How To Break a Love Curse

by Hazel Anthony

Leila MacDougal just learned her best friend is about to get engaged. Normally that kind of thing doesn't induce panic, especially not in a successful lawyer, but Leila has been unlucky at love. Some might say cursed. Her last three boyfriends all came out as gay-and that kind of thing can mess with a girl's head. Desperate to change her luck, Leila turns to a tarot card reader, who predicts her curse is about to end and she's about to meet her one true love. Yeah right.

Simon Cardona wakes up every morning, takes Eva to school, then goes to his job as a forensic analyst. He doesn't do anything else ever since he took custody of his sister and his fiancé left him. Why should he? Life is stable and comfortable, and Eva is happy. That's the only thing that matters.

But when Simon bumps into Leila at a local coffeeshop near the courthouse, everything changes. Simon can't get the curvy redhead out of his mind, even more so after they bump into each other again and again. Leila is also attracted to the bespectacled scientist, and begins to Could the cards actually be right? Perfect for readers who love witty romantic comedies, contemporary romance, unexpected meet-cutes, career-driven heroines, smart STEM heroes, and a little fate sprinkled into their love stories.

320 pages, Paperback

Expected publication November 28, 2026

Reviews

[Amee · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review. Thanks to BookSirens for the How to Break a Love Curse ARC. My opinions are always my own, so take them with a grain of salt. Leila and Simon are the epitome of a cute couple. Their meet-cute was even memorable, Leila calling out grumpy pants Simon. There was a bit of a back and forth before they were actually able to connect that lasted a bit longer than I’d like. But it was because Leila is a lawyer working a case that Simon happens to help her with, so the time was wasted. I just wanted them to kiss already. There is spice but it’s more a PG-13 and I liked that about it. Simon’s sister has Downs Syndrome and she was a perfect addition to the family Leila always wanted. Her mom is something else, but when she gets put in her place, it was awesome. Recommend if you’re looking for a sweet, low angst read. Low on the spice, but fill of fun and laughs.

[Selena · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is everything! Sweet, Cute, Funny and Emotional. I was kicking my feet with glee and excitement throughout the whole novel. I’ve reread it twice already and will read it again. The disability rep and mental health rep is beautifully written. I loved how real, honest and raw this story is and how it unfolded for both our FMC and MMC. It’s magical! Hazel has a beautiful and powerful writing voice and style. Hazel Anthony is a must read author, you need to add her books to your TBR! 5 stars ⭐️

[Whitney Pearce · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so honored to be chosen as an arc reader for this story! It was beautifully written and grabbed me in from the start! The characters had real and deep emotions that made them feel as though they were part of something special. The challenges they face in the story are relatable. I love the theme of medical disabilities that was interwoven within a love story. I also enjoyed the FMC’s career of law. I found myself not wanting to put the book down until I knew the outcomes of the court cases detailed in the story. Definitely a five star read!

[Cindy Molesky · Rating 5 out of 5]

What do you get when you mix a FMC with a love curse, a quirky best friend ex boyfriend and a MMC with a soft, loving heart and a uniquely special sister? You get a fun, tender easy to read romance that lets you fall in love with Leila who is a beautiful redheaded lawyer and Simon who is a good looking scientist. Find out what happens after a Tarot card reading and a chance meeting at a coffee shop. Hazel Anthony has a clear, easy to read writing style. She doesn't get bogged down in pages and pages of repeated descriptions. The pace is fast, the characters are well defined and the spice is not over the top.

Thank you for letting me be an ARC reader for this book.

[Charlene's Bookish Archives · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an absolute delight! 🥹✨ How to Break a Love Curse is witty, warm, and utterly wonderful, I devoured it in one sitting!

Leila is such a brilliant, relatable heroine, sharp, funny, and totally career focused. Her "curse" had me laughing out loud and rooting for her from page one. And Simon, Oh my heart 🥺, the quiet, caring forensic analyst who’s putting his whole life on hold for the people he loves, Chef’s kiss. He’s thoughtful, protective, and just the right amount of quiet intensity, my absolute favourite kind of hero.

Their meet cutes are adorable, their banter feels so natural, and watching two people who’ve both been hurt before slowly let their guards down, It’s beautiful. There’s no unnecessary drama here, just real people finding their way to each other, and that little touch of fate makes it feel like magic.

If you love smart, heartwarming rom-coms that make you smile long after you’ve finished reading, this one’s for you. Hazel Anthony has a brand new fan! 💌❤️

"Some might say cursed. Her last three boyfriends all came out as gay, and that kind of thing can mess with a girl's head."

[Amythyst Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leila is convinced she’s cursed in love. The story opens with her seeking advice from a psychic, even though she’s skeptical-she becomes hopeful after the tarot reading. Through a chance meeting at a coffee shop, she meets Simon, aka “Mr Grumpypants”. Shenanigans ensue!
Although this is intended as a contemporary romance, it does have aspects of real struggles that hit home for me. There is some major LGBTQ+ rep and disability rep, as Simon’s sister has Down syndrome. The author depicts this with respect and love, painting her as a normal person despite the disability. The writing hit me on a soul level, and though it had its almost groan cheesy moments (including bad dad jokes), it was an amazing read.
5/5 stars-An adorable rom com that tackles some serious issues within its pages
1/5 spice:some implied, mild open door

[Itsmep · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute, sweet romance with a fun little twist on the whole idea of being cursed in love. I enjoyed MC's Leila and Simon together, and their chemistry made their unexpected run-ins fun. Simon being a single guardian to his younger sister added a sweet family element to the story, and I loved seeing him slowly open himself up to the possibility of love again.

I liked the characters and the overall storyline, but a few things didn't fully pull me in. Still, it was an enjoyable read with a little humor, romance, and a reminder that sometimes you have to take a chance on love.

I received this book as an eARC, although it had no effect on my ability to provide a thoughtful and honest review.

[Kamilyn Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first ARC book that wasn't an academic or commentary style publication. I'd already read Hazel's first book, "I Was Never Broken" and could not wait to see if she published something else. When I saw that "How to Break a Love Curse" was coming out I was excited. Throughout the book there are little teasers or Easter eggs that both lead you to things to come and guessing at the same time. Her descriptions of the characters, their professions, their trip to a local famous city and the varying disabilities of the different characters are spot on. I'm already itching to see what her next publication will be.

[Kittykat2103 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received this as an ARC from author.

Thank you so much.

After reading a few dark, angsty romance it was so refreshing to read such a beautifully well written romance.

Its fresh, has quirky characters & pulls you in.

Such an easy writing style that doesn't over power you.

The diversity of characters so refreshing & reflects society.

One definitely for your TBR

[Micah Woodbury · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am so grateful that I was given an advanced copy to review!

This book was really good. Their love story was so cute & their support of one another was superb.

[Brittany Kearney · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

Thanks for the ARC! This book was so cute! A pretty straightforward, feel-good romance. I really enjoyed this!

[Erika Forbes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so sweet! I curled up on a rainy day this weekend and literally sat here with a smile on my face and read the entire thing. I loved having the Down’s Syndrome rep and loved all of the characters!

[Zee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me feeling ALL the emotions! It was the perfect mix of sweetness, humor, and heartfelt moments that had me kicking my feet and grinning like crazy. I’ve already reread it twice, and honestly, I can see myself going back for another round!

The disability and mental health representation were handled so beautifully, making the story feel genuine, vulnerable, and refreshingly real. I loved watching both the FMC and MMC navigate their struggles and seeing their story unfold in such a heartfelt way. There’s something truly magical about this book!

Hazel Anthony has such a beautiful, captivating writing style that makes her stories impossible not to love. If she’s not already on your radar, consider this your sign to add her books to your TBR!

[Marie McMillan]

In HOW TO BREAK A LOVE CURSE, Hazel Anthony invites us to fall in love with Simon and Leila while they fall in love with each other. It’s a pretty ask of the reader. Simon’s a scientist, Leila a lawyer, living in the south, both getting by the best they can until their paths begin crossing, first accidentally, then intentionally. What’s most lovable about the book is that both characters are so well developed. They enter the story with health struggles, complex family situations, and challenges to their work/life balance. They come to each other fully formed, but also longing for more and ready for change. Anthony fully mines this as a way for us to get to know and genuinely root for them.

And that’s just the main characters. Wait until you toss Leila’s best friend/former boyfriend Minjae and Simon’s young adult sister Eva, and you’ve really got a group worth spending time with.

Season this with just the right amount of spice, and there you have it; a fun, meaningful, sweet, sexy read. (And I did see on social media that people are considering Simon the ultimate book boyfriend, and when he sticks up for Leila to her belittling mother, I can only say YES. More of this please.)

I’d be remiss if I didn’t at least mention Anthony’s prose. Her writing is so smooth you might not notice the work it’s doing, but if you’re a craft nerd (I am) it takes only a moment to see the love and attention to detail that permeates her book.

As we enter cozy season, if this sounds like your style, then don’t miss HOW TO BREAK A LOVE CURSE by Hazel Anthony.

[Jessica Reece · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this story! Simon and Leila were such a beautiful story and they both deserved it so much…and as much as loved the main characters in the story…Eva stole the show for me. She was such a great supporting character. The writing was so fun and I really loved the length of the chapters. Thanks Hazel I loved this!

[SueAnn Lucas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this story! If you believe in love at first sight then this is the romance for you! I love Eva, so adorable. Leila is a strong lawyer with a horrible mother. This book made me laugh and cry! Who wants a Simon?! Me, lol . Love the characters and the storyline!

SueAnn

[Lindsey Kramer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so much fun! I swooned pretty hard and laughed out loud!

[Capritiger · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun, sweet romance that grabbed me from the start. I found the characters relatable and how the family and medical issues were interwoven into their love story. The court case at the centre of Leila’s story was good and kept me invested. I would definitely read another novel from Hazel. Loved it.

[abigail runion · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love how the story is told from both perspectives of the two main characters. The characters are relatable with “normal” flaws. The storyline itself is plausible, funny, with highs and lows. I think I was three chapters in and already giggling out loud with delight. Also in the darker moments of the story I was able to relate, feeling the heartbreak and frustration.
The story flows easily, each chapter is short but ends making you want to keep reading.