Castle of the Cursed

by Maggie Lynn

She’ll do anything to escape.
He’ll do anything to keep her.

Azalea
I shouldn’t be here—bound to this castle by a curse that is acting as a payment for a debt I never earned. And no matter what light Prince Braxton tries to paint himself in, I can see him for the beast he truly is. One I plan to rid myself of. That is why, one way or another, I’m finding a way to break this curse and leave this castle.

Braxton
She is ethereal. Even as she despises my very existence, I can’t help but be enchanted by her. Azalea is mine. That will never change, no matter how hard she tries to break this curse. I can only hope that she never learns the truth that binds her to this castle. Then, she will surely see the full extent of the monster I’ve become. She can hate me all she wants, but one thing is certain—I’m never letting her leave.

Genres: Fantasy, Romantasy

405 pages, Paperback

Published December 4, 2025

About the author

Maggie has dreamed of being an author since she first brought pen to paper and let her imagination run wild. When she’s not reading or writing, she usually has a case of the travel bug, and loves exploring new countries (which tends to bring a new round of inspiration to her writing). She has always been an avid believer that reading gives you the opportunity to escape the real world and fall into an entirely new one, which might be why she loves fantasy so much. She resides in Illinois with her husband, Alec, baby girl, and pup, Denali (who has rightfully earned the nickname Bad Dog D).

Reviews

[Jess Hensley · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️: 4.5/5 rounded for gr
🌶️: 2.5/5

This was such a great standalone romantasy! I loved this take on curses and the love story in this (full review below)

🏰 Standalone
🏰 Beauty and the Beast retelling
🏰 Forced Proximity
🏰 Evil Witches & Curses
🏰 MMC who yearns!!
🏰 Fiery FMC

This was my first Maggie Lynn book despite having her on my TBR forever. I'm so so glad I was able to read the ARC for this, and honestly it was such a fun and romantic read! I initially thought this would be more of a spice-forward romance, but as the story unfolds it's gets so much deeper than that. This was exactly what I want in a standalone: something digestible and spicy backed by a fun and unique plot. The last 15% of this book is pure stress, and I love the way everything wrapped up. Some things felt a little rushed or glossed over, but I think that's pretty common in standalones. Overall, this is a whimsical, romantic, high-vibe read that I recommend!

[Gabi Koz · Rating 4 out of 5]

OKAY STANDALONE ROMANTASY 👏👏 4.25⭐️ !! I had a blast with this one!

A beauty and the beast retelling, (kind of) fake dating, a curse holding them in the castle, great spice, an evil witch & just the best vibes!!

4.25⭐️
3🌶️
4🧠

[Bree ♡︎ · Rating 5 out of 5]

“𝐼 𝒽𝑜𝓅𝑒 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝒷𝓁𝑜𝑜𝓂, 𝒲𝒾𝓁𝒹𝒻𝓁𝑜𝓌𝑒𝓇. 𝐼𝒻 𝓃𝑜𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝑒𝓁𝓈𝑒, 𝐼 𝒽𝑜𝓅𝑒 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝒷𝓁𝑜𝑜𝓂.”

this stand-alone romantasy was everything i needed and more. the magic system was so much fun to learn about and the curse that we’re thrown into was unlike anything i’ve read before.

castle of the cursed is a very light beauty and the beast retelling (hello, i love!) and where i saw the similarities, i also appreciated where the author changed things up and made it her own story. the twists and revelations made me react verbally which i don’t often do with books, so that was fun to witness i think 😂

i absolutely adore azalea and braxton together AND separately. they each bring so much character and depth to the story, it’s impossible not to fall for each of them.

azalea is a stabby, stubborn, spitfire of a woman and we all know how i feel about fmcs like that (spoiler, i love them) no matter what, she always stuck to what she believed in and never let anyone else steer her in another direction. i love love love her. every time she cried, i cried, because the author just knows how to tug at my heart strings.✋🏼

braxton is the actual definition of a YEARNER. as soon as we got to his pov, everything he was feeling was so palpable and i could feel myself relating to him so much. the way he wants nothing but what’s going to be best for azalea, pls ✋🏼 you must read it to find out exactly what i mean by that.

thank you so much maggie for the opportunity to arc read for you! i always love your work and this one just climbed its way to the top. they are everything to me! 💜

[Sue Bush · Rating 4 out of 5]

really fun time, and always looking for good standalones! I do think the beginning could’ve been set up better but from middle to end, had a good time!

[The Babbling Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 🌟

🫶🏽 My review:

There’s nothing I love more than stumbling upon a new author, and on top of that, Maggie is genuinely one of the kindest, sweetest souls! I actually slid into her DMs just to talk about this book and share my reaction because I loved it that much.

This story was such a sweet love story and gave me strong Beauty and the Beast vibes mixed with 50 First Dates. As the plot unfolded, I swear I just fell harder and harder for our MMC. I absolutely loved the way he loves her—it was tender, devoted, and completely won me over.

This book is around 400 pages, and honestly, I would have happily read another 400. I’m usually not a huge standalone person because I always end up wanting more, but Maggie did such a beautiful job tying everything together that it felt complete and deeply satisfying within that space.

Can I also say I absolutely love a dual POV, where the man yearns… and boy does he!

👀 Summary:

Castle of the Cursed is a darker romance steeped in obsession, secrets, and a curse that binds two souls together whether they want it or not. Azalea is trapped inside a cursed castle, paying a debt she never chose, and she is determined to escape no matter the cost. Prince Braxton, the ruler of this haunting place, sees her as something far more dangerous than she realizes—his salvation, his downfall, and his obsession. Told through dual perspectives, this story blurs the line between captor and protector, love and control, beauty and monstrosity. As Azalea searches for a way to break the curse, the truth lurking beneath the castle’s magic threatens to unravel everything and reveal just how far Braxton is willing to go to keep her.

✨ Tropes & Vibes:

🏰 Gothic cursed castle
🔮 Dark magic & ancient curses
🖤 Obsessive, morally gray MMC
⛓️ Trapped / captive heroine
🌙 Beauty-and-the-Beast energy
🩸 Darker fantasy romance
👑 Possessive “she is mine” vibes
🌫️ Secrets, lies, and slow-burn dread
💔 Love tangled with control

😮‍💨 Quotes:

"I’ve thought about her every day since finding out what happened, and I've mourned her every day."

“I was willing to spend the rest of my life with you hating me as long as that meant spending the rest of my life with you.”

"Your tattoos?" I whisper the question, still too afraid of the truth tied to it.

"I've loved you. Unfalteringly, unwaveringly, uncontrollably, and unstoppably. No matter how many days I wake with you hating me, I have not once ever stopped loving you.”

A huge, thank you to Maggie for an ARC of this great read. I cannot wait to check out the rest of your work!

[Tarynrose · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.35 ✨️

Maggie Lynn has done it again😌

I absolutely loved the beauty and the beast vibes! This book felt magical but also so emotional.

I need someone who loves me the way Braxton loves Azalea 🥹

if you're looking for a fantasy romance standalone, then please pick this up because you won't regret it!

Thank you, Maggie Lynn, for the ARC❤️

[Cali Mafiaa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aaahhhhh this book!! It was so good!!! At first it was slow but oh my gosh after it picked up heck yes I couldn’t get enough!!!! It’s definitely worth it and aahhh soooo good!!! Must read!!!!💜🖤

[Lori Brooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨ ARC REVIEW ✨


4 ⭐️

🖤 Forced Proximity
🖤 Witches
🖤 Magic
🖤 Feisty FMC
🖤 Touch her & 💀
🖤 HEA

Okay wow this book was fun, I was immediately hooked after the first chapter! I really enjoyed the banter and tension between Azalea and Braxton! The plot twists definitely keep me on my toes and made me want to keep reading.
I really enjoyed how much Braxton loved our FMC, even when she was trying to wound him with her sharp tongue 🤭

If you’re looking for a spicy, fast paced, light world building standalone this is definitely one to add to your TBR!

Thank you to the author for allowing me to ARC read and review!!

[Jessica Rau · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25⭐️
Castle Of The Cursed was such a fun, beautiful, and creative take on Beauty & The Beast.

Braxton has my favorite qualities in an MMC and the yearning he feels for Azalea is near palpable in each scene. He’s so down bad for her but at first glance, you only see it with his clenched fists. The way he stares at her, you know he’s in pain because he cannot have her. He’s both possessive and protective, and if all Azalea is willing to give him is her hatred then he is content to accept that from her without expecting more.

