Love Cursed

by Leisl Leighton

A love across time, cursed to stay apart …

Coven librarian, Juliana Stevens, jokes about being cursed. Cursed to fail at love, cursed to fail her family, cursed to fail at being a witch. But after finding an old diary that speaks of gods and witches and an ancient Love Curse, she starts to realise it isn’t a joke: she truly is cursed.

Even worse, if she does not go to Rome, uncover a secret spell, and be in the exact spot the curse was bound by midnight on Valentine’s Day, her soul will continue to be cursed forever. Oh, and she has to do it all with her soul mate who was cursed to never reveal himself to her, too.

Valentines Day is supposed to celebrate Happy Ever After, but if Jules can’t manage to access her magic and find the man she’s been kept from for thousands of years, it’s going to be Happy Never After forever more.

Discover the magic of the Gods Cursed Series and unlock your copy of Love Cursed today.

Genres: Paranormal, Paranormal Romance, Fantasy, Ebooks, Magic

182 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 17, 2022

About the author

Leisl Leighton is a tall red head with an overly large imagination. As a child, she identified strongly with Anne of Green Gables, and like Anne, is a voracious reader and born performer. It came as no surprise when she went on to a career as a performer, script writer, script doctor, stage manager and musical director for cabaret and theatre restaurants.

After starting a family, Leisl stopped performing and began writing the stories plaguing her dreams. She is addicted to sci-fi and romance books and DVDs, she sometimes sings in a choir, loves to ski and horse ride, and was President of Romance Writers of Australia from 2014–2017. When she’s not writing, she helps other writers make their manuscripts shine.

You can contact Leisl through her website www.leislleighton.com or sign up to her Newsletter there and be the first to find out about new releases, appearances, special deals and exclusive giveaways.

Leisl is excited to be part of the Goodreads community and is happy to post reviews, but will only do so for books she has given 4 or more stars. 'I want to share what I love, not put negativity out into the world.'

Reviews

[Ruth Hinojos · Rating 3 out of 5]

Juliana siente que tiene una maldición ya que tiene "alergia" a la magia y sigue sin poder tener una cita menos una relación estable, cuando una mañana encuentra un libro en el cual prácticamente le reafirma que tiene una maldición que es la que causa esa "alergia" a la magia y el hecho de no poder encontrar a su alma gemela, no le queda mas remedio que embarcarse en la búsqueda para poder romper el hechizo.

Fue una lectura rápida y sencilla, mi calificación seria un 3.5/5 ⭐️, tiene una buena base pero siento que le falto un poco mas el explorar el mundo en el que estaba cimentada la historia, el final lo sentí un poco abrupto y no sentí la conexión sentimental entre los personajes.

Recibí una copia a cambio de una reseña honesta.

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Juliana feels that she has a curse since she has an "allergy" to magic and can't have a decent date least a stable relationship, when one morning she finds a book in which it practically reaffirms that she has a curse that is what causes that " allergy" to magic and the fact of not being able to find her soulmate, she has no choice but to embark on a quest to break the curse.

It was a quick and easy read, my rating would be a 3.5/5 ⭐️, it has a good foundation but I feel that it lacked a little more to explore the world in which the story was based, the ending felt a bit abrupt and I didn't feel the connection between the characters.

I got an ARC in exchange of an honest review.

[Debbie Eyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is off to an incredible start. Imagine jokingly thinking that you were cursed at everything on,y to discover that you actually are and if you don’t do something by a certain then your soul is doomed forever, well that’s what happened to our female mc Juliana Stevens. This paranormal world building is amazing, the storyline intriguing, complex and full of twists I did not see coming and the characters are fantastic and engaging. It’s so good, I cannot wait to see where we go next.

[Brenda Moser · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great start to a new series! The author brings strong characters and weaves an intriguing paranormal story. She moves it fluidly with her descriptive scenes, throws in a few twists to keep you engaged and delivers a great read. I'm looking forward to the next book.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.

[Tracey Rosen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Starts off slow but never fear, it’s all here. Love, a curse no one can talk about, and some twists at the end made me wonder how this would go.
Looking forward to the next one. I hope we see more of Jules and Bas in that too.

[Tracy Emro · Rating 4 out of 5]

Julianna Stevens is a most unusual witch, she works in the Coven’s library, but what makes her unusual is the fact that she is allergic to magic! This makes for a very lonely existence, as she is forbidden to mingle with mortals, yet she can’t be exposed to magic, leaving her with only her grandmother Violetta, the Grand Matriarch of the Stevens family and the Melbourne Coven Leader, the voice that she constantly hears in her head and Bastien, a cursed demi-god tied to her family. After an extremely horrifying date with a warlock with waning powers, she returns home humiliated and depressed. But the next morning she finds an old journal and realizes that she has been cursed, and her inner voice is the voice of Lianna, a vestal virgin with powerful magic who fell in love and was cursed by her high priestess. Breaking the curse will finally free her, she just needs to find her soulmate and the place where the curse was cast. What could go wrong?

Bastien has been cursed for thousands of years, doomed to a lonely existence in the presence of his beloved, but unable to speak of the curse to anyone. Each day Bastien shifts into a cat for half the day and shifts back to blind human the other half. Julianna is the reincarnation of his love Lianna, but she has no idea and even thinking of her causes him unbearable pain. To break the curse, he enlists the help of a fellow cupid to give Julianna a hint to breaking the curse. In doing so, he hopes to finally break the curse and be reunited with his beloved and hopefully find their son who was stolen by the high priestess who cast the curse. It seems like simple solution, but it soon becomes clear that the curse isn’t going to as easy to break as they thought and their only chance for freedom may be lost.

This was very intriguing story by a new-to-me, I was completely sucked in this book and read it in one sitting. The book is not long, but it packs quite a punch, it is filled with magic, curses, heartache, family, soulmate love, sacrifice, low steam and a happy yet bittersweet ending with the promise for more magical mayhem. This is the first book in the series, making it the perfect place to start, especially if you prefer your romantasy written in the third person.

[Richard Goodrum · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jules Stevens, Coven Librarian, and her soul mate, Bastien, were cursed two millennia ago. Her curse is to never know love or magic. His curse is to be by her side through time, a cat by day, a blind human by night, and not know who he is. Now, they understand they must break the curse by midnight before Valentine's Day or wait two centuries before they can try again.

This Paranormal Romance is delightful. The story sheds fascinating light on some of the beliefs and architecture of ancient Rome. The travail of the main characters is exceedingly apparent, as is their love and support for each other. The solution to the puzzle is out-of-the-box style. The end is amusing.

Easy-to-read. Entertaining. Great world building. Happily Ever After. Romantic. Steamy. Tragic. Unpredictable. Whimsical. Wonderful characters.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know we all say that we think that were cursed but are we really but Juliana does find out that she is actually cursed and has to rectify it before a certain time. Strong characters and even stronger storyline that pulled me and didn't let me down, this book is the start to a newer series and what and amazing start it was.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tabitha · Rating 4 out of 5]

A two-thousand year curse is broken by the FMC, a reincarnated version of the MMC’s ancient lover, allowing the FMC and MMC to finally be together again. The book is mostly the characters piecing together the story with the curse actively hindering their progress. It doesn’t feel like a traditional romance novel arc, but it’s fine. I like a fantasy novel just as well.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gods Cursed Series a good start to this series. Coven librarian, Juliana Stevens and Bastien's story was fun to read, I want to read the next book. I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shweta · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is definitely worth reading. Though slow in the beginning, it picks up pace and the overall experience is very engaging. . I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cathy Wellman · Rating 5 out of 5]

GREAT READ

I REALLY ENJOYED THIS BOOK. CAN'T WAIT TO READ THE REST OF THE SERIES. Loved the sneak peek into the next one.

[Nicole Chirombe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice!!!

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read, the story really pulled you in. I flew through the book.

