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Of Curses and Courtship: A Spicy Forbidden Love Fairy Tale Romantasy Retelling
Not yet published
Expected 2 Mar 26A half-fae is said to be the bringer of curses. What will become of Ophelia, the half-fae Prince Emyr can’t resist?
Ophelia Fellowes has always been told to hide her magic and keep her head down. No one can know what she is. When a forbidden night at the prince’s ball ends with his attention fixed on her, she’s in more danger than ever.
Prince Emyr of the Sun Court must marry for love to break the curse consuming his lands. When the mysterious woman from the ball vanishes, another assumes her identity. When he meets Ophelia again, she’s nothing more than a servant in his palace, and he is unable to recognize her.
In this Cinderella story, there is no glass slipper. How will they break the curse?
Of Curses and Courtship is a regency-inspired romantasy Cinderella retelling with forbidden love, sizzling chemistry, and twists at every corner.
Read now to break the curse with Ophelia and Emyr.
Inside, you can A cozy, slow-burning spice romantasy with fae, magical folk, and more!A unique magic system.Ballroom tension.A prince falling madly in love with a maid.Arranged marriage gone wrong.Secrets, prophecies, twists, and turns.
Ophelia Fellowes has always been told to hide her magic and keep her head down. No one can know what she is. When a forbidden night at the prince’s ball ends with his attention fixed on her, she’s in more danger than ever.
Prince Emyr of the Sun Court must marry for love to break the curse consuming his lands. When the mysterious woman from the ball vanishes, another assumes her identity. When he meets Ophelia again, she’s nothing more than a servant in his palace, and he is unable to recognize her.
In this Cinderella story, there is no glass slipper. How will they break the curse?
Of Curses and Courtship is a regency-inspired romantasy Cinderella retelling with forbidden love, sizzling chemistry, and twists at every corner.
Read now to break the curse with Ophelia and Emyr.
Inside, you can A cozy, slow-burning spice romantasy with fae, magical folk, and more!A unique magic system.Ballroom tension.A prince falling madly in love with a maid.Arranged marriage gone wrong.Secrets, prophecies, twists, and turns.
- GenresFantasy
388 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication March 2, 2026
108 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Autorin bzw. Autor
This copy was received as an ARC.
3.5 Stars.
I enjoyed this cinderella retelling. It is a great light cozy read. A lot of the things were predictable, but they were well executed and I did not see coming how the final shutdown would go down.
Aditionally, the FMCs friend is my favorite character. Their friendship is great.
Sadly, some things seemed a bit rushed / underdeveloped and I would have enjoyed a lot being extended and shown in the scenes. Sometimes the conclusions the characters jump to also felt rushed and I could not follow why they thought that way.
In conclusion: I would recommend this to anyone searching for a cosy read, who wants to escape into a familar fairytale but with a new world with enchanted magic, curses and heartwarming characters.
3.5 Stars.
I enjoyed this cinderella retelling. It is a great light cozy read. A lot of the things were predictable, but they were well executed and I did not see coming how the final shutdown would go down.
Aditionally, the FMCs friend is my favorite character. Their friendship is great.
Sadly, some things seemed a bit rushed / underdeveloped and I would have enjoyed a lot being extended and shown in the scenes. Sometimes the conclusions the characters jump to also felt rushed and I could not follow why they thought that way.
In conclusion: I would recommend this to anyone searching for a cosy read, who wants to escape into a familar fairytale but with a new world with enchanted magic, curses and heartwarming characters.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Review of the advance reading copy received from the author
Of Curses and Courtship is a Cinderella retelling with fae, steamy scenes, and magic! And I am a sucker for fairytale retelling, so I was really excited to read this one. Fortunately, I really enjoyed this book, and it was cosy and an easy read. Perfect for my first book of 2026!
The story is a dual pov that follows both Ophelia (FMC) and Emyr (MMC), and this worked really well. I really liked both POVs, although Ophelia sometimes felt a bit out of character when read through Emyr's pov, and this sometimes left me curious as to why she said or did certain things in his scenes. Their banter is really great, as well as the other dialogue in this book. There is spice in this book, although it starts slowly (with a lot of teasing), and the steamy scenes are done really well.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book, and it has left me curious to learn more about this fae world, its courts, and the magic.
