Cursed Opal

The Cardinal Winds #3

by Kathryn Ann Kingsley

Hugo Finch saved Opal’s life…but now his dark secret might kill them both.

Opal had received a lot of propositions in her career, but none were as tempting as when the commander of the West Wind Dominion offered to save her life. But like all things, it would come at a price. What he would have to do to save her would leave her...not human.

But Hugo Finch was not entirely what he seemed. Powerful, yes. Clever, yes. Attractive…oh, yes. And he also had a secret so dark and dangerous that it could cost them both their lives. A secret that came with scales, sharp claws, and a taste for blood. When the beast catches the scent of his new patient, Hugo isn’t sure he can protect the woman he worked so hard to save.

But he’s willing to die trying.

Genres: Fantasy, Paranormal Romance, Science Fiction, Romance, Monster Romance, Monsters, Steampunk

349 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 12, 2021

About the author

Kathryn has always been a storyteller. Years of scriptwriting for performances on stage and for tourism in Boston led her to writing romantically dark, fantastical tales, which was an obsession of hers that began once seeing The Phantom of the Opera at a young age.

When she isn’t penning new villainous leads, she works in video game development. There, she has been everything from Creative Director to Chief of Staff, Design Manager, Executive Producer, and Principal Writer for various companies in the industry.

She shares her antique home with three very fluffy animals and one very patient and loving husband.

Reviews

[Bex (Beckie Bookworm) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adore this series and I loved book 3 just as much as it’s predecessors.
The tidbit we were given at the end of Burning Hope when Hugo offered Opal an alternative to her imminent death was just so tantalising.
As was the fact that shy gentle Hugo the monster maker and cardinal of the west wind Dominion had found such an unlikely match, His total opposite in both temperament and experience.

Opal has had a difficult life both parents died when she was young leaving behind her and her brother.
Her brother met his untimely demise and she was brought up in a workhouse.
Prostitution was her way out and she catered to a range of high profile clients as a high-class escort.
That is until she contracts tuberculosis and finds herself spending her last days in a hospice this is where Hugo finds her while searching for a patient for his experiments.

On Hugo’s island, Opal awakes to a whole different body one with traits of a tiger, She has fur and stripes claws and a tail and the change takes some getting used too.
And as she heals her and Hugo become closer but the elusive shy cardinal is keeping secrets ones he thinks will ultimately protect Opal from his inner beast.
But when he makes a decision that will potentially remove Opal from the island safe and away from him, his other half takes the reins and will do anything to keep her close.

I loved Opal, I especially liked how she embraces her past and is not ashamed of her former lifestyle, she embraces her sexuality and enjoys shocking the shy and adorable cardinal she is coming to care for.
I also adored Hugo's lizard man persona he was primal and animalistic and both the man and the beast had some incredibly hot moments with Opal.
They had chemistry in spades and I could totally feel the connection forming with Opal and Hugo in both forms.
Hugo is such a sad lonely individual until Opal enters his existence her appearance in his life totally making him want to live when before he had been previously resigned to his fate.
But what he wants most of all is her safety and protection even if it may mean sacrificing his own life.

We again meet up with the other cardinals East South & North and also the two previous heroines Rose and Hope.
Bub the robot also makes an appearance as well and It was great to catch up with old faces.

This really is a story all about accepting every part of yourself which both Hugo and Opal need to learn to do Hugo his inner beast and Opal her new tiger form.
I liked both the main characters and thought they made a great pair, Opposites do attract after all.

There was also a brief glimpse of the final book Frozen Dawn which features Morten the North Wind and it sounds ever so intriguing.
This author never fails to deliver and this was again a brilliant read that I enjoyed immensely.
A massive thumbs up from me loved it.
I voluntary reviewed a copy of Cursed Opal (The Cardinal Winds #3).



Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com

[Christy Hall · Rating 1 out of 5]

I very rarely stop reading a book. I just couldn’t with this one. Very Island of Dr. Moreau. But not in a great horror kind of way. More cringey and unsettling. Kingsley likes dark and disturbing but I just couldn’t read about a woman turned into a tiger-human who falls in love with her creator/lizard-man. Something feels powerfully wrong about that. Sorry, not sorry.

[Paula · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm sad to say that I still prefer the first book of the series. I didn't feel the connection between the h and H because for a good part of the book we have her with his other lizard self. I'm still reading the next one.

