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The Drowned King #1
Mooncursed
Not yet published
Expected 3 Nov 26Win a free print copy of this book!
9 days and 23:36:49
10 copies available
U.S. only
FROM BESTSELLING AUTHOR HOLLY RENEE COMES AN EMOTIONALLY COMPELLING ROMANTASY DRENCHED IN SALT AND MAGIC.
A cursed sea king, a stolen bride, and a fate meant for another.
They say madness dwells in the ocean's depths…and in the eyes of the Drowned King. Cursed to take a human bride and break her mind the moment she sees his face, the Drowned King spends his life in torment, watching. Waiting.
Lou was never meant to be chosen. Branded from birth as a saltwitch, she has always been seen as the cursed shadow of her moonblessed twin. Now, veiled and bound in marriage to a man she must never see, she's thrust into a life of ancient gods and unraveling fate…and unspeakable desire.
Yet even as fear becomes tangled with a perilous longing for the Drowned King's heated touch, the truth of her choosing looms over her like a siren's song. It rages louder with every breath she takes as whispers travel through the rumblings of war, of ancient goddesses awakening, of a queen with saltwater on her lips who will change everything.
There is no stopping fate, for though she was never meant to be chosen, the moon has already summoned the tide.
A cursed sea king, a stolen bride, and a fate meant for another.
They say madness dwells in the ocean's depths…and in the eyes of the Drowned King. Cursed to take a human bride and break her mind the moment she sees his face, the Drowned King spends his life in torment, watching. Waiting.
Lou was never meant to be chosen. Branded from birth as a saltwitch, she has always been seen as the cursed shadow of her moonblessed twin. Now, veiled and bound in marriage to a man she must never see, she's thrust into a life of ancient gods and unraveling fate…and unspeakable desire.
Yet even as fear becomes tangled with a perilous longing for the Drowned King's heated touch, the truth of her choosing looms over her like a siren's song. It rages louder with every breath she takes as whispers travel through the rumblings of war, of ancient goddesses awakening, of a queen with saltwater on her lips who will change everything.
There is no stopping fate, for though she was never meant to be chosen, the moon has already summoned the tide.
320 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication November 3, 2026
About the author
Holly Renee
35 books8,320 followers✨USA Today Bestselling Author
🤠 Cowboy Casual out October 7th
Find me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorhollyrenee/
Join my Reader Group, Hollywood: https://www.facebook.com/groups/HollyRenee
🩷🤠COWBOY ROMANCE🤠🩷
Cowboy Casual | Coming October 7th
✨🌙⚔️FANTASY ROMANCE⚔️🌙✨
The Veiled Kingdom Series
The Veiled Kingdom
The Hunted Heir
The Rivaled Crown
The Stars and Shadows Series
A Kingdom of Stars and Shadows
A Kingdom of Blood and Betrayal
A Kingdom of Venom and Vows
A Kingdom of Fire and Fate
🖤🫦CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE🫦🖤
The Boys of Clermont Bay Series
The Touch of a Villain
The Fall of a God
The Taste of an Enemy
The Deceit of a Devil
The Seduction of Pretty Lies
The Temptation of Dirty Secrets
The Good Girls Series
Where Good Girls Go to Die
Where Bad Girls Go to Fall
Where Bad Boys are Ruined
The Rock Bottom Series
Trouble with the Guy Next Door
Trouble with the Hotshot Boss}
[book: Trouble with the Fake Boyfriend
The Wrong Prince Charming
The Wrong Prince Charming
🤠 Cowboy Casual out October 7th
Find me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorhollyrenee/
Join my Reader Group, Hollywood: https://www.facebook.com/groups/HollyRenee
🩷🤠COWBOY ROMANCE🤠🩷
Cowboy Casual | Coming October 7th
✨🌙⚔️FANTASY ROMANCE⚔️🌙✨
The Veiled Kingdom Series
The Veiled Kingdom
The Hunted Heir
The Rivaled Crown
The Stars and Shadows Series
A Kingdom of Stars and Shadows
A Kingdom of Blood and Betrayal
A Kingdom of Venom and Vows
A Kingdom of Fire and Fate
🖤🫦CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE🫦🖤
The Boys of Clermont Bay Series
The Touch of a Villain
The Fall of a God
The Taste of an Enemy
The Deceit of a Devil
The Seduction of Pretty Lies
The Temptation of Dirty Secrets
The Good Girls Series
Where Good Girls Go to Die
Where Bad Girls Go to Fall
Where Bad Boys are Ruined
The Rock Bottom Series
Trouble with the Guy Next Door
Trouble with the Hotshot Boss}
[book: Trouble with the Fake Boyfriend
The Wrong Prince Charming
The Wrong Prince Charming
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 649 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Me: Ooh, gorgeous cover.
Also me: Wait. I dnf’d this author’s last series.
Me again: This sounds so good tho. Ahh fuck it, i’m reading it.
Who knew I had so little self control? But listen I’m not mad about it.
First of all, I found this to be very atmospheric which immediately made me want to put on my headphones and listen to my favorite reading playlist. I was completely enthralled by the first chapters, just getting to know the world and how it worked.
Basically: a curse was placed on the royal bloodline, and whoever the Drowned King marries is destined to lose their mind. Except the King has refused to take a bride, and the curse is fighting back.
Now imagine the most powerful and uncontrollable force out there. Did you think about the sea? Because that’s what’s fighting back, and it’s devouring everything in its path. So he can either find a bride, or watch his entire kingdom drown.
Not much of a choice, is it?
Having that ticking clock makes for such a tense setup, especially once feelings get involved...
But that’s also where my main complaint comes in. Lou and Rune have maybe two or three interactions before things get heated between them. There’s definitely yearning and tension but… where did it come from? The romance is too half-baked for any of it to actually hit hard.
This book is already so short. I don’t get why it rushed through the romance instead of adding another 50 pages to let it breathe. Also, I don’t think I ever found out their ages. This is crucial information that I need to know, and it’s bothering me a little bit that I don’t.
I could rant about the FMC having zero survival instincts around the sea. Or how the writing got a bit repetitive. And how that ending was so underwhelming.
But even with all these issues, I can’t deny how much I enjoyed it. I was kinda skeptical going into this, but it ended up being way better than I expected.
─ ✦ ────
✎ᝰ.┊ pre-read: dropped everything to start this. no regrets
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc!
Also me: Wait. I dnf’d this author’s last series.
Me again: This sounds so good tho. Ahh fuck it, i’m reading it.
Who knew I had so little self control? But listen I’m not mad about it.
First of all, I found this to be very atmospheric which immediately made me want to put on my headphones and listen to my favorite reading playlist. I was completely enthralled by the first chapters, just getting to know the world and how it worked.
Basically: a curse was placed on the royal bloodline, and whoever the Drowned King marries is destined to lose their mind. Except the King has refused to take a bride, and the curse is fighting back.
Now imagine the most powerful and uncontrollable force out there. Did you think about the sea? Because that’s what’s fighting back, and it’s devouring everything in its path. So he can either find a bride, or watch his entire kingdom drown.
Not much of a choice, is it?
Having that ticking clock makes for such a tense setup, especially once feelings get involved...
But that’s also where my main complaint comes in. Lou and Rune have maybe two or three interactions before things get heated between them. There’s definitely yearning and tension but… where did it come from? The romance is too half-baked for any of it to actually hit hard.
This book is already so short. I don’t get why it rushed through the romance instead of adding another 50 pages to let it breathe. Also, I don’t think I ever found out their ages. This is crucial information that I need to know, and it’s bothering me a little bit that I don’t.
I could rant about the FMC having zero survival instincts around the sea. Or how the writing got a bit repetitive. And how that ending was so underwhelming.
But even with all these issues, I can’t deny how much I enjoyed it. I was kinda skeptical going into this, but it ended up being way better than I expected.
─ ✦ ────
✎ᝰ.┊ pre-read: dropped everything to start this. no regrets
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc!
Want to Read
September 9, 2026・❥・⁀➷ 𝕡𝕣𝕖-𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕕
september 9th- somehow im being accepted for all my top arcs?! life is so good rn 😭 im so thankful
september 9th- somehow im being accepted for all my top arcs?! life is so good rn 😭 im so thankful
August 17, 2026
I am quite impressed by the rich world building in this novella. I did not expect so much detail in just over 200 pages!
The pace of this book is fast right out of the gate. The story begins by following Lou, who is considered a saltwitch by her people. The community speaks of the curse of Aysu, in which a woman is claimed by the Drowned King and must follow him to his kingdom. It’s expected that she will be betrothed to him and fall into madness.
Right about then, I was mad 😂 What do you mean she’s basically being sent off to preserve a strange man’s kingdom?! Lou seriously has been through it. Her own people treat her as an outcast, and now she’s following this stranger to what will inevitably be her downfall.
The curse was wild. The story progresses in such an addictive way that makes Lou’s fate feel all the more dire. Add in the additional revelations and the growing tension between Lou and the Drowned King, and I was glued to the pages!
I did not want to put this book down, and I sure didn’t want to be left on a cliffhanger! I was so invested in this world and literally cannot wait to see what happens next!
Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for providing me with the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
The pace of this book is fast right out of the gate. The story begins by following Lou, who is considered a saltwitch by her people. The community speaks of the curse of Aysu, in which a woman is claimed by the Drowned King and must follow him to his kingdom. It’s expected that she will be betrothed to him and fall into madness.
Right about then, I was mad 😂 What do you mean she’s basically being sent off to preserve a strange man’s kingdom?! Lou seriously has been through it. Her own people treat her as an outcast, and now she’s following this stranger to what will inevitably be her downfall.
The curse was wild. The story progresses in such an addictive way that makes Lou’s fate feel all the more dire. Add in the additional revelations and the growing tension between Lou and the Drowned King, and I was glued to the pages!
I did not want to put this book down, and I sure didn’t want to be left on a cliffhanger! I was so invested in this world and literally cannot wait to see what happens next!
Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for providing me with the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Beautifully Written, Frustratingly Incomplete
Moon Cursed by Holly Renee is one of those books that pulls you in with its gorgeous prose. The writing is lyrical, atmospheric, and beautifully crafted, creating an immersive world that is easy to get lost in. Renee has a talent for painting scenes with words, and there were plenty of moments where I found myself slowing down just to appreciate how elegantly a passage was written.
That said, as the story progressed, I found myself craving more substance beneath the beautiful language. The characters and plot had intriguing elements, but I kept waiting for deeper answers, stronger development, and more meaningful revelations. The book felt like it was building toward something significant, only to leave many of those expectations hanging.
And then there was that ending.
I understand cliffhangers are often used to create anticipation for the next installment, but this ending felt so abrupt that it left me staring at the page thinking, "Wait... that's it?" Instead of providing even a small amount of clarity or payoff, it seemed to cut off right when the story was finally ready to deliver answers. Had I been reading a physical copy instead of my tablet, I genuinely might have thrown the book across the room.
Despite my frustration, I can't deny that Holly Renee's writing is stunning and kept me turning pages. While the ending and lack of resolution left me disappointed, there was enough beauty in the storytelling to keep me interested in seeing where the series goes next. If you enjoy lush, poetic writing and don't mind a cliffhanger that leaves you hanging by a thread, Mooncursed may be worth the journey. Just be prepared to finish the final page with far more questions than answers.
Thank you to @Netgalley | @sourcebooks and @SourcebooksCasablanca for this ARC review copy. This opinion is mine and mine alone.
Moon Cursed by Holly Renee is one of those books that pulls you in with its gorgeous prose. The writing is lyrical, atmospheric, and beautifully crafted, creating an immersive world that is easy to get lost in. Renee has a talent for painting scenes with words, and there were plenty of moments where I found myself slowing down just to appreciate how elegantly a passage was written.
That said, as the story progressed, I found myself craving more substance beneath the beautiful language. The characters and plot had intriguing elements, but I kept waiting for deeper answers, stronger development, and more meaningful revelations. The book felt like it was building toward something significant, only to leave many of those expectations hanging.
And then there was that ending.
I understand cliffhangers are often used to create anticipation for the next installment, but this ending felt so abrupt that it left me staring at the page thinking, "Wait... that's it?" Instead of providing even a small amount of clarity or payoff, it seemed to cut off right when the story was finally ready to deliver answers. Had I been reading a physical copy instead of my tablet, I genuinely might have thrown the book across the room.
Despite my frustration, I can't deny that Holly Renee's writing is stunning and kept me turning pages. While the ending and lack of resolution left me disappointed, there was enough beauty in the storytelling to keep me interested in seeing where the series goes next. If you enjoy lush, poetic writing and don't mind a cliffhanger that leaves you hanging by a thread, Mooncursed may be worth the journey. Just be prepared to finish the final page with far more questions than answers.
Thank you to @Netgalley | @sourcebooks and @SourcebooksCasablanca for this ARC review copy. This opinion is mine and mine alone.
Read
October 10, 2026DNF at 50%
Unfortunately, I am not a huge fan of overly lyrical writing, and that was how this story was told. The author heavily leans into the sea/cursed atmosphere and that took up most of the page instead of the actual plot. Because of that, I wasn't really engaged in the story or the characters, so I decided to put this one down.
Unfortunately, I am not a huge fan of overly lyrical writing, and that was how this story was told. The author heavily leans into the sea/cursed atmosphere and that took up most of the page instead of the actual plot. Because of that, I wasn't really engaged in the story or the characters, so I decided to put this one down.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
From the first chapter and the first mentions of religious indoctrination and burning women at the stake for “witchcraft”, I knew I would be interested in this. Leave it to me to want to read every book about fighting against what you’re told to believe by zealots who accept no challenge.
“I wanted to shake this bullshit faith right out of her bones until she remembered what it was like to be alive.” I felt this one in MY boooooooones. “The priests taught that to look upon him was to invite madness, that the sea would crawl into the mind through the gaze and hollow it out piece by piece.” Ah yes, the priests making up bullshit with no proof or standing 🌚
This was my first Holy Renee book and I was so surprised by how descriptive her writing was. In my own stupidity, I assumed that because her books are short by my standards, the prose would be more utilitarian but that is what I get for assuming, making an ass out of myself. She really paints a picture of what’s happening that with normal people would create real visuals to add to the storytelling but guess who can’t see pictures in her defective brain? 😂 I really do feel that for the majority this would be a massive plus, but for me, it was very hard to stay in it an understanding what I’m supposed to be understanding. I really had to focus for a while to be able to follow what’s happening because my brain just cannot process a lot of details at once.
And sadly in the end this worked against me even further because I felt we were progressing in the book without meaningful events. The dialogue and interactions between Rune and Louisa were also not working for me at all, between the use of the diminutive “little” and just the formulaic “look at me I am big and mean”, all I wanted to do while reading their interactions was look away. I found the entire thing a bit too formulaic and like I’ve read these exact sentences a many times before.
However, while I was not in love with this story I think a lot of people will be as it’s fun, fast paced and romantic in its own way! My final rating is somewhere between 2 and 3 ⭐️ so I will be rounding up because I am actually interested in continuing.
Thank you to Netgalley for the arc!!
“I wanted to shake this bullshit faith right out of her bones until she remembered what it was like to be alive.” I felt this one in MY boooooooones. “The priests taught that to look upon him was to invite madness, that the sea would crawl into the mind through the gaze and hollow it out piece by piece.” Ah yes, the priests making up bullshit with no proof or standing 🌚
This was my first Holy Renee book and I was so surprised by how descriptive her writing was. In my own stupidity, I assumed that because her books are short by my standards, the prose would be more utilitarian but that is what I get for assuming, making an ass out of myself. She really paints a picture of what’s happening that with normal people would create real visuals to add to the storytelling but guess who can’t see pictures in her defective brain? 😂 I really do feel that for the majority this would be a massive plus, but for me, it was very hard to stay in it an understanding what I’m supposed to be understanding. I really had to focus for a while to be able to follow what’s happening because my brain just cannot process a lot of details at once.
And sadly in the end this worked against me even further because I felt we were progressing in the book without meaningful events. The dialogue and interactions between Rune and Louisa were also not working for me at all, between the use of the diminutive “little” and just the formulaic “look at me I am big and mean”, all I wanted to do while reading their interactions was look away. I found the entire thing a bit too formulaic and like I’ve read these exact sentences a many times before.
However, while I was not in love with this story I think a lot of people will be as it’s fun, fast paced and romantic in its own way! My final rating is somewhere between 2 and 3 ⭐️ so I will be rounding up because I am actually interested in continuing.
Thank you to Netgalley for the arc!!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3⭐️
This had an interesting enough plot to make me me pick it up but unfortunately didn't end up working great in my opinion. It somehow managed to be fast paced while also having not much happen?
The writing is also very lyrical and while beautiful, I found it hard to follow. So many instances of Lou hearing the ocean or dreaming of her mother's voice and stuff that I kept having to go back and check if it was real or not. Like half the writing was just the author waxing poetic instead of anything actually happening
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishing team for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This had an interesting enough plot to make me me pick it up but unfortunately didn't end up working great in my opinion. It somehow managed to be fast paced while also having not much happen?
The writing is also very lyrical and while beautiful, I found it hard to follow. So many instances of Lou hearing the ocean or dreaming of her mother's voice and stuff that I kept having to go back and check if it was real or not. Like half the writing was just the author waxing poetic instead of anything actually happening
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishing team for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 8, 2026
I really enjoyed this! It was such an immersive read and I loved the world Holly Renee created. The writing had a really magical and poetic style to it, especially with all the imagery surrounding the sea and the curse. The shorter length also made it a really fast paced and engaging read.
I loved how Rune and how protective he was of Lou and how determined he was to find a way to break the curse rather than accepting what was happening to her. Seeing how deeply he cared about his people and the lengths he was willing to go to protect them made me love his character. He’s also just a yearner so of course I love him.
I really enjoyed Lou and Rune together. There was definitely chemistry between them, and I found myself rooting for them throughout the book. My issue was that I wanted more from their romance. I would have loved more meaningful moments where we could see their connection evolve and deepen. I think that would have made their relationship feel so much more impactful.
That being said, I really enjoyed the story, the atmosphere, and the worldbuilding, and I’m interested in seeing where the series goes next. I’m really glad I got the chance to read this one, and that plot twist ending was crazy so I can’t wait to see what Book 2 brings!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC of Mooncursed 🌙🌊
I loved how Rune and how protective he was of Lou and how determined he was to find a way to break the curse rather than accepting what was happening to her. Seeing how deeply he cared about his people and the lengths he was willing to go to protect them made me love his character. He’s also just a yearner so of course I love him.
I really enjoyed Lou and Rune together. There was definitely chemistry between them, and I found myself rooting for them throughout the book. My issue was that I wanted more from their romance. I would have loved more meaningful moments where we could see their connection evolve and deepen. I think that would have made their relationship feel so much more impactful.
That being said, I really enjoyed the story, the atmosphere, and the worldbuilding, and I’m interested in seeing where the series goes next. I’m really glad I got the chance to read this one, and that plot twist ending was crazy so I can’t wait to see what Book 2 brings!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC of Mooncursed 🌙🌊
October 15, 2026
“𝘐 𝘣𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘥𝘰𝘮, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘐 𝘧𝘦𝘢𝘳 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘮𝘢𝘺 𝘳𝘶𝘪𝘯 𝘶𝘴 𝘢𝘭𝘭.”
First let's take a moment for the cover.. Holly has the prettiest books and if Holly writes it, I read it. Mooncursed is drenched in magic and yearning and I loved every second of the ride. I loved how unique and picturesque the world was and immediately felt swept up in the story. I had the best time reading, and the plot and pacing made for a quick read.
Lou has had it rough and her story had me sucked in from the start. I found the curse and the draw of the magic system to be so intriguing. I am sossss down bad for Rune. The tension and yearning between Lou and Rune bleeds through the pages. Holly writes MMCs with the filthiest mouths and Rune did NOT disappoint.
Holly is one of my favorite authors because her books are just so enjoyable and easy to read. I’m so excited to continue the series, and I know that Holly is going to make it such a fun ride!
𝙏𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙑𝙞𝙗𝙚𝙨:
Siren Romantasy
Enemies to Lovers
Forbidden Romance
Forced Marriage
Mirrorborn Twins
Tortured Hero
Daughter of a Salt Witch
Drowned King
Cursed to Never Look Upon the Other
Curses, Sea Witches, & Goddesses
“𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘣𝘰𝘳𝘯 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦𝘢𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘤𝘶𝘳𝘴𝘦, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘪𝘧 𝘪𝘵 𝘤𝘰𝘴𝘵𝘴 𝘮𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘴𝘰𝘶𝘭, 𝘴𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘪𝘵. 𝘐’𝘥 𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘦𝘢 𝘮𝘺 𝘣𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴, 𝘮𝘺 𝘣𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘥, 𝘮𝘺 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘮𝘦𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘺 𝘴𝘰 𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘴 𝘺𝘰𝘶’𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘢𝘴𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘐 𝘴𝘦𝘦.”
First let's take a moment for the cover.. Holly has the prettiest books and if Holly writes it, I read it. Mooncursed is drenched in magic and yearning and I loved every second of the ride. I loved how unique and picturesque the world was and immediately felt swept up in the story. I had the best time reading, and the plot and pacing made for a quick read.
Lou has had it rough and her story had me sucked in from the start. I found the curse and the draw of the magic system to be so intriguing. I am sossss down bad for Rune. The tension and yearning between Lou and Rune bleeds through the pages. Holly writes MMCs with the filthiest mouths and Rune did NOT disappoint.
Holly is one of my favorite authors because her books are just so enjoyable and easy to read. I’m so excited to continue the series, and I know that Holly is going to make it such a fun ride!
𝙏𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙑𝙞𝙗𝙚𝙨:
Siren Romantasy
Enemies to Lovers
Forbidden Romance
Forced Marriage
Mirrorborn Twins
Tortured Hero
Daughter of a Salt Witch
Drowned King
Cursed to Never Look Upon the Other
Curses, Sea Witches, & Goddesses
“𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘣𝘰𝘳𝘯 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦𝘢𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘤𝘶𝘳𝘴𝘦, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘪𝘧 𝘪𝘵 𝘤𝘰𝘴𝘵𝘴 𝘮𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘴𝘰𝘶𝘭, 𝘴𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘪𝘵. 𝘐’𝘥 𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘦𝘢 𝘮𝘺 𝘣𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴, 𝘮𝘺 𝘣𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘥, 𝘮𝘺 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘮𝘦𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘺 𝘴𝘰 𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘴 𝘺𝘰𝘶’𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘢𝘴𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘐 𝘴𝘦𝘦.”
Want to Read
June 10, 2026OMG! Just got the Free Read copy on NetGalley! 🔥Cant wait to see what Holly is bring us in this new world!💜
August 26, 2026
Thank you Sourcebooks via NetGalley for this advanced copy!
An ancient curse, prophecy, and arranged marriage are all of my absolute favs! This has all of the ingredients to be a romantasy lovers dream. Seriously, 5⭐️ for the vibes, I was having such a good time! The back story with the twins and their upbringing hooked me immediately and the yearning and tension between Lou & Rune was so thick it honestly shocked me for how short this story is and I’m typically a slowburn girlie.
That being said, at about 60-70% it sort of fell flat and seemed repetitive with not much happening other than further tension growing between our main characters. And maybe that was intentional! However it didn’t keep my interest as much as the first half did regarding plot progression. I am excited to see where book two takes them because I really enjoyed the romance!
An ancient curse, prophecy, and arranged marriage are all of my absolute favs! This has all of the ingredients to be a romantasy lovers dream. Seriously, 5⭐️ for the vibes, I was having such a good time! The back story with the twins and their upbringing hooked me immediately and the yearning and tension between Lou & Rune was so thick it honestly shocked me for how short this story is and I’m typically a slowburn girlie.
That being said, at about 60-70% it sort of fell flat and seemed repetitive with not much happening other than further tension growing between our main characters. And maybe that was intentional! However it didn’t keep my interest as much as the first half did regarding plot progression. I am excited to see where book two takes them because I really enjoyed the romance!
August 3, 2026
What a stunning cover! That is what immediately dragged me in which is super fitting for a siren type of story. Reading the synopsis had me really excited to pick this up and I was lucky to get an eARC.
The setting was neat and lots of ocean vibes that I was here for with the bonus of fae as well! It opens with a fable about the world and a betrayed goddess. Louisa is setup to marry the fae king Rune after he takes her from her home in order to break the curse from the betrayed goddess. She is expected to be sacrificed after looking upon the Drowned King once bound to him. The imagery relating to tidemarks was cool, though I would have liked to know more about the magic and how it worked. I’m guessing there will be more to come in the next book!
Now unfortunately, this book wasn’t working for me. I found the writing to be repetitive and not much happened that made sense to me. A third of the way in and hardly a single conversation occurred between anyone. Halfway into the story we have a wedding between Louisa and Rune who haven't shared any real moments together and few conversations. Then that’s nearly followed by a full spicy scene together. I would have loved to see more scenes of them getting to know each other in order for me to feel like a relationship was forming between them.
There was a scene towards the end that was a nice group moment between the siblings and her where finally some details were shared about themselves, but I honestly don’t know anything deeper about any of the characters. We are told that Louisa is wild, yet I didn’t see that on page. She went along with almost everything she was told to do and didn’t ask questions.
I know this wasn’t a glowing review, but I still appreciate the chance to read this early. Of course I wish this would have landed better for me, but if you like ocean vibes and destructive goddesses then maybe give this a shot. I understand not every book is for me, so this could be for you! Thank you NetGalley and Sourcebooks for the opportunity to read this book early!
The setting was neat and lots of ocean vibes that I was here for with the bonus of fae as well! It opens with a fable about the world and a betrayed goddess. Louisa is setup to marry the fae king Rune after he takes her from her home in order to break the curse from the betrayed goddess. She is expected to be sacrificed after looking upon the Drowned King once bound to him. The imagery relating to tidemarks was cool, though I would have liked to know more about the magic and how it worked. I’m guessing there will be more to come in the next book!
Now unfortunately, this book wasn’t working for me. I found the writing to be repetitive and not much happened that made sense to me. A third of the way in and hardly a single conversation occurred between anyone. Halfway into the story we have a wedding between Louisa and Rune who haven't shared any real moments together and few conversations. Then that’s nearly followed by a full spicy scene together. I would have loved to see more scenes of them getting to know each other in order for me to feel like a relationship was forming between them.
There was a scene towards the end that was a nice group moment between the siblings and her where finally some details were shared about themselves, but I honestly don’t know anything deeper about any of the characters. We are told that Louisa is wild, yet I didn’t see that on page. She went along with almost everything she was told to do and didn’t ask questions.
I know this wasn’t a glowing review, but I still appreciate the chance to read this early. Of course I wish this would have landed better for me, but if you like ocean vibes and destructive goddesses then maybe give this a shot. I understand not every book is for me, so this could be for you! Thank you NetGalley and Sourcebooks for the opportunity to read this book early!
July 15, 2026
3.5 ⭐️
A very typical Holly Renee book, fast paced, easy to read, and perfect for a quick romantasy fix. Because it’s so short, not much actually happens within the main timeline, so the plot feels underdeveloped.
That said, I really enjoyed the premise of the drowned Fae king being forced to marry a mortal bride. The atmosphere was one of the strongest parts of the story, and I loved how relentless the sea and the goddesses were in their pursuit of vengeance against the king’s bloodline.
Overall, it checked all the classic romantasy boxes. While it didn’t completely blow me away, I had a good time with it and will probably continue the series.
A very typical Holly Renee book, fast paced, easy to read, and perfect for a quick romantasy fix. Because it’s so short, not much actually happens within the main timeline, so the plot feels underdeveloped.
That said, I really enjoyed the premise of the drowned Fae king being forced to marry a mortal bride. The atmosphere was one of the strongest parts of the story, and I loved how relentless the sea and the goddesses were in their pursuit of vengeance against the king’s bloodline.
Overall, it checked all the classic romantasy boxes. While it didn’t completely blow me away, I had a good time with it and will probably continue the series.
July 25, 2026
Thank you, Holly Renee and SourceBooks, for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
I need the next book in the series like yesterday!! That ending left me speechless, in the best way!
The story follows Lou, a woman who has been separated from her twin sister for years after their father abandoned both Lou and her mother. Branded a witch and banished from her community, Lou has resigned herself to being alone, but everything changes when the Drowned King arrives in search of his bride. At first, Lou's twin sister is offered to him. Instead, the Drowned King chooses Lou. Now, Lou is taken to his kingdom and is thrust into a world she never imagined. As she and the Drowned King are bound together by a curse neither of them chose, they must uncover its secrets while figuring out if they can trust one another, and whether they can change the fate that has been forced upon them.
I loved the world-building and how the whole world centers around the ocean. You are pulled right into the story, and it will have you captivated the entire time. This also feels like such a fresh new romantasy. This is a world that is easy to understand and combines curses and gods, which I loved. I still have so many questions that I am left wondering about, but I know I must wait for the next book!
I loved Lou and Rune had me swooning! They had so much chemistry, and I was rooting for them the entire time. I loved how Rune wanted to do anything to keep Lou from the curse and find a way to break it. He would do anything for the people he loves, as would Lou. They are both such selfless people that I couldn't help but admire their characters. I loved a yearning Rune! I couldn't stop giggling and kicking my feet!
I liked the pace of the book and felt like it all flowed together nicely. I loved that we got to see a little into Lou's past and how it's shaped her. Both she and Rune bring some baggage into their relationship, but they try to work through it. Once you are pulled into the world, you aren't going to be able to come back up! This is a book you will want to read in one sitting.
I need the next book in the series like yesterday!! That ending left me speechless, in the best way!
The story follows Lou, a woman who has been separated from her twin sister for years after their father abandoned both Lou and her mother. Branded a witch and banished from her community, Lou has resigned herself to being alone, but everything changes when the Drowned King arrives in search of his bride. At first, Lou's twin sister is offered to him. Instead, the Drowned King chooses Lou. Now, Lou is taken to his kingdom and is thrust into a world she never imagined. As she and the Drowned King are bound together by a curse neither of them chose, they must uncover its secrets while figuring out if they can trust one another, and whether they can change the fate that has been forced upon them.
I loved the world-building and how the whole world centers around the ocean. You are pulled right into the story, and it will have you captivated the entire time. This also feels like such a fresh new romantasy. This is a world that is easy to understand and combines curses and gods, which I loved. I still have so many questions that I am left wondering about, but I know I must wait for the next book!
I loved Lou and Rune had me swooning! They had so much chemistry, and I was rooting for them the entire time. I loved how Rune wanted to do anything to keep Lou from the curse and find a way to break it. He would do anything for the people he loves, as would Lou. They are both such selfless people that I couldn't help but admire their characters. I loved a yearning Rune! I couldn't stop giggling and kicking my feet!
I liked the pace of the book and felt like it all flowed together nicely. I loved that we got to see a little into Lou's past and how it's shaped her. Both she and Rune bring some baggage into their relationship, but they try to work through it. Once you are pulled into the world, you aren't going to be able to come back up! This is a book you will want to read in one sitting.
October 4, 2026
2.5*
Never have I read the words salt and brine so many times in one book. I’m fairly sure the main characters spend the majority of this story absolutely drenched in seawater, despite spending surprisingly little time in a boat.
Overall, I’m not really sure how to review this book.
There were parts I enjoyed, but I’m struggling to say that much actually happened in terms of the plot.
Lou is an outcast in her village and is labelled a witch. There’s also a sea-cursed king, whose kingdom is being destroyed by the curse. Lou is taken as part of an arranged marriage to the king, with the hope that sacrificing her will appease the curse and save his kingdom.
The king doesn’t actually want to sacrifice her, but feels that he has no choice. Then, seemingly overnight, the feelings between the two of them escalate into something incredibly intense. I struggled with this because there wasn’t much build-up or explanation for how they went from barely knowing each other to being so emotionally invested.
And then there’s more seawater. And salt. And brine.
I did enjoy certain aspects of the story, and I would consider reading the second book, but mostly because I’m hoping the plot actually starts to go somewhere. Book one ends on something of a cliffhanger, although it felt more like a cliffhanger because we’re left unsure of the details rather than because of a major revelation.
Ultimately, this one just didn’t quite work for me. I think there was a lot of potential in the premise, but I needed more plot development, more build-up between the characters, and a stronger sense that the story was actually moving forward.
Thank you Sourcebooks UK and Holly Renee for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley.
Never have I read the words salt and brine so many times in one book. I’m fairly sure the main characters spend the majority of this story absolutely drenched in seawater, despite spending surprisingly little time in a boat.
Overall, I’m not really sure how to review this book.
There were parts I enjoyed, but I’m struggling to say that much actually happened in terms of the plot.
Lou is an outcast in her village and is labelled a witch. There’s also a sea-cursed king, whose kingdom is being destroyed by the curse. Lou is taken as part of an arranged marriage to the king, with the hope that sacrificing her will appease the curse and save his kingdom.
The king doesn’t actually want to sacrifice her, but feels that he has no choice. Then, seemingly overnight, the feelings between the two of them escalate into something incredibly intense. I struggled with this because there wasn’t much build-up or explanation for how they went from barely knowing each other to being so emotionally invested.
And then there’s more seawater. And salt. And brine.
I did enjoy certain aspects of the story, and I would consider reading the second book, but mostly because I’m hoping the plot actually starts to go somewhere. Book one ends on something of a cliffhanger, although it felt more like a cliffhanger because we’re left unsure of the details rather than because of a major revelation.
Ultimately, this one just didn’t quite work for me. I think there was a lot of potential in the premise, but I needed more plot development, more build-up between the characters, and a stronger sense that the story was actually moving forward.
Thank you Sourcebooks UK and Holly Renee for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley.
September 11, 2026
✨
ARC REVIEW
✨
Romantasy Holly is back, baby!!
“The sea hungers for obedience, but nothing about you looks willing to drown.”
Mooncursed has such a unique concept with a super cool magic system and great characters. The plot was a tiny bit confusing at first, but once it picks up, I really loved what Holly did with this one!
What I loved:
🌊 Louisa is determined to survive the curse, despite a ton of conflicting emotions throughout. She wants to live, but also sees how her survival is threatening innocent people and eventually, the man she loves. Her circumstances are super complicated and I loved the inner conflict this created for her and for Rune.
🧜🏼♀️ The magic system is like nothing I’ve read before. We have a curse that creates a connection with the sea and its goddesses. A whole group of people who can essentially hold back the tides of the sea, and some bonding magic between Louisa and Rune. All very cool and kept my attention.
🌊 Holly’s imagery in this book is excellent. Lots of beautiful and haunting descriptions of the sea. The ocean is a devastating force and the way it’s depicted in this book could give anyone Thalassaphobia 🫠
🧜🏼♀️ The romance is SLOW (at least for a Holly Renee book lol) The two can’t even look at each other for fear of completing the sacrifice they’re desperately trying to avoid. So when they finally SEE each other…holy moly it’s an explosion and SO HOT. 🥵
🌊 I also liked the side characters quite a bit and hope to see more of Kaeli & Raden in book 2!
🧜🏼♀️ OH and that freaking cliffhanger!!?! I can’t believe that’s where we’re ending this and now have to wait foreverrrrrrrr 😭
“You cannot command the sea not to look at the shore.”
Pick this one up if you love sirens, great imagery, a romance FILLED with yearning, a unique magic system and one hell of a cliffhanger!
This one is out November 3rd, go preorder!!!
Thank you so much Holly and Sourcebooks for the early copy! I love being one of Holly’s Little Traitors 🫶🏻
“I was born to bear this curse, and if it costs me my soul, so be it. I’d give the sea my bones, my blood, my every memory so long as you’re the last thing I see.”
Romantasy Holly is back, baby!!
“The sea hungers for obedience, but nothing about you looks willing to drown.”
Mooncursed has such a unique concept with a super cool magic system and great characters. The plot was a tiny bit confusing at first, but once it picks up, I really loved what Holly did with this one!
What I loved:
🌊 Louisa is determined to survive the curse, despite a ton of conflicting emotions throughout. She wants to live, but also sees how her survival is threatening innocent people and eventually, the man she loves. Her circumstances are super complicated and I loved the inner conflict this created for her and for Rune.
🧜🏼♀️ The magic system is like nothing I’ve read before. We have a curse that creates a connection with the sea and its goddesses. A whole group of people who can essentially hold back the tides of the sea, and some bonding magic between Louisa and Rune. All very cool and kept my attention.
🌊 Holly’s imagery in this book is excellent. Lots of beautiful and haunting descriptions of the sea. The ocean is a devastating force and the way it’s depicted in this book could give anyone Thalassaphobia 🫠
🧜🏼♀️ The romance is SLOW (at least for a Holly Renee book lol) The two can’t even look at each other for fear of completing the sacrifice they’re desperately trying to avoid. So when they finally SEE each other…holy moly it’s an explosion and SO HOT. 🥵
🌊 I also liked the side characters quite a bit and hope to see more of Kaeli & Raden in book 2!
🧜🏼♀️ OH and that freaking cliffhanger!!?! I can’t believe that’s where we’re ending this and now have to wait foreverrrrrrrr 😭
“You cannot command the sea not to look at the shore.”
Pick this one up if you love sirens, great imagery, a romance FILLED with yearning, a unique magic system and one hell of a cliffhanger!
This one is out November 3rd, go preorder!!!
Thank you so much Holly and Sourcebooks for the early copy! I love being one of Holly’s Little Traitors 🫶🏻
“I was born to bear this curse, and if it costs me my soul, so be it. I’d give the sea my bones, my blood, my every memory so long as you’re the last thing I see.”
July 23, 2026
“I could drown kingdoms and summon tempests, but nothing the goddesses ever made could match the way you destroy me.”
Dare I say that Holly put something magical in the water? Because the entire time I was reading this book? I could physically FEEL the ocean IN MY BONES. The imagery and atmosphere of this world were so well done. Almost to the point where I could SMELL the salt in the air.
“She held the same terrible beauty as the tempest above us. She was wild, unpredictable, and I could no more look away from her than I could ignore lightning striking across the sky.”
The entire premise of the book was so great. The story of the goddesses and the betrayal? It was visceral. Goddess Aysu is definitely flawed and considered a ‘villain’ by the world but to me she was a woman broken by the betrayal of the one she loved.
“You are devastating,” I whispered, my voice rough with restraint. “Like the sea carved you just for me.”
We get some answers in this first book but the overall plot is very much rich in mystery that will continue in book 2.
“And I knew as I watched her approach that I was witnessing my own ruin wrapped in moonlight and silk.”
Our tragic hero, Rune, was everything. He is a protector through and through. Very much a man broken by witnessing his mother be distinguished by the Aysu’s curse. He would destroy himself before he let Lou suffer the same fate. My heart broke for him, he was torn in so many different directions.
“I brought you here to save my kingdom, but I fear you may ruin us all.”
Lou was so fierce. Despite everything she endured by small minded people, she retained her flame. In the face of literally being a sacrifice, she stood tall in who she was. I can’t wait to see her shine more and more as the series continues.
“If this was the curse, then I never wanted to be free.”
The relationship between the leads developed slowly and way before they ever truly get to look at each other. There was so much YEARNING.
“Such a greedy little thing.”
Holly, we have to talk about that ending! IT WAS CRIMINAL! I need answers, STAT! 🤯 I have to many QUESTIONS, and I need to talk about this book. So readers, please hop in my DMs and let’s chat about Rune & Lou!
“I was not a sacrifice, not the broken twin, not a witch, not a daughter. I was a woman burning to be consumed by his gaze.”
Tropes:
🗺️ Romantasy
❤️🔥 Enemies to Lovers
✨ A Curse & Prophecy
🌊 Goddesses & Sirens
🤭 Forbidden Romance
💍 Forced Marriage
❤️🩹 Tortured Hero
🔥 Slowww Burn
Dare I say that Holly put something magical in the water? Because the entire time I was reading this book? I could physically FEEL the ocean IN MY BONES. The imagery and atmosphere of this world were so well done. Almost to the point where I could SMELL the salt in the air.
“She held the same terrible beauty as the tempest above us. She was wild, unpredictable, and I could no more look away from her than I could ignore lightning striking across the sky.”
The entire premise of the book was so great. The story of the goddesses and the betrayal? It was visceral. Goddess Aysu is definitely flawed and considered a ‘villain’ by the world but to me she was a woman broken by the betrayal of the one she loved.
“You are devastating,” I whispered, my voice rough with restraint. “Like the sea carved you just for me.”
We get some answers in this first book but the overall plot is very much rich in mystery that will continue in book 2.
“And I knew as I watched her approach that I was witnessing my own ruin wrapped in moonlight and silk.”
Our tragic hero, Rune, was everything. He is a protector through and through. Very much a man broken by witnessing his mother be distinguished by the Aysu’s curse. He would destroy himself before he let Lou suffer the same fate. My heart broke for him, he was torn in so many different directions.
“I brought you here to save my kingdom, but I fear you may ruin us all.”
Lou was so fierce. Despite everything she endured by small minded people, she retained her flame. In the face of literally being a sacrifice, she stood tall in who she was. I can’t wait to see her shine more and more as the series continues.
“If this was the curse, then I never wanted to be free.”
The relationship between the leads developed slowly and way before they ever truly get to look at each other. There was so much YEARNING.
“Such a greedy little thing.”
Holly, we have to talk about that ending! IT WAS CRIMINAL! I need answers, STAT! 🤯 I have to many QUESTIONS, and I need to talk about this book. So readers, please hop in my DMs and let’s chat about Rune & Lou!
“I was not a sacrifice, not the broken twin, not a witch, not a daughter. I was a woman burning to be consumed by his gaze.”
Tropes:
🗺️ Romantasy
❤️🔥 Enemies to Lovers
✨ A Curse & Prophecy
🌊 Goddesses & Sirens
🤭 Forbidden Romance
💍 Forced Marriage
❤️🩹 Tortured Hero
🔥 Slowww Burn
August 3, 2026
I had such a fun time with this one and it was my first ever Holly Renee book! I absolutely loved the premise of the curse and the drowned king having to marry a human bride who becomes a sacrifice because of the curse.
One of the strong points of this first installment in this series was how Holly builds such an atmospheric world through her writing and descriptive words. She definitely created an eerily beautiful coastal ocean fantasy vibe that I was absolutely obsessed with and is perfect for a summer into fall romantasy. It was also very easy to read and jump into!
I absolutely loved Rune and Lou together and their chemistry was undeniable and electric! I do wish it would have been dragged out longer to be more of a slow burn with more longing and yearning as there wasn’t a ton of buildup and tension before they got together. I love how selfless Rune is and how much he truly cares about Lou and wants to protect her but also his people and his struggle with this dilemma was truly captivating.
I can’t wait to continue this series and to dive more into this world and see what happens next! A big thank you to Netgalley and SourceBooks for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!
🌊 romantasy
🌊 enemies to lovers
🌊 forced marriage
🌊 stolen bride x cursed sea king
🌊 tortured hero
One of the strong points of this first installment in this series was how Holly builds such an atmospheric world through her writing and descriptive words. She definitely created an eerily beautiful coastal ocean fantasy vibe that I was absolutely obsessed with and is perfect for a summer into fall romantasy. It was also very easy to read and jump into!
I absolutely loved Rune and Lou together and their chemistry was undeniable and electric! I do wish it would have been dragged out longer to be more of a slow burn with more longing and yearning as there wasn’t a ton of buildup and tension before they got together. I love how selfless Rune is and how much he truly cares about Lou and wants to protect her but also his people and his struggle with this dilemma was truly captivating.
I can’t wait to continue this series and to dive more into this world and see what happens next! A big thank you to Netgalley and SourceBooks for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!
🌊 romantasy
🌊 enemies to lovers
🌊 forced marriage
🌊 stolen bride x cursed sea king
🌊 tortured hero
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4/5⭐️
2.5/5🌶️
A new romantasy by Holly Renee? Count me IN! I couldn’t want to get started on this story… between the arranged marriage premise, the haunting call of the sea and the promise of a new Holly Renee book boyfriend (IYKYK), I couldn’t wait to dive into Mooncursed. This might be some of Holly’s most beautiful writing… it completely enraptured me from the lore shared in the first chapter. I got through this story rather quickly because I couldn’t wait to figure out the mystery of the sea’s call for Louisa, the curse that was promised and more descriptors of our main eye candy Rune. RUNEEEEE 🗣️🗣️🗣️ holy, holy, holy, y’all. This MALE! I tell ya… he was the exact type of aloof yet passionate MMC I look for in a romantasy book. And again… when am I not falling in love with a Holly Renee male 😂 The story was well paced, the characters intriguing and the cliffhanger had me gaping at the end. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, recommend it, and can’t wait to see where this story goes next!
What I Loved About This Story:
✨I too have always been entranced by the ocean, so I really saw myself in this story
✨The lore, the magic, the prophecies
✨My goodness that yearnin’ and burnin’ was ON FI-YAH!
I received an Advanced e-Reader Copy via the publisher & the author, but my review is all my own.
2.5/5🌶️
A new romantasy by Holly Renee? Count me IN! I couldn’t want to get started on this story… between the arranged marriage premise, the haunting call of the sea and the promise of a new Holly Renee book boyfriend (IYKYK), I couldn’t wait to dive into Mooncursed. This might be some of Holly’s most beautiful writing… it completely enraptured me from the lore shared in the first chapter. I got through this story rather quickly because I couldn’t wait to figure out the mystery of the sea’s call for Louisa, the curse that was promised and more descriptors of our main eye candy Rune. RUNEEEEE 🗣️🗣️🗣️ holy, holy, holy, y’all. This MALE! I tell ya… he was the exact type of aloof yet passionate MMC I look for in a romantasy book. And again… when am I not falling in love with a Holly Renee male 😂 The story was well paced, the characters intriguing and the cliffhanger had me gaping at the end. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, recommend it, and can’t wait to see where this story goes next!
What I Loved About This Story:
✨I too have always been entranced by the ocean, so I really saw myself in this story
✨The lore, the magic, the prophecies
✨My goodness that yearnin’ and burnin’ was ON FI-YAH!
I received an Advanced e-Reader Copy via the publisher & the author, but my review is all my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Mooncursed is the first book in the Drowned King trilogy. It's only 320 pages long but feels a lot shorter because of the repetitiveness. Once MMC Rune and FMC Louisa meet, the structure of the book is essentially a scene where the sea calls to Lou and sort of takes her over, followed by a lusty or spicy scene between the two main characters. That combination repeats about 3 times and makes up the majority of the book. So it's quick to read because nothing really happens.
Mooncursed is advertised as enemies-to-lovers, but I really didn't think it was. Rune is forced into taking a wife as part of a curse and he chooses Lou, but they're never enemies. From the moment they meet, it's very lust-forward, which is fine, but it's not the enemies-to-lovers that was promised in the marketing.
Overall, I think the first chapter was descriptive, atmospheric and provided a strong start, but after that start, there just wasn't enough plot or real connection between the main characters to fill the page count.
Disclaimer: I received an Advance Reader Copy from NetGalley, but this is my voluntary and honest review.
Mooncursed is advertised as enemies-to-lovers, but I really didn't think it was. Rune is forced into taking a wife as part of a curse and he chooses Lou, but they're never enemies. From the moment they meet, it's very lust-forward, which is fine, but it's not the enemies-to-lovers that was promised in the marketing.
Overall, I think the first chapter was descriptive, atmospheric and provided a strong start, but after that start, there just wasn't enough plot or real connection between the main characters to fill the page count.
Disclaimer: I received an Advance Reader Copy from NetGalley, but this is my voluntary and honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Holly Renee… I knew that ending was coming, but how could you do this to me?!?! I need the next book immediately. Literally what am I supposed to do with myself? 🧍♀️
I genuinely don’t think I’ve ever read a book with language this beautiful. The way Holly writes about the sea, longing, love, and fate had me highlighting something every five seconds.
“They were lovers, bound as sea to shore. Constant in their ache, endless in their return. Their love lived in the in-between, meeting only once each year during Moonwake, when the sea reached for the sky and the moon dared touch her lover’s tide.”
“Don’t look at me.”
“You cannot command the sea not to look at the shore.”
“I wanted to hate him, needed to hate him, this king who’d condemned me to this fate. Yet something in me ached to trace those tidemarks with my fingertips, to understand the weight he carried beneath them.”
“If I was to drown, it would be in him. If I was to kneel, it would be only at his feet. Mine. The sound of his voice curled in my mind. Mine. It thundered through my bones, carving possession into my marrow.”
I would love a glimpse inside Holly Renee’s mind because it must be a wonderfully creative place. The entire mythology was so beautifully imagined. The atmosphere and world she created are on another level to the point where you can practically taste the salt and hear the waves.
And don’t get me started on Lou and Rune. THE YEARNING! The tortured, duty-bound king trying to save his kingdom while falling for the woman he may have condemned… exactly my brand of suffering.
My only complaint is that cliffhanger because it is CRIMINAL #callthecops 🚓
I’ll just wait here for the next book 🪑
Thank you to Holly Renee and NetGalley for the eARC!
I genuinely don’t think I’ve ever read a book with language this beautiful. The way Holly writes about the sea, longing, love, and fate had me highlighting something every five seconds.
“They were lovers, bound as sea to shore. Constant in their ache, endless in their return. Their love lived in the in-between, meeting only once each year during Moonwake, when the sea reached for the sky and the moon dared touch her lover’s tide.”
“Don’t look at me.”
“You cannot command the sea not to look at the shore.”
“I wanted to hate him, needed to hate him, this king who’d condemned me to this fate. Yet something in me ached to trace those tidemarks with my fingertips, to understand the weight he carried beneath them.”
“If I was to drown, it would be in him. If I was to kneel, it would be only at his feet. Mine. The sound of his voice curled in my mind. Mine. It thundered through my bones, carving possession into my marrow.”
I would love a glimpse inside Holly Renee’s mind because it must be a wonderfully creative place. The entire mythology was so beautifully imagined. The atmosphere and world she created are on another level to the point where you can practically taste the salt and hear the waves.
And don’t get me started on Lou and Rune. THE YEARNING! The tortured, duty-bound king trying to save his kingdom while falling for the woman he may have condemned… exactly my brand of suffering.
My only complaint is that cliffhanger because it is CRIMINAL #callthecops 🚓
I’ll just wait here for the next book 🪑
Thank you to Holly Renee and NetGalley for the eARC!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Mooncursed was such an interesting read! The concept really pulled me in, and I enjoyed exploring the story and seeing how everything unfolded. There were moments when I found myself a little lost, and I had to work to piece things together, but I was always able to find my way back into the story and stay invested in what was happening.
While I didn't always feel completely grounded in the narrative, there was so much about the overall concept that kept me intrigued and wanting to continue. I love when a book offers something interesting and different, even if I occasionally have to take a step back and reconnect with the story.
Overall, I had a really enjoyable reading experience with Mooncursed. It may have left me a little confused at times, but the intriguing premise and the story itself kept me engaged enough to make this a solid four-star read!
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
While I didn't always feel completely grounded in the narrative, there was so much about the overall concept that kept me intrigued and wanting to continue. I love when a book offers something interesting and different, even if I occasionally have to take a step back and reconnect with the story.
Overall, I had a really enjoyable reading experience with Mooncursed. It may have left me a little confused at times, but the intriguing premise and the story itself kept me engaged enough to make this a solid four-star read!
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 14, 2026
Thank you NetGalley for the early copy.
Bad review incoming. I actually can’t believe I finished this. Something was very off with this plot, world building, dialogue.
1. Dialogue. There wasn’t any. MMC and FMC had maybe 3 short conversations. She talked to his sister most and that was surface level at best. No connection or tension was built, they can’t keep themselves off each other after the few days this book took place. And then drops that they’re mates at 90%, I laughed out loud at how out of place that was.
The thing is, I can tell Holly Renee is good at writing from the very poetic style this book is in. I haven’t read any other of her work to know if this is typical.
2. World building. I usually don’t care if the world building is weak as long as the rest is strong. There was a map, 4 cities were mentioned, there was fae on one continent, humans on the other. There are 2 goddesses fully described off the jump in this book, and no others. Except the MMC, at the very end, says something like “I swear to all the gods”….so now there is more?? If it was mentioned somewhere and I missed it…sorry. This guy named Hazen was mentioned, and several times they needed his magic to help save the city….we never learned what his magic does.
3. Actually nothing happened in this book. I’m not even sure if the ending is a cliffhanger. We didn’t explicitly learn if Hazen was betraying the king. Idk and either way I don’t care.
Will not pick this up on release day or read any more Holly Renee.
Bad review incoming. I actually can’t believe I finished this. Something was very off with this plot, world building, dialogue.
1. Dialogue. There wasn’t any. MMC and FMC had maybe 3 short conversations. She talked to his sister most and that was surface level at best. No connection or tension was built, they can’t keep themselves off each other after the few days this book took place. And then drops that they’re mates at 90%, I laughed out loud at how out of place that was.
The thing is, I can tell Holly Renee is good at writing from the very poetic style this book is in. I haven’t read any other of her work to know if this is typical.
2. World building. I usually don’t care if the world building is weak as long as the rest is strong. There was a map, 4 cities were mentioned, there was fae on one continent, humans on the other. There are 2 goddesses fully described off the jump in this book, and no others. Except the MMC, at the very end, says something like “I swear to all the gods”….so now there is more?? If it was mentioned somewhere and I missed it…sorry. This guy named Hazen was mentioned, and several times they needed his magic to help save the city….we never learned what his magic does.
3. Actually nothing happened in this book. I’m not even sure if the ending is a cliffhanger. We didn’t explicitly learn if Hazen was betraying the king. Idk and either way I don’t care.
Will not pick this up on release day or read any more Holly Renee.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Holly Renee's writing here is beautiful and immersive, and I think she did a great job of creating an intriguing world with a dynamic cast of side characters. Unfortunately, I had a few issues with the execution that kept me from fully enjoying the story.
The lore was pretty confusing, and I felt like I was constantly trying to piece together the rules of this world. The pacing was also strange? Somehow everything was happening so quickly while simultaneously very little was actually happening. And if I had to read about the sea calling her name ONE MORE TIME!! Enough is enough lmao.
I fear I saw the cliffhanger coming from a mile away, but it still pissed me off. I finished with way more questions than answers, and not in a particularly satisfying way. I'm not normally one to suggest a book needed to be longer, but I genuinely think another 50 pages could have made a world of difference here.
Overall, lots of potential, but I wish the execution had been a bit stronger!
The lore was pretty confusing, and I felt like I was constantly trying to piece together the rules of this world. The pacing was also strange? Somehow everything was happening so quickly while simultaneously very little was actually happening. And if I had to read about the sea calling her name ONE MORE TIME!! Enough is enough lmao.
I fear I saw the cliffhanger coming from a mile away, but it still pissed me off. I finished with way more questions than answers, and not in a particularly satisfying way. I'm not normally one to suggest a book needed to be longer, but I genuinely think another 50 pages could have made a world of difference here.
Overall, lots of potential, but I wish the execution had been a bit stronger!
July 10, 2026
Holy hell, what a book. Mooncursed by Holly Renee is her newest romantasy and it has me in an absolute chokehold. I could barely put this book down. I felt so bad for our FMC Louisa, the queen that Rune was never supposed to take. She lived her whole life shunned and treated as a witch not worth anything. Cursed. Now she’s Chosen and supposed to sacrifice herself to the Drowned Vow to safe everyone from the sea’s wrath. Rune is also such a sad boy. He’s had the weight of the world on his shoulders his whole life and known he would have to take a bride and subject her to madness and death. These two have it bad for each other from pretty much the beginning. There’s SO MUCH yearning. Longing. Wishing things could be different. It’s so sad and emotional!! The curses and the magic in this book are so good!! I absolutely adore everything about this book. The writing and the storytelling hooked me from page one. I’ll be screaming at the top of my lungs for everyone who likes romantasy to pick this up!!! I’m already DYING FOR BOOK TWO!!!!!!!
Infinity stars!!
Infinity stars!!
October 7, 2026
Okay that ENDING!! How am I supposed to just survive until we get the next book?? But I loved this world that Holly has created for us! I love the plot of having a cursed fae king take a human bride…although there certainly is something special about her! The tension with these two can be felt at times, but they both are fighting different things in their lives. If you want to dip your toes into romantasy, or if you already love anything Holly writes, then this is definitely a book to have on your tbr!
What to expect:
🌊enemies to lovers
🌊forced marriage
🌊mirrorborn twins
🌊tortured hero
🌊cursed king
🌊found family
🌊forced proximity
🌊slow burn
What to expect:
🌊enemies to lovers
🌊forced marriage
🌊mirrorborn twins
🌊tortured hero
🌊cursed king
🌊found family
🌊forced proximity
🌊slow burn
August 1, 2026
Lou + Rune
-mf fantasy romance
-enemies to lovers
-forbidden magic
-forced marriage
-stolen bride x cursed sea king
-a vengeful goddess
man do i love myself some holly fantasy!! it’s always gonna get straight to the point & then be hot but then also BAM. OPE. PLOT TWIST!! cause like what is going on here?!?! IDKKKK!! but i just need this crazy ass sea witch to leave my babies alone…mmkkkayyy!!
-mf fantasy romance
-enemies to lovers
-forbidden magic
-forced marriage
-stolen bride x cursed sea king
-a vengeful goddess
man do i love myself some holly fantasy!! it’s always gonna get straight to the point & then be hot but then also BAM. OPE. PLOT TWIST!! cause like what is going on here?!?! IDKKKK!! but i just need this crazy ass sea witch to leave my babies alone…mmkkkayyy!!
August 4, 2026
Thank you source and Casablanca books for giving me the opportunity to read this book on netgalley.
One word- wow, Next up- I NEED MORE. That was an absolutely amazing book. I will say though, the first 25% of the book was a bit slow. Once our main characters met it was all “bam bam thank you ma’am.” That ending was 👌, while not a deadly cliffhanger i definitely want book 2 NOW and don’t want to have to wait a year until I can read it.
One word- wow, Next up- I NEED MORE. That was an absolutely amazing book. I will say though, the first 25% of the book was a bit slow. Once our main characters met it was all “bam bam thank you ma’am.” That ending was 👌, while not a deadly cliffhanger i definitely want book 2 NOW and don’t want to have to wait a year until I can read it.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The writing in Mooncursed was absolutely gorgeous! So evocative and picturesque that I could practically see the world unfolding around me. Holly Renee has a way of making the atmosphere feel immersive, pulling you right into the story.
And can we talk about the SLLOOOOWWW BURN?! 🔥 The tension, the anticipation, the deliciously drawn-out buildup! This is the kind of slow burn that makes you want to scream at the characters while simultaneously begging the author to drag it out just a little longer.
Between the beautiful prose, the atmosphere, and that torturously good romantic tension, I was completely invested.
I NEED BOOK TWO. Like, yesterday. 🌙🖤
And can we talk about the SLLOOOOWWW BURN?! 🔥 The tension, the anticipation, the deliciously drawn-out buildup! This is the kind of slow burn that makes you want to scream at the characters while simultaneously begging the author to drag it out just a little longer.
Between the beautiful prose, the atmosphere, and that torturously good romantic tension, I was completely invested.
I NEED BOOK TWO. Like, yesterday. 🌙🖤
July 22, 2026
Devoured this in less than 24 hrs. Got me out of a slump. Holly does it again, and I’m seriously obsessed.
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