Summer Cursed

Season Shifters #1

by Kimberly Quay

My worst enemy turns out to be my fated mate… and the only one who can help me.

I was born marked by the Curse of Artemis. Even as the daughter of the Summer Alpha, I’m treated no better than an Omega: a rogue, a loner… a loser.

Thanks to the Curse, I’ve been a punching bag my entire life. One good thing about being attacked every day is I’ve become a superb fighter. Which comes in handy when someone tries to kidnap me, and I find out they’ve been drugging and abducting shifters from all the packs.

Now I’m forced to deal with the Autumn Alpha, because he’s the only one out of all the Season Shifters with the knowledge to help me find the person behind the abductions—and figure out the truth behind my mark.

He’s keeping secrets about who he is, but my wolf is drawn to him. Even without her crush on him, the sexy Alpha is seriously hard to resist.

The closer we get to solving the mystery of the missing shifters, the more dangerous things get. Soon, my attraction to the man I hate most will be the least of my worries.

**Summer Cursed is the first book in the Season Shifters series. Due to mature/sexual content, dark themes, & language it is recommended for 18+.

Genres: Shapeshifters, Paranormal, Paranormal Romance, Adult, Fantasy, Romance

399 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 7, 2022

About the author

Kimberly Quay has loved romance & fantasy as far back as she can remember. Her childhood home was full of fantasy, romance, and thrillers books and movies. Born and raised in Florida, she spent most of her youth outside searching for fairies and hoping to meet (and fall in love with) a vampire.

Author of contemporary romance, paranormal shifter romance, and urban fantasy, she’s a sucker for a good rom-com and is fascinated by old graveyards. When she’s not working on her next novel, she’s reading or hiking the trails of North Florida.

Kimberly still loves reading. Especially Nora Roberts and Kim Harrison.

Reviews

[Mikky · Rating 4 out of 5]

I kinda sorta forgot to write a review when this was fresh in my mind. #Oops

It was a fantastic read! The big bad was big and as bad as ever. When you think it can't get any worse. It kinda sorta does. I'm not a big fan of the path the heroine's female BFF (I forgot her name 😅) is taking but I can overlook it because the overall story is so good! The heroine and her male BFF is kinda too lovey-dovey for me so we'll see where that goes. Hopefully, it stops here. I don't want a reverse harem situation because it's just not the kind of story I want to read.

[Southern Lady Reads · Rating 2 out of 5]

As a whole, this was supposed to be a light and breezy shifter smut romance... and while it was certainly shifter smut romance, it was also unexpectedly heavy?

Towards the end of the book, one character basically falls into a complete and total mentally fractured spiral after a lifetime of abus3 (physical and s3xual) by her parents.

I really feel like books like this need to come with more warning/content labels.

Notes:
- Touch her and you die vibes
- Slight love triangle
- TWs: s3xual/physical abuse
- Kindle Unlimited
- Longer read/audiobook (399 pages)
-

[Kylie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5 ⭐️
3/5 🌶️

Tropes:
•Enemies to lovers
•Fated mates
•Grumpy/sunshine

This was such a good paranormal romance full of wolf shifters, vampires, fae, etc.

Some of my favorite tropes were in this book and I couldn't put it down! I really wasn't sure where the plot was going at first, and was surprised but the twists and turns it took. I over-all really enjoyed it and I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series so that I can see where the story goes.

I also want to add that there were parts in this story that made me laugh! I don't read enough books that are able to make me swoon, sweat, and laugh. This one did it all!

[Sweet and Salty Reviews by DD · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book! Dropped to a 4 for me in the final couple of chapters.

Super strong confident independent FMC which was beyond refreshing! MC was dominate yet took a step back knowing Ember could handle herself. Liam did not even threaten others with himself he simply knew she is a badass and he let her lead.

Hoping book 2 doesn’t take the turn I am predicting 🙁

Happy reading,
DD🥂

[Mfelovesstories:)]

DNF @20%

Just no. I tried. I was patient but it just didn't work. I felt no chemistry between the main characters. It gave me nothing. And somehow, it seemed there were tons of irrelevant words. It just seemed wordy. I skipped over sentences but didn't lose anything. And there was this repetitive way of describing things that just made the narrative off. Sad, because the story seemed interesting.

[Jessica Cantwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fire!

When I read this book, I heard my voice. Meaning, I would think to myself. “I would say that,” and, “if I were in that situation, I would do that.” This is what makes the characters real. Relatable. Summer Cursed is a highly entertaining read full of magic and mystery. It’s got the perfect amount of spice to heat things up, a kick-ass female lead, and several male shifters that made me swoon. I blew through the pages like a breeze and can’t wait to be whisked into Autumn Kissed.

[Rachel Stanley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Just wow! I've been a fan of author Kimberley Quay ever since she released her debut novel, Becoming Banshee, and I was delighted when I learned that she was releasing a shifter romance, which just so happens to be one of my favourite genres. It did not disappoint. I blew through this book in two days because I couldn't put it down. The pace and world building was excellent and I fell in love with ALL of the characters. Do yourself a favour and read this book.

[ajscenic · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It had everything, Kimberley has created an intricate world with two fleshed out and interesting leading characters in Ember and Liam. She has also added in fully fledged secondary characters which only adds to the story.
This story has romance, intrigue and twist and turns.
Once I started reading this book, I didn’t want to put it down. I can’t wait for the next book.

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

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shifters: The Beginning . . .

Ember Steele is the daughter of the Summer Alpha, but marked by the Curse of Artemis, she has endured abusive treatment from the others. As a result, she has become a strong fighter and is able to stand up for herself. A nice touch to her personality is that, although she can take matters into her own capable hands, she is not so arrogant that she won’t ask for help if she needs it.

So when someone tries to kidnap Ember, it alerts her to the fact that they are drugging and kidnapping shifters. She goes to Liam, the Autumn Alpha, who has knowledge to help her find who is responsible. She can feel her wolf is drawn to this alpha. Can the two of them figure out who is responsible for the missing shifters?

This is such an intriguing, unique story. We learn much about the Season Shifters pack such as the Fae creating the four shifter lines for each of the seasons. Iris for Summer; Demeter for Autumn; Hypnos for Winter; and Persephone for Spring. Each then created shifters in their likenesses to help them with their tasks and is why the Alpha of each pack has a power unique to their season. Pretty awesome! So grab your copy and be ready to dive into their stories as this Book 1 kicks off the adventure.

[loubie bowers · Rating 5 out of 5]

First I must tell you I haven’t read anything by this author before so took a chance. Holy crap this book is bloody brilliant. So very good. I’ve not read anything like this ever! If you love shifters and a whole lot of mystery this is the book for you. It’s got fated mates, shifters being kidnapped, the fmc goes through absolute hell and has done since practically the day she was born. Ember is different and spends much of her time trying to figure out exactly what she is and meets some surprising shifters, there’s something different about them but she can’t figure out what. Oh my god the heat is in danger of melting my kindle! It’s so hot!
Refuse to spoil this book for you so no spoilers from me, but trust me this is a book you don’t want to miss out on, an absolute must to read. Please, please read this book. You won’t regret it.

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 start to a new series. The character work and story line were well written and kept me reading from start to finish in one sitting.

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

[Stacie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first novel in the Season Shifters series and a great beginning to the story. The main character is strong and has worked to overcome adversity throughout her life. The storyline was intriguing and well thought out and I look forward to the next book in the series!

[Mrs A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This was one page turner, full of drama, action, betrayal and plot twists. Ember and Liam’s chemistry is off the charts. both characters are really well written. The story was unpredictable and kept me captivated. Love this authors imagination. Left on a mild cliffhanger and I am definitely looking forward to reading book 2.

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

[JackaayReadsallday · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not gonna lie, I totally got this book for the cover & The story ended up being way more fantastical than I expected! Not only did I get the werewolf shifter element that I was expecting out of the cover and the blurb but I got so much more! I cannot wait to read the rest of the story! 100/5 ⭐️ 🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩

[AL · Rating 5 out of 5]

Steamy shifter romance!

I love shifter romances and this one did not disappoint. The author put fresh and intriguing spins on familiar paranormal romance tropes and shifter traits.

The FMC is strong and independent but she's also compassionate. She's not stubborn when she does need someone's help, which is refreshing. She had a rough life but didn't let it get her down. Having to fight for her life so much made her stronger, but also more empathetic toward others.

The MMC/love interest is strong and confident but not cocky. He knows what he wants and knows how to get it. Even as an alpha he isn't overbearing or controlling, but there's a mysterious and menacing undertone there that keeps you interested in learning more about him.

The side characters were intriguing and added a lot to the story making me want to keep reading, and I cannot wait for the next book in the series because I need to know what happens next!

[Gail Fascaldo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is ... WOW! Such a wonderful (sexy!) read. I can't wait for the next one!

[Alesha Anset]

Great read

I really enjoyed this shifter book. Good characters and a decent story line, plenty spice and mystery.
Fully want it to rh because the sexual tension is there to make it decent lol
Overall a good read

[Sherri Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very enjoyable great reading

I really enjoyed this book and loved the characters. I can't wait to see what will happen next for them and what is Sybil up to.

[Rissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Who are you, Liam Fraser?”
“I’m Batman, remember?” he whispered

This shifter romance is like no other and I loved it. Can you say plot twist? You may think you know what's going to happen but let me just tell you...you're probably wrong. I was.

