Mooncursed

I need the next book immediately. Like… immediately. I would read another 600 pages of this right now without sleeping 😩✨

This completely pulled me in. It took me a little bit to settle into the world-building at the beginning, but once it clicked, I was in and could not look away.

Louisa is such a compelling main character. Defiant, a little wild, always set apart from everyone else, and constantly being pulled in directions she doesn’t fully understand. And Rune… the tension between them is absolutely palpable. You can feel it in every scene, that pull toward each other that neither of them fully trusts but can’t ignore.

The connection between them feels inevitable without being rushed, and the forced proximity just makes everything sharper. There’s this constant push and pull, not just between them, but with everything surrounding Louisa… the sea, the magic, the sense that something bigger is calling to her.

And the atmosphere?? So vivid. The way the sea is written, the borderlands, the contrast between where Louisa comes from and Rune’s world… it all felt immersive without ever dragging. I was completely captivated.

But that ending??? I am genuinely mad about it 😅 I was not emotionally prepared to be left there.

I’m obsessed. I need answers. I need the next book.

Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for the ARC in exchange for an honest review 💕

_goldenchapter

128 reviews4 followers

3.5⭐

First, thank you for Holly Renee, her team, and NetGalley for this advanced readers copy. This was my very first romantasy, and I’m glad I started with one by Holly because there’s just something about her writing that I love.

The story follows Lou, a young woman unexpectedly chosen to marry the mysterious and cursed Drowned King, Rune. As she’s pulled into a world of ancient gods, prophecies, and war, the two must navigate a fate neither of them asked for.

Since this was my first romantasy, it definitely took me a little while to understand the world and everything that was happening. It’s clear this first book is laying the foundation for a much bigger story, and there are still so many unanswered questions.

I did really enjoy Lou and Rune together. Their chemistry, longing, and connection were easy to feel. I do think some of their romantic development happened a bit suddenly, and I would have loved more interactions between them before their feelings grew as strong as they did.

That ending, though?! The cliffhanger definitely left me wanting answers, and I’ll absolutely be picking up book two. While I don’t think romantasy will become a genre I read often, this series has convinced me to stick around and see where Lou and Rune’s story goes.

Kaylee Freeland

149 reviews

July 15, 2026

Thank you to Sourcebooks and NetGalley for an advanced copy of Mooncursed. I have been so excited to read this one!

Overall I really enjoyed this and was so intrigued by the overall story idea of them both being cursed by the sea. This is so promising but I wish it had been a bit longer so their romance didn’t feel as fast.

This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.

2026-books arc-reads

Niki Gage

116 reviews

July 19, 2026

I need the next book. Now. While short, this book packs a punch. I thoroughly enjoyed the world building and I found the writing to be engaging. The cliffhanger. Come onnnnnn. I need more!! 😆

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC! Solid 4 stars from me!

Kelsey

152 reviews

This was such a cool unique story unlike anything I’ve read. I really enjoyed the magic and that cliff hanger was a doozy so I will for sure be on the look out for book 2. My only wish is that there was more build up between Lou and Rune.

Thank you #Netgalley and #SourcebooksCasablanca for the ARC.

Heidi Facklam

1,054 reviews135 followers

3.5

Courtenay

161 reviews11 followers

Review of advance copy received from NetGalley

Thank you for this early copy!

I love Holly's books and honestly this one is no different. I will start with my favorite things about it. First there is no miscommunication and I can't tell you how much I love that. Even secrets that were trying to be hidden were pretty much everyone's business within a page or two. I like that there was so much openness between the MCs regardless of how well they actually knew each other. I also am a sucker for soulmates/fated mates and this was one of the best books I have read with that specific trope. I really just enjoyed how straightforward this whole book was. As soon as they figured it out it was like BAM, yeah ok this is what that feeling is and they accepted it. So I feel like, even though we as the readers knew what was happening, they as the characters figured it out and there were no games, they were all in. Usually I feel like there's disbelief or tension and as a reader I'm always like, "whyyyy just accept it", there was none of that here. For them it was like clarity.

Now for con. I really like Holly's books because of their readability and length. They are usually quick reads with feelings all over the place that it keeps me glued to the book. However, with this one I did struggle a bit and I can't pinpoint exactly what it was. In the grand scheme of it all, I think it felt like we were skimming the surface throughout the whole book, like there was very little depth between everything, like what all did the prince give of himself? Why does the town love him so much? A lot is mentioned, but nothing is really shown (besides his tidemarks) or even really talked about. Especially since all I saw was his people drowning and him basically saying "F- it" because he would rather not sacrifice her (who btw fully accepted her fate so he was just doing it for himself) Why don't they go in the tomb/alter thing? There are a lot of reactions, but it's like I wasn't seeing the action.

