I received this from NetGalley and LaManna books. This book could definitely be good for a YA audience or adults that are just starting to get into fantasy/romantasy. It's a quick read that has found family vibes mixed with magic and curses. With this being the first book in a series it did feel very rushed. I think a lot of readers understand that the first book of a series will have some slow parts because we are learning about the characters and the world that they are in. This book jumped right in to telling and not showing and was hitting all of the fantasy go-tos without the buildup to those things. The story had a very interesting concept, I just wish I would've felt more invested in the characters.

This was a really great read. It changed from cozy to suspenseful to romantic and further then back again. I really enjoyed it.

I accessed this book via NetGalley.

I DNF at 40%.

This book starts off very quick, and the characters and the readers are thrust into the story. I found the immediate acceptance of the situation of the main character to be a bit unbelievable. Also the characters and story very much reminded me of ACOTAR (which I also didn’t rate).

The descriptions feel rushed and I didn't truly get a sense of the place or the people. The concept overall had promise; however the execution was poor.

If you want a quick, romantasy read and you don’t mind being thrust into the story, and don’t mind being told rather than shown, then you may take some enjoyment from this. Otherwise there are other fantasy books out there that for me get the pace right and the characters have more depth.

It was a fun read. It bounced around to different things a lot and I had a little bit of trouble visualizing some of the parts. But other than that I enjoyed reading it and would definitely recommend it.

Cursed started with a BANG, or more of an answer when the question "does anyone object to this marriage, speak now or forever hold your peace?" is posed at Allie's wedding. Her fiance only asked how he looked when she approached the alter, her mother wants her to take off the only piece of her entire bridal outfit that she chose for herself, and she is silently begging anyone in the crowd to intervene. And... someone does. I loved this opening scene, but the book went downhill from there. It was both drawn out in not enough number of pages, and I kept waiting to recapture the feeling that was in the opening scene.

I really wanted to like this book but sadly it didn’t hit for me. It definitely wasn’t bad, but it read like a YA book where I wanted it to be a bit more elevated like the adult romance/ fantasy I believed it would be. Sad to say I got to 50% through and had to DNF.

Cursed by Gina LaManna is an engaging paranormal fantasy that blends romance, mystery, and magical intrigue. Allie Wells, a scientist and runaway bride, is thrust into a world of magic and danger when she’s kidnapped on her wedding day and taken to a mystical island. There, she discovers that she is the last living Fae, and the key to breaking a deadly curse threatening the island. As Allie grapples with her newfound powers and the island’s enchanting inhabitants, she must confront her own doubts and responsibilities, all while falling for a captivating, powerful man. LaManna creates a thrilling, immersive world full of twists, romance, and high stakes, making Cursed a compelling read for fans of magical realism and slow-burn love stories.

It's time to go back to the Isle! Gina LaManna is back with an all new series, bringing readers back to familiar locations and reintroducing some familiar favorite characters. Doctor Allie Wells is not happy. She doesn´t like her nickname, her soon to be husband, or even her parents that much. Then, in the middle of her wedding, she gets a 'get out of jail free card' when the mysterious Simon asks her to leave with him to help save people. Magically transported to the Isle (first introduced in the book Hex on the Beach), Allie reinvents herself as Alessia (her real name) and doctor to the magical folk on the Isle. It's not all fun and games, however, as there is a magical curse threaten to destroy their home and the people who live there. Simon is convinced that Alessia can stop the curse, even when others have failed. It's a lot for her to believe, but will Alessia come to terms with her magical status? With her new home? With her complicated feelings for Simon? Will she be able to break the curse and save everyone?

It's no secret that I love Gina LaManna's magical series, and I was beyond thrilled to see that Cursed was going to start a new series returning us to the Isle. I still want to go there; her descriptions of this magical place sound incredible. While the story is a little familiar to Lily's experiences in Hex on the Beach, Cursed does a good job in setting up a new threat and new secrets. I'm already excited for the next book just to see where this one goes!

If you’re looking for a cozy mystery with a magical twist, Cursed is a delightful choice. It’s the kind of book that leaves you eager to return to its world and characters. Perfect for fans of lighthearted mysteries with a sprinkle of charm, this novel will keep you hooked until the very last page.

DNFed at 70%
I received a free copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for this honest review.

This book had a lot of potential, but sadly, it fell flat. I really liked the concept and plot of this book, but it was too slow-moving, with very little exposition or development as it progressed. I found myself losing interest and wanting to put it down and pick up a different book.

I failed to see the connection between Alessia and Silas. I expected Silas to announce they were twins separated at birth at any moment because there was no romantic chemistry between them.

This book's magic system was all over the place. Despite living there, no one seemed to understand how the magic or curses work. It was a lot of guesswork without an actual plan of action.

It seemed like the author became lazy as the book continued and no longer wanted to write descriptions. There was a lot of telling not showing! For example at the beginning of Chapter 12, we get this 'description': "We appeared in the blink of an eye somewhere else. A place more beautiful, more exquisite than any I’d seen on this island yet, and that was saying something." Okay? That tells the reader absolutely NOTHING about where the protagonist is now located.

I think this author has potential, but this book seemed rushed and not very well planned out. I would suggest the author spend some more time researching plot structure, character development, and how to write effective exposition and scene descriptions.

I would not recommend this book. I give it 2 out of 5 stars.

This was a fun, fast, wonderful read. I wanted a nice short Romantasy book. Cursed was exactly what I needed. Mix the Fantasy of a Holly Black Book and the Sass of a RomCom. I'm looking forward to the rest of the Series.

Thank You to NetGalley and Gina LaManna for an ARC in Exchange for an Honest Review

3.5⭐️
This story was really good but had the promise to be so much more.
I loved the whole concept of the book, but i feel like it could have been so much more as it was to rushed especially the end. Without giving away spoilers i feel like the ending could have been more detailed.
The FMC was so strong and overcame so much.

The story had a lot of promise, with an interesting premise that set the stage for something really engaging. The idea of saving a magical world from an evil curse is certainly captivating.

However, the pacing at the start of the book felt a bit too rapid. The story dove straight into the action, leaving little room for character or plot development and scene-setting. By the time Chapter 3 arrived, I felt like I had whiplash from the fast pace and constant change in plot. And it just continued for the rest of the books. Events —especially the more significant ones—could have benefited from more detail to allow the reader to truly absorb their impact and enjoy what was going on. Same with the characters - they were hard to relate too because of the lack of development and relationships between them seem a bit forced and awkward. Overall, I think the book had potential - it was a story with a female lead who needed to believe in herself to save the world.

I loved this book! Cursed reminds you of a fairy tale almost like Once Upon of Time or A Court of Thorns And Roses. If you like fantasy this is the book for you. I can't wait to read the rest of the series.

This was a charming and cute read with cozy, small-town vibes.
The story begins at Alessia’s wedding, where she’s unexpectedly whisked away by a mysterious stranger—Silas. He’s from a magical world of fae and believes Alessia may hold the key to breaking a curse that’s affecting his people. Coming from Manhattan, Alessia is completely unprepared for the journey she’s about to embark on. However, as she gets to know the inhabitants of the Isle and helps them, she begins to accept that magic and fae are real—and she might be one of them. Since it’s a shorter book, the plot moves quickly, and you’re learning about the world and its magic system.
I didn’t feel much chemistry between Alessia and Silas. I wish it was more fleshed out.
While this book was okay, I didn’t fully love it.

Thank you to the publishers & Netgalley for approving me to read this book.

This was a fun fantasy read, I do slightly wish it had been just 50-100 pages longer just to expand on a couple things in greater detail.

I like the characters, the FMC is compassionate but strong willed and I enjoyed reading her unravelling the mysteries of her new situation. The MMC was broody, a little judgemental but also supportive and kind. The side characters bring a nice energy to the book as well with new friendships and connections.

I would love a prequel or a 2nd book to expand on some details. I’m happily rating this 3.75 stars.

This was like a softer cozier version of ACOTAR, the plot was strong and I had a great time with it, felt it was on the shorter side but hopefully don't have to wait long for the next book!

Cursed is book 1 in the Court of Isles series.

Alessia Wells is taken from her wedding by a mysterious stranger to a magical isle where he needs her help, but being a doctor it's not easy for her to believe in the strange and magical.

This was a quick read and the story was very captivating. I get why Alessia would want to run away on her wedding day as her fiancé and so-called parents were so toxic! There were some bits that were rushed and not explained well but the book it short so that's expected.

Overall, the concept of the main character being stolen away from her wedding day to a magical world drew me in as it was reminiscent of ACOTAR. Allie was a doctor in the human world and she uses her skills and experience to help the people living in the magical isle she’s been transported to.
Silas the MMC is a hunter, people who are historically to blame for the deaths of the fae queens and should be killed on sight. However, he is attempting to free the isle from a curse and he believes that Allie is the key.

Personally, I wish there was a bit more build up to the romance aspect but due to the length of the book the pace does make sense.

- Greek mythology influences were scattered throughout the book, I would have liked a bit more world building to do with the king of the underworld and Atlas. As I do feel like the mythology aspects were introduced very quickly, however it does allow space for further exploration in additional books.
- Short under 200 pages
- Paranormal magic
- Fated mates
- Mysterious, broody male love interest.
- Cozy fantasy with magical creatures such as unicorns and mermaids.
- Modern day setting on a hidden away magical isle.
- For a short book there's detailed discussions of emotions and the changes in the FMCS life which could have just been quickly disregarded.

Thank you net galley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

This isn't the longest book but I really did enjoy the cosy vibes that it game me along with the magic, fae, curses & Gods. It's got everything for you if you like these things!

It didn't have the sizzling chemistry that some of my favourite types of books have, but the plot was strong and I loved their banter. I'd absolutely still read the second one when it comes out.