Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Witches of the Gilded Lilies #1

A Curse of Nightshade

Rate this book
I made a deal with a devil once, and it cost me all but a shred of my soul.

Now, cornered in an alley by a sexy, silver-tongued demon who wants something other than my final tie to existence, I’m faced with a choice.

Since escaping the demonic realm six months ago, I’ve honed my skills and my rage hunting the craven evils of New York City alongside the witches who saved me. Vigilantes, they call us. Cold-hearted killers. Monsters of the night. If only they knew how true that was—what our pasts have shaped us to be.

Mine forged me into the most powerful Daughter of Fire ever, which is exactly what this hell-spawned charmer claims he needs to kill the demon who stole my soul. Together, Zen insists, we can share in revenge--but on one condition. I must bind myself to him, an unthinkable deed with deadly ramifications at best. He’s playing every beguiling card in his deck to lure me in, but I'm no fool. He may be the enemy of my enemy, but he’s still a demon.

And I won't make that mistake again.

A CURSE OF NIGHTSHADE, the first paranormal romance novel in the Witches of the Gilded Lilies series by USA Today bestselling author Amber Lynn Natusch. Each book in this series follows a different hero and heroine with each story playing into the series story arc.

305 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 8, 2021

44 people are currently reading
212 people want to read

About the author

Amber Lynn Natusch

50 books1,548 followers
AMBER LYNN NATUSCH is the author of the bestselling Caged series for adults. She was born and raised in Winnipeg, and is still deeply attached to her Canadian roots. She loves to dance and practice Muay Thai―but spends most of her time running a chiropractic practice with her husband, raising two young children, and attempting to write when she can lock herself in the bathroom for ten minutes of peace. Dare You to Lie is her debut YA novel with Tor Teen.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
73 (38%)
4 stars
49 (25%)
3 stars
49 (25%)
2 stars
14 (7%)
1 star
4 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
Profile Image for Lorna.
1,810 reviews114 followers
October 15, 2021
Fun Historical Paranormal Romance!

Really more of a 4.25 star book because 4 stars aren't near enough. I thoroughly enjoyed my time reading book one of Natusch's latest new series. The time period was 1855ish and the main character is Oleander, a witch that lives in New York City and belongs to a group of witches or Lilies as they are called that strive to protect women in a world filled with evil.

Oleander or Andy has literally been to Hell and back and has the scars to prove it. When she meets Zen, a demon, she agrees to help him in a quest to rid the world of a stronger demon set on taking over our world in the worse way.

I loved how different Andy was as a female in that time period. Wearing leather pants, refusing to live with the rest of the Lilies, drinking liquor when she wants and generally living as she wants to even as she still belongs to the Lilies. Zen was a handsome heartthrob of a hero and still you wonder if he's telling the truth or not. He is a demon after all.

The whole last part of the book(at least a third)was so good I couldn't put it down. I think this author definitely has another winner under her belt and highly recommend it to all adult paranormal romance readers, especially ones that like a good thriller. I’m already looking forward to the next one that features Ivy, the head of the Lilies.
Profile Image for Candyce Kirk.
1,368 reviews52 followers
October 9, 2021
A Curse of Nightshade is the first book in the Witches of the Gilded Lilies series and I have to say I'm hooked. I haven't read a lot of paranormal romances yet, but after this I know I need more. Being a first book in a series we got the start of the world building needed to understand everything. It was just enough and I have to say I'm excited to learn more as this series continues.

Our main character Oleander is a feisty one. Things changed greatly when she was tortured by a demon and lost almost all of her soul. The Gilded Lilies find her and are there to help each other, but Oleander isn't letting anything stand in the way of her finding the demon who did this to her. Oleander is strong, stubborn, acts before she thinks, and also vulnerable and she hates showing it.

The other character that plays a big part of this book is Zen. He's definitely climbed my list of book boyfriends. He's also feisty, sarcastic, charming, and also used to getting what he wants. In the end he is a demon though, so is he to trust? Out of everything I think my only remark about this book is I would've loved just a little more Zen. I guess I just couldn't get enough.

There is definitely some action in this book and I honestly couldn't put this book down. I needed to see how everything would turn out and if Oleander would succeed. Besides that action we got my favorite kind of romance. The romance was slow burn and done so well. I loved the tension, the banter, and basically just everything. Not all slow burn is done right, but this was amazing!

I also just need to say that the side characters in this book fit the story really well. I'm always a fan of side characters and I have to say that Mrs. Whittle is my favorite. She ended up being such a pleasant surprise. Like I said at the beginning this was an amazing start to a new series and I'm excited to read more about the other lilies.
Profile Image for Jessica.
86 reviews8 followers
October 8, 2021
Received an ARC of this book from the author, who I am a fan of her Unborn series, and this book didnt disappoint. Excellent book! Wasnt sure at first because of how quickly the book started and was (and still am) confused by who some of the other 'sister witches' are/and their powers. But the overall growth of the main characters was amazing. Plus a little twist toward the end....:).

Overall very fast-paced and worth the read. Can't wait for the next character/book even though I dont normally like when authors switch focus.... but I know Amber will do an amazing job.
Profile Image for TP.
1,043 reviews48 followers
January 19, 2022
It took me a while to get into this story. I stopped reading several times and picked it back up later, till I finally made it past the bumpy beginning and landed in an interesting story.
But about halfway into the book, a major flaw occurred. Humans or beings without a soul do not feel guilt, remorse or any emotional state, otherwise what is the difference between having a soul and being soulless?
Weirdly the author doesn’t seem to make any differentiation between those two states and that is sadly unprofessional in my opinion, or a big oversight.
The plot is also very reliant on the impulsiveness and martyr guilt trip of the main female lead and seems to has no other influence from the other characters or events.
The world building is interesting but seemed limited in its descriptions.

That’s why the book only gets two stars from me.
Profile Image for Tracy Books_Beers_Brews.
1,110 reviews55 followers
April 29, 2022
Amber Lynn Natusch has long been one of my favorite authors, and I have loved every book I have ever read by her. This one is just as amazing. She creates some of the most amazing characters and her books are jam packed with action, angst & heat.

I love Zen & Oleander! These two constantly but head but the chemistry between them is so hot. Oleander has very much been molded by her past & it takes a very strong individual to start knocking down her walls. Let me tell you, the build up between these two is amazing!

The writing and character development is so good. I loved this story & I cannot wait for the next one.
Profile Image for Sandi.
696 reviews46 followers
October 6, 2021
4.5 stars! Overall, a very interesting book, full of action, tension, enemies to lovers, witches, demons, and found family. To be fair, this book grabbed me from the first sentence:

“The sharp crack of a whip split the air right before it bit deep into my side, tearing through my paper thin skin until it met bone.”

Oleander lost her soul to a demon, managing to scrape back a sliver of it, enough to keep her alive, but now she wants revenge. She becomes part of a coven of elemental, vigilante witches in mid-nineteenth century New York, the Gilded Lilies, who mete out their own form of justice in the streets against those who would prey on the innocent and weak. They also don’t speak of demons, or really anything magical, outside of their headquarters, which is nestled into the heart of a nunnery that also happens to help with the victims of the crimes they are avenging. It’s very much a Charlie’s Angels type situation, with a mysterious, wealthy benefactor helping to direct their mission, just with witches.

A rise in demon activity has them learning that there is a search happening for the demonheart opal, which is actually the heart of the former demon king, but to humans it simply looks like a large black opal. And not only is it coveted by wealthy humans, demons seek it to obtain power and the demon king throne. Oleander sees this as an opportunity to find the demon who stole her soul and get her revenge. She’s approached by Zen, another demon, who is looking to defeat the same demon as she is, but she is determined not to ally with a demon, and doesn’t trust him at all, especially when he suggests they tether themselves to each other in an effort to increase their power and chances of success.

