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.

This was a sweet and entertaining short read that gives off cosy, small town vibes.

Cursed starts off at the wedding of our FMC Alessia, where she is whisked away by a mysterious stranger… enter Silas. Silas is from the land of fae and magic and believes that Alessia could be key in breaking a curse that is currently in play. Alessia, being from Manhattan has no idea what she is getting into but after meeting and helping the people from the Isle she comes to terms with the fact that magic is real, fae are real and she might actually be one of them.

As this is a pretty short read the plot and pace move very quickly in this story and you are constantly learning things about the world and magic system, pretty much at the same time as the FMC. I found Alessia to be enjoyable to read from, she is very out of her depth but stays sharp and witty while figuring out what is happening around her.

I didn’t get a lot of chemistry between her and Silas as most of the book centres on the plot rather than the relationship. I did end up rooting for them though as you learn that Alessia comes from a high profile and unloving family that basically didn’t care about her. Overall I liked this but didn’t love it, my favourite thing was the plot and probably the side characters, I’m hoping book two has more of a focus on the relationship between Silas and Alessia.

Review posted on Goodreads, Instagram and Amazon.

An absolutely stunning book! If you like a fun and magical filled story with fae, curses, God's (as in Olympus). Then you will LOVE this book!
Gina LaManna's fantastic writing will have you hooked and skipping along the magical shore of the Isle that sits within Lake Superior.
I definitely recommend you grab this book, I look forward to reading the 2nd book of this series and checking out her other books as well.

Thanks for the arc NetGalley,

I was intrigued with it being a fae book,
Slow burn romance
Urban fantasy
Greek mythology

When Alessia discovers that she is the only remaining full-blooded Fae in existence, she accepts her responsibility to save the island, and everyone on it. But if Alessia can’t undo the curse holding this island hostage, then none of it will matter—because she’ll lose everything she’s come to love!

3.5 stars for me!

I thought this book shows a lot of promise for the series. The Banter was great, and the story was good. I agree with others that a lot of it felt rushed though, It felt like the author was trying to fit an entire series of events and world building into one book. I felt like the conflicts were all resolved too easily, and I wish there had been more exploring the relationship between Silas and Alessia, and seeing that relationship grown beyond a fated mates bond.

Ultimately, the book was "okay"

I enjoyed this as a start to the Court of Isles series, it had that feel that I was looking for and enjoyed the feel of this world and characters. It did a great job in bringing the world-building that I was hoping for. I was invested in what was going on and used the magic element that I was wanting from this type of book. Gina LaManna wrote this perfectly and was glad it was so well done.

This book is absolutely amazing. I loved it from start to finish. This is the first fantasy book that I have read, and I'm so glad it was. I will definitely be attempting to read more books in this genre but also be reading more books by Gina Lamanna. Her way of writing is just so lovely and easy to read.

It starts with Alessia (Allie) having no control of her life and about to get married to Simon, until Silas comes along and turns her life upside down, but for the better, taking Alessia to a place where she finally feels like she belongs, somewhere she can be her true self. The truth begins to unravel as to the reason for which she was brought to the isle.

I would 100% recommend this book. Thank you to the author and NetGallery for this ARC.

Thank you so much for the EARC.

This book was so lovely, it was a really sweet and cozy fantasy experience.

It kind of gave my ACOTAR feels which I really enjoyed.

Thank you for allowing me to read.

Cursed is a delightfully charming fantasy story that brings out all the warm and happy feelings. It focuses on themes of communication, friendship, and healing. The book was enjoyable and easy to read, immersing me in a unique and magical world.

The relationships between both the main characters and the supporting ones were wonderful. The dialogue was engaging, and the characters felt well-rounded and lively. The story and its world were easy to follow, with potential for further development.

On the downside, there's a part that might seem a bit unrealistic—no first-year medical resident is that skilled. Even in a magical setting full of curses and mythical creatures, this took me out of the story. Additionally, the main character handled everything with ease, which was acknowledged in the story, but I would have liked to see more growth in her journey.

If I could give this book more stars, I would - I LOVED IT!!! IT WAS THE BEST BOOK EVER!!

I'm now a huge fangirl of Alessia - she's my favorite character

I can't believe anyone gave it less than 5 stars. This novel seamlessly blends cozy small-town vibes on a tropical island with the thrill of a spellbinding fantasy world, delivering an unforgettable story.
• A Fierce and Witty Heroine: The protagonist’s transformation from a hesitant skeptic to a fearless force is both relatable and inspiring, drawing readers into her emotional and magical journey. ⚔️
• A Darkly Charming Hero: The brooding male lead, with his layered personality and undeniable allure, adds tension and intrigue to every page. 💘
• An Enchanting but Perilous World: Brimming with mythical beings, long-lost prophecies, and forbidden magic, this tale keeps the reader guessing and yearning for more. 🦄
• A Dash of Whimsy: Picture the cozy eccentricity of Schitt’s Creek paired with a thrilling dose of the supernatural—quirky, heartfelt, and utterly magical. ✨

📚 Great For Fans Of:
• Serpent & Dove by Shelby Mahurin
• The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
• Stories that balance cozy mystery vibes with daring magical twists.

This book is a spellbinding escape for readers who crave a mix of heartfelt character development and edge-of-your-seat fantasy drama.

I think the series has a lot of potential. I was sucked in from the very beginning. I agree with other reviewers it was very rushed. I think the author wanted to get as much information as possible into the story, but it wasn't overwhelming. I loved Alessia. I think she's a great FMC and very spunky. I'm looking forward to seeing where this series takes us going forward.

I would put Cursed in the classic good versus evil narrative, with a straightforward plot that doesn’t stray too far from familiar fantasy tropes. The story follows a predictable structure, reminiscent of traditional fantasy epics, with occasional nods to works like The Lord of the Rings. While it delivers some enjoyable moments, the characters and storyline lacked a bit of depth, making it feel a bit one-dimensional and hindering my ability to bond with Silas and Alessia. The clear division between the heroic and villainous figures leaves little room for ambiguity or complex character development. Overall, it’s an 3 star read for those seeking a light fantasy adventure, but it may not fully satisfy anyone looking for more nuanced storytelling.

DNF 56%. 1.5 ⭐️
This book has fallen into showing not telling and even though it’s a new series, it’s in the same world as previous works from Gina. If you’re set on reading Cursed, I would recommend reading those first as the author doesn’t develop the world enough for my taste and I’m hoping it’s just because this was done in that series.
Both MCs aren’t fleshed out enough, it’s difficult to understand the characters motivations. It’s very insta love, and whenever there’s an issue Alessia just fixes it with her magic, which she’s completely new to but somehow is able to use without issue.
Unfortunately, I wouldn’t recommend this book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review.