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The Miraveld Chronicles #1
A Thieving Curse
She must marry a prince for the good of her kingdom...but the man cursed with dragon features who saved her life is the wrong prince.
Raelyn would love a simple life getting up to mischief with her brother and being valued for herself, not her title, but she's a princess with the weight of a peace treaty on her shoulders.
When Raelyn gets separated from her family on the way to her arranged marriage to the crown prince of the neighboring kingdom, she is saved by a beast...
But now he won't let her leave.
Not only does the monster claim to be Alexander, the rightful crown prince living in hiding, but he refuses to escort her back to her family. Trapped in dangerous mountains with an infuriating, fire-breathing dragon-man, Raelyn fears for the future of her kingdom and the safety of her family.
And yet...
The kindness of the cursed prince's human friends surprises her. When Alexander reveals the shocking truth of his curse, she begins to see past the monstrous exterior to the prince’s human heart. But will Raelyn have the courage to admit her growing love for a cursed man? And will her family manage to salvage the treaty when they think her dead?
Curl up today with this Beauty and the Beast retelling with surprising twists!
This standalone is the first in an upcoming series of connected fairy tale retellings with fade-to-black, clean-ish romance.
(Warning for possible triggers: some violence, death, unwanted kisses from an antagonist.)
Raelyn would love a simple life getting up to mischief with her brother and being valued for herself, not her title, but she's a princess with the weight of a peace treaty on her shoulders.
When Raelyn gets separated from her family on the way to her arranged marriage to the crown prince of the neighboring kingdom, she is saved by a beast...
But now he won't let her leave.
Not only does the monster claim to be Alexander, the rightful crown prince living in hiding, but he refuses to escort her back to her family. Trapped in dangerous mountains with an infuriating, fire-breathing dragon-man, Raelyn fears for the future of her kingdom and the safety of her family.
And yet...
The kindness of the cursed prince's human friends surprises her. When Alexander reveals the shocking truth of his curse, she begins to see past the monstrous exterior to the prince’s human heart. But will Raelyn have the courage to admit her growing love for a cursed man? And will her family manage to salvage the treaty when they think her dead?
Curl up today with this Beauty and the Beast retelling with surprising twists!
This standalone is the first in an upcoming series of connected fairy tale retellings with fade-to-black, clean-ish romance.
(Warning for possible triggers: some violence, death, unwanted kisses from an antagonist.)
420 pages, Paperback
First published April 7, 2021
88 people are currently reading
1665 people want to read
About the author
Selina R. Gonzalez
14 books209 followersSelina R. Gonzalez is a Colorado local with mountains in her blood and dreams that top 14,000 feet. She loves swords, fantasy, costumes, bread, history, castles, superheroes, things that sparkle, snark, dogs, dragons, and Jesus—not in that order.
She writes medieval-inspired fantasy with swoon but no on-page spice. She loves writing about relationships—platonic, familial, and romantic—and her books center healthy romances founded on mutual values, trust, and respect between imperfect people who make mistakes but always strive to grow.
Get bonus short stories, book playlists, cut scenes, and more by subscribing to Selina's newsletter at: https://www.selinargonzalez.com/newsl...
I only accept friend requests from people I personally know.
She writes medieval-inspired fantasy with swoon but no on-page spice. She loves writing about relationships—platonic, familial, and romantic—and her books center healthy romances founded on mutual values, trust, and respect between imperfect people who make mistakes but always strive to grow.
Get bonus short stories, book playlists, cut scenes, and more by subscribing to Selina's newsletter at: https://www.selinargonzalez.com/newsl...
I only accept friend requests from people I personally know.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 168 reviews
December 24, 2023
4am review right after finishing it:
Honestly so many thoughts about this book. I had super high hopes for it, and once I got started the sibling content was the best, and then it got a little rocky with the dragon shape shifting male lead and I was like “what am I getting myself into”, but then things happen and communication (🅰️➕) and banter (💯) and it was really good. My heart got ripped out at a certain scene so thank you *so* much to all my friends who did not give me a warning about that. (I no longer trust y’all, fyi 🤨)
It’s four in the morning but I’m off with a hop, skip, and a jump to go read the novella that has his point of view, thank you very much and goodbye. 👋🏻
coherent review:
I listened to the author's Spofity playlist for this book as I worked on this review and it nearly bought me to tears at a couple very well timed moments and songs. It was a neat addition, for sure.
The prologue of her and her brother when they were little was so cute. I was so relieved when I started the first chapter that he wasn’t dead. (It was a reasonable concern for fantasy books, really.) The sibling content at the beginning was so sweet and I loved seeing her relationship with her older brother. I was shocked to see that we got his point of view every once and a while. We didn’t get the male lead’s point of view which was kind of a disappointment, but we got her brother and that was a-okay with me! (Edit to add: there’s a novella with his point of view?! Aaaaannnddd I’m off to Amazon to download it, kthanksbye)
Major props to the author, I could visualize this book like a movie. I can’t do that with every book, it really depends on the writing style and how many details we’re given. It truly reminded me of the plots of my Korean Manhwas and I think that’s why I really got into this book.
This was definitely Beauty and the Beast. Without a doubt. Jasper was the real MVP because he kept Alexander in line. Alexander was a bit of a cocky punk--I’m not gonna lie--but that’s what made his character so much better. His attitude is apparently partially from the curse that when he loses his temper, he turns into a dragon. Which just happens to make him more prone to rage, so he’s kind of doomed. I was really questioning them being in a romance, because of his attitude and reactions and being a little grabby with her in a terrifying kind of way, but that apparently stems from his curse which all makes it okay, I guess? But once she stops taunting him and he stops tormenting her and apologizes and discussions happen, I was a little more okay with a romance between them. Their apologies and discussions just felt a little fast, not quite a 180…maybe more like a 90° switcheroo? Regardless though, their communication and banter was top-tier.
I was ridiculously excited when I realized which character was supposed to represent different characters in the classic Disney Beauty and the Beast story, like Chipp and Mrs. Pots, oh my goodness, I squealed.
She did a stupid assumption in the middle of the book. Girl, why?! But it led to a conversation that needed to happen in a confession, so I’m willing to overlook her stupidity. But that made me really nervous because I was only halfway through the book and I know there’s still a lot more to come. (Which was a fair concern and completely valid.)
I’m with Garett on punching the Prince. I don’t know if I want to read Tristan’s story. He’s a jerk. I think if I bought the second book before reading it I would probably try to scrape his face off of the cover. I can’t look at that man with any bit of joy. The author is going to have to work so hard for me to have a morsel of liking him. We saw a little bit of room for improvement by the end of this book, but I don’t still like him.
I knew there was going to be a dramatic ending, but I wasn’t expecting my heart to be ripped out. Thank you so much for that, author, and to my friends that didn’t warn me ahead of time. (I no longer trust y’all, fyi)
This book took me by surprise. Even though I had super high expectations of it and being really eager to read it, I hesitated because of the page length. I ended up flying through it though, and really enjoying it. Despite certain scene that ripped my heart out and being a wee bit concerned on what I was getting into when he turned into a dragon, not gonna lie. (turned into a dragon count: 3 and a 1/2) It was a book that completely sucked me into it and I really needed that, so I'm happy I've finally read it.
Two quotes from Alexander that won me over:
“My suffering doesn’t invalidate yours.”
“I do not purr. That’s ridiculous.”
“I want you to be happy. Even if it’s not with me.”
Main Content- Clean fiction, no faith content.
Alexander was cursed as a child (at no fault of his own) and is basically a dragon-man, he has a tail, wings, claws, and horns (and can breath fire and smoke comes out of his nose). Raelyn is obviously terrified by seeing him for the first bit, calling him a ‘monster’ and a ‘demon’ (which, please note, he is not a demon, he’s a cursed prince); She is also concerned that he will eat her (which he won’t, but does tease her about that after they’re closer). Him being cursed is definitely a major focus of the book along with not judging others based on appearances; Alex is physically unable to talk about his curse, so others tell Raelyn what happened (including a nine-year-old Alex being cursed with a talisman and dark magic, & a man dragging him before the Court of Lords and physically hurting him, this is discussed and recalled, up to semi-detailed);
When Alex gets upset, he can shift into an actual dragon (he can also do it when not angry/upset, up to semi-detailed on the transformation); Raelyn feels bad for hurting him and not treating him like a human; Alex has a vow to never hurt anyone and definitely not to eat anyone (even though the dragon side of him tries to convince him to do that); The talismans are stones that require someone holding it over another’s heart and say an incantation in “the Old Tongue” and one is nearly used on page by a villain.
(Notes from the book on his curse, but are not actually spoilers
Many mentions of monsters & beasts (dragons, chimera, ogres, manticore, minotaur, centaur, up to semi-detailed in describing their appearances); Many mentions of dark magic/black magic, curses, talismans (including a love spell one), sorceresses/witches, evil people, wickedness (all portrayed as wrong); Mentions of a dragon being able to enchant others & being under his spell (At first, Raelyn thinks that the others are under an enchantment by Alex and later, others think Raelyn is under an enchantment by him; There’s talk about killing the dragon will remove the enchantment); Mentions of possible ways to break Alex’s curse & if it even can be broken; Mentions of faes; A few mentions of a young boy telling Alex that it was good that his mother was dying because she was evil.
No major language used, instead more minor forms are used: idiot, oh my word, shut up, stupid, the phrase about something being ‘damned’; A mention of a villain calling Alex a “hell spawn”; “Flames” is used as an exclamation a few times; Mentions of curses (said but not written out); Eye rolling & Sarcasm; Lying (Raelyn and side characters) & mentions of lies, lying, & liars; Drinking (Raelyn & her brother with wine, & Raelyn and Alexander drink ale at dinner); Mentions of alcohol & drinking.