The back and forth, the banter, between Zen and Oleander is excellent. He has a confidence that just exudes charm, and she finds it frustrating and intriguing. And she is strong and determined, and doesn’t fit with the societal norms of mid-nineteenth century women. It’s such an interesting contrast, a stark clashing at time - the magic and power juxtaposed with the expectations placed on women at the time. Those are brought out even more by the busybody, but well meaning Mrs. Whittle, who runs the boarding house that Oleander lives in, as well as Agnes, the young, naive, and skittish novitiate at the nunnery. The magic system is interesting, the world is intriguing, and the story is compelling, definitely keeping me glued to the page.

29 reviews
October 7, 2021
The first in a new series from ALN, and what a start it is 🥵😈🔥
We follow Oleander from an existence as a victim in a demon realm to yesteryear New York where she becomes the torturer. She rather satisfying sates her rage on the seedy underbelly of the city, targeting those who seek to use, abuse and damage the innocent and helpless. Oleander herself was once one of those individuals, lied to, abused and tortured by one she trusted.
Working with a team of other women, known as the Lilies - a sisterhood-of-sorts - Oleander has started to form bonds again. But she has remained wary, slightly set apart from the rest. Can she ever truly trust again?
She desperately wants to exact revenge on the demon who owns the majority stake in her soul. But she needs someone to front her the physical collateral, the strength, support and belief that she can succeed. Is Zen the one? Or will he lie and betray her just like the last? Will Oleander lose her heart as well as her soul in a battle to save New York, her sisters, and ultimately herself?
This is a wild ride from start to finish. Oleander is an ass-kicking, name-taking, wrong-righting super-heroine. The sort of woman you want backing you up in any situation. She is fiery (😉), feisty and fearless. The other Lilies are a delight, and I am looking forward to reading more about them as the series progresses. Zen is double chef’s kiss and swoon-worthy - gotta love and man in a top hat and tails for his everyday attire. But the one who steals the show imho - Mrs Whittle. Also, I want twin familiars for Christmas this year.
Read it, devour it, love it.
This book could be read as a standalone or as the first in a new series (I thoroughly recommend reading everything Amber publishes - just go ahead, they are worth it!).
I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for 2TNWalkers.
795 reviews8 followers
July 24, 2022
I so tried to like this book, it was a super slow burn…that being say more spice could have me overlooking my progressive dislike of FMC…she started off ok but by middle of book started a real dislike of her self serving attitude…I can understand her mistrust/hate of demons…but one saved you but you broad brush everyone like the ones who tortured you. I don’t get the broad brush dislike…it would be like I dated a blonde they cheated on me so all blondes are cheaters mentality…Secondly no it suppose to be “historical” the world building especially environmental portrayal needs some work, little more research…a female wearing pants and living in a Boarding House would reflect negatively of the Boarding house…Also mentioned was her growing up years she live on the fringes with the Native people, so she did not know how to wear a corset. During this Era time frame..her living in the board house were mostly unmarried men lived would be a no no. In the beginning of the story it states that FMC just recently had been rescued from demon world (6 month), but she is a total badass…and has not really established relationships with her saviors. And gets upset that they don’t trust her….trust goes both ways….Not sure if I can tolerate the FMC enough to read another book of this storyline.
Profile Image for Brandy (this_b_loves_books).
169 reviews23 followers
October 11, 2021
A Curse of Nighshade
Author: Amber Lynn Natusch
M/F forbidden, Enemies to lovers, PNR

Stars: 4/5

Dark, spicy and totally forbidden.
When I heard Amber Lynn Natusch was releasing a new PNR series, I squealed like a fangirl and it lived up to all of my expectations.
If you have ever read any of ALN books then you know she exceptional at creating worlds and characters that absolutely hook you. Her characters stay with wherever you go. So much so, that you name your pets and children after her characters (This may have actually happened to me).
This series is no exception to that. I am a sucker for angst and this book had it in droves. I love the back and forth between the main character's beliefs/morals and her undeniable attraction to the forbidden. It makes for an exciting read. Throw in action, revenge and a coven of witches and it really doesn't get any better. I am excited to learn more about some of the more mysterious characters in the upcoming installments.
The book does not end in a cliffhanger and will be a series of individual, heavily interconnected stories. I am definitely recommending this book.
Profile Image for Stacey mann.
432 reviews5 followers
October 11, 2021
A curse of nightshade was a breath of fresh air when it comes to Demon based story’s at the moment.. it was completely original and being set so far in the past have it an amazing twist that nothing else out there has at the moment. Oleander is an amazing Heroine and MC she has a heartbreaking past and a kickass future, funny, unpredictable and emotion driven she gives us a rollercoaster ride of emotions and action. With the Gilded Lily Justice and her fighting the bad and rescue in the week. Then there is Zen a swoon worthy demon who has a major part to play in her future or rather wether she has one!!. I absolutely love the characters and am looking forward to more of their story’s, I love it can be read as a stand alone as well as part of a series, completely action packed a brilliant read.
130 reviews1 follower
November 8, 2021
I expected an modern urban fantasy, but it takes place in London in the 1800s. The world building is sketchy, just some mentions of smelly streets, filthy alleys and climbing walls. The supernatural realm is barely described: a dark place, and a dungeon´s walls. The story is purely a romance, with only a couple of sex scenes near the end. The plot is entertaining, the writing is good, and it´s not boring. It´s a stand-alone book, with a HEA ending, and the series apparently is going to focuse on one of the Gilded Lilies (the witches) in each book. I was not interested enough to buy the next book in the series, but you may try this book and pass a good easy time reading it.
941 reviews7 followers
October 9, 2021
Revenge is a Real Driver

Having been abused and most of her soul stolen by a demon prior to being called to a witch circle, Oleander is hell bent on revenge. She is dying without her soul. Now the demon needs a magical black opal to finish what he has started to become the next King of Hell. This story is fast paced and hard to put down. Amber Lynn Natusch drags you into her world, throws you around, teases you, all while you are holding your breath and mumbling, "I'm just going to read one more chapter." Enjoy - I did!
Profile Image for Christina.
27 reviews2 followers
October 16, 2021
Wouldn’t recommend

Spoiler warning!

The book wasn’t terrible, but I didn’t like the main character. She’s had a traumatic past and has reasons for her trust issues, but she constantly lies to the people she considers family, puts herself first always, and makes poor decisions. I was hoping her character would show growth, but she doesn’t. Even at the end, she doesn’t trust the demon she ends up with because of anything he does or has done, but because one of the other witches in her coven is able to read his mind. The witches in her coven seem unrealistically okay with the fact that she’s a liar and put them all in danger and maybe got some other witches killed.
Profile Image for Luckylovesbooks.
959 reviews19 followers
October 21, 2021
3.5/5
For an introductory book to the series this was pretty good!
The characters were interesting and so was the plot.
However, I felt that the romance was slow burn until the last 30% where it picked up exponentially. There was a depth that was missing. Andy spent too much time hating Zen.
And ngl, Oleander infuriated me with her lying. It’s hard to justify it when her fellow witches have been nothing but accepting of her.
The sex scene was VERY tasteful. It was steamy without being vulgar.

Overall, I would definitely read the next book!
Profile Image for Alina.
977 reviews7 followers
October 6, 2021
Talk about devouring a good book in so little time!
A Curse of Nightshade is so good, I could hardly put it down. When put down - it was done so begrudgingly.
If you are looking for a really good book to get lost in and a new series that starts off with just taking your whole life away - well, then, this is the book for you.
Magical, powerful, and strong leads. Great storytelling and writing will get you to the end of this book make you ready for the next one.
Profile Image for Tara Whitley.
40 reviews2 followers
October 10, 2021
Nonstop action with a twist of romance

This book reads like a action movie and comes out the gate reeling you in. I was blown away by the attention to detail and new world building. What shocked me the most is the time in history it was written… no spoilers from me but for readers that love time pieces you will love this book. Oleander is one bad a&$ witch, and Zen is a droll worthy demon. Together they are fire!
Profile Image for Mandi.
42 reviews1 follower
October 10, 2021
Amber Lynn Natusch did a wonderful job building the characters in this book! Oleander is a wonderful character that grows throughout the book. She is a stubborn, kickbutt, take no prisoners protagonist. Oleander's disagreements with Zen where enjoyable reads. Throughout the book you see Oleander's interactions with her sister coven members, her trouble trusting and fitting-in, as well as her ability to flourish in the face of adversity. There are some questions I still have, like what is Mr. Grisholm? I look forward to the answer to this question in future books in this series. I also hope Oleander and Zen make appearances in the future books.
Profile Image for Bookish Serendipity Shannon williamson.
1,119 reviews10 followers
October 11, 2021
Amazing read!

This book was so freaking good! Oh my goodness. I love this change of pace Amber has done. I really enjoyed the world building here and the characters. I adore Zen. I think he’s one of my favorites ever! I loved his and Andy’s story. And I can’t wait to get Ivy’s story next!
Profile Image for Lita.
2,558 reviews7 followers
October 14, 2021
Author Annette Marie recommended this book on FB so I checked it out on Amazon. I picked it up yesterday via Kindle Unlimited and read it until the wee hours. Couldn't put it down until it was finished. It was so good and I just loved the characters. Looking forward to Ivy's book. Hope it's as good as his one was. I highly recommend this book.
1,935 reviews9 followers
October 16, 2021
Wow

Oleander is a witch that was pulled from the demon realm and is the daughter of fire in the gilded lilies. The demon stole all but part of her soul. When she meets Zen another demon that tells her she can't get her revenge without him. This book has a complicated past secrets and a blossoming relationship.
Profile Image for Becky.
286 reviews1 follower
April 30, 2022
I've never listened to an entire book on audible before. I'm so glad I started with an author I love. Amber's writing style is so clear even with someone reading it. I loved this new world and cast of characters she created. I cant wait for more. Also I do believe this is the 🌶🌶🌶 book Amber's written.
Profile Image for Bianca.
108 reviews18 followers
October 8, 2021
Holy crap!!! 😳 that was a non-stop ride! What an amazing start to a new series by ALN - just could not put it down once I picked it up. I could truly relate to Oleander - what she has been through, and what is asked of her once more. That inner turmoil.... I don't know how the author does it. I had the pricking of tears at least twice if not thrice. I felt for her, I wanted her to succeed. I understood where she was coming from. And Zen - gosh that demon!! And a bloody hot demon mind you! There are too many favourite parts in here that I am sure will resonate with many a reader. Superbly written, great pace and fully rounded characters with a surprise ending leaving you wanting for more. Highly recommended.
Profile Image for Mrs. M.
224 reviews1 follower
October 11, 2021
I have been jonesing for this book from the moment it was announced and it did NOT disappoint! I love the dynamic of the Guilded Lilies, and the tension between Oleander and Zen is delicious. Such a great read! I highly recommend! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Profile Image for Katryne.
626 reviews34 followers
October 28, 2021
Really good!

I love it! The story is interesting, full of emotions, plot twists and action. I like Oleander and Zen but the other lilies too, they are strong but each has a past that's waiting to be discovered. I can't wait for Ivy's story!
Profile Image for Sheila Ryals.
2,653 reviews13 followers
October 18, 2021
😻

This was good can’t wait to see Lily’s story! I really do like the idea of group of witches hiding out and working in a nunnery! Just seems so cool!
Profile Image for Ginny.
309 reviews8 followers
November 13, 2021
Not my favorite of books by Amber but still a good read and I definitely want to read the rest of the series
443 reviews1 follower
December 30, 2021
Different

Different, but definitely a good read. I enjoyed the characters and I really enjoyed the setting and the story. I look forward to the next book in the series.
Profile Image for Billie Turknett.
358 reviews4 followers
December 26, 2024
Excellent

Loved this book. Different from most and well told. I'm severely ADD and dnf more books than I finish but this one kept me glued to the pages.
Profile Image for Paula Molter.
82 reviews36 followers
November 4, 2021
Read this book!

There's a reason Amber Lynn Natusch is one of my favorite authors, her worlds and characters suck you in and sink their claws into you and never let you go! Seriously, if you've been debating on starting one of her series/books, start by checking out this newest one and you'll quickly find yourself devouring and loving all of the rest. I freaking love Andy and Zen, their banter and tension is fiery! I adored the rest of the Lilies and am very much looking forward to each of their stories! I highly recommend checking out this book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.