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A month has passed since my return to Madison Academy. I’m supposed to rescue my soul-mate Daniel Mueller from the trap I was just beginning to understand. It should’ve been a month of hope. After all, I’m the secret weapon destined to change the game forever, right?

Wrong.

Daniel disappears again, only to re-emerge as a completely different person. Yeah, that means it was just a month of more lies. More games. More half-truths twisted into full-fledged horror.

With the final battle brewing, I have no choice but to confront my identity as the gifted girl I’ve always despised. So what’s the verdict? Are we gifted?

Or cursed.

201 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 1, 2020

14 people are currently reading
50 people want to read

About the author

Aly Stiles

37 books507 followers
Love. Laugh. Cry.
From angsty and dark to snort-laugh funny, Aly writes romance from her soul to yours.

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5 stars
51 (66%)
4 stars
18 (23%)
3 stars
7 (9%)
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1 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
Profile Image for Nicole*bookaholic*.
757 reviews37 followers
June 29, 2020
So this is the 2nd book in the series. It was really good. A lot of twists. I can't wait for the 3rd book. I'd love to see how Rebecca and Daniel are doing after Clausen.
Profile Image for B. C. Booklover.
785 reviews55 followers
June 24, 2020
The plan, revealed!😳

This end of Gifted left us with a major cliffhanger and wondering, WTH is going on??? In that 1st book, the main characters, Rebecca and Daniel, both mysteriously enigmatic, had been drawn into each others powerful orbits from their 1st meeting and touch. You need to read this beginning story of their duet/series before diving into Cursed to fully understand all the details of what this means for them, the fate of Madison Academy, along with it's mystically talented residents.

I won't reveal much in this review except to say, Rebecca is not the pawn she believed herself to be, but instead could be the queen in this mental game of chess. Meanwhile, Daniel has changed so much, appearing to be the complete opposite of who she came to love from day one..she doesn't like it one little bit. How could he be so different now and why???

Once again, they are plotting, or are they being plotted against? The devil is in those details and the game keeps on changing as the story progresses toward its explosive conclusion.

This suspenseful story has some dark elements, but also has somewhat of a YA/ PG young love feel between the H and h- with longing and desire, implied rather than described in detail. Cursed focuses on well thought out plotlines with secrets, betrayals and with the MC's attempting to stay one step ahead of their enemies, which is far from easy. While their story is really a duet, I wanted to see more closure in this book for Rebecca and Daniel and was left wondering what happened with some of the other characters as well. Some threads were left hanging, but might be addressed in the next book featuring a mysterious, surprise family member of one of the main characters who might have some of that unique DNA themselves! Let the story continue!

These are not my typical genres- YA or paranormal, but since this duet was written by a favorite author using a new pen name, I jumped in. Glad I gave it a chance and tried something new- they kept me on my toes, so I know I'm going to have to read the 3rd book when it is releases to see what happens next!
Profile Image for Tracey Fandre.
478 reviews22 followers
June 21, 2020
Amazing conclusion to Rebecca and Daniel's story. I actually enjoyed this one more than the first as it had a lot more twists and turns and the story unfolded brilliantly. While it did complete their journey it does set up for a spinoff book. Very much looking forward to that.
Profile Image for Cranky - The Book Curmudgeon.
2,091 reviews154 followers
July 16, 2020
4 Cranky Stars


Ok I was baffled when I picked this up. I was like wait hold up what happened between one and two. How did such an about face happen? Tell me the answers! I kept on despite and eventually it fell into place.


Rebecca and Daniel want to put an end the "research" Director Clausen conducts. He says he wants to help these kids with their gifts but something more sinister is happening at Madison Academy. They gather their most trusted friends and together they set off to make this vision a very real reality.


I guess Rebecca grew some in this book. She learned to put herself aside to do something good. Daniel had a change and it was strange but i liked it. He finally leaned on someone else. I have questions though do kids graduate this school? Do you age out? Also where was Ben and the mean girls? Good story by a up and coming author
Profile Image for Lisa Shardlow.
Author 1 book16 followers
July 13, 2023
A month has passed since Rebecca Carson’s return to Madison Academy. It should’ve been a month of hope. Wrong. Daniel Mueller disappears only to re-emerge as a completely different person. More lies. More games. More half-truths twisted into full-fledged horror. She thought she was the pawn in their twisted game. But maybe she's the queen. With the final battle brewing, Rebecca has no choice but to confront her identity as the gifted girl she’s always despised.

