Perfect read. Well written with the perfect amount of character development.

Rereviewed as reviews aren't showing

The Curse is a mix of fantasy and paranormal that takes place in a world where shifters were created by a god and then cursed due to the god's desire for power. This curse means that if the shifter hasn't found their mate by the age of 25, they die. Astrid and Erec are both one moon away from realizing the curse. In the midst of all this, there is also a shifter who is killing off all the other shifter clans and Astrid's pack is one of the few left!

The world Brooks created is unique in many ways. The idea that the only beings on the planet are shifters is certainly a different take. Adding in the curse and you have a different mythology to the idea of shifters. I had no idea this was book two. Apparently book one looked at different breeds of shifters and there is no character overlap so you can read this one as a stand alone.

The plot in The Curse is a blend of fated mates and tribal war. Erec and Astrid aren't sure if they are "fated mates" but they decide to try to stand together at the next blue moon. Their relationship builds differently than other fated mates stories because neither of them is sure about their feelings. It was an unusual approach to the trope. Through all that, their pack is threatened by Jerrick and his power hungry assault. Erec learns some things about his past that change him, and Astrid learns some things about her family that change her. I admired Astrid's character. She was brave and bold and caring. She stood up for herself and others.

I found The Curse to be interesting and the characters were enjoyable. Astrid's family bond was special and I enjoyed seeing that play out. At times the book seemed to drag a bit, but overall, this was a unique shifter tale. I'm not crazy about the cover and I almost passed on the book because of it. Something about him looks....off. It really bothers me!

For wolf-shifters like Astrid marked by the curse, time is running out. If she doesn’t find her soul’s mate before her twenty-fifth Blue Moon rises, she will die. And with only three weeks left, things aren’t looking good for her. True love just doesn’t fall out of the sky. Lone wolf Erec is determined to stop a crazed killer from harming anyone else. Even if it means helping a rival pack. But he never expected to feel such a pull for the alpha’s beautiful daughter, Astrid. He doesn’t have time for distractions if he wants to find a killer before his final Blue Moon rises. Danger looms, and the swirling patterns on their skin mark them for death, but Astrid and Erec are willing to do whatever it takes to save the pack, even if they die trying
This was a decent read. I nice change in the shifter lore. The story itself was a dangerous adventure. However, in the beginning, Astrid got on my nerves a bit. Overall though, it was an enjoyable book.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed this book

I received this from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This is book 2 in the shifter origins series. First, you don’t have to have read book 1 to follow this story. I did enjoy this a great deal. The romance and story was really well done. I am finding that I am really enjoying Harper’s books. Looking forward to more.

Admittedly, I did not read the first book in the series, but I don't think it really hindered my enjoyment of this follow-up book. In general, it read as a mix between a paranormal romance and something slightly historical romance-esque (there is definitely a lack of technology and other contemporary aspects).

In this world, shifters are cursed to die if they don't find their destined mate before their 25th moon (which corresponds to years in their world). Astrid is on her last moon and has generally given up the search. She is independent and not willing to live my someone else's rules, no matter how much she might be expected to, as the daughter of their pack leader. One night, after sneaking out again, she and her brother stumble upon a slaughtered pack with a single survivor. It's this naked and attractive survivor that Astrid finds herself drawn to.

Erec is a loner who was taken in (and subsequently ran away from) the neighboring pack. While those around him appear to immediately see his ability to lead, he is blind to it all. He has such integrity and ability that makes him an easy to spot alpha, if he would just accept what he can do. One thing he is very clear on, however, is the fact that Astrid is his.

These two dance around this issue for almost too long a time, counting down their last moon together while some big bad loom on the horizon. The slaughtered pack wasn't just a random killing, and it turns out that Erec has some history hidden from him as well. This whole story culminates in a satisfying happy ending and some hope for the future.

The Curse was a nice little read. The story really pulled me in and kept me engrossed.

Astrid doesn't have long to save herself from the curse that was put on all shifters, but the moment she meets lone wolf Erec, she believes he could be her salvation. However, with danger looming neither have time for distractions. Yet, if they work together, they might just have a chance of overcoming the threat to their lives and the chance to stop the curse. Will Erec and Astrid get their shot at happy ever after, or will they die trying to save the pack?

Although I hadn't read the first book of this series, I found this book could easily be read as a stand-alone and is a story that delivers plenty of emotion and is driven by the need for revenge and this couple's growing relationship, as they need each other to break the curse. Will they be able to break the curse in time? Will the hero be able to defeat the danger to his mate and her pack? However, it was the way this story started that set the fast-pace of this story, as the heroine is determined to help her pack, even if it means putting herself in danger. Will Astrid need to defend herself to stay safe?

As for the dialogue, it was intense due to the paranormal action of this story, as the hero and heroine do everything they can to stay alive and fight for the heroine's pack. Will they come out on top against the bad guys? Moreover, the heroine is resilient, courageous and I liked how she challenged her family to stop treating her like she's fragile because she's certainly not. I also liked how she handled everything that happens including what's happening to her father, what happens to her brother and then learning the hero's origins. Who is his father? While the hero, he's always felt separate from pack life and never believing like he fit in anywhere. However, in saying that, I liked how determined he was to get revenge, especially once he learns his very existence might have been partly responsible for the brutal attack he survived in the beginning.

Overall, Ms. Brooks has penned a really good read in this book where the chemistry between this couple was powerful; the romance was delightful; and the ending had me loving the final battle, especially with what happens with Erec that proves his mentor was right about him. However, at the same time, I could sympathize with the heroine and the loss she suffers. I would recommend The Curse by Harper A. Brooks, if you enjoy paranormal romance or books by authors Rebecca York, Debra Blake, Jasmine Wylder and Vivian Arend.

Jumped into a paranormal for a different taste then been reading lately with this one looking good. Having read the first one helped too in how quickly this was devoured like the writing with it getting better in this one. Anticipation running high in this one pulling us along with it especially since there is a time frame. A dose of danger and suspense mixed in too with murder on the run with this centering around Astrid and Erec. The characters will capture your attention not letting you miss a thing getting woven into this. You fly through having to know the answers plus the emotions that are pulled on that this turns out better then you thought it would.

Rating: 4.5/5

This is a different take on werewolf lore and, even though this is the second book in the series, it still works well as a standalone IMHO. In this lore, any werewolf who hasn’t found their soul mate before their twenty-fifth blue moon will die and both Astrid and Erec are approaching this date with destiny - there are only three weeks left for them to find their true love.

Astrid is the stubborn, determined and very protected daughter of the pack Alpha, especially so since her mother died. She is something of a rebel, insisting on learning to fight with the males, even though this is unknown. She enjoys exploring and hunting and, whilst out on such an expedition she discovers that a neighbouring pack have been attacked by a rogue pack who are determined to make all the regional packs into one huge pack with just one Alpha. Even though she senses danger, she also senses Erec, the adopted son of the Alpha of the decimated pack and helps to rescue him. Erec is determined to take revenge on his pack’s murderers and not to be distracted by his attraction to Astrid. The story follows the two as they work together to help protect the pack, rescue members of his father’s pack and attempt to thwart the attackers who are trying to take over.

This story is packed with drama, intrigue and suspense as well as romance, all skilfully woven to create a real page turner that I thoroughly enjoyed. The descriptive scene setting, well developed characters and excellent plot make this a compelling read and I particularly appreciated that the author avoided graphic sexual encounters - her story is so well crafted it definitely didn’t need them to keep the reader engaged. I will definitely be looking out for more by this author in future and have absolutely no hesitation in very highly recommending this story to anyone who enjoys superb paranormal suspense filled romances!

I requested and received a copy of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review after choosing to read it.

For wolf-shifters like Astrid marked by the curse, time is running out. If she doesn’t find her soul’s mate before her twenty-fifth Blue Moon rises, she will die. And with only three weeks left, things aren’t looking good for her. True love just doesn’t fall out of the sky.

Lone wolf Erec is determined to stop a crazed killer from harming anyone else. Even if it means helping a rival pack. But he never expected to feel such a pull for the alpha’s beautiful daughter, Astrid. He doesn’t have time for distractions if he wants to find a killer before his final Blue Moon rises.

Danger looms, and the swirling patterns on their skin mark them for death, but Astrid and Erec are willing to do whatever it takes to save the pack, even if they die trying.

Review:
In this second book in this series we find out the origin story of wolf shifters. Like the first book in the series I thought this explanation was unique and interesting. Once we get into the story, I liked the girl (Astrid) always trying to spread her wings and the lone wolf (Erec) feeling like he does not belong anywhere. The whole bad pack trying to take over all the other packs, added great tension to the story. There was drama, action, romance and sexiness woven into this story. I was so drawn into this world that I could not put it down until I finished it. Not sure which type of shifter will get their origin story romance, but cannot wait to read it.

4Stars
*I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this book provided by the publisher.*

Every author’s Shifter world is unique and adds a bit more to the lore of Shifter Romance. In the Shifter Origins world if a person has not found their fated mate by their twenty-fifth blue moon then they will die. There are no exceptions, and they will know when they are reaching that point not only by their own intelligence but by the markings that will begin to appear on their bodies. Astrid and Erec are both approaching the end -at this point in their lives family, pack are close to outweighing their own needs. Of course, no one wants to die but when there is no more hope you do what you can for family or pack, if possible. Astrid and Erec face their final blue moon by hunting down a rogue wolf who is destroying neighboring packs, killing alphas and torturing those who will not join the rogue’s pack. They didn’t realize that the fight for survival on several levels would lead them to their own fated mate or a happier ending.

While The Curse was eventually an intense, action driven romance, at first it was very difficult for me to connect to Astrid. Her actions and attitude were out of line with what I expected from a woman facing her twenty-fifth blue moon. She often acted without thought like a petulant teenager. If you feel this way about Astrid also in the beginning of The Curse I would encourage you to hang in there with her for she does turn into quite a strong and determined character.

For me, The Curse turned into an intense, interesting, action packed story that did not depend on the main characters finally finding and consummating their connection but more about family loyalty, finding out exactly what you are capable of and discovering that you are worth far more to yourself and others than you ever imagined. I would recommend this story and the earlier one that begins this series, The Hunt. You will find a very unique world with its own rules but a fascinating one as well.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

The Curse by Harper A. Brooks is the Second book in the "Shifter Origins" Series. This is the story of Astrid and Erec. I have not yet read the previous book, so for me this was a standalone book.
This was an exciting read dealing with finding a killer and trying to find true love before the next moon due to a curse.
Overall I really enjoyed this book.

This is one of my favorite book genres- paranormal romance - so I was looking forward to reading it. But I just couldn't get into it. I found the writing and plot just too simplistic. I found Astrid and Erect both quite immature and one-dimensional. Sorry, it's just not for me. Perhaps it improved in the latter part of the book; I didn't finish it.
Thank you to Net Galley for providing me with a digital arc in exchange for my honest review.

This race against the clock romance if entertaining and emotionally engaging. With drama, passion, suspense and angst added to increase your enjoyment of the book. A compelling plot and characters with depth make this PNR worth the read.

