embarrass Anni. He goes to a dance studio, Light Fantastic where he meets a gorgeous man, Taj Sekani. Thing is they both think that the other is human. Kiran is a swan shifter and Taj is a demon, centuries old. There are laws forbidding supernatural beings letting humans know about themselves. The problem Kiran and Taj encounter is an overpowering attraction. What happens when Taj’s progenitor threatens him if Taj doesn’t do something that would hurt Kiran? Who requested the curse in the beginning…that will be a surprise. Lots of interesting details to uncover.
I loved this E.J. Russell story. She seems to be able to bring the humor into her angsty M/M stories. And, if you like that formula, try this book. I volunteered to review an ARC of it through Gay Romance Reviews.
Kiran Bakker has been cursed, self-invoked to save his younger sister Annemiek whom he dearly loves. Since he was 10yo, twenty years ago, he has been clumsy, very, very clumsy so much so that he tries to stay away from people and things as much as possible. He works for himself at home making an exceptional salary. Because his beloved sister has asked HIM to be her dance partner at her wedding, not their father, he has decided to take dance lessons so as not to embarrass Anni. He goes to a dance studio, Light Fantastic where he meets a gorgeous man, Taj Sekani. Thing is they both think that the other is human. Kiran is a swan shifter and Taj is a demon, centuries old. There are laws forbidding supernatural beings letting humans know about themselves. The problem Kiran and Taj encounter is an overpowering attraction. What happens when Taj’s progenitor threatens him if Taj doesn’t do something that would hurt Kiran? Who requested the curse in the beginning…that will be a surprise. Lots of interesting details to uncover.
I loved this E.J. Russell story. She seems to be able to bring the humor into her angsty M/M stories. And, if you like that formula, try this book. I volunteered to review an ARC of it through Gay Romance Reviews.
January 12, 2024
There's a swan shifter here, but it isn't a retelling of a classic tale. There are a few standards, though, like the "magic shoes." This story fits into a larger series, and while it's a stand-alone, the greater politics of the world building are not really explained here. The story is clear enough without those details.
The characters are looking for redemption and selflessness respectively. They're cute fated mates in a world with shifters, demons and fae (though not in this story,) that are all still hiding from the humans.
The one thing that annoyed me is about language. There weren't the proofreading mistakes found in so many e-books. But there was a Southern Belle character briefly. The problem is that the author missed that "y'all" is plural. It isn't just exchanged for every "you" the character says. Pet peeve from someone who thinks English should embrace the plural "you."
The characters are looking for redemption and selflessness respectively. They're cute fated mates in a world with shifters, demons and fae (though not in this story,) that are all still hiding from the humans.
The one thing that annoyed me is about language. There weren't the proofreading mistakes found in so many e-books. But there was a Southern Belle character briefly. The problem is that the author missed that "y'all" is plural. It isn't just exchanged for every "you" the character says. Pet peeve from someone who thinks English should embrace the plural "you."
August 1, 2023
This review and more can be found at Love Bytes Reviews.
Kiran is a swan shifter who is cursed with terminal clumsiness. But his beloved sister is getting married and has asked her to dance with him at her wedding. He decides to take some dance lessons so as not to completely embarrass himself or her at the reception. He finds a coupon and shows up to take lessons. it turns out his clumsiness is actually caused by a curse. One that has plagued him most of his life.
Taj Sekani is a demon who has been let out of Sheol but has to make it in the upper world. He was made by a demon who used him to do his dirty work for year and now he has opened a dance studio and hopes to make a life for himself. Of course his progeniture, Naberius, is doing what he can to keep him from succeeding. He wants to make sure that Taj does one more job for him and then when his school fails, he’ll be sent back to Sheol where he can be tortured by Naberius forever 🙁
Taj is at first not aware that Kiran is a supernatural being also. He’s made aware by Naberius. Turns out maybe Taj and Kiran’s past are intertwined. The attraction they feel for each other is just one more thing that Naberius can use against Taj. But Taj is determined to not let Kiran be hurt again and he really does not want to go back to Sheol!
This is a super cute story that feels right at home in the Mythmatched universe. While it can work as a standalone, I was happy that I’d read the previous books so I understood who some of the supporting characters were and why they could be so helpful to Tak and Kiran. I was surprised by the baddie behind the curse and that they were the ones poised to strike again! Kiran’s sister Annemiek was so sweet and caring about her brother. She was not aware of what he’d done for her, but loved him all the same. There is some humor and fun along the way as Taj and Kiran get their happy ending. If anything, I would have liked more time with Kiran and Taj. They are adorable together and I really enjoy this whole world EJ Russell has created. Particularly for fans of this series, I think you’ll enjoy another fun story in this universe. Recommended.