Braxton also has this dominant, domineering energy about him that I find so appealing. Yet somehow also the king of praise and verbal reassurance, what a perfect combo. How can a man be so entranced by her and yet say things like this 🫠😮‍💨:

"You sure do know how to make a guy feel special."
"I didn't realize my job was to make you feel special," I snap. I know I'm failing horribly at being nice to him, but I don't understand why he has to make it so difficult.
"It's not." Braxton leans in so close I can smell his familiar musky cologne waft around me before he says his next words. "Your job is to do whatever the fuck I tell you to." 🔥🥀

Azalea is confined to the castle without fully understanding the parameters for the curse. She blames Braxton for being trapped there with him and takes her anger out on him. She’s feisty, she’s smart, she’s loyal, and she’s confrontational. All things I love in an FMC.

The way they banter and argue with each other made this story so fun, so spicy, and hot. Watching them try to work out the mysteries of this curse was so fun as the closer they got to time being up, the more they couldn’t resist each other.

Thank you Maggie for allowing me to arc read this. I love your writing and the way you write your characters! I know whenever I read a book of yours, I will always have the best time.

[Chante Slaughter · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received Castle of the Cursed as an ARC, and wow this story absolutely delivered. It has hints of a Beauty and the Beast retelling, but still stands completely on its own with fresh twists and a naturally flowing storyline. The MMC and FMC balance each other perfectly.

Braxton is every bit the Prince Charming fantasy, just with a darker, tattooed edge. And Azalea? She’s a gorgeous temptation with an attitude sharp enough to drop any man to his knees. Their dynamic is slow burn, but so worth every page. Yes, Azalea’s attitude frustrated me at times, but once everything unfolds, you realize it all has a purpose. The story wouldn’t be the same without it.

This book made me cry, laugh, and even yell “HOLD UP, WHAT?!” Maggie Lynn crafted a tale full of emotion, tension, and unexpected twists. If you want romantasy, this book delivers. And the spice? It does not disappoint.

[Liv · Rating 5 out of 5]

⋆｡°✩ Spoiler Free Reviews ⋆｡°✩

Oh my days.. what a book. Actually WHAT A BOOK.
Okay so tropes for this one; fairytale retelling, a curse, forced proximity, amnesia, historical setting kind of? (Not set in the modern age, more fantasy setting), one sided enemies to lovers.
Smut was 2/5 on the spice scale and its a HEA for the couple.

I din’t even have words for this story. I buddy read it with a bestie at their request and wasn’t prepared for the absolute journey it took me on.. I do think if we didn’t get dual POV till around 50%, I think the reveal there would have been infinitely more powerful, but I still had a blast.

The scene setting, the lore and background, the little nuggets of truth we get throughout, like breadcrumbs leading us to the ending.. crazy. Absolutely insane in the best way.

[Kalin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely was hard to push through at first but once it started getting good it stayed getting good! It was full of OMG, I need answers, and didn’t see that coming! Definitely a book I would recommend!!!

[Skye · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beauty and the Beast retelling
I loved Braxton and the dual POV.

[Rachel Clements · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love the guy but that’s all I can comment on

[Gabrielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

✔️dual pov
✔️spice
✔️slow burn
✔️angst
✔️devoted yearning husband

I guessed everything in this and the first part really annoyed me with her behavior even though it kind of made sense it was too repetitive and went on too long. The angst and longing hurt my soul and I swooned when we finally got their story! I mean Braxton is the definition of a devoted husband but the way he went about it all made no sense how to break curse!! They both pissed me off with their behavior for most of book so while I loved the final part which would have been 4/5 stars since first part and some of second annoyed me it's 3 stars overall. Braxton's POV's and quotes though were chefs kiss!!! Just wish he said that out loud to her not just thought it because SWOONNNNNN😍🥹😍🥹😍





My fave quotes spoilers ahead:

"Azalea is my past, present, and future. She is my dawn, day, and dusk. Soon, she will be the ghost that haunts my heart. But for eternity, she will be mine even if I'm no longer hers. My wildflower in a barren land." 😭😭😭😭😭

"Azalea" Braxton murmurs against my lips, and Sky's Devine, I could listen to him say my name like that for centuries to come. His tone is a mixture of a warning, a plea, and a prayer."