Of Curses and Courtship is a Cinderella retelling with fae, steamy scenes, and magic! And I am a sucker for fairytale retelling, so I was really excited to read this one. Fortunately, I really enjoyed this book, and it was cosy and an easy read. Perfect for my first book of 2026!
The story is a dual pov that follows both Ophelia (FMC) and Emyr (MMC), and this worked really well. I really liked both POVs, although Ophelia sometimes felt a bit out of character when read through Emyr's pov, and this sometimes left me curious as to why she said or did certain things in his scenes. Their banter is really great, as well as the other dialogue in this book. There is spice in this book, although it starts slowly (with a lot of teasing), and the steamy scenes are done really well.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book, and it has left me curious to learn more about this fae world, its courts, and the magic.
January 10, 2026
A Cinderella re-telling with fae and spice 🌶️. She is a halfling raised to mistrust her own kind, he is a fae prince on a mission to find his true love to save his court which has been slowly turn in to a dying rot.
This was enjoyable read to cuddle up with a hot drink, under a blanket to escape the January blues.
This was enjoyable read to cuddle up with a hot drink, under a blanket to escape the January blues.
January 21, 2026
Standard disclosure: I did receive an ARC of this book.
I love a good take on a classic folk/fairy tale and this story is definitely a good take on the Cinderella stories that have been told since Ancient Greece.
Elle Lavendelle’s take is enjoyable because it blends in elements of other folk tales with fun romantasy tropes and doesn’t, as many contemporary versions of Cinderella stories do, act as a sort of morality play trying to teach that being beautiful doesn’t matter if you are also an asshole.
In this telling, our female main character’s drive to go to the royal ball has less to do with it being a royal ball and more to do with finding the person who gave her a taste of her own power after she has spent years rendered powerless in both a literal and figurative sense.
The elements of the prince and the curse and the godmother and the misunderstandings we expect from a Cinderella tale are all there. But we also have quests for knowledge, true friendship/found family, and misplaced altruism.
I liked the idea that intuition can be a person’s strongest attribute and magical power. I liked that our fairy godmother mentors in addition to granting wishes. I liked that our prince is lowkey kind of a nerd.
Like the conventional fairy tales we’re used to, this tale does end with a happily ever after for a M/F couple. However, this is not a world of compulsory heterosexuality, with both of our romantic leads seemingly being bi/pan. As a queer woman in a straight-passing marriage, I especially love to see that.
I was left with a few questions at the end and a desire for more info. I am both sort of nosy and a bit of a greedy reader who always wants more at the end, so I am not faulting the book/author for any of this, BUT:
Lady Ashbridge definitely murdered Ophelia’s father as part of her machinations, right? How? That’s all kind of glossed over during her villain’s speech of exposition.
Isa was besties with Ophelia’s mother, a character who is frequently present throughout the story via her absence. She promises Ophelia stories, but we don’t even get her mother’s name. I would probably be willing to pay actual money for newsletters that are just Isa dishing up hot fae goss and giving Ophelia genealogy lessons.
The difference in lifespans between high fae and witches is the conflict that sets this all into motion. Ophelia is only half fae. Does that have any influence on her lifespan or does any significant amount of fae ancestry mean a fae lifespan?
I love a good take on a classic folk/fairy tale and this story is definitely a good take on the Cinderella stories that have been told since Ancient Greece.
Elle Lavendelle’s take is enjoyable because it blends in elements of other folk tales with fun romantasy tropes and doesn’t, as many contemporary versions of Cinderella stories do, act as a sort of morality play trying to teach that being beautiful doesn’t matter if you are also an asshole.
In this telling, our female main character’s drive to go to the royal ball has less to do with it being a royal ball and more to do with finding the person who gave her a taste of her own power after she has spent years rendered powerless in both a literal and figurative sense.
The elements of the prince and the curse and the godmother and the misunderstandings we expect from a Cinderella tale are all there. But we also have quests for knowledge, true friendship/found family, and misplaced altruism.
