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Dark Caress #2
The Cursed Court
Can there be more to hate than meets the eye?
A journey north. A curse to break. A world at war.
After recent life-altering events, I find myself on a quest to make things better. To undo the afflictions put upon me, to find some answers.
But the road ahead is long, and Kormac, my human companion, isn’t making it easy.
How in Faerie am I supposed to work with this man I hate, a human who hates me just as much?
And what is this attraction between us? Is it all in my head? Part of the magic infecting us?
Something else?
There is no choice but to embrace this new situation, to keep a steady mind and heart. At least until things change for the better.
But the human…
Oh, the human…
The Cursed Court is the second book in a Dark Fantasy trilogy with a slow-burn MM Enemies to Lovers Romance that unfolds as the series progresses.
Enter a violent world of warring fae and deadly magic, where two souls collide, and nothing is as it seems.
This book contains graphic scenes that some readers may find upsetting.
A journey north. A curse to break. A world at war.
After recent life-altering events, I find myself on a quest to make things better. To undo the afflictions put upon me, to find some answers.
But the road ahead is long, and Kormac, my human companion, isn’t making it easy.
How in Faerie am I supposed to work with this man I hate, a human who hates me just as much?
And what is this attraction between us? Is it all in my head? Part of the magic infecting us?
Something else?
There is no choice but to embrace this new situation, to keep a steady mind and heart. At least until things change for the better.
But the human…
Oh, the human…
The Cursed Court is the second book in a Dark Fantasy trilogy with a slow-burn MM Enemies to Lovers Romance that unfolds as the series progresses.
Enter a violent world of warring fae and deadly magic, where two souls collide, and nothing is as it seems.
This book contains graphic scenes that some readers may find upsetting.
346 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 25, 2022
15 people are currently reading
116 people want to read
About the author
Richard Amos
67 books386 followersRichard Amos is an author from England who is constantly lost in the worlds he writes about, and the ones in the queue yet to be written. He also has more books in his house than anything else, and is never without a book (and chocolate) in his hands when he's not writing. He’s a proud nerd who loves to dance. Hard.
Richard writes M/M Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, and Paranormal Romance, all with tons of kick-ass action, adventure, twisty plots, and yummy times.
🔗 https://linktr.ee/richardamosauthor
Richard writes M/M Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, and Paranormal Romance, all with tons of kick-ass action, adventure, twisty plots, and yummy times.
🔗 https://linktr.ee/richardamosauthor
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
March 30, 2022
Well, what can I say that isn't going to seriously spoiler anything? There are elements of Val and Kormac's pasts revealed; there are families explored; there's more of the mysterious guide; there are trials and tribulations; there are tables turned; there are horribly nasty goblins (not a spoiler…goblins are pretty much always nasty); there are alliances and betrayals…and then there's a flipping huge cliffhanger!
The Cursed Court is absolutely an incredible rollercoaster of a read - fabulous flawed but honourable characters, a brilliantly described perilous journey through the season regions and a growing relationship that might just turn out to be everything! I'm just not sure how I'll manage to wait for the conclusion/next installment of the series. 5* all the way from me.
An ARC was provided by the author. This is my honest review
The Cursed Court is absolutely an incredible rollercoaster of a read - fabulous flawed but honourable characters, a brilliantly described perilous journey through the season regions and a growing relationship that might just turn out to be everything! I'm just not sure how I'll manage to wait for the conclusion/next installment of the series. 5* all the way from me.
An ARC was provided by the author. This is my honest review
March 30, 2022
Mr. Amos does it again, but even better. Wow, the journey that Kormac and Valance endure is action packed and keeps you intrigued. The struggles with the soul bond and dark caress are described so vividly that you feel them, and don't forget the steamy scenes too. I don't want to spoil it, but there are a few twists and turns and somethings that are unexpected. You might get a little frustrated at some turn of events, because it is not your desired outcome; but isn't that the point to see what happens next? I am excited for part 3.
March 28, 2022
The Cursed Court book 2 in The Dark Caress series and Kormac & Prince Valance have a mission to get to the Winter Fae Court. Their journey is not an easy one though but it is an eye opener for both of them. One where not all friends can be counted on, more truths are uncovered as well as backstories are revealed. Which all combines to make Valance and Kormac grow closer as they come to rely on each other more.
With that ending though it completely threw me and shocked the hell out of me too. I'm dying to find out how it will play out in the last book. This series is just a brilliant read
With that ending though it completely threw me and shocked the hell out of me too. I'm dying to find out how it will play out in the last book. This series is just a brilliant read
October 20, 2022
Whew, the second book offers some more plot and relationship development, as well as all the regular amounts of murder.