"I won't regret this in the morning, or the next day, or for months to come. I won't regret sharing these pieces of ourselves with each other. I want you, Braxton. Only you."

"I want you to worship me." He drops to his knees in front of me.
"I do. Every single day that I'm in your presence." His words hold a weight truth.
"Show me."

"Sit on your throne, Azalea."

"I'm yours Braxton"
"I'm yours too Azalea, always yours. Only yours."

"Wildflower, I don't know how to say goodbye to you. It's not something I ever thought I would have to do. It was something I prayed would never happen, but I can't keep you as my antidote when I'm your poison. Know that this isn't me giving you up. It's me giving you life because you deserve that, even if it's away from me. What is left of my heart, you're taking it with you. You've always had it, even when you didn't know that you did. Please know that whether I'm man or monster, I will always be yours. Even when ton don't want me. Even when you think I don't want you. I will always be yours. Forever. Until my last breath. I hope you bloom, Wildflower. If nothing else, I hope you bloom." I know this is a letter I will never let go of."

"Braxton is the right choice and I'm not going to let him push me away. I'm coming back to him whether he wants it or not. Though it makes no sense, Braxton is my home, and all ive wanted is to go home. I just didn't realize I had been there the whole time."

"We were going to get our marching forget me not tattoos to celebrate our engagement. It was supposed to be our statement that in this life and the next, we'll always find each other. We will always remember each other. The day we left to get the tattoos together I hadn't been feeling well, and I knew something was off. That was the night I learned I was pregnant with Braxton's child."

"No matter what he endured from me, his love never faltered."

"I will choose you over and over again." I confess bringing my lips to her knuckles."

"I love you Braxton, I'm sorry I never said it." I clutch her tighter holding her against me. My heart simultaneously soars and cracks at hearing her confession. After all this time, she still loved me. After knowing the truth and swing I've become, she still loves me."

"I-I don't know how to live in a world without her in it" my confession cracks my heart a little more.

"I will choose you over and over again. His declaration echos in my head but these were not just words. They were a vow. Vow be made to me when we married each other. A vow be made to me when he got the symbol of our love that I created tattooed on his back. A vow he made and he got us trapped in a castle together. He vowed to always choose me and I know in my heart I will always him too."

"And I don't wish to be anywhere that isn't in his embrace."

"He might not remember who he was before this curse, but I do. My head is full of all the beautiful memories we shared and I haven't gotten the chance to tell that those memories that make me beam with delight don't soft end the curse started. He got me to fall in love with him over and over again. I was just too stubborn to admit it. I've fallen in love with every version he's become, never once wanting anything else. Even the fiancé that I thought I had, the one crafted from the blurred memories I had of Braxton, pales in comparison to the man I beg to spend every day with."

"You're my home Braxton, I don't belong anywhere but with you"

"After a century of enduring me hating you, you still chose to stay trapped in the castle with instead of restating your life with someone else. You could have been freed from the torment and I would have been none the wiser." Every minute, day, week, month, and year of that century he spent here with me was completely by his choice.
"I stayed" he smiled gently cupping my cheek. I press my face further into his palm, relishing in the feel of his on mine. "I'll always stay. There is no other option for me, Azalea, than you. I would have you hate me, scream at me, fantasize about killing me, and curse my name into the ground than not ever have any piece of you ever again." His thumb lovingly brushed along my cheek."

"How could I have not realized my life was absent of all of my favorite things for so long? His smile. His laugh. The gleam of peace in his eyes as he studies my face. The feeling of his lips against mine."

"I love you." He sighs happily before bringing his forehead down to mine. Closing his eyes he murmurs "say it again."
"I love you" I repeat bringing my hand up to hold the back of his neck. Another content sign escaped him. "I will never tire of hearing that."
"I'll never tire of saying it." I smile "now you tell me."
He laughs again. "Have I not shown it? Don't actions speak loud than words?"

"Do you love me?" I feel foolish as the question leaves my lips but his exuberant smile wipes away all of insecurities.
"You were never my curse Azalea, only my salvation. I was willing to spend the rest of my life with you hating me as long as that meant spending the rest of my life with you."

"Technically I never hated you" I mumbled against his lips. "I just didn't realize who you were. I didn't realize you were the bond I was desperate to get to."