I liked the idea that intuition can be a person’s strongest attribute and magical power. I liked that our fairy godmother mentors in addition to granting wishes. I liked that our prince is lowkey kind of a nerd.
Like the conventional fairy tales we’re used to, this tale does end with a happily ever after for a M/F couple. However, this is not a world of compulsory heterosexuality, with both of our romantic leads seemingly being bi/pan. As a queer woman in a straight-passing marriage, I especially love to see that.
I was left with a few questions at the end and a desire for more info. I am both sort of nosy and a bit of a greedy reader who always wants more at the end, so I am not faulting the book/author for any of this, BUT:
Lady Ashbridge definitely murdered Ophelia’s father as part of her machinations, right? How? That’s all kind of glossed over during her villain’s speech of exposition.
Isa was besties with Ophelia’s mother, a character who is frequently present throughout the story via her absence. She promises Ophelia stories, but we don’t even get her mother’s name. I would probably be willing to pay actual money for newsletters that are just Isa dishing up hot fae goss and giving Ophelia genealogy lessons.
The difference in lifespans between high fae and witches is the conflict that sets this all into motion. Ophelia is only half fae. Does that have any influence on her lifespan or does any significant amount of fae ancestry mean a fae lifespan?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Book Review
Pub. Date: March 2, 2026
3.5⭐
This Cinderella retelling is exactly what you need if you are looking for a nice cozy read, with flirty banter, and a guaranteed HEA.
Ophelia, our MFC, has been forced out of her family home by her abusive stepmother. With nowhere else to go Ophelia finds herself as a maid at the Sun Palace, where she runs into the Sun Prince, a man she anonymously danced with all night at a ball. Emyr, our MMC, is the heir to the Sun kingdom and the only one that can break the curse plaguing his kingdom. He only needs to marry his true love. After arranging to marry the person he thought he danced with at the ball, Emyr finds himself drawn to the maid instead of his betrothed princess. Can he put aside his desires to save his kingdom?
What I loved: the new take on Cinderella. I adore fairytale retellings, and this was perfect. Just enough callbacks to the fairytale but still making it an original story. I loved the side characters - Helena, Tibalt, Spark - and how they were more than just comic relief. I also liked the mystery of the curse and the sorceress.
What I didn't love: wish there was more character development and hints about the curse and who the sorceress was. Some things were a bit rushed, especially at the end, and a little underdeveloped. However, even with that, it was still an enjoyable read.
🪽 Cinderella retelling
🪽 Found family
🪽 Curse breaker
🪽 Prophecies
🪽 Arranged marriage
🪽 Mistaken identity
🪽 Forbidden love
🪽 Sexy self projections
🪽 Spicy slow burn
🪽 Fae romantasy
Pub. Date: March 2, 2026
3.5⭐
This Cinderella retelling is exactly what you need if you are looking for a nice cozy read, with flirty banter, and a guaranteed HEA.
Ophelia, our MFC, has been forced out of her family home by her abusive stepmother. With nowhere else to go Ophelia finds herself as a maid at the Sun Palace, where she runs into the Sun Prince, a man she anonymously danced with all night at a ball. Emyr, our MMC, is the heir to the Sun kingdom and the only one that can break the curse plaguing his kingdom. He only needs to marry his true love. After arranging to marry the person he thought he danced with at the ball, Emyr finds himself drawn to the maid instead of his betrothed princess. Can he put aside his desires to save his kingdom?
What I loved: the new take on Cinderella. I adore fairytale retellings, and this was perfect. Just enough callbacks to the fairytale but still making it an original story. I loved the side characters - Helena, Tibalt, Spark - and how they were more than just comic relief. I also liked the mystery of the curse and the sorceress.
What I didn't love: wish there was more character development and hints about the curse and who the sorceress was. Some things were a bit rushed, especially at the end, and a little underdeveloped. However, even with that, it was still an enjoyable read.
🪽 Cinderella retelling
🪽 Found family
🪽 Curse breaker
🪽 Prophecies
🪽 Arranged marriage
🪽 Mistaken identity
🪽 Forbidden love
🪽 Sexy self projections
🪽 Spicy slow burn
🪽 Fae romantasy
December 25, 2025
If you’ve ever wanted Cinderella with fae and some steamy spice, this one is absolutely for you. I’m not usually a fan of fairytale retellings, but I genuinely loved this. My previous read was a heavy, world dense fantasy, and I was craving something cozy, cute, and standalone. This ended up being exactly what I needed.
Emyr is adorable. He has such a soft, tender side, and he actually cries. A lot. I wish more romantasy had MMCs who aren’t afraid to show their emotions because it makes them feel so much more real and human. I also loved watching Ophelia’s journey as she finds herself and grows into her own skin. She doesn’t sit around waiting for a prince to fix everything. She steps up and saves herself, which felt like such a refreshing and empowering twist on the fairytales I grew up with.
My absolute favorite part though was the found family. This is my favorite trope, and it was done so well here. Tibalt is the fiercely loyal best friend to Emyr (well not if Spark has something to say about it), and Helena is the same for Ophelia. They separately follow Emyr and Ophelia into every ridiculous plan without hesitation, while also making sure to point out just how ridiculous those plans actually are. Their dynamic added so much warmth and humor to the story.
There were a few twists that genuinely surprised me, but it wraps up pretty nicely at the end. Overall, this was such a cozy read and exactly what I was hoping for when I picked it up.
Emyr is adorable. He has such a soft, tender side, and he actually cries. A lot. I wish more romantasy had MMCs who aren’t afraid to show their emotions because it makes them feel so much more real and human. I also loved watching Ophelia’s journey as she finds herself and grows into her own skin. She doesn’t sit around waiting for a prince to fix everything. She steps up and saves herself, which felt like such a refreshing and empowering twist on the fairytales I grew up with.
My absolute favorite part though was the found family. This is my favorite trope, and it was done so well here. Tibalt is the fiercely loyal best friend to Emyr (well not if Spark has something to say about it), and Helena is the same for Ophelia. They separately follow Emyr and Ophelia into every ridiculous plan without hesitation, while also making sure to point out just how ridiculous those plans actually are. Their dynamic added so much warmth and humor to the story.
There were a few twists that genuinely surprised me, but it wraps up pretty nicely at the end. Overall, this was such a cozy read and exactly what I was hoping for when I picked it up.
Review of advance copy received from Author
5 ⭐️ 🌶️🌶️🌶️
WOW! I loved this book! I’m still dipping my toes into fantasy and this was the perfect way to get a little deeper. The curse of the sun kingdom and trying to find true love and the mystery that goes along with it is so fun and keeps you as a reader interested
The FMC Ophelia was perfect! Stuck living with her step mother and forced to clean the house and not have any sense of self. Her journey to discovering her strength and value is honestly so beautiful. She goes through a lot of things that I think a lot of people relate to (just in a fantasy world). It’s a very spot on Cinderella retelling but makes it spicy and fantasy.
The MMC emyr was actually refreshing to me, we see a lot of mmc who are balls to the wall brave and have no fear, but emyr is not like that. He has fears and even runs away at some point. He discovers his strength for Ophelia and chooses himself and love even causing a little ruckus in there.
Overall, I loved the amount of spice and loved the plot. Their wasn’t to much spice that it overtook the story the breaks of spice were in the perfect spots in my opinion. Love love love and can’t wait hopefully continue 🥲
WOW! I loved this book! I’m still dipping my toes into fantasy and this was the perfect way to get a little deeper. The curse of the sun kingdom and trying to find true love and the mystery that goes along with it is so fun and keeps you as a reader interested
The FMC Ophelia was perfect! Stuck living with her step mother and forced to clean the house and not have any sense of self. Her journey to discovering her strength and value is honestly so beautiful. She goes through a lot of things that I think a lot of people relate to (just in a fantasy world). It’s a very spot on Cinderella retelling but makes it spicy and fantasy.
The MMC emyr was actually refreshing to me, we see a lot of mmc who are balls to the wall brave and have no fear, but emyr is not like that. He has fears and even runs away at some point. He discovers his strength for Ophelia and chooses himself and love even causing a little ruckus in there.
