Review: Intriguing Mix of History & Romance in a Unique Paranormal Story
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 09 8, 2013
Cate Masters series starter Cursed is a unique blend of historical facts and paranormal elements that nicely combine in an action-packed romantic story that lays the groundwork for what promises to be a memorable series.  Though this story wraps up nicely it still leaves plenty of questions unanswered that will have readers clamoring for more.Bruno's life has been one of loneliness ever since the day Leonardo daVinci used the black arts to condemn him to living as a chimera.  For ten days every year he comes out of the darkness to find a brief moment of affection before returning to his underground lair.  All his previous interactions were of a fleeting nature but this year he finds the one woman who incites possession and jealousy in him and has his animal side demanding to claim her.  In order to have a future with her though he'll have to keep her safe from the nefarious scientist wanting to use her knowledge for their gain in the creation of an unstoppable soldier.  That's not the only roadblock to their HEA as Bruno decides to undergo a ritual that will attempt to undo what was once done to him, but with a vengeful ex-lover in charge there's no guarantee he'll make it out alive.Melina's life has been devoted to her scientific work except for the few days she's set aside to act in an uninhibited way.  Carnevale gives her the opportunity to leave her staid life behind and jump at the chance to romance the mysteriously sexy man with sadness in his eyes.  Even as he tries to hide what he's become Melina sees past the monster to the caring and loving man beneath, the man who would do anything to make her happy.  To save him, and others whom the government plans to manipulate, she'll put her life on the line in effort to bring very bad men to justice.  But just when their HEA seems within reach a jealous woman's plan might end their romance before it barely starts.Bruno is a delightful hero who's caring while being mysterious and brooding.  He's tired of being alone but scared of being turned away because of his looks and his time with Melina makes for a gut-wrenching romance.  Melina is a worthy heroine though she sometimes does things that make her TSTL (too stupid to live).  Thank heavens she has Bruno to keep saving her!  Not only are her actions silly at times, so too are the villains who appear bumbling and over the top dramatic throughout the story.  The scientific plot is intriguing though and I wish it had been dealt with more here but it definitely has me excited for future installments as there are men out there who've been experimented on with outcomes that appear precarious.  The romance is hot and immensely satisfying and is nicely balanced with a storyline that keeps you guessing and has me counting down the days until the next installment of this series.  Ms. Masters has created a story that will entice fans of the paranormal and fantasy genre and I recommend readers give this short story a chance.