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Lyrics & Curses
(Cursed Hearts #1)
by
Lark Espinoza could get lost in her music—and she’s not so sure anyone in her family would even care to find her. Her trendy, party-loving twin sister and her mother-come-lately Beth, who’s suddenly sworn off men and onto homemaking, don’t understand her love of cassette tapes, her loathing of the pop scene, or her standoffish personality. For outcast Lark, nothing feels a
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Paperback, 350 pages
Published
November 10th 2020
by Midnight Tide Publishing
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Start your review of Lyrics & Curses (Cursed Hearts, #1)
Lyrics & Curses is the first of the Cursed Hearts duology written by Candace Robinson that falls in the young adult and paranormal genres. I've read most of Robinson's previous books and short stories, which meant I had to get an early release when this one became available. As the cover and title suggest, this book is ripe with drama, music, and the unknown.
Lark and Auden are near the end of high school, thinking about college. They've hooked up once or twice before, but they mostly don't see e ...more
Lark and Auden are near the end of high school, thinking about college. They've hooked up once or twice before, but they mostly don't see e ...more
Set in 1985? Stranger Things meets Pretty in Pink? Paranormal Romance? I’m in! I may be biased though since I wrote it! 😂❤️
Well, slap me into some Guess jeans, add a side pony, and call me Stacey!! Pretty in Pink meets Stranger Things??!!! 80’s paranormal romance?!!! I could die happy!
Lark and Auden both have home lives that are less than normal and find their shared love of music could become a lifeline to reality as they are transported into a mirror world and no one knows they could lose their very souls if they can’t get back. With an attraction to each other that seems to stutter stop before it even gets started, these two must find a way to break the curse they have fallen into the day two strangers came to town. Why has this happened only to them? Fate has a strange wa
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I had the pleasure of reading an early copy of Lyrics & Curses and falling in love with the storyline up front! The dual roles of each protagonist, the doppleganger effect and the budding romance had me begging and hoping for an HEA!!! I won't give the ending away, but this book has everything you want in a YA paranormal read. Not to mention totally relatable characters, bringing the 80s to life, and a cool plot!! LOVED it!
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This book was just so much fun to read. I was born in the 80's and absolutely loved the fashion and music, and this had it all. A lot of thought was put into matching songs with each chapter, and now I really want to watch The Wedding Singer. And it was such a unique story that I really did not know what would happen next. I really liked Lark and definitely would be friends with her. Auden had his walls up, but I enjoyed getting to know him more as the story progressed. Also, I really want to wo
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**In all clarity, I worked as line editor on this novel**
What can I say, except I took a roaring ride back to the 80's with clothing descriptions and music descriptions so vivid I could picture myself back during those days! Loved the nostalgia, first and foremost, but don't let me forget the simmering romance between the two MCs and all of the obstacles (and supernatural curses!) they had to overcome to finally be together in the end. It made my little sentimental heart pitter-patter. Though I' ...more
What can I say, except I took a roaring ride back to the 80's with clothing descriptions and music descriptions so vivid I could picture myself back during those days! Loved the nostalgia, first and foremost, but don't let me forget the simmering romance between the two MCs and all of the obstacles (and supernatural curses!) they had to overcome to finally be together in the end. It made my little sentimental heart pitter-patter. Though I' ...more
The beginning dragged on.
We didn't get into the thick of it until about 50% in.
After part III started everything moves quickly, but I felt like the supernatural aspect of the novel was barely explained, and what was explained left me unsatisfied.
There is such a thing as too much mystery. I felt like the set up of the characters took too long. A few instances of the characters being confronted with the supernatural and then being hit by the supernatural train, therefore starting the intriguing pa ...more
We didn't get into the thick of it until about 50% in.
After part III started everything moves quickly, but I felt like the supernatural aspect of the novel was barely explained, and what was explained left me unsatisfied.
There is such a thing as too much mystery. I felt like the set up of the characters took too long. A few instances of the characters being confronted with the supernatural and then being hit by the supernatural train, therefore starting the intriguing pa ...more
I absolutely loved this book! I loved following Auden and Lark and getting characters so real and true to themselves. They aren't your typical teenagers. They keep to who they are even when battling demons of their own. The beginning sucks you into them as people with a side of suspense of paranormal then by the end you are biting your finger nails unsure how things are going to play out. The book is very well written with a flow only this author seems to be able to pull off. I loved every secon
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I admit that when I first heard the title to this book, I wasn’t sure what I was going to get. I was pleasantly surprised.
Lark and Auden came together over their love for music and song lyrics. Both are full of self doubt due to their family issues, but when two strangers appear, they are shoved together into a walking nightmare. They have been cursed and must find a cure or they will cease to exist. Unable to be heard or seen by those around them, they only have each other to rely on.
The suspen ...more
Lark and Auden came together over their love for music and song lyrics. Both are full of self doubt due to their family issues, but when two strangers appear, they are shoved together into a walking nightmare. They have been cursed and must find a cure or they will cease to exist. Unable to be heard or seen by those around them, they only have each other to rely on.
The suspen ...more
This book took me there. I loved every bit of the vivid details in this world. The ominous feeling of the (spoiler) and how it seriously sent chills down my spine. Love, 80's, Love, Curses, Love, and some mystery and I was HOOKED. Auden and Lark hold a special place in my heart. Their journey is fraught with emotion and danger and healing. And Candace did an AMAZING job capturing all of it.
Going to admit I got to work on this book. ❤❤❤❤ And, I get to read the next one in the series well before e ...more
Going to admit I got to work on this book. ❤❤❤❤ And, I get to read the next one in the series well before e ...more
The first thing that comes to mind: unique.
The story is set in the 80s & it’s executed perfectly. When I read it, I felt like I was transported back in time. :)
It’s the start of summer. Lark works at a Bubble’s Oddities with her best friend. Across the story, in music shop works Auden. When the school was still in, they connected with exchanging the lyrics of the songs (that reminds me so much of high school, I and my best friends use to do that all the time :)) just a few decades after :D) and ...more
The story is set in the 80s & it’s executed perfectly. When I read it, I felt like I was transported back in time. :)
It’s the start of summer. Lark works at a Bubble’s Oddities with her best friend. Across the story, in music shop works Auden. When the school was still in, they connected with exchanging the lyrics of the songs (that reminds me so much of high school, I and my best friends use to do that all the time :)) just a few decades after :D) and ...more
Beta read for the author.
Update 05/12/2020
Today is the cover reveal for Lyrics & Curses! Head over to my blog to read more about it here!
My Blog ¦ Bookstagram ¦ Twitter ¦ Pinterest ¦ Facebook ...more
Update 05/12/2020
Today is the cover reveal for Lyrics & Curses! Head over to my blog to read more about it here!
My Blog ¦ Bookstagram ¦ Twitter ¦ Pinterest ¦ Facebook ...more
This book is amazing! So many little details bring the decade to life and the characters are instantly relatable. The whole concept of the mirror dimension is unique too. Go read this ASAP!
If you're after a truly unusual story, Candace Robinson's got you covered!
Lyrics & Curses is her latest offering, and it doesn't disappoint. Infused with the 80s nostalgia, this is a deeply romantic and quirky romp as its two protagonists, Lark and Auden race against time to solve a mystery and save themselves from a terrible curse. Ouija boards, boomboxes, outrageously brave unitards, creepy mirrors and all your favorite songs can be found here. I promise that after reading this book you'll loo ...more
Lyrics & Curses is her latest offering, and it doesn't disappoint. Infused with the 80s nostalgia, this is a deeply romantic and quirky romp as its two protagonists, Lark and Auden race against time to solve a mystery and save themselves from a terrible curse. Ouija boards, boomboxes, outrageously brave unitards, creepy mirrors and all your favorite songs can be found here. I promise that after reading this book you'll loo ...more
*** Note : I received e-copy of this book from the author, in exchange for an honest review. Many thanks to author for review copy. ***
* 4.5 Stars *
Lyrics & Curses was intriguing first paranormal book in Cursed Hearts duology that revolved around Auden and Lark, their shared love for music and how they try to stop the curse of another dimension. It was about troubled past and childhood, friendship, love, family and music.
Writing was easy to follow and gripping filled with 80’ setting, style and ...more
* 4.5 Stars *
Lyrics & Curses was intriguing first paranormal book in Cursed Hearts duology that revolved around Auden and Lark, their shared love for music and how they try to stop the curse of another dimension. It was about troubled past and childhood, friendship, love, family and music.
Writing was easy to follow and gripping filled with 80’ setting, style and ...more
Thank you so much to Candace Robinson for the pdf download of lyrics and curses the writing in this story was just so good it made me feel like I was in the 80’s I just love their music so much I love most of the songs in this book, it starts off with lark working in the oddities shop and Auden working next store soon he becomes her coworker and strange things start to happen a man all in black with a porky pie hat and something weird in his hand a lady in black playing a flute all this weird st
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After a series of bizarre occurrences and sightings, Lark and Auden find themselves trapped in a weird dimension and only they hold the secret to undoing the curse.
Candace Robinson has a way of making the main characters so relatable and likable. Their relationship was complicated at first but built up into something very nice. I love everything nostalgic and Lyrics and Curses made me want to be be transported to the 80s! I just wish I had a playlist to match the book!
Candace Robinson has a way of making the main characters so relatable and likable. Their relationship was complicated at first but built up into something very nice. I love everything nostalgic and Lyrics and Curses made me want to be be transported to the 80s! I just wish I had a playlist to match the book!
I absolutely adored this book!!! It kept my attention the whole time and I was turning the pages quickly. Everything seemed to work and fit together—the characters, the plot, the pacing. The writing was tight and clean, and flowed where I didn’t even feel like I was reading. The story had an intrigue that kept me going throughout. I loved the paranormal elements with the mystery—it was a perfect combination. I loved the romance, and I honestly cannot WAIT to see what happens next!
What I love is how Robinson builds up details and suspense from the beginning and is able to make it pay off in the second half. Everything in Lark's and Auden's lives are hanging in the balance while they try to figure out how to stop the curse. (This is where things really rev up). Not only do we get fun '80s references (I love how music is woven into the story) along the way and some clever banter between them, but we get to witness their character development. Suddenly, not only do they appr
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Set in the 80s, LYRICS AND CURSES is a novel about two troubled teens, who get involved in a peculiar situation involving an opaque object, a flute and two creepy strangers. Lark and Auden know each from school, and they also work at a "oddities" store and a vinyl shop respectively, which happen to be next to the other. Yet, Lark and Auden don't talk much in person, until trouble shows up and .. curses them!
This is a cool book with an 80s theme all around and some crazy events and twists! ...more
This is a cool book with an 80s theme all around and some crazy events and twists! ...more
If you are ever feeling nostalgic for the 80’s then Lyrics & Curses is a story that will bring you back to those glorious years. Set in 1985, this story is incredibly authentic in its setting and everyday interactions. Not just the setting though, but all the characters, their outlooks on life, and especially the music. There is a lot to appreciate in this story beyond the 1980’s vibes but to anyone who enjoys that time period, this book will be like catnip to a cat for you. I loved everything 8
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Lyrics and Curses is one of my favorite books. It is set in the 80's, which is the best! I love getting to know both of the main characters. You really began to love both of their stories and how they became to be. I didn't want to put the book down. Everyone should read this book.
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Definitely a favorite book of mine! I’ve read it at least 4 “full” times, and I am NOT sick of it!!! I could read it four more times!!! I love this book!!!
First of all, the 80s theme was so cool!!! Being an 80s girl myself I was taken back in time. It was written extremely detailed as far as the 80s setting. Second, the lyrics!!!! All 80s, of course, but I especially love how she wove the lyrics throughout the story and Lark & Auden’s relationship. The paranormal mystery aspects built up as the ...more
First of all, the 80s theme was so cool!!! Being an 80s girl myself I was taken back in time. It was written extremely detailed as far as the 80s setting. Second, the lyrics!!!! All 80s, of course, but I especially love how she wove the lyrics throughout the story and Lark & Auden’s relationship. The paranormal mystery aspects built up as the ...more
Review coming soon.
This book is a vibe!
Lyrics & Curses is a paranormal romance that's set in the 80's and centers around music. Every chapter header has a song title. For best results, I suggest listening to the songs as you read because they set the tone for each chapter, and it is EVERYTHING! Music holds the power to influence our emotions and memories. I was completely transported.
Also, can we wave our lighters in the air for the mental health representation in this story?! It broke my heart to see Auden stru ...more
Lyrics & Curses is a paranormal romance that's set in the 80's and centers around music. Every chapter header has a song title. For best results, I suggest listening to the songs as you read because they set the tone for each chapter, and it is EVERYTHING! Music holds the power to influence our emotions and memories. I was completely transported.
Also, can we wave our lighters in the air for the mental health representation in this story?! It broke my heart to see Auden stru ...more
I love this book, it's quite possibly my new favourite book by this author, next to Quinsey Wolfes glass vault. Set in the 80's we follow Lark and Auden, who, for the most part, travel in different circles until a mysterious man brings them together in the strangest way. It's full of suspence as they fight for their lives. I'm a sucker for the 80's and the setting is very nostalgic and the soundtrack is awesome. It also has some very endearing side characters. I'm very much looking forward to th
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"Lyrics and Curses" is a magic ride back to the 1980s, full of music and mystery. Candace Robinson executes the dual POV with skill and expertise, and keeps us in suspense from the first chapter, starting with the arrival of a masked, scary trenchcoat gangster. The chilling Mirror Dimension, home of the Mirror Keeper and its "doppels," will make you wonder if Lark and Auden will ever get the Happily Ever After they deserve.
The supporting cast, especially Lark's mother and the unfortunate Darrin ...more
The supporting cast, especially Lark's mother and the unfortunate Darrin ...more
I got this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Now, I will be honest, I don't care for Stranger Things. I know! I know. I hear it from my partner all the time but it is what it is. That being said, I still loved this book! So I can only imagine how someone who liked Stranger Things would love this even more than I did! Plus, there is some great paranormal romance, which I'm huge sucker for!
Not to mention the music! And Pretty in Pink too! It's a wonderful 80's dream come to life in our modern ...more
Now, I will be honest, I don't care for Stranger Things. I know! I know. I hear it from my partner all the time but it is what it is. That being said, I still loved this book! So I can only imagine how someone who liked Stranger Things would love this even more than I did! Plus, there is some great paranormal romance, which I'm huge sucker for!
Not to mention the music! And Pretty in Pink too! It's a wonderful 80's dream come to life in our modern ...more
ARC received
Lyrics & Curses is the perfect balance of romance and mystery set in the 80's that will keep you guessing until the end. I fell in love with the characters and the premise and read it all in a single day (I just HAD to know what was going to happen!). If you love the 80's and music and love stories and curses, this book is for you. ...more
Lyrics & Curses is the perfect balance of romance and mystery set in the 80's that will keep you guessing until the end. I fell in love with the characters and the premise and read it all in a single day (I just HAD to know what was going to happen!). If you love the 80's and music and love stories and curses, this book is for you. ...more
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I spend my days consumed by words and hoping to one day find my own DeLorean time machine. My life consists of avoiding migraines, admiring Bonsai trees, watching classic movies, and living with my husband and daughter in Texas—where it can be forty degrees one day and eighty the next!
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