Cursed Ever After

by Andy C. Naranjo

“Charming, zany, and a whole lot of fun—Cursed Ever After is a breath of fresh air.” —Margaret Owen, New York Times–bestselling author of the Little Thieves and the Merciful Crow series

Cursed Ever After is a dazzling romantic fantasy debut brimming with snark, humor, and banter-filled romance perfect for fans of The Princess Bride and Once Upon a Broken Heart.

Love is not for cursed girls. Risa is better off without it.

Risa Porto is a Bad Thing who was born on a Bad Day and is cursed with Bad Luck. After years of taking the blame for every calamity, mishap, and minor inconvenience that befalls the townspeople of Barrow, Risa longs to escape her village. And on her seventeenth birthday, her wish is granted.

Sort of.

Risa owes a (very annoying) witch a favor, and it comes in the form of a She must escort Prince Javi—the youngest, handsomest, and least significant of the kingdom’s princes—through the dark (and deadly) Bosque to his wedding. This measly errand quickly spirals into a struggle with greedy assassins, a murderous cult, a vicious tyrant, and Risa’s own curse.

Most unfortunate of all . . .

Risa is not immune to Javi’s charms. The more time she spends with the prince, the stronger—and more irritating—her urge to kiss him becomes.

Don't miss this action-packed, Latinx subverted fairytale!

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Romance, Young Adult Fantasy, Romantasy, Audiobook, Fantasy Romance

360 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 30, 2026

About the author

Andy C. Naranjo is a YA Fantasy writer creating stories with Latinx protagonists. Born and raised in Washington Heights, New York City, she now lives in Austin, Texas with some guy she met at work and their two dogs. She speaks several languages, all of them badly. When she’s not writing, she can be found re-watching her favorite tv shows.

Photo by Riley Glenn Photography.

Reviews

[Gillian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and Farrar, Straus and Giroux for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!!

This was such an immersive, engaging and interesting young adult fantasy about bad luck, friendships, power, love and family. Cursed Ever After follows Risa who lives in a superstitious town who believes since Risa was born on a Bad Day (a sunny day, it usually rains in her town) she is a Bad Thing and has Bad luck. Risa must escort Prince Javi to his wedding since she owes a witch a favor. Along their journey they face enemies and make friends as well as discover more about each other.

Thoughts
I was immersed in this intriguing fantasy from the first page. The plot kept me engaged the entire book and the pacing was nearly perfect. I enjoyed that this book had a unique take on fantasy, Risa had Bad Luck and didn't have to go through a trial or training. I'm impressed that this was the author's first book; there were many great elements to this book including relatable and well rounded characters, unique magic, descriptive writing and an immersive world. I loved how inclusive the book was, the main characters were Latinx and all sexual identities were welcome. The world building was interesting and I enjoyed learning about the differences between the countries, but the history of the world was missing. I enjoyed that the magic was about curses (love curses, bad luck curses, etc.) and healing. The writing was descriptive and easy to follow. I could picture each moment in my mind because of the descriptive writing. I was able to connect to the characters and felt for what they went through. The ending was surprising and exciting! I'm glad most of the challenges were resolved, but there was one aspect of the book that wasn't quite resolved.

Characters
Risa was a well rounded character, at the beginning she stubborn and didn't listen but throughout the book she grew. She showed determination, bravery, resiliency, and kindness for her friends. Risa's character development was excellent, she discovered that she was worth being loved and cared for. I really liked Javi, he was witty, charming, flirty, kind and brave. Javi's character development was wonderful, in the beginning he was arrogant but then he showed he has a heart of gold. There were many moments when I laughed at the witty comments Javi made. The side characters were great too especially Amina, and Brunnie. I enjoyed how the side characters interacted with Risa and Javi.

Romance
The chemistry and tension between the main characters was amazing! I loved that the romance was slow burn and their relationship took a while to develop. It was also relatable and realistic it took time for them to discover their feelings. I enjoyed that they were different but were great together and brought out the best in each other. The banter between Javi and Risa was also fantastic and I was laughing so much! The romantic scenes were wonderful and made me smile.

I recommend this book to teens, adults and fantasy readers who love awesome characters, excellent writing and an exciting plot!

[Andy C. Naranjo · Rating 5 out of 5]

i've read better

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cursed Ever After by Andy C. Naranjo
Book Blurb: Love is not for cursed girls. Risa is better off without it.

Rating: *****
Feels: Adventures, Amused, Invested, Satisfied
Style: Fantasy, Young Adult, Romance, Young Adult Fantasy, Romantasy, Fantasy Romance
First published June 30, 2026 : 368 pages

Themes & Setting: I love a good quest and adventure and this took totally delivered that. Easy to fall into the world and enjoy the story with great set up right from the start. I loved that the read focused on the characters of this story and their development !!
FMC: Risa has that black cat energy (without liking to have cats around 😂😂) that is just really fun to watch as she this everything is going to go wrong and it’s always going to get blamed on her.
MMC: Javi knows the part he is supposed to play … handsome prince .. but is that all he is ? I really appreciated how he leaned it to his part of gorgeous playboy and also just really took it next level with the sunshine sarcasm.
Conclusion: Loved the sweet , humorous vibes of this read with some top tier banter !!! Take two people who think they are already summed up to everyone around them and slowly really get to know them on this adventure as they get to know each other. I love a good adventure and this one was really fun and amusing with the characters *coughs cults* found along the way. Will these two make it through to the princes wedding ?? At that place that no one can seem to remember the name for … I mean really !! I was highly entertained and loved this read !!!

I almost forgot. We are starting a petition for better working conditions and benefits for witches … trust me… it’s needed. Please sign below :)


This book has:
A Quest !!
Arranged Marriage
Curses and Magic
Witchy Vibes
Reluctant Allies to Lovers
Hidden Identities
Cults
Lots of humor and good times !!

[Annemarie]

Do you love himbos, finding your worth, epic quests, and delectable banter? Of course you do, now read this

[Eryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5!!! This book was so much fun!!! The whole thing got moving really fast and I loved the blend of fantasy, romance, adventure, and humor that was all told in a way that read like a fairy tale.

