While sweet, fun and endearing, this book also had me emotional so many times. Grant was someone that I found really relatable. Ben was never willing to let him sabotage himself and everything they worked for and I think everyone could use a Ben in their life.

Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Group for the arc!

As a depressed queer person with a knack for self sabotage, negative self talk, and closing myself off in depression pits (although I call them sad bitch nests… it sounds better in my head) who was also raised in a very large, very Italian family.. this book was insanely relatable, in the best ways.

Grant Rossi is a flawed character. Don’t come for me, just trust the process. Yes Grant is a little moody, he makes some pretty impulsive decisions, and has a tendency to shut everybody out the second his feelings start feeling a little more than he wants. But that’s why I love him, because Grant is me. Especially with his whole “I started feeling better so I stopped taking my meds” thing. Honey the meds were working, that’s why you felt better. Despite all of his flaws, he’s beautiful. He’s beautiful, complex, and worthy of love. Just like you and me.

The romance was so full of angst, anger, and feelings that have been festering for years. Ben is such a guarded but sweet person who has also been through so many things. Throughout the book, as those feelings resurface, Ben and Grant really work to heal each other. Even if it wasn’t always intentional.

Ah, I almost forgot to gush about the side characters because there are so many of them and I loved them all. I love Aunt Ro who always seems to know exactly what Grant needs, even if he won’t admit it to himself. His siblings who he may have a kinda complicated relationship with but end up being his biggest cheerleaders. Every single character has their own distinct personality which I’m obsessed with.

If you’re a depressed queer person, who has maybe wished to some kind of supernatural source to just be straight, this might just be the book for you.

TW: Death of grandparents, anxiety, depression, depressive episodes, homophobia, body dysmorphia, divorce, illness

Grant Rossi is fresh out of college and fresh out of motivation. Since he graduated, he's been uninspired to keep up with his design projects and date anyone after his last breakup. So, his aunt suggests that he come to help refurbish his aunt and uncle's struggling B&B in time for the annual Rose festival. There's only one problem; Grant must work with Ben, his ex-best friend and former crush. But as the two work on the property together, they realize that even though both of them have changed a lot, they can still forge a friendship (and even a romance) throughout the summer.

I think the characters make the book. Grant's big, Italian family felt authentic, albeit troubled and (sometimes) distant. As the youngest of eight, it. makes sense that Grant would struggle to find his place in his family and be closer to his aunt and uncle. The family lore was interesting, especially the wishing rose that has been around for decades at this point. I want to go to this "magical" B&B for a week or two. And I've never even drunk wine.

The rest of the book was a miss for me, though. Grant is annoying at best and petty and mean at worst, not to mention exrtremely impulsive. Who gets on a train at a whim, without packing any clothes? Who goes to London for college when he can barely survive in Chicago? Grant even holds a grudge for something that SUPPOSEDLY happed five years (and several exes!) ago. No wonder Ben is annoyed at you, bruh.

Additionally, the writing style was just...bad? Objectively? I don't know. But every time Grant compared himself to a beast, I wanted to slap him. This book tries too hard to be a Beauty and the Beast retelling and doesn't quite succeed. It's way too contemporary to have these random fairytale elements shoved in there.

Even though I wasn't a fan of this book, I can see the merit in reading it.

Sometimes there are stories that feel so deeply personal to you, that you can’t believe you’ve lived this long without them. That’s what Cursed Boys and Broken Hearts was for me.

For readers of The 99 Boyfriends of Micah Summers, this book follows Grant Rossi, the boy not-chosen by Micah, as he attempts to put his life back together after the breakup. He hops on a train to his family’s winery, only to face not only the fact that it’s literally falling apart, but that his former best friend and first love, Ben, is the gardener. What ensues is an exploration of learning not only to fall in love when you feel unlovable, but learning to love yourself as well.

A modern day twist on Beauty and the Beast, Grant’s Italian family has a rose in the garden, one with a deeply believed myth that if you wish on the rose, it will present you with your true love. The wish Grant makes in his youth leaves him feeling cursed never to find a relationship that lasts, that he’s the one the boys breakup with before they find true love. The weight of this is almost impossible for him to shake, and Sass does not shy away from what it feels like for Grant to make it through days that are impossible to get through.

This handling of mental health and depression was something that really resonated with me. I connected so deeply with Grant without truly understanding why at first. The description of what it’s like to emerge from a depression fog evoked such a visceral reaction in me that I sat with it for a few days before taking the steps to address my own mental health. It’s such an honest look at what it feels like to struggle, one that doesn’t shy away from the dark parts.

But, this book is all about balance. Learning to balance the dark parts of yourself with the lighter ones. Being envious of others, while recognizing to be grateful for what you’ve always had. Adam Sass is able to balance the heavier discussion of mental health with his undeniable wit and humor. The back-and-forth banter between Grant and Ben is top tier. They are so evenly matched. Balanced.

Throughout the whole story, Sass’s voice rings clear and true. Grant’s story could not exist with another author. You root for Grant, you cheer him on, you groan into your hands when he makes the wrong decisions, but through it all, you understand him. His anger at the world and himself is justified, and you feel for him as he tries to maneuver himself back onto some sort of path. And you trust that Sass will give Grant an ending that he deserves and has earned.

Adam Sass has done it again! A longtime follower of his work (and social media posts), Sass has created a lovely story of a second chance at love, starring two intersting and developed characters in Ben and Grant (along with a vineyard of colorful cast that rounds out this story). There are moments where you wish the characters would just come out and say what and how they feel, but this is YA after all! Otherwise, the story moves along with a brisk pace, touching and cute throughout.

This may be his best work yet, but I am bias — I’m a sucker for a story centered around Italian families! Sass continues to provide stories that young queer people can enjoy — that in itself makes this another must read from the author. Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group for the ARC.

Unfortunately, this one just wasn't for me.

My biggest issue was some of the lines / dialogue were far too corny.

The author gives us a heartfelt book with positive messages about love, curses, and trust. I loved the setting of the book and witnessing the re-birth of Vero Roseto was fun--and the character of Ro was the mother many of us wish we had had. Also liked the secondary character of Mr. Carpenter.

The book read like a draft though to me--it just needed more thought. Not sure why it was set in Chicago--the choice seemed random--very few references tied us to the city or it's suburbs. Chicago does not have a "garment district" and neither it nor it's suburbs is known for vineyards.

My main issue, though, was with the MC's. Even though five years in our teens seems much longer than five years as adults, I wish the author could have made them 16 or 17 instead of 13 when they had their falling out. Who knew dating/serious boyfriends was so much a thing for 13-year-olds? If they had been older, they could have been in their 20's when they met again. The author seemed to have tried too hard to make an NA book a YA book. Making them 18 in the present creates unnecessary logistical issues like with drinking--and they both seemed older than 18.

More of a problem though is the balance between the MCs. Grant has clinical depression--for which he is on meds and seeing a therapist. Yet Grant has to do all the work here--it's some how all his fault. Ben is the one at 13 who started dating the guy his best friend had been dating. The fact that Ben thought they had broken up hardly excuses him from going behind Grant's back. In the present day, after he has been flirting with Grant, Ben schedules a date/hookup with a hotel guest without discussing it with Grant--and then accuses Grant of having trust issues. The problem with the book's arc is that Grant has to bear the brunt of the blame and has to learn to trust Ben. Again, somehow it's all his problem--someone who is clinically depressed is not a drama queen.

I think also, another pass might have simplified/clarified things about the rose and the curse--seemed unnecessarily complicated.

Overall, a sweet book set in a lovely location I remember liking the author's 99 Boyfriends much more. The author writes in his endnotes that this was his most personal book--maybe he was just too close to the material.

I really hate when I have to write negative reviews. And the concept of this one was super fun - I just don't think it was executed well. It all boils down to a lot of conflicting / confusing information that could have been fixed with a better outline (or better editing).

I couldn't figure out what stage of life the main character, Grant, is in. He is 18, but seems to have been living in Chicago on his own for the past year. He frequently talks about needing to apply to design colleges for the fall, but he had already been studying at one about a year prior. The fall semester is only a few weeks away, but he hasn't actually submitted any applications. Then there was the confusion about what kind of designer he is supposed to be, because we see him do fashion, graphic, landscape, and web in this book. Just because the word designer is in the title doesn't mean that those skills are transferable.

Then we have the love interest, Ben. I don't think his personality was well thought out, because he was all over the place. The way he was written came across as someone with undiagnosed bipolar disorder.

I think that all of this really frustrated me because the concept was so interesting. Grant is helping his aunt try to save their family business: a winery / b&b that is built upon an infamous wishing rose said to help people find their true love. That aspect of the story was so fun - the legend of the wishing rose, seeing them tear down and rebuild their business into a beautiful place at the center of their community, seeing their family overcome grief and find each other again. I would have rated this lower if the concept hadn't been so strong.

Thank you NetGalley for this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!

Oh, gosh. I’m not sure what I expected of this book. A sweet Hallmark-esque romcom in which the love interests save the family business and enjoy their happily ever after, I suppose. What Adam Sass delivers is so much more. Okay, yes, they bust their butts to save the family business; and yes, those sweet (sour) boys are happiest when they’re together, but this story is so much more real than a Hallmark movie. The way this story handles mental health is well done. It shows our protagonist, Grant, at low points in his depression, revealing a creative, beautiful, dedicated, confident, talented young man who is also sad, self-deprecating, explosive, unforgiving, and sometimes . . . stinky. (Days without showering in the middle of a depressive episode? Been there. Remembering how nice a shower feels when you finally have the willpower to care about hygiene? Yep. Accurate.) Also important is the way this book shows healthy ways Grant copes with depression, like seeking therapy and medication and fostering relationships with a good support system. And, oh, how precious his support system is! The way they stick by him through his withdrawal, offering comfort and space and forgiveness in turn, is lovely. This book affirms that people with depression deserve love and can live full, productive lives with love and joy. In his journey to healing past traumas and feeling like he can finally break his childhood curse, we learn about the people who support Grant through coming out and depression and those who do not. Times he supports others, and times he does not. Because his love interest is not simply a childhood crush: it is his childhood best friend. Someone he truly loved in every sense of the word. Someone who endured his own suffering and faced his own coming out without his former best friend. Their betrayal runs deep, and their journey to trusting each other again isn’t easy. But the chance to restore a friendship and love like that has to be seized. I love all the beautiful and beastly parts of them! I should note, I have not read Sass’ The 99 Boyfriends of Micah Summers, in which Grant appears as a love interest. This book absolutely works as a standalone book, but those who read Micah’s story first may have different views about Grant.

Thank you NetGalley and Viking Books, Penguin Random House for an advance readers copy of this title.

Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC.

Cursed Boys and Broken Hearts was an amazing read. Adam Sass never disappoints. I recommend this for fans of queer contemporary romance.

This book was kindly sent to me by Net Galley for an honest review.

I think this book is adorable. I love the premise of a magical wishing rose that makes people fall in love, but with queer twist that is rooted in the reality of the LGBTQ experience.

I think the portrayal of Grant's character was well done, and I liked how the author showed the ups and downs of depression. It felt relatable to those of us who struggle with mental health. Also his growing up as gay in a family of straight people who aren't immediately accepting is another good point of relatability to the character.

Grant's chemistry with Ben is well executed. You got a real sense of their history together and could feel that within their interactions. The growth of their relationship is tinged with enough tension that made me hungry to read more and find out their ending—which felt realistic.

The story itself is an easy, cute read. There are some moments where the writing is a little clunky in its use of similes or modern day references and slang. However, I did appreciate that the author didn't try to write Ben's dialogue in how a Scottish dialect might be written (I've read a few books like that and sometimes it's hard to understand what the character is saying), but from the descriptions surrounding the text, you were reminded of his Scottish roots.

I think this book would make a fun beach read. It's quick, it's enjoyable, and is one that you can pull out and have a good time reading again.

I was very excited to read this book because it combined second-chance romance, healing, family. However, the main character was such a bore that even if the story had more magic than I had even expected, it wasn't enough to make us forget his Beast side.

And yes, this story is somewhat inspired in the story of Beauty and the Beast. Grant is so broken after years of feeling cursed by his family's legend, he decides to go back to his grandparents' B&B where it all started. That's where he meets again the cause for his curse, Ben, the childhood crush who broke his heart.

This is a 2.5 I rounded up because I suspect my sole problem with this book was Grant. There are some great aspects in it in spite of him, even if they weren't enough to make the story more enjoyable.

Though inspired in Beast's story, there isn't so much from it that it will feel repetitive; and that's one thing I liked. Little by little, we catch the references. It did feel magical.

Grant's story as he fights with himself for being gay as young to the point he believes he's cursed for not accepting it is heartbreaking regardless of how insufferable he was. I also liked the story of the family, the conflicts and the way they are solved as the story goes.

I'm not sure I understood Ben well, but whatever I could get from Grant and his behavior made me feel it served both well getting together... Unfortunately, it's not a love story that had me cheering or feeling my heart throb for them.

When a romance book has a couple that aren't really charismatic, it's a little hard to enjoy it. It's about taste though, and you could find yourself relating to Grant or Ben or both. I also suspect this may have a little of the author's own life story, because some points read personal. As a straight woman, there's a lot I would never understand, that wouldn't resound with me but would with others. So I'd say it's a book that is worth giving a chance, if only for the story surrounding the main one.


Honest review based on an ARC provided by Netgalley. Many thanks to the publisher for this opportunity.

Adam Sass, I believe it’s time for me to read your backlog. This is my second from this author and I want more.

Cursed Boys and Broken Hearts is a dreaded second chance romance trope, but I still couldn’t get enough. Grant is an 18 year old queer boy and he’s questioning everything this summer…so he returns to his family’s vineyard—to the last place he felt himself years ago. And there he meets his ex-best friend slash TRUE LOVE. Sometimes I forget Grant is only 18, he’s got so much baggage for a baby boy.

I’m not gonna rehash it all, just know it gave me all the feels. The inner monologue and dialogue was so witty, the emotions so real, and this one will stick with me for a while.

Adam Sass has established himself as a master of weaving lovely gay romance into other genres, whether it be mystery/thriller, horror/slasher, or now with "Cursed Boys and Broken Hearts", borderline fairytale/speculative fiction. I loved that even with an air of magic sprinkled throughout, the story was very much rooted in reality. The two main characters were charming and well fleshed out, with a small but entertaining cast of side characters. The story is really all about Grant and Ben though, and I enjoyed watching their story unfold. There was a lot to relate to with what it feels like to grow up being "different", how it feels when family doesn't know how to deal with it, and having that one person you can be yourself with. And of course, all the confusion and heartbreak along the way. Even the happily ever after felt realistic and not overly saccharine, which I always appreciate in romance novels. All in all, it's a great summer read - and if you haven't already, check out Sass's other work as well.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for sharing this ARC!

Thank you NetGalley and Viking Books for Young Readers for the ARC of Cursed Boys and Broken Hearts.

Adam Sass weaves a captivating narrative in Cursed Boys and Broken Hearts, where Grant Rossi's journey through love and family curses unfolds against the backdrop of a charming vineyard.

Grant, plagued by a curse since childhood that disrupts his relationships, retreats to his family's vineyard hoping for solace and a chance to break the cycle. Here, amidst the picturesque setting and the legendary Wishing Rose, he encounters his childhood crush, Ben, who has been hired to help restore the vineyard's B&B. As they work together and old feelings resurface, Grant must confront his past hurts and fears to find a path forward.

Sass excels in creating characters that resonate with authenticity and depth. Grant's struggles with his curse and his emotional journey are sensitively portrayed, drawing readers into his quest for healing and self-acceptance. The chemistry between Grant and Ben is palpable, adding layers of tension and emotion to their evolving relationship.

The vineyard setting serves as a charming backdrop, richly described to evoke both its beauty and the challenges of restoring it. Sass's vivid prose brings the location to life, enhancing the novel's atmosphere and grounding the magical elements within a tangible reality.

While the novel follows familiar themes of love, loss, and personal growth, Sass infuses the story with unique twists and heartfelt moments that keep the narrative engaging. The exploration of forgiveness, resilience, and the transformative power of love adds depth to the storyline, resonating with readers long after the final page.

In conclusion, Cursed Boys and Broken Hearts is a magical and heartfelt tale that blends romance with themes of redemption and self-discovery. Adam Sass's evocative writing and compelling characters make this novel a captivating read, perfect for anyone seeking a story of love's enduring power and the courage to break free from the past.

In a follow up book from The 99 Boyfriends of Micah Summers we meet Grant Rossi again who is struggling as a young adult in Chicago. He just got dumped and is feeling uninspired in his fashion designs. When he decides to spend the summer at his family’s B&B Vineyard he gets there to find it run down and in desperate need of some help. What doesn’t need any help at all though? The stunningly beautiful gardener who just so happens to be Grants ex-best friend and life long crush. This second chance romance is a MUST READ with beautiful scenery, angry boys, curses, and wishing roses!
IF THE COVER AND AUTHOR ALONE DIDN’T CONVINCE YOU TO READ THIS…
Imperfect characters with imperfect stories and actions are NECESSARY, especially in young adult books! Grant and Ben both have their faults, but theyre young and miscommunication and mistakes happen! The mental health in this book is unmatched, not only the representation of it but the way it plays out in these characters is supremely relatable. The imagery in the novel is superb, I wish I could book my vacation at the vineyard stat. We need more examples of angry young people just trying to figure out their emotions. Also, Aunt Ro needs to be protected at all costs!!

♡ Hurt/Comfort
♡ Summer Read
♡ Second Chances

Definitely a book you should read the author’s note too, it really makes the reading experience even better. The rom-com vibes in this were great, adding in some more relatable content as well. While it was mostly lighthearted, there are some more emotional parts; the main character works through a breakup, depression, and a rather cruel moment in eighth grade he was still hung up on. The relationship itself was a bit of a fast-paced read but their dynamics worked well, especially as more was revealed about their past.

The highlight for me was the setting, it was genuinely so amazing, the house, the vineyard, all the history behind it was so lovely and the little details made for a great read. While the ending seemed a bit rushed as it tied everything together it was still a really enjoyable book.

Thank you to the author, NetGalley, Penguin Young Readers Group, and Viking Books for Young Readers of this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Spice Level: n/a
Angst Level: 💧(1/5)
POV: First Person
Release Date: 16, July 2024
Rep: LGBTQIA+ (Main and Side Characters) Depression

Parts of this book I would give 4 stars but overall I give it 3. Mostly because of Grant's self loathing and his constant referring to himself as "broken". The chemistry between Grant and Ben is pretty good but because this is a YA novel the spice level is low. The plot was really good but again my biggest annoyance was 18 yo Grant beating himself up over something from when he was 13.

Grant Rossi has been cursed ever since making a wish on his family’s Wishing Rose. All of his romantic relationships don’t seem to last; they always come to an end. After his most recent breakup (and probably most public), he heads back to his family’s B&B for the summer. To help them refurbish it to hopefully reopen by the end of summer. Grant also hopes to get his creative spark back.

However, what he doesn’t expect is to find his childhood crush, Ben, also working at the Bed and Breakfast. His first crush who also lead to his first broken heart. Will Grant be able to bury the past and work with Ben? Or will he end the summer with yet another broken heart?

Thanks to NetGalley and Viking Books for an advanced copy of Cursed Boys and Broken Hearts by Adam Sass to review! Adam Sass has shown that he can write a variety of genres, and I was enchanted by this book from the beginning. Though not necessarily a fairytale in itself, it does have sort of fairytale vibes with the curse. The descriptions of the little bed and breakfast his family owned sounded lovely, and definitely like a place that I’d visit!

At it’s surface, this is a book about curses. But it is also a book about Grant working through his anxiety and trauma with relationships and being queer. His emotional journey is so satisfying by the end. Done with high school, he is also trying to figure out what path he wants to take with the rest of his life. These are all emotional beats that teens will relate to as they read Grant’s story.

The relationship between Grant and Ben is so strained at first, but that also evolves throughout. They are honestly adorable together, and I enjoyed getting to see them grow. The other side characters, especially Grant’s family, are all fun additions, and just make the book generally fun to read.

All in all, if you’re looking for a queer romance to add to your docket this summer, definitely check this one out in July!

Loved this book

It deals with depression and mental illness in a way which for me personally felt so real and raw

It shows the power of forgiveness and self love