[netty · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love this author and I love her books. This one just wasn’t for me. book one of this series is my favorite still and the masks of under is my favorite series.


But for me... this heroine was two dimensional. She was changed and coping with that ... and she was sexually free to the point of coming off as a little ... predatory. Which I think shouldn’t bother me because I’ve read countless heroes who are that way... yet it did. But what else?? I didn’t find that she had a voice or more that made me like her.

Hugo ... eh. Mr. Jekyl/Hyde + The Absent Minded Professor .... I didn’t really care for him. And how is he a cardinal? He spends what ... months with Opal as Hugo and then months with her as the beast guy and ... nothing? I just didn’t get how he’s a cardinal? That whole part of the story just ... disappeared. Sure Nero and Viktor and Rose and Hope show up, and the dead guy, but otherwise he has some second person who does it all. Why doesn’t Morten or whatever his name is give the ‘power’ to her?

Oh and the whole ‘she’s pouting’ thing bugged me! Pouting to me is a two year old. It’s not cute and it’s not something grown women do!

Anyway, it was well written and readable but I just wasn’t into it. And her being physically designed to accommodate the beast was just ... ugh.

[Wicked Fox ✨️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect. No notes 13/10

[Rhiannon Chillingworth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm going to start this by saying that I love Kathryn's books and that she is one of the authors who I will read any book they pit out there.

However, Romance isn't my favourite genre. I need plot other than the relationship and it is only rarely that I read straight Romance, often villain romance, which Kathryn does superbly. Whilst I liked Opal a lot, I found this book didn't hold my interest as much as the previous two. I think I just didn't find Hugo as interesting as Viktor or Nero.

Fans of alien romamce will like the inhuman aspect of both Opal and Hugo, but that generally isn't my thing, and I can't say it did that much for me. Although I did really like the overarching themes of acceptance.

So, in summary, if you like we'll written romance with a feisty female lead, and a touch of inhuman hanky lanky, then I definitely recommend this.

[Shari-amor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is absolutely my fav of all the books that I've read by Kingsley. I read the disclaimer and was all in cause it reminded me of my fav alien romance stories. Opal and Hugo are so damn lovely together. I loved how sweet, awkward and shy Hugo was. It really made me appreciate his...uh other side. LOL And Opal was such a nice contrast to Hugo. She was full of life, bold, and so damn funny. I loved how much she teased Hugo.

[Alicia Schultz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

Kathryn Ann Kingsley is a master storyteller, building worlds of such vibrant hues and such wonderful characters that one cannot help but become lost in them. This book was everything I could have wished for, and more. I am intensely intrigued by the tease for the final book in the series

[Deanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars! Top-notch monster romance. Size kink. Shapeshifting monster (like Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde). Honestly the smut in this was great. Kathryn Ann Kingsley outdid herself. There is a plot, but I didn't really focus on it, I read this for the monster smut and it served.

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (2/7/2023)! 🎁

[Slee · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the disclaimer in the beginning that basically says the book is a vilian romance about a girl who gets turned intro a half animal monster and a giant were- lizard, then teases us, asking, "how do you think it's going to go?" on, I knew it was going to be an amazing ride. Kathryn Kingsley didn't disappoint.
For anyone who has been following the Cardinal Winds series, you finally get to find out why the "nice" Cardinal keeps saying he's the worst of them all. He's not just the nice one, Hugo, the West Wind, is freaking adorkable. Opal, the titular character, is amazingly sassy. I love her. But if someone is new to the series, that's okay too. you really can pick this up and start here. You'll be short some beautiful world building and inside jokes, but each of the plots in this series really does stand alone quite nicely.
Read it for the tenderness, the vulnerability, the complicated honesty, and the social criticism.
Read it for the hella hot scenes.
Read it for the painfully awkward exchanges.
Read it because the concept is kind of hilarious.
Read it because you've always sort of wondered what would happen if you rolled The Island of Dr. Moreau, Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde, Beauty and the Beast, an unusual group of critical studies and ethics topics, and a low key magical world together with some seriously hot erotic and romantic writing.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Worth the read

This is the third book in the series and I have to say that I enjoyed it immensely. I loved the confidence and the beauty that Opal displayed. She was not ashamed, she was a sewworker and took pride in that!!! I loved the pair and the story behind it was wonderful. The first book has been my favorite, the second was okay but not as good, but it seems like the third book is going back to its roots and has a similar hold on my heart. I would definitely recommend it. Steamy sex scenes and implied scene, romance, suspense, etc it is wonderful. Can't wait for the 4th book!

[Christine Kingston · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a sweet love story! Mad scientist channeling his inner Dr. Moreau meets a dying prostitute with a heart of gold. Offers to save her life but she'll become one of his creatures. Opal is outspoken and loves saying it like she sees it. Hugo is a shy cutie scientist that she can embarrass with her sexuality at the drop of a hat. Hugo has a BIG secret though... This story has some amazingly steamy scenes as well as a semi human animalistic sex scene that blew my mind! Enjoy! I couldn't put this book down, Kathryn had done it again.

[Urna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have greatly enjoyed Kathryn Ann Kingley's Cardinal Winds books and the third in the series, Cursed Opal came as a complete delight! The protagonists Hugo and Opal are complex and well-rounded and the progression of their romance is intertwined with a good deal of suspense that cleverly nods to gothic tropes that the novel borrows from. Nevertheless, the plot of the story is as unique and fresh as it gets, with some unexpectedly raw and impactful emotional moments. Kingsley's world-building is top notch, as usual, with an intriguing slew of side characters who enrich the world the story is set in without crowding the plot.

Kingsley writes great female protagonists and Opal is a delight to read. She is confident, brave and kind, and it took me no time to be absolutely enamoured by her. Hugo compliments her perfectly in being adorably shy, somewhat socially awkward and sensitive, and together they make an extremely adorable pair who you root for throughout the book. The story takes a surprisingly poignant philosophical turn towards the end and raises questions about acceptance and self-love, which in hindsight is not all that surprising, as it had been weaving these questions unsuspectingly throughout the narrative through subtle hints in conversations between the characters and observations by the main characters. Using the somewhat Frankenstein/Dr. Jekyll-esque character of Dr. Hugo Finch and his evolving relationship with Opal, the story of Cursed Opal raises the age old question about empathy and humanity - who, after all, is a monster?

You will greatly enjoy this book if you enjoy gothic and shifter romances, and if you have enjoyed the previous Cardinal Winds books. Though Hugo and Opal's story can be read as a stand alone, it adds so much more to your experience of reading if you read it alongside the other Cardinal Winds books, as some of our old favourites from those come in for a visit. Overall, I found the book a greatly heartwarming and satisfying read.

[Angélica Capote · Rating 4 out of 5]

I honestly was really digging this book, I liked the sci-fi magical 1930s thing going on, I liked the H and h and how they met, and their relationship began to grow.

They lost me at the 3 month lizard vacation. At first I LOVED the connection they had, but it lasted way too long, and the one sided conversations got dull real quickly. I believe after a week he should have changed back into human Hugo.

Speaking of the changing back, yes I know this is the third in the series, but I really didn’t need the pervious characters to come in and save the day. I would have much much preferred the conflict solved between Hugo and Opal, not people from the first book that has nothing to do with this one until that moment.

I totally would have been down for “power of love” changed him back, but electrocution from the guy who already had his story begin and end? Naw, should have just been between Hugo and Opal to save the day. Poor Hugo was a side character in his own book, the ice dude even had to tell him about himself at the end! That would have been a perfect moment for our hero to understand his own flaws, connect with the heroine, and understand their love better.

It would have been 5 stars if it wasn’t for the wacky ending and Hugo’s lack of autonomy, and no I don’t see myself reading the first two or the last. At least not at the moment, but I do want to read more of this author’s work!

[Alexandria · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a pleasant read. Especially if you enjoy Jekyll and Hyde or Beauty in the Beast tropes. This book had a similar vibe to it.

Hugo is very much the kind doctor with a darker side to him, while Opal is our unsuspecting heroin that learns to love both parts of Hugo. It's simple and sweet.

I felt like the story itself revolved more around Opal as a character though. There really isn't much to Hugo as a person. He's pretty weak as far as characters go, and I quickly found it boring to read from his POV. I think the author picked up on this as well, because thankfully you don't spend a whole lot of time reading from his perspective.

Frankly, I certainly enjoyed Hugo's beastly side more than him.


