What do you think?
Rate this book
Romancing a Curse #1
Heir to a Curse
Zach is running out of time to save the man fated to be his.
After losing a friend and inheriting her million-dollar home riddled with repair issues, Zach has his hands full. As a construction contractor he plans to make it the home she always wanted it to be. Except every time he fixes one thing, something else happens: fire, damage to the garden, and even mysterious lights making the staff whisper about ghosts. All linked to a historic Chinese shrine on the property.
When Zach catches a glimpse of a mystery man near the shrine, then dreams of monsters, he wonders if grief has driven him mad. But when a kiss awakens him to his past lives with an exiled lover, he begins to realize the only way out is to break the curse.
After losing a friend and inheriting her million-dollar home riddled with repair issues, Zach has his hands full. As a construction contractor he plans to make it the home she always wanted it to be. Except every time he fixes one thing, something else happens: fire, damage to the garden, and even mysterious lights making the staff whisper about ghosts. All linked to a historic Chinese shrine on the property.
When Zach catches a glimpse of a mystery man near the shrine, then dreams of monsters, he wonders if grief has driven him mad. But when a kiss awakens him to his past lives with an exiled lover, he begins to realize the only way out is to break the curse.
271 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 17, 2020
136 people are currently reading
234 people want to read
About the author
Lissa Kasey
71 books663 followersLissa Kasey is Ace/Aro and ENBY. Lissa's storytelling specializes in in-depth characters, detailed world building, sweet and spicy romance, and twisting plots to keep you clinging to the page.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
September 27, 2020
I really hated the third MC in this story ... the pandemic...
I've been mostly reading paranormal, fantasy, and sci-fi this year, because let's face it, 2020 is a dumpster fire and too much reality is bad for my mental health.
I knew it would happen eventually, though; that I'd pick up a romance novel and the pandemic would be featured in it like a third MC, but I was really hoping it would be a while longer (closer to never would have been my preference). Every single time the pandemic was referenced, and especially every time a character made a reference to having to wear their mask, it threw me right out of the narrative and back into the reality I dearly need a break from.
I guess authors can't win, either, because if they don't write about the pandemic in books that are set in the present, they get called out and if they do, they get called out. That sucks. However, the pandemic sucked the joy out of this story for me, just like it has in the real world, and it also got hella repetitive and felt preachy. Here's a tiny sampling:
The first 30% of Heir to a Curse is filled with a little bit of critical information, a whole lot of unnecessary dialogue, tons of descriptions of the minutiae of activities that didn't further the story and there is a pandemic you can't go more than a few pages without being referenced. Can't forget that, for even a moment; even the toilet paper shortage was mentioned. The story picks up, slightly, after that, but the pandemic and all the repetition still refused to let the story shine. Even something as simple as installing an app on Zach's phone was over described:
Did I really need to know what permissions an app referenced in a fiction novel needs or that he had to click a link and download it? Nope, I really didn't. Did it add to the story? Nope. I actually looked to see if there was an editing credit, and surprisingly, there is...
I hate that the pandemic ruined what had the potential of being a very cool and interesting story. I honestly hoped that, as the story unfolded, the pandemic would be a little less "in your face", so I could lose myself in the narrative, but it actually gets more heavy-handed. If it weren't for that, maybe I could have overlooked at least some of the other issues with the writing and editing, but I was never able to get lost in the story.
I loved the dream sequences and how Zach seemed to experience the dreams through someone else's eyes, while still being himself, at least partially. The uncertainty of whether some events were just dreams and how it corresponded to real life events was neat, too, and a bit reminiscent of Alice in Wonderland. If only the rest of the story had been done as well.
This author's books have been hit or miss for me, and unfortunately, Heir to a Curse was a huge miss.
I've been mostly reading paranormal, fantasy, and sci-fi this year, because let's face it, 2020 is a dumpster fire and too much reality is bad for my mental health.
I knew it would happen eventually, though; that I'd pick up a romance novel and the pandemic would be featured in it like a third MC, but I was really hoping it would be a while longer (closer to never would have been my preference). Every single time the pandemic was referenced, and especially every time a character made a reference to having to wear their mask, it threw me right out of the narrative and back into the reality I dearly need a break from.
I guess authors can't win, either, because if they don't write about the pandemic in books that are set in the present, they get called out and if they do, they get called out. That sucks. However, the pandemic sucked the joy out of this story for me, just like it has in the real world, and it also got hella repetitive and felt preachy. Here's a tiny sampling:
"“Masks on,” I told my crew. I turned off the truck and reached for my mask, looping it over my ears and adjusting the nose guard for a perfect fit. "
"Mr. Yamamoto approached and reached out to squeeze Montana’s arm. He pointed to his mask. “Crap,” I mumbled and dug mine out and put it on, having forgotten."
“Zach.” She returned my smile. “Let me grab a mask, for safety. We’ve been pretty quiet, mostly shipping things, but I don’t want to chance you getting sick.”
"Mr. Yamamoto raised a brow in my direction when we entered, but donned his mask. Safety first was my motto, I was glad everyone was on board with it."
The first 30% of Heir to a Curse is filled with a little bit of critical information, a whole lot of unnecessary dialogue, tons of descriptions of the minutiae of activities that didn't further the story and there is a pandemic you can't go more than a few pages without being referenced. Can't forget that, for even a moment; even the toilet paper shortage was mentioned. The story picks up, slightly, after that, but the pandemic and all the repetition still refused to let the story shine. Even something as simple as installing an app on Zach's phone was over described:
"A: I'm sending you a link to an app that translates by scanning. Just take a picture and it should translate for you. A link popped up a second later, and then I clicked on it, it asked for access to my phone's camera, which I allowed."
Did I really need to know what permissions an app referenced in a fiction novel needs or that he had to click a link and download it? Nope, I really didn't. Did it add to the story? Nope. I actually looked to see if there was an editing credit, and surprisingly, there is...
I hate that the pandemic ruined what had the potential of being a very cool and interesting story. I honestly hoped that, as the story unfolded, the pandemic would be a little less "in your face", so I could lose myself in the narrative, but it actually gets more heavy-handed. If it weren't for that, maybe I could have overlooked at least some of the other issues with the writing and editing, but I was never able to get lost in the story.