"Yes Wildflower I love you. I never stopped loving you and I will continue to love you indirim my very last breath."

"He will always choose me and I will always choose him. Until our final days. Until our last breaths. We will choose each other again and again."

[Nessa · Rating 3 out of 5]

A SOLID 3.5 STARS!

This story reminded me of Bec McMaster's Dark Court Rising series whereby the "amnesia" troupe is being used. I'm not going to be a spoilsport, so if you know, you know. Personally, I think the latter is better written, the characters and emotions more complex yet gripping. While I enjoyed Castle of the Cursed, I couldn't quite feel the tangible romance between the two. When I DON'T FEEL like reading the SEX scenes, I know something isn't right.

BRAXTON was a gem. A male who could hold onto his love for a century without giving up the woman he loves or their relationship even after being broken SO MANY times - mentally - anyone else would have given up. I felt for him more than the heroine, and I honestly wanted him to have what he tried so desperately to save. DEVOTION like this is hard to come by, and is ever so non-existent in reality. Braxton has his reasons for withholding A LOT of information, so bear with the poor man when you finally uncover WHY. It's not an excuse, but if you were in his shoes, you might have ended up doing the same.

AZALEA wasn't a character I could vibe with. I didn't LIKE her, but didn't DISLIKE her either. No brownie points here. Despite being an insufferable heroine, she's almost like a supporting cast in the emotional department. I honestly believe that the author should have made them fall in love all over again despite the rough (enemies to lovers feel) start. It would have been FIREWORKS! Hot, angry, angsty sex? YUM! Sadly, you'll be a tad disappointed. The conditions of having angry sex didn't work out for me, because I didn't feel like Azalea's heart was in it, merely that she was moving with the motions.

OVERALL this could have been better done. There were certain tear-jerker moments, ONLY and MOSTLY by Braxton's side - his CONFESSION did me in. I wasn't MOVED by the romance, didn't EXPERIENCE it, merely TOLD about what was, what happened and what could have been.

[Spencer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Castle of the Cursed by Maggie Lynn

4/5 stars

I appreciate that Azalea the FMC has autonomy and is stabby! I sometimes feel that with these retellings the author keeps the FMC in the dark or somewhat useless which I don’t think is done here. I will say that I don’t quite understand Braxton the MMC as much as I thought I would, especially with the dual POVs, but that ultimately doesn’t bother me because I was more focused on Azalea and the unfolding of her truth.

I can’t express how much I appreciate that this is a stand alone book and that the story allows it to be a stand alone book. We eventually get all the background and information needed which sometimes is a shortcoming in other stand alone books.

The plot unravels nicely after the book picks up. While some points are predictable, I was pleasantly surprised by many aspects. I particularly appreciate the depth of the witch even if she isn’t a main character and isn’t explored too much. I do understand why she did what she did (if you know you know because I don’t want to spoil it) with her magic which ultimately allows for the ending to happen. It doesn’t feel overly great, but I appreciate that there is some groundwork for an explanation.

I was a little frustrated with the beginning of the book because actions weren’t making sense. It was also quite slow until we hit the second section of the book which is why I rated it the way I did but overall I did enjoy reading the Castle of the Cursed.

If you’re a fan of retellings I recommend it! It's a relatively quick read (or at least it feels like no time has passed because you get sucked in!) and quite spicy (though not overdone) so be warned!

Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to ARC read this book.

[Maria Perez · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Castle of the Cursed by Maggie Lynn
ARC Review

An absolutely stunning Beauty and the Beast retelling — I am OBSESSED. Thank you so much, Maggie, for letting me ARC read this masterpiece. I devoured it.

BRAXTON.
This man has immediately become one of my favourite MMCs of the year. The yearning? The devotion? The way he would rather let his love hate him for a century than lose her forever? I was feral. The swoon was everything I needed and more. A man who sacrifices, protects, and loves with his whole cursed 🖤 I’m ruined for all other heroes.

Azalea was such a beautifully written FMC. You feel every moment of her fear, her strength, her softness. She’s trapped but still so graceful, so brave, so full of quiet resilience. I adored her.

And that letter in the carriage? Broke me.. Left me staring at the page whispering “no no no.” Absolute perfection.

Also, Luna deserves the 🌍 . She added such warmth and magic — I loved her so much.

