Review: Cursed by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Mystery,suspense,fantasy and swoon-worthy romance

Title: Cursed
Author: J. L Armentrout
Publisher: Hodders and Stoughton
My ratings: 4 out of 5 stars
Released: 17th July, 2014
J.L Armentrout is one of those authors who knows what her readers like and delivers it each time. Cursed is no different. Ember had died in a car accident which killed her father, but her sister with her strange power, brought her back to life. However when Ember did come back to to the world of the living she returned with a curse of her own. Everything she touches dies. Circumstances like these have made Ember cynical and bitter. She looks after her 5 year old sister, all by herself. She has lost all her friends and her social life, with only one friend left. Then one day an accident leaves her sister kidnapped and Ember cornered. Now she has been moved to another town, another state and has to start her life from scratch and trust a man who put her in that position in the first place..

The premise of the girl with the deadly touch is not new. It is how it's treated is what makes it different. J.L Armentrout gives it her own signature touch. I liked the main character Ember. Although there was nothing remarkable about her personality, she was a believable character, who was relatable and real. She had been popular once but after the accident she was made into a social pariah. She had a good head between her shoulders and she loved her little sister, Olivia dearly. Their relationship was really sweet and I enjoyed reading their interactions..

There were others characters too most notably, Hayden. He was everything J.L Armentrout love interests are known for. He was sweet, kind, caring, supportive and all manner of swoon worthy. Hayden and Ember had their differences and it was a convincing dilemma. She could never truly trust his family who did not want her there and Hayden was too loyal to take all the crap Ember threw at him about them. The tension between Hayden and Ember was painfully sweet and all I can say is the it's been a while since not-touching was so sexy..

The mystery, on the other hand was not that mysterious. In fact, I had figured it out quite early on in the story but the narrative was interesting enough to keep me going. The premise had been set up nicely for more books in the future and I hope we get to explore more of the X-men like powers of the other members of the Cromwell family and also find out more about the Facility. Saying that, Cursed seems like a stand alone so far, but if anybody hears others, do let me know..

Cursed overall was an enjoyable read, with a steady plot and convincing characters. It was gripping, if not in the traditional sense but with the blossoming romance and the great chemistry between Hayden and Ember, the pages flew by and before I know it the book was over. I'd recommend it to all fantasy readers who want to to enjoy Armentrout's signature elements of romance, fantasy and mystery. I guarantee, you will not be disappointed..

Review copy provided by Hodder and Stoughton