Definitely recommend if you’re in the need of a bit of escapism. It has a shadowy MMC for those that love them and is quite fast paced if that’s your vibe

The story follows a rather ordinary girl who finds herself thrown into the role of saving an immortal realm teetering on the brink of collapse - the premise is charming and fast-tracks one into a magical world full of mythical creatures and ancient curses.

With the opening scene-a runaway bride whisked away to some mysterious island-it's undeniably catchy, building up a good premise for what could be a great journey. But as the story moves on, it does so in a pace that makes it hard to develop its world and characters. Although I loved the banter between the two main characters.

Nevertheless, this read will still satisfy those readers who enjoy escapist fiction, but it was a missed opportunity to try for something a bit more layered.

This is a good choice for readers seeking a light, fast read with a dash of magic and adventure. For readers who prefer more complex world-building or surprising plot twists, this may not be as satisfying.

Thanks to NetGalley and the author for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
#cursed #NetGalley

This was a quick, fun read. There was some fun banter, and the characters were interesting. The plot felt rushed in some areas, but overall was fun enough to keep interest in what's going on. It's light and humorous, so it makes for a good palate cleanser for someone who reads a lot of dark/high fantasy books. If you're looking for that, then this book is not for you.

For me the book was a little bit rushed. And also sometimes I felt that it trapped into telling and not showing the story. I truly think this novel had a lot of potential. Perhaps the series other books will be less rushed.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!

This was an ok read for me. The reason why I didn’t click with this book is that it felt rushed and face paced. But that’s probably just a me thing. I love slow burn, and I like details to not hit me in the face back to back.

It’s somewhat of a cozy fantasy with a shadow daddy. This isn’t going to be a top read for me unfortunately because it just didn’t capture my attention. It took me a minute to get through the book because I wasn’t interested in it.

🪄 What if Gilmore Girls met a magical, cursed island?
Alessia “Allie” Wells is a woman of logic and science—she doesn’t believe in fairy tales or magic. That is, until her wedding day, when a darkly irresistible stranger crashes her nuptials and whisks her away to a mysterious island. 🏝️✨

Now, Allie finds herself in a world of enchanting creatures and ancient secrets. The island is dying, bound by a curse that only a Fae can break. But Fae? They’re just myths... right?

As truths unravel, Allie discovers she’s more than she ever imagined: the last full-blooded Fae. The fate of the island and its people rests on her shoulders, but breaking the curse means risking everything—including her heart. ❤️‍🔥

🌟 What to Expect:
• A sassy, skeptical heroine who discovers her true power. 🗡️
• A brooding, swoon-worthy hero who’ll steal your heart. 😏
• Magical creatures, ancient curses, and dangerous secrets. 🕊️
• A story full of Gilmore Girls charm—with a sprinkle of magic! 🌌

📚 Perfect for fans of:
• A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
• The Cruel Prince by Holly Black
• Small-town charm with high-stakes fantasy twists.

#Cursed #CourtOfIsles #FantasyRomance #MagicalIslands #FaeMagic #GilmoreGirlsVibes #RomanticFantasy #MustReadFantasy #BookishEscape #GinaLaManna

First of all, this was my first ever ARC copy, so I'm very grateful to the author and the publisher. This was also my first read by Gina LaManna, and I'm glad to say I didn't hate her writing.

I liked the first chapter, and what it promised, but everything after that started to happen so fast, so soon, I didn't have time to get to know any of the characters. I liked that we had a variety of creatures in this book, I also liked some of the banter between the MCs, but overall, I didn't love the story as much as I was hoping.

I'm sorry to say I didn't like the MFC either, She was either whining about her oh so rich life or easily accepting she had some magic out of nowhere, and not guessing she could be a fae.

Besides, as a "forever autumn/winter" type of girlie, diving into an isle where it's forever summer, felt... exhausting.

This said, I'm glad I met the author through this book, will probably give some of her books a chance!

Allie Wells is a woman of science, she does not believe in magic but she is also trapped in a life that is mapped out by controlling parents and fiancé. So when on her wedding day she is magically stollen away it takes just a bit of believing to make things happen.
This was a short but engaging read. I loved the characters and the easy flowing story and now am looking forward to what this author does with the next book.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!!

This book has it all. Magic, found family/home, banter and fated mates! The world building was great and the character background was great as well. The story takes place on The Isle and after some research I learned that this isn’t the first book or series the author wrote about this world. Saying that, this book did read as its own series and I didn’t feel as if I was missing anything since I haven’t read the other books.

Alessia was struggling to feel like she belonged in her life in New York, she was about to marry a real jerk when Silas shows up and takes her to the Isle. She learns about magic and the fact that she is fae and can use magic herself. Silas is the protector and hold all the answers Alessia needs. She finds herself at home on the Isle and finally feels like she belongs somewhere. She makes friends along the way and then has to learn how to save them.

This story was quick but honestly I loved that it was so blunt at times. The problems weren’t dragged out for chapters at a time and it was a nice change from the usual fantasy I read.

This story does end with a HEA and really leaves you wanting more.

This was a quick read that's on the shorter side and gives off Once Upon A Time vibes. It felt like a cozy fantasy with some shadow daddy elements. I really enjoyed this. It had everything that I love about fairy tales and fantasy, but in a lighter story. I loved Silas and Alessia. Their banter was so good, the tension was palpable, and the chemistry between them felt so real. I loved how they pushed each other and wholeheartedly believed in their goodness. We got to learn just enough about them to move this story forward, and I can't wait to learn more as the series progresses. The Isle sounds like such a magical place, and if I could figure out a way to get there, I would. The side characters in this story are so fun. I personally cannot wait to find out more about the tension between Atlas and Mollie.

I can't wait to return to The Isle.

<i>Cursed</i> by Gina LaManna offers an engaging, light-hearted dip into the world of fantasy, filled with Fae, mermaids, and a colorful array of magical creatures. The story kicks off with a lively runaway bride scene that immediately grabs your attention and sets an adventurous tone. It's a fun, whimsical start that promises a lot.

The plot revolves around a "regular human" girl thrust into the role of saving an immortal world from impending doom—a trope that, while familiar, can still be enjoyable. Though the story delivers a decent dose of escapism, it doesn't stray far from the beaten path of fantasy storytelling, making it feel predictable at times.

While the book is a good read overall, it doesn't quite break new ground. The runaway bride opening remains the standout moment, with the rest of the story moving through the motions of fantasy fare without any truly surprising twists. That said, fans of magical worlds and mythical creatures will find plenty of charm in its pages.

If you're in the mood for a light, fantastical adventure with a touch of romance, <i>Cursed</i> could be worth a read.

Short but good. I really liked the Magic & Mixology series and was happy to read this one. Can’t wait for the rest!

This book!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
After telling my husband about the first few chapters, we decided to rea the book together. It is an epic story that we both cannot wait to read the continuation of. The FMC is relatable, snarky, and wonderfully bratty. The MMC is reserved, a gorgeous mystery, and full of surprises. The storyline has a slow burn feel for romance, an adventure plot build, and a mythical world inside an everyday real world feel. The only disappointment we could find with this book was ending and realizing we are going to have to wait to find out what happens next, in the next book.

Thanks to NetGalley & Victory Editing for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!

This was a very heartwarming read really focusing on the main character Alessia as she finds herself and her place in this new world she is taken to on her wedding day by a mysterious man she feels drawn to. (Definitely reminiscent of the wedding day where Feyre is whisked away by Rhysand but also a little bit of Howl's moving castle too!) Overall I did enjoy the book but it definitely felt very fast paced and there wasn't a lot of down time to just sit and enjoy this new world and the people she meets. The romance also felt a bit lacking; I would have liked a bit more banter or more time developing their connection (and also more spice tbh). I'm excited to see where the author takes us next!

Cursed was definitely a cozy little quick read. It’s very light on 🌶️ but still didn’t feel like it was absolutely needed so wasn’t missing out.

There seemed to be a lot going on within the story as far as the paranormal aspect of it with a mixture of mythology, magic and fae systems. I would recommend Cursed as a great plate cleanser if you’re looking for something sweet and refreshing!

This was a fast and pleasant read. I have read the earlier series about the Isle (Magic & Mixology) and the 6th Borough (Hex Files) so the island and the people are not new to me.

Alessia Wells escapes her wedding when a handsome man appears and gives her an out. She arrives on The Isle where magic is everywhere. As a doctor and with emerging magic Alessia finds a place there. Silas, the man that brought her there, knows Alessia is there to help the Isle beat a vicious curse that threatens the Isle and all inhabitants.

The story is rather short, especially if you take into account the other series where the plot played out over several installments. But I liked Alessia and the others and it was an engaging read.

I received an ARC via Netgalley but bought a digital copy of my own.

I can't wait to read the rest of the series. It was a short read which is great to break up long stories. I enjoyed the dynimaics between characters and the easy ability to tell who is who, which is surprisingly difficult in some stories for me. I would definietly recommend this book.

THis felt like a Harry potter retelling but with Fae and a woman. I absolutely devoured this. When I read the synopsis I was hesitant that it was another knockoff Potter book, but I read it and it was pretty good, This wasn't anything like most books before and it was pretty good!

https://amazon.com/gp/customer-reviews/R2SIYLOF2ABTRV?ref=pf_ov_at_pdctrvw_srp
Cursed!
This is a spin off of The Isle. Alessia and Silas are the main characters. If you love romance with a little bit of kidnapping and a heavy dose of dangerous male, this is the book for you. Highly recommend this book, a page turner.

As Allie Wells stands at the alter on her wedding day, she only has one wish. She just wants someone to save her from having to marry Simon. Silas shows up and whisks her away to a magical island. The only issue is that she doesn’t believe in magic. Silas tries to ease her into understanding who she is and why she is the only one that is able to save the isle and all the creatures on it. They are quickly running out of time and she has to truly believe to access the power that lies within herself.