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Everything he touched turned to gold… except her.

The first time Scarlet failed to steal the Bodian necklace from the palace, Fairy Godmother had forgiven her. The second time, she sent in reinforcements. But Scarlet can’t let that happen. It didn’t matter what the rules for Fairy Godmothers' thieves guild were. Her family's money was running out and if she couldn’t bring in money soon stepmother was going to marry her off to the highest bidder, no matter who that was.

Remme hadn’t eaten, felt the touch of another human, or worn anything comfortable in years. But when a thief tried to steal the one thing that could break his curse and they didn’t turn, everything changed. He just needed to figure out who she was and why she wanted the necklace. It should be easy for a king, but nothing was ever that simple when magic was involved.

Cursed by Gold is book one in the Once Upon a Curse series of stand alone retellings.

If you love the vibes of Throne of Glass, the trials of Hunger Games, the missing love interest of Cinderella and the untouchable curse of King Midas, Cursed by Gold is for you.

Book Number: One

Genre: Adult | Fantasy | Romance | Retelling

Review: ? 

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She needed a heart to break her humanity, but he needed her to awaken his.

Deep within the sea, Siren Princess Talia must perform a ritual - consuming the heart of a human who loves her - to gain her siren power and her throne. She will risk everything to earn what is rightfully hers, even if it means being completely vulnerable.

Captain 'Black-Eyes' Kipp, cursed centuries ago, has a growing darkness threatening to consume his soul. He has easily claimed everything he ever wanted, but nothing fills the void created by this ancient curse. Now, he needs to capture a siren to break the curse before he's lost to it forever.

Forced together on an epic quest through sea monsters and the wrath of Poseidon himself, Talia and Kipp must decide whether to surrender to the all-consuming power they crave or make a heart-wrenching sacrifice. Only one thing is certain - to defeat the darkness, one of them will have to take the ultimate plunge.

Will she be able to break the curse and save Kipp? Or will they both succumb to the darkness inside them?

This isn't the Little Mermaid you remember, but a darker, twisted version full of heat and uncontrollable lust...

Cursed by a Siren’s Kiss is book 2 in the Once Upon a Curse series. A unique collection of retellings that go beyond just the fairytale. This is a dark romantasy fairytale retelling with monsters, Greek gods, curses, sirens, and pirates!! There is a ton of steam with multiple open-door scenes. This will not be your Disney sweet fairytale.

For fans of To Kill A Kingdom, Pirates of the Caribbean, the Little Mermaid, Ever King and Sea Witch.

Book Number: Two

Genre: Adult | Fantasy | Romance | Retelling

Review: ? 

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Welcome to Texarkana, where Death's Interns are working overtime—and the body count is rising.

Meet Death's Interns: part-time grim reapers, full-time troubleshooters for the supernatural community. Usually, their biggest headache is keeping the local vampires from picking fights at the all-night diner.

But now? They're hunting a killer.

Bodies are dropping faster than autumn leaves, and it's not just humans filling up the morgue. Someone—or something—is cutting a bloody swath through Texarkana.

As Halloween creeps closer, Death's Interns find themselves in a race against time. Can they unmask the killer before Texarkana's secret community becomes front-page news? Or will long-buried prejudices turn neighbor against neighbor, predator against prey?

In a town where death is just another day job, the real challenge is staying alive.

Book Number: Three

Genre: Adult | Fantasy | Romance | Retelling

Review: ? 

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In a land plagued by darkness, she may be their only saving light.

After a tragic past, King Bodin refuses to let anyone near his heart, but he’ll do whatever it takes to save his people from this never-ending war. Even if that means agreeing to an arranged marriage, trading riches for soldiers and a princess who’s been hidden away most of her life.

Despite being sent to a man most fear, Princess Juniper knows this might be her only chance to escape the shadows. Especially when she discovers a room in her new palace full of portals to magical lands and Bodin gives her the keys to all but one.

She enjoys her freedom to explore, yet she can’t stop wondering what’s behind the mysterious door he won’t let her open. They might have formed an unexpected friendship, but there are still so many secrets between them.

