Cursed in Love, by Emily Colin

Looking for a story that blends romance, humor, and a touch of the paranormal? Cursed in Love by Emily Colin delivers all that and more. With its quirky premise and engaging characters, this book promises a small-town setting full of secrets and surprises. But does it stick the landing? Here’s my take:

Overall, I enjoyed the story. It starts off like a classic rom-com with insta-lust, featuring a funny but incredibly clumsy FMC and a fastidious MMC who are forced to work together. The dynamic is lighthearted and entertaining, with just the right amount of chaos to pull you in. However, as soon as things heat up, the paranormal element takes center stage, taking the story in an unexpected and intriguing direction.

The premise of 'Stars Hollow' meets 'Charmed' is nearly spot-on. The small-town vibes, where everyone knows everyone else’s business, are well-done, but the banter doesn’t quite live up to its potential. There’s plenty of tension between the main characters, with a couple of steamy scenes sprinkled in, but nothing too extreme.

What didn’t work for me was the blending of the rom-com and paranormal aspects. While both were great on their own, together they felt slightly disjointed. The pacing also became an issue—just as things started to get weird and intriguing, the story rushed toward its climax, leaving some parts feeling underexplained or unresolved.

That said, it’s still an enjoyable, funny read with a unique twist. While it didn’t fully stick the landing for me, I’d recommend it to anyone looking for a lighthearted story with a splash of the unexpected.

You want more? keep reading, but beware of spoilers!!

The romance in Cursed in Love is, by itself, a fun and interesting element. Rune, our FMC, is a delightful disaster—clumsy, messy, and a magnet for chaos. She stumbles through life (and quite literally through the book), with clothes getting torn, dirtied, or ruined at every turn. Despite her messiness, she’s a genuinely likable, funny, and kind-hearted character. On the other hand, we have Donovan, the MMC, who is tall, broody, and the epitome of perfectionism. Dubbed "sex spreadsheet guy" by his coworkers, he’s neat to a fault and actively avoids Rune when he sees her disheveled appearance.

Their dynamic sets up the perfect foundation for a rom-com: opposites attract, hot MMC meets funny FMC, and trust issues abound, creating a rollercoaster of tension and humor. The miscommunication trope fuels most of their relationship, which can be entertaining, even if predictable. Their chemistry is undeniable, with a few spicy scenes thrown in to keep readers invested in their journey. By the end, we get our happily-ever-after. The small-town setting, where everyone knows everyone else’s business, adds an amusing layer to their story. While the banter isn’t as sharp as it could be, the romance remains an entertaining, lighthearted read. However, the timeline—less than a week from meeting to happily-ever-after—might feel a little too fast for some readers.

Parallel to the romance is the paranormal aspect of the story. Rune is cursed with premonitions of possible future deaths, but the curse ensures no one believes her when she tries to warn them. This setup is full of potential: Rune dashes around town trying to stop disasters, only for her attempts to backfire into self-fulfilling prophecies. Along the way, she crosses paths with a coven of quirky older ladies who adopt her as one of their own. As the plot unfolds, Rune uncovers her past, battles an enemy coven, and ultimately breaks her curse.

While the paranormal side has its charm, combining it with the rom-com creates a mixed result. The attraction between Rune and Donovan is later explained as a “fated mates” connection, but Rune’s curse makes their relationship feel implausible. For instance, why didn’t the secret town coven notice Rune’s curse sooner? How has she never accidentally mentioned a premonition to them? And how has the villain gone unnoticed in such a nosy small town?

Donovan’s character also raises questions. As someone meticulous and in control, it’s hard to believe he’d agree to a six-month project without knowing who the client is. And while the “my brother pranked me in high school, and I never recovered” trope is an attempt to add depth to his trust issues, it feels over-the-top and hard to take seriously. The link between his brother, Rune’s curse, and the story’s conflict feels forced, with the brother’s presence frequently sparking fights between Rune and Donovan.

The climax, which revolves around Rune’s premonition of Donovan’s death on their wedding day, comes together too quickly. The evil witches, Donovan’s brother’s undercover role, and the reveal that the MCs’ boss is the villain are intriguing but feel rushed. The saving grace is Donovan’s grandmother’s intervention, which not only saves Donovan but also frees Rune from her curse. While the buildup creates some tension, the rushed resolution diminishes its impact.

Ultimately, Cursed in Love is a quirky, lighthearted story that blends rom-com and paranormal elements in a unique way. While the two genres don’t always mesh perfectly, fans of small-town romance, fated mates, and magical mayhem will likely enjoy this book. If you’re looking for a fun, fast-paced read with a touch of spice and a dash of the supernatural, Cursed in Love might just be the book for you.