However the ending felt rushed and not at all expected in some ways.
I am NOT a fan of crazy plot stuff being revealed at the end of the book. But maybe it was always meant to be a whole story so I will have to be patient until then.
However the ending felt rushed and not at all expected in some ways.
I am NOT a fan of crazy plot stuff being revealed at the end of the book. But maybe it was always meant to be a whole story so I will have to be patient until then.
March 7, 2022
AMAZING 😍 From page one I was hooked.
So we continue with Val and Karmac heading to winter. Be prepared that Richard doesn't make it easy for these two to get to there.
I love how richard gave us chapters in each season along the way. And the more they go through the more we see them fall in love. Like I'm a huge fan of Richards and if you are too then you know what his like with his shockers that make you go noooooo well I was proper preparing myself for them but this guy is so skilled that he got me a few times 😭 I need book 3 NOW. 🥰
So we continue with Val and Karmac heading to winter. Be prepared that Richard doesn't make it easy for these two to get to there.
I love how richard gave us chapters in each season along the way. And the more they go through the more we see them fall in love. Like I'm a huge fan of Richards and if you are too then you know what his like with his shockers that make you go noooooo well I was proper preparing myself for them but this guy is so skilled that he got me a few times 😭 I need book 3 NOW. 🥰
March 23, 2022
I’m enjoying this dark fantasy series, but be warned this book ends on a doozy of a cliffhanger. I’m already hanging out to find out what happens next. I loved all the twists and turns, and am invested in Valance and Kormac getting their HEA.
The two MCs are flawed and Valance in particular has done some very questionable things in his past. Although at least he has a line he won’t cross, unlike his family, which says a lot for his strength of character. I loved how Kormac and Valance both grow through the course of their journey, and draw closer to each other. I liked how the author used the soul bond to make them doubt their feelings for each other. Or even why they saved each other from death.
I liked the glimpse into Kormac’s past, with them visiting his village and connecting with an old friend. More is revealed about Kormac’s family too, and none of it is good. This book is very much about betrayal and nothing being exactly what it seems. The worldbuilding is rich and detailed, which is what I’d expect from this author, and I liked how he split the seasons into different courts and places as opposed to what they are in our world. I also like the different beliefs between seelie and unseelie. The details add layers to the realism of their world.
The plot kept me turning pages as I needed to know what happened next. I love the twists in this story, and that no one can be trusted. Everyone has their own agenda, and letting your guard down can be fatal.
The goblins are nasty! I wouldn’t want to meet up with one of them.
The old lady shows her true colours and identity, and the reveal wasn’t what I expected. I didn’t see the twist at the end of the story coming either. I want the next book now.
The two MCs are flawed and Valance in particular has done some very questionable things in his past. Although at least he has a line he won’t cross, unlike his family, which says a lot for his strength of character. I loved how Kormac and Valance both grow through the course of their journey, and draw closer to each other. I liked how the author used the soul bond to make them doubt their feelings for each other. Or even why they saved each other from death.
I liked the glimpse into Kormac’s past, with them visiting his village and connecting with an old friend. More is revealed about Kormac’s family too, and none of it is good. This book is very much about betrayal and nothing being exactly what it seems. The worldbuilding is rich and detailed, which is what I’d expect from this author, and I liked how he split the seasons into different courts and places as opposed to what they are in our world. I also like the different beliefs between seelie and unseelie. The details add layers to the realism of their world.
The plot kept me turning pages as I needed to know what happened next. I love the twists in this story, and that no one can be trusted. Everyone has their own agenda, and letting your guard down can be fatal.
The goblins are nasty! I wouldn’t want to meet up with one of them.
The old lady shows her true colours and identity, and the reveal wasn’t what I expected. I didn’t see the twist at the end of the story coming either. I want the next book now.
March 27, 2022
The Cursed Court is book two in Richard Amos’ Dark Caress series. If you read book one and enjoyed it then you are not going to want to miss out on this book.
Valence and Kormac are on the run from everyone. Valence is being accused of being a murderer – taking his father’s life and the lives of many others. The unseelie want him because they too want his life to lay claim to his power officially. Danger swirls all around them and the quest remains the same – get to Winter where he will get answers from the old woman. But what will he find when he gets there? What will be the final cost?
The Cursed Court has a bit of a slow beginning, but once it gains traction man does it take off! Before I knew it I was page-turning, fearing for the characters, and what was going to happen next. There were moments in the story where my jaw was literally on the floor. I couldn’t help feeling awful for Valence throughout this book. Let me tell you though – that soul bond is no joke. I will admit that I wondered if it required them to remain in close proximity, but it doesn’t.