This book gave me everything: angst, longing, sacrifice, tenderness, magic, and a love story that crawls under your skin and stays there.
Truly a 5-star read. I can’t stop thinking about it.

⸻

✨ Tropes I’m Obsessed With:
• Beauty and the Beast retelling
• Cursed hero
• Grumpy x guarded x gentle
• The man who yearns
• Fated love
• Protector hero
• Forced proximity in a castle
• Hidden letters
• “I would burn for you” energy
• Sacrifice for love
• Touch-starved MMC
• Slow-burn with payoff
• Emotional devastation (in the best way)

[Kyla Honey · Rating 5 out of 5]

“𝒴𝑜𝓊 𝒶𝓇𝑒 𝒶 𝓇𝒶𝓇𝑒 𝒻𝓁𝑜𝓌𝑒𝓇 𝓉𝒽𝒶𝓉 𝒹𝑒𝓈𝑒𝓇𝓋𝑒𝓈 𝓉𝑜 𝒷𝓁𝑜𝑜𝓂 𝒻𝓇𝑒𝑒𝓁𝓎 𝒾𝓃𝓈𝓉𝑒𝒶𝒹 𝑜𝒻 𝒷𝑒𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝓅𝓁𝓊𝒸𝓀𝑒𝒹 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝓅𝓁𝒶𝓃𝓉𝑒𝒹 𝓈𝑜𝓂𝑒𝓌𝒽𝑒𝓇𝑒 𝒾𝓃 𝒶 𝒸𝒶𝑔𝑒.”

When I tell you I was hooked from the very first line in the book until the last, I mean that. This was such an amazing romantasy.

Braxton the MAN THAT YOU ARE 🗣️🗣️🧎‍♀️🧎‍♀️

Azalea the bad bitch that you are 🥰✨

We start off learning that azalea is cursed to the castle to live with Braxton and if she leaves her whole family will die. But like the badass she is, she’s gonna try to find a way to break the curse.

Throughout the book you uncover so many hints , secrets, twist and it’s such a fun ride throughout.

I was giggling, I was sobbing. I was going through the motions, and Maggie might have got a billion texts about it 🫣

The yearning that Braxton does is top tier and the way he would do anything and everything to protect our girl ���

“ᴀɴᴅ ʏᴏᴜ’ʀᴇ ɢᴏɪɴɢ ᴛᴏ ᴅɪᴇ ꜰᴏʀ ᴛʜᴀᴛ”

I was literally begging azalea to remember, I needed her to understand why Braxton was the way he was . Because as the reader getting his POV was the perfect insight in his head and the pain he was going through .

The ENDING— when I said azalea was a bad bitch I meant that

“𝒢𝑒𝓉 𝓎𝑜𝓊𝓇 𝒽𝒶𝓃𝒹𝓈 𝑜𝒻𝒻 𝓂𝓎 𝒻𝓊𝒸𝓀𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝒽𝓊𝓈𝒷𝒶𝓃𝒹”

Because these two together deserved the ending they got and I’m obsessed with both of them .

[Maggie Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️
2.5 🌶️

When I saw that Castle of the Cursed described as a Beauty and the Beast retelling… say less. I’m on it. And, it absolutely delivered on the comparison.

This book is a true Romantasy. If you want a complex plot with heavy world-building, this may not be for you. If you want a spicy fun time with lots of angst, banter, and several “Good Girl”s, then you should absolutely read this now. I love a well-written, standalone Romantasy, and this hit the spot!

Our two main characters, Azalea and Braxton, tugged at my heart so much. Because of a witch’s curse, Azalea has been stripped of a life she loved and forced to live out her days confined to Prince Braxton’s castle, who she blames for everything. The book is written in dual POV, and Maggie Lynn does a wonderful job of making the reader understand and feel what they’re both going through. I loved the little hints thrown in with Braxton’s POV that kept me a bit confused but also made me excited for each bit of information I was given. The story was just so good, and the unexpected twists had me flipping the pages every chance I got.

Romantasy readers looking for something a bit lighter with less commitment than a big series, this would be the perfect read. Romance readers who may want to give fantasy a try, this would be such a great book to start with!

[Casey · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Maybe all those truths make me unworthy of love, least of all hers."

Beauty and the Beast fairytale retelling that will have you laughing out loud, blushing and tearing. I ate this right up!

Read for:
Cursed characters
Forced proximity
Stabby rage filled FMC
Desperate/yearning MMC
One sided enemies to lovers
Dual POV

I loved that Azalea's hatred and Braxton's obsession were established right away (in hilarious chapter transitions) and that we were learning about the curse along with Azalea. There were moments I wanted to throw my kindle across the room (because gah!!), but ultimately you couldn't pry it from my fingers from 30% on.

"I wonder what it would feel like to stab someone. No. Not someone. Him. Prince Braxton Carter of the Emerald Grove. As I twirl the serrated knife I’m holding through my fingers, I give him a saccharine smile before stabbing the blade into the hunk of meat on the porcelain plate in front of me."

"My wildflower. I know it’s Azalea fuming in the doorway before I turn to look at her. And Sky’s Divine, she is breathtaking, even when she stares at me with murder in her eyes."

Obsesseddd with these two🤌🏼
This is a highly entertaining standalone that I definitely recommend!

[Meghan Callaway · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5⭐️2🌶️KU✅ - rounding up for Goodreads
For indie authors I have never let editing issues drop my rating - commented on in a review? Sure. But not rating… until this one. This is a dual-POV book written in first person… so it’s a big deal when the chapter POV name is wrong. There were a LOT of little mistakes but the incorrect Character Name for an important chapter? No.

To me, Romantasy still is plot driven, so if you don’t need that to be the case then disregard, but basically every spicy scene felt unnecessary. For me this story would have done better if it was YA. I really liked the bones of this story which is why I’m so disappointed in not liking it.

I did like the way things were NOT spoiled with the dual POV when one had all the answers but I as the reader did not. That specifically is what made me not DNF.

Spoiler Adjacent below:
It’s hard to write standalone Romantasy, but the romance in this felt so forced. The FMC is sooo strong willed and the one little thing and BOOM mush for a guy she wanted to murder? I get why I should let that pass with the “centuries” (or is it just a century? Because both were said…) but we spent half of the book getting me to understand this stubborn and strong willed FMC just for her to instantly get with him? It’s a no from me.

[Allison Agnello · Rating 5 out of 5]

This beauty and the beast retelling was so good! I love this authors writing and was so thankful to get an arc 😍 Beauty and the beast was never my favorite but I truly loved the way Maggie Lynn did it.

"I will choose you over and over again"
The love story in this can be summarized with this one line. There are so many take aways but the biggest one was to show up for each other in any way possible, again and again.

Azalea (fmc) is a little bratty but in the best way. She is smart and cunning and has a talent in revealing secrets and uncovering truths. I loved her strength and witty remarks.

Braxton (mmc) may say he is a monster but I disagree! He has a soft side and absolutely has a little bit of a golden retriever quality too. He may be completely responsible for Azalea's curse but he isnt only a broody angry beast.

Dianthus - the villan I love to hate! This witch is phenomenal in her evil ways but is also really easy to understand. She does things that are so cruel and the intention is awful. However, I felt so much empathy for her by the end too.

"Maybe were both different forms of beast living in a beautiful world full of monsters" ❤️

[Abigail · Rating 4 out of 5]

There’s a lot I can’t say about this book because it had me on the edge of my seat especially in the later conflict and I wouldn’t want to jeopardize anyone’s experience. Like I really feel like all you need to know is that it has Beauty and the Beast inspo… ahhh so many moments I could talk about, some I saw coming (in the best anticipatory way) and some in hindsight made so much sense but definitely surprised me. I was really impressed on how one of villainous storylines was managed.

My reason for 4 vs 5 stars- I didn’t go looking for them but there were one or two plot holes or maybe that’s too strong of a word, just some (NOT many) moments or actions that go unexplained or don’t fully make sense in the magic system. There are some things that DO get explained so definitely don’t give this as a sole reason to DNF, overall I was able to follow.

This is spicy and I loved the spice. It was balanced with relationship building and other mysterious elements of the plot. I will definitely read this author again! Super satisfying standalone romantasy.

Thank you to the author for the eARC!

[Mrs Holm Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m obsessed with this book!
Azelea finds herself ensnared in a cursed castle, a place she despises with every fiber of her being. Despite her distaste for her surroundings, she knows she must adapt to survive. A crucial part of her plan is to earn the trust of her captor, Braxton. However, the air is thick with unspoken secrets—truths that could either shatter or strengthen their connection.

