I got to about 60% before I dnf.

This is a first for me by this author. While I did see this was a 2nd book in a series, I felt that it could be read as a standalone.
I think what I didn't like about this book was all of the "*" pov changes and some were only a few sentences. It became hard trying to tell which character were "talking." I think the writing for me was just ok, and the story ended up being subpar for a fantasy/paranormal. It wasn't wowing me enough to continue, and I still didn't really understand what the main point of the story was.

* An advanced reading copy was provided by the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. *
I actually really liked this story. My three stars in more of a 3.5, but the problems come from some problems with the storytelling, not from the story itself. The characters are great and I was sucked in from the beginning. I liked seeing what they would do and how they would solve the issues in their relationship. But that's also where the problems came in. The "curse" seem very easily solved and quite cliche`. In true romance fashion, Varz messes up and thus ensues a period of separation, but Felyn forgives him with nothing more than an oops, sorry girl, my bad.

I did not read the first book, so yes, this one works well as a stand alone. And two, I did not notice the repetitiveness that some others have commented on. I recommend this book as a quick, fun read when you need a little smut in your life.

I was given an advanced copy of this book to review and it is the second book in the series of a world of witches talking about finding their spouses in a world of magic. You don't need to actually have read the prior book to enjoy this as it's a complete tale about a shapeshifting panther witch. The book starts starts slowly and reminds me a lot of the writing style of Octavia E. Butler where she slowly wraps you up in the mystery of the tale until you find yourself rooting for the main characters to find happiness. Felyn is a witch and specializes in healing. She is a likeable person and you can't help but hope for her to find joy. I don't want to give too many spoilers since there's a couple of nice polt twists, but would recommend the book if you're looking for an enjoyable evening read.

Firstly, I must stop accidentally requesting second books in series when I haven’t read the first. I need to track down Thalgor’s Witch now! Anyway, this was an enjoyable fantasy romance about a political marriage, and a secret hidden by a young shapeshifter. It was easy and engaging, and I found myself really rooting for the characters.

I have to admit, I liked the first one better. Mainly because this book had one aspect that I usually try to avoid in what I read. But it did not distract me from the story.
The book is pretty similar to the first one in some instances. Especially the negative characters. But not overly so.

Now, it might not seem like I enjoyed this book. But I liked the hell out of it.
It was, I don't know, real. In its brutality. The way it presented the harshness of life and death. Still, it was pretty tame compared to the first book.

So, if you liked the first book, you should totally give this one a chance.

This book is really good. Kept me captivated. I could put the book down.... Read in one setting. Author did great one capturing my attention. Would definitely recommend!

Felyn is a witch, a healer, that is cursed and every full moon she becomes a panther. This is her greatest secret and shame. Varz is a leader who wants peace for his folks and doesn't think he is worthy. They get married to seal an alliance between their two people, a link that is about honor and duty. They have both a strong personality and are selfless. I really liked how their relationship grows and how they face all the things that happens. This book is the second of a trilogy but you can read it even if you did't read the first one.

64 points, 3 ¼ stars

Felyn's Curse was written much better than Thalgor's Witch. It is like the author took all my beliefs in her as a writer, and took them to heart. She definitely grew as an author between books one and two of this series. I'm really glad for the growth. While I suppose this could be read as a standalone, I don't think you should. I think this is really meant to be read after book one, when you've already gotten to know some of the major characters.

Unfortunately, I just was unable to connect to Felyn as a character even more than I was unable to connect to Erwyn. I enjoyed Erwyn's plight more. Felyn isn't as sure of herself, she flounders more as she tries to figure out what to do in the position she is in. It also doesn't help that everything Felyn went through, Erwyn went through as well. It was a lot like treading the same ground with a new person. A character who really doesn't have much of an effect on anything in the story. She was a catalyst more than an agent.

Varz is 100% better than Thalgor, and helps makes this book, though. Varz is so much more understanding. He looks up to the person Thalgor became by the end of the first book as a role model. While this was an arranged marriage, there was actually a courting period this time around. It was after they were married but, eh does that matter? I don't think so! While Varz and Felyn have growing pains and fights as well, I feel like Varz has legitimate fears and Felyn is right to be hurt. No one was in the right or wrong this time. I just wish these two would have talked more.

The thing I disliked the most about this was actually Felyn's curse. So much mental energy is spent on how she is cursed and oh my god it is so bad and why her. It is..It is utterly ridiculous to me. Maybe it is because of my background in urban fantasy where were-creatures happen all the time, but I just don't think turning into a panther is that big a deal, especially when those around you know you are cursed and can help you. I just..big fucking deal. I understand part of it, but not all. This is what caused most of my disconnect with the entire book. The entire book hinges on this, and I just didn't care and found it not worth the worry.

The enemy is a bit more lackluster, too. In the previous book it was them vs. the entire world, including within the camp. There was a lot of internal strife here as well, but it felt like treading the same ground. However, it isn't really them vs. the world anymore. There are minor skirmishes with a big bad I assume will be dealt with in the next book, since it wasn't here. Most of this was them vs. ...a panther. A panther that isn't Felyn. Though that is a minor part, it is mostly about Felyn trying to win over the village. Just wasn't as big of stakes.

I'm genuinely curious about where this series is going, though. While I had some problems with the story, I did mostly enjoy reading it. I am looking forward to seeing the improvements Nancy Holland will make in the next book. I'm going to continue to look towards what the author has in store for years to come because I think she is going to grow into herself marvelously.

I thought the premise of the book seemed really strong, and I was eagerly anticipating diving into this book. Unfortunately, the writing style was really hard to read for me. I didn't care for how it jumped from one POV to another, and sometimes it wasn't clear when the POV was switching. I figured it out once I realized what was being said was coming from someone else. It took a bit too much effort for me, when I prefer the author make it more clear when the POV is switching so I don't have to figure it out on my own. There also seemed to be very little chemistry between two main characters in the beginning, and it didn't really improve. I felt many of their interactions were odd and childish. Not the book for me.

I received a copy of Felyn’s Curse by Nancy Holland from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Overall, this novel missed the mark for me. I thought the writing was decent (fair) and the plot should have been interesting given the summary, but the plot wasn't evenly paced and the main characters' chemistry fell short.

I'd give Felyn’s Curse 2.25 stars.

thank you to Tule Publishing for the arc of this book, i loved it, i didnt realise it was a second in a series when i started it, but i will be getting a copy of the first book to read asap.
about 80% into the book, i just had tears running down my face as i read, i was really hoping the ending wasnt the one it looked like it was going to be,thankfully it wasnt!
a very well written book, and i will eagerly await the third book of the series.