Same with the MC's relationship. I get the way the relationship between the MCs was written in a way where they are bound to their duty so they just accept what it is, but then they also just kind of -feel- like they can trust each other and that way we could see how the mate bond affected them even with little interaction. I just felt like something was missing like no one really took time to get to know anyone. Like they are fae but what is their magic its mentioned they use it but what the heck are they doing? and she's human, but is she? Maybe that will be answered later. There was the one dinner scene, but even that was like surface level stuff and she zoned out so conversations were 'background noise' I couldn't tell you anything about anyone except Lou. I am not a writer, clearly, but as a reader something just felt not complete if that makes sense.

I almost feel like this was written to keep the book in a similar size to others, but by doing that we lost a lot of character depth. It feels like there could be so much more to the MCs, but we only get a glimpse. I for once feel like this book would have benefitted by being longer. My hope is that maybe I will get that deeper knowledge in the next book, maybe this needed to be written like this so the next one could go further? I don't know.

Overall I truly did love it. The romance is there, the soulmates are there, the found family is building. I think the next book will make this one even better. I liked the story it was very different from anything I have read and I enjoyed reading something not following the same formula (and honestly maybe that's where my hold up is). Don't let my review turn you away from this, just because it didn't hit with me this time does not mean it won't click with you. Like I said I still loved it the overall story was there and good I just felt a little lost along the way.

⭐️3/5
🌶️2/5

Tropes:
(not enemies to lovers btw)
Found Family
Soulmates
Fae & Human Bride
Duty vs. Sacrifice

This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.

fae netgalley

aria.roastandread

16 reviews

Review of advance copy received from NetGalley

2 Stars ⭐⭐

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an E-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

"The moon doesn't fight when the tides reach for her. She lets the ocean swell toward her night after night, knowing she'll never touch what longs for her most desperately."

First of all, the cover is gorgeous. Lured me in like how the ocean kept luring Louisa in the book. Unfortunately, I am just not the target audience of this book. We started off strong with a magical history of goddesses and curses, and the author sets up an immersive world for the readers to fall in love with. If I had to describe it, it feels like being pulled with all my five senses because I can see the ocean, I can taste the salt, I can hear the calling of the sea and the tides, I can touch the sand and I can smell the breeze as I read along. There's few beautiful sentences here that I gushed about.

However, once the characters talk, it completely took me out of the immersion. These characters fall prey to common trope of growling MMC who's specialty is either swearing or talking raunchy (cannot forget this trait because it's a requirement to be a romantasy MMC), and snippy FMC, who would always try to argue when it's not needed. I also disagree with enemies-to-lovers troupe being pitched here because the main characters fall in love with each other so quickly, accompanied with physical attraction straight off the bat. "I hate him...! But let me touch his muscles..." I become gradually confused as to why and when did they fall in love with each other, which makes me feel the intimacy between them "un-earned."

Also, I hate how we're expected to side with our main characters that abandoned his duties just to be with the FMC. Are we supposed to applaud and reward this behavior? Like "yes, my kingdom is slowly drowning, people are dying and having famine, but no, I don't want to do the binding with my beloved because it'll hurt her." Then when the only sensible voice tried to remind the King, he'll get batshit angry, choking him, saying he's the king and can do whatever he wanted. This is why I'm always iffy to pick up books where royalties are the main characters because I cannot romanticize this relationship which comes in the expenses of the commonfolk.

The plot here feels weak. There's barely any progression too. Granted, the book is quite short but I feel like this is one of the book that could've benefitted from being longer? Everything feels so rushed when you try to fit in so many things compactly. And lastly, what's up with the random mention of Rune and his siblings being Fae? It was scarcely mentioned a few times, and then it went nowhere. I didn't get any Fae vibes from them. What separates them from human? Their manner of speech, their behavior, interaction, all sounds like human. They don't have regal vibes around them, there's nothing magical about them except their first descriptions. Rune doesn't even have pointed ears in the cover and I don't see it described anywhere on the blurb. Make Rune human and it would change nothing to the plot.