Super Read! Definitely a buy buy buy book! I l absolutely adore a book that does not have graphic sex, but instead the very talented writer weaves a tale that just pulls you in. After capturing your attention they just continue to keep you engrossed by introducing elements of drama and suspense as well as romance. Fortunately this writer does it all and more! I absolutely loved the book and the way the writer sets the scene and the characters were wonderful. I liked the fact it had grit meaning it did not stand on graphic sex, instead it had a story and just was wonderful in my opinion. So if this is of the genre that you like you will absolutely love this one! Buy and enjoy! I was given this book via NetGalley in return for a voluntary honest review. All opinions written here are my own. ....... Regards, Anna Swedenmom

the curse ensures that every wolf who has not found their soulmate by their twenty-fifth blue moon dies. both astrid and erec are approaching the time their curse is up, and neither has found their soulmate yet.

except now that they've met. there's this pull. this attraction that keeps them coming together for more. but is it love? what is love? and how is a rogue wolf ever going to be worthy of an alpha's daughter? the heart wants what the heart wants, even if you are a werewolf.

and given that astrid's pack is currently being hunted down by a power-hungry alpha, they have a lot to worry about. finding love is about life or death for them. that it's not immediately identifiable makes it feel less real, less true. but sometimes your heart knows things before your mind recognizes them as true. and the fun of this book is reading astrid and erec come to terms with what they're feeling.

**the curse will publish on february 26, 2018. i received an advance reader copy courtesy of netgalley/entangled publishing (amara) in exchange for my honest review.

I will not restate the plot nor reveal any spoilers in this review.
This is the first book by Harper A. Brooks that I have read and it is an excellent read. It has romance, suspense, drama, heartache and a HEA ending. From the first page to the last, the story keeps you interested. I really appreciate that there was no foul language nor graphic sex scenes. It is my belief that a story should be able to stand on its own merit and not rely on raunchiness to keep readers interested. Harper A. Brooks has written a book that has depth of characters and storyline. While this is the first book I have read by this author, it definitely will not be the last!

“…if it feels like a true magic might be possible; it is truly a Blue Moon experience…” –Isabella Koldras, Blue Moon Magic

When this story started, I’ll have to be honest, I was confused as to the age of the female character Astrid. She acted like a recalcitrant teenager and I hate reading stories with a female lead that is TSTL [too stupid to live]. Her rebellious actions and her failure to follow pack rules were dangerous, not only to herself, but to any male slob that happened to be with her. She was going to get someone hurt, killed or both. It did not play well, especially with them discussing her facing her twenty-fifth blue moon. I assumed that meant she was twenty-five years old. Really??

The transitions, between scenes and the setup of the story, were not especially smooth and I had trouble following what was going on. I actually put the book down at one point and worried that I might not finish it. However, I decided to give it another try and suddenly the writing changed and I found that I CNPID [could-not-put-it-down].

We were dealing with life in a universe of shifters. There were rules they had to abide by and if, by their twenty-fifth blue moon, they had not found their mate… they would die. The warning signs were exotic markings that would begin appearing on their body as they approached their final blue moon.

This story involved a peaceful pack lead by Boden the Warrior. His son Filip and daughter Astrid found the remains of a destroyed pack village and the only survivor, Erec. He told them stories of the rogue pack led by an alpha-male by the name of Jerrick. Slowly they discovered that Jerrick was wiping out neighboring packs and torturing the survivors that refused to follow him. There wasn’t a real explanation as to why, other than he wanted to destroy the other alphas and lead those packs that remained. You know, the typical tyrannical, psycho-maniac, wants to rule the world type.

This was a story of survival, familial love, belonging, searching for the true mate and the tensions of the approaching blue moon. Once Astrid got over that rough start… she was one Amazon of a warrior. I was very impressed with the battle scenes. The author conveyed the feelings of family throughout this story… whether it was family by blood or by heart. It was really touching watching Erec find his place within the pack.

Rating: MA: mature audience, adult themes, sensual, graphic, explicit sexual scenes

I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The Curse....The action between the pages was really good. The lost child who redeems his wandering soul and the love of his new found mate made for a good read. The action and dangerous perils a long the way gave it just the right twist.

A fair shifter story, of Astrid and Erec. A lot of politics and wolf wars going on, and an ancient curse that a wolf will die if they do not meet their mate before their 25th birthday. I tried to get more into the story, but to be honest it did not grab me overall. I liked the characters, but felt it could have been a bit shorter. Would still recommend, but not my favorite.