3.5⭐️

**Thank you to NetGalley and Sparkley Wave for the audiobook ARC**

Astra is a spare. A guard who is waiting to take the princess’s place at any time. When she gets the opportunity, she meets who she believes might be her kindred soul. One problem: he’s the enemy. Marlak, our enemy, decides she is better to be his wife than to share his secrets she fears she has glimpsed through shared dreams. Their sudden marriage places Astra in the world of the fae, and is forced to start to confront her own heritage and whether she wants to embrace her kindred soul.

This is an enemies to lovers and slow burn romance. Though we see several explicit scenes from their dreams, our actual love does not blossom til much much later. To be frank, it felt too long. It became tiring of the constant inner dialog of: do I love him? Should I? Does he actually hate me? It was exhausting. There seemed to be so much more that could have happened and could have happened in other ways had we addressed that issue sooner.

I enjoy the overall story and world. There is painted an intriguing story line and characters. Great character development! And I love the twist and cliffhanger at the end. It’s enough for me to want to know more. There’s great set up and potential for the next book. Would recommend, holding out that the next story has left of the “should I, shouldn’t I” debate.

Absolutely fantastic. World building was phenomenal and seems like it’s going to be a series which I’m very excited about. Very well written with super relatable characters. I was sucked in from the start and didn’t sleep because I couldn’t stop listening to the audiobook finishing it in 1 day. I loved it.

4.8 ⭐️Read! 🌶️🌶️ and half


Thank you to the Author and NetGalley for the opportunity of getting to be An arc reader for this.

I am a huge fantasy and romance lover so when I saw this, I knew I would absolutely love it. Plus it’s a magical world so what’s not the love about this!

It’s very fast pace. This is one of those stories where you think you know what’s going on for a good amount of time and then you don’t, out of nowhere things switch up on you and you know absolutely nothing. It kept me interested such as I was very excited to see where things went. It’s safe to say I wasn’t disappointed the ending alone left me wanting more.

you don’t get lost with the fantasy story or world building When it comes to
( A Cursed Son ) sometimes that can happen such as getting lost within the world-building and all the details to me it felt like it’s explained perfectly.

This is perfect for anyone who loves enemies to lovers. Fantasy and adventures in dreams

𝙔𝙤𝙪’𝙧𝙚 𝙘𝙧𝙖𝙯𝙮 𝙞𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙠 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚’𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙮𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙄 𝙬𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙𝙣’𝙩 𝙙𝙤 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙮𝙤𝙪.

Astra has trained from a young age to be a decoy and bodyguard for her kingdom's princess, ready at a moments notice to take her place. When she is passed over for assignment after assignment, she takes matters into her own hands to attend a wedding in the princess' stead, finally leaving the tower that has been her home for years. When her carriage is set upon in fae territory, she comes face to face with the disgraced Prince Marlak. Their meeting puts them on a wild path of arranged marriages, assassination attempts, mysterious magic and explicit dreams that feel too much like reality.

𝙔𝙤𝙪’𝙧𝙚 𝙢𝙮 𝙬𝙞𝙛𝙚, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙘𝙖𝙣 𝙗𝙚 𝙖𝙨 𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙤𝙣𝙜 𝙖𝙨 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩. 𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙙𝙤𝙣’𝙩 𝙣𝙚𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙥𝙧𝙚𝙩𝙚𝙣𝙙 𝙮𝙤𝙪’𝙧𝙚 𝙨𝙢𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙖𝙣𝙮𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙚. 𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙙𝙤𝙣’𝙩 𝙣𝙚𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙝𝙞𝙙𝙚.”

Broody, dark, mysterious fae prince? Strong, sassy, hilarious female warrior? Tons of tension and banter and the most tortuous of slow burns? 10000% yes. Outside of the dreams, the book is more steamy than spicy, but my lord, the potential is there for book two. The cliffhanger left me absolutely salivating for book two, mainly for the MCs reunion, but also because I can just see Astra at the end of book one going, "Oh, I am going to kick. His. Ass." and I'm here for that energy.

“𝙄’𝙢 𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚, 𝙖𝙯𝙖𝙡𝙚𝙚, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙄 𝙬𝙤𝙣’𝙩 𝙡𝙚𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙜𝙤.”