Kiran is a swan shifter who is cursed with terminal clumsiness. But his beloved sister is getting married and has asked her to dance with him at her wedding. He decides to take some dance lessons so as not to completely embarrass himself or her at the reception. He finds a coupon and shows up to take lessons. it turns out his clumsiness is actually caused by a curse. One that has plagued him most of his life.
Taj Sekani is a demon who has been let out of Sheol but has to make it in the upper world. He was made by a demon who used him to do his dirty work for year and now he has opened a dance studio and hopes to make a life for himself. Of course his progeniture, Naberius, is doing what he can to keep him from succeeding. He wants to make sure that Taj does one more job for him and then when his school fails, he’ll be sent back to Sheol where he can be tortured by Naberius forever 🙁
Taj is at first not aware that Kiran is a supernatural being also. He’s made aware by Naberius. Turns out maybe Taj and Kiran’s past are intertwined. The attraction they feel for each other is just one more thing that Naberius can use against Taj. But Taj is determined to not let Kiran be hurt again and he really does not want to go back to Sheol!
This is a super cute story that feels right at home in the Mythmatched universe. While it can work as a standalone, I was happy that I’d read the previous books so I understood who some of the supporting characters were and why they could be so helpful to Tak and Kiran. I was surprised by the baddie behind the curse and that they were the ones poised to strike again! Kiran’s sister Annemiek was so sweet and caring about her brother. She was not aware of what he’d done for her, but loved him all the same. There is some humor and fun along the way as Taj and Kiran get their happy ending. If anything, I would have liked more time with Kiran and Taj. They are adorable together and I really enjoy this whole world EJ Russell has created. Particularly for fans of this series, I think you’ll enjoy another fun story in this universe. Recommended.
May 25, 2026
This was a very short, yet sweet story of finding the perfect match. It has a lot of betrayal and guilt in it as well as a bit of family animosity, but to balance it all out it has love at first dance, and the best outcome for the ending.
After eating the ENTIRETY of his little sister’s 7th birthday cake when he was 10, Kiran was afflicted by the Tanglefoot curse which was supposed to go to his sister. 20 years later, after learning to deal with the curse in his own way, Kiran has been asked to dance with his very talented sister at her wedding. He enlists the help of Taj Sekani, an ex-minion dance instructor. As they hold each other in their arms, Kiran seems to be more confident on his feet, and Taj feels a connection he can’t explain.
But then Taj’s old master returns, a previous client has complained that what they had paid for had never occurred, and so he must now try again. But what happens when the intended victim is the sister of his very first dance student? Taj has choices to make, and will Kiran be able to live with them?
I loved Kiran in this story, he is very protective of his sister and knowingly took the first curse upon himself, changing his whole life completely. When threatened with his own curse getting magnified, he stands by his original decision and does what he can to ensure that her future is kept safe.
He can live with the disappointment of his father, and the fact he is not able to shift into his swan form and fly again, if it means that his sister is happy.
Taj was a great character as well, I enjoyed how he knew Kiran so well, that he decided not to go along with his old master's plan and took steps to protect Kiran’s sister, even if his life in the Upper World was threatened. He could not betray Kiran like that. I like that he came clean to Kiran and explained what had happened in the past, laying his heart on the line.
I really disliked Kiran’s dad, who holds a grudge for 20 years over a child eating a cake? He deserves the relationship he has with both of his children.
The antagonist of the story was kind of expected, but the lengths they went to, and the reasons why they tried to curse a child were horrible. We don’t really see what happens when everything gets found out, but I was happy with how the story ended for Taj and Kiran
After eating the ENTIRETY of his little sister’s 7th birthday cake when he was 10, Kiran was afflicted by the Tanglefoot curse which was supposed to go to his sister. 20 years later, after learning to deal with the curse in his own way, Kiran has been asked to dance with his very talented sister at her wedding. He enlists the help of Taj Sekani, an ex-minion dance instructor. As they hold each other in their arms, Kiran seems to be more confident on his feet, and Taj feels a connection he can’t explain.