Well, this book was even better than the first one! This has confirmed my love for Aly Stiles! When Daniel re-emerged as a completely different person, I had literally no clue what was happening. I couldn’t stop reading because I wanted to know what had changed him so drastically. And then the horror of his reality was revealed. I was livid! But it was completely brilliant! Again, the story was full of twists and turns, and I was gripped throughout. I really loved Rebecca and Daniel and the addition of Landon in this one too. I cared about them and found myself thinking about them between reading sessions. Rebecca was also badass - her character really progressed, and there was no eye-rolling from me this time. The ending was so good! And although this is the end of Rebecca and Daniel’s story, there is a spin-off, which of course, I will have to read.

I don’t think that there was anything that I didn’t love about this book. It had great characters, was gripping and kept me wanting more. Therefore, I give Cursed 5 out of 5 stars!

I would highly recommend this to anyone who loved the first book and enjoys paranormal romance and dark and suspenseful stories.
Profile Image for Nancy Reads.
926 reviews17 followers
June 20, 2020
CURSED (Gifted Book 2) is a continuation of Rebecca and Daniel's story. Rebecca wakes up in a hospital and her memories have been wiped. She has an unexpected friend connection to Madison Academy. Her former guidance counselor, Anna, is there to help her. Even if her memories of her time at Madison Academy have been stolen away, Rebecca is made of stronger stuff. She is a kick-butt heroine that wants to return to Madison Academy and save her soul-mate Daniel Mueller.

It is quite a surprise when Rebecca, who now must pretend memory loss, finds she isn't the only one who has drastically changed. Daniel has shockingly had a metamorphosis of the campus bad boy to campus golden boy. The evil Director Clausen has his eyes set on both of them. It is hard to tell what's true or false.

Rebecca is going to rescue Daniel and she uses all her brains and resources at her fingertips. The next time she leaves this monstrous place, she has promised it will be with Daniel. Even if she has to do it without his help, and against insurmountable odds.

Daniel's story is heart-wrenching. He is a broken-soul. But he has a girl who loves him enough to save a broken world in order to save him. Book 1 & 2 of the Gifted Series can very well be read as a duet. There is a 3rd book coming. Daniel has just learned he has a half brother. Book 3 will be his story. SOREN!
Profile Image for Linda Lee.
1,363 reviews17 followers
July 17, 2020
“Queens don’t sulk, waiting for direction, looking for excuses. Queens take charge, and if they don’t have control of the current game, they reconstruct it until they do.”

Cursed is the second book in the Gifted trilogy and I was totally invested in this book from the beginning. I couldn’t wait to read how Daniel and Rebecca’s life was unfolding in Madison Academy. I was on the edge of my seat waiting for the next twist to come at me. I loved this storyline and the characters, but I really like the suspense of the plot. The game was constantly changing as the pieces were being moved and the players were changed. Imagine trying to keep something safe and secure, to not tell a soul, but they read your mind. There are loads of secrets to reveal, but there’s also an open book of thoughts. Who can really be trusted, who’s playing on your team? This is a book where even the reader feels manipulated. Can’t wait to read Sören’s book.
Profile Image for Pamela Lilley.
2,224 reviews39 followers
January 25, 2021
Book 2 in the Gifted series continues on from ‘that’ cliffhanger in book 1, as Daniel and Rebecca try to expose Clausen for the fraud he really is. Easier said than done. Clausen always seems to be one step ahead of them with his diabolical plan. Again, there’s more twists and turns, and nothing is quite as straight forward as it seems. Losing memories, stealing memories, reading minds, it’s all one big mind game. Who can Rebecca trust? Daniel has turned into the school’s golden boy, while Rebecca is now the school pariah. Daniel is also blowing hot and cold when it comes to Rebecca, Anna appears to have abandoned her, and Clausen has done a complete 180, playing Mr Nice Guy. All things considered Rebecca is doing the best she can, with the information she has, all while trying not to make Clausen suspicious. Wonderful writing, addictive storyline, the suspense was real folks, oh and the grand finale, I don’t think anyone could have expected that.


