I really enjoyed this book. I loved the characters, the world building, and the magic system. It wasn't too heavy. If anything the isle was more fleshed out as a world more than the characters. That's great though because it's like a character in the story. I do feel however that while the MC was learning about her mostly obvious back story, many thoughts were repeated. It was to the point that I thought I had back tracked somehow on my kindle to a part I'd already read. That being said, I'm sure this is part of a series, and while I understand the need to stretch and separate parts of the story, this one felt like not much happened, the plot was slow to move. I enjoyed the build up and loved the plot, but it felt like 3 chapters stretched to 6. A lot happened, but in a short amount of time. All that being said, I will look to see if the next book is available ASAP. This year I'm giving 4 stars to great books, 5 to favorites. This story pacing leans me toward 3 stars. Thank you to Netgalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

this gives big once upon a time tv series vibes and we love that.
very cozy, fast paced, easy read.
the romance needed more development but otherwise very enjoyable.

"Gilmore Girls meets magic and mystery in this enchanting series opener!"

In Cursed, Gina LaManna whisks readers into a lush, otherworldly adventure where modern science collides with ancient Fae magic. Allie Wells, a pragmatic doctor and runaway bride, is thrown headfirst into a world she doesn’t believe in—and might just be the key to saving. With sizzling tension, a broody, magical kidnapper (hello, book boyfriend!), and a heroine who finds strength in the unlikeliest place, this book casts a spell from page one.
Expect sharp wit, romantic sparks, and a hauntingly beautiful island brimming with secrets. A fun, fast-paced read that will leave you eager for the next installment in the Court of Isles series.
✨Perfect for fans of A Discovery of Witches, The Unhoneymooners—and anyone who’s ever wished Stars Hollow had a bit more sorcery.

Great start to a new series!
Fast-paced and entertaining, the story and the likable characters draw you in right away. For anyone who enjoys a cozy fantasy book.

I really enjoyed this new series! The characters are intriguing and the storyline fits really well! I’m excited for this series and where Gina will take it!!! Definitely one I’m recommending!

Thankyou for this ARC.

I really enjoyed this story. Great character development.
I will say that the world building could do with a tad bit of work. Something was just missing for me.

Fab start to a new fantasy series and will definitely read more from this author.

I loved this, I really couldn’t put it down. Once I started I couldn’t stop. I’m not a huge fantasy esk lover but this one had me captivated. I will definitely be recommending. 4.75/5 stars

I am so honoured to receive an ARC of this book. While I enjoyed the storyline I found that the characters were a little under developed. This book definitley gave me the classic fantasy rubric and I was intrigued by the storyline. I would definitley read another story written by Gina!

The Isle is in serious danger from a curse and Silas has spent years trying to the one person who might be able to help. That person is about to say I do when really it should be I don’t.

Gina does not disappoint with this start to a new series set on the Isle. Allie discovers that a mundane life as a family Dr is not quite what is in her future but helping people is still something she can’t but help from doing. For which the people of the Isle are very thankful for when her true ancestry is revealed.

4/5 stars! This book was an interesting start to a new fantasy series. There were elements that were really enjoyable. The Fae history and development was great and I liked Alessia a lot. I just wish the magic-system and world-building were a bit more developed. Will be continuing the series.

When I read that this was Gilmore Girls with magic, I was immediately sold! And let me tell you, this book did not disappoint.

This book gave me all those modern day, cozy fantasy vibes which I didn't realise I had been itching for. Cursed was such a fun and enjoyable read with great character development. I absolutely LOVED Lily's character and could not fault her in the slightest.

I wasn't expecting this to turn into a murder mystery but I ate it up! Highly recommend.

The premise of this book is what drew me in. The idea of a runaway bride finding out she’s this magical creature when she’s stolen away from the aisle.

Overall I felt this could have been better executed. The love interest felt very insta love with no real connection between characters. It felt rushed and like there was no time to develop any actual feelings before we were expected to think alessia and Silas were head over heels.


The overall fantasy element felt very YA and even on the lower end of that with the simplicity to it.

Overall it wasn’t a bad book but it could have used some more fleshing out.

Overall

⭐️⭐️.5/5

This book was fast paced while also giving cozy fantasy vibes. It was such a quick read not only because of the page length but also the writing style was so digestible.

Great characters good storyline. Hooked from the first chapter. Thanks for letting me review. Would continue the series

This book was a miss for me. I did not care much for the characters, the book was more of a tell rather than show. It felt like an abridged version of a book. The concept seemed great but any chance of an easter egg that could have been properly hidden was more like a beacon of bright light in the middle of a field. The twist that it could have was apart of the description of the book which but it took around 80% for the main character to know Shes Fae. She didn't really question much, was more of a go with the flow, The excessive use of Okie Dokey was also bothersome instead of pressing further or questioning anything Millie or Silas was telling her she just said ok.

Having multiple POV and having more depth to the characters, their past and to the story line itself could have enhanced the book for me.

This was a fun, cute fantasy! It very much plays into the tropes and conventions of the genre, and the actual tone of the writing will be very familiar for frequent romantasy readers. Because of the familiarity of it all, the book feels very charming and cozy and is a delightful and quick fantasy read!

Thank you to NetGalley and LaManna Books for the chance to read this ARC!

Cursed is a charming, fast-paced fantasy romance that hooked me from the start. The story follows Alessia, a doctor stuck in a loveless engagement—until a mysterious man, Silas, crashes her wedding and whisks her away to a magical island cursed by dark forces.

The tone is light and enchanting, with just enough stakes to keep things interesting. I really enjoyed the fated mates trope and the slow-burn romance between Alessia and Silas. There are definite ACOTAR vibes, plus a mix of fae, found family, and self-discovery that made the story feel familiar yet fresh.

Overall, it’s a sweet, easy read with a satisfying balance of magic, romance, and adventure.

I hope we don't get a second book of this.
This was a quick easy read. I really enjoyed it.
On the day of her wedding a mysterious man takes her to an island that is slowly dying.
Fae, Olympus, magic

Cursed follows the story of Alessia, a woman who's whole life is about to be turned upside down, and this all starts when she is kidnapped...in the middle of her wedding!.

The mysterious man that was responsible for the kidnapping quickly changes her entire life, and makes her realise that she is much stronger than she ever allowed herself to believe, even encouraging her to finally stand up to her overbearing, often unkind parents.

An interesting, perfectly paced read that kept me engrossed from beginning to end.

*Thank you to Netgalley and the Publishers for providing me with an ARC of this book in return for my honest review.*

It was a cute, enchanting book. The tone wasn't too serious, making it a relaxing read. There were still stakes that kept me invested. The budding romance between Alessia and Silas had me coming back for more. I'm always a sucker for fated mates.

Alessia is a doctor bound to be married to a man she doesn't love. That is until a mysterious man named Silas crashes her wedding and takes her off to a magical island (some real ACOTAR vibes). There, she learns about her destiny to save the island from a curse that's destroying it. There's fae, fated mates, and found family. What more could a person ask for?