The author mentions quite a bit about Valence’s grandmother, but in this book – we get to meet her. All I have to say is – yikes! For one brief moment, I was lured into thinking that maybe it was over-exaggerated, nope! Not by a long shot. Brace yourself for revelations and some ugly truths. Yes, more jaw-dropping moments. Necessary evils in the grand scheme of things.
I absolutely devoured this book. But I have to now wait until next year for the third and final book? I howled. But I will be eagerly waiting for the next book. I need to know what happens next! I’m rating this book 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Valence and Kormac are on the run from everyone. Valence is being accused of being a murderer – taking his father’s life and the lives of many others. The unseelie want him because they too want his life to lay claim to his power officially. Danger swirls all around them and the quest remains the same – get to Winter where he will get answers from the old woman. But what will he find when he gets there? What will be the final cost?
The Cursed Court has a bit of a slow beginning, but once it gains traction man does it take off! Before I knew it I was page-turning, fearing for the characters, and what was going to happen next. There were moments in the story where my jaw was literally on the floor. I couldn’t help feeling awful for Valence throughout this book. Let me tell you though – that soul bond is no joke. I will admit that I wondered if it required them to remain in close proximity, but it doesn’t.
The author mentions quite a bit about Valence’s grandmother, but in this book – we get to meet her. All I have to say is – yikes! For one brief moment, I was lured into thinking that maybe it was over-exaggerated, nope! Not by a long shot. Brace yourself for revelations and some ugly truths. Yes, more jaw-dropping moments. Necessary evils in the grand scheme of things.
I absolutely devoured this book. But I have to now wait until next year for the third and final book? I howled. But I will be eagerly waiting for the next book. I need to know what happens next! I’m rating this book 4.5 out of 5 stars.
March 24, 2022
This book is the second installment of the Dark Caress fantasy (love the name of the series so much, it just touches you softly and whispers...). Here we have our two MCs Valance and Kormac, used to be enemies, who became...nobody knows what they have become to each other, but the bond between them is so confusing...and they don't need any confusion as they have an extremely dangerous quest ahead of them. A quest not only dangerous but frustrating as they have no idea why they need to get to the Winter Court, a far land of snow and cold. That quest was imposed on them by some weird old woman who they just decide to trust because it looks like their only option. All the other options mean just death, and who would like that? So, here we are going on this exciting frightening journey where they are going to try to uncover the secrets of their quest and at the same time to sort out their feelings for each other. This author is so good at creating new worlds, they are so unique and wonderful, and here we are having amazing pictures of all the fae courts appearing and vanishing from the view, we are diving to this magic world and it's such a delight! The ending though....is a biiig cliffhanger. So intriguing, I can't wait for the last book.
So, for all fans of a great fantasy, a little on a dark side and an enemies to lovers slow burn romance this book is highly recommended. An exciting journey!
So, for all fans of a great fantasy, a little on a dark side and an enemies to lovers slow burn romance this book is highly recommended. An exciting journey!
April 3, 2022
After Valance's curse fully manifested, he became an outcast among his own Seelie fae. Hunted and on the run with Kormac, the human who is his protector and soul-bonded to him, he tries to navigate the fae lands to cross to Winter. But more than navigating the nature, he needs to recognize true allies from false ones to even survive a part of the journey.
The second book in this series explores deeper Valance's soul, heart, and his true personality hidden beneath the royal upbringing, his reputation, and the curse. It also shows more depth to Kormac and his feelings, his motives, and his strengths. Together they grow closer as there is no truer ally than a soul-bond, however the bond is not the only thing that ties them together, and the relationship is getting a solid base now. The meddling of the old witch it making the story interesting and unpredictable, changing course on a whim, and I also had a little fun imagining the scene with Valance's trial and Florent's behavior. If that is supposed to be a king, gods save his kingdom..
The second book in this series explores deeper Valance's soul, heart, and his true personality hidden beneath the royal upbringing, his reputation, and the curse. It also shows more depth to Kormac and his feelings, his motives, and his strengths. Together they grow closer as there is no truer ally than a soul-bond, however the bond is not the only thing that ties them together, and the relationship is getting a solid base now. The meddling of the old witch it making the story interesting and unpredictable, changing course on a whim, and I also had a little fun imagining the scene with Valance's trial and Florent's behavior. If that is supposed to be a king, gods save his kingdom..
March 15, 2022
The Dark Caress series continues with Richard Amos’ The Cursed Court.
Prince Valance and Kormac, whom we met in The Cursed Prince, are on a dangerous journey to the land of the Winter fae. And this premise is what makes Richard’s writing justly intriguing. As they travel from the overtaken throne of the Sidhe fae, the cantankerous relationship between the two warring enemies become less destructive.
As they are both being led in their travels by a mysterious old woman, the journey through each season presents challenges to their lives…and to their hearts.
An exciting and epic MM adventure…but it is not yet complete!
Prince Valance and Kormac, whom we met in The Cursed Prince, are on a dangerous journey to the land of the Winter fae. And this premise is what makes Richard’s writing justly intriguing. As they travel from the overtaken throne of the Sidhe fae, the cantankerous relationship between the two warring enemies become less destructive.
As they are both being led in their travels by a mysterious old woman, the journey through each season presents challenges to their lives…and to their hearts.
An exciting and epic MM adventure…but it is not yet complete!
March 16, 2022
I had forgotten how much I liked the first book in this series until I read this second book. This one has Prince Valance and Kormac on a journey north to cure the prince, but it’s really hard when they really hate each other but are bonded and have to rely on each other. This was a little dark, a little steamy, a little unexpected, and a lot of fun. I really enjoyed this well-written dark romance/fantasy, and I am so eager to find out what happens next especially after finding out about Kormac! Highly recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.
March 25, 2022
You just can't get any better than Richard Amos when it comes to epic MM fantasies!
The Cursed Court is the second in this slow burn, enemies to lovers tale and boy, is it messing with my heart! But I love it and it makes sense. None of that, we hate each kther, now we love each other in 2.5 seconds crap. This feels real. This feels right. This makes sense. Beautifully written and only the second installment in the series?! Yeah- I am much looking forward to the third and final book of this series.
The Cursed Court is the second in this slow burn, enemies to lovers tale and boy, is it messing with my heart! But I love it and it makes sense. None of that, we hate each kther, now we love each other in 2.5 seconds crap. This feels real. This feels right. This makes sense. Beautifully written and only the second installment in the series?! Yeah- I am much looking forward to the third and final book of this series.
June 18, 2022
I hesitate to say this book is "good" really, but it was certainly fun and entertaining, to say the least. Even with the bizarre "hellpiss" expletive, the constant back and forth "I hate you! No wait, I'm sorry... but do I feel sorry because of the bond or because I like you?", and the old woman deus ex machina who would show up every time to save them, I still had fun reading it all. And the ending was sure... something, but it was interesting enough that I just have to know what will happen next, so count me in for the third I guess.
April 1, 2022
Keeps getting better
This book and series keeps getting better. I love the world it is set in and the characters. Valance, a Seelie prince, and Kormac, a human, are on the run from the soldiers from Summer Court throne. As the story progresses a quest turns deadly, the tension rises, and fate keeps twisting their path toward the unknown at the moment. Richard Amos has a talent of drawing you in and keeping hold of you to the very last page.
This book and series keeps getting better. I love the world it is set in and the characters. Valance, a Seelie prince, and Kormac, a human, are on the run from the soldiers from Summer Court throne. As the story progresses a quest turns deadly, the tension rises, and fate keeps twisting their path toward the unknown at the moment. Richard Amos has a talent of drawing you in and keeping hold of you to the very last page.
March 29, 2025
Eh. It wasn't the worst but it was a bit of a miss at parts for me. I couldn't get past the 'old woman' having a 'mouthful of crustation' it just made me lol for some stupid reason (see crustacean). The whole "we are mermen now!" Was just bizarre. I think I started skim reading just to end the book. I have book 3 on standby and will finish it but I need a break from it. It just read a little .... bland for me.
March 6, 2022
Brilliant
I do believe this is the best series Iv read so far.
Richard your writing is changing for the good amazing.
I love the way you tell the story the season are fantastic.
As iv said b4 you take my hand and I walk me through your story looking in from the outside you are the only Author that does that so thank you
Best story so far
100 stars 🌟 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I do believe this is the best series Iv read so far.
Richard your writing is changing for the good amazing.
I love the way you tell the story the season are fantastic.
As iv said b4 you take my hand and I walk me through your story looking in from the outside you are the only Author that does that so thank you
Best story so far
100 stars 🌟 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
March 19, 2022
Prince Valance and Kormac are on a journey to cure the prince. They still hate each other but are bonded.
There is an attraction that they can not deny or fight no matter how hard they try. Things do get steamy in parts of the book
And Kormac I could just cry over him 😢. I'll have to see how that plays out in book 3.
There is an attraction that they can not deny or fight no matter how hard they try. Things do get steamy in parts of the book
And Kormac I could just cry over him 😢. I'll have to see how that plays out in book 3.
March 24, 2022
Wow, what an amazing read. I was hooked on it from the very first page and I could not put it down until the last page was read. It moves along at a pace which is perfect for the story, not too fast nor too slow. It has interesting characters that you want to see overcome everything in their way and a story that will not disappoint. This book has to be read, no doubt about it.
March 25, 2022
This is a marathon, not a sprint! Sit down, get snacks, and settle in for the ride!
In typical Richard Amos style….. the twists and turns never stop. The world and character building are top notch. And, you will feel ALL of the emotions! But….. never fear, he always fixes things….. kinda….. by the end of a series!
In typical Richard Amos style….. the twists and turns never stop. The world and character building are top notch. And, you will feel ALL of the emotions! But….. never fear, he always fixes things….. kinda….. by the end of a series!
March 26, 2022
I’m kinda newish to Richard Amos’ books but I have to say that I love the writing. This is book 2 in the series and you really need to read them in order. Both Val and Kormac are heading to Winter to cure the Prince. Epic adventures await and this is a slow burn romance between them. Loved it and cannot wait for the next one.
I received a copy of this book for my review.
I received a copy of this book for my review.
April 1, 2022
Settles the dust just to rise the tides
Valance, a Seelie prince, and Kormac, a human, are on the run from the usurpers of the Summer Court throne. As the story progresses a quest turns deadly, the tension rises, and fate keeps twisting their path toward unknown ends. Richard Amos settles the dust just to rise the tides in The Cursed Court. These poor fellows are drifting through the chaos with barely any direction.
I received a free copy of the book from the author. I had the opportunity to review or not.
Valance, a Seelie prince, and Kormac, a human, are on the run from the usurpers of the Summer Court throne. As the story progresses a quest turns deadly, the tension rises, and fate keeps twisting their path toward unknown ends. Richard Amos settles the dust just to rise the tides in The Cursed Court. These poor fellows are drifting through the chaos with barely any direction.
I received a free copy of the book from the author. I had the opportunity to review or not.
May 9, 2023
Book two of the series is as captivating and harrowing as book 1. You get to know more about valance and kormac, their past and ghosts that haunt them. You get to see how cruel people and family xan be, but the attraction is growing, and the dependency on each other is straightening. Again, it is not an easy thread on the one hand, but the author challenges us to stock with it. Truely addictive.
March 26, 2022
This journey for a cure brings these two sworn enemies closer as their animosity wanes. It was very enjoyable seeing their relationship evolve, I'm really looking forward to book three.
*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book*
*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book*
March 27, 2022
Richard Amos brings us the awesome continuance of the journey of Prince Valiance and Kormac. Beautifully written with complex characters and plot twists, this is sure to become a favourite. It keeps you turning pages throughout. Don't miss out on this book!!
March 30, 2022
We explore Val an Kormac’s past further in this book. Families are explored. We find a a guide and they endure trials and adventures. Goblins spice things up a bit…in a nasty way….such a freakin epic ride….and that ending what the heck man i need more.
March 31, 2022
Alright that ending made me want to cry and scream. I need the next book like now! The story with Val and Kormac is amazing and I couldn’t get enough of them! It’s a fast passed and intense ride to take with these two. I’m excited for what else is in store for these guys and their world.
March 31, 2022
This follow up from A Cursed Prince is really good it has the Sworn enemies Prince Valance and Kormac on their way up North this time to cure the prince that ending has me wondering what is going to happen next though
March 31, 2022
Oh gosh! What a book! And why do I have to wait for the next one?! Val and Kormac are so well written and I love them!! Gosh all the feels! More twists and turns and so many questions!! I need the next one now! Highly recommend! Brilliant book!
April 9, 2022
yet again
Richard Amos continues this take perfectly. Written brilliantly as always. Twists and turns all allowing us to fall deeper for the characters sand the world they live in. But why does waiting for the next book seem like it’s going to destroy me
Richard Amos continues this take perfectly. Written brilliantly as always. Twists and turns all allowing us to fall deeper for the characters sand the world they live in. But why does waiting for the next book seem like it’s going to destroy me
April 12, 2022
Betrayed
Betrayed and curse all at once and who to help. Prince follows the whispers where will the truly end at. Can he find the one that floats away. Winter comes and can't wait to see what happen in last book with cold
Betrayed and curse all at once and who to help. Prince follows the whispers where will the truly end at. Can he find the one that floats away. Winter comes and can't wait to see what happen in last book with cold
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews