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Cursed Boys and Broken Hearts
A swoony contemporary romance from Adam Sass following a boy who is cursed to doom any romantic relationship—and the summer that changes everything.
Grant Rossi is never getting a happily-ever-after.
Ever since he was a kid and made a wish on his family’s iconic Wishing Rose, his romantic relationships have been cursed to end. Following his most recent (and extremely public) dumping, Grant is languishing in a hot Chicago summer, abandoning his beloved design projects to sink back into depression. But when his family suggests spending the summer helping his aunt and uncle refurbish their beautiful but rundown B&B and vineyard—the home of the Wishing Rose that changed everything for him—Grant decides to accept. Maybe he can finally find a way to recover his creative spark...and break his curse.
But things at the vineyard are not what Grant expects. The place is in almost total disrepair, and—even worse—the person his relatives hired to help is his former childhood crush, Ben—the first boy who broke his heart.
As their chemistry sparks and the summer heats up, the wedge between them can’t be ignored. But while they race to restore the B&B in time for the beloved local rose festival, grumpy but lovable Ben starts to break through Grant’s carefully crafted defenses. Can Grant find a way to overcome his curse and open his heart, even when it’s broken?
Grant Rossi is never getting a happily-ever-after.
Ever since he was a kid and made a wish on his family’s iconic Wishing Rose, his romantic relationships have been cursed to end. Following his most recent (and extremely public) dumping, Grant is languishing in a hot Chicago summer, abandoning his beloved design projects to sink back into depression. But when his family suggests spending the summer helping his aunt and uncle refurbish their beautiful but rundown B&B and vineyard—the home of the Wishing Rose that changed everything for him—Grant decides to accept. Maybe he can finally find a way to recover his creative spark...and break his curse.
But things at the vineyard are not what Grant expects. The place is in almost total disrepair, and—even worse—the person his relatives hired to help is his former childhood crush, Ben—the first boy who broke his heart.
As their chemistry sparks and the summer heats up, the wedge between them can’t be ignored. But while they race to restore the B&B in time for the beloved local rose festival, grumpy but lovable Ben starts to break through Grant’s carefully crafted defenses. Can Grant find a way to overcome his curse and open his heart, even when it’s broken?
352 pages, Hardcover
First published July 16, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 159 reviews
June 9, 2024
MISS SASS YOU WERKED MY BUSSY OUT WITH THIS FUCKING STORY JESUS CHRIST!
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Okay so if you’re (you probably are) a depressed queer STOP WHAT YOURE DOING AND READ THIS BOOK RIGHT NOW!!!! It made me feel so happy and seen and loved and wow and omg.
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I used to think second chance romance was trash but this changed my mind! 10/10 no notes.
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Okay so if you’re (you probably are) a depressed queer STOP WHAT YOURE DOING AND READ THIS BOOK RIGHT NOW!!!! It made me feel so happy and seen and loved and wow and omg.
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I used to think second chance romance was trash but this changed my mind! 10/10 no notes.
September 3, 2024
5 stars. Messy, expertly written, and containing a childhood best-friends-to-lovers romance that had me gnawing at the bars of my enclosure, Cursed Boys and Broken Hearts is both a near perfect teen summer romance and a love letter to every "unlikable" gay teen just trying to figure things out. Bravo Adam Sass!
February 22, 2024
One of the easiest 5-star ratings I’ve given in ages.
Adam Sass is a brilliant and versatile author. He can do suspense, he can do slasher horror, he can do charming rom-coms. With Cursed Boys and Broken Hearts, he has now shown that he can do romance with a speculative aspect to it … and in doing so, he explores trauma, depression, and self-loathing in a love story that digs deep into the power of emotions, memories, and forgiveness.
In every single Adam Sass book, it’s so easy to love the narrators. Never has that been truer than with Cursed Boys and Broken Hearts. Grant Rossi is Adam’s most compelling, well-developed, and emotionally complex character to date. In the words of both Taylor Swift and Grant — “I’m the problem.” Will he frustrate you? Yes. Will you question his decisions? Yes. Will you love him, give him a chance, and truly SEE him by the end of the novel? Yes. And it is glorious.
From start to finish, the book is about anger and the many ways it can manifest — in how we view the world, how we treat others, and how we see ourselves. I loved the way that mental health was approached in the book, and the way it normalized both SSRI’s and therapy. Watching Grant grow as a human being was one of the most rewarding journeys I’ve watched a protagonist go on in quite some time.
The one liners, the wit, the humor — immaculate. The tender, soft, emotional moments — absolutely touching. I laughed, I cried, and I had so much fun spending time with Grant and Ben. I’ll be thinking about them for a while.
“It must be exhausting always rooting for the anti-hero” — and while it was, I never stopped rooting for Grant. You won’t either.
An absolute home-run of a book and Adam Sass at the top of his game. This is, undoubtedly, his best work to date.
Huge thank you to NetGalley for the eARC of this book in exchange for a review!
Adam Sass is a brilliant and versatile author. He can do suspense, he can do slasher horror, he can do charming rom-coms. With Cursed Boys and Broken Hearts, he has now shown that he can do romance with a speculative aspect to it … and in doing so, he explores trauma, depression, and self-loathing in a love story that digs deep into the power of emotions, memories, and forgiveness.
In every single Adam Sass book, it’s so easy to love the narrators. Never has that been truer than with Cursed Boys and Broken Hearts. Grant Rossi is Adam’s most compelling, well-developed, and emotionally complex character to date. In the words of both Taylor Swift and Grant — “I’m the problem.” Will he frustrate you? Yes. Will you question his decisions? Yes. Will you love him, give him a chance, and truly SEE him by the end of the novel? Yes. And it is glorious.
From start to finish, the book is about anger and the many ways it can manifest — in how we view the world, how we treat others, and how we see ourselves. I loved the way that mental health was approached in the book, and the way it normalized both SSRI’s and therapy. Watching Grant grow as a human being was one of the most rewarding journeys I’ve watched a protagonist go on in quite some time.
The one liners, the wit, the humor — immaculate. The tender, soft, emotional moments — absolutely touching. I laughed, I cried, and I had so much fun spending time with Grant and Ben. I’ll be thinking about them for a while.
“It must be exhausting always rooting for the anti-hero” — and while it was, I never stopped rooting for Grant. You won’t either.
An absolute home-run of a book and Adam Sass at the top of his game. This is, undoubtedly, his best work to date.
Huge thank you to NetGalley for the eARC of this book in exchange for a review!
April 4, 2024
STOP WHAT YOU ARE DOING AND READ THIS BOOK RIGHT NOW!!
Adam Sass returns with one of the most swoon-worthy romances I have read this year! Cursed Boys and Broken Hearts is going to tug on all of your heartstrings. This novel starts off strongly, introducing you to your main character who is dealing with life as it comes. One day at a time. Once building out the setting (and what a romantic setting at that), this story blazes a trail forward mixing romance, comedy, and drama to build in such a way that readers everywhere are going to love it.
I couldn't put this story down! Ben and Grant have been dancing through my mind ever since I started their story. It's just fantastic writing that is so dynamic that I easily found myself rooting for both of them come hell or highwater. The magic in this story is ever so present everywhere as well. Let the magic be the selling point for this story, honestly. Because it was the first thing that stood out to me in this book. Magic exists for the main characters in such a way that the reader gets to experience every bit of it with them. It just felt so relatable and fun. ALSO THE SPICE IS DELICIOUS!
Honestly, I cannot say how much I loved this book. I devoured it and know that Ben and Grant are going to be living rent free in my mind for weeks to come. Seriously, do yourself a favor and check out this story.
Perfect for fans of Practical Magic, the one bed trope, and plenty more of your romance favorites!
Adam Sass returns with one of the most swoon-worthy romances I have read this year! Cursed Boys and Broken Hearts is going to tug on all of your heartstrings. This novel starts off strongly, introducing you to your main character who is dealing with life as it comes. One day at a time. Once building out the setting (and what a romantic setting at that), this story blazes a trail forward mixing romance, comedy, and drama to build in such a way that readers everywhere are going to love it.
I couldn't put this story down! Ben and Grant have been dancing through my mind ever since I started their story. It's just fantastic writing that is so dynamic that I easily found myself rooting for both of them come hell or highwater. The magic in this story is ever so present everywhere as well. Let the magic be the selling point for this story, honestly. Because it was the first thing that stood out to me in this book. Magic exists for the main characters in such a way that the reader gets to experience every bit of it with them. It just felt so relatable and fun. ALSO THE SPICE IS DELICIOUS!
Honestly, I cannot say how much I loved this book. I devoured it and know that Ben and Grant are going to be living rent free in my mind for weeks to come. Seriously, do yourself a favor and check out this story.
Perfect for fans of Practical Magic, the one bed trope, and plenty more of your romance favorites!
August 30, 2023
my heart is very full and i am currently having a lot of emotions!!
Actual review:
So, if you have followed any of my reviews for any amount of time, you know that Adam Sass is one of those authors who hits me right in my too-soft, too-big heart. And Grant's story? Ouch.
Like Micah Summers, this story takes a classic fairy tale and gives it a queer twist. I was obsessed with the idea of following someone who was collateral damage in someone else's happily ever after, and oh boy, was Grant damaged. Sweet, sweet Grant.
I loved the way Grant's depression was written because it is just so incredibly relatable. There's nothing like being heartbroken and depressed and away from family and friends, and Grant reacts the same way I think I would- spiraling and hiding in my room while avoiding everyone about it. His family dynamics were also everything to me- family is often a queer kid's first bully and seeing Grant realize that and stand up to them both for himself (and for any smaller family members that may have needed to see it) really choked me up. Also, a big, loud-ass, Italian family is so fun to read. The. relationships between Grant and his siblings were some of my favorites and just really healed my heart.
Vero Roseto is a character of its own and I adored her makeover montage. Grant and Ben working together and through their own hang-ups (despite Grant doing everything he could to KEEP himself hung up) to help save such a special place for their families was a love story within a love story for me.
Also, Ben? An angel. A doll. Never done one single thing wrong in his whole cute little Scottish life. Adored him and how he pushed and prodded and was just mean enough to get Grant out of his own head and stop trying to sabotage himself. He was so loyal to the Rossi family and watching Grant really realize just how loyal was soothing and irritating because OPEN YOUR EYES, KID. Perfection.
I spent probably the last twenty or so minutes of the book silently crying and reading because Grant finally stopped standing in his own way and let himself be happy and it was everything I wanted it to be.
Cursed Boys and Broken Hearts is heartfelt, healing, and full of a messy, real-life queer fairy tale. Another Adam Sass story I will be peddling on everyone I meet.
Actual review:
So, if you have followed any of my reviews for any amount of time, you know that Adam Sass is one of those authors who hits me right in my too-soft, too-big heart. And Grant's story? Ouch.
Like Micah Summers, this story takes a classic fairy tale and gives it a queer twist. I was obsessed with the idea of following someone who was collateral damage in someone else's happily ever after, and oh boy, was Grant damaged. Sweet, sweet Grant.
I loved the way Grant's depression was written because it is just so incredibly relatable. There's nothing like being heartbroken and depressed and away from family and friends, and Grant reacts the same way I think I would- spiraling and hiding in my room while avoiding everyone about it. His family dynamics were also everything to me- family is often a queer kid's first bully and seeing Grant realize that and stand up to them both for himself (and for any smaller family members that may have needed to see it) really choked me up. Also, a big, loud-ass, Italian family is so fun to read. The. relationships between Grant and his siblings were some of my favorites and just really healed my heart.
Vero Roseto is a character of its own and I adored her makeover montage. Grant and Ben working together and through their own hang-ups (despite Grant doing everything he could to KEEP himself hung up) to help save such a special place for their families was a love story within a love story for me.
Also, Ben? An angel. A doll. Never done one single thing wrong in his whole cute little Scottish life. Adored him and how he pushed and prodded and was just mean enough to get Grant out of his own head and stop trying to sabotage himself. He was so loyal to the Rossi family and watching Grant really realize just how loyal was soothing and irritating because OPEN YOUR EYES, KID. Perfection.
I spent probably the last twenty or so minutes of the book silently crying and reading because Grant finally stopped standing in his own way and let himself be happy and it was everything I wanted it to be.
Cursed Boys and Broken Hearts is heartfelt, healing, and full of a messy, real-life queer fairy tale. Another Adam Sass story I will be peddling on everyone I meet.
August 2, 2024
✰ 2.75 stars ✰
“Invidioso e Grato. Love can’t be appreciated until you’ve known the pain of being without.”
In case you did not know that this is a story about Cursed Boys and Broken Hearts, don't worry. You will be reminded countless times that yes, in fact, Grant is very much a cursed boy with a broken heart. A bit too repetitive for me, at times, but it does tie in with his personality, I guess. 🙆🏻♀️ And he's not the only one. His former childhood best friend, Ben, also shares a similar fate, but rather than having bad luck with stable relationships, he's the one who needlessly pushes people away without rhyme or reason. 'I had it all with Ben. But then I lost it. We lost it.' And after their disastrous fallout when they were thirteen - an argument that tarnished their friendship and solidified themselves as enemies, without here or say, it can only amount to severe bouts of intense feelings and rivalries as they have to work to coexist with each other as they have to work together to save Grant's family business. ✨✨
“Envy and gratitude. The two sides of romance.
Each exists in the other’s shadow, yet neither can live without the other.”
Normally I usually try to reread a book before its sequel, so I can recall certain instances; but, I remember my initial frustrations over the first book and what it was about, so I did not feel quite inclined to do so. However, I did re-read my review, and lo and behold, my vexation over Grant being dismissed without rhyme or reason struck a chord with me! Little did I know that his own story was on its way. 'And I know the truth now—if I ever find true love, it won’t be a wholesome fairy-tale'. 🥀 Keeping in lieu with the fairy tale appeal, Grant's story is a variant of the Beauty and the Beast - where Grant is so convinced that with one ill-fated wish upon a rose, his romantic life has had no happiness - no stable prospects of a boyfriend that he could have his heart forever. It does not hurt that the lingering presence of Ben's betrayal and brawn still haunts him. Still pulls him towards him with how handsome he's become in their five-year-absence. 💔💔
For who could ever learn to love a beast?
Who, indeed? 🥺
“Making a wish on the rose—finding your love—is a serious commitment. You must know your own heart before making your wish.”
The author asks us to take a chance on Grant, so I did. But, it's not easy. It's not easy for someone who is self-sabotaging, self-loathing, self-deprecating thoughts, so intent on painting himself always as a victim, a beast forever trapped by his own doing - a curse that will never allow him to heal. 😟 It's rough, buddy. It does get tiresome, and yes, exhausting, how much his whole life was based on a family curse. 'A confused boy made a careless wish, we acted on our worst impulses, and it all went away.' It traumatized him so much so, that he's making allusions to bunnies and beasts not belonging together, because his tormented and distraught soul will rip them apart. It's hard!
But, he does try. The Rose Festiva at his family's Vero Roseto is a chance to perhaps change himself for the better - a hope that the Wishing Rose will grant him a happier future. There's just so much family baggage weighing on him that it becomes difficult for him to breathe, even though, there are parts of him that are innately good. His artistic talents, his commitment to saving his family's business - despite his own conflicting and distraught emotions, I could tell there was a soul that was just so damaged by his own thoughts that it was aching to let go of his heartache and shine. 😥💌
“It feels like I’ve got a curse, too.”
“I’m cursed to never find someone who stays, and you’re cursed to always leave.”
He smiles weakly. “Good thing we’re friends, then.”
It was not frustrating for me to see Ben and Grant go at each other; it felt real. Two Chicago gays who were adamant in believing that they were in the right. The writing has this edge to it - not exactly whiny, but very gritty and angry, which felt believable. Although, I have to admit, the imbalance of humor and his wayward thoughts was a bit jarring, at times. But, I never realized how petty I was till I read books that show me a side of carrying a grudge, and I liked that it started off with them disliking each other. 'Stay strong, Grant. Ben is sweet until you drop your guard.' 😅 How they stubbornly riled each other up, refusing to give each other an inch.The anger and hurt, the betrayal and the desire to heal the wounds they'd inflicted on each other was convincing - closeness means distance when it comes to Ben. For despite how Grant was hopelessly drawn to Ben's charm and physique, he refused to cave to temptation - for awhile. 😏
But, as time travels, annoyance shifts to endearing, those cracks start to heal - those thorns don't sting as much, because they FINALLY TALK TO EACH OTHER. 😩 Yes, that is key to make their romance work, to find the magic that had made their bond so special till one wrong move spoiled the show - for everyone. I did chuckle at times at their banter, their inane comments, that still held traces of those sweet touches and open-hearted confessions of admitting how callous they behaved - how they threw reason out the window in pursuit of their own immature thinking - so oddly reminiscent of how the Beast's own selfish thoughts landed him in hot water in the first place. ❤️🩹❤️🩹 Ben and Grant played against each other nicely; their friendship suffered, but their attraction still felt sincere to me. How Ben was there for Grant at his weakest, how they confessed each others troubles and saw how much of their hatred and disdain was all for naught. 😔
“The rose was saving me until I found you again … then at least the rose made sure I didn’t give up on us without a fight.”
And what I needed from Micah's ending was closure to Grant's future; which, I finally got here. The fact it merited a mention in my previous thoughts meant it affected me deeply; seeing him find a way to break the hold the curse had on him was beautifully done. 🥲 The chance of forgiving oneself - for a lifetime of happiness and wanting someone else without restraint or fear or hesitation. I really liked the ending; the romantic in me was kinda swooning at how the confession was done - a perfect tie in to Belle and the Beast. 🥹 It was two lost, lonely young queers finding their way home, on the cusp of adulthood who were finally shedding the past from their hearts. The pain and hurt that had festered into something that had crippled them both so much so, that it was only a matter of fate that this summer existed. How they learned to be more accepting of who they were and finally seeing that they were deserving of a happy ending. That they had the chance to air out the bad blood between the two. And my heart melted with it; they were deserving of each other's forgiveness and embrace and it was heartwarming. It was totally fitting of their personalities, which made me like it even more. 🌹💞
“Invidioso e Grato. Love can’t be appreciated until you’ve known the pain of being without.”
In case you did not know that this is a story about Cursed Boys and Broken Hearts, don't worry. You will be reminded countless times that yes, in fact, Grant is very much a cursed boy with a broken heart. A bit too repetitive for me, at times, but it does tie in with his personality, I guess. 🙆🏻♀️ And he's not the only one. His former childhood best friend, Ben, also shares a similar fate, but rather than having bad luck with stable relationships, he's the one who needlessly pushes people away without rhyme or reason. 'I had it all with Ben. But then I lost it. We lost it.' And after their disastrous fallout when they were thirteen - an argument that tarnished their friendship and solidified themselves as enemies, without here or say, it can only amount to severe bouts of intense feelings and rivalries as they have to work to coexist with each other as they have to work together to save Grant's family business. ✨✨
“Envy and gratitude. The two sides of romance.
Each exists in the other’s shadow, yet neither can live without the other.”
Normally I usually try to reread a book before its sequel, so I can recall certain instances; but, I remember my initial frustrations over the first book and what it was about, so I did not feel quite inclined to do so. However, I did re-read my review, and lo and behold, my vexation over Grant being dismissed without rhyme or reason struck a chord with me! Little did I know that his own story was on its way. 'And I know the truth now—if I ever find true love, it won’t be a wholesome fairy-tale'. 🥀 Keeping in lieu with the fairy tale appeal, Grant's story is a variant of the Beauty and the Beast - where Grant is so convinced that with one ill-fated wish upon a rose, his romantic life has had no happiness - no stable prospects of a boyfriend that he could have his heart forever. It does not hurt that the lingering presence of Ben's betrayal and brawn still haunts him. Still pulls him towards him with how handsome he's become in their five-year-absence. 💔💔
For who could ever learn to love a beast?
Who, indeed? 🥺
“Making a wish on the rose—finding your love—is a serious commitment. You must know your own heart before making your wish.”
The author asks us to take a chance on Grant, so I did. But, it's not easy. It's not easy for someone who is self-sabotaging, self-loathing, self-deprecating thoughts, so intent on painting himself always as a victim, a beast forever trapped by his own doing - a curse that will never allow him to heal. 😟 It's rough, buddy. It does get tiresome, and yes, exhausting, how much his whole life was based on a family curse. 'A confused boy made a careless wish, we acted on our worst impulses, and it all went away.' It traumatized him so much so, that he's making allusions to bunnies and beasts not belonging together, because his tormented and distraught soul will rip them apart. It's hard!
But, he does try. The Rose Festiva at his family's Vero Roseto is a chance to perhaps change himself for the better - a hope that the Wishing Rose will grant him a happier future. There's just so much family baggage weighing on him that it becomes difficult for him to breathe, even though, there are parts of him that are innately good. His artistic talents, his commitment to saving his family's business - despite his own conflicting and distraught emotions, I could tell there was a soul that was just so damaged by his own thoughts that it was aching to let go of his heartache and shine. 😥💌
“It feels like I’ve got a curse, too.”
“I’m cursed to never find someone who stays, and you’re cursed to always leave.”
He smiles weakly. “Good thing we’re friends, then.”
It was not frustrating for me to see Ben and Grant go at each other; it felt real. Two Chicago gays who were adamant in believing that they were in the right. The writing has this edge to it - not exactly whiny, but very gritty and angry, which felt believable. Although, I have to admit, the imbalance of humor and his wayward thoughts was a bit jarring, at times. But, I never realized how petty I was till I read books that show me a side of carrying a grudge, and I liked that it started off with them disliking each other. 'Stay strong, Grant. Ben is sweet until you drop your guard.' 😅 How they stubbornly riled each other up, refusing to give each other an inch.The anger and hurt, the betrayal and the desire to heal the wounds they'd inflicted on each other was convincing - closeness means distance when it comes to Ben. For despite how Grant was hopelessly drawn to Ben's charm and physique, he refused to cave to temptation - for awhile. 😏
But, as time travels, annoyance shifts to endearing, those cracks start to heal - those thorns don't sting as much, because they FINALLY TALK TO EACH OTHER. 😩 Yes, that is key to make their romance work, to find the magic that had made their bond so special till one wrong move spoiled the show - for everyone. I did chuckle at times at their banter, their inane comments, that still held traces of those sweet touches and open-hearted confessions of admitting how callous they behaved - how they threw reason out the window in pursuit of their own immature thinking - so oddly reminiscent of how the Beast's own selfish thoughts landed him in hot water in the first place. ❤️🩹❤️🩹 Ben and Grant played against each other nicely; their friendship suffered, but their attraction still felt sincere to me. How Ben was there for Grant at his weakest, how they confessed each others troubles and saw how much of their hatred and disdain was all for naught. 😔
“The rose was saving me until I found you again … then at least the rose made sure I didn’t give up on us without a fight.”
And what I needed from Micah's ending was closure to Grant's future; which, I finally got here. The fact it merited a mention in my previous thoughts meant it affected me deeply; seeing him find a way to break the hold the curse had on him was beautifully done. 🥲 The chance of forgiving oneself - for a lifetime of happiness and wanting someone else without restraint or fear or hesitation. I really liked the ending; the romantic in me was kinda swooning at how the confession was done - a perfect tie in to Belle and the Beast. 🥹 It was two lost, lonely young queers finding their way home, on the cusp of adulthood who were finally shedding the past from their hearts. The pain and hurt that had festered into something that had crippled them both so much so, that it was only a matter of fate that this summer existed. How they learned to be more accepting of who they were and finally seeing that they were deserving of a happy ending. That they had the chance to air out the bad blood between the two. And my heart melted with it; they were deserving of each other's forgiveness and embrace and it was heartwarming. It was totally fitting of their personalities, which made me like it even more. 🌹💞
August 30, 2024
I loved this arc so much and I got so many emotions with it 💜
August 30, 2023
With this new novel, Adam Sass has expanded the world and characters he created for The 99 Boyfriends of Micah Summers (partly a sequel, but also great as a standalone tale), this time focused on Micah's ex, Grant Rossi. What follows is a delightful yet melancholy story that speaks to the reality of queer love for many young people. The characters in this novel burst off the page and the story becomes totally involving instantly. Sass has lovingly curated such a distinct, sweet-tart style of writing that continues on with this wonderful new entry into his canon.
July 2, 2024
4.5 - Big thanks to PRH Audio for the ALC in exchange for an honest review!
“You are Grant Rossi, a handsome young man who has fought many demons, but still finds the beauty in life.”
What a beautiful coming of age, queer romance. On the surface it’s this intriguing story involving Grant’s family’s Wishing Rose and how he wants to break the curse he’s convinced her has, but this story is so much more vulnerable and raw than just that.
Grant really works through so much in this book and mental health and SSRIs are discussed in such a meaningful. It’s so important for books to talk about mental health in a relatable way, and it’s just done so well here. We see how much anger Grant had held onto and he needs to unpack that to move forward. He grows so much throughout his journey, and it’s make everything feel so satisfying.
The relationship between Grant and Ben is so wonderful. They’re so well-developed from the beginning that seeing them grow is so exciting. This story feels so magical and the setting is described in a way that just transports the reader. The audiobook is also fantastic. Torian Brackett is a fabulous narrator, who really nails all of the emotion that’s in this book.
“You are Grant Rossi, a handsome young man who has fought many demons, but still finds the beauty in life.”
What a beautiful coming of age, queer romance. On the surface it’s this intriguing story involving Grant’s family’s Wishing Rose and how he wants to break the curse he’s convinced her has, but this story is so much more vulnerable and raw than just that.
Grant really works through so much in this book and mental health and SSRIs are discussed in such a meaningful. It’s so important for books to talk about mental health in a relatable way, and it’s just done so well here. We see how much anger Grant had held onto and he needs to unpack that to move forward. He grows so much throughout his journey, and it’s make everything feel so satisfying.
The relationship between Grant and Ben is so wonderful. They’re so well-developed from the beginning that seeing them grow is so exciting. This story feels so magical and the setting is described in a way that just transports the reader. The audiobook is also fantastic. Torian Brackett is a fabulous narrator, who really nails all of the emotion that’s in this book.
July 22, 2024
A book about depression and self hatred is realistic but a happily ever after is unrealistic. This Beauty and the Beast retelling falls short in being an uplifting tale but shines as a sad gay teen reality. ARC was provided by Viking Books for Young Readers via NetGalley. I read an advance review copy and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 30, 2024
Dnf at 32%
The writing is fantastic and I can imagine the characters quite well
But there in lies the problem….the dislike I feel for the character is extreme. Grant is so moody…which is whatever because which teen isn’t moody. (But also he’s technically graduated high school and a year into college, if he had went)
His emotional immaturity is appalling. Like whatever Ben stole your guy back when y’all were younger. I get it. It sucks, but it feels like it’s Grant’s personality to feel like he’s the victim.
Vero Roseto is about to be closed and he’s just running around screaming and kicking walls.
I keep on trying to remind myself that they’re young and all that, but there are still limits to how much I want to read of a character’s immaturity and “woe is I” mindset.
Thank you netgalley and penguin teen for the arc. My opinions are my own.
The writing is fantastic and I can imagine the characters quite well
But there in lies the problem….the dislike I feel for the character is extreme. Grant is so moody…which is whatever because which teen isn’t moody. (But also he’s technically graduated high school and a year into college, if he had went)
His emotional immaturity is appalling. Like whatever Ben stole your guy back when y’all were younger. I get it. It sucks, but it feels like it’s Grant’s personality to feel like he’s the victim.
Vero Roseto is about to be closed and he’s just running around screaming and kicking walls.
I keep on trying to remind myself that they’re young and all that, but there are still limits to how much I want to read of a character’s immaturity and “woe is I” mindset.
Thank you netgalley and penguin teen for the arc. My opinions are my own.
July 22, 2024
This is a book full of family, tradition, mental health, and finding yourself. I thought the setting was great and I loved Grant's aunt and how much she cared for him unconditionally.
The main character Grant struggles with self hatred and sabotages himself over and over. I found him hard to relate to and thought he came across selfish and frustrating. Ben was a good guy and I don't think he should have put up with so much crap from Grant.
The dreams were interesting and the ending was pretty cute.
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book. All opinions are my own. Thank you to Viking Books for Young Readers and NetGalley for the copy.
The main character Grant struggles with self hatred and sabotages himself over and over. I found him hard to relate to and thought he came across selfish and frustrating. Ben was a good guy and I don't think he should have put up with so much crap from Grant.
The dreams were interesting and the ending was pretty cute.
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book. All opinions are my own. Thank you to Viking Books for Young Readers and NetGalley for the copy.
January 27, 2024
'Cursed Boys and Broken Hearts' is a story that's voice screams off the pages about a heartbroken boy digging down to the dried up roots of his seemingly cursed lovelife. We get vibes of 'what if Bell had dumped the Beast', a pinch of Encanto, and what feels like an extremely healthy run of therapy...but make it gaygaygay.
The book grips with something dark and familiar for many of us straight away. Heartbreak. I'm not sure I've actually read anyone capture the feeling of a relationships end as Cursed Boys does here. How the feeling has you in its jaws. That things and places you love have been poisoned by the broken pieces of a relationship constantly jabbing into the soles of your feet wherever you go. It's a vein that runs much deeper too. Depression can be something that's sometimes almost as hard to effectively write about as it is to wade through its claustrophobic tendrils as they wrap around every element of your life, but Cursed Boys does it with authenticity and aplomb. It could also make for hard reading with some storytellers, but somehow Sass makes navigating through Grant's trauma acceptionally smooth with a mixture of humour, grace, and perfect pacing. Grant wriggles out of the smothering grip of his current post-Micah Summers misery and makes a break for it to his families run-down vineyard with hopes of helping them pull it back from the brink of failure. Only things are even worse than he expected there, not only the state of wear, tear and disrepair, but his first love happens to be the resident gardener. The first love who broke his heart and began his cursed touch on romance.
The Bianchi/Rossi family dynamic is easy to get into and the dysfunctional elements highly relatable. We see echoes of where Grant's inability to healthily deal with anger comes from, which is a great note to hit and one at the root of many issues within families (even if some people don't realise it right away). This leads the way to a quadruple threat of healing family and generational trauma, facing personal trauma, repairing interpersonal relationships, and addressing mental health. Grant Rossi is the perfect lead for the job. Relatable, flawed, emotive, and more than a little dramatic in an extremely likeable and understandable way.
The story covers a lot of ground with each chapter more addictive than the last. It's 'miss your tube stop addictive' (yes I did, more than once), and the growth and exchanges of truth and pain between the characters is 'cry on the tube emotional' (yes, I did, more than once). Characters learning so many lessons might seem overwhelming with some, but just like with 'Surrender Your Sons,' 'The 99 Boyfriends of Micah Summers,' and 'Your Lonely Nights are Over' it's impossible not to feel immediately safe in an Adam Sass narrative. Things may not unfold how you expect, but every beat hits perfectly, with every thread deftly woven and brought out in a final satisfying design. We're right in Grant's head as he teeters on the edge of the dark spiral of depression that threatens to suck him back down. As he rebuilds himself and sets boundaries and rules to protect himself when he needs it to help himself grow. When he realises those boundaries have grown too tight and are now cutting into him like barbed wire. As he realises some trauma does leave scars, but some is more like knots of tense muscles waiting to be worked out. As he learns letting go doesn't mean letting go of a part of you, but a part of who you used to be. That as long as we have our walls up, we'll never really let anyone in and rather than a curse relationships become a self-fulfilling prophecy.
There's a huge amount of heart in this book...I could keep going and going. Making the amount of emotional growth and beautiful character work done on this book feel organic is astounding and will have me thinking about it and smiling for a long time to come.
I loved Micah Summers so much, but the recoil from that into this makes Cursed Boys feel like where we were supposed to land. It's the completion of a narrative that allows us to see with and without the rose tinted glasses of what we want love to be and more of what it is--a refreshing perspective that we don't often get to see. This book works perfectly as a sequel, as a standalone, and as a landmark of what it's possible to achieve in stories like this. We need more!
The book grips with something dark and familiar for many of us straight away. Heartbreak. I'm not sure I've actually read anyone capture the feeling of a relationships end as Cursed Boys does here. How the feeling has you in its jaws. That things and places you love have been poisoned by the broken pieces of a relationship constantly jabbing into the soles of your feet wherever you go. It's a vein that runs much deeper too. Depression can be something that's sometimes almost as hard to effectively write about as it is to wade through its claustrophobic tendrils as they wrap around every element of your life, but Cursed Boys does it with authenticity and aplomb. It could also make for hard reading with some storytellers, but somehow Sass makes navigating through Grant's trauma acceptionally smooth with a mixture of humour, grace, and perfect pacing. Grant wriggles out of the smothering grip of his current post-Micah Summers misery and makes a break for it to his families run-down vineyard with hopes of helping them pull it back from the brink of failure. Only things are even worse than he expected there, not only the state of wear, tear and disrepair, but his first love happens to be the resident gardener. The first love who broke his heart and began his cursed touch on romance.
The Bianchi/Rossi family dynamic is easy to get into and the dysfunctional elements highly relatable. We see echoes of where Grant's inability to healthily deal with anger comes from, which is a great note to hit and one at the root of many issues within families (even if some people don't realise it right away). This leads the way to a quadruple threat of healing family and generational trauma, facing personal trauma, repairing interpersonal relationships, and addressing mental health. Grant Rossi is the perfect lead for the job. Relatable, flawed, emotive, and more than a little dramatic in an extremely likeable and understandable way.
The story covers a lot of ground with each chapter more addictive than the last. It's 'miss your tube stop addictive' (yes I did, more than once), and the growth and exchanges of truth and pain between the characters is 'cry on the tube emotional' (yes, I did, more than once). Characters learning so many lessons might seem overwhelming with some, but just like with 'Surrender Your Sons,' 'The 99 Boyfriends of Micah Summers,' and 'Your Lonely Nights are Over' it's impossible not to feel immediately safe in an Adam Sass narrative. Things may not unfold how you expect, but every beat hits perfectly, with every thread deftly woven and brought out in a final satisfying design. We're right in Grant's head as he teeters on the edge of the dark spiral of depression that threatens to suck him back down. As he rebuilds himself and sets boundaries and rules to protect himself when he needs it to help himself grow. When he realises those boundaries have grown too tight and are now cutting into him like barbed wire. As he realises some trauma does leave scars, but some is more like knots of tense muscles waiting to be worked out. As he learns letting go doesn't mean letting go of a part of you, but a part of who you used to be. That as long as we have our walls up, we'll never really let anyone in and rather than a curse relationships become a self-fulfilling prophecy.
There's a huge amount of heart in this book...I could keep going and going. Making the amount of emotional growth and beautiful character work done on this book feel organic is astounding and will have me thinking about it and smiling for a long time to come.
I loved Micah Summers so much, but the recoil from that into this makes Cursed Boys feel like where we were supposed to land. It's the completion of a narrative that allows us to see with and without the rose tinted glasses of what we want love to be and more of what it is--a refreshing perspective that we don't often get to see. This book works perfectly as a sequel, as a standalone, and as a landmark of what it's possible to achieve in stories like this. We need more!
July 16, 2024
Ah, a good ol’ queer, friends to enemies to lovers book. LOVED IT!
I absolutely loved the premise to this book 👏🏼 Our MC Grant goes back home to help save his families B&B/vineyard, which is well known far and wide for its magical wishing rose, and upon doing so, must work with his childhood best friend who stole his childhood boyfriend from him. THE DRAMA MAMA! Oooooo chile grab them snackies because it’s about to be a SHOW! So amidst the absolutely piping tea this novel provides from the reintroduction of these two characters, there’s an actual plot of keeping the magic of his families estate alive. One of the coolest parts about this, too, is that in helping, Grant is reigniting his passion for art that he’s lost while living in the city ☺️ It’s the perfect blend of drama, romance, plot, and character development that Sass has intricately carved!
Eeeeek I love the characters in this book so much 💕 Every single one. They’re all so purposeful and have characteristics that make them stand out from each other. I got excited every single time one of them was on the page. ESPECIALLY BEN 🥹 I loved him SO much, and as the friend gone enemy gone lover, we see a lot of him! I would read a whole book just about him, he’s freakin perfection. Even the cast knows it, as he’s basically an honorary member of the family. Seriously, amazing cast, great character development with each, and the ending just makes you love them even more!
The book tackles grief in a way that really resonates well with readers, in my opinion. Grant can be quite self-deprecating (which flows with the plot) and is very scared to take risks. He believes himself cursed, as boyfriend after boyfriend ends in failure, him always ending up as the one getting dumped. So to avoid further disappointment, he pushes away any chance at happiness so to not be disappointed once again. And I think we’ve all experienced that at some point. It makes you really feel for Grant and what he’s going through, so you really latch onto him and root for his happiness throughout this book.
I absolutely loved the premise to this book 👏🏼 Our MC Grant goes back home to help save his families B&B/vineyard, which is well known far and wide for its magical wishing rose, and upon doing so, must work with his childhood best friend who stole his childhood boyfriend from him. THE DRAMA MAMA! Oooooo chile grab them snackies because it’s about to be a SHOW! So amidst the absolutely piping tea this novel provides from the reintroduction of these two characters, there’s an actual plot of keeping the magic of his families estate alive. One of the coolest parts about this, too, is that in helping, Grant is reigniting his passion for art that he’s lost while living in the city ☺️ It’s the perfect blend of drama, romance, plot, and character development that Sass has intricately carved!
Eeeeek I love the characters in this book so much 💕 Every single one. They’re all so purposeful and have characteristics that make them stand out from each other. I got excited every single time one of them was on the page. ESPECIALLY BEN 🥹 I loved him SO much, and as the friend gone enemy gone lover, we see a lot of him! I would read a whole book just about him, he’s freakin perfection. Even the cast knows it, as he’s basically an honorary member of the family. Seriously, amazing cast, great character development with each, and the ending just makes you love them even more!
The book tackles grief in a way that really resonates well with readers, in my opinion. Grant can be quite self-deprecating (which flows with the plot) and is very scared to take risks. He believes himself cursed, as boyfriend after boyfriend ends in failure, him always ending up as the one getting dumped. So to avoid further disappointment, he pushes away any chance at happiness so to not be disappointed once again. And I think we’ve all experienced that at some point. It makes you really feel for Grant and what he’s going through, so you really latch onto him and root for his happiness throughout this book.
July 16, 2024
edit 7.16.24: happy pub day to this very adorable book :)
thank you to netgalley and viking books for my ARC!
i'm not sure why, but i wasn't expecting cursed boys and broken hearts to have such a profound effect on me. i think i thought maybe i wouldn't be able to relate to it since the characters are so young, turns out i was wrong!
the story revolves around 18yo grant, a young gay boy struggling with depression and a "curse" where all the boys he dates end up dumping him. during one of his spirals, he returns to his family's struggling b&b to help spruce it up and hopefully save it from going under. it's here that he reunites with ben, his former best friend (also gay). we get to see grant and ben heal their relationship and see how they've grown as (baby) adults.
i went into this with the reminder that grant is only 18, and remembered what i was like at that age. petty drama and a lack of communication skills caused grant to ice people out the second he thought he'd been wronged in any way. while that behavior is wildly immature to me (at the *ripe* age of 28), i saw myself in him and empathized. the book does a great job of touching on the struggles of a young person who is both queer and struggling with their mental health. grant' story is a story of many young queer kids, and i can see this story helping them navigate those difficult conversations and thoughts of being alone.
thank you to netgalley and viking books for my ARC!
i'm not sure why, but i wasn't expecting cursed boys and broken hearts to have such a profound effect on me. i think i thought maybe i wouldn't be able to relate to it since the characters are so young, turns out i was wrong!
the story revolves around 18yo grant, a young gay boy struggling with depression and a "curse" where all the boys he dates end up dumping him. during one of his spirals, he returns to his family's struggling b&b to help spruce it up and hopefully save it from going under. it's here that he reunites with ben, his former best friend (also gay). we get to see grant and ben heal their relationship and see how they've grown as (baby) adults.
i went into this with the reminder that grant is only 18, and remembered what i was like at that age. petty drama and a lack of communication skills caused grant to ice people out the second he thought he'd been wronged in any way. while that behavior is wildly immature to me (at the *ripe* age of 28), i saw myself in him and empathized. the book does a great job of touching on the struggles of a young person who is both queer and struggling with their mental health. grant' story is a story of many young queer kids, and i can see this story helping them navigate those difficult conversations and thoughts of being alone.
July 6, 2024
In Adam Sass’s latest novel, ‘Cursed Boys and Broken Hearts’, I found myself completely swept away by the poignant story of Grant Rossi, a boy cursed to see every romantic relationship crumble before his eyes. Initially skeptical, I was quickly drawn into Grant’s world as he navigates summer at his family’s vineyard, where he hopes to break free from the curse that has haunted him since childhood. What struck me most was Sass’s ability to craft such authentic characters; Grant, despite his initial brashness, grew on me with each page turned, revealing layers of vulnerability and depth that made his journey towards self-acceptance incredibly compelling.
The heart of the novel lies in Grant’s evolving relationship with Ben, his childhood crush and the first boy to break his heart. Their chemistry sizzles off the page, filled with banter that is both adorable and laugh-out-loud funny. As Grant and Ben work together to restore the vineyard in time for a local festival, their bond deepens amidst the backdrop of the Wishing Rose—a symbol of hope and transformation. I found myself rooting for them, celebrating their triumphs, and empathizing with their struggles, especially Grant’s battle with depression and the weight of his romantic curse.
‘Cursed Boys and Broken Hearts’ also shines in its portrayal of mental health and queer identity. Grant’s journey resonated deeply with me; his struggles with anxiety and the complexities of queer teenage life were portrayed with honesty and sensitivity. The novel’s exploration of themes like anger and envy within the LGBTQ+ community felt refreshingly authentic, making it not only a compelling romance but also an important narrative for queer teens today.
Adam Sass has once again delivered with ‘Cursed Boys and Broken Hearts’. This coming-of-age tale is a testament to the power of love, resilience, and the transformative journey of self-discovery. Whether you’re looking for a swoon-worthy romance, a story of personal growth, or a celebration of queer identity, this book is a must-read. I couldn’t recommend it more highly.
The heart of the novel lies in Grant’s evolving relationship with Ben, his childhood crush and the first boy to break his heart. Their chemistry sizzles off the page, filled with banter that is both adorable and laugh-out-loud funny. As Grant and Ben work together to restore the vineyard in time for a local festival, their bond deepens amidst the backdrop of the Wishing Rose—a symbol of hope and transformation. I found myself rooting for them, celebrating their triumphs, and empathizing with their struggles, especially Grant’s battle with depression and the weight of his romantic curse.
‘Cursed Boys and Broken Hearts’ also shines in its portrayal of mental health and queer identity. Grant’s journey resonated deeply with me; his struggles with anxiety and the complexities of queer teenage life were portrayed with honesty and sensitivity. The novel’s exploration of themes like anger and envy within the LGBTQ+ community felt refreshingly authentic, making it not only a compelling romance but also an important narrative for queer teens today.
Adam Sass has once again delivered with ‘Cursed Boys and Broken Hearts’. This coming-of-age tale is a testament to the power of love, resilience, and the transformative journey of self-discovery. Whether you’re looking for a swoon-worthy romance, a story of personal growth, or a celebration of queer identity, this book is a must-read. I couldn’t recommend it more highly.
June 11, 2024
Advanced reader's copy review
This book was pure magic! It was sweet and beautiful and heartfelt. For starters, I loved the setting of this book with ever fiber of my being. I loved how beautiful it was in all its descriptions, with its flowers and vines and overall fairytale essence. I loved how much emotional significance it held to the characters, and how it worked to facilitate the main character’s development and the romance. Now as for the main character and the romance, I loved both. Grant is a nuanced and complex character. He struggles so much in the book, overwhelmed by his depression, romantic failures, and drudged up painful memories from his childhood. But over the course of the book he is able to do some great healing. And find the love he deserves. Ben is the perfect compliment to Grant, and I loved their shared childhood history and how much angst it contributed to the romance. Along with Grant and Ben, I loved Grant’s family, especially his aunt and uncle. They are so supportive and kind. So overall I loved this book and I highly recommend it!
Thank you Viking and Netgalley for the free advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
This book was pure magic! It was sweet and beautiful and heartfelt. For starters, I loved the setting of this book with ever fiber of my being. I loved how beautiful it was in all its descriptions, with its flowers and vines and overall fairytale essence. I loved how much emotional significance it held to the characters, and how it worked to facilitate the main character’s development and the romance. Now as for the main character and the romance, I loved both. Grant is a nuanced and complex character. He struggles so much in the book, overwhelmed by his depression, romantic failures, and drudged up painful memories from his childhood. But over the course of the book he is able to do some great healing. And find the love he deserves. Ben is the perfect compliment to Grant, and I loved their shared childhood history and how much angst it contributed to the romance. Along with Grant and Ben, I loved Grant’s family, especially his aunt and uncle. They are so supportive and kind. So overall I loved this book and I highly recommend it!
Thank you Viking and Netgalley for the free advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
July 16, 2024
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.25 stars
I really enjoyed this book. A couple of years ago, I read and reviewed The 99 Boyfriends of Micah Summers, which introduced us to Grant. It was Grant’s discussion of his VEGAN PUMPKIN JACKET that reminded me of that story and how Grant and Micah had had a brief and tumultuous relationship before Micah dumped him for another boy. Grant wasn’t shown in his best light in that story, so this book is a bit of a redemption for him. It takes him all summer to redeem himself, which made sense considering how much work he needs to do to love himself.
This is a YA romance, so expect ups and downs, and a little bit of reconnection, followed by bad feelings, followed by eventual redemption. If you like contemporary LGBTQ YA romance, this story is a sweet read with a super happy ending.
Read Veronica’s review in its entirety here.
4.25 stars
I really enjoyed this book. A couple of years ago, I read and reviewed The 99 Boyfriends of Micah Summers, which introduced us to Grant. It was Grant’s discussion of his VEGAN PUMPKIN JACKET that reminded me of that story and how Grant and Micah had had a brief and tumultuous relationship before Micah dumped him for another boy. Grant wasn’t shown in his best light in that story, so this book is a bit of a redemption for him. It takes him all summer to redeem himself, which made sense considering how much work he needs to do to love himself.
This is a YA romance, so expect ups and downs, and a little bit of reconnection, followed by bad feelings, followed by eventual redemption. If you like contemporary LGBTQ YA romance, this story is a sweet read with a super happy ending.
Read Veronica’s review in its entirety here.
August 12, 2024
I got to be honest Adam Sass is one of those authors that for me I enjoy his books but none of them end up being favorites if that makes sense. This one fits right in with that for me. I think it's a great second chance queer romance book that really highlights depression respectfully and honestly but I didn't love it. I also didn't even realize it was a sequel technically to the 99 boyfriends until the actual author's note at the end. Oops. And I've read that book.
For me I just wanted more. The characters aren't bad and the setting is fun and the idea is there but none of it really grabbed my attention wholeheartedly.
For me I just wanted more. The characters aren't bad and the setting is fun and the idea is there but none of it really grabbed my attention wholeheartedly.
August 28, 2024
Thank you to Penguin Teen and Adam Sass for a hardcover copy ! ~ this was cute ! Surprisingly cathartic and very relatable. Sometimes finding love quite literally feels like a curse. It was also very steamy in glimpses.
February 3, 2024
This was a quick and entertaining read. I thought the writing style and sentence structure worked well and the narrative was good.
July 16, 2024
DNF at 30%. The characters feel so one-dimensional, I don’t get their chemistry, there’s very little sensory detail, and the characters go from reading like children (maybe I could have gotten on board with this whole curse thing if the character was, like, 11? but it’s a tough sell for me with someone his age) to reading like they’re 25 and jaded. I was genuinely uncertain how old they were supposed to be.
To be fair, if the blurb had made it clear that this was basically a VERY unsubtle retelling of Beauty and the Beast, I would likely have self-selected out of it. I wanted more substance and depth to the writing and characterizations, and I am aware that this book deals with mental health, of which ownvoices rep is always appreciated. For readers who enjoy fairytale retellings and relish a somewhat theatrical enemies to lovers trope (I know y’all are out there), this may be a better fit.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of this book. My feelings are my own.
To be fair, if the blurb had made it clear that this was basically a VERY unsubtle retelling of Beauty and the Beast, I would likely have self-selected out of it. I wanted more substance and depth to the writing and characterizations, and I am aware that this book deals with mental health, of which ownvoices rep is always appreciated. For readers who enjoy fairytale retellings and relish a somewhat theatrical enemies to lovers trope (I know y’all are out there), this may be a better fit.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of this book. My feelings are my own.
September 9, 2024
I received an ARC from Edelweiss
TW: death of grandparents, anxiety & depressive episodes, homophobia, body dysmorphia
3.3
This was an odd one for me.
I liked this book a lot better when I realized it was a companion novel to The 99 Boyfriends of Micah Summers, and was giving a proper storyline to the "cool, charming, perfect love interest" of that book, as he really got zero characterization in the book itself. Under that lens, I did enjoy getting to know Grant.
Along with that, I like second chance romances and reunions, as well as big, personality filled families, so all of that pretty much worked for me. The romance had its ups and downs, but you could see why they had issues and why they were being pushed back together- again, more interesting if you've seen the love interest side of Grant already and have something to compare to.
But, as others have said, the whole Beauty and the Beast thing didn't really work, and the constant calling of people "bunnies" was just odd. Grant himself was hard to listen to, which is the other main issue. While I get that Grant has body issues and depression, the way in which it's presented here just makes it hard to want to spend any time with this character. He is repetitive, doesn't listen, and is dramatic to a fault. It's that that makes the romance less easy to swallow as well- the characters could work well together, but Grant's refusal to do so, and Ben's willingness to let Grant crash and burn (a willingness I have nothing against), I just don't see why the two of them would work out.
TW: death of grandparents, anxiety & depressive episodes, homophobia, body dysmorphia
3.3
This was an odd one for me.
I liked this book a lot better when I realized it was a companion novel to The 99 Boyfriends of Micah Summers, and was giving a proper storyline to the "cool, charming, perfect love interest" of that book, as he really got zero characterization in the book itself. Under that lens, I did enjoy getting to know Grant.
Along with that, I like second chance romances and reunions, as well as big, personality filled families, so all of that pretty much worked for me. The romance had its ups and downs, but you could see why they had issues and why they were being pushed back together- again, more interesting if you've seen the love interest side of Grant already and have something to compare to.
But, as others have said, the whole Beauty and the Beast thing didn't really work, and the constant calling of people "bunnies" was just odd. Grant himself was hard to listen to, which is the other main issue. While I get that Grant has body issues and depression, the way in which it's presented here just makes it hard to want to spend any time with this character. He is repetitive, doesn't listen, and is dramatic to a fault. It's that that makes the romance less easy to swallow as well- the characters could work well together, but Grant's refusal to do so, and Ben's willingness to let Grant crash and burn (a willingness I have nothing against), I just don't see why the two of them would work out.
May 10, 2024
4.5 stars
Honest, funny, and all too close to home, Adam Sass stuns yet again in a thorny romance about curses, love, and the raw emotion of dealing with a brain that would rather be a beast than a bunny.
Grant would rather stay hidden in his depression pit, yet ends up instead at the suggestion of his family, helping to facelift and bring back from despair his aunt's vineyard and B&B. Add in one hot gardener who is also his ex best friend, and who broke his heart and things get...complicated. And very, very, messy. Sass has such a unique writing style and I've yet to find another author who so perfectly captures complex and messy characters who aren't perfect. Characters who are terribly, honestly human, and struggling to figure themselves out. When I think of writers who capture (my at least), queer experience, Sass is always at the forefront of my mind.
Part of the reason I had trouble with Grant as a character at times, is because it is never easy reading a book that is basically holding a mirror to yourself and all of your (quite frankly unresolved) issues. I myself struggle with pulling frequent "Grant moments", retreating from the world for weeks or months, only emerging like a shade to sometimes eat, and haunt my apartment like a wraith of some terribly dramatic play or period drama.
A quote that very succinctly captures who Grant is at a character, in all his glory and mental health issues:
"I emerged from a three-day depression hole less than an hour ago, and I'm still gonna be the cutest one in the room. Who else but me? I can do it all! Lowest lows, highest highs."
There were moments when reading, when I turned and looked at a non existent camera b, as if to say, 'I feel attacked right now', because so many moments it felt more as if Grant's growth and troubles was parallel to my stupid brain and everything I struggle with. Even at times where I wanted to bemoan how messy he was being, or get annoyed at his pettiness or jealousy, I had to take a step back and think, 'no but for real, I would/have done the same thing.'
I really enjoyed the depictions of food and the messy family relationships. I did grow quite hungry reading this, which is always a sign that that the prose and imagery had thoroughly reached my appetite. Speaking of hungry, the boys in this book were Thirsty, with a capital T. The chemistry between Grant and Ben was written so well, it didn't feel forced or out of nowhere. Their banter and flirting was done so well, reading two characters fight against their own yearning and feelings is always such a treat when they finally come together.
One more quick thing I loved, the mention of therapy, medication, and the very real reality of dealing with mental health and the never ending journey that is. Spot on in a way that was so raw and honest, yet again hitting me in my chest because it so very much resembled my own.
"She's such a good friend- no matter how long we go without talking, she's there for me when I come back." This is another sentence that felt like it was plucked straight from my life, and perfectly encompasses anyone who has those who stick by you even when you tend to ghost everyone at frequent occurrences.
I think it could be argued that there were moments when Sass took out a proverbial soap box, to educate the reader as much as characters in the story, such as when talking about how to give space to a queer child. Though I won't lie, it was healing, cathartic and realistic in how the family interacted. Especially how Grant was able to pinpoint that his nephew would be having a when not if coming out.
At the same time, there are a times sentences like this, where words like 'my thorniest thorn', and 'childhood ashes like phoenixes,' were likely intended to be taken seriously but it was difficult too.
He saw my weirdest, most serial-killer behavior- my thorniest thorn-and it only made him want to help me more....Adult Ben and Adult Grant have emerged from our childhood ashes like phoenixes." These moments and other moments of choice writing broke me out of my reading at times to just blink, pulled out of the immersive story I had been so far loving.
I did find the ending one of the weakest parts of the book, apart from how perfectly everything lined up and how the main characters were perfectly fine with wearing someone else's robes and staying in a stranger's apartment, it lacked what the rest of the story had in terms of strong writing and felt a bit plot convenient. (On the other hand I am torn because I am always delighted to read a queer story where there is a happy ending and no one is killed off or other angsty things happen. (Looking at you, nearly every show ever with queer characters!) If the last chunk had stayed as strong and consistent as the rest of the book, this would have easily been a five star read for me.
I do recommend this book, especially perfect for fans of Adam Sass's writing style, this story is sweet and full bodied, worth every page.
Thank you to Penguin for this ARC, NOTE any quotes are subject to change since this is an ARC that I read and reviewed
Honest, funny, and all too close to home, Adam Sass stuns yet again in a thorny romance about curses, love, and the raw emotion of dealing with a brain that would rather be a beast than a bunny.
Grant would rather stay hidden in his depression pit, yet ends up instead at the suggestion of his family, helping to facelift and bring back from despair his aunt's vineyard and B&B. Add in one hot gardener who is also his ex best friend, and who broke his heart and things get...complicated. And very, very, messy. Sass has such a unique writing style and I've yet to find another author who so perfectly captures complex and messy characters who aren't perfect. Characters who are terribly, honestly human, and struggling to figure themselves out. When I think of writers who capture (my at least), queer experience, Sass is always at the forefront of my mind.
Part of the reason I had trouble with Grant as a character at times, is because it is never easy reading a book that is basically holding a mirror to yourself and all of your (quite frankly unresolved) issues. I myself struggle with pulling frequent "Grant moments", retreating from the world for weeks or months, only emerging like a shade to sometimes eat, and haunt my apartment like a wraith of some terribly dramatic play or period drama.
A quote that very succinctly captures who Grant is at a character, in all his glory and mental health issues:
"I emerged from a three-day depression hole less than an hour ago, and I'm still gonna be the cutest one in the room. Who else but me? I can do it all! Lowest lows, highest highs."
There were moments when reading, when I turned and looked at a non existent camera b, as if to say, 'I feel attacked right now', because so many moments it felt more as if Grant's growth and troubles was parallel to my stupid brain and everything I struggle with. Even at times where I wanted to bemoan how messy he was being, or get annoyed at his pettiness or jealousy, I had to take a step back and think, 'no but for real, I would/have done the same thing.'
I really enjoyed the depictions of food and the messy family relationships. I did grow quite hungry reading this, which is always a sign that that the prose and imagery had thoroughly reached my appetite. Speaking of hungry, the boys in this book were Thirsty, with a capital T. The chemistry between Grant and Ben was written so well, it didn't feel forced or out of nowhere. Their banter and flirting was done so well, reading two characters fight against their own yearning and feelings is always such a treat when they finally come together.
One more quick thing I loved, the mention of therapy, medication, and the very real reality of dealing with mental health and the never ending journey that is. Spot on in a way that was so raw and honest, yet again hitting me in my chest because it so very much resembled my own.
"She's such a good friend- no matter how long we go without talking, she's there for me when I come back." This is another sentence that felt like it was plucked straight from my life, and perfectly encompasses anyone who has those who stick by you even when you tend to ghost everyone at frequent occurrences.
I think it could be argued that there were moments when Sass took out a proverbial soap box, to educate the reader as much as characters in the story, such as when talking about how to give space to a queer child. Though I won't lie, it was healing, cathartic and realistic in how the family interacted. Especially how Grant was able to pinpoint that his nephew would be having a when not if coming out.
At the same time, there are a times sentences like this, where words like 'my thorniest thorn', and 'childhood ashes like phoenixes,' were likely intended to be taken seriously but it was difficult too.
He saw my weirdest, most serial-killer behavior- my thorniest thorn-and it only made him want to help me more....Adult Ben and Adult Grant have emerged from our childhood ashes like phoenixes." These moments and other moments of choice writing broke me out of my reading at times to just blink, pulled out of the immersive story I had been so far loving.
I did find the ending one of the weakest parts of the book, apart from how perfectly everything lined up and how the main characters were perfectly fine with wearing someone else's robes and staying in a stranger's apartment, it lacked what the rest of the story had in terms of strong writing and felt a bit plot convenient. (On the other hand I am torn because I am always delighted to read a queer story where there is a happy ending and no one is killed off or other angsty things happen. (Looking at you, nearly every show ever with queer characters!) If the last chunk had stayed as strong and consistent as the rest of the book, this would have easily been a five star read for me.
I do recommend this book, especially perfect for fans of Adam Sass's writing style, this story is sweet and full bodied, worth every page.
Thank you to Penguin for this ARC, NOTE any quotes are subject to change since this is an ARC that I read and reviewed
June 28, 2023
I deeply wished for a Grant spin off after reading 99 Boyfriends…and I can’t believe we’re getting it! I already know this is going to be fantastic
February 7, 2024
So, if you have followed any of my reviews for any amount of time, you know that Adam Sass is one of those authors who hits me right in my too-soft, too-big heart. And Grant's story? Ouch.
Like Micah Summers, this story takes a classic fairy tale and gives it a queer twist. I was obsessed with the idea of following someone who was collateral damage in someone else's happily ever after, and oh boy, was Grant damaged. Sweet, sweet Grant.
I loved the way Grant's depression was written because it is just so incredibly relatable. There's nothing like being heartbroken and depressed and away from family and friends, and Grant reacts the same way I think I would- spiraling and hiding in my room while avoiding everyone about it. His family dynamics were also everything to me- family is often a queer kid's first bully and seeing Grant realize that and stand up to them both for himself (and for any smaller family members that may have needed to see it) really choked me up. Also, a big, loud-ass, Italian family is so fun to read. The. relationships between Grant and his siblings were some of my favorites and just really healed my heart.
Vero Roseto is a character of its own and I adored her makeover montage. Grant and Ben working together and through their own hang-ups (despite Grant doing everything he could to KEEP himself hung up) to help save such a special place for their families was a love story within a love story for me.
Also, Ben? An angel. A doll. Never done one single thing wrong in his whole cute little Scottish life. Adored him and how he pushed and prodded and was just mean enough to get Grant out of his own head and stop trying to sabotage himself. He was so loyal to the Rossi family and watching Grant really realize just how loyal was soothing and irritating because OPEN YOUR EYES, KID. Perfection.
I spent probably the last twenty or so minutes of the book silently crying and reading because Grant finally stopped standing in his own way and let himself be happy and it was everything I wanted it to be.
Cursed Boys and Broken Hearts is heartfelt, healing, and full of a messy, real-life queer fairy tale. Another Adam Sass story I will be peddling on everyone I meet.
Like Micah Summers, this story takes a classic fairy tale and gives it a queer twist. I was obsessed with the idea of following someone who was collateral damage in someone else's happily ever after, and oh boy, was Grant damaged. Sweet, sweet Grant.
I loved the way Grant's depression was written because it is just so incredibly relatable. There's nothing like being heartbroken and depressed and away from family and friends, and Grant reacts the same way I think I would- spiraling and hiding in my room while avoiding everyone about it. His family dynamics were also everything to me- family is often a queer kid's first bully and seeing Grant realize that and stand up to them both for himself (and for any smaller family members that may have needed to see it) really choked me up. Also, a big, loud-ass, Italian family is so fun to read. The. relationships between Grant and his siblings were some of my favorites and just really healed my heart.
Vero Roseto is a character of its own and I adored her makeover montage. Grant and Ben working together and through their own hang-ups (despite Grant doing everything he could to KEEP himself hung up) to help save such a special place for their families was a love story within a love story for me.
Also, Ben? An angel. A doll. Never done one single thing wrong in his whole cute little Scottish life. Adored him and how he pushed and prodded and was just mean enough to get Grant out of his own head and stop trying to sabotage himself. He was so loyal to the Rossi family and watching Grant really realize just how loyal was soothing and irritating because OPEN YOUR EYES, KID. Perfection.
I spent probably the last twenty or so minutes of the book silently crying and reading because Grant finally stopped standing in his own way and let himself be happy and it was everything I wanted it to be.
Cursed Boys and Broken Hearts is heartfelt, healing, and full of a messy, real-life queer fairy tale. Another Adam Sass story I will be peddling on everyone I meet.
May 13, 2024
Thank you Adam for giving me the opportunity to read yet another one of your great stories this was a cute wholesome read and honestly the important message regarding mental health and healing in this novel was honestly great we need more books in the world with great messages because someone reading this book can see themselves in Grant and relate. When it was revealed that Grant was getting his own book i was so excited i love grant and he deserves his happy ending and let me tell yall this book had such cute moments... When grant tries to save his fams business and help them out things start going all over the place after he finds out who the gardener working for the family is! Who is the gardener? well you have to read to find out but let me tell yall i was shipping these two so hard this whole novel hoping everything worked out in the end but did it?! I love how supportive people were in this novel and the growth these characters showed and the healing that was done in this book was just so wholesome. Adam really wrote such a great story with this one. Adam has such a great craft to write some great YA novels ive enoyed every novel written so far please dont ever stop! I loved all the little references from the other novel as well. The place this novel also took place was so detailed and gorgeous just from the way adam described it. This was a fun read if you all want to read a cute wholesome read with some secrets, healing, grief, romance, good storyline pick this one up. 🌹 Congratulations on yet another great book adam!
We love you grant!
We love you grant!
April 2, 2024
I adored this book from the first chapter and found it really hard to put it down. The characters are written with such depth and caring that I was immediately drawn into the story. Grant's development is really well done and his struggles feel real, especially the spirals. The support that Ro and Paul give both Grant and Ben was so special, particularly the scenes where they address knowing Grant was gay when he was younger.
I truly wish I could visit Vero Roseto. I want to watch the stars from the deck and take a tour with Ro. I want visit the Wishing Rose and see the gardens. The setting is such a big part of the story and the way Sass describes it and the characters inhabit it makes it feel larger and life and as real as can be.
It’s so special to find a book that immerses you in a vibrant world you never want to leave where you get to explore a cute romance, family ties, and personal growth.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC of this book!
I truly wish I could visit Vero Roseto. I want to watch the stars from the deck and take a tour with Ro. I want visit the Wishing Rose and see the gardens. The setting is such a big part of the story and the way Sass describes it and the characters inhabit it makes it feel larger and life and as real as can be.
It’s so special to find a book that immerses you in a vibrant world you never want to leave where you get to explore a cute romance, family ties, and personal growth.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC of this book!
July 16, 2024
Adam Sass is another one of those reliable, consistent book writers in the queer YA scene. His talent for managing to balance humor with seriousness, wit and trauma, are notable. Like his previous books, Cursed Boys and Broken Hearts manages to be both sweet and an absolute gut-punch at the same time.
"I'm cursed to never find someone who stays, and you're cursed to always leave."
Grant, who considers himself a beast after being cursed by his family's legacy (and a rose), is convinced that he's destined to always be left behind romantically. Ben, his ex-crush-turned-enemy, is similarly cursed - but to always be leaving others. As they work together to save Grant's family vineyard, they have to work through their damage and try to find a place of peace again.
Cursed Boys and Broken Hearts does such a masterful job of handling depression and childhood trauma, after Grant, the only queer person in his family, convinces himself that he's been cursed after asking his family's Wishing Rose to let him fall in love with a girl. It also shows how those struggles might impact those around us, intentionally or otherwise - as Grant does to Ben through his own insecurities. Anyone who deals with depression, the anxieties of being openly queer, and being a bit of a self-sabotaging mess, will find Grant's story relatable. In particular, the scene of Grant reconnecting with his therapist and returning to his antidepressant subscription, felt particularly poignant (Lexapro team!).
While the story of trying to save the family's vineyard is the backdrop to this lovely summer romance, it's the relationship between Grant and Ben that takes center stage - and it's delightful to watch them go from enemies to tentative friends to romance throughout the book.
"I'm cursed to never find someone who stays, and you're cursed to always leave."
Grant, who considers himself a beast after being cursed by his family's legacy (and a rose), is convinced that he's destined to always be left behind romantically. Ben, his ex-crush-turned-enemy, is similarly cursed - but to always be leaving others. As they work together to save Grant's family vineyard, they have to work through their damage and try to find a place of peace again.
Cursed Boys and Broken Hearts does such a masterful job of handling depression and childhood trauma, after Grant, the only queer person in his family, convinces himself that he's been cursed after asking his family's Wishing Rose to let him fall in love with a girl. It also shows how those struggles might impact those around us, intentionally or otherwise - as Grant does to Ben through his own insecurities. Anyone who deals with depression, the anxieties of being openly queer, and being a bit of a self-sabotaging mess, will find Grant's story relatable. In particular, the scene of Grant reconnecting with his therapist and returning to his antidepressant subscription, felt particularly poignant (Lexapro team!).
While the story of trying to save the family's vineyard is the backdrop to this lovely summer romance, it's the relationship between Grant and Ben that takes center stage - and it's delightful to watch them go from enemies to tentative friends to romance throughout the book.
July 12, 2024
A beautiful second chance YA MM romance between former best friends who had a falling out by a mistaken betrayal who find themselves spending the summer together working to save a family vineyard/B&B. I really enjoyed the mental health (Depression) rep in this book. You could tell it was a personal story for the author and was written in a very relatable, sensitive way.
The romance was also swoony and realistic with a touch of whimsy in the form of a wishing rose bush and a curse - the protagonist Grant believes he's doomed in love. Great on audio and highly recommended for fans of books like Icebreaker by A. L. Graziadei. Many thanks to @prhaudio for a complimentary ALC in exchange for my honest review!
The romance was also swoony and realistic with a touch of whimsy in the form of a wishing rose bush and a curse - the protagonist Grant believes he's doomed in love. Great on audio and highly recommended for fans of books like Icebreaker by A. L. Graziadei. Many thanks to @prhaudio for a complimentary ALC in exchange for my honest review!
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