Fantasy Romance Review
By V.B. Lacey
“I would not let Thorne Reaux steal a single piece of my heart. Not when it could never fully be his.”
This is one of those books that will stay with me for a very long time—maybe forever. It’s a bit longer than the books I usually pick up, but it reads so swiftly that I never felt overwhelmed. Even though it’s part of a series, you don’t have to read the previous book to enjoy this one.
From the moment I opened the book and read the prologue—wow! I was hooked. The prologue was evocative, mysterious, enchanting, and utterly mesmerizing. It pulled me right in. Then I met the characters, and that was it—I was a goner (in the best way possible).
What This Book Is About
This story explores:
- Women in power.
- Duty and honor.
- Love—and forbidden love.
- Fear and the choices it drives us to make.
- Heartbreak and its consequences.
- Greed, ambition, and the lure of power.
- Family, acceptance, and staying true to yourself, even when the choices are hard.
What You’ll Find Inside
- A badass female main character.
- Mental health representation.
- Magical realism and beautifully messy fates.
- A generational curse.
- A single dad who would do anything for his daughter—forget book boyfriends, he’s book husband material!
The romance? Swoony with a capital S! No spice necessary because the tension is simply delicious. And the banter? Sharp and so much fun.
The Story
The author describes this book as “Princess Diaries 2 meets King Midas”—and it’s just as incredible as that sounds!
We follow Clarissa Aris, a Fox Shifter and soon-to-be Empress of Veridian; Galen Grimaldi, the King of Mysthelm; and Lord Thorne Reaux.
“Lord Reaux was my father. Just call me Thorne.” “Appropriate.”
After a sudden wedding proposal from King Galen, Clarissa visits Mysthelm to meet the King (and future husband?) and his people. She also views this as an opportunity to mend the strained relationship between the two territories.
During her visit, Clarissa uncovers a strange and dangerous curse that is slowly taking over Mysthelm. And experiences first hand how the King “handles” difficulties. Her fierce sense of duty pushes her to help everyone she can—no matter the cost to her own wants and needs.
Final Thoughts
This book had so many quotable moments that I had to resist highlighting the entire thing.
This was my first VB Lacey book, and needless to say, it won’t be my last. Of The Curse or The Crown is an enchanting, swoony, and unforgettable read.
Check it out—and let me know what you think!
Lorra Reads 