A Curse for True Love starting in January

[Janna]

Buddy read of Once Upon a Broken Heart starting November 9th.

[Talia]

do i have3 to read caraval before reading this?

[Janna]

literaryswiftie wrote: "do i have3 to read caraval before reading this?"
No, it's part of the Caraval universe but you don't need to read the Caraval series before reading Once Upon a Broken Heart.

[Quinty (Taylor's Version)]

I have to admit, I have read it already, but never continued the series and it's been a while, so I want to get back into it. I also haven't read the Caraval series, so you can read it without reading those first

[Rudi Reads]

Great! I should be done with Fourth Wing by then.

[Janna]

Since this buddy read is starting tomorrow, a quick question for you.

Shall we just read at our own pace and mention the chapter we're at and put our thoughts in spoiler tags? That way we'll know whether or not to click the spoiler tag. Or would you guys prefer to make a schedule?

Personally I prefer reading at our own pace. Some days I can read a lot more than other days, but if you guys prefer to use a schedule, I'll try to make it work. (:

[Rudi Reads]

Janna wrote: "Since this buddy read is starting tomorrow, a quick question for you.

Shall we just read at our own pace and mention the chapter we're at and put our thoughts in spoiler tags? That way we'll know ..."

I am down for reading at your own pace. I like to put the page or chapter I'm on and then mark the spoiler under that so people can know what sections will be spoiled.

[Quinty (Taylor's Version)]

I am totally down for own pace! Schedules can be hard with some people being fast readers and others slow etc

[Rudi Reads]

Chapters 1-6 Spoilers below:

(view spoiler)[

So I have only heard that the book is good. I blindly read a great deal of books. I even had to stop and read the book details LUL. I prefer it this way to help me come into the writing on my own. But I digress...

The story is very cute. It is giving Cinderella, which again, I did not expect. I am wondering the age of Evangeline. I know that Luke and her stepsister are old enough to marry, which could be 16+ but the internal dialogue of Evangeline irritates me like she is youthful.

My current questions are:
Why would you be so comfortable with the so-called love of your life marrying your step-sister, Marisol?
Were her parents' jokes on her birth just jest or is she also a magical creature?

Random note: It would have been cool for her to have woken up in another time.
(hide spoiler)]

[Quinty (Taylor's Version)]

Rudi Reads wrote: "Chapters 1-6 Spoilers below:



So I have only heard that the book is good. I blindly read a great deal of books. I even had to stop and read the book details LUL. I prefer it this way to help me c..."

(view spoiler)[ Yes I agree it gave me Cinderella vibes. It wouldn't surprise me if it is (very loosely) based on it. I'd say Evangeline is probably around 16 like you said. Her dialogue doesn't necessarily feel very youthful to me, moreso naive.

It would have been cool for her to have woken up centuries later but I think that takes away a lot of the conflict of the book, which is her Marisol marrying Luc lol which is why I get why she didn't. (hide spoiler)]

[Janna]

Chapters 1 - 10

(view spoiler)[I totally agree with the Cinderella vibes! I even think there are some hints to Alice in Wonderland as well. Do not drink, Jack of Hearts, ...

I think Evangeline is probably 16 or 17. Maybe Luc and her stepsister are older, which makes more sense for them to marry.

I actually liked the beginning. It's very fast paced and maybe I would've liked it even more if some parts were explained more thoroughly, but I feel the story is just beginning and the first part of the book was just the introduction to the adventure Evangeline's going to have. Anyway, very curious to continue reading! (hide spoiler)]

[Quinty (Taylor's Version)]

Janna wrote: "Chapters 1 - 10

I totally agree with the Cinderella vibes! I even think there are some hints to Alice in Wonderland as well. Do not drink, Jack of Hearts, ...

I think Evangeline is probably 16 o..."