Overall, I loved the amount of spice and loved the plot. Their wasn’t to much spice that it overtook the story the breaks of spice were in the perfect spots in my opinion. Love love love and can’t wait hopefully continue 🥲
Review of advance copy
✨ ARC Review✨
I am happy that I received this book as an ARC from the author. Of Curses and Courtship was a unique retelling of Cinderella. The FMC grows throughout the book and begins to learn more and more about her magic while being guided by the MMC. The prophecy says they should not be together... but can love conquer all? You have to read it to find out!
This book is a magical retelling of Cinderella that adds an intriguing romantasy twist.
The FMC experiences personal growth throughout the story as she begins to better understand her magic, guided along the way by the MMC. Their dynamic was engaging and different from other fairy tale stories. And what is a good romantasy without a looming prophecy hanging over their heads? But can love overcome fate? You’ll have to read to find out.
Overall, this was an enjoyable and unique take on a classic fairytale, and I’m glad I had the opportunity to read it early. Thank you to the author for providing an ARC.
I am happy that I received this book as an ARC from the author. Of Curses and Courtship was a unique retelling of Cinderella. The FMC grows throughout the book and begins to learn more and more about her magic while being guided by the MMC. The prophecy says they should not be together... but can love conquer all? You have to read it to find out!
This book is a magical retelling of Cinderella that adds an intriguing romantasy twist.
The FMC experiences personal growth throughout the story as she begins to better understand her magic, guided along the way by the MMC. Their dynamic was engaging and different from other fairy tale stories. And what is a good romantasy without a looming prophecy hanging over their heads? But can love overcome fate? You’ll have to read to find out.
Overall, this was an enjoyable and unique take on a classic fairytale, and I’m glad I had the opportunity to read it early. Thank you to the author for providing an ARC.
February 20, 2026
Of Curses and Courtship was exactly the cozy, spicy romantasy I needed after a streak of heavy hitters and brutal cliffhangers. It felt like a warm, magical reset.
This Cinderella retelling completely stole my Disney-loving heart. The vibes were whimsical and romantic with just the right touch of heat. ✨👑
Ophelia, our FMC, was the perfect blend of sass and sweetness. Her banter? Absolutely priceless. I was grinning through so many of her scenes. And when she accidentally gets locked in a room with the prince? I was cackling. That moment alone deserves an award.
Emyr may not be a shadow daddy, but oh my goodness is he swoon-worthy. The passion. The devotion. The tension. He is simply that man.
Overall, this was such a fun, cozy romantasy that I’d happily recommend adding to your TBR.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5 stars
On to my next read! 📖✨
This Cinderella retelling completely stole my Disney-loving heart. The vibes were whimsical and romantic with just the right touch of heat. ✨👑
Ophelia, our FMC, was the perfect blend of sass and sweetness. Her banter? Absolutely priceless. I was grinning through so many of her scenes. And when she accidentally gets locked in a room with the prince? I was cackling. That moment alone deserves an award.
Emyr may not be a shadow daddy, but oh my goodness is he swoon-worthy. The passion. The devotion. The tension. He is simply that man.
Overall, this was such a fun, cozy romantasy that I’d happily recommend adding to your TBR.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5 stars
On to my next read! 📖✨
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received a copy as an ARC reader, and Of Curses and Courtship is a true faerie tale. 🧚🏼♀️Imagine if Cinderella took a deep into the fairy godmothers magical world.
Ophelia and Emyrs tale was classic yet still kept the reader entertained and felt fun and fresh with magical elements and dual POV.
A slow burn romance with yearning that certainly turned intense 🌶️
The author captured a true connection with the amazing banter! An easy read and the perfect pallete cleanser!
I was so intrigued by Ophelias character development. She was sheltered yet not naive and strived for knowledge. I wanted to just hug her!
Even with the classic elements of a Cinderella story, the author kept you roped in with new twists and mysteries.
Ophelia and Emyrs tale was classic yet still kept the reader entertained and felt fun and fresh with magical elements and dual POV.
A slow burn romance with yearning that certainly turned intense 🌶️
The author captured a true connection with the amazing banter! An easy read and the perfect pallete cleanser!
I was so intrigued by Ophelias character development. She was sheltered yet not naive and strived for knowledge. I wanted to just hug her!
Even with the classic elements of a Cinderella story, the author kept you roped in with new twists and mysteries.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Of Curses and Courtship by Elle Lavendelle releasing March 2nd, 2026!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
From the VERY START. He was like "I want her".
... Okay there was build up to the actual point they ended up together. I don't usually read fantasy books like these, but this one was actually so good. I love fairytale retellings and this one had the plot twist I didn't see coming. Like I genuinely thought I predicted things and I was completely off on most of them (e]
This book had a good amount of spice with a mixed amount of plot and a whole lot of worldbuilding that just worked. This is a Cinderella retelling with yearning, angst and spice and also he can make a magical double of himself so like... use your imagination 🫣😮💨
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
From the VERY START. He was like "I want her".
... Okay there was build up to the actual point they ended up together. I don't usually read fantasy books like these, but this one was actually so good. I love fairytale retellings and this one had the plot twist I didn't see coming. Like I genuinely thought I predicted things and I was completely off on most of them (e]
This book had a good amount of spice with a mixed amount of plot and a whole lot of worldbuilding that just worked. This is a Cinderella retelling with yearning, angst and spice and also he can make a magical double of himself so like... use your imagination 🫣😮💨
Review of advance copy received from Author
☕I received an ARC from the author so the thoughts are my own ☕
Dearest gentle reader,
It is this author’s most ardent belief that Of Curses and Courtship by Elle Lavendelle is nothing short of perfect for admirers of Bridgerton—particularly as we all languish in anticipation of the forthcoming fourth season. Indeed, one could scarcely select a more fitting diversion while waiting so impatiently for society’s next grand affair.
The characters? Utterly captivating. The fae world? Positively enchanting. And as for the wing hugs—yes, dear reader, the wing hugs—they are enough to send even the most composed heart into a flutter.
One would be remiss (and frankly foolish) to overlook Of Curses and Courtship. Do not sleep on it… for the ton is already whispering. 💅✨
Dearest gentle reader,
It is this author’s most ardent belief that Of Curses and Courtship by Elle Lavendelle is nothing short of perfect for admirers of Bridgerton—particularly as we all languish in anticipation of the forthcoming fourth season. Indeed, one could scarcely select a more fitting diversion while waiting so impatiently for society’s next grand affair.
The characters? Utterly captivating. The fae world? Positively enchanting. And as for the wing hugs—yes, dear reader, the wing hugs—they are enough to send even the most composed heart into a flutter.
One would be remiss (and frankly foolish) to overlook Of Curses and Courtship. Do not sleep on it… for the ton is already whispering. 💅✨
Review of advance copy received from Author
😃 I had the honor of reading this ARC and I can tell you: this needs to be on your bookshelf! 📚
A cursed prince and a courageous girl. Her resilience gets her through a lot. This is a book full of strong women. If you like spicy 🌶️ books, then this will fulfill ALL your needs. 😉 He will definitely get that "book boyfriend" trophy 🏆 and have people talking about him for a long time. The writer brings something new to the table that creates so much potential. 🥵 I can usually see where the story is going, but this one suprised me many times. I really loved it and could hardly put it down: I read it in 2 days.
A cursed prince and a courageous girl. Her resilience gets her through a lot. This is a book full of strong women. If you like spicy 🌶️ books, then this will fulfill ALL your needs. 😉 He will definitely get that "book boyfriend" trophy 🏆 and have people talking about him for a long time. The writer brings something new to the table that creates so much potential. 🥵 I can usually see where the story is going, but this one suprised me many times. I really loved it and could hardly put it down: I read it in 2 days.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Y'all this book was SO good. I told myself I was just going to read a couple chapters before bed to get started and I stayed up until 5am because I absolutely couldn't put it down. I'm not usually one for fairytale retellings but I think this one is pretty impressive with keeping with the idea of Cinderella's story in the background but making it cozy, spicy, and full of twists and turns. The main characters are so lovely and I really felt connected with them throughout the entire story and of course love their individual best friends almost as much as the main characters themselves haha I would 100% recommend you read this when it releases, you won't regret it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I always like a good Cinderella retelling, and this one includes a nice mix of fantasy and spice. The magic system is interesting as it brings familiar spells along with the main characters' rather unique skillsets. I found their abilities interesting but somehow felt short of their true potential.
Ophelia is grounded and likeable, which makes her a strong main character. I loved the other supporting characters as well! Emyr had his moments and showed a lot of promise, but he fell off around the second half of the book, which was quite disappointing.
During the ARC review period, the copy contains some typos which hopefully will be fixed before the official release.
Ophelia is grounded and likeable, which makes her a strong main character. I loved the other supporting characters as well! Emyr had his moments and showed a lot of promise, but he fell off around the second half of the book, which was quite disappointing.
During the ARC review period, the copy contains some typos which hopefully will be fixed before the official release.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I really enjoyed this book! The story was fun and the characters were easy to like. It was definitely Cinderella meets Bridgerton in a way. The book had a good amount of drama, I do wish there was a little more about the King's relationship with the Sorceress as well as more about Ophelia's parents. There was a reasonable amount of smut that didnt take away from the story. The banter between the two leads was great and you could feel the chemistry between them. Overall, it was a really fun read!
I received an eARC copy of this book from the author!
I received an eARC copy of this book from the author!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
4.5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
if you love a Cinderella retelling and bridgerton then this is the book for you! I ate this book up it was such a joy to to read this book Ophelia and Emyr were very cute and sweet to each other
I really liked Ophelia's personality it worked well
I'm not the biggest fan the miscommunication trope but overall this book was amazing and Elle lavendelle always comes out with an amazing story thank you for being able to get an arc for an honest review 🙏✨
if you love a Cinderella retelling and bridgerton then this is the book for you! I ate this book up it was such a joy to to read this book Ophelia and Emyr were very cute and sweet to each other
I really liked Ophelia's personality it worked well
I'm not the biggest fan the miscommunication trope but overall this book was amazing and Elle lavendelle always comes out with an amazing story thank you for being able to get an arc for an honest review 🙏✨
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was very fortunate to have received this as an ARC read and I read it in one sitting! I thought I was a very refreshing and unique take on the Cinderella theme. I loved the settings, the characters, and the overall story. My only negative, which isn’t really a negative, is that some of the spicy scenes felt a little out of place. Overall a great read and I can’t wait to read more of Elle’s stories!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was a cute story 😍. I love that it has fae and magic. The romance and spice scenes were really good. I enjoyed this book. The characters are interesting. The pacing was alright. I definitely recommend this book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received and advanced reader copy and truly enjoyed this book! It’s a retelling of the Cinderella story, but the addition of fae kingdoms, magic, curses, and prophecies was a great twist. This is an easy and quite cozy read.
December 26, 2025
I love a fairy tail retelling and this was really sweet. I liked Ophelia as a character. Some plot points seemed rushed, but overall I really enjoyed this.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Disclaimer: I was gifted this book to review
Fae Magic romantasy meets Cinderella in its finest telling. It is dramatic, whitty and absolutley charming
Fae Magic romantasy meets Cinderella in its finest telling. It is dramatic, whitty and absolutley charming
February 12, 2026
Thank you for the EARC Elle!
Of Curses and Courtship is the perfect cozy read especially if you just watched S4 of Bridgerton and want more cinderella-esque stories but with fae, politics, and LOTS of spice!!
This was such an easy read that was unpredictable and predictable in all the right places. Definitely recommend even as just a little palette cleanser!
Theres also Bi representation, healing from trauma and actual conflict resolution with both MC which is amazing to see 🙌
Of Curses and Courtship is the perfect cozy read especially if you just watched S4 of Bridgerton and want more cinderella-esque stories but with fae, politics, and LOTS of spice!!
This was such an easy read that was unpredictable and predictable in all the right places. Definitely recommend even as just a little palette cleanser!
Theres also Bi representation, healing from trauma and actual conflict resolution with both MC which is amazing to see 🙌
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