[Toni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Coven Librarian Jules Stevens is a witch. She likes to say she's cursed until the day she discovers an old diary about gods and witches. And she reads about a curse that has been around for quite a while. The only way for her to break it is to find her soul mate before Valentine's Day. But to do that she needs to use her magic. Yeah right! can you deathly allergic to magic???? Why does this have to be hard!!??
Sexy cupid Bastien has been bound for over 2000 years with a curse to never be with his soul mate. Well actually he can be with her but not with her. He knows who she is but she has no idea who he is. That was part of the curse put on them. The biggest problem, the witch is still around and she has a plan she's been working on for all these years. She want's them apart because she will be able to garner their power to become just as powerful as or greater than a god. She will have her way any way she can. Will she make good on her promise to rid the gods? Will Jules be able to recognize Bastien in time?
A riveting story!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nikki Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Julianna is a witch who is desperate to love but has to stay away from magic because it hurts her. With the help of her grandmother, best friend Bastien and Tamuel they have to try and unravel the curse of Lianna who lives as part of Julianna. But not all is as it seems and the closer they get the more dangerous it becomes. A beautiful story of a love that has spanned centuries that will melt your heart. This is a heartwarming story that will captivate and engage you from start to finish and you won't want to put it down. I look forward to reading the next in the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Margery · Rating 5 out of 5]

A witch that is allergic to magic? Her only friend is soul bound to here. Blind man by night, cat by day. Both were cursed the same curse by an evil high priestess many life times ago. Always being reborn at the same time, with only one night every thousand years to break the curse. And there is the rub. Research and endless reading only offers teasers to the hidden facts. Will they have what they need this Valentines eve to break the curse? What will happen once it is broken? Will they be able to reveal to each other who they really are? This was a page turning action packed book that Ms. Leisl has given us.

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jules (Juliana) is losing hope that she will find love, she is meant to be a witch, and comes from a powerful line, but she needs to avoid magic. Can she break her curse? Who else might be affected by this curse? What will her friend Bastien feel, about her need to find someone to love? What will be the cost of breaking the curse? I enjoyed Jules and Bastien's complicated story, the love, the challenges, and the twists of their tale. I look forward to more.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tegan Brinkman · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s an interesting concept but the start of a series I’m not so sure.
Well written and engaging this story follows a few similar stories in the idea of cursed love what’s not always clear is the why and because this is book one the drama to extend it is sometimes unwarranted
It’s up to you to find out if that’s the case here.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book one in the Gods Cursed series. It’s a fated mates, second chance, paranormal romance. Great book! It pulled me in from beginning to end and held my attention. The world building is detailed and imaginative. This book has strong, well-developed characters, an interesting story line full of suspense, danger, action, mystery, unexpected twists, and an ending that left me wanting to read the next book in the series

[ajscenic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jules cannot be near magic as she has an adverse reaction.
Bastien spends the night as a blind man and the day as a cat.
Neither know the others true self.
This is a good story which reveals the plot layer by layer until the final act and reveal.
This is a great story and I cannot wait for the next one in the series.

[Sissy Satterfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful story with a curse, magic and Gods, as well as Juliana, a great FMC. I Loved the way that this story was written and the Characters were easy to relate to. I especially loved the way it ends. Good Valentine Story! I Loved It!! No Spoilers!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kat M · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the way Leisl Leighton writes, it's always a great time with interesting characters. I enjoyed this opening chapter in the Gods Cursed series. It did everything that I was hoping for and thought the plot worked overall. I'm glad I got to read this and it left me wanting more in this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rose Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an awesome beginning to the Gods Cursed Series. The story has a smooth flow and keeps you interested in the outcome of the MCs. Juliana and Bastian have my heart. I can’t wait to see if I will give it away again in the next installment.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[tburbr · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great way to start a series. The characters were well written and the story line was engaging. I can't wait to see what happens next.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Reader03 · Rating 4 out of 5]

A slow start but still engaging plot wise and I really enjoyed the characters as they becomes more developed over the length of the book. I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Juliana Stevens is our main lead, who thought her curse was a joke till she realized it wasn't. Her trip to break the curse makes for a good tale. There were some slower spots, but it keeps you engaged.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Whitney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great cover, great plot. Loved this book! I will definitely check the other in this series out. 100 percent worth the read

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[CJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author has given us a wonderful story that pulls us into the lives of Juliana and Bastien. The story keeps us turning the pages with curses, twists and love.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Christina Luberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short read about Juliana and Bastien. Juliana jokes about being cursed, but then she finds out she just might be. Will she find her true love in Rome or will she be cursed forever?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing paranormal/urban fantasy.. I liked it.. It is deep and enthralling, romantic and suspenseful.. Fascinating characters..

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.