I was counting down the days for this book—and Harper did not disappoint. If you haven’t read the first two books in the series, do yourself a favor and start there. It’s essential. The Cursed picks up right after the wild ending of book two, and I loved that Harper revisits those final moments from Margot and Beelzebub’s perspectives. It’s not just a refresher—it’s a deeper, more intimate lens on the chaos that sets the stage for book three.
This installment is spooky, emotional, and steeped in themes of self-forgiveness and buried secrets. Margot’s emotional depth is breathtaking. Her journey through guilt, healing, and rediscovery is raw and real—written with such care that it feels personal. Her insecurities aren’t brushed aside; they’re embraced and transformed, making her feel powerful in her vulnerability. I’m so excited to see how she continues to evolve in the next book.
Beelzebub was a standout. His unwavering support for Margot, even as he remained ruthless to everyone else, was beautifully done. He gave her space to process, to question, to grow—never pushing, always present. And when she needed distance, he respected that too. His patience and quiet strength made their dynamic unforgettable.

The romance was a slow burn, simmering beneath the surface with tension and longing. But when the spice finally hit—it was so worth it. Emotional, intense, and deeply connected, it wasn’t just physical—it was cathartic. Every moment felt earned, and it added even more depth to Margot and Beelzebub’s bond.

Worldbuilding? Absolutely phenomenal. The journey through the nine circles of hell was dark, imaginative, and completely immersive. Each circle represented a challenge, a truth to face before moving forward—and it added layers of meaning to Margot’s emotional and physical journey. It was haunting and brilliant.

And that ending? Cruel. Harper ripped my heart out and stomped on it. I’m devastated, I’m obsessed, and I need the next book now. What am I supposed to do until then?

4 ⭐️
2 🌶️

Tropes
✨ Demon x Witch
✨ Enemies to Lovers
✨ Forced Proximity
✨ Slow Burn
✨ Nine Circles of Hell
✨ “Touch Her and Die” Energy
✨ Childhood Trauma
✨ Star-Crossed Lovers
✨ Cliffhanger Ending

The worldbuilding blew me away—traveling alongside Margot and Beelzebub through the nine circles of hell was dark, creative, and so immersive. I absolutely adored Beelzebub; he’s the perfect cinnamon roll wrapped up in a devil’s disguise—sweet and protective, but only when it comes to her. Margot’s character growth was another highlight, especially watching her push past the shadows of her traumatic past and find her strength.

The romance was a perfect slow-burn with all the tension and snark I crave in an enemies-to-lovers pairing. And that ending?! I was not ready. The cliffhanger left me desperate for book two, and I’m really hoping we get to return to the Hollow’s Grove academy setting in the next installment—I miss it already.

Thank you NetGalley & Harper L. Woods for the ARC!

A seductive song, a gate to Hell, and a demon bound by music—not touch. When Margot’s magic lures Beelzebub through the underworld gates, she becomes his only hope to return to Crystal Hollow. Together, they must brave the Nine Circles of Hell—no matter what they lose on the way.

This darkly enchanting installment of the Coven of Bones series delivers forbidden romance, atmospheric peril, and gothic magic that will leave you breathless.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️

✨Demon x witch
✨Enemies to lovers
✨Forced proximity
✨9 circles of hell
✨Touch her and die
✨Childhood trauma
✨Star crossed lovers
✨Cliffhanger

I loved the world building in this book while Margot and Beelzebub traveled through the 9 circles of hell! I am obsessed with Beelzebub he was such a cinnamon roll but only for her. It was nice to see Margot’s growth as she overcame her traumatic past. Can’t wait for the next after that cliffhanger!

Make sure to shock your trigger warnings.

I LOVE this book!! Harper L Woods has the most addictive writing! This is the third in the series and every book gets better!! This is a must read for any fantasy girlie!

The Damned is not a good book… but somehow it’s so good. This series has me hooked for reasons I can’t even fully explain, but I’m deeply invested and don’t regret it one bit. If you’re looking for something quick and fun, this is it. That said, I knew that cliffhanger was coming—and I’m still upset about it.

Thank you Harper and the publisher for this copy. I absolutely adored The Coven duology story and was very exited for this one too.

However I hate to say I was a little disappointed. The premise was there promising to be an excellent read, I was so exited for it, but it all just fell flat.

First of all the first 20-25% of the book is a retelling from Margot’s and Bels POVs of the end of the cursed. I wish we got past this part faster as it was a bit of a chore to get through. After 10% I was dying to know what happens next.

Once we reach the circles of hell the whole story just felt a little empty? A bit dull. I was bored at times. The book was super insta lusty (even once you realise the spell didn’t work) and Bel just falls in love with her in a span of a week? It was just so out of nowhere.

I also found Margot very hard to like. I understand the trauma she went through was horrific and it was explained well. And I would never want to take away from that. But after a while, the constant self deprecation, the loathing, the denial of any feelings became a bit painful and very repetitive to read. Margot is a very negative narrator, rightfully so. But that did made me feel negative about the book. I didn’t get the toe curling, the excitement I did with the first 2 books. I didn’t feel excited to continue reading because Margot was constantly so depressing to read about. But again I completely understand why.

Bel was also okay. He was nearly too nice, like he had no personality outside of Margot. There wasn’t much chemistry’s either. It was just obsession. Them travelling through circles of hell so fast and meetings all these characters he has a past with that’s barely explained gave me whiplash. We sort of didn’t get to dive deep into him as his own character.

Over all it’s a decent book, I found a good 50% of it a bit hard to get through. The ending was crazy but unfortunately I predicted it lol so I guess it lost the impact. I think it’s still worth reading to see if you love this couple. I am team Willow and Lucifer all the way. I liked their chemistry more and the banter mixed with dark romance.

Thank you for the arc 💕 I will always be a fan of Harper so I appreciate being given the opportunity to review.

I was so excited when Tor sent me the eARC for this one. I’ve loved the Coven of Bones series from the start, and while Willow’s story pulled me in, I’ve secretly been waiting for Margot to take center stage. And she did not disappoint.

Margot and Beelzebub have such an intense dynamic. The tension, the longing, the danger, it’s all there and done so well. Watching them navigate the Nine Circles of Hell together was wild in the best way. Each layer added something new, and I loved how the setting pushed them closer even when they were trying to keep distance.

Margot has this sharp edge and guarded heart that made her easy to love, and Beelzebub is exactly the kind of dark and brooding I wanted for her. Their chemistry was unreal, but it never overshadowed the emotional side of their bond.

This might be my favorite book in the series so far. Dark, steamy, and filled with heart…. it gave me everything I came for.

3.5 ⭐️
2 🌶️
Tropes/Themes: Touch her and die, childhood trauma (check trigger warnings), star crossed lovers, forced proximity
eARC

Firstly, a big thank you to NetGalley, Tor Publishing Group, and Harper L. Woods for a chance to read an eARC of The Damned. It had been a minute since I had read The Coven and The Cursed, so when I got approved for this eARC, I went back to reread them both. Part of me is glad I did that because then I was fully immersed in the story again, but it was also not really necessary because this book doesn’t follow Grey and Willow. It is the story of Beelzebub and Margot.

Now, The Cursed Ends with Margot and Beel falling through the portal to hell and getting stuck. That is NOT where this book picks up. The first 26% of this book is a literal retelling of the end of The Cursed, but more from Willow and Beel’s perspective. Now, if you hadn’t just read or re-read The Cursed, that would probably have been helpful. Since I did just do a re-read, it was incredibly redundant and unnecessary. In fact, had this not been an ARC read, this may have been where I threw in the towel or DNFed.

The next 25% of the book is basically Margot listing all the reasons she isn’t lovable and Beel convincing himself his feels aren’t real. Over. And. Over.

That being said, the last 50% of the book is WORTH getting to. Who would have ever thought Beelzebub would be a book boyfriend you’d adore? Well, he will be. I think Margot’s trauma is something a lot of people have likely experienced and I do not want to minimize that, but it was painful listening to her self-depreciation throughout 90% of this book. So REALLY check your trigger warnings before reading because this book basically lives in her past trauma.

The ending is such a cliffhanger! It definitely makes you excited for the next installment. Overall, I’d recommend this book but it wasn’t my favorite. The first 50% of the book is a big of a slog. And, I think Amelia may be my favorite character. Hope she makes a come back in the next installment.

Thank you again for the opportunity to review.

#netgalley #thedamned #harperlwoods

Beelzebub and Margot’s story was completely addictive. I went into the night telling myself, “just one more chapter.” Guess what? It wasn’t one more.

I love how from the very beginning Beelzebub knew Margot was his. The claim stuck. Margot’s emotional depth and the way she processed her past were beautifully written. Her journey is raw, real, and inspiring, and I can’t wait to see how she continues to grow in the next book.

Her insecurities were handled with care, making her feel powerful. His ability to support her while allowing her to come to the realization that his feelings were real was inspiring. This book had me hooked from start to finish.