I loved the dream sequences and how Zach seemed to experience the dreams through someone else's eyes, while still being himself, at least partially. The uncertainty of whether some events were just dreams and how it corresponded to real life events was neat, too, and a bit reminiscent of Alice in Wonderland. If only the rest of the story had been done as well.
This author's books have been hit or miss for me, and unfortunately, Heir to a Curse was a huge miss.
September 1, 2021
This story is a fascinating blend of urgent contemporary and paranormal/fantasy. Zach has recently lost the woman he considered as close to a mother as a foster kid ever got, to cancer, and inherited her huge house. The home comes with a stately house, a cottage, and overgrown garden, and a shrine on a small island in a pond, dedicated to the owner's mixed Chinese and Japanese family heritage and ancestors. It also comes with a history of disasters. Over and over - far too often to be natural - the property has been visited with damages, fires, strange lights, and micro-burst storms that only happened in that one location. Most recently, a fire took out the kitchen, in a way the arson inspection can't figure out.
The woman who owned the place attributed the bad luck to a curse, and in passing the home to Zach, also charged him with trying to break that curse. There's a whisper of a ghost, of a need for forgiveness, but there's no "break curse here" button to guide him. Zach takes up residence on the property in the cottage near the shrine, and starts seeing a lovely, slender white-haired man who disappears, a white rabbit, and fire and breakage. The white-haired man's presence calls out to him as if that's someone he once knew. Or someone he has always known. And then the dreams begin, of battle and death and promises broken. Myth and Asian cultures and fantasy blend, in a quest to solve the riddle and save the ghost, if that's what he is.
And the thing that made this unique and really caught my attention, was that it's set in 2020 during the pandemic. And IMO hits an excellent balance between having the pandemic be a significant presence (like the main character yearning to hug a friend, when it's not safe) and yet not having the story centered on the pandemic. I've read one novel where quarantine and all those issues were the focus of the plot and much of the emotion, and one where the pandemic was relegated to an occasional mention of masks, or disinfecting a package, without real emotional weight. This was the first I read that basically put a non-pandemic-centered story into that time and place, giving appropriate weight to all the elements.
In fact, balance was what I thought this story did best - characters, emotions, timeline elements, plot drivers, all came together into a fascinating and engaging paranormal with a hint of fairytale to it.
The woman who owned the place attributed the bad luck to a curse, and in passing the home to Zach, also charged him with trying to break that curse. There's a whisper of a ghost, of a need for forgiveness, but there's no "break curse here" button to guide him. Zach takes up residence on the property in the cottage near the shrine, and starts seeing a lovely, slender white-haired man who disappears, a white rabbit, and fire and breakage. The white-haired man's presence calls out to him as if that's someone he once knew. Or someone he has always known. And then the dreams begin, of battle and death and promises broken. Myth and Asian cultures and fantasy blend, in a quest to solve the riddle and save the ghost, if that's what he is.
And the thing that made this unique and really caught my attention, was that it's set in 2020 during the pandemic. And IMO hits an excellent balance between having the pandemic be a significant presence (like the main character yearning to hug a friend, when it's not safe) and yet not having the story centered on the pandemic. I've read one novel where quarantine and all those issues were the focus of the plot and much of the emotion, and one where the pandemic was relegated to an occasional mention of masks, or disinfecting a package, without real emotional weight. This was the first I read that basically put a non-pandemic-centered story into that time and place, giving appropriate weight to all the elements.
In fact, balance was what I thought this story did best - characters, emotions, timeline elements, plot drivers, all came together into a fascinating and engaging paranormal with a hint of fairytale to it.
September 28, 2020
This book is amazing! Not only it featured a captivating love story through time and space but also Ms Kasey was brave enough to add the actual pandemic and many of the little things that we are living everyday into the story. I think that gave to the plot a plus, getting the fantastic situations that happened closer to us. This story is about the strength of love and the power of forgiveness and how they can affect our future. I think It was about time someone dared to include our reality into a fantasy world. Loved It!
September 17, 2020
This book was set in the pandemic which surprised me. I like getting lost in the world the author created but I struggled to do that here. The face masks and social distancing was repeated throughout and that’s something I couldn’t escape.
The mystery behind the curse unfolded slowly. Zach’s flashbacks were vivid and captured so much yearning, sadness and guilt. Xiang was an intriguing character who was wrongly cursed. There was a deep sadness in his eyes and you could feel him losing hope. These two men had a beautiful connection - their souls were drawn together every lifetime.
This was a good story but slow paced and repetitive at times.
*I voluntarily read this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else's*
The mystery behind the curse unfolded slowly. Zach’s flashbacks were vivid and captured so much yearning, sadness and guilt. Xiang was an intriguing character who was wrongly cursed. There was a deep sadness in his eyes and you could feel him losing hope. These two men had a beautiful connection - their souls were drawn together every lifetime.
This was a good story but slow paced and repetitive at times.
*I voluntarily read this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else's*
January 5, 2022
Had a lot of potential but a bit anticlimactic. Also really confusing in certain sections trying to explain the plot.
September 13, 2020
I really enjoyed this standalone. There's a bit of a mystery, some fantasy elements, and a fairly angst-free love story. This book would make a fantastic movie or series, using emotional flashbacks to portray Zach's memories of their past lives.
I loved Zach's character and it was nice to see his devotion to the house and shrine he inherits. I also really enjoyed Xiang's character, and the changes that we can see in his manner based off of Zach's limited memories. His exile was pretty horrible (and undeserved) and I was rooting for them to break the curse. I do wish there were more flashback scenes, though. Especially for some of the other lives besides that all important first one.
There is one aspect of the story in which I'm not sure how I feel about it, and others may view it differently. This story takes place in the state of New York during the current COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, all the characters are very safety conscious: wearing masks, practicing safe social distance, etc. I haven't decided whether I like this aspect or not...I'm leaning more towards the "too soon" column. Books are my escape. Especially during a time when it feels like the world is falling apart. And to have the virus show up in a book I'm reading, honestly gave me a touch of anxiety. When the characters couldn't hug or get close to their loved ones I felt too close to that situation and it upset me a bit....I'm sure many readers will be able to enjoy this story despite the mentions of the virus but for me, including a crisis that we're still currently suffering through was a bit too soon.
That being said, my overall enjoyment of the story was not poorly effected by this. I still found it to be romantic, mysterious, and fun.
4.5 Stars
I loved Zach's character and it was nice to see his devotion to the house and shrine he inherits. I also really enjoyed Xiang's character, and the changes that we can see in his manner based off of Zach's limited memories. His exile was pretty horrible (and undeserved) and I was rooting for them to break the curse. I do wish there were more flashback scenes, though. Especially for some of the other lives besides that all important first one.
There is one aspect of the story in which I'm not sure how I feel about it, and others may view it differently. This story takes place in the state of New York during the current COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, all the characters are very safety conscious: wearing masks, practicing safe social distance, etc. I haven't decided whether I like this aspect or not...I'm leaning more towards the "too soon" column. Books are my escape. Especially during a time when it feels like the world is falling apart. And to have the virus show up in a book I'm reading, honestly gave me a touch of anxiety. When the characters couldn't hug or get close to their loved ones I felt too close to that situation and it upset me a bit....I'm sure many readers will be able to enjoy this story despite the mentions of the virus but for me, including a crisis that we're still currently suffering through was a bit too soon.
That being said, my overall enjoyment of the story was not poorly effected by this. I still found it to be romantic, mysterious, and fun.
4.5 Stars
September 14, 2020
Zach loses Sofia, the only mother he has ever really known. She leaves him house that is cursed. This story is about him trying to find a way to break the curse, centuries old and claim the love of this life (and all his other lives), Xiang.
Their relationship is mostly told through Zach’s dreams (or more correctly, nightmares). While the dreams effectively explained the curse, there were a few things that didn’t get answered. The world building was striking, engaging my imagination and bringing the past and the present together fairly seamlessly.
Zach has formed his own family by bringing other people into his circle. I love books about family found (I know people that read my reviews regularly know this). But it still needs to be said. The sense of family throughout the book was peaceful to me and made this book very satisfying.
I received an arc of this book.
Their relationship is mostly told through Zach’s dreams (or more correctly, nightmares). While the dreams effectively explained the curse, there were a few things that didn’t get answered. The world building was striking, engaging my imagination and bringing the past and the present together fairly seamlessly.
Zach has formed his own family by bringing other people into his circle. I love books about family found (I know people that read my reviews regularly know this). But it still needs to be said. The sense of family throughout the book was peaceful to me and made this book very satisfying.
I received an arc of this book.
January 25, 2021
More like a 2.5 for me. I just don't care for the paranormal parts. I love Lissa's survivor and haven series but the other ones I can't get in to. The pandemic stuff was repeated over and over. In fact I felt like a lot of the story was repetitive. The MC are good guys and the idea was good, but I just did not enjoy it as much as I thought it would.
October 18, 2025
4-⭐
This was a tough cookie to rate. There were parts of the story I adored. It's slow and eerie and aching. But sometimes it was perhaps a bit too slow, and a couple of things felt a bit unsatisfying. I'm not a big fan of reincarnation type of second chances but this one does it well. There is something to learn from the past, and the reflections on that were good.
I have some conflicted feelings but in the end I think the originality and the best moments push this towards the 4th star. While I don't think I will be rereading this book any time soon, the writing was good, and I definitely feel like trying out something else from the author.
This was a tough cookie to rate. There were parts of the story I adored. It's slow and eerie and aching. But sometimes it was perhaps a bit too slow, and a couple of things felt a bit unsatisfying. I'm not a big fan of reincarnation type of second chances but this one does it well. There is something to learn from the past, and the reflections on that were good.
I have some conflicted feelings but in the end I think the originality and the best moments push this towards the 4th star. While I don't think I will be rereading this book any time soon, the writing was good, and I definitely feel like trying out something else from the author.
March 27, 2024
A spooky-ish paranormal romance (set during the height of the global pandemic era) that delivers on the romance but got a little too convoluted for my thinking with the paranormal side of things. I get the past lives/reincarnation part but got lost with all the comings and goings between real time and 'outside of time'. 2.5 stars rounded up to 3.
September 28, 2020
Escaping a curse and the pandemic.
This is a wonderful engaging read, that had me hooked right form the start. The characters were well developed showing realism as well as differences and similarities in different cultures. This well written, detailed and researched book is something that I really like about this author. Standalone novel that is well worth reading.
This is a wonderful engaging read, that had me hooked right form the start. The characters were well developed showing realism as well as differences and similarities in different cultures. This well written, detailed and researched book is something that I really like about this author. Standalone novel that is well worth reading.
September 18, 2020
Excellent
I love paranormal stuff. This was a well thought out storyline about a love over many years and finding a way to break a curse. Excellent characters. Excellent read.
I love paranormal stuff. This was a well thought out storyline about a love over many years and finding a way to break a curse. Excellent characters. Excellent read.
June 26, 2023
Took me longer than average to read
While I liked the ending, I found the book didn’t really hold my attention. As others have commented, the inclusion of the pandemic, on one hand, helped set the time period and showed our fears at the time. On the other hand, it was a little much and was a bit distracting from the main plot.
The book had a bit of Alice in Wonderland vibes but I’m not sure it really worked as it was more elements than theme.
There was a lot of “convenient” happenstance (like the exact doors to the shrine languishing in the back of a shop that was owned by a friend) that I found odd but that may just be me nitpicking a story I was bored with.
While I liked the ending, I found the book didn’t really hold my attention. As others have commented, the inclusion of the pandemic, on one hand, helped set the time period and showed our fears at the time. On the other hand, it was a little much and was a bit distracting from the main plot.
The book had a bit of Alice in Wonderland vibes but I’m not sure it really worked as it was more elements than theme.
There was a lot of “convenient” happenstance (like the exact doors to the shrine languishing in the back of a shop that was owned by a friend) that I found odd but that may just be me nitpicking a story I was bored with.
December 9, 2020
I'm a sucker for most things Asian. And my sister spoke highly of this book so I gave it a shot. I loved the world building, culture, and going back to glimpse at past lives. In some ways it was nice that it was set during the pandemic, because it helped make you feel like it was real, but like others, I read to get taken away from my everyday life. I really do hope there is more!
September 23, 2020
3.5 stars
Cursed loves who face a fate worse than death… will they ever be able to change it?
Zach is a self made man, a contractor with ethics and a lonely life. When a friend dies, leaving him a house worth a fortune, Zach sets to renew the house and break the curse which has been haunting the family for some centuries. Zach knows breaking the curse is not going to be easy, but he never thought he would break his heart in the attempt…
A very entertaining story about two lovers who seem to be condemned to repeat the same mistakes for eternity. Their never ending story of heartbreak and loneliness has its last chapter nowadays, when Zach finds out he is one of the fated lovers. The other is Xiang, a young man who was vanished to a parallel dimension for failing the family he was supposed to protect. In a world plagued by the pandemic, Zach does his best to protect his friends and save his lover, while struggling to understand what goes on.
The plot is interesting, and the flow of narration fast and interesting. Both main characters are likeable, and I really enjoyed Xiang’s world, with its many dangers. I also the fact that the story takes place in pandemic US, thus reflecting the many changes and stress it is bringing into our lives … My only complaint is that the solution to break the curse seems a bit too simple for me…
Entertaining
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Cursed loves who face a fate worse than death… will they ever be able to change it?
Zach is a self made man, a contractor with ethics and a lonely life. When a friend dies, leaving him a house worth a fortune, Zach sets to renew the house and break the curse which has been haunting the family for some centuries. Zach knows breaking the curse is not going to be easy, but he never thought he would break his heart in the attempt…
A very entertaining story about two lovers who seem to be condemned to repeat the same mistakes for eternity. Their never ending story of heartbreak and loneliness has its last chapter nowadays, when Zach finds out he is one of the fated lovers. The other is Xiang, a young man who was vanished to a parallel dimension for failing the family he was supposed to protect. In a world plagued by the pandemic, Zach does his best to protect his friends and save his lover, while struggling to understand what goes on.
The plot is interesting, and the flow of narration fast and interesting. Both main characters are likeable, and I really enjoyed Xiang’s world, with its many dangers. I also the fact that the story takes place in pandemic US, thus reflecting the many changes and stress it is bringing into our lives … My only complaint is that the solution to break the curse seems a bit too simple for me…
Entertaining
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 29, 2020
I absolutely loved this marvelous, beautiful, poignant, haunting, amazing, grab-you-by-the-feels, tug-at-your-heartstrings, emotionally charged, unconventional, heartfelt, completely unexpected, delightful, mysterious, passionate, and totally awesome tale. It had me hooked from beginning to end, and I would recommend getting this gem for yourself.
January 10, 2022
Reviewed for Divine Magazine
Heir to a Curse (Romancing a Curse, 01), by Lissa Kasey
★★★★☆
254 Pages
1st person, single character POV
Themes: ghosts, grief, past life, reincarnation, redemption
Triggers: grief from loss of a mother-figure, mentions of cancer and Covid-19 pandemic, past life violence/death, mentions of anxiety, depression, PTSD
Genre: MM, Romance, PNR, Ghosts/Spirits
~
World-Building: ★★★★☆
Heat: ★★★☆☆
Chemistry: ★★★★★
Plot: ★★★★★
Romance: ★★★★☆
~
INTRO
Heir to a Curse is the first book in a new series, of a new-to-me author. I've had Kasey on my TBR list for what seems like forever, but I've always run out of time or the opportunity to get started. This feels like a great introduction to their writing style, for me.
Lately, my reading time has been markedly shorter, with an nine month old puppy to watch over, single-handedly during the day. I've found that it leads to a lot of procrastination, when I'm reading. If I'm not entirely sucked into the story, I find myself drifting to my phone, the internet or something else. That didn't happen here. Every time I put it down, I found myself still thinking about what had happened, what could come next, and eager to pick up again as quick as possible, which was a great sign that this was definitely a book for me.
The pacing was perfect, for the character's personalities and the story that was slowly being woven. It began as contemporary, with hints of a ghost story and family curse, then progressed into weird dreams and odd shapes in the shadows, eventually ending with the full-on paranormal experience. I loved the gradual progression, especially as it gave Zach – the MC – time to get used to the idea of a paranormal phenomenon, and what it might mean.
The writing was a little up-and-down, for me. I found quite a few instances of repetition, and of choppy dialogue tags that might have been avoided with some tweaking, and some awkward phrasing, at times. Mostly, it worked for me. There were just small niggles that sometimes popped up and made me pause. Example of the phrasing: “when I scanned all around with my gaze”
The repetition happened a handful of times, e.g. Mike suggests switching to solar power during a conversation, then in a later point of the same conversation, Zach suggests the same as if Mike had never spoken. Also, Montana states that he's bored cooking for a handful of people, but he loved doing the wedding, then later Zach's thought processes theorize those things as if Montana had never said them. It's also quite repetitive with Zach comparing things to an Asian/Chinese/foreign drama. I think the reason the repetition bothered me so much was because it was almost identical phrasing both times.
As the main character, Zach was interesting. A construction worker, who had been left a grand mansion by a woman he thought of as a mother-figure but who was unrelated to him, he hasn't had an easy life. Foster care, still single at 45, and with a history of failed relationships he puts down to being demi-romantic and other people putting unrealistic expectations on him, Zach has some scars. Mental, mostly. Losing Sofia, his mother-figure, is the biggest crack in his armour. Especially when he has uncertain, mixed-heritage and is considered a 'bear' because he's a little overweight. He comes across as a regular guy for his age, with multiple interests and a rather boring life – like we all have.
Jun Xiang was an amazing character. As the ghost, he was mysterious and kept leaving little hints that we could follow, along with Zach. It took 28% for him to make his first appearance, but what an entrance! It was really nicely done.
Later, I felt Jun Xiang was very melancholy and bittersweet, yet hopeful and romantic at the same time. He always inspired something in Zach that made him think, made him hope, and then became something of an omen at times. I really loved how his story – both past and present – unfolded.
I loved the side characters. Sofia was probably the biggest, despite never being on page. I could feel the bond between her and Zach clearly, even though she was dead when the story began. As a cancer survivor myself, I found her story touching, realistic, and understood Zach's grief well.
Addy was brilliant. She was a real support for Zach, even spotting his grief, his anxiety and depression and being supporting without shaming or guilting him. She even supported his whole reincarnation/curse ideas, without shooting them down or mocking him. The rest of the secondary cast were great too, and I particularly loved Mr Yamamoto and Montana, who I hope appear again in later stories. Though I'm seriously looking forward to Montana getting his own story in Book 2.
