The Cursed

This wraps up this duet in a mind-blowing fashion! The story weaves a complex narrative, blending witchcraft, biblical elements, and fantasy to create an utterly engaging experience filled with unexpected twists. Character development shines in this book. Willow's path to self-discovery and Gray's transformation from self-serving to devoted are captivating. Their evolving relationship, from enemies to lovers, is a real highlight, especially Gray's intense, possessive love for Willow. Picking up where the last book left off, this book ties up some loose ends while introducing new questions. Themes of forgiveness and revenge are central, delivering an emotionally charged story. This conclusion is incredibly satisfying, leaving me eagerly show more awaiting Harper's next adventure. show less

The Cursed by Harper L Woods is the second book in The Coven of Bones duet and is a paranormal romance with a layer of a gothic/dark academia vibe. This continues the story started in The Coven and is much more angst-y and spicy. Tropes include revenge, touch her and die and enemies to lovers to enemies to lovers. This is a book for adults only as it contains explicit content. Please take the content warnings seriously - many relate to the main characters and they’re as bad as they sound. This is a DARK book.

The Lovely: Still loved the FMC and her powers. I would read more stories about her, especially her time growing up. The MMC is dark and at some points over the top in what he does, but that’s how his character is written. And, show more I love the cat.

Also Lovely: The flow and the tensions were much improved in this book compared to the first book of the duet (which at best was haphazard). The progression was more linear and made sense without feeling rushed. This made the book much easier and more enjoyable to read.

The Dreadful: I didn’t love . . . the ending. I want to be care not to spoil here. I actually pulled up the book online to confirm it was, at least originally, intended to be a duology. Will there be another series relating to future characters? What happens to two characters in particular whose story didn’t get a happily ever after? I don’t mind open items, but not in the final book of a series!

Rating: 4/5 Stars 5/5 Flames

Recommendation: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Looking back, a lot happened in this book, especially for only being 300 some pages. This concise story telling worked so much better. If you like very DARK paranormal romance and witches and demons, I think you’ll like this. If you also like dark academia, the. You will probably love this. show less

With the cliffhanger the previous book concluded on, I had to read this sequel. It made for a quick, intriguing read, but the deep reservations I had about the central romantic relationship remained throughout. I liked seeing the characters of Willow and Gray develop, but I wanted more - more character development and more world-building. I also wanted these two to spend some time together not having sex or trying to kill each other, as it might have improved my perception of the overall relationship. This novel, like its predecessor, is more romantic erotica than fantasy and if that's your cup of tea, you may want to read it.

4 stars

I am not sure what happened here. I had such high hopes and was on pins and needles to get more from this world, story, and characters. Yet, I am torn on this book. Was it good? Yes. Did it hold my attention? Also, yes. Was I as invested as I was in the first book? No. Whereas, in The Coven, I ate up this world like it was sustenance necessary for survival, this book didn't hold me in its tight grip. I am not even sure that I could put my finger on exactly why. It was soooooo close but it just never entirely took me there. It was enjoyable but I just wanted certain things to be fleshed out more or have more depth. I can't believe I am even going to write this because I am still a little frustrated that I still have three books, show more of six, to go in another of this author's worlds, but I would have liked another book with these characters. Again, as I read a lot, things tend to get fuzzy if I go too long but for this book, I feel like some extras would have given the story that extra oomph to make it so I would do a reread.

Would I read another book in this world? Absolutely. There is no disputing that this author has a gift. She has a style uniquely her own, regardless, of whether it is Mafia or Paranormal romance. Especially, in regards to her leading men. There is a magic there that has me wanting to do dirty and unspeakable things with/to them while, also, wondering if I need to seek therapy because if I was to encounter these men in real life I would run as fast as I could in the opposite direction (and I only run now if my life or my child's life was to be in question). If she writes it, I will read it. So, while this book had me on the fence, I still am glad that I hung on to see how these characters' journey together progressed. I would recommend the book for that reason alone. Books are magic, and even though this was missing that little something for me, it might not be for someone else. show less

Willow Madizza Hecate Morningstar and Lucifer the Morningstar AKA Alaric Grayson "Gray" Thorne

Review:
This story is going exactly where I want it to in the most unexpected way! A unique twist on some familiar names, and delightfully sprinkled with magic and revenge! Highly recommend this series to anyone dipping toes into dark paranormal!

Fun and adequate sequel to The Coven. I have mixed emotions with this one in comparison to the first book. Some parts frustrated me, some parts made me giggle, and some parts warmed my heart.

Decent sequel. Definitely room for a third book. Graphic sex scenes include erotic asphyxiation and forms of SM to show how "evil" Grey is. A lot of hand-wringing by Willow with not a lot of plot as Willow spends most of the novel trying to figure out what she wants and who she can trust.