I absolutely loved Brunie throughout the whole book! Also, I appreciated how quickly the plot got moving and seemed to keep going for the entire duration of Risa and Javi’s journey.

My only complaint was that the story felt a little flat at times, more so during the beginning, I think…

Overall, it was such a fun read!!! I definitely recommend.

Also, HUGE thanks to Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group for the arc!!! 🫶🫶

[Hannah Rowan · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good! So fun! Cursed Ever After is a YA fantasy perfect for fans of Margaret Owen, The Princess Bride and the movie adaptation of Ella Enchanted! The story is bursting with laughs and heartfelt moments. I really loved this book. I felt a reading slump approaching and this pulled me right out. From the very first few pages I knew this was going to be a good time. Our main character is very relatable and while she may find herself unloveable, she is very easy to love. The side characters are just as wonderful too. I loved seeing those friendships and relationships progress over their journey. The banter between all the characters was some of the best I ever read. The prince is an absolute himbo with a heart of gold. Risa and Javi reminded me a great deal of Ella and Char from Ella Enchanted! I love how the author played with fairytale tropes. The book is very self aware making it all the more humorous. There’s a loveable cat in the story which is always a bonus. I loved how ridiculous and over the top the story got from the town trapped in a musical to the stereotypical western outlaw town. I found myself wishing for a map! There might be one in the official publication, seeing as I read the ARC of it. There are plenty of twists and turns near the end that keep you engaged! I thoroughly enjoyed my time reading this and look forward to what is next from the author!

*Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for my honest review!*

[Joseandbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the audiobook ARC!

Cursed Ever After was such a fun surprise. If you enjoy fairytale-inspired fantasy with witty banter, lovable characters, and a slow-burn romance, this one is definitely worth picking up.

The story follows Risa, a girl who’s been cursed with terrible luck her entire life and blamed for every mishap in her village. When she’s forced to escort Prince Javi through a dangerous forest to his wedding, what starts as a simple quest quickly turns into an adventure filled with assassins, magic, witches, danger, and plenty of unexpected feelings.

I had a great time with this one. The humor landed for me, the banter between Risa and Javi was genuinely entertaining, and I loved how the story balanced lighthearted moments with higher stakes. The world was creative without feeling overwhelming, and I found myself rooting for the characters from the start.

The audiobook narrators also did a fantastic job bringing the story and its humor to life. They made the dialogue especially enjoyable and kept me engaged throughout.

If you’re a fan of cursed heroines, fairytale retellings, quest adventures, found family, and slow-burn romance, I’d definitely recommend giving this one a listen.

[Lily🥀 · Rating 4 out of 5]

What could happen when a cursed girl is tasked to assist a prince? Enjoyed every second of this book.

[Alexandria Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

What if the thing you've believed about yourself your entire life...was the very thing keeping you from your happily ever after? That question sat with me long after I closed Cursed Ever After.

Risa has spent her entire life believing she's the problem. Every accident. Every mishap. Every whispered rumor. Every bad thing that happened in her village somehow became her fault. After hearing something often enough, you stop questioning it...you start believing it.

That hit harder than I expected.nBecause how many of us have carried around labels someone else gave us?
The "too much" friend.
The difficult daughter.
The person who always gets overlooked.
The one who's convinced happiness belongs to everyone else.
Risa's journey isn't just about breaking a curse. It's about breaking the lies she's spent years telling herself.
And that's what made this book so special.

Now let's talk about Prince Javi...
Because this man walked onto the page with all the confidence of someone who absolutely knows he's attractive, yet underneath the flirting, jokes, and ridiculous charm is someone who desperately wants to be seen as more than "the least important prince." Watching these two slowly peel back each other's defenses was one of my favorite parts of the book.

I laughed out loud more times than I expected because every conversation felt effortless. They challenge each other, annoy each other, surprise each other, and along the way those sarcastic little exchanges quietly become trust.

That's my favorite kind of romance. The kind where friendship builds the foundation before love ever gets the chance. The adventure itself never slows down. But underneath all the humor, adventure, and romance is a reminder I think a lot of readers need:
You are not the worst thing that's ever happened to you.
You are not the labels other people placed on you.
And maybe...just maybe...the person who needs saving isn't the kingdom.
It's yourself.

If you love fairy tales with heart, unforgettable banter, found family, reluctant allies, witches, curses, and romances built on genuine connection instead of instant attraction...
Babes... You're going to want this one on your shelf.

[Ember · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a charming and fun fairytale romp! YA fantasy is something I don’t read as much of as I once did, but I do still enjoy. Cursed Ever After is full of enough fairytale tropes to satisfy the most whimsical heart, but with just enough fun twists to keep things interesting. I enjoyed the magic system quite a bit, and, for it not being the focus, the world building was very decent and formed enough to feel reasonably substantial for the adventure our Prince and his witch find themselves on.

Risa was a winning, realistic character that my inner teen deeply related with. Prince Javi really grew on me a lot, and I ended up loving him. Amina was definitely my favorite character, closely followed by Brunhilda.
Amina’s story is one I can’t really discuss in detail without spoilers, but suffice it to say her character arc is EPIC.
This does in many ways feel like a Princess Bride-esque story, if it was YA.

The lore isn’t super dense, but the character relationships and chemistry, the general adventure chaos, and the character arcs more than make up for it in my opinion.
My only negative, and the reason this isn’t a 4 or 4.25 star read, is due to a slight over-commitment to Risa & Javi’s banter/loathing bit. After the halfway point it felt like it could’ve stood to ease up a bit, but it didn’t, so that’s my only real criticism. There is a miscommunication/JUST TALK TO EACH OTHER PLEASE! trope, but I felt like Naranjo did a good job making the reasoning believable. I was yelling at them a little bit mid-way through, however I think it was pretty well done, which is saying something coming from me, because I usually hate that trope.

I listened to an ALC, and once again my favorite Latine narrator, Victoria Villarreal, delivered a compelling performance that kept me locked in and was a delight to listen to.