I really can't say more without ruining the story here, but suffice to say it's simple and sweet. I wouldn't expect over much here. Although I personally enjoyed this novel more than the last. Nero was just a very annoying character for me. My ranking for the books of this series goes as follows:

Steel Rose: 4 stars
Burning Hope: 2 stars
Cursed Opal: 3 stars

I'm hopeful that the conclusion for this series will be a good one.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book three has us with Hugo and Opal. Opal is dying from tuberculosis and Hugo comes to her with a deal, she can become one of his creatures and live on his island or she can die as a human. Opal of course takes his bargain and goes to his island where Hugo recreates parts of her into an animal to make her a hybrid.

I wasn't sure if I'd like this one or not. Hugo is innocent in the ways of people, unsure and adorable, whereas Opal knows exactly who she is and what she wants and isn't afraid to go after it. Hugo wasn't my favorite of the cardinals in the other books but he really shines through in this one. I will say I enjoyed the last half more than the first half. 'The Beast' was also awesome. I loved Chirp, whereas I thought he was going to be one dimensional, Kingsley really proved me wrong and I quickly fell in love with him. I'm not sure about what all to say about this, other than I just loved it. It didn't feel like a villian romance to me, more paranormal than anything, but I enjoyed it immensely. I seriously can't wait to read Morten's book, which previews in the Epilogue. It sounds amazing and I can't wait to see how this series will wrap up. So far the order of books as my favorite to least favorite is: book 2 (Nero), book 3(Hugo), and book 1(Vicktor).

[Lit · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Nero was a madman. Viktor was cruel and stern. Morten, the North Wind, was cold as ice.

And what was Hugo?

Dorky, as far as she could tell. Adorable, shy, and sweet. And makes monsters who stalk the night and kill people. He was the kind of man who made things like her. And what kind of man was that?”

If that excerpt doesn’t pique your interest, I don’t know what will! Hugo, even at his worst, makes you want to grab him up and squeeze him to death because he’s so adorkable. At the same time, you DEFINITELY want to teach him a thing or two. *lasciviously waggles eyebrows*

All kidding aside, Opal was absolutely perfect for Hugo. They both had their issues that had to be worked out, and, faced with difficult choices, made the best decisions that they could. Sorry for being vague...you’ll have to read it to find out! 😂

Cursed Opal was a fantastic book. It’s hard to say which of her series I like best, but I think the Cardinal Winds series is trying to jump to the top of the line.

[Surelda Heard · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Cardinal Winds has long held the position of one of my favorite series. Each Cardinal is so different, so complex, so hot, and so loveable for a variety of reasons. I've read Viktor's and Nero's stories, and happily, Hugo's didn't disappoint. The funny thing about these characters is how the stories reveal more and more of their dynamic personalities and drives regardless of who is the main focus of the story. Opal is very different than the series' prior heroines, but she is exactly what Hugo needs. Who would've figured such contrasting lives could lead to such an enrapturing story? Again, in this tale, Kingsley gives me what I never could have imagined but very much needed--an entertaining story which I could not accurately predict at all times. I highly recommend this book. From beginning to end, it is perfection.

[Alexandra G. · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

This series might not be that popular, but it's one of my favorites. The whole concept of this world is fascinating.
So far, Viktor is still my favorite. But Hugo is right after.
His story is weirdly sweet. A little Beauty and the Beast. And after so many cruel and crazy villains it was nice to get one that was adorably shy.

A word of warning, the characters are not entirely.....human looking. Sometimes. So if you've got a problem with that, this book is probably not for you. But you should still give it a try because it might change your mind!

And the epilogue! *high pitched noises*

I'm weirdly excited for Morten's book. Partly because he seems so cold and unfeeling and I want to see his development. And partly because I can't get enough of this series.

9/10 would recommend

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Opal is my kind of girl!!

I love reading a story about females comfortable with their own sexuality and that is exactly what Opal is. Especially given her previous line of work. I had been eager to read Hugo’s story since it was obvious in the previous books that he had a dark secret and we finally learn what it is.

I will mention that there is “shifted” scenes but it was still tastefully written and not completely taboo smut. I wasn’t sure how I would react to those scenes but I found that it didn’t really bother me at all.

Now at the end of this book, we get a glimpse of Morten and the beginning of his story arc and I am more eager for his story than all the others.

Another home run for the author. I can’t wait to read more.

[Tracy Books_Beers_Brews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved Hugo and Opal!

Oh my goodness this book was so awesome! Opal is dying and is offered a second chance at life by becoming one of the animal/human hybrid creations of Hugo Finch the West Wind. Hugo himself is dying from an experiment to himself that has gone wrong and plans on Opal being his last patient. Sparks fly between the two, but lies might tear them apart.

I think Hugo might be my favorite of all the Winds so far. He is absolutely adorable and so shy anytime Opal comes into him. Grated Opal knows exactly what she is doing 😉. There is such great chemistry between these two and I loved how the story ended. There is also a nice little tease for the last book, which I am so exited for!

[Marla Berry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hugo Finch has definitely taken the top spot out of the cardinals for me! Oh my goodness I still can't get over his shyness lol it was way too cute! and I absolutely loved it when Opal would pick on poor Hugo lol. I caught myself many times literally laughing out loud while reading. Opal is a great women, and I'm not sure I would have been able to keep my spirits up like she did during some of the things she had to endure. I loved this book, and I also loved the Dr Jekyll & Mr. Hyde vibes it gave, but only with a twist. The whole thing flowed great, I loved the character building and I enjoyed reading and seeing Opal find her place. I most definitely recommend reading!!

ARC Review

[Mystery& Magic · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is something about the Cardinal Winds series that is unlike any other series I've read. The stories are all uniquely intertwined and leave you wanting more.

This being said, Cursed Opal holds a special place in my heart. I could not help falling in love with Hugo from the little bits and pieces yo got from him in the first two books but add in his own story and I'm full blown in love. He is so sweet and awkward in a way that is so endearing. Opal really brings him out of his shell in a way I don't think any other character could have. They are the purrfect couple. This series is a must read in general but this one is my favorite. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

[Lindsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series keeps getting better and better!

I loved this book, and I seem to love each installment more than the last. I can’t wait for Morten’s story! - The only reason this wasn’t a 5 star rating from me is that when the big dramatic bad thing, (no spoilers), happened to Hugo, I didn’t feel like Opal was as upset about it as she should have been. It kind of bothered me and I had a hard time letting it go. I was expecting a lot more fight from her. - Then she freaked out later for a less valid reason and it felt forced because of her previous lack of reaction. - That was my only peeve, but it bothered me so much I had to retract a star. Otherwise I loved it.

[Sammie Endicott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Purrrfection

Well.

I love KAK and this is yet another of her magnificent stories that kept me entranced. (I was late for work, thanks Kat!) What can I say that I haven't already about all of her other works. She's brilliant. Her characters are phenomenal. Her worlds are incredible. I want to be in her stories!
Hugo and Opal are an amazing pair. Their chemistry and the banter is adorable and heart warming. The flow of the story is easy to read and get lost in.
Can the monster maker come to terms with his own dark secret and will Opal understand? Only one way to find out.

[Sarah Filkin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC from the author.

I will confess when I first started reading it I thought that I would not like it. However the book quickly picked up and held my interest for the rest of the book.

This book is an excellent read, I am glad that I read it. Opal and Hugo Finch romance was a different type than what I am used too.

Both characters are amazing and I enjoyed reading them in the book.

[DemetraP · Rating 2 out of 5]

I much preferred book 1 and 2 in the Cardinal Winds series. The heroes in both books were self confident.

This hero is a mess. He's extremely shy and blushes all of the time. The heroine has to take the lead.

SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER

Eventually the hero's beast side comes out and he transforms into a beast. He keeps her in a cave for a while attacking her. Eventually he returns to his human form and they decide to get married. They have 2 girls, they are not fully human.

[Alexy Grant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, Hugo, you sweet summer child...

Hugo is the sweetest hero Kat has written thus far and he is everything. She has somehow made a "villain" that is also the guy you wanna reassure and tell him everything is going to be ok. Every book I read from Kat is a 5-star read and this book is no different.

[Joyffree · Rating 4 out of 5]

Opal is ... Just loved her character!

i knew Hugo's story would be a magically journey
Hugo is the quiet one. Intelligent, a touch reserved .
Opal is his complete opposite and exactly what the good Dr. Needed

On my tablet full review to follow