I cannot tell you how much I loved this story. From the very beginning it sucks you in and doesn’t let go. Both characters are great. While Astra not always confident in herself and I wanted to reach into the book and shake her a few times but she always figures it out. It’s just part of her but I loved her. And Marlak is amazing! So so amazing. And listen when I say this book leaves us on a massive cliffhanger I swear my jaw was dropped.
The Narrator for the audiobook is perfection. I hope they continue to use her for the whole series.

An absolutely fantastic book! I really enjoyed listening to the audiobook. I really liked Caitlin Kelly's narration as I found her voice very pleasant and it was very easy to follow the story even for me as a non-native English speaker. The story itself is a wonderfully written enemies to lovers fantasy romance with fae, elemental magic, an arranged marriage. The book had me under its spell from the very beginning and was so captivating I couldn't put it down. I became very fond of Astra and Marlak, but also of some of the other characters. It is a slow burn romance with good banter. After that cliffhanger at the end, I can't wait to read the next book!

Thanks to Day Leitao and NetGalley for letting me listen this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to listen to the audiobook for A Cursed Son. I am generally not one to DNF a book but I genuinely can not bring myself to get past chapter 3. I love fantasy books and read plenty of them, but this one is just not for me. The world building prior to the fmc being kidnapped by the disgraced prince is so unbelievably minimal. I just couldn't keep going I'm so sorry.

I got this ARC from Netgalley and the author and am grateful for the opportunity to review. I listened on audiobook. Narrator did a good job. Astra is a girl who works for the king as one of the "guards for the Princess." She has been trained to kill, be a decoy and has no real life. She dreams of kindred soul and these dreams are spicy but also filled with so much love. Then she meets him and he's got an awful reputation and ends up forcing a marriage. This is an enemies to lovers, lots of banter, magic, fae worlds and so much more.
I enjoyed this book a lot. Found myself really wanting to listen anytime I could. Most of the book is a lot of inner monologue of Astra. Some may find it a lot and annoying, but she is very young and has a very sheltered life so it's expected. I enjoyed Astra's journey to learn to start trusting more, believing in love, and despite what people have said about her kind she is kind, but strong. Marlak is awesome. He's kind and there is so much more than what people say. This is a good lesson on don't listen to rumors or believe everything you hear. I enjoyed the elemental magic and even a unicorn. Wish there was more about different courts and background of them both. The ending was sad and tense and a cliffhanger but now I can't wait for book 2!

Tropes:
• Enemies to Lovers
• Strong Female Protagonist
• Political Marriage
• Arranged Marriage
• Elemental Magic
• Magical Creatures

The Cursed Son is an engaging romantasy with a compelling mix of intrigue, slow-burn romance, and magic.

While the story had a slow start, it gained momentum around page 50, drawing me in with its intriguing plot and well-paced storytelling. I appreciated the strong, capable FMC, though some of her friendships felt a bit forced. However, the world-building was immersive, and I’m eager to see how it expands in the next book.

The MMC, Marlak, was a fascinating character—mysterious, powerful, and tormented—his dynamic with Astra kept me invested, especially as her defenses began to crumble.

Thank you to @day_leitao for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Segundo libro que leo de la autora y los cambios son super notables!

He encontrado una historia mucho más madura con unos personajes mejor construidos.

Los narradores me han gustado muchísimo y creo que son ideales para esta historia

✨ Thank you NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to check this book out! ✨

Unfortunately, this did not go well. Since the beginning I struggled with it. I ended up DNF @ 44%. It’s really rare that I don’t finish a book, but I really couldn’t.

By the time I had finish, nothing had happened. I can’t believe that at 44% we still have the same things we had in page one: Astra and her dreams, Marlak and his mysterious stolen weapons, and a constant overuse of the words “husband” and “wife”. They mean nothing to me anymore, those words.

I really disliked the POV. Astra is not a great FMC. She’s annoying, there’s no other way to put it. Her dreams show her one thing and then she says she wants the opposite, however while she’s awake (which at times is confusing and the reader doesn’t know) she’ll say things that make us think she does want it. Constantly internal dialogue in which she fights herself. Tiring. Frustrating.

I love some nice smut but in this case it isn’t great because Astra is fighting it and doesn’t want it. It seems forced. And I don’t like the way it’s delivered.

The characters don’t have any depth and unfortunately there’s not a lot of info on back story to understand why they’re like that.

Like I said, I appreciate the opportunity but in this case is a no from me. I wouldn’t recommend.

I went into this audio book blind, not 100% sure what to expect but safe to say I really enjoyed it!

A slow burn enemies to lovers with banter, forced proximity and characters with secrets they want to keep to themselves at all costs.

A strong & stubborn FMC and a MMC who's brooding and finds her intoxicating, ticks a lot of boxes for me!

Looking forward to book 2 👀

🌶️🌶️.5
This book is a wild ride of twists through horny jail with top tier banter. From the very beginning you know Astra is smart, deadly and will stop at nothing to get what she wants. I really enjoy her whole character, especially because she is fully devoted to the fact that letting anyone truly know her is dangerous. Her inner monologue is eerily relatable and adds another level to the story. I really expected this to just be another fae story and while some elements are similar to others, it has so many more things that set it apart. I really searched my mind for parts or things I didn't enjoy and struggled to find any beyond the ending, which just made me need to read book 2. This is a must read for fans of ACoTaR and Blood, Iron and Bone.

🗡️Enemies to lovers
👑Slow burn
🗡️Forced proximity
👑Snarky banter
🗡️Dream connection
👑Fae Courts
🗡️Hidden identities
👑Political intrigue

The audiobook was narrated by Caitlin Kelly and I wouldn't have it any other way. Her voices for other characters were distinct. Her flow was immersive. She made me enjoy the story that much more. The banter felt as though I had a front row seat to it. I was very happy to learn she will be back for the audiobook for book 2!

I was provided an ALC from Victory Editing Co-op via Netgalley so I could provide this honest review. All opinions are my own.

4.5⭐️ A Cursed Son by Day Leitao. This was quite the adventure with a lot of great world building and characters. You’ve multiple species of fae, nymphs, humans, unicorns, and more. A really interesting magic system as well. #ACursedSon

I think the only reason this wasn’t a five star read is that the FMC was immature at times and that grated on me. She needs some character development to push her out of it. I’m anxious to read the next book in the series!

*𝐈 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐚 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐩𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤. 𝐎𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐦𝐲 𝐨𝐰𝐧.*

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ +

Okay, *A Cursed Son* had me hooked from the first scene—a royal decoy trained to replace a princess, a *dangerous* fae prince who’s haunted her dreams, and an enemies-to-lovers romance that is 🔥🔥🔥. Astra and the prince’s dynamic is so intense, shifting from dreamlike tenderness to real-life danger, and I loved every second of it.

And can we talk about Caitlin Kelly’s narration?! She nailed the tension, the longing, and the icy danger between Astra and the prince. Her voice brought this world to life —the emotions, the chemistry, the magic, all of it. If you love audiobooks, this one is a full experience.

If you’re into steamy romantasy with fae magic, high stakes, and an “I love you in my dreams but hate you in reality” dynamic, This book is everything. Just be prepared to swoon, scream, and stay up way too late listening! 💫🔥

This fantasy romance is the perfect combination of plot, steam, and banter! The dream connection aspect was intriguing. I loved the complexity of the characters, even several side characters have many layers to them. I felt Astra’s struggle to figure out what is right and wrong when she’s grown up indoctrinated as a royal guard and not given the full truth about who she is. Marlak is a brooding book boyfriend and I’m here for it! The end was gut-wrenching and I am excited to continue on in the series.

Caitlin Kelly did a wonderful job narrating the audiobook! Most of the book is in Astra’s POV, but for the chapters in Marlak’s POV she was able to completely differentiate her voice to narrate the male character.

Thank you to Sparkly Media & NetGalley for the audiobook. This review is voluntary, and all opinions expressed are my own.

I quite enjoyed this book. It was a bit of a slow burn enemies to lovers story with a bit a magic and spice. The characters are likeable and you start rooting for them early in the book but also get to unravel the mystery of the FMC Astra’s background in a believable timeline. I can’t wait to dive into the second book

Addictive and an interesting world!

Slightly torn on how I feel about this book. I loved the premise, with the decoy princesses and the initial characters in the palace. But quickly it moved onto the forced marriage plot, focusing on Marlak, with only some minor side characters.