Sofia gave the story an Asian influence. Being Chinese, with a long family history and a love of her culture, meant Zach had been raised with the same interests. He didn't know much, which allowed the author to teach us a little about Sofia's past and culture through Zach's exploration.
I definitely saw some hints of The Untamed, and other Chinese dramas leaving their influence on the story. The white rabbit, the music playing, and other little bits and pieces. But, it still feels authentic, not a heavy influence or too obvious.
~
OVERALL
I think the pacing, the plotting, and the characterisation came together really well, to offer a bittersweet story with some hope, that was at times touching and heart-wrenching. Zach was a solid character, able to hold the story by himself for a majority of the time, while Xiang was a great addition to an already good story, who brought something new and exciting to the story. The mystery of the ghost story and curse was cleverly done, and the supportive cast were not just slapped on for convenience but truly entertaining and bolstered the world-building and backstories.
I'm impressed with the first book in the series and can't wait to start Book 2 tomorrow. As soon as I finish catching up on my reviews for this month, I'll be delving straight into more books by Kasey.
~
Lastly, I just want to address the elephant in the room – Covid.
I've seen a lot of (IMHO opinion, unfairly) critical reviews, for the fact this story features Covid. I think we all have to accept that Covid is part of our life now, and we all have to deal with the aftermath.
Yes, this story features Covid. But, it casually mentions the pandemic as part of our everyday lives: school being online or cancelled, social distancing, mask wearing and getting tested, even “the great toilet paper shortage”. From the way it's described, it's probably placed sometime around early 2020, mentioning America's slow response, testing abilities, quarantining choices and such.
Zach is a caution character, and he runs his own business, so it makes sense for him to be particular about mask wearing and social distancing. Especially since he just lost someone to cancer. Honestly, I respected the way it was written. I never felt overwhelmed by the reminder, or that it was a cloud hanging over my (or the character's) head. It just...was. A state of fact. A reality. As it needs to be, for the modern world.
~
Favourite Quote
“They were losing the battle, and so was I, only my battle was being fought with myself over my heart, instead of on blood-soaked plains.”
“Life was a series of choices. Some of them how to live, others how to die. Most people didn’t realize they were one and the same.”
Heir to a Curse (Romancing a Curse, 01), by Lissa Kasey
★★★★☆
254 Pages
1st person, single character POV
Themes: ghosts, grief, past life, reincarnation, redemption
Triggers: grief from loss of a mother-figure, mentions of cancer and Covid-19 pandemic, past life violence/death, mentions of anxiety, depression, PTSD
Genre: MM, Romance, PNR, Ghosts/Spirits
~
World-Building: ★★★★☆
Heat: ★★★☆☆
Chemistry: ★★★★★
Plot: ★★★★★
Romance: ★★★★☆
~
INTRO
Heir to a Curse is the first book in a new series, of a new-to-me author. I've had Kasey on my TBR list for what seems like forever, but I've always run out of time or the opportunity to get started. This feels like a great introduction to their writing style, for me.
Lately, my reading time has been markedly shorter, with an nine month old puppy to watch over, single-handedly during the day. I've found that it leads to a lot of procrastination, when I'm reading. If I'm not entirely sucked into the story, I find myself drifting to my phone, the internet or something else. That didn't happen here. Every time I put it down, I found myself still thinking about what had happened, what could come next, and eager to pick up again as quick as possible, which was a great sign that this was definitely a book for me.
The pacing was perfect, for the character's personalities and the story that was slowly being woven. It began as contemporary, with hints of a ghost story and family curse, then progressed into weird dreams and odd shapes in the shadows, eventually ending with the full-on paranormal experience. I loved the gradual progression, especially as it gave Zach – the MC – time to get used to the idea of a paranormal phenomenon, and what it might mean.
The writing was a little up-and-down, for me. I found quite a few instances of repetition, and of choppy dialogue tags that might have been avoided with some tweaking, and some awkward phrasing, at times. Mostly, it worked for me. There were just small niggles that sometimes popped up and made me pause. Example of the phrasing: “when I scanned all around with my gaze”
The repetition happened a handful of times, e.g. Mike suggests switching to solar power during a conversation, then in a later point of the same conversation, Zach suggests the same as if Mike had never spoken. Also, Montana states that he's bored cooking for a handful of people, but he loved doing the wedding, then later Zach's thought processes theorize those things as if Montana had never said them. It's also quite repetitive with Zach comparing things to an Asian/Chinese/foreign drama. I think the reason the repetition bothered me so much was because it was almost identical phrasing both times.
As the main character, Zach was interesting. A construction worker, who had been left a grand mansion by a woman he thought of as a mother-figure but who was unrelated to him, he hasn't had an easy life. Foster care, still single at 45, and with a history of failed relationships he puts down to being demi-romantic and other people putting unrealistic expectations on him, Zach has some scars. Mental, mostly. Losing Sofia, his mother-figure, is the biggest crack in his armour. Especially when he has uncertain, mixed-heritage and is considered a 'bear' because he's a little overweight. He comes across as a regular guy for his age, with multiple interests and a rather boring life – like we all have.
Jun Xiang was an amazing character. As the ghost, he was mysterious and kept leaving little hints that we could follow, along with Zach. It took 28% for him to make his first appearance, but what an entrance! It was really nicely done.
Later, I felt Jun Xiang was very melancholy and bittersweet, yet hopeful and romantic at the same time. He always inspired something in Zach that made him think, made him hope, and then became something of an omen at times. I really loved how his story – both past and present – unfolded.
I loved the side characters. Sofia was probably the biggest, despite never being on page. I could feel the bond between her and Zach clearly, even though she was dead when the story began. As a cancer survivor myself, I found her story touching, realistic, and understood Zach's grief well.
Addy was brilliant. She was a real support for Zach, even spotting his grief, his anxiety and depression and being supporting without shaming or guilting him. She even supported his whole reincarnation/curse ideas, without shooting them down or mocking him. The rest of the secondary cast were great too, and I particularly loved Mr Yamamoto and Montana, who I hope appear again in later stories. Though I'm seriously looking forward to Montana getting his own story in Book 2.
Sofia gave the story an Asian influence. Being Chinese, with a long family history and a love of her culture, meant Zach had been raised with the same interests. He didn't know much, which allowed the author to teach us a little about Sofia's past and culture through Zach's exploration.
I definitely saw some hints of The Untamed, and other Chinese dramas leaving their influence on the story. The white rabbit, the music playing, and other little bits and pieces. But, it still feels authentic, not a heavy influence or too obvious.
~
OVERALL
I think the pacing, the plotting, and the characterisation came together really well, to offer a bittersweet story with some hope, that was at times touching and heart-wrenching. Zach was a solid character, able to hold the story by himself for a majority of the time, while Xiang was a great addition to an already good story, who brought something new and exciting to the story. The mystery of the ghost story and curse was cleverly done, and the supportive cast were not just slapped on for convenience but truly entertaining and bolstered the world-building and backstories.
I'm impressed with the first book in the series and can't wait to start Book 2 tomorrow. As soon as I finish catching up on my reviews for this month, I'll be delving straight into more books by Kasey.
~
Lastly, I just want to address the elephant in the room – Covid.
I've seen a lot of (IMHO opinion, unfairly) critical reviews, for the fact this story features Covid. I think we all have to accept that Covid is part of our life now, and we all have to deal with the aftermath.
Yes, this story features Covid. But, it casually mentions the pandemic as part of our everyday lives: school being online or cancelled, social distancing, mask wearing and getting tested, even “the great toilet paper shortage”. From the way it's described, it's probably placed sometime around early 2020, mentioning America's slow response, testing abilities, quarantining choices and such.
Zach is a caution character, and he runs his own business, so it makes sense for him to be particular about mask wearing and social distancing. Especially since he just lost someone to cancer. Honestly, I respected the way it was written. I never felt overwhelmed by the reminder, or that it was a cloud hanging over my (or the character's) head. It just...was. A state of fact. A reality. As it needs to be, for the modern world.
~
Favourite Quote
“They were losing the battle, and so was I, only my battle was being fought with myself over my heart, instead of on blood-soaked plains.”
“Life was a series of choices. Some of them how to live, others how to die. Most people didn’t realize they were one and the same.”
January 30, 2021
After having read exactly half of the book I have to say this book is really long-winded. It's not bad, but it also isn't intriguing at all. When I lay it down I have to make myself pick it up again. If I weren't so dedicated to finish my books I would DNF at this point.
Now I've finished it, and though it wasn't bad, it was kind of lame. Long-winded with not much of a plot, with pages and pages filled with mundane stuff and no character development or even a real spark between the cursed lovers.
I feel bad for rating it only two stars, but if asked how I like it I'd answer 'It was okay' and not 'I liked it'. So two stars it is.
Now I've finished it, and though it wasn't bad, it was kind of lame. Long-winded with not much of a plot, with pages and pages filled with mundane stuff and no character development or even a real spark between the cursed lovers.
I feel bad for rating it only two stars, but if asked how I like it I'd answer 'It was okay' and not 'I liked it'. So two stars it is.
March 1, 2022
I read to escape.
It truly amazed me the level of covid-19 anxiety throughout this whole book. Mind you, not in relation to the story. I read to escape the world. I have read other novels that included the covid-19 pandemic this is the only one that I have read that almost brings it to the forefront in line with the story. I truly hope the author sought therapy of some sort to help guide them through this time. Because you can feel it in this book.
It truly amazed me the level of covid-19 anxiety throughout this whole book. Mind you, not in relation to the story. I read to escape the world. I have read other novels that included the covid-19 pandemic this is the only one that I have read that almost brings it to the forefront in line with the story. I truly hope the author sought therapy of some sort to help guide them through this time. Because you can feel it in this book.
January 19, 2022
Usually I really like her books but this one was so self righteous about the pandemic it made me gag at times. I liked the plot otherwise, but every time she brought up the pandemic it felt like a punishment for the reader. I've never given a book a rating of 2 before but honestly I'm lucky I even finished it, it was so frustrating.
September 22, 2020
so many emotions and personalities in this story.. it was well written... well thought of and didnt make me too sad. i liked it a lot
September 23, 2020
“What greater thing is there for two human souls than to feel that they are joined to strengthen each other and to be at one with each other in silent unspeakable memories.” ~ George Eliot
The last thing Zach, of ‘The Heir to a Curse’ by Lissa Kasey, thinks he needs is a home. But, much to the rest of the family’s dismay, since he has inherited a mansion from Sonia, a dear friend, now he has one. Zach loved her like the mother he never had; he is hell-bent on preserving and making it as close to what she wanted it to be. If he can stop the random and unexplained accidents that keep happening there.
Because he travels so much for his construction company, Zach has never settled down. He has a garage apartment at the home of Addie, best friend and “business wife”. Addie keeps all the books while Zach does the construction work. Although lonely, he has never found a good fit with another man. The few times he has tried, the relationship has failed. Always, there is this pervasive feeling that there is something large missing from his life but he can’t put his finger on what it is.
Once he has moved into the cottage on the property, he begins to have dreams about a beautiful young man that feel more like memories. As the dreams progress, Zach is able to see more about what is happening in the dream, taking a more active part himself. As his dreams continue, he becomes more oriented to what is happening in them. This is when he meets “him” – a beautiful young man to whom he feels a deep emotional attachment to. Zach’s dreams come in stages. First he hears beautiful music from an instrument he is unfamiliar with. Zach knows things he should not know in the dream. Next, he sees long slender fingers. Finally, he sees his face.
Zach is wrenched out of the dream when he hears a scream. He looks toward the shrine and sees that it is glowing. He rushes to the site; inside is a woman. As he comes closer, she changes into a monster! Out of nowhere, the beautiful man in his dreams starts fighting the threat. But it quickly becomes clear that he doesn’t have enough energy to defeat it. One kiss from Zach gives him the extra energy he needs and the menace is eliminated. Zach goes back to bed, assuming that he is still dreaming. Unfortunately, when Zach goes back to the shrine the next morning, there is considerable damage to the site. It dawns on Zach that what he experienced was not just a bizarre dream. Between the unexplained destruction of property, his atypical choices in furniture, his sudden interest in gardening, and other odd thoughts and feelings, Zach worries that his grief related to losing Sonia is making him lose his mind.
‘Heir to A Curse’ is an emotional journey about two men who, even though separated by space and time, manage to find the key to end the curse that was keeping them apart. It’s much more than a love story; it’s a testament to the power of love and forgiveness. It reminds me that the journey is as important as the destination. Thanks, Lissa, for the awesome supernatural love story finally making it possible for two soulmates, Xiang and Zach, to be where they should be, together forever. Of all of your stories I’ve read, this is my favorite.
The last thing Zach, of ‘The Heir to a Curse’ by Lissa Kasey, thinks he needs is a home. But, much to the rest of the family’s dismay, since he has inherited a mansion from Sonia, a dear friend, now he has one. Zach loved her like the mother he never had; he is hell-bent on preserving and making it as close to what she wanted it to be. If he can stop the random and unexplained accidents that keep happening there.
Because he travels so much for his construction company, Zach has never settled down. He has a garage apartment at the home of Addie, best friend and “business wife”. Addie keeps all the books while Zach does the construction work. Although lonely, he has never found a good fit with another man. The few times he has tried, the relationship has failed. Always, there is this pervasive feeling that there is something large missing from his life but he can’t put his finger on what it is.
Once he has moved into the cottage on the property, he begins to have dreams about a beautiful young man that feel more like memories. As the dreams progress, Zach is able to see more about what is happening in the dream, taking a more active part himself. As his dreams continue, he becomes more oriented to what is happening in them. This is when he meets “him” – a beautiful young man to whom he feels a deep emotional attachment to. Zach’s dreams come in stages. First he hears beautiful music from an instrument he is unfamiliar with. Zach knows things he should not know in the dream. Next, he sees long slender fingers. Finally, he sees his face.
Zach is wrenched out of the dream when he hears a scream. He looks toward the shrine and sees that it is glowing. He rushes to the site; inside is a woman. As he comes closer, she changes into a monster! Out of nowhere, the beautiful man in his dreams starts fighting the threat. But it quickly becomes clear that he doesn’t have enough energy to defeat it. One kiss from Zach gives him the extra energy he needs and the menace is eliminated. Zach goes back to bed, assuming that he is still dreaming. Unfortunately, when Zach goes back to the shrine the next morning, there is considerable damage to the site. It dawns on Zach that what he experienced was not just a bizarre dream. Between the unexplained destruction of property, his atypical choices in furniture, his sudden interest in gardening, and other odd thoughts and feelings, Zach worries that his grief related to losing Sonia is making him lose his mind.
‘Heir to A Curse’ is an emotional journey about two men who, even though separated by space and time, manage to find the key to end the curse that was keeping them apart. It’s much more than a love story; it’s a testament to the power of love and forgiveness. It reminds me that the journey is as important as the destination. Thanks, Lissa, for the awesome supernatural love story finally making it possible for two soulmates, Xiang and Zach, to be where they should be, together forever. Of all of your stories I’ve read, this is my favorite.
October 12, 2020
Lissa Kasey is a wonderful author and she did a great job spinning a tale of magic, fantasy, and romance during a pandemic. I was really surprised that she wrote the pandemic into this book but she did it in a tasteful and thoughtful manner. I understand that it might be too early or real for some readers to read about the pandemic in a book. If that's the case for you, then you should skip this one since the pandemic is mentioned a few times.
Zach inherits an old estate from his friend, Sofia, after she passed away. Zach was adopted and never really knew anything about his birth family or his background. He passed through the foster care system and when he grew up, he became a construction contractor. He finds an ancient shrine on Sofia's estate and tries to repair some of the damage. Everyone in town knows that the property is cursed and that it has passed through Sofia's family wreaking havoc on the ancestral line. Zach has a dream about a mystery man and revisits old battlefields in a different time. Along the way, he learns more about Sofia's family, Xiang the mystery man, and the himself. This book was rich in Asian culture, old legends, fantasy and romance with past lives remembered. Zach and Xiang find each other again in a very surprising way near the end. Very enjoyable read by a great author! I'm excited to read more of Lissa's books.
Zach inherits an old estate from his friend, Sofia, after she passed away. Zach was adopted and never really knew anything about his birth family or his background. He passed through the foster care system and when he grew up, he became a construction contractor. He finds an ancient shrine on Sofia's estate and tries to repair some of the damage. Everyone in town knows that the property is cursed and that it has passed through Sofia's family wreaking havoc on the ancestral line. Zach has a dream about a mystery man and revisits old battlefields in a different time. Along the way, he learns more about Sofia's family, Xiang the mystery man, and the himself. This book was rich in Asian culture, old legends, fantasy and romance with past lives remembered. Zach and Xiang find each other again in a very surprising way near the end. Very enjoyable read by a great author! I'm excited to read more of Lissa's books.
September 16, 2020
This author's books are so good. I have now read a couple of her books and the characters are usually flawed and hurting in some way. They may not be perfect but they are trying to do good. This book is no exception. It is also the first book I have read that deals with the current COVID 19 pandemic. And she does it masterfully!!! This book is gorgeous in so many ways.
Zach has been given a large mansion by a childless woman who basically adopted him in everything but actual name. The house is apparently cursed and things keep happening to the property that can't be explained. Sofia, the woman who died, had expressed a hope that Zach would be the one to break the curse. It was rumored to be about the need to find true love. As he works on the house, he starts to learn things about the history of the family and realizes that more is going on than meets the eye, especially when he starts dreaming of a beautiful man. There is more to life than simply existing and more to family than just blood. How many lifetimes does it take for two tragically separated lovers to finally get their happy ending? Such a beautifully written tale. I highly recommend reading it!!!
Zach has been given a large mansion by a childless woman who basically adopted him in everything but actual name. The house is apparently cursed and things keep happening to the property that can't be explained. Sofia, the woman who died, had expressed a hope that Zach would be the one to break the curse. It was rumored to be about the need to find true love. As he works on the house, he starts to learn things about the history of the family and realizes that more is going on than meets the eye, especially when he starts dreaming of a beautiful man. There is more to life than simply existing and more to family than just blood. How many lifetimes does it take for two tragically separated lovers to finally get their happy ending? Such a beautifully written tale. I highly recommend reading it!!!
