He was King of Arcadia Prep until she came for his throne… with and bonded with.
For a certain price you could unburden yourself from your hormonal teen at Arcadia Prep too.
I’m reckless.
I’m impatient.
Purple hair, a don’t care attitude and my Doc Martins all screamed leave me alone, fending off any new relationships.
I vowed to keep my heart safe this time, locking it away right under my anger but he knew exactly where I hid the spare key – in his mysterious eyes the minute ours locked.
BOLTON
I was stuck – the essence of a God in some kind of limbo of high school.
I was meant for more than this.
Being king here meant nothing.
Arcadia Prep wasn’t for the weak. The expectations, the pressure, the standards, the success and privilege smug on everyone’s face wasn’t everyone’s cup of tea.
I thrived in chaos.
I’m fearless.
I’m ruthless.
The new girl was not my cup of tea.
She stomped her doc martins all over my tradition, rules and my reign.
We all have secrets. Mine were paper weighted down by my heavy crown.
Her violet eyes and her abrupt attitude spewed sass all over my black on black. She didn’t faze me until I realized she was after my crown…
more
I was drawn in by that spectacular cover but the mythology of this world is also very intriguing. I did find myself wanting MORE at many points in the story, and be warned that it ends on a cliffy.
I like the characters, I like the history and I like where it’s headed. I did feel a bit bogged down at points with the repetition certain ideas were being hammered home.
Bolton and Ari are a force, I am intrigued by Nyx and can’t help but like Luna. I could have used more Austin and Less Kate and the twins are underused for what ends up being their story arc.
Intrigued for where this is going!
I liked the idea of Awful Curse. I love mythology, Greek myths are one of my favorite things to read about, and the setting and everything was intriguing.
“He was an enigma wrapped up in beauty and pain.”
But I was never fully able to connect to the characters. I liked Bolton and Arianna, but I always felt distant from them. I wasn’t able to connect with them. I found myself losing interest while reading and not wanting to pick it back up because I just couldn’t ever fully connect with these characters.
There were a few plot holes that had me confused as well while reading, and they very well may have been left open for future books, I don’t know, but it was kind of off putting not being able to understand some things fully.
“Hating him, while my body craved him, was going to be the best challenge i ever took on.”
Overall, Awful Curse was okay. I just feel like I personally didn’t jive and connect with the story and characters. I liked her writing, that wasn’t a problem, but I personally just didn’t connect with this story like I expected to.
And that’s okay. Not every book is going to be for everyone. I also seem to be one of the few who didn’t connect.
“Why else did I wear sarcasm so well? Because if no one cares, at least it’s funny.”
New and Exciting! Awful Curse was just what the doctor ordered! I love all things greek mythology and I love me some history! Let me start with I went into this book completely oblivious to what it was going to be, I didn’t fully stop and let the words “Celestial” sink in I was just super excited for a Monroe book! And let me tell you, Monroe blows you away with a story like never before! I’m obsessed with Awful Curse! I was so not expecting this book to be what it was, such a wonderful surprise! It’s so different from anything Monroe has previously written, She really killed it! It’s Phenomenal! I Loved, like Ducking Loved EVERYTHING about this book! It’s full of Thrilling Suspense and electric sexual tension! The characters are intense and intriguing! I’m invested, like heart and soul! I was so consumed with the characters and all their secrets. From start to finish I was rooting for them and dying for their past and all their current pieces! Each one is unique and alluring! Bolton makes me sigh and curse, Ari makes me smirk and proud. This book is unlike anything I’ve yet to read, I’m giddy with excitement for all that’s to come! Ridiculously euphoric over Awful Curse! I just couldn’t put it down and I was desperate for it to not end! I cannot do this book justice! It’s flawlessly written with no detail overload or prolonged filling, everything is fascinating and flows seductively. Ensnaring you before you’re even aware! Secrets, Betrayal, Truths, and Impending destruction. The past will be revealed, and the consequences of the events and actions that took place are coming! Squee! I cannot wait!! Awful Curse is book one Monroe’s new series Celestial Bodies and you better buckle up buttercup because you are so not read!! I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I’m not even sure where to start, the ending of Awful Curse left me with SO many questions!
I suppose it be best to start out by saying that while I loved this story and most of the characters I did have trouble with figuring out how we got from point A to point B in certain parts of Arianna and Bolton’s relationship. It seemed a bit odd to go from hating to having sex without any real development in their feelings for one another. Although this may just be how their relationship is supposed to be based on what Bolton tells Arianna of their previous interactions in another lifetime.
Other than that I loved this book! I’m just as confused as Arianna about what’s happened in the past and what is currently taking place and honestly I find that rather fun! We do know a few bits and pieces more than she does but all and all it’s a level playing field for her and the reader. Awful Curse is an incredibly intriguing and unique take on the Gods and I’m simply fascinated by it. I am a bit antsy waiting for book two now tho, talk about a huge cliffhanger!
WHAT DID I JUST READ & WHEN CAN I GET MORE!!
