Cursed by Darkness: A Bluebeard Retelling
In a land plagued by darkness, she may be their only saving light.
After a tragic past, King Bodin refuses to let anyone near his heart, but he’ll do whatever it takes to save his people from this never-ending war. Even if that means agreeing to an arranged marriage, trading riches for soldiers and a princess who’s been hidden away most of her life.
Despite being sent to a man most fear, Princess Juniper knows this might be her only chance to escape the shadows. Especially when she discovers a room in her new palace full of portals to magical lands and Bodin gives her the keys to all but one.
She enjoys her freedom to explore, yet she can’t stop wondering what’s behind the mysterious door he won’t let her open. They might have formed an unexpected friendship, but there are still so many secrets between them.
Deadly secrets that could bring devastation to the few people they truly care about, including one another.
~*~*~
Perfect for fans of A Curse So Dark and Lonely, Grave Mercy, and the show Reign... but spicier, Cursed by Darkness is a dark romantasy that can be read as a standalone.
Cursed by Darkness is book four in the Once Upon a Curse series.
CM Haines
CM Haines is a writer whose passion for storytelling flows through every page she writes. With a love for fantasy, romance, and dystopian genres, she crafts immersive worlds where characters face their greatest challenges and discover what truly matters. Her writing doesn't just create stories; it creates emotional experiences that resonate with readers long after they finish the last chapter.
Hailing from Indiana, CM's journey as a writer began in the world of forensic psychology, where she first explored the depths of human nature. This fascination with complexity and nuance has since translated into her characters and plots, which are often rich with moral dilemmas and emotional stakes. Her debut series has become a favorite among readers for its captivating blend of adventure, heart, and thought-provoking themes.
Once Upon A Curse Series
In the Once Upon A Curse series, magic isn’t just something you see—it’s something you feel. CM Haines invites readers into a world where curses hold more than just the power to transform lives—they have the ability to unearth the deepest secrets and shape destinies. In this captivating series, beloved fairy tale tropes are reimagined with a darker twist, where nothing is as it seems and every happily-ever-after comes at a cost.
Once Upon A Curse Series consists of eight books. The current recommended reading order for the series is provided below.