A fresh and dark urban fantasy abounding with treacherous secrets, desperate fights, and an angsty romances that could ignite the pages.
I’m Kyra Baxter. Once, I was human—now, I learn it’s all a lie.
As the top student at my university and the best intern in Dallas, I thought my life was built in the clouds, and I was on top of the world. But then…it all crashed hard.
A murdered friend. A secret world. A mysterious warrior.
It's safe to say that the life I thought was solid will never rise from the rubble. It’s time to move on, and live the life I was always meant for--what I was born for. Except there are those who want to make sure that never happens. In fact, if I don’t move quickly, the enemy who I’d been hidden from is coming for blood.
The curse I bear has blocked my memories, so I’m left to blindly navigate this new world. And when a swarthy male saunters into my life, I’m forced to face a ghost from the past without knowing who he is and was, and what he wants.
He says he’s here to help. He admits he’s keeping secrets.
As our attraction grows, all I know is that if I want to break this curse, I’m going to need his help. And unless I heed the warnings my late friend spent her dying moment’s telling me, everyone I know and love could end up butchered.
This curse could be the death of all those I hold dear.
If you like fierce heroines, powerful heroes, terrible secrets, and slow-burn romances, then read the urban fantasy The Cursed Princess, the first book in the Kyra Baxter Trilogy!
**This is the beginning of a trilogy and ends in a "to be continued" cliffhanger.
***Author’s note: this book is intended for a mature audience in terms of content, language, and passionate happily ever afters!
I got this as a free trial, and honestly, the trial wasn't that good, but I was feeling stubborn that day. In the trial, the main character is insufferable, thinks she is better than everyone, and is also weirdly fascinated by how physically attractive she and other female characters are, in a super shoehorned in way that is awkward AF and I would (unflatteringly) think was written by a man if I didn't see a female name on the book cover. MC also has incredibly skewed priorities. One of her roommates reaches out to her repeatedly with absolute desperation in the messages, and MC doesn't even try to see what's going on. Calls her "the girl who cried wolf" instead. Then proceeds, while thinking she is too hungry to literally be able to SEE properly, to go to the kind of bar that doesn't even have food, just so she can network (oh! and also her boyfriend who "looks good on paper" is there too! Such warmth in that relationship. Or any other relationship in her life, really.) Also, in the trial for this book, it doesn't get to the point or tell you much of anything. Slow to start + an insufferable MC (seems unlikely to) = a good book. We will see how stubborn I get about this book. Also, I suppose we can also see if it improves.
It didn't improve. But I was flying in a plane. I had time. In addition to the MC thinking she's better than everyone else all the time, there's some gross classism in this thing. There is a "poor neighborhood" that the MC says everyone who lives there are thieves, or everyone has mean dogs to hide their nefarious deeds. Or that the MC + friends running for their lives in this neighborhood wouldn't be unusual for a place like that. But in this neighborhood, she's offended by a two-story yellow house, which has four rooms upstairs. And her, and friends, stealing a car from there is the only illegal activity that happens other than in the actual "monster house" they are going to.
This thing is written--at best-- like the author's first novel. Names gets misspelled all in this thing. Editing is bad. Coherence is missing in sections of events. There are characters or events that are *supposed* to be important because the author says so, but it's counter-indicated by other things the author writes. Even that kind of stuff isn't consistent, which is quite frustrating. There isn't good world building or character development either. I would recommend against this one to anyone who reads my review.
The main characters inner monologue weird combo of kind of clueless with a sense of intellectual superiority to everyone around her.
The story sounded interesting and it might have gotten better but i stopped 3 chapters in because the main character was so unlikeable. She very clearly sees herself above others, including her boyfriend, but re affirms to herself that she's with him because her drive and ambition would over shadow a lesser man but since he appreciates her intellect he's worth making an effort for. She doesn't go to the bar after work to hang out with her boyfriend she goes to 'network' with his friends, and when she cuts out early she leaves a smudge of lipstick on his cheek and hopes that it will keep the gold digging floozies away while she's gone. She makes a disparaging remark to a friend of her boyfriends about his skills as a lawyer then thinks 'I can take a prick like that, even without law school' as an internal gotcha for her superior verbal judo skills. She also ignores one of her friends in lieu of going out to network because that's just more important then whatever drama her loft mate is involved in now.
There were hints of paranormal things starting to happen to the main character, and it would have been fun to see where that led but I just couldn't get past how unlikeable the main character was.
I had a hard time getting into this book. Kyra is the type of girl that my daughter had issues with all through school. She thinks she's better than everyone. First, it's the other law students and the employees at the firm where she works. Then, it's humans.
Even though I didn't like her at all, I enjoyed the supporting cast. Visha, Luka, Drystan, and Impy were great. The plot was well thought out, and as soon as I finished the book, I downloaded the second in the series. There are just too many questions that I need answered.
I'm hoping that as they go on Kyra figures out what the Ancient One says Dr. Strange needs to learn: It's not all about them.
This is the story of Kyra, a Fae Princess who thinks she is human. Kyra discovers that a curse has been placed on her and the people that she holds dear. If they talk, they die. Kyra must discover who she is in order to take back her crown and save her people.
This was an interesting read. I loved the characters and especially Impy. He was my favorite of all of the side characters and there were a lot to get to know. There was a lot of backstory to this book which was unusual for a fast read. I did have a hard time with some of it as it dragged but there was also a lot of action and fight scenes within the book which helped bring it along. The descriptions of the Seelie and Unseelie monsters were very vivid and I could imagine them in my head easily. The romance aspect of the book was there but not overpowering and did not over take the plot. Overall this was fun story that I enjoyed. The book did leave on a cliffhanger but the aAuthor made sure to explain that in the description which i truly appreciate. Luckily for me the next is out and I look forward to reading it. I give this one 4.5 stars but have rounded up.
3/5 stars. This is my 3rd book by this author, and unfortunately, my least favorite. Kyra, (the main character) is very unlikable. It becomes clear over the course of the storyline that this was an intentional decision by the author in order to show character development. This was also done in "Savage Lands" if anyone has read that series. The problem with this decision is that it makes it hard for the readers to invest enough in the story to get to the point where the unlikeable character becomes likable. I slowly got there in this story, but would likely have given up if I hadn't read other books by this author that I enjoyed. Overall, not a bad book, and I enjoyed the cliffhanger, but I hope the character is more likable in the sequel.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This book has a lot of enjoyable things going on for a start to a series, strong world building, with familiar and unique attributes to the Fae courts. The Characters are full of depth and history and an action packed storyline.
3.75 ⭐️ for this fun new fantasy adventure! The story is super fun—the fae princess with no memories trapped among the humans ✨ The beginning was a little slower, but once you get into the meat of the story, you start flying through! The chemistry between Kyra and Drystan is just 😘💋and I think they will be super fun to watch evolve in the series!
There is lots of secrets, fighting, and intrigue in this book, a great edition to the genre and I would definitely recommend it! I am super curious to see where the story goes because if one thing is clear, everyone has their own agenda 🧐🤫
Overall, I think Alexa created a super intriguing world that will suck you in by the end, leaving you excited to hop into the next book! She has a fun style of writing that is super easy to read and quick to read. ✨
5 stars for this book and 5 hundred for the feminist man we have in it
“I swear, if Karma doesn’t come out and hit you in the face tonight, I will.” ~Visha, The Cursed Princess.
Alright, it's not ethical to start a review with, how badly you want to jump in bed with the main characters (yes plural) but like, I can't help it okay?
Drystan is so perfect, beautiful and has shadow powers..........as well as light powers, now isn't that fantastic? Pfft, I know it is. It's Kyra's story, and it'd be rude to take the spotlight off her so - she'd a baddie. A little straightforward and stubborn, but a baddie nevertheless. Imagine this, you're a hardworking student who has two majors and is working her 9-5 job happily and suddenly you start seeing things. Things like - pointy ears on people, scales, horns, etc etc only to find out you've been lied to by your best friend and alleged boyfriend. And that you're fae and to top that, you're also cursed. Even I'd be untrusting and sour after that. (In my defense I saw that little stunt with Cadan coming).
What I liked the most was that the curse being a cycle of five years, which is kinda smart. Now, Kyra is left with very few choices on whom to trust, whom not to. (Well thank God she didn't make any mistakes that usual people do.) Now on top of all that Kyra Baxter meets a mysterious (just five hundred odd years young) man who offers her help. [He has a mega-large mansion and runs a gym for faes, pushes Kyra against the wall on certain occasions, gifts her a ball gown and a magical necklace, says poetic stuff and sends her on a mission to acquire a magical object that will help aid her in combating the curse, go fall in love y'all) Also we get pining™ and lots of Visha x Luca breadcrumbs. Okay but have I told you how much I love Visha, no? Hm. That is unlikely.
She is just as badass, fierce, mom-friend of the group and may or may not be having a thing for a ginger guy who's sworn to protect Kyra. PS her brother is everything. The plot is twisty and the ending might or might not leave you heartbroken and on your way to buy the Broken Court (like me).
Now we also have Impy, a seelie creature whose mouth should be censored but I'm quite fond of him. He makes an awesome pet.
The writing style was flawless, quite unique, a little draggy but I wasn't forced to continue which was a plus.
My favourite scene "Drystan waiting outside Kyra's door just to show up in the middle of a fight with a sexy dialogue like dramatic fae male he is." I can't wait to begin The Broken Court but I'm reading Alexa's The Lost Sister and I am hooked! (To say the least)
(PS: Alexa H. Micheals is the sweetest soul to ever walk the earth. Like for real)
My main advice to all readers of this book is to stick with it. The protagonist does come across as VERY unlikeable at the beginning, so much so I did have to take a small break. The build-up was a little slow initially, but I really enjoyed the small snippets of the supernatural and then how it was all revealed. The concept is good, having humans unknowingly live with fantasy creatures. I especially liked how the gross, office pervert was actually a disgusting creature that drove away all the fae in the area! The dialogue can come across a little cheesy and there are cliches dotted here and there, but if you need a break from the boring everyday then this is your book. Once things get going, the drama and events of the book follow each other nicely and I found myself needing to know what was going to happen next.
I received a free copy of this book from Rowanvale Books and gave this review voluntarily.
The story is really slow. I had a hard time getting into the story, but by the end it was a lot better. The main character was hard to like in the beginning with her attitude. I would not say it is a bad book, but I felt it could have been more. So follow the lies and see where it takes everyone. Who will love who? Who will die and who will live? Can they really exist with each other?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was a different take on Fae from what I've read lately. The main character, Kyra, is hidden away with her memories gone and her true nature disguised. Unfortunately, Kyra took a little time getting to know and like. She had an off putting air to her that made it difficult for me to click with at first. I think it was supposed to be confident, but it came off an arrogant and a little vapid. As the story went on, I liked her more. Her journey is an interesting one because she has to figure out how to change the cycle and unlock her memories all while trying to survive Unseelie attacks. I liked her when she was more down to earth when she decided to take control of her life rather than simply doing what others tell her to. I did enjoy her tenacity to learn about the Fae world by going to the library and searching online; it added a bit of humility to her characterization. The secondary characters, apart from the imp, were alright. Luka was a bit too wishy-washy for me to really like, but I enjoyed him when he wasn't being a tool. Visha had her trying moments, but overall, I think she's a good friend for Kyra to have. Drystan an enigma wrapped in an enigma with a hidden tragic backstory. I loved Impy!!! After I got over how disgusting his introduction to the story was. But he has a way of growing on you. He is an interesting and fun character! I do enjoy stories where the main character has amnesia (or her memories magicked away) because it gives the reader a chance to get to understand the world at the same speed as the narrator. I think the author does a good job of building the story and creating a world where the Fae exist and not all of them want to do good. The story does end of a cliffhanger, but it is a complete series. There is some swearing and there are some steamy-esque-type moments.
All in all, it's an interesting story with a main character who it takes a bit to like and I plan on continuing the story because I do need to know if she gets her memories back.
Wow! I absolutely 100% love love love this book! I was intrigued by the 1st chapter and engrossed from there on until the end! I literally was biting my fingernails by the end and can't wait to read the next book.
Kyra believes she's just a normal college student living in Dallas finishing up not only her final year of college but interning at the company she hopes to work full time at after graduation. Until one night when things start happening, and she starts seeing things that are just crazy. People who aren't just people but other. Then she's nearly attacked in the parking garage, trying to go home but is saved by a stranger. Then, after discovering one of her roommates died suspiciously, she receives a note from that same roommate that was written shortly before she died. That note tells her that everything she thought was just a lie and she should stop eating and drinking anything from her house if she wants to know the full truth. Once she does this, she realizes that the people who she thought were her friends and other humans were not quite human, but instead, they were fae. And she is one of the lost princesses.
The story continues with her trying to find out as much as she can, but her other roommates are held under the same curse she is and can't tell her anything about her past and why she resets every 5 years with no memory.
There is so much of this book to love, but I can honestly say that I adore her and Drystan. I really hope the next book explains more about their history and what they were to each other.
Gahhh I can't wait to find out what happens!! I can honestly say that this has probably been one of the best books I've read so far in 2023!
A personal book preference for me, I don’t like to be spoon fed. Give me nuggets of information and let me make assumptions. I even enjoy when the first assumptions I make are wrong. Somethings I saw a lot in this book were the opposite of allowing the reader to make assumptions. And not in terms of plot, but in how things are described. (I loved how the plot develops and builds with a hint of mystery). This seemed to taper off after the first 5 or so chapters, but I had to put the book down a few times after reading the words business/professional over and over again.
I kept reading in hopes of it turning a corner, and it didn’t disappoint. The story has depth, although sometimes the prose left a little to be desired (punctuation that didn’t quite seem to fit). There was character development, mystery, and slow burn romance: all the makings of a great read. And while there are moments where the book falls short, I’ve already pre-ordered book 2!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
**I received a free ARC from Book Sirens and am leaving this review voluntarily** I always make a point of reading the other reviews on a book. Not to sway my opinion or anything, but to see what points others are making about it and whether or not I agree. I have already come to the conclusion that in my reading life, if a ton of people loved it, I probably hated it. This book only has two reviews thus far and they are at opposite ends of the spectrum.
I liked this book a lot. Yes, the main character was ambitiously judgy at the beginning, but I feel like she was written that way to show her internal drive for success. I also think that as the story starts unfolding, she really starts growing and showing other sides to her personality. I also loved the cast of supporting characters. Each in their own way contribute to the entertaining group that Kyra surrounds herself with.
The story was interesting, the writing was pretty darn good, but the characters lacked depth. some of it was due to “the curse.” We couldn’t really dive into their back stories. I’m hoping that changes as the series progresses.
The only real problem I had with this book was that there was a lot of scenes that could have been condensed to make the story pacing quicker. Around 75% at the mind walking scene was too long and drawn-out and didn’t really contribute to the plot. The point could have been made in a paragraph. Other scenes could have been cut down to move the story forward faster, too. I found myself skimming to get to the point at some places, and really enjoying the book in others.
This book ended without resolution, which I’m okay with because the second book is already published. Overall, this was better than a lot of KU books because it actually had a good plot and excellent character growth for the MC.
this is the story of Kyra a typical overachiever finishing school and her life on tract in her mind. Then her roommate dies and her life goes sideways. Kyra finds out she is a princess in hiding but does not remember anything and its linked to a curse. The story starts out slow as I get to know Kyra in her overachiever abrasive center of the universe self. Then everything goes sideways and she searches for answers and becomes a better likable person. I enjoyed the story and found it a bit addicting as I had to know what was going on and really why everyone seemed to be out to get her at times. Liked the different take on the fae and our world. Interesting good and bad characters too as I tried to figure out who was on what side with and without Kyra own thoughts on the matter. Just fun to read.
Once readers get over disliking the main character Kyra Baxter for her abrasive, superior, insulting personality, the story line gets more interesting as her roommate dies and she begins discovering things that change her destiny, such as the fact that she is a Fae princess who has been hiding out but does not remember what she needs to know. She finds out also that this situation is linked to a curse which has blocked those critical memories. Then a man shows up and she doesn’t know who he is, how she knew him, and what he wants. But he says she needs his help if she is going to break the curse. Will he be able to trust him? Can he truly help her break this curse? And is it dangerous for her to start falling for this man?
The Cursed Princess follows the journey through time of a cursed and hunted fae, her memory wiped and powers revoked. The narrator’s awakening, mirrors a coming-of-age story that fantasy readers of The Mortal Instruments and The Grisha Triology would find page-turning. The strong willed protagonist finds will and strength within herself, as well as her truth. Thrusting the reader beyond the veil of reality and into the fantastical realm of fae, imbued with magic and dis-trust. Although The Cursed Princess followed the familiar coming of age form, it’s retelling provides an easy narrative to follow and enjoy. The relationships built between the characters provide the strength and warmth that the book needs to hook the reader, as does the mystery of the fae that propels the premise. The narrative is full of action and the transformation of Kyra into a badass (which are always good starts to a book) hooked me. The protagonist Kyra, isn’t very likeable upon the opening of the book as her headstrong persona comes across as obnoxious and overly cocky in the strive for her career. But as Kyra uncovers her true purpose and identity when the time comes, she definitely grows through the narrative and becomes a loveable character to follow. After being unsure and not a fan of Kyra’s personality at the start, I was pleasantly surprised to end up adoring her strength and grace. The comedic relief that her inner monologue provides makes her likeable and I found myself rooting for her!
The climax of the book brings to head the ending and the start of the Kyra Baxter Series which I eagerly want to read. Although I received a free copy of the book, my opinion is not forced or influenced in any form and is completely honest based on my reading of the book.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author via Voracious Readers Only. I found that there was too much time spent on descriptions of the looks of the characters, and it was distracting. I also found the lack of info frustrating, but right in line with Kyra's memory loss, I am not really complaining because it really got the narrative. I also have a hard time with fully 1st person points of view in stories, but I did enjoy the plot enough that I was able to get past this. I wish these were available on kobo so I get the rest for my eReader but I'll definitely finish this series.
From the first moment I started reading this book, I was hooked. I loved the story about Kyra Baxter who finds out that although she is now human, she is cursed and actually is a Fae Princess. She has had all her memories and powers buried behind a brick wall in her mind for 500 years.
Drystan, a gorgous hunk who saved her from the Unseelie, tries to help her break down the wall in her mind. It is going to be a very long job because the wall is huge and thick. She can only remove it brick by brick.
She finds out that she is being protected by her Fae friends Visha, Luka and Orna.
The Cursed Princess by Alexa H Michaels is the first book in the series. The book starts a little slow but it gets better as you go. The main character, Kyra, starts off very unlikable and ambitious. As the story goes on she becomes a little more tolerable. The side characters are great. I absolutely love Impy! The storyline flows well and I immediately downloaded the second book in the series when I finished the first book. The descriptions of the different types of Fae are intriguing. Overall I do recommend this book to anyone that loves books about the Fae.
Thank you Story Origin for the copy of this book. All opinions in this review are my own.
The main character is not likeable - her attitude is terrible and this sets this book up to be extremely hard to read. I understand the reasoning, I also understand that there are characters we don't like but even in some of the dark fantasy I have read (where the MC is quite unlikeable for the most part) I understood the thoughts of the MC, and even while unlikeable they were relatable, and somewhat likeable (meaning there was something that was redeemable). I assume this character's redeeming qualities will show up more in the following books. ??? IF not this series will be very quickly sent to the DNF shelf.
The storyline is extremely interesting, there's a lot of mystery and intrigue to it. Everything is very well described, from the surroundings to the smell of things. The characters were beautifully written, although I did find Kyra a little to perfect. She would have been much more appealing if she had a few major flaws, bare in mind this is just my opinion and not everyone will think the same. Overall this was a fantastic start to a promising series, one I will happily spend money on to add to my collection.
If you are looking for a book that has it all, action, romance, mystery and more, then this is the book for you. While starting off as a usual romance novel it quickly becomes so much more. A hidden princess, friends and love interests with secrets, a cheeky imp are just a few characters that exist in this novel. While some detail can get a little bit confusing the world building is marvelous and worth reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I was pleasantly surprised by The Cursed Princess! It's an urban fantasy where we slowly get introduced into the world of fae, where fae live amongst humans and are disguised with illusions. I loved the fact that there were many different types of fae, with those who look like animals, plants and other fantastical beings.
The way this was written often reminded me of Sarah J Maas' A Court of Thorns and Roses series, so if that's something you enjoyed I'd definitely recommend you pick this book up.
I received this book for free as an ARC, however this had no influence on my review
I LOVED IT!!!! OMGGGG this was absolutely an amazing read - loved the characters so much and could relate to them so much and really felt like such a good read from the summary itself and it really was. Really worth reading especially if you are in a reading slump or wanna read something else or just in the mood for something new THIS is where you would go for that book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Cool premise, interesting characters, a fun adventure! Kyra is Fae, but didn’t know it, so she’s in for some craziness as she navigates this new world she finds herself in. Kyra needs to step out of perfectionist mind set and become a kick butt lady; especially when there’s a murderer on the loose. Enjoy all the Fae elements, and the mysteries surrounding the curse and Kyra’s powers. Excited to read where the story goes!
Kyra, Orna, and Visha have been flatmates for years and are best friends. Kyra feels like she has the perfect life working full time at Westminster Holdings typing up briefs, going to law school, and dating the wonderful Cadan, who is also a law student. Then, after a very long and tiring day, Kyra begins to see things and everything in her well-known life is turned upside down. This story is full of strange happenings, has a lot of action, and includes some romance. Very highly recommended.
The cover is misleading, in that I thought this would be a cute teen book lol. It was an interesting story, I enjoyed it. I did feel it was a little long in some parts, and it's a bit confusing. I wish there was an glossary/index explaining the different races or creatures. Other than that, I liked it and will read the second book because I'm curious to find out what happens next.