This book was totally outside of my typical read but boy am I glad I read it.
I love Elena Monroe & her writing and I was a little anxious about this book because I LOVE the Amherst Sinners so hard (how could you do better than Hunter and Ollie) but man, she truly outdid herself with Awful Curse. I mean, holy sh*t this book is intense, gritty and altogether otherworldly.
This is Elena at her finest! I’ve highlight just about the entire book, its legit that good!
This book is an absolute #MustRead for everyone. And trust when I say everyone, even though it might not be your typical read, I promise you’ll enjoy every minute of Awful Curse.
This is the 1st in a new series, and just let me say, I am not a fan for fantasy stories, but this talented author has penned this unique blend of contemporary and fantasy which just fits together perfectly. Arianna and Bolton’s story is well written and filled with angst, drama, suspense, secrets, lies, and mystery which all had me totally intrigued and hooked throughout this addictive page turner. I highly recommend for all.
Wow. Just wow. This was my first book by Elena. And let me just say I WAS NOT disappointed. This book was a totally keep you in the edge of your seat rollercoaster.
Bolton holy demigod awesomeness. I LOVE HIM. I love him barriers and the way he breaks down for just Ari. She keeps him on edge and it’s amazing to watch their love hate relationship.
Ari baby girl has a lot to deal with. She’s gone through so much in all her years. And it only makes her stronger. She is amazing. And I love the way her heart is for Bolton. He’s is
I loved the enemies to lovers aspect of this book. Mixed with the supernatural. Totally consuming. I seriously cannot wait for everyone else’s books and the mystery and adventures to come! Amazing job!
This book was incredible! From the beginning I was drawn in by the mystery and originality and by Arianna, who is a badass new girl yet again, this time at Arcadia Prep. I loved every second of this book, from it’s original storyline to the masterful way mythology, magic, and mystery are blended together to keep you guessing what will happen next as Arianna unravels the secrets that surround her. Everything is more than it seems. The draw between Ari and Bolton was magnetic and after the reveal about them my heart exploded. The character dynamics were fantastic and the ending will leave you begging for more of this magical adventure and these characters!
I’ve read books by this author before and I really like her style of writing. This book is a fantasy and I didnt really know what to expect.
The Celestial Bodies.
This is the first book in this series.
Arianna is a very sexy, strong minded woman and knows what she wants and how to get it.she moved around a lot and has been the new girl a lot of times and has had to start over a lot.
Bolton is fearless and is a real alpha male and is a very sexy guy and him and his friends have a lot of pull in the school. These two both have a sizzling amount of chemistry between them both and really they are made for each other.
Arcadia Prep is the shool that they attend and is a total mix of all types of people. Whenthese two seen each other they thought they could resist each other, can they ?
( NO SPOILERS ).
This book does have the steam factor as it does get very hot in parts, while there are also parts that are full of drama and tension and lies and love. There is secrets too but will they come out ? Although I will say that I’m not really keen on romance/ fantasy mixture I dont really think that its for me.
This author writes great chracters in all her books and she knows how to bring them to life to make you really feel them. When you think that that you have grasped the story line the twists will have you thinking again.
Thank You to the authors and the publishers for allowing me o read an early copy of this book.
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
This book is out now.
3 Stars
First- Lets take a moment to appreciate that cover because it’s flippin GORGEOUS.
Second- I really liked the plot and the mythology/astrology elements that the author focuses on in this series. It was very unique and honestly, my main motivation for reading this book. Monroe paints vivid world of the Greek gods, mortals and a strong mystery arc for their story.
That being said.. I’m so sad because this one just didn’t work for me. I really wanted to love it but I just couldn’t get into it! The characters didn’t feel REAL to me…their thoughts and emotions just didn’t hit home. The author’s overly descriptive writing threw me off to the point that I found myself skimming through pages.
This was my first time reading this author and I see that I’m in the minority with this one as there’s an abundance of five star reviews. I think her writing style just wasn’t a good fit for me and that’s ok.
*ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review*
This book left me lost for words , but I’m Not sure why – it’s taken me a while to try to think about what I’d like to say about it . There was a lot to it , lots to try to grasp and understand . But lots of questions I’m still left with .
It’s a Greek mythology, supernatural , young adult dark/bully romance . And I enjoyed reading it !
Ari is a troubled 17 year old who starts at Arcadia prep – which we get introduced to as a boarding school for the troubled but as the story progresses we find it’s very different to that .
Bolton is the king of the school and leader of the ‘circle’ . He and Ari have strong chemistry but a very mixed love hate relationship (or love to hate) .. which I believe is a tbc in the next book .
The book is written mostly from The perspective from Ari and Bolton and we get a glimpse of a couple of the other characters perspectives as well.
The are other characters of the 12 in the circle we get to know a bit about which is good, but we don’t know about all of them . Some have powers and others don’t and this is not fully explained or explored however it is explored a little … I think I’m finding it hard as this book is book one and at the end the story is far from over which means there’s lots of unanswered questions …
so what I did like is that I found the characters well developed and the world building was well written and interesting. It’s one of those books I wish the series was already complete so I could continue on to the next one right away but sadly I’ll have to wait ! I will continue with it though ! I think the story line is interesting and different and I want more 🙂
Awful Curse will pull you into the fantasy and mystery of the inner circle of friends some you will love, some you will no so like at times! There’s so many twist and turns and secrets! That ending leaves you hanging and needing book2! What will happen???
‘ . . ℕ , .
Holy Paranormal Teen Angst
Very few does Angst like Elena Monroe and now she threw some Gods in the mix. I absolutely love the creativity of this story. It is absolutely one of its kind.
I love the depth and the dynamics of the characters. The way they interacted with each other and how their personalities perfectly matched who they were supposed to be (trust me this statement makes sense once you read it ) was done flawlessly.
I want and need more…
She was painfully normal. She was naturally curious, though, which made observing her a dangerous game. My new favorite game.
Awful Curse is book 1 in the Celestial Bodies series and holy heck was it an insanely addictive and intruiging ride that kept me guessing until the very end and boy did I enjoy every minute of it.
This is a fantasy new adult romance based off of astrology and greek mythology and set in a gothic inspired elite boarding school complete with secrets, lies, betrayal, manipulation, spark, passion, heat and so much curiosity with a whole cast of characters. Arcadia Prep was described in such a vivid and detailed way that I truly feel like I was apart of this world
Arianna was sassy, spunky, strong minded, funny, gaurded, unapologetically feirce as well as vulnerable and insecure at times. I loved her character so much she was badass and I enjoyed getting lost in the story and following her curiosity into finding out what is happening in this school
Bolton was a closed off, tough love kind of an asshole we all love to hate. He was moody, broody and acted like a true king of ruling the school. He is all about loyalty and determination as well as his protective nature and I loved getting inside his head and watching him slowly let down some of his walls while still remaining true to his character
Yet again Elena has delivered us a new series to obsess over with a whole bunch of new characters to fall madly in love with. I love well written side characters and this book has some amazing ones including my new book boyfriend Nyx who happens to be a super strong, super hot Australian legit swooning right now
And that ending.. this story is far from over and im just left sitting here trying to pick up the pieces of my brain off the floor wondering how long I have to wait for book 2 because i kind of want it now. Going into this book I wasnt really familar with this genre but I’m so glad I gave this book a chance and can’t wait for more in the series
Awful Curse by Elena Munroe is an exciting and original book in the new Celestial Bodies series. The book’s main character Arianna is new to school…again. Being a military brat, she has been moved numerous amounts of times and she is hoping that this one may be her last, if only she can stay out of trouble. After living with a foster aunt and being moved for breaking and entering, her military dad ships her off to Arcadia Prep. A school which is a bit different from the others and comes across more like a prison. Once you enter, you can’t escape. Once there, she meets the King of Arcadia Prep, Bolton.
Not everything is what it seems with Bolton and his crew (no spoilers!) and soon Arianna finds herself emerged in a twisted game in which she doesn’t know the rules whilst trying to overcome her frenemies feelings for Bolton.
The relationship between Bolton and Arianna is really interesting in this book. Not only is it steamy but it is full of almost cruelty and hate, especially from Bolton’s side. Once you get more into the story, you find out why he is the way he is and how his time at Arcadia Prep has affected him and his posse. There constantly seems to be a fight between the two on who is stronger, the king or the queen, and it takes both characters a long time to realise that they are stronger together than they are apart.
Arianna is a great character, purple haired, bad ass and full of sass. The writer tries really hard to give you a rounded picture of her and what makes her the person she is. The backstory to Arianna is quite sad and you tend to see the vulnerability underneath, especially when she is by herself.
This story has so many twists and turns as well as additional stories by other characters which all weaves together. If you like angst, drama, steaminess, a dash of paranormal and amazing characters, then this is the book for you! A really good start to a series!
ARC received for a fair, honest and sometimes long review
More of my reviews can be found on my blog: https://thehotmesslibrary.blogspot.com
Elena Monroe is a new to me author and the concept of this book really caught my attention. I’m not a huge fan of fantasy, however, with Awful Curse it was the perfect balance of contemporary and fantasy that sucked you into the story.
Bolton is the king. He is the alpha of Arcadia Prep. Arianna is the new girl. She is fearless and strong. The chemistry between these two is out of this world. They are drawn to each other. They are meant to be together. I love how much of a role the secondary characters play throughout this story. It is so easy to fall in love with each of these characters for different reasons and want to know more and more of each of them as individuals but also the entire group as a whole.
Awful Curse is full of tension, mystery, drama, lies, love and some heat. I love the idea of Gods and Zodiacs with the perfect mix of that high school bully romance feels. This is the first book of the Celestial Bodies series and it kicks the series off with a bang and I can’t wait to see where this goes and the growth of these characters as the series continues.
A MUST READ for fans of both fantasy and contemporary romance.