This book was pure magic! It was sweet and beautiful and heartfelt. For starters, I loved the setting of this book with ever fiber of my being. I loved how beautiful it was in all its descriptions, with its flowers and vines and overall fairytale essence. I loved how much emotional significance it held to the characters, and how it worked to facilitate the main character’s development and the romance. Now as for the main character and the romance, I loved both. Grant is a nuanced and complex character. He struggles so much in the book, overwhelmed by his depression, romantic failures, and drudged up painful memories from his childhood. But over the course of the book he is able to do some great healing. And find the love he deserves. Ben is the perfect compliment to Grant, and I loved their shared childhood history and how much angst it contributed to the romance. Along with Grant and Ben, I loved Grant’s family, especially his aunt and uncle. They are so supportive and kind. So overall I loved this book and I highly recommend it!

I really enjoyed this book. This was my first by the author. I loved the complexity of their relationship, the mistrust and working on being friends again. I loved the mental health rep. Thank you!

I am so happy to have Grant’s story. I adored 99 Boyfriends and Micah Summers and this follow up about Grant was deep and tender. This story is nostalgic and magical. As usual, everything I read of Adam’s I love and desire to see his work turned into films/mini series. This book is a fun rom/com that has so much depth exploring trauma, depression, self loathing, and forgiveness. A beautiful second chance story.

I wanted to like this one more than I did, but there were still things I enjoyed about it. I can't be too harsh on the book, as I think it's more of a "it's not you, it's me" type of feeling.

As I get older I find myself wanting to read less about teenage/new adult characters who have a shockingly inept ability to communicate. It's a trademark of the genera, and I think I'm finally realizing that it's just simply not something I enjoy anymore.

The book is good, it's funny and very well written. The humor is biting and modern, but in a way that doesn't feel "Hello, fellow teens" unlike a lot of more recent books. The supporting characters are fantastic as well. The setting is vivid and unique. It's just that I found it hard to connect to the main character.

I wasn't aware that this book is technically a sequel/spin off to another book, so maybe I missed some added context but I felt like everything was explained pretty well at the beginning of the book so it didn't feel like I was completely blind to past events.

Overall, I think I just need to be a little more discerning with what I read in the future. Tastes change all the time, and I think I'm finally learning that certain types of books may just not be for me anymore. Don't let me deter you though, because there is a good book underneath all my feelings, it's just not a book that was right for me.

Really enjoyed this coming-of-age YA Contemporary read! This is my first by author Adam Sass, and now I'm excited to dive into what else he's written.

'Cursed Boys and Broken Hearts' is fully narrated by Grant and the narration was chef's kiss, spot-on: witty one liners, realistic depression rep, and all the emotional heartfelt moments. Especially when dealing with 7 older siblings and when flirting with his former crush, Ben.

Highly recommended LGBTQIA+ reading!

#CursedBoysandBrokenHearts #NetGalley – I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s.

Oh my gosh! This book was adorable!

I didn’t realize when I started it that it was the follow up to The 99 Boyfriends of Micah Summers. Don’t worry! You can read this perfectly well without having read the first book.

Grant is collateral damage from the Micah Summers book, dealing with severe depression and the downfall of the family bed and breakfast, Vero Roseto, and winery.

Grant turns up at Vero Roseto to try to calm his mind, and takes on the challenge of bringing her back to her former glory, along with the gorgeous gardener… who just happens to be the boy that broke his heart 5 years prior. It’s a recipe for a great story!

Another great book for fans of the “only one bed” trope! Grant and Ben are such a fun pairing. The tension between the two makes you want to give each a smack upside the head.