March 2, 2022
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.25 stars
Heir to a Curse is the first book in Lissa Kasey’s Romancing a Curse series. It takes place at a rural estate home in upstate New York in the present day. Present, in this case, also includes the Covid-19 pandemic and frequent references to the various measures that have been utilized to mitigate the spread of the virus. There is a sprawling cast with Zach at the center. Supporting characters include Montana, a very young and very twink chef who I mistook as a possible love interest; Mr. Yamamoto, Sofia’s estate manager; Addy, Zach’s interior designer best friend, who also happens to own the studio apartment Zach called home until he inherited Sofia’s estate; and I suppose Xiang, the actual love interest. Then there are a host of smaller roles, like Sophia’s estranged family who at first seem greedy, but ultimately play the lynchpin in breaking the curse and like Zach’s construction buddies and the various construction-related connections he’s got.
Read Camille’s review in its entirety here.
3.25 stars
Heir to a Curse is the first book in Lissa Kasey’s Romancing a Curse series. It takes place at a rural estate home in upstate New York in the present day. Present, in this case, also includes the Covid-19 pandemic and frequent references to the various measures that have been utilized to mitigate the spread of the virus. There is a sprawling cast with Zach at the center. Supporting characters include Montana, a very young and very twink chef who I mistook as a possible love interest; Mr. Yamamoto, Sofia’s estate manager; Addy, Zach’s interior designer best friend, who also happens to own the studio apartment Zach called home until he inherited Sofia’s estate; and I suppose Xiang, the actual love interest. Then there are a host of smaller roles, like Sophia’s estranged family who at first seem greedy, but ultimately play the lynchpin in breaking the curse and like Zach’s construction buddies and the various construction-related connections he’s got.
Read Camille’s review in its entirety here.
Read
July 13, 2022I liked this book more than I usually like mysteries. I tend to get exasperated trying to get through a book to get the “what.” I’d much rather know the what and read about the how. This book, however, was fast paced enough (and linear enough) that I didn’t get frustrated trying to get to the what.
There isn’t much interpersonal development between the MCs but it’s kinda ok (?) since it’s understood they’ve spent lifetimes together. What we do know of the characters is nice and I liked the HEA. Though there were ghosts and monsters- it wasn’t scary and it’s low angst.
The pandemic thing is hard to do - I give the author credit for trying. I think it didn’t need to be mentioned as much as it was, but most contemporary books act as if it never happened and I find that inconsistent with being contemporary. It will date this book quickly though (hopefully because I don’t want Covid to keep impacting daily life as much as it’s been).
I don’t know much about Asian cultures so, I can’t speak to the accuracy or appropriateness of the Asian theme.
There isn’t much interpersonal development between the MCs but it’s kinda ok (?) since it’s understood they’ve spent lifetimes together. What we do know of the characters is nice and I liked the HEA. Though there were ghosts and monsters- it wasn’t scary and it’s low angst.
The pandemic thing is hard to do - I give the author credit for trying. I think it didn’t need to be mentioned as much as it was, but most contemporary books act as if it never happened and I find that inconsistent with being contemporary. It will date this book quickly though (hopefully because I don’t want Covid to keep impacting daily life as much as it’s been).
I don’t know much about Asian cultures so, I can’t speak to the accuracy or appropriateness of the Asian theme.
September 18, 2020
When Zach's mother passes away, he inherits the house and shrine , but this is no ordinary house, it is cursed.
When he tries to re build and fix the house in his mother's memory, strange things begin to happen
The staff even suspect that the house is haunted.
When Zach spots a mysterious stranger next to the shrine, he starts having weird dreams.
Will Zach be able to break the curse?
Will he be able to save the man fated to be his?
This book has been set at the time of the pandemic (and the reason why one particular Mc is exiled for more half of the story) is so relatable and well done.
I loved the fated mates aspect of ye story. The world building was unique and engaging.
The paranormal and fantasy elements woven into the plot make it all the more compelling.
If you like ancient curses and fated mates, you will love this!
When he tries to re build and fix the house in his mother's memory, strange things begin to happen
The staff even suspect that the house is haunted.
When Zach spots a mysterious stranger next to the shrine, he starts having weird dreams.
Will Zach be able to break the curse?
Will he be able to save the man fated to be his?
This book has been set at the time of the pandemic (and the reason why one particular Mc is exiled for more half of the story) is so relatable and well done.
I loved the fated mates aspect of ye story. The world building was unique and engaging.
The paranormal and fantasy elements woven into the plot make it all the more compelling.
If you like ancient curses and fated mates, you will love this!
September 20, 2020
There is not a lot that can be said about this book except that it is very fine because to do so gives away some of the plot line. Zach is a carpenter who only has family of the "heart" and Sophia is one of them. She leaves her mansion to Zach in hope he will break the curse that has been on the home for many years. The second of the main characters is Yiang, a man who was cursed by his family for betrayal and they in turn have cursed themselves. The reader will find themselves ankle deep in curses, monsters, grief, a love over time, walking in other dimensions, the pandemic, beloved friends, some of the Chinese culture and history and a bang up read. I know those of you who like magic and the paranormal will love this one.
October 28, 2020
4 stars
Very interesting and original story. I loved how the author delved into Asian folklore and customs and incorporated the past with the present. Those aspects were done very well.
What bothered me was the incorporation of the pandemic. I get that that’s on everyone’s minds these days, but that is exactly the reason why I don’t need it in my fantasy romance. The mere mention of the pandemic—or having to “mask up” or not wanting the risk the lives of friends and loved ones—kept pulling out of the story. And because these nuggets were mentions ad nauseum, I was pulled out quite a lot. It really had no place in a fantasy novel.
That being said, the romance was done well, the characters fairly well developed, and the plot was unique. Definitely worth the read.
Very interesting and original story. I loved how the author delved into Asian folklore and customs and incorporated the past with the present. Those aspects were done very well.
What bothered me was the incorporation of the pandemic. I get that that’s on everyone’s minds these days, but that is exactly the reason why I don’t need it in my fantasy romance. The mere mention of the pandemic—or having to “mask up” or not wanting the risk the lives of friends and loved ones—kept pulling out of the story. And because these nuggets were mentions ad nauseum, I was pulled out quite a lot. It really had no place in a fantasy novel.
That being said, the romance was done well, the characters fairly well developed, and the plot was unique. Definitely worth the read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews