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Big Love in the Big Easy #3
From Bad to Cursed
Rowan Shaw thought she had life figured out until her mother died and dropped an unfortunate truth on her: the women in the Shaw family are cursed when it comes to love.
Rowan didn’t believe the story until her dating life imploded in fantastic fashion. Seriously, who knew the cops were after so many random guys in Massachusetts? Now she’s off to New Orleans to end the curse…even though part of her is convinced it can’t possibly be real.
Jasper Bentley works hard and plays even harder. He knows everybody in New Orleans and is beloved for his charm. He’s the best friend you will ever have. He’s just not boyfriend material. Despite that, when Rowan gets a job working for his friend Toni, he’s intrigued enough by the curse to offer his help in finding someone who can solve her problem.
Rowan isn’t looking for a relationship.
Jasper can’t commit.
They’re a match made in Hell.
So why can’t they stay away from one another?
Growing up isn’t easy. Figuring out the future is even harder. What happens when two people who are failing at love find out they might be able to make it work together?
New Orleans was supposed to be a temporary stop for Rowan. However, this “curse” might just change things—for both of them—forever.
Rowan didn’t believe the story until her dating life imploded in fantastic fashion. Seriously, who knew the cops were after so many random guys in Massachusetts? Now she’s off to New Orleans to end the curse…even though part of her is convinced it can’t possibly be real.
Jasper Bentley works hard and plays even harder. He knows everybody in New Orleans and is beloved for his charm. He’s the best friend you will ever have. He’s just not boyfriend material. Despite that, when Rowan gets a job working for his friend Toni, he’s intrigued enough by the curse to offer his help in finding someone who can solve her problem.
Rowan isn’t looking for a relationship.
Jasper can’t commit.
They’re a match made in Hell.
So why can’t they stay away from one another?
Growing up isn’t easy. Figuring out the future is even harder. What happens when two people who are failing at love find out they might be able to make it work together?
New Orleans was supposed to be a temporary stop for Rowan. However, this “curse” might just change things—for both of them—forever.
320 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 20, 2022
181 people are currently reading
534 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
March 25, 2023
It was very REPETITIVE! We get it, Jasper likes to sleep around. Also they are all consenting adults, why do they keep giving him crap and to his face?
April 8, 2024
This book was a little disappointing. I know, I can hear you asking, "But you gave it 5 stars?" I did give it 5 stars. Story wise it was probably a 4 but what pushed it into a 5 star read was the way the author pulled emotions out of me and had me crying at multiple points in the book.
I'll admit, it struck a chord with me because I've also lost my mom. But it wasn't that specifically that did it. Yes, that was sad, and I leaked a few tears at that part...but what really did it was identifying with Rowan and how she was feeling. The author was able to voice feelings that I've been having but haven't put into a cohesive or conscious thought. I've been struggling to figure out life without my mom, what do I do next? Do I stay or go? Where do I belong. These questions got harder when I also lost my dad. So yeah, this book definitely made me emotional. And for that reason, it deserved 5 stars.
I'll admit, it struck a chord with me because I've also lost my mom. But it wasn't that specifically that did it. Yes, that was sad, and I leaked a few tears at that part...but what really did it was identifying with Rowan and how she was feeling. The author was able to voice feelings that I've been having but haven't put into a cohesive or conscious thought. I've been struggling to figure out life without my mom, what do I do next? Do I stay or go? Where do I belong. These questions got harder when I also lost my dad. So yeah, this book definitely made me emotional. And for that reason, it deserved 5 stars.
April 29, 2024
worst book i’ve ever read
October 26, 2022
When I read the description for this book, I was really excited and thought it would be a fun read. While it was cute it wasn't exactly as good as I hoped. I didn't hate it, but I didn't love it either thus the 3 stars. Most of the focus was on removing the curse to the point that the romance between Rowan and Jasper seemed like an after-thought. Like I said it was cute, but I probably won't be reading anything else from this author.
November 22, 2022
Unsure if what went wrong was my expectations or bad marketing, but From Bad to Cursed did not live up to expectations. I wanted a sexy, magical romance with some comedy. There was no magic, there was no sexy. There was lots of weird and crappy stereotypes about lgbt and voodoo, some great descriptions of New Orleans (the only good part of the book), and some armchair psychology. I feel like someone sold me a bridge. It took everything I had to finish this.
January 24, 2023
This book really frustrated me. So much slut shaming, although it was male based. Every person had something to say about the mmc’s dating habits and I just can’t imagine that happening in real life. And it was so repetitive. They said the same things over and over.
June 12, 2024
When Rowan’s mother drops the bombshell of a family curse that destines the women of their family to be unlucky in love, Rowan wonders whether it is her illness talking or a genuine deathbed confession. After a year of terrible dates, Rowan decides the curse is real and that her only recourse is to track down the person who placed it to have it lifted.
With only a name to go on, which could be either first or last, Rowan moves temporarily to New Orleans where she takes a job at Hex Appeal, a voodoo shop not dissimilar to the witchcraft one her mother and aunt co-own with her in Salem, MA, where she enlists Toni and Jasper to help locate her target. Toni warns Rowan away from Jasper to which Rowan replies that she’s on a “man fast” and no warnings are required. She refuses to date until the curse is lifted.
Fortunately, Jasper doesn’t believe in relationships. He’s a week-at-a-time guy with commitment issues who might be just what Rowan needs to overcome her run of terrible luck with men.
From Bad to Cursed is a cute story about Jasper and Rowan’s unlikely courtship, the back and forth of which, coupled with all the trash talking about Jasper, dilutes the love story. Did I want this couple to have a happily ever after? I’m still not sure its what’s best for Rowan because Jasper feels unredeemed through action. Sure, Avery Kane tells me he’s a great guy through Toni and others who say he’ll be solid relationship material when he’s ready but where’s the proof?
The highlight of the story is the rich New Orleans setting. I haven’t been, have always wanted to go, and from what little I know about it, the details of the novel read like someone who has either spent time there, is a stellar researcher, or who wrote such a genuine likeness of the location that it feels like a trip through the French Quarter.
Is the curse real? Will Jasper be the one to help Rowan shake it? From Bad to Cursed is a fast read recommended for fans of New Orleans and Salem, MA cultures who wonder if there’s genuinely magic in the world and if its possible to be on the wrong side of it.
With only a name to go on, which could be either first or last, Rowan moves temporarily to New Orleans where she takes a job at Hex Appeal, a voodoo shop not dissimilar to the witchcraft one her mother and aunt co-own with her in Salem, MA, where she enlists Toni and Jasper to help locate her target. Toni warns Rowan away from Jasper to which Rowan replies that she’s on a “man fast” and no warnings are required. She refuses to date until the curse is lifted.
Fortunately, Jasper doesn’t believe in relationships. He’s a week-at-a-time guy with commitment issues who might be just what Rowan needs to overcome her run of terrible luck with men.
From Bad to Cursed is a cute story about Jasper and Rowan’s unlikely courtship, the back and forth of which, coupled with all the trash talking about Jasper, dilutes the love story. Did I want this couple to have a happily ever after? I’m still not sure its what’s best for Rowan because Jasper feels unredeemed through action. Sure, Avery Kane tells me he’s a great guy through Toni and others who say he’ll be solid relationship material when he’s ready but where’s the proof?
The highlight of the story is the rich New Orleans setting. I haven’t been, have always wanted to go, and from what little I know about it, the details of the novel read like someone who has either spent time there, is a stellar researcher, or who wrote such a genuine likeness of the location that it feels like a trip through the French Quarter.
Is the curse real? Will Jasper be the one to help Rowan shake it? From Bad to Cursed is a fast read recommended for fans of New Orleans and Salem, MA cultures who wonder if there’s genuinely magic in the world and if its possible to be on the wrong side of it.
July 9, 2023
Magical and lovely
This was such a warm, cozy book to settle into. The characters are fleshed out so well, the storytelling caught my interest and refused to let go. So much accurate history and factual world building (I was ecstatic to learn Willa Jean's is an actual, functioning restaurant in NOLA... was super bummed to learn the banana drink is not currently on their "Party Drinks" menu) if you want a story that feels like home, makes you believe in magic again, and characters that you can't help but root for - this is your book.
This was such a warm, cozy book to settle into. The characters are fleshed out so well, the storytelling caught my interest and refused to let go. So much accurate history and factual world building (I was ecstatic to learn Willa Jean's is an actual, functioning restaurant in NOLA... was super bummed to learn the banana drink is not currently on their "Party Drinks" menu) if you want a story that feels like home, makes you believe in magic again, and characters that you can't help but root for - this is your book.
September 17, 2023
highly enjoyable
I started the book one day, kept thinking about it the next day and finally finished in one sitting.
I spent over a year as an adolescent in NO, and some of the emotional attachments returned. Avery Kane paints scenes, characters and dialogue with a fine brush. Some fun smiles and laugh out loud lines not to mention thoughts and sentences I wish I thought up - all make for an enjoyable book.
I started the book one day, kept thinking about it the next day and finally finished in one sitting.
