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Cursed by the Fountain of Youth
For centuries, countless adventurers have searched for the Fountain of Youth. Those who found it thought they would gain eternal life. Instead, they find themselves murdered by its guardians. There was, however, one, lone survivor—Fae Miller. As an infant, she not only survived the Fountain, she took its power.
Twenty-two years later, Fae is hiding in plain sight at a local college. She’s is determined to leave the past behind her and live a normal life. But for one dying man, the search for the Fountain of Youth continues, and he is leaving a trail of blood and mutilated bodies in his wake. Unfortunately, that trail leads directly to Fae. Her only hope is a young, new college professor, also known as Special Agent Nick Chase of the FBI. Nick is determined to do two things: keep Fae alive, and keep his relationship with his student professional. Both of these jobs prove difficult—especially when love and magic get involved.
Twenty-two years later, Fae is hiding in plain sight at a local college. She’s is determined to leave the past behind her and live a normal life. But for one dying man, the search for the Fountain of Youth continues, and he is leaving a trail of blood and mutilated bodies in his wake. Unfortunately, that trail leads directly to Fae. Her only hope is a young, new college professor, also known as Special Agent Nick Chase of the FBI. Nick is determined to do two things: keep Fae alive, and keep his relationship with his student professional. Both of these jobs prove difficult—especially when love and magic get involved.
375 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 23, 2016
60 people are currently reading
253 people want to read
About the author
Holly Kelly
14 books349 followersHolly Kelly is a wife, mother of six, author, editor, former English teacher, and daydreamer. Holly spent her childhood in a small town in Kansas reading, climbing trees, tumbling across her front yard, and swimming daily at the local pool where she spent her time pretending to be a mermaid.
When she was a young teen, she and her family moved to Texas (where she discovered how much she hated the heat), and then, during her senior year in high school, they moved to Utah. Despite living in the desert, Holly's fascination with the ocean grew. Before graduating from high school, she decided she wanted to be a marine biologist. This led to her attending college in Hawaii. She adored her time there swimming in the blue waters and studying the marine life, but missing her family had her returning to the mainland.
While attending college at BYU in Provo, Utah, she met and married karate teacher, James Kelly. Holly and James then welcomed six amazing children into their home. Between diaper changes and late-night feedings, Holly decided she wasn't tired enough. She began writing a novel, which she did between 3 and 6 AM every morning (before the kids woke up). Several years and four completed novels later, CTP Publishing offered her a contract to publish Rising, and the rest, they say, is history! Holly now has seven published novels, including the first book in a trilogy that released in September 2024. She also has several published short stories, all of which you can read on this website by clicking here.
Holly now spends her time writing young adult, paranormal books, freelance editing, and working on her master's degree in Creative Writing. Oh, and don't forget reading! She's always reading!
When she was a young teen, she and her family moved to Texas (where she discovered how much she hated the heat), and then, during her senior year in high school, they moved to Utah. Despite living in the desert, Holly's fascination with the ocean grew. Before graduating from high school, she decided she wanted to be a marine biologist. This led to her attending college in Hawaii. She adored her time there swimming in the blue waters and studying the marine life, but missing her family had her returning to the mainland.
While attending college at BYU in Provo, Utah, she met and married karate teacher, James Kelly. Holly and James then welcomed six amazing children into their home. Between diaper changes and late-night feedings, Holly decided she wasn't tired enough. She began writing a novel, which she did between 3 and 6 AM every morning (before the kids woke up). Several years and four completed novels later, CTP Publishing offered her a contract to publish Rising, and the rest, they say, is history! Holly now has seven published novels, including the first book in a trilogy that released in September 2024. She also has several published short stories, all of which you can read on this website by clicking here.
Holly now spends her time writing young adult, paranormal books, freelance editing, and working on her master's degree in Creative Writing. Oh, and don't forget reading! She's always reading!
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March 28, 2018Interesting twist on the Fountain of Youth legend. Fae's abilities and Nick's heritage explain both their attractiveness and why they're attracted to each other, though that kind of romance is not really my cup of tea. It's a dark story, but if you aren't put off by a bit of violence and enjoy a good fantasy-based romance, you may find it enjoyable.
July 12, 2022
spooky
This is a fun, creative, fast paced, mystical romance. I can see opportunities for more stories and am looking forward to it.
This is a fun, creative, fast paced, mystical romance. I can see opportunities for more stories and am looking forward to it.
