A Curse of Roses

By: Diana Pinguicha

Narrated by: Rebecca Mozo

Length: 10 hrs and 23 mins

Publisher's summary

Based on Portuguese legend, this #OwnVoices historical fantasy is an epic tale of mystery, magic, and making the impossible choice between love and duty....

With just one touch, bread turns into roses. With just one bite, cheese turns into lilies.

There’s a famine plaguing the land, and Princess Yzabel is wasting food simply by trying to eat. Before she can even swallow, her magic - her curse - has turned her meal into a bouquet. She’s on the verge of starving, which only reminds her that the people of Portugal have been enduring the same pain for years.

If only it were possible to reverse her magic. Then she could turn flowers into food.

Fatyan, a beautiful Enchanted Moura, is the only one who can help. But she is trapped by magical binds. She can teach Yzabel how to control her curse - if Yzabel sets her free with a kiss.

As the King of Portugal’s betrothed, Yzabel would be committing treason, but what good is a king if his country has starved to death?

With just one kiss, Fatyan is set free. And with just one kiss, Yzabel is yearning for more.

She’d sought out Fatyan to help her save the people. Now, loving her could mean Yzabel’s destruction.

A Curse of Roses includes themes, imagery, and content that might be triggering for some listeners. Discussions of religious-based self-harm, religious-based eating disorders, and religious-based internalized homophobia appear throughout the novel.

©2020 by Diana Pinguicha (P)2020 by Blackstone Publishing

Beautiful historic fiction

I loved the writing and the story.The way the romance unfolded felt very authentic to what a teenager questioning their sexuality may be feeling. Especially one who was raised in strict religious beliefs.
The self-harm may be triggering for some.

Absolutely beautiful

This book is pure magic! I can't express how much I loved it and how much it means to me. The narrator did an outstanding job pronouncing all of the words perfectly. This has become a new favorite and I couldn't recommend it more.

Almost

ACOR had the makings of an intriguing plot and great book, but ultimately it fell short. I wanted this book to be full of action. Instead, too much time was spent repeating the protagonist's ailments, piety, and worries, both in her head and to her companions. Literally half the book... I would like to read a sequel but with less monologs/repetition and more action.

Loved it!

I loved this book, it was very well written and almost poetic at times. Some conversations felt a bit preachy to me but they make sense given the time this book takes place. I never knew about this story and it was refreshing to listen too.

Excellent Read!

Wow! What a story teller. I was hesitant at first because it was a free bee. I am so glad I played it. My only disappointment was that there was not more from this author on Audible.

I'm going to be honest

The king is absolute trash. "I'm so kind, I'm so patient, blah, blah, blah." But he's literally screaming at her, hitting tables, and won't let her spend her own money. And worse... She agrees with him. This story is so beautiful and powerful, but I found myself incensed that this guy is so volatile and still has the nerve to be "hurt" that Ysabel is keeping secrets - secrets that he'd probably have killed her for if she'd been honest.
I think the trigger warnings were right on for religious self harm and disordered eating, though I can't remember if there were trigger warnings for internalized homophobia or general religious trauma. It was incredibly difficult for me to listen to these beautiful, powerful women talking about how they were blessed by god and doing god's will. 🤢 I get it, but I was hoping Ysa was going to fully deconstruct, rather than just realize that "god just wants us to love each other."

Brilliant and Beautiful

I wanted this story to last forever. Guess I'll just have to start over from the beginning, lol.
😭😭😭🌹🌹🌹❤️❤️❤️

Beautiful

This book was so beautifully written. I could feel the love put into the story and the desire to tell a beloved tale from her upbringing. I will say I did get a little tired of the constant self-belittling. But I can concede it was in the story for a reason.

I wish I could have more of this story, as it kind of breaks my heart to say goodbye to the characters. I'm sure I will return to this book one day.

The narrator was amazing. You could hear the love in her voice when the two MCs talked with each other. Not much change in her voice besides from the main characters. Although I could listen to her read the phone book in Fati's voice. Probably didn't spell that right :/

I would recommend everyone who likes a bit of magic in their books, who wants to hear two women slowly fall for each other, and who has at any point had to come to terms with the religion they grew up with telling them that who they love will condemn them to give this one a shot.

Great listen.

Loved it. I really enjoyed listening to this book. It would make a great movie!

Very Enjoyable!

I really enjoyed this audio book! The narrator was excellent and I would listen to her read again and again even if the story Wasn't as good. This story was so good though, and I enjoyed it very much. Beautiful character development and great story line. This book came alive in my mind and I highly recommend!