I spent over a year as an adolescent in NO, and some of the emotional attachments returned. Avery Kane paints scenes, characters and dialogue with a fine brush. Some fun smiles and laugh out loud lines not to mention thoughts and sentences I wish I thought up - all make for an enjoyable book.
November 25, 2023
Love the Psychological References
Jasper, Toni and the rest of the New Orleans residents were the Carl Whitaker’s in Rowans life. I love this story about grief and the feeling of being lost in a world without the person you are grieving over. There was some gems tossed here and there throughout the chapters that could be applied to real life circumstances! My first time reading this authors book and it won’t be my last! Good read!
Jasper, Toni and the rest of the New Orleans residents were the Carl Whitaker’s in Rowans life. I love this story about grief and the feeling of being lost in a world without the person you are grieving over. There was some gems tossed here and there throughout the chapters that could be applied to real life circumstances! My first time reading this authors book and it won’t be my last! Good read!
March 10, 2024
I was torn between a 3 and 4 stars so maybe a 3.5 stars would be most fitting. The writing and the main character were a bit frustrating at times but I really enjoyed the story and the relationship. Jasper was also an A+ character. This book was significantly better than the last book I read by this author so I’m glad I decided to give it a go.
October 26, 2022
Cute rom com about a girl who believes she’s cursed because her mom tells her on her death bed the whole family is cursed to not find love!
So she goes on a hunt to break the curse with her friend Jasper. She might just might be able to break the curse!
So she goes on a hunt to break the curse with her friend Jasper. She might just might be able to break the curse!
January 5, 2023
Super cute rom com that actually hit me in the feels more than I expected it to. All the characters are super likable and make you want to know them all in real life. I would love to go on one of Jaspers tours!!
April 22, 2024
Loved it. Loved the story and how the ending came about. After the heavy dark romances if been reading it was nice to read something light hearted
Loved Rowan and Jasper...they were a beautiful couple and all Jasper's friends only ever had nice things to say about how loyal he is
Loved Rowan and Jasper...they were a beautiful couple and all Jasper's friends only ever had nice things to say about how loyal he is
May 20, 2025
always a good storyteller
Anything by this author is worth your time to read! If you love NOLA, then you’ll love the imagery of walking around the city and it’ll make you hungry for shrimp and grits from
Mr. b’s Bistro!
Anything by this author is worth your time to read! If you love NOLA, then you’ll love the imagery of walking around the city and it’ll make you hungry for shrimp and grits from
Mr. b’s Bistro!
September 26, 2022
Jasper simplesmente a melhor pessoa 🥰 uma pena que não teve pov dele 😔
October 14, 2022
adorable
This was a cute and cozy read. Pretty funny as well. Thing repeat a bit, but that’s my only critique. Otherwise, adorable.
This was a cute and cozy read. Pretty funny as well. Thing repeat a bit, but that’s my only critique. Otherwise, adorable.
May 29, 2023
Lots of Fun
I enjoyed this trip thru New Orleans via quest and romance. It is lighthearted and a quick read. Fun for an afternoon.
I enjoyed this trip thru New Orleans via quest and romance. It is lighthearted and a quick read. Fun for an afternoon.
July 21, 2023
From Bad to Cursed!
I really enjoyed this story. I at first thought Basket was jerk. I mean, he was really annoying. But I am glad it all worked our. I loved the ending.
I really enjoyed this story. I at first thought Basket was jerk. I mean, he was really annoying. But I am glad it all worked our. I loved the ending.
February 21, 2024
Ok
This book is loaded with well written emotion, some roller coasters, and the dialogue sounds natural enough. Just a little too Hocus Pocus for me LOL
This book is loaded with well written emotion, some roller coasters, and the dialogue sounds natural enough. Just a little too Hocus Pocus for me LOL
February 5, 2025
Cute book with fake curses and a mystery of who cursed her family to always choose poorly.
October 9, 2025
Good read
I was a easy flow good read. Light hearted and funny. I enjoyed the story line and will read more from this author.
I was a easy flow good read. Light hearted and funny. I enjoyed the story line and will read more from this author.
May 6, 2023
Loved all the New Orleans and Salem lore sprinkled in throughout Rowan's story. Having Jasper as her 'guide' was a really nice setup for the eventual romance. I did like that Rowan needed independence from Salem and she found it. Her grief really propelled her actions and I think it was a good thing to address that grief works in mysterious ways, and it doesn't have a set timeline or specific steps to follow. It is what it is. It was good to see Jasper really support Rowan when she needed it through a lense of friendship. This was a bittersweet and oddly comforting read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews