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
This is my first read by this author and I was not disappointed! I love a good urban fantasy/PNR and this was that in spades ! This author did a phenomenal job on describing this world of Greek gods and mortals and I was intrigued and immediately sucked in from the start ! Definite must read and definite 5 stars from me!
First book to be read by the author Elena Monroe. I’m always up for trying old genres with crazy plots, but this one just didn’t make any sense to me. This book is basically about God who are punished to relive their life over and over again, at least that’s the idea I had when i read the synopsis. However you have the herione Arianna who is the daughter of Zesus, but has no memory of that, who has feelings for Bolton ( who is her fiancee in her previous lives). 34% into the book the whole back and forth ( he wants her, he doesn’t want her) it gets annoying, and given how much drama was going on, you would’ve thought you were at least 50-60% into the book, but no you were only 34% in. Things got better 50% around that time because now Arianna is learning about her past, however Bolton knows all her history and not only is he still lying about it, he fails to mention that his friends, along with hers plan to kill to her!! All of this is going on and still arianna keeps running back to him, even though he’ll kiss her or make love to her, and next day just ignore her!! Then the ending!! It was Arianna come on!! You don’t know when you’re being betrayed!! I gave it 3 stars mainly for the plot, I like the whole gods scenario, and learning of the past. If it wasn’t for that, this book would probably get 1 star
Arianna & Bolton
Notes
Gods, secrets, memory loss, curses, drama, friends, surviving, bantering, hate – love, hot smutty scenes, killing, open end…
I really was intrigued by this book, the storyline was awesome and tricked me once and put me on another line of thinking
I really liked it, 5 star read
This is the second series I have read by Elena Monroe, and I am disappointed in myself that it has taken this long to read. This series is different than anything that I have read before. I love the spin on Greek mythology and the how each of the Zodiac signs fit into the story as well.
Awful Curse is full of suspense, mystery, drama, hate, love, and overall betrayal. Bolton is my kind of antihero. Broody, dark, alphahole, makes me want to punch him, while Arianna is everything I love in a FMC. She doesn’t back down, a fighter, and stops at nothing to try to unravel the truth.
There are twists and turns throughout the book, but that ending is what really threw me for a loop. I went into this book thinking it was something different than it was, but came out wanting more and more of this world.
Uniquely it’s owns. I don’t know that I have very read a book quite like this. It’s highshool or academy, it’s got hints of bully and a whole world of Greek mythology. It’s has several main characters and requires your focus as you don’t want to miss out on small clues dropped here and there. It’s got some things you won’t see coming and second chance or 14th chance love. It’s a coming of age or coming into power story. It’s so many small things put into a twisted but very intriguing story!
I loved this book! It was so unique! I’ve never read anything like it before. It was like a mix of Greek Gods and Astrology. It was a fast paced page turner and I enjoyed it from start to finish!
I’m not sure where to begin with this review. Monroe is a new to me author and at first I found her writing style poetic and charming. At the beginning of this book I highlighted a lot of lines because I thought they were descriptive and beautiful.
“I had played the villain for so long I didn’t even know what heroes were anymore.”
Somewhere along the way the prose got lost and repetition took over which was a drag. Plots were explained repeatedly and I ended up seeing the words: king, crown and hormones so much that I wanted to scream. If the editing was a little tighter and the page count a little lower I probably would have rated this much higher.
As for the plot itself I really liked that and found it intriguing and unique. We are introduced to an academic world in which the cool kids are literally gods among mortals. However, they are trapped in an endless loop of purgatory by constantly reliving senior year of high school (can I get an AMEN because this is 100% relatable and I challenge anyone to say this isn’t how they felt while in school). Each member of the cool kids club is the decedent of a god and relates to a sign of the zodiac. The only way to break their curse is to find their missing member, the Sagitarrius.
While this story, for the most part, centers around Arianna and Bolton’s relationship, I would not call this a love story. Their relationship is rocky and I would rate it very low in the steam department. Awful Curse leans much more towards Greek myth, astrology, suspense, cult fiction and reminded me of the Netflix adaptation of Sabrina. The story does not end with a HEA and you will need to keep reading the series to see what happens. I’m not even sure that book 2 will feature the same main couple.
This is my first book by Elena, I enjoy fantasy books a lot. It took me a while to connect with this book because I was very confused at first. I couldn’t get the hang of the story. I just knew it was mythology related.
There’s a group of gods vanished to earth whom are trying to go back to Olympus. This book is focused on Arianna, which is the member they are waiting for to go back home. We learn their story, we get to know the characters but it ends on a confusing note, at least it did for me.
Overall it’s a very enjoyable and interesting story and I’m excited about reading more about them.
Oh. My. God.
What did I just read!? I did not know what I was expecting when reading this especially the fantasy element in it! This was very angtsy and very complex that I had to highlight and take notes to keep track of the history! Including some favorite quotes I love I probably shouldn’t say this but I’d like to peek the reader’s attention, it has mythology elements.
The characters were all so intruging…the relationships among eachother were so tensed, did I mention angst too?! They all have their own unique personality & abilities, I fell in love with right away. You can’t help love the villians too!