This light, Latine fairytale remix is chock full of heart, banter, magic, a slow burn romance, and a quest! As a Latine reader myself, I wish I’d had fairytales like this to read when I was growing up. This book made a touching impression on my inner child🥹
Overall, an absolutely lovely debut, and I’m excited to read Naranjo’s future works📚✨

Thank you so much to Farrar, Straus, and Giroux, RB Media, NetGalley, and Andy C. Naranjo for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook early in exchange for my honest review!

Cursed Ever After is out in stores everywhere now, released on June 30th! 📚✨

[Constance · Rating 4 out of 5]

In which a cursed girl has to get a playboy prince to his marriage across the kingdom, only to discover she may not be so cursed after all.

Cursed Ever After is one of those mixed up, silly little fairytale retellings- that is, until it gets deep and gets into how you need to forgive yourself in order to break the chains holding you back. We follow Risa, a walking bad luck charm. Born on the unluckiest day of the year, she’s spent her life knowing that she is cursed to bring bad everywhere she goes. When the witch who helped with her birth finally comes to whisk her away, Brunhilda has one task for her: she must escort Prince Javier to the kingdom of Madros for his wedding.

While babysitting a playboy prince isn’t high on her priority list, Risa takes the opportunity to find a way to break her own course during the journey. But the closer they get to Madros, and the more they endure together, Risa can’t help but discover that she may need others after all- and that there’s something much darker lurking over Madros.

This was such a fun story and it was a breath of fresh air! I really enjoyed how lighthearted the first half of the book was, leading into the deeper part of the story towards the end. Thank you to Farrar, Strauss, and Giroux and Netgalley for the e-arc! Cursed Ever After releases on June 30!

[Leanna Streeter · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had so much fun with this one. The fairytale vibes, snarky banter, and chaotic adventure made it an easy book to fly through, and I couldn’t help rooting for the unlucky heroine every step of the way.

Between curses, witches, reluctant travel companions, and plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, this was a charming romantasy that never failed to entertain. If you love quirky adventures and banter-filled romance, definitely add this one to your TBR.

[Sierraaa · Rating 4 out of 5]

First, i would like to thank NetGalley, Andy C. Naranjo, and Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group for the chance to read and review this book early!

~~~
This book was so funny and i really enjoyed it! i feel like there aren’t a lot of books, especially in the fantasy space, that are very comdey forward the entire book, so Cursed Ever After definitely felt unique in that aspect

it kind of reminded me of a YA version of Assistant to the Villain mixed with a perfect fairytale-esque setting that drew me in from the start. and with all the witches, curses, and various shenanigans afoot, i was entertained throughout the whole novel.

i also loved the main characters! poor Risa has been cursed as a Bad Thing her entire life, shunned by everyone in the town she grew up in, and it seems like her luck just gets worse and worse as she “protects” Prince Javier across the kingdom to his own wedding. Risa is definitely a downer, but i enjoyed watching her come out of her shell and grow as the story went on

and Prince Javi!😆 a shameless flirt who uses being loved by everyone as a cover up for feeling perpetually alone🥺 not only was he the funniest character, but i personally think he was the softest too, and i enjoyed the way he helped to tear down some of Risa’s emotional walls without being too pushy about it

the side characters were great too, what with a snarky old witch named Brunhilda of all things, a temperamental cat familiar, and a cursed princess bent on revenge! i feel like this book is great for the YA space, while still being relatable to adults too with some of the underlying themes and messages

overall this was a good read, and i’m thankful to have had the chance to read and review it early!

[Amy M · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first foray into YA and this was excellent. I think I personally would've preferred if the characters were older, but again, just personal preference. I struggled a bit with a group of assassins trying to kill literal children.

Risa was born on a Bad Day in a very superstitious town, therefore making her a Bad Thing. She's spent her whole life being shunned from her community because of her bad luck until one day when a witch shows up to collect her. After being curse-bound to a golden retriever-himbo of a prince, Risa embarks on a quest across the land to act as a good luck charm for said prince. Hijinx and hilarity ensues with some lovely banter.

Everything about this book was cute and funny and an overall enjoyable read.

Thank you to NetGalley, Macmillan Children's Publishing, and Andy C. Naranjo for the free eARC.

[K · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cursed Ever After was a charmingly, adorable adventure. Risa and Prince Javi are paired together in a journey across the realm to delivery Javi to his betrothed from another country. Risa is cursed with bad luck and Javi is a notorious rake who doesn’t take life serious. Together, they clash their way through an Ella Enchanted-style adventure filled with bickering and a cast of delightfully eccentric characters.

This cozy story starts off a bit slow, but picks up around the halfway mark. The sarcasm and quick-witted banter makes for a fun time with lots of laughs. This is a great choice for a standalone adventure and an even better option for teen readers.

Thank you Andy C. Naranjo, NetGalley and Macmillian Children’s Publishing Group for this ARC.

[Me, My Shelf, & I]

A cute story, good for the lower end of YA readers.

My main complaints are that 1. it seemed to keep repeating and relearning the lesson (that bad things happen to everyone, it doesn't mean you're cursed) and 2. there were a series of scenes in the middle that felt like a story-of-the-week TV show or a compilation checking the boxes of all the different tropes and dynamics the author enjoys. It got to be a little meandering and didn't quite feel cohesive with the book as a whole, but otherwise inoffensive.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing for granting me an ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Jamie Brandenburg · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this one. I think there was plenty of character growth that the YA audience will enjoy and identify with throughout the story. My only issue was the flying ship aspect to the story. I would be happy for this to be crafted in a different way. The audiobook was a good experience that was engaging and developed the characters personalities.

[☾arina⭐︎ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rtc

[EKO_TheNeurospicyAfterDarkArchive Oakley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title: Cursed Ever After
Author: Andy C. Naranjo
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy Romance
Subgenres: Romantic Fantasy, Fairy Tale Retelling, Quest Fantasy, Adventure Fantasy, Latinx Fantasy, Coming-of-Age, Magical Fantasy (Macmillan Publishers)

⭐ My Rating: 4 / 5
🌶️ Spice: 0.5 / 5
This is firmly a YA romantic fantasy, so romance and intimate scenes focuses on emotional development, yearning, flirtation, banter, and slow-building tension rather than physical intimacy.

If you're looking for butterflies instead of bedroom scenes, this delivers.

Publication Date: June 30th 2026

My Thoughts:
Cursed Ever After feels like someone tossed The Princess Bride, classic fairy tales, and modern fantasy wit & banter into a cauldron, somehow creating something that feels nostalgic while still being fresh and fun to read. It's whimsical without becoming childish and adventurous without losing sight of its characters.

I don’t usually read young adult reads anymore but this book summary sounded promising when I requested this ARC and let me tell you, it delivered wonderfully.

The chemistry between Risa and Javi is built almost entirely through conversation, shared danger, and growing trust. That is a breath of fresh air and quite lovely to read. Rather than relying on instant attraction, their relationship develops naturally through the journey and not through obsessive spice and intimate tension. Their banter becomes one of the novel's greatest strengths, I felt it was perfectly playful, wonderfully genuine, and often hilarious. Every sarcastic exchange slowly chips away at Risa's emotional walls.

Andy C. Naranjo's writing has an effortless storytelling quality. The pacing keeps the adventure moving while still giving emotional moments room to breathe. The humor lands consistently, and the fairy tale atmosphere never feels overly heavy despite the darker themes surrounding curses, death, and political danger.

The FMC: Risa Porto
Risa was easily my favorite part of the novel.

She isn't the stereotypical "chosen one." She's someone who has spent years internalizing blame, never feeling enough because everyone around her convinced her she was the problem. I enjoyed reading about her slowly questioning those horribly internalized beliefs and reclaiming her own identity, her power. It really made for an emotionally satisfying character arc.

She's sarcastic, stubborn, practical, and wonderfully self-deprecating, so understandably, she’s the best character in the story. Even when luck seems determined to ruin her life (yep, that’s my life lately), she keeps moving forward (stupidly also my life recently). I appreciated that her courage isn't portrayed as fearlessness, it's choosing to continue despite expecting everything to go wrong (exactly how I have felt).

Her emotional growth felt authentic and never rushed.

The MMC: Prince Javi
Javi could have easily become another generic charming prince, but he more depth than that. Admitedly he started out that way for me, I was annoyed and kind of put off by him in the beginning. I did change my mind, mostly towards the end as we learn more about him.

Yes, he's funny, handsome, and endlessly optimistic (quite a bit annoying and overconfident), but underneath the humor, the handsome and annoying bit is someone constantly underestimated because he's considered the least important prince. I enjoyed reading how he turns that to his advantage, made me like him a lot more. His kindness never feels overly performative, and he genuinely sees Risa. He accepts her for who she is instead of what everyone believes about her.
He balances Risa beautifully. Where she's expecting disaster, he offers hope without becoming naïve.

The Main Characters Together:
Their relationship is refreshingly wholesome, at least to this reader who probably reads way too spicy of novels that this felt refreshing and cute to me.

Instead of constant misunderstandings (although I felt there was plenty of this to keep the plot interesting, mostly toward the end…) or unnecessary drama, romance grows through shared experiences and mutual respect. They challenge each other's assumptions while slowly becoming safe places for one another.

The romantic tension comes almost entirely from emotional vulnerability rather than physical attraction, making every small moment feel meaningful.


What Worked for Me:
• Fantastic character chemistry is built through dialogue & not excessive spice.
• Consistently funny witty banter.
• Strong character growth.
• Creative twist on familiar fairy tale elements.
• A magical world that feels adventurous without becoming overwhelming.
• Excellent pacing that balances humor, danger, romance, and heart.
• Risa's journey toward believing in herself is incredibly satisfying.

What Didn't Work for Me:
While the overall pacing is strong, there were a few sections in the middle of the journey that felt slightly repetitive as the group encountered obstacle after obstacle. It did not deter from the reading nor does it stop me from recommending this reading.

Some of the side characters and political conflicts also could have been explored in greater depth. The world is interesting enough that I occasionally wanted more history and lore than the story had time to provide.

My Final Thoughts:
Cursed Ever After is a delightful debut that combines fairy tale charm, witty humor, heartfelt romance, and memorable characters into a thoroughly enjoyable adventure. While the romance stays firmly in YA territory, the emotional payoff is worth the slow burn.

Honestly, if you loved stories (or did when you were growing up...I'm looking at you fellow millenials) like The Princess Bride, Ella Enchanted, or Once Upon a Broken Heart, this is one you'll likely want to add to your TBR…

ARC Disclaimer
I received an Advance Reader Copy (ARC) of Cursed Ever After by Andy C. Naranjo. I am voluntarily posting an honest review. As always, all thoughts and opinions expressed here are entirely my own and were not influenced by the author or publisher.

[Amanda · Rating 2 out of 5]

Read a free ARC on NetGalley.
While I liked the premise of the book and certain parts, it read very young for a YA book. It seemed almost like a middle grade book so it didn’t really hold my interest.
Risa has been led to believe that she is the Bad Thing, that she brings misfortune to those around her. The witch Brunhilda gives her a job, escort Prince Javi to his wedding, and make sure he gets married. This is her opportunity for adventure as Javi is set to marry the daughter of General Sur, who led the overthrow of the royal family of the mysterious country of Madros. Risa and Javi are trying to survive several villains and are trying not to fall in love since Javi is betrothed. They do have many adventures and meet interesting characters.

[Karina · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars ᯓ★ .˚🥀👑💘🗡𓍢
Cursed Ever After is a comedic YA fantasy with a fairytale twist, perfect for those who enjoy flawed characters, lots of humor and epic adventures. The opening pages whisk you away into an imaginative world of witches, curses, and delightfully fun banter between a cursed fmc with terrible luck (who pretends to be a witch) and the spoiled prince mmc she's forced to escort to his wedding - For those who need a YA fantasy that uses and still twists classic tropes with a bit of comedy and centers around its equally dramatic main characters in a Latine-coded fantasy world that ambitiously delivers an amusing, entertaining spin on typical fairytales!

-ˋˏ✄┈┈┈┈ ꒰spoiler free mini review

Bad things happened around Risa Porto

oh this YA fantasy was such an ambitious and entertaining delight and lives up to its pitch of being a "subverted fairytale." as a young adult scholar at this point, I found this to be a ya fantasy that fits perfectly for the space while also being enjoyable for adults too.

Risa, is for the girlies who are perpetually independent and would prefer to use snark to communicate (or cover up) their complex emotions !

after thinking about it, this book delivered so well when it comes to the main characters risa and javi. at the start of the book they seem to be quite different, but their banter shows how much they really do share the same braincell. I know sometimes reading endless banter can kinda awkward if not done properly, but Andy found that perfect balance that does something that I really would love to see banter *do more of which amid the hilarious one-liners aims to spotlight the mc's differing personalities and how they find common ground amid snarky back and forth - Risa has been made to feel othered for being cursed and wants nothing more than to start over with her family somewhere new if given the chance. Javi, the prince, is a spoiled and flirty royal whose entitlement blinds him from his potential

the plot is takes the form of a more quest-style narrative with magical mishaps that the duo encounter on their way to another kingdom!

i was most excited for Risa's story and i enjoyed seeing how the curse forced her into basically trying to keep javi from being a disaster over and over. i also enjoyed how the depiction of the curse was described using the heart, as a clever metaphor for Risa's growing romantic feelings throughout the story

javi was lowkey so prince naveen coded !!

CEA's worldbuilding struck between that bit of distance that fairytale fantasy can bring, while crafting a bit of a high fantasy + light steampunk edge too which was refreshing. the scenery descriptions made it so easy to sink into the story, though at times there's a deeper political storyline when it comes to royalty and magic that i do wish was explored more among the adventure plot.

Amid the high-stakes of the plot, the quips and banter in fact elevated the more serious moments and the reluctant romance brewing between javi + risa!

the romance was also super refreshing and original for a YA fantasy because Naranjo's humor and fun banter always arrived at the perfect moments. I enjoyed following Risa and Javi grow closer together on their journey, though i did find a couple more scenes between them to let the romance brew would have made it a more 5-star read for me.

Told in a third-person POV, the story is mostly told from Risa's perspective, she carries a lot of hurt with her and I found the lack of change from her for most of the book to be very true to her character making her feel more real. Both Javi and Risa are given their flaws and allowed to brew with those feelings which not only adds to their banter, but allows them to be such interesting characters to follow. the pacing never felt too slow though at times it feels like the stops in the quest could maybe had further stakes or perhaps the plot could have expanded on a few more because at times it felt as though the story was introducing so many different locales that there needed to be more exploration of the world I wasn't quite seeing.

my only minor gripes: its pitched as "latine" fantasy however I found for me the world roots mostly veered towards the more european flair and wanted more of the cultural elements in the setting...however thats only my perspective when being more critical as a latine reader but overall very much enjoyed the fairytale + comedy blend and seeing latine coded characters in a fairytale world with all the fun tropes!! I know i mentioned the world, but I found the politics + royal side of the setting from javi's perspective wasn't explored as much and i did want to learn more with how witches/magic are viewed in the world.

don't want to land into too many spoilers but there's a lot of fun stops along the way for risa and javi, i was also intrigued by the unique cast of characters they meet along the way!

RIS AND JAVI WERE MY NEW FAVORITE DUO ! THEIR BANTER WAS EVERYTHINGG I NEED A BOOK #2 actually???

as a latina reader, the rep made my heart sing! seeing a latina lead in a fairytale fantasy world with all her faults, complexity, and despite being ostracized still finding her HEA was so heartwarming !! 🥹❤✨

Cursed Ever After was a refreshing, comedic take of the classic fairytale fantasy story! With an imaginative world, unique characters, loots of banter, and charming lead duo Naranjo's YA debut should be on your tbr if you enjoyed the plot style of 'the knight and the moth,' disney fairytales, and want a breath of fresh air from the trend of "enemies to lovers" in fantasy right now. Its escapist, funny, lighthearted and oh so magical!

[Faiza BEGUM · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cursed Ever After ended up being one of my favorite surprises. It delivers a charming mix of fairy tale magic, adventure, humor, and romance in a way that feels refreshing. Fantasy novels often lean heavily into darker themes, so it was nice to read one that embraced comedy without sacrificing an engaging story or emotional depth.

The story centers on Risa, whose entire life has been overshadowed by a curse that causes endless misfortune. Branded as bad luck by everyone around her, she's never truly belonged anywhere. When she's unexpectedly tasked with guiding Prince Javi across a dangerous kingdom on his way to an arranged marriage, what seems like a straightforward journey quickly spirals into an adventure packed with witches, curses, magical creatures, assassination attempts, and plenty of unexpected twists.

Risa was an easy character to root for. Years of rejection have made her guarded and pessimistic, but watching her gradually gain confidence and begin to believe in herself was one of the most rewarding parts of the story. Her growth felt authentic, and I loved seeing her slowly step beyond the limitations others had placed on her.

Prince Javi was an absolute delight. His playful personality and endless charm made him impossible not to like, but beneath all the flirting and easy smiles was someone carrying his own loneliness. I especially appreciated how patient he was with Risa, helping her lower her emotional defenses without ever forcing her to change before she was ready. Their chemistry developed naturally, making the slow-burn romance feel both believable and satisfying.

The dialogue between Risa and Javi was one of the book's strongest features. Their back-and-forth was genuinely funny, and the humor never felt out of place. Even during the more dangerous moments, the lighthearted interactions kept the story entertaining while still allowing the emotional scenes to have real impact.

The supporting cast added so much personality to the journey. Brunhilda brought plenty of sharp wit, the grumpy cat familiar stole more than a few scenes, and the cursed princess searching for revenge added another intriguing layer to the adventure. Every new character made the world feel a little richer and more memorable.

The setting itself had all the charm of a classic fairy tale while introducing enough original ideas to stand on its own. The magical elements, curses, and whimsical chaos created a world that was easy to get lost in without becoming overly complicated. It reminded me of the fun, quirky energy found in stories like Assistant to the Villain, while still carving out its own identity with its YA fantasy feel.

I also listened to the audiobook, and the narrators did a wonderful job capturing both the comedy and the heartfelt moments. Their performances gave each character a distinct personality and made the already entertaining dialogue even more enjoyable.

If you're looking for a fantasy filled with curses, witches, found family, lovable characters, clever humor, fairy tale vibes, and a romance that builds at just the right pace, Cursed Ever After is absolutely worth adding to your reading list. It's a story that feels perfect for young adult readers while still offering enough heart, humor, and meaningful themes to be enjoyed by adults as well.

[Anna Makowska · Rating 3 out of 5]

Perfect for the fans of This Princess Kills Monsters and Long Live Evil. Too bad I didn't like either of them, and this one joins the club.

This is the kind of book that stretches every joke to the point it overstayed its welcome and then pats itself on the back for how funny it is. I seriously can't with books that go like "did you get it? but did you really get it? let me reiterate for posterity..." As the saying goes, brevity is the soul of wit. Sadly, the punchlines here weren't punchy enough, they would go on and on and on.

Dnf at 32%. The plot felt meandering and episodic and just a pretext for wacky encounters (exactly like the 2 books I'm comparing it to above). I like the premise of a road trip / quest fantasy, but too often they feel like a collection of random events instead of a deliberate build up towards the climax.

When I found out not one, but 2 silly rom-coms I was concurrently reading are making me laugh out loud while this book makes me cringe, roll my eyes and facepalm, that was a sign to put it to rest. If you compare your book to The Princess Bride and Shrek, you're not allowed to be unfunny.

It was also advertised as a Latinx take on fairy tale parody, but except names of the characters nobody could guess this wasn't a pseudo-European world. Which saddens me dearly, because I don't see many Latinx fantasy overall (I loved A Cruel Thirst and want more books like that! It made me laugh out loud!)

Out of curiosity, I checked the ending whether the most obvious plot twist was indeed the case, that Risa wasn't in fact cursed to bring bad luck, it was all "in her head" and hurray, in a captain obvious manner we find out that yes, this is indeed the case. The ending was also full of typical to cozy self-congratulatory therapy speak. So that cemented my decision the journey isn't worth it for me.

I guess serves me right to read this just after When Dealing With Dragons after finding out Dana Swift mentored Andy C. Naranjo, I shouldn't be surprised that both books display the same issues, namely on the nose didacticism and overexplaining things to the reader. Just because it's for a younger audience doesn't mean there's a need for excessive handholding. So unfortunately, this one ended up disappointing me.

Thank you Netgalley, Macmillan Children's Publishing Group and Farrar, Straus & Giroux Books for Younger Readers for the ARC.

[Mae Polzine · Rating 4 out of 5]

In a world where curses are real, Risa was born on a day that was considered unlucky. Ever since she's been plagued with being blamed for every misfortune. In turn, she's isolated herself to ensure the safety of those she cares about, believing her curse will only cause them harm. Her life takes a turn on her seventeenth birthday when she is whisked away to escort the youngest prince, Javi, to a cursed kingdom that no one seems to remember the name of so he can get married. Along the way, bad luck keeps happening leading them to have to escape from assassins, cults, and more.

Though Risa initially attempts to keep her distance from Javi, she is forced to remain by his side due to a witch's spell that endangers her life if they part. Even with her lingering fear that staying with the prince will cause his death, the two form a deep bond as they narrowly escape several life-threatening encounters. As you can imagine being in close proximity and narrowly escaping death multiple times, the two grow close regardless and learn they have more in common than either believed. Eventually leading them to fall in love, but don't admit the truth (even to themselves) until near the end of the book.

Along the way they are joined by a cursed rogue/princess named Amina and a cat named Brunie (who Javi happens to be allergic to).

Risa discovers that she has the ability to break curses by speaking the truth. Countless individuals are freed with every curse that she shatters. However, while she can free others, she is unable to life her own. But she keeps the hope that by the end of their quest that she'll finally be free, so she wouldn't have to keep everyone at arms length for the rest of her life.

I was captivated the entire time reading this book. It is filled with the charm of classic fairytales without it being a retelling of any.

Every character is unique with their own complete arc and curse to deal with. I was able to connect on some level to each of them. Every curse was a metaphor for internal struggles they faced, whether that be a rouge seeking her identity, a prince believing he was unlovable, or a girl blaming herself for circumstances beyond her control.

I would highly recommend this book for anyone who loves fantasy regardless of their age. The writing was descriptive allowing you to imagine the world that unfolded around you, even for someone like myself that can never visualize anything. I also appreciated that the plot was consistent in terms of pacing, so there were never any lulls. Any moment where no action occurred allowed the character development to occur without feeling out of place. And everything that was introduced had purpose and played into the plot, from the gifts they received to the characters that were introduced. Despite there being curses and assassins, there is plenty of humor to keep the story lighthearted.

Thank you NetGalley, Andy C. Naranjo, and Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group for allowing me to read and review this book early!

[hannah ⊹ ࣪ ˖ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️s | Hmmm… okay, so YA fantasy is always hit or miss for me. I usually either love it or hate. In Cursed Ever After’s case, my opinion falls somewhere in the middle. It was fun and whimsical, and it leans heavily into humor, fairytale vibes, and a banter-filled romance. With cursed heroines, charming princes, witches, magical mishaps, and a quest that constantly goes off the rails, this felt like a lighthearted adventure that never took itself too seriously which I really appreciated. Those are the positives! The negative is that I think this leaned a little too YA for my taste.

Risa was so easy to root for. After spending her entire life being blamed for every bad thing that happens around her, it was understandable why she kept people at arm’s length and expected the worst from every situation. Her journey toward believing she deserved happiness and acceptance was one of the strongest parts of the story. I also really enjoyed Javi. Beneath all the flirting, confidence, and dramatic prince energy was a genuinely kind character who brought a lot of heart to the book. Their dynamic carried the book for me, and the banter between them was consistently entertaining.

The world itself was imaginative, full of curses, witches, magical creatures, and super fun side characters. I especially enjoyed the fairytale atmosphere and the steady stream of adventures the characters encountered along the way. The story was at its best when it embraced its humor and let the characters bounce off one another.

That said, the middle section occasionally felt a little repetitive, and some of the quest stops didn’t always feel as connected to the larger story as I would have liked. I also found myself wanting a bit more depth from the worldbuilding and political elements, which were introduced but never explored as fully as they could have been. And while I liked the romance, I think a few additional quieter moments between Risa and Javi would have strengthened their emotional connection even further. With the characters constantly being loud and funny and a little neurotic (in a good way), it felt more childish than genuine and mature. I think there needed to be a few moments of calm and serious to really solidify the romance.

Overall though, Cursed Ever After is a charming debut filled with a ton of laughs, adventure, and a sweet, light romance. If you’re looking for a fantasy that’s more focused on fun, character chemistry, and fairytale-inspired chaos than dark stakes and dense lore, this is a fun, entertaining choice! If there’s one thing I can say about this book, I was never bored. It kept me hooked the entire time.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group | Farrar, Straus and Giroux for this eARC!

[Gali · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cursed Ever After by Andy C. Naranjo is a charming YA fantasy debut where assassins run rampant, curses abound, and adventure awaits.

Risa Porto was born on a Bad Day—the worst day of the year—and is believed by all in Barrow, including herself, to be cursed with bad luck. She is lonely, friendless, an outcast, and can’t wait to leave a village where every calamity is blamed on her. On her seventeenth birthday, her wish is granted. The witch Brunhilda comes to collect a debt and sends her on a quest: to escort Prince Javi—the seventh prince and a known flirt—through the haunted Bosque to his wedding in the neighboring kingdom of Madros.

Brunhilda has promised the prince that Risa will be his good luck charm so he will accept her, much to Risa’s unease. Alas, the journey does not go smoothly. From the start, there are assassination attempts on their lives, intrigue, and deadly trials. There are many adventures and mishaps along the way, as well as new companions—a mysterious girl called “wolf” and a cat familiar—who make the journey even more exciting.

I thoroughly enjoyed this whimsical fairytale. With themes of self-discovery, self-worth, acceptance, perseverance, the tension between choice and fate, and, ultimately, love, the author has woven a lovely tale. Though Risa and Javi seem like opposites at first, they have more in common than they realize. I liked the buildup to their relationship and the gradual bond between them. The side storyline of the “wolf” was excellently woven into the main plot. Risa is a more well-rounded protagonist than the others—I loved her growth—but the supporting characters are developed enough to feel real. At times, the two main characters could be a bit thick-headed, and I wanted to shake some sense into them.

Good fairytales rely on world-building, and this book has it in spades. The pace was just right, and the tone strikes a nice balance between lighthearted and perilous moments. The humor adds charm without overshadowing the stakes. I loved the characters, the world, the magic, and the book! Even though it is YA, the plot is quite intricate. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a feel-good story with no steam. The book stands on its own, but I would love to read more set in this world. Cursed or not, I’m all in!

* Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc. All opinions are my own.
* Review on blog: https://galibookish.blogspot.com/2026...

[Nicole Austin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Farrar, Straus, and Giroux for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

“Cursed Ever After” by Andy C. Naranjo is basically what you’d get if a fairytale, a rom-com, and a chaotic quest story all got thrown into a blender, in the best way possible.

The story follows Risa, who has spent her entire life being labeled as the town’s “Bad Thing” just because she was born on the wrong day. So yeah, her self-esteem is not great. She fully believes she’s cursed and brings bad luck wherever she goes. Then, out of nowhere, she gets tasked with escorting Prince Javi across the kingdom to his wedding because she’s apparently a “Lucky Magical Girl.” The irony is not lost on her.

From there, it turns into a wild, magical road trip full of witches, curses, assassins, and general chaos; and it’s so fun.

The biggest standout is definitely the humor. This book is genuinely funny the whole way through, which is kind of rare in fantasy. The banter is top-tier, especially between Risa and Javi. Their dynamic absolutely carries the story where she’s all doom and gloom, convinced everything will go wrong, while he’s this flirty, charming prince who seems carefree on the surface but is actually kind of lonely underneath it all. They balance each other out really well, and watching Risa slowly come out of her shell because of him is super satisfying.

The side characters are also a blast; there’s a snarky old witch, a chaotic cat familiar, and even a revenge-driven cursed princess. It all has this very “fairytale but make it messy and self-aware” vibe that keeps things entertaining.

Underneath all the humor and adventure, though, there’s actually a really nice message about self-worth. Risa’s journey is less about breaking an actual curse and more about unlearning the idea that she is the curse. And I love that the story doesn’t go out of its way to prove her bullies wrong in some dramatic way; it’s more about her internal growth and realizing she was never the problem to begin with.

That said, the plot can be a little predictable at times, and it doesn’t necessarily have a huge “wow” twist moment. But honestly, that’s not really the point. It’s more about the journey, the characters, and the vibes, and those all deliver.

Overall, “Cursed Ever After” is a light, fast-paced, super charming fantasy that feels like a Disney movie with sharper humor and better banter. If you’re looking for something funny, magical, and a little bit heartfelt, this is a really fun escape.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review*

I adored this book. It was witty, engaging, had interesting characters, a compelling plot, and the banter between the FMC and MMC was just an absolute riot. I laughed out loud several times.

Cursed Ever After follows Risa, a Bad Thing born on a Bad Day. Risa is cursed with bad luck, and this really comes to bite her when she is forced to escort Prince Javi--the seventh and least important prince--to his wedding. Risa is not a huge fan of having to babysit the handsome yet infuriating prince, not to mention the assassin, thugs, and cursed towns they encounter along the way. But as she and Javi grow closer, Risa realises that maybe being a Bad Thing isn't all she is.

This book was exactly what I needed when I started it. I have kind of been in a reading slump and was not sure what I wanted to read. This book has been at the top of my list since I received the ARC, and so I took the plunge, and boy, did it pay off. Cursed Ever After is such an easy and entertaining read. There was a bit of a slow start, but after that, it really kept me hooked.

The best part of this book was the characters. They were just so well-written and relatable, I loved them. Risa is sarcastic, lonely, headstrong, occasionally painfully obtuse, but she is 17, so forgivable. I loved watching her grow and learn more about herself and what she is made of. Javi is a shameless flirt who is lonely and in need of love and absolutely not going to allow Risa to push him away. Watching them grow and fall in love was so cute, and I loved every second of their romance. There were also a number of side characters who were fantastic--looking at you, Amina. And of course, one passive-aggressive cat who stole the show.

The magic system and world-building were so good. I would have loved to see a little more expansion on the magic, but it was still fun to read about. I really loved that we got to see a snapshot of this world, especially considering it is a fairly short book. I felt like I saw all there was and understood so much, even though I only got a little over 300 pages with it. I was really impressed with the author when it came to the writing.

Four stars, mostly for pacing, as there were times, especially at the beginning, that I was a little tired of how slow it was. But other than that, I loved this book. For a first novel, Andy C. Naranjo hit it out of the park. This is a must-read for any fantasy lovers looking for an easy, funny, and engaging read.

[Anais (atrailofpages) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seventeen years ago, Risa was born on a Bad Day, and thus became a Bad Thing in her small town of Barrow.

The witch who had helped deliver her seventeen years ago, returns when Risa turns seventeen to collect the favor due her for helping bring Risa into the world.

She brings Risa along with her and tasks her with escorting Prince Javier of Kheadon to his arranged marriage in Madros, claiming Risa brings good luck, and once that is accomplished, the witch will consider the agreement with Risa’s parents settled.

The problem is, Risa is cursed to bring bad luck wherever she goes, not good luck.

This was such a delight to read. For context, Howl’s Moving Castle is my favorite book ever. This book reminded me sooooo much of it. So, when I say I love this book, I mean I LOVE this book.

It’s like Ella Enchanted and Howl’s Moving Castle had a child. The dynamic between the MCs and their romance was a mix of both Ella Enchanted and Howl’s Moving Castle, while the whimsicality and the fantasy reminded me of Howl’s Moving Castle. There’s a cat that even made me think of Calcifer.

I had such a fun time reading this book. It’s funny and entertaining. The banter is everything. The relationships and friendships that develop are raw and real. The characters are both serious and overly dramatic creating an entertaining jaunt through different kingdoms. The romance is a slow burn and very sweet. The growth of the characters, especially Risa, are beautiful.

The characters really made this book. Each of them were relatable in a way. I loved Risa’s growth learning she’s not a bad person, she’s just a person. And meeting these other people who viewed her as more. I was so angry for Risa and the life she grew up in and was so happy she met people who loved her for who she is as is, and learned to see herself the way others do.

Javi truly was the comedic relief and made me laugh out loud so much. Him and Howl would be very entertaining if put in a room together. I loved how melodramatic he was and when he showed his true self, it was so endearing.

I want more in this world. I just loved it so much with the magic and curses, the airships and witches, the different environments and fun characters. I hope we do get more. That endings was wonderful and very satisfying though. Definitely a fun read!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the e-ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cursed Ever After was a blast to read. Books with a comedic undertone that don’t take themselves too seriously aren’t a subgenre I was expecting to like so much, but hoo boy, I have been loving them (well, most of them). I also loved the very fairytale-esque feel the book had. Did it always make sense? No, but I was too busy giggling at the sheer absurdity that I barely cared. (Okay, let’s be honest. I cared a little. It’s hard to turn the critical side of my brain off. I’m sorry.)

Quest storylines or, at the very least, storylines where characters must travel from one place to another, can be hard. I’ve noticed that, typically, they fall into one of two categories: episodic travels, where we only get the parts where the interesting stuff happens and skip over the travel, or travel logs, where every part of the journey is deemed important, even if it’s just to mention that they spent the day trekking along. In my opinion, there’s nothing inherently good or bad about either of them. Episodic ones can feel a bit disjointed if the “episodes” don’t have a tangible connection between them, but they keep the pace moving and grooving as they’re not focused on the in-between. Travel logs, on the other hand, can get long and tedious, but feel more connected as a whole and oftentimes have deeper world-building and characters.

I bring this up because I feel like Cursed Ever After is a good example of an episodic travel story. The portions we got were a bit disjointed, yes, but I do feel that the author did a great job of trying to connect everything together, even if it didn’t always work. The “episodes” themselves were long enough to feel important, but not so long that we forgot we were supposed to be moving along. On top of that, they had a sort of charm that comes from the pure silliness of what was happening. Ever wanted to visit a town where everyone is perpetually singing? Me neither (if you said yes, well, you wouldn’t like this one, promise), but here we are, and I loved every minute of it.

The characters were equally as fun as the setting. Risa has had every bad thing that’s happened in her town blamed on her since the day she was born, so it’s no wonder that she’s a bit prickly. Javi, on the other hand, can’t help but charm every person he encounters, and was a fantastic foil for Risa. Their banter was genuinely funny, and their every interaction had me chuckling at least a little. They really managed to balance each other out in a way that felt natural, and I loved their dynamic. The other characters were a mix of pure quirkiness that I couldn’t help but love.

As for what I didn’t love, I do wish we had a bit more world development, as a lot of what was going on was a bit unclear. The ending, as well, felt extremely rushed, with a lot of revelations happening in a very short period of time, and then it was all over. It really felt like I had turned a page and suddenly everything was hunky-dory, which left me a bit disappointed.

Overall, though, Cursed Ever After was such a fun, lighthearted, witty read. Though this was a standalone, I would happily read more books set in this weird, fairy tale-adjacent world. If that’s something that sounds interesting to you, you should definitely give this book a try.

I received an advanced copy of Cursed Ever After directly from the publisher through NetGalley and am leaving this review voluntarily.