A review by theespressoedition
From Bad to Cursed by Lana Harper

dark tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

After reading (and loving) Payback's a Witch, I immediately requested From Bad to Cursed from my library to dive into. I had such high hopes and... I felt a bit let down.

While the first book has a really interesting plot along with great characters, this book had a much less interesting plot and it took the enemies-to-lovers trope to a level that I really don't enjoy. The angst was the primary focus and the banter between Isa and Rowan felt super cringy rather than funny or sexy or really anything worthwhile. I found myself just wanting things to move along so I could stop hating the two of them so much for holding grudges for almost ten years.

The last quarter of the book provided the intrigue I needed and was really the only thing that redeemed it for me. It finally brought the mystery to the foreground and while things wrapped up a little quicker than I hoped or anticipated, I did enjoy the ending. However, I never did find it in myself to really like either of the two main characters, which is a bummer.

I won't let this particular installation keep me from reading the upcoming book in the series. I think this was just filled with tropes I didn't enjoy, but I can see how it would be really appealing to anyone who lives for the bully-love kind of vibe. I look forward to reading Morty's story next! 
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