Seeing a death of a friend & others harmed and tortured (gut-wrenching and painful, up to semi-detailed); Being attacked by monsters/animals, Killing a beast, Fighting/Punching someone/Self-defense, Being held at knife-point, Pain, Injuries, Blood/Bleeding, & Passing out (up to semi-detailed); Grief & Mourning a family member (up to semi-detailed); Raelyn is attacked by a minotaur that wants to eat her (up to semi-detailed).
Mentions of wars, fightings, weapons, deaths, & intending to kill others (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of executions & hangings; Mentions of murders, a murderer, deaths & bodies (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of a death & crows eating a body (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of poisons & thinking others were poisoned and killed; Mentions of fighting, injuries, pain, blood/bleeding (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of a husband’s grief after the death of his wife (two different husbands and their wives, barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of grief, a family grieving their son, & a family thinking their daughter has died (Raelyn’s family for her, up to semi-detailed); Mentions of kidnappings, prisoners, & running away; Mentions of threats; Mentions of nightmares; Mentions of hatred; Mentions of hunting & preparing their kill (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of vomiting, body waste, & having to use the bathroom outdoors; A few mentions of a horse that was killed and eaten by a monster (barely-above-not-detailed); A couple mentions of potential drownings.
Raelyn was raised to be a proper princess and knows that her duty is to marry into another kingdom to help her country (she doesn’t want to do this, but puts her people above her wants); Raelyn knows that her parents love her, but her parents often talk about her role as a princess and that greatly upsets her brother as they treat her sometimes more like a political piece than a person (Raelyn is hurt by this).
Many not-detailed and barely-above-not-detailed kisses (including some unwanted), 6 semi-detailed kiss; Remembering kisses (barely-above-not-detailed); Staring at another’s lips; Touches, Embraces, Nearness & Warmth (up to semi-detailed); Raelyn sits in Alex’s lap; Blushes, Winks, & Flirting; Noticing (including muscles, border-line barely-above-not-detailed // semi-detailed).
A man kisses and touches Raelyn multiple times to rile Alex (she kisses him back once to try to keep the man from harming Alex, up to semi-detailed); She feels used by him; The man also orders her around (which upsets her, her brother, her father, & Alex); The man asks if Raelyn was sharing Alex’s bed (to which she said no).
When Alex gets out of control, his dragon part comes out and he manhandles Raelyn (by touching her to see if she’s telling the truth twice); When Alex transforms back into his normal appearance after being an actual dragon, he’s naked; which causes a few awkward moments and him keeping a wing to cover part of him; Alex is shirtless a couple of times and Raelyn turns around to avoid looking (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of him being naked at those moments, Raelyn blushing and trying not to look, & Alex teasing her; Raelyn imagines about sharing a bed with Alex and his wings/tail and tries not to think about it; A few mentions of a married couple/soon-to-be married couple being excited for sharing a room/bed.
Mentions of kisses & kissing; Mentions of flirting; Mentions of crushes; Mentions of jealousy; A few mentions of seducing; A couple mentions of a married couple kissing; A couple mentions of others being indecent (not fully clothed); A couple mentions of Raelyn’s brother saying their parents signed her away to be a breeding mare; A couple mentions of producing heirs; A mention of men liking riches and “one other thing” (which makes Raelyn nervous); A teasing mention of Raelyn asking if a young boy is in love with Alex (completely teasing him because he just teased her).
Honestly so many thoughts about this book. I had super high hopes for it, and once I got started the sibling content was the best, and then it got a little rocky with the dragon shape shifting male lead and I was like “what am I getting myself into”, but then things happen and communication (🅰️➕) and banter (💯) and it was really good. My heart got ripped out at a certain scene so thank you *so* much to all my friends who did not give me a warning about that. (I no longer trust y’all, fyi 🤨)
It’s four in the morning but I’m off with a hop, skip, and a jump to go read the novella that has his point of view, thank you very much and goodbye. 👋🏻
coherent review:
I listened to the author's Spofity playlist for this book as I worked on this review and it nearly bought me to tears at a couple very well timed moments and songs. It was a neat addition, for sure.
The prologue of her and her brother when they were little was so cute. I was so relieved when I started the first chapter that he wasn’t dead. (It was a reasonable concern for fantasy books, really.) The sibling content at the beginning was so sweet and I loved seeing her relationship with her older brother. I was shocked to see that we got his point of view every once and a while. We didn’t get the male lead’s point of view which was kind of a disappointment, but we got her brother and that was a-okay with me! (Edit to add: there’s a novella with his point of view?! Aaaaannnddd I’m off to Amazon to download it, kthanksbye)
Major props to the author, I could visualize this book like a movie. I can’t do that with every book, it really depends on the writing style and how many details we’re given. It truly reminded me of the plots of my Korean Manhwas and I think that’s why I really got into this book.
This was definitely Beauty and the Beast. Without a doubt. Jasper was the real MVP because he kept Alexander in line. Alexander was a bit of a cocky punk--I’m not gonna lie--but that’s what made his character so much better. His attitude is apparently partially from the curse that when he loses his temper, he turns into a dragon. Which just happens to make him more prone to rage, so he’s kind of doomed. I was really questioning them being in a romance, because of his attitude and reactions and being a little grabby with her in a terrifying kind of way, but that apparently stems from his curse which all makes it okay, I guess? But once she stops taunting him and he stops tormenting her and apologizes and discussions happen, I was a little more okay with a romance between them. Their apologies and discussions just felt a little fast, not quite a 180…maybe more like a 90° switcheroo? Regardless though, their communication and banter was top-tier.
I was ridiculously excited when I realized which character was supposed to represent different characters in the classic Disney Beauty and the Beast story, like Chipp and Mrs. Pots, oh my goodness, I squealed.
She did a stupid assumption in the middle of the book. Girl, why?! But it led to a conversation that needed to happen in a confession, so I’m willing to overlook her stupidity. But that made me really nervous because I was only halfway through the book and I know there’s still a lot more to come. (Which was a fair concern and completely valid.)
I’m with Garett on punching the Prince. I don’t know if I want to read Tristan’s story. He’s a jerk. I think if I bought the second book before reading it I would probably try to scrape his face off of the cover. I can’t look at that man with any bit of joy. The author is going to have to work so hard for me to have a morsel of liking him. We saw a little bit of room for improvement by the end of this book, but I don’t still like him.
I knew there was going to be a dramatic ending, but I wasn’t expecting my heart to be ripped out. Thank you so much for that, author, and to my friends that didn’t warn me ahead of time. (I no longer trust y’all, fyi)
This book took me by surprise. Even though I had super high expectations of it and being really eager to read it, I hesitated because of the page length. I ended up flying through it though, and really enjoying it. Despite certain scene that ripped my heart out and being a wee bit concerned on what I was getting into when he turned into a dragon, not gonna lie. (turned into a dragon count: 3 and a 1/2) It was a book that completely sucked me into it and I really needed that, so I'm happy I've finally read it.
Two quotes from Alexander that won me over:
“My suffering doesn’t invalidate yours.”
“I do not purr. That’s ridiculous.”
“I want you to be happy. Even if it’s not with me.”
Main Content- Clean fiction, no faith content.
Alexander was cursed as a child (at no fault of his own) and is basically a dragon-man, he has a tail, wings, claws, and horns (and can breath fire and smoke comes out of his nose). Raelyn is obviously terrified by seeing him for the first bit, calling him a ‘monster’ and a ‘demon’ (which, please note, he is not a demon, he’s a cursed prince); She is also concerned that he will eat her (which he won’t, but does tease her about that after they’re closer). Him being cursed is definitely a major focus of the book along with not judging others based on appearances; Alex is physically unable to talk about his curse, so others tell Raelyn what happened (including a nine-year-old Alex being cursed with a talisman and dark magic, & a man dragging him before the Court of Lords and physically hurting him, this is discussed and recalled, up to semi-detailed);
When Alex gets upset, he can shift into an actual dragon (he can also do it when not angry/upset, up to semi-detailed on the transformation); Raelyn feels bad for hurting him and not treating him like a human; Alex has a vow to never hurt anyone and definitely not to eat anyone (even though the dragon side of him tries to convince him to do that); The talismans are stones that require someone holding it over another’s heart and say an incantation in “the Old Tongue” and one is nearly used on page by a villain.
(Notes from the book on his curse, but are not actually spoilers
Many mentions of monsters & beasts (dragons, chimera, ogres, manticore, minotaur, centaur, up to semi-detailed in describing their appearances); Many mentions of dark magic/black magic, curses, talismans (including a love spell one), sorceresses/witches, evil people, wickedness (all portrayed as wrong); Mentions of a dragon being able to enchant others & being under his spell (At first, Raelyn thinks that the others are under an enchantment by Alex and later, others think Raelyn is under an enchantment by him; There’s talk about killing the dragon will remove the enchantment); Mentions of possible ways to break Alex’s curse & if it even can be broken; Mentions of faes; A few mentions of a young boy telling Alex that it was good that his mother was dying because she was evil.
No major language used, instead more minor forms are used: idiot, oh my word, shut up, stupid, the phrase about something being ‘damned’; A mention of a villain calling Alex a “hell spawn”; “Flames” is used as an exclamation a few times; Mentions of curses (said but not written out); Eye rolling & Sarcasm; Lying (Raelyn and side characters) & mentions of lies, lying, & liars; Drinking (Raelyn & her brother with wine, & Raelyn and Alexander drink ale at dinner); Mentions of alcohol & drinking.
Seeing a death of a friend & others harmed and tortured (gut-wrenching and painful, up to semi-detailed); Being attacked by monsters/animals, Killing a beast, Fighting/Punching someone/Self-defense, Being held at knife-point, Pain, Injuries, Blood/Bleeding, & Passing out (up to semi-detailed); Grief & Mourning a family member (up to semi-detailed); Raelyn is attacked by a minotaur that wants to eat her (up to semi-detailed).
Mentions of wars, fightings, weapons, deaths, & intending to kill others (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of executions & hangings; Mentions of murders, a murderer, deaths & bodies (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of a death & crows eating a body (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of poisons & thinking others were poisoned and killed; Mentions of fighting, injuries, pain, blood/bleeding (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of a husband’s grief after the death of his wife (two different husbands and their wives, barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of grief, a family grieving their son, & a family thinking their daughter has died (Raelyn’s family for her, up to semi-detailed); Mentions of kidnappings, prisoners, & running away; Mentions of threats; Mentions of nightmares; Mentions of hatred; Mentions of hunting & preparing their kill (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of vomiting, body waste, & having to use the bathroom outdoors; A few mentions of a horse that was killed and eaten by a monster (barely-above-not-detailed); A couple mentions of potential drownings.
Raelyn was raised to be a proper princess and knows that her duty is to marry into another kingdom to help her country (she doesn’t want to do this, but puts her people above her wants); Raelyn knows that her parents love her, but her parents often talk about her role as a princess and that greatly upsets her brother as they treat her sometimes more like a political piece than a person (Raelyn is hurt by this).
Many not-detailed and barely-above-not-detailed kisses (including some unwanted), 6 semi-detailed kiss; Remembering kisses (barely-above-not-detailed); Staring at another’s lips; Touches, Embraces, Nearness & Warmth (up to semi-detailed); Raelyn sits in Alex’s lap; Blushes, Winks, & Flirting; Noticing (including muscles, border-line barely-above-not-detailed // semi-detailed).
A man kisses and touches Raelyn multiple times to rile Alex (she kisses him back once to try to keep the man from harming Alex, up to semi-detailed); She feels used by him; The man also orders her around (which upsets her, her brother, her father, & Alex); The man asks if Raelyn was sharing Alex’s bed (to which she said no).
When Alex gets out of control, his dragon part comes out and he manhandles Raelyn (by touching her to see if she’s telling the truth twice); When Alex transforms back into his normal appearance after being an actual dragon, he’s naked; which causes a few awkward moments and him keeping a wing to cover part of him; Alex is shirtless a couple of times and Raelyn turns around to avoid looking (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of him being naked at those moments, Raelyn blushing and trying not to look, & Alex teasing her; Raelyn imagines about sharing a bed with Alex and his wings/tail and tries not to think about it; A few mentions of a married couple/soon-to-be married couple being excited for sharing a room/bed.
Mentions of kisses & kissing; Mentions of flirting; Mentions of crushes; Mentions of jealousy; A few mentions of seducing; A couple mentions of a married couple kissing; A couple mentions of others being indecent (not fully clothed); A couple mentions of Raelyn’s brother saying their parents signed her away to be a breeding mare; A couple mentions of producing heirs; A mention of men liking riches and “one other thing” (which makes Raelyn nervous); A teasing mention of Raelyn asking if a young boy is in love with Alex (completely teasing him because he just teased her).
Read
March 4, 2021I still feel too weird about rating my own books, so not gonna do that - but I am very excited for this book to release in just over a month. ^_^
May 24, 2021
this has officially ended me
there is absolutely no way I will make it through this review without screaming about how spicy Alex and Raelyn are.
Considering this is my first read by Selina Gonzalez I was halfway guarded as one is when reading something by a new author. If I had approached this book with a more critical mindset I think it would have been hard for me to love it as much as I do. There were some rough patches IMO but the characters and my enthusiasm for the story helped me overlook areas I might not have otherwise.
I was completely hooked on the idea of the beast being a DRAGON in an enemies-to-lovers beauty and the beast retelling. 😍😂
I literally couldn’t do anything but scream about how spicy they were. lol (context behind my use of the word spicy: I don’t mean that it was sexual or that their romance was based solely off attraction. I use the word to mean their relationship is full of fire-y conflicts and hard choices. Don’t ask. 😂)
Setting - Miraveld (don’t ask me how to pronounce that 👀) within the kingdoms of Rethalyon and Eynlae. Crossing of mountain passes, through dark forests, and into caves. We meet mystical creatures and small villages hidden away within the kingdoms. It allowed Selina to take the story where she wanted without having to answer a million questions. ✨
Plot - Entertaining and wild. I was able to relax and enjoy the story without fearing for their lives until the end. I really appreciated the pacing and seeing how the tightly knit the story was. It connected so well and finished with a rainbow of magic dust.
Description - While I would say the plot was rich and the characters lively this section of the book suffered. Was it vivid? Yes. But every time Selina painted a magical scene her timing was off. It interrupted the flow of the story and ended up yanking me from the book rather than enhancing the moment. Her words were beautiful, but awkward. It had more to do with the sentence structure and the flow of the rest of the story. 🤷🏻♀️
Romance - GUYS. GUYSSSSS. *this* *swoons* This was why I read the book. For their banter and pointless discussions. Any time I see enemies to lovers I instantly fall in love. 💖 And he’s an actual DRAGON. I wouldn’t have cared if he was cursed for all of time. He would still be MY dragon. 😍 (tbh I have artwork of him saved as my home screen 😌😂) THEY WERE SO SPICY. 🌶 And it wasn’t all about looks either. Selina Gonzalez did an amazing job at bringing realistic love to light. Everything was about hard decisions and choosing to love.
Content - There is some violence, but it’s not gory. The villain uses dark magic (everything is painted as evil). Some spicy things suggested. All very clean. 💕
Characters - i love them i love them i love them. that’s said. they are relatable, heartfelt, and oh so beautiful. Their development is 👌 I just support everything that happens in this book. 😂
Overall - Good vibes. Highly recommended. EVERYBODY SO SPICY. If yer going in, be prepared to cry, laugh, and curse the villains to death. ✌️
there is absolutely no way I will make it through this review without screaming about how spicy Alex and Raelyn are.
Considering this is my first read by Selina Gonzalez I was halfway guarded as one is when reading something by a new author. If I had approached this book with a more critical mindset I think it would have been hard for me to love it as much as I do. There were some rough patches IMO but the characters and my enthusiasm for the story helped me overlook areas I might not have otherwise.
I was completely hooked on the idea of the beast being a DRAGON in an enemies-to-lovers beauty and the beast retelling. 😍😂
I literally couldn’t do anything but scream about how spicy they were. lol (context behind my use of the word spicy: I don’t mean that it was sexual or that their romance was based solely off attraction. I use the word to mean their relationship is full of fire-y conflicts and hard choices. Don’t ask. 😂)
Setting - Miraveld (don’t ask me how to pronounce that 👀) within the kingdoms of Rethalyon and Eynlae. Crossing of mountain passes, through dark forests, and into caves. We meet mystical creatures and small villages hidden away within the kingdoms. It allowed Selina to take the story where she wanted without having to answer a million questions. ✨
Plot - Entertaining and wild. I was able to relax and enjoy the story without fearing for their lives until the end. I really appreciated the pacing and seeing how the tightly knit the story was. It connected so well and finished with a rainbow of magic dust.
Description - While I would say the plot was rich and the characters lively this section of the book suffered. Was it vivid? Yes. But every time Selina painted a magical scene her timing was off. It interrupted the flow of the story and ended up yanking me from the book rather than enhancing the moment. Her words were beautiful, but awkward. It had more to do with the sentence structure and the flow of the rest of the story. 🤷🏻♀️
Romance - GUYS. GUYSSSSS. *this* *swoons* This was why I read the book. For their banter and pointless discussions. Any time I see enemies to lovers I instantly fall in love. 💖 And he’s an actual DRAGON. I wouldn’t have cared if he was cursed for all of time. He would still be MY dragon. 😍 (tbh I have artwork of him saved as my home screen 😌😂) THEY WERE SO SPICY. 🌶 And it wasn’t all about looks either. Selina Gonzalez did an amazing job at bringing realistic love to light. Everything was about hard decisions and choosing to love.
Content - There is some violence, but it’s not gory. The villain uses dark magic (everything is painted as evil). Some spicy things suggested. All very clean. 💕
Characters - i love them i love them i love them. that’s said. they are relatable, heartfelt, and oh so beautiful. Their development is 👌 I just support everything that happens in this book. 😂
Overall - Good vibes. Highly recommended. EVERYBODY SO SPICY. If yer going in, be prepared to cry, laugh, and curse the villains to death. ✌️
June 21, 2022
Edit 12/14/21: fantastic as a reread. And WHAT?? There's a PLAYLIST FOR THIS BOOK ON SPOTIFY??!!!?? it is absolutely PERFECT!
I know I said I wouldn't read any more beauty and the beast retellings.....yet here we are. I had it on hold when I was in my BATB reading phase. Also I was in the car for 12 hours today, gotta do what you gotta do when you're in the car for that long.
I really liked A Thieving Curse! The characters were interesting and it had a unique plot (compared to other BATB retellings I've read). I was listening to music while reading this, and Monster by Imagine Dragons played which I thought was kind of fitting. And while Alex and Raelyn were flying, Romantic Flight from How to Train Your Dragon came on XD
Overall, A Thieving Curse was a nice easy book to read while stuck in a car:)
I know I said I wouldn't read any more beauty and the beast retellings.....yet here we are. I had it on hold when I was in my BATB reading phase. Also I was in the car for 12 hours today, gotta do what you gotta do when you're in the car for that long.
I really liked A Thieving Curse! The characters were interesting and it had a unique plot (compared to other BATB retellings I've read). I was listening to music while reading this, and Monster by Imagine Dragons played which I thought was kind of fitting. And while Alex and Raelyn were flying, Romantic Flight from How to Train Your Dragon came on XD
Overall, A Thieving Curse was a nice easy book to read while stuck in a car:)
March 9, 2021
"Tale as old as time..." but told in a new, refreshing way.
A Thieving Curse is an immersive, original take on Beauty and the Beast. Rich worldbuilding, epic twists, and realistic characters kept me glued to the page and growling (in true dragon fashion) at anything that pulled me away from finishing this story.
I truly fell in love with each character. They felt so tangible, like someone you'd really know--which in an age of character "types" was a fresh, surprising find.
The messages of love, family, and sacrifice were well portrayed (even if my heart cracked more than once) and Gonzalez kept me snickering with her rich humor over and over (I will never look at an apron the same way again...).
This is a standalone, but I look forward to more stories set in this world!
Perfect for fans of Kenley Davidson and Jordan Rivet.
A Thieving Curse is an immersive, original take on Beauty and the Beast. Rich worldbuilding, epic twists, and realistic characters kept me glued to the page and growling (in true dragon fashion) at anything that pulled me away from finishing this story.
I truly fell in love with each character. They felt so tangible, like someone you'd really know--which in an age of character "types" was a fresh, surprising find.
The messages of love, family, and sacrifice were well portrayed (even if my heart cracked more than once) and Gonzalez kept me snickering with her rich humor over and over (I will never look at an apron the same way again...).
This is a standalone, but I look forward to more stories set in this world!
Perfect for fans of Kenley Davidson and Jordan Rivet.
February 20, 2024
I had a lot of feelings while reading this book. One of them being, "What am I reading? This man is a dragon. He has a TAIL." This is one of those books that I felt kinda cringy about reading, but it was so addicting and entertaining at the same time, and I stayed up very late finishing it. I really liked the beginning with Raelyn and her brother together, it was very cute. Also I didn't hate Tristian. I might have even sort of liked him a little bit??? Yes he was awful at times and I was like, oh yeah, he's a jerk, but then other times I was like, okay he's not so bad. I'M SORRY. Also that TRAGIC scene near the end. Totally caught me off guard and I just sat there in shock for a while.
My reactions to this book in emojis: 😄🤨👀😏🤭🥰😳🫣💀😱🥺😭😍 the end
Content notes: a couple of scenes with Alex sans clothes
My reactions to this book in emojis: 😄🤨👀😏🤭🥰😳🫣💀😱🥺😭😍 the end
Content notes: a couple of scenes with Alex sans clothes
October 15, 2024
"My suffering does not invalidate yours."
I love any fairytale retelling, but if I have to pick a favorite to see retold, it has to be Beauty and the Beast. The story itself is so special to me, but I've yet to read a retelling that's disappointed me. Add that to Selina R. Gonzalez's amazing writing, and my only complaint is with myself for waiting this long to read it.
"A Thieving Curse" is an enchanting take on BatB, with a beauty who just wants to do what's best for her people, a beast who's more flirty than grumpy (well, he's a little grumpy... but it's justified, lol), and a cast of side characters that captured my heart instantly. I'm definitely excited to see more of the world in the sequel, but this book had a decidedly cozy feel to it that I adored. There are definitely some intense (and heartbreaking) moments, but so much hope is woven into the story. It was just wonderful.
Five stars from me, for sure.
Content warning for violence (nothing graphic), some kisses (including some that aren't wanted), and the use of dark magic (it's frowned upon)
re-read 2024: yeah I still love this book a lot.
I love any fairytale retelling, but if I have to pick a favorite to see retold, it has to be Beauty and the Beast. The story itself is so special to me, but I've yet to read a retelling that's disappointed me. Add that to Selina R. Gonzalez's amazing writing, and my only complaint is with myself for waiting this long to read it.
"A Thieving Curse" is an enchanting take on BatB, with a beauty who just wants to do what's best for her people, a beast who's more flirty than grumpy (well, he's a little grumpy... but it's justified, lol), and a cast of side characters that captured my heart instantly. I'm definitely excited to see more of the world in the sequel, but this book had a decidedly cozy feel to it that I adored. There are definitely some intense (and heartbreaking) moments, but so much hope is woven into the story. It was just wonderful.
Five stars from me, for sure.
Content warning for violence (nothing graphic), some kisses (including some that aren't wanted), and the use of dark magic (it's frowned upon)
re-read 2024: yeah I still love this book a lot.
April 15, 2021
How do I write my feelings for this book without going completely psycho? I have no idea. A Thieving Curse is not something I would've picked up if it wasn't by Selina R Golzalez. I didn't even read the synopsis thoroughly before purchasing. I just knew that I wanted to support Gonzalez and since Beauty and the Beast retellings seem to be popular in my reading this year, I wanted to give another on a shot.
If you told me this was going to become an all-time favourite book, would I have believed you?
Probably not.
I mean, it doesn't seem like the type of story for me to completely freak out about. Iy sounded pretty general in terms of plot and I didn't even know if I liked Gonzalez's writing style. I was risking it all when reading this book.
What did she do right?
Better question is what did she do wrong? (okay I think I noticed a couple tiny plot holes but it;s fine because I promptly forgot all about them. They were just in the moment things that I decided didn't make a lot of sense)
Her characters were amazing. I have not shipped someone for so long as much as I shipped certain characters in this book. The last 100 pages completely ruined me. So many things happened, both happy and sad, and I didn't really know how to react. My emotions were all over the place. It was a mess.
The plot was surprisingly unpredictable and fresh for a retelling. I really appreciated that because it wasn't something that I found myself getting bored in. It was still like reading a new story, even though it was a reimagining of a story that I have read many times.
My only complaint is that it ended. I cannot wait for the follow-up novels. Even if they're about different people, I just want more books like this. This entire book just made me so happy and we all know happiness is something the world needs a little more of.
If you told me this was going to become an all-time favourite book, would I have believed you?
Probably not.
I mean, it doesn't seem like the type of story for me to completely freak out about. Iy sounded pretty general in terms of plot and I didn't even know if I liked Gonzalez's writing style. I was risking it all when reading this book.
What did she do right?
Better question is what did she do wrong? (okay I think I noticed a couple tiny plot holes but it;s fine because I promptly forgot all about them. They were just in the moment things that I decided didn't make a lot of sense)
Her characters were amazing. I have not shipped someone for so long as much as I shipped certain characters in this book. The last 100 pages completely ruined me. So many things happened, both happy and sad, and I didn't really know how to react. My emotions were all over the place. It was a mess.
The plot was surprisingly unpredictable and fresh for a retelling. I really appreciated that because it wasn't something that I found myself getting bored in. It was still like reading a new story, even though it was a reimagining of a story that I have read many times.
My only complaint is that it ended. I cannot wait for the follow-up novels. Even if they're about different people, I just want more books like this. This entire book just made me so happy and we all know happiness is something the world needs a little more of.
March 9, 2021
Did I read this in one sitting after receiving the ARC? Yes, yes I did.
Loved the world, the story (always here for a good Beauty and the Beast retelling) and adored the characters. Nuanced, flawed, human, and completely believable, I was completely engrossed in Alex and Raelyn's story and here for every moment of character growth. Even though it follows the original tale closely, there are enough fresh twists and takes on everything that kept it so very engaging. It has the easy style I loved about Selina's Mercenary and the Mage duology, and a perfect romance arc.
And it has a Gareth. I want a Gareth.
As stated, I received an ARC and have provided my honest review. And you can bet that I will be buying my own copy as soon as it comes out to add to my fairy tale shelf!
Loved the world, the story (always here for a good Beauty and the Beast retelling) and adored the characters. Nuanced, flawed, human, and completely believable, I was completely engrossed in Alex and Raelyn's story and here for every moment of character growth. Even though it follows the original tale closely, there are enough fresh twists and takes on everything that kept it so very engaging. It has the easy style I loved about Selina's Mercenary and the Mage duology, and a perfect romance arc.
And it has a Gareth. I want a Gareth.
As stated, I received an ARC and have provided my honest review. And you can bet that I will be buying my own copy as soon as it comes out to add to my fairy tale shelf!
April 15, 2021
This book was so good!! I loved everything about it from the characters to the storyline! My full review will hopefully come tomorrow, but just know that I am in love with Selina's writing now!!! 😍😍
January 20, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
I love Beauty and the Beast retellings so I wanted to love this one more than I did but it was too YA for me. I did like it, just didn't love it.
I loved the MMC, Alex, although he was the dragon monster of the story, he was super sweet and struggled with his past and being viewed by his exterior. The FMC, Rae, however I didn't much care for til the last third of the book. She was too immature and childish to me for the longest time, and rude. Part of why I love the B&B retelling is how the FMC loves him despite his appearance, which it took this girl forever to do and then realize.
I know this is marketed for YA, which I can usually handle, but it felt too YA if you know what I mean. Also some of the events and human reactions seemed a little over the top or unrealistic to me (yes I know it's fantasy but humans aren't).
I will say this book accomplished what no other book has managed to do for me as an adult reader: I shed a few tears! A plot twist got me yall! I think it was mainly because of my pregnancy hormones but still, it's a first for me.
Again, it was entertaining and one I would still generally recommend for a B&B retelling.
Content: nakedness due to shapshifting but nothing improper happened, vague insinuation of a married couple going to have sex (x2), mentions of a villian using dark magic specifically to murder and torture (not descriptive), death of parents (past), death, a character forcing kisses on another
Christian faith rating: 0/3 clean fiction
I love Beauty and the Beast retellings so I wanted to love this one more than I did but it was too YA for me. I did like it, just didn't love it.
I loved the MMC, Alex, although he was the dragon monster of the story, he was super sweet and struggled with his past and being viewed by his exterior. The FMC, Rae, however I didn't much care for til the last third of the book. She was too immature and childish to me for the longest time, and rude. Part of why I love the B&B retelling is how the FMC loves him despite his appearance, which it took this girl forever to do and then realize.
I know this is marketed for YA, which I can usually handle, but it felt too YA if you know what I mean. Also some of the events and human reactions seemed a little over the top or unrealistic to me (yes I know it's fantasy but humans aren't).
I will say this book accomplished what no other book has managed to do for me as an adult reader: I shed a few tears! A plot twist got me yall! I think it was mainly because of my pregnancy hormones but still, it's a first for me.
Again, it was entertaining and one I would still generally recommend for a B&B retelling.
Content: nakedness due to shapshifting but nothing improper happened, vague insinuation of a married couple going to have sex (x2), mentions of a villian using dark magic specifically to murder and torture (not descriptive), death of parents (past), death, a character forcing kisses on another
Christian faith rating: 0/3 clean fiction
March 10, 2022
An enjoyable ‘Beauty and the Beast’ adaptation
There are some lovely elements in this - self sacrifice, redemption and I really like the ‘beastly’ concept presented (the idea of the curse) .
I’m voting for a future story where T finds his happily ever after!! Anyone want to second this??
In terms of the main characters I liked Alex a lot more than Rae mainly because once Rae got over her fear of him, her main issue with him seemed to be her lack of attraction to his looks (rather than, say, the impact those looks would have on his and her future options).
There are some lovely elements in this - self sacrifice, redemption and I really like the ‘beastly’ concept presented (the idea of the curse) .
I’m voting for a future story where T finds his happily ever after!! Anyone want to second this??
In terms of the main characters I liked Alex a lot more than Rae mainly because once Rae got over her fear of him, her main issue with him seemed to be her lack of attraction to his looks (rather than, say, the impact those looks would have on his and her future options).
February 17, 2022
One of my new favorite books.
Prepare for a ramble that I believe is spoiler-free except for some vague bits. :P
There is so much I like about it.
I want to start out by saying that repetitiveness somewhat annoys me. :P I do read retellings and I can still like them, but I like NEW stories (or at least ones that really hit my feels) and this one perfectly fit the princess in me without anything feeling repetitive.
I was laughing and grinning so much through this book. The characters are REAL. Their emotions are REAL. I can feel and understand them. It was either the first or second chapter that made me tear up because of the main character and what she was feeling. I don't think I've experienced what she did, but I felt her (and I have trouble with liking/relating to main girl characters for some reason, but her? She's great.) I teared up a few other times too, but I was a little shook that I felt teary so soon in the book.
I think this is the first romance book I've read that had two povs and both were not the love interests. The other was the BROTHER. (It was only a few chapters in his pov, mostly it is in Raelyn's, but still) I've always wanted to read a romance book that did that. Plus the sibling friendship between those two?! PERFECTION.
I love Alexander.
There were three times when I was worried the story was going a certain way and I was going to be really upset. (Twice because of misunderstandings, a third time because... everything... was going to be ruined) but a few pages later it fixed it all?! How is that REAL? How do I not actually have to forgive a character for making a ridiculous choice? Normally, I feel like romance books would carry on with misunderstandings for chapters and chapters, but nope. It fixed it nice, normally and perfectly.
Another thing I appreciated, the characters supported one another. It wasn't the angsty guy who got what he wanted and could be mean because of his horrible past. No, he got scolded by his mom figure and he respected and listened to her. It was natural and healthy. There were so many natural interactions in this book that just was so perfect. The characters were NOT selfish. I think the theme of this story was "love is a choice" and *applauds* They also were kind and forgiving.
Also, it wasn't just all "I wuv you" there was more than that. (Though there was quite a bit of "I wuv you" too in the end, but y'know I kinda was okay with that :D)
The questionable:
I caught one curse word and maybe two or three that might be considered a bad word, but I'm not sure if they were?
One or two sorta passionate kisses, but I could handle it.
(semi spoiler: a character made someone kiss them when they didn't want to and quite a bit of other affections. All of which I could stomach, but quite unhappily for the character. End of semi spoiler)
This might be a semi spoiler too but when dragon boi turns into a full dragon, his clothes get torn off. So when he changes back into mostly human dragon boi, he doesn't have any clothes on. This happens a few times. Once in the dark and another time that lasted longer and I felt so bad for him that time. It was done fairly well and didn't seem super inappropriate (another spoiler, they also joke about it previously and... I might have laughed...) but I tend to be quite uncomfortable with that sort of thing even though I could brush it off this time.
There be some blood and a few fight scenes (didn't bother me though).
In the end, I regret buying a kindle version of this book because I require it in paperback. :D
Prepare for a ramble that I believe is spoiler-free except for some vague bits. :P
There is so much I like about it.
I want to start out by saying that repetitiveness somewhat annoys me. :P I do read retellings and I can still like them, but I like NEW stories (or at least ones that really hit my feels) and this one perfectly fit the princess in me without anything feeling repetitive.
I was laughing and grinning so much through this book. The characters are REAL. Their emotions are REAL. I can feel and understand them. It was either the first or second chapter that made me tear up because of the main character and what she was feeling. I don't think I've experienced what she did, but I felt her (and I have trouble with liking/relating to main girl characters for some reason, but her? She's great.) I teared up a few other times too, but I was a little shook that I felt teary so soon in the book.
I think this is the first romance book I've read that had two povs and both were not the love interests. The other was the BROTHER. (It was only a few chapters in his pov, mostly it is in Raelyn's, but still) I've always wanted to read a romance book that did that. Plus the sibling friendship between those two?! PERFECTION.
I love Alexander.
There were three times when I was worried the story was going a certain way and I was going to be really upset. (Twice because of misunderstandings, a third time because... everything... was going to be ruined) but a few pages later it fixed it all?! How is that REAL? How do I not actually have to forgive a character for making a ridiculous choice? Normally, I feel like romance books would carry on with misunderstandings for chapters and chapters, but nope. It fixed it nice, normally and perfectly.
Another thing I appreciated, the characters supported one another. It wasn't the angsty guy who got what he wanted and could be mean because of his horrible past. No, he got scolded by his mom figure and he respected and listened to her. It was natural and healthy. There were so many natural interactions in this book that just was so perfect. The characters were NOT selfish. I think the theme of this story was "love is a choice" and *applauds* They also were kind and forgiving.
Also, it wasn't just all "I wuv you" there was more than that. (Though there was quite a bit of "I wuv you" too in the end, but y'know I kinda was okay with that :D)
The questionable:
I caught one curse word and maybe two or three that might be considered a bad word, but I'm not sure if they were?
One or two sorta passionate kisses, but I could handle it.
(semi spoiler: a character made someone kiss them when they didn't want to and quite a bit of other affections. All of which I could stomach, but quite unhappily for the character. End of semi spoiler)
This might be a semi spoiler too but when dragon boi turns into a full dragon, his clothes get torn off. So when he changes back into mostly human dragon boi, he doesn't have any clothes on. This happens a few times. Once in the dark and another time that lasted longer and I felt so bad for him that time. It was done fairly well and didn't seem super inappropriate (another spoiler, they also joke about it previously and... I might have laughed...) but I tend to be quite uncomfortable with that sort of thing even though I could brush it off this time.
There be some blood and a few fight scenes (didn't bother me though).
In the end, I regret buying a kindle version of this book because I require it in paperback. :D
August 10, 2021
“I do not purr. That’s ridiculous.”
This. Book. IT WAS INCREDIBLE!!!!! *cue incoherent fangirling noises*
A Thieving Curse was amazing. I want my own Alexander now! The character development was amazing and the twist for one of the characters at the end was perfect and unexpected.
Also the romance was swoon-worthy!🥰🥺Also, the humor cracked me up and had me grinning like a fool. It was great😂
You’ll find all the feels in ATC! Pain, anger, sadness (my heart is still broken😭), adorableness (yes that’s a feeling), joy, anticipation....all the things that make a book great.
This is one of those books that you can’t really do justice with a few words (or even many....) so go read it!! It really is amazing and is now one of my favorites!
There were also several good lessons in the book, like how love is a choice and to look at character and the heart instead of judging by appearances.
>> Content warnings: <<
I would say this book is clean. There isn't any swearing, though Alexander gets called many evil names due to his appearance, and the romance is only kissing. Though one time a character is asked if she shared someone's bed, to which she responded with an outraged "No", and sharing a bed is briefly hinted at between a married couple several times. There is a good amount of violence - verbally and physically. Witchcraft and curses are part of the book, but they are viewed in a negative light. Also, Alexander can *potential spoiler* turn from man to dragon and back *end of potential spoiler* but an unfortunate side affect is he isn't wearing clothes when he changes back to man. However, he tries his best to stay decent and he get brought clothes and all that.
None of the above was enough to cause any alarm, to me at least, so I'd say it's a safe read for 13+.
This. Book. IT WAS INCREDIBLE!!!!! *cue incoherent fangirling noises*
A Thieving Curse was amazing. I want my own Alexander now! The character development was amazing and the twist for one of the characters at the end was perfect and unexpected.
Also the romance was swoon-worthy!🥰🥺Also, the humor cracked me up and had me grinning like a fool. It was great😂
You’ll find all the feels in ATC! Pain, anger, sadness (my heart is still broken😭), adorableness (yes that’s a feeling), joy, anticipation....all the things that make a book great.
This is one of those books that you can’t really do justice with a few words (or even many....) so go read it!! It really is amazing and is now one of my favorites!
There were also several good lessons in the book, like how love is a choice and to look at character and the heart instead of judging by appearances.
>> Content warnings: <<
I would say this book is clean. There isn't any swearing, though Alexander gets called many evil names due to his appearance, and the romance is only kissing. Though one time a character is asked if she shared someone's bed, to which she responded with an outraged "No", and sharing a bed is briefly hinted at between a married couple several times. There is a good amount of violence - verbally and physically. Witchcraft and curses are part of the book, but they are viewed in a negative light. Also, Alexander can *potential spoiler* turn from man to dragon and back *end of potential spoiler* but an unfortunate side affect is he isn't wearing clothes when he changes back to man. However, he tries his best to stay decent and he get brought clothes and all that.
None of the above was enough to cause any alarm, to me at least, so I'd say it's a safe read for 13+.
May 11, 2024
Moody teenagers should not never the main characters of a book. Especially if they’re old enough that their moodiness makes no sense.
Princess Raelyn is a brat. She’s annoying and moody and most of what she does is completely impulsive but makes no sense.
Then, there’s Raelyn’s brother, Gareth. They’re super close. And he’s just as much of a brat as she is.
There’s also the matter of Prince Tristan and how well Raelyn puts up with his abuse.
So yeah, great world. Great idea. Flat characters. Unbelievable turn of events.
The only redeeming parts to this book came at the very end.
Content warnings:
Romance:
Violence:
Princess Raelyn is a brat. She’s annoying and moody and most of what she does is completely impulsive but makes no sense.
Then, there’s Raelyn’s brother, Gareth. They’re super close. And he’s just as much of a brat as she is.
There’s also the matter of Prince Tristan and how well Raelyn puts up with his abuse.
So yeah, great world. Great idea. Flat characters. Unbelievable turn of events.
The only redeeming parts to this book came at the very end.
Content warnings:
Romance:
Violence:
December 14, 2023
This series is quickly becoming one of my new favorite fairy tale worlds. I did read book 2 first (oops) but I love them both equally and I think it worked to do that? I didn’t feel like I lost any of the story; both books function decently well as standalones.
But also the worldbuilding and the character development and the slow burn and just EEP. I loved this book and now I desperately need the third one.
But also the worldbuilding and the character development and the slow burn and just EEP. I loved this book and now I desperately need the third one.
May 9, 2021
I LOVED THIS BOOK!!!!! 😍😍😍😍😍😍
I ADORED this book, everyone should read this book, it was amazing, funny, wonderful, sweet, intense, nail biting, couldn’t put it down for the life of me I just HAD to read one more chapter every time I picked it up... *takes a deep breath* It was just good, okay?
Normally I don’t like Beauty and the Beast retellings. I haven’t figured out WHY exactly, I just don’t and this is actually the second one I’ve LOVED this year?!?!? I especially loved Alex was half dragon instead of some ugly monster creature because I love dragons!
Speaking of Alex, he and Raelynn are THE BEST! The author has an amazing way of writing lovable (and not so lovable), real, amazing, raw, wholesome characters you can’t help but fall in love with and hate as needed—her characters are STUNNINGlY done in all her books in case that is very important to you to know. 😉
Raelynn is amazing (I know I keep using that word but it’s true!) yet so flawed and real and loving and kind yet also has a temper to match Alex’s dragon rage. Alex was sweet and not at all a beast in his manners (a BIG issue I have in most B&TB retellings) and Garett’s love for his sister was so strong and wholesome though I did want to wring his neck for not believing Raelynn at one point!
Tristin...I didn’t like him AT ALL though he was more bearable then this author’s other villain in her The Mercenary and the Mage series. Even when things happened at the end I still didn’t like him, but I understood and respected him for what he did. Sorta. I still don’t like him though.
The world was very basic but I love that, how it’s recognizable as a medieval fantasy with typical creatures and location types and such but is still very much its own thing that feels real and not stale or out of place at all. Not all fantasy has to have a hundred new or different things for me to love it.
I felt ALL THE FEELS in this book—the stakes and tensions were high, the romance sweet and lovely yet swoony too, and I teared up at one point because even though it was well done and made such a huge change in the story and was SO important HOW COULD SHE DO THAT TO MY BABY?!?!?!? Ahem, it’s fine, it’s all fine. Except it’s not really... *sob*
So if you enjoy fairy tale retellings (especially Beauty and the Beast ones), wonderful characters, political tension and intrigue, a sweet romance, and a lot of jokes and laughs about purring, I would highly, highly, HIGHLY recommend this book! And even if you don’t like those things...read it anyways because it’s great and you might just like it after all. 😉
Content: mild violence, some awkward nakedness as a result of shapeshifting which is played as amusing, some kissing, mild sexual assault (one character touches and kisses another while they are uncomfortable and clearly don’t want the attention), veiled references to a married couple sharing a bed. Also mentions of dark magic being used.
I ADORED this book, everyone should read this book, it was amazing, funny, wonderful, sweet, intense, nail biting, couldn’t put it down for the life of me I just HAD to read one more chapter every time I picked it up... *takes a deep breath* It was just good, okay?
Normally I don’t like Beauty and the Beast retellings. I haven’t figured out WHY exactly, I just don’t and this is actually the second one I’ve LOVED this year?!?!? I especially loved Alex was half dragon instead of some ugly monster creature because I love dragons!
Speaking of Alex, he and Raelynn are THE BEST! The author has an amazing way of writing lovable (and not so lovable), real, amazing, raw, wholesome characters you can’t help but fall in love with and hate as needed—her characters are STUNNINGlY done in all her books in case that is very important to you to know. 😉
Raelynn is amazing (I know I keep using that word but it’s true!) yet so flawed and real and loving and kind yet also has a temper to match Alex’s dragon rage. Alex was sweet and not at all a beast in his manners (a BIG issue I have in most B&TB retellings) and Garett’s love for his sister was so strong and wholesome though I did want to wring his neck for not believing Raelynn at one point!
Tristin...I didn’t like him AT ALL though he was more bearable then this author’s other villain in her The Mercenary and the Mage series. Even when things happened at the end I still didn’t like him, but I understood and respected him for what he did. Sorta. I still don’t like him though.
The world was very basic but I love that, how it’s recognizable as a medieval fantasy with typical creatures and location types and such but is still very much its own thing that feels real and not stale or out of place at all. Not all fantasy has to have a hundred new or different things for me to love it.
I felt ALL THE FEELS in this book—the stakes and tensions were high, the romance sweet and lovely yet swoony too, and I teared up at one point because even though it was well done and made such a huge change in the story and was SO important HOW COULD SHE DO THAT TO MY BABY?!?!?!? Ahem, it’s fine, it’s all fine. Except it’s not really... *sob*
So if you enjoy fairy tale retellings (especially Beauty and the Beast ones), wonderful characters, political tension and intrigue, a sweet romance, and a lot of jokes and laughs about purring, I would highly, highly, HIGHLY recommend this book! And even if you don’t like those things...read it anyways because it’s great and you might just like it after all. 😉
Content: mild violence, some awkward nakedness as a result of shapeshifting which is played as amusing, some kissing, mild sexual assault (one character touches and kisses another while they are uncomfortable and clearly don’t want the attention), veiled references to a married couple sharing a bed. Also mentions of dark magic being used.
October 7, 2022
I think it was a good decision to expect nothing from this book because in other place I would be immensely disappointed.
At first, I had a problem with main character, Raelyn. Initially she annoyed me due to her childish behaviour and later I pitied her. Her encounter with "beast" was strange. The whole situation reeked of gaslighting especially from Alex's friends side who showed almost lack of sympathy to her and constantly accused her of being the rude one even if the fault was on Alex's side. That left me with mixed feelings and I couldn't find myself to like other characters. And after rocky beginnings we "smoothly" go into normal, domestic life. It sounds ridiculous, isn't it? Something went wrong actually and my confusion grew throughout the book. Moreover, I didn't and couldn't find myself to like Alex. I know, the curse made him in a certain way but his initial temper and then cocky demeanour gave me odd vibes... Their relationship was even more strange. Frankly, there was no ground set for deeper feelings and don't even look for chemistry, there's none. Alex forced her to stay with him despite her desperate pleads and acted like a toxic puppy who quickly fell in love. Realyn's feelings on the other hand were inconsistent and... Forced upon her? Like they told her she loves him and she agreed, just because. Sometimes I come across a stupid theory that Beauty and the Beast is about Stockholm syndrome but here I cannot agree more, especially when heroine falls for a prince and befriends his family who clearly abused her mentally.
It is supposed to be Beauty and the Beast retelling but felt like a poor (horrible) endeavour, as if the author wanted to write a new concept but tried too much and instead made the whole story messy and absurd. I was just shaking my head with disbelief and confusion. Furthermore, it presented forced dramas to probably spice thing up, but it only made me more frustrated. I thought it could get better but I was so wrong. Near the end everything was getting terrible and I felt disgusted. I wanted to give two stars but it doesn't even deserve to have one. Awful book which shows that toxic relationships, gaslighting and h*r*ssm*nt can be forgiven because "LoVe Is A cHoIcE". Laughable. Just don't read this "sheet".
At first, I had a problem with main character, Raelyn. Initially she annoyed me due to her childish behaviour and later I pitied her. Her encounter with "beast" was strange. The whole situation reeked of gaslighting especially from Alex's friends side who showed almost lack of sympathy to her and constantly accused her of being the rude one even if the fault was on Alex's side. That left me with mixed feelings and I couldn't find myself to like other characters. And after rocky beginnings we "smoothly" go into normal, domestic life. It sounds ridiculous, isn't it? Something went wrong actually and my confusion grew throughout the book. Moreover, I didn't and couldn't find myself to like Alex. I know, the curse made him in a certain way but his initial temper and then cocky demeanour gave me odd vibes... Their relationship was even more strange. Frankly, there was no ground set for deeper feelings and don't even look for chemistry, there's none. Alex forced her to stay with him despite her desperate pleads and acted like a toxic puppy who quickly fell in love. Realyn's feelings on the other hand were inconsistent and... Forced upon her? Like they told her she loves him and she agreed, just because. Sometimes I come across a stupid theory that Beauty and the Beast is about Stockholm syndrome but here I cannot agree more, especially when heroine falls for a prince and befriends his family who clearly abused her mentally.
It is supposed to be Beauty and the Beast retelling but felt like a poor (horrible) endeavour, as if the author wanted to write a new concept but tried too much and instead made the whole story messy and absurd. I was just shaking my head with disbelief and confusion. Furthermore, it presented forced dramas to probably spice thing up, but it only made me more frustrated. I thought it could get better but I was so wrong. Near the end everything was getting terrible and I felt disgusted. I wanted to give two stars but it doesn't even deserve to have one. Awful book which shows that toxic relationships, gaslighting and h*r*ssm*nt can be forgiven because "LoVe Is A cHoIcE". Laughable. Just don't read this "sheet".
April 2, 2021
4.25
While some parts were a little too dramatic for my taste, this was such a unique retelling that it made up for the dramatics.
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Language: n/a
Spiritual: n/a
Violence: quite a bit that happened in the past and threats in the present
Romance: kissing
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I received a copy from the author. All thoughts are my own and a positive review was not required.
While some parts were a little too dramatic for my taste, this was such a unique retelling that it made up for the dramatics.
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Language: n/a
Spiritual: n/a
Violence: quite a bit that happened in the past and threats in the present
Romance: kissing
-
I received a copy from the author. All thoughts are my own and a positive review was not required.
April 24, 2021
ALL THE STARS!!
Rtc
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September 21, 2024
This is an amazing book! It’s both heartwarming and heartbreaking. It’s filled with honor, courage, and sacrifice. I loved the characters (the good ones, that is), the romance, and even the storyline.
I don’t typically care for Beauty and The Beast retellings. I’ve found them slow and the characters unlikeable. As such, I was a bit reluctant to start this book, despite glowing reviews from multiple people I follow and trust… But wow, I’m so glad I finally picked it up! I just loved this book, from start to finish. Alexander’s character especially was so sweet and lovable. I would totally choose him 🤓
The book gets a little more intense than I typically enjoy, a little heart crushing… and yet, it was beautiful and so well done. It carried me on a gripping ride, then delivered me at the promised happily ever after.
I can’t wait to start the next book in the series!
Content:
There’s no foul language or sex. There is some violence but it’s not excessive. The romance is clean, however, there is a bad guy who kisses and touches a girl against her will. There’s dark magic and curses. There is no mention of faith or God.
I don’t typically care for Beauty and The Beast retellings. I’ve found them slow and the characters unlikeable. As such, I was a bit reluctant to start this book, despite glowing reviews from multiple people I follow and trust… But wow, I’m so glad I finally picked it up! I just loved this book, from start to finish. Alexander’s character especially was so sweet and lovable. I would totally choose him 🤓
The book gets a little more intense than I typically enjoy, a little heart crushing… and yet, it was beautiful and so well done. It carried me on a gripping ride, then delivered me at the promised happily ever after.
I can’t wait to start the next book in the series!
Content:
There’s no foul language or sex. There is some violence but it’s not excessive. The romance is clean, however, there is a bad guy who kisses and touches a girl against her will. There’s dark magic and curses. There is no mention of faith or God.
Want to read
April 7, 2023I was honored and so happy to have read an ARC of the latest installment in this series, A Lonely Dance, earlier last year. =)
Well, THIS book, the first one in series, is for FREE on Amazon right now for a couple of day!! Grab it QUICK>> https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08YX2BVJ1?...
gonna need to read this and finish my backlist reading of Gonzalez! <3
Well, THIS book, the first one in series, is for FREE on Amazon right now for a couple of day!! Grab it QUICK>> https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08YX2BVJ1?...
gonna need to read this and finish my backlist reading of Gonzalez! <3
May 10, 2023
I loved this book! While getting attached to Raelyn took a little time, her love for her brother and her willingness to do her duty (even if she didn't like it) drew me in, and once Alex showed up on the scene, I was hooked and couldn't stop reading until the end. This is a top-tier B&B retelling, and I'd definitely recommend it.
May 3, 2021
Read: April 2021
Thank you to the author and Wyvern Wing Press for an eARC in exchange for my honest review.
What's this, you ask? Another BatB retelling, Cassidy, don't you get tired of those? The answer is NO, and that especially applies to A Thieving Curse. This retelling has everything you could want: a dragon, awkward flirting, found family, baby goats, and a respect for the princess that is sometimes lacking in other retellings. What I mean by that is Alexander (the "Beast") does not resort to violence with Raelyn (the "Beauty"), he doesn't push her around or rage at her. I like to see a pairing built on trust and respect, and that's what I got.
Other thoughts:
The author is an expert at crafting villains I would gleefully push off a cliff.
I had the pleasure of beta-reading this back in 2019 and I love the ultimate direction for Tristan. He is not included in the cliff-pushing.
THE AUTHOR KNOWS WHAT SHE DID.
CW: fantasy violence, kidnapping, character death, torture
Thank you to the author and Wyvern Wing Press for an eARC in exchange for my honest review.
What's this, you ask? Another BatB retelling, Cassidy, don't you get tired of those? The answer is NO, and that especially applies to A Thieving Curse. This retelling has everything you could want: a dragon, awkward flirting, found family, baby goats, and a respect for the princess that is sometimes lacking in other retellings. What I mean by that is Alexander (the "Beast") does not resort to violence with Raelyn (the "Beauty"), he doesn't push her around or rage at her. I like to see a pairing built on trust and respect, and that's what I got.
Other thoughts:
The author is an expert at crafting villains I would gleefully push off a cliff.
I had the pleasure of beta-reading this back in 2019 and I love the ultimate direction for Tristan. He is not included in the cliff-pushing.
THE AUTHOR KNOWS WHAT SHE DID.
CW: fantasy violence, kidnapping, character death, torture
September 25, 2024
A fresh take, while acknowledging the tropes, and nods to the original fairy tale in just the right places. I enjoyed this more than I thought I would. I think part of it was the exact emotional state I was in at the time, and it provided some perfect words of comfort. While I don’t usually read romances, this one had just the right amount without getting too mushy, and some serious and tragic circumstances that propelled the plot past mere romance. I’ll definitely be picking up the rest of the series to continue on in this world, with the other characters.
March 19, 2021
5/5 stars
I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Princess Raelyn has known for a while that her future has been decided for her. Gone are the days of getting into trouble with her brother for skipping lessons and causing mischief. Instead, she is being forced into a marriage with Prince Tristan, the Crown Prince of the neighboring kingdom. She knows her marriage will benefit her people, but that does not make the burden easier to bear. But when she gets lost on her way to the wedding, a dragon-man saves her. He claims to be Prince Alexander and that he is the true Crown Prince, and he has no intention of letting her return to her family and her duty. Trapped with the monster and his friends, she struggles to understand how anyone could serve—let alone love—this creature. But as she learns more about the curse and the man it torments, she discovers his heart is very human.
Oh. My. Goodness. This book has got me feeling all kinds of things! I’ve read many Beauty and the Beast re-tellings, but I think this one has to be my favorite!
Raelyn is stubborn and mischievous and strong; she is so un-princess-like in all the best ways! Her relationship with her brother Gareth was one of my favorite things about this book! Meanwhile, Alex has a temper that he struggles to control and a large heart full of love and kindness. His relationship with Raelyn is full of witty banter and flirtations that had me either swooning or laughing out loud! His adopted family is so sweet and I want to hug them all!
The story flows so smoothly! It follows the classic tale, but the world-building is so detailed and the characters are so much more lovable! There are plenty of twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat! My heart broke so many times, and I was so stressed during the last portion of the book! I won’t spoil the ending, but it was such a fitting conclusion to the story.
The relationships in this book were so beautiful and realistic, and you won’t be able to resist growing attached to the characters! Any reader who loves fairytale re-tellings, romance, or found family needs to read this! Also, Selina has given me highly unrealistic standards for men! Where can I get an Alex or a Gareth?
Content: some violence, nudity (non-sexual)
I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Princess Raelyn has known for a while that her future has been decided for her. Gone are the days of getting into trouble with her brother for skipping lessons and causing mischief. Instead, she is being forced into a marriage with Prince Tristan, the Crown Prince of the neighboring kingdom. She knows her marriage will benefit her people, but that does not make the burden easier to bear. But when she gets lost on her way to the wedding, a dragon-man saves her. He claims to be Prince Alexander and that he is the true Crown Prince, and he has no intention of letting her return to her family and her duty. Trapped with the monster and his friends, she struggles to understand how anyone could serve—let alone love—this creature. But as she learns more about the curse and the man it torments, she discovers his heart is very human.
Oh. My. Goodness. This book has got me feeling all kinds of things! I’ve read many Beauty and the Beast re-tellings, but I think this one has to be my favorite!
Raelyn is stubborn and mischievous and strong; she is so un-princess-like in all the best ways! Her relationship with her brother Gareth was one of my favorite things about this book! Meanwhile, Alex has a temper that he struggles to control and a large heart full of love and kindness. His relationship with Raelyn is full of witty banter and flirtations that had me either swooning or laughing out loud! His adopted family is so sweet and I want to hug them all!
The story flows so smoothly! It follows the classic tale, but the world-building is so detailed and the characters are so much more lovable! There are plenty of twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat! My heart broke so many times, and I was so stressed during the last portion of the book! I won’t spoil the ending, but it was such a fitting conclusion to the story.
The relationships in this book were so beautiful and realistic, and you won’t be able to resist growing attached to the characters! Any reader who loves fairytale re-tellings, romance, or found family needs to read this! Also, Selina has given me highly unrealistic standards for men! Where can I get an Alex or a Gareth?
Content: some violence, nudity (non-sexual)
April 27, 2023
I received this as a birthday gift back in January, but due to being a mood reader, I didn't actually start reading it until...four months later.
Having just finished a wonderful retelling by another author, I was both wanting to read more retellings (finally had my faith restored in them) and also afraid this one wouldn't measure up to my expectations. That said, though, I actually did enjoy this one very much.
The beginning was a bit hard to get into, I think because it was slow and also felt cliché (though the emotions of the characters was refreshingly realistic). But once the book picked up, I thoroughly enjoyed it and couldn't put it down, even staying up late to finish it. The characters feel very real, and I also enjoyed the world-building and settings in the story.
My only complaint besides the slowness in the beginning is more of a personal taste, and it was that there wasn't much in the way of prose. I say this is a personal thing because the book was just fine without it, but being a medieval-esque story, I guess I expected a bit more? Nonetheless, it had some great moments and a few quote-board-worthy lines; it just wasn't as much as I had hoped for. Hence why it's not a full 5 stars.
My favorite part was
All this is to say, I did enjoy this book. And I'm looking forward to reading the second one once my book-buying ban is lifted. (Or I succumb anyway...) And I want to say thank you to my friend who got this book for me; I enjoyed it muchly.
Having just finished a wonderful retelling by another author, I was both wanting to read more retellings (finally had my faith restored in them) and also afraid this one wouldn't measure up to my expectations. That said, though, I actually did enjoy this one very much.
The beginning was a bit hard to get into, I think because it was slow and also felt cliché (though the emotions of the characters was refreshingly realistic). But once the book picked up, I thoroughly enjoyed it and couldn't put it down, even staying up late to finish it. The characters feel very real, and I also enjoyed the world-building and settings in the story.
My only complaint besides the slowness in the beginning is more of a personal taste, and it was that there wasn't much in the way of prose. I say this is a personal thing because the book was just fine without it, but being a medieval-esque story, I guess I expected a bit more? Nonetheless, it had some great moments and a few quote-board-worthy lines; it just wasn't as much as I had hoped for. Hence why it's not a full 5 stars.
My favorite part was
All this is to say, I did enjoy this book. And I'm looking forward to reading the second one once my book-buying ban is lifted. (Or I succumb anyway...) And I want to say thank you to my friend who got this book for me; I enjoyed it muchly.
April 27, 2021
I've always loved Beauty and the Beast retellings and have definitely added A Thieving Curse to my list of favorites! I absolutely loved Raelyn's desire to be a loyal queen but also her fun quirks and free spirit. Alex was adorable and I so enjoyed his and Raelyn's banter. Though the ending dragged on a bit long to me, I loved the conclusion and how everything tied together!
April 10, 2022
I literally have no words. 🤯🤩 I laughed, I cried, I fell in love. And when I say I cried, I mean from 70-95% of this book I’ve been an emotional wreck, alternating between sobbing and begging it not to be so. But that made me love A Thieving Curse all the more, because I made an emotional connection with it and will forever love this book!!
The characters were EVERYTHING!! They were so wonderfully written, and I felt so connected to Raelyn, Alex, Gareth, Lucus, and the others. I loooved Raelyn!! She was such an amazing protagonist, and you relate and connect with her so well. I loved how wrong her sense of duty was, that she was willing to marry a man she didn’t love (and quite hated) so her country can strive and people live. It’s so admirable, even if I hurt for her! And ohhh my, Alex!! 😍 His character was wonderful, from his witty attitude and caring heart to the brokenness in him created by the people he trusted. I thought it was really cool how he can shift into a dragon, but while he’s in his ‘human’ form he still has dragon characteristics, such as wings, claws, horns, a tail, and a radiating warmth. The banter between him and Raelyn was so fun to read, especially all the purring parts (he DOES purr). 😂😂😂 His brotherly relationship with sweet, precious Lucas warmed my heart! 😍I LOVE this man so much!!! 😍😭😍 And speaking of Lucas, oh I love that darling boy. He can talk my ear off all day long if he wants to! 😍😭 Gareth, Raelyn’s brother, was great, and I thought it really cool that we’d go to his POV occasionally! I loved his brother protectiveness and how they were always up to trouble together. 😂 When I say my heart broke for all of these characters and everything they went through, I mean it BROKE! My gosh did they go through some traumatizing times. You could feel their grief, terror, and agony through the pages. 😭😭😭
I thought the plot was great! It’s a Beauty and the Beast retelling, so while most of it is familiar, Selina adds enough twists to it to make it unique and different, like the beast being a dragon! And the goats. Wasn’t any goats in Beauty and the Beast, but they certainly added just the right flavor to this book! 😍😂 I loved the flying scenes and how free Raelyn and Alex were when they flew. Then you get to the last 30% of the book, and everything goes wrong. I literally spent the entire day reading because I couldn’t put it down. I had to find out what happened next and if they’d make it out whole. Some didn’t, and I’m still not okay. 😭😭😭 But that also made this book all the more beautiful, because these characters will live the rest of their lives with these scars (literal and figurative), remembering what they lost and how hard they had to fight for what they wanted. I love the author for what she did, even as I rage at the unfairness of it!
All of that to say, A Thieving Curse is entering my favorite books list and I will read everything Selina R. Gonzalez writes!!! 😆😆😆
Content warnings:
This book is pretty clean romance wise, not going further than kissing, but there are some unwanted kisses from the antagonist. Alex is naked a few times because that’s what happens after he shifts, but he always tries his best to keep himself covered, though characters do make jokes about it. There is violence in here, with characters being attacked or kidnapped by monsters, deaths, and some slight torture and purposeful antagonizing. Due to that, I’d say this book should be for ages 14+.
The characters were EVERYTHING!! They were so wonderfully written, and I felt so connected to Raelyn, Alex, Gareth, Lucus, and the others. I loooved Raelyn!! She was such an amazing protagonist, and you relate and connect with her so well. I loved how wrong her sense of duty was, that she was willing to marry a man she didn’t love (and quite hated) so her country can strive and people live. It’s so admirable, even if I hurt for her! And ohhh my, Alex!! 😍 His character was wonderful, from his witty attitude and caring heart to the brokenness in him created by the people he trusted. I thought it was really cool how he can shift into a dragon, but while he’s in his ‘human’ form he still has dragon characteristics, such as wings, claws, horns, a tail, and a radiating warmth. The banter between him and Raelyn was so fun to read, especially all the purring parts (he DOES purr). 😂😂😂 His brotherly relationship with sweet, precious Lucas warmed my heart! 😍I LOVE this man so much!!! 😍😭😍 And speaking of Lucas, oh I love that darling boy. He can talk my ear off all day long if he wants to! 😍😭 Gareth, Raelyn’s brother, was great, and I thought it really cool that we’d go to his POV occasionally! I loved his brother protectiveness and how they were always up to trouble together. 😂 When I say my heart broke for all of these characters and everything they went through, I mean it BROKE! My gosh did they go through some traumatizing times. You could feel their grief, terror, and agony through the pages. 😭😭😭
I thought the plot was great! It’s a Beauty and the Beast retelling, so while most of it is familiar, Selina adds enough twists to it to make it unique and different, like the beast being a dragon! And the goats. Wasn’t any goats in Beauty and the Beast, but they certainly added just the right flavor to this book! 😍😂 I loved the flying scenes and how free Raelyn and Alex were when they flew. Then you get to the last 30% of the book, and everything goes wrong. I literally spent the entire day reading because I couldn’t put it down. I had to find out what happened next and if they’d make it out whole. Some didn’t, and I’m still not okay. 😭😭😭 But that also made this book all the more beautiful, because these characters will live the rest of their lives with these scars (literal and figurative), remembering what they lost and how hard they had to fight for what they wanted. I love the author for what she did, even as I rage at the unfairness of it!
All of that to say, A Thieving Curse is entering my favorite books list and I will read everything Selina R. Gonzalez writes!!! 😆😆😆
Content warnings:
This book is pretty clean romance wise, not going further than kissing, but there are some unwanted kisses from the antagonist. Alex is naked a few times because that’s what happens after he shifts, but he always tries his best to keep himself covered, though characters do make jokes about it. There is violence in here, with characters being attacked or kidnapped by monsters, deaths, and some slight torture and purposeful antagonizing. Due to that, I’d say this book should be for ages 14+.
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