Profile Image for Daniele.
543 reviews3 followers
June 23, 2020
Amazing!

From the start I knew I was in for an emotional, twisted ride but for every breathless moment there was one that made it more. Cursed have us all we needed to finish the story of Rebecca and Daniel's story with a bit of more to know that I want more.

Thus story show us it's worth the fight, it's worth all the pain and it's worth the struggles when you love like they do. When you do d the place you belong, the person you belong too and saying this does not make this story a easy one. It's full of moments were I was telling at the pages , gasping and literally taking a moment to take in all that I read. It has that much power.

The light that shines through the darkness in Moira's words captured my from the start and this series is one that will stay with me.
Profile Image for Julia Butterfield - Stevens.
909 reviews9 followers
June 27, 2020
Fast paced, twisting story line and fantastic conclusion to this dark, YA paranormal/supernatural romantic suspense. Well I say conclusion, although Rebecca and Daniels primary goal is resolved, there is a whole lot more to come and the ending set up another book very nicely, which I hope is coming soon as I am completely intrigued!

This book kept me on my toes as Rebecca steps up her game plan to save Daniel from the clutches of the manipulative, sadistic, deluded monster, Director Clausen. Her gift goes from strength to strength as she starts to understand it and it made one hell of a story. I had no idea how it would end, there were so many twists and turns. It kept me turning the pages, I loved it!

Cant wait for book three!
Profile Image for WordStaples.
283 reviews22 followers
August 13, 2020
CURSED really hits the ground running from where GIFTED left off in Book One.
And although I was initially confused as to the initial setting and behaviours of the characters it was soon evident that the game has turned, and at that Rebecca and Daniel do not have the advantage they thought they did.

I enjoyed this story so much more than Book One.
Rebecca really comes into her own, she's become the Queen in this chess game, that she needed to be to bring Madison Academy down.
Twists and turns abound, and with new allies on board to help, can Rebecca finally free Daniel from his torturous existence?

This is a great conclusion to this X-Men themed paranormal love story, and I can't wait to see what the author does with the spinoff book that's coming soon!
Profile Image for Jill.
704 reviews6 followers
April 6, 2022
4.5 dark stars

Wow that was intense! I was completely engrossed in the story and the world the author created!
It was full
Of twists and unexpected turns, was cruel in so many ways and suspenseful and just .. yep . Great story!
Im a little confused about whether this story was a duet or a trilogy as I’ve seen both indicated and there is still a big ? At the end that could easily make another book - however most things are resolved so it could end there too haha .
Anyway if you like paranormal , you don’t adult romance and suspense definitely give this one a try !
Profile Image for Brenna.
253 reviews8 followers
June 28, 2020
WOW! The twist and turns, angst and emotion of this book were intense! This one was even more brilliantly written and engaging than the first in the series, Gifted. We ended with Daniel and Rebecca ready to take on Clausen with a plan, so as I read the first pages of Cursed, I was gobsmacked and wondered where Moira Hale would be taking us with the story. All I can say is, I’m impressed with her creative mind and writing talent. This was an enjoyable read that will keep you guessing!
Profile Image for Emily Bierman.
1,113 reviews19 followers
June 30, 2020
There’s a 3rd Book??? GAHHHH!!! I freaking love books that keep me on the edge of my seat, totally invested & anxious as hell!

Rebecca is the ultimate heroine. I thoroughly enjoyed watch her evolve into a strong, confident mastermind who just wants to save the love of her life! And Daniel, man, ever the self-sacrificing Hero!