Overall, my voice is just a minority here because I know that every other readers love this. I can totally see myself loving this if it's more fleshed out in some aspects. But I would totally recommend this to readers that prefer a quick, sweet romantasy read with an beautifully crafted worldbuilding.

This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.

arcs

Jaici Rae

101 reviews

Review of advance copy received from NetGalley

July 15, 2026

The way I immediately started reading this book after securing it and couldn’t stop thinking about it ever since I started! I immediately want to go back and reread it for the beautiful prose and setting that’s equally enchanting and haunting and captures you from the first page. If you could make a book baby that’s incredibly unique but with vibes from some of my favorite books including One Dark Window, Knight and the Moth, The Ever King and Wild Reverence, this would be the one. I absolutely loved it and had it preordered before I was even five percent into the story.

The Drowned King Rune won me over instantly I didn’t need to know another thing about him to be a fan after he saves her from the village she grew up in including her father that was ready to burn her at the stake simply for being born one of the cursed twins. The townspeople in a seaside town have only worshipped the moon goddess and cursed the sea goddess and as her twin is beloved by the moon she is revered in the town whereas Louisa is cursed for being loved by the sea like her mother. The sea called to Louisa her entire life and therefore she is feared by the town she’s been raised in while also being the person that people have turned to for her cures and remedies. The second Rune sees her there I think he’s done for he felt her call and couldn’t resist and I loved him for that. He’s trying to hard to avoid the curse and watch his bride go mad from the curse like his mother did and has spent his whole life researching and planning how approach his one impending marriage but once he commits and meets her nothing is as he hopes and planned.

Lou is being readied to marry the king and continue the curses requirements because the territory is falling due to the sea taking for not following through with the terms and she fears going mad but as they learn more about her they equally fear her and what she represents especially as things start to happen unexpectedly. If I could make one complaint it would just be that I wanted Lou and Rune to get to know eachother more because it feels a little sudden how much Rune is willing to sacrifice for Lou so soon after meeting her but at the same time the romantic in me loves it! Also the book really seems to focus a lot more on the gods especially Aysu the sea goddess it’s very much a forefront of the book and the constant calling she hears from the sea is so prevalent and the curse attacking the land is all for sure the main plot of the book with relationships falling second to that. I’m super curious how this series will end up being after that cliffhanger if it’s going to be a duology or a longer series? Either way I loved it and can’t wait for more. Overall I’d give it 4.5 rounded up to 5 stars. Thank you Holly Renee, NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for the advanced copy, I’ve already preordered this beauty!

Yolanda

172 reviews18 followers

Review of advance copy received from NetGalley

July 19, 2026

I knew it. I knew before I even read the first page that this book was going to end with me desperately wanting the next one. Because apparently that's just how my luck works. Ugh... I am so mad at myself for picking this book up.

Anyway, on to the actual review. This was a solid four-star read for me, but why four stars instead of five? Two reasons: world-building and pacing.

Let's start with the world-building. There is enough here that the story makes sense, but not quite enough to give me a complete picture of the world or the gods. I wanted more. More about why the gods hate each other. More about what happened to create the curse the Drowned King has to suffer through (don't worry, that's in the blurb, not a spoiler). We get enough for everything to click into place, but I found myself wanting just a little bit more. That said, this is book one in a series, so I'm hoping book two expands on all of it.

The second reason is the pacing. If you've read enough of my reviews, you already know I'm ridiculously picky about pacing, so take this as more of a personal preference than a criticism of the writing itself. A lot happens in a very short amount of time, and I found myself wishing for a little more breathing room. I wanted a bit more time for the characters to get to know each other before everything spiraled into chaos. Then again...Having that extra time probably would have taken away from the urgency that drives the story. So yes, I'm fully aware that I'm contradicting myself. Welcome to my brain.

Now for the best parts. The plot. A cursed fae king who must take a mortal bride. A bride destined to take on his curse to protect the fae people. That is a huge oversimplification, but I don't want to spoil anything. I haven't read another fantasy with quite this premise, and I thought it was such a fun concept.

The characters were another highlight.I loved Lou. She's strong, stubborn, a little broken, and exactly the kind of FMC I love reading about. And then there's Rune, our cursed king. He's your classic overprotective fae MMC, and honestly, I didn't mind that one bit.

The writing itself is easy to read, making it incredibly easy to get lost in the story and completely lose track of time. And then...That ending. Ugh...When exactly is book two coming out?

netgalley

Holly

55 reviews7 followers

Review of advance copy received from NetGalley

July 20, 2026

✨ Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC! ✨

Holly Renee has officially become an auto-read author for me, so when I saw this cover and read the premise, I knew I had to get my hands on this one. Needless to say, getting approved for the ARC had me very excited!

As the first book in a new series, I expected some time would be spent building the world and introducing the characters. The beginning was a little slower for me, and it took until around the 35% mark before I felt fully immersed. However, once the story picked up, I was completely invested and found myself flying through the pages.

One of my favorite things about this book is how unique the premise feels. In a genre filled with similar themes, Holly Renee has created a world that feels fresh and intriguing. There are still so many questions left unanswered, and I am genuinely excited to see where this story goes next.

Rune and Lou were both characters I found myself rooting for. Their relationship was one of the strongest parts of the story, especially watching it evolve from uncertainty and circumstance into trust, loyalty, and a deeper connection. They both come into this story carrying their own burdens, and I enjoyed seeing how they challenged each other, softened each other’s edges, and slowly became people they could rely on.

That being said… I wanted a little more emotional intensity. 😂 The chemistry between Rune and Lou was undeniable, but I was craving more of the slow-burn tension and emotional buildup. Give me the yearning! Give me the moments of hesitation, the impossible choices, and the undeniable pull between two people who are trying not to fall for each other. I wanted more of that “I would burn kingdoms for you” level of devotion before they fully embraced what they were becoming to one another.

Even with that, I truly enjoyed this story. Once I was pulled into the world, I was invested in Rune and Lou’s journey and eager to see what challenges await them next. Holly Renee has created a fascinating foundation for this series, and I have no doubt there is still so much more to come.

Now I’ll be over here patiently (or not so patiently) waiting for book two after that ending.

✨ More world-building.
✨ Higher stakes.
✨ More emotional chaos.

Because you already know… I am in for book 2📚

156 reviews10 followers

Review of advance copy received from NetGalley

If you're ever wondering what the "ee" stands for in Holly Renee it's for "EDGING EXTRAORDINAIRE" because WHAT THE HELL?! 😭 It's fine, it's totally fine - that ending just swept a piece of me away into the depth of a stunning love story.

Devouring Mooncursed in 24 hours wasn't enough. I want to read it again - immerse myself more, if that's possible. Holly Renee's writing pulls you straight into the story so fully you can taste the salt on your lips, feel the cloying nature of the seas' control burning through your heart as the story crashes and flows. It's honestly some of the most BEAUTIFUL writing I've ever read - so wholly unique, pulled from the depths of a brilliant mind.

MOONCURSED IS:
Yearning that singes sanity.
A curse teetering on collapse.
A goddess begging to claim.
A little witch longing to be his.

Every delicious second pulls you more into the heart of a goddess' heartbreak, into a woman's hunger for choice, a man's war with honor and wanting, and a curse that should break them long before anything else in the world could.

Louisa and Rune broke me down over a blood curse and honor, and then built me up in honesty and a bittersweet claiming.

I'm gone for this story. I'd place it with the great, let's say "water writers" - the queens of wraiths, of sirens, of sea-filled romantasy. You know which ones I'm talking about, and Holly Renee should be on that list without hesitation.

----

07/11: I'm just....WOW. Every time I think xyz and are my favorite books penned by Holly Renee she slaps me across the face (kindly) with another absolute ✨ MASTERPIECE ✨. Consider my jaw freaking dropped, and my heart filled with this one!

An insanely immersive and heartwrenching tale of the sky and sea, and everything in between. Lyrical prose, deeply layered characters, and an arranged marriage with actual emotional depth? Consider me completely under Mooncursed’s spell.

I've gotta go touch grass because I neglected life for 24 hours to devour this hot off NetGalley 😭 but I will be back to fully review this weekend!

netgalley

paperbacksandfrappes

56 reviews1 follower

A cursed sea king, a stolen bride, and a fate meant for another…

Mooncursed is one of the most exquisite love stories I've ever read. The plot is beautifully unique, woven with rich lore of the sea and the moon and an enchanting magic system that feels wholly original. Every piece of the mythology adds another layer to the story, making the world feel both ancient and magical. It's fast-paced without ever feeling rushed, with every revelation unfolding at just the right moment. Holly has such an incredible gift for crafting fantasy worlds, and her writing is rich, lyrical, and completely immersive. Every page pulled me deeper beneath the waves until I felt as though I was living this story alongside her characters.
At the heart of this story is an arranged marriage between a cursed Sea King and his mortal bride, written with such aching yearning, longing, and quiet desperation that you can't help but fall completely in love with Lou and Rune. I swear I melted every. single. time Rune said the words, 'Little Witch.'

Lou is burdened with countless names and expectations, none of which truly belong to her. Beneath them all, she's simply a young woman searching for where she belongs while falling for a man she believes she can never truly have. Rune is equally compelling—a king haunted by impossible choices, torn between saving his people and the undeniable pull he feels toward the bride fate has given him. Watching them slowly tear down each other's walls was as heartbreaking as it was beautiful. The romance is everything I could have hoped for—achingly tender, exquisitely slow-burning, and overflowing with emotional tension.

Devouring this in under 24 hours now feels like a mistake because I wasn't ready to say goodbye. I wanted to linger in this world with these characters just a little longer. It was such a privilege to be trusted with an early reader copy of Mooncursed, and I'm so grateful to have experienced this story before its release. And the best part? This story is far from over.

The Nightwatch Desk

235 reviews4 followers

Review of advance copy received from NetGalley

3-stars adult-fiction arc-review

Since birth, Louisa (Lou) Fenra has been ostracized by her village. She's about to be sentenced to death for witchcraft when she's rescued by the Drowning King.

King Rune Meris’ family is cursed. As a result, he’s required to take a bride who will be sacrificed to the sea goddess. It’s a duty that he’s avoided for as long as possible, but now his kingdom is drowning.

As Rune gets to know Lou, he realizes that his heart is on the line and this is going to be so much worse than he expected.

🌙Adult Fiction
🌊Mythological Romantasy
🌙Sea King x Saltwitch
🌊Forced Marriage
🌙Cursed Main Characters
🌊Sacrificial Bride
🌙Open Door

'Mooncursed' is a solemn romantasy set in a world of sirens, fae, and lots of saltwater. It explores a curse that was originally created from a goddess' grief. The whole thing is a ‘trolley problem’ with the heroine on one end of the tracks, and a kingdom on the other.

Lou isn't afraid to speak her mind or ask questions. She's all alone in the world after her mother was murdered by her community. After everything she’s been through, she should’ve been a lot angrier.

Rune is an intense and caring person who's trying to be a decent king. He's drawn to Lou from the moment they meet, but he’s scared of the curse. It was irritating to see his people constantly scolding Lou for not sacrificing herself fast enough.

The prose in this book wasn't to my taste. It was bogged down by an abundance of metaphors, unnecessary descriptions, and repeated words. But I did like that it had a bit of a gothic flare.

Everything moves at a fast pace, which works to this story's benefit and detriment. It never pauses long enough to become boring, but nothing is fleshed out. The romance isn't given much time to develop, instead Lou and Rune are pulled together by instinct. Hopefully the next book introduces more information and builds up their relationship.

Thank you Netgalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for providing an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Lauren G

155 reviews3 followers

Review of advance copy received from NetGalley

📚 ARC book review 👇

Moon Cursed by @authorhollyrenee out November 3rd 2026

5/5 ⭐ 2/5 🌶️

Holly's writing was achingly beautiful, poetic, and deeply atmospheric; it sunk its hooks in me from the first page and I was blissfully stuck in its current the whole time.

They are fated to wed, not to fall in love. And their love will be the thing that destroys them.

Lou (Louisa) is a human who has been cast out of society when she was born with the sea goddess’s mark upon her. Her mother was burned at the stake as a witch, and she now lives in her mother’s shadow, branded as a salt witch by the town. Her twin sister was marked by the moon, and was raised as the one who could save their world as a sacrifice to the Drowned King. But when the king comes, he picks the twin that wasn’t chosen for him by the town. He picks the one who was chosen by the sea, the one who calls to his power. She has spent her whole life being told who she is, what’s so different about being told she will be a queen?

Rune is the fae King, The Drowned King, cursed to take a human bride. If he looks her in the eye, she is cursed to succumb to the call of the ocean. She will drown and give herself to the sea goddess; her sacrifice will appease the curse and hold back the sea’s vengeance, saving his world. He thinks he is finally prepared to bind a woman to that fate. But he wasn’t ready for her. Now that he has her, how can he let her go? How can he sacrifice Lou to the sea to watch her drown? How can he live with himself if his whole kingdom does?

Either way, the choice they make will have consequences. And they may not be able to make the decision for themselves after all…

If you love the ocean and wonder what she would be like as the villain, then I would pick up this book!!!

Tropes:
- sacrificial bride
- star crossed lovers
- tortured hero
- forced marriage
- fae king MMC x human salt witch FMC
- cursed love
- they have to save their world from a goddesses vengeful curse
- he would let the world drown to save her
- dual pov
- cliffhanger ending

Emilie

378 reviews

Read

Mooncursed was one of those books where a lot was happening, but at the same time, it felt like nothing was happening. There were countless scenes where Lou would go somewhere, hear her name called, her body would react, and then everyone would carry on like it was just another Tuesday. It was hard for me to follow the action scenes and all of the things happening to Lou. Another reviewer mentioned they didn't understand a thing that happened in this book, and I can relate. There were quite a few things that weren't explained well. Rune's magic was glossed over, and I felt like we didn't get enough information about him being a fae. Lou's magic and her connection to the goddess were also confusing and could have been delved into more. That said, I did think the tidemarks were interesting and original. I expected more from Rune and Lou's romance. Their relationship was underdeveloped and felt like it was moving at 10x speed. Compared to Lou, Rune fell flat. Rune's siblings kept mentioning how he had sacrificed for his kingdom, yet we never really learned what those sacrifices were. Then, when it came time for him to support his kingdom, he didn't fully follow through. The writing was decent; however, I did notice certain descriptions were continuously repeated throughout the book, such as "heated gaze" and "trembling hands." Overall, I think the author had some interesting ideas, but the story needed some more care for the world-building and romance. Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for the ARC.

tammy ✧.*

164 reviews4 followers

Review of advance copy received from NetGalley

thank you to the publisher and the author for this advance review copy.

3 stars.

before i say anything about the content of this book, we need to have a moment for the cover. it is what drew me in in the first place, and the colors really tickle some part of my brain.

ANYWAYS. on to the review.

the magic and its machinations were really original; i loved the way the tidemarks were described as this living, writhing thing beneath the skin.
the idea of the ocean being this vengeful goddess also really spoke to me, and the lore around this (the fable, as laid out in the first chapter) was really cool, so extra points for that!

unfortunately, there was something about this book that just wasn't for me. it is marketed as adult fantasy romance, but the entire time, i felt like i was reading a young adult book. i think it was the writing, i can't really identify the specifics of it, but it threw me off (because honestly at this point, i couldn't tell you what age the characters are even supposed to be).

the romance also just didn't really feel believable to me. i feel like these two main characters didn't have more than two meaningful conversations with each other, and what did they really know about who the other was? next to nothing, i feel like.
maybe it was the shortness of this book. i don't know.
i also would have liked to see more of rune's siblings, they could've made this a lot more interesting for me!

this book will definitely be for someone else, the plot is there, the world is there, and there is definitely potential in this series! it just wasn't for me (and i am very sad about this).

arcs

Kendra

272 reviews34 followers

Review of advance copy received from NetGalley

Mooncursed made me feel like I was at sea, following Lou’s path of whispers calling her name. A warning. She’s the Saltwitch, a drowned daughter of Aysu. Ancient Gods and a prophecy that felt secretive and mysterious. Keeping your interest high! Bound to a marriage to the Drowned King that is cursed and maddening because a crowned heir must take a human bride. A perfect read for Pisces or any ocean and Siren lover 🐚🌊

I absolutely love Holly’s books, and I was so excited when I found out she was coming with a new Romantasy book that felt poetic and unique. Very thankful to have been one of the early readers! 🤍

The setting and world building felt mystical and magical, keeping an image in your head while reading which I absolutely loved! Our main characters, Lou and Rune have stories of their own that you want to latch onto to, hugging them, and letting them know it’s going to be okay because it felt tragic to learn both sides of their stories that all comes together of this curse.

I loved their tension and yearning through the pages, but I wanted a bit more from their romance. Especially in Romantasy books, I want them to feel a bit more earned and taking time for the chemistry to build up and not so rushed. I truly do like my books to feel poetic, however, I think this one felt a bit too lyrical for me and could have toned down a bit.

The cliffhanger tho!? Yeah, I was not expecting that and has peaked my interest to continue for the next book! Thank you Netgalley and Holly for the eARC! Looking forward to book 2! 🤍

arcs

Sami

46 reviews5 followers

Review of advance copy received from Author

arranged-marriage netgalley

ARC REVIEW:

5 STARS. NO FEEDBACK. NO NOTES. JUST PURE JOY AND ADMIRATION READING THIS.

It was so beautiful and epic. The world building was immaculate. I love when stories don’t need ten chapters just to make sure you understand the world and what’s going on. From chapter one, I already got my footing within the story. The chemistry and yearning was just icing on the cake.

Louisa and Rune are probably my two new favorite characters ever. There is nothing Holly can’t write. You could almost taste the ocean reading this story, it felt like a movie. Cinematic. Cohesive. Pure immersion. I mean, come on, they can’t even look at each other without the curse.

I loved the plot, the writing style, how it was a fairly quick read for me, not that it wasn’t complicated so to say. It was just a page turner. In the second book, I would love to know more about both of their mother’s stories from before. And I love a good plot twist but I am absolutely dying for the second book. It was like pirates of the Caribbean with extra romance and witches and a sprinkle of spice. do not change a thing.

You have Louisa, branded her whole life a witch, cursed, ready to bring everyone’s damnation. Rune, the Drowned King, is doing everything he can to not be like his father, only to make things worse. Lou was just supposed to be a stolen bride, the curse breaker with a deadly cost. The truth is a siren song and no one is ready to crash.

Melanie

60 reviews

Review of advance copy received from NetGalley

July 13, 2026

First of all, the cover of this book is incredible. I wanted to read it as soon as it was revealed. The artist did an amazing job!

The premise of Mooncursed also drew me in. A cursed sea king whose bride can never look upon his face? I was immediately hooked. From the very beginning, I loved the atmospheric world-building. The ocean felt like its own character: beautiful, mysterious, and terrifying.

Unfortunately, the characters were where the book lost me. Throughout most of the story, it felt like Lou and Rune weren't actually making decisions. They were constantly delaying action or letting events happen to them instead of actively shaping the story. That made it difficult for me to really connect with either of them or become invested in their journey.

I also struggled with the romance. While there was plenty of physical attraction and longing, the emotional connection felt underdeveloped. It leaned heavily into insta-love, and I didn't fully buy into their relationship. I wanted more moments where they built trust, shared their histories, and truly fell in love beyond the initial attraction.

Overall, I enjoyed the atmosphere, the mythology, and the unique premise enough to keep turning the pages, but I needed a little something more to be fully invested. Maybe more proactive characters, because I found myself siding with the "villain" (aka the voice of reason) more often than not.

Thank you to Sourcebooks Casablanca and NetGalley for the e-ARC.

Charlotte Sifford

19 reviews

Review of advance copy received from NetGalley

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4⭐
Holly Renee never misses when it comes to fantasy. Her books always pull me in, and Moon Cursed was no exception. If you love fated mates, slow-burn romance, curses, and high-stakes fantasy, there’s so much to enjoy here.
The fated mates trope was easily my favourite part. Rune and Lou’s connection had me invested from the start, and once I reached around the 70% mark, I couldn’t put it down. The final part of the book had me flying through the pages, and the ending left me desperate to know what happens next and how they’re going to save everyone. I’ll definitely be picking up the sequel.
Lou wasn’t quite the powerhouse FMC I’d built up in my head, but I still enjoyed following her journey and I’m excited to see how she grows throughout the series.
The pacing felt a little slower in the first half, with a lot of focus on the curse before the main plot really took off. I think if this had been a longer fantasy novel, that slower build-up would’ve felt even more natural, but once everything clicked into place, it was absolutely worth the wait.
The only thing I found myself wanting was a little more insight into why Rune chose Lou beyond the pull of their fated mate bond. I completely understand that’s part of the trope, but I would’ve loved just a little extra depth there.
Overall, I had such a great time reading Moon Cursed. It’s an addictive fantasy with a brilliant payoff, and that ending has me counting down until book two.

Christy

107 reviews8 followers

Review of advance copy received from NetGalley

July 19, 2026

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ARC Review – Mooncursed by Holly Renee

I genuinely don’t even know where to start with this one because I’m still thinking about it. This is the first book I have ever finished in one sitting, and I honestly couldn’t tear myself away. Holly Renee… I am fully convinced you’re the queen of edging because the tension in this book had me hanging on every single page.

I went into Mooncursed completely blind, not knowing what to expect, and that ended up being the best decision. Every chapter pulled me deeper into this incredible world, and before I knew it, I was completely obsessed. This story is unlike anything I’ve ever read, and I swear I have a highlight or bookmark on almost every page.

If you’re looking for a fantasy romance that’s going to consume your life, this is it. You’re getting sea magic, witches, forced proximity, an arranged marriage, incredible lore, a cursed Sea King, found family, nonstop tension, plenty of heat, and the most addictive slow burn wrapped up in one unforgettable adventure.

The atmosphere, the world-building, the characters… everything just worked. I was completely invested from beginning to end, and I already know this is a story I’ll be thinking about for a long time.

Trust me when I say you’re all going to be absolutely feral for this book and this couple.

Thank you to NetGalley and Holly Renee for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

Meredith

631 reviews5 followers

Review of advance copy received from NetGalley

July 20, 2026

Emotional reaction section: Holy f@ck I loved this book so much. Lou is everything and so fierce and determined. Rune is so strong and self-sacrificing. There’s multiple prophecies and so much magic and the sea! Loved the relentless presence of the ocean and salt magic and gods and WTF with that ending and how long do I have to wait for book 2?!? Need this in audio. Need this in print. Just need this.

More formal review section: this book might be short, but it pulls no punches. The world is so exquisitely detailed and every note hits beautifully. If it were a song, it would be instrumental, something that builds in volume, force and tempo with every turn. I loved the unique magic system and history of salt magic, human and fae, prophecies and curses.
Lou is a fantastic FMC. She’s far from perfect, but so devoted to staying true to herself and her past and the role she will play. Rune is just as wonderful of an MMC, although a bit more of a mystery. It isn’t until the final chapters that you really get to know him - but when you do, you’re absolutely going to burn for him.
I’m stunned by how much plot AND emotion Holly packed into this book. A LOT happens! The characters are so tormented, and it’s absolutely delicious.
100% will be buying a physical and recommend that you do as well.
This is an absolute must-read for fans of slow burn romantasy that want the characters to hurt for it.

14 reviews1 follower

Review of advance copy received from Author

Mooncursed 🌙🌊🪸✨

by Holly Renee
Coming November 2026

Review: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Sirens, curses, angry goddesses, shell woven silk, and fated love. 🐚

Mooncursed is full of mystery, yearning, and magic. The slowest of slow burns that left me begging for book two!! This book has some truly gorgeous and whimsical writing. Holly Renee offers beautiful prose and a captivating writing style that was so meaningful to this story. I found myself feeling truly haunted, but in a good way. The character depth really sets this apart from other romantasies.

First of all: RUNE!! RUNE!! I’m obsessed with him. Men who yearn are men who earn. I would really love to see more of Louisa & Rune’s connection grow💙🐚

I loved the world building in this and found it to be so unique. This story did a great job of including classic ocean-related lore (sirens are my fav) with a unique magic system and a deadly curse at bay. Louisa really stands out to me as an FMC and I can’t wait to learn more about her powers in the next book.🌊🌙

The end of chapter 25 with the knock on the door?? The ENDING?? GIRL DONT PLAY W ME RN!!!! What’s going on with Ms. Twin?? Aysu what are u doing?? Holly, grab a pen & paper for book two asap.

Thank you so much to Holly & her team for this copy of Mooncursed!! My experience reading this was especially elevated because I read it at the beach!

Jessica

181 reviews2 followers

Review of advance copy received from NetGalley

Thanks NetGalley 🩷

When I tell you Holly Renee has NEVERRRR let me down - I’m not even lying one bit.

From start to finish I was obsessed with this story, when there’s a girl whose been put down, ignored and a outcast her whole life and a random king who has to marry because of a curse you already have me ready to eat the book up….and I DID.

Lou was just a firecracker with a big heart, I felt incredibly sad about how she was treated / how her life was going. Throughout the story though she stayed strong and always questioned things at the same time I would’ve asked those questions too, I needed to know as much as she did. And Runeee ohhhh my this man was one of those MMCs that I always end up on my knees for. The way he spoke to her was so hot and cold and made me want to scream while also loving every second of it. If I never hear “little witch” again I might combust.

Every piece that fell together while reading this story started to make things click perfectly into place for me, I was guessing and wondering each thing said and then finally I would get the truth and my whole world would spin faster than I could say WHAT. The amount of times I giggled, yelled, got annoyed and needed these two to just figure it out had me stressed just as much as I was obsessed…..and then the ending. The ending took me completely out, I won’t recover until I know what happens next.

Kathleen Thompson

31 reviews3 followers

Review of advance copy received from NetGalley