Bolton and Arianna’s relationship was like tug a war of love and hate, cat and mouse; it’s overwhelming the complicated chemistry they got going on! I felt really bad for Bolton, despite how much of an asshole he was, he wasn’t perfect yet he always cared for Arianna so much to do anything for her..he was her king and she was his queen!
Arianna was this closed off, strong minded and a badass little Archer she spews out her whatever’s in her mind. I do want to admit I was getting peevish on how slow Arianna was with her memory
Last but not least the ending, it was even more unexpected than I had in mind!! I wanted more than it was given the ending but then that’s where book comes in which I can’t wait! Overall I loved this book so much and the mythology aspect of it all was just amazing to read
Also big thanks to Booksmoodsco for giving me this digital copy book I wholeheartedly appreciate it!
I’ve popped my fantasy cherry and what an enjoyable read it was and I loved the star sign element, something I’m interested in myself!
Arianna was an interesting heroine, full of confidence, very strong-minded and wasn’t intimidated by her peers. She arrives at Arcadia Prep and the world in which she knows completely changes. She knows something is going on and her own curiosity leads her to seek this out. Coming across Bolton, she’s so not prepared for him and I really felt for her early on with the way Bolton treated her. However, when things changed between them I really liked how protective he got over her.
Bolton is the typical brooding hero and King of the School. He likes to assert control, get his way but is also looked upon by his peers, even though he appointed himself their leader. I loved the burning sexual tension between him and Arianna and their typical love/hate relationship and was funny at times.
We also had a really good mix of side characters from the ‘circle’, with different personalities and connections. They are so different from each other and there is no way they would have been friends otherwise. Their own stories are going to be good with the background Monroe has started sow.
I really enjoyed the progression of this story, with the mystery around Arianna trying to figure out how she fits in with these people and the few twists and turns along the way. For my first fantasy read it was enjoyable and I can’t wait to see what happens next after everything changing at the end!
Copy received for an honest review.
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Overall Ratings;u2063
First Sex Scene – 58%
POV – Dual
Hero –
Heroine –
Story –
Steam –
Chemistry –
Being a douche is an Awful Curse, and Bolton Cadoc is the King of the affliction, crowned royalty of the Douchedom. There are anti-heroes, and then there are just dudes you can’t like. I can’t like him. Thankfully the other characters make up for it, and his best friend, Nyx, is the kind of jerkface I would date. There is no accounting for my youthful choices in guys, though.
What happens when you keep burning bridges? Your dad keeps shipping you into more desperate places. The latest location Arianna’s father has sent her is Arcadia Prep. A place where she is surrounded by all the people she would never rub elbows with. Her roommate Luna is more motherly that she’s encountered in all her previous homes. And the guy she’s obsessed with loves to hate her–bad choices in guys is something she does have some experience with but this is a new low.
Elena Monroe has a unique writing style. She’s quite poetic and prosy in her narrative. I did have some issues because she overused the terms crown, king, queen, royal, and throne. I felt browbeaten by the usage halfway in, and she doesn’t let up. I did enjoy the imagery of many of the author’s analogies, though, and she had some fantastic silver tongue phrasings.
Overall, the pacing is aces. This a page-turner–if you aren’t stuck on the repetitive terms. And the tension at the end of the book is a killer. You will want to hang in there for the last forty percent and read it all in one-fell-swoop. It’s impossible to put down, don’t expect to be able to do that ‘one more chapter’ thing before bed. Bolton is going to have you hating him all night long.
The second book is out, I’ve already one-clicked it.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary advance copy of this book.
Awful Intentions (The Celestial Bodies Series Book 2)
Awful Curse is the first novel in Celestial Bodies. I thought the story okay, it certainly was unique enemies to lovers romance. I liked the greek mythology aspect, and the twists and turns kept things interesting. However I found some spots of the story were too slow, and repetative for me. I can’t pinpoint what it was that made me have a hard time connecting with the characters. I’m glad that I can jump right into the second book called Awful Intentions.
The world of gods, goddess, and demies can take all forms, shapes and sizes. This is my second book this week dealing with Greek mythology and holy crap this was another brilliant story.
This is a story about Arianna, a girl who had a rough life and always in and out of trouble. But yet she is used to being moved from place to place. Her last incident where she got herself in trouble sent her to a boarding school. And things are not what it seems.
Eleana Monroe is a new author to me. I love her writing style. The plot keeps you guessing who is friend or foe. Just when you think you are figuring things out Monroe throws curveball after curveball. The characters are well developed and you don’t know if you’re falling for the good guy or the bad. You actually can feel the characters struggle with learning who they can trust. If you are looking for a story with mystery, adventure and your not so normal lovey dovey couples I highly suggest picking up this book today.
I am in awe of Elena Monroe and how she didn’t just dip her toe in the water but jumped right in with this paranormal romance. This book gave me a Fallen vibe that I was living for! Awful Curse stole my heart with each badass character and untold secret. To be honest, I don’t think I even read the synopsis before deciding I wanted to read this book. I don’t generally pick up PR’s and I am so glad I picked up this one and embarked on a journey of mythological gods and astrological signs.
Arianna is a misfit, the new girl, the rebel. She has moved more times than she can count and has the new girl routine down pat. Trouble has a way of finding her and she is always too happy to oblige. Until Arcadia Prep that is. Suddenly, Arianna is thrust into the lives of The Circle, the elite students of Arcadia Prep with more secrets than the Pentagon. As she penetrates their circle, she begins to learn things about herself that she never knew. But she has her eye and her heart set on one member of the group ––Bolton. I cannot express enough love for this character (girl power!) I am obsessed with her “don’t give a shit” attitude and her strength.
Bolton is the eternal stud, cursed to live as an 18 year old. The Circle desperately searches for their missing Sagittarius so they can return to Olympus, but they are never quite prepared for how the ritual will go. Determined to help Arianna remember her past, he begins to fall in love all over again. Bolton is all Alpha male, venom and power. It’s impossible not to swoon even when he is being a grade A asshole. This king reigns over all of Arcadia Prep and the members of The Circle. But only one will ever make him bow…his queen.
The way Elena Monroe writes had me devouring her pages. This story was written so effortlessly while killing me slowly. This slow burn delivered more than romance but a mystery behind the unanswered questions as to why gods and goddesses are condemned to repeat their lives as 18 year olds for all of eternity. I’m not done with Ari and Bolton and I need more answers! This book gave me a world I didn’t know I needed.
4 stars!!
This was my first book from this author and I absolutely loved it! I pretty much finished it within 24 hours. It had me hooked from the very beginning. I highly recommend this book! Even if you aren’t into fantasy/paranormal books.. the world felt very much like the real world.. I honestly was kind of confused if it was a fantasy or not at first. lol.
I don’t usually read fantasy/paranormal books but I really did enjoy this and it makes me want to pick up more like it.
I love Arianna and her sassiness.. and Bolton and his mysterious brooding self.
I cannot wait for book 2 to come out. I need more of this world and characters ASAP!
Such an amazing story. Full of twist and turns. Lies and betrayal. Loss and love. I can’t wait to read the next one.
His lips were mine. His body was mine. His crown was… mine.
I am so charmed by this genre alone. Seems like I could love any story out there.
This is a fantasy new adult romance based off on astrology and greek mythology. Characters of Celestial Bodies series attend an elite boarding school which is complete with secrets, lies, betrayal, and so much more.
Arriana is a badass and trully strong – mind, body and soul. Bolton – the king – is gorgeous, athletic and smart mouth. She wants him and she’s not going down without a fight. The rest of the characters were amazing too.
Yeah, I’m ready for more.
I have mixed feelings about the book. It’s been a couple of days since I finished it and still, I can’t decide how to express my thoughts.
At first, I was confused; I didn’t really understand what was going on. I still don’t understand some things. Chapter by chapter, I began to grasp the background story and started enjoying the book.
The concept of the story is pretty unique; I don’t think that I’ve read anything similar. I’m a Greek, so the whole Greek mythology aspect is close to what I grew up with. That was one of my favorite parts of the plot.
“You can’t just storm the castle, demand a crown, and sit on the King like a throne.”
The other thing that I enjoyed was Arianna’s personality. She’s a strong character, with a no bullshit attitude. She’s been getting in trouble since her mother died. Is her own way to suppress the feelings inside. Bolton is an asshole to her from day 1, but she doesn’t cower; she’s fighting back. These two have a love/hate relationship and it’s really intriguing. It was good to see her grow into her real self.
The story is far from over and I’m left with more questions than answers. I’ll be waiting for the next book. Hopefully, I’ll get my answers and I’ll be able to understand more of what happened.
Oh Elena!!! Gosh do I love her writing! She just sucks you into her books and the world she creates!
I am not a big fantasy reader but she got me. Of course it was about Greek gods and Greek mythology and I have always been obsessed with all of that!
So going in I didn’t really know what this was going to be about, I didn’t read the blurb but I love Elena’s books so I was all over it.
But once I got started and really getting into the book I was done for. I loved how it was fantasy but with a new age twist. Nothing like I have ever read before.
I loved Bolton. I mean brooding bad boy, love reading those kind of hero’s. But the more he opens up during the story was very interesting.
Throw in Arianna into the mix and it made it even more interesting. I felt for her, not having a real home to go too or a parent. She broke me. Loved her sarcasm and sharky remarks and comebacks.
This is a series I am so excited about and looking forward too!
5⃣
recommendation!!
So there’s a whole lot going on and so much that’s unanswered. The main focus is mostly Bolton and Arianna, but there’s also perspectives from other characters. Elena has created a complex world with intriguing characters. I was wrapped up in it from the start and I need more.
Bolton is unapologetically cold, he exudes sex appeal with just a smirk of his lips, and demands loyalty. He has one weakness though, whether he admits it to himself or not.
Arianna is fearless. A troublesome past has brought her to Arcadia Prep. Now she’s in for alot more than she could have ever imagined.
I’m excited for the next installment in this series!