Deadly secrets that could bring devastation to the few people they truly care about, including one another.

~*~*~

Perfect for fans of A Curse So Dark and Lonely, Grave Mercy, and the show Reign... but spicier, Cursed by Darkness is a dark romantasy that can be read as a standalone.

Book Number: Four

Genre: Adult | Fantasy | Romance | Retelling

Review: ? 

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History can be twisted...

Everyone knows the story of Hansel and Gretel… Or do they? The true story from the witch's perspective is not what you would expect.

Cursed with magic in a land where it is a death sentence, Katharina is constantly on guard. Even though she was banished from the castle ten years ago, she still tries to make the most of her new home… until someone close to her is murdered.

Overcome with grief, she retreats into the Black Forest only to be confronted by the terrifying Dark Fae. Stories of his cruelty are that of nightmarish legend, primarily used to scare children into obedience.

As the lines between heroes and villains blur, Katharina finds that lies are being spread about her that paint her as being far more dastardly than even the Dark Fae. Can she finally make peace with her past and bring the truth to light? Or will the darkness of the Black Forest be the only place she can find solace?

Book Number: Five

Genre: Adult | Fantasy | Romance | Retelling

Review: ? 

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Lady by day, Bandit by Night.

For six years Lady Rowan of Lockersley looked forward to the day she'd return home to the picturesque village of her childhood.

But when she and her friend, Lady Jane, rode into the village, what they saw was anything but picturesque. Not only had the village fallen into poverty but Rowan learned that her beloved father, Laird of Lockersley was dead.

With the help from her band of friends, Rowan devises a plan to take back the money her uncle stole through excessive taxes on the villagers under the dark of night and act the perfect lady by day.

That is until her uncle announces that she is to wed the victor of a tournament held in her honor.

Rowan knew she would marry but believed it would be her choice̶—marry for love or duty—not as a trophy given to a stranger.

Rowan knows she belongs with her merry band of bandits, especially the one who stole her heart. But can she keep her secrets hidden from her uncle long enough to save her village and her future?

Can she save her people before she's handed off as a prize? Will her heart lead her to duty or to the arms of her fellow bandit? And when masks fall away, which Rowan will remain—the lady or the outlaw?

Book Number: Six

Genre: Adult | Fantasy | Romance | Retelling

Review: 🌟🌟🌟🌟

A genderbent Robin Hood retelling starring a courageous lady who will fight for her people... and her hand in marriage. 

Lady Rowan of Lockersly has been waiting six years to return to her hometown and see her father again. Unfortunately, when she comes back from the nunnery she's been staying at, nothing is the same. Her father is dead, the townspeople are being taxed to death, and her corrupt uncle now sits on the seat of power. Desperate to help her people, Rowan decides to don the guise of Sir Robin, and take back money that is being stolen from her people. When her uncle decides to host a competition in exchange for Rowan's hand, she decides that it's about time that her uncle meets Sir Robin...

This series has been on my radar for a few years now, so I'm glad I had the excuse to finally give one a go! I am a huge fan of fairy tale retellings, so it's no surprise that most of this series already resides in my Kindle library. I actually ended up listening to the audiobook of this one on Yearn, and I had a blast with it. 

From the start, I was a huge fan of Lady Rowan's character. She really reminds me of Merida from the movie "Brave," which is a high compliment. She is a red-headed noble with a knack for archery and a will to fight for what she believes in. I like how spunky Rowan is and the lengths she is willing to go to protect her people. 

This retelling is literally a mash-up of "Robin Hood" and "Brave." There are certain scenes in this book that read frame for frame like Disney's "Robin Hood" movie, including the carriage scene, when they steal gold from the king's bedroom, and so on. I found Rowan's misadventures amusing, and I'm sure anyone that likes the Robin Hood mythos will enjoy this one (especially if one likes a feminist take on a classic story). 

The romance in this one was subtle, but sweet. Rowan's uncle tries really hard to play matchmaker for her and he has his eyes set on the Sheriff of Nottingham, but that obviously wasn't going to fly. There is also a prince that has his sights set on Rowan, but that doesn't pan out either. Rowan finds that her heart points in the direction of her childhood best friend, Milo, and I found their vibe to be adorable. Milo goes to great lengths to assist Rowan and her endeavors as Robin, but he's also there to support her when she is just allowed to be herself. I definitely approve of him, and I'm glad that Rowan follows her heart over her duty in the end. 

This one does have a few spicy scenes, but they are fairly mild. They are mostly fade to black with a few explicit details, so this one can definitely be consumed by many regardless of their spice palate. 

Overall, "Cursed by Bandits" was a great introduction to the "Once Upon a Curse" series. It is a genderbent retelling of "Robin Hood" that also delivers a good heaping of Disney/Pixar's "Brave." Rowan is such an admirable main character, and it is such a blast watching her stand up for her people that are being taken advantage of. The romance is also sweet and subtle, which I thought was nice. If you are a fan of fairy tales, heists, and grand adventure, I think you'd love "Cursed by Bandits." I look forward to checking out other books in this series some day! 

Audiobook Note: I absolutely adore Heather Daniels narration of this book! Their accent (I believe it's Scottish) is so beautiful, and it feels really good on the ears. I loved listening to their voice and would definitely listen to more of their work if I come across it. They played Rowan's sassy stubbornness to perfection and I'd highly recommend the audiobook for this one! 

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In a war-torn world of magic and power struggles, Collie, a young and mischievous Battle Mage, finds herself caught between the demands of her commanding officer, General Ehuna, and her own rebellious nature. Blessed or cursed with a unique magical ability and a sharp tongue, Collie constantly tests the limits of her authority, much to Ehuna's exasperation.

Thrust into the heart of an escalating conflict, Collie must navigate the treacherous politics of the royal court, the prejudices of the noble-born guards, and the looming threat of a powerful, malignant magic that could consume them all. As she is forced to confront her own past and the mysteries surrounding her origins, Collie must decide whether to embrace her role as a soldier or forge her own path, even if it means defying those she has sworn to protect.

In this captivating fantasy adventure, the reader is drawn into a world where magic is both a gift and a curse, and the line between duty and personal freedom is razor-thin. "(Cursed by) Malignant Magic" promises a thrilling journey filled with intrigue, action, and the struggles of a young mage determined to carve out her own destiny.

Book Number: Seven

Genre: Adult | Fantasy | Romance | Retelling

Review: ? 

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Clotho, one of the three Fates, has never questioned her eternal duty—until now.

When she locks eyes with Marcellus at a mortal festival, something inside her shifts. For the first time in millennia, the thread of a mortal's life becomes more than just another strand in the tapestry of existence.

It becomes everything.

But loving a mortal comes at a cosmic price.

Zeus's thunderbolts crack the sky. The Underworld trembles. Ancient prophecies whisper of destruction.

As Clotho fights to keep Marcellus's thread intact, the very fabric of the universe begins to fray.

How far will a Fate go to defy destiny?

Book Number: Eight

Genre: Adult | Fantasy | Romance | Retelling

Review: ? 

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I was born with a foot in two worlds, but I never imagined I'd hold their fate in my hands.

For six years, I'd struggled to control my wild magic and navigate the treacherous Fae courts. Then came the night I accidentally glimpsed a terrifying truth: a creeping darkness devouring magic, extinguishing life.

They called it the black rot, and it was consuming our realm bit by bit.

Suddenly, the Moon Court - our oldest rivals - proposed an alliance through marriage. They sent Lir, a brooding warrior with eyes full of secrets, to guard me during negotiations. I didn't trust him, couldn't trust him. Yet every time our eyes met, every accidental touch, sent electricity coursing through my veins.

As the rot spread, I uncovered a chilling revelation: for reasons unknown, this blight saw me as a threat.

With the fate of two realms in my hands, I'll have to become the queen I was born to be—or watch as everything I love crumbles to dust.

Book Number: Nine (Last Book)

Genre: Adult | Fantasy | Romance | Retelling

Review: ?