I’m so excited we get more of them & to get to know Sören! Hurry up, Moira, I need it now!
Profile Image for Christina Pannell.
534 reviews24 followers
June 27, 2020
The end game

This book coinsides with Gifted. They must be read in order to understand what's happened and is happening.
In this book Rebecca learns how to control her powers. Her and Daniel are still close even though he is still locked up in the basement. Rebecca is determined to bring down Madison Academy.
Will she do it? Will things work out?
1,149 reviews7 followers
July 5, 2020
Cursed picks up right where book 1 left off. It is the continuation of Rebecca and Daniel's story. Moira does an amazing job of keeping you guessing where the story is going next. She threw in surprises at every turn. Cursed is angsty and full of suspense. Left us with a major twist at the end that sets up for book 3 perfectly. Will be looking forward to reading it as well.
732 reviews
July 4, 2020
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This book was another angsty roller coaster. Just when you think you know where things are going...bam...new direction. I really enjoyed the conclusion of this part of Rebecca and Daniel’s story.
Profile Image for Noreen Machelle.
Author 2 books79 followers
July 29, 2020
Wow! What a journey! One I was not ready to end. Not because it wasn't wrapped up, but because I didn't want to leave the characters. Their development was on point. Daniel a selfless, amazing hero and Rebecca a bad ass, loving heroine. I absolutely loved their story!
Profile Image for Tammy - .
1,117 reviews142 followers
June 21, 2020
The twists and turns continue in Cursed, the second book in the Gifted series. Nothing goes as planned as Rebecca returns to try to save Daniel from his fate at Madison Academy. Everything has changed and nothing is quite as it seems. Again, it's hard to tell who is telling the truth and who can be trusted as this story unfolds. This is definitely a page-turner!
Profile Image for Ashley.
Author 3 books24 followers
June 19, 2020
Great addition to the trilogy

So many twists! Nothing goes as expected and there are so many secrets and suspicions.

This book contains the nail-biting conclusion to Rebecca and Daniel's adventure at Madison Academy under Walter Clausen. What a rollercoaster!

I loved books 1 & 2 and am curious to see how things go in book 3.

Awesome series. Well worth the read.

This book ends with a cliffhanger that leads into book 3, but it's not part of the main Madison Academy storyline so books 1 & 2 could technically be read as a duet. That said, I'm looking forward to book 3!
Profile Image for Karen.
429 reviews
June 21, 2020
This series messed me up so good. I kept second-guessing my theories, it’s so twisted.

Good pacing and characters. Loved the dynamics between Rebecca and Daniel.

This is more of a fantasy/suspense than romance.

“I’m never going to fit in with normal. I’m not normal.”
“And neither are you.”
Profile Image for Tracey Fandre.
478 reviews22 followers
February 6, 2023
Second read since I read the duet so long ago. I wanted to refresh my memory so I can finally read the much awaited third book, Soren. I enjoyed the duet just as much the second time around.
26 reviews
November 12, 2017
Baby Xmen’ish’

I was really surprised with the story line, it was like reading a version of Jr. Xmen, but professor x is twisted... it kept me intrigued and the author really captured the development of the main characters. I would have liked to see the two ‘mean girl like’ characters involved more in the second half, but they just fell off.
I really enjoyed the strength development of the heroine she kicked a** in the second half!
I would recommend this to a YA crowd and any paranormal angst lovers out there. I would definitely read more from this author
Profile Image for Emily Bierman.
1,113 reviews19 followers
November 6, 2022
There’s a 3rd Book??? GAHHHH!!! I freaking love books that keep me on the edge of my seat, totally invested & anxious as hell!

Rebecca is the ultimate heroine. I thoroughly enjoyed watch her evolve into a strong, confident mastermind who just wants to save the love of her life! And Daniel, man, ever the self-sacrificing Hero!


I’m so excited we get more of them & to get to know Sören! Hurry up, Moira, I need it now!
Profile Image for Jill.
704 reviews6 followers
November 14, 2022
4.5 dark stars

Wow that was intense! I was completely engrossed in the story and the world the author created!
It was full
Of twists and unexpected turns, was cruel in so many ways and suspenseful and just .. yep . Great story!
if you like paranormal , adult romance and suspense definitely give this one a try !
78 reviews1 follower
February 12, 2019
Loved

Just like the 1st book, Gifted, this book did not disappoint!!! A few new people come into play and things get crazy! Downtrend try to predict what's going to happen, chances are you'll be totally wrong. I cannot wait for book 3!!
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews

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