I think I became too invested in the earlier characters and then was sad to not see them, but hopefully they reappear later in the series.

👑🗡️👑🗡️

Astra lives amongst human royalty, training her whole life as a stand in for the Princess. All the while hiding a dark secret of who she really is.

When her carriage is attacked by a notorious disgraced fae prince, who just so happens to be the man see has dreams a dream connection to, she is forced into a marriage with the cruel prince.

👑🗡️👑🗡️

I adored the decoy plot! I'm not sure I’ve seen a premise like that before and was so excited as to where it would go. I also became very invested in the other trainee decoys and their little plots and drama. As well as the princess’ cousin, Ziven, who I was convinced would be a love interest and spent the whole book waiting for him to return. I think this is what prevented me from really getting into Marlak right away.

Marlak did grow on me though, especially the more tender moments towards the end. I also looked up fan art which helped 😅 He’s scarred and burnt, and since I didn't think he was the endgame love interest at first, my brain pictured this in a rather gruesome way. Turns out he's hot 🤣

And I LOVE the dream connection! Despite the awkwardness it presents for Astra and some of the ridiculous things she says!! I also love Marlak’s probing of trying to get her to admit the dreams are happening and the banter around it.

The plot is fun, especially the visiting of the other magical creatures and fae kingdoms. (Side note: I loved her leaf dress!!). And whilst some elements were predictable, it was still an addictive ride. And I'm intrigued by the ending and what comes next with Renel.

I'd say, the writing does kind of read like YA with smut! But I think that is what makes it so easy to get through.

But my main grievance, is WHY did she keep describing Ziven as attractive and making him all tortured…?? (I think he gave me Cardan energy, so I obviously fell in love) He better have a side plot romance later on or i’ll riot!!

But 100% continuing despite my tantrum!

[Audiobook review - NetGalley]

Audionotes:
I liked the narrator and was especially impressed with her voice for Marlak, as I think it can be challenging to do a strong make voice. Her Astra seemed fitting as well!

Astra is an elite guard for the crown princess. The catch: She is also a body double. If the need ever arises, she is sent on political outings, any dangerous activity, and may be used for any political marriages. Astra has long accepted her fate to never have a life of her own, except in her dreams. Her mystery man envelopes her in love and affection every night, and Astra thinks this could be enough. When Astra is sent on a trip, a shortcut through the Faelands turns into an ambush by the disgraced Prince Marlak. To her horror Marlak is the man in her dreams, but there is no love for her outside of her dreamland in his eyes.

A Cursed Son is the most fun I have had with a romantasy in a long time. I loved the characters and it was a fresh take on many tropes that have become overdone. I loved the idea of the royal body doubles. This created such an interesting monologue in Astra’s mind about becoming her own person or living to be someone else. I also really enjoyed the disgraced prince idea. So often MMC characters are princes that fit the typical moody rich prince mold. Marlak, our MMC, as the fugitive cursed prince is so interesting to follow. His character feels very multilayered. You are always finding more and never know if you are getting the whole truth from him. I like that we see the characters grow together amidst the high action and tension scenarios of a fugitive on the run. A Cursed Son is also a TRUE enemies to lovers trope. They truly do not trust each other and watching them unravel their paths and grow together is captivating.

I listened to the audio version of A Cursed Son and Caitlin Kelly fits the Astra very well. She was very easy to listen to at normal speed or sped up. Also if you are an avid audiobook listener you know sometimes a narrator's “man voice” can be very distracting. Kelly has a great voice for Marlak that did not take me out of the book at all!

This is my favorite read of 2025 so far and I cannot wait to see where the story goes next!

3.5 stars

A Cursed Son tells the story of Astra, who, in spite of her objectionable drink preferences, is a pretty standard fantasy FMC - she has secrets and powers and she understands neither of them - and her soulmate slash mortal enemy Marlak, a dark (but ultimately misunderstood) and extremely powerful fae prince.

The writing here is not perfect, but the plot was fun and you know I love an MMC who is so overprotective that it makes him literally insane.

You can also look forward to: sexy dreams, banter, flying leather-skinned unicorns, and a truly distracting amount of chuckling.