Review: From Bad to Cursed

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

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In this second installment of the Thistle Grove series, we get a closer look at Rowan Thorn and the Avramov younger sister, Isidora. This is an enemies-to-lovers tale, and I love to get wrapped up in the drama of those. When the two are thrown together to investigate magical misconduct, tempers and sparks fly.

I’m glad this book was from Isidora’s point of view, as I was drawn more to the Avramovs than the Harlows in the first book, Payback’s a Witch. Issa was sassy and fun, with that dangerous Avramov edge. She actually came off as more powerful than her elder sister, Talia. Issa was great at thinking on her feet and making quick decisions in a crisis. We got a peek into her vulnerability when it came to her professional wants, but I wish this would’ve been expounded upon as it didn’t quite draw me in. I felt like her work at the Emporium fit her much better than sustainable fashion designer.

Rowan Thorn, our hunky green man, comes off as very “boy next door” and the complete opposite of Issa. I’m not sure he quite overcame the “holier than thou” personality for me, but maybe that will come as the series progresses. I did like that he was a veterinarian and his magic was definitely cool. But I found myself more interested in the Thorn demesne, Honeycake, than our hero. The orchards and underground pools sound like a place I’d love to visit.

Lots of diversity in this series, so I feel like there is someone for everyone to connect to. I find it funny that I’m more drawn to the necromantic family, of which most of the town is leery. But they come off as the underdogs to me, and I like to see them rise above expectations to the chagrin of the skeptics.

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.


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