Azelea harbors a deep-seated hatred for Braxton, rooted in the very curse that binds them both. Ironically, while she grapples with her animosity, Braxton has developed feelings for her, willing to endure her loathing in order to protect her.

The story unfolds with unexpected twists that leave you breathless, revealing a profound emotional connection that transcends the curse. Their love, fierce and resilient, proves that not even the darkest enchantments can extinguish the light of true affection. It's a narrative that grips the heart, showcasing the enduring power of love against all

[Senta Schuuring · Rating 4 out of 5]

4,5 stars

ARC review:
I absolutely devoured this book!
As a girl who loves fairytales and this being a Beauty and the Beast retelling, I was very intrigued when I read the synopsis. The way Beauty and the Beast is intergrated into this story while still both stories are still two completey different stories on their own is something I really liked.

A woman who is cursed to spend the rest of her life in a castle she doens't want to be in, with a man she can't stand. A man who will do everything in his power to keep her with him. Do I hear enemies to lovers?

The only reason this is not a 5-star read for me, has to do with some technicalities of the curse. It was just something that doesn't make sense to me if I were a witch casting a curse. Since it left me with a few questions, I decided not to give it the full 5 stars.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this one!
If you’re in the mood for a Beauty & the Beast retelling with a sharp-tongued FMC, a cursed prince, and a gothic castle full of secrets, this is perfect.

Azalea is trapped in Braxton’s castle as repayment for her father’s debt, and she is not going down quietly. She’s clever, defiant, emotional, and constantly pushing back against a mysterious curse and against the sexy prince. Their dynamic is tense, messy, slow-burning, and honestly addictive.

I loved the atmosphere in this one. Gothic with dark castles. Beauty & the Beast retellings always feel perfect for this season, and this one hit all the right notes.

If you love:
✨ gothic romantasy
✨ Beauty & the Beast retellings
✨ cursed castles
✨ stubborn FMCs and morally questionable princes

…put this on your list immediately.

Thank you again to the author for the ARC!

[Delia Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A curse? Azalea is trapped in a castle with Braxton because of a curse. Braxton doesn’t want Azalea to know the truth about the curse and Azalea wants to break the curse. Braxton will always consider Azalea his. Are things really the way they seem? Who's the real monster? Will there be a happy ever after or will they be cursed forever? This story has a Beauty and the Beast retelling vibe but with other elements thrown into the story. The twists and turns to the story make it more exciting. It’s a darker and spicier version but I loved reading it. If you like enemies to lovers or just Beauty and the Beast retelling this is your book to pick up. I received an advance reader copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[sue_zees_bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Castle of the Cursed
by Maggie Lynn

4⭐️

Beautifully written “Beauty and the Beast “ inspired Romantasy that’s sweet & spicy and ends on a HEA.

The feisty MFC “Azalea “is trapped in an enchanted(cursed) castle ( or is the castle that’s cursed?) with her enemy the dark and mysterious MMC “Braxton”
These two definitely go at it “ like cats and dogs “ and it seemed like it was a little much. But there’s a reason for the bitterness between them.
I did enjoy their witty banter and the underlying tension 🔥between these two!
And in the end you discover the truth behind the “curse” and the true meaning behind their frigid and hostile relationship.
And the true power of love 💜

So if you’re looking for a fast paced, sweet and spicy stand-alone Romantasy filled with mystery and magic ! Then I would recommend this book. 💜

Thank you author Maggie Lynn for the e-ARC !

[Rachel Cowsill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Potential spoilers! :

At first, I will admit, it took me a while to get into this book. I wasn't sure of the story as I got the whole Beauty and the Beast vibe which was the best, as it's one of my favourite stories and I devour fairy-tale retellings like sweets, but with the book starting in the middle of the story, I was confused and I had questions. Then, I realised that Maggie Lynn is a genius with how she told the story. The reader was supposed to feel like Azalea, confused, not knowing everything and the process of finding everything out and learning the whole story was such a powerful and beautiful process with the way the book was written. Once I realised author motivation, I devoured this book. An absolutely stunning read, thank you so much for choosing me to receive an ARC.