(view spoiler)[ Yes the aesthetics are giving me major Wonderland vibes!! The pink hair, the many bows, the cakes and the things you said

I agree that it was very fast paced. I read 90 pages without even realizing, you just fly through the book. I agree some parts could do with some explaining, but I don't know if that is because I haven't read Caraval because for all I know a lot could be explained there. (hide spoiler)]

[Janna]

Chapters 11 - 16

(view spoiler)[Can I just say that I love Garber's writing style and how fluent it is. Definitely going to read more later today, but I just had to share how much I like the mystery around Jacks. I'm really curious to find out his motives ... Why did Evangeline have to kiss Apollo? It really wants me to keep on reading! (hide spoiler)]

[Rudi Reads]

Janna wrote: "Chapters 11 - 16

[spoilers removed]"

Same.
Chapters 7-16

(view spoiler)[
I am picking up on chapter 17 this morning. It is all very interesting. I am also wondering if I am missing clues that could help. Loving the mystery. Also, the "gossip" column is cute. (hide spoiler)]

[Rudi Reads]

WOW.
up to Chapter 27
(view spoiler)[

It is crazy how much has happened in less than 200 pages. This is a very interesting read. I was not expecting this plotline. Evangeline is growing on me though. I was unsure about her in the beginning. The fact that she does seek true love, nothing forced or false is sweet. Also, Jacks is something. I am not sure how to feel about him and I do wonder if his intentions are linked to heartbreak of his own. I do not know much about fates and their folklore to speculate too much.

Marisol's presence is still intriguing to me. I wonder how are part will increase as the book goes on.

Poor Apollo is like love sick puppy. This portion is giving "Practical Magic" or "The Craft." Which of course can only end with much sadness.
(hide spoiler)]

How are you all enjoying it?

[Janna]

Ok, so I had some free time to read today. I'm at chapter 36.

(view spoiler)[Ok, so I didn't expect Apollo to die??? But I think it's a nice twist to the story. I don't trust Marisol or Tiberius for one bit tho ... One of them is probably the reason why Evangeline was cursed. Marisol took a flower of her dress and Tiberius took a feather from her wings ... I sense a pattern here. ;) (hide spoiler)]

I'm actually really enjoying this! I didn't know if I would like it a lot because I wasn't a big fan of Caraval, but I cannot seem to put down this book. How are you liking it so far?

[Janna]

Rudi Reads wrote: "WOW.
up to Chapter 27



(view spoiler)[Totally agree with your feelings about Jacks. He's a very interesting character and I'm really curious about his motives. Every time I feel like we get to know him a little better he does something unexpected. (hide spoiler)]

[Quinty (Taylor's Version)]

I'm only at chapter 18 so far but I'm really enjoying it

[Rudi Reads]

Soooo....I finished it :)

[Janna]

Rudi Reads wrote: "Soooo....I finished it :)"

Oooh! What did you think of it?
I think I'll finish it tomorrow. :D

[Quinty (Taylor's Version)]

I'm done too!! I really enjoyed it (view spoiler)[ but I don't think Jacks poisoned Apollo, and I do think Marisol is more evil than Eva is currently thinking. I feel like Luc will come back in later books too (hide spoiler)]

[Rudi Reads]

I enjoyed it! I thought it was very cozy. I look forward to reading the next book. I rated it 4 stars but its a strong 4 stars LUL.

(view spoiler)[
I had a weird feeling about Marisol from the beginning. Luc being alive did surprise me. I feel like there is still so much to unfold with Jacks and love it. I am still pretty befuddled by him. Apollo still being alive threw me off a bit. The only thing that makes sense for me in the moment is that Jacks did have something to do with it, in order to keep Evangeline as the future queen. Lastly, I feel like she just skirted over the fact that Jacks heart is beating again. Was it because he was bitten? I hope all the mysteries start to level out in the next book. (hide spoiler)]

[Quinty (Taylor's Version)]

Rudi Reads wrote: "I enjoyed it! I thought it was very cozy. I look forward to reading the next book. I rated it 4 stars but its a strong 4 stars LUL.

I agree with your rating! I'm also looking forward to the next book. I'm thinking of reading it next month, maybe we could do another buddyread for it?

(view spoiler)[ I read the book before but I already forgot Luc was alive lol. I agree that there is still lots to discover with Jacks. I don't think Jacks would poison Apollo, only thing I can think of is him saving him that way. Or maybe that's just me wanting him to be the good guy. They mentioned Jacks heart started beating when he kissed that princess. What I'm wondering is, does that mean she is his true love? Because I don't think so (hide spoiler)]

[Janna]

I finished it as well! Gave it a solid 4 stars. I really enjoyed it and that final chapter omgggg, it leaves me wanting more.
I'm definitely going to read the sequel. I already ordered it at the library, but I have to wait till November 28 the latest to read it. So I hope it becomes available sooner, because I really want to continue, haha! I definitely would love to buddyread the next book.

(view spoiler)[Ok, so some parts were a bit predictable (Marisol being evil for one :p), but then other things I absolutely did not see coming (Apollo being alive, whuuuut?)
I'm just really fascinated with Jacks. He's such an interesting character. I'm really excited to read more about him in the next books. (hide spoiler)]

[Quinty (Taylor's Version)]

Janna wrote: "I finished it as well! Gave it a solid 4 stars. I really enjoyed it and that final chapter omgggg, it leaves me wanting more.
I'm definitely going to read the sequel. I already ordered it at the li..."

I've got the next book already but probably won't have time until December so that would be perfect :)

[Janna]

Ok, great! :D

[Rudi Reads]

Quinty (Taylor's Version) wrote: "Rudi Reads wrote: "I enjoyed it! I thought it was very cozy. I look forward to reading the next book. I rated it 4 stars but its a strong 4 stars LUL.

I agree with your rating! I'm also looking fo..."

(view spoiler)[
I am also not convinced that she is his true love. I feel like that is way too predictable, but their vibe is so confusing!! ARG!!!! This is what makes it so intriguing to me. (hide spoiler)]

[Rudi Reads]

Janna wrote: "Ok, great! :D"

I actually ordered the book today. I have a long list of books left for the month and they are hardy, so I will wait until December 1.

Do we want to go ahead and create an upcoming buddy reads for it?

[Janna]

December 1 works for me. Count me in! ^^

[Quinty (Taylor's Version)]

Rudi Reads wrote: "Janna wrote: "Ok, great! :D"

I actually ordered the book today. I have a long list of books left for the month and they are hardy, so I will wait until December 1.

Do we want to go ahead and crea..."

We could, but I wouldn't mind using this thread either? Up to you guys

[Rudi Reads]

Quinty (Taylor's Version) wrote: "Rudi Reads wrote: "Janna wrote: "Ok, great! :D"

I actually ordered the book today. I have a long list of books left for the month and they are hardy, so I will wait until December 1.

Do we want t..."

True, I guess the creator can just edit the title. Thought about changing in case there were others who had already read book one but not book 2.

[Janna]

Changed the title and moved this topic back to upcoming buddy reads so that others can see it as well. (:

[Rudi Reads]

ultvl wrote: "also do we have to read the first part to read the 2 nd one"

I think all of us in here rated Book 1 4-stars so I think we would agree it is worth it. I also think that is for sure necessary. This series reminds me of the tv show "Once Upon a Time" when you miss an episode you have no idea whats going on. LUL

It is an easy and quick read though. You would have time to read book one before we start Book 2.

[Quinty (Taylor's Version)]

I'm excited to read the second book with you guys! I assume we're reading at our own pace again?

[Janna]

Yes, that's perfect!

I'm so excited to read the sequel!

[Rudi Reads]

Same! I’m so ready. My books at the end of this month are meh 😅

[Rudi Reads]

Started this morning! So excited. I have parent teacher conferences today so I am hoping to read in between meetings to bring me some peace 😅. 12 meetings means 12 reading sprints 😂

[Rudi Reads]

Absolutely crazy start!
Chapters 1-9
(view spoiler)[

I love how the story starts off right where it left off. I am not great at guessing what will happen next in the story but two things I truly did not see coming:
1. Apollo waking up without any help (that i currently know of)
2. Eva being turned into a vampire!

(hide spoiler)]
I feel like I will finish it this weekend.

[Janna]

Oh, I'm a teacher as well! Good luck with the meetings! :D

Chapters 1 - 11

(view spoiler)[I love how fast-paced this book is, just like the first one. I'm so curious about the curse between Apollo and Evangeline, and more importantly who actually cursed them. Could it be Marisol? It really bugs me that she took a part of Evangeline's dress in the first book ... Or maybe I'm overthinking it.
Also, Lucien turning out to be Luc, I didn't see that one coming, I felt so stupid lol. (hide spoiler)]

[Rudi Reads]

Thanks they went well!

(view spoiler)[

This book has so many twists and turns I feel like I can't trust my own family to tell me the truth at this point lol. I am so enthralled with the story of the Merrywood Three. I do wonder if it is just a distractor and Jacks really isn't one of them. I like this writing but it is also frustrating because I feel like I keep getting distracted by all of Eva's theories before one theory is actually solved so I am forgetting the other parts of the story or other characters. Does that make sense?
(hide spoiler)]

[Quinty (Taylor's Version)]

Sorry guys I'm only now getting around to it, so far at chapter 8

[Janna]

Chapters 12 - 24

(view spoiler)[I believe Jacks is one of the Merrywood Three or he knew them very well. His reaction is weird every time Evangeline brings it up.
@Rudi, yes I totally agree. I'm also forgetting some parts of the story.

They're now at LaLa's engagement party and I can't help but thinking Apollo will show up any minute with the curse and all that ... Eva & Jacks going to that party is just asking for trouble, if you ask me. (hide spoiler)]

[Quinty (Taylor's Version)]

Janna wrote: "Oh, I'm a teacher as well! Good luck with the meetings! :D

Chapters 1 - 11

I love how fast-paced this book is, just like the first one. I'm so curious about the curse between Apollo and Evangelin..."

(view spoiler)[ I don't think it's Marisol. Maybe the queen/princess from Eva's own kingdom? Or the princess that made Jacks' heart beat again? Or could be Havelock since he's now also missing. I agree though that I didn't see Luc = Lucien coming (hide spoiler)]

[Quinty (Taylor's Version)]

Rudi Reads wrote: "Thanks they went well!



This book has so many twists and turns I feel like I can't trust my own family to tell me the truth at this point lol. I am so enthralled with the story of the Merrywood T..."

(view spoiler)[ With the way Eva is focusing on Jacks beign a Valor, I'm 90% sure he isn't. I feel like he will probably end up being the Archer after all and that's why he knew the ending of the ballad even though no one else does. (hide spoiler)]

[Quinty (Taylor's Version)]

Janna wrote: "Chapters 12 - 24

I believe Jacks is one of the Merrywood Three or he knew them very well. His reaction is weird every time Evangeline brings it up.
@Rudi, yes I totally agree. I'm also forgetting..."

Agree

[｡⋆☂ Polaris {Gone for exams}]

I just finished reading both books.....and Jacks is suspicious. Look, i love him but he is sooooooooo sus (view spoiler)[ I get it he's a fate and needs to do some shady stuff to survive...but can't you just tell my girl she's gonna die if she does ABC and D. Like he keeps important info from her, she nearly dies and he swoops in to save the day (hide spoiler)]

[Quinty (Taylor's Version)]

I'm done! Wow, was not expecting that!!

[Quinty (Taylor's Version)]

Polaris wrote: "I just finished reading both books.....and Jacks is suspicious. Look, i love him but he is sooooooooo sus [spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[ I actually don't agree. Yes he has a bit weird morals, but there is a story curse in the North. It's a high probability he simply can't tell her stuff. Sure, maybe he should try harder, but he was also trying to keep himself away from her to stop them becoming the Archer and the Fox again. (hide spoiler)]

[Rudi Reads]

General comment/question:
(view spoiler)[

Do you all think that she is writing the chemistry between Evangeline and Jacks well? I feel like its kind of forced. I like Jacks but I feel like its all in Eva's head. Maybe its because I read a ton of romance novels and it just doesn't seem "natural" between them.

(hide spoiler)]

[Rudi Reads]

Ignore my previous comment lol. I would delete it but I want to remember my confusion 😂