4.5 stars
Honest, funny, and all too close to home, Adam Sass stuns yet again in a thorny romance about curses, love, and the raw emotion of dealing with a brain that would rather be a beast than a bunny.
Grant would rather stay hidden in his depression pit, yet ends up instead at the suggestion of his family, helping to facelift and bring back from despair his aunt's vineyard and B&B. Add in one hot gardener who is also his ex best friend, and who broke his heart and things get...complicated. And very, very, messy. Sass has such a unique writing style and I've yet to find another author who so perfectly captures complex and messy characters who aren't perfect. Characters who are terribly, honestly human, and struggling to figure themselves out. When I think of writers who capture (my at least), queer experience, Sass is always at the forefront of my mind.
Part of the reason I had trouble with Grant as a character at times, is because it is never easy reading a book that is basically holding a mirror to yourself and all of your (quite frankly unresolved) issues. I myself struggle with pulling frequent "Grant moments", retreating from the world for weeks or months, only emerging like a shade to sometimes eat, and haunt my apartment like a wraith of some terribly dramatic play or period drama.
A quote that very succinctly captures who Grant is at a character, in all his glory and mental health issues:
"I emerged from a three-day depression hole less than an hour ago, and I'm still gonna be the cutest one in the room. Who else but me? I can do it all! Lowest lows, highest highs."
There were moments when reading, when I turned and looked at a non existent camera b, as if to say, 'I feel attacked right now', because so many moments it felt more as if Grant's growth and troubles was parallel to my stupid brain and everything I struggle with. Even at times where I wanted to bemoan how messy he was being, or get annoyed at his pettiness or jealousy, I had to take a step back and think, 'no but for real, I would/have done the same thing.'
I really enjoyed the depictions of food and the messy family relationships. I did grow quite hungry reading this, which is always a sign that that the prose and imagery had thoroughly reached my appetite. Speaking of hungry, the boys in this book were Thirsty, with a capital T. The chemistry between Grant and Ben was written so well, it didn't feel forced or out of nowhere. Their banter and flirting was done so well, reading two characters fight against their own yearning and feelings is always such a treat when they finally come together.
One more quick thing I loved, the mention of therapy, medication, and the very real reality of dealing with mental health and the never ending journey that is. Spot on in a way that was so raw and honest, yet again hitting me in my chest because it so very much resembled my own.
"She's such a good friend- no matter how long we go without talking, she's there for me when I come back." This is another sentence that felt like it was plucked straight from my life, and perfectly encompasses anyone who has those who stick by you even when you tend to ghost everyone at frequent occurrences.
I think it could be argued that there were moments when Sass took out a proverbial soap box, to educate the reader as much as characters in the story, such as when talking about how to give space to a queer child. Though I won't lie, it was healing, cathartic and realistic in how the family interacted. Especially how Grant was able to pinpoint that his nephew would be having a when not if coming out.
At the same time, there are a times sentences like this, where words like 'my thorniest thorn', and 'childhood ashes like phoenixes,' were likely intended to be taken seriously but it was difficult too.
He saw my weirdest, most serial-killer behavior- my thorniest thorn-and it only made him want to help me more....Adult Ben and Adult Grant have emerged from our childhood ashes like phoenixes." These moments and other moments of choice writing broke me out of my reading at times to just blink, pulled out of the immersive story I had been so far loving.
I did find the ending one of the weakest parts of the book, apart from how perfectly everything lined up and how the main characters were perfectly fine with wearing someone else's robes and staying in a stranger's apartment, it lacked what the rest of the story had in terms of strong writing and felt a bit plot convenient. (On the other hand I am torn because I am always delighted to read a queer story where there is a happy ending and no one is killed off or other angsty things happen. (Looking at you, nearly every show ever with queer characters!) If the last chunk had stayed as strong and consistent as the rest of the book, this would have easily been a five star read for me.

I do recommend this book, especially perfect for fans of Adam Sass's writing style, this story is sweet and full bodied, worth every page.

Thank you to Penguin for this ARC, NOTE any quotes are subject to change since this is an ARC that I read and reviewed

Sass has done it again. This is my third read by him and each one continues to impress with his ability to build a character like no other.

Our main character Grant Rossi is nothing but complications and contradictions. Those are the characteristics that make him so complicated, but what else would you expect from an 18-year-old. Life has been short but Grant has managed to pack in the relationship trauma of a 37-yr-old. Add to that his unrequited love for his best friend from when he was a kid, Ben, and add in some family tales of love and connection and you have a kid who has grown up without a proper basis for how the world of love really works.

Sass manages to pull Grant along while still being sensitive to his mental health journey with an accurate all-bit hilarious way he describes Lexipro as one of his good friends "Lexi". It adds levity to a serious situation. The connection between this and "The 99 Boyfriends of Mica Summers" is cute and not missed on a regular Adam Sass fan. If you haven't read his introductory novel, it won't take away from your enjoyment of this book, but it is still highly recommended.

The main character was so overdramatic. If the characters in this book knew how to communicate at all, it would have fixed most of the issues a lot faster.

Dnf at 32%

The writing is fantastic and I can imagine the characters quite well

But there in lies the problem….the dislike I feel for the character is extreme. Grant is so moody…which is whatever because which teen isn’t moody. (But also he’s technically graduated high school and a year into college, if he had went)
His emotional immaturity is appalling. Like whatever Ben stole your guy back when y’all were younger. I get it. It sucks, but it feels like it’s Grant’s personality to feel like he’s the victim.

Vero Roseto is about to be closed and he’s just running around screaming and kicking walls.

I keep on trying to remind myself that they’re young and all that, but there are still limits to how much I want to read of a character’s immaturity and “woe is I” mindset.

love the growing popularity of diverse romances in YA
I just no longer enjoy YA stories, unfortunately :(
quick read - I would definitely recommend to teens and those who do love YA
I also appreciate the focus on mental health.
YA as a genre has come a long way since I was at my peak teen reading days! I hope the trend continues!!!

This was my first Adam Sass book, and it definitely won't be my last. I thoroughly enjoyed the dialogue and the overall plot.

The romance, along with the emotional and humorous moments, was very well done.

I loved learning about Grant, his history, and his journey of self-discovery, and I trusted how the story would unfold.

The ending was fantastic.

Thank you for allowing me to read the ARC! I can't wait to purchase this book. It was a quick and entertaining read, with a writing style and sentence structure that worked well and a compelling narrative.

I adore messy main characters, and the one in this book delivered a lovely arc. If you like second chance romance and forced proximity, pick this one up immediately.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the Publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I have mixed feelings about this it was definitely fun and fast paced, the plot was good, but I had one big recurring problem and that was how self centered the main character was. Grant somehow managed to ignore everyone’s problems but his. His selfishness affected the plot too, I noticed that because Grant was so focused on himself we barely got to hear the side charecters internal conflicts. For instance The main love interest had an interesting backstory that I thought would be more explored but was really only scratched in the surface. Besides this I feel like the relationship lacked chemistry, a majority of Grants comments about Ben were physical.
I did enjoy the plot of rebuilding Grants family Vinyard. Also I understand Grant was going through a lot but it got hard to sympathize with him towards the end.

Thank you PenguinTeen and Netgalley for this eARC, these opinions are my own. I have been waiting for this one for so long! Grant still dealing with his break up with Micah has been unable to find inspiration for his art or just life in general. When his mom asks him to help out his Aunt at the families failing B&B he doesn’t have the will to do so. But after a panic attack he finds himself at his aunts door. He agrees to help his aunt to the best of his abilities. They only have a few months until the annual Rose Festival which will be make or break for them. There’s so much to do at the B&B that his aunt hired a gardener. It’s not until he meets the gardener that he realizes what she’s done. Ben, the gardener, Grant’s ex-best friend and first love has come to help his family. Grant’s life has been cursed ever since he made a wish on the Wishing Rose and his best friend betrayed him. Cursed to always be left alone. The reunion’s not exactly a happy one as Ben has a curse of his own. The two reluctantly agree to work together but keeping things professional isn’t easy especially as they’ve both grown hotter. Will they give in to the attraction? Can they repair their relationship when so much was broken and trust was lost? Can he save his family’s home? Is he destined to be cursed forever? I loved Grant’s story so much! I enjoyed the angry witty back and forth between Grant and Ben! It’s heartbreaking and heartwarming, with some comedy and humor mixed in! Aside for the complicated dynamics between the two there’s also the complicated dynamics between Grant and his family, which makes for some frustration and tender moments! Plus it’s full of growth for Grant and Ben, including for Grants artistic expression and goals! It gives all the warm and fuzzies and is a must read!

I know I say this about every author I review, but:

ADAM. SASS. CAN DO. NO. WRONG!!!!

I (honestly) thought he couldn’t top the emotional roller coaster that was Your Lonely Nights Are Over (seriously, I was scared shitless reading that book)… and yet, here I am, writing this review wanting to scream into a pillow with all the joy it gave me!!! The amount of times I saw myself in the main character, saw things I had done as a teenager, actions I had considered, paths I have wondered “what if”… this is a book that is necessary.

Cursed Boys and Broken Hearts is the perfect book for anyone that loves a good rom com that isn’t too heavy on the com and really explores the depths of what it means to be a human with emotions.

This. Is . What. I'm Talking. About. When. I. Say. We. Need. More. Diverse. stories. I ate this up. Give me more more more more more more more.

This is the perfect summertime read. It’s straightforward, sweet, and romantic. It also really unpacks the trauma and difficulties one finds while putting yourself back out there or out there for the first time (especially for queer people). Grant is messy and dramatic and a scoche toxic but you can’t help but root for him. And Ben… well if he has no fans I am dead! You can feel the love in every page and I am so excited for what Adam does next.

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Teen for providing me with an E-arc of this book! From the moment I saw the cover, I knew I wanted to read this book. I had never read an Adam Sass book before, so it was my first introduction to the word of characters that he had built. I honestly love that this book almost acts like sequel in a way to the 99 Boyfriends of Micah Summers… WHICH I TOTALLY DID NOT REALIZE UNITL THE END. Immediately after reading, I checked out 99 Boyfriends from my local library because I knew I had to stay in the world that Adam had built.

This was an insanely beautiful story and I LOVED that it was a retelling. 99 Boyfriends from what I can tell served as a sort of Cinderella retelling, while this book was a Beauty and the Beast retelling. I absolutely adored the magically realism that was sprinkled throughout and the way the story conveyed the Beauty and the Beast tale while still staying true to itself. The setting of the story was beyond beautiful as well and I loved the transformation that the winery goes through! Who wouldn’t love wine, roses, and some romance? I finished this book in ONE day, that’s how I know it was that good of a book! This is one that I would absolutely recommend to my students and I think it would be particularly good for seniors because the characters are in that space between high school and starting college.

This was such a cute little book! I'm a sucker for a gay second-chance romance, and this was no different. The bickering, the chemistry, the romance, chef's kiss!! It was the perfect summer romance read with a HINT of spice (barely any). I come from a bigger family myself, so reading this was bittersweet. I love that it's not just a straight-up romance, but it also has some mental health representation too. Another thing I enjoyed was that there was a male fashion designer as the main character. I feel like we don't see men in fashion design as much anymore, so I quite enjoyed seeing one. Overall, a great quick summer rom-com with a hint of spice and some anxiety/depression rep.