Based on the blurb I really wanted to like this book but it unfortunately was not for me. The concept of this beauty and the beast retelling is great but lacked execution and explanation. Especially in regards to crystals/charging, they were the main focus throughout the story but there was no explanation on what they do.

This book definitely felt rushed and would have loved having some more world building as this book felt more fantasy than dark romance. The main characters felt lacking as they literally had no connection. There was also never any sort of reasoning as to why Thorn is so obsessed with Alana so much that he stalks her. It all just felt really off.

It wasn’t a terrible book by any means but it just was not right for me. I think others could enjoy it.


You will enjoy this book if you like the following:
Enemies to lovers
Kidnapping
Fairytale retelling
Possessive MMC
Morally Gray
He Falls First


Thank you so much to Rebecca Zanetti, Kensington Books & Netgalley for the gifted copy.

Brilliant. Dark. Twisted. SUSPENSE!. Sizzling Hot. There is no other way I can describe Rebecca Zanetti’s “One Cursed Rose.” Nothing else I’ve been reading can compare. Loved the excitement, the suspense, and the fire of Rebecca’s newest release “One Cursed Rose.”

The story takes place in the heart of Silicon Valley, Palo Alto California - I worked there!!! There are several main themes. There are four all-powerful families, running things around the world since, well since forever. These four families now have unique social media platforms, each charged and powered by the crystals. A unique crystal powers each family’s base, their social media platform, and keeps them alive and in power. Aquarius Social - Alana Beaumont’s (the Beauty) family, powered by aquamarines; TimeGem Moments, Sylveria Rendale, a nasty woman - powered by diamonds; Malice Media, Thorn Beathatch’s (the Beast) family, powered by garnets; and Hologrid Hub, the Sokolov family - amethysts.

The basis, creation, and execution of this overarching social media concept, how they are powered, raise the intensity, along with the writing, characters, storyline, and mostly everything else. The understated paranormal activity with the families and their crystals creates more intrigue, and the passing mention of another well-known family you might recognize was just more icing on the cake.

Dark would be the world of Thorn and his view of the world and how he controls it. Twisted is how these families function and work inside their worlds and the rough justice that seems to be the only way to make the bad stop. The way the story plays out creates ongoing suspense and intrigue throughout the book, and I don’t think you’ll guess the true players until the end. Sizzling hot, yep, that would be Thorn and Alana the two main characters, just on the right side of dark!

“One Cursed Rose” is the retelling of “Beauty and the Beast” but, for adults, and to be honest, I think it seriously deserves screen time. Definitely for adults - if you enjoy the dark, mixed with romance, suspense, action, and wild passion, and a story that will stay with you long after you are done - You must read this book, I could not put it down, I cannot wait for more, going to reread it! It was truly amazing.

2 stars

Sadly, this one didn't work for me.
Between the stocklom syndrome romance and the crystals/charging plot (filled with plot holes), it lost me around 30%.
The banter was okay, but I wish the whole sci-fi/magic with the crystals was better explained.
Overall, I usually liked RZ writing, but this was a miss for me.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Let me preface this by saying that this book was not quite what I was expecting. I was expecting a dark retelling of Beauty and the Beast and I did enjoy certain aspects of the story. I enjoyed the fantasy element of crystals being used as a power source for social media, however, this aspect is lacking in development. I did not feel that how it worked was clear enough; there were confusing elements. There being four legacy families that have been around as a kind of royalty since the beginning of time was interesting and we do get to meet them; some more than others. This book had mafia vibes throughout and there was a good amount of mystery/suspense. There was a twist that came that I actually did not expect. There were also some good side characters. I am rather intrigued by Ella, so if we get a story with her in it, I would pick it up.
The part of the story that I did not particularly take well to were a few of the sex scenes. I was expecting dark since the note and the beginning of the book did warn of such things, but I was caught off guard by the whipping of female genitalia with a leather belt to the point of orgasm - that was not expected, and quite frankly strange to me. Not to mention the scene with the knife. Maybe it’s something in dark romances that I am just unfamiliar with and there is a market for it - I am not that target audience.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for an e-arc. The opinions expressed are honest and my own.

5 Cursed and Dark stars ★

OW, just OW. This was one of my most expected books in my TBR list and I must say it didn’t disappoint one bit.

Information and knowledge are power and the four families know that. Alana Beaumont’s family is the owner of one of the most powerful and successful media company, and she is the face of said company, her interactions with the interface gain her family’s company ounces of energy and they climb to the top; only to be left second by Malice Media owned by mysterious Thorn Beathach.

After deciding that his daughter will be married with a man she doesn’t want or love just to ensure the continuity and reach of his company, Mathias Beaumont is not expecting to be signing his daughter to being kidnap by said mysterious owner Thorn Beathach who’s responsible for Aquarius downfall in the podium over the last year.

Being kidnapped is not part of Alana’s plans, however, she soon discovers there’s more than catches the eye in Thorn Beathach.He’s fighting his own battles and has a curse that has the clock ticking for him to find a cure to ensure his life stays on this side of the vail. He has another side that he doesn’t let people see much, a side that Alana is learning to know and love. He is overbearing and controlling, as well as thoughtful and pays attention to details that many overlook.

True to her style, Rebecca Zanetti delivers us with a true captivating retelling of the classic Beauty and the Beast, with the twist of darkness thrust upon the characters. We have action packed scenes and steamy moments that make this story a spellbinding one. With many avenues to pursue, we have the story of the main characters but also the mystery of what really happened with Alana’s brother’s death, among other topics that will keep the reader hooked until the last line. This book is a new style for Mrs Zanetti, however, true to her writing style, she delivers a storyline that will engage the reader in a rollercoaster that won’t stop until the last written word and will leave you wanting for more. Can’t wait for what’s next!

***Disclaimer: I’ve applied and received this book as an ARC via NetGalley and this is my honest review***

Thorn’s obsessed with Alana and stalking her. Alana is that sparkly party girl with all the followers in social media, or at least that’s the persona she tries to look like.
Both are hiding a lot of secrets: Thorn is sick and slowly dying and Alana is helping women and children.
Both of them are from 2 of the 4 different families that manage the crystals. Every family has an affinity to one crystal. And all have developed AI social media apps. Their platforms use that advanced AI technology to analyze their users emotions in real time, then their crystals get power and so they get power and energy, and with that energy they improve their health and longevity. It’s not magic per se but something paranormal. People doesn’t know about this, only the families that have a treaty.
Thorn hasn’t been seen in years but when Alana's father wants her to marry a guy from another company/family (so together they can kick back the other 2 families), he kidnaps her and takes her home with him. And then they start to know each other and their relationship kicks off.
Alana is such a sweetheart and innocent, and Thorn is all alpha protective and possessive, but sometimes sweet with Alana. There’s a lot of banter, and very hot smexy times.
Mysteries about her brother’s death, about her nightmares, about Thorn and his illness, about her father, and more. It’s a really engaging plot.
There’s a trigger warning about violence.

Safety details: virgin h (she had her first kiss at 15 with an older guy), no virgin H (only thing about his past is that he had a night of sex and nothing more with those women from his past but didn’t seem like he was a manwh0r3), some unwanted OM drama and a little unwanted OW drama too (nothing big and none interwoven with their pasts).

I took the plunge into the world of dark romance with One Cursed Rose. It was described as a romantasy twist on Beauty and the Beast with a magical crystal sci-fi edge. The crystals and concepts across social media and internet wars between four families was rather interesting, and I would have loved this to be placed out more. The animosity between each of the families could have been played up to accentuate the dark connections between Alana and Thorn
For the most part, all the characters seemed very shallow and over the top. I would have describe them as one-dimensional however there were glimmers of interest and intelligence that again would have grounded the story and character much more if they were extrapolated. I’m sure this book will be a firm favourite for those who love kidnapping and violent lust tropes. Alana’s history with languages and Thorn’s toxic childhood were elements that needed more exploration, because when they were visited, the context of those scenes was much stronger.
The idea behind the power of gemstones, and the way different gemstones brought balance to each other was a keystroke theme for this book. Each family was renowned for their affiliation and connection with a particular gemstone (Alana was aquamarines, Thorn was garnets) and the power play over these crystals and ther power in crippling each other’s corner of the social media technology market could have added a 21st century Wall Street vibe to the story.
After re-reading the synopsis on netgalley after I finished the book, I can see why I might have had an interest in this story and what elements it needed to bolster in order for me to feign a stronger interest. I understand the concept behind a dark romance book, but it just wasn’t my thing: Alana and Thorn’s relationship was unconventional, and they were both flawed and manipulative in their own way. I’m all for love-hate connection but in a less ludicrous and more realistic form.

This book was a new take on Beauty and the Beast with a dark romance twist in a world where gem stones hold all the power. I will admit, some of the jargon and tech talk went a bit over my head, but overall it was an original concept on a tale as old as time.

Our two main characters are Alana and Thorn. Thorn is the beast/mafia/tech boss who is obsessed with Alana. He is also slowly freezing to death from a curse that was put on his main power source. While it was not true loves kiss that thawed him, Alana was still the one to save the day.

Alana is our fmc who is constantly under valued. She has secrets of her own and may be the smartest and most powerful person in the book. When Thorn kidnaps her she puts up a good fight but eventually does fall for him.

The twist in the book I did not see coming. I was trying to guess who the bad guy was throughout, and was shocked when it was revealed who it was.

Overall this book was a new edition to the many Beauty and the Beast retellings. It was different than most, but still had the same themes as soft girl saves tough boy. There were many aspects that I wish were expanded upon and some that still do not make total sense to me. This has been advertised as spicy read, but all in all there are only a few spicy scenes in the book.

Make sure to read triggers before

Thank you to Kensington Books and Netgalley for this e-arc in exchange for an honest review

I just finished One Cursed Rose by Rebecca Zanetti and I am obsessed! This book totally took me by surprise in the best way possible. It's set in a fantasy world where four families get their power from social media apps charged by crystals. I know, it sounds wild, and I'll admit, it was a bit confusing at first, but by the end, I had it all figured out and it totally paid off.

The story is a dark romance/romantic suspense with serious Beauty and the Beast vibes. We get a dual POV from Alana, a savvy social media influencer and heir to her family business (after her brother's mysterious death...) and Thorn, a brooding, top-of-the-game social media giant who's low-key obsessed with Alana. Like, he kidnaps her to save her from a murder plot - because that's a totally normal way to show you care, right?!

Thorn is dealing with a virtual bug that's destroying his crystals and slowly killing him. Meanwhile, Alana's world gets turned upside down when she finds out her brother's death might not have been what it seemed. Oh, and did I mention that dead Alana lookalikes start popping up? Creepy and intense!

Alana and Thorn are such a great pair. Alana's always pushing Thorn's buttons and proving she's way more than just a pretty face and a socialite. She's super smart and doesn't take any crap from anyone. And Thorn, with his possessiveness and protectiveness? Swoon! You can't help but root for these two.

Overall, I'm giving "One Cursed Rose" a solid 4.5 stars. I devoured it and was left wanting more. If you're into dark romances/romantic suspense, you've got to check this one out!

Ok I have ALOT of feelings here.

I loved the idea of this beauty and the beast retelling. I feel like it felt like something new not something done a thousand times before. The concept is super cool and the foundation of this world feels like it could be something really unique and compelling. With that being said I would say that this book feels unfinished. I feel like there are parts to this story specifically with regards to the crystals that needs more information. Even for the first book. Actually especially for the first book because I feel like there is too much left unknown. I would also say that for me personally it ended way to abruptly. I'm not sure if this couple are going to continue on or if this is it for them but that ending was just way to quick to wrap up what was needed to be wrapped up.... I say that not knowing if there is a second book to them. If so.. I wouldn't be so frustrated.

Now on to the actual characters because I'm a very character driven reader and despite the questions left in the story... the characters sold me 100%.

Thorn is not a grey man he is firmly in the black. Now does he do bad things for some good reasons... YES. HOWEVER... he also just does bad things because he feels like it too. Now kidnapping his obsession was obviously included in that. But listen... I was here for his crazy ass. His obsessive, OTT, stalker, you will obey and I will worship you ways. Yum. It's not for everyone, I get it. Some of his ways are creatively questionable. But still I was here for him and his flavour of craycray. This man WORSHIPED Alana in every non healthy way possible. Delightful.

Alana is a whole lot more than she seems. She lives her life in the spotlight but people only see what she wants them to see therefore they see only what they want to see.. the surface bubble. The sweet cutsey young woman who loves to party and shop and post online. Under that is crazy smarts and so much unpredictability. She's also just strong from the inside out. She'll stand for herself and those she cares for. She loves hard. She's genuinely sweet even when she's forced into a corner.
Lord she was given everything she never knew she wanted. It was hilarious to read about her fighting her desire because her body was on page and her smart mind was screaming DANGER. She's a complex character and I found myself constantly surprised.

They are dysfunctional. There really is no other way to describe it. Yet they worked. She pushed him in ways no one else would. He forced her outside her bubble. They broke one another so they could rebuild together and that wasn't an easy journey. There are moments you question everything.. but I was so rooting for them. The chemistry is next level. The connection off the charts.. The journey is a rocky one. One I wished we got more of with them together. But nonetheless I enjoyed them and and intrigued to see where Rebecca takes this in the future. I do hope she gives us more of them for sure.

This is a very dark romance. That being said, I really enjoyed it. Lots of intrigue and steamy scenes.

I loved everything about this book! I can honestly say I've never read anything like this. I liked the twist they put on everything with the crystals. Also, I hope people realize this is a series and some questions that don't get answered in the first book could be answered in the next one. The characters were great and the twist towards the end definitely caught me off guard. I can't wait to read the next one!

One Cursed Rose is a spicy twisted hang onto the edge of your seat action packed retelling of a classic with a interesting cast of character's and a unique plot twist keeping the motivation for the killings, stalking and other grey area activities a closely guarded secret right to the end .
I received a advance readers copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

I really enjoyed this Beauty and the Beast retelling with k1nky spice and a spin!

THOUGHTS 💭
💎 The tropes in this book are so good: grumpy/sunshine, touch her and ☠️, v1rg1n heroine, fantasy, Beauty & the Beast retelling.
💎 People underestimate our FMC, Alana, and I loved watching her prove them wrong.
💎 Thorn is the “villain” of our tale and P H E W, was he a good one.
💎 The book is based on a really interesting premise that gems and social media reactions power the world; it brought a unique fantasy edge to a contemporary book.
💎 The Beauty & the Beast retelling was well-written and this spicy version is one of my new favorites!
💎 We learned so much about this world and the characters that the ground has been laid for more; I can’t wait!

Thanks so much to Rebecca Zanetti, Kensington Books, and NetGalley for the ARC of this book!

One cursed rose is a fantasy romance novel. This book took me a bit longer to read but it was still really good. I couldn't put it down.

So I wouldn't use this book for students...BUT let me tell you! The romance is real. I normally don't like these kind of romances between characters but Zanetti made it work. I'm excited for more of her future works!

Thank you NetGalley and Kensington books for the opportunity to read this arc in exchange for my honest review.

One cursed rose is a beauty and the beast retelling that is classified as a dark romance. I personally think it’s more of a Sifi/thriller/romance. I didn’t see much in the means of “dark” romance, though that’s my opinion. I wasn’t a fan of the writing style for this book, I found it hard to read. The story was also missing information. The whole attention around the crystals is rather odd because you don’t know what exactly they do. But the story is heavily based around them. I also feel as though the ending was rushed. The romance aspect was also off setting because there really wasn’t any connection there, the Mmc was possessive but lacked real heart so to speak. This book just fell short for me.

Dark romance revolving around warring social media families. Crystals & colors some type of charging magic. Beauty and the beast. A lot of potential but the romance got snagged in everything else going on. Solid banter and fair amount of steam. However the “magic” was confusing and unclear.

One Cursed Rose
By Rebecca Zanetti

I preface this review by saying I am a fan of Rebecca Zanetti’s work. I have read everything of hers, across all genres. I have also read “dark” romance and romantic suspense and enjoyed it.

That being said, this was not one of my favorites of Ms. Zanetti’s books. The characters just didn’t work for me. The H was downright cruel at times and our heroine would get freaked out and then just forget about it. Also, she just seemed SO young (and dare I say dumb?).

As for the plot itself, that I enjoyed. The hero’s illness, the attacks on the heroine, trying to figure out whodunit, the plot twists…all quite involved and interesting. I just didn’t like either the H or h.

If this continues as a series, however, I will keep reading as my favorite character was the H’s brother!

I enjoyed the story quite a bit. I will say, I got lost in the parts of the story where the focus on the crystal’s or the computer tech parts, I just had a hard time during those parts. Overall I enjoyed the love story as well as the whodunnit story. Definitely worth the read! I was fortunate to be part of the early reader review opportunity for this book.