But then Taj’s old master returns, a previous client has complained that what they had paid for had never occurred, and so he must now try again. But what happens when the intended victim is the sister of his very first dance student? Taj has choices to make, and will Kiran be able to live with them?
I loved Kiran in this story, he is very protective of his sister and knowingly took the first curse upon himself, changing his whole life completely. When threatened with his own curse getting magnified, he stands by his original decision and does what he can to ensure that her future is kept safe.
He can live with the disappointment of his father, and the fact he is not able to shift into his swan form and fly again, if it means that his sister is happy.
Taj was a great character as well, I enjoyed how he knew Kiran so well, that he decided not to go along with his old master's plan and took steps to protect Kiran’s sister, even if his life in the Upper World was threatened. He could not betray Kiran like that. I like that he came clean to Kiran and explained what had happened in the past, laying his heart on the line.
I really disliked Kiran’s dad, who holds a grudge for 20 years over a child eating a cake? He deserves the relationship he has with both of his children.
The antagonist of the story was kind of expected, but the lengths they went to, and the reasons why they tried to curse a child were horrible. We don’t really see what happens when everything gets found out, but I was happy with how the story ended for Taj and Kiran
August 27, 2026
This was adorable. I mean, a catastrophically clumsy swan shifter taking dance lessons from a demon so he can dance with his ballerina sister at her wedding? How could that not be fun?
I really liked both Kiran and Taj. Kiran was sweet, earnest, and wonderfully accident-prone, and I loved how much of his motivation came from wanting to do something special for his sister. Taj was a great match for him, especially once we started learning more about his history and why building a life and a dance studio of his own meant so much to him. There was a surprising amount of vulnerability tucked underneath all the supernatural ridiculousness.
I also really loved that neither of them fit the usual romance-novel version of model perfect, with Kiran being a little overweight and Taj being bald. It made them feel a little more real.
I was worried this one was going to venture too far into miscommunication territory, but thankfully Taj spilled his secret just in time to avoid the dreaded “just talk to each other, idiots” annoyance.
The curse plot actually surprised me. What initially seemed like a cute excuse for Kiran’s spectacular lack of coordination ended up connecting to a much bigger piece of his past, and I liked how everything eventually came together. Russell has a knack for taking something completely absurd and somehow giving it actual emotional weight.
My only real complaint is that I wanted a little more time with Kiran and Taj. Their chemistry was there, and they were incredibly cute together, but the story moved quickly enough that I would have happily taken another few chapters of relationship development before the HEA.
Overall, though, this was another wonderfully quirky, sweet addition to the Mythmatched world. Magic, curses, demons, swan shifters, ballet, and romance really shouldn’t blend together this well, but apparently E.J. Russell has decided that normal genre boundaries are merely suggestions.
Narration Rating
Greg Boudreaux as Kiran Bakker and Taj Sekani: 4.5/5
I really liked both Kiran and Taj. Kiran was sweet, earnest, and wonderfully accident-prone, and I loved how much of his motivation came from wanting to do something special for his sister. Taj was a great match for him, especially once we started learning more about his history and why building a life and a dance studio of his own meant so much to him. There was a surprising amount of vulnerability tucked underneath all the supernatural ridiculousness.
I also really loved that neither of them fit the usual romance-novel version of model perfect, with Kiran being a little overweight and Taj being bald. It made them feel a little more real.
I was worried this one was going to venture too far into miscommunication territory, but thankfully Taj spilled his secret just in time to avoid the dreaded “just talk to each other, idiots” annoyance.
The curse plot actually surprised me. What initially seemed like a cute excuse for Kiran’s spectacular lack of coordination ended up connecting to a much bigger piece of his past, and I liked how everything eventually came together. Russell has a knack for taking something completely absurd and somehow giving it actual emotional weight.
My only real complaint is that I wanted a little more time with Kiran and Taj. Their chemistry was there, and they were incredibly cute together, but the story moved quickly enough that I would have happily taken another few chapters of relationship development before the HEA.
Overall, though, this was another wonderfully quirky, sweet addition to the Mythmatched world. Magic, curses, demons, swan shifters, ballet, and romance really shouldn’t blend together this well, but apparently E.J. Russell has decided that normal genre boundaries are merely suggestions.
Narration Rating
Greg Boudreaux as Kiran Bakker and Taj Sekani: 4.5/5
August 14, 2025
Kiran is the least elegant swan shifter around, having been cursed with clumsiness as a child. He’s so clumsy that he’s worried about dancing a bridal waltz with his renowned ballerina sister at her upcoming wedding. Miraculously, Kiran has a coupon for some dance lessons at a newly opened studio. Ex-minion entertainment demon Taj Sekani has been freed from his master under the accords but he can’t shake off his interference. Taj can’t work out why his dance instruction business is doing so badly, so he’s extra grateful when Kiran, his first customer, lurches through the door. With magical shoes, dangerous wedding cakes, and over-bearing parents, it would be a very memorable wedding!
This supernatural romance novella (126 pages) has the EJ Russell guarantee of playful hijinks and heartwarming characters. Kiran and Taj were both thoroughly decent guys, just trying to live good lives—I would have loved a novel-length story about these two!! I’ve noticed that the author often balances out the heroic good guys with some pretty dastardly evil doers. We have three baddies here to hiss and boo at but I would have liked more on-page evil. It’s a fun story and I could picture Kiran falling over everything and into everyone. 🎧 You’ve got to love an author that’s committed to audiobooks, even her small novellas, and Greg Boudreaux is the perfect narrator, he channels the laughter and tears so well!
This supernatural romance novella (126 pages) has the EJ Russell guarantee of playful hijinks and heartwarming characters. Kiran and Taj were both thoroughly decent guys, just trying to live good lives—I would have loved a novel-length story about these two!! I’ve noticed that the author often balances out the heroic good guys with some pretty dastardly evil doers. We have three baddies here to hiss and boo at but I would have liked more on-page evil. It’s a fun story and I could picture Kiran falling over everything and into everyone. 🎧 You’ve got to love an author that’s committed to audiobooks, even her small novellas, and Greg Boudreaux is the perfect narrator, he channels the laughter and tears so well!
May 19, 2022
Whoops, I think I read this one out of order, maybe, it really didn't matter though. It's part of the Mythmatched Universe but other than a few characters from some of the other books making an appearance this story doesn't necessarily fit in any particular timeline.
What a sweet, sad and heartbreaking story about betrayal and family, good and bad. It was a good tale of not all demons are evil but sometimes trusted family friends are. I loved it!
QUICK THOUGHTS
-- Quick easy read -- Paranormal -- a reluctant ex-minion Demon/Cursed klutzy Swan shifter pairing -- trying to learn to dance -- cursed dance shoes -- sister's wedding -- I want to smack that dad -- horrible best friends mother (I want to smack her too) -- some really wonderful family and friends -- some sad parts -- a bit heartbreaking -- swoon worthy parts -- some really, really sweet moments -- immediate attraction -- soul mates? I think so -- loved the MCs... Kiran & Taj -- satisfying ending -- overall an "it made me feel good" story -- short, around 100 pages -- not a stand-alone (IMO) -- goes on my "would read again" shelf -- really want more of this universe!!!!
September 6, 2022
I found this very sweet, with a bit of miscommunication, some long term secrets, a few truly terrible parents, contract snafus, and a cute couple just trying to come through it all!
Kiran was cursed a long time ago but manages the clumsiness from it everyday. However, now he has to dance with his sister at her wedding, and he doesn't want to screw it up. In an attempt to help negate the curse he decides to try dance lessons where he meets Taj. The two hit it off, though as neither realizes the other is supernatural they can't pursue anything further. Things quickly get muddled though when there are past issues popping up that effect both of them and new curses that seem to be coming around every corner.
Though short this story fit right in to the Mythmatched universe. This couple tried their best to help out their families and to make a way forward that didn't result in worse curses, but also came back to each other with each new problem. Seeing other characters from the universe worked perfectly in their situation and it showed the ongoing problems of the recent Host changes. It was a fun and light little story that is a lovely read!
Kiran was cursed a long time ago but manages the clumsiness from it everyday. However, now he has to dance with his sister at her wedding, and he doesn't want to screw it up. In an attempt to help negate the curse he decides to try dance lessons where he meets Taj. The two hit it off, though as neither realizes the other is supernatural they can't pursue anything further. Things quickly get muddled though when there are past issues popping up that effect both of them and new curses that seem to be coming around every corner.
Though short this story fit right in to the Mythmatched universe. This couple tried their best to help out their families and to make a way forward that didn't result in worse curses, but also came back to each other with each new problem. Seeing other characters from the universe worked perfectly in their situation and it showed the ongoing problems of the recent Host changes. It was a fun and light little story that is a lovely read!
June 1, 2026
So much suspense in a light humorous fantasy story! I knew it would somehow work out but I was biting my nails wondering how it would happen and wanting certain things to occur but not sure how.
The premise was great and I loved all the characters. Even the ones I hated were well done.
There were lots of cool things like one of the people getting married was nonbinary! And there was some linguistic discussions around the word “hapless” resulting in my learning a new word: hap. It was really interesting.
One little tidbit I loved was that one person in a swanky office had an Aeron chair and those are amazing. We were so fortunate to have them at Adobe and wow; so comfortable and your body stayed cool because the seat and back are airy.
The story ended earlier than I wanted it to. I wanted (major major spoiler) . I also think part of the solution was a cop out.
I’m on a mission to finish all the Mythmatched series while they’re still free on Audible. But I want to savor them too. They’re my go-to when I need something light that I know I’ll enjoy. Decisions decisions.
Greg Boudreaux narrated and he did a stellar job as always.
The premise was great and I loved all the characters. Even the ones I hated were well done.
There were lots of cool things like one of the people getting married was nonbinary! And there was some linguistic discussions around the word “hapless” resulting in my learning a new word: hap. It was really interesting.
One little tidbit I loved was that one person in a swanky office had an Aeron chair and those are amazing. We were so fortunate to have them at Adobe and wow; so comfortable and your body stayed cool because the seat and back are airy.
The story ended earlier than I wanted it to. I wanted (major major spoiler) . I also think part of the solution was a cop out.
I’m on a mission to finish all the Mythmatched series while they’re still free on Audible. But I want to savor them too. They’re my go-to when I need something light that I know I’ll enjoy. Decisions decisions.
Greg Boudreaux narrated and he did a stellar job as always.
February 2, 2023
This was such a sweet story!
I loved Kiran's character, how he made the best of his life despite the curse he lives with and how, once you know WHY he was cursed, you understand this is a just simply the sweetest, kindest most loving man , shifter and brother!
His journey in learning how to do dance was cute and funny and his attraction to Taj 100% understandable! I mean, an attractive demon minion who can dance? Who wouldn't love that.
Taj's character of a previous baddie going on the straight and narrow and just wanting to teach the world how to dance was so sweet and unexpected - I never thought of demons and dancing!
I also really enjoyed Kiran's relationship with his sister Anna and how there is clearly so much love between the two.
The villain was truly villainous in an everyday-horrible-person way and that was in stark contrast to how the ''monsters'' (so the shifters and demons and oracles etc) treated each other with love and kindness.
This was my first EJ Russell book, and I really enjoyed the writing style and humour.
I loved Kiran's character, how he made the best of his life despite the curse he lives with and how, once you know WHY he was cursed, you understand this is a just simply the sweetest, kindest most loving man , shifter and brother!
His journey in learning how to do dance was cute and funny and his attraction to Taj 100% understandable! I mean, an attractive demon minion who can dance? Who wouldn't love that.
Taj's character of a previous baddie going on the straight and narrow and just wanting to teach the world how to dance was so sweet and unexpected - I never thought of demons and dancing!
I also really enjoyed Kiran's relationship with his sister Anna and how there is clearly so much love between the two.
The villain was truly villainous in an everyday-horrible-person way and that was in stark contrast to how the ''monsters'' (so the shifters and demons and oracles etc) treated each other with love and kindness.
This was my first EJ Russell book, and I really enjoyed the writing style and humour.
January 12, 2026
This was cute. I hadn't picked it up when I first went through the series since it wasn't a part of Audible freebies like the rest. Saw it was and was excited since this was the last one for me.
I appreciated Kiran's attitude. He had to deal with the curse for many years but didn't regret a second of it. He took it onto himself for his sister when he overheard it and... I get it. I would do whatever I could for my brother.
It was great how there wasn't a big deal made when it's discovered that Taj was the demon who had to place the curse/be there for it in the beginning. Taj was concerned, and it made sense, of course, but it didn't drag on; it wasn't played out after and Kiran was understandable about it. Thought it was the perfect choice for these characters, and was just plain refreshing in that regard.
Glad I was able to get to this too and, even though it's unlikely, really wish for more in this world. It's a lot of fun and I love revisiting.
The parents truly are the worst.
Greg Boudreaux did an amazing job as always.
I appreciated Kiran's attitude. He had to deal with the curse for many years but didn't regret a second of it. He took it onto himself for his sister when he overheard it and... I get it. I would do whatever I could for my brother.
It was great how there wasn't a big deal made when it's discovered that Taj was the demon who had to place the curse/be there for it in the beginning. Taj was concerned, and it made sense, of course, but it didn't drag on; it wasn't played out after and Kiran was understandable about it. Thought it was the perfect choice for these characters, and was just plain refreshing in that regard.
Glad I was able to get to this too and, even though it's unlikely, really wish for more in this world. It's a lot of fun and I love revisiting.
The parents truly are the worst.
Greg Boudreaux did an amazing job as always.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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June 19, 2022What an adorable pair of Supes, Taj and Kiran. They add to the number of demon/supe’s couple the Mythmatched universe had. Considering their limitation, I applauded how Taj and Kiran handled their way into the problem, moreover Kiran’s open-heart and willingness to listen and interpreting the real issue. Romance-wise, it’s pretty straightforward and lacking of dramatic hot/cold nor push/pull with misunderstanding between them. Not surprising considering the length (or short) of the story. The one cavil I had was the disappointing behavior on the paternal side which spanned for decades (wow, what a great parent. NOT). Couldn’t someone just box him for the way he treated his son!?! I mean… seriously!!!
February 3, 2023
"Cursed is the worst" is part of a series but can be read as a complete standalone.
I really really love the author's mythmatched world. I've read almost all the books in this universe and I adore them (I plan to read the ones I haven't soon!). The world building is beautifully done, the magical systems are interesting and well crafted and all the supernatural species have unique qualities and and powers and lore.
I loved the plot in this book. It was very clever and I connected with the main characters right away, especially Kiran. He was the kindest and sweetest man. So selfless. And the chemistry between him and Taj was great.
I had a fantastic time reading their story and I'd love to read more about them.
A great addition to this universe.
I really really love the author's mythmatched world. I've read almost all the books in this universe and I adore them (I plan to read the ones I haven't soon!). The world building is beautifully done, the magical systems are interesting and well crafted and all the supernatural species have unique qualities and and powers and lore.
I loved the plot in this book. It was very clever and I connected with the main characters right away, especially Kiran. He was the kindest and sweetest man. So selfless. And the chemistry between him and Taj was great.
I had a fantastic time reading their story and I'd love to read more about them.
A great addition to this universe.
February 9, 2023
I LOVE the Mythmatched universe, so when I got the chance to ARC read this story I jumped at it. Like all the stories in this world, it is engaging and sweet, with plenty of humor and hijinks thrown in to amp up the entertainment level. I loved the two supernatural MC's, and I thought the choice of the swan shifter (who might be 'assumed' to be graceful) as the clumsy, cursed one was inspired. I always enjoy the intertwining of the stories in this universe and the cameos of characters from other books. There is always some drama and surprises, odd twists, and an HEA for those who deserve it. An all-around fun, feel good story.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
May 10, 2022
"Cursed is the Worst" received TWO AND A HALF stars.
The novel gained *stars* for these items:
* gained for: "The book caught my interest in the first five pages."
1/2 * gained for: "I thought about the book when I was forced to set it down and re-enter society."
* gained for: "There were no info dumps, poor writing, or copy edit mistakes that jerked me out of the story."
The novel failed to gain stars for this item:
NO STAR gained for: "I was sad when the book ended. I wanted more!"
NO STAR gained for: "That's it. I'm hooked on this author. I will automatically try anything she/he/they writes."
The novel gained *stars* for these items:
* gained for: "The book caught my interest in the first five pages."
1/2 * gained for: "I thought about the book when I was forced to set it down and re-enter society."
* gained for: "There were no info dumps, poor writing, or copy edit mistakes that jerked me out of the story."
The novel failed to gain stars for this item:
NO STAR gained for: "I was sad when the book ended. I wanted more!"
NO STAR gained for: "That's it. I'm hooked on this author. I will automatically try anything she/he/they writes."
March 10, 2022
I know that I've mentioned that giveaways like the #YourBookBoyfriendsBoyfriend are a great way to find new authors. It's also a great way to reconnect with authors that you haven't read for a while. I fell in love with E.J. Russell's "Mythmatched" world the moment I picked up "Cutie and the Beast," the first book in the "Fae Out of Water" series. I've strayed a little, but Cursed is the Worst helped me remember why I've adored this world from the beginning. Sweetness laced with danger, magic and humor. My favorite mix. ;)
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