Fated Mates
Love Triangle
Betrayal
Age Gap? **kinda he ends up being ancient**
Mystery Solving
Found Family

We follow Ember as she navigates a world of shifters who view her as cursed because she is different. Fighting off everyone who comes at her she is up against the world alone, besides her best friend, her friends with benefits...and the Alpha of a different pack who has taken an interest in her?? While shifters go missing and more and more attacks take place throughout the packs Ember and her found family have to figure out what is going on and how to stop it. But don't worry the twists and turns along the way make it like no other.

I love Liam his banter skills are on point, he is a seriously bad a$$ Alpha and he respects Ember's need to forge her own path and be the strong confident woman she is no matter the situation. Liam is the Alpha we rarely get to see...while he is protective of her he wants her to stand by his side or even in front of him never behind.

I would love to see Isaac's love story unfold because I do feel like he is a genuinely good guy.

Oh and we end on a cliffy so diving into book 2 pronto.

[Maghon Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

fun and intriguing

So this is my first book by this author and I’m loving it. Ember really is a cool character and I like Liam and Isaac a lot too! I won’t give away too much on the others but Phil and Henry are awesome! I love the world building and I’m especially interested to see how Ember handles the new revelations and threats coming at her. Plus I can’t wait to see what she learns about herself.

[Sam Street · Rating 4 out of 5]

Steamy Dummer Cursed

I enjoyed it, liked the storyline. It's hot and steamy and plenty of good verses evil. I do have to say I'm all about the empowerment of women but let them be slightly vulnerable and taken care of by the man of their dreams. That's what love is all about give and take. Being all in and letting him love you.

[Alex · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to know what was going on with this crazy plot but it didn’t get better… the writing wasn’t good either; the flow felt really choppy but at the same time the descriptions were awkward? Idk I thought about dropping this from the first chapter but somehow finished it because I was somewhat curious and the description sounded interesting, but I kind of hated the plot lol. The villains were just evil for the sake of being evil? And I didn’t connect with any of the characters. Eh. Won’t continue the series

[Carol Wheatley · Rating 2 out of 5]

Only got half way through then couldn't read any more

The story sounded ok but the main female character was a bit annoying after a while. I would have to put the book down for a day before trying to read it again then eventually gave up half way through. Won't be reading the next book.

[Kelly McMillan · Rating 4 out of 5]

So some of this book felt a bit choppy like we jumped from one scene to the next and sometimes I had to re read just to know we had actually changed scenes to somewhere else. Hence only 4/5*

So I liked the MFC she was fierce and didn’t let a man do shit for her when has he knew she could do it herself, her relationship with Issac is a bit too touchy-feely for me atm, I feel she needs to cut that shit out and I was disappointed that she kissed him twice while with Liam.

I had a feeling Liam was the ancient shifter, but we still don’t really know much about why Ember is marked as well except for the fact she was born under the same moon centuries apart.

Did not see Stella being like that! I have a feeling she’s going to still fuck things up in the future. I’m wondering how there can be 4 books as this feels like a 2 book at most right now.

I hope Phil gets revenge on cybil I really like him, he is great. I don’t want him and Stella to be fated but I can see them being weird and crazy together and it kinda works.

I’ll read the series as I want to know more I just hope it’s not as choppy as this first one.

[Nicolette · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read A LOT of Shifter Books and this was a fantastic addition to that list!

The FMC was strong and tough. She was capable of taking care of herself but not too rigid to deny help when offered and necessary. She had a difficult childhood and was refined by fire because of it.

Things did get quite spicy- But, it didn’t take over the storyline/plot!

95% of the time I able to predict who the bad guy is or the twist ending, but the villain did take me a bit by surprise at first- but if there is a second book (fingers crossed that there will be) I assume we will learn for sure if they are THE villain, or really just one piece of a much more sinister plot.

I would recommended this to anyone who enjoys shifter-fantasy romance! It contains beloved tropes within it’s pages.

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

[Smutt Reader · Rating 2 out of 5]

oof

While the book has great potential, I wont read past the first book. Before I got half way through, it felt like the author was constantly coming up with new/different ideas and wanted to introduce them into the story as soon as they could. Even if it didn’t make sense in that part of the story yet and took away from the story. The author has some potentially good ideas, however I wish that they were incorporated better into the story.

[Jamie Webber-Williams · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not for me

I found the story too messy. I read to have a break from the messiness of life in general and whilst I enjoy reading of people saving the day I want to feel a good movement through the storyline and know it is going somewhere. For me the storyline had no real flow and was too chaotic.

Minor grammar or punctuation niggles that annoy.

[Dani · Rating 2 out of 5]

Did not move forward with book 2. It was one drama after the other between the main characters that is became annoying as I skimmed book 2 and book 3. Would have like to have seen more team work from the two while growing together OR duel perspective to understand each character better.

[BookGoddess]

A timeless reminder to me that a book with all my favorite tropes (enemies to lovers, touch her and die, fated mates, grumpy x sunshine) and steamy tiktoks does not necessarily equal a well-written book...

[Peek · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNFed at 61%