June 6, 2018
This was a free ebook I came across while searching on Amazon. While I found a ton of questionable areas throughout the story, the story itself was pretty interesting, and I had a hard time putting my tablet down. This was definitely a different read for me.
(I did notice a lot of grammatical errors, whether using the wrong word, forgoing a word, or phrasing the sentence in an incorrect way; there were also some punctuational errors.)
Questions/Comments:
Why were people thinking Fae was a prostitute at the beginning of the story?
I assumed her scholarship had something to do with her kidnapping? Even though that doesn't really make sense to me.
How could teaching at a college class twice a week earn more money than being in the FBI?
The whole "Guardians of the Fountain of Youth" thing was confusing. No one is allowed to touch the water. If anyone gets too close, they kill the person. Why not just destroy the fountain? I mean they're not doing anything with it. Plus, if someone does drink from it, supposedly, they'll end up crazy. It's not like a statue or a big pile of jewels. What's the point of protecting it if it just sits there and no one can even appreciate it without being killed?
Seriously, how did no one think Emeric was up to no-good when he repeatedly asked for alone time with the fountain.
Fae's posing for the art class. One of the rules was that no one in the class was allowed to contact her. Considering she was a college student posing in front of other college students...basically, she wasn't allowed to befriend anyone in the class even if she wanted to.
So based on Nick's experience, anyone that believes because the secret government group believes in the Fountain of Youth than they're "certifiably insane."
Why didn't Brigitte tell Fae the truth? Had she told her at a younger age, Fae would have been more likely to believe her. At least tell her that her mother had been killed by a cult or something and Brigitte came along and has been protecting her. I don't get why she wouldn't have said anything.
Fae stays with Nick. How did no one at the college say anything about that since he's an instructor there?
How many days/time went by from when Nick let Fae wipe the blood from her lip on his handkerchief, to the time he pulls it out of his pocket and realizes the blood is still wet? At least several days. How would that have been possible though?
Why did Layfette cut her neck for her blood? Why not the wrist or somewhere else on her arm? That just seemed like a strange spot. Or did the author have him do it there so she could reference vampires? I assume that was the case.
Layfette somehow knows that Fae will go into a hibernation. Yes, he has a lot of journals that he's been reading. That would have meant that the powers of the fountain had to have been transferred to another person at some point in time, hundreds of years prior. What happened with that person to where they got the power back into the fountain?
Mason recognized Brigitte on the tv from the times when he'd visit his father, Emeric, at the camp. That meant he'd have to be at least been...I'd say eight, for him to have remembered seeing Brigitte around the camp. Fae wasn't born yet. How old was Mason supposed to be to where he could pass as a college student?
When Nick is told the power of the fountain is now in Fae, he finds it unbelievable. Yet, Thomas tells him: "You've seen crazy things before." No, he hasn't though. That's why he finds it unbelievable.
So Layfette blocked Fae up in the old cavern place where the Spanish general had lived long ago. He'd chained her up in the room where he'd chained his wife and her lover up. Was I the only one that thought it...not sure what word I want to use here, but questionable that the author would have ghosts there? It just seemed too coincidental since the female ghost ended up helping Fae sorta. Additionally, how many walls did he block up? I mean, this place was a touristy place, so how would those that worked there not realize a bunch of walls were suddenly blocked?
Note from Fae: if a wall has just been built using stones and mortar, it will be easier to pick at the recently laid mortar as opposed to the really old stones.
Nick was looking at the surveillance video of when he and Fae arrived at the place for date night with Morgan. We learn that he'd parked in a handicapped parking spot. Why?
When Nick gets to the room where Fae had been, the one with the water, he realizes that "One of the stones was missing" on the opposite wall. One stone? Fae knocked aside several to get her body through.
How did the supernatural doctor know that kissing Fae would cause the person to become overpowered with lust?
The doc ended up injecting some of Fae's blood into Becca's IV to "rewind time" for her. Considering the story only mentions the "single dose" of blood...why wouldn't they have needed a lot more? And when they realize the blood wasn't doing anything (hello! they only used a little amount), why did the doc seem all eager to assist in Becca's suicide? Yes, she was in pain. Was she actually given any pain medicine though? Additionally, when they realized that Becca wasn't dying, the doc notes she was trying to breathe on her own. Wouldn't anyone be trying to do that though, given the situation?
Why was it only the bad witch knew that Nick was something more than human?
They want to take some of Fae's blood so Nick can make a connection with her. Maybe it just seemed like common sense to me, but why didn't they just use an IV/needle to remove the blood? Like when you go in to donate it. Wouldn't that have been easier than cutting her wrist?
Why were Jenny and Morgan's ghosts in the well, when their bodies were elsewhere?
What was the thing with Alvira and the sun? I've never heard of succubi not being able to go out into the sun.
When Fae is escaping while chatting with Morgan, how did she not notice Layfette was right behind her?
Layfette gives Theon to Morgan to eat. Both are zombies though, and I've never seen/heard of a zombie eating another zombie.
So, Theon had tried to get Thomas to come to them by saying they had Alvira. Who in the world wouldn't contact their significant other to confirm whether or not the message was true? I only ask this because there was no mention of Thomas trying to contact his wife.
Layfette, Hunter, and Fae are chatting in the barn. Layfette ends up telling Hunter to put Fae in the well. SUDDENLY, it's like Fae is all by herself because she starts calling for Morgan and Jenny to help her, and Morgan walks in with there being no sign of Layfette or Hunter.
Layfette had explained that no one would be able to find them because he killed the previous owner (who had no family). Yet, there was a family member to report him missing, and somehow, instead of going to the police they went to the FBI?!
When Hunter is getting ready to put her in the well, they're face to face. How did she not think to kiss him? Swap some spit and get him hooked on her.
I didn't understand how they couldn't help Jenny. Yes, her neck was broken, but why couldn't they turn the time back for her as well? Her ghost was still there.
Lastly, Jenny asks Alvira if she'll be going to Heaven and will she be able to see her mom? Alvira's response? "Yes." How would she know though?
(I did notice a lot of grammatical errors, whether using the wrong word, forgoing a word, or phrasing the sentence in an incorrect way; there were also some punctuational errors.)
Questions/Comments:
Why were people thinking Fae was a prostitute at the beginning of the story?
I assumed her scholarship had something to do with her kidnapping? Even though that doesn't really make sense to me.
How could teaching at a college class twice a week earn more money than being in the FBI?
The whole "Guardians of the Fountain of Youth" thing was confusing. No one is allowed to touch the water. If anyone gets too close, they kill the person. Why not just destroy the fountain? I mean they're not doing anything with it. Plus, if someone does drink from it, supposedly, they'll end up crazy. It's not like a statue or a big pile of jewels. What's the point of protecting it if it just sits there and no one can even appreciate it without being killed?
Seriously, how did no one think Emeric was up to no-good when he repeatedly asked for alone time with the fountain.
Fae's posing for the art class. One of the rules was that no one in the class was allowed to contact her. Considering she was a college student posing in front of other college students...basically, she wasn't allowed to befriend anyone in the class even if she wanted to.
So based on Nick's experience, anyone that believes because the secret government group believes in the Fountain of Youth than they're "certifiably insane."
Why didn't Brigitte tell Fae the truth? Had she told her at a younger age, Fae would have been more likely to believe her. At least tell her that her mother had been killed by a cult or something and Brigitte came along and has been protecting her. I don't get why she wouldn't have said anything.
Fae stays with Nick. How did no one at the college say anything about that since he's an instructor there?
How many days/time went by from when Nick let Fae wipe the blood from her lip on his handkerchief, to the time he pulls it out of his pocket and realizes the blood is still wet? At least several days. How would that have been possible though?
Why did Layfette cut her neck for her blood? Why not the wrist or somewhere else on her arm? That just seemed like a strange spot. Or did the author have him do it there so she could reference vampires? I assume that was the case.
Layfette somehow knows that Fae will go into a hibernation. Yes, he has a lot of journals that he's been reading. That would have meant that the powers of the fountain had to have been transferred to another person at some point in time, hundreds of years prior. What happened with that person to where they got the power back into the fountain?
Mason recognized Brigitte on the tv from the times when he'd visit his father, Emeric, at the camp. That meant he'd have to be at least been...I'd say eight, for him to have remembered seeing Brigitte around the camp. Fae wasn't born yet. How old was Mason supposed to be to where he could pass as a college student?
When Nick is told the power of the fountain is now in Fae, he finds it unbelievable. Yet, Thomas tells him: "You've seen crazy things before." No, he hasn't though. That's why he finds it unbelievable.
So Layfette blocked Fae up in the old cavern place where the Spanish general had lived long ago. He'd chained her up in the room where he'd chained his wife and her lover up. Was I the only one that thought it...not sure what word I want to use here, but questionable that the author would have ghosts there? It just seemed too coincidental since the female ghost ended up helping Fae sorta. Additionally, how many walls did he block up? I mean, this place was a touristy place, so how would those that worked there not realize a bunch of walls were suddenly blocked?
Note from Fae: if a wall has just been built using stones and mortar, it will be easier to pick at the recently laid mortar as opposed to the really old stones.
Nick was looking at the surveillance video of when he and Fae arrived at the place for date night with Morgan. We learn that he'd parked in a handicapped parking spot. Why?
When Nick gets to the room where Fae had been, the one with the water, he realizes that "One of the stones was missing" on the opposite wall. One stone? Fae knocked aside several to get her body through.
How did the supernatural doctor know that kissing Fae would cause the person to become overpowered with lust?
The doc ended up injecting some of Fae's blood into Becca's IV to "rewind time" for her. Considering the story only mentions the "single dose" of blood...why wouldn't they have needed a lot more? And when they realize the blood wasn't doing anything (hello! they only used a little amount), why did the doc seem all eager to assist in Becca's suicide? Yes, she was in pain. Was she actually given any pain medicine though? Additionally, when they realized that Becca wasn't dying, the doc notes she was trying to breathe on her own. Wouldn't anyone be trying to do that though, given the situation?
Why was it only the bad witch knew that Nick was something more than human?
They want to take some of Fae's blood so Nick can make a connection with her. Maybe it just seemed like common sense to me, but why didn't they just use an IV/needle to remove the blood? Like when you go in to donate it. Wouldn't that have been easier than cutting her wrist?
Why were Jenny and Morgan's ghosts in the well, when their bodies were elsewhere?
What was the thing with Alvira and the sun? I've never heard of succubi not being able to go out into the sun.
When Fae is escaping while chatting with Morgan, how did she not notice Layfette was right behind her?
Layfette gives Theon to Morgan to eat. Both are zombies though, and I've never seen/heard of a zombie eating another zombie.
So, Theon had tried to get Thomas to come to them by saying they had Alvira. Who in the world wouldn't contact their significant other to confirm whether or not the message was true? I only ask this because there was no mention of Thomas trying to contact his wife.
Layfette, Hunter, and Fae are chatting in the barn. Layfette ends up telling Hunter to put Fae in the well. SUDDENLY, it's like Fae is all by herself because she starts calling for Morgan and Jenny to help her, and Morgan walks in with there being no sign of Layfette or Hunter.
Layfette had explained that no one would be able to find them because he killed the previous owner (who had no family). Yet, there was a family member to report him missing, and somehow, instead of going to the police they went to the FBI?!
When Hunter is getting ready to put her in the well, they're face to face. How did she not think to kiss him? Swap some spit and get him hooked on her.
I didn't understand how they couldn't help Jenny. Yes, her neck was broken, but why couldn't they turn the time back for her as well? Her ghost was still there.
Lastly, Jenny asks Alvira if she'll be going to Heaven and will she be able to see her mom? Alvira's response? "Yes." How would she know though?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 10, 2017
Holly Kelly has done it again. When she wrote the Rising Series, I'd never read a mermaid book, but she handled the topic so well that I became an immediate fan - of her books, at least. Once again, I'm converted to something I wouldn't normally read. The prologue pulled me right in, and I couldn't put the book down. I'm looking forward to the remaining books. Thanks for a great read!
May 3, 2017
4.5/5.0
This romantic fantasy is an innovative and creative take on the proverbial Fountain of Youth.
Read full review in the 2017 May issue of InD'tale Magazine.
This romantic fantasy is an innovative and creative take on the proverbial Fountain of Youth.
Read full review in the 2017 May issue of InD'tale Magazine.
May 11, 2017
I really don't think this was for me.
I shall call it the book of the 1000 face palms and leave it to that...
I shall call it the book of the 1000 face palms and leave it to that...
April 3, 2019
So I just spent my whole evening reading this book. It’s one of those page turners that peaked my curiosity and had me anxiously reading chapter after chapter in my quest to find out what happens next. I love books like this that kept me interested and entertained.
I’m especially fond of the hero in this book, Special Agent Nick Carter. I think that the relationship he has with his sister, although just small part of the book, was the thing that made me like him so much.
Note: I was given a copy of this book by an acquaintance of the author. I don’t believe my rating was influenced by the gift, by I wanted to throw it out there for full disclosure.
I’m especially fond of the hero in this book, Special Agent Nick Carter. I think that the relationship he has with his sister, although just small part of the book, was the thing that made me like him so much.
Note: I was given a copy of this book by an acquaintance of the author. I don’t believe my rating was influenced by the gift, by I wanted to throw it out there for full disclosure.
October 29, 2017
Unique theme
I really enjoyed this book. The whole idea of the fountain of youth was interesting, and Fae was a truly likable character. Nick was sweet and a true good guy. This is a very clean romance with some very sick bad guys. All in all a great read.
I really enjoyed this book. The whole idea of the fountain of youth was interesting, and Fae was a truly likable character. Nick was sweet and a true good guy. This is a very clean romance with some very sick bad guys. All in all a great read.
August 8, 2019
Different but very good.
I was surprised by the storyline, this is the first book of Holly Kelly's i have read and i didn't realize it was science fiction. This book has made me want to read more of her books!
I was surprised by the storyline, this is the first book of Holly Kelly's i have read and i didn't realize it was science fiction. This book has made me want to read more of her books!
August 4, 2022
43870613
Bethany 2.5 stars.
It was pretty good, I was interested in the story pretty much throughout the entire thing. There were some questionable actions. But honestly they weren't a deal breaker.
Overall a good story.
Recommended? eh why not.
Buy/Borrow? Borrow (less)
Bethany 2.5 stars.
It was pretty good, I was interested in the story pretty much throughout the entire thing. There were some questionable actions. But honestly they weren't a deal breaker.
Overall a good story.
Recommended? eh why not.
Buy/Borrow? Borrow (less)
October 12, 2017
This book wow so good couldn't put it down. Will definitely recommend it was a fantastic read!
November 27, 2017
very good
December 1, 2017
Stay with it. I like the characters. The magic starts around middle of book
January 12, 2017
A definite page turner
It only took me a couple of sittings to finish this book. It truly had a pace that kept you racing to see what happened next. The trouble is... I think some things were a bit too fast. The time line was collapsed to the point of massive developments literally happening one day to the next. I would've liked a little more character and plot development. I loved the premise of the book and will read more in the series. My only other complaint is there were several instances were the text shifted tenses. Not a deal breaker-- but noticeable enough to interrupt the flow. Still, I really liked the book.
It only took me a couple of sittings to finish this book. It truly had a pace that kept you racing to see what happened next. The trouble is... I think some things were a bit too fast. The time line was collapsed to the point of massive developments literally happening one day to the next. I would've liked a little more character and plot development. I loved the premise of the book and will read more in the series. My only other complaint is there were several instances were the text shifted tenses. Not a deal breaker-- but noticeable enough to interrupt the flow. Still, I really liked the book.
February 2, 2017
Holly Kelly...did it again!
A baby born in the fountain grew up running and hiding. When she took her life in her own hands she found danger, friendship, and love....READY FOR MORE and EXCITED!
A baby born in the fountain grew up running and hiding. When she took her life in her own hands she found danger, friendship, and love....READY FOR MORE and EXCITED!
February 6, 2017
My first holly Kelly book
This was my first holly Kelly book and wow am I surprised at how much I loved it. This book had twists and turns ever few pages. I loved the characters and I thought that the plot was unique. I think I may have to read more of her books.
This was my first holly Kelly book and wow am I surprised at how much I loved it. This book had twists and turns ever few pages. I loved the characters and I thought that the plot was unique. I think I may have to read more of her books.
December 29, 2016
Very good story
Good characters, lots of plot twists and well written. The myriad of characters is fun and the evil characters fascinating. The good characters are lovable.
Good characters, lots of plot twists and well written. The myriad of characters is fun and the evil characters fascinating. The good characters are lovable.
January 7, 2017
Awesomeness
Awesomeness..... I loved all the characters. Fae, Nick, Thomas, Becca, Morgan and so many others. An awesome take on the Fountain of youth and otherworldlyNess!!
Awesomeness..... I loved all the characters. Fae, Nick, Thomas, Becca, Morgan and so many others. An awesome take on the Fountain of youth and otherworldlyNess!!
April 15, 2017
What if the myths were real? Welcome to The Unnatural States Of America
WOW
Holly Kelly has woven a tale that is amazing. I recommend this book to all
5 stars.
April 20, 2017
Great Read!
The unnatural States of America is a new series by Holly Kelly. I found this book to be a fantastic beginning. It's a clean romance book so it's safe for teens to read but has enough action, mystery and romance to keep a adult reading. I can't wait to read the next book, the teaser at the end looks promising!
The unnatural States of America is a new series by Holly Kelly. I found this book to be a fantastic beginning. It's a clean romance book so it's safe for teens to read but has enough action, mystery and romance to keep a adult reading. I can't wait to read the next book, the teaser at the end looks promising!
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews